November 16, 2014

War With Isis
Islamic Militants Have Army of 200,000, Claims Kurdish Leader

By Patrick Cockburn

CIA has hugely underestimated the number of jihadis, who now rule an area the size of Britain. Continue

What Really Happened in Beijing: Putin, Obama, Xi And
The Back Story The Media Won’t Tell You

By Patrick L. Smith

Ukraine, Iran's nukes, the price of oil: There are ties worthy of a Bourne film, if the media connected the dots. Continue

China's Silky Road to Glory

By Pepe Escobar

No wonder public opinion in the US - and Western Europe - cannot even imagine the earth-shattering impact the New Silk Roads will have in the geopolitics of the young 21st century. Continue

Tomas Young’s Last Letter to Bush, Cheney

By Ralph Nader

“We were used. We were betrayed. And we have been abandoned.” Continue

A Global House Of Cards

By Paul Craig Roberts

The Western financial system is a house of cards resting on corruption. Continue

War Making and Class Conflict

By Joseph T. Salerno

The ruling elites who control and benefit from the state recognize the utmost importance of concealing its oligarchic and exploitative nature from the masses. Continue

Meet the Warmongering Billionaires Who Will Spend a Fortune to Influence the Next President

By Alex Kane

The candidates will be flooded with money from these pro-Israel extremists. Continue

A Sober Look at U.S. Democracy

By Lawrence Davidson

In the last election only 36.4% of eligible voters turned out, the lowest turnout in 72 years. Continue

23 killed in Baghdad: At least 15 militants of the "Islamic State" were killed in Baghdad, Anadolu Agency reported. In other attacks, eight security officials were killed in the Iraqi capital, Iraqi security officials said.

ISIL kills 4, releases 36 hostages in western Iraq: Four of 40 people, mostly traders and truck drivers, who were kidnapped by ISIL militants on Saturday in Iraq's restive province of Anbar, were killed while the rest were freed.

Iraq and U.S. Find Some Potential Sunni Allies Have Already Been Lost: In the Islamic State’s rapid consolidation of the Sunni parts of Iraq and Syria, the jihadists have used a double-pronged strategy to gain the obedience of Sunni tribes.

ISIL 'beheads Syria troops and US aid worker': Online video purports to show killing of at least a dozen Syrian military officers and American Peter Kassig.

ISIL militant beheads US aid worker: The footage, which was aired on Sunday, shows the masked terrorist claiming to have chopped off Kassig’s head as a warning to the government of the United States. However, there has been no verification of the clip.

West-Backed Syria Rebels Shaken on Multiple Fronts: A detailed account of the battle in Idlib, from a series of interviews with opposition activists by The Associated Press, underscores how the moderate rebels that Washington is trying to boost to fight the Islamic State group are instead hemorrhaging on multiple fronts.

US mulls more CIA aid for Syrian rebels: The Obama administration has been weighing plans to escalate the CIA’s role in arming and training fighters in Syria, a move aimed at accelerating covert US support to moderate rebel factions while the Pentagon is preparing to establish its own training bases, US officials said.

US top general predicts drawn-out ISIL battle: Martin Dempsey, on visit to Baghdad, claims progress but warns that US mission will last for several years.

Aid agencies slam EU, US for not accepting Syrian refugees: The report said that the US and European countries need “to do more, and quickly” in accepting Syrian refugees.

Terror financiers are living freely in Qatar, US discloses: Two of al-Qaeda’s most senior financiers are living with impunity in Qatar despite being on a worldwide terrorism blacklist, the American official in charge of sanctions has disclosed.

Violence kills 16 in Libya, as death toll rises to 356: At least 16 people were killed and four others wounded in violent clashes in Benghazi, Libya late Saturday, leading the death toll to rise to 356 within a month.

10 Militants Killed, 54 Arrested in Egypt: "10 militants were killed in army raids in North Sinai governorate during November 13-14," military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said yesterday.

Chinese team lands in Liberia to fight Ebola: Group of 160 workers to staff clinic, built and run by Chinese personnel, after China came under fire for poor response.

Lieberman says Israel will not limit illegal settlements: His remarks came four days after Israel approved plans to build 200 homes in Ramot in occupied East Jerusalem despite months of almost daily clashes and tensions there with Palestinians, triggered in part by settlement expansion.

15 Taliban militants killed during counter-terrorism operations: At least 15 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were injured during clearing operations by Afghan national security forces.

3 People Female as Afghan MP survives suicide attack: Shukria Barakzaia, a high-profile advocate of women's rights, slightly wounded in blast that kills three people.

Insurgents kill four Pakistani soldiers after checkpoint attack: Four Pakistani soldiers were killed and at least eight are missing after a checkpoint attack in the remote border region of North Waziristan, security officials said.

PTI chief Imran Khan, Qadri declared absconders by Pakistan court : The ATC on Wednesday had issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Khan, Qadri and 30 others from their parties on charge of storming the Parliament building on August 31.

Propaganda alert: Hagel: US Needs Game-Changing Military Innovation: Wary of a more muscular Russia and China, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Saturday the Pentagon will make a new push for fresh thinking about how the U.S. can keep and extend its military superiority despite tighter budgets and the wear and tear of 13 years of war.

Fighting in E. Ukraine at worst since ceasefire deal – UN: The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the fighting in Ukraine’s conflict zone is at its worst since the ceasefire agreement was signed in early September, citing reports on the ground.

Satellite image shows fighter jet launching missile at Malaysian Boeing MH17: The photo also depicts the moment of the missile launch from the fighter jet into the cockpit of the passenger liner. Experts note that the terrain, weather conditions and the dimensions of the aircraft fully correspond to the circumstances of the disaster.

New MH17 satellite photos - a warning: The photos have been widely ridiculed as fakes and I am afraid I tend to agree.

ISPs Agree To Censor Button: UK ISPs to introduce jihadi and terror content reporting button: The UK’s major Internet service providers – BT, Virgin, Sky and Talk Talk – have this week committed to host a public reporting button for terrorist material online, similar to the reporting button which allows the public to report child sexual exploitation.

Mexican Police Shoot at University Students; Injuring Two: The agents attempted to remove the students whom gathered outside the Che Guevara auditorium – a historic stronghold for social movements— in order discuss their role in an upcoming action when they were fired upon.

Questions Raised About Mexican President's Luxury US$7 Million Mansion :: Besides the cost of the house, questions are being raised about the links between Peña Nieto with Del Centro Real State, which is part Grupo Higa corporation and the owners of the property from whom the house was purchased.

More Federal Agencies Are Using Undercover Operations: The federal government has significantly expanded undercover operations in recent years, with officers from at least 40 agencies posing as business people, welfare recipients, political protesters and even doctors or ministers to ferret out wrongdoing.

Less than half of U.S. cities are affordable for people who earn a median income: Most big American cities are no longer affordable for the average worker.:

November 15, 2014

By Removing Assad, Obama May be Declaring War on China

By Christina Lin

Washington should not be surprised if this becomes a “tipping point” for China to attack in the west, joined by Russia and Iran. Continue

The World Gets the Wars Americans Deserve

By David Swanson

"But what would you do about ISIS?" Continue

A New Push For Peace In Syria?

By Shamus Cooke

It’s hard to talk peace when the United States is still maneuvering for war, having recently given $500 million to arm and train Syrian rebels. Continue

No Debate and the New War
Study finds little opposition to US attacks on Iraq, Syria

By Peter Hart

205 sources appeared on the programs discussing military options in Syria and Iraq. Just six of these guests, or 3 percent, voiced opposition to US military intervention. Continue

'Russia Uses Language Washington Understands'

By Finian Cunningham

Has Russia reached the limit of its diplomatic tolerance of the US and its NATO allies? Continue

Top Three Global Threats, According To Obama

By RT

Russia's aggression against Ukraine, is a threat to the world, as we saw in the appalling shoot-down of MH17. Continue

Western News-Suppression About the Downing of MH-17 Malaysian Jet

By Eric Zuesse

Now we know why Western governments have hidden, instead of making available to the public, the black-box data and the other evidence that they still refuse to provide to the public. Continue

Putin Demonized For Thwarting Neocon Plan For Global Domination

By Neil Clark

When Putin is compared to Hitler – it is because he is standing in the way of the real heirs of Adolf Hitler, the war lobby in the West. Continue

No Good War: No Bad Peace

By Eric Margolis

A full century after World War I we still cannot understand how generals sent so many soldiers to be slaughtered. Continue

US Sanctions Relief Fails, Threatening the Nuclear Talks

By Gareth Porter

The main stumbling block to an agreement is the US position on lifting sanctions against Iran. Continue

Writing History: "The Pen Is Dipped In Palestinian Blood"

Must Watch - Video Interview with Dr. Mads Gilbert.

“Israeli impunity is one of the greatest moral challenges of our time” Continue

Cynics, Step Aside
There is Genuine Excitement Over a Hillary Clinton Candidacy

By Glenn Greenwald

The joint, allied, synergistic constituencies of plutocracy and endless war have their beloved candidate. Continue

Police Expert: War on Terror Has Turned Cops into Occupying Armies — And We’re The Enemy

By Travis Gettys

“If you dress police officers up as soldiers and you put them in military vehicles and you give them military weapons, they adopt a warrior mentality,” Continue

Syria: 104 people killed on Friday : 13 civilians, 12 rebels, 14 Non-Syrian Islamic fighters, 17 NDF, 24 Regular forces, 8 unknown rebels, 15 ISIS, 1 Non-Syrian fighter allied to regime forces .

Islamic State Jihadists Behead Senior Member for Theft: Monitor: The group distributed a photograph of the decapitated man, whose name was given as Jalaybeeb Abu Muntather, hanging from an improvised cross.

IS releases audio of chief Baghdadi after death rumours: “Soon, the Jews and Crusaders will be forced to come down to the ground and send their ground forces to their deaths and destruction,” he said.

Iraq troops 'push Islamic State from oil town of Baiji': Gen Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi told Iraqi state TV that the town "had been completely liberated". There are still reports of heavy fighting around the oil refinery, which is Iraq's largest.

Airstrikes Fail to Slow ISIS' Iraq Success: U.S.-led airstrikes have failed to slow the number of ISIS attacks and its defiant militants are now racking up a higher body count than ever before, according to data provided exclusively to NBC News.

Syria ‘Hero Boy’ Video Revealed to be Propaganda: The mainstream media and US government jumped on the video as evidence of the absolute depravity of the Assad regime. What kind of monster purposely targets children?

Turkey, US agree plan to train 2,000 moderate Syrian rebels: report: The fighters from the Free Syrian Army will be trained at the Kirsehir base some 150 kilometers south of the capital Ankara by both Turkish and U.S. personnel starting from late December, Hurriet Daily News reported, quoting unnamed officials.

Turkey loses Arab world: Analysis - The perception of Turkey among Arab nations has taken a dramatic turn for the worse because of the harsh diatribes and meddlesome policies adopted by shortsighted Turkish leaders. - It is amazing how much clout Turkey has lost in the Arab world in a very short period of time.

82 killed in central Yemen clashes: Official: At least 82 people were killed in two days of deadly clashes between Shiite Houthi militants and tribesmen in a flashpoint village in Yemen's central Al-Bayda' province, a local official has said.

Houthi rebels capture key district from Al-Qaeda: Yemeni Shiite Houthi fighters backed by government forces drove the local wing of Al-Qaeda from one of its last strongholds in central Yemen

Israel bans Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert from Gaza: "The fundamental reason for the ill health of the population in Gaza is of course the siege and the bombing," he said.

Blair's £41k a month deal with Saudis leads to questions over former PM's lucrative contract: Tony Blair has amassed a personal fortune since standing down as prime minister – often acting as an adviser to controversial businesses and regimes.

Taliban attack leaves 14 dead in eastern Afghanistan: At least two policemen and 10 Taliban militants were killed in the eastern province of Kunar on Saturday morning, Afghan authorities said

US kills 5 people in Kunar province: US drone strikes PakistanAt least five militants were killed following a US drone strike in eastern Kunar province on Friday, local security officials said Saturday.

NATO Soldier Killed in Attack in Northern Afghanistan: "An International Security Assistance Force service member died as a result of an enemy forces attack in Northern Afghanistan on Nov 14, 2014," the alliance said in a statement, Khaama Press reported.

BBC whitewashing our failures in Afghanistan: John Simpson's description of Afghanistan's progress couldn't be further from the truth.

News of Chinese army training Pakistan 'very serious': Lt. Gen Hoon: It is not clear whether the Pakistani troops are getting trained in China or in Kashmir, or whether ammunition or information is being imparted," Lt. Gen (retd.) Hoon told ANI.

16 feared killed in fresh attack in Nigeria's Borno State: Militants killed 16 residents of Gwoza town on Thursday when the latter descended from the hills to search for food and take refuge after the town was overrun by militants

Nigeria's Chibok falls to Boko Haram: Impoverished town in Borno state synonymous with mass abduction of schoolgirls seized by armed group in new attack.

UN slashes food rations for refugees in Kenya: Spokesman says last-resort measure has been prompted by five crises around the world that have stretched resources thin.

Chuck Hagel: $10 billion needed for nuclear force overhaul: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told Pentagon reporters Friday that he wants roughly $10 billion over the next five years to help overhaul management of the U.S. nuclear forces.

Nuclear weapons crew had Just one wrench for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles: “They started FedExing the one tool” to three bases spread across the country

Propaganda alert: West-Russia tensions to dominate G20 summit: At a news conference in Canberra on Friday, British Prime Minister David Cameron blasted Russia's actions as "unacceptable", warning they could draw greater sanctions from the United States and the European Union.

What is Eurasian ideology?: Alyona Berezovskaya interviews Presidential Advisor Sergei Glazyev on Ukrainian ultra-nationalists, Novorossiya, the Eurasian Union, and cooperation between Russia and China.

UK to stop its citizens seeing extremist material online: The U.K.’s big internet service providers, including BT, Talk Talk, Virgin Media and Sky, have agreed to filter out terrorist and extremist material at the government’s behest, in order to stop people seeing things that may make them sympathetic towards terrorists.

Mexico mayor arrested in students' disappearance charged with homicide: According to the Guerrero state attorney's office, prosecutors have charged Jose Luis Abarca with six counts of aggravated homicide and one count of attempted homicide.

Marc Faber: "We Cannot Trust The Government" Video - Marc Faber on Gold, the US Dollar, China and the Swiss Gold Referendum

Police Burst Into a Classroom With Weapons Drawn, Terrifying Students and Parents: “We actually thought that someone was going to come in there and kill us,” Lauren Marionneaux, a seventh grade student at Jewett Middle Academy, told WTVT-TV.

November 14, 2014

Iraq: An Encore

By Christopher Brauchli

We now have 3,000 American soldiers in Iraq. When will we learn from our mistakes and stop repeating history?" Continue

Obama at APEC: US Steps Up Economic Offensive Against China

By Nick Beams

US trade policy is based on a drive to secure domination of the world economy, using both military and economic means. Continue

China – Russia Sidestep Neocons

By Michael Hudson and Real News

A 400 billion dollar, 40 year oil and gas deal between China and Russia is a response to the new cold war pressure and sanctions on Russia. Continue

When Henry Kissinger Makes Sense

By Robert Parry

Henry Kissinger disputes the mainstream U.S. media’s view of the Ukraine crisis, noting that Russia’s response was reactive to the West’s actions, not the other way around. Continue

Putin: Russian Economy Won't Be Dominated by 'Dollar Dictatorship'

By Sputnik

Russia is leaving the dictatorship of the market where oil goods are based on the dollar and won't back down in face of a drastic drop in world prices on energy resources, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday. Continue

Deaf and Blind
What Frightened the USS Donald Cook In The Black Sea?

By Voltairenet

The crew of the destroyer USS Donald Cook has been gravely demoralized ever since their vessel was flown over in the Black Sea by a Russian Sukhoi-24 (Su-24) fighter jet which carried neither bombs nor missiles but only an electronic warfare device. Continue

NATO Became US-run Intervention Force

By Noam Chomsky

How did Russia and the West slip back into what seems like the Cold War all over again? How dangerous is the current confrontation? Continue

The Transfer of Israeli Arabs

By Jonathan Cook

Once again the treatment of Israel’s Palestinian citizens has exposed the country’s lack of meaningful democracy. Continue

Dual Citizens in Congress?

By L. Michael Hager

It is likely that Jewish members of Congress became Israeli citizens if and when they visited Israel. Continue

The CIA Won the Midterms

By Philip Giraldi

Feeble congressional attempts to rein in and establish some accountability relating to the out-of-control intelligence community are now dead. Continue

21st Century Amerika: The Fourth Reich

By Phillip Farruggio

Why are we, as a nation, in such a sinking ship? Continue

JPMorgan's 'Worst Nightmare'
Alayne Fleischmann on Fraudsters Getting off Scot-free

Video

Max Keiser interviews Alayne Fleischmann, the JP Morgan whistleblower, profiled in the latest Rolling Stone magazine. Continue

Why Debtors’ Prisons Are Making An American Comeback

By Devon Douglas-Bowers

We are seeing the most vulnerable people bearing the biggest burden of an unjust legal and economic system. Continue

51 IS militants killed in air strikes and attacks in Iraq: A total of 51 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in air strikes and clashes with Iraqi security forces in Iraq's central province of Salahudin on Thursday, a provincial security source said.

Sign the United Nations Resolution on Depleted Uranium Weapons: The UK and US had voted against a United Nations General Assembly Resolution that asked states to provide help to Iraq in dealing with DU contamination and for UN agencies to carry out more research into its potential negative effects on public health and the environment.

Top US General: We Are 'Certainly Considering' Using Ground Troops In Iraq: Top US General: General Martin E. Dempsey, President Barack Obama's top military adviser, told the House committee that, despite recent Iraqi military successes against ISIS, the door remained open for the use of US ground troops in the country to retake Mosul.

Iraq needs 80,000 good troops to retake lost territory: U.S. general: Iraq will need about 80,000 effective military troops to retake the terrain it lost to Islamic State militants and restore its border with Syria, the top U.S. general said on Thursday.

McKeon: ISIS measure that restricts ground troops ‘dead on arrival’: House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) is warning the Obama administration that any authorization of force against Islamic militants that restricts the use of U.S. ground troops will be “dead on arrival” in Congress.

Hagel: Taking out Assad 'won't put ISIL back in the box': Senior US officials denied Nov. 13 that the Obama administration is considering making the removal of Bashar al-Assad a key plank in its strategy to defeat the Islamic State

ISIS leader, Baghdadi calls for attacks on Saudi Arabia: ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called for attacks against the rulers of Saudi Arabia in a speech purported to be in his name Thursday, saying his self-declared caliphate was expanding there and in four other Arab countries.

Video of ISIS leader Baghdadi injured in Mosul aired by Balad TV: The video below, broadcast on Balad TV, claims to show ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his convoy being attacked in an airstrike that led to his injury or death.

VIDEO: ‘Crimes Against Islam': ISIS Slaughters Muslim Clerics On Aleppo Surge: ISIS has slaughtered far more Muslims than people from any other religion, they're even targeting clerics from their own sect.

IS, al-Qaida reach accord in Syria: Militant leaders from the Islamic State group and al-Qaida gathered at a farm house in northern Syria last week and agreed on a plan to stop fighting each other and work together against their opponents, a high-level Syrian opposition official and a rebel commander have told The Associated Press

Syria rebels in south emerge as West’s last hope: The southern rebels, say they are the last hope for a revolution hijacked by jihadis. In recent days they have laid out a transition plan for a Syria without Assad, taking on a political role that in the past they left to others.

Inside the CIA's Syrian Rebels Vetting Machine: Analysis -Nothing has come in for more mockery during the Obama administration’s halting steps into the Syrian civil war than its employment of “moderate” to describe the kind of rebels it is willing to back.

Yemen Shia militia shelling kills 15, including women: At least 15 people, including five women, have been killed in shelling by a Yemeni Shia militia targeting a mainly Sunni district, local officials and tribal sources said Friday.

Blast wounds 3 Lebanon troops near Syria border: A roadside bomb struck a Lebanese army vehicle on Friday, wounding three soldiers near the flashpoint town of Arsal on the border with Syria, the military said.

Lawmakers try, but fail, to force vote on Iran sanctions bill: Republican lawmakers tried to force a vote in the U.S. Senate on Thursday on a bill to impose tough new sanctions on Iran if negotiators do not reach what they see as an acceptable nuclear deal, but the measure failed to move ahead.

Canada deeply implicated in US’s anti-China “pivot”: Behind the backs of the Canadian people, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government is integrating Canada ever more fully into Washington’s “pivot to Asia”—the US diplomatic, economic, and military thrust to strategically isolate and encircle China.

Isis Libyan Allies Behead General Khalifa Haftar's Soldier in Shocking Video: Masked men with the Father of the Injustice Battalion, a sub-faction of the Islamist umbrella group Ansar al-Sharia, force el-Nazihi to recite a message before proceeding to cut his neck with a knife, and then place his severed head on his back.

Benghazi: A city going up in smoke: Benghazi has been transformed into a vast battlefield between the Islamist militias that control the city and the Libyan army, which is trying to push them out. With its deserted streets and buildings pockmarked by shells, Benghazi is hardly recognisable, says our Observer on the ground.

Child killed in east Ukraine shelling: A five-year old girl was killed on Friday by shelling in war-torn east Ukraine and her mother seriously wounded, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraine: New radar data indicates other jets on MH17 course before crash: “The data clearly shows that at the moment of the crash and after it there were planes moving north of the Boeing course. Most likely, they were military, because the spots are very close to each other"

Lies, deceit and dead Ukrainians': Analysis - According to Mr Zolotukhin, part of Aidar’s military command had taken up criminal practices – using the uniform as a way of appropriating cars, property and weapons.

Parliament election in Ukraine confirms right wing government and its civil war course: Analysis - Most ominous of all are the signs that Kyiv is turning its back on its Sept. 5 ceasefire agreement with pro-autonomy rebel forces in eastern Ukraine.

Putin "Prepares For Economic War", Buys Whopping 55 Tonnes Of Gold In Q3: Just as China is buying 'cheap' oil with both hands and feet, so Russia, according to the latest data from The World Gold Council (WGC) has been buying gold in huge size. Dwarfing the rest of the world's buying in Q3,

'Xenophobic’ violence in Rome forces evacuation of kids, riot police action: Unyielding attacks by locals against refugees have forced Rome’s mayor to order the evacuation of migrant children living in the eastern outskirts of the city. Riot police were unable to properly protect them from the anti-immigrant brutality.

Britain to seize jihadists' passports: PM outlines plans to seize passports for Britons linked to armed groups and stop them returning from fighting overseas.

British ISIS fighters call for assassination of key UK figures: Messages posted on Twitter allegedly detail the addresses of high-profile people in the UK

UK has seventh highest debt of G20 countries : Concerns over the UK's debt burden are exacerbated as half of G20 countries, which represent 85.9 per cent of the world economy, have debt at less than 50 per cent of GDP.
 

Justice Department uses small planes to spy on U.S. cellphones, report says: The surveillance program began in 2007 and is run by the U.S. Marshals Service in at least five cities, the Wall Street Journal said Thursday. The planes carry so-called "dirtboxes" that fool thousands of cellphones into connecting to them

Drones patrol half of Mexico border: The U.S. government now patrols nearly half the Mexican border by drones alone in a largely unheralded shift to control desolate stretches where there are no agents, camera towers, ground sensors or fences, and it plans to expand the strategy to the Canadian border.

Here Are the U.S. Cities That Made the World’s 50 Most Violent List: When we think of the most vi?lent cities in the world, the minds of many Americans normally fixate on impoverished Third World areas. However, as new data indicates, some of the most violent places in the world are right here in America.

US Police Killings Highest In Two Decades: The new 2013 total of "justifiable killings" by police represents the third consecutive increase in the annual toll.

Kentucky Cops Kill Girl : Police charged into a darkened field trying to arrest teenagers for consuming alcohol without government permission, and killed a young woman in the process.

November 13, 2014

Lame Duck Out Of The Silk Road Caravan

By Pepe Escobar

Noam Chomsky has been very vocal about a 1914-style chain reaction of catastrophic blunders – by the West - that could fast spin out of control; and the stakes, once again, are nuclear. Continue

Coalition Divided Over Goals

By Thierry Meyssan

A map of this new plan foresees the drastic reduction of three quarters of Syria’s territory. It is now supported by Israel. Continue

Libya’s Lesson for Iran: Beware of Rapprochement

By Dan Glazebrook

The US, used their newfound access to Libyan officials to cultivate relations with those who would become their key local allies during the war. Continue

Ukrainian Neo-Nazi Commander
"The US is Training and Funding Us"

By Federico Pieraccini

One of the main goals of his trip was to get training and much more from the US military. Continue

Petrodollar Panic?
China Signs Currency Swap Deal With Qatar and Canada:

By Tyler Durden

The march of global de-dollarization continues. Continue

Arab Media on the Brink

By Ramzy Baroud

It is hard to imagine that in this age of awakening, such mockery will continue for too long.

The Enemy Within

By Bionic Mosquito

Keep this in mind the next time you consider thanking a war veteran for his “service.” Continue

Ten Lies We're Told to Justify the Slaughter of 20 million in the First World War

By Dominic Alexander

We must not let the war mongers dismiss this instance of the wisdom of ordinary people. Continue

The Con-man Cornered: Obama and the Democratic Debacle of 2014

By Prof. James Petras

Obama, the ‘cowering Con-Man’, has been unmasked by progressives and is cornered by the Republicans… and they have no further use for his congab. Continue

Debunking the Gandhi Myth: Arundhati Roy

Video

Arundhati Roy on the Annihilation of Caste, B.R. Ambedkar and the Western myth of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue

Syrian Troops Kill 20 al-Qaida Fighters In Damascus: Syrian troops killed at least 20 fighters of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in a region north of capital Damascus on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

ISIS executes 16 members of Albu Nimr tribe in Ramadi: On Thursday, Sheikh Naim Kaoud, one of Albu Nimr tribe elders, revealed that the organization of the so-called Islamic state in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) executed 16 people from his tribe, including two children, north of Ramadi.

Seven Syrian children killed: “Terrorist organisations have fired two rockets at a primary school in the town of Karnaz, killing seven children, wounding others and causing major damage to the school,” said SANA news agency, quoting a police source.

Syrian rebels reject UN's Aleppo truce plan: FSA commander says proposal only serves Assad regime, amid reports of fresh violence and arrest of prominent dissident.

Obama seeks strategy review on the removal of President Bashar al-Assad: President Barack Obama has asked his national security team for another review of the U.S. policy toward Syria after realizing that ISIS may not be defeated without a political transition in Syria and the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.

In case you missed it: Obama Lawyers Said Arming Syrian Rebels Would Be Illegal, Prompt War: Members of the so-called Lawyers Group of top legal advisers from across the administration argued that Mr. Obama risked violating international law and giving Syrian President Bashar al-Assad the legal grounds—and motivation—to retaliate against Americans.

Anbar clashes kill 16 ISIL gunmen: Sixteen "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) gunmen, including three non-Iraqis, have been killed in clashes with the Iraqi army in al-Hamdiya, Anbar province, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence said Wednesday (November 12th).

U.S. faces uphill battle in Iraq's Anbar: "No mission that we undertake anywhere in the world is risk-free," Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said Friday. "These trainers will be operating at fixed sites that we are surveying right now."

ISIS Shows Off Tunnels That It Claims Let Fighters Survive U.S. Airstrikes: ISIS fighters are using social media to show off what they claim is an underground tunnel network that enables them to withstand U.S. airstrikes near the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

SIS urges Muslims to quit US dollar and deal in gold and silver: “All Muslims have to dispense with the dollar, and go back to dealing in gold and silver,” adding, “This will contribute to the collapse of the cross bearer (America)’s power.”

Suicide car bomb kills dozens in Yemen: A powerful suicide bomb attack on militia fighters in central Yemen left dozens of people dead on Wednesday, military and tribal sources said.

Israel refuses cooperation with UN Gaza war probe: Israel has officially declined to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council committee’s investigation into the country's 50-day 'Operation Protective Edge' over possible war crimes committed, saying it is obvious the probe will find it guilty.

Venezuela Receives Over 100 Palestinian Medical Students in Scholarship Program: Last week, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro announced the beginning of the Yasser Arafat Scholarship Program, which aims to train 1000 Palestinians in various fields.

Stop making ‘excessive demands’ of Iran in nuclear talks, Rouhani tells US: “Iran has made its utmost efforts and made the necessary adjustments to its demands and we hope that all the P5+1 countries, particularly the US, which occasionally seeks excessive demands in the nuclear talks, will understand the circumstances,” Rouhani said,

US senators threaten sanctions if Iran nuclear deal unacceptable: Two US senators responsible for introducing strict sanctions on Iran renewed their warning Wednesday over nuclear negotiations with the country, saying any final pact must “dismantle” the Islamic republic’s nuclear program.

How Republicans plan to thwart Obama’s Iran talks. Analysis - Two weeks before a crucial diplomatic deadline, newly victorious Republicans in Congress are plotting to derail one of Barack Obama’s few remaining chances for a second-term policy legacy: a nuclear deal with Iran.

Nine Taliban Militants Killed In Afghan Clashes: At least 9 Taliban insurgents were killed in recent clashes in Urozgan province last night.

4 Afghan soldiers martyred in IED attack: The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the four ANA soldiers lost their lives in the past 24 hours. No further details were given regarding the exact location of the incident.

“We Are Now In The Longest Continuous Period of War In American History”: Many Americans assume “because 9/11?. But regime change in Iraq, Lybia, Syria and Afganistan (and see this) was planned before 9/11.

Deal to sell MI-35 helicopters to Pakistan ‘politically approved’: Russian envoy: In an interview with Radio Pakistan, Dedov said that Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will visit Islamabad soon, adding that the deal between Pakistan and Russia will help combat terrorism.

Propaganda alert: Ukraine: Russian troops crossed border, Nato says: Nato has seen Russian military equipment and Russian combat troops entering Ukraine this week, its top commander Gen Philip Breedlove says. Russia's defence ministry denied sending troops to eastern Ukraine to help pro-Russian separatists there.

US accuses Russia over 'incursion': The US has accused Russia of undermining a ceasefire in Ukraine after reports of Russian troops and military hardware entering the country. Russia's deputy ambassador to the UN, Alexander Pankin, dismissed the allegations as propaganda.

Kiev not fully committed to ceasefire, amasses troops along E. Ukraine frontline – “Apparently, Kiev’s fear of the self-defense forces is so great that it tries to justify their own failures and massive transfer of personnel and equipment to the front lines by loudly claiming alleged Russian weapons and army,” forces along the front line, the Russian deputy UN ambassador said

EU disburses 260-million-euro loan to Ukraine: The EU has disbursed 600 million euros (USD 768 million) under two EU MFA programs this year. Another 750 million euros (USD 960 million) remains available under the two programs, provided Ukraine shows satisfactory progress with the accompanying reforms, the Commission said.

Russia to get Mistral ship though exact date is unknown — French defense minister: The Mistral helicopter carrier is to be handed over to Russia soon, though the exact delivery date is still unknown, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the French National Assembly on Wednesday.

Russian planes to patrol in Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico: Russia has said its air force will conduct regular air patrols from the Arctic Ocean to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Russia had wound down such long-range missions after the end of the Cold War.

75 members of the radical Islamist group Boko Haram killed by hunters: Report: According to the daily newspaper Premium Times, hunters in Maiha were angry about constant killings in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram militants, who had taken control of the town following a battle with government troops on Monday.

Nigeria: 10 killed as bomb blast rocks teachers college: At least 10 people were feared dead on Wednesday after an suspected suicide bombing rocked a teacher training college in northwest Nigeria as students were sitting exams, police and a student said.

Libya attacks kill five at air base A string of attacks killed five people and wounded more than 20 in eastern Libya on Wednesday, including in a stronghold of the internationally recognised authorities, officials said.

Egypt, UAE embassies attacked in Libya: A Libyan security official told the Associated Press news agency that shortly after the blast, which took place early on Thursday morning, another car bomb was discovered near the embassy of the United Arab Emirates. It is unclear why that car bomb did not explode.

Egypt: Two killed in North Sinai attack, says army source: Conscript and policeman shot dead by militants in Sheikh Zuweid in the northern Sinai Peninsula

Mali quarantines dozens as second Ebola outbreak spreads in country: More than 90 people including U.N. peacekeepers were quarantined across Mali's capital on Wednesday after a 25-year-old nurse died of Ebola having treated a Guinea man who succumbed with Ebola-like symptoms that were not recognized.

The Big Climate Deal: What It Is, and What It Isn’t: It isn’t binding in any way. In effect President Obama is writing an IOU to be cashed by future presidents and Congresses (and Xi is doing the same for future Politburos). If they take the actions to meet the targets, then it’s meaningful, but for now it’s a paper promise.

Secret Cash Pays for U.S. Drone Murders: What’s remarkable about these cases are the lengths the U.S. goes to distance themselves from the payments.

'We crossed the line', US admits to UN anti-torture body : "In the wake of 9/11 attacks, we regrettably did not always live up to our own values," acting US legal advisor Mary McLeod said. Beyond the "war on terror" legacy, the committee members raised issues of abuses in US prisons, rape in prisons, the broad use of drawn-out solitary confinement, and long years on death row.

Obama Administration Reverses Bush Policy, Says U.S. Torture Ban Applies Abroad: Despite concerns from some civil libertarians that the statements today still allowed for some exclusions — such as U.S. government sites in other countries — Yale Law Professor Harold Hongju Koh praised the move.

Doubt cast over US torture investigation as more CIA detainees come forward: More lawyers for men allegedly tortured by the CIA are coming forward to say that the major US criminal investigation into torture never interviewed their clients.

Mexico protesters torch state congress over kidnapped students (PHOTOS, VIDEO): A crowd of about 500 protesters set ablaze the state congress building in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero in a violent rally over the alleged massacre of 43 college students.

Why the Rising U.S. Dollar Could Destabilize the Global Financial System : So what does this mean for the global economy?

Why Wall Street Loves Hillary: She's trying to sound populist, but the banks are ready to shower her campaign with cash.

November 12, 2014

The American Fear-mongering Machine Is About To Scare Us Back Into War Again

By Trevor Timm

Thanks to a say-anything media, hawkish politicians and an Orwellian administration, a war-weary public is terrified. Are there any red lines anymore – or just launch buttons? Continue

The War Party Won

By David Stockman

Money politics, remote control warfare, and anti-Islamic hysteria have been more than enough to purge opposition from both the left and the right. Continue

Australian Prime Minister Demands Apology From Russia on MH17

By James Cogan

“The Prime Minister told Mr Putin that Australia was in possession of information suggesting that MH17 was destroyed by a missile from a launcher that had come out of Russia” Continue

Putin: Trade in Rubles & Yuan Will Weaken Dollar’s Influence

By Vladimir Putin

Russia’s location in Eurasia determines its role as a major factor for bringing Western and Eastern civilisation closer together. Continue

Just Another Brick in The Berlin Wall

By Finian Cunningham

The Berlin Wall may have come down 25 years ago. But the Washington-led Western axis has been busy ever since constructing new barriers to peaceful international relation. Continue

The Prospect of Nuclear War

By Paul Craig Roberts

Noam Chomsky, has joined me in the ranks of doomsayers who perceive that Washington is driving the world toward nuclear war. Continue

Shrinking the Empire
A Session on the Imperial Couch

By Tom Engelhardt

A transcript of a therapy session between the American Empire and a psychiatrist. Continue

Israel Controls Congress
How the Israel Lobby Set Congressman, Beto O'Rourke Right

By Nathan Guttman

It took only one wrong vote to teach a freshman Democrat from Texas how sensitive, and even wrathful, the Jewish community can be when it comes to Israel. Continue

"One-State Solution" for Israel/Palestine

By Ludwig Watzal

The one-state solution in the offing has nothing to do with a bi-national state or a state for all its citizens. Continue

Stone Cold "Justice"
Israeli Army Is Targeting Palestinian Children

Video

Palestinian children have more to fear than the Israeli army. Continue

The Psychology of Victimhood:
Obama, Cameron, Netanyahu, Clinton, Kissinger

By Robert Burrowes

If we do not understand the victimhood of people like Barack Obama, David Cameron, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hillary Clinton and Henry Kissinger, then we cannot understand why they are so violent.

More than 850 killed in 50 days of "coalition" air strikes : 50 civilians ( 8 children , 5 women ), killed by coalition air strikes on oil fields and refineries in al-Hasakah and Der-Ezzor countrysides, al-Raqqa, Around Menbej northeast of Aleppo, and Idlib countryside. And 68 fighters from Jabhat al-Nusra

Syrian troops kill 40 rebel fighters: Syrian troops killed 40 fighters of the Al Qaida-linked Nusra Front in the countryside of the central province of Hama, media reported Wednesday

Truce in Damascus district allows in aid: activist: Cars carrying food and aid supplies entered a southern Damascus neighborhood Wednesday thanks to a local cease-fire agreement between pro-government officials and insurgents, an activist group said.

Patrick Cockburn : 'We will save Kobani' PKK commander - Analysis: Reports suggest that Isis holds half the city after a siege of 63 day

Bomb attacks kill 23 people in Iraq: Suicide bombings and car bombs, including an attack on federal police headquarters, killed 23 people in Iraq on Wednesday, police, military and medical sources said.

Suicide bomber kills eight in Iraqi city of Baiji: A suicide bomber killed eight people including six soldiers on Tuesday in the northern Iraqi city of Baiji where government forces are trying to reassert control to break an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) siege of the country's largest refinery nearby.

ISIS wants to introduce its own currency: Plans to bring back solid gold and silver dinar coins announced in Iraqi mosques

Iraq president in Saudi Arabia to patch up ties: Iraqi President Fuad Masum's visit to Saudi Arabia is aimed at patching up long-strained relations between the two countries as Baghdad battles jihadist militants, a senior official said Wednesday.

At Least 33 Dead in Yemen Clashes: At least 33 people have been killed in central Yemen in fighting in the past two days between Shi'ite Muslim Houthi fighters trying to expand their control and Sunni tribes allied with al-Qaida, residents said on Wednesday.

US Kills Seven People in Yemen: Military Sources: At least seven suspected al Qaeda militants were killed on Wednesday in a US drone strike on a vehicle they were driving in southern Yemen, military sources said.

Houthi advance in Yemen threatens Saudi border: Gains by Houthi rebels in Yemen are ringing alarm bells in Saudi Arabia, concerned for what it means for its vulnerable southern border, already the conduit for a constant flow of illicit activity.

Palestinian killed as occupied West Bank clashes flare: The military said soldiers killed a 21-year-old Palestinian man at a refugee camp after coming under attack by a crowd

Abbas says Israel igniting 'religious war': Palestinian president condemns surge in visits to holy site by Jewish worshippers as Israeli soldiers kill demonstrator.

Israeli settlers ‘set fire’ to West Bank mosque: Israeli settlers have overnight set on fire a mosque near the West Bank town of Ramallah, according to Palestinian security officials.

Barghouthi in solitary after calling for 'armed resistance': The Israeli Prison Service on Wednesday moved jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi to solitary confinement in Hadareim prison, a day after he sent a widely-published letter from prison calling for armed resistance against the Israeli occupation, a rights group said.

Iran, Russia sign deal for two new nuclear reactors: Russia on Tuesday signed a deal with Iran to build two new nuclear reactors at the Iranian Bushehr plant and expand the total number of reactors in the country to eight, Russian news agencies reported.

3 Libyan Activists Beheaded by Suspected Islamist Militants Linked to Isis: Three young Libyan activists have been found beheaded near the eastern city of Derna by suspected Islamists linked to Isis.

20 wounded in bomb explosion in eastern Libyan city: At least 20 people were wounded by a bomb on Wednesday in the centre of the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk, where the country's elected parliament is based, a lawmaker said.

War crimes being committed in Libya: ICC: “There are, indeed, indications that crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court are being committed,” said Fatou Bensouda, who was addressing the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday.

US Kills 6 People In Pakistan: Officials said some suspects were also wounded when four missiles struck the compound in the town of Datta Khel in the North Waziristan tribal region.

Afghanistan: Bomb Explosion Leaves 2 Civilians Dead In Herat: At least two civilians were killed and another injured following an explosion in a market in Shindand district of western Herat province this noon.

Afghanistan opium harvest at record high as Nato withdraws: UNODC head Yury Fedotov warned there was a serious risk Afghanistan could become a narco-state, following the withdrawal of foreign forces.

Obama denies US role in Hong Kong protests: President downplays tension between China and US, saying Washington's "pivot to Asia" is not about containing Beijing.

U.S., China Reach New Climate, Military Deals: Messrs. Xi and Obama reached two new agreements designed to avert military confrontations in Asia, one on notifying each other of major activities, such as military exercises, and the other on rules of behavior for encounters at sea and in the air.

Kiev escalates war in eastern Ukraine: According to the separatists, Ukrainian army tanks are advancing towards Donetsk. Two tanks were reportedly destroyed by rebels in an attack on the village of Nikichino.

Kissinger warns of West’s ‘fatal mistake’ that may lead to new Cold War: Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has given a chilling assessment of a new geopolitical situation taking shape amid the Ukrainian crisis, warning of a possible new Cold War and calling the West’s approach to the crisis a “fatal mistake.”

Fearing Bombs That Can Pick Whom to Kill: On a bright fall day last year off the coast of Southern California, an Air Force B-1 bomber launched an experimental missile that may herald the future of warfare.

Tony Blair Gets Paid (Again) – Secret $61,000 per Month Contract with Saudis: While thieving bankers and military-industrial complex executives feeding parasitically off the citizenry is bad enough, there’s really nothing worse than some two-bit, war criminal, faux humanitarian leveraging death and destruction to make a fortune after leaving “public service.”

Million elderly Brits malnourished as third of councils cut ‘meals on wheels’ service: A third of all UK councils have scrapped ‘meals on wheels’ services to their elderly and vulnerable residents due government to spending cuts, putting senior citizens at risk of malnutrition and social isolation, research showed.

Regulators Fine Global Banks $3.4 Billion in Forex Probe: Global regulators imposed penalties totalling $3.4 billion on five major banks, including UBS and Citigroup, on Wednesday for failing to stop their traders from trying to manipulate foreign exchange markets.

Matt Taibbi: JP Morgan Chase cost US taxpayers millions: “Ordinary people lost enormous amounts of money” when JP Morgan Chase sold millions in faulty loans – and taxpayers still paid a big chunk of its billion-dollar settlement with the government

No Mercy in Mexico: the Missing Mexican Opinion: “It’s the people that rule the country; the people that are supposed to protect you from the violence are the ones that are causing violence.”

An Innocent Man, Tortured by the U.S., Asks the U.N.: Where’s the Accountability?: U.S. officials are in for a serious grilling on Wednesday as they get hauled before the U.N. Committee against Torture and questioned about about a multitude of ways in which the U.S. appears to be failing to comply with the anti-torture treaty it ratified 20 years ago.

Mark Udall's loss is a blow for privacy, but he can go out with a bang: 'leak' the CIA torture report: The outgoing Senator and champion of civil liberties has one last chance to read the truth about American atrocities out loud, for the world to see – before it’s too late

Missouri national guard on standby for Michael Brown grand jury decision: Governor announces policing plans for protests that could happen when grand jury decides whether to indict police officer who killed Michael Brown

Man locked up 40 years in DC mental hospital for $20 necklace theft breaks silence: Case raises questions about fairness within criminal justice system

November 11, 2014

ISIS is America's Dream Rebel Army

By Tony Cartalucci

US policy paper reveals desire for construction of full-scale extraterritorial army to invade Syria. Such an army is being built in Iraq and Turkey and it's called "ISIS." Continue

Obama’s ISIS War Is Illegal
The president is subverting the Constitution

By Senator Rand Paul

This war is now illegal. It must be declared and made valid, or it must be ended. Continue

"It's A Game"
The Reality Of The War On Iraq

By The Artist Taxi Driver

"You will see, in the end, there will be no winner." Continue

War Is Not for Soldiers

By David Swanson

The idea is that the men and women risking their lives, supposedly on our behalf, should always have our support — even if we view what they’re doing as mass murder. Continue

How Our People Do Their Extermination-Jobs in Ukraine

By Eric Zuesse

Video of “our side” in the Ukrainian civil war carrying out part of the Ukrainian Defense Minister, Mikhail Koval’s, extermination plan. Continue

Russia’s Vulnerability to EU
US Sanctions and Military Encroachments

By Prof. James Petras

Russia needs a new economic and political revolution - in which the government recognizes the West as an imperial threat. Continue

Political Bunraku

John Chuckman

These are the key factors permitting an American government to commission horrific acts abroad resembling those of the bloodiest tyrant. Continue

No Glory: The Real History Of World War 1

Video

Historian Neil Faulkner on the First World War and how political leaders like David Cameron and Michael Gove are trying to rehabillitate as a "just and noble" cause, with the intention of justifying today's wars. Continue

Netanyahu Is a National Security Risk—And Washington Knows It

By Adil E. Shamoo and Peter Certo

Netanyahu’s foot-dragging on Middle East peace is not only frustrating for the United States—it’s dangerous. Continue

Will the Blackmail of British Jewish Funders Backfire?

By Alan Hart

What’s the difference between the Zionist lobby in America and the Zionist lobby in Britain? Continue

“Death to Iran” Over Airline Passenger Safety

By Franklin Lamb

The more lunatic fringe of the neocon alliance has seemingly had new life breathed into it as a result of this week’s elections. Continue

The Latest Jobs Report
More Lies from “Our” Government

By Paul Craig Roberts

Economists, or rather the few who haven’t sold their souls, know that the government’s economic data are pulled out of a magician’s hat and massaged to produce numbers contradicted by reality. Continue

90-year-old Arrested For Feeding Homeless

Video - Russell Brand The Trews

Reaction to news that 90-year-old Arnold Abbott was arrested by police in Florida for handing out meals to homeless people in a park. Continue

30 killed in clashes in southern Yemen: At least 30 people have been killed in Yemen during intense fighting between Sunni tribesmen and Shia Houthi fighters in the southern province of Bayda. The gun battle erupted on Monday as the tribesmen, believed to be backed by al-Qaeda fighters, launched a counter attack to push back the Houthis

Yemen rebels clash with airport security; 4 killed: Yemeni security officials say Shiite rebels who overtook the capital, Sanaa, tried to impose their authority at the city's international airport, setting off clashes with security personnel that left four dead.

Dead man walking: Key IS leader spotted in Syrian city after US airstrike: News reports had earlier said that he had been killed in an airstrike by the US-led coalition on a building in Al-Ramana where IS leaders were holding a meeting.

Syrian rebel leader: US-led attacks on Isis are undermining anti-Assad forces: US-led attacks on the jihadis of the Islamic State (Isis) are the product of a confused policy that is “turning a blind eye” to the crimes of President Bashar al-Assad, according to the leader of Syria’s main western-backed opposition group

Free Syrian Army wont accept UN plan unconditionally: The Free Syrian Army will not accept the UN plan for halting the ongoing fight in Syria unless their four conditions are met, the group's General Brigadier Zahir al-Sakit said Tuesday.

Syria's bucket children desperate for aid: A Damascus neighbourhood, under siege for more than two years, is suffering from a drastic food shortage.

UN envoy meets President Assad in Damascus: A statement from Assad's office following Monday's meeting said the president was ready to study a proposal to "freeze" fighting in the northern city of Aleppo.

Iran confirms building missile manufacturing plants in Syria: Hajizadeh said that “Resistance Frontline” (Hezbollah) also has learned missile manufacturing from Iran. He added that both Hezbollah and Palestinian militants benefit high capabilities in missile technology.

Iraqi Shiite militias grow brutal in anti-IS fight: The vengeance that Iraq's Shiite militias mete out as they fight the Islamic State group can be just as brutal as that of their sworn sectarian enemies.

Army recaptures oil refinery town: Iraq's state television is reporting that army troops have driven ISIS extremists out of the heart of the town of Baiji, home to the country's largest oil refinery. Troops recaptured the city's local government and police headquarters Tuesday.

U.S. troops on ground in Iraq's Anbar province: The United States has deployed a team of about 50 troops to an air base in Iraq's fiercely contested Anbar province to lay the groundwork for an advisory mission at the core of its campaign against Islamic State militants, officials said on Monday.

Australian special forces get Iraq clearance: Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the 200 troops would be helping Iraqi forces in the fight against Islamic State (IS).

Hezbollah blames Israel in murder of 5 nuclear technicians in Syria: The deaths of five nuclear scientists Sunday in an ambush outside Damascus has raised anew suspicions about whether Israel is conducting an assassination campaign intended to blunt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. At least one of the men was an Iranian nuclear technician

Iran nuclear talks 'fail to close gaps': Two days of talks between Iran and the West on Tehran's nuclear program have ended with no clear outcome. Just two weeks remain ahead of a deadline for an agreement acceptable to both sides.

Propaganda alert: Israel premier warns of bad nuclear deal with Iran: Netanyahu said Monday he will send a letter to world leaders warning them not to let Iran off the hook as the Nov. 24 deadline for nuclear talks approaches. Netanyahu says Iran continues to call for the annihilation of Israel and should not be negotiated with or allowed to become a nuclear power.

Saban: “bomb the sons of bitches”: What do you get when you put two of the largest pro-Israel donors — Sheldon Adelson and Haim Saban — on one stage?

Unrest spreads after more killings in Israel: Two Palestinians stab four Israelis in Tel Aviv and occupied West Bank, killing a woman and a soldier, police say.

Video of an Israeli cop shooting an Arab citizen that has rocked the country: Video - The grainy black-and-white recording of police shooting a man in the Galilee early Saturday has lit a fuse in Israel, sparking praise and condemnation, and raising bigger questions about police conduct, allegiance to the state and who, really, is an Israeli and who is not.

Netanyahu invites Israeli-Arab protesters to leave Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday publicly challenged Israeli-Arabs protesting against a deadly police shooting in one of their villages to go and live under Palestinian rule in the West Bank and Gaza.

Israel moves to outlaw Palestinian political parties in the Knesset: The Israeli parliament voted overwhelmingly last week to suspend Haneen Zoabi, a legislator representing the state’s large Palestinian minority, for six months as a campaign to silence political dissent intensified.

SodaStream to close illegal settlement factory in response growing boycott campaign: Major Israeli exporter SodaStream has announced it will close its factory that is based in the illegal Israeli settlement of Mishor Adumim following a high profile boycott campaign against the company that has seen retailers across Europe and North America drop SodaStream

Abbas to Move Arafat Shrine to Jerusalem: On the 10th anniversary of his death, the Palestinian President said that Yasser Arafat should remain immortal in the hearts of all Palestinians.

29 killed in South Sudan clashes: At least 29 people were killed in clashes between the South Sudan army and rebel militia groups led by the country’s former Vice President Riek Machar, according to Southern Sudanese Armed Forces spokesman Philip Aguer.

ISIS Establishes Stronghold In Derna, Libya: Libyan fighters who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group are gaining supporters and resources and are consolidating power in the eastern city of Derna, close to the Egyptian border, turning it into the first city outside of Iraq and Syria to have a recognized ISIS presence.

Libyans in court charged with Cambridge rape: Two Libyan soldiers accused of raping a man while stationed in Cambridgeshire have appeared in court. They are charged with the rape of a man in his 20s on Christ's Pieces, Cambridge, on 26 October.

10 "militants" killed in N. Afghan airstrike: "Based on a tip-off, the Afghan National Army gunships fired two missiles in Wardak Ha area of Dasht-e-Archi District Monday night, killing 10 armed Taliban militants," the district governor Nasruddin Sahadi told Xinhua.

Dozens killed in Pakistan attacks: At least five soldiers and 15 militants were killed in a gunfight after insurgents attacked a check post of the paramilitary Frontier Corps in Orakzai, one of seven restive semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border.

The Failures of Latin America's Left: Leftist governments across Latin America are failing to follow a truly leftist direction

Another "Conspiracy Theory" Bites The Dust: UBS Settles Over Gold Rigging, Many More Banks To Follow

Afghan Police Turn to Opium as $6-a-Day Salaries Delayed: Nazar Mohammad gave up opium farming two years ago in a Taliban-dominant river valley in southern Afghanistan to make 10 times less working as a local policeman. Now he regrets the move.

Ukraine's currency plunges as ceasefire fears grow : The country of 46 million people is near bankruptcy, dependent on international loans, and deeply in debt for natural gas to Russia, the former imperial master it accuses of waging war on behalf of separatists on its territory.

Putin, Obama in ‘brief meetings’ at APEC summit: “Putin has talked to President Obama several times. They talked briefly, yet touched on the issues of bilateral relations, Ukraine, Syria and Iran,” Peskov told journalists.

Tony Abbott steps back from promise to ‘shirtfront’ Vladimir Putin over MH17: Abbott has steadily downgraded his vow to “shirtfront” Putin over his handling of the shooting down of the Malaysian plane in July. Upon arriving in Beijing, he promised “robust discussions” with Putin.

Brent oil falls to $82 after hitting four-year low: A strong dollar suppresses demand for oil and other dollar-priced commodities by making them more expensive for purchasers using other currencies.

Switzerland arming in preparation for European meltdown?: The Swiss Army is preparing contingency plans for violent unrest across Europe. A nation mostly famous for its banks, watches and chocolate fears it may face a massive influx of European refugees in the near future.

"I’ve Had Enough": Mexican Protesters Decry Years of Impunity After Apparent Massacre of 43 Students

Hope to Indict Agent Who Killed Brown Fades: Gun shops report record sales days before grand jury reveals if agent Darren Wilson will be indicted for killing unarmed black teenager.

President Obama pushes for secretive trans-Pacific trade deal in China: President Barack Obama is again pushing international leaders to finalize the trans-Pacific trade deal between 12 countries that would eradicate tariffs and regulations, but critics say the secretive negotiations have been a boon only to corporations.

Wealth inequality in US not seen since Great Depression - study: A research paper from the London School of Economics shows previous estimates have seriously underestimated the amount of wealth controlled by the very rich in the US.

Democratic Candidates Spent At Least $700K To Fly In Clintons: The first estimate of the costs of bringing in the Clintons to campaign. The final total will likely top $1 million by the time more filings become available.

Bernie Sanders: US voter turnout is an international embarrassment. : Let’s turn Election Day into a holiday. It’s one giant leap for a political system that the world can look upon as an example, not a failure

Matt Taibbi: The $9 Billion Witness: Meet JPMorgan Chase's Worst Nightmare: Analysis -- Meet the woman JPMorgan Chase paid one of the largest fines in American history to keep from talking

America and Russia's Richest Lead the World In Sucking Up Wealth from the Rest of Us: We live in a society that allows great portions of its national wealth to go to people who pollute our air and water while blocking any attempts to change their dirty business; or to people who pay their workers so little that average citizens have to use their tax money to provide food.

The Peasants Still Have Their Pitchforks: Op-Ed: What can we expect Congress to do about America’s staggeringly top-heavy concentration of income and wealth over the next two years? Absolutely nothing.

Report: Alleged Osama Bin Laden killer misstated facts: Former special-operations officials accused Robert O’Neill, the one-time U.S. Navy SEAL who claimed to have shot dead Osama bin Laden, of misstating facts, and they criticized him for taking sole credit in the murder of the world’s then-most wanted man

November 10, 2014

'Eddy Chevvy,' Gorby, and the Fall of the Wall

By Eric Margolis

For imperial-minded Washington, the temptation to kick Russia while it was down and gobble up its former dominion was irresistible. Continue

Kiss Goodbye To P5+1 Deal

By Finian Cunningham

As with Russia, sanctions are just a means of political control for Washington. Continue

The Peace Process Hustle

By Lawrence Davidson

All the evidence indicates that Zionism and its leaders have been committed to the conquest of all of historic Palestine at least since 1918. Continue

The Brutal Reality of Life in Mosul Under Islamic State

By Patrick Cockburn

Anybody would be better than Isis, even the Israelis. We are dying.” Continue

Is ISIS Coming?

By Uri Avnery

ISIS has an idea that can sweep the region: to do what Muhammad did, to restore the Caliphate which ruled from Spain to India, to wipe away the artificial borders that divide the Islamic world. Continue

The U.S. Launches Another Dumb War in the Middle East.
Why Hitting ISIS Will Just Make Matters Worse

By Steve Chapman

For most of this century, we've been fighting wars to enhance our security, and each time, we find ourselves with more enemies and less security. Continue

War Criminal
George W Bush - " No Regrets " Over Iraq

Video

When asked if he ever feels that sending in troops “was the wrong decision,” Bush answers: “No, I think it was the right decision.” Continue

Another Fake Bin Laden Story

By Paul Craig Roberts

Anyone who believes anything the US government says is gullible beyond the meaning of the word. Continue

You Don’t Protect My Freedom:

By David Masciotra

Put a man in uniform, preferably a white man, give him a gun, and Americans will worship him. Continue

For the World’s Sake
Revolution in the United States

By Garry Leech 

121 million American voters hold the fate of billions in their hands every four years. Continue

Grab a Pitchfork
President Flim-Flam Leads Dems to Midterm Massacre

By Mike Whitney

There’s no reason why the public’s frustration and can’t be channeled into more productive activity, like a general strike, a mass exodus from the two-party duopoly. Continue

Harper's Plan For Canada
War Crimes Instead of Peacekeeping

By Mark Taliano

The implications of this conservative "jihad" are a threat to our national security on many levels. Continue

Saving the Planet, One Meal at a Time

By Chris Hedges

We can, by becoming vegan, refuse to be complicit in the torture of billions of animals for corporate profit. Continue

Household Wealth Falls Considerably for Majority of Americans

By CEPR

Most US households now have less wealth now than they did in 1989. Continue

78 students killed in Nigeria during a morning assembly bomb blast : Seventy-eight students were killed and 45 others were injured as an explosion rocked a government college in northeastern Nigeria, a hospital source said Monday.Watch: How Boko Haram runs a town: A new Boko Haram video obtained by AFP on Sunday shows militants on an armoured vehicle parading down a road in an unidentified town they apparently control and the group's leader Abubakar Shekau preaching to locals.

Egypt's main jihadist group pledges allegiance to ISIS: The group has waged a campaign of violence from its Sinai Peninsula stronghold that has killed scores of policemen and soldiers since the Egyptian army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July last year.

Libyan city joins IS New ‘amir’ leads Darna: On a chilly night, bearded militants gathered at a stage strung with colorful lights in Darna, a Mediterranean coastal city long notorious as Libya’s center for jihadi radicals. With a roaring chant, they pledged their allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State group.

Syrian army airstrikes near Aleppo kill 21: At least 21 people were killed and around 100 wounded when Syrian army planes bombed a town in northern Syria that is controlled by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants, a group monitoring the war said on Sunday.

More than 1 000 killed in battle for Kobane: More than 1 000 people, mostly jihadists, have been killed in Kobane since the Islamic State group launched an offensive on the Syrian town nearly two months ago, a monitor said on Sunday.
 

Syria gunman kills 4 nuclear scientists, engineers in bus attack: A gunman in Syria unleashed bullets on a bus in a region near Damascus, killing four nuclear scientists and electric engineers riding aboard, a pro-government newspaper reported Monday.

Syrian Jihadists Capture Key Town Near Golan Heights: Syrian insurgents, including fighters from the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, seized a key city and other areas of Syria's southwestern Deraa province on Sunday after five days of fierce battles, fighters in the area told Reuters.

Fate of ‘critically wounded’ ISIS chief unclear: The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was “critically wounded” when a U.S.-led air strike targeted the western Iraqi border town of al-Qaim, tribal sources told Al Arabiya News Channel on Saturday.

Iraq probes claim Isil leader was killed in US air strikes: Friday's strikes destroyed an Isil convoy near the Iraqi city of Mosul, but US officials said it was unclear whether the group's top commander had been in any of the 10 targeted vehicles.

Aide to Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed near Falluja: Iraqi TV: State television identified the man as Abu Huthaifa al-Yamani. It did not say when the strike took place or give further details. It was not immediately possible to confirm the death or whether Yamani was an aide to Baghdadi.

Can ISIS maintain the ‘Caliphate’ without Baghdadi?: The wounding and potential loss of Baghdadi may be of more significance for his followers. Baghdadi, as “Caliph Ibrahim,” to maintain his religious foundation, needs to be of a whole body. If he loses a limb in his injuries, his credibility suffers.

Britain's defense chief says Islamic State will recover after air strikes: Britain's most senior military officer warned on Sunday that Islamic State would recover after U.S. air strikes in Iraq destroyed a convoy believed to contain some of the militant group's leaders.

Obama sends 1,500 more troops to join war on ISIL: The plans, announced on Friday, will see US troops sent for the first time in the current conflict to the front lines of Anbar province where Sunni tribes have called for greater support against the extremists.

ISIS tightens up its entry requirements: Group now requires European recruits to undergo background checks, fearing infiltration by Western intelligence agents

Iraq troops 'seize Baiji oil refinery town centre' from IS: Iraqi government forces have seized large areas of the town of Baiji - home to Iraq's biggest oil refinery - from Islamic State fighters, officials say.

Sunni tribes join Shiite militias in battle for Iraqi town, a rare show of sectarian unity: Sunni Muslim tribesmen, Shiite militia fighters and Iraqi security forces set out Saturday to recapture a key city in Anbar province and stop Islamic State atrocities against a local tribe in an extraordinary coalition that could stir sectarian tensions or potentially serve as a model for future cooperation against the militants.

Liberated Zumar says it does not want Arabs back: Peshmerga forces have marked a borderline at the town of Zumar, recaptured from Islamic State fighters last month, and local Kurds say their former Arab neighbours will only cross it “over our dead bodies”.

‘Occupation masquerading as civil rights’: Israel to extend its laws into occupied West Bank: A bill that would extend all Israel’s new laws onto the Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank has been approved by the Israeli ministerial committee. Some ministers however criticized this attempt to annex another part of Palestinian territory.

Israel reportedly set to take 3,000 acres of Palestinian village land near Jerusalem: Residents of West Bank’s Beit Iksa say they received orders giving them until 2017 to leave land; IDF has no comment

Israel 'pushing for religious warfare': Palestinian minister urges international community to protect Jerusalem's al-Aqsa, which has been gripped by clashes.

2 Gazans wounded, 4 missing after Israel fires on fishing boats: The two wounded fishermen were pulled out of the water off the southern port of Rafah after the Israeli fire destroyed both boats, a Hamas security official said.

Map: The countries that recognize Palestine as a state: Last week, Sweden became the 135th member of the United Nations to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state.

Netanyahu: Israel won't accept deal that leaves Iran a nuclear threshold state: "To give in to the demands of Iran in an agreement of surrender that is dangerous not just to Israel, but for the entire world"

Propaganda alert: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei outlines plan to 'eliminate' Israel: The statement adds that “the elimination of Israel does not mean the massacre of the Jewish people in this region”.

10 killed as explosions hit three Afghan cities : In Kabul, a magnetic bomb planted in a flower bed near a university wounded three people, while seven police were killed in eastern Logar province when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the provincial police headquarters.

Clash kills 2 soldiers, 4 militants in Pakistan: At least two soldiers and four militants were killed in an exchange of fire in Pakistan's troubled tribal belt near the Afghan border, the military said on Monday.

Worst east Ukraine shelling for month; ceasefire looks in doubt: East Ukraine's rebel stronghold Donetsk was pummeled on Sunday by the heaviest shelling in a month, and the OSCE said it spotted an armored column of troops without insignia in rebel territory that Kiev said proved Moscow had sent reinforcements.

Propaganda alert: Mounting fears of full-scale conflict in Ukraine: The White House expressed grave concern at reports of Russian military reinforcements in eastern Ukraine, warning that any separatist efforts to seize more territory would be a "blatant violation" of a ceasefire agreement.

Ukraine SITREP : A creeping conflict : While the Novorussians are fighting, the Russians are sending them huge amounts of weapons. The main difference with what Russia did in the past is that this time around the Voentrog is not done covertly at all and that these huge columns of trucks have been seen driving around the center of Donetsk, clearly in the hope that somebody would film or photograph them

Gorbachev: World on brink of new Cold War: The world is on the brink of a new Cold War, and trust should be restored by dialogue with Russia, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has said.

Putin, Xi Jinping sign mega gas deal on second gas supply route: President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have signed a memorandum of understanding on the so-called “western” gas supplies route to China. The agreement paves the way for a contract that would make China the biggest consumer of Russian gas.

Britain will not remain in Europe 'come what may', David Cameron says: Prime Minister says Europe must listen to concerns of British public in speech at Confederation of British Industry

UK police get 7 days to question Remembrance Day terror plot suspects: Police investigating an alleged Islamist terrorist plot to target the Remembrance Day celebrations have been given a further seven days to question four suspects arrested earlier this week.

Arrests in Mexico after protests over student deaths: The protesters attacked the National Palace, burning the main door and painting slogans on the walls.

Colombian indigenous court convicts Farc guerrillas: An indigenous court in western Colombia has convicted seven left-wing Farc guerrillas over the murder of two leaders of the Nasa tribe. Five were sentenced to between 40 and 60 years in jail and two others will receive 20 lashes.

November 07, 2014

Washington Moving Towards Wider War in Iraq and Syria

By Bill Van Auken

Plans are being prepared to extend the three-month-old US-led bombing campaign deeper into Syria. Continue

How Many Muslim Countries Has the U.S. Bombed Or Occupied Since 1980?

By Glenn Greenwald

Denouncing the violence and savagery of others is a testament to how powerful and self-blinding tribalism is as a human drive. Continue

Israel’s Annexation Plan for Palestine

By John V. Whitbeck

The “two-state solution” has long been a useful excuse to do nothing. Continue

ICC: Israel Committed 'War Crimes' but It's Not Our Problem

By Reuters, the Middle East Monitor

According to lawyers, the court's decision confirms that Israel has a 'special status' in regards to international law. Continue

Obama's Secret Deals With Saudi Arabia & Qatar

By Eric Zuesse

Obama Represents U.S. & Arabic Aristocracies, Against Those of Russia & Iran. Continue

All of My Friends are Dying

By Vince Emanuele

A veteran commits suicide every 65 minutes in the USA, with over 30% of veterans having considered suicide. Continue

Free College Or More War?

By World Beyond War

Seven countries where U.S. students can go to college for free. How do they do it? Continue

A Shadow Form of National ID
Uncle Sam’s Databases of Suspicion

By Hina Shamsi and Matthew Harwood

Innocent until proven guilty has been replaced with suspicious until determined otherwise. Continue

Household Wealth Falls Considerably for Majority of Americans

By CEPR

Most US households now have less wealth now than they did in 1989. Continue

Déjà Vu All Over Again
The U.S. Elections: Bi-Partisan Vote Buying. Corporate PR Campaigns

By Shamus Cooke

The veins of the U.S. body politic are too clogged with cash to be cleansed. Continue

220 Killed, 63 Wounded Across Iraq: Militants kidnapped 46 Albu Nimr tribe members near Ramadi.

Obama wants $3.2bn more for US air war on IS: officials: President Barack Obama will ask lawmakers on Friday for an additional $3.2 billion to pay for the war against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, including funds to train and arm Baghdad government forces, officials said Thursday.

In Iraq, Islamic State fighters seize Sunni tribesmen for resisting rule: The Islamic State has seized hundreds of tribesmen from a central Iraqi town after accusing tribal leaders there of plotting a rebellion against the militant group, residents and officials said, raising fears that it plans to kill the hostages as punishment.

More than 600 US troops say they were exposed to chemical agents in Iraq: Defence secretary Chuck Hagel ordered an internal review of military records after the Times reported in October that US troops encountered degraded chemical weapons from the 1980s that had been hidden or used in makeshift bombs.

US kills Syrian civilians: A militant group fighting against the Syrian government says US-led airstrikes have killed a number of civilians, including children, near the Turkish border.

Syrian government forces retake gas field from Islamic State: Syrian government forces and allied armed groups recaptured a gas field from Islamic State fighters on Thursday, a monitoring group said.

Manufacturing Consent For US Intervention: France says anti-IS coalition must turn attention to Aleppo: The coalition fighting Islamic State must now save Syria's second city Aleppo as moderate rebels face destruction by attacks from forces loyal to President Bashar Assad and jihadi militants, France's foreign minister said.

US anti-ISIL strategy faces major setback in Syria’s second city: With Syrian government forces now in control of all but one road into Aleppo, the remaining residents of areas controlled by the rebels designated “moderate” by the U.S. are bracing for the worst.

Whitewashing war crimes: US general backs Israel on Gaza casualties: The highest-ranking US military officer has said that Israel went to "extraordinary lengths" to limit civilian casualties in the recent war in Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians, mostly civilians.

US to model Israel tactics in Gaza operation: The United States sent a team of senior officers to Israel three months ago to learn from Israel's tactics in Operation Protective Edge in Gaza over the summer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey said on Thursday.

Report: Obama sent letter to Iran's leader about ISIL: President Barack Obama wrote a secret letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regarding the two countries’ shared interest in defeating ISIL, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Going against Netanyahu, 84 percent of US Jews favor Iran nuclear deal: Jewish backing of the administration’s efforts to strike a deal suggests that American Jews aren’t heeding the alarms being sounded in Israel by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Nigerian army suspected of killing 16 civilians: Nigerian soldiers have reportedly killed 16 men in the country's northeast just hours after they were arrested leaving a mosque, according to nurses at a hospital that received the bodies.

Putin promises support to Afghanistan after NATO withdrawal: 'We will be ready to lend our friends in Afghanistan a shoulder to lean on in order to keep the situation in this country stable and with perspectives of development,” the TASS news agency quoted Vladimir Putin as saying.

Kiev shells Donetsk amid tank battle in city suburb – E. Ukrainian militias: The Ukrainian army attempted to take over Donetsk suburb with tanks a day after two children were killed in the shelling of a local school, rebels allege. This comes as Dutch inspectors, probing the Flight MH17 crash, arrived in the area.

Putin Holds Security Council Meeting Over Ukraine Crisis Deterioration: Authorities in self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics have reported Kiev's increased military activity on the separation line between the warring sides in recent days in a serious breach of the Minsk ceasefire agreements.

Putin blames politics for falling energy prices: In an interview with Chinese media published on Thursday, Putin did not blame any particular country for the price drop, but some Russian political commentators have depicted it as a Saudi-U.S. plot against Moscow.

World ominously close to nuclear war – Noam Chomsky: The world has come ominously close to a nuclear war in the past and it could happen again as Russia and the West have slipped back into what seems like another Cold War

Navy SEAL who murdered bin Laden goes public: The retired Navy SEAL who says he shot al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in the forehead publicly identified himself Thursday amid a debate among special operations brethren about whether they should break silence about their secret missions.

Naval Special Warfare Leadership Responds to ‘The Shooter’ & Mark Owen: Leaving little doubt of the disdain that they, and others in the community, feel toward breaches of the SEAL ethos, Rear Admiral Brian Losey, Commander of NSWC, and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci state that violators of that ethos “are neither teammates in good standing, nor teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare.”

‘Toxic brand’: Britons say religion does more bad than good, atheists ‘more moral’ than believers: Nearly two-thirds of British people stated that religion causes more harm than it brings benefits, according to a new poll, which shows Muslim beliefs at odds with those of the rest of society.

100,000 Workers Protest Belgian Labor Reform: One of Belgium's biggest postwar labor demonstrations brought about 100,000 workers to the capital on Thursday to protest government free-market reforms and austerity measures that they claim undermine Belgium's vaunted welfare state.

‘Emergency’ protests sweep US to save internet from ‘hybrid’ net neutrality: Net neutrality advocates took to the streets in over a dozen cities across the America, part of an emergency protest against a leaked “hybrid” proposal by the Federal Communications Commission to allow internet companies to charge more for faster service.

UK, Australia to share DNA database to aid international crime solving: Police forces in Britain and Australia will be able to access each other’s DNA and biological databases when investigating serious crimes, it has been announced.

Canada police deploy facial recognition tech: Canada is adopting some of its North American neighbor’s controversial police methods and dipping its toes into the pool of facial recognition technology, with Calgary police paving the way for a full-scale automated biometric identification system.

Ferguson Ordered to Stop Enforcing Policy that Prevents Protesters from Standing Still: “The police should protect the right to protest, not make up excuses to arrest peaceful protesters who are simply exercising their free speech rights.”

November 06, 2014

The Silence of the Israelis on ISIS

By Stephen J. Sniegoski

Has anyone seen a hint that our vital regional ally could be of any assistance at all in the supposedly civilizational battle against ISIS?” Continue

105 Israel Ex-generals, Urge Netanyahu to Make Peace With Palestinians

By AFP

"We fought bravely for the country in the hope that our children would live here in peace, but we got a sharp reality check, and here we are again sending our children out onto the battlefield," it said. Continue

In Assad's Syria, Death Notices Litter The Walls - and Life Goes On

By Robert Fisk

In the eyes of the world, these are the army of war criminals, the enemies of the West, of America. Continue

The U.S. Has Ignited A Vicious Politico-religious Sunni-Shi’ite Civil War in Iraq And Syria

By Rodrigue Tremblay

When one sows terrorism, one should expect to reap terrorism. Continue

America’s Moribund Democracy a Harbinger of More War

By Finian Cunningham

The carnival of American money-politics and the bellicose arrogance of those sitting on top of Capitol Hill, is something to view with deep dread. Continue

The FBI: America’s Secret Police

By John W. Whitehead

The law is little more than a tool for the government to browbeat the people into compliance. Continue

Has Washington Just Shot Itself in the Oily Foot?

By William Engdahl

The end of the shale oil bubble would deal a devastating blow to the US oil geopolitics. Continue

Debt on Wheels
Subprime Loans and Auto Sales

By Mike Whitney

Can you believe that this kind of chicanery is going on in broad daylight without the regulators stepping in? Continue

Mortar strikes Damascus school; at least 13 children killed: Mortar rounds slammed into a school Wednesday in a rebel-held suburb east of Damascus, killing at least 13 children whose limp, bloodied bodies were later laid out on the floor of a crowded field hospital awaiting burial, activists said.

United States Launches New Airstrikes Against Khorasan Group: A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that airstrikes were launched Wednesday night at targets in northwestern Syria where the Khorasan Group has been operating. The group is made up of approximately 50 al Qaeda veterans

Obama to seek new war powers from Congress: Obama spoke at a news conference the day after his party was thrashed by Republicans in midterm elections, leaving the GOP soon to be in charge of both the House and the Senate.

Republican triumph could force Obama’s hand on Islamic State: John McCain is expected to take the top spot on the Senate Armed Services Committee, elevating pre-election criticism of Obama’s handling of the fight against Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria to governance.

Syrian FM Says Russia to Deliver Advanced S300 Missiles: According to defense officials, the Russian-made S-300s can engage 12 targets simultaneously at distances of 200 kilometers and heights of up to 27 kilometers.

Attacks in Iraq, mainly targeting troops, kill 11: Police officials say that in one of Wednesday's attacks, a suicide bomber drove his explosives-laden car into an army checkpoint near the town of al-Baghdadi, killing five soldiers and wounding 12.

US kills another two people in Yemen: A suspected US drone strike killed two alleged Al Qaeda militants in southern Yemen on Thursday, tribal sources said, the latest in a series of deadly raids against the militant network.

Palestinian vehicle smashes into IDF soldiers in occupied West Bank: Suspect flees scene, police suspect incident was second terror attack of day following earlier incident in Jerusalem

Jordan recalls envoy to Israel over Jerusalem 'violations': Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on Wednesday in protest at an increase in Israeli "violations", including in Jerusalem and its holy sites, the first time it has done so since the countries made peace in 1994, government officials said.

ICC won't investigate Israeli war crimes: Despite a “reasonable basis” to believe that Israeli forces committed war crimes in a deadly raid on Turkish humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza in 2010, the ICC decided such crimes are “not of sufficient gravity” to fall under the court's jurisdiction.

Tortured By Israel: : Forty years ago, the Israeli army tortured and imprisoned her. Now she’s being forced to relive the nightmare in a US court.

Israeli minister threatens to 'raze' Lebanon and 'bury' Nasrallah: "If such a scenario does materialise, we will raze Lebanon to the ground! We will return it to the Stone Age and bury Nasrallah under the rocks," Katz added.

Saudi blames Qaeda for anti-Shiite attack, sacks minister for shutting Sunni TV: Masked gunmen in Saudi Arabia's east late on Monday killed at least six Shiites, including children, as they celebrated Ashura, one of the holiest festivals of their faith.

Saudis Determined to Keep Market Share Against Upstart U.S. Shale Drillers: Saudi Arabian Oil Co. lowered the cost of its crude to the U.S., where production is the highest in three decades, deepening a selloff that sent prices to the lowest in three years.

Taliban militants execute 10 civilians in Paktia province: At least ten civilians were executed by Taliban militants in southeastern Paktia province late on Wednesday night, local officials said Thursday.

Five killed in Egypt train station bomb: A bomb killed at least five people in a train station Wednesday in the town of Menouf in Egypt's Nile Delta governorate of Menoufiya, medical sources told Al-Ahram

Ministry: 3 Tunisian Soldiers Killed in Bus Shooting: Three Tunisian soldiers were killed when suspected militants opened fire on a minibus carrying troops and their families, the defense ministry said.

Libya's El Sharara oilfield shut after armed group seizure -sources: Libya's major El Sharara oilfield has ceased production after being seized by an armed group, oil ministry sources said on Wednesday.

Libya supreme court 'invalidates' elected parliament: The court said the parliament was unconstitutional, dealing a blow to Libya's elected government, which is operating in the country's east. The ruling was celebrated by militias occupying the capital Tripoli, who have set up an alternative parliament.

The occupation will continue: Casualty rates for Afghan forces unsustainable, U.S. general says: Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson said more than 8,900 Afghan security forces were killed in action during the past two years as Afghan forces have taken the lead in combat operations.

US could delay troop withdrawal from Afghanistan: officials: The new head of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan, General John Campbell, and other senior officers are reviewing whether a larger force needs to stay in place longer than initially planned, officials said.

2 teens killed, 4 injured in shelling nr Donetsk school, E. Ukraine: Two schoolchildren were killed and four injured as an artillery shell hit a stadium in front of a school in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, local self-defense forces said.

Putin regrets Ukraine ceasefire is not working: - Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concern on Wednesday that a two-month old ceasefire had failed to end what he called civil war in eastern Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin effigies burned at Lewes Bonfire Night as the ‘new cold war’ starts to heat up: One depiction of the Russian President showed him topless, carrying a rifle and standing on top of the crashed Malaysian Airlines jet MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine earlier this year.

Ukraine to Freeze Payments in Separatist Areas: Ukraine’s prime minister said Wednesday that the government would freeze payments it had been sending to parts of eastern Ukraine even after the areas had fallen under the control of pro-Russian separatists.

Russia may ban circulation of US dollar: The State Duma has already been submitted a relevant bill banning and terminating the circulation of USD in Russia, APA’s Moscow correspondent reports. If the bill is approved, Russian citizens will have to close their dollar accounts in Russian banks within a year

Hong Kong democracy protesters in fresh clashes with police: - Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters clashed with police in the densely populated district of Mong Kok early on Thursday as tensions escalated at one of three remaining demonstration sites for the first time in more than two weeks.

Dominique Strauss Khan's Investment Banking Venture Just Went Bust: Last week, Strauss-Kahn's business partner Thierry Leyne fell from a building to his death in Israel in an apparent suicide. Today, The Wall Street Journal reports that Leyne Strauss-Kahn & Partners (LSK Partners) has declared itself insolvent.

Report to UN condemns US government’s “international criminal program of torture”: A recent report to the UN Committee Against Torture concludes that the US presidential administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama are responsible for far-reaching violations of international law

British spies can go through Americans' telephone calls and emails without a warrant: The agreement between the NSA and its British equivalent, (GCHQ) means that American citizen's data can be seen and stored by the United States' closest ally without a warrant when that is 'not technically feasible'.

David Kelly post mortem to be kept secret for 70 years: Doctors accuse Lord Hutton of concealing vital information. In a draconian – and highly unusual – order, Lord Hutton, the peer who chaired the controversial inquiry into the Dr Kelly scandal, has secretly barred the release of all medical records, including the results of the post mortem, and unpublished evidence.

Privacy advocates seek DC's help to restrain FBI: It recently surfaced that the FBI in 2007 wrote a fake news story and planted it on a bogus Seattle Times website in order to infiltrate a suspect’s computer and plant tracking software.

Court Says By Agreeing To AOL's Terms Of Service, You've 'Consented' To Search By Law Enforcement: The ACLU's Jameel Jaffer alerts us to a district court ruling in NY that effectively says that by merely agreeing to AOL's terms of service, you've waived your 4th Amendment rights.

Americans Killed by Cops Now Outnumber Americans Killed in Iraq War: The increase in police brutality in this country is a frightening reality. In the last decade alone the number of people murdered by police has reached 5,000. The number of soldiers killed since the inception of the Iraq war, 4489.

Anonymous faces off with FBI Police in D.C: Video - Coverage from mask march in Washington DC

90 year old arrested for feeding US homeless faces 2 months jail : A 90-year-old war veteran says he will continue breaking the law by feeding homeless in public places in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was arrested earlier for defying a city ordinance that restricts such charity to protect local businesses. 

November 05, 2014

"Western Training" And The Fight Against The Islamic State

By Moon Of Alabama

The recent history of "western training" of foreign forces is a history of failures and defeat. It is stupid to assume that this time will be different. Continue

How the Islamic State Evolved in an American Prison

By Terrence McCoy

From the ashes of what former inmates called an “al-Qaeda school” rose the Islamic State. Continue

Nasrallah: Conflict in Middle East Political, Not Sectarian

By Al-Akhbar

“I address all Shias in the region: You need to understand that Sunnis are not our enemies. We are not at war with Sunnis.” Continue

Al Saud’s Repressive Monarchy Creates Traction For Saudi Revolution

By Catherine Shakdam

The parallels between Iran under the Shah and present-day Saudi Arabia become alarmingly more apparent. Continue

Netanyahu and Obama: Name-Calling and its Discontents

By Mitchell Plitnick

The assertion that we are in a period of crisis for US-Israel relations is a very important one. The question is: are we? The simple answer is no. Continue

Exceptionalism Rules in Tel Aviv and Washington

By Philip Giraldi

Benjamin Netanyahu will do whatever he wants in the firm belief that there is no one who can force him to do otherwise. Continue

American Financial Markets Have No Relationship To Reality

By Paul Craig Roberts and Dave Kranzler

It is a testament to the complicity of economists, the incompetence of financial media, and the corruption of public authorities and private institutions that this house of cards was constructed. Continue

What Really Went Wrong at First Look Media

By Ted Rall

Where, everyone wanted to know, did the $250 million go? Continue

US Elections: Theater with Deadly Consequences

By Real News

How the media helps create a charade of democracy, and makes a fortune doing it. Continue

Ron Paul Says No True Democracy In US

Video

"We have a monopoly of ideas that is controlled by the leaders of two parties. And they call it two parties, but it’s really one philosophy.” Continue

28 militants killed, 47 wounded in Afghanistan: The security forces also recovered and defused 23 landmines recently planted by the militants during the raids, according to the statement, which did not disclose if there were any casualties on the side of security forces.

US Kills 20 People In Yemen: Tribesmen said the drones targeted positions held by Ansar al-Sharia in the town of Radda in al-Bayda province and a vehicle used by the group.

7 Civilians killed by bombing by US planes in al-Qaim : Two missiles fired by a coalition aircraft, landed in the center of the popular market in al-Qaim, which led to the killing of seven civilians and wounding 27 others with various injuries.

ISIL fighters make gains in northern Iraq: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has continued to gain ground in northern Iraq despite weeks of US-led air strikes, and are now moving closer to the Iraq-Kurdish city of Erbil.

ISIS fighters shave beards, abandon uniforms in Diyala to escape from Iraqi Army: On Tuesday, Diyala province police chief Lt. Gen. Jamil Al-Shammari said, “Changes in uniforms and outward appearances of ISIS elements are an indicator of serious attempts to find ways to escape after blockading their strongholds over the past few weeks.”

British army set for return to Iraq: The move would mark an expansion of UK involvement in the campaign, after a "small specialist" team was sent to instruct Kurdish Peshmerga in the northern city of Erbil last month.

5 children killed in mortar fire on Syria school: At least five children were killed after mortars crashed into their school in a rebel-held town east of Damascus, said local activists.

Clashes rage between Syrian forces, IS militants: The clashes raged between the warring sides at the Kherbat al- Tayyas area southwest of the T4 military airbase in the eastern countryside of Homs amid confirmed reports that the Syrian troops recaptured Kherbat al-Tayyas from the IS fighters, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Right.

Al- Nusra Front retrieves bodies from wells in Deir Sonbol: Al- Nusra Front published videos that show retrieving bodies from wells in the stronghold of the Syria Revolutionaries Front and the hometown of its commander “Jamal Ma’ruf”, al- Nusra Front said that these bodies are for civilians and fighters executed by the Syria Revolutionaries Front.

Nusra Front threatens to stage attacks in Lebanon against Hezbollah: Nusra Front leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani said in an interview with the group's media outlet: "The real war in Lebanon is yet to begin and what is coming is (so) bitter that Hassan Nasrallah will bite his fingers in remorse for what he has done to Sunnis.”

Jerusalem car attack kills 1, injures 14, as driver shot dead: One person was killed and at least 13 injured when a car deliberately rammed pedestrians in Jerusalem on Wednesday, medics said, with media reports saying the driver was shot dead shortly afterwards.

Clashes rock Aqsa compound: -- Israeli police clashed with Palestinian worshipers inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday and right-wing Israeli Jews toured the holy place, witnesses told Ma'an.

PA arrests 250 "Islamist operatives" : Despite fiery statements against Israel, Abbas leading tough policy against Hamas, Islamic Jihad

Toddler caught up in Israeli crackdown: As Israel looks to jail Palestinian stone-throwers, police search home of a boy who accidentally dropped a marble.

Israel Committed War Crimes In Gaza: Amnesty Report: Israeli Forces Displayed ‘Callous Indifference’ in Deadly Attacks on Family Homes in Gaza

US veto at Security Council may no longer be a given: With ties growing colder, some in Jerusalem fear Washington’s protection at the UN cannot be taken for granted, and that the midterms may further complicate the picture

Israel, U.S. say it's business as usual as warplane plant unveiled: Israel and the United States used the inauguration of a joint warplane project on Tuesday to stress it was business as usual in an alliance hit by acrimony over Israeli settlement building and strategy against Iran.

Senior Iran official: Israel's Mossad created ISIS: Deputy foreign minister's accusation echoes many others, which abounded after an Iranian news report purportedly proving Islamic State's Israeli and American roots.

Glaring Front Page Error by New York Times as Iran Nuclear Negotiations Near Deadline: For someone who has written on a range of technical issues for many years, the error committed last night by David Sanger could not be worse nor come at a worse time for the important events he is attempting to cover.

Libyan soldiers at Cambridgeshire barracks 'seek UK asylum': The asylum applications come after 300 Libyan soldiers had training cut short at Bassingbourn Barracks after allegations recruits carried out sex attacks in Cambridge

Burkina Faso crisis: African leaders to press army for power handover: Representing the West African regional body Ecowas, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and Ghana's John Mahama are expected to arrive in the capital Ouagadougou later on Wednesday.

Ukrainian Rebels Accuse Poroshenko of Violating Peace Deal in East: Separatist leaders in east Ukraine accused President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday of violating a peace deal by deciding to suspend a law giving their regions a "special status" and signaled they would no longer abide by it.

The European Union uses death to deter immigrants: A total of approximately 150,000 refugees were rescued under the Mare Nostrum programme. When the Italian government declared it was no longer able to finance the monthly €9 million for military vessels engaged in the operation, its European partners refused to share the costs. The operation was terminated.

New EU migrants add £5bn to UK, report says: Immigrants from the 10 countries which joined the EU in 2004 contributed more to the UK than they took out in benefits, according to a new study. They added £4.96bn more in taxes in the years to 2011 than they took out in public services.

George Monbiot: The British government is leading a gunpowder plot against democracy: Op-Ed: This bill of corporate rights threatens to blow the sovereignty of parliament unless it can be stopped

WHO Condemns “Profit-Driven” Pharmaceuticals for Failing to Produce Ebola Cure: “Ebola emerged nearly four decades ago,” Chan said, speaking to the Regional Committee for Africa in Benin. “Why are clinicians still empty-handed, with no vaccines and no cure?”

Mainstream American press has agreed – at the request of the government – not to report on suspected Ebola cases: Governments Have Suppressed the Dangers of Epidemics Before, Only Making Things Worse

Yep, Uncle Sam Still Wants to Log Your Calls: If you have ever made a phone call, or received a phone call, this case has implications for your personal privacy and you should pay close attention to what happens next.

Verizon and AT&T Snooping on Customers’ Web Activity: Verizon and AT&T are tracking the online activity of over 100 million mobile customers, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation and multiple news outlets.

Republicans win control of US Senate: Republicans have made significant gains in mid-term elections, capturing a majority of seats they need to take control of the US Senate.

TV stations, cable among big winners of US election: fter the votes are counted for the midterm U.S. elections, cable operators will be among the big winners, nearly doubling ad sales to about $800 million, while the nation's TV station operators will see far more modest increases.

2014 Midterms 'Most Unfair, Discriminatory and Confusing Election' in 50 Years: Non-functional machines, missing voter rolls and harsh new I.D. laws have sparked criticism from voters and activists alike.

The U.S. Trade Deficit With China Just Hit A New Record High: The truth is that this is happening because our economy is broken. Every month, we consume far more wealth than we produce.

November 04, 2014

How Did The Islamists Receive These American Weapons?

By Robert Fisk

See the evidence from guided missile that exploded near Syrian front line. Continue

Mainstream Media Fails To Report
Recent Massacres and Atrocities at the Hand of the Western Supported"Rebels"

By Eva Bartlett

In Syria, there are thousands of civilians and Syrian soldiers who have been beheaded—by the so-called “moderate” Free Syrian Army (FSA), al-Nusra, Da’esh (ISIS), and hoards of other Western-backed mercenaries. Continue

Islamic State Born of Deteriorating Economic Conditions in Iraq

Video

Poverty and inequality created by the plunder of Iraq's wealth by elites and multinational corporations after the US occupation of Iraq were a great recruiting tool for ISIS. Continue

Neo-Cons and Corporate Fascists for Hong Kong Democracy?

By Tony Cartalucci

Many "Occupy Central" supporters now admit the US National Endowment for Democracy's (NED) role in ongoing chaos in Hong Kong and simply say, "so what?" Here's what... Continue

US, The World's Leading #1 Terrorist State

By Noam Chomsky

Washington has also emerged as the world champion in generating terror. Continue

Presidential Crimes: Then And Now

By Paul Craig Roberts

Writing for Americans is not always an enjoyable experience. Many readers want to have their prejudices confirmed, not challenged. Emotions rule their reason. Continue

Infuriating Facts About Our Disappearing Middle-Class Wealth

By Paul Buchheit

There has been a reverse transfer from the poor to the rich. We must stop the easy flow of wealth to the privileged few. Continue

Which Is Worse, a Libertarian or a Humanitarian-Warrior?

By David Swanson

It isn't the lesser-evil voting that kills us; it's the lesser-evil thinking that somehow never gets left behind in the voting booth. Continue

Forget the 2014 Election:
Why I Voted With My Feet

By Ron Holland

If you want real change, it is time to vote with your feet because American style two-party democracy is a closed, non-responsive system. Continue

Islamic State Executes Another 36 Members Of Iraqi Tribe: Islamic State militants have executed 36 more members of an Iraqi tribe that had resisted the Sunni militant group's advances in western Anbar Province for weeks, a member of the tribe said on Monday.

Multiple attacks in Baghdad leave many dead: At least 10 people dead and dozens wounded after several improvised explosives hit Shia neighbourhoods in Iraqi capital.

IS beheads 8 Syria rebels who surrendered: monitor: The men were executed and their bodies hung on makeshift crucifixes in Albu Kamal in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.

Washington-backed “rebels” surrender US arms to Al Qaeda in Syria: Washington’s strategy in its three-month-old war in Iraq and Syria appeared to suffer another humiliating blow over the weekend as one of the last remaining strongholds of US-backed “moderate rebels” in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib fell to the Nusra Front, the Syrian affiliate of Al Qaeda.

U.S .weighs strikes on Islamic State rival in Syria: U.S. officials are weighing whether to broaden the air campaign in Syria to strike a militant group that is a rival to the Islamic State and that is poised to take over a strategically vital corridor from Turkey.

Isis fighters capture second Syrian gas field in a week: Hardline Sunni group posts photos on social media showing Islamic State flag raised in Jahar gas field in Homs

US Kills 10 People In Yemen: U.S. drone strikes killed a least 10 suspected al-Qaida militants on Tuesday in central Yemen, where fighting between members of Ansar al-Sharia and Shi'ite Muslim rebels also killed 10 people, local tribesmen said.

On eve of Ashura, 5 killed in bloodbath in Saudi Shiah village: Masked gunmen killed five people in a mostly Shiah area of eastern Saudi Arabia late yesterday, as the minority community prepared to celebrate the festival of Ashura, police said.

Erekat: Approval of 500 East Jerusalem squatter homes a ‘slap in the face’: Saeb Erekat, panned Israel’s decision to move ahead with plans for the construction of 500 apartments in the capital’s Ramat Shlomo neighborhood, which is situated over the Green Line in occupied East Jerusalem.

US calls Israel illegal settlement plans unfortunate: The US response came after a panel of the Israeli interior ministry gave approval on Monday for the new homes in Ramat Shlomo, a neighbourhood built on occupied West Bank territory captured in the 1967 war and annexed to Jerusalem.

Erekat asks Kerry to support Palestinian Security Council bid: Erekat, in Washington, also asked Kerry to recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with a capital in East Jerusalem, as a response to the recent Israeli announcement that it would build hundreds of housing units in East Jerusalem

UN campaign to end statelessness jilts Palestinians: The United Nations' refugee agency has launched a global campaign to eradicate statelessness within ten years, but did not include Palestinians in the effort, saying their situation requires a separate "political solution."

Gaza isn’t just a physical wreck. The psychological damage is even worse.: "I’ve never seen psychological devastation this intense."

Role for Russia Gives Iran Talks a Possible Boost: Iran has tentatively agreed to ship much of its huge stockpile of uranium to Russia if it reaches a broader nuclear deal with the West, according to officials and diplomats involved in the negotiations, potentially a major breakthrough in talks that have until now been deadlocked.

32 killed as blast hits Shia ceremony in Nigeria's Yobe: A bomb targeting Shia pilgrims observing the holy day of Ashoura has exploded in Yobe state in northeastern Nigeria killing dozens of people. The blast happened on Monday in the city of Potiskum, as Shia Muslims were marking the religious occasion.

13 people killed as fighting rages in Libya's Benghazi: Fierce fighting between the Libyan army and fighters belonging to armed groups in the city of Benghazi has killed at least 13 people, residents have said. Residents also said on Monday that warplanes and tanks were being used in the fighting near Benghazi's port

Libya closes Benghazi's commercial port due to clashes: port official: "All ship movements and discharging of imports have been stopped," said the official. The port is a main entry point for wheat, fuel and other imports in eastern Libya.
 

UK: Ministry of Defence puts training of 2,000 Libyan recruits on hold: Almost a third of recruits have already been withdrawn and there have been a series of criminal charges and convictions for sex offences.

Egyptian Militant Group Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis Pledges Allegiance To ISIS: Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, believed to be the most active militant group in Egypt, declared its support for the Islamic State group in a statement released late Monday

Egypt, Gulf Arab Allies Eye Anti-Militant Alliance: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are discussing the creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the Middle East, The Associated Press has learned.

Coup leader in Burkina Faso received U.S. military training: The army officer who has seized power in Burkina Faso amid popular protests in the West African country was twice selected to attend counterterrorism training programs sponsored by the U.S. government, U.S. military officials said.

U.S. not ready to determine whether Burkina Faso takeover is a coup: "At this point we're still gathering facts, we're not going to make a policy or legal determination at this point in time."

Deputy governor among 5 killed in Afghan attacks: Attacks across Afghanistan, including the fatal shooting of a deputy provincial governor, have killed five people in the past two days as the country commemorated the most revered religious day in the Shia calendar.

Christians killed for ‘desecrating’ Qur’an: An enraged Muslim mob beat a Christian couple to death in Pakistan and burnt their bodies in the brick kiln where they worked on Tuesday for allegedly desecrating a Qur’an, police said.

Eastern Ukraine Independence Leaders Win the Elections: The government of Kiev and Germany condemned the vote, while the leaders of Lugansk and Donetsk said it doesn't violate the Minsk agreements.

U.S. rejects "illegitimate" elections in eastern Ukraine: - The White House on Monday condemned the "illegitimate" elections held in parts of eastern Ukraine and threatened to impose more costs on Russia over its further "destabilizing" actions.

Russia calls for talks with Kiev after separatist elections: “The elected representatives of Donetsk and Luhansk regions obtained a mandate to hold negotiations with central Ukrainian authorities to solve problems … via a political dialogue,” said Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Georgy Karasin, on Monday.

GCHQ chief accuses US tech giants of becoming terrorists' 'networks of choice': Privacy has never been “an absolute right”, according to the new director of GCHQ, who has used his first public intervention since taking over at the helm of Britain’s surveillance agency to accuse US technology companies of becoming “the command and control networks of choice” for terrorists.

Norway is world's most prosperous country: The Nordic nation retained its number one spot from last year, as the top-ranking most prosperous country. New Zealand moved to third place, up two spots from 2013, while Russia slipped to Europe's worst performing country in 68th place.

Fracking Wells Abandoned in Boom/Bust Cycle. Who Will Pay to Cap Them?: The companies that once operated the wells have all but vanished into the prairie, many seeking bankruptcy protection and unable to pay the cost of reclaiming the land they leased.

Facebook boosted US election turnout via psychology experiment, company reveals: Facebook manipulated the news feeds of almost 2 million American users during the 2012 presidential election without telling them. The manipulation led to a 3 percent increase in voter turnout, according to the company’s own data scientist.

Report: Dark Money Playing Record Role in Battle for Senate Majority: Outside spending is playing an unprecedentedly large role in the nine races most likely to determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. A record amount of this money comes from “dark money” groups that conceal their donors and single-candidate groups

Florida police threaten arrest under new ‘homeless hate law’: Florida police handed out citations and threatened to arrest two priests and a 90-year-old veteran volunteer for feeding the homeless. A recently passed city ordinance makes sharing food a citable offense.

November 03, 2014

An Alternative View...
Why is There Such an Explosion of Violence Across the Middle East?

By Robert Fisk

The real issue is about weakening the Arab armies, whoever they are. When the Americans invaded Iraq, what was the first thing they did? They dissolved the Iraqi army.” Continue

Syria's Alawites Pay Heavy Price as They Bury Sons

By DIAA HADID

Syria's army represents the sectarian makeup of the country: it is largely Sunni Muslim, fighting mostly Sunni Muslim rebels. Continue

Don't Think of the "Islamic State" in Religious Terms

By Musa al-Gharbi

While ISIS’ membership is exclusively Sunni, it is important to note that, within the Iraqi context, “Sunni” and “Shia” represent sociopolitical identities more than religious ones. Continue

In Ukraine, A Tale of Two Elections

By Daniel McAdams

The US government: elections overseas are only legitimate if we have pre-approved the parties allowed to stand and if we have pre-approved the outcome. Continue

Was I Wrong About Voting?

By Wilton Alston

What voting does is provide direct indication that he who took part supports the eventual outcome. Continue

"None of the Above"
Be a Passionate Voter for Justice

By Ralph Nader

One idea that I and others have proposed in the past is "A None of the Above" (NOTA) line on the ballot. Continue

Gary Webb and Media Manipulation

By Beverly Bandler

Many Americans still count on the mainstream media to define reality for them, but too often the MSM spins false narratives that protect the powerful. Continue

Empire or Republic
Imperial Wars and Domestic Epidemics

By James Petras

Washington’s war policies, account for the fatal deterioration of health and welfare services in the US. Continue

At least 55 killed in suicide blast on Pakistani side of Wagah border: At least 55 people were killed and more than 150 injured in a lethal suicide attack on the Pakistan side of Wagah border, the only road crossing between Amritsar and Lahore, minutes after the flag lowering ceremony on Sunday evening.

44 killed in ongoing Wardoj operations: Afghan policeLocal officials in northeastern Badakhshan province have said at least 40 Taliban militants have been killed following military operations in Wardoj district. He said at least four members of the Afghan national security forces were also martyred during the operations.

Syrian rebels use US supplied anti-tank missiles: US backed Syrian rebels, seen here using anti-tank missiles to destroy two regime planes, have reportedly surrendered to al-Qaeda, raising fear those weapons have fallen into the terror groups hands

Government-controlled Syria defiant amid war: Rebels hold some suburbs in the countryside around Damascus and parts of the northwest. The extremist Islamic State group has imposed its rule over territory encompassing a third of both Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

ISIS massacres 322 Sunni tribesmen in west Iraq: Tribal leader Sheikh Naeem al-Ga'oud said that 75 members of his tribe were killed on Sunday while trying to escape the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS). They were gunned down and dumped near the town of Haditha.

Nine persons killed in two attacks in Baghdad - police: A powerful blast caused by an explosive device took place in a Shiite mourning place in Al-Sadr City killing six people and wounding 19 others, the source told KUNA.

Canada Bombs Iraq: : Two Canadian CF-18 fighter jets dropped 500-pound laser-guided missiles near the city of Fallujah during a mission that lasted approximately four hours.

Iraqis Prepare ISIS Offensive, With U.S. Help: The major push will require training three new Iraqi Army divisions — more than 20,000 troops — over the coming months.

Hamas: Closure of Gaza crossings 'collective punishment': Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouq early Sunday condemned an Israeli decision to close crossings into Gaza, calling it "collective punishment." Israel's decision to close the crossings violated international laws and conventions.

Palestinian negotiators to meet Kerry in bid to save peace talks: Palestinians expected to go to the UN with a bid to end the occupation, recognize state along '67 lines.

Israeli ministers pass bill jailing stone throwers for 20 years: The law would also allow the conviction of people who hurl rocks at police cars or police officers with the aim of hindering them from carrying out their duty.

British-Iranian woman sentenced to year in jail after trying to attend volleyball match: Ghavami was detained outside Tehran’s Azadi stadium after allegedly trying to attend a volleyball game in June. Since the Islamic revolution in 1979, women have been barred from entering stadiums for sporting events,

Mali says 2 soldiers killed by explosive device: At least four others were wounded in the attack, which the government said was carried out by unknown elements.

Libyan army colonel gunned down in Derna: A Libyan army colonel who returned to Derna for his brother’s burial was gunned down yesterday in the family home.

Libya : Benghazi district residents urged to leave: Libya's army has asked residents in a central district of the port city of Benghazi to leave before a major military operation against Islamists.

Protester killed outside Burkina Faso TV building: One man was killed on Sunday during clashes between demonstrators and army troops outside the state television building in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, a local radio station reported.

Burkina Faso crisis: Army promises 'transition body': The move came after soldiers had fired shots at the state TV station and barricaded the capital's main square as thousands of protesters demanded the military give up power

‘ISIS is coming’: Shia man shot by IS supporters in Australia: A Shia man was shot by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) supporters as he was leaving an Islamic prayer center in southwest Sydney, according to eyewitnesses.

Turkey migrant boat sinks in Bosphorus, killing 24: At least 24 people have been killed and scores are missing after a boat said to be carrying migrants sank off the north coast of Istanbul, officials say.

Ukrainian battalion leader-turned-MP ready to 'organize blasts in Russia': Ukraine's volunteer battalion leader, who is now also an MP, said on a Ukrainian television show that the battalions are ready to "intrude" into Russia. He spoke about intended terrorist acts before being cut off by the show's host.

Incumbent PM Zakharchenko leads in Donetsk elections – early results: Incumbent PM Aleksandr Zakharchenko is leading in Sunday’s elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine, taking over 70 percent of the votes. In Lugansk, 63 percent are voting for the current leader Igor Plotnitsky.

Ukraine president calls rebel vote a 'farce': Petro Poroshenko's condemnation comes as separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko claims victory, citing exit polls.

Angela Merkel warns David Cameron over freedom of movement: David Cameron has been warned by German chancellor Angela Merkel that she would rather see the UK leave the European Union than change freedom of movement rules, according to reports.

UK to seek immigration changes despite Merkel EU 'warning': Chancellor George Osborne has insisted the UK will pursue its "national interest" in Europe despite German warnings about its future in the EU.

Spain moves to protect domestic media with new 'Google tax': Newspapers in Spain will now be able to demand a monthly fee from the search engine before it can list them on Google News

Report to UN condemns US government’s “international criminal program of torture”: The US presidential administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama are responsible for far-reaching violations of international law for directing and covering up a global torture program developed by the US Central Intelligence Agency

Judge Napolitano on legality of FBI's fake news story : Video - Associated Press: FBI created fake story to catch bomb threat suspect

US 'death-with-dignity' advocate has committed suicide.: Woman who sparked national debate over right to choose death to avoid woes of deadly brain cancer has committed suicide.

November 02, 2014

The Caliph Fit To Join OPEC

By Pepe Escobar

Never underestimate the capacity of US President Barack Obama's "Don't Do Stupid Stuff" foreign policy doctrine to soar towards unreachable stupidity heights. Continue

Face to Face with ISIS

Video

Members of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), told RT they are in fact "peaceful people" fighting against injustice. Continue

None Dare Call It A Defeat

By Eric Margoli

Power, like opium, is highly addictive. So America’s longest war will drag on and on. Continue

The Washington Post's Putinology

By Peter Hart

It's hard to argue with Putin's critique of US foreign policy accomplishments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya; Continue

Controversial Cartoon Depicts Netanyahu as 9/11 Pilot

By JC Sevcik

Haaretz published a political cartoon, depicting Isreal's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu piloting a plane into the World Trade Center. Continue

The Day Israel Attacked America

Video

Al Jazeera investigates the shocking truth behind a deadly Israeli attack on a US naval vessel. Continue

What Consequences Ever Follow From Our Condemnation Of Israel?

By Baroness Warsi

Our current position on this issue is morally indefensible. Continue

Dysfunctional America

By Paul Craig Roberts

Whoever is elected is indebted not to voters but to the special interests that provided the campaign money. Continue

The American Dream, Gone
15 Reasons Why Americans Think We’re Still in a Recession

By Mike Whitney

Most people still haven’t recouped what they lost in the crash: Continue

Fact or fiction: ; Iraqi Warplanes Kill 52 ISIL Terrorists in Anbar: Iraq's airborne forces inflicted heavy losses on the Takfiri terrorists by pounding their positions in Ramadi, leaving 52 of them dead and wounded.

Militants kill 50 from Iraqi Anbar tribe: The men and women from the Al Bu Nimr tribe are reported to have been lined up and shot in retaliation for resisting the jihadists.

13 killed in Baghdad car bombing: A car bomb blast targeting Shias in Baghdad ahead of the major Ashura religious commemorations has killed at least 13 people.

US-backed forces in Syria suffer big setback: Al Qaida-backed militants Saturday stormed the base of the most prominent civilian commander in the U.S.-backed Syrian rebel force, forcing him and his fighters to flee into hiding in the Jebal al Zawiya mountains of northern Syria.

Syrian rebels armed and trained by US surrender to al-Qaeda: Two of the main rebel groups receiving weapons from the United States to fight both the regime and jihadist groups in Syria have surrendered to al-Qaeda.

Peshmerga in Kobane fire rockets at ISIL: Iraqi-Kurdish Peshmerga forces in besieged border town fire six rockets from pick-up trucks at armed group's positions.

Assad Spokeswoman: US Contrives Syrian Crisis to Destroy Arab Country: The crisis in Syria was orchestrated by the US to weaken and destroy the Arab country, said Syrian President Bashar Assad’s Spokeswoman Bouthaina Shaaban.

Propaganda? 'Afghan' in Syria: Iranians pay us to fight for Syrian Gov: "My name is Sayed Ahmad Hussaini. The Iranians pay people like me to come here and fight. I am from Afghanistan and I am an immigrant in Iran. The Iranians brought us to Syria to fight to defend the Zainab shrine. I don't want to fight anymore."

ISIS eyes using Ebola as bio weapon – Spain: The Spanish government said it is concerned that terrorists could use the Ebola virus as a biological weapon against the West. A close eye is being kept on online chat rooms, where such attacks are reportedly discussed among jihadist groups.

Al Qaeda suspects kill 13 Yemen soldiers, capture 15: The overnight attack targeted security headquarters in Hudeida, which Houthi rebels seized in mid-October as they expanded across several towns and cities.

Yemen's rebel factions agree to form new government: Amid a bloody rebel struggle and a crumbling central government, 13 of Yemen's main politial factions, including the Houthi rebels, signed an agreement Sunday mandating the country's prime minister and president to form a new governing body, Al Jazeera reports.

Gaza cut off: Israel closes border crossings indefinitely: Israel has said it’s shutting the only two operating Gaza border crossings indefinitely. This comes a day after a projectile hit Israel from the strip, but caused no damage. Border closures threaten to isolate already devastated Gaza completely.

Israeli Use of Palestinian Civillians as Human Shields: This report presents documented cases of Palestinian civilians used as human shields by Israeli military forces during the 51-day conflict in the Gaza Strip, 8 July-26 August, 2014.

Former Israeli soldier describes how IDF troops do not view Palestinians as 'human beings': “After a while you stop looking at people as people, you stop looking at children as children, you stop looking at teenagers as teenagers, you look at them just as Palestinians, as people who are always the potential to be terrorists,”

Bombing in Pakistan kills nearly 45, police say: A bomb exploded near a Pakistani paramilitary checkpoint Sunday, killing at least 45 people near the country's eastern border with India in an attack suspected to be the work of a suicide bomber, police said.

Afghanistan says 17 militants killed in fresh operations: About 17 Taliban militants have been killed in fresh military operations across Afghanistan, said the country's Interior Ministry on Sunday.

Suicide attack kills 9 Afghan security forces: Taliban claims responsibility for blast in Logar province, which killed at least six police officers and three soldiers.

Libya: 36 killed in fresh clashes in Benghazi: Clashes between the Libyan army, backed by the renegade general Khalifa Haftar, and Islamist militias in the eastern city of Benghazi, killed 36 people on Friday and Saturday, according to medical and military sources, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

Dozens of Libyans in eastern town pledge allegiance to ISIS leader: Dozens of residents of a town in eastern Libya have pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of ISIS militants fighting in Syria and Iraq, according to a video and a resident.

The West is Silent As Libya Falls Into The Abyss: Analysis - "Your friends in Britain and France will stand with you as you build your democracy," pledged Mr Cameron to the people of Benghazi. Three years later, they are words he evidently wants to forget,

Hundreds of Egyptians barred from entering Libya: Staff at the capital's Maitiga airport told the BBC they have been ordered by immigration officials not to allow any Egyptians into the country until further notice.

Violent protest after eight more killed in eastern DR Congo: Hundreds of people took to the streets of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Beni on Sunday after another eight people were killed overnight in new violence.

7 Kenya police 'killed in Turkana attack': Last week local newspapers reported that five people, including some police officers, had been killed close to where Friday's attacks occurred.

Burkina Faso's military backs Colonel Zida: Top army officials say Lieutenant Colonel Issac Zida should lead country after protests forced president to step down.

U. S. condemns military coup in Burkina Faso: "The United States condemns the Burkinabe military's attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso. We call on the military to immediately transfer power to civilian authorities.

Over 4,000 killed in Ukraine conflict: The United Nations said in over six months there have been 4,035 deaths, more than 300 in the last 10 days alone, showing the fragility of a ceasefire reached in September.

‘Entire villages disappeared’: Ebola deaths in Sierra Leone ‘underreported’: Ebola’s toll on Sierra Leone is much greater than previously thought, with entire villages killed off by the virus. This means up to 20,000 people could have succumbed to the disease by now, a senior coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) believes.

Canada bars visas from Ebola-hit countries: Canada has suspended visa applications for residents and nationals of countries with "widespread transmission" of the Ebola virus, becoming the second nation after Australia to introduce such a measure.

Judge Rules Nurse Kaci Hickox Doesn't Need to Be Quarantined: Video report - Nightly News A judge ruled that Kaci Hickox, the nurse who treated Ebola patients, is free to move around in public, but that she must continue daily monitoring.

US Ebola quarantines have a 'chilling' effect: Quarantines ordered by some US states for doctors and nurses returning from West African countries hit by Ebola have a "chilling effect" on aid work in those countries, aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said.

UN rights expert urges reversal of UK decision to halt Mediterranean migrant rescues: – The United Nations human rights expert on migrants today urged British authorities to reconsider a decision not to support search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea, saying allowing people to die at Europe’s borders just because of their administrative status “is appalling.”

Water charges: Almost 100 protests across Republic of Ireland: Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ, reported that more than 120,000 people attended demonstrations throughout the day. It was one of the largest ever mass protests over Irish government policy.

US Allowed Grenade Parts to Enter Mexico: U.S. federal agents allowed components for manufacturing grenades to illegally enter Mexico. The Department of Justice (DOJ) report released this week indicated that the artillery parts were destined for drug cartels.

Brazil Builds Internet Cable To Portugal To Avoid NSA Surveillance: Brazil is building a cable across the Atlantic to escape the reach of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The move is one of many ways the Brazilian government is breaking ties with American technology companies -- but it won’t come cheap.

Preventive Detention? Ray McGovern Describes Brutal Arrest at Petraeus Event: Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst-turned-antiwar activist, shared details with RT on Friday about an incident the night before in New York City during which he was arrested for trying to enter a public event.

Court Rules Police Can Force Users to Unlock iPhones With Fingerprints,: Circuit Court judge in Virginia has ruled that fingerprints are not protected by the Fifth Amendment, a decision that has clear privacy implications for fingerprint-protected devices like newer iPhones and iPads.

Former CBS News correspondent releases video of apparent computer hack: The former CBS News correspondent who claims that her computers were hacked by the government, has released a video she took with her cellphone of one apparent hack. The video was shared with POLITICO and appears to show words being deleted from her files without her control.

Republicans take big lead in Colorado early voting: - Republicans are taking a big lead in early voting in Colorado. A report from the Secretary of State on Friday showed that 104,000 more Republicans than Democrats had cast their ballots as the state conducts its first major mail-in election.

US Midterm Election to Cost Nearly $4 Billion,: That figure makes this year’s election by far the most expensive midterm ever. The candidates and parties alone will combine to spend about $2.7 billion, while outside groups will likely spend close to $900 million on their own

Federal Government Made $20 Billion in Secret Purchases in Recent Months: A sampling of those purchases, obtained by the I-Team via the Freedom of Information Act, reveals at least one agency used those cards to buy $30,000 in Starbucks Coffee drinks and products in one year without having to disclose or detail the purchases to the public.

Magic Mushrooms Create a Hyperconnected Brain: The active ingredient in the psychedelic drug, psilocybin, seems to completely disrupt the normal communication networks in the brain, by connecting “brain regions that don’t normally talk together,” said study co-author Paul Expert, a physicist at King’s College London.

October 31, 2014

ISIS: the Useful Enemy

By Ismael Hossein-zadeh

Kobani Kurds Expose the Hypocrisy of the Coalition Against ISIS. Continue

Whose Side Is Turkey On?

By Patrick Cockburn

Iraqi Sunnis have no choice but to stick with Isis. Continue

Afghan Retreat Echoes of Vietnam Defeat

By Finian Cunningham

The “exceptional” Americans in Washington like to refer to their foreign interventions as “nation building.” Continue

The Chickenshit Lobby Is Mad As Hell

By Justin Raimondo

Those whose job it is to protect the President need to take this potential threat seriously. Continue

Modern Day America:
One Step Away from the Third Reich

By John Stanton

Indoctrinate the masses into thinking that all others besides, say, Americans, are inferior, unexceptional, demons and insects. Continue

U.N. Calls Bullshit on Obama’s ‘Look Forward, Not Backwards’ Approach to US Torture

By Murtaza Hussain

A new report submitted to the United Nations Committee Against Torture has been released that excoriates his administration for shielding the officials responsible from prosecution. Continue

The World Must Judge America’s Human Rights Abuses

By Margaret Kimberley

Legal cases must be made against the United States at the IAHCR and with any other entity which can bring our plight to the world. Continue

This Nation of Cowards

By William Rivers Pitt

This is what happens to an ill-informed populace which is not taught to be strong, and fair, and true to the ideals of their founding. Continue

Corporations Act To Make Congress A Wholly Owned Subsidiary

By Richard Eskow

If we don’t get money out of politics, we’ll lose our democracy altogether. Continue

ISIS killed 600 Shi'ites after seizing Mosul in June, HRW says: Some 600 male Shi'ite inmates from Badoosh prison outside Mosul were reportedly forced to kneel along the edge of a nearby ravine and shot with automatic weapons.

Isis kills hundreds of Iraqi Sunnis from Albu Nimr tribe in Anbar province: The bodies of more than 150 men killed by Islamic state (Isis) militants were recovered from a ditch in the city of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, on Thursday in the latest of a series of mass executions of tribal figures who oppose the group.

Bombs at Marketplaces Near Baghdad Kill Nine: One bomb went off at a sheep market in the Iraqi capital's western suburb of Suweib, killing five people and wounding 13. Earlier today, a bomb blast near an outdoor market in the town of Madain, just south of Baghdad, killed four people.

Foreign jihadists flocking to Iraq and Syria on 'unprecedented scale' – UN: The United Nations has warned that foreign jihadists are swarming into the twin conflicts in Iraq and Syria on “an unprecedented scale” and from countries that had not previously contributed combatants to global terrorism.

Pressure builds for U.S. rethink of anti-ISIS campaign: Top American officials are piling pressure on the Barack Obama administration to retool its campaign against ISIS jihadists, urging an end to confusion over the U.S. stance on the Syrian regime, and preparations for the deployment of ground troops in Iraq.

Top US general favors military advisers in western Iraq: The US military's top officer on Thursday called for deploying American advisers to Iraq's Anbar province to counter Islamic State jihadists, but said the Baghdad government must first arm local Sunni tribes.

21 IS Fighters Killed in US-led Airstrikes in Syria: Activists say: Twenty one Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in US-led airstrikes against the Sunni radical group's positions in the predominantly Kurdish town of Kobane on the Syrian-Turkish border, a monitoring group said Friday.

Air strikes hit Kobani as Kurdish peshmerga prepare to enter: U.S.-led air strikes hit Islamic State positions around the Syrian border town of Kobani on Friday in an apparent bid to pave the way for heavily-armed Kurdish peshmerga forces to enter from neighbouring Turkey.

Hagel: US Faces Setbacks and Complications in ISIS Fight: The top U.S. military officials said the U.S. and Iraqis have suffered setbacks in efforts to protect Sunni tribes in Iraq and form a "moderate" opposition force in Syria.

US Congress to revisit ISIS war debate after election: A handful of lawmakers are also pushing for Congress to consider a broader Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which would set out guidelines for the overall effort to halt the militants.

Pentagon spending hits five-year high amid anti-ISIS campaign: So significant was defense spending during the last quarter, in fact, that the 16 percent growth seen in that sector is said to have helped the economy overcome below-expectation consumer spending rates recorded during that same span.

Al-Qaeda' gunmen kill Yemen police officer, soldier: Suspected Al-Qaeda gunmen killed a Yemeni police officer and a soldier in two separate attacks in the south of the strife-torn country, security sources said Friday.

Iran’s oil revenue falls 30 percent on back of global price decline: “In the issue of oil, the economy has not been the sole important factor,” Rouhani said. “International politics and plots” have also affected prices, he said, without elaborating.

Israeli occupation forces kills Palestinian: Israeli police on Thursday shot dead Mutaz Hijazi, a Palestinian whom the police claimed was responsible for firing at the US-born rabbi. The killing prompted daylong clashes in Abu Tor, located south of the Old City

Israeli closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque a ‘declaration of war’: Israel appeared to back down in the face of outrage over its policy on Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, ordering a partial opening Friday after closing the site fully for the first time in nearly 50 years.

U.S. blasts Israeli settlements as ‘illegitimate’: The United States Monday blasted Israel for pledging to build 1,000 more settler homes in Arab east Jerusalem, saying any such move would be “incompatible” with peace efforts.

Livni: Settlers want ‘apartheid’ buses: Settlers’ demands that Jews and Palestinians travel on separate buses smack of apartheid, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said in an interview with Army Radio Thursday.

Sweden recognises state of Palestine: Israel recalls its ambassador following move Swedish foreign minister hopes "will show the way for others".

Netanyahu insists he is 'under attack for defending Israel' after remarks from US official: Despite the deepening frustration in Washington, Netanyahu continued to hit back over the latest settlement announcement, saying US criticism was “detached from reality”, even on the eve of the publication of the latest remarks.

Google Survey: Majority of US Citizens Think US Gives Too Much to Israel: Today 6 in 10 Americans believe the U.S. gives too much aid to Israel

14 killed in DR Congo machete attack:" FOURTEEN people were killed in a machete attack by Ugandan rebels in the Beni region in the restive eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where nearly 100 civilians have already perished, a non-governmental group said Thursday.

Burkina Faso parliament set ablaze: Protesters angry at plans to allow Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year-rule have set fire to parliament. A huge crowd is surging towards the presidential palace and the main airport has been shut.

Burkina Faso president refuses to step down: After hours of confusion about whether Compaore would hold on to power, and even about where he was, the president spoke briefly on television and radio to stay he was still in charge and would not step down.

US Kills 6 people in Pakistani Tribal Areas: An American drone strike killed at least six alledged militants early Thursday in the South Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan, a senior Pakistani security official said. The drone’s missiles struck a private residence near a school in the village of Nargasi, the official said.

Russia-Ukraine gas deal secures EU winter supply: European Union energy chief Guenther Oettinger said he was confident that Ukraine would be able to afford to pay for the gas it needed.

Russia delivers relief supplies to Ukraine’s Donetsk region: The Russian Emergencies Ministry truck convoy has delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. About 50 trucks have brought to the region food products and construction materials with the total weight of some 500 tons

NYPD arrests, ‘brutalizes’ peace activist McGovern ahead of Petraeus speech: The New York Police Department has detained prominent peace activist and former CIA agent Ray McGovern, with witnesses saying he was “yelling in pain” during arrest.

U.S. military ordered to hide identities, change routines to avoid terrorist attacks: The agency in charge of protecting the Pentagon has sent out a warning that “ISIL-linked terrorists” want to attack employees and is urging them to change routines and mask their identities.

Ottawa shooting was ‘last desperate act’ of a mentally ill person, his mother writes: Michael Zehaf-Bibeau’s terror-filled rampage in the nation’s capital this week wasn’t driven by some grand ideology or political motive, but rather was the “last desperate act” of someone who was not well in his mind and felt trapped, his mother says.

Is Filming a Police Officer a "Domestic Threat"? Austin Activist on Trial for Videotaping an Arrest : Video - A jury in Austin, Texas, is set to issue its decision today in a case that centers on a person's right to film police officers.

Russell Brand And Naomi Klein Talk Climate Change And The Need For Revolution: Audio - The pair zeroed in on multinational oil giants such as Exxon Mobil, referring to them as companies that were "addicted to stupid money", with Klein arguing that the wo

October 30, 2014

Isis, Jabhat al-Nusra and Other Islamist Groups Are One And The Same: Senior Army Officer

By Robert Fisk

A senior Syrian army officer talks to Robert Fisk about his army’s brutal struggle with Isis, in a dirty war whose challenges include widespread atrocities. Continue

CIA Mouthpiece Lets Slip On Russian ‘Aggression’

By Finian Cunningham

Claims can now be seen for what they are: propaganda in the service of a political agenda from Washington. Continue

Latest Putin-bashing Invention
Putin About To Be Sacrificed

By The Saker

I normally don't comment any of the nonsense which circulates on the Internet, but this one seems to have a lot of people worried. Continue

The Cheney-Powell-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz Strategy: An Evaluation

By Michael S. Rozeff

The U.S. planned full spectrum dominance everywhere. Continue

Canada’s Heart of Darkness. Democracy and Civility Foregone?

By Jim Miles

Once upon a time, Canada was able to create the illusion that it was the “peaceable kingdom”, an illusion accepted domestically and arguably by most of the rest of the world. Continue

Fighting for Survival in the Sinai: Egypt's Convenient War

By Ramzy Baroud

Egypt’s recent turmoil has indeed exasperated violence in the Sinai Peninsula, but that violence was rooted in a largely different political reality. Continue

The Ebola Story Doesn’t Smell Right

By Paul Craig Roberts

The official story is that combat troops are being sent to build treatment structures for those infected with ebola. Continue

The Moral Blindness of our Leading Liberals

By Chris Floyd

What is most important to them is not stopping the system -- but making sure that one of "theirs" is running it. Continue

News Veteran, Details Massive Censorship and Propaganda in Mainstream Media

By Michael Krieger

I had no idea that the President of CBS News’ brother was a top national security advisor to President Obama, did you? Continue

Risky Business: "Easy Money"

By Mike Whitney

Last week, the country’s biggest mortgage lenders scored a couple of key victories that will allow them to ease lending standards, crank out more toxic assets, and inflate another housing bubble. Continue

Rise Up America, Rise Up!

By Mohammed Mesbahi

It is up to you, the youth of America, to lead the way by organising a non-stop demonstration in every state, until that nationwide wave of peaceful protest eventually catches on globally. Continue

Syria: 30 people killed in refugee camp 'massacre': Footage shows horrific aftermath of attack in Syria. The footage showed corpses of women, children and burning tents while people scrambled to save the wounded. "It's a massacre of refugees," a voice off camera said.

IS attack on Syrian gas fields kills 30 government troops: Islamic State fighters have attempt to recapture the Sha'ar gas fields, which they had lost to pro-Assad forces in July

U.S. airstrikes failed to kill terror targets in Syria, officials say: Both Muhsin al-Fadhli, the leader of the Khorasan Group, and David Drugeon, a French jihadist and key member, who is believed to be a skilled bomb-maker, are alive. The United States does not know with certainty if they are injured.

Isil controls half of Kobane, says rebel leader: More than half of Kobane is now in Isil hands, according to veteren rebel leader, as Kurdish Peshmerga forces arrive in a last-minute bid to defend besieged town

Kurdish convoy heads to Syria to take on Islamic State: A convoy of peshmerga fighters from northern Iraq headed across southeastern Turkey on Wednesday towards the Syrian town of Kobani to try to help fellow Kurds break an Islamic State siege which has defied U.S.-led air strikes.

Free Syrian Army Fighters Enter Kobani To Help Battle ISIS: A small group of Syrian rebels entered Kobani from Turkey on Wednesday in a push to help Kurdish fighters there against the militants, activists and Kurdish officials said.

For Turkey and U.S. a 60-year alliance shows signs of crumbling: The increasingly hostile divergence of views between Turkey and the United States over Syria is testing the durability of their 60-year alliance, to the point where some are starting to question whether the two countries still can be considered allies at all.

150 Iraqi tribesmen opposed to ISIS found in mass grave: Islamic State militants took the men from their villages to the city of Ramadi and killed them on Wednesday night and buried them, an official in a police operations centre and another security official told Reuters.

Iraqi Forces Launch New Bid To Retake Country's Largest Refinery From ISIS: Iraqi security forces said they advanced to within 2 km (1.2 mile) of the city of Baiji on Wednesday in a new offensive to retake the country's biggest oil refinery that has been besieged since June by Islamic State militants.

Far-right rabbi shot and seriously wounded in attack in Jerusalem: While details remained confused, it appears the man was shot several times at close range outside the city’s Begin Centre by a gunman who escaped by motorcycle.

Abbas to Israel: Make peace with us and 57 other nations will follow: He called on Israeli citizens to request that the Israeli government "not miss this opportunity for peace because what surrounds us is even worse."

Israel's Netanyahu Fumes At Reportedly Being Called 'Chickens**t' By U.S. Official: Netanyahu, the official was reported to have said, is interested only in "protecting himself from political defeat ... He's got no guts."

Top Dem 'shocked' by 'chickens---' remark: "I call upon the Administration to reassert the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel, and to reaffirm that the bonds between our two countries are unbreakable. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said.

Death toll tops 200 in battle for Libya's Benghazi: At least 10 people were killed in fighting for Libya's second city Benghazi Wednesday, taking the death toll from a two-week-old government-backed counter-offensive against Islamist militia to 201.

Amnesty: Libyan militias committing war crimes: In a new report released Thursday, it accuses fighters of having complete disregard for civilian lives, saying militants have fired GRAD rockets and artillery into civilian neighborhoods. It also says "scores of civilians have been abducted by armed groups."

21 killed in Mali: France said a French soldier and about 20 Islamist militants were killed during a fierce clash in northern Mali near the Algerian border earlier in the day.

Seven soldiers, one civilian killed in eastern Ukraine: "Over the last 24 hours, we have lost seven servicemen, 11 were injured," Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told reporters

US Kills 4 People In Pakistan: : Security officials say a U.S. drone strike has killed at least four militants in Pakistan's restive tribal region near the Afghan border.

Afghanistan: 3 Taliban militants blown up by own explosives in Kandahar: According to local government officials, the incident took place around 7;00 am local time while the Taliban militants were busy planting Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Chuck Hagel issues broad military Ebola isolation order: All American troops returning from the Ebola zone in West Africa must spend 21 days in isolation, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered Wednesday.

Ebola nurse says she'll fight Maine quarantine authority: Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that Ebola nurse Kaci Hickox was "unwilling" to follow state health guidelines and that he was seeking legal authority to force her to remain quarantined at a rural home in Maine for 21 days.

California issues quarantine policy for Ebola exposure: Anyone arriving in California from an Ebola-affected area and who has had personal contact with a person infected with the deadly virus will be quarantined for 21 days, according to an order issued Wednesday by the state's public health director.

If Ebola batters US, we are not ready: Analysis: The U.S. health care apparatus is so unprepared and short on resources to deal with the deadly Ebola virus that even small clusters of cases could overwhelm parts of the system, according to an Associated Press review of readiness at hospitals and other components of the emergency medical network.

Austrian Police Detain 14-Year-Old Terror Suspect: The Austrian state prosecutor's office says a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of planning to place a bomb in a busy Viennese train station and could be charged with belonging to a terrorist organization.

FBI demands new powers to hack into computers and carry out surveillance: Agency requests rule change but civil liberties groups say ‘extremely invasive’ technique amounts to unconstitutional power grab.

Government Authority Intended for Terrorism is Used for Other Purposes: What the reports reveal? Two things: 1) there has been an enormous increase in the use of sneak and peek warrants and 2) they are rarely used for terrorism cases.

Make America Safer: Shut Down the Department of Homeland Security: Analysis: DHS, a massive department that wastes taxpayer dollars and abuses civil liberties, should be replaced

US Federal Reserve to end quantitative easing programme: Central bank’s head, Janet Yellen, confirms cessation of buying bonds in October after injection of £4.5 trillion over five years

Greenspan: Fed can’t exit without turmoil: Former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan sees concerns with the central bank stopping quantitative easing. Greenspan said he didn’t like the word “crisis” but that “turmoil” was a good substitute.

Fireworks Fly As Peter Schiff Warns "An Economy That Lives By QE, Dies By QE": Peter Schiff ventured on to CNBC to discuss the economy, the fed, and gold... among other things. Schiff rightly fears that while the Fed may well stop QE3 tomorrow, QE4 will not be too long behind it

Does This Look Like A Housing Recovery To You?: Homeownership Rate 2014We just learned that the homeownership rate in the United States has fallen to the lowest level in 19 years. But of course this is not a new trend.