11:30 pm MDT
One swallow?
Call it wishful thinking, but I've not seen James O'Brien on *Newsnight* for ages. Has the BBC seen sense and realised that by adding such a partisan figure from one part of the political spectrum to their rota of *Newsnight *presenters while* not* adding a partisan figure from the other side of the political spectrum to that same rota reeks of bias? Or has it dawned on Ian Katz that James O'Brien was allowing his biases to shine through too much that it was making it far, far too easy for bloggers like me to shoot James O'Brien-shaped fish in a *Newsnight-*shaped barrel and, t... more »
President Trumps' Speech At The Muslim Conference In Saudi Arabia -- News Rundup
*Washington Post:** Trump summons Muslim nations to confront ‘Islamic terror of all kinds’* RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Trump delivered a forceful address here Sunday summoning the Muslim world to confront “the crisis of Islamic extremism” as he seeks to present a united front against global terrorism. Speaking from Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to several of the religion’s holiest sites, Trump implored dozens of Muslim nations to join the United States against the killing of innocent people in the name of religion and the failure to take a firm and united st... more »
SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER / A PATH TO THE TRUTH THROUGH A MINEFIELD OF DECEPTION
*In a shifting sea of lies and a constant undertow of fabrications, a possible path to the truth is the selection of special counsel Robert Mueller ~ who is not only deeply respected by both parties ~ but a needed reminder that t**here would be no special counsel if Trump had not fired James Comey (allegedly after asking him to end the FBI’s investigation into Michael Flynn) and then confessed that he did so with Russia on his mind. This asks the obvious question as to which alternative universe Donald Trump actually lives ~ which is increasingly seen as a wounded state o... more »
Why Do More People Go To The Polls In Iran Than In The U.S. Nowadays?
In 2008, when Obama faced off against John McCain, turnout for an American presidential election was relatively high-- 63.7%. This past year it fell to 55%. France's voter turnout ion their presidential election earlier this month was also down-- to around 65%. Yesterday Iran voted. The voter turnout was around 70%, higher than turnout in any US election since 1900. Why is that? Well there could be a number of reasons-- some existential, but in Iran Election Day is a national holiday; people get off work to vote. (In 1860, the election that marked the end of the South's political ... more »
Saudi Arabia's King Salman Accuses Iran Of Being The Spearhead For Global Terrorism
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (right) and US President Donald Trump attend a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh (AFP Photo/BANDAR AL-JALOUD) *AFP:* *Saudi king slams Iran as 'spearhead of global terrorism'* Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Sunday accused regional rival Shiite Iran of exporting extremist Islamic movements to the world and vowed to eliminate the Islamic State group. "The Iranian regime has been the spearhead of global terrorism since the (Ayatollah Ruhollah) Khomeini revolution" in 1979, King Salman said in a speech to leaders in... more »
John McDonnell leaves a Tory minister dumbstruck after revealing his deepest secret, live on the BBC [VIDEO]
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell left a Tory minister dumbstruck, after exposing his deepest secret on the Andrew Marr Show. McDonnell and Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green were arguing about the merits of democratic, public ownership of essential services. Until McDonnell silenced Green with a secret the minister would prefer to keep off the airwaves: […] The post John McDonnell leaves a Tory minister dumbstruck after revealing his deepest secret, live on the BBC [VIDEO] appeared first on The Canary.
IS räumt Yarmouk und beordert seine Milizen nach Deir Ezzor
Damaskus, Syrien (16:20) – Die Terrormiliz IS hat sich, laut Quellen der bewaffneten Opposition, dazu entschlossen das Yarmouk Camp im Süden von Damaskus, das weitesgehend unter ihrer Kontrolle steht, zu räumen. Aktivisten der bewaffneten Opposition sprachen, in den von ihnen kontrolierten Teilen von Yarmouk, von Handlungen des IS die auf einen Abzug zur Provinz Deir […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Источник: ИГ может покинуть южные пригороды Дамаска
Боевики террористической группировки “Исламское государство” готовятся покинуть подконтрольные им территории в южных пригородах Дамаска в рамках соглашения с сирийским правительством об эвакуации. Об этом сообщают сторонники сирийской оппозиции. По их словам, в кварталах Хаджар-аль-Асуад и Ярмук распространяются слухи о том, что в течение недели боевики ИГ оставят эти районы и будут вывезены в провинцию Дейр-эз-Зор […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
US-led coalition trains future Raqqa police units to govern post-ISIS city
(ARA News) Fifty members of the Raqqa Internal Security Forces (RISF) are currently in training by the US-led coalition, a coalition spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. “The Coalition began training the first class of the RISF on May 17. This is a vetted local Syrian Arab Coalition force selected to serve as a holding force to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
CIA: Más de 15 agentes perdidos en China desde 2010, red de espionaje arruinada
La Agencia Central de Inteligencia de EE.UU. ha perdido cerca de 20 agentes e informantes en China desde 2010, informó el New York Times el sábado. No menos de 12 ellos fueron asesinadas, y una de ellas fue fusilada en el patio trasero de un edificio del gobierno ante los ojos de sus colegas. Esto […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
BREAKING: Tiger Forces liberate two sites from ISIS in eastern Aleppo CS
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:42 P.M.) – The elite Tiger Forces of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), backed up by heavy artillery and airpower, continue to purge ISIS terrorists from the countryside of eastern Aleppo, liberating more ground today en-route to the strategic town of Maskanah. The two most recent sites which have been liberated include the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS to evacuate its positions in southern Damascus: reports
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:20 P.M.) – ISIS militants are preparing to leave the districts under their control in the southern suburbs of Damascus as per an evacuation deal with the Syrian government. According to pro-rebel activists, news spread in al-Hajar al-Aswad and Yarmouk Refugee camp that within a week, ISIS fighters are leaving the area for […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS bastion almost encircled after Iraqi troops liberate five villages in western Nineveh
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:50 P.M.) – On Sunday morning, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) – by now veterans of desert warfare – continued their blitz offensive through ISIS-held territory in northwestern Iraq. Concluding a pincer manuever around Qayrawan city, the predominately Shiite PMU were able to impose full control over the villages of Ain Fathy, Sadaa […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
The dementia tax manifesto
A gaggle of protesters were trudging along by the side of the road waving hand-written placards yesterday. They nearly caused a pile-up. What was written on the cards? “Cuts to winter fuel!” “Cuts to school dinners!” “Cuts to social care!” I assume they were critics, rather than advocates, of said ‘Cuts’. Or rather, critics of the Tory manifesto. I haven’t said much about the GE to date because I’m sure any observations I might make would deviate from from the business of the BBC’s bias and end up being another general rant. Which you don’t need. However I think the political progr... more »
"One cynic told me expectations are so low if Corbyn turns up and doesn't soil himself it's a success"
Now, it's only right after the previous post to note that Mark Mardell has been getting 'complaints from both sides' today. His report on *TWTW* about Seumas Milne, Jeremy Corbyn's main spokesman, might strike some as perfectly balanced, or others as sympathetic to Mr Milne, or others still as hostile to Mr Milne. (Though a range of voices was provided - all from the Left, of course - given that the most regular charges against Seumas Milne that I've read are that he's a Stalinist with a long history of very extreme comments and that* none *of that side of his past was explored, ... more »
Donald Trump tells advisers he wants to end key Obamacare subsidies because he doesn't gain anything by continuing them.
Courtesy of Politico: *President Donald Trump has told advisers he wants to end payments of key Obamacare subsidies, a move that could send the health law's insurance markets into a tailspin, according to several sources familiar with the conversations.* *Trump told aides in a Tuesday Oval Office meeting that he wants to end the payments to insurers because he doesn't gain anything by continuing them, according to a senior White House adviser. "Why the hell would we?" he asked about continuing the payments, according to the adviser. Trump added that if Congress wants the subsidie... more »
Does Israel teach a culture of love for murder?
There is some evidence that Israel may at times be teaching, not hate, but a culture of celebratory love for murder, as per the four quotes below. << On Thursday this week (18 May 2017, an Israeli settler distributed chocolates to “celebrate” the killing of a Palestinian youth, Muataz Shamsa (23). The Israeli settler can be seen, in a video posted online, saying: “We killed a
WATCH: Dept Claims Cops ‘Did a Good Job’ Beating Father to a Pulp for Having Ecstasy
[image: drugs]A father of two was beaten, kidnapped, and locked in a cage — despite harming no one — because the state continues to fight a failed war on drugs.
Feudal Courtesans
It's been a long romance with Saudi Arabia hand-in-hand supporting terrorism Yemen Syria Libya ultimate goal take down Iran The former anti-monarchy Washington once in revolt against King George now fully in the welcoming arms of royal Riyadh head-choppers Washington talks about democracy rule of law but the imperial Americans prefer golden chains around their necks holding hands with murderous thugs the nation has come full circle leading us back to feudalism the black gold variety Bruce
Ignore Corbyn ‘supporting’ the IRA, the media are forgetting the Tory politician who was a member of it
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s alleged ‘support’ for the IRA was back on the news agenda on Sunday 21 May. But while he has repeatedly denounced the violence surrounding the Irish terrorist group, one Conservative politician was actually a member of it. Going as far as to say that the more British soldiers killed, the better. […] The post Ignore Corbyn ‘supporting’ the IRA, the media are forgetting the Tory politician who was a member of it appeared first on The Canary.
Donald Trump uses anti-terrorism speech to condemn countries fighting terrorism
In a speech directed at the wider Muslim world, Donald Trump criticised two Muslim majority nations that are on the front line against the war on terrorism. The post Donald Trump uses anti-terrorism speech to condemn countries fighting terrorism appeared first on The Duran.
Mark Mardell goes to Great Yarmouth...and chats to Ken Clarke
If *Sunday *is the most reliable Radio 4 example of 'liberal BBC bias' in action, then surely *The World This Weekend *is the most reliable Radio 4 example of 'anti-Brexit bias' in action. Thus, this - from Mark Mardell's introduction today - made me (literally) laugh out loud. Mark began by reporting that Mrs May's "aspiration for huge curbs on immigration have been called 'economically illiterate'". He then played us two vox pops: *Vox pop 1*: So we do need to reduce immigration but hopefully have the best people coming in. *Vox pop 2*: If they do put the brakes on people com... more »
Damian Green’s car crash interview on Marr reveals the true cost of the Tory manifesto for pensioners
Conservative Work and Pension Secretary Damian Green may have emerged from the BBC studios on Sunday 21 May a little dizzy, having gone several rounds with Andrew Marr. After exposing a number of holes in the Tory manifesto, the impact on proposed new social care costs for pensioners was clearer. And it is evident that the […] The post Damian Green’s car crash interview on Marr reveals the true cost of the Tory manifesto for pensioners appeared first on The Canary.
DON'T BE SO SURE THAT SHERIFF DAVID CLARKE IS GOING DOWN
I can't deny that this looks bad for David Clarke, full-time loudmouth and -- in whatever time he has left between gun-nut speeches and Fox TV appearances -- sheriff of Milwaukee County: Controversial Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, who this week announced he will be joining Donald Trump's administration as assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, plagiarized sections of his 2013 master's thesis on US security, a CNN KFile review has found. Clarke, a visible surrogate for Trump during the campaign known for his incendiary rhetoric, earned a master's degree ... more »
President Donald Trump's speech in Saudi Arabia...
*is not available yet as the live event is ongoing.* *Here ya go...* I watched it and I'm beyond impressed. And proud! It's about time we've had a real president.
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Josh Bivens notes that U.S. corporations are already paying a lower share of taxes than has historically been the case - meaning that there's no air of reality to the claim that handing them more money will produce any positive economic results. And Noah Smith writes that public infrastructure spending would do far more than tax cuts to improve economic outcomes. - Angella MacEwen discusses how NAFTA (like other trade agreements) has served largely to drive down labour and employment standards among all participants. And Michal Rozworski cou... more »
How the U.S. Army Is Using Old Artillery to Fire Hypervelocity 'Bullets'
*Kris Osborn* *Security, * An Army Howitzer is now firing a super high-speed, high-tech, electromagnetic Hyper Velocity Projectile, initially developed as a Navy weapon. *Due to its ability to reach speeds of up to 5,600 miles per hour, the hypervelocity projectile is engineered as a kinetic energy warhead, meaning no explosives are necessary. The hyper velocity projectile can travel at speeds up to 2,000 meters per second, a speed which is about three times that of most existing weapons. The rate of fire is 10-rounds per minute, developers explained at last years' briefing.* *... more »
Musings On Iraq In The News
I was quoted in “Foreign Advisers Are Turning Kurdish Soldiers Into Professionals” by Paul Iddon for War Is Boring. The Baghdad Post reprinted the Independent article on the Mosul Battle which I was interviewed for, and Al Mada, Al Ahed, Tabnak and Mihan all had an edited version of the same piece. I was also mentioned by John Moll in "Irak oglosil, ze bitwa o Mosul wkrotce dobiegnie konca" in the Polish Zmiany na Ziemi, and in "Trump revealed sensitive info to Russians; How US troops returned to Somalia; US Army's 'digital leash'; NATO military leaders' agenda; and just a bit more"... more »
Security In Iraq May 1-7, 2017
There was another record low number of security incidents in Iraq the first week of May 2017. Casualties on the other hand were about average for the year. There were just 105 incidents in Iraq from May 1-7, 2017. That was the lowest recorded total for a full week since Musings On Iraq began following security in 2014. By province there were 50 incidents in Ninewa, 22 in Baghdad, 8 in Anbar, 7 in Diyala, 6 in Salahaddin, 5 in Kirkuk, 3 in Babil and Basra each, and 1 in Dohuk. The dip in attacks was due to a drop in incidents in Ninewa. As the battle for the city is winding down t... more »
Saudi Arabia's Welcoming Of President Trump Is Also a Rejection Of President Obama's Views Of The Middle East
King Salman and President Trump, flanking the flag bearer, took part in a traditional sword dance on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Credit Stephen Crowley/The New York Times *New York Times:* *Saudis Welcome Trump’s Rebuff of Obama’s Mideast Views* RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — With trumpets blaring, cannons booming and fighter jets streaking overhead trailed by red, white and blue contrails, President Trump arrived in the scorching heat of the Arabian desert on Saturday hoping to realign the politics and diplomacy of the Middle East by forcefully reasserting American support for Sunni Muslim... more »
WATCH: Your Child ‘Belongs to the State’: Lawmakers Claim the State Owns Your Children
[image: children]A Texas bill to speed up medical exams for foster children turned into a debate over who makes decisions for your children — parents or the state.
Africa’s Auschwitz: Death Island, The Concentration Camp The West Erased From History
Most Americans are aware of the holocaust carried out by the Nazis, few know that Germany 'perfected' their concentration camps in Africa at Death Island.
Police Deaths Up This Year, But Not From War on Cops — Car Accidents and Heart Attacks
[image: deaths]Police officer deaths by violence are down in 2017, unfortunately, however, accidental deaths and deaths from health causes are up.
Ukrainian regime on verge of creating famine in Transnistria
Having failed to starve Donbass, Kiev is now attempting to starve a region that is not now and never has been part of the Republic of Ukraine. The post Ukrainian regime on verge of creating famine in Transnistria appeared first on The Duran.
North Korea launches second missile in a week
This is the second such launch since the inauguration of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The post North Korea launches second missile in a week appeared first on The Duran.
Lindsey Graham is glad they have appointed a special counsel to investigate that Russia thing, so that he can get back to investigating those pesky Clinton emails.
Courtesy of Think Progress: *Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Fox News on Thursday that now that special counsel has been appointed to investigate alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, Congress should abandon their own investigations and go back to focusing on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s emails. * *“I don’t know what caused the appointment. I haven’t seen any evidence of a crime yet. The bottom line is I respect the decision, but this pretty much shuts Congress down,” Graham said. “Democrats, you got what you wanted. You got a special counsel. Now we’... more »
Will Ukraine Change?
President Petro Poroshenko with soldiers in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine, April 2017. Mikhail Palinchak/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters Tim Judah, New York Review Of Books: *Will Ukraine Ever Change?* Denis Voronenkov, a former member of the Russian parliament, was walking out of the Premier Palace Hotel in Kiev on March 23 when he was killed in a hail of bullets. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko immediately blamed the Russian state for his murder. Voronenkov, a former supporter of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine who was accused of corruption in Russia and... more »
Boris Johnson tries to distract from the dementia tax on Peston by literally stealing the show [VIDEO]
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is not known for his subtlety. But an incident on ITV’s Peston on Sunday showed that the Tories will do whatever they can to give themselves an advantage in the general election. An unfair advantage Johnson was caught sneaking a look at host Robert Peston’s interview notes. Presumably with the intention […] The post Boris Johnson tries to distract from the dementia tax on Peston by literally stealing the show [VIDEO] appeared first on The Canary.
On Sunday
For those who subscribe to the view that Radio 4's *Sunday *represents 'liberal BBC bias' at its plainest (albeit with a religious tinge), then this morning's edition won't have come as too much of a surprise. It had: (a) a couple of liberal Catholics sniggering at what Donald Trump might tweet after meeting the Pope. (b) a gay atheist author writing about a gay Catholic poet. (c) a conference seeking to counter the "widespread perception" that Muslims and archaeology don't go together. (d) a liberal Muslim campaigning for a change in British divorce law. (e) someone complaining that... more »
The Problem with Climate Change “Science” in One Picture
co2islife at Seeing the Forest Through the Trees; Political Ideology and Federal Grants are Blinding Climate “Scientists” From Seeking the Truth – CO2 is Life - 15 hours ago
From the above chart one can conclude: Climate Change is nothing new and is the norm rather than the exception Climate Change occurred before the industrial age and was more variable and severe If man is causing the recent climate change, the results have been beneficial, not detrimental Ex-President Obama and other Climate Alarmists are completely … Continue reading "The Problem with Climate Change “Science” in One Picture"
OMG!!! How “Manspreading” and Climate Change Are Related. Peer Review Exposed as a Left-Wing Fraud
co2islife at Seeing the Forest Through the Trees; Political Ideology and Federal Grants are Blinding Climate “Scientists” From Seeking the Truth – CO2 is Life - 15 hours ago
Hilarious Peer-Reviewed Climate Hoax: “The conceptual penis as a social construct” From the “phallic climate model” department, h/t James Delingpole / Breitbart – a pair of hoaxers have demonstrated that random garbage, some of it computer generated, can pass academic peer review – providing it seems to conform to left wing social prejudices about masculinity, … Continue reading "OMG!!! How “Manspreading” and Climate Change Are Related. Peer Review Exposed as a Left-Wing Fraud"
Country Singer With Most Famous 9/11 Song, Now Playing for Country that was Behind 9/11
[image: keith]Toby Keith once sang about dropping "little bombs all over the holy land" but is now playing a concert in Saudi Arabia which Trump will attend.
Battlecarrier: The U.S. Navy's Dream of Merging a Battleship and an Aircraft Carrier
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* How amazing, or crazy, would that be? But that was just the start of their ideas to save the battleships. *The firepower of the battleships—and their destructive range—would have increased substantially. Trading one turret for 20 Harrier jets was a pretty good deal. Add the Tomahawks and their ability to strike with precision at a thousand miles and the improvements looked even better. The resulting warship would have equaled the firepower of a Nimitz-class supercarrier.* *But as before, the Iowas’ inherent inefficiencies worked against them. W... more »
Air War: America's F-15 vs. China's J-10 (Who Wins in a Shootout?)
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Asia* The F-15 is getting some big upgrades to compete. The Air Force is revving up electronic warfare upgrades for its F-15 fighter as a way to better protect against enemy fire and electronic attacks, service officials said. Boeing has secured a $478 million deal to continue work on a new technology called with a system called the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, or EPAWSS. “This allows the aircraft to identify a threat and actively prosecute that threat through avoidance, deception or jamming techniques,” Mike Gibbons, Vice Preside... more »
Exclusive: Combat Veteran Films Cops Harass & Arrest Him for ‘Pumping Gas While Black’
[image: veteran]A former Army veteran and sufferer of PTSD was arrested in Smyrna, Georgia because police mistook them for fitting the description.
China ‘dismantled entire CIA operation’; killed, jailed ‘score of CIA spies’
New York Times report confirms that between 2010 and 2012 China dismantled the entire CIA spying operation in China, jailing and executing a score of spies. The post China ‘dismantled entire CIA operation’; killed, jailed ‘score of CIA spies’ appeared first on The Duran.
John Pilger speaks out on Julian Assange and Sweden
John Pilger's analysis has Julian Assange's personal stamp of approval. The post John Pilger speaks out on Julian Assange and Sweden appeared first on The Duran.
Philippines President Duterte slams America on eve of Putin meeting
The former American colony is embracing multi-polarity. The post Philippines President Duterte slams America on eve of Putin meeting appeared first on The Duran.
Crackpot Lamar Smith Is Leading The Charge In The Republican Party's War On Science
It was a big ha, ha/LOL moment when the GOP House leaders decided to make crackpot Texas Christian Scientist Lamar Smith chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee. One Republican staffer told me "one of them" (presumably Boehner but he would;t confirm my suspicion) was "slightly drunk" and laughing so hard that he pissed in his pants and had to go change. Lamar Smith is a proud primitive when it come stop Science and uses his perch on the committee to chastise and attack scientists and to fundraise for himself by pushing anti-science dogma from, for example, polluting... more »
Schoolchildren to be allowed to eat their school books under new Tory Scheme
Children everywhere are in peril as the Conservatives launch plans to remove free school lunches. The Conservatives claim that a free breakfast is “as effective” educationally as a lunch. But even more optimistically, some are claiming that kids could get extra benefit by eating their school books. Teachers are up in arms, but breakfast mascots are […] The post Schoolchildren to be allowed to eat their school books under new Tory Scheme appeared first on The Canary.
Theresa May’s dementia tax is so vicious that even The Daily Mail is backing away from her [IMAGES]
When the Conservative manifesto was released many people were shocked by the inclusion of what’s been branded the ‘dementia tax‘. A policy which means anyone who needs care will be charged after they die if they’re worth over £100,000. A valuation which will include people’s homes as well as savings. Even if they’ve paid their way […] The post Theresa May’s dementia tax is so vicious that even The Daily Mail is backing away from her [IMAGES] appeared first on The Canary.
Untitled
*Mizzou Feeling the Effects of Appeasement* The University of Missouri is feeling the impact of its capitulation to the demands of the leftist social justice warriors. In the fall of 2015, Mizzou students started a protest spurred by Black Lives Matter thugs that disrupted the university and led to the eventual resignation of both the president and chancellor over rumors of racism. It proved to be just the beginning of many “social justice warrior” (SJW) wins on the campuses of America’s colleges and universities over the ensuing years. Fast forward to the end of this school ye... more »
"Be Happy! That's An Order!"
[image: be-happy-that-s-an-order] A World Happiness Council? Do you trust the mass-murdering miscreants running the dictators club known as the United Nations to bring you joy?
Light Sings as ONE- 528HZ - A Healing Video by Ron Shields
*Published on May 21, 2017* *Light Sings as ONE-528HZLove- The SONG of LIGHT.Peace to ALL.Music- Source Vibrations*
North Korea's Cyber Capabilities Worries The West
*Reuters:* *Exclusive: North Korea's Unit 180, the cyber warfare cell that worries the West* North Korea's main spy agency has a special cell called Unit 180 that is likely to have launched some of its most daring and successful cyber attacks, according to defectors, officials and internet security experts. North Korea has been blamed in recent years for a series of online attacks, mostly on financial networks, in the United States, South Korea and over a dozen other countries. Cyber security researchers have also said they have found technical evidence that could link North Korea... more »
U.S. To Deploy Second Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Off North Korea
The USS Ronald Reagan will join another carrier for training exercises (Rex) Stock image *Asahi Shimbun*: *U.S. to deploy 2nd carrier group off Korean Peninsula* SEOUL--As part of efforts to guard against military provocations by North Korea, the United States will deploy a second aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean Peninsula. A source with the U.S. military based in South Korea said that the USS Ronald Reagan strike group will sail to the Sea of Japan from its home port at Yokosuka Naval Base. A strike force centered on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson has been patroll... more »
"Get a Grip"
*"Get a Grip"* by Ian Welsh "Get a grip. And lower the drama. Yeah, the world system is broken, and yes, we are due for a series of catastrophes which will be apocalyptic for many. It’s already been apocalyptic for a lot of species, and there’s no cosmic calculus which says that humans are immune: The top of the food chain usually dies in great die-offs, actually. But this stuff is in the future. Today, the majority of people are substantially as well off as they were in 2015. I doubt anyone reading this is doing so from, say, Yemen. Trump is not the worst leader to ever lead a cou... more »
Musical Interlude: Patrick Bernard, “The Song of The Universal Light”
Patrick Bernard, “The Song of The Universal Light” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSpDBD95e6Y
The Poet: Matthew Arnold, "Growing Old"
*"Growing Old"* "What is it to grow old? Is it to lose the glory of the form, The lustre of the eye? Is it for beauty to forego her wreath? Yes, but not for this alone. Is it to feel our strength - Not our bloom only, but our strength - decay? Is it to feel each limb Grow stiffer, every function less exact, Each nerve more weakly strung? Yes, this, and more! but not, Ah, 'tis not what in youth we dreamed 'twould be! 'Tis not to have our life Mellowed and softened as with sunset-glow, A golden day's decline! 'Tis not to see the world As from a height, with rapt prophetic eyes, And heart p... more »
"I Cannot Believe..."
“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy." I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter and to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” - Leo C. Rosten
"Doggie (Life) Style” (Not What You're Thinking)
*"Doggie (Life) Style”* by Richard Mills "Disregard disease – Ebola, Zika and whatever else is cooking out there. Things like - rising sea levels, global shortages of fresh water, simmering religious tensions, the potential for wars over mineral resources and what a higher gold price means. Disregard financial calamity, malfunctioning governments and lying sleazebag politicians leading us down the garden path. Forget about climate change, somebody else can deal with it. Is it to be inflation, disinflation, deflation or stagflation? Will the Fed speed up its interest rate increases?... more »
Untitled
*A perfect example of Green/Left argumentation* *We see below a sustained example of "ad hominem" argument -- argument devoted entirely to discrediting an arguer rather than addressing his arguments. There is not a single solitary fact or statistic given in support of his belief that the slight temperature rise of last century was due to CO2* Tim Mannello A recent letter writer makes his case against the seriousness of the many threats of man-made climate change by providing extensive excerpts from a short blog, “Environmentalists Are Dead Wrong.” The author of that blog is Dr.... more »
CIA: More than 15 agents lost in China since 2010, spy network ruined completely
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:25 P.M.) – The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has lost about 20 agents and informants in China since 2010, New York Times reported on Saturday. No less than 12 people were killed, with one of them shot in the backyard of a government building before the eyes of his colleagues. This was allegedly […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
In pictures: Iraqi Army captures over a dozen ISIS car bombs in west Mosul
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:50 P.M.) – ISIS appears to be running low on volunteer suicide bombers in Mosul after the Iraqi Federal Police captured a large car bomb factory in the newly liberated ’17th Tammuz’ district of northwestern Mosul. Upon discovery of over a dozen ready-made fortified car bombs, these were hastily transferred to rearguard positions […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
+18 graphic: Over 20 Islamist rebels killed as suicide bombers blast Ahrar Al-Sham base in rural Idlib
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:20 P.M.) – On Sunday morning, two suicide bombers infiltrated an area controlled by Ahrar Al-Sham in eastern Idlib and detonated tons of explosives inside a military base at Tall Al-Toukan. The suicide bombers carried with them powerful homemade bombs concealed in bags and subsequently entered a camp where some 200 Ahrar Al-Sham […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army thwarts powerful ISIS attack on Deir Ezzor city
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (1:50 P.M.) – Syrian Arab Army (SAA) managed to completely repel a powerful assault launched by the so-called “Islamic State” (IS, formerly ISIL/ISIS) jihadists in Deir Ezzor city on Saturday. Militants stormed positions of government forces in eastern districts of the city, as well as in its western outskirts, trying to take advantage […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Hezbollah leader congratulates Iran’s Rouhani on presidential victory
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:25 P.M.) – Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, sent a congratulatory message to the reelected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, on Saturday. Sayyed Nasrallah wished Rouhani success in his new term, while also congratulating the Iranian people on their decision. “On the behalf of my brethren in Hezbollah […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Protesters in Venezuela set a person on fire (VIDEO)
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (12:55 P.M.) – On Saturday night, Latin American TV channel, TeleSur TV, published a raw video footage that shows a mob of anti-government protesters in Venezuela brawling with a group of people. At some point, one of the protesters throws a Molotov cocktail at a person lying on the ground, setting him on […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ВИДЕО: Крупнейшая партия боевиков покинула пригород Дамаска
В субботу пригород Дамаска Барзех покинула третья партия боевиков и членов их семей. Об этом в воскресенье утром сообщил корреспондент Al-Masdar News в Дамаске Ибрагим Джудех. По его словам, в провинцию Идлиб направились не менее 30 автобусов с 2672 пассажирами, из которых 1076 человек – боевики. По сообщениям местных СМИ, автобусы, как и во всех […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
JPMorgan’s Secret Silver Stockpile? | Lior Gantz
Published on May 20, 2017 Lior Gantz says JPMorgan, and other large banks, are running the world’s most monopolized market, the silver market. Gantz says most likely, while JPMorgan is shorting paper silver, they are hoarding the physical metal. In the next couple years, Gantz sees the price manipulation coming to an end. end
Billions Are Shorting The Market In Preparation For The Financial Apocalypse
Published on May 19, 2017 IMF & Eurozone are threatening to walk away from Greece because they want Greece to implement more austerity. UBS hints of massive auto lending fraud, which mimics the housing market fraud back in 2008. Fed’s Bullard says they just triggered the collapse of the economy and now they might lower […]
Another Missile Test From North Korea
*BBC:* *North Korea in new missile test, South says* North Korea has conducted another missile test, South Korea's military has said. The White House said the medium-range missile had a shorter range than those used in North Korea's last three tests. It comes a week after North Korea tested what it said was a new type of rocket capable of carrying a large nuclear warhead. Last Monday, the UN Security Council again demanded that Pyongyang conduct no further such tests. It stressed the importance of North Korea "immediately showing sincere commitment to denuclearisation through co... more »
The First Aircraft Carrier Air Strike: Camels vs. Zeppelins in the Tondern Raid
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Europe* The Royal Navy pushed its technology as far as it could go in the Tondern raid. Nearly a century ago during World War I, the Royal Navy launched the first air strike from an aircraft carrier ever, targeting a zeppelin base in Tondern. After dropping a cumulative bomb load that barely exceeded the weight of a single five-hundred-pound bomb carried by a typical World War II fighter, the naval strike planes all proceeded to crash in the sea or were forced to land on neutral territory. This attack actually constituted an enormous success—and rem... more »
Is Vietnam Really Planning on Bringing Back 50-Year-Old American Fighter Planes?
*Michael Peck* *Security, Asia* Or is it a ruse? Is Vietnam really planning to refurbish its fleet of fifty-year-old U.S.-made F-5 fighters captured from South Vietnam? Or is this just a Russian ploy to spur Vietnam to buy Moscow’s warplanes, amid growing speculation that Hanoi may turn to the West for aircraft? At stake are the F-5s captured in 1975 when North Vietnam’s Soviet-equipped armies conquered South Vietnam. Among the spoils of war seized by Hanoi was a vast array of U.S.-supplied tanks, artillery and rifles (including nearly a million M-16s). The finds were so great t... more »
Rachel Maddow now dominates cable news.
Courtesy of Variety: *For the first three nights of this week, Maddow’s 9 p.m. broadcast on MSNBC was the most-watched on cable-news in primetime – a position that had long been enjoyed by the 8 p.m. hour in the Fox News schedule, where O’Reilly had a roost for more than two decades,and where Tucker Carlson now holds court. * *Maddow’s recent gains are part of a viewership surge at the NBCUniversal-owned network that comes as a chaotic White House has driven viewers to MSNBC in ways the executives really haven’t seen since the days of Keith Olbermann. Last week, MSNBC’s primetime ... more »
Untitled
From Jenna Orkin The White House is preparing for the 'distant' possibility of impeachment All fossil-fuel vehicles will vanish in 8 years in twin ‘death spiral’ for big oil and big autos, says study that’s shocking the industries The doomsday vault that's supposed to store every known crop on the planet is in danger Joe Lieberman Emerges As "Frontrunner" For FBI Director Post The FBI just released 27 new photos of the Pentagon on 9/11 A Boston non-profit will pay active gang members to go to college UK Government Moves Aggressively To Censor & Control The Internet Journalists Dr... more »
A Look At How The Pentagon Manages Its Money
U.S. Navy *Washington Post:* *At the Pentagon, overpriced fuel sparks allegations — and denials — of a slush fund* The Pentagon has generated almost $6 billion over the past seven years by charging the armed forces excessive prices for fuel and has used the money — called the “bishop’s fund” by some critics — to bolster mismanaged or underfunded military programs, documents show. Since 2015, the Defense Department has tapped surpluses from its fuel accounts for $80 million to train Syrian rebels, $450 million to shore up a prescription-drug program riddled with fraud and $1.4 bill... more »
‘Unauthorized Disclosure’ Weekly Podcast: Episode 18
On this week’s episode of the “Unauthorized Disclosure” podcast, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss President Donald Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia and how ordinary Syrians view the armed opposition in Syria. They celebrate the release of Chelsea Manning. The hosts also talk about the Comey memo scandal that The post ‘Unauthorized Disclosure’ Weekly Podcast: Episode 18 appeared first on Shadowproof.
Bombs And Bucks
Yesterday, Donald Trump signed an arms deal with the Saudis. The deal includes “tanks and helicopters for border security, ships for coastal security, intelligence-gathering aircraft, a missile-defense radar system, and cybersecurity tools,” reports ABC News. Alex Ward writes that "it forms part of a 10-year, $350 billion agreement in a “strategic vision” between the two countries, reports the Washington Post," and it puts bucks ahead of human rights. Barack Obama offered an even bigger deal to the Saudis back in September. And Justin Trudeau, of course, sold war wagons to the Hou... more »
TRUMP; SAUDI ARABIA; BIN SALMAN; BIN NAYEF; SYRIA; ISIS
*King Salman (right) "who fathered a child named Abdullah whose mother was a former slave girl of African origin. Salman had Abdullah murdered in the 1980s in order to avoid the scandal." [88]* On 26 April 2017, David Hearst, Editor in Chief of Middle East Eye, wrote about a possible change of leadership in Saudi Arabia. Is Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia going to lead to the eventual removal of King Salman by Trump's friends? Mike Pence made an interesting visit which could lead to a coup. *King Salman, Crown Prince bin Nayef and Deputy Crown Prince bin Salman (right) walk in fron... more »
Here’s how the American left are about to follow Hitler
By preaching open hatred against a foreign group, the radical American liberal-left seek unity through racism rather than through the promises of progress, peace and prosperity The post Here’s how the American left are about to follow Hitler appeared first on The Duran.
Theresa May might have gone too far, as Tory voters desert the party in droves [VIDEO]
Given Tory voters are deserting the party in droves, Theresa May might have gone too far in her Conservative manifesto. Dubbed the ‘dementia tax’, the Tories will make old people pay for their own social care. Jeremy Corbyn said that May is taking her core pensioner vote for “granted”, rather than providing a robust, universal healthcare […] The post Theresa May might have gone too far, as Tory voters desert the party in droves [VIDEO] appeared first on The Canary.
It’s obvious why the media isn’t reporting John Cleese’s extraordinary takedown of Theresa May
It’s pretty obvious why the media isn’t reporting John Cleese’s extraordinary takedown of Theresa May. Cleese accused the sitting Prime Minister of being in “cahoots” with the press. In a scathing attack on May, the co-founder of Monty Python called out media ownership in Britain: No,but 80% is owned by three different lots of billionaires,with […] The post It’s obvious why the media isn’t reporting John Cleese’s extraordinary takedown of Theresa May appeared first on The Canary.
Former Veep Wu Den-yih elected KMT Chairman
*Dom ponders a gorgeous old Camphor tree in the village of Shuangchi near Dongshih.* Wu Den-yih wins KMT Chair election. Former vice president Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) yesterday became the new Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman after securing more than 140,000 votes of the 272,682 cast in the election. Hau did not make an announcement and pledged support for the KMT's effort get NPP head Huang Guo-chang recalled. Huang is in a seat that the KMT could win in a by-election. Wu immediately stated that if elected President in 2020 he would abide by the 1992 Consensus. Beijing sent him ... more »
Summer of riots kicks off in USA with “March for Truth” 70-city protest against Trump and Russia
America is preparing for a soft coup, with riots ramping up this summer. The post Summer of riots kicks off in USA with “March for Truth” 70-city protest against Trump and Russia appeared first on The Duran.
President Trump signs $380 Billion in business deals with Saudi Arabia (Video)
Trump makes Saudi Arabia great again. The post President Trump signs $380 Billion in business deals with Saudi Arabia (Video) appeared first on The Duran.
In a nutshell.
Yep, it is not the information that is disturbing to the Republicans, but rather who leaked it to the press.
When Grandparents Visit With Autism
Kim's Dad with Bella in 2010 By Cathy Jameson My parents bless us in so many ways. From spiritual support in the form of prayers, to physical support when they visit, I appreciate every single thought, prayer, and extra hand...
Have the Corbynistas cowed Andrew Marr?
This morning's *The Andrew Marr Show *was certainly lively. The paper review was unusually jolly, with Miranda Green, Amanda Platell and Paul Mason. Amanda Platell does seem to become especially perky when leather-jacketed leftists are on the sofa with her, even when they aren't actually wearing leather jackets. (Remember her steamy *Marr Show *encounter with Yanis Varouvakis?). And Paul Mason appears much happier now that he's on the BBC now even more than he was when he actually worked for the BBC (or so it seems). Paul Mason looked particularly happy with, in a very strange mo... more »
With Reuters on the job, who needs Xinhua?
*Just a lovely day in the hills around Taichung* Jenna ripped Reuters this week for publishing another hallucinogenic article on Taiwan. Jenna nailed two common problems... *Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is signaling she needs more give and take from China to rein in hardliners on an island China considers its own, officials say, but Beijing is unlikely to budge months before its five-yearly Communist Party Congress.* "Hardliners"? Wanting your country which is already independent to continue to be that way without the threat of war is not a hard-line stance. Not that many of us ... more »
"Me"
*"Me"* Author Unknown "I am the only "me" I've got. I am unique. There are two major parts of me. There is the inside "me" and the outside "me". The outside "me" is what you see. The way I act, the image I portray, the way I look and the things I do. The outside "me" is very important. It is my messenger to the world and much of my outside me is what communicates with you. I value what I have done, the way I look, and what I share with you. The inside "me" knows all my feelings, my secret ideas, and my many hopes and dreams. Sometimes I let you know a little bit about the inside "m... more »
"The Genius Of You Americans..."
*The World According To America* “The genius of you Americans is that you never make clear-cut stupid moves, only complicated stupid moves which make us wonder at the possibility that there may be something to them we are missing.” - Gamel Nasser
Sunday Sermonette (Dragging the Sack)
A Plea for Social Justice *Our Annual Drive* A lot of blogs out there have "tip jars" or advertising that is placed to allow you to contribute to the blog to 'keep it going'. I don't really need the money - myself - but I thought that since this is the Sunday Sermonette, I could 'drag the sack' for some charities *that you could believe in*. Sometimes you just don't know where to send your money. I'm going to solve that for you here and now because that's what the staff at Virtual Mirage does. We say that income redistribution should begin here. *A New Cause* For progressives, th... more »
На юг Сирии переброшены подразделения ВС РФ
На этой неделе, сразу после атаки ВВС США на конвой проправительственных сил, на юг Сирии в провинцию Сувейда прибыли подразделения ВДВ и ССО РФ. Об этом ночью агентству Al-Masdar News сообщил источник в Вооружённых Силах САР. Российские военнослужащие будут выполнять функции военных советников, а также помогут правительственным войскам Сирии предотвратить любую повторную агрессию со стороны […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Largest batch of rebels depart from Barzeh District in Damascus: video
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:20 A.M.) – The third batch of Barzeh rebels and their families have exited this large district in Damascus, Saturday, Al-Masdar’s Ibrahim Joudeh reported from the capital city today. According to Joudeh, at least 30 buses consisting of 2,672 people, including 1,076 rebels, departed from the Barzeh District of Damascus for the Idlib […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Jihadist attempt to advance into western Sweida ends in complete failure
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:40 A.M.) – The jihadist rebels of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and Free Syrian Army (FSA) launched a surprise attack along the Sweida-Daraa axis, Saturday, targeting the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) defenses near the historical town of Busra Al-Sham. Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and their rebel allies attempted to advance into the southwestern countryside of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Two suspected terrorists arrested by Lebanese security forces
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:10 A.M.) – Two suspected terrorists were arrested by the Lebanese security forces in the Beqa’a Governorate, the National News Agency (NNA) reported on Saturday. “As part of their intensive follow-up on terrorist suspects, the Internal Security Forces arrested a Lebanese citizen and a Syrian national for their association with al-Nusra Front and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Hezbollah, Iraqi forces poised to help Syrian Army capture Baghdad-Damascus Highway
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:10 A.M.) – Over the course of ten days, hundreds of Hezbollah and Iraqi paramilitary fighters have poured into the southeastern countryside of Damascus, taking up positions alongside the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies. The Iraqi paramilitaries, comprised of fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units (Hashd Al-Sha’abi), greatly outnumber the Hezbollah […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Russian forces arrive in southern Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:30 A.M.) – Russian paratroopers and special forces arrived in the Al-Sweida Governorate of southern Syria this week, following the U.S. attack on a pro-government convoy near the Iraqi border-crossing, a military source told Al-Masdar News last night. The Russian military personnel will take the role of advising the Syrian government troops in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Trump gets his groove on in traditional Saudi sword dance
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:50 A.M.) – US President Donald Trump was spotted enjoying himself with dancers in a traditional Saudi sword ‘Ardha’ performance, Saturday, on his first overseas visit as president to Riyadh. Earlier in the day, Trump was decorated with the kingdom’s top civilian honour after a warm reception by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
EURCZK: the distortions of the market may fade away now
About two weeks ago, my broker (similarly to at least some others) increased the margin requirements for CZK-based pairs by a factor of 20 – the justifiable reasons seem non-existent to me. It was the 4th annoying shocking change of the rules (and the most far-reaching one) so I decided that it was no longer usable and closed my position – and extracted all the money – with a nontrivial but modest 50% return on the money I reserved for that account. The plan was at least 300% – and even by this point, I could have easily achieved 200% if I were a little bit less cowardly. I am not ... more »
Callers Threaten Texas Lawmaker Who Seeks Trump Impeachment
Al Green, a black Texas congressman, said that he's been threatened with lynching by callers infuriated over him seeking impeachment of President Trump.
'Penises Cause Climate Change'; Progressives Fooled by Peer-Reviewed Hoax Study per Breitbart
'Destructive, unsustainable hegemonically male approaches to pressing environmental policy and action are the predictable results of a raping of nature by a male-dominated mindset. This mindset is best captured by recognizing the role of [sic] the conceptual penis holds over masculine psychology. When it is applied to our natural environment, especially virgin environments that can be cheaply despoiled for their material resources and left dilapidated and diminished when our patriarchal approaches to economic gain have stolen their inherent worth, the extrapolation of the rape cul... more »
Tweet For Today
Over 200,000 take to streets of Venezuela in protest against Maduro government and over food, medicine shortages https://t.co/U1IWJZ1qVU pic.twitter.com/SgQFrcclkG — AFP news agency (@AFP) May 21, 2017
How Can You Have “Certainty” When So Many Factors are “Unknown?”
co2islife at Seeing the Forest Through the Trees; Political Ideology and Federal Grants are Blinding Climate “Scientists” From Seeking the Truth – CO2 is Life - 1 day ago
Dr. Curry has an interesting post today regarding the “UnCertainty Monster.” Climate Alarmists speak of levels of “certainty” that are simply unsustainable in uncontrolled experiments and “sciences” that are unsupported by experimentation. Weather forecasters can’t predict the weather 5 days out with any accuracy, yet climate “scientists” speak in terms of 95%+ certainty about changes … Continue reading "How Can You Have “Certainty” When So Many Factors are “Unknown?”"
Last militants leave Al-Wa’er District in Homs: video
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:00 A.M.) – Some 300 anti-government fighters and their families rejecting the reconciliation agreement boarded buses in Homs’ al-Waer neighbourhood, bound for Idlib and Jarablus, Saturday, in the final phase of a transfer deal, aimed at reducing fighting in the area. Militants carrying their weapons and personal belonging were seen approaching the buses […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
VIDEO: Iraqi units open fire on hostile US jets operating inside Syrian desert
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (5:20 A.M.) – Footage emerged on Saturday of Iraqi pro-government fighters using anti-aircraft weaponry to shoot at US coalition jets near the Al-Tanf border crossing in eastern Homs. The amateur video was published by a fighter of the Badr Movement, an Iraqi contingent which operates alongside the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Syrian Social […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
In pictures: US Army convoy transports weapons, vehicles to Kurdish forces in rural Raqqa
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:45 A.M.) – On Saturday, a new batch of armaments and military vehicles traveled through Kurdish-held northern Syria en route to the Raqqa frontier where Kurdish forward units are just four kilometers from the Islamic State capital. The convoy was spearheaded by US Humvees and traveled from Iraq through the city of Qamishli […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Islamist rebel group joins Al-Qaeda franchise in Syria
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:00 A.M.) – On Saturday, the renown Abu Omarah Regiment announced it would merge with Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), an Al-Qaeda affiliated group known to be the largest insurgent faction in Syria. The Abu Omarah Regiment – a prominent faction in the Fatah Halab operations room – rose to fame in the battle […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army soldier defects to ISIS in Deir Ezzor
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:30 A.M.) – On Sunday, a conscript of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) decided to turn himself in to ISIS officials in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, Amaq Agency claimed. The ISIS-linked outlet did not specify whether the soldier surrendered himself for ideological reasons or due to a dire situation around Deir […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Unrest In Venezuela -- News Updates May 20, 2017
*The Guardian:* *Venezuela: 50th day of protests brings central Caracas to a standstill* *Venezuelans take to the streets, furious about shortages, rocketing inflation and human rights crackdowns, demanding President Maduro hold elections* Masses of protesters with white shirts, homemade gas masks and flags draped around their shoulders shut down a main road in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in a continuation of near-daily street protests. Soldiers closed access to the centre of the city and officials closed at least 10 metro stations in anticipation of Saturday’s protest, whic... more »
If You See The Word "Laughingstock" In A Headline, Do You Immediately Know Who The Story Is About?
Four months into his term and just 34% of Americans say Señor Trumpanzee has the judgement to be president. Before taking him on his trip abroad, his aides staged an intervention in the hope of getting him to behave well-- at least on twitter. They told El Señor he's painting himself into a corner legally and politically with his psychotic stream of consciousness tweet storms. He's supposedly promising to restrain himself and act like an adult. Meanwhile, for his meeting with NATO officials next Thursday it has been decided to keep all presentations very simple and short with plent... more »
And The Winner Of The 2017 Pulitzer Prize For Journalism Goes To...
*Hat tip:* Zero Hedge. *WNU Editor:* I cannot resist .... but here is another one from Zero Hedge .... *Journalists Drink Too Much, Are Dumber Than Average, Study Finds* (Zero Hedge). Over the years I have gotten to know a journalist or two .... and it is true .... we always ended up talking in a bar .... and I was the one who got stuck with the bill. Hmmmm .... getting stuck with the bill .... maybe journalists are not that dumb. :)
Important National Conference in Virginia
I plan on attending this event in June that will be held in Richmond. UNAC conferences bring together many elements of the peace and social justice movements that rarely are found together. Great speakers and movement leaders. Check it out *here*
CNN Anonymous Source: Former FBI Director Comey Now Believes President Trump Was Trying To Influence Him
*CNN:* *First on CNN: Comey now believes Trump was trying to influence him, source says* Former FBI Director James Comey now believes that President Donald Trump was trying to influence his judgment about the Russia probe, a person familiar with his thinking says, but whether that influence amounts to obstruction of justice remains an open question. "You have to have intent in order to obstruct justice in the criminal sense," the source said, adding that "intent is hard to prove." Comey will testify publicly before the Senate intelligence committee after Memorial Day, the panel's... more »
Editor's Note To All Readers. If Someone Uses A VIP's Name Falsely In The Comments Thread .... It Will Be Deleted
*WNU Editor*: Here is an edited version of a comment that I posted about an hour ago .... I am always careful on what I post .... but I never worry about what I post. The reason why is simple. I have no interest in stirring up people's emotions .... I post what I find interesting in the news, I treat the news and people's opinions with respect and consideration .... and when I disagree with what I am reading .... I also make that very clear .... and I do so in a very professional matter. As long time readers of this blog .... I have never used foul language nor have I ever insulted ... more »
German Anti-Nuclear Activist Jailed for Blocking Train Carrying Radioactive Waste Through Densely Populated Areas
“Without informing the local population, similar trains full of radioactive material are secretly passing through densely inhabited areas every four … Continue reading →
Could D-Day Have Happened One Year Earlier?
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* For decades historians have debated whether the Allies could have mounted a successful invasion of Western Europe in 1943. On June 6, 1944, the Allies unleashed on land, air, and sea the largest invasion force in world history in an enormous effort to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny. Code-named Operation Overlord, the invasion consisted of five divisions, more than 7,000 ships and landing craft, and 195,000 naval personnel from eight countries. The massive invasion of the European continent included 133,000 troops from the United Stat... more »
Why America Shouldn't Buy North Korea's Empty Threats
*Robert E Kelly* *Security, Asia* [image: A Republic of Korea Airman during ROK/U.S. Combined Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Field Training Exercise. Flickr/Department of Defense] Firing short- and medium-range rockets into the Sea of Japan is hardly evidence Pyongyang can strike the Western Hemisphere. North Korea claimed to test an intercontinental ballistic missile this week, and Western alarmism over the rogue state kicked into overdrive once again. It is true that North Korea is marching toward an intercontinental ballistic missile. The North Koreans have h... more »
The Fighter Plane That Terrorized Great Britain During the Falklands War Is Back
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Americas* The naval attack plane may have flown its last mission for France, but it looks set to serve many more years in the South American country where it made its reputation. Just one year after France retired its last Super Étendard carrier-based strike planes from service, it was announced this week that Argentina would purchase six of the retired warplanes. The Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard has always been more distinguished by its armaments and technical capabilities than by its performance specifications. While it ably served France in si... more »
India vs. Pakistan: Which Army Would Win?
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* And would it go nuclear? The Indian subcontinent is home to two of the largest armies on Earth. Not only are the armies of India and Pakistan both larger in personnel than the U.S. Army, but they have stood at alert facing one another since the dissolution of the British Indian Army in 1947. The two armies have clashed four times in the past seventy years, and may yet do so again in the future. The Indian army is the primary land force of the Indian armed forces. The army numbers 1.2 million active duty personnel and 990,000 reservists, for a tot... more »
Graf Zeppelin: Nazi Germany's Forgotten Aircraft Carrier
*Robert Farley* *Security, Europe* Could it have turned the tide? From the first days of his ascension to power, Adolf Hitler planned to rebuild the Kriegsmarine into a world-class navy. Most of the world’s other major fleets included aircraft carriers, and so German naval authorities soon determined that the Reich would also require carriers. Germany laid down its first carrier in December 1936, and launched the *Graf Zeppelin* two years later. It would never enter service, however: disputes between the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe would delay the development of an air group,... more »
X 22 Report, “Harley Schlanger: Trump's Secret Plan For America & Why The Deep State Is Trying To Stop It”
X 22 Report, “Harley Schlanger: Trump's Secret Plan For America & Why The Deep State Is Trying To Stop It” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQlZNkPRbcU&t=25s
Musical Interlude: Alan Parsons Project, "Ammonia Avenue"
Alan Parsons Project, "Ammonia Avenue" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76fRSEfA2I4
Paulo Coelho, “Accepting The Fight”
*“Accepting The Fight”* by Paulo Coelho “If someone confronts you over ideas or ideals, step up and accept the fight, because conflict is present in every moment of our lives and sometimes it needs to show itself in the broad light of day. But do not fight in order to prove that you are right or to impose your ideas or ideals on someone else. Only accept the fight as a way of keeping your spirit clean and your will spotless. When the fight is over, both sides will emerge as winners, because they tested their limitations and their abilities. Since both respect the courage and determ... more »
North Korea Does Not Need Nuclear Weapons To Unleash Massive Damage
North Korea tests a strategic submarine ballistic missile. KCNA/File Photo via Reuters *ABC News Online:* *How much damage could North Korea unleash even without nuclear weapons?* There's been a lot of focus on North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and specifically, its hopes of developing a missile that could deliver a nuclear strike on the United States. But what can be lost in the discussion of the country's recent missile tests is the vast military capabilities the country already has. This morning, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said any military solution to the North Korea cris... more »
Was Dana Rohrabacher Outed As A Russian Spy? Well, Not Exactly But...
Dana Rohrabacher's Orange County district is the reddest in what is now purple Orange County. It stretches along the coast from Seal Beach, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach through Costa Mesa and Newport Beach to Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. Romney had beaten Obama handily there-- 54.7% to 43.0%-- but last year Hillary edged Trump-- 47.9% to 46.2%. That's a pretty narrow margin to hang too many hopes on for a seat flip. It's it's not the only hope Democrats are counting. The other is Rohrabacher himself. He's a crackpot and it'd finally catching up with him. *... more »
Donald Trump travels to Saudi Arabia, makes huge arms deal, and tries to forget that he may be impeached when he gets back to the US.
President Trump, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson swayed along with traditional dancers in Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/HAf6RroaDe — Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 20, 2017 Old white men dancing without any rhythm, no wonder they hate us in the Middle East. Courtesy of WaPo: *President Trump made a splashy debut on the world stage here Saturday, ushering in a new era in U.S.-Saudi Arabian relations by signing a joint “strategic vision” that includes $110 billion in American arms sales and other new investments that the administration sa... more »
Leadership 2017 Links
The latest from the federal NDP's leadership campaign... - I'll start by specifically pointing out NDPLeaderVote as an excellent resource for news as it develops. Because it's largely tracking what's happening in the media and on candidates' announcements, I won't be using these links posts to do the same to the same extent for the duration of the campaign. - The big news is obviously Jagmeet Singh's public announcement that he's joining the race - with a launch that included what seems to be the largest show of support for any candidate so far. And the media also seems to be payin... more »
"A Look to the Heavens"
“Drifting through the one-horned constellation Monoceros, these dusty streamers and new born stars are part of the active Monoceros R2 star-forming region, embedded in a giant molecular cloud. The cosmic scene was recorded by the VISTA survey telescope in near-infrared light. Visible light images show dusty NGC 2170, seen here just right of center, as a complex of bluish reflection nebulae. *Click image for larger size.* But this penetrating near-infrared view reveals telltale signs of ongoing star formation and massive young stars otherwise hidden by the dust. Energetic winds and r... more »
"Willingness to Feel: Opening to Understanding"
*"Willingness to Feel: Opening to Understanding"* by Madisyn Taylor, The DailyOM "When we are resisting something based on a limited understanding, we must then open ourselves to willingness. There are times when we may find ourselves struggling or even fighting with our thoughts and emotions. We may feel that something must be done in a certain way or not at all, or there may be some other situation that feels absolutely black and white. But life is not this way - it’s the way we are looking at our experiences that is causing the turmoil within us. When we become aware that the st... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Schifferstadt, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Thanks for stopping by!
China Crippled CIA Operations By Killing Or Imprisoning 20 Spies
*New York Times: **Killing C.I.A. Informants, China Crippled U.S. Spying Operations* WASHINGTON — The Chinese government systematically dismantled C.I.A. spying operations in the country starting in 2010, killing or imprisoning more than a dozen sources over two years and crippling intelligence gathering there for years afterward. Current and former American officials described the intelligence breach as one of the worst in decades. It set off a scramble in Washington’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies to contain the fallout, but investigators were bitterly divided over t... more »
Suriye ordusu, doğu Halep kırsalında ilerlemeye devam ediyor (Harita)
Suriye ordusu, Halep’in doğu kırsalında yer alan Meskene düzlüklerinde Irak-Şam İslam Devleti (IŞİD)’e ait savunma hatlarını hedef alan operasyonlarına devam ediyor. Kaplan Güçleri öncülüğündeki ordu birlikleri, Meskene düzlüklerinin kuzey kısmına yönelik başlattığı operasyonlar çerçevesinde Tel Hasan tren istasyonundaki IŞİD mevzilerine bir dizi saldırı gerçekleştirdi. Operasyonlar başladıktan saatler sonra ordu birlikleri, şeker fabrikasını çevreleyen tarım arazilerinde kontrolü […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
In pictures: Saudi troops set alight by Houthi ambush on convoy inside Saudi Arabia
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (1:00 A.M.) – Nearly a dozen Saudi military vehicles were obliterated by a coordinated ambush conducted by Yemeni insurgents on Saturday. Drone footage shows the exact moment the Saudi convoy was blown up by the Houthi-led Popular Committees whom used remotely detonated bombs to devastating effect on a road in the southwestern Saudi […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Trump signs 350 billion dollar weapons deal with Saudi Arabia
(RUSSIA TODAY) In his first overseas trip as president, Donald Trump sealed an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth $350 billion over 10 years, with nearly $110 billion to take effect immediately. The agreement is said to bolster security “in the face of Iranian threats.” “This package of defense equipment and services supports the long-term […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
IŞİD, çocuklardan oluşan birlikler kurdu
Suriye ve Irak’ta nihai yenilgiyle karşı karşıya olan terör örgütü IŞİD, ”Halifeliğin Yavruları” adlı yeni bir propaganda videosu yayınladı. Yayınlanan propaganda videosunda; gönüllü alım merkezleri, eğitim kamplarının yanı sıra çocuklardan oluşan bir birlikte yer alıyor.Kafası yıkanan çocukların şeker, para, eğlenceli oyunlar ve diğer eğlencelerle silahlı birer cihatçı haline getirildiği görülüyor. Savaş boyunca tecrübeli militanlarının […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army advances deeper into ISIL’s east Aleppo heartland: map
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:40 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their offensive operations in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, Saturday, targeting the Islamic State’s (ISIL) defenses around the Maskanah Plain. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army launched a new attack inside the northern part of the Maskanah Plain, striking the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Turkish vetted forces capture and beat up three Syrian soldiers in northern Aleppo
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (10:45 P.M.) – On Saturday evening, Turkmen fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) captured three Syrian government troops on the southern outskirts of Al-Bab in rural Aleppo. In a photo uploaded online by a Turkish-backed FSA group, the soldiers were visible bruised after being taken captive. The rebel faction did not specify […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
"However Improbable..."
"When you've eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "Sherlock Holmes"
Sitka woman makes dress from 20,000 salmon bones
“Salmon connect us all. They are in our waters, on the beach, in our forests, in our freezers. Salmon are a part of who we are,” Gibson said. With patience and confidence, Gibson slowly built a dress from 20,000 salmon bones. “I’ve always been fascinated with the natural world,” Gibson said. On her belly as a child, she would examine the delicate joints on blades of grass — dismantling them, weaving them, inspecting them. In nature, she discovered her passion for art and sought inspiration there. “There’s so much outside that is used in regular art today, and we don’t always recog... more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- May 20, 2017
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a reception ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2017.Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS *Tobin Harshaw, Bloomberg:* *Trump Hits the Road. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?* A Q-and-A with former national security aide Loren DeJonge Schulman, who went on lots of bumpy adventures with Barack Obama. President Donald Trump is off to the Middle East, Brussels and Sicily -- not to mention a quick chat with Pope Francis. Especially for man who has made p... more »
The Doomsday Vault is NOT Flooded - AGW Cult Glossolalia
*This is getting ridiculous- The constant overwrought dramatics. The claim of the flooded doomsday vault is more glossolalia , always accompanied by hysteria, that leaves the sane questioning, coherent thinker wanting something tangible. Something factual. Something understandable!* *First from the Guardian - Arctic Stronghold of Worlds Seeds Flood after Permafrost Melts* *OMG the Doomsday Vault is DOOMED- Hysterical enough for you?* *This type of spin follows a very predictable pattern of screaming headlines then later quiet clarifications-** You can see this type of manipulatio... more »
The Russian Obsession Goes Back Decades
[image: undefined] Just consider the accusations that have been leveled at the president: 1. He has betrayed the Constitution, which he swore to uphold. 2. He has committed treason by befriending Russia and other enemies of America. 3. He has subjugated America’s interests to Moscow. 4. He has been caught in fantastic lies to the American people, including personal ones, like his previous marriage and divorce. President Donald Trump? No, President John F. Kennedy. What lots of Americans don’t realize, because it was kept secret from them for so long, is that wh... more »
What is the Dementia Tax?
On page 67 of the Conservative Party manifesto (analysis here), Theresa May's "team" announces a significant shift in the way elderly care is going to be paid for. Their plans have generated a great deal of controversy which, combined with means testing for winter fuel payments and ending the triple lock on pensions, moves the Tories away from protecting pensioners from the squeeze they unnecessarily put on public finances to one where they're going to have to also pay. It has proven hugely controversial. Some Conservatives are very unhappy with it, and you can bet this view is shar... more »
James Comey now believes that Donald Trump was trying to influence his investigation into collusion with Russia.
Courtesy of CNN: *Former FBI Director James Comey now believes that President Donald Trump was trying to influence his judgment about the Russia probe, a person familiar with his thinking says, but whether that influence amounts to obstruction of justice remains an open question. * *"You have to have intent in order to obstruct justice in the criminal sense," the source said, adding that "intent is hard to prove." * *Comey will testify publicly before the Senate intelligence committee after Memorial Day, the panel's leaders announced Friday. * *The central question at that blockb... more »
World News Briefs -- May 20, 2017
The Guardian: *Saudi leaders hail Trump visit as ‘reset of regional order’* *Saudi officials claim US president’s visit, which was accompanied by military deals worth $110bn, eases tensions between two nations* Donald Trump received a glittering welcome from leaders in Saudi Arabia on the first day of his first international tour, as the two countries agreed a series of military deals worth nearly $110bn (£85bn). The US president’s decision to make the Saudi capital his first foreign call was seized on by senior Saudi officials as a symbol that Washington aimed to be once again a ... more »
Photo of the Week: Caspian Tern With Fishhook In Wing
Check out this beautiful Caspian Tern, photographed by Alex Viduetsky from the oceanic jetty in Playa Del Rey, California. Now look closer and you’ll see what Alex also saw: “Unexpectedly, a Caspian Tern with a fishhook in its right wing flew above my head. It made me think how many birds are getting hooked and how […]
Rare and awesome footage of a Canada lynx vocalizing in the wild
*Forget what the Fox Says – the real mystery of the forest is what the lynx says.* In a trail cam video captured by Swan Valley Connections, a conservation and education organization based in Montana, a rare lynx walked into view and stood for a moment. Then the beautiful creature made a noise that we can’t say we’ve ever heard before… This footage was captured this winter as Swan Valley Connections, the Blackfoot Challenge, and the Forest Service work together to monitor rare carnivores for the Southwestern Crown Collaborative. Social System and Communication: Solitary, except ... more »
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