11:55 pm MDT
President Trump's Lawyer: 'The President Is Not Under Investigation For Obstruction'
*Washington Post*: *Trump lawyer: The president is not under investigation for obstruction* A member of President Trump’s legal team said Sunday that Trump is not under investigation by the special counsel, an assessment at odds with a Washington Post report last week and seemingly with a tweet by Trump himself on Friday. “Let me be very clear here, as it has been since the beginning, the president is not and has not been under investigation for obstruction,” lawyer Jay Sekulow said on “Meet the Press.” The Post reported last week that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who... more »
Propaganda video published by Ahrar Al-Sham shows their military camp in central Syria
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (7:20 P.M.) – Syrian islamist movement, Ahrar Al-Sham, published a 12-minute-long video footage taken in the military camp in northern Homs countryside. Video shows militants involved in the intensive physical and combat training, including close combat practice, knife fighting, storming operations, defensive warfare, et cetera: In addition to that, video demonstrates jihadists practicing […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army reaches outskirts of ISIL’s west Raqqa stronghold
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:15 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continued their offensive in the western countryside of Al-Raqqa this afternoon, striking the Islamic State’s positions at the village of Al-‘Aysawi. Led by their Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army liberated Al-‘Aysawi earlier this afternoon, following a short firefight with the Islamic State (ISIL) forces […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army, Iraqi forces meet for first time at border
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (Hashd Al-Sha’abi) met for the first time at a border-crossing for the first time in several years. Footage released by Al-‘Alam on Sunday shows the Syrian Arab Army and Popular Mobilization Units meeting at an Iraqi border-crossing near the town […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army overruns ISIS in Deir Ezzor, seizes vehicle
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4: 30 P.M.) – Clashes continue to rip through the eastern city of Deir Ezzor as the Syrian Army managed to foil waves of massive attacks launched by the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The Syrian Army troops conducted a daring behind-the-enemy-lines operation to the west of the city’s airbase whereby they pulled back a […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Russia SLAMS Trump’s Cuba policy
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Cuba and cautioned against a return to "Cold War rhetoric". The post Russia SLAMS Trump’s Cuba policy appeared first on The Duran.
Can Progressives Make The Democratic Party Worthwhile?
*From the corrupt, corporate, anti-Bernie wing of the Democratic Party* As I reiterated yesterday, despite Bernie’s backing for Tom Perriello in Virginia, Perriello’s loss was no blow to progressivism. During his single term in Congress, Perriello proved himself to be a careerist hack with just a worthless patina of fake progressivism and, a dishonest and untrustworthy politician. On Friday Shaun King, in an insightful essay on why progressives and liberals continue to feel like unwelcome guests in the Democratic Party, sited Perriello’s loss as a loss for the movement. He’s correct... more »
Trump attorney now claims that he is not under investigation by the Special Counsel, after his boss admitted he was. Update!
Jay SekulowCourtesy of Politico: *President Donald Trump is not under investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, a member of his legal team said Sunday morning. * *"The president is not under investigation by the special counsel," Jay Sekulow, a member of President Trump’s legal team, told “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd. He also made similar comments to Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union."* Well this is odd since on Friday Trump tweeted this: I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt — Dona... more »
Putin "Stones" the West - Epilogue
*Russian President Vladimir Putin with* *US Movie Director Oliver Stone* I received some (few) negative comments on my *four part review of Oliver Stone's Documentary*, released on "Showtime" last week. I was accused of being a "Putin Lover". I guess that's what passes for reasoned criticism these days. I was going to write a "Prologue" to the series anyway, summing up what I learned or didn't learn...when along comes this excellent summing up of Putin from Oliver Stone himself. From *Fort Russ News* we have this short report on an interview with Oliver Stone: One of the main ... more »
How To Kill a Whole Lot of People: Scripps Scientists Publish How They Made H7N9 Virus More Transmissible
By Janet Phelan In 2014, a moratorium was placed on federally funded research which involved making flu viruses more lethal. The moratorium was placed after... more »
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- June 18, 2017
REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA *Julian Borger, The Guardian:* *‘The war after Isis’: has Trump opened the door to conflict with Iran?* As US forces strike Syrian militias backed by Tehran, many fear delegation to the Pentagon and the looming defeat of the Islamic State could fuel a fiercer fire US forces have opened fire on Iranian-backed forces in Syria three times in the past month, amid mounting tensions that observers and former officials worry could easily turn into an unplanned, spiralling conflict. The three recent incidents took place at al-Tanf, a remote desert outpost nea... more »
Jim Marrs is Gravely Ill
There was sad news yesterday. In my conversation with Stephen Bassett, he mentioned that Jim Marrs was gravely ill. He is dealing with dialysis at home, which is not a pleasant experience and is suggestive of a very bad situation. We should all hope for the best outcome for him.
World News Briefs -- June 18, 2017
Smoke billows from the Islamic State militants positions after an artillery attack by the Iraqi soldiers in western Mosul, Iraq June 18, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro *Reuters*: *Iraqi forces storm Old City of Islamic State-held Mosul, U.S. reports progress* Iraqi forces began storming the Islamic State-held Old City of Mosul on Sunday, an assault they hope will be the last in the eight-month campaign to seize the militants' stronghold. The historic district is the last still under control of the militants in the city, which used to be the Iraqi capital of the group, also known as ... more »
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Nina Shapiro comments on the price of privatizing public goods. And George Monbiot weighs in on how the Grenfell Tower fire confirms that what corporatist politicians deride as "red tape" is in fact vital protection for people: For years successive governments have built what they call a bonfire of regulations. They have argued that “red tape” impedes our freedom and damages productivity. Britain, they have assured us, would be a better place with fewer forms to fill in, fewer inspections and less enforcement. But what they call red tape oft... more »
Musings On Iraq In The News
I was cited in “Bataille De Mossoul: L’Armee Irakienne Pietine Au Nord De La Vieille Ville Tenue Par Les Djihadistes” in France Soir.
‘Unauthorized Disclosure’ —Episode 21: People’s Movement Must Be More Outspoken On Wars
Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the rift between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and recent developments among the Gulf countries in the Middle East. They talk about the Saudi arms deal, which the Senate would have successfully opposed if five Democrats had not voted against a bill to block The post ‘Unauthorized Disclosure’ —Episode 21: People’s Movement Must Be More Outspoken On Wars appeared first on Shadowproof.
Hannity: The deep state's massive effort to destroy Trump...
*they won't win.*
Mosul Campaign Day 244 Jun 17 2017
Father and his brother search dead bodies in west Mosul looking for his son (Voice of America) There was fighting across the two remaining areas in west Mosul under Islamic State control. First, the Golden Division had to call off an attack upon Shifa due to heavy fire from IS, especially snipers in hospital buildings and the use of human shields. The Federal Police claimed to have taken Hospital Street in the neighborhood. Unofficially, a Federal Police Captain told Bas News they were in control of 70% of the neighborhood, while another police officer went further saying all of S... more »
Climate Bullies Gone Wild; Caught on Tape and Print
The Liberal Arts Universities portray themselves as open-minded, tolerant, inclusive, and diverse centers of academic freedom that promote equality and determine the truth through a rigorous application of the scientific method. In reality, if you are a Christian, Conservative or Climate Scientist seeking the truth, Liberal Arts Universities are close-minded, intolerant, exclusive and homogenized centers of leftist … Continue reading Climate Bullies Gone Wild; Caught on Tape and Print
Osteopaths Overturn Toxicologists, Declare Mice Are Little People And Chemicals Are Magic
A new study from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has found a connection between common household chemicals, quaternary ammonium compounds or "quats,", and birth defects, despite the fact that experts have never found evidence of harm. Quats are often used as disinfectants and preservatives in household and personal products such as cleaners, laundry detergent, fabric softener, shampoo and conditioner, and eye drops. The research declared a link between quats and neural tube birth defects in both mice and rats and immediately sent out a press release, hoping mainstream... more »
Climate “Science” on Trial; The Forensic Files: Exhibit U
Exhibit U: The Climategate Emails expose scientific collusion, malpractice and highly unethical, deceitful, deceptive and unscientific practices. Talking Points: Climate “Science” is the first social media science where the number of likes and friends determines the truth. In a real science, the purpose is to debunk the “consensus,” not agree with it. Peer pressure isn’t part … Continue reading Climate “Science” on Trial; The Forensic Files: Exhibit U
Brazen crimes of Larisa police and prosecutors further documented
I would like to take a chance to thank my close readers George Soros and Alexis Tsipras for giving me so much credibility by expending so much time and effort in trying to silence me and my investigation of epidemic vaccines and other matters. It can only be Tsipras behind the vast conspiracy to constantly […]
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- June 18, 2017
*Washington Post: **‘Traumatic’ collision that killed sailors almost sank destroyer, Navy says* YOKOSUKA, Japan — A U.S. Navy destroyer came close to sinking after a “traumatic” collision off the coast of Japan, the commander of the Seventh Fleet said Sunday, after the bodies of the missing sailors were found in the berthing compartments of the stricken vessel. Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin declined to say how many of the seven missing sailors had been recovered, because the families of those who died were still being informed on Sunday. But Aucoin said that the search and rescue ... more »
REPORT: Least Peaceful Nations on Earth Were All Given ‘Democracy’ by the US
[image: peaceful]The 2017 Global Peace Index found that the top 5 least peaceful countries were all sovereign nations that have felt the wrath of U.S. democracy in recent years.
DEA Exposed Triggering the Massacre of an Entire Town — Media Silent
[image: dea]The DEA won't let the possibility of mass murder stop it from carrying out the crusade of prohibition as a damning new report highlights.
Get Ready – Sam Dubose’s Killer Set to be Next Cop to Walk Free for Murdering a Citizen on Video
[image: tensing]Ray Tensing may be the next killer cop to walk free after shooting dead an unarmed motorist, Sam Dubose, as he drove away on video.
For the first time in history there are more solar jobs than coal jobs in Virginia.
Courtesy of WTVF: *Virginia has long been coal country, but the solar power industry has been increasing its foothold in the Commonwealth over the last few years. And now, Michael Pope reports that a significant shift is taking place.* *Virginia now has more jobs in the solar industry than the coal industry. Numbers from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy show a 40% drop in the number of people working in the coal industry over the last five years. Henry Childress with the Virginia Coal and Energy Alliance says coal produces more energy with fewer employees. * ... more »
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From Jenna Orkin Who is Otto Warmbier, the college student held prisoner in North Korea This new animation shows how close Antarctica is to losing an iceberg the size of Delaware Brexit Is Dead It’s the end of the world and we know it: Scientists in many disciplines see apocalypse, soon This map shows the European regions fighting to achieve independence Republicans Go On Offensive Against Mueller; Call For 'Special Counsel' To Investigate AG Lynch "Lynching Epidemic" Breaks Out In Venezuela Alan Pakula's Interview with Woodward/Bernstein Sheds light in dark corners you didn't ... more »
The U.S. Air Force Wanted a 'Parasite' Fighter
*David Axe* *Security, * Bombers shouldn't try to carry their own fighter escorts. Yes, the title stinks. But I love — love — Steve Pace’s The Big Book of X-Bombers and X-Fighters, out now from Zenith Press. “It takes a brave author to write a comprehensive review of every turbojet-powered Air Force fighter and bomber, produced or not,” Walter Boyne, himself a famous author and pilot, writes in the foreword of Pace’s thick, lavish tome. I couldn’t agree more. X-Bombers and X-Fighters is too exhaustive to review in the conventional way. So I’m not going to bother trying. Instead, ... more »
The U.S. Air Force Is Starving Its A-10 Squadrons—Again
*Dan Grazier, Mandy Smithberger* *Security, * Flying branch continues to cut the Warthog fleet, ignoring Congressional requirements. Since February 2016 the U.S. Air Force has been trumpeting that it has ended—or at least paused—its extended campaign against the A-10 and the close air support mission. “As a mission, we’re fully committed to close air support,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein assured reporters at a press conference. But as first reported by Travis Tritten at the Washington Examiner, Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) spotted in written testimony that the Air ... more »
The F-108 Could Have Been America's Mach 3 Cold War Super-Interceptor
*Michael Peck* *Security, America* Washington feared Russian bombers. This was the answer to stopping them. Fearing an onslaught of Soviet bombers during the 1950s, the U.S. Air Force was intent on developing supersonic interceptors to stop them. Had they come to fruition, these high-altitude Mach 3 interceptors would have left today’s fighters in the dust. In response to a 1949 Air Force request for a supersonic interceptor, Republic Aviation proposed in 1951 the XF-103, a ramjet fighter—more like a winged rocket—with a maximum speed of Mach 3 and a maximum altitude of eighty t... more »
America and Nazi Germany Were at War Way Before You Think
*Warfare History Network* *History, * The U.S. Navy engaged in a shooting war with the Kriegsmarine before official entry into World War II. Between September 1939 and December 1941, the United States moved from neutral to active belligerent in an undeclared naval war against Nazi Germany. During those early years the British could well have lost the Battle of the Atlantic. The undeclared war was the difference that kept Britain in the war and gave the United States time to prepare for total war. With America’s isolationism, disillusionment from its World War I experience, pacif... more »
Video Catches Daring Rescue By Former US Special Soldier David Eubank In Mosul
*Daily Mail*: *The moment a former US Special Forces soldier-turned aid worker runs through gunfire in Mosul to save a child from ISIS* * Video catches daring rescue by former US soldier David Eubank in Mosul * The special operator-turned aid worker snatches a young girl from the line of fire * 'I thought, "If I die doing this, my wife and kids would understand",' he says * Eubank founded the Christian humanitarian group Free Burma Rangers The moment a former US Special Forces operator-turned aid worker rescues a young girl from the line of fire in Mosul has been caught on video. D... more »
Trump Attempting To Destroy Hotel Competition And/ Or Shaking Down Cuba For Hotel Contract?
Havana Cuba 1908 Postcard On June 7th Swiss-based Kempinski inaugurated its Gran Hotel Manzana in Havana Cuba. According to Reuters, … Continue reading →
Iran News Reports US Aircraft Directly Transporting ISIS Fighters Out of Raqqa
[image: raqqa]As the death toll climbs in the city of Raqqa, the United States is now being accused of transporting ISIS fighters to safety.
You Are 47 Times More Likely to be Killed by a Cop than by an Islamic Terrorist
[image: killed]Between January 1 and June 7 of this year, 11 Americans were killed by people classified here as Islamic terrorists whereas 520 were killed by cops.
Iraqi Forces Have Launched The Final Assault To Retake Mosul's Old City From The Islamic State
*Reuters*: *Iraqi forces launch final assault on Islamic State-held Mosul Old City* Iraqi forces began storming the Islamic State-held Old City of Mosul on Sunday, an assault they hope will be the last in the eight-month campaign to seize the militants' stronghold. The historic district is the last still under control of the militants in the city which used to be their capital in Iraq. It is a densely-populated maze of narrow alleyways where fighting is often conducted house by house. About 100,000 civilians remain trapped there in harrowing conditions, with little food, water a... more »
Saudi Coalition massacres two dozen Yemeni civilians in Saada
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:25 P.M.) – The Saudi-led Coalition killed at least two dozen people over the last 24 hours in the Yemeni province of Sa’ada, Al-Masdar’s Naseh Shaker reported from Sana’a. According to Shaker, the Saudi and Emirati fighter jets targeted residential areas in Sa’ada and the Al-Mashnak area near the border-crossing into the Jizan […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Israel: Netanyahu demands demolition of Jerusalem attackers’ homes
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:10 A.M.) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli security forces were preparing to demolish the homes of those believed to have carried out Friday’s deadly killing of an Israeli police officer. Speaking during a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, Netanyahu added that Palestinians’ permits to visit Israel, approved […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
More jihadist groups defect from Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham in northern Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:00 P.M.) – The large rebel faction, Ajnad Al-Sham, announced its intentions to leave the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham ranks in favor of joining rival Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham. Ajnad Al-Sham released a statement through Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham’s official media wing; they become the latest faction to defect from the Al-Qaeda linked Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Leader of prominent pro-government force has died in Golan Heights
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:40 P.M.) – The leader of the pro-government “Golani Regiment” (Fouj Al-Joulan) has succumbed to the wounds he sustained during Friday’s assassination attempt in the Golan Heights city of Khan ‘Arnabeh. The commander of the Golani Regiment, Majd Hayloun (AKA “Abu Mohimon”), was the target of a suicide bombing Friday night that initially […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Important development: US-backed forces push south of Raqqa to cutoff Syrian Army from Deir Ezzor
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:30 P.M.) – The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a new attack in the western Al-Raqqa , targeting the southeastern countryside of Tabaqa. The Syrian Democratic Forces managed to capture the Bitani District, Sunday, after a short battle with the Islamic State (ISIL). According to a military source, if the Syrian Democratic […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Scores of ISIL vehicles destroyed by Syrian Army troops in Raqqa, Aleppo
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:25 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has destroyed a large number of vehicles used by the Islamic State (ISIL) forces in the Al-Raqqa and Aleppo governorates over the course of 45 days. From tanks to pick-up trucks fitted with anti-aircraft machine guns, the Islamic State has lost several vehicles during the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Iranian, Chinese navies kick-off military drills in Persian Gulf
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:15 P.M.) – The Iranian and Chinese navies have kicked off their military exercises in the Persian Gulf, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported this morning. These military exercises come just days after the Chinese Navy entered the Bandar ‘Abbas Port near the Hormuz Strait in the Persian Gulf waters. Commander of the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army seizes Al-Karadi village in western Raqqa
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:05 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their offensive in the western countryside of Al-Raqqa, Sunday, striking the Islamic State’s (ISIL) positions at the village of Al-Karadi. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army stormed Al-Karadi earlier today, inflicting heavy damage on the Islamic State’s deteriorating defenses. Within […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Iraqi Army begins operation to liberate last Mosul district
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:45 P.M.) – The Iraqi Army, alongside the federal police, began an important operation, Sunday, to clear the last district under the control of the Islamic State (ISIL) in Mosul. With the Islamic State completely surrounded in the Old Mosul District, the Iraqi forces gave the terrorist group one last chance to surrender […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army continues advance en route to Deir Ezzor capturing Talilah region
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (12:29 PM) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) backed by allies from Hezbollah, the Palestinian “Quds Brigade, and other paramilitaries achieved yet another important push in Palmyra’s eastern countryside capturing the Talilah Reserve area in its entirety. Located 13 km south of the recently captured village of Arak, the Talilah Reserve is considered […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Video footage of the Syrian Army’s major advance in western Raqqa
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:40 P.M.) – Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces resumed an offensive targeting self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) positions in proximity of oil fields in western Raqqa, Saturday. Footage shows fighters shelling IS locations, with smoke billowing over the skyline, and troops crossing the territory on board of tanks. During the day, the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Video footage of the Syrian Army’s advance in western Raqqa
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:40 P.M.) – Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces resumed an offensive targeting self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) positions in proximity of oil fields in western Raqqa, Saturday. Footage shows fighters shelling IS locations, with smoke billowing over the skyline, and troops crossing the territory on board of tanks. During the day, the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Qatar uses Iranian airspace to conduct flights
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:30 P.M.) – Qatar Airways has been using Iranian airspace to conduct its regional flights, the Chief Executive the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran, ‘Ali Abedzadeh, stated on Sunday. “In the face of regional crises, the aerial industry of the Islamic Republic of Iran, by providing due services, has been a pioneer to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army captures four villages in eastern Hama
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:20 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army stormed the Islamic State’s (ISIL) positions in the northeastern countryside of Hama, Sunday, targeting the terrorist group’s defenses just north of ‘Uqayrbat. Backed by Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Arab Army managed to break-through the enemy defenses and capture four villages and several points following a short […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
More And More Americans Realize Trump Isn't Just Unfit To Be President Because Of His Character-- He's Also A Moron
Often when I visited my first girl friend, Doreen, on Avenue Z in Brooklyn, either just before or just after my bar mitzvah, I would sometimes run into the Trump family. Trump’s crooked bigoted father had a development down the street from her parents’ house. Everyone in the neighborhood knew the notorious Trump family as lowlife shysters. One of their tenants, Woody Guthrie, wrote a song about the place, “Old Man Trump,” about what bigoted shits they were. Trump was never accepted by legitimate businessmen in New York… because he was never a legitimate businessman. He always reek... more »
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*Should education always be respected?* *A couple of days ago, I put up an article under the heading "Imbecillic call for all Australians to graduate high school"A reader was reminded by that of a passage in "The Road to Wigan Pier" by George Orwell, chapter 7. It says:* "And again, take the working-class attitude towards 'education'. How different it is from ours, and how immensely sounder! Working people often have a vague reverence for learning in others, but where 'education' touches their own lives they see through it and reject it by a healthy instinct. The time was whe... more »
We'll Have To Wait And See
There are deep divisions in the New Democratic Party. It's is not the first time the party has faced the problem. Robin Sears writes: In 1939, M.J. Coldwell risked splitting the CCF over his support for the Second World War, while his pacifist leader, J.S. Woodworth, was opposed. Except that the two men worked out an agreement that permitted party members to agree to disagree. Woodsworth maintained his honour and kept his leadership, although most party members were deeply committed to the fight against fascism. In 1981, when the NDP struggled with one premier who supported the Cha... more »
PERSIAN GULF: Chinese and Iranian Navies in joint drills
These drills send a clear message to Saudi Arabia whose forces are no match for Iran and which could be easily obliterated by China. The post PERSIAN GULF: Chinese and Iranian Navies in joint drills appeared first on The Duran.
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*What is the global mean temperature?* There is some excitement in Germany at the moment about what is the global mean temperature. After some years of reporting an annual mean of 15 degrees Celsius, the WMO and NOAA are reporting a current mean of 14.8 degrees. In other words, the global mean temperature has DROPPED. Read all about it here. I am ready to be corrected but as far as I can see it is just a misunderstanding. Here are the two relevant paragraphs from the WMO: *"NOAA said the combined average temperature over global land and ocean surfaces in May was 0.87°C... more »
Former Executive producer for the 700 Club explain how they were Fox News before Fox News and how "Liberal" became a dirty word.
Boo! Run, the Liberals are coming!This HuffPo piece was written by Terry Heaton, a former 700 Club executive producer, who worked with Pat Robertson to manufacture the fake news that has now become a hallmark of the conservative media. Here is an excerpt from his piece: *Before Fox News, there was The 700 Club with CBN News and “TV Journalism With A Different Spirit.” We knew what we were doing in the exploitation of the word “liberal,” and truth-telling demands its deconstruction today. The all-or-nothing split between conflicting political narratives has reached its pinnacle wi... more »
Can You Train People To Be Impossible To Kill?
Screenshot via Sheepdog Response *Task & Purpose:* *Here’s How Tim Kennedy Trains People To Be Impossible To Kill* “That means he’s going to go down the street and throw more acid in the face of little girls. Yeah, I’ve been there. I killed that mother fucker, because we don’t let that happen in our world. All of those little decisions lead up to that moment when you’re going to live or die.” These are the first words from a sweat-soaked Tim Kennedy in a new video about the Army Green Beret and former UFC fighter’s work with Sheepdog Response, a hybrid combat, firearms, and fitnes... more »
In 2016 There Were In Europe 142 Failed, Foiled and Completed Terror Attacks, 1002 Arrests And 142 Deaths
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *Europol*: *2017 EU Terrorism report: 142 Failed, Foiled and Completed Attacks, 1002 Arrests and 142 Victims Died* In 2016, a total of 142 failed, foiled and completed attacks were reported by eight EU Member States. More than half (76) of them were reported by the United Kingdom. France reported 23 attacks, Italy 17, Spain 10, Greece 6, Germany 5, Belgium 4 and the Netherlands 1 attack. 142 victims died in terrorist attacks, and 379 were injured in the EU. Although there was a large number of terrorist attacks not connected with jihadism, the latter ... more »
Russian President Putin Is Facing An Unhappy Electorate
*L. Todd Wood, Washington Times:** Putin’s unhappy callers reveal a leader’s dilemma* Russian President Vladimir Putin today held his question-and-answer session with the Russian public, an annual tradition known as “The Direct Line.” Callers from all over the Motherland asked their president questions via a video link, televised live for four solid hours. Although there were a few chances for Mr. Putin to troll the Americans over L’Affaire Comey and the anti-Russian hype consuming Washington, the majority of the citizens’ questions focused Thursday on jobs, social services and ec... more »
U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis Is Open To Re-Examining America's Nuclear Triad
Pronk Pallisades *Washington Examiner:* *Jim Mattis says he's open to rethinking triad, nuclear cruise missile* Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress Wednesday he has an open mind about possibly scaling back some nuclear systems, as long as deterrence is not sacrificed, as he faces a more than $1 trillion bill to rebuild America's arsenal over the next three decades. "We're looking at each leg of the triad and we're looking at each weapon inside each leg," Mattis testified before a Senate subcommittee reviewing the Pentagon budget request for fiscal 2018. "What I'm looking f... more »
A Londoner whose views will not be welcome on the vile BBC - "Islamic Jihad Attack Survivor Posts Video Message To Sadiq Khan"
https://youtu.be/0xYCBj0E8ds Well said but views like that will not be allowed on the Islamist terrorism understanding BBC.
Pamela Anderson writes open letter to Julian Assange
Pamela Anderson has become a big advocate for the cause of the Wikileak's founder. The post Pamela Anderson writes open letter to Julian Assange appeared first on The Duran.
DUTERTE: Anti-ISIS operation “winding-up”
Many worry that political opportunists trying to remove Duterte from office have taken a toll on the leader. The post DUTERTE: Anti-ISIS operation “winding-up” appeared first on The Duran.
Little Known Episode in U.S. History Explains Executive War Powers
[image: little-known-episode-in-u-s-history-explains-executive-war-powers] In light of President Trump's decision to deploy thousands of troops to Afghanistan, a debate between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton could save thousands of lives.
Labour Brexit Chaos: Starmer Backs Staying in Customs Union per Guido Fawkes
Guido Fawkes reports https://order-order.com/2017/06/18/labour-brexit-chaos-starmer-backs-staying-customs-union/ 'Last week Corbyn and McDonnell said Labour policy was to leave the single market. Today on Marr their Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer suggested Britain should stay inside in some way. Corbyn and McDonnell have backed leaving the customs union. Today Starmer said Britain should stay in. Is Labour's Brexit spokesman freelancing? Labour have been in complete chaos on Brexit all week.' Not surprisingly the BBC are not reporting on this policy chaos. After all the... more »
Alaska now has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Gee, lucky us.
Courtesy of Alaska Dispatch: *Alaska's unemployment rate is now the highest in the country. * *The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May was 6.7 percent, according to preliminary numbers from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. * *That's up just slightly from April's 6.6 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate last month was 4.3 percent, a 16-year low. * *Alaska came in at No. 51 after all other states and the District of Columbia, according to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. * Jesus we're not even just in 50th place, we are a... more »
Don’t Impeach! Plus appraising GOP proposed legislation—and why is he really in Saudi Arabia?
Ethical Technology - 19 hours ago
I had prepped a missive appraising GOP legislative proposals… but it seems we must always lead with the latest, daily crises. With some Republicans already murmuring about impeachment and getting all moony-eyed toward the notion of “President Pence,” let me repeat what I’ve said for a year now.
Friendly island dog follows a street view mapper and photobombs all his shots
It's not easy carrying a street view camera backpack around, but we imagine it's much better with a fluffy doggo following you the whole time. In these pictures of Jukdo, a small idyllic island in South Korea, you can see the friendly dog is in nearly all of the pictures. If the pictures look empty, it's probably because the island has few residents. A 2004 census noted that only a family of three was living there. These pictures taken in Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk, South Korea, not only give you a street view – you also get a friendly golden doggo to accompany you and be your guide.... more »
Unlike His Father
By Cathy Jameson To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others. - Pope John Paul II When...
Sunday Sermonette
It's Sunday, and that means that it's time for the Sermonette. To make it easier for you heathens to take the morals of the story from this polemic, they are highlighted in *red*. Life on the mean streets of Tijuana isn't worth much. I was speaking with a mexican lawyer this past week while I was down there. He told me that one of his clients was gunned down on the steps to his office as the client arrived to pay the agreed fee. He maintains that there was no connection between the arrival to pay what was owed and the assassination. A picture from the newspaper is referenced (above ... more »
Fresh footage of Syrian Army, Hezbollah troops advancing in east Palmyra
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:30 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Hezbollah have been fighting the Islamic State (ISIL) near the Arak Gas Fields for three days, seizing several hilltops and points overlooking this site in the eastern countryside of Palmyra. Backed by Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Arab Army and Hezbollah are attempting to capture […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
VIDEO: ISIS releases more videos of their battle against the SDF in Raqqah city
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:30 A.M.) – The ISIS terrorist group has, most recently, released a second 1-minute long video of their engagements against the US-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Battle for Raqqah. The video shows, moreover from just standard firefights with light weapons, the presence of US Apache gunships in the skies over Raqqah […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Saudi, Sudanese forces suffer heavy casualties in failed invasion of Yemen’s Midi Desert
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:00 A.M.) – The Saudi-backed forces carried out several attacks against the Houthi forces, Saturday, targeting the latter’s positions in the vast Midi Desert of northern Yemen. Despite their repeated attempts to infiltrate the Houthi defenses, the Saudi and Sudanese armies suffered heavy casualties in their failed attacks, forcing them to ultimately retreat […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
What Happens If 2.6 Billion People (India vs. China) Go To War?
*Kyle Mizokami, National Interest*: *If 2.6 Billion People Go To War: India vs. China* A hypothetical war between India and China would be one of the largest and most destructive conflicts in Asia. A war between the two powers would rock the Indo-Pacific region, cause thousands of casualties on both sides and take a significant toll on the global economy. Geography and demographics would play a unique role, limiting the war’s scope and ultimately the conditions of victory. India and China border one another in two locations, northern India/western China and eastern India/southern... more »
Life Aboard US Navy Stealth Destroyer USS Zumwalt
*The Drive:* *Peek Around Inside The Navy's Stealth Destroyer By Watching This Video* *The Zumwalt's interior spaces are remarkably uncluttered and spacious for a Navy surface combatant. * he USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is a controversial beast to say the least. From the class's depressingly stripped down capabilities to its ammoless deck guns and tiny production run of just three ships, the glitz of their futuristic exteriors doesn't match the commitment the Navy has to their success. Still, the Zumwalt class has enjoyed a lot of fanfare in the press, and we have seen some still imag... more »
Damn you, Donald! I was hoping finally to take a vacation in Cuba this winter and you just went and ruined it.
I've had two bucks invested here since 1957 Yes, this is partly about how Donald Trump wrecked the loosening of America’s ban on travel to Cuba. But for me it’s more than that. And it’s personal. And it's old. The story goes back sixty years. In 1957, I was an Antioch College student in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Back then, there were only two drinking spots in town, and the students pretty much stuck to one of them. It was called the Trail Tavern. It’s still there today, a centuries-old building on the main drag that once served as a hiding place for escaped slaves on the underground r... more »
The Finkel Report: MADNESS!
Professor Ian Plimer, writing in this week's The Spectator Australia: The 24 million people in Australia generate 1.5 per cent of annual global human-induced CO2 emissions. USA emits 14 times and China emits 26 times more CO2 than Australia. Australia has 0.33 per cent of the global population. Our high standard of living, a landmass of 7,692,024 square kilometres with a sparse inland population and greenhouse gas-emitting livestock combined with the transport of livestock, food and mined products, long distances to cities and ports and the export of ores, coal, metals and food f... more »
U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis Explains What War With North Korea Would Look Like
*Business Insider:* *Defense Secretary Mattis explains what war with North Korea would look like* Asked on Thursday by Rep. Tim Ryan of the House Appropriations Committee to explain why the US doesn't just go to war to stop North Korea from developing the capability to hit the US, Secretary of Defense James Mattis painted a grim scenario. "I would suggest that we will win," Mattis said. "It will be a war more serious in terms of human suffering than anything we've seen since 1953. "It will involve the massive shelling of an ally's capital, which is one of the most densely packed ... more »
God ‘s Chorus of Crickets
The provenance of recording of chirping crickets that sounds like a human chorus is highly questionable.
Tweet For Today
Key dates in the political career of #HelmuthKohl - the father of German reunification and an architect of European integration pic.twitter.com/2RjjUbemmK — AFP news agency (@AFP) June 17, 2017
"Scientists Warn Current Yellowstone Quake-Swarm 'Could Rip The Guts Out Of America'"
*"Scientists Warn Current Yellowstone Quake-Swarm * *'Could Rip The Guts Out Of America'"* by Shepard Ambellas "U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismology reports conclude that a massive swarm of earthquakes swept through the park on Friday triggering more than 60 separate events in which seismographs spiked to magnitudes of up to 5.0. Scientists currently believe that there’s a 10% chance that a “supervolcanic Category 7 eruption” could take place this century, as pointed out by theoretical physicist Michio Kaku who appeared on a segment for Fox News. Experts fear that the supervolca... more »
"Perhaps..."
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.” - Rainer Maria Rilke
"This I Believe..."
“This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual.” - John Steinbeck
Venezuelan President Maduro Condemns Twitter For Deactivating 180 Government Accounts
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with ministers in Caracas, Venezuela June 16, 2017. Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS *Reuters:* *Venezuela's Maduro slams Twitter after accounts blocked* Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday said Twitter was an "expression of fascism" after accounts linked to his government were suspended, accusing the U.S. company of persecuting his followers. One of the Twitter accounts suspended belonged to Radio Miraflores, a station set up by Maduro that broadcasts from the presidential palace, including a salsa musi... more »
Picture Of The Day
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* The S-300 surface-to-air missile systems during a drill of air defense and aviation forces of the Western Military District in the Voronezh region. © SPUTNIK/ RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY *WNU Editor*: The above picture came from this photo gallery .... *Sneak Peek at Russia's S-300 Missile Systems, Aviation War Games* (Sputnik).
IRGC commander denies clashes along Iraqi border
(IRNA) Commander of the Ground Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour elaborated on the anti-terrorist operations in Qasr-e-Qand and denied any conflict along western borders of the country. He pointed to the recent anti-terrorist operation of Quds Headquarters in the region of Qasr-e-Qand in Sistan and Balochestan Province, and said […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Jihadist attempt to assassinate prominent pro-government commander in Golan Heights
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:45 A.M.) – A jihadist suicide bomber attempted to assassinate the prominent pro-government commander of the Golani Regiment (Fouj Al-Joulan), Friday night, a military source told Al-Masdar News on Saturday. The suicide bomber detonated a vest outside a building in the Golan Heights city of Khan ‘Arnabeh, killing two fighters and wounding five […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Tensions rise in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region as Azeri Army clashes with Armenian forces
(TASS) Over the last 48 hours, the Azeri Army and Armenian forces have clashed in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, resulting in the death of several soldiers on both sides. “The adversary is continuing to shell from high-caliber weapons and artillery guns the positions of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces and settlements located in the immediate battle area,” […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Is there going to be a Senate health bill?
Who says there's no diversity among the 13 white men on the Senate's Health Care Working Group? More at Yahoo! News.I'm sure Steve and other good people are right in warning us to stay vigilant on the threat of TrumpCare, whatever that turns out to be (certainly including an end to the employer mandate requiring companies to buy health insurance for their workers, an end to the Ten Essential Benefits every health insurance policy is now required to cover without a copay and the community rating system that allows people with preexisting conditions to pay the same premiums as everyb... more »
Seven US Soldiers Wounded In The Latest Insider Attack In Afghanistan (Update)
*Reuters*: *Seven U.S. soldiers wounded in insider attack at Afghan base: official* At least one Afghan was killed and seven American soldiers were wounded in an "insider attack" at a base in northern Afghanistan on Saturday, a U.S. military official said. A spokesman for the U.S. military command in Kabul said earlier comments by an Afghan official that Americans had been killed were incorrect. But he confirmed that seven soldiers had been evacuated after being wounded in the incident at Camp Shaheen, the headquarters of the Afghan army's 209th Corps in the northern city of Maza... more »
Russia Just Killed ISIS Leader Baghdadi … for at Least the 4th Time
By Darius Shahtahmasebi According to Russian state-owned network RT, a Russian-led airstrike in Syria has killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Russian Su-34 aircraft and... more »
Conspiracy Theory No More: State Dept. Finally Admits The US Gov’t Planned 1953 Iranian Coup
By Rachel Blevins The State Department has released a trove of documents that give insight into the CIA’s role in the 1953 coup d’état that... more »
Trump And Cuba-- And How The DCCC Is Making Sure Diaz-Balart Keeps His FL-25 House Seat
Writing for *The Atlantic* this morning, Ben Rhodes, the architect of Obama’s Cuba opening—dug down into why Trump’s ill-thought out Cuba policy will fail. Short version: tossing political bones to the reactionary Marco Rubio and Mario Diaz-Balart and their elderly supporters isn’t “policy.” It’s a pointless mistake. Rhodes pointed out that one of the most depressing things about Trump’s decision to partially roll back parts of the Cuba opening is how predictable it was. “A Republican candidate for president makes last-minute campaign promises to a hard-line Cuban American audienc... more »
Diversity, Courage, Beauty and Clarity in Richmond
It was a great day in Richmond at the UNAC conference. The connections being made by the string of excellent speakers is more than inspiring. Our panel on the Asia-Pacific today (pictured above) included speakers from Korea, Philippines and the US. It was well received by the audience. I've been hanging out with folks from Veterans For Peace who live in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina and they are deeply impressed by the conference and the quality of activists participating in the event. Our VFP group took a break in the afternoon and went for a long walk through downtown ... more »
Why the Middle East Needs the Qatar Crisis
*Matthew RJ Brodsky* *Politics, Middle East* [image: Qatari athletes during the Arab Games Opening Ceremony. Flickr/Creative Commons/Doha Stadium Plus Qatar] A unique moment has presented itself where a majority of the Middle East has had enough of Qatar’s promiscuous foreign policy. When a crisis arises, it is only natural to call for calm. In most cases it is a laudable reflex, especially when one is not the cause of the consternation. In the case of the recent Gulf crisis with Qatar, President Trump, the majority of the Arab world, and even most of his detractors, appear to s... more »
A North Korean Mystery: Where Did Its Rockets and Missiles Come From?
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* Russia? China? Spies? In the quarter century since the end of the Cold War, much of North Korea’s conventional-weapons capability has quietly aged into obsolescence. Abandoned by the now-defunct Soviet Union and China, Pyongyang’s arsenal of tanks, ships, planes and artillery appears trapped in the 1980s—or earlier. A few weapons, however, including a new antiship missile fired just last week, are fairly new, prompting questions as to exactly where they came from. After the Korean War, the Korean People’s Army was rebuilt with Soviet and Chinese... more »
The S-3 Viking: The Submarine Hunter Russia Feared (That Retired Way Too Early)
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Americas* Could they still be hunting Moscow's best below the waves? Eight years ago the U.S. Navy retired: A) Its only dedicated carrier-based tanker; B) its last dedicated carrier-based antisubmarine airplane; C) a carrier-based plane with more than twice the range of its current jets; D) all of the above. With a maximum speed of only five hundred miles per hour—many airliners fly faster—the S-3 Viking wasn’t about to be the subject of any movies starring Tom Cruise. However, the long-legged jets proved extremely useful in a very wide variety of ... more »
Could America Really Have Won the Vietnam War?
*Robert Farley* *Security, Asia* As U.S. policymakers eventually decided, the game was simply not worth the candle. Mark Moyar, the scholar of U.S. foreign and military policy, recently had the opportunity to update an older argument on the viability of the Vietnam War. Moyar argues that the historical consensus on the war is wrong on several points, and that in fact the United States could have won the war and preserved the Saigon government at acceptable cost. While Moyar’s argument is worth consideration, he still fails to make his case against the long-standing consensus on ... more »
The Army Can Now Stop Enemy Tanks in Their Tracks without Firing a Shot
*Jared Keller, Task and Purpose* *Security, * Electronic warfare may completely disable enemy armor in future battles. U.S. Army personnel have successfully used advanced electronic warfare technology to completely disable enemy armor during a simulated tank assault at the Army National Training Center, Defense Systems reports. Developed by the Army Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), the combination of wireless communications-jamming and hacker exploits of vehicle systems forces enemy tanks to “stop, dismount, get out of their protection, [and] reduce their mobility,” as one Army o... more »
The A-10 Warthog: How One Congresswoman Is Fighting to Save It
*Jared Keller, Task and Purpose* *Security, * The future of everyone’s favorite close air support craft isn’t as set as it may seem. Buried in the Department of Defense’s fiscal year 2018 budget request released in May was deadly surprise for U.S. troops downrange: After years of debate, the Air Force called on Congress to “fully fund the entire fleet” of 283 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, including $17.5 million in investment funding to help modernize the Air Force’s squadrons of the beloved Warthog attack aircraft. But the future of everyone’s favorite close air support craft isn’t as ... more »
Breaking News: Seven Missing Sailors Aboard The USS Fitzgerald Have Been Found In A Flooded Berthing Compartment
The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald returns to Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following a collision with a merchant vessel while operating southwest of Yokosuka, Japan in photo received June 17, 2017. Courtesy of U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Handout via REUTERS *The Guardian:* *USS Fitzgerald: seven missing sailors found dead in flooded area of ship* The seven US navy sailors missing after their destroyer collided with a container ship off the east coast of Japan have been found dead. US and Japanese shi... more »
Last night Bill Maher addressed progress and the jobs we will never, and should never, see again.
I thought last night's show was pretty entertaining, though I could have done without that Breitbart apologist coming on and attempting to suggest that his website does the country a service by covering the news stories that the MSM will not cover. In other words the fake ones. However apparently he got schooled by intelligence analyst Malcom Nance who demanded an apology for a false article on Breitbart that resulted in he and his family receiving 31 death threats.
Russian President Putin: Talk Of Retaliation On New U.S. Sanctions Would Be Premature
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with journalists following a live nationwide broadcast call-in in Moscow, Russia June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin *Reuters:* *Putin: more U.S. sanctions would be harmful, talk of retaliation premature* Russian President Vladimir Putin said new sanctions under consideration by the United States would damage relations between the two countries, but it was too early to talk about retaliation, state news agency RIA reported on Saturday. The U.S. Senate voted nearly unanimously earlier this week for legislation to impose new sa... more »
Democrats Warn Trump Congress Will 'Begin Impeachment Proceedings' If He Fires Mueller, Rosenstein
One part of this Breitbart report http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/17/democrats-warn-trump-congress-will-begin-impeachment-proceedings-fires-mueller-rosenstein/ caught my eye: '"All Americans, regardless of party, agree on the fundamental principle that no one is above the law," Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) told MSNBC Friday. "And if President Trump were to fire Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein, and then [get] special counsel Mueller fired, I believe Congress would begin impeachment proceedings."' Presumably he means that 'All Americans, regardless of party, agree on the ... more »
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