2 February 2013 — Information Clearing House
All That Pivots is Gold
By Pepe Escobar
What Beijing actually wants is to get rid of the US dollar peg. For that to happen, it needs vast gold reserves. So here’s Beijing pivoting from the US dollar to the yuan – and trying to sway vast swathes of the global economy to follow the path.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33811.htm
Containing China by “Fighting Al-Qaeda” in Africa
By Ben Schreiner
The U.S. containment of China, requires a pivot of sorts to Africa. Only the African pivot appears set to fall under the banner of that ever-malleable “war on terror.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33814.htm
US Green Lights Further Israeli Attacks On Syria
By Haaretz
Israeli jets attacked several targets in Syria Tuesday night in addition to the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Jamarya, outside Damascus, Time Magazine reported Friday.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33817.htm
Israel’s Bombing of Syria Escalates Threat of Wider War
By Bill Van Auken
The US-backed Israeli attack on Syria is only the beginning of what threatens to explode into a far wider war, including against Iran, dragging the entire region into a bloodbath and endangering the lives of millions.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33812.htm
‘Iran Will Defend Syria, US & Israel Should Take That Seriously’
Video
Prof. Seyed Mohammad Marandi – says that Israel should be concerned about Iran’s possible answer to the airstrike in Syria.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33805.htm
Criminal Insanity of Clinton’s Double-think
By Finian Cunningham
In her farewell speech, outgoing US secretary of state Hillary Clinton accused Russia and Iran of “stepping up” military support for Syria and thereby adding fuel to possible regional conflict.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33813.htm
Pathetic
Hagel Offers Himself as Secretary of Israel’s Defense
By Philip Weiss
Hagel was suitably craven. “I’ve said that I’m a strong supporter of Israel… I’ve said that we have a special relationship with Israel… Ive never voted against Israel in my career… I’ve been to Israel many times,” he told Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33800.htm
Tel Aviv Historian Uncovers “Land of Israel” Myths
By Asa Winstanley
In the Hebrew Bible (known to Christians as the Old Testament), the geographic area roughly corresponding to the land of Palestine (between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea) is mostly called the “land of Canaan.” The area “never served as a homeland for the ‘children of Israel,’
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33802.htm
In Case You Mssed It
“The Invention of the Jewish People”
Shlomo Sand
Conventional ideas about Jewishness hold that Jews are a single ethnic group (or nationality) with substantial shared biological ancestry going back to the biblical kingdom of Judea, The core of Sand’s historical case is that the whole story is a myth: a very elaborate fiction, supported by hordes of eminent scholars, which became foundational and essential for the state of Israel, but mostly a very recent fabrication without much evidence.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article24108.htm
A Sunni Woman : A Message For The House Of Saud
Video
A Sunni Woman caller tells the truth about House of Saud, Saudia Arabia at George Galloway Show.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33803.htm
‘US a Police State, Obama Consciously Allows Torture’ – CIA Veteran
By RT
Ten years ago, the idea of the US government spying on its citizens, intercepting their emails or killing them with drones was unthinkable. But now it’s business as usual, says John Kiriakou, a former CIA agent and torture whistleblower.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33804.htm
The Extermination Of Truth
In Amerika Law No Longer Exists
By Paul Craig Roberts
The US “justice system” has been transformed by the Bush/Obama regime into the “justice system” of Gestapo Germany and Stalinist Russia. There is no difference.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33807.htm
Meet the Contractors Turning America’s Police Into a Paramilitary Force
By John Knefel
You should know about them because they may already know about you.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33801.htm
US Citizens Fear Government : Poll
By KEVIN ROBILLARD
For the first time, a majority of Americans believe the federal government threatens their rights and freedoms.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33799.htm
The True Cost of US National Security
By David Cay Johnston
The cost of national security consumes every individual income tax dollar except the last one paid by each American. That doesn’t leave much for other spending on commonwealth goods and services that provide the foundation for private incomes and wealth.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33816.htm
CELAC Rising
The Monroe Doctrine Turned on Its Head?
By Manuel R. Gómez
There is something very wrong with this picture and with our media; it would do the US public and leaders well to pay attention to CELAC, and all the currents that have created it.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33808.htm
An Economic Alternative to Exploitative Free Market Capitalism
By Thomas Hedges
The commons movement is a reaction to exploitative free market capitalism. It rejects the notion that resources, spaces and other assets are purely a means to wealth.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33806.htm
The Untouchables
Video
FRONTLINE examines why no Wall St. execs have faced fraud charges for the financial crisis.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33815.htm
Class Is a Five-Letter Dirty Word:
The Lack of Class Consciousness in an Era of Record Inequality
By Anthony DiMaggio
Evidence suggests that Americans are not sufficiently aware of the fundamental divide that exists within the American economic class system.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33809.htm
Unity Will Increase Our Power
By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers
Getting to the Next Level of Constructing a New Society Requires a Common Vision, Strategy and Unity.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33810.htm
Suicide attack on Syria goverment offices kills 53: –
A suicide car bombing at a Syrian military intelligence headquarters in Damascus province killed 53 people, a watchdog said on Friday.
Syria troops launch wide-scale attacks on rebels near Damascus:
A pro-Syrian government source told dpa that Friday’s attacks came as a result of information that rebels in hideouts in the targeted areas were preparing “a terrorist attack which will target government institutions inside the capital.”
http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/2114618.html
Syrian rebels slam Assad inaction on Israeli attack:
Syrian opposition leaders and rebels on Friday slammed President Bashar Assad for not responding to an Israeli airstrike near Damascus, calling it proof of his weakness and acquiescence to the Jewish State.
Egypt strongly condemns Israeli raid on Syria:
In a statement to the state-run news agency MENA on Thursday, January 31, Amr called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for attacks on Arab land, describing the airstrike as a danger to regional security and Middle Eastern sovereignty.
http://www.abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=386776
Russia Denies Rumors of Planned Talks with Syrian Opposition:
The Russian Foreign Ministry denied on Friday reports claiming that a four-party meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, senior US and UN officials and a Syrian opposition leader is being set up on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, APA reports.
Jordan Islamist sees clash with secular Syrian rebels:
A Jordanian Muslim preacher who encourages a flow of militants to Syria predicts an eventual showdown between Islamists and secular rebel groups should President Bashar al-Assad fall.
Lebanese Troops Clash With Gunmen; 3 Killed:
At least three Lebanese soldiers were killed and five others were wounded in clashes Friday between the army and gunmen in the northeast near the Syrian border, a police official and the state-run news agency said.
Yemen clashes between Al Qaida, militiamen kill 14:
A ministry statement on Thursday says the fighting lasted for the past two days and left eight militants dead. It’s part of a military offensive that local militiamen have joined to push Al Qaida out of the mountainous stronghold of Al Maraksha in Abyan province.
Iraq Sunnis rally against Shia-led government:
Large rallies were held in the provincial capital of Ramadi and in Fallujah on Friday. Protesters also marched in the capital Baghdad, in the northern city of Mosul and in the central city of Samarra. Protesters complain of official discrimination, saying anti-terrorism laws and other policies largely target minority Sunnis.
Israel kills 7 Palestinians, arrest 300 others during January:
A Palestinian human rights report confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) killed 7 Palestinians, and arrested more than 300 others during the month of January 2013.
Rubio Warns Hagel Confirmation Could Lead to War:
The Religious Right is mobilizing against Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Defense Secretary, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is saying exactly what they want to hear.Rubio suggested that if Hagel is successfully confirmed then countries like Iran and Syria may consider going to war against Israel.”
Suspected Suicide Bombing Kills Two at US Embassy in Turkey:
“It was a huge explosion. I was sitting in my shop when it happened. I saw what looked like a body part on the ground,” said travel agent Kamiyar Barnos, whose shop window was shattered about 100 metres from the blast.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33798.htm
Pakistan: At least 27 people killed as explosion hits Shia worshippers:
The explosion in Hangu town happened as worshippers were leaving the mosque after Friday prayers. The bomber staged his attack at one of the mosque’s exits leading to a bazaar, said Hangu police chief Mian Mohammad Saeed.
Roadside bomb kills five Malian troops:
Until now the French have not had to face roadside bombs as a significant threat, something they have become painfully accustomed to in Afghanistan. In the last two days, however, there had been a rising number of operations to retrieve caches of explosives the Islamists are believed to have secreted for the next phase of their campaign.
Roadside bomb kills five Malian troops:
Until now the French have not had to face roadside bombs as a significant threat, something they have become painfully accustomed to in Afghanistan. In the last two days, however, there had been a rising number of operations to retrieve caches of explosives the Islamists are believed to have secreted for the next phase of their campaign.
Mali leader won’t talk peace to Islamists:
Interim President Dioncounda Traore said he was ready for talks with the secular Tuaregs of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, who want an independent homeland for their people, but he would not meet any of the three al-Qa’ida-linked groups that seized northern Mali last year, including the home-grown group Ansar Dine
Mali: UN genocide adviser warns of reprisals against Tuareg and Arab populations:
A senior United Nations official today warned of the risk of reprisal attacks against Tuareg and Arab civilians in various regions of northern Mali and urged the country’s military to protect all citizens regardless of their ethnic affiliation.
Torture and murder linked to Mali’s Army;
Mali‘s army has committed serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law while fighting armed groups in the country, Amnesty International said today.
Protester killed in Egypt clashes:
Egypt’s Health Ministry says one person has been shot to death in clashes between police and protesters in Cairo.
Libya: Police Captain in Benghazi Is Abducted:
Police officials said Thursday that they were searching for the chief of Benghazi’s criminal investigations unit, who was seized by armed men the night before.
Christians being ‘driven’ out of Libya:
Christians are being driven out of eastern Libya by Muslim fundamentalists, the Catholic Church’s main clergyman in the country told the Vatican missionary news agency Fides.
North Korea imposes martial law, orders troops to ‘be ready for war’ – report: ?
The North Korean leader issued a series of orders to his top defense and security officials on Saturday to conclude preparations for a new nuclear test, the Seoul based Korea JoongAng Daily alleges citing an unnamed source.
http://rt.com/news/martial-law-north-korea-180/
At least 9 killed as soldiers and Farc rebels clash ahead of talks:
Five rebels are said to have died in a government offensive in the north. Four government soldiers were reportedly killed and another two wounded in southern Colombia.
Pemex headquarters blast leaves at least 32 dead in Mexico City:
Cause of explosion at Mexico’s state-owned oil company – which has left dozens more injured – remains a mystery
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/31/mexico-americas
Ex-CIA Rome chief gets jail term in “rendition” trial:
An Italian appeals court on Friday sentenced a former CIA station chief to seven years in jail for the kidnap of an Egyptian Muslim. The Milan court also handed down two six-year sentences to two American officials for the same crime, the first of so-called “extraordinary rendition” operations organized by the United States.
FBI Banned from Iceland:
FBI agents landed in Reykjavík without prior notification in an attempt to investigate WikiLeaks operations in the country, but Home Secretary Ögmundur Jónasson found out about the visit and forced them to leave the country, with the Icelandic government then issuing a formal protest to US authorities, according to Islandsbloggen.
http://rixstep.com/1/20130131,00.shtml
Hagel and U.S. as ‘world’s bully’ — :
Ex-Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) got into a back and forth with freshman Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) over remarks Hagel made during an appearance on a call-in talk show on Al Jazeera.
Guantanamo 9/11 trial judge orders hidden censors unplugged:
The judge erupted in anger, and appeared surprised that “some external body” had the power to prevent the public from listening to the proceedings – which are broadcast in the spectator’s gallery on a 40-second delay.
Immigration Reform Could Lead To Biometric ID Cards:
Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Thursday that their Senate framework for immigration reform, recently endorsed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), could require biometric information to check employment status.
2014: Too Late to Leave The United States?:
“A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that persons renouncing citizenship for a substantial tax avoidance purpose shall be subject to tax and withholding on capital gains, to provide that such persons shall not be admissible to the United States, and for other purposes.”
Ed Koch’s Message to Mario Cuomo from Beyond the Grave: ‘You Prick!’:
In an interview with the New York Times that was “not to be made public until Mr. Koch’s death,” former NYC mayor Ed Koch-who died earlier this morning-finally said what he really wanted to about his former mayoral opponent Mario Cuomo-he’s “a prick.”
Fracking America: Video –
David Letterman gives us his take in fracking.
Small surgeries, huge markups:
A Southern California surgery center charged teacher Lynne Nielsen $87,500 for a routine, 20-minute knee operation that normally costs about $3,000.
US unemployment ra
te rises to 7.9% in Jan:In the first month of 2013, employment rose notably in retail trade, construction and health care, while jobs in government, transportation and warehousing slipped.
1.6 million US children live on streets or in homeless shelters:
42% are under age six
Greek doctors, public transport workers on strike:
Greek doctors, port workers and public transport staff in the country’s capital walked off the job Thursday in strikes against deeply unpopular austerity measures that have seen incomes slashed as the country struggles to emerge from a deep financial crisis.
Cost Of War
Number Of Iraqis Slaughtered In US War And Occupation Of Iraq “1,455,590“
Number of U.S. Military Personnel Sacrificed (Officially acknowledged) In America’s War On Iraq: 4,883
Number Of International Occupation Force Troops Slaughtered In Afghanistan : 3,257
Cost of War in Iraq & Afghanistan
Total Cost of Wars Since 2001
$1,419,241,500,807
The New Dark Age 