26 October 2013 — Information Clearing House
What a Surprise:
U.S.-Based Iran “Experts” Promoting Israeli Policy
By Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett
Who is the author of this Op Ed? An AIPAC spokesperson? One of the many neocon firebrands to whom the Washington Post long ago turned over its Op Ed page?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36658.htm
Israelis, Saudis Just Getting Started in Opposing U.S.-Iran Detente
By Mitchell Plitnick
The trick to finding an agreement between the P5+1 world powers and Iran has become clear: keep Israel and Saudi Arabia out of the room.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36646.htm
Saudi Pivot?
Video
Should we take the talk of Saudi Arabia pivoting away from Washington seriously? CrossTalking with James Carafano, Ali Alyami and Jim Lobe.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36659.htm
Empire Under Obama: America’s “Secret Wars” in Over 100 Countries Around the World
By Andrew Gavin Marshall
Obama’s global terror campaign is not only dependent upon his drone assassination program, but increasingly it has come to rely upon the deployment of Special Operations forces in countries all over the world, reportedly between 70 and 120 countries at any one time.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36648.htm
Confessions of a Drone “Warrior”
By Matthew Power
Meet the 21st-century American killing machine.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36647.htm
Congressional Oversight of the NSA is a Joke. I Should Know, I’m in Congress
By Alan Grayson
I’ve learned far more about government spying on citizens from the media than I have from official intelligence briefings.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36654.htm
Edward Snowden: This Saturday, Demand an End to the Surveillance State
By Noa Yachot
This Saturday, you can join the growing movement calling on the government to get out of our private lives, at the biggest protest yet against NSA spying.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36651.htm
Partnership Between Facebook and Police Could Make Planning Protests Impossible
By RT
A partnership between police departments and social media sites – could allow law enforcement to keep anything deemed criminal off the Internet-and even stop people from organizing protests.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36655.htm
Glenn Greenwald: Enemy of the State
By Natasha Vargas-Cooper
“I came to believe if you’re smart, skilled, and have the resources, you should use those things to fuck with the powerful.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36645.htm
Who Killed Michael Hastings?
By Carl Gibson
Is This What Cyber-Assassination Looks Like?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36657.htm
Russell Brand “Is Utopian Revolution Possible?”
By Russell Brand
Before we change the world, we need to change the way we think.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36652.htm
Fukushima – A Global Threat That Requires a Global Response
By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers
The story of Fukushima should be on the front pages of every newspaper. Instead, it is rarely mentioned.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36649.htm
The CRUZifixion and the Resurrection
By Christopher Brauchli
When it became apparent that the party in the loony bin was coming to an end, the Republican members of the House reached out to the Lord.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36650.htm
Is It Reported?
Republicans Demand Social Security And Medicare Cuts
By Dave Johnson
I’m sure their Tea Party “base” would be shocked if they understood this. So would most Americans. So is the media giving Americans the information they need in order to make informed decisions?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36653.htm
Postcard from the End of America: Riverside, NJ
By Linh Dinh
Many people here don’t like the Portuguese or the Brazilians. They come and take our jobs, you know. A few years ago, we passed a law to get rid of illegal immigrants.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36660.htm
Can You Guess the 10 Best Countries For Women?
Hint: the U.S. Isn’t One of Them
By Jodie Gummow
United States ranked 23rd in newly released Gender Gap Report – a step worse than last year!
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article36656.htm
Afghan army claims killing 10 Taliban fighters in battle as 6 Afghan soldiers killed in roadside bombing:
Afghan soldiers killed 10 Taliban fighters in the Nad Ali district, said Mohammad Rasoul Zazai, another Afghan National Army spokesman. Zazai said the deaths came after a four-hour firefight Thursday and that no Afghan soldier was killed.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/roadside-bombing-kills-afghan-soldiers-20679555
4 militants blown up by their own explosives in Paktika:
The statement further added that the militants were killed almost half an hour later after a roadside bomb blast killed one Afghan civilian and injured three others.
http://www.khaama.com/4-militants-blown-up-by-their-own-explosives-in-paktika-2500
Each US troop in Afghanistan now costs $2.1 million:
The average cost of each US troop in Afghanistan will nearly double in the last year of the occupation to $2.1 million, according to a new analysis of the Pentagon’s budget, Defense One reported.
US defends drone strikes as ‘necessary and just’ in face of UN criticism:
Brazil, China and Venezuela sharply critical of ‘illegal’ program but US says it has taken steps to introduce new guidelines.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/25/un-drones-us-policy-debate
Living Under Drones: Video –
Since 2004, up to 884 innocent civilians, including at least 176 children, have died from US drone strikes in the North Waziristan region of Pakistan. A new report from the Stanford and New York University law schools finds drone use has caused widespread post-tramatic stress disorder and an overall breakdown of functional society in North Waziristan.
Nigeria says kills 74 “Islamists” in ground, air assault:
Nigerian troops killed 74 “members of Boko Haram” in an air and ground assault, the military said on Friday, a further sign of stepped up operations against the Islamist sect.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/25/us-nigeria-bokoharam-idUSBRE99O0LO20131025
Many killed as Boko Haram attacks Yobe:
Suspected Islamist fighters stormed the city of Damaturu in coordinated raids on Thursday, burning at least four police buildings, said a senior police officer who requested anonymity.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/many-killed-boko-haram-attacks-yobe/
Nigerian militants raid northern city of Damaturu:
Suspected Boko Haram militants have engaged security forces in a lengthy gun battle and raided a hospital in the northern Nigerian city of Damaturu.
Residents told the BBC that it was a “big, audacious attack” and that assailants stole drugs from the hospital and drove off in ambulances.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24672632
Egypt : Alexandria Police Uses Tear Gas To Disperse Anti-coup protesters:
Residents and drivers threw stones at the demonstrators to try to force them to let traffic through, which triggered clashes. Police responded by firing teargas to disperse the crowds. Two people were arrested, the witness said.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/25/egypt-protests-alexandria_n_4163999.html
Egyptian court forbids criticism of the president:
The court’s move sent a signal that the sort of criticism and mockery levelled at ousted President Mohamed Morsi will not be allowed under the coup government.
http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/7980-egyptian-court-forbids-criticism-of-the-president
’40 rebels killed’ in Syria ambush:
Syrian government troops have ambushed rebels near the capital Damascus, killing at least 40 opposition fighters, according to state media.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/439144/40-rebels-killed-in-Syria-ambush
Rebel areas of Syria’s Homs need food aid: Sources:
Some 3,000 civilians trapped in a suffocating Syrian army siege of rebel areas in the city of Homs need urgent food aid, activists said Friday.
Al-Qaeda Threat Rattles Iraq’s Volatile Anbar Province:
Al-Qaeda in Iraq has threatened to take over all Sunni towns on the Syrian border, including the volatile Anbar province where an official said the group is already stronger than security forces.
http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/24102013
Bombings in central Iraq kill 13 people: officials:
Bombings in central Iraq that targeted a market, a cafe and the homes of police officers killed 13 people on Friday, officials said, the latest attacks in a wave of violence roiling the country.
Lebanon: Death toll rises in Tripoli after fierce overnight fighting:
Fighting in Tripoli raged overnight as clashes entered their fifth consecutive day and the death toll rose to seven with dozens more wounded.
Lebanese Army Kills Syrians Possessing Explosives:
Gunmen opened fire at an army patrol after it tried to stop their vehicle – a white van with a Syrian license plate – in Hawsh al-Harimeh, the source said, Al-Alam reported. Two Syrians were killed and two others wounded in the confrontation that ensued, the source added.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13920803000169
Propaganda alert:
Steinitz: Iran could build 5-7 bombs in a year with any enrichment capacity:
After talks in US, strategic affairs minister says he told Washington that Israel’s ‘minimum’ in any deal with Iran is zero uranium enrichment
Israel, Saudis speaking same language on Iran – Livni:
“I think that you can hear that Arabic sounds familiar to Hebrew when it comes to Iran,” she said, making a rare public linkage between the goals of Israel and Saudi Arabia, which have long been enemies and have no diplomatic ties.
http://news.yahoo.com/israel-saudis-speaking-same-language-iran-livni-134723856.html
The US-Saudi breakup that isn’t: Op-Ed:
The Saudis, like Israel, want Iran to be economically and ultimately militarily crushed – not freed of the shackles of sanctions.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/Backchannels/2013/1024/The-US-Saudi-breakup-that-isn-t
Living in fear: Saudi activists cancel women ‘drive-in’ plan:
A planned driving campaign has been cancelled after the government threatened legal action against the women involved.
Freed politician, thousands protest in Bahrain:
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans Friday and some masked youths confronted police. An Associated Press journalist saw police fire tear gas at demonstrators.
US ‘concerned’ over Turkey’s choice of Chinese defence system:
Turkey turned down bids by companies from the US, Europe and Russia for the deal, valued at US$4 billion (Dh14.7bn) according to reports. The Chinese company won because it offered a competitive price and the possibility of a technology transfer during the joint production of the missile defence system known as FD-2000.
http://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/us-concerned-over-turkeys-choice-of-chinese-defence-system
Dagestani Police Shoot Dead 2 Militants Armed With Explosives:
Anti-terrorism officials say police in Russia’s turbulent republic of Dagestan killed two armed men in a firefight Friday morning and later detected a trove of explosives and weapons in their car.
Russian parliament passes tough new anti-terror bill:
Russian parliament’s lower house on Friday approved new legislation that toughens punishment for terrorism and requires terrorists’ relatives to pay for the damages caused in attacks.
FBI Probing Whether Russia Used Cultural Junkets to Recruit American Intelligence Assets:
Did a senior Russian embassy officer set up exchange trips to Moscow to cultivate young, up-and-coming Americans as Russian intelligence assets?
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/10/fbi-investigating-yury-zaytsev-russian-diplomat-spy
French paper hints at Israeli role in 2012 cyberattack on Elysee Palace:
Israel issues firm denial as Le Monde cites NSA document suggesting possible Mossad involvement in communications breach during Sarkozy presidency
http://www.timesofisrael.com/french-paper-hints-at-israeli-role-in-2012-cyberattack-on-elysee/
US also eavesdrops on Israel, says former Mossad head:
“I can tell you with certain knowledge that [America] has been listening in on its allies, including Israel,” Yatom said, and “not necessarily in [Benjamin] Netanyahu’s tenure” as prime minister.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-also-eavesdrops-on-israel-says-former-mossad-head/
Officials alert foreign services that Snowden has documents on their cooperation with U.S.:
U.S. officials are alerting some foreign intelligence services that documents detailing their secret cooperation with the United States have been obtained by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, according to government officials.
http://www.theday.com/article/20131025/NWS14/310259932/1044
Merkel demands U.S. sign ‘no-spying’ pact with Germany, France:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded on Thursday that the United States strike a “no-spying” agreement with Berlin and Paris by the end of the year, saying alleged espionage against two of Washington’s closest EU allies had to be stopped.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-eu-summit-20131024,0,665586.story
Ex-NSA chief Hayden’s off-record interview reaches Twitter:
General Michael Hayden was talking off-the-record to journalists by phone when he was overheard by another passenger, a former political activist.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/24668428
Meet the Private Companies Helping Cops Spy on Protesters:
Promotional materials for private spy companies show that mass surveillance technology is being sold to police departments as a way to monitor dissent
TSA accessing government and private databases for total pre-screening :
According to a new article by the New York Times, the TSA wants to know everything it can about you. The administration is searching through various government and private databases long before passengers arrive at the airport, including employment information, property records, criminal records and much more.
Want to know who’s spying on you online?
There’s an app for that: Mozilla has released a tool that will allow users of the Firefox browser to know which companies are tracking them online.
SWAT team raids investigative journalist’s home, confiscates confidential DHS files:
An investigative journalist says federal agents raided her home earlier this year and confiscated the notes she used to report on a government cover-up. Now she fears her sources have been compromised.
http://rt.com/usa/swat-raid-journalist-hudson-735/
Oakland groups outraged at Urban Shield “war games”:
Urban Shield – a trade show and training exercise for SWAT teams and police agencies from across California, as well as from Israel, Guam, Brazil, and Bahrain – will bring together more than 150 local, state, federal, international, and private sector partners and military contractors.
http://forusa.org/blogs/lynn-gottlieb/oakland-groups-outraged-urban-shield-war-games-gun-show/12575
Fuk-‘hush’-ima: Japan’s new state secrets law gags whistleblowers, raises press freedom fears:
Many issues of national importance to Japan, probably including the state of the Fukushima power plant, may be designated state secrets under a new draft law. Once signed, it could see whistleblowers jailed for up to 10 years.
http://rt.com/news/japan-state-secrets-law-712/
Special Report: Help wanted in Fukushima:
Low pay, high risks and gangsters: Tetsuya Hayashi went to Fukushima to take a job at ground zero of the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. He lasted less than two weeks.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/25/us-fukushima-workers-specialreport-idUSBRE99O04320131025
How to Fight Global Poverty:
The number of people living in abject poverty-defined as living on less than $1.25 per day-has been halved since 1990. Prof. Stephen Davies explains that extreme poverty has been on the decline in part because two of the world’s most populous countries, China and India
New Bill Would Shed Light On Asset Forfeiture In Michigan:
Imagine you own a restaurant. A patron visits with a marijuana joint tucked in his pocket. Suddenly, the police storm in, arrest the man for possession and inform you that they are taking your business, selling it, and pocketing the profits to help fight crime in the state.
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/19274
Detroit: From American dream to American nightmare: Erma and Gordon MacDonald:
“If they take my pension away, then we’ll be in bad shape” They contemplate a future in which the pension that Mr MacDonald earned over 39 years with the Detroit Police disappears – a potential casualty of Detroit’s bankruptcy filing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/24633916
Study: The Majority of Public School Students in the West, South are Poor:
In 17 U.S. states, the majority of public school students are low-income. But the poverty isn’t distributed evenly across the country, according to a new report from Southern Education Foundation. Thirteen of the states are in the South, and the other four are in the West.
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 : 3,393
Cost of War in Iraq & Afghanistan
Total Cost of Wars Since 2001
$1,483,532,724,586
The New Dark Age 