28 June 2014 — Information Clearing House
Syrian ‘Moderates’ Aren’t So Moderate in Iraq
By Robert Fisk
Well, God bless Barack Obama – he’s found some “moderate” rebels in Syria. Enough to supply them with weapons and training worth $500m.
Fear and Loathing at Hotel Babylon
By Pepe Escobar
The Empire of Chaos will keep betting on – what else – chaos.
Tweet This! The ISIS Terrorists and Social Media
By Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich
The ‘threat’ of “jihadists” going to Britain (France, Germany, or elsewhere) ensures that that door is slammed shut in the faces of those who escape from the mayhem created by the “free and civilized world”
The Risk For Putin
Cold War Renewed With A Vengeance While Washington Again Lies
By Paul Craig Roberts
As the Brzezinski and Wolfowitz doctrines make clear, Russia is the enemy whose rise to influence must be prevented at all cost.
If Militarism Continues, Humankind is Doomed
By Jan Oberg
Well-informed people know that Russia’s military expenditures is 7% of NATO’s. Russia is a de facto military dwarf in the ‘correlation of forces.’
Central Bank Stock Buying Binge
By Mike Whitney
The market is totally rigged from stem to stern, which is why it is so hard to feign outrage at this latest sign of corruption.
The Pitchforks Are Coming… For Us Plutocrats
By Nick Hanauer
I have a message for my fellow filthy rich, for all of us who live in our gated bubble worlds: Wake up, people. It won’t last.
Today’s Oligarch Curtain of Lies, Theft, Death and Destruction Are Exposed As Never Before
By Joachim Hagopian
Many of us are undergoing a fundamental change in our belief system as we come to realize what we have been taught as reality turns out anything but.
Horror and Hope
We are forced into apathy or fear of the “Other.”
By Andrea Brower
We turn to all sorts of justifications to normalize a world in which 165 million children are so malnourished that they are physically and cognitively stunted, and people are shot for crossing imagined boundaries in search of a livelihood.
The Desperate Choices Behind Child Migration
By Alexandra Early
To see things differently, it helps to put yourself in the shoes of others. Let’s imagine that you are poor single mother living in Apopa, a dangerous city next door to the capital, San Salvador.
Over 50 ISIL militants killed in N.Iraq in past 24 hrs: Gov report:
Over 50 militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) were killed by Iraqi security forces in separate areas at Saladin province, north of the Iraqi capital, amid increasing military and air strikes against ISIL groups,
Iraqi Officials: 21 troops killed in clashes:
Iraqi officials say heavy clashes between security forces and Sunni insurgents have killed at least 21 troops south of Baghdad. Police officials say the fighting raged for hours Saturday near the town of Jurf al-Sakhar, some 50km south of the capital.
Rights Group: Iraq Militants Executed 160 Captives:
Iraqi insurgents executed at least 160 captives earlier this month in the northern city of Tikrit, Human Rights Watch said Friday, citing an analysis of satellite imagery and grisly photos released by the militants.
Mass prisoner deaths in Iraq point to police executions:
It was supposed to be a routine job, police say. Move 69 prisoners from an outlying town to a jail in southern Baghdad. But before they arrived at their destination, every single prisoner had been killed.
Iraqi Shiites Fleeing ISIS Fear A Divided Iraq Would Leave Them Homeless:
They came without warning. Heavily armed and riding in hundreds of cars and Humvees stolen from the Iraqi army, the extremist Sunni fighters stopped outside a tiny farming village in northern Iraq and attacked the Shiite community there.
Iraqi military regains control of Tikrit:
The Iraqi military and volunteer militia groups have regained control of Tikrit, birthplace of Saddam Hussein, which has been under occupation by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants for several weeks
Iraq, Out of Hellfire Missiles, Asks US for 1,400 More:
Kirby added that the missiles’ manufacturer Lockheed Marin has two shifts “working at full capacity right now to modify and test these missiles and get them on their way.”
Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric calls for prime minister to be chosen by Tuesday: –
The most influential Shi’ite cleric in Iraq called on the country’s leaders on Friday to choose a prime minister within the next four days, a dramatic political intervention that could hasten the end of Nuri al-Maliki’s eight year rule.
Russia will not sit idly by as Jihadists press Iraq assault:
“The situation is very dangerous in Iraq and the foundations of the Iraqi state are under threat,” he said. Ryabkov also reiterated Moscow’s position that the crises in Syria and Iraq must be resolved “through a genuine national dialogue”.
From his desk in cloud cuckoo land:
Kerry: Syrian moderate rebels could help in Iraq:
Secretary of State John Kerry signaled on Friday that the U.S. hopes to enlist moderate Syrian opposition fighters that the Obama administration has reluctantly decided to arm and train in the battle against militant extremists in neighboring Iraq.
At least 11 ISIL militants killed in Syrian Al-Hasaka area :
At least 11 militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) were killed during clashes with Syrian regime forces in Al-Hasaka northeast of the country, The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said Saturday.
Two killed as blast hits Syrian town of Douma:
A powerful bomb explosion has ripped through a busy market northeast of the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing at least two people and injuring several others,
Syria Islamists challenge ISIL control of town on Iraq border:
Islamist rebels waged a counter-offensive in Syria’s border town of Albu Kamal on Saturday, challenging the grip of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) which has seized large areas on each side of the crumbling Iraqi-Syrian frontier.,
ISIS Crucifies One of its Own in Syria For Corruption:
Photographs posted on websites showed the body and bloodied head of a bearded man with a placard reading: “Guilty: Abu Adnan al-Anadali. Sentence: execution and three days of crucifixion. Motive: extorting money at checkpoints by accusing drivers of apostasy.”
Syrian rebels buckling in face of jihadis:
In a significant development, beleaguered Nusra Front fighters surrounded by Islamic State forces in the town of Boukamal on the border with Iraq defected this week and joined the Islamic State. That effectively handed the town over to the Islamic State, which controls the Iraqi side of the crossing.
Anti-Assad rebels said to seize 95% of Syrian Golan Heights:
Almost the entire Syrian side of the Golan Heights is now under the control of rebel forces, including radical Islamist groups, a senior Israeli military commander in the area said Friday.
Jordan fears homegrown ISIS more than invasion from Iraq:
Demonstrators angry with Jordan’s government have unfurled in this desert city the black battle flags of the al-Qaeda-inspired extremists now in control of large swaths of Iraq, stirring fears that support for the group is growing in Jordan.
U.S. State Dept. Document Confirms Regime Change Agenda in Middle East:
MEB has obtained a just-released U.S. State Department document through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit that confirms the Obama Administration’s pro-active campaign for regime change throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.
Report: Israel tells U.S. it would act to save Jordan from Islamists:
Israeli diplomats have told their American counterparts that Israel would be prepared to take military action to save the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan if it came under attack by jihadist militants, the Daily Beast reported on Saturday.
7 killed in al-Qaida attack on military hospital in Yemen:
About four army soldiers and three al-Qaida militants were killed during an armed attack on a military hospital in Yemen’s southeastern province of Hadramout on Saturday, a government official said, APA reports quoting Xinhua
Israeli attack kills two members of Palestinian resistance in Gaza Strip:
A spokesman for the Palestinian Health Ministry said the target was a civilian vehicle driving on a road on the Gaza coast, near al-Shati refugee camp and not far from the home of Ismail Haniyeh, the second in command in Hamas’ political bureau.
Force-feeding is cruel and inhuman – UN experts urge Israel not to make it legal:
“It is not acceptable to force-feed or use threats of force-feeding or other physical or psychological coercion against individuals who have opted for the extreme recourse of a hunger strike to protest against their detention without charge and conditions of detention and treatment,” said the Special Rapporteur on torture
UN security council fails to condemn Israel:
The UN security council failed for the second time to condemn Israel over its large-scale military operation in search of the three missing settlers in the West Bank. The Arab-Muslim request was tabled by Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin during a closed session of the UN security council.
Europe ‘losing patience’ over Israeli settlement policy – EU envoy:
The EU Ambassador to Israel has warned that a growing number of EU states are dissuading their citizens from doing business with companies registered in Israeli settlements; France, Italy and Spain have already joined the trend.
EU warns against business in Israeli settlements:
The European Union is warning its citizens and companies against doing business with Israeli settlements. It says they run legal, economic and reputational risks by making deals in what the EU considers illegally occupied territory.
US envoy for Middle East resigns amid tension:
Martin Indyk, chief negotiator for Israeli-Palestinian talks, to return to US think-tank, following talks failure.
Who’s benefiting from a never-ending Mideast peace ‘process?’:
The time has come to ask ourselves who the true stakeholders are in the Middle East peace ‘process,’ where their true interests lie and who the current status quo serves.
War Criminal:
Tony Blair accused of conflict of interests in Middle East:
Critics unite to demand his sacking as Quartet’s envoy as evidence emerges of his private business interests expanding in region
‘Sack Blair from Middle East peace envoy and try him at the Hague’ : Video
-A group of former diplomats have written to demand Blair be fired.
Afghans protest over alleged poll fraud:
Abdullah Abdullah leads supporters on march to president’s palace to accuse incumbent of complicity.
Land used for opium cultivation at historic high – UN:
Afghanistan is largely behind the increase, with its crop growing by 36 percent over a year, producing 80 percent of the world’s opium.
Nigeria: 55 killed in Borno hideout -Military:
In a statement posted on its website, the Defence Headquarters said 53 terrorists died in the encounter, while the troops lost two of their men, and five others received injuries.
Nigeria: 11 killed, 28 Injured As Bomb Blast Rocks Hotel In Bauchi:
Eleven people were confirmed dead and 28 others that sustained various degrees of injuries are now receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, following a bomb blast that occurred Friday night at Peoples’ Hotel in Bauchi metropolis.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/11-killed-28-injured-as-bomb-blast-rocks-hotel-in-bauchi/182092/
Four Egypt police killed in Sinai attack: security:
Gunmen killed four Egyptian policemen in the restive northern Sinai on Saturday, a security source said, with police blaming the attack on “takfiri” jihadist militants.
2 killed as bombs hit Cairo telecom centre:
Two bombings on Saturday in a Cairo suburb killed a teenager and her mother, officials said, the latest in a wave of blasts to hit the Egyptian capital this week.
At least 45 people killed in new violence in CAR: UN:
The UN Refugee Agency ( UNHCR) said that at least 45 people have been killed this week and scores wounded in new violence and reprisal attacks in and around Bambari in the Central African Republic (CAR)
Senator Leahy: Stop Sending U.S. Aid to Egypt!:
Tell Senator Leahy to stand by the Leahy Amendment he sponsored. Stop the U.S. from sending military aid to human rights violators like the Egypt government!
Benghazi Attack Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In U.S. Court:
Ahmed Abu Khattala made his initial appearance in federal court in the nation’s capital on Saturday. A grand jury indictment says Abu Khattala took part in a conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists in the 2012 attacks that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American
Sudan apostasy woman given US embassy refuge:
Mariam Ibrahim, who is facing death threats, and her two children given refuge at the US embassy in Khartoum.
Four Ukrainian servicemen killed in new fighting: military source:
Four Ukrainian servicemen were killed and five wounded in an overnight attack by separatist fighters on a military post in the east of the country, a military analyst said on Friday.
Kiev Is Starting a War to Avoid a Revolution: Op-Ed:
Despite its peaceful declarations, Kiev is gradually transitioning from massacring civilians and bombing Donbas cities to direct provocations on the Russian border and attacks on diplomatic missions of the Russian Federation.
Washington pushing Ukraine to conflict – Lavrov:
“We also have partners across the ocean – our American colleagues – who, according to a lot of evidence, still favor pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards the path of confrontation,” Lavrov told Rossiya 1 channel’s news show “Sergey Brilev’s News on Saturday”.
Ukraine Tips From Nameless US Officials:
Good Enough for NYT: Apparently the people who know best about what’s happening in Ukraine are US government officials who won’t let their names be printed in the newspaper.
US and EU leaders set Monday deadline for ceasefire terms: –
EU leaders have set Monday as the deadline for the release of prisoners in east Ukraine and for the terms of a lasting ceasefire, warning Moscow they were ready to impose further sanctions.
Barack Obama seeks $65 billion in war funds:
President Barack Obama asked Congress on Thursday for more than $65 billion to support the war in Afghanistan and global security programs. Part of the new fund would go toward directly supporting rebel groups fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
UK urged to tell all on US rendition flights:
Fresh claims over use of overseas territory of Diego Garcia as secret jail for terrorist suspects
Germany Fires Verizon Over NSA Spying:
Germany announced Thursday it is canceling its contract with Verizon Communications over concerns about the role of U.S. telecom corporations in National Security Agency spying.
NSA phone searches increased by 50 percent in 2013, report finds:
The report, the first such effort under new Obama administration guidelines pledging greater transparency, was as notable for what it left out as what it provided.
U.S. Says It Spied on 89,000 “Targets” Last Year, But the Number Is Deceptive:
The report, which covers only surveillance orders issued in 2013, doesn’t tell the whole story about how many individuals the spying targeted or how many Americans were caught in the surveillance that targeted foreigners
‘Sneak & peek’ warrants allow police to secretly enter homes without notice:
A little-known police tactic allows cops to covertly enter private residences, perform searches, seize property, and then leave quietly without notifying the homeowner. These searches, affectionately known as “sneak and peek” warrants, have been performed at a rapidly rising rate since 9/11.
In defense of Bolivian President Evo Morales :
President Morales has experienced first-hand what happens if you catch the attention of the U.S. when it’s in a bad mood,
Mexico arrests well-known vigilante leader:
Jose Manuel Mireles and 100 other members of ‘self-defence’ group battling drug gangs detained by police.
Report: Mexican Military Chopper Crosses Into US, Shoots At Border Agents:
Mexican authorities were conducting a drug interdiction operation when the incident happened early Thursday morning on the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation. The Mexican chopper fired at the agents and then flew back into Mexico.
Child Migrants and Media Half-Truths:
Most of these mainstream press stories are telling half-truths about child victims, while muddling or downright manipulating the question of who and what is responsible.
Our Homes Are Not Battlefields: Reversing the Militarization of Local Police: Op-Ed:
After more than a decade embroiled in wars abroad, the tactics, mentality, and tools deployed by the US military in overseas war operations are coming home to our cities and towns.
Student Leaders Ask Hillary To Return ‘Outrageous’ $225,000 School Speaking Fee:
Two top student government leaders at the University of Las Vegas are requesting Hillary Clinton return the “outrageous” $225,000 speaking fee she reportedly will receive for an upcoming speech at the school in October.
If The Clintons Are Worth 50 Million, Why Do They Get Nearly A Million A Year From The Taxpayers?:
Obama Bush Clinton CarterSince leaving the White House, the Clintons have earned at least 100 million dollars and currently have a net worth of up to 50 million dollars. So why in the world do the taxpayers need to give Bill Clinton $944,000 to fund his extravagant lifestyle in 2014?
Detroit’s Water War: a tap shut-off that could impact 300,000 people:
A right-wing state and corporate push to cut off water is economic shock therapy at its most ruthless and racist, but resistance is growing
Generational Poverty the Exception, Not the Rule :
Poverty in the U.S. is, in fact, a much larger problem than we think it is, and it’s one that most Americans will face.
Red Cross: How We Spent Sandy Money Is a ‘Trade Secret’ –
The charity is fighting a public records request for information on how it raised and spent money after the superstorm
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 : 3,454
Cost of War in Iraq & Afghanistan
Total Cost of Wars Since 2001
Total Cost of Wars Since 2001
$1,545,277,754,020
The New Dark Age 