War News Updates

Explosions In A Russian Munitions Depot With 13Million Shells Forces Thousands To Flee

2013-06-19T23:00:00.005-04:00

Thousands Evacuated After Explosions At Russian Munitions Depot Storing 13Million Shells, With 1,500 Firefighters Sent To Tackle The Blaze -- Daily Mail

* 30 people injured after blasts at depot near city of Chapaevsk
* 6,000 people evacuated and local authorities declared state of emergency
* Depot stored up to 13million artillery shells with a range of about 1km

More than 6,000 people were evacuated after explosions rocked a Russian munitions depot last night where up to 13million shells are stored.

At least 30 people were injured when the shells exploded, causing huge blasts at the Chapaevsk military depot in the Samara region.

Reports from Russia said about 1,500 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze and residents were evacuated from the nearby village of Nagorny, about 15km from the city of Chapaevsk.

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More News On The Russian Chapaevsk Military Depot Fire And Explosions

Russia blast: Multiple explosions rock arsenal storing ‘millions’ of shells (VIDEO) -- RT
One Killed, Thousands Evacuated in Ammo Depot Explosions (Videos) -- Moscow Times
Russia Probes Blasts at Depot Storing ‘Millions’ of Shells -- RIA Novosti
Thousands flee ammunition blasts at central Russia testing site -- UPI

One dead, thousands evacuated in Russian arms depot blasts -- Global Post/AFP
6,000 flee as explosions rock Russian military depot -- Washington Times
Russia evacuates thousands after blasts at army munitions store -- Reuters

Egypt's And Syria's Problems Stem From Having 'Basket-Case' Economies

2013-06-19T23:00:00.004-04:00

Syria and Egypt Can’t Be Fixed -- David P. Goldman, PJ Media

Syria and Egypt are dying. They were dying before the Syrian civil war broke out and before the Muslim Brotherhood took power in Cairo. Syria has an insoluble civil war and Egypt has an insoluble crisis because they are dying. They are dying because they chose not to do what China did: move the better part of a billion people from rural backwardness to a modern urban economy within a generation. Mexico would have died as well, without the option to send its rural poor – fully one-fifth of its population – to the United States.

It was obvious to anyone who troubled to examine the data that Egypt could not maintain a bottomless pit in its balance of payments, created by a 50% dependency on imported food, not to mention an energy bill fed by subsidies that consumed a quarter of the national budget. It was obvious to Israeli analysts that the Syrian regime’s belated attempt to modernize its agricultural sector would create a crisis as hundreds of thousands of displaced farmers gathered in slums on the outskirts of its cities. These facts were in evidence early in 2011 when Hosni Mubarakfell and the Syrian rebellion broke out. Paul Rivlin of Israel’s Moshe Dayan Center published a devastating profile of Syria’s economic failure in April 2011. [1]

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My Comment: One of the best economic analysis that I have read so far on both Syria and Egypt. This is one of must reads for today.

Protecting President Obama

2013-06-19T23:00:00.003-04:00

From left, President Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit arrive at the Brandenburg Gate. AFP/Getty Images

Obama's Own Berlin Wall! US President Issues Warning To Austerity Europe From Behind Bulletproof Glass -- Daily Mail

* US President spoke at Brandenberg Gate in Berlin
* Barack Obama addressed nuclear policies in US and Russia
* Said EU leaders may have to moderate cuts to 'save a generation'

Nearly 50 years after John F Kennedy’s historic Cold War speech in Berlin, Barack Obama yesterday called for the United States and Russia to cut their nuclear arsenals as he visited the same city.

Speaking at the Brandenberg Gate from behind a wall of bullet-proof glass, the US president used the occasion to suggest a one-third reduction of American and Russian nuclear stockpiles.

He also issued a warning to the eurozone over the wisdom of austerity policies, saying the need to balance budgets should not distract from the ultimate economic goal of improving people’s lives.

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My Comment: I am not going to go into details, but I do have a lot of knowledge on General Electric lexan products/bullet proof glass/etc. .... and I can tell you one thing about that 8" sheet of bullet-proof glass protecting the President .... that is "over-kill" .... but I guess they wanted to make sure to have something that will stop almost anything. Makes you wonder on what are the security threats and warnings that the Secret Service are receiving now.

More Secrets Are Being Classified Than Declassified

2013-06-19T23:00:00.002-04:00

Government warehouse scene from the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Wikipedia

Secrets Piling Up Faster Than Government Can Declassify Some -- McClatchy News

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — In the darkened stacks of a nondescript building in the suburbs outside Washington, dozens of federal employees wearing protective gloves spend day after day sifting through millions of pages of secret documents, some of them nearly a century old.

The 70 staffers of the National Declassification Center are charged with deciding – anonymously and quietly – which of the nation’s old secrets can be laid bare for the world to see.

They have a backlog of hundreds of millions of pages marked for possible declassification, and they’re able to release those that don’t reveal information about weapons of mass destruction, harm diplomatic relations or threaten the safety of the president of the United States. But no one believes they’ll be able to make a year-end deadline set by President Barack Obama. And in the meantime, the government is classifying even more secrets.

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My Comment: Only 70 staffers? There has to be a better system.

Tony Soprano Star James Gandolfini Dead At 51

2013-06-19T23:00:00.001-04:00

James Gandolfini (1961-2013): As a Made Man, He Made TV Great -- Time

One day in 1999, James Gandolfini walked down a driveway in a bathrobe, picked up the newspaper, and changed television forever. If back then you were watching this new HBO drama with the title that seemed to be about opera, then you know how much talent the world lost when he died, suddenly and too soon, at age 51 on Wednesday. (In Rome, Italy, of all places, where Tony Soprano sojourned in the show’s second season.) But with his forceful, charismatic, yet subtle performance as a suburban mobster, James Gandolfini changed the TV you watched even if you’ve never watched a minute of The Sopranos.

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My Comment: One of my favorite shows and actors .... a true cultural icon .... he will be missed. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.

Americans Don't Trust Newspapers and Television News

2013-06-19T23:00:00.000-04:00

Majority Of Americans Don't Trust Newspapers and Television News -- US News and World Report

According to a new Gallup poll, confidence in mass media continues to fall.

Continuing a decades-long downward trend, fewer than one-fourth of Americans have confidence in newspapers, according to a recent Gallup poll.

The percentage of Americans saying they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in newspapers dropped to 23 percent this year from 25 percent last year, according to a report on the poll, which was released Monday.

American confidence in newspapers reached its peak at 51 percent in 1979, and a low of 22 percent in 2008.

But newspapers don't stand alone. Confidence in television news has also been slipping — it's tied with newspapers this year at 23 percent, which is slightly up from last year's all-time low of 21 percent. Newspapers and television news rank near the bottom of a list of 16 "societal institutions," according to the report. The only institutions television news and newspapers beat out this year are big business, organized labor, health maintenance organizations and Congress. Americans expressed the most confidence in the military, at 76 percent, and small businesses, at 65 percent.

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My Comment: Even the leakers are shying away from the main stream media.

Did A Missile Shoot Down TWA Flight 800 17 years Ago?

2013-06-19T22:00:00.000-04:00

Former Investigators 'Break Silence' About NTSB Cover-Up Of TWA Flight 800 Crash -- New York Daily News

A group of former NTSB investigators argue in an upcoming documentary that the crash, which occurred off the coast of Long Island in 1996 and killed 230 people, was not caused by a fuel tank explosion, as the agency said.

Investigators from the first probe of doomed TWA Flight 800 called Wednesday for a new examination of the tragedy, resurrecting old claims that a missile downed the plane.

A half-dozen people involved in the original inquiry into the July 17, 1996, blast that killed 230 people on a Paris-bound flight out of JFK Airport claimed new evidence supports the oft-suggested missile theory.

"We're are not speculating in the least," insisted Tom Stalcup, co-founder of the Flight 800 Independent Researchers Organization.

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More News On The TWA Flight 800 Crash

Are conspiracy theorists who say TWA flight 800 was shot down right? Filmmakers claim jet that crashed over Long Island killing 230 was hit by explosions OUTSIDE aircraft -- Daily Mail
TWA Flight 800 gets another look 17 years later -- CBS
Filmmaker asserts new evidence on crash of TWA Flight 800 -- CNN
NTSB urged to reopen review of TWA Flight 800 crash -- USA Today
Documentary Alleges TWA Flight 800 Cover-Up -- ABC news
Former investigators dispute official finding of what doomed TWA Flight 800 in 1996 -- Syracuse.com
A look back at TWA Flight 800 -- Kansas City Star

FBI Admits Using Drones For Domestic Surveillance

2013-06-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

FBI Director Tells Congress Agency Uses Drones For Surveillance On U.S. Soil -- NBC

FBI director Robert Mueller said Wednesday that the nation's top law enforcement bureau uses drones to conduct surveillance on U.S. soil, though only on a "very, very minimal basis."

Mueller, the FBI director since 2001 who is set to retire this year, acknowledged that his agency uses drones in its investigative and law enforcement practices, and is further working to establish better guidelines for the use of drones.

"We are in the early stages of doing that, and I will tell you that our footprint is very small, we have very few, and have limited use. And we're exploring not only the use, but the necessary guidelines for that use," Mueller told senators at a hearing this morning when asked about the use of drones.

Read more ....

More News On The FBI Admitting Using Drones For Domestic Surveillance

FBI Uses Drones for Surveillance, Without Clear Guidelines -- US News and World Report
FBI Uses Drones in Domestic Surveillance, Mueller Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Mueller tells lawmakers FBI has used drones in U.S. -- USA Today
FBI director acknowledges domestic drone use -- CBS
FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S. -- NPR
FBI Director Mueller: Drones used for domestic surveillance in US -- The Hill
FBI admits to domestic surveillance drone use -- The Guardian
FBI Admits It Surveils U.S. With Drones -- Threat Level

Russia Reacts 'Coolly' To President Obama's Nuclear Reduction Proposals

2013-06-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

US President Barack Obama announced to a crowd in Berlin that he is set to propose slashing the US nuclear arsenal by up to 1,000 warheads, below the level already targeted under a treaty signed by the United States and Russia in April 2010. (Air Force)

Russia Signals Nuclear Arms Cuts Will Not Come Easy -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Russia voiced concern on Wednesday about U.S. missile defenses and high-precision conventional weapons, signaling that nuclear arms cuts proposed by President Barack Obama are likely to face formidable obstacles.

In a speech in Berlin, Obama said he wanted to reduce the strategic nuclear weapons the United States deploys by a third and would seek to negotiate cuts with Russia. The former Cold War foes possess the vast majority of the world's nuclear weapons.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow's concerns about the anti-missile shields the United States and NATO are deploying, and said the development of high-precision non-nuclear weapons could upset the strategic balance.

Read more ....

More News On Russian Reaction To President Obama's Call For Further Nuclear Reductions

Russia reacts coolly to Obama's nuclear proposals -- L.A. Times
Russia says U.S. missile defense a big barrier to nuclear cuts -- Reuters
Russians say arms reduction will have to involve more countries -- Boston Herald/AP
Moscow cool on Obama nuclear cuts plan -- Herald Sun
How Russia views nuclear disarmament - and why it may resist -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: The Russians are not the only ones who are skeptical of President Obama's proposal.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- June 19, 2013

2013-06-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

A Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile launcher takes part in a rehearsal for the May 9 Victory Day parade in a military base in Alabino outside Moscow April 22, 2008. REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov

Obama Pushes Big Cut In Nuclear Weapons. Is That A Good Idea? -- Peter Grier, Christian Science Monitor

In Berlin, President Obama calls for cutting US deployed nuclear weapons by one-third and urges NATO allies to pursue 'the security of a world without nuclear weapons.'

In a Berlin speech on Wednesday, President Obama proposed cutting deployed US strategic nuclear weapons by one-third. These reductions would occur pursuant to US-Russian negotiations aimed at getting the world’s two big nuclear powers to move beyond “cold war nuclear postures," Mr. Obama said.

The US president also said he would work with NATO allies to see big cuts in smaller, tactical nuclear weapons based in Europe.

“Peace with justice means pursuing the security of a world without nuclear weapons – no matter how distant that dream may be,” said Obama.

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

How Russia views nuclear disarmament - and why it may resist -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor

Obama's plan to slash America's nuclear arsenal: The 3 biggest barriers -- Keith Wagstaff, The Week

No hard truths in Berlin -- Mark Mardell, BBC

Obama visit: Why U.S. now needs Germany more than ever -- Sudha David-Wilp, special for CNN

What will happen if Assad wins in Syria -- J.L. Granatstein, Ottawa Citizen

Hezbollah's Necessary War of Choice in Syria -- Aram Nerguizian, Real Clear World

Can fragmented Egypt find 15 million who want President Morsi out? -- Louisa Loveluck, Christian Science Monitor

Nigeria Is Caught Between Military Abuses and Islamist Rebels: Is the country turning into a failed state? -- John Campbell, The Atlantic

Heads held high in Afghanistan -- Jonathan Kay, National post

Been missing Kim Jong-un? Here's what he's been up to -- Candace Sutton, Herald Sun

Erdogan Driving Turkey Off a Cliff -- Orhan Cengiz, World Crunch

Soft Power: A U.S.-China Battleground? -- Nicholas Dynon, The Diplomat

Canada: Just as Colorful and Vibrant, and Almost as Tawdry and Rapacious, as America -- David Sax, Bloomberg Businessweek

Analysis: Brazil's protests: Not quite a 'Tropical Spring' -- Brian Winter, Reuters

Al Qaeda Terrorist Threat Is Growing -- Bill Gertz, Washington Free Beacon

The Government Is Spying on America with Drones, Too -- Elspeth Reeve, The Atlantic

When Is the Royal Baby Due? -- Mackenzie Yang, Time

World News Briefs -- June 19, 2013 (Evening Edition)

2013-06-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

Obama Challenges Russia To Agree To Deeper Nuclear Weapon Cuts -- Reuters

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama used a speech in Berlin on Wednesday to call on Russia to revive the push for a world without nuclear weapons, offering to cut deployed nuclear arsenals by a third, but Moscow immediately poured scorn on his proposal.

Speaking in Berlin where John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan gave rousing Cold War speeches, Obama urged Russia to help build on the "New START" treaty that requires both countries to cut stockpiles of deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 each by 2018.

The speech, a day after Obama met President Vladimir Putin at a summit where they disagreed publicly about Syria, was given a frosty reception by Moscow which said it could "not take such proposals seriously" while Washington was beefing up its own anti-missile defenses.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russian marine and air power head for Syria versus Western intervention – “to defend Russian citizens,” says Moscow.

Special Report: Syria's Islamists seize control as moderates dither.

Rebels and military battle in Aleppo.

Deadly clashes erupt in south Lebanon.

Analysis: Hezbollah takes Syrian centre-stage, yet remains in shadows.

Israel to export 40 percent of its natural gas.

Suicide bomber embraces and kills Sunni politician in Iraq.

U.N. recommends bringing Iraq closer to ending 1990s sanctions.

Turkey protesters face criminal charges as silent vigils spread.

ASIA

North Korea, China want to resume nuclear talks.

U.S. talks with Taliban likely to take place within 'next few days': U.S. official. US denies talks planned with Taliban.

Afghan attack kills US soldiers hours after news of talks.

Karzai sets new conditions for talks with Taliban. Afghans must talk to each other for peace, Obama says.

China’s military buildup worrisome, Japan’s U.S. ambassador says.

China braces for slower growth and credit crunch.

China completes internet monitoring scheme in Tibet.

Kim Jong-un 'pictured with luxury yacht' in North Korea.

North Korea condemns Hitler Mein Kampf report.

Torrential rains devastate north Indian state.

AFRICA

Egypt tourism minister protests over Islamist governor.

Egypt top cleric: Protests against Morsi permitted. Fears of violence as Egypt nears June 30 protests.

Gun battle at UN compound in Mogadishu ends. Somali Islamist rebels attack UN compound in Mogadishu. Somali UN compound attacked in Mogadishu.

Nigeria's Zamfara state violence 'kills 48'.

Pirates attack ship off Nigeria, kidnap four: sources.

G8 urged to fight Africa land grabs.

UN says Libya continues to face difficult transition.

Islamist Governor promises safety for Luxor tourists. Egypt tourism minister resigns over new Islamist Luxor governor.

EUROPE

Iceland: 'informal talks' about Snowden asylum.

Internet monitoring must have proper limits, Merkel tells Obama. Obama defends U.S. intelligence strategy in wary Berlin.

Russia reacts coolly to Obama's nuclear proposals. Russia signals nuclear arms cuts will not come easy. Russians say arms reduction will have to involve more countries.

Obama 'to call for' US-Russia nuclear weapons cuts.

Air Force One lands in Berlin.

Russia to Hold G8 Summit in Sochi on June 4-5, 2014 - Putin.

Analysis: French EU-wariness complicates life for Hollande.

French baffled by IMF chief’s bizarre letter to Sarkozy.

Cyprus leader Anastasiades attacks bank bailout terms.

Italian court says Knox murder acquittal had inconsistencies.

AMERICAS

Violent protests mar Brazil-Mexico match in Fortaleza. Brazil protests proceed as smaller cities join the fray.

Brazil sends national security force to quell protests. Protesters out again in Brazil's biggest city.

Cuban dissident: Repression forced family to flee.

Breakaway Argentine mayor could trump ruling party in October vote.

FBI offers $65,000 for info on 2008 Times Square bomber.

FBI search for Jimmy Hoffa's body may last two more days.

Journalist who brought down U.S. general is killed in Los Angeles car crash.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo detainee describes 'ordeal' of force feeding.

Doctors to Obama: Let us treat hunger-striking detainees at Guantanamo.

Lancet call for independent Guantanamo medical care.

Yemen: Al Qaeda scrambles to survive.

Obama: 'Lives have been saved' by NSA programs.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed outlines timeline for winding down stimulus.

Dolce and Gabbana sentenced to jail for tax dodge.

More Russian oil flows to China in shift from Europe.

World Bank watching Fed, ready to respond.

Billionaire Carlos Slim: 60 Is the new 30.

President Barack Obama In Berlin - Full Speech

2013-06-19T17:00:00.001-04:00

Barack Obama's Berlin Speech – Full Text -- The Guardian

Hello, Berlin! Thank you, Chancellor Merkel, for your leadership, your friendship, and the example of your life – from a child of the East to the leader of a free and united Germany.

As I've said, Angela and I don't exactly look like previous German and American leaders. But the fact that we can stand here today, along the fault line where a city was divided, speaks to an eternal truth: No wall can stand against the yearning of justice, the yearnings for freedom, the yearnings for peace that burns in the human heart.

Read more ....

More News And Commentary On President Obama's Berlin Speech

Obama speech in Berlin looks to 'shared values' of iron curtain era -- The Guardian
Obama, in Berlin, calls for U.S., Russia to cut nuclear warheads -- Washington Post
Obama calls for reduction in nuclear arms in broad-brush Berlin speech -- The Guardian
Cheers, sobriety meet Obama call to action in Berlin -- FOX News/AFP
Obama calls for reducing U.S., Russian nukes -- CNN
In Berlin, Obama calls for dramatic nuclear cuts -- Politico
Some Berliners less enamored with Obama than in 2008 -- USA Today

Three Football Coaches Are The Pentagon's Highest Paid Officials

2013-06-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Three Highest-Paid Pentagon Officials Are All Football Coaches -- Daily Caller

The three highest-compensated employees on the Pentagon payroll are the Army, Navy and Air Force football coaches, according to a recent report.

Taking note of various statistics that paint a picture of a healthy, wealthy America for the summer edition of Chicago Life magazine, writer Allen Sanderson observed that Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun, Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo and Army football coach Rich Ellerson made more money than any other Pentagon-employed government official.

Calhoun makes $882,000 a year. Niumatalolo makes $1.6 million a year. And Ellerson makes $600,000 a year.

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My Comment: Here is an easy prediction .... there is zero chance that these programs will be cut.

The Violence Continues In Nigeria

2013-06-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

Nigeria's Zamfara State Violence 'Kills 48' -- BBC

Gunmen have killed 48 people in an attack on a village in Nigeria's Zamfara state, an official says.

They arrived before dawn riding motorbikes, a state spokesman said.

They then climbed a hill overlooking the village and opened fire indiscriminately before carrying out house-to-house attacks, he said.

The attack is said to be linked to an on-going feud involving cattle thieves in the northern state - there were similar attacks last year.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous state and biggest oil producer, is also battling an insurgency by militant Islamists.

However, the latest violence is not believed to be linked to the insurgency, says BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross.

Read more ....

More News On Nigeria

Gunmen Kill Dozens in Northern Nigeria Village -- Voice of America
Armed gang kills 48 in raid in Nigeria -- FOX News/AFP
Police: Armed robbers kill 48 in northwest Nigeria in revenge attack on villagers -- Washington Post/AP
At least 60 people killed in four northern Nigeria villages: sources -- Xinhuanet
Nigeria: Gunmen Kill 77 in Zamfara, Maiduguri -- allAfrica.com
Nigeria: Boko Haram Kills Nine Students, 13 Fishermen in Maiduguri -- allAfrica.com
Nigeria: 22 Killed As Boko Haram Launches Reprisal On Youths in Maiduguri -- allAfrica.com
Nigeria's piracy - another form of oil theft -- BBC
Nigeria bans sat phones in northeast after attacks -- FOX News/AFP
Nigeria Bans Satellite Phones in Islamist Battleground -- Voice of America
Nigerian Army Bans Satellite Phones in Northeast After Attacks -- Bloomberg Businessweek
At least 9,000 flee northern Nigeria violence -- FOX News/AFP
Islamic militants drive 19,000 rice farmers off land in northeast Nigeria -- CBS/AP
Nigerian Refugee Exodus Spreading To Cameroon -- Voice of America
The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Burning Churches -- Strategy Page
Nigeria Is Caught Between Military Abuses and Islamist Rebels: Is the country turning into a failed state? -- John Campbell, The Atlantic

Intimidating U.S. State Department Whistleblowers?

2013-06-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

Exclusive: Whistleblower Says State Department Trying to Bully Her Into Silence -- The Cable/Foreign Policy

The State Department investigator who accused colleagues last week of using drugs, soliciting prostitutes, and having sex with minors says that Foggy Bottom is now engaged in an "intimidation" campaign to stop her.

Last week's leaks by Aurelia Fedenisn, a former State Department inspector general investigator, shined a light on alleged wrongdoing by U.S. officials around the globe. But her attorney Cary Schulman tells The Cable that Fedenisn has paid a steep price: "They had law enforcement officers camp out in front of her house, harass her children and attempt to incriminate herself."

Fedenisn's life changed dramatically last Monday after she handed over documents and statements to CBS News alleging that senior State Department officials "influenced, manipulated, or simply called off" several investigations into misconduct. The suppression of investigations was noted in an early draft of an Inspector General report, but softened in the final version.

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Update #1: State Department whistleblower: Law enforcement officials ‘harass her children’ -- Washington Times
Update #2: More fun with the State Department: whistleblower harassment and possible perjury -- Human Events

Precious Post: U.S. State Department Whistleblower Seeks Congressional Protection After State Department officials Threaten Her Kids

My Comment: What she is alleging is still being ignored by the mainstream media .... as well as these intimidation tactics. It appears that news that reflects badly on former Secretary of State Clinton is also not permitted.

Protests Follow The Egyptian Government's Appointment Of A New Luxor Governor With Terror Links

2013-06-19T14:00:00.000-04:00

Egypt Tourism Minister Resigns Over Luxor Governor's Terror Links -- The Guardian

Hisham Zaazou quits after Morsi administration appoints Islamist associated with group that killed scores of tourists in 1997

Egypt's tourism minister has resigned in protest over the appointment as Luxor governor of a member of a hardline Islamist group associated with terrorists who killed at least 58 tourists in 1997.

Hisham Zaazou, whose resignation has not yet been accepted by Egypt's prime minister, opposes the appointment on Sunday of Adel el-Khayat, a member of Gamaa Islamiya – a group whose associates carried out the massacre.

The appointment of Khayat, who denies personal involvement in the attack, has enraged not just Zaazou, but the tourism industry in Luxor, which fears the symbolism of the appointment will put off potential visitors.

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More News On The Egyptian Government's Appointment Of A New Luxor Governor With Terror Links

Latest blow to Egypt's tourism: Luxor's governor -- Christian Science Monitor
Egypt tourism minister resigns over Luxor appointment -- AFP
Egypt's Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya denies involvement in 1997 Luxor massacre -- Ahram Online
Luxor Residents Rally Against New Islamist Governor -- Wall Street Journal
Morsi governor appointments frighten some Egyptians -- USA Today
Appointment of ex-militant group member as a governor of Luxor causes uproar in southern Egypt -- Washington Post/AP

Syrian Tank Blown Apart By 'Russian-Made Missile'

2013-06-19T13:30:00.000-04:00

From YouTube: A video has been posted online which purports to show a tank being blown apart by a Russian anti-tank missile fired by members of the Free Syrian Army.

Rebels have discovered the value of anti-tank missiles after seizing Russian-made Konkurs weapons from regime bases and turning them against their previous owners.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that sending weapons to Syrian rebels could backfire one day but defended Russia's own military contacts with the Syrian government.

Striking a defiant tone after two days of talks at a G8 summit, Mr Putin said he could not rule out new arms contracts with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He warned that arms sent to Syrian rebels however could one day end up being used in Europe.

He along with other G8 leaders agreed seven key objectives to work together on to try and bring an end to the crisis in Syria.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates June 19, 2013

2013-06-19T13:00:00.001-04:00

Special Report: Syria's Islamists Seize Control As Moderates Dither -- Reuters

(Reuters) - As the Syrian civil war got under way, a former electrician who calls himself Sheikh Omar built up a brigade of rebel fighters. In two years of struggle against President Bashar al-Assad, they came to number 2,000 men, he said, here in the northern city of Aleppo. Then, virtually overnight, they collapsed.

Omar's group, Ghurabaa al-Sham, wasn't defeated by the government. It was dismantled by a rival band of revolutionaries - hardline Islamists.

The Islamists moved against them at the beginning of May. After three days of sporadic clashes Omar's more moderate fighters, accused by the Islamists of looting, caved in and dispersed, according to local residents. Omar said the end came swiftly.

The Islamists confiscated the brigade's weapons, ammunition and cars, Omar said. "They considered this war loot. Maybe they think we are competitors," he said. "We have no idea about their goals. What we have built in two years disappeared in a single day."

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Syria troops fight rebels near Shiite shrine -- Boston Herald/AP
Hezbollah fighters 'fight rebels near Syria capital' -- FOX News/AFP
Syrian rebels launch attack to block northern highway -- Reuters
Syrian rebels claim attack on Shi'ites in Lebanon -- Reuters
Syrian warplanes strike rebel posts in key northern city of Aleppo amid clashes -- Washington Post/AP
Blast hits military site in Syrian port city -- Al Jazeera
Blast hits Syrian port city of Latakia -- Reuters
Assad forces build up for Aleppo offensive -- UPI
Syria opposition to fight on against Assad -- FOX News/AFP
Syria rebels assail G-8 leaders on Syria -- USA Today
Obama Says Syrian Violence May Spread Without New Government -- Bloomberg
Obama Silent on US Arms to Syrian Rebels -- Voice of America
Limited US arms to Syria unlikely to harm Israel: experts -- FOX News
Syrians turn to dollar as local currency tumbles -- Reuters
The Price of Loyalty in Syria -- Robert Worth, New York Times
5 rules to keep in mind while arming Syrian rebels -- Edward Luttwak, Newsday/Foreign Policy
If Hezbollah Wins Syria -- Daniel Nisman, Wall Street Journal
Analysis - Saudi role in Syria driven by fear of Shi'ite 'full moon' -- Angus McDowall, Reuters
Neither side in Syria wants to talk at the moment -- Francis Matthew, Gulf News
Models for possible Syria intervention -- BBC
Syria Fast Facts -- CNN

Somali Islamist Rebels Attack U.N. Base

2013-06-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Somali Islamist Rebels Attack U.N. Base, 22 Dead -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Islamist militants carried out a deadly assault on the main U.N. compound in the Somali capital on Wednesday, dealing a blow to fragile security gains that have allowed a slow return of foreign aid workers and diplomats.

The assault, claimed by Islamist group al Shabaab, began before midday when a car bomb exploded outside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) base. Rebel gunmen forced their way into the compound and fought with security guards.

The African Union (AU) peacekeeping force, which sent soldiers and armored vehicles to the compound, which includes several buildings, said it was under the control of friendly troops after a gun fight that lasted more than 90 minutes.

Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled said four foreign U.N. security staff and four local guards were killed in the gun battle that left seven insurgent fighters dead.

An ambulance service official said his crew carried away seven dead civilians, bringing the total dead to 22.

Read more ....

More News On Somali Islamist Rebels Attacking The UN Base In Mogadishu

16 dead: Militants bomb way into UN’s Mogadishu headquarters as staff take refuge in bunkers -- Washington Post/AP
Al-Shabab Gunmen Attack UN Compound in Mogadishu -- Voice of America
U.N. Somalia Compound Secured After Attack -- Wall Street Journal
At least 14 killed in attack on U.N. headquarters in Somalia -- CNN
Al-Qaeda bombs UN compound in Somalia, killing 15 -- The Telegraph
UN officials condemn deadly attack on world body’s compound in Somali capital -- UN News Centre

Pentagon Moves On Plans To Integrate Women In Combat

2013-06-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

U.S. soldiers from the NATO-led coalition force relax beside a basketball court as night falls at the Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, June 29, 2007. REUTERS/ Finbarr O'Reilly

Pentagon Unveils Plans For Moving Women Into Combat Roles -- Reuters

(Reuters) - A top U.S. military official declared "the days of Rambo are over" as the Pentagon unveiled its plans on Tuesday for integrating women into combat infantry positions following 12 years of war in which they fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan while barred from front-line fighting jobs.

The plans, which call for gender-neutral job requirements like scaling walls and lifting 55-pound (25-kg) tank ammunition, will require more years of study, education and training before some services open combat jobs to women.

"I think the key is setting it up for success and making sure that they have time to do it right," said Juliet Beyler, director of Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management at the Pentagon.

The move to open combat jobs to women follows a dozen years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, countries in which there were often no clearly defined front lines. More than 150 women have been killed in the wars, and nearly 1,000 wounded.

Read more ....

More News On The Pentagon's Plans For Moving Women Into Combat Roles

Military plans to open more combat jobs to women by 2016 -- Washington Post
Military has schedule for women to move into combat jobs, including SEALs, other commandos -- Washington Post/AP
Elite Units in U.S. Military to Admit Women -- New York Times
Services to Reveal Plans to Integrate Women in Combat -- ABC News
Pentagon says women in all combat units by 2016 -- CNN
SEAL Team 6 could include women by 2016 under Pentagon plan -- Christian Science Monitor
Pentagon to Allow Women in Key Combat Roles by 2016 -- Voice of America
Hagel approves plan allowing women to join Navy SEALS, Army Rangers -- The Hill
Women in combat: Could special ops be the next stop? -- NBC
Women in Combat Marching Orders Issued -- Battleland/Time
Plans expected for integrating women into military's elite forces -- UPI
'The days of Rambo are over': Women will serve in the front lines of every combat unit by 2016 -- Daily Mail
Pentagon Moving Toward Women in Combat Weighs Setting Standards -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Marines won't let women in the infantry until at least 2015 -- Marine Times
Women In Special Ops Raises 'Genuine Concerns' -- Military.com
5 Ways Women in Combat Will Change Everything -- ABC News
Women in Combat: The Numbers Racket -- Mark Thompson, Battleland/Time

2013-06-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

UNHCR

More Than Seven Million Refugees Displaced In 2012 - UN -- BBC

The UN says 7.6 million people became refugees in 2012, with the total number now higher than at any time since 1994.

A report from the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says that Syria is "a major new factor" driving up refugee numbers.

The report say 55% of all refugees come from five countries: Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Sudan and Syria.

It also found that developing countries now hosted 81% of the world's refugees, 11% more than a decade ago.

"These truly are alarming numbers. They reflect individual suffering on a huge scale and they reflect the difficulties of the international community in preventing conflicts and promoting timely solutions for them," said UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres.

Read more ....

More News On The World's Growing Refugee Crisis

New UNHCR report says global forced displacement at 18-year high -- UNHCR
Syria pushes global refugee numbers to highest since 1994 -- Alertnet
World refugee increase is highest since 1999, UNHCR report shows -- The Guardian
New refugees numbers rising - UN report -- Herald Sun
UN reports highest level of refugees since 1994 as Canada tightens policy -- Global Post/Canadian Press
Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia conflicts creating more refugees: UNHCR -- The Australian
UNHCR 2012 refugee statistics: full data -- The Guardian

Peace Deal Between Mali And Tuareg Rebels

2013-06-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

Mali And Tuareg Rebels Sign Peace Deal -- BBC

Mali's government has signed a peace deal with Tuareg rebels to help pave the way for elections next month.

The accord calls for an immediate ceasefire and for government troops to return to the rebel-held northern town of Kidal, officials said.

The rebels captured Kidal after a French-led offensive forced militant Islamists out of the town in January.

The Tuaregs have been fighting for autonomy in the north since Mali gained independence from France in 1960.

They say they are marginalised by the government in the capital, Bamako.

French President Francois Hollande, announcing the deal after the G8 summit in Northern Ireland, said the agreement paved the way for a presidential election across Mali, including in Kidal.

Read more ....

More News On The Peace Deal Between Mali And Tuareg Rebels

Rebels in North Mali Sign Peace Deal Allowing In Government Troops -- New York Times
Mali signs ceasefire deal with Tuareg rebels -- Al Jazeera
Mali Officials, Tuareg Rebels Sign Accord -- Voice of America
Mali reaches deal with Tuareg rebels -- France 24/AFP
Mali and Tuareg Rebels Sign Accord -- AP
Mali: UN officials welcome accord between Government and Tuareg rebels -- UN News Centre

President Obama Calls For More Cuts To Nuclear Weapons

2013-06-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (background) and a Russian diesel submarine take part in a naval parade at the harbour of Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok in this July 25, 2010 file photo. REUTERS-Yuri Maltsev-FIles

Obama 'To Call For' US-Russia Nuclear Weapons Cuts -- BBC

US President Barack Obama is to use his public speech in Berlin to propose cuts of one-third in American and Russian nuclear arsenals, US officials say.

They say he will also call for reductions in the number of tactical warheads deployed in Europe.

He met Chancellor Angela Merkel, who criticised the broad scope of the US surveillance programme known as Prism.

Mr Obama's visit comes after G8 leaders backed calls for holding Syrian peace talks in Geneva "as soon as possible".

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Call For Further Cuts To Nuclear Weapons

Obama to renew push for nuclear arms cuts in Berlin speech -- FOX News
In Berlin, Obama to call for reduction in nuclear arms -- USA Today
Obama to set nuclear arms cut goal in Berlin speech -- Reuters
Obama Said to Call for Russia to Join U.S. in Nuclear Arms Cuts -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Obama to call for U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction -- L.A. Times
U.S. to Propose New Phase In Nuclear-Arms Cuts -- Wall Street Journal
Obama to call for U.S., Russia to cut nuclear warhead supply by one-third -- CNN
Despite Tensions With Russia, Obama Will Propose Nuclear Arms Cuts -- New York Magazine
Obama, Putin find agreement on nuclear weapons, despite Syria rift -- Washington Times

WNU Editor: Russia has not responded (yet) to this offer. My expectation is that they will decline with the caveat that they will respond if the U.S. cuts back on missile defense.

Live Stream - President Obama's Speech At The Brandenburg Gate

2013-06-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

President Barack Obama speaks at the Brandenburg Gate

WNU Editor: The Live Stream for President Obama's Brandenburg Gate speech is here.

Afghanistan War News Updates -- June 19, 2013

2013-06-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Four U.S. Soldiers Killed In Rocket Attack On Afghan Airbase As Karzai Pulls Out Of Talks In Protest At Obama's Failure To Include Government In Peace Negotiations With Taliban -- Daily Mail

* President Hamid Karzai drops out of security talks in protest at negotiations
* Angry that government blocked form initial talks between U.S. and Taliban
* Karazi accuses U.S. of 'inconsistent statements and actions'
* Hours after announcement Taliban killed four U.S. soldiers in air base attack
* Threatens peace process just one day after milestone announcement

Peace negotiations in Afghanistan between the United States and the Taliban could be derailed before they have even begun after the country's president suspended talks on a new long-term security deal.

Hamid Karzai has dropped out of talks about taking over the lead for security from the NATO coalition in protest at the way his government has been left out of initial peace negotiations.

The move adds to tensions a day after four U.S. soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, June 19th -- ISAF
Read more ....
Four US soldiers killed at Bagram as US seeks talks with Taliban -- Christian Science Monitor
Afghanistan: Taliban 'Admit' US Troop Attack -- SKY News
Taliban: We killed 4 U.S. troops at Afghan air base -- CBS/AP
Attack on Bagram air base leaves 4 US soldiers dead -- Khaama Press
Afghan local police officer kill his 5 comrades in Helmand -- Khaama Press
Afghan President Karzai rejects peace talks with the Taliban, suspends talks with US -- FOX News
US-Taliban peace talks in doubt amid Afghan anger over office, flag -- NBC
Afghanistan suspends security talks with U.S. -- CNN
Hamid Karzai Suspends US-Afghanistan Security Pact Talks -- The Guardian
Afghanistan suspends talks after US-Taliban move -- BBC
Afghanistan Suspends Security Talks With U.S. -- Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan to shun Qatar peace talks until process 'Afghan-led' -- Reuters
Afghanistan suspend talks on security agreement with US -- Khaama Press
Karzai sets new conditions for talks with Taliban -- AP
Afghan threat to boycott Taliban talks -- Al Jazeera
Afghan parliament disagree with Taliban political office in Qatar -- Khaama Press
US, Taliban to meet in Qatar for 'key milestone' toward ending Afghanistan war -- NBC
Afghans must talk to each other for peace, Obama says -- Reuters
Obama says he anticipated Afghanistan reconciliation talks would have friction, difficulties -- Washington Post/AP
Taliban Attack and Afghan Move Cast Pall on Peace Talks -- New York Times
Afghanistan peace talks: no surrender behind the Taliban's white flowers -- The Guardian
Taliban peace talks: 'Peace and reconciliation' negotiations to take place in Qatar -- The Guardian
Britain to hand over Camp Bastion to US forces -- The Telegraph
A Look Ahead To The Future Of Afghanistan -- NPR
US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,103 -- AP