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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Still waiting for Congo

Still waiting for Congo

By Dan Simpson / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
In general I try to stay away from matters regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), even though I spent seven years of my life there with the Department of State.
My reasons are the same as those of most American governments since the end of the Cold War: The Congo's problems are too immense.

The jasmine lesson: Reform beats revolution

Asia Time Online - Daily News
SINOGRAPH 
The jasmine lesson: Reform beats revolution

The outcome of the jasmine revolutions two years on is a lesson to authoritarian governments - and angry populations - not yet facing similar uprisings: economic and political reform, however undesired by thuggish leaders - is preferable to upheaval that brings down old political systems, only to have them replaced by chaos or painfully rebuilt in their old forms. (Jul 31, '13)
Francesco Sisci

House Rushes To Pass AIPAC's 'Strangle Iran' Bill

House Rushes To Pass AIPAC's 'Strangle Iran' Bill
 House Rushes To Pass AIPAC's 'Strangle Iran' Bill
http://mwcnews.net/focus/politics/29211-strangle-iran-bill.html

Kill Wasteful Missile Defense Efforts by Ivan Eland

http://original.antiwar.com/eland/2013/07/30/kill-wasteful-missile-defense-efforts/#.UfkuvYp3bu4.gmail

Kill Wasteful Missile Defense Efforts
by , July 31, 2013

In the 30 years, since President Ronald Reagan created his expensive pie-in-the-sky Strategic Defense Initiative – quickly and appropriately named "Star Wars" by critics and journalists alike – the United States has spent a whopping $250 billion on trying to shoot down fast intercontinental ballistic missiles, such as those that might someday be fielded by Iran and North Korea. This government effort has been a boondoggle, but then huge costs and poor performance rarely cause any government program to be terminated – evidence of this effect is exhibited by the continued flow of money to the project despite three decades of failure.

The Irrelevance of American Mideast Policy

http://www.williampfaff.com/article.php?storyid=638

The Irrelevance of American Mideast Policy

William Pfaff

Fox Steals Cell Phone, Sends Text in Language of the Foxes

Fox Steals Cell Phone, Sends Text in Language of the Foxes


http://www.geekosystem.com/fox-steals-cell-phone/

Recession Forever? 10 Reasons American Workers Are Screwed

Recession Forever? 10 Reasons American Workers Are Screwed

The US economy is engaged in a vicious cycle in which low-wage jobs and under-employment stimulate little demand, giving companies little reason to hire workers. http://www.alternet.org/recession-forever-10-reasons-american-workers-are-screwed

When should we aid Detroit? Felix Salmon

When should we aid Detroit? Felix Salmonhttp://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2013/07/29/when-should-we-aid-detroit/

Obama Asteroid Lasso Plan Hits Congressional Snag



Obama Asteroid Lasso Plan Hits Congressional Snag
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/obama-asteroid-lasso-plan-hits-congressional-snag/

President Obama's plan to have NASA lasso an asteroid, tow it toward Earth,
place it into the moon's orbit, and claim the space rock for the United States
of America has hit a congressional snag. The New York Times reports:

NASA wants to launch an unmanned spacecraft in 2018 that would capture a small
asteroid — maybe 7 to 10 yards wide [...]

Did Dead Farmers Receive $22M is USDA Subsidies


Did Dead Farmers Receive $22M is USDA Subsidies
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/did-dead-farmers-receive-22m-is-usda-subsidies/

The Agriculture Department may have doled out millions in subsidies to dead
farmers, according to the Government Accountability Office.

GAO reviewed crop insurance data from 2008 to 2012 and found that $22 million in
subsidies and allowances may have been provided on behalf of about 3,400 program
policyholders two or more years after death. GAO said [...]

Security headaches dampen investor enthusiasm in Libya

Security headaches dampen investor enthusiasm in Libya


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/30/us-libya-business-idUSBRE96T0UM20130730

Pentagon a ripe target for cuts

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2013/07/31/common-sense-budget-for-all/nI3mUXCMpOkWQd4TYDxQmO/story.html

Pentagon a ripe target for cuts

By Linda Bilmes

The Latest National Security coverage from FP 7/31

The Latest National Security coverage from FP

EU's response to NSA? Drones, spy satellites could fly over Europe

EU's response to NSA? Drones, spy satellites could fly over Europe
Moscow (Voice of Russia) Jul 29, 2013 - The European Union is pondering an EU Commission proposal to acquire a fleet of surveillance drones, satellites, and planes as part of an "ambitious action" to boost the European defense industry. It follows revelations of the NSA's spying programs. The European Commission has issued a 17-page report, proposing some concrete steps that would encourage pan-European defense cooperation. ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/EUs_response_to_NSA_Drones_spy_satellites_could_fly_over_Europe_999.html

Iran May Achieve Nuclear Breakout Capability in Mid-2014

Iran May Achieve Nuclear Breakout Capability in Mid-2014

ran may achieve the “critical capability” to process low-enriched uranium into fuel for a nuclear weapon without detection by international inspectors by mid-2014, according to a report by a research group. 
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-30/iran-may-achieve-nuclear-breakout-capability-in-mid-2014.html

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Why Obama let Detroit (city) go bankrupt

Why Obama let Detroit (city) go bankrupt

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130730/OPINION01/307300011/1008/OPINION01/Why-Obama-let-Detroit-city-go-bankrupt

Detroit, General Motors and the American Dream

Detroit, General Motors and the American Dream

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-conn/general-motors-detroit_b_3673803.html

They Know Much More Than You Think August 15, 2013 James Bamford


What the NSA Really Knows

James Bamford

The NSA has access to virtually everyone’s phone records, and can store, data-mine, and keep them indefinitely. Edward Snowden’s documents show that the agency is also accessing the Internet data of the nine major Internet companies in the US, including Google and Yahoo. These documents add greatly to an understanding of just how the NSA goes about conducting its eavesdropping and data-mining programs, and just how deceptive the NSA and the Obama administration have been in describing the agency’s activities to the American public.http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2013/aug/15/nsa-they-know-much-more-you-think/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=July+30+2013&utm_content=July+30+2013+CID_950e001a3e1de8eb1c2fb4ee9035453a&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=What%20the%20NSA%20Really%20Knows

'Blow the Whistle, Face Life in Jail': Progressives Slam Verdict in Manning Case

'Blow the Whistle, Face Life in Jail': Progressives Slam Verdict in Manning Case
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/30-9

Julian Assange: Statement on Verdict in Bradley Manning Court-Martial

Julian Assange: Statement on Verdict in Bradley Manning Court-Martial
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/07/30-9

Ripe for Leftist Challenge, Nader Describes Clinton as 'Poster Child for Military-Industrial Complex'

Ripe for Leftist Challenge, Nader Describes Clinton as 'Poster Child for Military-Industrial Complex'
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/30-1

US Cities Under Water: New Study Shows Flooded Future

US Cities Under Water: New Study Shows Flooded Future
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/30-0

Oakland to ban hammers, wrenches, tripods, walking canes, shields and other 'tools of vandalism' in bizarre Orwellian disarmament push

Oakland to ban hammers, wrenches, tripods, walking canes, shields and other 'tools of vandalism' in bizarre Orwellian disarmament push


http://www.naturalnews.com/041399_Oakland_hammers_weapons_ban.html

People are losing their minds.

Saudi Arabia accused of giving Egypt $1B to oust Morsi


Saudi Arabia accused of giving Egypt $1B to oust Morsi

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/30/saudi-arabia-accused-giving-egypt-1b-oust-morsi/?utm_source=feedly

Banks as Public Utilities


Green Light for San Francisco City-Owned Bank

Banks as Public Utilities

by ELLEN BROWN
Establishing a city-owned San Francisco Bank is not a new idea. According to City Supervisor John Avalos, speaking at the Public Banking Institute conference in San Rafael in June, it has been on the table for over a decade. Recent interest was spurred by the Occupy movement, which adopted the proposal after Avalos presented it to an enthusiastic group of over 1000 protesters outside the Bank of America building in late 2011. David Weidner, writing in the Wall Street Journal in December of that year, called it “the boldest institutional stroke yet against banks targeted by the Occupy movement.” But Weidner conceded that:
Creating a municipal bank won’t be easy. California law forbids using taxpayer money to make private loans. That would have to be changed. Critics also argue that San Francisco could be putting taxpayer money at risk.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/07/30/banks-as-public-utilities/?utm_source=feedly

The Disastrous Consequences of Raiding Public Pensions


Dismantling the Social Contract

The Disastrous Consequences of Raiding Public Pensions

by DARWIN BOND-GRAHAM
Detroit’s bankruptcy and a high profile lawsuit in San Jose highlight a national effort led by fiscal conservatives to undo the basic promise embodied in public employee pensions – a guaranteed, defined retirement benefit. If they succeed in unraveling public pensions as has been done to retirement benefits offered by the private sector they might also be erasing one of the most robust counter-cyclical infusions of cash into the economy keeping us from the brink of another crisis.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/07/30/the-disastrous-consequences-of-raiding-public-pensions/?utm_source=feedly

4 in 5 in USA face near-poverty, no work

4 in 5 in USA face near-poverty, no work


http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/07/28/americans-poverty-no-work/2594203/

Going, going, still going: Detroit family home still for sale after 519 days despite being on the market for just $1

Going, going, still going: Detroit family home still for sale after 519 days despite being on the market for just $1

  • House built in 1915 has been listed for sale since May 2011
  • It was initially placed on the market for $900
  • Is one of a number of run-down properties lying in suburbs of bankrupt city


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2381283/Going-going-going-Detroit-family-home-sale-519-days-despite-market-just-1.html

Pope Francis's Press Conference

Pope Francis's Press Conference

Are you confused by what the media has been reporting that the Pope said during the press conference he gave on his return to Italy from WYD?

Pope Francis gave a memorable press conference on the airplane which brought him back from Brazil to Rome. Speaking to journalists for about 80 minutes, Francis was startlingly candid on many issues, but his remarks on homosexuality, priests with homosexual tendencies, and a "gay lobby" in the Vatican, raised the most eyebrows.
When these comments were reported in various secular newspapers, an explanation of the surrounding context of the question the Pope was answering was omitted. Below is a link to an email sent out on behalf of the Vatican Press Office by Father Tom Rosica, of the Salt and Light Television Network of Toronto, Canada, which gives the full text of this portion of the Pope's remarks.
Here is the link to a copy of the email.

Pope Francis's Remarks on Alleged Gay Lobby within Vatican

Pope Francis's Remarks on Alleged Gay Lobby within Vatican
Pope Francis gave a memorable press conference yesterday on the airplane which brought him back from Brazil to Rome. Speaking to journalists for about 80 minutes, Francis was startlingly candid on many issues, but his remarks on homosexuality, priests with homosexual tendencies, and a "gay lobby" in the Vatican, raised the most eyebrows.

When these comments were reported in various secular newspapers, an explanation of the surrounding context of the question the Pope was answering was omitted. Below is an email sent out on behalf of the Vatican Press Office by Father Tom Rosica, of the Salt and Light Television Network of Toronto, Canada, which gives the full text of this portion of the Pope's remarks.

Here is the email circulated by Father Rosica:
RIO DE JANEIRO

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In response to many messages and calls earlier today regarding Pope Francis' meeting with journalists aboard the return flight to Rome from Rio de Janeiro last night, I have received the full working transcript of his remarks from Fr. Lombardi.

Since most of your questions relate to his response to the question about Monsignor Ricca and the gay lobby, I have done a working translation of the question and the full answer of the Pope.

I have also included the original Italian transcription and the full paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on homosexuality to which the Pope referred.

The powerful and deeply moving visit of Pope Francis to Brazil last week left a deep and lasting impression upon this country as well as on the continent and the entire world. We encountered in the Bishop of Rome a shepherd "who knows the odor of his sheep," a bearer of hope and peace, and an extraordinary pastoral model of tenderness and mercy.

He stressed the necessity of mercy throughout his visit, and reached out to so many people on the peripheries of society.
This was especially evident through his visit to the favela, the hospital and drug rehabilitation centre for young people, the meeting with young prisoners, the concern for the sick, and for young people who are broken.

He also showed how much he stands in solidarity with those living in extreme poverty and struggling for justice and peace.

His comments on the plane, particularly about the divorced and remarried, women, and homosexuals must be read and understood through the lenses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the outreach and concern of the Church for those on the fringes, and the mercy, tenderness and forgiveness of a pastor who walks among his people.

The Question to Pope Francis from Ilse, a journalist on the Papal flight

Ilse: I would like to ask permission to pose a rather delicate question. Another image that went around the world is that of Monsignor Ricca and the news about his personal life. I would like to know, your Holiness, what will be done about this question. How should one deal with this question and how does your Holiness wish to deal with the whole question of the gay lobby?

The Pope’s Answer

[Pope Francis's response:] Regarding the matter of Monsignor Ricca, I did what Canon Law required and did the required investigation. And from the investigation, we did not find anything corresponding to the accusations against him. We found none of that. That is the answer.

But I would like to add one more thing to this: I see that so many times in the Church, apart from this case and also in this case, one looks for the "sins of youth," for example, is it not thus? And then these things are published. These things are not crimes. The crimes are something else: child abuse is a crime.

But sins, if a person, or secular priest or a nun, has committed a sin and then that person experienced conversion, the Lord forgives and when the Lord forgives, the Lord forgets and this is very important for our lives.

When we go to confession and we truly say “I have sinned in this matter,” the Lord forgets and we do not have the right to not forget because we run the risk that the Lord will not forget our sins, eh? This is a danger. This is what is important: a theology of sin.
So many times I think of St. Peter: he committed one of the worst sins denying Christ. And with this sin they made him Pope. We must think about fact often.

But returning to your question more concretely: in this case [Ricca] I did the required investigation and we found nothing. That is the first question.

Then you spoke of the gay lobby. Agh… so much is written about the gay lobby. I have yet to find on a Vatican identity card the word gay. They say there are some gay people here. I think that when we encounter a gay person, we must make the distinction between the fact of a person being gay and the fact of a lobby, because lobbies are not good. They are bad. If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge that person? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this point beautifully but says, wait a moment, how does it say, it says, these persons must never be marginalized and “they must be integrated into society.”

The problem is not that one has this tendency; no, we must be brothers, this is the first matter. There is another problem, another one: the problem is to form a lobby of those who have this tendency, a lobby of the greedy people, a lobby of politicians, a lobby of Masons, so many lobbies. This is the most serious problem for me. And thank you so much for doing this question. Thank you very much!

Original transcript in Italian

(Ilse) Vorrei chiedere il permesso di fare una domanda un po’ delicata: anche un’altra immagine ha girato un po’ il mondo, che è stata quella di mons. Ricca e delle notizie sulla sua intimità. Vorrei sapere, Santità, cosa intende fare su questa questione? Come affrontare questa questione e come Sua Santità intende affrontare tutta la questione della lobby gay?

(Papa Francesco): Quello di mons. Ricca: ho fatto quello che il Diritto Canonico manda a fare, che è la investigatio previa. E da questa investigatio non c’è niente di quello di cui l’accusano, non abbiamo trovato niente di quello. Quella è la risposta. Ma io vorrei aggiungere un’altra cosa su questo: io vedo che tante volte nella Chiesa, al di fuori di questo caso ed anche in questo caso, si va a cercare i “peccati di gioventù”, per esempio, no?, e questo si pubblica. Non i delitti, eh? I delitti sono un’altra cosa: l’abuso sui minori è un delitto. No, i peccati. Ma se una persona, laica o prete o suora, ha fatto un peccato e poi si è convertito, il Signore perdona e quando il Signore perdona, il Signore dimentica e questo per la nostra vita è importante. Quando noi andiamo a confessarci e diciamo davvero “Ho peccato in questo”, il Signore dimentica e noi non abbiamo il diritto di non dimenticare, perché abbiamo il rischio che il Signore non si dimentichi dei nostri [peccati] eh? E’ un pericolo quello. Quello è importante: una teologia del peccato. Tante volte penso a San Pietro: ha fatto uno dei peggiori peccati, che è rinnegare Cristo, e con questo peccato lo hanno fatto Papa. Dobbiamo pensare tanto.

Ma tornando alla Sua domanda più concreta: in questo caso, ho fatto l’ivestigatio previa e non abbiamo trovato. Questo è la prima domanda. Poi, Lei parlava della lobby gay: mah… si scrive tanto della lobby gay. Io ancora non ho trovato mi dia la cartella d’identità in Vaticano con “gay”. Dicono che ce ne sono. Credo che quando uno si trova con una persona così, deve distinguere il fatto di essere una persona gay dal fatto di fare una lobby, perché le lobby tutte non sono buone. Quello è il cattivo. Se una persona è gay e cerca il Signore e ha buona volontà, ma chi sono io per giudicarla? Il catechismo della Chiesa cattolica spiega tanto bello questo, ma dice, Aspetta un po’, come si dice…e dice “non si devono emarginare queste persone per questo, devono essere integrate in società”. Il problema non è avere questa tendenza, no: dobbiamo essere fratelli, perché questo è uno, ma se c’è un altro, un altro, il problema è fare lobby di questa tendenza o lobby di avari, lobby di politici, lobby dei massoni, tante lobby. Questo è il problema più grave per me. E La ringrazio tanto per aver fatto questa domanda. Grazie tante!

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

On behalf of Fr. Federico Lombardi and the Holy See Press Office, thank you for your continued interest and collaboration. —Father Tom Rosica

Below is a link to the complete audio file of the press conference with the Pope:
http://www.avvenire.it/Audio/Pagine/Audio.aspx?AudioId=148

PUBLISHING SECRETS IS A CRIME, OLC SAID IN 1942

PUBLISHING SECRETS IS A CRIME, OLC SAID IN 1942

Secrecy News Blog:  http://blogs.fas.org/secrecy/

Why U.S. Policy in East Asia is Dangerous

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ivan-eland/why-us-policy-in-east-asi_b_3671931.html

Ivan Eland

Senior Fellow and Director of the Center on Peace & Liberty, The Independent Institute

Why U.S. Policy in East Asia is Dangerous

Posted: 07/29/2013
The United States, which has dominated East Asia since World War II, is now "pivoting" towards that region to stem the rise of a new regional power--China. Following the instinct of most international powers to foil the ascent of a rival for domination, this approach rarely works and is charting a dangerous course. U.S. attempts to contain the rise of China--which is experiencing rapid economic growth because of its huge population and partial economic privatization over the last few decades--is unlikely to succeed because China's steady rise on the back of its soaring economy is a problem that America can do little about.

In NSA leaks, Edward Snowden performed a service

Eugene Robinson
Opinion Writer

In NSA leaks, Edward Snowden performed a service

Edward Snowden’s renegade decision to reveal the jaw-dropping scope of the National Security Agency’s electronic surveillance is being vindicated — even as Snowden himself is being vilified.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/eugene-robinson-snowden-performed-a-valuable-service/2013/07/29/b232965a-f866-11e2-8e84-c56731a202fb_story.html?hpid=z3

Positive Signals Between Iran and U.S. Intensifying

LobeLog.com logo

Positive Signals Between Iran and U.S. Intensifying

by Jim Lobe
via IPS News

Within days of the inauguration of Hassan Rouhani as Iran’s new president, both Tehran and Washington appear to be sending positive signals to each other.
The latest came Monday in a flurry of reports from Iran that its former ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammad Javad Zarif, is Rouhani’s pick as his foreign minister.
“If true, this is a pretty big signal,” according to Alireza Nader, an Iran specialist at the RAND Corporation, a prominent Washington think tank.
“Zarif is more pragmatic than ideological, and if Rouhani intends to improve Iran’s relations with the rest of the world and find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis, then he’s a logical choice,” Nader told IPS.

JPMorgan Pays 410 Million Dollars for Electricity Price Manipulation

JPMorgan Pays 410 Million Dollars for Electricity Price Manipulation
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/jpmorgan-pays-410-million-dollars-for-electricity-price-manipulation/

JPMorgan Chase & Co. agreed to pay $410 million in penalties on Tuesday to
settle accusations by U.S. energy regulators that it manipulated electricity
prices.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the bank used improper bidding
strategies to squeeze excessive payments from the agencies that run the power
grids in California and the Midwest in 2010 [...]

GMO Companies Produce GMO "Answers" Website


GMO Companies Produce GMO "Answers" Website
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/gmo-companies-produce-gmo-answers-website/

A group of biotech seed companies on Monday launched an online forum to combat
mounting opposition to genetically modified foods among consumer groups and
activists.

The website, www.GMOAnswers.com, is designed as a "central online resource" for
information on genetically modified organisms and their use in agriculture and
food production, the Biotechnology Industry Organization said.

The website is [...]

Could this be why our "allies" in the Middle East have so little confidence and trust in us?

In 2006, James Woolsey, former head of CIA, advocates using Islamists to subvert régimes in Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izY5vLpRf10

Royal Navy pulls out of Nato commitments


Royal Navy pulls out of Nato commitments

  • by DAVID MADDOX
Published on the 30 July
DEFENCE ministers have admitted the UK has been forced to pull out of key Nato naval defence groups in a sign of just how stretched the Royal Navy has become.http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/royal-navy-pulls-out-of-nato-commitments-1-3020604

When Would Cyber War Lead to Real War?


When Would Cyber War Lead to Real War?


Vincent Manzo July 29, 2013 |
http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2013/07/when-would-cyber-war-lead-real-war/67580/

When would attacks on satellites or computer networks justify retaliation with conventional weapons?

Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently addressed this question at a forum at the Brookings Institute:

“[T]here is an assumption out there, I think, and I would like to disabuse you of it, that a cyber attack that had destructive effects would be met by a cyber response…That's not necessarily the case…And I think that what the president of the United States would insist upon, actually, is that he had the options and the freedom of movement to decide what kind of response we would employ. And that's why I say I don't want to have necessarily a narrow conversation about what constitutes war in cyber, because the response could actually be in…one of the other traditional domains.”

In other words, the method of an attack does not dictate the means of reprisal.

The New Sick-onomy? Examining the Entrails of the U.S. Employment Situation

The New Sick-onomy? Examining the Entrails of the U.S. Employment Situation


http://www.tcf.org/work/workers_economic_inequality/detail/the-new-sick-onomy/

Bill Nojay: Lessons From a Front-Row Seat for Detroit's Dysfunction

Bill Nojay: Lessons From a Front-Row Seat for Detroit's Dysfunction

Running the city's transportation department was like being in the boiler room of the Titanic.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323829104578623422748612116.html

US is Encircling China with Fighter Jets and Stealth Bombers


US is Encircling China with Fighter Jets and Stealth Bombers

http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/30/us-is-encircling-china-with-fighter-jets-and-stealth-bombers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+the-diplomat+%28The+Diplomat+RSS%29

Detroit, a Love Song

Detroit, a Love Song


Tell them that you lived in Detroit, and they ask, “Why?”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/opinion/bruni-detroit-a-love-song.html?_r=0

The NSA's Secret Data Gathering: Now For The Really Bad News

The NSA's Secret Data Gathering: Now For The Really Bad News


http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/07/30/the-nsas-secret-data-gathering-now-for-the-really-bad-news/

The Latest National Security coverage from FP 7/28

The Latest National Security coverage from FP

China rules out leaders’ summit with Japan

China rules out leaders’ summit with Japan


http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1293008/china-rules-out-leaders-summit-japan

MOTOWN DOWN John Cassidy, New Yorker

MOTOWN DOWN John Cassidy, New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2013/08/05/130805taco_talk_cassidy

Fiscal Crises: Coming To A City Near You?

Fiscal Crises: Coming To A City Near You?


http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/07/fiscal-crises-coming-to-a-city-near-you.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NakedCapitalism+%28naked+capitalism%29

A/V BOOTH: Islamophobia in Action "Fox News Under Fire for 'Embarrassing' Interview With Reza Aslan"


A/V BOOTH: Islamophobia in Action
"Fox News Under Fire for 'Embarrassing' Interview With Reza Aslan" -- The religious scholar went on FoxNews.com's online program "Spirited Debate" on Friday to promote his new book, "Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth." Right off the bat, host Lauren Green set the tone for the interview when she asked Aslan: "You're a Muslim, so why did you write a book about the founder of Christianity?"
http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/fox_news_under_fire_for_embarrassing_interview_with_reza_aslan_20130729/

Robert Scheer on Obama's Irrational Mancrush "Gag Me With Lawrence Summers"

Robert Scheer on Obama's Irrational Mancrush
"Gag Me With Lawrence Summers" -- President Obama thinks his former economic adviser is brilliant, but as Summers' second trip through the revolving door between Washington and Wall Street reveals, he's just greedy.
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/gag_me_with_lawrence_summers_20130729/

Monday, July 29, 2013

Detroit's Bailout "Plan B": Obamacare

 

Detroit's Bailout "Plan B": Obamacare

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-07-29/detroits-bailout-plan-b-obamacare

Why Saudi Arabia Is Starting To Panic Over Recent Oil And Energy Trends

Why Saudi Arabia Is Starting To Panic Over Recent Oil And Energy Trends


http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2013/07/why-saudi-arabia-is-starting-to-panic.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WarNewsUpdates+%28War+News+Updates%29

FBI says it doesn’t need warrant to use drones


FBI says it doesn’t need warrant to use drones

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/29/fbi-says-it-doesnt-need-warrant-use-drones/?utm_source=feedly

FED STUDY: We Conservatively Estimate That The Financial Crisis Cost Us Up To $14 Trillion

FED STUDY: We Conservatively Estimate That The Financial Crisis Cost Us Up To $14 Trillion  
http://www.businessinsider.com/fed-study-financial-crisis-costs-incalculable-2013-7?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+clusterstock+%28ClusterStock%29

Is Momentum Building Against N.S.A. Surveillance?

Is Momentum Building Against N.S.A. Surveillance?


http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2013/07/is-momentum-building-against-nsa.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WarNewsUpdates+%28War+News+Updates%29

Russian Intelligence Intends to Gag Snowden and Keep Him in Russia

Russian Intelligence Intends to Gag Snowden and Keep Him in Russia

Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 10 Issue: 132


http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=41139&tx_ttnews[backPid]=381&cHash=079ac674a46bc4eb3e85486942ebd2ed#.Ufb-UhmEM0e

Glenn Greenwald: Major Opinion Shifts, in the US and Congress, on NSA Surveillance and Privacy

Glenn Greenwald: Major Opinion Shifts, in the US and Congress, on NSA Surveillance and Privacy
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/07/29-2

Largest Fast Food Workers Strike Hits Seven Cities Across US

Largest Fast Food Workers Strike Hits Seven Cities Across US 

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/29-4

Obama Promises, Including Whistleblower Protections, Disappear From Website


Obama Promises, Including Whistleblower Protections, Disappear From Website

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/26/obama-whistleblower-website_n_3658815.html

Palestinians Doubt U.S. Abilities as Peace Broker

Palestinians Doubt U.S. Abilities as Peace Broker
Prisoner release, 1967 boundaries, and settlements top preconditions
by Jihad Fakhreddine
http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=61614

Brushing Aside the Rule of Law

http://consortiumnews.com/2013/07/27/brushing-aside-the-rule-of-law/

Brushing Aside the Rule of Law

July 27, 2013
President George W. Bush famously mocked questions about international law with fake horror and the response, “I better call my lawyer!” But the rule of law is under broader assault within the U.S. government, now centered on whether to call Egypt’s military coup a coup, as ex-CIA analyst Paul R. Pillar writes.

By Paul R. Pillar
I have spent much time around government lawyers, and nearly all of the ones I have known have consistently conducted themselves with a couple of important objectives in mind. One is to apply legal analysis fully and fairly to whatever subject is at hand, not shying away from noting legal requirements even when they become policy inconveniences. Another is to support the larger missions of those they are advising by pointing out legal ways, if they exist, to accomplish those missions.
Against that background it is disconcerting to read that the issue of the most recent Egyptian military coup and its ramifications for U.S. aid is being side-stepped in Washington by just not offering any legal opinion about the nature of the Egyptian generals’ move. A senior administration official said, “We will not say it was a coup, we will not say it was not a coup, we will just not say.”

Arabs, Beware the "Small States" Option



http://english.al-akhbar.com/blogs/sandbox/arabs-beware-small-states-option
Home

Arabs, Beware the "Small States" Option

By Sharmine Narwani - Mon, 2013-07-29 15:28Sandbox
At the heart of all politics lies cold, hard opportunism. New circumstances, changed alliances and unexpected events will always conspire to alter one’s calculations to benefit a core agenda.
In the Middle East today, those calculations are being adjusted with a frequency unseen for decades.

Puttin’ the Pressure on Putin by Ray McGovern

Puttin’ the Pressure on Putin

Exclusive: The Obama administration continues to compound the diplomatic mess around former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The latest blunder was announcing that the U.S. wouldn’t torture or execute Snowden, a reminder to the world how far Official Washington has strayed from civilized behavior, notes ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern.

By Ray McGovern
The main question now on the fate of truth-teller Edward Snowden is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will see any benefit in helping stop the United States from further embarrassing itself as it prances around the globe acting like a “pitiful, helpless giant.” That image was coined by President Richa

Truth about Saudi imams that PML-N, ISI, Supreme Court and media do not want you to know -





Truth about Saudi imams that PML-N, ISI, Supreme Court and media do not want you to know

- See more at: http://lubpak.com/archives/278093#sthash.qRSXyEKn.dpuf
 Truth about Saudi imams that PML-N, ISI, Supreme Court and media do not want you to know -

Saudi Salafi Imams 2
http://lubpak.com/archives/278093



http://dawn.com/news/1031646/s-arabia-will-send-imams-to-pakistan

The Involvement of Saudi Salafism/Wahhabism in the Support and Supply of Arms to Rebel Groups Around the World

The Involvement of Saudi Salafism/Wahhabism in the Support and Supply of Arms to Rebel Groups Around the World
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxoYWlkZXJub3Rlc3xneDo3NDEwMDI3NjViZTNjODZm

The Latest National Security coverage from FP 7/29

The Latest National Security coverage from FP
The Latest National Security coverage from FP

FAS Roundup: July 29, 2013 Dynamics of government secrecy, U.S. sub forces, Syria and much more.


FAS Roundup: July 29, 2013

Dynamics of government secrecy, U.S. sub forces, Syria and much more.

Publications

Lessons Unlearned:  Syria is the first WMD-armed country to descend into civil war. How the United States and the world handles Syria will unmistakably affect future dealings in similar situations in which hostile countries possess WMDs.  In a new article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Senior Fellow on State and Non-State Threats Mr. Charles P. Blair writes to get the WMD assessment in Syria right, U.S. and world leaders will have to break free of the past habits of obfuscation, unsound scientific forensics, and withholding of conflicting data. 
An Inquiry Into the Dynamics of Government Secrecy: At times, it seems that the national security classification system is static, monolithic and hopelessly inert. But in fact it is relentlessly in motion, with new secrets constantly being created as old secrets are gradually released. In a new paper published by Harvard University's Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Director of the Government Secrecy Project Mr. Steven Aftergood investigates the factors involved in the classification of government information.
Nonproliferation Misinterpretation: In a new op-ed in The National Interest, Adjunct Senior Fellow Dr. Yousaf Butt writes that if  U.S. policy makers are interested in making headway towards a negotiated solution with Iran they must clarify their understanding of the NPT. There is no agency or international body tasked with checking compliance with the NPT, and  no enforcement arm of the NPT. 

From the Blogs

Fractured Consenus Seen in House Vote on Surveillance: An amendment to prohibit intelligence agencies from performing bulk collection of records such as telephone metadata was narrowly defeated in the House of Representatives on July 24 by a vote of 205-217. Although the amendment by Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) was not adopted, Steven Aftergood writes that its near-passage on a bipartisan basis signaled an extraordinary loss of congressional support for the national security establishment and for the bulk collection of records revealed by Edward Snowden in particular. It is doubtful that any intelligence program can continue for long with 49% of House members opposed to it.
SSBNX Under Pressure: Submarine Chief Says Navy Can't Reduce: In a blog and video on the U.S. Navy web site Navy Live, Rear Admiral Richard Breckenridge, head of the U.S. submarine force, claims that the United States cannot reduce its fleet of nuclear ballistic missile submarines further if the U.S. Navy is to be able to conduct continuous deployments in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Hans Kristensen writes that shedding the excess SSBN capacity now would save billions of dollars in construction and operational costs and make it easier to persuade Russia to reduce it forces as well. 
Resources on Manhattan Project, FOIA, FISA Reform: Secrecy News has obtained new resources from the Department of Energy on history related to the Manhattan Project, a new report from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding legislation to reform the Freedom of Information Act and a proposal from 1994 requesting reform to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. 
FAS Expert Attends 2nd  PfPC Working Group on Emerging Security Challenges: FAS Adjunct Fellow for Emerging Technologies and High-end Threats,Michael Edward Walsh, participated in the second Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes (PfPC)Emerging Security Challenges Working Group Workshop at the National Defence University in Warsaw, Poland from July 8-10, 2013. This workshop was aimed at bringing together experts on emerging and future security threats from across the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council community to discuss current developments and trends. The Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes released its After Action Report with its finding and recommendations which are available on the FAS Blog here.
China's Currency Policy and More from CRS: Secrecy News has obtained recently released CRS reports on topics such as China's currency policy, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and proposed transatlantic trade partnerships. 
Generation Prague 2013: On July 17, Dr. Charles Ferguson participated in a panel on nuclear energy issues at the Generation Prague 2013: Building a Strategy of Peace conference hosted by the State Department and George Washington University's Elliot School. Photos from the event can be found here.


FAS in the News

Jul 25: Nextgov"History Of The Atom Bomb Goes Online"
Jul 24: New York Times"The Risky Missile System That Syria's Rebels Believe They Need"
Jul 23: The Anniston Star"Rogers Amendment Pushes Back At Obama Nuke Cuts"
Jul 23: Mother Jones"New Report: The State Department's Anti-Hacking Office Is A Complete Disaster"
Jul 22: Federal News Radio"Tester Aims To Strengthen OPM's Oversight Of Security Clearance Process"
Jul 22: Russian TV Cross Talk"Third World America"

About the FAS Roundup: We send you this weekly collection of publications, posts, events, and media appearances by FAS Experts and their work to keep you up to date with the issue areas that we cover. To ensure that you receive future FAS Roundups, sign up for FAS News and Updates.