The New Yorker
July 30, 2012
July 30, 2012
MEMO TO MITT: THE PALESTINIANS’ PROBLEMS AREN’T ALL CULTURAL
Posted by John Cassidy
Reflections from news and commentary of the day
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
MEMO TO MITT: THE PALESTINIANS’ PROBLEMS AREN’T ALL CULTURAL
Our Current Infrastructure was Built for a Different World
Our Current Infrastructure was Built for a Different World
It's easy to forget that every piece of our current infrastructure--roads, rails, runways, bridges, industrial plants, housing--was built with a certain temperature range in mind. Our agricultural system and much of our electrical generating system (including dams, nuclear power stations and conventional thermal electric plants which burn coal and natural gas) were created not only with a certain temperature range in mind, but also a certain range of rainfall. Rainfall, whether it is excessive or absent, can become a problem if it creates 1) floods…Read more...
Polish Solidarity distances itself from Romney visit
Polish Solidarity distances itself from Romney visit
Mon Jul 30, 2012
By Steve Hollandhttp://ca.reuters.com/article/
GDANSK, Poland (Reuters) - Solidarity, the trade union movement which led the Polish struggle against communist rule, distanced itself on Monday from a visit to Poland by U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney, saying he supported attacks on unions in his own country.
ANTI-LEAK MEASURES IN SENATE BILL TARGET PRESS, PUBLIC
ANTI-LEAK MEASURES IN SENATE BILL TARGET PRESS, PUBLIC
The Senate Intelligence Committee markup of the FY2013 Intelligence Authorization Act, which was officially filed yesterday, devotes an entire title including twelve separate provisions to the issue of unauthorized disclosures of classified information, or leaks.
But several of those provisions aim to disrupt the flow of unclassified information to the press and the public rather than to stop leaks of classified information.
As reported in the Washington Post today, one of the proposed measures (section 506 of the bill) would dictate that only agency leaders could present background briefings to the press. Other agency personnel, such as intelligence analysts, would be barred from providing any background information to the press, even when such information is unclassified.
Background briefings are essential "because they help journalists understand the full context of a story, get key details right, and ensure that individuals or the United States as a whole will not be harmed by the publication of incorrect information," according to the Sunshine in Government Initiative, a press advocacy coalition.
Questioned by the Post, Senate Intelligence Committee chair Sen. Dianne Feinstein acknowledged that she had no evidence that such briefings, which are prized by reporters as valuable sources of information, had contributed to unauthorized disclosures. And yet they would be forbidden.
See "Anti-leak measure targets background briefings" by Greg Miller, Washington Post, July 31.
Other provisions in the new bill were also roundly criticized by public interest groups concerned with access to government information.
A provision to prevent former government officials from providing paid commentary to news media outlets on intelligence matters is very likely unconstitutional, said Kate Martin of the Center for National Security Studies in a new analysis of the bill.
"The over-breadth of this provision in prohibiting commentary and analysis even when no classified information is disclosed would violate the First Amendment," Ms. Martin wrote. "Indeed the provision seems drafted in order to chill public discussion of information that is not classified rather than being narrowly tailored to simply target disclosures of classified information."
Another provision (in section 511) would grant intelligence agency heads the authority to unilaterally revoke the pension of an employee if the agency head "determines" that the employee has violated his or her non-disclosure obligations.
This section "would give intelligence agency heads nearly unrestrained discretion to suppress speech critical of the intelligence community-- even after an employee has resigned or retired from an intelligence agency-- and to retaliate against disfavored employees or pensioners, including whistleblowers," wrote the Project on Government Oversight and several other public interest organizations in an open letter to the Senate Committee yesterday.
Fundamentally, the Senate bill "changes the relationship between the press and the federal government," according to the Sunshine in Government Initiative.
Drafted in secret and without the benefit of any public hearing, the Senate bill includes provisions that are "crude and dangerous," the Washington Post editorialized today.
The bill was approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee by a vote of 14 to 1, with Sen. Ron Wyden in opposition. The text of the bill is here.
The accompanying Committee report including commentary on each provision and Sen. Wyden's dissent may be found here.
If you liked George W. Bush, you’ll love Mitt Romney
Monday, July 30, 2012
Why Obama Likes Facebook
Why Obama Likes Facebook
by David Talbot
The real power of the president's Facebook app: providing a window on supporters' friends.
Read More »
by David Talbot
The real power of the president's Facebook app: providing a window on supporters' friends.
Read More »
OECD Debt and Deficit Statistics
OECD Debt and Deficit Statistics
The OECD provides many financial statistics which can be turned into graphs and tables.Here is the national debt estimate for 2013.
The only countries in the OECD with higher debt to GDP ratios are
Japan 222.6%
Greece 173.1%
Portugal 130.1
Ireland 126.9
Iceland 124.7
Italy 122.1
The area total ratio
OECD 109.3
Euro Area (15) 99.9%
Read more »
In Jerusalem speech, it was Romney's voice but Netanyahu's words
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/
In Jerusalem speech, it was Romney's voice but Netanyahu's words
Netanyahu embraces Romney as no Israeli prime minister has ever before embraced a candidate running against an incumbent U.S. president.
By
Barak Ravid
|
Jul.30, 2012 | 2:03 AM
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Democracy in America | The Economist
Democracy in America | The Economist... Collected news and analysis on the presidential campaign, along with backgrounders and related items.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/atom.xml
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/atom.xml
The 1.5% Presidency Growth stumbles for the third time in this Less Than Great Recovery.
The 1.5% Presidency
Growth stumbles for the third time in this Less Than Great Recovery.
America's Health Care Costs Are Only Going To Get Worse [INFOGRAPHIC]
America's Health Care Costs Are Only Going To Get Worse [INFOGRAPHIC]
A recent Congressional Budget Office report concluded that the number of people who do not have access to health care will fall from 53 million to 30 million by 2022 as a result of Affordable Care Act.One problem is that health care is not only too expensive for the uninsured but it's becoming increasingly hard on those who are insured as well.
This infographic from the Center For American Progress lays out how it's only going to bet harder unless we tackle ballooning costs:
SEE ALSO: Here Are The Real Winners and Losers Of The Supreme Court's Healthcare Ruling >
Obama clings to his love affair with Islam
Obama clings to his love affair with Islam
Last week Barack Obama marked the beginning of Ramadan by saying to Muslims that the "United States continues to stand with those who seek the chance to decide their own destiny, to live free from fear and violence, and to practice their faith freely." While he undercuts Christianity at home — under his Obamacare abortifacient/contraceptive mandate, resistant Catholic and Protestant schools, hospitals and charities will soon face crushing fines — he never fails to tout Islam abroad. Read & Comment
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Deficits, Debt and GDP for the USA, China
Deficits, Debt and GDP for the USA, China
US Government deficits have been running at about $1.3 trillion per year or about 9% of GDP.China has a federal deficit of 1.5 to 2.4% of GDP. However, China is ramping up spending at the provincial and city level. China is increasing spending on high speed rail and other infrastructure.
The White House projection is for a deficit of $1.2 trillion in 2012. The 2013 deficit forecast was increased from $901 billion to $991 billion. The White House is calling for $195 billion in economic stimulus.
The US is still likely to run $1 trillion per year deficits.
Read more »
Sanctions and the shaping of Iran’s “Resistance Economy”
Sanctions and the shaping of Iran’s “Resistance Economy”
July 27th, 2012 | Printable version |Farideh Farhi
The International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) has published a useful brief aptly subtitled, “Killing them softly”, about the impact of sanctions on the lives of ordinary people who live in Iran, particularly women and other vulnerable groups such as Afghan refugee women and children. I recommend it to everyone who thinks that sanctions can be potential instruments for positive change in Iran.July 27th, 2012 | Printable version |
Farideh Farhi
The International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) has published a useful brief aptly subtitled, “Killing them softly”, about the impact of sanctions on the lives of ordinary people who live in Iran, particularly women and other vulnerable groups such as Afghan refugee women and children. I recommend it to everyone who thinks that sanctions can be potential instruments for positive change in Iran.
Will the US and China ever invest in each other?
The Financial Times - http://blogs.ft.com/the-a-
Will the US and China ever invest in each other?
With global demand seemingly in free fall, both the US and China see increased foreign direct investment as a possible cushion. But despite the US and China having the world’s largest bilateral trade flows, Foreign Direct Investment flows between the two are surprisingly negligible.
Susidizing Junk Food
* Susidizing Junk Food
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Scary Examples of Pervasive Control
* Scary Examples of Pervasive Control
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Malware Blasts AC/DC in Iranian Nuclear Facility
Malware Blasts AC/DC in Iranian Nuclear Facility
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Malware can be a major pain for anyone with a computer or mobile device, as it
can lead to security risks like identity theft. But when a virus targets a
nuclear facility, the stakes are much much higher. According to a report on
security site F-Secure, Iran's nuclear energy group — called the Atomic Energy
DoD: Huge 30,000Lb Bunker Buster Ready to Go
DoD: Huge 30,000Lb Bunker Buster Ready to Go
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
The biggest conventional bomb ever developed is ready to wreak destruction upon
the enemies of the US. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said its
record-breaking bunker-buster has become operational after years of testing.
“If it needed to go today, we would be ready to do that,” said Donley.
“We continue to do testing on the bomb [...]
'Separate and Unequal' is Unacceptable to Palestinians Mustafa Barghouthi
 |
 |
|
'Separate and Unequal'
is Unacceptable to
Palestinians
|
Mustafa Barghouthi
July 27, 2012
July 27, 2012
When presidential
candidate Mitt Romney arrives in Israel Saturday and
travels to occupied East Jerusalem to see the holy sites
there he will be entering a city I am no longer allowed
to visit – privately or as a medical doctor or as a
presidential candidate. He somehow possesses more rights
to the city than I do despite the fact that I was born
in Jerusalem and worked as a medical doctor in Makassed
hospital for several years. During my presidential
campaign I was arrested and deported four times for
entering the city to meet Palestinian
voters.
Why Condi Rice doesn't 'inspire' me
Why Condi Rice doesn't 'inspire' me
Posted By Stephen M. Walt
Friday, July 27, 2012
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has an op-ed in the Financial Times today, where she argues that America must overcome its "reluctance to lead." Given her own track record between 2001 and 2008, when she played a key role in a series of foreign policy disasters and rang up precious few genuine achievements, one might wonder why anybody would place much stock in her counsel today. But her piece is in fact quite valuable for underscoring the dearth of genuine strategic thinking about U.S. foreign policy these days.
Special Ops commander: Leaks put lives at risk
Recent national security leaks have put lives at
risk and may ultimately cost Americans their lives unless there is an
effective crackdown, the head of the Special Operations Command Admiral
William McRaven says. Read & Comment
Politicizing Colorado: Tragedy turns into pitch for gun control
Politicizing Colorado: Tragedy turns into pitch for gun control
![]()
A
dozen dead. Scores injured. Before the nation had a chance to transition
from shock to mourning over the Aurora, Colo., Batman movie massacre,
reporters and elected officials were politicizing the July 20 tragedy. Read & Comment
Tangled web: Holder firm represented MF Global
Tangled web: Holder firm represented MF Global
Those wondering why the Department of Justice has
refused to go after Jon Corzine for the vaporization of $1.6 billion in MF
Global client funds need look no further than the documents uncovered by
the Government Accountability Institute — now-defunct MF Global was a
client of Attorney General Eric Holder's law firm, Covington & Burling. Read & Comment
Romney’s Jewish Connector
Romney’s Jewish Connector
How Dan Senor became the GOP candidate’s key emissary to Israel’s intelligentsia and the Washington policy scene
By Allison Hoffman
What Dani Dayan Says and Why It is Interesting by Richard Falk
|
What Dani Dayan Says and Why It Is Interestingby Richard Falk |
’s article, “Israel’s Settlers Are Here to Stay,” was published by the NY Times on July 26, 2012. Dayan is the chairman of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities, and has been long known as a leading spokesperson of the settler movement. An obvious response to such a settler screed might be to dismiss it out of hand as an extremist expression of Israeli views, which it certainly is, but it would seem a mistake to do this before taking some account of its content and timing. The moral and legal premises that underlie Dayan’s insistence that the settlers will never leave the West Bank are without substance, but the political arguments he puts forward are so strong as to be virtually irrefutable. It may also be helpful to speculate that Dayan might have been encouraged from the Netanyahu side, known for being as friendly to settler dreams as any Israeli leadership ever, to drop this bombshell into the midst of the American electoral maelstrom as kind of trial baloon.
The Road to Apartheid by Mitchell Plitnick
The Road to Apartheid
by Mitchell Plitnickhttp://souciant.com/2012/07/
So said Dani Dayan in an op-ed
in the New York Times on Thursday. Dayan is the secular chairman of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria (the right-wing term for the West Bank), which is an umbrella group covering the municipal councils of all West Bank settlements. Predictably, progressive groups in the United States rushed to express their outrage at Dayan’s view, and the danger it poses to the two-state solution and Israel’s future. All of that outrage is understandable, except it misses one crucial point: Dayan is right.
Reform Sprouts in North Korea?
A Publication of Yale Center for the Study of Globalization
North Korea, among the world’s most
secretive, isolated and impoverished countries, is led by the world’s
youngest head of state. Analysts are uncertain about many details of Kim
Jong Un’s life, including his age or the extent of his education with a
stint in Switzerland. Since taking power in April, the young leader has
taken steps to transform his nation: dismissing the country’s top
military leader, starting a guest worker program for North Koreans in
China, and emphasizing economic development over military politics.
Many analysts had predicted failure for the new young leader who, unlike
his father, Kim Jong Il, did not have years of preparation. Most
refreshing, suggests Korea specialist John Delury who teaches at Yonsei
University, is young Kim’s frank acknowledgment of domestic challenges.
Delury contends that Kim may be following the model of China’s Deng
Xiaoping to reform North Korea, preparing its people for engagement with
the rest of the world. – YaleGlobal
Reform Sprouts in North Korea?
Kim Jong Un’s timid glasnost may signal shift in emphasis from military to economic development
John Delury
YaleGlobal, 26 July 2012
Blighty Diplomatic, offensive
The Economist
Friday July 27th 2012
Friday July 27th 2012
Romney in Britain
Diplomatic, offensive
FOREIGN visits are a great way to burnish a politician's statesmanlike credentials, especially for a presidential hopeful. So the headlines in today's British press are not what Mitt Romney ordered.
Charles Hill: The Empire Strikes Back
- The Wall Street Journal: THE WEEKEND INTERVIEW
- Updated July 27, 2012
Charles Hill: The Empire Strikes Back
One of American's foremost strategists says the era of liberal democracy is in jeopardy, and the historical norm of dominance by great powers will return if the U.S. fails to lead.
By ROBERT L. POLLOCK
Yale Prof. Charles Hill is often called a "conservative." But he is one of the foremost students and advocates of what he calls the "liberal" ("in the finest sense of the word") world order. And he is worried that Americans increasingly don't understand how special the modern era has been or their own crucial role in developing and securing it.To some, the Obama's administration's desire to "lead from behind" and seek United Nations approval for actions abroad represents an appropriate retreat to a more humble American posture. Mr. Hill, by contrast, sees the possible end of a great era of human rights and democracy promotion the likes of which the planet has never seen.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Can Financial Regulation Be Fixed?
Can Financial Regulation Be Fixed?
By James KwakThe tragicomic events of the past few months—the London Whale (what are we up to now, $6 billion), Barclays-Libor, HSBC laundering money have prompted renewed interest in better, stronger regulation of the financial sector. Not that it’s going to go anywhere: it’s an election year, the Republicans have a blocking majority in the House and a blocking minority in the Senate, and they are only going to gain Senate seats in November.
But we’ve been here before. Remember the financial crisis? The Obama administration’s response, codified in the Dodd-Frank Act, could be summed up as “better, stronger regulation”—instead of substantive changes to the industry itself. This misses the basic problem with our regulatory structure, as described by John Kay:
“Regulation that is at once extensive and intrusive, yet ineffective and largely captured by financial sector interests.
“Such capture is sometimes crudely corrupt, as in the US where politics is in thrall to Wall Street money. The European position is better described as intellectual capture. Regulators come to see the industry through the eyes of market participants rather than the end users they exist to serve, because market participants are the only source of the detailed information and expertise this type of regulation requires. This complexity has created a financial regulation industry – an army of compliance officers, regulators, consultants and advisers – with a vested interest in the regulation industry’s expansion.”
The only thing I would disagree with is the
characterization of U.S. regulators as “crudely corrupt.” Yes, many
Congressmen are “in thrall to Wall Street money,” but when it comes to
the staff at the regulatory agencies I think the picture is more complex
and closer to the “intellectual capture” that Kay describes in Europe.
(This is something we discussed briefly in 13 Bankers and that I cover in more depth in my contribution to Preventing Capture.)
The Next Wave of Factory Robots
The Next Wave of Factory Robots
by Jessica Leber
Robots designed to work safely alongside humans could change the way we think of manufacturing.
Read More »
These Robots Install Solar Panels
by Kevin Bullis
Reducing labor costs could help make solar power more affordable.
Read More »
Robot Puts Telemedicine on Auto Pilot by Martin LaMonica
by Jessica Leber
Robots designed to work safely alongside humans could change the way we think of manufacturing.
Read More »
These Robots Install Solar Panels
by Kevin Bullis
Reducing labor costs could help make solar power more affordable.
Read More »
Robot Puts Telemedicine on Auto Pilot by Martin LaMonica
Non proliferation update
| Alexander Cockburn and the hypocrisy of 'Non-Proliferation ... Therefore, the whole idea of “nuclear non-proliferation” is absurd. If nuclear weapons are monopolized in a few hands, those hands will eventually cast the ... www.veteranstoday.com/.../ |
| PressTV - Alexander Cockburn and the hypocrisy of 'Non-Proliferation' Today, the Zionist-dominated US empire is seeking to establish a near-monopoly of nuclear weapons, which would allow that empire to use these weapons at ... www.presstv.ir/detail/.../ |
| Israel's Nukes Derail U.S. Nonproliferation Goals | Al-Shabaka United States President Barack Obama swept into office with a powerful commitment to the cause of nuclear nonproliferation. However, the escalating U.S. ... al-shabaka.org/.../israels- |
| Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures on Five Syrian Entities Status: Posted. Received Date: July 24 2012, at 08:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time. Date Posted: July 24 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. Federal ... www.regulations.gov/#! |
| Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures on Five Syrian Entities ... Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures on Five Syrian Entities, 43413-43414 [ 2012-18041] regulations.justia.com/ |
US economic growth slows to 1.5%
US economic growth slows to 1.5%
US economic growth slowed to an annual rate of 1.5 per cent in the second quarter as consumers cut back on spending amid a weak job market and global turmoil.
The increase in gross domestic product was higher than the 1.4 per cent analysts had expected but confirmed that the recovery has slowed since the beginning of the year. Growth in the first three months of 2012 was revised to 2 per cent from an earlier reading of 1.9 per cent.
Consumer spending was the slowest in a year, rising just 1.5 per cent after a 2.4 per cent expansion in the first quarter.
http://link.ft.com/r/J0VG55/
US economic growth slowed to an annual rate of 1.5 per cent in the second quarter as consumers cut back on spending amid a weak job market and global turmoil.
The increase in gross domestic product was higher than the 1.4 per cent analysts had expected but confirmed that the recovery has slowed since the beginning of the year. Growth in the first three months of 2012 was revised to 2 per cent from an earlier reading of 1.9 per cent.
Consumer spending was the slowest in a year, rising just 1.5 per cent after a 2.4 per cent expansion in the first quarter.
http://link.ft.com/r/J0VG55/
Thursday, July 26, 2012
A New Frontier For Our Energy Future
A New Frontier For Our Energy Future
Craig Rucker, National Journal
It has taken seven years, reams of red tape, prolonged litigation, and $4.5 billion, but Royal Dutch Shell is finally on the verge of drilling for oil in the energy-rich American Arctic.Last August, Shell received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Interior to drill wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, and drilling could be underway in a few weeks. It may well have been worth the wait. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 25 percent of the world’s remaining undiscovered conventional oil and natural gas reserves are located in the Arctic, most of it in...
It has taken seven years, reams of red tape, prolonged litigation, and $4.5 billion, but Royal Dutch Shell is finally on the verge of drilling for oil in the energy-rich American Arctic.Last August, Shell received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Interior to drill wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, and drilling could be underway in a few weeks. It may well have been worth the wait. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 25 percent of the world’s remaining undiscovered conventional oil and natural gas reserves are located in the Arctic, most of it in...
Oil and Gas and Green--They All Get Fed Dollars
Oil and Gas and Green--They All Get Fed Dollars
Ken Silverstein, Forbes
With the national political conventions coming, the electorate is going to hear a lot about government excess and specifically its efforts to prop up impractical green enterprises. The retort, though, will be sharp and aggressive, emphasizing that many such endeavors are successfully leveraging public resources and giving hope to promising technologies.
With the national political conventions coming, the electorate is going to hear a lot about government excess and specifically its efforts to prop up impractical green enterprises. The retort, though, will be sharp and aggressive, emphasizing that many such endeavors are successfully leveraging public resources and giving hope to promising technologies.
Big Oil on the Ropes in Changing Energy World
Big Oil on the Ropes in Changing Energy World
Andrew Callus, Reuters
Oil prices fall and the industry turns cannibal: big energy companies hunt out bargains among overstretched producers and promising explorers. It's the season for takeovers and asset deals again. . .
Oil prices fall and the industry turns cannibal: big energy companies hunt out bargains among overstretched producers and promising explorers. It's the season for takeovers and asset deals again. . .
Did Obama Force Canada's Hand After Keystone Snub?
Did Obama Force Canada's Hand After Keystone Snub?
The Week
Has China swooped in to claim a prize the U.S. forfeited? This week, China's state-run energy giant CNOOC announced that it was buying Canadian oil producer Nexen for $15 billion, the largest-ever acquisition by a Chinese company. . .
Has China swooped in to claim a prize the U.S. forfeited? This week, China's state-run energy giant CNOOC announced that it was buying Canadian oil producer Nexen for $15 billion, the largest-ever acquisition by a Chinese company. . .
America Needs an Energy Market of Its Very Own
America Needs an Energy Market of Its Very Own
Editorial, IBD
A little more than a year ago, we editorialized in favor of a "North American oil market that would operate independently of a world market." Would that be possible? A fresh report tells us it is. . .
A little more than a year ago, we editorialized in favor of a "North American oil market that would operate independently of a world market." Would that be possible? A fresh report tells us it is. . .
U.S. Can Become an Energy Export Nation
U.S. Can Become an Energy Export Nation
Mark Mills, Politico
Imagine a future in which the United States abandons its tepid policy of inching toward energy “independence” and instead joins forces with Canada and Mexico to become the world’s largest energy exporter. . .
Imagine a future in which the United States abandons its tepid policy of inching toward energy “independence” and instead joins forces with Canada and Mexico to become the world’s largest energy exporter. . .
Williston, N.D.: Where the Jobs Are Now
Williston, N.D.: Where the Jobs Are Now
Gail Collins, New York Times
Right now you are probably asking yourself: "What would it be like to live in a place with an unemployment rate of 1 percent?"Me, too! So I went to Williston, N.D., to find out. There are certain things that journalists do as a public service because you, the noble reader, are probably not going to do them for yourself "” like attending charter revision meetings or reading the autobiography of Tim Pawlenty. Going to Williston is sort of in this category. The people are lovely, but you're talking about a two-hour drive from Minot.
Right now you are probably asking yourself: "What would it be like to live in a place with an unemployment rate of 1 percent?"Me, too! So I went to Williston, N.D., to find out. There are certain things that journalists do as a public service because you, the noble reader, are probably not going to do them for yourself "” like attending charter revision meetings or reading the autobiography of Tim Pawlenty. Going to Williston is sort of in this category. The people are lovely, but you're talking about a two-hour drive from Minot.
California's Impending Energy Crash
California's Impending Energy Crash
California,
which imports over 25% of its electricity from out of state, is in no
position to lose half (!) of its entire nuclear power capacity. But
that’s exactly what happened earlier this year, when the San Onofre
plant in north San Diego County unexpectedly went offline. The loss only
worsens the broad energy deficit that has made California the most
dependent state in the country on expensive, out-of-state power.Its two
nuclear plants -- San Onofre in the south and Diablo Canyon on the
central coast -- together have provided more than…Read more...
Why Gas Producers Are Getting Crunched by the Shale Boom
Why Gas Producers Are Getting Crunched by the Shale Boom
North
America's shale drilling revolution is taking a toll on natural gas
producers.The reason? The shale boom has generated a tremendous
oversupply of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) – These are the byproduct gases
and liquids like ethane, pentane, and propane which come out of the
well alongside oil and regular natural gas. The supply glut, for its
part, has forced a sharp drop in the price of NGLs in North America. And
that is crunching the profits of gas producers. You see, for the last
two years, many natural gas producers have been…Read more...
How the Big Five Oil Companies Spend their $375 Million Daily Profits
How the Big Five Oil Companies Spend their $375 Million Daily Profits
The
Big Five oil companies – BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and
Shell – are slated to announce their 2012 second-quarter profits later
this week.We can expect these companies, all of which rank in the top 10
of the “Fortune 500 Global Ranking,” to reveal billions of dollars more
in profits, after earning $375 million in profits per day in 2011
($261,000 per minute), and $368 million per day in the first
three-months of 2012 — bringing their combined profits to $1 trillion
from 2001 through 2011.Below is a…Read more...
Global Energy Could Change as the Autocracies of Ethiopia and Eritrea Fall Apart
Global Energy Could Change as the Autocracies of Ethiopia and Eritrea Fall Apart
The
Emperor’s Ghost: How the Transformations in the Horn of Africa and Red
Sea Reflect, and Help Change, the Global Energy and Geopolitical
SceneThe Red Sea and Africa’s north-east move deeper into an era of
great change, with global ramifications asenergy acquisition patterns
also transform, impacting the relative geopolitical centrality of the
region. Ethiopians gathered quietly, on July 23, 2012, in larger numbers
than in recent years, and in more places around the world, as well as
in Ethiopia, and remembered the birthday of the…Read more...
Is Global Trade About To Collapse? Where are Oil Prices Headed? A Chat with Mish
Is Global Trade About To Collapse? Where are Oil Prices Headed? A Chat with Mish
As
markets continue to yo-yo and commentators deliver mixed forecasts,
investors are faced with some tough decisions and have a number of
important questions that need answering. On a daily basis we are asked
what’s happening with oil prices alongside questions on China’s
slowdown, which commodities or instruments will provide safety in the
current environment, will the Euro-zone split in the future and what
impact the presidential election is going to have on the economy and
markets?To help Oilprice.com look into these issues and more…Read more...
What’s at stake in the South China Sea?
LOWY INSTITUTE FOR
INTERNATIONAL POLICY (Australia)
STRATEGIC SNAPSHOTS
Snapshot 11
July 2012
What’s at stake in
the South China Sea?
Michael Wesley
The South China Sea
is enclosed by the west coast of mainland Southeast Asia, Borneo and the Philippine
archipelago. Rich in hydrocarbons and fish stocks, it is traversed by over one-third
of global shipping. Its waters and seabed are subject to six opposing territorial
claims – by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines – but these
confrontations are generally not regarded as seriously as the Taiwan Straits and
the Korean peninsula standoffs.
Afghanistan Study Group Weekly Reader: The House Supports Another Year of War at $90 Billion
Afghanistan Weekly Reader: The House Supports Another Y
The House Supports Another Year of War at $90 Billion
ear of War at $90 Billion
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to spend $88.5 billion on the Afghanistan war next year, shooting down efforts to cut back on war costs. This week, in a show of oversight, Congress held two hearings on Afghanistan. The testimony offered at the hearings was sobering. In the first, experts spoke on allegations that U.S. military commanders tried "to put a better face on the Afghan war" by covering up abuses at an Afghan hospital. At the second hearing, witnesses argued that despite over ten years and $50 billion, U.S. efforts to train the Afghan security forces are faltering. Moreover, in an effort to cover up the lack of success, the Pentagon lowered the standards used to measure Afghan forces' progress.
From ASG
7/24/12
Afghan withdrawal not even close to halfway done
Afghanistan Study Group by Mary Kaszynski
If you read only the news headlines, you missed the big Afghanistan story this week. The Associated Press headline reads: “US Afghan withdrawal halfway done.” The first paragraph clarifies that withdrawal planned for this summer is halfway done. That means that 23,000 U.S. troops will be home by fall. 68,000 will remain in Afghanistan.
ARTICLES
7/25/12
As Afghan Security Forces Training Flounders, Pentagon Alters Progress Levels, Hearing Testimony Shows
Huffington Post by Greg Rosalsky
After more than a decade and nearly $50 billion spent on building the Afghan National Security Forces, the Pentagon is still struggling to adequately train them and has lowered the standards used to assess their progress, security experts told Congress Tuesday.
7/24/12
U.S. Builds Afghan Air Base, but Where Are the Planes?
Wall Street Journal by Nathan Hodge
The budding Afghan air force was supposed to receive $355 million worth of planes custom-made for fighting guerrillas well ahead of the U.S. withdrawal in 2014. Equipped with machine guns, missiles and bombs, those reliable, rugged turboprop aircraft are cheaper to operate and easier to maintain than fighter jets.
The Afghans won't get the planes on time.
7/25/12
Afghan war: Did US commanders cover up 'horrific' conditions at hospital?
CS Monitor by Anne Mulrine
Are Americans getting a clear picture of just how war in Afghanistan is going? In bracing testimony before a House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee this week, top US military officials warned that they are not.
OPINION
7/18/12
All quiet on the war front
LA Times by Doyle McManus
Here's an important fact you haven't heard much about in the presidential campaign: The armed forces of the United States are at war in at least four countries, and that number could increase any day.
Mitt Romney's Bankster Ball
Mitt Romney's Bankster Ball
John Nichols on July 26, 2012 - http://www.thenation.com/blog/
Mitt Romney will show his true colors tonight, when he slips behind closed doors in a foreign capital to collect money from international bankers who are mired in scandal.
A Slowdown is Good for China and the World
http://carnegieendowment.org/
A Slowdown is Good for China and the World
Michael Pettis Financial Times, July 23, 2012Alexander Cockburn, 1941-2012 by Michael Tomasky
Alexander Cockburn, 1941-2012
by Michael Tomasky Jul 22, 2012 9:14 AM EDT
Let’s cut to the chase and get this out of the way: Yes, Alexander Cockburn took some strange and indefensible positions. I worked for Alex, the radical journalist who died this weekend of cancer at 71, as a Nation intern in 1987. Three years later, he hit what I always regarded as his low point, trying to prove in a series of columns that Stalin’s death toll was closer to 3.5 million or so than 20 million (leading to a denunciation in the National Review that was adorned by what remains the funniest headline I’ve ever seen in that journal: “Alexander Cockburn, A Voice of Moderation”).
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Remembering Alex
JOANN WYPIJEWSKI | For what the ancients called avarice and iniquity, Alex's hate was pure, and no writer had a deadlier sting against the corruptions of empire.
JOANN WYPIJEWSKI | For what the ancients called avarice and iniquity, Alex's hate was pure, and no writer had a deadlier sting against the corruptions of empire.
The Syrian regime is not a house of glass
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
The Syrian regime is not a house of glass
The authoritarian state in Syria is likely to remain in place regardless of the timing of Assad's departureChina's Economy is Slowly Becoming More Normal
China's Economy is Slowly Becoming More Normal
Pieter BottelierGetting China to Turn on Iran|
Published on The National Interest (http://nationalinterest.org)
Source URL (retrieved on Jul 26, 2012): http://nationalinterest.org/
Getting China to Turn on Iran|
July 19, 2012
Erica S. Downs [2]
China funds near deal for Dexia unit
| China funds near deal for Dexia unit |
| Two Chinese private equity funds are closing in on a deal to buy the asset management arm of Dexia, highlighting the interest of Asian buyers in European financial assets as banks look to restructure in the wake of the financial crisis http://link.ft.com/r/KC2844/ |
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Bungled Bank Bailout Leaves Behind Righteous Anger
Bungled Bank Bailout Leaves Behind Righteous Anger
By Neil M. Barofsky Jul 22, 2012 - http://www.bloomberg.com/news/
In the year since I stepped down as the special inspector general of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the sadly predictable consequences of the government’s disparate treatment of Wall Street and Main Street have only become worse. As the banks amass size and power, Main Street continues to get pummeled. Part of the current economic malaise can be traced directly to Treasury’s betrayal of its promise to use TARP to “preserve homeownership.” The Home Affordable Modification Program has brought little meaningful improvement, with fewer than 800,000 ongoing permanent modifications as of March 31, 2012, a number that is growing at the glacial pace of just 12,000 per month.
In June 2011, Treasury appeared to take a tentative step toward holding the mortgage servicers accountable for the widespread misconduct in the program by pledging to withhold the incentive payments to three of the largest banks -- Wells Fargo (WFC) & Co., Bank of America Corp. (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) -- until they came into compliance with HAMP’s rules.
Released Payments
Treasury couldn’t even keep this modest commitment. Although Wells Fargo had improved its performance and was awarded all of its withheld incentive payments, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America continued to fail to meet the baseline standard. Nonetheless, in March 2012, as part of a broader settlement of the so-called robo-signing scandal, Treasury released all of the withheld payments, totaling more than $170 million. As a result, the government hasn’t held any servicer responsible for the widespread abuses of HAMP applicants, nor is it ever likely to do so.In return for what was touted as a $25 billion payout, the banks received broad immunity from future civil cases arising out of their widespread use of forged, fraudulent or completely fabricated documents to foreclose on homeowners.
If Pandemic Strikes, Avoid Honolulu
If Pandemic Strikes, Avoid Honolulu
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
MIT researchers have analyzed which airport hubs would be key to spreading a
virulent disease, with some surprising results
World map shows flight routes from the 40 largest US airports. Image: Christos
Nicolaides/Juanes Research Group
When the next outbreak of Sars or Swine flu hits, New York's John F Kennedy
airport and Los Angeles's airports will likely [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
MIT researchers have analyzed which airport hubs would be key to spreading a
virulent disease, with some surprising results
World map shows flight routes from the 40 largest US airports. Image: Christos
Nicolaides/Juanes Research Group
When the next outbreak of Sars or Swine flu hits, New York's John F Kennedy
airport and Los Angeles's airports will likely [...]
The Economist: Secret Laws Are Oxymorons
Dear All:
The Economist has posted a video interview with me discussing the future trajectory of presidential power in the United States:
Best
Bruce
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Friends_of_Bruce mailing list
Friends_of_Bruce@mailman.yale.
http://mailman.yale.edu/
NYT: Media accepts government censorship
NYT:
Media accepts government censorship
There was a rather low-key confession made in the New York
Times last week that deserves to be blared throughout this country so that
every American understands what they are reading in the establishment’s
ultra-controlled, government-managed “press” — and I use that last
word loosely indeed. Read & Comment
Israel orders demolition of 8 Palestinian villages, claims need for IDF training land
Israel orders demolition of 8 Palestinian villages, claims need for IDF training land
Residents of targeted villages will be moved to the West Bank town of Yatta and its environs; state claims that most of those evacuated have permanent homes in the area.
By Amira Hass | 23.07.12
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the demolition of
eight Palestinian villages in the South Hebron Hills because the
territory is needed for Israel Defense Forces training exercises, the
state told the High Court of Justice on Sunday.
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