| Russian-Czech Agreement on Temelin Power Plant to Irk US Energy Tribune Infrastructure investment projects like Temelin nuclear power plant could be the cornerstone of successful bilateral cooperation. Temelin NPP means not only thousands new jobs, but also affordable energy for the Czech industry. It can truly be a safety ...http://www.energytribune.com/77333/russian-czech-agreement-on-temelin-power-plant-to-irk-us#sthash.8SXde0tr.dpbs |
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Friday, May 31, 2013
Russian-Czech Agreement on Temelin Power Plant to Irk US
US imposes sanctions on Iran's petrochemical industry
US imposes sanctions on Iran's petrochemical industry
Al-Arabiya - 47 minutes ago
The Nouri petrochemical plant is seen in Assalouyeh, 1,000 km (621
miles) south of Tehran, January 27, 2011. (Reuters). Tweet. Timothy
Gardner - Reuters, WASHINGTON. The United States blacklisted on Friday
eight companies in Iran's petrochemical ...http://english.alarabiya.net/en/business/economy/2013/06/01/U-S-imposes-sanctions-on-Iran-s-petrochemical-industry.html
John Kiriakou Pens “Letter from Loretto” | The Dissenter
John Kiriakou Pens “Letter from Loretto” | The Dissenter
UK poised to supply arms to Syria rebels this summer
| UK poised to supply arms to Syria rebels this summer |
|
The UK is poised to ship arms to some rebel factions in Syria as soon
as this summer if a planned peace conference in Geneva this month fails
to make significant progress, according to British officials http://link.ft.com/r/EB8122/ |
WPR Articles 28 May 2013 - 31 May 2013
WPR Articles 28 May 2013 - 31 May 2013
Despite Similarities, Bolivia's Morales Breaks the ALBA Mold
By: Christopher Sabatini | Briefing
Bolivian President Evo Morales’ successful push to clear
the way for a potential third term has reinforced the fears of many
observers who, ever since he was first elected president in December
2005, have lumped him in with the populist, anti-democratic leaders in
Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua. But in important economic and
political ways, Bolivia was and remains different from its ALBA allies.
Global Insights: Need for New Thinking in Russia-NATO Relations
By: Richard Weitz | Column
The May 23 Moscow European Security Conference, which
gathered government representatives and analysts to discuss the range of
issues confronting policymakers for European security today,
highlighted the many areas of divergence between Russia and the West on
matters of European and global security. But it also offered some
opportunities for renewed engagement and dialogue on these often
divisive issues.
Honduras Gang Truce, Modeled on El Salvador’s, Unlikely to See the Same Success
By: Catherine Cheney | Trend Lines
In Honduras, the Central American country with the highest
homicide rate in the world, the two largest and most dangerous street
gangs declared a truce Tuesday.
The agreement between MS-13 and Barrio 18 is modeled after one that
took effect last year between the same gangs in El Salvador.
Mongolia’s Presidential Election Could Be Pivotal for Balancing Future Growth
By: Jonathan Berkshire Miller | Briefing
On June 26,
Mongolians will go to the polls to elect their next president, with
incumbent Tsakhia Elbegdorj predicted to return to office with a renewed
mandate. The election's outcome will have significant international
implications. Mongolia's continued growth remains uncertain due to an
overdependence on the global commodity market and investor concerns
about rampant corruption and pegged contracts.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia Diverge in Battle to Shape Changing Middle East
By: Brian Katulis | Briefing
Since the start of the Middle East uprisings, the region
has slipped into uncertainty, with a battle for political influence and
legitimacy stretching across state borders. Two rich countries in the
Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have operated with different and
sometimes divergent strategies for trying to shape the political
transitions in Egypt and impact violent struggles in places like Syria.
See more Articles at World Politics Review
There Are Four Big Military Developments In China That Startle The US
There Are Four Big Military Developments In China That Startle The US
http://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-military-concerns-pentagon-2013-5?utm_source=alerts&nr_email_referer=1
The Latest National Security coverage from FP 5/31
The Latest National Security coverage from FP
- Middies under investigation; SecDef in Singapore; Only broad outlines for migrating drone ops to DOD; No peace talks for the Taliban; The logjam for furlough appeals; Hagel: The dog ate it; and a bit more.
- Target Malfunctions Imperil Missile Defense Effort
- Automatic for the People
- Arms Twisting
- Dear [insert name here]: you’re gonna be furloughed; Can furloughed workers sue?; Petraeus cashes in; What do John Abizaid and drones have in common?; Have we been lying to ourselves about nukes over Japan for 70 years?; and a bit more.
- The Bomb Didn't Beat Japan... Stalin Did
- Think tankers unite - on the budget; Hagel brings home a good report card; Good or bad chemistry: Bash takes on Donilon’s critics; Keeping the pivot real: Wheels up for the Sec-Def; and a bit more.
- Ready, Fire, Aim
- Confront and Confuse
- The Chinese hack American weapon systems designs; What the Syrians want from Obama; Marines behaving badly; Who is Capt. Robert George Keats? Allen spills on what the investigation was like and a bit more.
How Beijing Can Reassure Its Neighbors in the South China Sea
How Beijing Can Reassure Its Neighbors in the South China Sea
Carla Freeman Article May 30, 2013
China’s substantial maritime claims in the resource-rich waters put it at the center of these disputes. Beijing’s claims overlap extensively with those of Vietnam, while the Philippines and several other states ringing the South China Sea have competing claims as well. In recent years, more assertive action by claimants, including China, to promote or reinforce their maritime stakes has increased the risk of conflict emerging that could destabilize the region.
Yet, regional stability is vital to sustaining the vibrancy of the Chinese and regional economies. In an era of international uncertainty and global security challenges, it is in China’s interest to take steps to prevent further militarization of these disputes. Beijing should take steps to foster cooperation with neighbors with which it has maritime disputes.
Carla Freeman is an associate research professor at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, where she also serves as the associate director of the China Studies Program and executive director of the Foreign Policy Institute.http://carnegieendowment.org/
Carla Freeman Article May 30, 2013
Summary
Regional
stability is vital to sustaining the vibrancy of the Chinese and
regional economies. It is in China’s interest to take steps to prevent
further militarization of these disputes.
Competing
territorial and jurisdictional claims in the resource-rich South China
Sea have once again brought states in the region into direct
confrontation. Maritime tensions have spilled over into broader regional
interactions, injecting new frictions into relations among ASEAN
members. China’s substantial maritime claims in the resource-rich waters put it at the center of these disputes. Beijing’s claims overlap extensively with those of Vietnam, while the Philippines and several other states ringing the South China Sea have competing claims as well. In recent years, more assertive action by claimants, including China, to promote or reinforce their maritime stakes has increased the risk of conflict emerging that could destabilize the region.
Yet, regional stability is vital to sustaining the vibrancy of the Chinese and regional economies. In an era of international uncertainty and global security challenges, it is in China’s interest to take steps to prevent further militarization of these disputes. Beijing should take steps to foster cooperation with neighbors with which it has maritime disputes.
Carla Freeman is an associate research professor at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, where she also serves as the associate director of the China Studies Program and executive director of the Foreign Policy Institute.http://carnegieendowment.org/
When the dragon comes calling SRINATH RAGHAVAN
http://www.thehindu.com/
The Hindu
When the dragon comes calling
SRINATH RAGHAVANThe new Chinese leadership wants to reach out to India and New Delhi should make the most of the opportunity to move forward on the strategic and economic fronts
Diplomatic
scorecards are notoriously difficult to draw up. The game goes on for
too long and the points scored are often incommensurable. Yet the
temptation to pronounce an immediate verdict is difficult to resist.
Indeed, during the Chinese Premier’s recent visit, the only question
that seemed of interest was: who got the better of the other? However,
any serious assessment of the visit should focus on questions of
continuity and change. After all, India will have to deal with this
Chinese leadership for the next decade or so.
The Diffusion of Soft Power, Gangnam Style
The Diffusion of Soft Power, Gangnam Style
http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/review/2013_4/05-13MR58.pdf
Anonymous Claims Responsibility for Downing Monsanto Site
Anonymous Claims Responsibility for Downing Monsanto Site
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Hackers from the Anonymous collective claimed to have infiltrated the website
for the biotech giant Monsanto, which has been the subject of recent
international protests.
The cyber-attack was carried out as part of #OpMonsanto, an attempt to
demonstrate against Monsanto’s reach into every aspect of the food industry,
from nature to farmers to consumers. The corporation’s [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Hackers from the Anonymous collective claimed to have infiltrated the website
for the biotech giant Monsanto, which has been the subject of recent
international protests.
The cyber-attack was carried out as part of #OpMonsanto, an attempt to
demonstrate against Monsanto’s reach into every aspect of the food industry,
from nature to farmers to consumers. The corporation’s [...]
Top U.S. Tax Breaks to Cost 12 Trillion Over a Decade
Top U.S. Tax Breaks to Cost 12 Trillion Over a Decade
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
The top ten U.S. tax deductions, credits and exclusions will keep $12 trillion
out of federal government coffers over the next decade, and several of them
mainly benefit the wealthiest Americans, a new study from the Congressional
Budget Office shows.
The top 20 percent of income earners will reap more than half of the $900
billion [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
The top ten U.S. tax deductions, credits and exclusions will keep $12 trillion
out of federal government coffers over the next decade, and several of them
mainly benefit the wealthiest Americans, a new study from the Congressional
Budget Office shows.
The top 20 percent of income earners will reap more than half of the $900
billion [...]
Experimental GMO Wheat Found in Oregon Farm, Japan Cancels Order
Experimental GMO Wheat Found in Oregon Farm, Japan Cancels Order
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Japanese authorities have cancelled a tender offer to
buy wheat from the U.S., after unapproved genetically modified wheat was found
in an Oregon field, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Other major wheat importers South Korea, China and the Philippines also said
they were monitoring the situation, after the find stirred concerns that the
[...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Japanese authorities have cancelled a tender offer to
buy wheat from the U.S., after unapproved genetically modified wheat was found
in an Oregon field, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Other major wheat importers South Korea, China and the Philippines also said
they were monitoring the situation, after the find stirred concerns that the
[...]
Iran Terror Sponsorship Rising
Iran Terror Sponsorship Rising
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran's sponsorship of terrorism overseas underwent "a
marked resurgence" in 2012, reaching levels not seen in 20 years, the U.S. State
Department charged on Thursday in its annual report on trends in political
violence.
The report cited a series of actual and planned attacks in Europe and Asia
linked to Hezbollah, Iran's Lebanon-based [...]
Eurozone Hits Record 12.2% Unemployment
Eurozone Hits Record 12.2% Unemployment
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
In April a further 95,000 people across the eurozone lost their jobs, says
Eurostat. This marked another all-time high unemployment rate, with the total of
19.38mn people now out of work.
April's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 12.2%, up from 12.1%in
the previous month, according to the European Commission's statistics office.
Southern states like Greece, Spain [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
In April a further 95,000 people across the eurozone lost their jobs, says
Eurostat. This marked another all-time high unemployment rate, with the total of
19.38mn people now out of work.
April's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 12.2%, up from 12.1%in
the previous month, according to the European Commission's statistics office.
Southern states like Greece, Spain [...]
Starving Zambia Refuses Shipment of GMO's
Starving Zambia Refuses Shipment of GMO's
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
The Zambian Government has finally decided not to accept a donation of
genetically modified food for nearly three million of its people facing famine.
The decision was taken after the Zambian Government despatched a team of
scientists around the world to study the potential effects of importing GM
crops.
The food aid was initially offered by the [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
The Zambian Government has finally decided not to accept a donation of
genetically modified food for nearly three million of its people facing famine.
The decision was taken after the Zambian Government despatched a team of
scientists around the world to study the potential effects of importing GM
crops.
The food aid was initially offered by the [...]
Russia to Sell 10 MiG Fighter Jets to Syria
Russia to Sell 10 MiG Fighter Jets to Syria
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
MOSCOW — Russia's MiG aircraft maker said Friday it plans to sign a new
agreement to ship at least 10 fighter jets to Syria, a move that comes amid
international criticism of earlier Russian weapons deals with Syrian President
Bashar Assad's regime.
MiG's director general, Sergei Korotkov, said a Syrian delegation was in Moscow
to discuss [...]
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
MOSCOW — Russia's MiG aircraft maker said Friday it plans to sign a new
agreement to ship at least 10 fighter jets to Syria, a move that comes amid
international criticism of earlier Russian weapons deals with Syrian President
Bashar Assad's regime.
MiG's director general, Sergei Korotkov, said a Syrian delegation was in Moscow
to discuss [...]
Upcoming: A Five Part Series on F-35 Unit Cost
On Monday, June 3,
Time magazine's Battleland will start running a five part series I have written
on the past, present, and future unit cost of the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter. The series will appear at about 9:00 AM each day next week at http://nation.time.com/
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, F-35 Program Manager Lieutenant
General Christopher Bogdan and DOD's new F-35 Selected Acquisition Report all
assert the cost to buy an F-35 is coming down. As a result, of course,
they imply the US and its foreign partners should continue with their
commitments to buy it.
The empirical data say otherwise. In fact, F-35 unit costs,
which are now on average above $200 million per copy, are going up, and -- even
more against the grain of the newly optimistic conventional wisdom -- promises
that the F-35 will become affordable defy history, reason and the available
data.
This five part series will address –
1)
The new era of good
feelings for the F-35 being rolled out by Secretary Hagel, General Bogdan,
the new SAR, and even GAO.
2)
How the Defense
Department’s official documents, and others, cook the books on F-35
costs.
3)
What does a generic F-35
actually cost today?
4)
Does the story change when
you look at the Air Force’s and Navy’s F-35 variants, and what are the most
likely future trends?
5)
What conclusions and
recommendations can observers take from the actual F-35 cost
history?
As the series rolls out, I welcome any comments or questions.
_____________________________
Winslow T. Wheeler
Director
Straus Military Reform Project,
Center for Defense Information at the
Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
301 791-2397 (home office)
301 221-3897 (cell)
Winslow T. Wheeler
Director
Straus Military Reform Project,
Center for Defense Information at the
Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
301 791-2397 (home office)
301 221-3897 (cell)
Japan Blocks Huge US Wheat Import After Genetically Modified Crop Discovery
Japan Blocks Huge US Wheat Import After Genetically Modified Crop Discovery
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-blocks-huge-us-wheat-import-2013-5#ixzz2Us6gX2eA
http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-blocks-huge-us-wheat-import-2013-5?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-blocks-huge-us-wheat-import-2013-5#ixzz2Us6gX2eA
http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-blocks-huge-us-wheat-import-2013-5?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29
China Has Drones. Now What?
China Has Drones. Now What?
Andrew Erickson and Austin Strange
The
time to fret about when China will acquire drones is over: it has them.
The question now is when and how it will use them. But as with its
other, less exotic military capabilities, Beijing has cleared only a
technological hurdle -- and its behavior will continue to be constrained
by politics. Readhttp://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/139405/andrew-erickson-and-austin-strange/china-has-drones-now-what?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-053013-china_has_drones_now_what_3-053013
Testing Turkey
Testing Turkey
Soner Cagaptay
Turkish
officials had high hopes of using soft power to establish their country
as a leader in the Middle East. But the civil war in Syria revealed
that Turkey is no match for Iran and that it needs U.S. protection more
than ever. Readhttp://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/139409/soner-cagaptay/testing-turkey?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-053013-testing_turkey_3-053013
Obama Passes the Buck
Obama Passes the Buck
Jack Goldsmith
President
Obama's counterterrorism speech didn't earn its hype. Far from changing
the country's counterterrorism policy, it will only preserve the status
quo. Readhttp://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/139403/jack-goldsmith/obama-passes-the-buck?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-053013-obama_passes_the_buck_3-053013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Assad Confirms: Syria has Received Advanced Anti-Aircraft Missiles from Russia
Assad Confirms: Syria has Received Advanced Anti-Aircraft Missiles from Russia
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
BEIRUT, Lebanon — President Bashar al-Assad of Syria said in a television
interview to be broadcast on Thursday that Russia has delivered S-300 air
defense missiles to his country, weapons that Israel has said present a threat
to its security and against which it is willing to use force.
“Syria has received the first [...]
Top U.N. Official: Ban Killer Robots
Top U.N. Official: Ban Killer Robots
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Robots that can attack and kill without human direction should be banned before
they come into existence, according to a senior UN official.
Lethal autonomous robotics (LARs) have not yet been created but are described
as "the next major revolution in military affairs".
The Terminator-style weapons systems could select, engage and kill targets
without further [...]
The Syrian Crisis: Enter Lebanon
Published on May 30th, 2013 |
by Wayne White
0
The Syrian Crisis: Enter Lebanonhttp://www.lobelog.com/the-syrian-crisis-enter-lebanon/
Bill McKibben: It's Time to Stop Investing in the Fossil Fuel Industry
Bill McKibben: It's Time to Stop Investing in the Fossil Fuel Industry
http://www.commondreams.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/
"Off the Record" Meetings with DOJ Exposes Deep Subservience of DC Press Corps
"Off the Record" Meetings with DOJ Exposes Deep Subservience of DC Press Corps
http://www.commondreams.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/
Haaretz Editorial: Basic Law: Apartheid in Israel
Basic Law: Apartheid in Israel
The proposal put forth by Coalition Chairman Yariv Levin is nothing short of an apartheid law, aiming to provide a solid legal basis for the exclusion of Israel's Arab minority.
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/basic-law-apartheid-in-israel.premium-1.526711
Defense Contractors Vastly Outnumber Troops in Afghanistan - Nextgov.com
Defense Contractor
http://m.nextgov.com/defense/2013/05/defense-contractors-vastly-outnumber-troops-afghanistan/63995/
4 utilities to apply for early screening for restart of reactors
4 utilities to apply for early screening for restart of reactors
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/AJ201305300059Michael T. Klare: The Cold War Redux?
Did Washington just give Israel the green light for a future attack on Iran via an arms deal? Did Russia just signal its further support for Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime via an arms deal?http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-t-klare/global-arms-trade_b_3359375.html?utm_hp_ref=daily-brief?utm_source=DailyBrief&utm_campaign=053013&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BlogEntry&utm_term=Daily%20Brief
Corporate Influence at the Center for American Progress?
Corporate Influence at the Center for American Progress?
KEN SILVERSTEIN | The prominent liberal think tank still skirts questions about its donors. http://www.thenation.com/article/174581/corporate-influence-center-american-progress?rel=emailNation#
KEN SILVERSTEIN | The prominent liberal think tank still skirts questions about its donors. http://www.thenation.com/article/174581/corporate-influence-center-american-progress?rel=emailNation#
Asia and Isolationism William Pfaff
Asia and Isolationism
William Pfaff
May 29, 2013, Paris – When the Barack Obama administration announced that American foreign policy would “pivot” from Europe and the Middle East towards Asia, some European commentators interpreted the announcement as a return to that isolationism which characterized the United States from its foundation to the two world wars. This interpretation made little sense. If anything, the decision was the result of the notion that China was America’s new rival, and even might become an enemy in the future.
The URL for this article is:
http://www.williampfaff.com/
Freedom of Speech? Obama Hands Out the Hemlock by PAUL GOTTINGER
Freedom of Speech?
Obama Hands Out the Hemlock
After vowing transparency, US silent on drone killing
After vowing transparency, US silent on drone killing
Washington (AFP) May 29, 2013 - A week after President Barack Obama cracked the lid of secrecy on his drone war, the United States refused Wednesday to confirm it had killed a top Pakistani Taliban leader in an airborne attack. Pakistani security and intelligence sources said that Waliur Rehman, deputy leader of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had perished in an American drone strike, along with at least five other pe ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/After_vowing_transparency_US_silent_on_drone_killing_999.html
Syria: Obama mulls no-fly zone, Russia sends missiles
Syria: Obama mulls no-fly zone, Russia sends missiles
Beirut, Lebanon (UPI) May 29, 2013 - U.S. President Barack Obama has reportedly asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for a Syrian no-fly zone to cut off the Damascus regime's arms supplies from Russia and Iran. But the window for such an option is getting smaller fast. Moscow has said it will deliver several batteries of Russia's advanced S-300PMU air-defense missile system, purported to be one of the world's most powerful ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Syria_Obama_mulls_no-fly_zone_Russia_sends_missiles_999.html
Beirut, Lebanon (UPI) May 29, 2013 - U.S. President Barack Obama has reportedly asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for a Syrian no-fly zone to cut off the Damascus regime's arms supplies from Russia and Iran. But the window for such an option is getting smaller fast. Moscow has said it will deliver several batteries of Russia's advanced S-300PMU air-defense missile system, purported to be one of the world's most powerful ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Syria_Obama_mulls_no-fly_zone_Russia_sends_missiles_999.html
Internet’s Annual Report Card Shows China’s Rise
Internet’s Annual Report Card Shows China’s Rise
Read more: http://www.technologyreview.com/view/515506/internets-annual-report-card-shows-chinas-rise/#ixzz2UmE3ka00
From MIT Technology Review
Follow us: @techreview on Twitter | technologyreview on Facebook
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/515506/internets-annual-report-card-shows-chinas-rise/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-daily-all&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20130530
Ray McGovern: Doubting Obama’s Resolve to Do Right
Ray McGovern: Doubting Obama’s Resolve to Do Right
http://www.commondreams.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/
Glenn Greenwald: Will Journalists Take Any Steps to Defend Against Attacks on Press Freedom?
Glenn Greenwald: Will Journalists Take Any Steps to Defend Against Attacks on Press Freedom?
http://www.commondreams.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/
Imposing 'No Fly Zone' in Syria Would be 'Act of War' by US
Imposing 'No Fly Zone' in Syria Would be 'Act of War' by US
http://www.commondreams.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/
Russia and the Conflict in Syria: Four Myths
Russia and the Conflict in Syria: Four Myths
Those interested in understanding the Russian position on Syria and its consequences for Russian influence in the Middle East may find the analysis at http://mepc.org/journal/
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