Posts by StephenLendman:
- “a supranational authority to regulate world commerce and industry;
- an international organization that would control the production and consumption of oil;
- an international currency that would replace the dollar (and other major currencies);
- — a world development fund that would make funds available to (all) nations alike; (and)
- an international police force to enforce the edicts of the New World Order.”
- universal rules it sets;
- centralized control of world populations;
- manipulating public sentiment to do so;
- controlling global wealth and power;
- eliminating middle class societies;
- replacing them with ruler-serf ones;
- preventing real democracy from emerging;
- crushing it when it does so;
- perpetuating crises and wars;
- expanding corporate controlled trade worldwide;
- making NATO a global military;
- imposing a universal legal system;
- abolishing human and civil rights; and
- placing monied interests above all others.
- surrounding a nation or objective with hostile forces;
- isolating an enemy;
- encirclement and besieging;
- preventing the passage in or out of supplies, military forces, or aid in time of or as an act of war; and
- an act of naval warfare to block access to an enemy’s coastline and deny entry to all vessels and aircraft.
- their sole purpose is starving the civilian population or denying it other essentials for life; or
- -damage to civilians is, or may be expected to be, excessive in relation to the concrete or direct military advantage anticipated.
Eastern Ukrainian Resistance
April 8th, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
Thousands of Eastern Ukrainians reject Kiev putschists. Perhaps millions. They want local sovereignty. They want autonomy rights.
They want them respected. They reject fascist rule. They demand their own referendum. They want Ukraine federalized.
Protests continue in Kharkov (Ukraine’s second largest city), Donetsk (its largest industrial city), Dnepropetrovsk, Lugansk, Odessa, Nikolayev and elsewhere.
They’re growing. They’re spreading. They have legs. Maybe parts of Western Ukraine will join them.
Ukrainians are long-suffering. They rejected Orange Revolution rule years earlier. Perhaps Orange Revolution 2.0 won’t fare better. It remains to be seen what happens going forward.
Will Eastern Ukrainian resistance spread? Will it do so nationwide? Will Ukrainians overwhelmingly reject fascist/predatory IMF rule? Will they demand equitable change?
Will they protests en masse like before? Will they sustain it long enough to matter? Will they refuse what demands rejection?
Eastern Ukrainians reacted first. On April 7, RT International headlined “Pro-Russian protesters seize govt buildings in Ukraine’s Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov.”
Included was Donetsk’s Security Service building. “The people’s militia seized Ukraine’s Security Service in 15 minutes, at 3:32 in the morning,” its members said.
It’s blocked to protect against local security forces. On Sunday, thousands rallied in Eastern Ukrainian cities.
They flooded streets. They waved Russian flags. They chanted “Russia! Russia!”
They demanded local sovereignty. They called Kiev putschists an “illegal junta.”
They demand Kiev appointed governor/oligarch Sergey Taruta “get out.” They burned a Nazi zealot’s effigy publicly.
They called doing so “an act of annihilation of fascism.” Clashes with police broke out. Protesters seized their riot shields.
They entered the Security Service building. They replaced the Ukrainian flag with the Russian one.
According to activist Aleksandr Borodin:
“The situation is pretty tense. The demonstrators are occupying the city council building and are demanding that an independence referendum is held to determine the future of the region of Donetsk.”
“The protesters are calling on officials to conduct a special session over the referendum situation.”
“If it doesn’t take place, the demonstrators say they will organize an initiative group to settle the issue.”
They won’t “acknowledge the Kiev-appointed authorities and are also demanding freedom for the recently elected so-called ‘public governor.’ ”
On April 7, Itar Tass headlined “Legislature of just proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic asks Putin move in peacekeepers.”
They formed a Republican Council of the Donetsk’s People’s Republic. They adopted legislation saying:
“The territory of the republic within the recognized borders is indivisible and inviolable.”
They ruled on holding a referendum. They’ll do so no later than May 11. They’ll decide whether or not to join Russia.
“On March 1,” said Itar Tass, “Russia’s Federation Council gave its consent to the president for using the armed forces on the territory of Ukraine.”
“The relevant decision was unanimously adopted by the upper house of Russian parliament at an extraordinary session.”
“Earlier, Vladimir Putin submitted to the Federation Council an address on using the armed forces of Russia on the territory of Ukraine until the normalization of the socio-political situation in that country.”
“This initiative was proposed with regard to a plea by Ukraine’s legitimate president Viktor Yanukovych.”
At issue is protecting the security of Russian-speaking nationals. It’s securing their rights.
Lugansk events are unfolding like Donetsk’s, said RT. Around 1,000 people rallied outside the local Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) building.
They demand protest leader Aleksandr Kharitonov’s release. He’s been lawlessly detained since mid-March.
So were 15 pro-Russian activists on Saturday. People carried Russian flags. They chanted “Shame on the SBU.” “Freedom to political prisoners.”
Clashes erupted. Injuries were reported. Kiev appointed governor released six anti-putschist activists.
Violence erupted in Kharkov. Pro-Russian protesters clashed with Right Sector extremists. Police separated both sides. No injuries were reported.
Around 1,500 pro-Russian supporters occupied the putschist UNIAN news agency building.
According to RT:
“Pro-Russian rallies are taking place almost every weekend in major cities in the Russian-speaking part of Ukraine since the nationalist coup ousted Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovich, in late February.”
Things remain fluid. The struggle for Ukraine’s soul continues. RT highlighted Donetsk activists declaring a local republic.
They want one independent from Kiev. They reject putschist rule. They want legal governance replacing it. They proclaimed their Regional Council the sole legitimate governing body.
They did so pending a planned referendum. It’ll be held by May 11 or sooner. Ukrainian activism is spreading. So far in Eastern cities. Perhaps nationwide soon.
At the same time, Russia bashing continues relentlessly. So do US-led Western efforts to marginalize, isolate, weaken and contain Moscow.
Political and military cooperation was suspended. Other options include positioning US-led NATO forces closer to Russia’s border.
Provocative military exercises are planned. Challenging Moscow is madness. It’s happening in real time. It’s escalating dangerously. Doing so risks potential major conflict madness.
A previous article discussed Zero Hedge headlining “Petrodollar Alert: Putin Prepares to Announce ‘Holy Grail’ Gas Deal With China,” saying:
If Washington and EU partners intended greater Sino/Russian unity, “one (nation) a natural resource…superpower and the other a fixed capital/labor output…powerhouse, in the process marginalizing the dollar and encouraging Ruble and Renminbi bilateral trade, then things are surely ‘going according to plan.’ ”
Moscow/Beijing unity against Western imperialism is their best defense. Conditions head both nations more closely together against it.
Russia is preparing a “Holy Grail” energy deal with China. Doing so will send “geopolitical shockwaves around the world,” said Zero Hedge.
It’ll lay “groundwork for a new joint, commodity-backed reserve currency…” It’ll bypass dollar transactions. It’ll weaken petrodollar strength.
Moscow’s “Holy Grail” is a major natural gas deal with Beijing. Negotiations are close to complete. It involves supplying 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
It’ll do so via pipeline. It’s the first one between both nations.
Putin plans visiting China in May. He’s expected to close the deal. The more Western nations pressure Russia, the closer it’s drawn to China.
Bilateral ruble/renminbi trade weakens dollar strength. Perhaps other countries may follow in their own currencies.
India and Iran are prime candidates. Perhaps Brazil and others will follow suit.
Washington reacted as expected. According to Zero Hedge, it threatened Russia. It did so over a “petrodollar-busting deal.
It warned against “possible oil barter(ing)” transactions. It warned Iran against them. US-led Western sanctions are counterproductive.
Perhaps Washington shot itself in the foot. Russia has plenty of retaliatory ammunition. What better way than by weakening petrodollar strength.
It’s a pillar of America’s geopolitical/military might. It furthers US supremacy. It does so at the expense of other nations.
It finances America’s global military machine. It advances US imperialism. It furthers financial speculation.
It facilitates corporate takeovers. It does so at the expense of beneficial social change, human and civil rights. It prevents potential democratic change outbreaks.
Global central banks recycle dollar inflows. They do so into US Treasuries. They finance America’s deficit. It matters with QE diminishing. Perhaps ending.
Moscow/Beijing bilateral trade in their own currencies “is rapidly turning out into a terminal confirmation of (US) weakness,” said Zero Hedge.
“Russia seems perfectly happy to telegraph that it is just as willing to use barter (and perhaps gold) and shortly other ‘regional’ currencies, as it is to use the US Dollar,” it added.
It’s “hardly the intended outcome of the western blockade, which appears to have just backfired and further impacted the untouchable status of the Petrodollar.”
“If Washington can’t stop this deal,” perhaps others will follow. Perhaps a groundswell among leading nations.
Petrodollar trading gives America major unfair advantages. According to Voice of Russia, “Moscow is ready to take (them) away.”
So is China. Imagine a combination petroruble/petrorenminbi weakening petrodollar strength. Imagine other petrocurrencies doing it further.
Imagine petrodollar might becoming a shadow of its former self. Imagine destructive US policies waning. Imagine a world safer to live in.
Imagine a fairer one. Imagine what won’t happen easily or soon. Imagine what one day perhaps is possible. Top Russian officials support petrodollar weakening.
Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukaev urged Russian energy companies to ditch the dollar. “They must be braver in signing contracts in rubles and (partner country) currencies,” he said.
Last month, VTB CEO Andrei Kostin said gas giant Gazprom, state-own oil company Rosneft, and exclusive defense-related weapons/ technologies/dual-use products/and services company Rosoboronexport “can start trading in rubles.”
They don’t mind switching, they said. They need a “mechanism” to do so. Russian upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said no efforts will be spared to create one.
Putin intends challenging Washington responsibly. Chinese leader Xi Jinping appears willing to join him. Together they’re a formidable combination.
Perhaps Moscow/Beijing commodity exchanges will exclude dollar transactions. Maybe they’ll replace them with ruble/renminbi ones.
Rosneft signed large oil contracts with China. It’s close to major ones with Indian companies. They exclude dollar transactions.
Russia heads toward trading goods for oil with Iran. If Rosneft deals in rubles, petrodollar strength will suffer.
According to Zero Hedge, “US sanctions have opened a Pandora’s box of troubles for the American currency.” Russian retaliation promises unpleasant consequences.
What if other countries follow Russian and Chinese examples? What if avoiding dollar transactions catches on?
What if long prevented US comeuppance happens? What if America met its match? What if it’s responsibly weakened? The sound you hear is overwhelming popular approval.
Comments Off on Eastern Ukrainian Resistance
Another False Flag Chemical Weapons Attack Planned
April 3rd, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
Jobar is a Damascus area suburb. On April 1, Syria’s permanent UN envoy Bashir al-Jaafari said terrorists plan attacking it with chemical weapons.
He knew days earlier. He sent two identical letters to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Security Council President Joy Ogwu.
He said Syrian authorities monitored a landline call between two Jobar area terrorists. They discussed distributing gas masks to their elements to protect against a planned toxic gas attack.
A second intercepted call discussed launching it. Blaming Assad for their crime is planned. At issue is Ghouta 2.0.
On August 21, 2013, Assad was wrongfully blamed for insurgents attacking Ghouta. It’s a Damascus suburb.
Clear evidence proved a false flag. Terror gangs launched others earlier. At the time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Lukashevich said:
“We’re getting more new evidence that this criminal act was of a provocative nature.”
“In particular, there are reports circulating on the Internet, in particular that the materials of the incident and accusations against government troops had been posted for several hours before the so-called attack. Thus, it was a pre-planned action.”
It reflects “another anti-Syrian propaganda wave.” Calls for force “heard from EU capitals (are) unacceptable.”
Assad demonstrated a “constructive approach.” He did so by letting UN experts investigate sites of previous chemical weapons attacks.
Insurgents reject a similar cooperative approach, Lukashevich added.
Al-Jaafari said information obtained revealed Jabhat al-Nusra plans striking the suburban Damascus Adra area Sukkar site.
Video evidence showed a BMP armored vehicle loaded with 7,000 kilograms of TNT and C4. Another car was loaded with explosives. Both contained chemical weapons.
“There’s nothing called the international community, unfortunately,” al-Jaafari said.
“We directed two letters to the Security Council to have the countries that keep talking about the threats of chemical weapons to pressure the countries sponsoring and funding these terrorist groups – specifically the Turkish, Saudi, and Qatari governments – to prevent such terrorist acts by pressuring these terrorist gangs.”
This matter is now in the hands of Security Council members. They’ve got it before an attack occurs. Whether it will now remains to be seen.
Al-Jaafari raised concern about Turkey’s involvement in terrorist attacks. In the past week, Damascus sent five letters to Ban Ki-moon and Security Council President Joy Ogwu.
Terrorist groups “c(ome) from Turkish territories and were covered by Turkish artillery, tanks and aircrafts so that they aren’t engaged by the Syrian Army in that area, with the purpose of the Turkish military involvement being an attempt to distract the Syrian Army form these terrorist groups so that they may commit their heinous acts,” said al-Jaafari.
Western-backed death squads are desperate. They’ll try anything. They’ve done it many times before. Assad was wrongfully blamed for chemical weapons attacks they launched.
Saudi Arabia is directly involved. So are CIA operatives, US special forces and Pentagon contractors. Terrorists are trained in CW use in Turkey and Jordan. Perhaps in Israel.
Syria is Obama’s war. He bears full responsibility for over three years of horrific death, destruction, mass displacement and human misery.
State terrorism is official US policy. Humanity is targeted globally. Syria is in the eye of the storm. Obama wants another imperial trophy.
Israel wants a regional rival eliminated. Isolating Iran is planned. Perhaps attacking it. Dick Cheney is an unindicted war criminal multiple times over.
Last weekend, he addressed a closed-door Republican Jewish Coalition annual spring meeting. He did so in Las Vegas.
Former Florida Governor/perhaps 2016 Republican presidential aspirant Jeb Bush attended. So did Republican Governors Chris Christie (NJ), Scott Walker (WS), and John Kasich (OH).
Cheney ridiculed Obama’s foreign policy. He’s not tough enough, he said. He rejected ongoing P5+1 Iranian nuclear talks.
He voiced support for Israel attacking its facilities. Attendees responded with applause.
Sheldon Adelson is a gaming tycoon multi-billionaire. He’s one of America’s richest. He’s ideologically over-the-top.
He’s militantly hard right. He advocates nuking Iran. He did so last October. He wants an atom bomb detonated in an Iranian desert area. He wants it “serv(ing) as a shot across the bow.”
“Then you say, ‘See! The next one is in the middle of Tehran. So we mean business.’ ”
Neocon extremists want pro-Western puppet regimes replacing legitimate Iranian and Syrian governments. They endorse destroying both countries to achieve their objective.
They’re mindless about potentially millions of lost lives. Imperial priorities alone matter. Wars of aggression persist.
Peace and stability are systematically spurned. Chemical, biological, radiological, and other illegal weapons are used. Anything goes is official policy.
No verifiable evidence shows Syrian forces used chemical weapons against anyone at any time throughout years of conflict. Claiming otherwise is willful, malicious lying.
Clear evidence proved terrorists used sarin and other chemical weapons multiple times.
UN investigators confirmed their sarin use. They did so before equivocating on their initial statement. Waffling followed heavy Western pressure.
In March 2013, credible evidence showed insurgents used chemical weapons. Home-made rockets fired contained CL 17.
It’s a form of chlorine. It induces vomiting, fainting, suffocation and seizures. People nearby were affected.
Civilians are harmed most. Western-backed death squads target them. Assad loyalists are most vulnerable.
A no longer accessible January 29, 2013 UK Daily Mail report headlined “US ‘backed plan to launch chemical weapon attack on Syria and blame it on Assad’s regime,’ ” saying:
“Leaked emails have allegedly proved that the White House gave the green light to a chemical weapons attack in Syria that could be blamed on Assad’s regime and in turn, spur international military action in the devastated country.”
“A report released on Monday contains an email exchange between two senior officials at British-based contractor Britam Defence where a scheme ‘approved by Washington’ is outlined explaining that Qatar would fund rebel forces in Syria to use chemical weapons.”
In May 2013, Turkish police arrested 12 suspected Al Nusra fighters. They were seized in southern Turkey. They were caught red-handed with a two gm cylinder of sarin nerve gas.
Initial Turkish media reports said four and a half pounds of sarin were seized. Handguns, grenades, bullets and various documents were found.
In December 2012, a Syrian insurgent video surfaced. It showed terrorists testing chemical weapons on lab rabbits. Threats to use them against Assad loyalists followed.
Lab equipment and chemical containers were shown. Some bore the Turkish chemical company Tekkim name.
An Arabic text wall poster read, “The Almighty Wind Brigade (Kateebat A Reeh Al Sarsar).”
A man was shown mixing chemicals in a beaker. It emits gas. Rabbits in a glass box have convulsions, collapse and die. The audio states:
“You saw what happened. This will be your fate, you infidel Alawites. I swear by Allah to make you die like these rabbits, one minute after you inhale the gas.”
Death squads use terror tactics. They’re no match against Syria’s superior military. It’s routing insurgents effectively. Impressive victories were achieved.
Terrorist leader Abdullah Ghazal was killed. An insurgent al-Batra position was destroyed. Many foreign fighters were killed or injured.
Numerous terrorist pockets were eliminated. Ones in areas around al-Zabadani, Douma, Bilal Abdelhaq, Deir al-Asafir, Ein Tarma, al-Mleiha, al-Masri, Pnoq al-Hawa, Abu Hawadid, Jeb al-Jarrah, al-Ghassebiyeh, al-Dar al-Kabira and elsewhere were destroyed.
In recent days, scores, perhaps hundreds, of terrorists were killed or wounded. Their weapons and munitions were eliminated or seized.
An al-Hosen Homs area explosives factory was discovered and destroyed. Terrorists sustain heavy losses daily.
What they plan next remains to be seen. Will US-led NATO Libya 2.0 follow? Is destroying Syria entirely planned?
Is eliminating the Syrian Republic altogether? Is replacing it with another subservient pro-Western puppet regime coming?
Does Israel plan its own direct intervention? Will perhaps hundreds of thousands of Syrians perish? Will horrendous more war crimes be committed?
Obama is a serial killer. There’s no telling what he’ll do. Anything is possible on his watch. At stake is humanity’s survival.
Whether Americans awaken to the threat and act responsibly remains to be seen. They’re largely dismissive.
Their welfare and future are at stake. They lie in their own hands. Passivity is no longer an option.
Resisting tyranny is a universal right. When governments act lawlessly, replacing them is a moral imperative.
It’s obligatory. It’s vital. World peace hangs in the balance. The alternative is police state repression. It’s potential mass annihilation. Preventing it matters most.
Comments Off on Another False Flag Chemical Weapons Attack Planned
Crimeans Choose Russia
March 18th, 2014By Stephen Lendman.
March 16 was historic. It was important. Crimean authorities showed how real democracy works. They shamed America’s sham process. Monied interests control things. People have no say. Both major parties control a rigged process. They’re two sides of the same coin.
Not a dime’s worth of difference separates them. Independent candidates are virtually shut out. Americans get the best democracy money can buy.
Crimeans got the real thing. International observers praised the process. Voting went peacefully and smoothly.
It was scrupulously open, free, and fair. No irregularities occurred. None were seen. No pressure. No intimidation.
Not a single Russian soldier in sight. None invaded. None occupy Crimea. Claims otherwise are false. They’re Western propaganda. They’re malicious lies.
Turnout was impressive. It was unprecedented. It exceeded 83%. In Sevastopol, it was 89.5%.
Over 1.274 million Crimeans voted. Plus Sevastopol residents excluded from this total.
An astonishing 96.77% chose Russia – 95.6% of Sevastopol voters. A previous article said Russians comprise about 60% of Crimea’s population. Ukrainians around 25%. Tatars 12%.
Results show Crimeans overwhelmingly reject Kiev putschists. Russians, Ukrainians and Tatars agree. Claims otherwise are false.
Referendum Commission chairman Mikhail Malyshev said:
“We were receiving protocols from the 27 district commissions all night long. The last one came at around 6:00AM.”
“After that, our commission compiled the final protocol.” Commission members signed the official document. It certified election results.
A scant .72% of ballots were declared invalid.
Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksionov addressed a Simferopol rally, saying:
“No one can take away our victory. We are going to Russia.” He spoke accompanied by the Russian national anthem.
“We are going home,” he added. “Crimea within Russia. Hooray, comrades.”
Parliament Speaker Vladimir Konstantinov added: “We have done it! You have done it! This is our victory, and nobody can take it away from us.”
Crimeans celebrated their landslide victory. Ludmila Balatskays is a 72-year-old former Sevastapol city government deputy.
“Today is the greatest day of my life,” she said. “We are returning to mother Russia.”
“I was just a little girl when they just informed us that Crimea was now Ukraine. Everything fell down around me.”
“We are Russia. We have always been Russian people in our souls here in Crimea, but today that becomes a practical reality again.”
She spoke with tears in her eyes. Most other Crimeans share her joy.
Gennady Basov chairs the Sevastopol Russian Block party. He said choosing Russia gives Crimea “protection from the neo-Nazis and fascists in Kiev.”
On Sunday, Putin and Obama spoke. Russia’s president correctly called the referendum legal. It complies with international law and UN Charter provisions. They uphold self-determination rights. A Kremlin statement said:
“Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin drew attention to the inability and unwillingness of the present authorities in Kiev to curb rampant violence by ultra-nationalist and radical groups that destabilize the situation and terrorize civilians, including the Russian speaking population.”
He urged steps taken to change things. Regional stability depends on responsible policies. An official White House statement said Obama called the referendum illegal.
He accused Russia of “military intervention.” He lied saying so. Moscow didn’t intervene. Claims otherwise are false.
Obama said “the United States and the international community…would never” recognize referendum results.
“(W)e are prepared to impose additional costs on Russia for its actions,” he added.
Russian State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin highlighted Western hypocrisy. On the one hand, its officals reject Crimean self-determination rights.
On the other, they call Kiev putschists legitimate. They ignored their brazen coup d’etat.
On March 17, Crimea asked UN authorities and international community countries to recognize their self-determination.
A resolution was adopted doing so. “The Republic of Crimea seeks equality, peace, and good-neighborliness as well as political, economic and cultural cooperation,” with all other nations, it said.
On Monday, Russian State Duma Vice Speaker Sergei Neverov said parliamentarians will complete all necessary legislative procedures on accommodating Crimeans at the earliest possible time.
“The results of the Crimean referendum have clearly indicated that the residents of Crimea see their future only as part of Russia,” he said.
“They voted for reunification of the people who always lived together.” The number of people who came to polling stations and supported Crimea’s re-unification with Russia speaks for itself.”
“It’s a reply to all those who attempted, throughout the past weeks, to prevent the residents of Crimea from determining their own destiny, their own future and the future of their children.
“Russian upper house Federation Council Foreign Policy Committee deputy chairman Andrei Klimov praised Crimea’s democratic process, saying:
“(W)hat we saw in Crimea was a direct expression of citizens’ will – a system that the Americans might stand to benefit from.”
“(T)he people of any territory on the globe should have the right to determine its destiny independently.”
“Whatever the situation, the people of Crimea didn’t give the right to choose destiny-making options for themselves either to Washington or to Brussels.”
“A statement by White House press secretary that the referendum in Crimea stands at variance with the Ukrainian Constitution and hence the US rejects it is all too obvious.”
“The thing is the White House is playing on the side of the new coalition in Kiev, and the US always supports only the ‘democracy’ that serves its national interests.”
On March 21, Federation Council and State Duma members will vote up or down on letting Crimea join the Russian Federation. Sentiment in both houses suggests overwhelming approval.
Days earlier, Federation Council chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko said so. Russian State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin echoed her sentiment.
Russia has been losing people for years, he said. “(A)t last, we’re getting our compatriots back. So that’s a historic moment for Russia.” Putin has final say.
Crimean Parliament Speaker Konstantinov said Crimea can join Russia in weeks. Perhaps by end of March, he added.
Crimea will draft a new constitution. “We will send it for approval to the Russian parliament,” he explained.
Steps are underway to shift from Ukraine’s hryvnia to Russia’s ruble. Next week, the ruble will be introduced as a second official currency.
Dual currencies will continue for about six months. Thereafter, Ukraine’s hryvnia will be discontinued.
According to Crimea’s Prime Minister Aksyonov, integrating Crimea fully into Russia may take up to a year. Perhaps sooner, he added.
At the same time, Crimea wants good relations with all nations, he stressed. On Monday, EU foreign ministers met in Brussels.
Sanctions were discussed. Asset freezes and visa bans on 21 Russian officials were imposed. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevcius said “more EU measures (will be forthcoming) in a few days.”
According to an unnamed diplomatic source, Brussels “reached agreement on a list of names which is quite limited both in terms of their rank and the number of people.”
A second unnamed source said Brussels “might reopen discussion” in further talks.
“At this late stage, I think they will focus instead on sending out a unified EU message,” the source added.
Reuters said an initial list of up to 130 senior Russian officials would be reduced to perhaps “tens or scores” for final consideration.
Washington readied its own list. White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer said “(y)ou can expect sanctions designations in the coming days.” Perhaps sooner.
Similar asset freezes and travel bans on Russian officials were announced. Putin was excluded.
Washington imposed sanctions on 11 Russian and former Viktor Yanukovych government officials. Moscow’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was named.
A White House statement said sanctions target officials who “undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine.” None exist except in Crimea.
On March 6, Obama’s Executive Order authorized “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine.”
It applies to foreign nationals and Americans. Property belonging to Russian nationals can be seized.
The same applies to “any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.”
Ahead of Crimea’s referendum, Obama declared a national emergency. He considers Crimean self-determination a “threat to US national security.”
For sure it’s a threat of a good example. It runs counter to Washington’s imperial ambitions.
Obama usurped the right to seize (read steal) assets belonging to anyone (including US citizens) “determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:
(i) to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly, any of the following:
(A) actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Ukraine;
(B) actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; or
(C) misappropriation of state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine.”
Wiggle room language permits circumventing fundamental rule of law principles.
So-called “direct or indirect…actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine” aren’t defined.
Nor is how Crimean self-determination threatens US national security. The claim is absurd on its face.
It’s outrageous. It’s offensive. It turns logic on its head. It reveals lawless US governance.
Obama can act any way he wishes. He can do so by diktat. He can act lawlessly. He can enforce Washington rules.
He’s playing with fire. British MP George Galloway is right saying Western leaders created a Frankenstein monster in Ukraine.
It’s “a very serious threat,” he said. The damn fools in Washington and Brussels perhaps didn’t “read the novel Frankenstein to the end,” said Galloway.
“If they had, they’d have known that the monster Dr. Frankenstein created quickly got out of control. That’s why it’s called a monster.”
“And this monstrous” Kiev neo-Nazi threat poses potential grave problems for Europe. Perhaps for humanity if war erupts.
Comments Off on Crimeans Choose Russia
NYT Editors Wage War on Truth
March 13th, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
News fit to read isn’t The Times long suit. Managed news misinformation substitutes for what readers most need to know.
Truth and full disclosure are verboten. Times editors are on the wrong side of history. They call imperial wars liberating ones.
Perpetual ones are glorified in the name of peace. Society’s worst are honored. The best among us are vilified.
Warmakers win peace prizes. Doing the right thing is called wrongdoing. Daily events should scare everyone.
Today is the most perilous time in world history. Peace in our time no longer exists. US waged war on humanity replaced it.
Media scoundrels march in lockstep. Policies they support threaten everyone. They endorse a malevolent system. They support pure evil.
Malicious Russia bashing rages. Putin is public enemy number one. Challenging US imperial lawlessness responsibly isn’t tolerated. Media scoundrels pillory him for doing so.
Times columnists, commentators and editors march in lockstep with other Putin bashers. Daily narratives reflect group think maliciousness.
Distortions and twisted logic drown out truth. Big Lies repeat ad nauseam. Readers are systematically betrayed.
Ukraine putschists are embraced. Responsible Russian opposition is denounced. Times editors want Putin punished. On March 11, they headlined “Penalties for Mr. Putin.”
They lied claiming he “thr(ew) down the gauntlet: sending Russian forces to seize control of Crimea…” He “concoct(ed) nonexistent ‘fascist threats to the Russian population…”
He “refus(ed) to recognize the interim government in Ukraine…” He “call(ed) for a phony referendum in Crimea on Sunday, and a vote in Russia on March 21 whose outcomes are foreordained.”
Fact check
No Russian forces invaded Crimea. Claiming otherwise is false. Under Russian/Ukrainian 1997 Friendship Treaty terms, Moscow maintains its Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol and other Crimean locations.
It does so legally. It’s permitted to station up to 25,000 military forces in Crimea. Around 16,000 are based there.
They’re not involved in what’s ongoing. No evidence whatever suggests it. Times editors lied claiming otherwise.
Kiev putschists threaten Russian nationals. They do so nationwide. Neo-Nazi Right Sector official Dymtro Yarosh is Andriy Parubiy’s second in command.
Parubiy heads Ukraine’s National Defense and Security Council. He wields power over Ukraine’s military, police, courts and intelligence. Yarosh calls Russia Ukraine’s “eternal enemy.”
He openly boasts about “fighting Jews and Russians till I die.”
He calls war between both countries inevitable. Times editors turn a blind eye to reality.
They embrace illegitimate Kiev putschists. Putin responsibly rejects them. Crimea’s upcoming referendum is legal. America declared independence from Britain legitimately.
In 2008, Kosovo declared its own. The World Court endorsed it. So did The New York Times. “Independence marks a new beginning,” it said.
Hypocrisy defines TimesThink. Crimeans alone may decide their own future. Don’t expect Times editors to explain.
Irresponsible Putin bashing takes precedence. Times editors hyped a nonexistent Crimean Russian occupation.
They demand reprisals. They want penalties. “(I)t is time for Europe to join the United States in threatening the sort of costly sanctions that will leave Mr. Putin no doubt that they will not tolerate violations of Ukrainian territorial integrity,” they said.
Fact check
Washington and complicit EU partners did so egregiously. Their dirty hands bear full responsibility. They planned regime change. They manipulated Kiev violence.
They support neo-Nazi putschists. They ousted Ukraine’s democratically elected government. They replaced it with fascist mob rule.
Sanctions cut both ways. On March 6, the St. Petersburg Times headlined “Russia Preparing Response to US and EU Sanctions,” saying:
“The Federation Council is drawing up a bill that would allow the government to confiscate the property of US and European companies in the event of Western sanctions…”
Western company asset freezes may be imposed. On March 10, Press TV headlined “Russia mulling sanctions against West,” saying:
“Moscow is preparing a bill that would freeze the assets of European and American companies operating in Russia in response to potential Western sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine’s Republic of Crimea.”
Russia’s upper house Federation Council constitutional law committee chairman Andrey Klishas and other FC legislators “are working on plans to respond in kind to the US sanctions, as well as potential bans by other Western countries.”
Times editors mindlessly ignore reality. They support what demands condemnation.
They want Washington and EU partners united against Russia. Perhaps they want open conflict.
They endorse all US wars. They cheerlead ravaging and destroying one country after another. They do so disgracefully.
Advancing America’s imperium matters most. So does letting Western corporations carve up targeted countries for profit. Ukraine is low-hanging fruit. It’s ripe for picking.
“Mr. Putin must be made to pay for what he has done,” say Times editors. They want “serious penalties” imposed.
They support wrong over right. They do it consistently. They do it repeatedly. They’re on the wrong side of history.
They support wealth, power and privilege. They march in lockstep with US lawlessness. They shame themselves in the process.
On March 11, The Times headlined “Obama Team Debates How to Punish Russia.”
A nonexistent Crimean “invasion” was again hyped. Obama officials are “torn over just how far to go using economic weapons in (their) arsenal,” it said.
They believe tough sanctions can “badly damage” Russia’s economy. They know imposing them cuts both ways. Moscow can respond in kind.
Cooler heads reject “ruinous options.” They fear “a dangerous cycle of retaliation.” Corporate America doesn’t want to lose business.
What the damn fool in the White House intends remains to be seen. He presides over declining US influence.
Imperial rampaging makes more enemies than friends. Obama exceeds the worst of his predecessors. He’s heading America down a slippery slope of decline. He’s mindlessly out-of-touch with reality.
His administration is infested with neocon extremists. They’re waging war on humanity. Perhaps they’ll end up destroying it altogether. Don’t expect Times editors, commentators or correspondents to explain.
The Times said Assistant Secretary of State for European and European Affairs Victoria Nuland supports toughness.
She’s hardcore neocon. She backed regime change. She supports Kiev putschists. She was involved in manipulating street thug violence.
She lied saying: “We stand with the people of Ukraine…” She was caught red-handed urging regime change on tape. Her conversation with US Ukraine ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt was recorded.
He supports tough sanctions. So do other administration hardliners. Debate continues on whether to act ahead of Sunday’s referendum or wait to see how Moscow reacts.
Times editors gave Kiev putschist Oleksander Turchynov feature op-ed space. He’s interim Ukrainian president. He serves illegitimately.
He represents neo-Nazi mob rule. He’s an enemy of his own people. He’s involved in planned plundering Ukraine for profit. He tolerates no opposition.
He headlined “Kiev’s Message to Moscow,” saying:
“(T)he final demise of the Soviet empire is unfolding.” Resurrecting it “failed.” He claims Ukraine “matured into an independent state that will determine its own domestic and foreign policy.”
Under illegitimate hardliners aligned with Western interests, it’s another US imperial trophy. If it can keep it. The jury is very much out. The battle for Ukraine’s soul continues. It remains undecided.
Turchynov lied claiming Yanukovych “crossed the line and unleashed gunfire against his own people…” Convincing evidence shows otherwise.
He claimed Russia wants Ukraine weakened. Its strategy involves “prying some regions away from Kiev’s control and establishing enclaves in the south and east,” he said.
He cites no evidence whatever suggesting it. “Russia needs these frozen conflicts in order to prevent the normal development of the post-Soviet republics and to impede their integration into European and NATO structures,” he claimed.
Demagogic hyperbole substituted for clear analysis. Russia supports the right of people everywhere to choose their own future.
Washington seeks unchallenged global dominance. It wants control over all former Soviet republics and Warsaw pact countries.
It wants working people turned into serfs. It wants them exploited for profits. It wants control over global resources.
It wants NATO transformed into a global military. It wants it belligerently transforming independent states into subservient pro-Western ones.
Turchynov regurgitated one lie after another. He did it shamelessly. He claimed lawless putschists rule legitimately.
He said “Russian troops moved outside their bases to occupy the Crimean peninsula. At the same time, (they) have massed along the Ukrainian border.”
He called it “brazen…unjustified aggression.” Russian forces “blockaded our government buildings,” he said. They took over “our communications infrastructure and seized our military bases and weapons depot.”
They “provok(ed) Ukraine to respond with force.” They want “a pretext for full-scale military invasion…”
Kiev did “everything possible to avoid this trap and keep the peace.” It’s “prepared to defend (the) country.”
“Russia’s reckless actions would be unbecoming of Somali pirates.”
No responsible editor would touch this rubbish. Times editors embraced it. They did so shamelessly. They did it disgracefully.
They substituted malicious propaganda for responsible analysis.
Why they’ll have to explain.
It bears repeating. Turchynov’s demagogic hyperventilating doesn’t rise to the level of bad fiction.
It represents the worst of irresponsible commentary. It makes yellow journalism look good by comparison.
Times columnist Tom Friedman notoriously twists truths to fit his opinions. Journalism Professor Robert Jensen calls him “scary.”
He features “underinflated insights,” “twisted metaphors,” “second-rate thinking,” “third-rate writing,” and “hack journalis(m).”
He’s “stunningly shallow and narcissistic.” He “lack(s) the capacity for critical self-reflection.”
He’s perfect “for a management-focused, advertising-saturated, dumbed-down, imperial culture that doesn’t want to come to terms with the systemic and structural reasons for its decline.”
He wins acclaim for writing rubbish. He avoids speaking truth to power. He’s not alone.
Times pages are infested with likeminded imperial supporters. Savvy news consumers are best served by avoiding them.
On March 4, Friedman headlined “Why Putin Doesn’t Respect US,” saying:
He’s “caught up in a dangerous fantasy that can’t end well for him or his people.”
“A wise Putin…would be fighting today to get Russia into the European Union, not keep Ukraine out.”
He “prefers to turn Russia into a mafia-run petro-state – all the better to steal from.”
This type ranting is pure rubbish. Putin supports peace. He abhors wars. He wants conflicts resolved diplomatically.
He responsibly opposes Washington’s imperial rampaging. He calls national sovereignty inviolable.
He’s polar oppose US lawlessness. He wisely avoids EU membership. Why jump aboard a sinking ship? Rats jump off, not on.
History won’t be kind to Putin, Friedman claims. He yearns for Boris Yeltzin’s reincarnation.
He institutionalized “shock therapy.” Economic genocide followed. GDP plunged 50%. Life expectancy fell. Democratic freedoms died.
Oligarch predators accumulated enormous wealth. They did so at the expense of millions of harmed Russians.
One scandal followed others. Grand theft became sport. Billions in stolen wealth were hidden in Western banks or offshore tax havens.
Yeltzin let Russia be plundered under his rule. Washington and other Western governments loved him.
Friedman yearns for his new millennium reincarnation. He supports what demands condemnation. He lies for power.
He ludicrously claims Putin “threat(ens) global stability.” His policies go all-out supportively.
It’s “time we expose his weakness and our real strength,” said Friedman. “It requires going after the twin pillars of his regime: oil and gas.”
He ludicrously ignores Europe’s need for both. He nonsensically claims US natural gas can replace what he supplies.
Maybe he fantasizes about trans-Atlantic pipelines replacing Russian ones. Maybe he needs a reality check.
Readers need legitimate alternative sources for real news, commentaries and analysis. They won’t find it on Times pages. Or from likeminded media scoundrels.
Comments Off on NYT Editors Wage War on Truth
Fascism’s Ugly Face in Ukraine
February 24th, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
Far-right Ukrainian ultranationalists are fascist extremists. Washington provides support. Oleh Tyahnybok heads the neo-Nazi Svoboda party. It’s allied with likeminded groups.
They openly display Stepan Bandera’s Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN-B) red and black flag.
He was a Nazi collaborator. He participated in mass executions and ethnic cleansing.
Svoboda’s slogan is “Ukraine for the Ukrainians.” Bandera said the same thing. He wanted Ukraine made ethnically pure. Mass extermination followed to do so.
Svoboda earlier called itself Socialist-Nationalists. It bears erie resemblance to Hitler’s National Socialism. It reflects fascism writ large.
Hooliganism is longstanding fascist strategy. Blackshirt and Brownshirt violence helped elevate Mussolini and Hitler to power respectively.
Communists, socialists, unionists and other opponents were attacked. El Duce’s 1922 March on Rome coup made him Italy’s youngest ever prime minister.
He took full advantage. He established a one-party state dictatorship. He eliminated competitors. Italy’s business class, military and moderate right wing supported him.
In Weimar Germany’s final years, economic and political crisis conditions existed. Ahead of 1932 parliamentary elections, Prussian authorities reported about 300 acts of politically motivated violence.
About two dozen were killed. Hundreds of others were injured. Brownshirt storm troopers enlisted working class support.
Goebbels provoked communists and social democrats. Propaganda highlighted Nazi martyrs killed or injured in street battles.
Hitler’s Mein Kampf was a revolutionary manifesto. It denounced what he called the world’s twin evils – communism and Judaism.
It openly said Germany’s future “lie(‘s) in the acquisition of land in the East at the expense of Russia.”
He blamed Weimar governance, communists, social democrats and Jews for Germany’s crisis. He wanted an entirely new order established.
He wanted absolute control. He eliminated all competitors. He transformed Germany into a one-party state dictatorship. He wanted Nazi hegemony over Europe.
Right-wing extremism dominates Western societies today. America more than ever resembles a police state. Duopoly power runs things.
Rule of law principles don’t matter. Human and civil rights are disappearing in plain sight. Friendly US fascism is increasingly unfriendly. It’s a short leap to tyrannical rule.
Ideological extremists threaten Europe. They’re more subtle than earlier day fascists. They’re just as dangerous. They want unchallenged power replacing democratic freedoms.
Neoliberalism replaced social justice. Right-wing politics dominates. US Republicans and Democrats are two sides of the same coin.
Not a dime’s worth of difference separates them. Most of Europe operates the same way. Societies are increasingly unfit to live in.
Hard line fascism is a short leap away. Con men like Obama and like-minded European counterparts take full advantage. Powerful interests are served at the expense of all others.
In summer 2013, months before violence erupted in Ukraine, Svoboda conducted paramilitary training.
Obama supports its extremism. So do key EU partners. Fascist elements operated openly in Ukraine since Washington’s 2004 Orange Revolution.
Democratically elected Viktor Yanukovoych was ousted. Viktor Yushchenko replaced him.
Soros money was involved. So were State Department funded organizations. In January 2010, Yanukovych was reelected.
He defeated Yushchenko. His last presidential act was naming Bandera a Hero of Ukraine.
It’s the highest national title award. It’s given for “personal heroism and great labor achievements.” Honoring Bandera caused uproar in Russia, Poland, Ukraine and elsewhere.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center and other Jewish groups condemned it. His award was later revoked.
Post-war, he worked for West German intelligence. Washington-recruited Nazi General Reinhardt Gehlen headed it. In 1959, KGB assassins killed him.
His close associates were CIA and MI6 operatives. Their past Nazi affiliation was no deterrent.
Bandara’s legacy thrives in Ukraine today. His present day counterparts get open US support.
In late January, Ukrainian leaders, civic groups and religious organizations wrote Washington, EU officials and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
They condemned neo-Nazi support. They said in part:
“You should understand that in supporting the actions of the guerrillas in Ukraine…you…are directly protecting, inciting and egging on Ukrainian neo-Nazis and neo-fascists.”
“None of these oppositionists (Yatsenyuk, Klitschko, and Tyahnybok) hide that they are continuing the ideology and the practices of the OUN-UPA.”
“Wherever the Euromaidan people go in Ukraine, they disseminate, besides the slogans mentioned above, neo-Nazi, racist symbols.”
“Also confirming the neo-Nazi nature of the Euromaidan is the constant use of portraits of the bloody executioners of our people, Bandera and Shukhevych – agents of the (Nazi military intelligence) Abwehr.”
“Have the UN, the EU, and the USA ceased to recognize the Charter and Verdict of the International War Crimes Tribunal at Nuremburg, where the Hitlerite Nazis and their henchmen were convicted?”
“Have human rights ceased to be a value for the countries of the EU and the world community?”
“Is the Ukrainian nationalists’ devotion to Hitler and his mass murders of civilians now considered democracy?”
Western-supported fascist elements are responsible for violent protests. They’re terrorizing Ukrainians. They’re murdering civilians. They’re killing police.
They’re occupying government buildings. They’re setting others ablaze. Yanukovych defends his country responsibly.
He’s wrongfully blamed for their violence. He’s battling fascism’s ugly agenda.
Rogue elements support it. Others are duped to do so. Washington and EU partners fund it. Most Ukrainians have no idea what’s going on.
Their futures are on the line. So is Ukraine’s sovereignty. Eighty-one years ago this past January 30, Hitler rose to power.
He became Germany’s chancellor. He did so with Western support. He kept it through much of the 1930s.
He established a ruthless dictatorship. Mass slaughter, barbarism and anti-Semitism defined it. He ravaged most of Europe. He murdered millions.
He might have emerged victorious if he hadn’t invaded Soviet Russia. Waging war on two major fronts defeated him. Imagine if things turned out the other way.
Fascism didn’t die. It’s alive and well. It resides in Europe. It thrives in America. US policy exceeds the worst of Nazi crimes.
Hitler’s Third Reich lasted a dozen years. Post-WW II America wages war on humanity. It does so at home and abroad.
Millions ruthlessly slaughtered attest to America’s ruthlessness. Syria is in the eye of the storm. So is Ukraine. Both countries are US-instigated battlegrounds.
How many more will die before both conflicts end? What will happen in their aftermath?
How many more countries will America attack? Venezuela is the top Western Hemisphere target. Iran tops the Middle East list.
Trotsky once wrote:
“Fascism is a particular governmental system based on the uprooting of all elements of proletarian democracy within bourgeois society.”
“The task of fascism lies not only in destroying the Communist vanguard but in holding the entire class in a state of forced disunity.”
“To this end, the physical annihilation of the most revolutionary section of the workers does not suffice.”
“It is also necessary to smash all independent and voluntary organizations, to demolish all the defensive bulwarks of the proletariat, and to uproot whatever has been achieved during three-quarters of a century by the Social Democracy and the trade unions.”
European Jews suffered most under Hitler. So did all other Third Reich enemies.
Washington wants all challengers eliminated. It wants supreme global power. It’s waging war on humanity to achieve it.
It may end up destroying it altogether. How many wars are too many? How many more millions will suffer and die? How much more ravaging is too much?
When will Washington’s imperial agenda be challenged? When will White House lies be universally denounced?
On February 20, an Office of the Press Secretary statement wrongfully blamed Yanukovych. It ignored months of US-instigated, manipulated, supported street violence. It lied said:
“We are outraged by the images of Ukrainian security forces firing automatic weapons on their own people.”
“We urge President Yanukovych to immediately withdraw his security forces from downtown Kyiv and to respect the right of peaceful protest, and we urge protesters to express themselves peacefully.”
“We urge the Ukrainian military not to get involved in a conflict that can and should be resolved by political means.”
“The use of force will not resolve the crisis – clear steps must be taken to stop the violence and initiate meaningful dialogue that reduces tension and addresses the grievances of the Ukrainian people.”
“The United States will work with our European allies to hold those responsible for violence accountable and to help the Ukrainian people get a unified and independent Ukraine back on the path to a better future.”
It bears repeating. Washington bears full responsibility. Plans to topple Yanukovych were made well before violence erupted.
Obama chose when and how to initiate it. He’s in league with Ukrainian fascist extremists. He wants another imperial trophy. He’ll stop at nothing to get it.
Comments Off on Fascism’s Ugly Face in Ukraine
Israeli Ethnic Cleansing
February 14th, 2014By Stephen Lendman.
It’s longstanding state policy. It’s what former Israeli politician Yigal Allon called maximum land with minimum Arabs.
It’s dispossessing them for Jewish exclusivity. It’s doing it extrajudicially. It’s doing it without compromise.
It’s claiming all land Israel wants belongs exclusively to Jews. Palestinian rights don’t matter. They’re persecuted for their faith, ethnicity and presence.
They’re ethnically cleansed to make way for Jews. It’s happening one bulldozed Palestinian home at a time. Destroying entire communities reflect it.
Last September, Jordan Valley Khiret Khallet Makhul community homes were demolished. Sixty Bedouin Arab Israeli citizens were affected.
They’ve lived there for many years. They grazed their livestock. They had to sleep outside with no shelter.
Last August, Israel’s Supreme Court rejected their petition. It sought to legitimize their legally built structures.
Since demolition, Israeli soldiers prevented community members and international aid agencies from erecting tents for shelter.
Their fundamental rights were denied. What Israel wants it gets. Ethnic cleansing is longstanding Israeli policy. The Jordan Valley is being systematically Judaized. Most of it is already.
Civil Administration policy denies Arab communities access to their own land. It does so various ways.
Closed military zones are declared. So are nature reserves. Palestinian land is declared state owned. They’re excluded from nearly 90% of the Jordan Valley.
In areas where they live, they’re prohibited from building homes and other structures. They can’t do it without state authorized permits. They’re practically impossible to get.
When Palestinians build on their own land, demolition orders follow. From 2006 through April 2013 alone, hundreds of Palestinian homes were targeted.
Around 1,600 family members were affected. Many were one or more times earlier. Israeli policy reflects its Judaization strategy.
It includes annexing Palestinian land. It’s exploiting its water and other resources. It’s denying homeless Palestinians humanitarian aid.
It’s violating fundamental international laws. It’s doing it repeatedly. It’s ongoing during sham peace talks.
It prevents equitable conflict resolution. It punishes Arabs for not being Jews. Jordan Valley Khirbet ‘Ein Karzaliyah residents are affected.
On January 8, their homes and other structures were demolished. Their only water pipe was destroyed.
Three families were affected. They include 10 adults and 15 children. They’re farmers. They raise livestock.
Their possessions include three tents, six pens, five livestock sheds, two chicken coops and three flocks. They consist of about 750 sheep and goats.
In 1972, IDF commanders lawlessly declared their area a closed military zone. They claimed it was needed as a firing zone.
Residents explained otherwise. Until two years ago, no military activity was present.
In 2003, Israeli Civil Administration officials began ordering residents to evacuate their own land. Some of their homes and facilities were destroyed.
In January 2010, residents were ordered to leave the area within 72 hours. Closed military zone authority was again cited.
Palestinians petitioned Israel’s High Court. At the same time, it issued an interim injunction. It halted evacuations. It did so pending their intention to rule on the issue.
On January 31, 2011, a hearing followed. Residents were denied their legitimate rights. State officials lied saying their land was needed for military training.
They claimed residents had no right to live on their own land. They were offered other sites. They were unacceptable. Palestinians refused justifiably.
It’s their land. It’s their right to live there. Resolution was months in coming. Justice was systematically denied.
On December 3, 2013, High Court justices ruled for Israel. They said Palestinians failed to prove their permanent residency status.
They were given three days to remove their belongings. They were told to resolve their differences with state authorities.
No understanding was reached. It didn’t surprise. Israel is all take and no give. It demands. It does so extrajudicially. It offers practically nothing in return.
‘Ein Karzaliyah families faced imminent dispossession. International law doesn’t matter. Israel does whatever it wants. It does it repeatedly. It does it with impunity.
Palestinians have no rights. They’re systematically denied. On January 8, ‘Ein Karzaliiyah residents were left homeless. B’Tselem director Jessica Montell commented, saying:
“Israel has once again forgotten that control entails responsibility. The Jordan Valley cannot be addressed as a merely theoretical issue, discussing its future while completely disregarding the fate of its residents.”
“At the moment, the authorities must set aside their political ambitions and consider the fate of 25 individuals, who do not know how they’ll get through the night and how their flocks, their only source of income and livelihood, will fare.”
A previous article discussed Israeli plans to perhaps annex the entire Jordan Valley. It’s 30% of the West Bank.
Israel controls nearly 90% of it already. It wants the rest. It wants Palestinians entirely excluded. They’re systematically being removed.
Israel wants the entire area Judaized. It wants Arabs excluded. Nearly all Jordan Valley land lies in Area C.
It’s under exclusive Israeli control. De facto annexation exists. Israel wants it made official.
Many communities were ordered to leave. They have no choice. They’re forced out if don’t leave voluntarily.
Thousands of Bedouin Arab Israeli citizens are affected. Israel wants them all out. Legally the Jordan Valley is occupied territory.
Israel is responsible for the well-being of its residents. It includes respecting their fundamental rights.
They include the right to live, build, and earn a living on their own land. Dispossessing legitimate residents violates fundamental international law.
Israel is obligated to respect it. Other nations are obliged to assure it. Professor William Cook comments about the longstanding plight of Palestinians.
His newest book is titled “Decade of Deceit 2002-2012.” It’s a major contribution toward understanding decades of Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Fifty-five essays explain longstanding Palestinian suffering. They cover indignities imposed by a racist/rogue occupier.
Palestine’s Nakba never ended. State terror is official policy. Israel calls it self-defense. Lawful resistance to live free is called terrorism.
Daily life includes persecution, home demolitions, dispossessions, land theft, targeted assassinations, mass arrests, incarceration, torture, denial of virtually all rights, and living in fear of what’s next.
Palestinians are largely on their own. World leaders able to help turn a blind eye. They support Israel’s worst crimes.
In early January, Fars News interviewed Cook. He called longstanding Israeli persecution unjustifiable, indefensible and discriminatory.
“America’s poor suffer the consequences,” he said. “(S)chools have no money to care for the deprived Americans, and that is but an example of what happens when we dedicate the taxpayers’ money to slaughter and mayhem in a land we claim must defend itself when we can’t even identify the boundaries of that state because it refuses to identify its borders as they are continually growing as they inflict further genocide on the people of Palestine.”
Israel was established “in a pit of intentional deception,” he explained. It was done “to create a false send of legitimacy to justify before the world community its right to exist.”
Its creation came by stealing Palestine. It did so by ethnic slaughter and dispossession. It reflect Zionism’s dark side. It includes high crimes against peace, equity and justice.
Where is the moral outrage? Cook asks: “How can the world communities allow such a state of affairs to exist?”
Why aren’t Israeli leaders held accountable? Why is Palestinian suffering allowed to continue? Why aren’t their legitimate rights respected? Why isn’t international law enforced?
Terrorism’s infrastructure lies in Israel’s occupation, says Cook. Decades of Israeli leaders bear full responsibility. Palestinians are wrongfully blamed for their crimes.
Israel is guilty of slow-motion genocide. World leaders ignore what’s longstanding. According to Jeff Halper:
“The problem in the Middle East is not the Palestinian people, not Hamas, not the Arabs, not Hezbollah or the Iranians or the entire Muslim world.”
The problem is Israel, he stresses. Its leaders bear full responsibility for decades of regional “instability, extremism and violence…”
World leaders able to change things do nothing. They let Israel continue occupation harshness.
They permit high crimes against peace. They let Palestinian suffering persist unjustly. They do it for their own self-interest.
Comments Off on Israeli Ethnic Cleansing
New York Times Editors: On the Wrong Side of History
January 24th, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
Times editors support the worst of US crimes of war and against humanity. Managed news misinformation substitutes for unvarnished truth.
Editorials wrongfully blame Assad for Western-supported death squad crimes. They’ve done so throughout nearly three years of conflict.
Obama’s responsibility is ignored. Syria is his war. He launched it. He continues it. He wants regime change. So do Times editors
On January 12, they headlined “Treading Water on Syria.” They falsely called ongoing conflict “civil war.” There’s nothing whatever civil about it.
Syria was invaded. Death squads represent US interests. Washington offers full support. It includes funding, weapons, training and direction.
Key NATO partners, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan are involved. Imperial lawlessness repeats. Independent nations are targeted for regime change.
All options are used. Mass killing and destruction follow. One country after another is ravaged. Wars without end rage. Millions are killed. Human suffering is extreme. Don’t expect Times editors to explain.
War “has become exceedingly complicated,” they said. It’s fundamentally simple.
US wars have common aims. They’re waged to advance America’s imperium. They’re for unchallenged dominance.
They’re for resource control and exploitation. They’re for expanding Washington’s military footprint. They’re for replacing independent governments. They’re for installing pro-Western ones.
They’re for putting US stooges in charge. Times editors ignore what’s most important to explain.
Peace prospects aren’t encouraging, they said. Indeed not. They’re predicated on regime change. Times editors support it. They want “Assad to step aside in favor of a transitional government.”
Syrians alone should decide who’ll lead them. International law mandates it. No nation, organization, individual or editorial board can dictate policy.
None can impose their will unilaterally. Doing so is lawless. It sustains conflict. It prevents ending it. Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya explain best. So does Syria.
Out-of-control violence continues. Ending it remains elusive. Washington bears full responsibility. Supportive media editors share it.
US-imposed sanctions on Iran are illegal. Times editors support them. They lie claiming a military component to Iran’s nuclear program.
They called last November’s interim agreement a way to halt what doesn’t exist. They support stiffer sanctions “if Iran cheats.”
They ignore America’s menacing arsenal. They ignore Israel’s. They ignore their aggressive lawlessness. They ignore their partnership in one crime of war and against humanity after another.
They ignore Iran’s abhorrence of war. They ignore its longstanding record. It hasn’t attacked another country in centuries. It threatens none now.
Times editors one-sidedly support Washington’s imperial agenda. They support Israel’s. If “Iran…embark(s) on an even more aggressive search for a nuclear weapon, (it) could leave war as the only option,” they say.
Imagine supporting war on a non-belligerent country. Times editors endorse all US wars. They support planned ones.
They regurgitate official lies. They’re in front page features. They’re in op-eds. They’re in editorials. Willful misinformation substitutes for truth.
Millions of lost lives follow. So does mass destruction. How many ravaged countries will Times editors support?
How many lost lives are too many? How much human misery is too extreme? How often can lawlessness be supported? Times editors owe readers answers.
They deserve what they’ve never gotten. They’re force-fed deplorable op-eds instead. Brookings Saban Center is one-sidedly pro-Israeli. It supports the worst of Zionist extremism.
Michael Doran is a former Bush administration National Security Council and defense official. He’s a Saban senior fellow. He lied calling 9/11 a Muslim world religious conflict.
Muslims had nothing to do with it. Washington bears full responsibility. Perhaps Israel shared it. 9/11 was state-sponsored terrorism. Mounting evidence proves it.
Max Boot is a notorious neocon. He’s a Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow. Both men support wrong over right.
Times editors gave them feature op-ed space. They took full advantage. They headlined “Obama’s Losing Bet on Iran.”
“Obama has staked the success of his foreign policy on” whether interim nuclear agreement terms with Iran become permanent policy.
Doing so “divert(s) attention from (whether Tehran) can become a cooperative partner in regional security,” they said.
Iran prioritizes peace, nonviolence, stability and security. Longstanding US policy stokes conflicts. America bears full responsibility for decades of anti-Iranian hostility.
Washington alone can change it. Don’t bet on Obama doing so. He demands regime change. Israel wants a regional rival removed.
America wants a pro-Western stooge replacing independent Iranian governance. Obama perhaps thinks nuclear diplomacy can achieve it.
More likely he’ll demand final settlement terms no responsible leaders would accept. Iran will be blamed for US duplicity.
Doing so heads things back to square one. Will war be Obama’s option in response?
Both Times contributors claim Kerry wants Iran involved in Syrian peace talks. Why then is a formal invitation withheld? Why isn’t it forthcoming without preconditions?
Why is Iran’s participation conditional on accepting US-demanded terms? They demand regime change. They deny Syrians the right to decide who’ll lead them.
They want a US stooge replacing Assad. They want another Israeli rival removed. They want Iran isolated. Tehran categorically opposes what no responsible leadership would accept.
Scheduled talks aren’t for peace. They’re for unconditional surrender. They’re for greater US regional dominance. They’re for acceding to Israeli demands.
According to Doran and Boot, Obama wants “to extricate the United States from the Middle East.”
“(M)ore important is (America’s) fear of Al Qaeda: The White House undoubtedly sees Iran and its Shiite allies as potential partners in the fight against Sunni jihadism.”
Obama’s “strategy is breathtakingly ambitious,” they say. “It is also destined to fail.”
Fact check
US forces infest the Middle East. Washington wants unchallenged control. It’s the oil, stupid. It’s major gas reserves.
It’s controlling other regional resources. It’s exploiting them for profit. So-called “Sunni jihadis(ts)” are close US allies.
America uses them strategically. They’re allies in Syria. They’re enemies cross-border in Iraq. In 2011, they were allies in Libya. They’re enemies now.
They’re what America wants them to be. They can play different roles at the same time. It’s longstanding US policy.
Washington showed up to stay. It plans no regional departure. US forces are strategically deployed. They didn’t arrive to leave.
“Iran doesn’t share a common enemy that would force it to unite with America,” said Doran and Boot.
Iran sought rapprochement with Washington for decades. Since 1979, it was rebuffed. Is this time different? America has all the proving to do.
Don’t bet on what hasn’t happened before. Longstanding US duplicity is notorious.
“…Iran’s proxies are fighting Sunni extremists in a number of theaters,” claim Doran and Boot. US proxies are doing the fighting. Tehran wants conflicts ended.
Iran “cooperated with Al Qaeda and other Sunni extremists, such as Hamas and the Taliban, when it has served its interests to do so,” claim both writers.
Tehran’s been a convenient punching bag for decades. It’s wrongfully blamed for US and Israeli crimes. Extremist writers support the worst of America’s imperial agenda.
Doran and Boot claim Iran “always harbored dreams of regional hegemony. There is no sign that (Hassan Rohani’s election) changed anything.”
“On the contrary, Iran is stepping up its support for (regional) militants…” It’s arming Hezbollah and Syria, claim Doran and Boot.
It’s justifiably aiding its allies. Doing so is the best chance for regional peace, stability and security.
Washington infests the Middle East with weapons. It sells billions of dollars worth to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other regional allies. It practically gives them away to Israel.
Don’t expect Doran and Boot to explain. They support the worst of imperial lawlessness. They endorse war. They deplore peace.
They want Syrian and Iranian sovereignty destroyed. They want pro-Western stooge governance replacing it. They’re mindless about one US-instigated war after another.
They don’t give a damn about millions killed. They’re silent about horrific suffering.
They ignore imperial lawlessness. They say nothing about Israel’s involvement. They claim an Iranian “power play.”
Iran wants peace, stability and security. It wants rapprochement with all nations. Washington wants war on humanity. It may destroy it in the process.
Doran and Boot turned truth on its head. Things will “get worse if Iran is allowed to maintain its nuclear program with international blessing,” they claim.
America must ally with regional partners, they said. They want Assad deposed. “(I)f necessary (with) support of Western air power,” they urge.
Better earlier than now, they said. Better late than never, they believe. “(T)here is no better alternative,” they stressed Neocons think this way.
Why else would the region boil? Why do other areas America harms?
Why do cauldrons of violence prevent peace, stability and security? Why do Times editors feature hawks opposing peace?
Wars assure more of them. One segues to others. They rage out-of-control. They threaten humanity.
Don’t expect right-wing extremists to explain. Don’t expect editorial apologies for featuring them. Expect more of the same. It’s longstanding scoundrel media practice.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book is titled “Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity.”
Comments Off on New York Times Editors: On the Wrong Side of History
Obama defends the indefensible
January 19th, 2014
By Stephen Lendman.
On Friday, Obama addressed sweeping NSA mass surveillance. He defended the worst of police state lawlessness.
He believes privacy invasion intrusiveness should comfort us. He lied claiming it makes us safer. How does destroying civil liberties protect them?
How does violating core Bill of Rights protections do it? How does trashing all rule of law principles?
How does turning America into a police state? How do sweeping surveillance practices greater than anything before possible?
How does letting NSA operate as a power unto itself? It’s an unrestrained lawbreaker. Imagine Obama calling “(t)he folks at the NSA…our neighbors.”
Imagine saying “they’re our friends and family.” Imagine claiming “(o)ur intelligence community follows the law…”
Imagine saying NSA officials and staff are “patriots.” One lie followed another throughout his address. They constitute a gross abuse of power. So do his lawless policies.
He never once mentioned his responsibility to respect international, constitutional and US statute laws. He never once admitted how egregiously he violates them.
He never once explained how his policies are heading America for full-blown tyranny. He never once acknowledged his war on humanity.
He fronts for monied interests that own him. His entire tenure fails the smell test.
He lied saying “US intelligence agencies (are) anchored in a system of checks and balances – with oversight from elected leaders, and protections for ordinary citizens.”
He lied claiming mass surveillance “prevented multiple attacks and saved lives – not just here in the United States, but around the globe.”
Fact check: NSA domestic and foreign spying discovered ZERO terrorist threats. It foiled ZERO terrorist attacks. Claiming otherwise is false! Doing so is a bald-faced lie!
Obama lied claiming federal courts and congressional oversight curbed “some of the worst excesses that emerged after 9/11…”
He lied saying he “maintained a healthy skepticism toward our surveillance programs after (he) became president.”
He approved the worst of what’s ongoing. He wants it continued. He wants it intensified. He wants nothing escaping NSA’s spying eye.
He wants it able to monitor everyone, everywhere, all the time. He wants America’s fake war on terror continued. It’s a war on freedom. It reflects the worst of police state lawlessness.
He lied saying he ordered “increased oversight and auditing, including new structures aimed at compliance.”
He lied saying he “sought to keep Congress continually updated on (NSA) activities.” Many congressional members know little about the worst agency practices.
Obama lied claiming nothing he’s seen “indicate(s) that our intelligence community has sought to violate the law or is cavalier about the civil liberties of (American) citizens.”
He lied saying “the men and women of the intelligence community, including the NSA, consistently follow protocols designed to protect the privacy of ordinary people.”
He lied claiming “(t)hey’re not abusing authority in order to listen to your private phone calls or read your emails.”
He lied saying “(w)hen mistakes are made…they correct” them.
He lied saying “our intelligence community follows the law.”
He lied claiming terrorist threats “are not going away any time soon. They are going to continue to be a major problem.”
Fact check: America’s only terrorist threats are ones it invents for political and/or strategic reasons. No real ones exist.
Obama lied saying he ordered “specific changes” for the better. The worst of NSA and other US spy agencies continues. It does so unabated. It does it extrajudicially. It does it unrestrained.
Obama lied saying he “approved a new presidential directive for our signals intelligence activities both at home and abroad. (It) will strengthen executive branch oversight of our intelligence activities.”
It will ensure “that our actions are regularly scrutinized by my senior national security staff.” It assures that business as usual continues.
Obama lied claiming “reform programs and procedures” he ordered will “provide greater transparency to our surveillance activities, and fortify the safeguards that protect the privacy of US” citizens.
Fact check: His administration is the most secretive in US history. It’s the least transparent.
Candidate Obama promised transparency, accountability and reform. President Obama waged war on whistleblowers, dissent, and journalists doing their job. He exceeded the worst of his predecessors.
Nothing suggests changed policy ahead. Everything indicates things going from bad to worse.
Obama lied saying he wants “Congress to authorize the establishment of a panel of advocates from outside government to provide an independent voice on significant cases before the (rubber-stamp) Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC).”
Fact check: so-called executive branch and congressional independent oversight bodies are routinely stacked with Washington and corporate insiders. Expect no change in policy ahead.
Obama lied saying he “ask(ed) the Attorney General and DNI to institute reforms that place additional restrictions on government’s ability to retain, search, and use criminal cases communications between Americans and foreign citizens…”
He lied saying “we can and should be more transparent in how government uses” National Security Letters (NSLs). They involve abusive police state intrusions.
They let FBI officials obtain personal information about anyone. At issue only is claiming what’s wanted relates to alleged terrorism or espionage investigations. No proof is required.
Innocent people are affected. Virtually anything in public or private records can be obtained. Gag orders prevent targeted individuals or groups from revealing what’s demanded. Doing so violates their constitutional rights.
Obama lied about ongoing sweeping mass surveillance. “This program does not involve the content of phone calls, or the names of people making calls,” he claimed.
He lied about Patriot Act Section 215. He approved its use. It oversteps and then some. It violates core constitutional rights.
It’s language is vague and deceptive. It’s used to allow unrestrained metadata-mining. It permits the worst of police state intrusions. It authorizes government access to “any tangible item.”
Included are financial records and transactions, education and medical records, phone conversations, emails, other Internet use, and whatever else Washington wants to monitor.
NSA and other intelligence agency powers are sweeping. They’re greatly enhanced. They’re used extrajudicially. Anyone can be targeted for any reason or none at all.
Section 215 is unconstitutional. It permits warrantless searches without probable cause.
It violates First Amendment rights. It does so by mandating secrecy. It prohibits targeted subjects from telling others what’s happening to them.
It lets FBI operatives investigate anyone based on what they say, write, or do with regard to groups they belong to or associate with.
It violates Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections by not telling targeted subjects their privacy was compromised. It subverts fundamental freedoms for contrived, exaggerated, or nonexistent security reasons.
Obama wants these practices continued. He claims nothing indicates abuse of power. He “believes it is important that the capability that this program is designed to meet is preserved.”
He lied saying “proper safeguards” will prevent abuses. He’ll “establish a mechanism that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk metadata.”
In other words, he’ll order changes assuring no change. They’ll amount to new wine in old bottles. Business as usual will continue.
Obama lied saying “reforms (he) propos(ed) today should give the American people greater confidence that their rights are being protected, even as our intelligence and law enforcement agencies maintain the tools they need to keep us safe.”
Fact check: Domestic and most overseas NSA spying has nothing to do with national security. It has nothing to do with uncovering or preventing terrorist threats.
It undermines public safety. It makes everyone far less secure. It assures some of the worst of police state lawlessness.
Obama lied about overseas spying. He lied saying his so-called “presidential directive” assures “that (America) only uses signals intelligence for legitimate national security purposes.”
He lied claiming “intelligence (isn’t) to provide a competitive advantage to US companies or US commercial sectors.”
He lied saying it’s only “to meet specific security requirements” counterintelligence, counterterrorism, counter-proliferation, cybersecurity, force protection for our troops and allies, and combating transnational crime…”
He lied saying he “(took) the unprecedented step of extending certain protections that we have for the American people to people overseas.”
He lied claiming entirely new guidelines will be instituted. He lied saying they’ll impose unprecedented restrictions.
He lied saying America “is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security, and that we take their privacy concerns into account in our policies and procedures.”
He lied saying “(t)his applies to foreign leaders as well.”
He lied saying he “made clear to the intelligence community than unless there is a compelling national security purpose, we will not monitor the communications of heads of state and governments of our close friends and allies.”
He lied saying he “instructed (his) national security team, as well as the intelligence community, to work with foreign counterparts to deepen our coordination and cooperation in ways that rebuild trust going forward.”
He proved his ill intentions, adding:
“Now let me be clear: Our intelligence agencies will continue to gather information about the intentions of governments (worldwide).”
“We will not apologize” for doing it. Allied heads of state should be comforted knowing “that we are treating them as real partners.”
Obama will appoint new White House and State Department officials. They’ll oversee so-called “changes” he ordered.
Make no mistake. The worst of business as usual will continue. IF Stone once said: “All governments lie and nothing they say should be believed.”
Obama elevated the art of lying to an unprecedented level. He failed the Pinocchio test. He exceeded the worst of Richard Nixon. He outdid George Bush.
He’s more despot than democrat. He matched Star Trek. He went where no US leader went before. He made a mockery of changes to believe in.
Things were deplorable when he took office. His policies made them far worse. His promises are made to be broken. His word isn’t his bond.
He’s a serial liar. He’s an unapologetic law breaker. He’s a disgraceful moral coward.
A previous article said impeaching him is a national imperative. He belongs in prison, not high office.
Note: Gallup‘s latest daily job approval rating has Obama at 39%. Maybe he’ll sink much lower ahead.
Americans are woefully out-of-touch. They react slowly. They’re beginning to catch on.
Growing numbers know how egregiously Obama betrayed them. It’s long past time they took to the streets en masse to show it.
Comments Off on Obama defends the indefensible
Homelessness in Winter Cold
January 10th, 2014By Stephen Lendman.
Imagine homelessness any time. Imagine struggling to survive outside. Imagine it in winter cold.
Imagine it during what Chicagoans call Siberian Express conditions. From Sunday night throughThursday morning, they were dangerously frigid.
At times, Monday wind chills reached – 50 degrees Fahrenheit. O’Hare Airport’s low was – 16 degrees. Downtown it was – 15.
Exposed skin risks frostbite. In extreme severe cold, it can happen in around 10 minutes.
Affected areas must be thawed and rewarmed swiftly. Failure to do so risks gangrene and infection.
Hypothermia is more serious. It’s a life-threatening drop in internal body temperature. When it’s below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), the heart, nervous system and other organs don’t function properly.
Death is risked if not treated in time. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
Treatment involves restoring body temperature to normal as quickly as possible. Annually about 700 homeless victims die from hypothermia. Countless others experience frostbite.
Over 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness annually. On any given day or night, more than 600,000 are homeless.
Some estimates place it much higher. Over one-third are families with children.
Many are combat veterans. America treats its own with disdain. They outlived their usefulness. They’re unwanted. They’re on their own out of luck back home.
Many end up jobless and homeless without help. Their American dream is nightmarish. Imagine trying to survive outside on frigid Chicago streets.
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) estimates over 116,000 homeless people during the 2012 – 2013 school year.
Nearly 19,000 students were affected. Around 98% are children of color.
Many Chicago homeless double-up with family or friends. Some ride Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains all night to stay warm.
Less fortunate ones live without shelter. Imagine it in sub-freezing weather. Imagine it in life-threatening wind chills.
Homelessness is largely an economic problem. It increased significantly since the 1980s. Federally funded low-income housing was cut. So were other vital social programs. They’re being eliminated altogether incrementally.
America’s most vulnerable suffer. They’re increasingly on their own. Imagine struggling to survive in this environment. Imagine it on mean Chicago winter streets.
Many US cities have warming centers. Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates six. They’re open when temperatures drop below freezing.
They’re closed on weekend holidays unless otherwise indicated. During Chicago’s extreme cold, they were open from 9:00AM until 8PM.
Chicago homeless shelters stay open 12 hours. They operate overnight. They do so from 7PM to 7AM. During Chicago’s frigid cold, they remained open round-the-clock. They did for several days only.
Many homeless victims avoid shelters. One perhaps spoke for others saying: “The only thing that (homeless people) have in common is that we don’t have homes.”
Shelters aren’t people friendly. They’re inhospitable. They’re dangerous. One homeless person compared them to volunteering for jail.
Those doing so are in close contact with others they want nothing to do with. It’s for good reason. Theft, sexual assaults and other abuses are commonplace.
Bedbugs and other parasites cause problems. They infest bedrolls, backpacks, clothes and other possessions. No matter how well shelters are maintained, parasite infestation is high.
Drugs and violence are big problems. Mentally disturbed people are sheltered with general population ones.
Mean streets are no better. Exposure outside leaves victims vulnerable to attacks and bodily harm. In extreme cold, they risk frostbite, hypothermia and death.
Homeless victims are damned if they do or don’t. Imagine daily life on the edge. Imagine it in severe winter cold.
Chicago residents like this writer see homeless victims on streets, in doorways, on benches, or wherever they can huddle from winter cold.
They do so under whatever protective clothing they have. It’s heart-wrenching to see how they live. Imagine this way daily. Imagine having no home.
Imagine no family members for help. Imagine their struggle to survive. Imagine an uncaring society. Imagine it during Main Street Depression conditions.
Imagine budget-cutting when more help is needed. Federal funding to help America’s homeless is woefully inadequate.
Homelessness relates mostly to poverty. Millions are at risk. Conditions are getting worse, not better.
Imagine the world’s richest country increasingly denying its people in need. Joe Volk heads Milwaukee’s Community Advocates. Increased homelessness is no accident, he says.
“In 2000, we as a nation – and the Department of Housing and Urban Development – made the terrible decision to abandon homeless children and their families.”
“Families for a decade have been ignored,” he stressed. Conditions under Obama are worse than ever. Income inequality is unprecedented.
Monetary and fiscal policies favor Wall Street, war profiteers, other corporate favorites and super-rich elites. America’s most disadvantaged increasingly go begging.
Expect growing homelessness if their needs remain unaddressed. Increasingly they’re ignored.
On January 3, DNAinfo Chicago headlined “Homeless Men in Wicker Park Brave Cold, Refuse to Risk Bedbugs in Shelters.”
They’re like many other homeless Chicagoans. “(T)hey’d rather sleep outside in the freezing cold than risk” the hazards of overnight shelters.
On January 2, Kevin Govert and Marcus Faletti huddled in a doorway. They’re outside every night. They want no part of bedbugs.
Franciscan House runs a west side 257-bed shelter. Josh Dargatz is one of its workers. Bedbugs are “a 10 to 20 percent problem,” he said. “(B)ut it’s not like every bed of the 257 is infested.”
“We are experimenting with different sprays. (A) good 5 to 10 percent of (homeless) people would rather be on the street than have a bad night where bedbugs completely overwhelmed them.”
In 2012, Emily Eubanks did volunteer Franciscan House service. “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” took on a whole new meaning, she said.
At 1:00AM one night, a homeless woman walked out. She was bitten too many times to stay. Even in frigid Chicago cold, bedbugs are a problem.
Uptown’s Cornerstone shelter worker Jeremy Nicholls says:
“We are constantly fighting against them. It’s a hard battle, but we’ve got it down right now.”
Mattresses are sprayed, he said. An exterminator comes regularly. Guests get laundry cards. A nearby laundromat accepts them.
At the same time, “some people won’t come to (shelters) because of bedbugs, for sure,” he added.
Some are allergic. They break out in hives. They get rashes. Others itch uncomfortably.
Numbers perishing during early January’s extreme cold may never be known. Meteorologists call it an arctic “polar vortex.” On January 6, a US National Weather Service spokesman said:
“The coldest temperatures in almost two decades will spread into the northern and central US today behind an Arctic cold front.”
“Combined with gusty winds, these temperatures will result in life-threatening wind chill values as low as 60(F) below zero (51C below zero).”
Snow and icy sleet conditions made things worse in some areas. On January 8, NBC News said all states except Hawaii had locations recording below freezing temperatures.
On January 7, some cities experienced record lows. New York hit 4 degrees F. Doing so broke that date’s previous record low. It stood for 118 years.
Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, and many other US cities experienced record lows.
New York’s all-time low was – 15 degrees F. It was on February 9, 1934. On January 20, 1985, Chicagoans experienced a record low – 27 degrees F.
Adequate protective clothing is essential outside. Multiple layers are important. So is warm head covering. Around 40 – 50% of body heat is lost when uncovered.
Other basic principles include clean clothes. Garments matted with dirt or grime lose insulation. Multiple layers of clothing should be loose. They trap dead air space between them. Doing so provides extra insulation.
Tight clothing restricts blood circulation. Doing so risks cold-related injuries. So do damp or wet clothes. Keeping them dry is important.
Extreme cold is dangerous. Proper protection is vital. America’s homeless struggle best they can. They do it mostly without help when most needed.
America benefits its most privileged. Disadvantaged poor, hungry and homeless huddled masses go begging.
Marginalizing and ignoring them bears testimony to federal, state and local bipartisan harshness.
It’s the American way. It’s the wrong way. It’s cruel. It’s heartless. It’s more than ever so now.
Today’s America is beautiful only for its privileged few. Economic dark side conditions harm most others. Social protections are disappearing when most needed.
Hungry, homeless victims suffer out of sight and mind. They do so year round. In severe winter cold, it’s worst of all.
Egypt’s Pinochet
December 29th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
Junta power runs Egypt. It reflects the worst of fascism writ large. General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi rules as strongman. He heads the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).
He’s Washington’s man in Cairo. Since August 2012, he’s been top military commander.
He’s Defense and Military Production Minister. He’s a 1977 Egyptian Military Academy graduate. He got US training. He’s a US War College graduate.
He maintains close Pentagon ties. Washington manipulated Mubarak’s ouster. It was complicit in toppling Mohamed Morsi.
It deplores democracy. It opposes it at home and abroad. It’s governed by a homeland police state apparatus.
It backs pro-Western fascist despots globally. Doing so reflects business as usual.
Egyptian civilian officials have no legitimacy. They’re appointed. They’re figureheads. They’re puppets. They’re convenient stooges.
Elections when held won’t matter. Brute force runs Egypt. Ousting Morsi on July 3 was reminiscent of September 11, 1973. Chileans old enough to remember won’t forget.
A reign of terror followed. Pinochet’s “Caravan of Death” reflected it. A climate of fear included mass arrests, disappearances, torture and murder.
Opposition government officials, academics, union heads, independent journalists, student leaders, activists, and other suspected regime opponents were targeted.
US citizens Charles Horman, Frank Teruggi, Boris Weisfeiler and Ronni Moffit were killed.
Horman’s death was the subject of a 1982 Hollywood film. It was titled “Missing.” He and thousands of others were Caravan of Death victims.
Nixon vowed to make Chile’s economy scream. Kissinger was his national security advisor. He and CIA operatives orchestrated Salvador Allende’s ouster.
After his 1970 election, Kissinger said:
“I don’t see why we need to stand idly by and let a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its own people.”
Allende was a progressive democratic leader. He was no communist. Junta head General Augusto Pinochet put General Sergio Arellano in charge of assuring provincial commanders complied with hard-line policies.
He was told to establish a uniform criteria of justice. He later explained, saying:
“With no concern for the guise of legality, as in the case of some War Councils, prisoners were taken out and shot under the cover of night. Most executions were attributed to attempts to escape.”
Retired Lt. Col. Marcos Herrera Aracena said:
“General Arellano informed he that what Pinochet wanted was to bring an end to the remaining legal processes. In other words, finish with them once and for all.”
Death squad justice was instituted. At issue was terrorizing Chileans. Instilling fear and crushing resistance were prioritized. Military commanders were ordered to go all out to solidify junta power.
Victims were buried in unmarked graves. Some were mutilated before being executed. General Joaquin Lagos explained why he didn’t return some bodies to family members, saying:
“I was ashamed to see them. They were torn into pieces. So I wanted to put them together, at least leave them in a human form.”
“Yes, their eyes were gouged out with knives, their jaws broken, their legs broken.”
“At the end, they gave them the coup de grace. They were merciless. The prisoners were killed so that they would die slowly.”
“In other words, sometimes they shot them by parts. First, the legs, then the sexual organs, then the heart. In that order, the machine guns were fired.”
Death squads killed thousands. Chile remains one of Latin America’s most unequal societies. Chicago School fundamentalism creates wastelands.
Chile remains a model of economic unfairness. Crony capitalism reflects out-of-control corruption, inequality and injustice.
General el-Sisi is Egypt’s Pinochet. Since usurping power, he instituted reign of terror justice. Sweeping crackdowns continue.
Muslim Brotherhood (MB) members are targeted. So are supporters and others challenging junta authority. Thousands were arrested. Others were disappeared, tortured and murdered.
Over 1,000 nonviolent street protesters were killed. Everyone suspected of supporting MB is threatened. So are activists demanding democracy.
President Morsi is charged with murder, treason, espionage, and sponsoring terrorism. He’s accused of collaborating with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and anti-regime groups. Bogus charges claim he did so to destabilize Egypt.
Kangaroo court justice awaits him. He faces possible capital punishment. Around three dozen other MB officials face similar charges.
Morsi remains in maximum security prison confinement. He’s held incommunicado. Attorneys and family members are denied access. Some MB co-defendants remain at large.
On December 25, Egypt’s so-called cabinet declared MB a terrorist organization. It did so unconscionably.
It did it following Dakahlia Governate’s Security Directorate headquarters bombing. Sixteen died. MB officials denied involvement.
A group named Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis (Supporters of Jerusalem) claimed responsibility. Crackdowns on MB members continue. According to journalist Shahira Amin:
“This is a new escalation in a long-running feud between the security state and the Muslim Brotherhood.”
“What they are trying to achieve is to crush the Islamist group altogether and not to leave any room for that group to enter into political life again.”
“Declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terror group will mean criminalizing their activities, criminalizing their financing, and also criminalizing their membership.”
“Their protests are already outlawed. Their leaders are already behind bars and thousands of their supporters languish in prisons.”
IKHWAN WEB is MB’s official English language web site. On December 27, it headlined ‘Muslim Brotherhood Legal Committee: Classifying Group as Terrorist Legally Null and Void.”
“This classification came without investigation, without evidence.”
“No entity should be so classified or disbanded, except through legal procedures.”
“Thus naming the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization is completely groundless in the absence of any evidence to prove this description which is vehemently rejected by the group.”
“(T)he decision is invalid and illegal, because so far no court made any definitive judgments about the group and its leaders.”
“The Brotherhood’s Legal Committee is considering an appeal of this decision. It will announce its course of action and legal position later.”
Egypt Court of Cassation is its highest judicial authority. Seven appeals courts are next in importance.
Tanta Court of Appeals Judge Walid el Shaf’i called designating MB a terrorist organization illegal. If challenged in court, it’ll be declared so, he said.
He cited Article 86 of Egypt’s Penal Law. It can only be enforced by court order. Egypt’s cabinet acted by executive decision. Doing so is illegal, he added.
On Thursday, dozens more MB members were arrested nationwide. Their land, funds, and other resources were confiscated.
Egypt’s Islamic Medical Association hospitals are affected. An MB leader established them in the 1970s. They serve over two million patients annually.
They’re mostly in poor neighborhoods. They’re highly regarded. They considered preferred alternatives to poorly run government hospitals.
Since Morsi’s ouster, government funding was cut. Admissions at Cairo’s Nasr City district Central Hospital dropped by half. Many people fear seeking treatment. Doing so might suggest MB support.
Other network hospitals were forced to reduce services to save money. Central Hospital director Medhat Omar expressed concern, saying:
“If it goes on like this, we won’t be able to take on any patients.” Funds aren’t available to pay salaries or other expenses.
Egypt’s “war on terrorism” targets its own. It does so ruthlessly. It does it lawlessly. It aims to terrorize Egyptians into submission.
El-Sisi vowed to eradicate everyone challenging his power from “the face of the earth. Don’t let these treacherous terrorist incidents affect your spirits,” he said.
He referred to several recent bombings. “We’re on the side of pronounced righteousness,” he claimed.
Many, perhaps most, Egyptians believed it last July. Fewer do today. Police state viciousness makes everyone fearful.
Public demonstrations are banned. Anyone criticizing government policies risks arrest and imprisonment.
Dozens handing out pro-MB leaflets were arrested. One death was reported. During a Thursday army graduation ceremony, el-Sisi said:
“Egypt will stand firm in confronting terrorism and the people will never be afraid as long as the army is present.”
Anyone charged with supporting MB “verbally or in writing” faces five years imprisonment. US expressed concern is too muted to matter.
Washington endorses coup d’etat harshness. A previous article asked when is a coup not one? It’s when US officials suggest otherwise.
Reign of terror ruthlessness is official Egyptian policy. Rule of law principles don’t matter. Government by diktat rules. No ones is safe from rampaging government forces.
MB officials risk being disappeared, tortured and murdered. Others face potential life in prison. So does anyone providing funding. Supporting MB publicly is considered terrorism.
Regular protests continue. People involved do so at great risk. One MB supporter perhaps spoke for others, saying: “People don’t have anything to lose.”
Rights can’t be gotten without sustained struggle. Conditions today are far worse than under Mubarak.
State terror more than ever is official policy. Anyone challenging regime authority is vulnerable. Pinochet’s ghost resides in Egypt. Same old, same old repeats.
London Guardian editors headlined “Egypt: back with a vengeance,” saying:
“The skies are darkening over Egypt…How miserably different this is from” what most Egyptians hoped for.
Revolutionary change “is now being torn up by its roots…Mubarak regime (opponents) are now being victimized by its successor.”
Egypt’s rulers “are determined” to stamp out all opposition. “It is now evident that the Egyptian military, behind its unconvincing civilian facade, is ready to be as hard on its secular as on its religious opponents.”
Mubarak’s removal changed nothing. Junta power bided its time. It “gr(ew) a new head,” said Guardian editors. “(N)ow (it’s) back, quite literally, with a vengeance.”
New Iran Sanctions Bill
December 22nd, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
Last July, House members overwhelmingly passed new Iranian sanctions. A companion Senate bill didn’t follow. Members of both parties want one.
On December 19, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Robert Menendez (D. NJ) headlined hispress release: “Twenty-Seven Senators Introduce the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act (NWFI).”
Multiple rounds of US sanctions were imposed earlier. NWFI proposes more. It does so if Iran breaches Geneva agreed on terms. By who’s determination remains key.
Obama already violated Geneva. On December 12, he did so. He unilaterally imposed new sanctions. He lied claiming it doesn’t interfere with Geneva’s Joint Plan of Action.
He targeted 19 Iranian, Asian and European companies (including individuals). Doing so violates the letter and spirit of Geneva. It shows America doesn’t negotiate in good faith.
It bodes ill for what’s forthcoming. It suggests Washington is up to its old tricks. It indicates its dirty hands want Geneva subverted.
Menendez said he, Mark Kirk (R. IL), and 25 other senators introduced the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act.
He called doing so “bipartisan legislation proposing prospective sanctions on Iran should the regime violate the interim Joint Plan of Action agreed to in Geneva or should Iran fail to reach a final agreement.”
Proposed sanctions target Iranian oil and gas operations. They “appl(y) further reductions in purchases of Iranian petroleum and applies additional penalties to strategic elements of the Iranian economy, to include the engineering, mining and construction sectors,” said Menendez.
“Simultaneously, it gives the Administration continued flexibility and up to one year from the conclusion of an implementing agreement to pursue a diplomatic track resulting in the complete and verifiable termination of Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program.”
No such program exists. Obama knows it. So do House and Senate members. Requiring Iran to prove a negative suggests trouble.
According to Menendez:
“Current sanctions brought Iran to the negotiating table and a credible threat of future sanctions will require Iran to cooperate and act in good faith at the negotiating table.”
“The Iranians last week blamed the Administration for enforcing sanctions; now, they criticize Congress.”
“The burden rests with Iran to negotiate in good faith and verifiably terminate its nuclear weapons program.”
“Prospective sanctions will influence Iran’s calculus and accelerate that process toward achieving a meaningful diplomatic resolution.”
Kirk added:
“The American people rightfully distrust Iran’s true intentions and they deserve an insurance policy to defend against Iranian deception during negotiations.”
“This is a responsible, bipartisan bill to protect the American people from Iranian deception, and I urge the Majority Leader to give the American people an up or down vote.”
Michael Siegal chairs the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). It’s militantly Zionist. It supports stiffer Iranian sanctions.
“We believe a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capacity, a threat to the entire world, is vital,” said Siegal.
“We stand firmly with President Obama as he and our P5+1 allies seek to negotiate a comprehensive agreement.”
“We recognize economic sanctions have been successful in bringing Iran to the negotiating table, as well as in expressing the resolve of the global community.”
“The threat of additional sanctions, with the appropriate Presidential waivers in this legislation, ensures that Iran knows this and all other options are on the table should negotiations fail.”
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) national chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher and national director Abe Foxman match Siegal’s militancy.
They back further Senate action. They said proposed legislation “further enhances the American strategy of tough sanctions in support of our negotiation efforts.”
“By putting in place broader and deeper sanctions that would kick in after a year, the legislation makes clear to Iran the severe economic price it will pay if it does not negotiate seriously and plays for time.”
“It also gives the administration time to pursue negotiations to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”
Both men endorsed Obama’s new unilateral sanctions, adding:
“(T)he the administration has also sent a message to those who may think now is the time to pursue new business opportunities with Iran by announcing a series of enforcement actions last week against entities found to be evading sanctions against Iran and providing support for its nuclear program.”
“Enhanced sanctions together with negotiations will sustain the utmost pressure on a regime that poses a threat to America and our closest allies in the Middle East and offer a greater chance of achieving success through diplomacy.”
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is another extremist Zionist organization. It called proposed Senate legislation “an important contribution toward a successfully negotiated end to Iran’s nuclear program.”
AIPAC, ADL, JFNA, and JCPA, want Iran’s nuclear program dismantled. They want stiffer sanctions imposed. They want Iran materially weakened.
They want an Israeli rival eliminated. Other Zionist groups are like minded. They exert enormous pressure in Washington. Expect no letup ahead.
Obama promised to veto Senate legislation is passed. Whether true or false remains to be seen. He rates reaching a permanent Iranian agreement no “more than 50-50.”
John Kerry told Congress he “came away from our preliminary negotiation (with Tehran) with serious questions about whether or not they’re ready and willing to make some of the choices that have to be made.”
Iran made major concessions. It got little in return. It’s hoping a small step forward leads to greater ones. At best, it’s a long shot.
It’s betting against long odds. Administration comments aren’t encouraging. Nor is congressional sentiment. America’s media remain hostile.
On December 19, Washington Post editors asked “Does Iran truly want a nuclear deal?” They accused Tehran negotiators of breaking off Vienna talks.
They did no such thing. They suspended them temporarily. They resumed them the same day WaPo editors misreported.
“Perhaps such maneuvering is inevitable,” they said. “But Iran is sending an early message that it does not intend to bargain in good faith.”
“Mr. Obama and Mr. Kerry have devoted much time since the Geneva deal to persuading Congress not to approve additional sanctions on Iran.”
“Perhaps their time would be better spent pushing the Iranian negotiators to stop posturing and stonewalling.”
WaPo editors are extremely hawkish. New owner Jeff Bezos has CIA ties. He’s in bed with the devil. He got a $600 million contract.
It’s double what he paid to buy WaPo. In November, he said: “We look forward to a successful relationship with the CIA.”
Perhaps it involves much more than meets the eye. He expects lots more business. For sure, CIA officials want plenty back besides Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Amazon has a disturbing history currying favor with national security officials. After WikiLeaks published State Department cables, it was removed from AWS.
WaPo’s CIA coverage henceforth should explain Bezos’ CIA connection. Readers should know its Agency reporting has a built-in bias.
Communications Professor/journalism scholar/media critic Robert McChesney commented, saying:
“When the main shareholder in one of the very largest corporations in the world benefits from a massive contract with the CIA on the one hand, and that same billionaire owns the Washington Post on the other hand, there are serious problems.”
“The Post is unquestionably the political paper of record in the United States, and how it covers governance sets the agenda for the balance of the news media. Citizens need to know about this conflict of interest in the columns of the Post itself.”
“If some official enemy of the United States had a comparable situation – say the owner of the dominant newspaper in Caracas was getting $600 million in secretive contracts from the Maduro government – the Post itself would lead the howling chorus impaling that newspaper and that government for making a mockery of a free press. It is time for the Post to take a dose of its own medicine.”
For years, Iran negotiated in good faith. Sincere efforts were rebuffed. Washington has all the proving to do.
Rapprochement depends on what Congress and Obama plan going forward. Policies post-Geneva aren’t encouraging. Business as usual persists.
Enforcing it assures trouble. Obama maintained hostile Iranian relations since day one in office. Vladimir Putin called new sanctions imposed counterproductive.
They’ll “adversely affect the recent deal struck between Iran and the six world powers in the Swiss city of Geneva over Tehran’s civilian nuclear activities,” he said.
He affirmed Russia’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology. He said no country may impose discriminatory restrictions.
Iran suspended post-Geneva talks in response to Obama’s unilateral action. On December 19, they resumed.
They focus on implementing Geneva terms. Resolving procedures going forward include choosing a starting date for beginning the six-month interim period agreed on.
Key is deciding when Washington will ease sanctions. Also what’s expected from Iran in return.
Diplomats hope for late January implementation. Possibly January 20. It’s when EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels. If Washington announces a sanctions easing date, odds favor EU nations following.
An unnamed Western diplomat said:
“We were at an advanced stage in Vienna. A lot of work has been done so we can go very fast.”
At the same time, talks could be tougher going forward, he added. Obama’s unilateral breaching of Geneva complicates things.
Issues resolved in Vienna last week include how IAEA inspectors will verify what Iran agreed on.
Unresolved so far is how Western governments will ensure banks understand what transactions are allowed.
Also how and when Tehran gets access to agreed on amounts of billions of frozen dollars in overseas accounts.
Other technical details need resolving. How will Iran limit its uranium enrichment to less than 20%.
Tehran committed to follow Geneva terms to the letter. It’s very much uncertain whether Washington will follow through in turn.
The proof remains in the implementation. America has a long history of violating treaties, conventions and other agreements.
Whether this time is different is very much in doubt. It bears repeating. Washington has all the proving to do. Its track record isn’t encouraging.
Hardball US Geopolitics
December 16th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
America seeks unchallenged global dominance. No holds barred tactics pursue it. Rule of law principles don’t matter. Means justify ends. Might makes right.
Events are manipulated. Wars, economic disruption, financial terrorism, and other upheavals play out in real time. Grand schemes reflect them.
Ongoing Ukrainian protests didn’t erupt by chance. Washington’s dirty hands manipulated them. Obama officials want Kiev turning West, not East. They’ll stop at nothing to achieve it.
They want Russian influence weakened. They want Ukraine’s potential ruthlessly exploited. They want its people transformed into serfs. They want another NATO member they control.
They’re playing hardball against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. They’re considering various options. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said:
“All policy options, including sanctions, are on the table, in our view, but obviously that still is being evaluated.” She didn’t say what kind Washington has in mind.
It imposes sanctions recklessly. It does so lawlessly. It does it ruthlessly. One day it’ll go too far. It’ll target one victimized country too many.
Most others won’t go along. They’ll maintain normalized relations. They should be doing it now. Washington rules don’t matter if no one obeys them. It’s high time that practice took hold.
America is a global bully. It’s all take and no give. US officials warned Yanukovych. Don’t target protesters forcefully, they said.
Doing so in America is common practice. So is lawlessly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. State terrorism is official policy. War on humanity rages.
New World Order ruthlessness reflects it. McAlvany Intelligence Advisory calls it:
These policies reflect the Bilderberg Group’s grand design. It includes:
This type world isn’t fit to live in. Money power in private hands is tyrannical. It’s abhorrent. So is waging war on humanity ruthlessly.
Washington glorifies it in the name of peace. The business of America is war, grand theft, and unchallenged global dominance.
One nation after another is ravaged. They’re pillaged. Their sovereignty is destroyed. Washington rules replace it. Brute force harshness reflects it.
Smedley Butler (1881 – 1940) was a former Marine major general. It was the highest authorized rank at the time. He served on active duty for over 33 years.
He was cut out of a different mold. He transformed himself after years of service. He looked back with regret. He justifiably called war a “racket.”
He spent “most of (his) time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers.” He called himself “a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.”
He “helped make Mexico safe for American oil interests. (He) helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in.”
He “helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street” and other corporate crooks.
“The record of racketeering is long,” he said. He “helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers.”
He “brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests. In China, (he) helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.”
“During those years, (he) had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket.”
“Looking back at it, (he felt he) could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was operate his racket in three districts.” Butler “operated on three continents.”
America’s global empire stretches everywhere. Super-weapons Butler couldn’t have imagined enforce it. Going public made him an American hero.
Who in today’s military can match him? Who in government? Who’d dare try? Who’d survive if they did? Who’d make a difference long enough to matter?
Obama and Vladimir Putin reflect opposing doctrines. Obama solely serves monied interests. He deplores popular ones.
He advocates conflicts and instability. He pursues global dominance. He does so ruthlessly.
Putin supports peace and stability. He champions nation-state sovereignty. He respects international laws and norms. He endorses multi-polar world priorities.
On Thursday,he delivered his state of the nation address. He did so before Russia’s Federal Assembly.
It consists of the lower house State Duma and upper house Federation Council. It’s the equivalent of a joint session of Congress.
Russia seeks to be a world leader, he said. It doesn’t seek super-power status. It doesn’t want to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
“We will aspire to be a leader by protecting international law and insisting upon respect for national sovereignty, independence and uniqueness of peoples,” he said.
“We have always been proud of our country, yet we do not aspire to super-power status, which is understood as a claim to global or regional hegemony.”
“We are not encroaching on anyone’s interests. We are not pushing our patronage on anyone, and we are not trying to lecture anyone on how one should live.”
He called Moscow’s policy on Syria “resolute, well-judged and reasonable.”
“Not a single time have we put either our own interests and security or global security in danger. In my opinion, this is the way a mature and responsible power should act.”
“(W)e and our partners managed to turn the situation there away from war and toward the development of a nationwide Syrian political process and the achievement of civil reconciliation.”
He wants 33 months of conflict resolved peacefully.
“In my opinion,” he added, “it is our shared success that the choice was made on the basis of the fundamental principles of international law, common sense and the logic of peace.”
“At least thus far we have managed to avoid foreign military intervention in Syrian affairs and the spread of the conflict beyond the region.”
Russia “made quite a significant contribution to this process,” he stressed.
“The Syrian precedent reaffirmed the UN’s central role in global politics.”
“As the situation around Syria and around Iran today has shown, any international problem can and should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, without resorting to military actions, which have no prospects, but only serve to cause denunciation by the majority of countries in the world.”
Putin didn’t mention America directly by name. He commented on destabilizing conflicts it initiated. He warned against foreign powers seeking a military advantage over Russia.
He called attempts to destroy the current global strategic balance futile. He dismissed claims about Washington’s so-called missile shield being defensive.
He said it has strategically offensive potential. He was outspoken about Western nations attempting to undermine Moscow’s national defense strategy.
He’s mindful about fast-strike weapons platforms able to hit high priority targets worldwide.
“The increase by foreign countries of their strategic, high-precision non-nuclear systems potential and boosting missile defense possibilities could ruin earlier reached agreements on nuclear arms control and reduction, and lead to the disruption of the so-called strategic balance,” he said.
“No one should have illusions over a possibility of taking military advantage over Russia. We will never allow this.”
Moscow’s military capability is able to respond to all challenges effectively, he stressed.
Putin commented briefly on Ukraine. Earlier he said Russia’s “integration project (is) based on equal rights and real economic interests.”
On January 1, 2010, Moscow’s Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan was established. Putin hopes other regional states will join.
“I’m sure achieving Eurasian integration will only increase interest from our neighbors, including our Ukrainian partners,” he said.
His Eurasian Union success depends in large measure on whether Ukraine opts in. Putin envisions a cooperative trading bloc extending from the Pacific to Western European borders.
Ukraine weight heavily in his plans. It’s future is up for grabs. Turning East, not West, offers Yanukovych the best chance for economic progress. Joining a troubled EU alliance assures harder than ever hard times.
The battle for Ukraine continues. Washington’s hardball tactics show no letup. It remains to be seen how things turn out. Kiev’s future hangs in the balance.
A Final Comment
On December 12, Yanukovych said he’ll remove officials responsible for drafting the Association and Free Trade Area Agreement with the European Union.
“Those who prepared the agreement will be relieved of their duties or sacked altogether,” he said.
According to Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, Ukraine will sign a trade agreement with Moscow. It removes all trade contradictions.
“A visit to Moscow is planned for (December 17) so that we can sign agreements eliminating the majority of contradictions in trade with the Russian federation at the presidential level,” Azarov said.
Customs, standardizations and other issues will be resolved. Restoring trade with Russia to its former level will help Ukraine avoid economic collapse, he added.
“I assure you that we will do everything we can to” restore normal Russian/Ukrainian trade relations, he stressed.
Expect Washington and rogue EU partners to go all out to disrupt them.
Rigged Honduran Elections
November 28th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
In Honduras they’re won the old-fashioned way. They’re stolen.
On Sunday, presidential elections were held. Eight candidates participated. Two mattered most. Business as usual prevailed. Reports suggest fraud, intimidation and vote buying.
Activists defied state-sponsored violence. Both sides claimed victory. More on that below.
Adrienne Pine is an American University Professor of Anthropology. She’s worked in Honduras. She’s written about state-sponsored repression. She focuses on explaining Hondurans’ longstanding struggle for justice
She calls ongoing human rights abuses “invisible genocide.” Honduras is Latin America’s death squad capital. Pine calls it “the most violent country on the planet.” Its murder rate dwarfs other nations.
Since the 19th century, America meddled lawlessly in Latin American affairs dozens of times. Doing so involved invasions, bombings, occupation, assassinations, destabilization, coups and rigged elections.
Honduras was one of many victims. In June 2009, Washington helped orchestrate President Manuel Zelaya’s ouster.
Doing so was a coordinated State Department/Pentagon project. It was conducted jointly with Honduran military commanders and top opposition political figures. A fascist dictatorship followed.
Sunday’s election matched ruling National Party candidate Juan Orlando Hernandez against LIBRE’s (Liberty and Refoundation) Xiomara Castro. She’s Manuel Zelaya’s wife.
Adrienne Pine witnessed events firsthand. Ahead of elections, she said people expressed hope for change. At the same time, a sense of foreboding prevailed.
Rigged elections followed Zelaya’s ouster. Coup supporting candidates alone participated. Most people who voted backed them. This time LIBRE participated.
Pine said conditions aren’t “free and fair.” Institutions and officials responsible for the coup run elections.
“We are talking about the military that carried out the coup (and) Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which was illegally put in place just before the last coup,” she said.
“The judiciary ousted all the judges and district attorneys who opposed the coup.”
“So there is a very biased system right now, which does not bode well for a free and fair election.”
Hernandez wants Honduras kept militarized. He wants soldiers on every street corner. He claims doing so reduces crimes.
Military, police and government officials are complicit in committing them. Criminality is rampant. It’s out-of-control.
Authorities target activists, human rights defenders, independent journalists, campesinos protecting their land, and others challenging their rule.
LIBRE is a new party. It was born out of Honduran resistance. Xiomara Castro enjoys widespread popularity.
She “march(ed) alongside the hundreds of thousands of people who were coming out to the streets to demand a return to democracy,” said Pine.
Her platform endorses resistance movement principles. She supports a popular constituent assembly to rewrite Honduras’ constitution.
She wants it to legitimize participatory democracy. She wants other social reforms instituted. She wants legislation protecting ordinary Honduran rights.
Power is concentrated in wealthy elite hands. Fascist rule dominates. Democracy is a convenient illusion. It’s nowhere in sight.
On November 5, Pine headlined “Where Will the Children Play? Neoliberal Militarization in Pre-Election Honduras.”
Ahead of Sunday’s election, “state-led terror and the criminalization of the Resistance movement have intensified,” she said.
Militarized police is a Hernandez initiative. Honduran soldiers have a long history of state-sponsored terror.
Victims are “grassroots” activists. They oppose “national and international corporations exploiting lands, water, and subsoil resources of which their communities claim ownership,” said Pine.
Soldiers are linked to “murders of numerous campesino land rights activists in the Aguan.”
Since Zelaya’s ouster, over 110 were killed. Soldiers and security guards employed by Miguel Facusse and three other large landowners bear full responsibility.
Military and judicial repression and violence support neoliberal harshness. Iron fist governance persists.
So does “random,” “street,” “gang,” and “terrorist” violence, said Pine. It’s institutionalized. It criminalizes social activism.
Post-coup, thousands of human rights abuses were documented. They include targeted assassinations, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and widespread intimidation.
Human rights defenders, social justice activists, and independent journalists are called “terrorists” and “insurgents.” They’re falsely accused of destabilizing society.
Campesino communities are under siege. Honduras is a classic fascist police state.
Journalism is one of its most dangerous professions. Dozens have been killed for doing their jobs responsibly.
Truth telling marks them for death. Numerous LIBRE candidates were killed ahead of Sunday’s election.
Between May 2012 and October 19, 2013d, 18 and their immediate family members were murdered. Another 15 were victimized by armed attacks.
Other activist candidates were assassinated. Death threats are commonplace. LIBRE party members cite an “extermination campaign” to eliminate them. State-sponsored death squads target them.
Ahead of Sunday’s election, violence and intimidation intensified dramatically. According to Pine:
“For community organizers, democracy activists, LIBRE candidates, and potential LIBRE voters, the pre-election context in Honduras is one of extreme everyday violence amplified by a campaign of state terror carried out in the service of neoliberal policies and politicians.”
Criminalizing, persecuting and terrorizing Hondurans and groups opposed to coup d’etat rule reflect daily life.
Authorities operate with virtual impunity. State-sponsored murder and other high crimes go unpunished.
Washington trains Honduran military officers in charge of death squad terror. It been longstanding at the infamous School of the Americas (SOA).
It’s renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC).
The latest ways are taught to kill, main, torture, oppress, exterminate poor and indigenous people, overthrow democratically elected governments, assassinate targeted leaders, suppress popular resistance, and work cooperatively with Washington to solidify fascist rule.
Democracy is verboten. Ruling class elites run Honduras. On November 25, Democracy Now interviewed Pine.
Early Monday, Honduras’ Supreme Electoral Tribunal said Hernandez defeated Castro. Claiming it, said Pine, “contrasts with the numbers that are coming out of the polling places themselves.”
They “show an overwhelming” Castro lead. So there’s “real concern on the streets. There’s real concern over the social networks, and we are expecting people will probably” protest publicly. Indeed they did. More on that below.
Sunday was the first chance to end fascist governance, Pine said. Previous post-coup elections were fraudulent. Virtually all coup opponents boycotted them.
Castro is more than Zelaya’s wife. She “really has come into her own as a leader, and there has been – it is impossible to overstate the amount of hope and excitement and mobilization that people have been engaging in leading up to these elections,” said Pine.
“Yesterday, the feeling on the ground was one of exuberance. You could see that the turnout was higher than ever before in Honduran elections. People were turning out for the LIBRE Party.”
Hernandez represents what most Hondurans oppose. Both candidates support “radically different models of governance.”
Castro endorses participatory democracy. Hernandez backs hardline fascist rule.
Widespread fraud and intimidation was evident on Sunday. International observers were targeted.
Masked police entered hotels where they were staying. They demanded to see their documents. They “basically intimidated them,” said Pine.
Doing so “shows the world” what Hondurans face daily. Open, free and fair elections are a convenient illusion. Rigged ones substitute. State terror reflects daily life.
Based on Pine’s information and firsthand observations, Castro won convincingly. Tuesday headlines claimed otherwise.
Hernandez has an “irreversible” lead, they said. He’s all but certain to be Honduras’ next president. Fascist rule gets four more years.
Rigged elections prevent democracy. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal bears full responsibility.
According to Pine, it’s “a product of the 2009 coup.” It orchestrated fraud. It cheated millions of long suffering Hondurans.
They deserve better than they got. Fascist police states operate that way. Honduras is the region’s worst. Washington offers full support. It doesn’t surprise.
A Final Comment
On November 26, AFP headlined “Hundreds of protesters confront cops after ‘stolen’ Honduran election.”
They blocked Tegucigalpa streets. They support LIBRE’s Castro.
“We are fed up with these politicians who are thieves,” said computer student Jose Luis. “They have stolen the election! We are going to keep this up out here.”
Hundreds of students protested with him. Late Sunday, Castro declared a “resounding victory. Today, we can say that we have won,” she said.
“Based on exit polls that I have received from around the country, I can tell you: I am the president of Honduras.”
Manuel Zelaya expressed strong support. He lashed out against electoral “theft.” Xiomara won the presidency,” he said. “They are stealing the election from us.”
Coup d’etat rule continues. It bears repeating. Washington offers full support.
Life in Occupied Gaza
November 24th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
After Hamas won January 2006 elections, Israel imposed embargo conditions. In mid-2007, siege followed.
It has nothing to do with Israeli security. It’s collective punishment. It’s occupation harshness writ large. It’s making an entire population suffer.
It’s doing it maliciously. It reflects slow-motion genocide. It’s lawless. It’s ruthless. World leaders turn a blind eye. Doing so makes them complicit.
Gazan suffering continues. An Oxfam update calls conditions worse than ever. Gazans are trapped. They’re largely isolated. More from Oxfam below.
Crisis conditions persist. Over 80% of the population depends on humanitarian aid. Blockade devastated Gaza’s economy.
Official poverty and unemployment figures way understate reality. Half or more of all young people have no jobs. Poverty and deprivation reflect daily life.
Israel bears full responsibility. Blockading Gaza constitutes a crime against humanity. Regular incursions and air attacks compound things. They’re war crimes.
On November 19 alone, Israel warplanes conducted seven airstrikes. Multiple locations were struck.
Two Khan Younis area chicken farms were completely destroyed. Around 4,000 chicks and some sheep were killed.
No human casualties were reported. Other areas were attacked. Doing so reflects Israeli viciousness. It consider civilians legitimate targets. International law says otherwise.
Israel gets away with murder and then some. James Rawley is UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He addressed Gazan conditions, saying:
“…I am sorry to report that the situation for Gaza’s 1.7 million people is worse than it was before” Israel’s Operation Pillar of Cloud.
UNWRA director of Gaza operations Robert Turner added:
“The closures of the tunnels has led to a near total collapse of private sector constructions, as it compounded the constraints due to the pre-existing ban on construction materials from Israel for the private sector.”
Outgoing UNWRA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi warned about Gaza “quickly becoming uninhabitable.”
Nineteen of 20 agency construction projects “ground to a halt. (F)urther conflict is bound, as before, to affect civilians unless its causes are addressed.”
“(F)irst and foremost, the Israeli blockade – which is illegal – must be lifted. Meanwhile, the United Nations must be allowed to at least continue construction projects and provide a few extra jobs for the beleaguered population.”
Since March, UNWRA had no “construction projects cleared by the Israeli government, and for the past month, has been unable to import building materials.”
Oxfam’s update headlined “Gaza: One year since the ceasefire, the blockade goes on.”
Israel’s Operation Pillar of Cloud was naked, premeditated aggression. Around 170 Palestinians murdered in cold blood.
Over 1,000 were injured. Nearly half were women and children. At least 963 houses were damaged or destroyed.
They included 10 health centers, 35 schools, 2 universities, 15 NGO offices, 30 mosques, 14 media offices, 92 industrial and commercial facilities, 1 UNWRA food distribution center, 8 government buildings, 14 police/security stations, 5 banks, 34 vehicles, 3 youth clubs, 3 cemeteries, and 2 bridges.
Conflict ending memorandum of understanding terms left disturbing wiggle room. Israel agreed to cease air, land, and sea attacks.
It said targeted killings would stop. It promised eased siege conditions. Palestinian resistance groups agreed to halt rocket and other attacks. They’re launched in response to IDF attacks.
Israeli agreements aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Israel’s word isn’t its bond.
Siege conditions are worse than ever. Targeted killings continue. So do regular incursions and air attacks. They’re ordered for any reason or none at all. Israel operates unaccountably.
Gaza fishermen are accosted at sea. Farmers are shot in their fields. Israeli soldiers use children for target practice. War could repeat again any time.
Since November 2012 alone, Israel launched multiple air strikes. It conducted “over 300 incidents of border and naval fire,” said Oxfam.
Security worsened. “So far in 2013, there have been over 150 incidents of Israeli naval fire against Gaza fishermen – a 40% increase over the past two years.”
Territorial waters extend at least 12 nautical miles offshore. Oslo permits 20 NM. An exclusive economic zone includes a maximum of 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline.
Costal nations legally control their fishing, mining, and resource exploration rights. Israel lawlessly denies them to Gaza.
It maintains exclusive economic control. It restricted Gaza fishermen to three miles offshore.
Following Operation Pillar of Cloud, permission up to six miles was granted. “The Israeli military regularly uses live fire against fishermen, in violation of international law – even within the six NM zone,” said Oxfam.
“Fishermen have reportedly been shot and arrested within the six NM limit.” In 2000, 10,000 Gazan fishermen were registered.
Today it’s one-third that number. An estimated 1,300 metric tons of fish a year are lost. Around 95% of fishermen receive humanitarian aid.
Before Pillar of Cloud’s ceasefire terms, Israel’s “buffer zone” put around 35% of agricultural land off limits.
Some farmers can now use limited portions of previously inaccessible land. It’s too little to matter. Getting too close to Israel’s border risks getting shot and killed.
Kerem Shalom is the sole Israeli-controlled crossing. Entrance of goods is about half pre-siege levels.
Exports are practically nonexistent. Limited amounts allowed halved since ceasefire terms. Exporting to the West Bank and Israel remains almost entirely prohibited.
“So far in 2013 (through end of October), 111 commercial export trucks had left Gaza – compared to 254 trucks in 2012 and 270 in 2011,” said Oxfam.
“This year is on track to see the lowest level of exports since 2009. Currently, exports from Gaza to third countries represent less than 3% of pre-blockade levels.”
Gazans remain “trapped on all sides.” Israel maintains harsh movement restrictions.
In 2000, around half a million Gazans exited through Erez crossing monthly. Today it’s less than 6,000.
Israel’s blockade causes severe economic, educational, healthcare, familial, cultural and social hardships.
It bears repeating. It has nothing to do with security. It reflects police state harshness.
Rafah crossing into Egypt remains Gaza’s “main gateway to the world,” said Oxfam. Before Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) deposed President Mohamed Morsi, around 20,000 people crossed monthly.
Now it’s one-fifth that number. Thousands can’t travel freely. Students registered in foreign universities can’t attend. Professionals working in other countries are hard-pressed to get there. Others find themselves trapped in Gaza.
Its tunnel economy provided a vital lifeline. It supplied vital goods, food, fuel and other supplies.
“During the first half of 2013, over 50% of total imports entered Gaza through approximately 300 tunnels,” said Oxfam.
Since Morsi’s July ouster, Egypt destroyed most tunnels. In mid-October, only a dozen or two remained.
Pre-July, around a million liters of fuel arrived daily. It’s enough to run Gaza’s power plant.
It supplied basic needs for hospitals, water treatment units, businesses, other basic services, and household needs.
“Today, Egyptian fuel is almost non-existent in Gaza,” said Oxfam. “Although fuel is available through Israel, only 3-400,000 litres a day (40% of what is needed) is currently entering through Kerem Shalom.”
“The Israeli fuel is twice the price of Egyptian fuel, pushing it beyond the reach of many families, businesses and service providers.”
Lack of fuel causes severe hardships. Power outages up to 16 hours daily are routine.
Gaza’s only power plant closed temporarily. In November, raw sewage flooded some Gazan streets. One of the main pumping stations ran out of fuel.
Drinking water is in short supply. It’s available only once every three to four days.
Shops, businesses and households without generators operate in near darkness. Students study by candlelight. Perishables risk spoiling.
Expect worse conditions ahead. Energy needs increase in winter. It fast approaches.
Construction is one of Gaza’s most important sectors. It employs around 70,000 people.
Since 2008, Israel banned materials for commercial use. It permits limited amounts for humanitarian projects.
“The ban has left the sector particularly reliant on the tunnels to bring in supplies, and the closure of the tunnels has had a big impact,” said Oxfam.
Since July 2013, reports suggest over 20,000 construction workers lost jobs. In October, Tel Aviv briefly let limited amounts of materials enter from Israel.
Two weeks later, it again prohibited them. Current amounts entering are less than the 2012 average.
Ibrahim Zayed runs a northern Gaza shop. He’s worried about losing his livelihood.
“Life is worse than a year ago,” he said. “We just want to make a living but it’s now almost impossible.”
“The electricity is off most of the day, and the fuel is so expensive I can only afford to turn the generator on for 30 minutes at a time.”
“The dairy and meat products in the refrigerator are all going bad. Then when the electricity comes on, the water goes off!”
“Last year I’d get 200 customers a day, but now it’s less than half that. Most people here don’t have any work since the tunnels closed, and they have no money to spend. My outgoings have gone up while my profits have gone down.”
“The crisis affects every part of our lives. Last week my daughter had a chest problem and needed an examination.”
“I drove around looking for an open health centre, but everywhere was closed because they had no power. We had to drive all the way into Gaza City to find one open.”
Israel enforces Gazan suffering. It bears repeating. Doing so is collective punishment. It’s a crime against humanity.
It’s compounded by regular incursions and air attacks. Survival in Gaza remains a day-to-day uncertainty. Israeli impunity lets Gazan suffering continue.
Gaza Running Out of Fuel and Medicines
November 3rd, 2013By Stephen Lendman.
Gaza’s suffocating siege persists. Israel imposes it illegally. It’s been ongoing since June 2007. It began a year earlier in less extreme form. It constitutes collective punishment. Fourth Geneva’s Article 33 states:
“No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.”
“Pillage is prohibited. Reprisals against protected persons and their property are prohibited.”
Fourth Geneva mandates protecting civilians in time of war. Doing so includes letting goods and people move freely.
Blockades are acts of war. They’re variously defined as:
Francis Boyle calls blockades:
“(B)elligerent measures taken by a nation (to) prevent passage of vessels or aircraft to and from another country.”
“Customary international law recognizes blockades as an act of war because of the belligerent use of force even against third party nations in enforcing the blockade.”
“Blockades as acts of war have been recognized as such in the Declaration of Paris of 1856 and the Declaration of London of 1909 that delineate the international rules of warfare.”
Blockades are considered illegal if:
In other words, blockades may not disproportionately harm civilians. Israel’s siege targets them.
Collective punishment is imposed. It’s deliberate. It’s malicious. It’s illegal. It has nothing to do with security. The only threats Israel faces are ones it invents.
Israel institutionalized closure. Fundamental international laws are spurned. Crimes of war and against humanity persist. Slow-motion genocide is official Israeli policy.
Repeated calls by human rights organizations to free besieged Gazans are ignored.
Last January, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) “call(ed) upon the Israeli authorities to first of all lift this unjust closure completely, as it is a form of collective punishment prohibited under the international humanitarian law, and second to discontinue all the unjust restrictions imposed on the movement of civilians and thirdly allow the free movement of trade; including imports and exports to and from the Gaza Strip.”
On October 3, the Ahlul Bayt News Agency headlined “Warning of humanitarian catastrophe as Gaza siege is tightened.”
In September, the UN Human Rights Council held its 24th session. PCHR and six other human rights organizations submitted a written statement titled “Closure and accountability.”
It highlighted deteriorating conditions. Egypt’s military junta worsened them. Gazan tunnels provide a vital lifeline. They supply essential goods.
After Egypt’s military ousted Mohamed Morsi, conditions deteriorated badly. State newspaper al-Gumoria said about 95% of tunnels were destroyed. Gazan officials estimate about 80% since July.
Equipment is used to detect tunnel activity. When found, bulldozers move in destructively. Rafah’s International Crossing Point provides the only access to Egypt.
Most often it’s closed. Enormous hardships are imposed. Gazans remain largely isolated. They’re cut off from the outside world.
Students can’t study abroad. Families are separated. Patients requiring medical care unavailable in Gaza can’t get it. Judicial redress is denied.
The submitting organizations called on world leaders to intervene responsibly. They haven’t done so for over seven years. They show no indication of changing policy. Gazan suffering continues.
The territory’s olive agriculture is a shadow of its former self. Years ago it thrived. Gaza olives and olive oil are among the world’s best. Planting and harvesting provided seasonal work for thousands of workers.
No longer. Small numbers remain. Israel’s siege decimated a once thriving enterprise. Trees and agricultural lands were razed. Many farmers turned to other crops.
According to Palestine’s ministry of agriculture, Israeli forces destroyed around 120,000 Gazan olive trees since September 2000.
Israel’s buffer no-go zone includes 30% of agricultural land. It’s some of Gaza’s most fertile. Fishermen are greatly restricted. Choice waters are off-limits.
On November 1, Maan News headlined “Hamas: Power outage across Gaza as fuel runs out.” Electricity production was halted.
Gazan energy authority deputy chairman Fathi el-Sheikh Khalil said:
“We have completely stopped the operation of (Gaza’s sole) power plant this morning at 6:00 AMbecause we don’t have a single liter of fuel.”
Most Gazan areas lacked power. Khalil blamed it on Egypt. Destroying vital tunnels cut off supplies.
According to Khalil, the Palestinian Authority overcharges. “Less than 50 percent of the needs of the Gaza Strip are currently covered by electricity from Israel (and) we can no longer get Egyptian fuel” because most tunnels were destroyed, he said.
“We tried to get fuel from Israel via the Palestinian Authority, but it has imposed prohibitive taxes.” Gaza’s plant supplies about a third of electricity needs.
It’ll “remain shut until fuel supplies resume from Egypt through the tunnels or the Rafah border crossing, or from Israel if the Palestinian Authority agrees not to impose the heavy taxes,” Khalil added.
On Friday, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, James Rawley, expressed concern. Lack of power “impact(s) all essential services, including hospitals, clinics, sewage and water pumping stations,” he said.
“It will also mean that Gaza’s 1.7 million people will experience power outages of up to 16 hours per day.” Before shutdown, Gaza got less than half the electricity it needs.
“For the benefit of Gaza’s civilian population, it is essential that a way be found to allow the power plant to resume its operations and that the broader chronic energy crisis be addressed,” Rawley added.
In September, Gaza’s energy authority warned of an impending fuel shortage. It called on Egypt to resume shipments.
After Morsi’s July ouster, relations between Cairo and Hamas deteriorated badly. Egyptian military officials wrongfully accuse Hamas of involvement in Sinai violence. Baseless allegations don’t wash.
According to OCHA, goods from Egypt through Rafah crossing are less than 5% of their June volume.
“Less than 10 truckloads of goods may have entered Gaza through the tunnels per day between 20-26 October, compared to 15 truckloads which entered during the previous week, and 30-40 truckloads during September,” it said.
Vital medicines are in short supply. Since Egypt’s July coup, OCHA said:
“(T)he Ministry of Health in Gaza began restricting X-rays and limiting certain drugs to emergency use only, due to low supplies and the unreliable flow of medical supplies via the Rafah Crossing.”
By end of July, “27 per cent (128 items) of essential medicines were at zero stock in the Central Drug Store in Gaza and 16 per cent (78 items) were at low stock (between 1-3 months’ supply).”
“Twenty-five percent of (Gaza’s) drug supplies are normally received from, or through, Egypt via this crossing.”
“Two principal Egyptian donors, the Arab Physicians Union and the Physicians Syndicate, are expected to halt donations to Gaza in view of current urgent needs in Egypt.”
“These groups have played a crucial role as a source for rapid supply of critical items, such as dialysis solutions, common chemotherapy drugs, Factor VIII for hemophilia, immunosuppressants for kidney transplant patients and treatments for other chronic blood disease conditions.”
“Any sustained gap in the supply of these items would have immediate negative impact on patients.”
“The Human Appeal International (United Arab Emirates) and Qatar Red Crescent also provide donations to the MoH in Gaza via Rafah, but according to the MoH, only one drug shipment has been received via that route since 30 June, from an Italian NGO.”
Gazan construction is collapsing. General Eitan Dangot is Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
After a tunnel to Israel was discovered in mid-October, he blocked construction materials transfers to Gaza.
He did it punitively. He did it maliciously. It’s standard Israeli policy. Preventing vital construction has nothing to do with internal Israeli security.
It goes for schools, medical clinics, private residences, and other nonmilitary purposes.
Destroying most of Gaza’s tunnel economy affects available construction materials. OCHA commented before Dangot’s blockage, saying:
“The Palestinian Federation of Industries estimated that, on average, around 1,500 tons of construction materials entered Gaza through the tunnels per day, compared to 7,500 tons prior to the imposition of the recent measures.”
“The price of construction materials on local markets rose sharply before declining to between 20 to 30 percent above the normal price by the end of the month, and leading to a sharp slowdown in construction activities and the operation of concrete mix factories.”
Gaza is more isolated than ever. Chronic shortages persist. Israel pretends otherwise. World leaders turn a blind eye.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens. Palestinian Authority officials ignore it. They’re illegitimate. They’re duplicitous. They’re shameless. Complicity with Israel reveals their true agenda.
Over 1.7 million Gazans suffer out of sight and mind. Nothing in prospect suggests relief.
Obamacare Fallout
October 27th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
Obama’s signature program is rife with inequities. It makes a dysfunctional system worse.
It rations healthcare. It’s unaffordable. It leaves millions uninsured. It leaves millions more underinsured. It compromises privacy. A little noticed disclaimer states:
“You have no reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any communication or data transmitting or stored on this information system.”
Medical privacy rights are violated. NSA and other US spy agencies will have full access to Americans’ medical history. They have lots more than that. More information below.
On October 24, Infowars headlined “CIA-Funded Software Company Manages Private Data for Healthcare.gov,” saying:
In-Q-Tel is a CIA venture capital firm. It’s “heavily invested into Socrata. (It’s a) software company (providing) data collection and management for Healthcare.gov and Medicare.gov.”
It announced a “strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel (IQT).”
Both “entities will work together to further develop Socrata’s data consumerization platform for internal business analysts in data-rich organizations.”
“Users of Socrata’s technologies can transform raw data from multiple sources into more sophisticated and useful resources.”
Socrata will work with NSA, CIA and other US spy agencies. They’ll do so to transform raw data into what’s more easily used.
Healthcare.gov obtained information includes place of residence, social security number, bank account numbers, other financial information, medical history, place of employment, earnings, immigration status, military background, criminal record if any, phone numbers and email addresses.
US spy agencies get it all. They can use it any way they wish. Obamacare is more than ripoff healthcare. It violates core constitutional rights. It exploits unprincipally. It does so secretly. It does more harm than good.
On October 24, Acting Man.com headlined “Obamacare Side Effect – Doctors Abandon the Health Care Insurance System Altogether,” saying:
Many apparently “had enough.” They’re opting out. They’re fed up with bureaucratic red tape. Obamacare makes it worse than ever. They’re going cash only.
They’re able to spend more time with patients. They don’t need extra staff help dealing with increasing amounts of paperwork.
Doing so requires treating more patients to cover costs. It results in less time spent on proper care.
Doug Nunamaker is a family physician. “The paperwork, the hassles, it just got (too) overwhelming,” he said. “We knew we had to find a better way to practice,” he added.
He charges flat monthly fees. It’s the equivalent of cheap insurance. For children, it’s $10. For adults up to age 44, it’s $50. Seniors pay $100.
He advises patients to carry high-deductible insurance coverage. It’s needed in case emergencies, serious illness or expensive treatments.
His patient list numbers 400 – 600. Before it was 2,500 – 4,000. He needed volume to cover expenses. He’s comfortable with more time for treatment.
“My professional life is better than expected,” he said. “My family life and personal time are better. This is everything I wanted out of family medicine.”
Small numbers of doctors operate this way. Others join them annually. American Academy of Family Physicians data show 4% did so in 2012. In 2010, it was 3%.
A 2013 Medscape survey found 6% of physicians practicing this way. Burdensome Obamacare mandates suggest increasing numbers opting out ahead.
They want less bureaucracy. They want more time for patients. They don’t want Washington or predatory insurers telling them how to practice. They want doctors and patients alone deciding.
At the same time, healthcare advocates raise concerns. Cash only medicine perhaps will end up excluding many less well off patients. Everyone should have equal access. Universal single-payer alone provides it.
Bureaucratic red tape is eliminated. Insurers don’t provide healthcare. Doctors do. Medicare’s original design worked as intended.
Enrolling was simple. It still is. Enormous savings are achieved. Universal coverage assures comprehensive affordable care.
Predatory middlemen are excluded. Doing so saves $400 billion or more annually. Using it for care instead of profits covers everyone.
Marketplace medicine prioritizes profits. It does so at the expense of equitable treatment. It lets private insurers game the system. It lets them rip off enrollees freely.
Commodified healthcare falls short. It has no place in free societies. Obamacare makes it less equitable than ever.
Powerful interests blocked earlier US healthcare reform efforts. In 1917, 15 states introduced health insurance coverage for all legislation.
Eight others established commissions to study doing so. Proposals were weak and confusing. They were dead on arrival.
In the 1930 and 1940s, government-sponsored health insurance resurfaced. The issue remained contentious. Industry giants again blocked change.
Post-war, employer-provided coverage increased. Retirees, the disabled, unemployed, and others were uninsured. Years of debate followed. Medicare and Medicaid resulted.
In 1965, amendments to Titles XVIII and XIX respectively of the 1935 Social Security Act established them. Efforts to cover everyone failed. Prospects today are far dimmer than then.
Obamacare eliminates the possibility. Healthcare giants writing the law designed it that way. On June 28, 2012, a Physicians for National Health Program press release said:
“What is truly unrealistic is believing that we can provide universal and affordable health care in a system dominated by private insurers and Big Pharma.”
“The American people desperately need a universal health system that delivers comprehensive, equitable, compassionate and high-quality care, with free choice of provider and no financial barriers to access.”
Convoluted arguments upheld ACA’s controversial individual mandate provision. Americans have no say. They’re required to buy coverage from private insurers. They have to whether or not they want it.
They’re cheated. They get much less than they pay for. Independent experts believe America’s least advantaged at left in no-man’s land.
Federal subsidies are woefully inadequate. They’ll get inadequate coverage at best. They’ll be denied expensive treatments if needed.
Imagine the world’s richest country mandating it. Everyone can get whatever they want based on the ability to pay. Inability means too bad, out of luck.
Ninety-year old Dr. Quentin Young is a longtime Physicians for National Health Program (PNHP) leading member. His newly released autobiograpy is titled “Everybody In, Nobody Out: Memoirs of a Rebel Without a Pause.”
“Had I been in Congress, I would have unequivocally voted against Obamacare,” he said. “It’s a bad bill.”
“We rather think because of its ability to enshrine and solidify the corporate domination of the health system, it’s worse than what we have now.”
Worse or better is immaterial, he stressed. “The health system isn’t working in this country – fiscally, medically, socially, morally.”
“I don’t have any sympathy for the idea that the president had to compromise because his opposition was strong.”
“Winning is not always winning the election. Winning is making a huge fight and then taking the fight to the people – re-electing people who are supporting your program and defeating those who aren’t.”
PNHP examined Obamacare mandate by mandate. It’s nightmarish in complexity. It’s fundamentally inequitable.
“To this day,” said Young, “much to the chagrin of many of our friends who wanted reform, I remain adamant in my rejection of Obamacare.”
Young and other single-payer advocates deplore private insurers. They game the system for profits. They deny or delay expensive treatments. They overcharge, underinsure, and exploit people unfairly.
Obama could have done things different, said Young. “He could have stuck to all the virtues of single payer.”
He acted polar opposite. He sold out the way he did to Wall Street. US consumers are stuck with what demands rejection.
Millions will learn how much to their chagrin. Young expects a dirty fight ahead to change things.
“I’m sure the battle over health care reform isn’t going away,” he said. Odds against winning today perhaps are greater than ever.
Saudi Arabian Backed Insurgents Responsible for Ghouta Chemical Weapons Attack
October 8th, 2013By Stephen Lendman.
Russia has evidence proving it. More on that below. A previous article said the following:
On August 29, Mint Press News headlined “Exclusive: Syrians in Ghouta Claim Saudi-Supplied Rebels Behind Chemical Attack,” saying:
“Rebels and local residents in Ghouta accuse Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan of providing chemical weapons to an al-Qaida linked rebel group.”
Abu Abdel-Moneim lives in Ghouta. He’s the father of an insurgent fighter. “My son came to me two weeks ago asking what I thought the weapons were that he had been asked to carry,” he said.
Some were “tube-like” in structure. Others were like a “huge gas bottle.” They were stored in tunnels.
Abdel-Moneim said his son and other insurgents died during the Ghouta attack.
A female Jabhat al-Nusra fighter named “K” said:
“They didn’t tell us what these arms were or how to use them. We didn’t know they were chemical weapons. We never imagined they were chemical weapons.”
Another fighter named “J” said:
“We were very curious about these arms. And unfortunately, some of the fighters handled the weapons improperly and set off the explosions.”
According to Mint Press:
“Doctors who treated the chemical weapons attack victims cautioned interviewers to be careful about asking questions regarding who, exactly, was responsible for the deadly assault.”
“More than a dozen rebels interviewed reported that their salaries came from the Saudi government.”
Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s directly involved. He’s Washington’s point man against Syria. He’s advancing the kingdom’s top goal. It wants Assad, Iran’s government and Hezbollah toppled.
Doing it involves arming and funding some of the most extremist elements. They’re cutthroat killers. They’re committing outrageous atrocities.
They brag about them. Media scoundrels give them short shrift. Most often their crimes go unreported.
False flags are involved. They permit pointing fingers the wrong way. Assad’s wrongfully blamed for death squad crimes.
No verifiable evidence links him to any CW attacks throughout months of conflict. Claims otherwise have no basis in fact.
They’re false. They’re malicious. They’re repeated with disturbing regularity. So-called intelligence cited is fake. It’s created out of whole cloth.
It’s done to blame Assad for insurgent crimes. They’ve been caught red-handed various times using CWs. Coverup and denial followed.
On October 4, Voice of Russia (VOR) headlined “Saudi Arabia group behind chemical weapons provocation in Syria – source.”
They were based in Jordan. King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein’s Hashimite Kingdom is complicit. A Russian source said:
“Having analyzed this information, which was received from a whole range of sources, we are getting a picture that confirms that the criminal provocation in Eastern Ghouta was committed by a specialized group that was sent by Saudi Arabia from the territory of Jordan and acted under the cover of the Liva al-Islam (Banner of Islam) group.”
It’s an extremist Islamic group. It includes over 50 brigades. It operates near Damascus.
Saudi-based Abdullah Mohammed Alloush is a Salafist cleric. His son Zahran heads it. He conducts joint operations with Jabhat al-Nusra. He rejects negotiations with Assad.
In July 2012, Liva al-Islam was responsible for killing Syrian Defense Minister Dawoud Rajiha, his deputy Asef Shawkat and Assistant Vice President Hassan Turkmani.
Another Moscow source said:
“(T)he chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta on August 21 and all the subsequent developments literally caused a stir in Syrian society, and people reacted painfully to the distorted interpretation of those events given by a number of media outlets and politicians.”
“That is why Syrians whose political views differ dramatically, including the opposition’s militants themselves, are actively trying to tell everything they know about this crime and the forces who masterminded and sponsored it to diplomats and international organization officials who continue working in Syria.”
According to Syria Minister Omram al-Zoabi:
Damascus and Moscow “maintain permanent, almost daily contact concerning those details.”
Syria established a special interdepartmental group. It decides how best to eliminate all chemical weapons.
It’s cooperating with Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspectors.
On October 1, an advance group arrived in Damascus. They did so to begin the ambitious task of destroying CWs safely and completely. Syria has an estimated 1,000 ton stockpile.
According to Zoabi:
“Whether to destroy chemical weapons on the scene or take them out to other countries for scrapping will be determined by experts and the interdepartmental group which was formed by the Syrian government and comprises representatives of the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry. It’s a technical issue.”
On October 2, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said:
“We read reports and hear from various sources, semi-official and trustworthy, that some official representatives of a number of the countries of the region surrounding Syria allegedly established contacts and meet regularly with leaders of Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist groups, and also that those radicals have some components of chemical weapons maybe found in Syria or maybe brought from somewhere, and not just on the Syrian territory, but also that chemical weapons components have been brought to Iraq and that provocations are being prepared there.”
Supplying insurgents with CWs increased after Security Council Resolution 2118 was adopted.
Lavrov wants all sides to resolve differences nonviolently. He wants them to agree to attend Geneva II without preconditions.
“There are enough provocateurs, and there will probably be more provocations,” he added.
“What’s important now is that it shouldn’t be them who calls the tune but Russia and the United States as the initiators of Geneva-2 along with the United Nations secretary general to whom a request to that effect was submitted in New York.”
“We hope that consultations that are now being conducted by the UN secretary general and his special representative, Lakhdar Brahimi, will produce positive results enabling us to organize initial events needed to launch this conference.”
“It’s important that all the Syrian factions be fully represented at the talks for the future agreements to be really stable and lasting.”
On October 4, Itar Tass headlined “Russia fears radical Syrian opposition provocations in elimination of chemical weapons,” saying:
According to Putin’s Middle East envoy Mikhail Bogdanov:
“Objectively speaking this cannot be ruled out, and we have certain understanding with our western partners in this respect that there are real risks and different kind of provocations because terrorists and extremists who are not interested in a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis might put different obstacles, quite serious, in the process to eliminate chemical weapons.”
“What really concerns us, and what objectively will be a problem, is that it will not be easy to get to the places where chemical weapons or some components are located.”
“In principle, chemical arsenals are under control of the Syrian government, but I think not all of them.”
“But one can get to the depots that are controlled by the government only in crossing regions that are controlled by the opposition.”
“That is why the question arises how to cross these regions and ensure the safety of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons who will work there.”
UN spokesman Martin Nesirky expects international inspectors to begin work on eliminating Syria’s CWs next week.
Doing so won’t be easy. Expect anti-Assad provocations to follow. Expect him to be wrongfully blamed for what happens.
US/Iranian Foreign Ministers Meet
September 28th, 2013By Stephen Lendman.
On Thursday, they met in New York. They did so on the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting. They held what they called substantive talks.
They were the first in over a generation. Smiles, handshakes, and positive sounding language mean nothing. They can’t erase decades of unrelenting US hostility.
Iran remains justifiably cautious. John Kerry said he and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif “had a very constructive meeting.”
“Needless to say,” he added, “one meeting and a change in tone, which was welcome, doesn’t answer those questions yet and there is a lot of work to be done.”
He wants Iran to prove its good intentions. As usual US policy twists things irresponsibly. America has all the proving to do.
Iran long ago sought rapprochement. Washington spurned its good faith efforts. It’s done repeatedly. It’s done it consistently. It’s done it irresponsibly.
Don’t expect a new leaf turned over now. Doing so would be totally out of character.
Iran is America’s top global bete noire. It’s for reasons unrelated to its policies. Its government has good reason to proceed cautiously going forward.
Zarif said he’s “satisfied with this first step. Now we have to see whether we can match our positive words with serious deeds so we can move forward.”
“Of course as we move forward, there has to be removal of sanctions and in the end game there has to be a total lifting of all sanctions and both bilateral sanctions, unilateral sanctions as well as multilateral sanctions and UN sanctions and we hope to be able to move in that direction within a short span of time.”
Iranian President Hassan Rohani hopes for a deal resolving Iran’s nuclear program in three to six months.
Achieving it won’t be easy. Washington obstructed previous efforts. Nothing suggests changed policy ahead.
Iran’s program is entirely peaceful. America knows. So do other Western nations and Israel. They falsely claim otherwise.
At issue is regime change. Washington wants Iranian sovereignty destroyed. It wants pro-Western puppet governance replacing it. So does Israel.
Falsifying an Iranian nuclear threat is red herring cover to achieve it. Israeli Lobby pressure remains intense.
AIPAC’s in the vanguard leading it. On September 20, it headlined “Negotiations with Iran Must Be Backed by Strength,” saying:
“Washington can improve the prospects of success…by taking steps to expand sanctions against Iran and to enhance the credibility of the option to use force.”
“The international community should only consider sanctions relief if Iran complies with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that require suspending its nuclear activities.”
AIPAC wants them ended entirely. Iran’s program is entirely peaceful. It’s no different from comparable ones in dozens of other countries.
Iran alone is criticized. It’s falsely accused of pursuing nuclear weapons. No evidence suggests it. None exists.
It calls “baseless allegations unprofessional, unfair, illegal and politicized.” It does so for good reason.
Tehran complies fully with Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) provisions. It was one of its first signatories. Nothing suggests nonconformance.
Full compliance isn’t good enough for AIPAC. “Iran must demonstrate seriousness in talks by taking concrete actions to suspend and roll back its nuclear program,” its statement says.
AIPAC wants it entirely halted. “Pleasant rhetoric will not suffice,” it said. “If Iran fails to act, sanctions must be increased.”
“If Iran suspends its nuclear activity, the United States should be prepared to suspend any new sanctions.”
Otherwise AIPAC wants new sanctions. It wants current ones unchanged no matter what Iran does.
“Strengthening the credibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear program is crucial if talks are to succeed,” said AIPAC.
“Iran cannot be allowed to advance its nuclear program while using negotiations as a delaying tactic.”
AIPAC wants Iran denied its legitimate right. Israel is nuclear armed and dangerous. It’s a nuclear outlaw. It’s one of only four non-signatory states. Others include India, Pakistan and South Sudan.
North Korea was an earlier signatory. In 2003, it withdrew. It’s unclear if it complied with NPT provisions doing so.
Washington, other Western nations and AIPAC turn a blind eye to Israel’s worst practices. They include maintaining formidable nuclear, chemical and biological weapons arsenals.
In all its wars, Israel uses banned weapons. It tests new ones. It’s never been held accountable. Washington does the same thing. Both countries demand unconditional Iranian nuclear surrender. They have no right to do so.
AIPAC wants that much and more. It wants America to “support Israel’s right to act against Iran if it feels compelled – in its legitimate self-defense – to act.”
Lindsey Graham (R. SC) is one of Washington’s most hawkish senators. He’s drafting legislation with likeminded lawmakers to attack Iran.
“Look how we’ve handled the chemical weapons threat in Syria,” he said.
“If we duplicate that with the Iranians, they’re going to march toward a nuclear weapon and dare Israel to attack them.”
“So in the next six months, our friends in Israel are going to have to take the Iranians on, unless the United States can send a clear signal to Iran, unlike what we’ve sent to Syria.”
“The mixed message and the debacle called Syria can’t be repeated when it comes to Iran.”
“So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to get a bipartisan coalition together.”
“We’re going to put together a use-of-force resolution allowing our country to use military force as a last resort to stop the Iranian nuclear program, to make sure they get a clear signal that all this debacle about Syria doesn’t mean we’re confused about Iran.”
Washington is infested with lunatics like Graham. They exert considerable influence. They include Republicans and Democrats.
They’ve gotten America into one war after another. They’ve done it for decades. Waging it on Syria remains official administration policy. Only its timing changed.
Iran’s turn awaits. Graham and others intend legislation to insure it. Good faith Iranian nuclear negotiations don’t matter. Tehran tried unsuccessfully for years to reach agreement.
In 2006, so-called P5+1 talks began. Participating countries include the five permanent Security Council members (America, Britain, China, France and Russia) plus Germany.
Multiple negotiating rounds failed. Washington bears full responsibility. It consistently obstructed Iranian good faith efforts. Nothing suggests changed policy ahead.
It bears repeating. Addressing Iran’s nuclear program is subterfuge. It’s entirely legitimate. Attacking it is pretext for longstanding regime change plans. They remain firm.
If Iran had no nuclear program, another ruse would be invented to justify belligerence. Washington and Israel are waging war on Iran.
Tel Aviv wants a regional rival removed. America wants regional dominance. It wants it globally. It wants control of Iranian oil and gas. It wants ordinary Iranians exploited. It wants more territory for military bases.
Tactics include saber rattling, cyber attacks, other sabotage, targeted assassinations, deadly explosions, satellite, drone, and other type spying, bogus accusations, lawless sanctions, and attempts to cripple Iran’s economy.
On Thursday, Rohani addressed a nuclear disarmament meeting. He did so on the sidelines of the General Assembly session.
He spoke on behalf of 120 Nonaligned Movement (NAM) member states. Iran heads the organization. It does so for another two years. It hosted its August 2012 16th Summit.
Rohani called for nuclear disarmament. He did so responsibly. He did what every leader should do. He said:
“As long as nuclear weapons exist, the threat of their use exists.”
“The world has waited too long for nuclear disarmament.”
“Almost four decades of international efforts to establish nuclear weapon-free zones have regrettably failed.”
“Urgent, practical steps toward the establishment of such a zone are necessary.”
“The international community has to redouble efforts in support of the establishment of this zone.”
“Let us bestow upon future generations a nuclear weapon-free world.”
“This is their right and our responsibility. Let us prove that we are the United Nations, nations united for peace.”
Rohani called on Israel to sign NPT. It’s the only regional non-signatory. It “should join thereto without any further delay,” he stressed.
“All nuclear activities in the region should be subject to IAEA comprehensive safeguards.”
“The world has waited (far) too long for nuclear disarmament. Any use of nuclear weapons is a violation of the UN charter and a crime against humanity.”
Nuclear disarmament should be implemented in a “comprehensive and nondiscriminatory” manner.
Straightway, “nuclear states should refrain from threats or use of such weapons against non-nuclear states under any circumstances.”
Nuclear weapons should never be used for any reason, he stressed.
“No nation should possess nuclear weapons, since there are no right hands for these wrong weapons.”
Critics say Rohani’s on a charm offensive. His sincerity is palpable. It’s real. He genuinely wants a nuclear-free world.
He forthrightly says Iran wants no part of developing nuclear weapons. It wants nuclear technology solely for peaceful purposes.
He deplores conflict. He wants peace. He wants it for future generations. He wants what American and Israel abhor.
He wants lawless sanctions ended. He condemned their imposition. They harm ordinary Iranians most. They’re imposed for that reason.
Rohani called them “uncivilized.” They’re crimes against humanity. World leaders should forthrightly condemn them. They should refuse to obey them.
Washington and Israeli hardliners want them stiffened. They want regime change. War is their bottom line option to achieve it.
Attacking Iran would be madness. Don’t bet against it happening. Israel’s been spoiling for war for years. Netanyahu more than any previous Israeli leader wants it.
Washington long ago readied plans. Implementing them is as simple as another false flag. It’s a favorite US tactic.
They’ve been used since the 19th century. They’re used many times. They’ll be used again. Obama’s a warrior president.
He’s waged war every day throughout his tenure. He shows no signs of changing plans now. He wants Syrian and Iranian regime change. He’s ready to destroy both countries to achieve it.
An uneasy calm persists before the next storm. It’s just a matter of time before it erupts. Preventing war matters most. Humanity’s future depends on it. If that’s not worth preserving, what is?
Deal Reached on Syrian Chemical Weapons
September 28th, 2013By Stephen Lendman.
Give credit where it’s deserved. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earned it. He bested John Kerry. So far at least, he made him eat crow.
The five permanent Security Council members agreed on “binding and enforceable” wording to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons.
Security Council resolution language excludes military force. Russia wants all Syrian conflict issues resolved diplomatically.
So far, things are proceeding that way. It remains to be seen what happens going forward. Obama’s regime change plans remain firm.
War is his bottom line option to achieve them. Implementing it is delayed. It’s not deterred. Another storm may follow today’s calm.
On Friday, Lavrov said:
“We have fully agreed upon draft decisions that will be forwarded to the headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Hague within the next few minutes.”
“We have also agreed upon a Russian-American draft resolution that will be submitted to the UNSC today in order to support the decision that I hope will be adopted by the OPCW.”
“There will be no enforcement in line with Chapter VII,” he stressed.
Draft resolution language fully complies with provisions he and Kerry agreed on in Geneva weeks earlier.
According to Lavrov:
It “includes the agreement reached in Geneva that if there are any violations of (OPCW) procedures by any side, or if chemical weapons are used by any side, only then will the Security Council revisit these instances and may be prepared to adopt decisions under Chapter 7 proportionate to the gravity of these violations.”
Eliminating Syria’s CWs appears easier than first thought. They’re largely “unweaponized.” They’re liquid precursors. Neutralizing them involves a simpler process.
Destroying them can proceed more quickly. According to a US/Russian assessment, they can be eliminated in about nine months.
On September 20, Syria provided OPCW officials with a comprehensive CW list. From the Hague, the OPCW said the “expected disclosure from the Syrian government” was received.
It’s being reviewed by its “technical secretariat.” US officials assessed what was submitted. A senior State Department official called it “quite good.”
Resolution language is legally binding. At the same time, it excludes automatic enforcement.
Security Council members will assess violations if they occur. Further action requires agreeing on a separate resolution.
A State Department official called agreed on Security Council language “a breakthrough arrived at through hard-fought diplomacy.”
“Just two weeks ago, no one thought this was in the vicinity of possible.”
“After close consultation with the P3, the Russians have agreed to support a strong, binding and enforceable resolution that unites the pressure and focus of the international community on the Syrian regime to ensure the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons.”
“This is historic and unprecedented because it puts oversight of the Assad regime’s compliance under international control and it’s the first (Security Council resolution) to declare that the use of chemical weapons is a threat to peace and security.”
“Equally as important, it makes absolutely clear that failure of the Assad regime to comply will have consequences. Later this evening there will be a full consultation with the UNSC to discuss text.”
Resolution language holds all sides equally accountable. It excludes the use of force.
It’s in strict compliance with Geneva agreed on terms. Previous articles discussed them. They bear repeating. They include six points as follows:
(1) Syria will place its chemical weapons under international control.
(2) In one week, it will provide a “comprehensive” CW list.
(3) Extraordinary Chemical Weapons Convention procedures will be implemented to destroy them.
(4) Syria will give international inspectors full, “unfettered access” to all chemical weapons sites.
(5) All CWs must be destroyed by mid-2014. No precise date was stipulated.
(6) The UN will provide logistical support and compliance assurance with what’s agreed on.
Agreed on Security Council provisions are as follows:
“1. Determines that the use of chemical weapons anywhere constitutes a threat to international peace and security;
2. Condemns in the strongest terms any use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, in particular the attack on 21 August 2013, in violation of international law;
3. Endorses the decision of the OPCW Executive Council (XX September 2013), which contains special procedures for the expeditious destruction of the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons program and stringent verification thereof and calls for its full implementation in the most expedient and safest manner;
4. Decides that the Syrian Arab Republic shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State actors;
5. Underscores that no party in Syria should use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons;
6. Decides that the Syrian Arab Republic shall comply with all aspects of the decision of the OPCW Executive Council of (XX September 2013) (Annex I);
7. Decides that the Syrian Arab Republic shall cooperate fully with the OPCW and the United Nations, including by complying with their relevant recommendations, by accepting personnel designated by the OPCW or the United Nations, by providing for and ensuring the security of activities undertaken by these personnel, by providing these personnel with immediate and unfettered access to and the right to inspect, in discharging their functions, any and all sites, and by allowing immediate and unfettered access to individuals that the OPCW has grounds to believe to be of importance for the purpose of its mandate, and decides that all parties in Syria shall cooperate fully in this regard;
8. Decides to authorize an advance team of United Nations personnel to provide early assistance to OPCW activities in Syria, requests the Director-General of the OPCW and the Secretary-General to closely cooperate in the implementation of the Executive Council decision of (XX September 2013) and this resolution, including through their operational activities on the ground, and further requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Director-General of the OPCW and, where appropriate, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to submit to the Council within 10 days of the adoption of this resolution recommendations regarding the role of the United Nations in eliminating the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons program;
9. Notes that the Syrian Arab Republic is a party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, decides that OPCW-designated personnel undertaking activities provided for in this resolution or the decision of the OPCW Executive Council of (XX September 2013) shall enjoy the privileges and immunities contained in the Verification Annex, Part II(B) of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and calls on the Syrian Arab Republic to conclude modalities agreements with the United Nations and the OPCW;
10. Encourages Member States to provide support, including personnel, technical expertise, information, equipment, and financial and other resources and assistance, in coordination with the Director-General of the OPCW and the Secretary-General, to enable the OPCW and the United Nations to implement the elimination of the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons program, and decides to authorize Member States to acquire, control, transport, transfer and destroy chemical weapons identified by the Director-General of the OPCW, consistent with the objective of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to ensure the elimination of the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons program in the soonest and safest manner;
11. Urges all Syrian parties and interested Member States with relevant capabilities to work closely together and with the OPCW and the United Nations to arrange for the security of the monitoring and destruction mission, recognizing the primary responsibility of the Syrian government in this regard;
12. Decides to review on a regular basis the implementation in the Syrian Arab Republic of the decision of the OPCW Executive Council (XX September 2013) and this resolution, and requests the Director-General of the OPCW to report to the Security Council, through the Secretary-General, who shall include relevant information on United Nations activities related to the implementation of this resolution, within 30 days and every month thereafter, and requests further the Director-General of the OPCW and the Secretary-General to report in a coordinated manner, as needed, to the Security Council, non-compliance with this resolution or the OPCW Executive Council decision of (XX September 2013);
13. Reaffirms its readiness to consider promptly any reports of the OPCW under Article VIII of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which provides for the referral of cases of non-compliance to the United Nations Security Council;
14. Decides that Member States shall inform immediately the Security Council of any violation of resolution 1540 (2004), including acquisition by non-State actors of chemical weapons, their means of delivery and related materials in order to take necessary measures therefore; Accountability
15. Expresses its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic should be held accountable; Political transition
16. Endorses fully the Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012 (Annex II), which sets out a number of key steps beginning with the establishment of a transitional governing body exercising full executive powers, which could include members of the present Government and the opposition and other groups and shall be formed on the basis of mutual consent;
17. Calls for the convening, as soon as possible, of an international conference on Syria to implement the Geneva Communique, and calls upon all Syrian parties to engage seriously and constructively at the Geneva Conference on Syria, and underscores that they should be fully representative of the Syrian people and committed to the implementation of the Geneva Communique and to the achievement of stability and reconciliation; Non-Proliferation
18. Reaffirms that all Member States shall refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery, and calls upon all Member States, in particular Member States neighbouring the Syrian Arab Republic, to report any violations of this paragraph to the Security Council immediately;
19. Demands that non-State actors not develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer, or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery, and calls upon all Member States, in particular Member States neighbouring the Syrian Arab Republic, to report any actions inconsistent with this paragraph to the Security Council immediately;
20. Decides that all Member States shall prohibit the procurement of chemical weapons, related equipment, goods and technology or assistance from the Syrian Arab Republic by their nationals, or using their flagged vessels or aircraft, whether or not originating in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic; Compliance
21. Decides, in the event of non-compliance with this resolution, including unauthorized transfer of chemical weapons, or any use of chemical weapons by anyone in the Syrian Arab Republic, to impose measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter;
22. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”
It bears repeating. Security Council resolution language holds all sides equally accountable.
Condemning Ghouta’s attack stopped short of assigning blame. Syria had nothing to do with it. Insurgents bear full responsibility. Previous articles explained in detail.
Geneva I (June 2012) “agreed on guidelines and principles for a political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
In other words, Syrians alone will decide who’ll lead them. Other nations, groups or elements have no say.
Efforts going forward require “facilitat(ing) a Syrian-led political process” representing all its citizens.
Transitional government must be “genuinely democratic and pluralistic.”
It must comply with “international standards on human rights.”
It must include an independent judiciary respecting rule of law principles.
It must offer “equal opportunities and chances for all.”
Ending conflict depends on establishing “a transitional governing body” with “full executive powers.”
“It could include members of the present government and the opposition and other groups and shall be formed on the basis of mutual consent.”
Syrians alone must “determine the future of the country.”
All groups and segments of society must be able “to participate in a National Dialogue” process. Outcomes achieved “must be implemented.”
“The result of the constitutional drafting would be subject to popular approval.”
Once established, “free and fair multi-party elections” must be held. Women must be “represented in all aspects of the transition.”
“The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected.”
Conflict resolution must be achieved through peaceful dialogue and negotiation. Force is ruled out.
Washington ignored Geneva provisions. It systematically violated them repeatedly. It still does so.
It remains to be seen what follows passage of the first Security Council resolution on Syria. Its binding language may not matter.
US duplicity is longstanding. Washington policymakers can’t be trusted. There’s great reason for concern going forward. Events require close monitoring. Obama may get the war he wants.
Odds strongly favor it. Preventing it matters most.
False Flag Chemical Weapons Attack on Syria
August 24th, 2013
By Stephen Lendman.
False flags are an American tradition. They’re an Israeli tradition. They’re used strategically. They reflect Big Lies.
Merriam-Webster calls them “deliberate gross distortion(s) of the truth used especially as a propaganda tactic.”
Official stories are false. They’re contrary to reality. They turn truth on its head. They point fingers the wrong way.
They’re pretexts for militarism, wars, mass killing and destruction, occupations, domestic repression, and other extremist national security state measures.
Wednesday’s Ghouta incident raises disturbing questions. It was a clear anti-Syrian provocation. No evidence suggests Assad’s involvement. Clear analysis shows he’d have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
Syrian insurgents used chemical weapons numerous times before. Clear evidence proves it. Media scoundrels suppressed it. They substituted lies for truth. They do it every time. It’s standard practice.
On August 23, Russia Today headlined “Materials implicating Syrian govt in chemical attack prepared before incident – Russia.”
According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Lukashevich:
We’re getting more new evidence that this criminal act was of a provocative nature.”
“In particular, there are reports circulating on the Internet, in particular that the materials of the incident and accusations against government troops had been posted for several hours before the so-called attack. Thus, it was a pre-planned action.”
It reflects “another anti-Syrian propaganda wave.” Calls for force “heard from EU capitals (are) unacceptable.”
Assad demonstrated a “constructive approach.” He did so by letting UN experts investigate sites of previous chemical weapon attacks.
Insurgents don’t display a similar cooperative willingness, Lukashevich added.
“This directly impedes the objective investigation of allegations of possible cases of chemical weapons use in Syria, which is called for by a number of countries and which the Russian side supports.”
On August 23, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) headlined “Two phone calls affirm the use of chemical weapons in Homs by terrorists,” saying:
“A phone call between a terrorist affiliated to the so-called ‘Shuhada al-Bayada Battalion’ in Homs and his boss who was called Adulbasit from Saudi Arabia uncovered that terrorists used the chemical weapons in Deir Ballba in Homs countryside.”
“During a phone call broadcast on the Syrian TV Channel, the terrorist said that his group which comprises 200 terrorists escaped from al-Bayadah to al-Daar al-Kabera through a tunnel, adding that they needed to buy weapons to attack the City of Homs.”
“The Saudi financier who was present in Cairo asked the Syrian terrorists about details on his group and the way they will receive the money, admitting his support to terrorists in Daraa and Damascus Countryside, in turn the Syria terrorist told him that one of the achievements of his ‘Battalion’ was the use of chemical weapons in Deir Ballba.”
“In the same context, another phone call reveled the cooperation between tow terrorist groups to bring two bottles of Sarin Gas from Barzeh neighborhood in Damascus.”
All indications suggest insurgents’ responsibility for Wednesday’s incident. Was America complicit? Was Israel? Were key NATO allies and/or rogue regional partners?
Was the Ghouta chemical attack pretext for direct US and/or NATO/Israeli intervention?
In June, Obama officials wrongfully accused Syria of chemical weapons use. They suggest Assad responsibility for Ghouta. They do it reprehensibly. They do it anyway.
On August 22, State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said Syria crossed Obama’s red line earlier.
He has a “range of options” going forward, she said. They’re being “discuss(ed) with his national security team.”
“Appropriate steps are being considered with key allies.”
Asked if administration officials are urging direct action, she said “any step we would take would be one (that) helps advance our interests in Syria, and certainly, the crossing of a redline would be part of that calculus and part of that decision.”
Obama and John Kerry “feel a great sense of urgency about getting to the bottom of the facts as quickly as possible.”
Obama’s redline “has always been the use of chemical weapons.”
If reports on the Ghouta incident are true, she added, “it would be an outrageous and flagrant use of chemical weapons by the regime.”
On August 21, the Wall Street Journal headlined “US Suspects Syria Used Gas,” saying:
“The US sees ‘strong indications’ that Syria’s government used chemical weapons in attacks early Wednesday that opposition groups claimed killed more than 1,100 people.”
An unnamed senior administration said:
“There are strong indications there was a chemical weapons attack – clearly by the government.”
“But we do need to do our due diligence and get all the facts and determine what steps need to be taken.”
Options being considered include cruise missile strikes, an air campaign, and cross-border shelling, among others.
An unnamed senior Obama official said “(t)here’s a split between those who feel we need to act now and those who feel that now is a very bad time to act.” He stopped short of naming names.
Neither Washington or EU allies have “smoking gun” proof, he added. Intelligence agencies amassed circumstantial evidence of chemical weapons use in Ghouta.
Stars and Stripes is an official Defense Department publication. It said US officials are divided on how to respond to the Ghouta incident.
“Top military leaders have cautioned against even limited action in Syria. Dempsey, the Joint Chiefs chairman, said in a letter this week to a congressman that the US military is clearly capable of taking out Assad’s air force and shifting the balance of the war toward the armed opposition.”
“But such an approach would plunge the US into the war without offering any (end game) strategy.”
Jeffrey White’s a former Defense Intelligence Agency Middle East analyst. He’s now a pro-Israeli Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP) fellow.
“Assuming that there was a large-scale chemical attack, it indicates (Assad’s) regime has not been deterred by the statements coming out of Washington,” he said.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu declared “all red lines” crossed. He urged more direct action.
Israel pointed fingers the wrong way. It blamed Syria for Wednesday’s incident. Netanyahu said if Assad’s not punished, Iran will be encouraged to develop nuclear weapons.
“Syria has become Iran’s testing ground, and Iran is closely watching whether and how the world responds to the atrocities committed by Iran’s client state Syria,” he said.
“These events prove yet again that we simply cannot allow the world’s most dangerous regimes to acquire the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said “we need a reaction by the international community.” He urged military force.
On August 22, Voice of Russia headlined “Chemical attack” ‘rough work’ of Syrian opposition,” saying:
Russia accused opposition militants. Assad had nothing to do with Ghouta. Claims otherwise are spurious. They have no basis in fact.
Attacking Ghouta was a “prearranged provocation.” It’s not the first one. It won’t be the last.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said:
“Early in the morning of August 21, a homemade missile with a so far unknown chemical poison gas was shot in the direction of this district from the positions of the militants.”
“It was similar to the missile used by terrorists on March 19, this year, in Khan al-Asal (near Aleppo).”
All-Russia Center of Disaster Medicine Professor Gennady Prostakishin said:
“I don’t know, whether there is sarin in Syria, or not. Remember, what happened to Saddam Hussein.”
“Americans voiced complaints against him concerning sarin and other toxic agents, too. But there was nothing there. The same thing is likely to be happening here.”
According to Institute of Strategic Assessments and Analysis expert Sergei Demdenko:
“The opposition has nothing to lose. It cannot win, and it does all it can to force the West to intervene in the conflict, to convince the West that the regime is ‘bloody and inhuman.’ ”
Following chemical attack incidents, “TV channels financed by” opposition supporters automatically blame Assad.
“It has all happened before. As soon as America has declared that it would intervene in case chemical weapons were found in Syria, Qatari(-controlled) al-Jazeera channel announced that it had already found it.”
“As soon as the group of UN experts arrived in Syria in order to examine the data about chemical weapons, (Saudi Arabia’s) Al Arabiya channel immediately reported that it had been used by the government troops. This is a very rough work.”
It’s much the same in America. European media report Big Lies. Whether full-scale war follows remains to be seen.
Washington appears heading toward it. On August 22, London’s Guardian headlined “Syria crisis: US holds talks as concern grows over chemical weapons claims,” saying:
Washington “held a flurry of diplomatic talks on Thursday to discuss possible new action against the Syrian government amid mounting international concern over alleged chemical weapons attacks.”
John Kerry “held seven calls with overseas counterparts on Thursday, and had taken part in a national security council meeting at the White House.”
“The British Foreign Office confirmed Kerry had spoken to William Hague. A spokesman declined to comment on the contents of the call.”
“(Britain’s) Foreign Office spokeswoman said the UK would not rule out any option in its response to the latest massacre.”
On August 22, Le Monde editors headlined: “Syrie: l’indignation ne suffit pas (Indignation is not enough),” saying:
“Terrible symbol: chemical crime hit a few kilometers from the place where the UN team arrived two days earlier.”
“Beyond the horror of these scenes, it is a stinging humiliation of the United Nations which has just taken place in Syria.”
“Bashar al-Assad is certainly a keen observer of the international scene. It has been observed in recent months, weak foreign reactions to ‘spot’ and repeated chemical attacks, carried out by (his) troops.”
“The United States and European countries, including France” threatened decisive action earlier.”
“Faced with what could be likened to a ‘Syrian Halabja’ words of indignation will not suffice.”
Throughout nearly two-and a half years of conflict, Western-backed insurgents committed numerous atrocities. They were caught red-handed many times. Assad was wrongfully blamed.
It’s happening again. It’s happening despite no evidence suggesting Syrian responsibility for Ghouta. It doesn’t matter. It remains to be seen whether greater US/NATO/Israeli intervention follows.