4 New Messages
Digest #4793
Messages
Sun Sep 1, 2013 6:46 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
Stop NATO
August 31, 2013
Once again, let me play devil’s advocate.
Aside from the obvious fact that no head of state, with or without the approval of his nation’s legislative branch, can inform the world that he intends to military attack another nation that threatens neither his own or any other country (despite Obama’s repeated and thoroughly dishonest invocations of “national security”) constituting a gross insult to the international order, look what in effect he has done:
He has put the whole world on notice, the way that a cat plays with a mouse before mauling and killing it, what he intends to do and reserves the sadistic right to keep all parties in suspense, capriciously if he chooses, for as long as suits him and his domestic agenda.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Iran, Russia and China are subjected to stewing in their own helplessness, their own utter impotence, for days or weeks – “for you know not the day not the hour” – and, moreover, their impotence is put on display before the entire world: The three nations are not able or willing to protect their closest allies or for that matter even themselves.
This new ploy by Washington has upped the ante by definitely confirming a military strike in advance (unlike Yugoslavia, Iraq and Libya where everyone may have assumed one but hoped it could be averted) and then defying anyone at home or abroad to do anything about it. That is, backing down the world.
Rick Rozoff
==============================
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Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
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==============================
Stop NATO
August 31, 2013
Once again, let me play devil’s advocate.
Aside from the obvious fact that no head of state, with or without the approval of his nation’s legislative branch, can inform the world that he intends to military attack another nation that threatens neither his own or any other country (despite Obama’s repeated and thoroughly dishonest invocations of “national security”) constituting a gross insult to the international order, look what in effect he has done:
He has put the whole world on notice, the way that a cat plays with a mouse before mauling and killing it, what he intends to do and reserves the sadistic right to keep all parties in suspense, capriciously if he chooses, for as long as suits him and his domestic agenda.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Iran, Russia and China are subjected to stewing in their own helplessness, their own utter impotence, for days or weeks – “for you know not the day not the hour” – and, moreover, their impotence is put on display before the entire world: The three nations are not able or willing to protect their closest allies or for that matter even themselves.
This new ploy by Washington has upped the ante by definitely confirming a military strike in advance (unlike Yugoslavia, Iraq and Libya where everyone may have assumed one but hoped it could be averted) and then defying anyone at home or abroad to do anything about it. That is, backing down the world.
Rick Rozoff
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
Sun Sep 1, 2013 6:46 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"ANTIC.org-SNN" minimaks
Revealed: Britain sold nerve gas chemicals to Syria 10 months after war
began
1 Sep 2013 07:21| Russell Findlay
FURIOUS politicians have demanded Prime Minister David Cameron explain
why chemical export licences were granted to firms last January – 10
months after the Syrian uprising began.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/n
began
1 Sep 2013 07:21| Russell Findlay
FURIOUS politicians have demanded Prime Minister David Cameron explain
why chemical export licences were granted to firms last January – 10
months after the Syrian uprising began.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/n
Sun Sep 1, 2013 7:51 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
August 30, 2013
FACT SHEET: The United States and Latvia – NATO Allies and Global Partners
President Obama hosted Latvian President Andris Bērziņš, along with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, for a meeting in the White House on August 30. The visit underscored the close ties between the United States and the Baltic states, which are grounded in our shared values, ideals, and interests. The leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in the following areas:
Defense and Security Cooperation:
* Afghanistan: Latvia is a stalwart supporter of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan and has committed to continue supporting NATO’s post-2014 non-combat mission. Latvia has contributed to a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Faryab province and currently has 140 troops deployed to the Nordic-Baltic Task Force in Mazar-e-Sharif. Additionally, Latvian Special Operations Forces support the ISAF mission in Kabul. Riga is a key port along the Northern Distribution Network, which facilitates the transport of materiel to coalition troops in Afghanistan and serves as a retrograde route for materiel leaving the theater. Latvia has pledged $500,000 annually from 2015 to 2017 to support the Afghan National Security Forces.
* Cyber Security: The government of Latvia has recognized the danger of increased cyber threats and is working together with NATO, the EU, the Baltic states, and the United States to strengthen cyber security. The United States supports Latvia’s efforts through visits by U.S. experts and Latvian participation in EUCOM- and NATO-sponsored events and U.S.-based training. The government of Latvia is also a partner in the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of governments collaborating to advance Internet freedom.
* Defense and Security Cooperation: U.S. and Latvian troops participate in a range of joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ 13. Latvian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States.
* NATO Allies: As NATO allies, the United States and Latvia are committed to each other’s defense and partner in critical areas around the world. Latvia contributes important capabilities to the Alliance’s collective security, including the training of U.S.-certified joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) who coordinate air support for ground units during operations.
* The State Partnership Program: Latvia has partnered with the Michigan National Guard since 1993. The program has brought together hundreds of Guard personnel and their Latvian counterparts through training and outreach activities. Latvia and the Michigan National Guard are also joint providers of military assistance to Liberia through a program to train non-commissioned officers.
Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development:
* Development Cooperation: Latvia’s development assistance priorities include Central Asia and the EU Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia also works closely with the United States to provide border management and customs training to Central Asian countries. The Latvian government is also preparing to submit its first Emerging Donor Challenge Fund proposal, for which the government of Latvia and the U.S. Department of State would co-finance a border management project in Uzbekistan.
* Eastern Partnership: Along with the United States, Latvia places great emphasis on assisting the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia’s efforts in this area have included supporting land registration modernization in Azerbaijan; conducting border guard training in Belarus and Georgia, in conjunction with Estonia and Lithuania; and providing training to the Georgian armed forces. Additionally, Latvia conducts economic development and rule of law projects in Moldova through the U.S.-Latvia Agreement on Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Moldova, which was signed in June 2012.
* Global Cooperation: Latvia has been a strong ally in advancing human rights and democratic values around the world. Latvia has taken a leading role in encouraging democratic reforms in Belarus and helping Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova integrate more fully into European institutions. Latvia deploys seamen to the EU-led anti-piracy and anti-robbery Operation ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia and provides military training in Mali.
Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation:
* Energy Security: Latvia actively pursues a national strategy of energy diversification. A key portion of Latvia’s energy diversification strategy involves the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With half of its territory covered by forests, wood biomass is one of the primary fields for development. Latvian companies are pursuing U.S. technology and partnerships in wind power, biomass gasification, and waste energy solutions. These efforts support the Latvian government’s commitment to produce 40 percent of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020.
***
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
August 30, 2013
FACT SHEET: The United States and Latvia – NATO Allies and Global Partners
President Obama hosted Latvian President Andris Bērziņš, along with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, for a meeting in the White House on August 30. The visit underscored the close ties between the United States and the Baltic states, which are grounded in our shared values, ideals, and interests. The leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in the following areas:
Defense and Security Cooperation:
* Afghanistan: Latvia is a stalwart supporter of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan and has committed to continue supporting NATO’s post-2014 non-combat mission. Latvia has contributed to a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Faryab province and currently has 140 troops deployed to the Nordic-Baltic Task Force in Mazar-e-Sharif. Additionally, Latvian Special Operations Forces support the ISAF mission in Kabul. Riga is a key port along the Northern Distribution Network, which facilitates the transport of materiel to coalition troops in Afghanistan and serves as a retrograde route for materiel leaving the theater. Latvia has pledged $500,000 annually from 2015 to 2017 to support the Afghan National Security Forces.
* Cyber Security: The government of Latvia has recognized the danger of increased cyber threats and is working together with NATO, the EU, the Baltic states, and the United States to strengthen cyber security. The United States supports Latvia’s efforts through visits by U.S. experts and Latvian participation in EUCOM- and NATO-sponsored events and U.S.-based training. The government of Latvia is also a partner in the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of governments collaborating to advance Internet freedom.
* Defense and Security Cooperation: U.S. and Latvian troops participate in a range of joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ 13. Latvian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States.
* NATO Allies: As NATO allies, the United States and Latvia are committed to each other’s defense and partner in critical areas around the world. Latvia contributes important capabilities to the Alliance’s collective security, including the training of U.S.-certified joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) who coordinate air support for ground units during operations.
* The State Partnership Program: Latvia has partnered with the Michigan National Guard since 1993. The program has brought together hundreds of Guard personnel and their Latvian counterparts through training and outreach activities. Latvia and the Michigan National Guard are also joint providers of military assistance to Liberia through a program to train non-commissioned officers.
Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development:
* Development Cooperation: Latvia’s development assistance priorities include Central Asia and the EU Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia also works closely with the United States to provide border management and customs training to Central Asian countries. The Latvian government is also preparing to submit its first Emerging Donor Challenge Fund proposal, for which the government of Latvia and the U.S. Department of State would co-finance a border management project in Uzbekistan.
* Eastern Partnership: Along with the United States, Latvia places great emphasis on assisting the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia’s efforts in this area have included supporting land registration modernization in Azerbaijan; conducting border guard training in Belarus and Georgia, in conjunction with Estonia and Lithuania; and providing training to the Georgian armed forces. Additionally, Latvia conducts economic development and rule of law projects in Moldova through the U.S.-Latvia Agreement on Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Moldova, which was signed in June 2012.
* Global Cooperation: Latvia has been a strong ally in advancing human rights and democratic values around the world. Latvia has taken a leading role in encouraging democratic reforms in Belarus and helping Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova integrate more fully into European institutions. Latvia deploys seamen to the EU-led anti-piracy and anti-robbery Operation ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia and provides military training in Mali.
Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation:
* Energy Security: Latvia actively pursues a national strategy of energy diversification. A key portion of Latvia’s energy diversification strategy involves the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With half of its territory covered by forests, wood biomass is one of the primary fields for development. Latvian companies are pursuing U.S. technology and partnerships in wind power, biomass gasification, and waste energy solutions. These efforts support the Latvian government’s commitment to produce 40 percent of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020.
***
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
Sun Sep 1, 2013 7:51 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
September 1, 2013
Commentary: Congressional approval no license for attacking Syria
By Lu Yu
BEIJING: U.S. President Barack Obama's last-minute decision to put a planned military attack on Syria on hold displays some sort of prudence, but it does not end the worry for a war-weary American public and the world's peace-loving nations.
It appears the main motive for seeking congressional approval before going to war is to add an aura of legitimacy to the military intervention, when the president lacks support at home and from allies abroad for such a move.
In other words, he is still determined to do it, but chooses to first win the support of lawmakers, at a time when polls show more than half of the American public and many Congress members are averse to war.
However, a go-head from the Congress, even if Obama gets it, won't give Washington a legal pass to attack Syria.
Obviously, the president still views the question of whether to attack Syria a purely internal decision-making matter, and basically ignores the UN Security Council's undisputed authority over such issues.
While the world is still awaiting the results of the UN inspectors' probe into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, Washington has been pinning the blame on Damascus for quite a while.
Long after naming the culprit, the White House recently released an intelligence assessment to support its claim. But it is still short of hard evidence and details.
The recent veto by the British Parliament on joining Washington for a strike shows even the people of the staunchest U.S. ally remain unconvinced.
As a firm opponent to the Iraq war, Obama must have a clear notion of the severe consequences such a military intervention could bring.
In addition to causing heavy casualties, an attack on Syria could dramatically enhance the spill-over effect on the already-volatile regional situation, possibly dragging other parties, such as Israel and Iran, into an even bloodier conflict.
The United States, as well as other members of the Security Council, should remain committed to keeping world peace and maintaining the UN's authority, instead of messing up international norms and interfering in other countries's internal affairs.
Now, the ball is in the U.S. Congress's court. It should seriously listen to public opinion and carefully figure out the consequences of launching such a strike.
Xinhua News Agency
September 1, 2013
Commentary: Congressional approval no license for attacking Syria
By Lu Yu
BEIJING: U.S. President Barack Obama's last-minute decision to put a planned military attack on Syria on hold displays some sort of prudence, but it does not end the worry for a war-weary American public and the world's peace-loving nations.
It appears the main motive for seeking congressional approval before going to war is to add an aura of legitimacy to the military intervention, when the president lacks support at home and from allies abroad for such a move.
In other words, he is still determined to do it, but chooses to first win the support of lawmakers, at a time when polls show more than half of the American public and many Congress members are averse to war.
However, a go-head from the Congress, even if Obama gets it, won't give Washington a legal pass to attack Syria.
Obviously, the president still views the question of whether to attack Syria a purely internal decision-making matter, and basically ignores the UN Security Council's undisputed authority over such issues.
While the world is still awaiting the results of the UN inspectors' probe into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, Washington has been pinning the blame on Damascus for quite a while.
Long after naming the culprit, the White House recently released an intelligence assessment to support its claim. But it is still short of hard evidence and details.
The recent veto by the British Parliament on joining Washington for a strike shows even the people of the staunchest U.S. ally remain unconvinced.
As a firm opponent to the Iraq war, Obama must have a clear notion of the severe consequences such a military intervention could bring.
In addition to causing heavy casualties, an attack on Syria could dramatically enhance the spill-over effect on the already-volatile regional situation, possibly dragging other parties, such as Israel and Iran, into an even bloodier conflict.
The United States, as well as other members of the Security Council, should remain committed to keeping world peace and maintaining the UN's authority, instead of messing up international norms and interfering in other countries's internal affairs.
Now, the ball is in the U.S. Congress's court. It should seriously listen to public opinion and carefully figure out the consequences of launching such a strike.
