Everyday of Freedom is an Act of Faith for my writings ============> http://robertoscaruffi.blogspot.com for something on religions ===> http://scaruffi1.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Price Of Oil Drops Below $40 A Barrel
Investor Fears Over U.S. Unemployment, Economy Outweigh Threats To Global Supply
Another Winter of Discontent: Europe Fails to Wean Itself off Russian
The dispute between Russia and Ukraine seems to have been resolved, but the question of blame remains. Did Moscow deliberately risk allowing half of Europe to go without heat merely to teach Kiev a lesson? Whoever is to blame it is clear that neither Brussels nor Berlin did much over the past few years to avert the crisis.
Women Can Smell a Man's Intentions
At least subconsciously, a woman can also tell a man's in the mood by the scent of his sweat.
Spirituality, Not Religion, Makes Kids Happy
A study finds a link between happiness and spirituality among "tweens" and kids in mid-childhood.
Globalization, Terror Get Away From a West Suffering Historical Amnesia
Ignored in the good times, the patterns of history could bite us yet, Kenneth Weisbrode writes.
How To Protect, Fix Your Online Reputation
How To Protect, Fix Your Online Reputation
Expert Explains Dangers Of Negative Web Postings, And Tells How To Avoid And Repair Them
China Flaunts Growing Naval Capabilities
China Flaunts Growing Naval Capabilities
By Willy Lam
The year 2009 is set to become a watershed in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) development into a force capable of long-distance, multi-pronged power projection. This is despite the perception that owing to the global recession, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership under President Hu Jintao is preoccupied with its multi-billion dollar effort to resuscitate the economy and generate jobs. Even as three ultra-modern naval vessels (two destroyers and a supply ship) are steaming around the Gulf of Aden on an "anti-piracy mission," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has indirectly admitted that the country is building aircraft carriers. Various PLA officers have waxed eloquent on the imperative of enhancing the forces’ “combat-readiness”—and their ability to win high-tech warfare. Moreover, a gargantuan military parade is being planned for October 1, when Beijing will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (Yangtze Evening Post [Nanjing], January 4).
By Willy Lam
The year 2009 is set to become a watershed in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) development into a force capable of long-distance, multi-pronged power projection. This is despite the perception that owing to the global recession, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership under President Hu Jintao is preoccupied with its multi-billion dollar effort to resuscitate the economy and generate jobs. Even as three ultra-modern naval vessels (two destroyers and a supply ship) are steaming around the Gulf of Aden on an "anti-piracy mission," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has indirectly admitted that the country is building aircraft carriers. Various PLA officers have waxed eloquent on the imperative of enhancing the forces’ “combat-readiness”—and their ability to win high-tech warfare. Moreover, a gargantuan military parade is being planned for October 1, when Beijing will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (Yangtze Evening Post [Nanjing], January 4).
Israelis Push to Edge of Gaza City
Move Could Signal A Long Urban Battle
(By Griff Witte, The Washington Post)
Economy Made Few Gains in Bush Years
President Bush has presided over the weakest eight-year span for the U.S. economy in decades, according to an analysis of key data, and economists across the ideological spectrum increasingly view his two terms as a time of little progress on the nation's thorniest fiscal challenges.
(By Neil Irwin and Dan Eggen, The Washington Post)
In Russia, Power Has No Heirs
By SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE
The unspoken contract between ruler and subject in Russia is that in return for safety, prosperity and prestige, power is entrusted to their leaders.
Germany agrees 50bn euro stimulus
Germany has agreed a stimulus package worth about 50bn euros including infrastructure investment, senior ministers say.
Hamas rockets hit five Israeli cities
Hamas rockets hit five Israeli cities
The Sunday rocket attacks on Israelis come as the Israeli forces have escalated their strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Will Defense Run the "Real" Stimulus Package?
Will Defense Run the "Real" Stimulus Package?
By Catherine Austin Fitts
In fiscal 1999, the Department of Defense was "missing" $2.3 trillion dollars. To put that amount of money in perspective, it is approximately 3X what President-elect Obama is proposing to spend to revitalize America. In fiscal 2000, the Department of Defense was "missing" $1.1 trillion, about 1.5X what President-elect Obama wants to invest in America.
The Collapsing US Economy
Will the Government Turn to the Printing Press?
By Paul Craig Roberts
More is to come. Credit card debt, car loans, and commercial real estate mortgages have been securitized, too. There is little doubt there are derivatives based on this enormous pile of debt. As each "crisis" unfolds, it will mean more bailout rewards for the crooks who deep-sixed the US economy.
Former Guard on Guantanamo 'Torture'
Former Guard on Guantanamo 'Torture'
A former guard at the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay has spoken in his first television interview about the brutality he witnessed to inmates. Chris Arendt told the BBC what he saw amounted to ''torture'' and that some of his fellow guards were so violent as to be ''psychotic.''
Surge in Protectionism Threatens to Deepen World-Wide Crisis
A wave of protectionism is swelling around the world that could further damage struggling economies.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Israel reinforces army before 'third phase' in Gaza
Israel reinforces army before 'third phase' in Gaza
Reservists called in to strengthen the army as Ehud Olmert signals fighting will continue for some days
Leading economist fears slow decade for US
Leading economist fears slow decade for US
Professor of Economics at Yale University says there are signs that people regard this recession as a 'different story'
El Gobierno de la ineficacia
El Gobierno de la ineficacia
El Gobierno que presume de haber situado a España en la modernidad ideológica y social, el que promete disminuir en marzo el crecimiento rampante del desempleo, el que se muestra confiado de su control de la recesión, ha fracasado ante una simple tormenta de nieve.
Islamist rebels clash in Somalia
Clashes between rival Islamist militia groups in Somalia leave about 30 people dead and dozens injured, witnesses say.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Biden Visits Kandahar, Reaffirms Support for Troops in Afghanistan
US Vice President-elect Joe Biden spoke with Mr. Karzai and other officials in Afghanistan, including head of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan, US General David McKiernan, UN representative Kai Eide
A Gaza War Full of Traps and Trickery
By STEVEN ERLANGER
The grinding urban battle unfolding in the densely populated Gaza Strip is a war of new tactics and quick adaptation.
U.S. Rejected Aid for Israeli Raid on Iranian Nuclear Site
By DAVID E. SANGER
President Bush deflected a request by Israel last year for help in an attack on Iran’s main nuclear site and told the Israelis about new covert action against Iran.
Canada expels US woman deserter
A US army deserter and mother of three is ordered to leave Canada after her appeal for refuge fails.
Accord signed in Russia gas row
Russian and EU officials sign an agreement on how the flow of gas from Russia to Europe through Ukraine will be monitored.
Israel warns Gaza of escalation
Israel drops leaflets on the Gaza Strip warning residents that it plans to escalate its military action against Hamas.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Global Financial Crisis Upends the Plans of Many South Koreans to Study Abroad
By MARTIN FACKLER
The global financial crisis has decimated the value of South Korea’s currency, forcing tens of thousands of students to alter their study plans, or cancel them altogether.
For Arab Clan, Days of Agony in a Cross-Fire
By TAGHREED EL-KHODARY and ISABEL KERSHNER
Few families have suffered the wrath of the Israeli military as calamitously as the Samounis.
India’s Sikh Militants Forming Ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistani Intelligence
By Mukhtar A. Khan
The recent Mumbai attacks have once again embittered relations between the two nuclear-armed rivals of South Asia - Pakistan and India. India has given Pakistan a list of "handlers" who are believed to be based in Pakistan and were in touch with the terrorists during the attacks in Mumbai in November last year. The names (or aliases), like Wasi Zarar, Jundal, Buzurg and Kafa, were specified in the dossier that India gave to Pakistan on January 5. After evidence emerged of the involvement of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, India has brought up the list again, making it a test case for the Pakistan establishment to prove its much-vaunted anti-terror credentials.
NATO’s Khyber Lifeline
By Imtiaz Ali
The recent spate of attacks on NATO’s supply convoys in Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar and the adjacent Khyber Tribal Agency has not only tested Pakistan’s much-touted performance in the global war on terror, but has also compelled U.S-led forces in Afghanistan to dispense with what some Western officials call the “dependency syndrome” of using only Pakistan as a major supply route for NATO and ISAF forces in Afghanistan. Previously, most of the supply convoys came under attack somewhere in the remote parts of the Khyber agency of the tribal belt - the lawless region that straddles Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is disturbing, however, that the latest spike of attacks happened at depots and terminals in the city of Peshawar, the capital of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), where militants razed to ashes hundred of trucks and containers in recent weeks. All these vehicles and containers loaded with goods were destined for NATO forces based in Afghanistan.
Islamist Movements Recruiting in the West for the Somali Jihad
By James Brandon
Last month, U.S. media reported that up to 20 American citizens of Somali origin recently travelled from Minnesota to Somalia to join al-Shabaab, a hardline jihadist group that presently controls more than half of Somalia. One of the recruits is believed to have died while taking part in a suicide bomb attack (see Terrorism Monitor, December 8, 2008). Such reports should not be surprising. During the last three years, substantial numbers of Muslims have travelled to Somalia from a variety of western countries (including the United States and Canada) to fight against the country’s secular, internationally recognised government and its allies.
The Changing Face of the Jihadist Movement in Libya
By Camille Tawil
The Libyan jihadis who tried to but failed in their attempt to topple Colonel Qaddafi's regime in the 1990s have now largely been replaced with a new generation of young men, many of whom, though still opposed to the Libyan regime, have also embraced a wider goal, a goal associated with that of al-Qaeda's worldwide struggle against the West. An organized jihadist movement appeared in Libya in the early 1990s, though this does not mean that jihadis did not exist in Libya before that time. In fact, they did exist for a long time under Colonel Qaddafi’s regime, but they operated as small groups, with little or no cooperation. And when they did try to do something, they were heavily crushed by the government.
The Libyan jihadis who tried to but failed in their attempt to topple Colonel Qaddafi's regime in the 1990s have now largely been replaced with a new generation of young men, many of whom, though still opposed to the Libyan regime, have also embraced a wider goal, a goal associated with that of al-Qaeda's worldwide struggle against the West. An organized jihadist movement appeared in Libya in the early 1990s, though this does not mean that jihadis did not exist in Libya before that time. In fact, they did exist for a long time under Colonel Qaddafi’s regime, but they operated as small groups, with little or no cooperation. And when they did try to do something, they were heavily crushed by the government.
Kawasaki pulls team out of MotoGP
Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki pulls out of MotoGP to cut costs amid the global financial crisi
Army 'takes key Sri Lanka pass'
The Sri Lankan army captures Elephant Pass, the key link to the Jaffna peninsula, President Mahinda Rajapaksa says.
Bosnian Capital Faces Crisis Over Gas Cutoff
With some 70,000 households entirely dependent on natural gas for heating, the Bosnian capital Sarajevo is experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis since the 1992-95 war. More
Gaza Negotiations: The Internal Divisions of Hamas
The Egyptian-French cease-fire proposal for the Gaza Strip remains on the table. Hamas, though, is divided. One camp is calling for a decisive battle while others continue to negotiate. And it remains uncertain which side will prevail.
Targeting The Salafis
The Tajik government has banned Salafism, saying the Sunni Islamic movement represents a potential threat to national security. The movement says it follows a strict and pure form of Islam, but Tajik clerics say the Salafis' radical stance is similar to that of the Taliban in Afghanistan. More
Friday, 9 January 2009
Pupils 'are happier in the north'
A survey of pupils' experiences reveals they tend to be happier in the north of England.
Mandelson warns US on car rescues
Lord Mandelson warns it would be a "great mistake" if the US hands money to its car industry without securing reform.
Asia job cuts amid economy woes
Two large Asian technology firms, TDK and Lenovo, announce a total of 10,500 job cuts after a fall in demand.
China's Reverse Migration: As Orders Dry Up, Factory Workers Head Home
The promise of prosperity lured Quan Xiaoju from her home in rural China to the assembly lines in the bustling city of Guangzhou. Now, like countless other migrant workers, she is heading back home as the jobs dry up and China's boom comes to an end.
Hamas and the Arab States
Hamas and the Arab States
January 7, 2009
By Kamran Bokhari and Reva Bhalla
Hezbollah Steps Up Rhetoric Against Israel Audio Clip Available
Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah warns Jewish state not to contemplate another war with Lebanon
Rockets Fired from Lebanon into Israel's North
Steven Erlanger
At least three rockets were fired into the north of Israel from Lebanon on Thursday, wounding two Israelis near the town of Nahariya. The Israeli Army said it "responded with fire against the source of the rockets."
(New York Times)
The World from Berlin: 'The Pipeline Power Play'
Russia cut off natural gas supplies passing through Ukraine to Europe on Wednesday, at a time when the continent is covered in ice with record low temperatures. The gas dispute between the countries is warming German commentators to the idea of major changes in the country's energy policies.
Brussels Calls for Observers in Ukraine: Europe Pushes for Russia to
The European Union is seeking a deal with Russia and Ukraine that would see the stationing of independent observers so that gas delivers can resume to Europe. Countries all across Europe on Wednesday reported dramatic reductions in gas delivered from Russia.
Financial Scandal at Outsourcing Company Rattles a Developing Country
By HEATHER TIMMONS
Satyam Computer Services, one of India’s largest outsourcing companies, significantly inflated earnings and assets for years, the chairman said before resigning.
Ukraine Says Russia Cuts Gas Supplies
By STEPHEN CASTLE and ANDREW E. KRAMER
As the pricing dispute escalated on Wednesday, the cutoff showed the first signs of hitting the European economy.
Civilians Die at UN-Run School in Gaza that Hamas Was Firing From
Griff Witte and Sudarsan Raghavan
Israeli soldiers battling Hamas gunmen in Gaza on Tuesday fired mortar shells at a UN-run school where Palestinians had sought refuge from the fighting, killing at least 40 people, after Hamas fighters launched mortar shells from the school. The Israeli military said its soldiers fired in self-defense. The incident underscored the dangers Palestinian civilians face as Israeli soldiers fight their way across Gaza against an enemy that does not wear uniforms or operate from bases, but instead mingles with the population.
Rockets continued to be launched from Gaza Tuesday, with 35 landing in Israel. Israel says it will not stop its offensive until it has international guarantees that Hamas can be prevented from continuing to fire rockets.
(Washington Post)
Lebanon Fires Rockets into Israel’s North
Lebanon Fires Rockets into Israel’s North
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Three rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Thursday morning, according to the Israeli police.
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Three rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Thursday morning, according to the Israeli police.
China Losing Taste for Debt From the U.S.
By KEITH BRADSHER
Beijing is starting to keep more of its money at home, which could have painful effects for U.S. borrowers.
Yes, it's anti-Semitism
By Jeff Jacoby
Let's say it for the thousand-and-first time: Every negative comment about Israel is not an expression of bigotry. Israel is no more immune to criticism than any other country. But it takes willful blindness not to see that anti-Zionism today -- opposition to the existence of Israel, rejection of the idea that the Jewish people are entitled to a state -- is merely the old wine of anti-Semitism in its newest bottle
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