R U S S I A
► http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/russia-sexy-voting-ad-video_n_1086714.html
Russia Sexy Voting Ad: Putin's United Russia Party Releases Sexy 'Get Out The Vote' Ad (VIDEO)
Voting is so sexy, it might just, well, get you laid.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/11/2011112882620801929.html
In Russia, the end of an era?
As elections approach, Vladimir Putin's United Russia party is becoming increasingly unpopular - as is Putin himself.
► http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/27/zakaria-why-russia-is-blacklisting-americans-2/?hpt=hp_c4
By Fareed Zakaria, CNN Something in the papers the other day struck me as odd. Russia has placed a number of U.S. officials on a blacklist. They are banned from traveling to Russia because of what the Kremlin is calling "humanitarian crimes.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned the West not to "stir" the election in Russia, in March 2012. Putin himself was ready to fight back.
Putin, during a speech at the grand congress of United Russia Party, said any attempt foreign countries to attempt the political process in Russia will be in vain. According to him, the foreign powers entered through a number of nongovernmental organizations.
Act of foreign, added Putin, has emerged since the liberal revolution took place in Ukraine and Georgia in early 2000. They forced the pro-Kremlin's leaders reigned there. "It will be better if they use the money to pay off their national debt, and stop carrying out the ineffective and expensive foreign policy," he said in a clear reference to the United States focused on the debt. "It's a futile effort, just like throwing money to the wind," he added.
Russia wanted to build a cooperative relationship with the United States and Europe, but Putin warned the West that they should not issue a satire against the Kremlin which currently supported the West from financial side.
Putin also promised the stability in Russia through his speech. He also dismissed all allegations saying that he was authoritarian. In addition, this former Russian intelligence officer also criticized the opposition. "They destroy the industrial sector, agriculture, and our social system. They also trigger a civil war in Russia by letting the shedding of North Caucasus region. They bring Russia to the brink of destruction," he said.
If Putin really was elected as President of Russia, he would switch places with Dmitry Medvedev who currently is the President of Russia. The plan of exchange position has angered many Russians that said it would only strengthen the authoritarian tendencies and pave the way for Putin to become the longest Russia's leader in power since the days of communism. He(59 years) could run two times more, and continued to rule until 2024.
Despite getting a lot of support, Putin also received much criticism from the public as well as Russian officials, because Putin could have been in power for 12 years in Russia as well as a leader of the Soviet Union. Lilia Shibanova, head of the largest independent observer group in Russia, Golos, said Putin's stinging reminder is a big mistake. She considered, Putin did not respond to "climate" in Russia's politic. According to Shibanova, Putin himself has monopolized with creating a party that inhibited the normal political competition. Putin, he added, trying to change the political process becomes monopoly.
Meanwhile, a public survey results indicated the level of trust and support to Putin down to the lowest point in the last decade. The results of pollsters Levada Center showed United Russia party could fail to retain two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament/Duma.
► http://eng.kremlin.ru/
United Russia party congress
*****
► http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/russia-sexy-voting-ad-video_n_1086714.html
Russia Sexy Voting Ad: Putin's United Russia Party Releases Sexy 'Get Out The Vote' Ad (VIDEO)
Voting is so sexy, it might just, well, get you laid.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/11/2011112882620801929.html
In Russia, the end of an era?
As elections approach, Vladimir Putin's United Russia party is becoming increasingly unpopular - as is Putin himself.
► http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/27/zakaria-why-russia-is-blacklisting-americans-2/?hpt=hp_c4
By Fareed Zakaria, CNN Something in the papers the other day struck me as odd. Russia has placed a number of U.S. officials on a blacklist. They are banned from traveling to Russia because of what the Kremlin is calling "humanitarian crimes.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned the West not to "stir" the election in Russia, in March 2012. Putin himself was ready to fight back.
Putin, during a speech at the grand congress of United Russia Party, said any attempt foreign countries to attempt the political process in Russia will be in vain. According to him, the foreign powers entered through a number of nongovernmental organizations.
Act of foreign, added Putin, has emerged since the liberal revolution took place in Ukraine and Georgia in early 2000. They forced the pro-Kremlin's leaders reigned there. "It will be better if they use the money to pay off their national debt, and stop carrying out the ineffective and expensive foreign policy," he said in a clear reference to the United States focused on the debt. "It's a futile effort, just like throwing money to the wind," he added.
Russia wanted to build a cooperative relationship with the United States and Europe, but Putin warned the West that they should not issue a satire against the Kremlin which currently supported the West from financial side.
Putin also promised the stability in Russia through his speech. He also dismissed all allegations saying that he was authoritarian. In addition, this former Russian intelligence officer also criticized the opposition. "They destroy the industrial sector, agriculture, and our social system. They also trigger a civil war in Russia by letting the shedding of North Caucasus region. They bring Russia to the brink of destruction," he said.
If Putin really was elected as President of Russia, he would switch places with Dmitry Medvedev who currently is the President of Russia. The plan of exchange position has angered many Russians that said it would only strengthen the authoritarian tendencies and pave the way for Putin to become the longest Russia's leader in power since the days of communism. He(59 years) could run two times more, and continued to rule until 2024.
Despite getting a lot of support, Putin also received much criticism from the public as well as Russian officials, because Putin could have been in power for 12 years in Russia as well as a leader of the Soviet Union. Lilia Shibanova, head of the largest independent observer group in Russia, Golos, said Putin's stinging reminder is a big mistake. She considered, Putin did not respond to "climate" in Russia's politic. According to Shibanova, Putin himself has monopolized with creating a party that inhibited the normal political competition. Putin, he added, trying to change the political process becomes monopoly.
Meanwhile, a public survey results indicated the level of trust and support to Putin down to the lowest point in the last decade. The results of pollsters Levada Center showed United Russia party could fail to retain two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament/Duma.
► http://eng.kremlin.ru/
United Russia party congress
*****
M Y A N M A R
Clinton's visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar was her first visit to the isolated country in the last 50 years (since John Foster did it in 1955). But this historic visit also accompanied with the mission to push the new leaders of Myanmar to stop the secret contacts with North Korea and urged reform.
On the other hand, her arrival which has been announced by Barack Obama in earlier this month also marked the start of competition between China and the United States in the country that rich with natural resources. China has its first set foot in various sectors in Myanmar, especially in mining.
The U.S. officials believe that Myanmar is trying to acquire the nuclear technology from North Korea, but they say the relationship does not include the cooperation in the nuclear program.
*****
Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (R) and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hold hands as they speak after meeting at Suu Kyi's residence in Yangon December 2, 2011. Suu Kyi welcomed on Friday U.S. engagement with Myanmar, saying she hoped it would set her long-isolated country on the road to democracy. (REUTERS/Saul Loeb/Pool)
Clinton's visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar was her first visit to the isolated country in the last 50 years (since John Foster did it in 1955). But this historic visit also accompanied with the mission to push the new leaders of Myanmar to stop the secret contacts with North Korea and urged reform.
On the other hand, her arrival which has been announced by Barack Obama in earlier this month also marked the start of competition between China and the United States in the country that rich with natural resources. China has its first set foot in various sectors in Myanmar, especially in mining.
The U.S. officials believe that Myanmar is trying to acquire the nuclear technology from North Korea, but they say the relationship does not include the cooperation in the nuclear program.
*****
U.S.A - China's military: Friend or Foe
"Aircraft carrier is a tool of imperialism. It is like the duck who is waiting in the rifle. China will never build any aircraft carrier."
The remark came out of a senior Chinese official in the presence of foreign guests in 1971. At that time, China was still poor, isolated until it got the nickname "Bamboo Curtain country" and was ruled by the chairman Mao (Tse-tung) with military doctrines. The military still had not become the focal point of the country's leaders. Even in the four modernizations program which was launched in 1970, the modernization of defense was ranked last. Industry, agriculture, and science and technology were more emphasized.
But now, along with the region development and its economic power, China's leaders no longer regard the military with one eye. China has revolutionized the concept of an all-out military accordance with the demands of times. Even, it is arguably that China's current military concept has sparked the anxiety in surrounding countries, especially the countries that have opposed it. The aircraft carrier that was once forbidden, now it has been owned.
China has recently launched a former Russian aircraft carrier which its abilities have been improved. The ship with a length of 300 meters is capable of carrying 17 combat aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-33 and Su-25 as well as 24 helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-27. China also has built the aircraft industry.
Gulf War in 1990-1991 has changed the views of the China's leaders. Through the live broadcast on television, they watched the fighter jets, missiles, the U.S smart bombs dismantled the Iraqi's defense led by Saddam Hussein.
The post-war, China surpassed the military spending to improve the ability of an air force and naval power. Sophisticated war equipment became the prey of this country. The country's defense budget that has now become the Asian economic giant also continued to skyrocket.
This year the Chinese government announced to increase the defense budget of approximately 12.7% to 601.1 billion yuan (U.S.$ 91.5 billion). However, many analysts believe the actual number is much greater. That makes China as a country with the second largest defense budget in the world after the United States.
What makes many countries, particularly the U.S. -- which often has overlapping interests with China -- is shocked is, the military budget which is mostly used for new military equipment spending. For example, the tanks, planes, aircraft carriers, submarines, and missiles. Chinese leaders also disburse money to build the massive war strategy, including the cyber war.
China's leaders said it was a common thing. "China's military budget is relatively low when compared with the world standard," said former foreign minister Li Zhaoxing told CNN. He added that China's military budget was much smaller than the U.S., which reached U.S. $ 725 billion in 2011. However, the thing that becomes a question of neighboring countries and the U.S. is the lack of transparency regarding the direction, scope, and speed of China's military buildup.
An undeniable thing is the increase in military spending occurred concurrently with an increase in tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, mainly related to the seizure of territory in the region, which is estimated to save the abundant natural resources. The increase has also occurred simultaneously with the expansion of U.S. military presence in the Asia Pacific region. As already known, the U.S. already has two military bases in Asia: in Japan and South Korea.
A researcher at the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) at the National Defense University, United States, Chris Yung confirmed the increase as part of the Chinese government's response over recent developments in the situation, especially with the addition of "the Dragon" warship - the nickname for China.
"The warship assists China in the territorial disputes in the waters of South China Sea and East China Sea, "Yung said to CNN. "By developing the advanced weapons, China wants to intend to avenge its indifference to the military when it focuses on economic development." Especially for China warships, Yung doubted the warships have the capability to attack. According to him, what is questionable is how and where China will operate the ship. "The warship is very complicated and has very much mobile equipment. It takes a long time to operate the air wing, providing the air defense, surface and sub surface for ship combat, supplying the aircraft carriers, as well as to train the personnel to operate them. It still takes many years, "he said.
On the other hand, China felt that the increase in their military was legitimate, considering the U.S. military movements in Asia Pacific. Especially after recently the Washington has announced would put its 2500 military personnel in Darwin, Australia. Chinese military officials have voiced the anger. They assess the U.S. wants to encircle China.
"The U.S. has returned to Asia and put its power around China. The goal is clear. It is intended to encircle China," wrote Major General Luo Yuan, one of the hard-line general in the body of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at www.people.com. cn, People's Daily newspaper sites, one of the leading newspaper of the Communist Party.
*****
"Aircraft carrier is a tool of imperialism. It is like the duck who is waiting in the rifle. China will never build any aircraft carrier."
The remark came out of a senior Chinese official in the presence of foreign guests in 1971. At that time, China was still poor, isolated until it got the nickname "Bamboo Curtain country" and was ruled by the chairman Mao (Tse-tung) with military doctrines. The military still had not become the focal point of the country's leaders. Even in the four modernizations program which was launched in 1970, the modernization of defense was ranked last. Industry, agriculture, and science and technology were more emphasized.
But now, along with the region development and its economic power, China's leaders no longer regard the military with one eye. China has revolutionized the concept of an all-out military accordance with the demands of times. Even, it is arguably that China's current military concept has sparked the anxiety in surrounding countries, especially the countries that have opposed it. The aircraft carrier that was once forbidden, now it has been owned.
China has recently launched a former Russian aircraft carrier which its abilities have been improved. The ship with a length of 300 meters is capable of carrying 17 combat aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-33 and Su-25 as well as 24 helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-27. China also has built the aircraft industry.
Gulf War in 1990-1991 has changed the views of the China's leaders. Through the live broadcast on television, they watched the fighter jets, missiles, the U.S smart bombs dismantled the Iraqi's defense led by Saddam Hussein.
The post-war, China surpassed the military spending to improve the ability of an air force and naval power. Sophisticated war equipment became the prey of this country. The country's defense budget that has now become the Asian economic giant also continued to skyrocket.
This year the Chinese government announced to increase the defense budget of approximately 12.7% to 601.1 billion yuan (U.S.$ 91.5 billion). However, many analysts believe the actual number is much greater. That makes China as a country with the second largest defense budget in the world after the United States.
What makes many countries, particularly the U.S. -- which often has overlapping interests with China -- is shocked is, the military budget which is mostly used for new military equipment spending. For example, the tanks, planes, aircraft carriers, submarines, and missiles. Chinese leaders also disburse money to build the massive war strategy, including the cyber war.
China's leaders said it was a common thing. "China's military budget is relatively low when compared with the world standard," said former foreign minister Li Zhaoxing told CNN. He added that China's military budget was much smaller than the U.S., which reached U.S. $ 725 billion in 2011. However, the thing that becomes a question of neighboring countries and the U.S. is the lack of transparency regarding the direction, scope, and speed of China's military buildup.
An undeniable thing is the increase in military spending occurred concurrently with an increase in tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, mainly related to the seizure of territory in the region, which is estimated to save the abundant natural resources. The increase has also occurred simultaneously with the expansion of U.S. military presence in the Asia Pacific region. As already known, the U.S. already has two military bases in Asia: in Japan and South Korea.
A researcher at the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) at the National Defense University, United States, Chris Yung confirmed the increase as part of the Chinese government's response over recent developments in the situation, especially with the addition of "the Dragon" warship - the nickname for China.
"The warship assists China in the territorial disputes in the waters of South China Sea and East China Sea, "Yung said to CNN. "By developing the advanced weapons, China wants to intend to avenge its indifference to the military when it focuses on economic development." Especially for China warships, Yung doubted the warships have the capability to attack. According to him, what is questionable is how and where China will operate the ship. "The warship is very complicated and has very much mobile equipment. It takes a long time to operate the air wing, providing the air defense, surface and sub surface for ship combat, supplying the aircraft carriers, as well as to train the personnel to operate them. It still takes many years, "he said.
On the other hand, China felt that the increase in their military was legitimate, considering the U.S. military movements in Asia Pacific. Especially after recently the Washington has announced would put its 2500 military personnel in Darwin, Australia. Chinese military officials have voiced the anger. They assess the U.S. wants to encircle China.
"The U.S. has returned to Asia and put its power around China. The goal is clear. It is intended to encircle China," wrote Major General Luo Yuan, one of the hard-line general in the body of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at www.people.com. cn, People's Daily newspaper sites, one of the leading newspaper of the Communist Party.
*****
K O M O D O (Varanus komodoensis)
► http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/komodo
Komodo
www.new7wonders.com
Indonesia - Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon.
► http://komodonationalpark.org/pnk/photo_gallery.php
Putri Naga Komodo
www.komodonationalpark.org
Komodo Island, which is now popular because in a matter of temporary entry of new seven wonders of the world, has origins that is quite interesting. Residents who lived around the island of Komodo dragons believed that komodo was a giant dragon with the frightening flames.
According to the stories of residents around the Komodo Island, there was a couple who gave birth to two twins, one of them was dragon which was called alligator. In early 1910, there were reports from the combat force fleet of Dutch ships based in Flores, which mentioned that there was a mysterious creature that was allegedly as the dragon and lived in a small island in the Lesser Sunda Islands which is now called the islands of Flores, NTT - Indonesia.
The report from residents said that the creature was around the 7-meters, big body, and fire breathing. The report later proved by Lieutenant Steyn van Hensborek. He armed himself and traveled to the island of Komodo.
Steyn managed to shoot four dragons, and then conducted the research on the ancient animals. Each of four animals had a length of 3.3 meters and 3.5 meters plus two baby komodo which length was less than 1 meter. It looked like a lizard. The findings were documented in the form of document images by Peter A Ouewns, Director of the Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens, Bogor, West Java.
Ouwens then did some research and concluded that the komodo is not a flamethrower dragon. The results were published in a newspaper in 1912. Then Ouwens gave the name to that giant lizard as Varanus komodoensis to replace the previous name, komodo dragon. Since 1915, the Dutch government has issued protection for endangered species in the Conservation of Komodo Island.
► http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/komodo
Komodo
www.new7wonders.com
Indonesia - Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon.
► http://komodonationalpark.org/pnk/photo_gallery.php
Putri Naga Komodo
www.komodonationalpark.org
Komodo Island, which is now popular because in a matter of temporary entry of new seven wonders of the world, has origins that is quite interesting. Residents who lived around the island of Komodo dragons believed that komodo was a giant dragon with the frightening flames.
According to the stories of residents around the Komodo Island, there was a couple who gave birth to two twins, one of them was dragon which was called alligator. In early 1910, there were reports from the combat force fleet of Dutch ships based in Flores, which mentioned that there was a mysterious creature that was allegedly as the dragon and lived in a small island in the Lesser Sunda Islands which is now called the islands of Flores, NTT - Indonesia.
The report from residents said that the creature was around the 7-meters, big body, and fire breathing. The report later proved by Lieutenant Steyn van Hensborek. He armed himself and traveled to the island of Komodo.
Steyn managed to shoot four dragons, and then conducted the research on the ancient animals. Each of four animals had a length of 3.3 meters and 3.5 meters plus two baby komodo which length was less than 1 meter. It looked like a lizard. The findings were documented in the form of document images by Peter A Ouewns, Director of the Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens, Bogor, West Java.
Ouwens then did some research and concluded that the komodo is not a flamethrower dragon. The results were published in a newspaper in 1912. Then Ouwens gave the name to that giant lizard as Varanus komodoensis to replace the previous name, komodo dragon. Since 1915, the Dutch government has issued protection for endangered species in the Conservation of Komodo Island.
P A K I S T A N
Protesters in Karachi set fire to an effigy of President Obama in anger over the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers killed in a Nato attack
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15909051
New crisis for US-Pakistani ties
The BBC's M Ilyas Khan looks at what the Nato attack on a Pakistani border post will mean for an already troubled relationship
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15915247
Pakistan denies it set off attack
Pakistan denies reports it opened fire first provoking the Nato air strike which killed 24 of its troops at a checkpoint on the Afghan border.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2011/11/201111304332430804.html
Pakistan calls NATO raid 'deliberate'
Army official's description of incident in which 24 soldiers died follows decision to boycott conference on Afghanistan.
It's not just the Pakistan government that put a sour face. Close ally of Pakistan, China also expressed disappointment and surprised over the cross-border incursions by NATO forces. Beijing also expressed concern for the victims and expressed condolences to Pakistan. "China believes in the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is supposed to be appreciated. Such incident should be investigated and dealt with appropriately, "said Foreign Ministry Spokesman China Hong Lei. (Haik!Haik!...
)
China is a new ally of Pakistan after Islamabad and Washington's relationship became somewhat strained. Both China and Pakistan have a warm relationship due to the territorial factor. Relationship with Beijing is increasingly strengthened after India --bitter enemies of Pakistan-- began to approach the U.S.. Meanwhile, the anger shown by the thousands of Pakistanis with a rally in front of the U.S. consulate office in Karachi. They condemned the savagery of the tragedy of NATO troops. They also questioned why the deadly attack could occur.
Meanwhile, NATO described the incident as the "unintentional tragic incident". The U.S. also stressed the importance of maintaining the relationship and said it fully supported the plan of investigation conducted by NATO. They also said the investigation is now under way.
Chief of staff of the U.S Army, General Martin E. Dempsey said the US-Pakistan relations was at the worst point. According to him, Pakistan's anger was justified because their soldiers were killed in the attack. "They have reason to be angry because 24 people of their soldiers are killed, and the command which killed their soldiers was derived from their partners, "said Dempsey told ITV News. "I ask for their patience to help to find out the truth." (Acha!Acha!...)
The incident that occurred on Saturday (26 Novembre 2011) has complicated the U.S. efforts to ease the crisis in relations with Islamabad. Not only that, the U.S. effort to stabilize the region ahead of their troops withdrawal from Afganisthan in 2014 will also face the constraint.
Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani began to override the bilateral relations that have been interwoven with the United States. Moreover, Pakistan has threatened to reduce the cooperation with the U.S. military in Afganisthan.
Some critics assess the NATO's air attack that killed Pakistani soldiers is a form of Islamabad's failure in fighting the militants. Pakistan has a long history in its relations with militant groups in Afganisthan. That way, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to help the peace process as laid out in the foreign policy of President Barack Obama administration. But the U.S. refused to apologize, because the incident was still under the U.S. military investigation. (Yups! the U.S has exactly the same character with my fiance's character. If he is not softened, he would say his stance against anything in his own way to play the song ..."It's hard to me to say I'm sorry .... Hold me now ... whew ...It's hard for me to say I'm sorry, I just want you to know" many times, in his car, in our living room, in our bedroom, even he would still hum it in our bathroom. "Hold me now .... www ... It's hard to me to say I'm sorry. And after all that's been said and done...You're just the part of me...I can't let go Ooo ooo" many times, as if he thought I really was deaf and never heard him sing it across the room we have, especially in my hearing. Dahliiiiing... can't you hear me? Listen, I've been listening to your intention!...
)
And just like what was said by Gilani to CNN - as quoted by Reuters - when he was asked about the continuation of the U.S. relations with Pakistan, "The cooperation that has existed all along doesn't return as usual. There must be something much bigger so can satisfy my nation" then I also - with a style just like an accomplished diplomat --- would respond to him," No dahling. Do you want to see my smile again? You'll get it, but there must be something bigger to satisfy ... mmmm ... (satisfying what? ehhhee ... whereas, really, I just want to kiss him with a cloudless kiss and I do not ask for nothing but his sincerity as well.
)
Well, of course, the color of our relationship does not represent the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. What is certain is, Pakistan has received two slaps on both sides of its cheeks. The first slap is when the U.S got angry and accused it of hiding Osama Bin Laden in Pakistani territory in May 2011. Slap! The second slap is when Pakistan was slapped by the Taliban as an act of protest over the Osama bin Laden's death. Slap! (Slap!Slap!...
)
By the way, mmm... president Karzai, prove the sincerity of your statement!
► http://news.yahoo.com/fghanistan-back-pakistan-wars-u-karzai-023316217.html
Afghanistan to back Pakistan if wars with U.S.: Karzai
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Afghanistan would support Pakistan in case of military conflict between Pakistan and the United States, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said in an interview to a private Pakistani TV channel broadcast on Saturday.
► http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/23/karzai-says-afghanistan-would-back-pakistan-if-us-attacks/
Karzai Says Afghanistan Would Back Pakistan if U.S. Attacks
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said if the United States and Pakistan ever went to war, his country would back Islamabad, drawing a sharp rebuke Sunday from Afghan lawmakers who claimed the country's top officials were adopting hypocritical positions.
► http://www.understandingwar.org/themenode/pakistan-and-afghanistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan | Institute for the Study of War
Pakistan and Afghanistan share an immense border stretching 1510 miles (2430 km)along the southern and eastern edges of Afghanistan.
*****
Protesters torch an American flag as they shout slogans about the Nato airstrikes which killed 24 people
Supporters of the banned charity Jamat-ud-Dawa protest about the Nato airstrike. The attacks have led to an outpouring of anger across Pakistan
An activist of the Pakistani Islamic and political party Jamaat-e-Islami burn tyres on a street during a protest against Nato strikes on Pakistani troops in Lahore
A Pakistani boy joins in the protest after the helicopter attacks on Friday which killed 24 soldiers and sparked widespread anger
The 24 Pakistani soldiers who were killed in the attacks are buried yesterday
The 24 Pakistani soldiers who were killed in the attacks are buried yesterday
The Supporters of Pakistan Muslim League also shouted anti-U.S. slogans as they burned the effigy
The effigy quickly perishes in the flames
Cargo trucks, including those carrying supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan, are halted along the Pakistan border, after it was shut down
A Pakistani security personnel stands guard beside trucks carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan that are parked at the Pakistan's border crossing
Nato helicopters similar to this one opened fire on the checkpoint close to the border with Afghanistan killing 24 people, it was claimed
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15909051
New crisis for US-Pakistani ties
The BBC's M Ilyas Khan looks at what the Nato attack on a Pakistani border post will mean for an already troubled relationship
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15915247
Pakistan denies it set off attack
Pakistan denies reports it opened fire first provoking the Nato air strike which killed 24 of its troops at a checkpoint on the Afghan border.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2011/11/201111304332430804.html
Pakistan calls NATO raid 'deliberate'
Army official's description of incident in which 24 soldiers died follows decision to boycott conference on Afghanistan.
It's not just the Pakistan government that put a sour face. Close ally of Pakistan, China also expressed disappointment and surprised over the cross-border incursions by NATO forces. Beijing also expressed concern for the victims and expressed condolences to Pakistan. "China believes in the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is supposed to be appreciated. Such incident should be investigated and dealt with appropriately, "said Foreign Ministry Spokesman China Hong Lei. (Haik!Haik!...
)China is a new ally of Pakistan after Islamabad and Washington's relationship became somewhat strained. Both China and Pakistan have a warm relationship due to the territorial factor. Relationship with Beijing is increasingly strengthened after India --bitter enemies of Pakistan-- began to approach the U.S.. Meanwhile, the anger shown by the thousands of Pakistanis with a rally in front of the U.S. consulate office in Karachi. They condemned the savagery of the tragedy of NATO troops. They also questioned why the deadly attack could occur.
Meanwhile, NATO described the incident as the "unintentional tragic incident". The U.S. also stressed the importance of maintaining the relationship and said it fully supported the plan of investigation conducted by NATO. They also said the investigation is now under way.
Chief of staff of the U.S Army, General Martin E. Dempsey said the US-Pakistan relations was at the worst point. According to him, Pakistan's anger was justified because their soldiers were killed in the attack. "They have reason to be angry because 24 people of their soldiers are killed, and the command which killed their soldiers was derived from their partners, "said Dempsey told ITV News. "I ask for their patience to help to find out the truth." (Acha!Acha!...
)The incident that occurred on Saturday (26 Novembre 2011) has complicated the U.S. efforts to ease the crisis in relations with Islamabad. Not only that, the U.S. effort to stabilize the region ahead of their troops withdrawal from Afganisthan in 2014 will also face the constraint.
Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani began to override the bilateral relations that have been interwoven with the United States. Moreover, Pakistan has threatened to reduce the cooperation with the U.S. military in Afganisthan.
Some critics assess the NATO's air attack that killed Pakistani soldiers is a form of Islamabad's failure in fighting the militants. Pakistan has a long history in its relations with militant groups in Afganisthan. That way, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to help the peace process as laid out in the foreign policy of President Barack Obama administration. But the U.S. refused to apologize, because the incident was still under the U.S. military investigation. (Yups! the U.S has exactly the same character with my fiance's character. If he is not softened, he would say his stance against anything in his own way to play the song ..."It's hard to me to say I'm sorry .... Hold me now ... whew ...It's hard for me to say I'm sorry, I just want you to know" many times, in his car, in our living room, in our bedroom, even he would still hum it in our bathroom. "Hold me now .... www ... It's hard to me to say I'm sorry. And after all that's been said and done...You're just the part of me...I can't let go Ooo ooo" many times, as if he thought I really was deaf and never heard him sing it across the room we have, especially in my hearing. Dahliiiiing... can't you hear me? Listen, I've been listening to your intention!...
)And just like what was said by Gilani to CNN - as quoted by Reuters - when he was asked about the continuation of the U.S. relations with Pakistan, "The cooperation that has existed all along doesn't return as usual. There must be something much bigger so can satisfy my nation" then I also - with a style just like an accomplished diplomat --- would respond to him," No dahling. Do you want to see my smile again? You'll get it, but there must be something bigger to satisfy ... mmmm ... (satisfying what? ehhhee ... whereas, really, I just want to kiss him with a cloudless kiss and I do not ask for nothing but his sincerity as well.
)Well, of course, the color of our relationship does not represent the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. What is certain is, Pakistan has received two slaps on both sides of its cheeks. The first slap is when the U.S got angry and accused it of hiding Osama Bin Laden in Pakistani territory in May 2011. Slap! The second slap is when Pakistan was slapped by the Taliban as an act of protest over the Osama bin Laden's death. Slap! (Slap!Slap!...
)By the way, mmm... president Karzai, prove the sincerity of your statement!
► http://news.yahoo.com/fghanistan-back-pakistan-wars-u-karzai-023316217.html
Afghanistan to back Pakistan if wars with U.S.: Karzai
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Afghanistan would support Pakistan in case of military conflict between Pakistan and the United States, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said in an interview to a private Pakistani TV channel broadcast on Saturday.
► http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/23/karzai-says-afghanistan-would-back-pakistan-if-us-attacks/
Karzai Says Afghanistan Would Back Pakistan if U.S. Attacks
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said if the United States and Pakistan ever went to war, his country would back Islamabad, drawing a sharp rebuke Sunday from Afghan lawmakers who claimed the country's top officials were adopting hypocritical positions.
► http://www.understandingwar.org/themenode/pakistan-and-afghanistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan | Institute for the Study of War
Pakistan and Afghanistan share an immense border stretching 1510 miles (2430 km)along the southern and eastern edges of Afghanistan.
*****
L I B Y A
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15932105
Libya ex-rebels 'hold 7,000' - UN
The UN says former Libyan rebels are still holding about 7,000 prisoners without access to legal process because police and courts are not working.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/12/201112113934696434.html
LSE slammed over Gaddafi ties
Inquiry says London university acted unethical in pursuing a relationship with Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.
Look, how those who have been weakened by the force of law, their freedom have been shackled, but they still continue to be physically abused. How bad the life in prison. (Sheikh Khaled Tantoush, ...! Yaaaa... that's him. Oh, well, young people in the Libyan prison, even though they were not jailed, but they did not know politeness to the elderly. At least, Sheikh Khaled Tantoush is as old as his elderly uncle or father of that damn hands!...
)
Why are they still torturing the prisoners? To make them realize their mistake? I doubt it. If you want to resuscitate someone else's faults with physical torture, you are absolutely wrong! Maybe they will keep the pain while saving more pain in their hearts. The pain in my heart can turn into hatred, and hatred in the heart is the power that overcomes physical pain. Therefore we can see there are people who do not want to give particular recognition even though they are physically battered or even until they die.
I wonder, there's an institution which is called the penitentiary. Why is it managed by the inhumane? Dunno, how the fate of other prisoners. In my estimation, there will be any attempt to incriminate Saif Gaddafi's status in court.
As-Salamu Alaykum Aesha,...
My goodness, I see your father's face lines is sculpted on your face's line. Regarding the message in your speech, ... I feel for you.
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15932105
Libya ex-rebels 'hold 7,000' - UN
The UN says former Libyan rebels are still holding about 7,000 prisoners without access to legal process because police and courts are not working.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/12/201112113934696434.html
LSE slammed over Gaddafi ties
Inquiry says London university acted unethical in pursuing a relationship with Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.
Look, how those who have been weakened by the force of law, their freedom have been shackled, but they still continue to be physically abused. How bad the life in prison. (Sheikh Khaled Tantoush, ...! Yaaaa... that's him. Oh, well, young people in the Libyan prison, even though they were not jailed, but they did not know politeness to the elderly. At least, Sheikh Khaled Tantoush is as old as his elderly uncle or father of that damn hands!...
)Why are they still torturing the prisoners? To make them realize their mistake? I doubt it. If you want to resuscitate someone else's faults with physical torture, you are absolutely wrong! Maybe they will keep the pain while saving more pain in their hearts. The pain in my heart can turn into hatred, and hatred in the heart is the power that overcomes physical pain. Therefore we can see there are people who do not want to give particular recognition even though they are physically battered or even until they die.
I wonder, there's an institution which is called the penitentiary. Why is it managed by the inhumane? Dunno, how the fate of other prisoners. In my estimation, there will be any attempt to incriminate Saif Gaddafi's status in court.
As-Salamu Alaykum Aesha,...
My goodness, I see your father's face lines is sculpted on your face's line. Regarding the message in your speech, ... I feel for you.
*****
S Y R I A
Economic sanctions imposed by Arab countries didn't shrink the guts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, even al-Assad's government condemned the sanction. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem called the Arab League imposed sanctions as a declaration of economic war. He said the sanctions had shut the door to resolve the crisis in the country. "Sanctions is a two-way street," Moualem said in a press conference broadcasted on Syrian television. "I do not give a warning here. However, we will defend the interests of our people."
Not only condemned, but the Syrian government has also previously deployed tens of thousands of citizens to demonstrate against the sanctions.
Sanctions against Syria agreed by foreign ministers of Arab League meeting in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday (11/27). The sanctions were aimed at the banking sector, finance, investment, and official travel of Syrian officials. However, the sanctions didn't include a full trade embargo. The sanction was imposed because Al-Assad has ignored the time limit given to stop the violence against civilians.
United Nations records, the upheaval that has taken place in eight months has killed 3500 Syrian citizens. (I wonder, it's been two months I(just read it and do not count the number directly) see this 3500 figure. Is this a kind of sacred number or quota of total mortality rate of people or what? Yesterday it was reported so many people had died, the day before so many people had died, and to this day the 3500 figure does not increase steadily. If that number is not increased, then logically, that number can also be reduced. Just like that.) Ooops...it has now reached 4000 victims. (It does not seem very strange, does it? 3500+500=4000. Perhaps the media was a bit late to update the number of victims. But until last Thursday I read the number of victims was still 3500, then in a day increased 500, whereas there is no reporting that yesterday 500 people died in the unrest in Syria. Ah, this is just confusing! Who the hell, who would calculate all this?...
)
Although has agreed to impose sanctions, but the Arab League still gave a chance to Damascus, Monday (28 Nov) to avoid the sanction. The Arab League was willing to review the sanctions if Syria was willing to accept the Arab League plan to stop the violence.
Although still refuses to accept the demands of Arab League, Syria begins to be soft by agreeing to the demands of activists. One of them, Syria is planning to remove one of the clauses in the constitution that establishes the Baath Party, the party's Al-Assad as the country's main party.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15959770
Turkey imposes sanctions on Syria
Turkey's foreign minister announces sanctions on Syria over its crackdown on protests, saying Syrian leaders have reached "the end of the road".
*****
Economic sanctions imposed by Arab countries didn't shrink the guts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, even al-Assad's government condemned the sanction. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem called the Arab League imposed sanctions as a declaration of economic war. He said the sanctions had shut the door to resolve the crisis in the country. "Sanctions is a two-way street," Moualem said in a press conference broadcasted on Syrian television. "I do not give a warning here. However, we will defend the interests of our people."
Not only condemned, but the Syrian government has also previously deployed tens of thousands of citizens to demonstrate against the sanctions.
Sanctions against Syria agreed by foreign ministers of Arab League meeting in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday (11/27). The sanctions were aimed at the banking sector, finance, investment, and official travel of Syrian officials. However, the sanctions didn't include a full trade embargo. The sanction was imposed because Al-Assad has ignored the time limit given to stop the violence against civilians.
United Nations records, the upheaval that has taken place in eight months has killed 3500 Syrian citizens. (I wonder, it's been two months I(just read it and do not count the number directly) see this 3500 figure. Is this a kind of sacred number or quota of total mortality rate of people or what? Yesterday it was reported so many people had died, the day before so many people had died, and to this day the 3500 figure does not increase steadily. If that number is not increased, then logically, that number can also be reduced. Just like that.) Ooops...it has now reached 4000 victims. (It does not seem very strange, does it? 3500+500=4000. Perhaps the media was a bit late to update the number of victims. But until last Thursday I read the number of victims was still 3500, then in a day increased 500, whereas there is no reporting that yesterday 500 people died in the unrest in Syria. Ah, this is just confusing! Who the hell, who would calculate all this?...
)Although has agreed to impose sanctions, but the Arab League still gave a chance to Damascus, Monday (28 Nov) to avoid the sanction. The Arab League was willing to review the sanctions if Syria was willing to accept the Arab League plan to stop the violence.
Although still refuses to accept the demands of Arab League, Syria begins to be soft by agreeing to the demands of activists. One of them, Syria is planning to remove one of the clauses in the constitution that establishes the Baath Party, the party's Al-Assad as the country's main party.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15959770
Turkey imposes sanctions on Syria
Turkey's foreign minister announces sanctions on Syria over its crackdown on protests, saying Syrian leaders have reached "the end of the road".
*****
I R A N
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15978420
Iran likely to dominate EU talks
Discussion of new moves against Iran is expected to dominate a meeting of EU foreign ministers, in the wake of the UK's expulsion of Iranian diplomats.
European Union was preparing a new, more severe sanctions for Iran as punishment for the country's nuclear weapons program. The new sanctions plan was announced by the European Council President Herman Van Rompuy after meeting with President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials at the White House. (29 Novembre)
Van Rompuy did not provide further details about the plans for tough sanctions to be imposed on Iran. But in a joint statement after the meeting, the U.S. and EU said that they both put "deep concern" about the possibility of military action against Tehran, linked its nuclear weapons program.
"We emphasize the certainty of our attitude to assert that Iran must do its duty, including to comply with the resolution of UNSC," the statement from the U.S. and EU. "In addition, Iran must cooperate with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to meet the serious desire of the international community over its nuclear program," continued the statement.
Since the IAEA in its report 8 November had revealed the Iran's nuclear activities, a number of countries including the United States, Canada, and Britain have imposed new sanction on one of this OPEC's member countries.
The EU itself was currently discussing the Iranian oil embargo. In addition, the foreign ministers of the EU on Thursday (1 Décembre) would agree on the expansion of sanctions against about 180 people, companies, and institutions of Iran.
Related to the Iranian oil embargo, the Italian government plans to give the diplomatic support to its oil companies to get the alternative oil sources if the sanction for the ban on importing oil from Iran is imposed.
► http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-12/01/c_131281764.htm
Britain expels Iranian diplomats following embassy attacks in Tehran
LONDON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Britain ordered the closure of Iran's embassy in London on Wednesday following attacks on the British mission in Tehran.
► http://www.tehrantimes.com/component/content/article/93132
"Anti-British action reflects Iranian public opinion"
Tehran Times - Iran's Leading International Daily
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Assembly (parliament) of Iran Ali Larijani defended the action of the "students" who stormed the British Embassy in Tehran and called it as an expression of anger against the British government's attitude towards Iran over the years.
In an open session in parliament on the same day, Larijani also ignored the UN Security Council condemnation about the incident that occurred on Tuesday (29 Novembre 2011) ago.
"The rush action of the Security Council condemned the students actions was done to cover the crimes committed by Britain and the United States before," said Larijani. "When the incident took place, police have tried hard to maintain security. But the question is why the Security Council did not directly criticize the British in 1980 when a number of counter-revolutionary elements attacked the Iranian Embassy in London and destroying buildings, killing and wounding several people," Larijani said. "The council considers the attitude of a rush from the U.S. and Britain as well as their adventure action in relation to the student's action as an opportunist, just to exploit the issue," he continued.
Larijani statement was different with the Iranian Foreign Ministry which stated its "deep regret" over the attack on the British embassy in Tehran. Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the legal protocol and international diplomacy, and will meet its obligations to protect the diplomats and embassies of foreign countries in Iran. The ministry called the attack Tuesday night as "unacceptable behavior" and promised to investigate the incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi reportedly apologized by phone to British Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Some observers of international relations argues that the difference of opinion reflects a schism in the body of Iranian government. During this time, allegedly there is a "power struggle" between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Chairman of the parliament Ali Larijani himself known as an ally of Khamenei.
"In the government of Iran, there are two conflicting things. There is a schism of which should be done in a situation like this," said Ali Ansari, Iran expert at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, told the Daily Telegraph, Wednesday (11/30/2011). "People at the foreign ministry might be horrified by all this," said Ansari.
Responding to the expulsion of its diplomats from Britain, Iranian's Foreign Ministry warned that there would be action, related to "hasty action" from England. "The Government of Islamic Republic of Iran will definitely take action in connection with this expulsion, and will be responsible to the British government to protect Iran's property in London, "said Ramin Mehmanparast, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
*****
I asked him, "Darling, is this just an appetizer?"
"Hahahaha ...." he laughed straightforward due to my question. If he laughs like that, usually he has a surprise for me. I dunno what it is. "So, according to you, what is the main course?" while blinking his left eye to me. Since the first time we fell in love, I could not do it like the way he did it: Blink one eye. What happens is both my eyelids continue to blink, as if there are bugs in it. Get smth. in my eyes.
"Mmmm...according to me..
.."
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15996943
Iranian diplomats set to leave UK
Diplomats working at the Iranian embassy in London must leave Britain by Friday afternoon, after being expelled following an attack on the British Embassy in Tehran.
This is the worst case between Britain and Iran since the two countries to fully restore the diplomatic relations in 1999. Relation between the two countries was interrupted in 1989 after Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a decree that allowed the murder of novelist Rushdie, who has compiled the book Satanic Verses.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/11/2011111113135678844.html
The Iraq liars target Iran
The same people who lied about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction to start a war are pushing for war on Iran.
LETTERS FROM IRAN
► http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/general/2011/11/2011118122637129536.html
Letters from Iran
We examine the aftermath of Iran's Green Revolution and find an opposition that remains eager for change.
*****
Conference to discuss the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East recently held in Vienna, Austria, last week (21 to 22 November 2011. Conference organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was attended by Arab states and Israel. The talks focused on how the Middle East could learn from the experience of countries that have implemented the NWFZ, such as Africa and Latin America.
Although it was reported that the atmosphere was relatively quiet during the debate took place in forum, but there were two important things that had made the forum fail. First, Israel clearly said its reluctance to implement a NWFZ, whereas Israel is the only country that has nuclear weapons in the Middle East region. The country is even alleged to have approximately 200 nuclear warheads. Israel has never seemed interested to ratify or recognize its ownership of nuclear weapons.
Second, Iran (which was suspected of having nuclear weapons) refused to attend the conference. The IAEA some time ago has issued a report on Iran's nuclear, and the results indicated that Iran has been conducting activities that lead to the development of nuclear weapons. However, Iran has always denied, saying its nuclear activity is aimed at the interests of peace such as building the nuclear power plants.
Certainly, in the absence of good faith from Israel and Iran to jointly reduce or do away with nuclear weapons in the Middle East at the conference, then this will create a situation that actually raises the dilemma of peace in the Middle East area.
In an insecure world, where one country feels threatened by another nuclear state, then the possession of nuclear weapons is a necessity as a way to protect its self. Middle East region is currently at a similar situation like that because of the presence of nuclear weapons threat posed by Israel and Iran. Even the Syrian ambassador, Bassam al-Sabbagh, told the conference that Israel's nuclear weapons capability has led to the serious and sustained threat. The same thing also imposed on Iran.
The question is, is it true that Israel's nuclear threat against Iran, and Iran against Israel is real? The adherents of constructivists in international relations to explain that the reality of nuclear weapons is not on the ability to kill, but on the social context that has given meaning to the ability of the weapon, and
this is usually created by the policy makers through the role of thought and the knowledge shared of social reality.
Security dilemma, for example, it is not made solely because of the fact that there are two sovereign states which have the nuclear weapons, but also depends on how these countries look to one another. Generally, the views are formed on the thinking and shared knowledge. For example, 200 nuclear warheads held by Israel would not threaten the United States than a nuclear warheads possessed by Iran, because Israel is an ally, while Iran is the enemy. "Allies" and "enemy" is a function of mutual understanding.
This view seems clearly visible at the conference in Vienna, when Israel expressed its view that the Middle East region was not ready to establish the NWFZ. Israel said it with its own perception that there was the political instability, hostility, and mistrust in Middle East region with reference to the case of a boycott of Iran at the conference as its reason.
Furthermore, one of the Israel's policy makers, David Danieli, said the NWFZ could only be done when the Middle East region has a peace situation, when the perception of threat among member states of the region is low and only after the foundation of trust is built between the countries in this area. If not, then the Middle East forever will never be free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
Unfortunately, the trust among the countries in the Middle East region is formed on the basis of suspicion of each other, especially between Israel and Iran itself.
That way, there are two scenarios that might occur in the Middle East region. First, the tension or conflict between Israel and Iran will lead to an escalation that can not be accounted for. It could be the Israel's threat to perform the military action to Iran will soon be realized.
Second, because of fears over the Israel's threat, Iran could be fully enhance its nuclear capabilities for military purposes and not for the civilian purposes. It is important to do by Iran in order to minimize the nuclear threat from Israel.
Therefore, with reference to these two scenarios, then there is no other option but to force Israel and Iran to make a binding agreement by signing an agreement Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) to reduce or eliminate their nuclear weapons.
But until now, Israel is the only country in the Middle East region that has not been willing to sign the NPT. And Iran also seems to be seriously upgrading its nuclear capability as a strategy of deterrence against Israel. By observing such situation, the Middle East region will likely forever be overshadowed by the horror of nuclear war between Israel and Iran.
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15978420
Iran likely to dominate EU talks
Discussion of new moves against Iran is expected to dominate a meeting of EU foreign ministers, in the wake of the UK's expulsion of Iranian diplomats.
European Union was preparing a new, more severe sanctions for Iran as punishment for the country's nuclear weapons program. The new sanctions plan was announced by the European Council President Herman Van Rompuy after meeting with President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials at the White House. (29 Novembre)
Van Rompuy did not provide further details about the plans for tough sanctions to be imposed on Iran. But in a joint statement after the meeting, the U.S. and EU said that they both put "deep concern" about the possibility of military action against Tehran, linked its nuclear weapons program.
"We emphasize the certainty of our attitude to assert that Iran must do its duty, including to comply with the resolution of UNSC," the statement from the U.S. and EU. "In addition, Iran must cooperate with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to meet the serious desire of the international community over its nuclear program," continued the statement.
Since the IAEA in its report 8 November had revealed the Iran's nuclear activities, a number of countries including the United States, Canada, and Britain have imposed new sanction on one of this OPEC's member countries.
The EU itself was currently discussing the Iranian oil embargo. In addition, the foreign ministers of the EU on Thursday (1 Décembre) would agree on the expansion of sanctions against about 180 people, companies, and institutions of Iran.
Related to the Iranian oil embargo, the Italian government plans to give the diplomatic support to its oil companies to get the alternative oil sources if the sanction for the ban on importing oil from Iran is imposed.
► http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-12/01/c_131281764.htm
Britain expels Iranian diplomats following embassy attacks in Tehran
LONDON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Britain ordered the closure of Iran's embassy in London on Wednesday following attacks on the British mission in Tehran.
► http://www.tehrantimes.com/component/content/article/93132
"Anti-British action reflects Iranian public opinion"
Tehran Times - Iran's Leading International Daily
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Assembly (parliament) of Iran Ali Larijani defended the action of the "students" who stormed the British Embassy in Tehran and called it as an expression of anger against the British government's attitude towards Iran over the years.
In an open session in parliament on the same day, Larijani also ignored the UN Security Council condemnation about the incident that occurred on Tuesday (29 Novembre 2011) ago.
"The rush action of the Security Council condemned the students actions was done to cover the crimes committed by Britain and the United States before," said Larijani. "When the incident took place, police have tried hard to maintain security. But the question is why the Security Council did not directly criticize the British in 1980 when a number of counter-revolutionary elements attacked the Iranian Embassy in London and destroying buildings, killing and wounding several people," Larijani said. "The council considers the attitude of a rush from the U.S. and Britain as well as their adventure action in relation to the student's action as an opportunist, just to exploit the issue," he continued.
Larijani statement was different with the Iranian Foreign Ministry which stated its "deep regret" over the attack on the British embassy in Tehran. Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the legal protocol and international diplomacy, and will meet its obligations to protect the diplomats and embassies of foreign countries in Iran. The ministry called the attack Tuesday night as "unacceptable behavior" and promised to investigate the incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi reportedly apologized by phone to British Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Some observers of international relations argues that the difference of opinion reflects a schism in the body of Iranian government. During this time, allegedly there is a "power struggle" between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Chairman of the parliament Ali Larijani himself known as an ally of Khamenei.
"In the government of Iran, there are two conflicting things. There is a schism of which should be done in a situation like this," said Ali Ansari, Iran expert at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, told the Daily Telegraph, Wednesday (11/30/2011). "People at the foreign ministry might be horrified by all this," said Ansari.
Responding to the expulsion of its diplomats from Britain, Iranian's Foreign Ministry warned that there would be action, related to "hasty action" from England. "The Government of Islamic Republic of Iran will definitely take action in connection with this expulsion, and will be responsible to the British government to protect Iran's property in London, "said Ramin Mehmanparast, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
*****
I asked him, "Darling, is this just an appetizer?"
"Hahahaha ...." he laughed straightforward due to my question. If he laughs like that, usually he has a surprise for me. I dunno what it is. "So, according to you, what is the main course?" while blinking his left eye to me. Since the first time we fell in love, I could not do it like the way he did it: Blink one eye. What happens is both my eyelids continue to blink, as if there are bugs in it. Get smth. in my eyes.
"Mmmm...according to me..
.."► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15996943
Iranian diplomats set to leave UK
Diplomats working at the Iranian embassy in London must leave Britain by Friday afternoon, after being expelled following an attack on the British Embassy in Tehran.
This is the worst case between Britain and Iran since the two countries to fully restore the diplomatic relations in 1999. Relation between the two countries was interrupted in 1989 after Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a decree that allowed the murder of novelist Rushdie, who has compiled the book Satanic Verses.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/11/2011111113135678844.html
The Iraq liars target Iran
The same people who lied about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction to start a war are pushing for war on Iran.
LETTERS FROM IRAN
► http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/general/2011/11/2011118122637129536.html
Letters from Iran
We examine the aftermath of Iran's Green Revolution and find an opposition that remains eager for change.
*****
Conference to discuss the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East recently held in Vienna, Austria, last week (21 to 22 November 2011. Conference organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was attended by Arab states and Israel. The talks focused on how the Middle East could learn from the experience of countries that have implemented the NWFZ, such as Africa and Latin America.
Although it was reported that the atmosphere was relatively quiet during the debate took place in forum, but there were two important things that had made the forum fail. First, Israel clearly said its reluctance to implement a NWFZ, whereas Israel is the only country that has nuclear weapons in the Middle East region. The country is even alleged to have approximately 200 nuclear warheads. Israel has never seemed interested to ratify or recognize its ownership of nuclear weapons.
Second, Iran (which was suspected of having nuclear weapons) refused to attend the conference. The IAEA some time ago has issued a report on Iran's nuclear, and the results indicated that Iran has been conducting activities that lead to the development of nuclear weapons. However, Iran has always denied, saying its nuclear activity is aimed at the interests of peace such as building the nuclear power plants.
Certainly, in the absence of good faith from Israel and Iran to jointly reduce or do away with nuclear weapons in the Middle East at the conference, then this will create a situation that actually raises the dilemma of peace in the Middle East area.
In an insecure world, where one country feels threatened by another nuclear state, then the possession of nuclear weapons is a necessity as a way to protect its self. Middle East region is currently at a similar situation like that because of the presence of nuclear weapons threat posed by Israel and Iran. Even the Syrian ambassador, Bassam al-Sabbagh, told the conference that Israel's nuclear weapons capability has led to the serious and sustained threat. The same thing also imposed on Iran.
The question is, is it true that Israel's nuclear threat against Iran, and Iran against Israel is real? The adherents of constructivists in international relations to explain that the reality of nuclear weapons is not on the ability to kill, but on the social context that has given meaning to the ability of the weapon, and
this is usually created by the policy makers through the role of thought and the knowledge shared of social reality.
Security dilemma, for example, it is not made solely because of the fact that there are two sovereign states which have the nuclear weapons, but also depends on how these countries look to one another. Generally, the views are formed on the thinking and shared knowledge. For example, 200 nuclear warheads held by Israel would not threaten the United States than a nuclear warheads possessed by Iran, because Israel is an ally, while Iran is the enemy. "Allies" and "enemy" is a function of mutual understanding.
This view seems clearly visible at the conference in Vienna, when Israel expressed its view that the Middle East region was not ready to establish the NWFZ. Israel said it with its own perception that there was the political instability, hostility, and mistrust in Middle East region with reference to the case of a boycott of Iran at the conference as its reason.
Furthermore, one of the Israel's policy makers, David Danieli, said the NWFZ could only be done when the Middle East region has a peace situation, when the perception of threat among member states of the region is low and only after the foundation of trust is built between the countries in this area. If not, then the Middle East forever will never be free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
Unfortunately, the trust among the countries in the Middle East region is formed on the basis of suspicion of each other, especially between Israel and Iran itself.
That way, there are two scenarios that might occur in the Middle East region. First, the tension or conflict between Israel and Iran will lead to an escalation that can not be accounted for. It could be the Israel's threat to perform the military action to Iran will soon be realized.
Second, because of fears over the Israel's threat, Iran could be fully enhance its nuclear capabilities for military purposes and not for the civilian purposes. It is important to do by Iran in order to minimize the nuclear threat from Israel.
Therefore, with reference to these two scenarios, then there is no other option but to force Israel and Iran to make a binding agreement by signing an agreement Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) to reduce or eliminate their nuclear weapons.
But until now, Israel is the only country in the Middle East region that has not been willing to sign the NPT. And Iran also seems to be seriously upgrading its nuclear capability as a strategy of deterrence against Israel. By observing such situation, the Middle East region will likely forever be overshadowed by the horror of nuclear war between Israel and Iran.
*****
AL QAEDA
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15750813
Bin Laden was 'tender and kind'
Osama Bin Laden is described as "refined" and "gentle" in a video released by the man believed to be the new head of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15996128
Al-Qaeda says it has US citizen
Al-Qaeda says it has a 70-year-old US aid expert, Warren Weinstein, who was kidnapped in the Pakistani city of Lahore three months ago.
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15750813
Bin Laden was 'tender and kind'
Osama Bin Laden is described as "refined" and "gentle" in a video released by the man believed to be the new head of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15996128
Al-Qaeda says it has US citizen
Al-Qaeda says it has a 70-year-old US aid expert, Warren Weinstein, who was kidnapped in the Pakistani city of Lahore three months ago.
*****
TALIBAN - PAKISTAN- AFGHANISTAN
► http://www.hazara.net/index.html
World-wide protest against target killings of Hazaras in Pakistan
Over 600 Hazaras have been murdered Over 1000 Hazaras have been permanently disabled by terrorist attacks Over half a million Hazaras are terrorized on a daily basis for last 10 years No terrorists has ever been brought to justice by the Pakistani Government.
► http://shahamat-english.com/
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
► http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2063794,00.html
Why Pakistan's Taliban Target the Muslim Majority
Unable to as easily target major economic and political targets in the city, militants turn to the shrines of the Barelvi Muslim majority, seemed 'apostates' by the Taliban.
****
► http://www.hazara.net/index.html
World-wide protest against target killings of Hazaras in Pakistan
Over 600 Hazaras have been murdered Over 1000 Hazaras have been permanently disabled by terrorist attacks Over half a million Hazaras are terrorized on a daily basis for last 10 years No terrorists has ever been brought to justice by the Pakistani Government.
► http://shahamat-english.com/
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
► http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2063794,00.html
Why Pakistan's Taliban Target the Muslim Majority
Unable to as easily target major economic and political targets in the city, militants turn to the shrines of the Barelvi Muslim majority, seemed 'apostates' by the Taliban.
****
I N D I A
Koteswar Rao alias Kishenji is a top Naxal leader, known to have carried out many deadly attacks. He is believed to be behind the latest attack on the Silda Camp in West Bengal. Born in an Andhra village, the 52-year-old is the son of a freedom fighter. He has spent the last 34 years in war against the state, having gone underground a year after Emergency. In 1980, he co-founded the People's War Group in Andhra Pradesh.
Kishenji then became a politburo member and held charge of Telangana. In the 1990s, the Maoist leader moved into Bihar and Jharkhand and rose to be one of the top Naxal leaders in the eastern region. He is known to be media-friendly and always ready for interviews and there has been much debate on how he seems to contact journalists with ease, and takes calls from them, but has not been apprehended.
Kishenji recently offered a conditional 72-day truce to the Indian government after the Centre asked Naxals to give up violence for 72 hours.
*****
Koteswar Rao alias Kishenji is a top Naxal leader, known to have carried out many deadly attacks. He is believed to be behind the latest attack on the Silda Camp in West Bengal. Born in an Andhra village, the 52-year-old is the son of a freedom fighter. He has spent the last 34 years in war against the state, having gone underground a year after Emergency. In 1980, he co-founded the People's War Group in Andhra Pradesh.
Kishenji then became a politburo member and held charge of Telangana. In the 1990s, the Maoist leader moved into Bihar and Jharkhand and rose to be one of the top Naxal leaders in the eastern region. He is known to be media-friendly and always ready for interviews and there has been much debate on how he seems to contact journalists with ease, and takes calls from them, but has not been apprehended.
Kishenji recently offered a conditional 72-day truce to the Indian government after the Centre asked Naxals to give up violence for 72 hours.
*****
A F G H A N I S T A N
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/23/world/meast/afghan-rape-victim/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Jailed Afghan rape victim has sentence reduced, remains in jail - CNN.com
Afghan prosecutors said Wednesday a young rape victim, jailed for adultery, would have her sentence reduced from twelve to three years.
► http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/12/01/143006173/afghan-rape-victim-pardoned-after-agreeing-to-marry-her-attacker
Afghan Rape Victim Pardoned After Agreeing To Marry Her Attacker : NPR
Her case has gotten attention around the world. Now, supporters fear she has agreed to the marriage under duress. She will be the man's second wife.
Gulnaz's suffering is not just begun and ended with physical attacks due to the rape. She was faced with two choices which equally bitter: prison, or other bad dream: to marry her rapist. The rapist was the husband of her cousin.
After the attack, she hid what had happened as long as she could. But soon she started vomiting in the morning and showed the signs of pregnancy.
In Afghanistan, pregnant out of wedlock will culminate in court. The judge will indict them guilty, having sexual relation outside of marriage or adultery, and sentenced to twelve years in prison. (...Oh dear dahling, I think it's the most correct decision/fit for us, we can't settle in Afghanistan...
)
She was imprisoned at Badam Bagh, Kabul. She and her baby was serving a sentence together. Sitting with a baby on her lap, her face was covered, with caution she explained the only option that would end her detention. "The only way for Afghanistan law is married to a rapist. It is considered to restore our honor," she said.
For the sake of her baby, perhaps she will accept the second option. "My daughter is an innocent child at all. I will always keep her as proof of my innocence," she said.
Gulnaz is the lucky one. In her community, the women as the rape victims are more often killed because of the embarrassment of their family. Surprisingly, Gulnaz case is common in Afghanistan. Many women choose to stay in jail just to avoid a worse fate.
Gulnaz suffering has become an international concern because of a dispute between the EU and the team of documentary filmmakers which were hired to report on women's rights in Afghanistan.
The makers of a documentary about Gulnaz and other women showed the victim was talking openly about her fate. They showed the film to the EU, but the EU said its concerns about the safety of women in the film: they can be identified and perhaps they will face the retaliation. But the filmmakers - citing the leaked email from the EU delegation - said the EU was probably motivated by the sensitive relationship with the Afghan justice institutions, so the UE asked for the film was not aired.
EU Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vygaudas Usackas rejected any political motivation on the prohibition of the film. "What I worry about is the fate of women who become the victims. About the safety and welfare, it is very important, "he said.
According to Afghan law, Gulnaz had been punished as adulterer. Although the dispute will be sustainable over her story, but her difficulty does not change. She faces the terrible choice: 12 years in jail or marries her rapist and mortality risk. Europe is still in debate, and Gulnaz is still in her suffering.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15991641
Jailed Afghan rape victim freed
Afghan President Hamid Karzai pardons a woman jailed for adultery after being a victim of rape, after she apparently agrees to marry her attacker.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/asia/afghanistan-rape-victim/index.html
Nearly 5,000 sign petition calling for release of Afghan rape victim - CNN.com
The Afghan president received a petition Sunday with nearly 5,000 names endorsing a plea for the release of a rape victim jailed because of her attack.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15688354
Afghan women stoned and shot dead
A group of armed men stone and shoot dead a woman and her daughter in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, security officials say.
*****
What the heck? She was raped, but why was she imprisoned? well, based on this story, if the women had been raped, then immediately they had to make a complaint to the authorities. If they allowed it to get pregnant, it is difficult to distinguish whether the woman was raped or committed adultery. Well, talk about adultery, then off course it can not be avoided the problem of prostitution and promiscuity among women and men, lesbian, homosexual, transsexual, or even teenagers. (Aih. .. I saw a pair of figure! Haa..., dahling, do you see that? Who are they? Are they trying to hide themselves or something, perhaps?...
)
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/23/world/meast/afghan-rape-victim/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Jailed Afghan rape victim has sentence reduced, remains in jail - CNN.com
Afghan prosecutors said Wednesday a young rape victim, jailed for adultery, would have her sentence reduced from twelve to three years.
► http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/12/01/143006173/afghan-rape-victim-pardoned-after-agreeing-to-marry-her-attacker
Afghan Rape Victim Pardoned After Agreeing To Marry Her Attacker : NPR
Her case has gotten attention around the world. Now, supporters fear she has agreed to the marriage under duress. She will be the man's second wife.
After the attack, she hid what had happened as long as she could. But soon she started vomiting in the morning and showed the signs of pregnancy.
In Afghanistan, pregnant out of wedlock will culminate in court. The judge will indict them guilty, having sexual relation outside of marriage or adultery, and sentenced to twelve years in prison. (...Oh dear dahling, I think it's the most correct decision/fit for us, we can't settle in Afghanistan...
)She was imprisoned at Badam Bagh, Kabul. She and her baby was serving a sentence together. Sitting with a baby on her lap, her face was covered, with caution she explained the only option that would end her detention. "The only way for Afghanistan law is married to a rapist. It is considered to restore our honor," she said.
For the sake of her baby, perhaps she will accept the second option. "My daughter is an innocent child at all. I will always keep her as proof of my innocence," she said.
Gulnaz is the lucky one. In her community, the women as the rape victims are more often killed because of the embarrassment of their family. Surprisingly, Gulnaz case is common in Afghanistan. Many women choose to stay in jail just to avoid a worse fate.
Gulnaz suffering has become an international concern because of a dispute between the EU and the team of documentary filmmakers which were hired to report on women's rights in Afghanistan.
The makers of a documentary about Gulnaz and other women showed the victim was talking openly about her fate. They showed the film to the EU, but the EU said its concerns about the safety of women in the film: they can be identified and perhaps they will face the retaliation. But the filmmakers - citing the leaked email from the EU delegation - said the EU was probably motivated by the sensitive relationship with the Afghan justice institutions, so the UE asked for the film was not aired.
EU Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vygaudas Usackas rejected any political motivation on the prohibition of the film. "What I worry about is the fate of women who become the victims. About the safety and welfare, it is very important, "he said.
According to Afghan law, Gulnaz had been punished as adulterer. Although the dispute will be sustainable over her story, but her difficulty does not change. She faces the terrible choice: 12 years in jail or marries her rapist and mortality risk. Europe is still in debate, and Gulnaz is still in her suffering.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15991641
Jailed Afghan rape victim freed
Afghan President Hamid Karzai pardons a woman jailed for adultery after being a victim of rape, after she apparently agrees to marry her attacker.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/asia/afghanistan-rape-victim/index.html
Nearly 5,000 sign petition calling for release of Afghan rape victim - CNN.com
The Afghan president received a petition Sunday with nearly 5,000 names endorsing a plea for the release of a rape victim jailed because of her attack.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15688354
Afghan women stoned and shot dead
A group of armed men stone and shoot dead a woman and her daughter in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, security officials say.
*****
What the heck? She was raped, but why was she imprisoned? well, based on this story, if the women had been raped, then immediately they had to make a complaint to the authorities. If they allowed it to get pregnant, it is difficult to distinguish whether the woman was raped or committed adultery. Well, talk about adultery, then off course it can not be avoided the problem of prostitution and promiscuity among women and men, lesbian, homosexual, transsexual, or even teenagers. (Aih. .. I saw a pair of figure! Haa..., dahling, do you see that? Who are they? Are they trying to hide themselves or something, perhaps?...
)
E G Y P T
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/egypt/
Egypt Elections - Al Jazeera English
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/egypt/
Egypt Elections - Al Jazeera English
The first opinion poll conducted in Egypt post Mubarak, was conducted by YouGov. According to the YouGov survey of 1871 Egyptians between 15-20 February, almost half of all Egyptians (49%) believed that Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League, was the man most capable of leading the next Egyptian Government. Other potential Presidents, Ahmed Zewill (13%) & Ayman Nour, Mubarak’s 2005 Presidential rival (1%), trailed Moussa by a huge margin. Almost 1 in 10(9%) believed former Vice President, Omar Sulieman, should be Egypt’s new leader. The majority (81%) of Egyptians believed that the army would facilitate free and fair elections.
According to a survey conducted for the International Peace Institute amongst 615 adult citizens of Egypt from 9 to 20 March, 37% would have voted for Amr Moussa, 16% for Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, 12% for Ahmed Zewail, 7% for Essam Sharaf, 5% for Omar Suleiman, 2% for Mohamed ElBaradei, and 1% for Ayman Nour.
An April, 2011 survey of 1,000 Egyptians by Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project with a margin of error of four percentage points found that the most popular Egyptian politician was Amr Moussa with 41% of Egyptians viewing him as "very favourable," followed by Ayman Nour with 32% and Mohamed ElBaradei with 25%. Some 75% had a favourable view of the Muslim Brotherhood, but only 17% believed they should lead the next government.
In June, 2011 poll by IPI, former Arab League SecretaryGeneral Amr Moussa remains front runner for the November presidential election with 32 % of voting intentions. If they run, sitting Prime Minister Essam Sharaf would place second at 16 % and Marshall Mohammad Tantawi third at 8%. Opposition leaders Mohammad El Baradei and Ayman Nour get just 2 % and 3 % of vote intentions respectively.
An July, 2011 survey for Newsweek/The Daily Beast showed the following results: 16% Amr Moussa, 12% Mohamed ElBaradei, 12% Ahmed Shafik, 6% Mohamed Selim El Awa, 5% Abdel ElMoneim Abu ElFottoh, 5% Field Marshal Tantawi, 4% Omar Suleiman, 4% Magdy Hatata, 4% Hisham El-Bastawesi, 4% Ayman Nour (al-Ghad), 2% Hamdeen Sabahi (al-Karama), 27% Don't know/Undecided. When asked who would they choose between Amr Moussa, Mohamed ElBaradei and AbdElMonem Abul Futuh, 47% favored Moussa, 19% ELBaradei, 16% Futuh and 18% weren't sure.
On 23 August Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) and the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Institute (DEDI) presented the outcome of a voters survey they have conducted amongst 2,400 Egyptians of voting age from 5 to 17 August. According to it, 44% of the respondents would vote for Amr Moussa, 12% for Ahmed Shafiq, 9% for Omar Suleiman, 6% for Ayman Nour, 5% each for Hamdeen Sabahi, Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, and Salim Al-Awa, 4% each for Mohamed ElBaradei and Hisham Bastawisy, and 2% each for Abdel-Moneim Aboul-Fotouh and Magdy Hatata.
A Press TV survey conducted by Synovate and published on 4 October with a sample of 1,030 respondents showed nearly 42 percent supporting Amr Moussa, 15 percent for Ahmed Shafiq, and 13 percent favoring Mohammed ElBaradei.
The second national voter survey by APSSC and DEDI showed 44.8% support for Amr Moussa, 13.2% for Ahmed Shafik, 10.8% for Omar Suleiman, 5.7% for Hamdeen Sabahi, 5.2% for Abu Ismail, and 5.0% for Ayman Nour. Nine other candidates were taken into account in the 11-12 September survey among 2,400 Egyptians above the age of 18.
► http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/texts/westcar_papyrus.htm
The Tales from the Westcar Papyrus
Ancient Egypt: The Tales from the Westcar Papyrus
► http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/05/egypt_leaders.html/
Interactive: Who Will Lead Egypt?
► http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/3331/egyptian-elections_preliminary-results_updated
Egyptian Elections: Preliminary Results [UPDATED] www.jadaliyya.com
[This entry will be regularly updated. Last update: 2:13 am Egypt time] After Egyptians completed voting in nine governorates, including Cairo and Alexandria, media reports are currently circulating unofficial information about preliminary results.
*****
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/egypt/
Egypt Elections - Al Jazeera English
Mohamed ElBaradei (The ex-Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the winner of the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize)
Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh (Secretary-General of the Arab Medical Union; former member of the Guidance Bureau of the Muslim Brotherhood)
Amr Moussa (The ex-Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and former Foreign Minister)
Mohammad Salim Al-Awa (Islamist thinker; ex-Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars; head of the Egyptian Association for Culture and Dialogue)
Hazem Salah Abu Ismail (An Islamist figure and an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood. He is also a known TV host amongst Egyptians)
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/egypt/
Egypt Elections - Al Jazeera English
The first opinion poll conducted in Egypt post Mubarak, was conducted by YouGov. According to the YouGov survey of 1871 Egyptians between 15-20 February, almost half of all Egyptians (49%) believed that Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League, was the man most capable of leading the next Egyptian Government. Other potential Presidents, Ahmed Zewill (13%) & Ayman Nour, Mubarak’s 2005 Presidential rival (1%), trailed Moussa by a huge margin. Almost 1 in 10(9%) believed former Vice President, Omar Sulieman, should be Egypt’s new leader. The majority (81%) of Egyptians believed that the army would facilitate free and fair elections.
According to a survey conducted for the International Peace Institute amongst 615 adult citizens of Egypt from 9 to 20 March, 37% would have voted for Amr Moussa, 16% for Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, 12% for Ahmed Zewail, 7% for Essam Sharaf, 5% for Omar Suleiman, 2% for Mohamed ElBaradei, and 1% for Ayman Nour.
An April, 2011 survey of 1,000 Egyptians by Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project with a margin of error of four percentage points found that the most popular Egyptian politician was Amr Moussa with 41% of Egyptians viewing him as "very favourable," followed by Ayman Nour with 32% and Mohamed ElBaradei with 25%. Some 75% had a favourable view of the Muslim Brotherhood, but only 17% believed they should lead the next government.
In June, 2011 poll by IPI, former Arab League SecretaryGeneral Amr Moussa remains front runner for the November presidential election with 32 % of voting intentions. If they run, sitting Prime Minister Essam Sharaf would place second at 16 % and Marshall Mohammad Tantawi third at 8%. Opposition leaders Mohammad El Baradei and Ayman Nour get just 2 % and 3 % of vote intentions respectively.
An July, 2011 survey for Newsweek/The Daily Beast showed the following results: 16% Amr Moussa, 12% Mohamed ElBaradei, 12% Ahmed Shafik, 6% Mohamed Selim El Awa, 5% Abdel ElMoneim Abu ElFottoh, 5% Field Marshal Tantawi, 4% Omar Suleiman, 4% Magdy Hatata, 4% Hisham El-Bastawesi, 4% Ayman Nour (al-Ghad), 2% Hamdeen Sabahi (al-Karama), 27% Don't know/Undecided. When asked who would they choose between Amr Moussa, Mohamed ElBaradei and AbdElMonem Abul Futuh, 47% favored Moussa, 19% ELBaradei, 16% Futuh and 18% weren't sure.
On 23 August Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) and the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Institute (DEDI) presented the outcome of a voters survey they have conducted amongst 2,400 Egyptians of voting age from 5 to 17 August. According to it, 44% of the respondents would vote for Amr Moussa, 12% for Ahmed Shafiq, 9% for Omar Suleiman, 6% for Ayman Nour, 5% each for Hamdeen Sabahi, Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, and Salim Al-Awa, 4% each for Mohamed ElBaradei and Hisham Bastawisy, and 2% each for Abdel-Moneim Aboul-Fotouh and Magdy Hatata.
A Press TV survey conducted by Synovate and published on 4 October with a sample of 1,030 respondents showed nearly 42 percent supporting Amr Moussa, 15 percent for Ahmed Shafiq, and 13 percent favoring Mohammed ElBaradei.
The second national voter survey by APSSC and DEDI showed 44.8% support for Amr Moussa, 13.2% for Ahmed Shafik, 10.8% for Omar Suleiman, 5.7% for Hamdeen Sabahi, 5.2% for Abu Ismail, and 5.0% for Ayman Nour. Nine other candidates were taken into account in the 11-12 September survey among 2,400 Egyptians above the age of 18.
► http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/texts/westcar_papyrus.htm
The Tales from the Westcar Papyrus
Ancient Egypt: The Tales from the Westcar Papyrus
► http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/05/egypt_leaders.html/
Interactive: Who Will Lead Egypt?
► http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/3331/egyptian-elections_preliminary-results_updated
Egyptian Elections: Preliminary Results [UPDATED] www.jadaliyya.com
[This entry will be regularly updated. Last update: 2:13 am Egypt time] After Egyptians completed voting in nine governorates, including Cairo and Alexandria, media reports are currently circulating unofficial information about preliminary results.
*****
I S R A E L
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15932405
Rockets from Lebanon hit Israel
Several rockets fired from southern Lebanon landed in northern Israel, the Israeli army says, but no casualties are reported.
Israel seemed full alert against the threat of nuclear war and missile attacks from Middle Eastern countries. In coming months, Israel will hold the standby exercise for biotechnology, chemical, and radioactive attack.
One of its practice is the "Black Cloud", which will take place in January 2012. This is the first time for Israel military holds the standby exercise for biotechnology and radioactive warfare. Exercise took place in northern Israel. In the scenario, the northern part of Israel was attacked by a chemical bomb.
Haifa city becomes the first city that will be part of this war. In addition to the Israeli military, the exercise is also followed by police and other organizations. A number of roads will be closed. Some hospitals are required on full alert in this exercise.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Ministry also held a practice alert with password "Orange Flame". The scenario of this exercise was the biological missile attacks on Israel. This exercise involves a hospital in Tiberias, Afula and Nazareth.
"There is the concern in Western countries and Israel if there are still terrorist groups that produce the biological and chemical weapons. There is a possibility, they come from unstable countries such as Syria and Libya "Haaretz daily said.
Israel claims Syria has plenty full of chemical weapons such as mustard gas, Sarin, and VX. While Libya has the chemical weapons arsenal which is still controlled by the new government.
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15932405
Rockets from Lebanon hit Israel
Several rockets fired from southern Lebanon landed in northern Israel, the Israeli army says, but no casualties are reported.
Israel seemed full alert against the threat of nuclear war and missile attacks from Middle Eastern countries. In coming months, Israel will hold the standby exercise for biotechnology, chemical, and radioactive attack.
One of its practice is the "Black Cloud", which will take place in January 2012. This is the first time for Israel military holds the standby exercise for biotechnology and radioactive warfare. Exercise took place in northern Israel. In the scenario, the northern part of Israel was attacked by a chemical bomb.
Haifa city becomes the first city that will be part of this war. In addition to the Israeli military, the exercise is also followed by police and other organizations. A number of roads will be closed. Some hospitals are required on full alert in this exercise.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Ministry also held a practice alert with password "Orange Flame". The scenario of this exercise was the biological missile attacks on Israel. This exercise involves a hospital in Tiberias, Afula and Nazareth.
"There is the concern in Western countries and Israel if there are still terrorist groups that produce the biological and chemical weapons. There is a possibility, they come from unstable countries such as Syria and Libya "Haaretz daily said.
Israel claims Syria has plenty full of chemical weapons such as mustard gas, Sarin, and VX. While Libya has the chemical weapons arsenal which is still controlled by the new government.
*****
AFRICA KENYA - SOMALIA
Hi wood and leaves!
Why do you have fun?
Laugh enjoy yourselves?
By the wind and happy?
Is there a breeze laugh with you,
Telling a good and pleasing?
I do not get your pleasure!
Why do you laugh?
Hi singing beetles!
What are you singing?
Flowers, you fill out the sound!
What do you sing?
The flower or the honey?
Why are you all happy?
What? Why? How?
Why are you laughing?
Woods and trees:
Hi kids! Children! Full of grief!
Why have you gone to hell?
Why do you weep in grief?
We rejoice because of a blessing,
from the wind and sun!
our roots suck the food!
We laugh, dance,
not bear the hunger!
Beetles, birds:
Hi kids! Let's sing!
We are the beetles and birds,
revelers every day!
And you? Why are you depressed?
Quite a lot of food
of flowers and spring!
We do not remember the famine!
We sing and recite poetry.
Ah I was a child!
Struck, swallowed by the hungry!
Birds and leaves, beetles, animals
have an abundance of food!
Why is it so? Why?
I am the human! Must try!
Must be overridden by hunger and thirst?
Trees and birds, all animals
Better than ... human?
*****
(CZ-lacalifusa, 11211)
Hi wood and leaves!
Why do you have fun?
Laugh enjoy yourselves?
By the wind and happy?
Is there a breeze laugh with you,
Telling a good and pleasing?
I do not get your pleasure!
Why do you laugh?
Hi singing beetles!
What are you singing?
Flowers, you fill out the sound!
What do you sing?
The flower or the honey?
Why are you all happy?
What? Why? How?
Why are you laughing?
Woods and trees:
Hi kids! Children! Full of grief!
Why have you gone to hell?
Why do you weep in grief?
We rejoice because of a blessing,
from the wind and sun!
our roots suck the food!
We laugh, dance,
not bear the hunger!
Beetles, birds:
Hi kids! Let's sing!
We are the beetles and birds,
revelers every day!
And you? Why are you depressed?
Quite a lot of food
of flowers and spring!
We do not remember the famine!
We sing and recite poetry.
Ah I was a child!
Struck, swallowed by the hungry!
Birds and leaves, beetles, animals
have an abundance of food!
Why is it so? Why?
I am the human! Must try!
Must be overridden by hunger and thirst?
Trees and birds, all animals
Better than ... human?
*****
(CZ-lacalifusa, 11211)
IN THE FOURTH YEAR
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15862384
Dreaming "eases painful memories"
Scientists have used brain scans to shed more light on how the brain deals with the memory of unpleasant or traumatic events during sleep.
► http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017111612.htm
Caresses enjoyable vicariously, too
It is well-known that we humans enjoy sensual caresses, but the brain reacts just as strongly to seeing another person being caressed, reveals new research.
The years up the hope
I was dispatched to a flowering garden
far from narrow yard
Nothing is kept besides the yearning
that you embroidered on my mantle, mother
as you embroider the love on father's chest
All the packaging that you've sent each month
I opened it with trembling hands
because I was afraid to see
your frozen tears and condensed sweat.
and if I could not return it to you one day
when I had turned into a moon
as you dream it all the time
In this fourth year
the thirst is never finished to tempt my weariness
I wash it away into the rivers of light
where I find the estuary at the end of the day
which is always wet by your prayers
About the flowers outside the window
You do not need to tuck them behind my sleeping pillow
Where I was building a dream
Just let it wither by the time
My longing is enough one for you, mother, is not it?
In the fourth year
What tree grows in my whole body?
The fruit is just for you, mom 
*****
(CZ-lacalifusa120112)
(CZ-lacalifusa120112)
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15862384
Dreaming "eases painful memories"
Scientists have used brain scans to shed more light on how the brain deals with the memory of unpleasant or traumatic events during sleep.
► http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017111612.htm
Caresses enjoyable vicariously, too
It is well-known that we humans enjoy sensual caresses, but the brain reacts just as strongly to seeing another person being caressed, reveals new research.
M U S I C
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