RUSSIA : VLADIMIR PUTIN
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/15/opinion/russia-putin-kovalev/index.html?hpt=ieu_mid
Putin must reform to stay in power - CNN.com
The last few months have seen the ratings of Vladimir Putin and United Russia, Russia's ruling party, drop so sharply that the Kremlin's polling agency simply ceased publishing them.
Mr. Putin. If God is willing to put the Russia leadership in your hands, no one can prevent it. We'll see after the election March 2012. May you succeed!
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/15/opinion/russia-putin-kovalev/index.html?hpt=ieu_mid
Putin must reform to stay in power - CNN.com
The last few months have seen the ratings of Vladimir Putin and United Russia, Russia's ruling party, drop so sharply that the Kremlin's polling agency simply ceased publishing them.
Mr. Putin. If God is willing to put the Russia leadership in your hands, no one can prevent it. We'll see after the election March 2012. May you succeed!
TWO KOREAS
Ah, come on. If North Korea is only a kind of penguins at the South pole, of course the death of Jong-il will not be preached too long. For days it has dominated all media headlines. But well, the U.S. knows who and how the North Korea is.
Indeed, in my opinion, the ceremony of death until the funeral had spent a long time. Jong-il died on December 17, 2011, and he was just buried on December 28. During that time the people were weeping under the cold skies of Korea. Well, it's certainly not good news, The Sadness under the Snow. (What the good - if I am given the privilege to choose the situation - is, eating the toast and drinking warm milk after shananana.. nana.... with my partner... mmmhhh
)
This is not the problem of someone who was dead in North Korea, but who he is and who his successor and how North Korea under a new leader, it's the bottom line. Still that's not what makes me laugh out loud because the death news, but the headlines reported by Al Jazeera! hahahaha... "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" ...ahahahaa...this title is so funny, romantic and witty!
For me, the term of tear itself in politics is unique and humorous. Tears are something based on feelings and in the political world does not know the terms of feelings. But in practice, huh what the hell! ehehehee .... I do not mean that the North people have made their grief becomes an amusing spectacle, but this title is really wearing on my humor nerves. "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" ... ehhhehehee....
The sentence was pushed into my eyes after they saw the people in North Korea continued to cry hysterically in the funeral process (Why are people crying and wailing such that? Why can't I do it?)
. Because it was unclear whether I was feeling really sorry to see people crying over the dead or pity for the death itself, ... I finally became easy to secretly open my mind to other possibilities of other situations. Well, whatever. Anything. Suddenly, there was "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" - Steve Chao reports from Yeonpyeong. 
.... ehehehe...
► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2011/12/
No tears for Kim Jong-il on S Korean island
Many islanders who came under attack from the north last year have even refused to follow his funeral on TV.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011122844512293771.html
Power behind Kim Jong-un
Kim Jong-un, the "great successor". set to be advised by family members who are rapidly increasing in rank.
Youngest son of the late Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un, officially declared as the Great Leader of North Korea the day after Jong-il's funeral procession. (29 Desembre 2011)
When standing on the balcony of the Great People's Study House that led to Kim Il-sung Square, Kim Jong-un was often bowed his head. He was flanked by the Workers' Party officials and military officers, including Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (Ri Yong-ho), his uncle (Jang Shon-taek) and his aunt (Kim Kyong-hui). Both are Jong-un's mentors until he is mature.
"Comrade Kim Jong-un is the great leader of our party, military, and this country that inherited the ideology, leadership, character, values, ferocity, and courage of the great comrade Kim Jong-il," said Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme people's Assembly of North Korea, in front of hundreds of thousands of North Koreans who stood in the middle of the air temperature -10 o Celsius.
A number of observers assessed the statement was an official announcement of the new regime of North Korea's transfer of power. "This is definitely an event to confirm and reinforce the status of Kim Jong-un publicly," said Jeung Young-tae, an analysis from the Institute for National Unification in Seoul, South Korea.
Along with the inauguration of Kim Jong-un, North Korea was also considered to have started construction of cult and myth of Kim jong-il's figure. In his speech, Kim Yong-nam's was flattering Jong-il's role in building this "Stalinist state".
"Great Leader Kim Jong-il laid the foundation for our people to live as free people from a world-class military power and nuclear power." Furthermore, Yong-nam told about the Jong-il's role in North Korea and the economic achievement of Songun Policy aka the priorities of the military.
About the North Korean military, Larry Niksch who examines the North Korean weapons for the U.S. Congress Office of Studies for 43 years, believed the country's military capability couldn't be underestimated. According to him, Kim Jong-un inherited a nuclear power capable of such a sophisticated and able to compete with Western countries in recent years.
With that powerful weaponry, the question is, does Kim Jong-un have the heinous nature like his late father and his grandfather to perpetuate the dynasti? This can be answered only by the time, "said Sung-Yoon Lee from Tufts University.
Desembre 31, 2011
For the first time under the Kim Jong-un's leadership, North Korea voiced provocations against South Korea as well as propaganda to show their readiness for war. Even this "Stalinist State" labelled its enemy as "Idiot".
"On this occasion, we are seriously declare with full confidence that all the stupid politicians around the world, including in the South Korean puppet forces will not see a change from us," said a North Korean state television announcer read a statement from the National Defense Commission, the highest agency in North.
Rhetorical tone of hostility also was sticking out again yesterday. "We will never close contact with the government of Lee Myung-bak (South Korean government)," the announcer said. "Ocean of tears and blood that drips from the military and our people will follow the puppet regime until the end. Those tears will turn into a sea of revenge's fire that will burn all," said the announcer.
Since Kim Jong-il died on December 17, the outside world continues to observe whether his youngest son, Kim Jong-un will implement a policy of strictly military. The answer comes in a variety of propaganda symbolism.
By no longer wearing black clothing as an expression of grief over the death of Kim Jong-il, the North Korean television announcer was wearing a red black dress and spoke with an emotional tone. That means North Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong-un will follow the path of confrontation compromised by the late Kim Jong-il.
North Korea has a long history of using the harsh phrases that challenges the South Korea, especially since the conservative leader, Lee Myung-bak held the South Korean government in 2008. South Korea under Lee had terminated the friendly policies, dubbed "Sunshine" which was pioneered by former President Kim Dae-jung.
Lee's decision, according to Chung Young-tae as the analysis of the Korean Institute of National Unification in Seoul and the expert team from the South Korean government, is the right thing. "Hoping a change of North Korea as a part of us (South Korea) is folly," he said.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16361378
North Korea: 'Expect no change'
North Korea tells the international community not to "expect any change" in the wake of Kim Jong-il's death, as the US sends a top diplomat to the region.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16376220
N Korea urges Kim Jong-un loyalty
North Korea calls on the country to defend the new leader, Kim Jong-un, to the death, in a New Year's message released by state media.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16380918
Two Koreas 'at a turning point'
The Korean peninsula is at a "turning point" and there are opportunities for change, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has said in a new year address.
1 Janvier, 2012
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said that the Korean peninsula was at a "turning point" and there was the possibility of change after the death of Kim Jong-il and the rise of Kim Jong-un in the leadership of North Korea.
In his new year speech, Lee said Seoul would "react strongly" if provoked by North Korea which called on the technical warfare. But he said the biggest goal was the stability and that the talks between North and South Korea could continue if Pyongyang halted its nuclear activities.
Lee Myung-bak opened the door of peace as a priority and this opened the opportunity to strengthen ties with the North. However, South Korea "will continue to maintain national security as long as there is the possibility of provocation from the North."
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin on Thursday (22 Desembre 2011) told parliament that the government would take any kind of step as consideration for the guarantee of national security.
South Korea is closely watching the developments in North Korea for signs of instability since the death of their leader Kim Jong Il. North Korea has a nuclear weapons program and one of the largest military in the world. In 2010, North Korea attacked Yeonpyeong island in South Korea and Seoul blamed North Korea for the sinking of warship Cheonan, but Pyongyang denied it.
South Korean Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik said he believed Pyongyang would not apologize for the incident, but he said all the relevant pathways for discussion would be guaranteed. South Korea insisted on demanding an apology for the incident as a condition to resume the stalled six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament in return for the aid.
2 Janvier, 2012
Kim Jong Il's eldest son, Kim Jong Nam (40 years) was rumored to go into North Korea, according to Japanese media daily, Yomiuri, reported on Sunday (1 Jan 2012). This visit was part of the concern over his father's death. He did not attend the funeral on 28 December 2011.
Perhaps the presence of Kim Jong Nam was associated with appointment of his half-brother, Kim Jong Un, who succeeded his father became the number one in North Korea.
Jong-Nam flew to Pyongyang from Macao. He used a fake passport in the name of Kim Chol and he did not fly over Beijing.
According to the Yomiuri, Kim Jong-Nam was not interested in power. "He pulled out of a succession of several years ago and said he was not interested in politics."
Kim Jong Nam has lived abroad for many years. He had tried to get into Japan by using a fake passport just to watch the Tokyo Disneyland in 2001. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Kim Jong Nam received the full protection of the Chinese government. Kim Jong-nam reportedly been the target group of supporters of Kim Jong-un to be killed. The news was crowded in the news media of South Korea in 2009.
*****
Ah, come on. If North Korea is only a kind of penguins at the South pole, of course the death of Jong-il will not be preached too long. For days it has dominated all media headlines. But well, the U.S. knows who and how the North Korea is.
Indeed, in my opinion, the ceremony of death until the funeral had spent a long time. Jong-il died on December 17, 2011, and he was just buried on December 28. During that time the people were weeping under the cold skies of Korea. Well, it's certainly not good news, The Sadness under the Snow. (What the good - if I am given the privilege to choose the situation - is, eating the toast and drinking warm milk after shananana.. nana.... with my partner... mmmhhh
)This is not the problem of someone who was dead in North Korea, but who he is and who his successor and how North Korea under a new leader, it's the bottom line. Still that's not what makes me laugh out loud because the death news, but the headlines reported by Al Jazeera! hahahaha... "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" ...ahahahaa...this title is so funny, romantic and witty!
For me, the term of tear itself in politics is unique and humorous. Tears are something based on feelings and in the political world does not know the terms of feelings. But in practice, huh what the hell! ehehehee .... I do not mean that the North people have made their grief becomes an amusing spectacle, but this title is really wearing on my humor nerves. "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" ... ehhhehehee....
The sentence was pushed into my eyes after they saw the people in North Korea continued to cry hysterically in the funeral process (Why are people crying and wailing such that? Why can't I do it?)
. Because it was unclear whether I was feeling really sorry to see people crying over the dead or pity for the death itself, ... I finally became easy to secretly open my mind to other possibilities of other situations. Well, whatever. Anything. Suddenly, there was "No tears for Jong-il in South Korea" - Steve Chao reports from Yeonpyeong. .... ehehehe... ► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2011/12/
No tears for Kim Jong-il on S Korean island
Many islanders who came under attack from the north last year have even refused to follow his funeral on TV.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011122844512293771.html
Power behind Kim Jong-un
Kim Jong-un, the "great successor". set to be advised by family members who are rapidly increasing in rank.
Youngest son of the late Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un, officially declared as the Great Leader of North Korea the day after Jong-il's funeral procession. (29 Desembre 2011)
When standing on the balcony of the Great People's Study House that led to Kim Il-sung Square, Kim Jong-un was often bowed his head. He was flanked by the Workers' Party officials and military officers, including Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (Ri Yong-ho), his uncle (Jang Shon-taek) and his aunt (Kim Kyong-hui). Both are Jong-un's mentors until he is mature.
"Comrade Kim Jong-un is the great leader of our party, military, and this country that inherited the ideology, leadership, character, values, ferocity, and courage of the great comrade Kim Jong-il," said Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme people's Assembly of North Korea, in front of hundreds of thousands of North Koreans who stood in the middle of the air temperature -10 o Celsius.
A number of observers assessed the statement was an official announcement of the new regime of North Korea's transfer of power. "This is definitely an event to confirm and reinforce the status of Kim Jong-un publicly," said Jeung Young-tae, an analysis from the Institute for National Unification in Seoul, South Korea.
Along with the inauguration of Kim Jong-un, North Korea was also considered to have started construction of cult and myth of Kim jong-il's figure. In his speech, Kim Yong-nam's was flattering Jong-il's role in building this "Stalinist state".
"Great Leader Kim Jong-il laid the foundation for our people to live as free people from a world-class military power and nuclear power." Furthermore, Yong-nam told about the Jong-il's role in North Korea and the economic achievement of Songun Policy aka the priorities of the military.
About the North Korean military, Larry Niksch who examines the North Korean weapons for the U.S. Congress Office of Studies for 43 years, believed the country's military capability couldn't be underestimated. According to him, Kim Jong-un inherited a nuclear power capable of such a sophisticated and able to compete with Western countries in recent years.
With that powerful weaponry, the question is, does Kim Jong-un have the heinous nature like his late father and his grandfather to perpetuate the dynasti? This can be answered only by the time, "said Sung-Yoon Lee from Tufts University.
Desembre 31, 2011
For the first time under the Kim Jong-un's leadership, North Korea voiced provocations against South Korea as well as propaganda to show their readiness for war. Even this "Stalinist State" labelled its enemy as "Idiot".
"On this occasion, we are seriously declare with full confidence that all the stupid politicians around the world, including in the South Korean puppet forces will not see a change from us," said a North Korean state television announcer read a statement from the National Defense Commission, the highest agency in North.
Rhetorical tone of hostility also was sticking out again yesterday. "We will never close contact with the government of Lee Myung-bak (South Korean government)," the announcer said. "Ocean of tears and blood that drips from the military and our people will follow the puppet regime until the end. Those tears will turn into a sea of revenge's fire that will burn all," said the announcer.
Since Kim Jong-il died on December 17, the outside world continues to observe whether his youngest son, Kim Jong-un will implement a policy of strictly military. The answer comes in a variety of propaganda symbolism.
By no longer wearing black clothing as an expression of grief over the death of Kim Jong-il, the North Korean television announcer was wearing a red black dress and spoke with an emotional tone. That means North Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong-un will follow the path of confrontation compromised by the late Kim Jong-il.
North Korea has a long history of using the harsh phrases that challenges the South Korea, especially since the conservative leader, Lee Myung-bak held the South Korean government in 2008. South Korea under Lee had terminated the friendly policies, dubbed "Sunshine" which was pioneered by former President Kim Dae-jung.
Lee's decision, according to Chung Young-tae as the analysis of the Korean Institute of National Unification in Seoul and the expert team from the South Korean government, is the right thing. "Hoping a change of North Korea as a part of us (South Korea) is folly," he said.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16361378
North Korea: 'Expect no change'
North Korea tells the international community not to "expect any change" in the wake of Kim Jong-il's death, as the US sends a top diplomat to the region.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16376220
N Korea urges Kim Jong-un loyalty
North Korea calls on the country to defend the new leader, Kim Jong-un, to the death, in a New Year's message released by state media.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16380918
Two Koreas 'at a turning point'
The Korean peninsula is at a "turning point" and there are opportunities for change, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has said in a new year address.
1 Janvier, 2012
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said that the Korean peninsula was at a "turning point" and there was the possibility of change after the death of Kim Jong-il and the rise of Kim Jong-un in the leadership of North Korea.
In his new year speech, Lee said Seoul would "react strongly" if provoked by North Korea which called on the technical warfare. But he said the biggest goal was the stability and that the talks between North and South Korea could continue if Pyongyang halted its nuclear activities.
Lee Myung-bak opened the door of peace as a priority and this opened the opportunity to strengthen ties with the North. However, South Korea "will continue to maintain national security as long as there is the possibility of provocation from the North."
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin on Thursday (22 Desembre 2011) told parliament that the government would take any kind of step as consideration for the guarantee of national security.
South Korea is closely watching the developments in North Korea for signs of instability since the death of their leader Kim Jong Il. North Korea has a nuclear weapons program and one of the largest military in the world. In 2010, North Korea attacked Yeonpyeong island in South Korea and Seoul blamed North Korea for the sinking of warship Cheonan, but Pyongyang denied it.
South Korean Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik said he believed Pyongyang would not apologize for the incident, but he said all the relevant pathways for discussion would be guaranteed. South Korea insisted on demanding an apology for the incident as a condition to resume the stalled six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament in return for the aid.
2 Janvier, 2012
Kim Jong Il's eldest son, Kim Jong Nam (40 years) was rumored to go into North Korea, according to Japanese media daily, Yomiuri, reported on Sunday (1 Jan 2012). This visit was part of the concern over his father's death. He did not attend the funeral on 28 December 2011.
Perhaps the presence of Kim Jong Nam was associated with appointment of his half-brother, Kim Jong Un, who succeeded his father became the number one in North Korea.
Jong-Nam flew to Pyongyang from Macao. He used a fake passport in the name of Kim Chol and he did not fly over Beijing.
According to the Yomiuri, Kim Jong-Nam was not interested in power. "He pulled out of a succession of several years ago and said he was not interested in politics."
Kim Jong Nam has lived abroad for many years. He had tried to get into Japan by using a fake passport just to watch the Tokyo Disneyland in 2001. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Kim Jong Nam received the full protection of the Chinese government. Kim Jong-nam reportedly been the target group of supporters of Kim Jong-un to be killed. The news was crowded in the news media of South Korea in 2009.
*****
I R A Q
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/12/2011122881820637664.html
Nouri al-Maliki: A Shia Saddam?
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister accuses Nouri al-Maliki of acting like "a dictator" amid fears of "chaos and civil war". ( By: Dahr Jamail )
► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2011/12/2011122992541760163.html
Iraq's sectarian divisions widen
Arrest arrest against vice-president compounds crisis caused by demands for Sunni-dominated autonomous areas.
► http://cnnphotos.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/04/capturing-iraq-through-a-window/
Capturing Iraq through a Humvee window
Working as a conflict photographer can be a dangerous job, or as Benjamin Lowy describes it, "tantamount to suicidal behavior." Images from his "Iraq | Perspectives" series show life in the war-torn country from a Humvee and through night-vision goggles.
► http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2011/12/world/interactive.covering.iraq/index.html?hpt=wo_mid
Wars in Iraq: What I'll remember
With the current Iraq War winding down, CNN reporters, producers and executives share the behind-the-scenes stories that they'll remember from covering the two wars.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/12/2011122881820637664.html
Nouri al-Maliki: A Shia Saddam?
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister accuses Nouri al-Maliki of acting like "a dictator" amid fears of "chaos and civil war". ( By: Dahr Jamail )
► http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2011/12/2011122992541760163.html
Iraq's sectarian divisions widen
Arrest arrest against vice-president compounds crisis caused by demands for Sunni-dominated autonomous areas.
► http://cnnphotos.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/04/capturing-iraq-through-a-window/
Capturing Iraq through a Humvee window
Working as a conflict photographer can be a dangerous job, or as Benjamin Lowy describes it, "tantamount to suicidal behavior." Images from his "Iraq | Perspectives" series show life in the war-torn country from a Humvee and through night-vision goggles.
► http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2011/12/world/interactive.covering.iraq/index.html?hpt=wo_mid
Wars in Iraq: What I'll remember
With the current Iraq War winding down, CNN reporters, producers and executives share the behind-the-scenes stories that they'll remember from covering the two wars.
IRAN - IRAQ
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16351164
Iranian exiles to leave Iraq camp
An Iranian exile group says some of its members are ready to leave their camp near Iraq's capital, Baghdad, in a move to end a political standoff.
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Seyed Hassan Firuzabadi said on Sunday (December 25, 2011) Iran was ready to conduct cooperation with Iraq in the field of military security. In addition, the Iranian Navy was having a 10-day military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz. To face the Western's pressure, Iran took the initiative to deal with military and diplomatic approach.
According to Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency, Firuzabadi last Sunday sent a letter to Chief of General Staff of Iraq, Babaker Shawkat B. Zebari and the acting Minister of Defense, Saadoun al-Dulaimi, to congratulate the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, while Iran stated its readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the field of security and military.
Babaker Zebari on Last November led a delegation visited Iran and signed several MoU with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The two countries have been involved in the war of the 1980s that lasted eight years. Now, suddenly the two countries so quickly become "familiar" after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Obviously this raises a question mark. Analysts argue, the friendship between Iran and Iraq is an undesirable thing by the U.S., but this happens because of the U.S. itself. (eheheehe...
)
United States had dropped Saddam Hussain through the Gulf War and the Iraq War, so that the Shi'ite who in the long run have been oppressed in Iraq, now have the opportunity to rule. While Iran is the largest Shiite country, and the majority population of Iraq is Shia adherents. Every year, Shia Muslims from Iran in large numbers to go on a pilgrimage to holy places in Iraq.
Many of the Iraqi Shiite leaders ask for asylum in Iran. Therefore, the powerful political forces of the Shiite is familiarizing the Iraqi-Iranian relations. In addition to Shiites, the Kurds also maintain good relations with Iran. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani from Kurdistan also has several times been to Tehran.
Previously, because of the U.S. pressure, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (who comes from Shiite) was forced to keep a distance with Iran. Having lost the support of the U.S., he obtained the support of other Shiite groups in Iraq, with Iranian assistance.
The cricis of cabinet formation that lasted several months was also resolved with mediation of Iran. Iranian influence in Iraq is clearly visible. Therefore, it is natural if the Maliki's cabinet should return the favor of Iran, and Iran also hopes to improve the external environment around it, while increasing the influence of its status as a powerful country in the Middle East.
Iran Navy on Saturday began a 10-day military exercise in waters about 2,000 miles in the east of Hormuz strait. It was the first massive military exercise for the Iranian Navy on the high seas, it invited the world's attention. Since last October, Iran's relations with Western countries has deteriorated.
Western countries aggravate the financial sanctions on Iran, and Iran's central bank for the first time become the target of sanctions, causing turmoil in the foreign exchange market of Iran and Iranian rials exchange rate against the U.S. dollar plunged to almost 40%. West is still lobbying the international community to implement the blockade of Iranian oil. If it is implemented, the sanctions will have a serious impact on Iran's national economy.
The analysts argue, Iran choose this moment to hold military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic path to be the world's oil transportation. This is to show Iran's military forces to the West, as well as to convey a signal that Iran doesn't hesitate to confront major threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. It remains to be examined whether Iran's hardline stance in the field of diplomacy and military will be able to urge the West back to dialogue and negotiations. ((Hmm. .. Iraq eehhh...Nouri al-Maliki, well, of course, congratulation. You certainly feel happy because you got a gift from Iran. The Airbus A300 ... yohooo!
)
READINGS
► Al-Jaafari government ministers
► 2010 Parliamentary elections results
► The new Iraqi government
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16351164
Iranian exiles to leave Iraq camp
An Iranian exile group says some of its members are ready to leave their camp near Iraq's capital, Baghdad, in a move to end a political standoff.
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Seyed Hassan Firuzabadi said on Sunday (December 25, 2011) Iran was ready to conduct cooperation with Iraq in the field of military security. In addition, the Iranian Navy was having a 10-day military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz. To face the Western's pressure, Iran took the initiative to deal with military and diplomatic approach.
According to Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency, Firuzabadi last Sunday sent a letter to Chief of General Staff of Iraq, Babaker Shawkat B. Zebari and the acting Minister of Defense, Saadoun al-Dulaimi, to congratulate the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, while Iran stated its readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the field of security and military.
Babaker Zebari on Last November led a delegation visited Iran and signed several MoU with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The two countries have been involved in the war of the 1980s that lasted eight years. Now, suddenly the two countries so quickly become "familiar" after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Obviously this raises a question mark. Analysts argue, the friendship between Iran and Iraq is an undesirable thing by the U.S., but this happens because of the U.S. itself. (eheheehe...
)United States had dropped Saddam Hussain through the Gulf War and the Iraq War, so that the Shi'ite who in the long run have been oppressed in Iraq, now have the opportunity to rule. While Iran is the largest Shiite country, and the majority population of Iraq is Shia adherents. Every year, Shia Muslims from Iran in large numbers to go on a pilgrimage to holy places in Iraq.
Many of the Iraqi Shiite leaders ask for asylum in Iran. Therefore, the powerful political forces of the Shiite is familiarizing the Iraqi-Iranian relations. In addition to Shiites, the Kurds also maintain good relations with Iran. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani from Kurdistan also has several times been to Tehran.
Previously, because of the U.S. pressure, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (who comes from Shiite) was forced to keep a distance with Iran. Having lost the support of the U.S., he obtained the support of other Shiite groups in Iraq, with Iranian assistance.
The cricis of cabinet formation that lasted several months was also resolved with mediation of Iran. Iranian influence in Iraq is clearly visible. Therefore, it is natural if the Maliki's cabinet should return the favor of Iran, and Iran also hopes to improve the external environment around it, while increasing the influence of its status as a powerful country in the Middle East.
Iran Navy on Saturday began a 10-day military exercise in waters about 2,000 miles in the east of Hormuz strait. It was the first massive military exercise for the Iranian Navy on the high seas, it invited the world's attention. Since last October, Iran's relations with Western countries has deteriorated.
Western countries aggravate the financial sanctions on Iran, and Iran's central bank for the first time become the target of sanctions, causing turmoil in the foreign exchange market of Iran and Iranian rials exchange rate against the U.S. dollar plunged to almost 40%. West is still lobbying the international community to implement the blockade of Iranian oil. If it is implemented, the sanctions will have a serious impact on Iran's national economy.
The analysts argue, Iran choose this moment to hold military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic path to be the world's oil transportation. This is to show Iran's military forces to the West, as well as to convey a signal that Iran doesn't hesitate to confront major threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. It remains to be examined whether Iran's hardline stance in the field of diplomacy and military will be able to urge the West back to dialogue and negotiations. ((Hmm. .. Iraq eehhh...Nouri al-Maliki, well, of course, congratulation. You certainly feel happy because you got a gift from Iran. The Airbus A300 ... yohooo!
)READINGS
► Al-Jaafari government ministers
► 2010 Parliamentary elections results
► The new Iraqi government
*****
U.S.A - IRAN
► http://topics.cnn.com/topics/iran?hpt=hp_c3
Iran: News & Videos about Iran - CNN.com
It is just 34 miles (55 kilometers) wide and dotted with islands and rocky outcrops, a channel that links the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean. Like many marine chokepoints, the Strait of Hormuz has long commanded the attention of empires and their navies.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/12/201112316370111504.html
Iran test-fires long range missiles in Gulf
Ten-day Strait of Hormuz naval drill continues as minister says oil could rise to $200 per barrel if sanctions imposed.
United States warned Iran to disclose the shipping lanes in the Hormuz Strait. Washington insisted would not tolerate such action and ready to act to liberate one of the most important oil shipping lanes in the world.
"This is not only an important issue for security and stability in the region, but also the lifeblood for countries in the Gulf, including Iran," said US Defense Department Press Secretary, George Little. "The interruption of transit or line of ships through the Straits of Hormuz will not be tolerated," he said yesterday.
Similar warning was also raised by the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet which has bases in Bahrain. A spokesman for 5th Fleet (Lieutenant Rebecca Rebarich) said her fleet was ready to counteract the actions of disruption to the freedom of shipping.
Although has issued a warning to Iran, she did not explain whether her fleet has increased its alertness. Warning made by Washington in response to Tehran's threat which would cover the cruise line's if its oil exports were embargoed.
A day earlier, Wednesday (12/28), Iran's navy chief Habibollah Sayyari threatened to intercept the ships oil through the straits in retaliation if the West imposed an embargo on exports of Iranian crude oil. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is an easy thing for the Iranian armed forces. Or according to the Iranians, it is easier than drinking a glass of water," said Sayyari told Press TV. "However, we currently do not have to close it," he continued.
Strait of Hormuz is a very important oil lines because it connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, including Saudi Arabia with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is also separating Oman to Iran.
Plan for the embargo was imposed by Western countries as a sanction for Iran's nuclear program. Western countries accuse Tehran is developing the nuclear weapons, but Tehran denies the charge and declare its nuclear program for peaceful purposes.
Crude oil export embargo by the Western countries would hit hard the Iranian economy. Approximately 80% of the country's revenues is derived from the oil sales. Analysts said the Iranian naval strength was predicted to be able to counter the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet which has more than 20 ships, a number of fighter planes, 15 thousand personnel on board, and 1000 personnel on the ground.
Serious conflicts could occur in the strait (which traveled more than 10 million barrels of oil per day) if Iran was carrying out its threat. Although Saudi Arabia as the largest oil producers is ready to boost its production in anticipation of the Western embargo on Iranian oil, but the issue of delivery will be hampered by the closure of the pathway.
Iranian threat has raised oil prices in international market, although then it came back down slightly. "The threat of Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz affected the oil market yesterday. However, the effect is reduced because it's just an empty threat. They will not be able to stop the line for a longer time because the U.S. military is in the region," said Thorbjoern Bak Jensen, oil analysis of Global Risk Management.
And the U.S and Iran tension was heating up after the U.S. sent a cruiser to accompany the aircraft carrier the USS John C. Stennis in the Strait of Hormuz. Two of these warships entered the war zone that was held by the Iranian Navy in the waters.
Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said the warship was monitored by the Iranian military as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian television station broadcasted footage one of the battleships were overshadowed by Iranian fighter jets.
"The Iranian Navy is ready to confront the offenders who do not respect the security perimeter during the maneuver," he said, as quoted by IRNA news agency yesterday.
Lt. Rebecca Rebarich said John C. Stennis and USS USS Mobile Bay has been in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship arrived in U.S. Navy's 5th fleet base in Bahrain, Tuesday (12/27). Rebarich said the presence of the two ships of war was a routine operation and has been planned. "Our interactions with the Iranian Navy is still in maritime practice standard, routine, and professionally," she said.
In Washington DC, Pentagon spokesman George Little said the arrival of the warship was to provide support for the U.S. forces in Afganisthan.
The U.S. action was practically added to the tension between Washington and Tehran. One of the Iranian Republican Guard commanders insisted they would not hesitate to act to protect the interests of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. "Every threat will be met with threats. We will not stop the strategic steps if Iran's vital interests to be disturbed, "said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy commander of the Republican Guard, as quoted by Press TV, Yesterday. (12/30)
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16376072
Obama signs Iran sanctions bill
President Obama signs into law a defence bill including tough new US sanctions against Iran, while expressing concerns about other provisions.
Janvier 2, 2012
With roaming up to 200 miles, the missile was capable of reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
A day after launching medium-range missiles in a war exercise in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran fired two long-range missile.
Deputy Commander of Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi said the second missile was fired surface-to-sea missiles and sea-to-surface missiles. The first missile was called Qader and the second missile was called Nour.
Mousavi said it was the first time for missiles with ranges up to 200 kilometers were tested.
Especially for Qader, IRNA news agency reported the missile was an update of previous missiles. With its current range, the missile is able to reach Israel and U.S. military base in Bahrain.
"If it is compared with the previous version, Qader missile system has experienced an increase in radar systems, satellite communications, precision targeting, as well as outreach mechanisms to evade radar," Mousavi said as quoted by Iranian news agency IRNA.
In the pilot, Mousavi claimed that two Iranian-made missiles were able to achieve their respective goals. The latest version of the missile was delivered last September to Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy which responsible for protecting the sea border of Iran.
Tehran said the missile was able to destroy the aircraft carrier, an allusion to the United States which sent its aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis to the Strait of Hormuz.
The trial was held the day after the Iranian navy fired its surface-to-air missile which was caleed Mehrab. According to Mousavi, the medium-range missile was equipped with advanced technology so that it was able to avoid the enemy radar detection.
Location of this war game is not far from the operation location of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet's ships in Bahrain.
*****
► http://topics.cnn.com/topics/iran?hpt=hp_c3
Iran: News & Videos about Iran - CNN.com It is just 34 miles (55 kilometers) wide and dotted with islands and rocky outcrops, a channel that links the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean. Like many marine chokepoints, the Strait of Hormuz has long commanded the attention of empires and their navies.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/12/201112316370111504.html
Iran test-fires long range missiles in Gulf
Ten-day Strait of Hormuz naval drill continues as minister says oil could rise to $200 per barrel if sanctions imposed.
United States warned Iran to disclose the shipping lanes in the Hormuz Strait. Washington insisted would not tolerate such action and ready to act to liberate one of the most important oil shipping lanes in the world.
"This is not only an important issue for security and stability in the region, but also the lifeblood for countries in the Gulf, including Iran," said US Defense Department Press Secretary, George Little. "The interruption of transit or line of ships through the Straits of Hormuz will not be tolerated," he said yesterday.
Similar warning was also raised by the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet which has bases in Bahrain. A spokesman for 5th Fleet (Lieutenant Rebecca Rebarich) said her fleet was ready to counteract the actions of disruption to the freedom of shipping.
Although has issued a warning to Iran, she did not explain whether her fleet has increased its alertness. Warning made by Washington in response to Tehran's threat which would cover the cruise line's if its oil exports were embargoed.
A day earlier, Wednesday (12/28), Iran's navy chief Habibollah Sayyari threatened to intercept the ships oil through the straits in retaliation if the West imposed an embargo on exports of Iranian crude oil. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is an easy thing for the Iranian armed forces. Or according to the Iranians, it is easier than drinking a glass of water," said Sayyari told Press TV. "However, we currently do not have to close it," he continued.
Strait of Hormuz is a very important oil lines because it connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, including Saudi Arabia with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is also separating Oman to Iran.
Plan for the embargo was imposed by Western countries as a sanction for Iran's nuclear program. Western countries accuse Tehran is developing the nuclear weapons, but Tehran denies the charge and declare its nuclear program for peaceful purposes.
Crude oil export embargo by the Western countries would hit hard the Iranian economy. Approximately 80% of the country's revenues is derived from the oil sales. Analysts said the Iranian naval strength was predicted to be able to counter the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet which has more than 20 ships, a number of fighter planes, 15 thousand personnel on board, and 1000 personnel on the ground.
Serious conflicts could occur in the strait (which traveled more than 10 million barrels of oil per day) if Iran was carrying out its threat. Although Saudi Arabia as the largest oil producers is ready to boost its production in anticipation of the Western embargo on Iranian oil, but the issue of delivery will be hampered by the closure of the pathway.
Iranian threat has raised oil prices in international market, although then it came back down slightly. "The threat of Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz affected the oil market yesterday. However, the effect is reduced because it's just an empty threat. They will not be able to stop the line for a longer time because the U.S. military is in the region," said Thorbjoern Bak Jensen, oil analysis of Global Risk Management.
And the U.S and Iran tension was heating up after the U.S. sent a cruiser to accompany the aircraft carrier the USS John C. Stennis in the Strait of Hormuz. Two of these warships entered the war zone that was held by the Iranian Navy in the waters.
Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said the warship was monitored by the Iranian military as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian television station broadcasted footage one of the battleships were overshadowed by Iranian fighter jets.
"The Iranian Navy is ready to confront the offenders who do not respect the security perimeter during the maneuver," he said, as quoted by IRNA news agency yesterday.
Lt. Rebecca Rebarich said John C. Stennis and USS USS Mobile Bay has been in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship arrived in U.S. Navy's 5th fleet base in Bahrain, Tuesday (12/27). Rebarich said the presence of the two ships of war was a routine operation and has been planned. "Our interactions with the Iranian Navy is still in maritime practice standard, routine, and professionally," she said.
In Washington DC, Pentagon spokesman George Little said the arrival of the warship was to provide support for the U.S. forces in Afganisthan.
The U.S. action was practically added to the tension between Washington and Tehran. One of the Iranian Republican Guard commanders insisted they would not hesitate to act to protect the interests of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. "Every threat will be met with threats. We will not stop the strategic steps if Iran's vital interests to be disturbed, "said Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy commander of the Republican Guard, as quoted by Press TV, Yesterday. (12/30)
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16376072
Obama signs Iran sanctions bill
President Obama signs into law a defence bill including tough new US sanctions against Iran, while expressing concerns about other provisions.
Iran's Navy Commander Habibullah Sayari holds a news conference in Tehran before the start of a 10-day war game in the Strait of Hormuz [Reuters]
Sayari points at a map of the region where Iranian submarines, surface-to-sea missile systems, missile-launching vessels, torpedoes and drones will be tested [Reuters]
Military personnel place a flag on a submarine during the Velayat-90 war games in the Strait of Hormuz, the passageway through which one-third of the world's oil flows [Reuters]
Iranian navy members take positions during a drill, as the row escalated over the potential consequences of sanctions imposed on Iran's crude exports over its nuclear ambitions. Iran's navy chief warned that his country could easily close the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf [AP]
An Iranian Army soldier stands guard on a military speed boat, passing by a submarine. Iran can disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz but probably cannot completely shut down the world's most important oil route, many military analysts say [AFP]
Trying to close the strait would likely bring down a powerful military response on Iran from US forces in the Gulf [AFP]
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Thursday that Iran had exhibited "irrational behaviour" by threatening to close the strait [Reuters]
Brigadier General Hossein Salami, the deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, told the Fars news agency that "our response to threats is threats" [Reuters]
A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said that the US was not in a position to tell Tehran "what to do in the Strait of Hormuz", Iranian state television reported. The US Navy's Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet is active in the area, as are warships of several other countries that patrol for pirates there [AFP]
Naval Commander Sayari said the US aircraft carrier was monitored by Iranian forces as it passed from the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, state television reported, while broadcasting footage of an aircraft carrier being shadowed by an Iranian plane [Reuters]
The USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier is seen as it allegedly went "inside the manoeuvre zone" where Iranian ships are conducting war games in the Gulf. A showdown between Iran and the US worsened with warships from each side giving weight to an increasingly bellicose exchange of words [AFP]
"Closing the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's armed forces is really easy ... or as Iranians say it will be easier than drinking a glass of water," Iran's navy chief Habibollah Sayyari told Iran's English language Press TV [Reuters]
Janvier 2, 2012
With roaming up to 200 miles, the missile was capable of reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
A day after launching medium-range missiles in a war exercise in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran fired two long-range missile.
Deputy Commander of Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi said the second missile was fired surface-to-sea missiles and sea-to-surface missiles. The first missile was called Qader and the second missile was called Nour.
Mousavi said it was the first time for missiles with ranges up to 200 kilometers were tested.
Especially for Qader, IRNA news agency reported the missile was an update of previous missiles. With its current range, the missile is able to reach Israel and U.S. military base in Bahrain.
"If it is compared with the previous version, Qader missile system has experienced an increase in radar systems, satellite communications, precision targeting, as well as outreach mechanisms to evade radar," Mousavi said as quoted by Iranian news agency IRNA.
In the pilot, Mousavi claimed that two Iranian-made missiles were able to achieve their respective goals. The latest version of the missile was delivered last September to Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy which responsible for protecting the sea border of Iran.
Tehran said the missile was able to destroy the aircraft carrier, an allusion to the United States which sent its aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis to the Strait of Hormuz.
The trial was held the day after the Iranian navy fired its surface-to-air missile which was caleed Mehrab. According to Mousavi, the medium-range missile was equipped with advanced technology so that it was able to avoid the enemy radar detection.
Location of this war game is not far from the operation location of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet's ships in Bahrain.
*****
He kissed me in the morning because my face was so excited, cheerful with glowing eyes to see the American style in the Strait of Hormuz. Two cups of hot coffee were still steaming on the table in our room.
"What is it, hon?"
"America, darling. America, ... Look at that! Its style was so cool, just like my superstahh!"
"Hahahaha... Do not let them touch each other
There was a slight dimple in his right cheek when he was laughing. Really, to me he looks very sexy because he likes humor. I pinched his hairy waist. He returned it with a tickle around my armpits, and threw his body just like the Iranian missile streaking into its goal area over my body. But the specificity of his attacks was, they were the short range missile attacks...
USA - PAKISTAN
L I B Y A
► http://blogs.aljazeera.net/africa/2011/12/28/we-are-gaddafi-we-are-libya
'We are Gaddafi. We are Libyans' | Al Jazeera Blogs
At first glance, the neighbourhood looks like many in Libya: rundown and bullet ridden. But, as I began to speak to people, I heard a chant that I hadn't heard since before the revolution."Muammar wbas", which translates as "Muammar, that's enough".
► http://blogs.aljazeera.net/profile/imran-khan
Imran Khan | Al Jazeera Blogs
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/01/20121311171606584.html
Fighters clash in Libyan capital
No word on casualties after a dispute over imprisonment of a Misrata brigades member by rival group turns violent.
Wounded Walls and Malaak Al-Shami's Broken Leg
► http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/26/is-the-arab-spring-failing-its-people/?hpt=hp_mid
Is the Arab Spring failing its people?
Abu Dhabi (CNN) -- This time last year a match was lit by a fruit vendor in Tunis, which triggered uprisings throughout the region. Countries big, Egypt, and small, Tunisia, have witnessed wholesale change and the toppling of governments.
► http://blogs.aljazeera.net/africa/2011/12/28/we-are-gaddafi-we-are-libya
'We are Gaddafi. We are Libyans' | Al Jazeera Blogs
At first glance, the neighbourhood looks like many in Libya: rundown and bullet ridden. But, as I began to speak to people, I heard a chant that I hadn't heard since before the revolution."Muammar wbas", which translates as "Muammar, that's enough".
► http://blogs.aljazeera.net/profile/imran-khan
Imran Khan | Al Jazeera Blogs
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/01/20121311171606584.html
Fighters clash in Libyan capital
No word on casualties after a dispute over imprisonment of a Misrata brigades member by rival group turns violent.
► http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/26/is-the-arab-spring-failing-its-people/?hpt=hp_mid
Is the Arab Spring failing its people?
Abu Dhabi (CNN) -- This time last year a match was lit by a fruit vendor in Tunis, which triggered uprisings throughout the region. Countries big, Egypt, and small, Tunisia, have witnessed wholesale change and the toppling of governments.
S O M A L I A
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/28/world/africa/south-sudan-refugees/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Fleeing Sudanese fill refugee camps - CNN.com
South Sudan's refugee camps are filling to the brim as fighting in border states has intensified and displaced more than 400,000 people.
"Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them"− Mother Teresa (1910-1997) Albanian-born missionary
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/28/world/africa/south-sudan-refugees/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Fleeing Sudanese fill refugee camps - CNN.com
South Sudan's refugee camps are filling to the brim as fighting in border states has intensified and displaced more than 400,000 people.
S U D A N
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16383017
UN warns South Sudanese to flee
The United Nations says villagers in South Sudan should flee for their lives from advancing fighters from a rival ethnic group.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16383017
UN warns South Sudanese to flee
The United Nations says villagers in South Sudan should flee for their lives from advancing fighters from a rival ethnic group.
HUGO CHAVEZ
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16349845
Chavez muses on US 'cancer plot'
Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez asks whether the US is giving Latin American leaders cancer, after Argentina's president is diagnosed with the disease.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/28/world/americas/venezuela-chavez-accusations/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Chavez: Is U.S. behind bout of cancer? - CNN.com
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wondered Wednesday if the United States could be infecting Latin American leaders with cancer.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-1635906
US rejects Chavez cancer comments
The US rejects as "horrific" Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's musings about whether the US might be giving Latin American leaders cancer.
Hugo Chavez said that his opinion could not be analyzed with any probability theory. He simply said, "I was just reflecting."
My question is, reflect on what an event? I am sure, Chavez is not inconsequential. He must have a rationale to be used as reflection, although its correctness still needs to be proven.
Chavez expressed about the exposure of the U.S. experiment that made man in Guatemala as guinea pigs in the period 1945 to 1948, and they were then known to suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. For this basis he suspected, it was quite possible the U.S. developed a kind of technology that could spread the cancer. "Is it weird if the U.S. developing the technology to transmit the cancer, and does anyone know it?" said Chavez who had cancer surgery in Cuba. "I do not know for sure. I am just expressing an opinion."
In addition to Chavez, Latin American leaders who have cancer are the President of Paraguay Fernando Lugo, President of Brazil Dilma Roussef, former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and most recently was President of Argentina Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. All of them are the leaders of leftist countries.
Chavez told the leaders of neighboring countries should be cautious, including his close ally, Bolivian President Evo Morales. "We have to take care of the Evo. Beware Evo!" he said.
Chavez also mentioned about Fidel Castro in his speech. "Fidel has always told me to be careful. Chavez, these guys have developed the technology. You are very careless. Be careful on what you eat, what they give you to eat ... a small needle and they inject you with ... I do not know what it is, "he said.
On Wednesday (28 Desembre 2011), media reported about thyroid cancer suffered by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez. Fortunately, the cancer cells did not spread. She will undergo surgery on January 4, 2012. After that Cristina will take leave until January 24, 2012. During that time, Cristina's leadership will be replaced by Vice President Amado Boudou.
Christina led Argentina to the second period. She is the widow of the previous president, Nestor Kirchner. Christina often wears a black dress to express a sense of mourning for the death of her husband. She builds her self-image as a president who dresses in dark, who is frail but authoritarian.
*****
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16349845
Chavez muses on US 'cancer plot'
Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez asks whether the US is giving Latin American leaders cancer, after Argentina's president is diagnosed with the disease.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/28/world/americas/venezuela-chavez-accusations/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Chavez: Is U.S. behind bout of cancer? - CNN.com
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wondered Wednesday if the United States could be infecting Latin American leaders with cancer.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-1635906
US rejects Chavez cancer comments
The US rejects as "horrific" Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's musings about whether the US might be giving Latin American leaders cancer.
Hugo Chavez said that his opinion could not be analyzed with any probability theory. He simply said, "I was just reflecting."
My question is, reflect on what an event? I am sure, Chavez is not inconsequential. He must have a rationale to be used as reflection, although its correctness still needs to be proven.
Chavez expressed about the exposure of the U.S. experiment that made man in Guatemala as guinea pigs in the period 1945 to 1948, and they were then known to suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. For this basis he suspected, it was quite possible the U.S. developed a kind of technology that could spread the cancer. "Is it weird if the U.S. developing the technology to transmit the cancer, and does anyone know it?" said Chavez who had cancer surgery in Cuba. "I do not know for sure. I am just expressing an opinion."
In addition to Chavez, Latin American leaders who have cancer are the President of Paraguay Fernando Lugo, President of Brazil Dilma Roussef, former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and most recently was President of Argentina Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. All of them are the leaders of leftist countries.
Chavez told the leaders of neighboring countries should be cautious, including his close ally, Bolivian President Evo Morales. "We have to take care of the Evo. Beware Evo!" he said.
Chavez also mentioned about Fidel Castro in his speech. "Fidel has always told me to be careful. Chavez, these guys have developed the technology. You are very careless. Be careful on what you eat, what they give you to eat ... a small needle and they inject you with ... I do not know what it is, "he said.
On Wednesday (28 Desembre 2011), media reported about thyroid cancer suffered by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez. Fortunately, the cancer cells did not spread. She will undergo surgery on January 4, 2012. After that Cristina will take leave until January 24, 2012. During that time, Cristina's leadership will be replaced by Vice President Amado Boudou.
Amado Boudou
(Hiya, do not pretend not to know why do you upload three photos of this vice-president of Argentina, Cisca! ...You'll see, I will report about this flirtation to your fiancé, then you'll get yelled at. Ehhehehe...
Christina led Argentina to the second period. She is the widow of the previous president, Nestor Kirchner. Christina often wears a black dress to express a sense of mourning for the death of her husband. She builds her self-image as a president who dresses in dark, who is frail but authoritarian.
*****
U.S.A : Barack Obama, Tax & Drone
O T H E R S
Hardtalk - Guns N' Roses' McKagan drank '10 bottles of wine a day'
ODDS ON THE news 2012 & COLOSEUM
POLAR BEAR CUBE : S I K U & Geese fly with man who reared them
► Elephant's sixth 'toe' discovered
By: Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News
GRAIL to reach lunar orbit for new year
NASA is kicking off the new year by getting twin spacecraft into lunar orbit this weekend. GRAIL, which stands for Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory, is a set of two orbiters that launched on September 10.
E L E P H A N T
► Elephant's sixth 'toe' discovered
By: Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News
ORANGUTAN
TICKLE THE ANIMALS
Ouch how funny they all. How nice to see this familiarity.LIGHT YEARS
► http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/28/grail-to-reach-lunar-orbit-for-new-year/?hpt=hp_c2GRAIL to reach lunar orbit for new year
NASA is kicking off the new year by getting twin spacecraft into lunar orbit this weekend. GRAIL, which stands for Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory, is a set of two orbiters that launched on September 10.
2011: A Year in Review
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/aljazeeratop102011/
The Al Jazeera 10: Our top stories of 2011
The year saw the rise of a new country, the fall of long-time leaders and numerous tragedies and triumphs in between.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16221659
Pictures of the year 2011
News photos from around the world this year
► http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/aljazeeratop102011/
The Al Jazeera 10: Our top stories of 2011
The year saw the rise of a new country, the fall of long-time leaders and numerous tragedies and triumphs in between.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16221659
Pictures of the year 2011
News photos from around the world this year
Talking Movies: Top 10 of 2011
World's top destinations for 2012
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/27/travel/top-destinations-2012?hpt=hp_mid
World's top destinations for 2012 - CNN.com
Globe-trotters everywhere, it's time to raise your champagne glass and toast to all the wonderful new journeys you'll take in the new year.
► http://ireport.cnn.com/topics/717623?hpt=hp_c2
Ringing in 2012
How are you ringing in the new year? When the clock strikes midnight, we want to see how you're celebrating.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/02/travel/best-travel-snapshots-2011/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Our favorite travel snapshots of 2011 - CNN.com
iReporters transported us all across the globe with their awe-inspiring travel photos in 2011. These are some of our favorites.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/27/travel/top-destinations-2012?hpt=hp_mid
World's top destinations for 2012 - CNN.com
Globe-trotters everywhere, it's time to raise your champagne glass and toast to all the wonderful new journeys you'll take in the new year.
► http://ireport.cnn.com/topics/717623?hpt=hp_c2
Ringing in 2012
How are you ringing in the new year? When the clock strikes midnight, we want to see how you're celebrating.
► http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/02/travel/best-travel-snapshots-2011/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Our favorite travel snapshots of 2011 - CNN.com
iReporters transported us all across the globe with their awe-inspiring travel photos in 2011. These are some of our favorites.
100 THINGS
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/magazinemonitor/2011/12/100_things_we_didnt_know_last_6.shtml
BBC - Magazine Monitor: 100 things we didn't know last year
Interesting and unexpected facts can emerge from daily news stories and the Magazine picks out such snippets for its weekly feature, 10 things we didn't know last week.
100 things we didn't know last year
◄ CLICK ON 10! 16:04 UK time, Thursday, 29 December 2011
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/magazinemonitor/2011/12/100_things_we_didnt_know_last_6.shtml
BBC - Magazine Monitor: 100 things we didn't know last year
Interesting and unexpected facts can emerge from daily news stories and the Magazine picks out such snippets for its weekly feature, 10 things we didn't know last week.
100 things we didn't know last year
◄ CLICK ON 10! 16:04 UK time, Thursday, 29 December 2011 Firstjanuarytwothousandeleven
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-16372774
New Year's Eve celebrations start
Revellers around the world celebrate the end of 2011 and herald in 2012 with fireworks and parties on New Year's Eve
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16373314
New Year 2012: Your pictures
Your pictures of New Year's Eve celebrations around the world.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-16372774
New Year's Eve celebrations start
Revellers around the world celebrate the end of 2011 and herald in 2012 with fireworks and parties on New Year's Eve
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16373314
New Year 2012: Your pictures
Your pictures of New Year's Eve celebrations around the world.
Two Flames, a village and a lasting memory
Un amour éternel pour une mémoire durable avec vous, mon petit chou. S'il vous plaît pardonnez-moi.
Un amour éternel pour une mémoire durable avec vous, mon petit chou. S'il vous plaît pardonnez-moi.
where did you come from,
O drop of water on rose petals?
maybe you had a gurgling in Kausar lake
witnessed the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise,
or you were sailing the Noah's Ark
and drown his people who rebelled
which upheld Moses on the Nile
and Zamzam well on Ismail's feet
in the desert of Arafah
which purified Khaidir
and washed Maryam
after gave birth to Jesus
flowing in the gardens of Solomon
and tear on the corners of Muhammad's eyes
when he would forever leave his people
A drop of water in rose petals
evaporated into the sky with the morning
changing clouds into rain
dripped down into the middle of the ocean
transformed into a wave
roared impatiently
to hit the reef
drop of the ocean in the earth's petals
harbored the desire
waiting for Israfel
at the top of the sky
blowed the trumpet
trotted,
overflowed,
swept the lands of human
to vanish
exterminated.
Where is your aim,
O drop of water on rose petals?
*****
O drop of water on rose petals?
maybe you had a gurgling in Kausar lake
witnessed the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise,
or you were sailing the Noah's Ark
and drown his people who rebelled
which upheld Moses on the Nile
and Zamzam well on Ismail's feet
in the desert of Arafah
which purified Khaidir
and washed Maryam
after gave birth to Jesus
flowing in the gardens of Solomon
and tear on the corners of Muhammad's eyes
when he would forever leave his people
A drop of water in rose petals
evaporated into the sky with the morning
changing clouds into rain
dripped down into the middle of the ocean
transformed into a wave
roared impatiently
to hit the reef
drop of the ocean in the earth's petals
harbored the desire
waiting for Israfel
at the top of the sky
blowed the trumpet
trotted,
overflowed,
swept the lands of human
to vanish
exterminated.
Where is your aim,
O drop of water on rose petals?
*****
Counting down the days
December 21, 2012 that predicted by the Mayans as the Day of Judgement is still several months more. To greet the day, in the southeastern region of Mexico which is the heart of the Mayan civilization plans to hold a party for a full year.
Mexican tourism agency estimates there will be 52 million tourists will visit the region of Chiapas, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Compeche so far this year. The Mexican government sells the December 21, 2012 as a time of renewal to bring in foreign tourists.
On 21 December 2012 is called by the Mayans as the end of the world. But the archaeologists call that date is the cycle's end of the 1300-years-old tablet calendar owned by the Mayans.
"The world will not end. The date will only be the start of a new era," said Yeanet Zaldo, a spokesman for the state tourism agency Quintana Roo. "For us, the date it is a hope."
*****
December 21, 2012 that predicted by the Mayans as the Day of Judgement is still several months more. To greet the day, in the southeastern region of Mexico which is the heart of the Mayan civilization plans to hold a party for a full year.
Mexican tourism agency estimates there will be 52 million tourists will visit the region of Chiapas, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Compeche so far this year. The Mexican government sells the December 21, 2012 as a time of renewal to bring in foreign tourists.
On 21 December 2012 is called by the Mayans as the end of the world. But the archaeologists call that date is the cycle's end of the 1300-years-old tablet calendar owned by the Mayans.
"The world will not end. The date will only be the start of a new era," said Yeanet Zaldo, a spokesman for the state tourism agency Quintana Roo. "For us, the date it is a hope."
*****
Acropolis Museum
► http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-acropolis-museum
Acropolis Museum - Athens, Greece
Acropolis Museum: History, description, photos and visitor information for Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.
► http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/default.php?pname=AcropolisSlopes&la=1
Η Αίθουσα των Κλιτύων της Ακρόπολης
Οι Πλαγιές της Ακρόπολης
► http://museumchick.com/2010/10/new-acropolis-museum-athens.htmln
► http://www.theliberal.co.uk/artsandculture/sandis-acropolis.html
The Liberal: Arts & Culture - The New Acropolis
► http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8110091.stm
Inside the new Acropolis Museum, which has opened in Athens.
► http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/21/51598
Christmas concerts at the Acropolis Museum | Athens News
A security member walks in the archaic gallery of the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organized a press tour to present its new exhibits and the work conducted by restorers when the museum is closed to visitors.
A member of a French research team scans a sculpture in the archaic gallery of the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organized a press tour to present its new exhibits and the work conducted by restorers when the museum is closed to visitors.
Museum restorers cement the tail of a sculpture depicting a hunting dog in the archaic gallery of the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organized a press tour to present its new exhibits and the work conducted by restorers when the museum is closed to visitors.
A museum restorer makes a 3D scan of the fragment of the freeze from the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organised a press tour to present its new exhibits and the works conducted by restorers when the museum is closed for visitors.
An Acropolis Museum restorer prepares to attach a newly-discovered marble fragment to the tail of a 6th century B.C. statue of a dog, during a press tour on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. The concrete and glass museum, located just under the Acropolis, was purpose-built to display artefacts recovered from the ancient citadel and its marble temples.
An Acropolis Museum restorer prepares to attach a newly-discovered marble fragment to the tail of a 6th century B.C. statue of a dog, during a press tour on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. The concrete and glass museum, located just under the Acropolis, was purpose-built to display artefacts recovered from the ancient citadel and its marble temples.
A museum restorer adjusts a fragment of the south side of metopes from the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organized a press tour to present its new exhibits and the work conducted by restorers when the museum is closed to visitors.
A museum restorer adjusts a fragment of the south side of metopes from the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis Museum in Athens on December 5, 2011. The museum organized a press tour to present its new exhibits and the work conducted by restorers when the museum is closed to visitors.
An Acropolis Museum restorer makes a three-dimensional scan of the 5th century B.C. Parthenon Temple's sculptured marble frieze during a press tour on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. The white sections are plaster casts of originals displayed in the British Museum, London. The concrete and glass museum, located just under the Acropolis, was purpose-built to display artefacts recovered from the ancient citadel and its marble temples.
Journalists walk through the top gallery of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, as the 5th century B.C. Parthenon Temple is seen in the background atop the ancient citadel, during a press tour on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. The concrete and glass museum, located just under the Acropolis, was purpose-built to display artifacts recovered from the ancient citadel and its marble temples.
An Acropolis Museum worker places newly-discovered fragments of the 5th century B.C. Parthenon Temple's sculptural decoration behind plexiglass screens during a press tour in Athens on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. The concrete and glass museum, located just under the Acropolis, was purpose-built to display artifacts recovered from the ancient citadel and its marble temples.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) looks at a statue alongside Dimitrios Pandermalis (R), president of the Museum board of directors, as she tours the Acropolis Museum in Athens on July 17, 2011, before signing a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding on import restrictions for archaeological finds between the US and Greece.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) looks at a statue as she tours the Acropolis Museum in Athens on July 17, 2011, before signing a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding on import restrictions for archaeological finds between the US and Greece, to combat the illegal trade in Greek antiquities that have frequently turned up at foreign museums, including US institutions.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) looks at a statue as she tours the Acropolis Museum with her Greek counterpart Stavros Lambrinidis (R), in Athens on July 17, 2011, before signing a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding on import restrictions for archaeological finds between the US and Greece, to combat the illegal trade in Greek antiquities that have frequently turned up at foreign museums, including US institutions.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, shakes hands with Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis after signing a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding on import restrictions for archaeological finds between the US and Greece at the Acropolis Museum in Athens Sunday July 17, 2011. Greece and the United States signed this memorandum to combat the illegal trade in Greek antiquities that have frequently turned up at foreign museums, including US institutions.
► http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-acropolis-museum
Acropolis Museum - Athens, Greece
Acropolis Museum: History, description, photos and visitor information for Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.
► http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/default.php?pname=AcropolisSlopes&la=1
Η Αίθουσα των Κλιτύων της Ακρόπολης
Οι Πλαγιές της Ακρόπολης
► http://museumchick.com/2010/10/new-acropolis-museum-athens.htmln
► http://www.theliberal.co.uk/artsandculture/sandis-acropolis.html
The Liberal: Arts & Culture - The New Acropolis
► http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8110091.stm
Inside the new Acropolis Museum, which has opened in Athens.
► http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/21/51598
Christmas concerts at the Acropolis Museum | Athens News
► http://www.wuthering-heights.co.uk/characters/heathcliff.htm
The Character of Heathcliff
The main character of Wuthering Heights and Cathy's beloved. See facts, photos and quotations about Heathcliff.
*****
"Promise me you will not make me sad," he said when our plane had taken off for half an hour. Our seat belts were still fastening on each of our waists. His hand grasped my hand tightly, it was useless to reply such hand's grip with grip it more tightly. I felt he just wanted to feel the strength of his fingers through my fingers. Yes, I know him well.
Then he put my hand in his grasp on his lips. His attitude was so sweet. He did not do the slightest little mistake by kissing his own hand, for example. Well, he always looked perfect, and I always tried to understand it. To me, he was a special guest in our trip this time.
Time direction in the plane was moving in the same way in the direction of the needle in our respective watches, from left to right. But our chat and conversation were not in tune with the time travel at the time. Just like a pair of children's souls trapped in the bodies of two adults, we talked about times that could not be reached by any time marker, anywhere, at that time. A time series which occured only in our each memories, and the memories seemed to demand attention in the present.
By giving and sharing of attention, we tried to assemble all the time chain we never had together in the past, when we were living in the present and the time we would have together in the future.
"Is he going to visit your mother, too?" he asked about another man, after we took more than half of our travel time. A man who has been known by him all this time as myex-boyfriend,spouse,"ex-husband","husband"my french man. (Bonjour, mon petit chou...) And for me, actually this was the thrilling moments of each trip. (whoosh whoosh whoosh. A moment when you have left your home but you have not reached your final destination yet. Where would you be then? What were the possibilities that could happen to you at that time? Even if you managed to beat all the unexpected possibilities, and you arrived safely at your destination, do not forget! All of that only showed half of your travel experience, well maybe ... because ... don't you think to go back to your original spot if you have achieved the purpose of your trip? whoosh whoosh whoosh. And I saw them look at my back. whoosh whoosh whoosh. And I saw them look at my face. whoosh whoosh whoosh...)
And now I saw he was waiting for my answer. whoosh whoosh whoosh. His eyes stared at my eyes without blinking for a while. 5 seconds. Oh no, more than 5. 6-7-8-9, maybe 10. whoosh whoosh whoosh. Of course it was only 10 seconds based on the calculations in my heart. I did not dare to divert my eyes from his gaze, well... such as looking out through the window on my right side or just seeing time in a wristwatch on my left wrist, for example. Not at all. I prevented the possibility he would have thought that such my body language meant an answer. Moreover, if the answer was "Yes". Oh, no!
"Oh, no, thank you," he rejected the lip service from a flight attendant to buy some perfume offered in the cabin. Too bad, why was there no interruption when I needed it much more? Trying to pretend to buy the magazine, mmmm .... I thought it was also not a good body language at the time. The only fastest way was, "Excuse me dahling, I'm dying to go to the johns". For a moment, it was the safest avoidance.
I glanced at his reaction. He wanted to say something spontaneously, but haltingly in a reaction to always be perfect. By letting him think that sometimes I pretended not to think about his feelings, every time it made me more understand one thing. I loved this man, he who was sitting next to me at that time.
(to be continued...)
*****
CZ - Travelista 1112
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