Category Archives: International

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 17 – 19 February 2013. Mujahideen getting better at hitting government forces! Even more tax money pledged to Afghanistan! New Zealand gets out in 2013! Tough anti-gun laws in Canada fail to stop Afghan from being assassinated!

19 February 2013/08 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/01 Esfand 1391

A United Nations report suggests the Mujahideen are getting more accurate in their attacks.  The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict report shows a decrease in civilian casualties, by 12% from 2011 to 2012.  The UN blames most of the civilian deaths on Mujahideen, but while civilian deaths are declining, attacks against Afghan government personnel are skyrocketing.  The UN says for last year Mujahideen attacks against government employees ramped up by 700%!!!

USMC General John Allen will retire and refuses NATO command job in Europe.  Rumors say his decision is the result of investigations into his associations with women other than his wife.  He says it’s because of family health issues.

The Australian Defence Minister, Stephen Smith, pledged $100 million AUD (Aussie Dollar) more in grants to Afghanistan!  This is on top of a previous pledge of $300 million!

18 February 2013/07 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/30 Bahman 1391

In Daikundi Province, local government officials say there was heavy fighting between Afghan government forces and Mujahideen, in the Kajran district.  The fighting was spill over from neighboring Helmand Province, where Mujahideen attacked several check points.  There are reports of deaths and woundings on both sides.

New Zealand officials announced that most Kiwis will be pulled out of Afghanistan by April 2013.  About 23 Kiwis will stay behind for “peacekeeping” duties.

Norway announced it will give more of its taxpayers’ money to Afghanistan.  The Norwegian government is going to give the Central Asian country another $131 million USD, on top of previous pledges!

17 February 2013/06 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/29 Bahman 1391

In Kandahar Province, Mujahideen ambushed government de-mining operations.  One vehicle was set on fire, while another was captured.  The vehicles are designed to remove landmines, but could also be use to plant them.  Also, Mujahideen claim they planted landmines in expectation of a U.S. led NATO convoy in the Kala Shamir region. They say at least three armored vehicles hit the landmines and two or three medivac copters were called in.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say they repelled another NATO/ISAF/ANA heliborne operation in Kajaki district’s Mazar Karez area. They say the battle lasted three to four hours. Also, in the Nari Manda area of Nad Ali district, three ANA troops were killed, two wounded, when their dismount patrol crossed over a landmine.

In Herat Province, reports of fighting between Mujahideen and fighters near the border with Turkmenistan. At least three people killed.

The new U.S. governor of Afghanistan, USMC General Joseph Dunford, said he has ordered NATO to obey President Hamid Karzai’s orders, that is no U.S./NATO airstrikes shall be called in by Afghan government personnel.

After damning reports by the United Nations, and then confirmation by an Afghan government investigation, President Karzai has ordered that all prisoner interrogations be recorded.  Investigations revealed at least 14 types of torture being used in prisons and jails.

Despite Canada’s tough gun laws (tougher than the United States) a 19 years old Afghan-Canadian boxer was shot dead at a Toronto nightclub.  He was the second shooting victim in Toronto that week.  Suspects have been arrested, and they are both of East Asian descent.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Sears Canada disapoints with lower than expected profits!

27 February 2013/16 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/09 Esfand 1391

More proof the main streamers were lying about the “increased” holiday sales. Today, Sears CAnada reported that their 2012 4th Quarter (which ended for Sears CA on 02 February 2013) holiday profits were down 5% from 4th Q 2011 (which ended on 28 January 2012).  Notice that 4th Q 2012 had 14 weeks compared to 4th Q 2011 which had 13 weeks.  Same store sales were down 3.8%.

Despite the fact that 4th Q 2012 had one more week in it Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) was $62.4 million CAD (CAnadian Dollar). Now realize that the EBITDA for the 13 week 4th Q 2011 was $101.8 million.  That a $39.4 million drop in 2012!

It turns out that Sears CA claimed profits mainly because of voluntary buyouts of “post-retirement benefits” and the sale of a joint venture, it had nothing to do with selling products on their store shelves.

For the whole year Sears CA had a 6.9% drop in revenue, most of that because of same store sales declinations. Calvin McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, said most of the lack of sales were in their premiere brands like Crafstman, and other hardware, electronics and even appliances. Amazingly Sears CA had increased sales in clothing!

In the United States, Sears Holdings is expected to make public their 2012 results on 28 February 2013.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 14 – 16 February 2013. U.S. taxes paying to end opium production! 2014 pull out does not mean your tax money will stop flooding into Afghanistan!

16 February 2013/05 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/28 Bahman 1391

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen report several offensives. In Gerishk district, Shoraki region, Mujahideen have been harassing U.S./NATO efforts to withdrawal from an outpost.  Several U.S./NATO airstrikes have been called in.  Locals say civilians have been hit.  In Sangin district’s Majeed Chawk area, a U.S. led NATO patrol hit a landmine, destroying one armored vehicle. Mujahideen say they then engaged the patrol with heavy and light machine gun fire. At last report a witness said the patrol was still pined down.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has banned Afghan government forces from calling in U.S./NATO air strikes.  Apparently this is because some of the civilian deaths by U.S./NATO airstrikes were the result of Afghan forces requesting the airstrikes.

The order came after an Afghan investigation backs up claims that the United States recently killed 10 civilians in an airstrike in Kunar Province.  Five of those killed were children.

In Badghis Province, there are reports that Pakistanis are training Afghan Mujahideen.

U.S. Army General Raymond Odierno said that it is possible that the planned 2014 withdrawal will be stretched out, in order to keep costs to U.S. taxpayers down.

15 February 2013/04 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/27 Bahman 1391

In Saripul Province, Mujahideen say they repelled an offensive launched by 200 Arbaki (contracted cops/mercenaries) in the Sheram area.  Mujahideen said they caused heavy casualties for the Arbaki, and one Mujahid was killed.  Also, in Shekar area of Gosphandi district a U.S./NATO spy was assassinated.

In Kandahar Province, Panjawai district, a U.S. led NATO dismounted patrol was ambushed.  No word on casualties. In Spanzo area of Zangawat region, an Arbaki patrol hit a landmine, also no word on casualties. Also, reports saying U.S. led NATO forces abandoned their base in Khakrez district, Baghki area.

In Kunar Province, a former spy boss and another man was killed, one local cop wounded, in what looks like an assassination. A remote controlled bomb exploded as they went to Mosque.

According to Transparency International, United Kingdom branch, the Afghan National Army and National Police are too corrupt to take over when NATO supposedly pulls out at the end of 2014.

14 February 2013/03 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/26 Bahman 1391

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say British Red Coats abandoned an outpost in Babaji district.

In Kandahar Province, Khakrez district, two people joined the Mujahideen (one was a former Arbaki).

Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said billions of U.S. tax dollars will continue to flood into Afghanistan after the 2014 pull out: “The impending end of the combat mission in Afghanistan has led some to erroneously believe that the Afghan reconstruction effort is waning…..The Afghan government does not appear to have the capacity to manage the amount of funding envisioned……protect the American taxpayer.”-John Sopko

Speaking of tax money down the drain; the U.S. Embassy’s Coordinating Director for Rule of Law and Law Enforcement Ambassador, Stephen G. McFarland, announced $18.2 million will be “awarded” to Afghan farmers who do not grow opium poppies.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: United States on the decline, Iran rejects direct talks, again! Increases nuclear activity! Reveals submarine launched drones, demonstrates Kamakazi drones!

“The Americans are growing passive in the world and it can be said that the U.S. offer of talks with Iran is aimed at saving its face as a power in the world….”-statement from Iranian member of parliament Shahin-Shahr

“Obama’s proposal to hold talks with Iran is inconsistent with the facts, and the hostile actions of the Obama administration have also exceeded those of the Bush administration.”-Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Iranian Ambassador to Italy

23 February 2013/12 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/05 Esfand 1391

Once again, Iranian officials are rejecting the Obama administration’s offer of direct talks.

Deputy Chairman of Iranian Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri, said Iran will not back down, because the United States has basically painted itself into a corner: “The [U.S.] doctrine of using pressure to change the behavior of independent countries and political entities has expired, while the doctrine of threat against threat has created new capacities and has changed a lot of political, security, economic and military equations.”

Several weeks ago the Iranian Supreme Leader (aka Ayatollah), Seyed Ali Khamenei, said this about another offer of direct talks: “Negotiation is meant to prove the goodwill. But you [United States] make tens of [hostile] actions with ill intention and then speak of negotiations in words. Can the Iranian nation believe that you are driven by goodwill?”

Iranian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, says they’ve been launching UAVs from submarines.  The drones conduct recon missions and are capable of attack missions.  In September 2012, Iran revealed a new drone with a 24 hours flight duration.

Also, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has used Kamakazi drones in the opening stage of wargames that are going on right now.   The wargames are called Payambar-e Azam 8 (The Great Prophet 8).

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has revealed that several new uranium mines have been established, and they have designated 16 new nuclear sites: “Following months of efforts, 16 new sites for nuclear power plants have been designated in coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, Khuzestan and northwestern part of the country.”

The AEOI also announced that more than 180 centrifuges have been installed at the Natanz nuclear facility.  Fereydoun Abbasi, the boss of the AEOI, says the exact number will be revealed once it’s confirmed they work: “The final count of these centrifuges will soon be given to the media, though before we give their number to the media, the Agency’s inspectors will certainly see them….”

And despite all the U.S. and European sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) announced that Iran’s non-oil trade has hit $85.9 billion USD last year: “Iran exported over $37 billion worth of non-oil goods and imported $48.3 billion worth of non-oil products…”-Abbas Me’marnejad, IRICA

To top that, the World Steel Association says that Iranian steel production exceeded one million tons in January 2013.  That put Iran in 17th place for steel output: “Despite the intensified sanctions during the last two years, the capacity of Iran’s steel production has increased 5 million tons and we will be completely self-sufficient in the steel industry in the next three years.”-Hamidreza Taherizadeh, Iran Steel Producers Association, statement made in July 2012

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 29 January 2013. Tens of thousands let go! No more Frieghtliner? Incompetent execs! Another bad day for health care! More college students quit! More fuel refineries goin’ down! No more small business loans?

The United States Marines Corps (USMC) announced plans to eliminate 20000 jobs by 2017!

The United States Army (USA) announced they are eliminating or reassigning 60000 positions!

The job cuts announced by the USMC and the USA are not part of the upcoming ‘sequestration’ spending cuts expected from Congress!  The announced cuts were ordered by President Obama in 2012!

Germany’s Daimler Trucks gave layoff warning to thousands of U.S., German and Mexican employees.  As many as 2100 people will be out-o-work in March! The layoffs will affect Freightliner and Western Star truck factories as well as Thomas Built school bus factories in the South & North Carolinas, Oregon and Mexico.  This is the fault of company officials making incorrect estimates about where the economy was going. Last year Daimler officials said they were hiring back 1100 (that they laid off the year before) because they claimed demand for their trucks was going up.  By the end of 2012 they had hired back only about 500, because it turned out that demand was not as high as they “forecast”.  Now it turns out that demand is crashing, blame the bad economy and dumb execs.

JCPenney announced they will eliminate up to 1000 salon receptionist positions in March!

In Massachusetts, Boston Scientific will layoff 1000 employees around the world!  This is on top of the 1400 planned layoffs announced in 2011.  Company officials blame the additional layoffs on new medical taxes coming into effect under the Obama/Romney health care reforms.

In Wisconsin, non-profit WPS Heath Insurance said they are laying off 451 employees, starting at the end of March! The company was founded in 1946.  Company officials said the layoffs are the result of the loss of Medicare and Tricare contracts.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii will layoff 47 nurses. They are being replaced with cheaper “practical nurses” and “assistants”.  So much for a high level of training, this is proof that corporations only care about how cheaply they can pay you, not how skilled you are!

Also in Hawaii, Kapolei Golf Club laid off 14 employees. Company officials said it was to ensure the club will “operate at optimal efficiency.”

California based VMware laying off 900 people! Despite the fact that the software company is reporting profits, officials said the layoffs were necessary because they expect 2013 to be a bad year for them, because many U.S. government deals are expected to get cut, and they don’t see any recovery for their European market.

In North Carolina, Flextronics is shutting down its Creedmoor factory, making 157 people unemployed!  The company is consolidating factory operations.

New Hampshire based trucking company, Nashua Motor Express, closed down after 92 years in operation. They blamed the bad economy and the changing environment of shipping freight.

In New Mexico, an irony, a loan company has gone bankrupt. FastBucks is trying to get out of paying $20 million USD in court ordered restitution to customers that it ripped off!

In Virginia, the Martini Kitchen and Bubble Bar now bankrupt.  They are in debt by $236000, which includes unpaid taxes. And in Roanoke, the only Hooters restaurant is now closed. The owner, Cornett Hospitality, went bankrupt.  Also, Stafford County is losing the 40 years old J&S Market. The owners blame the bad economy and competition from national chain stores.

In Texas, Saks Fifth Avenue closing down a store in Dallas. A company press release implied the store was not “productive” enough. And Disney is shutting down its video game maker, Junction Point Studios, in Austin.  Reports say about 50 people will be unemployed.  The maker of Epic Mickey games has been losing money ever since they released the disappointing Epic Mickey 2 game.

In New York, the Olympia Sports in Consumer Square shut down. Owners say sales didn’t justify signing a new lease.  Also, Closure Systems International Packaging Machinery ends its Randolph factory operations. They make bottle caps for aluminum and plastic bottles. No reason was given for the closure.

Haines Music store, in Pennsylvania, closing down after almost 50 years of providing school bands with supplies. The owners want to retire, and they said none of their children wanted to take over the store.

The Hess Port Reading fuel refinery in New Jersey, shut down for good.  170 people out-o-work! The operators of the refinery say they’ve actually lost money in the past two years, and, amazingly, they say the way the fuel market looks they didn’t expect to make any profits in the future.  It also didn’t help that the operators were forced by federal and state regulators to spend $45 million on environmental controls.

Krispy Kremes lays off more than a dozen employees at a store in Springfield, Missouri.  Officials said it is part of the company’s plans to get rid of “underperforming” stores.

In Louisiana, Delgato Community College will layoff 46 employees.  School officials blame $13 million in debt, which is partly caused by a big declination in student enrollment.

Too big to fail Citigroup (and government bailout recipient) will slash & burn their small business loan operations.  How many people will be laid off has not been announced. These new layoffs will be on top of the 11000 announced in December 2012.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 11 – 13 February 2013. U.S. backed assassination attempt on Iranians in Afghanistan? Afghans invade Iran? More proof that attacks are up! More women & children killed by U.S. led home invasions!

13 February 2013/02 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/25 Bahman 1391

In Kunar Province, provincial government officials say a U.S. led NATO home invasion operation resulted in four men killed (dubbed “militants” by U.S. led forces),  four women killed and five children killed. It happened in Chopan village.  U.S. led NATO and Afghan National Army (ANA) forces said the house was a Mujahideen refuge.  Mujahideen sources say only women and children were killed in home invasion, and that they attacked the U.S. led forces after the home invasion, killing five ANA troops and wounding three.   Also, to add to the confusion, villagers say NATO/ANA forces kidnapped six people.  For even more confusion, other reports say the attack in Chopan village was actually an air strike!  Oh, the fog of war!  The only thing everyone is agreeing to is that four women and five children were killed!

In Balkh Province, a staff member of the Iranian Consulate was shot while he was on his way to university classes.  He was wounded with four bullets in his chest and stomach.  Police say the assassination attempt was done by men on motorcycles.  Israeli and U.S. forces have used similar tactics to assassinate Iranian nuclear engineers inside Iran.

Then along the Iran-Afghan border,  Iranian border police say they engaged a group of armed drug smugglers coming from Afghanistan. Seven were killed, they had 400 kilos (881 pounds) of opium.  Provincial officials in Farah Province used a most common excuse, that the Afghans were sneaking into Iran to find work.  Iran has a no tolerance anti-narcotics policy, drug smugglers are punished with death!  A few years ago Iranian border police say they found U.S. documents on Afghan drug smugglers, such as U.S. issued credit cards!

An independent report out of Kabul shows that violence against Afghans, especially kidnapping, continues to increase. This is not the first time such a report has been made, and it comes as U.S. led forces continue to claim a reduction in violence against their own personnel.  The latest Afghan study explains that the latest increase in violence against Afghans is at the hands of U.S. supported private security contractors (mercenaries/Arbaki).  Recently police in Kabul stopped an attempted kidnapping and it turned out that the kidnappers were working for a U.S. backed security company.   The police said they were forced to let the kidnappers go after being pressured by government officials.

12 February 2013/01 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/24 Bahman 1391

In Ghazni Province, U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion which resulted in two people killed, two kidnapped.

In Khost Province, a U.S. led home invasion killed a medical student.

In Kapisa Province, U.S. led home invasions resulted in 12 people killed.

The Afghan government admits that Mujahideen are still in control of legal proceedings in at least 65 districts around the country.  This is because the government does not have the legal infrastructure to impose government law throughout the country.

11 February 2013/30 Raby` al-Awwal 1434/23 Bahman 1391

In Nangarhar Province, one ANA troop was killed another wounded after they drove over a landmine.

In Kapisa Province, local government officials say a U.S. led ANA operation killed eight Mujahideen.

An Afghan investigation into claims from the United Nations, that torture is on the increase in Afghan controlled prisons, backs up the UN claim.  Afghan investigators found that the use of torture by cops and guards was on the increase, and that secret prisons have been created.

A UN report says bribery is big business in Afghanistan.  A survey showed that almost half of all Afghans were forced, or felt they had to pay a bribe, to the tune of $4 billion in 2012!  That’s double Afghanistan’s official domestic revenue.

In Kandahar Province, local government officials are pushing Afghan investors to bring 80 factories from Pakistan into Afghanistan!  The officials claim the move would create 3000 jobs for the province.

Economically strapped Japan has just promised to give Afghanistan an additional $13 million USD in taxes collected from struggling citizens of Japan.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 08 – 10 February 2013. 104 people working for U.S. contractor poisoned! USMC blames Red Coats for destruction of Harriers! U.S. mililtary equipment leaving Afghanistan, yet General Allen says the war still has not been won!

10 February 2013

In Helmand Province, a U.S. led NATO/ANA offensive was repelled by Mujahideen.  Occupying troops were flown into Trikh Nawar area of Marjah district, supported by armored vehicles.  Mujahideen were prepared and detonated at least seven bombs in the battle.  Reports said that the fighting was ongoing and that nine NATO occupiers/ANA puppets were dead, six wounded.  Also, two Mujahideen killed, four wounded.

In Ghanzi Province, a bomb was planted near the local High Peace Council office. It exploded, yet there are no reports of casualties.  As is typical with bombings, no one claims responsibility.

In Paktiya Province, a local government official was wounded as Mujahideen launched three mortar rounds into a government compound.

In Kabul Province, 104 employees of “Minority, Woman-Owned…” Onyx Construction were sent to hospital after being poisoned.  They got sick after eating.   Onyx Construction is based in the U.S. state of Florida.

In Badghis Province, 17 local cops joined the Mujahideen.

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Outgoing USMC General john Allen was interviewed by the BBC, and he said the war is not won: “I think we have gone a long way to setting the conditions for what, generally, usually, is the defining factor in winning a counter-insurgency, to set the conditions for governance, to set the conditions for economic opportunity…. I think we are on the road to winning.”

Despite admitting that the U.S. has not achieved its goals, the military pullout has begun.  Customs officials in Pakistan report that 25 container trucks loaded with U.S. military equipment left Afghanistan.  They are heading for Karachi, a port city along the Indian Ocean.   Pakistani Customs officials say they’ve been told to expect another outbound U.S. convoy soon.

09 February 2013

“We agree with the UN report and confirm that innocent kids have been killed during coalition forces operations, specifically U.S. troops operations during the past ten years.”-Aimal Faizi, Afghan government spokesman

In Helmand Province, six people killed when they drove over a landmine.  An investigation into the massive Mujahideen attack on Camp Bastion, last year, blames the U.K./U.S./NATO personnel on the base!  U.S. National Public Radio reported that a USMC investigation revealed that British Red Coat controlled Camp Bastion was not properly guarded, allowing Mujahideen easy access. Camp Bastion is next to Camp Leatherneck, where U.S. Marine Harrier VTOL jets are based. The attack damaged or destroyed eight Harriers at a cost of $300 million USD.  Two occupying troops were killed, eight wounded, one contractor wounded.

In Paktia Province, a local contracted militia/security guard (Arbaki) commander joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, witnesses say U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion in Kakraki area Gohergeen Nawa region, Char Chino district.  Two people were kidnapped.  Also, in Char Chino district two local cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Kapisa Province, Mujahideen claim they assassinated a man working for the spy agency National Directorate of Security (NDS).

08 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, in Tagab district, Mujahideen attacked U.S. led efforts to retrieve a downed helicopter.  The ‘copter was shot down the day before. Mujahideen said they were expecting them and killed two U.S./NATO/ISAF troops and three U.S. led Afghan troops. One Mujahid was killed.

In Ghor Province, Mujahideen claim they repelled a attempted home invasion by “enemy” troops, in Qomandan Ahmad village of Charsada district.

In Badghis Province, Mujahideen launched attacks against an Afghan National Army (ANA) base, and several checkpoints.  They claim to have killed six “puppets”, and wounded five others.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 07 February 2013. While the West fawns over the single Pakistani girl who was shot, nothing is said about the hundreds of Afghan kids killed at the hands of U.S. led forces!!! More U.S. led home invasions!!! More of your money down the drain!!!

07 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, a U.S. led NATO helicopter crashed in Tagab district. Witnesses say NATO personnel were killed or wounded.  Mujahideen claim they shot it down, however, local government officials called it an “emergency landing”.  Mujahideen say the ‘copter burst into flames while still in the air.  ISAF confirmed it indeed crashed: “An International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan today.”

The helicopter being shot down might be a reprisal for a massive U.S. led home invasion mission in Kapisa Province overnight. Reports say 30 homes were raided in Tagab district.  Villagers say the U.S. led NATO/ANA forces detained them while their homes were ransacked and valuables stolen (Israeli style). Two villagers were killed when they tried to stop the crime.

In Herat Province, Mujahideen launched an attack against a fuel depot. At least one security guard was killed, three wounded. Mujahideen claim they destroyed five military supply vehicles.

In Baghlan Province, local police say someone planted a bomb in one of their vehicles. It went off, killing one person, and wounding another.

In Kunduz Province, a bomb exploded in front of a house.  Police say no one was hurt, but witnesses say there were casualties.  No one knows who planted the bomb.

In Balkh Province, a government security commander and his four bodyguards were killed after they drove over a landmine.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen claim to have ambushed a U.S. led NATO/ANA patrol.  They say three NATO/ANA personnel were killed, four wounded, as well as two vehicles destroyed.

In Laghman Province, reports of heavy fighting as Mujahideen went on the offensive.  A government checkpoint in the provincial capital was attacked, one killed, several wounded.  An ANA patrol was ambushed, resulting in one ANA troop killed.  Also, Mujahideen claim they launched a rocket attack against an “enemy base”.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say they repelled a U.S. led NATO/ANA heliborne operation in the Malmand Karez area of Sangin district.

In Ghazni Province, a report says eight Afghan National Army (ANA) troops joined the Mujahideen. The report actually gave the names of those who switched sides.

A United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child investigation condemns the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying U.S. personnel have imprisoned and tortured hundreds of children, as well as killed hundreds of kids since 2008, and it’s only getting worse:  “Those responsible for the killings have not been held to account even as the number of children killed doubled from 2010 to 2011.”

USMC General John Allen paid a final visit to Pakistan “….in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan…”

06 February 2013

In Ghazni Province, eight cops were hospitalized after being poisoned.  Other reports say two died, and the others are in a coma.  Also, a local government militiaman joined the Mujahideen.

In Logar Province, Mujahideen say they shot down a drone (UAV) in Barak district.  They captured the wreckage.

The leaders of Norway have signed a military pact with Afghanistan, promising  lots of their taxpayers’ money.

05 February 2013

In Herat Province, A U.S. led NATO supply convoy was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim they destroyed three fuelers along with their contract drivers.  Also, local government officials say U.S. special operations forces killed several civilians. Two women were killed and three children wounded in the Zer-e-Koh area of Shindand district. Other reports say six people were killed and one U.S. personnel wounded.  ISAF admitted guilt: “Our initial assessment is that after the engagement, one Afghan woman and three Afghan children were found dead in a compound separate from where the Afghan and Coalition forces engaged the insurgents. ISAF takes all civilian casualties seriously, and an investigation is on-going to determine exactly what happened in this operation.”

In Faryab Province, a bomb planted in a hotel exploded.  Reports vary, but as many as four people killed, 20 wounded.

Pakistan has re-opened its Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan.  More than 3,700 shipping containers have been sitting for three months waiting to get through. Hundreds of people were also stuck waiting in the cold and snow, several died.

The U.S. based International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced even more money for Afghanistan!  The IMF said that Afghanistan had passed “key structural benchmarks” to give the Central Asian country access to more credit.

Business/Economics, International

What Economic Recovery? Surprise downturn for Pioneer! From $10 million in expected profits to $40 million in losses! Proof that being an optimist will not hold back reality!

12 February 2013, Japan’s electronic maker, Pioneer, says it now expects to suffer a $40 million USD loss, instead of a previously expected $10 million profit.

As a result 800 employees will be laid off, and the rest will see their pay go down.  Pioneer is the first major Japanese electronics maker to couple pay reductions with job layoffs.

Company officials said their optimistic expectations of profits were shattered by the reality of crashing sales worldwide.

 

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Norovirus update, 13 February 2013: Spike in cases! School budgets getting hammered! More hospitals in U.K. shutting down! Avoid Oysters! Blame no paid sick leave, again!

13 February 2013

In United Kingdom, the Arrowe Park Hospital has lifted visitor restrictions.  Hospital officials said they imposed the restrictions to keep patients from catching the vomiting bug.

12 February 2013

Two nursing homes in Sacramento County, California, are reporting outbreaks.  At least 34 people sick.

Also in Sacramento County, school officials say there are so many students out sick that the school districts are losing state funding.  Officials report losing between $28 and $39 USD per day for every student out sick.

A New Jersey TV station reporting that hospitals in Bronx, New York, are reporting spikes in the number of people coming in with the stomach bug.

In United Kingdom, four wards of the York Teaching Hospital were shut down:  “It’s really tough in the hospital. We have had to open extra beds wherever we can in areas which have previously been empty. Staff is also thin on the ground because some of them have also come down with the bug.”-Libby McManus, National Health Service (NHS)

In Arkansas, health officials believe the norovirus (aka Norwalk virus) has hit their state, but, because it isn’t really tracked they’re not sure how bad it is this year.  One doctor said that norovirus is under-reported.

In Belgium, the grocery store chain Carrefour is recalling Normandy oysters. The company is worried because of the growing number of people who ate them are now showing signs of norovirus infection.

11 February 2013

In Canada, visitor restrictions have been lifted at a Prince Albert Hospital. 16 patients and eight hospital staff became sick back in January.

08 February 2013

In Pennsylvania, a Catholic prep school, Villa Joseph Marie, closed because too many students were out sick.

In Tennessee,  doctors say norovirus is now at epidemic levels: “For other people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, it can be deadly.  A lot of these people have to get put in the hospital because they get so severely dehydrated.”-Mark Castellaw, Baptist Memorial Hospital

In Wyoming, state inspectors have determined the source of what caused a norovirus outbreak at a Golden Corral buffet back in December.  A 15 page report blames 31 employees, who kept working even though they were all sick. A total of 344 cases were reported. Blame no paid sick leave!

In Contra Costa County, California, it was revealed that a steak restaurant was closed because of the vomiting bug. County officials closed Fleming’s Steakhouse after several employees and at least two customers became sick.  It’s now open after being cleaned.

In South Dakota, the entire Bridgewater-Emery school district closed down because so many students and teachers were out sick.

07 February 2013

In North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has confirmed many cases at local nursing homes.  At least 45 residents and 12 nursing home staff are sick.

In Missouri, the Saint Louis County Health Department reports at least eight outbreaks in the county. Officials with Barnes Jewish Hospital say cases are spiking.

06 February 2013

In California, Charity Thoman, with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, wrote of her experiences with norovirus, and tried to explain why this year’s version is so bad: “What’s different about the virus in this 2012-2013 season involves one of my favorite topics: evolutionary genetics. Norovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus which can evolve rapidly by inserting small mutations into its genome. In March 2012, the virus mutated again, resulting in the GII.4 Sydney strain (named after its origin in Sydney, Australia). This mutant strain is spreading rapidly across the world and across California. Santa Barbara County is now sending all positive stool specimens to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for further subtyping to determine which strain we are dealing with. So far all of our positive specimens have been the new Sydney strain.”

In Ohio, the Columbus Public Health Department reports 100 confirmed cases.