Tag Archives: iran

Business/Economics, International, Technology, U.S.

World War 3: United States behind most cyber attacks!

10 March 2013/27 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/20 Esfand 1391/29 Yi-Mao 4711

For all the whining the United States government does about cyber attacks, even going as far as making it an act of war and justifying the extra-judicial killing of hackers, it turns out that the biggest perpetrator is the United States.

According to China’s National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team Coordination Center, between September 2012 to February 2013 89 cyber attacks were made against Chinese public and company websites.  39 of those attacks originated from U.S. IP addresses.

According to China’s National Vulnerability Database, between November 2012 to January 2013, 5792 attempted cyber attacks were launched from U.S. IP addresses.  Also, 2194 of servers using viruses or botnets to control Chinese mainframes are located in the U.S.  And, 73% of phishing sites targeting Chinese e-commerce are based in the U.S.

China is not the only country to point to the United States as being behind most cyber attacks, Iranian officials say they are constantly dealing with cyber attacks coming from the U.S.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 08 March 2013. Intense Green on Blue & Blue on Green attacks, dozens killed! More games with tax dollars over aircraft! More than 13000 U.S. troops will remain! More proof it’s all about the oil! U.S. female soldier goes to prison for stealing your tax money!

08 March 2013/25 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/18 Esfand 1391

(where’s the U.S. main streamer media on this one?) In Kapisa Province, Afghan National Army (ANA) troops attacked a U.S. base. Reports say the ANA soldiers were using U.S. supplied vehicles.  One civilian contractor was killed, one U.S. soldier killed, as well as three ANA troops. Local government officials say it was a spontaneous attack, as U.S. personnel apparently insulted ANA troops as they were leaving the base. However, an independent report says U.S. forces open fired on an ANA vehicle, killing the driver. Then other ANA forces arrived and open fired in a vengeance attack. The independent report says two more ANA troops were killed, nine U.S. personnel were killed and two wounded.  ISAF said only: “Individuals wearing Afghan National Army uniforms turned their weapons against International Security Assistance Force members in eastern Afghanistan today, killing one ISAF-contracted civilian. The incident is currently under investigation.”

The above incident in Kapisa might be connected to a massive home invasion operation the day before.

In Helmand Province, a NDS (National Directorate of Security) spy was assassinated by Mujahideen.

In Kandahar Province, a motorcycle bomb was used to destroy an Afghan government forces’ Toyota Land Cruiser.  Also, Mujahideen claim two NATO tanks rolled over landmines. The casualties were medivaced by helicopters.

The games with U.S. tax dollars continue in regards to the U.S. funded COIN (COunter INsurgency) aircraft program for Afghanistan.  Once again Beechcraft is protesting the USAF decision to give Afghanistan the A-29 Super Tucano.  This is the second time Beechcraft is protesting.  The USAF has held competition/review between the Beechcraft AT-6 and A-29 twice now, and the A-29 won both times.  The program could end up costing U.S. taxpayers $950 million USD.

07 March 2013/24 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/17 Esfand 1391

In Kapisa Province, in Koh Band district, a large scale home invasion operation took place.  According to locals six homes were set on fire, wounding seven people including children.  Apparently the operation was actually an attempt to kidnap a local Imam.

In Ghazni Province, an ANA soldier joined the Mujahideen.

(here’s another one the U.S. main streamers missed) In Maidan-Wardak province, in Chak district, U.S. helicopters attacked ANA forces!  Six Afghan government troops killed in the Blue on Green attack.  The U.S. air attack on Afghan government forces came after Mujahideen ambushed U.S. ground forces in the same area.

In Kunar Province, Mujahideen say they killed three U.S. personnel during a firefight in the Chowki district.

In Farah Province, three cops were killed, nine wounded, while they were destroying an opium field in Khak-e-Safid district.  Local officials say one of the cops stepped on a landmine.

In Herat Province, two explosions wounded at least five people. One of the explosions was caused by a motorcycle bomb, which went off as an opposition political party was holding a rally.

In Uruzgan Province, six mercenaries (contracted militia/cops, aka Arbakis) joined the Mujahideen.

In Kandahar, a policeman from the Zhiri district joined the Mujahideen.

A female U.S. Army soldier, Tonya Long, went to prison, convicted of trying to smuggle more than $1 million out of Afghanistan.   Investigators say she and her family spent half of it on plastic surgery, vacations and a tractor/trailer rig.  She served in Afghanistan as customs inspector with the 189th Combat Sustainment Battalion between 12 January 2008 and 5 April 2009.  She will spend five years in prison, three on probation and must pay back one million U.S. tax dollars: “Tonya Long betrayed her team and while other soldiers were fighting for our country, she was stealing money intended to support the mission.”-Thomas G Walker, U.S. Attorney

Merry olde Britisher slave taxpayers are going to be funding $14.9 million in Afghan mining projects.  Prime Minister David Cameron revealed that his bloody Red Coat interests in Afghanistan are not about fighting terrorism but about getting control of natural resources.   Recent mineral resource analysis suggests that Afghanistan has $3 trillion worth of gold, gems, iron ore, and petroleum!

06 March 2013/23 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/16 Esfand 1391

In Paktia Province, another U.S. home invasion, in Girda Chiri district, resulted in three people being killed.  Reports say the three people killed were shot out of frustration because the U.S. led forces did not find whatever it was they were looking for. Several people were beaten.

In Farah Province, two Italian NATO troops, and an Afghan translator, were wounded after they drove over a landmine. The explosion flipped their new Iveco Lynx wheeled vehicle.

In Takhar Province, local government officials say a potential suicide bomber might have set off his bomb too soon.  Police say the bomb went off in his house, wounding the home owner and a child.  The home owner/potential bomber has been arrested.

In Herat Province, a police commander was assassinated by Mujahideen.

In Kandahar Province, a NDS spy was assassinated by Mujahideen.

USMC General James Mattis told the U.S. Congress that thousands of U.S. personnel need to remain in Afghanistan after the supposed 2014 pullout: “I have made my recommendation….That recommendation is for 13600 U.S. forces.”

General Mattis originally wanted to keep 20000 personnel in the Central Asian country! So much for any withdrawal.  Mattis also told Congress that he wants to turn over drone operations to Afghanistan.

05 March 2013/22 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/15 Esfand 1391

In Kunar Province, reports that three people simply walking were killed by U.S. led drone strike, in Ghazi Abad district.

In Laghman Province, Mujahideen say they engaged a U.S. led patrol in Qarghaee district, killing one and wounding two.

In Saripul Province, Mujahideen say they liberated the village of Qonsai.  Three Arbakis killed, three wounded. One Mujahid wounded.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen claim to have repelled a U.S. led offensive in Babaji district. At least three ISAF armored vehicles destroyed.  The offensive might have started after Mujahideen ambushed an ISAF foot patrol earlier in the day in the same district.

While the U.S. is actually planning on staying, German Defense Minister Thomas Maiziere announced they are leaving.   Specifically they will abandon OP (Observation Post) North near the city of Puli-khumri in Baghlan Province.

In Badakhshan Province, Mujahideen presented local government officials with the bodies of 16 ANA troops.  Mujahideen said they killed the ANA soldiers in a firefight. Mujahideen say in the battle they captured 12 government personnel, 2 vehicles and 37 weapons.  Eight government vehicles were destroyed. Two Mujahideen killed, one Mujahid was wounded.

At least 21 former executives and employees of Kabul Bank have been convicted and sent to prison. They were convicted of fraud after it was discovered that 90% of the bank’s loans went to only 19 individuals and businesses.  Sentences range from six months to five years in prison. Two former executives will have to pay back more than $700 million combined.

33 years later, a Soviet soldier who went MIA (Missing In Action) during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, has been found, alive.  According to Russian media the soldier defected to the Mujahideen.  Just think you Yankees, 30 years from now you could be hearing similar reports about your MIAs!

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: Israeli soldier desecrates Qur’an, IDF attacks al-Aqsa Mosque! Israel continues attacks on Gaza! U.S. begins Leviathan war games with Israel.

08 March 2013/25 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/18 Esfand 1391

Israeli soldiers attacked protesting Palestinians at the al-Aqsa Mosque.  Palestinians responded with firebombs.

The protest has been ongoing since Israeli soldiers stormed the Mosque on 03 March 2013.  They broke up a Qur’an recitation, with one IDF troop kicking and trampling the Qur’an.

No mention by U.S. media!

Also not mentioned is that fact that Israel has not stopped attacking Gazans. The latest attack involves an attack by IDF personnel on farmers in the town of Jabalia.   One Palestinian wounded.  This is yet another violation of the most recent cease fire agreement. Last week six Palestinians were wounded by IDF troops in Gaza Strip.

The navies of United States, Greece and Israel have begun two week long war games.  This is a continuation of war games started in 2011 called Noble Dina. The main purpose of the war games is to protect new natural gas operations in the massive Leviathan petroleum fields under the Mediterranean Sea.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 01 – 04 March 2013. More drone strikes! Yet more of your tax money being spent! Civilians killed by U.S. led ISAF on the increase! Suicide attacks now approved!

04 March 2013/21 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/14 Esfand 1391

In Farah Province, an eight years old boy tending the family’s sheep was killed by U.S. led ISAF drone strike. It happened in the Aab Solakh area of Pusht Rod district.

In Badghis Province, two mercenaries (Arbaki) joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, the mayor of Chora district, and a trainer for a local police academy,  were wounded after they drove over a landmine.  They were medivaced out. Also in Chora district, an ISAF armored vehicle hit a landmine and was destroyed.

03 March 2013/20 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/13 Esfand 1391

In Badakhshan Province, Mujahideen attacked a police supply convoy.  Various reports say the battle lasted several hours, resulting in between six and 15 people killed and 12 wounded.  Two trucks were destroyed.

In Kabul City, body guards of a politician open fired on a civilian vehicle killing a woman, and wounding two men inside.  They later admitted they mistook the car as a militant vehicle, because it failed to stop at a local police checkpoint.   Local police had warned the body guards that there might be an attack on the politician.

U.S. led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) announced they will spend $11 million USD on rebuilding Salang tunnel. Of course that money is coming from taxes paid by the people of the various countries involved with ISAF.

02 March 2013/19 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/12 Esfand 1391

In Paktia Province, two Afghan National Army troops joined the Mujahideen.

Reports that a civilian contractor working for ISAF in southern Afghanistan, has been killed in an explosion. No details given.

01 March 2013/18 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/11 Esfand 1391

In Uruzgan Province, Australian Diggers called in an Apache helicopter airstrike that killed two children. The AH-64 crew fired at the boys instead of the intended target.  ISAF confirms: “I offer my personal apology and condolences to the family of the boys who were killed…”-USMC General Joseph Dunford

In Pakistan, the Religious Scholars Council has ruled suicide attacks in Afghanistan, Palestine and Kashmir are now officially permitted.  The Pakistan clerics were to attended a conference with Afghan clerics, but changed their minds saying there are too many opposing opinions on how to handle the continued occupations of Afghanistan, Palestine and Kashmir.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 25 – 28 February 2013. U.S. continues to attack hospitals! U.S. admits Mujahideen attacks are up, not down! Karzai bans Afghans from helping U.S. troops! United Nations behind corruption? More shenanigans with your tax money!

28 February 2013/17 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/10 Esfand 1391

In Kunar Province, two explosion rocked Damkan district.  The first targeted government border police, killing seven.  The second explosion targeted the people who came to help the victims of the first explosion, at least three civilians killed.   Since U.S. led drone strike follow this MO, the United States is suspected.

In Helmand Province, the Red Coat controlled Camp Bastion was attacked again. The Brits claim no one was hurt in the rocket attack.

President Hamid Karzai banned any Afghan based private security companies from working for U.S./NATO occupying forces. Afghan government sources say the order is the result of investigations that show Afghans hired by U.S./NATO forces are being forced to torture their fellow Afghans.

According to the Wall Street Journal, its reporters have seen a UN report which blames the UN for corruption in Afghanistan. The Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) is being accused of colluding with suppliers and overcharging in contracts involving the Afghan National Police (ANP).

The on again off again contract for U.S. supplied (and paid for) COIN aircraft for Afghanistan is back on.  Afghanistan will get 20 A-29 Super Tucanos.  They will cost U.S. taxpayers as much as $950 million USD.

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

In Kabul City, a suicide bomber attacked a bus load of Afghan National Army (ANA) personnel. Reports vary from saying seven people wounded to 17 people killed.

Responding to inquiries from the Associated Press, U.S./NATO/ISAF officials admitted their earlier claim that Mujahideen attacks were down by 7%, is wrong!

26 February 2013/15 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/08 Esfand 1391

In Ghazni Province, 16 or 17 ANP personnel were killed.  Reports are confusing, one said Mujahideen attacked the police station, another said the cops were poisoned.

In Herat Province, ANA claims they killed 28 Mujahideen, wounded 20 and captured six others.  They say three Arabs were among those killed.  Two ANA troops killed, two wounded.

According to Alliance of Health Organizations (AHO), and the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA), the United States has been attacking hospitals, and continues to do so: “Most NGOs who deliver healthcare in this country experience this almost on a monthly basis…”-Andreas Stefansson, SCA

The United States is a co-creator and signatory of the Geneva Conventions which bans attacks on medical personnel.

U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, said claims that U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) were torturing and killing innocent people in Maidan-Wardak province will be investigated. This comes after President Karzai ordered all U.S. forces out of the province.

25 February 2013/14 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/07 Esfand 1391

In Logar Province, a suicide bomber attacked an ANA base, in Baraki Barak district, killing or wounding dozens of Afghan troops.

In Helmand Province, four people were killed and six wounded after the van they were in drove over a landmine.

In Farah Province, reports that U.S./NATO/ISAF personnel abandoned a base in the Khak-e-Safid district.

The soon to be imposed electronic ID cards for all Afghans has proven to be racists.  The issue revolves around the use of languages and ethnicity in determining who is “Afghan”.  Officials were hoping to force 100% of “Afghans” to get the ID card before upcoming elections, but now think only 50% of “Afghans” will have the monitoring system by then.  The official reason for the mandatory electronic IDs is to prevent fraud.  Some critics think the cards will not be issued to any Afghan who does not recognize the government, and therefore will be classified as illegal residents.

A record 42 Green on Blue attacks hit U.S./NATO/ISAF forces in 2012.  62 occupiers were killed.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 20 – 24 February 2013. Karzai orders murderous U.S. troops out of Afghan province! Up to 12000 U.S. troops to remain in Afghanistan! Red Coats bribe clerics with Viagra!

24 February 2013/13 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/06 Esfand 1391

In Logar Province, a car bomb exploded near a police dormitory, killing one cop and wounding two.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen targeted the National Directorate of Security (NDS) office in Jalalabad.  Reports vary, saying between two and 14 NDS agents were killed, and dozens wounded.

President Hamid Karzai has ordered all U.S. personnel out of Maiden-Wardak Province. They were given two weeks to leave.  Karzai says investigations show U.S. Special Operations forces are murdering innocent people: “….it became clear that armed individuals named as U.S. special force stationed in Wardak province engage in harassing, annoying, torturing and even murdering innocent people. A recent example in the province is an incident in which nine people were disappeared in an operation by this suspicious force and in a separate incident a student was taken away at night from his home, whose tortured body with throat cut was found two days later under a bridge.”

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

A BBC report says in the past six months Iran has executed 80 Afghans after they were convicted of drug crimes.  Iranian border police say they have evidence that the United States is behind the opium being smuggled into Iran from Afghanistan.

22 February 2013/11 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/04 Esfand 1391

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today.”

German Defense Minister, Thomas de Maiziere, said U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told NATO officials that the United States will leave between 8000 and 12000 personnel in Afghanistan after 2014.

21 February 2013/10 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/03 Esfand 1391

In Kunduz Province, four people were killed by U.S. led NATO forces.  ISAF says they were Mujahideen, but local villagers say the victims were never involved with violence.

A Newsweek report revealed that United Kingdom Red Coats began bribing religious leaders in Helmand Province, about three years ago.  They used food and clothing, but Viagra turned out to be a hot commodity!  Some of the Red Coats objected to giving them the sex drug because it would result in “…producing more Taliban, meaning more kids who would grow up to be Taliban.”

Now realize that British taxpayers are paying for supplying religious leaders with Viagra!

20 February 2013/09 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/02 Esfand 1391

A United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan report says U.S. led drone (UAV) strikes in Afghanistan increased 72% in 2012!

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.

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

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.