Tag Archives: iran

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. preparing for war with Libya & Egypt? USN & USMC on way to Libya! Iran calls U.S. leaders “blatant” liars!

“The U.S. politicians’ claims of supporting and respecting different cultures are…a blatant lie!”-Ali Larijani, Iran’s Majlis (parliament) Speaker

“I don’t think that we would consider them an ally……we are going to have to see how they respond to this incident….”-Barack Obama, President of the United States, regarding the ongoing riots outside the U.S. embassy in Egypt

The latest reports say Egyptian police are now fighting in the streets against the protestors.  Several protestors wounded.

A 50 member USMC Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, along with two USN destroyers (USS Laboon and USS McFaul) are headed to the Libyan coastline.

“I have directed my administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe.”-Barack Obama, President of the United States

“Justice” has now become a universal code for going to war: “We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done!”–Barack Obama, President of the United States

Muslims around the World are outraged about a anti-Islam movie made in the United States.  According to the movie’s producer (an Israeli-American), it was financed with $5 million USD from 100 Jews.

“U.S. President Barack Obama must apologize to all Muslims of the world and prevent distribution of this offensive film by issuing an immediate order!……the wave of Islamic Awakening has begun in the world and those in the U.S. who try to douse the burning flames of this awakening by such plots as producing these films are mistaken!”-Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee

The U.S. ambassador to Libya (who was one of the supporters of the assassination of Gaddafi) was assassinated, along with three other U.S. citizens.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 03 Sep – 07 Sep. U.S. still imprisoning Afghans by the hundreds! Peace talks underway! Mo’ money for Afghanistan from the World Bank!

07 September 2012

British Red Coat, Henry of Wales (aka Prince Harry), returned to Afghanistan as a Apache gunship co-pilot/gunner.  He is part of the current rotation of British troops in Afghanistan, and should be in country four months.

The Pakistan based Haqqani Network was officially declared a terrorist organization by the Obama administration.  U.S. officials named the supposed group after Sirajuddin Haqqani, whom they accuse the Pakistani ISI of providing safe haven for.

06 September 2012

The group Open Society Foundations investigated Bagram prison and found that even though the United States officially turned it over to Afghan officials, it is actually still under direct control of  U.S. forces.  This violates the latest agreements signed between the Afghan government and the U.S.

Open Society Foundations reports that they discovered that at least 600 Afghans have been detained by U.S. forces since the agreement was signed in March 2012!   The group says this is proof the U.S. will stay in Afghanistan for a long time because it “….appears to want continued detention powers in Afghanistan beyond September 2012.”

In Baghlan Province, U.S./ISAF/NATO occupation forces handed military control of five districts to the Afghan National Army.

In Nuristan Province: “Deputy Taliban financial chief Mullah Mohammad was also arrested along with Mawlawi Gul Mohammad and a number of the other Taliban militants including three Pakistani nationals.”-Mohammad Zareen, provincial government spokesman

05 September 2012

Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States revealed they are now planning for official peace talks with Mujahideen (aka Taliban).  They were working on a plan to provide safe passage for Mujahideen leaders to attend peace talks.  Pakistani media reported it was called the The Safe Passage Working Group’s meeting.

The World Bank announced it is giving even more money to Afghanistan.  This time $125 million USD for the Ministry of Education.

ISAF said: “Two International Security Assistance Force service members died following a helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan today.”  Mujahideen claim they shot down the ‘copter in Logar Province. Provincial government officials say a heavy firefight broke out after the ‘copter crashed.  Logar is patrolled mainly by U.S. forces.

In Maidan Wardak Province, six fuelers destined for U.S./NATO forces were set on fire. Mujahideen claim it was 17 fuelers burned, along with 20 drivers and security guards killed.

The Afghan Defense Ministry announced that, after an investigation, they have fired hundreds of Afghan National Army (ANA) troops because of connections to Mujahideen.  The Afghan government is trying to stop the increase of insider Green on Blue attacks.

The Afghan Defense Ministry also announced that at least 24 ANA troops were killed, 19 wounded, in battles in the provinces of Maidan Wardak, Farah, Badghis, Nangarhar, Ghazni, Helmand and Uruzgan.  They say only four Mujahideen were killed, six wounded.

04 September 2012

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) claim they killed a Mujahideen leader, and two other Mujahideen, in Logar Province.  They believe the Mujahideen were part of the so called Haqqani Network based in Pakistan.

In Kunar Province, local government officials claim Pakistan launched another round of rockets into the province. They say at least three civilians were wounded after a barrage of 80 rockets were launched over a two day period.

Also in Kunar, a man was sentenced to death for beheading a 17 years old girl because she did not want to marry him.  Two other men were sentenced to 17 years in prison for helping him.  The girl’s father testified that the man threatened to kill him as well.

In Nuristan Province, local government officials say there is an increase in the number of Pakistani ISI agents in their area.  An Afghan security official said about 50 ISI agents were seen, with weapons, meeting with Mujahideen.

In Nangarhar Province, at least 25 people were killed and more than 50 wounded after a explosion at a funeral. Officials say a suicide bomber was targeting a number of government officials attending the funeral.

In Farah Province, yet another fuel convoy headed for troops of the U.S. led occupation was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim to have destroyed 13 fuelers and killed ten drivers and security guards.

Responding to pressure from the United States, Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) refused to halt any trade deals with Iran: “…if an official request comes from the U.S. government, I am sure the Afghan government will be clear in its quick reaction against it…If the U.S. makes us stop business with Iran, we will face an economic crisis!”-Khan Jan Alokozai, ACCI

Iran buys at least $1.3 billion USD worth of products from Afghanistan.  What has the United States done for Afghanistan’s economy?

In Helmand Province, seven people were wounded: “Two explosive laden tricycles went off in a quick succession near a car market in Lashkar Gah Tuesday morning, leaving the casualties.”-Farid Ahmad Farhang, provincial police spokesman

03 September 2012

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan, September 3.”

In Laghman Province, a ANA soldier shot and killed two occupying U.S./NATO personnel.

In Balkh Province, and bicycle bomb exploded, wounding several people including the suicide bomber using the bicycle.

The Afghan parliament has accused the Defense Minister, and the chief of the Afghan High Office of Oversight and Anti-corruption, of rigging contracts worth $30 million USD.

New Zealand has formally announced it will withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by the end of April, 2013.

 

 

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 30 Aug – 02 Sep. U.S. ends training of Afghan troops! U.S. bullying Afghanistan to end trade deals with Iran. Cops kill civilians! Australia will now stay in Afghanistan! Jihad called against Pakistan! Children beheaded!

02 September 2012

“The training of the ALP [Afghan Local Police] recruits has been paused while we go through this re-vetting process, to take a look at this process to see if there’s anything that we can improve. It may take a month, it may take two months, we don’t know.”-Lieutenant Colonel John Harrell

Reports that the United States has halted training of new Afghan soldiers, until every one can be investigated for ties to Mujahideen.  Of course this means that the United States can not meet its troop pullout goal, because that is based on Afghan government troops taking over most of the work, and if they are not going to be trained anymore, well then so much for the 2014 U.S. withdrawal date.

The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed that the United States has been bullying them to end all trade deals with Iran.  Iran is now the biggest supplier of fuel to Afghanistan, and Iran is now buying $1.3 billion USD worth of products from Afghanistan.  What has the United States done for Afghanistan’s economy?

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died as a result of a non-battle related injury in eastern Afghanistan today.”

Just four days after firing his intelligence chief, President Hamid Karzai now says the guy can stay until the end of his term in office.  Apparently it’s because the man intended to replace the current intelligence boss is being accused of running private prisons for torture!

In Kunduz Province, deputy provincial governor, Hamidullah Danishi, confirmed a report which said police massacred a village, killing at least 15 people. Some cops said they did it in retaliation for a policeman being killed by one of the villagers!  The result is an ongoing war between villagers and police, so far 10 cops have been killed in explosions and gun battles since the 15 civilians had been killed.

Australian Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, says Australia will not withdraw their Diggers early as planned.  A few months ago they said they would leave by early 2013, now they will stay until the end of 2014.

In Herat Province, a spokesman for the governor said a battle between local forces and Mujahideen left three Mujahideen dead.

01 September 2012

ISAF said: “Two U.S. Forces-Afghanistan service members died following an insurgent attack in Ghazni province, Afghanistan today.”

In Maidan Wardak Province, suicide bombers killed as many as 12 people. Local government officials say two cops and ten civilians were killed, but the Mujahideen say the ten were all U.S. led occupying forces.  “There were two heavy blasts which damaged some parts of the district chief’s office and the police headquarters, and ISAF forces are also there.”-Shahidullah Shahid, provincial government spokesman

The Hezbe-e-Wafaq Millie (National Unity Party) of Afghanistan has made the first national call to launch Jihad against Pakistan. The holy war was declared in Kabul.   The political party claims they have more than 1,000 signatures from Afghans wanting war with Pakistan: “Crossborder shelling from Pakistan is a clear invasion into Afghanistan and this cannot be ignored. We will go to eastern Kunar province with our volunteer brothers and will defend Afghanistan.”-Bismillah Sher, National Unity Party

President Hamid Karzai has condemned yet another night raid by U.S. troops. Government officials from Uruzgan Province said not only were people killed, but U.S. led forces kidnapped nine people!

31 August 2012

In Uruzgan Province, U.S. led occupying forces conducted an illegal night raid, which killed a 70 year old man and his son.

In Ghazni Province, local government officials claim Mujahideen assassinated five people for being anti-Mujahideen. The problem is that the so called ‘Mujahideen’ also burned Qurans, it sounds more like a U.S. led occupying force tactic.

Boys and girls are being found beheaded. In Kandahar Province, two boys, one 12 years old, and one 14 years old, were found beheaded in separate cases.   In Kapisa Province, a seven years old girl was found beheaded and her legs cut off.  Strangely no one has claimed they are missing a daughter!  Local government officials are blaming it on Mujahideen, of course.

30 August 2012

In Farah Province a fuel convoy headed for U.S. occupying NATO troops was ambushed. Four security guards were killed, two people wounded, two fuelers burned.

In Logar Province, five people were killed, 10 wounded, after a rocket hit the bus stop they were waiting at.  Local government officials speculate that Mujahideen were targeting a military base, and the rocket missed the intended target.

ISAF said: “Two International Security Assistance Force service members died following a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan today.”

In Herat Province, Mujahideen attacked a security checkpoint, killing three Afghan government troops.

In Ghor Province, locals say a U.S. airstrike killed 12 civilians. U.S./ISAF/NATO claim the targets were Mujahideen.

In Helmand Province, Australian officials revealed that five of their Diggers were killed.  Three were killed by an Afghan government soldier, and two were killed when their helicopter went down.  “This is a very big toll… This is our single worst day in Afghanistan. Indeed this is the most lost in combat [for Australia] since the days of the Vietnam War.”-Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 25 Aug – 29 Aug. Green on Blue attacks continue. Hundreds more Afghan soldiers die fighting for the U.S. than U.S. soldiers! Mujahideen execute one of their own! Afghan soldiers attack each other! Afghan soldiers assassinate Musilm boss!

29 August 2012

ISAF said: “An individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against International Security Assistance Force service members in southern Afghanistan yesterday, killing three…”

In Kunar Province at least five Afghan government soldiers were killed when a bomb exploded.

In Ghazni Province, the provincial council chief was assassinated.  He was gunned down.  He had survived several prior attempts to end his life.

Also in Ghazni, four people were killed, one wounded, when they drove over a mine.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has fired his intelligence chief.   In response to criticisms, Karzai claims the guy was at the end of his two year contract anyway.

It was also revealed that two former officials, forced to quit over border disputes with Pakistan, will be nominated for the positions of interior and defense ministers (the very jobs they were forced to quit!).

28 August 2012

In Kandahar Province, four people were killed, 20 wounded including a police chief, when a bomb attached to a fueler exploded.

In Ghazni Province, a suicide bomber attacked a funeral. However, local government officials say only the bomber was killed, and no one was hurt.  They also say a gun battle took place following the blast, but the gunmen ran away.

ISAF says: “An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a forced landing in eastern Afghanistan today. There were no reported fatalities and the site of the incident is secure. Initial reporting indicates that there was no enemy activity in the area at the time.”

A total of nine U.S. Marines and U.S. Army soldiers got slaps on the wrists, “non-judicial punishment”, for directly violating the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice regarding desecration of bodies and religious books!

ISAF claims they captured a bomb expert in Paktiya Province.

27 August 2012

In Laghman Province, two U.S. led occupying troops were killed by an Afghan government soldier: “Two International Security Assistance Force service members died when a member of the Afghan National Army turned his weapon against ISAF service members in eastern Afghanistan today. ISAF troops returned fire, killing the ANA soldier who committed the attack.”

USMC (United States Marine Corps) General John Allen is contradicting Pentagon estimates of Green (Afghan government forces) on Blue (United States/ISAF/NATO coalition) attacks.  The Pentagon claims only 10% of insider attacks are by Mujahideen who infiltrate Afghan government forces.  General Allen saying the Mujahideen are involved in at least 25% of Green on Blue attacks. To make things more confusing, recently the Afghan government claimed the Green on Blue attackers were spies for Pakistan and Iran!

The Afghan Defense Ministry says more than 600 Afghan soldiers died in the past two months, helping the United States led occupation forces! Afghan officials say it’s a big jump in deaths, fighting for the U.S. empire, from the same time last year!

Despite all the anti-Pakistan rhetoric in the U.S. media, the U.S. Army (USA) has been working with Pakistan’s Inter Service Intelligence (ISI). An unnamed Afghan government official revealed that the USA and ISI recently worked together to assassinate a “leader” in Pakistan.  The leader was killed by U.S. drone strike a week prior.

In Ghor Province, Mujahideen publicly executed, by hanging, one of their own.  They say the man had committed murder during an argument with other Mujahideen.

In Helmand Province, Afghan government forces attacked each other. At least ten were killed, four wounded.  A local government official says the battle was the result of Mujahideen who had infiltrated the Afghan Army!

In Uruzgan Province, a suicide bomber exploded too soon. Local government officials claim the bomber was just being handed a suicide bomb vest when it went off.  They believe he was to target local police.  Several people were wounded and, of course, the bomber was killed.

26 August 2012

In Helmand Province, local government officials say Mujahideen beheaded 15 men and three women. The reason is not known.  Mujahideen groups have not commented on the local government’s claim.

In Ghor Province, local government leaders claim that Mujahideen have switched sides and are now helping villagers fight the Mujahideen.

In Baghlan Province, a convoy of fuelers for U.S./ISAF/NATO occupying forces was attacked.  Local government officials say one tanker was destroyed, but an opposition political party (who claim they launched the attack) says six fuelers were destroyed.

The Afghan Defense Ministry says they’ve killed 33 Mujahideen in battles in Kunar, Ghazni, Logar, Helamnd, Kunar and Farah provinces.  The defense ministry claims only three Afghan National Army troops were killed, three wounded.

In Logar Province, the Hajj and Islamic Affairs chief was assassinated by Afghan National Army troops! Local officials suspect it was a family feud, as the Islamic Affairs boss was known to have problems with his cousins.

25 August 2012

U.S. led ISAF/NATO claims two airstrikes killed 12 militants from Pakistan in Kunar Province.  However provincial official, Aslam Gul Mujahid, said at least 20 people were killed, including Afghan civilians.

In Uruzgan Province, four occupying Australian Diggers were wounded after a bomb exploded.

Afghan Interior Ministry claims 17 Mujahideen killed, two wounded and 30 captured in battles in the following provinces: Kabul, Logar, Ghazni and Paktika.

Afghan president Hamid Karzai, and a delegation of 70 Afghan officials, left to attend the anti-U.S. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Iran.

 

 

International, U.S.

Political Incompetence: Non Aligned Movement; proof that U.S. leadership is delusional!

“….every American can be proud that the United States is safer, the United States is stronger, and the United States is more respected in the world!”-Barack Obama, President of the United States, 31 August 2012 Fort Bragg speech

“…two third of the world countries at the highest level in Tehran and their consensus over Iran’s responsibility for coordinating the international policies of 120 world countries is a clear indication of the United States’ strategic isolation on the scene of world relations.”-Saeed Jalili, Supreme National Security Council of Iran, 31 August 2012, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“…Iran and Sri Lanka’s experiences show that resistance against colonialists and hegemons is possible!”-Mahinda Percy Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“The Algerian government, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran, will use all its power to materialize NAM’s goals.”-Abdelaziz Ziari, Speaker of Algeria’s National Assembly, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“I am confident this is a solid foundation for building a modern system of international relations, which respects the right of every country for its own path of development, cultural and historical identity.” also “We are ready to further expand interaction with the Non Aligned Movement in the interests of peace and prosperity. I wish you every success and fruitful work.” -Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, printed greeting sent to 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“The United States and the Western powers are accompanied by devilishness, corruption and insecurity wherever they arrive….All of us are required to feel responsible vis-à-vis the bullying and imposition of the big powers and stand against them!”-Seyed Ali Khamenei, current Ayatollah of the Islamic Revolution, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Your wise ideas about unity and resistance are completely palatable to us.”-Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Iran enjoys an ancient human civilization and a long historical antecedent and as one of the founders of the UN is famous for pursuing its key role in its initiative, specially creating a Middle East region free from any type of nuclear weapons and the dialogue among civilizations.”-Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Viet Nam shares the view of other NAM member countries, as contained in the Draft Final Document, that the present global scenario largely derives from the continuing unequal terms of trade, lack of cooperation from developed countries, coercive and unilateral measures imposed by some of them and the use of force or threat of use of force.”-Pham Binh Minh, Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, 31 August 2012, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“….the construction of a multipolar and multicentric world, for which it’s necessary to unite forces and break political ties that have trapped us in neocolonial systems for years.”-Nicolas Maduro, Foreign Minister of Venezuela, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“…to make sure America is still a place where tomorrow is always better than yesterday, that is what our politics should be about. And that is what we are deciding this election.”-Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator from Florida, 30 August 2012, Republican National Convention

“I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love.” –Mitt Romney, U.S. republican presidential candidate, January 2012

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 21 Aug – 24 Aug. Karzai blames Green on Blue attacks on Iran & Pakistan!

24 August 2012

In Farah Province, a U.S./NATO supply convoy was ambushed. At least three security guards were killed, one wounded, and 12 fuelers burned.

In Kandahar Province, six people were killed after a vehicle ran over a mine. The occupants were killed, as well as people riding a motorcycle.

Also in Kandahar, villagers are claiming they were forced to destroy recently built roads.  Panjwai district officials say people from at least three villages tore up about 15 meters of newly laid roads.

In Ghazni Province, a former provincial governor was attacked by suicide bomber. He was wounded.

23 August 2012

Local government officials in Kunar Province say at least 30 more rockets have been launched against them from Pakistan.  No person was hurt, but farm fields were destroyed.

In Parwan Province, a U.S./NATO vehicle patrol was hit by an explosion. It took place near Bagram. No further details from U.S. led sources, but Mujahideen claim they killed six U.S. personnel.

In Ghazni Province, local government officials claim there were several battles with Mujahideen. Interestingly, the Afghan government forces say they left the bodies of Mujahideen, including those still alive but seriously wounded, on the battlefield.

In Nangarhar Province, local government officials say the U.S. conducted yet another illegal night raid. This time a chicken farmer was killed and at least four people arrested.  Mujahideen claim the people killed/arrested are not militants.

Spokespeople for President Hamid Karzai try to blame Iran and Pakistan on increasing Green on Blue attacks. They claim most of the attackers are really spies that have infiltrated Afghan military and police units.  This conflicts with ISAF/NATO’s own investigation, which says most Green on Blue attacks are caused by U.S. led troops acting the ass hole towards Afghan government forces.

22 August 2012

The New York Times reports that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan have reached 2,000 since the U.S. invasion in 2001.  At least half those deaths happened in the past 27 months.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen claim they shot down a U.S. drone, near Jalalabad airport.

In Kabul Province, senior Mujahideen leaders escaped from the Pul-e-Charkhi prison. Mujahideen claim 15 of their top guys escaped the prison after breaking down the doors.

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) claim they captured a Mujahideen leader in Kandahar Province.

21 August 2012

Mujahideen attacked the C-17 transport used by USA (United States Army) General Martin Dempsey.  The attack missed the plane, slightly damaging a door: “International Security Assistance Force can confirm that shrapnel from an indirect fire round at Bagram Air Field damaged the military aircraft that brought Gen. Martin E. Dempsey to Afghanistan.”  Dempsey was not on the plane at the time.

ISAF claims they killed a leader with connections to al Qaeda, in Kunar Province.

A video has been released showing a U.S. led occupying soldier hitting an Afghan government soldier.  Going by the uniform the occupying troop is not U.S., but that doesn’t matter to the Afghan’s ’cause the U.S. led occupiers all look the same.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. allies attend Iran led NAM. Condemn the United States, condemn the United Nations! Demand U.S. assassination drone strikes stop!

“One of the topics that’s being raised amongst NAM member states is the changes that are necessary in the UN, Security Council and also other UN affiliated bodies.”-Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman

29 August 2012, the 16th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has been underway for three days in Iran, and some very important officials have shown up, including allies (as well as enemies) of the United States.

“The summit is being held in Tehran at a time when Western countries are facing major financial and social crises. This indicates that the source of global management is suffering from weaknesses and deficiencies. There’s a need for new innovations and initiatives in order to improve the situation in the international domain.”-Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Attendees include:  United Nations Secretary, Ban Ki-moon.  Prime Minister of Iraq,  Nouri al-Maliki. President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa.  Ruler of United Arab Emirates’ Umm Al Quwain state, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid al-Mu’alla.  President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir.  Chairman of the State Council of Oman, Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri.  Palestinian Authority Chief, Mahmoud Abbas.  Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar. Indonesian Foreign Minister, Marty Natalegawa.  Head of Arab Relations of Lebanon‘s Hezbollah, Sheikh Hassan Ezzedin.  President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.  President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi.   Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Alioune Badara Cissé.  Envoy from Russia, Konstantin Shuvalov.  Korea (north) Foriegn Minister, Pak Ui-chun.   India Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh.  And many more heads of state.

“…the wave of Islamic Awakenings sweeping the Middle East and North Africa has led to major developments. Countries where people have a greater role for determining their destiny, they are in fact seeking to cut their dependence on the major powers.”-Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Egypt will turn over the presidency of NAM to Iran.  Iran will now head NAM for the next three years.

“…the existing crises indicate that these few, specific countries [United States, United Kingdom, etc] are not able to run the affairs of the world, and also they are not able to run the international organizations.”-Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Iranian Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, announced that a workgroup for Palestine will be formed at the United Nations in New York, U.S.A.: “Heavy pressures should be put on the Zionist regime….and practical suggestions should be offered.”

“The Zionist regime is the source of all regional and international threats.
In line with the issue of the Islamic Awakening, these pro-Zionist Americans did not manage to block this wave of Islamic Awakening and it feels that it has been harmed by the independence seeking waves of this region and also it’s going to lose the supporters of the Zionist regime.”-Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Another issue is the use of assassination drones by the United States: “…Pakistan’s position is clear today and has been clear in the past. Our position is that this is something which is counter-productive. It is unlawful. It is illegal, and therefore they must cease.”-Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister

NAM is an international organization with 120 member countries.  The movement stands for “national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries” in their “struggle against imperialism and all forms of foreign aggression”-Fidel Castro, Havana Declaration, 1979 NAM summit

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: USS Stennis sets sail for Persian Gulf, 4 months early. U.S. says “world calls” for war with Syria & Iran

“…we are not in the habit of repeating a warning and we warn only once.”-Major General Ataollah Salehi, Iranian Army, 03 January 2012 threat against USS Stennis

“We’re asking an awful lot of each of you.  And frankly, you are the best I have, and when the world calls we have to respond.”-Leon Panetta, U.S. Secretary of Defense, 22 August 2012 statement regarding early deployment of USS Stennis

22 August, the aircraft carrier USS Stennis will set sail for the Persian Gulf.  Back in July it was announced the USS Stennis would return to the Persian Gulf four months earlier than planned.  The aircraft carrier will also stay in the region for eight months, four months longer than originally planned.

The Pentagon wants to keep at least two aircraft carrier groups on station in the Persian Gulf at all times. Panetta said it was to fight threats and “Obviously Iran is one of those threats that we have to, we have to be able to focus on……Secondly, it is the turmoil in Syria….”

Back in January 2012, Iranian officials singled out the USS Stennis, threatening military action against that specific aircraft carrier if it ever returned to the Persian Gulf.  They claimed the aircraft carrier deliberately sailed through Iranian naval war games in December 2011.  They also accuse the U.S. Navy of sailing ships dangerously close to Iranian oil platforms.

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Government Incompetence: U.S. Navy collides with Japanese oil tanker in Persian Gulf

12 August 2012, on the same day that Japan announced it was sending minesweepers to join the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, a USN destroyer collides with a Japanese oil tanker.

It happened in the middle of the night, near the Hormuz Strait.  The USS Porter is badly damaged and must be repaired.  No injuries were reported. The USN is investigating why the crew of the USS Porter did not see the huge Japanese oil tanker.

There has been no word about damage to the tanker.

Japan had recently allowed the government backing of insurance for Japanese tankers carrying Iranian oil, as a way to get around U.S./European sanctions.  Japan also discussed with Iran the possibility of using Iranian insurance companies.

 

International, Opinion, U.S.

World War 3: Egypt & Israel at war in the Sinai! U.S. increases military aid to Egypt! But who are they fighting?

12 August 2012

Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsi, has “retired” the top two Egyptian military commanders; Chief of Staff Sami Enan and Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi, one week after the 05 August 2012 insurgent attack against Egypt and Israel.

In the latest battles taking place on the Egyptian/Israeli border, Egyptian security forces claim to have killed at least seven insurgents, and captured a cache of weapons including mines and anti-aircraft missiles.

However, one village leader says the claim of killed insurgents is doubtful: “There were no bodies found or transferred to local hospitals.”-Ahmed Sallam, resident of El Arish

The locals say the insurgents are not from the area, although Egyptian officials believe that some of the insurgents are Egyptians and Palestinians.

In another incident, three Egyptian cops were killed, four wounded, when their vehicle flipped over as they were chasing insurgents.

Some people think Bedouins (nomads) are behind the attacks against Egyptian forces.  There have been cases of weapons being brought in from Libya, after the U.S./European led insurgency ended in that country, and ending up in the hands of nomads.

One villager who saw the 05 August 2012 insurgent attack said: “Whoever did this was very well trained.”-Abu Asma, witnessed insurgent attack on Egyptian border post

Egypt is now building up ground forces in the Sinai, specifically mechanized infantry operating YPR 765 armored personnel carriers (APC).  The military action is being called Operation Eagle 2.

An Israeli media source said United Nations Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) troops were attacked, however, MFO officials say no such attack took place.

11 August 2012

Unconfirmed media reports said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had crossed into Sinai by several hundred meters. This might be connected with the Amnesty International report the day before.

U.S. media reports said that the Obama administration has promised the new Egyptian government increased military assistance, as well as: “…police training, and electronic and aerial surveillance…” The New York Times

10 August 2012

Egyptian military leaders accused three members of Hamas (some reports say five) of training the insurgents who conducted the 05 August attack against Egypt and Israel.

There are reports that Egyptian troops are randomly arresting Bedouins and Palestinians in the Sinai. The police chief of the village El Arish found teenaged Palestinians in his jail. He told reporters he had no authority: “He belongs to the army now.”-Mohamed Suleiman

Other reports say men as old as 72 years have been arbitrarily arrested. Many of the older men arrested had been political prisoners under the U.S. supported Mubarak regime.

Egyptians in the Sinai say the Egyptian army seems to be putting on a show: “We thought they were chasing someone, but their arms [weapons] were directed up and we didn’t see who they were fighting with. We couldn’t find any bodies or signs of battle after they left.”-witness from al Toumah village

Also, Amnesty International released a report saying Israel was using the insurgent activities in the Sinai as an excuse to stop illegal immigration, by sending IDF troops into Egyptian territory to round up what the IDF claims to be “infiltrators”.

Amnesty International says such IDF tactics have been going on for months, and they have swore statements from IDF troops as proof: “…was taken to a briefing given by reservist soldiers who served at the border site before him, who told him of a new procedure to stop ‘infiltrators’ by stationing soldiers hundreds of meters inside Egypt in order to stop them before they arrive at the border.”

08 August 2012

“The problem is that at present neither Israel nor Egypt know enough about who the enemy is, where he is situated, who his handler is and who is paying him.”-Alex Fishman, Yediot Aharonot daily

Egyptian military claimed their helicopters killed 20 insurgents, however, local villagers said that any insurgents in the area had already left by the time the helicopters showed up.

Israel handed over the bodies of those insurgents involved in the 05 August attack. The identities of the attackers are not being made public.

“…Israel is taking advantage of such attacks, using them as justification to push measures that serve the state’s security vision for the border triangle……the perpetrators are serving Israeli interests by undermining Egyptian security and providing Israel with pretexts to justify the way it deals with Palestinians.”-Al-Monitor

06 August 2012 

“The armed forces have been careful in the past months and during the events of the revolution not to shed Egyptian blood…but the group that staged yesterday’s attack is considered by the armed forces as enemies of the nation who must be dealt with by force.”-Egyptian military statement

“Israel and Egypt clearly have a shared interest in maintaining a quiet border. But when talking about the security of Israeli citizens, Israel must and will rely only on itself.”-Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

“We hope this will be a fitting wake up call for the Egyptians to take things in hand on their side more forcefully.”-Ehud Barak, Israeli Defense Minister

One Israeli media source said the “wake up call” for Egypt was known about by the Israeli government well in advance of the 05 August attack: “Israeli intelligence had information on the planned attack, which allowed the military to have helicopters in the area to strike the vehicle, an Israel Defense Forces spokesman said Monday……Israel had shared the intelligence with Egypt in advance of the attack…”-Jewish Telegraphic Agency

 05 August 2012

Insurgents attacked an Egyptian border post, killing 16 Egyptian soldiers.  The attack came while they were eating dinner. For some reason no guards were posted on that night.  Even though local villagers ran to see what was going on, no military or police forces responded for at least an hour.

The insurgents stole an APC, drove one mile into Israel, where they were blown up by Israeli forces.

An Israeli official blamed the attack on Iran: “Iranian backed terrorists again [?] struck at our Southern border today killing 15 Egyptian guards and attempting to massacre Israeli civilians.”-Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.

My thoughts are that this whole thing is a set up!  The groups behind this (right wing religious nut jobs in the U.S., Israel and Egypt) are trying real hard to push Israel and Egypt into a full blown war.