Bank Runs By Depositors Is Putting Ukraine's Economy At The Brink Of Collapse

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkilYzl7WyzNk3fi2oO2NP7pA5uZ4fUJNEb5Xwy2laiwf9XlBNQwNP7HdykFVVTWvL9TctPW9FtTXsOq2oaCc3IWMtc3iguXd-8qlSPnHlK1c5MeTF9rq4U8PNJx0NWhz6e_zAsocHrZu/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkilYzl7WyzNk3fi2oO2NP7pA5uZ4fUJNEb5Xwy2laiwf9XlBNQwNP7HdykFVVTWvL9TctPW9FtTXsOq2oaCc3IWMtc3iguXd-8qlSPnHlK1c5MeTF9rq4U8PNJx0NWhz6e_zAsocHrZu/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Customers queue to withdraw hyrvnia currency from an automated teller machine (ATM) outside a Privatbank CJSC bank branch in Kiev on Feb. 20, 2014. Vincent Mundy/Bloomberg</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Vows To Protect Bank Deposits As Government Vote Delayed -- Bloomberg</b></span></div><br />Ukraine is weighing measures to stem cash withdrawals after as much as 7 percent of deposits were taken from banks during last week’s bloody uprising, underscoring the need for action to fend off a default.<br /><br />Withdrawals peaked with as much as 30 billion hryvnias ($3.1 billion) Feb. 18-20 as police and anti-government demonstrators fought in the center of Kiev, Natsionalnyi Bank Ukrainy Governor Stepan Kubiv, 51, appointed Feb. 24, said yesterday in his first interview.<br /><br />The interim government is scrambling to secure as much as $35 billion in financial aid to fend off a possible default. Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov yesterday pushed back a parliamentary vote on the formation of a new administration to Feb. 27 after indicating that a new administration should be formed quickly. The U.S. and the European Union have pledged support to the new government. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-25/ukraine-central-bank-seeks-to-halt-deposit-outflow-after-7-drop.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Previous Post:</b> <a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/ukraines-economy-will-collapse.html">Ukraine's Economy Will Collapse</a><br /><br /><b>Update: </b><a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-02-25/bank-run-full-frontal-ukrainians-withdrew-7-all-deposits-two-days">Bank Run Full Frontal: Ukrainians Withdrew 7% Of All Deposits In Two Days</a> -- Zero Hedge<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I first reported on these bank runs<b><a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/what-is-ukraines-future.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+WarNewsUpdates+%28War+News+Updates%29"> a few days ago</a></b> .... but it appears that the situation has gotten worse <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/panic-ukraine-shops-banks-069/">from last week.</a></b> Russian banks are also now <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/ukraine-banks-fitch-idUSL1N0LU0Z720140225">dangerously exposed</a></b> .... raising fears in Moscow. Ukraine needs emergency funding now .... but I just do not see that happening. The EU has limited resources. The U.S. is not going to give money .... certainly not the tens of billions that Ukraine needs. And Russia .... they do not even recognize the new political leaders in Kiev. And as much as the EU, Russia, and the U.S. try their best to calm the situation .... when it comes to money in an emergency situation no one is going to trust what the government is saying. Bottom line .... this is not going to end well.

Bank Runs By Depositors Is Putting Ukraine's Economy At The Brink Of Collapse

Customers queue to withdraw hyrvnia currency from an automated teller machine (ATM) outside a Privatbank CJSC bank branch in Kiev on Feb. 20, 2014. Vincent Mundy/BloombergUkraine Vows To Protect Bank Deposits As Government Vote Delayed -- BloombergUk…

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Is This The Kremlin Plan To Divide Ukraine?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93IzPkjZU2eL7MyZjmM8lL7CGZyB9QC99jckTcw_xJ1ecZ53klCViDBPdEQkvKDwAOYhGAo5SdIGkjlF3czXg3vMoPumEPJs_BjKQ8pocjdB0BTgTcEjpoYh2LIzyZg3oxg4HY3XwoN8/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93IzPkjZU2eL7MyZjmM8lL7CGZyB9QC99jckTcw_xJ1ecZ53klCViDBPdEQkvKDwAOYhGAo5SdIGkjlF3czXg3vMoPumEPJs_BjKQ8pocjdB0BTgTcEjpoYh2LIzyZg3oxg4HY3XwoN8/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A map linked to a petition calling on Vladimir Putin to invade eastern Ukraine, showed how Ukraine would look if Moscow annexed its eastern regions, creating a separate country or super-region called 'New Russia' (in red) from Ukraine (in green)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is This The Kremlin plan To Divide Ukraine? 100,000 Russians Sign Call For 'New Russia’ Which Would Include Crimea – And Then Map Disappears From Website -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* In under 24 hours, almost 100,000 had signed support for dividing country<br />* Politicians who have taken power in Ukraine see a threat in such a scenario<br />* Issued strong warnings over risk of separatism in Russian-speaking areas<br />* Putin has so far remained silent on his intentions over Ukraine crisis<br />* But he met with his top security aides yesterday to discuss the matters<br /><br />An online petition calling on Vladimir Putin to invade eastern Ukraine was dramatically deleted today after it went viral on the Russian-language web.<br /><br />A map linked to the petition showed how Ukraine would look if Moscow annexed its eastern regions, creating a separate country or super-region called 'New Russia'.<br /><br />In less than 24 hours, almost 100,000 had expressed support for dividing the country.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2567800/Is-Kremlin-plan-divide-Ukraine-100-000-Russians-sign-call-New-Russia-include-Crimea-map-disappears-website.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: For the moment .... the sentiment among the Russian community in Ukraine on breaking-away is more of a "wait and see" altitude rather than rushing to be fully integrated with Russia. But if Ukrainian nationalists take control and start passing laws that discriminate against the Russian community .... expect blow-back and a call to split Ukraine.<br /><br />On a side note .... for the past few days Putin has been silent on the Ukraine crisis .... when he is like that is when you know that he is plotting something.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> Oh oh .... this is ominous .... <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140226/187893079/Moscow-Slams-Ukraines-Bill-on-Curtailing-Russian.html">Moscow Slams Ukraine’s Bill on Curtailing Russian</a></b> -- RIA Novosti

Is This The Kremlin Plan To Divide Ukraine?

A map linked to a petition calling on Vladimir Putin to invade eastern Ukraine, showed how Ukraine would look if Moscow annexed its eastern regions, creating a separate country or super-region called 'New Russia' (in red) from Ukraine (in green)Is Th…

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Picture Of The Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140214-A-DB818-002c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140214-A-DB818-002c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">EXERCISE SECURITY</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A U.S. soldier, front, provides security as members assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago defense force travel to Chacachacare Island, the western-most island off Trinidad, Feb. 14, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Daisy C. Bueno</span></div>

Picture Of The Day

EXERCISE SECURITYA U.S. soldier, front, provides security as members assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago defense force travel to Chacachacare Island, the western-most island off Trinidad, Feb. 14, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Daisy C. Bueno…

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Defense Spending Cartoons

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq5Tce4Z36oY20b9ICKumww7srh_2nyj1-XC0LzdTpsyfROh27Jzw8iCcR3z4-ooXi4KbrwGTBjg1h1DPSBVfZC0Dr4eM-bx6M5djxhrX5YkIUViKmtxgsQcPOGCCgFsfRm44xpq9DD94/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq5Tce4Z36oY20b9ICKumww7srh_2nyj1-XC0LzdTpsyfROh27Jzw8iCcR3z4-ooXi4KbrwGTBjg1h1DPSBVfZC0Dr4eM-bx6M5djxhrX5YkIUViKmtxgsQcPOGCCgFsfRm44xpq9DD94/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>WNU Editor</b>: This gallery of cartoons <b><a href="http://www.usnews.com/cartoons/defense-budget-cuts-cartoons">can be seen here.</a></b>

Defense Spending Cartoons

WNU Editor: This gallery of cartoons can be seen here.…

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CIA Chief Made A Secret Trip To Pakistan Last Week

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy3Wd_Wq0gK44zZ3Zz1x80YscahokF4-_qix7uIpIgtQ5kSEtnSiOOo0eA8ZglNryCHmq_q21Vixv6Njn8GHklhdkkjJKUSz4cji2IZeTfQqgcAEbPln9x6qjXsnjOP1TvNd6fFfKWsS3/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy3Wd_Wq0gK44zZ3Zz1x80YscahokF4-_qix7uIpIgtQ5kSEtnSiOOo0eA8ZglNryCHmq_q21Vixv6Njn8GHklhdkkjJKUSz4cji2IZeTfQqgcAEbPln9x6qjXsnjOP1TvNd6fFfKWsS3/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">President Obama and CIA Director John Brennan (<a href="http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2013/01/09/new-questions-over-cia-nominee-john-brennans-denial-of-civilian-drone-deaths/">White House/ Pete Souza</a>)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CIA Chief Made Secret Trip To Pakistan -- Express Tribune</b></span></div><br />ISLAMABAD: The head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) paid a secret visit to Pakistan last week to discuss key issues concerning the regional security particularly the Afghan endgame.<br /><br />A senior security official confirmed to The Express Tribune that CIA Director John Brennan traveled to Islamabad last Friday and held meetings with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and his Pakistani counterpart Lt General Zaheerul Islam.<br /><br />However, the official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, insisted that he only ‘paid a courtesy call’ on the Army Chief. “It was a routine visit,” the official added.<br /><br />This was the first visit by the US spymaster to Pakistan since he was appointed CIA chief in March 2013.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/675792/cia-chief-made-secret-trip-to-pakistan/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On CIA Director Brennan Making A "Secret Trip" To Pakistan</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/cia-chief-made-clandestine-visit-to-pakistan-report_913691.html">CIA chief made clandestine visit to Pakistan: Report</a> -- Zee News<br /><a href="http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-28744-CIA-chief-visits-Pindi-meets-army-chief">CIA chief visits Pindi, meets army chief </a>-- International News<br /><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/cia-chief-made-clandestine-visit-to-pakistan/article1-1187735.aspx">CIA chief made clandestine visit to Pakistan</a> -- Hindustan Times<br /><a href="http://twocircles.net/2014feb24/cia_chief_meets_isi_officials_pakistan_army_chief.html">CIA chief meets ISI officials, Pakistan army chief</a> -- Two Circles<br /><a href="http://thefrontierpost.com/article/78012/CIA-chief-meets-ISI-Army-chiefs/">CIA chief meets ISI, Army chiefs </a>-- Frontier Post<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: They are calling the CIA Director's visit a "courtesy call" .... yeah right. It is not hard to figure out what was discussed .... the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Al Qaeda and other terror groups, CIA conducting drone strikes, sharing intelligence, and arms deals.

CIA Chief Made A Secret Trip To Pakistan Last Week

President Obama and CIA Director John Brennan (White House/ Pete Souza)CIA Chief Made Secret Trip To Pakistan -- Express TribuneISLAMABAD: The head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) paid a secret visit to Pakistan last week to discuss key i…

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Pakistan Is Poised To Launch Major Military Operations In North Waziristan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMMLYUqa6pZyObJNWcd_tSeMehq4QP36n-YRnzQxa3lILz2jxGTlo-smZG0g132SYDTNdB3cD8kfJ5010ekP-4OpWGuw1O4DfV0O18dr4A8LPYpau7f1X5X8t5DpsMZEF86sMhyphenhyphen9_BJvt/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMMLYUqa6pZyObJNWcd_tSeMehq4QP36n-YRnzQxa3lILz2jxGTlo-smZG0g132SYDTNdB3cD8kfJ5010ekP-4OpWGuw1O4DfV0O18dr4A8LPYpau7f1X5X8t5DpsMZEF86sMhyphenhyphen9_BJvt/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pakistan Plans Military Operation In North Waziristan, Targeting Extremist Groups -- Washington Post</b></span></div><br />The Pakistani government is on the verge of launching a major military offensive in the North Waziristan tribal region following a series of brutal Taliban attacks in recent weeks and the apparent failure of peace talks with the militants, according to a senior Pakistani official.<br /><br />“It could be any day,” said the official, who added that military plans have been shared with top U.S. officials who have long urged an offensive.<br /><br />Planning for the operation comes amid a Pakistan-requested pause in U.S. drone strikes now entering its third month — the longest period without an attack in more than two years — and a series of high-level U.S.-Pakistan meetings.<br /><br />Pakistan’s defense secretary, Asif Yasin Malik, is currently heading a delegation of security officials in Washington. CIA Director John Brennan quietly visited Pakistan last week, days after Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, head of the U.S. Central Command, held meetings at military headquarters in Rawalpindi. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pakistan-plans-military-operation-in-north-waziristan-targeting-extremist-groups/2014/02/25/b37cc58e-9d9e-11e3-b8d8-94577ff66b28_story.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Reports That Pakistan Is Preparing To Launch Military Operations Against The Taliban In North Waziristan</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-pakistan-airstrikes-idUSBREA1O1X820140225">Pakistan launches new strikes near Afghan border; warns militants</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/pakistan-poised-for-offensive-in-north-waziristan/2014/02/25/10db127c-9e6b-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">Pakistan poised for offensive in North Waziristan</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26333578">Pakistan air strikes against militants in tribal areas</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/southasia/2014/02/pakistan-airstrikes-hit-tribal-areas-201422543128730317.html">Pakistan jets strike Taliban in tribal areas</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140225/pakistan-airstrikes-northwest-kill-30-0">Pakistan airstrikes in northwest kill 30</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/2014/02/25/Why-Pakistan-is-on-the-verge-of-new-civil-war-.html">Why Pakistan is on the verge of a new civil war</a> -- Mansoor Jafar, Al Arabiya

Pakistan Is Poised To Launch Major Military Operations In North Waziristan

Pakistan Plans Military Operation In North Waziristan, Targeting Extremist Groups -- Washington PostThe Pakistani government is on the verge of launching a major military offensive in the North Waziristan tribal region following a series of brutal Ta…

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Pakistan Warns That A Complete U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Will Mean Civil War

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=350&w=0&img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2014-02/hires_140217-A-RU942-139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=350&w=0&img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2014-02/hires_140217-A-RU942-139a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Afghan army Maj. Gen. Mohammad Yaftali, center, commanding general of the 203rd Thunder Corps, observes engineering equipment during the ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the engineer corps on Forward Operating Base Thunder in Afghanistan's Paktya province, Feb. 17, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dixie Rae Liwanag</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Complete US Withdrawal From Afghanistan Means Civil War, Pakistani Warns -- Christian Science Monitor</b></span></div><br /><i>Seeing President Karzai as unlikely to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement, President Obama has directed the Pentagon to prepare for a full withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.</i><br /><br />If the Obama administration follows through with threats for a “zero option” in Afghanistan, meaning no US troops would be left on the ground after 2014, the move could usher in civil war, a senior Pakistani official warned Tuesday.<br /><br />The departure of US forces would likely create “mayhem” in the country, which could ultimately prompt one third of Afghan security forces to desert their posts in the Army and police, the official said in remarks at the Center for Media and Security in Washington, D.C.<br /><br />“The zero option means a civil war in Afghanistan,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0225/Complete-US-withdrawal-from-Afghanistan-means-civil-war-Pakistani-warns">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140225/DEFREG02/302250036/Pakistani-Official-US-Withdrawal-from-Afghanistan-2014-Means-Civil-War-?odyssey=nav|head">Pakistani Official: US Withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014 'Means Civil War' </a>-- Defense News<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>There is already a civil war in Afghanistan with U.S. soldiers present .... I guess this Pakistani official was implying that it would get worse.

Pakistan Warns That A Complete U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Will Mean Civil War

Afghan army Maj. Gen. Mohammad Yaftali, center, commanding general of the 203rd Thunder Corps, observes engineering equipment during the ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the engineer corps on Forward Operating Base Thunder in Afghanistan's P…

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U.S. Intensifies It's Campaign Against The Taliban-Linked Haqqani Network

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140218-F-VY794-604c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=318&w=478&img=/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2014-02/hires_140218-F-VY794-604c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A U.S. Marine performs battlefield movements during a live-fire exercise at Arta Range, Djibouti, Feb. 18, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eyeing Afghan Exit, U.S. Intensifies Campaign Against Haqqani Militants -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has intensified its drive against the Taliban-linked Haqqani network in an attempt to deal a lasting blow to the militants in Afghanistan before foreign combat forces depart this year, according to multiple U.S. officials.<br /><br />The effort is taking on added urgency as the clock ticks down on a NATO combat mission in Afghanistan set to end in December, and as questions persist about whether Pakistan will take action against a group some U.S. officials believe is quietly supported by Pakistani intelligence.<br /><br />The Obama administration has created a special new unit based in Kabul to coordinate efforts against the militant group, according to officials familiar with the matter. It was set up late last year, as part of a new strategy that involves multiple government agencies.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABREA1O1SV20140225">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> This focus on the Haqqani network is long overdue .... they should have done this years ago.

U.S. Intensifies It's Campaign Against The Taliban-Linked Haqqani Network

A U.S. Marine performs battlefield movements during a live-fire exercise at Arta Range, Djibouti, Feb. 18, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Staci MillerEyeing Afghan Exit, U.S. Intensifies Campaign Against Haqqani Militants -- ReutersKABUL/WA…

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Will The U.S. Withdraw All Of It's Forces From Afghanistan?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9_HhLZVn72E" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>No Bluff: U.S. Planning Possible Withdrawal Of All Troops From Afghanistan -- Barbara Starr and Tom Cohen, CNN</b></span></div><br />Washington (CNN) -- We're not bluffing, the Obama administration told Afghanistan on Tuesday in announcing for the first time it has started planning for the possible withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of the year if no security agreement is signed.<br /><br />Statements by the White House and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel showed President Barack Obama's impatience with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's refusal to sign the agreement that would keep several thousand American troops in the country after combat operations conclude this year.<br /><br />In a phone call with Karzai on Tuesday to discuss upcoming elections for a new Afghan leader, Obama made clear that time was running out to properly plan for keeping any U.S. forces in the country beyond 2014, the White House said.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a senior Pakistani official warned that pulling out U.S. troops could have dire consequences, leading to a civil war in Afghanistan.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/politics/us-afghanistan-troops/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The U.S. left Iraq .... a far more important strategic country to the U.S. than Afghanistan. So .... will the U.S. do the same for Afghanistan .... I must confess that a part of me is hoping that this will be the case. But realistically .... I doubt that such a withdrawal is going to happen. The return of safe havens for terror groups in Afghanistan would be a major strategic failure for the U.S.  .... and it would be a lasting legacy for the Obama administration .... a legacy that I am sure President Obama will not want.. My prediction .... Karzai's predecessor will sign the agreement, and there will be a few thousand U.S. soldiers and advisers in the field conducting training programs and .... if need be .... special ops against terror leaders.

Will The U.S. Withdraw All Of It's Forces From Afghanistan?

No Bluff: U.S. Planning Possible Withdrawal Of All Troops From Afghanistan -- Barbara Starr and Tom Cohen, CNNWashington (CNN) -- We're not bluffing, the Obama administration told Afghanistan on Tuesday in announcing for the first time it has started…

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President Obama Orders The Pentagon To Prepare For A Complete Withdrawal From Afghanistan (Updated)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gbtev47sYX4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obama to Karzai: No Post-2014 Presence Without Signed Security Agreement -- Voice of America</b></span></div><br />THE WHITE HOUSE — President Obama called Afghan President Karzai on Tuesday to reiterate that there will be no U.S. troop presence on the ground in Afghanistan unless the Afghan government signs a bilateral security agreement.<br /><br />Before they spoke on the phone Tuesday, Obama and Karzai were not known to have spoken for months.<br /><br />The Afghan leader has refused to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement that the United States and NATO insist is necessary to plan for a post-2014 troop presence to support counter-terrorism and training of Afghan forces.<br /><br />White House Press Secretary Jay Carney expressed growing concerns on Tuesday.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-tells-pentagon-to-prepare-for-complete-afghan-pullout/1858909.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Reports That President Obama Is Considering The Zero Option For Afghanistan</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121710">Contingency Plans Begin for Possible Full Afghanistan Withdrawal </a>-- US Department of Defense<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579405112343045736?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304834704579405112343045736.html">Obama Warns Karzai of a Pullout, But Keeps U.S. Options Open</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/26/world/asia/obama-keeps-options-open-in-afghanistan.html?gwh=120522722E9EC12F12DEE4441BFDEB45&gwt=pay">Obama Tells Karzai He Is Moving Ahead Without Him </a>-- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/25/obama-karzai-us-troops-prepping-leave/">Obama to Karzai: U.S. troops prepping to leave </a>-- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-orders-pentagon-to-prepare-for-complete-withdrawal-from-afghanistan/2014/02/25/cfae2206-9e49-11e3-a050-dc3322a94fa7_story.html">Obama orders Pentagon to prepare for complete withdrawal from Afghanistan </a>-- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/pentagon-readies-plans-troop-withdrawal-afghanistan-n38396">Pentagon Readies Plans For Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/25/219294/obama-speaks-with-karzai-presses.html">Obama speaks with Karzai, presses on post-combat security agreement</a> -- McClatchy News<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/25/Obama-tells-Karzai-US-will-plan-for-2014-withdrawal-from-Afghanistan/5381393353979/">Obama tells Karzai U.S. will plan for 2014 withdrawal from Afghanistan</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.dw.de/us-warns-afghanistan-of-complete-troop-pullout-without-security-deal/a-17456971">US warns Afghanistan of complete troop pullout without security deal</a> -- Deutsche Welle<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-tells-pentagon-to-prepare-for-complete-afghan-pullout/1859012.html">Obama Tells Pentagon to Prepare for Complete Afghan Pullout</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-25/obama-asks-pentagon-to-ready-full-afghan-withdrawal-this-year">Obama Asks Pentagon to Prepare for Full Afghan Withdrawal</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140225/obama-warns-karzai-security-deal">Obama warns Karzai on security deal</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/obama-pentagon-us-troops-withdrawal-afghanistan">Obama orders Pentagon to prepare for full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-karzai-discuss-stalled-security-agreement/2014/02/25/f4bc74a4-9e39-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">Obama tells Pentagon to plan for Afghan pullout</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-afghanistan-usa-obama-idUSBREA1O1B420140225">Obama prepared to leave no troops in Afghanistan after 2014</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/25/obama-discusses-stalled-security-agreement-with-afghan-president-karzai/">Obama asks Pentagon for complete Afghanistan withdrawal plan, speaks with Karzai</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26346115">US planning full Afghan pullout, Obama tells Karzai</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2014/02/us-plans-full-troop-pullout-from-afghanistan-201422517730747909.html">US plans full troop pullout from Afghanistan </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/120186-obama-warns-karzai-on-security-deal">Obama Warns Karzai on Security Deal</a> -- Naharnet<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/25/obama-warns-karzai-bsa/5808959/">Obama warns Karzai he's running out of time for BSA </a>-- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/nato-talks-afghanistan-obama-zero-option">NATO To Hold Crunch Afghanistan Talks As Obama Weighs Military 'Zero Option' </a>-- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2014/02/25/obama-about-to-repeat-iraq-disaster/">Obama about to repeat Iraq disaster </a>-- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/02/25/readout-president-obama-s-call-president-karzai">Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Karzai </a>-- White House

President Obama Orders The Pentagon To Prepare For A Complete Withdrawal From Afghanistan (Updated)

Obama to Karzai: No Post-2014 Presence Without Signed Security Agreement -- Voice of AmericaTHE WHITE HOUSE — President Obama called Afghan President Karzai on Tuesday to reiterate that there will be no U.S. troop presence on the ground in Afghanista…

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Pentagon Proposes Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget -- News Updates And Roundup (Updated)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-gjwAcQi18U" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hagel Outlines Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure -- US Department of Defense</b></span></div><br />WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has proposed cuts in military spending that include further reductions in troop strength and force structure in every military service in the coming year as part of an effort to prioritize U.S. strategic interests in the face of reduced resources after more than a decade of war.<br /><br />At a Pentagon news conference today detailing President Barack Obama’s proposed Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2015, Hagel called the reductions -- including shrinking the Army to its smallest size since before World War II and eliminating an entire fleet of Air Force fighter planes -- “difficult choices” that will change defense institutions for years to come, but designed to leave the military capable of fulfilling U.S. defense strategy and defending the homeland against strategic threats.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121703">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><object data="http://www.bloomberg.com/video/embed/TJp5ZoxiT5qOMyMKPSFCKA?height=395&width=640" height="430" style="overflow: hidden;" width="640"></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Pentagon Proposing Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget (Evening Updates)</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303880604579403053470965422?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303880604579403053470965422.html">Hagel's Military Budget Focuses on Changing Threats</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/02/24/winners-and-losers-in-the-2015-budget/">Winners and Losers in the 2015 Budget </a>-- DoD Buzz<br /><a href="http://defensetech.org/2014/02/24/hagel-moves-to-kill-cold-war-aircraft-fleets/#more-22401">Hagel Moves to Kill Cold War Fleets </a>-- Defense Tech<br /><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/hagel-orders-cut-to-lcs-plans-reduced-operations-for-carriers-1.269789">Hagel orders cut to LCS plans; reduced operations for carriers</a> -- Stars and Stripes<br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240026/Pentagon-Changes-Course-Halts-LCS-32-Ships">Pentagon Changes Course, Halts LCS at 32 Ships</a> -- Defense News<br /><a href="http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/hagels-cuts-us-military-retain-nuclear-triad/">Nuclear Triad to Survive Hagel Cuts in Pentagon Spending </a>-- Global Security Newswire<br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566638/Hagel-proposes-big-cuts-Army-2015-budget.html#ixzz2uH9GdzNZ">'American Dominance In The Seas, Sky And Space can No Longer Be Taken For Granted,' Admits Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel As He Slashes Army To Smallest Size In 74 YEARS</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/us/politics/pentagon-plans-to-shrink-army-to-pre-world-war-ii-level.html?_r=0">Pentagon Plans to Shrink Army to Pre-World War II Level</a> -- New York Times<br /><a href="http://rt.com/usa/us-military-cuts-budget-423/">US military plans steep cutbacks, roils ranks </a>-- RT<br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240029/Pentagon-Ground-Forces-Can-Fight-One-Theater-Support-Air-Sea-Forces-Another">Pentagon: Ground Forces Can Fight in One Theater, Support Air, Sea Forces in Another</a> -- Defense News<br /><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/25/news/economy/commissary-budget-cuts/">$3,000 hike slated for military family grocery bills</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/military-spending-cuts/big-bite-pentagon-budget-cuts-could-raise-troops-grocery-bills-n37726">Big Bite: Pentagon Budget Cuts Could Raise Troops' Grocery Bills </a>-- NBC<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Morning Updates On The Pentagon's Proposal For Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/">Secretary of Defense Speech Outlining Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure</a> -- US Department of Defense<br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/24/hagel-to-propose-big-cuts-in-army-in-2015-budget/">Hagel says US military must shrink to face new era </a>-- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-usa-defense-budget-weapons-factbox-idUSBREA1N1P120140225">Factbox: How Pentagon's 2015 budget affects key weapons programs</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/02/24/winners-and-losers-in-the-2015-budget/">Winners and Losers in the 2015 Budget</a> -- DoD Buzz<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/military-spending-cuts/winners-losers-pentagons-new-budget-n37626">Winners, Losers in Pentagon's New Budget</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j1E4GZD-3YYRKxC6etxYbguQw0eg?docId=3cc2a2ce-9cff-4354-9579-7e77d29c124f">Pentagon budget looks to leaner, more hi-tech force</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/24/proposed-u-s-military-budget-cuts/">Defense Secretary Proposes Big Cuts to U.S. Military Spending </a>-- Mashable<br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/pentagon-about-undergo-these-major-budget-cuts-1557630">The Pentagon Is About To Undergo These Major Budget Cuts</a> -- IBTimes<br /><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101441175">The Pentagon's new budget: Who wins and who loses</a> -- CNBC<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/proposed-budget-cuts-benefits-end-stength-ships.html?comp=7000024213943&rank=1">Proposed Budget Cuts Benefits, End Strength, Ships</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26326969">Pentagon's Chuck Hagel plans to downsize US military </a>-- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pentagon-blueprint-would-cut-army-size-as-military-adjusts-to-leaner-budgets/2014/02/24/c029e2b4-9d8d-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html">Pentagon blueprint would cut Army size as military adjusts to leaner budgets</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/usa-budget-defense-idINL1N0LT1IC20140225">Budget cuts to slash U.S. Army to smallest since before World War Two</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iqSLM097v9zSy_mekFYs5om9LQbg?docId=4c68e3c6-ab69-4bd4-980f-f192b2892c87">Pentagon plans to shrink US Army to pre-WWII level</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/report-us-army-to-shrink-to-preworld-war-two-levels/1857855.html">US Army to Shrink to Pre-World War II Levels</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/24/pentagon-budget-sequestration-army-size/5775291/">New Pentagon budget calls for smaller Army, pay changes</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/02/pentagon-proposes-cutting-the-army-to-pre-wwii-level/">Pentagon Proposes Cutting the Army to Pre-WWII Level </a>-- ABC News<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/hagel-budgets-for-smallest-army-since-world-war-ii.html?comp=700001075741&rank=2">Hagel Budgets for Smallest Army Since World War II</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/24/washington-plans-to-shrink-us-army-to-smallest-size-since-pearl-harbor/">Washington plans to shrink US Army to smallest size since Pearl Harbor </a>-- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-24/hagel-to-propose-big-cuts-in-army-in-2015-budget">Hagel to propose big cuts in Army in 2015 budget</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/feb/24/defense-budget-2015-preview/">DOD budget: Smaller army, more drones </a>-- UT Sand Diego<br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0224/Pentagon-plan-to-downsize-Army-a-sign-of-US-reluctance-to-nation-build">Pentagon plan to downsize Army: a sign of US reluctance to nation-build</a> -- Christian Science Monitor<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/24/defense-budget-would-cut-troop-pay-and-benefits.html?comp=700001075741&rank=1">Defense Budget Would Cut Troop Pay and Benefits</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2014/02/24/pentagon-budget-would-cut-military-medical-benefits-and-commissary-funding/">Pentagon budget would cut military health benefits and commissary funds </a>-- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/24/3957934/proposed-defense-cuts-would-hit.html">Proposed defense cuts would hit some bases, spare others</a> -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News<br /><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140224/NEWS05/302240038/Hagel-Ground-forces-can-fight-one-theater-support-air-sea-forces-another">Hagel: Ground forces can fight in one theater, support air, sea forces in another </a>-- Army Times<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/pentagon-budget-reflects-changing-conflicts">Pentagon budget confronts sequestration, end of Afghanistan war</a> -- MSNBC<br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/management/2014/02/pentagons-post-war-budget-marks-end-war-era/79288/?oref=d-channelriver">Pentagon’s Post-War Budget Marks End of War Era</a> -- Stephanie Gaskell, Defense One <br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/management/2014/02/winner-and-losers-obamas-defense-spending-request/79273/?oref=d-channelriver">The Winners and Losers in Obama’s Defense Spending Request</a> -- Sara Sorcher and Jordain Carney, Defense One/National Journal<br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2014/02/pentagon-picking-unnecessary-fight-congress/79279/?oref=d-channelriver">The Pentagon Is Picking an Unnecessary Fight With Congress</a> -- James Joyner, Defense One<br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/02/24/chuck_hagel_proposes_military_cuts_the_latest_from_ukraine_and_more_from.html?wpisrc=burger_bar">The New American Way of War</a> -- Josh Voorhees, Slate

Pentagon Proposes Massive Cuts In The U.S. Military Budget -- News Updates And Roundup (Updated)

Hagel Outlines Budget Reducing Troop Strength, Force Structure -- US Department of DefenseWASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has proposed cuts in military spending that include further reductions in troop strength and force str…

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Commentaries, Reactions, And Analysis On The Pentagon's Defense Budget Proposals

<iframe frameborder="0" height="234" src="http://www.cnn.com/video/api/embed.html#/video/us/2014/02/24/wolf-sot-hagel-us-military-cuts.cnn" width="416"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Massive Budget Cuts Would Redefine U.S. Military -- US News and World Report</b></span></div><br />The Pentagon’s plan includes cutting 80K soldiers, 10K Marines and all A-10 ‘Warthogs.'<br /><br />The American military is preparing to go under the knife, bracing for proposed cuts that would turn it into a force almost unrecognizable from its post-Cold War ancestor that endured roughly 13 years of protracted ground war in the Middle East.<br /><br />Citing massive budget constraints at home, as well as growing and ill-defined threats across the globe, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Monday previewed the budget he will present to Congress next week that seeks to find more than $75 billion in immediate savings due to automatic cuts known as sequestration, on top of other planned defense spending cuts. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/24/hagel-cuts-would-reshape-military-after-longest-war/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><object data="http://www.bloomberg.com/video/embed/MTPNwsSISmea3iGkOdpt6g?height=395&width=640" height="430" style="overflow: hidden;" width="640"></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Reactions, And Analysis On The Pentagon's Defense Budget Proposals</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/24/hagel-cuts-would-reshape-military-after-longest-war/">Get real, Hagel tells nation in proposing military cuts</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121712">Chairman Disputes Notion of Declining U.S. Military </a>-- US Department of Defense<br /><a href="http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140225/NEWS/302250015/Dempsey-compensation-cuts-We-re-trying-do-once-get-right-then-move-out-">Dempsey on compensation cuts: 'We're trying to do this once, get it right and then move out.'</a> -- Marine Times<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/us/politics/pentagon-officials-say-theyre-willing-to-assume-risks-of-a-reduced-army.html">Pentagon Officials Say They’re Willing to Assume Risks of a Reduced Army</a> -- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/02/25/hagel-finds-resistance-plan-shrink-military-for-new-era/VtGSuR3EELyq5k5UoBrEeJ/story.html">Chuck Hagel’s plan to shrink military criticized</a> -- Robert Burns, AP<br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/battle-begins-on-defense-budget-spending-obama-plan-seeks-to-curtail-army-to-pre-wwii-size/">Battle begins on defense budget spending; Obama plan seeks to curtail army to pre-WWII size</a> -- CBS<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/congress-skeptical-about-plan-to-shrink-military/2014/02/25/e2693a10-9df5-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">Congress skeptical about plan to shrink military</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240032/Ayotte-Decision-Cut-10-Serious-Mistake-">Ayotte: Decision To Cut A-10 'Serious Mistake' </a>-- Defense News<br /><a href="http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/us_politics/2014/02/congress_skeptical_about_plan_to_shrink_military">Congress skeptical about plan to shrink military</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/congress-signals-tough-fight-pentagon-plan-22671426">Congress Signals Tough Fight for Pentagon Plan</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240030/US-Lawmakers-Push-Back-Against-DoD-Budget-Plans">US Lawmakers Push Back Against DoD Budget Plans</a> -- Defense News<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-pentagon-cuts-contractors-20140224,0,7050364.story#axzz2uNeB0K5Y">Defense firms see shares rise after Pentagon budget plan is detailed</a> -- L.A. Times<br /><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/02/obama-fighting-cuts-military">President Obama Is Fighting Cuts to the Military, Not Demanding Them</a> -- Kevin Drum, Mother Jones<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/chuck-hagel-pentagon-budget-army-ground-wars">Hagel's Pentagon budget plans for new 'realities' and fewer ground wars</a> -- Spencer Ackerman, The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/military-spending-cuts/robots-drones-subs-where-should-military-invest-n37866">Robots, Drones and Subs: Where Should the Military Invest? </a>-- Gil Aegerter and Tracy Connor, NBC<br /><a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2014/02/25/hagels-pentagon-budget-is-a-step-forward-but-misses-the-mark-on-benefits">A First Step Toward Reining in the Pentagon Budget</a> -- Ryan Alexander, US News and World Report<br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/57596540-82/war-defense-military-spending.html.csp">Lowry: A military budget of delusion </a>-- Rich Lowry, Salt Lake Tribune/NRO<br /><a href="http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/jay-bookman/2014/feb/25/pentagon-cuts-arent-dangerous-theyre-overdue/">Pentagon cuts aren't dangerous; they're overdue</a> -- Jay Bookman, AJC<br /><a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/24/281955972/pentagon-budget-cutting-plans-sure-to-draw-flak">Pentagon Budget-Cutting Plans Sure To Draw Flak</a> -- Mark Memmott, NPR<br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/pentagon-cuts-fine-budget-trouble-expert-article-1.1700717">Pentagon cuts are reasonable, but nation's budget is still in trouble: expert</a> -- Michael O'Hanlon, New York Daily News<br /><a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/now-is-not-the-time-to-cut-the-worlds-finest-army-again/article/2544631">Now is not the time to cut the world's finest army again</a> -- Washington Examiner<br /><a href="http://www.informationdissemination.net/2014/02/musings-on-hagel-budget.html">Musings on the Hagel Budget </a>-- Information Dissemination<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/opinion/desch-cuts-to-army/index.html">Cutting the Army will make it stronger</a> -- Michael Desch, CNN<br /><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/opponents-of-pentagon-budget-cuts-just-played-the-entire-media/284058/">Opponents of Pentagon-Budget Cuts Just Played the Entire Media</a> -- Connor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic<br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2014/02/24/weapons-cuts-in-2015-budget-leave-soldiers-marines-at-risk/">Weapons Cuts In 2015 Budget Leave Soldiers, Marines At Risk</a> -- Loren Thompson, Forbes <br /><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/hagels-military-budget-cuts-will-start-fight-republican-party-230199">Hagel's Military Budget Cuts Will Start a Fight in the Republican Party</a> -- Matthew Cooper, Newsweek

Commentaries, Reactions, And Analysis On The Pentagon's Defense Budget Proposals

Massive Budget Cuts Would Redefine U.S. Military -- US News and World ReportThe Pentagon’s plan includes cutting 80K soldiers, 10K Marines and all A-10 ‘Warthogs.'The American military is preparing to go under the knife, bracing for proposed cuts tha…

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Did Iraq Do An Arms Deal With Iran?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oRtHVeR_1YXnbBLjreMt2M5Q7cQDD4srQ8VU3SaWm2aDeqR9B4phQbiI41SsO28W8hjiqy1Bxi1y6zFa5Eo94P0COjEjmoG02AeCPpjC9qZ_mMKoOHlNr92qyqds3rlWbmCtZjCIUlYq/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oRtHVeR_1YXnbBLjreMt2M5Q7cQDD4srQ8VU3SaWm2aDeqR9B4phQbiI41SsO28W8hjiqy1Bxi1y6zFa5Eo94P0COjEjmoG02AeCPpjC9qZ_mMKoOHlNr92qyqds3rlWbmCtZjCIUlYq/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Hassan Danaifar, denied there was any arms deal.<a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-denies-iraq-arms-deal/25276508.html"> Radio Free Europe</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Iraqi Leaders Give Conflicting Answers On Reported Iran Arms Deal -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Iraqi officials gave contradictory accounts on Tuesday about whether or not Baghdad had agreed to buy $195 million worth of arms and ammunition from Iran as reported by Reuters, a deal that if confirmed could damage Iraqi-U.S. relations.<br /><br />The Defence Ministry denied any such deal had been done, while a senior Iraqi government lawmaker who heads parliament's security and defence committee said Baghdad had bought "some light weapons and ammunition" from Tehran.<br /><br />The United States has demanded explanations from Iraq since such a deal would violate U.S. and U.N. sanctions imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program. An influential U.S. senator said the sale of 24 Apache attack helicopters to Iraq should be reconsidered until the matter was cleared up.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-iraq-iran-arms-idUSBREA1O1V820140225">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Previous Post</b>: <a href="http://warnewsupdates.blogspot.ca/2014/02/iraq-agrees-to-major-arms-deal-with.html">Iraq Agrees To A Major Arms Deal With Iran Thereby Violating The UN Arms Embargo On Iran </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Iran And Iraq Denying Reports That They Have Signed An Arms Deal</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.albawaba.com/news/iran-iraq--557198">Washington in uproar over reported Iran-Iraq arms deal </a>-- Al Bawaba<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/25/report-on-iran-selling-arms-to-iraq-has-obama-administration-pushing-for/">Iraq denies reports it bought weapons from Iran</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-denies-iraq-arms-deal/25276508.html">U.S. Says Baghdad Denies Iran Arms Deal</a> -- Radio Free Europe<br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/25/ambassador-denies-reports-iraq-has-weapons-deal-ir/">Ambassador denies reports Iraq has weapons deal with Iran </a>-- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2014/02/25/No-military-request-from-Iraq-Tehran-says/UPI-21651393342121/">No military request from Iraq, Tehran says</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921206001290">Envoy: No Military, Arms Agreement Inked between Iran, Iraq</a> -- FARS News Agency<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>The Iranians are saying that <b><a href="http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921206001290">no deal was made</a></b> .... Reuters is saying that there is a deal. Who is right .... my money is <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-iraq-iran-arms-idUSBREA1N10D20140224">on Reuters.</a></b> This should concern Iraq .... if Iraq did sign an arms agreement with Iran they would be in violation of UN sanctions .... and that will give the U.S. the excuse to not give Iraq <b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/iraq-iran-arms-congress-idINL1N0LU1JC20140225">the billions in arms that they sorely need.</a></b>

Did Iraq Do An Arms Deal With Iran?

Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Hassan Danaifar, denied there was any arms deal. Radio Free EuropeIraqi Leaders Give Conflicting Answers On Reported Iran Arms Deal -- Reuters(Reuters) - Iraqi officials gave contradictory accounts on Tuesday about whether …

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The End Of An Era: Last U.S. Plane Leaves Manas Base In Kyrgyzstan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYruK5AqkrTwI02hl9DLLkiV3EF6K6G2_J6UXLwbUblaCNaDi0qnH0oUcXxYu8KCF_-kFNJSMsgHH9UfUxa5Zuq7-EVXz9sY8RZKPSgMip1xPA9x3SXU-ApJmwAzZ5MuquF2v3ezYaaX0/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYruK5AqkrTwI02hl9DLLkiV3EF6K6G2_J6UXLwbUblaCNaDi0qnH0oUcXxYu8KCF_-kFNJSMsgHH9UfUxa5Zuq7-EVXz9sY8RZKPSgMip1xPA9x3SXU-ApJmwAzZ5MuquF2v3ezYaaX0/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Final US Tanker Aircraft Departs Manas Base in Kyrgyzstan -- RIA Novosti</b></span></div><br />MOSCOW, February 25 (RIA Novosti) – The final US tanker aircraft supporting military operations in Afghanistan departed a Kyrgyzstan airbase Monday ahead of the closure of the facility later this year, a US army media agency reported.<br /><br />An agreement with Kyrgyzstan that provides for the United States’ transit center at the Manas airport, the country’s largest, is slated to expire in July.<br /><br />A picture of a line of troops saluting the final KC-135 aerial refueling tanker as it taxied to depart the base was posted online by the US Army’s Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) website.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140225/187882294/Final-US-Tanker-Aircraft-Departs-Manas-Base-in-Kyrgyzstan.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: More evidence that the U.S. is leaving the region.

The End Of An Era: Last U.S. Plane Leaves Manas Base In Kyrgyzstan

Final US Tanker Aircraft Departs Manas Base in Kyrgyzstan -- RIA NovostiMOSCOW, February 25 (RIA Novosti) – The final US tanker aircraft supporting military operations in Afghanistan departed a Kyrgyzstan airbase Monday ahead of the closure of the fa…

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Sad news: Ondo state House Speaker dies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ondo_speaker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ondo_speaker" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-250529" height="241" src="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ondo_speaker.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><header class="entry-header"><br /></header><br /> Reports from sources in the  Ondo State house of Assembly says the Speaker of the house,  Samuel Adesina Ajayi has passed away.<br /> It was gathered  that Ajayi reportedly died last night at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.<br /> The speaker’s absence from the state parliament became a source of worry for over three months.<br /> <a href="http://saharareporters.com/news-page/ondo-state-house-speaker-samuel-adesina-dies" target="_blank">Sahara Reporters</a> say:<br /> <blockquote> <em>The speaker has been battling with cancer for several months before his death.</em><br /> <em> SaharaReporters could not immediately confirm Mr. Adesina’s age, as the Ondo State governor’s spokesperson Eni Akinsola said he could not confirm the death of the speaker.</em><br /> <em>The late Adesina represents Odigbo constituency ii in the state house. He is also a member of the Labour Party.</em></blockquote>

Sad news: Ondo state House Speaker dies

Reports from sources in the  Ondo State house of Assembly says the Speaker of the house,  Samuel Adesina Ajayi has passed away. It was gathered  that Ajayi reportedly died last night at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos. The speaker’s absence from th…

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Man escapes death after his Bible blocks two bullets (PICTURED)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wagoner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wagoner" class="aligncenter wp-image-250499" height="508" src="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wagoner.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="entry-content"><div style="text-align: center;"></div>A man in Ohio is a sign that miracles happen after he escaped death as a result of a Bible which was inside his pocket.<br /> 49-year-old bus driver Rickey Wagoner was attacked and shot thrice after being waylaid by three thugs.<br /> Two of the three bullets went into the bible while a third struck Wagoner in the hip.<br /> NY Daily <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ohio-bus-driver-saved-copy-bible-stops-bullets-article-1.1700485#ixzz2uKHmRYYD" target="_blank">reports</a>:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /> <blockquote><em> An Ohio bus driver can thank the words of God for saving his life Monday after he was shot at three times — but two of the bullets were stopped by a contemporary version of the Bible the man had in his front chest pocket.</em><br /> <br /> <em> Wagoner, 49, had to stop his Dayton city bus around 5:20 a.m. Monday after an electrical problem. When he pulled over to the curb to investigate, three goons approached the driver and blasted away.</em><br /> <br /> <div><em> <img alt="Rickey Wagner had to stop his Dayton, Ohio, bus early Monday after an electrical problem, and was ambushed by three goons. Here, emergency responders at the scene." height="194" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1700484.1393288986%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/bible25n-1-web.jpg" width="400" /> </em> <div itemprop="description"><em>Rickey Wagner had to stop his Dayton, Ohio, bus early Monday after an electrical problem, and was ambushed by three goons. Here, emergency responders at the scene. </em></div></div><em> “I’ve been hit in the leg,” Wagoner told an emergency dispatcher, <a href="http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/police-investigate-shooting-involving-rta-bus-driv/ndZWp/" target="_blank">the Dayton Daily News reported</a>. “My chest feels like I’ve been hit with a sledgehammer.”</em><br /> <br /> <em> But Wagoner will likely survive after a copy of “The Message,” a contemporary version of the New Testament, stopped two shots. He was also hit in the hip.</em><br /> <br /> <em> “The two bullets were stopped by the New Testament book in his chest pocket,”<a href="http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/police-investigate-shooting-involving-rta-bus-driv/ndZWp/" target="_blank">Sgt. Michael Pauley told the newspaper.</a> “There was obviously some kind of intervention involved in this incident, because he probably should not be here.”</em><br /> <br /> <div><em> <img alt="Bus driver Rickey Wagoner, 49, was saved Monday morning when he was shot at three times and two bullets were stopped by a Bible in his chest pocket." height="400" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1700483.1393288985%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/bible25n-2-web.jpg" width="300" /> </em><div itemprop="description"><em>Bus driver Rickey Wagoner, 49, was saved Monday morning when he was shot at three times and two bullets were stopped by a Bible in his chest pocket. </em></div></div><em> After the first two shots, Wagoner fought back and worked to wrangle the pistol out of the suspect’s grasp. The gun went off as the two struggled and a second suspect stabbed the bus driver in the left arm.</em><br /> <br /> <em> The tenacious Wagoner picked a pen out of his own pocket and stabbed one of the suspects in the leg, causing the attacker to drop the gun.</em><br /> <br /> <em> Wagoner picked up the dropped pistol and fired after the fleeing suspects, who appeared to be in their late teens.</em><br /> <br /> <div><em> </em><div itemprop="description"></div><div itemprop="description"><em>‘The Message’ is a version of the New Testament of the Bible written in ‘contemporary language.’ </em></div></div><em> Wagoner, who wasn’t robbed, told cops he thought the shooting was a gang hit. One of the men told the shooter to slay Wagoner “if you want to be all the way in the club,” <a href="http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/police-investigate-shooting-involving-rta-bus-driv/ndZWp/" target="_blank">the Dayton Daily News reported.</a></em><br /> <br /> <em> “Amazingly, his injuries are not life threatening,” Pauley told the newspaper. “He basically said he fought for his life.”</em><br /> <br /> <em> “The Message,” which according to its Amazon page has sold eight million copies, is described as a version of the New Testament in “contemporary language.”</em><br /> <br /> <em> The fact the book saved Wagoner’s life proves “God’s on Rick’s side,” his friend of 20 years, Lillie Brown, <a href="http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/police-investigate-shooting-involving-rta-bus-driv/ndZWp/" target="_blank">told the Dayton Daily News.</a></em><br /> <br /> <em> “Rick is a great guy, you couldn’t ask for anybody better than Rick,” she told the newspaper. “He’s a great friend and terrific dad.”</em></blockquote></div>

Man escapes death after his Bible blocks two bullets (PICTURED)

A man in Ohio is a sign that miracles happen after he escaped death as a result of a Bible which was inside his pocket. 49-year-old bus driver Rickey Wagoner was attacked and shot thrice after being waylaid by three thugs. Two of the three bullets we…

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Pastor arrested for raping church member ‘to cleanse her of bad luck’

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Nigeria-rape1-todays-nigeria-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nigeria-rape1 todays nigeria" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-249404" height="436" src="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Nigeria-rape1-todays-nigeria-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> A policeman who is also a practicing pastor has been arrested and charged to court on charges of rape and corruption in South Africa.<br /> According to a police spokesman, Moses Dlamini, the pastor was said to have raped his victim a 26-year old woman on February 1.<br /> It was gathered that the woman had gone to the pastor’s house at Seshego Zone 5 to seek help with personal problems.<br /> iOL News <a href="http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/woman-raped-to-cleanse-bad-luck-1.1652056#.UwzgF_ldW_Q" target="_blank">reports</a>:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /> <blockquote><em>The officer was said to also be a pastor in the Zion Christian Church who helped people with various problems.</em><br /> <em>“It is alleged that the suspect ordered the victim to undress and to have sexual intercourse with him as this was allegedly part of the church ritual needed to cleanse the victim of bad luck,” Dlamini said.</em><br /> <em>“The victim alleges that the suspect forced himself on her.”</em><br /> <em>Dlamini said the man then allegedly offered his commander a bribe of R3 000 after he had found out about the alleged rape. The bribe was for the commander not to report the matter to Ipid.</em><br /> <em>“It is also alleged that the suspect offered the victim R50 000 to withdraw the case.”</em><br /> <em>A trap was set for the man and he was arrested when he allegedly came to pay off his senior officer.</em><br /> <em>Dlamini said the unit was investigating allegations that other police officers were paid off by the man not to report the rape to Ipid.</em><br /> <em>“He was granted bail of R2000 and the case was postponed to 14 April 2014,” said Dlamini.</em></blockquote><br />

Pastor arrested for raping church member ‘to cleanse her of bad luck’

A policeman who is also a practicing pastor has been arrested and charged to court on charges of rape and corruption in South Africa. According to a police spokesman, Moses Dlamini, the pastor was said to have raped his victim a 26-year old woman o…

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Funke Akindele, Osita Iheme, Nse Ikpe-Etim receive AMVCA nominations – See full list of nominees

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.dailypost.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Funke-Akindele.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funke Akindele" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-36835" height="300" src="http://cdn.dailypost.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Funke-Akindele-200x300.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://cdn.dailypost.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Nse-Ikpe-Etim_Engaged.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nse-Ikpe-Etim_Engaged" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-52805" height="300" src="http://cdn.dailypost.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Nse-Ikpe-Etim_Engaged-200x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div id="title-main"> <span class="post-byline"></span>Movie stars, Funke Akindele, Osita Iheme, Nse Ikpe Etim and several others have been nominated for the second edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA).</div>The 1st edition, which held in 2013, had the likes of O.C Ukeje, Mercy Johnson, Tunde Kelani and other notable movie stars as winners of different award categories.<br /> See full nominee list below:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /> BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA<br /> Stephanie Wilson – Living Funeral (3A)<br />Veronica Waceke – Higher Learning (3B)<br />Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey To Self (3C)<br />Nkiru Sylvanus – Kiss And The Brides (3D)<br />Ivie Okujaye – The Volunteers (3E)<br /> BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA<br /> <div style="float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0;"> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1390474335980-0"> </div></div>Juma Rajab Rashid – Siri Ya Mtungi (2A)<br />Majid Michel – Somewhere in Africa (2B)<br />Hlomla Dandala – Contract (2C)<br />Majid Michel – House of Gold (2D)<br />Tope Tedela – A Mile from Home (2E)<br /> BEST MOVIE (DRAMA)<br /> Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja (6A)<br />Edwin Maina Kariuki – Nairobi Half Life (6B)<br />Udoka Oyeka & Orode Ryan – Living Funeral (6C)<br />Frank Rajah Arase – The Price (6D)<br />Frank Rajah Arase – Groom’s Bride (6E)<br />Chris Eneaji &  Jumafor Ajogwu – Murder at Prime Suites (6F)<br /> BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY<br /> Hlomla Dandala – Contract (7A)<br />John Okafor – Return of Sheri Koko (7B)<br />Osita Iheme – The Hero (7C)<br />Osita Iheme – The Fighter (7D)<br />Chinedu Ikedieze – The Hero (7E)<br /> BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY<br /> Funke Akindele – The Fighter (8A)<br />Funke Akindele – The Hero (8B)<br />Funke Akindele – The Return Of Sheri Koko (8C)<br />Mary Ogbonna – Clinic Matters (8D)<br />Jackie Appiah – Cheaters (8E)<br />Yvonne Okoro – Contract (8F)<br /> BEST MOVIE (COMEDY)<br /> Uche Jumbo – Lies Men Tell (9A)<br />Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – Contract (9B)<br />Elvis Chucks – A Wish (9C)<br />Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Fighter (9D)<br />Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Hero (9E)

Funke Akindele, Osita Iheme, Nse Ikpe-Etim receive AMVCA nominations – See full list of nominees

Movie stars, Funke Akindele, Osita Iheme, Nse Ikpe Etim and several others have been nominated for the second edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA).The 1st edition, which held in 2013, had the likes of O.C Ukeje, Mercy Johnson…

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PIC:Man Sells 5months Old Baby To Ritualist For N200,000

<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgZGcGf0cbw776aHmO_ajQ403uDDlbNUOOK0LGXSK7EiQMroZh_h6sVw9xeD6QMOwVnv8gWPze8Cz-kul7iJbuqNygGrjaMLra6i6tsYwTIM3L8IfvkV9KvBPRJWinMRUthnc7mFTNFPd/s1600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgZGcGf0cbw776aHmO_ajQ403uDDlbNUOOK0LGXSK7EiQMroZh_h6sVw9xeD6QMOwVnv8gWPze8Cz-kul7iJbuqNygGrjaMLra6i6tsYwTIM3L8IfvkV9KvBPRJWinMRUthnc7mFTNFPd/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Delta state Police have arrested a carpenter, Christopher David(pictured above) for allegedly selling his daughter to ritualists.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Christopher was said to have been reported to the police by his wife, Florence after he gave her some part of the N200,000 he was paid for selling his daughter to the ritualists in Lagos.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was gathered that in October 2013, Christopher’s wife, Florence David had given birth to their baby girl but was taken away from her after her husband deceived her that they could not take care of the child due to their poor living condition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The husband however handed the baby over to a woman identified as Grace (surname withheld).<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">DSP Celestina Kalu, Police spokesperson in the state, confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and would be charged to court after investigations have been completed.</div><div class="linkwithin_text" id="linkwithin_text_0" style="border: 0; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 20px 0 5px; text-align: left;"> </div>

PIC:Man Sells 5months Old Baby To Ritualist For N200,000

The Delta state Police have arrested a carpenter, Christopher David(pictured above) for allegedly selling his daughter to ritualists.Christopher was said to have been reported to the police by his wife, Florence after he gave her some part of the…

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Book Talk and Review: How to Study Public Life

<a href="http://islandpress.org/ip/books/book/islandpress/H/bo8793829.html"><b><i>How to Study Public Life</i></b></a> by Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre<br />Island Press, 2013<br />Hardcover, 200 pages<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiept9thOXL5grAsvj9LaqNnncLAX3Y6AWe3JwWZJm9iLwcdktkJxZSU-dC9KcIatWYjn7E3T6C5KsIuxNUa5cqohEeSvzpDXdiggYJa7DaVDxcwv_f5YgYqhR7r-YenXXkrLHi0ffepjca/s1600/9781610914239.jpg" /><br /><br />In the question-and-answer session that followed a book talk given by Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre <a href="http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar&evtid=6722">at the Center for Architecture on February 5</a>, Gehl said that politicians in Copenhagen revealed to him quite a compliment: "If you had not made those studies, we would not have tried to make Copenhagen a better city." Those and other public space studies are highlighted in the book he penned with Svarre, yet the evening focused mainly on what can be learned from their home city. How the Danish city has improved in the last five decades – the span of Gehl's career – is obvious to many people, especially those in the packed house at the Center. Nevertheless, Gehl clearly likes to recount how closing streets to cars, promoting bicycling and other measures have made Copenhagen lively, attractive, safe, sustainable, and healthy – the five-fold barometer he uses to gauge how much public space improvements actually improve public life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/12332450313/" title="How to Study Public Life by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Study Public Life" height="360" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/12332450313_532ac966ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />[Jan Gehl. Photo by John Hill]<br /><br />For those who have seen Gehl speak, like myself, the book talk held few surprises. He bashed modernist planning that was the norm when he graduated from college in the early 1960s, most memorably described as the "Brasilia Syndrome" (designing patterns from the air) and 50 years later in the "bird-shit architects dropping their buildings on Dubai." He spoke about the influence of Jane Jacobs, William H. Whyte, and other contemporaries both on himself and other practitioners, admitting that it's been slow to seeing their ideas having tangible impacts on cities. Gehl also spoke about his work with the Bloomberg administration on pedestrianizing Times Square and in the creation of "more bike lanes in NYC in 4 years than Copenhagen made in 50 years." Yet even as these and other stories or statements are repeated in Gehl's talks, they are delivered with such zest and humor that it is easy to get swept along on his ideas aimed at achieving the five-fold improvements that have transformed Copenhagen, Melbourne, New York City, and most recently Moscow through his work around the globe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/12332286233/" title="How to Study Public Life by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Study Public Life" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/12332286233_d1341acdff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />[Birgitte Svarre (and a younger Gehl on the wall). Photo by John Hill]<br /><br />Svarre for a little while after Gehl, before he joined her on stage for some questions from the audience. Svarre's talk focused more on what is offered in the book, while Gehl's talk was admittedly a trip from 1961 (Jane Jacobs' book) to 2009 (NYC pedestrian streets). And while Gehl has penned a number of influential books that have been translated into more than 20 languages, his book with Svarre promises to be the most helpful for urban designers and administrators as they attempt to improve their public realms, perhaps inspired to do so by Copenhagen or New York City. As Svarre put it in her talk, "Jane Jacobs created insights but not tools," so their book is like a toolbox ready to be unpacked and used. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/12332848884/" title="How to Study the Public Life by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Study the Public Life" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/12332848884_22bd795557_c.jpg" width="617" /></a><br />[Svarre and Gehl. Photo by John Hill]<br /><br />In the book's seven chapters, Gehl and Svarre describe: who, what and where to observe; how to count, map, track and observe people in public space; and what to read as precedents. But it is the chapter with research notes that will be the most valuable to practitioners, since the documented studies are fairly diverse in terms of geography, technique and outcome. Most studies are from Gehl's practice, but they are not limited to his work alone, so we also read about Whyte's famous observations in NYC with time-lapse photography as well as newer studies that use GPS and computers to learn about the behavior of people in particular urban spaces. If anything, the variety of the chapter illustrates that while we have core needs and desires that we hope cities fulfill (the five-fold criteria, again), all spaces are different and therefore require some form of observation to determine what, if anything, should change. Thanks to Gehl and Svarre, urban designers have a helpful reference for getting started with the process of getting outside into public spaces to look and learn. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1610914236/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1610914236&linkCode=as2&tag=aweeklydoseof-20" target="_blank"><b>Purchase from Amazon: </b> <img alt="Buy from Amazon.com" border="0" src="http://www.archidose.org/books/buy-from-tan.gif" /></a>

Book Talk and Review: How to Study Public Life

How to Study Public Life by Jan Gehl and Birgitte SvarreIsland Press, 2013Hardcover, 200 pagesIn the question-and-answer session that followed a book talk given by Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre at the Center for Architecture on February 5, Gehl said t…

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 25, 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGwYzNQGjKWghPCklKS-shzyyORZGgGJn3wiBc_UdB5CeabzX8E4IrlxLXpKlJ9_K4lzfoPEKDnsCCbcpBau4TuMV_WfWCux0qA6G8DAO1JA97EhJPaPLhiIDMPnbF-r93eWbTfT_jbsQ/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGwYzNQGjKWghPCklKS-shzyyORZGgGJn3wiBc_UdB5CeabzX8E4IrlxLXpKlJ9_K4lzfoPEKDnsCCbcpBau4TuMV_WfWCux0qA6G8DAO1JA97EhJPaPLhiIDMPnbF-r93eWbTfT_jbsQ/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A protester holds a placard that reads 'Maidan' outside a courthouse in Moscow February 24, 2014. Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>After Ukraine's Maidan, A Bigger Crackdown In Moscow? -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor</b></span></div><br /><i>Ukraine's Maidan movement has caught the attention of Russians and there are signs the Kremlin is moving to further constrict the country's political space.</i><br /><br />Moscow police carted away about 70 people outside a Moscow district court Monday, charging most of them with holding an unauthorized gathering.<br /><br />It was a fairly regular occurrence in Moscow, where police have zero tolerance for public meetings that haven't been granted explicit permission from the authorities to take place. But as they were being dragged away, some of the protesters shouted something new and potentially incendiary: "Watch out, the Maidan will come here." <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0225/After-Ukraine-s-Maidan-a-bigger-crackdown-in-Moscow">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-ukraine-crisis-hero-insight-idUSBREA1O0JT20140225">In Ukraine turbulence, a lad from Lviv becomes the toast of Kiev</a> -- Richard Balmforth, Reuters<br /><br /><a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/2/ukraine-nationalistantisemitismneonaziviolence.html">Ultranationalist neo-Nazi parties on the march in Ukraine </a>-- John Batchelor, Al Jazeera<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/blog/2014/02/how_ukraines_new_government_could_destroy_the_country_110324.html">How Ukraine's New Government Could Destroy the Country</a> -- Alex B. Berezow, The Compass/Real Clear World <br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0225/Sevastopol-A-Russian-city-inside-Ukraine-s-borders">Sevastopol: A Russian city inside Ukraine's borders?</a> -- Sabra Ayres, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/25/ozy-russia-ukraine-cia/5805815/">Why Russia is so worried about Ukraine</a> -- John McLaughlin, USA Today/OZY.com <br /><br /><a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/situation-in-ukraine-puts-putin-in-a-difficult-spot-a-955604.html">Putin's Difficult Decision: Ukraine Remains a Danger for Russia</a> -- An Analysis by Uwe Klußmann, Spiegel Online<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26336032">Ukraine crisis: Russia's options</a> -- BBC<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/24/why_2014_isnt_another_1989_for_eastern_europe.html">Why 2014 Isn't Another 1989 for Eastern Europe </a>-- Yves-Michel Riols, World Crunch<br /><br /><a href="http://nationalinterest.org/article/say-goodbye-taiwan-9931">Say Goodbye to Taiwan</a> -- John J. Mearsheimer, National Interest<br /><br /><a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-central-african-republic-president-samba-panza-a-955403.html">Central African Republic President Samba-Panza: 'There Is Still Hope' </a>-- Jan Puhl and Petra Truckendanner, Speigel Online<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/why-spain-39-militant-eta-may-ending-whimper-212600212.html">Why Spain's militant ETA may be ending with a whimper </a>-- Zach Campbell, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116744/venezuelan-protests-violence-could-have-been-avoided">Venezuela's Bloody Crisis Was Years in the Making—and Could Have Been Avoided</a> -- Rodrigo Linares, New Republic<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-02-25/venezuela-is-no-ukraine">Venezuela Is No Ukraine</a> -- Raul Gallegos, Bloomberg <br /><br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/seven-things-know-about-venezuela-crisis-n38556">Seven Things To Know About the Venezuela Crisis</a> -- Mary Murray, NBC<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2014/02/25/Race-Arctic-Oil-Advantage-Russia-vs-US">The Race for Arctic Oil: Advantage Russia vs. U.S. </a>-- David Francis, Fiscal Times

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 25, 2014

A protester holds a placard that reads 'Maidan' outside a courthouse in Moscow February 24, 2014. Tatyana Makeyeva/ReutersAfter Ukraine's Maidan, A Bigger Crackdown In Moscow? -- Fred Weir, Christian Science MonitorUkraine's Maidan movement has caugh…

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World News Briefs -- February 25, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bSpEVSoCzvQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>No Bluff: U.S. Planning Possible Withdrawal Of All Troops From Afghanistan -- CNN</b></span></div><br />Washington (CNN) -- We're not bluffing, the Obama administration told Afghanistan on Tuesday in announcing it has started planning for the possible withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of the year if no security agreement is signed.<br /><br />Statements by the White House and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel showed President Barack Obama's impatience with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's refusal to sign the agreement that would keep several thousand American troops in the country after combat operations conclude this year.<br /><br />In a phone call with Karzai on Tuesday to discuss upcoming elections for a new Afghan leader, Obama made clear that time was running out to properly plan for keeping any U.S. forces in the country beyond 2014, the White House said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/politics/us-afghanistan-troops/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Syrian opposition prepares <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140225/187889910/Syrian-Opposition-Prepares-Spring-Offensive--Moscow.html">‘spring offensive’ - Moscow.</a></b><br /><br />UN: Syrians to be world's<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/un-syrians-world-39-biggest-refugee-group-185915868.html"> biggest refugee group.</a></b><br /><br />Leader of Syrian militant group <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/25/world/middleeast/ap-ml-syria-al-qaida.html?ref=world">challenges rivals</a></b>.<br /><br />Official: Iran has studied <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/25/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iran-military.html?ref=world">Israeli strike tactics</a></b>.<br /><br />Israeli intel minister reaffirms <b><a href="http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/israel-reaffirms-right-act-iran/">right to act on Iran</a></b>.<br /><br />Iranian oil exports rise markedly <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2014/02/24/iranian-oil-exports-rise-markedly-since-interim-deal/">since interim deal: Report</a></b>.<br /><br />US presses Iraq on reports of <b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG02/302240036/US-Presses-Iraq-Reports-Arms-Deal-Iran">arms deal with Iran</a></b>. US presses Iraq on reports of <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26335449">Iran arms deal.</a></b><br /><br />Iraqi leaders give conflicting answers <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-iraq-iran-arms-idUSBREA1O1V820140225">on reported Iran arms deal</a></b>.<br /><br />Sunni anger in Lebanon <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/sunni-anger-lebanon-against-army-grows-125950527.html">against army grows</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey PM Erdogan says 'tapped' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26336354">phone call to son 'fabricated'</a></b>.<br /><br />Israel hosts German cabinet <b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG04/302240031/Israel-Hosts-German-Cabinet-Jerusalem">in Jerusalem</a></b>.<br /><br />Jordan opposition calls for Israel peace treaty <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/jordan-opposition-israel-peace-treaty-al-aqsa">to be frozen over al-Aqsa debate</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Eyeing Afghan exit, U.S. intensifies campaign <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/eyeing-afghan-exit-u-intensifies-campaign-against-haqqani-211644376.html">against Haqqani militants</a></b>.<br /><br />India to block U.S. trade probes, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-india-trade-usa-idUSBREA1O0MH20140225">ready for fight at WTO.</a></b><br /><br />China mulls holidays marking <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26342884">Japanese defeat and Nanjing massacre</a></b>.<br /><br />Philippines says China fired water cannon<b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140224/DEFREG03/302240034/Philippines-Says-China-Fired-Water-Cannon-Disputed-Shoal"> at disputed shoal</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistan army launches new air strikes <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-pakistan-airstrikes-idUSBREA1O05S20140225">near Afghan border</a></b>. Pakistan air strikes against militants <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26333578">in tribal areas</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai trade slumps alongside tourism as <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1M02H20140225">protest violence takes toll</a></b>.<br /><br />North Korean naval boat crosses <b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/korea/north-korean-naval-boat-crosses-disputed-sea-boundary-with-south-1.269798">disputed sea boundary with South</a></b>. North Korea 'violates' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26333574">sea border with South amid drills</a></b>.<br /><br />US-South Korea joint <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/us-south-korea-begin-joint-military-drills/1857740.html">military drills begin.</a></b> <br /><br />Military drills to test <b><a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Military_drills_to_test_inter-Korean_detente_999.html">inter-Korean detente</a></b>.<br /><br />South Korea committee to prepare <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-korea-forming-committee-to-prepare-for-reunifcation-with-north-korea/1858571.html">for reunifcation with North</a></b>.<br /><br />China labels Japan <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/25/world/asia/ap-as-china-japan.html?ref=world">a 'trouble maker'</a></b>.<br /><br />China rejects Indian politician's <b><a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_rejects_Indian_politicians_expansionism_charge_999.html">expansionism charge</a></b>.<br /><br />Kashmir villagers clash <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/02/kashmir-villagers-clash-with-indian-troops-201422595211803184.html">with Indian troops.</a></b><br /><br />Sri Lanka rejects call <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/southasia/2014/02/sri-lanka-rejects-call-war-crimes-probe-20142254460713165.html">for war crimes probe</a></b>. Sri Lanka rejects UN war crimes probe <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/10660548/Sri-Lanka-rejects-UN-war-crimes-probe-as-more-bodies-found-in-mass-grave.html">as mass grave discovered</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />South Sudan conflict deteriorating,<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-conflict-deteriorating-kenya-warns-204540252.html"> Kenya warns</a></b>.<br /><br />Kenya boosts airport defence, <b><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j3AX8ApRtzqz5aggvbKkU056hBEg?docId=4319bc1c-c1c9-45ea-a8d0-f68513d67234">warning of Islamist threat.</a></b><br /><br />UN voices 'deep concern'<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/un-voices-39-deep-concern-39-over-libya-201502221.html"> over Libya unrest</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigerian Islamists kill 59 pupils in<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nigerian-islamists-kill-59-pupils-boarding-school-attack-181531536.html"> boarding school attack</a></b>. Nigeria school raid <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26338041">'leaves dozens dead'.</a></b> Suspected militants kill 29 <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-nigerian-islamists-kill-29-pupils-in-boarding-school-attack/1858604.html">in northeastern Nigeria</a></b>.<br /><br />Thousands fleeing Boko Haram <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-fleeing-boko-haram-little-comfort-niger-143056348.html">find little comfort in Niger</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigeria leader defends army's role <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26332968">against Boko Haram</a></b>.<br /><br />France to vote on extending Central African Republic <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/french-extend-car-mission-672/">military mission</a></b>.<br /><br />Algerian opposition parties <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/algerian-opposition-urges-election-boycott/1858673.html">urge election boycott</a></b>.<br /><br />Uganda president:<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/24/world/africa/uganda-homosexuality-interview/index.html?hpt=hp_t1"> Homosexuals are 'disgusting'</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt housing minister <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/egypt-housing-minister-form-new-government-2014225123636437550.html">to form new government</a></b>.<br /><br />Pistorius case: Partial televising <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26334682">of trial allowed.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Ukraine is not East-West battle:<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-not-east-west-battle-britain-us-205329712.html"> US, Britain.</a></b><br /><br />Ukraine crisis: Turchynov warns<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26333587"> of 'separatism' risk</a></b>. Pro-Russian rally in Crimea <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/pro-russian-rally-crimea-decries-kiev-39-bandits-200048790.html">decries Kiev 'bandits'</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine delays announcing <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/ukraine-announce-interim-government-201422571956775789.html">interim government</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia evokes World War Two <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/russia-evokes-world-war-two-media-blitz-ukraine-143446995--sector.html">in media blitz on Ukraine</a></b>.<br /><br />IMF likely to send technical team <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/imf-likely-send-technical-team-ukraine-soon-lagarde-212316994--business.html">to Ukraine soon: Lagarde</a></b>.<br /><br />Mass arrest of protesters <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26337693">at rallies in Russia</a></b>. Police detain 420 people near Red Square; protesters <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/police-detain-420-people-near-red-square-protesters-fear-post-olympic-crackdown/2014/02/24/1ec7aafa-9d8d-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html">fear post-Olympic crackdown</a></b>.<br /><br />European Commission sees recovery<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26338372"> 'gaining ground'</a></b>.<br /><br />Scottish leader: Opinion polls show <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-scottish-leader-opinion-polls-show-independence-race-tightening/1857779.html">independence race tightening</a></b>.<br /><br />Pope makes first overhaul <b><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/2014/02/24/pope-takes-step-reform-vatican-finance/VxGFiKn1sYiyczdsqlW41N/story.html?">of Vatican in 25 years</a></b>.<br /><br />IRA suspect walks free after 'reckless' error by prosecution means case against him over <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2567709/BREAKING-NEWS-IRA-suspect-walks-free-case-against-1982-Hyde-Park-bombing-collapses.html">1982 Hyde Park bombing collapses</a></b>.<br /><br />850 Chinese and Russian millionaires <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10660376/850-Chinese-millionaires-and-Russian-oligarchs-have-bought-British-visa.html">'bought' British visa</a></b>.<br /><br />Spain's Repsol accepts <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/spain-39-repsol-accepts-5b-argentine-unit-203954224.html">$5B for Argentine unit</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />US governors discuss economy, jobs,<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/us-governors-discuss-economy-jobs-other-issues-with-obama/1858452.html"> other issues with Obama</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S. expels three Venezuelan diplomats, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-venezuela-protests-diplomats-idUSBREA1O1E820140225">gives them 48 hours to leave.</a></b><br /><br />Venezuela death toll rises to 13 <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1N14E20140225">as protests flare.</a></b><br /><br />Venezuela's Maduro criticised <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26334703">by party loyalist</a></b>.<br /><br />Costa Rica seeks court ruling on <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/costa-rica-seeks-court-ruling-nicaragua-border-dispute-025303941.html">Nicaragua border dispute</a></b>. Costa Rica seeks court ruling on <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-costarica-nicaragua-idUSBREA1O05520140225">Nicaragua border dispute</a></b>.<br /><br />Informants who helped US catch drug lords say rewards<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/informants-us-catch-drug-lords-rewards-not-paid"> have not been paid.</a></b><br /><br />Judge sets Mexican trial for <b><a href="http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Judge-sets-Mexican-trial-for-El-Chapo-in-motion-5266564.php">'El Chapo' in motion</a></b>.<br /><br />Seven U.S. court districts <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/seven-us-court-districts-bring-indictments-against-mexican-drug-lord-guzman/2014/02/24/0af29144-9d82-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html">indict drug lord Guzmán</a></b>.<br /><br />Mysterious polio-like illness <b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/23/polio-like-illness-california/5703827/">affects kids in California</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Terror linked to Syrian war is biggest threat to Britain since 9/11, <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2567627/Terror-linked-Syrian-war-biggest-threat-Britain-9-11-security-chief-warns.html">security chief warns.</a></b><br /><br />Iraq: Sunni Arabs turn<b><a href="http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/iraq/articles/20140225.aspx"> on Al Qaeda again</a></b>.<br /><br />Norway in danger from Syria jihadis: <b><a href="http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Norway_in_danger_from_Syria_jihadis_intelligence_agency_999.html">intelligence agency.</a></b><br /><br />British police arrest<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/25/world/europe/ap-eu-britain-terrorism-arrests.html?ref=world&_r=0"> ex-Guantanamo detainee</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Top Bitcoin exchange<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26333661"> MtGox goes offline</a></b>. Bitcoin exchange MtGox offline <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/25/bitcoin-exchange-mtgox-offline-amid-rumours-of-theft">amid rumours of theft</a></b>.<br /><br />Worst drought in decades hits Brazil coffee belt <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/brazil-drought-threatens-coffee-crops">as buyers brace for price rise</a></b>.<br /><br />Sina Weibo: Profits at <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26333438">'China's Twitter' surge</a></b>.<br /><br />Facebook quietly ends <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26332191">email address system</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 25, 2014 (Evening Edition)

No Bluff: U.S. Planning Possible Withdrawal Of All Troops From Afghanistan -- CNNWashington (CNN) -- We're not bluffing, the Obama administration told Afghanistan on Tuesday in announcing it has started planning for the possible withdrawal of all U.S…

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Kanye West Reveals His Biggest Regret In Life, It May Make You Cry [LOOK]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2FKanye-West-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Awww: Kanye West Reveals His Biggest Regret In Life, It May Make You Cry [LOOK]" border="0" class="aligncenter full-media nomargin" height="401" src="http://www.thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2FKanye-West-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" title="Awww: Kanye West Reveals His Biggest Regret In Life, It May Make You Cry [LOOK]" width="640" /></a></div><section class="postbody-wrapper postlayout-default"> <div class="post-column pull-left"> <article class="post-23108 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-celebrity-2 category-pop-of-culture tag-celebrity-news tag-donda-west tag-kanye-west tag-kanye-west-biggest-regret tag-kanye-west-mom tag-kanye-west-mother tag-kanye-west-regret tag-kanye-west-yeezus tag-kanye-west-yeezus-tour tag-north-west entry last_archivepost"> <div class="fb-social-plugin fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-href="http://www.thetrentonline.com/awww-kanye-west-reveals-biggest-regret-life-may-make-cry-look/" data-ref="above-post" data-width="450"><span style="height: 25px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 450px;"></span></div><div id="ssba"><a class="ssba_tooptip" href="http://www.simplesharebuttons.com/" id="ssba_tooptip" target="_blank"></a><span class="ssba_sharecount"><br /></span></div>Kanye West may seem larger than life most of the time, but every once in a while, he reveals that he is, indeed, simply a man.<br /> West put away the theatrics for a moment while performing at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino on Friday (Feb. 21) and got real with the audience, divulging his <a href="http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/kanye-west-s-biggest-regret-revealed-i-wish-that-my-mother-could-ve-met-my-daughter-35406" target="_hplink">biggest regret in life</a>.<br /> “These past 10 years have been amazing,” he told the crowd. “There’s been some ups and downs. I made some mistakes and I’ve made some accomplishments. There’s only one thing I regret,” he continued. “There’s only one thing I wish I could change out of everything that’s ever happened. I wish that my mother could’ve met my daughter.”<br /> West was raised by his single mother, Donda West, from the age of three, and the two were very close. <a href="http://www.today.com/id/21742159/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/kanye-wests-mom-dies-after-surgery/#.UwyoXvldXtI" target="_hplink">She died in 2007</a>, due to complications from cosmetic surgery, paired with other medical issues.<br /> <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="EmbedBrand" data-reactid=".r[0].[1]"><div class="EmbedLogo" data-reactid=".r[0].[1].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[0].[1].[0].[0]"></span></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></article></div></section>

Kanye West Reveals His Biggest Regret In Life, It May Make You Cry [LOOK]

Kanye West may seem larger than life most of the time, but every once in a while, he reveals that he is, indeed, simply a man. West put away the theatrics for a moment while performing at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino on Friday (Feb…

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The Crisis Continues In Central African Republic -- News Updates Febraury 25, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xc3r8pGcq4g" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Armed Groups Surround Thousands In Central African Republic: U.N -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Over 15,000 people in Central African Republic, mostly Muslim civilians in makeshift camps, are surrounded and being threatened by armed militia groups, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday.<br /><br />Adrian Edwards told a news briefing in Geneva that the refugees, dotted around 18 locations in the northwest and southwest of the landlocked country, face a high risk of attack and urgently need better security.<br /><br />France's parliament voted in favor on Tuesday of extending its military mission in Central African Republic, Operation Sangaris, four months after its launch.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/us-centralafrican-violence-idUSBREA1O1IM20140225">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Crisis In Central African Republic</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/UN-warns-of-new-CAR-bloodbath-20140225-3">UN warns of new CAR bloodbath</a> -- News 24<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/24/hundreds-terrified-muslims-seek-refuge-at-catholic-church-in-central-african/">Hundreds of terrified Muslims seek refuge at Catholic church in Central African Republic </a>-- FOX News/AP<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/70-muslims-killed-central-african-republic-town-22649632">70 Muslims Killed in Central African Republic Town</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/us-centralafrican-idUSBREA1N15U20140224">Chad troops kill civilians in Central African Republic: residents</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/25/official-violence-in-central-african-republic-capital-kills-3-chadian-soldiers/">Official: Violence in Central African Republic's capital kills 3 Chadian soldiers</a> -- FOX News/AP<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/french-mull-prolonged-stay-in-c-african-republic/2014/02/25/6efdb390-9e2b-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html">France prolongs troop stay in C. African Republic </a>-- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304834704579405261927493246?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304834704579405261927493246.html">France to Extend Military Campaign in Central African Republic</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/french-extend-car-mission-672/">France votes to extend Central African Republic military mission</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47218&Cr=Central+African+Republic&Cr1=#.Uw0bzoXPz1o">Central African Republic: UN urges better security, more resources to aid civilians</a> -- UN News Centre<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140225/the-central-african-republic-the-french-intervention">The Central African Republic since the French intervention </a>-- Global Post/AFP

The Crisis Continues In Central African Republic -- News Updates Febraury 25, 2014

Armed Groups Surround Thousands In Central African Republic: U.N -- Reuters(Reuters) - Over 15,000 people in Central African Republic, mostly Muslim civilians in makeshift camps, are surrounded and being threatened by armed militia groups, a spokesma…

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The Great BITCOIN CRASH

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BITCOIN BAGHOLDERS!</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iEa_dQ9T8S1McMgSC3YC417DaJhqeBBXRF6XjA7APiNua1LM1Td4IIvZh3pd0-bVgayiF23SpbuJFAobdWfK1OREjC5j1lNLLWON15V2b8Zr-8vAJ3Dq_IFWelfIgKBJYCaRu6RhjgM/s1600/BITCOINpics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iEa_dQ9T8S1McMgSC3YC417DaJhqeBBXRF6XjA7APiNua1LM1Td4IIvZh3pd0-bVgayiF23SpbuJFAobdWfK1OREjC5j1lNLLWON15V2b8Zr-8vAJ3Dq_IFWelfIgKBJYCaRu6RhjgM/s1600/BITCOINpics.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq8hhEP9hVbnRh-Yixe6v_eIq7dy-Uien3CurjMdGxHGNy8kQ9A09dBXcHTdY9_SP2Co55tf-Eanf_MuD41SL7FBbLs2GQ6nr8_pSVkcDod1PheAUBAulmsp-IBUSF2yNQzW0nkQ7iNY/s1600/BITCOINpic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq8hhEP9hVbnRh-Yixe6v_eIq7dy-Uien3CurjMdGxHGNy8kQ9A09dBXcHTdY9_SP2Co55tf-Eanf_MuD41SL7FBbLs2GQ6nr8_pSVkcDod1PheAUBAulmsp-IBUSF2yNQzW0nkQ7iNY/s1600/BITCOINpic.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Customers Lose $100's of MILLIONS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The money just disappeared</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is that why BITCOIN is called VIRTUAL CURRENCY?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>:-)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mt. Gox on the run</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Could it be BrotherJohnF and DavinciJ15 are criminals?  </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who else in the "truther community" is involved in this scam?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We will find out...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/bad-news-for-bitcoin-exchanges.html" style="color: red;">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/bad-news-for-bitcoin-exchanges.html</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>These TRUTHERS that have left their GOLD and SILVER pump to pump BITCOINS have told us in the past that "if you don't hold it, you don't own it."  Well how about that?  That seems to be the situation with BITCOIN here below.  So then, look out below. :-) </b><br /><br /><b>The first person I remember to pump these BITCOINS was this guy called "DavinciJ15" on YOU TUBE.  After that a number of these TRUTHERS started promoting bitcoin including SGTbull07 and others and especially this BrotherJohnF YOU TUBE channel.  BrotherJohnF gave up on his silver pumping to push his paid subscription to watch all of his YOU TUBE BITCOIN UPDATES and some other related website that is a fee for service subscription.  </b><br /><br /><b>Perhaps REAL MONEY instead of VIRTUAL MONEY is still a better alternative after all?  I think so: </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uoY37FPtFw0?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>FOR MORE BITCOIN NEWS </b></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> ...developing...</b></div></div>

The Great BITCOIN CRASH

BITCOIN BAGHOLDERS!Customers Lose $100's of MILLIONSThe money just disappearedIs that why BITCOIN is called VIRTUAL CURRENCY?:-)Mt. Gox on the runCould it be BrotherJohnF and DavinciJ15 are criminals?  Who else in the "truther community" is involved …

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