Pakistan Intensifies It's War Against The Taliban

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ihoe6-qp2LLhrUWydyiE1BuV10CJwgBzu2_CADhfYGsq6t9fIHDRMT8xnzVwXDHl_5IyYJ5AdCGtPvYWSyFyiYzSFY9nemOQqXyriFfjJsh_u95j770cNEZmkEGhvsW6z2z6BPBfba6/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ihoe6-qp2LLhrUWydyiE1BuV10CJwgBzu2_CADhfYGsq6t9fIHDRMT8xnzVwXDHl_5IyYJ5AdCGtPvYWSyFyiYzSFY9nemOQqXyriFfjJsh_u95j770cNEZmkEGhvsW6z2z6BPBfba6/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pakistani Air Force strikes at 'militants' in North Waziristan, Khyber -- Lon War Journal</b></span></div><br />The Pakistani military claimed it killed more than 35 "militants," including a number of fighters from Central Asia, during a series of airstrikes today in the Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan. An additional 30 jihadists are reported to have been killed in airstrikes in the tribal agency of Khyber. The punitive raids were launched after the Movement of the Taliban executed 23 Frontier Corps troops.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/02/pakistani_air_force.php">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Pakistan Intensifying It's War Against The Taliban</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/international/2014/February/international_February582.xml&section=international">40 die as Pakistan bombs militant hideouts after peace talks fail </a>-- Khaleej Times/Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistani-jets-pounds-militant-hideouts/2014/02/20/4ec490e4-9a11-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Pakistan strikes militant hideouts as talks stall</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/asia/pakistani-airstrikes-kill-suspected-militants-in-tribal-areas.html?gwh=F8D4A7E7512E97DBD0A714581035CDC8&gwt=pay">Pakistani Airstrikes Target Militants in Tribal Areas</a> -- New York Times<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/kyodo-news-international/140220/pakistan-says-22-militants-killed-scores-injured-air-0">Pakistan says 22 militants killed, scores injured in airstrikes</a> -- Global Times/Kyodo News<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26268814">Pakistan bombs militant hideouts in tribal areas</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/21-Feb-2014/40-killed-as-fighter-jets-bomb-taliban-in-waziristan-khyber">40 killed as fighter jets bomb Taliban in Waziristan, Khyber</a> -- Daily Times<br /><a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1088346/pm-gave-go-ahead-for-n-waziristan-khyber-airstrikes-sources">PM gave ‘go ahead’ for N. Waziristan, Khyber airstrikes: sources</a> -- DAWN

Pakistan Intensifies It's War Against The Taliban

Pakistani Air Force strikes at 'militants' in North Waziristan, Khyber -- Lon War Journal The Pakistani military claimed it killed m...

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Nigeria’s Boko Haram Threatens Oil Refineries And Moderate Muslim Clerics

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lLc8aydmN3g" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nigeria’s Boko Haram Threatens Oil Refineries, Muslim Clerics -- Voice of America</span></b></div><br />ABUJA — Nigerian police report 60 people were killed early Wednesday when insurgents attacked a town in northern Nigeria. Witnesses blamed militant group Boko Haram, which has issued a new threat to bomb oil refineries and kill prominent Muslim clerics.<br /><br />The fishing town of Bama has been attacked four times in the past two years. Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of houses have been burned to the ground. <br /><br />As reports filtered in Wednesday that gunmen in Bama were once again shooting people and setting homes on fire, Boko Haram released a video statement saying it plans to widen its reach, to attack oil refineries in the south and continue its assault on Muslim clerics that don’t agree with its harsh interpretation of Islamic law.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/nigerias-boko-haram-threatens-oil-refineries-muslim-clerics/1855574.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Nigeria's War Against Boko Haram</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/news/lead-stories/item/33956-boko-haram-threatens-ibb,-buhari,-shekarau,-refineries.html">Boko Haram threatens IBB, Buhari, Shekarau, refineries</a> -- Nigerian Tribune<br /><a href="http://www.spyghana.com/boko-haram-new-targets-are-refineries-in-the-niger-delta/">Boko Haram New Targets Are Refineries In The Niger Delta</a> -- Spy Ghana<br /><a href="http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/boko-haram-threatens-to-attack-niger-delta-region-kill-emir-of-kano-buhari-others.47042/">Boko Haram Threatens to Attack Niger Delta Region, Kill Emir of Kano, Buhari, Others</a> -- Nigerian Bulletin<br /><a href="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/foreign/21-Feb-2014/boko-haram-chief-threatens-attacks-in-nigeria-oil-region-video">Boko Haram chief threatens attacks in Nigeria oil region: video</a> -- Daily Times<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/nigeria-violence-idUSL6N0LP50J20140220">Death toll from Islamist attack in northeast Nigeria doubles to 98</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/islamic-extremist-leader-threatens-nigerian-oil-22595459">115 Killed, 1,500 Buildings Razed in Nigerian Town </a>-- AP<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26254480">Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Bama attack mars victory claims</a> -- BBC<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Attacking Nigeria's oil installations will be a major escalation .... and a clear sign that the Nigerian government is not winning it's war against Boko Haram.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram Threatens Oil Refineries And Moderate Muslim Clerics

Nigeria’s Boko Haram Threatens Oil Refineries, Muslim Clerics -- Voice of America ABUJA — Nigerian police report 60 people were killed early...

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Basque Separatists ETA Are To Formally Hand Over Their Weapons Today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/48986000/gif/_48986030_spain_basque_304.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/48986000/gif/_48986030_spain_basque_304.gif" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Basque Separatists Eta Set To Take Historic Step By Handing Over Weapons -- The Guardian</b></span></div><br />Spanish government of Mariano Rajoy holds out for full 'defeat' declaration as independence group ends 40 years of militancy<br /><br />The Basque separatist group Eta is expected on Friday to take a historic step towards handing over weapons and bomb-making equipment used in its terror campaign for independence that has claimed more than 800 victims over decades.<br /><br />Sources in the northern Basque region of Spain and elsewhere said mediators would declare that Eta had already made significant moves in readying itself for giving up or disabling weapons and was ready to go further.<br /><br />Details remained scarce, however, and analysts were fearful that Eta could try to drag the process out while seeking concessions from Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/basque-separatist-eta-historic-weapons-mariano-rajoy">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> 800 dead. Thousands wounded. And what for?

Basque Separatists ETA Are To Formally Hand Over Their Weapons Today

Basque Separatists Eta Set To Take Historic Step By Handing Over Weapons -- The Guardian Spanish government of Mariano Rajoy holds out for f...

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Here Are 12 Dramatic Videos That Show The Brutal Mayhem In Ukraine (Graphic)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Fns42rViXlA" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Journalists filmed a group of people under fire during Thursday’s battles. Using shields for cover, protesters fell to the ground after being shot at from different directions and were then dragged away for medical help.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>12 Most Dramatic Kiev Videos Showing True Scale Of Ukraine Mayhem -- RT</b></span></div><br />The center of Kiev has been transformed into a battleground as rioters clash with police on Independence Square. RT has gathered the twelve most horrifying videos that show Kiev’s descent into turmoil.<br /><br />Ukraine has seen some of the worst scenes of violence over the last few days, with over thirty five dead and dozens injured in the escalating conflict. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/horrifying-videos-kiev-maidan-901/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: What I am surprised about this post is that it is RT (Russian Television) that is posting this story .... not the Western press.

Here Are 12 Dramatic Videos That Show The Brutal Mayhem In Ukraine (Graphic)

Journalists filmed a group of people under fire during Thursday’s battles. Using shields for cover, protesters fell to the ground after bein...

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Iranian Video Simulates A Nuclear Attack On Israel

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/94a3236AcUQ" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Iranian Video Shows an Even More Shocking Military Scenario than the Last One -- The Blaze</b></span></div><br />A new video reportedly making the rounds in Iran shows the nuclear bombing of Israel, describing the act as a “Holocaust.” It also simulates graphically the potential Iranian response to a military attack on its territory.<br /><br />The latest video follows a simulation aired by Iranian state television earlier this month depicting an Iranian attack on the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and Israeli cities.<br /><br />Israel’s Channel 2 News reported that this latest animated video began showing up on Iranian websites on Monday.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/02/20/new-iranian-video-shows-an-even-more-shocking-military-scenario-than-the-last-one/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I am unimpressed with the video .... they need better graphics.

Iranian Video Simulates A Nuclear Attack On Israel

New Iranian Video Shows an Even More Shocking Military Scenario than the Last One -- The Blaze A new video reportedly making the rounds in I...

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The Worst Day In Kiev?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gPQnJulgYc8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reporter's Notebook: The Worst Day I've Seen In Kiev -- Todd Baxter and Lateef Mungin, CNN</b></span></div><br />Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- The gunbattle was so close it rattled the walls.<br /><br />I grabbed my camera and pointed it out the window, looking toward Independence Square. From more than 10 stories up, I filmed the chaos. Protesters were all around, ramming into the lines of police officers. Black smoke hung in the air. Gunfire rang out.<br /><br />I saw a medic shot in the arm. He was helped to safety. I saw at least 20 wounded people carried away. But the gunmen could not be seen. There was panic. People looked skyward, scanning rooftops for snipers. At one point, a crowd of protesters stormed this hotel. They searched, floor to floor, trying to confirm a rumor that snipers were shooting from here.<br /><br />Then there was another rumor about what was in the lobby of this hotel.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/ukraine-reporters-notebook/index.html?hpt=hp_c2">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Regular readers of this blog know that I have family in Kiev .... and it has certainly not been an easy week. I just learned a few minutes ago that my cousin's daughter is safe. She is a beautiful 24 year old lady .... but today she made the decision to be at the barricades to help in the production line that made molotov cocktails. <br /><br />Sighhhh .... I think my cousin .... who is just as attractive as her daughter .... aged 20 years today.<br /><br />Even my 87 year old mother has gotten upset over what has happened .... and she survived the Second World War. <br /><br />Bottom line .... this crisis is splitting my own family. On my mother's side everyone is Russian .... Moscow and Saint Petersburg is where everyone has lived .... and continues to live. On my father's side .... they are also Russian .... but they are from Kiev, south of Kiev, and the western part of Ukraine.<br /><br />The older generation supports the government .... the younger generation do not .... and as you can imagine .... tempers are becoming frayed.<br /><br />As to where do I stand .... I am the guy in the middle who lives in Canada .... far away from the chaos and mayhem that is happening in Kiev right now. I am also the one that both sides in my very large family go to when times go bad .... and for my relatives in Ukraine they are very bad right now. But being outside of the box does give me a perspective that no one who is caught up in the middle of this conflict can have right now .... and my perspective is the following ....<br /><br />This political crisis and the violence that it has spawned is eventually going to stop .... but not before more bloodshed and damage has been done. After what happened today .... the anger, hatred, and bitterness will be around for a very long time .... and it will take people who are neutral and who have not been involved in this crisis to step up and try to calm the situation .... and to bring a sense of stability and authority that people will accept. <br /><br />Ukraine's economy will also need financial help and assistance when this is over .... for the country is now essentially bankrupt. I have no illusions that the West is going to help Ukraine .... the EU is broke and I expect zero assistance from the U.S.. The one who must (and will) step up is Russia .... and I have confidence that once the situation has stabilized, Russian President Putin will authorize the assistance that Ukraine will desperately need. In the long term .... the EU will play an important role in Ukraine's future .... but not today.<br /><br />In conclusion .... I am glad that my father is not alive to see all of this. He grew up during the Ukraine famine. He was witness to the first bombing of Kiev by Nazi Germany on the first day of the war. He was drafted into the Soviet army to fight the Nazis and their Ukrainian collaborators. And in the end ..... when the Soviet Union broke apart and the Communists were kicked out .... he felt (and he believed) that a better time was coming.<br /><br />Sadly .... especially after today .... I know that he would be deeply depressed with what is happening.

The Worst Day In Kiev?

Reporter's Notebook: The Worst Day I've Seen In Kiev -- Todd Baxter and Lateef Mungin, CNN Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- The gunbattle was ...

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Ukraine's Defense Minister Is Refusing To Answer U.S. Secretary Of Defense Hagel's Phone Calls

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMSFv-zOAGzhvxFGmvy_DkmNa0qPeKBTmI24JUi0hctfCGmpcC-x3OuPdY4WYQjJxc2j45e_2NGnv4naSdZ4w_V_rEwGL0ZMrKLKKMa8cR4ZTYkuF1gPIKyHbESq_heMkB9eJQavCP5WL/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMSFv-zOAGzhvxFGmvy_DkmNa0qPeKBTmI24JUi0hctfCGmpcC-x3OuPdY4WYQjJxc2j45e_2NGnv4naSdZ4w_V_rEwGL0ZMrKLKKMa8cR4ZTYkuF1gPIKyHbESq_heMkB9eJQavCP5WL/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Minister Lebedev and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/special-report-bret-baier/blog/2014/02/20/ukrainian-defense-minister-refuses-secretary-hagels-calls">FOX News</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyone Home? Ukraine Isn't Taking The Pentagon's Calls -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has been unable to get anyone on the phone at Ukraine's defense ministry over the past several days as violence flared and Kiev named a new head of the armed forces general staff, the Pentagon said on Thursday.<br /><br />"We haven't been able to connect with anybody from the Defense Ministry there in Ukraine," spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told a Pentagon news briefing.<br /><br />"Here in the Pentagon, we've been trying to (connect with them) pretty diligently this whole week."<br /><br />Kirby said he was also unaware of any successful military-to-military contacts between United States and Ukraine, and acknowledged it is usually not so difficult for Hagel to get a foreign counterpart on the phone. Hagel and the Ukrainian defense minister spoke in December, Kirby noted.<br /><br />"I'd say it's pretty unusual," he said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-crisis-usa-pentagon-idUSBREA1J28T20140220">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Pentagon Not Being Able To Get In Touch With Ukraine's Defense Ministry</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/us/ukrainian-defense-ministry-not-taking-hagel-s-calls-1.268995">Ukrainian defense ministry not taking Hagel’s calls </a>-- Stars and Stripes<br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/20/hagel-fails-to-reach-ukraine-counterpart.html?comp=700001075741&rank=2">Hagel Fails To Reach Ukraine Counterpart</a> -- Military.com<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/20/defense-secretary-chuck-hagel-ukraine-president-viktor-yanukovych-attacks-kiev/5642131/">Hagel not able to engage Ukrainian counterpart</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/20/pentagon-unable-to-contact-ukrainian-military-despite-repeated-calls">Pentagon Unable to Contact Ukrainian Military Despite Repeated Calls</a> -- US News and World Report<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/special-report-bret-baier/blog/2014/02/20/ukrainian-defense-minister-refuses-secretary-hagels-calls">Ukrainian Defense Minister Refuses Secretary Hagel's Calls</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukrainian-defense-officials-rebuff-hagels-calls-n34876">Ukrainian Defense Officials Rebuff Hagel's Calls</a> -- NBC News<br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/politics/2014/02/ukraines-defense-minister-ignoring-hagels-calls/79157/?oref=d-skybox">Ukraine’s Defense Minister Is Ignoring Hagel’s Calls</a> -- Defense One<br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121688">Hagel Urges Ukrainian Military to Stay Out of Unrest</a> -- US Department of Defense<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I can understand why Ukraine's defense minister is ignoring phone calls from the Pentagon .... the crisis in Ukraine has the potential of breaking out into a civil war with bloodshed and destruction on a national scale .... who has the time to placate what the Americans may be feeling at the moment. But U.S. concerns are justified because I suspect that they must know that the Ukraine Defense Minister is NOT refusing any phone calls from his Russian counterpart .... and I suspect that U.S. intelligence is hearing on the grape wine that Ukraine officials are developing scenarios that will involve declaring a State of Emergency and a military intervention. In short .... making a very bad situation even worse.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Is Refusing To Answer U.S. Secretary Of Defense Hagel's Phone Calls

Minister Lebedev and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. FOX News Anyone Home? Ukraine Isn't Taking The Pentagon's Calls -- Reuters (R...

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FCC Commissioner: U.S. Government Wants To Send 'Researchers' Into Newsrooms To Investigate How News Stories Are Published

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zxvDp3ggF3Y" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The FCC Wades Into the Newsroom -- Ajit Pai, Wall Street Journal</b></span></div><br />Why is the agency studying 'perceived station bias' and asking about coverage choices?<br /><br />News organizations often disagree about what Americans need to know. MSNBC, for example, apparently believes that traffic in Fort Lee, N.J., is the crisis of our time. Fox News, on the other hand, chooses to cover the September 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi more heavily than other networks. The American people, for their part, disagree about what they want to watch.<br /><br />But everyone should agree on this: The government has no place pressuring media organizations into covering certain stories.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission, where I am a commissioner, does not agree. Last May the FCC proposed an initiative to thrust the federal government into newsrooms across the country. With its "Multi-Market Study of Critical Information Needs," or CIN, the agency plans to send researchers to grill reporters, editors and station owners about how they decide which stories to run. A field test in Columbia, S.C., is scheduled to begin this spring. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304680904579366903828260732">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g4VkPfMUGjk" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The FCC Wanting To Send Officials Into Newsrooms</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/20/white-house-sniff-out-newsrooms-troubling-and-dang/">White House to sniff out newsrooms: ‘Troubling and dangerous development’</a> -- Washington Times<br /><a href="http://foxnewsinsider.com/2014/02/19/govt-monitors-newsrooms-fcc-look-media-decision-making">Gov't Monitors in Newsrooms? FCC to Look Into Media Decision-Making</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/proposed-fcc-study-of-news-organizations-sparks-conservative-outcry/2014/02/20/117401d8-9a71-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">Proposed FCC study of news organizations sparks conservative outcry </a>-- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://rt.com/usa/fcc-explanation-controversial-interfere-news-994/">FCC sidesteps explanation on controversial plan to ‘interfere with news stations’</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2014/02/20/fcc-looking-to-insert-government-officers-to-monitor-newsrooms/">FCC Looking to Insert Government Officers to Monitor Newsrooms</a> -- PJ Media<br /><a href="http://www.thewire.com/politics/2014/02/brief-guide-fcc-newsroom-invasion-panic/358343/">A Brief Guide to the FCC Newsroom Invasion Panic</a> -- The Wire<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/critics-want-fcc-media-study-thrown-on-trash-heap-skeptical-changes/">Critics want FCC media study thrown on ‘trash heap,’ skeptical of changes </a>-- FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/why-fcc-should-keep-its-nose-out-tv-newsrooms/">Why the FCC should keep its nose out of TV newsrooms</a> -- Howard Kurtz, FOX News<br /><a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2014/02/feds_to_snoop_in_newsrooms_what_could_go_wrong.html">Feds to snoop in newsrooms. What could go wrong? </a>-- Rick Moran, American Thinker<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Before the NSA surveillance scandal, the IRS targeting political opponents of the administration, and the US Justice Department going after reporters who receive information from whistle-blowers .... I would have laughed this accusation out of the room .... labeling it as an extreme right-wing conspiracy theory. No more now. And while no policy has been enacted (yet) .... it is obvious that there are people in the US government who believe that this is an idea that should be pursued with rigor .... regardless of the opposition and the message that it will send. <br /><br /><b>Update:</b> With the exception of the Washington Post .... essentially calling the <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/proposed-fcc-study-of-news-organizations-sparks-conservative-outcry/2014/02/20/117401d8-9a71-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">outcry against this proposed FCC study a conservative complaint</a></b> .... no one in the main stream media has touched this story nor raised an eyebrow on the chilling aspects of what this may mean to news editing and publication.

FCC Commissioner: U.S. Government Wants To Send 'Researchers' Into Newsrooms To Investigate How News Stories Are Published

The FCC Wades Into the Newsroom -- Ajit Pai, Wall Street Journal Why is the agency studying 'perceived station bias' and asking abou...

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The U.S. Army's Most Important Weapon In it's Arsenal Is Not Working Properly

<script height="360px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=7d6243b6b5f74a6fb09a179d33842db2&ec=lxcXNxazoxuJM1vUodOtK3sFcnDiF0pa" width="640px"></script><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Troops Left To Fend For Themselves After Army Was Warned Of Flaws In Rifle -- Washington Times</b></span></div><br /><i>Army Senior Warrant Officer Russton B. Kramer, a 20-year Green Beret, has learned that if you want to improve your chances to survive, it’s best to personally make modifications to the Army’s primary rifle — the M4 carbine.</i><br /><br />Warrant Officer Kramer has been dropped into some of the most ferocious battles in the war on terrorism, from hunting Islamists in the mountains of northern Iraq to disrupting Taliban opium dealers in dusty southern Afghanistan. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in Operation Viking Hammer to crush the terrorist group Ansar al-Islam in Iraq.<br /><br />The warrant officer said he and fellow Special Forces soldiers have a trick to maintain the M4A1 — the commando version: They break the rules and buy off-the-shelf triggers and other components and overhaul the weapon themselves.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/19/troop-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-army-was-w/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I have lost count on the number of times that I have read stories on how U.S. military rifles have a tendency to "jam" at the worst possible time. This Washington Times' post is (sadly) just another one.

The U.S. Army's Most Important Weapon In it's Arsenal Is Not Working Properly

Troops Left To Fend For Themselves After Army Was Warned Of Flaws In Rifle -- Washington Times Army Senior Warrant Officer Russton B. Kramer...

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Coop Himmelb(l)au in NYC?

Could Vienna's Coop Himmelb(l)au be realizing a building in New York City? And a high-rise to boot? Per <a href="http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/architecture/news/2-towers-for-2-cities">a description-free news item</a> on the firm's website with the following renderings, that might just be the case.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vCNSTTdcRG1z_jiogT2igFqZyyyucpPxlv1QthQzwa_YYMNLpt-36qVDtn-9fVlf1jrXMu0dNiDKw1AThEhsG4J9gKhwkIdz5-e8ECYSoeutfMFTwghePp7_CSiXNlo12v93TFkQRbBu/s1600/2_Towers_for_2_Cities_1_1417_1417_85.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vCNSTTdcRG1z_jiogT2igFqZyyyucpPxlv1QthQzwa_YYMNLpt-36qVDtn-9fVlf1jrXMu0dNiDKw1AThEhsG4J9gKhwkIdz5-e8ECYSoeutfMFTwghePp7_CSiXNlo12v93TFkQRbBu/s640/2_Towers_for_2_Cities_1_1417_1417_85.jpg" /></a><br />[rendering from <a href="http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/architecture/news/2-towers-for-2-cities">architect's website</a>] <br /><br />(Via <a href="http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2014/02/20/will_this_bonkers_sky_wing_tower_sprout_860_feet_in_tribeca.php">Curbed</a>, which has more speculative information on the project.)

Coop Himmelb(l)au in NYC?

Could Vienna's Coop Himmelb(l)au be realizing a building in New York City? And a high-rise to boot? Per a description-free news item on...

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Sports Illustrated model Petra Nemcova

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Modeling and creating opportunity through non-profits</b></span></div><b><br /></b><b>Have you noticed all the "non-profits" lately that don't make profits?  Even the NFL is a "non-profit" along with many churches and alleged Christian ministries:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QvshMzStMvo?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Sports Illustrated model Petra Nemcova

Modeling and creating opportunity through non-profits Have you noticed all the "non-profits" lately that don't make profits?  ...

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G4T is back

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.g4t.us/" style="color: red;">www.g4t.us</a></b></span></div><br /><b>Secret hangouts, chats; a new perspective as YOU TUBE is dying a slow death...</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gAs_Jh11440?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

G4T is back

www.g4t.us Secret hangouts, chats; a new perspective as YOU TUBE is dying a slow death...

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Ernie Varitimos to go LIVE on GOOGLE HANGOUTS

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Dude in the Wilderness"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Learn about the markets and trading with Ernie Varitimos "The Apple Trader."</span></b></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uYLWT6kjzhM?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Ernie Varitimos to go LIVE on GOOGLE HANGOUTS

"Dude in the Wilderness" Learn about the markets and trading with Ernie Varitimos "The Apple Trader."

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Milan Fashion Week

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The growing talent of fashion and modeling</b></span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JBh39NLP0tU?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>

Milan Fashion Week

The growing talent of fashion and modeling

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News of California to split into SIX STATES

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y29C9R4XwFM?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

News of California to split into SIX STATES

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Jim Comiskey on the Metals and Markets

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WATCH:   The US DOLLAR, Russia, Ukraine, Natural Gas, Oil,  GOLD and SILVER....</b></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XLotLsxlEgA?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Jim Comiskey on the Metals and Markets

WATCH:   The US DOLLAR, Russia, Ukraine, Natural Gas, Oil,  GOLD and SILVER.... ...developing...

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Deflation: Making Sure "It" Happens Here?

The following chart shows the natural log of annual change in the CPI less food and energy. When using logs, exponential growth (or in this case, decay) is seen as a straight line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRRU_UIX_1FlzZiyUy3OhBExIirTWl3cXJZBYyGh5iDMzPgNDhCqGzpElegx5Azn9Q769MfC9mx3fjRziVMWorAVSRHGQd17JvZuO5-MOTCOKZJMJ4ob3zaaKORxpEKRX65oG8jGT5GY/s1600/Deflation+-+Making+Sure+It+Happens+Here.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRRU_UIX_1FlzZiyUy3OhBExIirTWl3cXJZBYyGh5iDMzPgNDhCqGzpElegx5Azn9Q769MfC9mx3fjRziVMWorAVSRHGQd17JvZuO5-MOTCOKZJMJ4ob3zaaKORxpEKRX65oG8jGT5GY/s320/Deflation+-+Making+Sure+It+Happens+Here.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />No matter how hard the Fed tries, it cannot seem to break through the top of the decaying trend channel. So what's the latest tactic? Taper! Good luck on that. Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn't.<br /><br />As seen in the following chart, the Fed has had substantially more "success" with energy though. The chart shows the annual change in the CPI for energy (not the natural log).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhNzV6HgwiGCalVZPB8jZuWK-PVGZciRPMcfU3ByLaPMrtll99oUVgpRicR_A3aQNzb8UfQyVyLJf3da-ldmpKX5E5OuzD82-hkfhyphenhyphenA_ZCzvdpI-SVCHV9URbKc9ixck30LexL2dhKgg/s1600/The+Cone+of+Chaos.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhNzV6HgwiGCalVZPB8jZuWK-PVGZciRPMcfU3ByLaPMrtll99oUVgpRicR_A3aQNzb8UfQyVyLJf3da-ldmpKX5E5OuzD82-hkfhyphenhyphenA_ZCzvdpI-SVCHV9URbKc9ixck30LexL2dhKgg/s320/The+Cone+of+Chaos.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />And when I say "success", I really mean "confidence building" chaos. Note that ZIRP has actually helped to calm things down a bit in recent years. Nothing stops chaos like nothing apparently. So here oil is, <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=ski">chugging along at the $100 level</a> looking for forward guidance. Perhaps it wants to believe that the global economy is robust, but it just isn't all that sure. Or perhaps that's just me talking as a permabear? (Hint: Oil can't actually believe anything. It's just a liquid. I may be a permabear, but I'm not entirely crazy, lol. Sigh.)<br /><br /><b>November 22, 2002</b><br /><a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/speeches/2002/20021121/">Deflation: Making Sure "It" Doesn't Happen Here</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>What has this got to do with monetary policy? Like gold, U.S. dollars have value only to the extent that they are strictly limited in supply. But the U.S. government has a technology, called a printing press (or, today, its electronic equivalent), that allows it to produce as many U.S. dollars as it wishes at essentially no cost. By increasing the number of U.S. dollars in circulation, or even by credibly threatening to do so,<span style="color: red;"> the U.S. government can also reduce the value of a dollar in terms of goods and services</span>, which is equivalent to raising the prices in dollars of those goods and services. We conclude that, under a paper-money system, <span style="color: red;">a determined government can always generate higher spending and hence positive inflation</span>.</i></div><br />You will note that Bernanke did not mention wages or salaries in that paragraph, nor anywhere else in his speech for that matter. Perhaps the Fed's ability to decrease the value of a dollar is at best like a blunt hammer, and not a surgical instrument.<br /><br />It would also seem that our government is not all that determined to generate higher spending at a level that could guarantee positive inflation (much like Japan since their housing bust in the early 1990s). Perhaps $100 oil, <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skk">massive debt relative to disposable personal income</a>, and <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/167375/congressional-job-approval-february.aspx">a congressional approval rating of just 12%</a> has something to do with it. Go figure.<br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="color: red;">First, as you know, Japan's economy faces some significant barriers to growth besides deflation, including massive financial problems in the banking and corporate sectors and a large overhang of government debt.</span> Plausibly, private-sector financial problems have muted the effects of the monetary policies that have been tried in Japan, even as <span style="color: red;">the heavy overhang of government debt has made Japanese policymakers more reluctant to use aggressive fiscal policies</span> (for evidence see, for example, Posen, 1998). <span style="color: red;">Fortunately, the U.S. economy does not share these problems,</span> at least not to anything like the same degree, suggesting that anti-deflationary monetary and fiscal policies would be more potent here than they have been in Japan.</i></div><br />That was then, this is now.<br /><br />I know not with what weapons Great Recession III will be fought, but Great Recession IV will be fought with sticks and stones. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/14977-i-know-not-with-what-weapons-world-war-iii-will">Sigh.</a><br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skg">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart #1</a><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=skh">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart #2</a>

Deflation: Making Sure "It" Happens Here?

The following chart shows the natural log of annual change in the CPI less food and energy. When using logs, exponential growth (or in this ...

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Photos from Rihanna's 26th birthday party

<h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxfrgog3GzQJ8cHTawSC3ObUDaQxzdD0cDU9mVfU3Gg1oPjmXnQwVrm-d5zhL0EAt40FejbpRmadfpcxZqXKrxFkFi0tDXnvXNMy_zxi-IIgniwinctEZ6dNlZW2jl95EBMpS8FgJXKY/s1600/25ad86b69a7011e3a47812f9925f2146_8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR7QBLobAGyoRb1uWkM-P8_piYmavKTiy2qHECZ2N6lzeUeZOgDWFu_w4iejWnW9YNjH4BITBc4HK_tygDI7CGGUT3xNqFEmmKv7U69oUG9pojj5rXlStOqnWSxFBycVRAy5kf_y54bM/s1600/f7c06d869a6f11e3bb781213dc211ba7_8.jpg" /></div>Rihanna turned 26 today February 20th and had an intimate private birthday celebration with friends in Aspen, Colorado. She posted some photos on her instagram page. Check on them after the cut...<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFRAzAEyMc-CpOYFfMCfY4VfSUxnsGZSa6xJus4KelWrMhMQ1QJr8PlfMsabrdrvU6wG9y2E9lsj3LSaCfOHj4jtrxgZPyMXtk5DnLlupdgiSmRVLT6aeBqnzfVMaC-UDRNlLDJio8C0/s1600/7a5143329a7611e3915612c9c4c5bed5_8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QUdA2hvUWKegbnrEbRHVw_-_tw_ynrMVX9xbi_oCBr3e7ek_S1c6Zv3GoGZYve9SVBDs_t_810TLS9tHrUMzJnHt8D98JXgYS1rdo4A5tfkdSqLqLUbftfm7ulp319aR5YBcoO4ZDr0/s1600/660258973278326109_25945306.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkyzBuDWfBNIapHbpB0vXcscxkViV7A_pUreSLuDJc4aisgoY6z9RzhunJ_OU2TR4tBftw9bvRVl_TQShs3_cRJJ_d63SgqjWQboV81lEiCwoGgj1QFUlFTIRLyPsPJB6IIQ_IoRd0s/s1600/48a830ea9a6f11e39a0512fb41973d49_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkyzBuDWfBNIapHbpB0vXcscxkViV7A_pUreSLuDJc4aisgoY6z9RzhunJ_OU2TR4tBftw9bvRVl_TQShs3_cRJJ_d63SgqjWQboV81lEiCwoGgj1QFUlFTIRLyPsPJB6IIQ_IoRd0s/s1600/48a830ea9a6f11e39a0512fb41973d49_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_k8CxwTmzuWNau_iujO0qn7tsboYu3m6Ulc58iCtOPhjidT8CfcZrKt8ayosdJmfRIQ8-pX_-k9QK2VabXIRmE6U-ZdEhY-79ygBuJreNgTVxAHHHL93Dh-jpEQLKhyphenhyphenmuF-D6taWH-M/s1600/85d752de988011e382bb120918532a2a_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_k8CxwTmzuWNau_iujO0qn7tsboYu3m6Ulc58iCtOPhjidT8CfcZrKt8ayosdJmfRIQ8-pX_-k9QK2VabXIRmE6U-ZdEhY-79ygBuJreNgTVxAHHHL93Dh-jpEQLKhyphenhyphenmuF-D6taWH-M/s1600/85d752de988011e382bb120918532a2a_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRIKNPrvHpYey-1DK7MFY6ahgXllaAJ5sLCubxw9RTq0NxkTTcBlaQrER1C11-aY2YcIx7BGNi7879DvvwdzCwcIM6bxnKnwI49ZToCOf0iZY65DLr73CZj8Lz0-klGt_pM60v6IstaI/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRIKNPrvHpYey-1DK7MFY6ahgXllaAJ5sLCubxw9RTq0NxkTTcBlaQrER1C11-aY2YcIx7BGNi7879DvvwdzCwcIM6bxnKnwI49ZToCOf0iZY65DLr73CZj8Lz0-klGt_pM60v6IstaI/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></div>

Photos from Rihanna's 26th birthday party

Rihanna turned 26 today February 20th and had an intimate private birthday celebration with friends in Aspen, Colorado. She posted some p...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 20, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QDkiRrh1erc" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Violence in Ukraine Creates Deepening Clash Between East and West -- Steven Lee Myers, New York Times</span></b></div><br />MOSCOW — The two sides in what is developing into an East-West clash over Ukraine hardened their positions on Wednesday, with Russian officials denouncing what they called a coup by right-wing extremists, even as the United States and Europe threatened to impose sanctions on those responsible for the violence that has erupted in the capital, Kiev, and spread to other cities.<br /><br />The starkly divergent reactions underscored the deepening confrontation between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s fate, with each side accusing the other of interference and disputing even the facts of what was happening.<br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/europe/violence-in-ukraine-creates-deepening-clash-between-east-and-west.html"><br />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.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/dark-days-in-kiev-9142042.html">Dark days in Kiev</a> -- Independent editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/roots-consequences-ukraine-39-violence-154736768.html">Roots and consequences of Ukraine's violence</a> -- Vladimir Isachenkov and Maria Danilova, AP<br /><br /><a href="http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/20/zakaria-very-little-the-u-s-can-do-on-ukraine/?hpt=hp_bn2">Very little the U.S. can do on Ukraine</a> -- Fareed Zakaria, CNN<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2014/02/20/are-the-us-and-eu-right-to-impose-sanctions-on-ukraine">Are the U.S. and EU Right to Impose Sanctions on Ukraine?</a> -- Teresa Welsh, US News and World Report<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/02/20/218846/amid-unrest-ukraine-also-a-winter.html">Amid unrest, Ukraine also a Winter Games bidder</a> -- William Douglas, McClatchy Foreign Staff<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26277562">Syria conflict: Nothing is ever easy at the UN</a> -- Nick Bryant, BBC<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/obama-administration-is-botching-iran-nuke-talks/">Obama Administration is Botching Iran Nuke Talks</a> -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/19/3946931/the-thugs-in-n-korea.html">The thugs in N. Korea</a> -- Miami Herald editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/troubled-waters-indonesias-growing-maritime-disputes/">Troubled Waters: Indonesia’s Growing Maritime Disputes</a> -- Scott Cheney-Peters, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/20/brazil_looks_outward_cautiously.html">Brazil Looks Outward, Cautiously </a>-- Tim Ridout, Real Clear World<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-qa/">Venezuela: What's the crisis about?</a> -- Faith Karimi and Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN <br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2014/0220/Will-Venezuela-s-protests-fizzle-out">Will Venezuela's protests fizzle out?</a> -- Andrew Rosati, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/venezuelas-neighbors-have-to-work-to-stem-the-chaos/2014/02/18/f0fedae0-98cc-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Venezuela’s neighbors have to work to stem the chaos</a> -- Washington Post editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/19/from-kabul-to-kiev/">From Kabul to Kiev </a>-- Seth Mandel, Commentary

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 20, 2014

Violence in Ukraine Creates Deepening Clash Between East and West -- Steven Lee Myers, New York Times MOSCOW — The two sides in what is deve...

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World News Briefs -- February 20, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS" height="259" id="rcomVideo_280447334" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="460"> <param name='movie' value='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.reuters.com/resources_v2/flash/video_embed.swf?videoId=280447334&edition=BETAUS' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' width='460' height='259' wmode='transparent'></embed> </object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Harrowing Footage Emerges Of UNARMED Protesters Being Cut Down By Sniper Fire On A Day Of Violence In Kiev That Has Brought Today's Death Toll To At Least 70 -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Ukrainian Health Ministry said 88 police, six journalists and four foreigners were among those hospitalised<br />* Ukraine's Interior ministry says 67 police troops have been captured by protesters in Kiev<br />* At least 50 people have died in clashes in Kiev that came just days after the crisis in the Ukraine seemed to be over<br />* President Barack Obama condemned violence, warning 'there will be consequences' for Ukraine if it continues<br />* Several thousand protesters remained on Independence Square in Kiev and clashed with police on Thursday<br />* Ukrainian skier Bogdana Matsotska will not take part in Friday's women's slalom in protest at Ukraine government<br /><br />Tossing firebombs, protesters advanced upon police lines Thursday in Ukraine's embattled capital. Government snipers shot back, killing at least 70 people and wounding hundreds of others, according to a protest doctor.<br /><br />Video footage on Ukrainian television showed shocking scenes today of protesters being cut down by gunfire, lying on the pavement as comrades rushed to their aid. Trying to protect themselves with shields, teams of protesters carried bodies away on sheets of plastic or planks of wood.<br /><br />One of the wounded, volunteer medic Olesya Zhukovskaya, sent out a brief Twitter message - 'I'm dying' - after being shot in the neck. Dr Oleh Musiy, the medical coordinator for the protesters, said she was in serious condition after being operated on.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2563609/Truce-Kiev-collapses-hours-official-day-mourning-28-people-killed-protests-erupts-violence.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Rebels' grip on border region weakens <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rebels-39-grip-border-region-weakens-under-syrian-110005647.html">under Syrian Army assault</a></b>.<br /><br />U.N. Syria aid vote likely Friday, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-syria-crisis-russia-aid-idUSBREA1J08420140220">Russia or China support unclear</a></b>.<br /><br />Mortar attack on crowded market <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/mortar-attack-crowded-market-iraqi-town-kills-20-174017965.html">in Iraqi town kills 20.</a></b><br /><br />World powers and Iran make 'good start' <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-iran-nuclear-idUSBREA1H0S620140220">towards nuclear accord</a></b>. EU: Next Iran nuclear talks <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-agreement-reached-on-further-nuclear-talks/1855289.html">to be held March 17</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia FM talks weapons, Syria <b><a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-20/247940-russias-lavrov-says-us-syria-policy-aids-terrorism.ashx#axzz2tsM7fGXR">during Iraq visit</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry 'determined' to get<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/kerry-39-determined-39-middle-east-peace-deal-193120492.html"> Middle East peace deal</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry to meet Abbas again <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-to-meet-abbas-again-in-peace-talk-push/1855326.html">in peace talk push</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey's embattled Erdogan seeks <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-turkey-government-idUSBREA1J0S820140220">wider powers for spy agency</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />New highly radioactive leak at <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/highly-radioactive-leak-japan-39-fukushima-plant-045324842--finance.html">Japan's Fukushima plant</a></b>.<br /><br />NATO head: Afghan security pact <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nato-head-afghan-security-pact-elections-205133498.html">after elections.</a></b><br /><br />Afghanistan troop cuts will likely lead to Taliban surge,<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/afghanistan-troop-cuts-taliban-surge-pentagon-study"> study warns</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan Taliban repudiates hoped-for <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-afghanistan-taliban-idUSBREA1I1CS20140219">olive branch to government</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistani military airstrikes<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/pakistan-violence/"> targeting militants kill 15</a></b>. Pakistan bombs<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/pakistan-army-bombs-militant-targets/1855431.html"> militant targets</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai protesters take to Facebook to <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1J0BM20140220">target businesses linked to PM</a></b>.<br /><br />Indian government clashes with southern state <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-india-gandhi-idUSBREA1J0Z520140220">over Gandhi killers</a></b>. Rajiv Gandhi murder: India court <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26269476">suspends plotters' release.</a></b><br /><br />Nationalistic remarks from Japan lead <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/world/asia/nationalistic-remarks-from-japan-lead-to-warnings-of-chill-with-us.html?ref=world">to warnings of chill with U.S.</a></b>.<br /><br />China aims for Nanjing's history <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-china-japan-nanjing-idUSBREA1J0SZ20140220">to speak loudly on Japan</a></b>.<br /><br />North and South Koreans <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26252563">hold rare family reunions</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />UN chief urges deployment of <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/un-chief-urges-deployment-3-000-extra-troops-204539636.html">3,000 extra troops to CAR.</a></b><br /><br />Congo security forces scatter <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/congo-security-forces-scatter-attempted-rally-kabila-rival-183254666.html">attempted rally by Kabila rival</a></b>.<br /><br />Feeble turnout by Libyan voters points<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/feeble-turnout-libyan-voters-points-deep-disillusionment-210413158.html"> to deep disillusionment</a></b>.<br /><br />115 killed, 1,500 buildings razed <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/115-killed-1-500-buildings-razed-nigerian-town-214848296.html">in Nigerian town.</a></b><br /><br />South Sudan oil state capital divided,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-southsudan-unrest-idUSBREA1J15S20140220"> crude output down</a></b>. South Sudan denies losing <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-denies-losing-malakal-town-to-rebels/1855063.html">‘Malakal Town’ to rebels.</a></b><br /><br />Ethiopia accused of using spyware <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/ethiopia-accused-of-using-spyware-against-citizens-living-abroad/1855312.html">against citizens living abroad</a></b>.<br /><br />France, Germany to send parts of<b><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140219/DEFREG01/302190033/France-Germany-Send-Parts-Joint-Brigade-Mali"> joint brigade To Mali.</a></b><br /><br />The Muslims of the Central African Republic<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/muslims-central-african-republic-face-deadly-purge-080003782.html"> face a deadly purge.</a></b><br /><br />Blasts shake five polling stations in Libya,<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-libya-vote-blasts-idUSBREA1J0W020140220"> no one hurt</a></b>. Libyans vote for constitution body <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-libya-vote-idUSBREA1J0ZP20140220">amid bombs, tensions.</a></b><br /><br />Nigeria central bank head <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26270561">Lamido Sanusi ousted</a></b>.<br /><br />Women bear brunt of South Sudan conflict,<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-un-women-rape-unrest-violence/1855125.html"> UN official says</a></b>.<br /><br />184 million Africans <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/malaria-risk-20feb14/1855382.html">at risk for malaria</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Ukraine <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26269221">truce collapses: Live</a></b><br /><br />EU hits Ukraine with sanctions, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-eu-idUSBREA1J1WW20140220">threatens more</a></b>.<br /><br />EU seeks peace as <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140220">Ukraine death toll hits 75</a></b>. Medic: 70 protesters killed, <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/medic-70-protesters-killed-500-wounded-kiev-173145105.html">500 wounded in Kiev</a></b>.<br /><br />Deadly violence <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/clone.of.deadly-violence-shatters-ukraine-truce-20.html">shatters Ukraine truce</a></b>.<br /><br />Kiev mayor quits ruling party <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140220/187724983/Kiev-Mayor-Quits-Ruling-Party-Amid-Deadly-Clashes.html">amid deadly clashes</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia calls Western sanctions against <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-russia-sanctions-idUSBREA1J0T820140220">Ukraine officials 'blackmail'</a></b>.'Don't be doormat' <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-russia-signal-idUSBREA1J0Y820140220">Russia warns cash-starved Kiev</a></b>.<br /><br />Basque separatists Eta set to take historic step<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/basque-separatist-eta-historic-weapons-mariano-rajoy"> by handing over weapons</a></b>.<br /><br />Less than a third of Scots plan to <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2014/02/19/world/europe/19reuters-scotland-independence-poll.html?ref=world">vote for independence: Poll</a></b>.<br /><br />Russians split on <b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140218/187653530/Russians-Split-on-Military-Draft--Survey.html">military draft – survey</a></b>.<br /><br />Pope tells cardinals to tackle divisive <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-pope-family-debate-idUSBREA1J0VD20140220">family issues with courage</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />White House considers sanctions on Ukraine <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/rferl-ukraine-protesters-police-in-tense-standoff-after-deadly-clashes/1854693.html">as EU talks continue</a></b>. Obama under pressure to wield more <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/20/obama-under-pressure-to-bring-more-than-rhetoric-to-ukraine-crisis/">than 'rhetoric' in Ukraine crisis</a></b>.<br /><br />Number of US farms declines,<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/number-us-farms-declines-farmers-getting-older-182609347--politics.html;_ylt=AwrBJR9tSgZTHlsAuEHQtDMD"> farmers getting older.</a></b><br /><br />Obama, Canadian and Mexican leaders wrap up one day summit,<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-canadian-and-mexican-leaders-wrap-up-one-day-summit-discuss-ukraine/1855288.html"> discuss Ukraine</a></b>.<br /><br />Murder charges against Venezuela <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/americas/venezuela-protests/">opposition leader dropped</a></b>. Jailed leader channels <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/jailed-leader-channels-venezuelans-ire/2014/02/19/d4eb20ee-997f-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Venezuelans’ ire.</a></b> Venezuelan opposition leader Lopez <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26263274">'to stay in custody'</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela's violent crime<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-39-violent-crime-fuels-death-business-100517869.html"> fuels the death business</a></b>.<br /><br />Colombia's 'zero tolerance' for corruption <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/colombia-39-39-zero-tolerance-39-corruption-spurs-182852506.html">spurs major Army shakeup</a></b>.<br /><br />Panama Canal expansion work to resume <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-spain-panama-idUSBREA1J18020140220">after deal with consortium</a></b>.<br /><br />Argentina tries to delay <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26225135">$1.3bn repayment to creditors</a></b>.<br /><br />Mexico’s drug cartels are standing in the way <b><a href="http://qz.com/178986/mexicos-drug-cartels-are-standing-in-the-way-of-a-fracking-bonanza/">of a fracking bonanza</a></b>.<br /><br />Record U.S. gun production as <b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-20/record-u-s-gun-production-as-obama-demonized-on-issue.html">Obama ‘demonized’ on issue</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Report demands US probe<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/new-report-urges-us-probe-yemen-drone-strike-2014219222512481454.html"> Yemen drone strike</a></b>.<br /><br />US warns airlines of <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/us-warns-airlines-of-possible-shoe-bomb-threat/1855223.html">possible shoe bomb threat</a></b>.<br /><br />Bulgaria says identified third suspect <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-bulgaria-bombing-suspect-idUSBREA1J0NJ20140220">in Burgas bus bombing</a></b>.<br /><br />Guantanamo prisoner <b><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-20/guantanamo-prisoner-goes-before-military-tribunal">pleads guilty in bombing</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />G20 has failed to fulfil its promise of <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/g20-economy-promise-failure-crisis">collaboration amid hostility.</a></b><br /><br />Apple Contractor Foxconn seeks wider reach<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/apple-contractor-foxconn-seeks-wider-reach-after-china-flaps/1855273.html"> after China flaps</a></b>.<br /><br />Facebook to pay <b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304914204579393452029288302?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304914204579393452029288302.html">$19 billion for WhatsApp</a></b>.<br /><br />Wal-Mart reports fall <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26274055">in quarterly profits</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 20, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Harrowing Footage Emerges Of UNARMED Protesters Being Cut Down By Sniper Fire On A Day Of Violence In Kiev That Has Brought Today's De...

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