Can You Spot The Sniper?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/76D7pEmbsUQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can You Spot The Sniper? Photographer's Amazing Images Of Elite Troops' Camouflage Techniques (Hint: They Look A Lot Like A Rock) -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />A successful sniper has to be good at two things: shooting a rifle and blending in with their surroundings, as to not be seen by the intended target.<br /><br />As German artist Simon Menner recently found out, military snipers are incredibly skilled at the latter - often blending into their surroundings so well that they can't be seen even if you know where to look.<br /><br />Menner recently was granted permission to photograph German Army snipers as they blended into several landscapes. What he captured on film was the incredible way in which these snipers can make themselves nearly invisible to the naked eye - even in broad daylight.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561773/Spot-snipers-artists-amazing-collection-photos-hidden-gunmen-blending-various-landscapes.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Wow .... they are good.

Can You Spot The Sniper?

Can You Spot The Sniper? Photographer's Amazing Images Of Elite Troops' Camouflage Techniques (Hint: They Look A Lot Like A Rock) --...

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Should The U.S. Negotiate With The `Devil`?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc03zHuDXwACR9VPkOMvd8aWiCMXe8Lv169NOeP0-GP_N7UDOObYMslO74dQr-1u8KH0JjV0-fHZOjx_QuY12QC5FmfCW-iKGc03k_nprqB5yljqzYtc0LudUSf7TTMOKYFwzQjFUSyqCo/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc03zHuDXwACR9VPkOMvd8aWiCMXe8Lv169NOeP0-GP_N7UDOObYMslO74dQr-1u8KH0JjV0-fHZOjx_QuY12QC5FmfCW-iKGc03k_nprqB5yljqzYtc0LudUSf7TTMOKYFwzQjFUSyqCo/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The High Price Of Negotiating With Bad Guys -- Michael Rubin, Washington Post</b></span></div><br />It was during a 2007 Democratic primary debate that Sen. Barack Obama first declared “ridiculous” the idea that “not talking to countries is punishment to them.” Eighteen months later, with the world watching his historic inauguration, he reiterated his openness to dialogue with America’s enemies: “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”<br /><br />Since then, his administration has talked with North Korea and the Taliban, defied cynicism at home and abroad with efforts to jump-start ­Israeli-Palestinian talks , sought to bring Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood in from the cold, and, after 35 years, brought the United States and Iran to the verge of a nuclear deal. And retired American diplomats Thomas Pickering and Rob Malley — as well as Rachel Schneller, a State Department official who was on leave at the time — have met with Hamas, a terrorist group implicated in scores of bombings and suicide attacks in Israel.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-high-price-of-negotiating-with-bad-guys/2014/02/14/51a0fabe-933b-11e3-84e1-27626c5ef5fb_story.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I am skeptical that negotiating with an opponent who has not changed his fundamental beliefs and/or ideology would lead to a fruitful outcome. It is only when the other side has come to the realization that their goals can never be fulfilled and that a negotiated settlement will be in their interest is when progress is made .... and done usually very quickly. For this White House .... they are not focused on positioning the other side to realize that continuing a confrontation will result in their failure .... instead .... this White House is more focused on the process of bringing other parties to the table, and then hoping that their reasoning and persuasion will help change the other sides position.<br /><br />So far .... this approach has been a failure. But instead of changing strategy .... the White House and Secretary of State John Kerry are now doubling down in their disputes with Iran, Syria, Russia, China, etc. .... and hoping that they will "change their ways". My prediction .... this is going to fail spectacularly, and the end result will be to embolden America`s enemies to be more demanding and more resilient in their efforts .... while ignoring our protestations and objections.

Should The U.S. Negotiate With The `Devil`?

The High Price Of Negotiating With Bad Guys -- Michael Rubin, Washington Post It was during a 2007 Democratic primary debate that Sen. Barac...

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US Navy Warship Sent To The Sochi Olympics Runs Aground In Turkey

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGmB8W2EwGAc7LHjOjt8GNQlUNEEE9CNxsurdOGL_sPeAtz2FGiYicaF4tIkuhmnRyVyc3Ph07D1GpA3wllelPx6oWve29lMcVroCHDK7onfbpsDt6vJZfHzlTUHeKVdmzk69lQGpio6L/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGmB8W2EwGAc7LHjOjt8GNQlUNEEE9CNxsurdOGL_sPeAtz2FGiYicaF4tIkuhmnRyVyc3Ph07D1GpA3wllelPx6oWve29lMcVroCHDK7onfbpsDt6vJZfHzlTUHeKVdmzk69lQGpio6L/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">USS Taylor (FFG-50) leaving Mayport in January 2014. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Taylor_%28FFG-50%29_leaving_Mayport_in_January_2014.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Navy Ship On Olympics Duty Ran Aground -- ABC News</b></span></div><br />The frigate USS Taylor, one of two Navy ships assigned to the Black Sea during the Sochi Winter Olympics, briefly ran aground last week in a Turkish port where it had gone to refuel.<br /><br />There were no injuries in the incident which resulted in some damage to the ship’s propeller blades, but none to the ship’s hull. The ship remains in port as damage assessments continue.<br /><br />U.S. Naval Forces Europe confirms that the frigate is being inspected for damage after it ran around last Wednesday while preparing to moor in the northern Turkish port of Samsun which is 240 miles southwest of Sochi. The vessel was able to moor without further incident.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/02/us-navy-ship-on-olympics-duty-ran-aground/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Grounding Of The USS Taylor</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-taylor-being-inspected-after-running-aground-off-turkey-1.268360">USS Taylor being inspected after running aground off Turkey</a> -- Stars and Stripes<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140218-709037.html">USS Taylor, Deployed to Provide Olympic Security, Runs Aground</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g8WZvMaKdOUhU9b1axMmLOfiWPWA?docId=f0207d27-8ba4-430f-9b94-98bd43f72d20">US naval ship runs aground in Black Sea: Pentagon</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sochi-olympics/u-s-warship-runs-aground-black-sea-n32991">U.S. Warship Runs Aground in Black Sea</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/us-warship-runs-aground-en-route-sochi/">U.S. warship runs aground en route to Sochi </a>-- The Washington Times<br /><a href="http://host.madison.com/u-s-naval-ship-assigned-to-sochi-runs-aground-while/article_c80f3662-bb1a-53f1-9e7f-5c942c9376cc.html">U.S. Naval ship assigned to Sochi runs aground while refueling and is out of commission</a> -- Madison.com<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> There are some red faces in the U.S. Navy. This grounding occurred last week .... but we are only learning about it right now.

US Navy Warship Sent To The Sochi Olympics Runs Aground In Turkey

USS Taylor (FFG-50) leaving Mayport in January 2014. Wikipedia US Navy Ship On Olympics Duty Ran Aground -- ABC News The frigate USS Taylor,...

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Swiss Airbases Closed When Hijacked Plane Entered Swiss Airspace

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm0IJXdBgIRKgg5n-2vztEiwU46uUOHCroAFphQAtgiSYljQnO9-wb63rbldL2wHzv7Yh6QjNmTCAdIKZ8HimZa-IfLCln9f4E72lg1p7xAcq20h5wTPbbD9Ovb-PvsNpPhBNJoymKSpT/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm0IJXdBgIRKgg5n-2vztEiwU46uUOHCroAFphQAtgiSYljQnO9-wb63rbldL2wHzv7Yh6QjNmTCAdIKZ8HimZa-IfLCln9f4E72lg1p7xAcq20h5wTPbbD9Ovb-PvsNpPhBNJoymKSpT/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Swiss F/A-18 fighter jet.(Reuters / Ruben Sprich)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Swiss Jets Not Scrambled Over Hijacked Plane Because 'Airbases Closed At Night' -- RT</b></span></div><br />An incident with a highjacked Ethiopian passenger jet has exposed the Swiss Air Force’s inability to deal with threats in ‘off-duty’ hours. An emergency escort to the aircraft in distress was carried out by vigilant colleagues from Italy and France.<br /><br />Early on Monday morning, an Ethiopian Airlines co-pilot told ground control he had highjacked flight ET-702 from Addis Ababa to Rome and was going to land in Geneva. The Swiss Air Force was caught off guard and missed a rare opportunity to go on a real mission. It turned out that they were unable to scramble any jets because they only work during office hours! <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/swiss-fighters-office-hours-514/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Why The Swiss Air Force Did Not Scrambled When A Hijacked Plane Entered Their Airspace</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/18/ethiopian-air-def-response/">Italian and French jets escorted hijacked plane because Swiss AF was outside working hours</a> -- Aviationist<br /><a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-02-18/swiss-fighters-stay-ground-during-hijack">Swiss Fighters Stay On Ground During Hijack</a> -- AIN Online<br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/18/swiss-airforce-office-hours_n_4804151.html">Swiss Airforce Grounded During Hijacking Because It Was Outside Office Hours</a> -- Huffington Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-17/invading-switzerland-try-before-8-or-after-5.html">Invading Switzerland? Try Before 8 or After 5</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://inserbia.info/news/2014/02/swiss-air-force-cannot-intervene-in-off-duty-hours-spokesman/">Swiss Air Force cannot intervene in ‘off-duty’ hours – spokesman</a> -- inSerbia<br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/02/18/the_swiss_air_force_will_only_repel_invasions_during_office_hours.html">The Swiss Air Force Is Only Available During Office Hours</a> -- Slate<br /><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/02/17/hijacked-plane-went-unanswered-by-swiss-air-force-for-this-ridiculous-reason/">Hijacked Plane Went Unanswered By Swiss Air Force for This Ridiculous Reason</a> -- The Blaze

Swiss Airbases Closed When Hijacked Plane Entered Swiss Airspace

A Swiss F/A-18 fighter jet.(Reuters / Ruben Sprich) Swiss Jets Not Scrambled Over Hijacked Plane Because 'Airbases Closed At Night' ...

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Islamic Militias In Libya Threaten Parliament To Give Up Power While Deploying Forces In Tripoli

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEHg_Z8tBEoKtISv5BasvPoxYhJlf_IZgxEx3DrgOfAeQndZB66WgfjC6DFPjQQ-HkIS5IFP1gT4uPXLLkDlfYTU5-k4shhBh6b_7xRF0ftpgNderyvpGQPW4_I8LrnkYl_AciYmnbLiN/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEHg_Z8tBEoKtISv5BasvPoxYhJlf_IZgxEx3DrgOfAeQndZB66WgfjC6DFPjQQ-HkIS5IFP1gT4uPXLLkDlfYTU5-k4shhBh6b_7xRF0ftpgNderyvpGQPW4_I8LrnkYl_AciYmnbLiN/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The commanders of two former Libyan militia groups ordered the parliament to resolve within five hours or face kidnap. (<a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/02/18/Libya-s-Berber-militias-give-MPs-ultimatum-to-quit.html">Al Arabiya</a>) </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Libyan Militias Threaten Parliament, Deploy Forces In Tripoli -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />* Deadline passes but militias say their troops ready<br />* Assembly mandate expired earlier this month<br />* GNC president says army will defend its legitimacy<br /><br />TRIPOLI, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Two heavily armed Libyan militias demanded on Tuesday the country's parliament hand over power immediately in what the head of the assembly dismissed as an attempted coup that would be contested by the army if necessary.<br /><br />Tuesday's deadline of five hours from the statement issued by the al-Sawaiq and al-Qaqa militia brigades passed without incident but they said they had troops on standby to force the hand of the General National Congress (GNC).<br /><br /><b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/libya-idINL6N0LN4F520140218">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Growing Conflict Between Islamic Militias And The Libyan Government</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2014/02/18/libyan-militia-lawmakers-resign-risk-arrest/dCCIyeh49SYeXNLraoZf6K/story.html">Libyan militia to lawmakers: Resign or risk arrest</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/libyan-militias-tell-parliament-quit-2014218183343590535.html">Libyan militias tell parliament to quit</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140218/libya-mps-denounce-militia-ultimatum-coup-threat-1">Libya MPs denounce militia ultimatum as 'coup' threat</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=389921">Libya deploys army forces in Tripoli following threat </a>-- Turkish Press<br /><a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/02/18/Libya-s-Berber-militias-give-MPs-ultimatum-to-quit.html">U.N. moves to prevent force against Libyan MPs</a> -- Al Arabiya

Islamic Militias In Libya Threaten Parliament To Give Up Power While Deploying Forces In Tripoli

The commanders of two former Libyan militia groups ordered the parliament to resolve within five hours or face kidnap. ( Al Arabiya ) Libyan...

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Afghan Forces Are Proving To Be Surprisingly Effective

<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_140208-A-XP635-032c.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_140208-A-XP635-032c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. special forces soldiers assist Afghan security forces as they move toward insurgents who attacked them en route to their objective in the Gelan district in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, Feb. 8, 2014. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan. The combined forces cleared a village where the harassing fire originated, causing the insurgents to retreat. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. David Devich</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Afghan Forces Have Proved Surprisingly Effective -- Jim Michaels, USA Today </b></span></div><br />CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — It was a tactic that surprised the Americans almost as much as the Taliban.<br /><br />Afghan soldiers in two single-file columns picked their way through a minefield, got behind Taliban positions and launched their attack. The panicked insurgents were forced to flee through their own minefield, which was seeded with improvised explosives.<br /><br />The last-minute change was cooked up by the Afghans, reversing a plan earlier developed with U.S. advisers.<br /><br />"They completely fooled everyone," said British Army Col. Baz Bennett, the director of Afghan security force assistance in Regional Command Southwest, headquartered in Helmand province, a former Taliban stronghold. It worked, Bennett said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/15/afghan-helmand-coalition-leatherneck/5373981/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The problem has never been the Afghan Army .... granted that there are many `bad apples`.... but there are also many good soldiers. The problem in Afghanistan has always been the government and the culture of corruption that permeates much of it. If the focus was on fighting the Taliban and building up the country and not enriching themselves and their friends.... Afghanistan would not be in the mess that it is in today.

Afghan Forces Are Proving To Be Surprisingly Effective

U.S. special forces soldiers assist Afghan security forces as they move toward insurgents who attacked them en route to their objective in t...

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U.S. Tries To Revive The Afghan Peace Process

<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_hires_140211-F-BJ707-117a.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_hires_140211-F-BJ707-117a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">BAGRAM TAKE OFF</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off on a mission at dawn from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Gary J. Rihn </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U.S. Moves To Revive Stalled Afghan Peace Talks: Officials -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - The Obama administration is taking steps it hopes could lead to a resumption of peace talks to end the Afghan conflict, including reviving a proposed swap of Taliban detainees held at Guantanamo Bay in return for a U.S. prisoner of war.<br /><br />According to Western officials familiar with the matter, President Barack Obama's senior aides in late December resolved to renew attempts to arrange the prisoner exchange with the goal of jump-starting negotiations stalled since last June.<br /><br />The hope is that the exchange could open the door to more substantive peace talks on Afghanistan's future.<br /><br />Reuters has learned that, to further the initiative, U.S. officials also have held meetings with the government of Qatar, which has played a mediating role during several years of on-and-off peace efforts, officials said.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-afghanistan-usa-taliban-idUSBREA1H1QB20140218">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Talk about beating a dead horse .... bottom line .... the Taliban know that the U.S. are leaving .... so why have talks? This is a purely PR move on the part of the White House to placate those who are concerned on what is happening in Afghanistan.

U.S. Tries To Revive The Afghan Peace Process

BAGRAM TAKE OFF A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off on a mission at dawn from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 20...

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Kiev In Chaos As Police Storm Protest Camps - Live Updates

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y_LFrMcoEm4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Live Updates On The Ukrainian Crisis</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26244542">Ukrainian police storm Kiev protest camp: Live</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/">Fierce clashes in Kiev as new wave of unrest grips Ukraine: Live</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://live.reuters.com/event/world_news">World Coverage: Live</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/ukraine-police-storm-kiev-protest-camp-live-updates">Ukraine police storm Kiev protest camp – live updates</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/18/live-updates-ukraine-protesters-clash-with-police-near-parliament/">Ukraine: high tension in Kyiv as government deadline expires [Live updates</a>] -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/ukraine-protests-live-updates-armoured-3159677">Ukraine protests live updates</a> -- Mirror<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Just talked to my cousin who lives in Kiev .... as she sums it up .... there is now complete chaos and mayhem in the center of the city. It is right now 2:30AM in Kiev .... but no one is going to sleep. The official death toll is 18 dead, hundreds wounded .... but my cousin is telling me that the numbers are much higher. Her office is only 2-3 blocks away from the center of the clashes .... but she could not get there today .... it was just too dangerous with police snipers shooting indiscriminately. Her prediction for Wednesday is sobering .... it is going to worst. Her biggest worry .... this unrest is going to spread outside of Kiev to other cities and regions.

Kiev In Chaos As Police Storm Protest Camps - Live Updates

Live Updates On The Ukrainian Crisis Ukrainian police storm Kiev protest camp: Live -- BBC Fierce clashes in Kiev as new wave of unrest gri...

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Police Storm Protest Camp In Kiev Sparking Mass Riots -- News Roundup

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a4MuySa91Jc" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine President To Make Announcement After At Least 19 Die In Protests -- CNN</b></span></div><br />Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- Long-simmering tensions exploded anew in Ukraine as clashes between police and anti-government protesters left at least 19 people dead and the capital's central square afire into early Wednesday.<br /><br />President Viktor Yanukovych will address the nation after meeting with the opposition, Yanukovych's advisers told local media. The exact time for the address has not been announced.<br /><br />Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko went to Yanukovych's office for talks after hours of clashes Tuesday continued early Wednesday.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4z9loWULEv4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Police Crackdown In Kiev</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-police-rioters-chaos-616/">7 policemen among 18 killed in Ukraine riots as Kiev city center burns </a>-- RT<br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140219/187667144/Kiev-Descends-Into-Bloodshed-as-Crisis-Takes-Deadly-Turn.html">Kiev Descends Into Bloodshed as Crisis Takes Deadly Turn</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140219">Ukraine police charge protesters after nation's bloodiest day </a>-- Reuters<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/protesters-clash-police-ukraines-capital-22559751">Riot Police Move in Against Kiev Protest Camp</a> -- AP<br /><a href="http://www.france24.com/en/20140218-live-ukraine-kiev-protesters-killed-clashes-police/">Police launch assault on Kiev's Independence Square </a>-- France 24/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10647512/Ukraine-crisis-flames-and-stun-grenades-as-police-launch-all-out-assault-on-protesters-in-Kiev.html">Ukraine: at least 18 dead as police launch all-out assault on protesters</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/ukraine-protesters-clash-police-reform">Ukraine: protesters and police clash on worst day of Kiev bloodshed</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-18/ukraine-fighting-leaves-at-least-18-dead-as-kiev-barricades-burn">Ukraine Fighting Leaves at Least 18 Dead as Kiev Barricades Burn</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/ukrainian-police-storm-kyiv-protest-camp-18-dead/1854317.html">Ukrainian Police Storm Kyiv Protest Camp, 18 Dead</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukrainian-protest-camp-engulfed-in-flames-as-police-move-in/">Ukraine riot police try to clear protest camps amid fiery clashes</a> -- CBS<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/ukraine-police-crackdown-turns-deadly-2014218214712677855.html">Ukraine police crackdown turns deadly </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine-abroad/reuters-ukrainian-riot-police-charge-into-kyivs-square-337079.html">Ukrainian riot police charge into Kyiv's square</a> -- Kyiv Post<br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ukrainian-police-clash-protesters-near-parliament-095426764.html;_ylt=AwrBEiR84gNTbTgAPr7QtDMD">Four protesters killed in police assault on Kiev camp: opposition </a>-- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/white-house-urges-ukraine-government-to-de-escalate/1854233.html">Biden: US 'Gravely' Concerned by Ukraine Violence, Urges De-Escalation</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140219/187670497/White-House-Appalled-at-Ukraine-Violence-Urges-Restraint.html">White House ‘Appalled’ at Ukraine Violence, Urges Restraint</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/feb/18/ukraine-protests-return-to-violence-in-pictures">Ukraine protests return to violence - in pictures</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTX191ML#a">Protesters battle police in Kiev: Photo Gallery </a>-- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/22/world/gallery/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly</a> -- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/10646809/Ukraine-riots-in-pictures-Violent-scenes-in-Kiev-as-police-clash-with-protesters.html">In pictures: violent scenes in Kiev as police clash with protesters </a>-- The Telegraph

Police Storm Protest Camp In Kiev Sparking Mass Riots -- News Roundup

Ukraine President To Make Announcement After At Least 19 Die In Protests -- CNN Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- Long-simmering tensions exploded anew...

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War Returns To South Sudan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YneLukGEY4sPz0HV7u0sFxvnvOPd0ZQst-Fp7Z9FoX_xC-7yz5ovtC9Fojsy_IbdKLNr9mHRXCXDk9AKSrOKTO3r3qAtCSd1KyR-p2aPLvY825vMZtMAgBSlLtCMjo4jjkVDjLJAz0A7/s1600/us_postal_service_logo-325.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YneLukGEY4sPz0HV7u0sFxvnvOPd0ZQst-Fp7Z9FoX_xC-7yz5ovtC9Fojsy_IbdKLNr9mHRXCXDk9AKSrOKTO3r3qAtCSd1KyR-p2aPLvY825vMZtMAgBSlLtCMjo4jjkVDjLJAz0A7/s1600/us_postal_service_logo-325.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fighting erupted in the South Sudan capital, Juba, in mid-December. It followed a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his ex-deputy Riek Machar. The squabble has taken on an ethnic dimension as politicians' political bases are often ethnic.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>South Sudan Fighting Resumes Around Oil-Rich State’s Capital -- Bloomberg Businessweek</b></span></div><br />South Sudanese rebels and government forces fought for control of the capital of oil-rich Upper Nile state, the only region in the world’s newest nation that’s still producing crude two months after violence erupted.<br /><br />Both sides claimed control of the town of Malakal after fighting started yesterday in violation of a cease-fire they signed on Jan. 23 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.<br /><br />Fighting that started Dec. 15 has left thousands of people dead and forced at least 860,000 more to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. Yesterday’s clashes probably won’t derail peace talks that resumed last week, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth said in a interview in Addis Ababa. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-18/south-sudanese-army-says-rebels-attack-capital-of-oil-rich-state">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Return Of War To South Sudan</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/southsudan-unrest-idINDEEA1H0EB20140218">S.Sudan rebels say capture oil-producing state capital</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/140218/south-sudan-rebels-attack-key-oil-town-leaving-ceasefire-tatters">South Sudan rebels attack key oil town leaving ceasefire in tatters</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-unrest-oil-malakal-rebels-capture/1854000.html">Opposition Forces Capture Parts of South Sudan Oil Town</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/2/18/south-sudan-rebelssaytheyvecapturedcapitalofoilproducingstate.html">South Sudan rebels seize capital of oil-producing state</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2014/02/18/Fighting-erupts-again-in-South-Sudan/UPI-78301392731892/?spt=rln&or=1">Fighting erupts again in South Sudan</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304899704579390363079766106?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304899704579390363079766106.html">New Fighting Threatens South Sudan Oil</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.dw.de/rebels-strike-oil-center-in-south-sudan-breaching-ceasefire/a-17440209">Rebels strike oil center in South Sudan, breaching ceasefire </a>-- Deutsche Welle<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-government-rebels-trade-blame-for-renewed-violence/1853810.html">S. Sudan Government, Rebels Trade Blame for Violence</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201402181093.html">South Sudan Admits Mass Defection of its Army to Machar's Rebels </a>-- allAfrica.com/Sudan Tribune

War Returns To South Sudan

Fighting erupted in the South Sudan capital, Juba, in mid-December. It followed a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and ...

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U.S. Intelligence Chief Admits That The NSA Phone Tracking Program Should Have Been Made Public

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WX71cJNhbkU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spy Chief: We Should’ve Told You We Track Your Calls -- Eli Lake, Daily Beast</b></span></div><br />The U.S. government long considered its collection of Americans' call records to be a state secret. Now the Director of National Intelligence admits it would have been better if Washington had acknowledged the surveillance in the first place.<br /><br />Even the head of the U.S. intelligence community now believes that its collection and storage of millions of call records was kept too secret for too long.<br /><br />The American public and most members of Congress were kept in the dark for years about a secret U.S. program to collect and store such records of American citizens on a massive scale.The government’s legal interpretation of section 215 of the Patriot Act that granted the authority for this dragnet collection was itself a state secret.<br /><br />Then came Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked the court warrant authorizing the surveillance—along with troves of other top-secret documents. Since that first disclosure of the secret warrant, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has had to defend the government’s activities against a skeptical Congress and wary public.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/17/spy-chief-we-should-ve-told-you-we-track-your-calls.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The U.S. Intelligence Chief Admiting That The NSA Phone Tracking Program Should Have Been Made Public</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/us-intelligence-chief-nsa-open-bulk-phone-collection">US intelligence chief: NSA should have been more open about data collection</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562537/Director-national-intelligence-Phone-surveillance-not-shocking-NSA-come-clean-public-soon-9-11.html">Director of national intelligence: Phone surveillance would not have been 'shocking' if the NSA had come clean with the public soon after 9/11</a> -- Daily Mail<br /><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/198555-intelligence-chief-clapper-admits-nsa-metadata-program">Clapper admits NSA domestic spy program needed transparency</a> -- The Hill<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/18/5423094/intelligence-chief-says-nsa-should-have-been-transparent-about-mass">Intelligence chief says NSA should have been transparent about mass surveillance</a> -- The Verge<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2014/02/18/clapper_we_should_have_told_you_we_were_spying_on_you/">Clapper: We should have told you we were spying on you </a>-- Salon<br /><a href="http://inthecapital.streetwise.co/2014/02/18/intelligence-director-has-regrets-over-the-nsas-secret-surveillance-programs/">Intelligence Director Has Regrets Over the NSA's Secret Surveillance Programs </a>-- In The Capital<br /><a href="http://rt.com/usa/clapper-transparent-outset-surveillance-490/">Clapper admits NSA should have been ‘transparent from the outset’ on surveillance</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/dougschoen/2014/02/18/national-intelligence-director-finally-says-theyre-sorry-for-nsa-overstep-but-is-it-too-late/">National Intelligence Director Finally Says He's Sorry For NSA Overstep, But Is It Too Late?</a> -- Doug Schoen, Forbes

U.S. Intelligence Chief Admits That The NSA Phone Tracking Program Should Have Been Made Public

Spy Chief: We Should’ve Told You We Track Your Calls -- Eli Lake, Daily Beast The U.S. government long considered its collection of American...

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U.S. Trying To Arrange A Prisoner Swap With The Taliban

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1IfJuUhCaVo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U.S. Seeks Prisoner Swap With Taliban To Free Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl -- Washington Post</b></span></div><br />In an effort to free American captive Bowe Bergdahl before the bulk of U.S. forces leave Afghanistan this year, the Obama administration has decided to try to resume talks with the Taliban and sweeten an offer to trade Taliban prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the Army sergeant, current and former officials said.<br /><br />Five members of the Afghan Taliban who have been held at Guantanamo for years would be released to protective custody in Qatar in exchange for the release of Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan in 2009 and is thought to be held in Pakistan by the Haqqani network, an allied insurgent group.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-seeks-prisoner-swap-with-taliban-to-free-army-sgt-bowe-bergdahl/2014/02/17/f142ed50-9590-11e3-afce-3e7c922ef31e_story.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Reports That The U.S. Is Trying To Arrange A Prisoner Swap With The Taliban</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303945704579391513156752246?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303945704579391513156752246.html">U.S. Open to Talking to Taliban About Captive</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/02/u-s-may-swap-prisoners-to-gain-capitive-soldiers-release/">U.S. May Swap Prisoners to Gain Captive Soldier’s Release</a> -- ABC News<br /><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140218/us-seek-soldiers-freedom-taliban-prisoner-swap-0">US to seek soldier's freedom via Taliban prisoner swap</a> -- Global Post/AFP<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/18/us-reportedly-weighing-prisoner-swap-with-taliban-to-free-american-pow/">Administration reportedly seeks prisoner swap with Taliban to free American POW</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://rt.com/usa/us-swap-prisoners-taliban-afghanistan-586/">US wants to swap prisoners with Taliban before Afghan exit</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/captured-us-soldiers-family-cautiously-optimistic/2014/02/18/845a316c-98d3-11e3-b1de-e666d78c3937_story.html">Captured US soldier’s family cautiously optimistic</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/politics/bergdahl-negotiate/">Principles collide in captive soldier's case</a> -- Matt Smith and Barbara Starr, CNN<br /><br /><b>Update</b>: <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/198628-wh-no-active-negotiations-with-taliban">No 'active negotiations' with Taliban </a>-- The Hill

U.S. Trying To Arrange A Prisoner Swap With The Taliban

U.S. Seeks Prisoner Swap With Taliban To Free Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl -- Washington Post In an effort to free American captive Bowe Bergdahl...

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Wall Street Shows Curious 666 Sign of Occultic Numerology

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">*****666 STOCK MARKET ALERT***** </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">TVIX closes at $6.66</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is the TVIX? </span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwNX4XTzDU4RrjzUllGqFO_vWaW0FQ0bYB73g40KsX_UDIqQrKzvlOT2_lhhmCj5zuaW4AI1Ot8rhnZXnVmcXMy50aXgviSpdseahRbx5F7qUN1NJudhqxByG_rj1bM-nq-WtszhPR4Q/s1600/666_TVIX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwNX4XTzDU4RrjzUllGqFO_vWaW0FQ0bYB73g40KsX_UDIqQrKzvlOT2_lhhmCj5zuaW4AI1Ot8rhnZXnVmcXMy50aXgviSpdseahRbx5F7qUN1NJudhqxByG_rj1bM-nq-WtszhPR4Q/s1600/666_TVIX.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> VelocityShares Daily 2X VIX Short Term ETN</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Did George Soros buy the TVIX?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It is rather stunning that we hear George Soros is shorting the S&P500 and even more curious I noticed that one of the funds that trade at 2 times the rate of the VIX VOLATILITY INDEX closed the day at $6.66.  Is that a coincidence?  Or is that a sign of what's to come in the markets very soon?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Many investors are trusting the Federal Reserve to continue moving the market higher and reach the anniversary date of March 6, 2014 making this the second longest bull market for the last eight years.   However for some reason we have bankers committing suicide, missing, and dying and all manner of growing concerns of a global systemic crash.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why is 666 to be noted? </b></span> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b><b>It is important to remember that the S&P500 fell to 666 on Mar 6, 2009.  It's also important to note that that anniversary date is approaching.  And I haven't heard any mention of this but some of us are not ignorant of Satan's devices.  Is this a coincidence?</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBj81X7fTBBtccJTeCrG1KsGOvEPHiMVQhXJSHLUGV61Xl8T7FnyTBMH36irmaw4LCXfzr40qt-sr6Dvx6vuJn3w1Ae4Q8Ps-at__t_nGt9CD776Aa8YiKZwO4CWiUhFWEdfgGTM52jM/s1600/666_S&P.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBj81X7fTBBtccJTeCrG1KsGOvEPHiMVQhXJSHLUGV61Xl8T7FnyTBMH36irmaw4LCXfzr40qt-sr6Dvx6vuJn3w1Ae4Q8Ps-at__t_nGt9CD776Aa8YiKZwO4CWiUhFWEdfgGTM52jM/s1600/666_S&P.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">All eyes on the TVIX at $6.66</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The TVIX like the VXX, UVXY, and the raw VIX VOLATILITY INDEX is all being closely monitored by traders and perhaps even by the elite like George Soros who are certainly "in the know."  Do you think this might be the working of Satan?</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>WATCH THE CHART BELOW:</b></div><br /><br /><!-- Start FreeStockCharts.com Chart Widget --> <br /><div align="center" width="100%"><iframe frameborder="0" height="390" scrolling="no" src="http://widgets.freestockcharts.com/WidgetServer/InteractiveChartWidget.aspx?guid=3cca139a-b6af-4aea-859f-05bab9b3ca80&w=500&h=390" style="border: none;" width="500"></iframe></div><!-- End FreeStockCharts.com Chart Widget --> <br /><b>...developing... </b>

Wall Street Shows Curious 666 Sign of Occultic Numerology

*****666 STOCK MARKET ALERT***** TVIX closes at $6.66 What is the TVIX?   VelocityShares Daily 2X VIX Short Term ETN Did George Soros buy th...

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 18, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ykmPDMnTm9k" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Losing Ukraine -- Max Boot, Commentary </b></span></div><br />The battle for Ukraine has resumed, more violently than ever. Riot police, assisted by “young men in jeans wearing medical masks and carrying pipes and baseball bats,” have broken through barricades in Kiev’s Independence Square. Demonstrators armed with rocks and Molotov cocktails are fighting back and preliminary reports are that at least nine people (seven demonstrators, two police officers) have been killed. Clouds of black smoke are said to be rising over the parliament building, the result of tires set alight by anti-government protesters.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/18/losing-ukraine/">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.washingtonpost.com/opinions/michael-gerson-the-despair-of-syrias-refugees/2014/02/17/43294b50-97fd-11e3-afce-3e7c922ef31e_story.html">Syria’s refugees despair while the world is indifferent</a> -- Michael Gerson, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/defence-and-security-blog/2014/feb/17/syria-islamists-terrorists">Extremist threat from Syria - real or exaggerated? </a>-- Richard Norton-Taylor, The Guardian<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2014/02/18/iran-bait-and-switch/">Iran bait-and-switch</a> -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/02/north-koreas-horrors-as-shown-by-one-defectors-drawings/283899/">North Korea's Horrors, as Shown by One Defector's Drawings </a>-- Matt Ford, The Atlantic<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-18/can-china-teach-north-korea-to-play-nice-.html">Can China Teach North Korea to Play Nice?</a> -- Bloomberg editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/qanda-about-the-afghanistan-prisoner-release/2014/02/13/c313e48e-94e6-11e3-b46a-5a3d0d2130da_story.html">Q&A about the Afghanistan prisoner release </a>-- Ernesto Londoño, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jackson-diehl-japans-provocative-moves/2014/02/16/142b22e4-9599-11e3-afce-3e7c922ef31e_story.html">Japan’s provocative moves</a> -- Jackson Diehl, Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/18/opinion/as-genocide-looms.html?ref=opinion&_r=0">Central African Republic: As Genocide Looms</a> -- New York Times editorial<br /><br /><a href="http://lightbox.time.com/2014/02/17/fabio-bucciarelli-south-sudan/#1">On the Brink of an Abyss: Fabio Bucciarelli in South Sudan</a> -- Fabio Bucciarelli, Time<br /><br /><a href="http://american.com/archive/2014/february/for-venezuelan-regime-the-partys-over">For Venezuelan Regime, the Party’s Over</a> -- Roger F. Noriega, The American<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/17/opinion/frum-venezuela-chavismo-in-trouble/">Will Venezuela abandon Chavismo? </a>-- David Frum, CNN Contributor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2014/0218/What-s-going-on-in-Venezuela">What's going on in Venezuela?</a> -- Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/02/18/the_american_publics_indifference_to_foreign_affairs.html">Americans Aren't Interested in the World's Problems</a> -- George Friedman, Real Clear World/Stratfor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-02-18/china-sells-second-largest-amount-us-treasurys-december-and-guess-who-comes-rescue">China Sold Second-Largest Amount Ever Of US Treasury In December: And Guess Who Comes To The Rescue</a> -- Zero Hedge<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/18/is-al-qaeda-aiding-bashar-al-assad.html">Is Al Qaeda Aiding Bashar Al-Assad?</a> -- Jamie Dettmer, Daily Beast

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 18, 2014

Losing Ukraine -- Max Boot, Commentary The battle for Ukraine has resumed, more violently than ever. Riot police, assisted by “young men in ...

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$1,400 GOLD coming quickly

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A relatively quiet GOLD RUSH is on!</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mainstream media is hush... </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-GNpuNVTqS31yXulnrmroNAyk5wMCWJ8p5CJ4lZbS9smToLRkHfd7wVLdFmjvWL9KSB_Xy7BSIa2CA_lUtDHYRFmMsl1h4yZz1Yx-bmnvo5CNmby5NiLNCLdnVYNSmPo_uEe_Rvmvdo/s1600/GOLDEagleCOINS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-GNpuNVTqS31yXulnrmroNAyk5wMCWJ8p5CJ4lZbS9smToLRkHfd7wVLdFmjvWL9KSB_Xy7BSIa2CA_lUtDHYRFmMsl1h4yZz1Yx-bmnvo5CNmby5NiLNCLdnVYNSmPo_uEe_Rvmvdo/s1600/GOLDEagleCOINS.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And hardly anyone is taking notice</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smart money is buying GOLD </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The way this is happening is unlike ever before and The News UNIT is closely monitoring the situation because this time there are some new developments that make for some serious concern with regard to anyone's financial solvency.  All interests should LISTEN TO THIS FULL REPORT to get some background information on what has been going on in the world banking system:</b><br /><b><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/steve-quayle-and-v-guerilla-economist.html" style="color: red;">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2014/02/steve-quayle-and-v-guerilla-economist.html</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In the video below Kitco is reporting on strong expectations for $1,400 gold.  Gold already is selling for $1,400 and higher per ounce.  Any questions?   </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/N7lNu83v2Ac?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing... </b></div>

$1,400 GOLD coming quickly

A relatively quiet GOLD RUSH is on! Mainstream media is hush... And hardly anyone is taking notice Smart money is buying GOLD The way this i...

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World News Briefs -- February 18, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ic7Ovjtavw4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7 Policemen Among 18 Killed In Ukraine Riots As Kiev City Center Burns -- RT</b></span></div><br />At least 18 people have been killed in Kiev as the Ukrainian capital plunges back into chaos. Rioters have attacked police, seized buildings, torched vehicles, and burned tires. Seven policemen are among the dead, all of whom died from gunshot wounds.<br /><br />At least 11 protesters died in the riots, according to local officials. “As of 11 pm local time 221 people have sought medical attention, 114 of them were hospitalized. There were 11 fatalities,” Ukraine’s Health Ministry said in a statement. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-police-rioters-chaos-616/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Syrian media says army regains control of village where rebels <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/syrian-media-says-army-regains-control-village-where-rebels-accused-killing/">accused of killing Alawites</a></b>. Syria army captures village<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/syria-army-captures-village-hama-province-201421843521885341.html"> in Hama province</a></b>.<br /><br />US left with no point man in Syria after <b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-left-with-no-point-man-in-syria-after-moderate-rebels-fire-commander-1.268248">'moderate' rebels fire commander</a></b>.<br /><br />Israeli Premier meets wounded Syrians, <b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israeli-premier-meets-wounded-syrians-blames-iran-22568284">blames Iran</a></b>. Syrian wounded flee to <b><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/syrian-wounded-flee-to-hospitals-in-israel-derek-stoffel-1.2541562">hospitals in Israel.</a></b><br /><br />Israeli ‘drone crashes’ on <b><a href="http://www.thenational.ae/world/lebanon/israeli-drone-crashes-on-blue-line-with-lebanon">Blue Line with Lebanon</a></b>.<br /><br />Iraq violence: <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26241613">Wave of blasts 'kills many'</a></b>. Car bombs target <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-car-bombs-target-baghdad-hilla/1853626.html">Baghdad, Hilla</a></b>. Bomb attacks in Baghdad and <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/bomb-blasts-iraq-kill-49-police-medics-114708313.html">southern Iraq city kill 49</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran, world powers seek <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-world-powers-seek-longterm-nuclear-deal/1853491.html">long-term nuclear deal</a></b>. Nuclear talks with Iran headed for<b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/europe/nuclear-talks-with-iran-headed-for-collision-in-austria-1.268292"> collision in Austria.</a></b><br /><br />Iranian leader predicting failure <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/17/iranian-leader-predicting-failure-before-six-natio/">before six nations nuke talks even start</a></b>.<br /><br />Pakistan warns Iran not to send in troops <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-iran-pakistan-kidnapping-idUSBREA1H11V20140218">after guards kidnapped.</a></b><br /><br />Nine dead, 14 troops seized <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-yemen-clash-idUSBREA1H0NY20140218">after south Yemen clash</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey's Gul approves law <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/turkey-39-gul-approves-law-tightening-internet-controls-200744360--sector.html">tightening Internet controls</a></b>.<br /><br />A first for conservative Saudi Arabia: <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/17/world/meast/saudi-arabia-female-editor/">a female newspaper editor</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">ASIA</span></b></div><br />China concerned at Japan <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-china-japan-idUSBREA1G0DW20140217">holding weapons-grade plutonium</a></b>.<br /><br />Kerry worried about Asia’s sea disputes, <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kerry-worried-about-asias-sea-disputes-citing-moves-by-china/2014/02/17/852b0376-97b3-11e3-ae45-458927ccedb6_story.html">citing moves by China</a></b>.<br /><br />Roadside bombing kills 6 Afghan army soldiers <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/roadside-bombing-kills-6-afghan-army-soldiers-in-eastern-afghanistan/">in eastern Afghanistan</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan Taliban seeking peace talks with Karzai government <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/17/afghan-taliban-seeking-peace-talks-with-karzai-government-shot-dead-in-pakistan/">shot dead in Pakistan's northwest</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai police, protesters <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/thai-police-continue-clearing-protests-100-detained/1853474.html">battle in Bangkok</a></b>.<br /><br />'Abundant evidence' of crimes against humanity <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/17/world/asia/north-korea-un-report/">in North Korea, panel says</a></b>.<br /><br />Kim Jong Un spends more money on luxury goods than his father,<b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/17/kim-jong-un-bigger-luxury-spender-than-his-father-un-report-finds/?intcmp=latestnews"> UN report finds</a></b>.<br /><br />China rejects sending N. Korea <b><a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_rejects_sending_N_Korea_to_world_rights_court_999.html">to world rights court</a></b>. China rejects U.N. criticism in North Korea report,<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/china-rejects-u-n-criticism-north-korea-report-084952851.html"> no comment on veto.</a></b><br /><br />China likely to veto UN push to prosecute<b><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-likely-to-veto-un-push-to-prosecute-north-koreas-kim-jongun-20140218-hvcw4.html"> North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a></b>.<br /><br />China sends top envoy to N.Korea <b><a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_sends_top_envoy_to_NKorea_after_purge_official_999.html">after purge: official</a></b>.<br /><br />China ships in disputed waters: <b><a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_ships_in_disputed_waters_Japan_coastguard_999.html">Japan coastguard.</a></b><br /><br />Musharraf makes court appearance<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/musharraf-makes-court-appearance-in-pakistan/1853632.html"> in Pakistan</a></b>.<br /><br />Manus Island: One dead, 77 injured and person shot in buttock<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/manus-island-unrest-one-dead-dozens-injured-and-man-shot-in-buttock"> at Australian asylum center</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />Libyan militia to lawmakers: <b><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2014/02/18/libyan-militia-lawmakers-resign-risk-arrest/dCCIyeh49SYeXNLraoZf6K/story.html">Resign or risk arrest</a></b>. Libyan militias threaten to dissolve parliament, <b><a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/uk-libya-politics-idUKBREA1H1KA20140218">protesters close airport</a></b>.<br /><br />Egypt militants warn tourists to leave country<b><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/18/egypt-militants-warn-tourists-to-leave-country-or-face-attack/"> or face attack</a></b>.<br /><br />South Sudan ceasefire 'ends' <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26238849">amid Malakal fighting</a></b>. Military: Fresh fighting breaks out in South Sudan; <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/military-fresh-fighting-breaks-out-in-south-sudan-rebels-attack-town-in-oil/">rebels attack town in oil-producing state</a></b>.<br /><br />Nigerian Governor: Boko Haram <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/nigerian-governor-boko-haram-better-armed-than-military/1853665.html">better armed than military</a></b>. Governor: <b><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/africa/governor-nigeria-losing-war-on-terrorists-1.268286">Nigeria losing war on terrorists.</a></b><br /><br />French troops move west in <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/central-african-republic-french-troops">Central African Republic</a></b>.<br /><br />No. 2 leader of Lord's Resistance Army <b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/17/odhiambo-lords-resistance-army/5553961/">believed dead</a></b>.<br /><br />West African Defense Chiefs to meet <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/guinea-bissau-ecowas-defense-chiefs/1853478.html">over Guinea Bissau security</a></b>.<br /><br />'Israeli intelligence agents'<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/egypt-al-qaida"> charged in Egypt</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br /><b><a href="http://espreso.tv/stream">Ukraine protests: live</a></b><br /><br />Ukraine police storm main <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26249330">Kiev 'Maidan' protest camp</a></b>. Ukraine police charge protesters <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140218">after nation's bloodiest day.</a></b><br /><br />In violent turn, Ukraine fighting <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraine-protests-once-more-turn-violent-four-reported-dead/2014/02/18/ba9173f4-98af-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html">kills at least 13.</a></b> Ukraine explodes <b><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/18/ukraine-opposition-protests-kiev/5575711/">in violence</a></b>. Kiev protests turn deadly <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/kiev-protests-turn-deadly-as-thousands-clash-201421813358926789.html">as thousands clash</a></b>.<br /><br />Russia blames west for escalating Ukraine crisis <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/ukraine-protesters-clash-police-reform">as Kiev clashes continue</a></b>.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://winter-games.reuters.com/">Sochi 2014: Live</a></b><br /><br />Pussy Riot members <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/pussy-riot-members-detained-in-sochi/1853613.html">detained in Sochi.</a></b> Two members of anti-Putin punk band <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/two-members-russian-punk-group-pussy-riot-detained-in-sochi/">reportedly released after being detained in Sochi.</a></b><br /><br />Russia finally signs border treaty<b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/18/world/europe/ap-eu-russia-estonia.html?ref=world"> with Estonia</a></b>.<br /><br />Italian president asks Renzi<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26222179"> to form government</a></b>.<br /><br />Merkel urges patience with Swiss <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-swiss-vote-idUSBREA1H0ZK20140218">after immigration vote</a></b>.<br /><br />Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden elected student representative <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/former-nsa-contractor-edward-snowden-elected-student-representative-at-scottish/">at Scottish university.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />Venezuelan protest leader <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-protest-leader-taken-into-custody/2014/02/18/b3382952-98ca-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">taken into custody</a></b>. Protesters flood streets as <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1H0WU20140218">Venezuela opposition leader arrested</a></b>.<br /><br />Obama adminstration denies U.S. responsibility <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/18/white-house-denies-blame-violence-venezuela/">for violence in Venezuela</a></b>.<br /><br />US and Mexico set to relax border controls for <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/us-mexico-border-trusted-canada-summit">'trusted' business travellers</a></b>.<br /><br />Canada, Mexico sign deals to boost <b><a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-mexico-sign-deals-to-boost-trade-growth-air-travel-1.1691381">trade, growth, air travel.</a></b> Canada-Mexico direct flights to open <b><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-warns-of-trade-imbalance-between-canada-and-mexico/article16933289/">after new air-travel deal</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 />Former US congressman <b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/18/former-us-congressman-arrested-in-zimbabwe/?intcmp=latestnews">arrested in Zimbabwe</a></b>.<br /><br />N Korean ship seized with<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26210187"> Cuban weapons returns to Cuba</a></b>.<br /><br />United States' press freedom ranking drops sharply,<b><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/18/united-states-press-freedom-ranking-drops-sharply-report-says/?intcmp=latestnews"> report says.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Lebanon's <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/lebanon-would-be-teenage-jihadi-2014217191822133125.html">would-be teenage jihadi</a></b>.<br /><br />Ansar Jerusalem claims tourist bus bombing <b><a href="http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/02/ansar_jerusalem_clai_8.php">in Egypt's Sinai</a></b>.<br /><br />US seeks new bases for drones <b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-drone-bases-20140216,0,2170648.story">targeting al-Qaida in Pakistan</a></b>.<br /><br />Sinai terrorist group targets<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/sinai-terrorist-group-targets-egypt-39-tourist-industry-132650174.html"> Egypt's tourist industry.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Gold demand softens by 15% globally as <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/18/gold-demand-fall-economic-recovery">economic recovery heats up</a></b>.<br /><br />Pimco’s Gross tries again<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-funds-investing-pimco-idUSBREA1H1T620140218"> to soothe clients</a></b>.<br /><br />Samsung’s new Galaxy is said to feature bigger,<b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-18/samsung-s-new-galaxy-said-to-have-bigger-screen-sharper-display.html"> sharper display</a></b>.<br /><br />Actavis to buy Forest Labs<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-actavis-forestlabs-idUSBREA1H0TI20140218"> in $25 billion deal</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran's largest private bank sues <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26235289">UK government for $4bn damages</a></b>.<br /><br />China removes $8bn from money markets <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26236593">to control lending</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 18, 2014 (Evening Edition)

7 Policemen Among 18 Killed In Ukraine Riots As Kiev City Center Burns -- RT At least 18 people have been killed in Kiev as the Ukrainian ca...

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Steve Quayle and "V" The Guerilla Economist

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">*****FINANCIAL SOLVENCY ALERT*****</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The banking system is in trouble</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why are they killing themselves? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"This is the most astonishing Hagmann and Hagmann report I have ever listened to."</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;">---The News UNIT</span></i> </span></b></span></div></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>Do you have GOD? GOLD? SILVER? LEAD? BRASS? FOOD? CLOTHING? SHELTER? SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT?...etc?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*****A VERY TIME CRITICAL MESSAGE BELOW*****</b></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Guerrilla Economist explains that the last time we had bankers committing suicide by jumping out of the windows of building and skyscrapers was back in the 1920's.  This is the first time in history where you have a large number of indiduals all of the sudden committing suicide and the market is going up.  </b><br /><br /><b>The following information is extremely important and all American families should take heed to the coming danger and take necessary action to protect themselves from not only financial disorder but also major nationwide social disorder and imminent chaos:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://player.cinchcast.com/?show_id=6015727&platformId=1&assetType=single" width="400"></iframe><br /><div style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;">Online News Radio at Blog Talk Radio with <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cfp-radio" rel="nofollow">Hagmann and Hagmann Report</a> on BlogTalkRadio</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>...developing... </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Steve Quayle and "V" The Guerilla Economist

  *****FINANCIAL SOLVENCY ALERT***** The banking system is in trouble Why are they killing themselves? "This is the most astonishing Ha...

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Venezuela Opposition Leader Arrested As Protesters Flood The Streets

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmdTT-cZfbu6tQPqYF8eMHyOypI2IsNu5fz2QJgOV80kNJtMKBoIj7ng1BQNFjclYBsJiFYcbLQtYbgSB2Yj9eOXvPLgF_DChfotaNt6KbWdfuXyq8ICzB2drv7Pqr7yAYqAWgJXLrYWl/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/AVvXsEhdmdTT-cZfbu6tQPqYF8eMHyOypI2IsNu5fz2QJgOV80kNJtMKBoIj7ng1BQNFjclYBsJiFYcbLQtYbgSB2Yj9eOXvPLgF_DChfotaNt6KbWdfuXyq8ICzB2drv7Pqr7yAYqAWgJXLrYWl/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez gets into a National Guard armored vehicle in Caracas February 18, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Jorge Silva</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Protesters Flood Streets As Venezuela Opposition Leader Arrested -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Venezuela's capital on Tuesday after troops arrested opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges of fomenting unrest against the government and violence that has killed at least four people.<br /><br />White-clad demonstrators blocked traffic in the streets of Caracas as a security vehicle holding the 42-year-old Harvard-educated economist crawled at a snail's pace after he surrendered to security forces during an opposition rally.<br /><br />Lopez's arrest could galvanize the opposition and spur more street demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro, though there is no immediate sign the protests will topple the socialist leader.<br /><br />"I have nothing to hide," Lopez told supporters before his arrest, standing next to a statue above the crowd.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1H0WU20140218">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Venezuela`s Opposition Leader Being Arrested As Protesters Flood The Streets</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/18/fears-more-protest-clashes-high-in-venezuela/">Venezuela opposition leader surrenders to police </a>-- FOX News/AP<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/americas/venezuela-protests/">Venezuelan opposition leader in custody </a>-- CNN<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-18/venezuela-national-guard-detains-opposition-leader-in-caracas">Venezuela Opposition Leader Detained on Anti-Maduro March</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/18/3943423/dueling-protests-begin-in-caracas.html">Defiant opposition leader detained amid protests </a>-- Miami Herald<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304899704579391091260822438?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304899704579391091260822438.html">Venezuelan Opposition Leader Surrenders to Authorities</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/18/venezuelan-opposition-leader-hands-himself-in/">Venezuelan Opposition Leader Surrenders</a> -- Time/Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/venezuela-opposition-leader-peacefully-turns-himself-n32921">Venezuela Opposition Leader Peacefully Turns Himself In </a>-- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-protest-leader-taken-into-custody/2014/02/18/b3382952-98ca-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Venezuelan protest leader taken into custody</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/dueling-marches-fill-streets-caracas-venezuela-n32726">Dueling Marches Fill the Streets of Caracas, Venezuela</a> -- NBC<br /><a href="http://stream.wsj.com/story/latest-headlines/SS-2-63399/SS-2-457768/">Venezuelan Pro- And Antigovernment Protesters Face Off</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-18/fears-of-more-protest-clashes-high-in-venezuela">Fears of more protest clashes high in Venezuela</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/venezuela-crisis/venezuela-political-tensions-brink-boiling-over-n32546">Venezuela Political Tensions on Brink of Boiling Over</a> -- NBC

Venezuela Opposition Leader Arrested As Protesters Flood The Streets

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez gets into a National Guard armored vehicle in Caracas February 18, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Jorge S...

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Kenneth Ameduri and Rick Rule talk GOLD and SILVER

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Bottom is in in GOLD and SILVER </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 this GAMBLING or SPECULATING?</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>Kenneth Ameduri?  Is that Danny's brother?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WCE1MeKbf5Y?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Kenneth Ameduri and Rick Rule talk GOLD and SILVER

The Bottom is in in GOLD and SILVER  Is this GAMBLING or SPECULATING? Kenneth Ameduri?  Is that Danny's brother? ...developing...

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Is President Obama's Approach Towards Syria The Best One?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/akVIbNo3sik" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Question For Obama's Syria Critics: What Are The Alternatives? -- Steve Clemons, The Atlantic</b></span></div><br />The civil war is horrific. But a strategy superior to Obama's has yet to emerge. <br /><br />This weekend, on CNN's State of the Union with Candy Crowley, John McCain reacted to the failure of the latest round of Syrian peace talks by declaring that the Obama administration's "policy towards Syria has been an abysmal failure and a disgraceful one."<br /><br />It's a common refrain for the Republican senator, one often accompanied by praise for the Gulf states' comparatively greater and less cautious support of the Syrian rebels. "Thank God for the Saudis. Thank God for the Qataris," he said at the Munich Security Conference this year. This time around, McCain said that there are viable options other than U.S. military intervention that Washington is not pursuing in Syria. But he failed to articulate them, with the exception of further boosting the Free Syrian Army (FSA). <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/02/a-question-for-obamas-syria-critics-what-are-the-alternatives/283882/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The American public is on the side of President Obama when it comes to U.S. policy towards Syria .... there is no public support for a more robust and interventionist U.S. policy on Syria .... and President Obama knows that. But being a leader usually means taking positions that are contrary to the popular will .... and the crisis in Syria may be one of those situations. For the moment the slaughter is being contained in Syria, but with each passing month the threat of this conflict becoming a regional one escalates .... and by escalating would eventually put long term U.S. strategic and national security interests in the region at risk. It is this fear of escalation the reason why a better policy and strategy will need to be formulated .... because the old one is only buying time.

Is President Obama's Approach Towards Syria The Best One?

A Question For Obama's Syria Critics: What Are The Alternatives? -- Steve Clemons, The Atlantic The civil war is horrific. But a strateg...

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