Unending Love: Husband Holds Hands With Wife Of 60 Years As They Died Hours Apart (PICTURED)

<section class="post-lead"> <a href="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2FHeart-Love-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Unending Love: Husband Holds Hands With Wife Of 60 Years As They Died Hours Apart (PICTURED)" border="0" class="aligncenter full-media nomargin" height="399" src="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2FHeart-Love-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" title="Unending Love: Husband Holds Hands With Wife Of 60 Years As They Died Hours Apart (PICTURED)" width="640" /></a><h1 class="post-title"><br /></h1></section> <div class="fb-social-plugin fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-href="http://thetrentonline.com/together-end-husband-holds-hands-beloved-wife-60-years-died-hours-apart/" data-ref="above-post" data-width="450"><span style="height: 25px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 450px;"></span></div><br /><span>For six decades, Floreen and Ed Hale have been inseparable, and even death could not keep them apart.<br /></span><br /> <span>On February 7, Mrs Hale, 82, passed away in a Batavia, New York, hospital, with her gravely ill husband lying next to her and holding her hand until the very end.<br /></span><br /> <span>Just 36 hours later, Ed Hale died at age 83.</span><br /><span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /> <div><div><img alt="Hand in hand: Floreen Hale, 83 (left) passed away earlier this month, with her dying husband of 60 years, Ed (right) holding her hand to the end" height="435" id="i-60de0d5d" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/20/article-0-1BAEEAF400000578-328_634x435.jpg" width="634" /></div><div>Hand in hand: Floreen Hale, 82 (left) passed away earlier this month, with her dying husband of 60 years, Ed (right) holding her hand to the end</div></div><span>‘He was a gentleman right up to the end, waiting for her to go first,’ the Hales’ daughter Renee Hirsh told the blog <a href="http://www.orleanshub.com/news2014/A-love-story-until-the-very-end.html#top" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orlean Hub</a>, which profiled her parents.<br /></span><br /> <span>A month ago, a wheelchair-bound Mr Hale was hospitalized in Rochester, New York, with kidney failure.<br /></span><br /> <span>On February 4, his wife was rushed to United Methodist Medical Center in Batavia 35 miles away suffering from congestive heart failure, among other ailments. </span><br /> <div><span>The 83-year-old man was initially too weak to be transported by ambulance to be with his dying wife, but at the request of the family, the two hospitals worked together to reunite the spouses in their last days.<br /></span></div><span>Floreen and Ed’s love story began more than 60 years ago when the two met at a party.<br /></span><br /> <span>When the young engineer went to Floreen’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage, they refused because the young woman was recovering at the time from a horrific car accident, which claimed the life of her first husband, whom she had married only three months earlier. </span><br /> <div><div><img alt="Gentleman's promise: When Ed Hale came to Floreen's parents to ask her hand in marriage, he was told 'no' because the young woman was recovering from a horrific car accident, but the suitor changed his future in-laws' mind when he promised to care for her his entire life" height="876" id="i-b0c20ebc" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/20/article-2564088-1BAEEAFC00000578-478_634x876.jpg" width="634" /></div><div>Gentleman’s promise: When Ed Hale came to Floreen’s parents to ask her hand in marriage, he was told ‘no’ because the young woman was recovering from a horrific car accident, but the suitor changed his future in-laws’ mind when he promised to care for her his entire life</div></div><span>But Ed was determined to be with Floreen and would not take ‘no’ for an answer, declaring to his future in-laws that he was willing to carry his beloved in his arms every day.   </span><br /> <span>The couple said ‘I do” May 12, 1953, and settled in Batavia, New York, in a home designed by Mr Hale. The Hales had two surviving children, Renee and Ricky. A third baby died in infancy.  </span><br /> <span>Ed’s greatest joy in life was pampering his wife and spoiling her with little tokens of affection. </span><br /> <div><span>At a time when she worked as a telephone operator at a local hospital, Ed would bring Floreen her dinner and dessert.<br /></span></div><span>Ed did most of the grocery shopping for the house, and every time he went to the store, he picked up some sweet treat or flowers for Floreen.<br /></span><br /> <span>In the winter, Ed would clear his wife’s car of snow and warm it up for her drive home from work, earning him the nickname ‘Saint Edward’ from their relatives.<br /></span><br /> <span>When Floreen’s family and friends would tease her about her adoring husband, asking her what she would do without him, Floreen would reply that he was not allowed to go before her.<br /></span><br /> <span>After an active, full life, Mr Hale was diagnosed with kidney disease a little over five years ago requiring dialysis regular treatments. He also suffered several heart attacks and had diabetes, but that didn’t stop him from taking his wife out almost every day.</span><br /> <div><div><img alt="Lifetime of happiness: This summer, the Hales celebrated 60 years of marriage - a time spent raising their two children, doting on their three grand-kids and one another" height="468" id="i-ad390e94" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/20/article-2564088-1BAEEB0800000578-752_634x468.jpg" width="634" /></div><div>Lifetime of happiness: This summer, the Hales celebrated 60 years of marriage – a time spent raising their two children, doting on their three grand-kids and one another</div></div><span>Mrs Hale, known for her irrepressible sense of humor, chattiness and a penchant for colorful hair adornments, also had a laundry list of ailments, from asthma to heart disease.<br /></span><br /> <span>Still, she would dress up to go to the doctor, with Ed always by her side.<br /></span><br /> <span>Floreen’s precarious health took a turn for the worse earlier this month when her lungs filled with fluid, landing her in a hospital in grave condition.<br /></span><br /> <span>At the same time, her husband was in Unity Hospital in Rochester with kidney failure.<br /></span><br /> <span>‘We were handed two death sentences,’ Floreen’s sister, Marlene DeCarlo, told the blog.<br /></span><br /> <span>The 83-year-old man was semi-conscious and appeared to be at death’s door, but two days after his wife’s hospitalization, Ed woke up and told his daughter: ‘I need to see Floreen.’<br /></span><br /> <span>What followed next was a series of negotiations between the hospitals in Rochester and Batavia, helped along by a social worker whose job it was to convince United to admit Mr Hale.<br /></span><br /> <span>The Batavia hospital agreed to accept the dying patient, but only if he was strong enough to make the 35-mile trip.</span><br /> <div><div><img alt="Storybook love: As he lay dying from kidney failure in a hospital 35 miles away from his wife, Ed Hale asked to be taken to Floreen so he could be with her in their last moments together" height="554" id="i-add20e9b" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/20/article-2564088-1BACE5C800000578-399_634x554.jpg" width="634" /></div><div>Storybook love: As he lay dying from kidney failure in a hospital 35 miles away from his wife, Ed Hale asked to be taken to Floreen so he could be with her in their last moments together</div></div><span>As if by miracle, Ed rallied sufficiently for the short ambulance ride, arriving at United in the afternoon on February 6. His sole request was to see Floreen<br /></span><br /> <span>The hospital prepared a room for the couple, where two beds were pushed together so they could lie next to one another and hold hands as Floreen faded away.<br /></span><br /> <span>The 82-year-old woman was pronounced dead the morning after Ed’s arrival, surrounded by dozens of friends and family. Her husband followed her a day later.<br /></span><br /> <span>‘I think it would have been more heartbreaking to see one without the other, to see one surviving when the other was not around anymore,’ said Lisa Giattino, the Hales’ niece. ‘I think it was so beautiful the way it happened.’<br /></span><br /> <span>The couple had a joint funeral last Thursday – the eve of Valentine’s Day – at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Batavia, where friends, family and medical staff gathered to celebrate Floreen and Ed’s truly undying love.  </span>

Unending Love: Husband Holds Hands With Wife Of 60 Years As They Died Hours Apart (PICTURED)

For six decades, Floreen and Ed Hale have been inseparable, and even death could not keep them apart. On February 7, ...

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2face, Psquare, Femi Kuti, Other Nigerian Artistes Nominated For World Music Awards

<section class="post-lead"> <a href="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FFemi-Kuti-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2face, Psquare, Femi Kuti, Other Nigerian Artistes Nominated For World Music Awards" border="0" class="aligncenter full-media nomargin" height="426" src="http://thetrentonline.com/wp-content/themes/stylebook/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthetrentonline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FFemi-Kuti-The-Trent.jpg&q=90&w=795&zc=1" title="2face, Psquare, Femi Kuti, Other Nigerian Artistes Nominated For World Music Awards" width="640" /></a><h1 class="post-title"><br /></h1></section> <div class="fb-social-plugin fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-href="http://thetrentonline.com/2face-psquare-femi-kuti-nigerian-artistes-nominated-world-music-awards/" data-ref="above-post" data-width="450"><span style="height: 25px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 450px;"></span></div>NAN – Some Nigerian artists on Thursday expressed their appreciation for being nominated for the 2014 World Music Awards.<br /> In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria Banky W, Iyanya and Waje exuded joy and pride at the development.<br /> Winner of the inaugural MTN Project Fame West Africa, Iyanya, who was the most nominated with six told NAN that it was a great honour.<br /> “I feel honoured and blessed that the works I have put out have been recognised all over the world.<br /> “It’s always great for an artist to hear about a nomination or win an award no matter where it is taking place or the people he’s competing with,” he said.<br /> Praiz, another Project Fame alumnus who was nominated in three categories expressed surprise at the development.<br /> “I’m still surprised. I never expected the nominations but I’m really elated by them, it means I’m doing the right thing.”<br /> Waje said she didn’t expect the nomination but that she felt honoured to be among the nominees.<br /> “It shows that patience, hard work and faith in God really pays.<br /> “The list is quite heavy though with lots of talented people and I am honoured and humbled that they nominated me, especially for the Album of the Year,’’ she said.<br /> Also speaking to NAN, Banky W said: “It’s always an honour to be recognised in any category and I’m definitely grateful.<br /> “However, there are like 500 artists nominated in each category; five, ten or twenty will be okay.<br /> “But when it gets into the hundreds, you can’t dwell on it too much because there are just too many.<br /> “However, I definitely appreciate being mentioned at all,” he said.<br /> NAN reports that a total of 21 Nigerian artists were nominated in seven out of the nine categories of the awards.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /> The list of categories is World’s Best Song, World’s Best Album, World’s Best Video, World’s Best Female Artist and World’s Best Male Artist.<br /> Others are World’s Best Group, World’s Best Live Act, World’s Best Electronic Dance Music Artist and World’s Best Entertainer.<br /> The other Nigerian artists nominated are Femi Kuti, 2face, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, D’banj, P-Square, Sheyi Shay, Dr Sid, Don Jazzy, Phyno, Darey, Davido, Ice Prince, Kcee, Modenine, Olamide and Timaya.<br /> According to the awards website, The World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 under the High Patronage of Albert II, Prince of Monaco and is based in Monte-Carlo.<br /> The awards are presented to the World’s best-selling Artists in the various categories and to the best-selling artists from each major territory.<br /> The winners are determined through online and SMS votes from all over the world.

2face, Psquare, Femi Kuti, Other Nigerian Artistes Nominated For World Music Awards

NAN – Some Nigerian artists on Thursday expressed their appreciation for being nominated for the 2014 World Music Awar...

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World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BkgsTV3Xmxo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ukraine President, Opposition Sign Deal -- Voice of America</span></b></div><br />Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych signed an agreement Friday with three opposition leaders to end a crisis that sparked violent clashes between protesters and police on the streets of the capital Kyiv.<br /><br />A Reuters correspondent at the signing inside the presidential headquarters said Yanukovych did not smile during a ceremony lasting several minutes.<br /><br />The agreement followed an announcement by Yanukovich to hold early elections, to form a national unity government and relinquish some of his presidential powers. The agreement was witnessed by two European Union foreign ministers who brokered the deal.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-opposition-activists-to-sign-preliminary-deal/1856149.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />U.S., allies agree on aid <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">for Syrian rebels</a></b>.<br /><br />Dozens killed as mortars <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/dozens-killed-as-mortars-hit-town-iraq-201422135331552974.html">hit town in Iraq</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran’s most sensitive <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/irans-most-sensitive-uranium-stockpile-shrinks-after-nuclear-deal/2014/02/20/82230d14-9a64-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">uranium stockpile shrinks</a></b>.<br /><br />Fears of Syria militancy expand <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-saudi-princemohammed-insight-idUSBREA1K0MW20140221">influence of Saudi prince</a></b>.<br /><br />Gaza's fragile ceasefire threatened by<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/gaza-ceasefire-threatened-border-clashes-hamas-weak-palestinian"> border clashes as Hamas weakens</a></b>.<br /><br />Lebanon detains top suspect <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/lebanon-detains-top-suspect-in-car-bomb-campaign/1856271.html">in car bomb campaign</a></b>.<br /><br />One killed in south Yemen <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-yemen-south-protests-idUSBREA1K18C20140221">pro-independence protests: sources</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey scraps coup plot courts<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-turkey-courts-idUSBREA1K0WE20140221"> in battle over judiciary</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />Suicide attack kills, wounds several <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/21/suicide-attack-kills-wounds-several-afghan-police-/">at Afghan police complex</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan women <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-women-campaign-for-peace/1856204.html">campaign for peace</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai Prime Minister denies corruption allegations <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/asia/thailand-protests/">over rice program</a></b>. Thai rice farmers give government <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/thai-rice-farmers-give-government-a-week-to-make-payments/1856234.html">a week to make payments</a></b>.<br /><br />Nepal to deploy security on <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26285028">Everest after brawls</a></b>.<br /><br />Musharraf will not be tried <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/musharraf-not-to-be-tried-in-military-court/1856178.html">in military court</a></b>.<br /><br />South Korea to develop <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26287527">Stuxnet-like cyberweapons</a></b>.<br /><br />Japan to review testimony of women <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-japan-history-idUSBREA1K0SU20140221">who served in wartime brothels</a></b>.<br /><br />China denounces Barack Obama's<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/china-us-barack-obama-dalai-lama"> meeting with Dalai Lama</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />Somali presidential HQ a<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/somali-presidential-hq-attacked-al-shabab-201422112586270319.html">ttacked by al-Shabab</a></b>. 11 die in attack by militants <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-somalia-blast-idUSBREA1K0KF20140221">on Somali president's compound</a></b>. Somalia's Shebab launch suicide attack<b><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imP6own5YjAFfzB22AFB8wrgBktg?docId=1d8db902-321b-4d20-9ff0-515ee97a6ddf"> on presidential palace</a></b>.<br /><br />UN chief urges rapid <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-urges-rapid-reinforcements-car-2014220215313877691.html">reinforcements for CAR</a></b>.<br /><br />Poor turnout in Libyan vote for <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-poor-voter-turnout-for-libyas-constitution-drafting-body/1855978.html">constitution-drafting body</a></b>.<br /><br />With hundreds jailed, Egypt's Islamists <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-jailed-egypt-39-islamists-demand-protest-strategy-120003334.html">demand new protest strategy</a></b>.<br /><br />Robert Mugabe celebrates 90th birthday as <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/mugabe-celebrates-90th-birthday-zimbabwe-international-pariah">Zimbabwe's international pariah</a></b>.<br /><br />Zimbabwe court orders deportation <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-zimbabwe-court-orders-deportation-of-former-us-congressman/1856275.html">of former US congressman</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br />Deal signed <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/ukraine-protests/">to end Ukraine crisis</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukrainian president and opposition<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26289318"> sign early poll deal</a></b>. Ukraine peace deal signed, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221">opens way for early election</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine credit rating cut by S&P<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26285792"> as violence continues</a></b>.<br /><br />Anti-Kremlin protesters found guilty amid scenes <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/anti-kremlin-putin-protesters-guilty-verdict-court">of violence outside court</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 />Italy's Renzi set to<b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/italy-politics-idINL6N0LQ1SA20140221"> unveil new cabinet</a></b>.<br /><br />Germany arrests three suspected Auschwitz guards — aged 88, 92 and 94 — <b><a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/02/21/germany-arrests-three-suspected-auschwitz-guards-aged-88-92-and-94-and-uncovers-nazi-documents/">and uncovers Nazi documents</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />With 2015 budget request, Obama will call <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/with-2015-budget-request-obama-will-call-for-an-end-to-era-of-austerity/2014/02/20/332808c2-9a6e-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html?hpid=z1">for an end to era of austerity</a></b>.<br /><br />From jail, Venezuela protest leader<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1K17A20140221"> urges resistance</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela sends troops to border region <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/venezuela-troops-border-protests-police">as violence escalates</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela’s President Maduro threatens <b><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/venezuela-s-president-maduro-threatens-to-expel-cnn-over-its-coverage/">to expel CNN over its coverage</a></b>.<br /><br />Exclusive: Argentina, Repsol to sign <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-repsol-argentina-idUSBREA1K00E20140221">$5 billion YPF deal - source.</a></b><br /><br />Thousands of extra security agents <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26283966">for World Cup 2014</a></b>.<br /><br />Venture capitalist in bid to<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-usa-california-split-idUSBREA1J22W20140220"> split California into six states.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Report: U.S. drone may have <b><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140220/NEWS/302200002/Report-U-S-drone-may-killed-Yemeni-civilians">killed Yemeni civilians</a></b>.<br /><br />Sources: Airlines warned to beware <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/us/airline-security-threats/index.html">of possible shoe bombs</a></b>.<br /><br />In Yemen, a woman's life entangled <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-woman-39-life-entangled-al-qaida-070459824.html">with al-Qaida</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Global growth under scrutiny at <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/global-growth-under-scrutiny-at-sydney-g20-finance-meeting/1856170.html">Sydney G20 finance meeting</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S. leads pushback against <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-g20-australia-oecd-idUSBREA1K05K20140221">emerging market angst at G20</a></b>.<br /><br />Mexico to trump Japan as<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/mexico-trump-japan-no-2-car-exporter-us-053738480--finance.html"> No. 2 car exporter to US</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014

Ukraine President, Opposition Sign Deal -- Voice of America Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych signed an agreement Friday with three oppo...

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 21, 2014

<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_140214-A-RU942-060a.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_140214-A-RU942-060a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Petty and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Maurice Cooper conduct live-fire range training with M4 carbines on Forward Operating Base Lightning in Afghanistan's Paktiya province, Feb. 14, 2014. Petty and Cooper are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dixie Rae Liwanag</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Military Presence in Afghanistan Uncertain After 2014 -- Voice of America</b></span></div><br />WASHINGTON — After 12 years of fighting in Afghanistan, America’s longest war is coming to an end. By the end of this year, all U.S. combat personnel will be out of the country.<br /><br />The question facing U.S. officials is what kind of a residual force - if any - will remain. That force would continue training Afghan military and security forces and sustaining counterterrorism operations against al-Qaeda. <br /><br />Brent Scowcroft was national security adviser to two U.S. presidents, Gerald Ford (1974-77) and George H.W. Bush (1989-93). He said a minimum of 10,000 troops are needed to - in his words - give a sense of reassurance to the Afghan military.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/us-military-presence-in-afghanistan-uncertain-after-2014/1855777.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">U.S., allies agree on aid for Syrian rebels</a> -- Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/russia-to-establish-arctic-military-command/">Russia to Establish Arctic Military Command </a>-- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140221/187724456/Russia-to-Adopt-Future-Soldier-Gear-in-Summer.html">Russia to Adopt ‘Future Soldier’ Gear in Summer</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140221/187722127/Russian-Sub-to-Feature-Advanced-Quiet-Propulsion-by-2016.html">Russian Sub to Feature Advanced Quiet Propulsion by 2016</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140221000033&cid=1101">India's ballistic missiles capable of destroying China's cities</a> -- Want China Times<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/chinese-military-clamps-down-on-corruption/">Chinese Military Clamps Down On Corruption</a> -- Ankit Panda, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://www.algemeiner.com/2014/02/20/report-egypt-spies-alerted-israel-to-german-dolphin-submarine-buy-russian-contract-to-upgrade-tanks/">Report: Egypt Spies Alerted Israel to German Dolphin Submarine Buy, Russian Contract to Upgrade Tanks</a> -- Algemeiner<br /><br /><a href="http://indrus.in/economics/2014/02/21/mig-31_a_fighter_ahead_of_its_time_33233.html">MiG-31: A fighter ahead of its time </a>-- Ekaterina Turysheva, Russia & India Report <br /><br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140220/DEFREG01/302200036/Germany-Cuts-Order-Eurofighter-Jets">Germany Cuts Order for Eurofighter Jets</a> -- Defense News/AFP<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/africa/tunisia-libya-plane-crash/">11 killed as Libyan military plane crashes in Tunisia</a> -- CNN<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/brazil-39-navy-conducts-largest-ever-operation-205530716.html">Brazil's Navy conducts largest-ever operation</a> -- AP<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140221/DEFREG01/302210020/New-UK-Army-Chief-Appointed">New UK Army Chief Appointed </a>-- Defense News<br /><br /><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policy-strategy/198788-study-warns-against-afghan-troop-cuts">Study warns against Afghan troop cuts</a> -- The Hill<br /><br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/philippine-public-divided-on-increased-us-military-visits/1856192.html">Philippine Public Divided on Increased US Military Visits</a> -- Voice of America<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-21/u-s-army-chief-in-china-for-talks-with-top-military-officials.html">U.S. Army General Meets China Officials Amid Regional Tensions</a> -- Bloomberg<br /><br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/top-us-army-officer-we-have-common-objectives-with-china/1856136.html">Top US Army Officer: We Have 'Common Objectives' With China</a> -- Voice of America<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/army-in-europe-plans-to-shed-hundreds-of-local-nationals-1.268843">US Army in Europe plans to shed hundreds of local nationals</a> -- Stars and Stripes<br /><br /><a href="http://defensetech.org/2014/02/19/is-the-f-35s-computer-r2-d2-or-hal/#more-22360">Is the F-35’s Computer R2-D2 or HAL?</a> -- Defense Tech<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140220/DEFREG02/302200043/USAF-Defends-Need-New-Long-Range-Bomber">USAF Defends Need for New Long-Range Bomber </a>-- Defense News<br /><br /><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/20/navy-launches-massive-ford-class-carrier-test.html">Navy Launches Massive Ford-Class Carrier Test</a> -- Military.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-lockheed-martin-unmanned-idUSBREA1K0EK20140221">Lockheed sees huge potential for military-, commercial-use drones</a> -- Reuters<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nsa-explores-options-for-relinquishing-vast-telephone-record-database/2014/02/20/6237ae9e-9986-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">NSA explores options for vast telephone record database</a> -- Washington Post<br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303636404579393413176249186">NSA Weighs Retaining Data for Suits</a> -- Wall Street Journal<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/02/21/pentagon-unveils-electro-magnetic-spectrum-strategy/">Pentagon Unveils Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Strategy</a> -- DoD Buzz<br /><br /><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policy-strategy/198810-pentagon-to-share-electromagnetic-spectrum">Pentagon to share electromagnetic spectrum</a> -- The Hill<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/20/hagel-orders-shakeup-of-mia-accounting-mission/">Hagel orders shakeup of MIA accounting mission</a> -- Washington Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/management/2014/02/outgoing-comptroller-confident-pentagon-can-be-audited-2017/79166/?oref=d-channelriver">Outgoing Comptroller Bob Hale Says the Pentagon Can Be Audited by 2017</a> -- Defense One/Government Executive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140220/BENEFITS02/302200035/Troops-prefer-cash-over-kind-benefits">Troops prefer cash over in-kind benefits</a> -- Military Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/20/drugs-room-where-former-seals-found-dead-captain-p/">Drugs in room where former SEALs found dead on ‘Captain Phillips’ ship </a>-- Washington Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/20/institute-study-prevention-military-ptsd-programs/5637987/">Report: Military efforts to prevent mental illness ineffective </a>-- USA Today<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/us-ranks-low-global-index-lgbt-inclusion-armed-forces">US ranks low in first-ever global index of LGBT inclusion in armed forces </a>-- The Guardian<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/20/cover-up-army-historian-says-report-on-deadly-afgh/">Cover-up? Army historian says report on deadly Afghan battle was altered to absolve faulty gun </a>-- Washington Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2014/02/20/u-2-vs-global-hawk-why-drones-arent-the-answer-to-every-military-need/">U-2 Vs. Global Hawk: Why Drones Aren't The Answer To Every Military Need</a> -- Loren Thompson, Forbes<br /><br /><a href="http://rt.com/op-edge/us-expands-military-net-africa-081/">US expands military net over Africa, checking China’s influence</a> -- Eric Draitser, RT<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/20/scales-superior-warriors-with-inferior-weapons/">U.S. troops are equipped with inferior, antiquated weapons</a> -- Robert Scales, Washington Times<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/02/house-cards-lesson-us-military/79091/">The ‘House of Cards’ Lesson for the U.S. Military </a>-- Harry J. Kazianis, Defense One

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 21, 2014

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Petty and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Maurice Cooper conduct live-fire range training with M4 carbines on Forward Operating ...

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Ukrainian President And Protesters Agree To An End To The Crisis

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ks3SGWJMqMY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukrainian President And Protesters Agree Early Election -- BBC</b></span></div><br /><i>Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition protesters have agreed to an early presidential poll before the end of the year.</i><br /><br />The election is part of a deal to end the country's political crisis.<br /><br />The deal has not been published, but Mr Yanukovych referred to a national unity government and constitutional changes reducing the president's power.<br /><br />The compromise came after hours of talks between mediated by three European foreign ministers.<br /><br />The German and Polish ministers met protesters in Kiev's Independence Square before announcing their leaders backed the deal.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26289318">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><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-26285352">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/21/ukraine-crisis-president-claims-deal-with-opposition-after-77-killed-in-kiev">Ukraine police storm Kiev protest camp – live updates</a> -- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/live-updates-ukraine-protesters-yanukovich-deal-euromaidan-opposition/">Ukraine: high tension in Kyiv as government deadline expires [Live updates</a>] -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10653226/Ukraine-protests-live.html">Live: Ukraine protests</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Crisis In Ukraine</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-president-deal-elections-087/">Ukraine's President Yanukovich declares early elections, constitutional reforms</a> -- RT<br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/news/20140221/187750684/Ukraine-Leader-Announces-Early-Presidential-Poll.html">Ukraine Leader Announces Early Presidential Poll</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><a href="http://en.ria.ru/world/20140221/187745120/President-Opposition-Reach-Deal-to-End-Ukraine-Unrest.html">President, Opposition Reach Deal to End Ukraine Unrest</a> -- RIA Novosti<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221">Yanukovich announces early Ukraine poll, mediators say protesters back deal</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/02/21/ukraine-president-announces-early-elections-promises-coalition-government-after-clashes/">Ukraine president announces early elections, promises coalition government after clashes </a>-- National Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-president-announces-early-elections-as-violent-clashes-continue-in-kiev-9143364.html">Ukraine crisis: President announces early elections as violent clashes continue in Kiev</a> -- The Independent<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-21/yanukovych-vows-early-presidential-election-to-end-crisis">Yanukovych Offers Early Presidential Vote to End Crisis </a>-- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/ukraine-president-says-deal-has-been-reached-opposition-bloodshed">Ukraine protest leaders agree deal with government, mediators say </a>-- The Guardian<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-21/shaky-peace-reigns-after-ukraine-rocked-by-protest">Ukraine: Opposition agrees to deal with president</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/21/ukraine-president-opposition-protesters-sanctions-eu/5671131/">Ukraine opposition to sign deal to end crisis</a> -- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukraine-president-offers-early-elections-end-clashes-n35171">Ukraine President Offers Early Elections to End Clashes </a>-- NBC<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/ukrainian-presidency-says-deal-made-at-talks-201422165257342300.html">Ukraine president announces early elections </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/ukraine-yanukovych-reaches-deal-to-end-crisis-france-urges-caution/">Deal reached in Ukraine to end crisis says Yanukovych</a> -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-ukraine-president-early-elections-20140221,0,2766176.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Ukraine president seeks to defuse crisis, calls for early elections</a> -- L.A. Times<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/21/ukrainian-presidency-says-deal-reached-at-crisis-talks/">Fresh violence flares in Ukraine as president announces concessions to end crisis</a> -- FOX News<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-deal-announced-denounced-protesters/story?id=22614759">Ukraine Deal Announced, But Denounced by Protesters </a>-- ABC News<br /><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/armed-police-expelled-from-ukrainian-parliament/">Armed police expelled from Ukrainian parliament</a> -- Euronews<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26290625">European, Russian press split on Ukraine events</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/panic-ukraine-shops-banks-069/">Panic-stricken Ukrainians storm shops, banks and gas stations</a> -- RT

Ukrainian President And Protesters Agree To An End To The Crisis

Ukrainian President And Protesters Agree Early Election -- BBC Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition protesters have agreed t...

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$200 million: Beyonce becomes highest paid black musician in history

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mtv.co.za/wp-content/blogs.dir/69/files/2014/02/Beyonce-Stage-600-x-450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.mtv.co.za/wp-content/blogs.dir/69/files/2014/02/Beyonce-Stage-600-x-450.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="post-social-vert"> </div><br /> Beyonce is expected to make well over 200 million dollars by the time the Mrs Carter Show World Tour wraps up this year (2014). The tour, which was already the highest grossing concert by a female artist in 2013, is set to become the most successful of her entire career and make her the highest paid black musician of all time!<br /> More impressive is the fact that Mrs Carter is the director and executive producer of this entire production and is touring the world with her all female band and eight female backing dancers with the exception of the french dancing duo, “Les Twins” the only men on this tour are cast and crew.<br /> There tour was put together by her production company “Parkwood Entertainment”, which is also responsible for creating her visual album and her directorial movie debut “Life Is But A Dream.”

$200 million: Beyonce becomes highest paid black musician in history

Beyonce is expected to make well over 200 million dollars by the time the Mrs Carter Show World Tour wraps up this year (2014). ...

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Meet the Pastor who gives women DIRTY slaps to get them pregnant (WATCH)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/women.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="women" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-249535" height="402" src="http://www.ynaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/women.png" width="506" /></a></div><header class="entry-header"> </header><br /> Having children in marriage is definitely a good thing and a sign of growth  in most parts of the world which is why women go to extremes to have them.<br /> This pastor is shown in the video giving to the women what may be termed ‘holy slap’ which will make them conceive during a prayer session in church.<br /> In the video,the women are seen holding white cloth beforea loud slap descended on their faces.<br /> Click to watch video <a href="http://ireporterstv.co/ir_fullvideo/too-bad-pastor-slapping-the-barren-in-the-face-to-give-them-fruit-of-the-womb/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Meet the Pastor who gives women DIRTY slaps to get them pregnant (WATCH)

Having children in marriage is definitely a good thing and a sign of growth  in most parts of the world which is why women go to ...

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Why Another 9/11 Will Happen

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaRFE3cT4i73vFh3NnH28pjMaS1-tLmM7Obvn1F60sQEihfJt_KvIRGpHROjeoeVQRdM-HrTnBRDUdUDKWLjPXP4YHkxqBEipyXXC-spg0RQknpn46hrjK7Sg_j7fC_Qj37la7HwYifHj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaRFE3cT4i73vFh3NnH28pjMaS1-tLmM7Obvn1F60sQEihfJt_KvIRGpHROjeoeVQRdM-HrTnBRDUdUDKWLjPXP4YHkxqBEipyXXC-spg0RQknpn46hrjK7Sg_j7fC_Qj37la7HwYifHj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/photographers-blog/2011/09/05/where-were-you-on-911/">Photo: Sean Adair/Reuters</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why 9/11 Can Happen Again -- Gary Hart and Norman Augustine, LA Times</b></span></div><br />Congressional oversight remains an organizational maze. Instead of doing what various studies recommended, Congress has made matters worse.<br /><br />In February 2001, a bipartisan federal commission on which we served warned that terrorists would acquire weapons of mass destruction and mass disruption. "Attacks against American citizens on American soil, possibly causing heavy casualties, are likely over the next quarter-century," the Hart-Rudman Commission said. "In the face of this threat, our nation has no coherent or integrated governmental structures." We added: "Congress should rationalize its current committee structure so that it best serves U.S. national security objectives."<br /><br />We identified 50 ways to improve national security, none of which was implemented before 9/11. One recommendation — to create a single agency to deal with homeland security — was not acted on until a year and a half after those tragic attacks.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-hart-streamline-national-security-20140220,0,6353417.story?track=rss#axzz2tpas4U8I">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Yup .... the question is not if another 9/11 attack will occur .... but when. But even if the recommendations that Gary Hart and Norman Augustine outlined are implemented .... it can never be a guarantee that another 9/11 terror attack can be prevented. So .... do we limit our freedom and privacy in a police state so that we can feel safe .... that is the question that should not even be asked .... but it is being debated today.

Why Another 9/11 Will Happen

Photo: Sean Adair/Reuters Why 9/11 Can Happen Again -- Gary Hart and Norman Augustine, LA Times Congressional oversight remains an organizat...

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Photos from Osita Iheme's (Paw paw) birthday party

<h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2524774786462858813"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF_YUDkcY4gs-MAo5VMv61MiS45vz_1_sgit623GNgrIL0CqgX7juZXNamkCL-GC2ccnwMaI8-QR2vi9lxxQzAj2Xv70hvfsA1qJGb7ZwACuQLtkn7iyBpfQGQ7SJf9tBCiTucW6vNqk/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF_YUDkcY4gs-MAo5VMv61MiS45vz_1_sgit623GNgrIL0CqgX7juZXNamkCL-GC2ccnwMaI8-QR2vi9lxxQzAj2Xv70hvfsA1qJGb7ZwACuQLtkn7iyBpfQGQ7SJf9tBCiTucW6vNqk/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Actor Osita Iheme was a year older yesterday Thursday, February 20th and celebrated his day with friends and colleagues on a movie set in Enugu. His best buddy Chinedu Ikedieze was also there. Continue to see more photos....<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE48o0pce1WvOErJcDMZ00cmYxjHp43f9P5pbxHMVQ3ykokE_pHixeNbfTY2GVNcy0iWxNYDLcdQ3R4qGRxt8DZObm5aFCdrG-jCXQiRfAZ0bcwITV5iPOyBDwPL2vtmMFC7OEXLqQCZY/s1600/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE48o0pce1WvOErJcDMZ00cmYxjHp43f9P5pbxHMVQ3ykokE_pHixeNbfTY2GVNcy0iWxNYDLcdQ3R4qGRxt8DZObm5aFCdrG-jCXQiRfAZ0bcwITV5iPOyBDwPL2vtmMFC7OEXLqQCZY/s1600/12.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHrrzAcMm5V-BQMO6XSuSYsSPVSS0BnZDWolNdRN9GU6mqntjZGBfBOVc0Bw3N12roCyBQoakQo_ZkTR-mweibHoCGu0jVqstxPaMltOf2dIDwuk-7Sbsz0ioQnHjmETD9-s8crdDZ1w/s1600/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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Photos from Osita Iheme's (Paw paw) birthday party

Actor Osita Iheme was a year older yesterday Thursday, February 20th and celebrated his day with friends and colleagues on a movie set in...

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Iran Steps Up It's Military Support For The Syrian Regime

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYbUD2__epcTCg35GeE3O2cLe6lb1aykfS74FAag6KAUgL2vBzsnwLAR2dy8vpsue3h9QThPZ8MdeAi5_pLjI04KXKDIHEYXr4UHnmByH_6gda3T_aO2frV7muRiLlI6x_56DT7x6Y6Ud/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/AVvXsEgLYbUD2__epcTCg35GeE3O2cLe6lb1aykfS74FAag6KAUgL2vBzsnwLAR2dy8vpsue3h9QThPZ8MdeAi5_pLjI04KXKDIHEYXr4UHnmByH_6gda3T_aO2frV7muRiLlI6x_56DT7x6Y6Ud/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A view shows damaged buildings in Deir al-Zor, eastern Syria February 19, 2014. Picture taken February 19, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Khalil Ashawi</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Iran Boosts Military Support In Syria To Bolster Assad -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - As Syria's war nears the start of its fourth year, Iran has stepped up support on the ground for President Bashar al-Assad, providing elite teams to gather intelligence and train troops, sources with knowledge of military movements say.<br /><br />This further backing from Tehran, along with deliveries of munitions and equipment from Moscow, is helping to keep Assad in power at a time when neither his own forces nor opposition fighters have a decisive edge on the battlefield.<br /><br />Assad's forces have failed to capitalize fully on advances they made last summer with the help of Iran, his major backer in the region, and the Hezbollah fighters that Tehran backs and which have provided important battlefield support for Assad.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-syria-crisis-iran-idUSBREA1K09U20140221">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> The Syrian rebel movement has suffered setbacks in the past two months .... the Iranians are now trying to assist the Syrian regime in escalating this momentum in their favor. This probably also explains why the Syrian regime has offered no concessions in recent peace talks.

Iran Steps Up It's Military Support For The Syrian Regime

A view shows damaged buildings in Deir al-Zor, eastern Syria February 19, 2014. Picture taken February 19, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Khalil Asha...

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PayPal Likes Digital Currencies? Yawn

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="single-title"><h1><br /></h1><div class="single-info"> <span class="single-author"><a href="http://www.coindesk.com/author/ryan-galt/" rel="author" title="Posts by Ryan Galt">Ryan Galt</a> (<a class="authortwitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/twobitidiot" target="_newwindow">@twobitidiot)</a> | </span> <span class="single-date">Published on February 20, 2014 at 13:40 GMT | </span> <span class="single-category"><strong><em><a href="http://www.coindesk.com/analysis/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Analysis">Analysis</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/companies/merchants/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Merchants">Merchants</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/news/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in News">News</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/companies/wallets/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Wallets">Wallets</a></em></strong></span></div></div><div class="picture featured"><img alt="paypal_logo" class=" wp-post-image" height="185" src="http://media.coindesk.com/2013/11/paypal_logo-300x185.jpg" width="300" /></div><span class="wpsr_floatbts_anchor" data-offset="31"></span>It’s hard to not get frustrated when everyone starts jumping for joy after a televised interview in which eBay CEO John Donahue told <em>Bloomberg</em> that PayPal is building a digital wallet for multiple cryptocurrencies. Because, of course, it is. The e-payments giant would be silly not to.<br /><a href="http://www.coindesk.com/tag/paypal/">Paypal</a>, which is owned by eBay, is the pioneer in digital payments and they already accept over 25 foreign currencies – basically, all of the ones that matter, with the exception of the Chinese RMB.<br />New digital currencies like bitcoin will likely interact with PayPal’s systems in the same manner as existing fiat currencies – when they are big enough. That’s because, like <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/tag/coinbase/">Coinbase</a> and <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/tag/bitpay/">BitPay</a>, you would expect PayPal to lock-in fiat prices for merchants accepting bitcoin.<br />They would also be likely to batch transactions ‘off-block chain’ in order to cover transaction risks during the 10-minute confirmation window.<br /><h2>What they said</h2>In the interview, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/video/ebay-paypal-most-successful-together-donahoe-says-M8oKQ3F5Q3SBdIrbWSnzcw.html" target="_blank"><em>Bloomberg</em>’s</a> Matt Miller told Donahue that he thinks digital payments like bitcoin will rule in the internet commerce of the future and have the potential to make PayPal defunct unless the company starts preparing now.<br />However, it is absurd to infer that PayPal is useless in the long-term, and neglects the fact that PayPal owns some serious e-commerce real-estate. This is like saying that Amazon, after utterly dominating the book industry, would never be able to move into electronics (or any other category that they have since dominated).<br />Miller speaks with an irritating certainty about bitcoin. It’s safe to call me a fanatic, but Miller is already in outer space on his way to the moon.<br />Finally, the idea of the “head start” PayPal would get for spinning off now makes some sense until you consider what he is really saying. This is, that PayPal should essentially spin-off to the highest bidder before it dies an inevitable death. Is Miller suggesting a perverse corporate pump and dump?<br />Donahue’s no fool. He coolly pointed out there’s nothing that’s holding PayPal back from integrating digital payments today as part of <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/tag/ebay/">eBay</a>, in fact:<br /><blockquote>“PayPal is pursuing digital payments and is the leading digital payments alternative in many different environments. So it’s not a matter of eBay holding PayPal back.”</blockquote>What Donahue is really saying of course is: we will do with bitcoin what we want, when we want to, because we are really, <i>really</i> good at payments.<br />He doesn’t need to utter the word ‘bitcoin’, because that particular currency would be lower volume for PayPal today than the Russian ruble. Miller is like a dog with a bone though: “Until everyone starts using bitcoin, and then there will be no reason to use PayPal.”<br />Then Donahue responded with the bombshell:<br /><blockquote>“[That is just what] PayPal is doing in building a wallet that can hold multiple types of digital currency.”</blockquote>So, we can assume that, as soon as cryptocurrencies are actually worth PayPal’s time and regulatory uncertainties over the commercial use of cryptocurrencies are removed, the company will integrate them into their system. And will very likely be a force from day one.<br />It’s really not a matter of <i>if</i> PayPal enters the bitcoin industry, but <em>when</em> and, more importantly, <em>how</em>.<br /><h2>Build or Buy?</h2><a href="http://media.coindesk.com/2014/02/shutterstock_101159869.jpg"><img alt="E-commerce" class=" wp-image-47500 alignright" height="192" src="http://media.coindesk.com/2014/02/shutterstock_101159869.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />PayPal has enormous resources at its disposal in terms of financial and human capital, but the company seems to have a much better option than building their own bitcoin products from the ground up – on the merchant side, at least.<br />If PayPal could acquire BitPay, it would be a great deal for both parties.<br />Not just because BitPay is the leading bitcoin payment processing company and that PayPal would gain all their expertise, while dotting the global map with locations that accept the virtual currency overnight.<br />Or because their joint DBA (‘doing business as’ title) is already flawless – what’s not to like about BitPayPal?<br />But because BitPay’s business model would compliment, not cannibalize, existing PayPal sales.<br />A lot of people have the misconception that bitcoin will crush PayPal’s margins. That’s not likely.<br />PayPal could drop their prices for bitcoin transactions overnight by a full percentage point and make the same gross margins, because the company wouldn’t be exposed to the same interchange or credit card fees.<br />In addition, PayPal could become an instant bitcoin market maker.<br /><h2>Contrasting cultures</h2>BitPay is really two businesses: a SaaS (software as a service) company that offers merchant services and a ‘long’ hedge fund that benefits from jumps in the price of bitcoin.<br />Multiple sources have told me the company sits on over 40,000 bitcoins. That’s a lot of exposure to price swings, but it is also a valuable asset.<br />Ownership of BitPay would allow a company like PayPal to kill two birds with one stone via an acquisition: acquire the talent and IP <i>and</i> seamlessly acquire the necessary underlying currency.<br />Will this acquisition actually happen, though? Probably not. But the move would make a lot of sense for Paypal.<br /><i>Ryan Galt is a blogger, entrepreneur and freelance opinion writer for CoinDesk. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CoinDesk. You may email him at </i><a href="mailto:2bitidiot@gmail.com"><i>2bitidiot@gmail.com</i></a><i>, or follow him on twitter @twobitidiot.</i><br /><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> CoinDesk founder <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/shakil-khan-bitcoin-can-be-money-over-ip-but-services-must-get-more-intuitive/" target="_blank">Shakil Khan</a> is an investor in BitPay.</em><br /><em><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-101159869/stock-photo-e-commerce-business-written-on-a-blackboard-with-world-map-sign.html" target="_blank">E-commerce</a> image via Shutterstock</em></div>

PayPal Likes Digital Currencies? Yawn

Ryan Galt ( @twobitidiot) | Published on February 20, 2014 at 13:40 GMT | Analysis , Merchants , News , Wallets It’s hard to not get f...

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Former White House WMD Expert: No Chance Of Success With Iran

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cQEmZp6VYDw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obama Weapons Expert: No Chance of Success With Iran -- Bloomberg</b></span></div><br />Until recently, Gary Samore was the Barack Obama administration’s top expert on weapons of mass destruction and the go-to White House official on the complexities and challenges of the Iranian nuclear program. So I pay attention when he says that the Iran nuclear talks -- restarting today -- have an almost zero chance of success.<br /><br />One of the many reasons for this, he believes, is that the West has given the Iranian regime insufficient cause to feel as if it must give up its nuclear dreams. The negotiations might drag on for two or three years. And then? “And then the Iranians could decide they’re strong enough to walk away,” he says. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-18/obama-weapons-expert-no-chance-of-success-with-iran.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>Not everyone is gloomy <b><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iran-nuclear-talks-end-on-upbeat-note-next-round-march-17-1.2544409">on these talks</a></b>. As to what is my take .... never trust what the mullahs in Tehran are saying unless it can be verified unconditionally .... and it will be the verification guidelines that will be the biggest sticking point.

Former White House WMD Expert: No Chance Of Success With Iran

Obama Weapons Expert: No Chance of Success With Iran -- Bloomberg Until recently, Gary Samore was the Barack Obama administration’s top expe...

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Iron Man-Style Helmet Being Developed For Soldiers

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/O73LixMjYVU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Iron Man-Style Helmet will Help Soldiers Pinpoint Targets On The Battlefield - And Avoid Shooting Comrades By Mistake -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Q-Warrior helmet mounted display system was developed by BAE Systems<br />* It can help soldiers pinpoint targets and waypoints during conflicts<br />* Similar tech is already used by pilots, and featured in the Iron Man films<br />* Military researchers claim the helmet is 'exceeding expectations in tests'<br />* The battery-powered display comes with a GPS unit and video camera<br />* It will also highlight nearby comrades to avoid friendly fire attacks<br /><br />Soldiers could soon be equipped with Iron Man-style helmets that help them pinpoint targets quickly and easily on the battlefield.<br /><br />The Q-Warrior helmet-mounted display, designed by defence contractor BAE Systems, uses similar technology to that used by jet pilots in fighter planes and mimics the display used in the Iron Man films. <br /><br />It’s currently undergoing tests in the U.S., but military researchers have said the tech is ‘already exceeding expectations.'<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2563009/Iron-Man-style-helmet-help-soldiers-pinpoint-targets-battlefield-avoid-shooting-comrades-mistake.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lJMq6UCv1_s" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Q-Warrior Helmet</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10640878/Iron-Man-helmet-designed-for-the-battlefield.html">'Iron Man' helmet designed for the battlefield</a> -- The Telegraph<br /><a href="http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/bae-systems-one-step-ahead-with-its-iron-man-helmet-1-6450161">BAE Systems one step ahead with its ‘Iron Man’ helmet</a> -- Yorkshire Post<br /><a href="http://news.uk.msn.com/heads-up-display-for-soldier-helmet">Heads-up display for soldier helmet</a> -- MSN News<br /><a href="http://www.cityam.com/blog/1392809965/bae-brings-iron-man-tech-battlefield">BAE brings Iron Man tech to the battlefield</a> -- City AM<br /><a href="http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2014/feb/q-warrior.cfm">Augmented reality helmet for soldiers exceeds expectations </a>-- E&T<br /><a href="http://www.gizmag.com/q-warrior/30898/">Q -Warrior brings head-up displays to the battlefield</a> -- Gizmag

Iron Man-Style Helmet Being Developed For Soldiers

Iron Man-Style Helmet will Help Soldiers Pinpoint Targets On The Battlefield - And Avoid Shooting Comrades By Mistake -- Daily Mail * Q-Warr...

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Hamas Now Has Anti-Aircraft Missiles In It's Arsenal

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnhCjbob7W1AQg6G5TFCcGHyzF8UG8Mj8Tdn3tw7lpbEHLVNMCG8m66G2eyId0LHp3bT-2Z7IDPJ9QqIBYI253XFdi5P4rxukZuJQTu9Fbw9s9VT50QUZt8i3IDWz9vSUw50QOc5vezQs/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/AVvXsEjFnhCjbob7W1AQg6G5TFCcGHyzF8UG8Mj8Tdn3tw7lpbEHLVNMCG8m66G2eyId0LHp3bT-2Z7IDPJ9QqIBYI253XFdi5P4rxukZuJQTu9Fbw9s9VT50QUZt8i3IDWz9vSUw50QOc5vezQs/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palestinian members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, stand guard in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Dec. 7, 2012. (photo by REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hamas Tests Anti-Aircraft Missiles Against Israel -- Al-Monitor</b></span></div><br />Palestinians in Gaza acknowledge that the Israeli air force has caused problems for them in previous military confrontations — problems that for a long time have remained without adequate resolution. Domination of the skies has afforded Israel a platform for achieving its major objectives, such as assassinations and elimination of weapons emplacements, at minimal cost. The armed factions in Gaza are determined to counter this capability through anti-aircraft missiles and are now in possession of a few versions, although in limited quantities.<br /><br />The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights in Gaza puts the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli Air Force at 911, out of the 2,269 killed, from 2008 until today. Most of these deaths occurred during the war waged during 2008–2009. In contrast, the 2012 confrontation saw 143 Palestinians killed by the Israeli air force, out of a total of 171 dead.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/gaza-hamas-qassam-aircraft-missiles-israel-strela.html#">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://freebeacon.com/hamas-tests-missiles-against-israel/">Hamas Tests Missiles Against Israel</a> -- Washington Free Beacon<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: Hamas is a designated terror group. The worry that these anti-aircraft missiles may be used in targeting civilian aircraft are justified.

Hamas Now Has Anti-Aircraft Missiles In It's Arsenal

Palestinian members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, stand guard in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Dec. 7, 20...

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Did Acting CIA Director Michael Morell Lie To Congress On Benghazi?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2iqv0JMQ1ovsER_9IbAnwqcRMx-tcld4edyYppVBmqQ9ORUag96Ap0G6998LYcZCrXZr_cUa-eoxUSh4jwMSQYmbBWGQcCQ_tGEqehdfhjlhxyH70eb5HpqeTW3dm27gDoq1meqV2r2v/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/AVvXsEjq2iqv0JMQ1ovsER_9IbAnwqcRMx-tcld4edyYppVBmqQ9ORUag96Ap0G6998LYcZCrXZr_cUa-eoxUSh4jwMSQYmbBWGQcCQ_tGEqehdfhjlhxyH70eb5HpqeTW3dm27gDoq1meqV2r2v/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Photo:</b> Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morel</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lawmakers: CIA #2 Lied to Us About Benghazi -- Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard</b></span></div><br />“When U.S. intelligence officials testified behind closed doors two weeks ago, they were asked point blank whether they had altered the talking points on which U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice based her comments about the Benghazi attacks that have turned into a political firestorm,” read a Reuters story on November 28. “Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, acting CIA Director Michael Morell and National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen each said no, according to two congressional sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.”<br /><br />For two weeks, the official public position of the intelligence community was that no one knew who had made the changes. In private meetings with lawmakers, on Capitol Hill and at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, Morell denied that he had played any significant role in writing or revising the talking points.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/lawmakers-cia-2-lied-us-about-benghazi_782724.html?page=2">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: The Reuters report that covered the Congressional testimony from Mike Morell on the Benghazi talking points (and his denying of it) <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/29/us-usa-benghazi-rice-cia-idUSBRE8AS0SJ20121129">can be read here</a></b>. This is just one more example on why a special prosecutor/special committee needs to examine the entire issue of Benghazi .... specifically on the government's response to it after the attack.

Did Acting CIA Director Michael Morell Lie To Congress On Benghazi?

Photo: Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morel Lawmakers: CIA #2 Lied to Us About Benghazi -- Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard “When U.S. in...

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Picture Of The Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.defense.gov/imgHandler.ashx?h=350&w=0&img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2014-02/hires_140214-F-YY948-150a.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_140214-F-YY948-150a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off during a daytime mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 15, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brian Wagner</span></div>

Picture Of The Day

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off during a daytime mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 15, 2014. U.S. Air...

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I Am A Ukrainian (Video)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Hvds2AIiWLA" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/i-am-a-ukrainian-video-goes-viral-in-bid-to-shine-light-on-protests-1.1695425">'I am a Ukrainian' video goes viral in bid to shine light on protests</a> -- CTV

I Am A Ukrainian (Video)

Update: 'I am a Ukrainian' video goes viral in bid to shine light on protests -- CTV

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Russians Are Split On Having A Military Draft

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjYv13GE6vJWvxxmobDS05m6ngH0rV3eCYZPE1ucFLRukAcftUCUmHLb6OTTvKQ6uJTTCSG1JLIHys5J1Pn8EtZGL1M1harkUNzFU4ChtXJMJjO1ONgwThWwrIsRMhm8EP3SPKY35QUBj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjYv13GE6vJWvxxmobDS05m6ngH0rV3eCYZPE1ucFLRukAcftUCUmHLb6OTTvKQ6uJTTCSG1JLIHys5J1Pn8EtZGL1M1harkUNzFU4ChtXJMJjO1ONgwThWwrIsRMhm8EP3SPKY35QUBj/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Russians Split on Military Draft – Survey. © RIA Novosti. Alexander Kryazhev</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Russians Split on Military Draft – Survey -- RIA Novosti</b></span></div><br />MOSCOW, February 18 (RIA Novosti) – Russians are divided about the use of conscript soldiers in the army, according to a survey published Tuesday.<br /><br />A total of 48 percent of Russians believe the military draft should remain a key source of manpower for the army, while 40 percent think only professional contract soldiers should serve, the poll by the independent Levada Center found.<br /><br />Almost half of Russians (48 percent) would like their children to serve in the army, while 33 percent would prefer to help their relatives dodge military service.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140218/187653530/Russians-Split-on-Military-Draft--Survey.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I am very skeptical of these results. The older generation may favor it .... but most young Russians would prefer not to serve the necessary 1 year term.

Russians Are Split On Having A Military Draft

Russians Split on Military Draft – Survey. © RIA Novosti. Alexander Kryazhev Russians Split on Military Draft – Survey -- RIA Novosti MOSCOW...

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NATO Chief: Afghan President Hamid Karzai Will Not Sign The Security Pact

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/it-uyRGwln0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Karzai Unlikely To Sign Security Pact: NATO Chief -- APA</b></span></div><br />Baku-APA. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says Afghan President Hamid Karzai will likely leave the signing of a security pact with the US to his successor, APA reports quoting Press TV.<br /><br />NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he believes that Karzai will not sign the long-stalled pact until April’s presidential election.<br /><br />“We haven’t so far seen any progress as regards a signature on the Bilateral Security Agreement, and actually I believe that President Karzai will not sign the security agreement, so it will be for his successor to make that decision,” Rasmussen said on Thursday in Athens, where he was attending a European Union defense ministers’ meeting.<br /><br />Rasmussen also acknowledged that NATO expects a separate pact with Kabul which would be impossible without a deal with the US.<br /><br />“There will be a separate NATO Status of Forces agreement, but we will not finalize that Status of Forces agreement unless the Afghans sign the Bilateral Security Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan,” the NATO chief added. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://en.apa.az/news/207450">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update</b>: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nato-head-afghan-security-pact-elections-205133498.html">NATO head: Afghan security pact after elections</a> -- AP<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> And NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is right.

NATO Chief: Afghan President Hamid Karzai Will Not Sign The Security Pact

Karzai Unlikely To Sign Security Pact: NATO Chief -- APA Baku-APA. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says Afghan President Hamid...

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Pentagon Study Predicts That The Taliban Will Surge In Afghanistan If Afghan Forces Are Cut

<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_140219-A-RU942-102c.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_140219-A-RU942-102c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Warrior Training Alliance instructor Terry Jones teaches Afghan border police while they conduct a tactical site exploitation course on Forward Operating Base Thunder in Afghanistan's Paktya province, Feb. 19, 2014. Jones is assigned to the Security Force Advise and Assist Team 9, Warrior Training Alliance.U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dixie Rae Liwanag U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dixie Rae Liwanag</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Afghanistan Troop Cuts Will Likely Lead To Taliban Surge, Study Warns -- The Guardian</b></span></div><br />Insurgency ‘likely to swell’ following upcoming US and Nato military withdrawal, challenging Nato’s 2012 expectations<br /><br />Stability in Afghanistan will require tens of thousands more troops costing billions more dollars than Nato envisioned at a fateful 2012 summit, according to a new Pentagon-sponsored review.<br /><br />The review, released Thursday and conducted by the nonpartisan think tank CNA at the behest of the Pentagon’s policy directorate, found that the Taliban insurgency is likely to swell in the years following the upcoming US and Nato military withdrawal, sharply challenging expectations set at Nato’s May 2012 summit in Chicago. The review also saw widespread deficiencies in Nato’s planning for Afghanistan manpower, logistics, air support and ministerial strength. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/afghanistan-troop-cuts-taliban-surge-pentagon-study">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On A Pentagon Study That Predicts A Taliban Will Surge In Afghanistan If The Afghan Army Is Cut</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-usa-afghanistan-idUSBREA1K02720140221">U.S. report says planned cuts to Afghan forces threaten stability</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/report-planned-cuts-to-afghan-troops-threaten-stability/1856104.html">Report: Planned Cuts to Troop Levels in Afghanistan Threaten Stability</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/study-casts-doubt-wests-afghan-plan-22603604">New Study Casts Doubt on West's Afghan Plan</a> -- ABC News/AP<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> It is too early to predict such an outcome. Karzai and his gang will no longer be in power, and the Taliban are starting to have <b><a href="http://centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/pakistan/main/2014/02/20/feature-01">their own problems.</a></b>

Pentagon Study Predicts That The Taliban Will Surge In Afghanistan If Afghan Forces Are Cut

Warrior Training Alliance instructor Terry Jones teaches Afghan border police while they conduct a tactical site exploitation course on Forw...

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