02/28/11

Permalink DNA "Genetic Patdown" Introduced to Airports by DHS

A new level of invasive screening is scheduled for airports this summer: a portable DNA scanner to conduct on-site, real-time genetic testing. This technology is being implemented under the cover of combating human trafficking, illegal immigration, and finding missing persons, but Richard Seldon of NetBio, creator of the scanners, clearly states that "DNA information has the potential to become part of the fabric of day-to-day life." In an interview with Katie Drummond who broke this story for The Daily, Seldon envisions additional applications in emergency rooms, food safety tests, and law enforcement.


Permalink Police vow no forcible removals as protesters hold ground in Capitol

Police Union announces solidarity with students, workers, and Wisconsin residents occupying the State Capitol in Madison. February 24, 2011.

Reuters: Many protesters refuse to exit Wisconsin Capitol - Dozens of protesters against proposed legislation to weaken state public unions refused to leave the Wisconsin state capitol building on Sunday and police said they would be allowed to stay the night.


Permalink China again cracks down on planned protests across country

BEIJING — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday held an online forum in which he promised to focus on making the lives of ordinary people in China more comfortable and secure. Just a few hours later, Chinese police unleashed a show of force in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities to clamp down on public gatherings after a second week of overseas Internet-based calls for protests across the country. The combination of Wen's comments about government efforts to raise living standards, accompanied by a display of China's police state tactics aimed at squelching dissent, neatly laid out in one day's time the Chinese Communist Party's approach to avoiding the kind of unrest seen across the Arab world.


Permalink US drops illegal DIME bombs on Afghans

Afghan officials say the US-led NATO forces have been using internationally prohibited bombs against civilians in the war torn country. Last week, over 60 Afghan civilians lost their lives during NATO airstrikes on residential areas in the eastern province of Kunar.

Afghan studies on the unexploded munitions have revealed that each weapon is a combination of cluster and penetrator bombs. The studies say once the combination bomb breaks into 20 pieces before it touches the ground. Each piece then transforms into a penetrator warhead which burrows into the soil, causing an underground explosion. The device creates shockwaves that resemble an earth tremor. The blast kills every living thing within a small radius of its explosion. An experimental US weapon called Dense Inert Metal Explosive (DIME) has a relatively small but effective blast radius.

PressTV: Probe: US killed 65 Afghan civilians


Permalink "If law fails the CIA will assassinate Assange" - Reagan official

Judge Howard Riddle, the bane of Julian Assange's existence for the past three months, has granted Sweden's extradition request. The WikiLeaks founder has already repealed the ruling, but his worst fears have been cemented: the rape charges are going to follow him for the rest of his life, perhaps even after years of repeals. Former Reagan Administration Paul Craig Roberts says there is a concerted effort to shut Assange up. If the legal attempt fails, he'll be assassinated by a CIA assassination team.

Robert Stevens: Defend Julian Assange


Permalink Pakistani and Indian Newspapers Say US CIA Contractor Raymond Davis Organized Terrorist Activities

Davis is the CIA contractor in jail in Lahore facing murder charges for the execution-slayings of two young men believed to be Pakistani intelligence operatives. Pakistani and Indian newspapers are reporting that Raymond Davis, the CIA contractor in jail in Lahore facing murder charges for the execution-slayings of two young men believed to be Pakistani intelligence operatives, was actually involved in organizing terrorist activities in Pakistan.

AWIP: Raymond Davis 'was acting head of CIA in Pakistan'


Permalink Libya: African mercenaries 'immune from prosecution for war crimes'

African mercenaries hired by the Gaddafi regime to kill Libyan protesters would be immune from prosecution for war crimes due to a clause in this weekend's UN resolution that was demanded by US. African mercenaries hired by the Gaddafi regime to kill Libyan protesters would be immune from prosecution for war crimes due to a clause in this weekend's UN resolution that was demanded by the United States. The UN Security Council agreed on Saturday evening to freeze international assets belonging to the Gaddafis and their key aides, to ban them from travelling and to block all arms sales to Tripoli. It also called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the killings of demonstrators. This inquiry could lead to senior Libyan ministers and officials being indicted to stand trial for crimes against humanity at The Hague and being given lengthy prison sentences.

Raw Story: Libya attacks could be crime against humanity: court
The Telegraph: EU agrees fresh sanctions against Gaddafi -Video
PressTV: Dictators use US weapons to kill people
WSWS: As Libyan rebels close in on Gaddafi, US and Europe ramp up intervention
Activist Post: Libyans: No Thanks to Globalist Intervention
Norman Livergood: Fake Revolutions


Permalink 17 die in freak electrocution at Brazil parade

SAO PAULO - Brazilian police say 17 people were electrocuted during a freak accident during a large pre-Carnival parade. Police say Monday that fireworks lit by partygoers caused a power line to fall on a tightly packed crowd dancing behind a large sound truck. The accident happened late Sunday in the small town of Bandeiro do Sul in Minas Gerais state north of Rio. Such street parties are common across Brazil and involve a crush of people following behind a sound truck as it belts out music. A police spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to discuss the matter, said most of those killed on the street were hit directly by the downed power line. He says dozens of others were hurt. Carnival officially begins on Friday.


Permalink ‘Anonymous’ targets the brothers Koch

‘Anonymous’ targets the brothers Koch, claiming attempts ‘to usurp American Democracy’ [- What democracy???] The decentralized protest group "Anonymous" has a new target: no, it's not a middle eastern dictator, a major bank or even a bit player in the military-industrial complex. It's none other than tea party financiers Charles and David Koch, who were being targeted, an open letter stated, for their attempts "to usurp American Democracy."
"Koch Industries, and oligarchs like them, have most recently started to manipulate the political agenda in Wisconsin," an announcement posted to anonnews.org declared. "Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process," they explained. "The Koch's have helped to fuel the unrest in Wisconsin and the drive behind the bill to eliminate the collective bargaining power of unions in a bid to gain a monopoly over the state's power supplies.


Permalink HEBRON: A MASSACRE REMEMBERED ~~ WE WILL NEVER FORGIVE OR FORGET

Seventeen years ago this past Friday, 30 Muslim worshippers were slaughtered while at prayer. 270 were severely injured. This took place in one of the holiest sites in Palestine, a site revered by both Jews and Muslims. It is the resting place of our common Father Abraham and his family. The massacre was carried out by a crazed Jewish settler from Brooklyn.

The site itself is a unique structure as it serves both as a mosque and a synagogue. When one enters, it is difficult not to feel the thousands of years of common history that these two peoples share. Today, it is difficult not to feel the lingering hatred in the area as a result of the zionist occupation and harassment.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu literally slapped the entire Palestinian Nation on the face when the following was announced…. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem would both be added to the list of national heritage sites that the government plans to promote. A full report can be read HERE. This move is a definite indication and admittance of the influence the extreme right and fascist elements have on the government of Israel today. Literally making money at the site of such a horrible tragedy is nothing less that revolting. THIS is also worth reading.


Permalink CIA mulls targeting Pakistani agents

Pakistani diplomatic sources say the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is considering targeting Pakistani diplomats, in retaliation for the arrest of one of the agency's contractors. The sources also insist that the situation is increasingly turning out to be not merely a loss of the cover of a CIA spy, Raymond Davis, but, actually, the loss of a key asset of the notorious US spy agency, a report said on Saturday. "It is unlikely that they (American intelligence apparatus) would let it go without returning it to the Pakistani counterparts one way or the other," the Pakistani sources added. According to the report, the CIA is mulling over targeting Pakistani diplomats and intelligence agents across the world in an effort to pressure Islamabad to release Davis.

AWIP: Raymond Davis 'was acting head of CIA in Pakistan'


Permalink Gaddafi bombs protesters near Tripoli

Forces loyal to Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi have heavily bombarded pro-democracy protesters, who are zeroing in on the capital, Tripoli. The bombardment was reported in Zawiyah, a city located some 50 kilometers west of Tripoli. The violence act came hours after demonstrators took control of the strategically important town. Two thousand people have been reported killed in the weeks-long violence. The embattled regime has recently used aerial attacks and poison gas against the peaceful protesters. Reports also say forces and foreign mercenaries loyal to Gaddafi have surrendered parts of Tripoli to pro-democracy protesters. The residents of some neighborhoods in the capital have barricaded their streets and are openly showing defiance. The anti-government demonstrations continue across Libya as more cities fall into protester control.

HuffPo: LIBYA ON THE BRINK
Al Arabiya: Gaddafi forces abandon Tripoli neighborhoods
BBC: Anti-Gadhafi Forces Take Control of Western City
Raw Story: Several west Libya towns in opposition hands: official


Permalink Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa -- country by country

Two months ago, a Tunisian fruit vendor lit a match, starting a fire that has spread throughout the Arab world. Muhammad Bouazizi's self-immolation prompted anti-government protests that toppled the regime in Tunisia and then Egypt. The demonstrations have spread across a swath of the Middle East and North Africa. Here are the latest developments, including the roots of the unrest.


Permalink Tunisia’s prime minister resigns; Omani police fire on protesters

Tunisia Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced his resignation on Sunday following a wave of street protests. Critics have accused Mr. Ghannouchi of being to close to the North African state’s former government, toppled in an uprising last month, and of failing to enact reforms. “My resignation will provide a better atmosphere for the new era,” he said, adding he wanted to prevent more victims in the country’s political unrest. Three people have been killed and several people wounded in clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Friday over Mr. Ghannouchi’s role in the interim government. “My resignation is in the service of the country,” he said on state TV.


Permalink NZ's Christchurch quake death toll stands at 147

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- The toll from Christchurch's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stood at 147, New Zealand police said on Sunday. They plan to release two more victims' names on Monday, bringing to eight the total number of people officially named as fatalities from the quake. Superintendent Dave Cliff said more than 200 people were missing in the worst disaster of the city. People from more than 20 countries are among the dead, he said. Search and rescue teams continued to scour the rubble of buildings that collapsed in the earthquake on Tuesday, but no survivors have been found since Wednesday afternoon.


02/27/11

Permalink Afghan night raid survivors, in their own words

KABUL (Reuters) - The growing use of "night raids" by NATO-led and Afghan forces to kill or capture insurgents is one of the most controversial strategies in the Afghan war. Here are some accounts by Afghan civilians of night raids they experienced, which left them injured or bereaved.

HAMIDULLAH, Jalalabad city, aged 13. Hamidullah says he was bitten by a dog during a night raid on his house, and lifts up the leg of his trousers to show big scars around his that appear to be bite marks. ISAF declined immediate comment on photos of the scars.

"I was asleep, I woke up from a dream, and when I went to the door the dog bit me. It was one or two o'clock in the morning, about two years ago. I was 11 at the time, now I'm 13 years old." "I got no medical help for the wound, except the U.S. soldiers bandaged it up with gauze before they left. I got no compensation either, but it doesn't hurt now, it is not painful." "Our windows are still damaged because on the day they came they blasted the door out with a bomb. There were 4 or 5 other small children in the house at the time, and some women in a side room, but there were no others hurt, just me." "Seven people were arrested that night, they were released after six days, except one who was released after four months. First they went to Jalalabad airbase, then three were taken to Bagram. They were mostly Americans, with two translators."


Permalink Libya: UN Security Council votes sanctions on Gaddafi

UN Security Council unanimously orders sanctions against Libya, and refers Muammar Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to impose sanctions on Muammar Gaddafi's Libyan regime for its attempts to put down an uprising. They backed an arms embargo and asset freeze while referring Col Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. US President Barack Obama has said the Libyan leader should step down and leave the country immediately. He still controls Tripoli, but eastern Libya has fallen to the uprising. Discussions on forming an anti-Gaddafi transitional government are reportedly under way.

IBT: Full Text of UN Resolution imposing sanctions on Libya
The Telegraph: Barack Obama calls on Col Gaddafi to step down
PressTV: US intervention aims to control Libya oil
Al Jazeera: Libyan army taking people to alleys and executing them - Video [WARNING: GRAPHIC.]
PiratenPad: Over 600 Videos of the Protests in Libya. [WARNING: GRAPHIC.]


02/26/11

Permalink Protest fever reaches Vietnam -Video

Rare footage of demonstration in Ho Chi Minh City reveals dissent just beneath the surface. Calls for political reform have not been confined to the Arab world. Al Jazeera has obtained rare footage of a demonstration in Vietnam - a country where political dissent is swiftly put down by the government. Al Jazeera Steve Chao has an exclusive report.


Permalink Qaddafi Forces Shooting From Ambulances, Witnesses Say

TRIPOLI, Libya — An increasingly gruesome picture began to emerge Saturday of the violent tactics used by the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi to quell protesters in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, with several witnesses confirming that forces loyal to the government had been shooting people from ambulances and using antiaircraft guns against crowds. Witnesses to the violence in Tripoli, where a tense standoff held on Saturday, also said that the government had removed dead bodies as well as the wounded from hospitals in an effort to disguise the mounting death toll in the uprising against Col. Qaddafi sweeping Libya.


Permalink Israeli forces fire on hundreds of protesters in the West Bank

HEBRON (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces fired rubber-coated bullets at protesters in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday afternoon, where clashes left at least nine people injured, Palestinian medics and the Israeli army said. Four international activists and two Palestinians were detained, organizers said. The military said that only one person was arrested. The Palestinians injured by rubber-coated bullets were transferred to the Hebron and Al-Ahli hospitals, Red Crescent officials said. The Israeli army also said five border police officers were injured.

The demonstration, which called for the reopening of one of the city's main streets, came on the anniversary of the 1994 massacre of 29 Palestinians in Hebron by a Jewish extremist. Protesters, who waved Palestinian flags chanting "Down with the occupation!" and "Hebron is Palestinian," said they were trying to reopen central Shuhada (Martyrs) Street, once home to the city's main market. Israel largely closed off the street, citing security, after the 1994 massacre in the Ibrahimi Mosque. Hundreds of Palestinians and international activists participated in the protest.


Permalink Paypal backs down!! Reinstates Account for Supporters of Bradley Manning!!

Apparently reacting to enormous backlash from supporters and criticism in the media, PayPal has reinstated the account of Courage to Resist, an organization which has partnered with the Bradley Manning Support Network to raise funds for the defense of accused WikiLeaks whistleblower Bradley Manning. The change in account status came only hours after the nonprofit organization published a press release drawing attention to the matter. Over 10,000 people signed the petition hosted by Firedoglake today urging PayPal to reinstate the charitable account, while many more supporters called PayPal directly to voice their criticisms. Within hours, PayPal responded — reinstating the account so that Courage to Resist and the Bradley Manning Support Network can continue their work.


Permalink Control over your food: Why Monsanto's GM seeds are undemocratic

“Monsanto has an annual budget of $10 million dollars and a staff of 75 devoted solely to investigating and prosecuting farmers.”

Question: Would you want a small handful of government officials controlling America’s entire food supply, all its seeds and harvests?
I suspect most would scream, “No way!”

Yet, while America seems allergic to public servants – with no profit motive in mind – controlling anything these days, a knee-jerk faith in the "free market" has led to overwhelming centralized control of nearly all our food stuffs, from farm to fork. The Obama administration’s recent decision to radically expand genetically modified (GM) food – approving unrestricted production of agribusiness biotech company Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” alfalfa and sugar beets – marks a profound deepening of this centralization of food production in the hands of just a few corporations, with little but the profit motive to guide them.


02/25/11

Permalink Defiant Gaddafi vows to defeat enemies

Libyan ruler Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has vowed to defeat all of his enemies, while the embattled regime continues to lose its grip on more cities. On Friday, Gaddafi told crowds of supporters in Tripoli's central Green Square to "prepare to defend Libya." "We will fight them and we will beat them," he told his supporters. "Sing, dance and be ready." He also pledged to open all weapon depots in a bid to arm forces and mercenaries loyal to his regime. Addressing the crowd, Gaddafi called on his supporters to get ready to fight for Libya, for dignity and for oil. This is Gaddafi's third statement this week.


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