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Sign-on Letter to the People of Iran
Since some reactionary U.S. Senators wrote a threatening letter to the government of Iran (which has its own legitimacy problems), we are circulating a sign-on letter from people in the US to the people of Iran.The ANSWER coalition initiated this yesterday. We're adapting it and asking you to sign on, and share it widely.
Ubiquitous doll is now an information-gathering device Barbie the Spy!
By Alfredo Lopez
For many people reading this, there are at least two concepts that will offend.
Obama Flunking Foreign Policy 101; In Desperate Need of New Teachers
Guiding Obama into Global Make-Believe
Editor Note: The Orwellian concept of "information warfare" holds that propaganda can break down enemies and decide geopolitical outcomes, a strategy that has taken hold of the U.S. government's approach to international crises, especially the Ukraine crisis.
By Ray McGovern
CIA Director John Brennan told TV host Charlie Rose on Friday that, on assuming office, President Barack Obama "did not have a good deal of experience" in intelligence-related matters, adding – with remarkable condescension – that now "he has gone to school and understands the complexities."
Bumbling Brennan & Tough-Guy Women Invite Obama to War with Russia
US Intel Vets Oppose Brennan's CIA Plan
Editor Note: The original idea of the CIA was to have independent-minded experts assessing both short- and longer-term threats to U.S. national security. Mixing with operations and politics was always a danger, which is now highlighted by CIA Director Brennan's reorganization, opposed by a group of U.S. intelligence veterans.
MEMORANDUM FOR: The President
FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity
SUBJECT: John Brennan's Restructuring Plan for CIA
Violence Against Women: Why We Keep Getting it Wrong
With the passing of another International Women's Day, during which much attention around the world has again been focused on tackling violence against women, I would like to explain why none of the initiatives currently being proposed will achieve anything unless we acknowledge, and act on, the cause of this violence.
So let me briefly explain the fundamental cause of violence in our world, including the cause of violence against women, and invite you to do something very personal and effective about it.
The Coup Americans Don't Know About, and Washington's Plan to Destroy Venezuela's Democracy
By Dave Lindorff
Open Letter to the People and Leaders of Iran from the People of the United States
Sign here.
It has come to our attention while observing the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States government that a group of 47 U.S. Senators are attempting, against the will of the majority of the American people, to sabotage any agreement due to their hope of creating additional conflict between our country and the people of Iran.
We would also like to bring to your attention that many people in the United States are aware that the United States government is in violation of a treaty approved by the Senate and signed into law. The treaty imposes an affirmative obligation on the United States and all other countries possessing nuclear weapons to act to diminish and eventually eliminate all of their existing nuclear weapons as a condition for relieving non-nuclear countries of the need to acquire such terrifying weapons. The official name of this treaty is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or NPT.
We also wanted to bring to your attention that under the U.S. Constitution, (Article 6, Clause 2), any treaty approved by the Senate and signed into law "shall be the supreme law of the land" in the United States.
Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty requires the United States as a nuclear power to: "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a Treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control". (our emphasis)
We wanted to make sure that you were aware that the U.S. Constitution, recognizing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as the supreme law of the land in the United States, requires government officials to carry out two specific tasks:
First, to eliminate the U.S. nuclear arsenal under its Treaty pledge of "general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control;"
And second, to "pursue negotiations in good faith" with other nations for the achievement of nuclear disarmament.
As things stand, the United States is in violation of this "supreme law of the land."
The United States is not ridding itself of nuclear weapons. It possesses thousands of operational nuclear weapons that it is not destroying. In fact, it is in the process of improving their capability, deploying them on updated fighter aircraft, and other land-attack missiles, aircraft carriers and submarine platforms at the cost of hundreds of billions of dollars in new government funding.
The United States also provides more than $4 billion in military and economic aid to the state of Israel although Israel refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or allow outside inspectors, and does not deny that it possesses a considerable arsenal of nuclear weapons. We are not aware of any call by U.S. officials insisting that Israel sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or begin liquidating its own nuclear arsenal.
We, the people of the United States, are also aware that Iran as a signatory to the same Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has the absolute legal right, as do all signatory countries, to develop a nuclear capability for civilian energy purposes.
Article IV of the Treaty states: "Nothing in this Treaty shall be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
As a side note, we are also aware that when your country was ruled by a monarch installed in power in 1953 as a consequence of a CIA led-coup against the then constitutional government in Iran, the policy of the U.S. government was to encourage the development of an Iranian nuclear program.
We hope that this letter enriches your understanding that the spirit and content of the Open Letter by 47 Republican Senators does not conform with the views and desires of a broad section of public opinion inside the United States.
Their real aim in scuttling and sabotaging the current negotiations between the United States and Iran, perhaps unprecedented in the form they have chosen, is to create more conflict including the danger of military action against Iran.
Be assured that the last thing the American people want is war with or against Iran.
Initial signers
Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General • Cynthia McKinney, former Congresswoman • Brian Becker, ANSWER Coalition • Cindy Sheehan, peace activist • Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, Executive Director, Partnership for Civil Justice Fund • Heidi Boghosian, Esq., Constitutional Rights attorney • James Lafferty, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild Los Angeles • Debra Sweet, Director, World Can't Wait • Chuck Kauffman, National Co-Coordinator of Alliance for Global Justice • Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst • Eugene Puryear, Party for Socialism and Liberation • Medea Benjamin, co-founder, Code Pink • David Swanson, WarIsACrime.org • Juan Jose Gutierrez, Vamos Unidos, USA • Malachy Kilbride, National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance • Imam Mahdi Bray, American Muslim Alliance • Phil Wilayto, author and editor, Virginia Defenders Newspaper • Don DeBar, Host, CPR News • Arturo Garcia, Alliance Philippines • Radhika Miller, Attorney, Washington, D.C. • Rev. Claudia de la Cruz, Rebel Diaz Arts Collective (RDACBX) • Kim Ives, Haiti Liberte • Benjamin N. Dictor, Attorney, New York, NY • John Beacham, ANSWER Chicago • Phil Portluck, Voices4Justice72.com • Preston Wood, ANSWER - LA • Mike Prysner, March Forward! • Jeff Bigelow, labor organizer • Gloria La Riva, National Committee to Free the Cuban Five
Israel News - Mar 12, 2015
POLL: As Israel vote looms, centre-left pulls ahead of PM Netanyahu's Likud - Yahoo News
Israel Elections 2015: Social And Economic Issues, Not Iran, Dominate Political Race - ibtimes.com
Israel Election: Pocketbook Issues Trump Security Concerns - newsweek.com
Herzog claims Israel's economy is suffering due to overfocus on defense, vows only to raise defense budget if social needs are met - Arutz Sheva
Isaac Herzog says he trusts Obama "to get a good deal" with Iran, favors two state solution for the Palestinians - The Globe and Mail
Herzog: I'll evict settlers but only in an agreement and after talking to the settlers themselves, I may appoint an Arab minister - Arutz Sheva
Herzog: I want to unite, while Netanyahu divides - Ynetnews
Zionist Union unveils party platform - Ynetnews
VIDEO (English Subtitles): Isaac Herzog official election ad - YouTube
As Election Day Nears, Benjamin Netanyahu Talks of a 'Worldwide' Effort to Defeat Him - NYTimes.com
POLL: Netanyahu Support Among Democrats Plunges After Iran Speech - newsmax.com
Benjamin Netanyahu to blame for security failures, worsened relationship with US, former Mossad Chief says - Jerusalem Post
Netanyahu leads a nation with its own nuclear secrets, the country now has about 200 nuclear bombs and missile warheads - Washington Post
Jewish Congresswoman says Israeli voters should oust Benjamin Netanyahu for damaging the country's relationship with the U.S – Forward.com
Benjamin Netanyahu retreats on Palestinian state - Jerusalem Post
Netanyahu apologizes for campaign ad after union vows not to vote Likud - Ynetnews
Tens Of Thousands Attend Anti-Netanyahu Rally In Tel Aviv - huffingtonpost.com
Lieberman says Israel should execute Arabs who carry out deadly attacks, although the death penalty is on the statute only one person has been executed in the country's history - Reuters
Israel's Arab political parties have united for the first time - The Washington Post
POLL: Defying calls to boycott next week's vote, turnout among Israeli Arab voters is projected to rise (VIDEO) - CSMonitor.com
VIDEO: Israel's Arab citizens brandish new electoral power - euronews
Head of joint Arab-Israel party Ayman Odeh: the surprise of the 2015 campaign - i24news
Israeli Election: Interview with Head of joint Arab-Israel party Ayman Odeh - newsweek.com
PA president Abbas voices support for Joint Arab List in Israeli elections - Israel Hayom
With eye to Israel's election, Palestinian Authority trying to prevent flare-up of tensions in West Bank - Jerusalem Post
PA holding 50 Islamic militants, fearing terror attack will give election to Likud - Haaretz
Concerns Rise Over Plots to Oust Abbas - US News
POLL: Gaza Residents Blame Hamas for Palestinian Division - The Tower
U.N. inquiry on Gaza war crimes seeks delay of report to June: statement - Reuters
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Which Party Do You View Iran Through?
Most people in the United States have little contact with Iran or its culture. Iran comes up as a scary threat in the speeches of demagogues. A range of debate is offered between obliterate it and pressure it into compliance with our civilized norms, or at least the civilized norms of some other country that doesn't obliterate or pressure people.
So how do Americans view Iran? Many view it, like all governmental matters, through the lens of either the Democratic or the Republican Party. The Democratic President has come to be seen as on the side of preventing a war with Iran. The Republican Congress has come to be seen as pushing for that war. In this framework, something remarkable happens. Democrats begin recognizing all of the arguments against war that ought to be applied to every war.
Liberals and progressives are full of talk about respecting their president and their commander in chief and following his course to tame the Iranian threat, and so forth. But they are also pointing out that war is optional, that it is not a justifiable last resort because there are always other choices. They are pointing out the undesirability of war, the horrors of war, and the preferability of a diplomatic resolution, indeed the generation of friendly and cooperative relations -- albeit in some cases as a means to fighting another war with Iran as an ally. (This seems to be Obama's scheme for using war to fix the disaster left by a past war.)
Online activist organizations that identify with the Democratic Party are actually doing remarkably well at arguing against a war with Iran. They've largely dropped the President's own rhetoric that baselessly claims Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, preferring to rail against the danger of Republican warmongering. That's a reality-based position held by neither Party -- the Republicans don't claim they're starting a war and the White House doesn't generally focus on accusing them of it. Yes, these groups are still pushing the idea that Republicans disrespecting their president is an even bigger deal than starting a war, but when they turn to the topic of war they truly sound like they oppose it and understand why we always all should.
If you see Iran through that left-Democratic lens, that is if you are opposed to Republican efforts to start yet another unnecessary catastrophic war, this one with Iran, I have a few ideas I'd like to run by you.
1. What if President Obama were opposed to efforts to undermine and overthrow the government of Venezuela? What if Republicans in Congress were ridiculously claiming that Venezuela was a threat to the United States? What if the Republicans were writing letters of encouragement to the leaders of coup attempts in Venezuela to let them know that they had U.S. backing regardless of what the State Department might say? Would you oppose the overthrow of the Venezuelan government?
2. What if Congress had sent a delegation to instigate a violent coup in Kiev, behind the back of the State Department and the White House? What if pressure was building toward a war with nuclear Russia, and Republican leaders of Congress were eagerly fanning the flames while the White House pursued the alternatives of diplomacy, demilitarization, ceasefires, negotiations, aid, and the international rule of law? Would you oppose U.S. Congressional support for the rightwing coup government in Ukraine and its antagonization of Russia?
3. What if President Obama gave an eloquent speech acknowledging that not only is there "no military solution" in Iraq or Syria but that it's wrong to keep saying that while pursuing a military solution? What if he pulled U.S. troops out of that region and out of Afghanistan and asked Congress to fund a Marshall Plan of aid and restitution, at a much lower price tag than the troop presence of course? And what if Republicans introduced a bill to put all the troops back in? Would you oppose that bill?
4. What if the Congressional armed "services" committees set up panels to review kill lists and ordered men, women, and children targeted and murdered with drone strikes, along with anyone too close to them and anyone with a suspicious profile? What if President Obama accused Congress of violating national laws on murder, the U.S. Constitution, the U.N. Charter, the Geneva Conventions, the Kellogg Briand Pact, the Ten Commandments, and the lessons of the past that show such reckless actions to generate more enemies than they kill? Would you protest drone kills and demand the elimination of armed drones?
Here's what worries me. There are some positive signs right now and were some in late 2013 and at moments since. But the anti-Republican-war movement of 2002-2007 may not be matched again until the U.S. President is again a Republican (if that ever again happens). And by then, President George W. Bush's wars will have long passed without any penalties for those responsible. And President Obama will have increased military spending and foreign presence and privatization, given the CIA the power to wage wars, eliminated the practice of gaining UN approval for wars, ended the custom of gaining Congressional sanction for wars, established the practice of murdering people with missiles anywhere on earth (and armed half the earth's nations with similar ability), while continuing to spread violence and weaponry through Libya, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and on and on.
One last question: If you had a chance to oppose things you dislike, even though they're the result of bipartisanship, would you?
Talk Nation Radio: Michael Schwartz: Israel's Wars Are for Oil
Michael Schwartz is an Emeritus Distinguished Teaching Professor of sociology at Stony Brook State University and the author of six books and scores of articles and commentaries, including award winning books on popular protest and insurgency. His most recent book, War Without End, analyzes how the militarized geopolitics of oil led the U.S. to dismantle the Iraqi state and economy while fueling sectarian civil war inside Iraq. His work on the Middle East appears regularly in TomDispatch including his latest article, "The Great Game in the Holy Land."
Total run time: 29:00
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Producer: David Swanson.
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Stop the Wars at Home & Abroad!
Join Hatem Abudayyeh, Susan Abulhawa, Pam Africa, Abayomi Azikiwe, Ajamu Baraka, Media Benjamin, Lamis Deek, Steve Downs, Bernadette Ellorin, Glenn Ford, Sara Flounders, Bruce Gagnon, Teresa Gutierrez, Lawrence Hamm, Chris Hedges, Joe Iosbaker, Charles Jenkins, Antonia Juhasz, Chuck Kaufman, Kathy Kelly, Jeff Mackler, Christine Marie, Ray McGovern, Cynthia McKinney, Michael McPhearson, Malik Mujahid, Lucy Pagoada, Lynn Stewart, David Swanson, Clarence Thomas, Ann Wright, Kevin Zeese & many more at ...
A national conference to connect all the issues:
"Stop the Wars at Home & Abroad!"
(to register now, click the link below)
The United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) invites you to attend the "Stop the Wars at Home & Abroad!" conference, to be held May 8-10, 2015, in Secaucus, N.J, just outside New York City.
More and more, we can see how all the problems of the world are connected. The trillions of dollars being spent on wars-for-profit abroad could be used here at home to rebuild our cities, educate our youth, employ our jobless, repair damage to the environment – and try to make up for the endless suffering the Pentagon is inflicting on people around the world, most of them people of color, the vast majority of whom have nothing to do with threatening us or anyone else.
Some of the connections are even more striking. Some of the very same kinds of military equipment used in Iraq was seen this past summer on the streets of Ferguson, Mo. Surveillance drones developed for use by the military are now being used by domestic police departments. The endless "war on terror" is being used to justify taking away our civil liberties here at home. Wars for oil in the Middle East keep fossil fuels flowing, accelerating the climate change that threatens all humanity.
This conference will be an opportunity to meet and network with activists from across the country and learn about the many struggles going on today, both at home and around the world. Speakers with decades of experience will be joined by members of the new generations of activists who are bringing fresh energy and ideas into the movement. Together, we will learn from and inspire each other.
Most conferences cost many hundreds of dollars to attend, but UNAC organizers are doing their best to keep this one affordable for young activists and working people. Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, make many new progressive friends and build the movement for fundamental social change.
Stop the Wars at Home & Abroad!
For more information and to register for the conference, see:
To place an ad in the conference journal, see:
P.O. Box 123, Delmar, NY 12054 ● Ph: 518-227-6947
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com ● Web: www.UNACpeace.org
Looking for enemies: Venezuela, the Latest 'National Security Threat'
By Dave Lindorff
Seriously? Venezuela is a "national security threat"?
That is what President Obama has reportedly declared today in a new executive order.
And how exactly is poor Venezuela, a nation of 29 million, with a small military upon which it spends just 1% of GDP, one of the lowest rates in the world (the US spends 4.5% of GDP on its own bloated military), a threat to the US?
Ukraine/Russia News - Mar 10, 2015
Chairman and top Democrat on Senate Foreign Relations Committee press Obama on military aid for Ukraine - WashingtonExaminer.com
Corker, Menendez Send Letter to Obama Seeking Report on Defensive Lethal Assistance for Ukraine - US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Schedule of Hearings On U.S. Policy In Ukraine: Countering Russia and Driving Reform, Tue Mar 10 - US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
VIDEO: Sheduled Video of Victoria Nuland Testimony on US Policy Toward Ukraine, Tue Mar 10 - C-SPAN.org
Amid Looming Federal Corruption Charges, Sen.Menendez Pushes White House for Military Aid to Ukraine - dailysignal.com
McCain joins Murphy in Connecticut to call for military support to Ukraine - nhregister.com
VIDEO: Murphy, McCain speak to Hartford's Ukrainian community - FOX CT
German Ambassador: Last Month Obama Agreed With Merkel Not to Send Arms to Ukraine - ABC News
Germany Concerned about Aggressive NATO Stance on Ukraine - SPIEGEL ONLINE
Germany downplays report of rift with NATO over Breedlove comments - Reuters
VIDEO: Exclusive Interview: NATO Commander in Europe Philip Breedlove on Ukraine - watch on - uatoday.tv
European commission president Juncker calls for EU army, says this military development would persuade Russia the bloc is serious about defending its values - The Guardian
Ukraine Crisis: US Sending 3,000 Troops, Heavy Armor To Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania For NATO Military Exercises - ibtimes.com
NATO holds exercises in Black Sea (VIDEO) - uatoday.tv
Russian Navy Spotted In Black Sea Ahead Of NATO Exercise - rferl.org
Russian Jets Run 'Attack Scenarios' on NATO Ships - Washington Free Beacon
REPORT: Russia's Military Options in Ukraine: Gaming a Russian Offensive - Stratfor
VIDEO: A narrated animation outlining six offensive military options Russia could conduct in Ukraine - Stratfor
VIDEO: Stratfor's George Friedman discusses the concept of wargaming with an eye toward the Russia-Ukraine conflict - Stratfor
Putin Says He Decided To Take Crimea Just Hours After Yanukovych's Ouster - rferl.org
VIDEO (Eng subs): Putin on Crimea: The Road to Motherland (documentary teaser) - YouTube
POLL: Surveys showing Crimeans content with secession from Ukraine - rabble.ca
Russia massing sophisticated weapons in Crimea: NATO - Business Standard News
Putin appeals to Southern European countries for EU sanctions relief - LA Times
POLL: Russia's Anti-American Sentiment At Its Worst Since 1988 - valuewalk.com
POLL: Ukrainians support neutrality between Europe and Russia, disagree on war - usatoday.com
Ukraine Says Rebels Violating Cease-Fire - rferl.org
Ukraine accuses rebels of using heavy weapons near Mariupol - Yahoo News
Ukraine president says 64 soldiers killed since Feb 15 ceasefire - Yahoo News
Separatists say Kiev considering Donbass republics' proposals - Russia Beyond The Headlines
VIDEO: Female rebel fighters take part in Donetsk beauty pageant - RT
Poroshenko: Quarter of Ukraine's industry stopped because of war - UNIAN news
Ukraine hopes to get its industry connected with global market, but faces isolation and crisis - AP
Ukraine's Economy Is Worse Than It Looks - Bloomberg View
Exclusive: IMF assumes Ukraine to get $15.4 billion from creditor talks - Reuters
Separatist leader Zakharchenko announces nationalization of Zasyadko mine where 34 miners have died this week -EN.Censor.net
VIDEO: Ukrainian miners protest against Ukraine's government intentions to close down 12 state mines - uatoday.tv
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A Global Security System: An Alternative to War
World Beyond War has just published a short book titled A Global Security System: An Alternative to War.
This act constitutes an intervention into the debate over whether to create a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force. In fact, this document should help stimulate a debate over whether to continue with the war approach to global conflicts, authorized or not.
It has become routine to acknowledge that "there is no military solution" even while pursuing military actions as preferable to doing nothing. A Global Security System builds a case for alternative actions, both in a moment of crisis, and on the long-term path toward preventing conflict and developing nonviolent means of resolving conflict.
This book describes the "hardware" of creating a peace system, and the "software" — the values and concepts — necessary to operate a peace system, and the means to spread these globally. This report is based on the work of many experts in international relations and peace studies and on the experience of many activists. A quotation from the first section reads:
"In On Violence, Hannah Arendt wrote that the reason warfare is still with us is not a death wish of our species nor some instinct of aggression, '. . . but the simple fact that no substitute for this final arbiter in international affairs has yet appeared on the political scene.' The Alternative Global Security System we describe here is the substitute. The goal of this document is to gather into one place, in the briefest form possible, everything one needs to know to work toward an end to war by replacing it with an Alternative Global Security System in contrast to the failed system of national security."
The book is available free online at WorldBeyondWar.org, including the Executive Summary and full Table of Contents. Here is the full PDF version. The paperback is available at your local bookstore or any online bookseller. The distributor is Ingram. The ISBN is 978-0983083085. Buy online at Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. The audio book can be purchased here. The eBook editions (978-1495147159) are coming soon.
Comments can be posted under each section of the book on the WorldBeyondWar.org website. Some of the top experts in various fields will be engaging in conversation in these comment sections. Each book section is posted along with graphics, an audio version, and related actions that can be taken. Check it out!
A teach-in on this topic is planned for 5:00-6:30 p.m. March 20, 2015, at University of the District of Columbia Law School at 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, as part of four days of events planned by Spring Rising. Speaking will be David Swanson, author and director of World Beyond War; Matthew Hoh, a former State Department official who resigned in protest from his post in Afghanistan; and Robert Fantina, author and journalist whose most recent book is Empire, Racism and Genocide: A History of U.S. Foreign Policy.
"New York's 200-Year Conspiracy for Peace"
As a scholarly specialist on the American peace movement, I am sometimes telephoned for background information by journalists writing articles about current demonstrations against war or against nuclear weapons. Almost invariably, they have no idea that the American peace movement has a rich history. Or, if they realize that it does have such a history, they have no idea that that history goes back further than the Vietnam War. This is a very big and unfortunate gap in their knowledge. Actually, the American peace movement dates back two centuries and has involved millions of people (among them prominent figures like John Quincy Adams, Charles Sumner, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Jane Addams, Robert La Follette, John Dewey, Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr.). Another relatively unknown fact is the importance of New York State―and particularly New York City―in that movement's history.
Putin Wants to Eat Your Children
If U.S. television and politicians started saying that Saudi Arabia should be bombed because it kills and tortures innocent people, within a week many millions of Americans would demand just that. And because those voices do say that about ISIS, many millions of Americans do favor a war on ISIS.
My point is not that bombs would be worse than the problem addressed and would make the problem itself worse as well, although that's all true. Rather, my point is that most people who favor wars do so in order to blindly support a nation, and in blindly supporting that nation they allow it to dictate which wars they will favor. Although war supporters will give you reasons for the wars they favor, they actually favor whichever wars they are told to favor, and no others. And they'll give you the reasons they are told to believe in as well.
More often than not, the U.S. public is advised to favor a war on a single individual of demonic nature, even though a war against an individual is completely nonsensical. According to nonsensical propaganda, you don't bomb Iraqis; you bomb former-U.S.-ally Saddam Hussein. You don't bomb Afghans; you bomb former-U.S.-ally Osama bin Laden. You don't drone kill Pakistani and Yemeni and Somali children and women and men; you drone kill Al Qaeda Terrorist Number Three, over and over again. You don't liberate Libya from what stability it had; you kill former-U.S.-ally Muammar Gadaffi. You don't attack Panama; you attack former-U.S.-ally Manuel Noriega. Et cetera et cetera.
Well, it's Vladimir Putin's turn, which means Russia is at risk, which means the world is at risk, and yet the rough beast stumbling toward Bethlehem to be born is as oblivious to its conception as any unborn thing or television viewer.
The Washington Post has a criticism of the U.S. television show "House of Cards" as being unrealistic in its portrayal of a Putin character because the actor is too tall, the White House would never invite the Russian band Pussy Riot (jailed by Putin) to dinner with Putin, etc. If you actually watch the episode it gets a lot more unrealistic than that.
First the Putin character is made so obnoxious that you're supposed to take the sociopathic (hands-on) murderer who's the U.S. president for a nice reasonable guy. Then you're supposed to accept the whole pretense that the United States wants to and can create "peace" between Israel and its victims despite giving Israel billions of dollars of weapons every year and blocking all global accountability for its crimes. Then you're supposed to imagine that Russia and the United States can and should join forces and use those forces to violently bring about a state of nonviolence without ever even considering any of the grievances or injustices at the root of the problem.
Then comes a pretense that is central to the formulaic but muddy thinking that takes the U.S. into wars. When Pussy Riot protests Putin's domestic abuses, the U.S. president declares that he will follow their example and "stand up" to Putin. This equation between protesting domestic crimes and threatening military hostility from abroad is absolutely insane but absolutely standard in war propaganda.
And why does the President feel obliged to "stand up" to Putin? Because of how the negotiations had gone earlier in the program. The U.S. asked for Putin's help in "bringing peace" to the Middle East, and Putin said OK but I'd like you to take your missiles that are directed at Russia out of Eastern Europe. The President said he would pull out a small unspecified number but his doing so would have to be kept secret. Putin replied that such a bargain should not be secret and there would be no accountability if it were. And the U.S. President at that point freaked out, determined that Putin was an obnoxious jerk who ruined parties, imposed himself on the First Lady, and generally made everyone hate him as much as humanly possible, and therefore Russia deserved nothing and the world would be condemned to a greater likelihood of nuclear war.
You won't find that account in the Washington Post but you will see it if you watch the program. Or if you read U.S. magazines you'll find something similar. If you read U.S. books you'll find the same themes. If you listen to your Congress members you'll get the same general line. A war went from unpopular in 2013 to popular in 2014 because of some ugly videos of murders and the redirection of the war toward the murderers. Vladimir Putin is being set up as the reason for a popular war even as hostility is being provoked in Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe.
This could be the last such set-up if we quickly learn our lesson and pull it back, or if we don't.
Lee Camp points out to me that the song Pussy Riot sings at the end of the show has some interesting words:
Focus: Hillary Clinton - Mar 7, 2015
Clinton created multiple email addresses on private server, data show (VIDEO) - Fox News
VIDEO: Hacker exposes Hillary Clinton had multiple private emails - Fox News
Source: Top Aides Used Clinton Secret Email Accounts at State Dept. - gawker.com
Hillary's State Department used personal email widely, cited nine times by its own inspector general for improperly use - The Daily Caller
Clinton Wants You to See Her E-Mails, Except the Ones She Didn't Hand Over - Bloomberg Business
A Hillary Clinton Email That the State Department Could Not Find - The Atlantic
Clinton e-mail review could find security issues - The Washington Post
Experts tell Gawker: Hillary's shoddy private e-mail security is a potential national security disaster - Hot Air
Clinton Email Domain Hosted by a Company That Was Hacked in 2010 and Had Data Redirected to Ukraine, IP Address Reveals Link to British Virgin Islands - TheBlaze.com
6 questions that still need answers in the Hillary email controversy - The Washington Post
Hacker "Guccifer" first discovered Clinton's backchannel path - The Smoking Gun
It could be very long time before Hillary Clinton's State Department e-mails see the light of day - The Washington Post
Exclusive: Internal cable from Clinton State Department office barred use of personal email - Fox News
Hillary's State Dept. Forced The Resignation Of An Ambassador For Using Private E-Mail - TheHill
VIDEO: State Department Briefing: Hillary Clinton Emails - C-SPAN.org
White House was not aware that personal account was Clinton sole method of email and that she wasn't keeping a record of her emails at the State Department - AP
White House alerted to potential Clinton email problem in August - POLITICO
VIDEO: Press Secretary Josh Earnest Asked About Hillary Email Scandal - ijreview.com
Associated Press Threatens Legal Action Over Request for Hillary Clinton Information - NYTimes.com
Benghazi investigation gets boost with Clinton email revelations - Bloomberg
Dems denounce subpoena for Hillary Clinton emails - POLITICO
Emails show Clinton aides running interference during Benghazi attack - Fox News
Dad of SEAL Killed in Benghazi Blasts Hillary Over Records Exposed By JW - Judicial Watch
POLL: Clinton loses ground against GOP in hypothetical 2016 matchups - McClatchy DC
Former HHS secretary Donna Shalala to run Clinton Foundation as Hillary prepares possible 2016 run - Fox News
Men Make Up Top 8 Most Highly Compensated Clinton Foundation Employees, Key women earned 63 cents for every dollar key men made - The Weekly Standard
Gold Mine: Hillary Clinton's Brother Granted Super-Rare Mining Permit from Haiti After State Dept. Sent Country Billions - Breitbart
Clinton Can't Shake Her Ties to Bob Menendez's & His Pending Corruption Charges - ammoland.com
Clinton And Menendez's Deep Ties - GOP
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Potomac Reichstag or 'Planet of the Apes'?: Hooting American Yahoos on the Benches and Racist Israeli Demagogue on the Podium
By Dave Lindorff
U.S. Standing Alone Against Children
Lawrence Wittner points out that the United States will soon be the only nation on earth that has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
And why not? Wittner focuses on general backward stupidness: the treaty would "override" the Constitution or the importance of families or the rights of parents. He points out the treaty's support for parents and families and the impossibility of overriding the Constitution -- which we might note in any case says nothing on the subject.
Then Wittner mentions some more substantive reasons for opposition:
"... in fairness to the critics, it must be acknowledged that some current American laws do clash with the Convention's child protection features. For example, in the United States, children under the age of 18 can be jailed for life, with no possibility of parole. Also, as Human Rights Watch notes, "exemptions in U.S. child labor laws allow children as young as 12 to be put to work in agriculture for long hours and under dangerous conditions." Moreover, the treaty prohibits cruel and degrading punishment of children―a possible source of challenge to the one-third of U.S. states that still allow corporal punishment in their schools."
That's actually a pretty major in-fairness-to-the-critics point. The United States wants to maintain the ability to lock children in cages for the rest of their lives or to work them in the fields or to physically abuse them in school. In fact, the child prison industry is a major presence in the United States.
And there's another industry that has a dog in this fight. The U.S. military openly recruits children.
And let's not forget that there are children on the drone kill list and children who have been killed with drone strikes.
There are other nations that engage in some of these same abuses. Is it better to ratify a basic human rights treaty and violate it or to refuse to ratify it because you intend to act against it as a matter of principle?
I'm inclined to think the latter suggests the further remove from decent tendencies.
Review of 'Confessions of a Terrorist – A Novel'
Guest post: Anita McKone
If you have ever asked 'Why?... How could they do this?' in response to the latest report of terrorism, then Confessions of a Terrorist is the novel for you. But only if you genuinely want to find out the answers.
Yon Petraeus Has a Lean and Hungry Look
Gen. Petraeus: Too Big to Jail
Editor Note: While lesser Americans face years in jail for leaking secrets – even to inform fellow citizens of government abuses – retired Gen. David Petraeus gets a misdemeanor wrist-slap for exposing covert officers and lying about it, says ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern, who was jailed just for trying to ask Petraeus a question.
By Ray McGovern
How Did Syria Get Here?
Wars may be how Americans learn geography, but do they always learn the history of how the geography was shaped by wars? I've just read Syria: A History of the Last Hundred Years by John McHugo. It's very heavy on the wars, which is always a problem with how we tell history, since it convinces people that war is normal. But it also makes clear that war wasn't always normal in Syria.
Syria was shaped by and remains to this day outraged by the 1916 Sykes-Picot agreement (in which Britain and France divided up things that didn't belong to either of them), the 1917 Balfour Declaration (in which Britain promised Zionists land it didn't own known as Palestine or Southern Syria), and the 1920 San Remo Conference at which Britain, France, Italy, and Japan used rather arbitrary lines to create the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon, the British Mandate of Palestine (including Jordan), and the British Mandate of Iraq.
Between 1918 and 1920, Syria attempted to set up a constitutional monarchy; and McHugo considers that effort to be the closest Syria has come to self-determination. Of course, that was ended by the San Remo Conference at which a bunch of foreigners sat in a villa in Italy and decided that France must save Syria from the Syrians.
So 1920 to 1946 was a period of French misrule and oppression and brutal violence. The French strategy of divide and rule resulted in the separation of Lebanon. The French interests, as McHugo tells it, seem to have been profits and special benefits for Christians. The French legal obligation for the "mandate" was to help Syria reach the point of being able to rule itself. But, of course, the French had very little interest in letting the Syrians rule themselves, the Syrians could hardly have ruled themselves worse than the French did, and the entire pretense was without any legal controls on or supervision of the French. So, the Syrian protests appealed to the Rights of Man but were met with violence. The protests included Muslims and Christians and Jews, but the French remained to protect minorities or at least to pretend to protect them while encouraging sectarian division.
On April 8, 1925, Lord Balfour visited Damascus where 10,000 protesters greeted him shouting "Down with the Balfour agreement!" The French had to escort him out of town. In the mid 1920s the French killed 6,000 rebel fighters and destroyed the homes of 100,000 people. In the 1930s the Syrians created protests, strikes, and boycotts of French-owned businesses. In 1936 four protesters were killed, and 20,000 people attended their funeral before launching a general strike. And still the French, like the British in India and the rest of their empire, remained.
Toward the end of World War II, France proposed to "end" their occupation of Syria without ending it, something like the current U.S. occupation of Afghanistan that has "ended" while it continues. In Lebanon, the French arrested the president and prime minister but were forced to free them after strikes and demonstrations in both Lebanon and Syria. The protests in Syria grew. France shelled Damascus killing possibly 400. The British came in. But in 1946 the French and the British left Syria, a nation where the people refused to cooperate with foreign rule.
Bad times, rather than good, lay ahead. The British and the future-Israelis stole Palestine, and a flood of refugees headed for Syria and Lebanon in 1947-1949, from which they have yet to return. And the (first?) Cold War began. In 1949, with Syria the only nation not to have signed an armistice with Israel and refusing to allow a Saudi oil pipeline to cross its land, a military coup was executed in Syria with CIA involvement -- predating 1953 Iran and 1954 Guatemala.
But the United States and Syria could not form an alliance because the United States was allied with Israel and opposed to rights for Palestinians. Syria got its first Soviet weapons in 1955. And the U.S. and Britain began a long-term and ongoing project of drawing up and revising plans to attack Syria. In 1967 Israel attacked and stole the Golan Heights which it has occupied illegally ever since. In 1973 Syria and Egypt attacked Israel but failed to take back the Golan Heights. Syria's interests in negotiations for many years to come would focus on the return of Palestinians to their land and the return of the Golan Heights to Syria. U.S. interests in peace negotiations during the Cold War were not in peace and stability but in winning nations to its side against the Soviet Union. The mid-1970s civil war in Lebanon added to Syria's problems. Peace talks for Syria effectively ended with the 1996 election of Netanyahu as prime minister of Israel.
From 1970 to 2000 Syria was ruled by Hafez al-Assad, from 2000 to the present by his son Bashar al-Assad. Syria supported the U.S. in Gulf War I. But in 2003 the U.S. proposed to attack Iraq and declared that all nations must be "with us or against us?" Syria could not declare itself "with the United States" while the suffering of Palestinians was on TV every night in Syria and the United States was not with Syria. In fact, the Pentagon in 2001 had Syria on a list of seven countries it planned to "take out."
The chaos, violence, destitution, sectarian division, rage, and weaponry that flooded the region with the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 impacted Syria and of course led to the creation of groups like ISIS. The Arab Spring in Syria turned violent. Sectarian rivalries, the growing demand for water and resources, the arms and fighters supplied by regional and global rivalries brought Syria into a living hell. Over 200,000 have died, over 3 million have left the country, six and a half million are internally displaced, 4.6 million are living where fighting is ongoing. If this were a natural disaster, a focus on humanitarian aid would gain some interest, and at the very least the U.S. government would not be focused on adding more wind or waves. But this is not a natural disaster. It is, among other things, a proxy war in a region heavily armed by the United States, with Russia on the side of the Syrian government.
In 2013 public pressure helped prevent a massive U.S. bombing campaign on Syria, but the weapons and trainers kept flowing and no real alternative was pursued. In 2013 Israel gave a company a license to explore for gas and oil on the Golan Heights. By 2014 Western "experts" were talking about the war needing to "run its course," while the U.S. attacked certain Syrian rebels while arming others who sometimes surrendered the weapons to those the U.S. was attacking and who were also being funded by wealthy Gulf U.S. allies and fueled by fighters created out of the infernos the United States had brought to Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan, etc., and who were also being attacked by Iran which the United States also opposes. By 2015, "experts" were talking about "partitioning" Syria, which brings us full circle.
Drawing lines on a map can teach you geography. It cannot cause people to lose attachments to people and places they love and live with. Arming and attacking regions of the globe can sell weapons and candidates. It cannot bring peace or stability. Blaming ancient hatreds and religions can win applause and provide a sense of superiority. It cannot explain the mass slaughter, the division, and the devastation that are in large part imported to a region cursed with natural resources desired by and vicinity to crusaders whose new holy grail is the so-called responsibility to protect but who'd rather not mention who they actually feel responsible to and what they're actually protecting.
New TCBH! poem by Gary Lindorff: 'Cape Cod 1966'
My grandmother was too frail to walk on the sand,
So we used to carry her from the car
Which made her grumble,
Which was just grandma.
We never knew how much she hated being carried
Because we were so busy feeling manly,
My brother and I.
And once we got her settled out of the breeze
She would say
"There, this is nice. . ." or something like that...
Iowa GOP Lawmaker: Rick Perry's Involvement With Bakken Fracked Oil Pipeline "A Bad Idea"
Cross-Posted from DeSmogBlog
By David Goodner and Steve Horn
Everyday Iowa voters are less likely to caucus for former Texas governor and potential presidential candidate Rick Perry "because of his involvement" with a controversial oil pipeline proposal, according to an influential state lawmaker who has made eminent domain one of his signature issues in the Iowa House of Representatives.
Photo Credit: Iowa House Republicans
"Politically speaking, I am not sure there is as much upside for him to be involved as there is downside," Iowa state representative Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) told DeSmogBlog. "People would likely not vote for him for being involved with the pipeline."
Last month, DeSmogBlog broke news that Perry's appointment to the Board of Directors of Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) could cost him support in the Iowa Caucuses. Energy Transfer Partners is a Texas-based company whose subsidiary, Dakota Access, LLC, has petitioned the state of Iowa to build a pipeline to transport up to 575,000 barrels per day of oil obtained from North Dakota's Bakken Shale via hydraulic fracturing ("fracking").
Kaufmann's statement to DeSmogBlog marks the first public criticism of Perry on this issue by a sitting Republican lawmaker. It also comes on the heels of Perry's scheduled March 7 return to Iowa to speak at the Iowa Ag Summit alongside other likely Republican presidential candidates.
Kaufmann's remarks to DeSmogBlog also come in the aftermath of Iowa's paper of record, The Des Moines Register, releasing a poll finding that 74 percent of Iowans are opposed to the use of eminent domain to build the pipeline.
"I think any presidential candidate's association with eminent domain could be unhelpful" to them in the Iowa Caucuses, Kaufmann said.
Libya News - Mar 5, 2015
Oil fields burned by Islamic State militants, Libyan authorities say - EUROPE ONLINE
Airstrikes target purported Islamic State militants after they attack central Libyan oil field - Star Tribune
Libya Declares Force Majeure on Oil Fields in Central Region - WSJ
Libya asks U.N. for arms, jets, tanks to battle Islamic State: letter - Reuters
Italian Navy sending ships towards Libya's coast, energy group ENI owns offshore oil platforms and a pipeline - breitbart.com
Why Libya is ringing alarm bells in Italy - The Local
Italy rescues 1000 refugees from Mediterranean over two days, 10 people found dead - The Guardian
US official: ISIS Has Turned Libya Into New Support Base, Safe Haven (VIDEO) - foxnews.com
Libya FM: 5,000 Foreign Fighters Flock to Libya as ISIS Call for Jihadists - newsweek.com
ISIS Sets Sights on the Mediterranean - gatestoneinstitute.org
Abdelhakim Belhadj, a U.S.-backed rebel, reportedly leads Islamic State in Libya - Washington Times
PHOTO: Would that be the same Abdelhakim Belhadj that SenJohnMcCain is so chummy with? Asking for a friend - Patrick Poole on Twitter
Libya: clashes between army-ISIS in central Benghazi - ANSAMed.it
Another Copt Beheaded in Libya as Patriarch Meets Families of 21 Martyrs - Breitbart
The Ancient Sites Now Under Threat From ISIS in Libya - newsweek.com
Egypt gearing up for major attack on militants in Libya - Washington Times
At the UN Security Council special envoy Leon warns Libya faces disintegration if political crisis is not resolved - libyaherald.com
Libya crisis 'festering,' UN envoy Leon warns, urging decisive action to build national unity - United Nations News Centre
Coverage of Security Council Briefing on Festering Unrest in Libya - ReliefWeb
UN announce details of Libya peace talks, will discuss the positions of prime minister and deputy prime minister in the proposed national unity government - spyghana
Anti-ISIS deal between Tripoli, Tobruk 'never closer': UN special envoy - ANSA.it
UN report paints damning picture of foreign complicity in rearming Libya - libyaherald.com
Rival forces in Libya carry out tit-for-tat strikes before UN talks - timesofmalta.com
Libya's Haftar appointed army chief for recognized government - Reuters
House committee subpoenas Clinton emails in Benghazi probe, she ran her own email server while in office - The Washington Post
Using Private Email, Hillary Clinton Thwarted Record Requests - NYTimes.com
Clinton's E-Mail System Built For Privacy Though Not Security - Bloomberg Business
Why Clinton's Private Email Server Was Such a Security Fail - WIRED
Panel's head Democrat: Make Clinton's Benghazi emails public - CNN.com
Hacked emails: Money from "wealthy Sunni Islamists in Saudi Arabia" financed Benghazi attack, Intel reportedly sent to Hillary Clinton by staffer - wnd.com
State Dept. misled on Benghazi bombing three months before the Sept. 11 attack on the same compound? Declassified Pentagon documents show no response to previous terror strike - wnd.com
VIDEO: Hillary Clinton Avoids Email Scandal at Emily's List Gala, Teases Presidential Run - YouTube
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General Petraeus Speaks on Afghanistan; Will be Greeted by Street Protest Over War Leadership
TV ad airing in Las Vegas asks drone pilots to refuse to fly
This advertisement does a number of things in 15 seconds that U.S. television has not done before. It presents a moral case against drone murders (the U.S. government's terminology, and strictly accurate). It opposes drone murders as illegal. It shows victims. It provides the name and website of an organization opposing drone murders. And it directly asks drone "pilots" to refuse to continue. It also makes the Nuremberg argument that an illegal order need not (in fact must not) be obeyed.
This is, as far as I know, and as far as its producers know, the first anti-drone-war commercial on U.S. television, as well as -- I believe -- the first content of any sort on U.S. corporate television to do the things listed above.
This ad is airing from February 28 to March 6 on CNN, MSNBC and other networks in the Las Vegas area, just a few miles from Creech Air Force Base, a major drone operating and training facility where a major protest is underway. It will begin airing in other cities soon.
"We produced this spot to make the point as powerfully as possible that drone killing is horrifying, illegal and immoral," said Nick Mottern, coordinator of KnowDrones.com which sponsored the ad.
In case the pilots viewing the ad fail to grasp the sincerety of its producers, they might consider reading this letter:
To: James Cluff, Commander, Creech AFB
Dear Commander Cluff,
It is our intention to reach out to you and appeal to your humanity to stop the drone killing. Your first responsibility is to uphold laws, regardless of your orders. Aerial bombardment of innocent civilians is in violation of the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, the Hague Conventions and the principles of the Nuremberg Tribunal. Drones are not making us any safer. More and more young men in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia are joining groups that are retaliating against the US for the murder of their loved ones.
I'm sure you can see at the base that there is low morale among the drone pilots, because it is impossible to sustain any level of enthusiasm for intelligence, surveillance and reconaissance. Although the Airforce throws incentive dollars to your pilots they are still resigning in great numbers, and those that stay turn to drugs and alcohol to numb and detach emotionally to perform this dehumanizing work. While sitting in a cockpit, gazing at their screens, don't your pilots see mothers and fathers with children, kids playing soccer? Consider the effect of drone strikes on these mothers and children. Children suffer intense trauma when they witness the death of their parents or are themselves victims of airstrikes. How can you justify fighting a telewar? Do the pilots really reap joy with their joysticks from killing unarmed civilians?
Do you really believe that you're protecting Americans from terrorists? You can see that dropping missiles on suspected terrorists isn't working, isn't reducing the number of terrorist cells, instead it is taking precious resources and diverting them from the very programs that could truly keep Americans safe. Can't you see that you are caught up in a system of domination that maintains that our survival depends on our threat and domination of others? And that it is this system that objectifies and separates you from people of other nations.
Commander Cluff, you have sadly forgotten who you are and are living in denial of your humanity. You can try but never succeed at legitimizing the violence of drone airstrikes. This job has dehumanized you and caused your indifference to the suffering of the people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.
It is still possible to stop the killing, to change and take the risk of another way of life.
Jackie Barshak
Women for Peace
Ukraine/Russia News - Mar 4, 2015
In Bid To Halt Devaluation, Inflation Ukraine Raises Key Rate to World's Highest Amid Hryvnia Rout - Bloomberg Business
Analyst: Ukraine unofficially has 272 percent inflation - The Washington Post
Ukraine central bank declares fourth-largest lender insolvent, it closed thirty banks last year and declared ten bankrupt since 2015 - Reuters
Ukraine agrees tough austerity package to gain $17.5bn IMF bailout, budget sees drastic pension cuts and energy bills tripling (VIDEO) - RT
VIDEO: 'Budget of genocide'? Ukraine makes amendments to meet IMF demands - RT
Ukrainian Economic Reforms are Humiliation for Populace: Putin - Sputnik International
Ukraine ranked fourth among world's most miserable economies - irishtimes.com
Ukraine's economy is starting to disintegrate: Polish Deputy PM - Reuters
Ukrainians are seeing signs the economy is cracking under the weight of war and the risk of default - Bloomberg
Ukraine Economy Crisis: Rebels Reportedly Open Donetsk Banks Amid Economic Collapse, Growing Black Market For Cash - ibtimes.com
The Other Ukrainian Crisis: While most of the West focuses on Russia's next moves, it may be Ukraine's internal politics that determine the future of the region - Stratfor
Russia, Ukraine Reach Gas Deal For The Month Of March - rferl.org
Russia and Ukraine Agree to Discuss Summer Gas Package - The Moscow Times
Ukraine is trying to end its dependence on Russian gas at the worst possible time - Business Insider
Russia Bans Crop Imports From Ukraine - Financial Tribune Daily
Russia, EU officials to discuss Ukraine-EU association agreement implementation - TASS
Ukraine: Ukraine Imposed Additional 5-10 Percent Duties on Import - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
More on Ukraine additional import charge - Lexology
VIDEO: Watch Ukrainian Rada erupt in mass brawl - YouTube
Three servicemen dead as Kiev accuses Ukraine rebels of shelling - Reuters
EU, U.S. ready to step up sanctions if Ukraine ceasefire violated - Yahoo News
Obama extends for one year some sanctions against Russia, related to crisis in Ukraine - TASS
White House Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ukraine - The White House
Top US military officer Dempsey backs arming Ukraine against separatists 'in the context of NATO allies' - Yahoo News
Director of National Intelligence Clapper: Give Ukraine 'Lethal Defensive Weapons' - foreignpolicy.com
US Soldiers Readying for Deployment to Train Ukrainian Forces - defensenews.com
Russia Warns NATO: Any Threat in Ukraine Could Warrant Military Response - Russia Insider
NATO Says Russia Moving Its Weapons Systems In Crimea - ibtimes.com
Russia stepping up nuclear exercises amid events in Ukraine: NATO deputy chief - interfax.com
Ukraine to take part in the NATO crisis management exercise CMX15 - MFA of Ukraine
Ukraine's neighbor Romania to host Portuguese troops for NATO policing mission in May - Star Tribune
Passenger planes dodged Russian bombers in Irish-controlled airspace - BreakingNews.ie
Some 12,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine supporting rebels: U.S. commander Hodges - Reuters
Nemtsov's 'Evidence of Russian Troops in Ukraine' Taken by Police - newsweek.com
The story of a Russian soldier's war in Ukraine: "We all knew what we had to do and what could happen" - Euromaidan Press |
'It Is a Government Crime': The Coffins of Russia's Ghost Soldiers In Ukraine Are Coming Home - VICE News
VIDEO: Killed in "Unknown Circumstances": Russia's Ghost Army in Ukraine (Part 1) - VICE News
VIDEO: Russia's Ghost Army in Ukraine (Part 2) - VICE News
Russia's 17th Humanitarian Aid Convoy Leaves for Ukraine's Donbas: EMERCOM - Sputnik International
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Talk Nation Radio: Spring Rising - An Antiwar Intervention March 21 in DC
This show is a call to action to become part of Spring Rising: An Antiwar Intervention in Washington, D.C., March 18-21, 2015, with the big rally and march on Saturday March 21. See http://SpringRising.org
Total run time: 29:00
Host: David Swanson.
Producer: David Swanson.
Music by Duke Ellington.
Download from Archive[not working at moment] or LetsTryDemocracy.
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Syndicated by Pacifica Network.
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Past Talk Nation Radio shows are all available free and complete at
Is it imminent? It's everpresent: Venezuela's Continuous Coup
By Alfredo Lopez
When Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma was arrested last week, charged with organizing and leading a coup, the U.S. State Department's spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: "The allegations made by the Venezuelan government that the United States is involved in coup plotting and destabilization are baseless and false. The United States does not support political transitions by non-constitutional means."


text:
Sen. John McCain, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in 2008, devoted a Dallas speech Monday to the need for a human rights-focused foreign policy that includes recognition of human rights at home as well as abroad. He was here to receive the John G. Tower Center medal of freedom award.
He called actions of torture at Abu Ghraib prison a "disgrace" and said they "undermine our foreign policy. We must be more scrupulous in our own affairs." He also said that the U.S. should use its influence not just for prosperity in the world but also for the promotion of democracy and human rights.
McCain sponsored a bill approved by the Senate that set standards for the military's treatment of detainees in response to the Abu Ghraib scandal and other allegations that U.S. soldiers have abused prisoners.
The Arizona senator who was a victim of torture while a prisoner during the Vietnam War received the fifth medal of freedom given by the Tower Center at SMU at a ceremony in SMU's McFarlin Auditorium.
McCain lauded the late Sen. Tower, noting that Tower "thought the purpose of political advancement was to become a statesman." Tower was a mentor to McCain. In his first congressional race, McCain became the only candidate that Tower ever endorsed in a Republican primary. He also used his resources and network to raise money for McCain's election.
After the speech, some members of the audience commented on the "statesman" tone of McCain's address.
Since the 1991 plane crash that ended the life of Sen. Tower -- the first Republican elected this century in a statewide election in Texas -- his legacy has been carried on through the endeavors of the SMU Tower Center for Political Studies under the guidance of his daughters Penny and Jenne. Previous medal of freedom recipients were Gen. Colin Powell, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former President George H.W. Bush and Gen. Tommy Franks.
At a reception following the speech, a local human rights advocate commented to McCain that he is being undercut by the Bush administration, which is trying to negate adherence to the anti-torture law he passed.
McCain was introduced by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who noted that McCain worked with former Texas Sen. John G. Tower when he was Navy laison to the Senate and Tower was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Today, McCain is the second ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee.
A Washington Post online political column recently touted McCain as the leading candidate for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008. According to the column, McCain is ahead in South Carolina, a crucial early primary. In 2000, he beat President George Bush in New Hampshire, the first primary, although he skipped the Iowa caucus.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, introducing McCain Monday, won the laugh award when she noted that McCain has become a star of late night comedy, appearing on Jay Leno, David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. She said that when he appeared on Comedy Central's Daily Show, he was funnier than host Jon Stewart.
"Some think he has aspirations to be president," Hutchison said. "Wrong. He just aspires to be the master of ceremonies for the Academy Awards."
Follow me on this one.
Central Dallas Community Development Corp. is saying it is coming up $1,750,000 short for its $19.1 million City Walk at Akard project downtown, and it wants the city to foot the bill from its homeless bond funds.
Central Dallas CDC proposes transforming 511 N. Akard into a 15-story, 209-unit single-room only project for low and no-income residents. The project would include one floor of limited retail and two floors of office space. Rents would range from $384 at the low end to a few units leasing at market rates, about $1,050 per month.
About 100 units of the 209 will be set aside for homeless tenants.
Meanwhile, Central Dallas Community Development Corp. proposes acquiring 511 N. Akard for a little more than $5 million, or about two and a half times the most recent appraisal of the property by the Dallas Central Appraisal District, which pegs the property at $2 million.
And to top it off, the developer wants a $2.2 million development fee, which is about 11 percent of the project cost. Oh, and they're only putting in around $300,000 to $400,000 of their own equity into the project.
And they want the $1.75 million in city money to come out of the homeless bond program, which can't give out grants such as this because that money is restricted to long-term assets the city would own.
And even if they can find a way around the restrictions, it would take money from the city's homeless shelter.
The committee's reaction was mixed.
"I can tell you that this proposal because of where it sits…I can't think of a more fitting location for this type of housing to take place," said Councilman Bill Blaydes, chairman of the economic development and housing committee. "It's a home run, guys. This is truly in the right spot."
Council member Angela Hunt agreed.
"I feel very strongly this is a good project. Downtown has to be more than just for people who can afford to live at the W," she said.
But Councilman Mitch Rasansky was four-square against it.
"They're putting in $300,000 (in their own money) in a $19 million deal and pulling out $2.2 million developer fee? That's obscene," Rasansky said. "Eleven and a half percent developer fee is ridiculous."
"This deal needs to be scrutinized a lot more," he said. "I really do not want to see any money taken out of our homeless shelter downtown. I am not supporting this. It's in the wrong place."
Councilman Leo V. Chaney, Jr. said he couldn't disagree with Razansky more.
"We need to move ahead with gusto," he said. "I'm for it 150 percent. We need more SROs. About the developer's fee, maybe we'll get more developers down here if they feel they can make some money on it."
Councilman Ed Oakley said he liked the project, but saw no reason to use homeless bond funds.
The city attorney's office said that there's no way for the city to provide the funds to City Walk at Akard developers. Because of restrictions on the homeless bond funds, the city would have to own or long-term lease these units, an assistant city attorney told the committee.
Funding for the proposed City Walk at Akard project currently breaks down as:
• $11,0480,400 from tax credit equity
• $6,276,394 from loans
• $64,622 from grants
• $1,750,000 from city of Dallas funding
• $37,500 from TDHCA Housing Trust Fund
Total: $19,176,916
Expenses for the project break down as:
• $5,052,000 for property acquisition
• $233,421 for site work
• $7,237,628 for hard construction costs
• $1,940,094 for other direct construction costs
• $984,701 for "soft costs"
• $1,529,072 for financing costs
• $2,200,000 for the developer fee
President ArroyoA nation in turmoil best describes the political situation in the Philippines. On Feb. 24, 1986 Ferdinand Marcos, former dictator of the Philippines, was ousted by a "peoples' power revolt" when the military and civilian protestors united against him. The same scenario played itself out when former presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada lost their grip on power. Historically, Filipinos have assumed that if they overthrow an incompetent and corrupt president, then his or her successor will right the wrongs of the past. Instead, the replacement often turns out to be as bad as, or worse than, the previous ruler.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, current president of the Philippines, faces a similar attempt to force her out of office. On Feb. 24, 2006 the military announced they had arrested 14 senior and junior officers who had conspired to persuade soldiers to join a protest rally in Manila's financial district which called for Arroyo's resignation. The demonstrators accused President Arroyo of election-rigging in 2004, corruption and human rights violations such as the killings of activists by security forces. The president denies all of these charges.
The House of Representatives last September tried to impeach her, but her allies in the majority party used a technicality to block the process. President Arroyo is no innocent when it comes to holding onto power, but politics is a ruthless business in the Asia-Pacific region. Lying, cheating and stealing are common electioneering practices; and losing candidates tend to be guilty of the same misdeeds as the victors.
It is likely that stolen votes helped Arroyo get elected and that her administration has permitted corrupt activities to continue. Her opponents demand that she resign but it may be more stabilizing for the country's future that she remain in office until the next election, rather than there be yet another overthrow of an elected President. The groups trying to bring her down include extremists on both sides of the political spectrum. In fact, about all that these varied factions agree on is that President Arroyo must go. Far right military supporters are allied with anarchists, Communists and radical left wingers in this campaign to push her out of office. They are united only by hatred of the current regime. Yet, there appears to be no formidable leader waiting in the wings who can unite the Filipino people and end the longstanding, corrupt practices of the governing elite. Instead, the protest movement against Arroyo offers few solutions to the problems facing the Philippines, with some of their proposals doing more harm than good. Most Filipinos seem more concerned with the troubled economy and question whether drastic political changes will improve that situation.
However, President Arroyo may have overreacted to the situation by declaring a state of emergency after learning that some soldiers planned to attend the political rally against her. She revoked all permits and threatened to arrest those inciting rebellion. She closed down schools and sought to get control of the media and utilities (power and water). She ordered police to raid the Daily Tribune, a Manila-based paper critical of Arroyo. She arrested peaceful demonstrators, including Rep. Crispin Beltran of the leftist Anakpawis party. By her action, she lost the support of many of her countrymen who may be unhappy with the ongoing protests, but didn't care for her response to it.
The tension is high in Manila, and any compromise between the government and protestors appears unlikely at this time. Meanwhile, the Filipino peso and stock market dropped in value as the economy suffers due to the political uncertainity. For far too long, Filipino politics has been ruled by emotions and a selfish drive for power. Politicians on all sides don't seem to care much about the common good, but appear more intent on gaining power and destroying their enemies.
President Arroyo is no exception to the rule, but she is the elected President of the Philippines. There may be legitimate basis to impeach her, but the consequences of yet another President being driven from office may be even worse for a country living under a persistent, unstable political environment. She is an example of the old adage about choosing between the lesser of two evils. The choice at the moment in the Philippines is between a moderately corrupt government or a government of extremism.
Texas voters will go to the polls (or not) Tuesday in what could well be one of the lowest turnout primary elections in state history. The secretary of state's office has predicted a 13 percent turnout, saying election is on par with 2002. Chances are, however, that the primaries won't even attract that many.
Elections officials usually forecast turnout based on early voting, which appears in Dallas County to be close to 2002 levels. Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet predicts a 10-12 percent turnout in the county. With a hot contest for district attorney on both ballots, it should be higher than that.
While the turnout predictions are pitiful, there may be a good reason for them – two independent candidates for governor who've made it known that Texans can't sign their petitions if they vote in the primary. If nothing else, their status is confusing the voters, who say they may just wait until November to see how it all settles out.
I've always found anecdoctal information useful in writing about politics – that is, what people tell you in ordinary conversation, as opposed to what professional surveys say or what officials say. Anecdotally, people are saying, even with the D.A.'s race, there's not enough to attract them to their usual polling place Tuesday.
At a recent lunch with some Democrat women friends from North and East Dallas – women who have always been primary voters – I asked whether they thought Bob Gammage or Chris Bell would win the Democratic nomination for governor. "Doesn't matter," said one. The Democrat isn't going to win this election. Then they all agreed that they're sitting out this primary and intend to support Kinky Friedman.
On the flip side, friends and neighbors in North Dallas who historically have voted in the Republican primary will forego the primary Tuesday because they intend to support Carole Keeton Strayhorn for governor.
The indies face a near impossible situation in both getting on the ballot and in wooing enough support to win. I''ve gotten plenty of hate mail for giving these mavericks any ink at all from people who say they're not legitimate candidates and shouldn't be treated as such. But the early vibes are that candidates this election have not ignited the electorate. It remains to be seen whether the independents can do anything to light a fire as Ross Perot did when he ran for president and Jesse Ventura did in his Minnesota gubernatorial win.
Turnout may spike in districts that have hot primary legislative races. But statewide, with no top-of-the-ticket interest in the Republican primary and a lackluster Democratic gubernatorial race, the primary turnout is going to be low.
Even a sunny day isn't likely to help.
The Dallas Police Department is asking for assistance from the public in locating the 10 most wanted offenders in the city. The department released its most wanted list on Monday.
Of the Top 10 Most Wanted offenders, four are wanted for murder. Additionally, three are wanted for robbery, one for sexual assault, one for auto theft, and another is currently involved in organized criminal activity, accord to the police department.
The Dallas Police Department is asking that anyone with tips on the whereabouts and activities of the 10 most wanted call the crime tip hotline. In leaving a crime tip, the police department asks that people leave information pertinent to the criminal and the crime, such as their name, sex, age, and race. The police department also wants tippers to leaver other information such as where the criminal lives, the location of the criminal activity, and the time of the activity.
The names of the 10 Most Wanted include Catalan Hermenegildo, John McDonell, Green Ivan, Juan Rios, Timothy Wood, Anthony Stewart, John Collins, Michael Ewing, Luna Salvador, and Cesar Baldobenos.
The police department asks that people call the crime tips hotline at (214) 671-4TIP if they have any information on any of the ten. All are considered to be armed and dangerous.
Click here for the DPD 10 Most Wanted
Senators looking into improving student performance were told this week that recent gains on test scores will mean nothing without improvements in teacher quality.
Dr. Eric Hanushek, a leading education researcher, said "the current level of reforms and policies in Texas...have rather plateaued in terms of the gains you can expect out of student achievement."
"The only way to ensure improvement in schools is to improve teacher quality," said Hanushek, of the UT-Dallas Texas Schools Project, and the Hoover Institution's blue ribbon Koret Task Force on education.
Hanushek said his research, which consisted of following multiple cohorts of students from the fourth to the eighth grades found teacher quality to be the "most significant factor" influencing achivement gains.
The study, he said, used student test scores. There was evidence of good teachers and bad teachers, he said, but no common measure could easily identify which were which. The best and worst, he said, were easy to identify. Most of the teachers, he said, seemed to fall somewhere in between.
Nonetheless, the presence of good and poor teachers could have an enormous effect, he said.
"What I call a good teacher systematically will be one who year after year gets larger gains in reading or math or whatever subject matter than another teacher who gets lower gains," he said.
"Students are really damaged when they get substandard teachers," Hanushek added. "You can see that in the data, that someone who gets real bad teachers for a couple of years at the beginning, seldom recovers."
The natural conclusion, Hanushek said, was the need for Texas to implement merit pay. This was particularly necessary in some shortage areas.
"Simply increasing the salaries for everybody will not deal with any of those shortages," he said. "If you insist on paying the good teachers and bad teachers the same amount, the problem is, you will keep the same number of bad teachers as you keep good teachers."
Hanushek said one problem with implementing merit pay is that the issue is "usually talked about fairness to the teachers and the adults" when the real focus should be on the children.
But some senators were skeptical about how accurate such data on teacher quality could ever be. Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) pointed out that some students were mobile, and that it would be hard to measure their progress, and therefore the work of the teachers who teach them. Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) noted that even if some good teachers could be identified for incentive pay, districts in Texas are very diverse and taking a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work.
Hanushek said his data took into account those issues.
"If that free and reduced lunch child has a good teacher three or four years in a row, then they can make up for the average difference between disadvantaged and not disadvantaged students," he said. "Providing a high quality teacher consistently to a disadvantaged student can make up for these background differences that we see in the data."
Sen. Kim Brimer (R-Arlington) said that he works in an industry that is merit-based, and that although he appreciates the need for merit-based pay in schools, the state should first perfect the ability to identify good teachers, so that Texas could have confidence that an incentive program could work.
Hanushek said that the key to getting that confidence is to use multiple factors to determine teacher quality, not just standardized tests. Evaluations of teachers from other teachers and principals can also help.
Hanushek said that the key to an effective incentive program works only if the pay for incentives is substantial.
"A few hundred dollars, which in effect often goes to teachers who do extra work, not for quality, won't get you there," he said. "You have to think of much larger amounts."
Hanushek also agreed, following Whitmire's questioning, that a top-down approach from Austin probably would not work. But he said an incentive program, in which the money comes from the state but the criteria are developed locally, would make sense.
The committee heard a number of other speakers addressing the issue.
Cynthia Lewis, a teacher at Whittier Elementary in Amarillo, who is also the Texas Elementary School Teacher of the Year, was in favor of incentive pay.
"I highly resent, when I see a teacher who is teaching in the same pay range that I am in and is a very inferior teacher, and is making the same amount of money," she said. "It's very discouraging.
"In fact, that same teacher can continue to do a mediocre, if not inferior job and continue to make the same amount of money that I am making with all the efforts I am putting into my classroom," she said.
Dr. Abe Saavedra, the Houston Independent School District superintendent, outlined that district's teacher incentive plan, which as Hanushek recommended, includes substantial additional pay – as much as $3,000 currently, with the possibility of increasing to $10,000 in the next five years. Whereas previous programs in HISD had been based on each school's accountability rating, the new program is different.
"A school can be exemplary," he said, "and there's no money tied to [that] fact...It's based strictly on the academic growth of students. There is also a factor included for teachers who work in districts with more disadvantaged students and the campus achievement. The program is also designed to include teachers who usually fall through the cracks in performance pay – specifically, teachers of electives.
"The goal would be to keep good teachers, and as teachers retire, to recruit more of the better teachers, high performing teachers. I really feel that if we can get to that $10,000 range in five years, that high-performing teachers are going to seek out Houston, and that's going to continue to put better teachers in the classroom."
Dirk Nowitzki changed into being an interior force. Mark Cuban changed into a tuxedo. But the Mavs' inability to leapfrog over West powerhouses San Antonio and Phoenix? No change there. Read more in the "School of Fish''. ...
The daily reports today that voters appear on board for a larger bond program, at least $1 billion or more.
Man. I certainly wish that we here at DallasBlog had reported this.
Reese WitherspoonBEST PICTURE: Crash
BEST ACTOR: Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote
BEST ACTRESS: Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line
For full Oscar coverage visit www.oscars.com
The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports today that the beloved Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth's Cultural District is about to get a sister. Sixteen years ago an effort to enlarge the legendary museum died from opposition by architect Louis Kahn's family. But now the family is on board with the idea of a second building across the street.
Click to read more ...

subset: commoncrawl


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Australia Drought Has Impact on Farmers (AP via Yahoo! Asia News)
Grain farmer Eddie Valks hosted his daughter's wedding on his 2,000 acre spread northwest of Sydney, complete with bride and groom sailing off on a small lake.
Link To Original Article
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Product Information
- My First Disney Princess Under the Sea Surprise Ariel from Tollytots
- Part of the Disney Princess brand
- We recommend this product for ages 3 and up
- 3 AAA batteries required TTPM trusts
What It Is
Kids can pretend to go under the sea with Ariel with the My First Disney Princess Under the Sea Surprise Ariel. Place Ariel's fin in water to hear different songs and phrases and watch the doll's mermaid tail light up in rainbow colors. In or out of the water, kids can press Ariel's seashell necklace to hear more songs and phrases from Ariel. The doll comes with a comb and a Flounder squirt toy. The doll can also speak Spanish. Just press the language button on the back of the doll to hear Ariel speak and sing in Spanish.
Is It Fun?
Young Disney Princess fans will love pretending to explore under the sea with this talking and singing doll. Under the Sea Surprise Ariel combines hair play, a little bit of water play, and princess play—all of which appeal to little girls. This is a fun bathtime companion or pool toy that can also be played with out of the water, expanding on the imaginative play possibilities.
Who It's For
Under the Sea Surprise Ariel is for ages 3 and up.
What To Be Aware Of
Three AAA batteries are included for the in-store try-me purposes. Tollytots recommends that you replace them before you play for best results. Also, make sure you switch the doll from try-me mode to normal play mode by either pressing and holding the seashell button for five seconds or dipping Ariel's tail into water.
When you take the doll out of the water, water might drain out from the tail.
Because this toy uses batteries and electronics, don't submerge the whole doll in water.
Palace Pets Glitzy Glitter Friends Ariel's Treasure
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Disney Animators' Collection Frozen Anna Mini Doll Playset
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Disney Animators' Collection Frozen Elsa Mini Doll Playset
from The Disney Store


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Guys who remade 'Raiders' film look for investors
Published: July 15,2011
The Mississippi guys who made a shot-for-shot remake of Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as teenagers are now at the "just add money" stage for an original action-adventure film they want to make in the state.
In 1982, at the age of 11, Gulfport resident Chris Strompolos called school acquaintance Eric Zala and hatched a plot to remake "Raiders." Seven years and $5,000 later they finished.
To sign up for Mississippi Business Daily Updates, click here.
Top Posts & Pages
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- Lists
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Villas Barrocal, Algarve
Within easy reach of the beach, Villas Barrocal is in Silves (Pera), close to Fisherman's Beach Armacao de Pera, Zoomarine, and Salgados Lagoon Observation Deck. Also nearby are Praia da Senhora da Rocha and Aqualand.
Property Features.
Villas Barrocal has a marina, an outdoor tennis court, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas. This family-friendly apartment offers a coffee shop/café, a poolside bar, and a snack bar/deli. Additional amenities include a children's pool, a terrace, and multilingual staff. Self parking is complimentary.
Rooms open to patios. The 52 air-conditioned guestrooms at Villas Barrocal include washers/dryers and safes. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is provided. Televisions are equipped with satellite channels. All units at this 3-star apartment have kitchens with stovetops, full-sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and dishwashers. Additional amenities include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. In addition, housekeeping is offered on a limited basis and amenities available on request include hair dryers.
We had a spacious two bedroom apartment with a lounge/kitchen, bathroom and a large…
We visited in December. The villa was really nice and the weather was good for 8 of the…
Enter dates to check prices
Hotel Info: 1800-687-236 (Australia Toll Free)from A$33
- Family Apartment, 1 Bedroom
- Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom
- Villa, 3 Bedrooms
- Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms
- Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms
Recommended hotels
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 52 rooms
- This hotel is arranged over 1 floor
- Check-in time starts at 4 PM
- Check-out time is 11 AM
Required at check in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
Travelling with others
- Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
- No pets or service animals allowed
Extra people
- Rollaway beds available, charges may apply*
- Free WiFi and wired Internet access in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
- Free self parking
- RV/bus/truck parking
Other information
- Resort fee included
Nearby Three Star Algarve hotels
In the hotel
- Cooked-to-order breakfast on weekdays (surcharge)
- Coffee shop/café
- Snack bar/deli
- Poolside bar
- Barbeque grills
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Children's pool
- Outdoor tennis court
- Marina on site
- Beach/pool umbrellas
- Tennis on site
- Billiards or pool table
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Hair salon
- Number of buildings/towers - 52
- Year Built 2000
- Garden
- Terrace
In the room
- Climate control
- Air conditioning
- Iron/ironing board
- Washer/dryer
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Soundproofed rooms
- Yard
- Individually decorated
- Separate dining area
- Separate sitting area
- Patio
- Private bathroom (not in room)
- Bidet
- Hair dryer (on request)
- Satellite TV channels
- Desk
- Free WiFi
- Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
- Microwave
- Kitchen
- Stovetop
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Dishwasher
- In-room safe
Top Algarve hotels
Recently reviewed hotels in Algarve
- Marina RioFrom
"Views over the Marina. Lovely sunset from the pool terrace. Immaculate rooms. Staff very helpful with restaurants bookings and cruises. Decore out-dated, but if you're looking for…"Nov 4, 2014
- Solar de MósFrom
"We stayed for one night only. We had trouble finding it, GPS did'nt pick up address so had to stop & ask several people. It was quiet & comfortable enough but cramped. We had a…"Oct 25, 2014
- Atalaia SolFrom
"Hotel reception hours 9.30am to 6pm we booked in on a Sunday owner was not their the girl at reception could not speak english wanted us to pay I told her that it was alread paid…"Oct 15, 2014
- Vila Gale AmpaliusFrom
"Great hotel, very close to the beach and a 5-10 minute walk to the marina. It is probably a bit further from the marina than some of the other hotels but it is a pleasant walk and…"Oct 6, 2014
Nearby hotels
Special features
On Site
- Marina on site
- Outdoor tennis court
- Tennis on site
- Tennis lessons on site
- Free bicycles nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
Villas Barrocal, Algarve's small print
Mandatory fees
The charges below are included in the total price displayed:
- Resort fee
We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.


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Live updates: Raiders vs. Seahawks, Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Oakland Raiders finish up the preseason by hosting the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Keep up with all the action with our live Twitter feed.
( Sal Pizarro )
Cocktail Chronicles: Oak & Rye in Los Gatos
Oak & Rye is an upscale pizza restaurant with a flair for craft cocktails.
( Alberto E. Rodriguez )
Will Forte and January Jones dating
Forte, a former Lafayette resident, has been stepping out with his 'Last Man on Earth' co-star, reports say.


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solex Helena 4 Piece Espresso Spoons Set
solex Helena 4 Piece Espresso Spoons Set
Weights & Dimensions
|Product Type: Teaspoon
|Material: Stainless Steel Flatware
|Handle Pattern: Undecorated
|Handle Material: Stainless Steel
|Country of Manufacture: Germany
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solex Helena 4 Piece Espresso Spoons Set
About the ManufacturerSince 1980, the high demands of the catering industry as well as its guests have been two of the most important factors in the minds of solex Germany.
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OUR SKU # OLEX1014Helena 4 Piece Espresso Spoons Set is also sometimes listed under the following manufacturer numbers: S-HE-200402267