Syria chemical weapons
Thinkstock
The U.S. ship MV Cape Ray arrived on Tuesday in the southern Italian port of Gioia Tauro for the transfer and destruction of about 1,300 tons of Syrian chemical weapons, reports The Associated Press (AP).
The 648-foot (197.5-meter) U.S. government cargo ship has been fitted with two machines designed to neutralize the most toxic chemicals, including mustard gas and the raw materials for sarin nerve gas, that were removed from Syria as part of the international effort to destroy its chemical weapons.
The most dangerous chemical weapons will be transferred from the Danish vessel Ark Futura to the Cape Ray, which will move into international waters for the destruction, according to AP.
Other material will be taken to toxic wastes sites in various countries for disposal.
The international operation to destroy Syria’s stockpile of deadly chemicals is a joint Russian-U.S. plan that was endorsed by the UN Security Council last September.
The resolution was a last-minute measure to prevent an American strike on Syria in retaliation for the regime's alleged use of chemical weapons in an attack on a Damascus suburb in August that left hundreds dead.
Last week, after Syria missed several deadlines in the plan to move all of its declared chemical substances and precursors out of the country, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announced that the final stockpile of Syria's chemical weapons had been shipped out of the country.
On the eve of the ship’s arrival, residents and even officials from Gioia Tauro and nearby towns voiced concern about potential environmental contamination as a result of the transfer and also complained that they hadn’t been told what exactly would be taking place in their backyard.
“We live this situation with uncertainty and resignation because for the last four months we continued to ask for information about it but they didn’t give it,” Domenico Madafferi, mayor of the nearby town of San Ferdinando, was quoted by AP as having said.
While the disarmament process is risky from beginning to end, those in charge stress that equally hazardous chemicals are neutralized on a daily basis around the world.
The FBI conducts a “substantial” number of warrantless queries for Americans’ e-mails and phone calls in a special database of intercepted communications, but it does not track exactly how often, an intelligence official said in a letter released Monday.
The letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also reported that the NSA last year used 198 e-mail addresses or phone numbers of Americans to search the data for communications that might yield foreign intelligence — a low enough number, Wyden said, that the agency should be able to get a warrant for each one.
The letter, written by Deirdre M. Walsh, legislative affairs director for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, responded to demands Wyden made at an oversight hearing in June for details on intelligence agencies’ searches of data collected through U.S. companies without individualized warrants.
The data are collected under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act, a 2008 law that targets foreigners located overseas.
Walsh was addressing concerns raised by Wyden and other lawmakers that U.S. intelligence agencies are combing the Section 702 data for Americans’ communications without a warrant, in what they call “backdoor” searches.
U.S. officials have defended the practice, saying they should not be required to obtain a warrant to search data they have already gathered lawfully. The queries, Walsh said, “allow an agency to rapidly and efficiently locate” foreign intelligence information.
But the FBI’s inability to provide a number, Wyden said in a statement, “shows how flawed this system is and the consequences of inadequate oversight.”
The findings, he said, “raise questions about whether the FBI is exercising any internal controls over the use of backdoor searches including who and how many government employees can access the personal data of individual Americans.”
Walsh said the FBI may query the data to find information that could help counter terrorist plots and other national security threats inside the United States. The bureau may also search the data for evidence of a crime, she said. Its searches are carried out under court-approved rules to protect Americans’ privacy, she said.
Walsh said some of the 198 “identifiers” approved by the NSA for querying may have been used multiple times. “NSA does not track the actual number of content queries made,” she said.
She reported that the agency also carried out 9,500 queries for metadata, such as communication date and time, using U.S. person identifiers.
The CIA conducted fewer than 1,900 searches of Section 702 data using Americans’ e-mail addresses and phone numbers, she said.
Wyden said in his statement that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees the law, reported that the NSA acquires more than 250 million Internet communications every year using Section 702.
“So even if U.S. communications make up a small fraction of that total, the number of U.S. communications being collected is potentially quite large,” he said. “The scale of this activity seems to be something that could be conducted pursuant to probable cause warrants.”
In June, the House overwhelmingly voted to require a warrant for such searches. Wyden said an exception could be made for searches for communications of people who are believed to be in danger.
on Breitbart TV 30 Jun 2014, 5:50 PM PDT
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) argued that the US has made ISIS stronger by being “allied with them in Syria” in an interview on “The Sean Hannity Show.” Paul stated that while there were many causes to ISIS’ strength, he declared “one of the reason’s they’re stronger is that we have been allied with them in Syria we’ve been funding Islamic rebels...to fight against Iranian proxies in Syria, but now, on the other side of the world, we’d be siding with the Iranian Guard.”
After Hannity blamed President Barack Obama’s policies for the deteriorating situation in Iraq, Paul countered that “we shouldn’t always say that it is just our fault, or any one person’s fault over here,” and argued that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki deserved a large chunk of the blame.
He further said that if the US had left a residual force in Iraq, it is possible “we would be back in the middle of a war right now.” Paul also clarified that he believed the troop surge worked, and later stated that no one is blameless for the chaos in Iraq, but declared that putting troops in and “trying to build a country” doesn’t work.
Israelis protest in Tel Aviv
PR photo
Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated on Tuesday evening as the Security Cabinet was meeting in Tel Aviv, demanding that the government approve an extensive military operation to topple Hamas.
"Israel’s power of deterrence has broken down and we must strengthen it again,” said the protesters, among whom were secular and religious Israelis, residents of Tel Aviv, residents of Judea and Samaria, students of the Beitar movement, and more.
Davidi Ben-Zion, head of the Shomron’s strategic unit, spoke at the demonstration and said, "Hamas needs to understand that the game is over. We expect the Cabinet to listen to the wishes of the people. We are strong and back the government in a military move that will smash Hamas and restore deterrence."
The Security Cabinet was meeting to discuss what response Israel is to take in response to the murder of Israeli youths Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Sha’ar and Eyal Yifrah at the hands of Hamas terrorists. This topic already raised serious debate in a similar meeting on Monday night, in which leftist ministers opposed expanding Israel's operations.
MK Ze’ev Elkin, head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, earlier called for the death penalty for the murderers of the three teens.
Speaking with Kol Yisrael radio , Elkin called for the total demolition of the homes of the kidnapping suspects, who were named as Marwan Kawasmeh and Amar Abu-Eisha and whose homes were partially destroyed Monday night. Elkin reiterated that the home demolitions have been proven to deter future Hamas terrorists.
The MK also called for death penalty for the murderers, adding that the official response to the abduction must deepen Israel's foothold in Judea and Samaria.
Deputy Transportation Minister Tzipi Hotovely made a similar call Tuesday, telling Arutz Sheva that it was time to “change the rules of the game” following the murder of the three teenagers.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko takes part in a meeting of the Security Council in Kiev June 16, 2014.
(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Tuesday government forces would renew offensive operations against rebels and "free our lands", hours after a ceasefire to allow for peace talks with the pro-Russian separatists had expired.
Poroshenko, who accuses Russia of fanning violence in eastern Ukraine, dismissed Moscow's offers to defuse the crisis, and blamed the rebels for failing to keep to the truce or follow a peace plan he had outlined. "We will attack and free our lands. The decision not to continue the ceasefire is our answer to terrorists, militants and marauders," he said in a televised statement delivered in front of the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag.
The announcement came after a four-way phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and German and French leaders aimed at helping end the crisis in Ukraine's Russian-speaking east where government forces have been battling rebels since April.
Poroshenko had extended a government ceasefire last week until 10 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Monday to allow for peace talks with the so-called contact group involving separatist leaders, a former Ukrainian president, a senior representative of the OSCE rights and security body and Moscow's ambassador to Kiev.
"The unique chance to implement the peace plan was not realised. It happened because of the criminal actions of the militants. They publicly declared their unwillingness to support the peace plan as a whole and in particular the ceasefire," Poroshenko said.
Moscow could face more penalties from the European Union on top of existing asset freezes and visa bans unless pro-Russian rebels act to wind down the crisis in the Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk provinces.
Before his announcement, Poroshenko had met with security chiefs, some of whom had called against a ceasefire extension because of military losses and fears that the rebels were using it as an opportunity to regroup and rearm.
A statement tweeted by the Foreign Ministry said 27 Ukrainian servicemen had been killed and 69 wounded since the ceasefire began on June 20.
SANCTIONS WARNING
Putin had urged during the telephone call for an extended ceasefire, a Kremlin statement said.
At Putin's request, the Russian parliament last week revoked the right it had granted him in March to invade Ukraine in defence of its Russian-speakers.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state TV Moscow was ready to allow OSCE security and rights watchdog monitors and Ukraine's border guards to enter the Russian side of the border for joint control. Kiev accuses Russia of letting fighters and weapons to cross the porous border into eastern Ukraine.
"The revocation of permission (by lawmakers) to send Russian troops into Ukraine was positive but symbolic," Poroshenko said. "We also did not expect any concrete steps on the de-escalation of the situation, including boosting control over the border."
EU leaders said on Friday they were ready to meet again at any time to adopt more sanctions on Russia. Diplomats said they could target new people and companies with asset freezes as early as next week. More than 60 names are already on the list.
Although it has drawn up a list of hard-hitting economic sanctions, the EU is still hesitating over deploying them because of fears among some member states of antagonising Russia, their major energy supplier.
Poroshenko, who had been under Western pressure to extend the ceasefire, faced rising anger at home over the military deaths. Local media said hundreds of people had gathered outside of his administration building in Kiev in anticipation of a statement on the fate of the truce.
In eastern Ukraine's flashpoint city of Slaviansk, a rebel stronghold since separatists took over the city in April, shelling could be heard, though it was unclear from which direction it was coming from.
"There are no checkpoints here, this is a residential area. Who could be bombing us here? There is nowhere to go and no way to get there anyway," said Natalia, a pensioner.
Poroshenko said he was willing to return to a ceasefire "at any moment" if it became clear that all sides were ready to carry out all aspects of the peace plan, including the freeing of hostages and creating effective border controls.
Let the Headlines Speak
Jul 1st, 2014
Daily NewsFrom the internet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues
Big Earthquakes Double in 2014, But They're Not Linked
If you think there have been more earthquakes than usual this year, you're right. A new study finds there were more than twice as many big earthquakes in the first quarter of 2014 as compared with the average since 1979. "We have recently experienced a period that has had one of the highest rates of great earthquakes ever recorded,"
Historic 127-Year-Old Catholic Church Is Now a Mosque
Former church member Charles Lake described feeling "sick" when he heard the news that his former church, empty since last summer, was being sold, but noted that he was not relieved that another religious community would be able to use it. "There's clearly a need in the neighborhood to acknowledge a significantly Muslim population that's been living here. I look forward to collaborating with them on matters of mutual concern. They're our neighbors," he said. Thousands of Somalis live in Minnesota and St. Paul, the highest concentration in the United States.
BROODING GIANT
Big sunspot AR2104, which emerged over the weekend, has developed a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class solar flares.
Israeli Leader: ‘Hamas Will Pay’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in a statement “Hamas is responsible, and Hamas will pay.” He adds the teenagers “were kidnapped and murdered in cold blood by wild beasts.”
House Speaker Boehner Won’t Seek Immigration Vote, Obama Will Act on His Own
Obama decided to bypass Congress after House speaker John Boehner informed him last week that the House would not vote on an immigration overhaul this year. Obama was expected to address the status of immigration policy later Monday.
Remaining Snowden docs will be released to avert 'unspecified US war' – Cryptome
"July is when war begins unless headed off by Snowden full release of crippling intel. After war begins not a chance of release," Cryptome tweeted on its official feed.
No tsunami threat from Mentawai earthquake
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said the 5.0-magnitude earthquake in north west Mentawai Island, West Sumatra did not trigger a tsunami alert, Indonesia's ANTARA news agency reported.
Arizona 5.2 magnitude quake rare, sees 100s of small tremors each year
Arizona State Geologist Lee Allison told News 4 Tucson that a quake of this magnitude in that area is extremely rare - only occurring once every 50-100 years. Since the initial earthquake, Allison said at least 15 aftershocks have been recorded and more are expected in the coming days and weeks.
6.2 earthquake near Japan's Bonin islands
The US Geological Survey says a 6.2-magnitude earthquake has struck near Japan's Bonin islands archipelago some 800 kilometres south of Tokyo.
Israeli missing teenagers: Hamas warns 'gates of hell will open' as Israel bombs Gaza strip
Hamas has warned Israel against waging war on the Gaza strip in retaliation for the deaths of three kidnapped Israeli youths, threatening that "the gates of hell will open" should action be taken. The response came after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed: "Hamas is responsible and Hamas will pay", following the discovery of the bodies of the three missing youths yesterday.
Japan takes historic step from post-war pacifism, OKs fighting for allies
Japan took a historic step away from its post-war pacifism on Tuesday by ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945...a move that has riled China and worries many Japanese voters. The change...will widen Japan's military options by ending the ban on exercising "collective self-defense", or aiding a friendly country under attack.
Obama sends up to 200 more troops to Iraq
President Obama told Congress on Monday that he is deploying about 200 more troops to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and airport in Baghdad. These and previously announced forces are being sent "for the purpose of protecting U.S. citizens and property, if necessary, and (are) equipped for combat," Obama said in a letter to Congress required under the U.S. War Powers Resolution.
First Tropical Depression Of 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forms
All eyes are on the first tropical depression of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The depression formed Monday night. A tropical storm watch has been issued from Fort Pierce northward to just south of Flagler Beach. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 24 hours to 36 hours.
Israeli jets pound Gaza, hit 34 targets in overnight strike
The Israeli Air Force pounded the Gaza Strip early on Tuesday morning with 34 targets hit by jets in response to a barrage of rockets that pounded Israel's South on Monday. Terrorists in Gaza fired 8 rockets since midnight into Israel. Four were fired at around midnight, and another four early on Tuesday, following the air force's strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip.
Nigeria schoolgirls: police say first arrest made over kidnapped students
Nigeria's military has said it had broken up a Boko Haram intelligence cell and arrested its leader, alleged to have taken part in the abduction of over 200 teenage girls in April.
Iraq crisis: Fighting in Tikrit after 'caliphate' declared
Fresh clashes have been reported between jihadist-led Sunni rebels and government forces around the Iraqi city of Tikrit. Witnesses said there had been a wave of air strikes and that former President Saddam Hussein's palace had been hit.
Israel vows resolute action after abducted teenagers found dead
Israel has vowed retribution against Hamas, the militant Palestinian group it accuses of the kidnap and murder of three teenagers. The bodies of Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach were found on Monday evening, after they had been missing for more than a fortnight.
Historic 127-Year-Old Catholic Church Is Now a Mosque
A Catholic church in St. Paul, Minnesota, that closed last year has reopened its doors as a mosque. The 127-year-old Church of St. John closed in 2013 when it merged with another church due to declining membership. Last Friday the building reopened as Darul-Uloom Islamic Center.
City Cancels Chick-fil-A Sponsored Event, Cite Owners’ ‘Criminal’ Beliefs
According to minutes from a May 5 city council meeting, city leaders voted 8 to 1 to cancel the event because they did not want to be associated with Cathy’s Christian beliefs. “[A]s owners of the facility,” the event-canceling motion states, “any events that are associated with organizations or people that promote or have a history of divisiveness, homophobia, or other expressions of hate [will] not be permitted [by the city].”
BROODING GIANT
Big sunspot AR2104, which emerged over the weekend, has developed a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class solar flares.
Israeli Leader: ‘Hamas Will Pay’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in a statement “Hamas is responsible, and Hamas will pay.” He adds the teenagers “were kidnapped and murdered in cold blood by wild beasts.”
House Speaker Boehner Won’t Seek Immigration Vote, Obama Will Act on His Own
Obama decided to bypass Congress after House speaker John Boehner informed him last week that the House would not vote on an immigration overhaul this year. Obama was expected to address the status of immigration policy later Monday.
Ukraine’s President Ends Ceasefire, Will Attack Pro-Russian Rebels
The fragile cease-fire expired Monday night. The idea was to give rebels a chance to disarm and to start a broader peace process including an amnesty and new elections. But rebels did not disarm, and the ceasefire was continually violated. Rebels did not comply with Poroshenko’s latest push to get them to turn over key border crossings with Russia and permit international monitoring of the cease-fire.
Remaining Snowden docs will be released to avert 'unspecified US war' – Cryptome
"July is when war begins unless headed off by Snowden full release of crippling intel. After war begins not a chance of release," Cryptome tweeted on its official feed.
No tsunami threat from Mentawai earthquake
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said the 5.0-magnitude earthquake in north west Mentawai Island, West Sumatra did not trigger a tsunami alert, Indonesia's ANTARA news agency reported.
Arizona 5.2 magnitude quake rare, sees 100s of small tremors each year
Arizona State Geologist Lee Allison told News 4 Tucson that a quake of this magnitude in that area is extremely rare - only occurring once every 50-100 years. Since the initial earthquake, Allison said at least 15 aftershocks have been recorded and more are expected in the coming days and weeks.
6.2 earthquake near Japan's Bonin islands
The US Geological Survey says a 6.2-magnitude earthquake has struck near Japan's Bonin islands archipelago some 800 kilometres south of Tokyo.
Israeli missing teenagers: Hamas warns 'gates of hell will open' as Israel bombs Gaza strip
Hamas has warned Israel against waging war on the Gaza strip in retaliation for the deaths of three kidnapped Israeli youths, threatening that "the gates of hell will open" should action be taken. The response came after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed: "Hamas is responsible and Hamas will pay", following the discovery of the bodies of the three missing youths yesterday.
Japan takes historic step from post-war pacifism, OKs fighting for allies
Japan took a historic step away from its post-war pacifism on Tuesday by ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945...a move that has riled China and worries many Japanese voters. The change...will widen Japan's military options by ending the ban on exercising "collective self-defense", or aiding a friendly country under attack.
Obama sends up to 200 more troops to Iraq
President Obama told Congress on Monday that he is deploying about 200 more troops to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and airport in Baghdad. These and previously announced forces are being sent "for the purpose of protecting U.S. citizens and property, if necessary, and (are) equipped for combat," Obama said in a letter to Congress required under the U.S. War Powers Resolution.
First Tropical Depression Of 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forms
All eyes are on the first tropical depression of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The depression formed Monday night. A tropical storm watch has been issued from Fort Pierce northward to just south of Flagler Beach. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 24 hours to 36 hours.
Israeli jets pound Gaza, hit 34 targets in overnight strike
The Israeli Air Force pounded the Gaza Strip early on Tuesday morning with 34 targets hit by jets in response to a barrage of rockets that pounded Israel's South on Monday. Terrorists in Gaza fired 8 rockets since midnight into Israel. Four were fired at around midnight, and another four early on Tuesday, following the air force's strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip.
Nigeria schoolgirls: police say first arrest made over kidnapped students
Nigeria's military has said it had broken up a Boko Haram intelligence cell and arrested its leader, alleged to have taken part in the abduction of over 200 teenage girls in April.
Iraq crisis: Fighting in Tikrit after 'caliphate' declared
Fresh clashes have been reported between jihadist-led Sunni rebels and government forces around the Iraqi city of Tikrit. Witnesses said there had been a wave of air strikes and that former President Saddam Hussein's palace had been hit.
Israel vows resolute action after abducted teenagers found dead
Israel has vowed retribution against Hamas, the militant Palestinian group it accuses of the kidnap and murder of three teenagers. The bodies of Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach were found on Monday evening, after they had been missing for more than a fortnight.
Historic 127-Year-Old Catholic Church Is Now a Mosque
A Catholic church in St. Paul, Minnesota, that closed last year has reopened its doors as a mosque. The 127-year-old Church of St. John closed in 2013 when it merged with another church due to declining membership. Last Friday the building reopened as Darul-Uloom Islamic Center.
City Cancels Chick-fil-A Sponsored Event, Cite Owners’ ‘Criminal’ Beliefs
The city council of a small Canadian town canceled an event in a city-owned facility last month after learning that the event was to be sponsored in part by Chick-fil-A.
Ukraine president ends cease-fire, vows attack on rebels
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says his forces will soon go on the offensive against pro-Russian separatists, ending a unilateral cease-fire in the conflict. A statement from Poroshenko on his website said the cease-fire was being halted. He also gave a televised address early Tuesday vowing that "we will attack, and we will free our country."
Supreme Court: Quasi-public workers can't be forced to pay union dues
In a decision that undercuts the financial and recruiting power of government employee unions, the US Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a state may not force “partial public employees” to pay fair-share dues to a labor organization.
US hog farmers struggle to overcome rampant piglet virus
Bill Luckey, 59, estimates he has been working in the hog farming industry for 55 years – including the time he spent helping his dad on their family’s hog farm as a small child. But since the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) hit the 600-head sow farm in Columbus, Neb., where Luckey is a partner, he said he’s faced challenges unlike any he’s seen in his years in the industry.
Krauthammer: Hobby Lobby decision won't prevent access to contraception
Charles Krauthammer said Monday on “Special Report with Bret Baier” that the Supreme Court’s decision to exempt private companies like Hobby Lobby from the ObamaCare’s contraceptive mandate will have a trivial impact on whether women can access contraception.
By Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan took a historic step away from its post-war pacifism on Tuesday by ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945, a victory for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe but a move that has riled China and worries many Japanese voters.
The change, the most dramatic shift in policy since Japan set up its post-war armed forces 60 years ago, will widen Japan's military options by ending the ban on exercising "collective self-defense", or aiding a friendly country under attack.
Abe's cabinet adopted a resolution outlining the shift, which also relaxes limits on activities in U.N.-led peace-keeping operations and "grey zone" incidents short of full-scale war, Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters. Long constrained by the post-war constitution, Japan's armed forces will become more aligned with the militaries of other advanced nations , in terms of its options, but the government will be wary of putting boots on the ground in multilateral operations such as the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Abe repeated that stance on Tuesday, while stressing Japan had to respond to an increasingly tough security environment.
"There is no change in the general principle that we cannot send troops overseas," Abe told a televised news conference, flanked by a poster showing Japanese mothers and infants fleeing a theoretical combat zone on a U.S. vessel under attack.
The new policy has angered an increasingly assertive China, whose ties with Japan have frayed due to a maritime row, mistrust and the legacy of Japan's past military aggression. "China opposes the Japanese fabricating the China threat to promote its domestic political agenda," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news conference in Beijing.
"We demand that Japan respect the reasonable security concerns of its Asian neighbors and prudently handle the relevant matter."
South Korea, like Japan allied with the United States, but still aggrieved about Tokyo's 20th century colonization of the Korean peninsula, said it would not accept any change in policy affecting its security unless it gave its agreement.
NBC reported Monday that ISIS now poses a high threat to the United States as they enhance their military capabilities with bomb-making skills and suicide bombers.
According to NBC’s Richard Engel, reporting from Baghdad, “Several counterterrorism officials tell NBC News the threat from ISIS to American interests is, quote, ‘extremely high.’ They say ISIS is developing advanced bomb-making skills and cultivating a roster of foreign suicide bombers who could target the U.S. and Europe–and they’re bragging about it.”
One fighter, interviewed by NBC, called Iraq and Syria “just the beginning.”
Engel also reported that militants “have positions not very far from the airport” and “have captured artillery which would allow them potentially to attack the airport from afar.”
Engel added that there is “One saving grace–ISIS, savage and intolerant, is generally losing support wherever it goes.”
“But,” Engel continued, “hated or not, ISIS has carved out a safe haven in the heart of the Middle East that may now be the most dangerous terrorist sanctuary in the world.”
Hong Kong Braces for Huge Democracy Protest
Jul 1st, 2014
Daily NewsThe Sydney MOrning Herald
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues
Founders of the Occupy Central protest movement (from left) Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, Benny Tai and Chan Kin-man hold a news conference after an unofficial poll in which almost 800,000 votes were cast. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong: Hundreds of thousands of protesters are set to take to the streets in Hong Kong in a pro-democracy rally which organisers say could be the largest since the city was handed back to China.
The protest march comes after an informal poll on democratic reform drew an unexpectedly high turnout of nearly 800,000 votes, but was branded "illegal and invalid" by Beijing.
Organisers expect more than half a million people to join the rally as concerns grow over China's increasing influence over the city.
July 1 is traditionally a day of protest in Hong Kong and also marks the anniversary of the handover from China to Britain in 1997, under a "one country, two systems" agreement.
That agreement allows residents civil liberties not seen on the mainland, including free speech and the right to protest.
But there are heightened fears that those freedoms are being eroded.
There has been a spate of attacks on media workers in recent months - including the brutal stabbing of a liberal former newspaper editor - while pro-democracy media have complained of massive cyber-attacks.
Concerns increased in June when Beijing published a controversial "white paper" on Hong Kong's future that was widely seen as a warning to the city not to overstep boundaries.
"Public sentiment has dropped to the lowest point since 2003. I believe more people will come out," Johnson Yeung, one of the key rally organisers, told AFP.
The 2003 march saw 500,000 people protest against a proposed national security bill, forcing the government to shelve it.
It was a key factor in the resignation two years later of the chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Tuesday's march starts at Victoria Park at 3pm local time (5pm AEST) and heads to the city's Central district.
Two student groups have said that they will hold an overnight rally to "occupy" a Central street and an area outside the government headquarters, following the march.
One of the group's leaders, Joshua Wong, said on Monday the student rally would be held to vent "anger" towards the authorities, but would be peaceful.
Pro-democracy group Occupy Central, which organised the successful referendum, has said that it will stage a mass sit-in in the city's business district later this year unless authorities come up with acceptable electoral reforms.
Gaza Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh told the Turkish news agency, Monday evening, that Israeli threats on the organization and Gaza following the finding of the three murdered "settlers" did not scare them.
Earlier, Hamas Spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhr warned that if "the occupation" escalates the military situation or starts a war, Hamas will open what he called the gates of hell.
Star Wars first planted the idea over 35 years ago that we could move objects with our minds. That idea is now a reality that has come a long way in the last few years. Emotiv is on the cutting edge of that technology with headgear that allows you to do things, such as make a toy car whiz by or help a quadriplegic mix music like a DJ using just their brain power.
It works by scanning your brain for signals using the Emotiv EEG device on your head. That device then relays your signals through a brain-computer interface to detect emotions, interest and a slew of other things. It takes some work but, as the video above shows, it also helps you use your Jedi training skills to move objects with just the power of thought.
There are numerous applications for this tech. Those with disabilities could become the best DJ you’ve ever heard or play video games or command robotic arms using just their minds. It could help those with epilepsy, ADHD, sleep disorders or the occasional panic attack to quiet the mind and focus. A project commissioned by the Royal Automotive Club of Australia is even using Emotiv to ensure safer driving. During the research phase, a signal sent from the brain of a distracted driver caused their car to slow down or stop on the road.
But it also steps into the world of market research. Emotiv can tell whether you really like something or not just by detecting the reaction of your brain signals to a certain product you see in a store. This would allow researchers to know whether something will be popular without even having to ask you questions. They’ll just see it on your brain.
A greater threat with this tech could be brain spyware, particularly in video gaming. This ability to capture neuro-cognitive feedback not only helps with more responsive gaming but could also make available a user’s private information or thought processes without them being aware someone had hacked in and was getting that information from them. A captured EEG signal can reveal your bank card number, determine whether you have a mental illness or are prone to addiction, according to this 2013 research paper.
Emotiv offers both the EPOC and EEG versions of its system. The EPOC headset (listed for $299) allows developers to create their own applications using the licensed SDK software. The EEG headset (listed for $750) adds to what the EPOC offers but also enables users to conduct research from collected raw EEG data.
The technology has a long way to go still, but what we have so far with quadriplegic DJs moving about in virtual worlds, ability to detect mental disorders and to conduct market research from brain waves, is pretty impressive so far.
A Christian nonprofit, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), is facing opposition in Portland as it seeks to bring youth to Christ.
The group's "Good News Club" is being called "psychologically harmful to children" by a newly formed coalition – Protect Portland Children.
The Good News Club is a youth ministry in which children are taught about sin, Jesus, and holiness through engaging songs, games, and Bible stories.
On its website, CEF states that "the purpose ofGood News Club is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living."
Critics of CEF and the Good News Club say the program teaches fundamentalist beliefs to children, and encourages fear, judgment, and divisiveness in youth.
Attorney and blogger Eric Ceynar wrote on his "Intrinsic Dignity" blog that the Club uses shame and fear indoctrination, thought control, attacks on science education, authoritarian conditioning, and deceptive marketing to negatively influence students.
A Seattle parent, John Lederer, said that the Good News Club is not appropriate for young children.
"When I read their mission statement and values and principles it was clear that this was a very theologically conservative, right wing and evangelical form of Christian faith," he told AwayPoint.com.
"My initial concern wasn't that they existed but that they had targeted my child's school and my child is only 6 years old. They are targeting very, very, young children."
The Club is voluntary and requires parents' permission, but Lederer said that children want to participate because of the treats, toys, and games that are available.
"Cake, cookies, balloons are very attractive to [children]," he said. "[CEF] use enticements like these to get children to say to their parents, 'Can I go?' Children can't tell the difference between good news club and school sponsored activities like chess club."
Protect Portland Children seeks to "spread the word that the Good News Club's extreme teachings can be psychologically harmful to children," member Kaye Schmitt told Alternet.
However, the CEF states that the Good News Club shares biblical principles in ways that engage children, and also encourages moral enrichment.
"Each club includes a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust the Lord Jesus as Savior," their website states. "Every club also includes strong discipleship training to build character and strengthen moral and spiritual growth."
The Club meets once a week during the school year at community centers, churches, schools, and other locations across the country.
Federal authorities may direct airports across the country to update security screening procedures amid concerns that terrorists are developing explosives to defeat current detection methods, according to reports on Monday.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official told The Washington Times that security procedures are often updated to address current threats.
“DHS regularly monitors intelligence related to terrorist groups seeking to do us harm,” the official said on background. “DHS regularly reevaluates our security apparatus, which includes a number of measures both seen and unseen, to fit an ever evolving threat environment.”
Several several major airlines, airports and trade groups, as well as the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration, referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security.
Douglas R. Laird, an aviation security expert, said there are so many different aspects of security that it is difficult to generalize what the vulnerability could be or how it could be fixed.
But the biggest current weakness, he said, is in the security checkpoints that all passengers have to go through.
“The chance of finding a complex device using the technology at the airport they have today is not really improved” since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he said. “They claim it has, but it has not.”
Mr. Laird, the former security director for Northwest Airlines, said that X-rays and metal detectors used on carry-on baggage don’t provide high enough resolution for security screeners to make out all items in passengers’ luggage.
“The weakness in the system right now is somebody could take the components of an IED [improvised explosive device] through the screening checkpoint and have a very good chance of not being detected,” said Mr. Laird, who is president of Laird and Associates, which specializes in helping the airline industry with security.
Controversy over exposure to radiation and privacy concerns have caused the TSA to scrap some types of full-body scanners, he said, warning that those currently in use might not be able to detect some dangerous items that persons could strap to or hide in their bodies.
“It only takes about an ounce, ounce and a half, of a liquid explosive to bring down an airplane,” he said.
CNN reported that officials said there is no imminent threat or plot, but that a potential vulnerability had been identified that was being addressed.
Counterterrorism officials have expressed concern that Syria’s civil war in Syria could give extremists a training ground to test new attacks against the U.S. and its allies.
The takeover of large parts of Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and the continuing presence of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, has led several experts to warn that Islamic extremist groups are rebuilding in the Middle East.
Abbas Pleads With U.S. to Restrain Israel
Jul 1st, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues
IDF soldiers in Operation Brother's Keeper
Flash 90
The Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah is reportedly anticipating a large scale Israeli military assault in the wake of the murder of three yeshiva boys, with PA head Mahmoud Abbas attempting to forestall such a move.
According to Sky News in Arabic, Abbas has been conducting “feverish” communications with the United States and other countries, to pressure Israel not to launch a large scale operation. He has reportedly transmitted a message of this nature to Israel through the Americans.
Abbas spoke to several world leaders Monday night, hours after the bodies of the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers were found, and asked them for help in reining in an Israeli response.
According to Voice of Israel public radio, Abbas intends to convene a meeting in Ramallah Tuesday to discuss the possible measures Israel may take in response to the murders. Abbas is said to be anticipating a firm Israeli demand that the Palestinian Authority end its unity pact with Hamas.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu convened the Diplomacy-Security Cabinet of ministers Monday evening to discuss the Israeli response to the abduction. An Israeli military strike on Hamas is seen as a virtual certainty, according to reports, but the questions are – how far will the operation go, and will it include a major move against Hamas-controlled Gaza.
A campaign against Hamas would in any case be a continuation of Operation Brother's Keeper, which has been targeting Hamas infrastructures in Judea and Samaria over the last fortnight.
While there is no proven link between the abductors and Gaza's Hamas infrastructure, the fact that there has been an escalation in missile strikes on Israeli civilians from Gaza in the last few days makes it easier for Israel to draw the connection, and wreak punishment on Hamas in Gaza as well.
300 More U.S. Troops Headed to Iraq
Jul 1st, 2014
Daily NewsCBS News
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues
The U.S. is sending another 300 troops to Iraq to beef up security at the U.S. Embassy and elsewhere in the Baghdad area to protect U.S. citizens and property, officials said Monday.
The new injection of manpower brings the total number of U.S. personnel sent to Iraq to deal with the recent crisis to approximately 800.
The State Department, meanwhile, announced that it was temporarily moving an unspecified "small number" of embassy staff in Baghdad to U.S. consulates in the northern city of Irbil and the southern city of Basra. This is in addition to some embassy staff who were moved out of Baghdad earlier this month.
Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the Baghdad embassy "will be fully equipped to carry out" its mission.
The White House announced that President Barack Obama, who has previously ruled out sending combat troops back into Iraq, had directed that 200 troops be sent to reinforce security at the embassy, its support facilities and Baghdad International Airport.
"This force is deploying for the purpose of protecting U.S. citizens and property, if necessary, and is equipped for combat. This force will remain in Iraq until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed," the president wrote in a letter to Congress.
CBS News' Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett said White House officials insist the additional troops "are not a signal of mission creep in Iraq."
"They do acknowledge more forces with combat capability will be in Baghdad but argue their only mission will be to protect U.S. Embassy personnel, secure Baghdad's airport and, if necessary, beef up military escorts in the event the security situation in Baghdad worsens to the point where large-scale evacuations of U.S. personnel are required," Garrett reported.
The Pentagon said the 200 arrived Sunday and Monday. Officials said the additional forces bring a detachment of helicopters and drone aircraft to improve airfield and travel route security in Baghdad.
Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon's press secretary, said another 100 troops, who had been on standby in the Middle East since mid-June, also will move into Baghdad to provide security and logistics support.
That raises to about 470 the number of U.S. troops providing security in Baghdad.
Those forces are separate from the teams of up to 300 U.S. military advisers that Obama authorized for deployment to Iraq earlier in June. Of those 300, about 180 had arrived as of Monday, the Pentagon said. They are assessing the state of Iraqi security forces and coordinating with Iraqi authorities.
Prior to that, the president dispatched 275 military personnel to provide support and security to Americans at the U.S. Embassy.
The U.S. also has a permanent group of about 100 military personnel in the Office of Security Cooperation, at the U.S. Embassy, to coordinate U.S. military sales.
Garrett said that when the decision to send in 300 military advisers was made, there was some concern that Baghdad could fall to the insurgents, known as ISIS.
"That's no longer the concern, but there is rising concern about the security of U.S. personnel," Garrett said, adding that White House officials say "the president wants to be positioned to protect U.S. personnel in the embassy and, if necessary, if they're moved outside of Baghdad or the country entirely because the situation has deteriorated rapidly."
