Former Gitmo Detainee Returns to Battlefield

Dec. 12, 2015 - 9:49 - President's plan to close Guantanamo Bay in focus

Growing Turmoil for the Democratic Party

Dec. 11, 2015 - 4:48 - 'The O'Reilly Factor' analyzes the fallout of Donald Trump's campaign and Barack Obama's failing policies

Fear, Anger and Hatred: The Rise of Germany's New Right

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: For years, a sense of disillusionment has been growing on the right. Now, the refugee crisis has magnified that frustration. Increasingly, people from the very center of society are identifying with the movement -- even as political debate coarsens and violence increases. By SPIEGEL Staff

Martin Bahrmann, a local politician in the Saxon town of Meissen, was just preparing to speak in a council debate on refugee shelters when a ball-point pen ricoched off the back of his head. It was a cheap, plastic writing utensil -- blue with white writing.

As a member of the business friendly Free Democrats (FDP), Bahrmann's seat in the regional council is at the very back and the visitors' gallery is just behind him. The pen must have come from somebody in the audience. When Bahrmann turned around, he found himself looking at a sea of hostile faces. Although there were around 80 visitors in the gallery, nobody admitted to having seen who threw the pen. On the contrary: The FDP representative and his colleagues were later insulted as being "traitors to the German people."

Bahrmann, 28, does not draw a salary for his involvement in local politics. It is merely his contribution to a functioning democracy. He was born and grew up in the region he represents and he has known many of the people there for many years. But even he, Bahrmann says, now must be more careful about when and where he makes political appearances. Ever since the regional council discussed transforming the former Hotel Weinböhla into a refugee hostel, the established political parties have been confronted with the hate of many locals. One Left Party representative was spit on as he was walking down the street while another was threatened with violence. Meanwhile, representatives from the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the neo-Nazi NPD were celebrated for having voted against the refugees in the regional council.

The pen thrown in Meissen may not have garnered much media attention, but it says a lot about the public mood in Germany, a country in which increasing numbers of people are united against the state, its institutions and its elected officials. It is a country in which antipathy towards democracy is gradually increasing while xenophobia is growing rapidly. And it is a country where incidents of right-wing violence are on the rise and refugee hostels are set on fire almost daily. Read on and comment » | Spiegel Staff | Friday, December 11, 2015

Germany: Police Attack Ruptly Producer as Clashes Break Out in Leipzig

Hundreds of antifa activists clashed with German riot police in Leipzig, Saturday, as a counter-protest decrying the three announced right-wing demonstrations taking place in the city got underway.

Krawalle in Leipzig »

Krawalle in Leipzig: Dutzende Polizisten bei Demos gegen rechts verletzt

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Polizei setzte Wasserwerfer und Tränengas ein, Gegendemonstranten warfen Steine: In Leipzig ist es nach einem Aufmarsch von Rechtsextremisten zu Ausschreitungen gekommen. 56 Polizisten wurden verletzt.

Bei gewaltsamen Ausschreitungen am Rande der Kundgebungen von Rechtsextremen und linken Gegendemonstranten sind in Leipzig nach Angaben der Polizei 56 Polizisten verletzt worden. Mindestens zwei von ihnen seien dienstunfähig, einer für mindestens vier Wochen, sagte die Polizeisprecherin. Außerdem seien 32 Dienstfahrzeuge der Polizei beschädigt worden. » | sto/dpa/AFP | Samstag, 12. Dezember 2015

Obama’s Weekly Address: Standing Strong in the Face of Terrorism

In this week's address, the President praised our country’s resilience in the face of terrorism, and discussed how we will keep America safe.

Saudi Media Flaunt American Who Converted to Islam: ‘I Have Joined the Religion of Truth’

BREITBART.COM: The Saudi news media continue to spotlight the story of an America employee at Jeddah’s international airport whose conversion to Islam went viral in the Kingdom last week after video of the event was published.

Last week, Breitbart Jerusalem reported on the video, in which a group of Saudis surround the American employee while they exclaim the “Shahadatain,” an Islamic pillar of faith, meaning, “There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is the prophet of Allah.”

After the American employee himself declares the “Shahadatain,” his Saudi colleagues shout, “Allahu Akbar,” meaning Allah is great, and they are seen hugging and kissing theAmerican over his conversion to Islam. It was not immediately clear when the video was taken.

On Friday, the Saudi Sabq news website published an extensive interview with the American, for the first time revealing his name to be Rick Harrison.

Harrison claimed that in America he was subject to propaganda against Islam. “Yet all those claims fell apart when I saw how my colleagues at the Jeddah airport treated me.” » | Ali Waked | Saturday, December 12, 2015

Die fehlgeleitete Frau Merkel! Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel: Denn so Bibelfest sind die Deutschen auch nicht mehr, wie sie manchmal tun

Donald Trump Travel Ban Statements

Robert Spencer on ISIS' Intent to Conquer Rome and Behead the Pope

I sat down recently with Robert Spencer, author of The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS, to discuss the terror group's plan for Rome. While the idea of ISIS conquering Rome may sound ridiculous, Quranic Muslims––not just in ISIS-–believe the fall of Rome must take place before the final battle against the infidel armies at Dabiq, Syria and the return of the Mahdi, the Muslim "messiah."

ISIS Threat to POPE: Fears for Holy Father as Terror Nuts Plot 'FINAL MASSACRE' in Rome

Pope Francis, who it is feared may be
next on ISIS's terror hit list

EXPRESS: EVIL Islamic State are plotting to kill POPE FRANCIS, the Vatican fears, after multiple propaganda videos threatening Rome were released by Daesh militants.

The Vatican has admitted it is a target for crazed jihadis due to its religious links. Any attack would send shivers across the globe.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin said recently the Vatican was considering whether to ramp up security.

He said: "The Vatican could be a target because of its religious significance.

"We are capable of increasing the level of security in the Vatican and the surrounding area.

"But we will not let ourselves be paralysed by fear."

Rome has been the subject of a number of threatening terror films released by the extremists in recent weeks.

It is thought the focus on Rome, and specifically the Vatican City, may be in response to the Pope's recent condemnation of the deadly terror attacks in Paris, as well as its status of the capital of the Catholic world. » | Joey Millar | Saturday, December 12, 2015

Donald Trump in Spat with 'Dopey' Saudi Prince as Muslim Row Rumbles On

THE TELEGRAPH: Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, whose wealth dwarfs even that of Mr Trump, uses Twitter to call on Republican front-runner a disgrace to all America

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate who has shot to the head of the polls with a campaign based on hyperbole and bombast, has done it again, this time engaing in a very public slanging match with a Saudi prince.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who is thought to be worth $32 billion (£21 billion), called on the Republican frontrunner to withdraw from the race following his demand that Muslims to be banned from entering the US. » | Rob Crilly, New York | Saturday, December 12, 2015

THE GUARDIAN: Donald Trump is a disgrace to his country, says billionaire Saudi prince: Alwaleed bin Talal exchanges angry views with US presidential hopeful after call to ban Muslims from entering US » | Emma Graham-Harrison | Saturday, December 12, 2015

The Gambia Now an Islamic Republic, Says President Yahya Jammeh

President Yahya Jammeh, pictured, is looking to the Arab world
for support to replace western aid funding to the Gambia,
according to critic Sidi Sanneh.

THE GUARDIAN: Leader who quit Commonwealth in 2013 says Muslim-majority state will still respect others citizens’ faiths but he wants to shake off ‘colonial legacy’

The Gambia has been declared an Islamic republic by President Yahya Jammeh who said he wanted to further distance the west African state from its colonial past.

The tiny, formerly secular country – named after the river from which British ships are said to have fired cannonballs to fix its borders – joins the ranks of other officially Islamic republics such as Iran and Afghanistan.

“In line with the country’s religious identity and values I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state,” said Jammeh on state television. “As Muslims are the majority in the country, Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy.” Read on and comment » | Staff and agencies in Bangul | Saturday, December 12, 2015

Demokratieverachtung: Wie Deutschland seine politische Mitte verliert

Demokratieverachtung wächst, die Sitten verrohen

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Abendland-Patrioten im Bund mit Putin-Fans, Neonazis mit Linkspartei-Anhängern, Israel-Gegner mit Islam-Hassern: In Deutschland gewinnt eine Querfront an Zulauf, die wenig mehr eint als die Angst vor Veränderung und das Misstrauen gegen Eliten.

An diesem Wochenende soll vor dem Kanzleramt in Berlin wieder demonstriert werden. Es geht gegen den deutschen Kriegseinsatz in Syrien, gegen die Flüchtlingspolitik der Bundesregierung und gegen irgendwas mit Amerika. Interessant ist, welch breites Bündnis von ganz rot bis sehr braun zur Teilnahme aufruft. Selbsternannte Abendland-Patrioten schreiten Seit an Seit mit Putin-Fans, Neonazis mit Anhängern der Linkspartei, Israel-Gegner mit Islam-Hassern. » | Ein Kommentar von Alexander Neubacher | Samstag, 12. Dezember 2015

Eric Trump Explains Donald's 'Frustration' with Obama

Dec. 04, 2015 - 5:59 - Son of 2016 GOP candidate reacts to president's refusal to say 'radical Islam'

Russische Justiz bezichtigt Chodorkowski des mehrfachen Mordes

Der frühere Öl-Manager und Kreml-Kritiker Chodorkowski sass zehn Jahre wegen Betrugs und anderer Vergehen im russischen Lager. Vor zwei Jahren hat ihn Putin überraschenderweise begnadigt. Nun hat ihn Moskau erneut zur Verhaftung ausgeschrieben, diesmal wegen Mordes. Über die Hintergründe der Vorwürfe - das Gespräch mit Daniel Wechlin, NZZ-Korrespondent in Moskau.

Imam Agrees with Trump: "It Would Be Wise to Stop Temporarily Accepting Any New Muslim Immigrants"

12 News
12 NEWS: Read the article here »

Omar Alghabra: Justin Trudeau's New Anti-Semitic Foreign Affairs Pick

We've all seen those pictures of Justin Trudeau, praying at a mosque, dressed up like a medieval desert tribesman.

Read the rest »

Worlds Apart: Anjem Choudary on the Islamic Caliphate

The beheading of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff by the Islamic State sparked shock and outrage. What’s driving the ideology and rise of one of the world’s most notorious terrorist organisations, and will its Caliphate ever be able to coexist peacefully with the community of nations? Oksana is joined by Anjem Choudary, British imam and lawyer, to reflect on these issues.

Radical Imam, Anjem Choudary, Tells Pam Geller She Should Be Slaughtered

Radical Imam Anjem Choudary told Pamela Geller on Hannity that she should be tried in Shariah Court and slaughtered for speaking out against radical Islam.

Italy's Lombardy Bans Burqas After Terror Attacks

THE TELEGRAPH: Northeastern region of Lombardy has amended legislation in order to outlaw the burqa and niqab from public offices and hospitals

Lombardy, the most populous and wealthiest region in Italy, has approved a ban on wearing the Islamic veil and burqa in hospitals and local government offices in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Europe.

Current law across Italy already prohibits helmets, clothing or any other items that make identification difficult in public places without a justifiable motive.

But the new legislation in Lombardy, which comes into force on January 1, 2016, marks the first time an Italian region has explicitly outlawed Islamic face coverings.

Simona Bordonali, head of security, civil protection and immigration in Lombardy, said “serious terror attacks” in recent weeks had forced the region to reinforce its security measures. » | Alice Philipson, Rome | Friday, December 11, 2015

Any Threats to Russian Military in Syria Will Be Destroyed - Putin

Jihadists in Syria pose a direct threat to Russia, Putin has told a defense meeting in Moscow, adding that any targets threatening the country's military there should be destroyed. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said Islamic State’s influence in Syria continues to expand.

Related »

French Should Not Feel Guilty About Voting Front National, Says Le Pen

Head of the Front National party Marine Le Pen makes a final plea for support to voters on Thursday before the second round of regional elections. Le Pen topped the first round in Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie with over 40 percent of the votes. On the Beau-Marais estate, which was once a communist stronghold, one polling station saw Le Pen take 70% of the vote

Russia Plans $40 a Barrel Oil for Next Seven Years as Saudi Showdown Intensifies

THE TELEGRAPH: 'We will live in a different reality,' said a top Kremlin official. The message is aimed squarely at Saudi Arabia in a war for market share

Russia is battening down the hatches for a Biblical collapse in oil revenues, warning that crude prices could stay as low as $40 a barrel for another seven years.

Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy finance minister, said the country is drawing up plans based on a price band fluctuating between $40 to $60 as far out as 2022, a scenario that would have devastating implications for Opec.

It would also spell disaster for the North Sea producers, Brazil’s off-shore projects, and heavily indebted Western producers. “We will live in a different reality,” he told a breakfast forum hosted by Russian newspaper Vedomosti.

The cold blast from Moscow came as US crude plunged to $35.56, pummelled by continuing fall-out from the acrimonious Organisaton of Petrol Exporting Countries meeting last week. Record short positions by hedge funds have amplified the effect.

Bank of America said there was now the risk of “full-blown price war” within Opec itself as Saudi Arabia and Iran fight out a bitter strategic rivalry through the oil market. » | Ambrose Evans-Pritchard | Friday, December 11, 2015

Russia: Putin Tells Armed Forces to "Act Very Tough" against Threats in Syria

In case of any threats to the Russian forces in Syria, the military must "act very tough," President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow, Friday. Speaking at the annual expanded meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry, he stated that "any targets that threaten the Russian group or our ground infrastructure must be destroyed immediately."

Donald Trump: Obama Is A 'Threat To Our Country'

Leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump accused President Barack Obama of being a ‘threat to our country’ in response to a question on whether he thought Obama was a threat to national security. Trump was speaking to Jeff Kuhner on Boston’s WRKO-AM on Wednesday. The subject came up in the context of Obama’s failure to adequately deal with the Islamist terrorist group ISIS. Kuhner first asked Trump if he though Obama should resign over his mishandling of the Middle East, but Trump did not answer, instead he spoke about Obama’s failures in that part of the world. Kuhner then asked Trump about Obama being a threat to national security. Trump answered that question directly.

France Says Fight against Isil Will Extend to Libya

THE TELEGRAPH: French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says the threat of further attacks like Paris remains "because we have hundreds, even thousands of young people who have succumbed to radicalisation".

France has suggested it will extend its military operation against jihadists to Libya, where extremists increasingly have a strong hold.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called on Friday for International efforts to crush the Islamic State jihadist group (Isil) to extend to Libya.

"We are at war, we have an enemy, Daesh, that we must fight and crush in Syria, in Iraq and soon in Libya too," Valls said, using an Arabic acronym for the group.

Speaking four weeks after Isil gunmen and suicide bombers attacked Paris, Valls told France Inter radio the threat of further outrages remained "because we have hundreds, even thousands of young people who have succumbed to radicalisation".

French planes carried out surveillance flights over Libya last week. » | AFP | Friday, December 11, 2015

Do We Really Need More Jihadists?

BREITBART.COM: On Monday, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump created a political firestorm by releasing a statement, “calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what’s going on.”

While it should be self-evident that allowing unvetted mass immigration from Muslim-majority countries is a formula for national security disaster (look no further than Europe for proof), Trump’s statement identifies an even more important problem: the fact that our leaders in Washington have not been able to “figure out what’s going on” with respect to the global jihad movement – and what it will take for us to defeat it, before the jihadists destroy us.

Mr. Trump has clearly picked up on a conviction increasingly shared by millions of Americans. They have begun to realize that the Obama administration has long been downplaying, misrepresenting and mishandling a threat more and more of us see plainly.

...

We must understand shariah and the ideological impetus it provides for our enemies’ actions. We must also recognize its inherent and unalterable incompatibility with Western civilization. And we must take action to keep jihadis from threatening our lives – and our freedoms – in furtherance of their stated goal: installing shariah worldwide. Read the whole article here » | Frank Gaffney | Thursday, December 10, 2015

Why Trump Will Win

BREITBART.COM: International businessman, entrepreneur, builder and reality TV star Donald J. Trump once again displayed his uncanny and unprecedented ability to both dominate the national dialogue and roil the political waters with his most recent proposal to temporarily halt Muslim immigration.

Not surprisingly the mainstream media and the political establishment demonstrated their willingness to do anything necessary to smear Trump, distort his proposals and derail his candidacy.

The pundit class and their allies in the political establishment are already flummoxed by their failed prediction that the “summer of Trump” would dissipate in the Autumn as voters became “more serious” and looked again at the career politicians running for President. These are, of course, the very same people who said that Trump would never run to begin with and that his candidacy was simply a publicity stunt designed to burnish his brand. » | Roger Stone | Thursday, December 10, 2015

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

It started in September when Donald Trump failed to correct a bigoted man on America’s ‘Muslim problem’. And in the four months following, the Republican presidential frontrunner steadily descended into ugly rhetoric against the religious group. At times he went back on his statements, or offered qualifiers, but slowly and surely the people he once called ‘great’ became official enemies of the state. Or rather, enemies of his state


THE GUARDIAN: Donald Trump will not be barred from Britain despite Muslims outburst: Petition calling for US presidential candidate to be denied entry to UK on grounds of hate speech racks up nearly 360,000 signatures in 24 hours. » | Damien Gayle , Libby Brooks and Patrick Wintour | Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Trump Ignores UK Critics and Claims Country Has 'a Massive Muslim Problem'

THE GUARDIAN: Republican frontrunner welcomes controversial British commentator’s support amid record-breaking campaign to bar him from the UK

Donald Trump has hit back against UK critics of his stand against Islam, saying Britain had “a massive Muslim problem”.

The leading Republican presidential contender, who prompted outrage around the world on Monday by calling for Muslims to be barred from entering the United States following the San Bernardino shooting, also praised controversial British commentator Katie Hopkins after she supported his position in an interview on Fox News.

“The politicians of the UK should watch Katie Hopkins … many people in the UK agree with me,” Trump tweeted just after 6am ET.

In another tweet he said: “The United Kingdom is trying hard to disguise their massive Muslim problem. Everybody is wise to what is happening, very sad! Be honest.”

On Wednesday, Trump attracted a political backlash in Britain when he claimed there were parts of London so radicalised that police officers feared for their lives. The comments were rejected by Downing Street, which said they were “totally inaccurate”, and the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who said they were “utter nonsense”. » | Joanna Walters in New York | Thursday, December 10, 2015

Inside Story: What Does Donald Trump Stand For?

The potential Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is remaining defiant about his anti-Muslim statement which has provoked criticism and condemnation. The White House says he has disqualified himself from becoming president.And the Pentagon says his call to ban Muslims from the US endangers security. But Trump has the support of various conservative commentators and at least part of the US public. So, how has Trump been able to set the tone in the Republican presidential race? And why do his comments resonate with some Americans? Presenter: Jane Dutton Guests: Linda Sarsour - Executive director of the Arab American Association of New York; Matthew Del Carlo - Republican strategist and chairman of the California Young Republican Federation; James Boys - author of the upcoming book 'Hillary Rising' and political historian.

Angela Merkel, Person of the Year? Eine Katastrophe, More Like

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in no mood to negotiate

THE TELEGRAPH: The German leader just named 'Chancellor of the Free World' by Time Magazine has actually seen her reputation and popularity take a hammeriing in 2015

Angela Merkel has just been named “Chancellor of the Free World” and Person of the Year by Time Magazine. But the reality is that she is hardly flying high. After more than a decade in office, Germany’s first female head of government is dragging her party down in the polls, openly criticised by her finance minister, out of step with her European partners, and prompting the streets to fill with angry protestors.

Her most powerful rival, the Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, has compared her to a “careless skier” who precipitates an avalanche. His mutiny against Mrs Merkel’s “open door” migration policy has strong support from a German public that is now thoroughly alarmed by an influx with no end in sight. Protests against her policy are mounting, yet she has refused to back down.

So how did it all go so badly wrong for the world’s most powerful woman? (+ video) » | Daniel Johnson | Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Senate Passes Bill to Dismantle ObamaCare

Dec. 04, 2015 - 2:05 - Mike Emanuel reports from Washington, D.C.

Muslim Community Leader Supports Trump's Proposed Ban

Dec. 09, 2015 - 5:15 - Imam and Islamic activist debate the issue on 'Hannity'

Should US Worry about Immigrants Raised under Sharia Law?

Dec. 09, 2015 - 4:34 - GOP candidate Carly Fiorina weighs in on 'Hannity'

Donald Trump Outlines His Muslim Strategy

Dec. 09, 2015 - 10:05 - GOP candidate joins 'The O'Reilly Factor' to discuss plan preventing Muslims entering the US

Wahl in Amerika: Trump droht Republikanern mit unabhängiger Kandidatur

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINER ZEITUNG: Nach der heftigen Kritik aus der eigenen Partei droht Donald Trump abermals damit, auch ohne den Rückhalt der Republikaner für das amerikanische Präsidentenamt zu kandidieren. Seine Erfolgschancen stützt er dabei auf eine neue Umfrage.

Nach der heftigen Kritik führender Republikaner an seiner Forderung nach einem Einreiseverbot für Muslime hat Donald Trump abermals eine Teilnahme als unabhängiger Kandidat an der amerikanischen Präsidentschaftswahl 2016 ins Spiel gebracht. Im Fernsehsender ABC sagte der Milliardär am Mittwoch, dass er sich eine eigenständige Kandidatur vorstellen könnte, sollte die republikanische Partei ihn nicht „fair“ behandeln. Auf dem Kurznachrichtendienst Twitter schrieb er: „Eine neue Umfrage besagt, dass 68 Prozent meiner Unterstützer für mich stimmen würden, sollte ich die Republikaner verlassen und als Unabhängiger antreten.“ » | Quelle: AFP | Mittwoch, 9. Dezember 2015

USA: Trump's Muslims Ban Disqualifies Him from Presidency - White House

White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said that presidential front-runner Donald Trump's comments on banning Muslims from entering the U.S disqualifies him from becoming president, and called for Republicans to denounce him immediately, speaking in Washington D.C, Tuesday.

Merkel Becomes Time’s Person of the Year, Tops Trump & ISIS Leader

Time Magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel its person of the year. Among the reasons, the magazine cited her role in solving Europe's crisis over Greek debt.

Germany: Angela Merkel Awarded TIME's Person of the Year 2015

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was named TIME's Person of the Year, Wednesday, with archive footage showing some of the German leader's greatest moments during her chancellery in 2015.

Donald Trump Shakes Up Politics Once Again

Dec. 08, 2015 - 9:58 - 'The O'Reilly Factor': Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points 12/8

Trump Doubles Down On Controversial Muslim Plan

Dec. 08, 2015 - 5:01 - How does the United States view Islam? 'The O'Reilly Factor' investigates

Rep. McCaul: Extremists Trying to Exploit US Refugee Program

Dec. 08, 2015 - 4:40 - Congressman explains on 'Hannity' how the president is playing 'Russian roulette' with national security

Piers Morgan and Ann Coulter in Fiery Exchange on Good Morning Britain

THE TELEGRAPH: The right wing pundit, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, gave a heated defence of her anti-Islamic views

Right-wing American pundit Ann Coulter was involved in a heated battle of words with host Piers Morgan when she appeared as a guest on today's episode of Good Morning Britain.

Coulter, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump's presidential candidacy, has in recent days has been criticised after cheering Trump's call to ban Muslims from entering the US.

On Twitter, where she has more than 700,000 followers, she described Trump's anti-Muslim stance as 'my best birthday gift.'

Appearing via satellite link on Good Morning Britain with hosts Morgan and Susanna Reid, Coulter vigorously defended her views while also suggesting that mentally ill people and criminals should be prevented from entering the US: “Why does our country need them? ... Welfare is for Americans.”

Morgan appeared increasingly incensed as the interview progressed, before eventually cutting her off with the suggestion: "Maybe it would be slightly more helpful to deport you Ann Coulter?" » | Adam Boult | Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Obama: We Cannot and Will Not Succumb to Fear

Donald Trump, Under Fire, Defends Call to Block Muslims

THE NEW YORK TIMES: As denunciations rained down on him from Washington and around the world, Donald J. Trump on Tuesday defended his call to block all Muslims from entering the United States, casting it as a temporary move in response to Islamic State terrorism and invoking President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s actions toward Japanese, German and Italian aliens during World War II as precedent. » | Maggie Haberman | Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Trump Threatens to Leave Republican Party after Criticism of Ban on Muslims; Obama Says Trump Is Disqualified from White House

THE TELEGRAPH: David Cameron leads the condemnation after the presidential candidate said parts of London were so radicalised "police in London are afraid for their own their lives" - while the Pentagon says his comments play in to Islamic State's narrative » | Harriet Alexander, New York, video source APTN | Tuesday, December 8, 2015

My comment:

Can we see YOUR credentials, Mr. Obama, for being qualified for office in the White House? Have you, Mr. President, ever heard the saying: ‘People in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones’. – © Mark

What Putin Thinks About Gays - BBC News

President Vladimir Putin has defended Russia's law on "gay propaganda" ahead of the Sochi Olympics but insisted he was not prejudiced against homosexuals.

Inside Story: Is Sugar Killing Us?

New research shows global diets are getting sweeter along with a growing health crisis.

Inside Story: What's Behind the Success of France's Far-Right Party?

French political landscape changing after big victory for the National Front in regional elections.

Why the Obama Administration Is Losing the War on Terror

Dec. 07, 2015 - 10:13 - 'The O'Reilly Factor': Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points 12/7

Trump's Son on Father's Plan to Ban Muslims from US Entry

Dec. 08, 2015 - 7:00 - Donald Trump, Jr. says the Republican presidential candidate is more concerned about the 'safety of Americans' than 'offending people around the world'

Asylsuchende: Bayern registriert millionsten Flüchtling in Deutschland

SPIEGEL ONLINE: In Deutschland ist nach Angaben der bayerischen Regierung der millionste Flüchtling seit Jahresanfang registriert worden. Die Prognosen der Bundesregierung wurden damit deutlich übertroffen.

343 Tage ist dieses Jahr alt. Im Schnitt sind an jedem dieser Tage mehr als 2900 Flüchtlinge nach Deutschland gekommen. Am Dienstag ist der millionste Asylsuchende in der Bundesrepublik im sogenannten Easy-System registriert worden. Das teilte Bayerns Sozialministerin Emilia Müller mit.

Damit sind die Prognosen der Bundesregierung weit übertroffen worden. Bundesinnenminister Thomas de Maizière hatte ursprünglich eine Zahl von 800.000 Asylbewerbern bis zum Jahresende vorausgesagt. "Sie ist übertroffen worden wegen der besonders steigenden Zahlen seit Mitte August", sagte der CDU-Politiker bereits am Montag. » | syd/hen/dpa | Dienstag, 8. Dezember 2015

Daniel Greenfield Moment: Migration Is the Greatest Threat to National Security

Daniel Greenfield Moment: Migration is the Greatest Threat to National Security » | Jamie Glazov | Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Marine Le Pen: Ich bin die Anti-Merkel!

Tony Abbott Has Called for a Religious Reformation of Islam

NEWS.COM.AU: TONY Abbott has controversially called for a religious “reformation” of Islam, labelling it as a “culture” that “thinks you can kill in the name of God”.

The former Prime Minister made the comments in a wide-ranging interview on the Paul Murray Live program on Sky News.

Mr Abbott said not only did there need to be a military offensive, but also a “hearts and mind” offensive to tackle the rise of radical Islam while also calling for Australians to have greater confidence in Western civilisation. » | Emily Moulton | News.com.au | Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Germany: Merkel Thanks Foreign Workers for "Huge Effort" in Coming to Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked foreigner workers for the "huge effort" they did for Germany marking the 60th anniversary of the first labour agreement signed with foreign workers in the Chancellery in Berlin, Monday. "You have not only helped Germany with its economic miracle as we see it today, but you also contributed to it", she stated.

Is ISIS Using US Refugee Program to Smuggle in Terrorists?

Dec. 07, 2015 - 3:01 - Rep. Michael McCaul blasts the president's failure to address the threat; Catherine Herridge provides analysis on 'Special Report'

How Carly Fiorina Would Defeat ISIS

Dec. 07, 2015 - 5:01 - GOP candidate shares strategy for the war on terror on 'The O'Reilly Factor'

Outrage Over Media Coverage Of Tashfeen Malik

Dec. 07, 2015 - 3:48 - Howard Kurtz weighs in

Mark Steyn Rails Against Obama's Oval Office Address

Dec. 07, 2015 - 6:25 - Columnist slams the president's plan to confront ISIS on 'Hannity'

Front National's Election Triumph Leaves Mainstream Parties Reeling

THE GUARDIAN: Socialists say they will withdraw candidates and urge tactical voting to see off Marine Le Pen’s party, but Les Républicains rule out alliances


French mainstream politicians have struggled to come up with a response to what one analyst described as the “major hangover” of a historic victory by the Front National in the first round of regional elections.

While the far-right had been predicted to do well, the FN’s record score of almost 28% of the national vote and first place in six of the country’s 13 regions by Sunday night left the traditional parties reeling.

The governing Socialist party came third as expected, but analysts agreed on Monday that the main loser was the centre-right opposition party Les Républicains, led by the former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

The Socialists announced they would withdraw their candidates in regions where the party was trailing and urge supporters to vote tactically to form a “Republican front” to see off the Front National in the second round this coming Sunday.

But the instruction issued by the party headquarters in Paris was defied by the Socialist candidate in the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region, who came third but announced he would stand for the second round anyway. » | Kim Willsher in Paris | Monday, December 7, 2015

Donald Trump Calls for a Ban on All Muslims Entering the US

Donald Trump

THE TELEGRAPH: Republican candidate says proposal due to "hatred" of Muslims toward the US, and would apply to immigrants, refugees and tourists alike

Donald Trump called for all Muslims to be barred from entering the United States on Monday.

The Republican frontrunner issued a statement saying he would implement "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on".

Mr Trump's campaign confirmed that the ban would apply not only to immigrants and refugees, but tourists as well.

Trump is calling for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S." pic.twitter.com/BF5MSUgeLi

— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) December 7, 2015

He said he was calling for the ban because of data indicating there is "great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population".

"Without looking at the various polling data, it is obvious to anybody the hatred is beyond comprehension," Mr Trump said. "Where this hatred comes from and why we will have to determine." » | David Lawler, Washington | Monday, December 7, 2015

Greece: Kerry's Visit Sees Violent Clashes in Athens' Anarchist Stronghold

Violent clashes erupted few hours after midnight in the infamous anarchist area of Exarcheia in Athens, Sunday, between anarchists and riot police.

The clashes followed a demonstration held by leftists and anarchists who mobilised in opposition against the US State Secretary John Kerry, who is in an official visit the Greek capital. Skirmishes started soon after the rally ended, with roughly 300 anarchists trying to enter the premises of the Athens Polytechnic University, where they were repelled by police officers, only to continue the battle on the streets nearby.

Karen Armstrong: Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time

Karen Armstrong talked about her book Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, published by Harper Collins in the Eminent Lives series. She described Muhammad, the prophet and founder of Islam, as a respectful man.

My comment:

This woman is obviously very erudite; but she is very naïve and is obviously living in cloud-cuckoo-land. In fact, she is living in a parallel universe. – © Mark

‪Nonie Darwish Moment: The Truth About The San Bernardino Terror Attack‬

‘Turkey Gets Impunity for Whatever It Does’: Turkish Troops Deployed in N. Iraq

The Arab League has condemned deployment of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, saying it amounts to “an intervention.” Iraq has demanded that Ankara withdraws its troops, saying it will go to the UN Security Council if they remain.

PEGIDA Dresden Live | 7.12.2015

Livestream vom PEGIDA Dresden Abendspaziergang auf dem Theaterplatz Dresden. Gäste: Filip Dewinter und Anke Van Demeersche von Vlaams Belang

US-led Coalition Reportedly Strikes Syrian Army Compound, Several Dead & Injured

US-led coalition warplanes have inflicted a missile strike on a camp of Syrian regular troops in the Deir ez Zor province, killing three soldiers. Damascus has slammed the incident as an “act of aggression.” This is the first time coalition planes have hit Syrian troops.

«Die französische Bevölkerung will etwas Neues ausprobieren»

Den Artikel hier

Philipp Blom, deutscher Historiker, zu Deutschlands Kriegseintritt

Den Artikel hier lesen

Huckabee: Obama More Concerned with Reputation of Islam

Dec. 07, 2015 - 8:14 - GOP candidate reacts to Oval Office address

Judge Jeanine: Time to Batten Down the Hatches

Dec. 06, 2015 - 5:28 - United States faces deadliest terror attack since 9/11

The Isis Papers: Leaked Documents Show How Isis Is Building Its State

The leaked Islamic State document sets out a blueprint
for building a state

THE GUARDIAN: Blueprint lays bare new contours of Islamic state, complete with civil service, regional government and Soviet levels of economic control

A leaked internal Islamic State manual shows how the terrorist group has set about building a state in Iraq and Syria complete with government departments, a treasury and an economic programme for self-sufficiency, the Guardian can reveal.

The 24-page document, obtained by the Guardian, sets out a blueprint for establishing foreign relations, a fully fledged propaganda operation, and centralised control over oil, gas and the other vital parts of the economy.

The manual, written last year and entitled Principles in the administration of the Islamic State, lays bare Isis’s state-building aspirations and the ways in which it has managed to set itself apart as the richest and most destabilising jihadi group of the past 50 years.

Islamic State blueprint

Together with other documents obtained by the Guardian, it builds up a picture of a group that, although sworn to a founding principle of brutal violence, is equally set on more mundane matters such as health, education, commerce, communications and jobs. In short, it is building a state. Read on and comment » | Shiv Malik | Monday, December 7, 2015

A Spectacular Result for Marine Le Pen and France’s Far Right

THE ECONOMIST: In the first round, the migrant crisis helps the National Front to its best ever results

THE spectacular first-round result achieved by the far-right National Front (FN) in Sunday’s regional elections in France is a sobering reminder of the dark political mood in Europe today. As the continent grapples with the aftershocks of terror in Paris and its greatest migrant influx in modern history, Marine Le Pen’s party pulled off its best-ever national score on December 6th. It secured an estimated 27-30% of the nationwide vote, beating its previous record of 25% at last year’s elections to the European Parliament, and nearly tripling its haul at the previous regional vote, in 2010.

The FN, which has never governed a region, now leads in no fewer than six out of 13 contests after the first round. Most startling of all, Ms Le Pen took an estimated 40-43% of the vote in coming top in the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie, according to exit polls. Her niece, Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, got an estimated 41-42% in the southern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The one region that defied the trend was Ile-de-France, around Paris, where the FN has long had difficulties; there, it trailed in third place. Voters will return to the ballot box on December 13th for a run-off.

…

Yet the FN had been upsetting France’s traditional two-party dominance, and entrenching itself as a serious player, long before these latest crises, thanks to a methodical effort by Ms Le Pen to “disinfect” the FN brand, shed its anti-Semitism and make it a respectable party ready to govern. Today, voters are turning to Ms Le Pen as much because of disillusion at unkept promises by successive governments over the economy and jobs, and because of a sense that only she stands up for ordinary folk. It is no coincidence that the two regions where the FN did best are also those with the highest rates of unemployment. The mainstream left and right will need more than just pious admonishments if they are to curb the FN. The more they urge voters to do whatever it takes to stop Ms Le Pen’s party, the better the FN seems to do. Read the whole article here » | Sunday, December 6, 2015

France's Front National Is No Long[er] the Pariah Party

THE TELEGRAPH: Far-Right party capitalises on fears of terrorism and immigrants as French political landscape is turned upside down


The Front National has long been considered a fringe party – a troublesome protest grouping of xenophobes, bigots constituting something of a danger to the French Republic.

Yet on Sunday night, almost a third of those who turned out to vote in regional elections chose the far-Right party, placing it in pole position in at least six regions. The FN is a mere protest party no more.

In the latest political earthquake for France, the country now finds itself with a tripartite political landscape where the FN is no longer a mere troublemaker but can hold its own against the mainstream Right and Left, and increasingly, beat them. That has ominous implications for the resurgent far-Right across Europe. » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Monday, December 7, 2015

Britain Is No Longer a Christian Country and Should Stop Acting As If It Is, Says Judge

Baroness Butler-Sloss

THE TELEGRAPH: A major inquiry into the place of religion in modern society has provoked a furious backlash from ministers and the Church of England

Britain is no longer a Christian country and should stop acting as if it is, a major inquiry into the place of religion in modern society has concluded, provoking a furious backlash from ministers and the Church of England.

A two-year commission, chaired by the former senior judge Baroness Butler-Sloss and involving leading religious leaders from all faiths, calls for public life in Britain to be systematically de-Christianised.

It says that the decline of churchgoing and the rise of Islam and other faiths mean a "new settlement" is needed for religion in the UK, giving more official influence to non-religious voices and those of non-Christian faiths.

The report provoked a furious row last night as it was condemned by Cabinet ministers as "seriously misguided" and the Church of England said it appeared to have been "hijacked" by humanists.

The report, by the Commission on Religion and Belief in Public Life, claims that faith schools are "socially divisive" and says that the selection of children on the basis of their beliefs should be phased out.

It also accuses those who devise some RE syllabuses of "sanitising" negative aspects of religion in lessons and suggests that the compulsory daily act of worship in school assmblies should be abolished and replaced with a "time for reflection". Read on and comment » | John Bingham and Steven Swinford | Monday, December 7, 2015

My comment:

This report has 'liberal' written all over it. But more than that, it is so yesteryear, so passé, so old hat!

Times are moving fast; the Zeitgeist is changing. Witness yesterday's political earthquake in France, witness Marine Le Pen's remarkable triumph over old, stodgy, slow-moving established parties.

The growth of Islam in France, the UK, and the West in general, which has been encouraged and allowed to happen by the West's traditional political élite, is fuelling a backlash. And, if I am not greatly mistaken, this is not a temporary phenomenon. Marine Le Pen's stunning victory will embolden the right-wing across Europe to rise up against this growth of an alien 'culture' in its midst.

We couldn't depend on traditional parties to safeguard our Judaeo-Christian culture; so now it's the turn of the so-called 'far-right' to do it instead.

The growth of the 'far-right' is every mainstream politician's nightmare. But they have only themselves to blame for this outcome. People have been telling them for a long, long time that they are uneasy with this alien ideology in their countries. But they wouldn't listen. The result is the fast growth of the 'far-right'.

Baroness Butler-Sloss' solution might have been paid heed five or ten years ago. Now, however, and at this juncture, our traditional Judaeo-Christian culture is fighting back. Therefore, many of the suggestions and conclusions in this out-dated report will surely have to be consigned to the dustbin of history.

The fightback has begun. We are living in very interesting times.

RIP, Baroness Butler-Sloss. – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

President Obama Delivers an Address to the Nation

Live from the White House.

Front National profitiert vom Misstrauen

Die Regionalwahlen am Sonntag in Frankreich sind die ersten Wahlen nach den Terroranschlägen von Mitte November. Wie keine andere Partei profitiert der Front National davon, dass in Frankreich nur zwei Themen debattiert werden: die Sicherheit und die Flüchtlingskrise.

Far Right Gains: National Front Winning in Some Regional Elections in France

Syria President Bashar Al-Assad Says British Air Strikes Will Fail and Mocks David Cameron ‘Farce’

Mr Assad poured scorn on the PM's assertion that 70,000
moderate rebels could defeat Isis

THE INDEPENDENT: Mr Assad says RAF air strikes were illegal and detrimental to anti-terror operations being undertaken by his regime

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has claimed British bombing raids against Isis targets in his country will fail – and ridiculed Cameron’s Middle East policy as a “classical farce”.

In an interview with the Sunday Times within his Damascus compound, Mr Assad said the RAF air strikes were illegal and detrimental to anti-terror operations being undertaken by his regime.

He said: “You cannot defeat them [Isis] through air strikes alone. You cannot defeat them without co-operation with forces on the ground.

“You cannot defeat them if you do not have buy-in from the general public and the government …They are going to fail again.”

It comes after MPs gave their backing to British air strikes in Syria, with the oil fields operated by militant group Isis targeted.

Mr Assad went on to praise his Russian allies, who he said entered the Syrian conflict “the legal way”.

“The Russians can see this clearly, they want to protect Syria, Iraq, the region — and even Europe,” he said.

“I am not exaggerating by saying they are protecting Europe today.” » | Matt Payton | Sunday, December 6, 2015

Front National Wins Opening Round in France's Regional Elections

THE GUARDIAN: Marine Le Pen’s party capitalises on Paris attacks to win 27-30% of national vote, the highest the party has ever scored in a local election

The far-right Front National has made historic gains in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, emerging as the winner in the opening round of regional elections and coming top in half of France’s regions.

The projected score is the highest vote that the anti-immigration, anti-European party has ever registered in a local election and, if the party maintains the strong lead in in next week’s second round, it could reshape the country’s political landscape.

The FN, which pushed a hardline stance on Islam, security and national identity, saw a poll boost in the wake of the Paris attacks three weeks ago in which Islamic State gunmen killed 130 at Paris bars, the Bataclan concert hall and in a suicide bombing outside the Stade de France. » | Angelique Chrisafis in Paris | Sunday, December 6, 2015

Regionalwahlen: Frankreich rückt nach rechts

Freude beim Marine Le Pen: Die Front National-Chefin zieht
sich schon vor dem zweiten Wahlgang als Siegerin

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Gezeitenwechsel in Frankreich: Mit dem Vormarsch des Front National bei den Regionalwahlen wird die V. Republik zum Drei-Parteien-System. Und beschreibt auch ideologisch eine Wende nach rechts.

Eine Gewinnerin, sonst vor allem Verlierer: Am Abend der ersten Runde der französischen Regionalwahlen kann Marine Le Pen jubilieren. "Frankreich erhebt seinen Kopf", so die Chefin des Front National (FN), am frühen Abend: "Die nationale Bewegung ist damit die erste Partei Frankreichs."

Tatsächlich liegt der FN nach den Hochrechnungen nicht nur in Madame Le Pens Wahlregion Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie mit fast 42 Prozent an der Spitze; ihre Nichte Marion Maréchal-Le Pen könnte mit einem gleichen Ergebnis beim zweiten Durchgang die Gegend Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur erobern. Und zwei weitere FN-Promis führen im Elsass-Lothringen und im Langedoc-Roussion Midi-Pyrénées.

Der Front National hat sich mit fast 30 Prozent landesweit vor alle anderen Formationen geschoben und liegt in 6 von 13 Regionen vorn: Ein Erdbeben, das die politische Landschaft Frankreichs gründlich umgestalten wird. Von jetzt an findet das Rennen um die Wählergunst zwischen drei Blöcken statt - den Linken/Grünen, den Konservativen/Zentristen und den Rechtsextremen des FN. » | Von Stefan Simons, Paris | Sonntag, 6. Dezember 2015

Régionales 2015 : "un résultat magnifique" (Marine Le Pen)

A l'issue des résultats du premier tout des élections régionales, Marine Le Pen, chef de file de l'extrême-droite et qui arrive en tête dans la région Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie, a salué "un résultat magnifique que nous accueillons avec humilité". "Nous avons vocation à réaliser l'unité nationale dont le pays a besoin", a-t-elle déclaré.

Des accusations iraniennes stupéfient Ankara

Le président Erdogan rejette les accusations portées à son encontre.

LE MATIN: CONFLIT EN SYRIE — Le président turc s'est entretenu avec Hassan Rohani après que des médias ont évoqué l'implication du clan Erdogan dans un trafic de pétrole avec le groupe EI.

Ankara a exprimé dimanche sa «stupéfaction» après des accusations iraniennes. Ces dernières évoquent l'implication de la Turquie dans un trafic de pétrole avec des djihadistes en Syrie et en Irak.

Il n'y a rien de «sérieux» dans ces accusations, a déclaré dans un communiqué le porte-parole du ministère turc des Affaires étrangères, Tanju Bilgic.

Le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan a déclaré jeudi avoir mis en garde son homologue iranien, Hassan Rohani, après des publications dans certains médias iraniens accusant le président turc et sa famille d'être impliqués avec des membres de l'EI dans un trafic de pétrole.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan a déclaré avoir eu un entretien téléphonique avec Hassan Rohani au cours duquel il lui a dit: " Vous allez payer le prix fort si cela continue comme cela». Le président turc a ajouté que les Iraniens avaient ensuite effacé ces publications de leurs sites web. » | ats/nxp | dimanche 6 décembre 2015

Marine Le Pen: Assad Is the Only Person Who Can Save Syria

TASNIM NEWS AGENCY: TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is for now the only person who can rule Syria and save it from overall chaos, French politician and leader of the National Front party Marine Le Pen said in an interview with Le Temps.

The stability of the Syrian state is the highest priority, whatever its leadership is, Le Pen said during the interview on Sunday, as reported by Sputnik News.

“The question comes to the choice: do you want there to be at least some state or Daesh?” Le Pen asked using Arab acronym for Islamis [sic] State in Iraq and the Levant.

According to the politician, the political fate of Bashar al-Assad should be decided by the Syrian people in the course of future democratic elections. As for now, Assad is the only politician who is able to have the country under control and not let it fall apart, she added. » | Sunday, December 6, 2015