'Intervention Will Make Syria 10 Times Worse Than Extremist-ravaged Libya'
Assad troops have made a strong push in recent weeks, and rebel leaders say they are in dire need of support. They've already got al-Qaeda-linked militants and foreign mercenaries fighting on their side, and are now set to start getting weapons from the West. Meanwhile, government forces have the backing of Lebanon's Hezbollah, and may soon get a four-thousand-strong troop reinforcement from Iran. The British National Party's Nick Griffin was part of a European fact-finding delegation that's just returned from Damascus. He told RT that any third-party involvement only aggravates the conflict.

My comment:

I smell the scent of Saudi behind this ludicrous decision to arm the rebels. The Saudis are pulling the strings here, if I am not greatly mistaken. In a few words, Cameron is the Saudi stooge, as is Obama. Remember that obsequious bow he made to the Saudi king? – © Mark

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Obama's Soft Totalitarianism: Europe Must Protect Itself from America

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: Is Barack Obama a friend? Revelations about his government's vast spying program call that assumption into doubt. The European Union must protect the Continent from America's reach for omnipotence.

On Tuesday, Barack Obama is coming to Germany. But who, really, will be visiting? He is the 44th president of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. He is an intelligent lawyer. And he is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

But is he a friend? The revelations brought to us by IT expert Edward Snowden have made certain what paranoid computer geeks and left-wing conspiracy theorists have long claimed: that we are being watched. All the time and everywhere. And it is the Americans who are doing the watching.

On Tuesday, the head of the largest and most all-encompassing surveillance system ever invented is coming for a visit. If Barack Obama is our friend, then we really don't need to be terribly worried about our enemies. » | A Commentary by Jakob Augstein | Monday, June 17, 2013

Barbra Streisand Criticises Treatment of Women by Orthodox Jews

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barbra Streisand waded into one of Israel's touchiest issues on the first major stop of her tour of the country – Jewish religious practices that separate men and women.

Speaking at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Monday, the 71-year-old took aim at cases of ultra-Orthodox Jews targeting women.

"It's distressing to read about women in Israel being forced to sit in the back of the bus," she said, "or when we hear about 'Women of the Wall' having metal chairs thrown at them when they attempt to peacefully and legally pray."

She was referring to isolated incidents in which ultra-Orthodox men tried to force women to sit separately at the rear of buses that go through their neighbourhoods, as well as more serious clashes in which ultra-Orthodox Jews tried to prevent women donning prayer shawls and carrying Torah scrolls from praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the holiest site where Jews can worship. » | Associated Press | Edited by Chris Irvine | Monday, June 17, 2013

Golan Frights: Israelis Shiver as Iran Plans to Deploy Troops to Syria
Iran is reportedly gearing up to send thousands of troops to Syria to beef up government forces against the rebels. It also went as far as proposing a new military frontier in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. And, coupled with American intentions to arm the Syrian opposition, Israelis living in the area fear they're in for some big trouble, as Paula Slier reports.

Big Phish: Snowden's Leaks Could Be Just Tip Of Iceberg
The revelations of the G20 spying come as the scandal caused by Snowden's earlier disclosures - on the extent of US surveillance after its own and foreign citizens - is gaining momentum. Dozens of lawsuits are being filed against the government's practices - while many lawmakers continue to defend the operation. It has also emerged that the scope of the surveillance - and the help it received from corporations - may have been underestimated.

NSA Leaks: US Spied On Former President Medvedev at 2009 G20 Summit
As Britain readies to host the G8 summit, the documents uncovered by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden have revealed that back in 2009 US spies intercepted top-secret communications of then Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, during his visit to London.

Syriens Machthaber Assad im F.A.Z.-Gespräch: „Europa wird den Preis für Waffenlieferungen zahlen“
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINER ZEITUNG: In einem exklusiven Interview mit der F.A.Z. warnt Syriens Präsident Assad vor einem Export des Terrorismus nach Europa. Assad spricht über Waffen für die Rebellen, den Einsatz von Giftgas, die Rolle ausländischer Mächte und die Genfer Konferenz.

Baschar al-Assad im Gespräch mit Rainer Hermann » | Quelle: F.A.Z. | Montag, 17. Juni 2013

US Options for Arming, Training Syrian Rebels
Insight from Fox News military analyst Maj. Gen. Bob Scales

Obama Idolatry Falling Apart
Tim Graham and Erik Erickson on the drastic decline of liberalism

Moderate Muslims Struggle to Make Their Voices Heard
What is the true face of Islam?

Turquie : le gouvernement menace de recourir à l'armée
LE POINT: Le régime d'Ankara entend empêcher l'organisation d'éventuelles nouvelles manifestations à Istanbul ainsi que dans tout le reste de la Turquie.

Le gouvernement turc a menacé vendredi de faire intervenir l'armée pour empêcher les éventuelles manifestations à Istanbul et dans toute la Turquie, a indiqué lundi le vice-Premier ministre Bulent Arinç. "Tout d'abord, un policier n'est pas un vendeur de rues, mais un membre des forces de l'ordre. Les policiers useront de tous les moyens qui leur sont conférés par la loi", a déclaré Bulent Arinç dans un entretien accordé à la télévision A Haber, ajoutant que "personne ne peut se plaindre de la police". "Si cela ne suffit pas, même les forces armées turques peuvent être utilisées dans les villes sous l'autorité des gouverneurs" de régions, a-t-il ajouté. » | Source AFP | lundi 17 juin 2013

LE POINT: Presque la moitié des Turcs jugent leur gouvernement plus autoritaire : Selon un sondage, une majorité de la population turque estime également que l'exécutif intervient de plus en plus dans son mode de vie. » | Source AFP | lundi 17 juin 2013

Kemalismus: Atatürk – Erdogans großes Vor- und Feindbild

DIE WELT: Nie hat ein Politiker mit solcher Radikalität eine Gesellschaft verändert wie Kemal Atatürk, der Gründer der Türkei. Sein westlicher, säkularer Wertekanon ist heute durch Erdogan in Gefahr. Von Dietrich Alexander

Zu den Pflichtveranstaltungen hoher Staatsgäste in der Türkei gehört es, das Mausoleum des Republikgründers zu besuchen: Mustafa Kemal Pascha, genannt Atatürk. Beeindruckend ist Anıtkabir, das Denkmal, rund um die Uhr von Soldaten bewacht. Wachwechsel im Stechschritt, ein Statement in Stein, ewige Ruhe im 42 Tonnen schweren Sarkophag.

"Vater der Türken" heißt Atatürk übersetzt. Als solcher begreift sich der Soldat, Revolutionär, Visionär und Politiker wohl, als er sein Land aus den Trümmern des Osmanischen Reiches erhebt und ihm ab der Proklamation der Republik am 29. Oktober 1923 einen neuen, seinen Stempel aufdrückt. Der Weg des Mustafa Kemal Pascha zu Atatürk aber ist heftig, kontrovers und dauert bis zum Jahr 1934. Erst in dem Jahr verleiht ihm die Große Nationalversammlung den Ehrentitel, den niemand sonst je tragen darf und wird.

Um zu begreifen, welchen elementaren kulturpolitischen Wandel Kemal Mustafa Pascha seinem Land verordnet, muss man die Figur des Mannes studieren, der am 19. Mai 1881 unter dem Namen Mustafa in Saloniki (heute: Thessaloniki, Griechenland) als Sohn des Holzhändlers und ehemaligen Zoll-Leutnants Ali Riza sowie dessen Frau Zübeyde Hanim in einfachen Verhältnissen geboren wird. Kemal heißt auf Arabisch Vollendung » | Von Dietrich Alexander | Montag, 17. Juni 2013

Turkey Unrest: Unions Call Strike Over Crackdown

BBC: Turkish unions have called a strike to protest against the police crackdown on demonstrators.

Turkey's Prime Minister has angrily defended the eviction of protesters from Gezi Park on Saturday night.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told hundreds of thousands of supporters at a rally in Istanbul on Sunday that the protesters were manipulated by "terrorists".

On Sunday there were continued sporadic clashes between protesters and police in Istanbul and the capital Ankara.

The Confederation of Public Workers' Unions (KESK) and Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), along with three professional organisations, have announced what they call a one-day work stoppage to demand an end to "police violence".

The unions have called for a march and a rally in Istanbul on Monday afternoon.

Lawyers from the Turkish bar association say that close to 500 people have been detained as part of the police operation against the demonstrators. (+ videos) » | Monday, June 17, 2013

Proteste: Merkel erschrocken über türkische Polizeigewalt

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mit deutlichen Worten hat Kanzlerin Merkel den harten Kurs der türkischen Sicherheitskräfte kritisiert. Die Gewalt gegen Demonstranten nannte sie "erschreckend", den Kurs der Regierung "viel zu hart". Das Auswärtige Amt ruft Türkei-Reisende zu besonderer Vorsicht auf.

Istanbul - Seit Wochen gibt es in der Türkei wütende Proteste gegenRecep Tayyip Erdogan - doch der Ministerpräsident bleibt bei seiner harten Linie gegen die Regierungsgegner. Auch auf höchster politischer Ebene wächst die Kritik am Kurs der Regierung. Nun hat Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) das gewaltsame Vorgehen der türkischen Polizei in Istanbul verurteilt.

Aus ihrer Sicht seien die Sicherheitskräfte dort "viel zu hart vorgegangen", sagte Merkel vor ihrer Abreise zum G-8-Gipfel am Montag im Fernsehsender RTL. "Das, was im Augenblick in der Türkei passiert, entspricht nicht unseren Vorstellungen von Freiheit der Demonstration, der Meinungsäußerung." Zu den Fernsehbildern von der Räumung des Gezi-Parks in Istanbul sagte sie: "Ich bin erschrocken, wie viele andere Menschen auch." » | jok/fab/dpa/Reuters | Montag, 17. Juni 2013

Sarah Palin: 'Let Allah Sort It Out'

Abu Islam and Son Imprisoned for Insulting Christianity
EGYPT INDEPENDENT: Nasr City Misdemeanour Court has sentenced Abu Islam, the controversial Salafi preacher, to 11 years in prison for insulting Christianity and threatening public security.

The court sentenced Abu Islam, otherwise known as Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Abdallah, for disparaging Egypt's minority faith, vandalising a Bible and disturbing public security, setting a bail of LE3,000 to potentially suspend the punishment.

The court also sentenced Abu Islam's son to 8 years in prison for complicity with his father. » | Al-Masry Al-Youm | Sunday, June 16, 2013

Australian Muslim Reaction to Woolwich Murder and Anjem Choudary
Anjem Choudary shows no compassion for the murdered soldier or his family

Rede in Istanbul: Erdogan, der Hassprediger

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Er lässt mit brutaler Gewalt den Gezi-Park räumen, beschimpft die Demonstranten als Terroristen und hetzt gegen ausländische Medien: Premier Erdogan heizt den Konflikt in der Türkei erneut an. Ein Ende des Protests gegen ihn ist nicht in Sicht.

Für kurze Zeit sah es so aus, als würde der Premier einlenken, als hätte Recep Tayyip Erdogan aus der Revolte gegen seine Regierung in den vergangenen Wochen gelernt.

Mitte der Woche traf er sich mit Demonstranten, die sich für den Erhalt des Gezi-Parks in Istanbul einsetzen. Er sagte, die Richter würden über die Zukunft des umstrittenen Parks beraten und stellte ein Referendum in Aussicht. Erdogan, der Despot, als Schlichter? Spätestens seit Sonntag Abend steht fest, dass daraus nichts werden wird.

Bereits am Samstag bekräftigte Erdogan auf einer Kundgebung in Ankara das Ende seiner Geduld. In der Nacht setzten seine Sicherheitskräfte diese Ankündigung um: Sie ließen den Gezi-Park, der in den vergangenen Wochen zum Symbol des Widerstands wurde, von Bulldozern räumen. Sie verfolgten Demonstranten und knüppelten sie nieder; sie schossen Tränengas in Cafés, und Hotels, wohin die Menschen flohen. Ärzte, die Verwundete behandelten, wurden verhaftet.

Am Sonntag gingen die Menschen in der Türkei trotzdem wieder gegen die Regierung auf die Straße. Zur gleichen Zeit hält Erdogan in Istanbul eine denkwürdige Rede. Liberale Kommentatoren werden sie später als "beängstigend" und "hasserfüllt" beschreiben. » | Aus Istanbul berichten Maximilian Popp und Mirjam Schmitt | Sonntag, 16. Juni 2013

'I Am Not a Nazi', Says EDL Leader Tommy Robinson
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The head of the English Defence League has insisted that he is not a Nazi and that his movement is backed by serving British soldiers.

Tommy Robinson, who is the organisation’s co-founder, was grilled about the EDL in a highly charged interview on the BBC’s Sunday Politics.

Confronted by images of EDL supporters giving what appeared to be Nazi salutes, Mr Robinson said it was a “manipulated photo”.

Asked by presenter Andrew Neil if it was a “fascist Nazi salute by any definition” he said: “I am not a Nazi, I hate Nazis, I hate fascism.”

Mr Robinson said that the EDL had now advised that “whenever people hold their hands up like that we have told them to give the V” to avoid any misunderstanding.

He said: “Nazism and Islamism are on the opposite sides of the same coin – we oppose both. Nazism has been defeated and Islamism is spreading across the country.”

Mr Robinson said it was “political correctness gone mad” that the Help the Heroes charity had turned down a donation from the EDL in the wake of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

He added that the EDL had support among serving British soldiers: “Ordinary British squaddies support us – I know they do.”

The comments will worry the Ministry of Defence. Last week serving soldiers were warned that taking part in any EDL activities could result in their dismissal. Read on and comment » | Christopher Hope, Senior Political Correspondent | Sunday, June 16, 2013

I am no follower of the English Defence League. In fact, I am not even English. But I must say that I have great respect for Tommy Robinson. Why? Because he tells it like it is. He is courageous. He is articulate. He truly understands what we British people are up against: he understands Islam; he understands the issues; he understands what our future will be like if nothing is done to stop this insanity.

Unfortunately, the English establishment, being what it is, hold it against Tommy Robinson because he is a working class rather than an upper class hero. Working class he may be, but he speaks for the many in this country. That is more than can be said for the wimps that lead us. That goes for the politicians of all main parties. They are all wimps to a man.

It is the duty of government to keep the people of the United Kingdom safe. It is also the duty of government to ensure that our way of life lives on. THIS IS NOT BEING DONE. With each and every passing day, our streets are becoming less safe for innocent British people to walk in. Our country is being Islamised by stealth.

Regardless of what the powers-that-be think, we cannot win this cultural war by ignoring the problems and hoping they will go away; rather, the problems need to be confronted head-on. THIS IS NOT BEING DONE. On the contrary, our politicians, from the prime minister down, are all IN DENIAL of the problems facing us.

These times are resembling more and more the 30s. Then, the Nazis were being appeased; now, the Islamo-fascists are being appeased. History should inform us of where appeasement leads. These are truly troubling times for any thinking person.

We need a leader with a backbone. We need a leader with a backbone desperately. Things cannot go on like this, for if they do, we can be sure of one thing: the loss of our cultural heritage. – © Mark

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Shariamerica: Islam, Obama, and the Establishment Clause
The U.S. government condemns burning the Qur'an. Yet the U.S. government burns Bibles. This is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Police Officer Stabbed In Mosque Attack
YAHOO! NEWS: Four men including a police officer have been taken to hospital after being stabbed in a mosque in Birmingham.

The police constable was responding to reports that three men had been stabbed inside the Washwood Heath Muslim Centre in the Ward End area of the city when he was attacked.

Reports suggest an argument may have broken out between members inside the building prior to the attack.

The four victims are being treated in hospital for their injuries. They are all said to be "stable".

A 32-year-old man, believed to be of Somali origin, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody. (+ video) » | Sky News | Sunday, June 16, 2013

Shocking ! - Islam's Vision for America - America as an Islamic State with Sharia Law (Full)

WIKI: Zuhdi Jasser »

Moderate Cleric Hassan Rohani Wins Iran Presidential Election in 1st Round
Moderate cleric Hassan Rohani has won Iran's presidential election with just over 50 percent of votes, state TV reported. 72 percent of the 50 million Iranians turned out to vote, said Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar

Moscow Slams US Claims of Assad Chemical Weapon Use
The Syrian government has vehemently denied US claims its army has resorted to chemical weapons, describing American accusations as a 'caravan of lies'. While the US and its allies claim they have chemical clues against President Assad, news and reports on the ground suggest quite the opposite. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also stated that he felt there would be no point whatsoever for the Syrian army to resort to such tactics.

Pakistan Internet Users Top Google Searches for Gay Sex Despite Being One of the World's Most Homophobic Countries
MAIL ONLINE: Survey shows only 2 per cent think society should accept homosexuality / Google gives Pakistan a 100 rating in trends analysis of internet searches

Pakistan has the highest volume of internet searches for gay pornography despite being one of the least tolerant countries when it comes to homosexuality.

The most searches for terms related to same-sex acts came from a conservative stronghold, the city of Peshawar, rather than major cosmopolitan cities such as Lahore and Karachi, according to analysis of Google trends by Mother Jones.

Pakistan was given a rating of 100 by the search engine for having the highest search traffic for the pornography terms.

Gay sex is illegal in the Islamic country and carries a sentence of two to ten years in prison if caught.

This week, the Pew Research Center revealed figures for the places that are most intolerant of homosexuality from a survey of 39 countries.

Only two per cent of Pakistanis surveyed said 'yes' to the question: 'Should society accept homosexuality?' » | Daily Mail Reporter | Saturday, June 15, 2013

Wie der Islam die Renaissance schuf
Die Ursprünge der lateineuropaischen Renaissance sind: 1. Die Kreuzzüge: Es ist kein Zufall, daß die Renaissance zuerst in Norditalien angefangen hat und es mit der Renaissance weiterging in Frankreich, Deutschland und England, denn diese vier Länder haben an den Kreuzzügen teilgenommen. 2. Das muslimische Spanien. Ohne Islam keine Renaissance, sondern Mittelalter.

Hong Kong Rally Backs Snowden, Denounces Allegations of U.S. Spying
REUTERS.COM: A few hundred rights advocates and political activists marched through Hong Kong on Saturday to demand protection for Edward Snowden, who leaked revelations of U.S. electronic surveillance and is now believed to be holed up in the former British colony.

Marchers gathered outside the U.S. consulate shouting slogans denouncing alleged spying operations aimed at China and Hong Kong, but the numbers were modest compared to rallies over other rights and political issues.

"Arrest Obama, free Snowden," protesters shouted outside the slate grey building as police looked on. Many waved banners that said: "Betray Snowden, betray freedom", "Big brother is watching you" and "Obama is checking your email". » | Grace Li and Venus Wu | Reuters | Hong Kong | Saturday, June 15, 2013

Radikalislamismus: Die große Ohnmacht gegenüber den Salafisten

DIE WELT: Die Zahl der Salafisten hat sich in NRW seit 2011 verdreifacht. Die Landesregierung setzt nun auf ein Aussteigerprogramm. Hilfe soll von Verbänden kommen, die vom Verfassungsschutz beobachtet werden.

Es musste eine optische Täuschung sein. Konnte die Salafistenzahl wirklich so hochgeschnellt sein? Verfassungsschutzleiter Burkhard Freier überprüfte die Zahlen noch einmal – und kam zum gleichen Ergebnis: 2011 zählte seine Behörde 500 radikalislamistische Salafisten in NRW. 2012 waren es 1000. Und 2013 dürften es 1500 werden. Demnach hätte sich die Szene binnen drei Jahren verdreifacht. Einen derart steilen Anstieg hat es im extremistischen Milieu selten gegeben.

Und der lässt sich auch nicht wegerklären; etwa mit dem Argument, inzwischen werde genauer beobachtet und weniger übersehen als früher. Nein, eine derartige optische Täuschung schloss Freier diese Woche aus. So bleibt der Befund, dass in NRW, ob im Revier oder im Rheinland, immer neue Zentren dieser radikalen Islamisten entstehen.

Deren Gefährlichkeit steht laut Innenministerium außer Frage. Zwar sei nur jeder Zehnte von ihnen ein Djihadist, der für den Kampf gegen Ungläubige werbe oder seinen eigenen Einsatz vorbereite. Aber auch die anderen 90 Prozent lehrten laut Verfassungsschutz eine Ideologie, die "letztendlich Gewalt gegen alle Ungläubigen" und gegen nichtsalafistische Muslime rechtfertige. » | Von Till-R. Stoldt | Freitag, 14. Juni 2013

Blair's Dirty Money: As His Tentacles Reach Mongolia, How the Ex-PM Is Making Millions from Some of the World's Most Evil Regimes

MAIL ONLINE: Tony Blair is to advise Mongolian leaders on 'good governance' / The former Prime Minister won't say how much he is earning from the deal / Mr Blair is said to be worth between £60million and £80million

With every passing month, Tony Blair looks more and more like a deposed emperor who has systematically set up his own government in exile.

How else should we view the inexorable rise of his shadowy and quasi-political network of businesses, whose tentacles stretch from his smart offices next to the American Embassy in London into every corner of the globe?

This week, it was revealed the former Prime Minister has added a new country, Mongolia, to his burgeoning portfolio of business interests.

He has signed a contract to advise the Central Asian country’s leaders on ‘good governance’ through his money-making Government Advisory Practice.

And what does Mongolia have in common with most of the places Mr Blair does his business deals?

The answer is: pots of money. The once dirt-poor nation is about to strike it rich, thanks to vast copper and gold mines in the Gobi desert.

Blair won’t say how much he is earning from the tie-up — and his large team of spin doctors routinely deny almost any figures relating to his myriad international deals — but we can be sure it’ll run into millions.

How else could he bankroll 200 employees — a figure he’s set his sights on growing to 500 over the coming years — in his expanding network of offices around the world?

At the centre of this nexus of money and power is 60-year-old Blair himself, who is guaranteed a warm welcome — befitting an international statesman of the highest rank — when he is feted by some of the world’s most dirty and corrupt tin-pot leaders. » | Paul Scott | Saturday, June 15, 2013

Democracy or Theocracy? Robert Spencer vs. Anjem Choudary & Abu Izzadeen

Escobar: Obama Starts Syria War to Deviate from Snowden Scandal
CIA whistle blower Edward Snowden has reportedly been stopped from flying to the UK. The man who lifted the lid on America's secret surveillance activities is being pursued by Washington. For his latest revelation, he told a Hong Kong newspaper that the U.S. repeatedly hacks into Chinese computer networks. For more about the leaks and Snowden's future we're now joined live by Pepe Escobar, a roving correspondent for the Asia Times.

Is Islam a Threat to the West? (2006)

Woolwich Outrage: We Are Too Weak to Face Up to the Extremism in Our Midst
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Despite the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, David Cameron has failed to act against Islamist terrorism

It is less than a month since Drummer Lee Rigby was murdered in Woolwich, yet already the incident feels half-forgotten. In terms of the legal process, all is well. Two men have been charged. There will be a trial. No doubt justice will be done. But I have a sense that the horror felt at the crime is slipping away.

The media, notably the BBC, quickly changed the subject. After a day or two focusing on the crime itself, the reports switched to anxiety about the “Islamophobic backlash”. According to Tell Mamma, an organisation paid large sums by the Government to monitor anti-Muslim acts, “the horrendous events in Woolwich brought it [Islamophobia] to the fore”. Tell Mamma spoke of a “cycle of violence” against Muslims.

Yet the only serious violence was against a British soldier, who was dead. In The Sunday Telegraph, Andrew Gilligan brilliantly exposed the Tell Mamma statistics – most of them referred merely to nasty remarks on the web rather than actual attacks, many were not verified, no reported attack had required medical attention, and so on. Yet the “backlash” argument has sailed on, with people shaking their heads gravely about the need to “reassure” Muslims. Tell Mamma equates “hate inspired by al-Qaeda” with the “thuggery and hate of the EDL [the English Defence League]”. » | Charles Moore | Friday, June 14, 2013

«Zu brillant»: China feiert Snowden
TAGES ANZEIGER: Im Fall Snowden wartet die Welt auf den Auslieferungsentscheid von China. Glaubt man den Staatsmedien, so darf sich der amerikanische Whistleblower sicher fühlen.

Chinas staatliche Nachrichtenagentur Xinhua hat den NSA-Geheimdienst-Enthüller Edward Snowden in China willkommen geheissen. «Diese Leute sind zu brillant, um eingesperrt zu werden», hiess es in einem heutigem Kommentar der Agentur. Chinesische Spitzenpolitiker äussern sich selten direkt zu aktuellen politischen Ereignissen. Daher werten Beobachter die Veröffentlichungen von Staatsmedien als indirektes Sprachrohr der Pekinger Regierungsspitze.

Darin wurde Snowden in eine Reihe mit dem Wikileaks-Informanten Bradley Manning und Wikileaks-Gründer Julian Assange gebracht. «Sie stehen alle für den tapferen Kampf gegen das System», hiess es. » | mrs/sda | Freitag, 14. Juni 2013

Julia Gillard Scandal :The 'Gender Wars' Down Under

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: It has not been a good week for the reputation of the Australian male.

First, there was the depressing revelation that a menu, printed for an opposition party fundraising dinner, described a dish of quail named after the country's first female prime minister Julia Gillard - a redhead - thus: "small breasts, huge thighs and a big red box".

Political reporters, who have seen some highly grubby antics in their time, declared it one of the lowest moments in the history of Australian politics.

Then came the news that more than 100 members of the Australian defence force had been caught circulating "demeaning, explicit and profane" emails targeting female members of the forces.

It echoed the scandal from 2011 when one cadet filmed himself having sex with a female colleague - without her knowledge - and streamed it live on Skype.

Finally, there was the sleazy questioning of the Prime Minister by a Perth talkback radio host over the sexuality of her boyfriend. Why? Because Tim Matheison - a divorcee with three adult children - is a hairdresser. Would he have asked an unmarried male prime minister if his girlfriend was a lesbian? It seems unlikely that he would have dared. » | Bonnie Malkin in Sydney | Friday, June 14, 2013

Massive Syrian Refugee Wave Brings Terror Threat to German Doorstep
While the US is still to decide just how far it might go with Syria, its EU allies are preparing themselves for a possible flood of refugees from the war-torn state. Germany could bear the brunt, giving shelter to some 10000 who've fled Syria. That's as Germany already fears the radical threat potentially posed by the return of hundreds of Europeans, who've gone to fight Assad.

Zuerst! »

Turquie : Erdogan joue l'apaisement
LE POINT: Après deux semaines de vives contestations à Istanbul, le Premier ministre turc promet de suspendre son projet d'aménagement du parc Gezi.

Le Premier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan a promis vendredi de suspendre son projet d'aménagement du parc Gezi d'Istanbul jusqu'au verdict final de la justice. Le dirigeant turc, qui avait qualifié les dizaines de milliers de manifestants réunis quotidiennement place Taksim de "vandales", de "pillards" et d'"extrémistes", a reçu dans la nuit de jeudi à vendredi une dizaine d'artistes et de représentants de la société civile dont, pour la première fois, deux porte-parole reconnus de la coordination des protestataires. Le simple fait qu'il reçoive des manifestants constitue une victoire pour le mouvement de contestation, mais les quatre heures de réunion n'ont pas accouché de décisions concrètes permettant de garantir une sortie de crise. » | Source AFP | vendredi 14 juin 2013

La Norvège étend le service militaire obligatoire aux femmes
LE POINT: La décision, prise au nom de l'égalité des sexes et pour diversifier les compétences au sein de l'armée, fait l'objet dans le pays d'une quasi-unanimité.

La Norvège va bientôt devenir le premier pays européen à étendre le service militaire obligatoire aux femmes en temps de paix, conformément à une décision du Parlement norvégien vendredi. Tous les partis, à l'exception du petit parti démocrate-chrétien (KrF), se sont rangés en commission parlementaire derrière une proposition du gouvernement de centre-gauche pour instaurer une conscription militaire "sexuellement neutre". Dans la pratique, cela signifie que le service militaire obligatoire sera étendu aux femmes, vraisemblablement dès 2015 comme le projette actuellement leministère de la Défense. "La Norvège va être le premier pays européen à appeler aussi des femmes sous les drapeaux en temps de paix", a déclaré un porte-parole du ministère de la Défense, Lars Gjemble. » | Source AFP | vendredi 14 juin 2013

Obamas Kurswechsel: Russland bezweifelt Chemiewaffen-Vorwürfe der USA
14.06.2013 - Die USA sind in ihrem Syrien-Kurs umgeschwenkt, jetzt könnten Waffen an die Assad-Gegner gehen. Doch international ist die Unterstützung mäßig. Deutschland verweigert eine Ausrüstung der Aufständischen, Russland wettert offen gegen Obama.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Obamas Kurswechsel: Deutschland schließt Waffenlieferung an syrische Rebellen aus: Die USA sind in ihrem Syrien-Kurs umgeschwenkt, jetzt könnten Waffen an die Assad-Gegner gehen. Doch international ist die Unterstützung mäßig. Deutschland verweigert eine Ausrüstung der Aufständischen, Russland wettert offen gegen Obama. » | jok/cvo/dpa/AFP/Reuters | Freitag, 14. Juni 2013

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Chemiewaffen in Syrien: Russischer Spitzenpolitiker bezichtigt Obama der Lüge: Ein russischer Außenpolitiker greift US-Präsident Obama scharf an. Sein Vorwurf, der syrische Diktator Assad habe Chemiewaffen eingesetzt, sei eine Lüge. Die Informationen seien gefälscht wie einst die Berichte über Massenvernichtungswaffen im Irak. » | kgp/dpa/Reuters | Freitag, 14. Juni 2013

Sharia Law: Tearing The West In Two
What is it and what does sharia mean for Christians and others forced to abide by it? First Gary Lane looks at Islamic law. Then Pat Robertson interviews author Nonie Darwish.

Essay: Islam: The Enemy of Democracy and Freedom » | Mark Alexander | Friday, April 20, 2007

Belgistan? Sharia Showdown Looms In Brussels
The graffiti on a building in Belgium says it all: "Welcome to 'Belgistan." In fact, some are now calling it the Muslim capital of Europe.

'Islamization' Of Paris: A Warning To The West
The French have become increasingly fed up with what they see as the growing Islamization of France.

'Red Line' Crossed: US to Give Military Support to Syrian Rebels
Washington has given the green light for arming the Syrian rebels to prop up the opposition. A plan for a limited no-fly zone over Syria has also been drawn up. It comes after the U.S. administration concluded Assad's forces had used chemical weapons ''on a small scale''

David Woods' Story of Sharia Law in America!
David wood tells of his personal experience in Islamerica (Dearborn, Michigan)

Radical Islam and the Cleric Anjem Choudary
Radical Islam and the attack at woolwich, Anjem Choudary

Assange on NSA Leak: Snowden Will Be Prosecuted for Years (EXCLUSIVE)
The ex-CIA man who blew the lid off America's vast NSA public surveillance net - is promising more explosive revelations. Edward Snowden's supporters are mobilizing too - with tens of thousands signing a petition to pardon the whistleblower. With us now, a man who knows what it's like to blow the whistle in a big way, and incur the wrath of Washington - Julian Assange. He joins talks to RT via broadband from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

'Heavy Crackdown & Witch-hunt Loom as Turkey PM's 24-hr Notice Runs Down'
A man who had been on life support for days after reportedly being hit in the head by a police gas canister, has become the fifth fatality of the crackdown on public protests in Turkey. On Wednesday the country's Prime Minister set a 24 hour deadline for an end to demonstrations in Istanbul and the capital. That runs out in the coming hours. RT discusses this further with Safak Pavey, a Turkish diplomat and a member of the Republican People's Party.