License to Kill? UK Approved Sale of Nerve Gas Chemicals to Syria

British firms recently sold Syria chemicals which can be used to make nerve gas - the agent allegedly used during last month's deadly attack near Damascus. It's been revealed that London granted export licences last January, when Syria was already ravaged by civil war. RT's Sara Firth reports.

Hidden Portrait of 'Last Tsarevich' Discovered in Attic

A painting has been discovered of the last crown prince of the Russian Empire, Alexey Romanov.
Watch the RT video here

Syria Crisis: MPs 'Right to Reject Military Action' - BBC Poll

BBC: Almost three-quarters of people believe MPs were right to reject UK military action in Syria, a poll commissioned by the BBC has suggested.

The poll also suggested 72% did not think the move would damage the UK-US relationship - and two-thirds said they would not care if it did. (+ video) » | Monday, September 02, 2013

Departing Papal Prime Minister Lashes Out at Vatican 'Crows and Vipers'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A day after he was replaced at the Vatican, the much criticised papal prime minister Tarcisio Bertone has dramatically hit back at his opponents, claiming he was surrounded by 'crows and vipers' at the Vatican who tried to undermine him.

Defending his record despite a series of gaffes and scandals on his watch, Cardinal Bertone, 78, also appeared to suggest that any blame for errors should [be] shared by Pope Benedict, who appointed him as secretary of state, effectively his number two, in 2006.

The surprise backlash followed the announcement on Saturday that Pope Francis had named Archbishop Pietro Parolin, 58, currently nuncio in Venezuela, as Cardinal Bertone’s replacement, with a hand over due in October.

Any consideration of Cardinal Bertone’s track record focuses on the leaking by Benedict’s butler of papal correspondence which alleged that Cardinal Bertone was running a Vatican riven by petty rivalries, corruption and mismanagement.

In what was known as the Vatileaks affairs, the sources of the leaked documents were nicknamed “crows”. » | Tom Kington in Rome | Monday, September 02, 2013

Russian Anti-gay Law Prompts Rise in Homophobic Violence

THE GUARDIAN: Activists say legislation outlawing 'homosexual propaganda' has emboldened rightwing groups to step up attacks on gay people

Russia has experienced an upsurge in homophobic vigilantism following the introduction of legislation outlawing "homosexual propaganda" in June, gay and lesbian groups say.

The new laws, which have cast a shadow over the Winter Olympics to be held in Sochi early next year, ban the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations" among minors.

Activists say the legislation has emboldened rightwing groups who use social media to "ambush" gay people, luring them to meetings and then humiliating them on camera – sometimes pouring urine on them. These groups often act against gay teenagers, several of whom told the Guardian that rising homophobia and vigilante activity force them to lead lives of secrecy.

The Russian LGBT Network said the harassment of gay people was being organised nationally for the first time through groups known as Occupy Gerontophilia and Occupy Paedophilia, who claim to be trying to "reform" homosexuals. » | Alec Luhn in Moscow | Sunday, September 01, 2013

US Intelligence on Syria Gas Attack 'Unconvincing', Says Russia

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Western intelligence reports about Syrian use of chemical weapons that have been seen by the Russian government are “completely unconvincing,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

Mr Lavrov said that evidence recently provided by the United States, Britain, and France showing regime culpability for chemical weapons attacks was too vague to stand up to scrutiny.

“What we were shown before and what our American, British and French colleagues sent us more recently absolutely does not convince us,” he said.

His remarks came a day after John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, insisted America had evidence that Bashar al-Assad used sarin gas in the devastating chemical weapons attack that killed more than 1,400 people last month. Mr Kerry used an appearance on Fox News on Sunday morning to pile pressure on the US Congress ahead of a vote on military strikes announced by Barack Obama over the weekend.

Mr Kerry said that he could not contemplate the idea that Congress would grant "impunity to a ruthless dictator to continue to gas his people". He said the US had detected sarin in soil and blood samples obtained from first responders.

Meanwhile it was reported that Russia has dispatched an intelligence ship to the Eastern Mediterranean, as it further beefs up its naval presence in the region ahead of anticipated US strikes against its Syrian ally. » | Roland Oliphant, Moscow | Monday, September 02, 2013

EU Plans to Fit All Cars with Speed Limiters

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: All cars could be fitted with devices that stop them going over 70mph, under new EU road safety measures which aim to cut deaths from road accidents by a third.

Under the proposals new cars would be fitted with cameras that could read road speed limit signs and automatically apply the brakes when this is exceeded.

Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary, is said to be opposed to the plans, which could also mean existing cars are sent to garages to be fitted with the speed limiters, preventing them from going over 70mph.

The new measures have been announced by the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport Department as a measure to reduce the 30,000 people who die on the roads in Europe every year.

A Government source told the Mail on Sunday Mr McLoughlin had instructed officials to block the move because they ‘violated’ motorists’ freedom. They said: “This has Big Brother written all over it and is exactly the sort of thing that gets people's backs up about Brussels. » | Claire Carter | Sunday, September 01, 2013

Britain 'Giving in to Sharia Councils' Says Norway's Anti-immigration Leader

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Britain is "giving into the claims of Sharia councils", according to the leader of Norway's anti-immigration party which is poised to enter government later this month.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Siv Jensen, the 44-year-old leader of the Progress party who cites Baroness Thatcher as her inspiration, said: "What I have seen that the UK has done is to give in to the claims of sharia councils, and I don't think we should give into that. In Norway we have one law, and that is the Norwegian law."

Miss Jensen, who is unmarried, said Britain was suffering the results of earlier mistakes in its immigration policy.

"I see some problems arising – You've had problems with riots, you've had problems with radical groups who aren't very fond of democratic systems and freedom of speech, and I think those are criteria that you really have to stick to in the modern world."

Miss Jensen's party has grown to become Norway's third largest since it was launched in the 1970s, pushing a libertarian economic and social policy, combined with a vehemently anti-immigrant, anti-Islamic stand. » | Richard Orange, Oslo | Sunday, September 01, 2013

Get-out Clause: Obama Can Blame Congress If They Vote against Syria War

Washington already has a lot of naval power on standby in the Mediterranean and that was even before Obama made it clear he wants to attack Syria. Congress says it will decide on whether to use this military might when it's back from its break on September 9th. Phyllis Bennis, director of the Institute for policy studies who's written extensively on the Middle East and the U.S. foreign policy joins RT studio.

Obama Decides to Strike Syria, Seeks Congressional Approval

President Barack Obama says he has decided the US should take military action against Syria in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack that reportedly took over 1,400 lives. However, he will first seek authorization from Congress.

Is It Dangerous to Be Gay in Russia?

The situation concerning gay rights in Russia's been making headlines around the world and sparking huge debate among activists, politicians and even atheletes. A new law prohibiting gay propaganda to minors has sparked calls for a boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi in February next year. To discuss gay rights in Russia RT has a panel of guests. Nikolay Alekseev, Russian gay activist and former head of Moscow Pride, RT's culture expert Martyn Andrews, RT's Anissa Naoui, who's been closely following the debates, and from London - Human rights activist Peter Tatchell.

UK Investigates Porn DVDs Sent to Mosques, Fears Religious Strife

Police in London are looking into a series of Islamophobic DVD's sent to several mosques and Muslim organizations in the British capital. They contain pornographic and abusive images insulting the prophet Mohammed as well as news footage about extremism. The incident is part of a wave of offensive acts towards British Muslims by those wanting to keep the UK Islam-free. Tesa Arcilla reports.

Syria's First Lady Draws Marie Antoinette Comparisons

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read the article here
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Syria conflict: Asma al-Assad is having her 'Marie Antoinette moment': What are we to make of Asma al-Assad, the first lady of Syria, who grew up in London and was educated at our schools, asks Cathy Newman. » | Cathy Newman, Presenter, Channel 4 News | Thursday, August 29, 2013

Syria’s first lady »

American Supermodel, 24, Wears Stunning Ivory Sari as She Marries the Eldest Son of the Aga Khan in Fairytale Wedding

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Kendra Spears and Prince Rahim announced their engagement in April / Married in traditional Muslim ceremony at Bellerive Castle in Geneva

American supermodel Kendra Spears became a princess yesterday after marrying the eldest son of billionaire racehorse owner, His Highness Aga Khan IV.

The Seattle-born beauty, 24, wore a stunning ivory sari with gold embroidery to marry Prince Rahim Aga Khan, 41, in a traditional Muslim ceremony.

After a short engagement of only four months, the couple exchanged vows at the Bellerive Castle in Geneva, Switzerland. » | Deni Kirkova | Sunday, September 01, 2013

WIKI: Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan »

WIKI: Château de Bellerive »

Sir David Frost Dies of Heart Attack

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost has died of a heart attack while on board a cruise ship.

The 74-year old writer, who is remembered for his revealing interviews with President Nixon, is thought to have died on Sunday.

A statement from his family said he had been due to give a speech aboard the Queen Elizabeth on Saturday evening.

David Cameron tweeted his condolences, and said: "My heart goes out to David Frost's family. He could be - and certainly was with me - both a friend and a fearsome interviewer."

Sir David, whose interviews with President Nixon in 1977 was recently voted the best broadcast interview of all time, had interviewed the past seven British prime ministers and seven American presidents. Coaxing the truth out of President Nixon was said to take 29 hours of filming at a cost of $600,000, and Sir David had said he wished to do so because "he was the most interesting person in the world." Read on and comment » | Claire Carter | Sunday, September 01, 2013

The Killing of Tony Blair

"Some people make a living, others make a killing" - an exclusive new documentary on Tony Blair which will break unexplored ground

TH£ KILLING OF TONY BLAIR: A DOCUMENTARY BY GEORGE GALLOWAY »

HT: RickinHK »

Snowden Wins Whistleblower Award, As Leaks Fuel German Election Race

Snowden's leaks have won him international recognition. He's been awarded the 2013 Whistleblower Prize by a coalition of NGO's. And as RT's Peter Oliver in Berlin reports, Snowden's been stealing the show in Germany's general election race.

'Obama Plays Tough But Has No Plan B, No Strategy For Syria'

Barack Obama will seek authorization from legislators before proceeding with a "limited" strike on Syria, in response to its government's alleged use of chemical weapons. The president says the proposed strike is not "time-sensitive". To talks more on these developments, geopolitical activist William Engdahl joins RT.

'Gentle and Weak': UK Trainee Eye Surgeon Student Who Became Syrian Tyrant

MAIL ONLINE: Edmund Schulenburg trained President Assad in London's St Mary's Hospital in 1992 / Assad spent 18 months in London but was returned to Syria to be groomed for the role of President / He remembers as a polite young man who isn't strong enough to lead a country

The eye surgeon who trained Bashar Assad in London has delivered a damning indictment of his former student, saying he is ‘not a strong leader’ and should have remained a doctor.

South African-born Edmund Schulenburg, who trained Dr Bashar, as he was known at the Western Eye clinic at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, said: ‘When he left in 1994 after two years, I remember thinking that he was really better suited to being an eye surgeon than a leading politician.

‘I thought he was not strong enough. I don’t think he is a strong leader.’

Contrary to the Syrian President’s image as a thug and a murderer, Mr Schulenburg remembered ‘a sensitive young man who was incredibly polite and punctual’.

‘Everyone who worked with him found him that way,’ said Mr Schulenburg. ‘He wasn’t arrogant. You would never have guessed he was a president’s son.

‘He was quiet and never really spoke about his family. But if anyone asked him a direct question he very politely answered it honestly.’ Read on and comment » | Jo Knowsley | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Now Obama Puts Syria Strike On Ice

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama declared his intention to launch punitive military strikes against Syria over its use of chemical weapons. But he said he would delay the action until he had sought the support of Congress.

After a day of frenzied preparations in the United States and across the Middle East, Mr Obama announced that as America’s Commander-in-Chief he had the authority to order military action against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. He said he was “prepared to give that order”.

But, he added, he judged that “the country will be stronger” if legislators were consulted first.

“After careful deliberation I have decided the United States should take military action against Syrian targets,” Mr Obama said. “I’m confident we can hold the Assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons.

“I’m ready to act in the face of this outrage. Today I’m asking Congress to send a message to the world, that we are ready to move forward together as a nation.”

The announcement represents a major gamble for the US President, two days after David Cameron lost a vote in the Commons when MPs refused to support British military action.

Mr Obama’s intention to seek a vote means a likely delay of up to 10 days until Congress returns, unless a decision is taken to recall it sooner.

Congressional leaders said they would consider the matter in the week of Sept 9.

Mr Obama said he was prepared to act “without the approval of a United Nations Security Council that so far has been paralysed”, but added: “This decision is too big to go ahead without debate.” » | Peter Foster in Washington, Robert Watts and Ben Farmer | Saturday, August 31, 2013

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama on Syria: text in full: President Barack Obama outlined his plan to launch military intervention in Syria on Saturday, but said he would seek approval from Congress first. Here is the full transcript of his speech. » | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Syrien-Krieg: Experte warnt vor Folgen: "Dann gnade uns Gott"

KRONEN ZEITUNG: Der brutale Giftgas- Anschlag in Damaskus mit 1.429 Toten, darunter mindestens 426 Kinder, hat die Welt in Alarmbereitschaft versetzt. Im Interview mit Conny Bischofberger warnt Islam- Experte Peter Scholl-Latour (kl. Bild) vor den Folgen eines westlichen Militärschlages.

Anruf in Tourrettes- sur- Loup bei Nizza, wo der prominente deutsch- französische Buchautor sein Refugium hat. Eva Scholl- Latour hebt das Telefon ab. "Mein Mann ist gerade schwimmen. Ich geh' ihn gleich suchen." "Schääätzchen", hört man sie mehrfach rufen. Dann ertönt auch schon seine unverwechselbare Stimme, bekannt aus diversen Fernseh- Talkshows. Er sitze im Bademantel auf seiner Terrasse, vor ihm liege das Meer, beschreibt der Grand Seigneur der Auslandsjournalisten das mediterrane Panorama - Abendsonne und weiße Jachten russischer Oligarchen und arabischer Monarchen inklusive.

Erst letzten Dezember hat er noch Bashar al- Assad in Damaskus getroffen - jenen Mann, der nun beschuldigt wird, für den Chemiewaffen- Angriff auf sein Volk verantwortlich zu sein. Wie ein Maschinengewehr feuert Scholl- Latour seine Kommentare und Analysen ab. Mehr zufällig lauscht er manchmal auch gnädig einer Frage. » | Conny Bischofberger, Kronen Zeitung | Samstag, 31. August 2013

Geplanter Syrien-Einsatz: Assads Sohn verspottet die USA

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Modernste Waffen, aber zu feige, Soldaten zu schicken? Die Kinder der syrischen Machtclique spotten auf Facebook über die USA. Assad-Anhänger hinterlassen zuhauf ihre Jubelkommentare im Netz, die Realität blenden sie aus.

Ein amerikanischer Angriff auf Syrien scheint stündlich näher zu rücken. Doch Angst wollen sich die Anhänger Baschar al-Assads nicht anmerken lassen, im Gegenteil. "Ich will so sehr, dass die Amerikaner angreifen, weil ich will, dass sie diesen Riesenfehler begehen, etwas anzufangen, dessen Ende sie nicht absehen können", heißt es etwa in einem Eintrag von Hafis al-Assad.

Der Account von Assad Junior ist nicht verifiziert, doch ist es durchaus plausibel, dass es sich tatsächlich um einen Eintrag von Baschar al-Assads elfjährigem Sohn handelt. Schließlich haben Assads Neffen und Nichten auf den Eintrag reagiert und ihn kommentiert. Der "New York Times" gelang es, die Facebook-Konten dieser Assad-Verwandten mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit als echt zu identifizieren.

Wenn es sich um einen Scherz gehandelt hätte, wäre dieser so ausgefeilt, dass selbst Assads Verwandte darauf hereingefallen wären. Kurz nachdem die US-Zeitung in einem Blog-Eintrag darüber berichtete und auch Screenshots veröffentlichte, wurde der Account gelöscht. » | Von Raniah Salloum | Samstag, 31. August 2013

Cyber-Angriffe: USA infizieren Zehntausende Computer mit NSA-Trojanern

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Hackerangriffe durch US-Geheimdienste erreichen eine neue Dimension: Bald sollen weltweit 85.000 Systeme mit Spionage-Software infiziert sein, berichtet die "Washington Post". Die NSA plant, die befallenen Computer als eine Art Bot-Netz zu kontrollieren.

Washington - Geheime Haushaltspläne der US-Geheimdienste liefern laut "Washington Post" Beweise dafür, dass die USA weltweit Computersysteme angreifen und unter ihre Kontrolle bringen. Unter dem Codenamen "Genie" laufen bei der NSA weltweite Angriffe auf Computer-Infrastruktur.

Die NSA spricht von Implantaten ("implants") auf fremden Rechnern, im Grunde handelt es sich dabei um Trojaner. Die NSA-Software kontrolliert die befallenen Systeme unbemerkt und nimmt Kommandos entgegen. Das sind die wichtigsten Enthüllungen der "Washington Post" zum "Genie"-Programm: » | Von Konrad Lischka und Julia Stanek | Samstag, 31. August 2013

Russia's Vladimir Putin Challenges US on Syria Claims

BBC: Russian President Vladimir Putin has challenged the US to present to the UN evidence that Syria attacked rebels with chemical weapons near Damascus.

Mr Putin said it would be "utter nonsense" for Syria's government to provoke opponents with such attacks.

US President Barack Obama says he is considering military action against Syria after intelligence reports that 1,429 people were killed on 21 August.

UN weapons inspectors have left Syria after gathering evidence for four days.

They are taking their samples to the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons, in The Hague. (+ video) » | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Putin Tells Obama: Show Us Proof Syrian Regime Was behind Chemical Attacks

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vladimir Putin has dismissed as "nonsense" claims that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons and demanded that the United States provide proof.


The Russian President told journalists that if Barack Obama had evidence Bashar al-Assad's forces had the chemical weapons and launched the attack, Washington should present it to the UN weapons inspectors and the Security Council.

Speaking after the US released its intelligence report, Mr Putin said: "I am convinced that it (the chemical attack) is nothing more than a provocation by those who want to drag other countries into the Syrian conflict, and who want to win the support of powerful members of the international arena, especially the United States."

He rejected American intercepts of Syrian communications as evidence, saying that they cannot be used to take "fundamental decisions" such as using military force on Syria.

Mr Putin said the US President, as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, should remember the impact any US attack would have on Syrian civilians.

He went on to call for calm, and asked Mr Obama to think carefully before going to war. » | Roland Oliphant, Moscow | Saturday, August 31, 2013

Kim Jong-un's Ex-lover 'Executed by Firing Squad'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kim Jong-un's ex-girlfriend was among a dozen well-known North Korean performers who were executed by firing squad nine days ago, according to South Korean reports.

Hyon Song-wol, a singer, rumoured to be a former lover of the North Korean leader, is said to have been arrested on Aug 17 with 11 others for violating laws against pornography.

The reports in South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper indicate that Hyon, a singer with the Unhasu Orchestra, was among those arrested on August 17 for violating domestic laws on pornography.

All 12 were machine-gunned three days later, with other members of North Korea's most famous pop groups and their immediate families forced to watch. The onlookers were then sent to prison camps, victims of the regime's assumption of guilt by association, the reports stated.

“They were executed with machine guns while the key members of the Unhasu Orchestra, Wangjaesan Light Band and Moranbong Band as well as the families of the victims looked on,” said a Chinese source reported in the newspaper.

Hyon's band was responsible for a string of patriotic hits in North Korea, including "Footsteps of Soldiers," "I Love Pyongyang," "She is a Discharged Soldier" and "We are Troops of the Party." Her popularity reportedly peaked in 2005 with the song "Excellent Horse-Like Lady."

The 12 who were executed were singers, musicians or dancers with the Hyon's band,, the Unhasu Orchestra or the Wanghaesan Light Music Band and were accused of making videos of themselves performing sex acts and then selling the recordings. Read on and comment » | Julian Ryall, Tokyo | Thursday, August 29, 2013

US Plans Attack with Help of 'Our Oldest Ally'... France

The US moved to the brink of taking military action against Syria on Friday night as President Barack Obama said the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons was "a challenge to the world" that presented a danger to US national security.

Read the short article here | Peter Foster and Raf Sanchez in Washington and Jon Swaine in New York | Friday, August 30, 2013

Kerry: 'Intel' Shows 'Thug & Murderer' Assad Carried Out Chemical Attack

United States Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that the US intelligence community has concluded that the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for killing more than 1,000 people with chemical gas last week near Damascus.

British MPs 'Evaded Responsibilities' Say Syrian Opposition Leaders and Chemical Weapons Activists

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Syrian opposition leaders and activists from the scene of last week's chemical weapons attack say British MPs who voted against military intervention have "evaded their responsibilities".

Their comments came as footage of an incendiary bombing of a school added to fears that the Assad regime could now act against civilians with impunity.

The Syrian National Coalition said it "regretted" the House of Commons vote against intervention. The vote would encourage President Bashar al-Assad to "use chemical weapons again on a much greater scale", an official said.

Assad regime supporters came out on to the streets cheering the vote, one activist in Damascus, Susan Ahmad, told The Daily Telegraph. "They were chanting to tell Assad to keep going," she said. "They said that all the world was afraid of taking action against Assad, and nobody could stop him."

But others said the effect was more symbolic if an American-led attack went ahead anyway. The Syrian government was said to be moving weaponry and troops out of the country's military installations and into urban areas where any attack would cause mass civilian casualties. » | Ruth Sherlock, Beirut, Damien McElroy in Amman and Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Friday, August 30, 2013

Camerons Niederlage im Parlament: Abschied vom britischen Grossmachtanspruch

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Das Parlament hat einen britischen Angriff auf Syrien gestoppt und dem Verhalten als Grossmacht eine Absage erteilt. Die innen- und aussenpolitische Autorität von Premierminister Cameron ist angeschlagen.

Der britische Premierminister Cameron hat in der Nacht auf Freitag eine unerwartete historische Niederlage eingesteckt. Kommentatoren blicken bis zum Jahr 1782 zurück, um den letzten Fall zu entdecken, in dem das Parlament in Westminster einem Regierungschef die Gefolgschaft zu einer Militäraktion im Ausland verweigerte. Damals war es um die Beendigung des Unabhängigkeitskriegs in Amerika gegangen, diesmal aller Voraussicht nach bloss um die Beteiligung an einem symbolischen Raketenangriff auf Syrien, über den ohnehin in Washington entschieden werden wird. Sachlich betrachtet ist die Abstimmung praktisch ohne Bedeutung, politisch hat sie hohe Ausstrahlungskraft. » | Peter Rásonyi, London | Freitag, 30. August 2013

Iran : une femme nommée porte-parole des Affaires étrangères

lePARISIEN.fr: Réelle évolution ou simple poudre aux yeux ? Dans tous les cas, c'est une première dans l'histoire de la République islamique iranienne. Une diplomate de carrière, Marzieh Afkham, a été nommée porte-parole du ministère des Affaires étrangères du pays, a annoncé ce dernier, jeudi.

Elle travaillait au sein de ce cabinet depuis près de trente ans et était, depuis 2010, directrice du Département des médias et de la diplomatie publique, ont ajouté les médias du pays sans plus de précisions.

«Elle a l'expérience de la diplomatie des médias», a expliqué à l'agence Isna l'actuel porte-parole, Abbas Araghchi.

«Ceux qui ont des critiques à faire comprendront que sa compétence a été le seul facteur dans sa nomination», a-t-il ajouté, après que des députés ultraconservateurs ont fait part de leurs réticences à voir une femme à ce poste. L'un d'eux, l'hodjatoleslam (titre honorifique donné aux clercs chiites) Morteza Hosseini, a déclaré au quotidien «7 Sobh» que le clergé «pourrait s'opposer» à cette nomination et que son groupe parlementaire avait envoyé une «mise en garde» au ministre, Mohammad Javad Zarif. » | LeParisien.fr avec l’AFP | jeudi 29 août 2013

US-Regierung stellt homosexuelle Ehepaare steuerrechtlich gleich

SUEDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG: 37 der 50 US-Bundesstaaten erkennen die Ehe gleichgeschlechtlicher Paare nicht an. Immerhin hat das Finanzministerium nun verkündet, dass homosexuelle Ehepaare steuerrechtlich gleichgestellt sind. Diese Regelung gilt auch, wenn Paare in einem Bundesstaat leben, der ihre Ehe nicht anerkennt.

Schwule und lesbische Ehepaare werden in den USA steuerrechtlich künftig genauso behandelt wie verheiratete Heterosexuelle. Dies gelte unabhängig davon, ob die Paare in einem Bundesstaat leben, der ihre Ehe anerkennt oder nicht, erklärte das US-Finanzministerium am Donnerstag.

"Durch die heutige Entscheidung erhalten alle gesetzlich verheirateten gleichgeschlechtlichen Paare landesweit Gewissheit sowie eine klare und schlüssige Anleitung für die Steuererklärung", sagte Finanzminister Jacob Lew. Die künftige Gleichberechtigung umfasst den Angaben zufolge alle steuerrechtlichen Bereiche auf Bundesebene, in denen für Verheiratete besondere Vorteile oder Pflichten gelten. Sie ermöglicht damit auch gemeinsame Einkommensteuererklärungen. » | Freitag, 30. August 2013

Pope Breaks with Protocol by Bowing to Queen Rania of Jordan

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Pope has broken yet another point of Vatican protocol by bowing when he met Queen Rania of Jordan.

As head of state at the Vatican, not to mention the leader of the world's 1.2 billion catholics, protocol requires visitors to bow to him when they meet him at the Holy See.

But Francis, who has made the forgetting of formalities a trademark of his papacy, bowed when he met a smiling Rania as she visited the Vatican with her husband King Abdullah II on Thursday.

"Up until the 19th century visitors would kiss the pope's shoes, and the tradition is still that all visitors, women included, bow to him, but Francis behaves as he did before he became pope and is not interested in protocol," a senior Vatican official told The Daily Telegraph. » | Tom Kington, Rome | Friday, August 30, 2013

Moral Obscenity: Toxic Background to US Chemical 'Highground'

WARNING! Some images in this report could be disturbing for some users. ¶ While the British Parliament stands divided over whether to strike at Syria, Washington claims there's a moral reason to attack. But the use of chemical weapons was of no concern in the wars that the US waged in the past.

Dark Ages Redux? Bubonic Plague Death Sparks Fears in Asia

The Central Asian country of Kazakhstan has toughened border controls at the crossings with its southern neighbour Kyrgyzstan. But it's not about politics, or economic sanctions, or a military build-up, it's the Black Death.

Related »

Cell Phoning: Prisoners Employed to Make Cold Calls in UK

Persistent sales calls can give people a rude interruption from their daily routines. But now there's a fresh twist in the UK - and it's more than an issue of mere inconvenience.

'Obomba, Don't Drone Syria!' Protesters Rally against Attack

People across the world have protested against the Western powers' possible military action against Syria. Demonstrators with anti-war and pro-Syrian placards marched in the US, Jordan and Venezuela.

Syria Crisis: Paddy Ashdown 'Ashamed' of Britain over Commons Vote

The former leader of the Liberal Democrats said he is “ashamed” of Britain’s decision not to take action following the chemical weapons attack in Syria which saw hundreds killed and thousands more injured.

Read the article here | Claire Carter | Friday, August 30, 2013

The Toynbee Take: No 10 Curses, But Britain's Illusion of Empire Is Over

THE GUARDIAN: The Syria debate has exposed the fact that, while Cameron wasn't looking, both his country and his party changed

Last night in the Commons a great switch was thrown in the national psyche and nothing may ever be quite the same again. This is not a left-right shift, but a long-delayed acceptance that Britain is less powerful and poorer than it was, weary of wars and no longer proud to punch above its weight. No more pretending, no more posturing.

Next week Rule Britannia will belt out loud as ever at the Proms in that partly ironic parade of cheerful patriotism. But the great game is over. Poor David Cameron has been the one left stranded when the music stopped, still singing as everyone else falls silent. From Number 10 came effing and blinding at Ed Miliband, calling him, as reported in the Times, a "f****** c*** and a copper-bottomed s***". But it wasn't Labour, it was Cameron's whole country who had changed while he wasn't looking. Cue last-minute key change in Downing Street's unconditional promise to the US, but he's still out of tune with a country that doesn't want to go to war.

As the true meaning of end of empire sinks in, great questions follow. Why continue to spend more than comparable countries on defence? Why do we (and France) still squat in UN security council seats? What is the point of Trident, dependent entirely on the closest allegiance to America?

Consider the breadth of opposition to a Syrian intervention. First come the British people, two to one against war, with YouGov finding opinion hardening. Outside the gates of Downing Street stand Stop the War demonstrators. Biting at the heels of anxious Tory MPs comes Ukip's Nigel Farage accusing Cameron of "his greatest misjudgment yet" and gloating that his anti-war stance is "the single most popular thing Ukip's ever said". Now add in warnings from the assemblage of military top brass (retd). » | Polly Toynbee | Thursday, August 29, 2013

Barack Obama Warns of Syria Chemical Weapons Threat to US

President Obama raises the spectre of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists bent on attacking the US, and says "hardly anybody" disputes that the regime of Bashar Al-Assad deployed chemical weapons against civilian populations.

Jeremy Bowen: 'Tension in Damascus'

BBC: In Syria itself, President Bashar al-Assad has insisted that his country will defend itself in the face of what he called "any aggression".

In the capital, Damascus, there is deep unease among many residents about what the coming days will bring.

The BBC's Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen is one of the few international journalists in Damascus, from where he sent this report. Watch BBC video » | Thursday, August 29, 2013

Syria Crisis: What Is in Damascus Letter to UK?

BBC: The Speaker of the Syrian Parliament has written to Commons Speaker John Bercow inviting a parliamentary delegation to the Syrian capital to check the UN's conclusions.

The letter added that Syria will sue those responsible in British courts if the UK attacks - which it said would be an "aggressive and unprovoked act of war".

A parliamentary vote on the UK's response to a chemical attack near Damascus currently hangs in the balance, after the opposition demanded "compelling evidence" of Syria's guilt.

The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani takes a closer look at the letter with BBC Arabic correspondent Nahed Abuzeid. Watch BBC video » | Thursday, August 29, 2013

Syrian Lawmakers Warn Britain Over Military Strike

THE NEW YORK TIMES: BEIRUT, Lebanon — Members of the Syrian Parliament issued an open letter to their British counterparts on Thursday, warning them that an international military strike on Syria would recklessly and illegally “plunge secular Syria, and indeed the whole region, into a cataclysm of sectarian mass murder” and inviting them to visit with their own chemical weapons experts to check the conclusions of the United Nations investigators now in the country.

The letter, which the lawmakers asked be read at a British parliamentary session on Thursday on the proposed attack, was in keeping with a Syrian government strategy of stressing what it sees as values and goals it shares with the West, including secularism and fighting terrorism. The letter condemned the chemical attack last week "without reservation," without repeating the government's attempts to blame it on Syrian rebels, and promised Parliament's own investigation. (+ video) » | Anne Barnard | Thursday, August 29, 2013

Why Do We Still Fool Ourselves that Britain Is a Great Power?

MAIL ONLINE: Why do we feel we must behave as a world power? Whenever a crisis blows up — Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and now Syria — politicians of whichever party act as though it is our national destiny to intervene.

Much of the media, particularly the BBC, colludes in the fiction that what this country does during these crises is decisive. Britain is mentioned in the same breath as the U.S. Maps are produced signifying British fire-power on which there are almost as many Union Flags as Stars & Stripes.

Our leading politicians adore it all. Tony Blair was in seventh heaven when able to present himself almost as an equal of President George W. Bush before the Iraq War. His ecstatic reception in Congress a few months after the invasion was the apotheosis of his dreams.

David Cameron, though more measured, also relishes the role of international statesman. We are informed every time he has a phone conversation with President Obama. His spin doctors have revealed that over the weekend one call lasted an entire 40 minutes!

Meanwhile, we have created the grandiosely named National Security Council, after the American version. The difference is that while the U.S. President commands a huge, world-wide navy and other formidable military assets, we have a dwindling Royal Navy, RAF and Army.

And dwindling even faster because of this Government’s defence cuts, which have left us without a proper aircraft carrier, the most basic entry-level possession for any aspiring world power. Yet Mr Cameron continues where Tony Blair, a much wilder fantasist, left off. Read on and comment » | Stephen Glover | Published: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 | Updated: Thursday, August 28, 2013

Missile Strikes May Lead to Terror Attacks on UK, Warn Military Experts: Commanders Warn of 'Unintended Consequences' of Ill-thought-out Campaign against Assad

MAIL ONLINE: They cautioned could provoke revenge attacks home and abroad / Also emerged Israel was taking precautions against possible Syrian attack / They include bolstering missile defences and handing out gas masks

Britain risks sleep-walking into a full-scale war by launching missile strikes against Syria, former top brass warned last night.

Retired commanders cautioned that an ill-thought-out attack against President Assad’s brutal regime could provoke revenge attacks at home and abroad.

Lord West of Spithead, a former First Sea Lord, General Lord Dannatt, a former head of the British Army, and Major General , a commander during the first Gulf War, all warned of the ‘unintended consequences’ of a military campaign.

It also emerged that Israel was taking precautions against a possible Syrian attack, including bolstering missile defences and handing out gas masks to civilians.

A coalition spearheaded by the US, Britain and France is preparing to punish Assad for allegedly gassing to death hundreds of innocent people last week.

Defence chiefs favour a strike against important military installations, including airbases, arms dumps and communications hubs, using long-range cruise missiles fired from warships or submarines amassing in the Mediterranean.

The hope is that the attacks will deter Assad from using chemical weapons and make it more difficult for him to launch them in future.

But military grandees fear David Cameron and his allies might unwittingly escalate Syria’s civil war into a regional conflict in the Middle East, or even a proxy Cold War with Damascus’s key ally, Russia. » | Ian Drury | Published: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 | Updated: Thursday, August 29, 2013

Op-Ed: Western Christians Are Out Fighting en Masse for Islam

ARUTZ SHEVA: For these converts to Islam, there is only Jihad, the war for heaven and for hell.

The latest video of Jihadist propaganda from Syria shows the black flag proclaiming allegiance to Allah and a man who calls himself Abu Abd Al-Rahman.

"I am French," he says. His parents were baptised as Catholics - as was he - and they know him as Nicolas. He is a 30-year-old convert from a middle-class background in Toulouse, where four Jews were gunned down last year. His mother works for the French army. In the the video, Nicolas appears in military fatigues, a Kalashnikov rifle across his legs.

French intelligence believes there are 220 Frenchmen who have gone to fight in Syria so far. 40 of them are Christian converts. The estimates of Westerners fighting in Syria range from 600 to 1,000 fighters. The vast majority are "white converts to Islam" or "naturalized immigrants with a Muslim background".

His name was Ibrahim Giuliano Delnevo. He was a regular guy from Genoa, Italy's biggest sea industrial location. Raised as a Catholic, Giuliano converted to Islam and was killed as a "martyr" in Syria. He was fighting with the jihadists against Bashar el Assad's secular regime. » | Giulio Meotti* | Wednesday, August 28, 2013

* The writer, an Italian journalist with Il Foglio, writes a twice-weekly column for Arutz Sheva. He is the author of the book "A New Shoah", that researched the personal stories of Israel's terror victims, published by Encounter. His writing has appeared in publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, Frontpage and Commentary. He is at work on a book about the Vatican and Israel.

Syria Crisis: People in Damascus 'Are Nervous'

BBC: The UK has put a suggested resolution to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council "authorising all necessary measures to protect civilians" in Syria.

It calls for military action against what Britain has termed Syria's "unacceptable" use of chemical weapons.

Syrians continue to go about their daily lives, but as Jeremy Bowen reports from the capital Damascus, people "are nervous about what the next few days will bring". Watch BBC video » | Wednesday, August 28, 2013