Angela Merkel: Russia 'Will Not Get Away' with Annexation of Crimea

Mrs. Merkel told MPs from the Christian Democratic Union:
"What has happened in Crimea is an annexation which Russia
must not be allowed to get away with."

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The German Chancellor's tough message underlines how America and the EU have agreed a joint response to Ukraine crisis

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has promised that Russia will not “get away” with “annexing” Crimea as world powers agreed to impose targeted sanctions on senior figures close to the Kremlin.

Mrs Merkel told a meeting of her parliamentary party that Russia’s intervention in Ukraine violated the principles of post-war order in Europe.

Her stark message came as America and the European Union agreed a joint response to Russia’s de facto seizure of Crimea, backed by other countries including Canada and Japan.

Mrs Merkel told MPs from the Christian Democratic Union: “What has happened in Crimea is an annexation which Russia must not be allowed to get away with.”

She warned that sanctions on Russia were justified even if they damaged the German economy, according to Der Spiegel. The two countries have close economic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding £63 billion last year. Germany now ranks as Russia’s third-biggest trading partner.

But Mrs Merkel said that a “certain amount of toughness” was required and “all European Union countries from Lisbon to Riga” should “stick together” to defend “European values”. She added, however, that “threads of communication” with the Kremlin should still be preserved. » | Tony Paterson, in Berlin, Peter Foster in Washington and Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

David Cameron Condemns 'Barbaric' Missile Attack on Israel

David Cameron addresses Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Prime Minister David Cameron condemns "indiscriminate" attack as 50 missiles from Gaza Strip fired into southern Israel during official visit

David Cameron tonight condemned a "barbaric" missile attack on Israel that struck on the first day of his visit to the country.

Militants fired as many as 50 missiles from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, in the biggest single attack in two years. Israeli tanks responded by firing shells at a suspected launch site within Palestinian territory.

The attack came on the day Mr Cameron told the Israeli Parliament he would offer "rock solid" support to Israel in defending itself and condemned "despicable" efforts by Iran to ship missiles to terrorist groups.

The Islamic Jihad group claimed responsibility for the attack. Three of the missiles were shot down by Israeli Iron Dome system, while others fell near a petrol station, a library and on open countryside, local reports said.

Mr Cameron said: “These attacks are completely indiscriminate, aimed at civilian populations and people indiscriminately, and that is a demonstration of how barbaric they are. » | Matthew Holehouse | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron pledges 'unbreakable' support for Israel: In his first visit to Israel as PM, David Cameron condemns Iran for "despicable" terrorist ties and reveals Jewish ancestry » | Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent, Jerusalem | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Why Britons Turn To Islam

According to government data, UK Muslims made out about
2.7% of the population in 2011.

ON ISLAM: LONDON – While Christianity remains an integral part of Britain’s religious history, Islam has become a strong contender over the past decade, with reversions registering in their thousands year after another.

“At a time when personal freedom, over-sexualisation and moral liberalism have taken over and broken down Britain’s moral compass, more people find solace in Islam’s compassionate but yet clear guidelines,” Annie Simpson, who holds a Phd in comparative religious studies and philosophy, told OnIslam.net.

“As society becomes more permissive and on many levels more morally pervert, individuals yearn to re-centre their lives around God.

“Islam offers people much more than just a belief in God, for many it becomes the matrix upon which, and around which, they can exist and make sense of the world … From chaos to order,” she added. » | Catherine Shakdam | OnIslam Correspondent | Wednesday, February 26, 2014

EU Moves towards Travel Bans, Asset Freezes for Russians

REUTERS.COM: (Reuters) - The EU agreed a framework on Thursday for its first sanctions on Russia since the Cold War, a stronger response to the Ukraine crisis than many had expected and a mark of solidarity with Washington in the effort to make Moscow pay for seizing Crimea.


The EU sanctions, outlined in a document seen by Reuters, would slap travel bans and asset freezes on an as-yet-undecided list of people and firms accused by Brussels of violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the measures would be imposed on Monday unless diplomatic progress was made.

Shares in Moscow dropped 2.6 percent and the central bank was forced to spend $1.5 billion to prop up the ruble as investors confronted the prospect that Russia could face unexpectedly serious consequences for its plans to annex Crimea. » | Martin Santa and Aleksandar Vasovic | Brussels/Simferopol, Ukraine | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Editor of Independent Russian News Site Replaced with Pro-Kremlin Figure

THE GUARDIAN: Ousting of Galina Timchenko at Lenta.ru is latest move in what critics fear is a crackdown on left-of-centre media outlets

In what appears to be part of a growing state crackdown on liberal media, the editor of a major independent Russian news website has been replaced by a Kremlin-friendly editor after running an interview with a controversial Ukrainian nationalist.

Lenta.ru announced on its site on Wednesday that Galina Timchenko, who had worked there since its founding in 1999, would immediately be replaced by Alexei Goreslavsky, the former editor of the pro-Kremlin internet publication Vzglyad. Goreslavsky is currently deputy general director for external communications at the Afisha-Rambler-SUP media holding that owns Lenta.ru. » | Alec Luhn in Moscow | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Enemies of West Will Exploit Reluctance to Engage in Conflict, Head of Army Warns

General Sir Peter Wall said a decade of "politically awkward
campaigning" over Iraq and Afghanistan has led to "defend
on the goal line"

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: General Sir Peter Wall warns a "moral disarmament" in a war weary West sends a message to future adversaries

A “moral disarmament” in the West that has resulted in a reluctance to engage in conflicts will be exploited by Britain’s enemies, the head of the army has warned.

General Sir Peter Wall said a decade of “politically awkward campaigning” over Iraq and Afghanistan has led to an appetite to “defend on the goal line”.

But adversaries will take advantage of such “reticence” and may have already changed their expectation on how the UK will react to provocation, he warned.

Although he did not name Russia, the comments come at a time when President Vladimir Putin is testing the West’s mettle in a tense stand-off over Ukraine.

Sir Peter, the Chief of the General Staff, also issued a thinly veiled warning against further cuts to the armed forces insisting the potential for “force on force” engagements is not a “thing of the past” as some believe.

The ability to manoeuvre all three forces together also takes a “generation” to create and could be needed “sooner than we think”, he said. » | Tom Whitehead, Security Editor | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

New York Building Collapse: Large Explosion at Block in Harlem

Explosion reported in the Harlem district of Manhattan, New York, as part of a block collapses

Read the Telegraph article here | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

David Cameron Tells Israelis About His Jewish Ancestors

In a speech to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, the Prime Minister says his great-great-grandfather was a Jewish man from Germany

Read the Telegraph article here | Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent, Jerusalem | Wednesday, March 10, 2014

Historischer Entscheid in Israel: Wehrpflicht für orthodoxe Juden

Einer der grossen Konflikte innerhalb der israelischen Gesellschaft ist gelöst: In Zukunft müssen auch ultra-orthodoxe Juden Militärdienst leisten. Verweigerern drohen dann drastische Strafen.

Der SRF Artikel hier lesen.

G7 Warns Russia on 'Annexing' Crimea

BBC: Leaders of the G7 group of nations have called on Russia to stop all efforts to "annex" Ukraine's Crimea region.

They said if Russia took such a step they would "take further action, individually and collectively".

The G7 leaders also said they would not recognise the results of a referendum in Crimea this weekend on whether to split from Ukraine and join Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's national security chief has warned of a major Russian military build-up on Ukraine's borders.

Andriy Parubiy said Moscow had not withdrawn its troops after carrying out military exercises near Ukraine's eastern and southern frontiers.

"The Russian army is only two to three hours' march from Kiev," he said, adding that Ukraine's "units are positioned to repel attack from any direction." (+ BBC video) » | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Proposed Military Cuts Could Be Rude Awakening for Veterans

Mar. 07, 2014 - 3:52 - Pentagon proposal may put vets on street

How to Handle Putin's Invasion of Ukraine

Mar. 11, 2014 - 6:29 - Charles Krauthammer reacts to a new poll on the crisis in Ukraine

Using Comedy to Promote ObamaCare

Mar. 11, 2014 - 2:47 - Talking Points 3/11

Ukraine Crisis: Angela Merkel Accuses Putin of 'Stealing' Crimea

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The German Chancellor launches emotional attack on Russia and says its actions in Crimea are against 'European values'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russia of “annexing” Crimea and warned that the Kremlin must not be allowed to “get away with it” during an unusually emotional address to Germany’s ruling conservative Christian Democratic Party MPs late on Tuesday.

Der Spiegel magazine said that in a speech to members of her parliamentary party Mrs Merkel had been very critical of Russia and described Moscow’s actions in Ukraine as a breach of the principles of the post-war order in Europe.

“What has happened in Crimea is an annexation which Russia must not be allowed to get away with,” Mrs Merkel said. Other unconfirmed reports said the German Chancellor had accused Russia of “ stealing” Crimea.

Mrs Merkel told MPs to be prepared for the negative consequences of possible sanctions against Russia but insisted that it was essential not to break off the “threads of communication” with the Kremlin. “It is important that all European Union countries from Lisbon to Riga stick together,” she said.

The Chancellor said that a "certain amount of toughness” was needed in Europe’s dealings with Russia in order to defend what she described as “ European values”. » | Tony Paterson, Berlin | Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Verwandt »

Chris Wallace Discusses Phone Call Between Obama, Putin

Mar. 07, 2014 - 4:31 - Ukraine on the verge of a 'historic change'

Mark Carney and His Stupid ‘Forward Guidance’

Ukraine-Krise: Merkel wirft Russland "Annexion" der Krim vor

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Angela Merkel hat deutliche Worte zur Ukraine-Krise gefunden. Vor der Unionsfraktion warf die Kanzlerin dem Kreml eine "Annexion" der Krim vor, die man Russland "nicht durchgehen lassen dürfe". Teilnehmer beschrieben ihren Auftritt als emotional.

Berlin - Angela Merkel hat sich am Dienstag in der Fraktionssitzung der Union sehr kritisch über das Vorgehen Russlands in der Ukraine geäußert. Nach Angaben von Teilnehmern sagte die CDU-Vorsitzende, Moskaus Kurs verstoße gegen die Prinzipien der Nachkriegsordnung. "Das Vorgehen auf der Krim ist eine Annexion, die man Russland nicht durchgehen lassen kann", sagte Merkel demnach. Ihr Auftritt wurde von Teilnehmern als emotional beschrieben.

Die Nachrichtenagentur AFP berichtet unter Berufung auf Teilnehmer sogar, Merkel habe Russland vorgeworfen, die Krim "geraubt" zu haben. Für diese Aussage gibt es bislang allerdings keine Bestätigung.

Die Kanzlerin machte deutlich, man sei bereit, auch negative Folgen möglicher Sanktionen gegen Russland hinzunehmen. Wenn es Sanktionen gebe, müsse man sich auch auf Nachteile einrichten. Gleichzeitig dürfe man die Gesprächsfäden mit Russland nicht abreißen lassen. Wichtig sei, dass die EU-Staaten von "Lissabon bis Riga" zusammenblieben. » | fab/AFP/dpa/Reuters | Dienstag, 11. März 2014

Syria Bomber Hailed as 'Hero' by Family

Abdul Waheed Majeed moments before his attack in February

BBC: The brother of a British man who blew himself up in Syria has told Newsnight he should be regarded as a hero.

Abdul Waheed Majeed, of Crawley, died last month when he drove a truck bomb at the gates of Aleppo Prison.

His brother Hafeez said that his family wanted to challenge the idea that the attack represented a terrorist threat to the UK. More than 30 people have been arrested this year as police step up operations to stop people fighting in Syria.

The government fears that some people going to fight in Syria against President Bashar al-Assad's regime will become radicalised and battle-hardened by joining al-Qaeda linked groups.

Security chiefs believe that hundreds of people have gone to fight in Syria and their return poses the greatest national security challenge since to the UK since 9/11.

Speaking exclusively to Newsnight, Hafeez Majeed said he believed his 41-year-old brother had died trying to save Syrian people who were being tortured in the regime's prisons.

"If my brother had been a British soldier and there were British people in that prison and the act of heroism or bravery that he did, I know he would have been awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross," said Mr Majeed. » | Dominic Casciani, Home affairs correspondent, BBC News | Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The full story of Abdul Waheed Majeed's life and death is on Newsnight, BBC Two at 2230 GMT.

Tschechen zeigen Putin mit Hitlerbart

Putin-Plakat mit Hitlerbart, Hakenkreuz und napoleonischer Hand
zwischen zwei Knöpfen

DIE WELT: Aus Protest gegen die russische Militärintervention auf der Krim haben tschechische Aktivisten ein riesiges Putin-Banner aufgehängt. Pikantes Detail: Russlands Präsident trägt darauf einen Hitlerbart.

In Tschechien haben Kritiker der Militärintervention auf der Krim den russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin als Hitler dargestellt. Aktivisten enthüllten am Dienstag ein riesiges Banner am Rathaus in Liberec (Reichenberg). Die Fotomontage zeigt den Kremlchef mit Hitlerbart und Hakenkreuzsymbol, wie er eine Hand wie Napoleon auf Brusthöhe hält.

Die Bürgermeisterin der Stadt unterstützte die Aktion der antikommunistischen Bürgervereinigung Dekomunikace. "Wir drücken damit dem ukrainischen Volk unsere Unterstützung aus, das schwere Tage durchlebt", sagte die Sozialdemokratin Martina Rosenbergova. Das Plakat hängt unmittelbar über einem Mahnmal für neun während des Sowjet-Einmarschs von 1968 ums Leben gekommene Einwohner der nordböhmischen Stadt. » | dpa/AFP/smü | Dienstag, 11. März 2014

‪The Eagles‪ - Lyin Eyes (Remastered)‬

Mark Carney: Independent Scotland Must Sign Up for the Euro to Join the EU

Mark Carney has warned an independent Scotland would have
to sign up for the euro to join the EU

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Bank of England Governor tells MSPs Scotland would have to join the euro in the "fullness of time".

The Bank of England’s Governor has warned an independent Scotland would be forced to promise to replace the pound with the euro if it wanted European Union membership.

In a major blow to Alex Salmond’s economic case for separation, Mark Carney told a Westminster inquiry that all new applicants to the EU have to join the single currency in the “fullness of time”.

He also told MPs it is a “distinct possibility” the Royal Bank of Scotland would have to move its headquarters south of the Border if there is a ‘yes’ vote in September’s independence referendum.

In triple blow to Alex Salmond’s economic case for independence, the Governor said a separate Scotland’s taxpayers would have to guarantee billions of pounds of deposits held by Scottish banks in England. » | Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor | Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Tempête à la CIA, accusée d'avoir espionné le Congrès américain

Le directeur de la CIA, John Brennan, a dit que «la CIA n'espionnait
pas, d'aucune façon, la commission du Renseignement».

LA PRESSE: La CIA s'est retrouvée mardi au centre d'un scandale politique aux États-Unis, accusée d'avoir violé la Constitution en fouillant des ordinateurs utilisés par des enquêteurs parlementaires, dans une affaire relative aux anciennes techniques d'interrogatoire de l'agence d'espionnage.

Les accusations ont déclenché une bagarre publique rare entre la CIA et le Congrès, le directeur de l'agence d'espionnage John Brennan niant avoir cherché à faire obstacle à l'enquête du Sénat, sans toutefois commenter les faits en détail.

«Nous n'essayions pas de bloquer quoi que ce soit», a déclaré John Brennan lors d'un événement organisé par le Council on Foreign Relations. «La CIA n'espionnait pas, d'aucune façon, la commission du Renseignement».

Les rumeurs de presse s'amplifiaient depuis plusieurs jours sur la surveillance supposée par l'agence de renseignement d'ordinateurs utilisés par des enquêteurs de cette commission. » | Ivan Couronne, Agence France-Presse | Washington | mardi 11 mars 2014

Related »

Senate Intelligence Head Says CIA 'Searched Computers'

BBC: The head of the US Senate intelligence committee has publicly accused the CIA of improperly accessing computers used by congressional staff.

Senator Dianne Feinstein said on the Senate floor that such activities "may have undermined the constitutional framework" of government oversight.

The Senate panel was investigating allegations of abuse during a CIA detention and interrogation programme.

A CIA internal watchdog has been tasked with looking into the alleged hacking.

"I am not taking it lightly," Ms Feinstein said of the matter on Tuesday, adding that the CIA may have violated federal laws in its alleged conduct. » | Tuesday, March 11, 2014

R.I.P. : Swedish-British Journalist Gunned Down in Kabul

Nils Horner had been working for Swedish Radio

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nils Horner shot dead in smart neighbourhood, close to where militants killed 21 people at a restaurant in January

A foreign journalist with dual British and Swedish nationality was shot dead in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday.

Nils Horner, who worked for Swedish Radio, was declared dead on arrival at the city’s emergency hospital.

Witnesses said two attackers fled the scene.

“I heard a single gunshot and saw the man fall down,” a passer-by told the AFP news agency.

The killing is a reminder of the dangers in Afghanistan as the country prepares for an election next month and for the withdrawal of Nato-led combat forces this year. » | Zubair Babakarkhail, Kabul and Rob Crilly | Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Inside Story: World Wide Web: Global Force for Good?

We celebrate and analyse the 25th anniversary of Tim Berners-Lee's landmark invention.

President Obama at a Crossroads

Mar. 10, 2014 - 2:28 - Talking Points 3/10

Exclusive: Dick Cheney on How Obama Is Handling Ukraine

Mar. 10, 2014 - 8:41 - Former Vice President says not to underestimate the significance of the crisis

L'argent russe de « Londongrad » influence le pouvoir britannique

LE MONDE: Ce sont les appartements les plus chers et les plus luxueux de Londres. Leurs baies vitrées ultramodernes offrent une vue imprenable sur Hyde Park. Un couloir souterrain les relie au Mandarin Oriental, le palace où officie le chef étoilé Heston Blumenthal. Au total, les 76 logements de One Hyde Park, un bâtiment conçu par le célèbre architecte Richard Rogers, se sont vendus pour 1,7 milliard d'euros, soit 22 millions chacun en moyenne, selon une enquête de Nicholas Shaxson, auteur d'un livre sur les paradis fiscaux. » | Par Eric Albert (Londres, correspondance) | lundi 10 mars 2014

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West: 'Drop Your Illusions About Iran'

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Benjamin Netanyahu criticises the international community for failing to condemn a deadly weapons shipment he says was organised by Iran and bound for Palestinian militants

Benjamin Netanyahu accused the West of failing to condemn Iran's involvement in an intercepted weapons shipment on Monday because it wanted to delude itself that the country's leaders had changed course.

Standing beside an array of rockets, mortars and bullets seized from a ship that sailed from Iran, the Israeli prime minister said the international community was guilty of "hypocrisy" for failing to speak out while loudly denouncing Israel for continued settlement building.

"At most I heard a few faint condemnations of Iran from the international community," he said[.]

"In contrast if we build a balcony in Jerusalem we hear harsh condemnation from the international community."

Mr Netanyahu was speaking at a naval base in the southern Israeli port of Eilat, where the arms haul was ceremoniously showcased in an event intended to draw the maximum propaganda value from the seizure of a merchant vessel on March 5 that Israel says was carrying supplies destined for Palestinians militants in Gaza. » | Robert Tait, Eilat | Monday, March 10, 2014

Hoping to Isolate Russia, US Woos China on Ukraine

Read the Washington Post article here | Associate Press | Monday, March 10, 2014

Pope Says Catholic Church Should Not Dismiss Gay Marriage

Pope Francis

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Catholic Church should not dismiss out of hand civil unions, but should study them, says Pope Francis, in latest softening of stance on thorny social issues

Pope Francis says the issue of gay marriage should be studied and not dismissed out-of-hand, a senior Roman Catholic cardinal has revealed.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the outspoken archbishop of New York, said Pope Francis had told him: “Rather than quickly condemn them, let's just ask the questions as to why that has appealed to certain people."

Archbishop Dolan stressed that the Pope had not shifted the Catholic Church’s position on same-sex unions.

"It wasn't as if he came out and approved them,” he told the NBC television network in the US.

But the Pope wanted senior Church leaders to “look into” the issue and to scrutinise the reasons why many countries have legalised same-sex marriages. » | Nick Squires, Rome | Monday, March 10, 2014

Clash of Russia & NATO Interests? Khrushchev's Great-granddaughter Talks Crimea

Russia has been at the centre of heavy criticism for its policies on Crimea. And while the region moves toward self-determination, the West calls for punishment and declares the will of its people illegitimate. Does Russia have the right to protect legitimate interests on its doorstep, or is the protection of interests a privilege reserved solely for Western powers with traditionally global aspirations? Oksana is joined by Dr Nina Khrushcheva, a [Senior] Fellow of the World Policy Institute, to discuss these issues.

WORLD POLICY INSTITUTE: Nina Krushcheva »

Ukraine Crisis: Russia Warns US against 'Hasty' Sanctions

BBC: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned the US not to take "hasty and reckless steps" in response to the crisis in Ukraine's Crimea region.

In a phone call with his US counterpart John Kerry, Mr Lavrov said imposing sanctions on Moscow would harm the US.

Pro-Russian troops have been in control of Crimea for the last week.

Earlier, a stand-off involving pro-Russian soldiers at a Ukrainian military base outside Sevastopol reportedly ended without incident.

Crimea's parliament announced on Thursday it would hold a referendum on 16 March on whether to join Russia or remain part of Ukraine.

Russia's parliament has promised to support Crimea if it chooses to become part of Russia.

The vote has been denounced as "illegitimate" by the interim government in Kiev, which took power after President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia last month in the wake of mass protests against his government and deadly clashes with security forces.

In their telephone conversation on Friday, Mr Lavrov warned Mr Kerry against taking "hasty and unthought-through steps capable of causing harm to Russian-US relations", Russia's foreign ministry reports. (+ BBC video) » | Saturday, March 08, 2014

Ukraine Crisis: I'm Prepared to Hit City to Punish Putin, Says David Cameron

David Cameron and Angela Merkel meet ahead of a European
leaders emergency summit on Ukraine

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russians could be hit with asset freezes and travel bans "within days", Prime Minister says, even if it harms the City and British industries

Sanctions will be imposed on Russia within days unless it loosens its grip on the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, David Cameron announced today.

The City of London and the defence industry could suffer as a result Britain has learnt from history that it must “stand up to aggression” and cannot stand by “when nations are trampled over”, the Prime Minister said.

Britain, the EU and the US are drawing up a list of Russian officials who will see their off-shore bank accounts frozen and banned from travelling to the West unless it steps back from annexing the Crimean peninsula. Defence co-operation is also under review, with a presumption that arms contracts will be scrapped.

Mr Cameron, speaking after talks in Hanover with German President Angela Merkel, said he would “ratchet up the pressure” on Vladimir Putin if he attempts to “legitimise” a Russian-backed referendum on Crimea leaving Ukraine on Sunday.

Downing Street said that any sanctions would be aimed at individuals but sources said that this would be unlikely to mean President Putin could be targeted. » | Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent | Monday, March 10, 2014

McCain Blasts Obama’s 'Total Misreading' of Putin

Mar. 10, 2014 - 7:50 - GOP senator targets president's 'failure' to understand Russian leader

Comprendre les frontières de l'Ukraine en 2 minutes

Les frontières de l'Ukraine moderne ont en grande partie été dessinées par son imposant voisin: la Russie.

Source: Le Figaro | Par Julien Licourt, Laure Kermanach | dimanche 09 mars 2014

Massendemonstrationen in der Ukraine

Al-Qaeda Unveils New Magazine Aimed at Western Jihadis

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Advert for 'Resurgence' magazine uses words of Malcolm X in appeal to disaffected Muslims in US and Europe, as it turns focus away from Middle East

Al-Qaeda is starting an English language magazine as part of a fresh effort to recruit and inspire Western jihadis to launch attacks in their own countries, according to security analysts.

A video posted on YouTube uses the words of Malcolm X to justify violent struggle, before announcing the name of the magazine, Resurgence.

It appears to be modelled on Inspire, an online publication produced by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which has carried messages from Osama bin Laden, bomb making directions and tactics for launching “lone wolf” attacks.

However, the new magazine appears to be the first English language magazine from the group’s core leadership and is advertised with a slick video from as-Sahab, its media production house. Analysts believe it marks a shift from al-Qaeda's recent focus on Syria. » | Rob Crilly, Islamabad | Monday, March 10, 2014

Inside Story: North Korea Poll: Politics or Propaganda?

Voters are obliged to tick "Yes" for the sole candidate on their ballot paper.

No Saudi Gays Allowed? 'US Violates Its Own Principles to Please Monarchy'

He could be executed at home, has already received death threats, and is pinning his hopes on the US giving him shelter. But an openly gay Saudi diplomat who is seeking asylum has been left in legal limbo - and some believe for political reasons.

Growing Russian Nationalism Has Some Wary

Russian, Ukrainian Troops Dig In

Breaking Up with Vladimir Putin

'We Cannot Let Putin Get Away with This,' Says Polish Minister

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russia must not be allowed to redraw the map of Europe, Radek Sikorski, Poland's Foreign Minister, tells the Telegraph ahead of a meeting with William Hague on Monday

“We cannot let Putin get away with this,” says Radek Sikorski, Poland’s Foreign Minister. His Oxford English is perfect, his tone decisive. “By annexing Crimea, Russia is forcing a major change of boundaries on Europe. It means the breaking of the post-Cold War consensus. That is verboten.”

Vladimir Putin, lacking Mr Sikorski’s linguistic skills, does not understand “verboten”. He has been taunting the west for days now, placing troops on Ukrainian soil to defend -- as he puts it -- ethnic Russians there from the “nationalist mob” who overthrew President Viktor Yanukovych. The annexation of Crimea, the southernmost region in Ukraine, looks inevitable to Sikorski: “The timetable for the Kremlin’s annexation of the region is accelerating daily.” Putin knows America and the EU are in thrall to Russia’s money, oil and gas. He reckons that with huge economic interests at stake, no one will fight for Ukraine’s sovereignity.

But Putin has underestimated EU unity, says Sikorski. “I’m seeing William Hague on Monday. We are as one on Ukraine. We cannot allow Putin to redraw the map of Europe along ethnic lines. Europe is based on the principle of overcoming borders rather than redrawing them. No one has the unilateral right to move borders in response to presumed ethnic grievances. We’ve seen what happened when a European leader tried to do that before: the peoples of the Soviet Union paid one of the biggest prices for this.” » | Cristina Odone | Monday, March 10, 2014

Chodorkowski stellt Gesuch an Schweizer Behörden

TAGES ANZEIGER: Michail Chodorkowski reist zurzeit viel in der Welt herum. Nun hat er entschieden, in welchem Land er seinen Hauptwohnsitz plant.

Der russische Kreml-Kritiker und ehemalige Ölunternehmer Michail Chodorkowski will sich in der Schweiz niederlassen. Chodorkowski hat ein entsprechendes Gesuch eingereicht, wie seine in Zug ansässige Kommunikationsagentur gegenüber der Nachrichtenagentur sda sagte.

Wo er das Gesuch gestellt hat, wollte die Agentur nicht sagen. Das Verfahren sei im Gang. Man werde zu gegebener Zeit informieren, hiess es weiter. Zurzeit hält sich Chodorkowski in Kiew auf. Am Sonntag rief er Russen und Ukrainer zum Einlenken im Krim-Konflikt auf. » | bru/sda/AP | Montag, 10. März 2014

Robert Gates on Ukraine Crisis, 'Reset' with Russia

Mar. 09, 2014 - 11:58 - Former defense secretary on 'Fox News Sunday'

North Koreans 'Vote' in Elections - Singing, Dancing and Reciting Poetry

North Korea's cowed people were marched to the polls on Sunday for a pre-decided "election" to parliament - with only one candidate for each seat

Read and comment on Telegraph article here | Harriet Alexander | Sunday, March 09, 2014

Sen. Mike Lee on Reigning in Obama's Expanding Power

Mar. 09, 2014 - 4:36 - Lawmaker discusses the president's executive overreach

Huckabee: We've Become the Shakiest Gun in the West

Mar. 09, 2014 - 3:27 - Reaction to handling of Russia, Ukraine

America – From Freedom To Fascism (2011)

Is there a law which requires you to pay the Federal Income Tax? Is the Federal Reserve a part of the United States Government, or is it a private bank owned and operated by multinational corporate interests? Do they have our nation's best interests at heart? Unless something changes, what does the future of the United States look like?

Gambia President Rejects English Language

President Yahya Jammeh has given Gambian public sector
workers a weekly extra day off

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: President's decision to shift official language from English to local language comes months after its decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth

Gambia's president said that he wants to implement a policy change that would shift the country's language from English to a local language.

"We no longer subscribe to the belief that for you to be a government you should speak English language. We should speak our language," President Yahya Jammeh said during the swearing-in ceremony of Gambia's new Chief Justice that aired on state-run Gambia Television Services on Friday.

The announcement comes months after the West African country announced it is withdrawing from the Commonwealth, a collection of 54 nations made up largely of former British colonies, saying it would "never be a member of any neo-colonial institution."

The United Kingdom recently warned its citizens of rising anti-British rhetoric from the president, who last year accused the former colonial power and the United States of organizing coup attempts in the West African nation. The allegations were denied. » | AP | Sunday, March 09, 2014

Why Does Islam Get Special Treatment in Australia? - "A Cruel Culture"

Cory Bernardi defends Australian values from what he sees as a creeping Islamification, aided and enabled by some Australian politicians.

Putin More of a 'Leader' Than Obama?

Mar. 04, 2014 - 3:47 - Defying 'weak, indecisive' Obama's warnings, is Russian president more 'respected' and feared on the world stage?

Is Obama's 'Weakness' to Blame for Russia's Aggression?

Mar. 03, 2014 - 6:20 - Sen. Lindsey Graham explains why he blames President Obama for Russia's aggression in the escalating tension in the Ukraine

We Christians Live in Fear in Syria

The Armenian St. Kevork in Aleppo was burnt during fighting
between rebel fighters and Syrian government forces

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Our faith is under mortal threat, in danger of being driven into extinction, the same pattern we have seen in neighbouring Iraq

Today, the first Sunday of Lent, will see churches crowded across the globe. But here in Syria, where St Paul found his faith, many churches stand empty, targets for bombardment and desecration. Aleppo, where I have been bishop for 25 years, is devastated. We have become accustomed to the daily dose of death and destruction, but living in such uncertainty and fear exhausts the body and the mind.

We hear the thunder of bombs and the rattle of gunfire, but we don’t always know what is happening. It’s hard to describe how chaotic, terrifying and psychologically difficult it is when you have no idea what will happen next, or where the next rocket will fall. Many Christians cope with the tension by being fatalistic: that whatever happens is God’s will.

Until the war began, Syria was one of the last remaining strongholds for Christianity in the Middle East. We have 45 churches in Aleppo. But now our faith is under mortal threat, in danger of being driven into extinction, the same pattern we have seen in neighbouring Iraq.

Most Christians who could afford to leave Aleppo have already fled for Lebanon, so as to find schools for their children. Those who remain are mostly from poor families. Many can no longer put food on the table. Last year, even amid intense fighting, you could see people in the streets running around endlessly trying to find bread in one of the shops. Read on and comment » | Antoine Audo * | Saturday, March 08, 2014

* Bishop Antoine Audo SJ is the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo and president of Caritas Syria

My comment:

May God bless you, Bishop, for your sterling work; and may God bless the Christians of Syria.

I wish that our politicians would show the courage to do something meaningful to help you, instead of supplying arms to the rebels.

The Christians of the Middle East have been ignored for far, far too long. The de-Christianization of the ME is one of the tragedies of modern times. After all, the Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity. A ME without Christians would be a very sad ME indeed. – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Chris Wallace Discusses Phone Call Between Obama, Putin

Mar. 07, 2014 - 4:31 - Ukraine on the verge of a 'historic change'

Too Much? German Schools Plan to Teach 'Sexual Diversity', Parents Outraged

In Southern Germany, an initiative to teach schoolchildren tolerance toward sexual minorities has provoked an outcry from some parents. Some conservative families only want their kids taught traditional values and say its all too much too soon.

Surgery vs. 'Watchful Waiting': Study Fuels Cancer Debate

Mar. 07, 2014 - 3:10 - Dr. David Samadi weighs in

WIKI: Dr. David Samadi »

Garry Kasparov: Putin Will Go 'As Far As He's Allowed To Go'

Mar. 06, 2014 - 4:24 - Former world chess champion, political activist weighs in on crisis in Ukraine

How Do You Deal with a Power-hungry Bully Like Vladimir Putin?

listen to ‘How do you deal with a power-hungry bully like Vladimir Putin?’ on Audioboo

Muslim Censors Move to Ban 'Noah'

Mar. 07, 2014 - 2:04 - Egypt's top Islamic body angered by biblical film's portrayal of the prophet

YNET NEWS: Hollywood blockbuster 'Noah' faces ban in Arab world: Censors in Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE banned film as Islam objects to depictions of holy figures in art. Similar bans expected in Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.‬‬ » | Reuters | Saturday, March 08, 2014

As Ukraine Crisis Escalates, Obama and Biden Go on Vacation?

Mar. 07, 2014 - 3:34 - As tension between Russia and the Ukraine mounts, Pres. Obama will be in Florida while the vice president vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. What kind of message does this send to the rest of the world?

Putin Attempting to Re-establish Russian Strength?

Mar. 07, 2014 - 2:31 - Russia is guaranteeing access to warm water ports

Kerry Tries to Get Russia to 'Play Nice'

Mar. 05, 2014 - 2:34 - James Rosen reports

Max Keiser: Whenever I See David Cameron I See a Pole Dancer

Les Russes bombardés par la propagande du régime

LE FIGARO: L'ensemble de la société est absorbée dans un élan patriotique entretenu par les chaînes de télévision publiques qui relayent une vision unilatérale du conflit russo-ukrainien.

«La vérité est de notre côté»: c'est un cri du cœur qu'a lancé Dmitri Kissilev, le présentateur vedette de la chaîne Rossia 24, dimanche dernier, au plus fort de la crise ukrainienne. La sentence de l'homme qui passe pour l'un des chefs d'orchestre de l'appareil de propagande pro-russe, était formulée juste après la diffusion d'un sondage constatant la forte hausse de la cote de popularité de Vladimir Poutine et celui d'un commentaire hostile au pouvoir «sauvage» installé à Kiev, avec «l'aide des Américains». Quelques jours plus tôt, cette chaîne d'information continue s'était illustrée en interrompant brutalement, en direct, un député de Crimée expliquant que les tensions dans la péninsule étaient provoquées par les autorités locales.

Cette vision unilatérale du conflit russo-ukrainien est la seule accessible à l'immense majorité de la population, quotidiennement abreuvée par les chaînes de télévision publiques. Le quotidien gouvernemental Rossiskaya Gazeta n'est pas en reste. Celui-ci a accusé des activistes pro-Maïdan d'avoir piraté son site, inaccessible vendredi matin. Dans ces médias qui relayent les mots d'ordre du Kremlin, les troupes russes présentes en Crimée sont transformées en «groupes locaux d'autodéfense». » | Par Pierre Avril | vendredi 07 mars 2014

Krise in der Ukraine: Steinmeier sendet klare Worte nach Moskau und Kiew

Mit Blick auf die Krise auf der Krim zeigt sich Frank-Walter Steinmeier besorgt. Am Rande einer Sondersitzung der EU-Außenminister sendet er deutliche Botschaften nach Russland und in die Ukraine.

Lage zwischen Russland und Westen bleibt angespannt

In der Ukraine bleibt die Lage kritisch. Währenddessen ist eine politische Lösung des Konflikts nicht in Sicht. 30.000 Soldaten hat Russland auf der Krim stationiert.

German President Apologizes for Nazi-era Massacre

YNET NEWS: During a diplomatic trip to Greece, President Joachim Gauck visited site of 1943 atrocity to pay respect, ask the families for forgiveness.

A visibly emotional German president laid a wreath Friday at a monument in northwestern Greece to villagers massacred by German soldiers during World War II, at the end of a three-day visit that combined political talks with efforts to bring closure to wounds from the German wartime occupation of Greece.

Joachim Gauck expressed "shame" at the 1943 atrocity at Ligiades, where Nazi troops executed dozens of villagers, including months-old babies, in reprisal for a partisan attack: "With shame and pain I ask the families of those murdered for forgiveness in Germany's name."

The German president emphased: "I pay my respects to the victims of the monstrous crimes mourned here and in many places across Greece." » | Associated Press | Friday, March 07, 2014

Pentagon Confronting Putin with 'Second Best' Units?

Mar. 07, 2014 - 3:26 - Fox News military analyst retired Maj. Gen. Bob Scales weighs in

Netanyahu on Ukraine Situation, Seized Iranian Arms Shipment

Mar. 05, 2014 - 3:01 - Israeli prime minister speaks out

Diplomacy Falters as Putin Rebuffs Obama on Ukraine

Mar. 07, 2014 - 3:37 - Russian leader brushes aside U.S. warnings

Austria Becomes Part of Germany: The Anschluss 1938

Nick Clegg: 'Nigel Farage Wants to Turn the Clock Back'

Nick Clegg wants to be seen as the Stop Farage candidate in
the European elections.

THE GUARDIAN: In an interview the Liberal Democrat leader spells out plans to tackle Ukip by stressing benefits of EU membership

In perhaps the most cited speech of any Liberal leader, Jo Grimond closed the Liberal assembly in 1963, ahead of the 1964 election, with the promise: "I intend to march my troops to the sound of gunfire."

Nick Clegg, as he faces the European elections in May, has set his party on the same course. Faced with ever growing hostility to the EU, and to immigration, Clegg has decided to present the Liberal Democrats unambiguously as the party of "in" and of openness. He wants to be seen in these elections as the Stop Farage candidate and to make the debate about the very character of Britain. The planned TV debate with the Ukip leader will give him a chance not just to stand up to Farage, but to stand up for a Britain that does not want to hide.

There is an element of calculation in this. In a crowded field the Liberal Democrats risk being ignored and dumped into fourth place with Ukip replacing the Lib Dems as the amorphous party of protest. The Lib Dems may well be the party of in, but also come polling day the party of out, with all 12 of its MEPs expelled from the European parliament. It's not an outcome that Clegg discounts, saying simply if he is to lose any of his MEPs the thing he would hate most is losing them without a fight. » | Patrick Wintour, political editor | Friday, March 07, 2014

Merkel Backs Call for EU School Lessons to Counter 'Growing Euro-scepticism'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Irish Prime
Minister Enda Kenny

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The German Chancellor wants "EU education in schools across Europe to prepare the next generation and to nurture a European approach"

School students should be given a "European Union education" in the classroom to tackle "ignorance" and growing public Euro-scepticism, according to an election manifesto signed by Angela Merkel and eight other of Europe's leaders.

The European People’s Party (EPP), the EU’s biggest political grouping, is convinced such a programme would improve the public image of Brussels, which has never been lower.

Its manifesto for May’s European elections calls for the introduction of “EU education in schools across Europe in order to prepare the next generation for future challenges and to nurture a European approach”.

“Europe has been in crisis for more than five years. Many people, especially the young, do not foresee a positive future. Euroscepticism is growing,” the manifesto said.

“United, we can make sure that young people look at the future with optimism, hope and confidence.” » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Friday, March 07, 2014

Putin Mocks the West and Threatens to Turn Off Gas Supplies

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russian leader says does not want 'new cold war' but threatens to disrupt European gas supplies

Vladimir Putin has mocked diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine crisis as Russia threatened to disrupt European gas supplies by cutting off sales to Kiev over its unpaid debts.

The Russian president said through his official spokesman that, despite deep disagreements with the West, he did not want a confrontation over Ukraine to spiral into a “new cold war”.

Nevertheless Dmitry Peskov ridiculed Western demands for direct talks between the Kremlin and the new Kiev government, claiming that the loss of credibility involved “puts a smile on our face”.

The remarks were broadcast during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, where the Ukrainian athlete carrying her national flag was given a loud cheer.

Earlier, Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, said it would start to reduce deliveries to Kiev, a move that would disrupt supplies to Europe. Gazprom said Ukraine had failed to make payments on its £1.2 billion debts. » | Damien McElroy, Donetsk | Friday, March 07, 2014

Muslim Brotherhood Is a Terrorist Group, Says Saudi Arabia

Pro-Morsi protestor flashes the four-finger sign for the Muslim
Brotherhood TV channel, Rabaa, during a rally in Istanbul.

THE GUARDIAN: Statement on Saudi TV also lists Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) as terrorist organisations

Saudi Arabia has formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group in an official report on Saudi television.

Citing a statement by the interior ministry, the report added that the Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) – whose fighters are battling the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad – were also classed as terror organisations.

The move on Friday appeared to enforce last month's royal decree in which Riyadh said it would jail any citizen guilty of fighting in conflicts overseas for up to 20 years. The authorities want to deter Saudis from joining rebels in Syria, fearing they could pose a security risk when they return. » | Reuters in Riyadh | Friday, March 07, 2014

Afghanistan Still One of the Worst Places to Be a Woman, Says EU Ambassador

THE GUARDIAN: Franz-Michael Mellbin criticises prosecution of 'moral crimes' and says Hamid Karzai's government has failed Afghan women

President Hamid Karzai's government has let down Afghan women, according to the new EU ambassador to Kabul, who singled out the failure to end prosecution of rape victims and other abused women for "moral crimes" as a particular "disgrace".

Franz-Michael Mellbin said that despite huge practical improvements in areas from maternal mortality to the number of girls in schools, Afghanistan was still one of the worst places to be a woman and a frontline in the global battle for women's rights.

Mellbin, who previously served in Afghanistan as the Danish envoy, declined to criticise Karzai directly but said the government overall had failed in its responsibilities to be a voice for women's rights, as conservatives opposed to women having any role outside the home gathered strength. » | Emma Graham-Harrison in Kabul | Friday, March 07, 2014

Hannity: Why I Said I'm Humiliated for My Country

Mar. 07, 2014 - 2:16 - Sean Hannity explains the controversial comment he made on his radio show

Worlds Apart: 'US Economic Leverage Against Russia Limited': Dr Angela Stent

Russian - U.S. relations have always been a fragile mix of rivalry and pragmatism. And as the Ukraine crisis highlighted, bursts of cooperation achieved by 'resetting' the relations, are easily undone. Can the two powers find common ground on Ukraine or will their relationship continue to 'overload'? Oksana is joined by Dr Angela Stent, the Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies, to unravel these issues.

Wie Hitler Österreich "eroberte" !

Dokumentarfilm über die Zusammenhänge des Anschlusses Österreich´s an Deutschland.

Das deutsche Wien – Der Anschluß – März 1938

The happy population of Vienna welcoming the liberator forces of the German Wehrmacht!

The Anschluss – Austria's Hour of Shame

Doku: Hitlers Österreich: Der Anscluß

Als Anschluss Österreichs oder kurz „Anschluss" wird der Einmarsch deutscher Wehrmachts-, SS- und Polizeieinheiten in Österreich am 12. März 1938 und die darauffolgende De-facto-Annexion Österreichs durch das nationalsozialistische Deutsche Reich bezeichnet.

Durch das am 13. März 1938 von der österreichischen Bundesregierung -- ohne Parlament -- verabschiedete Gesetz über die Wiedervereinigung Österreichs mit dem Deutschen Reich wurde die Diktatur des Ständestaates bzw. des Austrofaschismus (seit 1934) vom nationalsozialistischen Regime unter Adolf Hitler abgelöst.

Mit diesem Tag endete die staatliche Existenz Österreichs. Die Zeit der NS-Herrschaft in Österreich sollte fast bis zum Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges im Mai 1945 dauern.

America in Decline

Mar. 06, 2014 - 4:05 - Talking Points 3/6

Hillary Clinton Compares Putin to Hitler

Mar. 06, 2014 - 5:22 - Charles Lanes on Hillary Clinton's controversial comments

Krim will zu Russland: Russland wird die Krim willkommen heissen

Das russische Parlament will das Ergebnis der geplanten Volksabstimmung über die Zukunft der ukrainischen Halbinsel Krim anerkennen. Es nimmt dabei einen pro-russischen Entscheid vorweg. Russland und die Führung auf der Krim bereiten die Abstimmung vor.