WAR 09-05-2015-to-09-11-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****

[Housecarl]

(179) 08-15-2015-to-08-21-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...21-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****

(180) 08-22-2015-to-08-28-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...28-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****

(181) 08-29-2015-to-09-04-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...04-2015_____****THE****WINDS****of****WAR****

___

Saudi Arabia/10 Nation coalition are bombing YEMEN
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...-10-Nation-coalition-are-bombing-YEMEN/page30

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0R507Y20150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 9:47am EDT
Related: World, Yemen

UAE hits Houthi targets in Yemen with air strikes, buries soldiers

SANAA | By Mohammed Ghobari


Warplanes from the United Arab Emirates struck Houthi targets across Yemen, state news agency WAM said on Saturday, a day after 60 soldiers from a Saudi-led coalition, mostly Emiratis, were killed in an attack on their base in central Yemen.

Apart from 45 Emiratis and five Bahrainis, Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV reported on Saturday that 10 Saudi soldiers were also killed in the attack in Marib on Friday, quoting Brigadier-General Ahmed al-Asiri, the spokesman of the coalition.

WAM said the UAE air force struck a mine-making plant in the Houthi-dominated Saada province in northern Yemen, as well as military camps and weapon stores in the central Ibb province and in the capital Sanaa, causing "heavy damage".

Sanaa residents said the Houthi-controlled Defence Ministry building and the command of the special security forces were among the targets hit in further strikes by Saudi-led forces overnight.

The bodies of the Emirati soldiers killed in the attack on their base in Marib province were taken to Abu Dhabi aboard an air force transport plane. Funerals were being held on Saturday. The UAE government has announced a three-day mourning period.

Bahraini officials said the five soldiers killed in the attack were also being buried on Saturday.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told the Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV that the troops were killed when a surface-to-surface missile struck a weapons storage facility at the Marib base.


Related Coverage
› Ten Saudi soldiers killed Houthi strike on Yemen weapons store

Friday's death toll was the highest for the coalition since it began its assault on the Houthis in March, and is one of the worst losses of life in the history of the UAE military.

The UAE has played a key role in a Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting the Houthis after they pushed Yemen's President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile and took over much of the country.

UAE forces assisted fighters loyal to Hadi in driving out Houthis and their allies from the southern port city of Aden, in a key victory for the coalition.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reported several deaths of soldiers in Yemen since March, but the total death toll for the coalition was not clear.


"HORRIFIC EXPLOSIONS"

Abu Dhabi shares Riyadh's view that the Houthis are proxies of Shi'ite power Iran, accusing it of trying to expand its influence in Arab lands in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. The Houthis, who belong to the Zaydi branch of Shi'ite Islam, deny acting on behalf of Tehran and say they revolted against corruption.

More than 4,000 Yemenis have died in the same period.

Hadi loyalists, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, had been massing troops and weapons in Marib in preparation for an assault on the capital, which the Houthis seized in September last year.

"The incident itself does not change the balance that is there," Gargash said in an interview with the Dubai-based al- Arabiya TV. "Marib will fall to the coalition," he added.

Residents in Sanaa fear the coalition will step up its raids even further to retaliate for the attack.

"I was close to the raid that hit the command of the special security forces, the explosions were horrific, I felt that the ground was shaking beneath me and people were running away out of fear," said Shawqi, a taxi driver.


(Additional reporting by Reem Shamseddine; Editing by Sami Aboudi and Raissa Kasolowsky)

 

[Housecarl]

Main Islamic State (ISIS) thread
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?451597-Main-Islamic-State-(ISIS)-thread/page153

Well this isn't going to end well.....

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-mideast-crisis-turkey-soldier-idUSKCN0R50K420150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 9:57am EDT
Related: World, Syria

Missing Turkish soldier seen in Islamic State hands: Hurriyet

ANKARA | By Jonny Hogg


A Turkish soldier who went missing this week on the border with Syrian territory controlled by Islamic State has been seen in a hospital run by the militants, Hurriyet newspaper reported on Saturday.

If confirmed, the soldier's capture would be a major problem for Turkey, after it stepped up military action against Islamic State in July, opening its air bases to U.S.-led coalition war planes and launching air strikes.

The soldier vanished and another was killed in cross-border shooting with Islamic State fighters on Tuesday near the Turkish town of Kilis, close to Syrian territory that has been under Islamic State control for months.

According to security sources citing intelligence reports, Hurriyet Daily News reported that the soldier had been wounded in the foot and was taken by militants to a hospital under their control close to the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Turkish officials declined to comment.

Late last month, Islamic State released a video accusing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan of "treachery", and urged Turks to rise up against him.

This would not be the first time Islamic State has held Turkish hostages. Last year 46 Turks, including senior diplomats, were kept captive for more than three months before being released.

They were freed at a time when Ankara was still being reluctant to engage in efforts to stop Islamic State's spread, a policy it changed in July.

The timing of the capture is also politically problematic for Erdogan and his AK Party, which is preparing for a second election in November after losing its parliamentary majority in a June vote.

Polls have consistently showed little appetite amongst Turks for greater involvement in the Middle East conflagration, and this incident will likely be leapt upon by Erdogan's opponents, who are strongly critical of his foreign policy.


(Reporting by Jonny Hogg and Orhan Coskun; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-mideast-crisis-syria-marea-idUSKCN0R50DB20150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 7:46am EDT
Related: World, Turkey, Syria

At least 47 killed in clashes between Islamic State and Syrian rebels: monitor

BEIRUT

At least 47 fighters were killed in clashes between the Islamic State group and rival Syrian rebels, a monitor said on Saturday, in an area where the United States and Turkey are planning to open a new front against Islamic State militants.

The renewed fighting raged on Friday around the rebel-held town of Marea, 20 km (12 miles) from the Turkish border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The area falls within a "safe zone" Turkey said last month it would set up in northern Syria to help keep Islamic State at bay.

Islamic State said late Friday it had waged a fresh assault on Marea, killing "dozens" of Syrian rebels fighting against it.

The group last week encircled Marea, taking several villages around the town, in a blow to rebels who are likely partners for Ankara and Washington in any ground campaign.

A loss of Marea would make it harder for Turkey and the United States to open a new front against Islamic State.

Western-backed rebels have sent in reinforcements from other parts of Aleppo province to try to beat back the jihadists, according to a rebel fighter.

Islamic State holds large swathes of territory across Syria and Iraq, and has advanced in other areas of Syria in recent months. It is fighting rival insurgents, the Syrian military and Kurdish regional forces alike in Syria's four-year-old civil war.


(Reporting by John Davison; Editing by Alison Williams and Mark Potter)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-tajikistan-violence-idUSKCN0R50CC20150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 9:54am EDT
Related: World

Tajik police say close in on renegade general after clashes

MOSCOW/ALMATY | By Vladimir Soldatkin and Dmitry Solovyov

Police in Tajikistan said on Saturday they had closed in on a sacked deputy defense minister accused of leading gun attacks around the capital Dushanbe, amid rising tension between the pro-Moscow secular government and Islamist opposition.

Nine police officers and 13 rebels were killed in Friday's clashes in Dushanbe and the nearby city of Vahdat, police said.

Following the attacks, security forces in the Central Asian nation pursued the insurgents, led by renegade general Abdulkhalim Mirzo Nazarzod, to a gorge some 150 km (95 miles) from the city. Nazarzod was dismissed by President Imomali Rakhmon on Friday for "committing a crime".

"The territory has been completely surrounded, the operation to apprehend and neutralize the criminals is under way," the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

A Dushanbe journalist told Reuters by telephone the city was quiet on Saturday, and shops and businesses were open as normal.

But the outbreak of violence has raised fears of a return to unrest in Tajikistan, a hard-up Muslim nation of 8 million, still volatile after a 1992-97 civil war between the Moscow-backed government and Islamist opposition.

Nazarzod is a member of the main opposition Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), and a former opposition militiaman. He was brought into the Tajik armed forces under a 1997 peace deal to end the conflict which killed tens of thousands.


Related Coverage
› Tajik police post attacked, some casualties: agencies

Rakhmon, a former head of a Soviet state farm who has ruled since 1992 with little tolerance of dissent, has locked horns with the Islamist opposition in what his opponents say is an illegal crackdown.

Russia supported Rakhmon during the civil war and still keeps a 6,000-strong military base in Tajikistan.

Muhiddin Kabiri, the head of the IRPT, fled abroad in June to avoid what he called trumped up criminal charges which the authorities were planning to bring against him.

"The pressure the ruling regime is exerting on my party is not good for stability, on the contrary, it is giving rise to radical ideas," he said at the time.

IRPT leaders remaining in Tajikistan could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

The latest bout of violence "is beyond all doubt a reaction to Rakhmon's Islamophobia", said Kazakhstan-based Central Asia political analyst Alexander Knyazev.

"It looks like Rakhmon will now tighten the screws to totally suppress any sort of dissent," he told Reuters.

Russia says it is worried by the security situation in Central Asia following the withdrawal of NATO troops from next-door Afghanistan.

However critics say tough official measures to stamp out Islamist militancy risk provoking a backlash across Central Asia, including Tajikistan. Risks of a spillover from Islamic State in Syria and Iraq have added to fears of unrest.

The Interior Ministry said the army and special forces were involved in the operation in Ramit Gorge, in which 32 insurgents were arrested.

The violence prompted the U.S. embassy in Dushanbe to shut. A statement on its website said the incidents "may be precursors to other acts of violence."


(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Ros Russell)

 

[Housecarl]

Iran Deal - Done - Obama to give statement 7 AM EDT; Congress has 60 days to review
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...7-AM-EDT-Congress-has-60-days-to-review/page5

Hummm.....

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/04/us-usa-saudi-jubeir-idUSKCN0R42D420150904

Politics | Fri Sep 4, 2015 7:03pm EDT
Related: World, Politics, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia satisfied with Obama's assurances on Iran deal

WASHINGTON | By Yeganeh Torbati and Julia Edwards

Saudi Arabia is satisfied with assurances from U.S. President Barack Obama about the Iran nuclear deal and believes the agreement will contribute to security and stability in the Middle East, a senior Saudi official said on Friday.

Saudi King Salman met with Obama at the White House on Friday to seek more support in countering Iran, as the Obama administration aimed to use the visit to shore up relations after a period of tensions.

The visit is the king's first to the United States since ascending to the throne in January 2015, and comes after the United States agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in July.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship has suffered strain because of what Riyadh sees as Obama's withdrawal from the region, a lack of direct U.S. action against President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and a perceived U.S. tilt towards Iran since the 2011 Arab uprisings.

But the countries share many strategic objectives and depend on each other on a number of core security, economic, and political issues.

Speaking after the meeting between Obama and Salman, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Obama had assured the Saudi king that the agreement prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, includes inspections of military and suspected sites, and has a provision for the snapback of sanctions if Iran violates the agreement.

Under those conditions, al-Jubeir said, Saudi Arabia supported the deal.

"Now we have one less problem for the time being to deal with, with regards to Iran," al-Jubeir said. "We can now focus more intensely on the nefarious activities that Iran is engaged in the region."

Gulf Arab states had previously expressed their support for the Iran nuclear deal, but fear that the lifting of sanctions on Iran would enable it to pursue destabilizing policies in the Middle East.

Salman skipped a Gulf Arab summit at Camp David in May, a move widely seen as a diplomatic snub over Obama's Iran strategy, though both governments denied that interpretation.

Critics say the nuclear deal will empower Iran economically to increase its support of militant groups in the region.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are opposed on a number of regional issues, especially the 4 1/2-year-long Syrian civil war and unrest in Yemen, where a coalition of Arab states led by Riyadh, assisted by the United States, are targeting Iran-allied Houthi forces.

Obama said on Friday that he and Salman share concerns about Yemen and the need to restore a functioning government and address the humanitarian situation there.

U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said ahead of Salman's visit that the United States believed more care needs to be taken to avoid civilian casualties in the air strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen.

Al-Jubeir said on Friday that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen was being exacerbated by the Houthis and that supplies were at risk of being diverted from Yemenis who need them most, but that Saudi Arabia was working with international organizations to send supplies to Yemen.

A Saudi-led coalition has been conducting air strikes across Yemen against Iranian-allied Houthi forces since March, pushing back Houthi forces but drawing criticism from international aid and rights groups for a mounting civilian death toll.

Saudi Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman also met on Friday with U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and the two discussed Saudi Arabia's underlying defense requirements, the Pentagon said.

The Obama administration is focused on providing the assistance that the president promised at the Camp David summit, including helping Gulf states integrate ballistic missile defense systems and beef up cyber and maritime security.

Saudi Arabia remains the world's largest oil exporter, and its commitment to pumping oil freely despite a recent price decline has helped contribute to sustaining the U.S. economic recovery. Obama and Salman will discuss the world economy and energy issues, Obama told reporters on Friday.

Saudi Arabia has also joined the United States and other Arab states in air strikes against the Islamic State jihadist movement in Syria, also called ISIS.

"We continue to cooperate extremely closely in countering terrorist activities in the region and around the world, including the battle against ISIS," Obama said on Friday.

Obama and Salman discussed the potential fast-tracking of the release of American military technology and weapons systems to Saudi Arabia, al-Jubeir said, and discussed a "new strategic partnership" between the two countries, although he gave few details.

The Gulf state is in advanced discussions with the U.S. government about buying two frigates based on a coastal warship that Lockheed Martin Corp is building for the U.S. Navy, a deal valued at well over $1 billion.

The sale would be the cornerstone of a long-delayed multibillion-dollar modernization of the Royal Saudi Navy's Gulf-patrolling eastern fleet of aging U.S. warships and would include smaller patrol boats.


(Editing by Ken Wills, Tom Brown and Diane Craft)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-mideast-crisis-france-idUSKCN0R50A020150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 6:03am EDT
Related: World

France considers air strikes on Islamic State in Syria: Le Monde

PARIS

France is considering conducting air strikes on Islamic State in Syria, joining an international coalition led by the United States, Le Monde newspaper said on its website on Saturday, quoting an unnamed "high level source".

Government officials declined to comment on the report, saying President Francois Hollande would express his views on the matter at a news conference on Monday.

France was the first country to join the U.S.-led coalition carrying out air strikes on Islamic State in Iraq, but had ruled out doing so in Syria, fearing that would benefit President Bashar al-Assad. It has supplied arms to what it considers moderate rebels fighting the Assad regime.

But Europe's refugee crisis, largely caused by vast numbers of people fleeing the civil war in Syria, the failure to push back Islamic State and a rising presence of Russia in the region may prompt a change in policy, Le Monde reported, saying Hollande discussed the issue with his defense team at a meeting on Friday.


(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide and Elizabeth Pineau; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/05/us-morocco-election-idUSKCN0R506L20150905

World | Sat Sep 5, 2015 7:43am EDT
Related: World

Morocco's PAM party, Islamists win most seats in local vote: results

RABAT

A political party formed by a close associate of Morocco's king secured most seats in local elections on Friday, closely followed by the ruling Islamist party which also won in major cities, according to preliminary results.

Moroccans voted on Friday in elections seen as a test for the ruling Islamists Justice and Development Party, or PJD, in the first ballot for local and regional assemblies since the king introduced reforms to ease protests in 2011.

The interior ministry said with votes for 80 percent of seats nationwide counted, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, or PAM, won 20 percent followed by the PJD with 17 percent, but the Islamists had won in major cities such as Casablanca, Tangiers, Rabat and Agadir.

Turnout was 52 percent almost the same as in the last local elections in 2009.

With limited reforms, heavier public spending and tough state security measures, four years ago Morocco managed to calm protests that echoed those that brought down autocratic leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya in 2011.

Under the new constitution, the king also retained his grip on security, the army and religion. No major parties challenged the king's authority in the local elections.


(Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi; writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Susan Fenton)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/worl...ans-on-minibus-in-north-afghanistan-1.2341670

Gunmen kill 13 civilians on minibus in north Afghanistan

Almost 5,000 civilians died in fighting and attacks in Afghanistan in first half of 2015

Sat, Sep 5, 2015, 14:37

At least 13 people were killed by gunmen who attacked a minibus in north Afghanistan on Saturday, local officials said.

All victims belonged to the largely Shia Hazara ethnic minority that was persecuted by the hardline Sunni Taliban during their rule in 1996-2001, said Jafar Haidari, district governor of Zari in Balkh province, where the attack took place.

Last month gunmen kidnapped 12 Hazaras from a car in east Afghanistan, days after suspected Taliban fighters kidnapped and killed four Hazaras in the same province.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack. Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the Balkh governor, said an investigation team had been sent to the area.

Almost 5,000 civilians died in fighting and attacks in Afghanistan in the first half of 2015, the United Nations says, attributing around 70 per cent of the killings to the Taliban.

The Islamist militants were ousted from power by a US-led coalition in 2001 and are waging an insurgency against the foreign-backed government.

 

[Housecarl]

This isn't a newly hypothecated idea but it is being noted again.....

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://dailysignal.com/2015/09/05/iran-could-outsource-its-nuclear-program-to-north-korea/

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_op..._iran_north_korea_a_match_made_in_nuke_heaven

Brookes: Iran, North Korea a match made in nuke heaven

Wednesday, September 2, 2015
0 Comments
By: Peter Brookes

Of the myriad of mind-blowing flaws contained in the Iran nuclear deal — a subject that has dominated the foreign policy debate across the country this summer — there’s one angle that hasn’t gotten enough attention.

It’s the possibility that Iran could outsource its nuclear program.

In other words, Tehran could play along with the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the U.K. and the United States) as set forth in the July Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in Vienna.

But at the same time, Iran could collaborate with another state to advance its nuclear weapons program — outside the prying eyes of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s inspectors operating inside the Islamic Republic.

What better candidate for cooperation than Pyongyang?

First, there’s no doubt that North Korea has the bomb, having conducted three tests (2006, 2009 and 2013), possibly using both plutonium and uranium.

Next, according to some U.S. government assessments, Pyongyang may have already miniaturized the underground testing device into a nuclear warhead, capable of being mated to a ballistic missile.

Plus, North Korea has been willing to share its nuclear know-how. Remember the furtive Syrian nuclear facility that the Israeli air force demolished in 2007?

Pyongyang was building that covert nuclear complex — no doubt for proliferation and not peaceful power purposes — for its pal, Damascus.

Moreover, while public evidence is often scarce and sometimes sketchy, there’s good reason to believe that North Korea and Iran already have some sort of security relationship.

For instance, it’s been asserted that some Iranian ballistic missiles (for example, Shahab) are based on North Korean ballistic missile technology (the No Dong) or transfers (the Scud).

(For its part, Pyongyang might also want assistance from Tehran on its space launch/satellite/long-range ballistic missile programs to fill in its current technological weaknesses in areas where Iran has excelled.)

As such, since ongoing tech ties can probably be assumed, not a lot of diplomatic spade work needs to be done to begin some level of “nuclear networking” between North Korea and Iran.

If, as many suspect, that isn’t already ongoing.

Lastly, neither country is a fan of the United States. From a strategic perspective, both Iran and North Korea would benefit from the existence of another that threatens America with nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Essentially, there’s plenty of motivation for these two states to get together on nuclear and/or missile matters.

We can expect that we’ll hear an even more full-throated defense of the Iran nuclear deal from Team Obama in the days to come with Congress returning after August recess, based on the notion that the pact has temporarily restricted Iran’s nuclear program.

But even if you believe the deal has some hope of constraining Iran’s nuclear weapons development in the near term, there’s no sign it has ended Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s atomic aspirations for the long term.

Iran’s protestations to the contrary, it seems clear the Islamic Republic was actively pursuing the bomb; that likely hasn’t changed.

This means that not only should we expect that Tehran will look to move forward within the framework of the Vienna-hatched deal on its nuclear program, but also move forward without the agreement using the possible assistance of a partner like Pyongyang.

Peter Brookes is a Heritage Foundation senior fellow and a former deputy assistant secretary of defense. Follow him on Twitter @Brookes_Peter.

 

[willdo]

If you go back and read the headlines with regard to Iran and how close they were to building a nuke from a decade ago, or two decades ago, you would have a very difficult time determining the date of the report, because they sound EXACTLY like one written today. There is little doubt in my mind that they could have nuke weapons. The only thing that gives me some hope that they haven't achieved or acquired it yet, is that Israel would have taken it out. They will have zero tolerance for Iran gaining a nuke, and they are the most capable intelligence operatives on this planet; they would know.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.voanews.com/content/anal...de-a-bazaar-of-stolen-technology/2946768.html

Analysts: Beijing Parade a 'Bazaar' of Stolen Technology

Saibal Dasgupta
September 04, 2015 7:10 AM
Comments 45

BEIJING — The massive military parade in Beijing this week showcased China’s latest weapons, unveiling many to the public for the first time. But weapons experts say the systems on display showed hallmarks of China’s reputation for stealing technology and adapting it to its requirements.

The show involved long, medium and short range missiles, a range of tanks and 200 fighter aircraft. The Chinese government said that all the equipment had been made indigenously, attesting to the success of the country’s military industrial capability and the estimated $145 billion spent on the military in 2015.

“The parade was a bazaar of stolen intellectual property,” said Michael Raska, senior fellow at the Singapore-based Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies.

The researcher said it is possible to identify components and designs in different equipment, which have been sourced from other countries in a dubious manner.

Cloned technology

Citing a specific example, Raska said, “The HQ-6A launchers that we saw at the parade are based conceptually on the cloned Italian Alenia Aspide missile, itself which is based on the US RIM-7E/F Sparrow.”


Military vehicles carry radar arrays for HQ-6A surface-to-air missile batteries during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2015.
Military vehicles carry radar arrays for HQ-6A surface-to-air missile batteries during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2015.


Raska said the Chinese J-15 naval fighter is based on adaptation of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-33.

The United States has repeatedly accused China in recent years of cybertheft of U.S. technology and weapons systems on a grand scale. U.S. defense contractors have alleged that China’s J-31 stealth fighter is largely based on stolen technology of the U.S. F-35.


A KJ-200 airborne early warning and control plane, left, a Y-8J radar plane, center, and a Y-9JB radar plane, right, fly in formation during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2015.
A KJ-200 airborne early warning and control plane, left, a Y-8J radar plane, center, and a Y-9JB radar plane, right, fly in formation during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2015.

The United States last year said that Chinese army hackers had stolen trade secrets from six U.S. nuclear, steel and clean-energy companies, directly resulting in “substantial” loss of jobs, competitive edge and markets.

“This is a case alleging economic espionage by members of the Chinese military… to advantage state-owned companies and other interests in China,” then-U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said.

But Raska said China has passed the stage where they were “emulators and copiers” and reached what experts describe as the point of “IDAR,” which means identify, digest, absorb and reinvest technologies.

Mix-and-match

Analysts said it is not easy for countries and companies that produced an original technology to prove that it was stolen by China. Component designs are mixed and matched across different categories of weapons before they are remodeled and manufactured in China.

China may also be using its diplomatic relationships with countries that have acquired Western weapons and do not mind passing on acquired technologies to Chinese scientists.

But even with such technology sharing from countries friendly with China, Jagganath Panda, a research fellow at the Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, said the country’s investments in its military have paid off.

“We need to accept that China has been hugely successful in developing a strong military industrial production capability,” he said.

In recent years China has sold drones, warships, submarines and air defense systems to developing countries, becoming the world’s third largest arms exporter behind the United States and Russia.

Indeed, one major point of Thursday’s military parade may have been to display the country's newest advanced systems to interested buyers, and bolster China’s reputation as an emerging military power.

WATCH: Related video report by William Ide


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[Housecarl]

If you go back and read the headlines with regard to Iran and how close they were to building a nuke from a decade ago, or two decades ago, you would have a very difficult time determining the date of the report, because they sound EXACTLY like one written today. There is little doubt in my mind that they could have nuke weapons. The only thing that gives me some hope that they haven't achieved or acquired it yet, is that Israel would have taken it out. They will have zero tolerance for Iran gaining a nuke, and they are the most capable intelligence operatives on this planet; they would know.

I'm going to sound like a broken record to those who've read this from me before.....

First, I suggest reading what's available open source of the results of the LLNL/UC Berkeley "Nth Country" study/experiment....

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/NC/nuchis.html
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/news/20030701/nth-country.pdf

Started in 1964 and completed in 1967 the study concluded that with the available "open source" material and knowledge the design of a workable implosion fission weapon was easily within the capabilities of a nation state with even a limited industrial base. The "limiter" is getting ahold of the weapons grade fissionable material to fuel the weapon; whether through purchase from a 3rd party or domestically generated. (For references look at what's been published regarding the UK, French, South African, Pakistani, Indian, Swiss, Italian and Swedish programs.)

Bottom line is you're looking at as a baseline 1940s munitions engineering taking advantage of modern readily available electronics, tooling and computer aided design technologies.

Another way to look at this is that in 1945 after conducting a crash program that started in 1942 the US had a 9700 lb "gun-type" weapon and a 10,000 lb "implosion-type" weapon (ETA: The full story is a lot more complicated (including UK, German and French involvement) and to do it justice would require a documentary at least as long as Ken Burns' works on the Civil War or Baseball, NOVA's recent work is good but still leaves out some stuff). Starting in 1949, the US Army began design work on a "gun-type" 11 inch nuclear artillery shell. By 1952 they had one weighing 850 lbs with the same 15 Kt yield as the first "gun-type" weapon, Little Boy, that was dropped on Hiroshima (ETA: A similarly miniaturized implosion weapon for missile, depth charge and tactical aircraft delivery weighing in at 1000 lbs, didn't arrive until 1955).

http://i.imgur.com/1I652ts.jpg

That it is known by everyone that it is possible to do this, since it has already been done, makes doing it again by someone else all the easier. The physics are already known, it is just a matter of getting the engineering correct (with the devil being in the details of course) and getting the materials.

So with that all in mind, yes Iran very likely has "the Bomb". The question next is do they have them fully assembled or do they have everything but the fissionable fuel for them. They've already got the delivery systems (missiles and aircraft).

As to Israel taking "them out", the "balancing act" the Israeli leadership has had to go through regarding Iran with US involvement in Iraq and all of the other intertwining "Great Game 2.0" moves being made in the region have pretty much stayed their hand short of resorting to nuclear weapons themselves at this point, though they did take out a Syrian nuclear facility before the civil war and Saddam's reactor.

 

[energy_wave]

This chart shows just how massive the US Navy is...

The US Navy is the unquestioned dominant naval force in the world.

In terms of both absolute tonnage and technical superiority, the US Navy is the world's largest and most advanced maritime military force. The capabilities of the US Navy are further enhanced and augmented by its military alliances such as NATO, in which the US plays a key role.

The following graphic from Naval Graphics shows every vessel serving in the US Navy as of April:

Link to larger view...
http://i.imgur.com/awVKTLr.jpg

The backbone of the US Navy and the major tool of American power projection around the world is the aircraft carrier. The US employs 10 carriers in its fleet, by far the most of any nation. India, which is constructing its third carrier, has the second-most carriers in the world.

A second major advantage that the US has is its fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines. These vessels are capable of operating for months at a time between restocking supplies and function as a nuclear deterrent and can serve in a hunting role against enemy submarines and ships.

http://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-all-the-ships-in-the-us-navy-2015-4

 

[Housecarl]

This chart shows just how massive the US Navy is...



The following graphic from Naval Graphics shows every vessel serving in the US Navy as of April:

Link to larger view...
http://i.imgur.com/awVKTLr.jpg



http://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-all-the-ships-in-the-us-navy-2015-4

It is impressive when displayed in that manner. That being said it has to be remembered that they're not at sea all the time and that it is a big planet mostly covered with water.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/as--thailand-constitution-761f647b9f.html

Thailand's army-backed council rejects charter, delays polls

Sep 6, 2:06 AM (ET)
By GRANT PECK and HRVOJE HRANJSKI

(AP) Thienchai Kiranan, president of Thailand's legislature, known as the National Reform...
Full Image

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military-backed legislature on Sunday rejected an unpopular draft of a new constitution, delaying a return to democracy following a coup last year.

The junta-picked drafters had hoped the proposed charter would move the Southeast Asian country past almost a decade of political conflicts, but it was met with strong opposition on almost all sides of political divide.

The legislature appointed by the junta, known as the National Reform Council, voted 135 against vs. 105 in favor with seven abstentions. The rejection, although welcomed by many, still sets back a tentative plan for Thailand's transition to electoral democracy, with the military retaining substantial powers until a new constitution is drafted.

A new 21-member drafting committee will now be appointed with a mandate to write a new charter within 180 days. It also needs approval by the legislature and will be put to a referendum — meaning elections aren't likely until at least 2017, according to analysts, if the new draft is approved.

(AP) Thienchai Kiranan, right, president of Thailand's legislature, known as the National...
Full Image

The government had previously said elections could take place late next year.

One of the most contentious provisions in the draft included a 23-member panel, with military members, that would be empowered to take over from the parliament and prime minister in times of "national crisis."

Almost all parties criticized it, and the draft risked being voted down in a referendum that had been planned for early next year.

Any new charter under the junta appeared aimed at preventing a political comeback by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in 2006 after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the revered king. Thailand has remained divided since, with Thaksin supporters and opponents struggling for power at the ballot box and in the streets, sometimes violently.

The military abolished an earlier constitution after it deposed Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, as prime minister last year, and the government operates under a temporary charter. The junta later picked the drafters and the 247-member National Reform Council to help write a new constitution.

(AP) Thailand's legislature, known as the National Reform Council, stands after they...
Full Image

"We might not be able to say that this is a true democracy as viewed in the Western world; it is transitional democracy," Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Constitution Drafting Committee, said before the vote Sunday.

He defended the draft as necessary to lessen the supremacy of few political parties, saying that since Thailand became a democracy in 1932, "we found that we haven't had any political stability."

"There have been elections and coups during all these 83 years. In the past 10 years, we had two coups already. And two political parties came to power but they couldn't solve problems," he said.

The draft also envisioned an upper house that's only partially elected — 123 out of 200 members would be appointed. A prime minister also could be appointed without having to win a parliamentary seat, as was the case in the past.

Both supporters of Thaksin and his opponents, and academics and activists have criticized the draft, while the ruling military has stifled public debate on it.

Although the rejection of the draft delays a return to democracy, it is still better than a "meaningless election" that would take place if the draft had been approved, said Chaturon Chaiseng, an outspoken critic of the junta who had served in previous governments headed by Thaksin and Yingluck.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150904/un-united-nations-south-sudan-6d882da669.html

UN threatens sanctions if South Sudan peace deal isn't kept

Sep 4, 7:32 PM (ET)
By EDITH M. LEDERER

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Diplomats say the United Nations Security Council is discussing imposing sanctions on two more South Sudanese individuals for continuing to fuel the conflict in the world's newest nation.

The council called for an immediate end to fighting in a statement after a closed-door meeting Friday and again threatened sanctions if the government and opposition don't fully implement the peace agreement they recently signed.

The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private, said U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power raised the possibility of imposing an arms embargo and travel ban on one individual each from the government and the opposition.

The council welcomed the commitment by South Sudan's feuding president and ex-vice president to halt military operations but expressed "deep concern" at recent reports of fighting.

 

[Housecarl]

We can only imagine how Pyongyang is going to react to this one.....

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/bbc-plans-radio-service-in-n-korea

BBC 'plans radio service in N. Korea'

Published 9 hours ago

LONDON • The BBC plans to launch a radio news service for broadcast into North Korea as part of an expansion of its World Service offering, according to a source.

The British service broadcaster also wants to offer new and expanded services to Russia, Africa, India and the Middle East, added the source close to the matter yesterday.

It could lead to the BBC launching a daily news programme for North Korea, in a move that risks unsettling diplomatic relations between London and Pyongyang.

The BBC is also said to be looking into creating a satellite TV service for Russian speakers, and is expected to seek extra public funding for the expansion.

"This is about Britain's place in the world," said a source at the BBC, who was speaking ahead of a formal announcement on the broadcaster's plans due tomorrow.

"Other news outlets are growing globally, and many do not share our traditions and values."

The source added: "There should no longer be any no-go countries for the World Service - it is Britain's impartial voice to the world."

The BBC World Service reaches 210 million people a week on television, radio and digital platforms, according to the broadcaster.

Founded in 1932, it broadcasts around the globe in 29 languages, including English.

The BBC was forced to take on the £245 million (S$528 million) annual cost of the World Service, which had been funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, from last year, The Guardian reported.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://38north.org/2015/09/sohae090315/

Still No Sign of Launch Preparations at North Korea’s Sohae Launch Facility

By 38 North
03 September 2015

A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Jack Liu and Joseph S. Bermudez

Summary

While speculation that North Korea intends to launch a long-range space launch vehicle (SLV) on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers’ Party in October continues, it is still not possible to determine whether Pyongyang will conduct such a launch using commercial satellite imagery. Imagery from August 27 and September 1 show that a movable structure on the launch pad—intended to transfer SLV stages and components from the Stationary Preparation Building to the gantry tower—has shifted back and forth since observed in mid-August.

That movement may have occurred for a number of reasons ranging from testing the recently completed movable structure to launch preparations. Besides the fact that the general low level of activity throughout the facility suggests a launch is not going to occur over the next few weeks, in the case of a possible October launch, it is probably still too soon to move the SLV to the gantry.

Construction activity at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station (“Tongchang-ri”) since spring 2015 has made it more difficult to spot launch preparations. Nevertheless, there are indicators likely to be present a few weeks before a launch that such preparations are underway, such as a significant increase in fuel loading and pressure testing activity at the fuel and oxidizer buildings. Moreover, it may also be possible to spot the SLV itself at the gantry.

Recent imagery also shows construction at the vertical engine test stand that will allow the testing of larger, more capable rocket engines is proceeding rapidly. That work, however, is unrelated to the question of whether the North will conduct a new launch in the near future.

Movement of the Rail Mounted Transfer Structure between the Two Ends of the Launch Pad

On August 27, the Movable Transfer Structure was observed at the gantry tower compared to its location at the Stationary Preparation Building at the other end of the launch pad in mid-August. Four days later, the Movable Transfer Structure was back at the Stationary Preparation Building.

Figure 1. Activity at the Sohae Launch Pad.


Before

After


Images include material Pleiades © CNES 2015. Distribution Airbus DS / Spot Image, all rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

Figure 2. Movable Transfer Structure next to Stationary Preparation Building at the Sohae Launch Pad.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

Figure 3. Close up of structures at Sohae Launch Pad.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

There are a number of possibilities for this activity. For example, the North Koreans may be conducting fit and operational testing of the new platform equipment and the gantry tower given that construction has only recently been completed. That testing may include refining and practicing new procedures for stacking SLV stages onto the launch vehicle at the assembly tower using the new equipment. The September 1 imagery seems to support the likelihood of a roll up door on the Movable Transfer Structure that opens a part of the roof. The truss structure to hold all that weight on the roof is evident. The probable roll up door lies between the two trusses on the left. August 27 imagery shows the gantry crane centered directly over the transporter roof. Through such an opening in the transport structure’s roof, the gantry crane can directly hoist a launcher stage from the transporter for stacking onto a launch vehicle at the assembly tower. That would be a significant improvement over past practices and would expedite launch preparations.

One other possibility is that the North Koreans are moving forward with preparations for an October launch on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers’ Party. Besides the fact that the general low level of activity throughout the facility suggests a launch is not going to occur over the next few weeks, in the case of an October launch, it is probably still too soon to move the SLV to the gantry.

Recent construction since spring 2015 has made it more difficult to spot launch preparations. Nevertheless, there are indicators likely to be present a few weeks before a launch that such preparations are underway, such as a significant increase in fuel loading and pressure testing activity at the fuel and oxidizer buildings. Moreover, it may also be possible to spot the SLV itself at the gantry.

Construction Continues at Vertical Engine Test Stand

Imagery from mid-August through September 1 indicates that construction of two new storage buildings for fuel and oxidizer continues at a rapid pace, with the roof of one building completed. Additional construction vehicles and supplies are present throughout the area. At this rate, work may be complete by October. It is likely these new buildings will support future testing of more capable SLV engines, another sign that Pyongyang intends to field larger SLVs in the future. Moreover, the speed of construction may indicate that the North intends to start testing these engines in the near future. It does not, however, mean that Pyongyang intends to conduct a space launch soon.

Figure 4. Accelerated construction at the engine test stand.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015...sis-syria-assad-insight-idUSKCN0R609B20150906

World | Sun Sep 6, 2015 4:09am EDT
Related: World, Russia, Syria

Failure of Syria diplomacy exposes enduring divisions over Assad

BEIRUT/MOSCOW | By Tom Perry and Gabriela Baczynska


While the desperate flight of Syrians from their country's war was dominating news bulletins this summer, yet another diplomatic push to end the four-year-old conflict was quietly running into the sand.

That largely unnoticed failure has reinforced the view amongst Syria experts that there is no solution in sight, with one of the biggest obstacles a seemingly unbridgeable international divide over President Bashar al-Assad's future.

As a consequence, Syria looks set for ever greater fragmentation into a patchwork of territories, one of them the diminishing Damascus-based state where Assad appears confident of survival with backing from his Russian and Iranian allies.

While some Western officials say even Assad's allies now recognize he cannot win back and stabilize Syria, Moscow is setting out its case for supporting him in ever more forthright terms.

Russia's foreign minister in recent days reiterated the Russian view that Assad is a legitimate leader, slammed the U.S. position to the contrary as "counterproductive", and likened the west's approach to Syria to its failures in Iraq and Libya.

Russia meanwhile continues to supply Assad with weapons.

A Syrian military official told Reuters there has recently been a "big shift" in Russian military support, including new weapons and training.

“Our ties are always developing but in these days a qualitative shift has happened. We call it a qualitative shift in Arabic, which means big,” the Syrian official said.

Such assertions are difficult to verify, but U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his concern over reports of increased Russian involvement in a telephone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday. The New York Times said Russia had sent a military advance team to Syria, citing American intelligence analysts.

Reflecting the logjam over Assad, some of the ideas being tabled for advancing a political process sidestep the question of his future altogether - at least for now, according to a diplomat tracking the conflict.

Yet this remains the biggest single obstacle to breaking a diplomatic impasse around a war whose repercussions are being felt like never before in Europe, which faces a migration crisis fueled by Syrian refugees.

In turn, it is a big complication for efforts to fight the Islamic State group that has flourished in the bloodshed of a conflict that has killed a quarter of a million people and driven another 11 million from their homes.

Despite a U.S.-led bombing campaign against the jihadist group, Islamic State (ISIS) still holds wide areas of Syria and is poised for further moves toward the big, Assad-controlled cities in the west: Islamic State already has a presence in the southern suburbs of Damascus.

"I don't see a tremendous amount of change out of the Iranians or Russians. There is some talk of them being tired, but their positions are pretty firm," said Andrew Tabler, a Middle East specialist with the Washington Institute.

"They think that Assad's immediate departure would lead to a collapse of the regime. Washington also sees a rapid collapse of the regime as something that would be a boon for ISIS. They are in a conundrum: if Assad goes right away, it would help ISIS, but if he doesn't go at all, you have no hope of putting the pieces of Syria back together again," he said.

"This recent outburst of diplomacy is because everyone was becoming concerned, and rightfully so. But the results of that process were remarkably poor. They seem to cement the earlier political positions of the region when it comes to Syria."

The recent flurry of diplomatic activity followed the conclusion of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers and included high-level meetings between states with a stake in the conflict, with Russia taking the lead.


"UNLIMITED SUPPORT"

Assad has wagered on the West rehabilitating him as a partner in the war against Islamic State. But while the priority for U.S. policy in Syria today is battling Islamic State, not unseating Assad, Washington has stuck by its position that he is part of the problem, saying his brutality has fueled extremism.

The 49-year-old who assumed power 15 years ago upon the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, has shown no appetite for negotiations despite losing more ground to rebels this year and admitting the Syrian army faces a manpower problem.

The military support from backers in Tehran and Moscow has allowed him to absorb the advances by insurgents who, while better equipped than before, still remain mostly defenseless against the Syrian government air strikes.

"So far, there is no real political solution because of the unlimited support from Russia and Iran," said Bashar al-Zoubi, head of one of the biggest rebel groups fighting Assad in southern Syria, speaking to Reuters via Whatsapp from Syria.

Assad, who describes all the groups fighting him as terrorists, has poured cold water on the idea of imminent political progress. In a recent interview, he said the war would only be near its end when states "conspiring against Syria" ceased doing so - a reference to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

A steady flow of Iranian officials to Damascus has also underlined Tehran's support for an ally who has safeguarded its interests in the Levant in alliance with Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group fighting alongside Assad in Syria.

Since concluding its nuclear deal, Iran says it is trying to launch a new push to resolve the Syrian war. But there is no sign of Tehran giving ground on Assad.


NO ALTERNATIVE?

Moscow and Tehran's backing for Assad is underpinned by the fact they see no alternative who can guarantee their interests.

While Assad may control a fifth or even less of Syria, they still see him as the cornerstone of what remains of the state, including the military and security forces which many Syria experts believe would fragment were he gone.

Russia is pushing for the Syrian government to be included in international efforts to fight Islamic State. Saudi Arabia is one of the states to have rejected the idea.

A senior Russian diplomatic source said: "Proposals by our partners for the change of regime in Damascus are illegitimate. They only say Assad must go - and then what? I don't think they have any idea."

"There used to be no terrorists in Iraq, the same in Libya. And now the Libyan state has fallen apart and the terrorists are roaming there."

The new U.S. special envoy for Syria, Michael Ratney, gave the polar opposite view after his Aug. 28 visit to Moscow.

"We are cognizant that Assad’s continued tenure fuels extremism and inflames tensions in the region. That is why a political transition is not only necessary for the good of the people of Syria, but an important part of the fight to defeat the extremists," a U.S. statement said.

While insisting Assad must go, U.S. officials are not specific about when or how. That leaves open the possibility of a transition that begins with him still in office - an almost impossible sell to the rebels fighting him. In any case, Russia has rejected the idea of any pre negotiated exit for Assad.

In comments closest in weeks to outlining what Moscow might see as an acceptable way forward on dealing with Assad, Russia said on Friday the Syrian president was ready to hold early parliamentary elections and share power with moderate opposition.

The U.N. mediator for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has invited warring parties to take part in U.N.-led working groups to address matters including political and constitutional issues, and military and security issues.

One of the big complications he faces is dealing with the vast number of rebel factions. While some are getting better organized on the political front, disunity in opposition ranks is still seen as a major challenge to the diplomatic track.

A Western diplomat tracking the conflict said de Mistura's plan would be "very slow". "At the moment no one is talking about (Assad) departing or not."

"The Syrians are loving it ... Damascus is calm."


(Additional reporting by Sylvia Westall in Beirut, Mark Hosenball and David Storey in Washington; Writing by Tom Perry; editing by Janet McBride)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/06/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0R60CA20150906

World | Sun Sep 6, 2015 5:58am EDT
Related: World, Yemen

Saudi-led coalition jets bomb Houthis in Yemeni capital: residents

SANAA

Saudi-led coalition jets on Sunday bombed a Houthi military position and army bases in the Yemeni capital Sanaa in what appeared to be more retaliation against Yemen's dominant group for the killing of dozens of coalition soldiers two days ago.

The air strikes targeted troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, an ally of the Houthis, and a Houthi base in what was the al-Imam University, a religious school affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood in northern Sanaa.

Residents said explosions could be heard all night and buildings had been leveled but there were no immediate reports of casualties as most people in the area had been evacuated.

"The sounds of explosions had not stopped since 1:15 a.m. (2215 GMT)," one resident told Reuters.

On Saturday, at least 24 members of two families were killed in Sanaa by air strikes targeting Houthi positions in the city, according to local medical sources. Hospital officials said on Sunday the death toll had risen to 27.

On Friday, the Iranian-allied Houthis had attacked a weapons storage facility in Marib, exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's supporters had been massing troops and military hardware in preparation for an assault on Sanaa.

The attack killed 45 Emirati soldiers, five Bahrainis, 10 Saudis and four Yemenis.

It was the heaviest toll suffered by the Saudi-led alliance since air strikes began in March to try to restore Hadi to power after the Houthis began advancing on his main base in the southern port city of Aden.

United Arab Emirates forces were important in helping Hadi's supporters drive the Houthis and their allies out of Aden, a big win for the Arab coalition.


(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Louise Ireland)

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.realcleardefense.com/art..._nuclear_subs_in_the_indo-pacific_108440.html

September 4, 2015

5 Risks of Nuclear Subs in the Indo-Pacific

By Brendan Thomas-Noone


Yesterday in Beijing, China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two with a massive military parade. Examples of modern military equipment, such as the DF-21D ‘Carrier Killer’ missile, were displayed in public for the first time.

However, a significant new capability that is moving from a lengthy testing phase to active deployment could not be shown in Tiananmen Square: the Type-094, or what will likely be China's first actively deployed ballistic missile-carrying nuclear submarine (SSBN).

In the Indo-Pacific, China is not the only regional power that is investing in these powerful, complex and expensive strategic platforms. India, and potentially Pakistan and North Korea, are also at various stages of development. Among the three, India's program is the most advanced, with New Delhi launching its first SSBN, the INS Arihant in 2009. A second and third are also under construction.

In a new Lowy Institute Report, Nuclear-armed submarines in Indo-Pacific Asia: Stabiliser or menace?, Rory Medcalf and I argue that over the long-term, SSBNs could reduce the risk of major war in the region, as no adversary would want to strike first against a country with so invulnerable a nuclear arsenal.

But before this contribution to strategic stability can be made, nuclear-armed submarines will likely usher in period of initial instability, as India and China begin deploying them without the full command and communication systems, crew training and doctrine necessary for their credible operation.

Another risk is that the deployment of these platforms could also exacerbate existing regional maritime tensions and help drive conventional arms races.

It's generally considered that during the later stages of the Cold War, US (and NATO) as well Soviet SSBNs reduced the likelihood of nuclear war. This is because SSBNs provide an 'invulnerable' second-strike – if one side intended to launch a surprise nuclear first-strike against the other, they would be deterred by the existence of nuclear-armed submarines, a platform that is protected through its ability to remain mobile and relatively undetectable in the worlds oceans.

But during the early periods of the Cold War, when SSBNs were first introduced by the Soviet Union and the US, technical limitations forced them to patrol close to enemy shorelines, making them vulnerable to anti-submarine warfare and tracking. Some of these same limitations, such as short patrol ranges, loud acoustic signatures and limited range of their ballistic missiles, are now also present in the programs of China and India, making their deployment potentially destabilising in the short-term.

Thus, at this stage, there are five key areas of risk associated with the proliferation of sea-based nuclear weapons in the Indo-Pacific:

Changes to India and China's nuclear force posture. For SSBNs to conduct a credible deterrence patrol, nuclear warheads must be mated to their ballistic missiles in the submarine, ready to fire. This would represent a significant organisational and readiness change for both India and China. India's nuclear warheads are generally considered to be controlled by a civilian agency, and China's nuclear arsenal has traditionally been kept by the PLA's Second Artillery Corps. Active SSBNs would require the navy's of both countries to exercise a degree of control over their nuclear weapons, and those weapons would be at a higher readiness than they are currently.

Command and control. Credible SSBN forces place huge demands on command structures, and need survivable communication systems. Transmitting through water at long ranges is difficult, and is done through large vertical very-low frequency and extremely-low frequency stations. However, there is no evidence yet that India or China have begun investing in the airborne communication systems necessary for undertaking credible deterrence patrols. Additionally, the commanders and crews of these submarines will not have much experience in long-range patrols without direct communication with their national command authorities.

Accidents at sea. The number of submarines in the Indo-Pacific is growing. Collisions, particularly between a tailing submarine and its target, occurred repeatedly during the Cold War, with some sources placing the number between 20 and 40. These sorts of situations could lead to miscommunication and increased tensions at a time of crisis.

Maritime tensions and conventional arms races. Nuclear deterrence does not exist in a vacuum. The introduction of SSBNs in the Indo-Pacific by India and China will cause reactions from the conventional maritime forces of other regional powers. Investment in anti-submarine warfare and surveillance capabilities, and well their deployment, will be a higher priority. SSBNs could also help drive regional maritime tensions in areas like the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea. One motivation for China's island-building activity in the South China Sea could be to create a 'bastion' for its SSBNs where it could expand infrastructure, like Sound Surveillance System networks, to help disrupt US monitoring of these assets.

Dangerous strategies. Both China and the US, in their quest to develop modern conventional warfighting strategies, have focused on concepts that call for the disruption of command and communication networks. While a major conflict is unlikely, it's not clear whether these strategies consider the need for discrimination between communication systems and satellites that are integral for communication with nuclear forces, particularly SSBNs at sea. Any loss of contact between national commands and SSBNs would put significant pressure on the underdeveloped command and control arrangements of China and India's SSBNs.

The introduction of SSBNs in the Indo-Pacific by India and China reflects the multi-polar and complicated reality of nuclear deterrence in the 21st century. SSBNs are not going away. A realistic goal is not to try to reverse the trajectory, but to try and find ways to minimise risk, and ensure these platforms contribute to, rather than destabilise, peace and strategic stability in the region.


This article originally appeared in The Lowy Institute Interpreter.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.realclearworld.com/artic...rn_warfarecidotr-partner_site-rcw_111407.html

September 4, 2015

China Prepares for Modern Warfare

By Lauren Dickey
Comments 5

Chinese military muscle was on full display in Beijing this week, with hundreds of new weapons platforms, fly-bys, 12,000 troops, and foreign dignitaries all in the global spotlight of Tiananmen Square. Yet, it wasn't just the land-based anti-ship ballistic missiles and ground assault units that stole the show. Simmering behind the scenes, and underpinning Chinese President Xi Jinping's evolving political-military agenda, were the renewed discussions of imminent plans for an overhaul to the operating structure of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Beginning with Xi's announcement of a 300,000 reduction in Chinese troops from the Tiananmen Square rostrum, subsequent plans will include a comprehensive upending to the military's existing structure, a vision of U.S.-style joint command structure adapted to the Chinese forces. This is no small undertaking for the Chinese, akin to the introduction of the U.S. National Security Act in 1947, with a similarly large scale of ripple effects throughout the political system.

Chinese military expert Dennis Blasko notes the PLA is presently structured into approximately ten major organizations, at three levels, with headquarters located predominantly in Beijing. The Central Military Commission (CMC), chaired by Xi, was established by both the Chinese and Communist Party constitutions to command the Chinese armed forces and determine national defense policies. Aside from Xi, it is made up of civilians and senior uniformed military officers, all of whom must necessarily be party members.

Blasko compares the CMC to the work of the U.S. commander-in-chief and secretary of defense, but divided between far more employees. Beneath the CMC, policy directives are executed by four General Departments that act as a joint staff for all of the Chinese armed forces. Lines of command and responsibility are further divided geographically, with China presently split into seven military regions.

As Xi looks to make his visions for restructuring a reality, sources suggest he is aiming to adapt the existing structure by unifying the Chinese army, navy, air force, and strategic missile corps under one command. PLA numbers will first be cut down to around two million troops even as the navy and air force continue to expand. Other probable reforms will have the armed police shifting to a national guard role with a focus on domestic security.

Military regions will likely be consolidated to as few as four; the ranks of local commanders will be downgraded to reduce their political influence. The Ministry of National Defense will assume a greater role in defense policy and military affairs, in addition to taking on oversight of military ideology, officer promotions, and the departments of logistics and armaments.

While this transformation marks a seismic shift in Chinese military organization, it does not come as a total surprise: headlines of proposed reforms have appeared on and off over the last two years. Perhaps what has changed is Xi's commitment to the structural overhaul and desire to lead a military capable of the same networked warfare demonstrated by the United States and its allies.

For Xi, China's dream of a strong military is supported by cutting-edge technology but requires a reshaping of the PLA's daily operations in order to be effective. Cutting 300,000 personnel is one such step in the right direction, as shifting from investments in traditional land forces to the navy and air force requires fewer, but better-trained, military personnel.

Initial efforts to pave the way for Xi's reforms were seen in the far-reaching anti-corruption campaign in the PLA ranks. Those that have already been weeded out from within the PLA - including CMC vice-chairmen Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, and over 4,000 officers-are those that were in staunch opposition to Xi's proposed reforms. Now, those that remain in positions of power, may still be corrupt, but at least they will implement the structural changes Beijing wishes to see.

For those less enthusiastic at the prospect of a new change of command and operations in the PLA, a recent op-ed in the PLA Daily has aimed to capture their attention, encouraging military leaders "[To] strengthen their study of Xi's important expositions on deepening defense and military reform." Immediately following the surge of nationalism from Thursday's parade, the op-ed further urges Xi to "seize the high ground" in implementing leadership and command adjustments, enacting systemic and policy reforms, and overseeing increased civil-military integration.

While Xi touted China's commitment to peaceful development and promises to "never seek hegemony or expansion," the V-day cavalcade painted an entirely different picture. China now possesses much of the hardware and capabilities of any other modern military power. Without Xi's planned restructuring, however, this cutting-edge hardware will be wielded by a bureaucracy stuck in the 1950s. The stakes are high for President Xi: with domestic challenges increasingly prominent, the military component of Xi's "Chinese dream" needs to be realized in order for Xi to continue to maintain credibility, party legitimacy, and leadership of the Chinese armed forces.

(AP photo)


This article was first published in Defense in Depth, a blog by the Council on Foreign Relations. Lauren Dickey is a research associate for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and a PhD candidate in the War Studies department of King's College London.

_____

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/opin...48e12e-531b-11e5-933e-7d06c647a395_story.html

The Post's View

China’s military parade was a ‘peaceful’ show of force

By Editorial Board September 4
Comments 60

IN MOST of the world, military parades, with their goose-stepping troops, rolling guns and jet flyovers, are considered ugly relics of the 20th century, and rightly so. They evoke Hitler and Stalin, aggression and dictatorship, and an ideology that equates political authority with military muscle. Even Communist China limited itself to one martial parade a decade — until the arrival of President Xi Jinping. On Thursday, Mr. Xi proudly oversaw a massive and intricately choreographed march by 12,000 soldiers and 500 pieces of military gear, including new medium-range missiles bristling with warheads designed to destroy U.S. aircraft carriers.

The display was billed as an international celebration of the 70th anniversary of the defeat of Japan in World War II, and Mr. Xi claimed its message was peaceful. In fact, the event was intended to intimidate Beijing’s neighbors, as well as the United States, and show off China’s military might. In case anyone in Washington misunderstood that message, five Chinese warships crossed through U.S. territorial waters in the Bering Sea on parade day, even as President Obama visited neighboring Alaska.

As a commemoration of World War II, Mr. Xi’s parade was mendacious. Though China contributed greatly to the allied victory, the fight was led by the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek, a fact unacknowledged in the propaganda trumpeting the Communist Party’s role. As a gathering of leaders, the event was an embarrassing flop. Though democratic South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye attended, possibly to gain an edge on North Korea’s absent ruler, the 30 heads of state who showed up were mostly dictators, including Sudan’s Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was there to flout his outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court on genocide charges. Appropriately, the United States was represented only by its ambassador in Beijing.

Even Mr. Xi’s headline-making announcement — that China was reducing the size of its armed forces by 300,000 — was a distortion. As military analysts were quick to point out, the cut is being undertaken not to promote peace, as Mr. Xi suggested, but to further modernize its armed forces and allow for more resources to bolster the navy and air force — which are the offensive prongs of a regime that seeks to subdue Taiwan and dominate the waters of east Asia. Even after the reduction, China will still have 2 million personnel in uniform, nearly 50 percent more than the United States.

Most likely Mr. Xi, who is struggling to manage an economic downturn, isn’t contemplating any imminent military adventures. But the marshalling in Tiananmen Square is of a piece with the regime’s belligerent assertion of sweeping and legally groundless territorial claims in the South China Sea, its construction of airstrips on remote island specks and the deployment of oil rigs and ships in waters claimed by China’s neighbors. The world can only hope that, unlike other rulers who have been saluted by precisely choreographed ranks of soldiers, Mr. Xi is sincere in his protestations of peaceful intent.


Read more about this topic:

Fareed Zakaria: Republican candidates bash China at our own peril

Robert J. Samuelson: China’s coming crash?

Fareed Zakaria: With an absent United States, China marches on

The Post’s View: China should tread carefully in the South China Sea

 

[Housecarl]

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/ml-syria-176832f752.html

Syrian media says militant behind southern bombings arrested

Sep 6, 10:36 AM (ET)
By ALBERT AJI and SARAH EL DEEB

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A militant suspected of masterminding car bombings in a southern Syrian province that killed a prominent cleric and at least 25 others was arrested Sunday after the slayings sparked anti-government protests, pro-government media reported.

Syrian state television said the militant, known as Wafi Abu Trabi, confessed to elders in Sweida province of plotting the bombings and subsequent violence against security forces there. The state news agency SANA identified him as a member of the Nusra Front, Syria's al-Qaida affiliate.

Sweida is a predominantly Druze region that largely has stayed out of the civil war raging in Syria since 2011. But the two car bombs bombing there Friday killed anti-government Sheikh Wahid Balous, stirring angry protests by the cleric's supporters who accused the government of killing him.

Balous was a vocal critic of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Soon after the bombings, clashes erupted outside police stations and security offices that killed some security agents, local resident and activist Tarek Abdul-Hai said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six security personnel were killed.

Abdul-Hai, speaking to The Associated Press by telephone from Sweida, said that calm has returned to the city as armed militias took charge of patrolling the area. Abdul-Hai said police and security agents have withdrawn from public view to ease the tension. Other civil security agencies returned to their posts, he said.

Abdul-Hai rejected the government claim that Abu Trabi was responsible for the attack as the man, who is a Druze, would never be accepted as a member of an Sunni al-Qaida affiliate.

A 10th century offshoot of Shiite Islam, the Druze made up about 5 percent of Syria's prewar population of 23 million people. The Druze are split between supporters and opponents of Assad. Al-Qaida considers the Shiite and any offshoot as heretics.

Abdul-Hai said Abu Trabi was a former member of the local Sweida city council until the first year of the Syrian uprising. He later turned against the government and joined armed rebels under the Free Syrian Army, fighting in neighboring Daraa province, before his unit was disbanded, Abdul-Hai said.

Abdul-Hai said although calm was restored to Sweida, there is still tension ahead of a yet-unscheduled funeral for Balous and his aides.

Abdul-Hai said those in Sweida still can't access the Internet, four days after it first was cut amid wide ranging anti-government protests.

---

El Deeb reported from Beirut

 

[Housecarl]

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/ml-yemen-e3ea918e63.html

Saudi coalition airstrikes destroy Yemen rebel encampment

Sep 6, 1:18 PM (ET)
By AHMED AL-HAJ

(AP) A Shiite fighter known as a Houthi stands guard in front of buildings destroyed by a...
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SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Airstrikes from a Saudi-led coalition destroyed a key rebel encampment Sunday in Yemen's capital, while also hitting a school, restaurants and embassies, witnesses and officials from both sides of the conflict said.

The strikes wounded 17 people, including school children taking final exams, medical officials said. The Saudi and Emirati embassies were damaged, witnesses and security officials said.

Yemen is torn by fighting between Shiite Houthi rebels allied with forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi's coalition-backed forces, as well as southern separatists, local militias and Sunni extremists.

The Saudi-led and U.S.-backed coalition, made up mainly of Gulf nations, has been launching airstrikes against the rebels since March.

(AP) Smoke rises after an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition in Sanaa, Yemen, Sunday,...
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The strikes early Sunday morning hit the headquarters of the Special Security Forces, where troops remain loyal to Saleh. Security officials said warplanes also targeted weapons caches in the mountains of Noqum and Ayban, east and west of Sanaa.

Meanwhile in the port city of Aden, dozens of families of those wounded in fighting besieged the city's only working oil refinery, effectively shutting down production, pro-government security officials said. The families say they only will end the siege when the wounded are flown out of Yemen for treatment.

All officials and witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief reporters or for fear of reprisals.

Earlier Sunday, hundreds of pro-government security forces rallied in front of the Aden governor's office demanding unpaid wages. The troops had defected from Saleh's Special Security Forces in March and helped push the rebels out.

"They just keep making promises but then give us nothing," protester Moheeb Abdo said.

Aden officials couldn't be reached for comment.

 

[Housecarl]

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/lt--mexico-missing_students-020ce981c6.html

Independent group rejects Mexican gov't case on 43 missing

Sep 6, 1:31 PM (ET)
By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and KATHERINE CORCORAN

(AP) In this Jan. 26, 2015 file photo a protestor carries a hanging mask of...
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MEXICO CITY (AP) — An independent report released Sunday dismantles the Mexican government's investigation into last year's disappearance of 43 teachers' college students, starting with the assertion that the giant funeral pyre in which the attorney general said they were burned to ash beyond identification simply never happened.

While the government said the Sept. 26 attack was a case of mistaken identity, the report said the violent reaction to the students, who were hijacking buses for transportation to a demonstration, may have had to do with them unknowingly interfering with a drug shipment on one of the buses. Iguala, the city in southern Guerrero state where that attacks took place, is known as a transport hub for heroin going to the United States, particularly Chicago, some of it by bus, the report said.

"The business that moves the city of Iguala could explain such an extreme and violent reaction and the character of the massive attack," according to the report, which the experts presented in a press conference.

The report means that nearly a year after the disappearance, the fate of 42 of the students remains a mystery, given the errors, omissions and false conclusions outlined in more than 400 pages by the experts assembled by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. The team interviewed witnesses and detainees and reviewed the government's evidence and conclusions. A charred bone fragment of only one of the 43 has been identified and it wasn't burned at the high temperature of an incineration, contrary to Mexican investigators' claims.

(AP) In this March 10, 2015 file photo a demonstrator carries a sign that reads in...
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It recommends that authorities rethink their assumptions and lines of investigation, as well as continue the search for the students and investigate the possible use of public or private ovens to cremate the bodies.

In point after point, the international team of experts, including lawyers, former prosecutors and a medical doctor, says the government investigation was wrong about the nature of and the motive for the attacks. It is an indictment of Mexico's investigative procedures and conclusions, and cites key evidence that was manipulated or that disappeared.

Federal police and military were aware of the shootings and present at some of the crime scenes, according to the report. While their involvement is unclear, at the very least they failed to intervene to stop a widespread attack on unarmed civilians.

Government officials didn't provide an immediate reaction to the report. The independent team of experts has asked to extend its investigation two more months, but the Mexican government has yet to approve the extension.

"This report provides an utterly damning indictment of Mexico's handling of the worst human rights atrocity in recent memory," Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement Sunday. "Even with the world watching and with substantial resources at hand, the authorities proved unable or unwilling to conduct a serious investigation."

(AP) In this March 26, 2015 file photo drawings of some of 43 missing students are...
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The attack and disappearance of the 43 at the hands of officials became a pivotal moment in the administration of President Enrique Pena Nieto, which started fast out of the blocks three years ago with a series of key political and economic reforms. But the slow response to the case of the 43 and the implausibility of the government's version of the events sparked international outrage and eroded the credibility of Pena Nieto's government.

The parents of the victims, all young men and many in their first year of college, and various civic and human rights groups were outraged that the investigation was based on testimony of those arrested, many who complained of being tortured, and not on physical evidence. The report says the detainees gave four versions of what happened, including that the students were incinerated at a municipal garbage dump in the nearby city of Cocula and their ashes bagged and dumped in a river.

The group hired its own forensic expert to examine the garbage dump, who determined among other things that the fire needed to incinerate 43 bodies would have caused a forest fire in the heavily wooded zone and burned the whole area. The report said the local drug gang, Guerreros Unidos, neither had a history for carrying out such an orchestrated cremation nor the fuel available nearby.

"For all these reasons, we have come to the conviction that the young men were not incinerated in the Cocula garbage dump," said Francisco Cox, a Chilean lawyer on the team.

To date, authorities have detained more than 100 people, the majority of them local police. The former Iguala mayor, Jose Luis Abarca, is also in custody and has been identified with his wife as those who ordered the attack. The experts say that may be true but it's still not clear.

The case had such an impact that Pena Nieto mentioned it last week in his state of the union speech, acknowledging its role in Mexicans' disenchantment with and distrust of his government.

The report Sunday is sure to deliver another blow, as it tells a story of mishandled crime scenes and evidence that was never processed until last month at the special commission's urging.

The night the students disappeared was characterized by hours of terror and coordinated attacks carried out by local police and ordered by an unknown command that violated the human rights of some 180 people, while state and federal authorities stood by, according to the report.

It documents how state and federal and police and the military were monitoring the movement of the students even before they arrived in Iguala, and stood by as Iguala and Cocula local police attacked them in nine different locations, killing six, including two who were shot a close range and three bystanders. Another 40 were injured, some gravely. Authorities and emergency medical crews took hours to respond, likely causing the deaths of at least two people as they awaited medical attention, the report says.

The attorney general portrayed the incident as a chaotic response from police working for the Guerreros Unidos who mistook the students for rival gang members.

But the experts say the alleged motive doesn't make sense, as the students were well known for their radical tactics, including hijacking buses for transportation, the reason they had come to Iguala. Authorities knew for hours through the central police command center that the students were headed toward the city. The report says a fifth bus that could have been carrying drugs or money was ignored in the attorney general's investigation, never examined and could be key to the reason for the attack.

"All that suggests that the action of the perpetrators was motivated by the students acting against high-level interests," the report said.

---

Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman contributed to this report from Mexico City.

 

[Housecarl]

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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/06/us-pakistan-afghanistan-idUSKCN0R50O020150906

World | Sun Sep 6, 2015 8:22am EDT
Related: World, Afghanistan

Afghanistan asks Pakistan to act against militants after talks

ISLAMABAD/KABUL

Afghanistan asked Pakistan to act against Afghan Taliban militants operating on its territory during weekend talks in Kabul, while Pakistan said the South Asian neighbors needed to build trust, officials said after the meetings.

The Afghan Taliban, ousted from power by a U.S.-led coalition in 2001, has been gaining territory in its insurgency against the government led by President Ashraf Ghani.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have long accused each other of sheltering Taliban fighters and other Islamist militants who conduct attacks inside their territory, charges both deny.

"We reiterate our position and state facts, asking Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups inside its territory that declare war against our people," a spokesman for the Afghan president's office said in statement on Sunday.

Pakistan said after the meetings that both countries should work together to restore trust, and that an agreement had been reached to end a blame game over a spate of attacks.

"We will work on establishing a memorandum of trust building to avoid such a situation in the future," Sartaj Aziz, foreign affairs adviser to Pakistan's prime minister said on state television on Saturday about his meeting with Ghani.

Aziz visited the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday for a regional economic conference and also held meetings with the president, foreign minister and national security adviser.

Ghani made closer ties with Pakistan a priority when he took office last year, hoping Islamabad could push Afghan Taliban leaders to the negotiating table to end Afghanistan's long war.

Progress appeared to have been made in July after both governments said a peace process with the militants had restarted.

This was not confirmed by the insurgents however, and early meetings came to a halt after the Taliban's leader Mullah Omar was revealed to have died.

News of his death was followed by a wave of deadly attacks in Kabul that killed over 50 people and wounded hundreds more, prompting the Afghan president to lash out at Pakistan demanding it act against militants sheltering on its territory.

Aziz said the talks had produced an agreement to avoid any further breakdown in relations between the countries.

"The main thing that we both agreed upon was to restore trust, end the blame game against each other," he said.


(Reporting by Amjad Ali and Jessica Donati; Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik and Jessica Donati; Editing by Ros Russell)

 

[Housecarl]

Missed this one. And naturally the regime in Tehran is going to drag this out for advantage once more......

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http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/04/iran-usa-journalist-idUSL1N11A1AS20150904


Industries | Fri Sep 4, 2015 1:33pm EDT
Related: Cyclical Consumer Goods

Iranian official says there are ways to free U.S. journalist -NPR

WASHINGTON, Sept 4

The speaker of Iran's parliament said there were "practical ways" to free Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post's correspondent in Tehran who has been tried on espionage charges, and said a prisoner swap was one possible option.

Ali Larijani, speaking in an interview with NPR aired on Friday, was asked whether there was a way for Rezaian and other Americans held in Iran to be freed.

"There are practical ways of course. For example, there is a number of Iranians in prison here (in the United States) Definitely for matters of this sort, one can come up with solutions. I think your politicians know about those ways," he told NPR, speaking through an interpreter.

When the interviewer asked whether he was referring to a prisoner exchange, Larijani replied: "That's one way. There are other ways that the judiciary systems of the two countries can come up with. It is the judiciary that has to decide about it."

Larijani was interviewed in New York, where he was attending a conference of parliamentary speakers.

His comments contrasted with a statement by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi, who was quoted by Iran's ISNA news agency on Aug. 25 as saying Tehran was not considering a prisoner exchange.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States was not going to respond to every comment by Iranian officials.

"We've raised our concerns over the detained and missing U.S. citizens at a variety of levels with Iranian officials and will continue to do so," Kirby said.

A lawyer for Rezaian, who was arrested over a year ago, was quoted by Iranian media on Aug. 10 as saying that a verdict in his trial could be issued within a week, though so far no verdict has been announced.

Rezaian, 39, was born in California and holds dual U.S. and Iranian citizenship. The Post has dismissed the charges against him as "absurd" and urged the U.N. Human Rights Council to help secure his release.

Obama has called on Tehran to release Rezaian and two other detained Americans - Saeed Abedini and Amir Hekmati - and to help find Robert Levinson, an American who disappeared in Iran more than eight years ago.

Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic ties since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, a July 14 nuclear deal between Iran, the United States and other powers fueled hopes of a thaw in relations. (Reporting by David Storey; Editing by Paul Simao)

 

[Housecarl]

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http://www.nationalinterest.org/feature/thanks-libya-north-korea-might-never-negotiate-nuclear-13756

Thanks to Libya, North Korea Might Never Negotiate on Nuclear Weapons [1]

While the Iran deal sparked hope that North Korea might be next at the negotiating table, it doesn't seem likely that will happen anytime soon...

Doug Bandow [2] [3]
September 2, 2015
Comments 33

The Obama administration’s success in negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran has led to hope that a similar agreement might be reached with North Korea [4]. Halt your program, dismantle some of your capabilities and accept intrusive inspections in return for “coming in from the cold.”

Unfortunately, there’s virtually no chance of that happening. [5] The North already has a nuclear capability and views preservation of a nuclear arsenal as critical for domestic politics as well as international policy. Moreover, the West’s ouster of Libya’s Moammar Khadafy is seen in Pyongyang as dispositive proof that only a fool would negotiate away missile and nuclear capabilities.

Many, if not most, Korea experts long ago lost hope that the North was prepared to dismantle its nuclear program. In word and action, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) had demonstrated its commitment to being a nuclear state. While none of its neighbors desires that outcome, the North has ample reason to be well armed.

First, only an atomic bomb offers certain deterrence against the overwhelming military power of populous and prosperous South Korea backed by the U.S. superpower. Nuclear weapons also are a handy weapon of extortion. The ultimate bomb offers an important reward to a military that plays an important political role. Only an extraordinarily good offer could convince any country, especially the DPRK, to deal.

Second, even a good offer looks suspect in light of U.S. and European support for the ouster of Libya’s Khadafy. He, too, negotiated with the West, sacrificing his nuclear, chemical and long-range missile programs. He was encouraged to act by the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which had not yet soured. Moreover, his son Saif—currently held by one set of Libyan rebels and recently sentenced to death in absentia by one of Libya’s nominal governments—reportedly advocated making a deal to draw Western investment and trade.

President George W. Bush, wannabe-scourge of evil, nevertheless promised that Libya’s “good faith will be returned.” Khadafy was feted in European capitals. Tripoli was cited as a model for Iran, with North Korea to follow. Said the West: Give up your WMDs and a world of benefits will be yours, including security, trade and investment, diplomatic recognition and international respectability.

However, four years ago, the U.S. and European governments saw their chance. Under the guise of humanitarianism—Khadafy never massacred civilians, which the allies claimed they wanted to prevent—Washington and Brussels promoted low-cost (to them) regime change. Some analysts saw the West’s unabashed aggression as validating the earlier negotiations: “Imagine the possible nightmare if we had failed to remove the Libyan nuclear weapons program and their longer-range missile force,” asserted Robert Joseph [6], who participated in nonproliferation negotiations.

Alas, the self-satisfied celebration of Libya as a “good war” quickly dissipated after that nation suffered postwar atrocities, loosed weapons across the region, generated rogue militias, spawned two governments, descended into incipient civil war and became another battleground for Islamic State forces. A grand victory it turned out not to be.

Now Libya also stands as a stark warning against nonproliferation, at least by any government believing itself to be in Washington’s gun sights, or as having geopolitical ambitions that the United States might want to thwart. In return for paper guarantees, Khadafy sacrificed a military trifecta, including the one weapon that could have deterred the United States and Europe from taking advantage of his vulnerability.

The North Koreans took immediate note. The Foreign Ministry observed [7]: “Libya’s nuclear dismantlement much touted by the U.S. in the past turned out to be a mode of aggression whereby the latter coaxed the former with such sweet words as ‘guarantee of security’ and ‘improvement of relations’ to disarm and then swallowed it up by force.” The celebrated disarmament agreement was “an invasion tactic to disarm the country.” The ministry insisted that events demonstrated how the North’s military-first policy was “proper in a thousand ways.”

Korea University professor Ruediger Frank argued that Pyongyang’s leaders felt “deeply satisfied with themselves” after the West’s perceived betrayal of Khadafy. In Pyongyang’s view [8], the Libyans “took the economic bait, foolishly disarmed themselves, and once they were defenseless, were mercilessly punished by the West.” In this case, the North Koreans were right.

Of course, the Obama administration would not admit its mistake. At the time, State Department spokesman Mark Toner claimed: “Where [the Libyans are] at today has absolutely no connection with them renouncing their nuclear program or nuclear weapons.” This was nonsense. Had Khadafy possessed nukes, chemical weapons and/or missiles, the allies almost certainly would have kept their planes and drones at home. And Khadafy probably would still be in power.

The DPRK was wrong to assume that the allies pursued denuclearization as part of a conscious plan of premeditated treachery to disarm and then oust the Libyan dictator. However, the effect was the same. And Pyongyang has no reason to believe that the allies would not take advantage of a similar opening against the Kim dynasty.

Nevertheless, the Iranian negotiations have revived hopes that the DPRK might be enticed into following suit. Author Mark Fitzpatrick argued [9] that the lesson the North should draw “is that the United States is willing to come to terms with detested enemies.” State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States was prepared to talk even to nations with “long-standing differences” with America. Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman suggested [10] that implementation of the Iran agreement “might give North Korea second thoughts about the very dangerous path that it is pursuing.”

Park Won-gon of Handong University argued that the pact “gives room for Washington to focus on North Korea.” He believed that success was possible if the United States “keeps in mind that Pyongyang turned into a nuclear-weapon state for such reasons and takes measures accordingly.” The Sejong Institute’s Paik Hak-soon urged the United States [11] to “reconsider Pyongyang’s demand for a change in its hostility to the Kim Jong-un regime.”

Even the Chinese cited the underlying principle. The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, said that the Iranian deal was an “active model” for the North. In his words, it represented a “win-win” spirit and demonstrated that talks could solve an issue, “however difficult the problem.” Explained a People’s Daily commentary [12]: the agreement, which Beijing backed, “can be a positive reference for the handling of other regional hotspots, including the Korean peninsular nuclear issue.” Opined Wu Zurong of the China Foundation for International Studies [13]: “The signing of the Iranian nuclear agreement sets a precedent for the international community to solve disputes through political and diplomatic channels.”

Alas, Kim Jong-un took power only a couple months after Khadafy was killed in rather gruesome fashion. That event was likely imprinted upon his consciousness. He has demonstrated his determination to maintain power—the regime has executed some four hundred Korean Workers Party officials since he succeeded his father. Most dramatic was the killing of his uncle; a vice premier and the defense minister recently suffered the same fate. Kim isn’t likely to give up his most important weapon to deter outside intervention.

After announcement of the Iranian agreement, the North Korean foreign ministry issued a statement explaining that the situation of the North was “quite different” from that of Iran and that Pyongyang was “not interested at all in the dialogue to discuss the issue of making it freeze or dismantle its nukes unilaterally first.” After all, the DPRK was a nuclear state and faced ongoing threats from the United States. Thus, its nuclear deterrent was not “a plaything to be put on the negotiating table.” North Korea’s ambassador to China, Ji Jae-ryong, reiterated the same points: “The nuclear deterrence of the DPRK is not a plaything to be put on the negotiating table as it is the essential means to protect its sovereignty and vital rights from the U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy.”

This should surprise no one. Fitzpatrick contended that the Iranian deal showed that the United States “treated the Iranians as equal negotiating partners, according them respect and collegiality.” But Washington treated Libyans that way, too. Which didn’t stop the United States and its allies from ousting the same government a few years later. Washington never has let international law, past relations or even good sense stop it from using its enormous power to advance whatever it perceives to be its interests whenever it deems convenient.

It never was likely that the DPRK would give up its nuclear weapons. But the Obama administration’s Libyan misadventure makes that prospect even less likely. And the impact might not stop there. Other governments, too, may decide to seek nuclear weapons for security since no foreign state, no matter how close it might appear to be to Washington at any point in time, can feel secure from a future attempt at regime change.

Entering Libya’s civil war turned out to be a serious mistake. But the conflict has done more than destabilize North Africa. The West’s eagerness to overthrow a government that had given up nuclear weapons creates yet another incentive for proliferation. Washington may rue this precedent for years to come.

Doug Bandow is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is the author of several books, including Foreign Follies: America’s New Global Empire (Xulon).

Image: Flickr/rapidtravelchai [14]

Tags
Libya [15]iran [16]North Korea [17]
Topics
Diplomacy [18]
Regions
United States [19] [3]
Source URL (retrieved on September 6, 2015): http://www.nationalinterest.org/feature/thanks-libya-north-korea-might-never-negotiate-nuclear-13756

Links:
[1] http://www.nationalinterest.org/feature/thanks-libya-north-korea-might-never-negotiate-nuclear-13756
[2] http://www.nationalinterest.org/profile/doug-bandow
[3] http://twitter.com/share
[4] http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-07-21/iran-nuclear-deal-has-north-korea-written-all-over-it
[5] http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/21/asia/north-korea-not-interested-in-iran-type-deal/
[6] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/world/middleeast/02arms.html?_r=0
[7] http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2011/201103/news22/20110322-34ee.html
[8] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/world/asia/25korea.html
[9] http://www.nknews.org/2015/07/iran-deal-leaves-n-korea-alone-in-rogue-states-club/
[10] https://www.washingtonpost.com/worl...626f6a-9d4d-421b-9ada-ec5509344a43_story.html
[11] http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/iran-nuclear-deal-may-lead-us-north-korea-talks
[12] http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/07/15/iran-nuclear-china-idINKCN0PP0CG20150715
[13] http://www.chinausfocus.com/peace-security/iranian-deal-a-win-for-multilateralism/
[14] https://www.flickr.com/photos/rapidtravelchai/9465930218/sizes/l
[15] http://www.nationalinterest.org/tag/libya
[16] http://www.nationalinterest.org/tag/iran
[17] http://www.nationalinterest.org/tag/north-korea
[18] http://www.nationalinterest.org/topic/diplomacy
[19] http://www.nationalinterest.org/region/americas/north-america/united-states

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news...-russias-nuclear-weapons-buildup-ch/?page=all

Russia’s nuclear weapons buildup challenges Obama’s reduction goal

By Bill Gertz - - Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Comments 9

President Obama's decision two years ago to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. military and defense policies is being challenged by Russia's large-scale buildup of nuclear forces, along with Moscow's revised nuclear doctrine and recent threats to use the weapons.

The U.S. guidance was outlined in a 2013 White House order called Presidential Policy Directive-24, which calls for reducing the role of U.S. nuclear weapons in national security strategy and maintaining deterrence with smaller nuclear forces.

A Pentagon report to Congress states that the administration is seeking "the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." At the same time, the U.S. views the safety, security and effectiveness of nuclear arms as a deterrent that must be maintained "as long as nuclear weapons exist."

One flaw in the White House guidance was outlined in the classified PDD-24. PDD-24 says a "key part" of the new guidance is a more benign global security environment, but that has not come to pass under Mr. Obama's watch.

Nuclear threats posed by North Korea and Iran remain, and China's nuclear buildup remains a concern.

Fear of the nuclear threat posed by Russia, too, has actually become more serious than when the order was signed by Mr. Obama.

The 2013 order erroneously states that despite differences, "Russia and the United States are no longer adversaries and the prospects of a military confrontation between us have declined dramatically."

That assumption has become less valid after Russian annexation of Crimea, continuing destabilization efforts in eastern Ukraine and announced threats by Moscow against Eastern European states.

The new Russian threat also has been highlighted by recent statements by senior military and defense leaders.

Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, the nominee to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in July, "If you look at their behavior, it's nothing short of alarming."

Several days later, NATO commander Gen. Philip Breedlove said Russian revanchism has undermined strategic stability. Russia "is a nation that possesses a pretty vast nuclear inventory, and talks about the use of that inventory very openly," he said on PBS. "And they talk about using, as a matter of course, nuclear weapons. For that reason, these senior leaders, I believe, see that as a major threat."

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that what has changed under President Vladimir Putin is that Russia has become an "antagonist," forcing the United States to adjust its military posture to deter Russia and support allies.

Because the White House's guidance anticipated a different scenario than what is actually occurring, the Pentagon and the U.S. Strategic Command, the war-fighting command in charge of preparing for a nuclear conflict, are said to be preventing full implementation of the plan. The presidential order requires an annual review of the security environment, but defense officials say so far no review has been carried out.

Adjustment of the nuclear employment guidance most likely will be worked out after Gen. Dunford takes over as chairman Oct. 1.

Pentagon and U.S. Strategic Command representatives had no comment on the new nuclear employment guidance.

PLAYING DOWN DALAI LAMA VISIT

Emails released this week by the State Department reveal how Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton agreed to play down a 2010 meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama.

A Feb. 11, 2010, email from Anne-Marie Slaughter, who was at the time the State Department director of policy planning, urged Mrs. Clinton to avoid upsetting the Chinese about an upcoming meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

"We should not use our meeting w/DL to beat them up, but treat it like we would treat a meeting with a Coptic leader from Egypt or a Bahai leader from Iran, etc.," Ms. Slaughter wrote. "Let the Chinese make a big issue out of it if they want to; we will just do what we have always done."

Mrs. Clinton replied: "I agree and will act accordingly."

A large portion of the email was censored by the State Department, indicating it was among the emails in the Clinton file that contained classified or sensitive information. From the released portion, it appears the redacted section outlined China's expected reaction to the meeting.

Mr. Obama met the Dalai Lama on Feb. 18, 2010. Two additional meetings also were held, and all prompted protests from Beijing.

AIR FORCE LIMITS CHINA CONTACTS

A new Air Force directive on contacts between service members and Chinese military and defense officials outlines prohibited areas of discussion.

The Aug. 5 directive updates earlier guidance to military and civilian personnel who meet with Chinese officials, and followed an Air Force headquarters review of the contacts.

"With the rise of PRC influence in the international community and the increasing capabilities of the Chinese military, Air Force military-to-military relationship with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is becoming more crucial than before," the directive states.

The directive offers a security warning about visiting PLA officials and Air Force officials who visit China as part of the Pentagon's military-to-military exchange programs.

According to the order, the Air Force airmen and civilians are prohibited from discussing, among other areas, with Chinese military or defense officials topics such as force projection operations; nuclear operations; chemical and biological defense and other capabilities related to weapons of mass destruction; surveillance and reconnaissance operations; military space operations; and arms sales or military-related technology transfers.

The list is based on a 2000 law restricting Pentagon contacts with the Chinese. The law was enacted after military secrets were disclosed to visiting Chinese military officials. Chinese military officials repeatedly have criticized the restrictions in meetings with U.S. counterparts, claiming the curbs are a sign that the Pentagon does not favor closer ties.

All the Chinese military exchange programs are being monitored by Heidi Grant, Air Force undersecretary for international affairs, who signed the directive.

Critics of the Pentagon's aggressive military exchange program have said the exchanges have been used by Chinese intelligence to obtain military and war-fighting secrets that could be used against the United States in a future conflict.

MULLAH OMAR DEATH DIVIDES TALIBAN

The Taliban Islamist terror group is facing internal divisions following the announced death of its leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, who died in April 2013 in a Karachi, Pakistan, hospital, according to a State Department security report.

The Taliban this week acknowledged covering up the death for two years despite issuing official statements in Omar's name until July, when the death was first acknowledged. The cover-up was revealed in a biography of his successor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.

According to the report, Mullah Mansour, the new Taliban commander, is opposed by Mullah Omar's brother, Mullah Abul Manan, who has refused to pledge his loyalty to Mullah Mansour. Additionally, Mullah Omar's eldest son, Mullah Mohammed Yaqoob, is opposing Mullah Mansour, and conflicting reports from the region indicate that Mullah Yaqoob may have been killed as a result of the opposition.

"While the Taliban denies any reports of a succession crisis, there are reports of organizational schisms that are likely to have larger implications for regional security," the report said.

Among the problems have been Taliban defections to rival Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K), the Islamic State branch in Afghanistan that is building up its capabilities in the region.

"Omar's death and Mansour's new role will result in increased instability, as Mansour attempts to assert his legitimacy and keep the organization intact," says the report by the Overseas Security Advisory Council that supports U.S. businesses operating overseas.

Additionally, there have been reports of dissident Taliban members creating a new Taliban offshoot and clashing with other Taliban factions. The splits within the Taliban mean the terrorist group will likely to step up its attacks in Afghanistan.

"To appease those dissatisfied members and, more importantly, to consolidate his power, Mansour will continue to target the Afghan government aggressively," the report says. "This was apparent a week after his election, when multiple bombings rocked Kabul.

"The security threat in Afghanistan remains critical," the Aug. 12 report said.

• Contact Bill Gertz on Twitter via @BillGertz.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/6/colin-powell-debbie-wasserman-schultz-support-iran/

Colin Powell, Debbie Wasserman Schultz support Iran nuclear deal

By Valerie Richardson - The Washington Times - Sunday, September 6, 2015
Comments 26

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell came out Sunday in favor of the Iran nuclear agreement, describing it as a “good deal” that would slow the regime’s race for an atomic bomb.

“Here’s why I think it’s a good deal: One of the great concerns that the opposition has is that we’re leaving open a lane for the Iranians to go back to creating a nuclear weapon in 10 or 15 years,” Mr. Powell said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“But we’re forgetting the reality they have been on a super highway for the last 10 years to creating a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons program with no speed limit,” he said.

Mr. Powell, who has served as a top foreign-policy official in Republican administrations, also described the agreement as a done deal, given that other nations involved with the negotiations have approved it, including China, Russia, Germany, France and Great Britain.

“Even if we were to kill this deal, which is not going to happen, it’s going to take effect anyway because all these other countries who are in this with us are going to move forward,” Mr. Powell said.

Also Sunday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Democrat and chair of the Democratic National Committee, said she would vote in favor of the deal, calling her decision “gut-wrenching” and citing her “Jewish heart.”

“There’s nothing more important to me as a Jew than to ensure that Israel’s existence is there throughout our generations, and I am confident that the process I’ve gone through to reach this decision is one that will ensure that Israel will be there forever,” said Ms. Wasserman Schultz, who teared up as she spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

_____

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/5/harry-reid-confirms-senate-democrats-will-filibust/

Harry Reid confirms Senate Democrats will filibuster Iran nuclear deal

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times - Saturday, September 5, 2015
Comments 472

Democrats will try to mount a filibuster to block the Iran nuclear deal from even having to reach President Obama's desk for a veto, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid signaled Saturday in a statement.

He and his party colleagues already have enough committed supporters that they would be able to sustain an Obama veto and allow the Iran deal to proceed, but a filibuster would be an even bigger coup, halting the issue earlier in the process and heading off a protracted — and potentially politically costly — veto fight.

"I recently informed Senator McConnell that after a period of robust debate, Democrats would be happy to proceed straight to a final passage vote that is consistent with Senator McConnell's many statements that important matters in the Senate have 'for quite some time required 60 votes.' The choice is up to him," Mr. Reid said, referencing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

A surge of support for Mr. Obama's stance this week has put Democrats well over the 34 votes needed to guarantee upholding the veto, and they are now within striking distance of the 41 votes that would guarantee a filibuster, too.

The latest count from the Bipartisan Policy Center puts them at 38 supporters — 36 Democrats and two liberal-leaning independents.

Just 33 senators have announced their opposition, and 29 have yet to give an official stance. Most of those are Republicans who are expected to try to defeat the deal, but five remain Democrats remain publicly uncommitted.

In his statement, Mr. Reid taunted Mr. McConnell, who led repeated filibusters while Democrats controlled the chamber from 2007 through the end of 2014. Mr. McConnell said big issues required a 60-vote threshold associated with overcoming filibusters.

The Iran debate is slated to begin Tuesday, as Congress returns from a long summer vacation.

Under the terms of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, passed earlier this year, Congress has a chance to look over the deal Mr. Obama and other international leaders signed with the Islamic Republic, designed to halt that country's apparent march toward nuclear weapons.

The law gives Congress the chance to disapprove of the deal, but that bill then goes to Mr. Obama, who wields a veto. It takes a two-thirds vote of each chamber to override the veto, and if a bill were to get that far, supporters of the deal would face intense pressure from pro-Israeli lobbying groups.

But a filibuster would nip the process earlier, preventing a chance for the lobbying to kick into high gear and avoiding the need for Democrats to cast more politically fraught votes.

 

[almost ready]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://38north.org/2015/09/sohae090315/

Still No Sign of Launch Preparations at North Korea’s Sohae Launch Facility

By 38 North
03 September 2015

A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Jack Liu and Joseph S. Bermudez

Summary

While speculation that North Korea intends to launch a long-range space launch vehicle (SLV) on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers’ Party in October continues, it is still not possible to determine whether Pyongyang will conduct such a launch using commercial satellite imagery. Imagery from August 27 and September 1 show that a movable structure on the launch pad—intended to transfer SLV stages and components from the Stationary Preparation Building to the gantry tower—has shifted back and forth since observed in mid-August.

That movement may have occurred for a number of reasons ranging from testing the recently completed movable structure to launch preparations. Besides the fact that the general low level of activity throughout the facility suggests a launch is not going to occur over the next few weeks, in the case of a possible October launch, it is probably still too soon to move the SLV to the gantry.

Construction activity at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station (“Tongchang-ri”) since spring 2015 has made it more difficult to spot launch preparations. Nevertheless, there are indicators likely to be present a few weeks before a launch that such preparations are underway, such as a significant increase in fuel loading and pressure testing activity at the fuel and oxidizer buildings. Moreover, it may also be possible to spot the SLV itself at the gantry.

Recent imagery also shows construction at the vertical engine test stand that will allow the testing of larger, more capable rocket engines is proceeding rapidly. That work, however, is unrelated to the question of whether the North will conduct a new launch in the near future.

Movement of the Rail Mounted Transfer Structure between the Two Ends of the Launch Pad

On August 27, the Movable Transfer Structure was observed at the gantry tower compared to its location at the Stationary Preparation Building at the other end of the launch pad in mid-August. Four days later, the Movable Transfer Structure was back at the Stationary Preparation Building.

Figure 1. Activity at the Sohae Launch Pad.


Before

After


Images include material Pleiades © CNES 2015. Distribution Airbus DS / Spot Image, all rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

Figure 2. Movable Transfer Structure next to Stationary Preparation Building at the Sohae Launch Pad.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

Figure 3. Close up of structures at Sohae Launch Pad.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

There are a number of possibilities for this activity. For example, the North Koreans may be conducting fit and operational testing of the new platform equipment and the gantry tower given that construction has only recently been completed. That testing may include refining and practicing new procedures for stacking SLV stages onto the launch vehicle at the assembly tower using the new equipment. The September 1 imagery seems to support the likelihood of a roll up door on the Movable Transfer Structure that opens a part of the roof. The truss structure to hold all that weight on the roof is evident. The probable roll up door lies between the two trusses on the left. August 27 imagery shows the gantry crane centered directly over the transporter roof. Through such an opening in the transport structure’s roof, the gantry crane can directly hoist a launcher stage from the transporter for stacking onto a launch vehicle at the assembly tower. That would be a significant improvement over past practices and would expedite launch preparations.

One other possibility is that the North Koreans are moving forward with preparations for an October launch on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers’ Party. Besides the fact that the general low level of activity throughout the facility suggests a launch is not going to occur over the next few weeks, in the case of an October launch, it is probably still too soon to move the SLV to the gantry.

Recent construction since spring 2015 has made it more difficult to spot launch preparations. Nevertheless, there are indicators likely to be present a few weeks before a launch that such preparations are underway, such as a significant increase in fuel loading and pressure testing activity at the fuel and oxidizer buildings. Moreover, it may also be possible to spot the SLV itself at the gantry.

Construction Continues at Vertical Engine Test Stand

Imagery from mid-August through September 1 indicates that construction of two new storage buildings for fuel and oxidizer continues at a rapid pace, with the roof of one building completed. Additional construction vehicles and supplies are present throughout the area. At this rate, work may be complete by October. It is likely these new buildings will support future testing of more capable SLV engines, another sign that Pyongyang intends to field larger SLVs in the future. Moreover, the speed of construction may indicate that the North intends to start testing these engines in the near future. It does not, however, mean that Pyongyang intends to conduct a space launch soon.

Figure 4. Accelerated construction at the engine test stand.

Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.
Image © 2015 DigitalGlobe, Inc. All rights reserved. For media licensing options, please contact thirtyeightnorth@gmail.com.

OK, so Kim's subs are still out and about. Nobody has seen them so maybe they are outside San Francisco. They've had time enough.

Could he try to start something to blame on China? No love lost there, if the number of people he's offed who were too warm to China is any indicator.

My guess is that if he did that, the US and China would be talking and would avert any reciprocation. Maybe the Chinese ships are "escorting" Kim's subs? Crazier things have happened. At least then we'd know where they were.

Also, there is a bad insult to the NK's as their representative didn't get to sit near the Chinese head of state, but was sent to the outside (like Obama had been), and only stayed one day in PRC compared the SK's 3 days. This is a double punch in the face, for face-conscious NK.

My antennae are full up.

Anyone hear anything different? News of the subs?

 

[almost ready]

N. Korea's Choe Ryong-hae returns home empty-handed: sources

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- A key aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has failed to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing where a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of China's World War II victory took place, sources said Thursday.

Choe Ryong-hae, a member of the Politburo Presidium and the secretary of the Central Committee of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, flew back to Pyongyang Thursday afternoon after attending the parade at Tiananmen Square in the morning, the sources said.

Although he did attend a reception that shortly followed, Choe failed to hold a one-on-one talk with Xi, they added.

Choe's short trip stands in contrast to a three-day visit by South Korean President Park Geun-hye to China.

Park arrived in Beijing Wednesday and together with Xi, warned the North against more provocations amid speculations that it may carry out a missile or nuclear test in October to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

It remains unclear, however, whether Choe held talks with other Chinese officials while there. But with no meeting with Xi, Choe is unlikely to have carried a hand-written letter from Kim.

Analysts are divided as to what role Choe was expected to play for North Korea-China relations. Some have argued Choe was sent to mend recently frayed ties, while others have said the fact Kim decided against visiting China himself suggests anti-Chinese sentiment.

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/new...N20150903012000315.html?input=www.tweeter.com

****

OK, since this is diplomacy, may be all smoke and mirrors to give a wrong impression. Or the double hit, may be true but thought to be smoke and mirrors because that's what Sun Tsu would do.

If the article is right, and Kim insulted China by sending an emissary instead of going himself, it is likely that guy would get a cold shoulder. Sorry, busy. . . . .

After all, the SK president went in person, as expected.

Don't like to obsess about Kim, as it has always been pointless, at least where his dad was concerned, but then his dad was a pretty sane guy overall. Liked nice classic cars, too. This guy is so strange he's quite post-modern.

Still, it is concerning, when they are in crisis (crop failures) and stirring up trouble with the south, to feel that the Chinese hand is being withdrawn. It was my worry that China would "unleash Kim" as a response to the chemical factory explosions, whether they were really accidents, to deflect anger, or sabotage (by whom?). Sabotage by the west or done in such a timely fashion to point the finger to the west? If they are believed on the rumor mill in China to be sabotage by the west, then some reciprocation is required or face lost.

Ahah. So much for the obvious. Have watched too many Chinese movies. But then, so have the Chinese, and then some....

And so it goes. Expect to hear more from these parts soon.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/eu-turkey-kurds-c3d171f942.html

Several Turkish soldiers killed in PKK attack

Sep 6, 7:13 PM (ET)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Kurdish rebels attacked two military vehicles in southeast Turkey, the president said Sunday and suggested that several Turkish soldiers were killed in the assault. The prime minister returned to the capital to chair an emergency security meeting.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a television interview that two armored military vehicles were targeted by the Kurdistan Workers' Party near the village of Daglica, in Hakkari province, bordering Iraq and Iran. He said an official statement would be made but indicated that several soldiers were killed in the attack.

"It was attack on armored vehicles with land mines," Erdogan said. "The information from our Chief of General Staff is very saddening."

He said Turkey's security forces would respond in a "different and determined" manner.

Firat news, an agency close to the rebels, quoted a rebel statement as saying 15 soldiers were killed in a "sabotage action" against a convoy of military vehicles. The claim couldn't be immediately verified.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu cut short a visit to the city of Konya, where he had watched an international soccer match, to convene a security meeting. No statement was issued at the end of the meeting.

The state-run Anadolu Agency said the military retaliated to the attack by launching an air operation, with F-4 and F-16 jets striking a dozen suspected PKK targets in the region.

The renewed fighting between the PKK and the security forces has killed about 200 people since July, including around 70 soldiers and police officers. The fighting has derailed a 2 1/2-year-old peace process with the Kurds.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150906/ml-tunisia-militants-8f26fb606b.html

Tunisia warns of plot to attack capital with car bombs

Sep 6, 2:08 PM (ET)

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A Tunisian Interior Ministry official has warned of a plan to attack sites in the capital with car bombs and other devices, according to the country's state news agency.

The TAP report on Sunday said unidentified militants planned to attack "sensitive sites" in the city with car bombs and explosive belts. The report cited an unnamed Interior Ministry official.

It added that police had banned traffic on Bourguiba Avenue in the heart of downtown and nearby streets to prevent attacks.

There have also been increased police patrols and raids around the capital and its suburbs.

In March and June, gunmen attacked the national museum and a beach resort killing nearly 60 foreign tourists.

The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150907/eu--france-syria-d13a1f0e14.html

France considering airstrikes in Syria, sending recon jets

Sep 7, 7:00 AM (ET)
By SYLVIE CORBET and GREG KELLER

(AP) French President Francois Hollande delivers his speech during a press conference at...
Full Image

PARIS (AP) — France will send reconnaissance flights over Syria beginning Tuesday and is considering airstrikes in the fight against the Islamic State group, President Francois Hollande said, calling it necessary to fight against the "terrorism and war" that have left Europe vulnerable to attack.

The United States is leading a coalition of countries that has spent the past year striking at IS militants, weaponry and machinery from the air but has made little progress in meeting President Barack Obama's goal to "degrade and destroy" the group, which has also beheaded hostages, including some Americans. France, which has feared that hitting at Islamic State would help Syrian President Bashar Assad, had limited its planes to Iraqi airspace until now.

"We have proof that attacks against several countries, notably ours, are being planned," he said. "Today in Syria what we hope to learn, is what is being planned against us and what is happening to the Syrian population."

Hollande, however, ruled out ground operations in Iraq and Syria in the wide-ranging news conference on Monday.

"According to the information that we gather, the intelligence that we collect, we will be ready to strike," he said.

Hollande said coping with the flow of refugees also requires addressing the problem of terrorism and the reconnaissance flights will help inform airstrikes against the Islamic State group and provide details about Islamic State's centers for training and decision.

Hollande said resolving Syria's war will only happen if Assad leaves power.

"Assad, I must remind you, is responsible for the situation in Syria. He is the one who fired on his people during protests. He is the one bombing his people. He is the one who used chemical weapons," Hollande said.

 

[Housecarl]

For links see article source.....
Posted for fair use.....
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150907/ml-islamic-state-3f0fd9c250.html

IS captures oil field in central Syria

Sep 7, 8:59 AM (ET)

BEIRUT (AP) — Activists say members of the Islamic State group have captured an oil field in central Syria.

The activists say the extremists captured the Jazal oil field late Sunday after intense clashes with government forces in the area in the central province of Homs. Syria-based activist Bebars al-Talawy said via Skype that IS fighters first attacked army posts around the Jazal field then stormed it.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Monday that all the engineers working in the field moved to the nearby government-controlled Shaer gas field.

He said government troops withdrew from the field but now overlook parts of it.

IS fighters control much of Syria's oil fields that are mostly in the eastern regions bordering Iraq.

 

[vestige]

From#30:

Also Sunday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Democrat and chair of the Democratic National Committee, said she would vote in favor of the deal, calling her decision “gut-wrenching” and citing her “Jewish heart.”

“There’s nothing more important to me as a Jew than to ensure that Israel’s existence is there throughout our generations, and I am confident that the process I’ve gone through to reach this decision is one that will ensure that Israel will be there forever,” said Ms. Wasserman Schultz, who teared up as she spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union.”



Perfect example of sh*t for brains.

 

[Lilbitsnana]

s
Tweets & replies
Photos & videos

Nathan J Hunt retweeted
RAJ ‏@rajfortyseven 10h10 hours ago

#China #PLAN #SCS Zhubi/Subi Reef latest viaCDF DOI 8/31/15.Airstrip under construction 2500mX60m Could be 3500mX60m

 

[Lilbitsnana]

posted for fair use
http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/07/polit...-ship-shell-oil-arctic-exploration/index.html


Russian intelligence ship spotted near American oil vessel

By Jake Tapper and Jeremy Diamond, CNN

Updated 12:30 PM ET, Mon September 7, 2015

Washington (CNN)A Russian intelligence vessel was spotted near a ship contracted by the American Shell Oil Company exploring for oil in the Arctic, sources told CNN on Monday.

Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis confirmed the sighting to CNN on Monday and said no U.S. defense assets were deployed in response.

"We aware of the Russian vessel Kurily sailing in the vicinity of the Nobel Discoverer," Davis said. "We recognize the rights of all sovereign nations to freely navigate in international waters."

The U.S. Northern Command was alerted to the Russian vessel's presence on Sunday after the U.S. Coast Guard was first informed, the sources said.

The ship was part of a Shell-contracted ship that is exploring for oil in the Chukchi Sea, which is north of the Bering Strait and lies between Alaska and Russia.

American and foreign oil companies are racing against each other to strike oil in that region.

Shell began exploratory oil drilling in Arctic waters off the coast of Alaska after President Barack Obama approved offshore Arctic drilling in May.

The U.S. oil giant had been pushing for years for a greenlight from the federal government to begin tapping into vast oil reserves in the Arctic, drilling that environmentalists vigorously oppose due to risks to the environment and wildlife.

 

[Be Well]

From#30:

Also Sunday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Democrat and chair of the Democratic National Committee, said she would vote in favor of the deal, calling her decision “gut-wrenching” and citing her “Jewish heart.”

“There’s nothing more important to me as a Jew than to ensure that Israel’s existence is there throughout our generations, and I am confident that the process I’ve gone through to reach this decision is one that will ensure that Israel will be there forever,” said Ms. Wasserman Schultz, who teared up as she spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union.”



Perfect example of sh*t for brains.

S*** for a heart, too. And a disgusting liar.