Author: The Freedom Watch Staff

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Tajikistan orders Twitter ban

"Tajikistan has ordered local Internet providers to block Twitter, one of more than 100 sites including popular Russian-language social networks starting next week. 'The (government) communications service has sent Internet companies a huge list of 131 sites that must be blocked in the country from Monday,' said Asomiddin Atoyev, the head of the Tajik association of Internet providers. The Central Asian country bordering Afghanistan lifted only this month a ban on Facebook. The state-run service said it blocked Facebook because of a 'deluge of lies' and 'insults to the head of state and government members.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTajikistan orders Twitter ban

Russian parliament finalizes U.S. adoption ban

"Russia’s lower house of parliament has given final approval to a contentious bill that retaliates against a new US human rights measure by barring Americans from adopting the country’s children. Washington swiftly slammed the move saying Russian children would be harmed by the measure. The Russian leader has indicated he is ready to put his name on the measure so that it could enter law on January 1. The measure, which underscores the severity of the recent strain in Russia-US ties, would end about 1,000 adoptions a year." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussian parliament finalizes U.S. adoption ban

Thousands protest in Bahrain seeking PM’s ouster

"Thousands of Shiite protesters in Bahrain Saturday demanded a transition government and the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who has been premier since 1974, witnesses said. They said the demonstrators marched in the village of Diya near the capital Manama, chanting 'Resign, Khalifa!' and waving Bahraini flags. Since February last year, Bahrain has been shaken by opposition protests that the authorities accuse of being exploited by Shiite Iran across the Gulf. At least 80 people have died since the start of the unrest in February 2011, according to the International Federation of Human Rights." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThousands protest in Bahrain seeking PM’s ouster

Hungary bars foreigners from buying farmland

"Hungary has amended its constitution to bar foreigners from buying farmland, a move the government called 'historic,' but one that could cause friction with the European Union. Hungarian lawmakers on December 17 voted by a large majority to amend the constitution to bar foreigners from buying Hungarian farmland. The vote was a 'historic decision' and the 'beginning of a new era for agriculture,' it continued. The government says farmland needs to be protected from speculators and bankers looking to score bargains at the expense of farmers." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHungary bars foreigners from buying farmland

Anthony Gregory: States Thumb Their Noses at the Drug War

"Since California legalized medical pot in 1996, drug policy developments have put the lie to the federal government’s reputation as a bulwark of civil liberties, humanitarian rights, and rational policy. Whether Colorado and Washington outright defy the federal government—as the medical marijuana states have done—or Obama is forced to concede this ground, it is an embarrassment for national supremacy, the administration, and the DEA, and a triumph for the doctrine of nullification." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAnthony Gregory: States Thumb Their Noses at the Drug War

Outrageous HSBC Settlement Proves the Drug War is a Joke

"If you're not an important cog in the global financial system, you can't get away with anything, not even simple possession. You will be jailed and whatever cash they find on you they'll seize on the spot, and convert into new cruisers or toys for your local SWAT team, which will be deployed to kick in the doors of houses where more such inessential economic cogs as you live. If you don't have a systemically important job, your assets may be used to finance your own political disenfranchisement. On the other hand, if you are an important person, and you work for a big international bank, you won't be prosecuted even if you launder nine billion dollars." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOutrageous HSBC Settlement Proves the Drug War is a Joke

Naomi Wolf: The coming drone attack on America

"People often ask me, in terms of my argument about 'ten steps' that mark the descent to a police state or closed society, at what stage we are. I am sorry to say that with the importation of what will be tens of thousands of drones, by both US military and by commercial interests, into US airspace, with a specific mandate to engage in surveillance and with the capacity for weaponization – which is due to begin in earnest at the start of the new year – it means that the police state is now officially here." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNaomi Wolf: The coming drone attack on America

D.C. house inspires 168 bids in red-hot real estate market

"Bidding wars have become commonplace along H Street NE, in Trinidad and in Eckington, among other areas. So have multiple cash offers and sales that soar past the asking price. In certain neighborhoods, buyers once again are snapping up unbuilt units based on floor plans. And more are forgoing inspections or appraisals. Homes in Arlington, Fairfax and Montgomery counties — all of whose median sale prices are up more than 4 percent from last year — are reaping battlefield premiums. One Maryland couple beat out the competition by agreeing to adopt the seller’s dog." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingD.C. house inspires 168 bids in red-hot real estate market

U.S. to open military ties soon with Myanmar: official

"Relations between the two countries have undergone a sea change since Myanmar’s ruling military ceded power last year. US President Barack Obama’s historic visit last month to Yangon underscored the transformation, as both Washington and Myanmar see benefits to bolstering diplomatic and security ties. The Obama administration, seeking a strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific to counter Beijing’s role, is keen to expand its influence in a country where China has had almost unchallenged dominance. Officials said in October that the United States was willing to allow Myanmar to participate as an observer in major joint exercises in Thailand in 2013." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. to open military ties soon with Myanmar: official