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Afghan government says NATO-led military operation ‘aimless and unwise’

“Kabul’s angry response deepens a war of words that threatens to derail NATO attempts to ensure a smooth security transition as international troops head home and fears grow that Afghanistan could tip into further instability. The United States, which provides 66,000 of the 100,000 NATO-led troops in Afghanistan, was stunned by the accusations earlier this month from Karzai, who accused the US of colluding with the Taliban to justify its presence in the country. The United States on Tuesday warned Afghanistan that ensuring a credible presidential election next year would be ‘critical’ to maintaining international support after 2014.” Continue reading →

Two U.S. sailors admit to Okinawa rape charges

“Okinawa is the reluctant host of more than half of the 47,000 US military personnel in Japan. The rape provoked outrage and led to a nationwide curfew on all American military personnel in Japan. Despite the curfew, misconduct involving US servicemen, much of it drunken, has continued to fuel anti-US sentiment in communities with bases. The attack came amid already high tensions in Okinawa, which saw demonstrations last year against the US deployment to the island of Osprey aircraft. Local activists charge they have a poor safety record. Washington sees the island as a vital strategic base in a region that is increasingly wary of the power of China’s rising military.” Continue reading →

Sanctions on Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan?

“The New York Times has confirmed that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Quatar and Jordan are arming anti-Assad factions in Syria. The CIA is participating too. U.S. air bases are also implicated. These actions violate the U.N. charter. So, will anyone in the U.S. government raise the issue of sanctions against Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Quatar and Jordan? Don’t hold your breath.” Continue reading →

Bombs kill 42 outside mosques in Lebanon’s Tripoli after car bomb kills 24

The apparently coordinated blasts – the biggest and deadliest in Tripoli since the end of Lebanon’s own civil war – struck as locals were finishing Friday prayers in the largely Sunni Muslim city. Lebanese officials appealed for calm. The explosions in Tripoli came a week after a huge car bomb killed at least 24 people in a part of Beirut controlled by the Shi’ite Muslim militant movement Hezbollah. Both Hezbollah and radical Sunni groups in Lebanon have sent fighters over the border to support opposing sides in Syria. Salem al-Rafei, chief cleric of the Taqwa mosque, is a staunch supporter of Syrian Sunni rebels as well as Lebanese Sunni militants who have joined the anti-Assad battle in Syria.” Continue reading →

Sgt. Bales sentenced to life in prison without parole for Afghan massacre

“A military jury sentenced Robert Bales, the Army Staff Sergeant who went on a killing spree while stationed in Afghanistan that left 16 civilians dead, to life in prison without parole today. In June, Bales pleaded guilty to charges of premeditated murder in order to avoid the death sentence. This week, a military jury was asked to determine if Bales would eligible for parole. Yesterday, Bales apologized for what he called ‘an act of cowardice,’ but he did not explain the reason behind the massacre.” Continue reading →

Sgt. Bales sentenced to life in prison without parole for Afghan massacre

Obama rodeo clown: People have lost their ability to laugh

“A rodeo clown at the Missouri State Fair who sparked outrage earlier this month by wearing an Obama mask is speaking out about the controversy. Tuffy Gessling told KCTV people have threatened to burn down his house and run him over with a car since the incident at the fair. Gessling said the irreverent spectacle wasn’t meant to be ‘hating on anyone.’ ‘This clown bit has been around for generations,’ he added. ‘I didn’t think anything more of it than what we’ve done 15 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago, when we’ve done it with Bush, Clinton and Ronald Reagan.'” Continue reading →