CIA may target Syrian extremists with drones: LA Times

"The US Central Intelligence Agency is collecting information on Islamic radicals in Syria for possible lethal drone strikes against them at a later stage. CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, which runs drone programs targeting militants in Pakistan and Yemen, had recently shifted several targeting officers to improve intelligence gathering on militants in Syria. The agency is working closely with Saudi, Jordanian and other regional spy services active in Syria. The State Department believes that one of the strongest Syrian opposition militias, Al Nusra Front, is a terrorist organization that is indistinguishable from the group Al-Qaeda in Iraq." Continue reading

Continue ReadingCIA may target Syrian extremists with drones: LA Times

The Guns of Zagreb

"None of this is exactly shocking, particularly given Croatia’s history in the 1990s of being a conduit for secret arms shipments with American backing. Zagreb’s military took a significant cut of the weapons – funded by Iran and Saudi Arabia – destined for Bosnia’s Muslims during that country’s civil war, which were routed through Pleso airport as well. America’s deep involvement only emerged later, when no one was really interested any longer. Similarly, no one wanted to ask too many questions back in 1995 when mysterious 'black flights' were dropping weapons to Bosnian Muslims, in violation of the UN arms embargo." Continue reading

Continue ReadingThe Guns of Zagreb

How Can the U.S. be at War with Al-Qaeda and Support It?

"How can the U.S. be at war with al-Qaeda and be providing material support to it in overthrowing governments in Libya and Syria? It cannot. How can the U.S. be at war with al-Qaeda and maintain Saudi Arabia as a close ally, when that country is a major source of al-Qaeda people and teaching? The idea put forward by two administrations that the U.S. is at war with al-Qaeda is a 'Big Lie' that is designed to provide cover for other motives for their military actions. It is a very simple and convenient cover story that sells to the public as a rationale for all sorts of U.S. military activities in many countries, all of which have other explanations." Continue reading

Continue ReadingHow Can the U.S. be at War with Al-Qaeda and Support It?

Balkanization of Syrian War

"Today the UK Telegraph is reporting that the United States has facilitated the shipment of some 3,000 tons of weapons left over from the Balkan wars of the 1990s to Syria via Croatia. This radical escalation on the part of the US and UK is in clear violation of the European arms embargo of Syria and similar US administration pledges. And where are these weapons ending up? The US is facilitating the transfer of sophisticated weapons to terrorists who utilize al-Qaeda in Iraq style techniques such as planting roadside bombs. Here are Syria's jihadist fighters showing off their latest gifts courtesy of the United States." Continue reading

Continue ReadingBalkanization of Syrian War

US Congress: ‘Fight Terrorism, Arm The Terrorists!’

"What, one might ask, is a US House member, who strongly and passionately supports the State of Israel doing introducing legislation that would result in a gusher of arms flowing to 'the fastest-growing al Qaeda front in the world, attracting fighters from across the Islamic world.'? Does it make sense? What will Mr. Engel then propose when the bearded radicals finally overthrow the secular Assad and install Sharia rule in Syria? Does Mr. Engel support Sharia? Or will such a worse turn of events help ignite passions in the US for yet more military action in the Middle East?" Continue reading

Continue ReadingUS Congress: ‘Fight Terrorism, Arm The Terrorists!’

Opponents vote to shoot Egypt’s president Morsi into space

"Opponents of Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi are voting to send him where no Islamist leader has gone before: outer space. Morsi on Saturday was leading the field in Egypt in an online contest sponsored by deodorant makers Axe to send a lucky few on a shuttle operated by space tourism company Space Expedition Corp. Egypt’s opposition movement April 6 entered Morsi into the competition. 'With God’s help, and under His care, Morsi will soon be launched to the moon,' the group said on its Facebook page, along with a picture of the president in a spacesuit." Continue reading

Continue ReadingOpponents vote to shoot Egypt’s president Morsi into space

Carnage in Syria Courtesy of US Allies

"While the US and its Western partners pretend to be engaged in a global war against terrorism, their terrorist allies in Syria have set off another car bomb, tellingly very close to the ruling Baath party offices and the Russian embassy. Initial reports are that more than 50 have been killed by the terrorists, including many children attending a nearby school. No doubt this bombing against a government building will be blamed on the Syrian government in the Western media, adding to the phony UN body count. The UN organization that is responsible for compiling the 'body count' in Syria is...surprise...funded by the US State Department!" Continue reading

Continue ReadingCarnage in Syria Courtesy of US Allies

A City of Fear: A Visit to Timbuktu after Its Liberation By French Troops

"Colonel Gèze set up his headquarters in a camouflage tent across from the runway. Following the airstrikes by the French Air Force, his men entered Timbuktu without meeting any resistance. The colonel still feels a little uneasy about their speedy victory. Gèze can't say how many people were killed in the air strikes. His soldiers didn't take any prisoners, either. Still, even though the jihadists have left Timbuktu, Gèze hasn't defeated them. Perhaps they have gone to Mauritania or Algeria. The officer shrugs his shoulders. 'We're keeping our eyes and ears peeled and are questioning our informants,' he says. 'The Islamists have to be hiding out somewhere.'" Continue reading

Continue ReadingA City of Fear: A Visit to Timbuktu after Its Liberation By French Troops

Senate committee chair: U.S. will likely have more active military role in Mali

"The United States is likely to play a more active military role in Mali, where French-led forces are battling Islamist rebels, after the country holds elections, the chair of a key Senate sub-committee said Monday. Washington has been providing intelligence, transport and mid-air refuelling to France, which launched its intervention last month, but cannot work directly with the Malian army until a democratically elected government replaces current leaders who came to power after a coup." Continue reading

Continue ReadingSenate committee chair: U.S. will likely have more active military role in Mali