russia

Bloggers expose lavish lifestyles of Putin loyalists

"Bloggers who oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin are targeting top lawmakers loyal to the Kremlin with scandalous revelations about their luxury apartments and jet-setting lifestyles which run counter to their patriotic rhetoric. Top lawmakers and officials are obliged to declare property and income annually in a corruption-busting initiative proposed by Dmitry Medvedev under his presidency, but bloggers and investigative reporters have highlighted their undeclared wealth and assets." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBloggers expose lavish lifestyles of Putin loyalists

Kerry becomes first war casualty

"Much as the strike may (or may not) weaken the Syrian armed forces and diminish its military capabilities, Kerry's capacity to be an effective secretary of state for the reminder of President Barack Obama's term may have been seriously 'degraded' already. The point is, over three full eventful years still remain in Obama's presidency and three years is a lot time in politics. Kerry's tragedy is that he is being called upon to defend an indefensible brief. Three major gaffes within the space of a week is a terrible record for a top diplomat to pile up under any circumstances." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingKerry becomes first war casualty

Pepe Escobar: Dogs of war versus the emerging caravan

"Not even the ghost of Machiavelli would come up with an adjective to describe the whole planet waiting in disbelief to see whether the almost universally despised House of Representatives (15% approval rating, according to RealClearPolitics) decides, Roman Empire style, to give the thumbs down and authorize the bombing of one of the oldest cities in humanity (well, they have an illustrious precedent of applauding Shock and Awe over Baghdad, which topped the Mongols going medieval in the 13th century). And all this against the will of the 'American people' who, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll support this folly by an overwhelming 9%. Yes We Bomb. But what for?" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPepe Escobar: Dogs of war versus the emerging caravan

Russian spokesman mocks Britain, the little island

"Britain has faced questions about its role and influence in the world since Mr Cameron was embarrassed by last week’s Commons vote to rule out a military strike against Syria. Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin’s official spokesman, is said to have highlighted that embarrassment, telling Russian journalists that Britain was now diplomatically irrelevant. Britain is 'just a small island … no one pays any attention to them', Mr Peskov is reported to have said. The blunt remarks appeared to realise British fears that the Russians would use the St Petersburg summit to upstage Mr Cameron over his criticism of Syria, Russia’s closest Middle Eastern ally." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussian spokesman mocks Britain, the little island

Russia: Int’l experts have strong proof images of chemical victims fabricated

"Footage and photos of the alleged chemical attack in Syria, which the US cites as the reason for a planned military intervention, had been fabricated in advance, speakers told a UN human rights conference in Geneva. Members of the conference were presented accounts of international experts, Syrian public figures and Russian news reporters covering the Syrian conflict, which back Russia’s opposition to the US plans, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The possible attack by US military without a UN Security Council mandate would violate international law and should be prevented by the United Nations, some of the speakers said." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussia: Int’l experts have strong proof images of chemical victims fabricated

Putin: Syria chem arms handover will work only if US calls off strike

"'Of course, all of this will only mean anything if the United States and other nations supporting it tell us that they're giving up their plan to use force against Syria. You can’t really ask Syria, or any other country, to disarm unilaterally while military action against it is being contemplated,' President Putin said on Tuesday. President Putin said that the matter of bringing Syria’s chemical weapons under international control has long been a subject of discussion by experts and politicians. Putin confirmed that he and President Barack Obama had 'indeed discussed' such a possibility on the sidelines of the G20 summit in St. Petersburg last week." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPutin: Syria chem arms handover will work only if US calls off strike

Syria tentatively accepts surrender of alleged chemical weapons arsenal

"Obama warned Monday he had not taken military strikes off the table but, in agreeing to consider the Russian initiative, he effectively pushed back the timetable for possible action. 'I think what we’re seeing is that a credible threat of a military strike from the United States, supported potentially by a number of other countries around the world, has given them pause and makes them consider whether or not they would make this move,' he told NBC television. 'And if they do, then this could potentially be a significant breakthrough. But we have to be skeptical because this is not how we’ve seen them operate over the last couple of years.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSyria tentatively accepts surrender of alleged chemical weapons arsenal

Russia urges Syria hand over chemical weapons to int’l control

"Russia has urged Syria to put its chemical weapons under international control for subsequent destruction to avert a possible military strike. The Foreign Minister’s statement comes shortly after US Secretary of State John Kerry’s comment that the Syrian President 'could turn over every single bit of his chemical weapons to the international community' to avoid a military strike on the country. 'Sure, he could turn over every single bit of his chemical weapons to the international community in the next week - turn it over, all of it without delay and allow the full and total accounting [of it[, but he isn't about to do it and it can't be done,' Kerry said." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussia urges Syria hand over chemical weapons to int’l control

‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

"America's envoy to the United Nations singled out Russia for criticism - for its outspoken opposition to strikes. And that's as the UN chief himself ruled out a military solution to the Syrian crisis - warning that a strike would have tragic consequences and fuel sectarian violence in the region. Investigative journalist Charlie McGrath has commented on the US envoy's statements - saying international trust in Washington's words has all but eroded." Continue reading →

Continue Reading‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

Obama tells Russian LGBT activists he is proud of their work

"President Barack Obama on Friday told Russian rights activists that he is 'proud of their work,' saying Russia must remember to let civil society function freely. Meeting with nine activists, including two representing LGBT groups, Obama said 'it’s important to remember that in every country, here in Russia, in the United States, around the globe, that part of good government is making sure that we’re creating space for civil society to function.' This included ensuring 'freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and making sure that people can join together and make common cause around the issues that we care deeply about,' he added." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama tells Russian LGBT activists he is proud of their work