What Has Mexico Learned From It's Drug Wars

Mexico's Drugs War: Lessons And Challenges -- BBC

For the past five years, Mexico has been engaged in a bloody confrontation with drug gangs. Mexican political scientist Eduardo Guerrero Gutierrez looks at how the struggle is going and the implications for Mexico's presidential election in July.

The past year has been one of light and shade in the fight against organised crime in Mexico.

The violence of the drug cartels, against one another as well as against the security forces and innocent citizens, continues to dominate the headlines.

Five years after President Felipe Calderon launched his crackdown on the gangs, there have been some 50,000 drug-related killings.

The number of murders in 2011, estimated at around 16,700, is 9% up on the total for 2010.

Read more ....

My Comment: A good summary on Mexico's drug cartel war. read it all.

The 10 News Events That Shaped 2011

A protester clashes with the Interior Ministry in Tahrir Square, Egypt, in November. (Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters/File)

Correspondent Reflections: The 10 News Events That Shaped 2011 -- Christian Science Monitor

In this special section, we look at the year’s biggest stories, and seven staff correspondents reflect on events in hot spots from Latin America to the Libyan front.

Arab Uprisings

The most widespread popular uprisings in half a century swept across the Arab world, ousting three of the region’s most stalwart autocrats – in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya – and opening the door for more representative government.

So far, that appears to mean a greater voice for Islamists – those who want Islam to play a greater role in politics.

Read more ....

My Comment: What stories were significant to me .... the Arab Spring, Bin Laden's death, Euro crisis, Afghan and Iraq wars, Japan tsunami.

Picture Of The Day

The USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Pacific Ocean during a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, Dec. 16, 2011. U.S. sailors and Marines assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Makin Island performed several operations between Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2011, while under way in the Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Zachary S. Welch

Will 2012 Be A Repeat Of 1932?

Wall Street Crash 1929: Scenes outside the New York Stock Exchange on the day the stock market crashed may once again become a reality

The Spectre Of 1932: How A Loss Of Faith In Politicians And Democracy Could Make 2012 The Most Frightening Year In Living Memory -- Daily Mail

The dawn of a new year is usually a time of hope and ambition, of dreams for the future and thoughts of a better life. But it is a long time since many of us looked forward to the new year with such anxiety, even dread.

Here in Britain, many economists believe that by the end of 2012 we could well have slipped into a second devastating recession. The Coalition remains delicately poised; it would take only one or two resignations to provoke a wider schism and a general election.

Read more ....

My Comment: No .... we are not repeating 1932. To begin .... Nazis and fascists are a thing of the past and have very little chance of coming back ..... even if everything goes to "hell". What I am more concerned about is the economy and the state of our money. Our personal and government debts are incredibly high, a situaiton that reminds me of Russia in 1992 when high debts resulted in inflation and the destruction of the middle class in Russia .... a sight that I saw and a sight that I wish to never see again. But can it happen again ... but this time in the West. Sighhhh .... if governments cannot control their spending .... trust me .... history is going to repeat itself again.

Al Qaeda Is Winning In Southern Yemen

Militants Create Haven In Southern Yemen -- Washington Post

ZINJIBAR, Yemen — — In this remote, sun-blasted corner of southern Yemen, there’s a battle raging that is as important to the United States as it is to this nation’s beleaguered government.

Each day, American-backed Yemeni forces engage in a grueling struggle to retake territory from militant Islamists — a conventional army pitted against a guerrilla militia with grand ambitions to stage an attack on U.S. soil. Each day, the soldiers feel increasingly besieged.

“We are like an island in a sea of al-Qaeda,” said Lt. Abdul Mohamed Saleh, standing at a checkpoint on a desolate highway that connects Zinjibar with the port city of Aden. “We are surrounded from every direction.”

Read more ....

My Comment: A failed state with a dysfunctional government. High unemployment coupled with corruption and the presence of a militant religious ideology (Islam) that promises better days ahead .... yup .... a perfect breeding ground for Al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists.

UAE Purchases A Missile Defense System From The U.S.

A THAAD missile test launch (file photo)

US to Sell Missile Defense System to UAE -- Voice of America

The United States and the United Arab Emirates have signed a deal for a missile defense system in the Persian Gulf nation.

The Pentagon said in a statement Friday that U.S.-based defense contractor Lockheed Martin has been awarded a nearly $2 billion contract to supply the UAE with two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Systems (THAAD).

Defense officials say the deal includes additional equipment, training and support that boosts the total value of the package to approximately $3.48 billion.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Selling A Missile Defense System To UAE

US seals $3.48B missiles, technology sale to UAE -- AP
US arms deal bolsters UAE's missile defense -- AFP
US seals deal on $3.48 billion sale of missiles, technology to UAE, a close ally in Mideast -- Washington Post/AP
U.S. signs deal to sell missiles to UAE as Iran backs down from its own missile testing plan -- National Post/Reuters
U.S., UAE reach deal for missile-defense system -- CNN
Boeing wins $3.48 billion Missile Defense Agency contract for development, sustainment of GMD system -- al.com
UAE Said to Sign Lockheed Thaad Pact Valued to $3.49 Billion -- Bloomberg
US to sell $3.5b in missile technology to the United Arab Emirates -- Global Post
US sells $3.5 billion missile defense system to the UAE -- The Hill

2011 Was A Tough Year For Everyone In Afghanistan

Click here to Expand the Above JPEG

565 Foreign Troops Killed In Afghan Unrest -- News.com.au

FOREIGN troops fighting in Afghanistan continue to pay a high toll, with more than 560 killed in 2011, the second highest number in the 10-year war against the Taliban-led insurgency.

Commanders from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) say violence is declining following the US military surge which saw an extra 33,000 troops on the ground.

But the UN says violence is up, while recent mass casualty strikes by the Taliban on civilians and coalition troops have fuelled analyst predictions that more bloodshed is likely as NATO hands control for security to Afghan forces.

The death toll of coalition service personnel in 2011 was 565 and includes 417 from the US and 45 from Britain, according to an AFP tally based on figures from independent website icasualties.org.

The number is down from a wartime high of 711 in 2010 after the start of the surge but up from 521 in 2009.

Read more ....

My Comment: Depressing .... just depressing. Throw in the thousands of allied soldiers who have been wounded .... and one can only imagine what are the Afghan casualties .... these stats start to reveal the sheer destruction and devastation that this war is causing.

2011 Year In Review: Top Photos From The White House Flickr Feed

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, along with former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, pause at the North Memorial Pool of the National September 11 Memorial in New York, N.Y., on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the United States, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. The North Memorial pool sits in the footprint of the north tower, formerly 1 World Trade Center. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

WNU Editor: The slideshow starts here.

Slideshow: 2011 Year in Review From Military.com

SEALs Take Down Bin Laden
In a late-night announcement from the White House, President Obama informed the world that Osama Bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaida and arguably the most infamous figure of the 21st century, had been killed May 1 by a SEAL team in Pakistan. While Americans celebrated his death, repercussions of the secret mission continue to be felt in dealings with Pakistan.

From the SEALs' takedown of Bin Laden to the shrinking Pentagon budget, our editors pick the biggest military stories of 2011. -- Military.com

WNU Editor: The start of the slideshow is here.

2011 Was A Banner Year For The CIA

2011: A Wild Ride For The CIA -- CNN

The year has been a rollercoaster ride for the CIA–incredible highs coupled with significant lows. But those dramatic ups and downs also underscored how intelligence is evolving and the agency is changing to keep pace. Keeping secrets is becoming more difficult and what the agency now does is sometimes more visible. And– the enemy is getting better.

On the critical counterterrorism front, 2011 was a momentous year. The crowning moment–maybe of even the last decade–was the CIA finally pinning down the location of enemy number one, Osama bin Laden, and then overseeing the raid by Navy special forces on a safehouse in Pakistan which led to his death, bringing an end to the nearly ten year pursuit of America's most wanted terrorist.

Read more ....

My Comment: The CIA has been lucky. A compliant media, a supportive Republican Party, and a neutered Democrat party .... backed by a Democrat President who took the gloves off for them to go after high-valued targets .... assassinations included .... has resulted in this being a banner year for the CIA. Will 2012 repeat itself .... hmmmmm .... that's the million dollar question.

Looking Back At 2011: The Year In Pictures

(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Nearly 10 years after his organization masterminded the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, US forces found and killed al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden on May 2 in Pakistan. This official government image shows President Barack Obama and other US officials following the operation.

WNU Editor: The photo gallery is from Spiegel Online, and it starts here.

State Of Emergency Declared In Nigeria

Nigeria President Declares State Of Emergency In Parts Of Country After Recent Sect Attacks -- Washington Post/AP

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s president on Saturday declared a state of emergency in parts of Africa’s most populous nation, after a recent slew of deadly attacks blamed on a northern-based radical Muslim sect killed dozens of people, as separate communal clashes in the country’s southeast left more than 40 dead.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared an indefinite state of emergency in four states, which would all allow security agencies there to make arrests without proof and conduct searches without warrants. He also ordered the closure of international borders near the affected areas.

Read more ....

More News On Nigeria Declaring A State Of Emergency In 4 States

Emergency Declared in 4 Nigerian States -- New York Times
Boko Haram attacks prompt Nigeria state of emergency -- BBC
Nigeria Declares State of Emergency After Attacks -- Voice of America
Nigeria declares state of emergency in troubled areas -- ABC News (Australia)
Nigerian president declares state of emergency in northern states amid insurgency -- Xinhuanet
Nigeria Declares State of Emergency in North -- Bloomberg
Violence prompts state of emergency in Nigeria -- CNN

Iraq PM Announces Dec. 31 "National Day Of Iraq"

U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen case the command's flag during the ceremony marking the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq on the former Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Dec. 15, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Iraqi Prime Minister Declares 'Iraq Day To Mark Departure Of U.S. Troops -- Radio Free Europe

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has declared December 31 "Iraq Day" to mark the end of a pact allowing U.S. forces to stay in the country.

"I announce today...which witnessed the completion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces, to be a national day," Maliki said in Baghdad on December 31. "We shall call it Iraq Day."

The announcement comes two weeks after U.S. troops completed their withdrawal from Iraq on December 18.

Maliki called for Iraqis to unite, and said the country's days of dictatorship and one-party rule were behind it, even as rival politicians have accused him of centralizing decision-making power.

Read more ....

More News On The Day To Mark The Departure Of U.S. Troops From Iraq

Iraqi prime minister proclaims ‘ dawn of a new day’ as last U.S. troops depart -- New York Daily News
Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki marks end of agreement with U.S. via upbeat messages -- Washington Post
Iraqi leader celebrates U.S. withdrawal as new dawn -- USA Today/AP
Maliki marks end of U.S. occupation -- UPI
'Iraq Day' marks troop withdrawal from Iraq -- Digital Journal

My Comment: You would expect tens of thousands of Iraqis on the streets celebrating .... but the fact is the opposite, with only a few hundred showing up. With sectarian differences and divisions now the main focus for most Iraqis, the U.S. withdrawal is the least of their concerns.

Happy New Year

WNU Editor: I know that I am getting a bit ahead of myself .... especially with the above image (an image that I enjoy posting every year) .... but I want to wish a Happy New Year to all of my readers and supporters .... and I know that 2012 will be just as exciting and interesting as 2011.

President Obama's Signs Defense Bill, Sanctons Against Iran, Detainee Law, And Criticizes Terror Rules

Obama Signs Defense Bill, Criticizes Terror Rules -- L.A. Times/AP

Officials said Obama was only signing the measure because Congress made minimally acceptable changes. One stricken provision would have denied U.S. citizens suspected of terrorism the right to trial and could have subjected them to indefinite detention.

HONOLULU — President Obama signed a sweeping defense bill into law Saturday despite having "serious reservations" about provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation and prosecution of suspected terrorists.

The bill also applies penalties against Iran's central bank in an effort to hamper Tehran's ability to fund its nuclear enrichment program. The Obama administration is looking to soften the impact of those penalties because of concerns that they could lead to a spike in global oil prices or cause economic hardship on U.S. allies that import petroleum from Iran.

Read more ....

More News On The Bills That President Obama Signed Into Law On The Last Day Of 2011

Obama Defense Bill Signing Statement -- AJC
After Struggle on Detainees, Obama Signs Military Bill -- New York Times
Obama signs defense bill, pledges to maintain legal rights of U.S. citizens -- Washington post
Obama signs defense bill -- with objections -- Politico
Obama Signs Defense Bill, With Reservations -- Voice of America
Obama signs defense bill 'with reservations' -- CNN
Obama Signs Defense Authorization Bill -- National Journal
Obama signs defense funding bill, objects to terror detainee provisions -- The Hill
Obama Signs Defense Spending Bill Despite Reservations -- US Department of Defense
Obama signs bill despite terror trial 'reservations' -- AFP
With Reservations, Obama Signs Act to Allow Detention of Citizens -- ABC News

Obama signs new Iran sanctions into law -- ABC News (Australia)
Obama signs new Iran sanctions into law -- AFP
U.S. imposes sanctions on banks dealing with Iran -- Reuters
Obama Signs Bill on Banking Sanctions Against Iran -- CRIEnglish/Xinhuanet
Obama signs bill imposing Iran banking sanctions -- Economic Times/Reuters

Obama signs bill freezing aid to Pakistan -- Express Tribune/Reuters
US suspends all sort of aid to Pakistan unannounced: FO -- International News Online

Iran Signals A Desire To Reopen Nuclear Talks

Iran Proposes To Reopen Nuclear Talks -- The Guardian

Islamic republic says it has notified UN of its intention to resume negotiations amid confusion over reported missile tests

Iran has proposed to reopen negotiations about its controversial nuclear programme with the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

The invitation by Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, comes in the wake of new sanctions recently imposed by the UN over Tehran's uranium enrichment programme.

The last round of talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN security council and Germany – held in Istanbul in January – ended in failure.

Read more ....

More News On Iran Wanting To Reopen Nuclear Talks

Iran initiates nuclear talks with six world powers as sanctions squeeze Ahmadinejad regime -- New York Daily News
Iran Asks to Resume Talks http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifon Its Nuclear Program -- New York Times/AP
Iran says ready for nuclear talks as tensions mount -- AFP
U.S. steps up sanctions as Iran floats nuclear talks -- Reuters
Iran Calls for New Nuclear Talks, Delays Missile Test -- Voice of America
Iran delays planned missile tests, indicates willingness for fresh talks about its nuclear program -- National Post/Reuters
Iran delays missile test, says ready for nuke talks -- Times of India
Iran proposes nuclear talks reopen -- Press Association

My Comment: With Iran making it very clear that restricting their nuclear enrichment program is non-negotiable, I fail to see how new talks will change anything. What is having a bite .... and concerns Iran immensely (hence the desire for new talks) .... are sanctions against it's Central Bank. This will make doing international business increasingly difficult .... and more importantly for Iran .... increasingly expensive. For Iran's elite .... since sanctions were first imposed years ago .... for the first time they are now feeling their money is being targeted (which it is).

The Amazing Story On How Our Supersecret, Cold-War Spy Satellites Took Photos Of The Soviet Empire

TOP SECRET: Your Briefing On The CIA's Cold-War Spy Satellite, 'Big Bird' -- The Atlantic

The amazing story of how our supersecret, Cold-War spy satellites took photos of the Soviet empire and dropped them to Earth, all without the help of computers, bandwidth, or digital cameras.

Here's your mission, should you choose to accept it: build a camera that can take high-resolution photographs of the Earth from orbit and return them to the Central Intelligence Agency. There's only one catch: you don't get to use a computer or a single kilobyte of network bandwidth.

Read more ....

My Comment: For more info on this spy program, go here.

U.S. Air Force Buys The Latest Version Of Armed Drones

An Avenger drone is seen here in flight. It was designed to carry 2,000-pound bombs, as well as missiles, cameras and sensor packages. (Chad Slattery, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems / December 30, 2011)

Air Force Buys An Avenger, Its Biggest And Fastest Armed Drone -- L.A. Times

The new radar-evading aircraft, which cost the Air Force $15 million, has a maximum takeoff weight of 15,800 pounds and can fly at 460 mph. The drone, built near San Diego, is for testing purposes.

The Air Force has bought a new hunter-killer aircraft that is the fastest and largest armed drone in its fleet.

The Avenger, which cost the military $15 million, is the latest version of the Predator drones made by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., a San Diego-area company that also builds the robotic MQ-9 Reapers for the Air Force and CIA.

The new radar-evading aircraft, also known as the Predator C, is General Atomics' third version of these drones. The Air Force picked up only one of them, strictly for testing purposes.

Read more ....

Update: The Air Force Just Bought Its Biggest And Fastest Armed Drone Ever -- Business Insider

My Comment: It will only be a matter of time before we have drones that can fly Mach 1+ that carry even larger lethal payloads.

The Growing Role Of Civilian Contractors In U.S. Drone Operations Are Raising Concerns

Personnel at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County last year control a Predator drone flying over Ft. Irwin, northeast of Barstow. (Don Bartletti, Los Angeles Times)

Civilian Contractors Playing Key Roles In U.S. Drone Operations -- L.A. Times

Reporting from Washington — After a U.S. airstrike mistakenly killed at least 15 Afghans in 2010, the Army officer investigating the accident was surprised to discover that an American civilian had played a central role: analyzing video feeds from a Predator drone keeping watch from above.

The contractor had overseen other analysts at Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field in Florida as the drone tracked suspected insurgents near a small unit of U.S. soldiers in rugged hills of central Afghanistan. Based partly on her analysis, an Army captain ordered an airstrike on a convoy that turned out to be carrying innocent men, women and children.

Read more ....

Update: US Civilians Are Now Helping Decide Who To Kill With Military Drones -- Business Insider

My Comment: These concerns are justified. As the U.S. military becomes more dependent on civilian contractors .... more accidental deaths and questionable calls will probably be raised.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 31, 2011

Russian Nuclear Submarine Fire ‘Totally Extinguished’ After Day-Long Blaze -- National Post/Reuters

Russia said on Friday it had doused a raging blaze aboard a nuclear submarine after nearly a full day and night, by partially submerging the vessel after battling the flames with water from helicopters and tug boats.

There was no radiation leak and crew inside the submarine were monitoring the stricken vessel’s nuclear reactors which had been shut down, Russian officials said.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Russian nuclear submarine blaze injures nine after crew remain inside -- The Guardian

NATO coalition at risk from French vote on Armenian deaths -- UPI

India takes delivery of Russian N-submarine -- Times of India

India's Navy floats out first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier -- the Hindu

Indian army eating out-of-date food -- UPI

Finland to Widen Missile Shipment Inquiry: Customs -- Defense News

Saudi F-15s tip of $123B gulf arms plan -- UPI

Strike Eagle Sale Sets Stage For Lucrative SNEP II Deal -- Aol Defense

Air Defense: America Buys Into New Israeli Tech -- Strategy Page

Boeing wins $3.48 billion U.S. missile defense contract -- Yahoo News/Reuters

The Super Hornet as a Stealth Killer? -- Defense Tech

DoD Reliance on Contractors Widens -- Military.com/UPI

Finding budget sanity in the carrier air wing -- Eric Palmer

Aggressive Phishing Attack Targets Military -- DoD Live

US National Guards conduct more military funerals -- Wall Street Journal

JBLM suicides hit grim milestone in 2011 - most ever -- News Tribune

Air Force divorce rate highest in military -- Air Force Times

New enemy infiltrates U.S. ranks: Use of synthetic pot that causes day-long hallucinations and schizophrenic symptoms 'skyrockets' in military -- Daily Mail

2011: The year that was -- DoD Buzz

Afghanistan War News Updates -- December 31, 2011

Over 560 ISAF troops die in Afghan war in 2011 -- Montreal Gazette/AFP

KABUL — Foreign troops fighting in Afghanistan continue to pay a high toll, with more than 560 killed in 2011, the second highest number in the 10-year war against the Taliban-led insurgency.

Commanders from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) say violence is declining following the U.S. military surge which saw an extra 33,000 troops on the ground.

But the UN says violence is up, while recent mass casualty strikes by the Taliban on civilians and coalition troops have fuelled analyst predictions that more bloodshed is likely as NATO hands control for security to Afghan forces.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Dec 31 -- Reuters
Blast kills British soldier in Afghanistan -- AFP
UK soldier killed in Afghanistan -- BBC
565 foreign troops killed in Afghan unrest -- Herald Sun
U.S. Military Fights Rising IED Attacks in Afghanistan -- ABC News
Taliban to get official HQ as U.S. seeks peace deal; break from Al Qaeda is a must -- New York Daily News
Afghan President Welcomes US Remarks on Taliban -- Voice of America
Afghan president welcomes US remarks on Taliban not being America’s enemy -- Washington Post/AP
U.S. hopes to resume talks with Taliban in spring -- SFGate/AP
Liaison Office Seven Taliban leaders take families to Qatar -- Pakistan Observer
French defence minister visits Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AFP
Taliban Ringtones Are Saving Lives in Afghanistan -- Gizmodo
Soldier's guide to surviving Afghanistan war - written 92 years ago -- Mirror
Could giving the Taliban a street address bring peace to Afghanistan? -- Tom A. Peter, Christian Science Monitor

World News Briefs -- December 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011: Fireworks burst over the Sydney Opera House, right, as New Year's celebrations begin in Sydney.

World Rings In 2012, Bids Goodbye To Rough Year -- FOX News

SYDNEY – A glittering rainbow of fireworks in the shape of butterflies, hearts and a cascading waterfall exploded over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge on Sunday, as cheering revelers welcomed 2012 and bid a weary adieu to a year marred by natural disasters, mass protests and economic turmoil.

More than 1.5 million people crowded onto yachts and along the shores of the city's harbor to watch the shimmering pyrotechnic display that was designed around the theme "Time to Dream" -- a nod to the eagerness many felt at moving forward after the rough year.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran, world powers to hold nuclear talks. Iran proposes new nuclear talks with world powers.

Iran naval commander: 'Missiles will be test-fired shortly'. Iran to test-fire missiles in key oil waterway. Iran delays missile test.

Death toll mounts in Syria as tens of thousands take to the streets.

Syrian opposition unite to chart path to democracy.

Arab League observer 'concern' at Syria snipers.

Iraq row festers as speaker denies penning op-ed.

Kurds question Turkey's deadly air raid. Kurds protest airstrike killing dozens in Turkey.

Yemen protesters demand end to southern fighting.

Maliki declares 'Iraq Day' to mark US pullout.

ASIA

Over 560 ISAF troops die in Afghan war in 2011.

North Korea's new leaders lash out at South Korea and allies.

North Korea says names Kim Jong-un top military commander.

India: Pakistani troops' fire wounds border guard.

42 killed as cyclone hits southeast India.

Man dies from bird flu in southern China.

China seeks to combat hi-tech crimewave.

China: Tens of thousands of ruins 'disappear'.

AFRICA

Ethiopian troops capture Beledweyne from Somalia militants.

Libya's army tries to reassert itself as militias have their way.

Nigeria's Jonathan vows to "crush terrorists".

Egypt to return seized equipment and money, U.S. officials say.

Divisions emerge between Islamists in Egypt.

Rhino poaching hits record as horns worth more than gold.

EUROPE

Putin sends New Year's greetings, with a wink. Russian protesters set a plan for 2012.

Russia denies radiation leak in nuclear sub blaze.

'Euro will be stable' claim is ridiculed.

FTSE loses £90bn over year but eurozone fares worse.

Spain makes €9bn budget cuts to cover rising deficit.

AMERICAS

Obama hopeful for more economic progress in 2012.

Haiti leader paves way for new elections.

World pays Ecuador not to extract oil from rainforest.

Los Angeles plagued by arson fires as authorities search for culprit.

Muslims boycott Mayor Bloomberg's interfaith breakfast.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Shabaab leader recounts al Qaeda's role in Somalia in the 1990s.

Al-Qaeda-linked faction leader killed by Israelis.

Al-Qaeda trying to recruit fighters in Libya: officials.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow logs gain in volatile 2011; S&P ends flat.

$6.3tn wiped off markets in 2011.

Gold's 10 percent gain in 2011 extends run to 11th year.

Rumors of new iPads heat up as 2012 arrives.

Fears Of A Muslim - Christian War Intensify In Nigeria

Nigerian Violence Threatens To Ignite Wider Muslim-Christian Conflict -- CNN

(CNN) -- There are ominous signs in Nigeria that the campaign of violence by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is leading to wider and more explosive sectarian tensions -- in a country where Christian-Muslim relations are often tense and sometimes bloody.

The last two months have seen widespread bloodshed in northern Nigeria, with churches and police stations among the targets.

Boko Haram (which according to the group means "Western civilization is forbidden") has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on churches in central and northern Nigeria on Christmas Day, including one near the capital, Abuja, which killed nearly 30 people.

Read more ....

More News On the Muslim - Christian Conflict In Nigeria

Four dead as ANOTHER major blast rocks Nigeria... as tensions between Christians and Muslims continue to rise -- Christian Science Monitor
Unclaimed attack on Islamic school raises tension in Nigeria -- Christian Science Monitor
Nigeria's Boko Haram blamed for Maiduguri attack -- BBC
Bomb at Arabic school in Nigeria adds to sectarian fears -- AFP
Fear grips Nigerians as insecurity heightens -- Xinhuanet
Nigeria Boko Haram clashes: 'Thousands flee Damaturu' -- BBC
Nigeria Steps Up Efforts to Combat Terrorism -- Voice of America
Church bombings are declaration of war, say Nigerian Christians -- The Guardian
Nigerian bishops call for help to fight sect -- AFP
Nigerian Christians Dismayed by President’s Security Response -- Voice of America
Nigeria Christians 'to defend churches from Boko Haram' -- BBC
Insight: Islamist attacks strain Nigeria's north-south divide -- Reuters
Nigeria attacks stir fears of reprisal across ancient divide -- Irish Times

Mossad Chief: It Is Not The End Of The World If Iran Has Nuclear Weapons

Tamir Pardo. Photo by: Moti Milrod

Mossad Chief: Nuclear Iran Not Necessarily Existential Threat To Israel -- Haaretz

Tamir Pardo says Israel using various means to foil Iran's nuclear program, but if Iran actually obtained nuclear weapons, it would not mean destruction of Israel.

A nuclear-armed Iran wouldn't necessarily constitute a threat to Israel's continued existence, Mossad chief Tamir Pardo reportedly hinted earlier this week.

On Tuesday evening, Pardo addressed an audience of about 100 Israeli ambassadors. According to three ambassadors present at the briefing, the intelligence chief said that Israel was using various means to foil Iran's nuclear program and would continue to do so, but if Iran actually obtained nuclear weapons, it would not mean the destruction of the State of Israel.

Read more ....

My Comment: The best part of this report is the last paragraph .... Israeli and U.S. officials have drawn up red lines that Iran must cross before military action will be taken .... but even with these red lines .... U.S. officials are not sure if President Obama will follow through if Iran crosses them.

Kim Jong Un Named ‘Supreme Commander’ Of The North Korean Military

New North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un

Kim Jong-un Named Leader of North Korean Army -- New York Times

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea announced on Saturday that its new leader, Kim Jong-un, had officially been named supreme commander of the country’s powerful army, a day after the country warned that it would not soften its stance toward South Korea.

The announcement of Mr. Kim’s new military position was not unexpected, but his rise has taken place much faster than anticipated. Analysts have said the speed with which the relatively untested Mr. Kim is collecting titles after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, suggests that he is vulnerable and that his supporters are trying to forestall any challenges to his power.

Read more ....

More News On Kim Jong-un Being named As Leader of the north Korean Military

North Korea names Kim Jong Un its supreme military commander -- Deutsche Welle
Kim Jong-un appointed supreme commander of North Korea's military -- The Telegraph
North Korea says names Kim Jong-un top military commander -- Reuters
North Korea names Kim Jong Un Supreme Commander -- Seattle PI/AP
Kim Jong-Un assumes ‘supreme commandership’ of North Korea’s army: State media -- National Post
Kim Jong Un Named ‘Supreme Commander’ -- Radio Free Europe
Kim Jong Un now controls N. Korean military as ‘Supreme Commander’ -- Chicago Sun Times

North Korea: Where Are Kim Jong-un's Brothers?

North Korea Drama: Where Are Kim Jong-un's Brothers? -- Christian Science Monitor

Conspicuously absent from all images coming out of North Korea are Kim Jong-il's two other sons.

The two older sons of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il face uncertain fates as political exiles, while brother Kim Jong-un assumes the mantle of power in Pyongyang.

Analysts offer that view after finding no signs that either has come to visit their father’s body lying in state in a glass-enclosed coffin in Pyongyang.

In fact, say analysts, the spectacle of two blood brothers in the wings would be more than a mere distraction. It would be difficult to convince people that at least one of them wasn't waiting to take over, especially since they're both older and the "supreme leader," after all, has done little to prove he's worthy of the title.

Read more ....

My Comment: Kn Jong-un's two brothers have it right .... being leader of North Korea is be a "shitty" job. Best stay in Macau and have fun gambling (Kim Jong-nam), or travel to rock concerts (Kim Jong-chul).

Corruption Cannot Be Hidden Anymore

Corrupt Elites Are Being Named And Shamed – By The People -- The Telegraph

Around the world, tyrants and thieving officials are running out of places to hide.

It will be a year ago next Wednesday that a Tunisian fruit vendor called Mohamed Bouazizi died, 18 days after dousing himself with paint thinner, setting himself alight, and inspiring a series of protests which we now remember as the Arab Spring. At the time, these protests were widely described as political. But in a recent, brilliant article for Foreign Policy magazine, the economist Hernando de Soto pointed out that these movements also had a very specific set of economic inspirations. In fact, Bouazizi was a frustrated entrepreneur, a would-be businessman who was unable to get ahead because of weak property rights, bad laws and rigged markets.

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My Comment: Stalin once remarked .... how many divisions does the Vatican have? But it was a Polish Pope who got the ball rolling that ended communism in Eastern Europe. The same can be said about social media today .... how many divisions does Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube have .... hmmmm .... considering what is happening .... I would say a huge army. And for dictators and tyrants who thrive on secrecy and isolation and live on the corruption that they spawn .... both big and small .... 2011 was not a good year, and it looks like 2012 is going to be worse.

Al Qaeda Beach-Head In Libya?

Source: Al Qaeda Leader Sends Veteran Jihadists To Establish Presence In Libya -- CNN

Al Qaeda's leadership has sent experienced jihadists to Libya in an effort to build a fighting force there, according to a Libyan source briefed by Western counter-terrorism officials.

The jihadists include one veteran fighter who had been detained in Britain on suspicion of terrorism. The source describes him as committed to al Qaeda's global cause and to attacking U.S. interests.

The source told CNN that the al Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, personally dispatched the former British detainee to Libya earlier this year as the Gadhafi regime lost control of large swathes of the country.

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Hat Tip: Gateway Pundit

My Comment: Libya is disorganized and dysfunctional .... but an Al Qaeda cell planning and growing in the countryside .... hmmmm .... I have my doubts that it will amount to anything.

Picture Of The Day

A UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Calvary Division, takes flight, stirring up the snow as it passes over another UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter on Camp Marmal, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2011. The helicopters departed on a mission the morning after an overnight snowstorm. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richard Wrigley

Is This The New Trend On How Our Politicians Honor The Fallen?

Honoring the dead: The President prepares to lay a wreath in memory of those who died in the attacks during the Second World War in Hawaii

Remembering The Fallen: Obama Takes A Break From Golf And Fine-Dining To Honour America's War Heroes At Pearl Harbor -- Daily Mail

* First couple laid a wreath with words 'In Loving Memory' and scattered orchids in the water at USS Arizona Memorial
* Obama family went with friends for 'shave ice' treats earlier in the day

After days of playing golf and eating out with friends at Hawaii's most exclusive restaurants, Obama returned to some official business yesterday as he laid a wreath at a memorial honouring those killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The president was joined at the USS Arizona Memorial by his wife, Michelle, just before sunset. After a moment's silence, the Obamas scattered orchids into the water.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attacks, which claimed the lives of 2,390 Americans and brought the United States into the Second World War.

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My Comment: I personally do not care about the president's vacation plans, and I have a strong feeling that President Obama and his wife do not care what I or anyone else may think of their vacation plans either. But I do know that for soldiers who are stuck at some cold and damp FOB base in Afghanistan .... or anywhere else .... this ain't cool.

President Bush had it right when it came to his vacations .... when soldiers are fighting and sacrificing in the field .... best give up on the golf and the great vacations in exotic places. Stay home and honor the troops here .... because lets face it .... when you are the President optics is everything .... both here and abroad.

Getting Ready For Armageddon

Burlington, a command bunker buried under 100 feet of earth at Corsham, Wilts Photo: ALAMY

1961 Files: Codeword To Enter Secret Bunker At The End Of The World -- The Telegraph

Files released at Kew today include the 1962 Cabinet Office War Book, a brief but chilling guide to Armageddon, as seen from Downing Street.

Armageddon would be signalled by one word from Whitehall: orangeade.

This was the codeword that would allow a civil servant in London to be put through to Burlington, a secret bunker in Corsham, Wiltshire, warning that it was about to become the last bastion of British government after Soviet nuclear bombs had devastated the country. The procedure, detailed in the 1962 Cabinet Office War Book, released under the 50-year-rule, is a brief, chilling guide to what steps should be taken in the last hours before an attack.

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My Comment: Thank God that such a day did not happen.

North Korea's Leaders May Hate America, But They Love Our Cars

The casket of Kim Jong-il, who hated the United States, sat atop an American-made Lincoln Continental. The next leader, Kim Jong-un, is at left. AP

Deeply Hated, But Present: A U.S. Touch At Kim’s End -- New York Times

Kim Jong-il hated the United States. But an American carried him to the grave.

The coffin of Mr. Kim, the cultish North Korean leader, sat atop the roof of a polished masterpiece of American automotive grandeur: a mid-1970s armored black Lincoln Continental, which wended through the snowy streets of Pyongyang on Wednesday in a rigorously choreographed funeral. Mr. Kim’s gigantic, smiling portrait was balanced atop a second Lincoln limousine. A third, slightly smaller Lincoln brought up the rear, its roof bearing an immense wreath. The aging but impeccably maintained cars gave the footage on North Korean state television the quality of a cold war Hollywood film.

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My Comment: The hypocrisy from North Korea is sometimes too much .... but then again there is one thing that I do know about Koreans (both North and South) .... hell will need to freeze over first before they start to drive Japanese cars.

First Day On The Job, And North Korea's New Ruler Is Now Threatening War

Kim Jong-Un Just Issued His First Threat Of War Against South Korea -- IBD Editorial

Kim Jong-un, who was declared Supreme Leader of North Korea yesterday, issued his first terrifying threat of war today.

North Korea may "smash the stronghold of the puppet forces" in the South in retaliation for "hideous crimes" committed during the mourning period for Kim Jong-il.

Threats of war from Kim Jong-un's father, though terrifying, were routine. His father threatened and attacked the South multiple times, but he never started a war or launched a nuclear offensive or used his artillery force to devastate Seoul.

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My Comment: So much for trying to find common ground with North Korea's new leader.

The Shape Of Things To Come?

Xinhua (More sections of China's own orbiting space station head up)

More 'Change': China Plans Manned Moon Landings As U.S. Rents Seats On Russian Rockets -- IBD Editorial

Americans better get used to it: Watching China's rockets and astronauts launching from Earth to explore new frontiers in space, near and very far.

With the U.S. space shuttle fleet now fully retired and decommissioned by the Obama administration, NASA must rent $62 million seats on Russian rockets to get Americans up to the International Space Station. And no farther.

On Thursday, the emerging superpower of China, flush with cash from its booming economy and overseas investments, released a major policy paper, announcing far more ambitious goals for its own national space explorations.

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My Comment: For the past 25 years I have made it a routine to visit the States at least once a year .... and I am usually in China visiting friends or former business colleagues every second year. These visits have given me a perspective that is unique .... but also sad. The United States that I learned to love and admire is not the United States of 25 years ago .... it has become something else. And while I am not going to bore you with on why I believe liberalism and statism coupled with union, Washington, and Wall Street cronyism has destroyed the vibrancy that once made America great ....I will instead point out that China .... a poor and confused country with multiple problems has instead embraced in the past 25 years what we have abandoned .... a free entrepreneurial spirit with a view and a determination to embrace the future even though (for most Chinese) they still live a destitute existence. Hope is what gives us the energy to continue ... and I can easily say right now that for the Chinese .... even with all of their problems and poverty .... they have buckets of it.

In the end, I do not know if the Chinese will succeed. The problems over there are incredible .... but I do know that we are failing, and if these trends continue there will be a day when we look at the Chinese as the trend makers, while the U.S. will become like today's Britain ..... a great empire that once was the center of the universe .... but is now just a so-so tourist spot.

British Files Indicate Level Of Support For The Afghan Mujahideen In 1981

Moscow's forces pulled out of Afghanistan in 1989 after a decade of war Photo: REUTERS/Mikhail Evstafiev

1981 Files Hint At Afghan Secret War -- The Telegraph

Evidence of an escalating secret war in Afghanistan is revealed in confidential documents which have been released to the National Archives.

The documents detail Britain and America’s contribution to supporting Afghan militants fighting against the Soviets following the invasion of 1979 and an increasing propaganda war around the Moscow Olympics of 1980.

With some of those figures still active in Afghan politics, in places the Foreign Office documents have been censored or pages have been removed.

A “top secret memo” from the Foreign Secretary’s private secretary in September 1980 wrote of training and equipping 26 cameramen to be sent into Afghanistan to “take films of Russian atrocities and military activities in Afghanistan.”

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My Comment: I guess I am starting to get old because for me .... 1981 .... it feels like yesterday.

Hot Spots For 2012

North Korea's Tricky Succession—And Two More Holiday Hotspots To Watch -- Popular Mechanics

Three of the world's most combustible regions are flaring as 2011 comes to an end. Here are the battles, civil wars, and massacres to keep an eye on over eggnog.

North Korea: Who's Controlling Those Nukes and Chemical Weapons?

After Kim Jong Il died this weekend, the South Korean military went into alert—and South Korean defense stocks rose 15 percent when the dictator's death was announced. South Korea's leaders, and investors, know that Stalinist regimes tend to have rocky transitions when their leaders die.

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My Comment: I would also add Egypt, Gaza, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Venezuela, Russia, the Euro .... well .... you get the picture.