The Case Against WikiLeaks Suspect Bradley Manning Continues

Judge Refuses To Dismiss Charges Against WikiLeaks Suspect Bradley Manning -- Washington Post

A military judge refused Tuesday to toss out the case against WikiLeaks suspect Bradley Manning but ruled that any sentence the Army private receives should be reduced by 112 days because of his mistreatment in confinement.

Manning’s confinement at a military jail in Quantico, Va., was “more rigorous than necessary,” said Army Col. Denise Lind, the military judge presiding over the hearing at Fort Meade, Md. Maintaining him in suicide risk over mental health recommendations “became excessive in relation to legitimate government interests.”

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More News On The Trial Of Wikileaks Suspect Bradley Manning

Judge denies Manning motion to dismiss charges in WikiLeaks case -- NBC
WikiLeaks soldier's sentence reduced - if convicted -- Reuters
WikiLeaks: Bradley Manning was treated improperly in lockup, judge rules -- Christian Science Monitor
Judge: Army GI in WikiLeaks Illegally Punished -- ABC News/AP
Bradley Manning awarded sentencing credit by judge -- Politico
Bradley Manning ensured leaks would not harm US, lawyer insists -- The Guardian

Former British Military Chiefs Warn That National Security Is Being Compromised By Budget Defense Cuts

Defence Of UK Has Diminished 'To A Perilous Degree', Warn Former Armed Forces Bosses As They Hit Out At Cuts In Spending And Lack Of Investment -- Daily Mail

* Damning report by former defence chiefs calls for investment to plug gaps
* They warn national security is being 'severely compromised' by the cuts
* Armed Forces are the 'Cinderella' and 'sacrificial lamb' of the public services'

The Armed Forces' ability to defend the country has diminished to a 'perilous degree' because of spending cuts, former defence chiefs have warned.

They argue in a damning report from the UK National Defence Association (UKDA) that investment is needed to plug gaps in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force created by the funding squeeze.

The UKNDA's chief executive, Commander John Muxworthy, branded the Armed Forces a 'sacrificial lamb' and 'Cinderella of the public services', and said the nation's security is being 'severely compromised'.

Read more ....

Update: Military chiefs call for reversal of defence cuts -- The Guardian

My Comment: The British government is not paying any attention to them. The cuts are here to stay.

Are British Military Forces At Risk Of A 'Fatal' Cyber-Attack

UK Armed Forces At Risk Of 'Fatal' Cyber-Attack, MPs Warn -- The Guardian

Defence select committee says there are worrying gaps in MoD's cyber-strategy and calls for urgent ministerial intervention.

Britain's armed forces are at risk of being "fatally compromised" by a sustained cyber-attack because the military is dependent on technology that has no proven back-up, MPs have warned .

The potential vulnerability must be addressed urgently, according to the Commons defence select committee, as part of a broader effort across government to face up to the threats posed from cyberspace.

In a withering critique of the government's cyber-strategy, the committee concludes: "The government needs to put in place – as it has not yet done – mechanisms, people, education, skills, thinking and policies which take into account both the opportunities and the vulnerabilities that cyber presents. It is time the government approached this subject with vigour."

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More News On British MPs Being Warned That The UK Armed Forces Are At Risk Of A 'Fatal' Cyber-Attack

British military at risk from cyber attack - watchdog -- Reuters
Reliance on computers could see Armed Forces 'fatally compromised' by terrorists mounting cyber attack -- Daily Mail
U.K. Must Focus on Defense Cyber Security, Lawmakers Say -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Cyber attack could defeat UK armed forces, MPs warned -- Scotsman
Cyber Attack Threat: UK Armed Forces Warned -- SKY News

Military Scientists On The Frontline

What Do UK's Military Scientists Do On The Frontline? -- BBC

It's a little known fact that the UK Ministry of Defence deploys scientists to the frontline in Iraq and Afghanistan. But what do military science advisers do?

To find out, Quentin Cooper from BBC Radio 4's Material World programme interviewed Nick Barrett, programme leader for support to operations at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

QC: Nick, a lot of us are used to the idea that alongside soldiers there are embedded journalists. But aside from medics and engineers, we don't really hear about scientists going to war.

NB: I guess it's not something which has received a lot of media attention in the past, but it's a growing capability. It's a growing initiative to send scientists on to the front line to assist and support our troops.

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My Comment: Fascinating reading .... there is a lot of smart people out there who are risking their lives everyday to better protect the soldiers.

Picture Of The Day

RUNNING LAPS

U.S. sailors run laps around the ship during physical training aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Jan. 5, 2012. The sailors are assigned to the 1st Class Petty Officer Mess and the Chief’s Mess. The Mobile Bay is deployed with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Armando Gonzales

Flying A B-2

We Fly A B-2 Stealth Bomber -- Popular Mechanics

More people have been to space than have flown in a B-2 stealth bomber. PopMech gets an extremely rare ride, flying a B-2 training mission and going behind the scenes to meet the people (and dogs) who've kept the B-2 at the forefront of American power projection for 20 years.

I Am Spirit 544

I never expected to step inside the cockpit of a B-2 Spirit, the Pentagon's long-range stealth bomber. So you can imagine the shock of being at 27,000 feet and hearing an Air Force pilot tell me over the cockpit intercom, "Okay, you have the jet."

I place one suddenly damp left hand on the throttle and the right on the stick, taking nominal control of a $2 billion aircraft. There are only 20 B-2s in the Air Force arsenal, including a second B-2 flying formation with us, slicing through clouds a scant 4 miles ahead. It occurs to me that with some exceptionally bad luck, I could endanger one-tenth of the American B-2 fleet and cause a rebalance in global military power.

Read more .....

My Comment: That must have been one cool ride.

How To Fly A U-2 Spy Plane

How To Fly A U-2 Spy Plane -- Jalopnik

Got your eye on a sweet used '59 U-2 spy plane you saw on Craigslist? Would you go ahead and take the plunge if you just, you know, knew how to fly it? Then boy, are you in luck.

That's because a couple days ago an entire flight manual for the U-2 from 1959 was declassified and released by the CIA. You can tell it's declassified because on each page where the word "secret" appears, someone has carefully drawn a line through it. We've got a copy here for you.

The U-2 is, of course, one of the most legendary and well-known aircraft of all time. It was one of the first true purpose-built spy planes, created at the height of the Cold War to fly over the Soviets and snap photos at high enough altitudes to prevent them from finding out or shooting it down. Of course, the U-2 may best be known for the time that both the finding out and shooting down part actually happened in 1960 over the Soviet Union.

Read more ....

My Comment: Amazing .... this was classified super-duper top secret 50 years ago .... and now it can be read by anyone in the world.

Al Qaeda's Affiliate Is Rising In Syria

Analysis: Study Shows Rise Of al Qaeda Affiliate In Syria -- CNN

A jihadist group with links to al Qaeda has become the most effective of the different factions fighting the regime, according to a new analysis, and now has some 5,000 fighters.

The group is Jabhat al-Nusra, which was designated an al Qaeda affiliate by the United States government last month. It is led by veterans of the Iraqi insurgency "and has shown itself to be the principal force against Assad and the Shabiha," according to the study.

CNN obtained an advance copy of the analysis, set to be released Tuesday by the Quilliam Foundation, a counterterrorism policy institute based in London.

Read more ....

More News On The Rise Of Jabhat al-Nusra

Syria conflict: New insight into shadowy jihadist group -- BBC
Al-Qaeda Affiliated Jihadist Group Gaining Power in Syria -- Al Gemeiner
Syria conflict: New insight into shadowy jihadist group -- Updated News
Syrian Jihadist Al-Nusra Militants Execute Three Assad Soldiers [VIDEO] -- IBTimes
New jihadist group emerges in Syria -- Threat Matrix

Pentagon To Accelerate Special Ops in 35 African Countries

Hagel's Nomination Signals Intent To Accelerate Ops In 35 African Countries -- Business Insider

In the weeks leading up to Chuck Hagel's nomination, the Pentagon announced plans to put specialized Army troops in 35 countries in Africa.

Though the announcement came on Christmas Eve and didn't receive much attention, it still serves as a hint of what's to come under a Hagel-run Pentagon — that is, conservative deployment of U.S. troops.

The mission for these troops is loosely noncombat, and primarily to train organic security forces to quell Islamic insurgent activity, which somewhat parallels operations during the Banana Wars of about a century ago.

Read more ....

My Comment: The American public and Congress should demand a debate and discussion on  this policy shift .... but considering that this news was released on Christmas Eve .... I guess everyone had other priorities.

Rwanda Wants No NATO Drones Flying Near Their Border With The Congo

Rwanda Opposes Use Of Drones By The U.N. In Eastern Congo -- Reuters

Rwanda on Tuesday opposed the use of surveillance drones in eastern Congo as proposed by the United Nations until there is a full assessment of their use, saying it did not want Africa to become a laboratory for foreign intelligence devices.

Envoys said U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous told the Security Council during a closed-door session that the U.N mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo plans to deploy three unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, in the country's conflict-torn eastern provinces.

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My Comment: Rwanda supports rebel groups like M23in in eastern Congo .... they do not want the photographic evidence that would implicate them in this involvement. Hence ... the opposition to have these drones flying around without their input (or restrictions).

President Obama's National Security Nominations Will Face Some Senate Opposition

Chuck Hagel And John Brennan Nominations Set Up Showdown With GOP -- The Guardian

President's picks to lead Pentagon and CIA face opposition from lawmakers who disapprove of proposed national security team

President Barack Obama was finalising his second-term national security team on Monday with the nomination of Chuck Hagel as defense secretary and counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan as head of the CIA – and in the process opens a new front in his bitter fight with Republicans in Congress.

After losing a bruising battle to nominate Susan Rice as Hillary Clinton's replacement at the State Department, Obama will name Hagel –
a decorated war hero – as head of the Pentagon, despite vows of resistance from Republicans who accuse the former Nebraska senator of opposing measures to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear capability and of offering less than rock-solid support for Israel.

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My Comment: The Democrat controlled U.S. Senate is not going to deny President Obama his national security team. but the confirmation process is going to be interesting .... and I predict very informative on where U.S. national security policies are heading.

Asia's Arms Race (Graphic)

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

My Comment: The graph on China is jaw-dropping. In 2 years they will be spending more money on their military than everyone in Asia combined. Their only competitor in Asia will be the U.S., and one must wonder on how long will it take for the Chinese to even surpass the U.S..

Is The U.S. Serious About Leaving Afghanistan Completely?

White House: No US Troops An Option For Afghanistan -- Voice of America

WHITE HOUSE — Three days before Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, meets with President Barack Obama in Washington, White House officials said Tuesday that the United States is considering all options, including potentially leaving no troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 when foreign combat forces are to leave.

The United States and Afghanistan are negotiating details of a bilateral security agreement, including the scope of a potential U.S. troop presence, after 2014.

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More News On Reports That The U.S. Is Considering A Complete Withdrawal From Afghanistan

U.S. doesn't rule out complete pullout from Afghanistan after 2014 -- Reuters
U.S. considering no troops in Afghanistan -- Army Times/AP
White House open to full Afghanistan withdrawal after 2014 -- NBC
U.S. May Remove All Troops From Afghanistan After 2014 -- FOX News/CNN
Obama Weighs Leaving No Troops in Afghanistan After 2014 -- Bloomberg Businessweek
WH considering withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan -- CBS News
Afghanistan US Troop Exit May Be Rapid -- ABC News
US contemplates Afghanistan military withdrawal on eve of Karzai visit -- The Guardian
US considering 'zero' option for Afghanistan in 2014 -- The Telegraph
White House weighs total Afghan pullout -- Financial Times
Some in Obama administration push for only a few thousand U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014 -- Washington Post
A 'Zero Option' for Afghanistan: Yes, President Karzai, we might pull out completely. -- David W. Barno, Foreign Policy

Comparing Syria's War Dead With Other Past Civil Wars

By The Numbers: Syria Deaths -- CNN Staff

More than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria since unrest began in the country nearly two years ago, according to the latest estimate from the United Nations.

And that might actually be an "underestimate," according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who reported the statistics this year. She said Syria's raging civil war has made it "increasingly challenging" to collect accurate and reliable data.

But even if that number is on the low side, it does provide a way to put Syria's conflict in historical context.

Take a look at Syria's statistics below and see how they compare with statistics from another recent civil war (Libya), civil wars in countries of similar size (Yugoslavia in the 1990s and Spain in the 1930s) and even the Civil War in the United States.

Read more ....

My Comment: Sobering statistics, and a heads-up on how bloody the Syrian civil war can become.

Visualizing 38 Million Deaths From 25 Conflicts Over 100 Years Using Blood And Dining Room Table

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

WNU Editor: From Feelguide ....

.... The past century has seen more death, war, atrocity, and spilled blood than we can even wrap our heads around, but this new inforgraphic entitled “100 Years of World Cuisine” makes an excellent attempt at doing just that. By using various volumes of blood to match the proportion of deaths that occurred in each tragedy, it hits the message home of the massive scale of tragedy that we have inflicted on ourselves over the past century. Artists Clara Kayser-Bril, Nicolas Kayser-Bril and Marion Kotlarski, explicitly wanted to associate a “shocking, gory picture, like the reality of war” to these statistical numbers, a “context, like a scale on which we could visualize each conflict next to the others.” You can learn more at 100YearsOfWorldCuisine.com.

Last Year's Libyan Revolution Casualties Lower Than Expected

Libyan Revolution Casualties Lower Than Expected, Says New Government -- The Guardian

Deputy minister of martyrs says 4,700 rebel supporters died and 2,100 are missing, down from 2011's estimate of 25,000.

Libya's new government has drastically reduced its estimate of the number of people who were killed in the revolution against Muammar Gaddafi's regime, concluding that 4,700 rebel supporters died and 2,100 are missing, with unconfirmed similar casualty figures on the opposing side.

Miftah Duwadi, the deputy minister of martyrs and missing persons, told the Libya Herald newspaper that the numbers for revolutionary losses were still being checked but officials did not expect any major changes.

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My Comment: 10,000 killed and missing .... it could have been worse.

Happy Birthday Kim Jong-un (Maybe)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivering a New Year's Day address in Pyongyang last week. Photo: KNS

The Missing Brothers Of Kim Jong-un -- Sydney Morning Herald

Kim Jong-un is portrayed in North Korea's official state media as a leader without comparison, blessed with a supreme bloodline, flanked by a supportive wife and endowed with the "brilliant" ability to revamp the economy, command an army and guide the space program.

But one thing is notably absent from these descriptions: any mention of his two brothers, both of whom were once rumoured to be heirs to the family-run empire.

As Kim prepares for his nationally celebrated birthday on Tuesday, thought to be his 30th, his brothers are far away from the state-sanctioned spotlight, one living in secrecy in North Korea, the other apparently moving between China and Singapore.

Read more ....

Update: Kim Jong Un Sends Birthday Candy To North Korean Children In Honor Of His Day Of Birth: Report -- Huffington Post

WNU Editor: Here is a photo gallery of Kim Jung-un

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- January 8, 2013

Karzai Meets Obama: How Will They Shape A Post-2014 Afghanistan? -- Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor

Few appear to believe the Taliban can regain power after 2014, when the US withdraws most of its troops. What's key, some say, is developing a US-Afghan partnership that will survive.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to Washington this week will shape the future of Afghanistan, as he and Obama determine the number and role – if any – of US forces in Afghanistan post-2014.

After more than a decade of war and costly efforts to build infrastructure and train Afghan security forces that now number 350,000, the view from Kabul is still mixed. Many are concerned about what will happen when the bulk of the 66,000 remaining US troops will be withdrawn by the end of 2014. Others believe that Afghanistan is ready to stand on its own.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

To deter extremists in Syria, Obama must heed lessons of Kosovo intervention -- Andrew Burt, Christian Science Monitor

Maliki's dangerous game is increasing sectarian dangers -- Ranj Alaaldin,

Effectively Confronting Tehran: Try attacking the Revolutionary Guard and negotiating with the government. -- Daniel Pipes, NRO

Doing a big favor for Kim Jong Un: How Eric Schmidt and Bill Richardson are playing into the dictator's hands. -- John Bolton, New York Daily News

Border raids give India-Pakistan peace process a reality check -- Shivam Vij, Christian Science Monitor

“Never Again” in Kenya? -- Juliet Torome, Project Syndicate

Connecting the dots in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya -- Abukar Arman, The Commentator

In Socialist France, Investors And Entrepreneurs Are An Endangered Species -- Sylvain Charatelection, Forbes

Depardieu's puzzling love for Russia -- Matthew Fraser, CNN

Terrorists to Bounce Back in 2013 -- Rohan Gunaratna, National Interest

Nominations for Defense and the C.I.A. -- New York Times editorial

The Disengagers: Kerry, Hagel, and the end of American military adventurism? -- David Rothkopf, Foreign Policy

World News Briefs -- January 8, 2013

Ailing Chávez To Miss Presidential Inauguration -- Wall Street Journal

CARACAS—President Hugo Chávez recovering from cancer surgery in Cuba, will miss his scheduled inauguration for a new six-year term on Thursday and has requested to be sworn in at a later date, setting off accusations by the opposition that the delay violates the Constitution.

The announcement, read to legislators on Tuesday by National Assembly head Diosdado Cabello, comes as uncertainty builds up over the state of Mr. Chávez's health and the future of his socialist revolution. The letter from Vice President Nicolás Maduro sought to postpone the swearing in ceremony, scheduled to occur before the National Assembly on Thursday, to a later date in front of the nation's Supreme Court. He didn't specify a new date.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. troops arrive in Turkey to help protect border with Syria, prompting some skepticism.

Syria crisis: Food aid 'cannot reach a million people'.

Morsy backs Syrian calls for al-Assad to face war crimes trial.

Iran, Syria, not settlements, threaten world: Israel PM.

Iranian oil revenues 'drop 45%' because of sanctions.

Kurdish militants attack Turkish outpost, 13 killed.

Iraqi troops shoot into air to scatter protesters.

Egypt foils bomb plot near Gaza border.

Kuwait sentences second man to jail for insulting emir.

ASIA

Australian heatwave puts south-east on alert as wildfires burn out of control.

North India cold snap toll rises to 170.

Lawyers agree to defend India rape suspects.

India says troops killed in Kashmir skirmish. India says Pakistani troops entered its territory in Kashmir, killed 2 soldiers.

Myanmar rebels say government continues offensive.

US considers leaving no troops in Afghanistan.

Obama to meet Afghan President Karzai on Friday: White House.

British soldier killed in Afghanistan in suspected 'green on blue' attack.

Tokyo protests to China over 4 ships near islands.

Ex-governor in North Korea with Google chief; seeks American's release.

India: Maoist rebels kill seven paramilitary soldiers.

Five accused in India rape case charged in court.

North Korean students show Google chief how they search web.

AFRICA

Malian army attacks Islamist rebels in the north.

Qatar increases aid to Egypt to $5bn.

Food aid pillaged in Central Africa: UN.

C. African rebel spokesman: we could take capital.

CAR prepares for peace talks as rebels threaten capital.

Rebels capture Mali government troops.

South Sudan sees northern border zone within a month.

Ghana President sworn in despite election challenge.

Libya's largest parliamentary group boycotts Congress.

EUROPE

Anger grows in Hungary over anti-Roma article.

Depardieu to face criminal court over drink-driving.

Eurozone unemployment reaches new high.

Plastic bullets fired at N Ireland protesters.

Silvio Berlusconi 'won't stand for PM'.

UN war crimes trial resumes for Hadzic.

Depardieu: 'I'm French' despite Russian passport.

AMERICAS

US roasts to hottest year on record by landslide.

30 years after war, Britain battles Argentina over cruise ships at Falklands.

Chile truckers block road to protest arson attack.

Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony has a date.

Obama names Hagel and Brennan to lead Pentagon and CIA.

Haitian prime minister says country is safe.

Venezuela to postpone Thursday's presidential inauguration.

Venezuelan gov't says Chavez's condition "unchanged".

Venezuela opposition furious over likely Chavez inauguration delay.

Helicopter crashes in Peru, killing all seven aboard.

Former President George H.W. Bush still hospitalized.

Audit of Canada native band casts cloud on protest movement.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan: Officials say U.S. drones kill 8 militants.

Analysis: Study shows rise of al Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

Pakistani-born terror suspect makes first US court appearance.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fuel leaks out of Dreamliner headed to Tokyo; second problem in two days for Japan Airlines planes.

AIG may join bailout lawsuit against U.S. government.

Target vows to match Amazon’s prices.

Analysis: Apple bid for Samsung sales ban faces skeptical court.

GOP lawmaker proposes ban on trillion dollar coin.

The great banking swindle of 2013.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates January 8, 2012

US Officials: Syria 'Has Chemical Weapons That Could Be Used Within Two Hours' -- Business Insider/The Telegraph

Syria has armed dozens of bombs with sarin gas and other chemical weapons that could be used to target opposition less than two hours after President Bashar al-Assad issues orders, US officials have claimed.

Only concerted diplomatic pressure from the US, Russia, China and other countries has stopped the regime from loading the bombs on to its aircraft.

Satellite imagery gathered by Israel and other states in late November showed regime soldiers preparing the 500lb bombs in late November.

Read more ....

More News On The Syrian Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Syria conflict: refugee numbers near 600,000 - Tuesday 8 January 2013 -- The Guardian

Syria violence rages on after Assad shrugs off pressure, remains defiant -- CBS/AP
Fighting flares again in Palestinian refugee camp in Syrian capital, 5 killed -- Washington Post/AP
Syrian Rebels Receive Little Help from International Community -- PBS Newshour
Insight: Aleppo misery eats at Syrian rebel support -- Reuters
UK meeting plans for possible post-Assad Syria -- Reuters
Syria's Assad 'desperate,' Britain says -- UPI
Fears raised over Syria uranium stockpile -- Financial Times
World ignoring Syria's systematic ruin: Jumblatt -- Reuters

Hints of Syrian Chemical Push Set Off Global Effort to Stop It -- New York Times
Report: Israeli Intelligence Alerted West to Movement of Syria’s Chemical Weapons -- Al Gemeiner
Obama Listened to Israel, Avoided Chemical War in Syria: Report -- Arutz Sheva
Israel: State of Syrian chemical weapons could change in a moment -- Debka
Syria rebels 'monitor' chemical weapons sites -- Al Jazeera

Syria conflict: New insight into shadowy jihadist group -- BBC
Analysis: Study shows rise of al Qaeda affiliate in Syria -- CNN
Al-Qaeda Affiliated Jihadist Group Gaining Power in Syria -- Al Gemeiner

Syrians' choice is loyalty or mutiny -- Phil Sands, The National
Assad's Public Appearance On Sunday Could Be His Last -- Maya Shwayder, Business Insider/International Business Times
How I survived Syria's killing fields -- Martin Fletcher, The Australian, The Times
Time for a Syrian transitional government -- Radwan Ziadeh, Foreign Policy
Retribution or Reconciliation: On Syria's Future -- Raphael Harkham, Huffington Post
Russia Still Key to Political Transition in Syria -- Fyodor Lukyanov, Al-Monitor
Assad and the U.S. are blind to reality in Syria -- Washington Post editorial
The Syrian Stalemate -- Robert G. Rabil, National Interest

The Growing Syrian Refugee Crisis

UN: 1 Million Syrians Need Emergency Food Aid -- Voice of America

The United Nations says about one million Syrians are living without adequate food and serious fuel shortages and rising violence are disrupting aid distribution across the war-torn country.

U.N. World Food Program spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs said the WFP is distributing rations to about 1.5 million people in Syria every month, the vast majority internally displaced. But she says well below the 2.5 million people in need of assistance.

She said the lack of fuel and security in Syria has significantly curtailed the ability of the WFP's main local partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, from distributing aid.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Growing Refugee Crisis

Syria conflict: refugee numbers near 600,000 - Tuesday 8 January 2013 -- The Guardian
Syria crisis: Food aid 'cannot reach a million people' -- BBC
UN unable to get food to 1 million hungry Syrians -- Reuters
UN’s food agency says it is unable to reach 1 million hungry Syrians -- Washington Post/AP
UN Unable to Reach 1 Million Syrians in Need of Food Aid -- Bloomberg
Syrian fighting is preventing food aid getting through to 1m people, says UN -- The Guardian
UN: One million Syrians going hungry due to civil war -- Haaretz/DPA
UN report: One million Syrians in need of food aid -- Deutsche Welle
Riot breaks out in Syrian refugee camp in Jordan as winter weather deepens misery -- Washington Post/AP
Jordan aid workers hurt in Syrian refugee 'stampede' -- AFP
Winter rains bring more misery for Syrian refugees in Jordan -- Al Arabiya News
Syrian Refugee Wave Washes Over Egypt -- Al-Monitor
Syrian refugees in Lebanon facing bitter winter -- CNN
On the move again, Syrian refugees flee flooding (Photo Gallery) -- NBC/AP

Tit Tor Tit Killings Between Pakistani And Indian Troops

India Says 2 Soldiers Killed In Clash With Pakistani Troops In Kashmir -- CNN

(CNN) -- Two Indian soldiers died in a firefight with Pakistani army troops in the disputed Kashmir region, the Indian army said Tuesday, amid heightened tensions in the region following a deadly clash two days ago.

India said a group of Pakistani troops had crossed the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the region, and entered the Indian-controlled side of the Himalayan territory.

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More News On The Latest Border Skirmishes Between Indian - Pakistani Troops

India accuses Pakistani troops of crossing Kashmir line -- The Guardian
India: Pakistani Troops Kill 2 Indian Soldiers in Kashmir -- Voice of America
India accuses Pakistan of killing soldiers in Kashmir -- Reuters
Indian troops shot dead near Kashmir's Line of Control -- BBC
Indian soldier "mutilated" after gunfight with Pakistan troops: Indian general -- Reuters
Pak crosses LoC, beheads one jawan, slits another’s throat -- Hindustan Times
Pakistan denies launching "unprovoked" attack on Indian army -- Reuters
Border raids give India-Pakistan peace process a reality check -- Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: So much for the peace talks.

Turkey Reveals Secret Talks With Kurdish Militant Leader Ocalan

A demonstrator holds a flag with a portrait of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in Strasbourg, Feb. 18, 2012. (photo by REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

Turkey, Ocalan Map Out Steps To End Kurdish Conflict -- Reuters

The Turkish government and the jailed leader of a Kurdish insurgency have agreed on the framework for a plan to end a war that has killed 40,000 people since 1984, envisaging rebel disarmament in exchange for increased minority rights, a newspaper said on Tuesday.

The Radikal daily said senior intelligence officials had held meetings with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) chief Abdullah Ocalan in his island jail near Istanbul, yielding a four-stage plan to halt the conflict.

Previous negotiations with the PKK were highly secretive and appeared to have run aground. The open acknowledgment of the latest contact has raised hopes for a renewed peace effort, including from the main pro-Kurdish party in parliament.

Read more ....

More News On Talks Between Turkey And Kurdish militant Leader Ocalan

Turkey's PKK talks -- Foreign Policy
Government talks with Kurdish leader 'right step': Party -- Ahram Online/AFP
Turkey reaches out to public enemy number one -- Deutsche Welle
Turkey reveals secret PKK talks -- Euronews
Turkey learning that jaw-jaw is better than war-war -- Haaretz
US backing talks with imprisoned PKK chief -- Hurriyet News
Optimism high for talks with PKK -- UPI
Turkey makes game-changing move on Kurdish problem -- Murat Yetkin, Al Arabiya
The Transformation of Ocalan -- Cengiz Çandar for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse.

My Comment: While the talks are a positive step .... the war still continues.

Cartoon Of The Day

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

My Comment: Could not have said it any better.

Tensions Continue To Rise Between China And Japan Over Disputed Islands

Japan Increases Surveillance of East China Sea Islands -- Voice of America

Japan has increased surveillance around disputed East China Sea islands, after Chinese ships made a rare prolonged visit to the waters around them.

Tokyo controls the islands and refers to them as Senkaku, while Beijing considers them to be Chinese territory and calls them Diaoyu.

Japan said four Chinese surveillance ships entered the waters around the disputed islands on Monday and remained for 13 hours, ignoring calls by the Japanese coast guard to leave. Japanese chief Cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga called the prolonged Chinese patrol “extremely unusual” and “regrettable.”

Read more ....

More News On Tensions Rising Between China And Japan

Japan's tougher stance over disputed islands -- Australia News Network
Japan PM orders stronger surveillance near disputed isles -- Reuters
Japan Alerts Jets After China Plane Nears Isles, Yomiuri Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Tokyo summons Chinese ambassador to protest 4 surveillance ships near disputed islands -- Washington Post/AP
Japan protests over China ships near disputed islands -- BBC
Japan Summons Chinese Ambassador over Island Dispute -- Voice of America
China and Japan step up drone race as tension builds over disputed islands -- The Guardian
Japan plans to raise military budget amid China row -- AFP
Japan may lift military spending -- Sydney Morning Herald
Coast guard looking for few old ships, retirees to beef up isle patrols -- Japan Times
Poll: Two-thirds of Chinese boycotted Japanese goods over Senkakus dispute -- Japan Times
China’s New Leader, and the Islands Dispute -- Nicholas Kristof, New York Times
A Dangerous Escalation in the East China Sea -- Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, Wall Street Journal

The U.S. Drone War In Pakistan Is Back

6 Strikes, 8 Days, 35 Dead: The U.S. Drone War In Pakistan Is Back -- Danger Room

The sixth U.S. drone strike in Pakistan in 2013 has killed at least eight people, as if to announce the impending arrival at the CIA of the drone campaign’s chief advocate.

About 19 miles east of Mirin Shah, the main city in the tribal province of North Waziristan, at least one missile fired by a U.S. Predator or Reaper hit a compound Monday night, killing an alleged, unnamed “foreign tactical trainer” for al-Qaida, according to Pakistani intelligence sources talking to Reuters. Another strike hit the nearby village of Eissu Khel, the Long War Journal reports. In addition to the alleged al-Qaida member, at least seven others were killed and three more were injured.

Read more ....

My Comment: Again ... no Congressional debate .... no anti-war protests in America .... lmited news coverage .... no outrage from from the media/pundits/academia .... just fighting a war and hoping that the blow-back (and there will be blow-back one day) will not be that severe.

Tunisia Releases The Lone Suspect Held In The Benghazi Attack

Lone Suspect Held In Benghazi Attack Is Freed In Tunisia -- New York Times

CAIRO — The only known suspect jailed in connection with the deadly attack on the United States diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, was freed on Tuesday by the Tunisian authorities who had held him. His lawyer said he was released for lack of evidence.

The release dramatized the negligible progress in any investigation into the attack, which killed Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans on Sept. 11 last year. The feebleness of Libya’s transitional government since the fall of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi has stymied any progress despite what Benghazi residents describe as an abundance of leads.

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More News On Tunisia Releasing The Lone Suspect Held In The Benghazi Attack

Lawyer: Tunisian suspect in Libya attack freed -- AP
Tunisia frees man held over attack on U.S. consulate in Libya -- Reuters
Benghazi Attack: Only Man Who Was In Custody Is Now Free, Lawyer Says -- NPR
Blow to Obama as terror suspect linked to Benghazi consulate attack is freed -- Daily Mail
US Benghazi consulate attack: Sole suspect 'freed' -- BBC
Tunisia releases Benghazi attack suspect -- Al Jazeera

U.S.-NATO Security Transfer To Afghan Forces Still On Track

A German police officer guards an Afghan National Police trainee as she fires her weapon at a training center in Mazar-e-Sharif, northern Afghanistan, December 18, 2012.

ISAF: Security Transfer To Afghan Forces On Track -- Voice of America

ISLAMABAD — ​NATO civilian and military officials said that by the middle of 2013, Afghanistan’s national security forces will be leading security operations throughout the country. They also have dismissed suggestions that so-called “green-on-blue” attacks could undermine the 2014 drawdown plan.

​​The NATO-led International Security Assistance force, or ISAF, began the gradual transfer of security responsibility to Afghan national forces nearly two years ago, and it plans to complete the process by the end of 2014, when all foreign combat troops will have withdrawn from Afghanistan.

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My Comment: Recent reports are indicating that this withdrawal may be actually accelerating .... with even the option of having no U.S. forces after 2014.

What's my prediction .... only a few thousand U.S. soldiers will be left behind, and their mission objectives will be undefined and uncertain. If anything .... such a deployment will act more as a presence .... that in the event of everything in Afghanistan collaping, thousands of U.S. and NATO forces could rush in to maintain some form of order while evacuating foreign nationals. After that .... well .... no one wants to think about that option.

Afghanistan War News Updates -- January 8, 2013

U.S. soldiers and sailors assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah come together before leaving for a mission in Farah City, Afghanistan, Jan. 6, 2013. The meeting, with the provincial director of commerce and industry, enabled team members to discuss ongoing initiatives in the province to spur economic growth and development. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Matthew Stroup

British Soldier Shot Dead In 'Insider Attack By Rogue Member Of Afghan Army' -- Daily Mail

* Dead man was from the 28 Engineer Regiment and shot in Helmand
* Six other Britons also wounded in the incident yesterday
* 439 UK service people killed in country since 2001
* Last six deaths have all been in 'green on blue' attacks
* 54 international troops have been murdered by Afghan police or army

A British soldier has been killed in yet another 'insider attack' in the war-torn country.

The killer, a suspected rogue member of the Afghan National Army, first opened fire on his colleagues, before turning his weapon on UK soldiers in the small Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province yesterday.

Return fire then killed the gunman at the scene, the Ministry of Defence said.

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More News On Afghanistan

Afghan soldier kills British soldier, wounds 6 in 1st ‘insider attack’ of 2013 -- Washington Post/AP
British soldier killed in latest 'insider attack' in Afghanistan -- Christian Science Monitor
British Soldier Killed in Afghan 'Insider' Attack -- Voice of America
British soldier killed by Afghan army gunman in Helmand -- BBC
'Insider' attack takes life of British soldier in Afghanistan -- CNN
British soldier killed in Afghanistan in suspected 'green on blue' attack -- The Guardian
Individual in Afghan uniform kill NATO soldier in South -- Khaama Press
Afghan Soldier Kills 1, Wounds 6 In Latest Insider Attack -- Long War Journal

ISAF Joint Command operational update, Jan 8 -- ISAF
Taliban Leader Planning Rocket Attacks On Afghan Officials Killed -- RTT News
Two local Taliban leaders killed in Afghan operations -- Global Times
PIA plane comes under rocket attack in Kandahar -- Khaama Press
Afghanistan: Green On Blue Attacks Rising -- SKY News

President Karzai meets Obama in Washington on Friday -- Khaama Press
Obama to Meet Afghan President Karzai on Friday: White House -- Reuters
Obama to host Karzai at White House on Friday -- The Hill
Karzai on US visit as Obama mulls Afghan troop plan -- AFP
Future Of U.S. Troops Looms Over Afghan Leader's Visit -- NPR
With Afghan president's visit, nations' post-2014 future takes shape -- CNN
Obama, Karzai to meet in Washington on Friday as key decisions on US role in Afghanistan loom -- Washington Post/AP
As Obama, Karzai meet, Afghan peace efforts show flickers of life -- Reuters

Afghan civilians worry about Taliban after 2014 withdrawal of U.S. troops -- Washington Times
Retired Gen. McChrystal calls for enduring Afghan force -- Stars and Stripes/AP
Shaping Afghanistan’s future police force -- Dvids
Hidden casualties of Afghan war: nomadic farmers adopt more settled life -- The Guardian

As Karzai Visits U.S., What Are The Prospects For Afghan Peace? -- Sean Carberry, NPR
The Way Forward in Afghanistan Looks Perilous -- Bing West, NRO
Commentary: Withdrawal must not allow drift into anarchy -- Robert Fox, Evening Standard
The open question of Afghanistan -- Walter Pincus, Washington Post
A 'Zero Option' for Afghanistan: Yes, President Karzai, we might pull out completely. -- David W. Barno, Foreign Policy

World News Briefs -- January 8, 2013

Hints of Syrian Chemical Push Set Off Global Effort to Stop It -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — In the last days of November, Israel’s top military commanders called the Pentagon to discuss troubling intelligence that was showing up on satellite imagery: Syrian troops appeared to be mixing chemicals at two storage sites, probably the deadly nerve gas sarin, and filling dozens of 500-pounds bombs that could be loaded on airplanes.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria crisis: Food aid 'cannot reach a million people'.

Morsy backs Syrian calls for al-Assad to face war crimes trial.

Iranian oil revenues 'drop 45%' because of sanctions.

Kurdish militants attack Turkish outpost, 13 killed.

Iraqi troops shoot into air to scatter protesters.

Egypt foils bomb plot near Gaza border.

Kuwait sentences second man to jail for insulting emir.

ASIA

Myanmar rebels say government continues offensive.

Obama to meet Afghan President Karzai on Friday: White House.

British soldier killed in Afghanistan in suspected 'green on blue' attack.

Tokyo protests to China over 4 ships near islands.

Ex-governor in North Korea with Google chief; seeks American's release.

India: Maoist rebels kill seven paramilitary soldiers.

Five accused in India rape case charged in court.

North Korean students show Google chief how they search web.

AFRICA

C. African rebel spokesman: we could take capital.

CAR prepares for peace talks as rebels threaten capital.

Rebels capture Mali government troops.

South Sudan sees northern border zone within a month.

Ghana President sworn in despite election challenge.

Libya's largest parliamentary group boycotts Congress.

EUROPE

Eurozone unemployment reaches new high.

Plastic bullets fired at N Ireland protesters.

Silvio Berlusconi 'won't stand for PM'.

UN war crimes trial resumes for Hadzic.

Depardieu: 'I'm French' despite Russian passport.

AMERICAS

Obama names Hagel and Brennan to lead Pentagon and CIA.

Venezuelan gov't says Chavez's condition "unchanged".

Venezuela opposition furious over likely Chavez inauguration delay.

Helicopter crashes in Peru, killing all seven aboard.

Former President George H.W. Bush still hospitalized.

Audit of Canada native band casts cloud on protest movement.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan: Officials say U.S. drones kill 8 militants.

Analysis: Study shows rise of al Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

Pakistani-born terror suspect makes first US court appearance.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: Apple bid for Samsung sales ban faces skeptical court.

GOP lawmaker proposes ban on trillion dollar coin.

The great banking swindle of 2013.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 8, 2013

China Could Be Spending More On Its Military Than The US By 2035 -- Business Insider

China's military budget has been exploding and could soon pass the US military budget in just over two decades.

From a recent research note published by Societe Generale:

Growing dispute with China and its neighbours...
China’s military spending is expected to have increased from around $20 billion in 2002 to at least $120bn in 2011. According to the research institute SIPRI, the country could surpass the US in total military spending by 2035, raising concerns in the US and southeast Asian countries. Last year, conflict over disputed islands caused Japan’s exports to China to fall sharply (-14.5% in November), increasing Japan’s trade deficit. The election of a new government with a more nationalist position in Japan could put the Sino- Japanese relationship under further strain. With the US Pivot preventing any large military actions in the region, the conflicts could take the form of trade wars that would damage Japan’s weak economy.

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MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Is Iran's presence in Latin America a threat? The White House says yes. -- Christian Science Monitor

Obama to meet Afghan President Karzai on Friday: White House -- Reuters

Nato's exit strategy in Afghanistan -- BBC

Japan to revise defense policy by end 2013: paper -- Reuters

With Eye on China, Japan Weighs Raising Military Spending -- New York Times

Unmanned J-6 fighter jets put on Fujian air base -- Focus Taiwan

S.Korea fighter replacement program goes over-budget -- Eric Palmer Blog

Submarines: The Indian Curse Continues -- Strategy Page

Military in Greece Is Spared Cuts -- New York Times

Algerian forces train to fight jihadists -- Space War/UPI

Experts: Outlook Bleak for Near-Term NATO-Russia Tactical Nuke Deal -- Global Security Newswire

U.S., Canada Think Ahead to ‘NORAD Next’ -- US Department of Defense

Clinton to testify about Benghazi before resigning -- Washington Times

Air Force commander expects fewer programs -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Taking to the air on hunt for dirty bomb threats -- CNN

Army Issues Sources Sought for NIE 14.1 -- Defense Tech

How a Large U.S. Navy UAV Crashed in Maryland, From 18,000 Feet -- Defense News

Army looking to recruit more minorities to become officers -- Stars and Stripes

Marine captain: It may seem like business as usual to you, but it feels to me like our junior officer ranks ‘are being gutted’ -- Thomas E. Ricks, Foreign Policy

IG review expected soon on fatal Raptor crash -- Military Times

‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ dischargees to receive full back pay from DOD -- The Hill

Veterans' jobless rate falls but remains high -- Stars and Stripes/AP

After Election, Panetta Told Obama He Wanted to Retire -- Defense News

Navy Seeks to Combat Unplanned Pregnancies -- Military.com/Stars and Stripes

Deal restores separation pay for military gays -- Army Times/AP

British team in Burma begin lost Spitfire hunt -- BBC

We Fly a B-2 Stealth Bomber -- Popular Mechanics

Secrecy, National Security, and the Case of John Kiriakou -- Seth Mandel, Commentary

Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal respond to Zero Dark Thirty torture row -- The Guardian

Hagel, Brennan, and history: How often does Senate reject cabinet nominees? -- Peter Grier, Christian Science Monitor