Plan X — The Future of Cyberwarfare ‎

Plan X: Pentagon's Blueprint For Full-Fledged Cyberwar -- RT

The wheels of the war machine are ever turning inside the Pentagon, but the Defense Department’s latest endeavor won’t involve fighter jets and armored tanks. The DoD is putting aside billions to enhance its cyberwar capabilities.

The Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, is turning towards the private sector and America’s next generation of computer wiz-kids to recruit forces for its next war. A report released Thursday by the Washington Post reveals that DARPA is looking to invest $1.54 billion during the next five years to up its online abilities, with $110 million going directly to a program dubbed Plan X, but unlike before it won’t be budgeted necessarily for thwarting acts of cyberterrorism. Instead the Pentagon is itching to ensure that America can carry out an offensive cyberwar on other nations rather than just readying the US to defend itself against a similar assault from abroad.

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More News On Plan -X

With Plan X, Pentagon seeks to spread U.S. military might to cyberspace -- Washington Post
Pentagon’s Blueprint For Full-Fledged Cyberwar -- Eurasia Review
Plan X — The Future of Cyberwarfare -- Lawfare
DARPA Cranks Up Cyber Effort with “Plan X” -- Heritage

After 15 Months In Orbit The Supersecret X-37B Is To Return To Earth

After 15 Months In Orbit, Secret Space Plane Finally Returning To Earth -- Danger Room

The U.S. military’s secret space plane is preparing to return from its second mission after an incredible 453 days in orbit (as of today). The robotic X-37B, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, is due to land at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California sometime in early to mid-June, depending on weather and other technical factors.

“The men and women of Team Vandenberg are ready to execute safe landing operations anytime and at a moment’s notice,” Col. Nina Armagno, commander of the Air Force’s 30th Space Wing, said in a statement.

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More News On The Upcoming Return Of The X-37B

Secret Air Force Spaceplane Coming Back To Earth In June -- Red Orbit
Vandenberg AFB prepares for return of US military space plane after more than a year in orbit -- Washington Post/AP
Vandenberg AFB readies for X-37B landing -- Flight Global
US's secret space plane to return to Earth in a month -- Herald Sun
Air Force's mini space shuttle prepares for landing -- Space Flight Now
Air Force's Secretive X-37B Space Plane Will Land Soon -- Space.com
X-37B Spaceplane Finishes Its Secret Mission, Prepares to Return to Earth -- Geek System
U.S. Air Force Space Plane Landing Targeted for June -- Space News
U.S. military space plane coming home next month -- Examiner

Picture Of The Day

BLACK HAWK PATTERN
Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters land at Atlantic City International Airport, N.J., May 29, 2012. The crews are assigned to 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. The helicopters transported civilian employers of New Jersey's Guardsmen for "Boss Lift," an event run by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The civilian employers spent the day touring facilities and meeting soldiers and airmen. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht

Chinese Nuclear Weapons Are Not A Direct Threat

China Nukes No 'Direct Threat,' Says US Commander -- Space Daily/AFP

China's nuclear weapons do not pose a "direct threat" to the United States, the man in charge of America's arsenal said Wednesday in calling for greater dialogue with the Chinese.

"We would like to have routine contact and conversations with China's military," General Robert Kehler, head of Strategic Command, which oversees US nuclear deterrence, told the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

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My Comment: The US commander is probably right .... for now.

How China Plans To Rule The World

A Chinese Plan for the Global Economy -- The Midwesterner

For the rest of the world, the most interesting question about China's rise is what that country will do with the world economy when it gets its hands on it. A dramatic speech in Chicago recently by a well-connected Chinese economist indicated that Beijing has been asking the same question and has some interesting answers.

Most China-watchers had assumed that once China takes its place as the world's richest nation, it will approach the existing global economic institutions -- the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the rest -- in one of two ways:

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My Comment: This strategy may be their long-term approach .... but for now this is their policy.

Try To Spot The Two Israeli Soldiers That Have Blended Into The Landscape

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Can You Find... Too Late, You're Dead: See If You Can Spot The Two Incredible Elite Israeli Army Assassins Blending Into The Landscape Before They Open Fire -- Daily Mail

Too late, you're dead.

If you haven't already spotted the two heavily-armed men hidden in this picture, it could be curtains for you.

These elite Israeli army assassins, pictured on rocky ground in the north of the country, are trained to blend into the landscape so well you're unlikely to even know they're there. That is until you have a bullet in you.

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My Comment: Good camouflage.

As Long as Russia, China Have Nukes, So Will America

Photo: Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler

U.S. General: As Long as Russia, China Have Nukes, So Will America -- US News And World Report

Washington will not significantly shrink its nuclear weapons arsenal as long as Moscow and Beijing possess their own atomic arms that could target the United States, says the general who oversees America's nuclear fleet.

Senior U.S. officials do not view the Russians or Chinese "as enemies," says Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler, U.S. Strategic Command chief. Still, both possess long-range nuclear missiles that could hit U.S. cities or targets, meaning "we must be mindful" of a need to maintain a robust U.S. nuclear fleet, he told a forum Wednesday in Washington.

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My Comment: The key for further reductions is Russia .... but they are now intent on modernizing their nuclear forces, and they have made it very clear that they are not interested in further reductions.

Update: Key US general soothes Russian concerns on missile defense, nuclear weapons -- US News and World Report

Military Options Are Now Being Considered For Syria

Military Options For Syria Considered If Crisis Worsens -- CNN

Washington (CNN) -- Diplomacy remains the favored option as the U.S. grapples with how best to deal with Syria, but the U.S. military has drawn up plans to use if diplomacy fails.

Officials issued fresh reminders of its military alternatives this week as world outrage mounted over last week's massacre that left more than 100 people dead in the town of Houla.

"As you know, my job is to provide the commander-in-chief with options," said Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "I think the military option should be considered."

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My Comment: There has always been military options on what to do with Syria .... from safe havens, no fly zones, arming certain rebel groups, etc. .... but the problem has always been political. There is no appetite for western involvement in another conflict .... and there is strong objections from countries like Russia and China.

The Pentagon’s No. 2 Official 'Sounds-Off' On The Defense Budget

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter delivers remarks on budget priorities for defense in the 21st century at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., May 30, 2012. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett

Defense Official: Sequester Would Create ‘Adsurdities’ -- Washington Times

The Pentagon’s No. 2 official said Wednesday that automatic spending cuts set to being in January would create “absurdities” and devastate the defense industries that support the troops.

“Sequester would have devastating effects on our readiness and our workforce, and disrupt thousands of contracts and programs,” Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said at the American Enterprise Institute.

The automatic spending cuts, known as sequestration, would require an additional $600 billion reduction in defense spending over the next 10 years if Congress does not reach a deal on the budget.

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More News On Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter`s Remarks On The Defense Budget

Carter to Congress: Don’t Mess With the Budget -- Defense News
How to cut defense without resorting to the sequester -- Washington Post
Pentagon’s No. 2 Leader Criticizes Lawmakers’ Add-Backs to Defense Bill -- National Journal
DepSecDef to Hill: Let’s be ‘rational’ -- DoD Buzz
Obama defense official re-sounds the alarm about spending cuts -- MSNBC
Carter: DOD Puts Strategy Before Budget for Future Force -- U.S. Department of Defense

Iraq`s Prime Minister Warns Of 'Water Wars'

Iraq's PM Warns Arab States May Face 'Water War' -- BBC

Arab states could be headed towards a future war over water if they do not act quickly to tackle shortages, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has warned.

At a conference in Baghdad, he urged countries to work together in order to prevent conflict in the arid region.

Issues include desertification, poor water management, and the need for most Arab countries to rely on the goodwill of upstream states for river water.

Arab countries are seeking to address the water crisis with a unified plan.

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My Comment: Empires of the past were always 'water empires'. In today's world .... the legacy of those empires are still with us, but there is not enough water to supply the needs of a population that is growing and modernizing.

The World's Real Movers And Shakers Are meeting Today

Westfield Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia hosting the 2012 Bilderberg Conference

Bilderberg Conference Starts Today In Chantilly, Virginia -- National Journal

Chantilly - Starting today 150 of the world's elite are meeting just outside Washington. Will they decide who to back as the next U.S. President?

The agenda of the meeting is not available to the public, but much speculation is going around as to what the global elite will be discussing.

RT interviewed Alex Jones of Prison Planet earlier this month.

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My Comment: Alex Jones and the Bilderberg reminds me of my friend`'s rotweiller and a bone .... both never want to let go.

If They Get Nuclear Weapons, We Will Get Nuclear Weapons

King Says Saudi Arabia Would Need Nukes to Counter Iran Arsenal: Ross -- Global Security Newswire

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah said in 2009 his nation would move to produce nuclear weapons if Iran established an atomic arsenal, Haaretz on Wednesday quoted a former top Obama administration adviser on the Middle East as saying (see GSN, Jan. 26).

“If they get nuclear weapons, we will get nuclear weapons,” Dennis Ross quoted Abdullah as saying during talks in April 2009. Ross, speaking on Tuesday at a book event in New York City, said he had responded by warning of the spread of nuclear weapons. Abdullah then simply restated that "If they get nuclear weapons, we will get nuclear weapons," according to the veteran U.S. diplomat (see GSN, March 23).

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My Comment: My gut is telling me that the Saudi King is not bluffing.

ATF trace reports refute Bloomberg's ‘iron pipeline,’ raise 'Gunwalker' question

Yet the “time-to-crime” documented in the ATF report shows a New York average of 13.70 years, as opposed to a national average of 11.20 years, suggesting “iron trickle” would be a more appropriate...Curiously absent from the Mexico report posted on ATF’s website are time-to-crime numbers, generally presented in tracing summaries ATF provides in its domestic reports...[More]

This evening's Gun Rights Examiner report notes a straw substituting for a pipe, as well as a conspicuous absence.

Russian President Putin plans To Visit Belarus, Germany, France

A lighting display making a political statement Thursday at Savyolovsky Market with the president declaring “I’ll be all right” above signs reading “exit.” Vladimir Filonov / MT

Putin's Foreign Policy Hits the Road -- Moscow Times

In a highly symbolic gesture, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday arrived in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, to pay his first foreign visit as head of state to controversial Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Putin will continue on to Berlin and Paris on Friday to pay lightning visits to newly elected presidents Joachim Gauck and Francois Hollande, as well as for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. His busy schedule continues Sunday evening in St. Petersburg, where he hosts a two-day summit with EU leaders.

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More News On Russian President Putin's First Foreign Policy Trip Since His Inauguration

Putin Heads To Belarus, EU Partners In First Official Visit -- Radio Free Europe
Russia's Putin heads West with eyes on the money -- AP
President Putin to Visit Belarus, Germany, France -- RIA Novosti
Putin and Belarus leader see 'great future' ahead -- AFP
Putin Arrives in Belarus for Talks with Lukashenko -- RIA Novosti
Putin's first foreign trip indicates new pulse of diplomacy -- Xinhuanet
Putin turns his back on the west -- Deutsche Welle
Who gets a visit from Putin? -- Arianne Swieca, Foreign Policy

Spain`s Debt/Financial Crisis Continues

The Pain In Spain That Threatens The Eurozone -- CNN

(CNN) -- If Greece was the focus of markets' angst last week, attention this week has shifted to the other end of the Mediterranean.

Spain's public finances are nothing like as grim as the Greeks', but a worsening banking crisis threatens to deepen an already painful recession and endanger the future of the eurozone.

The immediate cause of the pain in Spain is the need to recapitalize the country's fourth-largest bank, Bankia -- itself an unwieldy amalgam of previously-ailing financial institutions.

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More News On Spain's debt/Financial Crisis

Almost €100bn pulled out of Spain as investors beat a hasty retreat -- The Telegraph
Capital flight from Spain hits record $66bn -- The Telegraph
Money Flies Out of Spain, Regions Pressured -- CNBC
Panic in Spain as money flies out of country and head of European bank says Eurozone is 'unsustainable' -- Daily Mail
Spain Hasn't Asked for IMF Aid, No Help Planned, Fund Says -- SFGate/Bloomberg
IMF says not in talks with Spain on financial help -- Reuters
Spain urged to come clean on bank bailout plan -- Seattle Times/AP
EU asks Spain for details of Bankia rescue -- AFP
How to save Spain: The focus should be on fixing the banks, not on cutting the deficit -- The Economist
Spain moves to centre of eurozone crisis -- Gavin Hewitt, BBC
Spain: Too big to save, but too big to fail? -- Michael Babad, Globe and Mail

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- May 31, 2012

Predator drones now make frequent attacks in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia

Choosing Who Lives And Who Dies: The Methodical Assassinations Of Barack Obama's 'Kill List' -- David Blair, The Telegraph

There is something deeply unsettling about the disclosure in The New York Times that America has developed a clinical, dispassionate procedure for selecting the targets of drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. Every week or so, about 100 national security officials gather by video conference to pore over the photographs and biographies of al-Qaeda terrorists. They decide who should be spared and who should be marked for death.

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Too Much Power for a President -- New York Times editorial

The Case Against Intervention in Syria -- Fareed Zakaria, Time

Syrians will not soon forget brutal massacre in Houla -- Ali Khaled, The National

U.S. Frustration on Iran and Syria Puts New Cards in Russia’s Hands -- Tony Karon, Time

Iraq: A satellite state of Iran? -- Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamim, Jerusalem Post

China’s stimulus policy means trouble down the road -- Washington Post editorial

A Family Affair: China's princelings are running amok. And Bo Xilai is just the tip of the iceberg. -- John Garnaut, Foreign Policy

Irish referendum: taking a punt -- The Guardian editorial

As Ireland votes on EU treaty, many ask if it's worth cost of membership -- Jason Walsh, Christian Science Monitor

Only the ECB can save the euro now -- Jeremy Warner, The Telegraph

Spain has avoided facing up to its banking problems. Now it has no choice -- The Economist

Spain moves to centre of eurozone crisis -- Gavin Hewitt, BBC

Spain: Too big to save, but too big to fail? -- Michael Babad, Globe and Mail

The Next Greece? A Sketch of Spain -- Roland Flamini, World Affairs

New Yorkers Leave Like East Germans Fled Communism -- IBD Editorial

Three questions for Secretary Panetta -- Michael Green, Shadow Government

'Gafa Obamy': A presidential faux pas mangles World War II history and insults Poland. -- Matthew Kaminski, Wall Street Journal

Which Countries Will Rise to the Top in a Leaderless World? -- Ian Bremmer, Harvard Business Review

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2012 (Evening Edition)

The ECB could quite easily have taken all sovereign debt risk off the table, in the same way as the Bank of England has in the UK, by mopping up bonds without limit. Photo: Reuters

Euro Is Facing Disintegration, Commission Warns -- The Telegraph

The euro faces 'disintegration' unless European governments do much more to work together, the European Commission has warned.

Olli Rehn, the economics commissioner, gave the warning as Mario Draghi, the head of the European Central Bank, criticised national leaders for a “lack of action” to help the single currency out of its crisis.

Spain remained at the eye of the financial storm yesterday, amid continuing fears for its banking sector.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria set to become failed state: Israeli commander.

UN chief gives 'Syria civil war' warning.

Syria: rebel army issues ultimatum on UN ceasefire. Activists: Syrian troops shell Houla, site of last week's civilian massacre.

Syria military intervention would engulf Israel.

Worse case scenario in Syria.

Israel returns the remains of Palestinian bodies.

Iran cancels $2 billion dam deal with China: report.

Israeli leaders skeptical of new diplomatic efforts on Iran nuclear program.

Enrichment 'not a step towards a bomb': Ahmadinejad. Cleanup at Iran's Parchin site?

UN: Iraqi rights situation still raises 'serious' concerns.

Deadly blasts rock Baghdad.

Migrant hunting, smuggling on Yemen-Saudi border.

ASIA

China begins new round of stimulus, with caution.

Internal reports highlight threats to Afghan police force.

"Hundreds detained" in Tibet after self-immolations.

Court: Pakistani Dr. jailed for militant ties, not helping CIA.

Kashmir rebel attack wounds 7 Indian soldiers.

Mass strikes across India over fuel prices.

AFRICA

Nepal forms caretaker government pending new elections.

Egypt election outcome makes economic challenge tougher.

Kenya military says it has captured southern Somali town; 17 al-Shabab said killed.

DR Congo army mutineers sentenced to death in absentia.

Nigeria gets foreign aid to fight Boko Haram.

Sudan, South Sudan peace talks yield progress slow.

Outrage as Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe is honoured by UN as a 'leader for tourism'.

Report: Gunmen kidnap 2 U.S. tourists in Egypt's Sinai region.

Days before Mubarak verdict, sons charged with insider trading.

Adoption from Africa: Concern over 'dramatic rise'.

EUROPE

Pope's top aide at centre of Vatican furor.

Spain faces 'total emergency' as fear grips markets. Investors flee Spain as financial crisis spirals.

Fears for european banks as Greek depositors withdraw money.

Irish voting in fiscal pact referendum.

Moody's downgrades Danske, other Danish banks.

White House shrugs off Polish apology demands.

AMERICAS

Bolivian politician takes refuge at Brazilian embassy.

John Edwards walks free after chaotic end to corruption trial.

Report: Chavez's cancer has 'entered the end stage'.

FARC ready for peace or war, says French reporter.

Reporter criticizes FARC for release as propaganda.

Mexico cartel drops aerial leaflets against gov't.

Mexican cartel declares war on Cheetos. Mexico protects PepsiCo subsidiary after attacks.

Quebec government under pressure as Canada's 'casseroles protests' expand.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda fighters clash with Yemeni troops.

Azerbaijan 'arrested 40 and seized assault rifles and grenades as it thwarted planned terror attacks on Eurovision'.

Obama's drone war in Yemen may be Al Qaeda's best recruitment tool ever.

Pentagon: Al-Qaida still enjoys Afghan haven.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Time bomb? Banks pressured to buy government debt.

Morgan Stanley CEO defends Facebook IPO conduct.

Virgin Galactic cleared for rocket-powered test flights.

Oil set for biggest monthly drop in three years on debt crisis.

Gold poised for worst monthly run in 13 years on European crisis.

Can Women Breastfeed Their Babies In Uniform And In Public?

Proud: Servicewomen Terran Echegoyen-McCabe, left, breastfeeds her twin daughters while wearing her uniform alongside colleague Christina Luna and her little girl at Fairchild Airforce Base outside Spokane, Washington

Mothers At War: Proud Military Wife Defends Photograph Of Her Comrades Breastfeeding In Uniform -- Daily Mail

* Air National Guards pictured nursing their children at Fairchild base, near Spokane, Washington
* One Facebook comment compared image to 'defecating' in uniform
* Founder of Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Support Group says 'We are not disgracing the uniform, we are very proud'

A photograph of servicewomen breastfeeding in public while wearing uniform has ignited a global debate.

The picture shows two mothers, Terran Echegoyen-McCabe and Christina Luna, both in active service, nursing their babies on an Air Force base.

The striking image has seen a flurry of comments, from supporters who say breastfeeding is a 'fundamental right' to another who compared it to 'defecating in uniform'.

The photos were taken for the Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Support Group, set up by a military wife and mother-of-three to raise awareness of all women's rights to breastfeed in public.

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More News On Women Breastfeeding Their Babies In Uniform And In Public

Military Moms Breastfeeding in Uniform Stir Controversy -- Shine/Yahoo
Military moms breastfeeding in uniform sparks controversy -- Digital Journal
Military mom's breastfeeding photo causes controversy and outrage -- Examiner
Photo of military moms breastfeeding causes controversy -- Examiner
Military Moms Breastfeed in Uniform & the World Freaks Out -- The Stir
Military Moms Breastfeeding in Uniform Surprised at Controversy Stirred by Pic -- Inquisitr
Breastfeeding in uniform: What’s your opinion? -- Air Force Times

WNU Editor: The photo gallery starts here. What`s my take .... Eric Palmer sums it up best.

U.S. Defense Sec. Panetta To Explain US Strategic Shift To Asian Allies

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta waves as he boards an Air Force E4-B on Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 30, 2012. Panetta departed on a 10-day trip to Asia to meet with defense counterparts. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Panetta To Explain US Strategic Shift To Asian Allies -- Reuters

* Defense secretary to visit Singapore, Vietnam, India
* Trip comes amid renewed South China Sea tensions
* Delicate balance needed to avoid spat with China

WASHINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will brief allies on the U.S. strategic shift toward Asia and will seek to allay concerns that fiscal uncertainty could undermine Washington's commitment to the effort as he begins a week-long visit to the region this weekend.

With the Asia-Pacific region unsettled by renewed tensions over competing sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, Panetta flies to Hawaii on Wednesday for briefings with the head of the U.S. Pacific Command before traveling on to Singapore for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.

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More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Traveling To Asia To Meet (And Explain) America`s Strategic Shift Toward Asia

Panetta leaving on 9-day trip to Asia -- CNN
Panetta heads to Asia to back allies, avoid riling China -- Stars and Stripes/Bloomberg
Panetta Travels to Asia to Discuss Refocus on Region -- Defpro
U.S. to refocus on Asia-Pacific region -- UPI
Panetta Heads to Asia to Explain Strategic Shift -- Epoch Times
Panetta to discuss military trade on India trip -- New York Daily News
Will strengthen US naval presence in Asia: Panetta -- Zee News
Navy grads told their future is building US strength in Pacific -- MSNBC
“Delicate Dance” for Panetta in China’s Backyard -- Kirk Spitzer, Time

My Comment: This is the real reason on why Leon Panetta is going to Asia. More here.

No Debate

“It is extremely important that individuals in the state of California do not own assault weapons. I mean that is just so crystal clear, there is no debate, no discussion.”[More]

Guess where Chicom Leland was born?

No Peking. (More like Taishan.)

Pakistan Militants Say Bin Laden Doc Not Tied To Them Despite Pakistani Court And Government Claims

New Pakistani Reason For Jailing bin Laden Case Doctor -- Reuters

(Reuters) - In another twist to a case that is straining Islamabad's ties with Washington, a Pakistani court says the doctor who helped the United States find Osama bin Laden was imprisoned for aiding militants and not for his links to the CIA.

It is the third different explanation for the 33-year jail sentence handed to Dr. Shakil Afridi.

Last week after his conviction by a court in the Khyber tribal region near the Afghan border, Pakistani officials said the decision was based on treason charges for aiding the CIA in its hunt for the al Qaeda chief.

When that announcement rankled U.S. officials, Pakistan then said the doctor had a history of womanizing.

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Update: Pakistan Doctor Guilty of Militancy, not CIA Links -- Military.com/AP

My Comment: Pakistan militants have denied any linkage to the doctor. I have also hear that U.S. officials are not impressed with this Pakistani explanation.

Update: Is this the U.S. response to Pakistan's behavior?

ATF whistleblower announces court hearing, cites ‘withering personal attacks’

“These actions,” he claimed, “were designed…to force my resignation/retirement…to punish me for exposing corruption and maybe most importantly … to intimidate ANY other Agents who may support my allegations and consider coming forward.” [More]

Today's Gun Rights Examiner column breaks the news that some will not go gentle into that good night.

Is Iran Cleaning Up Evidence Of Nuclear Weapons Work

This May 25, left, and April 9, combination photo provided by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) shows evidence of extensive earth dumping in the pond to the north of a high explosive test site and signs of fresh traffic on the road leading to the pond. Courtesy of ISIS/AP

Satellite Images Suggest Iran Cleaning Up Evidence Of Nuclear Weapons Work -- Christian Science Monitor

A report by the Institute for Science and International Security says a new image of Iran's Parchin military complex 'raises concerns that Iran is attempting to raze the site prior to allowing an IAEA visit.'

United Nations weapons inspectors yesterday shared satellite images that suggest Iran may be cleaning up evidence of past nuclear weapons-related work, at a suspect military site inspectors have been seeking to visit.

At a closed-door briefing in Vienna, the deputy head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) showed diplomats several satellite images taken over the past half-year of Iran's sprawling Parchin military complex.

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More News On Iran 'Cleaning Up' Parts Of The Iran Parchin Military Complex

Satellite photos said to show Iran nuke clean up -- AJC/AP
Buildings at Iran military site "razed" - U.S. think-tank -- Reuters
Demolition visible at Iran military site -- UPI
Iran Razes Two Buildings Near Suspected Parchin Nuclear Site -- SFGate/Bloomberg
More signs of a clean-up at suspect Iran site -- The Guardian
These New Images From Iran May Offer Evidence Of Nuclear Testing -- Business Insider
Satellite Images Confirm Iranian Cover Up -- Arutz Sheva
Factbox: Iran's Parchin military site -- Reuters

Chinese Crackdown Being Reported In Tibet

China Detains Hundreds After Tibet Immolations -- Voice of America

Chinese police reportedly have detained hundreds of people as part of a security lockdown in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, after two people set themselves on fire there earlier this week to protest Chinese rule.

The U.S. government-backed Radio Free Asia cited a local source late Wednesday as saying that Chinese authorities have locked up about 600 Tibetan residents. It said many others from outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region have been expelled.

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More News On Tibetan Protests

600 detained in Tibetan capital -- UPI
Witnesses Report Massive Chinese Crackdown in Tibetan Capital -- Voice of America
Arrests reported after Tibet self-immolations -- New York Daily News
Detentions reported in Tibet capital after immolations -- BBC
China detains hundreds in Tibet over self-immolation protests -- The Telegraph
Tibetan woman dies after setting herself on fire -- The Guardian
Two Tibetans self-immolate in Lhasa: is protest spreading? -- John Ruwitch, Christian Science Monitor

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates May 31, 2012

Syria: Free Army Rebels Issue 48-Hour Deadline For Bashar al-Assad To Stop Violence -- The Telegraph

The United Nations peace plan for Syria is on the verge of officially collapsing after the Free Syrian Army gave Bashar al-Assad’s regime until noon on Friday to end violence.

Syrian rebels gave President Bashar al-Assad a 48-hour deadline to abide by the international peace plan to end violence or face violent consequences, a rebel spokesman said.

Colonel Qassim Saadeddine said in a statement posted on YouTube:

"We announce that there is no justification to continue respecting the truce from one side.

"The Annan plan arrived in Syria and al-Assad buried it in front of the world by committing massacres in Houla, Homs and Hama, Allepo, Deraa and Deir al Zour, Damascus, Idlib and Tartous and Latakia.

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More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- AL Jazeera
Syria: Overview -- Yahoo News

Syria rebels say they're preparing for war -- L.A. Times
Syrian rebel commanders split on ceasefire deadline -- BBC
More Killings and Ultimatum Deepen Syria Conflict -- New York Times/Reuters
Syria rebel chief urges Annan to declare peace plan over -- Reuters
Ultimatum on Syria as killings end US hope -- Brisbane Times
Syrian rebels capture soldiers in Homs -- The Telegraph

U.N. chief: Syria faces civil war from which it 'would never recover' -- L.A. Times
UN chief gives 'Syria civil war' warning -- Al Jazeera
Another massacre could plunge Syria into civil war, says UN chief -- Haaretz
Annan says Syria 'complex,' urges end to bloodshed -- AFP
China urges world to give Annan's Syria plan time -- Reuters
Kuwait seeks Chinese support for Syria Annan plan -- Reuters
Arabs urge China to apply more pressure on Syria -- Alertnet

Analysis-Syria Massacre Pushes Moscow Toward Decision Point -- New York Times/Reuters
Russia to Block Syria Military Intervention -- Voice of America
Russia’s Putin, US trade blows over Syria -- Khaleej Times/AFP
Merkel and Hollande to Challenge Russia over Syria -- Spiegel Online

Syria set to become failed state: Israeli commander -- Reuters
IDF Commander Warns Against Possible Conflict with Syria -- Arutz Sheva
IDF may act to stop Syria weapons smuggling -- Jerusalem Post
Israel urges tougher action against Assad -- Reuters
New IDF assessment predicts Assad in power through 2013 -- Jerusalem Post

Syria intervention isn’t a slam dunk -- Walter Pincus, Washington Post
Syria: Diplomatic deadlock, deaths go on -- Ivan Watson, CNN
Why Syria feels abandoned -- Donatella Rovera, Washington Post

Six Explosions Across Bahgdad Kill At Least 17

Six Blasts Across Baghdad Kill At Least 17 -- Euronews/Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Six explosions hit neighbourhoods across Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens more in the most deadly attacks on the Iraqi capital in more than a month.

The attacks – a truck bomb in a market, a car bomb and roadside explosives – broke weeks of relative calm in Baghdad just as Iraq’s government, shared among Shi’ite, Sunni and Kurdish blocs, wrangles over a crisis that risks reigniting sectarian tensions.

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Update: Bomb attacks in Iraq kill 18, wound 53 -- USA Today/AP

My Comment: So much for the relative calm that Baghdad has been experiencing lately.

After 31 Years, Egypt's State Of Emergency To End

Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood members of parliament protest against the extension of emergency law, in place since 1981, during a parliament session in Cairo, Tuesday. According to local media, the government of Egypt has presented to the parliament a bill to extend the country's emergency law until the year 2012. The words on the banners read "No to emergency law". (Photo: Reuters)

Egypt's State Of Emergency Ends After 31 Years -- The Telegraph

Egypt's military rulers said they had ended the decades-old state of emergency as its last renewal expired.

Vowing to continue to "protect" the nation, the military said in a statemet it would continue its "national and historic responsibility, taking into account that the state of emergency has ended, in accordance with the constitutional declaration and with the law".

It said it would continue in that role until it hands over power, as it has promised it would to an elected president by the end of June. A runoff between the two frontunners from the first round of the elction is to be held on June 16-17.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt Ending 31 Years Of Emergency Rule

BREAKING: Egypt state of emergency ends for first time in 30 years -- Ahram Online
Egypt: State of emergency ends after 31 years -- Al Bawaba
Army lifts three decades-old state of emergency in Egypt -- Al Arabiya
Egypt lifts unpopular emergency law -- CNN
Egypt's notorious emergency law lapses -- CBS
Egypt state of emergency due to expire -- BBC

Insider Information

We just learned at a meeting with ATF in Washington last week that they will be going to a “100% inventory rule” during inspections, so they may be looking back many years and prior to your last inspection. [More]

FFLGuard has an enewsletter. It has some interesting insights for non-pros, and some essential ones for those who are.

Coming from a background where I helped businesses ensure they were compliant with regulations and audit requirements,  these efforts really make a lot of sense to me. Coming from a philosophy that stresses the importance of education, preparation and training when it comes to self-defense, I would simply point out that includes prudent measures to protect business investments and livelihoods from attack.

Ireland Votes On Europe's Fiscal Pact Referendum

Irish Voting In Fiscal Pact Referendum -- The Telegraph

Polling stations have opened across Ireland in what will be the only popular vote on a European fiscal pact that is seen as critical for the euro’s future.

reland is deciding on the ratification of a treaty that was drawn up in response to the euro debt crisis in order to enshrine the single currency’s fiscal rules, limiting government spending, into national law.

The Irish government has warned that a No vote would lead to a Greek-style banking collapse, lead to a tripling of the Ireland’s borrowing costs and plunge the country into national bankruptcy by 2014.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is an important vote on the Euro and Ireland's place in it. When final results are in (later today), I will be giving a more comprehensive analysis and roundup of these events.

Former Sec. Of Defense Rumsfeld: It Is Not The Business For A U.S. President To Micromanage A CIA 'Kill List'

Photo: Donald Rumsfeld. John Shinkle/Politico

WNU Editor: Just heard former US Sec. of Defense Rumsfeld on the Laura Ingraham radio show being very critical of President Obama's supervision of the CIA 'kill list' .... that this is NOT the job of a U.S. President. He also added that the last time a President had such a 'hands on' involvement on military/covert operations was President Lyndon Johnson during the Vietnam war.

Over the years I have been both a supporter and critic of Donald Rumsfeld .... but on this issue he is right.

I suspect that this story will be updated later on Laura Ingraham's site, and other media outlets will follow up.

Previous Post: The White House 'Kill List' -- A News Roundup

General Says He Was 'Accurately Quoted' But Misspoke On North Korea

U.S. General Admits He Misspoke About North Korea Spying -- CNN

A U.S. general in Korea who said that American troops parachute into North Korea to spy has admitted he was not misquoted in the speech – but that he misspoke.

Brigadier General Neil Tolley, commander of special forces in South Korea, made the comments during a speech at a conference in Florida last week. The Diplomat, a magazine based in Japan, quoted Tolley as saying in the speech that U.S. troops parachute into North Korea to spy on underground military facilities.

Amidst the ensuing controversy, the Pentagon accused the reporter of the piece, David Axe, of misreporting the speech.

Read more ....

More News On General Admitting He Misspoke On North Korea

General Says He Was 'Accurately Quoted' But Misspoke On North Korea -- NPR
US special forces head admits North Korea comments 'could have been clearer' -- The Telegraph
US general admits blunder over N. Korea comments -- AFP
US General Says He Misspoke in North Korea Comments -- Voice of America
Are there U.S. special ops inside North Korea? -- Isaac Stone Fish, Foreign Policy

WNU Editor: David Axe has commented on the story that has put him on the 'hot seat' these past few days .... I suspect that he must feel very relieved right now .... I know I would be. A thumbs-up should also be given to Brigadier General Neil Tolley for admitting his mistake .... and going public about it. As far as I am concerned .... this story is now closed.

Heads We Win, Tails You Lose

By the time the appellate court is able to rule on whether or not Shipley will receive a new trial, Shipley will have served his prison sentence. [More]

Welcome to Borg justice, where resistance is futile.

Oh look: The "Authorized Journalists" have just figured out there might be a story here when testimony can't be used in an appeal because government employees entrusted with maintaining the records somehow mysteriously scratched the disk that wasn't backed up and made it unreadable...seems to me I read something about that recently...but where?

We're the Only Ones Improperly Maintained Enough

The department's investigation after the incident revealed the officer's .45-caliber Heckler & Koch semi-automatic pistol likely malfunctioned because of improper maintenance... [More]

What, you mean you have to know what you're doing with these things...?  Hey, if they expect him to clean it on his own time, maybe he can file a grievance through the union.

I see the instructions call for using "Cleaning solvent/lubricant." Maybe he can also get them for an OSHA violation because they haven't provided him with an MSDS for a product with known carcinogens, and maybe he could even nudge the door open a crack on hazardous waste disposal...

[Via Michael R]

In the Nick of Time

The NPWS finally issued a 48-hour permit to kill the kangaroo, but it has since disappeared. [More]

Good grief.

[Via cycjec]

Afghanistan War News Updates -- May 31, 2012

U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan soldiers patrol a village in the Tani district in Afghanistan's Khost province, May 28, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William Begley

UN Sees Significant Drop In Afghan Civilian Casualties -- Christian Science Monitor

Civilian casualties are down in Afghanistan, according to the UN. Analysts say this has to do with the a drop in insurgent attacks and may be a sign of better US-Afghan coordination.

For the first time in five years, United Nations officials in Afghanistan have charted a decrease in civilian casualties signaling a rare bit of good news.

The first four months of this year civilian casualties dropped by 21 percent compared with the same period last year. UN officials caution that they are uncertain if the downward trend will continue through the rest of the year, however the report is consistent with others indicating an overall drop in violence throughout Afghanistan for the first part of this year.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update - May 31, 2012 -- ISAF
War In Afghanistan News 31 May 2012 -- War on Terror News
ISAF Joint Command morning operational update -- Dvids
Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents -- US Department of Defense
NATO member, 7 police killed in Afghanistan -- L.A. Times
Suicide attack, explosion kill 7 Afghan police -- AFP
Suicide car bomber attacks police headquarters in southern Afghanistan, killing 5 policemen -- Washington Post/AP
Afghan Police Kill 12 Militants in 24 Hours -- CRIEnglish
Taliban Leader Set For Spring Offensive In Southern Afghanistan Arrested -- RTT News

No. 2 U.S. Commander In Afghanistan Would Like 68,000 Troops Into Next Year -- NPR
General: US should freeze Afghan troop withdrawals after summer drawdown -- The Hill

Pentagon says al-Qaida still has safe haven inside Afghanistan, but in small numbers -- Washington Post/AP
Drones are at vanguard of US mission goal to dismantle Al-Qaida in AfPak -- Economic Times

Detainees Are Handed Over to Afghans, but Not Out of Americans’ Reach -- New York Times

UN: Civilian Casualties Drop in Afghanistan -- Voice of America
579 civilians killed in four months in Afghanistan: UNAMA -- The Nation
UN reports drop in civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2012 -- UN News Centre

India fears for Afghanistan after NATO pullout -- AFP
What India fears will happen in Afghanistan post 2014 -- Rediff

Afghan school poisonings an omen? -- Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, CNN
The Loneliness of the Afghan President: Karzai on His Own -- Aryn Baker, Time

As If We Needed Another Reason to Tell Them to Go to Hell

Arms trade treaty must include global sale of ammunition, urges Oxfam [More] 

Of course it must.

What's funny is that China is against that.

They Shoot Journalists, Don't They?

If this started happening here, I wonder how many of our precious "Authorized Journalists" would change their tune? [Read]