Clipmarks | pokkets's 'security' clips

Iran is no threat unless Bush makes it one

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:23:35 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: Attack on Iran will quash democracy movement

Iran Is No Threat, Unless Bush Makes It One

Worst of all, military attacks on Iran will only consolidate the hardliners' grip on Iran, just when economic problems and political repression are shaking the foundations of their power. President Ahmadinejad is in deep trouble at home, even among his own base. The vast majority of Iran's urban population, and in particular its university students, despise him for his failed economic policies, political repression, and the danger that his hollow rhetoric has created for Iran's national security.

In April 2005, when the reformist Mohammad Khatami was still president, Iran made a comprehensive proposal to the U.S., offering to enter serious negotiations and putting all the important issues on the table. The offer was never taken seriously.

given the deep unpopularity of the hardliners, the absence of an external threat to Iran's national security would make it much easier for democratic groups to push for reforms

Tags: iran

France says New Iran Resolution Imminent

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:45:34 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: A U.S. 'intelligence assessment last month indicated Tehran had stopped active work on a nuclear weapons program.

Deja vu

Clip Source: www.mail.com

ANGELA CHARLTON

The U.N. Security Council's five permanent members and Germany are expected to agree Tuesday on a new resolution to pressure Iran over its nuclear program, a French diplomat said. But a U.S. official said differences over the issue remain.

The senior French diplomat, who briefed reporters Monday on condition that he not be identified by name, said an agreement was very close and should be finalized by the six nation's foreign ministers at a meeting in Berlin, Germany

others were more cautious about what the talks could produce. Momentum for a third resolution has slowed since a U.S. intelligence assessment last month

indicated Tehran had stopped active work on a nuclear weapons program in 2003

Any new agreement would need Security Council approval. It already has issued two resolutions on Iran imposing international sanctions over its defiance of international demands that it suspend uranium enrichment

all six nations

have been discussing for months a third U.N. resolution

New ID rules complicate travel

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:43:27 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: Drivers licenses will not be valid ID for boarding aircraft. There is now REAL ID, which seems equivalent to an internal passport. It's only a matter of time before they point how easy it would be to implant a registered ID chip at birth, before anyone has had time to argue. The political 'Dream' is to know where everyone is all of the time, and be able to track money, wherever it is. To the mite.
Why is it taking so long with all of the talk of wars and enemies through the development of civilization, for people to work out that Mankind must have an aspect to it's character that makes it it's own worst enemy.
We have spent our entire History Shadow Boxing.
If we see a 'mirror' we try and smash the glass, because we are afraid we may see our true selves. While cutting our hands on the glass, we pretend there is a victory.
An image is a poor substitute for something we have a clear view of. Our own hearts.
I thought the aim of the constitution was to prevent things like this happe

Clip Source: www.mail.com

DEVLIN BARRETT

Millions of air travelers may find going through airport security much more complicated this spring, as the Bush administration heads toward a showdown with state governments over post-Sept. 11 rules for new driver's licenses.

By May, the dispute could leave millions of people unable to use their licenses to board planes, but privacy advocates called that a hollow threat by federal officials.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who was unveiling final details of the REAL ID Act's rules on Friday, said that if states want their licenses to remain valid for air travel after May 2008, those states must seek a waiver indicating

they want more time to comply with the legislation.

The plan's chief critic, the American Civil Liberties Union, called Chertoff's deadline a bluff -- and urged state governments to call him on it.

"Are they really prepared to shut those airports down? Which is what effectively would happen

"This is a scare tactic."

Bhutto sent Blitzer Security Email

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:52:58 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: Only to be released if she was killed. Bhutto wasn't worried about al Qaeda. She could feel Musharraf breathing down her neck. I'm sure Musharraf resigned as leader of the army only after he was confident that he could win the election. A thorn by any other name is still a thorn.
Bhutto was an unpredictable complication. BUT. They knew who committed the crime before it was committed.
Ironic that she was on Stage.
The more I see the actions of the 'leaders' today the more I'm reminded of Lady Macbeth. "Out Damned Spot" she wailed as she tried to wash the blood off her hands.
The blood will never be washed off.
The halls of power are becoming Stately mausoleums.
"Whitewashed Tombs"

Clip Source: www.mail.com

DAVID BAUDER

It was a story CNN's Wolf Blitzer hoped he'd never have to report -- an e-mail sent to him through an intermediary by Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto complaining about her security. Conditions of use: only if she were killed.

Bhutto, who was assassinated on Thursday, wrote to Blitzer that if anything happened to her, "I would hold (Pakistani President Pervez) Musharraf responsible."

Blitzer received the e-mail on Oct. 26 from Mark Siegel, a friend and longtime Washington spokesman for Bhutto. That was eight days after she narrowly escaped another attempt at her life.

Bhutto wrote to Blitzer that "I have been made

to feel insecure by his (Musharraf's) minions," that specific improvements had not been made to her security arrangements, and that the Pakistani leader was responsible.

Blitzer agreed to the conditions before receiving the e-mail

Blitzer reported on the e-mail late Thursday

but was told firmly it could only be used if she were killed

Tags: bhutto, blitzer, email

These Weapons of Mass Destruction cannot be displayed

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:32:21 GMT

clipped by: swampfoxz
clipper's remarks: The weapons you are looking for are currently unavailable.

Clip Source: www.coxar.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

These Weapons of Mass Destruction cannot be displayed

The weapons you are looking for are currently unavailable. The country might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your weapons inspectors mandate.

Please try the following:

Click the Regime change button, or try again later.

If you are George Bush and typed the country's name in the address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly. (IRAQ).

To check your weapons inspector settings, click the UN menu, and then click Weapons Inspector Options. On the Security Council tab, click Consensus. The settings should match those provided by your government or NATO.

If the Security Council has enabled it, The United States of America can examine your country and automatically discover Weapons of Mass Destruction.
If you would like to use the CIA to try and discover them,
click Detect weapons

Some countries require 128 thousand troops to liberate them. Click the Panic menu and then click About US foreign policy to

Tags: weapons

The Funniest Joke in the World

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:41:38 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: The Joke was classified by the Military, because of it's devastating effects. One of the reasons, with national security, that some things need to be kept a secret.

Clip Source: www.youtube.com

[Video]

US, Iraq deal sees long term US prescence

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:02:14 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malikai said there have, since 1990, been UN restrictions that have imposed on the leadership of Iraq as 'punishment' for the invasion of Kuwait, that need to be lifted, before the international forces mandate could be renewed.
Imposed on the Leadership in 1990? A lot has changed in then.
So why are the United Nations suddenly supposed to be calling the shots? Seems like so-one will be comig home, the name will just change from being Troops-To security forces.

Clip Source: www.mail.com

By BEN FELLER

President Bush on Monday signed a deal setting the foundation for a potential long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq, with details to be negotiated over matters that have defined the war debate at home -- how many U.S. forces will stay in the country, and for how long.

The agreement between Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki confirms that the United States and Iraq will hash out an "enduring" relationship in military, economic and political terms. Details of that relationship will be negotiated in 2008

The U.S.-Iraq agreement will replace the present U.N. mandate regulating the presence of the U.S.-led forces in Iraq.

It also would help the Iraqi government thwart any attempt to suspend or repeal a constitution drafted with U.S. help and adopted in a nationwide vote in 2005.

Al-Maliki said the renewal of the multinational forces' mandate was conditional on the repeal of what he called restrictions on Iraqi sovereignty introduced in 1990 by the U.N. Security Council

Tags: us, iraq, troops, prescence, bush, al-malaki

Republican's Thompson urges expanded Military

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:12:59 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: One Million Ground Troops, Better Military equipment more funding for Veterans. Great Promises, but do they have the money? Or the people? Private Security can be expensive. Have Politicians ever been taught about Budgets? Well...They're not spending their own money. They get tax breaks!
When there is a win they take credit when there is a loss they call it a "win" and blame the enemy for a reason that best suits the social climate. If he becomes commander in chief he should show his faith in the troop and serve in the front line. Of course that would be as insane as believing that a Million member ground force could be raised, when there aren't two nickel's to rub together

Clip Source: www.mail.com

JIM DAVENPORT

Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson called for a million-member military ground force and more funding to equip and care for service members and veterans in a speech Tuesday at a military college in this early presidential primary state

former Tennessee senator and actor also told a crowd at The Citadel that he wants more modern battle equipment on the ground, in the air and on the water to help revitalize the nation's security

"With 20th century equipment in a 21st century war, our material support for our troops has not matched the demands we have placed on them," Thompson said to applause from hundreds of cadets

staff and visitors at the school's basketball arena. "We've been asking too few troops to do too much for too long."

"Some would say this plan is too much and too big," Thompson said. "I don't believe that's the case, not at all."

Thompson is in a close three-way race here with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Tags: republican, war, troops, funding, military

TB - Tuberculosis - dreaded past plague or next one?

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:18:41 GMT

clipped by: nedhamson
clipper's remarks: So you thought TB, like Polio had been eradicated? Not! Wrong on both counts. The "terror" that the world's political leaders should be actively worried and working on to provide security for their peoples are the ancient terrors of disease and hunger! Security from those terrors would be better protection from those who might want to recruit your people to become a "terrorist."

Clip Source: www.thetimes.co.za

The world could be on the brink of a tuberculosis apocalypse unless new ways of fighting the incurable strains of the disease are found.

That grim warning was issued yesterday by Mario Raviglione, the director of the Stop TB department of the World Health Organisation, at an international conference in Cape Town.

He told reporters that 4 percent of tuberculosis cases around the world were currently untreatable — caused by so called multi-drug resistant and extreme drug resistant strains.

But this percentage could grow.

Tags: tuberculosis, plague, health, megadeath, crisis, global

Part4-Ten tips to protect from identity theft while online shopping

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:37:41 GMT

clipped by: caissie_tab

Clip Source: biz.yahoo.com

7. Maintain a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online confirmation/receipt, and copies of any email(s) you exchange with the seller. 8. Do not share your passwords with anyone and never provide your social security number, birth date, or mother's maiden name in an email. 9. Make sure all of your security software is up-to-date before you do your online shopping. That includes anti-virus software, anti-spyware, and firewalls. 10. Use a separate email account for your online shopping. You can set up a free email account online through several different services. For more information visit: www.huntington.com.

Tags: id

Think Tank: Climate Affects Security.

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:40:12 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: People start to feel insecure when they can't breathe. They say 'Climate Scientists' underestimated how quickly the climate would change through fear of being alarmist. Now It's seen to be a threat to security, as 'Discovered' by the 'Think Tank'
In the words of a septic tank "What a load of crap"
The Deaf and Blind have decided to speak.

Clip Source: www.mail.com

By ARTHUR MAX

Climate change could be one of the greatest national security challenges ever faced by U.S. policy makers, according to a new joint study by two U.S. think tanks.

The report,

raises the threat of dramatic population migrations, wars over water and resources, and a realignment of power among nations.

During the last two decades, climate scientists have underestimated how quickly the Earth is changing -- perhaps to avoid being branded as "alarmists," the study said. But policy planners should count on climate-induced instability in critical parts of the world within 30 years.

Climate change is likely to breed new conflicts, but it already is magnifying existing problems, from the desertification of Darfur and competition for water in the Middle East to the disruptive monsoons in Asia which increase the pressure for land, the report said

Left unchecked, "the collapse and chaos associated with extreme climate change futures would destabilize virtually every aspect of modern life,"

Tags: global warming, pollution, chemical waste, disposable, tank

AIPAC Agents Charged With Spying -- Rice and Neocons Subpoenaed

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 09:26:52 GMT

clipped by: blueridge
clipper's remarks: Look at how the media covers this story below on "Rice Subpoenaed"". Journalism 101 says you headline the main subject, not the peripheral subjects. Let's cut through the double talk on this article that treats Israel, AIPAC and Jewish agents with kid gloves. Headline should read: "AIPAC Charged With Spying -- Rice and Neocons Subpoenaed". Now that would sell newspapers! Now the article goes on to say (listen to this), the lobbyist received information from a "now convicted Pentagon official and passed it on..." (why not name him?). That would be Larry Franklin, no? This article is designed to save AIPAC's arse from a Second round of public humiliation. Look at the special treatment of the "news" for AIPAC! You have to look so close to see the real story here. Notice that two major neocons--Armitage and Wolfowitz are not mentioned in headline either, just Rice. (AIPAC is certain that the neocons will lie for them).

Clip Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

Rice to be subpoenaed in espionage case

Judge OKs calls for intel officials to discuss talks with pro-Israel lobbyists

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and more than a dozen other current and former intelligence officials must testify about their conversations with pro-Israel lobbyists, a federal judge ruled Friday in an espionage case.

Lawyers for two former American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobbyists facing charges have subpoenaed Rice, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, Deputy National Security Adviser Elliott Abrams and several others to testify at their trial next year. Prosecutors had challenged the subpoenas in federal court.

Lobbyists Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman maintain the Israeli interest group played an unofficial but sanctioned role in crafting foreign policy and that Rice and others can confirm it.

The lobbyists are accused of receiving classified information from a now-convicted Pentagon official and relaying it to an Israeli official

Tags: neoconservatives, aipac, israel, spying, war

Tiny sensor measures tiny magnetic fields

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:22:23 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: I wonder if it has applications in data storage, retrieval, and transmission.

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

Julie Steenhuysen

A magnetic sensor smaller than a grain of rice and sensitive enough to detect the brainwave of someone daydreaming has been developed by US scientists who say their research offers the potential for a host of new medical and security uses.

They says the sensor, described online in the journal Nature Photonics, provides a low-cost and portable way to detect changes in a magnetic field.

"What we've done is demonstrate a very good sensitivity with a very small cell," says Dr John Kitching of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), who led the project

The researchers say it's 1000 times more sensitive than NIST's last microchip-sized mini-sensor and can detect magnetic fields down to 70 femtoteslas

"Magnetic fields are all over the place," Kitching says. "Anything that has iron in it has a magnetic field.

Electric currents, such as those from power lines, emit a magnetic field, as do the electrical impulses that make the heart contract or brain cells fire

Tags: magnetic, field, brain, wave, electricity, sensor, tiny

6.Waterboarding is ... has the US Any Honour Left

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:35:34 GMT

clipped by: righthand

Clip Source: smallwarsjournal.com

Brutal interrogation, flash murder and extreme humiliation of American citizens, agents and members of the armed forces may now be guaranteed because we have mindlessly, but happily, broken the seal on the Pandora’s box of indignity, cruelty and hatred in the name of protecting America

To defeat Bin Laden many in this administration have openly embraced the methods of by Hitler, Pinochet, Pol Pot, Galtieri and Saddam Hussein

our President. He apparently secretly ordered the core American values of fairness and justice to be thrown away in the name of security from terrorists

the honor the military, the CIA and the nation itself was an acceptable trade for the superficial knowledge of the machinations of approximately 2,000 terrorists, most of whom are being decimated in Iraq or martyring themselves in Afghanistan

It is a short sighted and politically motivated trade that is simply disgraceful

There is no honor here

officials

have not only embraced this torture but have actually justified it

Tags: torture

Iraqi bill to lift Contractor immunity

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:01:52 GMT

clipped by: pokkets

Clip Source: www.mail.com

By STEVEN R. HURST

The Iraqi government approved a draft law Tuesday to lift immunity for foreign security companies including Blackwater USA, a bid to overturn a decree imposed more than three years ago by the U.S. official who ran the country after the American-led invasion.

The draft law, expected to be passed overwhelmingly by parliament, is also certain to deepen tensions between the Bush administration and the Iraqi government.

Prime

Minister Nouri al-Maliki has promised to push through the legislation amid public outrage over Blackwater's seemingly unprovoked killing of 17 Iraqis last month as well as a series of other Iraqi civilian deaths allegedly at the hands of foreign contractors.

The U.S. and Iraq were already at loggerheads over Blackwater, which guards American diplomats in Iraq. The problem was compounded by reports that the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security granted limited immunity to the Blackwater guards involved in the Sept. 16 shooting in west Baghdad

Tags: iraq, security, immunity, blackwater, law