Dos periodistas sirios mueren cerca del Año Nuevo

Los dos últimos periodistas asesinados cerca del cambio de año fueron sirios; justo en un momento en que las protestas y la violencia en el país están aumentando, y la Liga Árabe comienza su primera evaluación de la situación.

Shukri Ratib Abu Burghol, periodista veterano, murió este año por un disparo efectuado el 30 de diciembre. Al periodista le dispararon en la cara después de llegar a casa del trabajo en una estación de radio en Darayya, en las afueras de Damasco, la capital del país. Murió tres días después en el hospital Al Mouwsat.

Burghol, de 56 años, fue periodista cerca de 21 años, trabajando para el periódico Al Thawra, 'La Revolución'; también era anfitrión de un programa semanal de Radio Damasco. Burghol había recibido amenazas.

Basil al Sayed se convirtió en el último periodista en morir en 2011. Le disparó un francotirador en la ciudad de Homs el 29 de diciembre. La Liga Árabe confirmó que el gobierno sirio ha sido visto usando francotiradores contra los manifestantes en otras partes de Daraa. El homicidio de Al Sayed se llevó a cabo en la sección Bab Amr de Homs. La ciudad fue uno de los puntos calientes de las protestas contra el gobierno de Bashar al Assad durante el año 2011. En la última semana del año, el barrio de Bab Amr fue atacado por la pesada y experimentada violencia militar de Siria.

El camarógrafo de 24 años de edad era un periodista ciudadano que subió sus vídeos a servicios de alojamiento para difundir información sobre las protestas. Los periodistas fotográficos y camarógrafos han sido algunos de los que presentan más riesgo durante las revueltas árabes en Túnez y Libia. Ferzat Jarban, el primer periodista asesinado en Siria, fue un camarógrafo independiente detenido el 19 de noviembre mientras filmaba las protestas en Al Qusayr, la Gobernación de Homs. Fue hallado muerto al día siguiente. En Siria, los periodistas ciudadanos como Al Sayed, y profesionales independientes como Jarban, han arriesgado sus vidas al grabar abiertamente vídeos de las protestas que puedan servir como prueba documental de las violaciones de los derechos humanos.

Actualmente, la información es difícil de verificar y las fuentes independientes fiables están prohibidas o restringidas dentro de Siria. Los periodistas extranjeros tienen prohibido entrar al país y cubrir las protestas.

A finales de 2011, la Liga Árabe había enviado observadores a distintas ciudades de Siria para monitorizar la situación, pero uno de sus asesores pidió a la organización retirarse después de que el gobierno de Al Assad no cumpliese con los acuerdos para poner fin a la represión.

Según Navanethem Pillay, Alta Comisionada de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos, más de 5.000 personas han muerto durante la sublevación de Siria, una cifra que incluye alrededor de 300 niños.

Ahora se sabe que tres periodistas han sido asesinados en Siria.

En diciembre, el CPJ (en inglés, Committee to Protect Journalists, 'Comité para Proteger Periodistas'), una organización que promueve la libertad de prensa y defiende los derechos de los periodistas, envió una carta abierta a Al Assad, pidiendo la liberación de todos los periodistas detenidos. El CPJ ha documentado 29 casos de periodistas detenidos en 2011.

El CPJ informó que 45 periodistas fueron asesinados en todo el mundo en 2011; mientras que, usando diferentes criterios, Reporteros Sin Fronteras indican que 66 periodistas en todo el mundo murieron en 2011, y afirman que, en casi todos los indicadores, la violencia y la censura contra los periodistas internacionales fue peor en 2011, aumentando 16% respecto a las cifras de 2010.


Two UK sailors killed in submarine accident

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed in a news release, March 21, 2007, that two Royal Navy crew members had been killed in an accident aboard nuclear submarine HMS Tireless earlier in the day. The next of kin for both men have been informed.

Another submariner had been injured and was airlifted to a United States military hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The accident occurred at 4:20 a.m., March 21, on board HMS Tireless, a Trafalgar class submarine, during a joint US-UK exercise in the Arctic.

The MoD suggested that the accident involved a piece of air-purification equipment in the forward section of the submarine. The submarine was not in danger and its nuclear reactor was unaffected. HMS Tireless is a hunter-killer submarine and does not carry nuclear missiles.

HMS Tireless was submerged under the ice cap at the time of the incident. The crew brought the submarine to surface quickly through the ice.

The Tireless was fitted, in 2001, with an update to the piece of air-purification machinery thought to have failed. As a precaution, the MoD is restricting its use on other boats until safety checks have been carried out.

"I very much regret that this incident has occurred and my thoughts go out to the family and friends of the men who have lost their lives," said Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, Commander-in-Chief Fleet.

He added, "I also wish to pay tribute to the crew of HMS Tireless that this incident has been dealt with and contained so professionally."

It was not stated what the official cause of death was.


Deux morts dans un accident à bord du sous-marin britannique HMS Tireless dans l'Arctique

Le ministère britannique de la Défense a indiqué, mercredi 21 mars 2007, dans un communiqué, que deux marins de la Royal Navy avaient été tués, le même jour, lors d'un accident survenu à bord du sous-marin nucléaire HMS Tireless (S88). Les proches des deux victimes ont été informés.

Un autre membre de l'équipage a été blessé et transporté par avion dans un hôpital militaire des États-Unis pour y recevoir des soins. Ses jours ne sont apparemment pas en danger.

L'accident s'est produit à 4 h 20 du matin, à bord du HMS Tireless, sous-marin nucléaire d'attaque de la classe Trafalgar, au cours d'un exercice commun des marines britannique et américaine dans l'océan Arctique.

Le sous-marin se trouvait en plongée sous la banquise lorsqu'est survenu l'accident. Les premiers éléments de l'enquête laissent penser que l'accident serait dû à un élément du circuit de purification atmosphérique dans la partie avant du sous-marin, élément dont l'explosion a causé les deux décès et les blessures du troisième marin. Malgré l'accident, la sécurité du bâtiment et celle de son réacteur nucléaire n'auraient semble-t-il jamais été menacées. L'équipage a pu procéder sans encombre à un retour rapide à la surface de l'océan.

Le HMS Tireless est un sous-marin nucléaire d'attaque, qui ne transporte pas de missiles nucléaires [1], mais dispose simplement d'une propulsion nucléaire.

Ce sous-marin a été mis en service le 5 octobre 1985 et la pièce défectueuse avait été ajoutée en 2001, après une immobilisation forcée de près d'un an dans le port de Gibraltar, à la suite d'un autre accident [2].

L'amiral James Burnell-Nugent, commandant en chef de la Flotte britannique et a déclaré : « Je regrette beaucoup que cet incident soit arrivé et mes pensées vont vers la famille et les amis des hommes qui ont perdu leurs vies. »

L'amiral a poursuivi : « Je veux aussi rendre hommage à l'équipage du HMS Tireless pour avoir traité et maîtrisé si professionnellement cet incident. »

La cause officielle des décès des deux marins n'a pour le moment pas été divulguée.


Two US congressmen fly into Kabul; trip reportedly unauthorized

Two US congressmen, Seth Moulton and Peter Meijer, made an unannounced visit to an airport Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday, with a stated mission of gathering information on the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.

The Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the two men "certainly took time away from what we had planned to do that day", with three officials familiar with the flight telling the Associated Press "defense department and White House officials were furious" about the two's sudden appearance, stating it was done without proper coordination with diplomats or commanders of the evacuation.

Democratic congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Republican Peter Meijer of Michigan said in a statement they "conducted the visit in secret," speaking about it only after their departure as to not disrupt the people on the ground, and because they were there to "gather information, not groundstand."

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi released a statement on Tuesday, stating she wanted to "reiterate that the Departments of Defense and State have requested that members not travel to Afghanistan and the region during this time of danger" and "ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of individuals at risk requires the full focus and attention of the US military and diplomatic teams on the ground in Afghanistan."

The US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the deadline of August 31 his administration had set would remain.  The two congressmen involved have advocated for this deadline to be extended, saying "after talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11."

On April 14, Joe Biden had announced plans to withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11, officially ending the US' involvement in the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan.


Dois congressistas americanos voam para Cabul; viagem supostamente não autorizada

Dois congressistas americanos, Seth Moulton e Peter Meijer, fizeram uma visita não anunciada a um aeroporto de Cabul, Afeganistão, na terça-feira, com uma missão declarada de coletar informações sobre a retirada das forças americanas do Afeganistão.

O secretário de imprensa do Pentágono, John Kirby, disse que os dois homens "certamente tiraram um tempo do que tínhamos planejado fazer naquele dia", com três funcionários familiarizados com o voo dizendo à Associated Press que "o Departamento de Defesa e funcionários da Casa Branca ficaram furiosos" com a aparição repentina dos dois, afirmando que foi feito sem a devida coordenação com diplomatas ou comandantes da evacuação.

O congressista democrata Seth Moulton, de Massachusetts, e o republicano Peter Meijer, de Michigan, disseram em um comunicado que "conduziram a visita em segredo", falando sobre isso apenas após sua partida para não perturbar as pessoas no terreno, e porque estavam lá para "coletar informações, não apoio".

A presidente da Câmara dos Representantes dos Estados Unidos, Nancy Pelosi, divulgou uma declaração na terça-feira, afirmando que queria "reiterar que os Departamentos de Defesa e de Estado pediram que os membros não viajassem para o Afeganistão e a região durante este momento de perigo" e "garantir a evacuação segura e oportuna de indivíduos em risco requer o foco total e a atenção das equipes militares e diplomáticas dos Estados Unidos em solo no Afeganistão".

O presidente dos Estados Unidos Joe Biden disse na terça-feira que o prazo final de 31 de agosto que seu governo havia estabelecido permaneceria. Os dois congressistas envolvidos têm defendido que esse prazo seja prorrogado, dizendo que "depois de conversar com os comandantes no terreno e ver a situação aqui, é óbvio que, como começamos a evacuação tão tarde, que não importa o que façamos, não vamos tirar todos a tempo, mesmo até 11 de setembro".

Em 14 de abril, Joe Biden havia anunciado planos de se retirar do Afeganistão até 11 de setembro, encerrando oficialmente o envolvimento dos Estados Unidos na guerra de 20 anos no Afeganistão.


U.N. to begin forming response to Iranian nuclear program

A meeting set for Tuesday by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could be a move closer to a showdown at the United Nations over the Iranian plan to resume uranium conversion at its Isfahan nuclear facility.

Iran on Monday refused the weekend offer by the European Union (EU) of economic incentives that included help with nuclear-energy generation. The EU, led by Britain and France, both of which in May 2005 [1] were considered to have violated the first pillar of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by failing to make serious efforts to dismantle their nuclear bomb stockpiles (preamble and Article VI of the treaty), and Germany, combined the offer with an exchange for Iran to verifiably give up all activities that could lead to a nuclear bomb.

Iranian officials insist their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and say it is part of Iran's right to develop nuclear power, as is legally agreed to in the third pillar of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which gives all states the right to peacefully use nuclear technology. "The proposals are unacceptable," Hossein Moussavian said.  "They negate Iran's inalienable right," said the top Iranian nuclear negotiator.

The Iranian refusal, coming from under the new leadership of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, would probably trigger the referral of Iran to the UN Security Council.

Iran began uranium conversion shortly after IAEA inspectors installed cameras and other surveillance equipment at their nuclear facility. The facility carried out an early stage of the fuel cycle, which includes turning raw uranium (yellowcake) into gas.  France and Britain condemned Iran's actions.

The IAEA sealed sensitive equipment at Iran's uranium conversion facility at Isfahan and its uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, as part of Tehran's earlier compliance with a Paris agreement. An Al-Jazeera report said the IAEA seals on the plants' sensitive equipment was recently removed.

In a IAEA statement issued Monday, Reuters reports, "It should be noted that the sealed parts of the process line remain intact."


ONZ zareaguje na irański program nuklearny

Na dzisiejszym spotkaniu członków Międzynarodowej Agencji Energii Atomowej zostanie prawdopodobnie ustalone stanowisko Organizacji Narodów Zjednoczonych w sprawie planów przywrócenia przez Iran programu nuklearnego.

Iran odrzucił w poniedziałek propozycję Unii Europejskiej. UE proponowała pomoc finansową w zamian za zaprzestanie wzbogacania uranu przez ten kraju. W ramach tej pomocy Wielka Brytania, Francja i Niemcy zaproponowały także pomoc w uzyskiwaniu energii atomowej potrzebnej w energetyce. Jedynym warunkiem było wycofanie się z programu budowy bomby nuklearnej.

Władze irańskie oficjalnie twierdzą, że wprowadzany przez nie program nuklearny ma na celu wyłącznie pokojowe wykorzystanie energii atomowej. Ich zdaniem Iran ma nieskrępowane prawo do rozwoju także tego rodzaju energii. Propozycja jest nie do zaakceptowania – powiedział jeden z irańskich negocjatorów. Ona godzi w niezbywalne prawa Iranu – dodał.

Iran rozpoczął program wzbogacania uranu na krótko po tym jak inspektorzy Międzynarodowej Agencji Energii Atomowej zamontowali w irańskich elektrowniach i zakładach specjalne kamery i sprzęt rejestrujący. Zgodnie z porozumieniem zawartym w Paryżu został on zainstalowany m.in. w kompleksie Isfahan i elektrowni Natanz, gdzie wychwycił próby wzbogacania uranu. Katarska telewizja satelitarna Al-Dżazira twierdzi, że specjalne urządzenia kontrolne zostały usunięte.


U.S airstrike kills Senior Al Qaeda leader

On Saturday the Pentagon confirmed the death of well-known Al Qaeda militant leader Qari Yasin. Yasin's death was the result of a U.S. counter-terrorism airstrike this month on March 19 in Afghanistan. In 2008 Qari Yasin plotted and executed a bombing on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, killing at least 40 innocent civilians and wounding 250. Later in 2009, the 'mastermind' attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team, killing six Pakistani policemen, two civilians and injured six members of the cricket team.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis expressed in a statement, "the death of Qari Yasin is evidence that terrorists who defame Islam and deliberately target innocent people will not escape justice." According to the Long War Journal, Pakistani Taliban spokesman Mohammad Khurasani characterizes Yasin "as one of the greatest trainers of explosives and electronics in the fields of Jihad." It has become clear to U.S. military forces that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) tactic of using innocent civilians as "human shields" has increased difficulty and risk in their work.

The Donald Trump administration is currently under fire with the increase of civilian casualties as a result of the increased drone strikes across Iraq and Syria. Airwars is a project for tracking civilian deaths as a result of drone attacks. The non-profit organisation estimates that the U.S. has caused close to 1000 civilian deaths in only one month. Yasin's death in the Paktika province southeast of Afghanistan shows that the groups have discovered sanctuaries in this area while surrounding states demand that they are shut down.


Drohnenangriff: Anführer der Terrororganisation Al-Qaida getötet

Washington D.C. (Vereinigte Staaten) / Kabul (Afghanistan), 26.03.2017 – Der Anführer der Terrororganisation Al-Qaida wurde bei einem Drohnenangriff der Vereinigten Staaten in der afghanischen Unruheregion Paktia getötet. Dies wurde vom US-amerikanischen Verteidigungsminister James N. Mattis bestätigt. Bei dem Getöteten handelt es sich um Qari Yasin, der in den vergangenen Jahren mehrere Terroranschläge geplant haben soll. „Der Tod Yasins ist Beweis dafür, dass Terroristen, die den Islam diffamieren und bewusst unschuldige Menschen angreifen, sich der Gerechtigkeit nicht entziehen können“, erklärte Mattis. Yasin sei schon am 19. März 2017 eliminiert worden, der Tod wurde am 26. März durch die US-Behörden bestätigt. Der Terrorist Yasin ist für mehrere Anschläge in der Vergangenheit verantwortlich, darunter einen Anschlag am 20. September 2008 in der pakistanischen Hauptstadt Islamabad auf das Marriott-Hotel, bei dem mehr als 50 Menschen getötet wurden, darunter zwei US-Soldaten. Auch der Anschlag auf den Reisebus der Cricket-Manschaft aus Sri Lanka im Jahr 2009 wird ihm zugeschrieben, hier wurden acht Personen getötet.

Pakistan: US-Drohnenangriff tötet al-Qaida-Führer (20.01.2012)


U.S. air strikes on Somalia confirmed

The Pentagon has confirmed that US forces began an on-going operation of airstrikes in southern Somalia on Monday, and that the attacks, targeted at Islamic militia, are continuing. Somalia's president had earlier said that the United States was pursuing suspects of the 1998 United States embassy bombings. It is believed that the militants are sheltering the suspects.

An attack against Ras Kamboni — a remote island near the Kenyan border, represents the first American involvement in the tumultous country since the the 1993 operation that resulted in the deaths of as many as 1,500 Somali militiamen and civilians.

A Somali Defence Ministry official has additionally reported that American helicopters launched an attack against ICU fighters in Afmadow, a city near the Kenyan border, 350 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu. The AC-130 gunship attack killed an unknown number of civilians, alternatingly reported as 4, 19 or 31.

Ban Ki-Moon, secretary-general of the United Nations, expressed concern that the unilateral actions represented a "new dimension" that could escalate hostilities.

The concern was echoed by the Italian foreign ministry declared its "...opposition to unilateral initiatives which could set off new tensions" the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ethiopia, which borders Somalia, sent in troops on Dec. 24 to defeat the Islamic movement that was in contradiction with Somalia's internationally recognized government, which at the time controlled only the western town of Baidoa.


Američki napadi u Somaliji

Ras Kamboni (Somalija), 9. januar 2007. –

Helikopteri su danas izveli nove napade na južnu Somaliju, u blizini mjesta na kojem je sinoć, kako se navodi, izveden američki zračni napad na osumnjičene pripadnike al-Qaide. Svjedoci nisu bili sigurni da li su nove napade izveli etiopski ili američki helikopteri. Nema neposrednih informacija o žrtvama.

Jučer su američki borbeni avioni napali najmanje jedno, moguće dva, osumnjičena skloništa al-Qaide u južnom dijelu Somalije, u blizini kenijske granice. Zvaničnici prelazne somalijske vlade navode da je u napadima ubijen veliki broj ljudi.

Američki i somalijski zvaničnici navode da su meta napada bili najviši zapovjenik al-Qaide za istočnu Afriku, Abu Talha al-Sudani, i osumnjičeni za bombaške napade na američke ambasade u Keniji i Tanzaniji 1998. Ne zna se da li su oni i ubijeni.

Privremeni somalijski predsjednik Abdulahi Yusuf kaže da Sjedinjene države imaju pravo da napadnu teroriste umiješane u bombaške napade na ambasade.


Raids aériens américains contre de supposés refuges d'Al-Qaida en Somalie

L’U.S. Air Force (l'armée de l'air américaine) a lancé, dans la nuit du dimanche 7 au lundi 8 janvier 2007, un bombardement aérien contre Hayo, village du Sud de la Somalie [1], village dans lequel aurait trouvé refuge Abu Talha al-Sudani, un expert en explosif soudanais soupçonné par les services de renseignement américains d'appartenir à la mouvance terroriste Al-Qaida et de bénéficier de la protection des militants de l'Union des tribunaux islamiques, récemment chassés du pouvoir lors d'une offensive militaire éclair menée par les troupes du gouvernement somalien transitoire d'Ali Mohamed Gedi avec le soutien terrestre et aérien de l'Éthiope.

Bien que quatre navires de guerre américains, dont un porte-avions, croisent actuellement au large de la Somalie [2], il semble que l'appareil ayant mené le raid, un AC-130 [3] ait décollé depuis la base aérienne américaine à Djibouti.

Depuis la bataille de Mogadiscio [4], survenue au début du mois d'octobre 1993, il s'agit de la première intervention des forces armées américaines.

Le gouvernement somalien intérimaire de M. Gedi a indiqué, par la voix de son porte-parole, le colonel Omar Addi, qui s'exprimait non loin de là, à Kismaayo, que, selon ses sources, 30 personnes auraient été tuées dans trois villages somaliens peu éloignées de la frontière du Kenya et a confirmé que son gouvernement avait donné son assentiment à l'attaque projetée par les Américains.

D'autres informations font état de bombardements contre deux villages voisins de Hayo, supposés conduits par le même appareil. Certaines sources indiquent également que, parmi les supposés proches d'Al-Qaida visés par les raids, figurerait Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, soupçonné d'être responsable des attentats contre les ambassades américaines en Tanzanie et au Kenya en 1998 [5]. Selon le Washington Post, Fazul Abdullah Mohammed « aurait » pourrait figurer parmi les victimes d'un des bombardements.

Le porte-parole du Pentagone, Bryan Whitman, s'il a confirmé la véracité du raid aérien de la nuit de dimanche à lundi, s'est toutefois refusé à fournir des détails supplémentaires, attitude partagé par Tony Snow, un des porte-paroles de la Maison-Blanche.

D'autres informations rapportées par l'agence Reuters font état de possibles bombardements intervenus mardi, dans la même région, dans une localité nommée Bankajirow, qui auraient causé la mort de 22 à 27 personnes.

Le nouveau secrétaire général de l'ONU, Ban Ki-moon, qui a pris ses fonctions le 1er janvier, a fait part de son inquiétude et de ses regrets devant les pertes humaines infligées à des civils, selon sa porte-parole, Michèle Montas.


U.S. airstrike targeting Ayman al-Zawahiri leaves 18 dead in Pakistani village

A United States military air strike on a Pakistani village on Friday killed at least 18 people, including women and children.
U.S. media reports claim that leading al-Qaeda member Ayman al-Zawahiri was a target, and that the strike took place in the village of Damadola in the Bajaur tribal area of northwestern Pakistan.

The Pentagon has denied any involvement, leading to speculations that the CIA was responsible for the strike.  Such speculations have been confirmed by an unnamed American intelligence official; although no official statement has been issued.

Pakistani intelligence officials have contradicted U.S. claims that Ayman al-Zawahiri was in the area at the time of the strike and suggested that the U.S. intelligence information placing him there was incorrect. A Pakistani intelligence officer claimed that Zawahiri was invited to a dinner in the village where the strike took place, but he "did not show up." According to Pakistani army representatives, Ayman al-Zawahiri was not among the dead. Al Arabiya satellite television network has reported that "a source with contacts with al Qaeda reiterated to Arabiya that Zawahiri is alive."

Egypt, who has Zawahiri's brother in prison, has provided the United States with a DNA sample, which would allow officials to positively identify the fugitive al-Qaeda leader. It is also reported that the DNA has already been used to run tests at the FBI in Washington DC.

Pakistan condemned the U.S. air strike, summoned the United States ambassador, and said that the country "does not allow U.S. forces to cross the border in pursuit of Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters." Pakistan's information minister Sheik Rashid Ahmed said that Pakistan wants "to assure the people we will not allow such incidents to reoccur."

However, Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said that "according to preliminary investigations there was foreign presence in the area and that in all probability was targeted from across the border in Afghanistan."

The Foreign Office issued a statement Saturday saying it lodged a formal complaint with the United States embassy in Islamabad, where it will be hand delivered by Foreign Secretary Riaz Khan.

Pakistani Intelligence officials are looking into reports that suggest at least seven foreign militants had been killed and their bodies removed by local supporters.

This complaint is the second lodged by Pakistan against the U.S. in less than a week. The earlier protest was prompted by U.S. missile attack that killed eight people from a village in the North Waziristan tribal region. According to local officials, none of the victims were terrorist suspects. As a result of the strikes, protests broke out in different parts of the country.


Le numéro deux d'Al-Qaeda était visé

Des déclarations rapportent que Ayman al-Zawahiri était la cible d'une attaque de drônes contre un village au Pakistan, qui fît 18 morts, tous civils.

Un officiel americain a rapporté que la CIA est à l'origine de l'attaque. Bien que al-Zawahiri ait pu être la cible de l'attaque, de récents rapports ont suggéré que l'information qui indiquait la présence du lieutenant de Ben Laden dans ce village était fausse.

Le bombardement a eu lieu à Damadola dans la zone tribal Bajaur, à environ 200km au nord-ouest d'Islamabad.

Les autoritées americaines et pakistanaises ont déclarés aux médias que les drônes ont pillonné la zone par 10 fois.

La télévision Al Arabiya déclare que Ayman al-Zawahri est vivant, en citant une source qui aurait un contact avec Al-Qaeda.


Pakistan: 18 cywilów zginęło w wyniku amerykańskich nalotów

Co najmniej 17 osób zginęło w wyniku amerykańskich nalotów na pakistańską wioskę, do których doszło w piątek. W komunikacie dla mediów władze USA twierdziły, że celem tych nalotów był lider Al-Kaidy, Ayman al-Zawahiri. Według informacji wywiadu miał on znajdować się w wiosce Damadola w północno-zachodnim Pakistanie.

Pentagon zaprzeczył rewelacjom pragnącego zachować anonimowość agenta CIA, że to Amerykanie są odpowiedzialni za błędne informacje dotyczące pobytu lidera Al-Kaidy. Tymczasem pakistańskie służby wywiadowcze twierdzą, że to właśnie w tej wiosce, według informacji wywiadu USA, miał znajdować się al-Zawahiri. Jednocześnie Pakistańczycy twierdzą, że informacje Amerykanów były błędne. Według władz wojskowych Pakistanu, al-Zawahiri nadal żyje. Satelitarna telewizja Al-Arabiya potwierdziła te informacje, powołując się na źródło bliskie Al-Kaidzie.

Władze Pakistanu potępiły amerykańskie naloty i wezwały do siebie amerykańskiego ambasadora w Islamabadzie. Na jego ręce złożyły pismo, w którym czytamy, że Pakistan nie godzi się na przekraczanie swoich granic przez wojska USA w celu walki z Talibami i bojownikami Al-Kaidy. Pakistański minister informacji, Szejk Rashid Ahmed powiedział, że jego kraj chce zapewnić Pakistańczyków, że nigdy więcej takie incydenty nie powtórzą się.

W oświadczeniu wydanym przez pakistański wywiad wojskowy czytamy, że z całą pewnością osoby, który zginęły w wyniku nalotów były niewinnymi mieszkańcami wioski Damadola.


U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire comes out against SOPA

U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire came out against SOPA yesterday evening at meeting with constituents in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

The meeting at The Fountainhead Cafe was organized after proprieter John Dalton invited Congressman Altmire via Twitter.

After moderating an hour-long discussion about SOPA, file-sharing, copyright, censorship, and related topics, Altmire announced his opposition to SOPA, expressing confidence that it wouldn't move forward. He called the widespread public outcry against SOPA and PIPA "amazing", and encouraged the crowd make their voice heard on other issues as well.

Altmire emphasized that "piracy and copyright infringement in foreign countries, especially [...] in China and southeast Asia" is a "huge issue", but that "this bill is not the answer".


Конгресмен Алтмајер против СОПА

21. јануар 2012.Пенсилванија -   () - Амерички конгресмен из Пенсилваније Џејсон Алтмајер (Jason Altmire), члан Демократске странке, је јуче на састанку са бирачима у Пенсилванији јавно проговорио против СОПА.

Састанак у Фаунтајнхед Кафеу је организован након што је власник Џон Далтон (@FountainheadHAL) позвао конгресмена Алтмајера преко Твитера на састанак.

После једносатног разговора са присутнима о СОПА, размене информација и података, разговора о ауторским правима, цензури и осталим сродним темама, Алтмајер је најавио своје неслагање са предложеним „Законом о спречавању пиратерије на интернету“ и изјавио да се „нада да се неће ићи даље са овим предлогом“. Алтмајер је позвао све да се изјасне о СОПА и ПИПА предлозима закона и закључио да је почетно негодовање и акције „невероватне“ (amazing)

Алтмајер је нагласио да је „пиратерија и кршење ауторских права у страним земљама, посебно у [...] Кини и на југоистоку Азије велики проблем“, али да овај предлог закона „није одговор“.


U.S. expels Venezuelan diplomat

The U.S. State Department declared last week that Jeny Figueredo Frias, the chief of staff to the Venezuelan Ambassador, was persona non grata  and given 72 hours to leave the country.  "We don't like to get into tit-for-tat games with the Venezuelan government like this, but they initiated this and we were forced to respond," said department spokesperson, Sean McCormack.

The earlier action by Venezuela had been the February 2 expulsion of U.S. naval attache, John Correa. Accusations were made that he had been passing secrets from the country's military to the Pentagon.

Tensions between Venezuela and the United States have been on the rise lately, resulting in several verbal broadsides from notable figures on both sides of the conflict.

In an interview with the Miami Herald, Donald Rumsfeld compared the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez to Adolf Hitler, "He's a person who was elected legally -- just as Adolf Hitler was elected legally -- and then consolidated power and now is, of course, working closely with Fidel Castro and Mr. Morales and others."

On February 5th, Chavez responded with a similar comparison, saying "I think Hitler could be a nursery baby next to George W. Bush." He told a rally of supporters that Bush was "worse than Hitler" and vowed to buy more arms to defend his nation as their diplomatic relations deteriorated.

Jeny Figueredo received a "hero's welcome" in Venezuela upon her return Monday. "I'm not a victim, I feel proud," said Figueredo. Speaking to a crowd of supporters gathered in Caracas, she shouted: "Down with imperialism!"

According to Figueredo, she had become a very uncomfortable person for the Bush administration as she was in charge of managing Venezuela's plans for subsidized oil to the poor US underclass.

Tensions have also increased due to Spain's sale of weaponry to Venezuela, including U.S. technology. The United States has attempted to block these sales.


EUA expulsa a diplomática venezolana como represalia contra Chávez

Jeny Figueredo Frías, directora del despacho del embajador venezolano en Washington Bernando Álvarez, fue expulsada de Estados Unidos este viernes, según anunció Sean McCormack, portavoz del Departamento de Estado.

"Ellos empezaron esto y nos hemos visto obligados a contestar", dijo McCormack, quien añadió: "no nos gusta vernos en juegos de toma y daca como éste con el Gobierno de Venezuela, pero ellos comenzaron esto". Figueredo tiene 72 horas para abandonar suelo estadounidense.

El jueves (2), el Presidente venezolano Hugo Chávez había declarado persona non grata a John Correa, agregado militar de EUA en Caracas, a quien acusó de espionaje junto con varios militares opositores venezolanos.

El Departamento de Estado sigue negando las acusaciones de Chávez.


Em represália, EUA expulsam funcionária da embaixada venezuelana

Jeny Figueredo Frias, diretora de despacho do embaixador venezuelano em Washington Bernando Álvarez, foi expulsa dos Estados Unidos da América na sexta-feira (3), segundo anunciou Sean   McCormack, porta-voz do Departamento de Estado.

"Eles começaram isto e nós fomos obrigados a contestar", disse  McCormack, que  acrescentou: "não nos agrada participar de jogos de toma lá  e dá cá  como este com o Governo da Venezuela, mas eles começaram isto". Figueredo tem 72 horas para abandonar  o solo estado-unidense.

Na  quinta-feira (2), o Presidente venezuelano Hugo Chávez   declarou que  John Correa, adido militar dos  EUA em Caracas,  era persona non grata  e participava  de atividades de espionagem com outros militares venezuelanos contrários ao governo.

O Departamento de Estado dos EUA negou as acusações de Chávez.


U.S. forces settle into Afghan Taliban heartland

The United States-led push to confront militants and win-over local Afghans in the Taliban-controlled south continued Friday, with troops moving into more remote villages.

Some 4,000 U.S. Marines and several hundred Afghan forces are taking up positions in southern Afghanistan's Helmand Province, a remote militant stronghold that has largely resisted central government control.

Troops reportedly met only isolated pockets of resistance as they set up outposts and sought out local civilian leaders. The operation is aimed at cutting off Taliban supply lines, winning over locals who are sympathetic to the militants and maintaining security for the August presidential elections.

The U.S. military says one Marine has been killed and several others wounded in the offensive.

In eastern Afghanistan, U.S. officials say the military is using all available resources to find an American soldier believed to have been captured by militants in Paktika Province on Tuesday.

The offensive in the south marks the first major operation under U.S. President Barack Obama's revamped strategy to defeat an increasingly violent Taliban insurgency.

Pakistan has re-deployed some of its troops to the border with Afghanistan to stop insurgents who may be fleeing the offensive in Helmand Province.


Tropas afganas y estadounidenses inician la "operación golpe de espada"

Comienza la operación "golpe de espada", cuatro mil marines y cientos de fuerzas de seguridad afganas están tomando posiciones en enclaves del Talibán, en el sur de Afganistán. Informes procedentes de la zona de batalla en la provincia de Helmand indican que las tropas no encontraron mucha resistencia tras una noche de asalto aéreo y un ataque terrestre que comenzó a primeras horas de este jueves.

Voceros militares estadounidenses informaron de esporádicos enfrentamientos entre tropas e insurgentes que desde hace mucho controlaban el área.

No se informó de bajas, pero un soldado está desaparecido desde el martes y se cree ahora que fue capturado por insurgentes. El soldado no participaba en la ofensiva contra el Talibán.

La portavoz militar capitana Elizabeth Mathias declinó proveer detalles sobre la identidad del soldado o las circunstancias de su aparente captura. Dijo que las Fuerzas Armadas están reteniendo información para su protección.

Posteriormente, fuentes estadounidenses dijeron que el soldado dejó su campamento con tres colegas afganos. Habitantes en la provincia de Paktika informaron que un efectivo militar estadounidense desapareció en el área, el martes.

La red Haqqani, aliada del Talibán, la cual es considerada una de las más mortales facciones extremistas en Afganistán, opera en la región.

Esta es la mayor ofensiva llevada a cabo por Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos desde la batalla por la ciudad iraquí de Fallujah, en 2004. También se trata de la primera operación importante de la estrategia del presidente de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, para estabilizar el país.

El gobernador de Helmand declaró a la Voz de América que previas ofensivas en el área a menudo terminaron de forma inconclusa y los combatientes del Talibán recuperaron territorio una vez que las tropas partieron.

Según el ejército estadounidense, una vez que Helmand esté libre de insurgentes las fuerzas de seguridad afganas se encargarán del área.

El analista para el Consejo Internacional por la Seguridad y el Desarrollo, Jorrit Kamminga, dice que fuerzas de EE. UU. y la OTAN han intentado una y otra vez de obtener el control en la provincia de Helmand. Además duda que este nuevo esfuerzo, aunque más grande y audaz, tenga éxito sin un plan que satisfaga las necesidades de la población de esa área.

"No sólo se trata de mandar estas tropas y dejarlas ahí. En realidad se trata de los que estas tropas hagan una vez se acabe la batalla", dijo Kamminga. "Entonces es muy importante que los militares también se involucren en el desarrollo, la ayuda humanitaria, de verdad tratar de construir una estrategia de corazón y mente de la cual hemos hablado durante muchos años, pero que no se ha implementado exitosamente".

Una de las metas principales de Obama en Afganistán es reconstruir la confianza entre los residentes al evadir muertes de civiles, un tema muy delicado que ha plagado a las fuerzas internacionales que dependen en gran parte en ataques aéreos contra militantes en Afganistán.


Tropas afegãs e estadunidenses iniciam a "Operação Golpe de Espada"

Agência VOA

3 de julho de 2009

Começa a operação "Golpe de Espada", quatro mil marinheiros e cem homens de força de segurança afegãs estão tomando posições em enclaves do Taliban, no sul do Afeganistão. Informações procedentes da zona de batalha na província de Helmand indicam que as tropas não encontraram muita resistência depois de uma noite de assalto aéreo e um ataque terrestre que começou na madrugada de quinta-feira.

Porta-vozes militares estadunidenses relataram esporádicos confrontos entre tropas e militantes que desde muito tempo controlam a área.

Não foram notificados acidentes, mas um soldado está desaparecido desde a terça-feira e acredita-se agora que ele foi capturado por militantes do Taliban. O soldado não participava da ofensiva contra o grupo.

A capitã porta-voz dos militares Elizabeth Mathias recusou-se a fornecer detalhes sobre a identidade do soldado ou as circunstâncias de sua aparente captura. Disse que as Forças Armadas dos Estados Unidos estão retendo informações para a sua proteção.

Posteriormente, fontes estadunidenses disseram que o soldado deixou seu acampamento com três colegas afegãos. Habitantes da província de Paktika informaram que um efetivo militar estadunidense desapareceu na área, na terça-feira.

A rede Haqqani, aliada do Taliban, a qual é considerada uma das mais mortais facções extremistas no Afeganistão, opera na região.

Esta é a maior ofensiva levada a cabo pela Marinha dos Estados Unidos desde a batalha pela cidade iraquiana de Fallujah, em 2004. Também se trata da primeira operação importante da estratégia do presidente dos Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, para estabilizar o país.

O governador de Helmand declarou ao portal de notícias Voz da América que previa ofensiva na área muitas vezes encerrada de forma incompleta e os combatentes do Taliban recuperarão territórios uma vez que as tropas recuaram.

Segundo o exército estadunidense, uma vez que Helmand está livre de militantes as forças de segurança afegãs se encarregaram da área.

O analista para o Conselho Internacional de Segurança e Desenvolvimento, Jorrit Kamminga, disse que forças da EUA, UE e OTAN têm tentado obter o controle da província de Helmand. Ademais, há dúvidas de que este novo esforço, ainda maior e mais audaz, tenha êxito sem um plano que satisfaça as necessidades da população dessa área.

Uma das metas principais de Obama no Afeganistão é reconstruir a confiança entre os residentes ao evitar a morte de civis, um tema muito delicado que tem minado as forças internacionais que dependem em grande parte de ataques aéreos contra militantes no Afeganistão.


U.S. General David Petraeus accuses Iran of fueling war in Iraq

General David Petraeus, the top United States military commander in Iraq, said on Saturday that Iran continues to arm militias in Iraq.  Petraeus also accused Iran's ambassador Hassan Kazemi-Qomi of being a member of the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran's Republican Guard which the U.S. believes backs foreign Islamic revolutionary movements.

Speaking to journalists at a U.S. military base near the Iran-Iraq border, Petraeus said "There should be no question about the malign, lethal involvement and activities of the Quds Force in this country."  He added that Iran was "responsible for providing the weapons, the training, the funding and in some cases the direction for operations that have indeed killed US soldiers".

Regarding specific weaponry, Petraeus said "There's no question, absolutely no question that Iran is providing advanced RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades]."  "It has provided some shoulder-fired, Stinger-like air-defense missiles. It has provided the explosively formed projectiles and it has provided 244 mm rockets, in addition to mortars, mortar rounds and other small-arms ammunition."

General Petraeus also said that Iran's ambassador Hassan Kazemi-Qomi was a "Quds Force member".  The Quds Force is an elite unit of Iran's  Republican Guard which the U.S. believes backs foreign Islamic revolutionary movements, including groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.  Iran acknowledges the existence of the Quds Force, but does not disclose the details of its activities.  "[Qomi] has diplomatic immunity and therefore he is obviously not subject [to scrutiny]," Petraeus added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini dismissed the charges on Sunday.  Paraphrasing Hosseini's comments, the Islamic Republic News Agency said the charges "were nothing new and that they were in continuation of the past baseless accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran."

According to BBC News, "Some analysts believe the U.S. is deliberately ramping up the rhetoric against the Iranian authorities to prepare public opinion for possible military strikes against Revolutionary Guard facilities within Iran."


Il generale USA David Petreus accusa l'Iran di fomentare la guerra in Iraq

Sabato il generale David Petraeus, il comandante in capo delle truppe statunitensi in Iraq ha affermato che l'Iran continua a fornire armi alle milizie irachene. Petraeus ha anche accusato l'ambasciatore iraniano Hassan Kazemi-Qomi di essere un membro delle forze Quds, una élite della guardia repubblicana iraniana che gli USA ritengono aiuti i movimenti islamici rivoluzionari all'estero.

Parlando ai giornalisti in una base militare vicino al confine Iraq-Iran, Petreus ha detto che "Non ci dovrebbero essere dubbi riguardo le maligne, letali attività delle forze Quds in questo Paese." Egli ha aggiunto che Iran era "responsabile di fornire armi, addestramento, fondi e in alcuni casi anche la direzione delle operazioni che hanno ucciso soldati americani".

A proposito degli armamenti specifici, Petreus ha affermato che "non ci sono assolutamente dubbi che l'Iran sta fornendo degli avanzati RPG [rocket-propelled grenades, lanciagranate propulse [a reazione] anticarro]."  "Esso ha fornito alcuni missili da spalla per la difesa aerea. Ha fornito munizioni e ha fornito razzi da 244 mm, oltre a mortai, proiettili da mortaio e altre munizioni di piccolo calibro."

Il generale Petraeus ha anche detto che l'ambasciatore iraniano Hassan Kazemi-Qomi era un "membro delle forze Quds". Le forze Quds sono una unità di élite della guardia repubblicana che gli USA credono aiuti i movimenti islamici rivoluzionari, compresi i gruppi come Hamas e Hezbollah. L'Iran riconosce l'esistenza delle forze Quds, ma no ha fornito dettagli circa le loro attività. "[Qomi] ha l'immunità diplomatica e perciò egli è ovviamente non soggetto [a perquisizioni]," ha aggiungo Petraeus.

Un portavoce del ministero degli esteri iraniano Mohammad-Ali Hosseini ha respinto le accuse domenica. Parafrasando i commenti di Hosseini, l'agenzia di stampa della Repubblica islamica ha detto che le accuse "non sono niente di nuovo e esse sono accuse senza fondamento che vengono rivolte in continuazione alla repubblica islamica dell'Iran."

Secondo la BBC, "alcuni analisti ritengono che gli USA stanno deliberatamente utilizzando la retorica contro le autorità iraniane per preparare l'opinione pubblica ad attacchi militari contro le basi della guardia rivoluzionaria all'interno dell'Iran."


U.S. general to head NATO forces in Afghanistan

General Dan McNeil, the highest-ranking U.S. general, will soon lead NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Following a year of increasing violence in the south of Afghanistan, NATO forces began to attack the heartland of the Taliban. NATO Commander General McNeil is expected to enact a more aggressive policy towards militants than his predecessor, British General David Richards. General Richards supported a peace agreement in the city of Musa Qala, but his plan of action failed when an estimated 200 Taliban fighters overran the town on Thursday. McNeil was appointed two weeks after the Defense Department extended the tour of 3,200 10th Mountain Division soldiers.

Col. Tom Collins, a spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force, said that McNeill's arrival and increased troop levels underscored American commitment in Afghanistan. Today there are 26,000 troops in Afghanistan compared to 9,500 troops in 2002. About 14,000 of these troops are under NATO command, 12,000 of whom train Afghan forces in the area. McNeil, who served in Afghanistan in 2002-2003, said "We will quit neither post nor mission until the job is done or we are properly relieved."


Un général américain à la tête de l'OTAN en Afghanistan

Le général Dan McNeil, le général américain de plus haut rang, dirigera bientôt les forces de l'OTAN en Afghanistan.

Après une année de violence croissante dans le sud de l'Afghanistan, les troupes de l'OTAN ont commencé à attaquer le domaine des Talibans. Le nouveau commandant de l'OTAN, le général McNeil, est pressenti pour mettre en place une politique plus agressive envers les militants islamistes que son prédécesseur, le général britannique David Richards. Le général Richards a soutenu un accord de paix dans la ville de Musa Qala, mais son plan d'action a échoué quand environ 200 combattants talibans ont envahi la ville jeudi. McNeil a été nommé deux semaines après que le Département de la Défense[1] eut étendu la période de présence de 3200 soldats de la 10e Moutain Division.

Le colonel Tom Collins, un des porte-parole de la Force d'assistance et de sécurité internationale, a indiqué que l'arrivée de McNeil et l'augmentation des effectifs militaires soulignaient l'engagement américain dans le pays. Il y a à ce jour 26000 soldats en Afghanistan, à comparer avec les 9500 militaires stationnés dans le pays en 2002. Environ 14000 membres de ces forces sont sous commandement de l'OTAN, et 12000 soldats entraînent les forces afghanes dans la région. McNeil, qui a servi dans le pays en 2002-2003, a déclaré « nous n'abandonnerons ni poste ni mission jusqu'à ce que le travail soit fait ou que nous soyons relevés ».


Generale USA a capo delle forze NATO in Afghanistan

Il generale Dan McNeil, il più alto generale statunitense, guiderà le forze armate NATO in Afghanistan.

Dopo un anno in cui le violenze sono aumentate nel sud dell'Afghanistan, le forze della NATO hanno dato il via ad un attacco al cuore del territorio dei talebani. Il comandante della NATO McNeil attuerà una politica più aggressiva verso i ribelli rispetto al suo predecessore, il generale inglese David Richards. Il generale Richards aveva raggiunto un accordo per la pace nella città di Musa Qala, ma questo accordo è stato vanificato da un attacco di 200 talebani avevano ripreso la città giovedì scorso. McNeil è stato nominato due settimane dopo che il Dipartimento per la Difesa USA aveva esteso il mandato per i 3 200 soldati della decima divisione montana.

Il colonnello Tom Collins, portavoce della International Security Assistance Force, la missione NATO in Afghanistan, ha detto che l'arrivo di McNeill e l'aumento delle truppe nella zona vuole sottolineare l'impegno statunitense in Afghanistan. Oggi ci sono 26 000 soldati in Afghanistan rispetto ai 9 500 del 2002. Circa 14 000 di essi sono sotto il comando della NATO, mentre gli altri 12 000 sono impegnate nell'addestramento delle forze armate locali. McNeil, che aveva già lavorato in Afghanistan fra il 2002 e il 2003 ha detto: «La nostra missione finirà solo quando il nostro lavoro sarà compiuto o quando qualcuno ci darà il cambio».


U.S. helicopter crash in Iraq kills 7

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed in the Al-Anbar province of Iraq approximately 20 miles outside of Baghdad on Monday. The helicopter was carrying seven passengers and crew at the time of the crash. No survivors were reported at the site.

Major General William B. Caldwell, a spokesman for the U.S. military told reporters in Baghdad , "A quick-reaction force is on site and the investigation is going on as we speak."  He did not specify whether mechanical failure or ground fire had brought it down.

Witnesses at the crash site report seeing gunfire from the ground. The Islamic State of Iraq, an umbrella group of several Sunni insurgent groups, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq, has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying one of its "air defense brigades" had shot it down.

Including Wednesday's most recent attack, the U.S. military has suffered five such helicopters crashes, resulting in the loss of 28 servicemen in the past 3 weeks. Since May 2003 the U.S. has lost 55 helicopters to mechanical failure and being shot down.

At the time of the crash the helicopter was conducting "routine operations".

In response to recent losses the U.S. military has begun to implement new changes in flight operations. Although they would not stipulate the exact changes, General Caldwell insured the military was "making adjustments in our tactics and techniques and procedures as to how we employ our helicopters".


Iraq: sette soldati statunitensi muoiono in un incidente con l'elicottero

Un elicottero CH-46 Sea Knight si è schiantato lunedì scorso nella provincia di Al-Anbar in Iraq, a circa 32 chilometri da Baghdad. L'elicottero trasportava sette passeggeri al momento dello schianto. non si ha notizia di superstiti.

Il generale William B. Caldwell, portavoce dell'esercito americano, ha detto ai giornalisti a Baghdad che "una squadra di primo soccorso è sul posto e le indagini sono in corso." Il generale non ha specificato se lo schianto è stato causato da un problema meccanico o da un attacco da terra.

Testimoni dell'incidente hanno detto di aver visto colpi di pistola da terra. Al Qaeda avrebbe rivendicato l'attentato, dicendo che una delle proprie "brigate di difesa aerea" lo avrebbe abbattuto.

Con l'incidente di mercoledì, salgono a cinque gli incidenti con l'elicottero che gli Stati Uniti hanno subito, con la contestuale perdita di 28 uomini nelle ultime 3 settimane. Da maggio 2003 gli stati Uniti hanno perso 55 elicotteri a causa di incidenti meccanici o durante combattimenti.

Al momento dell'incidente, l'elicottero stava conducendo "operazioni di routine".

In risposta alle recenti perdite, l'esercito statunitense ha iniziato a implementare dei cambiamenti nelle operazioni aeree. Sebbene non si parli di cambiamenti, il generale Caldwell ha assicurato che l'esercito starebbe "preparando degli aggiustamenti alle tattiche, alle tecniche e alle procedure riguardanti l'utilizzo degli elicotteri".


U.S. House issues subpoena to secretary of state as special envoy to Ukraine resigns

Friday, the United States House of Representatives issued a subpoena for documents from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as part of its impeachment investigation into alleged misconduct by sitting President Donald Trump. On the same day, Kurt Volker, the United States special envoy for Ukraine negotiations, resigned without public explanation. The House issued a deposition request for Volker, scheduled for this week.

Volker's resignation was the first since details emerged about Trump's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Volker's position as special envoy, an unpaid part-time role, put him in center of the Trump administration's affairs in Ukraine. In July, he helped facilitate a meeting between Giuliani, claiming to represent the State Department, and Andriy Yermak, one of President Zelensky's aides. Volker also worked to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Trump himself during President Trump's planned trip to Warsaw, which was cancelled.

The subpoena was issued jointly by Representatives Eliot Engel, Adam Schiff, and Elijah Cummings, who serve as chairmen of the House's committees on Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Oversight and Reform, respectively. It follows repeated failed attempts to obtain documents from the State Department through previous document requests. Among other things, the House subpoenaed a full transcript of a call between Trump and then-newly elected President Zelensky in late July. It also called for records relating to the Trump administration's temporary withholding of security aid to Ukraine, as well as files relating to attempts by Rudy Giuliani to encourage investigations into Democratic challenger former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden is one of the front runners for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in the upcoming 2020 race. Giuliani was serving as Trump's personal lawyer at the time. The New York Times reports that more subpoenas are likely to be issued in the coming week.

According to a whistle-blower complaint, Trump may have misused his office. Last week the White House released a summary of a phone call made by President Trump late last July to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In it, Trump asks Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Shortly before the conversation, Trump had ordered his staff to delay around US$400 million in military aid that had been slated for Ukraine, which is currently in a military conflict with Russia.

The accusation against Biden is that, during his time as President Barack Obama's vice president, he called for the government of Ukraine to reduce corruption but at the same time interfered with an investigation into Burisma Holdings; Hunter Biden was on the board of the company at the time. An investigation by PolitiFact found no such action on Joe Biden's part, and the investigation into Burisma had already been inactive for more than a year before Biden involved himself in Ukraine's politics in this way.

Trump said that he did indicate to the Ukrainians that the aid was contingent on their addressing corruption but denied that he made any specific deal about the Bidens. "I put no pressure on them whatsoever," he told the press. "I could have. I think it would probably, possibly have been OK if I did. But I didn't. I didn't put any pressure on them whatsoever."

While in New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly, President Zelensky told reporters, "Nobody can put pressure on me because I am the president of an independent state. The only one person by the way who can put pressure on me [...] is my son, who is six years old."

Regarding Trump's phone call, former federal prosecutor Elie Honig said via Twitter: "If I got a transcript like the Trump-Ukraine call in a regular criminal case for bribery or extortion, I'd think, 'Wow, I’m surprised they're discussing this so openly and clearly.' "

"The only conclusion I can reach after reading that devastating call summary is that Trump's White House staff want him to resign or be impeached," tweeted former thinktank executive Ken Gude. "That's the only explanation I can come up with for why they would release this call summary."

According to a poll published by NBC News last week, over 220 members of the House of Representatives favored some form of impeachment. One of the Representatives was an independent; the rest were from the Democratic Party. Together, the number of members is enough for the simple majority vote required by the United States Constitution to impeach an official.  Some reported wanting to draft articles of impeachment, while others preferred an investigation by either the House Judiciary Committee or another body. Since then, a Republican, Mark Amodei, has publicly voiced support for the impeachment inquiry, telling the Nevada Independent: "I'm a big fan of oversight, so let's let the committees get to work and see where it goes." He continued by noting that "Using government agencies to, if it's proven, to put your finger on the scale of an election, I don't think that’s right [...] If it turns out that it's something along those lines, then there's a problem."

Under the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives impeaches the official and then the impeachment trial is conducted in the Senate. The only punishments an impeachment trial may lay down are removal from office and prohibition from holding office in the future. They do not impose fines or prison terms. No U.S. president has ever been removed by impeachment, but eight federal judges have. Two-thirds of senators must vote to convict in the trial for removal from office.


Whistleblower-Affäre: Donald Trump gerät unter Druck

Washington D.C. (Vereinigte Staaten) / Kiew (Ukraine), 27.09.2019 – Ein Telefongespräch des amerikanischen Präsidenten Donald Trump mit seinem ukrainischen Amtskollegen Wolodymyr Selenskyj bringt Trump in Erklärungsnot. Medien hatten berichtet, dass Trump im Sommer mit Selenskyj telefoniert hatte, um diesen zu veranlassen, gegen Joe Biden und dessen Sohn Hunter Ermittlungen einzuleiten. Bidens Sohn arbeitete für ein Unternehmen, das in der Ukraine nach Erdgas bohrt.

Während die Demokraten die Einleitung eines Amtsenthebungsverfahrens prüfen, bezeichnete Trump die Pläne der Demokraten als Hexenjagd. Trump sagte, in dem Gespräch mit Selenskyj sei es zwar um Biden und seinen Sohn gegangen, er habe aber Selenskyj keineswegs unter Druck gesetzt. Amerikanische Medien berichteten, Trump habe in dem Telefon wiederholt darauf gedrängt, dass gegen Hunter Biden ermittelt werde.

Wenige Tage, bevor Trump am 25. Juli mit Selenskyj telefonierte, hatte Trump angewiesen, eine Militärhilfe-Zahlung an die Ukraine in Höhe von knapp 400 Millionen Dollar zurückzuhalten, berichteten „The New York Times“ und „The Washington Post“. Die Anweisung Trumps wurde über seinen Stabschef Mick Mulvaney an das Außenministerium und ans Pentagon übermittelt. Freigegeben wurde die Zahlung erst am 11. September.

Das Telefonat wurde bekannt, weil ein Mitarbeiter eines amerikanische Geheimdienstes, der dienstlich Kenntnis vom Inhalt des Gesprächs bekam, über den Inhalt des Telefonats so beunruhigt war, dass er darüber am 12. August den Inspector General Michael Atkinson informierte. Dieser leitet solche Meldungen üblicherweise an die Geheimdienstausschüsse; die notwendige Genehmigung dazu wurde allerdings durch den Nationalen Geheimdienstdirektor Joseph Maguire mehrere Tage verweigert.

Präsident Trump versucht derweil, durch Verbalinjurien den Verdacht von sich abzulenken. So sagte er am Montag in New York: „Joe Biden und sein Sohn sind korrupt.“ Trump wirft Biden vor, in seiner Zeit als Vizepräsident dafür gesorgt zu haben, dass ein ukrainischer Korruptionsermittler entlassen wurde, weil er seinen Sohn Hunter schützen wollte. Trump blieb Beweise für seine Anschuldigungen bislang schuldig.


U.S. President Barack Obama releases original birth certificate

The White House today released a detailed Hawaii birth certificate in an attempt to put to rest the issue of President Barack Obama's legitimacy to hold the office of president. Shortly after the unexpected release, the president spoke live on national television, explaining, "We do not have time for this kind of silliness."

President Obama noted that the issue of his birthplace began during his campaign. "I have watched with bemusement, I've been puzzled at the degree at which this thing just kept on going," he said, and blamed media culture for perpetuating the controversy. The president did not answer reporters' questions nor explain why the document was not released until now.

"We're not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers," he said, noting the severe problems the nation faces and the importance of the decisions that need to be made. Obama said the problems could not be resolved "if we are distracted."

The U.S. Constitution states that only  a "natural born" citizen of the country can become president. Some have contended that Obama was born overseas and is thus disqualified from holding the office. Although a recent poll by  CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll showed that most Americans believe Obama was "definitely or probably born in the United States", according to CNN, 40 percent of Republicans doubted Obama is a natural born citizen eligible to be president.

The newly released document, signed by the obstetrician and Obama's mother, shows that Obama was born in Honolulu on August 4, 1961 of a Caucasian mother born in Kansas and and an African father born in Kenya. It was signed on August 7 and 8.

Prominent businessman Donald Trump has been highlighting the question of Obama's birthplace recently as he mulled over whether to run for the presidency himself, and took credit for its release today. "He should have done it a long time ago," he told journalists. "I am really honored to play such a big role in hopefully, hopefully getting rid of this issue."


Обама објавио крштеницу

28. април 2011.Вашингтон/ САД  (VOA) -  Бела кућа објавила је дужи формат председникове крштенице како би, још једном, оповргла тврдње да Обама није рођен у САД. У крштеници пише да је амерички председник Обама рођен 4. августа 1961. у америчкој држави Хаваји. Обама је стандардни, краћи формат своје крштенице први пут објавио 2008, када је то питање искрсло за време предизборне кампање. Председник је сада одлучио да објави и дужи формат документа, како би ставио тачку на тему, која, према његовим речима, почиње да одвраћа пажњу од огромних изазова са којима се земља суочава.

„Знам да постоји делић нашег народа који никада неће бити задовољен, какве год доказе да изнесемо. Али обраћам се огромној већини Американаца, као и медијима.  Немамо времена за ову врсту глупости. Имамо паметнија посла. Ја имам паметнија посла. Треба да решавамо крупне проблеме и уверен сам да можемо да их решимо, али ћемо се концентрисати на њих, а не на ову тему“, поручио је председник.

Група председникових критичара веровала је да Обама није пружио адекватан доказ да је амерички држављанин, што је предуслов да заузме тај положај. То питање је често постављао и амерички милијардер Доналд Трамп, који стиче подршку као могући републикански председнички кандидат. Трамп сматра да су његова инсистирања подстакла Обаму да објави крштеницу.

„Заиста ми је част што сам одиграо тако велику улогу у питању које је сада, надам се – решено. Сада треба да погледамо тај документ, видимо да ли је аутентичан, исправан, шта у њему пише, али надам се да ће све бити у савршеном реду.“

Истраживања јавног мњења показује да је велики број републиканаца упорно сумњао да ли је Обама амерички држављанин. Председник Обама је син Кенијца и Американке, а део детињства провео је у Индонезији.


U.S. presidential candidate Newt Gingrich wins South Carolina primary

2012 United States presidential election

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia won the Republican Party South Carolina presidential primary yesterday with 243,153 votes (40.4%).  Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who won the New Hampshire primary last week, came in second with 167,279 (27.8%).  The result reflects a shift in polling just days before the election, following two Grand Old Party (GOP) debates and a highly publicized interview with Gingrich's ex-wife.

In his victory speech, Gingrich criticized President Barack Obama and the "media elites", and alluded to the well-funded Romney when arguing, "We don't have the kind of money that at least one of the candidates does. But we do have ideas and we do have people and we've proved here in South Carolina that people power with the right ideas beats big money."

Romney, who had been criticized by Gingrich for his business practices as CEO of Bain Capital, commented after the results were announced, "Those who pick up the weapons of the left today will find them turned against us tomorrow...if Republican leaders want to join this president in demonizing success...then they're not going to be fit to be our nominee."

Just a week ago, Gingrich trailed Romney by ten points in South Carolina; however, Gingrich was thought to have been successful in the two debates before the primary. During the first on Monday, he received a standing ovation for his comments on race and employment, and on Thursday, received another standing ovation after criticizing moderator John King for discussing his previous marriage. Exit polls by CBS News indicated that 65 percent of voters believed the debates were an important factor in considering a candidate, with 13 percent saying it was the most important factor.

Moreover, those polls suggest Gingrich won broad support from the Tea Party and evangelicals, who questioned Romney's sincerity on social issues.  They apparently decided to overlook an interview that aired just before the primary, in which Gingrich's ex-wife claimed Gingrich asked for an "open marriage".

According to Furman University political science professor Brent Nelsen, Gingrich "tapped the emotion of the right-wing electorate, and that washes away all of the questions."

Former Senator Rick Santorum, who, after a recent recount was found to have actually won the January 3 Iowa Caucus, finished in third place with 102,055 votes (17%). Congressman Ron Paul came in fourth with 77,993 (13%). Texas governor Rick Perry, who earlier withdrew from the race and endorsed Gingrich, finished sixth behind the withdrawn Herman Cain.

Historically, the winner of the South Carolina primary has gone on to win the Republican Party nomination; however, this is the first time three different candidates won the first three contests.

The result gives Gingrich 23 delegates, placing him first overall, ahead of Romney who has 19. Santorum is third with thirteen and Paul is fourth with three. The campaigns now shift to Florida for that state's January 31 primary. Romney currently leads in the latest polling.

According to Republican strategist Adam Temple, "Gingrich will carry momentum into Florida, but his campaign doesn't appear to be as durable for the long haul."

* - Withdrew before the vote


Estats Units: Newt Gingrich guanya les primàries republicanes a Carolina del Sud

23 de gener del 2012, Charleston, Carolina del Sud, Estats Units

Newt Gingrich ha guanyat per més de 75.000 vots i més del 12% en les primàries del Partit Republicà per a les eleccions presidencials dels Estats Units de 2012 a Carolina del Sud. Carolina del Sud ha estat el primer estat del sud dels Estats Units en votar en les primàries per a les eleccions que decidiran el rival de Barack Obama en les eleccions presidencials d'enguany. Prèviament havia guanyat l'exgovernador de Massachusetts Mitt Romney a Nou Hampshire i l'exsenador de Pennsilvània Rick Santorum guanyà a Iowa.

Newt Gingrich, amb la seva victòria a Carolina del Sud, canvia radicalment les primàries del Partit Republicà de 2012. Amb un empat de tres candidats —amb un estat cadascú— continuaran les primàries el 31 de gener de Florida. Mitt Romney, dels favorits per a la candidatura republicana, perdé per més del 12% del vot dels republicans sudcarolinesos i es preveu que les primàries de Florida siguin trascendentals i que siguin principalment entre Gingrich i Romney, deixant de banda a Santorum i Paul.

El 40% del vot per a Gingrich fou imprevist per qualsevol mitjà de comunicació. Romney era considerat que fos el guanyador a Carolina del Sud, però degut al comportament i actitud de Gingrich en els dos últims debats electorals i a l'acumulació de notícies negatives sobre Romney —especialment sobre la seva declaració d'impostos— constitueix un sorprenent èxit polític per Gingrich.

Carolina del Sud es caracteritza per ésser un estat dominat per la dreta religiosa i política. Els votants republicans de Carolina del Sud dubtaven sobre les posicions polítiques i religioses de Romney, i optaren pel candidat Gingrich. Si els republicans de Florida votaran o no per un candidat més conservador com Gingrich encara no queda prou clar, però en el cas de que perdés el favorit Mitt Romney de nou, donaria unes primàries republicanes imprevisibles i plenes d'incertitud.


U.S. ranks 53rd in press freedom index

Reporters Without Borders, a media advocacy group out of Paris, has released its Worldwide Press Freedom Index for 2006. The most free countries are Finland, Iceland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The least free, ranking 168th, is North Korea, whose media is completely controlled by leader Kim Jong-il.

The United States ranks 53rd equal with other countries: Botswana, Croatia, and Tonga, slipping nine places from last year. The US was in 17th place when the Index was first released in 2002. US press rights violations cited by Reporters Without Borders include al-Jazeera cameraman Sami al-Haj, who has been held without trial in Guantanamo Bay since June 2002, and the imprisonment of Josh Wolf, a freelance journalist who refused to turn over footage of a protest to a grand jury.

Reporters Without Borders compiles its Press Freedom Index by "assessing the state of press freedom in each country ... such as murders, imprisonment, physical attacks and threats ... censorship, confiscation of issues, searches and harassment." It does not judge the quality of the press.


Classement mondial de la liberté de la presse : la France perd des points

Reporters sans frontières (RSF), une organisation non gouvernementale (ONG) de défense de la liberté de la presse, a publié l'édition 2006 de son classement mondial de la liberté de la presse. Selon ce classement, les pays les plus libres sont ex-æquo la Finlande, l'Islande, l'Irlande et les Pays-Bas. Le moins libre, à la 168ème place, est la Corée du Nord, dont les médias sont complètement contrôlés par le dirigeant Kim Jong-il.

La France arrive à la 35ème place et « perd cinq places depuis l’année dernière et vingt-quatre places en cinq ans ». Cela est dû, selon RSF, à « la multiplication des perquisitions au sein de médias et des mises en examen de journalistes » et aux agressions de journalistes pendant la crise des banlieues de novembre 2005 et pendant le conflit syndical né de la privatisation de la SNCM, en Corse.

Les États-Unis d'Amérique sont à la 53ème place, ex-æquo avec le Botswana, la Croatie et les Tonga, et perdent neuf places par rapport à l'année précédente. Les USA étaient à la 17ème place à la première édition du classement en 2002. Les violations des droits de la presse citées par Reporters sans Frontières comprennent le cas de Sami al-Haj, le caméraman d'Al-Jezira qui est emprisonné sans procès au depuis juin 2002 à la prison de Guantanamo, et l'emprisonnement de Josh Wolf, un journaliste freelance qui a refusé de remettre à un grand jury des vidéos d'une manifestation.

Reporters sans frontières écrit son classement en recensant « l’ensemble des atteintes directes contre des journalistes (assassinats, emprisonnements, agressions, menaces, etc.) ou contre des médias (censures, saisies, perquisitions, pressions, etc.) ». Il ne mesure pas la qualité de la presse.


Репортёры без границ опубликовали индекс свободы прессы 2006

Организация «Репортёры без границ для свободной прессы» опубликовала пятый годовой международный индекс свободы прессы.

Отмечается, что некоторые новые страны опередили западные демократии, а самые репрессивные страны остаются прежними.

По-прежнему журналисты рискуют жизнью или тюремным заключением в таких странах: Северная Корея, Эритрея, Туркмения, Куба, Бирма и Китай.

«Каждый год новые страны в развивающихся регионах мира улучшают свой индекс свободы печати и достигают или превосходят уровень некоторых европейских стран или Соединенных Штатов. Это — хорошие новости, которые доказывают, что даже в бедных странах существуют условия для свободного выражения мнений. Тем временем происходит устойчивая эрозия свободы печати в Соединенных Штатах, Франции и Японии, что тревожит», говорится в докладе «Репортеров без границ».

Три самых враждебных для свободной прессы государства — Северная Корея (168 место), Туркмения (167) и Эритрея (166). Смерть от пытки журналиста из Туркмении Огулсапара Мурадова показывает, что лидер страны, пожизненный президент Сапармурад Ниязов, использует насилие против тех, кто смеет его критиковать. «Репортеры без границ» также заинтересованы в судьбе множества журналистов из Эритреи, которые содержатся в тюрьмах более пяти лет. Северокорейский лидер Ким Ир Сен также полностью управляет СМИ.

Улучшается индекс в североевропейских странах, которые занимают первые места: Финляндия, Ирландия, Исландия и Нидерланды.

Ухудшается положение со свободной прессой в Соединенных Штатах , Японии и Франции.

США с 17 места в 2002 году опустились на 44 место в 2005 году и на 53 место в этом году. Отношения между СМИ и администрацией Буша резко ухудшились после того, как президент использовал предлог «национальной безопасности», чтобы взять под подозрение любого журналиста, который подвергает сомнению его войну против терроризма.

Франция опустилась на 35 место (11 место в 2002 году, 30 место в 2005 году). Некоторые журналисты подвергались нападениям и угрозам во время прошлогодних волнений в предместьях французских городов.

Япония находится на 51 месте, на 14 мест ниже, чем в прошлом году. В Японии журналисты подвергаются нападению со стороны правых националистов.

Дания опустилась с первого места на 19, из-за серьезных угроз против авторов карикатур на Мухаммада, опубликованных осенью 2005. Впервые за последние годы в стране, которая является образцом соблюдения гражданских свобод, журналисты должны были обратиться к полицейской защите от угроз, которым они подверглись из-за карикатур.

Две страны впервые попали в первую двадцатку индекса. 16 место отдано Боливии, самое высокое место среди развивающихся стран. 19 место — Босния и Герцеговина, которая постоянно повышает свой индекс после окончания войны в Югославии.

[[w:{{{1}}}|{{{1}}}]] занимает 147 место из 168.

Из бывших советских республик самые  высокие места занимают Прибалтийские республики: Эстония — 6 место, Латвия — 10, Литва — 27.

Выше России в индексе находятся: Молдавия — 85 место, Грузия — 89, Армения — 101, Украина — 105, Таджикистан — 117, Киргизия — 123, Казахстан — 128 и Азербайджан — 135.

Ниже России находятся только три бывшие советские республики: Белоруссия — 151, Узбекистан — 158, Туркмения — 167,

30 октября 2006 года


U.S. says Israel has agreed to suspend air strikes for 48 hours after deadly strike on Qana

After one of its raids killed at least 56 civilians, Israel agreed on Monday to suspend its aerial activities in south Lebanon for 48 hours. The announcement came after extended meetings between Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, and Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister.

Adam Ereli, a US state department spokesman in Jerusalem, said "Israel has agreed to a 48-hour suspension of aerial activity in south Lebanon to investigate today's tragic incident in Qana,"

The aerial ceasefire began after midnight on Sunday but fighting on the ground continues as Israeli forces aim to create a 'security zone' inside Lebanon along the Israeli border. Lebanon has no air force nor air defences.

Gadi Eisenkaut, army operations chief General, said "By Wednesday we are going to establish a two-kilometer (one-mile) wide 'security zone' in which there will be no infrastructure or sign of Hezbollah's presence"


Israel erklärte 48-stündige Feuerpause

Tel Aviv (Israel) / New York (Vereinigte Staaten), 31.07.2006 – In der Nacht von Sonntag auf Montag, 02:00 Uhr Ortszeit (01:00 Uhr MESZ), verkündete die israelische Regierung in Tel Aviv eine 48-stündige Einstellung seiner Luftangriffe auf den Libanon. Die Feuerpause solle eine Untersuchung des gestrigen Bombardements der Stadt Kana im Süden des Libanon ermöglichen, das weltweit mit Entsetzen zur Kenntnis genommen worden war. Diese Entscheidung war zunächst von US-Außenministerin Condoleezza Rice bekannt gegeben und später von einem israelischen Regierungssprecher bestätigt worden. Bei dem Angriff auf das Dorf Kana im Süden Libanons waren gestern über 50 Zivilisten getötet worden. Trotz der angekündigten Feuerpause flog die israelische Luftwaffe auch am Montag vereinzelte Angriffe auf Ziele im Südlibanon.

Die israelische Entscheidung, eine zweitägige Feuerpause zu verkünden, wird von Beobachtern auf den gewachsenen Druck der USA zurückgeführt. Der Staatsminister im Auswärtigen Amt, Gernot Erler (SPD) erklärte heute im ARD-Morgenmagazin: „Was US-Außenministerin Condoleezza Rice in den letzten Stunden in Israel erreicht hat, ist weit mehr, als man eigentlich erwarten konnte.“ Wie das US-Außenministerium mitteilte, werde Israel mit den Vereinten Nationen kooperieren, um den Flüchtlingen die Möglichkeit zu geben, das Kampfgebiet im Süden des Libanon zu verlassen. Augenzeugen beobachteten, dass die Menschen ihre Dörfer verließen, die seit Tagen unter israelischem Beschuss gelegen hatten. In der Nähe des Dorfes Teir Harfa wurde ein Fahrzeugkonvoi aus 33 Fahrzeugen beobachtet, die die Feuerpause zur Flucht nutzten. Die Bewohner des Dorfes waren nach eigenen Angaben seit Beginn der Kampfhandlungen vor knapp drei Wochen ohne Wasser und Lebensmittel. Während der zweitägigen Feuerpause soll nach israelischen Angaben auch die Möglichkeit zur humanitären Hilfe gewährt werden, um der leidenden Zivilbevölkerung zu helfen. Nach Informationen der israelischen Nachrichtenseite „Haaretz.com“ machten sich heute Hilfskonvois der Vereinten Nationen von Beirut nach Süden zu der Hafenstadt Tyros und in das gestern bombardierte Dorf Kana auf den Weg.

Adam Ereli, der Sprecher des State Department, erklärte gegenüber der Presse, Israel habe sich für den Zeitraum der erklärten Feuerpause jedoch das Recht vorbehalten, gegen Angriffe auf sein Territorium vorzugehen. Außerdem verlautete, Israel werde auch weiterhin Stellungen ins Visier nehmen, von denen Angriffe auf Israel vorbereitet würden. Der israelische Justizminister Haim Ramon stellte klar, die Feuerpause bedeute kein Ende des Krieges. Ein Ende der Offensive gegen den Libanon habe zur Voraussetzung, „dass die Hisbollah nicht mehr in der Lage ist, vom Libanon aus anzugreifen“.

UN-Generalsekretär Kofi Annan verurteilte die gestrigen israelischen Luftangriffe auf die libanesische Stadt Kana. Er sagte, dass niemand das Selbstverteidigungsrecht Israels zur Disposition stelle, jedoch sei die Art und Weise der israelischen Verteidigung für Tod und Leiden verantwortlich. Der britische Premierminister Tony Blair bezeichnete die Angriffe auf Kana als „absolut tragisch“. Er sprach sich für einen Waffenstillstand nach einer vom UN-Sicherheitsrat verabschiedeten Resolution aus.

Der syrische Ministerpräsident Baschar al-Assad sprach von einem „Massaker“. Er verurteilte die Angriffe als „Staatsterrorismus“, der vor den Augen und Ohren der Welt begangen werde. Der libanesische Premierminister Fuad Siniora forderte eine internationale Untersuchung der Luftbombardements. Der jordanische König Abdullah II. sagte: „Diese kriminelle Aggression ist ein hässliches Verbrechen, das von den israelischen Streitkräften in der Stadt Kana begangen wurde. Es ist eine grobe Verletzung internationaler Abkommen.“

Neue Vorwürfe von Seiten der israelischen Armee gab es indes an die Hisbollah. Nachdem die israelische Regierung in Tel Aviv eine 48-stündige Waffenruhe erklärt hatte, haben die „Gotteskrieger“, wie die südlibanesische Miliz auch manchmal genannt wird, diese angeblich gebrochen. Das sei geschehen, indem trotzdem Raketen auf Nordisrael, genauer gesagt auf die Grenzstadt Kirjat Schmona, abgeschossen worden wären. Die israelische Polizei klärte den Sachverhalt schließlich auf, nachdem die Hisbollah den Vorfall bestritt. Es habe sich dabei um „kontrollierte Explosionen“ gehandelt.

Der Sicherheitsrat der Vereinten Nationen hat am Sonntag die Forderung von UN-Generalsekretär Kofi Annan nach einem sofortigen Waffenstillstand abgelehnt. „Ich bin zutiefst bestürzt, dass meine früheren Appelle, die Feindseligkeiten sofort zu beenden, nicht beherzigt wurden. Ich erneuere diesen Appell noch einmal von dieser Kammer aus und rufe den UN-Sicherheitsrat auf, es mir gleich zu tun“, so Kofi Annan. Der Sicherheitsrat missbilligte einstimmig das israelische Bombardement der libanesischen Stadt Kana, bei dem 57 Zivilisten ums Leben gekommen waren, unter ihnen viele Kinder. Zudem wurde Annan aufgefordert, binnen einer Woche über die Details des Angriffs Bericht zu erstatten. Die Resolution betonte die „Dringlichkeit der Sicherung eines anhaltenden, permanenten und nachhaltigen Waffenstillstandes“.

Der amerikanische Botschafter bei den Vereinten Nationen, John Bolton, lehnte den Vorschlag Annans, eine sofortige Feuerpause zu verlangen, ab und verhinderte mit seinem Veto eine entsprechende Resolution. Der russische Gesandte bei der UN, Vitaly Churkin, zeigte sich zufrieden über das Ergebnis der UN-Sondersitzung, äußerte jedoch, dass der Resolutionstext hätte schärfer formuliert werden können.

Inzwischen hat Frankreich am Samstag den UN-Mitgliedsstaaten einen neuen Resolutionsentwurf vorgelegt. Der Plan sieht ein sofortiges Ende aller Kampfhandlungen und die Vorbereitung einer UN-Friedensmission im Libanon vor. Am Montag wird Kofi Annan um Unterstützung für diese UN-Mission werben. Die Europäische Union, die Türkei und die Staaten, die sich gerade an der Friedensmission im Libanon beteiligen, haben ihre Hilfe bereits zugesagt. Frankreichs Staatspräsident Jacques Chirac stellte klar, dass er keine Truppen entsenden werde, bevor nicht ein Waffenstillstand ausgehandelt sei. Als Bedingungen für ein Ende der Kämpfe nannte der Resolutionsentwurf die Freilassung der israelischen Soldaten, politisches Einverständnis über den Verbleib libanesischer Gefangener in Israel, die Entwaffnung libanesischer Milizen unter anderem der Hisbollah, die Rückgewinnung der Kontrolle durch die libanesische Armee über alle Teile des Libanons und eine internationale, entmilitarisierte Pufferzonne im Süden Libanons. Zudem sollen die UN-Truppen die Umsetzung der UN-Resolution überwachen und Hilfsorganisationen unterstützen.

Die diplomatischen Bemühungen konzentrieren sich nun auf die Durchsetzung eines Waffenstillstandes. Die US-amerikanische Außenministerin Condoleezza Rice forderte am Montagmorgen in einer Erklärung in Jerusalem die Aushandlung eines solchen Abkommens innerhalb von einer Woche. Dieses müsse von der UNO ausgehandelt werden und dauerhaft sein. Von Seiten Israels bestehe laut israelischen Regierungskreisen erst dann dazu eine Bereitschaft, wenn eine internationale Stabilisierungstruppe im Libanon eingetroffen sei. Hinzu kommt, dass eine Kriegspartei, die Hisbollah, als Vertragspartner für die Israelis nicht in Frage komme, da sie kein anerkannter Staat sei. Einzig der Libanon könne diese Bedingungen erfüllen, vorausgesetzt die Regierung in Beirut übernehme die Staatsautorität auch im Süden des Landes. Die Position der Hisbollah: Sie fordert den Abzug der israelischen Bodentruppen, vorher würden die Raketenabschüsse nicht eingestellt. Hassan Fadlallah, der Hisbollah-Abgeordnete im libanesischen Parlament, verlangte am Montag die „vollständige und umfassende Einstellung der israelischen Aggression“, wie er sich ausdrückte.


Israel incumple acuerdo de suspensión de bombardeos

Después de uno de los más intensos bombardeos de Israel al Líbano que causó la muerte de mas de 50 civiles este domingo (30), Estados Unidos anunció que Israel acordó suspender los bombardeos al Líbano por 48 horas. El anuncio sucede después de prolongadas horas de reuniones entre la Secretaria de Estado de los Estados Unidos, Condoleezza Rice, y el primer ministro de Israel, Ehud Olmert.

Adam Ereli, vocero del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, declaró en Jerusalén que “Israel ha acordado suspender por 48 horas la actividad aérea en el sur del Líbano para investigar el trágico incidente de Qana”.

La suspensión de los bombardeos iba a comenzar a la medianoche del Domingo, pero los combates terrestres continuarán debido a que las fuerzas israelíes quieren crear una ”Zona de Seguridad” en la cual no habrá ninguna infraestructura ni la presencia de Hezbolá.

Sin embargo, informes más recientes afirman que Israel había continuado los bombardeos a pesar de lo acordado con Estados Unidos. Según estos reportes, los bombardos continuaron al norte del Líbano a pocos kilómetros de la frontera con Siria y su principal objetivo era destruir rutas de acceso.


U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld resigns

The Associated Press is reporting that U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is about to resign. President George W. Bush announced that he will nominate Robert Gates, former head of the CIA, as a replacement for Rumsfeld, speaking at a White House press conference at 1 p.m. today.

Rumsfeld is the second longest serving defense secretary, serving in the post from 1975 to 1977 under President Ford and under President Bush from the beginning of 2001.

"It'll be a different Congress, a different environment, moving toward a presidential election, and a lot of partisanship and it struck me that this would be a good thing for everybody", Rumsfeld told Pentagon reporters.

This is one week after President Bush told the American People that Rumsfeld was doing a fantastic job and that he wanted the secretary to stay in his job to the end of his presidency.


Rumsfeld dao ostavku

Washington D.C. (SAD), 8. novembar 2006. –

Ministar odbrane Donald Rumsfeld prvi je koji je platio poraz Republikanske stranke. Kada se zvanično objavilo da su Demokrati pobjedili, Donald Rumsfeld je izjavio svoju ostavku. Američki predsjednik, George Bush, je pohvalio gospodina Rumsfelda za njegovo obavljanje funkcije, ali je rekao da su se on i Donald Rumsfeld složili da je po pitanju Iraka potrebna jedna svježa perspektiva. Glasovi jučerašnjih kongresnih izbora se još uvijek prebrojavaju. Demokrati su dobili najmanje 27 mjesta u zastupničkom domu i dobili kontrolu nad tim tijelom po prvi put nakon 1994.


Le secrétaire à la Défense Donald Rumsfeld démissionne

Dans une allocution télévisée le Président des États-Unis d'Amérique George W. Bush a annoncé la démission de son secrétaire à la défense Donald Rumsfeld et la nomination d'un ancien directeur de la CIA à ce poste : Robert Gates. Pour que la nomination soit officielle, elle doit être entérinée par le Sénat.

Il s'agit là d'une des conséquences directes de la défaite des républicains lors du midterm. La politique irakienne de l'équipe au pouvoir a pesé lourdement dans la balance électorale.


米国のラムズフェルド国防長官が辞任—中間選挙での敗北を受け

アメリカ合衆国のジョージ・ブッシュ大統領は8日午後（UTC-5）、ホワイトハウスで記者会見を開き、ドナルド・ラムズフェルド国防長官の辞任を発表した（写真）。日本経済新聞などによると、後任を務めるのは元アメリカ中央情報局 (CIA) 長官のロバート・M・ゲイツ氏。

今月7日に行われた中間選挙で与党の共和党は大きく議席を減らし、議会の上下院ともに過半数を民主党に奪われた。中日新聞は、今回の辞任は中間選挙での敗北を受けてのものであると大統領が認めた事を伝え、今回の辞任は事実上の更迭であると報じた。先の中間選挙ではイラク政策の行き詰まりが主な論点となり、中日新聞によれば、ラムズフェルド長官に対しては民主党のみならず軍隊関係者からも批判の声が挙がっていた。ブッシュ大統領は選挙前の今月1日、長官の政権終了までの続投を明言したばかりだった。

ラムズフェルド氏は2001年の政権発足以来、長期にわたって国防長官を務め、アフガニスタン侵攻やイラク戦争を推進してきた。日本経済新聞は、同氏の退任でイラク政策が修正される可能性が出てきたと報じた。

日本経済新聞によれば、後任のゲイツ氏は、現大統領の父のジョージ・ハーバート・ウォーカー・ブッシュ政権時代に国家安全保障会議のメンバーであった。また、CIAによれば、1991年11月6日から1993年1月20日までCIA長官を務めた。


Rumsfeld går av

Målform: Bokmål - Dato: 8. november 2006 - Oppdater siden - Rediger artikkelen - Flere nyheter

USAs forsvarsminister Donald Rumsfeld annonserte onsdag 8. november at han går av som forsvarsminister. President George W. Bush kunngjorde ved en pressekonferanse samme dag i Det Hvite Hus, at han vil nominere Robert Gates, tidligere leder av CIA, som erstatning for Rumsfeld.

Rumsfeld er den forsvarminister med nest lengst tid i ministerposisjonen, i det han var forsvarsminister både under Gerald Fords styre 1975-1977 og under Bush fra begynnelsen av 2001.


U.S. Senate defeats bill banning gay marriage

The United States Senate has defeated a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The bill was defeated 48 to 49 and did not receive the minimum amount of 60 votes to that would allow the bill to be taken to the full Senate. The bill fell 18 votes short of the 67 that were needed for approval.  In order for the bill to become part of the U.S. Constitution, this bill would have had to be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, then be approved by the legislatures of three fourths (that is, 38) of the States.

However, Senator David Vitter, R-LA, who is a supporter of the bill says, "we're building votes."

"Most Americans are not yet convinced that their elected representatives or the judiciary are likely to expand decisively the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples," said  John McCain (R-AZ) who opposed the bill.

"A vote for it is a vote against civil unions, against domestic partnership, against all other efforts for states to treat gays and lesbians fairly under the law," said Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy.

The bill would define marriage as between a man and a woman, and would preclude the official recognizing of same-sex marriages. The bill is expected to be taken back to the Senate in July.

Already, 45 states have banned gay marriages.


Bush scheitert mit Initiative für Verbot der Homo-Ehe

Washington D.C. (Vereinigte Staaten), 08.06.2006 – Die von Präsident George W. Bush angeregte Initiative für ein Verbot von Homo-Ehen ist gescheitert. Als Zusatz zur Verfassung zum „Schutz der Ehe“ war von republikanischer Seite beantragt worden, dass „die Ehe in den Vereinigten Staaten nur aus dem Bund von Mann und Frau bestehen soll“. Mit 49 gegen 48 Stimmen sprach sich zwar eine Mehrheit der Senatoren gegen die Möglichkeit für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare aus, den Bund der Ehe miteinander zu schließen. Die nötige Zweidrittelmehrheit, die für eine Verfassungsänderung benötigt wird, wurde im US-Senat jedoch verfehlt.  Für eine Verfassungsänderung ist außerdem die Zustimmung einer Zweidrittelmehrheit im amerikanischen Repräsentantenhaus und von Dreiviertel der 50 US-Bundesstaaten die Voraussetzung.

US-Präsident Bush hatte sich für das Verbot stark gemacht, um vor dem Hintergrund der nahenden Kongresswahlen in erster Linie Wähler aus dem konservativen und rechten Bereich für sich zu gewinnen. Da die Initiative des Präsidenten wohl nur geringe Chance auf eine ausreichende parlamentarische Unterstützung hatte, schätzen viele Beobachter den Vorstoß des Präsidenten als wahltaktisches Manöver ein. Bereits im Jahr 2004 hatte Bush dieselbe Forderung erhoben.


米上院、同性婚を禁ずる憲法改正案否決

アメリカ合衆国上院本会議は7日（UTC-4）、同性結婚を禁止するアメリカ合衆国憲法の修正案を採決しようとの動議を否決した。

採決にかけるために動議を可決するには60票必要だったが、賛成49に対し反対48、棄権3（読売による）だった。また、上院が修正案を可決するには3分の2を超える67票が必要だった。さらに修正案が成立するためには、下院での3分の2の賛成と、州の4分の3（38州）の承認が必要だった。

一部に英語版ウィキニュースの抄訳を含みます


U.S. Senate passes immigration reform bill

The U.S. Senate today approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill Thursday by a vote of 62-36.  Among other provisions, the bill seeks to bolster security along the U.S.-Mexican border, create a guest worker program, and grant many illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, all positions supported by the Bush administration.

The bill passed today by the Senate is in stark contrast to the version passed by the House of Representatives in December 2005, which provides for no guest worker program and makes illegal immigration a felony.

In a statement, President Bush said, "I look forward to working together with both the House of Representatives and the Senate to produce a bill for me to sign into law."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist called for swift talks with the House to create a compromise measure.  Frist, who had earlier supported the House version of the bill, voted in favor of the bill passed today.  He expects that "the most contentious part" of the bill would be how to handle the status of illegal immigrants already in the United States.

While Democratic senators were mostly united in support of the bill (38-4 in favor), Republican support was divided (32-23 against).  Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, said, "The vast majority of the 11 million or so people here will be given every benefit this nation can bestow as a product of their illegality. I don't think that's a good principle."

House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, acknowledged the difficulty in reaching a compromise, but expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached.  "I'm hopeful that we will come to a resolution and pass a bill," he said.


US-Senat beschließt Einwanderungs-Gesetz

Washington D.C. (Vereinigte Staaten), 26.05.2006 – Der amerikanische Senat hat heute einem weitgehenden Einwanderungsgesetzentwurf zugestimmt. 62 Senatoren stimmten für das Vorhaben, 36 votierten dagegen. Neben zahlreichen Bestimmungen sieht das Gesetz vor, die Sicherheit an der Grenze zu Mexiko zu verstärken, ein Gastarbeiterprogramm ins Leben zu rufen und vielen illegal eingewanderten Immigranten die amerikanische Staatsbürgerschaft zu verleihen. All diese Positionen werden von der US-Regierung unter George W. Bush unterstützt.

Die heute verabschiedete Gesetzesvorlage stellt einen erheblichen Gegensatz zu dem Gesetz dar, das das amerikanische Repräsentantenhaus im Dezember 2005 beschlossen hatte und das illegale Einwanderung unter Strafe stellte und kein Gastarbeiterprogramm vorsah.

In einer Stellungnahme sagte der amerikanische Präsident George W. Bush: „I look forward to working together with both the House of Representatives and the Senate to produce a bill for me to sign into law“ (auf Deutsch: „Ich freue mich darauf, mit dem Repräsentantenhaus und dem Senat zusammenzuarbeiten, um ein Gesetz auszuarbeiten, das ich in Kraft setzen kann.“)

Der Sprecher der Mehrheit im US-Senat, Bill Frist, forderte schnelle Gespräche mit dem Repräsentantenhaus, um einen Kompromiss auszuarbeiten. Frist, der früher die Gesetzesvorlage des Repräsentantenhauses favorisiert hatte, stimmte für die heute verabschiedete Version des Gesetzes. Er erwartet, dass der umstrittenste Teil des Entwurfs die Frage ist, wie mit illegalen Einwanderern umgegangen werden soll, die sich bereits in den Vereinigten Staaten befinden.

Während die Senatoren der Demokraten sich in der Unterstützung des Gesetzesentwurfs einig waren (38 Senatoren stimmten zu, vier Gegenstimmen), waren die Republikaner in ihrer Zustimmung gespalten (32 republikanische Senatoren sprachen sich gegen das Gesetz aus, 23 votierten dafür).

Senator Jeff Sessions aus dem Bundesstaat Alabama sagte: „The vast majority of the 11 million or so people here will be given every benefit this nation can bestow as a product of their illegality. I don't think that's a good principle“ (auf Deutsch: „Der großen Mehrheit der rund 11 Millionen Menschen wird jeder Vorteil gewährt, den diese Nation als Folge ihrer Illegalität zu bieten hat. Ich glaube nicht, dass das ein guter Grundsatz ist.“)

Der Sprecher der Mehrheit im Repräsentantenhaus, John Boehner aus dem Bundesstaat Ohio, erkannte die Schwierigkeit an, einen Kompromiss zu erreichen, äußerte jedoch Optimismus, dass ein Einverständnis erreicht werden könne. „Ich bin optimistisch, dass wir eine Beschlussfassung zu Stande bringen und ein Gesetz verabschieden“, sagte er.


U.S. Senator Obama announces presidential candidacy

2008 United States presidential election

Junior Illinois Senator Barack Obama officially announced his presidential candidacy, today, in Springfield, Illinois. Obama's speech was given from the same spot that Abraham Lincoln gave his "House divided" speech over 125 years ago and from the place where Obama began his elected career 10 years ago.

Obama is the second major Democrat to announce his candidacy, after New York Senator Hillary Clinton. If elected, Obama would be the first African American president of the United States.

Obama placed topics such as healthcare reform, ending poverty, re-building labor unions, energy independence, repairing the US's global image, and the Iraq War in the context of generational change. Obama spoke against keeping troops in Iraq, saying that "all of this cannot come to pass until we bring an end to this war in Iraq [...] America, it's time to start bringing our troops home. It's time to admit that no amount of American lives can resolve the political disagreement that lies at the heart of someone else's civil war."

The announcement kicks off a weekend of rallies and events that will take Obama from Springfield to Iowa and then on to Chicago before he wraps up Monday in New Hampshire.

Obama broke onto the national scene with his popular speech at the Democratic National Convention. Born in Hawaii, Obama graduated from Columbia University before receiving his JD from Harvard Law School. In 1996, Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, before rising to his current position in the US Senate in 2004.