Month: April 2016

Breaking: Baghdad State of Emergency, Green Zone stormed. Are Iraqis taking back their country?

Posted by

0

By Felicity Arbuthnot
Global Research, April 30, 2016

Supporters of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have stormed Baghdad’s highly fortified, US established Green Zone, also home to the US Embassy, uninvited, the biggest in the world.

All staff of the Japanese, French, British, Australian, Jordanian, Emirates and Saudi Arabia Embassies have moved in to into the American Embassy, it is being reported.

Entrances have been reported sealed and tight security imposed to protect the Iraq Central Bank and other government banks, says an unconfirmed report. However, the Guardian contradicts stating that: “A guard at a checkpoint said the protesters had not been searched before entering. About ten members of the armed group loyal to Sadr were checking protesters cursorily while government security forces who usually conduct careful searches with bomb-sniffing dogs stood by the side.” (1)

U.S. Embassy, Baghdad

Moreover: “Rudaw TV showed protesters chanting and taking selfies inside the parliament chamber where moments earlier MPs had been meeting.”

As Al Jazeera explains: “It is the climax of weeks of political turmoil in Iraq that has seen MPs hold a sit-in, brawl in the parliament chamber and seek to sack the speaker, stalling Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s efforts to replace party-affiliated ministers with technocrats.”

The further chaos comes just two days after US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Baghdad in a situation so chaotic for the US’ puppet government that as the New York Times described it (28th April 2016) “ … the political situation in Iraq has become so fluid that Mr. Biden’s team has sometimes been unsure whether officials he planned to meet with would still be in office when he arrived.”

America’s fortress Green Zone has been breached with thousands of protestors breaking in, with one shouting: “You are not staying here! This is your last day in the Green Zone”, according to Al Jazeera (2) who reported that in Parliament: “ … some rioters rampaged through the building and broke into offices, while other protesters shouted: “peacefully, peacefully” and tried to contain the destruction …”

Barbed wire was pulled across the road leading to the Green Zone exits: “preventing some scared lawmakers from fleeing the chaos.”

The hated US imposed and fortified Zone – which was simply central Baghdad for all to wander under Saddam Hussein has finally been breached after thirteen years. Where another period of chaos will end, who knows, but meanwhile diplomats cower in the US Embassy, as factions Iraqis patience finally runs out over the tragedy and disaster that is the US and UK’s illegally imposed “New Iraq.”

“Iraq’s are very quick to revolt”, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Tareq Aziz, told me in an interview before the invasion, listing the years and the fate of those the uprisings had been against. The decimation since has delayed a further one, but it seems it’s time has arrived.

As for the outcome, updates follow. As we have wondered before in these columns, Embassy roof time for the residents and guests of the US Ambassador – again? Vietnam’s spectre hovers?

Notes

1.    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/moqtada-al-sadr-supporters-enter-baghdad-parliament-building-green-zone

2.    http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/protesters-storm-baghdad-green-zone-parliament-160430120004964.html

The original source of this article is Global Research
Copyright © Felicity Arbuthnot, Global Research, 2016
http://www.globalresearch.ca/breaking-baghdad-state-of-emergency-green-zone-stormed/5522567

France’s National Assembly demands lifting of economic sanctions against Russia. Hollande refuses

Posted by

0

By Bernard Sherer
Global Research, April 30, 2016
Defend Democracy Press 29 April 2016
Russia-1

French parliamentarians have approved a non-binding resolution today asking for the lifting of EU sanctions imposed on Russia, allegedly for its role in Ukraine.

The lower house of the French Parliament has voted against the sanctions by 55 to 44. In favor of the resolution have voted parliamentarians from the center-right, the right and the radical left.

The Hollande government has recommended the rejection of the proposal to lift sanctions. Against the proposal have voted Socialist and Green deputies. Both parties and the mainstream media in France are extremely hostile to Russia, as never before in French history!

France was traditionally a pillar of European independence. It has opposed the Vietnam war and, more recently, the invasion of Iraq and had left the military wing of the Atlantic Alliance. But, after the election of Sarkozy as President and also under Hollande, it not only returned fully to NATO, it became the privileged “actor” of neoconservatives in Europe. Paris has played a critical role in the “humanitarian” interventions which destroyed Syria and Libya and are directly responsible for the flow of millions of refugees to Europe and for the development of the Islamic State.

But now Sarkozy, under the pressure of the rise of Le Pen and trying to reconstruct the once gaulliste French right, tries to make some corrections to his unconditional siding with Washington on international policy.

The vote in France comes only weeks after the Dutch voters have put also into question western policy towards Russia, by rejecting the EU-Ukraine agreement. It comes also at the worse moment for President Hollande who faces strong social opposition in France and, according to most observers, is presiding over his own end – and also the end of an era if not of a regime.

Today French police has clashed with and used tear gas against demonstrators protesting the new labour law in several cities including Paris, Nantes, Lyon and Rennes.

The original source of this article is Defend Democracy Press
Copyright © Bernard Sherer, Defend Democracy Press, 2016
http://www.globalresearch.ca/frances-national-assembly-demands-lifting-of-economic-sanctions-against-russia-hollande-refuses/5522539

“Geschichtsvergessend“: Deutsche Politiker zur Nato-Aufrüstung an russischer Grenze

Posted by

0

Sputnik Deutschland

15:28 30.04.2016
Zum Kurzlink
 
Die Meldung über eine mögliche Entsendung von Bundeswehrsoldaten nach Litauen zur „Eindämmung“ Russlands hat in den Medien und den sozialen Netzwerken in Deutschland für großes Aufsehen gesorgt.

Dabei gehen die Meinungen oft weit auseinander. Aus Sicht der „Süddeutschen Zeitung“ steht Berlin vor einem Dilemma. Wenn Deutschland die Entsendung der Truppen verweigern würde, wäre das unsolidarisch gegenüber den baltischen Staaten. Sollte es einwilligen, würde das die Beziehungen zu Russland belasten. Der Deutschlandfunk gibt diesen Plänen allerdings recht: Die Nato müsse die „territoriale Integrität der Länder garantieren“, die sich in der Nähe Russland „unsicher“ fühlen.

Doch diese Begründung, die Staaten fühlten sich durch Russland bedroht, hält der Linken-Politiker Gregor Gysi für wenig überzeugend. „Erstens geht es nicht um Gefühle, sondern um die Frage, ob eine wirkliche Bedrohung vorliegt. Zweitens wären diese 250 Soldaten im Falles eines wirklichen Krieges mehr als überflüssig“, so Gysi auf seiner Facebook-Seite. Um seinen Gesichtspunkt noch deutlicher zu machen, erinnert der Politiker an die Geschichte: „Deshalb ist es geschichtsvergessen und eskalierend, jetzt Truppen an die russische Grenze zu schicken.“

https://www.facebook.com/gregor.gysi/?ref=nf

Die Bundestagsabgeordnete Sahra Wagenknecht unterstützt ihren Parteigenossen: „Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel begeht eine unverantwortliche Provokation, wenn sie 75 Jahre nach dem Überfall Deutschlands auf die Sowjetunion die Bundeswehr zur russischen Grenze schickt.“

In den Kommentaren im Internet haben viele Leser ihrem Unmut über das Vorhaben der Bundesregierung Luft gemacht. „Die Grenze nach Afrika / Türkei / Syrien ist offen, aber die Gefahr kommt aus Russland. Einfach nur verrückt“, schrieb ein Nutzer in den Kommentaren zu einem „Welt“-Artikel. Ein anderer Leser, J89, wies darauf hin, dass ein Nato-Bataillon an der Grenze zu Russland keine beachtenswerte Gefahr darstelle: Das sei „Symbolpolitik“.

Auch andere Internet-Nutzer sind von der Aussicht, deutsche Soldaten in Richtung Russland zu schicken, wenig begeistert:

 https://twitter.com/heiko_faf

https://twitter.com/SPIEGEL_EIL

https://twitter.com/DaKrau

http://de.sputniknews.com/politik/20160430/309580720/deutsche-politiker-zur-nato-aufruestung-an-russischer-grenze.html?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FmRddb0wiY8&utm_medium=short_url&utm_content=bhV9&utm_campaign=URL_shortening

“Forgetting history” German politicians on the NATO troop buildup on the Russian border

Posted by

0

Translation from Fort Russ

“Uschi” (Ursula Von Der Leyen, German Defense Minister), with some German troops

Sputnik Germany, April 30, 2016

Translated from German by Tom Winter

The announcement of a possible deployment of German troops to Lithuania for “containment” of Russia has made quite a stir in the media and the social networks in Germany.

The opinions are often widely divergent. From the perspective of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Berlin faces a dilemma. If Germany would refuse the deployment of troops, that would be a lack of solidarity towards the Baltic States. Should it agree, that would strain relations with Russia. However Deutsche Rundfunk [The German Radio] considers these plans quite sound: NATO must guarantee the “territorial integrity of the countries” that “feel unsafe” near Russia.

But this reason, that the states felt threatened by Russia, the Left-politician Gregor Gysi considers unconvincing. “First, it is not about feelings, but the question of whether a real threat exists. Second, these 250 soldiers would be in case of a real war more than superfluous,” said Gysi on his Facebook page. To make his point even clearer, the politician thinks back on history: “Therefore, it is historically oblivious, and escalating, to send troops now to the Russian border”

The Member of Parliament Sahra Wagenknecht supported her party comrade: “Chancellor Angela Merkel is committing an irresponsible provocation, when she sends the Bundeswehr to the Russian border 75 years after the Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union.” [for her press release, click]

In the comments on the Internet, many readers have aired their displeasure about the plan of the Federal Government.

“The border to Africa / Turkey / Syria is open, but the danger comes from Russia. Right! Just crazy,” wrote one user in comments to the article in Die Welt.

Another reader, J89, pointed out that a NATO battalion constitutes no appreciable risk on the border with Russia: This is “symbolic politics.” Other Internet users are unenthusiastic at the prospect of German soldiers in the direction of Russia. A sample:

Bundeswehr as a deterrent? Are the guns straightened out already?

 

Does Panzer-Uschi want to go to Stalingrad, or what?
East of the Oder, no German soldier has anything to look for!

So ends the Sputnik story. Here is the full text of Gregor Gysi’s Facebook post:
The German government plans to involve up to 250 Bundeswehr soldiers in the beefing up of NATO’s eastern flank on the border with Russia. I find the reasoning unconvincing that this was a sign for the eastern NATO members who felt threatened by Russia. First, it is not about feelings, but the question of whether a real threat exists. Second, these 250 soldiers would be in case of a real war more than superfluous. The populations of the eastern European countries also know this, so that a feeling of threat would not lessen. Incidentally, in history it’s this way: it’s not Russia invading Germany, but Germany invading Russia. On June 22, we have the 75th anniversary of the last attack by Germany. Therefore, it is history forgotten, and escalating, now to send troops to the Russian border.

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/forgetting-history-german-politicians.html

PRESSEMITTEILUNG: Neue Friedenspolitik statt NATO-Aggression — Sahra Wagenknecht

Posted by

0

DIE LINKE

PRESSEMITTEILUNG

29.04.2016 – SAHRA WAGENKNECHT

Neue Friedenspolitik statt NATO-Aggression

„Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel begeht eine unverantwortliche Provokation, wenn sie 75 Jahre nach dem Überfall Deutschlands auf die Sowjetunion die Bundeswehr zur russischen Grenze schickt“, erklärt Sahra Wagenknecht, Vorsitzende der Fraktion DIE LINKE. Wagenknecht weiter:

„Die Bundesregierung handelt brandgefährlich, wenn sie das aggressive Spiel der NATO blind unterstützt. Eine dauerhafte Präsenz von NATO-Kampftruppen an der russischen Grenze widerspricht den bestehenden Vereinbarungen mit Russland. EU-Osterweiterungen und NATO-Truppenaufmärsche sind Gift für Frieden und Stabilität in Europa. Die Entsendung von Kampfeinheiten der Bundeswehr an die russische Grenze gefährdet die vitalen Interessen der deutschen Bevölkerung. Der Deutsche Bundestag muss darüber beraten.“

http://www.linksfraktion.de/pressemitteilungen/neue-friedenspolitik-statt-nato-aggression/

Wagenknecht calls for new peace policy instead of NATO’s ‘aggressive game’; press release on sending Bundeswehr troops to the Russian border

Posted by

0

From Fort Russ

Die LINKE [The Left Party]
April 29, 2016
Translated from German by Tom Winter April 30, 2016

New peace policy instead of NATO aggression

“Chancellor Angela Merkel is committing an irresponsible provocation, when, 75 years after the attack on the Soviet Union, she is sending the Bundeswehr to the Russian border,” said Sahra Wagenknecht, Chairman of DIE LINKE.

Wagenknecht further: “The federal government is playing with fire if they blindly support NATO’s aggressive game. A permanent presence of NATO combat troops on the Russian border is contrary to the existing agreements with Russia.

EU eastward expansion and the NATO troop parades are poison for peace and stability in Europe. The deployment of combat units of the Bundeswehr to the Russian border threatens the vital interests of the German population. The German Bundestag must debate it.”
_____________________________
On the same subject, click “Forgetting History”

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/wagenknecht-press-release-on-sending.html

Donetsk People’s Republic: UAF might attempt May holiday offensive to encircle Donetsk

Posted by

0

UAF = Ukrainian Armed Forces; ie. Kiev government troops

This is, of course, in complete violation of the Minsk Agreements, but did anyone seriously expect Ukraine or the U.S. or Europe to support then? Minsk was supported by France and Germany to allow the West to regroup, refortify, and refund their war, nothing more. The same thing they’ve done in Syria. When their side is losing, start talking “peace.”

From Fort Russ

April 30, 2016 –
Translated by J. Arnoldski
 
 
“DPR Defense Ministry: Punitive forces may try to “encircle Donetsk from below” over May holidays”
Ukrainian war criminals might try to strike at Donetsk with three tank battalions over the May holidays. This was reported by General Major Denis Sinenkov who heads the operational command of the Armed Forces of the DPR. He stressed that an offensive might begin on the territories which are currently being de-mined. 
“We are preparing for various developments of the situation. Everyone is talking about the punishers’ preparation for aggressive operations and the intensification of the ‘ATO.’ [so-called Anti-Terrorist Operation] We believe that the main strike by the UAF will be at one area backed by three tank battalions. That is, a strike at the belly in order to encircle Donetsk from below,” Sinenkov said, also noting that attacks might happen in other districts – “in some places with less force, in some places as a distraction.” 
Sinenkov also stated that according to the republic’s intelligence services, the UAF is actively re-deploying and rotating the Nazi battalions on the front line of defense.

He stressed that the Ministry of Defense of the DPR “is aware of the location of tank battalions despite the fact the Ukrainian military command has attempted to hide them. We are ready to break their fist. The quicker the aggressor will go on an offensive, the sooner we will liberate our lands from this brown plague.”  

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/dpr-uaf-might-attempt-may-holiday.html

300 Azov thugs will shoot to kill in Odessa

Posted by

0

The important info is midway down the article.

From Fort Russ

April 28, 2016
Tamerlan Russov
Arkhano
Translated by Kristina Kharlova

‘Space’ Transcarpathian die-hard Zoryan Shkiryak kind of reminds me with his ‘spirituality’ of the former Kiev mayor Leonid Chernovitsky, commonly known as Lyonya Kosmos [“Space” – FR]. It seems to me that some ‘astral’  resemblance is obvious:

Изображение
Leonid Chernovitsky

 

Изображение
“Zoryan Shkiryak took his girlfriend to Nepal, and what have you done?”

In addition, Shkiryak also has some problems with biography. If Lenya Cosmos was a member of a religious sect and kissed the hands (perhaps not only) of a black American pastor, Shkiryak is also deeply esoterical and, it seems, is also connected with the cosmos. And his biography, although it is written perfectly in places where people usually look for incriminating evidence online, evokes clear suspicions of those who were not made yesterday.

Comments: Manufactured suspicious biography; Shkiryak was identified by drug rehab nurses

Overall the public has long agreed that Shkiryak is Avakov’s stooge, and was created just for filling certain positions in the government as a plug. The people of Ukraine could judge his performance by operation “SOS in Nepal” or, for example, fire liquidation at the oil depot near Kiev. To consider Shkiryak a politically autonomous figure does not make sense, despite his six pack and yoga hobby. This man has not yet achieved anything better. In four words about this person: Shkiryak, six pack, yoga, Avakov.

And when this man, formerly head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, and now adviser and sometimes the mouthpiece of Avakov, suddenly says that certain law enforcement officers in Odessa will open fire if they see a weapon in the hands of some provocateur, I would treat these words seriously, given the recent appearance in Odessa of 300 “Azov” fighters (nick-named “Manure” by the people).

Perhaps Skiryak was talking about them when referring to “law enforcement”, and not the local ball-less militsia-police, which entirely discredited itself on May 2, 2014, and will be a disgrace of Odessa for a long time, no matter how they justify themselves.

“I want to cool the hot heads of those, who possibly want to use this situation and this anniversary to destabilize the domestic situation, that our units, which will be and already are in full combat readiness in the event of such attempts, will act harshly and uncompromisingly. Moreover, God forbid, if such provocateurs possess weapons, the reaction of law enforcement will be adequate, that is they will shoot to kill, – he said”

Against the background of the upcoming anniversary of the tragedy on May 2nd, traditional victory celebration of May 9, the confrontation between the governor and the mayor, which recently ended a temporary victory for mayor, but was the excuse to deploy 300 armed Avakov’s thugs to Odessa, subordinate to the rabid Georgian [Saakashvili – FR] with orders to shoot to kill, May in Odessa promises to be very ‘hot’. Perhaps, for the mayor and his team, which many still consider old school pro-Russian, this May will become the last in every sense. Radicals, Kiev residents and their curators from the CIA have long proven that they are versed in the art of arranging provocations with a bloody finale aimed to overthrow someone and crush resistance. And no wonder they already write in social networks that “The Trade Unions building was burned down, and now it’s time to burn the city hall”. I have long been accustomed to believe such promises of the Nazis:

Изображение

Odessans, you’ve already lost your city when I for the first time on April 16, 2014 declared the Odessa People’s Republic online and called for you to block roads. You lost your city the second time on May 2, 2014. Now issues are resolved not as then, with bats and stones, but automatic weapons and heavy machine guns on armored cars. The stakes have increased and if you have nothing to resist the arms of “Manure”, I would recommend all of you to go away for “shahliki” [traditional Russian weekend getaway at a dacha (summer house) in grandma’s village with kebab (shashliki) as a featured dish – FR] for the entire May holidays or stock up on popcorn for those who stay in the city and watch the events. Any civil disobedience actions in Odessa without a serious cover today will be just shot by the Nazis. Remember Odessa on May 2, Mariupol on May 9 and how the same “Manure” killed Russians in Donbass.

You NEED to BELIEVE the Nazis who promise to shoot you!

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/300-azov-thugs-will-shoot-to-kill-in.html

“We’re Not Afraid!”: Veterans will march in the center of Kiev on May 9th

Posted by

0

From Fort Russ

Translated by Ollie Richardson for Fort Russ
29th April, 2016
 
A likely ban on the celebration of Victory Day in Ukraine would be an insult to the veterans of the great Patriotic war. However, they intend to march on Khreshchatyk, even if far-right extremists open fire on them.
According to the head of the Kiev organization of veterans of Ukraine, Nikolai Martynov, the Verkhovna Rada adopting the law on the “condemnation of the communist and national socialist (Nazi) totalitarian regimes in Ukraine and prohibition of propaganda with their symbols” takes the celebration of the victory away from the veterans. He made such a statement during an interview with the Ukrainian version of “The voice”.
“The presidential decree takes away the concept of the great Patriotic war, […] takes away the celebrations on May 9th, and focuses on 8th May — the Day of remembrance and reconciliation. When Viktor Yushchenko came to power, he asked us about reconciliation. We said that the leadership of the organization cannot resolve the issue personally and offered to ask the veterans. We interviewed them, and at that time we were told by 99.9% that there cannot be reconciliation with those who are not rehabilitated. What is reconciliation? We signed a contract  with Nazi Germany. She surrendered,” — quotes RT.
Martynov also stressed that the decree is unconstitutional, because this decision was made without a referendum. In the case of approval of the law by the President, according to the head of the Kiev organization of veterans of Ukraine, the ban in the country will fall on the Day of Defender of the Fatherland.
“My office has a copy of a Victory banner — a veteran banner. And opposite in the city centre there are trash cans. So I’m afraid if the “Pravy sector” come, they can tie this banner around their neck and suffer in the dustbin. An element of intimidation is also felt by veterans. Lawlessness comes from the SBU, some law enforcement bodies” — said Martynov to the website “Politnavigator”. He also fears that on 9th May, they may be attacked by extremists from the “Right sector”.
His words were confirmed by veteran-soldier and retired Colonel Dmitri Stadnyuk. “We will never agree with the fact that you cannot celebrate May 9th […] We will openly go to downtown. Let them try to shoot at us. We’re not afraid. We will fight, if you will bring us to such a state,” — he said.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian Parliament, on April 9th, passed a law condemning communist and national socialist (Nazi) totalitarian regimes in Ukraine and prohibition of propaganda with their symbols.” Its goal is to “prevent the recurrence of crimes of the communist and national socialist (Nazi) totalitarian regimes, any discrimination on national, social, class, ethnic, racial or other grounds in the future, restoration of historical and social justice, and the removal of threats to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security of Ukraine”.
Share this widely, let everyone know!

Pyatt praises Mariupol tragedy: “This is the city where the Novorossiya project was stopped dead”

Posted by

0

Transcript:

Geoffrey Pyatt: “But I will say to you, I think Mariupol is already the most important symbol of resilience and unity of Ukrainian governments.

I think history will record that this is the city where the Novorossiya project was stopped dead.

And it should also be the city which shows to all the people of Donbass the advantages that come with peace, unity, and stability.”

From Fort Russ

April 30, 2016 –
Semen Doroshenko, PolitNavigator –
Translated by J. Arnoldski
“US Ambassador praises shooting of people in Mariupol: ‘It was then that the ‘Novorossiya’ project died’”
The events in Mariupol, Donetsk region (when Nazi Azov fighters shot at a peaceful demonstration of residents on May 9, 2014), have become an example of the struggle against the “Russian world” for all of Donbass. This was stated by the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt, during his visit to Mariupol today, where he held a meeting with representatives of the local government.
“I think that it was Mariupol that showed the people of Donbass that the future depends on peace and stability,” Pyatt is quoted as saying by the press-service of the US Embassy.
[Editor: That was not the quote. It was a naked threat by Pyatt. Either the US Embassy press service doesn’t speak English or this is just the latest published lie.]
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/pyatt-praises-mariupol-tragedy-this-is.html