What's New Pussycat?

#Indonesea govt of Pres  Joko Widodo 33 proposed names to Ambassador posts 24 appear (to me) to be political appointments http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/22332/ambassador-positions-as-consolation-prize/ #Egypt ambassador to Canada Ambassador Motaz Mounir Zahran to visit port of Sydney http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2015-09-02/article-4266057/Egyptian-ambassador-to-visit-port-of-Sydney/1 #Mexico confirms new ambassador to US academic, Miguel Basanez Ebergenyi k.a.  Miguel Basanez http://www.thepublicopinion.com/news/associated_press/national/latin-america/mexico-senate-ratifies-academic-as-next-ambassador-to-us/article_14f76c5d-a762-5746-9116-65e506892a9a.html William McCormick Blair Jr fmr US Ambassador, Dead at 98 Stanford airforce intel ops China, Burma (Myanmar) & India http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/03/us/politics/william-mccormick-blair-jr-former-us-ambassador-dead-at-98.html?_r=0 #LatAm #Colombia Under Secretary Wendy Novelli meets w/ Colombian Ambassador to US http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm #LatAm #Colombia Assistant Secretary Crocker meets with Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Juan Carlos Pinzón, at DoS http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm ASSIST SEC ECONOMIC & BUSINESS AFFAIRS CHARLES RIVKIN Assist. Sec Rivkin meets w/ President of Committee for European Affairs of the French Senate Jean Bizet, in Paris, France. travel to #France, #Nigeria, & #Senegal from September 1-11 http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm #LatAm #Chile Under Sec Wendy Novelli attends lunch hosted by Chilean Ambass to US Juan Gabriel Valdés, in WA, D.C. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm Counsellor DoS / to Kerry Thomas A. Shannon lunch with #Azerbaijan Ambassador to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm Counselor Shannon - US DoS meeting U.S. Ambassador to #Rwanda Erica Barks-Ruggles, at Department of State http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm Dir. Policy Planning (internal think tank) DAVID MCKEAN meets w/ Italian Ambassador to US Claudio Bisogniero, at DoS http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/appt/2015/09/246590.htm #Pakistan BISP moots cooperation w/ diplomatic corps / conference attended by deans of diplo corps http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/03-Sep-2015/bisp-moots-cooperation-with-diplomatic-corps Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) non-conditional cash transfer program / cash BISP est. 2005 to address reductions in purchasing power: *inflation *high cost food & oil *empower women ... lol  Sounds like a Pakistan gimme cash scam see also:  accusations of corruption and political favouritism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Income_Support_Programme Dr. Susan K. Brems rank of minister-counselor incoming Mission Director USAID Philippines, Pacific Islands & Mongolia 23 years in USAID Dr. Susan K. Brems, USAID previously, mission director Zambia & Angola http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116983/new-usaid-mission-director-to-ph Santos Aust oil & gas producer corporate Aust. horror show lost $10 BILLION in market capitalisation in past 12 mths more info Santos:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santos_Limited / 2013 oil spill QLD, 1 week to stem / high water usage: Indonesia, QLD, SA bulk of 500-plus job losses = come from its Adelaide HQ in the past 6 months AUD$27 billion GLNG project - overcapitalised http://www.afr.com/business/energy/oil/santos-bidding-war-could-be-undone-by-100m-partial-poison-pill-20150902-gjd54s Australia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino, Albania + Libya = former SA premier, Mike Rann (ALP) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rann CORPORATE PATRIOTISM Jul / BHP Billiton slashes headcount by 37pc at Melb HQ / Treasury division relocating http://www.afr.com/business/mining/iron-ore/bhp-billiton-slashes-headcount-by-37pc-at-melbourne-headquarters-20150728-gim7lk Santos 500-plus job losses = bulk from Adelaide HQ in past 6 mths http://www.afr.com/business/energy/oil/santos-bidding-war-could-be-undone-by-100m-partial-poison-pill-20150902-gjd54s UNSC draft resolution re Europe's migrant crisis / inspection of suspected migrant ships on high seas Med http://www.thepublicopinion.com/news/associated_press/national/africa/russia-security-council-addressing-europe-s-migrant-crisis/article_f6638637-91ca-5b3d-99ad-4aaae4238e48.html OUTRAGEOUS INTERFERENCE IN DOMESTIC POLITICAL AFFAIRS OF BRITIAN - OR A SET-UP BY THE TORY GOVERNMENT, WHO FULLY APPROVE OF THIS PUBLIC DISPLAY OF WHY BRITAIN 'MUST' REMAIN EU FAITHFUL? #UKpolitics German ambassador Dr Peter Ammon deliberate sabotage of UK / interfering British politics Britain is eyeing EU’s exit door demanding fewer immigrants now refusing to pay a £1.7 billion bill sum demanded by the EU Commission is punishing the UK for recent economic growth "Dr Ammon would not be drawn on how the UK should vote." BUT ... "Germany would be happy if the UK stayed, he said." Leverage / Public Scare Tool "Berlin wants to trade with the UK more and increase existing investment that he said already supports 370,000 jobs." http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/political-interview-dr-peter-ammon-uk-stag-parties-london-is-the-best-9826049.html UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the US puppet trying for UN investigation chemical weapons #Syria / Russia refused to sign off .. lol Reports of ISIS mustard gas used  on Kurds ... WMD, anyone? http://www.3news.co.nz/world/russia-holds-up-un-syria-chemicals-investigation-2015090311 #Crime #Fraud #internet LOVE SCAM #Nigeria Gabriel Oseremen Xavi fake Facebook: Collins Page http://newmail-ng.com/efcc-returns-10540-euros-to-polish-love-scam-victim-pictures/ Do not send $$$$$$   lol #Jordan KING meets CEO Centre for Israel & Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Shimon Fogel mtg incl. Canadian ambassador in Amman http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=30007 ** Jordan his high energy needs.  Israel has energy.  Canada has energy expertise.  I'm going to guess that this meeting is about energy supply to Jordan.  Some sort of Israeli-Canadian joint project.  :) Hmmm ... hard to say.  Maybe not energy.  Maybe something else.  So much for my guesses.  lol Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs  *formerly the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy   oversight + co-ordinating body for a number of Jewish Canadian orgs  CIJA is the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada-United Israel Appeal CIJA's creation has been criticized as an attempt to "corporatize" the funding structure of Jewish community organizations and tie them to pro-Israel lobbying. Opposition to boycotts of Israel Opposition to the Iranian government https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_for_Israel_and_Jewish_Affairs Shimon Fogel " ...registered consultant to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Canadian House of Commons, and has been a member of the Round-Table on Global Security under the Department of National Defence. He has also been a seasonal lecturer at Queen’s University ..." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimon_Fogel ... graduate of Clark University’s School of Government and International Relations in Massachusetts and pursued graduate and doctoral studies at McGill University. He also holds rabbinic ordination. ... written and lectured extensively in Canada and internationally on matters of public policy and has been engaged by numerous groups. The Hill Times recognized Fogel as one of the 100 most influential actors within the political sector, and Embassy Magazine ranked him among the 50 most important people influencing Canadian foreign policy. http://www.cija.ca/team/shimon-fogel/ Sweden | Russia Look out Russia, Sweden to stop pretending neutrality: / rethinking neutrality amid fear of 'Russian aggression' despite   "200-year-old posture of military neutrality" Oh, please.  Sweden was probably double-dealing the last 200 years.  It certainly has been the last 70 years or so.  Sweden's not neutral.  Sweden's virtually a member of the Anglo-American 'Five Eye' gang. http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-sweden-russia-nato-neutrality-20150902-story.html #CzechRepublic #cybersecurity firm CyberGym seek to train companies in defence / Israeli-side supervision #cybersecurity CyberGym is Israeli Israel Electric Corp. / planning US, LatAm & Asia ops http://www.praguepost.com/technology/49587-cyber-attack-training-center-to-open-near-prague UN under-secretary-general Stephen O’Brien (British former MP, Conservative) visit to Qatar’s embassy in Turkey http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/453539/un-official-praises-qatar%E2%80%99s-positive-stance Stephen O’Brien > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_O'Brien Sahel Arabic for:  "shore, coast" abt, top third (?) Africa overpopulation & over-farming / soil degradation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahel Flags UN #Palestine proposed draft proposal for non-member states to raise flag / Ron Prosor Israel, rejects http://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2015/09/03/israel-asks-un-to-reject-palestinian-attempt-to-raise-flag #LatAm #Peru YANKEE GO HOME Peru Activists Show Displeasure In Arrival of 3,200 US Troops http://www.9and10news.com/story/29945309/peru-activists-show-displeasure-in-arrival-of-us-troops #Israel United Torah Judaism first Agudat Yisrael minister in 63 years Ya’acov Litzman takes oath Minister Health Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox / do not want ministers bearing collective responsibility / religion ethics issue? http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Litzman-takes-oath-becomes-first-Agudat-Yisrael-minister-in-63-years-415031 1977 Moscow, US Embassy fire great deal of info was lost or stolen some classified KGB suspected US marines get revenge burning down KGB shed http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adst/the-us-embassy-moscow-fir_b_8078818.html #India #Oil USA keen to participate expansion project of Numaligarh Refinery / US working on Defence & Energy deals http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/48778653.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst #Panama #Italy #LatAm international scandal President Juan Carlos Varela http://plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4122031&Itemid=1 #Ukraine Western journalists knew  US govt operatives helped orchestrate coup & ignored right-wing nationalists http://www.globalresearch.ca/maidan-2-0-ukraine-rightists-kill-police-putin-blamed/5473431 USA presumes to lecture the world re 'human rights' US Hypocrites move To EXPLOIT: "Free 20 Women Political Prisoners" campaign USA almost a quarter of the world's prisoners  2.3 million USA prisoners 1.6 million CHINA prisoners @ x4 population of USA SOURCE - US STATS http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/world/americas/23iht-23prison.12253738.html?pagewanted=all SWITZERLAND Ideologue of Swiss People's Party Facebook blocked - AGAIN CENSORSHIP Previously blocked for captioning migrant ship with:  here comes the labour force. https://archive.is/qyaBh#selection-2227.15-2235.1 Swiss People's Party Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP Democratic Union of the Centre right-wing Eurosceptic nationalist economic liberalism Britain’s surveillance state  ‘worse than bad joke’ UN Special Rapporteur on Privacy  Joseph Cannataci  today there are many parts of the English countryside where there are more cameras than George Orwell could ever have imagined. https://www.rt.com/uk/314157-britain-surveillance-dangerous-un/ #Nevada #USpoli #Surveillance Undercover FBI infiltrates Burning Man festival, collects intelligence, documents show http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-infiltrates-burning-man-festival-collects-intelligence-documents-show/ FBI investigated this song 1964 The Kingsmen  |  Louie Louie 1963 https://youtu.be/7Vae_AkLb4Q Best Version: Motorhead |  Louie Louie  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDP7_h4wkgw #Philippines #Surveillance #HumanRights Supreme Court protection & release of dossiers sought re govt harassment / unions & student union / threats + surveillance activities / military and police participation http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/718981/militant-leaders-seek-sc-help-vs-govt-harassment US military deploys drones to #Latvia on training mission / NATO puppets help ground exercises & planning http://www.pressexaminer.com/us-military-deploys-drones-to-latvia-on-training-mission/66820 ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT Just some of the news that caught my attention. Much of it just skimmed.   A lot of this is trivia. US is deploying drones on Russia's doorstep, but the papers aren't screaming 'US aggression'. US ally, Philippines, appears to engage in harassment and repression of unions and those that are politically active.  That would probably be standard practice for close friends of the US.  lol Britain has cameras in the countryside, while the FBI is infiltrating the likes of a hippy festival in Nevada.  Western values?  Freedom?  Oh, bullsh*t.  lol Free speech regarding the consequences (mass immigration) of the pursuit of the neocon US aligned corporate/imperialist agenda abroad, is harshly censored in Europe.  While there's a funny side to that Swiss guy's Facebook being blocked, this social media censorship is suppression of political comment, debate, and dissent ... in what's supposed to be a democracy, one presumes. Britain is pretending it doesn't want to be in the EU, for the sake of the rabble who don't.  But they've probably OK'd the German Ambassador's theatrical, 'Baby, Please Don't Go' performance. The US hypocrites and that awful Power woman are forever exploiting humanitarian, minority and feminist causes for political gain.  Meanwhile ... back in the United States .... (check out incarceration stats in America, the 'land of the free'). Nation states operate as handmaidens of corporations and the interests of corporations are put above all else ... but corporations:  well, corporations put PROFITS above all else.  Stuff the rabble back home.  Let them eat cake.  We're downsizing.  lol The Latin American and Italian scandal is a bit hard (for me) to follow in that article.  Don't have the patience with that one.  There'd be more articles regarding that, if anyone's into keeping track of dodgy Latin goings on.  lol ꕤ

Foreign Updates - Middle East, Asia, Random

Random #Diplomatic US press attaché Johann Schmonsees has denied reports embassy in Riyadh shut down over security concern http://www.arabianbusiness.com/us-saudi-embassy-denies-security-shutdown-603700.html Iran protests - UK embassy reopening - counter-revolutionary both to continue operating by charges d'affaires Iran critics say: UK embassy has record support for spying ops, organisation of street unrests & assassination of scientists http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/199789 New Chapter Tehran-London Ties: Iran’s Envoy all diplomatic activities to be gradually re-established http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/838016 #Lebanon Kuwaiti embassy issues Lebanon travel warning / Daily Star #Thailand #presse Hong Kong photojournalist detained at Bangkok airport for carrying bulletproof vest in luggage one of the highest gun homicide rates in Asia / on par with USA / pop 67 million 3.48 murders per 100,000 http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/hong-kong-photojournalist-detained-at-bangkok-airport-for-carrying-bulletproof-vest-in #Vietnam #Diplomatic #Spain NGO Pazy Desarrollo in co-operation with Spanish Embassy run gender equality project http://vietnamnews.vn/society/274879/project-promotes-gender-equality.html Michael Lynn - #Ireland fled Ireland in 2007 with debts of €80m extradition #Brasil #Brazil #LatAm http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/michael-lynn-should-be-back-by-year-end-to-face-charges-lawyer-1.2326185 #Turkey Albayrak Group to operate Mogadishu Interl Port / re-opened in 2006 by Islamic Courts Union, who control South Somali / dailysabah USA Spirit Lake police chief TAKES job as a bomb-sniffing dog handler US embassy in #Iraq or #Afghanistan http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Spirit-Lake-police-chief-steps-down-to-take-US-embassy-job-322627872.html #Afghanistan Kabul vehicle bombing 10 dead 60 injured Taliban fighting to overthrow foreign-backed govt http://www.dispatchtimes.com/at-least-10-dead-in-kabul-vehicle-bombing/59556/ #MiddleEast US Embassy Warns Against Travel to Upper Galilee & Golan Heights Rockets launched from #Syria territory #Israel: points finger at: "Iran-backed Islamic Jihad from territory under the control of the Assad regime" http://forward.com/news/breaking-news/319634/us-embassy-warns-citizens-against-travel-to-upper-galilee-and-golan-heights/ #Pakistan Removes 5,000 names from Exit Control List (ECL) Passports Directorate Blacklist contained 52,000 names http://tribune.com.pk/story/943345/nisar-announces-removal-of-5000-names-from-ecl-in-major-overhaul/ #Pakistan Intelligence agencies rescue: Chinese tourist kidnapped 2014 in an area close to insurgency-prone regions. Kidnapped China tourist rescue: faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility http://tribune.com.pk/story/943345/nisar-announces-removal-of-5000-names-from-ecl-in-major-overhaul/ #Australia #Syria US request to extend campaign Julie Bishop says Australia is seeking legal advice on Syria strikes USA has asked for Aussie support manned strikes, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, air refuelling etc http://forexreportdaily.com/2015/08/24/7334-julie-bishop-says-australia-is-seeking-legal-advice-on-syria-strikes/ #Nigeria Zone 6 Police took delivery of #surveillance helicopter in Calabar / combat of militancy & kidnap http://nationalaccordnewspaper.com/2015/08/police-receives-surveillance-helicopter-to-boost-fight-against-militancy-in-cross-river/ ---------------------- ꕤ  ---------------------- COMMENT Names being removed from a travel blacklist in Pakistan is rather intriguing.  Don't really understand why they've got a blacklist.  Maybe this is normal?  A bad guy travel blacklist? Action hotting up Syria / Israel border, by look of things? Turkey might be a player in Somalia. Islamic Union control in south.   That's a look-up job; don't know what this is. Photojournalist arrested Thailand sounds interesting, but it's probably routine. Thailand no longer sounds safe.  Well, it never did to me; but I'm weird like that.  ;) Pakistan definitely doesn't sounds safe.  Thailand a better bet.  lol This just random stuff that caught my attention ... nothing exciting. ꕤ

Foreign Service Updates

#SouthKorea US amb. Mark Lippert scored a crap post. Survived knife attack.  Now receives threat to kill. http://nation.com.pk/international/25-Jul-2015/s-korean-man-arrested-for-threat-to-kill-us-envoy #Cambodia rigid registration & reporting regime for NGOs PASSED + requirement that NGOs remain politically neutral http://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-weekend/senate-passes-ngo-law-amid-boycott #Russia opposes Malaysia’s draft res. on MH17 no transparency no precedent on interl tribunals re civilian airliners http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/russian-envoy-no-precedent-for-proposed-mh17-probe-team *Demonised Russia *Russia excluded *call for US surveillance satellite data release = NO RESPONSE / { sounds like a fake inquiry } #Somalia 2013 - Britain reopened embassy in Mogadishu, which was closed in 1991 (civil war). UK pledge support http://horseedmedia.net/2015/07/24/britain-pledges-continued-support-to-somalia/ #Japan #RUSSIA urged Russian PM Medvedev not to visit disputed islands off Hokkaido / Moscow reasserting control 4 islands http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/24/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-urges-russian-prime-minister-not-visit-disputed-isles/ #USA DIPLOMAT US diplomat used his-government-issued email to meet women on the internet & talk about sex http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3137631/US-diplomat-abused-child-posted-abroad-exposed-minor-received-nude-photos-female-colleagues-email-t-know-sacked-s-SECRET.html #Czech President Miloš Zeman sees a time to call up military to protect borders against immigrants http://www.praguepost.com/viewpoint/48984-zeman-criticized-for-provoking-france #Malaysia NGO hands memo to  British High Commission re Clare Rewcastle-Brown / news portal The Sarawak Report Malaysia NGO memo to Swiss Embassy next week to Bruno Manser Foundation to stop channelling money to news portal. Malaysian Communication & Multimedia Commission blocked The Sarawak Report for undermining national security. Looks like the news portal may be seen as contributing indirectly to efforts to topple:  Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/newsindex.php?id=1155267 Clare Rewcastle Brown = British investigative journalist https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clare_Rewcastle_Brown ---------------------- COMMENT Sounds like there might be a bit of a story in Malaysia.  Something interesting going on there.  That journalist is Gordon Brown's sister-in-law. The Russia and Japan issue over islands could be interesting.

Foreign Service Updates

Bahrain UK Ambassador to Bahrain Ian Lindsay - end tenure Bahrain's HR achievements highlighted Gulf market important to UK http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/678428 World Report 2015: Bahrain https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/bahrain UK ambassador needs to maybe take a look at this report. Ukraine / Canada Father Raymond J. de Souza Roman Catholic priest of Archdiocese of Kingston, Ont. #Canada writes pro US puppet Ukraine propaganda #Ukraine - Goebbels would be proud: "...national journey is from lies to truth" Cookie Nuland's boy PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk in Quebec last week free trade agreement with Canada / push toward privatization and deregulation http://www.thewhig.com/2015/07/22/ukraine-also-at-war-with-corruption-from-within Canada embassy in Ukraine (amb. Roman Waschuk) was 'safe house' for #Ukraine coup protesters 2014 Bob Fowler Canada diplo under 3 govts says Canada playing w. fire / disruptive influence *Harper govt:  all mouth and no brain Ukraine:  appearance that Canada was an active participant in 2014 regime change.   http://ipolitics.ca/2015/07/13/former-diplomat-says-canada-should-scale-back-anti-russian-rhetoric/ Somalia Somalia & AU forces capture key militant stronghold / al Shabab lost all key towns, but control rural http://horseedmedia.net/2015/07/22/somalia-and-au-forces-capture-key-militant-stronghold/ Bolivia / Germany #Bolivia #LatAm #Merkel German embassy - explosion during protests /  miners protesting their working conditions http://en.europeonline-magazine.eu/german-embassy-in-bolivia-grazed-by-explosion-during-protests_403976.html

Foreign Service Updates

MISCELLANEOUS Syria Gill Rosenberg, Canadian-Israeli =  first foreign woman to help Syria's Kurds fight ISIS / returns to Israel Gill Rosenberg: Kurdish YPG guerrillas in Syria then with Dwekh Nawsha, a Christian militia in Iraq http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/jewish-woman-who-helped-kurds-fight-islamic-state-returns-to-israel-780915 WikiLeaks NewYorker on:  Alberto Nisman  / Argentina informant: Abolghasem Mesbah 1996 Iran intel defector http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/07/20/death-of-a-prosecutor Wikileaks cables show Saudi Arabia pushed Indonesian government to “stop the spread” of Ahmadiyah {Muslim sect} http://jakarta.coconuts.co/2015/07/13/wikileaks-cables-show-saudi-arabia-pushed-indonesian-government-stop-spread-ahmadiyah USA-NSA Tentacles Reaching into Allied Govts Around the World Latest WikiLeaks releases http://tinyurl.com/onycmfw WikiLeaks going despite the dire circumstances of ASSANGE siege VIDEO [10:03]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e8h0AxkGhYc#t=93 Film Documentary The Look of Silence Little-known 1965 holocaust Indonesia hacking / throat slitting / blood drinking “America taught us to hate Communism” Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt (New York Times): “With 500,000 to 1 million Communist sympathizers knocked off, I think it is safe to assume a reorientation has taken place.”  http://www.shockya.com/news/2015/07/12/the-look-of-silence-movie-review/ IMDB - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt35211 -----------------  Belarus FM Vladimir Makei plans to reopen Sweden embassy / rapprochement http://eng.belta.by/all_news/politics/Belarus-plans-to-consider-reopening-its-embassy-in-Sweden_i_83123.html Montenegro Deputy PM Duško Marković hosted Cookie Nuland Cookie Nuland is cheerleader: reform process / rule of law http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=205243 3,000 British leaving Tunisia - 30 of 38 killed in Sousse were British tourists http://rapidnewsnetwork.com/tunisia-wounded-by-british-tourist-exodus-deploys-100000-security-forces-to/71489/ Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif = Umrah pilgrimage {pilgrimage to Mecca SaudiArabia } + visit royal family http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-saudi-arabia-for-umrah/906355 Khalil Al-Ridhah Mohesin Charge de-Affairs of Iraq embassy in Nigeria called for defeat of terrorists in Nigeria ISIS =  now has fighters from about 62 countries http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/index.php/news-menu/news/59732-iraqi-envoy-advocates-mass-mobilisation-against-insurgents India sends envoy Palestine discuss bilateral relations & ME peace process India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC >> India abstains UN voting, as it did re Syria & North Korea. >> India stresses there is NO change re long-standing Palestine policy in support of  Palestine http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-sends-special-envoy-palestine-offers-extended-support-for-development-projects/articleshow/48048653.cms Ukraine - Novorossiya Canada' embassy in Kyiv used as a haven by 2014 anti-government protesters camped for a week http://infotel.ca/newsitem/cp-investigation-canadas-embassy-in-ukraine-used-as-pawn-in-2014-uprising/it21167 Roman Waschuk current Canada ambassador in Kyiv confirmed that anti-govt protesters Ukraine used embassy http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/07/12/cp-investigation-canada-s-embassy-in-ukraine-used-as-pawn-in-2014-uprising_n_7780382.html Canada Iraq war US military refugees in Canada denied asylum No soldier who has sought legal residence in Canada, as refugee or on humanitarian grounds, has been successful. Canada -  estimated 2 dozen US military objectors waiting out their fate in Canada http://medicinehatnews.com/news/world-news/2015/07/12/us-soldiers-opting-out-of-war-finding-canada-less-hospitable-than-vietnamera-resisters/ Ukraine expected to announce default on debts owed to private creditors. PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk arrives Tues Ottawa Canada for talks http://medicinehatnews.com/news/national-news/2015/07/12/ukrainian-pm-to-visit-canada-this-for-economic-talks-amid-financial-turmoil/ Saudi Arabia Prince Saud al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud buried Mecca served SaudArabia as foreign minister for 40 yrs http://susris.com/2015/07/12/the-passing-of-a-giant-in-the-world-of-diplomacy-prince-saud-laid-to-rest/ --------------------- COMMENT Yatsenyuk in Canada sounds like bad news.  Probably up to no good. Impression I have of Canada isn't nice at all.  Very much under US thumb or something like that. Given Canada's treatment of US military refugees / objectors, I guess it's not surprising Canada didn't help Matt DeHaart.

Foreign Service Updates - Middle East, Africa, Kosovo, Turkey, USA

SYRIA Staffan de Mistura, Italian-Swedish diplomat UN special envoy to Syria proposal re political solution pending http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/07/11/419736/Syria-UN-Staffan-de-Mistura-Gennady-Gatilov KOSOVO Entertainer Rita Ora named an honorary ambassador of Republic of #Kosovo Tony Blair on hand as special guest. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tearful-rita-accepts-ambassador-role-31368043.html AZERBAIJAN - PALESTINE Azerbaijan  - Quds Day Islamic Party of Azerbaijan held a protest in front of the Israeli embassy re solidarity with Palestine 20 protesters detained journalists driven away from site http://www.panorama.am/en/popular/2015/07/10/islamists/ TURKEY police pepper spray Uighur protesters at Thai Embassy on Thu >>Thai Consulate in Istanbul ransacked China = Thailand’s largest trading partner - billions p.a. = joint military exercises = Thai buying China subs @ $1billion http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-thailand-china-uighurs-20150710-story.html NAMIBIA "What binds us as Americans is the certainty that all people, everywhere, are created equal" US Amb Thomas Daughton Namibia USA claws in Namibia *Millennium Challenge Corporation (US foreign aid agency) *USAID (CIA) *Peace Corps (USG run) http://www.economist.com.na/2011-12-07-11-05-31/community-and-culture/8031-strong-desire-to-share-democracy SOUTH KOREA Dog Meat Dog Meat Festival Boshingtan protested @ South Korean Embassy, London 6,000 restaurants sell dog meat http://www.demotix.com/news/8076128/dog-meat-festival-boshingtan-protested-korean-embassy-london#media-8076012 USA / JEWISH calls on Euro govt umbrella bodies eg EU to formally recognize, partner with & train Jewish community groups http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-lawmakers-turn-attention-to-safety-of-european-jews/ GUINEA, WEST AFRICA NEW US Ambassador to Guinea in West Africa: Dennis Hankin b4: Brasil, Sudan Georgetown FS sch. / Nat. War College http://www.minnpost.com/political-agenda/2015/07/bemidji-native-dennis-hankins-appointed-us-ambassador-republic-guinea ISRAEL v IRAN Israel FM Dore Gold said Iran is world’s leading state sponsor of terror >> Predictable move by Dore Gold http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/07/10/top-israeli-diplomat-says-absurd-to-believe-irans-claim-it-will-join-fight-against-global-terror/# USA IN AFGHANISTAN USA embassy Kabul 8-yr construction project is 3 yrs behind schedule & abt 27% over budget meantime:  $100 million on temporary buildings Construction US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan - final tally could be around $2 billion!! http://www.constructiondive.com/news/us-embassy-construction-in-kabul-runs-over-budget-behind-schedule/402088/ { Sounds like the US is moving into Afghanistan - who spends $2 billion on an embassy? } --------------------- COMMENT Some of the news that caught my attention. The amount USA's blowing in Afghanistan is staggering.

Foreign Service Updates - China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

India China blocked India’s move in UN against Pakistan re release of Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi http://www.freepressjournal.in/china-defends-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-stand/ China-Pakistan Economic Corridor  Beijing’s greater strategic plan Airport, roads & railways construction at China control port signed Pakistan infrastructure & energy the focus China to build 6.5-billion nuclear power plant in Karachi oil pipelines planned Planned construction pipeline from Gwadar’s port to northwestern China China + Pakistan =  longtime strategic & diplo co-op China-Pakistan Economic Corridor OIL pipelines to China: *Kazakhstan *Turkmenistan *Pakistan - from Gwadar’s port to nthwest China {pending} src:  http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/china-pakistan-flesh-out-new-economic-corridor/ China–Pakistan Eco. Corridor devel megaproject Gwadar Port Pak to China Xinjiang highways, railways & pipelines - oil +  gas Blockade in war of Straits of Malacca path = 80% of China energy imports China-Pak Eco Corridor creates alternative routes China energy imports:  80% imported energy supplies from Middle East & West Africa. China creating x3 new routes. 3 new energy routes China *Guangzhou to Pak *Shanghai to Uzbekistan, Teheran/Iran & port in Persian Gulf *Beijing thru Russia Potential sea blockade imposed by US if East Asia conflict =  China ways to bypass sea lanes subject to US naval dominance  CPEC-related activities = worth $50.6 billion *China smart - option to chose alternative if Pak doesn't deliver on time CPEC Pakistan faces challenge of maintaining political stability& consensus & assuring security.  ARTICLE + diagram China-Pakistan Economic Corridor  http://tribune.com.pk/story/887949/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-lines-of-development-not-lines-of-divide/ Gwadar port - Pakistan = bankrolled for decade by China = China govt co 2013 manages port India fear of 'string of pearls' China  "string of pearls" = network of China naval bases encircling India from sea =  cramping India maritime aspirations Western Pacific = China is  rising naval challenger facing off vs seagoing hegemon, USA South Asia = China looks to Indian eyes like the seagoing hegemon of the future. CPEC India unease at  Pakistan-China corridor + port / affect on maritime balance of power in Indian Ocean India vulnerability + USA primacy (East Asia) = concern re network of Chinese bases Gwadar site - does have vulnerabilities Gwadar site Pakistan = exposure to missile attack = Gwadar wartime use to China not guaranteed *but very good economically CPEC China - String of Pearls source article:  http://thediplomat.com/2013/02/gwadar-and-the-string-of-pearls/ Pakistan “guns over butter” military over economic Pak has nuclear weapons but yet to achieve a reliable source of energy  [thediplomat] Pakistan economic policy dominated by: desire to maintain a military-industrial complex capable of competing against India but real boosts to Pak economy are:  agriculture, chemicals, textiles & manufactured goods (tradable on global market) [thediplomat] Pakistan = access to Indian Ocean = good access to markets, East & West = interl reach> diaspora = 3rd largest English-speaking pop in world Pak *failure w/in political sphere to respond to Taliban + reactionaries *rampant inflation *serious lack of currency reserves http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/the-pakistan-china-corridor --------------------- COMMENT Found this very interesting.  Very good articles.

Foreign Service Updates - Turkey Protests - Thailand Deportation - Uighurs, China

TURKEY Issue: = Uighur Muslims: Turkic-speaking, Muslim minority = Uighurs in Xinjiang - at 10 million = China crackdown in region re rising violence - ISLAMIST SEPARATISTS  = Xinjiang region, China Turkey protests = results in: anti-Chinese & anti-Thai demonstration / property damage of Thailand consulate = results in: temporary closure of Thailand’s embassy in Ankara & consulate in Istanbul = Uighurs enter Turkey in hope of settlement = Uighurs 400 - detained Thailand for illegal entry = tussle between Turkey & China re where Uighurs should be settled Thailand = 100 Uighurs were deported to China on Wed Turkey earlier group of 172 Uighur (women & children) sent to Turkey, late June Deportation of Chinese national to China = condemnation: United States rights groups UN Istanbul protest Forcible return to China from: Cambodia Malaysia Pakistan UN says: deportation was a violation of international law see - principle of non-refoulement = prohibition transfer to a place where at risk of rights abuses Thailand: defended the legal status of the repatriation  =  China had “guaranteed their safety” =  “If found innocent they will be released” SOURCE http://nation.com.pk/international/11-Jul-2015/thai-embassy-closed-in-turkey-after-protest-against-deported-uighurs  --------------------- COMMENT TRAVEL WARNING - ASIANS Asian tourist attacked by pro-Uighur protesters in Ankara    Violence, separatism & violent protest (that often sparks like violent protest in other Muslim communities) seems to be a pattern of the Muslim mindset.

Foreign Service Updates - Rwanda Intelligence - Kenya Kidnapping

Kenya KIDNAPPED: Jean Chrysostome Ntirugiribambe (Rwandan nat.) = investigator of key defence cases at UN tribunal for Rwanda - International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) ALLEGEDLY amid mounting evidence Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s intel services behind the abduction *crackdown on Rwandan refugees & dissidents *8mths after Kenya kidnapping of another high profile Rwandan asylum seeker {Emile Gafirita} *Emile Gafirita was to testify French enquiry - 1994 downing plane carrying fmr Rwandan president / event genocide spark Allegation kidnapping facilitated by: 1) Lt Col James Burabyo = military attaché at the Rwandan embassy Uganda (under the instructions of Jack Nziza) 2) Francis Mutiganda, external intelligence services chief Jack Nziza = “... notorious figure that has worked in Rwandan intelligence for decades and played a crucial role in killing, abducting and torturing perceived opponents of Kagame” ------- Lt Colonel Mutiganda = purportedly much-feared individual = recently worked in UN peacekeeping = oversees Rwanda external intelligence = allegedly directed a killing squad in Rwanda Rwanda external intelligence: = purportedly: “... long suspected of carrying out murderous operations abroad in conjunction with Rwandan embassies.” UN department of peacekeeping DPKO = did not vet properly = DPKO unwilling to fire Mutiganda b/c Rwanda troop contributions to peacekeeping op Mutiganda & Nziza work under authority of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Lt General Karenzi Karake = head of NISS = was arrested London last month on a European arrest warrant issued by a Spanish court = Karake now faces possible extradition to Spain for having allegedly organized the murders of three Spanish nationals in the late 1990s in Rwanda. = also is accused of having ordered large-scale massacres of Hutu civilians following the genocide. SOURCE http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/another-rwandan-is-kidnapped-in-africa-kagame-agents-suspected/article/438050 --------------------- COMMENT *** Karake got arrested on an EAW in London / Tzipi Livni (Israel) avoided arrest for alleged war crimes - three (3) times, incl. In London

Foreign Service Updates

More on Uruguay Protest Ex-Gitmo Detainees In Uruguay Protest At US Embassy - inadequate deal in exchange asylum https://knpr.org/npr/2015-04/ex-gitmo-detainees-uruguay-protest-us-embassy Uruguay Protest USA 5 out of 6 ex-Guantanamo Bay inmates relocated to Uruguay have camped outside of US embassy After 15-years of abuse in military prison / seek compensation. USG says:  no obligation /detained under law of war http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ex-Guantanamo-Inmates-Continue-Protest-at-Uruguays-US-Embassy-20150502-0016.html Biden Declares War on Iran VP Joe Biden: US will go to war to keep Iran from going nuclear "... said that President Barack Obama had authorized military preparations in the event of a decision to strike Iran." “No such policy existed before president Obama uttered it, that all instruments of American power to prevent — not contain — a nuclear armed Iran would be used ,” Biden said. “He made sure that our military had the capacity and the ability to execute the mission if required.” http://www.jta.org/2015/04/30/news-opinion/united-states/auto-draft-87 Iran - Re Seized Danish Ship - Maersk Tigris cargo ship, Maersk Tigris - seizure re commercial dispute / ship will be released after settlement of debts http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/04/30/408877/Iran-Maersk-carg-vessel-denmark-US Maersk Tigris - appeal court has ruled Maersk Line to pay $3.6 million http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-navy-starts-to-accompany-us-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz-759666 USA - Strait of Hormuz US Navy ships started accompanying US-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thu http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-navy-starts-to-accompany-us-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz-759666 Philippines US poured $20-m into Philippines’ National Coast Watch Centre, Manila 24-hr maritime info ops ties together over dozen stations + sensors, & ships of Coast Guard comprehensive monitoring vessels near Philippine waters Philipinnes Objection filed w UN tribunal Hague / reclamation projects by China in disputed territories South China Sea Philippines filed challenge: under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea {PHL seek US support re reclamation} http://globalnation.inquirer.net/122188/us-pours-20m-into-ph-coast-watch-center/ Saudi Arabia intends to increase number of SA doctors receiving US training initiative to make SA attractive location for medical tourism [Sounds like there's money to be made in Saudi Arabia healtcare] http://www.arabnews.com/news/740341 Jean Chrétien - Russia Former PM of Canada visited Putin Moscow Thu. slap to the govt of PM Stephen Harper Def Min Jason Kenney no brief /mysask US Sec State John Kerry currently SriLanka Then off to:  Nairobi  Kenya   Sri Lanka Secretary of State John Kerry arrives.  Scheduled to lay foundation for the new US Embassy in Colombo  1st Sec State visit in decade former govt of Mahinda Rajapaksa was tilted towards China x3 UN resolutions against SL http://www.colombopage.com/archive_15A/May02_1430541070CH.php Africa Burundi x3 killed grenade attacks on police 600 arrested Pres election:  June 26 Social Media etc lockdown http://www.globalpost.com/article/6535439/2015/05/01/burundi-says-600-arrested-over-protests-three-killed-attacks Burundi landlocked, S-E Africa Twa, Hutu + Tutsi Germany colony ceded to Belgium post WWI civil war mid. 20thC - independence 1966 Christian population at 80–90%, with Roman Catholics representing largest group at 60–65% "Burundi population growth rate is 2.5 percent per year, more than double the average global pace, and a Burundian woman has on average 6.3 children, nearly triple the international fertility rate." "Subsistence agriculture accounts for 90% of agriculture." Lowest GDP per capita in the world. Densely populated. Hungriest country in world in terms of percentage /wikipedia 1972 mass killings of Hutus by Tutsi-dominated army 1993 mass killings of Tutsis by the Hutu majority *Looks like biggest issue may be ethnic Pierre Nkurunziza President of Burundi since 2005 attempt to stand 3rd consecutive term, a problem dissident crackdown http://www.globalpost.com/article/6535439/2015/05/01/burundi-says-600-arrested-over-protests-three-killed-attacks Burundi 2014 - Nkurunziza banned jogging, due to "fears it was being used as a cover for subversion." Nkurunziza's allies say his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament & not directly by the ppl /wikipedia Libya / Qorvis (MLS Group) Libya embassy in WA cancels $1 million PR contract w  Qorvis (MLS Group) b/c also signed  Qatar’s Al-Jazeera Libya - this is the Western backed govt Media say Qatar accused of supporting  GNC/Libya Dawn / Tripoli Libya Embassy "used to have two PR companies in [Washington] DC, which is often very essential for embassies to do in DC”. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/05/02/libyan-embassy-in-washington-cancels-us-1-million-pr-contract/ Qorvis WA PR firm 2014  Publicis Groupe {a French multinational} Saudi Arabia hired Qorvis to improve its image post 9-11 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qorvis market & consumer research, media training & grassroots lobbying service "Qorvis criticized by human rights groups for representing rogue govts such as Bahrain." [Wikipedia] Pakistan Senior diplomats accused of sending convicted prisoners from Bangkok to Pakistan refused to meet Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Pakistan - persons convicted of serious crimes brought back to Pak & freed. *Also fake Pak ID http://tribune.com.pk/story/879506/prisoner-extradition-inquiry-diplomats-refuse-to-cooperate-with-fia/ [ Had trouble understanding this article.  Pakistan's doing prisoner swaps & then freeing the exchangees? ] AUSTRALIA $US1.5 trillion ($1.9 trillion) Texas economy is virtually same size as Australia's & slightly larger population of 27 million ppl Texas = home to 52 Fortune 500 companies Austrade opens consulate general office in Houston Houston = Au. 7th diplomatic & trade post in US > embassy in WA > consulate in: *New York *Chicago *San Francisco *LA *Hawaii http://www.afr.com/news/economy/austrade-opens-consulate-general-office-in-houston-despite-oil-plunge-20150503-1mycty [ So, Texas is huge and the US is even bigger.  lol ] AUSTRALIA USG grant upgrade x Southern Cross cable network fiber optic link Oz NZ Hawaii LA Oz Hawaii Seattle http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2015/04/30/university-of-hawaii-to-strengthen-pacific.html Afghanistan - Qatar delegation from Afghanistan is headed to Qatar to hold 2 days talks with Taliban reps Since w/drawal US & NATO forces, Afghan security forces casualties have spiked. Prior dialogue attempt collapsed. "reconciliation" talks / not peace negotiations *nobody repping govt or parties / individual capacity attendance only http://www.menafn.com/1094201245/Afghanistan-Taliban-to-hold-two-days-of-talks North Korea is holding x4 South Korea nationals x2 arrested March said in interviews w CNN that they spied for South Korea's intel agency http://www.globalpost.com/article/6536760/2015/05/03/two-men-arrested-north-korea-say-they-spied-south-cnn ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ COMMENT:  THOUGHT THIS STUFF WAS INTERESTING AT THE TIME ... NOT NECESSARILY INTERESTING TO ANYONE ELSE.  LOL. IF THE TEXAS ECONOMY AND POPULATION IS VIRTUALLY THE SIZE OF AUSTRALIA'S, HOW TINY IS AUSTRALIA COMPARED TO THE US?