WIKILEAKS: Releases December 2014

WikiLeaks Releases - Dec 2014 To Improve Assassination Operations, CIA Studies Failures of Colonial Powers to Combat Resistance http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2014/12/18/to-improve-assassination-operations-cia-studies-failures-of-colonial-powers-to-combat-resistance/ WikiLeaks Releases CIA Manual Advising Undercover Agents on Travel & Avoiding ‘Secondary Screenings’ http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2014/12/21/wikileaks-releases-cia-manual-advising-undercover-agents-how-to-evade-secondary-screenings/ Articles in relation to the new WikiLeaks releases (above). Had a quickie look at the travel article.  Undercover travel doesn't sound fun at all.  Travel is crap as it is, without worrying about covering all bases when it comes to being picked up and questioned. Don't know what to make of the 'High Value Target' assassinations article.  Should this even be a legitimate agenda of any government? The French colonists supposedly made mistakes in Algiers and through their actions wound up with popular insurgents in the occupied territory, as well as losing domestic and international support.  But I'm inclined to think that it wouldn't matter what actions the French took:  they're foreign occupiers.  Of course, the occupied people are going to support their own kind.  Why would an occupier expect to have support, apart from the support of the few at the top that they may collude with to maintain control?  I haven't read the linked documents.  It's my first impression on that subject.  But who am I to argue with the experts? If CIA want to know about suppressing revolution, they should have a chat to the British.  Think WikiLeaks put out a military manual on that subject some time ago. Yep.  UK Counter Insurgency Operations 2007.  I started a summary of types of insurrections, but didn't get far.  Why?  Just something that seemed interesting at the time.  Became one of those things that I started and forgot about. Guerilla warfare. Rural insurgents versus own government: Only x3 achieved victory in open fighting against govt regular army: China – 1949 Cuba  – 1959 Nicaragua – 1979 Think that was more of an analysis of tactics of insurgents.  Couldn't find anything about elimination of leaders.  But I only did a quickie word search.  Went back to doc for another look.  Page 70, point 18, advocates physical destruction -- but limiting the numbers to what is required to achieve ends (rather than wholesale elimination of the insurgents).  Soft methods should prevail, to avoid negative consequences. It goes on to say that physical attrition course has blow-back and the consequence is that the costs lead to domestic displeasure.  Maybe that's why drones are so popular. "Hearts and Minds campaign" is a really sick phrase, when you consider that this is ultimately just a game of domination and exploitation. Almost all of the the population (90%) will be neutral, according to UK estimates.  At  the beginning of the campaign this mob will support whoever is strongest.  It is this bunch of sheep that need to be won over. Targeting the support networks is key to bringing down the insurgent -- it's vital, as it then exposes the insurgent group to vulnerabilities. Captured support network members make the best informants on the insurgent group. This is really fascinating, but I'm going to have to stop here.  Not up for over 200 pages of reading at the moment. No, wait. There's more.  Discovered 'neutralising' insurgents.  No wonder my word search didn't reap results.  I was looking for 'assassination'. Scrolling through, I must have missed the neutralising bits.  Couldn't be bothered persevering.  The propaganda section looks really interesting, though.  Black, grey, white, cohesive and divisive are the spin choices. Black - held out as being from some fake source (true source withheld). Grey - doesn't identify a source. White - source out in the open & acknowledged. Cohesive - targets the neutral / uncommitted. Divisive - targets the hostile. While checking out counter-insurgency strategies, it's hard not to be confronted by the might of the machinery that rules the masses.  People have no hope.  People can't resist armies.  Armies are there to control the people; to put a stop to any resistance.  Revolutions are seldom successful without the outside assistance of a sympathetic state.  So imagine the degree of planning and work that was put into the US backed Ukraine coup.

Israel - Palestine Conflict: Mads Gilbert & Noam Chomsky

ISRAEL / PALESTINE MADS GILBERT Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZzIf7Bk8CHM Talk to Al Jazeera - Mads Gilbert:  'People are questioning Israel' Mads Gilbert is a convincing voice for Palestine and it's worthwhile taking the time to view this video, which is from the perspective of a medical professional that has long been active in helping people in Palestine. Gilbert says that, according to international law, an occupied people have the right to take up arms to defend themselves.  That isn't something the mainstream media makes clear.  In fact, I think that's the first time I've ever heard anybody say that. It is also illegal to occupy a people!  Wow, I didn't even know that. During this interview, Gilbert calls into question the Israeli narrative of Israel as a people under attack. Gilbert goes on to say that the solution is a political one rather than a military one. NOAM CHOMSKY Which takes me back to another video that I watched about Palestine and Israel - Noam Chomsky's UN speech: Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2LNyZ6NNeE Noam Chomsky at UN (Oct 14th, 2014)  "Solutions To The Israel-Palestine Conflict" It's worthwhile taking the time to watch the Noam Chomsky video  because he explains the ways in which a political solution has been dodged. Watched this video some time ago and summarised some of the points Chomsky made during the first half hour or so of the video.   Summary below: Israel-Palestine conflict: general outlines of a diplomatic solution has been clear for at least 40 years. Resolution brought before UN 1976 called for two-state settlement internationally recognised border which guarantees rights of both states 1976 resolution brought to UN by 3 major Arab states -- Egypt, Jordan, Syria ('the Confrontation States') 1976 UN resolution -- Israel refused to attend the session. Resolution vetoed by US. 1976 UN Resolution> US veto typically DOUBLE-VETO  1) Non-implementation Resolution  2) Event vetoed from history .. 1976 UN Resolution> Israel refusal to attend + US veto of implementation of Resolution (& from history) SET PATTERN SINCE 1976 UN Resolution> most recent US VETO 2011 #Obama - vetoed implementation 4 official US policy / for opp. to expansion of settlements Opposition to expansion of settlements >*expansion* not issue / issue is illegal *settlements* + infrastructure projects for long time, overwhelming international consensus in support of a [illegal] settlement along these general lines UN pattern set 1976 continues to the present /Israel rejects settlement of terms with unremitting & decisive support of US UN pattern set 1976 continues with unremitting & decisive support of US -- military, economic, diplomatic & ideological pattern continues with support of US, establishing how conflict viewed & interpreted in US & within US sphere of influence pattern> ceasefire, Israel disregards >continues assault on Gaza, incl. continued siege, intermittent violence, settlement &  development. pattern> Hamas observe ceasefire until Israel escalation elicits Hamas response >Israel exercises 'mowing the lawn'  [ie military offensive against Palestinians] pattern > Israel 'mowing the lawn'  [ie military offensive against Palestinians] > each episode more fierce & destructive than the last -- in a series Agreement on Movement & Access Nov 2005, called for crossing between Gaza & Egypt (Rafah) 2005 Agreement > for export of goods & transit of people , continuous op of crossings between Israel & Gaza 4 import/export + transit of people 2005 Agreement > called for reduction of obstacles to movement w/in the West Bank, bus & truck convoys between West Bank & Gaza ... 2005 Agreement > called for the building of a sea port in Gaza, the reopening of airport in Gaza (that Israel had destroyed) Terms of 2005 Movement & Access Agreement are essentially terms of successive ceasefires, incl. one reached few weeks ago. 2005 Agreement timing significant > it was moment of Israel's disengagement from Gaza & removal several thousand Israeli settlers 2005 Israel disengagement stated goal was the FREEZING of the peace process to prevent establishment of Palestinian state 2005 Israel disengagement stated goal was to ensure that diplomacy has been removed indefinitely from agenda ... Israel-Palestine:'05 Israel disengagement reality:  ruined territory not released for even single day from Israel military grip or occupation '05 Israel disengagement stated reality - Israel left behind scorched earth, devastated services & people with no present or future 2005 Israel disengagement stated reality: settlements were destroyed in an ungenerous move by an unenlightened occupier 2005 Israel disengagement >occupier continues to control territory kill & harass inhabitants >means of formidable military might Oslo Accords established 20 years ago >> Gaza & West Bank are INDIVISIBLE TERRITORIAL UNITY > integrity cannot be broken up For 20 years US & Israel dedicated to separating Gaza & West Bank in VIOLATION of the ACCORDS they had ACCEPTED Separation of Gaza & West bank look at map explains why: Gaza offers only access to outside world to Palestine. if Gaza is separated from the West Bank whatever autonomy it might be granted in West Bank would be imprisoned. September. West Bank = Imprisoned; Israel on one side & hostile Jordan (ally of  Israel)  on other and Israel-US Jordan valley takeover Israel's slow & steady US-backed policy is to take over Jordan Valley, about 1/3 of West Bank & much of arable land Jordan Valley take-over is major geostrategic reason for Israel with US backing INSISTENCE on SEPARATING Gaza & West Bank Jan 2006 = first full free election in the Arab world (monitored & recognised) occurred> HAMAS won control of Parliament Hamas win election result in 2006 was not what US & Israel wanted 2006 Hamas win of Parliament good test of US 'democracy promotion' agenda > Fail: Palestine harsh siege instituted US/IS following 2006 Hamas win of Parliament, US began to immediately organise a military coup - as per standard US record post 2006 election, US organised military coup >> to its shame & discredit, European Union went along with this. sounds like the punishment, violence, US arranged coup (accepted by EU) led to Israeli escalation + end to Nov 2005 Agreement 2007 Hamas committed even greater crime than winning fair election; it pre-empted planned military coup & took over Gaza! 2007 elected Hamas PREVENTING US-arranged coup is described in West as Hamas taking Gaza over by 'force'. Hamas preventing planned & US-arranged military coup against the Hamas elected government led to substantial attacks on Gaza. Jan 2008 another. ceasefire reached. Similar to 2005 terms. Israel publicly rejected ceasefire. Hamas observed the ceasefire. one-sided ceasefire cont. to Nov 4, 2008 - day of US election - Israeli forces invaded Gaza & killed Hamas militants ... Nov 2008 Israel attack on Gaza led 2 rocket fire on Israel, a huge Israeli response, lots killings: Palestinians, as usual mid Dec 2008, Hamas offer to renew the ceasefire, Israeli doveish Cabinet rejected & launched next military op 'Cast Lead' 2008 Israel Op 'Cast Lead' >> horrible Op .. caused substantial international reaction, investigation: UN, Amnesty, Human Rights Watch 2008 Israel Op 'Cast Lead'  >> precisely timed to end before  #Obama inauguration .. so Obama didn't have to respond. no comment / let's forget about the past & look to the future is standard slogan for those engaged in serious crime Jan 8, 2009 >> UN Resolution passed (US abstaining) >> calling for immediate cease-fire with usual terms - NEVER OBSERVED > UN ceasefire Resolution of Jan 8, 2009 > broke down completely w. next episode of 'mowing the lawn' in Nov. 2012 >Nov. 2012 'mow the lawn' [ie military offensive against Palestinians] >> get good sense what going on looking @ casualty figures: 79 killed / 78 of them Palestinians The above points were summarised weeks ago, and this is one of the things I didn't get around to finishing.  Hopefully it makes sense. I thought the Chomsky UN video was amazing.  It explains in simple terms what's really going on, which was a revelation to me, as I'm new to politics and as you don't get this sort of information from mainstream media.  [Excuse any typos.  Another all-nighter, no sleep.  Getting to be a baaaaad habit.]

USA: Angola and Rawanda

Whenever I see that people have checked out the blog I get really anxious, because I'm aware that among my posts there's most likely a fair bit of crap conclusions I've drawn, particularly when I first began the blog ... with the zeal of a thousand manic bloggers. Seriously, I knew next to nothing about politics and I was forever confusing Libya and Syria.  The knowledge I have remains limited.  I know trivia from all over, but I don't have a good, solid understanding of any one country.  Feel a bit guilty about my not so pleasant posts about political figures (kind of like I do whenever I'm not nice on twitter), but I'm going to let things stand as they are rather than edit, even though I'll sound like a dick. Seem to be going nowhere with the posting.  Get some draft form thing happening, but I like to 'work' in one hit (it's never the same going back).  But as I leave the drafting until I'm just about ready to drop, there's not much drive left in me and it all sort of gets set aside for editing that somehow doesn't eventuate. Also, some things that I feel really strongly about at the time aren't that big a deal down the track.  Which is just as well. Spent the night fiddling with something , even though I was mean to get some zzz's.  Why is there never enough time in the day?  It is such a horrible feeling to feel time racing and slipping away like it seems to, while you remain at a sort of standstill feeling like you're striving for something -- but never getting anywhere. What's even worse than that?  Knowing it's a crazy-lady pursuit. Addiction to news information is a weird addition to have. What news did I find interesting? ANGOLA | RAWANDA #Angola Foreign Minister saw John Kerry to discuss Syria, Israel, Palestine, #Ukraine& 'challenges'  Angola to face as new member #UNSC. #Angola appears to have some role in peacemaking re 'Great Lakes crisis'/ Kerry brings up #Congo violence against women. Shared obligations. #Angola #Congo Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) - No. 1 threat to stability in region [Kerry] - http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/464957.html #Rawanda US supports ending threat of the FDLR, incl "demobilization & robust military efforts" [John Kerry] - http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/464957.html Demobilisation =  process of standing down nation's armed forces from combat-ready status by (1) peaceful resolution OR  (2) victory in war. Democratic Forces for the Liberation of #Rwanda = has 6 months to surrender gracefully - expires January 2nd, 2015 #Rawanda If FDLR do not surrender 2/1/15: DRC military (ie Congo) & #UN 'peacekeeping' mission must act to end FDLR threat once & for all. #Angola - #USA "On issue after issue, our interests are aligning like never before" [John Kerry] - http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/464957.html #Angola & #USA collaboration: >maritime security >combating piracy >combating illegal fishing >discussion: human trafficking [newsroomamerica] #Angola To join Chemical Weapons Convention, a 'treaty of conscience'; duration 100 years. [John Kerry] Kerry brings up #Syria & removal of 'chemical weapons' from Syria. Mentions Daesh. Removal ' providential choice'. MIRACLE! #Angola US investments improving business climate & integration AND "leveraging Angola’s leadership" [John Kerry] http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/464957.html Port of Luanda energy companies are presumably responsible for this 'leveraging' LOL ... Kerry mentions visit to execs. #USA African Growth & Opportunity Act /AGOA = trade preferences 4 quota & duty-free entry to US Criticism: dominated by oil & raw materials #Angola US sphere via AGOA (raw materials to US, primarily OIL) & TIFA (pre Free Trade Agreement) - http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/464957.html 2013 #Angola produced 1.8 million barrels per day Total, Chevron, ExxonMobil & BP - deepwater fields http://www.eia.gov/countries/cab.cfm?fips=ao #Angola - economy dependent on oil production. Oil revenue accounted for almost 80% of total govt revenue 2011. [IMF] #Angola High dependence oil revenue (2011 @ 80%, IMF) = vulnerable to oil price volatility. Oil export revenues = $68 billion (2012) #Angola #Lucapa Interest = Chevron Chevron (& oil industry generally ) 'leveraging' Angola regional leadership. -- http://www.eia.gov/countries/cab.cfm?fips=ao What I see here is a state that is very much dependent on oil companies and appears close to USA, who seems to be (along with oil companies, most likely), promoting Angola as a regional leader. What has Angola got to do with Ukraine?  Nothing, aside from Angola being a member of the UNSC.  Hey, that's in favour of the US.  Angola can vote how the US votes and everybody's happy.  Well, US energy is. Chemical weapons and Syria got a mention, just to reinforce the US narrative.  Otherwise, it would have been enough to merely state that Angola's coming the Chemical Weapons Convention party. Sounds like there's a declaration of war against Rawanda.  Democratic Forces for the Liberation has until 2 January to disarm, or else.  Kerry says: 'peacekeeping' mission must act to end FDLR threat once & for all. So that sounds like an or 'else threat' to me and the 'once and for all' sounds ominous. This is the laziest blogging ever.  Really, should check to see who the group is that's being targeted.  It may not necessarily be a war on the country; it could just be a group of insurgents. No sleep and ready to drop, so I'm over look-ups.  It was just something I thought I'd quickly share.  Big day ahead of me, with no sleep.  Uh-oh.  This could turn out badly. ----------------------------------------------- ADDENDUM Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda Rwandan Hutu rebel group in east of Congo. aka FDLR after its original French name: Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda. [Source:  Wikipedia]

Cuba's Going Down

Total overdose of information.  Winding down. Big news for a while has been the Sony Hack.  Don't know what the big deal is, save that it's amusing. CUBA Other big news is US moving towards being 'pals' with Cuba. US plans to reopen its embassy in Havana & US to significantly ease restrictions on travel and commerce. >> http://bernews.com/2014/12/cuba/ OBAMA: "today we are making these changes because it is the right thing to do". Anyone who believes the US does anything because it's the 'right thing to do' is an idiot.  There's got to be some agenda here. It appears the Vatican is still involving itself in politics. Vatican has long supported US-CUBA "normalisation of relations"  -- http://www.aleteia.org/en/world/article/the-churchs-long-standing-interest-in-normalizing-us-cuba-relations-5881514080337920 Sounds like USA getting foothold in Cuba through manipulation of religion / Catholic Church. US politicians speak out against closer ties with ‘Castro regime’ - http://on.rt.com/7wfprw Cuba Opposed US politicians: >John McCain >Lindsey Graham >Jeb Bush >Robert Menendez >Ted Cruz > House Speaker John Boehner also jumped on-board criticising US move to 'normalise' relations with Cuba >Florida Gov. Rick Scott is sharply criticizing Obama over his plans to normalise relations with Cuba --  http://www.bradenton.com/2014/12/17/5537543/gov-scott-rips-president-obama.html All this opposition is for show.  Don't be coy, guys, you know you want Cuba.  Meanwhile, Ecuador celebrates the decision to free x3 Cuban heroes from US prison & looks forward to new regional relations --  http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ecuador-Celebrates-Freedom-of-Cuban-5-20141217-0049.html Cuban5  >>  x3 released in exchange for the release of USAID contractor Alan Gross - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ecuador-Celebrates-Freedom-of-Cuban-5-20141217-0049.html Obama's annual Hanukkah White House bash: small acts can make miracles ... Cuban5 -- Obama tied themes of Hanukkah to return of Alan Gross, a Jewish-American released by Cuba after five years in captivity.  >>   http://www.kjrh.com/news/national/obama-on-hanukkah-says-small-acts-can-make-miracles_06062097_ Call me cynical, but I think Obama might be hustling some Jewish votes for the Democrats.  UNNAMED US SPY: Cuba is releasing unnamed US spy imprisoned for nearly 20 years - http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20141217/ARTICLES/141219887?Title=Cuba-releasing-spy-for-US-in-move-to-restore-ties UNNAMED US SPY TO BE RELEASED: 1.  provided information:  identification & conviction of Ana Belen Montes (former senior analyst at the Defence Intelligence Agency).  Montes arrested in 2001 on charges of spying for Cuba -  serving a 25-year prison sentence. 2. helped prosecute:  retired State Department intelligence analyst Walter Kendall Myers & his wife, Gwendolyn, convicted in 2010 of spying for Cuba & are serving life in prison without parole. Unnamed US spy: Instrumental in US Cuba spy convictions: >Ana Belen Montes - 25yrs sentence >Walter Kendall Myers - 30yrs sentence >Gwendolyn Myers (wife) - 30yrs sentence Another Blogger's view (akahnnyc):  US goal in Cuba is eradication of Cuban Revolution & destruction of independent sovereign socialism. US embassy in Havana is a post for WA spooks to guide hand-picked neo-liberal "reformers" to seize control of a neutered Communist Party. Cuba be advised to stand by for a "sick, twisted Communist Disneyland" & no healthcare, education or social safety net. Will Cuba allow quicksand of imperialism & capitalism to envelop them, by not assuring future of socialism in Cuba? Slippery slope destruction of socialism:  US empire may count future successes as children beg in the streets outside Sheraton hotel in downtown Havana. USA - charge d’affaires: USA career foreign-service officer, at US mission Cuba -- Jeffrey DeLaurentis -- gets promotion to charge d’affaires   >>  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/18/our-man-in-havana-for-real.html Jeffrey DeLaurentis described as: >career foreign-service officer >measured & cautious diplomat >businesslike >Prior Cuba & UN experience. It looks as though "Democracy in the Americas" has been lobbying for US policy change, from a humanitarian angle  >>  http://www.democracyinamericas.org/cuba/ And it looks like CIA is all over Cuba: CIA - USAID's secret Cuban hip-hop project - http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7c275c134f1b4a0ca3428929fcece82d/us-co-opted-cubas-hip-hop-scene-spark-change US focus in Cuba is to continue to improve human rights & democratic reforms, with the stated aim of:   political, economic & social freedoms.  Same humanitarian pretext.  No word on any other aims, of course. Voice of America & Radio Marti  International Broadcasting Bureau - CIA spin-off Runs Voice of America & Radio Marti propaganda for subverting Cuba’s communist regime *Now operates under the Broadcasting Board of Governors Pando  -  http://pando.com/2014/07/16/tor-spooks/ PREVIOUSLY UNIDENTIFIED US SPY TRADED, NOW NAMED: Rolando “Roly” Sarraff Trujillo cryptography expert for Cubans - http://www.matthewaid.com/post/105516524231/our-man-in-havana-rolando-roly-sarraff-trujillo "only thing that saved him from execution was the fact that both his parents were retired senior intelligence officers" ... and maybe the fact that you can't trade dead spies. Although I'm curious why US would want him.  Not sure what practical use a busted spy is.  After 20 years in prison, the cryptography skills might be a bit rusty. Terrorism Obama has initiated review of  Cuba designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. [John Kerry] US Cuba Recipe: * NGO - Humanitarian Spin * Religious leverage * Media / Communications influence * CIA meddling * USAID spies So what does this mean?  Looks like this is the beginning of the end.  Che Guevara died for nothing.  No cause is worth dying for. [Excuse typos or if this doesn't make sense.  Sleep deprivation.  Totally wrecked.]

Video: Come Out Ye Black and Tans

Played this heaps today.  Very moving. INLA, IRA Irish Freedom Fighters Wolfe tones - Come Out Ye Black and Tans I was born on a Dublin street where the Loyal drums do beat And those loving English feet they walked all over us, And every single night when me da'd come home tight He'd invite the neighbours outside with this chorus:   Come out ye black and tans,  Come out and fight me like a man  Show your wife how you won medals down in Flanders  Tell her how the IRA made you run like hell away,  From the green and lovely lanes of  Killashandra. Come let us hear you tell How you slammed the great Pernell, When you fought 'em well and truly persecuted, Where are the smears and jeers That you loudly let us hear When our leaders of '16 were executed.   Come out ye black and tans,  Come out and fight me like a man  Show your wife how you won medals down in Flanders  Tell her how the IRA made you run like hell away,  From the green and lovely lanes of  Killashandra.  Come tell us how you slew Them ol' Arabs two-by-two Like the Zulus they had spears and bow and arrows, How you bravely you faced one With your sixteen pounder gun And you frightened them damned natives to their marrow.   Come out ye black and tans,  Come out and fight me like a man  Show your wife how you won medals down in Flanders  Tell her how the IRA made you run like hell away,  From the green and lovely lanes of  Killashandra. Now the time is coming fast And I think them days are here, When each English yeoman here run before us, And if there'll be a need Then our kids will say, "Godspeed!" With a verse or two of singing this fine chorus.   Come out ye black and tans,  Come out and fight me like a man  Show your wife how you won medals down in Flanders  Tell her how the IRA made you run like hell away,  From the green and lovely lanes of  Killashandra.

Chelsea Manning - Birthday (17 December)

USA Whistleblower CHELSEA MANNNING HAPPY BIRTHDAY Born: December 17, 1987 (age 27 years) http://manningfamilyfund.org/ http://pardon.privatemanning.org/ https://twitter.com/savemanning http://www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/chelseamanning

20 DEC 1989 - USA INVASION OF PANAMA

ARTICLE  December 15, 2014 The Proclamation Of A Lone Superpower Above The Law The Invasion Of Panama by MATT PEPPE http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/15/the-invasion-of-panama/ .................................... COMMENT / NOTES Thought this was a very good article. Below is what I got out of it: US had large Panama-stationed military force:  18 bases. Occupied Panama Canal Zone territory = sovereign US territory until 1979. Scheduled hand-over of Panama Canal: Partial ... transfer in 1990 Full ......... transfer in 2000 *Control over vital strategic asset at issue.  Military occupier US at advantage. Applicable Panama (& any target) USA modus operandi in pursuit aggressive agenda: 1) disseminate propaganda about “human rights abuses” 2) accuse govt / leader of heinous deed/s 3) provoke the target to elicit pretext for invasion / aggression. 4) on eliciting response, launch planned attack. Note:  as in Panama case, human rights abuse overlooked while US maintains grip. Brutal tyrants are friends ... until they commit the 'crime of independence', when they become US agenda villains. Panama US Invasion: UNSC passed a resolution condemning invasion. US joined by allies #UK & #France – vetoed it. Dangerous precedent set. USA Panama Invasion set stage for:  Iraq (1) Somalia (1) Serbia NATO bombing Iraq (2)  Afghanistan  Iraq (3)  Pakistan  Libya  Somalia (2)  Yemen  Iraq (4)  Syria Human rights language appropriated by USA: “humanitarian intervention” became new propaganda tool to justify military aggression. New humanitarian ethos = ideological weapons to (domestically & internationally) justify & legitimise USA aggressive global strategies. Aggressive War  Panama - USA INVASION 1989 = aggression against SOVEREIGN NATION Nuremberg Trials defined 'aggressive war':  evil punishable by death. USA1989 Invasion of PANAMA - act against sovereign nation, evil punishable by death yet George HW Bush: enjoys a luxurious retirement. considered by mainstream USA political opinion-makers a "foreign policy moderate". Source:  http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/15/the-invasion-of-panama/ Wow, that last bit is rather scary.  [*Need to learn to summarise better.  Most of the summary form is the author's words.]