TOKYO MASTER BANNER

MINISTRY OF TOKYO
US-ANGLO CAPITALISMEU-NATO IMPERIALISM
Illegitimate Transfer of Inalienable European Rights via Convention(s) & Supranational Bodies
Establishment of Sovereignty-Usurping Supranational Body Dictatorships
Enduring Program of DEMOGRAPHICS WAR on Europeans
Enduring Program of PSYCHOLOGICAL WAR on Europeans
Enduring Program of European Displacement, Dismemberment, Dispossession, & Dissolution
No wars or conditions abroad (& no domestic or global economic pretexts) justify government policy facilitating the invasion of ancestral European homelands, the rape of European women, the destruction of European societies, & the genocide of Europeans.
U.S. RULING OLIGARCHY WAGES HYBRID WAR TO SALVAGE HEGEMONY
[LINK | Article]

*U.S. OLIGARCHY WAGES HYBRID WAR* | U.S. Empire's Casino Unsustainable | Destabilised U.S. Monetary & Financial System | U.S. Defaults Twice A Year | Causes for Global Financial Crisis of 2008 Remain | Financial Pyramids Composed of Derivatives & National Debt Are Growing | *U.S. OLIGARCHY WAGES HYBRID WAR* | U.S. Empire's Casino Unsustainable | Destabilised U.S. Monetary & Financial System | U.S. Defaults Twice A Year | Causes for Global Financial Crisis of 2008 Remain | Financial Pyramids Composed of Derivatives & National Debt Are Growing | *U.S. OLIGARCHY WAGES HYBRID WAR*

Who's preaching world democracy, democracy, democracy? —Who wants to make free people free?
[info from Craig Murray video appearance, follows]  US-Anglo Alliance DELIBERATELY STOKING ANTI-RUSSIAN FEELING & RAMPING UP TENSION BETWEEN EASTERN EUROPE & RUSSIA.  British military/government feeding media PROPAGANDA.  Media choosing to PUBLISH government PROPAGANDA.  US naval aggression against Russia:  Baltic Sea — US naval aggression against China:  South China Sea.  Continued NATO pressure on Russia:  US missile systems moving into Eastern Europe.     [info from John Pilger interview follows]  War Hawk:  Hillary Clinton — embodiment of seamless aggressive American imperialist post-WWII system.  USA in frenzy of preparation for a conflict.  Greatest US-led build-up of forces since WWII gathered in Eastern Europe and in Baltic states.  US expansion & military preparation HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED IN THE WEST.  Since US paid for & controlled US coup, UKRAINE has become an American preserve and CIA Theme Park, on Russia's borderland, through which Germans invaded in the 1940s, costing 27 million Russian lives.  Imagine equivalent occurring on US borders in Canada or Mexico.  US military preparations against RUSSIA and against CHINA have NOT been reported by MEDIA.  US has sent guided missile ships to diputed zone in South China Sea.  DANGER OF US PRE-EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKES.  China is on HIGH NUCLEAR ALERT.  US spy plane intercepted by Chinese fighter jets.  Public is primed to accept so-called 'aggressive' moves by China, when these are in fact defensive moves:  US 400 major bases encircling China; Okinawa has 32 American military installations; Japan has 130 American military bases in all.  WARNING PENTAGON MILITARY THINKING DOMINATES WASHINGTON. ⟴  
Showing posts with label Foreign Service Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foreign Service Updates. Show all posts

September 03, 2015

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




August 24, 2015

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
#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.













July 26, 2015

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.






July 23, 2015

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





July 13, 2015

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/
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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.




July 12, 2015

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


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


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}


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. 


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

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

---------------------
COMMENT

Found this very interesting.  Very good articles.



July 11, 2015

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


---------------------
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
---------------------
COMMENT
*** Karake got arrested on an EAW in London /

May 05, 2015

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?