Month: January 2010

US Night Raids and Secret Prisons Anger Afghan Civilians

An investigative report published on TomDispatch.com about U.S. forces’ operations in Afghanistan paints a gruesome picture of surprise night raids, indiscriminate killing and random detention of civilians during those raids, as well as what appears to be widespread use of torture of Afghan detainees. The story by Anand Gopal, dated Jan. 28 and to be … Continue reading “US Night Raids and Secret Prisons Anger Afghan Civilians”

Friday: 1 US Soldier, 2 Iraqis Killed; 6 Iraqis Wounded

At least two Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in light prayer day violence. Also, a U.S. soldier died of non-combat injuries; the death is under investigation. Meanwhile, Tony Blair testified at the Iraq Inquiry, two American tourists were arrested in Mosul, and the southern clans may boycott upcoming elections.

‘Lost Tribe’ on Fast Track to Israel

The Israeli government is reported to have quietly approved the fast-track immigration of 7,000 members of a supposedly “lost Jewish” tribe, known as the Bnei Menashe, currently living in a remote area of India.  Under the plan, the “lost Jews” would be brought to Israel over the next two years by right-wing and religious organizations … Continue reading “‘Lost Tribe’ on Fast Track to Israel”

Thursday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded

At least seven Iraqis were killed, including a suspected al-Qaeda operative, and 21 more were wounded in new violence. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani said the controversial ADE-651 bomb detector would be removed from service if tests prove it to be useless. Also, Britain awaits the testimony of former-Prime Minster Tony Blair tomorrow at the Iraq Inquiry.

Iran Sanctions, ‘Regime Change,’ Take Center Stage

With the Senate set to take up major sanctions legislation against Iran by mid-February, neo-conservative and other hawks are calling on the administration of President Barack Obama to pursue a more aggressive course of "regime change" in Tehran. In recent days, their call was unexpectedly bolstered by a Newsweek column authored by the president of … Continue reading “Iran Sanctions, ‘Regime Change,’ Take Center Stage”