TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese government reports that trace amounts of radioactive iodine were detected in tap water in Tokyo and five other areas, amid concerns about leaks from a damaged nuclear power plant.
A government ministry reported Saturday that small amounts of the iodine was found in tap water in Tokyo and five other prefectures. The ministry says the amounts did not exceed government safety limits but usual tests show no iodine.
But the findings add to public concerns about radiation leaking from the Fukushima nuclear power plant crippled by the earthquake and tsunami.
/
TOKYO — The government said Saturday that it had found higher than normal levels of radioactive materials in spinach and milk at farms near the ravaged nuclear power plants, the first confirmation by officials that the nuclear catastrophe unfolding at power plants nearby has affected the nation’s food supply.
/snip/
Food safety inspectors said that the amount of iodine-131 found in the tested milk was five times higher than levels deemed safe. They said that the iodine found in the spinach was more than seven times higher. The spinach also contained slightly higher amounts of cesium-137.
/snip/
“Everything that we are going through now is a lot scarier than the bombing attacks during World War II,” she said. “I’m not going to believe the government because I don’t think only spinach from Ibaraki will be affected.”
Radiation contaminated milk and spinach at farms near Nuke meltdown site
Fatboy sez: What. Me Worry?
2011-03-19
2011-03-18
Saudi Arabia
At least ten protesters were injured after Saudi forces used batons to disperse the demonstrators peacefully marching to show solidarity with Shias in Bahrain.
Saudi forces beat peaceful Saudi demonstrators
Saudi forces beat peaceful Saudi demonstrators
Yemen
The violence began almost immediately after the protesters’ noon prayers, conducted en masse in the street. As they rose, government supporters in plain clothes opened fire from rooftops and windows, while security forces at the south end of the protest fired guns and a water cannon, apparently in an effort to keep demonstrators from moving further into the center of the capital.
Yemen Authorities shoot peaceful protestors as they arise from their prayers
Yemen Authorities shoot peaceful protestors as they arise from their prayers
Pakistan Next?
As I monitor the public anger building up in Pakistan over what growing sections of the people see as the bullying tactics adopted by the US Government to secure the release and departure to the US of Raymond Davis a member of the staff of either the US Consulate-General in Lahore or the US Embassy in Islamabad (one does not know which), who allegedly shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore on January 27, 2011, I am no longer that certain that there cannot be an uprising in Pakistan
Is Pakistan Next to Join the People's Uprising
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's army chief strongly condemned a U.S. drone attack that killed more than three dozen people Thursday, saying the missiles struck a peaceful meeting of tribal elders near the Afghan border.
The accusation by Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani — which was denied by a U.S. official — adds tension to a relationship already strained by the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis by a CIA contractor who was freed Wednesday following a contentious deal to pay millions in "blood money" to the men's families.
U.S.Drone Attack Kills 38 Tribal Elders
The Pakistan-India-United States triangle is a dysfunctional triangular configuration with no strategic convergence existing between the three nations and no vision of a united purpose to jointly achieve political and strategic ends...
This Paper intends to dwell on the examination of the Kayani Factor under the following heads as to how false it is for both the United States and India to bet on the Pakistan Army Chief that he would effectively contribute to a peace process between India and Pakistan and how truly he would deliver on United States strategic interests in Afghanistan and overall in South Asia:
The Kayani Factor
Is Pakistan Next to Join the People's Uprising
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's army chief strongly condemned a U.S. drone attack that killed more than three dozen people Thursday, saying the missiles struck a peaceful meeting of tribal elders near the Afghan border.
The accusation by Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani — which was denied by a U.S. official — adds tension to a relationship already strained by the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis by a CIA contractor who was freed Wednesday following a contentious deal to pay millions in "blood money" to the men's families.
U.S.Drone Attack Kills 38 Tribal Elders
The Pakistan-India-United States triangle is a dysfunctional triangular configuration with no strategic convergence existing between the three nations and no vision of a united purpose to jointly achieve political and strategic ends...
This Paper intends to dwell on the examination of the Kayani Factor under the following heads as to how false it is for both the United States and India to bet on the Pakistan Army Chief that he would effectively contribute to a peace process between India and Pakistan and how truly he would deliver on United States strategic interests in Afghanistan and overall in South Asia:
The Kayani Factor
2011-03-16
Operation Bahraini Freedom Continues. Cue Slo-Mo Video of Flag Waving and Eagle Wings Flapping
They're also playing "patriotic" music on TV. Police and army are celebrating a victory (see: ). It's immoral. Our blood is a joke to them.
Here are some more links. The most recent ones I collected are at the bottom. Please don't cite my name.
Saudi withdraws Reuters license:
police purportedly firing live rounds at civilians in Sitra 15/3/11
FIDH denounces military intervention as “blatant occupation”, fears further crackdown
Bahrain imposes a state of emergency:
Foreign Troops Suppress Demonstrations in Bahrain; US claims it has been “caught off guard” by the invasion
Al Jazeera English: “Brutal attack” alleged in Bahrain; doctors complain from the violence, sleep in hospital to treat patients 15/3/11
Al Jazeera English: protester shot in chest 13/3/11
Video of protester shot in the head (extremely graphic)
Further evidence of the police collaborating with pro-government thugs who attacked the University 14/3/11
Amnesty International condemns Bahraini-Saudi crackdown 15/3/11
Police car attempts to run protesters over
15/3/11 Expats killed by government thugs. This video was first posted by anti-government protesters online and the Iranian Alalam TV, but was then used by Bahrain’s state television BTV to blame the protesters for killing them. The people, who speak in Shi’a dialect and are clearly horrified by the sight of the bodies, can be heard in the background claiming that a “black American” is responsible for this. Another says “these are poor Bangladeshis, they’re innocent!”. Towards the end, a third voice, who appears to be an eye-witness, says thugs in an “American jeep” did it.
HRW: thugs hijacked ambulances, paramedics beaten
An ambulance with bullet holes on the side 15/3/11
A protester being executed by live police rounds in Sitra 15/3/11
Burning tents in peal roundabout as the police and army cracks down 16/3/11
denying ambulances from coming into Salmaniya 16/3/11
Bahrain Financial Harbor 16/3/11 http://twitpic.com/49xw2n
Pearl roundabout 16/3/11:http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188662_154166794644348_152372308157130_341793_5451156_n.jpg
Picture of helicopter with machine gun 16/3/11
A number of helicopters in Bahrain’s sky 16/3/11
Police attacking medical personnel 16/3/11
medical personnel being searched 16/3/11 http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190282_10150158287971183_530611182_8887913_2355228_n.jpg
army and police celebrating “victory” 16/3/11
Thugs attack Bahrain International Hospital http://bb.ta7a.com/upfiles/ta7a-KDg57681.jpg 16/3/11
Army bus by Salmaniya hospital 16/3/11 http://yfrog.com/h3nduluj
Army aiming their guns at civilians 16/3/11 http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199221_10150454981555192_527960191_18197979_4655498_n.jpg
Another photo of pearl roundabout on 16/3/11 morning http://yfrog.com/h737qzdvj
Gaddafi Funded French President Sarkozy 2007 Election Campaign
"Give us back our money. We have all the bank details and documents for the transfer operations and we will make everything public soon."
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170262.html
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170262.html
2011-03-15
'Operation Bahraini Freedom'
OF COURSE the Americans don't consider Saudi intervention in Bahrain and occupation - they probably consider it 'Operation Bahraini Freedom'!!!
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-bahrain_15.html
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-bahrain_15.html
2011-03-14
Shintaro Ishihara Governor of Tokyo Speaks
From 2010: Seismic activity is up in Japan this year. So what does Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara do? In an April 9 address to the Japanese army, he tells troops that "Atrocious crimes have been committed again and again by sangokujin and other foreigners. We can expect them to riot in the event of a disastrous earthquake."
The last time Tokyo had a disastrous earthquake, in 1923, ultranationalist-led mobs took the opportunity to track down and kill thousands of the stricken city’s Korean residents.
Ishihara’s use of the 50-year old derogatory term "sangokujin" (an English-language equivalent would be "nigger") is especially disgusting.
http://www.assemblylanguage.com/text/Ishihara.html
In response to China's first successful launch of a man in space: "The Chinese are ignorant, so they are overjoyed. That spacecraft was an outdated one. If Japan wanted to do it, we could do it in one year."
“Let them bomb Japan with that nasty missile. Their missile cannot load a nuclear warhead.”
The outspoken governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, told reporters Monday that the disaster was "punishment from heaven" because Japanese have become greedy.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110314/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_earthquake
The last time Tokyo had a disastrous earthquake, in 1923, ultranationalist-led mobs took the opportunity to track down and kill thousands of the stricken city’s Korean residents.
Ishihara’s use of the 50-year old derogatory term "sangokujin" (an English-language equivalent would be "nigger") is especially disgusting.
http://www.assemblylanguage.com/text/Ishihara.html
- Regarding the bomb-planting at the private residence of Deputy Foreign Minister Hitoshi Tanaka: "A bomb was planted there. I think it was deserved."
- Regarding a war between China and the United States: "Wars are a war of attrition of lives. China holds no value at all for human life and can start a war without any concerns...If tensions mount between the United States and China, the two sides could pull the trigger on each other. Then, the more the fire expands, the United States, which has a civil society that highly values human life, would not be able to win
- http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Shintaro_Ishihara
The outspoken governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, told reporters Monday that the disaster was "punishment from heaven" because Japanese have become greedy.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110314/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_earthquake
An Iraqi's Perspective Not From a Propaganda Based MSM Outlet or the US Government
"The only alternative left for Iraqis is the path of an uprising or revolution on the footsteps of Tunisia and Egypt.
The popular protests we are witnessing in Iraq, whether in the central and southern parts of the country by Arabs, both Sunni and Shiites, and those taking place in the Kurdish north, are voices denouncing sectarianism, factionalism and favoritism in the U.S.-guarded protectorate in central Baghdad.
Neither the U.S. nor the Iraqi government can deceive the Iraqis any more by trumpeting empty claims about freedom and democracy."
2011-03-12
US Provided Nerve Gas to the Yemini Government for Use On Their Citizens?
The US has provided Yemeni police with gas canisters which have been used against anti-government protesters in capital Sana'a, local sources say.
Police have reportedly used nerve gas to quell peaceful protests in Sana'a's University Square. The empty canisters obtained by the locals bear the “Made in U.S.A.” stamp.
Sources say the canisters were a “gift” to the Yemeni police from the United States.
The protesters, who demand an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule, have been camping out in the square since February 21.
At least six anti-government protesters, including a school boy, were killed and hundreds more injured during clashes with the police on Saturday.
Saleh has promised a new constitution which would shift power from the presidency to an elected parliament. Protesters say that the offer is not enough, vowing to continue to demonstrate until he resigns.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/169592.html
Kurdistan
The Kurdish administration is often cited in Western media as an example of democratic rule in Iraq, but that is more words than deeds.
The two Kurdish factional leaders – Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish region’s president and Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi president – are alleged to have been immersed in corruption and favoritism.
Both leaders have their own security and intelligence agencies as well as heavily armed militias who could almost do what they want with impunity.
Nuclear Reactor in Japan Explodes
Explosion at 1:22 into the video.
Go inside and cover your mouth?
"An explosion rocked one of nuclear power plants, causing a portion of a building to crumble, sending white smoke billowing into the air and prompting Japanese officials to warn those in the vicinity to cover their mouths and stay indoors."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103673.html?hpid=topnews
Go inside and cover your mouth?
"An explosion rocked one of nuclear power plants, causing a portion of a building to crumble, sending white smoke billowing into the air and prompting Japanese officials to warn those in the vicinity to cover their mouths and stay indoors."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103673.html?hpid=topnews
2011-03-11
50,000 Demonstrate in Bahrain. Bahrain Police Open Fire
Fifty thousand protestors in Bahrain is the equivalent of 18 million in the US, adjusted for population.
Why isn't the US media covering this story? Is it as Azzaman stated, "U.S. media are overlooking events... on purpose as if they were under the control of a government in a Third Word country."
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2011-03-08\kurd.htm
Why isn't the US media covering this story? Is it as Azzaman stated, "U.S. media are overlooking events... on purpose as if they were under the control of a government in a Third Word country."
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2011-03-08\kurd.htm
Bahraini police have opened fire on anti-government protesters marching towards the royal palace in the capital, injuring at least 150 people. There are also reports suggesting that security forces and pro-government vigilantes armed with clubs, swords and metal pipes are beating protesters near the royal complex. Witnesses say at least ten ambulances were rushed to the area. The violence came as nearly 50,000 demonstrators tried to stage a protest rally near the royal palace in the Refaa area of Manama on Friday, demanding political reforms.
Hillary Clinton's Statement Confuses Nuclear Physicists. Pentagon Says They Have No Idea What She's Talking About
"In a statement that confused nuclear experts, Clinton said Friday morning that U.S. Air Force planes in Japan had delivered "coolant" to a nuclear power plant affected by the quake. Nuclear reactors do not use special coolants, only large amounts of pumped water."
Clinton added:
"They have very high engineering standards, but one of their plants came under a lot of stress with the earthquake and didn't have enough coolant," she said, "and so Air Force planes were able to deliver that."
Pentagon speaks:
"To our knowledge, we have delivered nothing in support of the nuclear power plant," Lt. Col. John Haynes said. "Obviously, we stand by to assist with anything they might need."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103673.html?hpid=topnews
Did Hillary just make up an adventurous tale of the US Air Force flying anti-freeze to Japan? Will she now follow with a tale of Godzilla rising up and being slaughtered by these same US Air Force jets? Nothing can stop the US Air Force?
Clinton added:
"They have very high engineering standards, but one of their plants came under a lot of stress with the earthquake and didn't have enough coolant," she said, "and so Air Force planes were able to deliver that."
Pentagon speaks:
"To our knowledge, we have delivered nothing in support of the nuclear power plant," Lt. Col. John Haynes said. "Obviously, we stand by to assist with anything they might need."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103673.html?hpid=topnews
Did Hillary just make up an adventurous tale of the US Air Force flying anti-freeze to Japan? Will she now follow with a tale of Godzilla rising up and being slaughtered by these same US Air Force jets? Nothing can stop the US Air Force?
2011-03-10
Won't Read This in the NY Times or See it on CNN
Because Yemen is an ally in the Global War on Terror. Mild indiscretions such as using nerve gas on their citizens is allowed to fly under the radar:
SANAA, Yemen — Doctors from the scene of violent anti-government protests in Yemen’s capital Tuesday night said that what was originally thought to be tear gas fired by government forces on demonstrators might instead have been a form of nerve gas, which is forbidden under international law.
/snip/
Earlier reports indicated that the gas used was tear gas, but doctors who have been treating the wounded refuted that claim today.
“The material in this gas makes people convulse for hours. It paralyzes them. They couldn’t move at all. We tried to give them oxygen but it didn’t work,” said Amaar Nujaim, a field doctor who works for Islamic Relief.
“We are seeing symptoms in the patient’s nerves, not in their respiratory systems. I’m 90 percent sure its nerve gas and not tear gas that was used,” said Sami Zaid, a doctor at the Science and Technology Hospital in Sanaa.
Mohammad Al-Sheikh, a pathologist at the same hospital, said that some of the victims had lost their muscular control and were forced to wear diapers.
“We have never seen tear gas cause these symptoms. We fear it may be a dangerous gas that is internationally forbidden,” Al-Sheikh said.
/snip/
Earlier reports indicated that the gas used was tear gas, but doctors who have been treating the wounded refuted that claim today.
“The material in this gas makes people convulse for hours. It paralyzes them. They couldn’t move at all. We tried to give them oxygen but it didn’t work,” said Amaar Nujaim, a field doctor who works for Islamic Relief.
“We are seeing symptoms in the patient’s nerves, not in their respiratory systems. I’m 90 percent sure its nerve gas and not tear gas that was used,” said Sami Zaid, a doctor at the Science and Technology Hospital in Sanaa.
Mohammad Al-Sheikh, a pathologist at the same hospital, said that some of the victims had lost their muscular control and were forced to wear diapers.
“We have never seen tear gas cause these symptoms. We fear it may be a dangerous gas that is internationally forbidden,” Al-Sheikh said.
2011-03-08
SEC's General Counsel Changed Rules so He Could Make $1.5 Million From His Investment with Bernie Madoff
Now, its chairwoman is coming under Congressional fire for hiring as the S.E.C.’s general counsel someone with a Madoff financial interest — David M. Becker, who participated in matters involving how the scheme’s victims would be compensated.
The revelations about Mr. Becker’s role have raised fresh questions about ethical standards and practices at the agency, where Mary L. Schapiro was brought in as chairwoman two years ago with a mandate to strengthen its enforcement unit.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/09sec.html?pagewanted=1&hp
The revelations about Mr. Becker’s role have raised fresh questions about ethical standards and practices at the agency, where Mary L. Schapiro was brought in as chairwoman two years ago with a mandate to strengthen its enforcement unit.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/09sec.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Iraqi Power-Sharing Deal in Danger as Unity Crumbles
BAGHDAD // It was less than three months ago that, accompanied by much international fanfare, Iraqi politicians sealed a power-sharing deal that ended a lengthy deadlock and handed Nouri al Maliki a second term as prime minister.
That deal is now in tatters and any remaining hopes of a national unity administration are fading fast.
/snip/
Amir al Kinani, a Sadrist MP, said: "In the coming days I think the Sadrists and some other members of the National Alliance will probably meet with Iraqiyya and that could result in them forming a united opposition bloc in parliament."
He warned that any attempt to subvert the government-forming deal would create "political problems, at a time when the country is boiling". Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against government failures, in defiance of the security services.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iraqi-power-sharing-deal-in-danger-as-unity-crumbles
That deal is now in tatters and any remaining hopes of a national unity administration are fading fast.
/snip/
Amir al Kinani, a Sadrist MP, said: "In the coming days I think the Sadrists and some other members of the National Alliance will probably meet with Iraqiyya and that could result in them forming a united opposition bloc in parliament."
He warned that any attempt to subvert the government-forming deal would create "political problems, at a time when the country is boiling". Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against government failures, in defiance of the security services.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iraqi-power-sharing-deal-in-danger-as-unity-crumbles
U.S. Media Ignore Iraq Protests
It seems U.S. media are overlooking events in Iraq on purpose as if they were under the control of a government in a Third Word country.
The negligence with which U.S. media have been treating events in Iraq raises suspicion and shows that they pay lip service to notions of democratic values.
Otherwise, how could one explain the almost total blackout of the anti-government demonstrations in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities during the so-called Friday of Wrath in which tens of thousands of Iraqis went to streets demanding better living conditions and recognition of their rights as human beings.