World Politics

[blackcat]

FYI they won it this year, Sohrabi passed the baton on.

thanks Ferminal. After the GFC, Indonesia cut the budget to Langkawi and it became a mediocre race, when it was previously just average. that disappointing.

there is a keiren and track sprint, trackie Beasley the Footscray coach/lbs bike shop owner, coaches. I think Anuar Manan is the roadie sprinter, forget the name of the trackie, I don't mean the Indo rider from California neither. not the more American than indo rider.

I forget the name, have his fanpage on my facebook feed. he lives in Melbourne, and studied at Deakin University.

I also saw the track team on Lygon St the week of the Melbourne Worlds about 6 years back, and spoke to them about manan and Beasley whilst they were getting coffee. no one else in the world would have recognised them, even if it was worlds in Ghent or some 6day in germany

 

[blackcat]

Break the Silence
A World War is Beckoning
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/05/14/a-world-war-is-beckoning/

C0ckburns put the phallus into Counterpunch. I preferred Hitch when he was still working for NewLeftReview with Tariq

C0ck is swear filtered, what a Victorian prudish domain we have. Thailand chicken fighters scream bigotry

 

[blutto]

C0ckburns put the phallus into Counterpunch. I preferred Hitch when he was still working for NewLeftReview with Tariq

C0ck is swear filtered, what a Victorian prudish domain we have. Thailand chicken fighters scream bigotry

....so you prefer sanctimonious drunken buffoons who preach freedom yet are common self-righteous neocon toadies....well, isn't that special....

...btw the article was written by John Pilger and not Alexander Cockburn, who sadly passed away several years ago, and who was neither sanctimonious nor a buffoon, and most definitely not a common self-righteous neocon toadie.......

...have a nice day...and I mean that in the good sense...

Cheers

 

[blackcat]

....so you prefer sanctimonious drunken buffoons who preach freedom yet are common self-righteous neocon toadies....well, isn't that special....

...btw the article was written by John Pilger and not Alexander Cockburn, who sadly passed away several years ago, and who was neither sanctimonious nor a buffoon, and most definitely not a common self-righteous neocon toadie.......

...have a nice day...and I mean that in the good sense...

Cheers

btw fan of cockburns. his brother is still working and has not retired yet.

phallus was a simple play on term c0ck, a pun if you will

 

[blutto]

....there is hutzpah and then there is Hutzpah..... this is so rich it could cause arterial clogs across a parking lot...the US accusing someone of hacking....puuulllleeeese!?!?...

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/u-set-accuse-chinese-officials-cyber-spying-reports-121954391.html

Cheers

 

[rhubroma]

Couldn't resist this quote: "Mafia doesn't just mean la Camorra...Cosa Nostra. Put together any banker, a politician, judge and a businessman today and that's also mafia. And there isn't even anything illegal about it."

Beppe Grillo

 

[Echoes]

Beppe Grillo, the false dissident. He obviously knows what a mafia is when you have Enrico Sassoon as supporter...

 

[rhubroma]

Beppe Grillo, the false dissident. He obviously knows what a mafia is when you have Enrico Sassoon as supporter...

I'm not a supporter, it's just that in light of the recent food mafia trade agreement between the US and EU, mostly to the export interests of Germany in the latter camp, Beppe's recent comment struck a chord.

No doubt Grillo is the useful idiot to the same establishment he purports to want to destroy. However, as far as Sassoon is concerned, I don't believe in dietrologias.

 

[blackcat]

Beppe Grillo, the false dissident. He obviously knows what a mafia is when you have Enrico Sassoon as supporter...

starred in Empire of The Sun as a kamakazi pilot. not as good as his sprinting. is not orientalist. Edward said as much

 

[blutto]

...speaking of popemanship, the Pope Dude has wandered off the reservation and is not playing by the accepted playbook...

"Pope Francis Makes Biblical Case For Addressing Climate Change
BY JACK JENKINS ON MAY 21, 2014

“But when we exploit Creation we destroy the sign of God’s love for us, in destroying Creation we are saying to God: ‘I don’t like it! This is not good!’ ‘So what do you like?’ ‘I like myself!’ – Here, this is sin! Do you see?”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Safeguard Creation,” he said. “Because if we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us! Never forget this!”

The pope centered his environmentalist theology around the biblical creation story in the book of Genesis, where God is said to have created the world, declared it “good,” and charged humanity with its care.

Francis also made reference to his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, who was a famous lover of animals, and appeared to tie the ongoing environmental crisis to economic concerns — namely, instances where a wealthy minority exploits the planet at the expense of the poor.

“Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude,” Francis said.

Francis also said that humanity’s destruction of the planet is a sinful act, likening it to self-idolatry. "

..................................

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/20...we-destroy-creation-creation-will-destroy-us/

....and this little zinger...

"
On an upcoming trip to the Middle East, Pope Francis is expected to prioritize his visit with Palestinians, including a refugee camp, in a move interpreted by many as a 'recognition' of a future Palestinian state.

The papal "pilgrimage of prayer" is set to begin in Jordan next Saturday. From there, Francis is expected to take a helicopter directly to Bethlehem before heading to east Jerusalem, both recognized by the international community as part of Palestine.

According to Father Jamal Khader of the Latin patriarchate in Jerusalem, the decision to visit Palestine before Israel is "a kind of sign of recognizing Palestine."

While in Bethlehem, the Pope will meet with the leader of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, and then celebrate mass in front of the Church of the Nativity, before visiting a nearby refugee camp, AFP reports.

"He will have a lunch with Palestinians, with families suffering from the occupation... then he will visit Dheishe refugee camp to witness the suffering of Palestinian refugees," Ziyyad Bandak, Abbas's adviser for Christian affairs, told Voice of Palestine radio. "This visit will help us in supporting our struggle to end the longest occupation in history."

According to Shoruq, an independent Palestinian refugee rights NGO, the Dheishe refugee camp in the occupied West Bank was established as a temporary sanctuary during the expulsion of the more than 750,000 Palestinians during the 1948 Nakba (Catastrophe). Now home to the descedants of those expelled, the 13,017 refugees live on less than one square kilometer of land rented by the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

"Knowing who he is, and his sensitivity for all those who suffer, I am sure that he will say something defending all those who are suffering, including the Palestinians who live under occupation," Khader added.

While in east Jerusalem, the Pope is planning to take "brief forays" into Israel and will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Vatican-owned Notre Dame complex, which stands on the disputed border of east and west Jerusalem.

"I know that Israeli officials are not happy with this decision," to begin his visit in Palestine and not Israel, Bandak added. "We welcome this visit and consider it as support for the Palestinian people, and confirmation from the Vatican of the need to end the occupation."
--------------------------------------------

....from... http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/05/19-6

Cheers

 

[RetroActive]

Putin vs. Comrade Wolf
Showdown in Ukraine
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/05/21/showdown-in-ukraine/

Get the picture? It’s a gold rush! Having successfully looted every last farthing from the battered US middle class and left the economy in a ghastly shambles, Brzezinski, Clinton and Co. are headed for greener pastures in Central Asia, home of the world’s largest oil producing nation, boundless reserves in the Caspian Basin, and zillions of voracious consumers who’ll need everything from I Pads to leisure wear, all graciously provided by US-owned corporations. Cha-ching!

So don’t get tripped up on the daily events in Ukraine. This isn’t a clash between pro-government forces and anti-government activists. This is the next big phase of Washington’s plan to conquer the world, a plan that will inevitably pit Moscow against the amassed military power of the United States of America. This is David vs. Goliath, Mother Russia vs. the Great Satan, Vladie Putin vs. Comrade Wolf.

It's always nice to hear it in their own words.

Sometimes video is better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvhBoF_pCHo

 

[blackcat]

Putin vs. Comrade Wolf
Showdown in Ukraine
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/05/21/showdown-in-ukraine/



It's always nice to hear it in their own words.

Sometimes video is better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvhBoF_pCHo

isn't it really Belgravia v upper eastside manhattan? both are oligarchic robber barony(sic)

 

[rhubroma]

Putin just made another astute move, brokering a deal with China to sell them Russian gas at a fair market price to the tune of billions over the next decade.

Hence Russia has offset the damage done to its economy by Western sanctions and this will cost Europe about 50 billion. Can't say it wasn't warned by Russia though about prompting Ukraine into its fold.

In the meantime the political message is clear: a return to the cold war (let's hope it remains only cold), now between the US and a Russia-Chinese alliance. Let's see, the US has about 2.3 million soldiers and can rely upon another million from Nato, and the most advanced military in the world, against, however, a rapidly modernizing Chinese armed forces that can boast about 2.8 million troops plus another 1.2 million from Russia.

Competition is great.

 

[Amsterhammer]

Putin just made another astute move, brokering a deal with China to sell them Russian gas at a fair market price to the tune of billions over the next decade.

Hence Russia has offset the damage done to its economy by Western sanctions and this will cost Europe about 50 billion. Can't say it wasn't warned by Russia though about prompting Ukraine into its fold.

In the meantime the political message is clear: a return to the cold war (let's hope it remains only cold), now between the US and a Russia-Chinese alliance. Let's see, the US has about 2.3 million soldiers and can rely upon another million from Nato, and the most advanced military in the world, against, however, a rapidly modernizing Chinese armed forces that can boast about 2.8 million troops plus another 1.2 million from Russia.

Competition is great.

I am embarrassed to have to correct my learned and well read friend, but needs must...

The gas deal runs for 30 years starting in 2018. Any benefits to Russia will therefore have no immediate bearing on the impact of current sanctions, apart from being a psychological boost.

US active "frontline" personnel amounts to around 1.4 million. A Sino-Russian 'alliance' of any kind is likely to be limited to lots of flowery, but ultimately empty, words from the Chinese side. Recent accusations of industrial espionage (facepalm) notwithstanding, the US is far more important to China as a trading partner than Russia ever will be, and the Chinese know it. I also don't think that the post-Crimea 'Cold War' will last all that long.

I'm far more troubled by the to-be-expected swelling of the right, and far right, Euro-skeptic votes at the current Euro elections.

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

I'm far more troubled by the to-be-expected swelling of the right, and far right, Euro-skeptic votes at the current Euro elections.

Yep. We don´t always agree on here. And the above quote is the point where I don´t agree with you.
The EU parlament is a yes men house. They have zilch power. Especially the so-called right/far right parties since they are in the minority.

One can only hope that people vote these small parties. That´s the only way to say phuck you EU dictatorship. Nothing improved for us since the EU grew (Maastricht, ESF, ESM, Euro, etc.). And the final nail will be the TTIP between vasalle EU and imperialist USA. Good bye freedom forever.

Common Amster. Wake up. Don´t believe the lies of the big parties. Don´t gift them your vote. They give a $hit about you and your family.

 

[stutue]

Just about to go and vote.

Anybody but UKIP

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

Just about to go and vote.

Anybody but UKIP

Now I don´t know much about GB. But I think it can´t get worse than war PM Blair and Cameron the butcher. To vote again and again the parties that brought misery (starting with Thatcher) and 24 hr surveillance over GB doesn´t help. And it isn´t very smart either...

 

[rhubroma]

I am embarrassed to have to correct my learned and well read friend, but needs must...

The gas deal runs for 30 years starting in 2018. Any benefits to Russia will therefore have no immediate bearing on the impact of current sanctions, apart from being a psychological boost.

US active "frontline" personnel amounts to around 1.4 million. A Sino-Russian 'alliance' of any kind is likely to be limited to lots of flowery, but ultimately empty, words from the Chinese side. Recent accusations of industrial espionage (facepalm) notwithstanding, the US is far more important to China as a trading partner than Russia ever will be, and the Chinese know it. I also don't think that the post-Crimea 'Cold War' will last all that long.

I'm far more troubled by the to-be-expected swelling of the right, and far right, Euro-skeptic votes at the current Euro elections.

Thanks for the correction. I was going from my totally fallible memory this morning so I went back to the source.

Well this is what I have. Russia will commit to furnishing China with 38 billion cubic meters of gas for 30 years starting in 2018. During that period Russia estimates to profit $456 billion. Now since the US want's to invade Europe with shale-gas, the Russians are moving to the Orient. As far as the Ukrainian question goes, when the UN wanted to impose sanctions on Russia China abstained, even if it couldn't care less about Ukraine's auto-determination. China simply doesn't want any hastle over its own Crimeas, that is Tibet, Xianjiang or Taiwan. Thus a de facto geopolitical alliance has been established between Russia and China, in opposition to the US, with Europe ever more marginalized.

Moscow, now that Yanukovich has been driven from power, is no longer disposed to providing Ukraine with gas on the cheap at $265 per 1000 cubic meters. Now it wants $485. Kiev isn't happy. But what bargaining power does Kiev have? Europe and the US should pay the difference? I don't know about the US, but Europe is in crisis (including one of cohesion and voter diffidence). Besides Russia warned Europe that if it dared try to entice Ukraine within its orbit, bank on 50 billion as the bill. Other than sanctions.

However, what interests me most is the new Eurasian axis with three decades of economic and strategic collective interests ahead. For this the "psychological boost" - and Putin feels so emboldened as to announce the withdrawl of troops from the eastern border - is of no small consequence.

 

[stutue]

Now I don´t know much about GB. But I think it can´t get worse than war PM Blair and Cameron the butcher. To vote again and again the parties that brought misery (starting with Thatcher) and 24 hr surveillance over GB doesn´t help. And it isn´t very smart either...

Ahhh Tony Blair. Who would ever have thought he'd become what he became?

He seemed like such a nice guy....

I'm afraid the GB population isn't the most politically aware.

 

[Amsterhammer]

Yep. We don´t always agree on here. And the above quote is the point where I don´t agree with you.
The EU parlament is a yes men house. They have zilch power. Especially the so-called right/far right parties since they are in the minority.

One can only hope that people vote these small parties. That´s the only way to say phuck you EU dictatorship. Nothing improved for us since the EU grew (Maastricht, ESF, ESM, Euro, etc.). And the final nail will be the TTIP between vasalle EU and imperialist USA. Good bye freedom forever.

Common Amster. Wake up. Don´t believe the lies of the big parties. Don´t gift them your vote. They give a $hit about you and your family.

Well, we know by now that we don't agree on everything...but that's ok. I don't get to vote for the Euro elections because I'm a US citizen, so my main interest was the hope that the far right parties would not get as much support as was suggested they would before the election.

I'm happy that Wilders lost two seats. 'My' party is the SP, the Dutch Socialist Party, and my personal view of 'Europe' is probably typical of the majority in the smaller countries - we accept and support the principle of a united Europe, while being (very) disappointed by some of the reality of Euro integration. The Dutch on the whole are pro-Euro, though I can totally understand and accept that citizens of some other Euro countries, and Germans in particular, might have a different perspective.

I have given up the idealistic hope of a 'socialist' Europe, and I despair at the rise of the (far) right. I think that we are too far down the road to now turn back and 'undo' the Europe that we have. So, we have to make the best of an imperfect, profoundly capitalist entity, and hope that the future will lead to a more equitable society. I don't believe that small countries like Holland can achieve progress by withdrawing from Europe, as Wilders wants. As for the Brits, they have always been half-hearted 'Europeans', so the rise of UKIP is no more than they deserve. I would have no problem with the Brits leaving the EU.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

I'm quite sure it will be worse with UKIP in power

Anyway, European elections this Sunday. I think I'll go green. Or Pirates.

I'm pro Europe, but not pro what's currently in place. We need a working, transparent, democratic institution.

 

[stutue]

People are voting UKIP for two distinct reasons.

Some as a protest vote. Problem with this is when you actually find them making decisions that affect you. As a protest its about as sensible as schitting the bed.

Secondly because they are small-minded racists of limited intellect.

Its kind of embarassing , really.

 

[blutto]

...speaking of reigning in that mad dawg Putin, here is latest on the sanctions front....and a savage thang it is...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

France's Total in shale deal with Russia's Lukoil

Source: Associated Press

PARIS (AP) -- French energy company Total SA is hooking up with Russia's largest private oil company to explore and develop a huge Siberian shale oil field.

The deal signed Friday with Russia's Lukoil comes despite European and U.S. sanctions and anger over Russia's role in Ukraine's political crisis.

Total says in a statement that the two will set up a joint venture to develop the Bazhenov oil formation in western Siberia. It says Lukoil will have 51 percent of the venture and Total 49 percent.

The statement gives no value for the deal. The ITAR-Tass news agency quotes Lukoil CEO Vagit Alekperov as saying the companies will invest $120 million to $150 million.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_FRANCE_RUSSIA_OIL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cheers

 

[stutue]

Ahh the duplicitous French!

They are probably still smarting from what happened when they (and the Russians) signed exclusive oil deals with Saddam Hussein, resulting in a pretty immediate invasion by oil-man-Bush with his little gopher-Blair riding on his coat tails at a cost of 250,000 dead Iraqi men, women, children, and babies.

 

[RetroActive]

Ahh the duplicitous French!

They are probably still smarting from what happened when they (and the Russians) signed exclusive oil deals with Saddam Hussein, resulting in a pretty immediate invasion by oil-man-Bush with his little gopher-Blair riding on his coat tails at a cost of 250,000 dead Iraqi men, women, children, and babies.

250,000 is a pretty conservative number.

Nice avatar, btw. The bathroom is thataway-------------------------->