The Federal Reserve and the Great Recession

By Byron A. Ellis – February 05, 2012

Many pundits and politicians continue to argue that housing loans to sub prime borrowers caused the Great Recession of 2008, some even argue that the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, and its 1995 revision, is responsible for the foreclosure crisis. Such arguments, however, preclude any understanding of monetary policy.

China not out to purchase Europe: Wen

Wen said China has neither the intention nor the ability to buy up Europe, answering concerns over China's increasing investment in eurozone.

Video shows French woman wounded by IDF grenade in West Bank protest

Israel Defense Forces claimed woman wounded by rock thrown by protesters in village of Nabi Saleh, while Palestinian sources said she was hit by grenade; IDF says incident now under investigation.

Russia, China veto resolution aimed at Syrian violence

Tents that conformed to regulations allowed to stay as officers stress they were not evicting protesters

Iran starts mass production of new naval cruise missiles, IRGC gets first batch

4 EU states have asked Majlis to suspend plan to cut oil exports to Europe: MP

Anti-Semitism and Israel's Inherent Contradictions

By Ramzy Baroud

In a recent article, columnist Yaniv Halili described British author Ben White as 'anti-Semitic'. He also denounced Arab Knesset member Hanin Zoabi for writing a forward to White's latest book, Palestinians in Israel: Segregation, Discrimination and Democracy.

Freddie Mac's Regulator Says Trades Shut Down Because They Were 'Risky'

By Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica and Chris Arnold - NPR News

Freddie Mac’s regulator gave new detail today on why it halted the company’s controversial trades in complex mortgage-backed securities last year.

January jobs report boosts Obama, hurts Romney

By Perry Bacon Jr. - the Grio

The drop in unemployment to 8.3 percent in January is the latest bit of positive economic news for President Obama and complicates the strategy of his likely Republican opponent, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- U.S. stocks rallied Friday, as investors cheered a much stronger-than-expected jobs report.

Cairo clashes over football anger

At least four people are killed in clashes between Egyptian protesters and police, amid ongoing anger over deaths after a football match.

Balancing on the Verge of Iran War

Those who hoped that the IAEA visit to Iran would open the door to resuming talks on Tehran’s nuclear programs must be disappointed.

Ankara will not halt oil trade with Iran: Turkish energy minister

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz has said Turkey will continue buying oil and natural gas from Iran despite U.S. sanctions imposed against Iran's energy sector. 

Official dismisses claim of Iran considering attacks in U.S.

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast has strongly denied the claim made by U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper saying that Iran could launch terrorist attacks on U.S. soil if it feels threatened. 

Harsh winter kills scores in eastern Europe

Nigeria Divided, Nigeria United

US unemployment rate down to 8.3%

U.S. anxiety grows over possible Israeli plans on Iran

Howard University to give free dental examinations for Give Kids a Smile Day

U.S. drops demand for U.N. sanctions against Syria, courts Russian support

By Colum Lynch - Washington Post

Move is offered in exchange for Russia’s support of President Assad’s departure from power.

Is Israel preparing to attack Iran?

David Ignatius - Washington Post

OPINION | PM Netanyahu doesn’t want to leave his country’s fate dependent on the United States.

Obama's Drift Toward War With Iran

By David Bromwich - Huffington Post

Iran is headed to become for Obama in 2012 what the economy was in 2010: a controllable crisis which, through personal inaction and a conventional acquiescence in failed policies, threatens to pass utterly beyond his control.

The Republican Myth of Obama's "Entitlement Society"

By Robert Reich - Huffington Post

Regressive Republicans pretend they're about opportunity. In reality they're back at what they've been doing for years -- promoting Social Darwinism.

Over 650 injured in Egypt clashes

CAIRO: The day after has arrived. Thousands of Egyptians have poured into the streets in downtown Cairo near the ministry of interior, angrily chanting against the ruling military junta

Unrest in Egypt after deadly football riot

Hundreds wounded in protests outside interior ministry in Cairo demanding retribution for deaths in football violence.

Will Smith Headed For Shoot In Costa Rica

After Earth is the latest Will Smith film, parts of which will be shot in Costa Rica starting February 6th. Industry reports that the crew has already left for Costa Rica, with Smith and his son, Jaden, following in the coming days.

Barak: If sanctions fail, Iran must face military strike

Ya’alon says Tehran is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States; IDF intel chief Kochavi says Iran has enough uranium to build four nuclear bombs.

Blacks Don't Kill Themselves, Right?

When the news came Wednesday morning that beloved icon and creator of Soul Train Don Cornelius had died, there was a collective gasp of disbelief.

Putin Slams U.S. Missile Shield Ahead of Munich Security Talks

UN chief urges Israel to halt settlements

Iran launches Spanish TV channel

Moscow Says Ashton Tries to Cast Shadow on Elections

Iran's leader visits Venezuela amid tensions

Governor Romney and Concern for the Poor

Jared Bernstein - Huffington Post

Though Romney recognized that "...we have food stamps, we have Medicaid, we have housing vouchers..." he neglected to make the following four points.

Honda's first jet to hit markets in 2013

Afghan Taliban deny they're ready to talk peace

Boko Haram Spokesman Arrested

U.S. wants to end Afghanistan combat mission in 2013

The United States and NATO want to end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year, transitioning to a training role, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said.

Troops out after deadly Egypt football clash

At least 74 people dead and hundreds injured as supporters of rival teams clash after match in Port Said.

Panetta: U.S., NATO seek to end Afghan combat mission in 2013

Deadly attack on Colombia police

EU’s Ashton Urges Russia to Register Yavlinsky for Election

Amnesty International Blasts Russia’s Stance on Syria

Inequality, the Middle Class, and Growth

By Jared Bernstein - Huffington Post

The trickle-down, deregulatory agenda presumes that the economic growth chain starts at the top of the wealth scale and "trickles down" to those at the middle and the bottom of that scale. Problem is, that hasn't worked.

The brain-dead GOP

By Richard Cohen

It’s hard to know who is the more ridiculous figure — the grandiloquent, bombastic and compulsively dishonest Gingrich, or the beguilingly ignorant Cain, a man who has never held elective office and who was reduced to speechlessness when asked a question about Libya.

Netanyahu declares victory in Likud party primaries

"Today the real Likud won. We proved that our strength is in our unity. We will continue to lead responsibly," prime minister says; initial results show PM with 63%, Feiglin with 36%.

Iranian opposition to meet at Sweden conference

STOCKHOLM: Some 50 exiled members of the Iranian opposition and civil society will meet in Stockholm at the weekend to discuss how to help implement democracy in Iran, organizers said Tuesday.

Geneva — The UN refugee agency on Tuesday released figures showing that more than 1,500 irregular migrants or refugees drowned or went missing last year while attempting crossings of the Mediterranean Sea.

Tampa, Florida (CNN) - It's primary day in the Sunshine State, but more than 600,000 people have already voted in Florida's Republican presidential contest. And a new public opinion poll indicates that the ballots already cast may help former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney take the 50 delegates up for grabs in Florida's winner take all primary.

Why are so many Americans in prison?

The US has the highest prison population in the world - some of whom have been subjected to lengthy sentences for relatively minor crimes. And that population has surged over the past three decades.

Europe concerned about repercussions of Iran oil embargo: envoy

TEHRAN – The European Union is concerned about the repercussions of the oil embargo imposed on Tehran, Iranian Ambassador to Italy Mohammad Ali Hosseini has said in an interview with Il Manifesto, an Italian newspaper. 

Drone attacks unlawful, unacceptable: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday said the drone attacks are unlawful, counterproductive and hence unacceptable, Geo News reported.  

Russia’s UN Envoy Urges Start of Inter-Syrian Dialogue

U.S. criticizes Israel plan to subsidize West Bank settlement construction

Mossad chief holds secret U.S. meetings on Iran nuclear threat, Senate panel reveals

20 Chinese workers held in Egypt

Dozens dead in European cold snap

Israel needs a few more lessons in apartheid

By Salman Masalha - Haaretz

Zionism did not merely pave paths of ethnic discrimination in the occupied territories. Discrimination against civilians exists in every corner of the country.

Anti-Zionism in the 21st Century

By Tariq Shadid - Palestine Chronicle

The essence of the Palestinian struggle is the battle against Zionism. It is a battle against its racism, against its murderous war crimes, against its insatiable territorial hunger, against its disdain for non-Jewish human rights, and against its devoted attempts to destroy Palestinian national identity.

B'stan MPA's wife, daughter gunned down

KARACHI: In what seems to be an apparent target killing, wife, daughter, and driver of Balochistan MPA, Sahibzada Bakhtiar, have been murdered near Gizri Bridge in Karachi, Geo News reported.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's surge ahead of rival Newt Gingrich continues, one day before Florida's crucial primary election.

Abacha aide to hang over killing

A close aide to former Nigerian military ruler Sani Abacha is sentenced to hang for killing the wife of politician Moshood Abiola.

During a video chat, Obama told Jennifer Weddel to send her husband's resume, saying he should have been able to find work

India says won't cut Iranian oil imports

CHICAGO (Agencies) - India, the world's fourth-largest oil consumer, will not take steps to cut petroleum imports from Iran despite U.S. and European sanctions against Tehran, its finance minister said during a visit to Chicago on Sunday.

US Embassy in Egypt housing citizens barred from leaving country

EU Calls on UN to Stop Syria Violence

Syria Ready for Opposition Talks in Moscow

Obama confirms drone strikes in Pakistan

Obama renews anti-Iran war rhetoric

The real narrative of the Great Recession

By Byron A. Ellis – January 30, 2012

It has become widely accepted that the primary role of central banks, such as the Federal Reserve (Fed), is to maintain price stability. And, many central banks formally and informally use inflation targeting (IT) as a tool for achieving “price stability.”

A plan for badly needed housing, marred by weak oversight

Debbie Cenziper and Nikita Stewart - Washington Post

Despite D.C.housing agency’s millions in funding, refurbished buildings could face foreclosure.

Republican Truth and Real Truth: GSEs and the Housing Bubble

By David Coates - Huffington Post

The main rewrite now underway in their twice-weekly televised clashes is a rewrite on housing finance.

Update: French tourist killed, German injured in Egypt resort town

CAIRO: A French tourist was shot dead in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday, Egyptian officials said. A German tourist was also injured in the shooting.

The deadline the Quartet gave Israel and the Palestinians for submitting their positions on security and borders - Thursday, January 26 - flew by. It's as if it never existed.

Iran will soon cut oil to certain EU states: oil minister

TEHRAN – Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi has announced that Iran will cut oil exports to certain European countries in the near future in response to the recent oil embargo on the country.

"The Help," a movie about the civil rights era, took SAG's top honors. "The stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of color and women," best actress winner Viola Davis said.

Family Found Guilty In Honor Killing Trial

Islamic Awakening is Muslims’ response to centuries of colonialism: Velayati

Castro vows to limit Cuban political terms

Jordan's king receives Hamas leader

Chinese workers held by rebels in Sudan

Syrian army launches offensive near Damascus

Gingrich won't win, and Bibi will be in a lose-lose situation

By Yossi Sarid - Haaretz

Newt Gingrich won in South Carolina and that's good, very good. What's so good about the victory of an egomaniac who has compared himself to Churchill, de Gaulle and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? It's good because it's bad for the Republican Party, which is drunk not on wine but on tea.

Washington Wages War of Sanctions against Iran

By Johnny Barber - Palestine Chronicle

I had spent the prior month in Gaza and actually left Gaza to join the flotilla sailing from Greece. I was hoping to use my modest skills as an EMT in the event that Israeli naval forces began shooting people on board as they did in May 2010, when they killed nine people on board the Mavi Mamara.

France to Withdraw Troops from Afghanistan in 2013

France plans to withdraw its military contingent from Afghanistan in 2013, French President Nicholas Sarkozy said at a joint news conference with his Afghan counterpart.

The pace of US economic growth quickened to a 2.8% annualised rate in the three months to December, the Commerce Department says.

Iran need not sell oil to Europe: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Iran does not need to sell oil to European countries.  

Exclusive: Spokesman says group will not stop attacks until Nigeria is ruled according to the dictates of Allah

College Presidents Have Problems With Obama's Message On Tuition

The president says he's putting colleges "on notice" about tuition hikes. College officials say the White House shouldn't be prescribing how schools cut costs.

After Bombings, An Exodus From A Nigerian City

In Egypt: Charges, Trial Could Be Next, Says Sam LaHood

EPA Sees Risks to Water, Workers In New York Fracking Rules

By Joaquin Sapien - ProPublica

In 47 pages of comments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency weighs in on New York’s potentially precedent-setting regulations for natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

The Downside to America's Fracking Frenzy

In this new report from The Globalist Research Center, John Mathews explains how shale gas has been actively promoted in the United States as means of alleviating the country's dependence on foreign oil.

Iraq al-Qaida says US withdrew to save funds

BAGHDAD (AP) — Al-Qaida in Iraq says the U.S. pulled its troops out because its economy is collapsing and it needed to save money. The message posted on its website Wednesday is al-Qaida's first online comment since the U.S. completed its pullout last month, ending a nine-year conflict.

Jonathan urges Boko Haram to state demands

Nigerian president says government will engage in 'dialogue' if Boko Haram identify themselves and state clear demands.

Iran devalues in bid to stop rial’s slide

US to cut almost 100,000 troops

U.S. outraged as Egypt stops Americans leaving

Gingrich: Romney thinks voters are 'stupid'

Obama mocks Mitt’s ‘envy’ argument

Foreign woman stripped of clothes, assaulted, in Egypt’s Tahrir Square

By Desmond Shephard - Bikyamasr

CAIRO: A foreign woman was stripped and sexually assaulted on Wednesday evening in Egypt’s iconic Tahrir Square, one eyewitness said on Twitter and another confirmed in an email to Bikyamasr.com.

Palestinians: Peace negotiations with Israel have ended

Last-minute efforts are underway to head off the talks' collapse, but the prospects seem slim.

Testimonies from the Heart of Darkness

By Tamar Fleishman – Palestine Chronicle

The Palestinian residents of the West Bank, who had been living under occupation for over forty years and are deprived of their basic rights, are brought to justice in military courts.  This entire legal system- investigators, prosecutors and judges- is comprised of men and women, in uniform, who are subordinated to and serve, not the principles of justice and law, but the mechanism of the occupation.

Iran plans to open five new embassies in Africa, Asia

TEHRAN – Following a proposal offered by the Foreign Ministry, Iran plans to open embassies in the four African countries of Somalia, Cameroon, South Sudan, and Djibouti. 

Washington (CNN) -- U.S. Special Forces parachuted overnight into Somalia from fixed-wing planes, then advanced on foot to a compound holding two kidnapped international aid workers and freed them, U.S. officials said Wednesday.

Japan posts $32bn trade deficit

Indian central bank moves to boost economy

US Fed to keep low interest rates

Blaming China won't solve US problems

Oil import cuts from Iran poses problems for SA

Three lawyers shot dead in Karachi

US for Pak to abandon Iran gas purchase

Obama focuses on economic inequality

By Scott Wilson and David Nakamura - Washington Post

In third State of the Union address and delivering an election-year message, the president is warning nation that the decades-old promise of a secure and rising middle class is threatened by economic unfairness.

The Puzzling Matter of the Israeli Liberals

By Ramzy Baroud - Palestine Chronicle

Regardless of who may rule Israel, little change ever occurs in the country's foreign policy. Winning parties remain obsessed with demographics and retaining absolute military dominance. They also remain unfailingly focused on their quest to initiate racist laws against non-Jewish residents of the state, and continue to hone the art of speaking of peace, while actually maintaining a permanent state of war.

U.S. to grant three-year extension of loan guarantees to Israel

Current balance of loan guarantees Israel can take is $3.8 billion; global credit agencies view the gurantees as a 'safety net' for the Israeli economy.

On January 11, the fourth Iranian nuclear scientist to be assassinated in two years was blown up by a magnetic bomb attached to his car door. And while the media did not reveal Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan's assassin, they did reveal their own agendas and double standards.

Haditha marine 'should serve no time'

A US marine should face no time in detention for his part in the killing of 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians in 2005, a judge has recommended.

China's oil imports from Iran Jump 30%

BEIJING—China's crude-oil imports from Iran last year were up 30% from 2010, to 27.76 million metric tons, China's General Administration of Customs reported.

Turkey's Erdogan lambasts France on genocide law

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan attacked the French parliament on Tuesday for passing a "discriminatory and racist" bill which makes it illegal to deny the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks nearly a century ago was genocide.

Car bombs rock Baghdad Shia areas

Egypt’s military “removes” emergency laws, but not for “thuggery”

Yemenis turn anger towards US Embassy

Syria: League can go to moon

Africa: Global Fund Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine to Resign

The State of Our Disunion: A Globalized Private Sector, A Corporate-Dominated Public Sector

Robert Reich - Huffington Post

Who should have the primary strategic responsibility for making American workers globally competitive -- the private sector or government? This will be a defining issue in the 2012 campaign.

Israel's legal 'abuse' of Arab minority is undemocratic

By Oudeh Basharat - Hareetz

The call for international public opinion to raise its voice completes the struggle of the democratic forces here. This will make it clear to all that the right-wing establishment in Israel has crossed a line in the direction of apartheid.

EU will be responsible for consequences of Iran oil embargo: Foreign Ministry

With Santorum & Paul trailing, Romney assailed Gingrich during tonight's GOP debate as an unreliable conservative who could embarrass the GOP.

Iran defiant as EU imposes oil embargo

Tehran accuses EU of waging "psychological warfare" as Washington threatens further measures over nuclear programme.

Reports say at least four people killed in clashes between besieged NTC forces and well-organised pro-Gaddafi fighters

EU Foreign Ministers: Israel's settlement building 'particularly' worrying

Obama Must Choose on Housing: A Sweetheart Deal for the 1% or a Fair Deal for the 99%

By Van Jones and George Goehl - Huffington Post

Rumor has it that on Monday, after months of negotiation with big banks, the White House may announce a settlement that would let the banks off the hook for their role in the foreclosure crisis. We hope these rumors are untrue.

Romney takes aim at resurgent Gingrich

By Philip Rucker and Amy Gardner - Washington Post

The former governor calls the ex-speaker a “failed leader” as Republican leaders brace for a long and potentially bitter nominating contest.

Panetta tells crew tensions with Iran mean carrier vessels are critical to national security

Israeli settlers reject Netanyahu's request to evacuate largest outpost in West Bank

His tenure as the most successful coach in major college football ended abruptly after allegations he failed to respond forcefully to a sex abuse scandal involving a former assistant.

Syria rejects Arab League transition plan

Official source condemns initiative as "conspiracy" and violation of sovereignty, state TV reports.

Giffords to resign from Congress

EU set to hit Iran with new sanctions

Pakistan foreign investment falls 64 pct

Somalia: Al Shabaab Militants Abduct 200 Teenagers

'Red Tails' holds it own at weekend box office

On January 13, 2012, Andrew Adler, owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times newspaper published a column, entitled “What would you do?” In the column he suggested that the Israeli U.S. based Mossad agents should take out the President who he deemed unfriendly to Israel. He also wrote “Yes, you read “three” correctly. Order a hit on the president in order to preserve Israel’s existence.”

According to 18 USC Chapter 14, Sec. 871, threatening the President and successors to the Presidency of the United States is an offence, requiring a fine or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both. Mr. Adler threat was not a joke; generally jokers do not meticulously document and publish threats to the President of the United States as newspaper article. Writing an article for publication requires thoughtful premeditation.

If an Islamic newspaper had published such a threat, the writer would be labeled terrorist and on his way to indefinite detention. Furthermore, the newspaper would be shutdown.  However, Mr. Adler believes that he can get away with an apology.

Many Americans are watching the outcome of this documented thread to the President of the United States. Mr. Adler and any hater of U.S. Presidents should understand that violation of U.S. laws have consequences.

Nonetheless, Mr. Adler’s imprudence should not be projected on the Jewish Diaspora. Rather, it should be viewed as an individual violation of U.S. law.

Egypt state TV ordered to blackout January 25 anti-junta protests

By Joseph Mayton - Bikyamasr

CAIRO: A human rights organization reported on Saturday that the country’s military junta and ministry of information has called on state television to ensure no coverage of any upcoming protest on January 25 – the one-year anniversary of when mass protests began, which ousted for the former regime.

At least 100 dead in blasts in Nigeria's Kano

Locals under curfew until further notice after coordinated bombings and gunfire that targeted police and state offices.

State stalls on bringing agreed number of Ethiopian Jews into Israel

Government recently began reducing pace of immigration to Israel of more than 4,500 Falashmura - descendants of Jews who converted to Christianity - and who are waiting in a refugee camp in Ethiopia.

Islamist parties sweep Egyptian election

Cairo - Egypt’s Islamist parties have won an overwhelming victory at the first parliamentary polls since last year’s uprising which led to the fall of the Hosni Mubarak regime, the country’s election authorities said.

Cruise ship firm faces US lawsuit

Passengers from the cruise ship that ran aground off Italy last week are launching a class-action suit in the US against the owners, the BBC learns.

Ron Paul’s “South Was Right” Civil War Speech With Confederate Flag

Ron Paul has made no secret the fact that he thought that the South was right in the Civil War. Here he is giving a speech in front of a giant Confederate Flag about why he believes the North was wrong in the Civil War and why the South was right.

Russia Keeps 30 MiG-31 Interceptors on High-Alert Duty

Zambian commission freezes Zamtel bank accounts

Deadly bus explosion hits Syria's Idlib

Massive pro-government march in Budapest

Iran boat capsizes in Hormuz strait, 17 die: report

A More Complete Look at Inequality and Immobility

Jared Bernstein - Huffington Post

I fear that until we deal with the underlying structural factors driving inequality, we're going to see it go ever higher.

Oil sanctions on Iran will negatively affect world’s economy: Japanese envoy

TEHRAN – The Japanese ambassador to Tehran has said that the imposition of sanctions on Iran’s oil industry will negatively affect the economic situation of the world in general and Japan in particular.

Costa Ricans Promote Actions to Free The Cuban Five

Members of a Costa Rican solidarity group assured in La HabanaThursday that they promote activities every month for the release of the five anti-terrorist Cuban fighters unfairly held in the United States prisons.

Ahead of South Carolina Primary, GOP Candidates Employ Race-Baiting Tradition to Win Southern Vote

Andrew Adler, the owner of local publication the Atlanta Jewish Times, has apologized after suggesting that assassinating President Barack Obama is an option that should be considered by the Israeli government.

All options on the table if Iran threatened: UN envoy

TEHRAN – The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations has said that the Islamic Republic has no decision to block the Strait of Hormuz unless Iran is threatened seriously. 

France threatens early Afghan pullout

US considering closing embassy in Syria

Iran says scientist's killer may have used U.N. info

Lack of trust overshadows Obama's outreach to Tehran

White House refuses to expand conscience exemption

Hamas calls for end to peace feelers following arrests

Nobel prize to Obama ridiculous: Remnick

Huge rallies staged across many Syrian cities

Mali: 47 Die in Clashes Between Troops, Rebels

Radioactive material stolen from nuclear power plant in Egypt

CAIRO: Radioactive material has been stolen from a nuclear power station on Egypt’s Northern coast, according to a report from Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper.

Fracking Education, the Earth and Each Other

By Dallas Darling - WN.com

Turning around, I knew I had recognized the voice that just came through the doorway. It was from a former student who had recently been in one of my U.S. History classes. With great excitement, he told me that he was now making $20 an hour working for an oil firm involved in fracking.

How Well Do You Really Know Ron Paul?

By Cynthia Gordy - The Root

With views that lean more libertarian than textbook conservative, Ron Paul swept the youth vote in the 2012 Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, placing third in both contests

BEIJING - China's energy cooperation with Iran has nothing to do with Iran's nuclear issue, and will not impair the interests of other countries or the international community, a senior diplomat said on Wednesday.

Somali refugees still fleeing famine

Six months since famine was declared in Somalia, the Puntland region is struggling to cope with an influx of refugees.

Liberia: Charles Taylor Worked for CIA - Report

Liberia's Charles Taylor, the first African head of state to be prosecuted for war crimes by an international tribunal, used to work for the CIA, the Boston Globe newspaper reported this week.

Two bombs explode in Londonderry

A massive security operation is under way in Londonderry after two bombs exploded in the city, in what police say were "callous" attacks.

Hamas officials: IDF arrests Palestinian parliament speaker in West Bank

Moscow Slams Hacker’s Extradition to U.S.

Following the Republican narratives

By Byron A. Ellis - February 19, 2012

Once again, it appears that President Obama is channeling the Republican narrative; he now wants to reduce government because the GOP believes it is the appropriate policy. However, less government jobs would decrease business profits and cause government and private jobs to disappear.

Administration rejects Keystone pipeline

By Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson - Washington Post

President Obama rejects a Canadian firm’s application for a permit to build and operate the pipeline, saying that a Feb. 21 deadline set by Congress had made it impossible to do an adequate review of the project.

On Apartheid, One State and Arab Spring: Interview with Richard Falk

Interviewed by Yousef M. Aljamal

(Richard Falk is Albert G. Milbank Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University and Visiting Distinguished Professor in Global and International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Details of Obama’s letter to Iran released

TEHRAN - A number of Iranian officials have released the details of the letter that U.S. President Barack Obama recently sent to Tehran

Ceasefire 'agreed' in Syrian mountain town

Ethiopian Government Forces Thousands Off Land

Supreme Court: Death-row inmate who missed deadline deserves hearing

Iranian minister tours south, blames U.S. for Syria unrest

Backers desert anti-piracy bill

Army responsible - Mubarak lawyer

Two blasts in Afghanistan kill 13

Manhunt in Nigeria for bomb suspect

SOLDIER’S FACEBOOK POST RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT U.S. SPECIAL FORCES IN SYRIA

By Nadin Abbott

January 17, 2012 (San Diego)— On January 2, a soldier in San Diego linked to Special Forces posted on his Facebook page that he was deploying to Syria.

The Romney Tax Loophole

By Robert Reich - Huffington Post

A loophole in the tax laws allows private-equity managers like Romney to treat their compensation as capital gains. It's legal but it's a scandal. Income from employment is employment income, period.

Caskets of Violence and State, Be Not Proud

By Dallas Darling - WN. com

As thousands of mourners tried to march to the cemetery, explosions and bombs muffled and drowned out "God is greatest" and "Down with Hamad."

Death toll rises in Italy cruise shipwreck

Five more bodies found aboard capsized liner, as audio emerges revealing how captain apparently abandoned ship.

Africa drought delay 'cost lives'

Thousands of needless deaths occurred from famine in East Africa last year because early warnings were ignored, say two of Britain's leading aid agencies.

Russia says it will block any UN oil embargo on Iran

TEHRAN – Kremlin has reaffirmed its opposition to new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, warning that Russia would block any possible UN resolution in this regard, RTTNews reported on Tuesday. 

Iran warns Saudi Arabia as oil debate on sanctions deepens - 2 hours ago

TEHRAN: Iran warned Saudi Arabia Tuesday to rethink an offer to make up for oil lost to world markets as a result of threatened curbs on its exports as diplomats said an E.U. embargo may be in force by July.

Dozens killed in South Sudan tribal violence

Nigeria Slammed for Using Soldiers to Stop Protests

'Five tourists dead' in Ethiopia

Russian Faces up to 142 Yrs in Prison in US for Cybercrimes

Liberia's Sirleaf takes presidential oath in land of hope

Flexing Muscle, Baghdad Detains U.S. Contractors

By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT and ERIC SCHMITT - New York Times

The crackdown comes amid other moves by the Iraqi government to take over functions once performed by the American military and to claim areas of the country it had controlled.

US curbs on China firm 'puzzling'

BEIJING - China on Saturday voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to sanctions imposed by the United States on a Chinese company for allegedly selling refined petroleum products to Iran.

Liberia: Monrovia Inauguration Marks Political Detente

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister: Israeli settlement construction is 'vandalism'

Syrian legislator joins anti-Assad uprising

Egypt’s military says presidential elections in June

Qatari minister condemns assassination of Iranian academic

Assad grants amnesty for crimes committed during unrest

Romney’s Al Gore problem

By Dana Milbank - Washington Post

His awkwardness has left an impression that he is a phony and not to be trusted.

Obama Crossed the Rubicon, Again

By Dallas Darling - WN.com

Haaretz Editorial

Supreme Court thrusts Israel down the slope of apartheid

Israel - The High Court of Justice's ruling Wednesday on the legality of the Citizenship Law proves the erosion of this institution's role as Israel's guardian of civil rights. Let's look at how the justices voted at the moment of truth on the law, which bans Palestinians from living in Israel with spouses who are Israeli citizens.

Russia to test over 70 new missile systems in 2012

About 70 new rocket and missile systems will be tested at Russia’s Kapustin Yar test range in 2012, an increase of 150 percent from last year, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

Euro governments credit ratings cut

France loses a top AAA credit rating as nine eurozone governments are downgraded by Standard & Poor's prompting markets to fall.

Ex-Arab League observer to Syria says received death threats

An Arab League observer to Syria who quit the mission after describing it as a "farce" told the Al Arabiya TV channel on Friday that he had left Damascus because he had received several death threats.

Judge: 4 GOP rivals off Virginia ballot

Guatemala congressman shot dead

WATCH: Ronald Reagan links MLK with Communism

The Youthful Magic of Ron Paul

By Robert Reich - Huffington Post

If Republicans -- or Democrats, for that matter -- want to win over much of the nation's young next November, they'd do well to listen carefully to Paul's positions on national defense and civil liberties.

As financial crisis loomed, Fed leaders lionized Greenspan, documents show

Zachary A. Goldfarb - Washington Post

Many economists now say the former chairman contributed to the crisis and the resulting recession.

The real battle for America’s soul

By Ruth Marcus - Washington Post

Romney asserts that President Obama wants to “fundamentally transform America,” turning the country “into a European-style entitlement society.” In fact, Romney and his Republican presidential rivals have a far more radical transformation in mind. They envision a dramatically shrunken federal government and a dangerously unraveled social safety net.

What War with Iran Might Look Like

By Philip Giraldi - Palestine Chronicle

Iran is clearly the target of choice, just as it was in 2007. Despite President Barack Obama’s assertion that he would open up avenues to talk to the Iranians, he has failed to do so, he has rejected Iranian initiatives to start a dialogue, and he is showing every sign of unwillingness to negotiate on any level.

1.1 m Somalis hit as militants force ICRC food aid suspension

GENEVA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it had suspended food distribution to 1.1 million people in central and southern Somalia after Islamist militants blocked deliveries in parts of the famine-hit country.

Burma signs ceasefire with rebels

UK police launch rendition probe

US military moves carriers, denies Iran link

Japan to reduce oil imports from Iran

SA 'undecided' on Iran oil sanctions

U.S. slams 3 energy companies with Iran sanctions

Assassinating academics and scientists is a dangerous game, which could lead to retaliation by aggrieving nations. Aggrieving nations could likewise select any civilian scientist as a target. Academics and scientists are easy targets.

Academics, scientists, institutions, and respectable governments should loudly and equivocally denounce the wanton killing of scientists. Unfortunately, many tacitly justified the assassination of Iranian scientists.

Iran believes the government of Israel carried out the act. The United States categorically denied involvement. Clearly, assassinating scientists is a terrorist act and the international community should isolate any government involved.

If the international community does not condemn the killing of scientists then it is signaling that nation-sponsored terrorism is acceptable.

U.S. denies Iranian accusation of involvement in scientist’s killing

By Thomas Erdbrink - Washington Post

The assassination in Tehran bore strong resemblance to two 2010 attacks on nuclear scientists.

China unbowed by US pressure over Iranian oil

US Treasury Secretary fails to persuade China to back sanctions against Iranian oil industry during talks in Beijing.

EU says Iran oil embargo bogged down

European Union talks on an oil embargo on Iran are becoming bogged down over discussions on exemptions for existing supply contracts and the length of a planned phase-in period, according to four diplomats.

US 'stoking up tensions' to gain regional role

BEIJING - The United States' recent published Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG), which calls for a renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific, may contribute to regional instability, analysts said.

Attack on Iran 'would be a disaster'

BEIJING - China strongly opposes the use of military force against Iran or Syria, a senior diplomat said on Tuesday, warning that a war in the region will be a disaster both on a humanitarian level and for the world economy.

Russia warns West against attack on Iran

Russia's deputy foreign minister FM says military action against Iran would upset global security; states Russia's firm opposition to any new sanctions on Iran.

Arab League observer accuses Syria of war crimes

An Arab League observer has left Syria, saying it has turned the monitoring mission sent to check its compliance with a peace plan into a "farce."

Oil sanctions on Iran cannot be implemented: Mehmanparast

US marines to probe 'abuse video'

French journalist killed in Syria violence

Nigeria’s Boko Haram leader says attacks “justified,” citizens scared

China tells US to back off Tibet affair

Polls closing after day of attacks on Romney

Philip Rucker and David Nakamura - Washington Post

New Hampshire’s primary polling sites began closing to voters after a day of final attacks between the leading Republican presidential candidates, even as the outcome was expected to reflect Mitt Romney’s long-standing commitment in the Granite State.

The Revolution Will Be Televised, and Manipulated

By Ramzy Baroud - Palestine Chronicle

In the final days of the Libyan conflict, as NATO conducted a nonstop bombing campaign, an Aljazeera Arabic television correspondent’s actions raised more than eyebrows.

South Africa: Mother Killed in Varsity Stampede

Johannesburg — The higher education department was considering halting last-minute university applications after a woman was killed in a stampede at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday, Minister Blade Nzimande said.

Deaths as Nigeria chaos grows

Eight people died in the north and a mob torched an Islamic school in the south, as a fuel strike rattled the country.

Explainer: violence in South Sudan

There has been fierce fighting between groups within South Sudan since the country gained independence in July last year. But what is fuelling the conflict?

Dozens dead in Pakistan blast

Nothing can separate Iran, Venezuela: Ahmdinejad

Indian FM: Tehran has right to civilian nuke power

Assad vows to strike 'terrorists with an iron fist'

United States awaits new draft resolution on Syria from Russia

Musharraf to land in Khi b/w Jan 27, 30

How did Musharraf become a billionaire?

Turkey holds trucks taking suspect Iranian cargo to Syria

West edges closer to confrontation with Iran over new plant

Iraq: 3 car bombs kill 17 amid sectarian violence

Hormuz Strait closure would hurt world: UAE

Daley out, Lew in as White House chief of staff

David Nakamura - Washington Post

Budget Director Jacob Lew, 56, will replace William Daley, 63, who leaves less than a year after taking the job.

Rescuing the Few, Declaring War on the Many?

By Dallas Darling - WorldNews.com 

The United States and its people are again awash with news of a made-for-television rescue.

Kingdom vows to ensure oil market stability

RIYADH: The Council of Ministers on Monday reviewed global oil market developments and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensure international market stability in terms of balancing demand and supply and prices.

'Foreign hands involved in Nawaz return'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has disclosed in his book that former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf had mysteriously given approval to Nawaz Sharif for his return to Pakistan.

Front-runner Mitt Romney faced intensified criticism from his Republican foes, spending the day before the New Hampshire primary explaining a remark he made.

Nigerian fuel protests turn deadly

Three people reportedly killed by police as thousands continue to demonstrate against a rollback of fuel subsidies.

Syrian defectors 'buying weapons from army'

In exclusive footage obtained by Al Jazeera, Free Syrian Army say their former comrades are selling them arms.

Egypt:   U.S. Reaches Out to Muslim Brotherhood (news)

Yemen Cabinet approves immunity law for president

Sanctions not squeezing Iran: Leader

Egyptian women cane morality police

By Colleen Gillard - bikyamasr.com

Vigilante gangs of ultra-conservative Salafi men have been harassing shop owners and female customers in rural towns around Egypt for “indecent behavior,” according to reports in the Egyptian news media

US: Iran has not yet decided to build nuclear bomb

WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Iran is laying the groundwork for making nuclear weapons someday, but is not yet building a bomb and called for continued diplomatic and economic pressure to persuade Tehran not to take that step.

Washington (CNN) -- Venezuela's consul general in Miami has been declared to be persona non grata and must leave the United States, a State Department spokesman said Sunday.

U.S. confirms expulsion of Venezuelan consul Miami

En Nacional - According to information posted on official Twitter account, @ RogerNoriega, Acosta would have 72 hours to leave the U.S. territory and that the penalty is based on the Rules of the Geneva Convention. Also specifies that in the next few hours  U.S. diplomat in Venezuela could be expelled  and President Hugo Chavez would "reevaluate" bilateral relations.

Iran can readily replace EU oil customers

Iran has ready alternatives to a threatened European Union embargo on its oil and increased pressure from Washington, and intends to keep up exports of some 2.3 million barrels per day this year, a senior Iranian oil official told Reuters.

Probe accuses US of Afghan detainee abuse

Inmates at facility in Bagram tell investigating commission they were tortured and held without evidence by authorities.

VIDEO: Nigerian Christians Told to Defend Themselves

Saudi beheads man as UN cries foul

Hezbollah says U.N.'s Ban not welcome in Lebanon

Mitt, Son of Citizens United

By Robert Reich

Romney and Citizens United were made for each other. Other candidates have quietly set up Super PACs of their own, but Mitt's unique ties to the biggest money pits enable him to take unique advantage of the Court's scurrilous invitation. He personifies the 1 percent.

U.S. economic picture brightens as 200K jobs were added in Dec.

By Michael A. Fletcher - Washington Post

The nation’s economy made solid gains across all sectors and pushed the unemployment rate to 8.5 percent, its lowest level in nearly three years.

Israel should remember: Obama is down, not out

By Yoel Marcus - Haaretz

Officially and unofficially, we don't usually stick our noses in, one way or the other. But Bibi's associates have been heard voicing opposition to Barack Obama, claiming he is naive, doesn't understand, makes mistakes and, chiefly, is not really on our side.

Hezbollah says Syria attack part of U.S. plan

BEIRUT: Hezbollah described Friday’s suicide bombing in Damascus as part of a larger U.S. plan to destabilize the country, while Lebanon’s foreign minister said the explosion was the beginning of further “terrorist operations” beyond Syria’s borders.

'Dozens dead' in Damascus bombing

Syrian opposition points the finger at the government while authorities vow to strike back with an "iron fist."

Jamaica 'to break links with UK'

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the time has come to abandon Queen Elizabeth as head of state and become a republic.

Colombia deportee returning to US

A 15-year-old runaway mistakenly deported to Colombia without any proof of residence is returning home to Texas, US media and Colombian officials say.

China warns US on Asia strategy

China's state media warn the US against "flexing its muscles" after it unveiled a defence review switching focus to the Asia-Pacific region.

Karzai demands US cede Afghan prison control

US Navy rescues Iranian fishing boat from pirates

Nigeria: Gunmen Kill Mourners in North

The right-wing Lebanese Christian advising Romney

Prostate cancer screenings ineffective

Mass celebrations of Orthodox Christmas begin in Russia

Obama plans a leaner, cheaper military

Craig Whitlock and Greg Jaffe - Washington Post

The administration outlines a strategy that shifts the Pentagon’s focus toward Asia and says the country’s budget problems necessitate a more restrained use of military force and more modest foreign policy goals.

Obama: Drones and Change

By Sean Fenley

Obama is at present, in fact, leading the way in the history of United States presidents, in his extensive reliance on the secret killing of individuals; ostensibly in the interest of securing national security goals.

After Senate, Santorum’s income jumped

Carol D. Leonnig - Washinton Post

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum earned $1.3 million in 2010 and the first half of 2011.

Egyptian prosecutors demand death sentence for Mubarak

Why the GOP candidates are talking about race

By Perry Bacon Jr. - The Grio

Former House Speaker Speaker Newt Gingrich promised Thursday in New Hampshire if he is the GOP presidential nominee to go to the NAACP and "tell the African-American community why they should demand paychecks instead of food stamps," as first reported by Slate.

Deadly attack hits Nigeria church

Fire engulfs cloth godown in Karachi

KARACHI: Fire engulfed cloth godown in Korangi Industrial area of the metropolis in the wee hours of Friday, Geo News reported.

Jewish Life In Costa Rica

The mother of one of my students invited me to her home for Shabbat dinner. As the six-year-old son passed the gefilte fish across the table to his grandma, I realized that somehow, in this Christian nation, I have felt as connected — if not more so —to my Jewish roots than living in New Jersey or New York, where are there are more Jews than anywhere in the world, second only to Israel. How is this possible?

Wave of bombings leaves scores dead in Iraq

At least 25 dead, 150 missing in southern Philippines landslide

Republican presidential candidates rate poorly on secular scorecard

The African National Congress Turns 100

Weekend Dissent: Abortion and Violent and Nonviolent Rescuers

By Dallas Darling - WN.com

No one knows what Shannon Lowney, age 25, and Leanne Nichols, age 28, thought when a gunman dressed all in black walked into the clinics where they worked.

In depth: Chevron ordered to pay $9.5 billion for Ecuador damage

By Joseph Mayton - bikyamasr.com

UK men sentenced for 1993 'racist' murder

Judge calls Stephen Lawrence murder a "terrible and evil crime", and sentences two men to minimums of 15 and 14 years.

EU agrees Iran oil embargo

Europe raises pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme with agreement to ban imports of Iranian oil

Obama makes Cordray appointment

U.S. presence in Persian Gulf is damaging: Iran defense minister

United States dismisses Iran’s belligerent statements

Bachmann pulls out of US presidential race

Hamas condemns Palestine-Israeli peace talks

Mullah Omar confirms peace talks with US

Gay Is Not the New Black

Syrian army defectors threaten more attacks

Nigeria: Unions Call National Strike Over Fuel Subsidy

African-American teen missing since 2010 mistakenly deported to Colombia

Syrian activists claim state deception

Hiking the price of crude oil through legislation

By Byron A. Ellis – January 04, 2012

Mercantilism is an economic system where powerful countries instituted laws to control foreign trade. In the 16^th throughout the 18^th centuries mercantilism was a leading cause of wars in Europe.

Oil prices surge after Iran sends warning aimed at U.S. ships

By Joby Warrick and Steven Mufson - Washington Post

U.S. officials attribute Tuesday’s harsh language to Iran’s growing frustration over its faltering economy.

Tensions soar as Iran threatens force against U.S. carrier

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States called to defuse tensions Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran’s military warned they would face “force” if one of the U.S. navy’s biggest aircraft carriers returned to the Gulf.

US hopes Pak will open supply routes

WASHINGTON: The United States continues military dialogue with Pakistan despite recent serious setbacks, because the US-Pakistani relationship is very important, Pentagon spokesman George Little said on Tuesday.

The latest wave of CNN Iowa entrance polls shows Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in a virtual tie. The polls show Newt Gingrich in fourth.

Early results show three-way race

GOP presidential candidates Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum were running neck-and-neck in entrance polls and early results in the Iowa caucuses

Rick Santorum targeted black people at a campaign stop in Iowa on Sunday, saying he doesn't want to make their lives better by giving them welfare.

Egypt votes in third round of elections

Polls close on first day of third phase of elections as Islamist parties look to dominate lower house of parliament.

'Don't let Syria bamboozle Arab League monitors'

France is worried about Arab League peace monitors working in Syria, saying it is crucial Syrian authorities be prevented from hoodwinking them.

Taliban leaders held at Guantánamo Bay to be released in peace talks deal

Senator Mark Kirk challenges president on statement that he might treat aspects of law as "non-binding."

UN: Hundreds could be dead in S Sudan unrest

Decline in Iran currency not related to new U.S. sanctions

Taliban leaders held at Guantánamo Bay to be released in peace talks deal