Weekend Gazette 083014 -Labor day weekend Pt1.

Saturday August 30th 2014 -Labor day long weekend edition

Philippine Syria troops 'attacked'

Philippine peacekeepers trapped by rebels in the Syrian Golan Heights are "under attack", Philippine Defence Minister Voltaire Gazmin says.

He said the assault had started early on Saturday, but gave no details on any casualties.
In recent days the Syrian rebels have taken 44 Fijian peacekeepers hostage in the area and surrounded 75 Filipinos manning two separate UN posts.
The rebels have also seized a crossing point into the Israeli-occupied Golan.
They are believed to include members of the al-Nusra Front, al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria.
Mr Guzman told reporters on Saturday that the Philippine soldiers had been attacked at one post, identified as camp 68.
The others, based at camp 69 about 4km (2.5 miles) away, are said to be safe.
Worsening security The Fijian members of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (Undof) were detained on Wednesday near Quneitra, during fighting between rebels and government forces.
Last week the Philippine government said it would bring home its 331 peacekeeping forces from the Golan Heights in October, amid deteriorating security there. 
Related: U.N. Tries To Locate Peacekeepers Kidnapped By Syrian Group

Miliband calls for tougher action on Britons travelling to Iraq and Syria

Labour leader says government should revisit decision to scrap control orders for terror suspects

The government should take tougher action to prevent would-be British jihadis from travelling to Iraq and Syria to fight for Islamic State (Isis) and force those who return to Britain to undergo a process of "de-radicalisation", Ed Miliband has said.
The Labour leader said the government should revisit the decision to scrap the control orders regime for terror suspects, after the terror threat level to the UK was raised from substantial to severe.
His comments come ahead of David Cameron's announcement of new counter-terrorism measures in parliament on Monday. The prime minister and Nick Clegg will spend the weekend discussing measures to tackle the threat posed by UK terror suspects.
Cameron said on Friday that there were "gaps in our armoury" which needed to be filled after counter-terrorism experts warned that an attack on the UK was "highly likely".
Writing in the Independent, Miliband stressed the need for a "multilateral alliance" combining political, diplomatic and humanitarian action to counter the "perverted mission" of Isis in the Middle East.
In the UK, he said, "we should act with clarity and determination" to tackle the threat from extremists.
"Such action must include an overhaul of the Home Office Prevent programme to equip communities with the tools to stop young people being sucked into extremist ideology," he said.

Iraq conflict: Kurds 'recapture oilfields from IS'

Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they have retaken oilfields near Mosul in north Iraq from Islamic State (IS) militants.

The attack on the three Ain Zalah installations began on Thursday morning, they said, but the militants blew them all up as they retreated.
The area is part of a large swathe of territory in northern Iraq overrun by Islamic State in recent weeks.
Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by US air strikes have regained some ground, including the vital Mosul dam.
IS-led violence has driven an estimated 1.2 million Iraqis from their homes.
Whole communities of minority Yazidis and Christians have been forced to flee in the north, along with Shia Iraqis, whom IS do not regard as true Muslims.

Islamic State vows to reach 'Palestine' and 'kill the barbaric Jews'

The organization calling itself the Islamic State has risen from the fog of war in Syria and

Iraq in recent months and drawn the attention of the world with major victories on both sides of the Euphrates River that have claimed swaths of territory for its declared caliphate, or Islamic State.
Now in the organization's new English language publication, Dabiq, aimed at young Muslims in western states, the extremist organization declared, "Islamic State will do everything within its means to continue striking down every apostate who stands as an obstacle on its path towards Palestine."
Denouncing the ineffectiveness of other Arab states and organizations in carrying out the "will of Allah," the magazine vows that, "Its [Islamic State's] actions speak louder than its words and it is only a matter of time and patience before it reaches Palestine to fight the barbaric Jews and kill those of them hiding behind the gharqad trees – the trees of the jews."

Qatar's role as US ally at odds with claims it sponsors terror

If the Middle East were one big room, Qatar would be the elephant, according to a growing number of regional experts who believe the oil rich emirate is propping up violent jihadists around the globe even as it poses as a U.S. ally and would-be broker of peace.
Israel has long complained of Qatar's alleged duplicity, accusing it of meddling, bankrolling Hamas in Gaza, exporting radical Islamic terrorism through its tight links to the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Nusra. And a German official recently suggested that Qatar may also play a role in funding Islamic State, the savage extremist group behind the beheading of U.S. journalist James Foley.

"You have to ask who is arming, who is financing ISIS troops? The key word there is Qatar - and how do we deal with these people and states politically?" German Development Minister Gerd Muller said last week.
In response, Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah unequivocally denied funding the Islamic State group.
"Qatar does not support extremist groups, including ISIS, in any way," he said in an emailed statement. "We are repelled by their views, their violent methods and their ambitions. The vision of extremist groups for the region is one that we have not, nor will ever, support in any way."
Indeed, Qatar was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to condemn Foley's murder, saying it was "a heinous crime that goes against all Islamic and humanitarian principles, as well as international laws and conventions."

Terrorism to reach Europe, US, warns Saudi king

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah says the threat of terrorism would reach Europe and the US if it is not confronted on an international scale, according to the country's official news agency, the Saudi Press Agency.

During a speech to foreign ambassadors at a reception in his hometown of Jeddah, the Saudi monarch urged them to convey a message to their governments: "Terrorism must be fought with force, reason and speed."

World leaders should hastily respond to the "evil" threat of terrorism before it spreads beyond the borders of the Middle East, he warned. "Terrorists do not know humanity."

His speech addressed the mass killings and public beheadings committed "day and night" across the Middle East, which went "against the teachings of Allah" and ignored the "sanctity of human life."

King Abdullah noted that atrocities did not stop there, with terrorists "even killing themselves."
"I am sure they will arrive in Europe in a month," he said, "and in the US a month after that."
His comments come as US Secretary of State John Kerry warned against the danger of leaving the ISIS threat unchecked.

Iran sanctions: US targets firms over nuclear links

The US has imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals in connection with Iran's nuclear programme.

The sanctions target at least 25 firms and people suspected of helping the programme, evading previous sanctions or supporting terrorism.
But Washington said its actions were still consistent with its commitment to provide sanctions relief in exchange for steps to halt the programme.
World powers suspect Iran seeks atomic weapons, a claim it strongly denies.
The country insists that it is enriching uranium for use in nuclear power stations and for medical purposes.
In a statement, US Under-Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen said that Washington's action in imposing these new sanctions "reflects our continuing determination to take action against anyone, anywhere, who violates our sanctions."
Senior administration officials said the latest round of sanctions included action against the Russia-based Asia Bank, which Washington says was involved in converting and delivering US dollar bank notes to the Iranian government.
They also targeted firms that have helped Iran support President Bashar Assad's government in Syria.
Iran and world powers have set themselves until 24 November to reach a permanent agreement resolving the nuclear dispute.
The next round of talks on the issue is expected in mid-September.
Related: Iran says US sanctions will hinder nuclear talks

Yemen clash kills 4 troops, 13 suspected militants 

SANAA, Yemen –  Military officials in Yemen say clashes between the army and al-Qaida's local branch there have killed at least 13 suspected militants and four troops.
The officials said the fighting early Saturday started when a suicide car bomber attacked a military camp in the city of al-Qatn in the southern province of Hadramawt.

They said militants then assaulted the camp, prompting a gunbattle that lasted for more than an hour that killed 10 suspected militants and four troops. The officials said the army also fired artillery at a nearby home believed to hide al-Qaida fighters, killing three suspected militants inside.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.
The U.S. considers Yemen's al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula the most dangerous branch of the group.

UN to impose sanctions on Libyan militia leaders

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and sanctions against those involved in the surge in violence there between rival militias.

Libya's ambassador to the UN called the resolution a "milestone", but has warned of "a full-blown civil war".
The list of those to face sanctions is yet to be decided.
The Security Council has been alarmed by the increase in fighting between militia groups and army factions.
Recent clashes have centred on the international airport in the capital, Tripoli, which is now under the control of militias from Misrata and other cities operating under the banner Libya Dawn, including some Islamist groups.
They took it from the hands of a Zintan-based militia, despite alleged air strikes carried out by Egypt and the UAE targeting the Islamist-linked group.
Libya is also facing political turmoil, with two rival leaders and assemblies currently operating in two different parts of the country, each backed by rival armed groups. 

Lesotho PM flees to South Africa following coup: Report 

JOHANNESBURG: Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane confirmed on Saturday that the military had seized power in a coup in the tiny kingdom and that he had fled to neighbouring South Africa in fear of his life.

"I have been removed from control not by the people but by the armed forces, and that is illegal," Thabane told the BBC.

"I came into South Africa this morning and I will return as soon as my life is not in danger," he said.

"I will not go back to Lesotho to get killed." Lesotho's military seized control of police headquarters and the premier's residence in the capital Maseru in the early hours of Saturday, but later withdrew, a government minister told AFP.

"The armed forces, the special forces of Lesotho, have taken the headquarters of the police," said sports minister and leader of the Basotho National Party, Thesele Maseribane.

"The (military) commander said he was looking for me, the prime minister and the deputy prime minister to take us to the king. In our country, that means a coup," he said.

The putsch comes just months after a power struggle in the landlocked country that describes itself as the "kingdom in the sky".

Maseribane said people with guns were roaming the city but that he had no information about casualties, accusing the military of jamming radio stations and phone networks.

Ukraine crisis: EU 'must act on Russia aggression'

EU leaders are gathering in Brussels to discuss the crisis in Ukraine, threatening to impose fresh sanctions against Russia.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton accused Russia of "direct aggression" in eastern Ukraine.
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said Russia was "practically in a war against Europe".
Russia denies that its forces are backing rebels, who have been gaining ground on Ukrainian forces.
Baroness Ashton said there was "deep concern" over "direct aggression by Russian forces". She called on Russia to stop the flow of arms, equipment and personnel into Ukraine.
As she arrived at the talks in Brussels, Ms Grybauskaite said: "We need to support Ukraine, and send military materials to help Ukraine defend itself. Today Ukraine is fighting a war on behalf of all Europe."

US operations in Iraq costing $7.5m a day as Obama deliberates strategy

Since 16 June, panoply of US operations in Iraq have expanded to include around 60 surveillance flights over Isis territory
America’s newest war in Iraq has cost over half a billion dollars so far, according to Pentagon estimates, all before President Barack Obama decides upon a strategy against Islamic State (Isis) militants.
Rear Adm John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters on Friday that daily military operations in Iraq since 16 June, when the White House informed Congress it had ordered up to 275 US troops to bolster embassy security in Baghdad, have cost on average $7.5m.
Those operations stretched into their 75th day on Friday, suggesting a cost of around $562.5m. Kirby did not break down the $7.5m figure, and he cautioned that not that much money was actually spent every day.
Since 16 June, the panoply of US operations in Iraq, the first since the 2011 troop withdrawal, have expanded. Hundreds of US special operations “advisers” arrived in Baghdad and Irbil to aid the Iraqi military and Kurdish Peshmerga militia forces plan a response to Isis’ advance across much of northern and central Iraq, briefly topping 1,000 for a reconnaissance mission atop Mount Sinjar earlier this month.
Around 60 surveillance flights, by piloted planes and drones, occur daily over territory controlled by Isis. The US has launched 110 airstrikes against Isis positions, artillery and equipment, mostly to dislodge Isis from the Mosul Dam and prevent the jihadist army from retaking it. Initially, those airstrikes centered around relieving an Isis siege of Mount Sinjar and stopping Isis from advancing into Iraqi Kurdistan.
The most recent airstrikes occurred Friday, Central Command said, and took place near the dam. It said it destroyed four Isis “armed vehicles” and three more “support vehicles,” with another armed vehicle “severely damaged.”

Ex-US Navy officer who spied for Soviets dies in prison

A former US navy sailor who led a spy ring for the Soviet Union has died in a prison medical centre at the age of 77.

Retired Navy Warrant Officer John Walker Jr was sentenced to life in prison in 1985 for passing codes and other sensitive data to the USSR.
He had recruited his son, his brother and friend to continue spying after he retired. All were convicted.
The breach was considered among the largest leaks of military secrets in US history at the time.
Walker pleaded guilty in 1985, in a deal to gain a lighter sentence for his son, who was released in 2000 after serving 15 years in prison.
The spy ring began when Walker walked into the Soviet embassy in Washington DC in 1967, and offered to hand over secret coded material on a regular basis.
The Soviets used the information he and others passed to them over the course of 17 years to decode millions of secret US navy messages.
Prosecutors said at the time of his arrest that Walker was more motivated by greed than ideology.
His cause of death was not immediately released.

Possible Threat Against Obama Investigated By Secret Service

Authorities in Connecticut on Friday were investigating a possible threat against President Barack Obama, local media reported.

The U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for presidential security, issued a statement

saying, "Information has been received by law enforcement regarding a potentially suspicious person and vehicle. We are working with our local law enforcement partners to determine the validity of the information provided."

The Hartford Courant said state police were searching for a man who allegedly had made a threat against Obama and was driving a silver Volkswagen Jetta.

Obama was scheduled to be in Rhode Island on Friday night for a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser. No further details were immediately available.

DHS considering new security measures to intercept ‘foreign fighters’ returning from Syria

The Department of Homeland Security said Friday that officials are considering “additional security measures” to intercept foreign fighters who have joined up with radical militants overseas, on the heels of reports that two Americans have died fighting for the Islamic State in Syria.
The development comes as the British government raises its threat level to “severe” amid the crisis in the Middle East. The White House said Friday there are “no plans” to follow suit in Washington; DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said his department and the FBI are not aware of any “specific, credible threat” to the U.S. homeland from the Islamic State.

However, Johnson said the government is “deeply concerned” about the situation in Iraq and Syria and is considering additional precautions – presumably regarding westerners fighting with ISIS who would try to return home.  
“We are contemplating additional security measures concerning foreign fighters,” he announced.  
Without getting into specifics, Johnson said “some of the security measures will be visible to the public and some understandably will be unseen.”

White House Reportedly Considering Pushing Deportation Changes To Post-Election

WASHINGTON -- Faced with opposition from vulnerable Democrats, the Obama administration is considering waiting until after the November elections to take actions that could keep many undocumented immigrants from being deported, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
President Barack Obama promised a review of his deportation policies earlier this year, and the changes are expected to be announced in coming weeks. The new policies could include sweeping actions to prevent some undocumented immigrants from deportation, along with changes to how green cards are doled out and other business-friendly moves.
But some Democrats, particularly those in competitive Senate races, have expressed concern about how such a move could play in their states as they run for re-election. Republicans blame Obama's previous administrative action on immigration, the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, for an increase this year of unaccompanied minors crossing the border illegally, and have attempted to turn it into a campaign issue against Democrats. Some have even begun to hint that a showdown over government funding could occur if Obama acts unilaterally on immigration, although other Republicans are downplaying that possibility.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the White House is considering first making moves to increase immigration enforcement, then making broader changes after the election but before the end of the year. Officials cautioned, however, that no final decisions have been made. 

Chelsea Clinton quits as reporter for NBC News

NEW YORK –  Chelsea Clinton said Friday she is quitting her job as a reporter at NBC News, citing increased work at the Clinton Foundation and imminent birth of her first child.
Bill and Hillary Clinton's daughter had been working at the network since 2011, sporadically doing feature stories on people or organizations doing public-spirited work. Politico magazine reported earlier this year that NBC was paying her $600,000 a year.

"I loved watching the "Making a Difference" stories about remarkable people and organizations making a profound difference in our country and our world," Clinton said in a statement posted on her Facebook page. "I am grateful NBC gave me the opportunity to continue this important legacy."
She was initially hired to do stories for Brian Williams' "Rock Center" newsmagazine, but that program was canceled. Her work occasionally appeared on NBC's "Nightly News."
Two Clinton stories that aired in January were on education programs targeting the underprivileged. She's done stories on a school program for jailed teenagers named after Maya Angelou, an Arkansas tutoring program and a restaurant chain that donates leftover food to the needy. Her last story appeared on Aug. 1.
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