Thursday, June 10, 2021

Hugh Jackman, LOKI, Jimmy Dore, Pascal Robert

First up, from DEADLINE:

 
Anna Paquin and Hugh Jackman became fast friends during their work on the first X-Men film, the actress even helping pick cigar out of his teeth when his fists were full — of claws.
Oscar-winner Paquin on Wednesday dropped by SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, where she talked about the two becoming best pals while making the 2000 film, which would help kick-start the comic book film craze.
“Hugh was the person I was always closest with because I had all my scenes with him,” Paquin, who played Rogue, told Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham. “He is still a lovely, gracious human being.”


I'm a huge Hugh fan. I love Wolverine. I also liked Ann in the X-MEN films but felt she needed way more to do in the last one (DAYS OF FUTURE PAST -- and I never saw the Rogue version of it, just the one that went to the movies). Glad to hear Anna thinks he's nice guy. She seems pretty nice herself.

On superheroes, LOKI.  It's on DISNEY+.  Have you tried it?  I did.  I liked it at first, the clips from the MARVEL movies then we're in the story of LOKI and it just lost me.  I turned it off and I may try it again this weekend but it didn't involve me or grab me or anything.


Now for Jimmy Dore.



And if that's not a portrait of how ineffective Congress is, what could be? Her own bill. She can't even support and fight for her own bill. Jimmy Dore -- exposing stupidity and hypocrisy online. And he calls it fairly. He's not playing favorites.

Pascal Robert is a writer new to me. I first read him this week and noted him here when I did. He has a new piece at BLACK AGENDA REPORT and I really urge you to read it.

 
Here's a taste:

The liberal establishment, the Democratic Party, and the left flank of capital are playing a cynical game post-George Floyd to pimp out Black trauma to keep Blacks wedded to Biden and the Centrist wing of the Democratic Party. Since the brutal murder of George Floyd, Foundation largesse, corporate philanthropy, and commercial media productions have been pouring in resources and programming highlighting depictions of Black trauma and historical suffering in a way that makes these spectacles deserving of the title: Black Trauma Porn.
This posturing from the liberal establishment, which we know has never truly cared for the lives of the majority of Black Americans who are working class or poor, serves two main functions. Originally the post-George Floyd racial grievance discourse was viewed by liberals as an effective bulwark against Trump, as a counter to his racist dog whistles and his depiction as a brutal ogre unfit for the presidency because of his comportment and offensive language. The focus on race and racism, divorced from any analysis of how capitalism demands racism to disproportionately render poor and working class Blacks to labor redundancy and the reserve army of labor, has been the main form of racial grievance pushed by the Black Political Class and its class partners during the 50 year counter-revolution that has spanned history since Martin Luther King was assassinated.


 


Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"


 Thursday, June 10, 2021.  Attacks on US-interests in Iraq, a probable killer walks free, and much more.


The most dominant Iraq item in the news cycle?  Another attack.





ALJAZEERA reports:


Multiple rockets have targeted two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition troops and foreign contractors but nobody was hurt in the attacks.

Iraq’s joint operations command said in a statement on Thursday one attack near a military base next to Baghdad’s airport was spearheaded by three explosives-laden drones, and one of the UAVs was intercepted and destroyed.

Three rockets also hit Balad airbase, north of the capital, on Wednesday without causing any casualties or damage, a military statement said. The base houses foreign military contractors.


AFP explains, "Balad air base, north of Baghdad, is used by US company Sallyport to service F-16 fighter jets flown by Iraq’s air force and has repeatedly been targeted by rocket fire. Another US company, Lockheed Martin, withdrew its staff from the base last month amid concerns about the safety of its personnel."  Qassim Abdul-Zahra (AP) provides this context, "The attacks are the latest in a string that continue to target the U.S. presence in Iraq. Over a dozen have targeted Iraqi military bases and Baghdad's highly fortified Green Zone since U.S. President Joe Biden assumed office this year. More than 10 people have been killed, including two foreign contractors."  Sura Ali (RUDAW) notes, "In May, a leader in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic) affiliated with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said there are Iranian-made drones in Iraq that are ready to be used against US combat troops." THE NEWSHOUR's Leila Molana-Allen Tweets:


More info on last night's attacks in #Iraq: at least four rockets hit Balad and #Baghdad aiport air bases hosting #US troops.


In other news, Qasim Muslih was released yesterday ending a brief, momentary hope many Iraqis had that someone might be held accountable for the wave of assassinations targeting Iraqi activists.  Balsam Tweets:


In his first statement after release, Qasim Muslih, militia leader, says, 'it is expected that Hashed leaders would face terrorism charges whilst terrorists become martyrs...Hashed has played a role in establishing the state of Iraq'. Who was he referring to as 'terrorists'?


You really don't need to ask that question.  Qasim Muslih and his cohorts have designated activists as terrorists.  When their wave or propaganda took place in January of 2000, they attacked and beat Shi'ites hanging truths around Baghdad about their fallen wet dream -- assassinated by the US government -- who was nothing but a thug who terrorized Sunnis, Iraq's LGBT community and freedom.  Putting a poster is an offense that can get you executed in Qasim's mind, it is terrorism.  And taking down a poster promoting Qasim and his fellow thugs?  It's cause to murder.


JoJo Jabbani reminds:


Qasim Muslih: "Any hand which [takes down] posters of the Hashd and Abu Mahdi AlMuhandis, I will cut it and send it back to you" Many such audio recordings of direct threats, but still "insufficient evidence" for his role in assassinations of activists.


Terrorists, in Qasim's mind, are those activists who make up The October Movement, a group of largely Shi'ite Iraqis who came together to demand better public services -- we'll come back to that in a minute -- and an end to corruption.  Making those demands?  In Qasim's mind is an act of terrorism.  The militias were always a bad thing but since they were folded into the official Iraqi military, they've been even worse.  They have threatened and bullied the current prime minister.  And they got away with it.  


Louisa Loveluck and Mustafa Salim (WASHINGTON POST) report:


Iraq's government suffered an embarrassment Wednesday after a rare move to limit impunity among Iran-linked militias instead resulted in a commander accused of several killings walking free from custody and into a hero's welcome.

Although Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s government issued no statement about the May 26 arrest of Qasim Musleh, a militia commander from the southern city of Karbala, the fallout from it has dominated news broadcasts and underscored the administration’s weakness as militias kill and intimidate members of a protest movement that brought Kadhimi to power.

The arrest had sparked immediate controversy. Iran-linked militiamen arrived at the gates of Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone within hours. The army was deployed. That standoff ended only when one of Kadhimi’s predecessors and political foes, Nouri al-Maliki, stepped in to defuse tensions, officials say.

In a statement Wednesday, Iraq’s judiciary said that it had not seen sufficient evidence to convict Musleh and that he had provided a document showing that he was out of the country during the killing of at least one of two civil society activists in Karbala whose deaths he is being linked to. Iraqi officials had previously said that they had a case file proving his connection to the killing.



Better public services?  I said we'd come back to that.  Though not reported on that often these days, Iraq still has a problem of providing potable water -- safe drinking water.  For example, Khazan Jangiz (RUDAW) reported yesterday:

Sulaimani’s health directorate on Wednesday expressed its concern over increasing cases of diarrhea among the public, urging residents to refrain from using unsuitable drinking water.

“The data that we have, we will not hide it, it’s caused us worry and fear because the number of people infected with diarrhea has tripled and now a large number of people are suffering from diarrhea,” Sabah Nasraddin, the general director of Sulaimani’s health directorate, said in a press conference on Wednesday. 

“We suspect if it’s not controlled, it could be a cause for the spread of cholera,” Nasraddin warned. “One of the reasons as you know is the drought, because the water has decreased and people are resorting to well water and water that is not suitable for drinking, which will spread disease.”


ARAB NEWS reports:

 However, a senior Iraqi government official denounced the decision to release Muslah.

“Telephone communications on the topic of these assassinations between Muslah and the direct perpetrators, threats to relatives, witness testimony, explanations received under questioning — all were supplied,” the official said.

“The government presented all available evidence, but the judges have decided to release him because of pressure exerted on them.” Muslah’s release coincided with the arrival in Baghdad of Gen. Esmail Ghaani, head of the Quds Force, the overseas unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Ghaani met militia and political leaders to discuss tensions between the government and the Hashd Al-Shaabi. Muslah’s arrest last month sparked tensions and fears of violence.

Hashd Al-Shaabi forces surrounded Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s headquarters inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of the Iraqi government, and Iraqi security forces and the elite Counter-Terrorism Service were deployed to protect the government and diplomatic missions.


FREE MALAYSIA TODAY Tweets:

Qasim Muslih's release without charge is one of many failed govt efforts to rein down armed groups. #FMTNews


YEMEN DETAILS Tweets:


An official #Iraq government source decried the decision to release pro-Iran #PMU commander Qasim Muslih, adding that “the government presented all available evidence, but the judges have decided to release him because of pressure exerted on them.”



We'll note this Tweet.


The man on the left is Ihab Al-Wazni and the one the right is Fahim Al-Ta’aie. Please share this thread to expose the power of Iran within iraq, the unacceptable actions of the Iranian backed militias, the resistance and the crimes they have committed against many activists.
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The two remain dead.  Their alleged killer walks free.


A friend at the Pentagon asked me to note the following which was posted by the US Defense Dept yesterday:


The Defense Department celebrates the extraordinary achievements of its LGBTQ+ service members, civilian employees and their families' sacrifices during Pride Month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today at the Pentagon.

Speaking to an audience that included the department's senior-most leadership, the secretary said as DOD reflects on the progress it's made in making sure that everyone who wants to serve and is qualified, can do so with dignity and respect.

"We know we have more work to do, but thanks to your courage, advocacy and dedication, the Department of Defense has been able to do more to secure LGBTQ+ rights than at any other time in history," Austin said.

That includes efforts to ensure all military families and spouses receive the benefits their loved ones have earned, and to which they are entitled; to helping veterans who previously were forced out because of their sexual orientation to apply to correct their records, or — where appropriate — to return to service, he said.

"[It's] often said that progress is a relay race [and] not a single event. That's certainly been true when it comes to the pioneers who fought for this community’s civil rights in the military," the secretary said.

Throughout American history, LGBTQ+ citizens have fought to defend our rights and freedoms — from the founding of our nation to the Civil War, from the trenches of two World Wars to Korea and Vietnam and from Afghanistan to Iraq, the secretary said. "They fought for our country even when our country wouldn't fight for them."

Austin noted how not every advocate of this community's rights has been an LGBTQ+ community member. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, was one leader who took a courageous stand against the law, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which led directly to its repeal 10 years ago.

Today, the department commemorates the repeal of that law and welcomes a new generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians and Marines, openly and proudly serving their country, Austin said. 

"And today, we reaffirm that transgender rights are human rights and that America is safer — it is better — when every qualified citizen can serve with pride and dignity," the secretary said.

He called such efforts real progress and emphasized how the repeal was hard-fought and hard-won.

However, DOD's work isn't done until it tackles the challenge of sexual assault and harassment in the force, he emphasized. 

"And we know that service members from this community are at elevated risk of this crime.  Our work isn't done until we recognize that the health of the force fully incorporates mental health, including for LGBTQ+ service members," the secretary pointed out.

"That's why we must recommit to treating all wounds, both visible and invisible. And our work still isn’t done until we create a safe and supportive workplace for everyone — one free from discrimination, harassment and fear," Austin said.

"No one should have to hide who they love to serve the country they love," he said. "No service member who is willing to put their life on the line to keep our country safe should feel unsafe because of who they are."

Further, the secretary said, "No citizen who is qualified, willing and able to do the job should be turned away. So yes, we've got more to do. But I'm confident we'll get there because of all of you, and because of the LGBTQ+ service members and civilians around the world who never stop living the values they so bravely defend."

The secretary said he knows this community is especially proud this month and rightfully so. "I'm proud, too," he said, adding, "proud every month and every day to call you my teammates and to serve alongside you — because your lives, careers, service and stories are living proof that we are stronger and more effective together."

Austin thanked the LGBTQ+ community for their service, their skill, and change and progress as they continue to lead. "It matters very much to the defense of this nation," he said.




The following sites updated:


Wednesday, June 09, 2021

Jimmy Dore, Glenn Greenwald

 Jimmy Dore.





Again, why did we 'have' to vote for Joe?  He's Donald Trump.


Not seeing any vast improvement.  Again, Michael Bloomberg would have been a better president than Joe -- even Michael Bloomberg.


We could have had Bernie.


Could of.


This is from Glenn Greenwald:


One of the most significant events of the last two decades has been largely memory-holed: the October, 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S. Beginning just one week after 9/11 and extending for another three weeks, a highly weaponized and sophisticated strain of anthrax had been sent around the country through the U.S. Postal Service addressed to some of the country's most prominent political and media figures. As Americans were still reeling from the devastation of 9/11, the anthrax killed five Americans and sickened another seventeen.

As part of the extensive reporting I did on the subsequent FBI investigation to find the perpetrator(s), I documented how significant these attacks were in the public consciousness. ABC News, led by investigative reporter Brian Ross, spent a full week claiming that unnamed government sources told them that government tests demonstrated a high likelihood that the anthrax came from Saddam Hussein's biological weapons program. The Washington Post, in November, 2001, also raised “the possibility that [this weaponized strain of anthrax] may have slipped through an informal network of scientists to Iraq.” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) appeared on The David Letterman Show on October 18, 2001, and said: “There is some indication, and I don't have the conclusions, but some of this anthrax may -- and I emphasize may -- have come from Iraq.” Three days later, McCain appeared on Meet the Press with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and said of the anthrax perpetrators: “perhaps this is an international organization and not one within the United States of America,” while Lieberman said the anthrax was so finely weaponized that “there's either a significant amount of money behind this, or this is state-sponsored, or this is stuff that was stolen from the former Soviet program” (Lieberman added: “Dr. Fauci can tell you more detail on that”).

In many ways, the prospect of a lethal, engineered biological agent randomly showing up in one's mailbox or contaminating local communities was more terrifying than the extraordinary 9/11 attack itself. All sorts of oddities shrouded the anthrax mailings, including this bizarre admission in 2008 by long-time Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen: “I had been told soon after Sept. 11 to secure Cipro, the antidote to anthrax. The tip had come in a roundabout way from a high government official. I was carrying Cipro way before most people had ever heard of it.” At the very least, those anthrax attacks played a vital role in heightening fear levels and a foundational sense of uncertainty that shaped U.S. discourse and politics for years to come. It meant that not just Americans living near key power centers such as Manhattan and Washington were endangered, but all Americans everywhere were: even from their own mailboxes.

Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"


 Wednesday, June 9, 2021.  Turkey's persecution of the Kurds continues, Iraq wants to go nuclear, an alleged killer walks out of Iraqi custody, and much more.


Not the frustration in this Tweet by Kamal Chomani:


No one asks the KRG & the KDP to stop the Turkish war on the Kurds of #Turkey & the PKK on mountains, we know neither can do. What we all want from the KDP & the KRG is so simple: DON’T be Turkish proxies in this war, don’t legitimize Turkish war on Kurds, & don’t ally w/ Turkey.


Kurds are frustrated -- with the Turkish government's aggression, with the weak responses from their officials and much more.  The issue has gotten very little attention from the mass media  Even a webinar on the subject that took place yesterday drew little attention (it will be posted here at the Washington Kuridsh Institute's YOUTUBE page but is not up yet).  Here's the press release for the event:


Turkey is sliding deeper into authoritarianism, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan escalating state repression of the Kurds and all real and perceived forms of opposition within the country.  Outside of the country’s borders, he utilizes a large vast network to intimidate, threaten, and silence exiled Kurds, and continues to intensify Turkish military aggression in the Middle East and beyond, with the Kurdish people as his primary target. The Turkish military periodically attacks the Kurdish regions of Iraq and Syria and is now openly working to expand its zones of occupation in each of these countries, bringing war and mass displacement to areas that were once among the most stable in the region, ethnically cleansing these regions in an attempt to minimize or eliminate Kurdish presence and exacerbating an ongoing refugee crisis. Against a backdrop of war and existential threats from all sides, the Kurds, who played a leading role in eliminating the so-called caliphate of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization in cooperation with the US-led global coalition, enjoy relative autonomy in both Iraq and Syria. 

The US and others have benefited greatly from the resistance of the Kurds against ISIS and the stability of their autonomous areas in Iraq and Syria and, while the Turkish state responds to the hard-won achievements of the Kurdish people with increased hostility, international reaction to these unprovoked attacks remains muted. As Erdogan continues to threaten and attack these regions, the US will eventually need to address this destabilizing Turkish military aggression. The Biden Administration knows the Kurds well, and has demonstrated a willingness to break with the foreign policy of its predecessors, but has yet to decisively respond to Erdogan’s belligerence or, more broadly, clarify its vision for the Middle East. Our distinguished speakers will discuss the regional and global consequences and policy ramifications of the Turkish state’s war on the Kurds, the emerging Kurdish dynamic in the Middle East, and possible policy approaches for Washington.


Opening Remarks

Sierwan Najmaldin Karim, President of Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI)

Zainab Morad Sohrab, Co-chairperson of Kurdistan National Congress (KNK)


Panel Discussion

US foreign policy in the Middle East and the role of the Kurds – Dr. Henri Barkey

Turkish military aggression as a destabilizing force in South Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) and North & East Syria/Rojava – Hiwa Osman

The geostrategic importance of Turkey & Kurdistan and the new Kurdish dynamic – Nilüfer Koç

Does the Biden Administration have a Kurdish policy? – Amb. Peter Galbraith


Webinar Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Time: 10:00 AM EDT / 4:00 PM Brussels


Journalist Wladimir van Wilgenburg Tweets of the event:



Amb. Peter Galbraith: "There is understanding this will happen sooner or later (independent Iraqi Kurdistan)"
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As noted here before (many times over the years), I know Peter Galbraith.  If the video goes up in the next 24 hours, we'll note it and probably emphasize Ptere's remarks.



The sponsor of the event notes:


Nilufer Koc Since 2012 Erdogan publicly states he wants to restore territories of the Ottoman empire. Turkey accused Kurds of separatism and changing borders, but Turkey is doing so, not Kurds! #WKI
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And they Tweeted:


For years, the Turkish state has targeted the Kurdish people in three parts of Kurdistan and occupied Kurdistan through military operations. The attacks and occupation strategy of the Turkish state are now a national concern for all Kurds and all parts of Kurdistan. #WKI
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Meanwhile analyst Baxtiyar Goran notes:


Another fire in the forests caused by Turkish airstrike Meanwhile, Turkish companies continue cutting down trees in the #Kurdistan Region and sending it to Turkey.
From
Patrick


When not destroying forests, the Turkish government threatens in other ways.  ANHA notes:


The Turkish occupation state continues to practice water war against northern and eastern Syria by cutting off waters of the Euphrates River for several months, which portends a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.

Turkey began blocking the Euphrates River since January 27, by pumping a quantity of no more than 200 cubic meters per second of water into Syrian territory, which is much less than the amount agreed upon between the Syrian and Turkish government in 1987.

The agreement stipulates that Turkey must allow the flow of water in a quantity of no less than 500 cubic meters per second into Syrian territory, while Iraq receives about 60 percent of this amount.

The Turkish breach of the agreement led to a significant decline in the river level inside Syrian territory, which led to repercussions on agriculture and electricity.

[. . .]

The Turkish water war is not new. It has been using it against Iraq and the Kurds for years, as the Iraqis suffer as a result of Turkish policies.

The Iraqis’ crisis worsened after their northern neighbor Turkey began operating the Ilisu Dam in 2018, which it built in 2006 in the village of Ilisu in Northern (Bakur) Kurdistan, with a height of 140 meters and a length of 1800 meters. This caused great harm to Iraq and to the Kurds who live on their lands in early Kurdistan.

The dam project has sparked international outrage for several reasons, the most important of which is the low level of water flowing into Syria, Iran and Iraq, as well as the impact of more than 50,000 residents of the areas surrounding the dam area in Bakur Kurdistan, especially in Elisu and other surrounding villages that will be completely submerged under the waters of the dam. Turkey justified the construction of the dam as it would provide electric power and job opportunities.

Since 2017, water shortages in Iraq have led to measures such as banning rice cultivation and prompting farmers to abandon their lands, and Basra has seen months of protests over the lack of potable water.

Beri said about this: "What is new about the issue of water war is that Turkey in the past used to cut off water or reduce the flow of water through certain dams in the past, but in the current form, Turkey is on the issue of the Euphrates water war in particular, as it is said to "catch two birds with one stone.” First, it fills the dams it has built in Northern Kurdistan, and thus also destroys large and comprehensive archaeological areas in order to obliterate the heritage of the Kurds there and in order to hide everything that is a Kurdish trace. The other point is to cut off the water from North and East Syria and West Kurdistan.


The Kurdistan Region is in northern Iraq.  The pandemic takes place in all areas of Iraq.  The World Health Organization notes:


  • Iraq COVID-19 caseload: The total number of COVID-19 cases in April 2021 were 214,275 with 1,142 associated deaths, making April the month with the highest caseload and associated fatalities throughout the pandemic. Meanwhile, the cumulative number of cases since the onset of the pandemic in Iraq were 1,065,199 with 15,465 associated deaths as of the end of April 2021.

  • COVID-19 second wave spike: The number of cases constituting the second wave continued to climb, with high incidence and positivity rates in all governorates and doubling in more than 2/3rd of the governorates, reaching the peak during EPI week 16 (19-25 April 2021). An urgent need remains to scale up preparedness and response activities with all efforts to speed up the vaccination campaign, including counteracting anti-vaccination rhetoric through trustworthy key messaging, enhancing vaccination preparedness, and implementation of the campaign in IDPs and refugee camps.

  • COVID-19 Taskforce: The regular Health Cluster COVID-19 Task Force meeting was held on 15th April 2021 with full participation of MoH, UN agencies, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Working Group and partner agencies. One of the points discussed was the integration of COVID-19 Vaccination pillar into the workplan, making a total of nine pillars. The MoH summarized the main pillars and activities of the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP), including the implementation process. The NDVP clearly included IDPs and Refugees as part of the Government’s priority groups for vaccination and collaboration with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MoMD) is ongoing to allocate vaccines for them.


Returning to the topic of violence, a militia leader who was detained for the murder of two activists has been released according to Jane Arraf:


#Iraq militia leader Qasim Muslih arrives in Karbala to rapturous welcome by paramilitary fighters - the city where he was accused of ordering assassinations of two activists. Militia pressure on judiciary seems to have led to his being cleared. Is this how Iraq ends?


ARAB NEWS also notes the possible release:


Iraq has released the commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces militia (PMF), also known as Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi, Qassim Musleh, news TV channel Al-Arabiya reported.

The leader was arrested on May 26 by troops from the country’s Ministry of Interior over extremism charges.

Earlier on Tuesday, there were conflicting reports about the release of Musleh. Sources close to the PMF said the country “released Musleh due to lack of evidence.”


If he has been released with charges denied, it's another slap in the face of the protesters 

Though the US media largely ignored the arrest it was, as Sinan Mahmoud (THE NATIONAL) reminds, serious news:


The day after the arrest of Mr Musleh, armed militia members took to Baghdad's streets, gathering near the office of the prime minister and at an entrance to the Green Zone, risking a dangerous escalation of force.

Security forces and the elite Counter-Terrorism Service were deployed to protect the government and diplomatic missions in Baghdad.


The October Movement began protesting in the fall of 2019.  They endured threats, violence and even murder.  A number of activists have been assassinated.  Journalists who cover the protests have also been threatened.  These threats come from factions of the government including the militias.  To date, there has been no one convicted for the murder of an activist.  Sura Ali (RUDAW) reports:


The head of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council reiterated the legal right to peaceful demonstrations and called on the courts and investigative bodies to follow up on the killing of activists in a meeting with protest representatives, the council said on Tuesday. 

"The requests and observations of the demonstrators' representatives were listened to, and the investigative bodies must resolve the cases of the killing of protesters and the attacks they were subjected to, and direct all federal appeals courts to follow up on those cases," Judge Faiq Zaidan said in a statement.

The meeting comes the day after the mother of activist Ihab al-Wazni, assassinated last month, gave Zaidan 12 days to reveal the identity of Wazni’s killers and put them on trial.

In a press conference on Monday, Samira al-Wazni demanded "disclosure of her son's killers in a public trial, to serve as an example to those who do not sanctify the blood of Iraqis.”

"I give the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Mr. Faiq Zaidan, and the judge of the terrorism court 12 days to reveal the perpetrators and bring them to a public trial…. if not, may god, the country and the people forgive me for what I will do in the coming days,” she said from Karbala.


There's nother big issue out of Iraq in the news cycle and I honestly don't want to touch it.  The stupidity involved is just so great and so potentially costly.


ALJAZEERA runs a BLOOMBERG articcle that's typical of the coverage and is entitled "Iraq plans nuclear power plants to tackle electricity shortage."


I don't support nuclear energy -- one of the main reasons I never fell for the con that was Andrew Yang.  


But I don't get how anyone -- even those who support nuclear energy -- could see this as good news.


There have been how many suicide bombers in Iraq in the last 18 years?  Do we think that -- because there were so many -- no more potential ones exist?


Why would you build a nuclear plant in Iraq?


And Bully Boy Bush used what lie to justify the Iraq War -- I know, it's a long list of lies.  But I'm referring to the one that the late Ambassador Joe Wilson noted was not true -- that Saddam Hussein had sought yellow-cake uranium from Africa.  So now let's just put enriched uranium in Iraq?


When the government can't protect themselves, let alone the people?  


It makes no sense.

We're going to wind down by noting two segments from BREAKING POINT.






BREAKING POINT is Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti's new show -- their old show has been infested with some refugee from The Hair Club For Men.  



New content at THIRD:



The following sites updated: