Lockerbie bomber: Megrahi's lawyer to release dossier 'proving' his innocence --The lawyer acting for the freed Lockerbie bomber is flying to Libya to prepare for the release of a dossier of evidence 'proving' his client's innocence. 29 Aug 2009 Tony Kelly, a Scottish solicitor, said that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, who returned to his homeland ten days ago after being released from prison on compassionate grounds, remains determined to show his guilty verdict was unjust... The disclosure... raises the likelihood of further embarrassment for Scotland over the handling of the original trial and it could lead to fresh questions over whether Megrahi was innocent and, if so, who was really behind the bombing.
Megrahi fights on to clear his name 31 Aug 2009 The Scottish lawyer acting for the freed Lockerbie bomber is to fly to Libya to prepare a dossier of evidence ''proving'' his client's innocence. Tony Kelly said Abdel Basset al-Megrahi remains determined to show the guilty verdict at his trial in 2001 was unjust. Megrahi was freed and returned to Libya two days after he withdrew his second appeal against his conviction.
Cheney says cooperation with CIA probe "will depend" [OMG --just arrest his a*s!] McCain concerned about effect on 'CIA morale' [Yes, we wouldn't want to keep a good waterboarder down.] 30 Aug 2009 Former Vice President [sic] Dick Cheney said he might refuse to speak with a prosecutor investigating suspected CIA prisoner abuses, a probe he branded as political and bad for national security. Cheney has been one of the fiercest critics of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's decision last week to name a new special prosecutor to look deeper into harsh interrogations torture of captured terrorism suspects during the Bush regime. The cases under investigation include a mock execution, use of a power drill to scare a prisoner and the waterboarding of accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed 183 times.
'They were war crimes.' Blackwater Founder Accused in Court of Intent to Kill 29 Aug 2009 The founder of Blackwater USA deliberately caused the deaths of innocent civilians in a series of shootings in Iraq, attorneys for Iraqis suing the security contractor mercenaries told a federal judge Friday. The attorneys singled out Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL who is the company's owner, for blame in the deaths of more than 20 Iraqis between 2005 and 2007. Six former Blackwater guards were criminally charged in 14 of the shootings, and family members and victims' estates sued Prince, Blackwater (now called Xe Services LLC) and a group of related companies. "The person responsible for these deaths is Mr. Prince,'' Susan L. Burke, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. "He had the intent, he provided the weapons, he provided the instructions, and they were done by his agents and they were war crimes.''
Contractor Accused of Death Threats 28 Aug 2009 A military contractor under investigation on allegations he overbilled and did faulty repair work on Navy and Army aircraft has been charged with threatening to kill witnesses in the case, according to a complaint unsealed Thursday. Keith E. Shaw, owner of Shaw Aero in Louisville, traveled to Tennessee to buy explosives as part of a plot to blow up his former business partner's plane, according to an affidavit filed in federal court by an investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Contractor to pay $15 million to settle lawsuit Staff report 28 Aug 2009 An Air Force contractor has agreed to pay $15 million plus interest to settle a false claims lawsuit involving computer equipment sold to Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., the Air Force announced Thursday. The U.S. Attorney General’s Office had accused Dynamics Research Corporation, known as DRC, of selling computer chips and other equipment that failed to meet Air Force specifications to the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom.
Guantánamo guard held at Heathrow --Outspoken critic of US policy told the Observer that he had been detained and questioned by US airport officials on Thursday 30 Aug 2009 A former Guantánamo guard who had flown to the UK to address a support group for inmates of the camp is to be deported back to the US this morning after being denied entry on arrival at Heathrow airport yesterday. Terry Holdbrooks, who has been an outspoken critic of the US government over the treatment of prisoners at Guantánamo, said that immigration officials told him he was being refused entry because he was unemployed and living in rented accommodation in the US, raising suspicions he would not leave the UK.
Iraq Blasts 'An Inside Job' 23 Aug 2009 Iraq’s foreign minister admitted yesterday the country’s own security forces may have colluded in the massive truck bombings in which nearly 100 people died. Hoshiyar Zebari also criticised Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki for removing blast walls from Baghdad’s streets, saying it was one cause of Wednesday’s two blasts at the foreign and finance ministries. "According to our information, there has even been collaboration between security officers and the murderers and killers," said Zebari.
Iraqi Who Threw Shoes at Bush to Be Released Early 29 Aug 2009 An Iraqi journalist imprisoned for hurling his shoes at former President [sic] George W. Bush will be released next month after his sentence was reduced for good behavior, his lawyer said Saturday. Muntadhar al-Zeidi's act of protest during Bush's last visit to Iraq as president turned the 30-year-old reporter into a folk hero across the Arab entire world, as his case became a rallying point for critics who resented the 2003 U.S. invasion and occupation.
Masked Israeli soldiers round up demonstrators --Israel Security Agency agents hold lists of persons suspected of involvement in demonstrations 29 Aug 2009 Israeli army forces are entering the Palestinian village of Bil'in at night and arresting residents. The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem says the soldiers arrive at the village, which lies west of Ramallah, with Israel Security Agency agents holding lists of persons suspected of involvement in weekly demonstrations held in the village against the construction of the Israeli Separation Barrier more commonly known as the Wall.
Olmert indicted in three corruption affairs --Ex-PM charged over cash envelopes, double-billing trips and cronyism 30 Aug 2009 Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted Sunday in three corruption affairs, concluding months of investigations into cases allegedly conducted during his tenure as Jerusalem mayor and trade minister. Attorney General Menachem Mazuz had announced earlier this month that Olmert would be charged in the Rishon Tours, cash envelopes and Investment Center affairs.
Two thirds want British troops home from Afghanistan 29 Aug 2009 Almost two-thirds of people oppose Britain’s continued deployment of troops in Afghanistan, a new poll shows. The public’s growing opposition to the conflict comes after the number of British deaths in Afghanistan rose above 200 earlier this month. A Daily Telegraph/YouGov poll showed 62 per cent of people opposed British troops staying in Afghanistan, while 26 per cent were in favour.
I feel so much safer already: 69th Bomb Squadron Soon Activated 29 Aug 2009 After months of anticipation and preparation [not to mention, endless f*ckups, 'missing' nukes, etc. ], the Minot Air Force Base is ready to officially activate its newly formed 69th Bomb Squadron. The new unit will be the fourth operational B-52 squadron in the Air Force. The Minot base is home to the 23rd Bomb Squadron and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana has two operational B-52 units.
Navy Removes Top Nuke Weapons Officer 22 Aug 2009 The Navy dismissed the commanding officer of a Washington state-based nuclear weapons facility Friday, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to lead, the Pentagon said. Capt. Timothy J. Block, who headed the Navy's Bangor operation arming Trident submarines with nuclear warheads, was relieved of duty on by Rear Adm. Stephen E. Johnson, the Navy's director of strategic systems programs, according to the Kitsap Sun.
Candidate for Idaho governor repeats 'joke' about hunting Obama 28 Aug 2009 U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson and former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt condemned Republican gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell on Friday after he amplified his "joke" about wanting to buy a license to hunt President Barack Obama. Rammell continued to press his "joke," originally made Tuesday in the context of Idaho issuing its first hunting tags for wolves this fall. [See: Guns OK Outside Obama Town Hall; Kerry Pins Brought Arrest At Bush Rally By Lori Price 12 Aug 2009.]
Search and seizure we can believe in: Like Bush, Obama to search laptops 28 Aug 2009 Obama follows Bush's footsteps [EVERY F*CKING SECOND OF EVERY F*CKING DAY] by upholding a controversial law that allows the government to examine the contents of digital devices travelers carry, crossing the US border. According to the law that was first devised by the former US president [sic] George W. Bush, government authorities can search and even seize travelers' laptops, iPods, cameras and other digital devices, something that civil liberty advocates oppose. ['Search' comment by MDR]
'A mandatory flu vaccine policy like CAMC's is rare for U.S. hospitals, but it may soon become more common.' WVa hospital among few requiring flu vaccines 29 Aug 2009 As flu season approaches, West Virginia's largest hospital has given its employees a choice: Get a flu vaccine or find another job. Charleston Area Medical Center wants to get roughly 6,000 workers immunized 'against' seasonal flu to protect patients from the ailment. A mandatory flu vaccine policy like CAMC's is rare for U.S. hospitals, but it may soon become more common. A New York state law takes effect this month requiring hospitals to provide records showing all their workers have seasonal flu vaccinations or face fines, and the impending arrival of a [deadly] swine flu vaccine has policymakers looking for ways to get it to large numbers of people in a short amount of time.
National Guard drill at high school to prepare for possible H1N1 riot 13 Aug 2009 (ME) Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School will be the site of a National Guard riot control drill Thursday morning to prepare in the event of a panic over distribution of serum to treat the swine flu. The school on Route 26 at the Paris-Norway town line has been designated by state officials as a distribution site for the H1N1 flu vaccine. The drill is to prepare for a worst-case scenario should the serum have to be transported from Augusta and people rush to get [away from] it.
New Swine Flu Mutation 'Far More Deadly' 30 Aug 2009 Swine flu has been discovered in birds, prompting fears that a more dangerous and easily transmitted strain will emerge. Health experts last night confirmed that the H1N1 pig flu virus has infected turkeys. It is the first case of H1N1 in birds. Scientists warned the outbreak in poultry could lead to a deadly flu outbreak if it mixes with lethal avian flu.
A/H1N1 flu spreads at "unbelievable" speed: WHO 29 Aug 2009 A/H1N1 flu is spreading at an "unbelievable" speed, with "a very severe form of disease" attacking the lungs of healthy young people, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned in an interview published by French daily Le Monde on Saturday. "Sixty percent of the deaths cover those who have underlying health problems," Director-general of the WHO Margaret Chan said, adding that the remaining 40 percent of the deaths are young adults in good health, "who die of a vital fever in five to seven days."
Doctors Question WHO's Severe Swine Flu Warning --Some Say While Severe Swine Flu Exists, Warnings May Be Overblown 29 Aug 2009 The World Health Organization warned Friday that doctors around the world are now reporting a severe form of swine flu that goes straight to the lungs of otherwise healthy young people -- but some infectious disease experts said the alarm could be unwarranted.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy laid to rest near brothers --After a Boston funeral Mass attended by dignitaries and stars, his extended family says goodbye to its patriarch at Arlington National Cemetery. 30 Aug 2009 As a soft twilight fell over the nation's capital, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was laid to his final rest Saturday in a ceremony on a sloping site in Arlington National Cemetery. Kennedy's burial brings America's most famous band of brothers together again. His grave sits 100 feet south of his brother Robert's, and 200 feet from the eternal flame that burns for John, the former president.
Many in presidential line of succession attend funeral 30 Aug 2009 Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s funeral Mass in Mission Hill was one of those rare public occasions - like State of the Union addresses and inaugurations - in which many of the senior-most American officials in the direct line of succession to the presidency were in the same location. In addition to President Obama, in attendance at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Hope were Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
U.S. District judge sets hearing for wolf hunt challenge --Animal-rights group calls for Idaho potato boycott 24 Aug 2009 U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy has granted wolf advocates a hearing on their request for an injunction to stop wolf hunting in Idaho and Montana. Meanwhile a national animal rights groups has called for a boycott of Idaho potatoes to protest the hunt. Molloy scheduled the hearing for Aug. 31, the day before hunting was scheduled to begin in Idaho.
Protect Idaho's Wolves (Friends of Animals) 20 Aug 2009 Please don't buy potatoes grown in Idaho until this state's violence against wolves stops. Contact: Gov. Butch Otter or call Gov. Otter at 208-334-2100 to sound off.
10,000 homes are threatened --Across the burning foothills, 1,000 are ordered to flee. 30 Aug 2009 (CA) The unstoppable Angeles National Forest fire threatened 10,000 homes Saturday night as it more than tripled in size and chewed through a rapidly widening swath of the Crescenta Valley, where flames closed in on backyards and at least 1,000 homes were ordered evacuated. Sending an ominous plume of smoke above the Los Angeles Basin, the fire was fueled by unrelenting hot weather and dense brush that has not burned in 60 years.
Previous lead stories: US wants 20,000 more troops to fight Taliban --British and American soldiers to shoulder brunt of surge's next phase 29 Aug 2009 The commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan will ask for 20,000 more international troops as part of his new strategic plan for the alliance's war against a resurgent Taliban, The Independent has learned. The demand from General Stanley McChrystal will almost certainly lead to more British soldiers being sent to the increasingly treacherous battlegrounds of Helmand, the Taliban heartland, despite growing opposition to the war.
CIA Will Cover Legal Fees --Policy [US Taxpayers] Will Help Officers Ensnared in Interrogation Probe 28 Aug 2009 CIA Director Leon Panetta decided Thursday that the agency will ensure legal representation for case officers who become caught up in investigations of alleged interrogation abuses torture of detainees prisoners at overseas locations, a senior intelligence official said. Panetta's decision follows Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.'s appointment of a special prosecutor earlier this week to conduct a preliminary review of whether federal laws were violated during the interrogations.
Independent Investigation Into Pentagon Attack Yields Alarming Information 30 Aug 2009 A three year independent investigation into the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon has yielded new eyewitness evidence [an 81-minute video presentation entitled National Security Alert] which, according to the Southern California-based researchers who conducted the investigation, "conclusively (and unfortunately) establishes as a historical fact that the violence which took place in Arlington that day was not the result of a surprise attack by suicide hijackers, but rather a military black operation involving a carefully planned and skillfully executed deception."
