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06 Apr 2011 16:27

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World: Military tribunals, suppression of speech continue in Egypt

  • “Sentences in a matter of minutes.” Things in Egypt are rather tenuous right now, as the Egyptian military, now the de facto political authority in the aftermath of Hosni Mubarak’s reign, has continued to use the same draconian laws the old guard did to suppress dissent. Take the case of Michael Nabil, who was arrested for spreading “false news,” and “insulting the military.” Activists claim as many as 5,000 have been arrested under these laws since the military took over. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

30 Mar 2011 22:01

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World: Secret authorization grants aid to Libyan rebels

  • Was Libyan military aid authorized? It’s being reported that President Obama signed an order, called a “finding,” which is effectively a secret authorization to militarily support the Libyan rebellion. The process is said to generally be used for secret CIA authorizations. The administration has gone to staggering lengths to avoid the perception that the Libyan intervention was an American decision rather than an international one, for reasons of perception both domestic and worldwide. This report, however, would suggest the U.S. had decided to actively support the rebellion of their own unilateral volition. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2011 15:15

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World: Want to hear the most depressing thing ever? Us neither!

  • before Thousands upon thousands of Egyptians rallied at Tahrir Square, engineering an overthrow of Hosni Mubarak by peaceful protest. It was a grandly inspirational moment, one that we all watched with exhilaration.
  • now The military-led Egyptian government just approved a law imposing an enormous fine or prison time for inciting protests that interfere with “public or private work.” Well, it was certainly nice while it lasted. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

21 Mar 2011 14:15

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World: Yemeni Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar defects

  • Top Yemeni General defects: Major General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar broke with the Saleh government in Yemen today, following a recent surge of violence in that’s been said to have claimed more than fifty civilian lives. The twist? Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar is also the half brother of President Saleh, and has decided to send troops to guard the civilian protesters. While the Yemeni population seems appreciative of this new ally, there are concerns about the General’s close history with Saleh, and his consequent military operations against northern Shiites, now a core of support for the uprising (some want him prosecuted for war crimes). This also makes it likely that a post-Saleh era in Yemen will be ushered in through military rule, which can make people a little nervous. (Trigger warning: Some graphic images in the clip.) source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Mar 2011 15:47

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World: Libyan rebels to face crucial fight for survival against Gaddafi forces

  • Crucial hours for Libya: A video from euronews that is, how shall we say, rather grim in its assessment of Libya’s rebellion. Reports have been coming out the last couple days that Muammar Gaddafi’s loyalists in the military can, and it seems increasingly likely will, be victorious over the uprising, absent international support. As we mentioned earlier, though, with France on board for a no-fly zone, and the Arab League endorsing the idea to the U.N. Security Council, it seems more and more likely that the international community will converge on Gaddafi- the question is, when? source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

03 Mar 2011 22:29

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U.S.: Harvard finally recognizes the ROTC again – four decades later

  • then The ROTC was blocked from Harvard’s campus at the height of the Vietnam War. Later, the group was blocked largely because of the military’s record on gay rights.
  • nowLargely because of the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” Harvard will now formally recognize the Naval ROTC. It only took 41 years for the change to happen. source
  • » Harvard’s take: “Our renewed relationship affirms the vital role that the members of our Armed Forces play in serving the nation and securing our freedoms, while also affirming inclusion and opportunity as powerful American ideals,” said university president Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust. She sounds very positive about the change, doesn’t she?
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

02 Mar 2011 16:01

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World: Libyan rebels continue to wage fervent struggle against tall odds

  • It doesn’t matter that I don’t have a gun, because some of my friends do. I will just stand here with my people and die with my people.
  • Mohamed Abdrurrazeg, a Libyan rebel • On the desperate struggle between rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces taking place in Ajdabiya and Benghazi, and to varying extents, across the nation. Rebel leadership is reported as hoping for international military intervention against the brutal regime. Whether that desire will be met remains to be seen, but this much seems certain – the international community has rendered Gaddafi basically impotent as a functioning ruler through the condemnations that have been issued. If his forces begin to decisively put down the rebels, could the risk of his continued presence will spur military action? source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

21 Feb 2011 15:00

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World: A video glimpse into the chaos, brutality in Tripoli

  • Not for the faint of heart: This Al Jazeera English clip gives a stark and worthy overview of the bloodshed in Libya, including some particularly grisly shots taken from the streets of Tripoli. Be advised that it’s rather unpleasant to watch, but nonetheless – there’s a truth to the grim images that needs to be presented in times like these. It’s important for the ability of Libyans to make themselves and their horrific struggle known, and to inform our international conscience. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

10 Feb 2011 13:25

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World: Mubarak may go, but what will Egypt’s military do with the power?

  • yes Hosni Mubarak is expected to announce his long-awaited resignation tonight. Hats off to the Egyptian people, who’ve displayed astonishing resolve and spirit.
  • but The Egyptian military is rumored to be taking over the reins, which especially in light of recent reports of torture is causing some valid concern for the protesters. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

10 Feb 2011 10:59

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World: Report: Egyptian military detaining, torturing protesters

  • Their range is very wide, from people who were at the protests or detained for breaking curfew to those who talked back at an army officer or were handed over to the army for looking suspicious or for looking like foreigners even if they were not. It’s unusual and to the best of our knowledge it’s also unprecedented for the army to be doing this.
  • Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights director Hossam Bahgat • Describing the nature of some of the arrests and detainment taking place in Egypt at the moment. Bahgat’s words go against the narrative suggesting that the military is on the side of the people in the current spate of protests, and instead paint a picture that they are in fact taking part in incidents more commonly associated with the country’s notorious state security intelligence. One protester, only offering to go by his first name, Ashraf, put his experience as such: “I was on a sidestreet and a soldier stopped me and asked me where I was going. I told him and he accused me of working for foreign enemies and other soldiers rushed over and they all started hitting me with their guns.” Harrowing. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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