Curley is still Da Man!

Found this by accident, but it's still great! Enjoy!

Officer Down

Police Officer III Allen Lee Jacobs
Greenville Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, March 18, 2016
Age: 28
Tour: 4 years, 6 months
Badge # 32

Police Officer Allen Lee Jacobs was shot multiple times as he and other Community Response Team officers attempted to interview a known gang member at a home near Rebecca Street and Ackley Road, in the Nicholtown neighborhood.

When the subject saw the officers he fled on foot onto a wooded path with officers in pursuit. He was chased into the backyard of a home where he fatally shot Officer Jacobs. He was able to continue fleeing but encountered other officers who had created a perimeter. He committed suicide before he could be taken into custody.

Other officers rendered aid to Officer Jacobs, who was transported to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Jacobs was a decorated United States Army veteran and served with the Greenville Police Department for 4-1/2 years. He is survived by his expectant wife and two sons.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

A look at the power grid threat....

I have a love-hate relationship with Foreign Policy Magazine. Much of it is leftist dribble, but often they hit it out the park. An interesting look at cyberterrorism against our power grid.

The Threat to America’s Electrical Grid Is Much Bigger Than You Can Possibly Imagine

Greetings from the front. The cyberwar continues. Our operatives continue to hit infrastructure targets around the globe. In June alone we conducted 44 ops, hitting targets in 26 U.S. states and six countries total. Each operation impacted as many 15,000 people and lasted for up to four and half hours. Of course that’s just our unclassified operations; the actual number of power outages our operatives have caused is 10 times that number.

As we continue to wreak havoc on your electric infrastructure, your policymakers and cyberwar hawks are rattling sabers, worried about online attacks from nation-states, completely ignoring the threats that successfully target your power grid every day. The Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, and even the esteemed Ted Koppel talk about “cybergeddon,” trillion-dollar risks, and when — not if — a massive cyberattack on the U.S. electric power grid will occur. Even President Obama is worried. In the meantime, we quietly go about our work, disrupting power generation and transmission across the globe.

To date there has been exactly one, just one, power outage that can be attributed to some sort of cyberattack by a nation-state. Last December, someone (many people say directed by the Russian government, but there really isn’t enough evidence to support that accusation) hit up to six different power companies in Ukraine with a coordinated malware and DDoS attack. This definitely wasn’t a random lone hacker in a basement; this took months of planning and coordinated effort. It sounds scary but the outages only lasted a few hours and affected around 80,000 residences. We have caused far bigger and longer outages all by ourselves.

We are everywhere, and yet almost impossible to find. There are other events that have impacted critical infrastructure: a water pump failure in Illinois, power outages in Brazil, a pipeline explosion in Turkey, a cyberattack on a dam in New York; even a blast furnace in a German steel plant was supposedly put into an uncontrolled shutdown from a cyberattack. In each case, the initial cause for the failure was blamed on cyberattacks — but in each case, once the evidence was actually examined, hackers were nowhere to be found. Still, that lack of evidence hasn’t stopped the cyberwar hawks from pointing to these analog events as examples of the coming digital doom.

When that doesn’t work, the threatmongers and profiteers point to previous widespread blackouts, known as “black swan” events because of their rarity, such as the Northeast blackout of 2003 or the Southwest blackout of 2011. In both cases, a string of unlikely events occurred, including human error, before the lights went out. In both cases, most of the power was restored in just a few hours. There were no riots, no financial meltdowns, and democracy continued unabated.

Then there’s what we affectionately call the “nine substation problem.” After a bunch of armed assailants opened fire on a substation outside of Metcalf, California, in 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) conducted a study of the national power grid and found that if just nine substations were attacked in a similar manner as the one in Metcalf, the entire United States would be without power for over 18 months. Are you freaked out yet?

Good. But the problem is: This scenario is extremely unlikely. First, that FERC study only looked at physical damage to the transformers, which are usually custom-built for each location, and are only manufactured by a few companies — meaning a substation could take months to replace. Second, the study only looked at physical damage, which in the event of a cyberattack is extremely unlikely. But still, the prophets of doom ask, what if hackers had guns? Didn’t you see Skyfall?!

No, we didn’t. We’re squirrels.

Look, even for our billion-strong army of small rodents — in the United States alone — the “attack surface” for the U.S. electric grid is absolutely huge. There are over 7,000 power plants in the United States run by over 3,000 companies. There are over 55,000 substations and over 450,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. We squirrels have a hard enough time trying to take out small sections of it, let alone nine substations at once. Anyone attempting to conduct a major coordinated effort to turn out power over a large region for a long period of time is going to find it a rather difficult task.

Not that we’re not trying. As of July of this year we squirrels (and our fellow animal operatives) have conducted over 1,400 unclassified operations that have resulted in aggregate of more than 67 days without power, affecting over 3.6 million people. That works out to the entire population of the state of Connecticut losing electricity for more than two months. And remember: Our unclassified ops are just a fraction of the total. On average, we cause dozens of outages every day impacting about 5,000 people each for around two hours. Compare that with the number of outages caused by cyberattack, which in the United States is exactly zero...

I will not dismiss this threat out of hand, like the author seems to here. In a paper I did in my masters program, it covered how many control programs for electrical generation, dam operation and other heavy industry systems were standardized to a Windows or Linux base in the early 1990s. While this makes the systems more functional and user friendly, they are now Internet connected and our enemies have more ways to infect them.

In one source, the Department of Energy used 30 lines of code uploaded to the control program of a industrial diesel generator. Within three minutes, the generator was destroyed. The programs cut off the lubrication of the engine and the rest is history.

An interesting read, all in all.

K9 Down

K9 Nicky
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nevada
End of Watch: Thursday, March 31, 2016
Gender: M

K9 Nicky was shot and killed in the 9800 block of Fast Elk Street while attempting an apprehension of an armed subject.

Officers had responded to the area for reports that the subject had been firing shots. Nicky was deployed as officers attempted to take the subject into custody. The man opened fire, forcing officer to return fire as K9 Nicky bit the subject. One round struck Nicky, killing him.

It was later determined that the man had murdered two of his mother's neighbors who had come to her assistance as he fought with her. The subject later died of the gunshot wounds received by officers.

Nicky had just returned to duty after recovering from wounds inflicted by a machete during a previous apprehension in February 2015.

Rest in Peace Nicky…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Terrorism in the Ukraine

Looking at this, I recall the debriefing of General James Dozier after he was held for 42 days by the Italian Red Brigade.

Same here in a fashion.


Video Analysis: Ukraine Car Bombing




"Video Analysis: Ukraine Car Bombing is republished with permission of Stratfor."

Officer Down

Trooper Thomas Clardy
Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Age: 44
Tour: 10 years
Badge # 3090

Trooper Thomas Clardy died from injuries he sustained in a vehicle collision on I-90, near mile marker 80 in Charlton, at approximately 12:00 pm.

He was working an overtime assignment conducting accident reduction enforcement when he made a traffic stop of another vehicle. He had returned to his patrol car when another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crossed three travel lanes and struck him from behind.

Trooper Clardy was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle who struck the patrol car was charged criminally with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation.

Trooper Clardy had served with the Massachusetts State Police for 10 years and was a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and United States Army. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Another reason I really hate the 4th Estate

Few professions show the outright arrogance that the "mainstream" media does. They profess to be the guardians of the public while being aligned with the people they are notionally holding to a standard. See George Stephanopoulos, former Clinton minister of propaganda and now ABC News hack.

Now from this morning's Houston Chronicle, an article showing the downfall of the Soviet Empire.

The END of the SOVIET UNION

BY CHARLES APPLE

In one corner: Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev, who was trying to drag the U.S.S.R. out from behind the Iron Curtain using the twin strategies of perestroika and glasnost (translation: “restructuring” and “openness”). In the other corner: Soviet hardliners who were clinging to a failed system of government. The battle went down 25 years ago this week.

AUG. 4, 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev is in the process of finalizing what’s called the Union Treaty, which will loosen control the U.S.S.R. has over its member republics and decentralize government. It’s just the latest — and perhaps the largest — step in peeling back the Iron Curtain.

An exhausted Gorbachev leaves Moscow with his family and heads to their vacation villa on the shore of the Crimean Sea.

AUG. 18

Defense Minister Dmitry Yazov, Vice President Gennady Yanayev and the heads of the Interior Ministry and the KGB visit Gorbachev and demand he either kill the treaty or resign as leader of the Soviet Union. He defiantly refuses and warns his family there may be consequences. The Gorbachev family is placed under armed guard and their communications are cut off.

AUG. 19

The leaders of the coup announce to the public that Gorbachev has been relieved of his duties for health reasons.

The president of the Russian Republic — former Gorbachev protégé Boris Yeltsin — denounces the coup as a “new reign of terror” and calls for all Russian citizens to leave their jobs and to protest in the streets. A crowd begins to gather outside the Russian parliament building. Yeltsin climbs atop a tank and urges citizens to resist. Later that day, the deputy mayor of Moscow joins in the resistance.

Unbelievably, the leaders of the coup have failed to seize control of the state-controlled TV station. That night, video is broadcast of Yeltsin’s speech. He becomes a hero overnight.

AUG. 20

Tensions remain high. Yeltsin calls President George H.W. Bush, who assures him the U.S. will not recognize the coup government.

The Soviet Army, under control of the new government, prepares for an assault on the center of Moscow. Protesters dig in for the attack they know will be coming soon.

AUG. 21

Not long after midnight, the assault begins. A column of military vehicles break through barricades set up around the parliament building. In the confusion, two protesters are shot dead and a third is crushed under a tank.

Protesters rush the vehicles. The armed personnel carrier is set afire. Young soldiers — unhappy about being ordered to assault their friends and neighbors — break off the attack. It’s clear the coup has failed. When daylight arrives, the “gang of eight” coup leaders are arrested. A large statue of the founder of the KGB in front of KGB headquarters is toppled.

Gorbachev is released from house arrest and returns to Moscow, but it’s clear his role in the reformation of the Soviet Union is done.

1985

MARCH 11

Mikhail Gorbachev is elected general secretary of the Communist Party. He is the fourth new Soviet leader in just over two years. The next month, the party adopts Gorbachev’s platform of moderate reform.

1987

JUNE

The Central Committee approves Gorbachev’s economic reform plan that defines profit as the driving economic force.

OCT. 21

In a closed meeting of the Central Committee, Boris Yeltsin accuses Gorbachev of moving too slowly on economic reform. Yeltsin is dismissed from the Politburo.

DEC. 19

Gorbachev frees human rights activist Andrei Sakharov from internal exile in Gorky.

1988

JUNE 28

Gorbachev closes the 19th Communist Party Conference with a call for the creation of a new parliament, a strengthened presidency and a market economy, and consideration of allowing republics greater control of economic affairs.

1989

MARCH

The new Congress of People’s Deputies is elected. Its opening session is characterized by open political debate.

AUG.- DEC.

Communist governments throughout Eastern Europe fall after Gorbachev says he will not use force to save them. On Nov. 9, East Germany opens the gates in the Berlin Wall.

1990

MARCH 11

Lithuania declares its independence. Its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Estonia, follow suit.

MAY 29

The new Russian republic elects Yeltsin president and declares “sovereignty,” claiming control of its natural resources. By year’s end, 15 Soviet republics declare some form of sovereignty.

JULY

Conservatives criticize Gorbachev at the 28th Communist Party Congress. Yeltsin and other radicals quit the party. Gorbachev purges several old guard members from the Politburo.

1991

JAN. 13

Fourteen people are killed when Soviet tanks attack a main television tower in Vilnius, Lithuania. Moscow News proclaims “Perestroika Is Over.”

FEB. 19

Yeltsin accuses Gorbachev of pushing the country to dictatorship and demands his resignation.

MARCH 17

Gorbachev’s Union Treaty, which gives greater power to the republics, wins approval in a nationwide referendum.

JULY 1

Former Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze and six other prominent Soviet reformers agree to create a new national political party aimed at rivaling the Communists.

JULY 26

Communist leaders overwhelmingly approve Gorbachev’s new party platform, abandoning decades of Marxist dogma.

AUG. 16

Alexander Yakovlev, once Gorbachev’s top adviser, quits the party, warning of a coup by “Stalinists.”

AUG. 18-21

Hardliners attempt to derail reform by placing Gorbachev under house arrest and seizing control of the government. The coup fails.

SEPT.

The Congress of People’s Deputies votes for dissolution of the Soviet Union.

DEC. 25

Gorbachev resigns as Soviet president. The U.S. recognizes the independence of the remaining Soviet republics.

Sources: The New York Times, The Associated Press, BBC, Radio Free Europe, Library of Congress, Office of the Historian of the Department of State, History.com, The Cold War Museum

No Mr Apple, this didn't just happen because Gorbachev didn't want the Soviet Union to dissolve. He wanted to bring greater prosperity to the people he ruled with the control. Difficult to do when you rule over multiple countries with various cultures, over 100 languages, and multiple religions opposing the rule of the Soviet Union. Also, the work of generations, led by great men like Ike, Kennedy, Reagan and John Paul II, plus great women like Thatcher, hemmed in the Soviet Union. How soon it accelerated the end, God only knows. But it was doomed to go to the "ash heap of history" in spite of all the efforts of Mr Gorbachev.

K9 Down

K9 Reefer
Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Breed: Black Labrador
Age: 10
Gender: M

K9 Reefer was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty.

Reefer had served with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office for nine years and served as a narcotics dog.

Rest in Peace Reefer…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Old stuff still works....

When I joined the intelligence racket back in 1988, computer networks were just coming on line and we still worked on maps, reference books and a lot of other hard copy. Beginning the in the 1990s, computers and this new thing called the Internet (I think the ALGORE invented it), and we started the online revolution if you will.

Now there is some pushback. I've complained that many rookie officers can't handle a map, even the veterans. Most of use old dudes (Damned I can't believe I'm calling myself that!) learned on a 1/50k map (if you don't know, Google it) and I will not allow them to use an iPhone or other system because the need to know how to handle themselves when the technology goes down. The Navy recently began to teach navigation by the stars to their officer candidates to insure they can navigate when technology fails. In a recent book I've read, Ghost Fleet, one of the themes is the overuse of computers.

Well, it's not like they had overdue of computers before, but the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is bring back some old technology.

Intelligence: Oldies From The 20th Century

August 14, 2016: On July 15 North Korea activated, for the first time since 2000, a “numbers station.” This is a special radio station that uses a specific shortwave radio frequency that periodically (on pre-arranged dates and times) broadcasts sequences of numbers. These broadcasts often last a few minutes then that channel goes silent.

Numbers stations were a popular 20th century technique for sending secret messages to agents in foreign nations or combat zones. It began during World War I, with Morse code used instead of a spoken voice. Given the frequency used and the strength of the signal the audience for these new North Korean messages was in South Korea, China or Japan. Analysis of the audio indicated that the North Koreans were using Cold War era Russian (Soviet) broadcast equipment. Apparently this gear was put in storage in 2000 and revived for the new broadcasts.

Since the Cold War ended few nations still use numbers stations, most notably Cuba, China, Taiwan, Israel and, until 2000, North Korea. For nations with international Internet access (and this does not include North Korea) there are more effective Internet based methods for sending secret messages. North Korea is known to have used these Internet based method so it is a mystery as to why they have revived their numbers station broadcasts. Then again it could just be another ploy to frighten their enemies (which is just about everyone, especially South Korea, the United States and Japan.) These three nations do not appear alarmed by the broadcasts, but that could be said for most North Korean threats.

When I was a second lieutenant in Korea, back in 1988, one of the best lessons I learned was the answer to the question, "Where are we?" I was in the armored vehicle and couldn't see anything. A captain responded, "You got a map, tell me!" And I went out, looked at the map, looked at the terrain features and in fifteen minutes was able locate our new position. A good reason learned for a very green officer.

Good to know the basics.

Thanks to Darren at RotLC for the link.

Officer Down

First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro
West Virginia State Police, West Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, March 14, 2016
Age: 50
Tour: 17 years

First Sergeant Joseph Portaro suffered a medical emergency while participating in a physical fitness run near the West Virginia State Police Academy, where he served as the Deputy Director of Training.

He was transported to Thomas Memorial Hospital where he passed away.

Sergeant Portaro was a veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard and had served with the West Virginia State Police for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Vigor
Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Breed: Dutch Shepherd
Age: 9
Gender: M
Tour: 5 years
Cause: Drowned
Incident Date: 3/9/2016

K9 Vigor drowned in the Tellico River while he and his handler tracked a wanted in the Cherokee National Forest, near Tellico Plains.

Vigor and his handler attempted to cross the river but were swept downstream by the strong current. His handler was able to make it to shore but Vigor was carried further downstream several hundred more yards. Another deputy was able to swim into the river and recover Vigor but efforts to resuscitate him with CPR were unsuccessful.

The subject K9 Vigor was tracking was later taken into custody.

K9 Vigor had served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for five years. Vigor had previously served as a military working dog in the U.S. Army and had been deployed to Iraq.

Rest in Peace Vigor…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Patrolman David Ortiz
El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, March 14, 2016
Age: 45
Tour: 9 years
Incident Date: 3/10/2016

Patrolman David Ortiz succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when his police motorcycle was struck from behind at the intersection of Lee Trevino Drive and Vista Del Sol Drive.

The impact pushed his motorcycle into the vehicle in front of him, and became trapped underneath one of the vehicles involved in the crash. He was able to pulled from underneath the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his inuries.

Patrolman Ortiz had served with the El Paso Police Department for nine years and was assigned to the Pebble Hills Region Command.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Ferguson plus two....

Yesterday, August 9, 2016, was the second anniversary of the justified shooting of the robber-thug Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson. Well, we all know what happened after that. But here is the real fun. A "protest" (funny how all these guys can "organize" their communities to protest, but they can't organize their communities to clean them up, tutor their kids, etc) over the shooting. By people who, if Brown was shot down in the middle of the street, by another black thug, would have never seen anything. And it's fun to see what happens.

Yo, moron, just a suggestion. If you don't want to be hit by a car, stay out of the middle of the street. Also, notice, after the man was hit with the car, the area was shot up.

And these punks will call the FPD to handle this case. After the last two years, I would just answer the 911 call, "Call a crackhead!"

UPDATE:

There is a memorial for the Gentle Giant:

It's stupidity like his that makes my job harder..

Ridiculous laws not only brings on ridicule to the lawmakers, but to the law enforcers who must deal with it. One really stupid law I know in Texas is if you go through a corner gas station to avoid a red light, you can be cited for that. Talk about chicken sh....well, shall we say manure. Not to be outdone, here we go again.

Only in New Jersey: Bill would ban motorists from drinking coffee and driving

New Jersey already draws ire for not letting drivers pump their own gas. But the state might ban them from having a cup of coffee behind the wheel too.

A bill under consideration in the state Legislature calls to prohibit "any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway." That means no cup of coffee for those sitting in traffic, no munching on that breakfast burrito, no time to groom. (No, the law does not target coffee verbatim.)

The bill is meant to target distracted driving, which plays a role in thousands of fatal crashes in the country each year. At least 3,179 fatal crashes were attributed to distracted driving in 2014, according to the state's Division of Highway Traffic Safety website. Distracted driving played a role in nearly 800,000 crashes between 2010 and 2014.

"The issue is that we need to try, in every way, to discourage distracted driving, it's dangerous," Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat in Central Jersey, who sponsored the bill, told The Star-Ledger. "Education and enforcement can change the attitudes of people."

Wisniewski and two other sponsors, Assemblymen Nicholas Chiaravalloti Patrick Diegnan, said the legislation was modeled after a law in Maine passed in 2009 that outlawed distracted driving altogether.

So, the penalty for sneaking a bite of your ham sandwich? Between $200 and $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second and $600 to $800 for the third, as well as a 90-day license suspension and points on the license.

Wisniewski said he has seen people try to multitask while driving, even reading newspapers behind the wheel, according to News 12 New Jersey. The law, he said, is meant to educate, not punish motorists.

But some drivers aren't convinced such a broad interpretation of distracted driving is the answer.

Sounds like we have a legislature looking to justify their existence. Not surprising, idle hands are the devil's workshop. Hopefully this dies the death is richly deserves.

Now here is the real question:

No word yet on whether changing radio stations or talking to someone in the passenger's seat while driving would be outlawed too.

For the love of God, don't give them any ideas.

Getting the Narrative of the Iraq War Right

Getting the Narrative of the Iraq War Right 

Editor's Note: The Global Affairs column is curated by Stratfor's editorial board, a diverse group of thinkers whose expertise inspires rigorous and innovative thought in our analyses. Though their opinions are their own, they inform and sometimes even challenge our beliefs. We welcome that challenge, and we hope our readers do too. 

By Philip Bobbitt 

After nearly seven years of careful and meticulous study, the report of the panel chaired by Sir John Chilcot has finally appeared. Like its predecessors, the findings of a judicial inquiry led by Lord Hutton into the death of a prominent biological weapons expert and former U.N. inspector, and a review by Lord Butler of the intelligence on weapons of mass destruction that was used to justify the removal of Saddam Hussein, the Chilcot report is an after-action study of the political and bureaucratic acts preceding the invasion of Iraq in 2003. It is, however, far more comprehensive and vastly more informed. The panel reviewed more than 150,000 documents, and its final 12-volume report runs to 2.6 million words. Like the work of the United States' 9/11 and Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction commissions, Chilcot is a historical assessment aimed at educating future decision-makers to avoid what are generally conceded to be tragic mistakes. 

There are few tasks more important than that which Chilcot undertook, because if we do not get the Iraq narrative right, political life in Britain will be haunted by its aftermath, as the United States has been by Vietnam. That narrative will shape the assessment not only of the efficacy of the Iraq intervention but also, and more importantly, its legitimacy.
That legitimacy will be undermined if any of these claims by opponents of the intervention are found to be true: (1) that the means by which Parliament was persuaded to endorse the United Kingdom's participation in the coalition that invaded Iraq was based on deception — the familiar charges that "Tony Blair lied" and that the dossier setting forth the intelligence basis for intervention was "sexed up"; (2) that there was a secret deal between the British prime minister and the U.S. president committing the United Kingdom to join the coalition long before the specific findings of Iraqi transgressions and intentions had been finally made; and (3) that the intervention was unlawful under the applicable international law. 

The panel pretty definitively rebutted the first two of these claims and neatly avoided the third, casting it as beyond the remit the government gave to Chilcot. Blair's opponents, most vehemently within his own party, have made the slogan that "Blair lied" so ubiquitous, so faithfully and passionately asserted, that it might come as a surprise to the British public that this claim is absurdly false. When the prime minister repeated the conclusions of the Joint Intelligence Committee that Saddam retained stocks of chemical and biological weapons he was known to have possessed at one time, Blair was saying only what all the leaders of the permanent five members of the U.N. Security Council genuinely and generally believed. If this were a matter of invading or twisting the evidence to make the case for intervention, how would one explain the fact that both Jacques Chirac and Vladimir Putin, who strongly opposed intervention, also took it as a given that Saddam retained these weapons? The Chilcot panel carefully reproduces a letter from Blair to George W. Bush that has been portrayed as memorializing a secret commitment to intervene. And so it might seem, if only the first sentence is read, but by quoting the entire letter the panel makes clear that this was not the case. 

If you were confined to the press reports on the Chilcot panel, however, you would hardly draw these conclusions. A headline in The Telegraph read, "Chilcot report finds war was not justified," and The Times trumpeted, "Blair's Private War—Former PM crushed by Chilcot Secret Pledge to Back Bush in Iraq"; The Sun's top headline was "Weapon of Mass Deception, Chilcot; Damning Dossier," and the Daily Mail called Blair, "A Monster of Delusion." In fact, as Dan Jones put it in the Evening Standard, 

"…the reaction to Chilcot has been an ironic reflection of the case [the panel] considered. It has for years been assumed that Blair decided upon war, half-read masses of complex, inconclusive partial intelligence, then went to war anyway. [Now] millions of people who have long believed Blair was a liar and a warmonger skimmed [the panel's] voluminous findings in half an hour and settled for the opinion they already held." 

In a way, both Blair and Chilcot can be partly faulted for this erroneous if malicious reconstruction of the report's findings. When the report found that the invasion was undertaken "before the peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted," the panel assumed that disarmament was the objective. Disarmament was one of the conditions of the cease-fire agreement that halted the 1991 invasion of Iraq. Far more important, however, was the goal of preventing Saddam from acquiring a more massive arsenal once U.N. sanctions were lifted. To achieve this objective, there were no "peaceful options." The pungent finding that the invasion was pursued when it was "not a last resort" obscures this distinction, because waiting until Saddam had rearmed — as we know from North Korea — makes a mockery of using force only as a last resort. It is doubtless true that Blair should have emphasized this objective more forcefully and that he certainly should've done so when the press instead emphasized the imminence of the Iraqi threat. Indeed, the panel's conclusion that Saddam posed "no imminent threat" was seized upon as a decisive and damning criticism when in fact it was almost irrelevant. After his defeat in 1991, Saddam knew well not to take action that presented his neighbors with "imminent" threats until the sanctions had been lifted and he had rearmed. 

To an American, this is reminiscent of the account, so faithfully and unquestioningly repeated as to have become its own truth, that former President Lyndon B. Johnson lied when he sought the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution from Congress. In this respect, the Chilcot report may well be the Pentagon Papers of the current era. That would be costly, since indeed the historical narrative about the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution has been so very destructive in the United States because the popular belief that the government relied on deception has been an influential element in undermining the legitimacy of democratic government in both countries. But it is not altogether fair to the very distinguished panel that produced the report to blame it for the distortions in the way the media has described its work. 

Chilcot may well be remembered as having lanced the boil of angry public opinion. Parents of men who died in the conflict and who violently criticized Blair (one mother called him the world's worst terrorist) seem to have been mollified by the report, precisely because they haven't read it and have relied on press reports. 

Chilcot of course doesn't address the efficacy of the intervention: how an imaginative and highly successful invasion — an act polling has shown to be approved by most Iraqis — could become an ignominious and destructive occupation. It may be that if the war had been won, we would not now be addressing the issues raised by Chilcot. And it may also be that the unasked question, "How is it that we still don't know how to win these wars at an acceptable cost?" is the most important one.

"Getting the Narrative of the Iraq War Right is republished with permission of Stratfor."

I guess he didn't call a crack head when he was robbed:

New Black Panthers Leader Gets Robbed At Gunpoint- Calls Police For Help

Ali Muhammad has a new appreciation for Law Enforcement after he was assisted by officers early Saturday morning after being robbed at gunpoint in Ybor City.

According to Blue Lives Matter A New Black Panthers leader learned the hard way that police are there to help. Ali Muhammad is known in Tampa for being a leader of the New Black Panthers party, and he is very critical of law enforcement. When Muhammad got robbed at gunpoint, he found himself calling the police for help.

Last Friday, Muhammad was walking home from working as a DJ at a local club.

“I was approached by a young black male who just came up to me and said, ‘Give me your earrings and your backpack,’” Muhammad told Fox 32, “He took everything I had. At the time, he didn’t take my cell phone, and that’s what made me call 911.”

Muhammad started to follow the suspect while speaking with police, but he stopped following when the dispatcher urged him not to.

The suspect continued to rob two additional people at gunpoint. “One lady, she was in tears. She said she couldn’t believe it. He had the gun in her mouth,” said Muhammad.

Officers flooded the area and located the suspect, 18-year-old Antwan Robertson. After a short foot pursuit, officer’s located Robertson hiding behind a dumpster. Officers were able to arrest Robertson and return Muhammad’s belongings to him. Robertson is now being held on three counts of armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and possession of drugs.

“Police can be hostile and very belligerent. Friday night, I met some officers who [were] about business, and that was getting a bad guy off the street,” said Muhammad...

Won't argue Mr Muhammad, we can be hostile and belligerent at times. Often times called for, sometimes not. But we generally deal with people at their worse, the dregs of society and they only understand hostility. Glad your case turned out alright. Next time one of your friends/family gets jacked, remember to tell them to cooperate with the cops.

And from the files of the really stupid criminals....

I saw this and had to do a double take.

Woman clubs boyfriend to death because he cheated on her in a dream

SEATTLE, WA – A 28-year-old man is dead after his girlfriend beat him to death because she had a dream he cheated on her with a waitress at a golf course.

According to police, the woman woke the man up to confront him. “It appears as though she did try to get a reasonable explanation from her boyfriend about why he was sleeping around on her in her sleep. When he said he couldn’t possibly know why she had a dream like that, she took out his nine iron and murdered him with it.”

“It still counts as cheating, even though it didn’t really happen,” the woman explained. “He said that was ridiculous, as though my horoscope and subconscious mind were wrong. He attacked my intuition as a woman so I defended myself with his golf club....”

Yea, I think a man would be wise to stay away from this type of person. But it seems to run in the family:

The woman and her family are no strangers to police. Last year her sister stabbed her boyfriend because he didn’t like her selfie fast enough.

Woman stabs boyfriend for not liking Instagram selfie fast enough

CANTON, OH – A 22 year old woman was arrested after stabbing her boyfriend in the face with a sharpened selfie-stick because he did not like her post on Instagram within the allotted 10 minute timeframe.

“This is atrocious, I can’t believe I am being charged for exercising what should be a constitutional right,” says the suspect. “This is 2015. When are the fat cats in Washington going to wake up and realize that when you are in a relationship, you must like your partner’s picture as soon as they post it. If anyone is the victim here, it is me.”

Her lawyer also made a statement. “This young woman acted in self defence, he assaulted her feelings. She spent over 3 hours picking and adjusting the perfect filter for her selfie. She even logged into Facebook Messenger and saw he was ‘online now’ and had yet to acknowledge and validate her appearance, as though he thinks she is ugly. For the man to wait an entire 11 minutes is a senseless, barbaric act of violence towards her self-esteem...”

Then I look into it for a bit and discover it's a satirical site. Still funny as hell! :<)

Evidence of cheating in the Rio Olympics

Thanks Doug R for the link.

Officer Down

Patrolman David Ortiz
El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, March 14, 2016
Age: 45
Tour: 9 years
Incident Date: 3/10/2016

Patrolman David Ortiz succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when his police motorcycle was struck from behind at the intersection of Lee Trevino Drive and Vista Del Sol Drive.

The impact pushed his motorcycle into the vehicle in front of him, and became trapped underneath one of the vehicles involved in the crash. He was able to pulled from underneath the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his inuries.

Patrolman Ortiz had served with the El Paso Police Department for nine years and was assigned to the Pebble Hills Region Command.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Global Affairs: To Kill or Not to Kill: The Tactical Realities, July 30, 2016

By Fred Burton

At Stratfor, our doors are always open to considering different viewpoints. We have an Editorial Board, "a diverse group of thinkers whose expertise inspires rigorous and innovative thought in our analyses. Though their opinions are their own, they inform and sometimes even challenge our beliefs." Last week, an article written in this space by Anisa Mehdi, a member of our Editorial Board, created a flurry of passionate replies from law enforcement and security professionals, primarily in response to this passage:

"In the case of the truck on the Riviera promenade, French law enforcement agents could have shot out the tires on the truck, ending his hurtling charge, saving some lives and keeping Bouhlel alive for questioning. In other cases, it would behoove trained officers of the law and the military not to shoot to kill. Shoot an arm, the knees; shoot below the belt. But don't shoot to kill. (That would be good advice to police as they face down black Americans these days, too.)"

One comment in particular, written by a former law enforcement official, was representative of many readers' views. He pointed out that "shooting tires out takes a lot of time to depressurize the tires AND the vehicle will run on rims." He then asked: "…what if our suspect had a detonator in the cab and a truck full of explosives?"

Neutralizing the Threat

As a former police officer and special agent with the U.S. State Department, I most certainly echo the concerns expressed by this reader and others. Police and law enforcement agents aren't trained to shoot out tires or to shoot suspects in the extremities for good reason. Such targets are extremely small, and even if you hit them, a determined attacker is not likely to be taken out of the fight, meaning he or she might still be able to continue shooting or detonate explosives. When confronted with an imminent threat and deadly force is deemed necessary, police and agents are taught to shoot at and strike the center of mass (the torso) to neutralize the threat and incapacitate the shooter as quickly as possible. Tactically speaking, soldiers are trained the same way. However, an overwhelming amount of firepower may be required to neutralize a threat and save the lives of innocent bystanders, as we saw in Dallas and Orlando. The threat and tactical landscape can be further complicated by mass killers and terrorists wearing body armor or using massive weapons that are difficult to neutralize, like the attacker in Nice who used a common vehicle as a deadly weapon.

In fairness to our Editorial Board member, "Capturing [terrorists] alive could lead to gathering essential information about their motives, chains of command, conspirators and chieftains." I agree. For the purpose of gaining information, it is always best to capture terrorists as opposed to killing them, but only when it is practical and safe to do so. A law enforcement officer must also keep public safety at the forefront in these incidents. In many cases, terrorists come to die as part of the attack, often planning to quickly detonate bombs or suicide vests. They could even enlist confederates and lookouts to enhance their effectiveness, increasing the risk to all involved in the situation. Their mission is to kill as many people as they can, using their weapons of choice. In many of these situations, capturing terrorists alive is neither possible nor should it be, quite frankly, the goal of those looking to stop them.

Protecting Lives or Information?

In a vehicle scenario like the one seen in Nice, shooting at the tires of a vehicle as it plows through a crowd of innocent bystanders is dangerous. Rounds fired at tires can miss or ricochet and hit bystanders and other police officers. Furthermore, a vehicle can travel quite some distance with a flat tire, especially a commercial one with multiple tires in the back end. Shooting and killing the driver is the surest way to stop a rampaging vehicle, although tools such as spike strips can also prove quite effective in certain settings.

We live in a violent and dangerous world, as the attacks and mass killings in Rouen, Nice, Munich, Dallas, Baton Rouge and Orlando remind us. Cops and agents make split-second decisions that are inevitably "Monday morning quarterbacked" and questioned by many. Attack recognition and situational awareness can save lives. Though keeping terrorists alive to gather intelligence can be valuable, once a worst-case scenario happens, a well-trained officer with a firearm is one of the most effective ways to prevent further killing and minimize the body count.

To Kill or Not to Kill: The Tactical Realities is republished with permission of Stratfor.

K9 Down

K9 Aren
Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Sunday, January 31, 2016
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 5
Gender: M
Tour: 4 years
Cause: Stabbed

K9 Aren was stabbed to death during the apprehension of a subject on Whitney Avenue, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Busway, in Wilkinsburg.

Officers had engaged the subject in a foot pursuit following an incident at the Wilkinsburg transit station. K9 Aren located the subject on Whitney Avenue and attempted an apprehension. The subject fatally stabbed K9 Aren before being shot and killed by officers.

Rest in Peace Aren…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

A few words that say it all....

Or to borrow the words of a man who is very quotable, Sir Winston Churchill:

"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."

Thanks Josh P. for the link.

I think this cream puff needs chocolate...

He's definitely on the rag...

Staten Island Man Says He 'Doesn't Feel Safe' After Backlash For Ripping Down Blue Ribbons Supporting Law Enforcement:

A Staten Island man is under fire after he was caught on camera ripping down blue ribbons that were hung from trees and utility poles as a sign of support for NYPD officers.

The man who shot the video Tuesday evening told CBS2’s Tony Aiello he was upset by the ribbon ripping on Victory Boulevard in Castleton Corners.

The driver who confronted the man pulling down the ribbons posted the video on social media. It quickly went viral.

“All lives are not being persecuted right now! Black lives are!” the man said to the driver filming...

...Within no time at all, the angry young man was being named and shamed.

...The man on the video was identified as Stephen Varvaro and he told the Staten Island Advance that, “I know what I did was wrong. It was disrespectful.”

Varvaro said he’s getting threats and that he “doesn’t feel safe on the island anymore.”

Even the salon where he used to work is paying a price with people posting that it’s “time to boycott this place” on the company’s Facebook page.

There has been no comment from the salon, which has disavowed Varvaro’s actions, and is offering a discount to law enforcement to show its appreciation...

I'm glad the company he used to work for disapproves of his actions. But more to the point, you may not like cops, but who the hell said you could just tear up someone else's property and litter throughout the neighborhood. If I (or one of the cops I supervise) had seen that in Houston you would be introduced to our jail. I recall a quote from then Governor Reagan, "the problem is you allowed students to decide what law they would obey.."

Hey creampuff, time to learn it's a cruel world and actions have consequences.

What's going on in the World Today 160801

HYPERLINKS MAY REQUIRE AN EMAIL:

USA

NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

AFRICA

An African Yellow Fever Outbreak Poses a Threat to Asia

For much of the past year, the Zika virus has dominated the news cycle and commanded international attention. But another mosquito-borne disease, yellow fever, is working its way (albeit more quietly) through the African nations of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though it has attracted far less attention than the Zika virus, yellow fever nevertheless could disrupt economic activities in and beyond those countries, a key consideration in assessing the geopolitical risk of a disease outbreak. What's more, a large number of foreign workers in Angola and the Congo as well as a vaccine shortage worldwide could conspire to turn the latest outbreak of yellow fever — a disease that has been preventable for nearly 80 years — into a more global concern...

ASIA

The Curious Timing of Japan's Stimulus Announcement

Now that elections in Japan's upper house are over, Tokyo has turned its attention toward getting the country's sluggish economy on track. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Wednesday a 28 trillion-yen ($265 billion) stimulus package that includes 13 trillion yen in fiscal measures. The stimulus, which has been under discussion for months, will likely be approved by the Japanese Cabinet on Aug. 2. In addition, The Wall Street Journal reported that the country is considering issuing 50-year government bonds for the first time since World War II, although a Ministry of Finance official quickly denied the report...
Indonesia Defends Its Strategic Islands

At least three times this year, Indonesian authorities have confronted Chinese fishing vessels in the waters near the remote Natuna Islands, an area whose 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) overlaps China's expansive nine-dash line. In the wake of the run-ins, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo visited the islands and promised to boost defense, fishing and natural gas production in the area. Despite its provocative fishing activities in the South China Sea, however, China is not the sole target of Indonesia's defensive measures; Jakarta has also made a public show of destroying dozens of Malaysian and Vietnamese vessels found fishing in the area...

Indonesia Guards Its Front Door

At least three times this year, Indonesian authorities have confronted Chinese fishing vessels in the waters near the remote Natuna Islands, an area whose 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) overlaps China's expansive nine-dash line. Each time, Jakarta has made a point of widely publicizing the incursions despite Beijing's objections. In the wake of the run-ins, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo visited the islands and promised to boost defense, fishing and natural gas production in the area. Despite its provocative fishing activities in the South China Sea, however, China is not the sole target of Indonesia's defensive measures; Jakarta has also made a public show of destroying dozens of Malaysian and Vietnamese vessels found fishing in the area. For Indonesia, protecting the Natuna Islands — however small and remote they may be — is key to exerting control of its territory and affirming its position in Asia's waterways...

Facing North Korea&#039;s Nuclear Reality

By Rodger Baker

After announcing that it would cut communications with the United States, North Korea launched three missiles (two Scuds and a No Dong) last week. In some ways, there is little unexpected in North Korea's actions. Since the early 1990s, the North Korean nuclear and missile programs have been a focus of greater and lesser international attention, and there is no reason to predict that a resolution satisfactory to the United States (or North Korea) will emerge any time soon. Similarly, the United States followed a familiar script in its reaction to the recent launches, threatening additional sanctions and further isolation...

EUROPE

France: National Guard To Be Established

France will establish a national guard to help in the fight against terrorism, a statement from President Francois Hollande said July 28, France 24 and AFP reported. According to the statement, parliamentary consultations on the creation of the force — which will reportedly be made up of volunteers from the police, the security forces and the military — will take place in September. Hollande said he hoped the national guard would be in place sometime in early fall. France has not had a national guard since the last iteration of the force was disbanded in 1872, but the country's government is trying to reassure a nervous public that it is acting to counter the terrorist threat.

Central Europe: Taking up Where the U.K. Left off

Four Central European countries see the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union as their opportunity to shape the future of the bloc. The prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary met in Warsaw on July 22 to discuss the issue for the second time in two months. Out of the first meeting on June 29, just days after the United Kingdom voted to leave the union, came a collective call for "dramatic reforms" of the bloc and its institutions. The sentiment was reiterated during the latest meeting, where the four Central European premiers once again called for major changes to the European Union...

MEXICO/LATIN AMERICA

NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

AFGHANISTAN

NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

CHINA

China completes world's largest amphibious aircraft: Xinhua

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China has completed production of the world's largest amphibious aircraft after seven years of work, which it plans to use to perform marine rescue missions and fight forest fires, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The AG600, which is about the size of a Boeing 737 and was developed by state aircraft maker Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), rolled off a production line in the southern city of Zhuhai on Saturday, Xinhua said quoting the firm.

AVIC deputy general manager, Geng Rugang, said the plane was "the latest breakthrough in China's aviation industry." A plan for the development and production of the AG600 received government approval in 2009.

The aircraft has a maximum flight range of 4,500 km and can collect 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds. It has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes, Xinhua said.

China has been ramping up research into advanced new military equipment, including submarines, aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles, which has rattled nerves regionally and in Washington as China takes a more muscular approach to territorial disputes in places like the South China Sea.

In June, it put into service a new domestically-developed large transport aircraft.

Chinese Farmers&#039; Calls for Change Go Unanswered

Of the many divides partitioning Chinese society, perhaps none is as stark or systemic as the rift between urban and rural residents. Last year, the 760 million citizens living in Chinese cities earned nearly three times as much disposable income as their 590 million peers in the countryside. In many cases, that number was much higher. Beyond money, however, registered urban homeowners have access to social services and benefits — including health care and public education — that all but a few rural residents do not. Perhaps the most important advantage, though, is the effective right to own and sell real estate..

A Dawn for the Dead Companies of China

China is battling a ghastly economic problem. For months, the country's so-called zombie corporations — failing, mostly state-controlled companies — have been teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, caught among high and rising levels of debt, ballooning debt-servicing costs and slim or nonexistent profits. In response, China's State Council released a statement July 18 describing a possible pilot program to enable indebted corporations to convert some of their outstanding debts to equities held by Chinese banks. On its own, a corporate debt-to-equity swap would do little to reform these companies into productive and profitable businesses, a key requirement if China is to "rebalance" to a more sustainable growth model. Even so, it would help lower the businesses' debt burden in the short term. For Beijing, bound as it is by the need to maintain employment and, in turn, social stability, that may be enough to stave off a crisis for the time being...

IRAN

Iranian Kurds Return to Arms

Analysis

Though the Islamic State's core territory is now shrinking, its rapid rise as a global enemy and its quick territorial expansion in 2013 and 2014 shook the Middle East, instigating a series of realignments of military power. As the militant group claimed Mosul, Tikrit, Sinjar, Zumar and Kobani, Kurdish peshmerga units of Iraqi, Iranian, Turkish and Syrian nationality deployed to try to stop it. Today, the multi-country front against the Islamic State is more secure and stable in those areas where territory held by the group abuts traditionally Kurdish territory....
IRAQ

Why the Iranian President's Policies May Outlast Him

Over the past three months, a series of leaks and corruption allegations has rocked Iran's banking and financial sectors. The scandal has revealed, among other things, that civil servants and business executives are being paid as much as $230,000 a month. The revelation has provided President Hassan Rouhani's political rivals with new ammunition ahead of next year's election, planting yet another obstacle in Rouhani's path to re-election. Attempting to head off any further damage, Rouhani adviser Vice President Mohammad Bagher Nobakht announced July 26 that Tehran plans to cap government and private officials' monthly salaries at $3,200 and $6,200, respectively, a move that should put to rest the most controversial aspect of the entire affair...

ISRAEL

NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

RUSSIA

NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

SYRIA

Waning Support Weakens the Syrian Rebellion

Shifts in momentum have marked the Syrian civil war since it began in 2011. At different times, the rebels and the loyalists have each held the upper hand on the battlefield. But lately, the most decisive element determining who maintains the advantage has been the degree of outside assistance each side receives...


Syria's Rebels Lose Support When They Need It Most

Shifts in momentum have marked the Syrian civil war since it began in 2011. At different times, the rebels and the loyalists have each held the upper hand on the battlefield. But lately, the most decisive element determining who maintains the advantage has been the degree of outside assistance each side receives. Consequently, flagging support for the rebellion at a time of unwavering aid for the Syrian government bodes ill for the rebels' prospects in the months ahead...

MIDDLE EAST GENERAL

Looking for a Silver Bullet Against the Islamic State

As the Islamic State claims responsibility for inspiring more and more attacks throughout the world, finding a way to defeat the group is as pressing a concern as ever. At the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, which ended Thursday, speakers raised the subject, some questioning the slow and steady strategy of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. But the coalition's tactics have started to work. During the coalition's fourth meeting, held Wednesday and Thursday in Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke of the strides they had made against the Islamic State and the momentum they will have going forward. Despite the coalition's progress, however, the fight against the Islamic State has revealed that there is no silver bullet to defeat it or any other extremist group...

MISC

Stray Mutts Can Still Bite

By Scott Stewart

On July 24 in Ansbach, Germany, a 27-year-old refugee from Syria detonated a bomb concealed in his backpack, injuring several bystanders and killing himself. His intended target appears to have been a nearby music festival, but he didn't have a ticket and was denied entry. Instead he detonated his device outside a bar near the festival. The attack was the first suicide bombing in Germany, albeit a poorly executed one...