03 Dec 16
House adopts massive defense bill, sees changes under Trump
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense policy bill on Friday without some controversial provisions that had worried Democrats, but Republican lawmakers said they expect to revisit the issues once Republican Donald Trump is in the White House. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by 375-34, sending it to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote next week on the $618.7 billion measure setting policy for the Pentagon.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense policy bill on Friday without some controversial provisions that had worried Democrats, but Republican lawmakers said they expect to revisit the issues once Republican Donald Trump is in the White House. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by 375-34, sending it to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote next week on the $618.7 billion measure setting policy for the Pentagon.
UN calls on Israel to leave Golan, Israel prepares fight at UNSC
The UN General Assembly adopted six resolutions on the situation of the Palestinians on Wednesday, including a demand for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights. The move comes a day after the new President of the UN General Assembly, Peter Thompson, was seen wearing a Palestinian scarf whilst at a UN committee hearing.
The UN General Assembly adopted six resolutions on the situation of the Palestinians on Wednesday, including a demand for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights. The move comes a day after the new President of the UN General Assembly, Peter Thompson, was seen wearing a Palestinian scarf whilst at a UN committee hearing.
China Flight-Tests 10 DF-21 Missiles
China’s military conducted a salvo of 10 missile flight tests late last month in a show of force during the transition to the Donald Trump administration. Chinese state media reported Thursday that the simultaneous flight tests of 10 DF-21 intermediate-range ballistic missiles were carried out in China.
China’s military conducted a salvo of 10 missile flight tests late last month in a show of force during the transition to the Donald Trump administration. Chinese state media reported Thursday that the simultaneous flight tests of 10 DF-21 intermediate-range ballistic missiles were carried out in China.
Saudi Central Bank Systems Said to Be Struck by Iran Malware
State-sponsored hackers who unleashed a digital bomb in key parts of Saudi Arabia’s computer networks over the last two weeks damaged systems at the country’s central bank, known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency... The central bank said in a statement late Friday that its systems hadn’t been breached and that it has continuous surveillance to protect against cyberthreats.
State-sponsored hackers who unleashed a digital bomb in key parts of Saudi Arabia’s computer networks over the last two weeks damaged systems at the country’s central bank, known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency... The central bank said in a statement late Friday that its systems hadn’t been breached and that it has continuous surveillance to protect against cyberthreats.
Israel sidelined in the global intelligence effort against ISIS
THE MILITARY and intelligence resources of some 60 nations, led by the US together with Russia and its allies, are currently devoted to the battle against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Israel has been overlooked in this global effort, triggering contradictory reactions by its political leadership led by Benjamin Netanyahu, on the one hand, and its security and intelligence chiefs, on the other.
THE MILITARY and intelligence resources of some 60 nations, led by the US together with Russia and its allies, are currently devoted to the battle against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Israel has been overlooked in this global effort, triggering contradictory reactions by its political leadership led by Benjamin Netanyahu, on the one hand, and its security and intelligence chiefs, on the other.
Obama, Bennett agree: Keep Netanyahu guessing
The PM has two swords dangling above his head: Bennett’s bill to retroactively legalize settlement outposts, and the possibility Obama might let an anti-Israel resolution go through the UNSC. ...Obama and Bennett view the Mideast in starkly different terms. The last few days have shown...they do have one thing in common: an interest...in keeping Netanyahu both squirming and guessing.
The PM has two swords dangling above his head: Bennett’s bill to retroactively legalize settlement outposts, and the possibility Obama might let an anti-Israel resolution go through the UNSC. ...Obama and Bennett view the Mideast in starkly different terms. The last few days have shown...they do have one thing in common: an interest...in keeping Netanyahu both squirming and guessing.
China hopes Trump call with Taiwan leader won't damage ties
China's foreign minister said Saturday he hopes Beijing's relations with the U.S. would not be "interfered with or damaged" after President-elect Donald Trump broke with decadeslong diplomatic tradition and spoke directly with Taiwan's leader.
China's foreign minister said Saturday he hopes Beijing's relations with the U.S. would not be "interfered with or damaged" after President-elect Donald Trump broke with decadeslong diplomatic tradition and spoke directly with Taiwan's leader.
Binyamin Netanyahu is in a commanding position
These should be the best of times for Binyamin Netanyahu. At no point in the Israeli prime minister’s almost 11 years in office has he enjoyed such supremacy at home, coupled with an absence of any serious difficulties or pressure from abroad.
These should be the best of times for Binyamin Netanyahu. At no point in the Israeli prime minister’s almost 11 years in office has he enjoyed such supremacy at home, coupled with an absence of any serious difficulties or pressure from abroad.
Neutered Dems are all bark, no bite
Senate Democrats are as furious with President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks as they are powerless to stop them. Thanks to a change to Senate rules that Democrats forced on Republicans in 2013, it only takes 51 votes to confirm a nominee, except for Supreme Court nominees, which will still require 60 votes. Republicans will have 51 or 52 seats in the Senate next year, which means the GOP can approve anyone they want to Trump’s team as long as they all agree.
Senate Democrats are as furious with President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks as they are powerless to stop them. Thanks to a change to Senate rules that Democrats forced on Republicans in 2013, it only takes 51 votes to confirm a nominee, except for Supreme Court nominees, which will still require 60 votes. Republicans will have 51 or 52 seats in the Senate next year, which means the GOP can approve anyone they want to Trump’s team as long as they all agree.
TRUMPISTI! Italian Populists Expected to Defeat Referendum; EU Crisis Looms
Over this weekend, Italy will vote on a referendum that, if passed, will give the government sweeping powers to enact radical change. According to the latest polls, the referendum is expected to fail -- which might then pave the way for the nationalist Five Star Movement party to form a government -- who literally hate the EU.
Over this weekend, Italy will vote on a referendum that, if passed, will give the government sweeping powers to enact radical change. According to the latest polls, the referendum is expected to fail -- which might then pave the way for the nationalist Five Star Movement party to form a government -- who literally hate the EU.
Sudden Scramble For Gold In China Sends Premiums To 3 Year High
While paper gold traders can't seem to dump the precious metal fast enough, physical gold demand is soaring around the world. India retail premiums are spiking (amid demonetization), local China premiums soar to a 3-year-high (as capital controls loom), and coin sales from the US Mint have risen for the 4th straight month, accelerating post-election to the highest since July 2015 since Trump's victory at the election.
While paper gold traders can't seem to dump the precious metal fast enough, physical gold demand is soaring around the world. India retail premiums are spiking (amid demonetization), local China premiums soar to a 3-year-high (as capital controls loom), and coin sales from the US Mint have risen for the 4th straight month, accelerating post-election to the highest since July 2015 since Trump's victory at the election.
The Jersey Shore mystery shake: If that wasn’t an earthquake Thursday, then … what?
People reported feeling a shaking around 4 p.m. mostly in southern Ocean County and into Atlantic County, in towns including Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Winslow, Toms River, Sea Isle City and Southampton.
People reported feeling a shaking around 4 p.m. mostly in southern Ocean County and into Atlantic County, in towns including Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Winslow, Toms River, Sea Isle City and Southampton.
Strong earthquake rattles southern Peru
A powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday close to Lake Titicaca, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor struck at 5:40 p.m. EST (2240 GMT), some 48 miles (77.25 km) northwest of the town of Juliaca close to Lake Titicaca, which lies in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
A powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Peru on Thursday close to Lake Titicaca, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor struck at 5:40 p.m. EST (2240 GMT), some 48 miles (77.25 km) northwest of the town of Juliaca close to Lake Titicaca, which lies in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
Jill Stein's Recount Efforts Have Divided the Green Party
A number of Green Party officials have made their opposition to Stein’s efforts to challenge the vote totals in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania public over the past week. The recount in Wisconsin was joined by the Hillary Clinton campaign on Nov. 26, raising eyebrows within and without the Green Party about Stein’s motivations. After all, flipping those three states would reverse a Trump victory and deliver the presidency to Clinton. Stein’s Vice Presidential candidate, Ajamu Baraka, signaled his opposition to the move in a public Facebook post the next day.
A number of Green Party officials have made their opposition to Stein’s efforts to challenge the vote totals in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania public over the past week. The recount in Wisconsin was joined by the Hillary Clinton campaign on Nov. 26, raising eyebrows within and without the Green Party about Stein’s motivations. After all, flipping those three states would reverse a Trump victory and deliver the presidency to Clinton. Stein’s Vice Presidential candidate, Ajamu Baraka, signaled his opposition to the move in a public Facebook post the next day.
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