THE  JETHRO  PROJECT

O R G A N I Z I N G  F O R  E F F I C I E N T  O U T P U T

Pa. Representative John Murtha dead at 77 19-term lawmaker, considered one of the most influential on Capitol Hill, dies from complications following gallbladder surgery last month.   Meghan McCain: Palin's Double Standard Is 'What's Wrong With Politics Today' McCain weighed in on Palin's hypocrisy on Monday when she appeared as a guest host on "The View." Arms Deals Covered Up as UK Firm Pays Fines Johannesburg — THE murky details of SA's multibillion-rand arms deal are unlikely ever to come to light after weapons maker BAE Systems last week cut a deal with UK and US officials to plead guilty and pay fines on some charges in exchange for the dropping of probes on others. Nation’s unity will surprise hegemonistic powers on Feb. 11: Leader TEHRAN - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said that the Iranian nation’s unity will surprise the hegemonistic powers on the 31st anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.		Anderson Cooper: Why I'm back in Haiti I was asked to write a blog about why I wanted to come back to Haiti. I'm not really sure how to answer that question. No one I've seen today in Port-au-Prince has asked me that. If anything, people here ask why I left, and why so many other reporters have left as well. I don't really know what to tell them. Man Found Alive In Rubble 4 Weeks After Haiti Earthquake In what may be the ultimate miracle rescue, CNN is reporting that a man was pulled alive from the rubble in Port au Prince, Haiti today, four weeks after the earthquake devastated the city. It was not clear whether the man had been trapped since the initial quake. Officials: Jewish bid for East Jerusalem home likely to fail Interior Min. Yishai moves to thwart court-ordered evacuation of building illegally built by nationalist Jews. Body found on US flight to Japan West eyes 'strong' Iran sanctions Yemen al-Qaeda leader threatens US Karachi grinds to a halt after fatal blasts
Gas blast at Conn. power plant kills at least 5 MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- An explosion that sounded like a sonic boom blew out walls of an unfinished power plant and set off a fire during a test of natural gas lines Sunday, killing at least five workers and injuring a dozen or more. Laura Chinchilla wins the Costa Rican Presidency La Nación reported that Laura Chinchilla received 46.7 percent of the votes, Ottón Solís 28.7 and Otto Guevara 24.6. Laura Chinchilla said that the people of Costa Rica has given her their confidence and she will no betray them. She will be the first female president of Costa Rica. Yanukovych heading to Ukraine win Viktor Yanukovych closes in on victory in Ukraine's presidential election, but his rival Yulia Tymoshenko refuses to concede. Karzai demands end to Nato raids Afghan president criticises village hits as US-led forces gear up for Helmand offensive. Senior envoy leads delegation to DPRK A senior Chinese envoy arrived in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over the weekend to meet state officials in Pyongyang. Syria ready to respond to Israeli 'aggression,' minister warns DAMASCUS (earthtimes.org) -- Syria is ready to respond to Israeli “aggression”, Syrian Minister of Information Mohsen Bilal said Sunday.		The New Orleans Saints finished their storybook season by rallying from an early 10-point deficit to beat the Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. GAME SUMMARY | FULL STORY Australia in huge China coal deal An Australian firm signs a $60bn deal to supply coal to Chinese power stations from a mine to be built in Queensland. Ahmadinejad orders production of 20% enriched nuclear fuel TEHRAN - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to start work to produce nuclear fuel enriched to a purity of 20 percent for the Tehran research reactor, which produces medical radioisotopes. Glitches mar Nigeria state vote G7 pledges to wipe out Haiti debt Assad: Syria will stand by Lebanon Palestinians give into U.S. pressure for indirect Mideast talks
Administrative Capacity By Byron A. Ellis - February 06, 20101 Building robust administrative capacity is important in the delivery of services to constituents. However, administrative capacity requires political will and vision, as well as, shared goals and measurable metrics that optimize performance. It also requires an activist role in investment and training, and industrial and trade policies. The balanced scorecard is a mechanism that could be used to facilitate citizens and government goal setting and to assess accountability and performance. Analysis: Wooing Damascus to isolate Teheran By Yaakov Katz The IDF still believes that it has more to benefit from peace with Syria than it does from keeping the Golan Heights. Israel: When the Gun Turns By Shafiq Morton Whilst this aspiration (called Zionism) was initially seen as a noble end in itself, its means – the Palestinian people being displaced at the point of a gun – has become, as Nelson Mandela once said, one of the world’s biggest unresolved questions. Public tide turns against JZ What was Zuma thinking when he started an affair with Khoza's daughter? Two Americans helping in Haiti die in helicopter crash (CNN) -- The two people who died Thursday night when their helicopter crashed into a mountain in the Dominican Republic were friends who had left their homes and family in Florida this week to help deliver aid to the people of Haiti, a son of one of the victims said Friday. Goldman CEO bonus: $9M NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Goldman Sachs stunned many in the Wall Street community Friday by awarding chief executive Lloyd Blankfein $9 million as his year-end bonus, far less than many were anticipating, and none of it in cash. FM highlights role of 'a changing China in a changing world' Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said at the Munich Security Conference on Friday that while focusing on its own peaceful development, China is undertaking more international responsibilities in a transforming and closely-linked world. DA: Zuma misleading nation on job creation President Jacob Zuma is misleading the nation on job creation, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Friday.		Even as U.S. sheds jobs, unemployment rate falls In a report that suggests a mixed labor market picture, rate shows a surprising decline to 9.7 percent; employers slashed 20,000 jobs in Jan. Richard Shelby Senate Hold Puts Spotlight On Defense Contractor Ties Sen. Richard Shelby's (R-Ala.) decision to place a "blanket hold" on all presidential nominations until a pair of billion-dollar earmarks for his home state are fast-tracked has reignited the debate over the parliamentary tactics being deployed by the Republican Party. Iran says nuclear deal is 'close' Iran's foreign minister tells a security forum a deal on nuclear fuel could be close, as China takes centre stage. At least 25 dead in Karachi bomb blasts KARACHI: At least 25 people were killed and 100 others wounded on Friday after two bombs planted on motorcycles struck a bus at Shahra-e-Faisal and Jinnah Hospital in Karachi. No end to Iraq’s instability On February 1, repeating a pattern of attacks carried out a year previously, a woman suicide bomber wearing an abaya or burqa blew herself up among Shia pilgrims passing through Shaab on their way to the holy city of Kerbala in southern Iraq. Lessons of Iraq ignored. The target is now Iran The U.S. is escalating the military build-up in the Gulf, officials revealed this week, boosting its naval presence and supplying tens of billions of dollars’ worth of new weapons systems to allied Arab states. Cwele granted bail Sheryl Cwele, the wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, was granted bail of R100 000 by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday. Civil servant jobs require experience BAE to pay $400m fine to US Nato troops free ship off Somalia Climate skepticism 'on the rise' Dubai announces new oil discovery Nigeria: Yar'Adua to Hand Over to Deputy, Says Aide Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Rejects Mugabe Directive Pakistan parliament speaker meets Iranian president, Majlis speaker
It is Wrong to Charge the Missionaries Haiti it is wrong to charge the missionaries. Deport them and move on. Haiti has more pressing problems and needs to show mercy. It is unlikely that the American missionaries are kidnappers; it is more likely that they were thinking as Americans. The Jethro Project recommendations is to deport them and let them return to the United States.   Report: Israel Stole $2bn from Palestinian Workers By Jonathan Cook - Jerusalem Over the past four decades Israel has defrauded Palestinians working inside Israel of more than $2 billion by deducting from their salaries contributions for welfare benefits to which they were never entitled, Israeli economists have revealed. U.S. jobless claims rise as E.U. woes hit markets Despite some upbeat economic data, fears about financial crises in wobbling economies of southern Europe send global stock markets reeling. Spy chief: US may target American extremists abroad The US may try to kill American citizens embroiled in extremist groups overseas, the top US intelligence chief said on Wednesday. Sanctions may clip China-US business ties China's planned sanctions against United States companies involved in the recent arms sale to Taiwan could cloud ties between Chinese businesses and their US partners, say industry insiders and analysts.		Haiti charges American missionaries Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) -- Ten Americans detained last week while trying to take 33 Haitian children out of the country were charged Thursday with kidnapping children and criminal association, a government official said. Bank of America charged with fraud New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed fraud charges Thursday against Bank of America and two of its former top executives, alleging that they lied not only to investors but also to government officials who were orchestrating a massive bailout of the bank in the final months of 2008. Palin's Unpaid Taxes: Former Governor Never Listed Two Cabins ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Records show that Sarah Palin has not paid any property taxes on cabins that have been built on two backcountry plots partially owned by the former Alaska governor. Israeli cop may be charged over death of Palestinian boy N.Korea to free detained US missionary China warning over Iran sanctions Magnitude-6.0 earthquake hits offshore California India invites Pakistan for talks Obama to meet Dalai Lama in US Obama criticised for addressing Christian group's prayer breakfast
Israel: Laws Set to Criminalize Dissent By Jonathan Cook - Nazareth Leaders of the Arab minority in Israel warned this week that they were facing an unprecedented campaign of persecution, backed by the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, designed to stop their political activities. Blair's War Decision: Secretive, Misleading By Deepak Tripathi Clare Short, former Cabinet minister for international development in British Prime Minister Tony Blair's cabinet at the time Iraq was invaded in March 2003, testified before the Iraq inquiry today (February 2, 2010). Jury: Scientist tried to kill U.S. troops New York (CNN) -- Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui was convicted Wednesday of attempting to kill Americans in Afghanistan in 2008. Zuma confirms "love child" President Jacob Zuma has put out a statement confirming his child with Irvin Khoza's daughter, while lambasting the media for criticizing him. U.S.: Easing Gaza siege would help counter Goldstone Ban Ki-moon to present report Friday on implementation of Goldstone's recommendations by Israel, PA.		US confirms death of 3 military personnel in Dir attack ISLAMABAD: The US embassy on Wednesday while condemning the “vicious terrorist attack” in the Lower Dir District confirmed death of three US military personnel. Pakistan dismayed at US guilty verdict WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Wednesday voiced dismay after a US court found Dr Aafia Siddiqui-- a Pakistani woman guilty of trying to kill American troops in Afghanistan and vowed to press her case. Iran launches spacecraft carrying animals / Space program breakthroughs signal the dawn of a new era of national development: Ahmadinejad TEHRAN -- Iran announced on Wednesday that it successfully launched a domestically manufactured satellite-carrier rocket. 1st Chinese sponsor for World Cup China opposes Obama-Dalai meeting Mottaki: Pakistan and Iran are part of a single body Kenya: Victory for Anti-Abortion Lobby Iraq court suspends candidate ban Bomb kills at least 20 in Kerbala
Americans held in Pakistan complain of torture SARGODHA, Pakistan, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Five Americans accused of contacting militants over the Internet and planning terrorist attacks told a court on Tuesday they were tortured by the FBI and Pakistani police attempting to frame them. Analysts cite 'revenge' in drone strikes (CNN) -- The United States has escalated its unmanned aircraft strikes at militant targets in Pakistan since seven Americans were killed in a December 30 suicide attack at a CIA base in eastern Afghanistan, statistics from two informed research outlets show. 'Nine to die' over Iran protests Official says more protesters will be hanged "soon" over last year's election unrest. Iran 'will accept uranium deal' Iran's president says it is ready to send enriched uranium abroad for further enrichment under a deal agreed with the West. South Sudan hunger rises sharply The number of people needing food aid in south Sudan has quadrupled in a year to more than four million, the UN says. Deaths in Pakistan 'drone' attack Spate of missiles fired from suspected US drones kill at least 17 people near Afghan border.		Murtha in intensive care, source says Washington (CNN) -- Complications arose after Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania underwent gallbladder surgery, and he remains in a hospital, his spokesman confirmed Tuesday. Education secretary apologizes for Katrina remark Education Secretary Arne Duncan apologized Tuesday for asserting that Hurricane Katrina was "the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans," calling the remark "a dumb thing to say." US tries to tamp down tension with China Still smarting at Washington's $6.4 billion arms sale to Taipei, Beijing reaffirmed that there will be measured retaliation even as senior US officials tried to douse the flames. China denies discussing dumping US mortgage bonds Obama firm on Dalai Lama meeting US deployment raises tensions in strategic Gulf UK cabinet 'misled' over Iraq war 'Israel infiltrated Syria leadership' White House denies prisoner swap talks with Iran Benin: Cholera Kills at Least Five, Scores of Others Infected China cancels 80% of Iraq debt Zuma should apologize, says Zille
Slow Demand and Rising Gasoline Prices By Byron A. Ellis – February 01, 2010 In a slow US economy, the average retail price of regular gasoline has increased significantly since February of 2008. It has increased by almost one dollar. Obama budget calls for billions in new spending $3.8 trillion plan aims to combat unemployment and bolster the middle class while slashing funds for programs and raising taxes for banks, wealthy. Top Israeli officers reprimanded Israel reveals it has reprimanded two officers over an artillery attack in Gaza in which white phosphorus was used. Africa mulls resettling Haitians African Union considers proposal to allow Haiti's earthquake victims to live in Africa. US group 'wrong' to take Haiti kids Haiti PM says church group knew what it was doing was wrong and may face trial in US. Zuma's conduct 'undermines his own govt's message' Opposition parties on Monday accused President Jacob Zuma of a cavalier attitude to safe sex that is hurting the HIV/Aids campaign. Egypt's Pharaohs Snatch Seventh Win Ghana's goalie Richard Kingson fails to stop Mohamed Nagui's stunning winner, scored from a tight angle in an attack almost from nowhere.		Abstinence programs can work Study finds focus in some sex-ed classes can delay sexual activity compared to other approaches. Eric Christensen Accused of Killing, Dismembering Girlfriend Sherry Harlan Because She was a "Warlock"   Somali Islamists 'join al-Qaeda' Somali Islamist rebel group al-Shabab confirms for the first time that its fighters are aligned with al-Qaeda's global campaign. Jury hearing Aafia Siddiqui case yet to reach verdict   Iran caught up in China-US spat Just days after United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used the occasion of a speech in Paris to lecture China on its national security interests and warned Beijing of "economic insecurity and diplomatic isolation" if it did not sign onto new sanctions against Iran, China hit back. China to punish US companies for arms sales Suicide bomber kills 54 Shiite pilgrims in Karbala Japan admits war 'act of aggression' Oil up in Asian trade Sudan: Arms Channeled to South Through Kenya US casualties in Afghanistan sow seeds of anger, frustration 13 teenagers shot dead as gunmen burst into party in Mexico border city
DC Metro and the Culture of Safety By Byron A. Ellis – February 01, 2010 It is imperative to improve the safety record of the Washington DC transit system. The system has suffered a string of worker and passenger fatalities and injuries. Often organizations with safety problems are plagued by internal systemic problems that can only be solved by improving internal administrative capacity. 'Please help us, we have nobody to help us' A British couple kidnapped by Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean have issued another desperate plea, saying they are being badly treated and need urgent help. Toyota Gas-Pedal Fix Clears Regulators DETROIT --Toyota Motor Corp. received clearance from US federal regulators for a repair to sticky accelerator pedals that caused the company to recall 2.3 million vehicles, and will make an announcement as early as Monday morning ... Taliban denies report of militant chief's death ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban on Sunday denied fresh rumours that their chief Hakimullah Mehsud is dead, while the army said it was investigating as reports re-emerged that he was killed by US drone missiles.		China's strident tone raises concern ANALYSIS | Nation's indignant reaction to U.S. plans to sell weapons to Taiwan is worrying Western governments and analysts. Miss Virginia wins Miss America Fredericksburg native Caressa Cameron, 22, sang a "Dreamgirls" ballad, rocked a bright-yellow evening gown.   Evacuations of Haitians to U.S. halted Washington (CNN) -- Flights transporting critically injured Haitians into the United States have temporarily been suspended because of logistical issues, including a lack of space, a White House spokesman said Saturday in response to reports of a dispute over who would pay for patients' care. TARP Watchdog Says Government Bailout Has Failed WASHINGTON — The government's response to the financial meltdown has made it more likely the United States will face a deeper crisis in the future, an independent watchdog at the Treasury Department warned. Iran plans to build 7 refineries Teheran to counter sanctions by reducing dependence on foreign capabilities. 'Child smuggling' arrests in Haiti Yemen offers ceasefire to rebels Malawi to assume AU presidency Egypt/Ghana: Pharaohs Cross Swords With Black Stars
A Nubian journey By Haggag Ouddul and Sherif Sonbol Nubia is a forgotten jewel, a place that since ancient times has bonded with the Nile, borrowing its strength and mimicking its beauty. The grand Zionist façade By Shahid Alam Assertions without substance, prejudice without apology, violence without regret; these are the foundations of the Zionist dream of Israel. China suspends US military exchanges over arms sales China has decided to suspend scheduled visits between the Chinese and US armed forces after Washington's announcement of arms sales to Taiwan. Families of Iraq war dead voice anger at 'smirking' Blair The families of British military personnel killed in Iraq condemned Tony Blair's performance before the Chilcot inquiry on Friday. US beefing up missile defenses in Persian Gulf US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gestures during a join press conference with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, unseen, at the Quai d'Orsay, in Paris, Friday Jan. 29, 2010.		Anger as NATO airstrike kills 4 Afghan soldiers KABUL: A joint U.S.-Afghan force called in an airstrike on what turned out to be an Afghan army post after taking fire from there before dawn Saturday, killing four Afghan soldiers and prompting an angry demand for punishment from the country's defense ministry. Williams beats Henin to win Australian Open Why I had to let Mandela go On 11 February 1990, the then president of South Africa, FW de Klerk, took the fateful decision to release Nelson Mandela, the charismatic hero of the struggle against apartheid. Togo Suspended for Two Years Russia announces Libya arms deal
How the Great Howard Zinn Made All Our Lives Better No American historian has left a more lasting positive legacy on our understanding of the true nature of our country, mainly because his books reflect a soul possessed of limitless depth. Economy growing again NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in more than six years during the fourth quarter of 2009, according to a government report Friday. President engages in spirited debate with GOP During the highly unusual political event, Obama repeatedly scolded Republicans for opposing policies they had previously supported. Aafia speaks out about her ordeal in U.S. custody Aafia Siddiqui not only denied firing the M-4 assault rifle, Ms. Siddiqui said when she heard about the allegations she thought, “What does an M-4 look like? She went on to say that she saw an M-4 for the first time when it was produced in the court a couple of days ago as the weapon she allegedly used. Clinton: China risks diplomatic isolation over Iran Clinton: China must recognize the negative impact a nuclear-armed Iran would have in the region.		North Korea says it holds 2nd American Washington (CNN) -- The North Korean government informed the State Department on Friday that it is holding a second American citizen who the North Koreans say entered the country from China, a State Department spokesman said. ' Israel killed Hamas member in Dubai' Group claims suspect in murder of 2 IDF soldiers in 1988 was killed on Jan. 20. FM: US arms sales harm cooperation China has lodged solemn representations with the United States over its announcement of arms sales to Taiwan, warning the move would seriously damage cooperation between the two countries. Black Stars Outshine Super Eagles in Soccer Semifinal Ghana have booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time in 18 years after beating west African rivals Nigeria 1-0 in Luanda on Thursday Nigerian armed militants MEND call off unilateral truce Toyota CEO Apologizes Guilty Verdict Reached in Abortion Doctor's Murder I'd do it again - Blair on Iraq
Israel’s treatment of Ethiopians ‘racist’ Jonathan Cook, Foreign Correspondent NAZARETH, Israel - Health officials in Israel are subjecting many female Ethiopian immigrants to a controversial long-term birth control drug in what Israeli women’s groups allege is a racist policy to reduce the number of black babies. Senate backs Bernanke for second term at Fed Bernanke's nomination had become uncertain, but a bipartisan supermajority concludes his actions to combat economic crisis made up for failures. Bernanke's Reappointment: A Colossal Failure Of Governance Obama starts spreading a different kind of message Barack Obama has been president of the United States for just one year but this week he seemed to start campaigning all over again.		Cafferty: Hillary challenge for Obama? They nearly tore the Democratic Party apart the first time around, yet some are hoping for a Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama rematch in 2012. Algeria 0-4 Egypt Egypt stroll to their third successive Africa Cup of Nations final, beating Algeria, who ended the game with eight men, 4-0. US man 'detained' in North Korea North Korea says it has detained a US citizen for illegally entering its territory across the border from China. Obama's job plan 'will not affect China' A series of incentives unveiled by US President Barack Obama to create jobs for Americans will not have a major effect on China's trade relationship with the US, economists said yesterday. Karzai says Western troops could stay 10 years An African home for Haitians?
The Many Meanings of Jihad By Aurora Ellis - January 27, 2010   On December the 9th of last semester while most Howard students were finishing their classes and finals for the Fall it was revealed to the press that five young American men were arrested in Pakistan for suspicions of  “links to terrorism.” Among those five was Ramy Zamzam, a Howard University dental student.   President Cites 'History's Call' Obama calls for spending freeze, end to 'deficit of trust' in State of the Union		Salvation 15 days after quake A teenage girl is pulled from the ruins of her house -- weak and thirsty -- in Port-au-Prince. Iran will not attend London conference TEHRAN -- Iran has announced that it will not attend the conference on Afghanistan that opens today in London. Hillary Clinton says she won't serve eight years Iran hangs two post-election 'rioters': report Nigeria Cabinet backs ailing Yar'Adua Hariri in Egypt to strengthen ties
Haiti Hypocrisy Hides Another War Crime in Gaza By Tammy Obeidallah The human catastrophe gripping Haiti since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated that nation on January 12 rightfully dominated nearly every newscast for a week. With devastation of such unimaginable proportions, there are the riveting stories of despair and courage, along with a relatively new and hideous phenomenon:  politicization of the disaster and its aftermath. U.S. lawmakers to Obama: Press Israel to ease Gaza siege Fifty-four members of Congress co-sign letter initiated by two Democratic representatives.  Why is Russia comparing Obama to Ahmadinejad? A controversial ad campaign for Russia's English-language TV station was censored in the U.S. AllAfrica Special Report on Weeks 1 and 2 >> Quarterfinals: Nigeria vs Zambia		Toyota halts sales of 8 recalled vehicle models Auto maker is "temporarily" stopping the sale of many of its passenger cars and trucks because of ongoing issues with the accelerator pedal. Israel poses major threat to Muslim world: Leader TEHRAN -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated here on Tuesday that the Zionist regime poses a major threat to the Muslim DPRK fires artillery, ROK fires back: report SEOUL: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired Wednesday artillery shells into waters off the west coast, an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul said. Poll: Public is fed up with Washington WASHINGTON - As President Barack Obama prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address Wednesday night, he will be speaking to an American public that’s fed up with Congress, the country’s two main political parties, and the federal government, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. ACORN foe arrested in bug plot Filmmaker, U.S. attorney's son among four men arrested in plot to wiretap La. senator's office. US approves Taiwan arms sale Settler rabbi arrested over West Bank mosque arson Somalia: Govt Plans to Integrate Ex-Militias
Ending My "Abusive Relationship" Rep. Jan Schakowsky Bank of America, bye-bye. It started out innocently enough. When I first started banking as a young woman, I went to the Norshore National Bank, a friendly community bank in my neighborhood. Give the man a break By MICHAEL SUSSMAN Where actions speak louder than words, Obama makes efforts to advance moral principles we aspire to. Obama to put limits on some federal spending The three-year freeze would take effect in October and limit spending on programs other than those related to national security to $447B a year. Rebuilding Haiti 'will take years' Prime minister urges international support, but says Haiti must lead reconstruction. Suu Kyi 'to be freed in November' Military reportedly planning to free opposition leader from house arrest. 'Jews exploit Holocaust as propaganda' Jerusalem Post - The Holocaust only gets media coverage because of affluent Jews' financial backing, military might and lobbying fronts, presenting a skewed version of events to the world, a high-ranking Polish bishop told a Catholic news portal on Monday. SA workers 'stuck in catastrophic recession' Workers have yet to see any proof of a recovery from the recession, despite what academics and the media are saying, Cosatu says.		FDA Advises Consumers Not To Use Certain Zicam Cold Remedies On June 16, 2009, the FDA indicated that certain intranasal zinc products were linked to nasal loss of smell. Paraguay's Cabanas shot in head Paraguay's international striker Salvador Cabanas is in a serious condition after being shot in the head in Mexico City. US clears Noriega extradition The US Supreme Court refuses to hear an appeal from Panama's ex-leader Manuel Noriega against his extradition to France. No more combat troops for Afghanistan: Sarkozy PARIS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy said France will send no more combat troops to Afghanistan, in an interview on Monday three days before an international conference on stabilising the country. Afghanistan crisis cannot be resolved without Iran TEHRAN, Jan. 25 (MNA) -- As the Istanbul and London conferences on Afghanistan approach, a number of Iranian officials have emphasized Iran’s key role in the efforts to resolve the Afghanistan crisis. Hundreds held over Nigeria clashes Bodies recovered from Beirut crash 36 dead in Baghdad hotel attacks AllAfrica's Exclusive Soccer Coverage Gazan Children Donate to Haitian Quake Relief Yemen's Shi'ite rebels offer truce to Saudi Arabia
Bernanke Needs to Explain the Policy of Restricting the M1 Growth Rate By Byron A. Ellis – January 25, 2010 Bernanke needs to explain why the Federal Reserve under his watch allowed the M1 money stock to remain flat from 2003 until the fourth quarter of 2008. Iran and Latin America: The Media States Its Case By Ramzy Baroud Should the United States be concerned about Iran's determined efforts to reach out to Latin America? Or, as was suggestively described in the Economist, by the Ayatollahs' strategy of cozying up to Latin America? Analysis: Turning Israel, Diaspora Jewry into a punching bag By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL Will rising global anti-Semitism spur a new wave of European aliyah? Winnie: 'We have lost the soul of the ANC' The power-struggle in the ANC-led alliance is "disgusting", ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was quoted as saying on Sunday. Bin Laden warns US of more attacks Audio tape purportedly by al-Qaeda leader praises attempted Christmas Day plane bombing.		Palestinians: Netanyahu's claim to West Bank destroys peace efforts Planting tree in West Bank, Netanyahu vows 'we're here to stay'; U.S.: No breakthrough is expected. Iranian plane catches fire on landing, captain blamed MASHHAD/TEHRAN – The captain has been blamed for the faulty landing of the passenger aircraft which caught fire on Sunday morning in Mashhad airport in northeast Iran. Hugo Chavez spurns Obama CARACAS/PORT-AU-PRINCE: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday that American relief efforts in Haiti had fallen short and told US President Barack Obama to “send vaccinations, kid,” instead of armed soldiers. China sends second medical team to Haiti Pitt, Jolie ink split deal China announces another 18m yuan aid to Haiti Five US soldiers killed in Afghanistan Russia-US 'close to nuclear deal'
President Obama Needs New and Competent Advisers By Byron A. Ellis – January 20, 2010 Obama won the presidency with votes from the young, minorities, women, independents, and hardcore democrats. However, once in office he forgot his constituency and became an advocate of bipartisanship. Additionally, he adopted many policies from the Bush administration.		Failure to Connect the Dots: Lack of Capacity By Byron A. Ellis – January 06, 2010 As long as the U.S. government continues to use disjointed databases, its ability to “connect the dots” will be impaired. Database systems associated with government agencies are, for most part, unable to communicate across agencies, and even within agencies.
Rethinking the “War on Terror” By Byron A. Ellis – January 03, 2010 Al-Qaeda is a shadow movement with an anti Western bent. The structure of Al-Qaeda, if one exists, is not well known. It appears, however, that the intended, or unintended, strategy is to use small groups of extremists in unstable nations to launch attacks on Western nations, or on any nation for that matter. In doing so they lure Western military responses.		Vengeance Perpetuates the Cycle of Violence By Byron A. Ellis – January 01, 2010 According to CNN, on Thursday, December 31, 2009 a U.S. official vowed vengeance for the attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan. Vengeance, however, is the major contributor in the cycle of violence and terror.
Physical Conflicts: An Irrational Approach to Problem Solving By Byron A. Ellis – December 29, 2009 If Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab was capable of transporting explosive material on an airplane destined to the United States, it is plausible that other individuals with the same insane propensities might have already smuggled explosive materials into the United States using the same technique, sewing the explosive material in their underwear.		How to Fix the Economy By Byron A. Ellis – December 08, 2009 Unemployment has often plagued the American economy and, in fact most, of the world’s economy. In 1945 David Francis asked if full employment was possible. He noted “if it was possible for all to have jobs in wartime, why cannot the same be done in peace? In contemporary America, however, it appears that due to lack of administrative capacity it is not possible for all to have jobs in war or peacetime.
Monetary Growth is Essential for Employment By Byron A. Ellis – December 04, 2009 According to Milton Friedman, money does matter. In The Quantitative Theory of Money – A Restatement, he noted “that any interpretation in the short term movements in economic activity is likely to be seriously at fault if it neglects monetary changes…”		Reducing Western Conflicts in Foreign Lands By Byron A. Ellis – November 23, 2008 It is interesting to observe how Western politicians and elected officials engage the world; they are constantly asking non-Westerners to accept Western worldview. Thus, they presume that Western worldview is best for others. However, seldom lasting change arrives through imposition, even if the barrel of the gun imposes it.
Bernanke Blames Banks instead of Self for Tight Credit Byron A. Ellis – November 17, 2009 Yesterday, the Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Ben Bernanke told members of the Economic Club of New York that economic growth next year is likely. He also blamed tight credit by the banks for preventing a robust recovery. It is interesting how Mr. Bernanke blames others for the economic misery of Americans, when in fact it was the Fed tight money policies that crashed the economy.		India’s Self Rejection: Skin Whitening By Byron A. Ellis – November 14, 2009 India’s dirty little secret, well perhaps not a secret, rather a shame of self. According to Sudhak, in “The dark side of skin whitening,” many Indians believe that fair skin is a sign of beauty and dark skin is unattractive.
Messy Decision-Making Process By Byron A. Ellis – November 11, 2009 For a while, it appeared that the election of Mr. Obama would increase administrative capacity of the executive branch of the United States government. However, the Obama administration decision-making process is messy. And, this openly messy approach to decision-making sends the wrong signal to the public.		The Democrats are failing to Demonstrate Leadership By Byron A. Ellis – November 07, 2009 Obama’s yearning for bipartisanship has validated Republican ideas and alienated Democratic supporters. If voters wanted Republican ideas, they would have voted for John McCain and rest of the Republican ticket. Mr. Obama failed to understand than voters did not want to continue with the bankrupt Republican ideology.
The West Quick to Condemn Guinea It is not surprising how quick Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised the drumbeat of “criminality of the greatest degree” against leaders of the Guinean government, and deservedly so. Troubling, however, is Ms. Clinton’s biasness towards Israel’s documented crimes against humanity. The United States is quick to argue that Israeli leaders should not be charged for crimes committed against Gazans.		The Build Up for Proxy War of Choice By Byron A. Ellis – October 20, 2009 During the presidential campaign, Mr. Obama railed against the Bush administration build up to what has been labeled a war of choice, the preemptive attack on Iraq. It appears, however, that the Obama administration is mirroring the Bush build up for a preemptive attack on Iran. The arguments used against Iran are similar to those used by the Bush administration against Iraq.
Obstruction of Goldstone Report Validates Extremists Views of the West By Byron A. Ellis – October 16, 2009 According to an article published in the Jerusalem Post, the United Kingdom is the first Western nation with voting rights on the UN Human Rights Council to signal that it would not endorse the Goldstone Report. Such obstruction of the report is interesting, particularly to black and brown countries whose leaders are quickly hauled off to the World Court by Western nations at the first accusation of human rights violations.		Supreme Court Debate over Merchandizing Animal Cruelty By Byron A. Ellis – October 07, 2009 The Supreme Court debate over the torture and merchandizing cruelty of animals is interesting. On the surface, it appears to place preeminence of animal torture and cruelty over human torture and cruelty. However, if the court upholds the 1999 law it will open the door for legal challenges to torture and merchandizing of human cruelty.
The Money Supply Determines Income and Employment By Byron A. Ellis – October 02, 2009 The average citizen is unaware of the role of money in determining income and employment. The Federal Reserve (Fed), a government agency, uses monetary policy to manipulate the quantity of money, interest rates, and income. Thus, it is vital for Americans to know how monetary policy works, since it has stifled economic growth and employment.		Eliminating Own WMD Determines Credibility and Leadership Byron A. Ellis – September 28, 2009 The Dimona Research Reactor has not been subjected to international inspection. This on the surface appears to be a double standard as compared to the West's position on Iran.
Foolish Pride: Refusing to Engage with Adversaries By Byron A. Ellis – September 24, 2009 It was arrogance and childish for Western diplomats to walk out on President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Furthermore, it signaled that they are not willing to listen to adversarial points of view. So, why should adversaries listen to them?		What’s driving Western Policy Towards Iran? By Byron A. Ellis – September 21, 2009 It is insane to think that Iran wants to attack Europe or anyone else, regardless of Ahmadinejad’s rhetoric. Iran, unlike other nations, does not have a history of an attacking nation. Who has Iran attacked in the past ten years?
Obama's America: What Is Economic Growth For? By Derek Shearer Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, along with other Obama economic team officials, tells us that economic growth is returning, and that it is "very likely" the recession has ended. With ten percent unemployment in many parts of the country, this might seem like less than great news. Certainly, in conventional political terms it is progress--but that's the problem. It's a conventional view--not the Change We Need.		The Risky Balkanization Calculus By Byron A. Ellis – September 17, 2009 Although President Carter and others have accurately assessed the racial motives of a fringe group in the Republican Party, the White House cannot respond in kind. President Obama is the leader of all Americans and the free world. The White House cannot give Republicans attempting to balkanize the United States currency.
Understanding Aggregate Demand By Byron A. Ellis – September 16, 2009 Aggregate demand (A) is the total demand for goods and services for a particular time period and it is equal to the level of output (income). The level of equilibrium output is where income equals output. Aggregate demand is the summation of personal consumption (C), business investment (I), government spending (G), and net exports (NX). Net exports or the balance of trade is the difference between exports and imports and personal consumption depends on income.		A Two-Party System is Uncompetitive By Byron A. Ellis – September 06, 2009 The perceived economic climate affects election results. When unemployment is rising, incumbent presidents tend not to be reelected. Thus, the application of tight or loose monetary policy could determine the outcome of elections.
Shared Leadership and Spiritual Direction By Pamela Sanders Ellis From the beginning, we were engaged with blessings to be fruitful, as well as to multiply, filling and subduing the earth while exercising our dominion “over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Does this general directive apply to a select few, or to every living human on the planet? In the image of God, we are created, “…male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27).		The Fed Lauded and Rewarded for Crashing the Economy By Byron A. Ellis – September 04, 2009 Aggregate demand is the total demand for goods and services produced in the economy. In order to maintain a growing economy or reduce unemployment, aggregate demand must increase. Policy makers can affect the aggregate demand through monetary and fiscal policies. The Federal Reserve (the Fed) controls monetary policy and the executive branch usually initiate fiscal policy, but it is under the control of Congress.
Fighting for Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan: Whose? By Byron A Ellis – September 02, 2009 Why are young Americans who have not fully enjoyed life dying on the battlefields? Ten or twenty years from now whichever side prevails, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan, the United States will, more likely than not, engage in commercial trading with former enemies, as it does with Vietnam today. So, why not immediately move to the trading relationship and bypass sacrificing lives?		Inflation Targeting: The Bernanke Way By Byron A. Ellis – August 31, 2009 Inflation targeting is a monetary-policy strategy. It was introduced in New Zealand in1990 and over 20 industrialized and non-industrialized countries use it. Its principal feature is an announced numerical inflation target, a monetary policy that focuses on an inflation forecast (called ‘inflation-forecast targeting) and public transparency and accountability.
Unequal Justice: Katrina Euthanasia By Byron A. Ellis – August 30, 2009 If you killed dogs, you’re put away like Michael Vick. If you killed patients, as apparently some physicians did in New Orleans during Katrina, you’re given a pass. Dr. Edwin Cook, who worked at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans, told ProPublica “I gave her medicine so I could get rid of her faster, get the nurses off the floor.” He further stated, “There's no question I hastened her demise.”		Bernanke should not be reappointed By Byron A. Ellis – August 25, 2009 The role of the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the nation’s economic system is to provide a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. According to its mission, its duties fall into four general areas: