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With financial negotiations all but halted, President Obama was headed out of Washington on Friday evening for his annual winter vacation in Hawaii.

Obama is likely to have a short trip this year; aides said he is scheduled to return Wednesday, a day after Christmas, to resume discussions with congressional leaders on how to avert the fiscal cliff.

“Merry Christmas – because we didn’t get this done, I’ll see you next week,” Obama said after telling reporters he still had hope of striking a deal to prevent taxes from rising on the middle class next year.

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My Comment: Fiscal cliff, massive budget deficits, sequestration, looming recession, Syrian civil war, Egypt in crisis, Afghanistan war, rise of Al Qaeda in Africa, rise of China, Euro crisis continuing, etc., etc., etc., .... shesshhhh .... and the media gave President Bush grief when he played a round of golf during his Presidency.

Bias in the media .... nah.

On a side note .... I have a small confession to make .... I love Hawaii. It is my favorite vacation destination and the place that I hope to live during the winter months. As it is right now .... I live in Montreal, Canada .... and .... sighhhhh .... it is -7 Celsius right now. Yup .... I am jealous. :(

There’s no mystery about why Hillary Rodham Clinton spends so much time on airplanes to dreary places that everybody else avoids like the plague (or the stomach flu). The climate anywhere is better than in the comfortable ineptitude of Foggy Bottom.

The report of an independent panel inquiring into what happened in Benghazi blames the State Department bureaucracy essentially for not having a clue about what was going on in Libya. A panel of diplomats would never say anything like that, but the message written between the lines is plain and clear.

The panel blames intelligence officers — i.e., the CIA — for relying too much on “specific warnings” of imminent attacks, waiting for the details of the enemy’s game plan, and ignoring what should have been telegraphed from the seat of their pants. Everyone in Libya knew that the militias were all over the eastern part of the country, having already shot up a British diplomat’s motorcade and set off a bomb outside the American mission in Benghazi. The evildoers were looking for evil to do. The Americans were the obvious targets.

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My Comment: Not a sympathetic opinion and analysis on the administration's response to the Benghazi consulate attack. What's my take .... in view of how the media works .... and the ineptitude of the Republicans .... this horrible scandal should have resulted in the firings of senior State Department officials .... starting with the resignation of Hillary Clinton herself. Unfortunately .... this is going to be all swept under the rug and forgotten in 6 months or when another (predictable) crisis rears its head.

A recent rise in civilian deaths and injuries in Iraq is cause for concern, but Pentagon personnel say Iraqi security forces are proving to be 'very capable' in the year since US troops departed.

Violence in Iraq from July to October hit its highest level in two years, a discouraging sign that – one year after the last US military vehicles exited the country – prompts questions about whether the situation on the ground in Iraq jeopardizes America's national security interests.

The question is one that defense analysts and Pentagon personnel are tracking, with particular attention to the response of US-trained Iraqi security forces to the rising numbers of deaths and injuries of civilians. So far, the assessment of both is guardedly positive.

“The levels of violence there are still extremely high – and lethal,” says Nora Bensahel, senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), who notes that more people are dying in Iraq today than in Afghanistan, where America’s war is ongoing.

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My Comment: Iraq is a deeply divided country .... with animosities and hatreds that go back decades if not longer .... and because of these divisions, I do not see peace coming to Iraq for a very long time. Fortunately .... U.S. forces are out of the country, and Iraq's security problems are no longer our own.

Update: A pessimistic look at Iraq's future.

 

Syria expert Joshua Landis told Voice of America journalist Cecily Hilleary that he thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will eventually flee to the coastal mountains of his ancestral Alawite homeland.

Landis, whose wife is Alawite, said Assad will allow Damascus to be destroyed before relinquishing it to rebels. When he does "the Syrian Army, which has now largely been turned into an Alawite militia, will be forced back into the coastal mountains."

Assad and his troops will be able to survive there, according to Landis, if Iran and Russia continue to provide support in the form of weapons and money while the Sunni Arabs that make up the opposition fail to unify.

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My Comment: I call this the Lebanon scenario .... a country that is divided along sectarian lines. For Syria it will be Alawites on the Mediterranean coast, Kurds in the north, Sunnis in much of Syria, and other groups (Christians, Druze, etc.) scattered everywhere.

Chuck Hagel once seemed a widely respected former GOP senator and emerging thought leader on defense and national security issues who would cruise through the confirmation process if tapped for a Cabinet post. That’s no longer the case, and some senators say the Obama White House is dropping the ball.

When Susan Rice withdrew from consideration to be secretary of state on Dec. 13, the conventional wisdom in Washington political and national security circles was the move would pave the way for Hagel to become defense secretary. Insiders were nearly certain late that Rice’s exit would clear the way for Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to be tapped as the next secretary of state. That would take the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman out of the defense secretary race and open the door for Hagel to join President Obama’s Cabinet.

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My Comment: The vetting process is always difficult .... and politics is always involved .... having said that .... I do not see any differences with how this administration is approaching the appointment of people to key positions to how past administrations appointed their key personnel..

Photo: Ret. U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel. Wikipedia


Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), the Republican whip, told me in a phone interview this morning he would oppose the nomination of Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense: “I can’t support a Hagel nomination if it comes,” he said. He is the first senator to expressly state he would oppose Hagel. He told me he thinks there would be substantial opposition to Hagel on both sides of the aisle. “I’ve heard prominent Democrats concerned about his position on Israel. Many Republican have said they did not want to prejudge. But it would be a bad move and one of the reasons I’ve taken the position [to oppose]. ‘Mr. President don’t do that. It would be a bad nomination.’”

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My Comment: After nominating John Kerry to be the next U.S. Secretary of State, I was surprised that there was no mention by the White House on of who was the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense. I am now reading this story .... and if true it will probably explain why Chuck Hagel was not named today .... and if I was a betting man .... I will not be surprised if his named has now been been quietly dropped from the list.

Rival protesters fight on streets of Alexandria over controversial draft constitution to be put to vote on Saturday.

Clashes have broken out in northern Egypt between supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and opponents of the country's highly contentious draft constitution.

The two sides hurled rocks and stones at each other on Friday in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, prompting police to fire tear gas to separate them.

Egypt's ministry of health said at least 77 people were hurt, as lines of black-clad officers kept apart of the supporters of the President Mohamed Morsi on one side and the anti-constitution protesters on the other.

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Clashes at Islamist rally on eve of Egyptian vote -- Reuters
Protests turn violent in Egypt ahead of vote on constitution -- CNN
In Egypt, Islamists, opponents clash ahead of constitution vote -- Daily News/AP
Egypt crisis: Fresh Alexandria clashes ahead of voting -- BBC
Dozens injured in Egypt clashes as police fire tear gas at Morsi supporters and opponents -- NBC
Dozens injured during clashes in Alexandria on eve of constitution vote -- The National
Police Fire Tear Gas at Egyptian Protesters -- Voice of America
Key events in Egypt's revolution and transition -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP

The situation has become much worse, with a growing number of Salafists following their agenda of gaining political power through violence backing extremist groups that would impose an Islamic regime in the country.

The interview that Farouk Shara, the Syrian vice president, gave to the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar this past Sunday, in which he implied that a negotiated settlement to the country's civil war is still possible, even at this late stage, is significant. Shara clearly stated that it is no longer a question of saving a family, but rather the country itself.

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Assad’s Cash Problem: Will Syria’s Dwindling Reserves Bring Down the Regime? -- Vivienne Walt, Time

U.S. Left Syrian Children to the Devil -- Fouad Ajami, Bloomberg

Egyptian revolution threatens to resolve into a hollow victory -- Leah Farrall, The Australian

Iran's Conservatives Push for a Deal -- Ray Takeyh, National Interest

US and Partners Prepare Modest Offer to Iran -- Barbara Slavin, Al-Monitor

Losing Post-War Libya -- Max Boot, Commentary

Eritrea: The Fog Over the Red Sea -- Armin Rosen, The Atlantic

Why Good News Is Bad News in Russia -- Michael Bohm, The Moscow Times

America Edges Ever Closer to the Fiscal Cliff -- Peter Wehner, Commentary

Preventing Disastrous Defense Cuts -- Max Boot, Commentary

BEIRUT – Syrian rebels attacked a base protecting a military industrial compound in the country's north on Friday as anti-government forces pushed forward in efforts to capture wider areas near the border with Turkey, an activist group said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven rebels were killed in the attack on the air defense base in the town of al-Safira.

The town is home to a complex of military factories and lies just south of Syria's largest city and commercial hub, Aleppo.

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Syria rebels "fire warning shots" at airliner at Aleppo airport.

Kremlin statements move farther away from Syria’s leader.

Fears Syria is turning into sectarian conflict.

Syrian rebels attack strategic sites while NATO accuses government of new Scud attacks. Syrian rebels attack army base near military industrial compound in country’s north.

Anti-Nato protest marches in fear of turning 'Turkey into a battlefield'.

Amman warns: Jihadists hijacking Syria revolution, may target Israel, Jordan next.

Hunger sharpens misery in Syria's Aleppo.

Iran firms that shipped arms to Syria hit with UN sanctions.

Iraq's Sunni finance minister denounces raids. Iraqi Sunnis accuse Maliki of crackdown, tensions flare.

US hopes to resolve Iran nuclear standoff in 2013.

India vows action following brutal gang rape. Public fury over New Delhi gang rape sparks protest across India

Pakistani polio workers get police protection.

Chinese ships enter Japanese waters near disputed islands.

Japan's Abe attempts to mend ties with South Korea.

Multiple uranium enrichment facilities suspected in N. Korea.

Fiji's military to 'monitor' parliament after polls.

N. Korea says it has detained a U.S. citizen for unspecified 'crimes'.

In India, a Hindu nationalist rebuilds image with Muslim votes.

China censorship not improving under new leaders, analysts say.


Thousands fleeing South Sudan clashes seek U.N. refuge.

Rebel union in Central African Republic raises humanitarian concerns.

Deadly tribal fighting erupts in Kenya. Kenya: Tana River clashes leave dozens dead. 39 dead following ethnic clashes in Kenya.

Clashes as Egyptian Islamists stage rally.

UN approves Mali military intervention. Malians call for swifter intervention to oust Islamists.

Hundreds fleeing South Sudan shooting seek U.N. refuge.

New, more virulent cholera strain caused Guinea outbreak.

Belgian MPs deny claims France's richest man is denied nationality.

Italy PM Monti resigns, elections likely in February.

Putin calls EU heads ‘wrong’ on energy policy.

Putin presses EU on visa-free travel and trade.

Russian State Duma passes anti-US adoption bill.

Greeks flock to informal work as recession deepens.

Assange to publish 'million more files'.

Dozens die in Ukraine's cold snap.

Sistine Chapel tourists to be vacuumed and cooled to protect frescoes.


US alarm at foreign state acquisitions.

US 'fiscal cliff': Boehner pulls Republican tax reform plan. Boehner forced to withdraw fiscal cliff bill after Republican revolt.

U.S. population growth flat; N.D. fastest growing state.

Argentina: Troops deployed after looting at ski resort.

Analysis: Allies to lose socialist patron if Venezuela's Chavez goes.

Mexico's Maya heartland greets dawn of new era.


Dutch minister approves transfer of bomb suspect to U.S.

High court rejects challenge over UK link to drone strikes in Pakistan.

'Foreigners' reported killed in US drone strike in Pakistan.

Lockerbie bombing: Libyan government set to release files.

Pentagon rejects post-9/11 antiterrorism standards.

Francois Hollande: Al-Qaeda behind Nigeria kidnap.


Herbalife CEO accused of running 'ponzi scheme'.

US economic health key to global growth in 2013.

US stock futures tumble on 'fiscal cliff' setback.

World spare oil capacity up,stocks drop-EIA Iran report.

Steve Jobs's yacht impounded over unpaid Philippe Starck design bill.

United Nations confirms all four crew killed after helicopter shot down during reconnaissance mission in Jonglei state

South Sudan's armed forces shot down a UN helicopter on Friday, killing all four crew on board. UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey said the helicopter from the UN mission in South Sudan was on a reconnaissance mission when it was hit.

"Initial reports indicated the UN helicopter crashed and burned. The mission immediately launched a search and recovery mission. It has confirmed the death of all four crew members," Del Buey said.

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South Sudan army 'shoots down UN helicopter' -- BBC
UN Chopper Downed in South Sudan, 4 Russians Dead -- RIA Novosti
UN says South Sudan’s army shot down UN helicopter and 4 crew died; South Sudan blames rebels -- Washington Post/AP
UN Helicopter Shot Down in South Sudan, 4 Killed -- Voice of America
UN chopper downed in South Sudan, 4 Russians dead -- Voice of Russia
South Sudan forces say they shot down U.N. helicopter -- CNN
South Sudan admits shooting down UN chopper -- AFP
South Sudan army denies it downed U.N. helicopter -- Reuters

Beirut: Dec. 20 – (BNA) The Syrian Human Rights Observatory (SHRO) reported that the death toll resulting from the Syrian conflict which raged on over the past 21 months has risen to more than 44,000 fatalities.

The director of the Syrian Human Rights Watchdog, Rami Abdurrahman, told France Press that 44,063 people were killed in Syria since March 2011 the date of which protests began in Syria. He said that of those killed 30,819 were civilians. The SHRO included in its death toll figures "armed civilians" and "Syrian regime's soldiers" besides 1482 break away soldiers and 10978 pro-regime soldiers in addition to 784 unidentified fatalities.

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My Comment: My gut is telling me that this is a low-ball number.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces have fired more missiles inside Syria, a move Rasmussen calls an act of a "desperate regime approaching collapse."

Earlier this month, the U.S. and NATO said Assad's forces had fired Scud missiles at rebels near the northern city of Aleppo in what was believed to be the first use of the weapons against insurgents. Syrian officials denied the charge.

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Syria conflict: Assad fires more Scuds - Friday 21 December 2012 -- The Guardian
Syrian army 'continues to fire Scud missiles' -- Al Jazeera
NATO chief says Syria launching Scud-type rockets against anti-government forces -- Washington Post/AP
NATO: Syrian forces firing more Scud missiles -- CNN
Syria fires more Scud missiles as refugee projections climb -- Christian Science Monitor
Syria fires more Scud missiles at rebels; NATO chief condemns Assad regime -- NBC
Syria military 'continuing to fire Scud-type missiles' -- BBC
Syria 'firing Scud-style missiles,' Palestinians return -- AFP
NATO detects new Scud-type missile launches in Syria-source -- Reuters
NATO, US accuse Syria of firing scud missiles -- RT
NATO says Syria fired Scud-type missiles -- Deutsche Welle

MAREA, Syria — The plane came in from the southeast late in the afternoon, releasing its weapons in a single pass. Within seconds, scores of finned bomblets struck and exploded on the homes and narrow streets of this small Syrian town.

After the screams and the desperate gathering of the victims, the staff at the local Freedom Hospital counted 4 dead and 23 wounded. All were civilians, doctors and residents said.

Many forms of violence and hardship have befallen Syria’s people as the country’s civil war has escalated this year. But the Syrian government’s attack here on Dec. 12 pointed to one of the war’s irrefutable patterns: the deliberate targeting of civilians by President Bashar al-Assad’s military, in this case with a weapon that is impossible to use precisely.

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Syria: Regime uses cluster bombs on civilians -- Global Post
Syrian Cluster Bombs Target Civilians -- Newser
Syria: Assad using Scud missile and Cluster bombs against civilians -- Daily Bhaskar
What's This? -- The Gun: C.J. Chivers

Tokyo (CNN) -- Three Chinese ships entered into waters near small islands in the East China Sea that are claimed by both countries on Friday morning and were staying despite a warning from a Japanese Coast Guard ship, the coast guard said.

The move continues a dispute over the islands -- which Japan calls Senkaku and China calls Diaoyu -- that stretches back decades.

Last week, Japan scrambled fighter jets near the small islands in the East China Sea after a Chinese plane was seen there.

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China ships in disputed waters, first since Japan poll -- AFP
China ramps up islands dispute with Japan -- The Australian/AFP
China challenges Japan, sends three ships to disputed islands -- IBN Live
Chinese ships survey disputed islands -- UPI
China Says Geology Boosts Island Claims -- Voice of America
China Uses Geology to Challenge Japan on Disputed Islands -- Bloomberg Businessweek
The Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands: Narrative of an empty space -- The Economist

The tit-for-tat cycle of killings may be related to a redrawing of political boundaries and next year's general elections, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Kenya said in late August.

At least 39 people were killed when farmers raided a village of herders in southeastern Kenya early Friday in renewed fighting between two communities with a history of violent animosity, a police official said.

Thirteen children, six women, 11 men and nine attackers were killed said police official Anthony Kamitu.

Forty-five houses were set on fire during the attack, Kenya Red Cross spokeswoman Nelly Muluka said.

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Kenya: Tana River clashes leave dozens dead -- BBC
Fighting Kills Dozens in Kenya -- New York Times
Dozens of Kenyans killed in dawn raid -- CNN
39 Killed in Ethnic Clashes in Kenya -- Voice of America
39 hacked to death in Kenya tribal violence -- Daily Star/AFP
Kenyan Ethnic Violence Leaves at Least 35 Dead -- Wall Street Journal
Tana death toll hits 41 -- Standard Digital

Despite a wave of online hysteria to the contrary, there’s no scientific evidence whatever to suggest doomsday will occur on Friday.

That's why U.S. military forces are quietly ignoring the nonsense, planning no mobile air strikes, no red alerts, no doomsday watches, no safety warnings -- they’re just getting on with business.

The U.S. government’s official blog has even tried to reassure people that scary rumors about the world ending in 2012 are just silly talk: “False rumors are scaring people and children,” the site cautions.

NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), home to some of America's top scientists, decided to step up and unleash a barrage of facts against the fearmongers as well.

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My Comment: I guess we will have to wait for this day.

DEVELOPING: Jon Hammar, the U.S. Marine who has been in a Mexican prison since August on a dubious weapon charge is being released today, his father confirmed to FoxNews.com.

Jon Hammar Sr. said during a flight layover in Houston that he was on his way to get his son, after he and his wife Olivia received a call Thursday night from their attorney, Eddie Varon-Levy telling them their son was going to be released.

"I haven't seen it in writing yet but Eddie has confirmed it with the court that Jon is being released today," Hammar Sr. said. "The U.S. consulate said they would pick Jon up at the prison and accompany him to the border crossing."

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Florida Marine veteran Jon Hammar to be released from Mexican jail -- Miami Herald
Marine to be Released From Mexican Prison in Time for Christmas -- FOX News
Ex-Marine Jailed in Mexico to Be Released -- ABC News/AP
Home for the holidays: Marine Jon Hammar to be released from prison in Mexico, gun charges to be dropped -- New York Daily News
Marine To Be Unchained From Bed And Released From Mexican Prison -- Business Insider

My Comment: This is welcome news .... I guess this news scared some officials in Mexico.

WASHINGTON — President Obama plans to nominate Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts as secretary of state, a senior administration official said, succeeding Hillary Rodham Clinton and putting in place the first member of his second-term national security team.

The appointment of Mr. Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat and his party’s former presidential nominee in 2004, has been widely expected since last week, when Susan E. Rice, the ambassador to the United Nations, asked Mr. Obama to withdraw her candidacy for the post.

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John Kerry to Be Nominated to Succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State -- ABC News
Obama to tap Kerry for State post -- NBC
John Kerry will be nominated for secretary of state, official says -- CNN
Obama nominating John Kerry to be Secretary of State -- CBS
President Obama to nominate John Kerry for secretary of state -- Politico
Obama to nominate John Kerry for secretary of state today -- Washington Post
Obama set to nominate Kerry for secretary of state -- Washington Times
Obama to tap Kerry for Secretary of State -- USA Today
President Obama nominating John Kerry to be next secretary of state -- Boston.com
Obama chooses John Kerry for secretary of State. How might he do? -- Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: No surprise with this nomination.

* U.S. carried out 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan in 2012, report says, up from 294 in 2011
* Controversial method of fighting uses remote pilots to operate aircrafts

The United States carried out more drone strikes in Afghanistan this year than it has done in all the years put together in Pakistan since it launched the covert air war there eight years ago, it has been revealed.

The statistics, published by the U.S. Air Force and published by Wired’s Danger Room blog, show that there were 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan in 2012 alone, up from 294 in the previous year and 278 in 2010.

It is far more than an estimated 338 strikes carried out by the CIA in Pakistan since it began hunting down remnants of al Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas eight years ago.

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My Comment: Manned combat aircraft are still the norm .... but the trend is (slowly but surely) going the other way.

* Prime Minister sings carols and eats Christmas dinner with soldiers on front line during unscheduled trip to Camp Bastion yesterday
* Insists Britain will leave a legacy of 'success not failure'
* Visit comes days after he announced blueprint for withdrawal by 2014
* But PM hints more troops could be based in United Arab Emirates

David Cameron has declared the mission in Afghanistan a ‘success’ as British troops prepare to pull-out.

Despite 438 British troops losing their lives during the 11-year conflict, the Prime Minister insisted Afghanistan was a ‘far better place’ than when the US-led invasion was launched in 2011.

Speaking during a pre-Christmas visit to British forces, he defended plans announced this week to almost halve the UK force to 5,200 by the end of 2013. All combat operations are to end by 2014.

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Coalition soldier missing in Afghanistan -- AP
Georgian Soldier Missing In Afghanistan -- Radio Free Europe
NATO-led Georgian soldier missing Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
German attack helicopters to augment forces in Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
British troops in Afghanistan get £230m security boost -- The Guardian
French leader honors troops home from Afghanistan -- AP

Afghan, Taliban Officials Discuss Country's Future -- Voice of America
Members of Afghanistan's warring sides gather in France -- L.A. Times
Taliban, Afghan Foes Meet for First Time -- Wall Street Journal
Ex-Afghan Spy Chief Oppose Paris Conference on Afghanistan -- Khaama Press

Britain's Cameron pays surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan -- CNN
Turkey and table football with the troops: Cameron makes surprise pre-Christmas visit to declare 'success' in Afghanistan -- Daily Mail
David Cameron visits troops in Afghanistan amid tight security -- The Guardian
Afghan troop withdrawal could be faster, says Cameron -- BBC
Cameron Says Afghan Withdrawal May Go ‘a Little Faster’ -- Bloomberg Businessweek
David Cameron Is Poised To Hit The 'Eject' Button On Afghanistan -- Tim Ross, Business Insider/The Telegraph

NATO condemned Syria for firing Scud-type missiles yesterday, which Syria denies doing. The UN says the violence could result in as many as 1 million refugees over the next six months.

The head of NATO condemned the Syrian government's return to firing Scud-type missiles yesterday, saying they were "acts of a desperate regime approaching collapse."

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that surveillance captured evidence of the firing of fresh rounds of missiles yesterday morning, Reuters reports, while American officials confirmed independently to The New York Times that the Scud missiles had resumed after an apparent lull from their initial use last week.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem denied the reports as "untrue rumors," according to the Times.

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Fears Syria is turning into sectarian conflict.

Syrian rebels attack army base near military industrial compound in country’s north.

Anti-Nato protest marches in fear of turning 'Turkey into a battlefield'.

Amman warns: Jihadists hijacking Syria revolution, may target Israel, Jordan next.

Iran firms that shipped arms to Syria hit with UN sanctions.

Iraqi Sunnis accuse Maliki of crackdown, tensions flare.

US hopes to resolve Iran nuclear standoff in 2013.

Chinese ships enter Japanese waters near disputed islands.

Japan's Abe attempts to mend ties with South Korea.

Multiple uranium enrichment facilities suspected in N. Korea.

Fiji's military to 'monitor' parliament after polls.

N. Korea says it has detained a U.S. citizen for unspecified 'crimes'.

In India, a Hindu nationalist rebuilds image with Muslim votes.

China censorship not improving under new leaders, analysts say.


Deadly tribal fighting erupts in Kenya. Kenya: Tana River clashes leave dozens dead. 39 dead following ethnic clashes in Kenya.

Clashes as Egyptian Islamists stage rally.

UN approves Mali military intervention. Malians call for swifter intervention to oust Islamists.

Hundreds fleeing South Sudan shooting seek U.N. refuge.

New, more virulent cholera strain caused Guinea outbreak.

Russian State Duma passes anti-US adoption bill.

Greeks flock to informal work as recession deepens.

Italy Prime Minister Monti resignation expected on Friday.

Assange to publish 'million more files'.

Dozens die in Ukraine's cold snap.


US 'fiscal cliff': Boehner pulls Republican tax reform plan. Boehner forced to withdraw fiscal cliff bill after Republican revolt.

U.S. population growth flat; N.D. fastest growing state.

Argentina: Troops deployed after looting at ski resort.

Analysis: Allies to lose socialist patron if Venezuela's Chavez goes.

Mexico's Maya heartland greets dawn of new era.


'Foreigners' reported killed in US drone strike in Pakistan.

Lockerbie bombing: Libyan government set to release files.

Pentagon rejects post-9/11 antiterrorism standards.

Francois Hollande: Al-Qaeda behind Nigeria kidnap.


US economic health key to global growth in 2013.

US stock futures tumble on 'fiscal cliff' setback.

World spare oil capacity up,stocks drop-EIA Iran report.

Steve Jobs's yacht impounded over unpaid Philippe Starck design bill.

WASHINGTON: "We in the United States are a bit arrogant in thinking [that] we own the technology high ground," the civilian told the assembled generals. "Technology doesn't necessarily belong to us and where it goes is not necessarily in our hands."

For six decades, the United States could count on being the planet's preeminent economic and technological power. Now, the US Army is looking into the "deep future" past 2030, when China's Gross Domestic Product is expected to have exceeded that of the US. At a recent Army seminar on "strategic trends" -- which AOL Defense was allowed to attend on the condition we not identify participants by name -- scores of military officers and civilian experts wrestled with a world in which the United States may have lost not only its economic primacy but much of its technological superiority as well.

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BAE safeguards 6,000 jobs with £2.5bn Oman military jet deal -- The Guardian

Norway Confident in F-35 Choice, Minister Says -- Defence Talk

China’s growing military might obscures the real threat of cyberwar -- Extreme Tech

Russia Sells New Subs To China -- Defense News

Fewer Russian Tactical Nukes Are Battle-Ready Than Widely Thought: Expert -- Global Security Newswire

Challenges Facing the Russian Defense Establishment -- ISN

In Ex-Soviet States, Russian Spy Tech Still Watches You -- Danger Room

Russia Cements Control Over Military Bases In Kyrgyzstan -- Eurasianet.org

Japan's Next Leader Wants Freer Rein for Military -- AP

New Syria rebel chief describes clandestine life -- AP

Yemen's president restructures armed forces -- CNN

U.S.- and European-backed force will try to rebuild Mali’s military -- Washington post

Israel's air force gets ready for a blitz against missile foes -- Space Daily/UPI

Obama faces backlash on possible Hagel nomination for Pentagon -- Reuters

First Look: New Army Capstone Concept Takes On Cyber, Hybrid Warfare -- And Marines -- Aol Defense

Army Rolling Out Limited Capability Intel Software, Working on Upgrades -- Defense News

On Hill, it seems military has money to spare -- Stars and Stripes/Washington Post

House passes $633 billion defense bill over Pentagon complaints -- AP

More cuts in defense spending a "given": Air Force -- Reuters

Lockheed satellite deal unlikely before year-end: U.S. Air Force -- FOX News/Reuters

The F-22 Raptor: Program & Events -- Defense Industry Daily

Air Force Blues -- Mark Thompson, Time

Army considers Palantir to boost intelligence architecture -- Defense Tech

Army deploys limited capability intel software -- Army Times

NSA Ready To Launch Classified Mobile Device Service -- Aol Government

House-Senate Panel Worries About ‘Slippery Slope’ of Over-Militarization of U.S. Espionage -- Defense News

Kerry Suggests Military Role in Diplomats’ Security -- New York Times

Blackwater Wins the Battle of Benghazi -- Danger Room

Marines to be lauded for Libya rescue -- Air Force Times

Reports of abuse at Army day care spurs call from Obama -- CNN

Marine Pleads Guilty in Urination Case -- Military.com/AP

Lawsuit Still Possible Against SEAL Author -- Military.com

Small Navy, Strong Navy -- James R. Holmes, The Diplomat

Pentagon, CIA likely approved “Zero Dark Thirty” torture scenes -- Salon

I am not deeply familiar with Michele Flournoy’s record at the Defense Department or with her overall qualifications to be Secretary of Defense, but I know about one aspect of her work as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy that weighs heavily on the plus scale in considering her credentials for that important post.

When a new commander, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, was sent to Afghanistan in November of 2009 to take charge of the mission of training and organizing Afghan Security Forces, Flournoy told him – very correctly – that the success of his mission was the key to US success in Afghanistan and she didn’t think we were doing it very well. “I’m not sure what it takes to do better, but we must do better and I hope you will tell me what we need to do.”

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My Comment: A surprising endorsement from Paul Wolfowitz. She and Amb. Susan Rice with Secretary of State Clinton are credited with the U.S. policy of getting rid of Libyan strongman Gaddafi last year .... so she is not a softy. But a women US Secretary of Defense .... now that will shake a few people .... and she will pass the confirmation process. But will President Obama choose her ..... during a time when deep budget cuts are needed .... I doubt it.

Update: Michele Flournoy Pushed for Pentagon Chief as ‘Stop Hagel’ Candidate -- Antiwar.com

Obama must take immediate action.

North Korea now has an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear weapon to the United States, as demonstrated by their successful launch and orbiting of a satellite on Dec. 12. Certain poorly informed pundits among the chattering classes reassure us that North Korea is still years away from being able to miniaturize warheads for missile delivery, and from developing sufficiently accurate missiles to pose a serious nuclear threat to the United States. Philip Yun, director of San Francisco’s Ploughshares Fund, a nuclear disarmament group, reportedly said, “The real threat from the launch was an overreaction that would lead to more defense spending on unnecessary systems. The sky is not falling. We shouldn’t be panicked.”

In fact, North Korea is a mortal nuclear threat to the United States— right now.

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My Comment: I have always been skeptical when it comes to North Korean missiles and nuclear weapons. They have a formidable non-conventional force .... and they have conducted nuclear tests that produced minimum kiloton yields .... but a 'super-emp' weapon .... I have seen zero evidence that supports such a claim.

More than three months after the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, not a single person has been charged in connection with the assault.

Most, if not all, of those questioned in Libya since the attack have been released.

A Libyan source with knowledge of the investigation, who did not want to be identified because of the sensitivities involved in the probe, told CNN there are indications that the perpetrators of the attack came from beyond the Benghazi area and slipped away immediately afterward. The source says it is possible the attackers came from the city of Derna or surrounding areas, about 120 miles (200 km) to the east, which remains a stronghold of militant Islamist and jihadist groups.

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My Comment: Is this an intelligence failure .... or a lack of political will from Washington to put pressure on the capture and detention of these criminals/terrorists? I do not know the answer to that question .... but I do know that after three months .... we still do not know with specificity on who was responsible for this attack .... just a list of names of the usual suspects.

Zero Dark Thirty is military terminology for half past midnight, the time at which the pivotal raid to capture Osama bin Laden was scheduled by the CIA. There’s no more perfect title for a film this year, because it manages to suggest a witching hour, a veil of deadly secrecy, and a pinpoint-honed logistical operation all at once.

Straightaway, Kathryn Bigelow’s movie — a follow-up of sorts to The Hurt Locker, which won Oscars for her and this film’s screenwriter, Mark Boal — is ready to think on its feet, and puts paid to some impressively silly pre-release rumours that it’s out to “glorify” torture as a method of intelligence-gathering. There are many ways in which movies can glorify things, through camera angles, sound, performance, editing, and pretty much the whole arsenal at a director’s disposal, but Bigelow shuns the lot, and if you’re able to come away from the interrogation scenes feeling that a glorious goal has in any way been scored, you might need your head examined.

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My Comment: I did not like Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar movie "Hurt Locker" .... but many raved about it. And while criticism of the torture scenes in 'Zero Dark Thirty' from US politicians have been surprising .... I am going to reserve judgement until I have seen it. As to feedback from those who have already seen the film .... this is the input that I have received .... two fans of this blog emailed me tonight that they saw the film yesterday .... and they were pleasantly surprised. In their opinion .... it will win Best Director and maybe Best Film.