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The National Security Agency's Perfect Citizen program hunts for vulnerabilities in "large-scale" utilities, including power grid and gas pipeline controllers, new documents from EPIC show.

Newly released files show a secret National Security Agency program is targeting the computerized systems that control utilities to discover security vulnerabilities, which can be used to defend the United States or disrupt the infrastructure of other nations.

The NSA's so-called Perfect Citizen program conducts "vulnerability exploration and research" against the computerized controllers that control "large-scale" utilities including power grids and natural gas pipelines, the documents show. The program is scheduled to continue through at least September 2014.

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Report: $91 million spent on secret NSA tests probing domestic computer systems -- Daily Caller
Privacy group gets NSA files on utility research -- Phys.org
NSA secret cyber security testing no longer secret -- Fierce Smart Grid
'Perfect Citizen' program tests security of U.S. utility infrastructure -- Examiner

For those who came of age during World War II, or post-9/11, the death Thursday of retired Army general H. Norman Schwarzkopf may not be of great moment. But for those of us who came of age during Vietnam, when that war veered from the discredited Gulf of Tonkin to the Tet Offensive to Kent State, he was a godsend.

While there was trepidation before the Persian Gulf War began in January 1991 — a six-week bombing onslaught followed by a 96-hour ground campaign — it pitted a Cold War superpower against Iraqi despot Saddam Hussein (it was a mismatch that would have to be replayed 12 years later). Nonetheless, the U.S. went wild after the U.S.-led

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Retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Gulf War Commander, Dies at 78 -- ABC News
Gulf War commander Schwarzkopf dies -- CNN
Lionized for Lightning Victory in ’91 Gulf War -- New York Times
Retired Gen. Schwarzkopf dies at 78 -- Washington Post
General Led International Coalition in First Gulf War -- Wall Street Journal
‘Stormin Norman’ Schwarzkopf, who beat Saddam Hussein, is dead at 78 -- MSNBC
Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf dies -- Politico
Norman Schwarzkopf, retired US general, dies aged 78 -- BBC
Gulf War's General "Stormin" Norman Schwarzkopf dies -- The E-Ring/Foreign Policy
Retired General Norman Schwarzkopf Has Died At 78 -- Business Insider
'Stormin' Norman' Schwarzkopf Dies at 78 -- New York Magazine
Norman Schwarzkopf Death Sparks Reaction From George H.W. Bush, Colin Powell -- Huffington Post
Reaction to death of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf -- Washington Post/AP
Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf’s Best Quotes -- Daily Beast
Norman Schwarzkopf: 10 Quotes on Leadership and War -- Forbes

My Comment: A great American general .... he will be missed.

The 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina caught Margaret Thatcher by surprise, newly released government papers have shown.

The then-prime minister only saw it was likely after getting "raw intelligence" two days before the Argentines landed.

Papers released under the 30-year rule show Mrs Thatcher was acutely worried about retaking the islands.

One historian said the documents were among the "most powerful material" declassified in the last three decades.

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Thatcher papers: 'worst moment' of her life -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
Falklands telegrams reveal UK response to invasion -- BBC
Thatcher was ready for Falkland Islands deal, National Archives papers show -- The Guardian
Secret UK files lift lid on Thatcher-Reagan Falklands contacts -- Reuters
Britain's approach on the Falklands: neglect and hope for the best -- The Guardian
Documents reveal US-UK split over South Georgia landing -- ITV
Reagan pleaded with Thatcher not to retake Falklands -- Financial Times
Haig Wanted to Tell Argentina U.K.’s Falklands Plans -- Bloomberg Businessweek
How US nearly betrayed us to the enemy: Secretary of State threatened to tell Argentina British troops were landing on South Georgia -- Daily Mail
Maggie's war with treacherous Mitterrand over Exocet missile: Archive files reveal relationship with France was stretched to breaking point -- Daily Mail
Thatcher urged to steal French-made Exocet missiles during Falklands war -- The Guardian
British government considered pulling out of 1982 World Cup as Falklands war broke out, archive files reveal -- Daily Mail

KABUL, Afghanistan — A wave of betrayal has left at least 17 Afghan policemen dead in the past 10 days — all killed in their sleep, at the hands of those close to them.

Early Thursday morning, an Afghan policeman unlocked the door of the check post where he was stationed in Oruzgan Province and let in his friends from the Taliban, who helped him attack his sleeping colleagues with knives and guns, eventually killing four and wounding eight.

On Sunday, a local police commander in a remote northern province, Jawzjan, shot to death, in their beds, five men under his command and fled to join the Taliban.

And on Dec. 18, a teenager, apparently being kept for sexual purposes by an Afghan border police commander in southern Kandahar Province, drugged the commander and the other 10 policemen at the post to put them to sleep, and then shot them all; eight died.

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My Comment: These attacks will only undermine the Afghan security forces .... and the Taliban know this.

(CNN) -- The president of the Central African Republic asked Thursday for help from other nations to stave off rebel advances that threaten his rule.

The former French colony asked France and the United States to help ensure "the rebels return home...instead of destroying and killing Central Africans," President Francois Bozize said.

"Fellow citizens, the time has come," Bozize said. The rebels "want to steal our country and we want to do (something) about it."

Amid indications that the rebels may try to take the capital, Bangui, the United Nations began relocating dependents and nonessential staff.

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Central African Republic calls for foreign help fighting rebels, but no sign of major help -- Washington Post/AP
CAR appeals for French help against rebels, Paris balks -- Reuters
Central African Republic calls for US and French help -- Deutsche Welle
Rebels Are Advancing Toward Capital of Central African Republic -- New York Times
Central African Republic rebels advance towards capital -- The Guardian
CAR violence draws U.N. condemnation -- UPI
France: Protecting Interests, Not Intervening in Central African Republic -- Voice of America
U.S. suspends embassy operations in rebel-hit Central African Republic -- Reuters
US shuts embassy in Central African Republic -- AP
U.S. Closes Embassy in Central African Republic -- Wall Street Journal
U.S. Embassy Cuts Operations in Central African Republic -- Bloomberg
US Closes Embassy in Central African Republic; Evacuates Staff -- Voice of America
US evacuates Americans from Central African Republic capital as rebels close in -- NBC

Egypt's public prosecutor has ordered an inquiry into three prominent opposition leaders.

The men will be investigated over charges they "incited the overthrow" of President Mohammed Morsi.

The three men - Mohamed ElBaradei, Amr Mousa and Hamdeen Sabahi - formed an opposition coalition amid protests against Mr Morsi last month.

There are fears the inquiry may worsen tensions between Mr Morsi's supporters and his opponents.

The three opposition leaders had recently formed a coalition, the National Salvation Front, to take part in protests against Mr Morsi.

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Update #1: Egypt's opposition leaders under investigation -- AP
Update #2: Morsi heads off opposition on constitution -- Irish Times

My Comment: Going after the opposition with such strong-arm tactics will only guarantee this.

Russia has warned that Syria would descend into "bloody chaos" should a proposal from Lakhdar Brahimi, the international envoy, to set up a transitional government fail.

Mr Brahimi, the international Syrian peace envoy, challenged all sides in the conflict to work together to pave the way for democratic elections and sideline President Bashar al-Assad.

His proposal received strong backing from Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister who said negotiations were the only way to end the fighting.

"The alternative to a peaceful solution is bloody chaos. The longer it continues, the greater its scale – and the worse things get for all," he said.

After five days of negotiations with the regime in Damascus, Mr Brahimi claimed to have the outlines of a power-sharing pact but his proposals were instantly rejected by the main opposition council.

It has been angered by the suggestion that Mr Assad could stay on as figurehead despite the deaths of 45,000 in the fighting.

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Update: Russia says time running out for Syria peace deal -- Reuters

My Comment: Russia's warnings of chaos in Syria are a year late .... if not more.

Intelligence experts believe Syria has one of the largest chemical weapons arsenals in the world. Experts ask whether the Syrian government might use these weapons against insurgents and whether the rebels could gain access to chemical weapons and use them against the Syrian armed forces.

Western analysts say Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal includes mustard gas, the more modern sarin and even VX - the most toxic of all chemical nerve agents.

Still, Leonard Spector, a chemical weapons expert [Director of the Washington-based James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies] said Syria has no history of using such weapons.

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My Comment: Fears of Syria's chemical weapons has even resulted in foes like Israel and Jordan talking together on how to handle Syria's chemical arsenal, Turkey agreeing to remove it's veto on Israeli - NATO cooperation because they wanted Patriot Missile Batteries to counter Syrian missile threats (with or without a chemical warhead), and Assad ally Russia stating bluntly that it will be suicide if the Syrians use chemical weapons.

Looting, feuds and divided loyalties threaten to destroy unity of fighters as war enters new phase

It wasn't the government that killed the Syrian rebel commander Abu Jameel. It was the fight for his loot. The motive for his murder lay in a great warehouse in Aleppo which his unit had captured a week before. The building had been full of rolled steel, which was seized by the fighters as spoils of war.

But squabbling developed over who would take the greater share of the loot and a feud developed between commanders. Threats and counter-threats ensued over the following days.

Abu Jameel survived one assassination attempt when his car was fired on. A few days later his enemies attacked again, and this time they were successful. His bullet-riddled body was found, handcuffed, in an alley in the town of al-Bab.

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My Comment: One can only imagine how these various groups will behave if they should find themselves ruling the country with no one to restrain them.

Update #1: Supporters of Assad are just as bad.
Update #2: Syria's historical heritage is now under threat.

Will President Obama still choose Chuck Hagel, the suddenly embattled former Nebraska senator, as Leon Panetta's successor at the Pentagon? Several different comments came back to haunt Hagel since his name surfaced as the "likely" cabinet nominee, but over the long holiday weekend the opposition expanded from familiar Republican faces to a growing chorus. On Meet the Press, New York senator Chuck Schumer declined to say whether he endorsed Hagel's nomination, and while Politico's Mike Allen is already calling Hagel "toast," The Atlantic's Robert Wright and others quite rightly say the decision is still "in Obama's hands."

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White House Search for Next Defense Secretary Continues -- Daily Political
Flournoy for SecDef: Ten reasons the president should ditch Chuck for Michèle. -- Rosa Brooks, Foreign Policy
The GOP Likes Michèle Flournoy for the Wrong Reasons, But She's the Right Choice -- Molly Redden, New Republic
As Hagel’s star withers, will a blunt-talking policy wonk drop her kids to take the Pentagon? -- Times of Israel
Cabinet nod could be next for Harvard’s Ashton Carter -- The Boston Globe
Republican senators were for Hagel, before they were against him -- Josh Rogin, The Cable/Foreign Policy
Chuck Hagel: Why his candidacy for Defense post is losing altitude -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: Sen. Hagel's past comments have come to haunt him .... both Republicans and Democrats are going to oppose him but for different reasons. Michèle Flournoy does not want the job .... she has a family that she wants to be with, not in some committee room arguing with politicians over defense cuts. Ashton Carter is an interesting possibility .... he has the background on defense procurement and budgetary issues, but politically .... he is unknown.

Hmmmm .... maybe President Obama will be forced to ask Leon Panetta to stay on the job for another year or two. Unlikely .... but a possibility .... after-all .... that was the reason why Bill Gates stayed as Sec. of Defense for an additional few years .... no suitable replacement.

Day after day, the belief strengthens that the possibilities for a peaceful resolution (or at least containment) of the crisis between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have grown remote, if they have not altogether vanished. The signs and indications pointing to escalation have come to greatly outnumber those pointing to a truce or cooling down.

Until recently, both parties to the crisis had been communicating through their respective official (and unofficial) channels their desire, inclination and various attempts to find a way out of the dilemma. Yet today they stress that matters have reached the point of no return. Both sides’ official statements and declarations say as much. The exceptionally obstructionist rhetoric emanating from both sides’ media outlets (whether visual, print or electronic) are stoking passions and mobilizing the street on both sides — and for the same purpose.

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My Comment: The Kurds have always wanted an independent state .... and their lousy relations with Baghdad and the Sunni-Shiite politicians who have ruled the country for generations have only reinforced their desire for independence. With little if any desire for compromise .... and with a past mediator like the U.S. now absent from the scene .... mobilization of forces and threats of escalation have now become the norm rather than the exception.

Even as America rebalances towards the Asia-Pacific region, it will retain a significant presence in the Middle East to deter aggression and promote stability.

The US military has entered a period of historic change after more than a decade of war, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. America has ended the war in Iraq; it is implementing an effective transition and drawdown in Afghanistan; and it has seriously weakened Al Qaida’s leadership in the fight against terrorism.

As a result of these efforts and the reality of budget constraints, the US has developed a new defence strategy for the 21st century — one that emphasises agility, technology and force projection. The US has begun to focus on the challenges and opportunities of the future and it is clear that many of them lie in Asia.

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My Comment: The U.S. may not be abandoning the Middle East .... but they are certainly retrenching. And with massive defense budget cuts on the horizon .... I (and almost every pundit outside of the U.S.) just do not see the U.S. having the presence and influence that they use to have .... whether it is in the Middle East, Asia, or elsewhere.

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has warned the financial community of a decline of the U.S. dollar.

Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank said the debt burden of the United States has reached the same ratio of Italy, deemed a default risk. In a report, the Jedda-based bank warned that the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from triple A status would reduce energy demand and prices, a
move expected to harm the Saudi kingdom.

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My Comment: The Saudis have every reason to be concerned .... they are holding about $492 billion in U.S. debt .... and as for the Chinese who hold a trillion plus .... they are very very concerned. Zero Hedge has done a bit more analysis on American government's addiction to debt ... it has become one of my go-to-place for U.S. economic and business trends.

Politico’s Mike Allen reported on “Morning Joe” today that Chuck Hagel’s potential defense secretary nomination is on the rocks, after the administration realized there is “not a natural constituency for him.” Don’t ask why it took them that long to figure that one out: Allen names Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy as the new top two possibilities. Hagel supporters will blame the collapse of his bid on the Israel lobby because it’s an easy target, but it almost seemed like the White House was more concerned with the backlash from the gay community and liberal supporters.

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My Comment: I have been saying the same thing for the past week .... and now nicely summarized by this MSNBC discussion group.

WNU Editor: Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf has passed away at the age of 78.

The fiscal cliff was an opportunity to push off partisanship. But, following incentives, legislators only increased it.

The real issue in the frantic final flailing over the fiscal cliff isn’t whether Washington can balance its books. It’s whether blue America and red America are capable of, or even interested in, mediating their differences. The evidence is growing more discouraging.

Across almost every front, the process of pulling apart that has reshaped the political landscape over the past generation appears to be accelerating.

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In 2013, possibilities for stability from Somalia to South China Sea -- Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor

Lebanon’s year of living dangerously -- Michael Young, The Daily Star

Spinoff: The Syrian Crisis and the Future of Iraq -- Henri J. Barkey, American Interest

Iranian sanctions do little to deter nuclear program -- Anthony Hall/UPI

Iran in 2013: More of the Same -- Chris Devito, Huffington Post

Smugglers Galore. How Iran arms its allies. -- Lee Smith, Weekly Standard

China Survives a Big Year -- Noah Feldman, Bloomberg

How 2012 Changed China -- Benjamin Carlson, Global Post

French Voters Get Bankruptcy For Social Security -- IBD Editorial

Euro crisis may lead to ‘explosion of violence’ -- Darrell Delamaide, Market Watch

The Year the Dreams Died: The year 2012 saw the triumph of cold reality over pie-in-the-sky fantasies. -- Victor Davis Hanson, NRO

Boehner reconvenes House of Representatives on Sunday evening as Harry Reid says deadline will probably be missed

Barack Obama will meet congressional leaders on Friday as members of the House of Representatives prepare to return to Washington for a last-ditch attempt to head off the year-end fiscal cliff budget crisis.

Republican speaker John Boehner said the House will reconvene on Sunday evening, with less than 30 hours until the US reaches the fiscal cliff deadline. Boehner warned politicians they may be working through next Friday – after the 31 December deadline – to reach a deal to avert massive tax hikes and spending cuts.

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Russia says time running out for Syria peace deal.

Syria's health system crumbles while UN humanitarian appeal runs dry.

Fleeing civil war, Syria’s Kurds enter another geo-political minefield.

Arab league chief, ministers to visit Ramallah to discuss aid.

Iran paying Russian women who work at nuclear plant to cover up their bodies.

Cyber attack on Iran a false alarm.

Iran will open suspect military base if threats dropped: report.

Iraq impasse costing $20 million a day.

Netanyahu: Israel's 'long arm' will strike those who threaten it.

Israeli PM meets Jordanian king on Syria: Media.


China's Beidou GPS-substitute opens to public in Asia.

China seizes TVs, satellite equipment in Tibetan area.

Taliban capture at least 22 Pakistani government forces.

Abe Cabinet signals big changes ahead for Japan.

China "highly vigilant" over Japanese fighters flying over disputed islands.

China tightening controls on Internet.

India gang-rape victim flown to Singapore hospital.

India tea workers burn boss to death in Assam state.

Pakistan marks five years since Bhutto murder. Only son of Pakistan's murdered Bhutto launches political career.


Central African Republic's Bozize in US-France appeal. C. African Republic president seeks foreign help.

Central African Republic appeals for French help against rebels, Paris balks. Central African rebels advance on capital.

Security challenges await Somalia after historic year.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of air attack, killing 5.

Bashir ready 'any time' to meet S. Sudan leader.

Christian politician quits Egypt upper house as tensions persist.

Nelson Mandela "not yet fully recovered": spokesman.

Mubarak to be moved to Egyptian army hospital.


Europe steps back from the edge.

Russia attack: N Ossetia Muslim leader shot dead.

France needs more leeway to meet deficit targets, suggests IMF.

Berlusconi allies fire barbs at Monti, ending Christmas truce.

Russia's Putin suggests he will sign U.S. adoption ban.

Russian ex-defense minister to be questioned in fraud case.

Tymoshenko daughter urges sanctions on Ukraine.

Paris hit by wave of street muggings and grave robberies.


Fiscal cliff-hanger: House back Sunday night. House plans Dec. 30 session as U.S. budget deadline nears.

Reid: Time has run out on U.S. ‘fiscal cliff’.

Obama returning to Washington to seek fiscal cliff deal.

U.S. will reach federal debt limit on New Year’s Eve. US Treasury warns of 'extraordinary measures' amid fiscal cliff deadlock.

Severe snowstorm hits US, bears down on East Coast.

9 slain in Mexican town as cartels clash in western state of Sinaloa.

Cuba cuts state payroll, private sector jobs grow 23 pct in 2012.

Canada's energy boom draws skilled Americans looking for work.

FBI considered Occupy movement potential threat, documents say.

Ex-President George H.W. Bush in intensive care.


New jihadist group emerges in Syria.

CIA’s Global Response Staff emerging from shadows after incidents in Libya and Pakistan.

Is al Qaeda’s attention now turning to United Arab Emirates?

France moves on al-Qaeda.

Yemen fears backlash as drone strike victims side with al-Qaeda.


Analysis: Amazon's Christmas faux pas shows risks in the cloud.

Apple CEO's pay takes big hit vs. record '11 package.

Marvell faces huge patent fine over hard disk chips.

Apple and Google still in the hunt for control of mobile market.

The top 5 tech startup trends of 2013.

Iran would let U.N nuclear inspectors into a military base they suspect was used for atomic weapons-related work, if threats against the Islamic Republic are dropped, a government official was quoted as saying.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes Iran conducted explosives tests with possible nuclear applications at Parchin, a sprawling military base southeast of Tehran, and has repeatedly asked to inspect it.

Western diplomats say Iran has carried out extensive work at Parchin over the past year to cleanse it of any evidence of illicit activities but IAEA chief Yukiya Amano said earlier this month a visit would still be "useful".

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Iran may open military site to UN nuclear watchdog -- AP
Iran May Allow IAEA to Visit Base If Threats Against Country End -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Iran: Nuclear agency can inspect Parchin if threats of Israeli attacks defused -- Haaretz/DPA
Iran okay with inspections, 'If external threats are defused' -- Times Live

My Comment: I am always skeptical of these reports .... if Iran has nothing to hide it is in their best interest to disclose their program .... but they are not doing that. Hmmmm .... I wonder why.

An unprecedented number of Americans support the right to own a handgun, despite the recent mass killings at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., that have renewed the push for gun control.

Even with the killings in Newtown as a backdrop, a new Gallup poll shows 74 percent of Americans now support the right to possess a handgun, while just 24 percent would support a ban.

In fact, the Gallup poll is a near-perfect example of why passing gun control legislation will be difficult.

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My Comment: A disclaimer .... in Canada I use to own a 20 gauge Browning 26" shotgun that I kept up north at my chalet in the Laurentians of Quebec (I had a problem with bears .... but I fortunately never had to shoot one .... I still have a problem with bears, but I have learned to live with them). Growing up in Russia .... well .... that's another story .... I essentially test fired every gun that I could get my hands on (Yup .... the AK-47 was my favorite .... but in Canada it carries a mandatory 10 years sentence in jail if you have one .... hence it is a big no-no for me).

But as I have grown older my distaste for guns has grown. And while I do accept the premise that people kill people ... not guns killing people .... I do want to see a better screening process on who can have a weapon .... and who cannot .... and if you are caught having one when you are not suppose to .... the penalties are then very severe and mandatory.

But will this happen .... I sincerely doubt it. As the above Gallop Poll clearly reveals, the mass majority of Americans want to keep their weapons and to have access to even more weapons, and they will vote out anyone who is serious in pushing legislation or restrictions that limit this 2nd Amendment right.

My Comment: My work project for today .... the treeline is the St. Lawrence river .... and since this video was taken, another 15cm have fallen. But I am not complaining. My place up north got 100cm on Friday, and I am scared to drive up there and work on that monster.

The joys of living in Canada.

Accountability: As with Fast and Furious, the designated scapegoats for the deaths of Americans at the hands of administration bungling will merely be switching desks. Only the maker of that irrelevant video is in jail.

Reports of the resignation of four State Department officials after the Accountability Review Board's (ARB) review of State Department actions before during and after the terrorist attack on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya, may have been greatly exaggerated.

Eric Boswell, the assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, has not resigned from the department, as a State Department spokeswoman indicated Dec. 19. Boswell is instead just "switching desks," according to a report in the New York Post.

Deputy Assistant Secretaries Charlene Lamb and Raymond Maxwell, and a third who has not been identified, were placed on administrative leave after the release of the report. However, according to the Post, they are expected to return.

They were found to have shown "performance inadequacies" but not "willful misconduct."

In other words, they were merely incompetent and didn't mean for Ambassador Chris Stephens and three other Americans to get murdered by Ansar al-Sharia, a terrorist group with al-Qaida links.

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Previous Post: U.S. State Department Penalties For Benghazi Failure Are Bogus

My Comment: What is even worse is that none of the basic questions have been answered on what happened before/during/and after the Benghazi Consulate attack. Where was President Obama when this was happening .... what role (if any did he play), who pushed the anti-Muslim video narrative, who told the CIA contractors near the Benghazi consulate to stand down (they refused that order), and why were security concerns ignored by the State Department months before the attack.

But the thing that really bugs me is that it has now been over 100 days since the attack occurred .... intelligence and State have hours and hours of video tape and witness accounts .... but we still do not have in custody the perpetrators of this attack .... hell .... we still do not even know who was responsible for the attack.

Update: I know that the above Al Jazeera video report mentions that some U.S. State Department officials resigned when they have (in fact) just been shifted to other duties or were told to take time off.

2012 has been a busy year at Security Clearance. From the U.S. diplomatic facility attack in Benghazi, Libya to the Petraeus sex scandal to the future of Afghanistan and the Pentagon preparing(or not) to fall off the fiscal cliff.

But there have been numerous other stories that have caught your eye this year.

Top 10 Security Clearance stories you, the readers, made the most popular in 2012:

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My Comment: What are my top ten stories .... in no particular order:

1) Sequestration .... it's impact on the U.S. defense budget
2) Civil war in Syria
3) Afghanistan
4) The Petraeus scandal
5) Benghazi consulate attack
6) Euro crisis
7) China's border disputes with it's neighbors
8) The growth of China's military
9) The growth of Al Qaeda and militant Islamic groups in Africa, and the proliferation of wars and internal conflicts in Africa.
10) The expanding U.S. involvement in global/regional conflicts and counter-terrorism operations.

SUROBI, Afghanistan - Col. Babagul Aamal is a proud veteran of 28 years in the Afghan National Army. Short and fit, with a thick black beard, he's a leader who blurts out exactly what he's thinking.

"I don't talk politics - I talk facts," Aamal said, wearing a sweater beneath his uniform in his unheated command office on a dusty base 40 miles east of Kabul.

It shames him, Aamal said, that he is not allowed to wear his pistol when he enters the fortified gate of the new American military base next door. Though he's a brigade commander, he's required to stand before an airport-type scanner with his arms raised, almost in surrender.

Yet when Americans visit Aamal's base, they are not searched. They are offered chai tea. And they bring half a dozen soldiers armed with M-16s, so-called Guardian Angels on the lookout for "insider attacks" by Afghan soldiers.

"Afghan generals get searched by low-ranking foreign soldiers," Aamal said. "Our soldiers see this, and they feel insulted."

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Three Afghans dead in new blast at U.S. base in Afghan east -- Reuters
Mental illness, poverty haunted Afghan policewoman who killed American -- Reuters
Afghanistan withdrawal under way as troops and equipment head home -- The Australian
Afghan service taking its toll on Diggers -- The Australian
Kazakhstan allows Afghanistan cargo transit -- PanArmenian.net
Squabbles in Garmsir -- Matthieu Aikins, New York Times
CMC, SMMC spend Christmas with servicemembers in Afghanistan -- ISAF
Prepared For The Worst In Afghanistan -- Strategy Page
Afghanistan: Questions Remain As Troops Leave -- Alex Rossi, SKY News
US military deaths at 2,040 in Afghanistan -- Khaama Press

BEIRUT — Russia and the U.N called Thursday for the resuscitation of a peace initiative for Syria that never got off the ground when it was proposed months ago because both parties to the conflict rejected it.

The plan, unveiled by world powers at an international conference in Geneva in June, called for an open-ended cease-fire, a transitional government to run the country until elections, and the drafting of a new constitution. The plan was a non-starter for the opposition because it did not explicitly ban authoritarian President Bashar Assad and other members of his regime from taking part in the transitional leadership.

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Syria's health system crumbles while UN humanitarian appeal runs dry.

Fleeing civil war, Syria’s Kurds enter another geo-political minefield.

Iran will open suspect military base if threats dropped: report.

Iraq impasse costing $20 million a day.

Netanyahu: Israel's 'long arm' will strike those who threaten it.

Israeli PM meets Jordanian king on Syria: Media.


Taliban capture at least 22 Pakistani government forces.

Abe Cabinet signals big changes ahead for Japan.

China "highly vigilant" over Japanese fighters flying over disputed islands.

China tightening controls on Internet.

India gang-rape victim flown to Singapore hospital.

Pakistan marks five years since Bhutto murder. Only son of Pakistan's murdered Bhutto launches political career.


Central African Republic appeals for French help against rebels, Paris balks. Central African rebels advance on capital.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of air attack, killing 5.

Bashir ready 'any time' to meet S. Sudan leader.

Christian politician quits Egypt upper house as tensions persist.

Nelson Mandela "not yet fully recovered": spokesman.

Mubarak to be moved to Egyptian army hospital.


Russia attack: N Ossetia Muslim leader shot dead.

France needs more leeway to meet deficit targets, suggests IMF.

Berlusconi allies fire barbs at Monti, ending Christmas truce.

Russia's Putin suggests he will sign U.S. adoption ban.

Russian ex-defense minister to be questioned in fraud case.

Tymoshenko daughter urges sanctions on Ukraine.

Paris hit by wave of street muggings and grave robberies.


Reid: Time has run out on U.S. ‘fiscal cliff’.

Obama returning to Washington to seek fiscal cliff deal.

U.S. will reach federal debt limit on New Year’s Eve. US Treasury warns of 'extraordinary measures' amid fiscal cliff deadlock.

Severe snowstorm hits US, bears down on East Coast.

Canada's energy boom draws skilled Americans looking for work.

FBI considered Occupy movement potential threat, documents say.

Ex-President George H.W. Bush in intensive care.


Is al Qaeda’s attention now turning to United Arab Emirates?

France moves on al-Qaeda.

Yemen fears backlash as drone strike victims side with al-Qaeda.


Marvell faces huge patent fine over hard disk chips.

Apple and Google still in the hunt for control of mobile market.

The top 5 tech startup trends of 2013.

The U.S. military has begun a staged, five-year process that will see each of its three main stealth warplane types deployed to bases near China. When the deployments are complete in 2017, Air Force F-22s and B-2s and Marine Corps F-35s could all be within striking range of America’s biggest economic rival at the same time. With Beijing now testing its own radar-evading jet fighters — two different models, to be exact — the clock is counting down to a stealth warplane showdown over the Western Pacific.

The gradual creation of the U.S. stealth strike force is an extension of the Pentagon’s much-touted “strategic pivot” to the Pacific region, and echoes the much faster formation, earlier this year, of a similar (but only partially stealthy) aerial armada in the Persian Gulf. That team of F-22s, non-stealthy F-15s and specialized “Bacon” radio-translator planes was clearly meant to deter a belligerent Iran, although the Pentagon denied it.

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China to be surrounded by US stealth jets by 2017 -- RT

Iran will open suspect military base if threats dropped: report -- Reuters

Iran Begins Naval War Games: Reports -- Defense News/AFP

Russian Army to Get New Sniper Rifles in 2013 -- RIA Novosti

Libya to Retool Security for Diplomats -- Wall Street Journal

Philippine to acquire helicopters, trucks in bid to modernize military -- FOX News/AP

IAF F-16 glides off runway; no injuries -- YNet News

S. Korean media: DPRK deploys missiles -- China.org.cn

Seoul Says It Has Other Drone Options Than Global Hawks -- Defense News/AFP

Report: Australia Plans War Games with China -- Defense News/AFP

U.S. Army's strategic vision plan unveiled -- Army.mil

Here’s How Darpa’s Robot Ship Will Hunt Silent Subs -- Danger Room

This Scientist Wants Tomorrow’s Troops to Be Mutant-Powered -- Danger Room

Northrop Grumman Supports USAF Minuteman Missile Test Launch -- Space Daily

Study: Sex assault more common than DoD reports -- Army Times/USA Today

US military’s alcohol-soaked culture taking toll on servicemembers -- Stars and Stripes

Weight Woes Grow in the US Military -- Military.com/Virginian-Pilot

Top U.S. Ammo Supplier Sells 3 1/2 Years Worth Of Assault Rifle Magazines In 72 Hours -- Business Insider

Fiscal cliff, defense sequestration draws closer -- DoD Buzz

Saving The Defense Industrial Base -- Aol Defense

The Intelligence Community Is Glad It Can Keep 'Leaking' To The Press -- Geoffrey Ingersoll, Business Insider

US military deaths at 2,040 in Afghanistan -- Khaama Press

Iran has reported a spree of new cyber attacks, saying foreign enemy hackers have tried in recent months to disrupt computer systems at a power plant and other industries in a strategically important southern coastal province, as well as a Culture Ministry information centre.

Accounts of the attacks in the official media did not specify who was responsible, when they were carried out or how they were thwarted.

But they strongly suggested that the attacks had originated in the United States and Israel, which have been engaged in a shadowy struggle of computer sabotage with Iran in a broader dispute over whether Iran's nuclear energy program is for peaceful or military use.

Read more ....

My Comment: They are probably right.

As diplomacy to end the Syria crisis escalates, peace envoy Lakhar Brahimi on Thursday called for the installation of a transitional government in Syria that would run the country until elections could be held.

Brahimi's comments come as a Syrian envoy was in Moscow where Russia said Thursday that it was intensifying its efforts to end bloodshed in Syria.

Brahimi, who plans to be in Russia on Saturday for talks on Syria, told reporters in Damascus that a transition period must not lead to a collapse of the state or state institutions.

Read more ....

U.N. Envoy Calls for a Transitional Government in Syria -- New York Times
U.N. Envoy, Moscow Seek Revival of Syria Plan -- Wall Street Journal
UN Envoy, Moscow Call for Revival of Syria Plan -- ABC News/AP
Syria envoy calls for political change to end conflict -- Reuters
UN envoy calls for interim Syria government -- Al Jazeera
U.N. envoy: Transitional government plan could end Syrian war in a 'few months' -- CNN
UN envoy tries to revive Syria peace plan -- Christian Science Monitor
UN Syria Envoy to Hold Moscow Talks -- RIA Novosti
Brahimi calls for transition gov't and end to violence in Syria -- Xinhuanet
Syrian opposition says will accept all solutions excluding Assad -- YNet News/AFP

I live in Montreal, Canada .... and we are being hit with a massive snow storm right now (40cm. of snow). Power just came back on, which means that I can now blog .... unfortunately .... I must first clean the snow drifts from my car and around my house. Regular blogging will return (with updates) in the next hour or two. Yes .... I will post some pictures .... a windy and massive snow storm is always an impressive site to see and experience (until you start shoveling the snow).