Most of the upper echelon in the White House and part of the Cabinet, at least, are co-conspirators, as are at least some in the House and the Senate, in Ukrainegate or Russiagate or both.
None of them is in a like case with Trump, protected from immediate prosecution by an arbitrary monarchist dogma of the Justice Department.
None of them, Trump included, is protected from eventual prosecution.
Trump might pardon everybody, but no court has upheld the idea of a presidential self-pardon or of the validity of pardons transparently intended to obstruct justice - though that was the egregious intent of Ford's pardon of Nixon that no one ever challenged.
And so might the Duce first and the others in consequence come to support the idea of a coup, an altogether unconstitutional declaration by Trump that the election of 2020 or 2024 will not take place or will be ignored, as their only path to safety from eventual prosecution, imprisonment, and ruin?
And then as in Rome at the time of Augustus and in England at the time of Charles I and in so many other places at so many other times it will all depend on what the military wants to do.
They are all sworn to defend the constitution and to disobey illegal orders, but does the rot go further than we think?
Are high level military officers, generals and admirals, in a position to put aside the constitution, themselves participants in either Ukrainegate or Russiagate, like Flynn?
Many Democrat opinionators have said for months that exactly this coup is coming, and many Republicans have urged that either successful deposition of Trump or the actions of the next Democratic president regarding gun rights will and ought to provoke a civil war.
The Republican civil war looks like all mouth and bullshit to me.
But the idea of a coup by the crime boss in the White House to protect himself and his cronies - and so, of course, as Rudi the Dick would insist, to further the public good - looks increasingly likely, especially when we consider how much compelling evidence of crime upon crime continues to pile up in public against all of them, and will continue over all that time.
Admiral Mullen Sounds Alarms Over Trump's Nixonian Enemies List
Perhaps he and we should worry more about a purge of non-Trumpists from the higher ranks of the military, starting with the Joint Chiefs.
And an even wider purge of non-Trumpists from at least the leadership of the entire national security apparatus and the "deep state" in general.
The constant barrage of Democratic propaganda to the effect that Trump is pathetically stupid is very dangerous and might well make us miss what he and his leading allies are certainly cunning enough to prepare.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Thursday, January 30, 2020
The Dems' repeated warnings are so absurdly hollow
"It will mean every future president can do the same and get away with the same! Democrats too!"
You're joking, right? Not a Democratic president. Oh, no. Over every GOP congress-critter's dead body, eh?
Consistency and cross-party fairness is no part of their plan, except they will consistently do anything to advance their side and crush ours, even at the cost of making America a laughing stock of the world, the world's richest and most powerful fucking banana republic.
And the hell of it is Boss Trump will get worse, as will the GOP, now they know nothing can stop them, after he wins reelection in the Electoral College over whichever doomed Democrat loser goes up against him and wins only the suffrage of the people, a victory in the meaningless popular vote, perhaps even better than Hillary's.
Winning a game we are not playing, losing by the actual rules of the actual game.
Republican theory for Trump acquittal could unleash unrestrained presidential power
Yeah, sure. Republican presidential power.
You're joking, right? Not a Democratic president. Oh, no. Over every GOP congress-critter's dead body, eh?
Consistency and cross-party fairness is no part of their plan, except they will consistently do anything to advance their side and crush ours, even at the cost of making America a laughing stock of the world, the world's richest and most powerful fucking banana republic.
And the hell of it is Boss Trump will get worse, as will the GOP, now they know nothing can stop them, after he wins reelection in the Electoral College over whichever doomed Democrat loser goes up against him and wins only the suffrage of the people, a victory in the meaningless popular vote, perhaps even better than Hillary's.
Winning a game we are not playing, losing by the actual rules of the actual game.
Republican theory for Trump acquittal could unleash unrestrained presidential power
Yeah, sure. Republican presidential power.
Not easy not to hate Republicans
Another way to recoup the terrible deficit and increasing debt created by their trillion dollar tax cut for corporations and the rich.
True friends of the forgotten fucking little guys.
Trump administration announces Medicaid funding overhaul
Trump voters who drive junkers and live in trailers are living proof democracy cannot save the lower orders from their own malice and stupidity.
True friends of the forgotten fucking little guys.
Trump administration announces Medicaid funding overhaul
Trump voters who drive junkers and live in trailers are living proof democracy cannot save the lower orders from their own malice and stupidity.
Was even one of those cunts not in on it?
Wow. The party of Nixon, all right.
Surprise! Leningrad Lindsey Was 'Looped In' On Ukraine
Lev Parnas and his attorney, Joseph Bondy, joined Anderson Cooper last night to discuss the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
The indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani was actually in attendance — courtesy of Sen. Chuck Schumer — but unable to sit in the Senate gallery to watch the proceedings in person.
Parnas' presence was significant, as he's a key figure in the pressure campaign Trump was exerting on the new Ukrainian government to get dirt on Joe Biden.
He's been doing all he can, now to reveal what he knows about the players in the scheme.
On AC360, Parnas dropped the bomb that Sen. Lindsey Graham was aware of the pressure plot as early as 2018.
He said Giuliani told him on a number of occasions that Graham was aware, like everyone else, and even involved in helping out Viktor Shokin (the former Prosecutor General of Ukraine) when his visa to come to the U.S. was denied.
Surprise! Leningrad Lindsey Was 'Looped In' On Ukraine
Lev Parnas and his attorney, Joseph Bondy, joined Anderson Cooper last night to discuss the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
The indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani was actually in attendance — courtesy of Sen. Chuck Schumer — but unable to sit in the Senate gallery to watch the proceedings in person.
Parnas' presence was significant, as he's a key figure in the pressure campaign Trump was exerting on the new Ukrainian government to get dirt on Joe Biden.
He's been doing all he can, now to reveal what he knows about the players in the scheme.
On AC360, Parnas dropped the bomb that Sen. Lindsey Graham was aware of the pressure plot as early as 2018.
He said Giuliani told him on a number of occasions that Graham was aware, like everyone else, and even involved in helping out Viktor Shokin (the former Prosecutor General of Ukraine) when his visa to come to the U.S. was denied.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Trump thinks what's in his interest is in the public interest. And so, his intent was to serve the public interest. Say the GOP, defending his egregious abuse of power to make his personal reelection more likely.
Gotta credit them will balls. Wow. Corruption as virtue.
Republicans Move to Block Impeachment Witnesses, Driving Toward Acquittal
For Republicans, it appeared as if they were on the verge of giving Mr. Trump what he has wanted all along: an acquittal that he could boast about on the campaign trail — delivered before he goes to the Capitol next Tuesday for his State of the Union address.
. . . .
“Every public official I know believes that his election is in the public interest,” said Alan M. Dershowitz, the celebrity defense lawyer and constitutional scholar who is part of the Mr. Trump’s legal team. “Mostly, you’re right.”
“If the president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment,” he said.
. . . .
Democrats have argued that Mr. Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine was precisely the kind of corrupt scheme that the nation’s founders had in mind when they created impeachment, fearing that an out-of-control president would abuse his power for personal gain.
But throughout the day, lawyers for Mr. Trump argued that all elected officials make policy decisions to help themselves get re-elected.
Update 1/30/2020.
Wait, we're supposed to think that when Boss Trump commits gang boss crimes to get reelected it's because he thinks his own reelection is in the public interest?
We're supposed to believe Boss Trump ever had a thought in his head about whether his election or reelection might further or harm the national interest?
That he would not just laugh like a more powerful Al Capone at anyone fool enough to believe such a thing?
We're supposed to believe that every pol who commits whatever crime to get elected actually always thinks his reelection is best for the national interest?
Who the fuck actually believes that shit?
What do you suppose this shitpot Caligula in the White House thinks when he makes GOP biggees who scorned and insulted him throughout 2016 eat shit at his command while smiling as he watches?
Romney? Cruz? Little Marco? Hell, Lindsey Graham?
No doubt at all the "head on a pike" thing is perfectly true, and the power of the threat is seen in their pretense of outraged denials.
How Boss Trump must roll with malicious laughter!
Republicans Move to Block Impeachment Witnesses, Driving Toward Acquittal
For Republicans, it appeared as if they were on the verge of giving Mr. Trump what he has wanted all along: an acquittal that he could boast about on the campaign trail — delivered before he goes to the Capitol next Tuesday for his State of the Union address.
. . . .
“Every public official I know believes that his election is in the public interest,” said Alan M. Dershowitz, the celebrity defense lawyer and constitutional scholar who is part of the Mr. Trump’s legal team. “Mostly, you’re right.”
“If the president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment,” he said.
. . . .
Democrats have argued that Mr. Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine was precisely the kind of corrupt scheme that the nation’s founders had in mind when they created impeachment, fearing that an out-of-control president would abuse his power for personal gain.
But throughout the day, lawyers for Mr. Trump argued that all elected officials make policy decisions to help themselves get re-elected.
Update 1/30/2020.
Wait, we're supposed to think that when Boss Trump commits gang boss crimes to get reelected it's because he thinks his own reelection is in the public interest?
We're supposed to believe Boss Trump ever had a thought in his head about whether his election or reelection might further or harm the national interest?
That he would not just laugh like a more powerful Al Capone at anyone fool enough to believe such a thing?
We're supposed to believe that every pol who commits whatever crime to get elected actually always thinks his reelection is best for the national interest?
Who the fuck actually believes that shit?
What do you suppose this shitpot Caligula in the White House thinks when he makes GOP biggees who scorned and insulted him throughout 2016 eat shit at his command while smiling as he watches?
Romney? Cruz? Little Marco? Hell, Lindsey Graham?
No doubt at all the "head on a pike" thing is perfectly true, and the power of the threat is seen in their pretense of outraged denials.
How Boss Trump must roll with malicious laughter!
It will be the most awful SOTU ever if the GOP senate kills the impeachment before it happens. As it seems they aim to.
It's scheduled for February 4, 2020.
Plenty of time for McConnell to sink the whole thing.
How Chanticleer will gloat and bellow to the unanimous and very loud applause of all Republicans at the Joint Session.
A wonderful occasion to own the libs, so very very big time.
How bitter it will be for Nancy and Chuck.
Plenty of time for McConnell to sink the whole thing.
How Chanticleer will gloat and bellow to the unanimous and very loud applause of all Republicans at the Joint Session.
A wonderful occasion to own the libs, so very very big time.
How bitter it will be for Nancy and Chuck.
The most evil president ever? Endless shamelessness.
White House has issued formal threat to Bolton to keep him from publishing book
Yeeeeaaaahhhh.
The White House has issued a formal threat to former national security adviser John Bolton to keep him from publishing his book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," sources familiar with the matter tell CNN.
In a letter to Bolton's lawyer, a top official at the National Security Council wrote the unpublished manuscript of Bolton's book "appears to contain significant amounts of classified information" and couldn't be published as written.
The letter, which is dated January 23, said some of the information was classified at the "top secret" level, meaning it "reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave harm to the national security."
"The manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information," the letter read.
Yeeeeaaaahhhh.
The White House has issued a formal threat to former national security adviser John Bolton to keep him from publishing his book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," sources familiar with the matter tell CNN.
In a letter to Bolton's lawyer, a top official at the National Security Council wrote the unpublished manuscript of Bolton's book "appears to contain significant amounts of classified information" and couldn't be published as written.
The letter, which is dated January 23, said some of the information was classified at the "top secret" level, meaning it "reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave harm to the national security."
"The manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information," the letter read.
He's just stalling so the vote will come late Friday or early Saturday and not midweek
The fake leak was that McConnell doesn't have the votes to stop witnesses.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Schiff gets his summation line backaswards
Oops.
Schiff makes his case for Trump's removal: 'He chose to believe Rudy Giuliani'
And he ended his argument with this:
“Can any of us really have the confidence that Donald Trump will put his personal interests ahead of the national interests?
"Is there really any evidence in this presidency that should give us the ironclad confidence that he would do so?
"You know you can't count on him to do that. That's the sad truth.”
Um, actually, on all the evidence, we sure can.
Schiff makes his case for Trump's removal: 'He chose to believe Rudy Giuliani'
And he ended his argument with this:
“Can any of us really have the confidence that Donald Trump will put his personal interests ahead of the national interests?
"Is there really any evidence in this presidency that should give us the ironclad confidence that he would do so?
"You know you can't count on him to do that. That's the sad truth.”
Um, actually, on all the evidence, we sure can.
Ludicrous pearl clutching bullshit
Key moderate Republicans 'offended,' 'stunned' after Nadler accuses senators of 'cover-up'
Nadler was and is dead right.
Two key moderate Senate Republicans criticized House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., on Thursday after he claimed this week that senators who do not support hearing from witnesses and entering documents into President Donald Trump's impeachment trial would be complicit in a cover-up.
An aide told NBC News that Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was "offended" when Nadler, one of the seven House impeachment managers, made the accusation on the Senate floor.
Murkowski is one of a handful of moderate GOP senators who have expressed an openness to calling witnesses, including top Trump administration officials. For Democratic senators who need four Republican votes to support them on the issue, Murkowski's would be a critical vote.
Susan Collins of Maine, another Republican who has been open to witnesses, wrote a note to Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, taking issue with Nadler's remark, according to a spokesperson.
Nadler was and is dead right.
Two key moderate Senate Republicans criticized House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., on Thursday after he claimed this week that senators who do not support hearing from witnesses and entering documents into President Donald Trump's impeachment trial would be complicit in a cover-up.
An aide told NBC News that Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was "offended" when Nadler, one of the seven House impeachment managers, made the accusation on the Senate floor.
Murkowski is one of a handful of moderate GOP senators who have expressed an openness to calling witnesses, including top Trump administration officials. For Democratic senators who need four Republican votes to support them on the issue, Murkowski's would be a critical vote.
Susan Collins of Maine, another Republican who has been open to witnesses, wrote a note to Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, taking issue with Nadler's remark, according to a spokesperson.
Something about an ox getting gored, maybe?
Fox's Wallace: Nadler would pay to have his Clinton impeachment remarks 'expunged from the Earth'
It wasn't just the Republicans talking out of the other side of their mouths.
“They made a good case today,” Wallace said of the Trump team. He also said he would have loved to have been in the room when the video clips were played.
“I also thought to myself, I wonder how much Jerry Nadler would pay to have that videotape of him from 1998 expunged from the Earth so that nobody could ever see it again,” Wallace said.
The video Wallace was referring to shows Nadler ripping what he characterized as a one-party impeachment of Clinton.
"There must never be a narrowly-voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other," Nadler said at the time. "Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy."
It wasn't just the Republicans talking out of the other side of their mouths.
“They made a good case today,” Wallace said of the Trump team. He also said he would have loved to have been in the room when the video clips were played.
“I also thought to myself, I wonder how much Jerry Nadler would pay to have that videotape of him from 1998 expunged from the Earth so that nobody could ever see it again,” Wallace said.
The video Wallace was referring to shows Nadler ripping what he characterized as a one-party impeachment of Clinton.
"There must never be a narrowly-voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other," Nadler said at the time. "Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy."
MSNBC says WSJ says Flynn backs Bolton, not Trump
Don't see it anywhere else, yet.
But MSNBC says enough Republicans got spooked that McConnell doesn't have the votes to stop witnesses any more, and has now "called a pause" to allow time to pressure dissidents before a vote.
But MSNBC says enough Republicans got spooked that McConnell doesn't have the votes to stop witnesses any more, and has now "called a pause" to allow time to pressure dissidents before a vote.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Trump v Biden, again
Trump impeachment defense team turns attention to Bidens, Burisma
Does it matter in fact whether the Bidens did something corrupt?
To the Bidens, of course, and to the Democrats choosing their standard bearer.
But to the impeachment case?
Nope.
The prosecution doesn't rely on the innocence of the Bidens but the guilt of Bozo in unlawfully conditioning release of war aid, various political favors, and indeed all aid from the US, on the Ukraine government making a big show of going after the Bidens for corruption, for the sole and exclusive purpose of damaging Joe B as a political rival.
What matters was what he did and for what purpose.
Both are abundantly egregious.
Does it matter in fact whether the Bidens did something corrupt?
To the Bidens, of course, and to the Democrats choosing their standard bearer.
But to the impeachment case?
Nope.
The prosecution doesn't rely on the innocence of the Bidens but the guilt of Bozo in unlawfully conditioning release of war aid, various political favors, and indeed all aid from the US, on the Ukraine government making a big show of going after the Bidens for corruption, for the sole and exclusive purpose of damaging Joe B as a political rival.
What matters was what he did and for what purpose.
Both are abundantly egregious.
The impeachment effort is a "Jew coup"
So says TruNews, a psycho evangelical "news" outfit Trump credentialed for Davos and for so many White House events they couldn't find the staff to attend them all.
Gee, why would Bozo seek to reward them?
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
That's not going to work.
Job, 13:3 ff
But I would speak to the Almighty; I wish to reason with God.
If somehow it makes sense it's reason.
If it doesn't it's got to be faith.
Or despair.
Monday, January 20, 2020
Multiply bankrupt silver spoon moron hobnobs with real billionaires, many "self-made"
As his impeachment trial consumes Washington, Trump heads to Davos
If not for the other morons who made him president they would never give him the time of day.
If not for the other morons who made him president they would never give him the time of day.
Does Sanders beat Biden if Warren is out?
Top progressives back Sanders as skirmish with Warren rumbles on
He's a real socialist who hates capitalism and covers it up, she's a pro-capitalist lying opportunist weasel.
He's a real socialist who hates capitalism and covers it up, she's a pro-capitalist lying opportunist weasel.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Sound scary? That's the constitution.
'Faithless elector': Supreme Court will hear case that could change how presidents are chosen
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up an issue that could change a key element of the system America uses to elect its president, with a decision likely in the spring just as the campaign heats up.
The answer to the question could be a decisive one: Are the electors who cast the actual Electoral College ballots for president and vice president required to follow the results of the popular vote in their states?
Or are they free to vote as they wish?
If the Electors being utterly free scares you to death it probably would scare the whole country to death and move most people to support a constitutional amendment to abolish it.
Because if these guys are painfully honest about the constitution that's what they'll say.
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up an issue that could change a key element of the system America uses to elect its president, with a decision likely in the spring just as the campaign heats up.
The answer to the question could be a decisive one: Are the electors who cast the actual Electoral College ballots for president and vice president required to follow the results of the popular vote in their states?
Or are they free to vote as they wish?
If the Electors being utterly free scares you to death it probably would scare the whole country to death and move most people to support a constitutional amendment to abolish it.
Because if these guys are painfully honest about the constitution that's what they'll say.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Maybe best not Bernie
Bernie Sanders' real problem isn't Elizabeth Warren. It's Donald Trump
Oh?
She orchestrated this whole thing, including the scene at the end.
Even the moderator "called him a liar" and sided totally with her.
[Update 1/18. Feminist Democrats are totally covering this up and making Bernie the liar.]
'You called me a liar on national TV'
Pocahontas really let him have it.
Bernie has too much bad baggage and she's a vicious snake and an unscrupulous liar consumed with ambition.
Both are committed to left reforms that will not get passed even if they win the White House and the Democrats win both houses.
Trump aims to win another Electoral College victory.
And he might do it.
Oh?
She orchestrated this whole thing, including the scene at the end.
Even the moderator "called him a liar" and sided totally with her.
[Update 1/18. Feminist Democrats are totally covering this up and making Bernie the liar.]
'You called me a liar on national TV'
Pocahontas really let him have it.
Bernie has too much bad baggage and she's a vicious snake and an unscrupulous liar consumed with ambition.
Both are committed to left reforms that will not get passed even if they win the White House and the Democrats win both houses.
Trump aims to win another Electoral College victory.
And he might do it.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Assassination as reprisal
It was not a preemptive killing at all.
Trump authorized Soleimani's killing 7 months ago, with conditions
President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani seven months ago if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American, according to five current and former senior administration officials.
The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final signoff on any specific operation to kill Soleimani, officials said.
That decision explains why assassinating Soleimani was on the menu of options that the military presented to Trump two weeks ago for responding to an attack by Iranian proxies in Iraq, in which a U.S. contractor was killed and four U.S. service members were wounded, the officials said.
Trump authorized Soleimani's killing 7 months ago, with conditions
President Donald Trump authorized the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani seven months ago if Iran's increased aggression resulted in the death of an American, according to five current and former senior administration officials.
The presidential directive in June came with the condition that Trump would have final signoff on any specific operation to kill Soleimani, officials said.
That decision explains why assassinating Soleimani was on the menu of options that the military presented to Trump two weeks ago for responding to an attack by Iranian proxies in Iraq, in which a U.S. contractor was killed and four U.S. service members were wounded, the officials said.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Ah. Another campaign of lies.
Judge Judy sets the stage for Bloomberg’s anti-Trump rally
Is he running as a Democratic Trump?
Mike Bloomberg slammed President Trump – as well as his Democratic rivals – Saturday as he kicked off what he called “Day One” of his run for the White House.
“Unlike everyone else in this race, I think what’s important is beating Donald Trump,” he told about 45 supporters at a restaurant in San Antonio.
. . . .
TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin introduced Bloomberg with a dig at the left-wing Democrats running for the nomination.
“Those that are touting revolution in this country are wrong,” she said.
“It’s the best country on earth … It should have the greatest president.”
Is he running as a Democratic Trump?
Mike Bloomberg slammed President Trump – as well as his Democratic rivals – Saturday as he kicked off what he called “Day One” of his run for the White House.
“Unlike everyone else in this race, I think what’s important is beating Donald Trump,” he told about 45 supporters at a restaurant in San Antonio.
. . . .
TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin introduced Bloomberg with a dig at the left-wing Democrats running for the nomination.
“Those that are touting revolution in this country are wrong,” she said.
“It’s the best country on earth … It should have the greatest president.”
How is this horseshit legal? More dog wagging.
Trump administration warns Iraq could lose New York Fed account if US troops forced to leave: WSJ
The Trump administration this week warned Iraq that it could lose access to its central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York if Baghdad expels American troops from the region, Iraqi officials told The Wall Street Journal.
The State Department’s warning follows the U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top military commander and the face of the Islamic Republic’s interventions across the Middle East.
The strike led to Iraq’s parliament voting to force out American troops — a move some officials argued would hurt Iraq — and a counterstrike by Iran on two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq last week.
The Trump administration this week warned Iraq that it could lose access to its central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York if Baghdad expels American troops from the region, Iraqi officials told The Wall Street Journal.
The State Department’s warning follows the U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top military commander and the face of the Islamic Republic’s interventions across the Middle East.
The strike led to Iraq’s parliament voting to force out American troops — a move some officials argued would hurt Iraq — and a counterstrike by Iran on two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq last week.
Didn't work when Nixon tried it.
John Bolton impeachment testimony will be blocked, Donald Trump says
John Bolton will be blocked from testifying at Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the president has indicated, despite the former national security adviser insisting he would do so if he received a subpoena.
Trump claimed in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Friday night he would “love everybody to testify”, including Bolton, secretary of state Mike Pompeo and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
But he went on to say “there are things that you can’t do from the standpoint of executive privilege”.
“Especially a national security adviser,” Trump added. “You can’t have him explaining all of your statements about national security concerning Russia, China and North Korea, everything. You just can’t do that.”
Asked if that meant he would invoke executive privilege to prevent Bolton from testifying, Trump said: “I think you have to for the sake of the office.”
John Bolton will be blocked from testifying at Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the president has indicated, despite the former national security adviser insisting he would do so if he received a subpoena.
Trump claimed in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Friday night he would “love everybody to testify”, including Bolton, secretary of state Mike Pompeo and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
But he went on to say “there are things that you can’t do from the standpoint of executive privilege”.
“Especially a national security adviser,” Trump added. “You can’t have him explaining all of your statements about national security concerning Russia, China and North Korea, everything. You just can’t do that.”
Asked if that meant he would invoke executive privilege to prevent Bolton from testifying, Trump said: “I think you have to for the sake of the office.”
Iranians fess up
Iran admits to unintentionally shooting down Ukrainian plane
Iran has admitted it unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane hours after the country had launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops.
Officials blamed "human error" for taking down the jet and killing all 176 people aboard.
"Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Twitter.
Based on a preliminary conclusion by the armed forces, "human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif tweeted, seemingly attempting to lay some blame for the incident on the U.S.
Iran has admitted it unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane hours after the country had launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops.
Officials blamed "human error" for taking down the jet and killing all 176 people aboard.
"Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Twitter.
Based on a preliminary conclusion by the armed forces, "human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif tweeted, seemingly attempting to lay some blame for the incident on the U.S.
Friday, January 10, 2020
John Kerry on the Trump-Pompeo "outright lie"
At You Tube.
Iran sued to recover those frozen assets and won.
Oh, and NATO-ME?
Bozo is a complete idiot and Pompeo is a contemptible lying thug.
Iran sued to recover those frozen assets and won.
Oh, and NATO-ME?
Bozo is a complete idiot and Pompeo is a contemptible lying thug.
First this, then impeachment
House votes to limit Trump's military action against Iran without congressional approval
The House of Representatives on Thursday voted to approve a resolution aimed at restraining the President's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval, amid simmering tensions between the US and the country.
The vote was 224-194. Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Francis Rooney of Florida crossed party lines to vote in favor while Democratic Reps.
Max Rose of New York, Ben McAdams of Utah, Anthony Brindisi of New York, Joe Cunningham of South Carolina, Elaine Luria of Virginia, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Kendra Horn of Oklahoma and Stephanie Murphy of Florida voted against the resolution.
Now that the resolution has passed the House it will next go to the Senate.
MSNBC's McCaffrey claimed this morning that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and so is this.
Things to bear in mind include that Trump did not start a war and did not intend to start a war.
And killing Suleimani was not an intelligence activity.
The House of Representatives on Thursday voted to approve a resolution aimed at restraining the President's ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval, amid simmering tensions between the US and the country.
The vote was 224-194. Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Francis Rooney of Florida crossed party lines to vote in favor while Democratic Reps.
Max Rose of New York, Ben McAdams of Utah, Anthony Brindisi of New York, Joe Cunningham of South Carolina, Elaine Luria of Virginia, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Kendra Horn of Oklahoma and Stephanie Murphy of Florida voted against the resolution.
Now that the resolution has passed the House it will next go to the Senate.
MSNBC's McCaffrey claimed this morning that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and so is this.
Things to bear in mind include that Trump did not start a war and did not intend to start a war.
And killing Suleimani was not an intelligence activity.
More great news for Iran and Russia
Iraqi leader asks U.S. to "lay down the mechanisms" for military withdrawal
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has asked the Trump administration to send a delegation to Baghdad to "lay down the mechanisms for implementing" America's military withdrawal.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Mahdi said Iraq was "keen to keep the best relations" with its allies, but noted the parliament's decision that the U.S. should "safely withdraw troops from Iraq."
The prime minister did not give a timeline, but according to the statement, he asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the phone Thursday "to send delegates to Iraq to lay down the mechanisms for implementing (the) Iraqi Parliament's decision."
Mahdi also told Pompeo "that there are American forces entering Iraq and American drones flying in its skies without permission from the Iraqi government, and that this constitutes a breach of the agreements in place."r
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has asked the Trump administration to send a delegation to Baghdad to "lay down the mechanisms for implementing" America's military withdrawal.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Mahdi said Iraq was "keen to keep the best relations" with its allies, but noted the parliament's decision that the U.S. should "safely withdraw troops from Iraq."
The prime minister did not give a timeline, but according to the statement, he asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the phone Thursday "to send delegates to Iraq to lay down the mechanisms for implementing (the) Iraqi Parliament's decision."
Mahdi also told Pompeo "that there are American forces entering Iraq and American drones flying in its skies without permission from the Iraqi government, and that this constitutes a breach of the agreements in place."r
Several states have satellite data establishing the Iranians did it
Video appears to show missile strike as Canada and UK say they have intel Iran shot down Ukrainian plane
Meanwhile Iran is rearranging and even removing crash pieces on the ground, some of which have been identified in photos as Russian SAM wreckage.
Iran is lying and the Russians are backing them up.
Meanwhile Iran is rearranging and even removing crash pieces on the ground, some of which have been identified in photos as Russian SAM wreckage.
Iran is lying and the Russians are backing them up.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Would it matter if the Bidens really did have something corrupt going on in Ukraine?
That Suleimani was indeed a bad guy whose job was to plan terrorist attacks and devastation of civilian targets, among other, and that he doubtless did have enterprises at various phases of the planning stage do not add up to legal justification (no imminent threat) for acting without prior consultation with at least the Gang of Eight, not do they make this a lawful targeted killing rather than an illegal assassination.
Nor, of course, do those facts prevent this attack from being a wildly reckless and evil gamble (consider how may people would have died, lots of them Americans but mostly others and a lot of them noncombatants, had this gone as wrong as it might have), a wag the dog blow against impeachment, a campaign stunt and a thumb in the eye of Obama and the Democrats
So, if there really was dirt to be found on the Bidens, would that convert his impeachable subordination of foreign policy to the need of his reelection campaign to "dirty up" Joe Biden to a perfectly lawful hunt for proof of corruption?
No.
The crime boss in the White House is as far from being an Eliot Ness crime fighter as Al Capone, and is just as disturbed at the thought of corruption among government officials.
That is, not at all.
Unless pursuing it can serve his own interests, likely criminal themselves, in some way.
Nor, of course, do those facts prevent this attack from being a wildly reckless and evil gamble (consider how may people would have died, lots of them Americans but mostly others and a lot of them noncombatants, had this gone as wrong as it might have), a wag the dog blow against impeachment, a campaign stunt and a thumb in the eye of Obama and the Democrats
So, if there really was dirt to be found on the Bidens, would that convert his impeachable subordination of foreign policy to the need of his reelection campaign to "dirty up" Joe Biden to a perfectly lawful hunt for proof of corruption?
No.
The crime boss in the White House is as far from being an Eliot Ness crime fighter as Al Capone, and is just as disturbed at the thought of corruption among government officials.
That is, not at all.
Unless pursuing it can serve his own interests, likely criminal themselves, in some way.
Was it shot down?
And they're covering it up?
Ukrainian Boeing plane crash in Iran, investigators hunt for clues
Ukraine is investigating multiple possible causes of Wednesday's deadly jetliner crash that killed 176 passengers and crew shortly after takeoff in Tehran.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defence council chief, Oleksiy Danilov, wrote on Facebook that a meeting is taking place Thursday with Iranian authorities, where various causes behind the crash are "being studied."
These include the theory that the plane was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, Danilov wrote.
It's still not clear what caused the crash and several explanations, including technical failure, have not been ruled out.
Other theories under consideration are whether the plane collided with a drone or “other flying object”; technical problems with the plane’s engine causing it to explode, or finally whether an explosion inside the plane was a terrorist act.
Ukrainian Boeing plane crash in Iran, investigators hunt for clues
Ukraine is investigating multiple possible causes of Wednesday's deadly jetliner crash that killed 176 passengers and crew shortly after takeoff in Tehran.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defence council chief, Oleksiy Danilov, wrote on Facebook that a meeting is taking place Thursday with Iranian authorities, where various causes behind the crash are "being studied."
These include the theory that the plane was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, Danilov wrote.
It's still not clear what caused the crash and several explanations, including technical failure, have not been ruled out.
Other theories under consideration are whether the plane collided with a drone or “other flying object”; technical problems with the plane’s engine causing it to explode, or finally whether an explosion inside the plane was a terrorist act.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Maybe it's really just about getting a better Iran deal than O got
Judging from what Trump's complaint has always been and his deathless need to out-do Obama, that's his real objective.
And he's closer to that goal than ever if he doesn't take another step up the escalator.
Great bragging rights behind which to obscure the whole impeachment thing.
Update during and after Bozo's speech.
Confirmation.
The Duce is puffed up enormously, even accusing the O administration of giving the Iranian regime billions and paying for the attacks carried out by their proxies - an accusation I first heard put out there with great vigor by Pompeo a few days ago and a distortion of reality so great as to be a vicious and contemptible lie.
That was actually Iranian money in the US that had been frozen before the deal and was released to them at its conclusion.
He insists Europe abandon the remnants of the Obama deal and join with Trump in working out a better deal that prevents Iran going nuclear while imposing greater restraint.
He's going to invite NATO to help work on that new agreement.
He's announced heavier sanctions on Iran.
As usual, he's taking credit for modifications and upgrades to the military that were begun under O, and for the economy that has, indeed, continued to improve during his presidency.
And he took credit for 40 years of market change that has made the US pretty much energy independent of any need for foreign oil or gas.
He invited Iran to continue to cooperate with the US in fighting ISIS.
And he offered peace and a welcome to the international community to the people of Iran.
No questions.
Chris Matthews, looking at what Pompeo, Pence, and the other hawks around Bozo are known to want, and (rather weirdly) the repeated use of the word "regime", thinks Trump's moves are really aimed at regime change.
To me it looks more like he's been telling the truth all along, he does not want war, and really does just want a better deal than O got.
If the regime collapsed under pressure he would take credit, of course.
But I think it's clear he's not really with the crazy hawks.
He's using them to wreck the O deal because only they wanted to wreck the O deal.
There wasn't anybody else to use.
And he's closer to that goal than ever if he doesn't take another step up the escalator.
Great bragging rights behind which to obscure the whole impeachment thing.
Update during and after Bozo's speech.
Confirmation.
The Duce is puffed up enormously, even accusing the O administration of giving the Iranian regime billions and paying for the attacks carried out by their proxies - an accusation I first heard put out there with great vigor by Pompeo a few days ago and a distortion of reality so great as to be a vicious and contemptible lie.
That was actually Iranian money in the US that had been frozen before the deal and was released to them at its conclusion.
He insists Europe abandon the remnants of the Obama deal and join with Trump in working out a better deal that prevents Iran going nuclear while imposing greater restraint.
He's going to invite NATO to help work on that new agreement.
He's announced heavier sanctions on Iran.
As usual, he's taking credit for modifications and upgrades to the military that were begun under O, and for the economy that has, indeed, continued to improve during his presidency.
And he took credit for 40 years of market change that has made the US pretty much energy independent of any need for foreign oil or gas.
He invited Iran to continue to cooperate with the US in fighting ISIS.
And he offered peace and a welcome to the international community to the people of Iran.
No questions.
Chris Matthews, looking at what Pompeo, Pence, and the other hawks around Bozo are known to want, and (rather weirdly) the repeated use of the word "regime", thinks Trump's moves are really aimed at regime change.
To me it looks more like he's been telling the truth all along, he does not want war, and really does just want a better deal than O got.
If the regime collapsed under pressure he would take credit, of course.
But I think it's clear he's not really with the crazy hawks.
He's using them to wreck the O deal because only they wanted to wreck the O deal.
There wasn't anybody else to use.
But the hawks are still screaming
Lindsey Graham threatens to take Iran ‘ut of the oil business’ in wake of missile strike
While President Trump issued an uncharacteristically measured response Tuesday night to Iran’s launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops, his vocal ally and golfing buddy Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) took a different approach: threatening Iran with the destruction of its oil industry.
“Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime’s economic viability,” Graham said on Fox News, addressing Iran. “You continue this crap, you’re going to wake up one day out of the oil business.”
Sean Hannity Calls For ‘Full Force’ Of U.S. Military To Strike Iran
“There is a massive price to pay. You don’t get to do what they did tonight. They have now been begging ― the president wanted to talk and wants peace ― and they are going to get hit hard. Their hostility will now be met with the full force of the greatest, most advanced, most sophisticated military this world has ever seen.”
Hannity suggested the U.S. should bomb Iranian oil refineries.
And who says there's enough unity in the Iranian government for it as a whole to adhere to the idea this was the whole of their response?
Hardliners cannot be happy with this.
EU leaders plead with Trump not to respond to Iranian attacks
European leaders have pleaded in public and in private with the Trump administration to draw a line in its conflict with Iran, and not to respond militarily to the Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq.
Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a planned statement to the American people late on Tuesday night was seen as a sign that the White House was willing to consult allies before taking any further action.
But European diplomats said they still feared that the weight of opinion in Washington was finely balanced, with hawks insisting that the US must respond militarily to the first official state sponsored attack on the US by Iran since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
There is, however, relief that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his remarks on Wednesday morning did not speak of further military action and that the bulk of the Iranian military spokesman only threatened further action if the US itself fired back.
While President Trump issued an uncharacteristically measured response Tuesday night to Iran’s launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops, his vocal ally and golfing buddy Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) took a different approach: threatening Iran with the destruction of its oil industry.
“Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime’s economic viability,” Graham said on Fox News, addressing Iran. “You continue this crap, you’re going to wake up one day out of the oil business.”
Sean Hannity Calls For ‘Full Force’ Of U.S. Military To Strike Iran
“There is a massive price to pay. You don’t get to do what they did tonight. They have now been begging ― the president wanted to talk and wants peace ― and they are going to get hit hard. Their hostility will now be met with the full force of the greatest, most advanced, most sophisticated military this world has ever seen.”
Hannity suggested the U.S. should bomb Iranian oil refineries.
And who says there's enough unity in the Iranian government for it as a whole to adhere to the idea this was the whole of their response?
Hardliners cannot be happy with this.
EU leaders plead with Trump not to respond to Iranian attacks
European leaders have pleaded in public and in private with the Trump administration to draw a line in its conflict with Iran, and not to respond militarily to the Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq.
Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a planned statement to the American people late on Tuesday night was seen as a sign that the White House was willing to consult allies before taking any further action.
But European diplomats said they still feared that the weight of opinion in Washington was finely balanced, with hawks insisting that the US must respond militarily to the first official state sponsored attack on the US by Iran since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
There is, however, relief that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his remarks on Wednesday morning did not speak of further military action and that the bulk of the Iranian military spokesman only threatened further action if the US itself fired back.
Pompeo, too?
Pompeo orders diplomats not to meet with Iranian opposition groups amid tensions
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent a cable to all US missions overseas ordering diplomats not to meet with Iranian opposition groups without specific approval because it could further exacerbate tensions with the Iranian regime.
"Many exiled Iranian opposition groups try to engage U.S. officials regularly to gain at least the appearance of tacit support and enhance their visibility and clout," Pompeo said, according to a copy of the cable obtained by CNN.
He noted that many of these groups "have previously or are currently using violent means in support of their political aims."
"Direct U.S. government engagement with these groups could prove counterproductive to our policy goal of seeking a comprehensive deal with the Iranian regime that addresses its destabilizing behavior," Pompeo wrote.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent a cable to all US missions overseas ordering diplomats not to meet with Iranian opposition groups without specific approval because it could further exacerbate tensions with the Iranian regime.
"Many exiled Iranian opposition groups try to engage U.S. officials regularly to gain at least the appearance of tacit support and enhance their visibility and clout," Pompeo said, according to a copy of the cable obtained by CNN.
He noted that many of these groups "have previously or are currently using violent means in support of their political aims."
"Direct U.S. government engagement with these groups could prove counterproductive to our policy goal of seeking a comprehensive deal with the Iranian regime that addresses its destabilizing behavior," Pompeo wrote.
Some of the slower folks catching up
Iran leaves Trump an off-ramp, but will he take it?
There was little doubt when President Donald Trump ordered a fatal strike last week on Qassem Soleimani that Iran would feel compelled to retaliate.
The question was how hard — and what would Trump do next?
By limiting its initial response to airstrikes on an Iraqi base used by U.S. forces, Iran appears to have sought to leave Trump an off-ramp: score settled, no need to escalate.
There were multiple signs that Iran had tailored its action to be arguably commensurate to Trump’s.
. . . .
Several hours after the first wave of missile strikes, there were no reports of U.S. casualties.
In its place, there was a growing sense that Iran had deliberately missed hitting sites head-on that would likely inflict serious U.S. casualties so as to make its point without overly inflaming the situation.
Indeed, in Iran’s first English-language comment on the strikes on Ain al-Asad air base, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his nation did “not seek escalation or war,” but merely to “defend ourselves against any aggression.”
“Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense,” Zarif, Iran’s chief interlocutor with the West, wrote on Twitter.
. . . .
For Trump, it [not retaliating again] could also allow him to argue that Democrats’ frantic reactions to his strike on Soleimani, with lawmakers warning he might have dragged the U.S. into a new war, were misguided and ultimately incorrect.
That could embolden Trump as he seeks re-election to assert that his foreign policy decision-making had been vindicated when it mattered most.
But it was deeply uncertain whether Trump’s pugnacious disposition and previous vows to punch back if Iran retaliated would allow him to look the other way as opposed to volleying back even harder.
Some administration officials believe Iran intentionally missed areas with Americans
There is a growing belief among some Trump administration officials that Iran's missiles intentionally missed areas populated by Americans when they targeted two Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday local time, multiple administration officials said.
These officials floated the notion that Iran could have directed their missiles to hit areas that are populated by Americans, but intentionally did not.
And they suggested Iran may have chosen to send a message rather than take significant enough action to provoke a substantial US military response, a possible signal the administration was looking for rationale to calm the tensions.
Iranian missiles also landed close to the US consulate in Erbil, but didn't target the consulate itself, though the belief is that they could have.
There was little doubt when President Donald Trump ordered a fatal strike last week on Qassem Soleimani that Iran would feel compelled to retaliate.
The question was how hard — and what would Trump do next?
By limiting its initial response to airstrikes on an Iraqi base used by U.S. forces, Iran appears to have sought to leave Trump an off-ramp: score settled, no need to escalate.
There were multiple signs that Iran had tailored its action to be arguably commensurate to Trump’s.
. . . .
Several hours after the first wave of missile strikes, there were no reports of U.S. casualties.
In its place, there was a growing sense that Iran had deliberately missed hitting sites head-on that would likely inflict serious U.S. casualties so as to make its point without overly inflaming the situation.
Indeed, in Iran’s first English-language comment on the strikes on Ain al-Asad air base, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his nation did “not seek escalation or war,” but merely to “defend ourselves against any aggression.”
“Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense,” Zarif, Iran’s chief interlocutor with the West, wrote on Twitter.
. . . .
For Trump, it [not retaliating again] could also allow him to argue that Democrats’ frantic reactions to his strike on Soleimani, with lawmakers warning he might have dragged the U.S. into a new war, were misguided and ultimately incorrect.
That could embolden Trump as he seeks re-election to assert that his foreign policy decision-making had been vindicated when it mattered most.
But it was deeply uncertain whether Trump’s pugnacious disposition and previous vows to punch back if Iran retaliated would allow him to look the other way as opposed to volleying back even harder.
Some administration officials believe Iran intentionally missed areas with Americans
There is a growing belief among some Trump administration officials that Iran's missiles intentionally missed areas populated by Americans when they targeted two Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday local time, multiple administration officials said.
These officials floated the notion that Iran could have directed their missiles to hit areas that are populated by Americans, but intentionally did not.
And they suggested Iran may have chosen to send a message rather than take significant enough action to provoke a substantial US military response, a possible signal the administration was looking for rationale to calm the tensions.
Iranian missiles also landed close to the US consulate in Erbil, but didn't target the consulate itself, though the belief is that they could have.
The forgotten man's defender strikes again
Trump Administration Quietly Goes After Disability Benefits
Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance benefits under a recent Trump administration proposal ― a change that could affect thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November.
Under the proposed change, the government would look more closely at whether certain disability insurance recipients still qualify as “disabled” after they’ve already been awarded those benefits.
While recipients already have to demonstrate their continuing disability every few years, the proposal would ramp up the examinations, potentially running still-eligible beneficiaries out of the program.
Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance benefits under a recent Trump administration proposal ― a change that could affect thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November.
Under the proposed change, the government would look more closely at whether certain disability insurance recipients still qualify as “disabled” after they’ve already been awarded those benefits.
While recipients already have to demonstrate their continuing disability every few years, the proposal would ramp up the examinations, potentially running still-eligible beneficiaries out of the program.
Iran's measured response
Put it this way.
They did not assassinate Mike Pompeo.
They did not unleash their proxies all over the region.
They are not opting for war and the response is about as little as possible without being risible.
Odd that more people don't see it.
According to Iran, those missiles were the whole of it. Done. They drew a line under it. Over to Trump to decide where it goes next.
Can Trump resist taking the next step on the escalator to war?
Or even just keep it diminuendo so the series of strikes and counter-strikes can peter out?
Pretty safe bet the hawks who have his ear are not urging that.
Iran retaliates for attack on general by firing missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq
Iran retaliated for the killing of a top general by firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces on Wednesday local time.
Defense Department said there was no question about the source of the missiles, and the Iranian government quickly claimed responsibility.
"It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel," the Pentagon said in a statement.
It was unclear whether there was any damage to Ain al-Asad air base, which President Donald Trump visited in 2018, or whether there were any deaths or injuries.
The president said in a tweet that "all is well!" and that damages and casualties were being assessed.
As Congress reacts to Iran attack on U.S. forces, Pelosi says 'world cannot afford war'
Members of Congress said Tuesday night that they were praying for U.S. military forces overseas and that they were monitoring developments following news that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted that the United States and the world "cannot afford war."
"Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war," she said.
It's looking like some of the Shiite cat's paws in the region may not be willing to accept Iran's choice to respond entirely on its own and in so limited a way.
Hezbollah in Lebanon and some militias in Iraq are grousing and in the latter case openly signally they will take action of their own at least on the same scale as Iran's.
Will Trump resist the temptation to blame all such responses on Iran and leap onto that escalator?
How many dead to wag the dog?
They did not assassinate Mike Pompeo.
They did not unleash their proxies all over the region.
They are not opting for war and the response is about as little as possible without being risible.
Odd that more people don't see it.
According to Iran, those missiles were the whole of it. Done. They drew a line under it. Over to Trump to decide where it goes next.
Can Trump resist taking the next step on the escalator to war?
Or even just keep it diminuendo so the series of strikes and counter-strikes can peter out?
Pretty safe bet the hawks who have his ear are not urging that.
Iran retaliates for attack on general by firing missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq
Iran retaliated for the killing of a top general by firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces on Wednesday local time.
Defense Department said there was no question about the source of the missiles, and the Iranian government quickly claimed responsibility.
"It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel," the Pentagon said in a statement.
It was unclear whether there was any damage to Ain al-Asad air base, which President Donald Trump visited in 2018, or whether there were any deaths or injuries.
The president said in a tweet that "all is well!" and that damages and casualties were being assessed.
As Congress reacts to Iran attack on U.S. forces, Pelosi says 'world cannot afford war'
Members of Congress said Tuesday night that they were praying for U.S. military forces overseas and that they were monitoring developments following news that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted that the United States and the world "cannot afford war."
"Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war," she said.
It's looking like some of the Shiite cat's paws in the region may not be willing to accept Iran's choice to respond entirely on its own and in so limited a way.
Hezbollah in Lebanon and some militias in Iraq are grousing and in the latter case openly signally they will take action of their own at least on the same scale as Iran's.
Will Trump resist the temptation to blame all such responses on Iran and leap onto that escalator?
How many dead to wag the dog?
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Conspicuously not elected officials
Republicans who don't mute their criticisms of Trump and his idiotic moves on Iran
A National Review piece.
Scarborough in WAPO.
This one may be an overreaction.
Why take a chance trying to contain nuclear ambitions of even more America-hating, terrorist-loving states?
How's that containment stuff working out in the Axis of Nuts?
A somewhat different view at NR.
A National Review piece.
Scarborough in WAPO.
This one may be an overreaction.
Why take a chance trying to contain nuclear ambitions of even more America-hating, terrorist-loving states?
How's that containment stuff working out in the Axis of Nuts?
A somewhat different view at NR.
Is Tucker Carlson the new Shep Smith?
No, he seems much angrier than Shep ever did.
And he's still peddling Trumpist bullshit about everything to do with Russiagate.
But this rant is definitely worth watching.
"So we trust the Deep State now?"
And he's still peddling Trumpist bullshit about everything to do with Russiagate.
But this rant is definitely worth watching.
"So we trust the Deep State now?"
You should see my 1971 class ring from Holy Cross College
Donald Trump Jr posts crusader symbol image amid Middle East turmoil
Donald Trump Jr was criticised on Monday after posting to Instagram a picture in which he posed with an assault rifle bearing a heraldic Jerusalem or “five-fold” cross, as carried by medieval knights on crusades in the Holy Land.
The class ring looks pretty much like this.
The Holy Cross Crusaders.
Donald Trump Jr was criticised on Monday after posting to Instagram a picture in which he posed with an assault rifle bearing a heraldic Jerusalem or “five-fold” cross, as carried by medieval knights on crusades in the Holy Land.
The class ring looks pretty much like this.
The Holy Cross Crusaders.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Bolton is willing
Bolton willing to testify in Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Bolton writes, "I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify."
Bolton had a front-row seat to the White House’s pressure campaign against Ukraine to investigate the son of Trump’s political rival, Joe Biden, including the decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Bolton writes, "I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify."
Bolton had a front-row seat to the White House’s pressure campaign against Ukraine to investigate the son of Trump’s political rival, Joe Biden, including the decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine.
Trump personally wags the dog
Tweet,
Congress & the President should not be wasting their time and energy on a continuation of the totally partisan Impeachment Hoax when we have so many important matters pending.
196 to ZERO was the Republican House vote, & we got 3 Dems.
This was not what the Founders had in mind!
Congress & the President should not be wasting their time and energy on a continuation of the totally partisan Impeachment Hoax when we have so many important matters pending.
196 to ZERO was the Republican House vote, & we got 3 Dems.
This was not what the Founders had in mind!
Iraq to give us the boot
Trump doubles down on threat to Iranian cultural sites, demands Iraq pay for U.S. base
The crime boss speaks.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington Sunday from a holiday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said:
"They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesn’t work that way."
Meaning "I'm not going to obey the law. War crimes? Who gives a shit?"
And it never occurs to him to find out whether there might be binding legal obligations limiting his actions.
Who will make him obey?
Trump on Sunday night also sounded a note of defiance over the news that Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from the country. He said military personnel would not leave unless Iraq pays the U.S. back for an airbase there.
"We have a very extraordinarily expensive airbase that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time," Trump said. "We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it."
Or that some actions might require legislative backing.
The president went on to say that if Iraq forces the U.S. military out of Iraq, "we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."
"If there’s any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq," Trump said.
He's too stupid to see that all his bullying could easily backfire.
Iraq's prime minister has scheduled a meeting Monday with the American ambassador to discuss the U.S. role in Iraq, according to two officials familiar with the planning.
The officials say Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi is expected to tell Ambassador Matthew Tueller that U.S. troops will have to leave the country, and he is expected to ask for a timeline.
The crime boss speaks.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington Sunday from a holiday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said:
"They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesn’t work that way."
Meaning "I'm not going to obey the law. War crimes? Who gives a shit?"
And it never occurs to him to find out whether there might be binding legal obligations limiting his actions.
Who will make him obey?
Trump on Sunday night also sounded a note of defiance over the news that Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from the country. He said military personnel would not leave unless Iraq pays the U.S. back for an airbase there.
"We have a very extraordinarily expensive airbase that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time," Trump said. "We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it."
Or that some actions might require legislative backing.
The president went on to say that if Iraq forces the U.S. military out of Iraq, "we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."
"If there’s any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq," Trump said.
He's too stupid to see that all his bullying could easily backfire.
Iraq's prime minister has scheduled a meeting Monday with the American ambassador to discuss the U.S. role in Iraq, according to two officials familiar with the planning.
The officials say Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi is expected to tell Ambassador Matthew Tueller that U.S. troops will have to leave the country, and he is expected to ask for a timeline.
The universal bully bullies Iraq
Trump warns of sanctions if Iraq tries to expel U.S. troops
He always takes it for granted he can do anything at all that pops into his head.
And I guess he can if Republicans continue to block any and every effort to control him.
The targeted killing of Soleimani sparked outrage in the Middle East, including in Iraq, where more than 5,000 American troops are still on the ground 17 years after the U.S. invasion.
Iraq’s parliament voted Sunday in favor of a nonbinding resolution calling for the expulsion of the American forces.
Trump said the U.S. wouldn’t leave without being paid for its military investments in Iraq over the years — then said if the troops do have to withdraw, he would hit Baghdad with economic penalties.
“We will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame,” he said.
“If there’s any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq.”
He added: “We’re not leaving until they pay us back for it.”
He always takes it for granted he can do anything at all that pops into his head.
And I guess he can if Republicans continue to block any and every effort to control him.
The targeted killing of Soleimani sparked outrage in the Middle East, including in Iraq, where more than 5,000 American troops are still on the ground 17 years after the U.S. invasion.
Iraq’s parliament voted Sunday in favor of a nonbinding resolution calling for the expulsion of the American forces.
Trump said the U.S. wouldn’t leave without being paid for its military investments in Iraq over the years — then said if the troops do have to withdraw, he would hit Baghdad with economic penalties.
“We will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame,” he said.
“If there’s any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq.”
He added: “We’re not leaving until they pay us back for it.”
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Guy was doubtless already on the radar. Any bets on when he makes the hit list?
Hezbollah Vows to End U.S. Military Presence in Middle East
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group vowed Sunday to end the U.S. military’s presence in the Middle East, saying U.S. bases, warships and soldiers were all fair targets following the recent U.S. killing of an Iranian general.
Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group vowed Sunday to end the U.S. military’s presence in the Middle East, saying U.S. bases, warships and soldiers were all fair targets following the recent U.S. killing of an Iranian general.
Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
Persians are brown or black, huh? Might come as a surprise to them.
Megyn Kelly slams Colin Kaepernick's Iran tweet: 'I will not be shamed over calling out bull**** claims of racism'
Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick has also weighed in, criticizing the U.S. for taking military action against Iran and linking it to racially motivated imperialism.
“There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against Black and Brown people for the expansion of American imperialism,” the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, known for his kneeling protests against police brutality, tweeted.
“America has always sanctioned and besieged Black and Brown bodies both at home and abroad. America militarism is the weapon wielded by American imperialism, to enforce its policing and plundering of the non-white world.”
Gotta say I'm with Megan on this one.
Does he think the Amerindian population was brown or black?
Does he think the Nisei were brown or black?
He's spent too much time subject to propaganda of the left that the only whites are eurowhites, or at any rate the only people Americans regard as white are eurowhites.
Crock of shit, really.
Tell it to Danny Thomas and his children and every family running a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(Do Turkish immigrant families run Turkish restaurants or coffee houses? Damned good coffee.)
Tell it to Fernand Braudel who referred to the Mediterranean basin as the central feature of the historic geographic home of the white race and the nursery of most of their civilizations.
The left find it handy to paint the hostilities between Christian Europe and some of the inhabitants of Muslim lands - and some of the lands themselves - around the Med and extending across Anatolia, the Middle East, and Central Asia as turning on race, or at any rate as in some central way a clash of people or peoples of different races.
But not.
And is all this simmering conflict with the Axis of nuts, not just Iran but North Korea, just a spasm of racist, imperialist "policing and plundering of the non-white world" by evil white America?
Umm, nah.
Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick has also weighed in, criticizing the U.S. for taking military action against Iran and linking it to racially motivated imperialism.
“There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against Black and Brown people for the expansion of American imperialism,” the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, known for his kneeling protests against police brutality, tweeted.
“America has always sanctioned and besieged Black and Brown bodies both at home and abroad. America militarism is the weapon wielded by American imperialism, to enforce its policing and plundering of the non-white world.”
Gotta say I'm with Megan on this one.
Does he think the Amerindian population was brown or black?
Does he think the Nisei were brown or black?
He's spent too much time subject to propaganda of the left that the only whites are eurowhites, or at any rate the only people Americans regard as white are eurowhites.
Crock of shit, really.
Tell it to Danny Thomas and his children and every family running a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(Do Turkish immigrant families run Turkish restaurants or coffee houses? Damned good coffee.)
Tell it to Fernand Braudel who referred to the Mediterranean basin as the central feature of the historic geographic home of the white race and the nursery of most of their civilizations.
The left find it handy to paint the hostilities between Christian Europe and some of the inhabitants of Muslim lands - and some of the lands themselves - around the Med and extending across Anatolia, the Middle East, and Central Asia as turning on race, or at any rate as in some central way a clash of people or peoples of different races.
But not.
And is all this simmering conflict with the Axis of nuts, not just Iran but North Korea, just a spasm of racist, imperialist "policing and plundering of the non-white world" by evil white America?
Umm, nah.
It's a tie, so I win.
Naomi, Expanse 1, 5: "Then it's two against two. We're not going anywhere."
Tie goes to me, she says, and walks away. And nobody protests.
Tie goes to me, she says, and walks away. And nobody protests.
And Americans have had about enough, anyway
Our Poll Finds A Majority Of Americans Think The Evidence Supports Trump’s Removal
And they support witness at the senate trial.
And they support new witnesses related to revelations since the articles were voted.
And they want those damned subpoenas obeyed.
And they support witness at the senate trial.
And they support new witnesses related to revelations since the articles were voted.
And they want those damned subpoenas obeyed.
Trump tweets to congress: this is all the notice you're going to get, and I won't seek and don't need your permision
I will wage war without asking and without even advising in advance, he is saying.
Pompeo and other nutcases are fine with all this egregiously illegal and unconstitutional behavior.
And the congressional Republicans?
Trump warns of 'disproportionate' response if Iran strikes US targets
President Trump warned Sunday of a "disproportionate" military response to Iran if it carries out a retaliatory strike against the U.S.
Trump said "these Media Posts" -- seemingly referring to his tweets -- "will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner.”
“Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!," he added in his tweet.
Steve M. has been warning for months that the Duce will not leave the White House if he loses in 2020 or when his second term (if he wins one) runs out in 2024.
I took that to be entirely Democratic bullshit propaganda.
But maybe not, eh?
Unsurprisingly, justification for such a refusal has already been provided by Pat Buchanan in several of his columns about how democracy - the republican order of our representative government - is harming the US and authoritarianism might be just the thing.
The authoritarian being Trump, or anyone of his ilk.
Pompeo and other nutcases are fine with all this egregiously illegal and unconstitutional behavior.
And the congressional Republicans?
Trump warns of 'disproportionate' response if Iran strikes US targets
President Trump warned Sunday of a "disproportionate" military response to Iran if it carries out a retaliatory strike against the U.S.
Trump said "these Media Posts" -- seemingly referring to his tweets -- "will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner.”
“Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!," he added in his tweet.
Steve M. has been warning for months that the Duce will not leave the White House if he loses in 2020 or when his second term (if he wins one) runs out in 2024.
I took that to be entirely Democratic bullshit propaganda.
But maybe not, eh?
Unsurprisingly, justification for such a refusal has already been provided by Pat Buchanan in several of his columns about how democracy - the republican order of our representative government - is harming the US and authoritarianism might be just the thing.
The authoritarian being Trump, or anyone of his ilk.
Cultural sites legitimate targets or unlawful and criminal?
Stupid and outrageous even if lawful to attack them, and I don't think lawful.
Teheran has rightly compared such attacks with the crimes of ISIS and the Taliban.
Mike Pompeo is just fine with targeting such sites, though.
Senior US officials say there is widespread opposition within the Trump administration to targeting cultural sites in Iran
Two senior US officials on Sunday described widespread opposition within the administration to targeting cultural sites in Iran should the United States launch retaliatory strikes against Tehran, despite President Donald Trump saying a day before that such sites are among dozens the US has identified as potential targets.
"Nothing rallies people like the deliberate destruction of beloved cultural sites. Whether ISIS's destruction of religious monuments or the burning of the Leuven Library in WWI, history shows targeting locations giving civilization meaning is not only immoral but self-defeating," one of the officials told CNN.
"The Persian people hold a deeply influential and beautiful history of poetry, logic, art and science. Iran's leaders do not live up to that history. But America would be better served by leaders who embrace Persian culture, not threaten to destroy it," they added.
Teheran has rightly compared such attacks with the crimes of ISIS and the Taliban.
Mike Pompeo is just fine with targeting such sites, though.
Senior US officials say there is widespread opposition within the Trump administration to targeting cultural sites in Iran
Two senior US officials on Sunday described widespread opposition within the administration to targeting cultural sites in Iran should the United States launch retaliatory strikes against Tehran, despite President Donald Trump saying a day before that such sites are among dozens the US has identified as potential targets.
"Nothing rallies people like the deliberate destruction of beloved cultural sites. Whether ISIS's destruction of religious monuments or the burning of the Leuven Library in WWI, history shows targeting locations giving civilization meaning is not only immoral but self-defeating," one of the officials told CNN.
"The Persian people hold a deeply influential and beautiful history of poetry, logic, art and science. Iran's leaders do not live up to that history. But America would be better served by leaders who embrace Persian culture, not threaten to destroy it," they added.
A strategy of crimes against American law, of unconstitutional actions, and of war crimes
Pompeo: U.S. is now targeting Iran’s ‘actual decision-makers’
Totally unauthorized acts of war that would likely be, moreover, war crimes, in defiance of American law and the constitution.
That's his plan, to do all this without worrying about the congress at all.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday the U.S. strategy in countering Iran is to target the country’s “actual decision-makers” rather than to focus on Iranian proxy forces in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Pompeo was explaining U.S. strategy in the aftermath of the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s most powerful general, Qassem Soleimani, who was mastermind of the country’s military operations outside Iran.
. . . .
Pompeo strongly criticized the Iran policy of the Obama administration, saying it fruitlessly focused on Iranian proxies rather than on Iran itself.
He said the U.S. had previously sought to “challenge and attack everybody who was running around with an AK-47 or a piece of indirect artillery. We’ve made a very different approach.
"We’ve told the Iranian regime, ‘Enough. You can’t get away with using proxy forces and think your homeland will be safe and secure.’
"We’re going to respond against the actual decision-makers, the people who are causing this threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Totally unauthorized acts of war that would likely be, moreover, war crimes, in defiance of American law and the constitution.
That's his plan, to do all this without worrying about the congress at all.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday the U.S. strategy in countering Iran is to target the country’s “actual decision-makers” rather than to focus on Iranian proxy forces in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Pompeo was explaining U.S. strategy in the aftermath of the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s most powerful general, Qassem Soleimani, who was mastermind of the country’s military operations outside Iran.
. . . .
Pompeo strongly criticized the Iran policy of the Obama administration, saying it fruitlessly focused on Iranian proxies rather than on Iran itself.
He said the U.S. had previously sought to “challenge and attack everybody who was running around with an AK-47 or a piece of indirect artillery. We’ve made a very different approach.
"We’ve told the Iranian regime, ‘Enough. You can’t get away with using proxy forces and think your homeland will be safe and secure.’
"We’re going to respond against the actual decision-makers, the people who are causing this threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Graham for Trump and (again) against the constitution
Graham urges Senate rules change to speed impeachment trial
Seeking to break a deadlock over President Donald Trump’s impeachment, a top Republican said Sunday he will push a change in rules that would allow a Senate trial to move forward immediately if Democrats do not agree to its format this week.
He is urging blatantly unconstitutional behavior upon the senate, reportedly to please the Duce and express his impatience.
The constitution consigns the role of prosecuting in the senate to the house.
Can't proceed without prosecution and can't deny that role to the house.
But it seems there is a concerted strategy of Republicans emerging to force Pelosi to send over the articles of impeachment and thus clear the way for some quick senate cover-up while the press is obsessed with the new Iran/Iraq crisis.
Or just to say fuck it and ditch the thing unconstitutionally.
Seeking to break a deadlock over President Donald Trump’s impeachment, a top Republican said Sunday he will push a change in rules that would allow a Senate trial to move forward immediately if Democrats do not agree to its format this week.
He is urging blatantly unconstitutional behavior upon the senate, reportedly to please the Duce and express his impatience.
The constitution consigns the role of prosecuting in the senate to the house.
Can't proceed without prosecution and can't deny that role to the house.
But it seems there is a concerted strategy of Republicans emerging to force Pelosi to send over the articles of impeachment and thus clear the way for some quick senate cover-up while the press is obsessed with the new Iran/Iraq crisis.
Or just to say fuck it and ditch the thing unconstitutionally.
And we now move closer to another Iranian long term strategic goal
Iraq's parliament votes to expel US military
Iraq's parliament reportedly voted on Sunday to expel the U.S. military from the country after an American airstrike killed top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Last week's attack, which came on the heels of a number of other incidents between the U.S. and Iranian-backed militants, ratcheted up tensions in the region as Tehran threatened retaliation and Iraq protested the strike within its borders.
The nonbinding resolution passed Sunday demanded an end to foreign military presence in the country, with the aim of forcing the U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops, according to The Associated Press.
It declared an "achievement of victory" in stopping the Islamic State's advancement in the country and ended its "request for assistance" from the U.S. in the fight.
Iraq's parliament reportedly voted on Sunday to expel the U.S. military from the country after an American airstrike killed top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Last week's attack, which came on the heels of a number of other incidents between the U.S. and Iranian-backed militants, ratcheted up tensions in the region as Tehran threatened retaliation and Iraq protested the strike within its borders.
The nonbinding resolution passed Sunday demanded an end to foreign military presence in the country, with the aim of forcing the U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops, according to The Associated Press.
It declared an "achievement of victory" in stopping the Islamic State's advancement in the country and ended its "request for assistance" from the U.S. in the fight.
Working out fine, all this
If you're a hawk and intended this to push us into war with Iran.
Iran pulling out of nuclear deal following U.S. strike that killed Soleimani
Iran said Sunday that it was ending its commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in the wake of the U.S. strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal last May, renewing tensions between the two countries that reached new heights after Friday’s air strike.
Iran’s state television reported Sunday that it will no longer abide by the limits of the deal, which restricted nuclear development in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions.
The agreement placed limits on Tehran’s uranium enrichment, the amount of stockpiled enriched uranium as well as research and development in its nuclear activities.
Elsewhere Pompeo has told newsies his expectations regarding Iranian blowback, "There may be a little noise."
A nuke makes more than a little noise.
Update, Iran says this move is reversible if the US drops its crippling economic sanctions that Trump imposed with zero justification when he withdrew from the Iran nuke deal, also with zero justification, all the urging of people who want a war of regime change.
Iran pulling out of nuclear deal following U.S. strike that killed Soleimani
Iran said Sunday that it was ending its commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in the wake of the U.S. strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal last May, renewing tensions between the two countries that reached new heights after Friday’s air strike.
Iran’s state television reported Sunday that it will no longer abide by the limits of the deal, which restricted nuclear development in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions.
The agreement placed limits on Tehran’s uranium enrichment, the amount of stockpiled enriched uranium as well as research and development in its nuclear activities.
Elsewhere Pompeo has told newsies his expectations regarding Iranian blowback, "There may be a little noise."
A nuke makes more than a little noise.
Update, Iran says this move is reversible if the US drops its crippling economic sanctions that Trump imposed with zero justification when he withdrew from the Iran nuke deal, also with zero justification, all the urging of people who want a war of regime change.
The Duce, unchained
Trump was not out to stop any imminent attack. That's just a lie.
The guy was just doing the same sort of thing he's been doing, organizing hostile actions in the region that certainly might have cost American lives, for many years.
The guy's a general and that's was his job.
There was no specific and imminent threat at all.
Cable TV reports are increasingly taking the line Trump stunned nearly everybody in our own government with the decision to kill Suleimani just days before doing it.
Nobody thinks his threats to attack 52 new targets, some of them cultural and hence protected by international law, reflect any vetting or planning occurring anywhere but in Trump's ass.
This below from Pompeo is as close to an admission as you could wish that Trump simply ignored the law and the constitution when he ignored the gang of eight.
Bozo is now an authoritarian ruler de facto and has the entire American military under his personal control.
He's ignoring every institutional or legal restraint aimed at imposing intelligence and discipline on the use of all that military power.
And the Republican Party still has his back, even at the cost of trashing the constitutional order as well as the post-war world order - and the immediate risk of a very stupid, bloody, and costly war.
Think of Trump's second term.
Pompeo snaps at CNN’s Tapper during grilling over claim ‘world is safer’ after killing Suleimani
In a long interview where Pompeo insisted that Suleimani was planning an attack — without presenting any evidence — Tapper pressed the White House administration official on what happens next.
“When you are talking about the attacks are imminent, days or weeks?” Tapper asked.
“If you are an American in the region, days or weeks is not relevant. We have to prepared and be ready. We took a bad guy off of the battlefield and we made the right decision and there are less risks today to the American forces in the region as a result of it,” Pompeo recited back.
“And I am proud of the effort that President Trump undertook and the execution of the military was phenomenal and the work by the diplomats was very fair and powerful and effective.”
OK, so David Frum (on CNN's Reliable Sources) and Tucker Carlson (on Fox) are alarmed and saying so.
Carlson's Friday night show was very harshly critical of the neocon wars all the way back to Afghanistan and especially fierce about Bolton and the other hawks who have wanted a war of regime change in Iran for decades.
It appears Trump really intended his attack to move the Iranians to stop their hostile diplomatic and military activities throughout the region, and did not at all intend and does not want war with Iran.
He appears genuinely alarmed at the prospect of retaliation and escalation to war.
He is a boob who was talked and perhaps even deceived into this, some suggest, by Iran hawks like Pompeo and Graham and Jared and others, some high military leaders, who have his ear.
War would have been and always has been their goal; getting the president to bungle into it is one way to achieve it.
No doubt they would also have counseled him to ignore the law and the gang of eight, ignore the congress, ignore the allies and the coalition, and anyone else who might have talked him off the ledge, and even lied to him about the efficacy or legal merits of the lie of imminent danger.
If indeed that is how it all went down.
They are the true enemies of the state, of the constitutional order, of the rule of law, of legitimate government, in all this.
They conspired with each other to push their patsy Trump into an illegal and unconstitutional attack with the purpose of unconstitutionally denying congress its role in deciding whether to go to war and getting us there in a way and at a pace that would utterly escape congressional control.
Not that Trump isn't an enemy of the state.
But he is just a boob, while they are canny conspirators.
And the US military is in his hands.
Nor, of course, should we underestimate the potency in his mind of the wag the dog aspect.
He has already pushed impeachment off the top of the news desks of the world, and some of his henchmen are already claiming the impeachment process needs to be abandoned or summarily stopped for the sake of national unity in the face of the Iranian threat.
The guy was just doing the same sort of thing he's been doing, organizing hostile actions in the region that certainly might have cost American lives, for many years.
The guy's a general and that's was his job.
There was no specific and imminent threat at all.
Cable TV reports are increasingly taking the line Trump stunned nearly everybody in our own government with the decision to kill Suleimani just days before doing it.
Nobody thinks his threats to attack 52 new targets, some of them cultural and hence protected by international law, reflect any vetting or planning occurring anywhere but in Trump's ass.
This below from Pompeo is as close to an admission as you could wish that Trump simply ignored the law and the constitution when he ignored the gang of eight.
Bozo is now an authoritarian ruler de facto and has the entire American military under his personal control.
He's ignoring every institutional or legal restraint aimed at imposing intelligence and discipline on the use of all that military power.
And the Republican Party still has his back, even at the cost of trashing the constitutional order as well as the post-war world order - and the immediate risk of a very stupid, bloody, and costly war.
Think of Trump's second term.
Pompeo snaps at CNN’s Tapper during grilling over claim ‘world is safer’ after killing Suleimani
In a long interview where Pompeo insisted that Suleimani was planning an attack — without presenting any evidence — Tapper pressed the White House administration official on what happens next.
“When you are talking about the attacks are imminent, days or weeks?” Tapper asked.
“If you are an American in the region, days or weeks is not relevant. We have to prepared and be ready. We took a bad guy off of the battlefield and we made the right decision and there are less risks today to the American forces in the region as a result of it,” Pompeo recited back.
“And I am proud of the effort that President Trump undertook and the execution of the military was phenomenal and the work by the diplomats was very fair and powerful and effective.”
OK, so David Frum (on CNN's Reliable Sources) and Tucker Carlson (on Fox) are alarmed and saying so.
Carlson's Friday night show was very harshly critical of the neocon wars all the way back to Afghanistan and especially fierce about Bolton and the other hawks who have wanted a war of regime change in Iran for decades.
It appears Trump really intended his attack to move the Iranians to stop their hostile diplomatic and military activities throughout the region, and did not at all intend and does not want war with Iran.
He appears genuinely alarmed at the prospect of retaliation and escalation to war.
He is a boob who was talked and perhaps even deceived into this, some suggest, by Iran hawks like Pompeo and Graham and Jared and others, some high military leaders, who have his ear.
War would have been and always has been their goal; getting the president to bungle into it is one way to achieve it.
No doubt they would also have counseled him to ignore the law and the gang of eight, ignore the congress, ignore the allies and the coalition, and anyone else who might have talked him off the ledge, and even lied to him about the efficacy or legal merits of the lie of imminent danger.
If indeed that is how it all went down.
They are the true enemies of the state, of the constitutional order, of the rule of law, of legitimate government, in all this.
They conspired with each other to push their patsy Trump into an illegal and unconstitutional attack with the purpose of unconstitutionally denying congress its role in deciding whether to go to war and getting us there in a way and at a pace that would utterly escape congressional control.
Not that Trump isn't an enemy of the state.
But he is just a boob, while they are canny conspirators.
And the US military is in his hands.
Nor, of course, should we underestimate the potency in his mind of the wag the dog aspect.
He has already pushed impeachment off the top of the news desks of the world, and some of his henchmen are already claiming the impeachment process needs to be abandoned or summarily stopped for the sake of national unity in the face of the Iranian threat.
Violence kitch in the manner of the authoritarian ruler of some third world, shithole country
He's pretty sure he can launch a war at will without anyone's permission.
He's pretty sure he can hit all those targets without consultation with the gang of eight, anyone else in congress, or any allied or coalition state leaders.
Trump vows to hit 52 sites 'very hard' if Iran retaliates over Suleimani killing
Donald Trump has threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the drone strike that killed the Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani and an Iraqi militia leader.
. . . .
Trump tweeted that Iran “is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets” in response to Suleimani’s death. He said the US had “targeted 52 Iranian sites” and that some were “at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD”.
“The USA wants no more threats!” Trump said, adding that the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans who were held hostage in Iran for 444 days after being seized at the US embassy in Tehran in November 1979.
He's pretty sure he can hit all those targets without consultation with the gang of eight, anyone else in congress, or any allied or coalition state leaders.
Trump vows to hit 52 sites 'very hard' if Iran retaliates over Suleimani killing
Donald Trump has threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the drone strike that killed the Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani and an Iraqi militia leader.
. . . .
Trump tweeted that Iran “is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets” in response to Suleimani’s death. He said the US had “targeted 52 Iranian sites” and that some were “at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD”.
“The USA wants no more threats!” Trump said, adding that the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans who were held hostage in Iran for 444 days after being seized at the US embassy in Tehran in November 1979.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
America loves descent of power as a family prerogative
Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump among top Republican picks for 2024
Yes, that's the principle of aristocracy and Monarchy absolutely rejected by the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump are among Republican voters’ top picks for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, according to a new poll.
Forty per cent of respondents to the survey by news site Axios and Survey Monkey wanted the vice-president, Mike Pence, to be the Republican nominee in 2024, whether to succeed Donald Trump in the Oval Office or to take on a Democratic incumbent if this year’s race is lost.
Twenty-six per cent wanted Nikki Haley, formerly governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations under Trump.
But 29% plumped for Donald Trump Jr, a regular surrogate for his father despite nominally being separated from the political side of the family by joint control, with his brother Eric, of the Trump Organization.
Ivanka Trump, with her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser in the White House, was supported by 16%.
Yes, that's the principle of aristocracy and Monarchy absolutely rejected by the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump are among Republican voters’ top picks for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, according to a new poll.
Forty per cent of respondents to the survey by news site Axios and Survey Monkey wanted the vice-president, Mike Pence, to be the Republican nominee in 2024, whether to succeed Donald Trump in the Oval Office or to take on a Democratic incumbent if this year’s race is lost.
Twenty-six per cent wanted Nikki Haley, formerly governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations under Trump.
But 29% plumped for Donald Trump Jr, a regular surrogate for his father despite nominally being separated from the political side of the family by joint control, with his brother Eric, of the Trump Organization.
Ivanka Trump, with her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser in the White House, was supported by 16%.
Allies? Coalition?
Says volumes about the utter lack of consultation, coordination, between the US and any broader coalition of any allies at all.
Pompeo: European response to Suleimani killing 'not helpful enough'
Mike Pompeo has expressed disappointment with European reaction to the US killing of the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, suggesting that the UK, France and Germany had not been sufficiently supportive.
The US secretary of state compared the European response unfavourably with US “partners in the region”, a likely reference to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which Pompeo had consulted after the Suleimani assassination.
“I spent the last day-and-a-half, two days, talking to partners in the region, sharing with them what we were doing, why we were doing it, seeking their assistance. They’ve all been fantastic,” Pompeo told Fox TV. “And then talking to our partners in other places that haven’t been quite as good.
“Frankly, the Europeans haven’t been as helpful as I wish that they could be.
"The Brits, the French, the Germans all need to understand that what we did, what the Americans did, saved lives in Europe as well.
"Qassem Suleimani led and his IRGC [Revolutionary Guard] led assassination campaigns in Europe.
"This was a good thing for the entire world, and we are urging everyone in the world to get behind what the United States is trying to do to get the Islamic Republic of Iran to simply behave like a normal nation.”
European reaction to the drone strike killing of Suleimani and Iraqi Shia militants travelling with him in Baghdad, has been cautious and apprehensive.
While noting Suleimani’s destructive role in the region, European governments have called for restraint.
Policy towards Iran has been a deeply divisive issue between the US and Europe since Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 multilateral agreement with Iran that imposed strict limits on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.
European officials have blamed Trump’s efforts to strangle Iran economically for the rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Pompeo: European response to Suleimani killing 'not helpful enough'
Mike Pompeo has expressed disappointment with European reaction to the US killing of the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, suggesting that the UK, France and Germany had not been sufficiently supportive.
The US secretary of state compared the European response unfavourably with US “partners in the region”, a likely reference to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which Pompeo had consulted after the Suleimani assassination.
“I spent the last day-and-a-half, two days, talking to partners in the region, sharing with them what we were doing, why we were doing it, seeking their assistance. They’ve all been fantastic,” Pompeo told Fox TV. “And then talking to our partners in other places that haven’t been quite as good.
“Frankly, the Europeans haven’t been as helpful as I wish that they could be.
"The Brits, the French, the Germans all need to understand that what we did, what the Americans did, saved lives in Europe as well.
"Qassem Suleimani led and his IRGC [Revolutionary Guard] led assassination campaigns in Europe.
"This was a good thing for the entire world, and we are urging everyone in the world to get behind what the United States is trying to do to get the Islamic Republic of Iran to simply behave like a normal nation.”
European reaction to the drone strike killing of Suleimani and Iraqi Shia militants travelling with him in Baghdad, has been cautious and apprehensive.
While noting Suleimani’s destructive role in the region, European governments have called for restraint.
Policy towards Iran has been a deeply divisive issue between the US and Europe since Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 multilateral agreement with Iran that imposed strict limits on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.
European officials have blamed Trump’s efforts to strangle Iran economically for the rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Vice President and 2nd in mendacity
Pence falsely links Iranian general to 9/11 attacks
Trying to pin it on Iran, or at least on Suleimani.
Trying to pin it on Iran, or at least on Suleimani.
Friday, January 3, 2020
The Two Popes
Quite a film.
I knew about Ratzinger and his outlook, former head of the Inquisition, but much less about Bergoglio.
Although I did not remember R's piano skill. At 86, if you can believe it.
I knew about Ratzinger and his outlook, former head of the Inquisition, but much less about Bergoglio.
Although I did not remember R's piano skill. At 86, if you can believe it.
Not even a heads up
News seems to indicate Trump, far from coordinating with allies and a coalition and arranging collective preparations to deal with blowback in advance of the strike, did not even so much as let anybody know what was coming.
Even now, blowback planning seems to involve only American forces and nobody else at all.
We are all alone, out there, having given the hornet's nest a really good bash.
Collective security?
Pshaw.
And a significant possible ally of our adversary is Putin, himself, and the Russian forces more or less allied with Iran and its own allies or cat's paws in the region.
Even now, blowback planning seems to involve only American forces and nobody else at all.
We are all alone, out there, having given the hornet's nest a really good bash.
Collective security?
Pshaw.
And a significant possible ally of our adversary is Putin, himself, and the Russian forces more or less allied with Iran and its own allies or cat's paws in the region.
A detailed account
How Trump decided to kill Iran’s Soleimani
Far from off the cuff or fired from the hip.
But we're going to lose out, anyway, in the competition with Iran for influence over Iraq.
Analysis: Will Soleimani killing cause WW3?
Far from off the cuff or fired from the hip.
But we're going to lose out, anyway, in the competition with Iran for influence over Iraq.
Analysis: Will Soleimani killing cause WW3?
He wants what most people, even in his own party, fear
John Bolton hopes Soleimani strike ‘first step to regime change in Tehran’
And how is the 17 year long (and counting) effort in Iraq going?
And Afghanistan after 19 years?
And how is the 17 year long (and counting) effort in Iraq going?
And Afghanistan after 19 years?
Napolitano called it before it happened
Fox News Legal Analyst Predicts Trump Will Start War With Iran — And Get Reelected
Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano on Thursday predicted President Donald Trump would start a war with Iran in 2020, the day before the U.S. airstrike that killed the country’s top general Qassem Soleimani.
Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge who has become a frequent Trump critic, envisioned the president drawing the U.S. into a conflict with Iran in multiple-choice answers to his office pool questions that he shared on the conservative network’s website.
Napolitano also predicted Trump would meet privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at some point in the next 12 months.
He further foresaw Trump winning reelection in November, suspending work on the U.S.-Mexico border “because the land on which he wants to build is owned by Republicans who won’t sell to the government” and deploying more U.S. troops around the world.
Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano on Thursday predicted President Donald Trump would start a war with Iran in 2020, the day before the U.S. airstrike that killed the country’s top general Qassem Soleimani.
Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge who has become a frequent Trump critic, envisioned the president drawing the U.S. into a conflict with Iran in multiple-choice answers to his office pool questions that he shared on the conservative network’s website.
Napolitano also predicted Trump would meet privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at some point in the next 12 months.
He further foresaw Trump winning reelection in November, suspending work on the U.S.-Mexico border “because the land on which he wants to build is owned by Republicans who won’t sell to the government” and deploying more U.S. troops around the world.
Afterthought planning to handle Iranian response
Additional Fort Bragg soldiers ready to deploy to the Middle East, 82nd Airborne Division says
Additional soldiers are prepared to deploy to the Middle East, according to the spokesperson for the 82nd Airborne Division. A U.S. official said the full Immediate Response Force brigade of about 4,000 soldiers may deploy.
More than 650 Fort Bragg paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in Iraq Wednesday as part of the Immediate Response Force.
“This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against U.S. personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a written statement.
Iran is vowing “harsh retaliation is waiting” for the United States after the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Bozo fucks up again
So, Trump is now totally fucking up the Iran and Iraq problems just as he did the Korea problem, though his idiot supporters to this day praise the stable genius for his unfathomably wise and perceptive handling of all issues.
And remind us always that Obama was weak and a failure and Hillary an ogress.
Mark Meadows to newsie: "There isn't going to be another Benghazi."
All this chaos is the result of the takeover of the GOP by Pat Buchanan, incarnate in the Duce.
And there will be a lot more and a lot worse if Bozo gets his second term, during the whole of which he will have not the least reason to care about what voters might think of what he wants, says, or does.
And remind us always that Obama was weak and a failure and Hillary an ogress.
Mark Meadows to newsie: "There isn't going to be another Benghazi."
All this chaos is the result of the takeover of the GOP by Pat Buchanan, incarnate in the Duce.
And there will be a lot more and a lot worse if Bozo gets his second term, during the whole of which he will have not the least reason to care about what voters might think of what he wants, says, or does.
Meanwhile, among others, even the Iraqis are outraged
France, Russia and China condemn slaying of Soleimani as a destabilizing act
Britain and France urge deescalation after US strike on Iranian general; Moscow blasts ‘adventurist step,’ praises Quds Force chief’s ‘devotion’ to Iran’s national interests
Iraq’s deputy parliament speaker said an emergency parliament session was set for Saturday to discuss the US airstrike in Baghdad.
Hassan al-Kaabi said it is time to put an end to “US recklessness and arrogance,” adding that Saturday’s session will be dedicated to taking “decisive decisions that put an end to US presence inside Iraq.”
Iraq’s caretaker prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi slammed the US strike as an “aggression” that would “spark a devastating war.
“The assassination of an Iraqi military commander in an official post is an aggression against the country of Iraq, its state, its government and its people,” Abdel Mahdi said in a statement.
Not these guys, though.
Netanyahu lauds Trump for killing of Iran’s Soleimani, says Israel stands by US
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday praised the United States and President Donald Trump for killing Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in the early morning hours.
“Trump is worthy of full appreciation for acting with determination, strongly and swiftly,” he told reporters before departing Greece to head back to Israel. “We stand fully by the United States in its just battle for security, peace and self-defense.”
The prime minister said “Israel has the right to defend itself. The US has the same right exactly. Soleimani is responsible for the deaths of innocent US citizens and many others. He was planning further attacks.”
Netanyahu cut short his visit to Greece amid concerns Iran could exact revenge on the Jewish state for the US killing of the powerful head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. He had been visiting the country to sign a major deal for a gas pipeline.
Netanyahu’s chief political opponent, Blue and White chief Benny Gantz, praised Trump for his “brave decision” which he said showed leadership.
“The killing of Soleimani is a message to all the head of global terror: on your own heads be it,” Gantz said. The assassination was “fitting for anyone whose action brings about the murder of innocents and the destabilization of the region and the world.”
Gantz added that on matters of national security “there is no coalition and opposition.”
Britain and France urge deescalation after US strike on Iranian general; Moscow blasts ‘adventurist step,’ praises Quds Force chief’s ‘devotion’ to Iran’s national interests
Iraq’s deputy parliament speaker said an emergency parliament session was set for Saturday to discuss the US airstrike in Baghdad.
Hassan al-Kaabi said it is time to put an end to “US recklessness and arrogance,” adding that Saturday’s session will be dedicated to taking “decisive decisions that put an end to US presence inside Iraq.”
Iraq’s caretaker prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi slammed the US strike as an “aggression” that would “spark a devastating war.
“The assassination of an Iraqi military commander in an official post is an aggression against the country of Iraq, its state, its government and its people,” Abdel Mahdi said in a statement.
Not these guys, though.
Netanyahu lauds Trump for killing of Iran’s Soleimani, says Israel stands by US
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday praised the United States and President Donald Trump for killing Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in the early morning hours.
“Trump is worthy of full appreciation for acting with determination, strongly and swiftly,” he told reporters before departing Greece to head back to Israel. “We stand fully by the United States in its just battle for security, peace and self-defense.”
The prime minister said “Israel has the right to defend itself. The US has the same right exactly. Soleimani is responsible for the deaths of innocent US citizens and many others. He was planning further attacks.”
Netanyahu cut short his visit to Greece amid concerns Iran could exact revenge on the Jewish state for the US killing of the powerful head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. He had been visiting the country to sign a major deal for a gas pipeline.
Netanyahu’s chief political opponent, Blue and White chief Benny Gantz, praised Trump for his “brave decision” which he said showed leadership.
“The killing of Soleimani is a message to all the head of global terror: on your own heads be it,” Gantz said. The assassination was “fitting for anyone whose action brings about the murder of innocents and the destabilization of the region and the world.”
Gantz added that on matters of national security “there is no coalition and opposition.”
He certainly did change the subject
Not talking about impeachment, much, today.
This story got stepped on.
Impeachment: newly unredacted emails a 'devastating blow' to Trump allies, says Schumer – as it happened
Wag the Dog
This story got stepped on.
Impeachment: newly unredacted emails a 'devastating blow' to Trump allies, says Schumer – as it happened
Wag the Dog
State Dept to all US civilians: Get out of Iraq, now!
U.S. embassy urges citizens to depart Iraq immediately: statement
The United States embassy in Baghdad urged on Friday all citizens to depart Iraq immediately, hours after the U.S. killed Iranian Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in an air strike.
“Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately.
"U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land,” it said in a statement.
The United States embassy in Baghdad urged on Friday all citizens to depart Iraq immediately, hours after the U.S. killed Iranian Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in an air strike.
“Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately.
"U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land,” it said in a statement.
A mordant critique from the right
Trump tweets predicting Obama would start a war with Iran to get reelected are coming back to haunt him
In 2011 and 2012, Donald Trump repeatedly accused President Barack Obama of seeking war with Iran to help win the 2012 presidential election.
"In order to get elected, @BarackObama will start a war with Iran," Trump tweeted in 2011, years before he began his own presidential campaign.
On Thursday, Trump ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander who was one of the most powerful men in the Middle East.
The assassination came with Trump's approval rating mired at 42% and with him facing removal from office through impeachment in a US election year.
In 2011 and 2012, Donald Trump repeatedly accused President Barack Obama of seeking war with Iran to help win the 2012 presidential election.
"In order to get elected, @BarackObama will start a war with Iran," Trump tweeted in 2011, years before he began his own presidential campaign.
On Thursday, Trump ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander who was one of the most powerful men in the Middle East.
The assassination came with Trump's approval rating mired at 42% and with him facing removal from office through impeachment in a US election year.
Dems: Lashing out is not a coherent strategy
2020 Democrats condemn Soleimani before attacking Trump for ordering the airstrike
Pretty much all of them took that line.
Pretty much all of them took that line.
Pompeo says there was an imminent threat
Pompeo on Qassem Soleimani strike: Iran now understands Trump will take 'decisive' action
By ordering the airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, President Trump has demonstrated to Iran's leaders that he will take "swift, decisive" actions to protect Americans, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday on "Fox & Friends."
Pompeo stressed that the Trump administration has shown military "restraint" in the face of dozens of attacks directed by Iran and its proxies against American interests, culminating in the death of an American contractor in Iraq last week.
"I think the Iranian leadership understands President Trump will take action. ... We made very clear that these responses would be swift and decisive.
"We have now demonstrated that. I hope the Iranian leadership will see that and see American resolve and that their decision will be to de-escalate and take actions consistent with what normal nations do.
"In the event that they do not and they go in the other direction, I know that President Trump and the entire United States government is prepared to respond appropriately," said Pompeo.
. . . .
Pompeo said the strike was carried out to prevent an "imminent attack" by forces directed by Soleimani.
"He's got hundreds of American lives and blood on his hands.
"What was sitting before us was his travels throughout the region, his efforts to make a significant strike against Americans.
"There would have been many Muslims killed as well, Iraqis and people in other countries.
"It was a strike that was aimed at disrupting that plot, disrupting further aggression and we hope, setting the conditions for de-escalation as well," he said.
He and Mark Meadows (the latter just now on live cable news) are making Trumpist points for the GOP base, defending this move as a positive change from weak Obama's weak handling of Iran.
Pompeo said Trump has taken a "fundamentally different" approach to dealing with Iran, arguing the country was emboldened by the softer policies of the Obama administration.
"We didn't send pallets of cash to the Iranians. We didn't pay for hostages. We didn't create a deal which would have given them a clear pathway to a nuclear weapon.
"We have taken a very different approach. We believe it's the one that will ultimately lead to success and stability in the Middle East," he said.
By ordering the airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, President Trump has demonstrated to Iran's leaders that he will take "swift, decisive" actions to protect Americans, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday on "Fox & Friends."
Pompeo stressed that the Trump administration has shown military "restraint" in the face of dozens of attacks directed by Iran and its proxies against American interests, culminating in the death of an American contractor in Iraq last week.
"I think the Iranian leadership understands President Trump will take action. ... We made very clear that these responses would be swift and decisive.
"We have now demonstrated that. I hope the Iranian leadership will see that and see American resolve and that their decision will be to de-escalate and take actions consistent with what normal nations do.
"In the event that they do not and they go in the other direction, I know that President Trump and the entire United States government is prepared to respond appropriately," said Pompeo.
. . . .
Pompeo said the strike was carried out to prevent an "imminent attack" by forces directed by Soleimani.
"He's got hundreds of American lives and blood on his hands.
"What was sitting before us was his travels throughout the region, his efforts to make a significant strike against Americans.
"There would have been many Muslims killed as well, Iraqis and people in other countries.
"It was a strike that was aimed at disrupting that plot, disrupting further aggression and we hope, setting the conditions for de-escalation as well," he said.
He and Mark Meadows (the latter just now on live cable news) are making Trumpist points for the GOP base, defending this move as a positive change from weak Obama's weak handling of Iran.
Pompeo said Trump has taken a "fundamentally different" approach to dealing with Iran, arguing the country was emboldened by the softer policies of the Obama administration.
"We didn't send pallets of cash to the Iranians. We didn't pay for hostages. We didn't create a deal which would have given them a clear pathway to a nuclear weapon.
"We have taken a very different approach. We believe it's the one that will ultimately lead to success and stability in the Middle East," he said.
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