Russian Warships Equipped With Kalibr Missiles Join Black Sea Fleet

The ‘Zelyoniy Dol’ and ‘Serpukhov’ warships, equipped with the versatile ‘Kalibr-NK’ missile system, have joined the Russian Black Sea Fleet, based in Sevastopol, commander of the Black Sea Fleet Alexander Vitko said.

On Saturday, St. Andrew's flag, a sign of the Russian Federation’s Navy, were sanctified and raised on the new ships. The solemn ceremony was attended by commanders of the Black Sea Fleet led by Admiral Vitko, as well as the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksenov.

US, Russian Experts Praise 'Incredibly Capable' S-400 Air Defense System

Russia's formidable S-400 air defense system is so good that it could not be destroyed by the Boeing EA-18G Growler, the US electronic warfare aircraft, or any other single weapon – particularly when the S-400 missile complex is part of an integrated air defense system (IADS).

Defense expert Tyler Rogoway described it the S-400 Triumf as an "incredibly capable and critical weapon system," adding that tackling it is "far from simple" but is not entirely impossible. The key to beating a complex defense system is to unleash a complex of measures against it, including jamming, surveillance and attack capabilities.

Thousands Protest in Baghdad Against Deployment of Turkish Troops to Iraq

Thousands of protesters, most of them members of Iraq’s Shiite paramilitary forces, gathered in downtown Baghdad on Saturday demanding the pullout of Turkish troops from the country, local TV Alsumaria reported.

Pic: Soldiers conveying foodstuff to troops ambushed by suspected Boko Haram men, 2 killed

A statement released on Friday, December 11, by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman says that some soldiers conveying foodstuffs to troops were ambushed along Bama-Ngurosoye by suspected Boko Haram elements yesterday Thursday, December 10.

A search and rescue team that was sent to Bokos general area has recovered corpses of a soldier and a civilian JTF, as well 6 burnt AK-47 rifles. The team has also intensified search for a missing soldier. The Explosive Ordinance Device element on the team have discovered and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device buried along the road.

Confession of a CIA Agent: They gave us millions to dismember Yugoslavia

We bribed parties and politicians who enticed hate between the nations. Our ultimate goal was to enslave you!
•

WebTribune publishes their interview with former CIA agent Robert Baer during his promotion tour in Quebec for upcoming book “Secrets of the White House” last week.

My boss, who was formerly a US Senator, stressed repeatedly that some kind of scam would go down in Bosnia. A month before the alleged genocide in Srebrenica, he told me that the town would be headline news around the world and ordered us to call the media.

Swann Galleries Africa-American Fine Art Live Auction

This auction, African-American Fine Art, starts at 2:30 PM EST on Tuesday, December 15 and will feature 150 lots of exclusive artwork. Invaluable is teaming up with Swann Auction Galleries to allow remote bidding online. The style of art in this auction includes cityscapes, portrait, abstract.

 

Here are a few noteworthy lots:

 

Lot 49: Norman Lewis (1909-1979), Untitled

Estimated Price: $250,000 – $350,000

Oil on linen canvas, circa 1958. 1295×1625 mm; 51×64 inches. Signed in oil, lower left. This masterful mid-century composition is a newly discovered and important example of Norman Lewis’s painting. In 1955 Norman Lewis won the Carnegie International Award in Painting making him the first African-American artist to receive this prestigious prize. Then in 1956, Lewis was selected to represent the United States in American Artists Paint the City, an exhibition of 46 works by 36. Lewis joined fellow Willard Gallery artists Lionel Feininger and Mark Tobey; he and Jacob Lawrence were the only African-American artists included.

 

Lot 33: Romare Bearden (1911-1988), The Annunciation

Estimated Price: $120,000 – $180,000

Oil on linen canvas, 1946. 851×622 mm; 33 1/2×24 1/2 inches. Signed in oil, upper right recto. Signed and tilted in pencil, upper stretcher bar verso. Bearden is known for working primarily on paper. Having enjoyed incredible success, both critically and commercially with his first exhibition at the Kootz Gallery in 1945, Romare Bearden’s career was launched. He also further extended his exploration of Old Masters or Renaissance depictions of religious subjects, deftly synthesizing them into Cubism and abstraction.

 

Lot 52: Romare Bearden (1911-1988), Wine Star

Estimated Price: $120,000 – $180,000

Oil on linen canvas, circa 1959-60. 1450×1050 mm; 59×42 inches. Signed in oil, upper left recto. Titled in oil, upper left verso. This beautiful, large canvas is an excellent and scarce example from Romare Bearden’s period of abstract color field painting in the late 1950s. Romare Bearden’s abstraction was influenced by non-Western intuitive approaches to imagery. His late 1950s works display less of an interest in the activity of action painting of expressionism.

#Art

Auslander on war: War is coming. It is a fact, an inescapable fact.

by Auslander

I am an old man, born shortly after the second war which in reality was a continuation of the first war. They had to grow another generation of men to slaughter and slaughter they did in a hideous dance of death the likes of which the world has never seen.

Dokpesi Under Fresh Investigations Over N8.7bn Received From Jonathan’s Administration

The Federal Government told an Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday that media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, former Chairman of Daar Communications, owner of African Independent Television received over N8.7 billion from the federal government on 27, January 2012 for the broadcast right of Nigeria hosting of the under-17.

Dasuki: Oshiomhole Faults Okonjo-Iweala On $322m Arms Deal

The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday called for the prosecution of the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and others found to be involved in the mismanagement of funds meant for the purchase of arms for the military under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The governor spoke at a National Dialogue organised to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission and the International Human Rights Day.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the occasion which was co-organised by the NHRC and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Ambode’s Six Months In Office A Waste – PDP

In this interview with ENIOLA AKINKUOTU, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Taofik Gani, speaks about several issues in the state
How will you evaluate the performance of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the last six months?
The performance of the governor has been disappointing despite the propaganda that helped him get into power. Even he has admitted that a lot needs to be done. So, I don’t know why he has continued to delay development.

Governor’s Performance’ll Shock Lagosians – APC

In this interview with ENIOLA AKINKUOTU, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, evaluates Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s six months in office.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State has scored Governor Akinwunmi Ambode 10 per cent for his performance in the last six months due to the rate of robbery and gridlock. How do you respond to this?

Kaduna Carnival “Shameful, Irresponsible” — Shehu Sani

The senator representing Kaduna North, Shehu Sani, has condemned the Kaduna State government for organising music festival as the nation faces economic and security challenges.
Mr. Sani said in a statement that the music fiesta the state plans to organise was uncalled for as the state had competing demands and financial challenges.
“The upcoming multi million naira jamboree known as Kaduna music festival stands unreservedly condemned.

It Will Be A Disaster If APC Fails Nigerians – Dogara

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to make conscious efforts to fulfil its promises to Nigerians.
Dogara made the call when Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi visited him on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that it would be a disaster if the government failed Nigerians.
He said that it was the yearning of the people for a positive change in their lives that led to the massive support the party received in general elections.
“Our people have witnessed bad leadership, especially in the last eight years; it will be a disaster if we don’t save this situation,’’ Dogara said.

Abacha Loot: Arms Are Not Roads, Electricity, Health, SERAP Tells Okonjo-Iweala

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to “apologise to Nigerians for claiming recently that recovered Abacha loot was transparently spent while she knew that $322m (about N63billion) recovered Abacha funds were inappropriately released to finance the fight against Boko Haram.”
SERAP’s statement today followed Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s confession that she released about $322m to the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki for military operations.
In a statement today by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organisation said that, “The truth about the spending of Abacha loot is now coming out, and it is clear that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was wrong to accuse SERAP of bias while she knew that we are simply seeking truth, justice and accountability on the spending of recovered Abacha loot.”

ALLEGED $2bn Arms Deal PROBE: EFCC To Summon Okonjo-Iweala

Oshiomhole alleges ex-minister aided looting of stolen funds
I secured ex-President Jonathan’s approval — Okonjo-Iweala
Okonjo-Iweala should tender apology to Nigerians — SERAP
ABUJA— Indications emerged last night that the Federal Government would extend its dragnet towards apprehending and prosecuting more individuals and groups which allegedly helped themselves with huge funds meant for the acquisition of arms for the armed forces, leaving the soldiers to fight with bare hands.

Elite Frustrating Buhari’s Reform Agenda —Agbakoba

Human rights lawyer and former President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has lauded the economic and political policies initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari, noting however, that the elite are frustrating the President’s reform agenda.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, on the state of the nation, Agbakoba said that since May 29, there has been an economic correction in the country, as well as an ideological shift to the left to serve the people’s interest.

Ex-Director: I Delivered $47m In 11 Suitcases To Dasuki

MORE shocking revelations have come on how huge cash estimated at $2billion meant for arms purchase was allegedly diverted by key government officials and politicians during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Presidency.
A former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mr. Shuaibu Salisu, said $47million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 11 suit cases.
He said he suspected that the cash might have been given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He, however, said as a civil servant, he was innocent because he only carried out instructions from the ex-National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

Soyinka: Disobeying Court Orders Is Invitation To Anarchy

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has condemned what he called sustained contempt of the judiciary by security agencies and political office holders. He said it is an aberration in a democratic setting for people to disobey orders of the court. It is the surest way to anarchy, the literary icon said.
The playwright, who cited no specific instance, said only criminals would flout court orders in a democratic society. He made a reference to Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who the literary giant described as a “thug”.

'Sosoliso Crash' Will Never Happen Again, FG Vows

The Federal Government has vowed to take necessary steps to ensure that another plane crash like that of Sosoliso air crash which claimed about 109 lives 10 years ago does not reoccur.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, made the vow on Thursday at the Port Harcourt International Airport during a candle light procession in memory of 60 students of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, who lost their lives in the Sosoliso crash at the airport Saturday, December 10, 2005.

PDP, Reps, Anenih, Ayu, Others Named In N30b ‘Loot’

EFCC begins trial of ex-NSA, Yuguda, Bafarawa today
Jonathan’s ex-aide ‘on the run’
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today begin the trial of a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Sambo Dasuki, ex-Minister of Finance Bashir Yuguda and a former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu as well as six others for alleged misappropriation N10billion.
The others are a former Executive Director of NNPC, Aminu Baba Kusa, former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, Sagir Attahiru, Dalhatu Investment Limited, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

International military review: Syria, Dec.10,2015

#Syria

Foreign Policy Diary – The Russia-Turkey standoff: Bosphorus blockade

#Russia, #Turkey

Ukraine's Yatsenyuk Faces Dismissal Pressure From Protesters, Poroshenko

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yatsenyuk faced pressure from the president's parliamentary bloc to resign, as his own faction refused to enter a new ruling party. Several hundred people blocked the streets of Kiev on Friday to demand the dismissal of Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who was giving an annual report on the government's work in the Ukrainian parliament.

YEMEN MAP OF WAR – Dec. 10, 2015

The war in Yemen has spilled over into Saudi Arabia and continues to drag on. It is no longer confined to the Saudi coalition versus the Houthi alliance but Al Qaeda, target of the drone war, controls almost the entire eastern half of Yemen, including Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province. Initially, the Saudi coalition included AQAP against the Houthi alliance but some fighters have joined IS/Daesh, (typically) targeting all sides and this complicates a negotiated settlement.

The war has restored the popularity of Saleh, one of the main players in the Houthi alliance, whereas Hadi is resisting talks. His popularity is waning and talks may end his political aspirations. This is posing a serious challenge to the Saudi coalition, explaining their all-out pursuit of victory.

Russia in an invisible war

Source: http://oko-planet.su/politik/politiklist/301881-rostislav-ischenko-rossiya-v-nevidimoy-voyne.html

Rostislav Ischenko

Translated by Seva

Russia in an invisible war

How could Russia in just 20 years, without wars or other perturbations, rise from a semi-colony to an acknowledged world leader, equal among the top ones?

Kitchen “strategists”, who sincerely believe that massive nuclear strike is the universal solution to any international problem (even the hottest one, close to military confrontation), are unhappy about the moderate position of the Russian leadership in the crisis with Turkey. However, they deem insufficient even direct participation of the Russian military in the Syrian conflict. They are also dissatisfied with the Moscow’s activities on the Ukrainian front.