Country Intelligence and Analysis
TEL AVIV — It’s the joke of the evening and they tell it again and again, happy with themselves, a lukewarm glass of Coke in their hands: “Are you ready to hear a lie? Because if I tell you the truth, we’ll have to kill you.” They probably wouldn’t, but then again the…
USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier in a ‘super-class’ of its own By KJ Kwon, CNN October 14, 2013 — Updated 0600 GMT (1400 HKT) USS George Washington, a U.S. nuclear-powered carrier, can carry as many as 80 aircraft and accommodate more than 6,000 crew. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Rare visit to USS George Washington, one of world’s…
August 8th, 2013 10:54 AM ET Zakaria: We’re in a new world Fareed speaks with CNN about President Barack Obama’s decision to cancel a meeting next month with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S.-Russia ties, and the biggest threats to U.S. national security. Do you think listening to members of his own party, concerned about weakness abroad,…
Iraq’s deadliest month: Who’s behind the bloodshed? By Arwa Damon, CNN August 12, 2013 — Violence marks end of Ramadan in Iraq STORY HIGHLIGHTS The past year has seen a marked increase in attacks in Iraq, writes Arwa Damon Despite occasionally diffusing bombs, the government cannot stem the violence, she says July was the deadliest month in…
Edward Snowden, the Washington Post & Whistleblowers By: Kevin Gosztola Monday June 10, 2013 Washington PostAfter Edward Snowden came forward and identified himself as the source of disclosures that had been published by The Guardian on top secret surveillance programs being operated by the National Security Agency, Washington Post reporter Barton Gellman posted…
The cyclists say nakedness highlights their vulnerability on the road Thousands of naked cyclists have ridden through the streets of Mexico City to mark the World Naked Bike Ride. The event is to raise awareness of the importance of cycling for exercise and as a way to reduce fossil fuels. Organisers say riding naked…
A new report by the Department of Defense claims for the first time that the Chinese government is directly connected to attacks on U.S. computer systems, including those owned by the government. The report—which is part of an annual review on China’s military capabilities—claims that “intrusions” on those systems “appear to be attributable directly to…
United Nations’ early assessment of the 2013 crop found farmers were planning to plant more poppy than last year, marking the third annual rise in the drug’s cultivation. UN officials predict the increase will push this year’s crop close to 2007’s record level and again see Afghanistan responsible for more than 90 per cent of…