Bharat Rakshak

The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is facing charges of breaching Turkey's strict press laws – an offence which carries a possible jail sentence of up to 22 years.

A court in Ankara has filed charges against the Duchess over an undercover documentary she took part in exposing cruelty in the country's orphanages.

According to the indictment, Sarah Ferguson is accused in absentia of "violating the privacy" of five children because her documentary team used undercover filming to capture evidence of abuse and did not have permission to film. Under Turkey's press laws, the Duchess could face jail if convicted.

This is unlikely. Although Britain does have an extradition treaty with Turkey, prosecutors complained that they had asked Britain for help in questioning the former wife of Prince Andrew but had been rebuffed by the Home Office on the grounds of "national security".

The case has been an irritant to the Duchess for the past three years after Turkey's government was incensed by the documentary which was highly embarrassing at a time when it was hopeful of EU membership.

In 2008 she teamed up with investigative reporter Chris Rogers after she watched his previous documentaries on child cruelty in Romanian orphanages. She agreed to travel undercover to Turkey and Romania with Rogers, producer Tom Jones and her daughter, Eugenie. The resulting documentary – Duchess And Daughters: Their Secret Mission – was screened on ITV1 and provoked a furious response from the Turkish authorities who accused her of launching a "smear campaign" against them.

During the documentary the Duchess wore a dark wig and green headscarf to slip into an orphanage in Ankara. Secret cameras uncovered teenagers tied to chairs and children with sores rocking back and forth in their chairs.

After the documentary was aired, Nimet Cubukcu, the Turkish minister responsible for women and family affairs at the time, said: "It is obvious she is trying to leave Turkey in the midst of a smear campaign."

Prosecutors also tried to have the Duchess and her fellow film-makers questioned. Officials asked the British authorities for "mutual legal assistance" – the mechanism by which countries seek help to bring joint investigations.

The Home Office refused to confirm whether Britain had offered any help but according to reports in the Turkish media yesterday, prosecutors said officials had declined on the grounds of "security, social order and other essential interests" of the UK. Charges have been filed against Ferguson, Rogers and Jones but not Princess Eugenie.

A spokesperson for the Duchess declined to comment on the charges. But aides close to her told The Independent she was unconcerned.

Chris Rogers was unavailable for comment yesterday. However, he wrote in 2010: "For Turkey to try to prosecute us rather than admit its failings in caring for some of its most vulnerable children is shameful. The message has been clear: if you want to expose our human rights' abuses, there is a price to pay."

Calls to the Turkish embassy in London went unanswered yesterday.

WASHINGTON — Agents with Israel's Mossad agency posed as American CIA agents in operations to recruit members of the Pakistani militant group Jundallah, a report in Foreign Policy magazine said Friday.
Using American dollars and US passports, the agents passed themselves off as members of the Central Intelligence Agency in the operations, notably in London, according to memos from 2007 and 2008, said the report.
Jundallah (Soldiers of God) says it is fighting for the interests of the southeastern province's large ethnic Baluch community, whose members, unlike most Iranians, mainly follow the Sunni branch of Islam.
The Baluch straddle the border with neighboring Pakistan and Afghanistan and Jundallah militants have taken advantage of the unrest in the region to find safe haven in the border region.
In July it claimed responsibility for attacking the Grand Mosque in the provincial capital Zahedan, reportedly targeting members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, killing 28 people.
"It's amazing what the Israelis thought they could get away with," a US intelligence officer told Foreign Policy.
"Their recruitment activities were nearly in the open. They apparently didn't give a damn what we thought," said the official.
The memos were written during the last years of then-president George W. Bush's administration -- the former US leader Bush "went absolutely ballistic" when briefed on the memos, said the magazine.
"The report sparked White House concerns that Israel's program was putting Americans at risk," an officer told the magazine.
"There's no question that the US has cooperated with Israel in intelligence-gathering operations against the Iranians, but this was different. No matter what anyone thinks, we're not in the business of assassinating Iranian officials or killing Iranian civilians," said the official.
The Mossad activities could further jeopardize the already tense relationship of the United States with Pakistan, which is an official ally in the fight against Al Qaeda, which had been pressed to take action against Jundallah, said Foreign Policy.
Tensions in the US-Iran relationship have also spiked, most recently following the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist. Foreign Policy said there was no evidence of a link between the scientist's killing and Jundallah.

Surya wrote:good lord - what bullshit ? thousands of troops in Israel???. The freaking country has one major airport. if thousands of troops and quipment landed there would be shortages , and pictures all over.

Altair wrote:Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan was assassinated by Mossad funded hit squad. I think Mossad is becoming a liability for Israel. I hope they realize it soon enough as I consider Israelis as friends.

1/14/2012 3:06:00 PM | Kuwait News
تصغير الخطتكبير الخط
By Pankaj Yadav NEW DELHI, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- A senior Kuwaiti official on Thursday wooed big Indian companies to make investments in Kuwait, and promised them various benefits like no tax for ten years and no need to enter into partnerships with Kuwaiti firms.
"Indian investors are welcomed to make tax-free investments in Kuwait," said Abdul Aziz Mishaan Al-Khaldi, the Under Secretary of Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who attended an annual business Summit organised in Hyderabad, the capital of India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian companies making investments in Kuwait would be free to enjoy 100 percent ownership, without entering into partnership with any Kuwaiti firm, said the visiting Under Secretary.
Al-Khalidi is leading a three-member Kuwaiti delegation at the Summit, including Nasir Nayif Al-Mutairi, the Director in the Under Secretary Office and Khalid Muhammad Al-Azmi, the Controller of International Relations, to attend "The Partnership Summit 2012".
Speaking to KUNA from Hyderabad, Al-Khalidi said: "The Indian companies investing in Kuwait would be at an advantage to reap hefty profits considering the strategic location of the Gulf country. For the first ten years no tax would be charged on such Indian companies. Later, a 15 percent tax would be imposed." The Kuwaiti ambassador to India Sami Al-Sulaiman was also present for the occasion.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Kuwaiti delegation also met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy. The two sides discussed ways to increase the volume of bilateral trade. The Kuwaiti officials expressed their country's desire to expand its investment in India. The Chief Minister offered his state's readiness to facilitate the Kuwaiti investments in the major projects that have been announced by the state.

Surya wrote:
surprised that the Iranians have not hit back so far

Altair wrote:shyamd
I do not believe in a 100% perfect world scenario. We live in an imperfect world with only the most insane scenarios happening. Israeli economy is in the danger zone. They simply cannot afford to go to war with anyone not even Hizbollah. An Israeli PM would know the risk his economy is in. I think this assassination business is by Mossad itself.
They are taking matters in their own hands.

Altair

(AFP) – 5 days ago

LONDON — Israel is preparing for Iran to become a nuclear power and has accepted it may happen within a year, the London Times reported on Monday citing an Israeli security report.

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) think-tank prepared scenarios for the day after an Iranian nuclear weapons test at the request of former Israeli ambassadors, intelligence officials and ex-military chiefs, the paper reported.

Israel has so far maintained it will do all within its power to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, but has shifted its position following recent United Nations' reports, according to the Times.

The UN atomic agency said Monday that Iran is now enriching uranium at a new site in a hard-to-bomb mountain bunker, in a move set to stoke Western suspicions further that Tehran wants nuclear weapons.

INSS specialists including a former head of Israel's National Security Council and two former members of the prime minister's office conducted the simulation study in Tel Aviv last week.

If Iran does test a nuclear weapon, INSS predicts a profound shift in the Middle East power balance.

According to extracts of the report seen by the British publication, experts believe the US would propose a defence pact with Israel, but would urge it not to retaliate.

Russia would seek an alliance with the US to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region, although Saudi Arabia would likely pursue its own nuclear programme, the report concluded based on current policies.

INSS specialists believe that an Iranian test in January 2013 would follow increasingly provocative demands by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime, including the redrawing of its Iraqi borders and action against the vessels of the US Fifth Fleet.

"The simulation showed that Iran will not forgo nuclear weapons, but will attempt to use them to reach an agreement with the major powers that will improve its position," said a passage of the report published by the Times.

"The simulation showed that (the Israeli military option), or the threat of using it, would also be relevant following an Iranian nuclear test," it added.

Israel condemned intelligence chief Meir Dagan last June after he speculated that Iran may obtain nuclear weaponry.

Conclusions from the simulation have been sent to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Times reported.

Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes, has repeatedly said it will not abandon uranium enrichment despite four rounds of UN Security Council resolutions calling on Tehran to desist.

While nuclear energy plants need fuel enriched to 3.5 percent, Iran says the 20-percent enriched uranium is necessary for its Tehran research reactor to make isotopes to treat cancers.

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna made his first trip to Israel in 11 years this week, and Israeli leaders made every effort to receive him warmly.
By Barak Ravid Tags: Avigdor Lieberman Benjamin Netanyahu Palestinians

At the end of his meeting on Tuesday with India's Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman gave his guest a tennis racket signed by all members of Israel's Davis Cup tennis squad. Lieberman did not know that Krishna's excessive love of the sport embroiled him a few months ago in an embarrassing affair.

Krishna, 79, is a tennis lover, and despite his advanced age he finds his way to the court any time he has a spare moment. Among his other positions, he serves as lifetime president of the All Indian Lawn Tennis Association. Incidentally, Lieberman is also a known tennis lover. A few hours before his meeting with Krishna, he played on an isolated, guarded tennis court in Jerusalem.

In early July, the Indian television network CNN-IBN revealed that Krishna hastily "arranged" a diplomatic visit to Britain at dates close to the Wimbledon tournament. Krishna extended his stay in London three days in order to watch Wimbledon matches, at the expense of the Indian tax payer.

Nonetheless, when Krishna received the racket at the press conference as a good-will gesture from Lieberman, he didn't appear uncomfortable. On the contrary, he cracked a large smile, and looked like a happy child who has just received a vaunted present.

First visit after 11 years

Krishna visited Israel after an eleven year period during which no foreign minister from India stepped foot in Jerusalem. During the twenty year period of relations between the states, visits between top officials from India have not been routine. No Indian prime minister has ever visited Israel. The current Indian defense minister has also never visited Israel despite the dramatic evolution of military cooperation between the states.

In days preceding the visit, television networks in India reported that a fear about responses taken by Muslim voters in the state causes many government ministers to avoid visiting Israel. By abstaining from such visits, Indian leaders are not troubled by the needs to furnish explanations to their constituents, especially during periods of impasse in the peace process.

In the end, Krishna's visit won relatively significant media attention. A group of Indian journalists accompanied him during the visit, and after each meeting, reports were circulated on internet sites and Indian television networks.

Israel, for its part, made every effort to receive Krishna warmly. In view of chilled relations with the United States and the European Union, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Lieberman have a desire to improve diplomatic ties with India, China and African states.

Netanyahu devoted no less than an hour and a half to breakfast with Krishna, and even accompanied him to his car at the end of the meeting. President Shimon Peres went even further; making policy on his own, Peres indicated that Israel supports India's inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. During his meeting with Krishna, Peres described the leader of India's liberation struggle, Mahatma Gandhi, a "prophet;" and Peres called independent India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, a "king."

Despite such royal treatment, Krisna did not offer any Israeli leader an invitation to visit India. For three years, Peres, Netanyahu and Lieberman have been trying to organize such a visit, but it appears that for the time being the trio will have to find alternative diplomatic destinations.

India wants Israeli natural gas

During meetings with Krishna, Netanyahu, Lieberman and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz emphasized Israel's desire to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. Officials in Israel hope that in coming months, a free trade agreement will be worked out between the two countries. India's foreign minister stressed that India wants to continue to learn from Israel in spheres of agriculture, high tech and science.

Lieberman told Krishna that by the end of 2012, Israel intends to open a general consulate in the high tech city, Bangalore. During the visit, Krishna and Israeli officials worked out a plan whose aim is to double trade between the states within five years, from 5 billion dollars to 10 billion dollars. In addition, Israel's universities will host 100 Indian post-doctoral researchers, and Israel will also host 20 Indian scientists who will come each year for months-long period of professional enrichment work.

Such cooperation will go beyond high tech and agriculture. India, whose population has grown rapidly, has ever increasing energy thirsts. Krishna told Netanyahu and Lieberman that his country has heard about recent natural gas discoveries off Israel's coasts. "We want to import gas from Israel," India's foreign minister told his hosts.

Agreements on the war against terror – disagreement about Iran

A large part of the visit focused on increased cooperation for the war on terror. Since the terror attacks in Bombay, in 2008, intelligence cooperation between the two states has tightened. The head of Israel's counter-terrorism bureau, Nitzan Nuriel, visits India every few months for talks regarding the war on terror.

In addition to intelligence ties, India purchases from Israel advanced military equipment of many varieties. Israel has basically replaced Russia as the second leading supplier of military hardware to India. Israel sells India air defense systems and missiles, and upgrades worn-down Russian planes and tanks.

Yet disagreement on one crucial topic separates the countries. India, which purchases 40% of its oil from Iran, feels no urgency about rupturing its connections with Teheran. Krishna even stated that India, a nuclear power in its own right, has no problem, in principle, with Iranian nuclear capability.

"We respect the right of each nation to realize its ambitions in the nuclear sphere," Krishna stated at the press conference with Lieberman. "Just as India exercised its right to develop nuclear energy to provide a response to its mounting domestic energy needs, so too does every other nation have the right to pursue the same aim, subordinate to parameters defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency."

For years, India has followed a pro-Palestinian orientation. Since India began its term at the UN Security Council, it has sponsored a number of anti-Israel resolutions, and it unremittingly denounces Israeli activity in the territories. Nary a vote is taken at UN institutions with Indian delegates raising their hands in favor of Israel's position.

Incidentally, the Palestinian topic virtually did not reach the discussion table during Krishna's visit to Israel. The topic did not come up during his discussion with Netanyahu, and Krishna and Lieberman talked about it for just a few minutes. It seems that the two sides preferred to sweep the topic to the sidelines, and focus on simpler, more productive topics.

A large part of the visit focused on increased cooperation for the war on terror. Since the terror attacks in Bombay, in 2008, intelligence cooperation between the two states has tightened. The head of Israel's counter-terrorism bureau, Nitzan Nuriel, visits India every few months for talks regarding the war on terror

For any prophecy scholars out there who didn’t think “Rosh”, mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39, could refer to Russia forming an alliance with Islamic countries to attack Israel, current news proves how likely this alliance really is. It also warns us of how close we are to the Middle East war that will set the tribulation in motion.
Russia and China Would Consider An Attack On Iran – Or Syria – As An Attack On Their National Security
The escalating conflict around Iran should be contained by common effort, otherwise the promising Arab Spring will grow into a “scorching Arab Summer,” says Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s deputy prime minister and former envoy to NATO.“Iran is our close neighbor, just south of the Caucasus. Should anything happen to Iran, should Iran get drawn into any political or military hardships, this will be a direct threat to our national security,” stressed Rogozin.

Philippines: In the days before the vote, the Philippines' representative General Carlos P. Romulo stated "We hold that the issue is primarily moral. The issue is whether the United Nations should accept responsibility for the enforcement of a policy which is clearly repugnant to the valid nationalist aspirations of the people of Palestine. The Philippines Government holds that the United Nations ought not to accept such responsibility". After a phone call from Washington, the representative was recalled and the Philippines' vote changed.[23]

(AFP) – 2 hours ago
JERUSALEM — Israel and the United States opted to delay a major joint military exercise because of regional tensions and instability, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Monday.
"The entire world understands that we had to postpone this exercise because of political and regional uncertainties, as well as the tensions and instability prevailing in the region," Lieberman told public radio.
"It's only a delay, the exercise will take place by the end of the year," he added, speaking from Warsaw where he was on an official visit.
On Sunday, a senior Israeli security official confirmed that the exercise, codenamed "Austere Challenge 12," which had been scheduled for spring, was now being put back to late 2012.
The joint manoeuvre was to have been the biggest yet between the two allies and was seen as an opportunity to display their joint military strength at a time of growing concern about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
But it was to come at a time of rising tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, which Israel, Washington and much of the international community believe masks a weapons drive.
The United States is seeking tough new sanctions against Tehran, including its oil exports and financial institutions, and Iran has responded by threatening to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday, two Israeli officials questioned whether the international community, and the United States in particular, were pushing hard enough for new sanctions.
Lieberman on Monday also called for speedier action, saying now "is the time for the international community to move from words to actions."
Asked about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, Lieberman said it was not for Israel "to take on a mission that is one for the international community, but it must keep all options on the table."
"Iran is not a threat to Israel alone. For the Gulf countries, Iran is also problem number one," he said. "Iran has taken control of Iraq and wants to do the same in Saudi Arabia to be able to dictate energy policy in the whole world."
Lieberman also accused Tehran of aiding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on pro-democracy activists, saying his regime "wouldn't last a week without Tehran's help."
Israel has made no secret of its desire to see crippling sanctions imposed on Iran in a bid to halt its nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for civilian energy and medical purposes alone.
But it has also kept open the possibility of military action to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Israel has been linked in media reports to both a computer worm that set back the nuclear programme and a string of assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists.

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The Hindu Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right) calling on Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma prior to delegation level talks in New Delhi on Monday.

Besides infrastructure, the other areas of investment opportunities include the pharmaceuticals, services, engineering and agro-processing sectors India on Monday invited Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), world's largest sovereign wealth funds, to invest in the $90-billion ambitious Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and other infrastructure funds.

Both countries also agreed to set up a joint working group to facilitate investment for this purpose. The issue was discussed between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Managing Director Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan here.

“We have invited ADIA to invest in the DMIC and other infrastructure projects,” Mr. Sharma said after the meeting. The ADIA, which is as large as $1 trillion, has expressed keen interest in investing in India. “The ADIA will come forward to work with India in the DMIC project. We have agreed to set up a joint working group to work out the modalities. We will be happy to see ADIA participation in India's infrastructure-building,” he said.

Mr. Sharma said India planned to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure over the next five years. “This is an opportunity to enter this huge market,” Mr. Al Nahyan said.

Keeping in mind the worsening investment climate in developed nations, both leaders agreed that the UAE and India should work towards a greater level of engagement. Besides infrastructure, the other areas where both sides can explore investment opportunities include the pharmaceuticals, services, engineering and agro-processing sectors. ADIA has asked for more support in its exploration of opportunities in the Indian market.

Mr. Sharma also said that the UAE should encourage other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to hold a third round of negotiations on the proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and the GCC at the earliest.

The UAE is the biggest trading partner of India in the entire West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region and accounted for about 63 per cent of India's total trade with GCC countries in 2010-11. Bilateral trade between the countries has registered an over 300 per cent increase in the last five years and stood at $66.56 billion in January-November 2011.

shyamd wrote:RajeshA ji - US is economically weak, its stupid to go to war now. Remember the plan is to sanction and then keep the war beats going so Iran diverts resources to defence as supposed to development. People get pissed off - hopefully in March elections people will rise up.

Carl wrote: I wouldn't bank on that either. Sanctions alone will not have that effect.

However, it is crucial that Syria be taken out of Iran's orbit ASAP, and Arab or Turkish influence increased and be made more anti-Iranian. The first of these is definitely possible. The second may be far more tricky, IMHO.

shyamd wrote: The sanction of the Central Bank and Iranian oil is the killer blow that US is looking to inflict. IRGC built up infrastructure to deal with this and Malaysia, Russia are not implementing the sanctions.

ramana wrote:Why would you wish to remove Syria from Iran orbit? How does that support Indian interests and ME interests secondarily? Right now ME is stable as the Sunni -Shia and /or Arab-Persio interests are in lock step.

The first time Punjab got invaded was by Persians under Darius I when he got primacy in ME after his dynasty defeating the Asyrians.....

ramana wrote:Why would you wish to remove Syria from Iran orbit? How does that support Indian interests and ME interests secondarily? Right now ME is stable as the Sunni -Shia and /or Arab-Persio interests are in lock step.

The first time Punjab got invaded was by Persians under Darius I when he got primacy in ME after his dynasty defeating the Asyrians. Again it was Alexander after the ME was consolidated under Macedonian rule. We again saw invasion of Sind after the ME consolidation under the Caliphs (Qasim). After the Mameluke Turks took over Kabul we saw another invasion(Ghazni and Ghoris). Again after Babur took the Sultanate of kabul we saw another invasion(Mughal). Again after Nadir Shah consolidated Persia he invaded followed by Abdali. The last one was pyrric victory over the Marathas.

Carl wrote: Shyamd ji, what about India, China? There were reports of India and Iran working to create private banks as a workaround to facilitate payments...? If Russia, China and India don't cooperate, then this "killer blow" will fall flat on its face.

Carl wrote:We don't want the ME to be consolidated. Right now, Iran's power is increasing, and the Pakis are showing signs of wanting to play sidekick, as usual. China also will facilitate that axis. IMHO, we need Iran's wings to be clipped, but still remain a strong-but-alienated power center there, based on nationalism, not pan-Islamism. So for that to happen...:
1. We need some of Iran's satellites to be torn away and regrouped with competing Turk/Arab power centers.
2. We need Iran to feel alienated or be made subordinate because of its ethnicity -- in addition to the Shi'a-Sunni split right now.

I think we want the Islamist regime there to implode, not the Iranian state. And we want a relatively strong Iranian state to be alienated and defending itself. With Iran appearing vulnerable and on the losing side of the game of risk, TSP khansamahs will choose the Arab as their master. Iran will choose India as a friend.

shyamd wrote:What if you could replace the protector/bridge to central asia (TSP) with Iran? Will that mean TSP will be less useful to Unkil? Would that leave TSP weakened and more amenable to behave?

A "free Iran" could become an independent regional power house with all their oil/gas/natural resource wealth. Question is, post collapse Iran - GCC will want Iran to be split ethnically - Baloch, Kurd, Arab etc - hence weakening the persian empire. As you know the persian threat will never go away and have been at conflict between mesapotamia and arabia since mankind, so its in the interest of GCC to split them apart. Free Balochistan - India could use Iranian balochistan as a jump off and do all sorts of things.

abhischekcc wrote:the Avestan religion was created in the crucible of fight against the Vedic system. Or to be more precise, the Vedics kicked out the Avestans from India, whereupon they went and settled in Iran.

Samudragupta wrote:A severely mauled Iran will be the new Israel in the Middle East which will share the same racist worldview of the Anglo-Saxons....and which will see India from the same racial angle...Forget about reduced Persian threat ...on the contrary it will only increase, this time flying the Anglo-Saxon Flag....BTW Macedonian army fighting in Punjab consists of maximum Persian soldiers....