India-US Strategic News and Discussion

member_22733 · Post by **member_22733** » 21 Dec 2013 12:24

Uzra Zeya ---she is middle eastern/Paki?

sivab · Post by **sivab** » 21 Dec 2013 12:24

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/215777.htm

Uzra Zeya

Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
Term of Appointment: 03/08/2013 to present

Uzra Zeya became Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor on March 8, 2013.

Ms. Zeya joined the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary on September 24, 2012. Ms. Zeya’s responsibilities for DRL Bureau include oversight of operations and programs, and ensuring that the bureau’s diplomacy, public outreach, and foreign assistance efforts support the President’s and Secretary’s foreign policy goals.

Ms. Zeya has over two decades of policy experience in the Department, where she has focused on the Near East and South Asia regions and multilateral affairs. Since joining the Foreign Service in 1990, Ms. Zeya’s overseas assignments have included Paris, Muscat, Damascus, Cairo, and Kingston. Ms. Zeya served most recently as Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns, where she supported a range of policy initiatives, ranging from the U.S. response to transitions in the Middle East to deepening engagement with emerging global powers. Prior to that, Ms. Zeya served as Minister Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. In Washington, she served as a Deputy Executive Secretary to Secretaries Rice and Clinton, as Director of the Executive Secretariat Staff, and as UNGA coordinator for the International Organizations bureau.

partha · Post by **partha** » 21 Dec 2013 12:28

daal mein kuch kaala..

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indi ... 696106.cms

NEW DELHI: Did US diplomats assist in the illegal immigration of the family of Sangeeta Richard, the former domestic help of diplomat Devyani Khobragade?

The "evacuation" of Sangeeta's husband Philip and children by the US embassy on a rare "trafficking" visa case has left the Indian government angry and suspicious.

The Richards' — parents of Philip — live in the house of a US diplomat at 5, Aurangzeb Lane in Lutyens' Delhi and the premises used to be the residence of the US embassy's political counselor.

Owned by the US government, in the past the house was occupied by Geoff Pyatt, Ted Osius and Uzra Beya. Philip's mother worked for the Pyatts as their cook, and the father was employed there as well.

The house is currently occupied by a senior US diplomat, and the Richards' continue to live there. There are now serious questions about the role played by US diplomats in getting the Richard family to the US by slapping a trafficking charge on an Indian diplomat.

Second, refuting the charge that the Richards were "persecuted" in India, government records say Philip and his son Jatin applied for fresh passports on September 17. Philip got his passport on October 4 and Jatin a couple of days later.

Officials here say the fact that they got their passports without a fuss is testimony that no such vengeful action had even been contemplated. "But they were clearly working to a plan, and were being advised on all their moves, including when to apply for a passport," sources said.

This was around the time the charges were being filed against Khobragade. Within a week after a non-bailable warrant was issued against Sangeeta by a Delhi court, the Richard family was given a US visa and spirited away on December 10. The US state department confirmed on Friday they had "re-united" the Richard family.

Much more suspicious was the fact that when Khobragade filed a missing person's report in New York in June, she was fibbed off saying only family could file it. When she asked Philip to file it, he refused and reportedly told her that Sangeeta was fine.

Then, Philip filed a writ petition in July but withdrew it a few days later. Besides, the Indians say that in its zeal to "evacuate'' Sangeeta's husband and her children, the US even chose to ignore the fact that he was facing a criminal case (IPC 420) filed by Khobragade in India.

Sangeeta herself had a non-bailable warrant against her, which was communicated to the US embassy in early December, but that too did not elicit any response from Washington.

Why is this family so important to US that it had to "evacuate" the members? Also keep in mind the planted report in rediff about India arresting Sangeeta's family. Who planted that story which turned out to be false? Only rediff carried such a report.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 21 Dec 2013 12:34

Forget all the statements put out by US SD and Indian MEA just watch out if and when US approves the diplomats transfer to UN.

Now let me analyze this report assuming everything reported is correct.

No retroactive immunity for Devyani, US says

Showing no signs of yielding to India's demand, the US today said that Devyani Khobragade's transfer to India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations will not give her diplomatic immunity retroactively and the visa fraud case against her would remain. {So the charges will not be dropped as things stand now}

"When immunity is conferred, it does not retroactively take effect at a previous point in time but relates solely to the diplomat's current status," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said yesterday.

"So, I think some of the confusion here has been if there is a change in status, does that mean that there is a clean slate from past charges. There's not," Paski said.

"For anyone, it would apply for the length of time that they have that diplomatic status," the State Department spokesperson said.{One way to read this is that till she has her UN credentials she will be safe from arrest and I think even in the event of an adverse court ruling}

"Receiving diplomatic immunity does not nullify any previously existing criminal charges. Those remain on the books. Nor does obtaining diplomatic immunity protect the diplomat from prosecution indefinitely. It relates to the status of a diplomat's current status for the length of the time of that status," Psaki said.{Case continues but till she has the proper credentials she will have immunity even in case of adverse ruling. A permanent posting at UN or DC mission will protect her permanently while in the US}

Diplomatic immunity means, among other things, that a foreign diplomat is not subject to criminal jurisdiction in the United States for the time they are a diplomat, for the time they have that immunity, she said.{Another way of stressing what has been said earlier. Read my earlier comments}

After her arrest on visa fraud charges in New York last week, Khobragade, 39, was transfered this week from the Indian consulate to its Permanent Mission at the UN.

Psaki also said that the US is yet to get an official request "through the proper channels for accreditation" and hinted the full diplomatic immunity would remain till the time she is posted at the UN.{Same thing}

A 1999-batch IFS officer, Khobragade was arrested and then handed over to the US Marshals Service (USMS). She has since been posted to India's Permanent Mission in New York.

Khobragade was taken into custody as she was dropping her daughter to school before being released on a USD 250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.

The ill-treatment of its diplomat evoked a sharp reaction from India which initiated a slew of steps to downgrade the privileges enjoyed by the US diplomats and their families.

India also asked the US to drop all charges against Khobragade and demnded an apology for mistreatment.

Khobragade, if convicted, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for visa fraud and five years for making a false declaration.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 12:34

Arre bhai yeh to poori daal hi kaali hai.

Patni · Post by **Patni** » 21 Dec 2013 12:35

habal wrote:
Patni wrote:IMHO there is now a very small chance of any pro-usa loby, in Indian administration, to succeed in playing along with USA-PAKI desire of allowing strategic depth to pakis in Afghanistan. Can it be that the whole episode is orchestrated to snub India very publicly and get the reaction from India that makes it easy for Gotus to manage local public opinion to be anti-India. It makes it easier for USA to be openly anti-Indian interests in our part of world, when new Indian government comes in 2014 which may not be as pro-usa as current one is.
If pro-India is like this, then anti-India US public opinion would be much better. In any case, wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan have proven that US public opinion doesn't matter worth a cent. In anyways it's a population that is constantly kept under tight leash under constant threat of cavity and strip search. It's the deep state that takes decisions, and in the present instance it surely would also be pining for a face saving exit. It seems quite as if they know not what hit them and that too in holiday season. They did a typical evacuation and the maid did a typical scoot & file charges against employer citing bad bad caste system, slavery system, India's obsession for fair skin or employers habit to chant Om which disturbs her piousness or whatever excuse possible. But didn't predict this level of commotion.

If India quietens down, then will offer the exit route themselves. Considering that 80% of humanity is anti-US, this is the opportunity gifted to India on a platter to reclaim it's global standing.

On second thoughts if the Indians are serious about exfiltrating Devyani, they will consult with Israel lobby and some Mossad types can exfiltrate anything from under their noses. Maybe even exfiltrate Obama back to Kenya.

Well I did not mean the local yankee public opinion matters to uncle sam when it comes to playing international politics! IMHO the majority of average american citizens, who has not gone past high school, are the most ignorant / unaware about anything outside of USA. The educated middle class lobby (under left liberal front), which is feeling increasing heat from China/India in competing for plum white collar jobs, finds it better to paint India in as much negative light as they can and influence usa policy to that effect.

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 21 Dec 2013 12:46

Dipanker wrote:
Arjun wrote:If India's stance of sticking to logic makes the local opinion go south - clearly you have a very low opinion of the aam American. You may well be right though - on some days I have the same low opinion myself.
I disagree with you there. Personally I don't think India's reaction has not been logical. Burning down the pizza place does not help either. Anyway it seems sanity is returning now.

I don't understand. You don't think India's reaction has not been logical? Does that mean you think India's reaction has been logical? or was it a typo?

And sanity is returning?! You mean, sanity == being amirkhan apologist?
And how about some sanity in amirkhan, so that the cops don't go about raping people just based on allegations?

partha wrote:daal mein kuch kaala..

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indi ... 696106.cms

Why is this family so important to US that it had to "evacuate" the members? Also keep in mind the planted report in rediff about India arresting Sangeeta's family. Who planted that story which turned out to be false? Only rediff carried such a report.

Exactly. What could they have done for them to earn such generosity from amirkhan? Or what do they know that they can spill the beans if they speak?(But, it would be easier to bump them off, then to take them to amirkhan, if the idea to only silence them. So, it was not just to silence them, but also to reward them).

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 21 Dec 2013 12:51

sivab wrote:http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/215777.htm
Uzra Zeya
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Another American of Indian origin.

svenkat · Post by **svenkat** » 21 Dec 2013 12:53

Where is the husband of DK? Where is the prafessar of filosofy?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 21 Dec 2013 12:55

Usd has sent an advisory today morning to Americans in India to avoid going near
demonstration in light of recent events. It was not explained exactly what events.

member_22733 · Post by **member_22733** » 21 Dec 2013 13:00

sivab wrote:http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/215777.htm

Uzra Zeya

Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Democracy, Human Rights etc --> i.e. she is spreading the democracy and human rights to the savages. AKA: "house slave" in all caps.

BTW: why was such a post allowed to be setup in India? It means that we are ok with a "house slave" from the US preaching to us the value of Human Rights and democracy as if we dont know them and are incapable of doing the right thing. Any self-respecting govt. would declare any person who wants to establish such a role in India to be interfering with the Republic of India and declare them persona-non-grata.

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 21 Dec 2013 13:02

Is amirkhan really ready to give asylum to all underpaid maids and their families(and even pay for their travel)?

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 21 Dec 2013 13:05

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-1994- ... -PgS39.htm
September 1994 Congressional Record, recording appointment as Foreign Service Officers of Class Four, Consular Officers and Secretaries in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America, of a number of people including Uzra Shahmin Zeya of Florida.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 21 Dec 2013 13:06

A 1990 article by Uzra Zeya:
http://www.wrmea.org/wrmea-archives/123 ... islam.html

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 21 Dec 2013 13:08

A more recent appearance of U. Zeya:
http://viewpatna.blogspot.in/2011/03/uz ... -modi.html

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 21 Dec 2013 13:10

Arjun wrote:
Katare wrote:They only go by law, if u know of any law i wud be more than interested in learning about it.
What is the law that should apply in the current case, Katare ? American Law or the Vienna Convention ?

What is the law that should apply in the case of the Indian maid's family? Indian law or American Law?

Vienna convention over rules local laws but what is your point? The crime does not qualify for vienna convention protection since it is a personal matter. Anything that she does in official capacity is protected so if she had appointed the maid on goi pay, she could get away with anything.

Kati · Post by **Kati** » 21 Dec 2013 13:14

how come the Professor of Filojophi hoosband of DK is keeping quiet?
Was he used as a bait to get DK work for chacha?
may be DK refused, and hence all the wrath.

member_22733 · Post by **member_22733** » 21 Dec 2013 13:14

johneeG wrote:Is amirkhan really ready to give asylum to all underpaid maids and their families(and even pay for their travel)?

Yes sir. You need to know the right way to milk the system. You need to know the current folks in power and their "civilizing fads". Currently its all about "rapes" in India and "slavery" in India.

The maid was in the right spot at the right time and knew exactly what to do from the get go. I am sure there is a link between Uzra and this case. She might have done this to prove her "house slave" credentials by entraping an Indian diplomat.

The next step for this "civilizing fad" is : Ohh look, if a diplomat from India can do this, ANY brown skinned Indian looking guy can do this. i.e. As far as this issue is concerned if any brown looking Indian, infact even Uzra is ever accused of trafficking, no one would think twice before agreeing that he or she could have done it.

House slaves usually end up shooting their own foot by trying to prove themselves to their masters, but they dont get impacted by it and get rewarded by plum postings, scholarships etc. Until they land on the other side of a stereotype, they will be sucking their masters teats.

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 21 Dec 2013 13:27

LokeshC wrote:Katareji,

/sarc
I finally got it! US legal system sees ONLY the law, and not the color of the skin and is totally blind to everything else. DK is evil and she got what she had coming -- US is India's great ally. All izzz well.
/endsarc

No us system looks all over for the color in the skin to find victims for prosecution. it keeps its eye open to everything including understandings so its not blind. DK is not evil, the maid, USA and the DA are true evils. DK is innocent she really wasnt trying to lie to us govt she was actually kidding. They just didn't see the little smilie she made right next to $4500/month salary she promised to the maid. USA is not ally of India Pakistan and China are our allies. All is not well......
Sarcasm taken off

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 13:29

Katare wrote:
Arjun wrote:
What is the law that should apply in the current case, Katare ? American Law or the Vienna Convention ?

What is the law that should apply in the case of the Indian maid's family? Indian law or American Law?
Vienna convention over rules local laws but what is your point? The crime does not qualify for vienna convention protection since it is a personal matter. Anything that she does in official capacity is protected so if she had appointed the maid on goi pay, she could get away with anything.

That has been now clarified by MEA GOI. Being on official passport, she is deemed govt servant and local laws don't apply. Even visa was issued on note verbale. What document she gave during her interview was unconnected with DK. Essentially SR could have been told to lie by the US diplomats in order to trap DK. In laws continue to work in US diplomat's house even today.

Anyway, I don't understand if Ameirkhan society is so egaliatarian that they work their household chores themselves why do they employ maids in India in their household ? do they pay according to fair wages or not? Though it is a separate matter but to expose their duplicity onlee.

Kati · Post by **Kati** » 21 Dec 2013 13:31

What faith group does the name "Uzra Zeya" most likely belong to?
Doesn't seem to indicate Sanatan dharma.
Parsi?
Islamic?
Christian?

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 21 Dec 2013 13:37

Nope she was her personal maid paid by her from her own money. Maid had an employee contract with DK not GoI and she received her pay checks from DK not GoI. Getting an official passport is actually a method of controlling maids options and her ability to immigrate.

A US DA would not make these elementary mistakes and if he did he'll have his behind handed down to him in no time. DK would be a multi millionaire soon.

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 21 Dec 2013 13:42

Katare wrote:Nope she was her personal maid paid by her from her own money. Maid had an employee contract with DK not GoI and she received her pay checks from DK not GoI. Getting an official passport is actually a method of controlling maids options and her ability to immigrate.

A US DA would not make these elementary mistakes and if he did he'll have his behind handed down to him in no time. DK would be a multi millionaire soon.

The fact that Sangeetha was on an official passport means that GOI as Devyani's employer was both aware of Sangeetha's hire and considered the hire as part of official business of Devyani. If she was not on official business, there was no question of giving an official passport.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 21 Dec 2013 13:43

pankajs wrote:No retroactive immunity for Devyani, US says
Showing no signs of yielding to India's demand, the US today said that Devyani Khobragade's transfer to India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations will not give her diplomatic immunity retroactively and the visa fraud case against her would remain. {So the charges will not be dropped as things stand now}

Once the Indian diplomat is granted UN immunity, the case can proceed as follows to allow both parties an out without having to concede to the other.

The charges against her are pursued. US issues an non-apology which will satisfy both sides. The Indian diplomat refuses to appear in court citing immunity. After a while say days/months when things have calmed down and media focus has shifted the court dismisses the charge on technicalities. Richards family is given a green card / US passport.

India will claim to have protected the diplomat's dignity and forced US to issue an apology. Preet and DOJ did not have to back off and a lucky technicality and immunity saved the Indian diplomat . US SD claims no climb down on charges and repeats DOJ's line on technicality. The human rights industry in US will claim Richards family's interest safeguarded despite pressure from India. US moles in India will breath easy.

Back to the usual programming in India and restoration of unilateral privileges for US diplomats .. perhaps some new ones too.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 13:49

Spot on. End Game has started from Congi side. Anand Sharma is first to GUBO after Salmon the Cursed.

Devyani Khobragade case not to impact India-US commercial ties: Anand Sharma

NEW DELHI: The ongoing spat between India and US over the diplomat Devyani Khobragade issue would not impact commercial ties between the two countries, commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma said here on Saturday.

"India was outraged over the treatment given to Devyani but our relationship with the US is far too important. It is a strategic partnership between the two largest democracies of the world. Strategic in every sense, so we are not disengaging. This relationship will go stronger," Sharma told reporters here.

"In mature democracies, issues get addressed. Issues are not allowed to cast an ominous shadow on what is truly a building partnership," he said.

Mr Anand , better arrest one US DSG and charge them and see the reality of your relations and test your statement. I hope this would not affect the relations Why don't you try once or your blood has turned into water lost all heat?? Next GE 2014 GFY to congis.

svenkat · Post by **svenkat** » 21 Dec 2013 13:49

Patna, March 2: For Uzra Zeya, the counsellor for political affairs at the US Embassy, New Delhi, it was a homecoming of sorts.

Invited to discourse on Indian-American relationship at the American Corner of the Indian Institute of Business Management (IIBM) in Patna today, Zeya said she was thrilled to visit the state.

“I am absolutely thrilled to come here — it is both a professional and a personal visit. My ancestors are from Bihar, so for me it is like coming home,” said Zeya, who was earlier a deputy executive secretary with the US secretary of state.

Who are her parents ? Where did she study?

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 13:54

Katare wrote:Nope she was her personal maid paid by her from her own money. Maid had an employee contract with DK not GoI and she received her pay checks from DK not GoI. Getting an official passport is actually a method of controlling maids options and her ability to immigrate.

A US DA would not make these elementary mistakes and if he did he'll have his behind handed down to him in no time. DK would be a multi millionaire soon.

Your faith in US DA is really touching. But unfortunately you are patently wrong. Official Visa and Note Verbale are not issued in personal capacity but only in official capacity. And the contract you cite is what was concluded in Delhi between two Indians, ye DA and US SD kahaan se tapak pada beech mein? Jurisdiction to hai nahi. Just to trap her??

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 21 Dec 2013 13:57

pankajs wrote:{quote="pankajs"}No retroactive immunity for Devyani, US says
Showing no signs of yielding to India's demand, the US today said that Devyani Khobragade's transfer to India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations will not give her diplomatic immunity retroactively and the visa fraud case against her would remain. {So the charges will not be dropped as things stand now}{/quote}
Once the Indian diplomat is granted UN immunity, the case can proceed as follows to allow both parties an out without having to concede to the other.

The charges against her are pursued. US issues an non-apology which will satisfy both sides. The Indian diplomat refuses to appear in court citing immunity. After a while say days/months when things have calmed down and media focus has shifted the court dismisses the charge on technicalities. Richards family is given a green card / US passport.

India will claim to have protected the diplomat's dignity and forced US to issue an apology. Preet and DOJ did not have to back off and a lucky technicality and immunity saved the Indian diplomat . US SD claims no climb down on charges. The human rights industry in US will claim Richards family's interest safeguarded despite pressure from India. US moles in India will breath easy.

Back to the usual programming in India and restoration of unilateral privileges for US diplomats .. perhaps some new ones too.

With the BJP expected to take over, even the US embassy staff's Indian domestic help will have full diplomatic immunity.

The climb down has begun.

Ministers (anand sharma) are now saying that US relations are too important to be strained over one piddling incident.

Heard salman the cursed saying on TV that he had never heard of the term "cavity search". Surprising because he is himself such a cavity.

Earlier he was not available to take kerry's call, now he is publicly wondering how come kerry says that he (kerry) is "unable" to contact him even on mobile. The shoe will soon drop.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 21 Dec 2013 13:59

svenkat wrote:quote]Patna, March 2: For Uzra Zeya, the counsellor for political affairs at the US Embassy, New Delhi, it was a homecoming of sorts.

Invited to discourse on Indian-American relationship at the American Corner of the Indian Institute of Business Management (IIBM) in Patna today, Zeya said she was thrilled to visit the state.

“I am absolutely thrilled to come here — it is both a professional and a personal visit. My ancestors are from Bihar, so for me it is like coming home,” said Zeya, who was earlier a deputy executive secretary with the US secretary of state.

Who are her parents ? Where did she study?[/quote]

Yes, we must know which madrassa.

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 21 Dec 2013 14:00

Benghazi: Background on Hillary Clinton’s Handpicked Accountability Review Board: The Unanswered Questions
by Maggie • January 30, 2013 • 5 Comments

Judicial Watch issued a report on findings on Benghazi from documents received through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You may be familiar with many of the details below, but don’t miss the background on Thomas Pickering who headed the Accountability Review Board, and the Board’s Executive Secretary Uzra Zeya (see No. 4 below). A few of the links below are my addition to fill in some details of the JW report, which you can read in it’s entirety here.
Hillary Clinton Benghazi Testimony

Hillary Clinton Benghazi Testimony

1. What was first referred to as our Benghazi Consulate was actually a Special Mission Comp0und (SMC)

2. On September 11, 2012 at 9:40 pm, approximately 150 attackers invaded the SMC. Four Americans died. Requests to the Department of State were ignored and calls that night for help from slain Navy SEALS Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty resulted in nothing.

3. Obama and his administration, including Hillary Clinton, immediately blamed the attack on the internet video. By September 28th the administration through the Office of the Director of National Intelligence admitted the attack was “neither spontaneous nor the result of an Internet video. The attack was officially determined to be “a deliberate and organized terrorist attack” carried out by extremists, including some members of al-Qaeda. In her Capitol Hill testimony, Hillary emotionally asked “what difference it makes” an Internet video or whatever, with four Americans dead? I’ve just explained the difference and and it does make a difference.

Hillary_Clinton_Benghazi_5

Here’s the rest of the story:

4. Hillary Clinton referred numerous time to the ARB, the Accountability Review Board when she testified (not sworn testimony, I believe – but I could be wrong) on Capitol Hill last week. The man leading the ARB investigation, if it can be called that, was handpicked by Clinton. Thomas Pickering was appointed to to the third ranking position in the State Department by Madeleine Albright, who was appointed by Bill Clinton. Pickering is a member of the advisory board of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) – left-leaning according to Judicial Watch…

that opposes the imposition of economic sanctions against Iran and that, in the estimation of national security expert Kenneth Timmerman, “has been lobbying Congress to win support for an agenda that mirrors the goals of the Tehran regime.”

In 2009, former FI counterterrorism agent Kenneth Piernick reported that the group “may be lobbying n behalf of Iranian government interests…

In her 2009 paper Rise of the Iran Lobby, published by the Center for Security Policy, former CIa officer clare Lopez wrote that “Ambassador Pickering’s positions on Iran include calls for bilateral talks without preconditions and a plan for a multinational uranium enrichment consortium in Iran.

The man leading the investigation into Benghazi may be sympathetic to the Islamic interests of a rogue nation. Pickering holds the Foreign Service rank of Career Diplomat, the highest ranking possible and served as Ambassadors to India, Russia, Jordan, Israel, Nigeria, the UN, and El Salvadore.

Hillary_Clinton_Benghazi_7

Also on the ARB panel was Admiral Mike Mullen, Catherine Bertini appointed by Kofi Annan to UN Undersecretary for Management, Richard Shinnick, Interim Director of Overseas Building Operations, and Hugh Turner, a former Deputy CIA Director.

Uzra Zeya served as the Executive Secretary to the Board (yes, she was only the Secretary, but read on). She has served as Deputy Executive Secretaries to Hillary Clinton and Condoleeza Rice.Uzra Zeya is a staff member of the American Educational Trust specializing in Islamic affairs. This article by Zeya shows a mission to clear up unattractive images of the prophet Muhammad – things like the the Koran placing men above females. Not so according to Ms. Zeya. She also authored “How US Islamic Financial Institutions Provide Interest-Free Services.” She ‘produced’ this video (or something – it’s presented as Islam in America – by Uzra Zeya) of a pretty blonde California girl who converted to Islam, never leaves her home without being properly covered, and runs a school for Muslim children.

5. The following are among Admiral Mike Mullen’s remarks on the findings of the ARB:

The board found that the security posture at the Special Mission compound was inadequate for the threat environment in Benghazi, and in fact, grossly inadequate to deal with the attack that took place that night.

State Department bureaus that were supporting Benghazi had not taken on security as a shared responsibility, so the support the post needed was often lacking and left to the working level to resolve. The buildings at Special Mission Benghazi did not meet Department standards for office buildings in high-threat areas, and in a sense, fell through the cracks bureaucratically by being categorized as temporary residential facilities. While a number of physical security upgrades were done in 2012, at the time of the attacks the compound did not have all the security features and equipment it needed.

6. The bottom line from Mullen:

The board found that the attacks in Benghazi were security related, and responsibility for the loss of life, the injuries, and damage to U.S. facilities rests completely and solely with the terrorists who conducted the attacks. Read the entire transcript here.

7. Mullen mentions the “rotational staffing system” and the inadequacy of “the Diplomatic Security staffing. Perhaps he was talking about the 16-member team of the Department of Defense – a “Site Security Team (SST) in Tripoli until shortly before the Benghazi attack. Col. Andrew Woods commanded the team:

Wood and Eric Nordstrom, the Regional Security Officer, “implored” the State Department to keep Wood and the SST force in Libya beyond the scheduled August departure. Wood says he and Nordstrom DID NOT request ADDITIONAL security, but rather to keep the existing force in place.

Wood says his Team was only a small part of what the numbers planned to be withdrawn. The State Department’s Mobil Security Detachment (MSD), consisting of Ex-Green Berets, Ex-Navy SEALs were there when Wood arrived in Libya – three MSD teams already on the ground.

August 5, 2012: The State Department makes the decision to withdraw Wood’s SST. The MSD is being reduced. According to Wood, the State Department’s Charlene Lamb denied or ignored his requests to keep his SST in Libya. The withdrawal didn’t have anything to do with funding, according to Wood because his mission was funded by the Department of Defense. That claim was confirmed by Charlene Wood in a House Committee hearing.

August 14, 2012: Wood and his team leave Libya. Wood said at that time he expressed specific concerns for Benghazi.

September 10, 2012: Ambassador Chris Stevens arrived in Benghazi for a full day of meetings beginning on the morning of September 11, 2012. This was Stevens’ first time in Benghazi since Wood’s SST left Libya.

The team was paid for by the Department of Defense – no expense to the State Department.

9. The JudicialWatch report details the serious security problems in Benghazi that are familiar to those who have followed the story: in April 2012 a bomb thrown over the wall of the SMC, an IED attack on a UN Special Envoy to Libya motorcade, the bombing of the Red Cross facility, an attack on the British Ambassador’s convoy causing the UK to shutdown their facility, and in June an IED attack on the SMC that blew a whole in the compound wall.

Nevertheless, the report found that “working level” persons in the State Department were solely responsible. You can’t make this stuff up.

10. JudicialWatch has not been able to get an answer to why the Special Mission Compound was opened in the first place, and by whom. The facility was designated as both a residence and office, which exempted it from “office facility standards and accountability.” Apparently that means there was reason to ignore proper levels of security.

11. According to the JudicialWatch report, the fact that the SMC was designated as a Special Mission was unusual, irregular “anomalous:”

Because the Benghazi mission appears to have been designated as “SMC” – something “anomalous amongst the Department’s inventory of approximately 285 embassies and consulates worldwide” — for the purpose of evading appropriate security protocols, the question of what State Department official authorized the leasing of the house to be utilized as the Compound is critically important.

12. Look at this. The lease was approved for a one year continuation in December 2011 by State Department Undersecretary of Management Patrick Kennedy, but the person responsible for leasing the unsecured house (the SMC) before the lease extension is not identified.

13. Another unanswered question is whether security professionals (you’ve heard Hillary say “security professionals” were responsible for handling and procuring security for the SMC) within the State Department protested the facility arrangements.
14. According to the JudicialWatch expert, Raymond Fournier, a recently retired Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent of more than 30 years experience, the State Department exhibits a long-standing “managerial arrogance” toward devaluing security policy and standards – see them as “inconvenient, restraining, time-consuming or simply less important relative to loftier foreign policy goals…

15. We have been told that the practice of contracting local militia for protection was standard, but the JudicialWatch report says that’s not so.

16. After various travel warnings issued for Americans traveling in Libya, the September 11th meeting is seen as odd, and the reason for deceased Ambassador Stevens’ meeting with Turkish Consul General Ali Sait Akin that night, just a few short hours (if that) before his death, is still not known. There has been speculation that Stevens was aiding in the transferring of Muammar Gaddafi’s weapons stash to “opposition in Syria,” which is believed to have al-Qaeda-linked relationships:

17. Former CIA Officer Clare Lopez has characterized US Activities in Benghazi as “gun running”…
18. No answer from the State Department as to why one unmanned aerial vehicle flew overhead during the attacks (confirmed by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM)), but real air power was not sent in from nearby bases.

Can we really expect a fair accounting of responsibility from Thomas Pickering who received his most prestigious job courtesy of Bill Clinton’s presidency? How much input did Uzra Zeya have as Executive Secretary. After all, she has worked for Hillary as an Executive Secretary in the State Department? As Senator Lindsey Graham said: Hillary Clinton “got away with murder.”

Link

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/06/ ... in-russia/

http://news.yahoo.com/us-official-human ... 31122.html

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/mic ... gay-rights

Uzra Zeya criticizes Russia and China on human rights and gay issue. No such criticism towards islamic countries like Saudi Arabia.

(Left to right): At the NFIA women’s seminar are seated: Satheesan Nair, secretary of NFIA; Dr. Islam Siddiqui, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the US Trade Representative; Maureen Greenwood-Basken, executive director of the Women, Girls and Population Program, United Nations Foundation; Denise Rollins, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; Angela Anand, vice president of NFIA; Uzra Zeya, acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. State Department; Lal Motwani, chairman of the NFIA Foundation; Sohan Joshi, president of NFIA; Saba Ghori, Advisor for Secretary of State John Kerry’s Office of Global Women’s Issues; Maryland Delegate Aruna Miller, District 15, Montgomery County; and Riju Srimal, Women’s Issues Advisor in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. State Department. (Bavi Saini photos)

The issue of sexual violence against women was highlighted following the gang rape of a young student in Delhi and her tragic death due injuries suffered during the rape that led to widespread protests all over India

http://www.indiawest.com/news/11632-nfi ... lence.html

It seems(and correct me if I am wrong), not only has Uzra Zeya never spoken against women's issues, gay issues, and human rights in islamic societies but she has gone ahead and written articles to 'correct the misconception'. On the other hand, she seems to be very vocal about the same issues in countries like Russia, China and India.

Russia, China and India... thats 3 of the 5 BRICS. No wonder amirkhan is very worried about all kinds of rights in BRICS.

----
Katare,
if bakisthan is bhaarath's enemy then those who arm and fund bakisthan must also be bhaarath's enemy, no? Now, who is funding and arming bakisthan? How come a country that has nothing is able to challenge bhaarath for so many decades?

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 21 Dec 2013 14:09

Surprising because he is himself such a cavity.

I'll bet the US State Dept thinks the NY Federal DA is a trouble making a$$hole, too!

Especially if the woman beats the rap in a trial by jury like the frenchman did. It's a pretty shaky case.

Theo_Fidel · Post by **Theo_Fidel** » 21 Dec 2013 14:13

channakya,

How did the maid get a work visa? Commitment is always given at that stage to adhere to local laws. As an Indian citizen, If I commit an error in USA or India I will be prosecuted under USA law. For instance if I don't declare India income to IRS the system has the power to arrest me. If I commit a cognizable crime in India the USA can very much prosecute me when I'm back in the USA.
---------------------------------------------------

India has made its point. USA system will be more wary but its best not paint one self into corners. Cooler blood needs to prevail. This is a business of wheels within wheels. This business of going after NRI or PIO types is detestable and only weakens Indias case and makes our enemies stronger. And India has more than enough enemies to deal with.

Esp. all the IT/VITY banda's who work for MNC's should know better than to set fire to their own house.

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 21 Dec 2013 14:24

Theo_Fidel wrote:How did the maid get a work visa? Commitment is always given at that stage to adhere to local laws. As an Indian citizen, If I commit an error in USA or India I will be prosecuted under USA law. For instance if I don't declare India income to IRS the system has the power to arrest me. If I commit a cognizable crime in India the USA can very much prosecute me when I'm back in the USA.

Theo, I think you need to get more educated on the Vienna convention....The crux is whether the Vienna convention on consular relations applies or does not apply. India definitely thinks it does and the case seems watertight - the US apparently thinks that the immunity should only apply for CIA manslaughter in other countries (Raymond Davis) but not to FAR MORE serious issues like a civil pay arrangement between a diplomat and a maid

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 21 Dec 2013 14:30

Meanwhile, back at the ranch........

'If my daughter does not get justice, I'll go on a hunger strike'

December 20, 2013
MUMBAI

Even as the Devyani Khobragade case continues to garner outrage among top politicians in the Capital, Uttam Khobragade, the diplomat’s father, said that if the government didn’t take proper measures and brought his daughter home, he would fast unto death.

The retired IAS officer, whose daughter was arrested in New York on charges of visa fraud and underpaying her nanny, held a press conference at Juhu and said that it was time the Prime Minister intervened in the matter and asked the US government to drop all charges against Devyani.

“The arrest of my daughter in the US is an attack on the sovereignty of the country and the country should react to this injustice that has been meted out to an Indian diplomat. This is nothing but a conspiracy and I appeal to the PM to speak to the US and ask them to drop the charges against my daughter,” he said.

He added that he would wait for the immediate developments and go to New Delhi next week. “I shall try to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. But if my daughter does not get justice, I plan to launch a hunger strike,” added Khobragade.

When asked if India’s reaction to the incident was justified, he said that the approach was correct, but more efforts had to be taken and he would do all in his power to bring his daughter home, even if he had to fast unto death.

Khobragade further spoke of Sangeeta Richards, the maid, who is in the middle of this entire controversy. “Sangita Richards stole $200 from my son-in-law and, before she went missing, even stole a mobile from my daughter’s home. When we informed the Indian government, they told us to register a complaint. Acting on this, we filed a complaint in August-September, but the US police are yet to arrest Richards.”

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 14:41

Theo_Fidel wrote:channakya,

How did the maid get a work visa? Commitment is always given at that stage to adhere to local laws. As an Indian citizen, If I commit an error in USA or India I will be prosecuted under USA law. For instance if I don't declare India income to IRS the system has the power to arrest me. If I commit a cognizable crime in India the USA can very much prosecute me when I'm back in the USA.
---------------------------------------------------

India has made its point. USA system will be more wary but its best not paint one self into corners. Cooler blood needs to prevail. This is a business of wheels within wheels. This business of going after NRI or PIO types is detestable and only weakens Indias case and makes our enemies stronger. And India has more than enough enemies to deal with.

Esp. all the IT/VITY banda's who work for MNC's should know better than to set fire to their own house.

Visa was issued based on Note Verbale issued by MEA to US Embassy. SR would have given contract entered into in Delhi and other documents about her personal details as may be needed but neither Dk signed any paper for Visa not she appeared before Visa officer. It was SR who got interviewed for Visa. Her Passport was Official passport implying that she is an official in GOI. Period. All diplomates and consular officials are allowed HBDA as part of household. She was given A-3 Visa. Those who travel as Domestic assistant to A- Visa holders are only given A-3 Visa. A Visa is given for official on assignment to USA.

If you have an employment-based visa, the visa will include the name of the employer who is sponsoring you
to work in the United States.

Your temporary work visa does not give you permission to work for any employer that you choose—it is permission to work only for the employer listed on your visa application (does that answer Dipanker's point about slave labour) Here sponsor is GOI via Note Verbale

This does not mean you have to continue to work for your employer if the employer is abusing or exploiting you.

If you work for a diplomat (A-3 visa) or a representative of an international organization (G-5 visa), or if you are a domestic employee holding a B-1 visa, your employer must provide you with an employment contract that complies with U.S. law.

The contract must include the following provisions:

An agreement by your employer not to keep your passport, employment contract, or other personal property from you;

An agreement by your employer to abide by all laws in the United States;

An explanation of how much you will be paid for your work, as well as how frequently you will be paid; and

A description of your work duties, weekly work hours, holidays, sick days, and vacation days.

Make sure that you understand the terms of the contract. If you cannot understand the language in which the contract is written, ask someone you trust to read the contract to you in a language that you understand.Do not sign anything that you do not understand

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 21 Dec 2013 14:51

Esp. all the IT/VITY banda's who work for MNC's should know better than to set fire to their own house..

Eh?
How is DK's arrest & treatment even related to IT , MNCs & employment. Does this imply that Amreekis can use DK case and hurt others through MNCs.
But But but what about American values & ethics..no?

Amreekis have ver little goodwill. And with India too on the wrong side, Obama has wrecked their reputation. Vast swathes in Asia & S.America are now Anti-US.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 14:53

Theo the question is the violation of vienna convention as afforded to consular relations. I have posted the extract and I am clear that it was violated deliberately.

If DK did not pay properly or abused SR I am not condoning. She could have been dealt with in the manner prescribed in VC.

I think and its my opinion that SR wanted to settle in US , egged on by her families in India asked help from DK to work extra or get green card which she refused.

So she decided to go ahead with the traps proposed by Diplomats ( deep covers) to trap one Indian diplomat in an embarrassing situation.

They would have something else going on and Sr was lured by them and proposed FIL is still with US diplomat in India living for years in same household. But since family was nice SR wanted DK help.

It is just an opinion. What is going on deep and in hidden channel is not known to me.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 15:06

Pretty clear in this discussion who the habitual supporters of Khan are. Reflexive, almost.

svenkat · Post by **svenkat** » 21 Dec 2013 15:24

chaanakyaji,
A test for you.
"Thoongaravanai ezhuppalam,thoongara madiri nadikaravanai ezhupamudiyathu"
I think you 'pride' yourself in knowledge of Bharathiya bhaasha-s.
Translate above statement to english for benefit of BRFites.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 21 Dec 2013 15:26

Just to re-educate on Vienna Convention

Article 40
Protection of consular officers
The receiving State shall treat consular officers with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on their person, free-dom or dignity

Article 41
Personal inviolability of consular officers
1. Consular officers shall not be liable to arrest or detention pending trail, except in the case of a grave crime and pursuant to a decision by the competent judicial authority.

Where was the decision of competent judicial authority. Bharar is prosecuting Attroney and not the judicial authority. The Judicial Authority granted bail on personal bon on appearance. DK was not liable to be arrested or to be sent to prison (with intake process as inhuman as Americans themselves are) as a wage dispute can not be classified as grave crime

2. Except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this Article, consular officers shall not be committed to prison or liable to any other form of restriction on their personal freedom save in execution of a judicial decision of final effect.

There is no judicial decion till date and the question of execution does not arise by virtue of this clause.

3. If criminal proceedings are instituted against a consular officer, he must appear before the competent authorities. Nevertheless, the proceedings shall be conducted with the respect due to him by reason of his official position and, except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this Article, in a manner which will hamper the exercise of consular functions as little as possible. When in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article, it has become necessary to detain a consular officer, the proceedings against him shall be instituted with the minimum of delay.

When DK , being DCG and In Charge CGI that day and also being woman, what respect was shown to her. By throwing her in cell with common criminals and drug addicts and subjected to cavity search, strip search and hand cuffing. Someone wanted to teach her and India a lesson for something or what. Is iot the way to pay respect due to her official position representing India. is that what theo garu you are saying?

Article 42
Notification of arrest, detention or prosecution
In the event of the arrest or detention, pending trial, of a member of the consular staff, or of criminal proceedings being instituted against him, the receiving State shall promptly notify the head of the consular post. Should the latter be himself the object of any such measure, the receiving State shall notify the sending State through the diplomatic channel.

Article 43
Immunity from jurisdiction
1. Consular officers and consular employees shall not be amenable to the jurisdiction of the judicial or administrative authorities of the receiving State in respect of acts performed in the exercise of consular functions.
2. The provisions of paragraph I of this Article shall not, however, apply in respect of a civil action either:
(a) arising out of a contract concluded by a consular officer or a consular employee in which he did not contract expressly or impliedly as an agent of the sending State; or
(b) by a third party for damage arising from an accident in the receiving State caused by a vehicle, vessel or aircraft

Article 46
Exemption from registration of aliens and residence permits

1. Consular officers and consular employees and members of their families forming of their households shall be exempt from all obligations under the laws and regulations of the receiving State in regard to the registration of aliens and residence permits.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall not, however, apply to any consular employee who is not a permanent employee of the sending State or who carries on any private gainful occupation in the receiving State or to any member of the family of any such employee.

Article 47
Exemption from work permits
1. Members of the consular post shall, with respect to services rendered for the sending State, be exempt from any obligations in regard to work permits imposed by the laws and regulations of the receiving State concerning the employment of foreign labour.
2. Members of the private staff of consular officers and of consular employees shall, if they do not carry on any other
gainful occupation in the receiving State, be exempt from the obligations referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article

As per clause 47(2) SR being member of private staff was exempted from obligations of workpermit imposed by Laws and regulations of the receiving state. So local laws did not apply in this case. The dispute was a manufactured one to , probably , show India and Dk their respective places and to extract something which we do not know yet.

I am firm in opinion that SR was used by US to entrap DK for something sinister which even nation selling congis found unpalatable. To this end they violated VC and are open to such action by India in future. At the same time they lost goodwill of many Indians which they may not care much perhaps.