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In 2018, Akram Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Nujaba movement in Iraq, threatened to target the US in Iraq. The US government designated him a "terrorist" that same year. He is already on the Pentagon’s radar as a threat and part of the web of pro-Iranian dangers to US forces in Iraq. The US has singled him out, alongside Khazali and Badr’s Hadi al-Amiri, as keys to Iran’s role in Iraq. On Sunday, February 15, 2020-Akram Al Kaabi, the leader of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba ("Movement of the Party of God's Nobles") in Iraq declared: "The countdown has begun to attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq; Iraqi resistance attacks on American bases are inevitable and will be exhaustive, and surprising." Then, Al Nujaba's spokesman/ the Assistant General Secretary posted a picture taken with night vision goggles/lens, of a U.S. armored vehicle allegedly near Anbar's al-Assad Air Base, with the wording: "We are closer to you than you can imagine." Idle threats? Sabre rattling? Actual warnings and credible threats? No one outside Iran knows for certain, but this week we can pose possible explanations and project/predict possible Iranian moves and revenge tactics we need to expect and plan for in Iraq, the Middle East-including Israel-and retaliatory/revenge attacks in North America.  Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran, declared on Tuesday, February 18: “Taking part in the elections nullifies many of the vicious plots of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran. These #elections repel the schemes & ploys of the enemies of Iran.” This statement- a call for votes as well as pressure on voters; is to prompt a reasonable voter turnout on Friday for elections in Iran to prove to the world their system of government is "representative of the people" and is a viable, sustainable form of theocracy despite the massive protests over the last year. Iran observers speculate if the "hard-liners associated with the IRGC and more directly controlled by Khamenei win more seats on Friday, they will also gain various advantages to replace Rouhani with a hard-liner in the 2021 contest for president, a position with wide influence over the country’s day-to-day affairs." www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-election-expected-to-heighten-tension-with-West-617995 If this happens, it is possible that Iran will try cyber attacks again on the US and Saudi Arabia. Potential targets include the financial sector, manufacturing, oil and gas plants and transit systems. Iranian hackers carried out a series of disruptive attacks that knocked US banks’ websites offline prior to the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear deal. According to some cyber security analysts, Iran has been probing US industrial systems in recent years — trying to gain access — for destructive attacks to targets in the Middle East including the Saudi oil company, Aramco. www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-aramco-attacks-iran-special-rep/special-reporttime-to-take-out-our-swords-inside-irans-plot-to-attack-saudi-arabia-idUSKBN1XZ16H Some suspect there are Iranians and Iranian "sleeper cells" in the USA, which are waiting to be "activated" to carry out attacks on American soil and against American allies such as Israel and the KSA. "What Iran is going to do is engage in asymmetrical warfare. I think they are going to start activating their sleeper cells in the United States and other countries like Saudi Arabia. We are going to start seeing attacks on easy targets in places like Iraq and activation of cells within the United States.” usawatchdog.com/iranian-sleeper-cells-will-attack-america-kevin-shipp/ Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei called for the expulsion of all US troops from the Middle East. The next Iraqi prime minister will almost certainly be nominated by the Bina coalition. Amiri’s Fatih leads the al-Bina Coalition, which includes prominent Sunni entities as well as the State of Law Coalition led by Nouri al-Maliki, Sadr’s main adversary. Sadr is head of the Sairoon alliance, the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament. He has headed the Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades) militia, which is part of Iranian backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known as Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic, since 2014. He, too-is vehemently calling for the withdrawal of all American troops and bases in Iraq. "There may be a huge difference between Iraq expelling American troops and the United States withdrawing from Iraq. If the United States punishes Iraq in one way or another then it may make the choice between Iran and the United States as the preferred partner a foregone conclusion: Iraq may not always be an American ally, but it will always be Iran’s neighbor." warontherocks.com/2020/01/iraq-still-might-force-the-united-states-out/  Demonstrations in Tehran after the killing of Solemani and Muhandis in Iraq in January The USA has told all US nationals to leave Iraq and issued the highest level travel warnings. Historically, nations order their nationals out of a nation when it is is known or expected that a war will erupt either with a particular nation, or that war is imminent inside a nation’s borders.
"The fact that many Iraqis supported the elimination of Iran’s General Solemani leads to an obvious conclusion: Iraq is edging toward a civil war or a partition of its three main groups that can barely live in the same nation. It is clear the Shiite supporters of Iran mourned the loss of Solemani while it was surely the Sunni Iraqis who rejoiced at his passing. The third group, the northern Kurds, have remained relatively quiet about this event, but they are clearly not grieving the loss of Solemani. The severe divide between the pro-Iranian Shiite Iraqis and the pro-American Sunni and Kurdish regions of Iraq is now so great that it is hard to imagine how these groups can stay together in one nation much longer. This region is descending into a cycle that can only lead to war at some point. With such intense and irreconcilable factions present in the nation of Iraq, it is drifting toward civil war or, hopefully, a peaceful partition." stevenmcollins.com/usa-and-iran-nearing-open-war/ The world will soon see which it will be. Closing tonight from Kurdistan with a song which is appropo of my situation here as the tension increases in Iraq and Iran. The "Talking Heads" performed this song in many countries and it is titled: "Life During Wartime" but they were running on stage and singing about the US of A. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jShMQw2H2cM Bioweapons are weapons of "war" of course, and soon most of our planet will be having to cope with the COVID/Corona virus as well. Stay healthy! Prior preparation for possible quarantine is prudent. Don't delay... Jo
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The consequences of war(s) are well documented over the centuries. However collateral damage such as loss of economic stability, loss of family, loss of emotional well being and loss of expertise in a society due to death, injury and the brain drain created by those who have means escaping from war, results in long term suffering for the next generation(s). Although funding and "trainers" may be allocated to assist in recovery and "capacity building" the gaping hole in the society of those remaining cannot be healed if the attitudes useful as "survivors" in war are not adapted/changed to a longer term view of pursuing an ethically functioning society which continues with a rule of enforceable laws. The mindset of "getting and hoarding whatever you can regardless of the long term consequences" is understandable, though unsustainable, even during war. But cheating your own community, your own nation and letting criminals go without punishment whether in war torn Iraq or in the USA, is reprehensible. A display of criminality with impunity only further encourages criminals. We see this starkly now in both Iraq and in the USA. Corruption in government at the local, state/province and national level in organizations supposedly devoted to carrying out the rule of law and justice, is in evidence in both countries. The corruption goes back decades and is intertwined in a symbiotic relationship of dependence on oil, dependence on the military industrial and humanitarian "aid" complexes, criminal networks or individuals (think oligarchs and billionaires) corrupt politicians and government workers supported by a compliant media narrative. Although technically the wars of 2003 (against Saddam Hussein) and 2014-2018 (against Daesh/ISIS) are over, and billions of dollars in "aid" has been "donated" by the USA, Japan, France, the European Union, NGOs from numerous countries and international organizations...here in Iraq it is difficult to see where much of the money has been diverted to, considering the (still) unfinished buildings, roads in disrepair, lack of adequate health and education, lack of basic electricity and running water, lack of adequate waste treatment, lack of border/immigration control and lack of a working government. www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/resource-documents/12782.pdf www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-mosul-official-help/international-help-for-iraq-idUSKBN1GX19I ec.europa.eu/echo/where/middle-east/iraq_en http://www.emro.who.int/irq/donors/ However, Americans can't be the ones pointing fingers because our hard earned tax dollars are continually being wasted overseas in countries like Iraq and Ukraine since corruption in their own government, politicians and criminal gangs has been revealed with more indictments to come following the attempted impeachment circus. No, we (America) have evidence on display of the machinations and manufactured coups by American citizens against their own leaders, within their own institutions and legal system; their own life long politicians connected with criminal networks and mercenaries. A number of American career politicians, court appointees, State Department, Justice Department and National Security Council senior officials were involved in "pay to play" schemes, pay to lie "intel intrigues" and leaking classified information and disinformation to the main stream press. Meanwhile, money harvested ruthlessly from American taxpayers supposedly for American betterment, maintenance and infrastructure has been channeled into the bank accounts of American politicians and their family members, to illegal aliens and their family members, as well as corrupt shell businesses. www.tierneyrealnewsnetwork.com/post/romney-kerry-biden-mccain-pelosi-schiff-mueller-clinton-are-tied-to-sketchy-ukraine-deals Portions of some states and cities (Detroit, San Francisco and Baltimore in pics) resemble parts of war torn Iraq and Kurdistan. Compare the photos above and below. While we haven't had a full on attack by Islamic terrorist groups such as Daesh/ISIS on American soil, or the concurrent attacks on children, recruitment/kidnapping of children into violent extremist groups and sex slavery-America does have the largest criminal "industry" of child sex trafficking in the world, exacerbated by complicity in law enforcement, career politicians, officials and executives in every business and institution (including religious and 'humanitarian' organizations) in the United States. Unchecked illegal immigration results in higher numbers of children/minors being trafficked into the USA and exploited. Corrupt "foundations" such as the Clinton Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and hundreds of "Charities" use children as lures, shields, experimentees and "products". There is a growing "war" against children and America is considered an "anti-child" nation by millions of people living in other more "child friendly" countries. Every day I see in my work in Kurdistan, Iraq children who have suffered trauma and sexual abuse yet there will probably never be recourse or therapy for majority of them who are victims of both the wars in Iraq as well as cultural, religious and national taboos. Girls/females are especially vulnerable and generally considered "less valuable" by these societies. They are taught from an early age to "submit" and "keep secrets".
Iraq and the USA, since the 1990s, have intertwined their destinies. They have shed blood together, inter-married, and tried to exploit each other. Before either country can shift to another paradigm, albeit a peaceful more productive one for both nation's citizens, they need to "clean house" at home and finish more of the "unfinished business" they inherited from decades past. This is my observation and considered opinion. I know some of my local friends and colleagues would agree. Finishing off these late night thoughts with a song called; "Let Them Eat War" by the group Bad Religion. The chorus lyrics are short and incisive: 'Let them eat war [x2] That's how to ration the poor Let them eat war.' www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4ngeLZX5_M It's been a tough week already...hope it's better for you wherever you are, Jo  Although the name given to this engineered 'virus' is a regal one...Corona...meaning crown, it is also derived from the Latin word which describes a "circle of light" such as the glow around the sun or the moon or during an eclipse of a celestial body. An ephemeral image for a dark sickness. This virus has been presented as "originating" in Wuhan city in the Hubei province of China. The most sophisticated biological research lab in China, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, is located in Wuhan along with several other major "research labs" affiliated with China's military. A number of prominent doctors from different countries have concluded this virus was genetically engineered utilizing the Pshuttle vector tool-known to virology researchers. One prominent American, Dr. Francis Boyle (who wrote the 'Biological Weapons Act') stated: “...the coronavirus that we’re dealing with here is an offensive biological warfare weapon that leaked out of that Wuhan BSL-4 [lab].” Here is a quote from an interview done this week on Geopolitics and Empire,: Dr. Francis Boyle: "It does seem to me that the Wuhan BSL-4 is the source of the coronavirus, yes. My guess is that they were researching SARS, and they weaponized it further by giving it gain-of-function properties, which means it could be more lethal, and indeed the latest report now is it’s 15% fatality rate which is more than SARS, and 83% infection rate. So a typical gain-of-function is it travels in the air, so it could reach out maybe six feet or more from someone emitting a sneeze or a cough. Likewise, this is a specially designated WHO research lab, so the WHO is in on it, and they knew full well what was going on there. Yes, it’s also reported the Chinese stole coronavirus materials from the Canadian lab at Winnipeg; Winnipeg is Canada’s foremost center for research developing and testing biological warfare weapons. It’s along the lines of Ft. Detrick in the USA, and yeah, I have three degrees from Harvard, it would not surprise me if something was being stolen out of Harvard to turn over to China… the bottom line is, …and I drafted the U.S. domestic implementing legislation for the biological weapons convention, that was approved unanimously by both houses of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush, Senior, that it appears the coronavirus that we’re dealing with here is an offensive biological warfare weapon that leaked out of that Wuhan BSL-4 [lab]. I’m not saying it was done deliberately, but there have been previous reports of problems with that lab and things leaking out of it, and I’m afraid that is what we are dealing with today."  Predictably, the Chinese government is working fiercely to shut off information coming from Hubei and other provinces which are are affected directly by spread of the virus since December. The world health organization (WHO) approved the laboratory in China years ago and are applauding President Xi Jinping's efforts to "contain" the outbreak. There are active disinformation campaigns from China and even the USA to control the narrative and downplay the seriousness of this virus and the "epidemic". Pharmaceutical companies continue to benefit financially from this and other "epidemics". However they are not necessarily incentivized to produce a cure.
"If it’s not profitable for pharmaceutical companies to produce a cure, they won't produce a cure. We cannot win the fight against coronaviruses and future infectious diseases unless we properly fund a public sector that values public health over profit." jacobinmag.com/2020/02/coronavirus-outbreak-free-market-pharmaceutical-industry? Billions of dollars are spent on "death science"... offensive biological weapons. The USA, Canada, the UK, Russia, China, France and Israel are the primary supporters of biological "weapons" research. It is in their interest along with the platitude of "protecting national security" to suppress information regarding their activities, research results and "leaks". www.hilltimes.com/2019/11/20/potent-threat-of-biochemical-weapons-deserves-greater-attention/224682 However, doctors and health practitioners "on the ground" working around the clock with patients have come forward sending reports via VPN to social media contacts in the west. I urge you to see/listen to just one from Wuhan-heartbreaking, but necessary to understand the severity of the situation at present: mobile.twitter.com/howroute/status/1224746507674345472 In terms of trying to prevent further infection and protect yourselves and your family and community-recommendations include:
These are rudimentary guidelines for maintaining your health and immunity regardless of the current outbreak. Posting a music video from the late David Bowie which may be considered "politically incorrect" now...but see for yourself that his messages are still relevant: The song is entitled: "China Girl" www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YC3sTbAPcU Ending tonight with a plea for you to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary travel until more is known about the spread of this virus. it is infants, children, those with compromised immune systems, the elderly and chronically ill who are most at risk. In countries with poor health care infrastructure, internally displaced people, refugee camps and poverty-disease has free reign. We, here in Iraq hope the epidemic is "controlled" and the infection rate decreases over time because if it spreads here there is little chance to contain the "corona virus". From Kurdistan, Jo Ordinarily I do not swear or use foul language in my writing, but this week I decided to quote an Iraqi and relay what a few citizens of Iraq from different ethnic communities have discussed with me, in English, in a number of different venues. Their perspective is one you don't see in any media. Put bluntly they declare..."Iraq is fucked! There is no "endpoint" or vision for us. We are plundered, drained and left!"  "Million-Man March" Jan. 24 in Baghdad, Iraq called by Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr The "protests" against endemic corruption, high unemployment, violent repressive tactics and an incompetent government continue despite the deaths and injuries caused by Iranian backed players and an insecure Iraqi leadership. These protests and protesters have tried to make it clear that the Muqtada al-Sadr "Million Man March" (although women and children did participate) had nothing to do with the demands of the protests beginning in the Fall of 2019. "Iraqi anti-government protesters rejected the calls for the million-man march as "having nothing to do with the demands of the demonstrators" who have protested against the government for months. "This million-man march is different from what the street wants. It supports the current political system in the country, it doesn't oppose it," said Abdul Rahman al-Ghazali, a protester at Baghdad's Tahrir Square, a center of the uprising." www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Million-man-March-in-Baghdad-against-US-presence-in-Iraq-LIVE-615229 "Sadr, who has millions of supporters in Baghdad and the south, said on Saturday, January 25th, he would end his involvement in the anti-government unrest. Sadr's supporters have bolstered the protesters and at times helped shield them from attacks by security forces and unidentified gunmen, but began withdrawing from sit-in camps on Saturday following his announcement. The Iraqi High Commission on Human Rights called on all sides to exercise self-restraint and keep the demonstrations peaceful." www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/iraq-rockets-hit-baghdad-green-zone-anti-gov-protests-200126195616176.html "Their withdrawal has achieved the opposite effect of breaking up the movement. We have had more protesters joining in. On the day Sadr declared his decision,[Saturday} the entire area from Tahrir Square to Tayaran Square was full of people, waving only the Iraqi flag." www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/affect-iraq-tahrir-square-sadr-pulling-support-200127175149848.html  Protesters in southern Iraq in Nasiriyah on January 26, 2020 After Sadr's announcement-Rudaw news Kurdistan Sixteen western countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and the USA said in a joint statement on January 27, 2020, that they “condemn the excessive and lethal use of force by Iraqi security forces and armed groups since January 24 against peaceful protestors, including in Baghdad, Nasiriya, and Basra”. Meanwhile "Kurdistan" (the Kurdistan Regional Government or KRG) and many of the Kurds are distancing themselves politically and economically from the current Iraqi government. No group has yet claimed "responsibility" for the rocket attacks in Erbil on January 7, 2020. Moreover the close "alliance" between Israel and "Kurdistan" continues since it is beneficial to both to buffer against Iran, Iranian influence and Turkish "genocidal policies" regarding the Kurds. During the past week the Iranian regime has threatened to attack Israel if the USA moves against them. Thug tactics-"we'll hurt your family/friends if you try to move against us!" Bellicose threats are part of the usual reportage in this area of the world. Here is the latest one: "If the US takes any action after our military response, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," said Mohsen Rezayee, Secretary of Iran's Expediency Council and a former IRGC commander, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. The council advises Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and also has legislative powers." nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-iran-has-threatened-israel-destruction-117176 Many in the west cannot fathom or they underestimate the capacity and commitment to "revenge" in this part of the world. The "avenging" of the death of General Soleimani. Like the Sicilian Mafia maxim, for Iranians "revenge is a dish best eaten cold." Iran and its regional proxies, which include Yemen's Houthis and Lebanon's Hezbollah, "have shown tremendous patience in the past when it comes to conducting revenge attacks." I suggest watching Iranian/American businessman Patrick Bet-David for a clear, concise explanation of recent Iranian history and culture. His video is called: "US-Iran WWIII or Regime Collapse" www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLv17kuBJrU Alright, closing tonight since electricity and internet connections are intermittent this week and I want to post this piece as well as let you know another article I wrote was published yesterday on the Small Wars Journal site. Here is the link: smallwarsjournal.com/index.php/jrnl/art/iraq-time-different-approach We may forget (or never have known) of the many contributions to music, art, poetry and science the Iranians have contributed over the centuries. Thousands of Iranians have to live in exile due to the political repression, wars and theocracy. When I write of "Iran" and "Iranian influences" I am only speaking of those in governance and their government and it's branches. Therefore, I am finishing with a heart rending song sung by a skilled and gifted singer of the Iranian/Canadian group "Niyaz". Her name is Azam Ali and she is Iranian. "Niyaz" means yearning. The song I chose is entitled "Exile". All of us who have to live away from our home country know this particular anguish and yearning. Do Listen! The lyrics are translated below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY08mpYTue4 Exile This separation has caused me immense sorrow Destiny has me chained to this state O Beloved, release me from these chains for I am bound by the dust in this estranged land What is it you seek from me that you cast your chains upon a free man? You enslaved me in this state without any compassion burning away all my youth Till when can my patience withstand this separation? Till when can I forbear this separation? If I were to reunite with you just one more time I would reveal to you all about the anguish of my exile From Kurdistan, Jo  Singer, musician Azam Ali of the Iranian/Canadian group "Niyaz"  It is no exaggeration to report that the second amendment of the United States constitution is under threat in a number of states. Almost ironically the first showdown is in Virginia, one of the 44 states which included in it's state constitution the following words: "That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; …" This text hearkens back to the original words of the Constitution of the USA: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Virginia is home to the National Rifle Association (NRA) of the USA. It is important to point out that only three countries in the world give their citizens the "right to bear arms"....Mexico, Guatemala and the USA. Both Guatemala and Mexico have strict restrictions on the types of firearms permitted, where purchase of firearms is permitted and who may buy firearms: no one with a history of mental illness, who deserted the army or the police and who has a police record. www.businessinsider.com/2nd-amendment-countries-constitutional-right-bear-arms-2017-10#united-states-4 However, illegal gun ownership in both countries is estimated to be high. Guatemala is reported to have the highest per capita gun ownership in Latin America. The perception of the US violent crime rate from media, popular films and folklore is that we are a violent society. However, when using the data from the last twenty years and using statistics on the violent crimes of homicide and rape committed with guns or the threat of violence per 100,000 people; out of 193 countries, the US is not even in the top 100. worldpopulationreview.com/countries/violent-crime-rates-by-country/ Here are the top ten: It seems every generation needs to be reminded of history. The steps toward disarmament in Europe began with disbanding hunting and gun clubs (in Hungary under Lazlo Rajik) and censoring specific groups of people from access and ownership of guns under Hitler (political opponents, Jews, Roma). mises.org/wire/brief-history-repressive-regimes-and-their-gun-laws
"Gun confiscation holds a special place in the halls of political repression. Gun rights might not guarantee victory against tyrants, but being deprived of them all but guarantees submission." The three bills passed by the newly elected "Democrat" legislature and fiercely supported by the current Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, would severely restrict gun ranges, gun clubs, deny reciprocity for conceal carry permits from other states and overturn existing rights including banning open carry in vehicles. How the public responds is a beta test for other states. Over 100 of Virginia's counties and cities have declared themselves "gun sanctuaries". Maryland declared they will try to pass similar laws while West Virginia has offered sanctuary to those Virginia counties who wish to retain all their second amendment rights. nationalfile.com/west-virginia-plans-to-accept-virginia-counties-that-secede-over-gun-control-concerns/ The massive rally to show support for the 2nd amendment and disapproval for Governor Northam and the Democrats in the legislature, was well attended even with freezing temperatures and completely peaceful. www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/01/20/virginia-gun-rally-updates/ The pro-gun rights rally and demonstration was an exercise of First Amendment rights which includes the right to assembly. I am including the actual words to remind you once more of this important cornerstone of our Republic which many countries do not include in their charter: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” There were a number of countries which did grant their citizens the right to own firearms and ammunition, until one or two "mass shootings" caused emotional reactions in the populace and knee jerk legislation to ban private ownership and strip citizens of "gun rights". Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada and recently, New Zealand are examples of nations with restricted gun "rights". "Many politicians and gun control advocates say if more guns mean fewer mass public shootings, the United States should be the safest place in the world. Indeed, the US has relatively few mass public shootings compared to the rest of the world, but we would have even fewer if we could get rid of gun-free zones. Ninety-eight percent of the mass public shootings in the US from 1950 to 2018 occurred in places that banned general citizens from having guns for protection." crimeresearch.org/2019/06/the-danger-of-gun-free-zones-what-are-you-supposed-to-do-when-you-cant-have-your-gun-with-you/ The saying "use it or lose it" applies to our rights and skills. Exercise your right to "free speech" and gun ownership as an individual by practicing both. These are "perishable skills". Along with ownership comes responsibility for gun safety and accountability for what you say, express and write. Vigilance is required to protect ourselves and our rights or we may be going down a path that countries such as China and Russia have taken. The USA is unique. Let's keep it that way. Vote and appoint politicians, legislators and law enforcement officials who will support and defend the Constitution and our rights. Closing tonight from a country which does not grant their citizen these rights....Iraq. Law abiding citizens here do not have the right to "bear arms" but the criminals and violent extremists totally disregard the laws. There are no "gun free" zones when there is no effective rule of law. Watch and listen to this short music video by Mr. Feshamon entitled: "Gun Control" www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJXwGWAGXmI See it as a cautionary tale using our first amendment rights. Until next week, Jo As often as I have witnessed "soft target" programs being used as shields for nefarious activities in various parts of our world, and by this I mean "humanitarian efforts" be they in education, health or the general catch all of "capacity building"...it still sickens me and I am still surprised when I see it happening. However, after years of doing evaluations and being part of programs, schools, grand scheme projects in conflict zones, or what used to be labeled as "third world" countries-my eyes, ears and seventh sense is able to "case a place" rather quickly and sniff a scam/shield when I stumble upon or walk right into one. First the outward signs of being "legitimate" are created. A logo with a western established icon and nation label such as "American" or "British" or "Canadian" or "United Nations" sponsored - clinic, refugee camp, school, or even university is designed. Then a website is posted with the stereotypical photos of children in need, then children smiling and all sorts of credentials displayed along with pictures of "events" with notable "officials" receiving "gifts". Then, "future plans" are presented, donations accepted and "testimonials" placed to give "credibility" to whatever program or project is being advertised. Who is the audience for these advertisements? Well, that depends. There can be a number of registers advertising at once.
In the United States of America, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11. Beginning in 2010, by Presidential Proclamation, each January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We are two weeks into January 2020-half way through a month supposedly dedicated to raising awareness and action-but I have not seen enough articles or alerts posted continuously online. As least not yet-hence my post this week as part of my personal effort to keep shining a light on this dark scourge on our earthly population and especially on our most vulnerable and innocent segment of the world's population...and our future.  Refugees awaiting "placement" and aid in northern Iraq Shamefully, my home state of Texas is listed as the #1 state in human trafficking and sex trafficking of children. Children from within the state and the USA as well as tens of thousands of minors from other countries are trafficked through Texas. Some of these children trafficked to the USA are orphans culled/selected via "refugee camps", some are kidnapped and "disappeared", tragically some are sold by members of their own community or family. Some are "born into the sex trade" and into cartels or other criminal or extremist gangs. Some children are forced to be "child soldiers" and "enforcers as well as recruiters" for other children. Children from Asia including: Russia, China, Thailand, Pakistan and from "war torn countries" of Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Syria and Iran are collected and dispersed throughout the world. When they get sick or grow older, become addicted or try to run away and their "usefulness" is at an end...they are often filmed, then "harvested" for their organs, sold again even after their death. A horrible fate for anyone. Human beings carry out these vile and evil acts. Human beings are not doing enough to protect our children and bring the perpetrators to "justice" and exposure. The perpetrators of these crimes (the traffickers, johns, pimps) don’t fit a single stereotype. They represent every social, ethnic, economic strata and racial group. Some perpetrators are involved with local gangs, others are members of larger nationwide gangs and criminal organizations, and some have no affiliation with any one group. Traffickers can also be women – in fact, many women run established rings around the country. https://leb.fbi.gov/2011/march/human-sex-trafficking A lack of food access is one reason children will be forced to trade sex for food. Food "insecurity" (not knowing where you next meal will come from) impacts millions of children around the world today-there have been a number of cases in different countries where those who were supposed to be distributing food that was donated "charged" children and families for the food. If they could not pay they were subjected to "trading" - sex - for something to eat. FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS AS "SHIELDS" FOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING SEX TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN, BLACKMAIL, MONEY LAUNDERING ... As part of their strategy to gain access and the trust of children and communities, some of the most high profile foundations dcdirtylaundry.com/the-clintons-laura-silsby-haiti-amber-alerts-human-trafficking/ and religious institutions which purport to "help children" and particularly "help victims of sexual abuse", are the most grievous offenders and predators of children. For more specifics read this excellent investigative report and summation by Corey Digs: www.coreysdigs.com/child-trafficking/are-bill-hillary-clinton-involved-with-child-trafficking/ (see captions under the photos above) The Catholic Church has been prosecuted through it's member priests, bishops cardinals and nuns and so has the Anglican church and Islamic "schools" and "charities" in a wide range activities of their shield organizations and foundations. Individual investigations of other sects and "charities" with tax breaks because of their "religious affiliations" are not often covered in the media but hundreds of thousands of children have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused/used and denied justice and counsel over the past decades in the USA and globally. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Southern-Baptist-sexual-abuse-spreads-as-leaders-13588038.php www.patheos.com/blogs/thefreethinker/2007/11/child-abuse-rife-in-madrassas-and-mosques/ www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/05/31/feature/the-epidemic-of-denial-about-sexual-abuse-in-the-evangelical-church/ jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/topic/child-sexual-abuse/ Ignorance of this scourge on the children of our Earth is no excuse anymore. Moreover, most parents are unwittingly (perhaps) "sharenting" and posting multiple pictures of their precious children, and/or teacher/administrators proudly posting photos of their underage students on the worldwide net casting a "free view" for sophisticated criminal networks as well as individual predators to scan, file and possibly use to entrap or kidnap children for "product" for their "clients". Read this (and other articles) to know some of the strategies they use easily online. Don't feed the beast! nationalpost.com/news/canada/photos-shared-on-pedophile-sites-taken-from-parents-social-media-accounts Closing this morning with a music video from "Take No Glory" based on the true story of one victim. The song is entitled: "Beautiful Slave". I suggest you watch it more than once. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jYU9meVXKg&list=PL4-42hn_MPYD1MfmFUpXLIk2wSZNi8CC4&index=1 If you have children, work with children or just live in neighborhoods, communities with children...be vigilant for them. Learn to recognize the signs they have been abused, the signals they may use for "help". No matter the race, culture, language or economic strata most young children exhibit the same signs if you know what to look and listen for when you are with them. They are our most vulnerable and precious resource now and for the future. We owe them protection from harm. Never underestimate the tactics used by the ruthless or the power of prayer as a shield. "Defende Omnis Innocentis" have the courage to "defend the innocent". Signing off from Iraq, Jo  |
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