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U.S.-Afghan Taliban talks back on

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) — Peace talks between the U.S. and the Taliban over the war in Afghanistan will likely be held “in the next few days,” a senior U.S. administration official told CNN on Wednesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not offer up a timeline for the discussions.

News the meeting was moving forward followed a tumultuous day that saw questions raised about the peace process after an angry Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he was pulling out of the peace talks with the Taliban and canceling security talks with the United States.

Karzai was angered over reports the Taliban appeared to be offering its new office in Doha, Qatar, up as an alternative government, going so far as to put up a sign proclaiming it the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the name the Taliban used during their rule.

Security handed over to Afghan forces

Inside a firefight with the Taliban

In a statement released by Karzai’s office, the president said “foreign powers” were behind Tuesday’s opening of the Taliban office.

Karzai appeared to renew earlier claims that the Taliban and Western officials want to destabilize Afghanistan.

Despite Karzai’s decisions to pull back, the United States continues “close coordination” with the Afghan government on peace and security talks, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jenn Psaki said Wednesday.

Karzai’s office said Taliban rhetoric about continuing to take the fight to Afghan and foreign fighters even as the group pursues a political solution was “completely in contradiction to the assurance that was given to Afghanistan by the United States of America.”

He used similar justification for suspending security negotiations with the United States over the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan past the scheduled pullout next year.

In March, Karzai appeared to accuse the United States and the Taliban of collusion, saying violent attacks by the group “show that the Taliban are serving the foreigners and are not against them.”

He later walked the remarks back, saying they were misinterpreted.

Speaking Wednesday in Berlin, U.S. President Barack Obama said he wasn’t surprised by Karzai’s response.

“We had anticipated that at the outset there were going to be some areas of friction, to put it mildly, in getting this thing off the ground,” Obama said.

But he said that he believes Karzai remains committed to political reconciliation, and that he needs to be.

“We don’t expect that it will be easy,” Obama told reporters at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “But we do think ultimately we’re going to need to see Afghans talking to Afghans about how they can move forward and end the cycle of violence so they can start actually building their country.”

The Taliban opened the Doha office with a promise to renounce international terrorism and commit to peace negotiations, conditions the United States had set before it would support establishing the office as part of peace talks.

But a Taliban spokesman also said the group would continue its military campaign, a promise soon followed by the group’s claim of responsibility for the death of four U.S. troops.

Psaki said the name of the Taliban office came as a surprise to U.S. officials and that Qatari officials took the name off the office door Wednesday, replacing it with the more neutral “Political Office of the Afghan Taliban.”

Karzai’s office said Wednesday that his administration wants peace with the Taliban.

“But the messages of continuation of fighting which were sent out during the opening of the Taliban office in Qatar are completely in contradiction with the peace-wanting spirit of the government of Afghanistan,” Karzai said.

He said the High Peace Council would not take part in the talks with the Taliban in Doha “until the process is completely left to Afghans.”

Karzai earlier Wednesday suspended talks with the United States over maintaining a troop presence in Afghanistan to help train Afghan forces past the scheduled 2014 pullout date for Western troops.

The agreement could provide the basis for any future NATO role in Afghanistan.

Karzai’s decision to suspend those talks came a day after NATO-led troops transferred security responsibility to Afghan forces.

The Afghan government suspended the talks “in view of the contradiction between acts and the statements made by the United States of America in regard to the Peace Process,” it said in a statement.

Jill Dougherty reported from Washington and Masoud Popalzai from Kabul. Chelsea J. Carter reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN’s Mitra Mobasherat, Ed Payne and Michael Pearson contributed to this report.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/asia/afghanistan-security-talks/index.html?eref=edition

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FBI uses drones for surveillance in U.S

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

Washington (CNN) — FBI Director Robert Mueller acknowledged the law enforcement agency uses drone aircraft in the United States for surveillance in certain difficult cases.

Mueller told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that drones are used by the FBI in a “very, very minimal way and very seldom.”

He did not say how many unmanned surveillance vehicles (UAVs) the FBI has or how often they have been used.

But a law enforcement official told CNN the FBI has used them a little more than a dozen times but did not say when that started. The official said drones are useful in hostage and barricade situations because they operate more quietly and are less visible than traditional aircraft such as helicopters.

FBI admits using drones in U.S.

The FBI said it used a UAV earlier this year to monitor the situation where a boy was held hostage in a bunker in Alabama.

Bureau spokesman Paul Bresson said their use allows “us to learn critical information that otherwise would be difficult to obtain without introducing serious risk to law enforcement personnel.”

Bresson said the aircraft can only be used to perform surveillance on stationary subjects and the FBI must first get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly in a “very confined geographic area.”

Surveillance fallout

Mueller’s comments come as the Obama administration grapples with political and other fallout from the public disclosure of top-secret surveillance programs, which has triggered new debate over reach of national security vs. privacy rights.

National security and law enforcement officials have defended National Security Agency telephone and e-mail surveillance of overseas communications as an effective tool in fighting terror.

President Barack Obama has assured Americans the government is not listening to their phone conversations or reading their e-mail.

But Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, asked Mueller whether the FBI had guidelines for using drones that would consider the “privacy impact on American citizens.”

Mueller replied the agency was in the initial stages of developing them.

“I will tell you that our footprint is very small,” he said.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein expressed concern over drone use domestically.

“I think the greatest threat to the privacy of Americans is the drone and the use of the drone, and the very few regulations that are on it today and the booming industry of commercial drones,” the California Democrat said.

Mueller said he would need to check on the bureau’s policy for retaining images from drones and report back to the panel.

“It is very narrowly focused on particularized cases and particularized needs and particularized cases,” said Mueller. “And that is the principal privacy limitations we have.”

Sen. Mark Udall, a Colorado Democrat, said he was concerned the FBI was deploying drone technology and only in the initial stages of developing guidelines “to protect Americans’ privacy rights.”

Grassley wants answers from Holder

Grassley sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder following the hearing asking why written information Holder sent him last month about federal law enforcement use of drones included related information about the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, but not the FBI.

Grassley sought answers to several questions and asked Holder to reply by June 28. He wants to know who at the FBI authorized drone use and information on the uses and limitations of their use and whether any are armed or capable of being armed.

The Justice Department said it was reviewing Grassley’s letter.

Mueller said Wednesday the drones were used for surveillance.

Members of Congress and privacy advocates have pressed for regulations on the use of drones, and their use in counterterror operations overseas was a controversy that flared publicly during confirmation hearings for CIA Director John Brennan earlier this year.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, delayed a vote on Brennan with a filibuster over the possible use of drones against American citizens on U.S. soil.

Attorney General Eric Holder told Paul in a March 4 letter that “the U.S. government has not carried out drone strikes in the United States and has no intention of doing so.”

Last month, Paul introduced legislation to prevent “unwarranted government intrusion” by drones.

The bill proposes that law enforcement officers be prohibited from using drones to gather surveillance or collect evidence without a warrant, unless there is an imminent danger to life or a high risk of a terrorist attack.

The measure also makes an exception so that drones can be used to patrol the nation’s borders. The Senate has not taken up Paul’s proposal. A similar one was previously introduced in the House.

Drone use more common

Unmanned drone use is becoming more common in the United States although it is not lawful in many cases.

The FAA forecasts some 10,000 civilian drones will be in use in the United States within five years, including those for law enforcement and commercial purposes.

Amie Stepanovich, of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, has previously said law enforcement should not use drones as an alternative to police patrols.

She said that they should be used for specific operations and that Congress should pass a law requiring legal permission.

Because they are cheaper to use than helicopters, unmanned aircraft can be used to monitor crops and livestock, look at damage to buildings and for other uses.

The FAA recently announced plans to create six drone test sites around the country.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/politics/fbi-drones/index.html?eref=edition

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Obama seeks cut in U.S., Russia nukes

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

(CNN) — President Barack Obama followed in the footsteps of past U.S. leaders with a speech on Wednesday at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, where he said he would ask Russia to join the United States in slashing its supply of strategic nuclear warheads.

“We may no longer live in fear of global annihilation, but so long as nuclear weapons exist, we are not truly safe,” Obama said in the city that symbolized the East-West divide in the decades after World War II.

“After a comprehensive review, I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies — and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent — while reducing our deployed strategic nuclear weapons by up to one-third,” he said. “And I intend to seek negotiated cuts with Russia to move beyond Cold War nuclear postures.”

Obama’s speech made repeated references to Berlin’s post-war history and the resiliency of its people. He called on them to manifest the same spirit that helped bring down the Berlin Wall to now take on broader challenges facing the modern world.

Obama speaks against nuclear weapons

Obama goes informal during Berlin speech

President Obama in Berlin

“Complacency is not the character of great nations,” said the president, who perspired openly despite removing his suit jacket when he started speaking to a sun-drenched crowd. “Today’s threats are not as stark as they were half-a-century ago. But the struggle for freedom and security and human dignity, that struggle goes on.”

Repeating his campaign themes of equal opportunity and freedom for all, Obama said such ideals can provide the prosperity sought by all nations — especially longtime allies such as the United States and Germany.

“We may enjoy a standard of living that is the envy of the world, but so long as hundreds of millions endure the agony of an empty stomach or the anguish of unemployment, we’re not truly prosperous,” Obama said. “We are more free when all people can pursue their own happiness.”

In the city rife with Cold War history, Obama also heralded democratic values that helped end communist control.

“Because millions across this continent now breathe the fresh air of freedom, we can say here in Berlin, here in Europe: Our values won,” he said to cheers. “Openness won. Tolerance won. And freedom won.”

Obama’s speech took place almost exactly 50 years after President John F. Kennedy delivered his “Ich bin ein Berliner” — or “I am a Berliner” — speech of solidarity with West Berlin near the dividing line with the Soviet-occupied east on the other side of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin is also where President Ronald Reagan delivered a famous line to the Soviet Union in 1987: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

When Obama referred to Kennedy’s speech and repeated the famous phrase, the crowd cheered. He also quoted from Kennedy’s speech by calling on people to look “to the day of peace with justice, beyond yourselves and ourselves to all mankind.”

Taking on another major issue, Obama called for a new global effort to address climate change, citing threats such as “more severe storms, more famine and floods, new waves of refugees, coast lines that vanish, oceans that rise.”

“This is the future we must avert,” he said to cheers. “This is the global threat of our time. And for the sake of future generations, our generation must move toward a global compact to confront a changing climate before it is too late. That is our job. That is our task. We have to get to work.”

Analysts said Obama’s speech sought to entrench a presidential legacy of leadership on global issues, especially after the lofty expectations in Germany and elsewhere for the candidate who spoke in Berlin five years ago have given way to the realities of the Oval Office.

“It was a president who wanted to kind of put down a stake and say, like JFK, like Ronald Reagan, I share their values as an American president and these are the things I feel like I need to talk to you about today as an American president,” said CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger.

Historian Douglas Brinkley called it a “healing speech,” but said “let’s not confuse this with Kennedy’s very important Cold War talk in Berlin or Ronald Reagan’s fighting words about ‘tear down this wall.’”

“This was not a moment that’s going to be a gold star on history’s calendar,” Brinkley told CNN.

Beyond New START

Obama’s latest proposals on nuclear stockpiles come two years after New START — an agreement between the United States and Russia — went into effect. New START, which stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, calls for each country to limit its nuclear warhead arsenal to 1,550 by the year 2018.

If fully implemented, his proposals on Wednesday would reduce both stockpiles by another one-third — to roughly 1,000 warheads for each country.

“At the same time, we’ll work with our NATO allies to seek bold reductions in U.S. and Russian tactical weapons in Europe,” he said.

After New START was ratified, Obama ordered a detailed internal analysis of U.S. nuclear needs and what it would take to deter other countries from attacking, the White House said.

Obama has also said the United States will only consider the use of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States or its allies and partners.

A White House fact sheet released after the speech called Obama’s proposals “new guidance that aligns U.S. nuclear policies to the 21st century security environment.”

Obama’s guidance directed the Pentagon to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the overall U.S. security strategy, and narrow the focus of nuclear strategy to deterrence, the White House document said.

The proposals drew immediate criticism from the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon of California, who said in a statement that Russia already failed to adhere to existing arms-reduction agreements.

“The president must make clear to (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin that the United States will not allow itself or its allies to be bullied by Russia or to allow that state to ignore its arms control obligations,” McKeon’s statement said.

Pressuring Iran and North Korea

The United States will continue working to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, with specific pressure on Iran and North Korea, a senior administration official said.

Obama also will participate in the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, the official said. The president announced Wednesday in his speech that he will host a Nuclear Security Summit in 2016 to work with other countries in securing nuclear materials and preventing nuclear terrorism.

Nuclear deterrence could restrain N. Korea, Iran

Wednesday’s speech took place amid a festive atmosphere at Brandenburg Gate, where Obama faced the East in contrast to Reagan’s appearance when the Berlin Wall still divided the city.

While the crowd was much smaller than the estimated 200,000 who jammed the area in 2008 to hear then Sen. Obama speak, people waved U.S. and German flags and regularly erupted in cheers and applause.

Near the front was Gail Halvorsen, known as the Candy Bomber for being the first to drop candy to kids during the U.S. airlift of 1948-49 that supplied West Berlin following a Soviet blockade.

Obama paid tribute to that moment, noting that the 92-year-old Halvorsen, who he called “the original candy bomber,” was present.

“We could not be prouder of him,” Obama said as Halvorsen stood and waved. The president added: “I hope I look that good, by the way, when I’m 92.”

CNN’s Deirdre Walsh and Holly Yan contributed to this report.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/politics/obama-nuclear-cuts/index.html?eref=edition

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A new age of protests

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

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Riot police take positions during a protest in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Tuesday, June 18. Demonstrations began in response to plans to increase fares for Brazil’s public transportation system but have broadened into wider protests over economic and social issues plaguing the country.

Hidden in the peaceful multitudes are bands of rowdies, leaving rubble in their wake, including this store in Sao Paulo on June 18.

Students gather at Praca da Se in Sao Paulo on June 18.

A press car burns in front of Sao Paulo City Hall on June 18.

An unidentified person carries a television out of a store in Sao Paulo on June 18.

People walk in Rio de Janeiro on June 18.

Riot police form a line outside the Government Palace in Sao Paulo, on Monday, June 17.

Protesters set a fire outside the Tiradentes Palace in Rio de Janeiro during a protest on June 17.

A riot officer holds a position in downtown Rio de Janeiro on June 17.

Thousands participate in the protest in Rio de Janeiro on June 17.

Piles of trash burn in the streets of Rio de Janeiro on June 17.

Protesters clash with riot police in front of Rio de Janeiro’s Legislative Assembly building on June 17.

Protesters clash with riot police on June 17.

A riot police officer receives help after clashing with protesters on June 17.

A protester receives assistance after being shot in the leg in Rio de Janeiro on June 17.

Two men look at smashed ATMs in Rio de Janeiro on June 17.

People stand atop the National Congress building in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 17.

Thousands stand in the gardens of the National Congress in Brasilia during a protest on June 17.

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Editor’s note: Frida Ghitis is a world affairs columnist for The Miami Herald and World Politics Review. A former CNN producer and correspondent, she is the author of “The End of Revolution: A Changing World in the Age of Live Television.” Follow her on Twitter: @FridaGColumns.

(CNN) — Presidents, prime ministers and assorted rulers, consider that you have been warned: A massive protest can start at any time, seemingly over any issue, and can grow to a size and intensity no one expected. Your country’s image, your own prestige, could risk unraveling as you face the wrath of the people.

The newest iconic images from Turkey and from Brazil — two countries that have promoted themselves as models to emulate — include shocking scenes of police brutality, of government clampdown against peaceful protesters.

We have entered a new age of protests. While politics remain intensely local, individuals are more interconnected.

In Turkey, a small protest over plans to destroy one of Istanbul’s last remaining parks exploded in size and intensity after a harsh police crackdown shocked the nation. The sight of police spraying giant clouds of tear gas and beating peaceful protesters touched a nerve, inflaming simmering concerns about an increasingly authoritarian regime.

In a matter of days, waves of demonstrations, the biggest in decades, spread across the country. Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, who has not lacked for self-confidence over his 10 years in power, came under sharp criticism over his response to the protests.

Has he grown arrogant with power? Having led his party to consecutive victories at the polls, sucking the air out of the powerful military, and overseeing Turkey’s rise to new heights of prosperity and international assertiveness, all of a sudden he looked less awe-inspiring.

Erdogan may have faced down world leaders, but when he faced his own people he tarnished his image. He is now accused by many at home and abroad of lacking in democratic instincts.

‘Standing Man’ protester inspires others

Brazilian FM responds to protests

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the deputies of his ruling Justice and Development Party during a meeting with Turkish parliament on Tuesday, June 18. Erdogan said he had no intention of restricting anyone’s democratic rights. “If you want to make a protest do it, do it, but do it within the framework of law,” he said.

Turkish performance artist Erdem Gunduz, center, is joined by others as he makes his silent protest in Taksim Square. As word of his gesture of protest spread, Gunduz became known as the “standing man.” Protests that began as a demonstration against the planned demolition of a park have grown into general anti-government dissent across the nation.

People carry the coffin of Ethem Sarisuluk, who was killed during recent protests in Turkey, on Sunday, June 16, in Ankara.

Tens of thousands attend a rally to hear Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak in Istanbul on June 16, a day after he ordered a crackdown on anti-government protesters at Gezi Park.

A protester faces water cannons during a clash with police at an anti-government demonstration in Ankara on June 16.

Police walk through tear gas during protests at Kizilay Square in central Ankara on June 16.

Police detain protesters after a crackdown on a demonstration at Istanbul’s Gezi Park on June 16.

A protester runs during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the streets adjacent to Taksim Square in Istanbul on Sunday, June 16.

A protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police during clashes near Taksim Square on June 16.

Trash containers burn in front of riot police forces in Ankara, Turkey, on June 16.

Protesters gather in the main shopping street near Taksim Square in the early morning hours of June 16 as riot police clear Gezi Park in Istanbul.

Turkish riot police officers use rubber bullets on June 15 to disperse demonstrators in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 15.

Protesters scramble for safety as Turkish riot police officers push them out of Gezi Park using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Protesters run for cover as riot police spray them with a water cannon on June 15.

A protester throws rocks at police during clashes at the entrance of Gezi Park on June 15.

A protester on June 15, reacts in pain to a salvo of tear gas fired by Turkish riot police chasing out demonstrators in order to dismantle their tent camp in Gezi Park in Istanbul.

Riot police move in a line through the tent camp on June 15.

Protesters escape from tear gas during the crackdown at Gezi Park on June 15.

Protestors fire fireworks as police drive them out of Gezi Park on June 15.

Protesters sleep in Gezi Park in Istanbul’s Taksim Square early Thursday, June 13. Turkey’s prime minister on Thursday called on protesters camped out in the park to pack up and leave.

A man plays piano for hundreds of protesters in Taksim Square on Wednesday, June 12, in Istanbul.

A man waves a flag in Taksim Square on June 12.

A man sleeps in Gezi Park in Istanbul’s Taksim Square early on June 12, hours after riot police moved into the square in an attempt to push demonstrators out.

Municipal workers clean up a street in Taksim Square early on June 12, after police moved in to disperse protesters.

A protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back toward police in Taksim Square on Tuesday, June 11.

Riot police fire tear gas canisters at protesters in Taksim Square on June 11.

People run from a tear gas cloud in Taksim Square on June 11.

People flee as riot police fire tear gas on Taksim Square on June 11.

Protesters run behind a barricade during clashes with police on June 11.

A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.

Photographers crowd around a protester posing in front of a riot police vehicle at Taksim Square on June 11.

Protesters seek shelter behind a barricade on June 11.

Protesters try to run from riot police on June 11.

Riot police aim a water cannon at a protester as others take cover behind a makeshift shelter in Taksim Square on June 11.

Police enter Taksim Square during clashes with protesters on June 11.

Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 11.

A protester uses a slingshot to throw stones at riot police on June 11.

Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Taksim Square on June 11.

A protester holds fireworks during clashes with riot police in Istabul on June 11.

Riot police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse a crowd near Istabul’s Taksim Square on June 11.

A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.

Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Taksim Square on June 11.

Police fire a water cannon at protesters on June 11.

Protesters hold molotov cocktails in Taksim Square on June 11.

A protester throws a stone during clashes with riot police on June 11.

Protesters run from smoke as they clash with police in Istanbul on June 11.

Protesters take cover behind a barricade as fireworks go off nearby on June 11.

Medics carry Yasin Ayhan, 23, a protester who broke his leg in a raid early Monday, June 10, in Kugulu Park. Riot police doused thousands of protesters in Ankara with tear gas and jets of water for a second straight night.

Protesters sleep at Taksim Square in central Istanbul on June 10. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned protesters who have taken to the streets demanding his resignation that his patience has its limits and compared the unrest with an army attempt six years ago to curb his power.

A demonstrator is detained by police officers as protests resumed in Kizilay Square in Ankara on Sunday, June 9.

A demonstrator covers his face with a makeshift gas mask during protests in Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 9.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, and his wife, Emine, wave to supporters upon their arrival in Ankara on June 9. Erdogan told supporters that “even patience has an end” as he went on the offensive against mass protests that have consumed Ankara and Istanbul.

Erdogan addresses supporters from the top of a bus as police stand guard at Esenboga International Airport in Ankara on June 9.

Protesters gather during a demonstration at Taksim Square in Istanbul, on June 9.

A demonstrator runs toward police during clashes with riot police in Istanbul, on Saturday, June 8.

Demonstrators shout slogans as they gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara, Turkey, on June 8.

Women sing as people gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 8.

Protesters rest in Gezi Park next to Taksim Square during a demonstration in Istanbul on Friday, June 7.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the opening session of the Ministry for European Union Affairs Conference on June 7 in Istanbul. Erdogan said today his Islamic-rooted government was open to “democratic demands” and hit back at EU criticism of his government’s handling of a week of unrest.

Supporters of Erdogan wave the Turkish flag upon the prime minister’s arrival in Istanbul, on June 7.

Protestors dance at Gezi Park in Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6.

A man walks past damaged buses near Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6, in Istanbul, Turkey.

A mother and her daughter read notes placed by protestors on a destroyed car in Taksim Square on June 6. Thousands of striking union members joined the anti-government protests on June 5, marching in Istanbul and Ankara in a sea of red and white union flags, drumming and yelling for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resign.

Protestors spend their day at Gezi Park on June 6.

Protestors demonstrate near the office building of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul early on June 6.

A municipal worker collects garbage set on fire by Turkish protesters in a restaurant district of Ankara on June 5.

A woman is wheeled away by paramedics during clashes on Kizilay Square in Ankara on Wednesday, June 5.

Protesters confront police forces during riots in a restaurant district of Ankara, on June 5.

Demonstrators run for cover as police use water cannons and tear gas on the crowd in Ankara on June 5.

Protesters gather in Taksim Square as they shout slogans while protesting on Tuesday, June 4, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Istanbul on June 4.

Paramedics carry a woman injured during clashes between demonstrators and riot police in Istanbul on June 4.

Turkish police detain a demonstrator during clashes in Istanbul on June 4.

A protester looks on during clashes with Turkish police outside of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office, near Taksim Square in Istanbul on Tuesday, June 4.

Demonstrators wave their national flag on June 4, during a protest in Ankara.

Protesters cover their faces with plastic. After chaotic scenes in the streets Monday that continued late into the night and sent tear gas wafting through the air, the situation was relatively calm on Tuesday morning in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square, near the park where the movement began.

A demonstrator takes cover at a road block between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul on June 4.

Protesters clash with riot police between Taksim and Besiktas in Istanbul on Monday, June 3.

Protestors pass bricks for building barricades during clashes with riot police in Istanbul on June 3.

Riot policemen unload tear gas during clashes in Istanbul on June 3.

Protesters throw riot police’s tear gas back at them in Istanbul on June 3.

Protester wounds are treated during clashes in Istanbul on June 3.

Demonstrators set up road blocks between Taksim and Besiktas. Barricades remain up around the square, and Erdogan’s opponents appear determined to continue the demonstrations despite the prime minister’s comment on June 3 that he expects the situation to return to normal “within a few days.”

A medical team tends to a protester. The Turkish Medical Association claimed that at least 3,195 people had been injured in clashes on June 1 and June 2. Only 26 of them were in serious or critical condition, it said.

Protesters stand atop a pile of rubble during clashes with Turkish police on Monday, June 3.

Turkish riot police fire tear gas canisters to disperse protesters near Taksim Square on June 3.

Police officers tend to a demonstrator during the violent clashes in Istanbul on June 3.

A protester waves the Turkish flag from a rooftop at Taksim Square on June 3 as large crowds continue to demonstrate below.

A protester wears a gas mask as smoke from a burned car fills the air at Taksim Square on June 3.

Despite Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for calm on Monday, June 3, protests continued in Istanbul. Protesters carry the Turkish flag and shout against the government in Gezi Park near central Istanbul.

After protests that lasted until the early morning, a protester sleeps in a damaged and vandalized vehicle in Taksim Square on June 3. Protests showed no sign of letting up on Monday, almost a week after a peaceful sit-in was met with a police crackdown, igniting the biggest anti-government riots the city has seen in a decade.

A tired protester rests in front of the graffiti-sprayed wall of an information booth at Taksim Square in central Istanbul on June 3.

Turkish protesters clash with riot police near the prime minister’s office between Taksim and Besiktas early June 3.

Protesters drive an excavator toward Turkish riot police as they make their way to Erdogan’s office on June 3.

During the clashes, volunteer doctors helped injured protesters in a mosque on June 3.

A protester is silhouetted by a burning car at Taksim Square during clashes in the early morning of June 3.

A protester covers his face on June 3 near Erdogan’s office in Istanbul.

Protesters clash with riot police in Istanbul on June 3.

Protesters gather in Taksim Square in Istanbul on Sunday, June 2.

Riot police fire tear gas during a protest against Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AK Party in central Ankara on June 2. Sparked by the events in Istanbul, general anti-government protests have sprung up in Ankara.

Demonstrators hide behind makeshift shields during clashes with Turkish riot police in Ankara on June 2.

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters outside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s working office in Istanbul on June 2.

Protesters cling to a police vehicle mounted with a water canon in Istanbul on June 2.

Turkish police detain a protester during demonstrations in Ankara on June 2.

A protester flashes a victory sign as he takes part in a demonstration in Ankara on Saturday, June 1 in support of the protests in Istanbul against government plans to demolish a park.

Protesters clash with riot police in Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday, June 1.

Protesters clash with riot police near Gezi Park on June 1. Earlier this week, several dozen activists tried to stage a sit-in at the park, the last bit of green space left in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, the city’s transit and commercial hub.

Turkish protesters wearing gas masks face off against riot police near Istanbul’s Taksim Square on June 1.

Riot police use tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd of demonstrators on June 1.

A man flees the clashes between Turkish protestors and riot police on June 1. On Friday, May 31, riot police stormed the growing camp in Gezi Park with water cannons and tear gas, pushing protesters into surrounding streets and triggering the clashes that have continued for more than 24 hours.

The clashes damaged surrounding businesses in Istanbul and forced them to close on June 1.

A man catches his breath behind the line where clashes are taking place on June 1.

A pair of tourists gasp for air as riot police use tear gas and water cannons the fend off the demonstrators. Turkish security forces allowed small groups of pedestrians to travel through the square.

Protesters buy gas masks from a local shop near the square on June 1.

Riot police fire tear gas into the crowd of protesters overnight on Friday, May 31.

Demonstrators set up barricades and build a fire as they clash with Turkish officers on May 31.

Friends carry an injured protester on May 31. More than a dozen people have been injured in the clashes.

Riot police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse a crowd at Taksim Square on May 31.

An activist wearing a gas mask is enveloped in a cloud of tear gas on May 31.

A crowd scatters during clashes on May 31, as one demonstrator throws back the tear gas canister that was launched by riot police.

Protestors brace themselves as they are fired upon with a water canon by Turkish police forces.

A large group of demonstrators gather to protest the demolition of Gezi Park in Taksim Square on May 31.

A Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas in Taksim Square on May 28.

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Photos: Demonstrations in Turkey

The country has new national icons. The newest is the “Standing Man,” a protester who steadfastly held his ground amid the chaos, standing for hours gazing at a picture of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. There’s the “woman in red,” a modernly dressed woman — symbolizing the secular, world of personal freedom many of the demonstrators seek to defend.

A similar image emerged from Brazil. A young woman who appears utterly harmless was sprayed in the face by a policeman dressed in full riot gear.

Just like Turkey, no one could have predicted the turn of events in Brazil. A country that has symbolized Latin America’s dramatic rise from poverty, where left-leaning governments have combined social programs and market-friendly policies, nearly eradicating extreme poverty, suddenly erupted in a wave of popular fury. The government of President Dilma Rousseff faced the largest protests in 20 years. And it all started over an increase in bus fares.

The protests over bus fares touched on worries about a slowdown in the economy, about persistent inequality, corruption and costly projects in preparation for hosting the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games.

Rousseff, a former revolutionary herself, has been taking a much more conciliatory approach than the pugnacious Erdogan. On Wednesday, government officials in San Paulo and Rio de Janeiro announced that they would revoke the hike in bus fares in their cities.

In this era of connectivity, a small complaint can explode. Politicians may outmaneuver rival parties during election campaigns. They can claim a majority at the polls — as Erdogan doesn’t tire of remarking he has — and they can ply their trade on the global stage. But they now have to deal with their citizens’ demands in a much more public way.

Popular claims have new strength in our age of social media. It’s impossible to predict which issue will find flammable material hiding in shared resentments and ignite raging fires of discontent.

The water cannons and the tear gas may disperse the first wave of protesters, but a click of a smartphone can produce a photo or video that instantly catches people’s attention, potentially attracting even larger protests. The crowd may grow if its concerns are ignored, especially if police repression is violent.

One of the challenges for democratic governments is to balance what may be legitimate requirements of public order with a reasonable hearing for reasonable demands.

That is the response that separates the tyrants from the democrats.

Public space occupations and demonstrations have occurred in nations without democracy. We saw how regimes responded to protests in places like Egypt and Syria. We have seen crackdowns in Russia last year and in Iran after the 2009 elections.

These new protests start over smaller issues — not over tyranny or basic democratic rights.

Local issues have a new power to surge with little warning, electrifying the crowds, jolting people out of complacency. Governments can be caught by surprise by what seem like trivial matters — a small rise in bus fare or saving trees in a park.

It wasn’t very long ago when every meeting of the powerful nations, of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, brought out angry anti-globalization crowds. Now, the concerns are more immediate, more personal.

When President Obama arrived in Northern Ireland on Monday for the meeting of the G8 nations, there were more police officers than protesters. The nature of protest has changed.

Governments may have the power to spy on citizens, to read their e-mails and listen to their conversations. But they have largely lost their ability to control the information that is out there. Governments have lost the power to change the subject, to divert attention, to blame a multinational institution or another country for the woes at home. Stories now refuse to die. Protesters, if angered by the government’s response, are more likely to persevere.

Heads of government cannot control their public image the way they once could. The demigods are dying. New technology may make it easier for governments to learn what the people are thinking, but it makes it harder for them to shape what the people believe.

It’s a new age. They should consider themselves warned.

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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Frida Ghitis.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/opinion/ghitis-turkey-protests/index.html?eref=edition

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No such thing as safe level of nukes

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

Editor’s note: Ira Helfand is a past president of Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Alan Robock is a distinguished professor of climate science at Rutgers University and a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, American Geophysical Union and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is editor of the Reviews of Geophysics, a geosciences journal.

(CNN) — On Wednesday, President Obama took a meaningful step toward reshaping our nuclear arsenal in line with the reality of 21st-century security priorities. Standing at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, he announced that he would seek negotiated cuts with Russia of up to one-third of strategic nuclear weapons as well as address the issue of nuclear weapons stationed in Europe.

But we must understand that these proposed reductions are significant only if they are part of an ongoing effort to eliminate nuclear weapons altogether. If they serve to legitimize the indefinite retention of nuclear weapons at an “acceptable” level, the specter of nuclear catastrophe will continue to haunt humanity, for arsenals of this reduced size would still inflict unimaginable destruction across the planet.

A study by Physicians for Social Responsibility (PDF) showed that if only 300 warheads in the Russian arsenal got through to targets in American cities, 75 million to 100 million people would be killed in the first 30 minutes by the explosions and firestorms that would destroy all of our major metropolitan areas, and vast areas would be blanketed with radioactive fallout.

In addition, the entire economic infrastructure, on which we depend to sustain our population, would be destroyed. The transportation system, the communications network, the public health and banking systems, the food distribution network — all would be gone. In the months after this war, it is probable that the vast majority of the American population who were not killed in the initial attack would die of starvation, exposure, epidemic disease and radiation poisoning.

Even with Obama’s proposed reductions in nuclear weapons, the United States and Russia would each continue to possess more than triple the nuclear weapons required to cause that devastating scenario

But as unimaginable as these direct consequences would be, the effects throughout the world would be even worse.

A recent study by Robock, Oman and Stenchikov (PDF) showed that a nuclear war, even with the reduced numbers Obama has proposed, would cause catastrophic global climate disruption (PDF). The firestorms started by these nuclear explosions would loft 50 million to 100 million tons of soot into the upper atmosphere, blocking out the sun. In a matter of days, temperatures around the world would plummet by as much as 20 degrees centigrade — 36 degrees Fahrenheit — in the agricultural regions in the interior of continents. The result would be a catastrophic failure of crops throughout the world and a global famine that could claim a majority of the human population.

The existential threat to human civilization that nuclear weapons would still pose does not mean these proposed reductions are not useful. On the contrary, they are a critically important step to reduce the nuclear danger, and it is essential that we implement them as rapidly as possible.

But we can’t stop there. This effort must lead to multilateral negotiations involving all nuclear weapons states, negotiations that will produce a nuclear weapons convention banning these weapons once and for all. These negotiations will not be easy, and the treaty they produce will have to be a hard-nosed agreement that establishes mechanisms to verify and enforce compliance. But we don’t have an alternative.

Some say it is unrealistic to think we can eliminate nuclear weapons. But in truth, it is unrealistic to think we can maintain nuclear arsenals indefinitely and still avoid a nuclear conflict.

The Cuban Missile Crisis 51 years ago brought us to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. Further, we know of at least five occasions since 1979 when either Washington or Moscow prepared to launch a nuclear war in the mistaken belief that they were themselves under attack. The most recent near miss that we know about was in January 1995, a full five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. On each of these occasions we were incredibly luck and a national security strategy based on luck is not a wise course of action.

As long as there are arsenals of nuclear weapons, we are living on borrowed time. We owe it to our children to eliminate them from the world, and we should start by implementing the modest proposals made by Obama in Berlin this week.

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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ira Helfand and Alan Robock.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/opinion/helfand-obama-nuclear-weapons/index.html?eref=edition

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Why U.S. needs Berlin more than ever

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

Sudha David-Wilp is a senior program officer at the German Marshall Fund of the United States’ Berlin office. She previously oversaw the Congressional Study Group on Germany, a program for lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in the Bundestag, in Washington DC. Follow her on Twitter.

Berlin (CNN) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech delivered 50 years ago was well received by more than 100,000 Germans hopeful for America’s steadfast support as Berlin came to symbolize one of the Cold War’s main battlegrounds. As presidential candidate in the summer of 2008, Barack Obama had nearly twice that number of optimistic onlookers at Berlin’s Victory Column who eagerly anticipated a new American outlook on questions ranging from climate change to nuclear disarmament.

The state visit to Germany this week, with a public appearance in front of the Brandenburg Gate, will most probably offer transatlantic reassurances and deliverables from the United States as echoed by both Democratic and Republican presidents in the past; but instead, the current American president should take this as an opportunity to bring Germany out of its shell and persuade it to act as a legitimate power in world affairs.

Although looked on as a traditional ally of the U.S. along with the UK and France, Germany has often taken a backseat within the trio since it struggles to find a comfort zone in the realm of hard security. Reminders of World War II’s devastation — and Germany’s role in that — have shaped the EU’s largest country to showcase its economic prowess rather than its military capabilities.

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According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United Kingdom spends nearly double on military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in comparison to Germany, and France is not far behind Britain. Yet today the cards are reshuffled, the economic crisis has left the UK and France weak and inward looking while Germany for the most part weathered the storm. Germany’s new standing in Europe and the world has garnered it respect and scorn, something that comes with the territory for a great power.

President Obama recognizes Germany as a leading global player, and has mentioned the country in his last two State of the Union speeches. The U.S. has cultivated its relationship with Chancellor Angela Merkel: she was honored with a state dinner at the White House in 2011 and two years before that she was the first German chancellor in more than 50 years to address the U.S. Congress.

Five decades ago, Germany was a trusted partner and a protectorate of the U.S.; today it is Washington that needs Germany’s support in taking transatlantic relations to the next level. With the UK dangling threats to opt out of the EU and France struggling to jump start its economy; the U.S. should encourage Germany to reignite the European project in order to show the world that Europe can be an essential partner when it comes to confronting challenges around the world.

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Three areas calling for German leadership are the euro crisis, transatlantic trade and multilateral security. Within Europe, Germany doesn’t have to solely spread the mantra of austerity, it could also share its lessons learned in economic reform and commitment to vocational education — not too long ago it was labeled the Sick Man of Europe while today unemployment is below 7%. On behalf of Europe, Germany should spearhead the current Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and Europe that is on the negotiating table.

TTIP will enhance the prosperity gains on both sides of the Atlantic and set the ground rules for trade as a check to China. Finally the U.S. needs NATO-member Germany to play a stronger military role at hot spots around the world. The misdeeds of Germany’s past should never be forgotten, and German decision-makers are sensitive to historical responsibility, all the more reason to support their allies when ushering change in despotic countries — Libya was one such case.

Parallels between two young presidents representing a vision of America a half a century apart will certainly be drawn during Obama’s state visit to Germany. There might even be a line for the history books after the speech at the Brandenburg Gate, but Obama knows there is no pressure.

Germany’s expectations for America have dampened since his last visit and Berlin today shows scant scars of 1963. It is the U.S. that hopes Germany will step up and take the leadership mantle in Europe and elsewhere.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sudha David-Wilp.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/opinion/obama-u-s-germany/index.html?eref=edition

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How to hide your data from the NSA

June 20th, 2013 cnn No comments

Editor’s note: Doug Gross covers consumer technology and the Web for CNN.com. Follow his updates on Twitter or add him to your Circles on Google+.

(CNN) — Let’s face it: Most of us don’t e-mail, tweet, text or post anything worthy of clandestine scrutiny.

But having concerns about NSA cybersnooping doesn’t mean we must surrender all privacy — what’s left of it — in our day-to-day online activities.

It’s easy to forget that we’re volunteering basic information about ourselves in return for free e-mail, social networking and other digital services. And let’s remember that third parties — from government agencies to cybercriminals — can get their hands on even more personal stuff if they’re actively trying.

So, whether it’s due to a vague fear of Big Brother or a more specific desire to keep your bank information out of the hands of thieves, you might be considering ways to keep your communication more secure.

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“So much that’s geo-political, so much cybercrime, so many struggles of various types are being played out in terms of information security today,” said Wade Williamson, a senior security analyst at Palo Alto Networks. “It’s not just that people decided to get interested in encryption all of a sudden.”

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Specifically, encryption has come up a lot in recent days. For one, NSA whistleblower (some would say “traitor”) Edward Snowden said Monday in an online question-and-answer session that e-mail encryption is an effective way of foiling government surveillance.

“Encryption works,” he wrote. “Properly implemented strong crypto systems are one of the few things that you can rely on. Unfortunately, endpoint security is so terrifically weak that NSA can frequently find ways around it.”

Encryption is a method of securing your files, including e-mail, by encoding it so that the intended recipient can read it, but anyone who may intercept the message along the way cannot.

An encryption tool turns your original message (called “plaintext”) into a garbled mess (or “ciphertext”) while it’s flying from Point A to Point B. The system gives the approved recipient a decryption tool which makes the text readable once it arrives at its destination.

With all of the renewed interest in online privacy, we talked with Williamson about ways to help keep your data secure — before, during and after sending it.

Before

First things first. There are ways to make your contact with every website you visit more secure.

A “secure sockets layer” (SSL) provides a layer of security during everything from Web browsing to text messaging. Many major websites offer the option of using a secure connection all the time. Williamson and other security experts suggest doing this when given the option.

If not — sometimes it can be as easy as tweaking “http” to “https” in your browser’s address bar.

“By and large, you can just throw an ‘S’ into the URL and go to town,” Williamson said.

There are also tools like HTTPS Everywhere, a free extension for Chrome and Firefox browsers, that encrypt your connection with most major websites.

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During

Most major e-mail services, like Outlook and Gmail, offer some form of encryption. Check your e-mail’s security settings for options.

But for people who are really worried about their e-mails being intercepted — and that’s always just an unsecured network and an eager hacker away — Williamson suggests buying encryption software. (Note: His company focuses on network security and does not sell encryption software to individuals).

With many of the systems, customers will get digital “certificates” for themselves called private keys. Everyone with whom they want to share encrypted messages will receive public keys.

Using such a system, only someone with one of a user’s public certificates could descramble a message’s content.

After

So, your data may be secure while it’s hurtling through cyberspace. But what if somebody breaks into your car, where you stupidly left your laptop, and makes off with it?

That’s where disk encryption comes in.

There’s some free disk encryption software floating around in the open-source community, but for most folks this, too, will cost some cash.

In effect, disk encryption scrambles everything stored to your computer, requiring a password or other approved recovery tool to decode it. So, if your computer falls into the wrong hands, all won’t be lost.

To summarize, there are lots of encryption and other security options out there. Some are quick, easy and free. Others are going to cost money for specialized software, hardware or both.

To find a level of security you’re comfortable with, start by poking around with security settings on your browser, e-mail client and favorite websites. Then consider whether you want professional help to get to the next level.

Do you have other favorite security tricks? Share them in the comments.

Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_technology/~3/HbBk-2guINo/index.html

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Obama calls for reducing nuclear stockpiles

June 19th, 2013 cnn No comments

(CNN) — President Barack Obama followed in the footsteps of past U.S. leaders with a speech on Wednesday at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, where he said he would ask Russia to join the United States in slashing its supply of strategic nuclear warheads.

“We may no longer live in fear of global annihilation, but so long as nuclear weapons exist, we are not truly safe,” Obama said in the city that symbolized the East-West divide in the decades after World War II.

“After a comprehensive review, I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies — and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent — while reducing our deployed strategic nuclear weapons by up to one-third,” he said. “And I intend to seek negotiated cuts with Russia to move beyond Cold War nuclear postures.”

Obama’s speech made repeated references to Berlin’s post-war history and the resiliency of its people. He called on them to manifest the same spirit that helped bring down the Berlin Wall to now take on broader challenges facing the modern world.

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