Erdogan fake coup d’etat rally, Racists call for ‘democracy’
Islamists,
Fascists,
Nationalists,
Rapists,
Murderers,
The New York Times: Researchers or Corporate Allies? Think Tanks Blur the Line
Think tanks are seen as independent, but their scholars often push donors’
agendas, amplifying a culture of corporate influence in Washington.
Saudi ex-spy chief linked to al-Qaeda operative engaged in 9/11 attacks
Former Saudi intelligence chief and long-time Ambassador to Washington Prince Bandar bin Sultan has been linked to an al-Qaeda operative by the co-chair of a recent US probe into the 9/11 terror incidents.
The recently declassified part of the 9/11 report regarding suspected Saudi ties to some of the hijackers involved in the terror events revealed that a phone log maintained by an alleged senior al-Qaeda operative, identified as Abu Zubaydah, included the unlisted phone number of a Colorado company associated with Bandar as well as the phone number of a bodyguard working at the Saudi Embassy in Washington at the time, CNN reported Friday.
The company in Aspen, Colorado used to manage Prince Bandar’s estate in the Western US state.
“Both of those numbers were unpublished, so they had to have gotten into Zubaydah’s phone book through a personal contact who knew what those numbers were and what they represented,” said former Senator Bob Graham, who co-chaired the congressional commission that compiled the 28 pages of the 9/11 report that remained secret until its release last month.
Although both US intelligence agencies, the CIA and FBI, concluded that there was no evidence that anyone from the Saudi royal family knowingly provided support for the 9/11 attacks, Graham insisted that connection between Zubaydah’s contact list and the company associated with the senior Saudi official was “one of the most stunning parts of the investigation” and worthy of further investigation.
Bandar served as the Saudi ambassador to the US from 1983 to 2005, during the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He later served as secretary general of Saudi Arabia’s National Security Council and the head of the kingdom’s General Intelligence Presidency, the equivalent of the CIA, until last year.
Bandar “is probably the most effective ambassador in Washington ever. Full stop,” said former CIA analyst Bruce Riedel. “He was highly regarded by every president.”
The senior Saudi official was known to have the closest relationship with George H. W. Bush, in part due to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in the 1990 Persian Gulf War, in which Riyadh viewed the Iraqi aggression as a threat and supported the subsequent US military action.
“Bandar was in the Bush White House, I would say, every other day and in some periods every day. It was a very, very close relationship,” Riedel added. “And I think the president and Bandar genuinely liked each other.”
Saudi authorities have denied allegations on their involvement in the September 2001 incidents in which nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers involved in the 9/11 attacks were Saudi nationals.
source: http://presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/07/478834/US-Saudi-Arabia-Prince-Bandar-bin-Sultan-911-commission-Senator-Bob-Graham-alQaeda-operative
EU: Vienna will oppose the opening of new chapters with Turkey (Minister)
Vienna will oppose the opening of new negotiation chapters for the entry of Turkey into the European Union, particularly because of the scale of repression since the failed coup of July 15, announced head of the Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.
“I say in the council (EU) Ministers of Foreign Affairs, where it will be decided whether a new chapter will be opened with Turkey. And I am opposed, “he said in an interview to be published Sunday in the daily Kurier. Decisions in this council must be taken unanimously.
This position is shared by the Social Democratic chancellor Christian Kern, who will try to turn to “convince other heads of state and government need to stop the accession negotiations with Turkey” at the European summit of 16 September, said the Conservative minister.
The relaunch of EU-Turkey accession negotiations, as the visa exemption for Turkish nationals, are the main counterparties demanded by Ankara to continue to block the flow of migrants to Europe, under the terms of an agreement concluded with the Twenty-Eight in March.
Skeptical for several months on the merits of the agreement extorted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Austria has multiplied heated exchanges with Ankara in recent days, hardening day by day its position because of the scale of purges ordered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Wednesday, Mr Kern had urged the EU to stop the Turkish accession talks, but without openly brandish the threat of a veto of his country.
Kurz has in turn called repeatedly its European partners to organize flow management independently refugees from Turkey, so as not to “depend” of that State. “The house of cards of the failed migration policy in Europe is about to collapse,” said he warned Friday evening on Austrian TV.
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, recently itself mentioned a risk “high” to see scupper agreement. He warned Thursday that a breakdown in negotiations would be a “serious foreign policy mistake.”
Vis-à-vis Turkey firmness been a broad consensus in the Austrian political class, both in the big left-right coalition that among the FPÖ and Green opposition parties, two months of a new presidential election.
Stéphane © armenews.com
AYF Organizes Memorial Honoring Lives of Lisbon 5
GLENDALE—On Sunday, July 31, 2016, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Glendale “Roupen” chapter organized an “Evening of Remembrance” commemorating the lives of the Lisbon 5 at the Glendale Youth Center. The event brought together the entire community at large, gathering over 150 individuals, for a memorial event composed of biographical and informational video presentations about Lisbon 5, musical performances, and keynote speaker remarks.
The event began with a moment of silence, honoring the lives of the five martyrs. Following the moment of silence, opening remarks were presented by Glendale “Roupen” Chapter executive member, Patil Derderian, who emphasized the significance of Lisbon 5’s act, how the Lisbon 5 paved the way to worldwide recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and how it continues to unfold into new grounds of recognition in furtherance of our cause.
After a biographical video on Ara, Simon, Setrag, Sarkis and Vache, Krisdapor Arabian and Greg Hosharian performed the Lisbon 5 song in honor of the lives of the Lisbon 5. A factual video footage covering the “act” followed the performance.
Lastly, Dr. Viken Yacoubian, ARF Bureau member and keynote speaker, emphasized the idea of premeditated sacrifice for the benefit of the nation as a whole. He continued to explain how the deliberate, conscious and intentional death and sacrifice of Lisbon 5 immortalized them and their act, as they did not die in vain but rather for a cause.
“It is important to note and affirm that the Lisbon 5 men did not act upon fury, nor was it the last moments of despaired lives. On the contrary, their supreme message to us all, be it a devoted Armenian or otherwise, became the spirit of our national interests toward a colossal dream,” said Yacoubian. “No one is bigger than that dream; no sole person is an owner of that dream. ‘It is only our people,’ they [Lisbon 5] said, ‘who are the rightful owners of that dream,’” he continued.
The event was brought to a close with AYF Juniors’ performance of “Verkerov Lee,” joined by the entire community.
The AYF stands with and honors the lives of Lisbon 5, the five young individuals who gave their lives for our ancestors, for our purpose, our voice and our Cause, a Cause we continue to unite for in furtherance of our demands.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and the most influential Armenian- American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, education and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.
Armenia’s Founding Parliament leader Sefilian writes another letter, mentioning 4 demands
YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Founding Parliament radical opposition group member Jirair Sefilian has sent another letter from Vardashen criminal-executive institution, where he refers to the demand of President Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation and further process of struggle.
“The misinformation which was circulated a few days ago by [Karabakh MP] Vitaly Balasanyan on that the Sasna Tsrer [armed group] members and I have abandoned the demand of Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation, was immediately dismissed both by the representatives of the Sasna Tsrer group and me two days later.
Unfortunately, that misinformation continues to be circulated, this time, however, by the opposition figure, dear Nikol Pashinyan. The latter points out to my letter sent on July 31, saying that I didn’t “raise the demand of Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation” there. Unfortunately, he has misunderstood the content of the letter, specifically failing to notice the introductory paragraph, where it is apparently mentioned that the content of this letter exclusively refers to the proposal of possible negotiations as a happy medium, as a result of which the [armed group] members were to lay down their arms. I reiterate, it exclusively referred to laying down the arms by the members and preventing bloodshed.
Being in isolation and not fully disposing of the information, I thought of such a strategy to prevent bilateral bloodshed, and I don’t know, there might be another man or Nikol Pashinyan, who might find another way to prevent that danger.
Considering that this false information was dismissed that day by the Sasna Tsrer members and I learnt about Varuzhan Avetisyan’s speech at the moment of laying down the arms, and also read the 7-point demands mentioned in an interview given by Founding Parliament President Garegin Chookaszian to CivilNet, I accept Nikol’s conclusion with perplexity.
Going ahead and taking advantage of the occasion, I urge Nikol and opposition members to perceive the seriousness of the moment and do everything possible to make meaningful Sasna Tsrer’s sacrifice, our insurgent peoples’ readiness to sacrifice and, above all, the unity and solidarity with each other.
In order not to leave the movement without leaders, I urge to form various supra-party formats and rush to liberate our country as soon as possible.
Finally, I will try to re-edit the political agenda raised by us in the recent years, as well as the pan-Armenian political objective agenda of Sasna Tsrer’s demands in the following sequence:
1. Set free PoWs and political prisoners
2. Formation of confidence government /with anti-crisis and transfer phase program/
3. Serzh Sargsyan’s removal
4. Snap parliamentary and presidential elections
Erdogan crackdown reaches the arts, Theater actors concerned “witch hunt”
Theater actors are the latest group targeted by the Turkish government’s post-coup crackdown. Professional associations have labeled it a “witch hunt.”
Many intellectuals and artists unrelated to the coup attempt have now been included in Turkey’s latest lay-off frenzy. One of the victims of the 1980 military coup, director Ragip Yavuz, is in shock: “I was investigated in different periods. I was fired from the theater during the [1980 coup] period. Yet for the first time, I am being investigated to somehow see if I am involved in the Gulen movement and whether I am pro-coup d’etat. This is both shocking and degrading.”
Yavuz is one of tens of thousands of people in Turkey who have lost their jobs following the failed coup. Dismissals began in city theaters around Istanbul. Along with Yavuz, six staff actors and one civil servant were removed due to their alleged ties to the coup. In addition, 20 subcontracted actors were dismissed because of a “lack of performance.”
A joint communique titled “Neither Coup nor State of Emergency” issued Thursday by nearly 20 professional associations – intellectuals, journalists, writers, poets and theater actors and actresses unrelated to the coup – says they are the victims of a “witch hunt.”
“Everyone involved in the coup attempt has to be brought to justice and be punished based on the laws,” reads the communique. “However, the government, seizing this opportunity, is taking steps to liquidate all opposition… to achieve absolute political power.”
‘Art requires freedom of thought’
Levent Uzumcu, one of the co-signers of the communique and the president of the Istanbul Municipal Theater Actors Association (ISTISAN), believes that the state of emergency is being used as a tool against those in opposition to the government.
“It is being used against those who do not approve of the government’s education, economy, or foreign affairs policies,” he said. “When one looks at the names of our dismissed friends, they by no means would be involved with any religious sect or organization.”
“Art requires freedom of thought,” Uzumcu added. “Our colleagues are among the best actors in Turkey. Our viewers know this very well.”
Uzumcu, himself fired from his job, was one of the leading actors during the Gezi Park demonstrations in 2013. He was dismissed right after the protests because of a political speech he gave at a Socialist International meeting in Istanbul. His press briefings and social media posts were also used as evidence against him.
Crackdown needs investigating
Sevinc Erbulak, an actress who lost her job, says she is not happy about being labeled a coup supporter.
“Naturally, I had an opinion and a stance of my own about what has been going on in my country, in what I wrote, drew or thought, or what I said based on what we have been through at the theater,” said Erbulak. “But the situation or the trap or whatever it is we are currently in, is beyond my mind.”
Erbulak added that what needs to be investigated is the source of the current post-coup crackdown.
One of the dismissed actors, Ragyp Yavuz, says many of the productions planned for the opening of the new season in October are now in jeopardy. Quite a few of the subcontracted actors dismissed for “lack of performance” had important roles in the plays, Yavuz said.
The Istanbul Municipal Theater administration refused to answer journalists’ inquiries due to “an ongoing legal process.”
Many vacant positions unfilled
Istanbul Municipal Theater is one of Turkey’s most controversial art institutes due to political interference. According to the performers, the government is trying to have more influence over which plays are performed. There are also increasing calls to close state-funded art institutions.
Uzumcu said that while 180 performers are employed as staff, just as many positions remain vacant. “No one is being hired for those vacant positions,” he said. “Why not? Because if they are filled, city theaters will continue to perform and they don’t want that.”
“I am worried that within this dust storm, before anyone realizes what is going on, all state-funded art institutions, including the Municipal Theater, state theaters, and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra may be shut down by governmental decree,” Uzumcu said. “The butchery we are observing right now is mind-boggling.”
Source: http://www.dw.com/en/theater-actors-concerned-as-turkeys-post-coup-crackdown-reaches-the-arts/a-19452001
US to send delegation to Turkey over Gülen extradition “Video”
The US Justice Department will send a technical delegation to Turkey next week over the government’s request to extradite US-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, the prime suspect behind the July 15 coup attempt according to Ankara.
The Turkish Justice Ministry had invited a delegation from Washington to come to Turkey first to discuss Gülen’s extradition.
In return, a delegation from the Justice ministry will later depart for US to discuss the extradition after the US delegation’s visit, Hurriyet Daily News reported.
Ankara has already lodged two extradition demands with the US for Gülen, who lives a self-claimed exile in Pennsylvania.
Earlier this week, a second document had been sent to the United States demanding the urgent arrest of Gülen.
The U.S. Department of State announced on Aug. 5 that it was evaluating new documents sent by Ankara.
Silicon Valley entrepreneur Blake Krikorian passes away
Blake Krikorian, longtime and much-beloved Silicon Valley entrepreneur, died on Aug. 3. While the cause of his death is still unconfirmed, he was apparently struck by a heart attack while surfing in the San Francisco area, the Armenian Weekly reports.
The news of his passing has slowly been making its way Friday morning through the tech network that he was a big part of. Krikorian was only 48.
Considered one of tech’s savviest execs with regard to video and media distribution, Krikorian was also one of its most ebullient characters and was never shy about expressing his opinion about anything.
I cannot tell you how many times he would call me after I posted a story to tell me what I had gotten right and wrong, voice booming. But it was always with a devilish twinkle and giant smile, because Krikorian always got the sometimes silly farce of the tech world, as well as its important impact.
When we were on the set of HBO’s “Silicon Valley” taping a show set at the conference Walt Mossberg and I do called Code, Krikorian—who was playing himself hanging around in our fake green room—was relentlessly teasing us about the ridiculousness of us mocking ourselves. All I remember of him from that day was his deep and sustained laughter, because whatever he did, Krikorian always seemed to enjoy himself immensely.
His favorite topic, of course, was how the whole Hollywood and Silicon Valley relationship was faring. He loved that intersection and spent his life dedicated to grokking how to make it work. But he still managed to keep an almost childlike wonder about the strides that had been made in media delivery.
I’ll never forget him “geeking out” with my two young sons at his really tricked-out home theater, testing some new 3-D product, as hopped up as they were on the coolness of it. (After that much fun, my elder son jokingly asked Blake to adopt him.)
Krikorian was perhaps best known as the CEO of Sling Media, which he founded with his brother Jason. He debuted it at our AllThingsD conference in 2004.
The device maker of the Slingbox was acquired by EchoStar in 2007 for close to $400 million, but Krikorian did not stay long in the corporate environment. In fact, he once regaled me about how he could not even order water for his staff at the annual CES show without forms in triplicate.
He became an active angel investor, served on the board of Amazon and also did a stint as the head of Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business after it bought another company he founded and led called id8 Group R2 Studios that worked on home automation.
Most recently, he had moved to what he loved best—tinkering as a tireless entrepreneur—as well as investing.
Those include some promising startups, such as Lytro, Kno, Clipboard, Chirply and Tasty Labs. Krikorian also invested in Clicker, which was sold to CBS and, more recently, FreeWheel, which sold to Comcast.
His latest focus remained on home automation, which has been a personal interest for some time, including wiring (or, more precisely, wireless-ing) up his own house in a variety of ever more complex digital experiments.
He once told me he began to outfit his home using Apple devices and then switched to Google’s Android operating system since the software was easier and more extensible to develop on.
Most importantly, Krikorian made deep friendships all over the sector and was a tireless supporter in those relationships. He was one of the people who helped his former partner, Jason Hirschhorn, recover after his emergency heart surgery last year.
Krikorian is survived by his wife Cathy and two daughters. His death leaves them, and all of Silicon Valley really, devastated.
Armenia wins 3rd spot at Army Scout Masters int’l contest
Armenian servicemen won the 3rd spot in the Novosibirsk-hosted Army Scout Masters international contest held in the framework of International Army Games.
At the contest, Russian team took the 1st spot, followed by representatives of China.
The contest included such stages as scout’s path obstacle line, contaminated area overcoming, eliminating the simulated enemy by throwing a knife, evacuation of the injured, simulated railway explosion.
Armenian tankers reach Int’l Army Games’ Tank Biathlon semifinals
Armenian tankers reached the semi-finals of the Russia-hosted International Army Games’ Tank Biathlon, Armenian Defense Ministry official Volodya Ter-Astvatcatryan told Rusarmninfo.ru.
In the 3rd stage of Tank Biathlon, Armenian team was represented by conscripts Gevorg Balayan, Sanasar Tsarukyan and Narek Sharoyan.
The Armenian team was also among the leaders of the first 2 stages; gaining the 3rd and 1st spot in stages 1 and 2 respectively.