Archive for February 9th, 2015

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09/02/2015

US invasion of Iraq helped create ISIS – former UN chief

Human Wrongs Watch

09 February 2015 (RT)* — Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general, said the US-led invasion of Iraq was a mistake and helped to create the Islamist State militant group. He also blamed regional powers for making the conflict worse.
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The aftermath of a bombing attack in Iraq (file photo). Photo: IRIN

The aftermath of a bombing attack in Iraq (file photo). Photo: IRIN

“I was against this invasion and my fears have been founded. The break-up of the Iraqi forces poured hundreds if not thousands of disgruntled soldiers and police officers onto the streets,” Kofi Annan told the Munich Security Conference on Sunday. He added that some of these former security force members went on to join the Islamic State.

“The aim of creating democracy without the existing institutions ushered in corrupt sectarian governments,” Annan said. He added that the country has been unstable ever since and this has proved the perfect breeding ground for Sunni radical Muslims, who have become affiliated with the Islamic State.

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Posted in Middle East, Others-USA-Europe-etc., The Peoples, War Lords | Leave a Comment »

09/02/2015

Greece says, "Antio litotita" (Goodbye austerity)

Human Wrongs Watch

By Tony Robinson, Pressenza* 

08 February 2015 — Austerity has been served notice to leave Greece with immediate effect.

Alexis Tsipras | Source: Pressenza

Alexis Tsipras | Source: Pressenza

Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, addressed parliament on 8 February 2015 to outline a number of measures that seek to end the enormous suffering inflicted on the population over the five years of austerity imposed by the troika of institutions.

Included in the first wave of policies are:

  • Reinstatement of public sector workers who were made redundant unconstitutionally
  • Collective wage bargaining will be reintroduced
  • Where there is evidence of irregularity, State contracts will be investigated
  • Evictions as a result of inability to repay mortgages will be halted
  • There will be no more privatizations of state assets and privatizations in progress will be frozen
  • A fund will be launched into which will go profits from the development of the country’s natural resources and state property
  • Children of immigrants will be granted immediate citizenship
  • A new tax on high value property will be introduced

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Posted in Market Lords, Others-USA-Europe-etc., The Peoples | 1 Comment »

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