I ran the CIA, now I endorse Hillary: former acting director

A former top official of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recently gave backing to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In an article written in the New York Times on Aug 5 , Michael J. Morell, CIA?s former acting director and deputy director from 2010 to 2013 said that in the upcoming presidential elections on Nov 8, he will vote for Clinton.

Morell in the article said that during his 33-year career at CIA he served the presidents belonging to both the political parties ? Democrats and Republicans. The former CIA official said that he was present at ex-president W.Bush?s side during the Sept 11 attack as deputy director while he stood with President Obama when Osama Bin laden was killed in 2011.

Morell said that as a government official he always kept silent about his personal political preferences, but that will no longer will be the case when he will vote for Hillary.

?Between now and then, I will do everything I can to ensure that she is elected as our 45th president,? he wrote.

The former CIA top official also gave reasons for the endorsement. ?Two strongly held beliefs have brought me to this decision. First, Mrs. Clinton is highly qualified to be commander in chief. I trust she will deliver on the most important duty of a president ? keeping our nation safe. Second, Donald J. Trump is not only unqualified for the job, but he may well pose a threat to our national security.?

Morell said that Trump does not share Hillary?s political acumen when it came to national security matters, adding that the businessman is already damaging the US?s national security.

The former CIA acting director also slammed Trump?s alleged bonding with Russian president Vladimir Putin in his writing.

?Mr. Putin is a great leader, Mr. Trump says, ignoring that he has killed and jailed journalists and political opponents, has invaded two of his neighbours and is driving his economy to ruin. Mr. Trump has also taken policy positions consistent with Russian, not American, interests ? endorsing Russian espionage against the United States, supporting Russia?s annexation of Crimea and giving a green light to a possible Russian invasion of the Baltic States.?

Morell also in the article criticized Trump?s earlier calls asking for restrictions on Muslims from entering the country.

"Mr. Trump has also undermined security with his call for barring Muslims from entering the country. This position, which so clearly contradicts the foundational values of our nation, plays into the hands of the jihadist narrative that our fight against terrorism is a war between religions. 

In fact, many Muslim Americans play critical roles in protecting our country, including the man, whom I cannot identify, who ran the C.I.A.?s Counterterrorism Center for nearly a decade and who I believe is most responsible for keeping America safe since the Sept. 11 attacks."

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Explosion in Quetta's Civil Hospital, 15 feared dead

QUETTA: At least 15 people were killed and 35 injured when a loud explosion occurred on Monday in Quetta’s Civil Hospital.

The explosion occurred after Balochistan Bar Association's President Bilal Kasi was gunned down at Mano Jan Road. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack.

Lawyers and journalists had gathered at the emergency department where Bilal Kasi's body was brought, when the explosion occurred. Most of the injured are lawyers, eye witnesses said.

Police said that unknown men also opened fire after the blast. Panic tore through the hospital after the incident. The blast occurred near the emergency department of the hospital.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Emergency has been declared at the hospitals in Quetta.

 

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Explosion in Quetta's Civil Hospital, 15 feared dead

QUETTA: At least 15 people were killed and 35 injured when a loud explosion occurred on Monday in Quetta?s Civil Hospital.

The explosion occurred after Balochistan Bar Association's President Bilal Kasi was gunned down at Mano Jan Road. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack.

Lawyers and journalists had gathered at the emergency department where Bilal Kasi's body was brought, when the explosion occurred. Most of the injured are lawyers, eye witnesses said.

Police said that unknown men also opened fire after the blast. Panic tore through the hospital after the incident. The blast occurred near the emergency department of the hospital.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Emergency has been declared at the hospitals in Quetta.

 

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Terming held American a spy premature, inappropriate: Ministry

ISLAMABAD: An investigation report presented to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan over the entry of blacklisted US citizen Mathew Craig Barrett in Islamabad indicated negligence on part of visa officer deputed in Pakistan Consulate, Houston, who had issued Pakistani visa within 24 hours after receiving an application from Barrett.

The minister had directed a senior ranking police official SP Captain (R) Ilyas to probe the entry of blacklisted US citizen Barrett in Islamabad from Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA). The official was tasked to probe the mater within 24 hours after the incident.

Chairing a meeting here on Sunday, Chaudhry Nisar was also informed that gross negligence was also registered by the investigators on part of the FIA immigration desk official dealing with Barrett. The FIA immigration desk officials at BBIA allowed smooth entry to US blacklisted citizen ignoring basic immigration assessments and protocols. Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, Police and FIA were also present during the meeting.

The minister was informed by the investigators over how the FIA official, as a second check list procedure, detected entry of blacklisted US citizen into Pakistan, alerting the authorities who later swung into action for an immediate arrest of Barrett. The minister announced Rs100,000 for the system in-charge of IBMS Fahd Qayyum deputed at the BBIA, who had detected the case of Barrett within a short span of time soon after his exit from the airport.

Taking briefing over immigration operational procedures in place, Nisar directed the FIA top brass to review its immigration ground operational processes and ensure a mechanism to permanently plug entry of blacklisted individuals into Pakistan from its borders and airports.

The Interior Ministry spokesman also quoted Chaudhry Nisar as saying, “FIA should ensure implementation of a policy which must plug loopholes which allow entry of blacklisted citizens into Pakistan from our international airports (including land and sea point of entries).”

The minister said a policy must also be devised for future that foreigners should not be granted Pakistan visa by Pakistani missions abroad without the approval of Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, the spokesman pointed out that it would be premature and inappropriate to declare the US citizen Barrett as a spy. Past history of Barrett in relation to his arrest in 2011 did not carry charges of espionage. The spokesman also called for not linking Barrett’s case with Raymod Davis case. “The two have no links and connection at all,” asserted the spokesman.

A report submitted on 31st January 2012 by DIG. (Inspection) from the inspector general of prisons, Punjab, Lahore (HRC No. 29261-G/2011 application by Binosche Khan Barrett s/o Abdul Rehman, House No. 346, Street No. 16, G-8/1, Islamabad), said, "It is submitted that on receipt of directions, superintendent Central Jail, Rawalpindi was directed to enquire the matter and submit report. As per report, husband of applicant/American national Mathew Barrett s/o Micheal Barrett was admitted in Central Jail Rawalpindi 12.06.11 on judicial remand being involved in the following cases: FIR No. 67 dated 14.5.2011 U/S 14 Foreigner Act 186/123-A PPC P/S Bahthar district Attock; FIR No. 143 dated 10.06.2011 U/S 14 Foreigner Act P/S Golra Sharif, Islamabad.

It is further submitted that husband of applicant/American national in question was in jail in case FIR No. 67/2011 P/S Bahthar Attock by the orders of learned court of Ch Basit Aleem, Judicial Magistrate Sec-30, Fateh Jang on 12.07.2011. He was also in jail in case FIR No. 143/2011 P/S Golra Sharif Islamabad by the orders of learned court of Kashif Qayyum, Judicial Magistrate Sec-30, Islamabad on 20.07.2011. As per record provided by Islamabad Police, prisoner in question had been blacklisted and his visa cancellation orders were issued with the request to Special Branch to ensure departure of the said US national from Pakistan within 15 days vide Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior, Islamabad letter dated 20.05.2011 and 10.06.2011, respectively.

It is further submitted that after being granted bail in the above cases by the concerned learned courts, the US national in question was detained in the jail as an internee for a period of three months w.e.f 20.07.2011 by the order of government of Punjab, Home Department, Lahore vide letter No. SO (IS-I) 2-159/2011 dated 21.07.2011 and in compliance with the said orders he was kept in the jail as an internee.

It is further submitted that husband of applicant/US national prisoner was released from Central Jail, Rawalpindi on 13.10.2011 by the order of government of Punjab, Home Department, Lahore vide letter No. SO (IS-I) 2-159/2011 dated 13.10.2011.

Moreover, during confinement in jail he was dealt in accordance with law and all facilities admissible under the rules were extended to him. The allegations of torture could not gain satisfaction from any corner and stood unproved." 

- Originally appeared in The News

 

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Chenab, Tavi in high flood as India releases water

SIALKOT/ISLAMABAD: The Chenab and Tavi Rivers remained in high flood at Head Marala and Chaprar in Sialkot area, while heavy rains lashed various parts of Punjab including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore on Sunday. The situation has worsened with India releasing water in the Chenab River.

Nullah Dek was also reported in high flood near Chahoor in Pasrur tehsil. Flood warning has been issued. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought a detailed report about the flood situation across the country.

A meeting of senior officials can be convened this week to examine the overall situation. Highly-placed sources told The News here on Sunday that the prime minister had already alerted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other relevant agencies to be ready for provision of assistance if a problem arises in any part of the country.

Nawaz would decide to review the flood-hit areas once the report he has asked for reaches the Prime Minister’s House. The sources said that the premier is also keeping a vigil on the opposition PTI’s agitation but he is concentrating on the pace of development activities, especially related to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), power generation and building of infrastructure.

Sialkot District Coordination Officer (DCO) Dr Asif Tufail told reporters that 311,840 cusecs of water was passing through the River Chenab at Head Marala. He said River Tavi was experiencing a high-flood tide with 27,444 cusecs of water. However, he added, the flood situation was under control in the Sialkot district.

Also, widespread rains lashed the region on Sunday. A government official in Sialkot, Dr Umer Sher Chatta, said the city received 37.2mm rain, which began early in the morning and continued the whole day. It inundated low-lying urban and rural areas causing serious problems for the people.

Meanwhile, the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that a peak of high to very high flood level is expected in River Jhelum at Mangla (inflow) and high flood in River Chenab at Marala Khanki and Qadirabad during the next 24 hours.

According to the daily FFC report on Sunday, presently River Indus at Tarbela and Guddu and River Kabul at Warsak are flowing in low flood while other main rivers, including Rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, are flowing normally.

The river flows and reservoir elevations indicate that Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs are at elevations of 1,526.90 feet and 1,236.50 feet, respectively, which are 23.10 feet and 5.50 feet below their respective maximum conservation levels of 1,550.00 feet and 1,242.00 feet.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, Saturday’s trough of westerly wave still persists over the northern parts of the country whereas Saturday’s monsoon low pressure area also persists over the northeastern Madhya Pradesh (India).

Seasonal low continues to prevail over northern Balochistan. Moderate moist current from Bay of Bengal is penetrating into upper parts of country up to 5,000 feet.

As predicted by the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, scattered thunderstorm rain with isolated heavy falls and one or two very heavy falls is expected over the upper catchments of Rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej during the next 24 hours.

Scattered thunderstorm rain may also occur over the upper catchments of River Indus including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore and Bahawalpur divisions, besides Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan divisions) and northeastern Balochistan during the same period, which may generate flash flood flows in local nullahs.

- Originally appeared in The News

 

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Jets pound rebels after they break Aleppo siege

BEIRUT: Syrian insurgents who broke the siege of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Saturday in a significant territorial gain came under intense air attack from pro-government forces on Sunday trying to repel the advance which also cut government-held Aleppo's main supply route.

Rebels have taken most of a large government military complex southwest of Aleppo city in a major offensive begun on Friday to break a month-long siege and are now attacking further into government held territory.

The surprise advance in Ramousah allowed fighters from insurgent areas in western Syria to break through a strip of government-controlled territory on Saturday and connect with fighters in the encircled sector of eastern Aleppo.

But fierce fighting and continuous Russian and Syrian air strikes in and around the Ramousah area mean no safe passage for besieged east Aleppo residents has been established, activists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Fighters from a coalition of Islamist rebel groups called "Jaish al Fateh" announced the start of a new phase to liberate the whole of Aleppo, saying it pledged to increased the numbers of fighters for the battle it said will only end by hoisting their flag on the ancient Aleppo citadel in government hands.

Jets believed to be Russian intensified their bombing of rebel-held Aleppo countryside and also hit opposition held Idlib city in north western Syria, rebels said.

They released video footage that showed huge flames of fire it said was caused by white phosphorus bombs dropped on the city.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wants to take full control of Aleppo, pre-war Syria's most populous city, which has been divided between rebel and government-held areas.

Assad's government forces are supported in Syria by Russian air power, Iranian militias and fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah group who have sent reinforcements to shore up the army .

Rebel gains this weekend could change the balance of power in Aleppo, after Assad said a siege by government and allied forces on rebel-held east Aleppo in early July was a prelude to re-taking the city. The loss of Aleppo would be a crushing blow for rebels.

"We have now seized full control of the Ramousah area...We are in our trenches but there are insane air strikes of unprecedented ferociousness. The regime is using cluster and vacuum bombs," said Abu al Hasanien, a senior commander in Fateh Halab, the coalition of moderate rebel groups inside the city.

Pro-Syrian government news channels have mostly played down the rebel gains and say Syrian army efforts have caused rebels to withdraw from some recently-gained areas.

But Lebanese pro-Syrian government news channel al Mayadeen said late on Saturday the Syrian army had "withdrawn from a number of positions southwest of Aleppo and repositioned itself in new defensive lines".

The Syrian military was not immediately available for comment.

As the insurgents took over parts of the government's Ramousah military complex, which contains a number of military colleges, they broadcast images of the weaponry and ammunition they were taking possession of.

Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, posted pictures of rows of armored vehicles, munitions, howitzers, rockets and trucks.

The rebel front line is now pushing northwest into western held Aleppo on the edges of the Hamdaniya neighborhood and a housing estate called the 3,000 project, rebels and the Observatory said.

North of Hamdaniya in the direction of the rebels' push is another large government military complex, the Assad military engineering academy.

The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) congratulated rebels on making "spectacular gains (which send) a clear message to the Assad regime, Iran and Russia that they will not be able to defeat the Syrian people or dictate the terms of a settlement."

SIEGES

Fears are growing in government-held western Aleppo that it might become besieged by rebels, as east Aleppo has been by government forces, because the main route south to Damascus for goods transport, the Ramousah road, has been severed.

News of the rebel advance caused food prices to rise by as much as four times in western Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Following the cutting of the main Ramousah road, Observatory director Rami Abdurrahman told Reuters military vehicles can still get in and out of west Aleppo through remaining exit roads to the north, but these are not safe enough for civilians.

In eastern Aleppo, despite some scenes of celebration as fighters broke the siege yesterday, the lack of a safe route out means conditions for residents remain unchanged.

Three vans of vegetables crossed into east Aleppo, Abdurrahman said, but this was a symbolic gesture and the corridor is too dangerous for civilians or significant supplies to pass.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have said conditions in isolated rebel-held east Aleppo have become very concerning.

"Most recently I'm hearing that the markets are closed and it's next to impossible to purchase food. The UN estimates that collectively all aid supplies in east Aleppo will only last about two more weeks," Christy Delafield, senior communications officer for Mercy Corps, which runs the largest non-governmental aid operation inside Syria, told Reuters.

The multi-sided civil war in Syria, which has been raging since 2011, has drawn in regional and global powers, caused the world's worst humanitarian emergency and attracted recruits from around the world.

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Pakistan rejects US remarks of selective approach as 'misplaced, self-contradictory'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday termed as 'misplaced and self contradictory' the critical remarks by the United States (US) that it was being selective in targeting terrorists and did not go after the groups threatening its neighbours.

"We have taken a serious note of the remarks made by the US Department of State's deputy spokesman Mark Toner which are self-contradictory and oblivious of the fact that Pakistan has taken concrete measures to counter terrorism in a phase-wise manner keeping in view Pakistan's national security concerns," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Refreshing the US deputy spokesman's memory with some of the ground realities and observations, Nafees Zakaria said during their recent visit Senator John McCain and other US legislators and congressmen were unanimous in acknowledging the remarkable achievements made by Pakistan in its counterterrorism drive.

"They visited Miranshah and observed the situation on ground for themselves," he added, noting that Senator McCain on his return also wrote an article on his experience in Pakistan.

The FO spokesperson reiterated that terrorism was more of a concern to Pakistan than its neighbour.

"The arrest of the neighbour's active service officer who publicly confessed his state's involvement in perpetrating and financing terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan surprisingly did not prompt any statement by the US," lamented Zakaria, without naming India.

"I also wish to remind the US deputy spokesman of the statement by Mr Chuck Hagel in February 2013 that Pakistan's neighbour uses the soil of another neighbour of Pakistan to finance instability in Pakistan," he said.

"Gen McChrystal's 2009 report had also mentioned the neighbour's activities from the territory of another of Pakistan's neighbour and that they could be detrimental to stability in Pakistan and the region."

He went on to say that the factors behind spread of terrorism in Pakistan and the colossal losses inflicted on Pakistan in terms of loss of over 60,000 innocent lives and billions of dollars loss to the economy are obvious now.

Given these ground realities together with the inhuman treatment meted out by the neighbour's forces to the defenceless and innocent (Kashmiri) people struggling for their right to self-determination in Kashmir, the FO spokesperson said: "The remarks of Mr Toner are misplaced and are not sensitive to Pakistan's security concerns.

Earlier on Thursday, the US had alleged Pakistan of going after terrorists groups 'selectively' urging Islamabad to eliminate all groups, even those that might not threaten Pakistan itself but threaten its neighbours.

"Pakistan has taken and is taking steps to counter terrorist violence, and certainly focusing on those groups that threaten its stability. They?ve restored government control to parts of Pakistan that were used as terrorist safe havens for years," said U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner during the daily media briefing.

He said that these steps have contributed to security interests in the region and they?ve come at a cost of Pakistani lives lost.

"But at the same time, they must target all militant groups and close all safe havens," said the spokesman.

"They?re going after groups, but selectively," he continued further, adding that we need to see them go after even those groups that might not threaten Pakistan itself but threaten its neighbours.

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