Giving F-16s to Egyptians that hate us 2 Will Europe be the last superpower? 6 Mussolini is alive!

7 David Camerons speech fell flat 9 Obama unbound 10

the tRUMPet WeeKLY

January 26, 2013

German Gold Repatriation Signals Economic War

by RObERt MORlEy

n January 16, Germanys central bank made a startling announcement. It asked for the return of gold stored in America and France. Six hundred and seventy-four gleaming tonnes will be relocated to vaults in Frankfurt. The statement by the second-biggest gold holder in the world sent a shudder through global markets. Newspapers went into speculation overdrive. Why would Germany ask for its gold back now? Did Germany no longer trust America to hold its gold? Veteran gold trader Jim Sinclair said the Bundesbanks announcement was a warning that investors should take physical delivery of their goldthat in an atmosphere of skyrocketing debt and slowing economies, counter party risk was growing: This sends a message about storing gold near you and taking delivery no matter who is holding it. According to Sinclair, the announcement signaled an astounding breakdown in trust between Germany and America. When France did this years ago it sent panic amongst the U.S. financial leadership. History will look back

on this salvo as being the beginning of the end of the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency of choice, he said. The incident Sinclair is referring to is the notorious failure of the Bretton Woods currency system in 1971. By order of President Nixon, America defaulted on its gold obligations. From then on, only paper currency would be used to pay Americas debts. Foreign nations, led by France, balked, but they lost the battle. America went off the gold standard, and todays fiat, floating currency system resulted. Has America finally printed one too many dollars out of thin air? Has Germany finally had enough of Americas handling of the global financial system? German fear of inflation from money printing is well telegraphed. The Bundesbank has fought the European Central Bank over its quantitative easing programs. Is Germany now signaling that a confrontation with the Federal Reserve is immediate? And that Germany will throw its weight behind those who are pushing for an alternative global reserve currency see GOlD page 12

Bars of gold displayed at a press conference at the German Federal Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 16.

middle east

U.S. Gift of F-16s to egypt

FOxnEWS | January 22 our F-16 fighter jets left the U.S. this morning, bound for Egypt as part of a foreign aid package critics say should have been scrapped when the nation elected a president who has called President Obama a liar and urged that hatred of Jews be instilled in children. A source who works on the naval air base in Fort Worth, Texas, confirmed the departure of the state-of-the-art fighter planes to FoxNews.com. Sixteen F-16s and 200 Abrams tanks are to be given to the Egyptian government before the end of the year under a foreign aid deal signed in 2010 with then-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a longtime U.S. ally. Critics, including several in Congress, say it doesnt make sense to follow through with the package, given that new Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, elected last summer, has given decidedly mixed signals about relations with the U.S. While he has toned down his rhetoric since his election, in 2010the same year the aid package was struckMorsi attacked Obama for supporting Israel. One American president after anotherand most recently, that Obamatalks about American guarantees for the safety of the Zionists in Palestine, Morsi, then a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, said on Egyptian television in reaction to Obamas 2009 speech in Cairo. [Obama] was very clear when he uttered his empty words on the land of Egypt. He uttered many lies, of which he couldnt have fulfilled a single word, even if he were sincerewhich he is not.

In the comments translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, Morsi went on to urge that children be taught to hate Jews. Dear brothers, we must not forget to nurse our children and grandchildren on hatred towards those Zionists and Jews, and all those who support them, he said. They must be nursed on hatred. The hatred must continue. Lawmakers told FoxNews.com that even if Morsi has softened his stance, it makes no sense to arm his Islamist government with weapons that could one day be used against Israel or even Egyptians. It is appalling that the Obama administration would send F-16s and 200 military tanks to Egypt in the wake of the instability, [and the] anti-American and antiIsrael atmosphere, Rep. Louie Gohmert, (R-Texas), told FoxNews.com. The U.S. government ordered the planes for Egypt from Lockheed Martin in 2010, as part of an annual aid package that regularly topped $1 billion. But the very next year, a popular revolution began which ultimately resulted in Mubaraks ouster and imprisonment, and the election of Morsi, a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. In November, Morsi tried to claim dictatorial powers, but was forced to back down from his claim after massive protests against the move. Many worry that arming such a volatile Egypt will endanger Israel. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment about the pending delivery. But earlier this month, a spokesperson said the Obama administration seeks to maintain a strategic partnership with Egypt that enhances the security and peace of the region. Lapids surprise showing could make him a key Cabinet minister should he decide to join Netanyahus government. Lapid and other centrist parties have said they would not join Netanyahus team unless the prime minister promises to make a serious push for peace with the Palestinians. The conflicting positions of the various parties point up the difficulties facing anyone who tries to set up a coalition government in Israel. If Netanyahu relies only on the religious and hard-line parties, it means constant fights with the opposition over social programs. If he tries to team up with the centrists, it means battles with the ultra-Orthodox over subsidies, as well as internal sniping over concessions to the Palestinians.

fragmented opposition did not post an agreed candidate against him. If they hold up through the actual vote counting, the unexpected results WaShinGtOn POSt | January 22 could be seen as a setback for Netanyan a stunning setback, Prime Minishus tough policies. The coalition-buildter Benjamin Netanyahus hard-line ing process could force him to promise bloc fared worse than expected in a concessions to restart long-stalled parliamentary election Tuesday, exit peace talks with the Palestinians. polls showed, possibly forcing the Addressing cheering supporters incumbent Israeli leader to invite surearly Wednesday, Netanyahu pledged prisingly strong moderate rivals into to work for a broad-based governhis government and soften his line ment. toward the Palestinians. Nearly 67 percent of Israels 5.5 tv exit polls showed the hard-liners million eligible voters took part, more with about 61 seats in the 120-seat than in previous electionsapparparliament, a bare majority, and the ently giving boosts to the centrists, counts could change as actual votes especially Lapids new Yesh Atid or are tallied. There is a future party, which nearly Netanyahu was also expected to doubled results predicted by polls receive stronger backing because his before the election.

Netanyahu Wins Narrow Majority

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eU Says Iran Stalling on Nuclear talks

REutERS | January 23 ran is stalling on fixing a date and location for a new round of talks on its nuclear program, the European Unions foreign policy chief said on Wednesday, but there is still hope that talks between Tehran and six world powers can begin soon. EU officials have been in contact with Iranian negotiators repeatedly since December to try to prepare a new set of talks, which the West hopes will lead to Iran scaling back its nuclear work and avert the threat of another war in the Middle East. But they have failed to agree on a plan so far. We proposed concrete dates and a venue in December, said a spokesman for Catherine Ashton . Since then, we have been very surprised to see Iran come back to us again and again with new pre-conditions on the modalities of the talks, for example by changing the venue and delaying their responses, spokesman Michael Mann said. The six powers have used a mix of diplomacy and economic sanctions for years to force Iran to comply with United Nations demands that it suspend all of its activities related to enriching uranium, a key component of nuclear weapons. But Iran rejects international accusations that its nuclear work has military goals, saying it is for medical and energy purposes, and has repeatedly said it wants international sanctions eased before it limits its atomic work. Three rounds of negotiations last year failed to produce a breakthrough, fuelling concerns that the stand-off could prompt Israel to attack Irans nuclear installations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who won a new term in office this week, has said he would not let Iran reach the capability to make nuclear arms. Holding the talks in Egypt could indicate warming ties between Cairo and Tehran, two of the Middle Easts most influential countries.
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Dissident Eritrean soldiers seized the countrys Ministry of Information on Monday, and briefly took over its state-run television service in an apparent attempt to overthrow the Eritrean government. Though the attempt ultimately failed, it indicates the instability permeating the small nation. Around 200 soldiers backed by tanks demanded the release of thousands of political prisoners, in a signal of the deepening rift between some elements of the military and the nations president, Isaias Afewerki. Tensions between political groups and religions continue to intensify in the nation that is split almost 50-50 between Muslims and Christians. These rising tensions and the fact that Afewerkis health is rapidly failing mean that Eritrea will likely experience a transition of power in the near future. This transition will present an opportunity for Iran to expand its power in the region, and, more specifically, its influence around the Red Sea. Eritrea is in Irans crosshairs because it occupies a strategic strip of terrain at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden, which is one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. Whether directly or through its influence over Egypt, Iran is sure to exploit this turmoil to obtain control over Eritrea and that vital shipping lane. Explosions and shots echoed through the streets of Kabul on January 21 when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the gate of the traffic police compound. In the confusion that followed, more terrorists stormed the facility, armed with machine guns and explosives. The attack follows on the heels of a recent terrorist attack against a government office in the Afghan capital. Afghanistan has been supported by the United States for over a decade, but despite billions of dollars and thousands of lives lost, the fighting continues. The nato combat mission in Afghanistan officially ends in 2014, and security will be given over completely to the local authorities. But the war is by no means over.
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tW i n b r i e f n Coup attempt reveals Eritreas instability

If conditions continue, the national security forces of Afghanistan will be facing a strong and determined foe in the Taliban, and will not have nato forces to back them up. The latest attack further demonstrates that the Taliban is growing in power and they have repeatedly shown that they are capable of carrying out terrorist attacks within the most heavily guarded parts of the country.

Delegations from Hamas and Fatah met in Cairo on January 17 to discuss a timetable for Palestinian unity.

n Fatah and hamas set to reconcile

Palestinian President and leader of Fatah Mahmoud abbas (center) and the leader of Hamas Khaled Meshaal (left)
There has been friction between the two parties ever since Hamas ousted the ruling Fatah faction from Gaza in 2007, when Hamas was throwing Fatah members off rooftops and Fatah was carrying out reprisals in the West Bank. So when talks of unity between the two factions began, much of the world reacted with doubt. However, things have changed since 2007, and the conditions for an alliance now appear to be in place. Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah leader and Palestinian National Authority president, may hope to glean some of the international sympathy for Gaza in forming a transitional government with Hamas. And since Hamas has been significantly crippled by the Israeli strikes on its government and military infrastructure, an alliance with the Palestinian Authority would bolster its ailing government. If Hamas and Fatah resolve their differences, Israel will feel the Islamic noose around its neck tighten. Whether a Palestinian unity government forms in the immediate future or not, the unifying of the two factions is one more step toward the fall of East Jerusalem to the Palestinians.

n is this what victory feels like?

january 26, 2013

europe

europeDefining how the World Works

aken as a single geographic entity, Europe has the largest economy in the world. Should it choose to do so, it could become a military rival to the U.S. Europe is one of the pillars of the global system, and what happens to Europe is going to define how the ROn FRaSER world works. I would argue that in 2013 we will begin to get clarity on the future of Europe. So states George Friedman,ceoof respected think tank Stratfor (January 3). Three elections will be held in nations that play a key role in end-time prophecy this yearIsrael on January 22, Italy in February and Germany in September. The key political role influencing the geopolitics of each of the others will be played by Germany. It would seem that incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to win the vote in the January 22 elections. Thus we should expect little change in the foreign-policy direction of this nation in the immediate term. The result will be continuing strain with the U.S. administration and an increased tendency to look to Europe for the support traditionally given to this benighted nation by the U.S. This will particularly be the case as EU foreign policy (read Germany) centers on the Middle East and North Africa in 2013. Elections for an Italian prime minister will be held in February. Already the pope has endorsed Jesuit-educated technocrat Mario Monti as his choice. If Monti succeeds, look for a strengthened alliance between him, central banker Mario Draghi and EU President Herman Van Rompuy in relation to the endorsement of further centralization of the EU economies at the expense of the loss of the national sovereignty of eurozone nations. In September, Chancellor Angela Merkels sputtering political career as Germanys chancellor shall probably end at the German federal elections. With the mood turning ugly both within Germany and in Europe about the current nature of the German psyche, the time is rapidly developing for the rise of a populist leader in that nation (Spiegel,Dec. 13, 2012).

Of all three of the vital national elections being held this year, it is the German election which has the most potential to impact international relations over the next few years. This is especially the case as German and Italian politics will tend to merge in supporting the vision of Europes imperialist elites under increasing influence from Rome. What is so much to the point in considering the direction of Europe from here on is the statement by Friedman that If, however, Europe does emerge with a plan that has general support and momentum behind it, then we might say that Europe is beginning to emerge from its crisis, and that, in turn, would be the single most important thing that happens in 2013 (ibid). Yet it is hard to see that such a plan would have any prospect of coming to fruition unless Europe has the quality of leadership in place to not only endorse it but to strong-arm it into reality. So, what to watch for in 2013? Watch January 23 for the outcome of the previous days elections in Israel, and watch the reaction of extremist Islamist groups to that result place Israel under huge pressure to seek out an alliance with the EUespecially its leading nation, Germanyto replace its ailing relationship with the U.S. Watch the outcome of the Italian elections on February24 and 25. If Montithe popes mangains office, then the linkage between the Vatican and the leader of old Chaldea will be strengthened significantly. This, in turn, will give a powerful boost to the confidence of imperialist Catholic European elitesespecially in Germany. The upshot could well have significant effect on the outcome of the German elections in September. For the second time in less than a century, Europe is on the brink of unleashing the effects of a deep crisis on the rest of the world. The results, in the short term, will be catastrophic beyond imagination. Yet the wonder of it all is that this is but the major harbinger of the replacement of the whole global system by a future system of global peace and order such as man has longed for since creation. Twitter Follow Ron Fraser: minister last year in which he angered the French by offering to roll out the red carpet to wealthy French citizens and firms who wanted to move out and pay their taxes in Britain. Fabius also repeated Frances view that there could be no Europe a la carte in which a country picked which rules applied to it. Cameron promised on Wednesday

referendum choice on whether to stay in the 27-nation bloc or leave. Laurent Fabius said that Britain had positive points to offer Europe, but tElEGRaPh | January 23 told French Info radio that he had told rance would roll out the red car- a recent meeting with British businesspet if Britain decided to leave the men: If Britain wants to leave Europe European Union, the countrys foreign we will roll out the red carpet for you. minister has said, as David Cameron The comment is a jibe on muchpromised to give Britons a straight reported remarks by the British prime

France to Roll Out the Red Carpet for UK exit

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january 26, 2013

to give Britons a straight referendum choice on whether to stay in the European Union or leave, provided he wins an election in 2015. He ended months of speculation by announcing in a speech the plan for a vote sometime between 2015 and 2018, shrugging off warnings that this could imperil Britains diplomatic and economic prospects and alienate its allies.

Vaticans Secret Property empire

buSinESS inSiDER | January 22 ew passing London tourists would ever guess that the premises of Bulgari, the upmarket jewellers in New Bond Street, had anything to do with the pope. Nor indeed the nearby headquarters of the wealthy investment bank Altium Capital, on the corner of St. Jamess Square and Pall Mall. But these office blocks in one of Londons most expensive districts are part of a surprising secret commercial property empire owned by the Vatican. Behind a disguised offshore company structure, the churchs international portfolio has been built up over the years, using cash originally handed over by Mussolini in return for papal recognition of the Italian fascist regime in 1929. Since then the international value of Mussolinis nest-egg has mounted until it now exceeds 500 million. In 2006, at the height of the recent property bubble, the Vatican spent 15 million of those funds to buy 30 St.Jamess Square. Other UK properties are at 168 New Bond Street and in the city of Coventry. It also owns blocks of flats in Paris and Switzerland. The surprising aspect for some will be the lengths to which the Vatican has gone to preserve secrecy about the Mussolini millions. The St. Jamess Square office block was bought by a company called British Grolux Investments Ltd., which also holds the other UK properties. Published registers at Companies House do not disclose the companys true ownership, nor make any mention of the Vatican. Instead, they list two nominee

shareholders, both prominent Catholic bankers: John Varley, recently chief executive of Barclays Bank, and Robin Herbert, formerly of the Leopold Joseph merchant bank. British company law allows the true beneficial ownership of companies to be concealed behind nominees in this way. British wartime records from the National Archives in Kew complete the picture. They confirm [the link to the] Vaticans own holding company, accused at the time of engaging in activities contrary to Allied interests. Files from officials at Britains Ministry of Economic Warfare at the end of the war criticized the popes financier, Bernardino Nogara, who controlled the investment of more than 50 million cash from the Mussolini windfall. The Mussolini money was dramatically important to the Vaticans finances. John Pollard, a Cambridge historian, says in Money and the Rise of the Modern Papacy: The papacy was now financially secure. It would never be poor again.

intended merely to reform the church, not to cause division among Christians. Archbishop Mller added that some Lutherans believe the necessary reforms were completed by Vatican II. He added that in his own native land, Germany, Protestants are not just opposed to Catholicism, because they have retained many Catholic traditions.

Bestseller: Novel About hitlers Return

nEWSER | January 23 ermans apparently love it, and soon you can, too, dear English reader . Adolf Hitler doesnt seem like a hilarious subject, but a German writer did indeed write a comic novel about the Fhrer, and its now a bestseller in the country. Er Ist Wieder Da (Hes Back) by Timur Vermes imagines Hitler waking up in 2011 with no memory of the previous 66 years, afp reports. The nearly 400-page tome has Hitler discovering jeans and cooking shows, being surprised by the fact that a woman is in charge, and trying to create an e-mail address only to discover that his preferred Hitler89, a reference to his date of birth, is already taken. The books version of Hitler, of course, soon becomes a reality television and YouTube star. Though some think the book is in poor taste, others see it as a political satire. The authors take: We too often harbor the negative attitude of those who see Hitler only as a monster to make themselves feel better. I thought it was important to show how he would operate and how he would act in todays world. An English-language edition is planned. (Hitler is also the subject of a high-profile new work of art.)

An Ordination for Lutherans?

CathOliC WORlD nEWS | January 14

he prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has said that the Vatican might consider an ordinariate for Lutherans wishing to return to full communion with the Catholic Church, similar to the structure established by Pope Benedict xvi for Anglicans. Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Mller conceded that the Lutheran world is a bit different from the Anglican one, because among Anglicans there has always been a sector closer to Catholicism. However, he said, some Lutherans hope for a restoration of full communion with Rome, and the church should be ready to receive them. He suggested that, as with Anglicans, the Catholic Church might allow Lutherans to preserve the legitimate traditions they have developed while becoming members of the Catholic Church. In the eyes of some Lutherans, the archbishop observed, Martin Luther
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Islamic militants seized tens of workers at an Algerian gas plant January 16, drawing Algeria into the ongoing Mali crisis and provoking a stern response from Europe. The raid at Ain Anemas was conducted by a militia calling itself

tW i n b r i e f n hostage crisis draws algeria into Mali chaos

january 26, 2013

europe May Be the Last Superpower

anne applebaum, SlatE | January 23

hey probably arent the best choice for the worlds policeman, but they may be the only one weve got. A decade of war is now ending, President Obama declared on Monday. Maybe thats true in America, but it isnt true anywhere else. Extremists are still plotting acts of terror. Authoritarian and autocratic regimes are still using violence to preserve their power. The United States can step back from international conflicts, but that wont make them disappear. Fortunately, there is another power that shares our economic and political values, that possesses sophisticated military technology, and is also very interested in stopping the progress of fanatical movements, especially in North Africa and the Middle East. That power is Europe. Dont laugh! I realize that even a year ago that statement would have seemed absurd. I certainly couldnt have written it in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 Libya operation, during which France, Britain, and a dozen other states were barely able to sustain a brief war, involving no ground troops, against a poorly armed and unpopular regime. Yet here we are in 2013, watching the French Air Force and troops come to the aid of the formerly democratic government of Mali, which is fighting for its life against a fanatical Islamist insurgency an international terrorist organization with the potential to inflict damage across North Africa and perhaps beyond. Not long ago, this sort of international terrorist organization used to inspire emergency planning sessions at the Pentagon. Now the French have trouble getting Washington to pay attention at all. Some U.S. transport planes recently helped ferry French soldiers to the region but, according to Le Figaro, the Americans at first asked the French to pay for the servicea demand without

precedentbefore wearily agreeing to help. But other Europeans are offering money and soldiers. The European Union has authorized funding to train African troops who will assistand it does have more experience than you think. European Union forces, operating far beneath the publicity radar, attacked pirate bases on the Somali coast last springsuccessfully. They destroyed our equipment to ashes, a man described as a pirate commander told the Associated Press. All told, the European Union has intervened militarily in more than two dozen conflicts. Not quite as much as the French since 1960, but getting there. A number of obstacles must be overcome before the EU could become the worlds policeman. Although combined European military does make the EU the worlds secondlargest military power, it still isnt enough for any kind of sustained conflict. Some Europeans, most notably the Germans, would have to overcome their postSecond World War abhorrence of soldiers. Other Europeans, most notably the British, would have to be made to believe, as others have concluded, that Americans just arent that interested in nato anymore. These are big obstacles. But whats the alternative? If America is to enjoy peace in our timean expression now deployed by both Barack Obama and Neville Chamberlainwhile the rest of the world remains at war, then someone else will fill the vacuum. A glance at the other candidatesChina, Russia, or perhaps Qatar or another Gulf stateought to make us all stop giggling about cheese-eating surrender monkeys and start offering logistical and moral support. Europe may not be the best superpower. But its the only one weve got.

the Masked Brigades or Signers in Blood. The group is affiliated with al Qaedas North African franchise, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the terror entity that recently helped liberate northern Mali. The militants said they were holding41 Westerners among the hostages, most of them European. While the details still arent completely clear, this hostage crisis is a game changer. Radical Islam is increasingly threatening to Europe. Europe will respond boldly. Our free bookletThe King of the Southand our article The Last Crusade explain what to expect. The EU worries that Europes press isnt good enough in reporting about Europe, and should be regulated, according to a report by the High Level

n Eu wants to regulate press

Group on Media Freedom and Pluralregulation. It does suggest that the Euism published January 22. The report ropean project is ultimately incompatis designed to be a guideline to be used ible with the notion of a free society. in drafting new regulations. The group n France and Germany celebrate wants all nations to have indepenfriendship, call for closer union dent media councils. It states: Media Germany and France celebrated the councils should have real enforcement powers, such as the imposition of fines, 50th anniversary of the Elysee peace treatya milestone in the warmorders for printed or broadcast apoloing relations between the two former gies, or removal of journalistic status. foeson January 22. German ChanThese councils should follow a set of European-wide standards and be moni- cellor Angela Merkel and French tored by the Commission to ensure that President Francois Hollande used the opportunity to call for a closer Europe. they comply with European values. The idea of the EU regulating what can I accepted that we need to converge towards common budgetary poliand cant be said is cause for concern. As Conservative Member of Parliament cies, said Hollande. We need to have Douglas Carswell said: This is the sort a similar discussion about taxes, for instance a common CO2 tax. Its true of mindset that I would expect to find there are political risks, but we need to in Iran, not the West. This kooky idea embrace our common destiny. tells us little about the future of press
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january 26, 2013

fans come from all walks of life. Most of them do not vote for far-right parties, wroteSpiegel Online.While these Richard Palmer | January 22 people would rightly oppose a new Hitler, they would be magine if Hitler made a comeback in Germany. Hes open to the rise of a good dictatora new Mussolini, as popular again, and his face appears everywhere. The they would see it. world would be outraged, and even fearful. But something Spiegelwrites that these Italians know little of this similar is going on in Italy. history, trading mostly in myths and half-truths. Mussolini calendars appear every new year. A businessThese myths are dangerous. Unemployment in several man proposed renaming Forli Airport Mussolini Aircountries has reached levels that threaten the stability of port. A headmaster tried to hang the state. A new Mussolini, who his portrait in his school. Predapcan put people back to work, make pioMussolinis place of birth and the trains run on time and restore burialis a popular tourist destinaEuropes prestige, is becoming an tion for hundreds of thousands. increasingly attractive proposition. Demand for the Mussolini calTheTrumpethas long warned endars is on the increase. We are of a coming strongman in Europe. selling more than we did 10 years But he wont be a new Hitler. The ago, the head of a printer in Rome, next political leader will be much Renato Circi, told theGuardian.He more suave and sophisticated than added that young people are now Hitler was, wroteTrumpeteditor German dictator adolf Hitler (left) and his buying them too. in chiefGerald Flurryin his Italian counterpart Benito Mussolini Last year, a town south of Rome bookletDaniel Unlocks Revelation. unveiled a 127,000memorial to one Mussolinis popularity proves of Mussolinis chief generalsField Marshal Rodolfo Grathere is plenty of room for a new suave and sophistiziani. The response to a statue of a general who used poison cated dictator in Europe. For more information on this gas? Widespread indifference, according to theGuardian. danger, see our article A Deadly Secret Plot Has Been That thousands of mainstream Italians revere the memUncovered. Twitter ory of this dictator should be deeply worrying. Mussolinis Follow Richard Palmer:

Italys Deadly Mussolini Myth

asia
Russia overtook Saudi Arabia last year to become the worlds largest oil producer, the Moscow Times reported on Tuesday. In November of 2012, Saudi Arabia produced 9.5 millions barrels a day, while Russia pumped out 10.5 million barrels a day. And Russias production is set to keep on climbing: The production is growing owing to the development of new oil fields , said Marsel Salikhov, head of Russias economic department of the Institute of Energy and Finances. For Russia, energy resources are a weapon of foreign policy. In recent years, Moscow has twice shut off natural gas to Ukraine in attempts to pull the proWestern Ukrainian government under Moscows influence. Russia threatening European energy supplies is a recurring theme of Russo-European
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tW i n b r i e f n Russia becomes world's largest oil producer

relations. When European nations see Russia using energy exports as a weapon to try to dominate neighboring countries like Ukraine, they see more starkly their need to unite in order to counter Russian aggression. As Russias oil production continues to increase, Moscow will increasingly use it to expand the Kremlins sphere of influence in its periphery. This will hasten Europes unification. Japan is smack in the middle of two riveting dramas that threaten to upturn the global strategic landscape in short order, Ambrose EvansPritchard wrote in the Telegraph on Sunday. First, China and Japan are engaged in an increasingly heated dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, which prompted both to mobilize fighter jets last week. (Some in Beijing
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n tokyo is suddenly the center of global affairs

believe Americas will is broken, and hope to use the opportunity to expose the U.S. as an unreliable ally to Japan and the world.) Second, Japan is in the midst of an economic policy revolution that could have deep impacts on the worlds trading system and asset markets. Premier Shinzo Abe has waged an assault on deflation in a pattern similar to that set by Korekiyo Takahasi who brilliantly rescued Japan from the Great Depression in the 1930s. Takahasi was the first of his era to tear up [the] rule book completely, Evans-Pritchard wrote. Like Takahasi, Abe seems eager to take drastic actions and bypass rules, not just for fiscal matters, but also militarily. With a hawk like Abe in the drivers seat, Japan is not likely to back down in the territorial row with China, unless, as Beijing hopes, Washington backs down, and leaves Tokyo no choice but to make concessions.

january 26, 2013

North Korea to target U.S. With Nukes

REutERS | January 24 orth Korea said on Thursday it would carry out further rocket launches and a nuclear test that would target the United States, dramatically stepping up its threats against a country it called its sworn enemy. The announcement by the countrys top military body came a day after the UN Security Council agreed to a U.S.backed resolution to censure and sanction North Korea for a rocket launch in December that breached UN rules. We are not disguising the fact that the various satellites and long-range rockets that we will fire and the high-level nuclear test we will carry out are targeted at the United States, North Koreas National Defense Commission said, according to state news agency kcna.

North Korea is believed by South Korea and other observers to be technically ready for a third nuclear test, and the decision to go ahead rests with leader Kim Jong-un, who pressed ahead with the December rocket launch in defiance of the UN sanctions. Chinas Foreign Ministry called for calm and restraint and a return to six-party talks, but effectively singled out North Korea, urging the relevant party not to take any steps that would raise tensions. North Korea has rejected proposals to restart the talks aimed at reining in its nuclear capacity. The United States, China, Russia,Japanand the two Koreas are the six parties involved.

africa/latin america
In a recently published report, the German Institute for International and Security Affairs predicted a historical turning point for Latin America after the demise of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. According to this report, once the cancerridden Venezuelan president dies or resigns, the old elites of the country will be able to reassert themselves. Most of these so-called old elites

tW i n b r i e f n German advisor predicts turning point for latin america

have strong business connections with Germany. The German report also predicts that the demise of Chavez could elicit political change throughout Latin America in such a way as to strengthen Brazils influence in the region. Since Brazil is already a strong German ally, the government in Berlin would greatly benefit from this coming political transformation.

With air support from the French,

n Malian troops take key city from islamists

the Malian military gained control Monday of the central Mali town of Diabaly. Islamic extremists have carved out a large haven in Malis northern region and imposed a strict interpretation of sharia law.The militaries of both Germany and France are aiding the effort to reconquer this territory for the Malian government. Expect Germany and its European allies to take an increasingly hard-line stance against radical Islam in North Africa and the Middle East.

anglo-america
Vatican endorses GunControl Plans
CathOliC WORlD nEWS | January 21 Noting that 47 American religious leaders had issued a call for stricter control on firearms, Father Lombardi said flatly: Im with them. The Vatican spokesman conceded that firearms are instruments for legitimate defense. But he observed that they are also used to bring threats, violence, and death. He said that church leaders will repeat tirelessly our calls for disarmament. Peace is born from the heart, but it will be easier to achieve if we have fewer weapons in hand, Father Lombardi stated.
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Brigadier General at Court-Martial

lOS anGElES tiMES | January 22 rmy Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, a veteran of five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, deferred entering a plea to criminal charges including sexual misconduct at his court-martial Tuesday. In a rare case of an active-duty general charged with criminal offenses, Sinclair decided not to enter a plea at his arraignment hearing. After he continued on page 10

he director of the Vatican press office has strongly endorsed the Obama administrations plans for gun control. The initiatives announced by the United States government in view of limiting and controlling the diffusion and use of arms are certainly a step in the right direction, said Father Federico Lombardi in his weekly editorial commentary for Vatican Radio.

january 26, 2013

the europe Question Is Not Going Away

fter months of promises, Prime parties of the victim nations [mostly southern states] are losMinister David Cameron delivered ing legitimacy month by month, wrote the Telegraphs Amhis keynote address on Britains future brose Evans-Pritchard this week. The crisis is spreading to with the European Union on Wednesnorthern Europe too, where bailout fatigue is turning into day. The speech was deft and nimble, something deeper, he wrote. The Dutch Freedom Party is smartly created to placate both Euroalready demanding a referendum in The Netherlands, and skeptics and Europhilesand to buy premier Mark Rutte has to deal with a euroskeptic electorate bRaD MaCDOnalD that is not so vastly different from UK voters these days. time. It was, by virtually all reports, a smashing success. This crisis will have massive consequences for Britain. Britains swelling anti-Europe movement will get the Each week, European nations draw closer to making a opportunity to vote the United Kingdom out of the EU in decisive choice: Abandon the euro and let the dream of a straightforward in/out referendum. However, the refer- European unity die, or surrender more national sovereignendum will take place only after Britain has renegotiated a ty and integrate further. The way events are moving, its new relationship with the EU. This gives the Europhiles the clear Europe, or at least a significant contingent of states, is opportunity to concoct an agreement with Brussels that is choosing the latter. Under Germanys direction, a tighter, palatable to Britains public. In short, an in/out referendum more integrated, more federalist and controlling enwill happen, but not till 2017. tity is emerging. Meanwhile, Mr. Cameron has promised to And theres the rub. renegotiate the treaty to make Britain more independent. This world, particularly Europe, is so fragile, so uncertain This country is on course for a messy and painful clash and volatilefinancially, politically, socially, you name it with Germany and the EU! its impossible to plan five months ahead, let alone five years! The United Kingdoms push to renegotiate its status in Mr. Cameron delivered his speech with such authority the European Union threatens the European project, wrote and confidence, as if hes in total control of the United King- Stratfor analyst Adriano Bosoni this week. At no other doms future with Europe. To be sure, a leader must project time has a country tried to disassociate itself from the bloc sureness and authority, and responsible governments do in this way. The decision not only challenges the Francoplan long-term. But the world is undergoing historic chalGerman view of the European Union but also makes a comlenges and momentous changes right now. In particular, promise extremely difficult and risky between France and Europes political and financial landscape is rapidly transGermany and the United Kingdom. If Mr. Cameron is to forming. The Continent, as Trumpet columnist Ron Fraser renegotiate Britains relationship with Brussels and somerecently wrote, will look radically different by the end of 2013. how persuade Germany and the EU to relinquish power Chances are, the question of the United Kingdoms fuback to Britain, hes going to need a Red Sea-sized miracle. ture in Europe will be decided not in 2017, but this year! Sadly, miracles of this magnitude stopped happening to Perhaps the most significant issue that will have bearBritain many years ago. ing on Britains relationship with Europe is the financial The reality is, by demanding the renegotiation of the crisis, which is far from over. Paolo Manasse, professor of United Kingdoms relationship with the EU, Mr. Cameron macroeconomics at the University of Bologna, wrote rehas made Britain as large a threat to the future of the EU cently, Despite apparent calm on the financial markets, no as the financial crisis is. Think about it: How can Europe illusions that the storm is ending soon should be entertained. integrate further with one of its largest and most influential Indeed, we may well be in the eye of the hurricane. member states demanding more independence? What if Dont listen to European leaders proclaiming that the other EU states demand similar concessions? Or want to crisis is finished. Their words are hollow. Many of Europes hold referendums? Depending on the extent of the changes economies continue to shrink. Unemployment in many Mr. Cameron demandsand theyll have to be serious and countries is dangerously high and still rising. In Spain, the significant to mollify Britains publicthe renegotiation unemployment rate of under-25s is now 60 percent! Debt, of Londons relationship with Brussels threatens to unravel national and private, looms ominously over prospects of the entire European project. new growth. The euro remains on its deathbed. The lonWorld events, and events in Europe in particular, are ger-term prospects for the survival of the euro not only are chaotic and uncertain, and moving extremely fast and dannot improving, they are actually getting worse, concluded gerously. Britain wants independence and distance, GerManasse. This crisis will radically change the way Europe many and others want further integration, and more power looks and operates, financially and politically. and influence given to a centralized European government. Not in three or four years time, but within weeks and Its a recipe for tension and conflict. Try as he may, theres months! no way Mr. Cameron can get around this reality. How this will end is anybodys guess but it is hard to Britain will leave or be cast out of the EU, and more than believe it can go on for five more years because the ruling likely, much sooner than 2017.

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january 26, 2013

Obama Unbound

Charles Krauthammer, WaShinGtOn POSt | January 24

he media herd is stunned to discover that Barack Obama is a man of the left. After 699 presidential speeches, the commentariat was apparently still oblivious. Until Mondays inaugural address, that is. Where has everyone been these four years? The only surprise is that Obama chose his second inaugural, generally an occasion for malice toward none ecumenism, to unveil so uncompromising a left-liberal manifesto. But the substance was no surprise. After all, Obama had unveiled his transformational agenda in his first address to Congress . It was, I wrote at the time, the boldest social democratic manifesto ever issued by a U.S. president. Nor was it mere talk. Obama went on to essentially nationalize health care, 18 percent of the U.S. economy after passing an $833 billion stimulus that precipitated an unprecedented expansion of government spending. By the White Houses own reckoning, Washington now spends 24 percent of gdp, fully one-fifth higher than the postwar norm of 20 percent. Obamas ambitions were derailed by the 2010 midterm shellacking that cost him the House. But now that hes won again, the revolution is back, as announced in Mondays inaugural address.
continued from page 8

It was a paean to big government. At its heart was Obamas pledge to (1) defend unyieldingly the 20th-century welfare state and (2) expand it unrelentingly for the 21st. The first part of that agendaclinging zealously to the increasingly obsolete structures of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaidis the very definition of reactionary liberalism. Everyone knows that, unless reformed, they will swallow up the rest of the budget. As for the second partenlargementObama had already begun that in his first term with Obamacare. Mondays inaugural address reinstated yet another grand Obama projecthealing the planet. It promised a state-created green-energy sector, massively subsidized (even as the states regulatory apparatus systematically squeezes fossil fuels, killing coal today, shale gas tomorrow). The playbook is well known. As Czech President (and economist) Vaclav Klaus once explained, environmentalism is the successor to failed socialism as justification for all-pervasive rule by a politburo of experts. Only now, it acts in the name of not the proletariat but the planet. Mondays address also served to disabuse the fantasists of any Obama interest in fiscal reform or debt reduction. This speech was spectacularly devoid of any acknowledgment of the central threat to the postindustrial democracies (as already seen in Europe)the crisis of an increasingly insolvent entitlement state. French to pay for the limited logistical supportmainly cargo flights and aerial refuelingthat the U.S. had agreed to provide the French mission to Mali. By weeks end, however, the administration had agreed to cover the costs. Considering that the federal government spends just over $10 billion a day, or $115,000 a second, were talking about less than three minutes worth of the governments time. Is the effort worth it? Given how often U.S. forces have come to grief in faraway and forlorn countries like Mali, Americans will probably shrug off the thought that we arent doing enough to help our French friends. Arent we sick of always jumping to their aid when they dont always exactly jump to ours? And why have they so neglected their defenses that they cant even deploy a few thousand troops to a country that, to them, isnt all that far away? But Americans need to think carefully about what the retreat from Pax Americana will mean in the long term. The last time Americans made

deferred the plea, the defense moved to sanction prosecutors for having privileged e-mails. The general is accused of 25 specific violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice between October 2007 and March 2012. Among the charges are forcible sodomy, sexual misconduct and violating orders. If convicted of the most serious charges, Sinclair faces life in prison. Sinclair, who was removed from command in Afghanistan in May, is accused of conducting improper sexual relationships with subordinate female officers and a civilian. Prosecutors say he forced a female captain to engage in sex and threatened to kill the officer and her family if she told anyone. Prosecutors allege that the acts took place in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany and on bases in the United States. Though only two other generals have faced courts-martial in recent years, allegations of sexual misconduct against high-ranking commanders have become more common.

According to military statistics compiled by the Associated Press, 30 percent of commanders fired since 2005 lost their jobs because of sexrelated offenses. Of the 18 generals and admirals fired during that period, 10 were removed because of sex-related offenses, the AP found. In all, 78 of the 255 commanders at the rank of lieutenant colonel and above who were fired were removed because of sex-related offenses. Twenty-seven others were fired for alcohol- or drug-related violations.
Related: not-So-Super Men

Obama's Youre-OnYour-Own World

Wall StREEt JOuRnal | January 22 sn't it fitting that, as a final order of business in President Obamas first term, the United States would haggle with France over the federal equivalent of a $2.15 check? Last week, the Journal reported that the administration was asking the
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january 26, 2013

America thrusts Wives and Moms Into Combat

mericas military lifted its ban on women serving in combat positions this week. The move could open more than 230,000 jobs in front-line combat and elite commando units to women. Why? Are hoards of women soldiers JOEl hilliKER demanding that combat positions be opened to them? No. Army surveys show that 85 to 90 percent of enlisted women strongly oppose policies aimed at thrusting women into combat. The ones pushing for this change are an aggressive minority of lobbyists and high-placed feminist civilian leaders, along with a few hard-core careerist military women. These politically correct ideologues are driven to prove that women can do anything men can dono matter the costs to the military, to Americas security, or to the women themselves. Though civilian leaders love to speak of the new warfare being a tidy, push-button, technology-driven business, reality has never matched that fiction. War is brutal, physical, demanding and deadly. Politicians eagerness to plunge women into the nightmare of warfare is disregard for women masquerading as support for women. Now their dream to see women viciously tortured and killed alongside men advances. Women face greater danger than men in most combat situations. Physical limitations make them likelier to be injured, captured or killed. This reality also endangers the men who are forced to fight alongside them. And when women are captured, experience has shown that they are treated far worseunimaginably worsethan male

prisoners of war. Though feminists lobby hard against rape generally, they bravely insist that, since women are duty-bound to serve as combat soldiers, rape in war cannot be stopped. Shame on those decision-makers who would purposefully subject women to such abuseonly to serve their own twisted ideology! Consider soberly: The military agency that trains pilots in survival, evasion, resistance and escape as prisoners of war actually includes a component to desensitize male soldiers to the screams of their women cohorts. In the brutish, non-politically correct world of yesteryear, the strong were obligated to serve the weak. A traditional-thinking male seeks to protect a woman. An honorable man shields a female from danger and hurt. This attitude, to the feminist, is contemptible. And on a gender-integrated theater of combat, it introduces a host of complications. A leader is expected to view that woman not as a woman, but simply as a soldiera grunt whom he must be able to send into harms way. In the up-is-down moral climate of todays military, his reluctance to pitch her into the lions den is considered backward! Americas leaders are trying to convince us that we cannot win our wars without our wives and mothers on the front lines. They see that as a sign of the nations progressiveness. At the same time, we rightly view Islamic extremists sending women out as suicide bombers as barbaric, and morally and spiritually depraved. This is a terrible experiment. The Bible prophesiesin places like Leviticus 26:14-21that its going to fail cataclysmically. Twitter Follow Joel Hilliker:

that choice, in the 1920s and 30s, U.S. foreign policy consisted of promoting feckless disarmament treaties, slashing defense spending, dishing out high-toned disdain for the wicked ways of the world and trying to fix what ailed us at home. What followed was a long season of global disorder, when bandit states understood that the major democratic powers had neither the will nor the means to check their ambitions, and the smaller states feared that, in the event of crisis, they were on their own. As it turned out, they were. Were not yet there today. But when an American president thinks he can declare that a decade of war is now ending, as he said in the inaugural address, and as if the

choice were his to make, it means were getting closer. France has now discovered that the United States doesnt have its back. It is a realization that will dawn soon, if it hasnt already, on other free nations who have reliedperhaps for too long on their faith that, in the face of terror, they would always have America by their side.

With 506 murders officially reported, Chicagos murder rate was 19 percent higher in 2012 compared with 2011. This horrific statistic represents the first time since 2008 that the number
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tW i n b r i e f n number of Chicago murders exceeded 500 for 2012

of annual murders in Chicago has topped 500. Many politicians are calling for stricter gun control to fix this problem, but closer analysis of the situation reveals that 80 percent of the citys homicides are perpetrated by gang members. Chicago has the largest gang population in the country, with about 100,000 members. Most of these members have documented links with Mexican drug cartels, which supply them with all the guns and drugs they can handle. So the solution to this epidemic of violence is not taking guns away from citizens. The real solution is for America to start fixing its broken families, so that hopeless youth stop turning to drugs and gang violence.

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january 26, 2013

GOlD from page 1

to the dollar? Probably not quite yet, at least not in a big way. Germany has another fish to fry firstone that comes with escargot appetizers. RObERt MORlEy But first, why is Germanys gold held in New York, London and Paris anyway? Why doesnt it hold its own gold? According to the Bundesbank, the reason is twofold. First, storing gold in America makes it easier to sell, or pledge, in case of an economic emergency. It is easier for others to quickly take ownership of it. The second reason is that it was deemed safer to spread Germanys gold out during the Cold War to protect it from the Soviets. According to the Bundesbank, that is no longer a concern. That Germany feels safe enough to bring it home speaks volumes about Germanys changing relationship with Russia. But there is a thirdfar more important, and unmentionedreason Germanys gold isnt kept at home. Following Germanys defeat in World War ii, it was the Allies purpose to ensure that Germany could never again disturb the peace of the world. Forcing Germany to store its gold overseas was the primary financial mechanism preventing Germany from ever starting another war. As analyst Byron King notes, One way for the U.S., Britain and France to keep a leash on Germany was to keep German gold under control outside of that countrys borders. As long as the Allies controlled Germanys gold, the Allies had a conquerors insurance policy that ensured Germany would not once again strike out on its own and disturb the peace. Without its goldGermanys currency, and thus its economy, could be destroyed virtually overnight. Now America, Britain and France appear to think that insurance policy is no longer needed. It will be a tragic mistake. Germanys Bundesbank noted that it has already repatriated most of its gold from London. Frankfurt has retaken possession of 850 tonnes out of 1,300 tonnes stored across the Channel. Now it is repatriating 300 tonnes of gold from America, which equates to approximately 20 percent of its holdings in the U.S. It is interesting to note that the German central bank says it will take seven years to get its gold from America. What is that all about? Why would America need seven years to transfer what is essentially a bunch of bricks? Is America still hesitating at relinquishing control over Germany? But the most important part of Germanys announcement may be that it is taking full custody of all of its gold held in Paris. All 374 tonnes will be transferred homeand you can be sure it wont take seven years to do it. It took less than three years for Germany to remove more than twice that much from Britain. This is a sign that Germany is about to stop playing Mr.Nice Guy with France. There is a big battle raging over control of Europes economic destiny. Northern Europe, led by Germany is
cover: FraNK rUmPeNHorst/aFP/Getty ImaGes

fighting for control of the European Central Bank against a group of mostly southern nations led by France. The outcome will impact euro exchange rates, debt markets, employment, social stabilityand ultimately, even which countries will remain part of the eurozone. The Germans kind of feel like theyve been overrun in this decision-making process, says Michael C. Burda, an economist at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Bringing the gold home, he said, is just a signal that Germany is not going to take this much longer. Germany is getting ready to deal emphatically, and once and for all, with France. France is about to find out who the true financial power of Europe is. And Germany is signaling to the world that the days of Germany paying homage to its World War ii past are over. No longer will it weakly submit to Pariss demands. But after Berlin silences Paris, what will Germanys next move be? Here is what Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote following Russias invasion of Georgia in 2008: I believe it is very likely Germany and Russia have already cut a deal. The presence of a deal between these two nations is not a sign of peace. Like the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, and so many others before it, it is a sign of exactly the opposite. Both of these nations are looking to secure their shared borderso they can pursue their imperialistic aims elsewhere! It is a precursor to war! That is the way they operate! And the U.S. has no clue. Germany has secured its border with Russia. Its willingness to store its gold in Frankfurt again is evidence it no longer fears Russia the way it once did. Now with its eastern flank secure, Germany is going after Paris for unchallenged control of Europe. Then once it is done subduing its only major counterweight in Europe, it will turn on America and Britain. Germanys old World War ii foes will soon regret turning Germany loose. The world is about to see a much stronger and aggressive German Bundesbankand consequently, German nation. German confidence and power grows with each brick added to its already formidable stack of gold. Twitter Follow Robert Morley:

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Our awesome universe PotentialPart 2

the hubble telescope is orbiting the Earth and sending us fabulous pictures of the universe like weve never seen before. those pictures should move and stir us immensely!

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january 26, 2013