Archiv: military / war budgets
What a shame. To appease the warmongers, during this time the Czech government raised annual military budget to match 2% GDP as they are planning to purchase F-35 fighter jets costing 100 billion CZK. The pension cuts will save them 19 billion this year.
Don’t cut the army, says Labour as it positions itself as the party of security
The government needs to rearm the British military to keep Ukraine supplied and to ensure the country is the lead European state in Nato, Labour’s defence spokesman will say in a keynote speech.
Positioning Labour as the party of security for Britain, John Healey will call for a halt to cuts in the Army and a strategic pact with European partners to face challenges in an increasingly dangerous world.
Israel, US to hold air drill simulating striking Iran nuclear program
(November 28, 2022)
The NIS 58 billion defense budget set for the IDF in the coming year is expected to allow the Israeli military to focus on the threats posed by Iran across the region, with some NIS 3.5b. designated specifically for this.
Biden Is Set To Sign $858 Billion Pentagon Budget—One of the Biggest Ever
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is expanding the military budget enormously. Pentagon spending is set to hit levels not seen since the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senate passes National Defense Authorization Act, bill heads to President Biden
Both chambers of Congress have passed the bill, and it will now head to President Biden’s desk.
The bill passed by a vote of 83-11, with 60 votes needed for approval.
Julian Assange speaking in 2011: „The goal is to use Afghanistan to wash money out of the tax bases of the US and Europe through Afghanistan and back into the hands of a transnational security elite. The goal is an endless war, not a successful war“
(18 Aug 2021)
German defense state secretary: What ‘Zeitenwende’ really means
I am a child of the post-Cold War order. Peace and prosperity in a united Europe were my reality, but those certainties no longer exist. A radical rethinking has begun, as we realize that there is no natural law protecting freedom. Europe’s systemic rivals will openly challenge the rules-based international order and our ways of life.
In Germany, we coined a term for these strategic challenges of the future that concern us all: Zeitenwende—a turning point. As I travel to Washington this week to meet with US defense officials and others, here’s what the United States should know about this term and this pivotal moment in time for Germany.
Thanks to everyone who has written in support of my @guardian piece urging radical change. I must make one correction: it’s not about Corbynism. It’s about socialism. The fight for a kinder society is a collective struggle: we owe it to each other to win.
Truss vs Sunak – and the choice of two very different futures for Britain
Truss has pledged to raise defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030, while Sunak would keep it on its present path, rising to 2.5 per cent over the same period. Although the former chancellor gave the Ministry of Defence special treatment in his spending review, he shares the Treasury’s scepticism about getting value for money from it.
While the Truss camp suggests Sunak would be less supportive of Ukraine amid fears of the impact on the UK of sanctions against Russia, in practice they would probably adopt the same approach. However, Truss would probably be more hawkish than him towards China.
The House just voted to approve an $840 billion military spending bill. Not one person asked how we’d pay for it.
Veterans For Peace Statement on Ukraine
Veterans For Peace (VFP) unequivocally condemns Russia’s horrific invasion of Ukraine. VFP opposes western militarism and increased US military spending, and we are deeply concerned about even the possibility of nuclear warfare.
Macron calls for French budget defence boost in ‚war economy‘
Speaking at Eurosatory, a weapons industry fair, Macron said Europe needed „a much larger defence industry“ to avoid relying on suppliers elsewhere for its equipment needs.
Disband NATO to End the War in Ukraine
To end the war in Ukraine, stand with its people, avert escalation and future wars, and create a more peaceful and collaborative world, we support getting to the origins and heart of the conflict and taking these actions when we are in government:
1. Disband NATO and its military bases
2. Recognize the UN as the global security authority
3. Disband permanent membership and veto power on the UN Security Council
4. Recognize Ukraine as an independent and militarily neutral country
5. End all wars of aggression, regime-change wars and resource wars
6. Ban funding and arming Nazis
7. Ban Congress and government officials from war profiteering and insider trading
8. Cut the US military budget in half and invest those resources into guaranteeing jobs, health care, housing and college at home
US Weapons Makers See Longer-Term Benefits of War in Ukraine
Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and other companies will profit from arming Ukraine and Europe’s increased military spending
Senate Passes $768 Billion NDAA With Cyber Provisions
Lawmakers claim the bill is the widest expansion of CISA through legislation since the SolarWinds incident. Among other features, the NDAA authorizes CISA’s program to monitor IT and OT networks of critical infrastructure partners; and codifies a program providing businesses and state and local governments with model exercises to test their critical infrastructure.
War on Journalism | Bob Woodward & Julian Assange „What’s the thing we should we worry about the most? – secret government“ #AssangeCase
Russian troops begin to receive newest S-500 missile system
According to the report, the S-500 system is designed to intercept long- and medium-range ballistic missiles as well as warplanes.
The system is an upgraded version of the current S-400 Triumph system, which is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 400 km and a height of up to 30 km.
Billions spent on Afghan army ultimately benefited Taliban
(today)
The Taliban captured an array of modern military equipment when they overran Afghan forces who failed to defend district centers. Bigger gains followed, including combat aircraft, when the Taliban rolled up provincial capitals and military bases with stunning speed, topped by capturing the biggest prize, Kabul, over the weekend.
A U.S. defense official on Monday confirmed the Taliban’s sudden accumulation of U.S.-supplied Afghan equipment is enormous.
The US still can’t effectively track weapons and vehicles given to Afghan security forces
(Jul 14, 2020)
In the meantime, a 2016 analysis found that the Pentagon funneled some 1.45 million firearms to various security forces in Afghanistan and Iraq since the start of the Global War on Terror. It is not known how many of those ended up in local weapons armories — and how many have simply gone missing since.
U.S. failed to keep proper track of more than $1 billion in weapons and equipment in Iraq
(May 24, 2017)
The arms and equipment transfers were apart of the Iraq Train and Equip Fund, a program that initially appropriated $1.6 billion under the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act to help Iraqi forces combat the rise of the Islamic State.
Pentagon loses track of $500 million in weapons, equipment given to Yemen
(March 17, 2015)
The Pentagon is unable to account for more than $500 million in U.S. military aid given to Yemen, amid fears that the weaponry, aircraft and equipment is at risk of being seized by Iranian-backed rebels or al-Qaeda, according to U.S. officials.
(…)
In recent weeks, members of Congress have held closed-door meetings with U.S. military officials to press for an accounting of the arms and equipment. Pentagon officials have said that they have little information to go on and that there is little they can do at this point to prevent the weapons and gear from falling into the wrong hands.
Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan
(June 22, 2010)
To the Members of the Subcommittee:
Today I present to you a report entitled, Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan, which has been prepared by the Majority staff of the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
After a six-month investigation, the report exposes the circumstances surrounding the Department of Defense’s outsourcing of security on the supply chain in Afghanistan to questionable providers, including warlords.
The findings of this report range from sobering to shocking. In short, the Department of Defense designed a contract that put responsibility for the security of vital U.S. supplies on contractors and their unaccountable security providers. This arrangement has fueled a vast protection racket run by a shadowy network of warlords, strongmen, commanders, corrupt Afghan officials, and perhaps others.
Not only does the system run afoul of the Department’s own rules and regulations mandated by Congress, it also appears to risk undermining the U.S. strategy for achieving its goals in Afghanistan.
The Public Cost of Private Security in Afghanistan
(Sept 9, 2009)
The private security industry in Afghanistan has grown apace with demand. As of August 2009, the total number of private security personnel employed by the US Department of Defense – the largest employer of private security in the country – increased 19 percent (from 4,373 to 5,198) in response to the deployment of additional military forces. Since 2001, a range of private security providers (PSPs) has emerged, including international and national PSCs operating with or without the required Afghan licensing permits, as well as militias hired as “armed support groups” (ASG) by international military forces. Many PSPs are controlled by prominent Afghan families, including Hashmat and Ahmed Wali Karzai, brothers of President Hamid Karzai; Hamid Wardak, the son of Defense Minister Rahim Wardak; Gul Agha Shirzai, the governor of Nangarhar province; and Hajji Jan Mohammad Khan, the former governor of Uruzgan.
The use of unregistered PSCs and militia groups by the NATO International Security Assistance Force and US military contingents is widespread. Many of these PSPs serve as ready-made militias that compete with state authority and are frequently run by former military com-manders responsible for human rights abuses or involved in the illegal narcotics and black market economies. Financing armed, alternative power structures fulfills security needs in the short-term at the cost of consolidating government authority in the long-term.
(…)
Drug trafficking and other criminal activities in which commanders may be involved – and for which their militias provide security – is a lucrative source of illegal revenue that can then be used to bribe government officials and strengthen shadow structures of authority. Illicit taxation of PSPs escorting convoys and other scams on private transport and security are also an important source of funding for corrupt police and insurgents. The Kandak Amnianti Uruzgan, for example, secures protection “by paying a hefty toll to the policeman in charge of the road.” Although it is transportation and construction companies, both international and national, who are the main source of “protection” revenue, private security escorts also pay Taliban not to be attacked. According to an Afghan intelligence official, there are examples of PSPs paying as much as 60 percent of their gross profits for convoy security to the Taliban and other insurgent-cum-criminal groups for “protection.”
Thousands of guns U.S. sent to Afghanistan are missing
(February 12, 2009)
The U.S. military failed to „maintain complete inventory records for an estimated 87,000 weapons — or about 36 percent — of the 242,000 weapons that the United States procured and shipped to Afghanistan from December 2004 through June 2008,“ a U.S. Government Accountability Office report states. (…)
The military also failed to properly account for an additional 135,000 weapons it obtained for the Afghan forces from 21 other countries. (…)
The military is unable to provide serial numbers for 46,000 of the missing 87,000 weapons, the report concludes. No records have been maintained for the location or disposition for the other 41,000 weapons.
US Hopes to Turn Philippines into Military Outpost Aimed Against China
On July 29, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte decided to cancel his plans to end the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) – an important defense treaty with the United States. He said that the legal conditions for the temporary U.S. military presence in the Philippines has existed since 1998, on which the two sides conducted joint exercises on land, air and sea.
‚A Huge Outrage‘: Senate Panel Approves $25 Billion Pentagon Budget Increase
The Senate Armed Services Committee agreed Thursday to add $25 billion to President Joe Biden’s already massive $715 billion Pentagon spending request, a move that prompted immediate outrage from progressive activists who have been demanding cuts to the bloated U.S. military budget.
Polen: Outgesourcte Ausgaben
In Deutschland mehrten sich in letzter Zeit die Forderungen, wichtige Rüstungsgroßprojekte außerhalb des Verteidigungshaushaltes zu finanzieren
France holds Bastille Day celebration under coronavirus shadow
About 5,000 men and women from France’s army, navy and air force took part in the military parade, along with 221 armored vehicles, 200 horses and 97 jets and helicopters.
Bastille Day is celebrated as France’s national day on July 14. On this day of the year 1789, French citizens stormed the Bastille prison in Paris, sparking the French Revolution.
NATO Secretary General meets with President Biden at the White House
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with US President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington D.C. on Monday (7 June 2021), to discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit on 14 June. The Secretary General thanked President Biden for his leadership and the “powerful commitment” of the United States to NATO, saying that he welcomed the President’s “strong message on the importance of alliances.”
NATO to Discuss Spending Ahead of Key Summit: Brussels Edition
On a theme dear to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Stoltenberg urged members to “spend more together” on defense in order to send a powerful message of unity and resolve “both to our people and to any potential adversary.” Also on the table will be security challenges posed by climate change and, of course, China — on which Stoltenberg sees allied positions converging.
Manöver: Zahlen
Kostenpunkte: 234 Mio. Euro (2018), 251 Mio. Euro (2019) und 112 Mio. Euro (2020).
Hillary Clinton warns of ‚huge consequences‘ in Afghan US troop withdrawal
Mrs Clinton said it was also important to protect the „many thousands of Afghans“ who had worked with the US and Nato during the conflict, and said a large visa programme should be set up to provide for any refugees.
The Public Cost of Private Security in Afghanistan
(9.September 2009)
The private security industry in Afghanistan has grown apace with demand. As of August 2009, the total number of private security personnel employed by the US Department of Defense – the largest employer of private security in the country – increased 19 percent (from 4,373 to 5,198) in response to the deployment of additional military forces. Since 2001, a range of private security providers (PSPs) has emerged, including international and national PSCs operating with or without the required Afghan licensing permits, as well as militias hired as “armed support groups” (ASG) by international military forces. Many PSPs are controlled by prominent Afghan families, including Hashmat and Ahmed Wali Karzai, brothers of President Hamid Karzai; Hamid Wardak, the son of Defense Minister Rahim Wardak; Gul Agha Shirzai, the governor of Nangarhar province; and Hajji Jan Mohammad Khan, the former governor of Uruzgan.
The use of unregistered PSCs and militia groups by the NATO International Security Assistance Force and US military contingents is widespread. Many of these PSPs serve as ready-made militias that compete with state authority and are frequently run by former military commanders responsible for human rights abuses or involved in the illegal narcotics and black market economies.
Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan
June 22, 2010
To the Members of the Subcommittee:
Today I present to you a report entitled, Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan, which has been prepared by the Majority staff of the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
After a six-month investigation, the report exposes the circumstances surrounding the Department of Defense’s outsourcing of security on the supply chain in Afghanistan to questionable providers, including warlords.
The findings of this report range from sobering to shocking. In short, the Department of Defense designed a contract that put responsibility for the security of vital U.S. supplies on contractors and their unaccountable security providers. This arrangement has fueled a vast protection racket run by a shadowy network of warlords, strongmen, commanders, corrupt
Afghan officials, and perhaps others.
Not only does the system run afoul of the Department’s own rules and regulations mandated by Congress, it also appears to risk undermining the U.S. strategy for achieving its goals in Afghanistan.
Australia To Spend $747 Million To Upgrade Bases Used by US Military, Expand Joint War Games
On April 28 Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that his government will apportion $747 million ($580 million American) to upgrade four military bases in the north of the country and to increase and expand war games with the U.S.
Navy SEALs Shifting Focus Away From Counterterrorism to Face Russia and China
The 2018 National Defense Strategy outlined the US military’s shift away from counterterrorism towards so-called ‚great power competition‘
Klotzen für den Krieg
Der beharrliche Militarisierungstrend, hieß es am Montag auf einer Pressekonferenz der Friedensorganisationen IPB, IALANA und IPPNW, zeige »die wahren Prioritäten der Regierungen dieser Welt«, vor allem diejenigen »der westlichen Wertegemeinschaft«.
Abrüstung ist das Gebot der Stunde – Plädoyer für eine neue Sicherheitspolitik
Eine Politik der gemeinsamen Sicherheit, die untrennbar Abrüstung mit einschließt, ist die zentrale Herausforderung. Sie muss auch Thema des Bundestagswahlkampfes werden. Eine neue Regierung ohne ein Abrüstungsprogramm ist eine verlorene!
SIPRI: Höchststand
„Die weltweiten Ausgaben für Militär sind 2020 im Vergleich zum Vorjahr deutlich gestiegen…“
The US Maintains High Military Spending Despite Pandemic
The United States continues to increase its military spending despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a report on Monday.
US-Militärhaushalt: Unverändert hoch
In der New York Timeswird kritisiert, dass die neue US-Regierung keine Einschnitte beim Militärhaushalt zu beabsichtigen scheint und weist dabei auf die engen Verbindungen zur Rüstungslobby in:
South Korea to pay 13.9% more for US troop presence
Washington stations around 28,500 troops in South Korea to defend it from the nuclear-armed North Korea, which invaded the South in 1950, and protect US interests in northeast Asia.
EVF-Fahrplan
Fast 8 Mrd. Euro (plus nationale Hebel) soll der „Europäische Verteidigungsfonds“ zur Erforschung und Entwicklung von EU-Rüstungsprojekten umfassen.
Die gefährliche US/NATO-Strategie in Europa
Die Militäroperationen in Europa und den angrenzenden Meeren finden unter dem Kommando von US-Luftwaffengeneral Tod Wolters statt, der das US-Europakommando und gleichzeitig die NATO in der Position des Obersten Alliierten Befehlshabers in Europa leitet – diese Position wird immer von einem US-General besetzt.
Live updates: Trump demands $2,000 stimulus checks; calls long awaited coronavirus relief bill a ‘disgrace’
President Trump derided the recently-passed coronavirus relief bill as a “disgrace” on Tuesday night, calling on Congress to increase stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000 and get rid of “wasteful and unnecessary items.” The move stunned Congress which has been deadlocked for months over the long-awaited stimulus package to address people’s increasingly desperate situations in the midst of a pandemic-fueled economic downturn.
Covid-19 catch-22: Regime-change policies come packed with US pandemic relief
The US Congress’ $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill was packaged with $1.4 trillion in omnibus spending that includes tens of billions for war, weapons, and regime change abroad, from anti-Russia and anti-China initiatives to $3.3 billion for Israel’s military.
Power struggle sparks tensions among Senate Democrats
Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), who was recently reelected as Democratic whip for the next Congress, immediately threw his hat into the ring to succeed her. Durbin is third in seniority among Democrats on the committee behind Feinstein and Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.), who previously chaired the committee and is the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.
But the move drew grumblings because Durbin already holds the No. 2 position in the caucus and Democrats’ top spot on the Appropriations subcommittee for defense spending, an influential post that gives him sway over the Pentagon’s $700 billion budget.
Boris Johnson vows to make UK the ‚foremost naval power in Europe‘ with £24bn MOD budget boost as No10 is forced to insist extra cash is not an attempt to impress Joe Biden and defence minister admits he ‚doesn’t know‘ where money is coming from
However, there are major question marks over how the additional spending will be paid for while Downing Street has also been forced to deny that the new money for the military is simply an attempt to impress US President-elect Joe Biden.
There is growing speculation that some of the money could come from the foreign aid budget, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak due to set out the Government’s one-year Spending Review next week.
UK to set up ‚RAF Space Command capable of launching first rocket‘
The UK is setting up „RAF Space Command“, a wing of the Armed Forces which will be capable of launching Britain’s first rocket as early as 2022, the prime minister has announced.
Boris Johnson said a military investment of £16.5 billion will also fund the development of Artificial Intelligence and a National Cyber Force aimed at targeting terrorism, organised crime and hostile state activity.
Rüstung in Zeiten der Pandemie
Heute, ziemlich genau ein halbes Jahr später, können die besorgten Rüstungsfans aufatmen – nicht nur kamen die meisten europäischen Militärbudgets bislang weitgehend ungeschoren davon, in einer ganzen Reihe von Ländern schießen sie sogar ganz ungeachtet der aktuellen Krise regelrecht durch die Decke.
Uzbekistan, Turkey discuss military cooperation
Mirziyoyev noted the dynamic development of the Uzbek-Turkish strategic partnership based on centuries-old bonds of friendship and brotherhood, which has been brought to a new level by joint efforts over the past three years.
On this day in 2001, U.S. warplanes begin an air campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan. America’s ‚War on Terror‘ will eventually expand into Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria and elsewhere. It continues to this day.
(07.10.2020)
Gantz Meets Kushner in Washington Discusses Israel’s Military Edge, Additional Peace Deals
Gantz is also expected to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other Pentagon officials in Washington on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said Monday.
Gantz is also set to discuss international policy vis-à-vis Iran and strategy for stopping its expansion and entrenchment in the Middle East.
Greek PM presents policy plan of economy, reforms, defense spending
Amidst tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea lately over maritime borders and the exploitation of energy reserves, the Greek leader spoke extensively also about the new 18 Rafale military aircraft, four Navy helicopters, four frigates and other armaments Greece is purchasing as well as a plan of staff reinforcement with 15,000 men and women for five years in order to strengthen its national defense.
Biden Says Stay in Mideast, Increase Military Spending
Biden said the ongoing US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria are so complicated he can’t promise a withdrawal. He also suggested he may increase military spending even beyond its current record levels as he shifts focus to what he believes should be the military’s priorities.
Armenia, Russia launch joint military exercise
Around 1,000 servicemen from the Russian Southern Military District and 300 units of military equipment, including fighter jets, other military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle are participating in the exercise.
House Democrats, Working With Liz Cheney, Restrict Trump’s Planned Withdrawal of Troops From Afghanistan and Germany
The NDAA that was approved last night by the Committee also imposed restrictions on Trump’s plan to withdraw troops from Germany. Trump’s plan called for the removal of roughly 9,500 troops from German soil, reducing the number of U.S. troops in this extremely prosperous and rich European nation from 34,500 to 25,000. But by an overwhelming vote of 49-7, the Armed Service Committee approved an amendment to the NDAA that “bans the administration from lowering troop levels below current levels until 180 days after Pentagon leaders present a plan to Congress and certify it will not harm U.S. or allied interests.”
37 Senate Dems Join GOP to Approve $740 Billion War Budget
The House and Senate are now expected to reconcile their two versions of the NDAA; the House bill includes a 3 percent pay raise for troops and $3.6 billion to combat China.
„The Fight Isn’t Over,“ Say Anti-War Groups as 139 House Democrats Vote With GOP to Reject 10% Pentagon Budget Cut
„Though our amendment didn’t pass, progressive power is stronger than ever. We will keep fighting for pro-peace, pro-people budgets until it becomes a reality,“ said Rep. Mark Pocan.
New Lockheed CEO says 5G networks key to military vehicle autonomy
He envisions a future where half to three-quarters of military vehicles are autonomous, and a robust 5G network is the backbone of that fleet.
I keep hearing liberals and even leftists insisting that Russiagate and the blatantly exaggerated threat from Moscow is irrelevant to their politics. That couldn’t be more false. It’s not only been weaponized to ensure Endless War & imperialism but also for domestic politics:
Let’s Defund the Pentagon, Too
Here is an example of what military R&D has produced: a drone-launched missile that, instead of blowing up people, slices them to ribbons. First deployed during the Obama regime, the weapon was designed to kill fewer innocent bystanders than explosives.
Trump confirms plan to cut US troops in Germany to 25,000
“We’re putting the number down to 25,000 soldiers,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“Germany’s delinquent,” Trump added. “They’ve been delinquent for years, and they owe NATO billions of dollars, and they have to pay it. So we’re protecting Germany, and they’re delinquent. That doesn’t make sense.”
Thyssenkrupp, Embraer to build four frigates for Brazil Navy
The Brazilian navy website said the four-ship program will cost about $2 billion.
AIPAC chief promises to defeat ‚those who try to harm the U.S.-Israel relationship‘ in veiled shot at Sanders
Howard Kohr, CEO of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), opened the organization’s annual conference in Washington D.C. by issuing a stark warning to push back against “political leaders and their supporters” who call for conditions on U.S. support for Israel.
Sanders is the only candidate in the Democratic presidential race to raise the issue of conditioning military aid to Israel.
The Case for Closing the Pentagon
The Defense Department is long overdue for a 21st century overhaul. That would mean budget cuts far beyond what any 2020 candidates are proposing.
US, China Drive Surge in Global Military Spending
The increase is being driven in large part by the two largest military spenders in the world, the United States and China. Both nations increased their respective spending by 6.6%. The US alone increased spending $53.4 billion, which is itself almost as much as other major nations, like Britain, spend on their entire national defense budget.
Trump’s 2021 Budget: Big Gift For Military Spendthrifts
10.02.2020 – The annual charade of the Executive branch presenting a budget proposal for the next year began today. President Trump presented a massive $4.8 trillion budget proposal that gives the impression of slashing domestic spending while boosting spending on militarism. Do we really need what the Pentagon is buying?
2021 Budget Boosts Training, Exercises
From Defender-Pacific to combat training center rotations, the Army is continuing its push to increase readiness in 2021.
The Army’s $178 billion budget request for fiscal year 2021 includes $68.1 billion for operations and maintenance, which includes funding for training at home stations, at the combat training centers and overseas.
Intel: Pelosi seeks to reassure Israel as Democrats debate military aid
(23.01.2020)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is leading a congressional delegation to Israel this week amid an intraparty debate over conditioning military aid to the close US ally and Democratic efforts to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran.
“And no matter what our party — or wherever we are within our party — the fact that we have the shared values with Israel and that is one reason for our joy in the creation of Israel as a historical miracle, the greatest accomplishment of the [20th] century,” Pelosi said at a working lunch with Knesset members.
How The Military-Industrial Complex Gets Away With Murder in Contract After Contract
This practice of “political engineering,” a term promoted by former Department of Defense analyst and military reformer Chuck Spinney, helps those contractors and the Pentagon buy off members of Congress from both parties.
Authorizations for Madness; The Effects and Consequences of Congress’ Endless Permissions for War
(06.12.2019)
In both 2001 and 2002, via large majorities, the Congress passed authorizations for war. While not declarations of war, these mandates, each titled an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) provided the legal framework in 2001 for attacks against al-Qaeda and in 2002 for the invasion of Iraq. Since 2001, the first AUMF has far exceeded its original purpose and has been used to justify military strikes and operations in close to twenty countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, often against nations, organizations, and individuals who had nothing to do with 9/11. It was even cited by President Obama, and then President Trump, as the authority to extra-constitutionally execute an American citizen and his teenage children, without trial, by drones and commandos.
The Pentagon Budget Still Rising, 40 Years Later
In our case, of course, the definition of “national security” is subsidizing the U.S. military-industrial complex, year in, year out, at levels that should be (but aren’t) beyond belief. In 2019, Pentagon spending is actually higher than it was at the peak of either the Korean or Vietnam conflicts and may soon be — adjusted for inflation — twice the Cold War average.
Yes, in those four decades, there were dips at key inflection points, including the ends of the Vietnam War and the Cold War, but the underlying trend has been ever onward and upward. Just why that’s been the case is a subject that almost never comes up here.
What’s Pete Buttigieg Hiding?
(21.12.2019)
Pete Buttigieg is doing some shady stuff with his campaign. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, hosts of The Young Turks, break it down.
Congress just passed a $738 billion defense package. We spend more on defense than: China Saudi Arabia Russia India UK France Japan Germany South Korea Brazil …combined. We need to fundamentally change our priorities as a nation.
376 congressmembers just voted to increase the US military budget to an absurd $738 billion per year 187 Democrats helped 189 Republicans Only 41 Dems opposed the absolutely awful 2020 NDAA bill—including Tulsi Gabbard, Barbara Lee, Ro Khanna, AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib
(11.12.2019)
US General Hints at War With Iran As US Troops Mass on Border
(25.11.2019)
„I wouldn’t discount anything from Iran,” he said. “When a nation behaves that irresponsibly, you have to be very cautious when you evaluate what they might do in the future.”
McKenzie noted that Iran increased its military spending from its recent low in 2014 to $27.3 billion, or six percent of GDP, in 2018.
NATO Secretary General announces increased defence spending by Allies
Ahead of the meeting of NATO Leaders in London to mark the Alliance’s 70th anniversary, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday (29 November 2019) gave details of large increases in Allied defence spending. Mr. Stoltenberg announced that in 2019 defence spending across European Allies and Canada increased in real terms by 4.6 %, making this the fifth consecutive year of growth. He also revealed that by the end of 2020, those Allies will have invested $130 billion more since 2016.
Trump to cut Nato funding days before London summit
(28.11.2019)
The administration sought to cut its contribution to Nato’s direct budget from 22 per cent to around 16 per cent, CNN reported, citing US defence officials.
It would bring its contribution closer to Germany, which pays 14.8 per cent. The UK pays 10 per cent.
Zivile und militärische Forschung: Neues EU-Kompetenzzentrum für Cybersicherheit bleibt umstritten
Auf Ebene der Mitgliedstaaten wird die Verordnung zur Einrichtung eines ECCC in der Ratsarbeitsgruppe „Horizontale Fragen der Cyberpolitik“ beraten, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt wird die Ratsarbeitsgruppe „Forschung“ einbezogen. Im Parlament liegt das Dossier im Ausschuss für Industrie, Forschung und Energie (ITRE). Berichterstatterin war die Piratin Julia Reda, im neuen EU-Parlament übernimmt dies der Grüne Rasmus Andresen.
Defending Syria Pullout, Trump Says U.S. Should Never Have Been Involved in ‚Stupid‘ Mideast Wars
Trump’s call for ending U.S. military involvement in the Middle East and bringing the troops home was a feature of his presidential campaign, but it flies in the face of many decades of bipartisan American policy, even as the Trump administration and its immediate predecessor have tried to give additional attention to what they see as long-term security threats elsewhere, including from China and Russia.
In talks with new German defense chief, Esper repeats US demand that Berlin boost military spending
(24.09.2019)
STUTTGART, Germany — When the new U.S. and German defense chiefs held high-level talks in Washington this week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper wasted no time getting to his main point — the dollars and cents of defense spending.
For Tulsi Gabbard, ‚wasteful‘ foreign policy at root of all other issues
“Every time your local city council member, your state representative, your member of Congress tells you there’s not enough money to make sure we have clean water, there’s not enough money to have quality health care for all … there’s just not enough money to make sure our kids have the tools they need to get the best education possible,” that’s the cost of current foreign policy, said Gabbard, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
In the 18 years since Sept. 11, 2001, taxpayers have spent $6 trillion for the War on Terror, she said. The bill continues to go up at a rate of $4 billion a month for the war in Afghanistan.
Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan
June 22, 2010
To the Members of the Subcommittee:
Today I present to you a report entitled, Warlord, Inc.: Extortion and Corruption Along the U.S. Supply Chain in Afghanistan, which has been prepared by the Majority staff of the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
After a six-month investigation, the report exposes the circumstances surrounding the Department of Defense’s outsourcing of security on the supply chain in Afghanistan to questionable providers, including warlords.
The findings of this report range from sobering to shocking. In short, the Department of Defense designed a contract that put responsibility for the security of vital U.S. supplies on contractors and their unaccountable security providers. This arrangement has fueled a vast protection racket run by a shadowy network of warlords, strongmen, commanders, corrupt
Afghan officials, and perhaps others.
Not only does the system run afoul of the Department’s own rules and regulations mandated by Congress, it also appears to risk undermining the U.S. strategy for achieving its goals in Afghanistan.
54 Organizations Urge Repeal of 2001 AUMF
On July 24, 54 organizations from across the political spectrum sent a letter to each member of the House of Representatives commending the House for including in the annual defense spending bill a measure to repeal the 2001 Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF) .
House and Senate negotiators will now determine whether the 2001 AUMF repeal provision will remain in the final bill. During this process, it is imperative that members of Congress continue to publicly support repealing the blank check for war, which has led to ever-expanding military operations under three presidents.
NDAA heads to conference after budget deal
(24.07.2019)
Discussions are expected to start in August, and he estimated that a conference report would be finalized by Oct. 1.
President Trump does not have the legal authority to drag the U.S. into war with Iran. A great quote from our very own @dohlbaum in this piece on Congress and war powers in the #NDAA. #EndForeverWars #AUMF
(23.07.2019)
@SpeakerPelosi Congratulations on passing legislation to stop fueling war in Yemen by unconditionally suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This must remain in the final bill sent to the President for signature.
(31.07.2019)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the FY 2020 NDAA
(13.07.2019)
Recognizing the Flaws & Failures of the 2001 AUMF ( )
Lee, who was the sole NO vote on the 2001 AUMF passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, offered another amendment to express the sense of Congress that the 2001 AUMF has been utilized well beyond the scope that Congress intended, that it has served as a blank check for any President to wage war at any time and any place, and that any new authorization for the use of military force to replace the 2001 AUMF should include a sunset clause, a clear and specific expression of objectives, targets, and geographic scope, and reporting requirements. Eighteen years ago, she feared that the AUMF would be a blank check, and that is exactly what it has been.
The amendment passed 237 to 183. 215 Democrats, 21 Republicans, and Amash voted for it. 167 Republicans and 16 Democrats voted against it.
Here are the 16 warmongering Democrats:
Left-wing British University Took Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds from British Military for ‘Cultural Advice’
Students at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas) in London have slammed the payments as “outrageous.”
At least £400,000 has passed between the military and the university since the end of 2016, according to freedom of information requests filed by student group Decolonising Our Minds.
This evening’s Supreme Court ruling allowing @realDonaldTrump to steal military funds to spend on a wasteful, ineffective border wall rejected by Congress is deeply flawed. Our Founders designed a democracy governed by the people — not a monarchy.
Supreme Court rules Trump can use military funds for border wall construction
The ruling allows the administration to use $2.5 billion in military funds to begin construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border while litigation plays out. A lower court had issued an injunction blocking officials from using those funds.
Supreme Court Lets Trump Proceed on Border Wall
In a 5-to-4 ruling, the court overturned an appellate decision and said that the administration could tap the money while litigation over the matter proceeds. But that will most likely take many months or longer, allowing Mr. Trump to move ahead before the case returns to the Supreme Court after further proceedings in the appeals court.
Foreign policy is inseparable from domestic issues because as long as we are wasting trillions of dollars on regime change wars, the new cold war & nuclear arms race, we will not have the money for infrastructure, health care, clean water, education, and other needs of our people
I understand the importance of national security as well as the high cost of war. As president, I’ll redirect the money now wasted in regime change wars & new cold war into healthcare, a green economy, education, & much more.
Strait of Hormuz: US confirms drone shot down by Iran
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the aircraft had violated Iranian airspace, and that the incident sent a „clear message to America“.
But the US military insisted the drone had been over international waters at the time, and condemned what it called an „unprovoked attack“ by the IRGC.