President Obama Commits To Closing Guantanamo Prison

Obama Announces Steps Toward Guantanamo Closure -- CBS News

President Obama outlined specific actions he plans to take to reduce the prisoner population at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and move it toward closure, a goal stated in his 2008 campaign, when he took office in 2009, and in a news conference three weeks ago.

In a comprehensive counterterrorism speech Thursday at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., Mr. Obama said, "There is no justification beyond politics for Congress to prevent us from closing a facility that should never have been opened."

At this point in his remarks, the audience applauded audibly, and the president was interrupted by a heckler demanding the closure of Guantanamo "today."

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Counterterrorism Speech Pertaining To Guantanamo

Obama Renews Pledge to Close Guantanamo Prison -- Voice of America
Obama renews push to close Guantánamo military prison -- Christian Science Monitor
Obama lifts ban on Guantánamo transfers to Yemen -- Miami Herald/AP
Factbox: Obama outlines steps toward closing Guantanamo prison -- Reuters
Obama: Guantanamo Policies Must Change -- SKY News
Yemen welcomes US decision on Guantanamo prisoner transfers -- AFP
Yemen Applauds Obama’s Gitmo Decision -- Wall Street Journal
All In on Gitmo: Obama Returns to Fight for a Shutdown -- Daniel Klaidman, Daily Beast
Obama renews push to close Guantanamo, but hurdles are just as high as before -- Washington Post
How Obama plans to (finally) close Guantanamo -- Jon Terbush, The Week
Gitmo: Parsing what the president actually said -- Katherine Guthrie, MSNBC
Forever Gitmo: How Obama will try, and likely fail, to close Guantanamo -- Jean MacKenzie, Global Post
Milestones for Guantanamo Bay detention center -- Seattle Times/AP

Commentaries, Opinions, And Analysis On President Obama's Counterterrorism Speech

President Obama speaks about his administration's counterterrorism policy at the National Defense University at Ft. McNair in Washington Thursday. Larry Downing/Reuters

Obama Retools Terror War, Saying America Is 'At A Crossroads' -- Linda Feldman, Christian Science Monitor

In a major address on defense policy, President Obama said the war on terror is shifting and laid out new rules for drone strikes. He also proposed new plans for some Guantánamo Bay detainees.

America is “at a crossroads” in its fight against terrorism, President Obama declared Thursday, as he announced new guidelines narrowing the use of drones to target terror suspects, and renewed his effort to close the US detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Beyond Afghanistan, where the US combat mission is winding down, “we must define our effort not as a boundless ‘global war on terror’ – but rather as a series of persistent, targeted efforts to dismantle specific networks of violent extremists that threaten America,” Mr. Obama said in a major address at the National Defense University in Washington.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Analysis On President Obama's Counterterrorism Speech

Republicans: Obama speech a 'retreat' from terror fight -- AFP
Obama rhetorically ends the 'war on terror' ... while vowing it will go on by other means. -- Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor
Questions Obama dodged in terror speech -- AFP
Barack Obama struggles to redefine the 'war on terror' -- Simon Tisdall, The Guardian
Obama Kinda Sorta Narrows the Scope of the War on Terror -- Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
Obama reaches for moral high ground on drones, Gitmo -- Christian Science Monitor editorial
No, the War on Terror Isn't Ending -- Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, The Atlantic
Is the war on terror coming to an end? -- Keith Wagstaff, The Week
Will Obama counterterrorism transparency change anything? -- Matthew Alexander, MSNBC
Obama the Idealist vs. Obama the Terrorist Killer -- Garrett Epps, The Atlantic
Intelligence Analyst: Obama Made 'A Promise He Can't Keep' -- Heather Maher, Radio Free Europe
Obama’s speech leaves human rights questions unanswered -- Meredith Clark, MSNBC
Analysts: Obama’s New Policy Will Reduce Drone Strikes -- Julien E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal
Obama and counter-terrorism: bringing drones in from the cold -- The Guardian editorial
The cost of Obama's secret drone war -- PJ Crowley, BBC
Viewpoint: Drones, modern war, and the US -- Gary Solis, BBC
Five Reasons Why Drones Are Here to Stay -- Romesh Ratnesar, Bloomberg Businessweek
Obama nails it on drones -- Michael O’Hanlon, Special to CNN
A look at the drone policy outlined by President Barack Obama -- Washington Post/AP
5 Things we learned from Obama's speech -- Bryan Monroe and Adam Levine, CNN
Obama offers a promise on Guantanamo but no direction -- Mark Mardell, BBC
What Obama's Speech Means for Guantanamo -- John Knefel, Rolling Stone
9 myths about drones and Guantanamo -- Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst, and Jennifer Rowland, Special to CNN

President Obama Counterterrorism Speech: A News Roundup

Obama: America At A "Crossroads" In Fighting Terrorism -- CBS

In a sweeping speech addressing the nation's counterterrorism strategy, President Obama on Thursday unveiled new restrictions on the nation's controversial targeted killing policy, and - despite repeated interruptions from a heckler -- officially outlined plans to restart transfers of Guantanamo Bay prisoners to third countries.

During an hour-long speech at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Obama outlined his strategy for addressing a changing global climate, and stressed the need to understand and address the shifting threats facing the nation.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Counterterrorism Speech

Transcript: The Future of our Fight against Terrorism -- ABC News
Read Obama's Big Speech on Drones and a New 'Targeted' War -- The Atlantic
Obama outlines counterterrorism policy -- USA Today
Obama limits use of U.S. drone strikes, offers steps to close Guantanamo -- Haaretz/Reuters/AP
Obama outlines future of counterterrorism efforts -- Washington Post
Obama: Time to modify anti-terror strategy, close Guantanamo -- UPI
Obama reframes counterterrorism policy with new rules on drones -- NBC
Obama shifts U.S. from 'perpetual war-footing,' limits drone strikes -- Reuters
War against terrorism must end, Barack Obama says -- The Telegraph
Perpetual war on terror 'self-defeating': Obama -- The Australian/AFP
Obama defends drones: They are ‘effective’ and ‘legal’ -- MSNBC
Barack Obama defends 'just war' using drones -- BBC
Obama sees narrower terror threat, defends drones -- Bloomberg
Obama tackles drones, Guantanamo in reset of war on terror -- AFP
Obama aims to reduce US drone strikes, close Guantanamo Bay -- Al Monitor
Obama Pushes to Close Gitmo, Defends Drone Strikes -- RIA Novosti
Factbox: Obama outlines rules for armed drone strikes -- Reuters
Obama defends US use of drones -- Al Jazeera
Obama stretches terror definitions in national security speech, claims 'no large-scale attacks on the United States' since 9/11 -- Daily Mail
Obama releases rules for US drone strikes -- AFP
Obama Outlines Limits on Drone Use in Counterterrorism War -- Voice of America
Obama interrupted repeatedly by antiwar activist during speech on drone policy -- Washington Post/AP
Obama heckled over US drone use -- Sydney Morning Herald
Obama Repeatedly Heckled By Bay Area Activist During Security Speech -- CBS News

Commentaries, Opinonis, And Editorials -- May 23, 2013

Welcome To Woolwich, Where English Terrorists Say Sorry While They Murder -- Peter Pomerantsev, The Daily Beast

If the Londoner wielding a cleaver wanted to start a war, then Woolwich—home to poverty, the most violent immigrant gangs, and bubbling racial tension—is the place to start.

Yesterday at about 2:20 p.m., two young men armed with long knives and meat cleavers decapitated an off-duty soldier on an ordinary street in the London borough of Woolwich. The victim was wearing a “Help for Heroes” T-shirt, a charity to raise money for injured servicemen. The two attackers cried “Allahu Akhbar” as they hacked at him. Then, one of the attackers, still holding a bloodied machete and dripping knives, his hands still shining with fresh blood, still breathing hard from the work of separating a man’s head from his body, walked over to a TV camera and gave a monologue: “I apologize women had to see this, but in our country women have to see this every day.”

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Video magnifies London terrorists' savage bravado -- Tom Rogan, FOX News

An atrocity in London: Return to old-style terror -- The Economist

Did similar detours bring terrorism to streets of Boston and London? -- Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor

Israel is fighting a regional war in Syria -- Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya, RT

Is Jabhat al-Nosra breaking apart? -- Aron Lund, Syria Comment

Tehran’s Designs on Afghanistan -- Sanjay Kumar, The Diplomat

The sooner the US exits Afghanistan, the better -- Matthew Hoh and Matt Southworth, The Guardian

Why, Despite Everything, Iranians Are Still Excited to Vote -- Hooman Majd, Foreign Affairs

Is China Inserting Itself Into the Taiwan-Philippines Spat? -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat

China nears point of no return with Kim -- Francesco Sisci, Asia Times

Is Kim Jong Un more bellicose than his dad was? -- Troy Stangarone, Andrew Kwon and Peter Taves, Special to CNN

U.S. Perilously Ignores Island Conflicts in Asia -- Donald Gross, Real Clear World

The Thankless Task of Greece's Top Job-Cutter -- Manfred Ertel, Spiegel Online

World News Briefs -- May 23, 2013 (Evening Edition)

Obama Acts to Curtail Drones -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday announced new restraints on targeted killings and narrowed the scope of the long struggle with terrorists as part of a transition to a day he envisions when the nation will no longer be on the war footing it has been on since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

In a widely anticipated speech at the National Defense University, Mr. Obama offered his most expansive defense of the drone war he has waged since taking office, but he signaled that he planned to wind down the strikes, which have stirred controversy at home and abroad. He referred obliquely to a new secret order imposing a higher standard on authorizing such attacks and shifting responsibility more from the C.I.A. to the military.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Deadly violence continues in northern Lebanon. Young Lebanese fighters leaving Syria for battle closer to home.

Syrian rebels, U.S. disagree on peace talks.

Syria: Geneva talks last chance to avoid foreign intervention.

Death toll rises in Lebanon clashes.

Israel says Iran unaffected by world pressure.

Israel to discuss military draft reform proposal.

Kerry meets Israelis, Palestinians in bid to revive talks.

Iran election: Rafsanjani criticises leaders' 'ignorance'.

Iran presidential campaign begins without two big names.

ASIA

Japanese 80-year-old claims Everest record.

Malaysia arrests opposition figures.

North Korea says willing to take China's advice to start talks.

Uncertainty surrounds Pakistan leader's stance on Taliban, military.

Japan surprises allies by mulling N. Korea talks.

Car bomb kills 12 in southwest Pakistan.

Pakistan under legal pressure to halt U.S. drone strikes.

Prostitutes gunned down in Pakistan's violence-plagued Balochistan province.

Bangladesh factory collapse probe uncovers abuses.

Taiwan, Philippines pursue joint shooting probe to mend ties.

AFRICA

S. Sudan leader: Int'l court 'humiliates' Africa.

Darfur conflict displaces 300,000 in five months - UN.

15 injured in clash with security forces in Guinea.

20 killed in 2 simultaneous car bombs in Niger. Suicide bombers strike mine, military barracks in Niger. Islamist attacks target military, Areva sites in Niger. At least 18 soldiers, four Islamists killed in Niger: sources.

DR Congo: M23 rebels declare truce for Ban Ki-moon visit. Congo fighting persists as UN chief arrives.

UN and World Bank in DR Congo peace push.

In Brotherhood's Egypt, blasphemy charges against Christians surge ahead.

Analysis: Crackdown on radical Islamists tests Tunisia's stability.

Ethiopia: BBC reports Ethiopia has one of world's fastest growth rates.

EUROPE

With G8 leaders on the way, Northern Ireland ramps up security.

British police arrest two more over London attack.

Brutal attack in London heightens terror fears. Brutal attack in London blamed on radical Islam. London attacker British, of Nigerian origin: source. Woolwich attack: Suspects known to security services.

Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina denied parole.

IMF chief faces more questioning over payout.

Italy's Berlusconi in tax fraud scheme as PM, judges say.

Stockholm restaurant torched as riots spread. Sweden riots spread to south of capital. Rioters in Sweden protest alleged brutality, racism after police shoot elderly man.

3 in Europe now oppose Hezbollah.

Council of Europe concerned about Russia's human-rights record.

Largest Bulgarian party will not try to form government.

Captain of luxury Costa Concordia cruise ship to face trial over deadly wreck.

AMERICAS

Obama limits U.S. drone strikes in shift from constant war footing.

Chicago killings cost $2.5 billion as murders top N.Y.’s.

U.S. agency predicts 'extremely active' 2013 hurricane season.

Holder OK'd search warrant for Fox News reporter's private emails, official says.

IRS’s Lois Lerner said to be placed on leave with pay. IRS officials aren’t cooperating in probes at top or bottom.

IRS tea-party bloodbath continues in Congress, as evidence emerges that IRS's own internal probe ended in May 2012, six months before election, but was hidden from legislators.

Soldiers flood western Mexico to protect towns. Mexico cartel dominates, torches western state.

Oklahoma tornado damage could top $2 billion.

Official: Dead Boston bombing suspect involved in 2011 slayings.

Stores shut, schools close amid curfew by Rio drug dealers.

Ecuador Pegasus satellite fears over space debris crash.

Canada's Harper says 'very sorry' about expenses scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama: Increase in domestic terrorism fueled by Internet.

Terrorist watch lists: Are they working as they should?

Bin Laden burial pictures will stay secret.

U.S. military lawyers put more pressure on Guantanamo.

The random attack: MI5's greatest terror nightmare.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google faces new federal antitrust probe: source.

Battle of the hi-tech offices: Amazon reveals plans for biosphere HQ in Seattle to take on Apple's spaceship in Silicon Valley.

U.S. investors shrug off big fall in Japanese stocks.

Perfect storm sparks massive Nikkei sell-off. Global shares sink, following 7.3 percent drop in Japan's Nikkei.

Markets rattled amid fears of slowdown in Asia.

Pfizer takes its shot at a vaccine for evasive superbug.

Is Israel Preparing A Bufferzone On The Syrian Side Of The Golan Heights?

A United Nations observation tower overlooking Syria is seen near the Kuneitra border crossing between Israel and Syria, on the Golan Heights May 8, 2013. Photo by Reuters

Israel Maintaining Intense Intelligence Activity In Syria And Working With Local Villagers, Report Says -- Haaretz

New York Times says Israel has discounted the possibility of a buffer zone in Syria as it would be seen as incursion and spark immediate conflict with Assad's forces, but is considering a 'proxy' force in the country.

Israeli forces are "maintaining intense intelligence activity" in Syria and have "quietly" begun working with villagers there unallied to either the rebels or President Bashar Assad's regime amid increasing fears that the Syrian civil war will spill over its borders, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

"Several Israelis who follow Syria closely said Israeli security forces had already been quietly working with villagers who support neither the government nor the rebels, supplying moderate humanitarian aid and maintaining intense intelligence activity," The Times reported.

Israel has said it does not want to intervene in its northern neighbors' civil war, but has maintained that it has the right to defend itself if attacked.

Read more ....

My Comment: Establishing a buffer zone or arming "friendly" Syrians on the border is not going to work .... a position that the Israelis themselves are fully aware of. But Israeli cannot stay neutral as the fighting spills over into it's territory .... and this is the dilemma that they are now faced with.

Syria's Civil War Is Spilling Into Lebanon

A Lebanese army soldier walks with his weapon on a patrol after being deployed to tighten security, following clashes between Sunni Muslims and Alawites in the northern port city of Tripoli May 21, 2013. OMAR IBRAHIM/REUTERS

Young Lebanese Fighters Leaving Syria For Battle Closer To Home -- Washington Post

TRIPOLI, Lebanon — While the Syrian opposition urges more men to assist embattled rebels in the fight for the key town of Qusair, dozens of young Lebanese fighters are leaving Syria to join a battle closer to home

Lebanon’s second-biggest city, Tripoli, was convulsed by violence for a fourth day Wednesday, with Sunni Muslims from the ramshackle Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood trading mortar rounds and rocket-propelled grenades with their neighbors in the Alawite enclave of Jabal Mohsen.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War Spilling Into Lebanon

U.S. Fears the Fighting in Syria Might Spill Over Into Lebanon, Kerry Says -- New York Times
Death toll rises in Lebanon clashes -- Al Jazeera
Death toll from north Lebanon clashes hits 16 -- Daily Star
Clashes between al-Assad supporters, opponents leave 16 dead in Lebanon -- CNN
Lebanon Clashes Between Syria-Linked Alawites And Sunnis Kill At Least 6 -- AFP
Five killed, 50 wounded in Lebanon's Tripoli -- Reuters
5 Dead in Lebanon Clash of Assad Foes, Backers -- New York Times/AP
Syrian sectarian violence infects Lebanon -- Times of Israel
With Hezbollah coffins, Syria now exporting conflict -- Reuters
How Lebanon’s Palestinians Are Being Pulled Into Syria’s War -- Foreign Policy Journal
Lebanon and Syria: Hizbullah may be hurting itself -- The Economist

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates May 23, 2013

Syrian Rebel Haven Teeters — Along With Rebellion Itself -- USA Today

A battle raging for control of a border town may determine whether the two-year civil war persists.

BEIRUT — A battle raging for control of a border town critical to the supply of men and arms to opponents of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad may determine whether the two-year rebellion will survive, say analysts and a rebel officer.

Rebels have held the town of Qusayr a few miles from Lebanon for over a year, but fighters for Iran-backed Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terror group, have added renewed strength to the Syrian government offensive to crush the rebel haven.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Syria crisis: Friends of Syria call on Iran and Hezbollah to withdraw - Live -- The Guardian

Syrian Army Advances Signal Assad May Survive for Years -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Syrian Troops Show Strength Ahead of Peace Talks -- Voice of America
Hezbollah lost 75 fighters in Syria so far, source says -- Al Arabiya
Hezbollah Fighters Pose New Threat In Syria -- Voice of America
Insider sheds light on Syria's chemical arms -- Al Jazeera
Syria's civil war mapped using new global events database -- The Guardian
Next month’s peace conference has Syrian rebels at a crossroads -- Washington Times
Syria opposition leader suggests transition plan -- BBC
Syrian Opposition Figure Offers Transition Plan -- Voice of America
Syria dissident proposes Assad 'safe exit' -- Al Jazeera
Syrian opposition leader proposes peace deal -- Passport/Foreign Policy
Kerry promises wider U.S. support for Syrian rebels if peace talks remain elusive -- Washington Post
Syria’s 530,000 Palestinians uprooted by ongoing conflict: U.N. -- Global
Syria refugee influx taxes Lebanese economy and nerves -- France 24/AFP
Turkey shuts Syria border crossing after deadly bombs -- Reuters
Risky military options for US in Syria -- Deutsche Welle
Fox News Poll: Voters say US should not intervene in Syria -- FOX News
An interview with Jabhat al-Nusra -- The Economist
How to Arm Syria’s Rebels -- Angel Rabasa, US News and World Report

President Obama's Speech On Counterterrorism -- Live Updates

President Obama's Speech On Counterterrorism -- Live Updates

White House Live -- White House
Live Coverage: Obama discusses drones, Guantanamo in major speech -- Reuters
Obama’s speech: Live updates -- Washington Post
Live Analysis of Obama’s Speech on Drone Policy -- New York Times
Obama Counterterrorism Speech LIVE: Full Updates on President's Address at National Defense University -- Policy Mic
LIVE: Obama speaks on drones, Gitmo at National Defense University -- MSNBC
Watch Live: Obama Addresses Drones, Gitmo -- PBS Newshour
Obama Speech On Drones, Guantanamo And Counterterrorism: Where To Watch And What He'll Say -- IBTimes

British Soldiers Advised To Not Wear Their Uniforms Outside Bases

Soldiers have been told they should be able to continuing wearing their uniform "with pride"

Woolwich Attack: Troops Advised Not To Wear Uniform Outside Bases -- The Telegraph

Commanders have advised troops not to wear uniform travelling to and from work or outside bases following the brutal killing of a member of the military close to Woolwich barracks.

Defence sources said the order had been given that uniform should not be worn by those travelling alone, or on public transport as a "common sense precaution" immediately after the killing

A source stressed the order was temporary while investigations into the killing carried on and the decision would be reviewed in the next few days.

Col Richard Kemp, who commanded British forces in Afghanistan, said it would be a mistake to reinstate an earlier permanent bar on military personnel wearing uniforms in public. That ban was put in force because of an IRA campaign in the 1970s and 1980s to target personnel in Britain, Germany and Holland.

Read more ....

More News On British Soldiers Being Advised To Not Wear Their Uniforms Outside Bases

Ban on soldiers wearing uniforms in public lifted after concern it sent message that terrorists were winning -- Daily Mail
Woolwich Machete Attack: Military Personnel 'Advised Not To Wear Uniforms In Public' -- Huffington Post
Woolwich killing: Keep wearing your military uniform, David Cameron tells London troops -- London Evening Standard
Woolwich attack: troops 'told to hide uniforms' -- MSN UK
Woolwich attack: soldiers take to Twitter to post pictures of themselves in uniform -- The Telegraph
Woolwich soldier murder must not lead army to retreat into barracks, said Dewsbury and Mirfield MP -- Dewsbury Reporter
Woolwich attack will not stop soldiers wearing uniforms -- Caroline Wyatt, BBC News

Commentaries, Opinions, And Analysis On Yesterday's Terror Attack In London

Blood On The Streets Of Woolwich -- Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

If you came across this footage as you were browsing the Web, you would not immediately know what you were watching. You might mistake it for a stunt, or a setup, or even a promotional clip for an upcoming film. Even when you discovered what it actually represented, you could be forgiven for finding it unreal.

The footage is British. It was Wednesday afternoon in Woolwich, a district of southeast London. The man addressing the camera has yet to be named, but he is not a figure easily forgotten. He wears jeans, a dark jacket with the hood back, and a black knit cap, but his hands are bright red all over. The right hand is free; the left carries a knife and a meat cleaver, also covered in blood. He gesticulates, using both hands to reinforce what he is saying. Some of his statement has been elided for legal reasons (in Britain, the media is not supposed to broadcast confessions), but this is a text of what can be heard in the clip:

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Analysis On Yesterday's Terror Attack In London

'MI5 may have questions to answer over attackers' -- The Telegraph
Woolwich attack: confusing, horrific, bizarre – the horror that made literally no sense -- Dan Hodges, The Telegraph
'You could feel something horrible had happened' -- Sarah Brown, CNN
Butchery in Woolwich -- Tim Judah, Bloomberg
Woolwich attack: MI5's worst nightmare has come true -- Chris Hughes, Mirror
Woolwich killing: The long-feared attack -- Dominic Casciani, BBC
Woolwich Attack: Confusing, Horrific, Bizarre That Makes No Sense -- Dan Hodges, The Telegraph
Act of Terror Will Never Divide Our City -- Sadiq Khan, London Evening Standard
Newspapers were right to publish horrific images of the Woolwich terror attack -- Iain Martin, The Telegraph
The real enemy in London hacking death -- Frida Ghitis, Special to CNN
Were suspects influenced by Nigerian terrorists? -- The Telegraph
Woolwich attack: of course British foreign policy had a role -- Joe Glenton, The Guardian
It Is Terror But It Is Not Wise To Overreact -- Sam Kiley, SKY News
Was the London killing of a British soldier 'terrorism'? -- Glenn Greenwald, The Guardian
London soldier slaying homegrown Islamic extremism? -- Tucker Reals, CBS
Woolwich Beheading: Was Soldier Butchered by al-Qaida Cell or Lone Wolves? -- Timur Moon, IBTimes
Crazed animals... how news of the savage Woolwich attack exploded on Twitter -- Daily Mail
London Attack: The New Face of Terror -- Clive Hunter, Daily Beast
London attack: Terrorists targeting soldiers at home again? -- Nick Hunt, CNN
Woolwich attack: A new template -- Mark Urban, BBC
Woolwich analysis: African links are probed amid fears of more ‘lone wolves’ -- Martin Bentham, London Evening Standard
Killers knew attack would go viral – and embraced it -- Eamon Delaney, Independent.ie
Q&A: What is known about London attack -- AP

Woolwich Attack: Complete Coverage

Photo: Named: The MoD today revealed that the soldier slaughtered yesterday was Lee Rigby, who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Pictured: Soldier, 25, Slaughtered In The Street By Muslim Fanatics Who Was A 'Loving Father To Two-Year-Old Son' -- Daily Mail

* Lee Rigby hit by a car on the pavement before being brutally murdered
* Drummer Rigby was 'a loving father' to his two-year-old son Jack
* He died just 200 yards away from the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich
* Two suspects with blood on their hands were shot by police and arrested
* One of the suspects is identified as Michael Adebolajo, 28

The murdered soldier who was executed close to a military barracks by two Islamist fanatics was today named as Lee Rigby.

Police were this afternoon guarding the 25-year-old serviceman's home in Middleton, Greater Manchester, who was described as a 'loving father' to his son Jack, two.

Drummer Lee Rigby was just starting his Army career and had recently fought in Afghanistan with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

But as he walked towards the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south-east London yesterday afternoon, he was run down by a car on the pavement and hacked to death.

Read more ....

More News On Yesterday's Terror Attack In London

Woolwich attack reaction: Live -- BBC
Woolwich attack – suspect named: reaction and latest developments -- The Guardian
Woolwich attack: Complete Coverage -- The Guardian
Woolwich machete attack suspects were already known to security services -- The Telegraph
Britain attack: Latest developments -- CNN
Woolwich attack live: Updates after British soldier is beheaded by two Islamic terrorists in London street -- Mirror

Breaking: Soldier killed in Woolwich machete attack named as Drummer Lee Rigby -- The Independent
Victim of Woolwich attack was serving soldier, police confirm -- The Guardian
Defiant soldiers pose in uniform -- The Telegraph

MI5 admit they KNEW about Islamic fanatics who 'slaughtered soldier': One suspect was 'arrested when he tried to join rebels in Somalia' -- Daily Mail
Woolwich attack: suspects were known to security services -- The Telegraph
London attack suspects probed in past investigations, official says -- CBS/AP
London attackers known to British security services -- Reuters
Woolwich terror suspect revealed as Muslim convert known to MI5 -- The SUN
Woolwich suspects were known to British security services -- Irish Times
Woolwich killer named: both attackers in street slaughter of soldier known to MI5 -- London Evening Standard
Woolwich attack suspect identified as Michael Adebolajo -- The Guardian
How Woolwich suspect 'became obsessed with Islam as a schoolboy and was moved by parents to escape clutches of fanatics' -- Daily Mail
UK soldier slaying suspects had been investigated -- AP
Woolwich murder: The suspected attackers -- BBC

The Angels of Woolwich: How three extraordinarily brave women confronted the Islamic fanatics who butchered and tried to behead a soldier on London street - and prayed next to his mutilated body -- The Daily Mail
Brave Woman Tried to Reason With London Attackers -- ABC News/AP
Courage of the three heroines who tried to shield victim and confronted his attacker -- London Evening Standard

Cameron condemns brutal hacking death, says Britain stands firm -- CNN
'Terror attack will not divide us but makes us stronger': Cameron urges Britain to continue with normal life -- Daily Mail
UK PM Cameron says London attack was betrayal of Islam -- Reuters
Britain’s Prime Minister Denounces Violent Responses to Wednesday’s Brutal Knife Attack -- Time

Woolwich attack prompts fears of backlash against British Muslims -- The Guardian
Soldier’s Death Leads to Tension Over Immigration in London Area -- Bloomberg Businessweek

'We swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you': London murder suspect -- The Australian
London street slayer references British wars, not Nigerian insurgency -- Christian Science Monitor
Hands soaked in blood, London knifeman declares his creed on video -- Reuters
Terror on the streets: How the attack unfolded -- The Telegraph
'We want to start a war in London tonight' -- The Telegraph
'Barbaric Attack' in London Prompts Meeting on Terror -- New York Times
A Killing Puts U.K. on Guard for Terror -- Wall Street Journal
Brutal, fatal cleaver assault in London called a terrorist attack -- CNN
2 UK government officials: Signs London attack was motivated by radical Islam -- Washington Post/AP
Woolwich beheading: How brave woman faced down killers to tend to dying victim -- Daily Mirror
Incredible moment fearless woman Cub Scout leader confronted second knife-wielding 'killer' and told him 'It is only you versus many and you are going to lose' -- Daily Mail
'They were chopping and cutting him': Shocked eyewitness tells of horrific machete attack on soldier -- Daily Mail
Man dead in suspected Woolwich terror attack -- BBC
"Truly shocking" London attack leaves 1 dead, 2 injured -- CBS/AP
Man killed in deadly terror attack in London street -- The Guardian
Terror at Woolwich barracks: Attacker tried to behead and disembowel British soldier -- The Independent
Woolwich machete killing: two men shouting 'Allah Akbar' shot by police as 'soldier beheaded in Islamist terror attack' -- London Evening Standard
Brutal cleaver assault on man in London street is suspected terror attack -- CNN
Two shot by police after soldier's hacking death near Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich -- The Australian
Eyewitnesses describe 'crazed' attackers hacking victim by Woolwich barracks -- The Independent
Women hailed as heroes for shielding body -- The Telegraph
Horrific 'beheading' of man in London feared to be terror attack, as suspects reportedly chanted 'Allahu Akbar' -- New York Daily News

Head of Muslim group who knew London knifeman blames UK foreign policy -- Reuters
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary blames presence of British troops in Afghanistan for Woolwich killing as he admits to attending the same mosque as suspect -- Daily Mail

Woolwich attack: Eyewitness accounts -- BBC
Woolwich attack pictures: Shocking scenes as man is beheaded in street -- Daily Mirror
Woolwich attack in pictures -- BBC

M23 Rebels Declare A Truce During The UN Chief's Visit In DR Congo

DR Congo: M23 Rebels Declare Truce For Ban Ki-Moon Visit -- BBC

M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a ceasefire for UN chief Ban Ki-moon's visit to the conflict-hit area, a spokesman for the group says.

Mr Ban has arrived in the regional capital Goma, where one person was killed in a rocket attack on Wednesday.

He was deeply concerned by the renewed fighting, Mr Ban said.

Earlier, the World Bank unveiled a $1bn (£660m) aid package to help DR Congo and its neighbours.

World Bank head Jim Yong Kim, who is also visiting DR Congo, said the money would be used for health, education, cross-border trade and hydroelectricity projects.

At least 20 people have been killed since Monday in heavy fighting between government and M23 forces.

Read more ....

More News On The UN Chief's Visit To War-Torn Eastern Congo

Congo Fighting Subsides as UN Chief Visits Goma -- Wall Street Journal
M23 rebels announce ceasefire for UN chief's Congo visit -- Reuters
UN chief visits Goma after deadly fighting -- AFP
UN chief arrives in Goma, Congo a day after rockets strike city -- Washington Post/AP
UN Chief Goes to Eastern DRC After Clashes -- Voice of America
Congo fighting persists as UN chief arrives -- AP
UN and World Bank chiefs in DR Congo peace push -- Global Post/AFP
World Bank pledges $1 billion to aid peace in Africa's Great Lakes -- Reuters

Suicide Bombers And Subsequent Gun Battles In Niger Target French Uranium Mine And Military Base

Islamists Kill 20 In Suicide Attacks In Niger -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Islamist suicide bombers struck a barracks and a French-run uranium mine in Niger on Thursday, officials said, killing 20 people and wounding dozens in attacks that showed armed unrest spreading across West Africa.

In Agadez, the largest town in northern Niger, at least 20 soldiers were killed and 16 injured when suicide bombers attacked a barracks at dawn, Defense Minister Mahamadou Karidjo told state radio. Three Islamists were also killed.

After a fierce gunbattle, security forces returned the town to calm but one attacker was still holding soldiers hostage, military sources and local officials said.

Further north in Arlit, at least 14 civilians were injured and two Islamists killed in a car bomb attack at the Somair uranium mine operated by run by French nuclear group Areva, the minister said.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Suicide Bombings In Niger

26 killed in 2 simultaneous car bombs in Niger targeting French mine and barracks -- Washington Post/AP
MUJAO suicide bombers hit uranium mine, barracks in Niger -- Long War Journal
At least 18 soldiers, four Islamists killed in Niger - sources -- Reuters
Islamist bombers kill 19 in Niger, seize hostages -- AFP
Niger Terrorist Attacks Leave 23 Dead as Areva Staff Hurt -- Bloomberg Businessweek
At Least 19 Soldiers Killed in Niger Attack -- Voice of America
Twin Bomb Attacks Kill 20 in Niger -- Wall Street Journal
Twin car bombings in Niger hit uranium plant, army base -- Expatica
Al-Qaida ally takes responsibility for Niger attack -- UPI
France's Hollande says will protect interests in Niger -- Reuters

President Obama To Deliver A Major Counterterrorism Speech At 2:00 PM EST

Drones, Guantanamo Part Of Broad Obama Counterterrorism Speech -- CBS

President Obama on Thursday will deliver a major speech on his counterterrorism policies, addressing everything from drone strikes and the status of the prison at Guantanamo Bay, to continuing efforts to fight al Qaeda and the legal framework for the continuing "war on terror."

In the substantive speech to be delivered at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Obama will announce plans to restart transfers of Guantanamo Bay prisoners to third countries. Before their transfer, the prisoners would have to be cleared for release, and the U.S. would have to be satisfied that an oversight and monitoring program is in place. The president will lift the prohibition on potential transfers to Yemen, but Congress may attempt to block this move.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama Delivering A Major Counterterrorism Speech At 2:00 PM EST

Switching from scandals, Obama to address drones and Guantanamo -- Reuters
Obama speech to focus on drones, Guantanamo prison -- CNN
Obama's day: A counter-terrorism speech -- USA Today
White House official: Obama to defend drone use, Guantánamo closure -- Miami Herald
Obama speech to address counterterrorism measures -- Washington Post
Obama to address Guantánamo and drones in major defence speech -- The Guardian
Obama to detail terrorism policy including drone attacks and Guantánamo Bay prison -- Christian Science Monitor
Obama to reset US terror war in key speech -- AFP
Barack Obama to set out US drone policy -- BBC
Obama, in a Shift, to Limit Targets of Drone Strikes -- New York Times
Obama to speak on legality of drone program, key strategy in counter-terrorism efforts -- Washington Post/AP
Obama to Outline Legal Framework for Drone Strikes on Terrorists -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Debate Aside, Number of Drone Strikes Drops Sharply -- New York Times
Obama Restarts Bid to Close Guantanamo -- Wall Street Journal
Obama to announce new effort to close Guantanamo Bay -- Jillian Rayfield, Salon
At Guantanamo, a costly confinement -- CNN
Experts Weigh In on Challenges of Closing Guantanamo Prison -- Voice of America
What to Look for in Obama’s Counterterrorism Speech -- Amy Davidson, New Yorker
Obama’s drone speech will probably be maddening -- Alex Pareene, Salon

WNU Editor: We will be covering President Obama's speech live at 14:00 EST.

Afghanistan War News Updates -- May 23, 2013

U.S. Marines conduct a combat logistics patrol to Forward Operating Base Shukvani in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 19, 2013. The Marines, assigned to Rolling Thunder 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, conducted the logistics patrol to deliver supplies in support of Regimental Combat Team 7 and base realignment and closure operations. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz

Turncoats: How The Taliban Undermines And Infiltrates The Afghan Local Police -- David Axe, Danger Room

ZARI DISTRICT, Afghanistan — The sound of gunfire was the first sign that the Afghan cop’s loyalty was suspect.

It was February in Hadji Musa, a village in the poppy-growing Zari district of northern Kandahar province, traditionally one of the most violent regions in a violent country. 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3-41 Infantry — part of the high-tech 1st Brigade of the 1st Armored Division — had received a tip from Toorjan, commander of the village local police unit, claiming that someone in Hadji Musa wanted to talk. Someone with direct knowledge of Taliban activities.

Beyond that, Toorjan had provided almost no information. All he could offer was an implied promise: Trust me.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, May 23rd -- ISAF
7 dead in Afghan suicide blast: officials -- West Australian/AFP
Body of tortured Afghan unearthed near former US Special Forces base - report -- RT
Del. unit bridges gaps in Afghan handover -- USA Today
Britain, Denmark to finalize relocation plans for Afghan interpreters who worked on front line -- Washington Post/AP
Afghan Election Law Wins More Approval -- Wall Street Journal
Hard-line students in Afghanistan protest women’s rights decree as un-Islamic, demand repeal-- Washington Post/AP
Pizza Delivery to Afghanistan Troops Sets Guinness Record -- ABC News
Iran reiterates its opposition to permanent US bases in Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
Tehran’s Designs on Afghanistan -- Sanjay Kumar, The Diplomat
History repeating itself in Afghan conflict? -- CNN
Crossing Afghanistan, I saw how the war brought jobs – and corruption -- Matthieu Aikins, The Globe and Mail

World News Briefs -- May 23, 2013

Woolwich Attack: Latest -- The Telegraph

Follow live coverage following a terror attack in Woolwich, London, yesterday, in which a soldier was apparently beheaded by two Islamist terrorists.

Full story: 'soldier beheaded' in 'Islamist terror attack'
Two suspects shot and injured by armed police
Theresa May convenes meeting of COBR
Prime Minister returns from France
Police appeal for calm following 'attack
Eyewitness: attack like 'something out of a film'
Aerial footage shows crashed car and blood

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Young Lebanese fighters leaving Syria for battle closer to home.

Syrian rebels, U.S. disagree on peace talks.

Syria: Geneva talks last chance to avoid foreign intervention.

Death toll rises in Lebanon clashes.

Kerry meets Israelis, Palestinians in bid to revive talks.

Iran presidential campaign begins without two big names.

ASIA

North Korea says willing to take China's advice to start talks.

Uncertainty surrounds Pakistan leader's stance on Taliban, military.

Japan surprises allies by mulling N. Korea talks.

Car bomb kills 12 in southwest Pakistan.

Pakistan under legal pressure to halt U.S. drone strikes.

Prostitutes gunned down in Pakistan's violence-plagued Balochistan province.

Bangladesh factory collapse probe uncovers abuses.

Taiwan, Philippines pursue joint shooting probe to mend ties.

AFRICA

20 killed in 2 simultaneous car bombs in Niger. Suicide bombers strike mine, military barracks in Niger. Islamist attacks target military, Areva sites in Niger. At least 18 soldiers, four Islamists killed in Niger: sources.

DR Congo: M23 rebels declare truce for Ban Ki-moon visit. Congo fighting persists as UN chief arrives.

UN and World Bank in DR Congo peace push.

In Brotherhood's Egypt, blasphemy charges against Christians surge ahead.

Analysis: Crackdown on radical Islamists tests Tunisia's stability.

Ethiopia: BBC reports Ethiopia has one of world's fastest growth rates.

EUROPE

Brutal attack in London heightens terror fears. Brutal attack in London blamed on radical Islam. London attacker British, of Nigerian origin: source. Woolwich attack: Suspects known to security services.

Stockholm restaurant torched as riots spread. Sweden riots spread to south of capital. Rioters in Sweden protest alleged brutality, racism after police shoot elderly man.

3 in Europe now oppose Hezbollah.

Council of Europe concerned about Russia's human-rights record.

Largest Bulgarian party will not try to form government.

Captain of luxury Costa Concordia cruise ship to face trial over deadly wreck.

AMERICAS

IRS officials aren’t cooperating in probes at top or bottom.

IRS tea-party bloodbath continues in Congress, as evidence emerges that IRS's own internal probe ended in May 2012, six months before election, but was hidden from legislators.

Soldiers flood western Mexico to protect towns. Mexico cartel dominates, torches western state.

Oklahoma tornado damage could top $2 billion.

Official: Dead Boston bombing suspect involved in 2011 slayings.

Ecuador Pegasus satellite fears over space debris crash.

Canada's Harper says 'very sorry' about expenses scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorist watch lists: Are they working as they should?
Bin Laden burial pictures will stay secret.

U.S. military lawyers put more pressure on Guantanamo.

The random attack: MI5's greatest terror nightmare.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Perfect storm sparks massive Nikkei sell-off. Global shares sink, following 7.3 percent drop in Japan's Nikkei.

Markets rattled amid fears of slowdown in Asia.

Pfizer takes its shot at a vaccine for evasive superbug.