The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age

    "We decry what has happened. These revelations are harmful to the United States and our interests."

    By artappraiser on Fri, 11/26/2010 - 10:45pm |

    --Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary of State
    Daily Press Briefing, Washington, DC, November 24, 2010

    The relevant excerpt:

    QUESTION: WikiLeaks.
    MR. CROWLEY: Last question. One more, then I got to go.

    QUESTION: WikiLeaks.

    QUESTION: Is it coming down this week? Are you expecting it this weekend? Do you have any idea of what you can on the record, off on background, or off the record --

    MR. CROWLEY: Last question on WikiLeaks. We – no, no. I literally got to go. All right. On WikiLeaks --

    QUESTION: This is on the record?

    MR. CROWLEY: Yeah, sure. We are very mindful of the announcement that WikiLeaks made earlier this week, that there is a release of documents pending at some point in the future. If the past is prologue, that would mean that certain news organizations may well already be in possession of specific documents. So we continue to work through, as we have throughout this process, evaluating both the material that we think was previously leaked from government sources to WikiLeaks, and we continue to make clear that this is harmful to our national security. It does put lives at risk. It does put national interests at risk.

    It’s hard for us to give you any kind of assessment of what the potential impact is, because we actually don’t know what is going to be released. It is our expectation – we’ve known all along that WikiLeaks has in its possession State Department cables. We are prepared if this upcoming tranche of documents includes State Department cables. We are in touch with our posts around the world. They have begun the process of notifying governments that release of documents is possible in the near future. Many of you are aware, we have had similar conversations with members of the Hill to let them know what we are prepared for. This is going to be unhelpful.

    This is – without getting into any discussion of any specific cables, the kinds of cables that posts send to Washington are – they’re classified. They involve discussions that we’ve had with government officials, with private citizens. They contain analysis. They contain a record of the day-to-day diplomatic activity that our personnel undertake. And this back and forth between government, the government of the United States and governments around the world, it is diplomacy in action. It is part of the system through which we collaborate and cooperate with other countries. Inherent in this day-to-day action is trust that we can convey our perspective to other governments in confidence and that they can convey their perspective on events to us. It helps inform us of what’s happening around the world. It informs our – the policies that we undertake on behalf of the American people.

    And when this confidence is betrayed and ends up on the front pages of newspapers or lead stories on television and radio it has an impact. We decry what has happened. These revelations are harmful to the United States and our interests. They are going to create tension in our relationships between our diplomats and our friends around the world. We wish that this would not happen. But we are, obviously, prepared for the possibility that it will.

    QUESTION: And you’ve notified Congress this week?

    MR. CROWLEY: Yes. 

    Also see:

    US envoys forced to apologise in advance as Wikileaks release looms
    America fears disclosure of diplomatic cables will offend allies
    By Patrick Taylor, The Independent, 27 November 2010

    Expected WikiLeaks disclosures prompts warning for editors
    Government issues defence advisory notice to remind newspaper editors about their responsibility over leaked documents
    By Patrick Wintour, guardian.co.uk, 26 November 2010

    Wikileaks release: in Russia, fear of damage to future US relations
    As Wikileaks prepares to release millions of confidential cables, Russian diplomats worry about their ability to talk frankly in the future – while some politicians and anti-Kremlin activists are concerned about private conversations.
    By Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, November 26, 2010, Moscow

    State Department braces for more WikiLeaks
    Posted By Josh Rogin, The Cable @ foreignpolicy.com, November 24, 2010

    Italy Says Wikileaks Reports on U.S. May Harm Nation
    By Jeffrey Donovan and Lorenzo Totaro, Bloomberg News, Nov 26, 2010

    Turkey Hits Back at Wikileaks Accusations
    by Joshua Kucera, Eurasianet.org, November 26, 2010

    Comments

    I wonder why the government has been so foolish to rely upon computers, networking and the internet to carry out their business?

    Back in the day, Strategic Air Command had their very own separate telephone system completely independent of the commercial telephone system. Kinda hard to break into their system unless you were inside it to begin with.

    And DARPA wasn't concern about data security when they ventured into developing the internet so there's plenty of holes open to exploit...for every one you find, there's ten more you don't even know about yet.

    If they were really serious about using the internet, then perhaps they should have followed SAC's example and keep it separate; not running over commercial networks. I'm amazed at the sheer ignorance of conducting critical correspondence in a public forum and not thinking about the possibility of compromise.

    So I have to beg the question...which is more costly? developing a separate internet running parallel to the commercial internet? or using the public network and taking a chance you can accomplish your data transfers without being intercepted by a third party?


    by Beetlejuice on Fri, 11/26/2010 - 11:33pm

    Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed the impending file dump on "little thieves running around the Internet."

    [....]

    The website has said there would be "seven times" as many secret documents as the 400,000 Iraq war logs it published last month.

    [....]

    Turkish media said the planned release includes papers suggesting that Ankara helped Al-Qaeda militants in Iraq and that the United States helped Iraq-based Kurdish rebels fighting against Turkey -- potentially explosive revelations for the two allies.

    Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey did not know what the documents contained.

    "This is speculation," he said on CNN Turk. "But as a principle, tolerating or ignoring any terrorist action that originates in Turkey and targets a neighboring country, particularly Iraq, is out of the question."

    from
    World braces for WikiLeaks flood of US cables
    Bangkok Post, November 27,2010

     

    The WikiLeaks is expected to put 94 documents about Pakistan on its website this weekend, diplomatic sources told Dawn.

    The documents mainly contain telegrams sent by the US Embassy in Islamabad to the State Department in Washington

    [....]

    ...US officials have warned that Afghanistan, China, Russia, Central Asian Republics, Canada, Britain, France, Turkey and Nato will all be affected by this unprecedented leak.

    [....]

    The New York Times and The Washington Post are expected to publish some details from the leaked papers on Sunday.

    from
    WikiLeaks plans to release 94 papers about Pakistan
    By Anwar Iqbal, Dawn, November 27, 2010

     


    by artappraiser on Fri, 11/26/2010 - 11:35pm

    If there ever was an example of self-regulation not being the wisest course to follow, this leakage from itinerate data miners might just be it.  Did it not occur to anyone that it was not safe leaving private information laying around unprotected?  That some people can resist everything except temptation?


    The phrase "national security" has acquired such a nebulous meaning these days, throwing it out there as blanket protection is almost useless.  This is like nailing plywood over the windows of a Florida beach house 10 minutes before the Cat5 hurricane hits.


    by wabby on Sat, 11/27/2010 - 5:29am

    Well...at least the plywood survived. It was found about 3 miles down the beach totally intact.


    by cmaukonen on Sat, 11/27/2010 - 9:33am

    As so much of what the US government has done in the last 10 years has been a security threat to the USA, if this slows them down from the next blunder so much the better.  The laughter and repartee that occurred at the opening of the State Department press conference, which dwelt almost entirely on the threat of war on the Korean peninsula, did not seem to augur an impending diplomatic/Wikileak cataclysm.

    Even if the Wikileaks leaks showed bin Laden was living in Karzai's US funded villa in Dubai, or that the Pakistani Taliban impostor NATO was flying back and forth to Kabul for peace talks was discovered to have been on the CIA payroll for ten years, I doubt it would change either our policy or politics, or further reduce the sinking level of trust and credibility we hold in the world.

    Domestically, the 'facts' believed and opinions held by the majority of Americans will still be molded by the big MSM networks, Fox News in particular.


    by NCD on Sat, 11/27/2010 - 2:00pm

    WikiLeaks: We are under denial of service attack

    November 28, 2010 10:38 AM PST

    by Steven Musil

    Whistleblower WikiLeaks said today its Web site has been targeted by a massive computer attack, just hours before an expected release of classified U.S. documents.

    "We are currently under a mass distributed denial of service attack," WikiLeaks said on its Twitter feed. Efforts to reach the page as of this writing were unsuccessful.


    Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-20023932-93.html

    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:05pm

    The U.S. Embassy Cables:

    Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran to stop nuclear programme


    • Embassy cables show Arab allies want strike against Tehran

    [....]

    guardian.co.uk, Sunday 28 November 2010 18.13 GMT

    # Ian Black and Simon Tisdall

    King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear programme, according to leaked US diplomatic cables that describe how other Arab allies have secretly agitated for military action against Tehran.

    [....]

    The leaked US cables also reveal that:

    • Officials in Jordan and Bahrain have openly called for Iran's nuclear programme to be stopped by any means, including military.

    • Leaders in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt referred to Iran as "evil", an "existential threat" and a power that "is going to take us to war".

    [.....]

    In a conversation with a US diplomat, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain "argued forcefully for taking action to terminate their [Iran's] nuclear programme, by whatever means necessary. That programme must be stopped. The danger of letting it go on is greater than the danger of stopping it." Zeid Rifai, then president of the Jordanian senate, told a senior US official: "Bomb Iran, or live with an Iranian bomb. Sanctions, carrots, incentives won't matter."

    In talks with US officials, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed favoured action against Iran, sooner rather than later. "I believe this guy is going to take us to war ... It's a matter of time. Personally, I cannot risk it with a guy like [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad. He is young and aggressive."

    [....]


    The cables also expose frank, even rude, remarks about Iranian leaders, their trustworthiness and tactics at international meetings. Abdullah told another US diplomat: "The bottom line is that they cannot be trusted." Mubarak told a US congressman: "Iran is always stirring trouble." Others are learning from what they describe as Iranian deception. "They lie to us, and we lie to them," said Qatar's prime minister, Hamad bin Jassim Jaber al-Thani.

    Much more detail  on same here:

    State Secrets:

    Around the World, Distress Over Iran

    By DAVID E. SANGER, JAMES GLANZ and JO BECKER

    New York Times, November 28, 2010


    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:51pm

    Azerbaijan is on board, too, even mentions "security provocations" by Iran:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250649

    Turkey's Foreign Minister tells the U.S. ambassador a year ago that the Guardian quoted Erdogan out of context about Iran. He basically implies that the US should realize they don't really consider Iran a friend, that they just think it's best to pretend that they are. (The ambassador was pushing him to go more negative in public about Iran):

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235183

     


    by artappraiser on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 12:17am

    Abu Dhabi Crown Prince paranoid about Iran:

    Thursday, 17 December 2009, 13:07
    S E C R E T ABU DHABI 001151

    [.....]

    MbZ said Iran already acts like a superpower and explained that, while the UAE is a federation of emirates, Iran's "emirates" have a larger army and budget that the UAE. In addition to Iran's established emirates in South Lebanon and Gaza, sleeper emirates in Kuwait, Bahrain, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and the mother of all emirates in Southern Iraq. Now Iran has an emirate in Saada. MbZ told Poneman, "We believe you don't want us to believe" the mounting evidence of Iranian involvement in Yemen. He stressed that he doesn't believe Ali Abdullah Saleh either, but this is "not like cracking the enigma code" (in World War II), there are Iranian ships unloading weapons for the Houthis, and "you have the capability to track this." He warned, "We know your priority is Al-Qaeda, but don't forget Iran. Al-Qaeda is not going to get a nuclear bomb; Iran is a matter of time."

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/240364

    P.S. On the no surprise front: he was also extremely interested in Obama's energy plans.


    by artappraiser on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 1:21am

    The US Embassy Cables:

    Iran 'lied to UN inspectors about Qom nuclear site'

    US cables show IAEA officials were denied bluprints and told evidence of bomb-grade uranium enrichment was forged

    By Robert Booth, guardian.co.uk, Sunday 28 November 2010 18.18 GM

    [....]

    The secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was denied the blueprints when in October 2009 its inspection team visited the part-built facility in a mountainside at Fordow near Qom. It was instead provided with designs that showed only what was already built.

    Providing a picture of Iranian obstruction to the visit, Herman Nackaerts, the IAEA's deputy director general who led the inspection, revealed that Iranian officials were "steered by unseen observers who send notes to the Iranian interlocutors during meetings" and insisted on tape recording the meetings but refused to allow the IAEA to do the same.

    According to the secret cable back to Washington the inspectors were "not impressed" by the Iranians' continued refusal to elaborate on their denials of evidence pointing to the nuclear programme's military intent.

    "The secretariat was still trying to understand ... why Iran would build this facility, scaled as it was for 3,000 centrifuges in contrast to the much larger Natanz facility," Nackaerts told Richard Kessler and David Fite, senior staff members of the US house of representatives foreign affairs committee, in a 90-minute meeting in Vienna.

    The IAEA believed there was "a high-level decision not to co-operate" with the inspection, Nackaerts said, and Iran's denials had left the agency at "an absolute stalemate" with Tehran over the military application of its nuclear programme.

    [....]


    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:29pm

    That one is potentially explosive as it undermines el Baradei and possibly the bulk of the IAEA, doesn't it?  I believed him.  And how the hell do we know what paarts of the cables are even truth v. spin?  I don't hear people asking that so much.


    by we are stardust on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:08pm

    I read a lot on it around the time of El Baredei's statement. Mho, first, you had to read the whole interview it came out of to get the context. He was just saying basically: don't worry, no way can they develop anything big soon, we're on their ass, and everyone who is sane knows that. He didn't mean that they (Iran) weren't always a pain in the butt and always trying to get away with something and weren't trying to get nukes.

    The IAEA cable cited downthread is talking about Iran's usual pain in the buttness. They do it all the time, they've been doing it for years, that's what they do. The status quo is they are trying to get nukes and the West and the IAEA try to stymie them in doing so, to play cat and mouse, for eternity. That methold was also working with Iraq until the Bushies arrrived, but it didn't mean that once in a while Clinton lobbing a missile wasn't appreciated as back up.

    I don't think of it as having explosive potential, maybe only on liberal political blogs not into really reading in detaill on Iran and nukes but rather presuming everything on Iran trying to get nukes is made up. It really is just confirmation of what informed sources were saying at the time. The New York Times had quite a bit about the Qom dustup as I recall, somebody leaked tsome things o them.

    As to spin, you don't get much in something like IAEA meetings--as you can see in the IAEA cable downthread, they are pretty dry bureaucratic stuff. (I don't know how they stay awake sometimes.)

    But with a lot of the rest of the wikileaks dump, my own rule is to trust Obamaites a bit more than Bushies. But you don't trust any of it totally.

    I laugh when people equate "original sources" with closeness to truth. Any historian knows they are far from it. It just helps you interpret the other stuff you know.

    MHO, if you are not up on topic, it is best to look for the interpretative articles of the leaks by the New York Times and Guardian reporters, instead of just looking at the original docs. Because they add the necessary background, and put things in various contexts. Also, it is useful to see what experts in the involved area think is suprising in the dump, i.e., what Juan Cole thinks of what he's seen in the dump from the Mideast. I think the above piece was pretty good that way, that's why I posted it.


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 2:32pm

    State Secrets

    Overview: Cables Obtained by WikiLeaks Shine Light Into Secret Diplomatic Channels

    By SCOTT SHANE and ANDREW W. LEHREN, New York Times, November 28, 2010, 1:07 PM ET

    A trove of a quarter-million State Department cables, obtained by WikiLeaks, offers an extraordinary look at back-room bargaining by embassies, candid views of foreign leaders and assessments of nuclear and terrorist threats. Candid Views on Iran, Pakistan and Other Global Crises

    State Secrets:

    U.S. Expands Role of Diplomats in Spying


    By MARK MAZZETTI, New YorK Times, November 28, 2010, 1:07 PM ET

    State Department personnel were told to gather the credit card and frequent-flier numbers, schedules and other personal data of foreign officials.


    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:48pm

    "colourful, distinctly undiplomatic language" about

    # Dmitry Medvedev ·
    # Vladimir Putin ·
    # Kim Jong-il ·
    # Nicolas Sarkozy ·
    # Silvio Berlusconi ·
    # Hamid Karzai ·
    # Robert Mugabe ·
    # Muammar Gaddafi ·
    # Binyamin Netanyahu


    @


    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/nov/28/wikileaks-cables-wor...


    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:04pm

    Iran Fortifies Its Arsenal With the Aid of North Korea

    by William J. Broad, James Glanz and David E. Sanger, New York Times, November 28, 2010

    Secret American intelligence assessments have concluded that Iran has obtained a cache of advanced missiles, based on a Russian design, that are much more powerful than anything Washington has publicly conceded that Tehran has in its arsenal, diplomatic cables show.

    Iran obtained 19 of the missiles from North Korea, according to a cable dated Feb. 24 of this year. The cable is a detailed, highly classified account of a meeting between top Russian officials and an American delegation led by Vann H. Van Diepen, an official with the State Department’s nonproliferation division who, as a national intelligence officer several years ago, played a crucial role in the 2007 assessment of Iran’s nuclear capacity.

    The missiles could for the first time give Iran the capacity to strike at capitals in Western Europe or easily reach Moscow, and American officials warned that their advanced propulsion could speed Iran’s development of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

    [....]


    by artappraiser on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 11:24pm

    They go back to the 70's!

    The Guardian has put up some of historic interest:

    US embassy cables: Diplomats bemoan Bin Laden's 'folk hero' status
    28 Nov 2010: Cable sent 26/01/1999
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ISLAMABAD 000495

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/987

    US embassy cables: US optimistic moderates would prevail before Iranian embassy siege
    28 Nov 2010: Cable sent 26/10/1979
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 01 TEHRAN 11319

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/17

    US embassy cables: US hits out at Iranian negotiators in 1979
    28 Nov 2010: Cable sent 13/08/1979
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEHRAN 08980

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/13

    US embassy cables: Ambassador labels mid-80s Britain as 'Dickensian' after race riots
    28 Nov 2010: Cable sent 31/10/1985
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 08 LONDON 24287

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/95

    US embassy cables: Essa Moosa talks about Mandela and other topics
    29 Nov 2010: Cable sent 17/01/1990
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 CAPE TOWN 00097

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/nelsonmandela-anc-african-na...


    by artappraiser on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 4:12pm

    The Hoagland cable about UBL is chilling. A critique  of the "war on terror" meme before it had even gotten up to speed.

     


    by moat on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 6:29pm

    yeah Frown brings back all the "what might have been." Enough of your intel people knew the basics of what was up and what we had to do, I used to read on em. (I.E. just like a tenth of the money just to invade Iraq was put into Pakistan instead right after 9/11 like Gore no doubt would have done) But most of the populace was more interested in Monica Lewinsky while the Clinton admin was starting to work on it, and then the Bushies didn't want to hear a thing those people had to say because they were supposedly Clintonites interested in lobbing missiles at tents.


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 2:13am

    Saudi king's advice for Barack Obama/US embassy cables

    Sunday, 22 March 2009, 10:14
    S E C R E T RIYADH 000447
    NSC FOR JBRENNAN AND JDUNCAN; STATE FOR S/WCI

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/198178

    excerpts:

    The King noted that Iranian FM Mottaki had been "sitting in that same seat (as Brennan) a few moments ago." The King described his conversation with FM Mottaki as "a heated exchange, frankly discussing Iran's interference in Arab affairs." When challenged by the King on Iranian meddling in Hamas affairs, Mottaki apparently protested that "these are Muslims." "No, Arabs" countered the King, "You as Persians have no business meddling in Arab matters." The King said the Iranians wanted to improve relations and that he responded by giving Mottaki an ultimatum. "I will give you one year" (to improve ties), "after that, it will be the end."

    [....]

    ...Abdullah asserted that Iran is trying to set up Hizballah-like organizations in African countries, observing that the Iranians don't think they are doing anything wrong and don't recognize their mistakes. "I said (to Mottaki) that's your problem," recounted the King. Abdullah said he would favor Rafsanjani in an Iranian election, were he to run. He described Iran not as "a neighbor one wants to see," but as "a neighbor one wants to avoid." He said the Iranians "launch missiles with the hope of putting fear in people and the world." A solution to the Arab/Israeli conflict would be a great achievement, the King said, but Iran would find other ways to cause trouble. "Iran's goal is to cause problems," he continued, "There is no doubt something unstable about them." He described Iran as "adventurous in the negative sense," and declared "May God prevent us from falling victim to their evil." Mottaki had tendered an invitation to visit Iran, but Abdullah said he replied "All I want is for you to spare us your evil." Summarizing his history with Iran, Abdullah concluded: "We have had correct relations over the years, but the bottom line is that they cannot be trusted."

    ...The King said "three years ago" Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei had sent his adviser Ali Akbar Velayati with a letter asking for Abdullah's agreement to establish a formal back channel for communication between the two leaders. Abdullah said he had agreed, and the channel was established with Velayati and Saudi FM Saud al-Faisal as the points of contact. In the years since, the King noted, the channel had never been used.

    [....]

    The King said he had "no confidence whatsoever in (Iraqi PM) Maliki, and the Ambassador (Fraker) is well aware of my views." The King affirmed that he had refused former President Bush's entreaties that he meet with Maliki. The King said he had met Maliki early in Maliki's term of office, and the Iraqi had given him a written list of commitments for reconciliation in Iraq, but had failed to follow through on any of them. For this reason, the King said, Maliki had no credibility. "I don,t trust this man," the King stated, "He's an Iranian agent." The King said he had told both Bush and former Vice president Cheney "how can I meet with someone I don,t trust?" Maliki has "opened the door for Iranian influence in Iraq" since taking power, the King said, and he was "not hopeful at all" for Maliki, "or I would have met with him."


    by artappraiser on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 4:39pm

    Thanks for the linkarama, artappraiser. A lot of information to digest.

    I always thought covert policy would be more clever than this stuff. It mostly sounds like transcriptions of different gang leaders trash-talking other gang leaders.

    It is interesting how many people want the US to make a hit on Iran. It is as if we were the only people on earth who owned weapons or something. Anyway, it seems that having Iran be the actor behind all Shia actions is awfully convenient. It allows one to denounce the Shia without talking about them in particular.


    by moat on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 6:39pm

    Thanks back moat. I do it mainly for myself--recording helps solidfy the reading-but feedback of thoughts of others is always real nice.

    On the Shia Sunni divide one explanation that has always struck in my mind is from the Iraqi blogger Salam Pax back in the day. His family was mixed (so was the family of his friend Raed, referenced in   the title of Salam's blog, "Where is Raed?"It was common in  the more  cosmopolitan areas of Baghdad.) Anyhew, eh said his Shiite aunt was asked by a Saudi woman on a trip to Saudi Arabia, very politely, if it was true that Shiites had tails. This is the kind of prejudice you are dealing with in some of these countries! It's like they are not even aware it is hurtful. You know, it makes me think about the problem of the dearth of availability of literature and just any non scientific writing from other cultures translated into Arabic or Farsi (something the Arab Development project--I don't know if that is the correct name-really harps on. )There is still a big big problem over there with education being extremely tribal centric, way worse than Americans who can be notoriouosly xenophobic of course. Hence getting a  Western TV show like Oprah is like us watching a science fiction movie about an alien world I guess.


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 2:28am

    HONDURAS: It was an illegal coup:


    Date 2009-07-24 00:23:00

    Source Embassy Tegucigalpa

    Classification CONFIDENTIAL

    [....]

    Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens, reasons 1.4 (b and d)

    1. (C) Summary: Post has attempted to clarify some of the
    legal and constitutional issues surrounding the June 28
    forced removal of President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya. The
    Embassy perspective is that there is no doubt that the
    military, Supreme Court and National Congress conspired
    on June 28 in what constituted an illegal and
    unconstitutional coup against the Executive Branch, while
    accepting that there may be a prima facie case that Zelaya
    may
    have committed illegalities and may have even violated the
    constitution. There is equally no doubt from our perspective
    that Roberto Micheletti's assumption of power was
    illegitimate. Nevertheless, it is also evident that the
    constitution itself may be deficient in terms of providing
    clear procedures....

    continued @

    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/28/world/20101128-cables-view...


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:24pm

    BAHRAIN & QATAR VERY ANTI-IRAN:

    Date 2009-11-04 06:44:00

    Source Embassy Manama

    Classification SECRET//NOFORN

    [....]

    Classified By: Ambassador Adam Ereli, reasons 1.4(b) and (d).

    1. (C) SUMMARY: In an hour-long meeting on November 1 with
    CENTCOM Commander General Petraeus, Bahrain's King Hamad said
    Arab states need to do more to engage Iraq, discussed
    Afghanistan and the positive role India could play, urged
    action to stop Iran's nuclear program, and reviewed regional
    plans for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. END SUMMARY.

    [....]

    4.(C) IRAN: King Hamad pointed to Iran as the source of much
    of the trouble in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He argued
    forcefully for taking action to terminate their nuclear
    program, by whatever means necessary. "That program must be
    stopped," he said. "The danger of letting it go on is greater
    than the danger of stopping it." King Hamad added that in
    light of these regional developments, Bahrain was working to
    strengthen GCC coordination and its relations with allies and
    international organizations. He specifically mentioned NATO
    and confirmed that Bahrain had agreed to the Alliance's
    request to use Isa Airbase for AWACS missions, although the
    detail on numbers and timing have yet to be discussed.

    more @

    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/28/world/20101128-cables-view...

    Kerry’s diplomatic style revealed in WikiLeaks release
    Cables to leaders in Middle East show a mediator

    By Farah Stockman and Matt Viser
    Globe Staff / November 30, 2010


    [....]

    In the meeting last February with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Kerry said Syria should be involved simultaneously in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “needs to compromise and work the return of the Golan Heights into a formula for peace,’’ according to the summary of Kerry’s remarks.

    [....]

    Several of the cables dealt with Iran. In the meeting with the emir, Kerry lamented that the Obama administration’s communications to Iran have been ignored by the Iranian government.

    “The Supreme Ayatollah had met with Russian President [Vladimir] Putin, but seems not inclined to meet with other political leaders,’’ Kerry is summarized as saying. “Our instinct is that we need to find a way to talk to him.’’

    “Your instinct is right,’’ the emir replied. “The US needs to talk directly with senior Iranian officials.’’

    The emir then asked Kerry what he would like him to tell President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran if he talks to him. Kerry responded that the United States “seeks serious discussion’’ around mutual interests, such as dealing with drug-running, the Taliban, and illicit trade. Kerry also stressed that the United States “respects Iranian civilization — talent, art, culture, etc. it is crazy to continue on this collision course.’’

    At the close of the meeting, the emir gave Kerry a piece of advice: “Based on 30 years of experience with the Iranians, they will give you 100 words,’’ he said. “Trust only one of the 100.’’

    more @

    http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/11/30/kerrys_...


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:24pm

    EGYPT'S DUPLICITY STANDS EXPOSED

    By Cam McGrath

    CAIRO, Nov 30, 2010 (IPS)

    [....]

    Mubarak, in particular, shows deep contempt for Iran, which he accuses of sponsoring terrorism and says is not to be trusted, according to leaked cables.

    "Mubarak has a visceral hatred for the Islamic Republic, referring repeatedly to Iranians as ‘liars’, and denouncing them for seeking to destabilise Egypt and the region. He also sees the Syrians and Qataris as sycophants to Tehran and liars themselves," U.S. ambassador to Egypt Margaret Scobey wrote in a memo dated Feb. 9, 2009.

    "Relations between Egypt and these countries were already bad before the release of these documents," says Gad. "I doubt they could get worse, but the (insults) could hurt efforts to mend relations with certain Arab states."

    On Iraq, leaked documents reveal how Egypt’s fear of Iran’s growing political strength shaped its advice to U.S. officials concerning exit strategies. In May 2008, Mubarak reportedly told a visiting U.S. congressional delegation that a benevolent dictator in Iraq was preferable to a power vacuum that would leave Iran in control of the country.

    "Strengthen the (Iraqi) armed forces, relax your hold, and then you will have a coup. Then we will have a dictator, but a fair one. Forget democracy, the Iraqis are by their nature too tough," Mubarak was quoted as saying.

    More potentially embarrassing for Egypt, given Arab sensitivity to Palestinian affairs, is a cable from the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv in June 2009 that reports on a meeting between Israeli defence minister Ehud Barak and U.S. congressional leaders. At the meeting, Barak is said to confirm that Israel consulted both Egypt and the Palestinian Authority’s Fatah leadership prior to launching a military assault on Gaza in Dec. 2008.

    [....]

    The leaked documents nonetheless show Egypt’s commitment to isolate Hamas despite dire consequences to the Palestinian people. A leaked missive from U.S. ambassador to Egypt Margaret Scobey to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton points out that it was Egypt, not Israel, which enforced the blockade of Gaza during Operation Cast Lead.

    "Even during the height of the December fighting, the Egyptians only sent medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah border; all other humanitarian goods went through the Israeli crossing at Kerem Shalom," Scobey wrote in February 2009.

    Scobey advised Clinton ahead of her visit to Egypt that Mubarak regarded Hamas as a dangerous political threat, and that Cairo was sharing intelligence with Israel to prevent members of the Islamist organisation from crossing the Gaza border. She added that Egypt was well apprised of joint U.S.-Israeli efforts to combat arms smuggling in Gaza, but wanted to distance itself from the issue.

    "Egypt will not take any action that could be perceived as collaboration in Israel’s siege of Gaza," Scobey wrote. "The Egyptians do not want to be stuck holding the Gaza bag, and must be able to point the finger of blame at Israel for the plight of the Palestinians."'

    [...]

    more @

    http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=53710


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:23pm

    ISRAELI SURPRISES

    Date 2009-06-02 06:19:00

    Source Embassy Tel Aviv

    Classification CONFIDENTIAL

    Classified By: DCM Luis G. Moreno, reasons 1.4 (b,d)

    1. (C) Summary: Post hosted two CODELS during the week of
    May 25: one from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led
    by Senator Casey, the other from the House Committee on
    Foreign Affairs led by Congressman Ackerman. Both
    delegations met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who
    conveyed similar points on the Peace Process and Israel's
    concerns about Iran. End summary.

    [....]

    10. (C) In both meetings, Barak described Iranians as "chess,
    not backgammon players." As such, Iran will attempt to avoid
    any hook to hang accusations on, and look to Pakistan and
    North Korea as models to emulate in terms of acquiring
    nuclear weapons while defying the international community.
    He doubted Tehran would opt for an open, relatively
    low-threshold test like the recent one in North Korea.
    Rather, Iran will seek ways to bypass the NPT while ensuring
    its program is redundant and well-protected to prevent an
    irreparable military strike. Barak estimated a window
    between 6 and 18 months from now in which stopping Iran from
    acquiring nuclear weapons might still be viable. After that,
    he said, any military solution would result in unacceptable
    collateral damage. He also expressed concern that should
    Iran develop nuclear capabilities, other rogue states and/or
    terrorist groups would not be far behind.

    more @

    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/28/world/20101128-cables-view...

    WikiLeaks blows cover off Israel's covert Gulf states ties

    Diplomatic cable dating from 2009 indicates that then FM Tzipi Livni had a good working, personal relationship with U.A.E. Foreign Minister Abdullah Ibn Zayed.

    By Barak Ravid, Haaretz, 29.11.10

    In a cable dating to March of 2009, Marc Sievers, the political advisor of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, provides an overview of Israel's relations with the Gulf states, following a meeting with the head of the Middle East division of the Foreign Ministry, Yaakov Hadas.

    The overview details a "good and personal relationship" to have been developed between then Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and U.A.E. Foreign Minister Abdullah Ibn Zayed, adding, however, that the two officials would not "do in public what they say behind closed doors."

    While Israel and the U.A.E. do not have official diplomatic relations, the diplomatic cable exposed by WikiLeaks uncovers the secret and persistent dialogue between the two countries during the administration of former Prime Minster Ehud Olmert.

    n a cable dating to March of 2009, Marc Sievers, the political advisor of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, provides an overview of Israel's relations with the Gulf states, following a meeting with the head of the Middle East division of the Foreign Ministry, Yaakov Hadas.

    The overview details a "good and personal relationship" to have been developed between then Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and U.A.E. Foreign Minister Abdullah Ibn Zayed, adding, however, that the two officials would not "do in public what they say behind closed doors."

    While Israel and the U.A.E. do not have official diplomatic relations, the diplomatic cable exposed by WikiLeaks uncovers the secret and persistent dialogue between the two countries during the administration of former Prime Minster Ehud Olmert....

    continued @

    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-blows-cover-off-...

    WikiLeaks cables: You can't blame Israel for mistrusting Arabs, says Qatari ruler

    Israel deserves credit for seeking peace in the face of resurgent Hamas and Hezbollah, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani tells U.S. senator, according to classified dispatch.

    By Haaretz Service, 30.11.10

    Israelis can't be blamed for mistrusting Arabs, according to remarks by the ruler of the Arab state of Qatar released by the WikiLeaks group in the latest of a string of surprising revelations.

    Qatar's Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, made the comments in a meeting with U.S. Senator John Kerry on February 23. A report of their discussions, obtained by the WikiLeaks group, was filed by America's Ambassador to Qatar Joseph LeBaron.

    [....]

    "In Qatar's view, now is the time to reach out to Damascus. The Syrian Government can help Arab extremists make tough choices, but only if the U.S., whose involvement is essential, demonstrates to Syria early on a willingness to address the return of the Golan Heights and supports Turkey's mediation efforts between Israel and Syria," the classified cable said.

    Syria could be weaned away from its major ally, Iran, and had only turned to the Iranians because it had "nowhere else to go," al-Khalifa said.

    The Qatari Emir also told Kerry that his nation could help push Hamas towards peace. Although Qatar did not "share Hamas' ideology," it could play a valuable role as an intermediary, the Emir said.

    He went on to say that given the perceived victories for Hamas and Hezbollah, viewed across the Arab world as having driven Israel out of Gaza and southern Lebanon, Israelis deserved credit for still pursuing peace.

    "When you consider that many in the region perceive that Hezbollah drove Israel out of Lebanon and Hamas kicked them [...] out "of the small piece of land called Gaza," it is actually surprising that the Israelis still want peace. The region, however, is still "far away" from peace, concluded the Emir."

    [....]

    more @

    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-cables-you-can-t...

    Netanyahu told U.S. he supported land swap with Palestinians, WikiLeaks reveals

    Cable recounts February 2009 meeting with Senator Benjamin Cardin, where premier laid out economic peace plan and said he did not want to govern West Bank and Gaza.

    By Haaretz Service, 30.11.10

    @

    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-told-u-s-he-supp...


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:22pm

    PAKISTAN


    WikiLeaks cables expose Pakistan nuclear fears

    US and UK diplomats warn of terrorists getting hold of fissile material and of Pakistan-India nuclear exchange

    David Leigh, guardian.co.uk, 30 November 2010

    Mariot Leslie, a senior British Foreign Office official, told US diplomats in September 2009: "The UK has deep concerns about the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons," according to one cable classified "secret/noforn [no foreign nationals]".

    Seven months earlier the US ambassador to Islamabad, Anne Patterson, cabled to Washington: "Our major concern is not having an Islamic militant steal an entire weapon but rather the chance someone working in government of Pakistan facilities could gradually smuggle enough material out to eventually make a weapon."

    The leak of classified US diplomatic correspondence exposes in detail the deep tensions between Washington and Islamabad over a broad range of issues, including counter-terrorism, Afghanistan and finance, as well as the nuclear question. The cables also revealed that:

    • Small teams of US special forces have been operating secretly inside Pakistan's tribal areas, with Pakistani government approval, while senior ministers have privately supported US drone attacks.

    • The ambassador starkly informed Washington that "no amount of money" from the US would stop the Pakistani army backing Islamist militants and the Afghan Taliban insurgency.

    • The US concluded Pakistani troops were responsible for a spate of extrajudicial killings in the Swat Valley and tribal belt but decided not to comment publicly to allow the army to take action on its own.

    • Diplomats in Islamabad were asked by the Pentagon to survey refugee camps on the Afghan border, possibly for air strike targeting information.

    • The president, Asif Ali Zardari – whose wife, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated – has made extensive preparations in case he too is killed, and once told the US vice-president, Joe Biden, that he feared the military "might take me out".

    Pakistan's rulers are so sensitive about their much-prized nuclear weapons that in July 2009 they stalled on a previously agreed plan for the US to recover and dispose of highly enriched uranium spent fuel from a nuclear research reactor, in the interests of preventing proliferation and theft. They told the US embassy: "If the local media got word of the fuel removal, "they certainly would portray it as the US taking Pakistan's nuclear weapons"

    [....]

     

    more @

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/wikileaks-cables-pakistan-nu...

    WikiLeaks cables: US special forces working inside Pakistan

    US embassy cables reveal elite American troops secretly embedded with Pakistan military to hunt down militants

    Declan Walsh in Islamabad, guardian.co.uk, 30 November

    ....The numbers involved are small – just 16 soldiers in October 2009 – but the deployment is of immense political significance, described in a cable that provides an unprecedented glimpse into covert American operations in the world's most violent al-Qaida hotbed.

    The first special forces team of four soldiers was deployed to an old British colonial fort in the northern half of the tribal belt in September 2009, helping Frontier Corps paramilitaries to carry out artillery strikes on a militant base.

    A month later, two more teams of six soldiers each were deployed to Pakistani army bases in North and South Waziristan...

    [....]


    continued @

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/wikileaks-cables-us-forces-e...


    From Pakistan, Diplomats Wrote About a Vexing Ally

    by Jane Perlez, David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt.New York Times, November 30, 2010

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Less than a month after President Obama testily assured reporters in 2009 that Pakistan’s nuclear materials “will remain out of militant hands,” his ambassador here sent a secret message to Washington suggesting that she was worried about just that.

    [....]

    Written from the American Embassy in Islamabad, the cables reveal American maneuvering as diplomats try to support an unpopular elected government that is more sympathetic to American aims than is the real power in Pakistan, the army and intelligence agency so crucial to the fight against militants. The cables show just how weak the civilian government is: President Asif Ali Zardari told Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. that he worried that the military might “take me out.”

    Frustration at American inability to persuade the Pakistani Army and intelligence agency to stop supporting the Afghan Taliban and other militants runs through the reports of meetings between American and Pakistani officials.

    That frustration preoccupied the Bush administration and became an issue for the incoming Obama administration, the cables document....

    [....]

    Over all, though, the cables portray deep skepticism that Pakistan will ever cooperate fully in fighting the full panoply of extremist groups. This is partly because Pakistan sees some of the strongest militant groups as insurance for the inevitable day that the United States military withdraws from Afghanistan — and Pakistan wants to exert maximum influence inside Afghanistan and against Indian intervention.

    Indeed, the consul general in Peshawar wrote in 2008 that she believed that some members of the Haqqani network...

    [....]


    in full, 3 pages @

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/world/asia/01wikileaks-pakistan.html


    Gen Kayani using the parliament, alleges Wikileaks
    The Nation (Pakistan), November 30, 2010

    Wikileaks released sensitive documents alleging that the Pakistan’s army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s opposition led to the conflict on the Kerry-Lugar Bill as it was going to result in greater civilian control on the military, report said. According to the released documents, General Kayani has learnt from the mistakes made by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf. He is using the parliament and the government while staying in the background, the documents allege.


    @

    http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/In...


    WikiLeaks cables: Pakistan's Zardari is a 'numbskull'

    Former British chief of defence staff told US officials Asif Ali Zardari had not much sense of how to govern a country

    Jonathan Steele, guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 30 November 2010

    Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, is "clearly a numbskull", Sir Jock Stirrup, Britain's then chief of defence staff, told visiting US officials in London two years ago.

    Other British officials echoed the line, with Peter Ricketts, the Foreign Office's permanent undersecretary, characterising the Pakistani leader as having "not much sense of how to govern a country … I fear he talks and talks but not much happens."

    The Ministry of Defence's policy director, John Day, added his view that Zardari's principal strategy appears to be asking for "lots of development aid … and meanwhile circumstances on the ground are getting worse".

    Their forthright comments were made to the Pentagon's undersecretary for political affairs, Eric Edelman, on 15 October, according to a cable sent from the US embassy in London to the state department.


    @

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/226331

    Pakistan the ‘most bullied US ally’


    By Cyril Almeida, Dawn, November 29, 2010

    RAWALPINDI: On the day WikiLeaks released a slew of American diplomatic cables revealing, among other things, tensions between the US and Pakistan over nuclear matters, a top Pakistani military official claimed the country “has transited from the ‘most sanctioned ally’ to the ‘most bullied ally’” of the US.

    The comments were part of a wide-ranging briefing given to editors, anchors and columnists on Sunday. The timing of the briefing appeared to be a coincidence, having been scheduled before the WikiLeaks information became public. All comments were made strictly on the condition of anonymity being maintained.

    Detailing frank exchanges between the uppermost echelons of the Pakistan military and the Obama administration, the senior military official listed a catalogue of complaints the ‘people of Pakistan’ have against the US.

    These include...


    continued @

    http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/30/pakistan-the-%E2%80%98most-bullied-us-all...


    by artappraiser on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 5:22pm

    Musharraf caught lying & allowing US airstrikes
    US embassy cables: US mediates in Pakistani-Afghan row
    Cable sent 17/01/2007
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ISLAMABAD 000256

    Summary

    Musharraf complains sharply to senior US officials of his "irritation" with President Hamid Karzai, and decries Afghan complaints of Pakistani support for the Taliban are "nonsense". The Americans provide evidence of a massive Taliban attack from Pakistani soil. Musharraf concedes that the US may retaliate with air strikes but not ground troops. He stands by the discredited North Waziristan peace deal.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/92731

    FBI boo boo upsets State
    US embassy cables: Urgent recall request on FBI notice for Pakistani PM
    Cable sent 03/04/2008
    S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 001432

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/148390

    Pakistan army angry at US aid bill but helping Israel
    Cable sent 07/10/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 ISLAMABAD 002427

    ....11. (S) DGISI Pasha asked Ambassador to convey to Washington that he had followed up on threat information that an attack would be launched against India between September-November. He had been in direct touch with the Israelis on possible threats against Israeli targets in India. He had also gone to Muscat and Tehran to engage those intelligence services on threats, and they were alerted and working with Pakistan. He reminded Ambassador that information about an attack on India had come his way and he had asked CIA to convey it to the Indians through CIA channels. (Further details about these cases available in other channels.) He said he would meet his Indian counterpart any time, noting that it was critically important that any threat information be shared with him. He emphasized that ISI was doing everything possible to reduce the possibility of an attack on India....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/228747

    Pakistan army chief explains fate of lost millions
    Cable sent 24/01/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ISLAMABAD 000155
    Summary

    General Ashfaq Kayani tells General David Petraeus where millions of dollars reported missing from a fund to fight the Taliban have gone. He requests the US to stop making him look like an army "for hire" and admits his forces have lost control of Swat. Petraeus agrees to look into a new way of disbursing the funds. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/188670

    America, Pakistan and the $26m barbed wire bill

    US embassy cables allege millions of dollars of US military aid to fight insurgents was diverted to Pakistan government

    Declan Walsh in Islamabadm guardian.co.uk, 30 November, 2010

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/america-pakistan-barbed-wire...

    Pakistani military's harassment of U.S.diplomats

    Pakistan punishes US diplomats for 'siding with India'
    Monday, 22 February 2010, 14:22
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ISLAMABAD....

    PLEASE PASS TO FBI DIRECTOR MUELLER,S PARTY....

    Summary

    In a briefing to FBI director Robert Mueller, embassy officials sketch out a difficult relationship. Pakistan's security services have harassed US diplomats in Islamabad, delayed visas, clogged customs clearance and sabotaged security contracts as punishment for American support for Pakistan's civilian government and India's nuclear programme.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/249966

    Artappraiser's note: I recall Lara Rozen had this on her blog at the time it was happening, but since she did not know it was the military faction doing it, it seemed confusing, along the lines of "does the Pakistani government want the U.S. there or doesn't it?

    Karzai admits to sheltering Baloch nationalists
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 20/01/2007

    Summary

       President Hamid Karzai redoubles his accusations against the Pakistani military but admits to sheltering over 200 Baloch nationalists and their families who had fled western Pakistan. He denies that India is helping them. When it comes to the fate of Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti, Karzai takes the conversation off-record.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/93284


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:38am

    VIKTOR BOUT

    #
    US embassy cables: Bout's aircraft found 'rusting' in UAE
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 07/01/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBAI 000001

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/242697

    #
    US embassy cables: Obama urged to phone Thai PM over Viktor Bout's extradition
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 13/08/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 BANGKOK 001998

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/220583

    #
    US embassy cables: Russia tries to block Viktor Bout's extradition
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 13/02/2009
    S E C R E T BANGKOK 000385

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/191990

    #
    US embassy cables: Russia's growing clout in the global arms trade
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 26/10/2007
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 MOSCOW 005154

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/127252


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:01am

    THE "RUSSIAN" MAFIA

    #
    US embassy cables: Russian mafia outmanoeuvre Spanish prosecutors
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 15/10/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 001003

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/229718

    #
    US embassy cables: Organised crime in Bulgaria
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 07/07/2005
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 09 SOFIA 001207

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/36013

    #
    US embassy cables: Russian mafia active in Thailand
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 04/12/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 BANGKOK 003066

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/238045

    #
    US embassy cables: Spain's investigations into the Russian mafia
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 31/08/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 MADRID 000869

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/223006

    #
    US embassy cables: Spanish investigation exposes Russian mafia links
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 31/08/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MADRID 000870

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/223012


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:03am

    GERMANY

    11/30/2010
     
    A 'Teflon' Chancellor and 'Wildcard' Foreign Minister
    How America Views the Germans

    By Jan Friedmann, John Goetz, Ralf Neukirch, Marcel Rosenbach and Holger Stark

    The State Department dispatches that have now been released show just how critically the US views Germany. They see Chancellor Merkel as "risk averse" and Foreign Minister Westerwelle as a "wild card." The US Embassy in Berlin has informants at all levels of German government.

    The secret informant who handed over internal documents from German coalition negotiations to the Americans in October 2009 doesn't want his cover blown. And the US has been careful to protect his identity. They simply call him "a well-placed source."

    The State Department dispatches that have now been released show just how critically the US views Germany. They see Chancellor Merkel as "risk averse" and Foreign Minister Westerwelle as a "wild card." The US Embassy in Berlin has informants at all levels of German government.

    The secret informant who handed over internal documents from German coalition negotiations to the Americans in October 2009 doesn't want his cover blown. And the US has been careful to protect his identity. They simply call him "a well-placed source.".....

    continued @

    http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,731645,00.html


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:05am

    Germany protests US military docking milllions from Afghan army fund
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 03/02/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 USNATO 000052

    Summary

    The German ambassador to Nato hands a letter to his US counterpart challenging Pentagon on allied donations to an Afghan army trust fund, warning that Berlin will stop paying if US continues to take a 15% handling fee. Key passages highlighted in yellow.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247045


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 5:22pm

    BERLUSCONI & PUTIN, BEST BUDS

    #
    US embassy cables: Berlusconi accused of 'profiting personally and handsomely' from energy deals, according to US ambassador
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 26/01/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000097

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/188773

    #
    US embassy cables: Barack Obama privately told of Berlusconi's secret business deals
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 09/06/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000649

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/210920

    #
    US embassy cables: Berlusconi has close financial relationship with Putin, say US
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 19/11/2008
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ROME 001406

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/179002

    #
    US embassy cables: Putin spends long spells at Berlusconi's family mansion
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 20/05/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MOSCOW 001273

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/207836

    #
    US embassy cables: Frustration over 'direct line' between Berlusconi and Putin
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 05/02/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MOSCOW 000266

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247415
    #
    US embassy cables: Italian MP named as Berlusconi's bagman by US
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 27/10/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ROME 001187

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/231600


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:07am

    Mamma mia! It looks like the Axis of Caviar knows how to party.

    This paragraph caught my eye:

    Berlusconi has made good on his pledge to President Bush last June to remove geographic caveats and send 34 Carabinieri to train Afghan police, and he has promised to address allegations of Italian protection payments to insurgent leaders.

    I guess when Italians do it, we call it Organized Crime. When the same tactic is used in Iraq, we call it a Surge.

    Thanks for grouping the links this way, artappraiser. Selection as a form of statement.


    by moat on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 1:34pm

    Yeah, it's interesting the cable writer didn't mind calling them "protection payments."

    as to the dynamic duo international men of mystery, I waz reminded of these Putin cheesecake photos for some reason. And then Bush sayin' Putin kept his mama's crucifix close, now that's something an Italian boy would appreciate.


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 1:48pm

    whoa there, goodfella.....

    I guess there is such a thing as too much information.


    by moat on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 2:02pm

    GEORGIA WAR

    #
    US embassy cables: Top UK diplomat says Georgia war marks 'tectonic shift' in international relations
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 28/08/2008
    C O N F I D E N T I A L LONDON 002211

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/167788

    #
    US embassy cables: Russia 'armed' separatist rebels ahead of Georgia war
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 20/07/2007
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 TBILISI 001732

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/116089

    #
    US embassy cables: Saakashivili warns US Russia is preparing to dismember Georgia
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 26/06/2007
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 PARIS 002725

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/113393


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:12am

    Embracing Georgia, U.S. Misread Signs of Rifts

    By C. J. CHIVERS, New York Times, Dec. 1-2, 2010

    ....The Tbilisi cables, part of more than a quarter-million cables made available to news organizations by WikiLeaks, display some of the perils of a close relationship.

    The cables show that for several years, as Georgia entered an escalating contest with the Kremlin for the future of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two breakaway enclaves out of Georgian control that received Russian support, Washington relied heavily on the Saakashvili government’s accounts of its own behavior. In neighboring countries, American diplomats often maintained their professional distance, and privately detailed their misgivings of their host governments. In Georgia, diplomats appeared to set aside skepticism and embrace Georgian versions of important and disputed events.

    By 2008, as the region slipped toward war, sources outside the Georgian government were played down or not included in important cables. Official Georgian versions of events were passed to Washington largely unchallenged.

    The last cables before the eruption of the brief Russian-Georgian war showed an embassy relaying statements that would with time be proved wrong....

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/world/europe/02wikileaks-georgia.html


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 5:59pm

    THE SAUDIS & PAKISTAN & SHIA

    #
    US embassy cables: Saudis fear 'Shia triangle' of Iran, Iraq and Pakistan
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 09/04/2009
    S E C R E T STATE 034688

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/201549

    #
    State Department cables: Saudis distrust Pakistan's Shia president Zardari
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 26/10/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 001415

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/231326

    #
    US embassy cables: Saudi rulers' contempt for Pakistan president Zardari
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 12/02/2010
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 RIYADH 000182

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/248602

    #
    US embassy cables: Saudis see Nawaz Sharif as 'force for stability' in Pakistan
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 02/01/2008
    S E C R E T RIYADH 000007
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/136126

    #
    US embassy cables: Saudis slow their oil aid to Pakistan
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 30/07/2008
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 001175

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/164170

    #
    US embassy cables: Pakistani relations with Saudis 'strained'
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 16/10/2008
    C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001541

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/173954

    #
    US embassy cables: Saudi influence in Pakistan

    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 20/11/2007
    S E C R E T RIYADH 002320

    ...4. (S) Al-Jubeir added that he sees neither Sharif nor former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto as a viable replacement for Musharraf. "With all his flaws," he said of Musharraf, "he is the only person that you or we have to work with now." He claimed that Sharif would be unable to control the Pushtun-dominated Islamic insurgency in the tribal region near Afghanistan, while Bhutto would prove to be too divisive a figure to rule the country, which he characterized as "very tribal, much like our own country."

    5. (S) Al-Jubeir added that for the SAG, stability in Pakistan is an essential strategic matter. Since Pakistan possesses both nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles, from the Saudi point of view, the policy choice to be made there boils down to a drastic choice: "We can either support Musharraf and stability, or we can allow bin Laden to get the bomb, "he told the Charge'.....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/130876

    #
    US embassy cables: Turkey seen as answer to Saudis' influence in Pakistan
    1 Dec 2010: Cable sent 24/05/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 ISLAMABAD 001118

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/208470


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:17am

    IAEA ON IRAN

    Iran hid full reactor plans from nuclear inspectors

    Wednesday, 02 December 2009, 17:17

    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 UNVIE VIENNA 000540

    Summary

    UN nuclear inspectors told US officials in Vienna they were not satisfied with their late 2009 inspection of Iran's Fordow reactor, which is under construction in a mountainside near Qom. During the inspection the Iranian officials were "steered by unseen observers who send notes to the Iranian interlocutors during meetings". Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/237693

    IAEA/IRAN: CONSULTING BOARD MEMBERS ON QOM
    Friday, 02 October 2009, 15:20
    C O N F I D E N T I A L UNVIE VIENNA 000457

    Summary

    1. (C) Following outreach to JUSCANZ (ref a) and EU Ambassadors earlier in the week, P-3 Ambassadors/Charges continued consultations on the disclosure of the Qom enrichment facility September 30-Ocotober 1 with the majority of Board members, the Egyptian NAM Chair and Malaysian Board Chair Arshad. The first questions on everyone's mind concerned the timing of an IAEA inspection of Qom, whether this would warrant a Special Board meeting prior to the regularly scheduled November 26 Board session, and if so what outcome (i.e., a resolution) we would expect from the Board. Board members, including the Board Chair and NAM Chair, fully supported IAEA inspections as soon as possible....

    [.....]

    Expectations were low as to a breakthrough in Geneva but regardless of the "grey smoke" arising from the talks, all agreed an IAEA inspection must proceed. Mission will follow up with Board members post-Geneva and informed by DG ElBaradei's Tehran visit.2. (C) Meanwhile, Egypt and other NAM members expected Iran would use the opportunity of a previously scheduled October 2 NAM Plenary to plead its case as to reporting the facility to the IAEA. According to an Egyptian readout, Iran addressed the issue under Any Other Business in response to questions from other NAM members. Holding up a copy of Iran's letter to the IAEA, Iranian Ambassador Soltanieh bitterly complained that after he informed ElBaradei and DDG Heinonen, the letter was referenced in the press two days later; he argued that something must be done about this breach of confidentiality. The press leak makes it more difficult domestically, he added, to settle on a date for an IAEA inspection but Iran hoped to "clarify the issue" before the November Board meeting. Soltanieh reportedly also made familiar arguments as....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/228121

    UN nuclear chief promises to take a low-profile role on Iran
    2 Dec 2010: Cable sent 10/07/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L UNVIE VIENNA 000331

    Summary

    1. (C) IAEA Director General-designate Yukiya Amano expressed gratitude for U.S. support during a July 9 congratulatory lunch and engaged Charge in a wide-ranging discussion of senior personnel, budget and compliance issues. Amano attributed his election to support from the U.S., Australia and France, and cited U.S. intervention with Argentina as particularly decisive...

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/216128

    New nuclear chief a 'once-a-decade' chance to shake up UN bureacracy
    Cable sent 07/07/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L UNVIE VIENNA 000322

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/215499

    New UN chief is 'director general of all states, but in agreement with us'
    Cable sent 16/10/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L UNVIE VIENNA 000478

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/230076

     

    CHINA ON IRAN

    China and US compare notes on how to handle Iran
    Wednesday, 26 March 2008, 09:48
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001141

    [....]

    5. (C) Cheng said China and the United States share the same goal for Iran: no further proliferation of nuclear weapons. China makes this point very clearly to the international community and to Iran in the context of its private bilateral contacts. PRC Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Iranian leaders during his November visit to Iran that China is opposed to proliferation in the Middle East. China supports the UNSCRs on Iran and the P5-plus-1 process, emphasized Cheng. After the release of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) and IAEA reports on Iran last year, there is a need for more diplomatic efforts, Cheng said. China supports a dual approach which includes applying pressure via UNSCRs and focusing on the diplomatic front.

    6. (C) One of the dilemmas of the Iran nuclear issue is that despite three UNSCRs, Iran's capability to enrich uranium.....continues to expand, Cheng underscored. China and other countries need to be "creative" in devising a proposal "attractive" to Iran. The international community must find a way to ensure its concerns about Iran's nuclear development are addressed and promote the peaceful development of nuclear energy, maintained Cheng. Cheng reasoned that if incentives do not work, then it will make applying pressure easier in the future because it shows that diplomacy was not effective. The P5-plus-1 meeting in Shanghai in April will allow the ministers to discuss strategy on next steps. Cheng noted that a recent proposal from the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) includes some interesting ideas and that his office is in the process of studying its proposal. Cheng said that Germany has put forward a proposal to "refresh" previous offers. China believes that the P5-plus-1 will need to offer new incentives to Iran.

    7. (C) Iran might be more willing to offer a reciprocal positive gesture on the nuclear issue if it does not feel threatened by regime change, Cheng said. Regarding Iran's claim that it did not have a nuclear program prior to 2003, China is not in a position to comment without presentation of evidence and materials, Cheng said. China continues to urge Iran to cooperate with the IAEA and encourages the IAEA to play a greater role. Cheng also discussed possible incentives for Iran after international confidence is restored, including reinstatement as a non-nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) member, education cooperation, normalization of economic relations, etc.
     
    [....]
    8. (C) Regarding China-Iran energy cooperation, Cheng believes that there is a "misunderstanding" on the part of the United States. China has made clear its need for energy resources and has previously stated that its cooperation with Iran on energy has nothing to do with the Iran nuclear issue. China hopes that the U.S. Congress understands this point, said Cheng. Specifically, the threat of sanctions against Sinopec is a very serious issue, Cheng emphasized. Sinopec is very important to China and Cheng "can't imagine" the consequences if the company is sanctioned. Januzzi noted Cheng's concerns and said that he would pass this message to Washington.

    [....]

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/147273


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 5:17pm

    GITMO & RENDITIONS

    Cables Depict Coaxing by U.S. in Bid to Clear Guantánamo's Prison

    By Charlie Savage and Adrew W. Lehren, New York Times, November 30, 2010

    State Department cables show the painstaking efforts by the United States to reduce the population of the Guantánamo prison so it can eventually close.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/world/americas/30gitmo.html

    Wikileaks: US pressured Spain over CIA rendition and Guantánamo torture

    By Giles Tremlett in Madrid, guardian.co.uk, 30 November 2010

    Leaked cables show Spanish officials and prosecutors shared information about investigations into US human rights abuses

    US officials tried to influence Spanish prosecutors and government officials to head off court investigations into Guantánamo Bay torture allegations, secret CIA "extraordinary rendition" flights and the killing of a Spanish journalist by US troops in Iraq, according to secret US diplomatic cables.

    Among their biggest worries were investigations pursued by the magistrate Baltasar Garzón, who US officials described as having "an anti-American streak".....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/wikileaks-us-spain-guantanam...


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:57am

    Or mebbe Garzon had a bias against torture and rendition.  Poor Baltazar.


    by we are stardust on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 1:42pm

    SARKOZY

    The Saudis are not fond of his style:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/wikileaks-nicolas-sarkozy-ca...

    Africa is not fond of his style:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/165955


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 12:00pm

    RUSSIA

    Moscow mayor oversees corrupt system, says US
    Cable sent 12/02/2010
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 MOSCOW 000317

    ....5. (C) The Moscow city government's direct links to criminality have led some to call it "dysfunctional," and to assert that the government operates more as a kleptocracy than a government. Criminal elements enjoy a "krysha" (a term from the criminal/mafia world literally meaning "roof" or protection) that runs through the police, the Federal Security Service (FSB), Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), and the prosecutor's office, as well as throughout the Moscow city government bureaucracy. Analysts identify a three-tiered structure in Moscow's criminal world. Luzhkov is at the top. The FSB, MVD, and militia are at the second level. Finally, ordinary criminals and corrupt inspectors are at the lowest level. This is an inefficient system in which criminal groups fill a void in some areas because the city is not providing some services....

    9. XXXXXXXXXXXX told us everyone knows that Russia's laws do not work. The Moscow system is based on officials making money. The government bureaucrats, FSB, MVD, police, and prosecutor's offices all accept bribes. XXXXXXXXXXXX stated that everything depends on the Kremlin and he thought that Luzhkov, as well as many mayors and governors, pay off key insiders in the Kremlin. XXXXXXXXXXXX argued that the vertical works because people are paying bribes all the way to the top. He told us that people often witness officials going into the Kremlin with large suitcases and bodyguards, and he speculated that the suitcases are full of money. The governors collect money based on bribes, almost resembling a tax system, throughout their regions. XXXXXXXXXXXX described how there are parallel structures in the regions in which people are able to pay their leaders. For instance, the FSB, MVD, and militia all have distinct money collection systems. Further, XXXXXXXXXXXX told us that deputies generally have to buy their seats in the government. They need money to get to the top, but once they are there, their positions become quite lucrative money making opportunities. Bureaucrats in Moscow are notorious for doing all kinds of illegal business to get extra money.

    10. (S) According to XXXXXXXXXXXX, Luzhkov is following orders from the Kremlin to not go after Moscow's criminal groups....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/248674

    Foreign office calls Russia 'corrupt autocracy'
    Cable sent 20/10/2008
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LONDON 002643

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/174440

    Russia is virtual 'mafia state', says Spanish investigator
    Monday, 08 February 2010, 11:00
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 MADRID 000154

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247712

    Truth about Putin and Medvedev – over a bottle of vodka
    thursday, 19 March 2009, 12:19
    S E C R E T BAKU 000226

    SUBJECT: DEFENSE MINISTER ON GABALA, ARMAVIR, RUSSIA
    Classified By: Ambassador Anne Derse, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

    ....Abiyev told the Ambassador about his late-January trip to Moscow to discuss Azerbaijan's allegations that Russia had made extensive weapons transfers to Armenia throughout 2008. In formal meetings, Abiyev said, his Russian counterpart stuck to the talking points and denied any involvement. However, "after the second bottle of vodka," that evening, he said, the Russians opened up and admitted to having transferred weapons to Armenia.In an interesting side note, Abiyev quoted Serdyukov as saying: "Do you follow the orders of your President?...Well, I follow the orders of two Presidents."

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/197735

    Medvedev and Putin, the two heads of Russia
    Cable sent 05/02/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MOSCOW 000272

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247490

    WikiLeaks cables: Russian move to airbrush Stalin 'too half-hearted'
    Diplomats thought Kremlin's efforts to rewrite history would fail, according to US embassy cables
    By David Hearst, guardian.co.uk, Thursday 2 December 2010

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/02/wikileaks-cables-russian-air...

    The Litvinenko affair: conspiracies abound
    Friday, 01 December 2006, 14:44

    Summary

    The US ambassador runs through the various theories surrounding the death of Alexander Litvinenko and decides that, lack of evidence notwithstanding, the fact that Kremlin involvement is presumed in one form or another speaks volumes about the way the Russian leadership is perceived. Key sections highlighted in yellow

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/87803

    Litvinenko - did Putin know?
    Tuesday, 12 December 2006, 13:05
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 PARIS 007755

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/89128

    UK on constant alert to Russian espionage
    By Luke Harding, guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 1 December 2010

    Leaked dispatches reveal British-Russian relations stalled since death of spy-turned-dissident Alexander Litvinenko

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-uk-alert-ru...

     


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 12:40pm

    Below Surface, U.S. Has Dim View of Putin and Russia

    By C. J. CHIVERS, New York Times, Dec. 1-2, 2010

    The United States harbors a low view of the Russian leaders and little hope that Russia will become more democratic or reliable.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/world/europe/02wikileaks-russia.html

    (This is a very good overview of all the cables on Russia; Chivers is nearly always excellent on his specialty, Russia and the former SSRS.)


    by artappraiser on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 6:26pm

    CHINA

    Economic factors were expected to 'test' US-China relationship in 2010
    Cable sent 28/01/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 07 BEIJING 000231

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/245929

    Chinese bemoan 'terrible' trade conflicts
    Cable sent 16/11/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 003122

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/234830

    Hillary Clinton ponders US relationship with its Chinese 'banker'
    (with RUDD/AUSTRALIA)
    Cable sent 28/03/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 030049

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/199393

    British diplomat describes UK-China economy summit as 'a bloody disaster'
    Cable sent 12/06/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 BEIJING 001582

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/211724

    China's next leader reveals taste for Hollywood movies
    Cable sent 19 March 2007, 10:39
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 07 BEIJING 001840

    Guardian summary: The cable relates a dinner conversation between America's ambassador to China and Xi Jinping, expected to be the next president when Hu Jintao stands down at the end of his term. After discussion of economic development in various provinces, the conversation turns to the movies. The relevant passage, in paragraph 22, is highlighted in yellow.

    [....]

    22. (C) The Ambassador also asked Secretary Xi about his recent movie viewing, recalling that Xi had told him in their meeting one year ago that he had recently seen and tremendously enjoyed "Saving Private Ryan." Had Secretary Xi seen other recent American movies that he had enjoyed? Xi replied that he already owns the "Flags of Our Fathers" DVD, but hopes to view it during the Lunar New Year holidays had gone unfulfilled. He had seen and enjoyed "The Departed." Xi said he particularly likes Hollywood movies about World War II and hopes Hollywood will continue to make them. Hollywood makes those movies well, and such Hollywood movies are grand and truthful. Americans have a clear outlook on values and clearly demarcate between good and evil. In American movies, good usually prevails. In contrast, "Curse of the Golden Flower," a recently popular Chinese movie directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li (she of "Miami Vice" movie stardom) had been confusing to Xi. Some Chinese moviemakers neglect values they should promote.

    23. (C) America is a powerful nation in terms of culture because Americans say what they should say, Xi elaborated. Too many Chinese moviemakers cater to foreigners' interests or preconceptions, sometimes vulgarly so. He criticized Zhang Yimou by name as well as the kungfu action movie genre. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Wu Ji" and imperial palace intrigues -- all are the same, talking about bad things in imperial palaces. Most are not nominated for Oscars or other awards, so to some extent it can be said that such movies are not worth very much. The Ambassador noted that a Chinese film about HIV/AIDS orphans had just garnered the Oscar for best short documentary. Xi expressed awareness of the movie, noting that the director is a female overseas Chinese (but Xi never said whether he had seen that documentary). Xi recalled that a low cost, very good Chinese movie by the director Jia Zhangke had recently won a Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. Returning to "Flags of Our Fathers," Xi said he had come to understand that the flag raising on Iwo Jima did not mark the end of the battle. The Japanese were still in holes and caves and the battle continued. He expressed particular admiration for WWII movies set in the Pacific theater of operations and expressed a strong desire to visit Guadalcanal.

    [....]

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/100934

    Rising star of Chinese communist party reveals personal crusade against corruption
    Cable sent 15 March 2007, 10:24
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 BEIJING 001760

    Guardian summary: Over dinner at the US ambassador's residence, Li Keqiang, tipped to replace Wen Jiabao as prime minister of China, explains that corruption is what most incenses the Chinese public. He describes his own approach to eradicating it. The key passage, in paragraph six, is picked out in yellow

    [...]

    Although Liaoning residents are dissatisfied with education, health care and housing issues, it is corruption that makes them most angry, Li told the Ambassador. The most effective way to combat official graft is to create a transparent system of rules and adequate supervision that leaves corrupt officials no room to act. This is the method Liaoning employed to manage the vast sums spent on its massive slum relocation project. Once a corrupt official is discovered, he is promptly punished, which provides a good lesson to bureaucrats taking up new posts. The province has also increased efforts to "strictly educate" public officials, Li said. Part of this education involves prison tours that force bureaucrats to visit incarcerated officials convicted of graft in order to witness first hand the consequences of malfeasance.

    [....]

    Rule of Law

    -----------

    8. (C) China has made great progress in improving its legal system and implementing the rule of law, said Li, who has a degree in law. On the other hand, given that the rule of law has a short history in China, the country still has a long way to go in "perfecting" its legal system. The concept of ruling the country according to law is increasingly becoming rooted in the minds of the people, and there is a recognition that relying on the law allows the government to do its work better and more efficiently. At the same time, the government must cope with the challenges of implementing and following the laws passed by the people's congresses.

    [....]

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/100498

    WikiLeaks cables: 'Aggressive' China losing friends around the world

    Britain, India and Japan complain of Beijing's diplomatic 'muscle-flexing', while Africans talk of coercion in aid-for-resources deals

    By Ewan MacAskill, guardian.co.uk, Saturday 4 December 2010 21.30

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/04/wikileaks-embassy-cables-dip...


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:19pm

    POLAND, BALTICS WANT STRONG U.S. PROTECTION

    Warsaw calls for stronger US presence in Poland
    Cable sent 22/02/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 WARSAW 000110

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250013

    Poland wanted operational Patriot missiles, not 'potted plants'
    Cable sent 13/02/2009
    S E C R E T WARSAW 000170

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/192114

    Washington tells Warsaw to be 'realistic' on Patriot missiles
    Cable sent 10/02/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 WARSAW 000094

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/248162

    Pentagon tells Warsaw missile shield adaptable to 'hypothetical' threats
    Cable sent 12/11/2009
    S E C R E T WARSAW 001139

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/234255

    Baltic blueprint just the beginning of Nato rethink
    Cable sent 26/01/2010
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 007810

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/245631

    Poland sceptical over Baltic defence plan
    Cable sent 18/12/2009
    S E C R E T WARSAW 001228

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/240630

    US plans to defend eastern Europe against Russia
    Cable sent 22/01/2010

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/244966

    US embassy cables: Latvia welcomes expansion of Baltic defence plan
    Cable sent 15/12/2009
    S E C R E T RIGA 000594

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/239993

    Estonians welcome Nato plan for eastern Europe
    Cable sent 16/12/2009
    S E C R E T TALLINN 000373

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/240146

    Germany behind Nato proposal for Baltic states, says US
    Cable sent 16/12/2009
    S E C R E T USNATO 000588

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/240187


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:25pm

    TERRORIST FUNDING

    Taliban/Haqqani fundraisers sneaking into Saudi Arabia
    Cable sent 11/01/2010
    S E C R E T RIYADH 000061

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/243038

    Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network using United Arab Emirates as funding base
    Cable sent 07/01/2010

    S E C R E T ABU DHABI 000009

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/242756

    Hillary Clinton says Saudi Arabia 'a critical source of terrorist funding'
    Cable sent 30/12/2009
    S E C R E T STATE 131801

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/242073

    Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists raise funds in Saudi Arabia
    Cable sent 10/08/2009
    S E C R E T STATE 083026

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/220186

    Terrorists use hajj as cover to collect donations
    Cable sent 29/05/2009
    C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000716

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/209234

    United Arab Emirates and terrorist funding – the Pashtun connection
    Cable sent 02/09/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 ABU DHABI 000874

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/223330

    UAE urged to do more about terror cash couriers
    Cable sent 05/11/2007
    C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 001838

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/128665


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:34pm

    AL QAEDA

    US requests Sahel surveillance flights
    Cable sent 30/12/2009
    S E C R E T ALGIERS 001162

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/242130

    Algerians take lead in regional fight against al-Qaida
    Cable sent 25/10/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ALGIERS 000948

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/231198

    Al-Qaida in the Maghreb's deadly blows
    Cable sent 20/12/2007
    S E C R E T ALGIERS 001809

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/135155

    Terrorists damage Bouteflika's credibility
    Cable sent 22/02/2008
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ALGIERS 000198

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/142554


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:40pm

    SYRIA

    Syrian spy chief's surprise appearance at US talks
    Cable sent Wednesday, 24 February 2010, 14:08
    S E C R E T DAMASCUS 000159

    Guardian summary: General Ali Mamlouk of Syria's feared general intelligence directorate arrived unannounced at a meeting between the top US counter-terrorism official Daniel Benjamin and deputy foreign minister Faisal Miqdad. The Syrians emphasised Syrian-Iraqi border security as an area for cooperation but urged an easing of sanctions against them. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    ....MAMLOUK DESCRIBES GID'S METHODS

    6. (S/NF) The GID Director said Syria had been more successful than the U.S. and other countries in the region in fighting terrorist groups because "we are practical and not theoretical." He stated Syria's success is due to its penetration of terrorist groups. "In principle, we don't attack or kill them immediately. Instead, we embed ourselves in them and only at the opportune moment do we move." Describing the process of planting embeds in terrorist organizations as "complex," Mamlouk said the result had yielded been the detention of scores of terrorists, stamping out terror cells, and stopping hundreds of terrorists from entering Iraq. Mamlouk acknowledged some terrorists were still slipping into Iraq from Syria. "By all means we will continue to do all this, but if we start cooperation with you it will lead to better results and we can better protect our interests," he concluded.

    7. (S/NF) According to Mamlouk, Syria's previous experience in cooperating with the U.S. on intelligence "was not a happy one." He stated Syria hoped any future cooperation would be "on an equal basis." Mamlouk specified this meant Syria should be allowed to "take the lead" on anti-terrorism efforts. Alluding to the "wealth of information" Syria has obtained while penetrating terrorist groups, Mamlouk declared "we have a lot of experience and know these groups. This is our area, and we know it. We are on the ground, and so we should take the lead."

    POSSIBLE COOPERATION ON IRAQ

    8. (S/NF) Mamlouk identified Iraqi border security as an area where Syria and the U.S. could cooperate....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250462

    Strains show in Iran-Syria ties
    Cable sent 22/12/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 DAMASCUS 000880

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/241053

    Retaliation planned after Iran jammed BBC broadcasts
    5 Dec 2010: Cable sent 04/02/2010
    S E C R E T LONDON 000257

    Guardian summary: Walid Jumblatt, the veteran Druze politician, tells US diplomats of concerns about the role of the UN security council, border questions and advises on how to "intimidate Syria." Hizbullah's fiber optic telecoms network is also alarming the Beirut government. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    ....When asked how the USG could best support Lebanon at this juncture, Jumblatt said he was pleased to see the USG's recent public statements on Syria's efforts to build nuclear weapons. Jumblatt half-jokingly said that the U.S. should now send the USS Nimitz to intimidate Syria.....

    Jumblatt said the Special Tribunal was "not enough" to intimidate Syria. Rizk chimed in to acknowledge that work on the Special Tribunal was "frightening to Syria until recently." Both agreed that Syrian President Bashar Assad won't care about the Tribunal in a year's time. Rizk repeated his concerns that UNIIIC Commissioner Daniel Bellemare had stated to some that he "has no case." Rizk said the U.S. can help by directing Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad to ask the UN SYG to impress upon Bellemare the importance of his role as prosecutor for the Tribunal.

    ...Rizk pointed out that Bellemare should not be disassociating UNIIIC from the detention of the four generals suspected of involvement in Rafiq Hariri's assassination because the blame then falls squarely on XXXXXXXXXXXX...

    ...Meanwhile, in a separate conversation on Hizballah's progress in establishing a fiber optic network, Siniora's senior advisor Mohammed Chatah told Charge that the network was yet another example of Hizballah's many infringements against the state. The network could thus not be separated from Hizballah's military activities....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247209


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:51pm

    ANTI-PALESTINIANISM IN JORDAN

    Anti-Palestinian chants mar Jordanian soccer match

    Tuesday, 28 July 2009, 14:27
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 001689

    Guardian summary: Hooliganism at a July 2009 game between Palestinian Al-Wahdat fans and Jordanian Al-Faysali fans saw Faisali fans chanting slogans against Palestinian-origin Queen Rania. Slogans at the fixture are a popular barometer of tensions between East Bankers and Palestinians. Some Faisali fans threw bottles at Wahdat players and their fans. The match was cancelled. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    ....The connection between this rift and the Hashemite monarchy, including the newly-appointed Crown Prince, makes the incident even more unsettling....The King's silence on the game and its political implications is deafening.....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/218464


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:47pm

    HEZBOLLAH & HAMAS

    Syria denies supplying ballistic missiles to Hizbullah
    Cable sent 25/02/2010
    S E C R E T DAMASCUS 000168

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250758

    Assad pressed over Lebanese rockets
    6 Dec 2010: Cable sent 26/02/2010
    S E C R E T STATE 017894 '

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250891

    Israel urges US to halt Scud missiles for Hezbollah
    Cable sent 22/02/2010
    S E C R E T TEL AVIV 000414

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/249979

    US urges action on Iran-Syria weapons
    Cable sent 17/03/2009
    S E C R E T STATE 024945

    Guardian summary: State Department warns Jordan and Egypt to block Tehran military equipment for Hamas in Gaza. Planned flights should be ordered to land for inspection or denied overflight rights. Diplomats to emphasise UN resolution 1747 states Iran shall not supply, sell or transfer directly or indirectly any arms. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/197157

    Clinton asks Sudan to block Iranian arms supplies to Hamas
    Cable sent 22/01/2009
    S E C R E T STATE 005567
     
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/188172

    Sudan accuses US of desert bombing raid
    Cable sent 24/02/2009
    S E C R E T KHARTOUM 000249

    Guardian summary: Khartoum protests that American planes hit alleged Hamas arms convoys in two mysterious incidents with 88 dead. US charge d'affaires summoned to hear condemnation and demand clarification. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    Read related article:
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/06/wikileaks-sudan-iranian-arms...

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/193515

    Egypt 'succeeding' in blocking Iran
    Cable sent 30/04/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 CAIRO 000746

    Guardian summary: US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen told by Egyptian
    intelligence chief Omar Soliman that his overarching goal was combating radicalism in Gaza, Iran, and Sudan. Soliman warns that Iran 'must pay a price' for its actions. Key passage highlighted in yellow.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/204990

    Lebanon uncovered 'Iranian-funded' Hizbullah communications network
    Cable sent 16 April 2008, 16:42
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 BEIRUT 000523

    ..."Iran Telecom is taking over the country!" were the first words out of the mouth of Minister of Telecommunications Marwan Hamadeh when he met with Charge and Econoff on April 16. He was referring to the discovery of a complete fiber optic system (FiOS) installed by Hizballah throughout Lebanon - reftel....

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/150105

    Saudi prince urges need for 'security response' to Hezbollah threat in Lebanon
    Cable sent 14/05/2008
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 000768

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/153797

    Israel warns of reprisals against Lebanon in case of rocket attacks
    Cable sent 18/06/2009
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 TEL AVIV 001324

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/212752

    Hezbollah man's murder fuels fear and loathing in Damascus
    Cable sent 28/02/2008
    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 DAMASCUS 000146

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/143458

    Israel fears Hezbollah retaliation after assassination of militant leader
    Cable sent 29/01/2010
    C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 000096

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/246280


    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 5:08pm

    UKRAINE LECTURED ABOUT LOOSE POLICIES WITH WMD MATERIAL & OTHER WEAPONS:

    Van Diepen complains about the sale of potential ballistic missile parts to Iran
    cable sent 09 November 2009, 12:05
    S E C R E T KYIV 001942

    artappraiser's note:

    the Guardian's title misleading. It's not just about Iran, it also says things like

    .....Van Diepen then said that the United States was extremely disappointed by this unwelcome news of an MTCR Category I transfer to Saudi Arabia....

    A principal purpose of the MTCR is to prevent the transfer of MTCR Category I items to non-MTCR countries. Van Diepen further noted that he understood that Ukraine had previously notified MTCR Partners of an MTCR Category I transfer to India, to which the U.S. objected but Ukraine transferred the items anyway. He stated that the India case was the first time that an MTCR Partner had gone ahead with a transfer when objections were made by another Partner. If Ukraine were to transfer Category I items to Saudi Arabia, that would be yet another unfortunate precedent....

    and

    ...Ukraine said it is no longer exporting weapons to Burma, and claimed not to have exported T-72 tanks to South Sudan despite U.S. satellite photos to the contrary.....

    and

    ...Ukraine had assured us the arms were for the Government of Kenya. Ukraine had informed the U.S. that it had received an end-user certificate from the Kenyan government and receipts acknowledging the arrival of the earlier tank shipment in Kenya. Subsequent to our discussions, the M/V Faina, which was carrying another weapons shipment from Ukraine, was hijacked, and it became clear that cargo was also intended for South Sudan. Van Diepen asked if the GOU had investigated.....



    by artappraiser on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 5:24pm