Finally.

Finally.

It would appear that what began as an unexpected handshake between Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama back last year at Nelson Mandela's funeral may have turned into actual negotiations that resulted today in the release of an American prisoner in Cuba, and the start of talks between the two countries about the resumption of diplomatic relations.
The U.S. is starting talks with Cuba to normalize full diplomatic relations and open an embassy, according to U.S. officials. The expanded relationship would also open imports of Cuban cigars somewhat, according to a CNN report. U.S. President Obama, Cuba's Raul Castro plan to speak separately at noon ET about relations between the two countries. Obama plans to overhaul Cuba's policy while Cuba plans to free 53 political prisoners and to allow U.S. debit and credit cards, Dow Jones reported. This follows Cuba's release of American Alan Gross from a Cuban prison where he spent five years on espionage charges, NBC reported.
Bulletin:  U.S. Exempts Itself Against Torture Law

Bulletin: U.S. Exempts Itself Against Torture Law

With the release of the long awaited report on the use of torture during the Bush/Cheney reign of terror following 9-11, public statements by current elected federal officials and many serving with Bush/Cheney, the United States of America appears to have exempted itself from all domestic and international law prohibiting torture.
Opposing BFD China Climate Deal?  Treason.

Opposing BFD China Climate Deal? Treason.

For years Republicans have held China's resistance to a carbon reduction treaty as a reason to oppose President Obama's efforts to address the climate crisis here. So, he cuts an amazing deal with China and what are Republicans doing? Opposing it. This is nothing short of treason.
Middle East Bloodbath: DeJavu All Over Again

Middle East Bloodbath: DeJavu All Over Again

Overrunning towns, pillaging, plundering, setting fire, torture, burning at the stake, rape, burning children alive, enslaving, beheadings, sacking places of worship, taking body parts for trophies, destroying libraries, cannibalism, crucifixions, opening bodies for swallowed treasure. A special place in paradise for warriors. Justice for infidels. Slaughter of their own. Robbing and keeping the riches.
Wednesday Open Thread [9.3.14]

Wednesday Open Thread [9.3.14]

What concerns me more is this:
"As Ukrainian leaders warned on Monday of 'a great war' with Russia, NATO leaders meeting in Wales this week were expected to endorse their most concrete response yet to increased Russian military intervention in Ukraine: establishing a rapid-reaction force capable of deploying quickly to Eastern Europe[.] The new force of some 4,000 troops, capable of moving on 48 hours' notice, will be supported with logistics and equipment pre-positioned in Eastern European countries closer to Russia, with an upgraded schedule of military exercises and deployments that are intended to make NATO's commitment of collective defense more credible and enhance its deterrence."
Moderate Allies In The Middle East?  An Oxymoron.

Moderate Allies In The Middle East? An Oxymoron.

The fruitless search for moderate allies in the middle east is absurd. I'm an optimist, but this idea is ridiculous. Moderate nations to create both a political and military front to stop and roll back the ISIL caliphate? Syria? Iran? They were "enemies" before being considered as future allies.