he Emirates plane carrying Djokovic touched down after a 13 1/2-hour flight from Melbourne, where he had argued in court he should be allowed to stay in the country and compete in the tournament under a medical exemption due to a coronavirus infection last month.
It wasn't immediately clear where he planned to travel next. The Dubai Duty Free tennis tournament, which Djokovic won in 2020, doesn't start until Feb. 14.
Dubai, the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates, doesn't require travelers to be vaccinated, though they must show a negative PCR test to board a flight.
Read more at:
Djokovic Arrives in Dubai After Deportation From Australia | World News | US News
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
12/8/21
EU: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread
The Netherlands confirmed 13 cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus on Sunday and Australia found two as the countries half a world apart became the latest to detect it in travelers arriving from southern Africa.
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
9/18/21
France: Repercussions milltarry pact US, Britain and Australia against China: as France recalls ambassadors to US, Australia over sub deal
America’s oldest ally, France, recalled its ambassador to the United States on Friday in an unprecedented show of anger that dwarfed decades of previous rifts.
The relationship conceived in 18th century revolutions appeared at a tipping point after the U.S., Australia and Britain shunned France in creating a new Indo-Pacific security arrangement.
It was the first time ever France has recalled its ambassador to the U.S., according to the French foreign ministry. Paris also recalled its envoy to Australia.
Read more at: France recalls ambassadors to US, Australia over sub deal
The relationship conceived in 18th century revolutions appeared at a tipping point after the U.S., Australia and Britain shunned France in creating a new Indo-Pacific security arrangement.
It was the first time ever France has recalled its ambassador to the U.S., according to the French foreign ministry. Paris also recalled its envoy to Australia.
Read more at: France recalls ambassadors to US, Australia over sub deal
9/16/21
America’s New Anti-China Alliance
A Pacific Anglo Military Alliance ? There we go again. What nonsense. The US has only itself to fear, and better start cleaning up their own political and economic mess. They are also not the only Sheriff in town anymore.
Read more at: America’s New Anti-China Alliance - The Atlantic
Read more at: America’s New Anti-China Alliance - The Atlantic
4/9/21
The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
For much of the past year, life in Western Australia has been coronavirus-free. Friends gathered in pubs; people kissed and hugged their relatives; children went to school without temperature checks or wearing masks. The state maintained this enviable position only by placing heavy restrictions on travel and imposing lockdowns — some regions entered a snap lockdown at the beginning of the year after a security guard at a hotel where visitors were quarantined tested positive for the virus. But the experience in Western Australia has provided a glimpse into a life free from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. If other regions, aided by vaccines, aimed for a similar zero-COVID strategy, then could the world hope to rid itself of the virus?
It’s a beautiful dream but most scientists think it’s improbable. In January, Nature asked more than 100 immunologists, infectious-disease researchers and virologists working on the coronavirus whether it could be eradicated. Almost 90% of respondents think that the coronavirus will become endemic — meaning that it will continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come
Read more at: The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
It’s a beautiful dream but most scientists think it’s improbable. In January, Nature asked more than 100 immunologists, infectious-disease researchers and virologists working on the coronavirus whether it could be eradicated. Almost 90% of respondents think that the coronavirus will become endemic — meaning that it will continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come
Read more at: The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
3/26/21
Australia Aluminium industry: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria
-Alcoa Corporation today announced new agreements with multiple power generators for the Portland Aluminium Smelter in the Australian state of Victoria. The five-year agreements with AGL, Alinta Energy and Origin will each commence August 1, 2021, when an existing agreement with AGL expires on July 31, 2021
On behalf of the Portland Aluminium joint venture partners, I recognize everyone’s cooperation and dedication in reaching the energy agreements that help to improve the smelter’s competitiveness”
Read more at: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria | Business Wire
On behalf of the Portland Aluminium joint venture partners, I recognize everyone’s cooperation and dedication in reaching the energy agreements that help to improve the smelter’s competitiveness”
Read more at: Alcoa Announces Multi-Year Repowering for Australia’s Portland Aluminium Smelter in State of Victoria | Business Wire
10/1/19
USA - Australian relations: Donald Trump asked Australian PM to help divert Russia inquire by Mueller
It was recently reported that Trump also asked Australian PM to help divert Russia inquiry by Mueller in a phone conversation
The revelation comes as Mr Trump faces impeachment proceedings at home over a call with another foreign leader.
Read more at:
3/7/19
UN HUMAN RIGHTS: Canada, EU and Australia issue 1st rebuke of Saudi Arabia at UN rights forum
Canada, Europe, Australia issue 1st rebuke of Saudi Arabia at UN rights forum
Read more at:
12/15/18
Australia recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's capital
Australia recognizes west Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Third country to do so, but first to recognize only West side.
Read more at:
7/9/17
Down Under Looks At Trump: Aussie journalist Chris Uhlmann's brutal take on Trump goes viral
Australian journalist Chris Uhlmann’s brutal dismissal of US
President Donald Trump as having “pressed fast forward on the decline of
the United States as a global leader” has attracted tens of thousands
of hits worldwide.
In a scathing piece-to-camera, the ABC’s political editor said Mr Trump struck an “uneasy, lonely, awkward” figure at the G20 global summit, where he showed “no desire and no capacity” to lead the world.
The US President merely “craves power as it burnishes his celebrity”, Mr Uhlmann said.
In his observations from Germany, the Australian journalist said there was the “strong sense” that some world leaders were “trying to find the best way to work around” Mr Trump.
“He managed to isolate his nation, to confuse and alienate his allies and to diminish America – he will cede that power to China and Russia.
“Some will cheer the decline of America. But I think we’ll miss it when it’s gone.
“And that’s the biggest threat to the values of the West which he claims to hold so dear.”
Read more: Aussie journalist Chris Uhlmann's brutal take on Trump goes viral
In a scathing piece-to-camera, the ABC’s political editor said Mr Trump struck an “uneasy, lonely, awkward” figure at the G20 global summit, where he showed “no desire and no capacity” to lead the world.
The US President merely “craves power as it burnishes his celebrity”, Mr Uhlmann said.
In his observations from Germany, the Australian journalist said there was the “strong sense” that some world leaders were “trying to find the best way to work around” Mr Trump.
“He managed to isolate his nation, to confuse and alienate his allies and to diminish America – he will cede that power to China and Russia.
“Some will cheer the decline of America. But I think we’ll miss it when it’s gone.
“And that’s the biggest threat to the values of the West which he claims to hold so dear.”
Read more: Aussie journalist Chris Uhlmann's brutal take on Trump goes viral
6/2/17
Paris Agreement: Leaving Could Hurt American Businesses-by Jeff McDermott
Adopted
in 2015, the historic Paris Agreement brought together 195 nations to
ambitiously address the impacts and causes of climate change. Donald
Trump is now considering withdrawing from it, which would not only have
ramifications on new energy technology efforts, but on American economic
progress.
Read more: The Paris Agreement: Leaving Could Hurt American Businesses | Fortune.com
Pulling
out of the Paris Agreement means the country won’t have to reduce its
carbon emissions, which means it won’t have to invest in new wind,
solar, or energy-efficiency technologies. But those technologies are
where the job growth is. Solar jobs—which require lots of people to put
panels on roofs—grew 25% last year, while wind jobs grew 32%, according
to the U.S. Department of Energy's 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report.
Those two industries now employ nearly a half million Americans. Coal
mining is mostly done by machine, and now employs just 74,000 people, a
decline of 39% from 2009. Because coal mining is largely mechanized,
those jobs are not coming back even if we burn more coal. Wind and solar
are where the jobs are, and if we don’t have to reduce emissions, they
won’t grow as fast.
In
communications, defense, and other industries, America has created jobs
and enormous wealth by leading in technology advancement. It makes no
sense for the Trump administration to throttle new energy
technology—wind and solar, batteries for electricity storage, smart
grids, and electric vehicles, among others.
Note EU-Digest: President Trumps arguments for pulling out of the Paris Agreement were a number of nebulous financial fake figures that he pulled out of his hat. They made no sense at all and already some of the major signatory members of the Paris Agreement have decided to continue with the agreement.
Read more: The Paris Agreement: Leaving Could Hurt American Businesses | Fortune.com
4/27/17
US Aluminum Industry:President Trump Signs Order to Launch Aluminum Imports Investigation
President Donald Trump officially signed an executive order on Thursday (April 27) afternoon to initiate a Section 232(b) investigation into aluminum imports. Overseen by the Commerce Department, the investigation will determine whether foreign imports of aluminum threaten national security - and if so, Trump will have the power to act to restrict imports, including through tariffs.
The Commerce Department has 270 days to conduct the investigation. Once it gives its recommendation to Trump, he will have 90 days to respond.
There's little doubt that American aluminum makers are threatened because of China's aluminum overcapacity. Chinese state-owned enterprises produce far more aluminum than China can use for its own needs. Instead of curbing production, China dumps its excess aluminum (which, we note, is heavily subsidized) into the U.S. market priced far below market cost.
It's part of a strategy to capture market share and put American aluminum makers out of business. Over the past 15 years, China's aluminum production quintupled, from 11 percent of the world's production in 2002 to 53 percent in 2016; imports took 55 percent of the market in 2016.
Meanwhile, eight American smelters have closed or curbed production since 2015. Only two are fully operational today. There is only one remaining American smelter capable of producing the high-purity aluminum needed by the aerospace industry for F-35, F-18 and C-17 aircraft, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told reporters during a Wednesday briefing.
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said that the investigation could be a step toward recovery for the blue-collar aluminum industry workers impacted by China's unfair trade practices.
'If we're to see real change, this investigation must be followed by appropriate trade enforcement,' he said. 'For years, China has promised to cut its massive industrial overcapacity, all while increasing production… If China is unwilling to keep its promises, there should be clear and enforceable penalties to force actions.'
Trump's executive order earned bipartisan support, including from Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), who noted in a statement that 15,000 American aluminum workers have lost their jobs in the last decade. But Brown also cautioned that the investigation must lead to action.
'It's good that the Administration is using this tool, but what matters to Ohio workers and the aluminum supply chain is whether it leads to real relief and action against China's market-distorting policies,' Brown said.
Heidi Brock, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association, said in a statement that Trump's executive action 'recognizes the value of U.S. aluminum industry.' United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard, whose union represents thousands of aluminum industry workers, said any action stemming from the investigation should focus 'on those countries that are actually breaking the rules.'
He named names. 'China's overcapacity is swamping world markets, driving down prices and making some operations unprofitable,' he said.
While Section 232 investigations are rare, this is now the second time that Trump has opted to initiate one; he announced a Section 232 investigation into steel imports on April 20.
But as our Scott Paul noted last week, China's industrial overcapacity and persistent unfair practices - coupled with the need to maintain a strong industrial supply chain for our national security needs - mean such action is appropriate.
'America's steelmakers are vital to our national security, providing essentials ranging from the armor plate on our tanks and specialty metals in our high-tech aircraft, to the hulls of our battleships and everything in between,' Paul said. 'China's massively subsidized and grossly over-scaled steel industry is an existential threat to our own domestic makers.'
Note EU-Digest: Once again this Trump executive order is probably not only worth the paper it is written on but also in conflict with established rules of the World Trade organization. But also contradictory as to the actual situation of the US Aluminum Industry .
How would this order be applied to US Aluminum giant Alcoa, which has operations in Australia, Brasil, Canada, Guinea, Iceland, Norway, Saudi Arabia Spain and Suriname (Alcoa is presently in a negotiation phase with the government, as Alcoa winds down its operations there)? Nevertheless,would these subsidiary, or partner companies of Alcoa, also be seen as "foreign competition", which in a geographical sense they are.
Once again. it looks like the Trump administration only used this "Executive Order" signing ceremony today, April 27, surrounded by CEO's of the US aluminum industry, "to investigate Aluminum Imports", as a PR photo opportunity.
EU-Digest
4/2/17
Australia: This is why Australia hasn't had a recession in more than 25 years
Australia is close to seizing the global crown for the longest streak of
economic growth thanks to a mixture of policy guile and outrageous
fortune. But the nation is creaking under the weight of its own success.
While growth is being underpinned by population gains and resource exports to China, failure to spur productivity has meant stagnant living standards and electoral discontent; a property bubble fueled by record-low interest rates has driven household debt to levels that threaten financial stability; and a timid government facing political gridlock could lose the nation’s prized AAA rating as early as May because of spiraling budget deficits.
Australia’s last recession -- defined locally as two straight quarters of contraction -- occurred in 1991 and was a devastating conclusion to eight years of reform designed to create an open, flexible and competitive economy. But it also proved cathartic, paving the way for a low-inflation, productivity-driven expansion.
As momentum started waning, China’s re-emergence as a pre-eminent global economic power sent demand for Australian resources skyrocketing, helping shield the nation from the worst of the global financial crisis. But the post-crisis return of the boom proved ephemeral, failing to boost government coffers and pushing the local currency higher, eroding competitiveness and driving another nail into the coffin of a fading manufacturing sector.
“There’s no country on Earth that’s derived more benefit from the rapid growth and industrialization of China over the last 30-odd years than Australia,” said Saul Eslake, an independent economist who’s covered Australia for over three decades. “After the end of the mining-investment boom, high immigration is helping us avoid a statistical recession, but it’s also contributing to other problems” like soaring property prices and household debt.
Read more: This is why Australia hasn't had a recession in more than 25 years
While growth is being underpinned by population gains and resource exports to China, failure to spur productivity has meant stagnant living standards and electoral discontent; a property bubble fueled by record-low interest rates has driven household debt to levels that threaten financial stability; and a timid government facing political gridlock could lose the nation’s prized AAA rating as early as May because of spiraling budget deficits.
Australia’s last recession -- defined locally as two straight quarters of contraction -- occurred in 1991 and was a devastating conclusion to eight years of reform designed to create an open, flexible and competitive economy. But it also proved cathartic, paving the way for a low-inflation, productivity-driven expansion.
As momentum started waning, China’s re-emergence as a pre-eminent global economic power sent demand for Australian resources skyrocketing, helping shield the nation from the worst of the global financial crisis. But the post-crisis return of the boom proved ephemeral, failing to boost government coffers and pushing the local currency higher, eroding competitiveness and driving another nail into the coffin of a fading manufacturing sector.
“There’s no country on Earth that’s derived more benefit from the rapid growth and industrialization of China over the last 30-odd years than Australia,” said Saul Eslake, an independent economist who’s covered Australia for over three decades. “After the end of the mining-investment boom, high immigration is helping us avoid a statistical recession, but it’s also contributing to other problems” like soaring property prices and household debt.
Read more: This is why Australia hasn't had a recession in more than 25 years
8/2/15
TPP Agreement: Also in Australia controversy about TTP deal with no agreement reached - by Chancellor Agard
The latest round of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in Hawaii
ended without the 12 countries reaching a final agreement because of
disagreements over a number of small issues. Australia's trade
representative is placing the blame for the accord's failure to pass on
the United States and the so-called big four economies.
“Australia had made some excellent progress but unfortunately some difficult issues were not resolved,” Australian trade representative Andrew Robb said, according to several reports. “The sad thing is, 98 percent is concluded.”
According to Robb, the U.S., Canada, Japan and Mexico were the main roadblocks to an agreement. There were concerns about auto trade, protection for prescription drug companies and access to dairy and sugar markets, The Guardian reports
The TPP is a major trade deal that will govern concerns about 40 percent of the world’s economy. According to The Australian, the delegates will reconvene in November for more negotiating. The deal is worth about $200 billion.
Read more: TPP Deal: Australia Blames US, Big Four Economies For Not Reaching Final Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
“Australia had made some excellent progress but unfortunately some difficult issues were not resolved,” Australian trade representative Andrew Robb said, according to several reports. “The sad thing is, 98 percent is concluded.”
According to Robb, the U.S., Canada, Japan and Mexico were the main roadblocks to an agreement. There were concerns about auto trade, protection for prescription drug companies and access to dairy and sugar markets, The Guardian reports
The TPP is a major trade deal that will govern concerns about 40 percent of the world’s economy. According to The Australian, the delegates will reconvene in November for more negotiating. The deal is worth about $200 billion.
Read more: TPP Deal: Australia Blames US, Big Four Economies For Not Reaching Final Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
7/17/15
UKRAINE: Victims’ families mark MH17 crash one year anniversary
Families of the victims of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, which
crashed over eastern Ukraine a year ago, are marking the anniversary
amid calls for a UN-backed tribunal to prosecute those responsible for
the downing.
Memorial services are being held in several countries, including the Netherlands (196 dead) and Australia, home to many of the 298 victims of Flight MH17, which was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, when it was shot down.
On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott unveiled a permanent memorial to the Australian victims in the nation's capital, Canberra. The memorial, which features a plaque inscribed with the names of Australians who were killed, is set in soil that a police officer brought back from Ukraine.
"He knew that the place where MH17 came to rest was sacred and that a piece of it should come back to Australia," Abbott said. "It was a humane and decent thing for him to know and do. It was a contrast to the savagery that brought down the plane."
Abbott and his wife then laid a wreath at the base of the plaque. Dozens of family members of the victims followed, many in tears, as they laid flowers alongside the wreath in honour of their loved ones.
In the Ukrainian village where the airliner was downed, residents carrying flowers gathered in the church in the center of Hrabove at the start of a procession to the crash site in nearby fields.
Friday's ceremony will include the dedication of a small stone with a plaque. The commemoration has been organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed separatist rebels who control the area.
Memorial services are being held in several countries, including the Netherlands and Australia, home to many of the 298 victims of Flight MH17, which was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, when it was shot down.
Read more: Asia-pacific - Victims’ families mark MH17 crash anniversary - France 24
On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott unveiled a permanent memorial to the Australian victims in the nation's capital, Canberra. The memorial, which features a plaque inscribed with the names of Australians who were killed, is set in soil that a police officer brought back from Ukraine.
"He knew that the place where MH17 came to rest was sacred and that a piece of it should come back to Australia," Abbott said. "It was a humane and decent thing for him to know and do. It was a contrast to the savagery that brought down the plane."
Abbott and his wife then laid a wreath at the base of the plaque. Dozens of family members of the victims followed, many in tears, as they laid flowers alongside the wreath in honour of their loved ones.
In the Ukrainian village where the airliner was downed, residents carrying flowers gathered in the church in the center of Hrabove at the start of a procession to the crash site in nearby fields.
Friday's ceremony will include the dedication of a small stone with a plaque. The commemoration has been organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed separatist rebels who control the area.
Memorial services are being held in several countries, including the Netherlands and Australia, home to many of the 298 victims of Flight MH17, which was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, when it was shot down.
Read more: Asia-pacific - Victims’ families mark MH17 crash anniversary - France 24
3/30/15
AIIB: Beijing calling: Australia, Denmark
Australia and Denmark, despite previous American objections to the
move, say they will join a new Beijing-backed investment bank that some
in Washington say could supplant the US-dominated International Monetary
Fund.
In a testament to China’s growing economic clout on the global stage, western countries are lining up to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, or AIIB.
Read more: Beijing calling: Australia
In a testament to China’s growing economic clout on the global stage, western countries are lining up to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, or AIIB.
Read more: Beijing calling: Australia
2/25/15
Terrorism: Australia warns women IS no 'romantic adventure'
A worrying number of
Australian women are heading to Iraq and Syria to become so-called
Islamic State group "jihadi brides", Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said
Thursday, warning against notions of a "romantic adventure".
At least 110 Australians have left to fight alongside militants in the Middle East and security officials said between 30 and 40 women were among them or were actively supporting the group in Australia.
"Sadly we are seeing a younger cohort seeking to join the conflict in Syria and Iraq and an increasing number of young females," Bishop said, responding to the high-profile case this week of three British teenage girls heading to Syria.
"This defies logic. Family and friends need to reach out to young people at risk before it's too late."
She cited the case of 22-year-old Amira Karroum who left her Sydney home just before Christmas and died in fighting in Syria. "Her death was not martyrdom, it was a tragic senseless loss," said Bishop.
Read more: Flash - Australia warns women IS no 'romantic adventure' - France 24
At least 110 Australians have left to fight alongside militants in the Middle East and security officials said between 30 and 40 women were among them or were actively supporting the group in Australia.
"Sadly we are seeing a younger cohort seeking to join the conflict in Syria and Iraq and an increasing number of young females," Bishop said, responding to the high-profile case this week of three British teenage girls heading to Syria.
"This defies logic. Family and friends need to reach out to young people at risk before it's too late."
She cited the case of 22-year-old Amira Karroum who left her Sydney home just before Christmas and died in fighting in Syria. "Her death was not martyrdom, it was a tragic senseless loss," said Bishop.
Read more: Flash - Australia warns women IS no 'romantic adventure' - France 24
7/2/14
Climate change: Australia and US are moving in opposite directions - by Greg Jericho
The difference between the position of the Australian and the United
States governments on climate change looks stark. Last week members of
the Australian government celebrated the passing of a bill dismantling
the carbon price, while last Wednesday US president Barack Obama delivered a speech arguing strongly for the need to act on climate change.
Obama’s speech came off the back of the announcement earlier in the month that the US Environmental Protection Authority was proposing new rules to force the power sector to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30% on 2005 levels by 2030.
Last week as well, a new report on the economic impacts of climate change was issued by a bipartisan organisation headed by the “Risky Business project”, which is co-chaired by former republican mayor of New York city Michael R. Bloomberg; Henry Paulson, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and the secretary of the treasury under George W Bush; and Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge-fund manager with a long history of environmental philanthropy.
Read more: Climate change: Australia and US are moving in opposite directions | Business | The Guardian
Obama’s speech came off the back of the announcement earlier in the month that the US Environmental Protection Authority was proposing new rules to force the power sector to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30% on 2005 levels by 2030.
Last week as well, a new report on the economic impacts of climate change was issued by a bipartisan organisation headed by the “Risky Business project”, which is co-chaired by former republican mayor of New York city Michael R. Bloomberg; Henry Paulson, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and the secretary of the treasury under George W Bush; and Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge-fund manager with a long history of environmental philanthropy.
Read more: Climate change: Australia and US are moving in opposite directions | Business | The Guardian
6/5/14
Two Australians were killed by US drones. Of course that's our business - by Scott Ludlam
The setup is familiar by now, if only because the image has
long-since bled into pop culture ubiquity. A four-wheel-drive races
across the desert floor somewhere in the badlands of eastern Yemen, a
long wake of dust trailing behind in the baking air.
Unbeknownst to the five occupants of the vehicle, this scene exists also in cyberspace. The car’s precise location, its speed and bearing, a detailed dossier on one of the passengers and considered speculation on the others.
A pixelated image of the tiny glittering speck is routed through a small constellation of satellites, through a ground station in central Australia, parsed through an operations centre in the United States, and bounced back again to the reaper drone wheeling two miles above. The feedback loop is seamless, conducted at the speed of light.
Time’s up. An anti-tank missile howls out of the sky. The vehicle detonates.
It will later be alleged that one of the dead is a member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a group who shares its political lineage with the network that flew passenger aircraft into the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre in September 2001. Two things about terrorism were burned into the western collective consciousness on that bleak morning: terrorists kill indiscriminately, and they have casual regard for international law. The fiery catastrophe in downtown Manhattan casts long shadows even today.
Read more: Two Australians were killed by US drones. Of course that's our business | Scott Ludlam | Comment is free | theguardian.com
Unbeknownst to the five occupants of the vehicle, this scene exists also in cyberspace. The car’s precise location, its speed and bearing, a detailed dossier on one of the passengers and considered speculation on the others.
A pixelated image of the tiny glittering speck is routed through a small constellation of satellites, through a ground station in central Australia, parsed through an operations centre in the United States, and bounced back again to the reaper drone wheeling two miles above. The feedback loop is seamless, conducted at the speed of light.
Time’s up. An anti-tank missile howls out of the sky. The vehicle detonates.
It will later be alleged that one of the dead is a member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a group who shares its political lineage with the network that flew passenger aircraft into the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre in September 2001. Two things about terrorism were burned into the western collective consciousness on that bleak morning: terrorists kill indiscriminately, and they have casual regard for international law. The fiery catastrophe in downtown Manhattan casts long shadows even today.
Read more: Two Australians were killed by US drones. Of course that's our business | Scott Ludlam | Comment is free | theguardian.com
4/8/14
World Cup Soccer: Spain, Netherlands, Chile headline Group B at WCup - by Paul Logotheti
Spain's bid to repeat as champion has the unenviable task of beginning
in a World Cup group with the Netherlands, Chile and Australia.
Read more: Spain, Netherlands, Chile headline Group B at WCup - Yahoo News
Three of the four should contend
for a spot in the knockout phase, with plucky Australia looking
overmatched but able to spoil the hopes of the others.
Spain
and the Netherlands play on June 13 at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador,
while Chile could take an early lead in Group B with its opener against
Australia at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.
Read more: Spain, Netherlands, Chile headline Group B at WCup - Yahoo News
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