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Steely Dan - Peg
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Judge: I can’t stop Guantanamo force-feeding, but Obama can
WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON A federal judge voiced sympathy Monday for Guantanamo Bay detainees but said she was powerless to stop force-feeding by U.S. authorities.
Ruling just before Ramadan, the monthlong holiday when pious Muslims fast during the day, Senior U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler said she lacked the legal jurisdiction to stop the force-feeding program challenged by four detainees. At the same time, Kessler all but urged President Barack Obama to take action as she underscored the unpleasant feeding regime that’s being meted out to detainees who’ve gone on hunger strikes.
“It is perfectly clear . . . that forced-feeding is a painful, humiliating and degrading process,” Kessler wrote.
Europe opens trade talks with US amid ongoing tensions over spying
The long-delayed negotiations come at a sensitive moment after leaking of NSA documents by whistleblower Edward Snowden
The US and European Union have started talks aimed at creating the world's largest free-trade agreement, amid diplomatic tensions over spying revelations.
The long-delayed negotiations come at a sensitive moment for the two trading superpowers following the publication of documents leaked by whistleblower Edward Snowden, which show that America's National Security Agency spied on European nations. EU officials are in Washington to start broad negotiations aimed at easing transatlantic trade by eliminating remaining tariffs on exports and imports, and recognising each other's industry standards.
Economists believe the transatlantic trade and investment partnership pact could be a big boost to both sides. Britain's prime minister, David Cameron, has called it "the biggest bilateral trade deal in history" and said a deal could be worth as much as $149bn (£100bn) to the EU economy and $119bn (£80bn) to the US.
"Massacre" in Egypt Destroys Hope for Peaceful Transition
More than 40 people are reported dead and hundreds wounded in Cairo on Monday following pre-dawn violence in which supporters of Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood were fired upon by Egyptian military and security personnel outside the military barracks where the ousted president is being held.
Witnesses at the scene describe differing accounts of what led to the shootings, but the violence is a troubling sign that tensions are likely to increase as the country seeks to negotiate its way out of a complex political crisis.
The military removed Morsi from power last week following the largest popular protests in Egypt's modern history. While many welcomed his ouster, including members of Egypt's pro-democracy left, the fear of deepening violence and instability has left many on edge as the country's military council has reasserted its authority.
Egypt Descends Into "Spiral of Violence and Retribution" After Morsi’s Ouster
"We're Not Leaving": Opposing Factions Face Off in Cairo
Tensions in Egypt continued to escalate Sunday as factions on both sides of the ideological divide gathered in Cairo, both groups digging in their heels to preserve—what they believe to be—the goals of the 2011 revolution.
Reporting from Cairo University, Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid said she had seen crowds moving towards Tahrir Square, carrying Egyptian flags and chanting slogans in favor of the armed forces and against the Muslim Brotherhood.
The youth-led Rebellion Movement which was behind the protests that sparked the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi have dubbed Sunday's rally in Tahrir the "Dawaran Shubra" march to protect the gains of the revolution.
Meanwhile, a crowd of thousands of Morsi supporters have begun to assemble in Nasr City while approximately 1,000 regime supporters have completely blocked Salah Salem, the main artery that connects the city to the airport, reports Al Jazeera's Matthew Cassel.
Action
Stop Watching Us.
The revelations about the National Security Agency's surveillance apparatus, if true, represent a stunning abuse of our basic rights. We demand the U.S. Congress reveal the full extent of the NSA's spying programs.
Massive Spying Program Exposed
Demand Answers Now (EFF petition)
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Steely Dan - Black Cow