[Must Watch] Wars could cost over $4 trillion - English
Although a new study has doubled the US war costs, it does not account for the enormous subsequent expenses for the injured troops, a US analyst...
Although a new study has doubled the US war costs, it does not account for the enormous subsequent expenses for the injured troops, a US analyst says.
"The cost of taking care of [the injured troops] … has not really been taken into account seriously, either by economists or by political figures in the United States," historian and investigative journalist Gareth Porter told Press TV on Thursday.
The new study, conducted by the Nobel Prize winner for economics Joseph Stiglitz and Harvard University Professor Linda Bilmes, shows that the long-term costs of the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq doubles initial estimates, suggesting the revised six-trillion-dollar figure.
The analyst also warned that "the institutional interests of the military itself [is] so enormous that the [US] military is absolutely determined to avoid an end to this war any time soon."
Porter called on the people and the politicians in the United States to take action to make their government bring the wars to an end.
http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/144762.html
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Wars could cost over $4 trillion
Authors of the book The Three Trillion Dollar War now estimate that the total cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could top $4 trillion over time. A lagging economy, increases in the cost of medical care, higher than expected expenditures on post-combat medical and psychiatric care, and a surge in disability benefits are likely to place a significant strain on the federal budget.
House Veterans Affairs Chairman, Bob Filner (D-California), stated:
"This may be more of a crisis than the Medicare and Social Security problems we have looming...It rivals both in the potential impact. This is another entitlement we've committed ourselves to, and it could break the bank."
Filner aims on utilizing the latest cost estimates to propose a "veterans trust fund" to pay for the long-term war expenses, a proposal that has so far found minimal support in the Democratic-led House due to the startling price tag associated with it.
Having already blown past original cost projections, combat operations alone in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have cost nearly $1.1 trillion in nine years. With well over 30,000 maimed for life, a PTSD epidemic, and record suicide rates (in the military), an estimated price tag of at least $4 trillion over the next several years appears to be reasonable.
As a result, those who claim to be fiscally conservative should take a long hard look at the immense cost of open-ended, overseas wars, especially at a time when America could be facing a debt crisis in the not-too-distant future. Vague objectives, shifting benchmarks, imprecise definitions of victory, and unclear exit strategies inevitably lead to costs that far exceed initial budget estimates.
In addition, those who claim to espouse a more progressive, anti-war stance should take a long hard look at the current war policy, as the trillions being spent could be better invested in infrastructure, health care, education, alternative energy, and other domestic programs. Perhaps the strategy of electing leaders who espouse peace, fiscal responsibility, and change in U.S. foreign policy, yet intensify wars, spend even more on the military, and adopt much of their despised opponents' previous platform, should be more critically examined.
http://caivn.org/article/2010/09/30/wars-could-cost-over-4-trillion
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جانم فدائے رہبر How Leader of the Muslim Ummah moves hearts...
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Sayyed Ali Khamenei was born in Mashad, the holiest city, in the north-eastern province of Khorasan, in 1939. Both...
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Sayyed Ali Khamenei was born in Mashad, the holiest city, in the north-eastern province of Khorasan, in 1939. Both his parents belonged to clergy\'s families and spent the year 1964, he achieved the highest degrees in his theological studies at the Theological Academy of Qum but continued his studies at the Theological Academy at Mashad up to the age of twenty-nine.
Political Activities before Victory of The Islamic Revolution
During the rule of the deposed shah, Ay. Khamenei was a favourite pupil of Imam Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, he was also considered to be one of the most eminent and dependable leaders of the movement of the Iranian Muslims, this movement entered a new phase in 1962 after Imam Khomini`s pronouncements against the Shah regime.
Responsibilities After the Victory
In the course of these struggles, Ay. Khamenei was arrested many times and spent three years in prison between 1964 and 1978. He was also exiled to a place with worst climate condition for almost a year.
In 1978, upon return from exile and the height of the revolutionary of the Iranian Muslims, he, together with a few close associates led the struggle of the people in Khorasan.
Later, in the same year when Leader of the Revolution was temporarily in Paris, he was selected as a member of the government of the Islamic Republic of IRAN. He was entrusted with the responsibility of representing the Revolutionary Council in the Army as well as Deputy for Revolutionary Affairs at the National Ministry of Defence and some time later. He was appointed to the post of the Revolutionary guards.
At about this time, Imam Khomeini chose him to lead the Friday congregational Prayers in Tehran and in 1980 he was elected to Islamic Consultative Assembly by the people of Tehran. After the formation of the Supreme Council of Defence, Ay. Khamenei joined it as the representative of Imam Khomeini.
Ay. Khamenei was one of the founding members of the Islamic Republic Party in IRAN and held the post of the Secretary-General of the Party.
Ay. Khamenei was the victim of an assassination attempt on 27th June 1981. having delivered an important speech at the consultative assembly, which ended in the dismissal of Bani-Sader from the Presidency of IRAN, he was addressing the faithful at poor residential area in Tehran, after leading the congregational prayer, when a time-bomb exploded nearby which injured him in the hand, chest and face. He was immediately transferred to a hospital by the deboted people of Tehran and he miraculously survived; his right hand, however, is not still functioning properly.
Presidency
In the 1981, following the martyrdom of the second President of the Islamic republic of Iran, he becomes a candidate and, in September of the same year, he was elected the Third President of the Islamic Republic of Iran with %95 of the votes cast in his favour by the Iranian people (the total number of votes was 16,847,717). He was reelected as president in 1985 for a second four-year term.
Ay. Khamenei heads the Supreme Council of Defence and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.
Since the beginning of the imposed war, he has often visited various war fronts and has often inspected the frontline in order to help remove any shortcoming or to advise on organizational matters.
Leadership
In 4th June 1989, One day after demise of Imam Khomeimi, Assembly of Experts closed Ayatollah Khamenei to lead the Islamic Revolution of IRAN.Since 1994, Ayatollah Khamenei has been introduced as the Religious authority in religious authority for Shi`ait people in the world by the Ulama from different countries.
Family
Mr. Khamenei is married and has six children.
Works & Books
He has a good command of the Arabic and Turkish and English language and, in addition to writing, he is a good judge of literary and poetic works. He has translated and written numerous books on Islam and history. His translations include \" Future of the Islamic lands,\" \" A Thdictment against the Western Civilization,\" and \" Imam Hassan`s Peace Treaty.\" From among his writings, one may mention: \" The Role of Muslims in the Independence struggle of India.\" General Pattern of Islamic Thought in the Quran,\" The Question of Patience,\" On the Inner Depth of prayers,\" \"Understanding Islam properly,\" \"Imam Al-Sadegh`s Life,\" and a collection of lectures on the question of Imamate. He was also a co-writer of the famous pamphlet \" Our Positions,\" which helped the political, social and philosophical advancement of Islamic Republic Party. Other contributors were martyred Ayatollah Beheshti, martyred Hojjatol-Eslam Bahonar and Hojjatol-Eslam Hashemi Rafsanjani.
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** MUST Listen ** Complete Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (S) at...
Complete Sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAWW at Ghadeer Khum by Agha Hassan Mujtaba Rizvi - English
The Ghadir event and its significance...
Complete Sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAWW at Ghadeer Khum by Agha Hassan Mujtaba Rizvi - English
The Ghadir event and its significance
Seventy days before his demise, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) 1 was returning to Medina after his last pilgrimage to Mecca, he reached the pond of Khum
(Ghadir Khum) near Juhfa. It was the 18th of the month of Dhul-Hijja of the year 10 AH (March 15, 632 AD). By this time, the Prophet (PBUH&HF) had conveyed
all of the divine commandments to his nation except for the formal and explicit public announcement of his divinely appointed successors as the leaders,
guardians, and guides for the believers for all days to come.
By the order of Allah, the Prophet (PBUH&HF) stopped at the pond of Khum, gathered the crowd of pilgrims, and delivered his last universal speech. In this
sermon, he presented his last religious instruction which finalized the last divine religion and made Islam the perfect religion in the sight of Allah. Imam
Muhammad al-Baqir (PBUH), the fifth Imam and successor of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “The last obligatory duty that Allah sent down was al-Walaya(adherence
to the guardian assigned by Allah). Then, He sent down the verse: ‘Today, I completed your religion…’1 once the Messenger of Allah established it in Juhfa
area.”
This message was the most unique in the entire mission of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) due to the revelation of Verse 67, Chapter 5 of the Holy Quran before his
speech. In this revelation, Allah warned His Messenger that failing to deliver this last message would nullify his entire mission. This unprecedented warning
proves that this last message contained the most important religious commandment of Allah for the Muslim nation.
Moreover, the contents of this last message were so crucial to the faith that the Prophet (PBUH&HF) emphatically required all those who directly or
indirectly heard the sermon of Ghadir Khum to convey it to people who were not aware of its details, and parents to convey it to their children for all
generations to come. Hence, this sermon addresses all Muslim generations of the world until the Day of Judgement. This emphasis naturally implies that
the content of this message has a vital role in the future of the Muslims, their spiritual health, and their felicity in the Hereafter.
The main issue that the Prophet (PBUH&HF) addressed in his speech in Ghadir Khum was that Allah appointed Ali Ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) as the guardian (Wali),
the master (Mawla), the leader (Imam), and the commander (Amir) of all believing men and women, the deputy and the executor of his affairs (Wasi), and his
successor (Khalifa). His sayings and commands should be preferred over the opinions of all others in every matter. Obeying him is obeying Allah, and
disobeying him is disobeying Allah. Whoever follows him (and his sayings) is a believer under the guardianship of Allah, and whoever turns away from him (or
his sayings) is a disbeliever under the guardianship of Satan.
Guardianship (al-Walaya) expresses a bilateral relation between the guardian and the people. Observing al-Walaya by people means adhering to the guardian and
acknowledging his authority by heart, tongue, and action. On the other hand, the action of al-Walaya by the guardian means offering protection from evil,
spiritual assistance, care, support, and guidance for his adherents. A divinely appointed guardian guards his adherents from misguidance, spiritual
destruction, wrongdoing, and sin as much as they adhere to him and his commands. Establishing al-Walaya has been the ultimate goal of religion and the fruit
of the entire efforts of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) during his mission.
One who submits to Allah’s representative and adheres to him has indeed acknowledged Allah’s authority and guardianship and is a true monotheist in obeying
Allah. Acknowledging the guardianship of the leaders that Allah appointed and submitting to them is the greatest pillar of faith. It safeguards the followers
from the wrath and punishment of Allah. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (PBUH) said: “Islam is established by five things: prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, and
al-Walaya (adhering to the guardians authorized by Allah). None (among them) was called for as (emphatically as) al-Walaya was called for. However, people
accepted the first four and abandoned al-Walaya.
People who refused to submit to the leaders that Allah appointed resemble the Satan who refused to submit to the viceregent of Allah, Adam (PBUH), and
consequently, became an outcast and went under the curse of Allah forever as mentioned in the Holy Quran.1 It is narrated that Imam al-Ridha (PBUH) said:
“The similitude of the believers in accepting the guardianship of the Commander of the Believers (Ali) on the day of Ghadir Khum is that of the angels in
prostrating before Adam (i.e., submitting to him), and the similitude of those who turned away from the guardianship of the Commander of the Believers on the
day of Ghadir is that of the devil (Iblis).
In one of his speeches on the anniversary of the day of Ghadir, Imam Ali (PBUH) said: “Allah does not accept the faith (of an individual) except after he
acknowledges the guardianship of whom He required. He does not arrange the means of His obedience (for an individual) except after he adheres to His ropes
and the ropes of His authorized people. Thus, Allah sent down to His Prophet (PBUH&HF) on the day of the large trees1 that which explained His will for His
sincere and chosen servants. Allah commanded him to convey (the message) without being concerned about the hypocrites or the deviants, and guaranteed him
protection against their evil... By that, Allah completed His religion, and delighted the eyes of His Prophet (PBUH&HF), and the believers. Some of you
witnessed this event and some received its news. This (appointment) concluded the beautiful word of Allah for those who observe patience… ”
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Representative of Leader: Unity, vigilance and Islamic responsibility,...
The representative of the Leader of Islamic Revolution in Hajj affairs, Hojjatolislam Seyyed Ali Qazi Asgar has said that we have dubbed this...
The representative of the Leader of Islamic Revolution in Hajj affairs, Hojjatolislam Seyyed Ali Qazi Asgar has said that we have dubbed this year’s Hajj as “unity, vigilance and Islamic responsibility.”
In an exclusive interview with IRIB English Radio in Mecca, Qazi Asagr said, the enemies like to create division among us and attain their illegitimate interests through creating tensions between Shiites and Sunnis and other Islamic sects.
Please watch the full interview:
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Exclusive Interview with Mohammad Javad Larijani - 22 Nov 2010 - English
Mohammad Javad Larijani is an Iranian politician and academic. He is the head of the human rights council in the Iranian judiciary and a top...
Mohammad Javad Larijani is an Iranian politician and academic. He is the head of the human rights council in the Iranian judiciary and a top advisor to the supreme leader. He has also been the Director of Institute for studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics in Tehran. Previously, he has been a Majlis Representative and the director of Majlis Research Center, and a Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mohammad Javad Larijani joined us in this episode of Press TV's Face to Face.
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Mohammad Javad Larijani - Interview by Charlie Rose - 26Nov2010 - English
November 26, 2010 Copyright © 2010 Charlie Rose LLC. All rights reserved. http://www.charlierose.com/view/inter...
Mohammad-Javad Larijani is...
November 26, 2010 Copyright © 2010 Charlie Rose LLC. All rights reserved. http://www.charlierose.com/view/inter...
Mohammad-Javad Larijani is an Iranian politician, cleric and academic. Larijani is the head of the human rights council in the judiciary and a top adviser to the supreme leader. Additionally Larijani has been the Director of Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics in Tehran. Previously, he has been a Majlis representative and the director of Majlis Research Center, and a Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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[1] Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas -...
Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas - 1 January 2011 - Oslo - Norway - Part 1 - Urdu Latest by Agha Ali Murtaza Zaidi
Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas - 1 January 2011 - Oslo - Norway - Part 1 - Urdu Latest by Agha Ali Murtaza Zaidi
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[2] Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas -...
Part 2 of Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas - 2 January 2011 - Oslo - Norway - Part 1 - Urdu Latest by Agha Ali...
Part 2 of Political Analysis from Norway - Pakistani Shias VS Shias Overseas - 2 January 2011 - Oslo - Norway - Part 1 - Urdu Latest by Agha Ali Murtaza Zaidi
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[THEIR VIEW] The Emerging Shia Crescent Symposium at CFR - Understanding...
Speakers:
- Reza Aslan, Research Associate, Center on Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California
- Dale Eickelman, Ralph and Richard...
Speakers:
- Reza Aslan, Research Associate, Center on Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California
- Dale Eickelman, Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations, Dartmouth College
- Noah Feldman, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Presider: Lisa Anderson, Dean, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
(June 5, 2006 at the Council on Foreign Relations)
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Protesters take over Egypt embassy in Caracas - 29 JAN 2011 - English
A group of young Venezuelan-Egyptians took over the Egyptian embassy in solidarity with the widespread protests that have swept the Middle Eastern...
A group of young Venezuelan-Egyptians took over the Egyptian embassy in solidarity with the widespread protests that have swept the Middle Eastern country in recent days and reportedly left after speaking with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro.
Although the protest was at first peaceful, it turned violent when the security guards of the embassy tried to intervene. When reached for comment, they embassy officials refused to talk to Press TV.
President Hugo Chavez also said on the state TV, quote, "“They wanted to protest, but they shouldn't have done that because we are obliged to protect all of the embassies, which are sovereign territory.”
After a quick intervention of Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicolas Maduro, demonstrators agreed to leave the embassy. Nevertheless they
said they will organize more actions until President Hosni Mubarak leaves Egypt.
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Iranians show support for Egypt uprising - 04Feb2011 - All Languages
Iranians have demonstrated in the capital Tehran to show sympathy with protesters in Egypt and Tunisia.
The Iranians took to the streets after...
Iranians have demonstrated in the capital Tehran to show sympathy with protesters in Egypt and Tunisia.
The Iranians took to the streets after Friday prayers. They chanted slogans against Israel, the US, and Egypt's embattled president Hosni Mubarak. The demonstrators also set on fire pictures of Mubarak and US president Barack Obama, as well as American and Israeli flags. They also denounced decades of foreign meddling in the regional affairs. They said they wanted to show their rejection of Israeli and the US backed dictatorships.
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[English][LQ][FULL] Ahmadinejad Speech to mark the 32nd anniversary of...
Ahmadinejads Speech at Azadi Square to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that...
Ahmadinejads Speech at Azadi Square to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that a new Middle East will be created in the near future without the United States and Israel.
"I assure you that despite all evil and complicated plans, and thanks to the resistance of nations, there will be a new Middle East but without the US and the Zionist regime [of Israel]," he told the Iranians gathering at Tehran's Azadi Square to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The Iranian president also urged the arrogant powers not to interfere in the internal affairs of the region's countries such as Egypt and Tunisia.
"What are you doing in Afghanistan? What are these military bases in the region for? Are you compassionate or hypocrite?" Ahmadinejad asked.
He also argued that the West is deceitful in claiming that with the two-state slogan it can pave the way for Israel to dominate the region.
Hailing the revolution in Egypt, the Iranian president warned the Egyptian people to be vigilant, insisting that "It is your right to be free. It is your right to decide your government, and it is your right to freely express yourself about your country and global issues."
"Be united and do not fear corrupt governments, and victory is near," he added.
In Egypt, thousands of people gathered outside the presidential palace in Cairo on Friday after President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down amid repeated calls for his resignation.
Tensions are expected to escalate further on the eighteenth day of pro-democracy protests as millions are to come together at mosques for Muslim communal prayers on Friday.
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[Islamic Revolution Anniversary Toronto] Zafar Bangash (Journalist,...
Speech of Br. Zafar Bangash on Islamic Revolution Anniversary in Toronto at Islamic Society of York Region.
Zafar Bangash is a noted Islamic...
Speech of Br. Zafar Bangash on Islamic Revolution Anniversary in Toronto at Islamic Society of York Region.
Zafar Bangash is a noted Islamic movement journalist and commentator and a leader of the Muslim community in Toronto, Canada, and a strong advocate of Muslim unity.
Bangash is Director of the Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought (ICIT), and president of the Islamic Society of York Region, a suburb of Toronto. He is Imam at the Islamic Society of York Region's Mosque and community centre in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He is a former editor of Crescent International newsmagazine, and a Trustee and formerly assistant director of the Muslim Institute, London, where he worked with Dr Kalim Siddiqui (1931–1996), the founder of the Muslim Institute and Leader of the Muslim Parliament of Great Britain. Bangash is also co-founder of the Muslim Unity Group.
He is best known for his commentaries current affairs while editor of Crescent International. Though he stepped down as editor since joining the ICIT, he continues as a columnist and contributor to Crescent.
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Nasrallah slams anti-Iran remarks by Hariri - 9Apr11 - English
Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has underlined Hezbollah\\\'s stance towards the latest developments in Lebanon through a televised...
Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has underlined Hezbollah\\\'s stance towards the latest developments in Lebanon through a televised speech.
Remarks of caretaker premier Saad Hariri in which he accused Iran of interfering in the affairs of Arab states and inciting problems were considered by Nasrallah as a reflection of Israeli rhetoric.
Sayyed Nasrallah linked the latest position of Saad Hariri to the unrest in the region, especially after Hariri held a telephone conversation with Bahraini king Hamad Bin Khalifa:
The anti Iranian remarks follow a campaign by the March 14 against hezbollah\\\'s arms , but this stance is not new, and nasrallah said it goes back some years and is part of a deal between the US and the embattled March 14th .
Analysts see the war of words in Lebanon as a reflection of rivalry between the camp allied with the US and the resistance:
The issue of the formation of a new cabinet headed by PM designate Najib Mikati was also tackled by Nasrallah who said the march 8th are determined to deal with the remaining obstacles before forming the Mikati cabinet.
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BBC censured over anti-Iran policy - 12Apr2011 - English
Panorama is the BBC's flagship current affairs investigative programme, watched by millions of people.
In recent years it has produced...
Panorama is the BBC's flagship current affairs investigative programme, watched by millions of people.
In recent years it has produced several programmes on Iran, usually from a critical point of view.
In its latest episode Panorama accused the Islamic Republic of human rights abuses, and Press TV of spreading Iranian propaganda.
Over the years, the BBC and Panorama have been the target of much anger over their Iran coverage. This demonstration took place outside the BBC in 2009 to protest the corporation's reporting of the Iranian elections.
And critics feel this latest Panorama programme is part of a wider politically motivated attempt to target Iran.
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