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The city of Detroit, Michigan made headlines last month when police reported that there were 13 people shot in 24 hours. But other cities in the US are also starting to see an increase in violent crime. The surge in violence comes as the FBI releases figures that indicate that the crimes are part of a nationwide trend. The FBI figures suggest the overall increase in violence is due to a surge in crimes committed in larger cities-- after six years of steady declines. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults. Nationally, those crime rates have edged up 1.2 percent year-over-year, according to the FBI\'s Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report. The largest increases happened in cities with populations of between 500,000 and one million people. This is where violent crime rose by 3.7 percent, including a 12.5 percent spike in murder rates. Colin Campbell, Press TV, Washington

[2] Israel trying to secure surge in advanced US military aid - English

Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki has blamed QUOTE \"diabolical and treacherous\" Arab states for the recent surge of violence in Iraq. Maliki says Iraq is a target for certain countries that support evil and terrorism. He warned that violence has started to expand and will ultimately reach the countries which are backing it. Maliki did not specify which countries support violence in Iraq. In the past, Iraqi authorities blamed Saudi Arabia and Qatar for fueling unrest in their country. Iraq has seen a surge in terrorist attacks over the past year. The army, in recent weeks, has been fighting militants from al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the western province of Anbar. On Sunday, it launched a major offensive against the militants in the provincial capital, Ramadi.

[15 Sept 2013] Iraq\'s car bombs death toll surge to 53 - English

Obama promise more troops it is all lie

PressTv Report

The attacks also left 35 Iraqi security forces injured. There\'s been a surge in terrorist attacks across Iraq in recent months. The United Nations says more than five-thousand civilians have been killed there since April. The government blames the rise in violence on al-Qaeda and former Ba\'ath party loyalists. Baghdad also points the finger at Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of funding terrorist groups.

Are US weapons behind the sharp rise in birth defects in Falluja? Residents of the Iraqi city blame the surge in chronic deformities on controversial weapons used by US forces against Sunni fighters in 2004. But the US military has dismissed those allegations.

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 **************** 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

In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and may Allah’s blessings be upon our Master, Muhammad al-Mustafa and his immaculate Family and his elect Companions. As a symbol of Islamic unity and honour and the emblem of monotheism and spirituality, the Holy Ka’bah, during the Hajj season, is host to the ardent and hopeful hearts, who come hurrying from all over the world to the birthplace of Islam in response to the call of the Glorious Lord. At this time, the Islamic Ummah can have a bird’s eye view of its own great extent and diversity, seen through the eyes of its envoys who gather here from all over the world, and be witness to the profound faith that rules over the hearts of the followers of the True Religion, and appreciate its great and peerless heritage. This self-discovery of the Ummah enables us as Muslims to become aware of the position which is worthy of them in the world, today and tomorrow, and to keep moving towards it. The expanding wave of Islamic awakening in the world today is a reality that heralds a bright future for the Islamic Ummah. This powerful surge started three decades ago with the victory of the Islamic Revolution and establishment of the system of the Islamic Republic. Our great Ummah has continued to march ahead non-stop, removing the obstacles from its way and conquering new fronts. The sophisticated stratagems of the global Arrogance and its costly maneuvers aimed at countering Islam are also a consequence of these victories. The extensive propaganda of the enemy to spread Islamophobia, its offhand efforts to create discord among Muslim sects, to incite sectarian prejudices, to bring about pseudo-confrontations between the Sunnis and the Shi’ah, to create disunity between Islamic states and to aggravate their differences, to change them into hostility and unsolvable conflicts, its employment of intelligence and espionage outfits to propagate corruption and immorality amongst the youth—all these are nervous and bewildered responses to the steady and firm advances of the Islamic Ummah towards awakening, honour and freedom. Today the Zionist regime is no more the undefeatable monster of 30 years ago. The United States and the West are also no more the unquestionable decision-makers of the Middle East that they were two decades ago. Contrary to the situation that existed ten years ago, the nuclear know-how and other complex technologies are no longer considered inaccessible daydreams for Muslim nations of the region. Today the Palestinian nation is an acknowledged paragon of resistance, the Lebanese nation has single-handedly demolished the fake awesomeness of the Zionist regime and emerged as the victor of the 33-day war, and the Iranian nation is at the vanguard of the movement towards the looming peaks. Today the arrogant United States, the self-styled commandant of the Islamic region and the real sponsor of the Zionist regime, is bogged down in the quagmire of its own making in Afghanistan. As a result of all its crimes against the people of Iraq, it is in the course of becoming isolated in that country. It is hated more than ever before in disaster-stricken Pakistan. Today, the influence of the anti-Islamic front which since the past two centuries has acted as a despotic overlord over Islamic nations and states and plundered their resources, is receding before the heroic resistance of the Muslim nations. On the opposite side, the wave of Islamic awakening is steadily advancing and growing in depth day by day. On the one hand, this hopeful and promising situation should inspire us, the Muslim nations, to keep marching ahead towards the desirable future with ever greater confidence. On the other hand, the past lessons and experience should make us more vigilant than ever before. This general imperative undoubtedly calls for greater commitment from religious scholars, political leaders, intellectuals and youth than the others and requires them to be at the vanguard of the struggle. The clear and living message of the Noble Qur’an is addressed to us: You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind: you bid what is right and forbid what is wrong, and have faith in Allah. (3:110) In this majestic address the Islamic Ummah is declared as one which has been brought forth for the sake of humanity. The aim of its birth is the good of mankind and its deliverance. Its major duty is to urge what is good and to forbid evil while maintaining unshakeable faith in God. There is no ‘right thing’ (ma’ruf) more significant than rescuing nations from the satanic claws of the global Arrogance, and there is no ‘wrong thing’ (munkar) uglier than dependence on the Arrogant and servitude to them. Today the major duties of the elite of the Islamic Ummah is to provide help to the Palestinian nation and the besieged people of Gaza, to sympathize and provide assistance to the nations of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Kashmir, to engage in struggle and resistance against the aggressions of the United States and the Zionist regime, to safeguard the solidarity of Muslims and stop tainted hands and mercenary voices that try to damage this unity, to spread awakening and the sense of responsibility and commitment among Muslim youth throughout Islamic communities. The glorious spectacle and stage of Hajj provides us with an opportunity for the fulfillment of these duties and summons us to intensify and redouble our resolution and efforts. Peace and Allah’s mercy be upon you! Sayyid Ali Hussaini Khamenei 1 Dhul Hijjah, 1431 (8 Nov., 2010)

George Galloway interviews James Clark of Toronto Stop the War Coalition in his weekly show The Real Deal.

The UK is seeing a surge in Brits converting to Islam, According to a report by "Faith Matters." And the vast majority of women who converted also changed their appearance with a significant majority adopting the hijab.

In this edition of the show Susan interviews Terry Anderson, author of Bush's Wars. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush told advisor Karl Rove, "I am here for a reason, and this is how we're going to be judged." Anderson provides this judgment in this sweeping, authoritative account of Bush's War on Terror and his twin interventions. He begins with historical surveys of Iraq and Afghanistan known respectively as "the improbable country" and "the graveyard of empires," and he examines U.S. policies toward those and other nations in the Middle East from the 1970s. Then Anderson focuses on the Bush Administration, carrying us through such events as the terrorist's attacks of 9/11, the invasion of Afghanistan and the siege of Tora Bora, the "Axis of Evil" speech, the invasion of Iraq and capture of Baghdad, and the eruption of insurgency in Iraq. Anderson describes the counter-insurgency strategy embodied by the "surge" in Iraq, and the simultaneous revival of the Taliban. He concludes with an assessment of the prosecution of the wars in the first years of Barack Obama's presidency.

[24 Feb 2012] News Bulletin Press TV - English

[13 Mar 2012] News Bulletin Press TV - English

The death toll among foreign soldiers in Afghanistan is rising. According to the latest count of US war dead in Afghanistan, Soldier deaths now is above 2120 At least 52 of them were killed this year in \"insider attacks\" by Afghan government forces or Taliban forces. The southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand have proven to be the most deadly areas for US troops. About half of US soldiers have died in those regions. Experts say even strategic areas such as key highways in the region are still not secure. It\'s very clear that they can\'t hold on to that highway and prevent Taliban from planting IEDs and prevent severe consequences for US troops. Although it is Afghan civilians who are the number one victims of the US so-called war on terror, US troop casualties are persistent. This is despite the 33,000 additional U.S. troops that withdrew from Afghanistan after troop size was increased after the surge. The rising casualty rate has not been lost on the American public. The call for troops to come home grows louder from Congress to the internet. This letter urging for the immediate withdrawal of US troops was posted over the weekend saying: During his monthly press conference in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen commented on recent \"insider attacks\" in Afghanistan. Rasmussen says that insider attacks are forcing US-led troops to rethink their system of training Afghans-- as the Taliban have adapted their strategy to weaken western forces. Military officials say they have made broad improvements in fighting the Taliban. However, the rising death toll of US troops and the increase of insider attacks has many left thinking that the time for US troops complete withdrawal is well overdue.

Media Watch Israel has killed the military commander of the Palestinian Hamas movement in a missile strike on the Gaza Strip and launched air raids across the enclave, pushing the two sides to the brink of a new war. The attacks on Wednesday marked the biggest escalation between Israel and Gaza fighters since the 2008-2009 conflict and came despite signs on Tuesday that neighbouring Egypt had managed to broker a truce in the territory after a five-day surge of violence. Al Jazeera\\\\\\\'s Caroline Malone reports.

Mohamed Morsi, was elected with a little over 51 % but with many Egyptians hoping that the change will bring positive developments in the country that was ruled with an iron grip for 30 years. Today, one year on, the support for Morsi is dwindling down with polls placing public approval ratings to his performance at 28%. Many Egyptians are dismayed over economic hardships in the form of surge in prices, high inflation as well as power cuts and gas shortages. Many also heavily criticize the presidency and the Muslim Brotherhood, the organization the president hails from for failing to bridge the divide between Islamists who now have power and the secular opposition. Karim Gamal el-Deen, Press TV, Cairo

Nearly a dozen Palestinians have been abducted by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. A Palestinian journalist and a lawmaker are among those who were assaulted and then detained. The latest Israeli raid also caused the death of a 19-year-old boy. Human rights groups say there has been a surge in violence by Israeli forces against Palestinian protesters and the Palestinian media recording Israel\'s violations. Attacks are escalating against Palestinians with one brutal murder and over 11 arrests this week. Although the Israeli army state that the circumstances of these arrests are for legitimate reasons, they are rarely held accountable or made to show evidence for these crimes. Nel Burden, Press TV, Bethlehem

India\'s exports to Iran have increased by 40 percent over the past year and Indian officials expect further increase in this area. The sudden increase is direct fallout of the United States and EU sanctions against Iran. Exports include rice, cereals, pharmaceutical products, machine tools, automobile parts and steel. Rice and textile exports have witnessed the biggest jump. India tea exports to Iran are also likely to surge by around 50 percent compared to the previous year.

Thousands of Houthi protesters have staged a demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sana\'a, voicing concern over the deteriorating economy and a surge of violence in the country\'s north .

Terror attacks in Iraq claim more lives. At least 37 people are killed in separate blasts in the capital Baghdad. More than 50 others were wounded in the bombings that hit Christian areas in southern Baghdad. One of the explosions took place near a church where worshippers were leaving. Two other bombs exploded in a crowded market. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts. There\'s been a surge in terrorist attacks and bombings across Iraq over the past year. Authorities believe that the escalating violence is aimed at creating sectarian strife in the country.

At least one demonstrator has been killed in fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters in the western Anbar province. The clashes were triggered after local police moved in to dismantle the main anti-government protest site in the city of Ramadi. The operation follows a deal with religious leaders and tribal sheikhs. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki earlier referred to the protest site as the headquarters of the al-Qaeda leadership. Sunni Muslim protesters have been campaigning against the government since last December. They claim they\\\'re facing a second-class treatment at the hands of the Shia majority. There\\\'s been a surge in terrorist attacks and bombings across Iraq over the past year. Authorities believe that the escalating violence is aimed at creating sectarian strife in the country.

Nouri al-Maliki has, in a televised speech, demanded that the militants in Anbar province surrender. He\'s also promised to be lenient on them in case they turn themselves in. Iraqi troops have besieged Fallujah as they prepare for a major offensive to drive the militants out. But concerns about the lives of the city residents have complicated the operation. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces together with local tribesmen have reportedly taken control of 90 percent of the city of Ramadi in the same province. Local tribesmen have joined the army over the past week to reverse the surge of the al-Qaeda militancy. In the neighboring Babil province, government forces have arrested an al-Qaeda-linked leader and destroyed a militant camp in an airstrike.

Russian media reports suggest the UN Secretary General is planning to discuss reports of Saudi Arabia\'s support for terrorist groups in Iraq with Security Council members. According to Russia\'s Arabic-language TV channel Russia al-Yaum, Ban-ki Moon touched on the issue during his recent talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad. He also expressed concern over the rising violence in Iraq\'s western Anbar province. The UN chief urged Iraqi leaders to address the root causes of a surge in bloodshed in the violence-hit province. According to Iraqi media reports, one of the terrorist elements arrested in the country has confessed that Saudi Arabia is providing financial aid to al-Qaeda-linked militants fighting the Iraqi army.

Iraqi forces are pressing on with their offensive against al-Qaeda-linked militants in the western province of Anbar. Troops-- backed by Sunni tribesmen-- continue their attack on insurgents who are in control of some neighborhoods in the city of Ramadi. Reports coming out of the area say a dozen security personnel have been injured by militant snipers during the operations. Over the past weeks, security forces have been fighting militants around Anbar\'s provincial capital, as well as and the nearby city of Fallujah. The militants are considered to be behind a surge of deadly violence across the country.

Several car bombs targeted Shia districts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad and the southern city of Hilla. The blasts come a day after over twenty people were killed in various bomb explosions in the capital. Last month, more than one thousand people lost their lives in a surge of violence. The bloodshed is largely blamed on al-Qaeda-linked militants. The government has launched an operation against the militants in the western province of Anbar.

Terrorist attacks in Iraq leave nearly fifty people dead. Several car bombs targeted Shia districts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad and the southern city of Hilla. The blasts come a day after over twenty people were killed in various bomb explosions in the capital. Last month, more than one thousand people lost their lives in a surge of violence. The bloodshed is largely blamed on al-Qaeda-linked militants. The government has launched an operation against the militants in the western province of Anbar.