Hillary Clinton's Legacy at State Dept.: A Hawk With Clipped Wings
"Do you know how long you have been here?"
In her final weeks as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton wrote a private memo to President Barack Obama warning that relations with Russia had hit a low point and the heralded "reset" in relations was over, according to people who saw the document.
"I don’t know. Days, weeks, months----I think it is months."
Inside the White House, some officials were loath to ditch a cornerstone of Mr. Obama's Russia policy. Months passed before Russian President Vladimir Putin gave sanctuary to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden, prompting Mr. Obama to cancel a planned summit in Moscow, a stark sign the reset was off track, if not dead.
"And why do you imagine that we bring people to this place?"
Mrs. Clinton, if she runs for president, likely will lean heavily on her experience as the nation's top diplomat. Her memo, written in January 2013, illustrates two striking features of her four years in the post: She was often more hawkish than the White House she served, and at some key moments was ineffectual at swinging policy her way.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
May 28, 2014.
Author, Poet Maya Angelou Dies
A needle slid into Winston’s arm. Almost in the same instant a blissful, healing warmth spread all through his body. The pain was already half-forgotten. He opened his eyes and looked up gratefully at O’Brien. At sight of the heavy, lined face, so ugly and so intelligent, his heart seemed to turn over. If he could have moved he would have stretched out a hand and laid it on O’Brien’s arm. He had never loved him so deeply as at this moment, and not merely because he had stopped the pain. The old feeling, that at bottom it did not matter whether O’Brien was a friend or an enemy, had come back. O’Brien was a person who could be talked to. Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood. O’Brien had tortured him to the edge of lunacy, and in a little while, it was certain, he would send him to his death. It made no difference. In some sense that went deeper than friendship, they were intimates: somewhere or other, although the actual words might never be spoken, there was a place where they could meet and talk. O’Brien was looking down at him with an expression which suggested that the same thought might be in his own mind. When he spoke it was in an easy, conversational tone.
NEW YORK----Maya Angelou, a modern Renaissance woman who survived the harshest of childhoods to become a force on stage, screen, the printed page and the inaugural dais, has died. She was 86.
"Do you know where you are, Winston?" he said.
Her death was confirmed in a statement issued by Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she had served as a professor of American Studies since 1982.
"I don’t know. I can guess. In the Ministry of Love."
Ms. Angelou's longtime agent of close to 35 years, Helen Brann, also confirmed that the poet died Wednesday morning near her home in Winston-Salem. "She sounded as she always did. She sounded vital and interested in her new book which we were talking about," said Ms. Brann, who spoke to the author Tuesday. "It's a terrific book, a memoir."
A needle slid into Winston’s arm. Almost in the same instant a blissful, healing warmth spread all through his body. The pain was already half-forgotten. He opened his eyes and looked up gratefully at O’Brien. At sight of the heavy, lined face, so ugly and so intelligent, his heart seemed to turn over. If he could have moved he would have stretched out a hand and laid it on O’Brien’s arm. He had never loved him so deeply as at this moment, and not merely because he had stopped the pain. The old feeling, that at bottom it did not matter whether O’Brien was a friend or an enemy, had come back. O’Brien was a person who could be talked to. Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood. O’Brien had tortured him to the edge of lunacy, and in a little while, it was certain, he would send him to his death. It made no difference. In some sense that went deeper than friendship, they were intimates: somewhere or other, although the actual words might never be spoken, there was a place where they could meet and talk. O’Brien was looking down at him with an expression which suggested that the same thought might be in his own mind. When he spoke it was in an easy, conversational tone.
NEW YORK----Maya Angelou, a modern Renaissance woman who survived the harshest of childhoods to become a force on stage, screen, the printed page and the inaugural dais, has died. She was 86.
"Do you know where you are, Winston?" he said.
Her death was confirmed in a statement issued by Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she had served as a professor of American Studies since 1982.
"I don’t know. I can guess. In the Ministry of Love."
Ms. Angelou's longtime agent of close to 35 years, Helen Brann, also confirmed that the poet died Wednesday morning near her home in Winston-Salem. "She sounded as she always did. She sounded vital and interested in her new book which we were talking about," said Ms. Brann, who spoke to the author Tuesday. "It's a terrific book, a memoir."
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014.
New Costs From Health Law Snarl Union Contract Talks
"How many fingers am I holding up, Winston?"
Disputes between unions and employers over paying for new costs associated with the Affordable Care Act are roiling labor talks nationwide.
"I don’t know. I don’t know. You will kill me if you do that again. Four, five, six — in all honesty I don’t know."
Unions and employers are tussling over who will pick up the tab for new mandates, such as coverage for dependent children to age 26, as well as future costs, such as a tax on premium health plans starting in 2018. The question is poised to become a significant point of tension as tens of thousands of labor contracts covering millions of workers expire in the next several years, with ACA-related cost increases ranging from 5% to 12.5% in current talks.
"Better," said O’Brien.
In Philadelphia, disagreement over how much workers should contribute to such health-plan cost increases has stalled talks between the region's transit system and its main union representing 5,000 workers as they try to renegotiate a contract that expired in March.
"How many fingers am I holding up, Winston?"
Disputes between unions and employers over paying for new costs associated with the Affordable Care Act are roiling labor talks nationwide.
"I don’t know. I don’t know. You will kill me if you do that again. Four, five, six — in all honesty I don’t know."
Unions and employers are tussling over who will pick up the tab for new mandates, such as coverage for dependent children to age 26, as well as future costs, such as a tax on premium health plans starting in 2018. The question is poised to become a significant point of tension as tens of thousands of labor contracts covering millions of workers expire in the next several years, with ACA-related cost increases ranging from 5% to 12.5% in current talks.
"Better," said O’Brien.
In Philadelphia, disagreement over how much workers should contribute to such health-plan cost increases has stalled talks between the region's transit system and its main union representing 5,000 workers as they try to renegotiate a contract that expired in March.
Monday, May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014.
Abe's Strategy: Rearrange Region's Power Balance
"Really to see them."
TOKYO----Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid out an assertive foreign policy agenda, saying he hoped to accelerate maritime aid to Vietnam amid its territorial standoff with China and host Vladimir Putin this year despite the Russian president's isolation from the West.
"Again," said O’Brien.
Beijing's "unilateral drilling activities" for oil in waters claimed also by Hanoi have led to "heightening of tensions," Mr. Abe told The Wall Street Journal in an interview Friday. "We will never tolerate the change of status quo by force or coercion," added the Japanese leader, who has assiduously courted Southeast Asian leaders during the past year and offered himself as a counterweight to China's muscle-flexing.
Perhaps the needle was eighty----ninety. Winston could not intermittently remember why the pain was happening. Behind his screwed-up eyelids a forest of fingers seemed to be moving in a sort of dance, weaving in and out, disappearing behind one another and reappearing again. He was trying to count them, he could not remember why. He knew only that it was impossible to count them, and that this was somehow due to the mysterious identity between five and four. The pain died down again. When he opened his eyes it was to find that he was still seeing the same thing. Innumerable fingers, like moving trees, were still streaming past in either direction, crossing and recrossing. He shut his eyes again.
As part of his broader strategy to rearrange the region's power balance, Mr. Abe also signaled a desire to keep alive his diplomatic overtures to Russia. He condemned Russia's annexation of portions of Ukraine and noted that Japan has imposed sanctions in coordination with the U.S. and Europe. But he made clear that he also hoped to maintain the dialogue he has intensified through five summit meetings with Mr. Putin, more than Mr. Abe has had with any other head of state.
"Really to see them."
TOKYO----Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid out an assertive foreign policy agenda, saying he hoped to accelerate maritime aid to Vietnam amid its territorial standoff with China and host Vladimir Putin this year despite the Russian president's isolation from the West.
"Again," said O’Brien.
Beijing's "unilateral drilling activities" for oil in waters claimed also by Hanoi have led to "heightening of tensions," Mr. Abe told The Wall Street Journal in an interview Friday. "We will never tolerate the change of status quo by force or coercion," added the Japanese leader, who has assiduously courted Southeast Asian leaders during the past year and offered himself as a counterweight to China's muscle-flexing.
Perhaps the needle was eighty----ninety. Winston could not intermittently remember why the pain was happening. Behind his screwed-up eyelids a forest of fingers seemed to be moving in a sort of dance, weaving in and out, disappearing behind one another and reappearing again. He was trying to count them, he could not remember why. He knew only that it was impossible to count them, and that this was somehow due to the mysterious identity between five and four. The pain died down again. When he opened his eyes it was to find that he was still seeing the same thing. Innumerable fingers, like moving trees, were still streaming past in either direction, crossing and recrossing. He shut his eyes again.
As part of his broader strategy to rearrange the region's power balance, Mr. Abe also signaled a desire to keep alive his diplomatic overtures to Russia. He condemned Russia's annexation of portions of Ukraine and noted that Japan has imposed sanctions in coordination with the U.S. and Europe. But he made clear that he also hoped to maintain the dialogue he has intensified through five summit meetings with Mr. Putin, more than Mr. Abe has had with any other head of state.
May 25, 2014.
California Shooting Victim Was Big-Hearted, Athletic, Academic
"How many fingers, Winston?"
ISLA VISTA, Calif.----She was a spunky bundle of contradictions: a math geek and an athlete; a sorority girl who made an effort to include outsiders.
"Four. I suppose there are four. I would see five if I could. I am trying to see five."
Veronika Weiss, a 19-year-old freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara, was one of six UC Santa Barbara students killed Friday night in a rampage that left the suspected gunman, Elliot Rodger, dead too.
"Which do you wish: to persuade me that you see five, or really to see them?"
Late Sunday afternoon, Santa Barbara County Sheriff officials released the names of Mr. Rodger's first three alleged victims and said two of them were his roommates. The three young men were stabbed to death before Mr. Rodger set out on his shooting rampage through the college town, investigators said.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
ISLA VISTA, Calif.----She was a spunky bundle of contradictions: a math geek and an athlete; a sorority girl who made an effort to include outsiders.
"Four. I suppose there are four. I would see five if I could. I am trying to see five."
Veronika Weiss, a 19-year-old freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara, was one of six UC Santa Barbara students killed Friday night in a rampage that left the suspected gunman, Elliot Rodger, dead too.
"Which do you wish: to persuade me that you see five, or really to see them?"
Late Sunday afternoon, Santa Barbara County Sheriff officials released the names of Mr. Rodger's first three alleged victims and said two of them were his roommates. The three young men were stabbed to death before Mr. Rodger set out on his shooting rampage through the college town, investigators said.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
March 24, 2014.
Windfall Enriches Life on a Poor Reservation
He laid Winston down on the bed. The grip of his limbs tightened again, but the pain had ebbed away and the trembling had stopped, leaving him merely weak and cold. O’Brien motioned with his head to the man in the white coat, who had stood immobile throughout the proceedings. The man in the white coat bent down and looked closely into Winston’s eyes, felt his pulse, laid an ear against his chest, tapped here and there, then he nodded to O’Brien.
FORT WASHAKIE, Wyo.----Misty Mann, a single mother raising three children here on the impoverished Wind River Indian Reservation, has long had to cope without money to spare.
"Again," said O’Brien.
But a tough life got easier late last month when Ms. Mann opened her mailbox and found a government check for more than $52,000 for her family, money that has allowed her to settle unpaid utility bills, buy the children new shoes and pants, and set aside enough to purchase a used truck.
The pain flowed into Winston’s body. The needle must be at seventy, seventy-five. He had shut his eyes this time. He knew that the fingers were still there, and still four. All that mattered was somehow to stay alive until the spasm was over. He had ceased to notice whether he was crying out or not. The pain lessened again. He opened his eyes. O’Brien had drawn back the lever.
Ms. Mann is one of about 14,000 members of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes who received huge checks recently thanks to a $157 million settlement that ended a long-running dispute with the U.S. over unpaid mineral royalties.
He laid Winston down on the bed. The grip of his limbs tightened again, but the pain had ebbed away and the trembling had stopped, leaving him merely weak and cold. O’Brien motioned with his head to the man in the white coat, who had stood immobile throughout the proceedings. The man in the white coat bent down and looked closely into Winston’s eyes, felt his pulse, laid an ear against his chest, tapped here and there, then he nodded to O’Brien.
FORT WASHAKIE, Wyo.----Misty Mann, a single mother raising three children here on the impoverished Wind River Indian Reservation, has long had to cope without money to spare.
"Again," said O’Brien.
But a tough life got easier late last month when Ms. Mann opened her mailbox and found a government check for more than $52,000 for her family, money that has allowed her to settle unpaid utility bills, buy the children new shoes and pants, and set aside enough to purchase a used truck.
The pain flowed into Winston’s body. The needle must be at seventy, seventy-five. He had shut his eyes this time. He knew that the fingers were still there, and still four. All that mattered was somehow to stay alive until the spasm was over. He had ceased to notice whether he was crying out or not. The pain lessened again. He opened his eyes. O’Brien had drawn back the lever.
Ms. Mann is one of about 14,000 members of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes who received huge checks recently thanks to a $157 million settlement that ended a long-running dispute with the U.S. over unpaid mineral royalties.
Friday, May 23, 2014
May 23, 2014.
(was in the middle of a move so I've missed a couple of sessions. I've picked up from my last retype here)
For New Graduates, Path to a Career Is Bumpy
"You are a slow learner, Winston," said O’Brien gently.
ST. LOUIS----Bailey Kinney graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis a week ago with a bachelor's degree and a 3.9 grade-point average. She finished in three years, did unpaid internships over the summers and held part-time jobs throughout her college career.
"How can I help it?" he blubbered. "How can I help seeing what is in front of my eyes? Two and two are four."
The day after graduation, she went to work as a receptionist making $8.50 an hour.
"Sometimes, Winston. Sometimes they are five. Sometimes they are three. Sometimes they are all of them at once. You must try harder. It is not easy to become sane."
"I know I have to pay my dues," said Ms. Kinney, a media-studies major. "But I'm anxious to get started and find a job in my field; I'll pretty much do anything."
For New Graduates, Path to a Career Is Bumpy
"You are a slow learner, Winston," said O’Brien gently.
ST. LOUIS----Bailey Kinney graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis a week ago with a bachelor's degree and a 3.9 grade-point average. She finished in three years, did unpaid internships over the summers and held part-time jobs throughout her college career.
"How can I help it?" he blubbered. "How can I help seeing what is in front of my eyes? Two and two are four."
The day after graduation, she went to work as a receptionist making $8.50 an hour.
"Sometimes, Winston. Sometimes they are five. Sometimes they are three. Sometimes they are all of them at once. You must try harder. It is not easy to become sane."
"I know I have to pay my dues," said Ms. Kinney, a media-studies major. "But I'm anxious to get started and find a job in my field; I'll pretty much do anything."
Sunday, May 18, 2014
May 19, 2014.
Private Group Sought to Arm Syrian Rebels
"No, Winston, that is no use. You are lying. You still think there are four. How many fingers, please?"
WASHINGTON----An urgent plea for arms by Syrian rebels last summer posed a quandary for the Obama administration.
"Four! five! Four! Anything you like. Only stop it, stop the pain!"
The rebels were facing setback after setback on the battlefield. The administration backed their goal of unseating the Syrian government, but worried about U.S.-supplied arms making their way to fighters linked to al Qaeda. In the end, the U.S. approved a modest arms-supply effort that was slow to gain traction.
Abruptly he was sitting up with O’Brien’s arm round his shoulders. He had perhaps lost consciousness for a few seconds. The bonds that had held his body down were loosened. He felt very cold, he was shaking uncontrollably, his teeth were chattering, the tears were rolling down his cheeks. For a moment he clung to O’Brien like a baby, curiously comforted by the heavy arm round his shoulders. He had the feeling that O’Brien was his protector, that the pain was something that came from outside, from some other source, and that it was O’Brien who would save him from it.
For one group of Americans, that wasn't enough. On their own, the Americans offered to provide 70,000 Russian-made assault rifles and 21 million rounds of ammunition to the Free Syrian Army, a major infusion they said could be a game changer. With a tentative nod from the rebels, the group set about arranging a weapons shipment from Eastern Europe, to be paid for by a Saudi prince.
"No, Winston, that is no use. You are lying. You still think there are four. How many fingers, please?"
WASHINGTON----An urgent plea for arms by Syrian rebels last summer posed a quandary for the Obama administration.
"Four! five! Four! Anything you like. Only stop it, stop the pain!"
The rebels were facing setback after setback on the battlefield. The administration backed their goal of unseating the Syrian government, but worried about U.S.-supplied arms making their way to fighters linked to al Qaeda. In the end, the U.S. approved a modest arms-supply effort that was slow to gain traction.
Abruptly he was sitting up with O’Brien’s arm round his shoulders. He had perhaps lost consciousness for a few seconds. The bonds that had held his body down were loosened. He felt very cold, he was shaking uncontrollably, his teeth were chattering, the tears were rolling down his cheeks. For a moment he clung to O’Brien like a baby, curiously comforted by the heavy arm round his shoulders. He had the feeling that O’Brien was his protector, that the pain was something that came from outside, from some other source, and that it was O’Brien who would save him from it.
For one group of Americans, that wasn't enough. On their own, the Americans offered to provide 70,000 Russian-made assault rifles and 21 million rounds of ammunition to the Free Syrian Army, a major infusion they said could be a game changer. With a tentative nod from the rebels, the group set about arranging a weapons shipment from Eastern Europe, to be paid for by a Saudi prince.
May 18, 2014.
McConnell, Other Republicans Lead Primary Challengers From the Right
"Four! Stop it, stop it! How can you go on? Four! Four!"
ADAIRVILLE, Ky.----A much-anticipated conservative revolt against incumbent Republicans never fully materialized here in Kentucky, allowing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to build a commanding position ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary by fully embracing his role as a Washington power broker.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
A McConnell victory over Louisville businessman Matt Bevin, which is considered likely, would send a resounding signal to Republicans elsewhere that incumbency and deal-making are no longer the millstones many conservatives claimed them to be as the tea party gained strength in recent years.
"Five! Five! Five!"
Tuesday's primary here in Kentucky, along with others in Georgia, Idaho and Oregon, represents the most important moment on the 2014 calendar to date in the tug of war between GOP leaders and conservative activists. From the beginning, Mr. McConnell has highlighted his conservative stances, but never at the expense of his main message----that his perch as a party leader gives Kentucky more clout in Congress.
"Four! Stop it, stop it! How can you go on? Four! Four!"
ADAIRVILLE, Ky.----A much-anticipated conservative revolt against incumbent Republicans never fully materialized here in Kentucky, allowing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to build a commanding position ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary by fully embracing his role as a Washington power broker.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
A McConnell victory over Louisville businessman Matt Bevin, which is considered likely, would send a resounding signal to Republicans elsewhere that incumbency and deal-making are no longer the millstones many conservatives claimed them to be as the tea party gained strength in recent years.
"Five! Five! Five!"
Tuesday's primary here in Kentucky, along with others in Georgia, Idaho and Oregon, represents the most important moment on the 2014 calendar to date in the tug of war between GOP leaders and conservative activists. From the beginning, Mr. McConnell has highlighted his conservative stances, but never at the expense of his main message----that his perch as a party leader gives Kentucky more clout in Congress.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
May 17, 2014.
Obama Grapples With Growing Dissent From Democrats on Capitol Hill
"Four! Four! What else can I say? Four!"
WASHINGTON----President Barack Obama is encountering an increasingly resistant Democratic caucus on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers in his party break with him on a series of issues in the run-up to the November elections.
The needle must have risen again, but he did not look at it. The heavy, stern face and the four fingers filled his vision. The fingers stood up before his eyes like pillars, enormous, blurry, and seeming to vibrate, but unmistakably four.
On issues such as judicial nominees, the Keystone XL pipeline, taxes and trade, the fraying party unity is a sign that individual Democrats have reached a point where their own re-election needs take precedence over Mr. Obama's goals.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
It is a common election-year posture for lawmakers from the same party as the sitting president, especially one whose popularity has waned, as Mr. Obama's has. But Democrats' recent moves to demonstrate their independence are forcing Mr. Obama to compromise on an agenda already largely opposed by Republicans. And it comes at a point in his presidency when time is running short to accomplish his goals.
"Four! Four! What else can I say? Four!"
WASHINGTON----President Barack Obama is encountering an increasingly resistant Democratic caucus on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers in his party break with him on a series of issues in the run-up to the November elections.
The needle must have risen again, but he did not look at it. The heavy, stern face and the four fingers filled his vision. The fingers stood up before his eyes like pillars, enormous, blurry, and seeming to vibrate, but unmistakably four.
On issues such as judicial nominees, the Keystone XL pipeline, taxes and trade, the fraying party unity is a sign that individual Democrats have reached a point where their own re-election needs take precedence over Mr. Obama's goals.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
It is a common election-year posture for lawmakers from the same party as the sitting president, especially one whose popularity has waned, as Mr. Obama's has. But Democrats' recent moves to demonstrate their independence are forcing Mr. Obama to compromise on an agenda already largely opposed by Republicans. And it comes at a point in his presidency when time is running short to accomplish his goals.
May 16, 2014.
Libyan Military Bans Benghazi Flights After Attack
"Four."
TRIPOLI----Libya's military banned flights Saturday over the eastern city of Benghazi, a day after troops loyal to a rogue general attacked Islamist militias in violence that killed 36 people, authorities said.
The needle went up to sixty.
The North African nation's weak central government already described the offensive Friday by Gen. Khalifa Hifter, which included military air support, as tantamount to a "coup." And as militiamen reported a separate helicopter attack on one of their bases Saturday, the violence again showed how precarious government control remains after the 2011 civil war that toppled dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
In a statement, the Libyan military's central command said it will target any military aircraft flying over Benghazi, where the country's uprising against Gadhafi began. The city's airport remained closed Saturday for a second day, though stores reopened.
"Four."
TRIPOLI----Libya's military banned flights Saturday over the eastern city of Benghazi, a day after troops loyal to a rogue general attacked Islamist militias in violence that killed 36 people, authorities said.
The needle went up to sixty.
The North African nation's weak central government already described the offensive Friday by Gen. Khalifa Hifter, which included military air support, as tantamount to a "coup." And as militiamen reported a separate helicopter attack on one of their bases Saturday, the violence again showed how precarious government control remains after the 2011 civil war that toppled dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
In a statement, the Libyan military's central command said it will target any military aircraft flying over Benghazi, where the country's uprising against Gadhafi began. The city's airport remained closed Saturday for a second day, though stores reopened.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
May 15, 2014.
Iran Recruiting Afghan Refugees to Fight for Regime in Syria
"Four."
Iran has been recruiting thousands of Afghan refugees to fight in Syria, offering $500 a month and Iranian residency to help the Assad regime beat back rebel forces, according to Afghans and Western officials.
The word ended in a gasp of pain. The needle of the dial had shot up to fifty-five. The sweat had sprung out all over Winston’s body. The air tore into his lungs and issued again in deep groans which even by clenching his teeth he could not stop. O’Brien watched him, the four fingers still extended. He drew back the lever. This time the pain was only slightly eased.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, recruits and trains Shiite militias to fight in Syria. Details of their recruitment efforts were posted this week on a blog focused on Afghan refugees in Iran and confirmed by the office of Grand Ayatollah Mohaghegh Kabuli, an Afghan religious leader in the Iranian holy city of Qom. A member of the IRGC also confirmed the details.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
"They [IRGC] find a connection to the refugee community and work on convincing our youth to go and fight in Syria," said the office administrator of Ayatollah Kabuli, reached by telephone in Qom. "They give them everything from salary to residency." Iran is offering the refugees school registration for their children and charity cards in addition to the $500 stipend and residency.
"Four."
Iran has been recruiting thousands of Afghan refugees to fight in Syria, offering $500 a month and Iranian residency to help the Assad regime beat back rebel forces, according to Afghans and Western officials.
The word ended in a gasp of pain. The needle of the dial had shot up to fifty-five. The sweat had sprung out all over Winston’s body. The air tore into his lungs and issued again in deep groans which even by clenching his teeth he could not stop. O’Brien watched him, the four fingers still extended. He drew back the lever. This time the pain was only slightly eased.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, recruits and trains Shiite militias to fight in Syria. Details of their recruitment efforts were posted this week on a blog focused on Afghan refugees in Iran and confirmed by the office of Grand Ayatollah Mohaghegh Kabuli, an Afghan religious leader in the Iranian holy city of Qom. A member of the IRGC also confirmed the details.
"How many fingers, Winston?"
"They [IRGC] find a connection to the refugee community and work on convincing our youth to go and fight in Syria," said the office administrator of Ayatollah Kabuli, reached by telephone in Qom. "They give them everything from salary to residency." Iran is offering the refugees school registration for their children and charity cards in addition to the $500 stipend and residency.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
May 14, 2014.
As Anger Over Chinese Rig Rises, Hanoi Has Few Options
"How many fingers am I holding up, Winston?"
As Vietnam seeks to force China to remove a large oil platform it has parked in disputed waters, it must balance rising anger at China at home with the need to protect an economy heavily reliant on Chinese imports----and stay out of a military conflict it can't win.
"Four."
On Wednesday, anti-Chinese protests targeting Chinese-owned as well as Taiwanese factories near Ho Chi Minh City illustrated anger over the oil rig among ordinary Vietnamese and the pressure on Hanoi to retaliate.
"And if the party says that it is not four but five----then how many?"
Hundreds of people were arrested in Binh Duong province, a hub for garment and footwear production, where local officials said 15 factories were burned and several others damaged. Taiwan's representative in Vietnam said at least 200 plants had been looted or burned down.
"How many fingers am I holding up, Winston?"
As Vietnam seeks to force China to remove a large oil platform it has parked in disputed waters, it must balance rising anger at China at home with the need to protect an economy heavily reliant on Chinese imports----and stay out of a military conflict it can't win.
"Four."
On Wednesday, anti-Chinese protests targeting Chinese-owned as well as Taiwanese factories near Ho Chi Minh City illustrated anger over the oil rig among ordinary Vietnamese and the pressure on Hanoi to retaliate.
"And if the party says that it is not four but five----then how many?"
Hundreds of people were arrested in Binh Duong province, a hub for garment and footwear production, where local officials said 15 factories were burned and several others damaged. Taiwan's representative in Vietnam said at least 200 plants had been looted or burned down.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014.
Wreckage Off Haiti May Be Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria
"Do you remember," he went on, "writing in your diary, 'Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four'?"
More than 500 years after Christopher Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, sank in the Caribbean, a team of underwater investigators believes it has located the vessel's remains off the northern coast of Haiti----a discovery that, if proved, would be one of the most significant maritime archaeological finds.
"Yes," said Winston.
"I'm very, very confident that we've found the site," said Barry Clifford, a noted maritime archaeologist and leader of a recent expedition to the wreck. But "I think from an academic point of view, we have to be quite careful and investigate it thoroughly."
O’Brien held up his left hand, its back towards Winston, with the thumb hidden and the four fingers extended.
Marine archaeologists were giddy at the prospect of having found the ship Columbus used on his maiden voyage to the Americas in 1492.
"Do you remember," he went on, "writing in your diary, 'Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four'?"
More than 500 years after Christopher Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, sank in the Caribbean, a team of underwater investigators believes it has located the vessel's remains off the northern coast of Haiti----a discovery that, if proved, would be one of the most significant maritime archaeological finds.
"Yes," said Winston.
"I'm very, very confident that we've found the site," said Barry Clifford, a noted maritime archaeologist and leader of a recent expedition to the wreck. But "I think from an academic point of view, we have to be quite careful and investigate it thoroughly."
O’Brien held up his left hand, its back towards Winston, with the thumb hidden and the four fingers extended.
Marine archaeologists were giddy at the prospect of having found the ship Columbus used on his maiden voyage to the Americas in 1492.
Monday, May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014.
AT&T Could Strike $50 Billion Deal for DirecTV
O’Brien’s manner grew stern again. He laid his hand on the dial.
AT&T Inc. T +0.36% is close to sealing a takeover of DirecTV DTV -0.97% that could put a value of nearly $50 billion on the satellite-television provider, people familiar with the matter said.
"On the contrary," he said, "YOU have not controlled it. That is what has brought you here. You are here because you have failed in humility, in self-discipline. You would not make the act of submission which is the price of sanity. You preferred to be a lunatic, a minority of one. Only the disciplined mind can see reality, Winston. You believe that reality is something objective, external, existing in its own right. You also believe that the nature of reality is self-evident. When you delude yourself into thinking that you see something, you assume that everyone else sees the same thing as you. But I tell you, Winston, that reality is not external. Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal. Whatever the Party holds to be the truth, is truth. It is impossible to see reality except by looking through the eyes of the Party. That is the fact that you have got to relearn, Winston. It needs an act of self-destruction, an effort of the will. You must humble yourself before you can become sane."
The two sides are discussing a deal that would involve a mix of cash and AT&T stock, these people said. Dallas-based AT&T would likely pay a premium to DirecTV's share price Monday, one of the people said. An agreement could be reached in two weeks if not sooner, according to the people.
He paused for a few moments, as though to allow what he had been saying to sink in.
DirecTV's shares were up 5%, or $4.57, at $91.73 in after-hours trading after finishing down less than 1% at $87.16 in 4 p.m. Nasdaq Stock Market NDAQ +1.26% trading on Monday. The parties are discussing a price for the El Segundo, Calif., company in the low to mid-nineties per share, one of the people said.
O’Brien’s manner grew stern again. He laid his hand on the dial.
AT&T Inc. T +0.36% is close to sealing a takeover of DirecTV DTV -0.97% that could put a value of nearly $50 billion on the satellite-television provider, people familiar with the matter said.
"On the contrary," he said, "YOU have not controlled it. That is what has brought you here. You are here because you have failed in humility, in self-discipline. You would not make the act of submission which is the price of sanity. You preferred to be a lunatic, a minority of one. Only the disciplined mind can see reality, Winston. You believe that reality is something objective, external, existing in its own right. You also believe that the nature of reality is self-evident. When you delude yourself into thinking that you see something, you assume that everyone else sees the same thing as you. But I tell you, Winston, that reality is not external. Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal. Whatever the Party holds to be the truth, is truth. It is impossible to see reality except by looking through the eyes of the Party. That is the fact that you have got to relearn, Winston. It needs an act of self-destruction, an effort of the will. You must humble yourself before you can become sane."
The two sides are discussing a deal that would involve a mix of cash and AT&T stock, these people said. Dallas-based AT&T would likely pay a premium to DirecTV's share price Monday, one of the people said. An agreement could be reached in two weeks if not sooner, according to the people.
He paused for a few moments, as though to allow what he had been saying to sink in.
DirecTV's shares were up 5%, or $4.57, at $91.73 in after-hours trading after finishing down less than 1% at $87.16 in 4 p.m. Nasdaq Stock Market NDAQ +1.26% trading on Monday. The parties are discussing a price for the El Segundo, Calif., company in the low to mid-nineties per share, one of the people said.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014.
Rahm Emanuel Faces New Test With Chicago Pension Crisis
"In the mind. In human memories."
CHICAGO----Jumping from city-hall meetings to public-school classrooms in his black SUV, Rahm Emanuel worked to buff his image as the hard-driving mayor of the nation's third-largest city in the CNN TV series "Chicagoland." But the biggest challenge he faces as his first term ends isn't so camera ready.
"In memory. Very well, then. We, the Party, control all records, and we control all memories. Then we control the past, do we not?"
On the eve of his re-election bid, Mr. Emanuel is confronting one of the nation's most underfunded municipal pension systems. Pushing him to act is Chicago's deteriorating credit rating and a growing risk that the retirement funds could run dry. The mayor also has tried to portray himself as an elected official unafraid to tackle tough issues.
"But how can you stop people remembering things?" cried Winston again momentarily forgetting the dial. "It is involuntary. It is outside oneself. How can you control memory? You have not controlled mine!"
So far, Mr. Emanuel, a Democrat, is seeking to raise property taxes by $250 million and shrink retirement benefits for most city workers and retirees. But his administration has months of work ahead as it tries to sell aldermen, state officials, unions and the public on a complex plan that is only starting to take shape.
"In the mind. In human memories."
CHICAGO----Jumping from city-hall meetings to public-school classrooms in his black SUV, Rahm Emanuel worked to buff his image as the hard-driving mayor of the nation's third-largest city in the CNN TV series "Chicagoland." But the biggest challenge he faces as his first term ends isn't so camera ready.
"In memory. Very well, then. We, the Party, control all records, and we control all memories. Then we control the past, do we not?"
On the eve of his re-election bid, Mr. Emanuel is confronting one of the nation's most underfunded municipal pension systems. Pushing him to act is Chicago's deteriorating credit rating and a growing risk that the retirement funds could run dry. The mayor also has tried to portray himself as an elected official unafraid to tackle tough issues.
"But how can you stop people remembering things?" cried Winston again momentarily forgetting the dial. "It is involuntary. It is outside oneself. How can you control memory? You have not controlled mine!"
So far, Mr. Emanuel, a Democrat, is seeking to raise property taxes by $250 million and shrink retirement benefits for most city workers and retirees. But his administration has months of work ahead as it tries to sell aldermen, state officials, unions and the public on a complex plan that is only starting to take shape.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
May 10, 2014.
Struggling Malls Suffer When Sears, Penney Leave
"Then where does the past exist, if at all?"
NORFOLK, Va.----With J.C. Penney Co. JCP +2.92% and Sears Holdings Corp. SHLD +2.83% racing to close stores, America's weakest malls are being pushed to the brink.
"In records. It is written down."
Nearly half of the 1,050 indoor and open air malls in the U.S. have both of those struggling chains as anchor tenants, according to real-estate research firm Green Street Advisors. Of those malls, nearly a quarter are struggling with sales below $300 per square foot and vacancy rates above 20%, meaning they will have a hard time finding new tenants if old ones leave.
"In records. And----"
For an already-weakened mall industry, the negative turn for two once-reliable anchors is promising more stress at a time when the Internet is steadily stealing traffic. And the pressure is only growing. Sears Chief Executive Eddie Lampert this week said he plans to close more stores to help return the company to profitability.
"Then where does the past exist, if at all?"
NORFOLK, Va.----With J.C. Penney Co. JCP +2.92% and Sears Holdings Corp. SHLD +2.83% racing to close stores, America's weakest malls are being pushed to the brink.
"In records. It is written down."
Nearly half of the 1,050 indoor and open air malls in the U.S. have both of those struggling chains as anchor tenants, according to real-estate research firm Green Street Advisors. Of those malls, nearly a quarter are struggling with sales below $300 per square foot and vacancy rates above 20%, meaning they will have a hard time finding new tenants if old ones leave.
"In records. And----"
For an already-weakened mall industry, the negative turn for two once-reliable anchors is promising more stress at a time when the Internet is steadily stealing traffic. And the pressure is only growing. Sears Chief Executive Eddie Lampert this week said he plans to close more stores to help return the company to profitability.
Friday, May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014.
In Nigeria, Parents Tormented by Stumbling Search for Girls Kidnapped by Boko Haram
Again the feeling of helplessness descended upon Winston. His eyes flitted towards the dial. He not only did not know whether ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was the answer that would save him from pain; he did not even know which answer he believed to be the true one.
ABUJA, Nigeria----The morning after Mkeki Ntakai learned of the mass kidnapping by Boko Haram, he fired up his rickety motor scooter and sped down a dirt road in northern Nigeria to find his 16-year-old daughter.
O’Brien smiled faintly. "You are no metaphysician, Winston," he said. "Until this moment you had never considered what is meant by existence. I will put it more precisely. Does the past exist concretely, in space? Is there somewhere or other a place, a world of solid objects, where the past is still happening?"
Mr. Ntakai was joined by more than 100 fathers, uncles and big brothers, all seeking several hundred girls taken by force from a boarding school in the remote hamlet of Chibok. The men followed a trail of hair ties and scraps of clothing the girls dropped to lead rescuers. One found his daughter's flip-flop; another retrieved a remnant of a school uniform.
"No."
But the kidnappers had too big a head start. Three weeks later, the trail has gone cold for the 223 girls still missing. More than 50 managed to escape in the first few hours, jumping out of the beds of pickup trucks or slipping away while they were supposed to be washing dishes.
Again the feeling of helplessness descended upon Winston. His eyes flitted towards the dial. He not only did not know whether ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was the answer that would save him from pain; he did not even know which answer he believed to be the true one.
ABUJA, Nigeria----The morning after Mkeki Ntakai learned of the mass kidnapping by Boko Haram, he fired up his rickety motor scooter and sped down a dirt road in northern Nigeria to find his 16-year-old daughter.
O’Brien smiled faintly. "You are no metaphysician, Winston," he said. "Until this moment you had never considered what is meant by existence. I will put it more precisely. Does the past exist concretely, in space? Is there somewhere or other a place, a world of solid objects, where the past is still happening?"
Mr. Ntakai was joined by more than 100 fathers, uncles and big brothers, all seeking several hundred girls taken by force from a boarding school in the remote hamlet of Chibok. The men followed a trail of hair ties and scraps of clothing the girls dropped to lead rescuers. One found his daughter's flip-flop; another retrieved a remnant of a school uniform.
"No."
But the kidnappers had too big a head start. Three weeks later, the trail has gone cold for the 223 girls still missing. More than 50 managed to escape in the first few hours, jumping out of the beds of pickup trucks or slipping away while they were supposed to be washing dishes.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
May 8, 2014.
'Barefoot' Running Heads Into the Sunset
"There is a Party slogan dealing with the control of the past," he said. "Repeat it, if you please."
"Barefoot" running may be going the way of the caveman.
"'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past,'" repeated Winston obediently.
The much-hyped running style that had weekend warriors ditching sneakers to jog with little or nothing on their feet, as humans had for millennia before the advent of footwear, is falling out of favor.
"'Who controls the present controls the past,'" said O’Brien, nodding his head with slow approval. "Is it your opinion, Winston, that the past has real existence?"
Health claims that had helped drive the trend are coming under attack. Vibram, which makes the FiveFingers shoes that look like gloves for the feet, has offered to settle a class-action suit that contends the company profited from unsubstantiated claims the shoes strengthen muscles and prevent injury. Vibram has proposed to reimburse buyers up to $94 for every pair they have purchased. The proposed settlement is awaiting approval from U.S. district court in Massachusetts.
"There is a Party slogan dealing with the control of the past," he said. "Repeat it, if you please."
"Barefoot" running may be going the way of the caveman.
"'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past,'" repeated Winston obediently.
The much-hyped running style that had weekend warriors ditching sneakers to jog with little or nothing on their feet, as humans had for millennia before the advent of footwear, is falling out of favor.
"'Who controls the present controls the past,'" said O’Brien, nodding his head with slow approval. "Is it your opinion, Winston, that the past has real existence?"
Health claims that had helped drive the trend are coming under attack. Vibram, which makes the FiveFingers shoes that look like gloves for the feet, has offered to settle a class-action suit that contends the company profited from unsubstantiated claims the shoes strengthen muscles and prevent injury. Vibram has proposed to reimburse buyers up to $94 for every pair they have purchased. The proposed settlement is awaiting approval from U.S. district court in Massachusetts.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
May 7, 2014.
What Happened to That Crazy Asteroid Mining Plan?
"I do not remember it," said O’Brien.
Two years ago, a group of Silicon Valley luminaries and space entrepreneurs introduced a startup whose goal seemed straight out of science fiction: extracting precious minerals from asteroids.
Winston’s heart sank. That was doublethink. He had a feeling of deadly helplessness. If he could have been certain that O’Brien was lying, it would not have seemed to matter. But it was perfectly possible that O’Brien had really forgotten the photograph. And if so, then already he would have forgotten his denial of remembering it, and forgotten the act of forgetting. How could one be sure that it was simple trickery? Perhaps that lunatic dislocation in the mind could really happen: that was the thought that defeated him.
With much fanfare, Planetary Resources Inc., the closely held company financed partly by Google Inc. GOOGL -0.87% Chief Executive Larry Page and Chairman Eric Schmidt, and supported by British billionaire Richard Branson and space tourist Charles Simonyi, outlined plans to mine platinum or other rare metals with robotic spacecraft and return the metals to Earth.
O’Brien was looking down at him speculatively. More than ever he had the air of a teacher taking pains with a wayward but promising child.
Backers described the project, with its potential to reach tens of millions of miles into space and generate billions of dollars in profits, as "the future of entrepreneurial space."
"I do not remember it," said O’Brien.
Two years ago, a group of Silicon Valley luminaries and space entrepreneurs introduced a startup whose goal seemed straight out of science fiction: extracting precious minerals from asteroids.
Winston’s heart sank. That was doublethink. He had a feeling of deadly helplessness. If he could have been certain that O’Brien was lying, it would not have seemed to matter. But it was perfectly possible that O’Brien had really forgotten the photograph. And if so, then already he would have forgotten his denial of remembering it, and forgotten the act of forgetting. How could one be sure that it was simple trickery? Perhaps that lunatic dislocation in the mind could really happen: that was the thought that defeated him.
With much fanfare, Planetary Resources Inc., the closely held company financed partly by Google Inc. GOOGL -0.87% Chief Executive Larry Page and Chairman Eric Schmidt, and supported by British billionaire Richard Branson and space tourist Charles Simonyi, outlined plans to mine platinum or other rare metals with robotic spacecraft and return the metals to Earth.
O’Brien was looking down at him speculatively. More than ever he had the air of a teacher taking pains with a wayward but promising child.
Backers described the project, with its potential to reach tens of millions of miles into space and generate billions of dollars in profits, as "the future of entrepreneurial space."
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
May 6, 2014.
Elite Colleges Don't Buy Happiness for Graduates
He stepped across the room. There was a memory hole in the opposite wall. O’Brien lifted the grating. Unseen, the frail slip of paper was whirling away on the current of warm air; it was vanishing in a flash of flame. O’Brien turned away from the wall.
A word to high-school seniors rejected by their first choice: A degree from that shiny, elite college on the hill may not matter nearly as much as you think.
"Ashes," he said. "Not even identifiable ashes. Dust. It does not exist. It never existed."
A new Gallup survey of 30,000 college graduates of all ages in all 50 states has found that highly selective schools don't produce better workers or happier people, but inspiring professors----no matter where they teach----just might.
"But it did exist! It does exist! It exists in memory. I remember it. You remember it."
The poll, undertaken this spring, is part of a growing effort to measure how well colleges do their jobs. This survey adds an interesting twist, because it looked not only at graduates after college; it tried to determine what happens during college that leads to well-being and workplace engagement later in life.
He stepped across the room. There was a memory hole in the opposite wall. O’Brien lifted the grating. Unseen, the frail slip of paper was whirling away on the current of warm air; it was vanishing in a flash of flame. O’Brien turned away from the wall.
A word to high-school seniors rejected by their first choice: A degree from that shiny, elite college on the hill may not matter nearly as much as you think.
"Ashes," he said. "Not even identifiable ashes. Dust. It does not exist. It never existed."
A new Gallup survey of 30,000 college graduates of all ages in all 50 states has found that highly selective schools don't produce better workers or happier people, but inspiring professors----no matter where they teach----just might.
"But it did exist! It does exist! It exists in memory. I remember it. You remember it."
The poll, undertaken this spring, is part of a growing effort to measure how well colleges do their jobs. This survey adds an interesting twist, because it looked not only at graduates after college; it tried to determine what happens during college that leads to well-being and workplace engagement later in life.
Monday, May 5, 2014
May 5, 2014.
Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Takes Center Stage Ahead of IPO
An oblong slip of newspaper had appeared between O’Brien’s fingers. For perhaps five seconds it was within the angle of Winston’s vision. It was a photograph, and there was no question of its identity. It was THE photograph. It was another copy of the photograph of Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford at the party function in New York, which he had chanced upon eleven years ago and promptly destroyed. For only an instant it was before his eyes, then it was out of sight again. But he had seen it, unquestionably he had seen it! He made a desperate, agonizing effort to wrench the top half of his body free. It was impossible to move so much as a centimetre in any direction. For the moment he had even forgotten the dial. All he wanted was to hold the photograph in his fingers again, or at least to see it.
Last May, 40,000 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. employees and customers met at a Hangzhou soccer stadium in driving rain to watch Jack Ma step down as chief executive of the Chinese e-commerce giant he founded in his apartment 15 years ago.
"It exists!" he cried.
Before his valedictory speech, Mr. Ma belted out the Chinese pop song "I Love You, China," from the stage. The crowd roared.
"No," said O’Brien.
"Taking over from Jack Ma is a difficult job," he said, dressed in oversize glasses and a shiny silver jacket.
An oblong slip of newspaper had appeared between O’Brien’s fingers. For perhaps five seconds it was within the angle of Winston’s vision. It was a photograph, and there was no question of its identity. It was THE photograph. It was another copy of the photograph of Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford at the party function in New York, which he had chanced upon eleven years ago and promptly destroyed. For only an instant it was before his eyes, then it was out of sight again. But he had seen it, unquestionably he had seen it! He made a desperate, agonizing effort to wrench the top half of his body free. It was impossible to move so much as a centimetre in any direction. For the moment he had even forgotten the dial. All he wanted was to hold the photograph in his fingers again, or at least to see it.
Last May, 40,000 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. employees and customers met at a Hangzhou soccer stadium in driving rain to watch Jack Ma step down as chief executive of the Chinese e-commerce giant he founded in his apartment 15 years ago.
"It exists!" he cried.
Before his valedictory speech, Mr. Ma belted out the Chinese pop song "I Love You, China," from the stage. The crowd roared.
"No," said O’Brien.
"Taking over from Jack Ma is a difficult job," he said, dressed in oversize glasses and a shiny silver jacket.
May 4, 2014.
Nigerian Insurgency Leader Says He Has Taken Abducted Girls as Slaves
"I remember that until only a week before I was arrested, we were not at war with Eastasia at all. We were in alliance with them. The war was against Eurasia. That had lasted for four years. Before that----"
The leader of Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency said in a video message on Monday that he had taken as slaves more than 200 abducted teenage girls, as foreign governments joined in the hunt for the missing students.
O’Brien stopped him with a movement of the hand.
In his first public claim of responsibility since his group kidnapped the students from a rural high school in Nigeria's northeast, Abubakar Shekau said he would sell the girls "because they are our slaves."
"Another example," he said. "Some years ago you had a very serious delusion indeed. You believed that three men, three one-time Party members named Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford----men who were executed for treachery and sabotage after making the fullest possible confession ----were not guilty of the crimes they were charged with. You believed that you had seen unmistakable documentary evidence proving that their confessions were false. There was a certain photograph about which you had a hallucination. You believed that you had actually held it in your hands. It was a photograph something like this."
The girls don't appear in the video, and their whereabouts aren't known.
"I remember that until only a week before I was arrested, we were not at war with Eastasia at all. We were in alliance with them. The war was against Eurasia. That had lasted for four years. Before that----"
The leader of Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency said in a video message on Monday that he had taken as slaves more than 200 abducted teenage girls, as foreign governments joined in the hunt for the missing students.
O’Brien stopped him with a movement of the hand.
In his first public claim of responsibility since his group kidnapped the students from a rural high school in Nigeria's northeast, Abubakar Shekau said he would sell the girls "because they are our slaves."
"Another example," he said. "Some years ago you had a very serious delusion indeed. You believed that three men, three one-time Party members named Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford----men who were executed for treachery and sabotage after making the fullest possible confession ----were not guilty of the crimes they were charged with. You believed that you had seen unmistakable documentary evidence proving that their confessions were false. There was a certain photograph about which you had a hallucination. You believed that you had actually held it in your hands. It was a photograph something like this."
The girls don't appear in the video, and their whereabouts aren't known.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
May 3, 2014.
Pro-Russia Militants Release OSCE Observers in Ukraine
"With Eastasia. Good. And Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia, has it not?"
MOSCOW----Military observers for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe who have been held hostage in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk for more than a week have been freed, the Vienna-based organization said Saturday.
Winston drew in his breath. He opened his mouth to speak and then did not speak. He could not take his eyes away from the dial.
The seven officials from Germany, Denmark, Poland and the Czech Republic, including a translator, were released on Saturday, Kremlin special envoy Vladimir Lukin told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. He said the five Ukrainian military personnel detained with the mission were also released. A week ago, one of the detained observers, a Swedish major, was released for medical reasons.
"The truth, please, Winston. YOUR truth. Tell me what you think you remember."
"They have freed all the 12 people on my list," Mr. Lukin, who helped negotiate the release on the Kremlin's behalf, said Saturday. "This was a voluntary humanitarian act, and we are very thankful to the bosses of the city for it."
"With Eastasia. Good. And Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia, has it not?"
MOSCOW----Military observers for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe who have been held hostage in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk for more than a week have been freed, the Vienna-based organization said Saturday.
Winston drew in his breath. He opened his mouth to speak and then did not speak. He could not take his eyes away from the dial.
The seven officials from Germany, Denmark, Poland and the Czech Republic, including a translator, were released on Saturday, Kremlin special envoy Vladimir Lukin told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. He said the five Ukrainian military personnel detained with the mission were also released. A week ago, one of the detained observers, a Swedish major, was released for medical reasons.
"The truth, please, Winston. YOUR truth. Tell me what you think you remember."
"They have freed all the 12 people on my list," Mr. Lukin, who helped negotiate the release on the Kremlin's behalf, said Saturday. "This was a voluntary humanitarian act, and we are very thankful to the bosses of the city for it."
Friday, May 2, 2014
May 2, 2014.
The New Math of Renting vs. Buying
"When I was arrested, Oceania was at war with Eastasia."
Buying a home has long been part of the American dream. But rising prices have made renting less expensive in many places.
"With Eastasia. Good. And Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia, has it not?"
People often aspire to own a home for reasons that have little to do with money, and rental options are limited in some communities. Yet owning property can limit your flexibility to move when you want and ties up a lot of your money.
Winston drew in his breath. He opened his mouth to speak and then did not speak. He could not take his eyes away from the dial.
The median sales price of existing single-family homes rose 11.4% in 2013 from the previous year----the highest yearly increase since 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors. Prices in many places, including Los Angeles, Baltimore and Portland, Ore., rose even more last year.
"When I was arrested, Oceania was at war with Eastasia."
Buying a home has long been part of the American dream. But rising prices have made renting less expensive in many places.
"With Eastasia. Good. And Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia, has it not?"
People often aspire to own a home for reasons that have little to do with money, and rental options are limited in some communities. Yet owning property can limit your flexibility to move when you want and ties up a lot of your money.
Winston drew in his breath. He opened his mouth to speak and then did not speak. He could not take his eyes away from the dial.
The median sales price of existing single-family homes rose 11.4% in 2013 from the previous year----the highest yearly increase since 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors. Prices in many places, including Los Angeles, Baltimore and Portland, Ore., rose even more last year.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
May 1, 2014.
Turkey's Erdogan: One of the World's Most Determined Internet Censors
"Yes," said Winston.
ISTANBUL----Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rode around Google Inc. GOOGL +0.68% headquarters last spring in the company's self-driving car, tried on Google Glass eyewear and vowed to keep digitizing the economy in the country he has ruled since 2003.
O’Brien’s manner became less severe. He resettled his spectacles thoughtfully, and took a pace or two up and down. When he spoke his voice was gentle and patient. He had the air of a doctor, a teacher, even a priest, anxious to explain and persuade rather than to punish.
Since then, the 60-year-old Mr. Erdogan has turned his democratically elected government into one of the world's most determined Internet censors.
"I am taking trouble with you, Winston," he said, "because you are worth trouble. You know perfectly well what is the matter with you. You have known it for years, though you have fought against the knowledge. You are mentally deranged. You suffer from a defective memory. You are unable to remember real events and you persuade yourself that you remember other events which never happened. Fortunately it is curable. You have never cured yourself of it, because you did not choose to. There was a small effort of the will that you were not ready to make. Even now, I am well aware, you are clinging to your disease under the impression that it is a virtue. Now we will take an example. At this moment, which power is Oceania at war with?"
His political party passed laws letting him shut down websites without a court order and collect Web browsing data on individuals. He put a veteran spy in charge of Turkey's telecommunications regulator.
"Yes," said Winston.
ISTANBUL----Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rode around Google Inc. GOOGL +0.68% headquarters last spring in the company's self-driving car, tried on Google Glass eyewear and vowed to keep digitizing the economy in the country he has ruled since 2003.
O’Brien’s manner became less severe. He resettled his spectacles thoughtfully, and took a pace or two up and down. When he spoke his voice was gentle and patient. He had the air of a doctor, a teacher, even a priest, anxious to explain and persuade rather than to punish.
Since then, the 60-year-old Mr. Erdogan has turned his democratically elected government into one of the world's most determined Internet censors.
"I am taking trouble with you, Winston," he said, "because you are worth trouble. You know perfectly well what is the matter with you. You have known it for years, though you have fought against the knowledge. You are mentally deranged. You suffer from a defective memory. You are unable to remember real events and you persuade yourself that you remember other events which never happened. Fortunately it is curable. You have never cured yourself of it, because you did not choose to. There was a small effort of the will that you were not ready to make. Even now, I am well aware, you are clinging to your disease under the impression that it is a virtue. Now we will take an example. At this moment, which power is Oceania at war with?"
His political party passed laws letting him shut down websites without a court order and collect Web browsing data on individuals. He put a veteran spy in charge of Turkey's telecommunications regulator.
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