Radical New Plan To Upend The World Wide Web

Exclusive: Tim Berners-Lee tells us his radical new plan to upend the World Wide Web

Last week, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, asked me to come and see a project he has been working on almost as long as the web itself. It’s a crisp autumn day in Boston, where Berners-Lee works out of an office above a boxing gym. After politely offering me a cup of coffee, he leads us into a sparse conference room. At one end of a long table is a battered laptop covered with stickers. Here, on this computer, he is working on a plan to radically alter how all of us live and work on the web.

This week, Berners-Lee will launch Inrupt, a startup that he has been building, in stealth mode, for the past nine months. Backed by Glasswing Ventures, its mission is to turbocharge a broader movement afoot, among developers around the world, to decentralize the web and take back power from the forces that have profited from centralizing it. 

In other words, it’s game on for Facebook, Google, Amazon. For years now, Berners-Lee and other internet activists have been dreaming of a digital utopia where individuals control their own data and the internet remains free and open. But for Berners-Lee, the time for dreaming is over.

“We have to do it now,” he says, displaying an intensity and urgency that is uncharacteristic for this soft-spoken academic. “It’s a historical moment.” Ever since revelations emerged that Facebook had allowed people’s data to be misused by political operatives, Berners-Lee has felt an imperative to get this digital idyll into the real world. In a post published this weekend, Berners-Lee explains that he is taking a sabbatical from MIT to work full time on Inrupt. The company will be the first major commercial venture built off of Solid, a decentralized web platform he and others at MIT have spent years building.

If all goes as planned, Inrupt will be to Solid what Netscape once was for many first-time users of the web: an easy way in. And like with Netscape, Berners-Lee hopes Inrupt will be just the first of many companies to emerge from Solid.

The difference here is that, on Solid, all the information is under his control. Every bit of data he creates or adds on Solid exists within a Solid pod–which is an acronym for personal online data store. These pods are what give Solid users control over their applications and information on the web. Anyone using the platform will get a Solid identity and Solid pod. This is how people, Berners-Lee says, will take back the power of the web from corporations.

Berners-Lee believes Solid will resonate with the global community of developers, hackers, and internet activists who bristle over corporate and government control of the web. “Developers have always had a certain amount of revolutionary spirit,” he observes. Circumventing government spies or corporate overlords may be the initial lure of Solid, but the bigger draw will be something even more appealing to hackers: freedom. In the centralized web, data is kept in silos–controlled by the companies that build them, like Facebook and Google. In the decentralized web, there are no silos.

The man who gave the web away for free has never been motivated by money. Still, his plans could impact billion-dollar business models that profit off of control over data. It’s not likely that the big powers of the web will give up control without a fight.

When asked about this, Berners-Lee says flatly: “We are not talking to Facebook and Google about whether or not to introduce a complete change where all their business models are completely upended overnight. We are not asking their permission.”

Game on.

Russia's S-300 Capable Of Destroying F-35, Russia: U.S. Must Leave Syria, 'Naval Blockade By U.S. Would Be War'

The US Military-Industrial Complex's Worst Nightmare: The S-300 May Destroy & Expose The F-35

The tragic episode that caused the death of 15 Russian air force personnel has had immediate repercussions on the situation in Syria and the Middle East. On September 24, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed allies and opponents that the delivery of the S-300 air-defense systems to the Syrian Arab Republic had been approved by President Vladimir Putin. The delivery had been delayed and then suspended as a result of Israeli pressure back in 2013.

In one sense, the delivery of S-300 batteries to Syria is cause for concern more for Washington than for Tel Aviv. Israel has several F-35 and has claimed to have used them in Syria to strike alleged Iranian weapons transfers to Hezbollah.

 With the S-300 systems deployed in an updated version and incorporated into the Russian command, control and communications (C3) system, there is a serious risk (for Washington) that Israel, now incapable of changing the course of events in Syria, could attempt a desperate maneuver.

It is no secret that Greece purchased S-300s from Russia years ago, and that NATO and Israel have trained numerous times against the Russian air-defense system. Senior IDF officials have often insisted that they are capable taking out the S-300s, having apparently discovered their weaknesses.

Tel Aviv’s warning that it will attack and destroy the S-300 battery should not be taken as an idle threat. It is enough to look at the recent downing of Russia’s Il-20 surveillance aircraft to understand how reckless a desperate Israel is prepared to be. Moreover, more than one IDF commander has over the years reiterated that a Syrian S-300 would be considered a legitimate target if threatening Israeli aircraft.

FOREIGN MINSTER: U.S., FRENCH AND TURKISH TROOPS MUST LEAVE SYRIA IMMEDIATELY

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem ANNOUNCED at the United Nations General Assembly’s 73th session, that all unwelcome foreign forces must leave Syria immediately. 

“All foreign forces not invited by the legitimate government must withdraw under no preconditions,” Muallem said. 

Al-Moallem blasted governments which have denied Syria its right to fight terrorism and protect its own people ‘on its own soil and within its boundaries,’ forging an illegal coalition led by the United States with the stated claim of fighting terrorism. “But this Coalition has fought everything but terrorism…Instead; it has proved that its goals are almost the same as those of terrorist groups, mainly fostering chaos, death and destruction."

“The Coalition, has entirely flattened Raqqa city, destroyed infrastructure and basic service institutions and committed atrocities against civilians, all designated war crimes according to international law. The Coalition has provided direct military support for terrorists in the fight against the Syrian army.” The Syrian Foreign Minister said.

U.S. OFFICIAL SUGGESTS "NAVAL BLOCKADE" OF RUSSIA - RUSSIANS REPLY: "WOULD BE WAR"

US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said a naval blockade of Russia was an option for limiting Russia’s role on the global energy market, Washington Examiner quoted him as saying.

"The United States has that ability, with our Navy, to make sure the sea lanes are open, and, if necessary, to blockade ... to make sure that their energy does not go to market," Zinke was quoted as saying during an industry event in Pittsburgh hosted by the Consumer Energy Alliance.

According to the paper, the minister said that the use of the hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, technology gave Washington an advantage over Russia and Iran because its reduced Washington’s dependence on foreign hydrocarbons.

At the same time, Zinke said the Russian economy strongly relied on oil and gas revenues.

"I believe the reason they are in the Middle East is they want to broker energy just like they do in eastern Europe, the southern belly of Europe," he said.

According to the Interior Secretary, Washington was also considering economic measures to put pressure on Russia and Iran in order to squeeze them out of the global energy market.

"The economic option on Iran and Russia is, more or less, leveraging and replacing fuels," Zinke said. "We can do that because ... the United States is the largest producer of oil and gas.".

RUSSIA RESPONDS 

Russia warned on Sunday (30 September)  that a naval blockade by the United States, as proposed by its Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, would be a declaration of war, according to international standards.

"As well as a stupid statement, it is a threat that, if fulfilled, would become a declaration of war, as stipulated by international standards" said Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov.

The legislator advised Zinke that in some cases it was better to use chewing gum, instead of saying something.

Pushkov reacted to recent statements by Zinke, who considered that the American Navy can assume the control of the maritime traffic and block the Russian tankers, if needed.

Russia's economy is based on the sale of crude oil and its participation in conflicts like that of Syria seek to sell hydrocarbons there, estimated Zinke, whose country entered that country without Damascus' consent and under the pretext of fighting terrorism.

Unlike the United States, whose presence in Syria is illegal, Russia was called by the Syrian government to cooperate with its combat aviation to fight terrorist groups.

Washington, on the other hand, is accused by the Syrian government of financing, equipping and training extremist formations that confront the government army.

China's Agreement With The Vatican Raises Alarms For Christians

Secret China-Vatican deal raises alarms for Christians

A ministry that serves persecuted Christians around the globe is raising alarms about a new deal between China and the Vatican.

At least partly because the deal still is secret.

It is Christian Solidarity Worldwide, or CSW, that pointed out that a “provisional agreement” signed between China and the Vatican apparently concerns the appointment of bishops in China.

The organization, which has advocates in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East to work to protect freedom of religion, envisions a world in which everyone can practice the religion of their choice.

It’s concern with the agreement is that it comes “amid a crackdown on religious communities across the country, including the detention of Catholic clergy and restrictions on their religious practices.”

“The agreement was signed on 22 September 2018. Details of the deal remain unknown, but it is believed that under the agreement the Chinese authorities will submit a candidate for bishop to the Vatican, with the pope having final veto power,” the report said.

Critics believe that in signing this agreement, it creates the perception that the Vatican may appear to have indirectly legitimized China’s oppressive record against religious groups, including Catholics,” CSW said.

“CSW is deeply concerned about the timing of this provisional agreement between the Chinese government and the Vatican,” said Benedict Rogers, the organizations East Asia team leader. “While we understand some of the motivations behind the Vatican’s effort towards an agreement, there are significant concerns about the implications for freedom of religion or belief in China. If any such agreement is to be of real value, it must put freedom of religion or belief at the center.

“We reiterate [our] call on the Chinese authorities to release all Catholics in China held in any form of detention, and all others detained in connection with their peaceful religious activities.”

China has in recent months been increasing its persecution of religious people and religious activities.

It has targeted both registered and unregistered, Protestant and Catholic churches.

“Since the passage of the Regulations on Religious Affairs on 1 February, authorities have demolished at least 20 churches, removed or demolished 100 crosses and made hundreds of arrests in Henan province alone,” CSW said.

“This is not an exhaustive list and the true number of incidents are likely to be higher, both in Henan and across China,” the organization reported.

It’s all part of the nation’s “sinicization” by the government, an effort to replace religious symbols with Communist Party slogans, flags and images.

China is attacking not only Christians, but Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong members as well, the report says.

Gaza Violence 'Spiraling', More Clashes At Border - Explosives Hurled At Israeli Soldiers

Explosives hurled at Israeli soldiers in late-night Gaza clashes

Hundreds of Palestinians took part in clashes along the Gaza border Sunday night, hurling explosive devices at Israeli soldiers and attempting to breach the security fence.

No Israel Defense Forces troops were reported injured in the violent protests, while at least 10 Palestinians were said injured by Israeli fire, according to Israel Radio.

An army spokesperson said soldiers were using riot dispersal methods and live fire in accordance with IDF regulations.

Palestinians taking part in the clashes burned tires and threw grenades, improvised explosive devices, firecrackers and rocks at security forces, Channel 10 news reported, with dozens of explosives estimated to have been thrown toward Israeli troops.

The network said the rioters attempted to target Israeli troops working to prevent breaches of the border and that loud explosions were heard in parts of southern Israel near the Gaza Strip due to the hurling of explosives.

Earlier Sunday, firefighters worked to extinguish two blazes near Gaza sparked by airborne incendiary devices launched from the Palestinian enclave, a spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Services said.

The latest violence came after over 100 improvised bombs and grenades were hurled at Israeli troops during clashes Friday at the Gaza border, the military said Saturday. The army released footage of the violent demonstrations, which it said were the worst in two months, depicting attempts to breach and sabotage the security fence.

In Gaza on Saturday, funerals were held for the seven Palestinians killed in the previous day’s violence, including two teen boys.

Amid spiraling Gaza violence, Bennett lashes government's 'failed policy'

Israeli ministers exchanged barbs over the weekend over the escalating violence on the Gaza border, with Education Minister Naftali Bennett slamming the government’s policy on Gaza, saying it was insufficiently aggressive toward the Hamas terrorist group.

In a Sunday statement, Bennett, the chairman of the Jewish Home party blamed Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman for the continuing violence. Liberman’s coalition Yisrael Beytenu party swiftly responded by mocking Bennett’s “hysteria” and “jealousy.”

“The current situation is a direct result of Liberman’s policies toward the Strip,” said Bennett in a statement carried by Hebrew media. “Under the cover of ‘pragmatism’ and ‘responsibility,’ Liberman has subjected the residents of the south to the whims of Hamas. It’s time to tell the truth. The Liberman-Hamas agreements have collapsed. This isn’t how you manage a defense policy; this is what a failed policy looks like.”

The protest followed the breakdown of indirect talks with Israel over a ceasefire and warnings that the terror group Hamas, which rules Gaza, was gearing up for another conflict.

Bennett promised to raise a reexamination of the government’s policy toward Gaza at the next meeting of the security cabinet, of which both he and Liberman are members.

Rumors Of War: Hamas Says Abbas Is Pushing Israel To Launch A New War

Hamas says Abbas is pushing Israel to launch a new war in Gaza

A senior Hamas official on Sunday accused Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas of fomenting violence in the region and pushing Israel toward a new war in the Gaza Strip.

“Abbas wants to control everything in Gaza, war is good for him,” Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior leader in the Gaza Strip, told Arab media. Al-Zahar is in Cairo as part of a large delegation from Gaza taking part in talks to reach a Palestinian reconciliation deal and a possible long-term truce with Israel.

The talks have been deadlocked in recent months and Hamas blames Abbas who has imposed a series of crippling sanctions on the Strip in a bid to force Hamas to give up control. The terror group has ruled Gaza since it ousted Abbas’s rival Fatah faction in 2007.

Al-Zahar charged that the PA, together with several unnamed Arab states, were trying to persuade Israel to launch a wide-scale campaign in Gaza.

Recent days have seen a fresh upsurge in violence and al-Zahar said the border violence would not subside until they achieved their goals.

“The Marches of Return will not end, no matter how much pressure they put on us,” he said.

Firefighters on Sunday worked to extinguish two blazes in southern Israel sparked by airborne incendiary devices launched from the Gaza Strip and police sappers defused another fire balloon on a highway, as a weekend of violent border clashes was followed by relative quiet.

Since Sunday morning, firefighters have combated two fires caused by incendiary balloons near Israeli towns along the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services said.

The Hamas delegation, reportedly lead by Hamas deputy leader Salah al-Arouri, arrived in Cairo on Saturday. The Gaza officials were scheduled to meet with Egyptian intelligence officials throughout the day for deliberations.

Meanwhile, a top Hamas official on Saturday warned Abbas against imposing additional “sanctions” on the coastal territory.

Kahlil al-Hayya, a senior member of the Hamas political bureau, told Gaza newspaper Felesteen that the ruling terrorist group would respond with a “free hand” against any additional measures imposed by the rival Ramallah government headed by Abbas.

Hayya did not elaborate what the response from Hamas might entail, but stressed that Abbas needed to take full responsibility for Gaza.

The remarks came in response to Abbas’s speech to the UN General Assembly earlier this week in which he threatened to “give up responsibility” for Gaza if Hamas refused to respond positively to Egyptian efforts to broker a reconciliation deal between the rival Palestinian factions.

Abbas has slashed funding to Gaza and cut salaries of PA employees there to pressure Hamas into handing over the territory, making it increasingly difficult for Hamas to govern. Hamas fears Abbas may reduce funding for health care and other services for Gazans.

Further cuts to Gaza’s budget are seen as a move that could worsen the Strip’s already dire humanitarian situation and deepen a rift between the rival groups.

During his speech on Thursday, Abbas indicated he would cut the remaining PA budgets allocated for Gaza if Hamas refused to hand over control of the coastal territory.

Russia Becoming More And More Hostile Towards Israel

Russia ramps up anti-Israel measures in Syria for possible war of attrition

At some point in the last 48 hours, the fallout from the Russian Il-20 plane disaster has evolved into hostile steps by Moscow against Israel, as reported by DEBKAfile.

1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Friday, Sept. 28 that Russia had already handed over advanced S-300 missile defense systems to Syria. This was a day after Russian National Security Adviser Nikolai Patrushev met in Tehran with his counterpart Ali Shamkhani. A tradeoff was to have been offered at that meeting, whereby Israeli would call off its air strikes in Syria if Iran stopped sending arms to Hizballah via Syria. Israel was given to understand by Russian officials that this deal would be sealed at an early face-to-face between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Until then. the S-300s would be held in abeyance. However, as Lavrov indicated, either Israel was misled, or Moscow sharply changed course in the last 48 hours. Netanyahu responded to the Russian disclosure by calling the S-300 handover to Syria “irresponsible.”

2. Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, commented caustically to Arab media on Friday that Israel should stop noting “our mistakes.” He was referring to disparaging, possibly patronizing, remarks from Israel military sources when they disowned responsibility for the IL-20 crash. Indeed, the IDF’s response to the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s warning of an electronic war was, “Our air force can handle their systems.” Many Israelis used social media to pour contempt on Russia’s military capabilities. This attitude no doubt irked Moscow and contributed to its decision to ratchet up its military stance in Syria against Israel.
3. Russian military experts described the new electronic warfare systems – through local media – as already installed in Syria, in line with Shoigu’s pledge, and capable of tracking Israeli planes in Israel and Europe when they were still on the ground.
   As one Russian expert put it: “Once a plane is spotted at an airdrome, the reinforced radio-electronic warfare system automatically assigns a target number to it,” for Russian and Syrian air defenses.
4. In addition to the S-300 and enhanced EW systems, the Russians are working overtime to install a new, short-range, Pechora M2 anti-missile system, for boosting the defenses of Damascus. Also known as Neva S-125, this weapon was upgraded in the last two years for intercepting low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles and combat helicopters, which manage to bypass the S-300 and S-400 missile belts protecting the Syrian capital.

The Russian president finds it hard to contend with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s staunch determination to drive Iranian forces from Syria and his constantly escalating anti-Tehran rhetoric. 

Putin believes Netanyahu’s goal to be unrealistic. That view is also shared by a part of the Trump administration. The US president’s new adviser on Syria, James Jeffrey, said on Friday, Sept. 28 at UN Center.  “We are not going to force Iranians out of Syria. We don’t even think the Russians can force the Iranians out of Syria because force implies force, military action.”

So can Israel, without active US or Russian military support, achieve Netanyahu’s goal on its own?

For now, Russia is not only becoming increasingly obstructive, say DEBKAfile’s military and intelligence sources, but hostile: The new air defense and electronic warfare measures Moscow is delivering to Syria indicate that the Russian military is digging in for a war of attrition against Israel. 

Those systems may be followed by squadrons of advanced Russian warplanes.

In many ways, history is repeating itself: In the years 1969-70, Israel fought back against a Soviet-backed Egyptian war of attrition by enclosing a 30-km deep security zone inside the Egyptian border where its air force could operate freely – that is, until Russia installed a line of SA-3 anti-air missiles around the Aswan Dam, Cairo and Alexandria. Israeli air strikes deep inside Egypt were blocked. Moscow then followed up with the deployment of four squadrons of Mig-21 fighters and its most advanced Mig-25s. Israeli warplanes were pushed back with heavy casualties in aircraft and air crews. The US then stepped in and brokered a Russian-Israeli ceasefire which was concluded in Aug. 1970.

Both Russian and Israeli capabilities have changed unrecognizably in the last 48 years. Nevertheless, the Israel Air Force has carefully abstained from raids over Syria since the dispute with Moscow erupted over Il-20 spy plane disaster.

Russia's S-300 Systems 'Enough' to Respond to Israel's Threat 

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Sunday that deliveries of Russian S-300 air defense systems were a "timely step."

"It is a system which is defensive in its nature rather than offensive, and it is intended for the defense of the Syrian airspace. If we analyze the importance of the Syrian airspace's protection, we will see that it reflects security and stability, but not a war. I would like to note that it is a very timely step and we are very grateful to Russia for its efforts," the minister said in an interview.

Muallem also stressed that the systems have sufficient capacities to respond to Israeli threats to the country.

"In any case, S-300 is enough to respond to these threats," the minister told the RT broadcaster, answering a question about Israeli threats in connection to Iran's presence on the Syrian territory.

The minister stressed that the Iranian servicemen were deployed to the Syrian territory on legitimate grounds and in an advisory capacity.

"The Syrian-Iranian relations are not a bargaining issue. These relations are based on the decisions of two sovereign states, defending their independent decision," the minister underlined.

He stressed that he highly appreciated the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide these systems to Syria.

Russia decided to provide Syria with the S-300 air defense systems after a Russian Il-20 plane was downed by a missile launched by Syria's forces earlier this month. The Syrian system was targeting Israeli F-16 jets that were attacking the facilities in the Syrian province of Latakia. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Israel notified Russia of its operation only a minute before the attack.

Israel Plans To Share Recently Obtained Intelligence On Covert Iranian Nuclear Activity

After UN reveal, PM to share more Iran nuclear secrets

Israel plans to share recently obtained intelligence ‎on covert Iranian nuclear activity, as well as on ‎its efforts to arm its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah, ‎with several countries worldwide in an effort to ‎drive them to act against the Islamic republic.‎

Israel Hayom learned Saturday that Israel will first ‎and foremost share the information with the other ‎signatories to the 2015 accord, namely Britain, ‎France, Germany, Russia and China, as well as with ‎the International Atomic Energy Agency.‎

This means to show them that while they insist on ‎backing the deal and look for ways to circumvent the ‎issues that arose in the wake of the U.S.'s decision ‎to withdraw from the deal in May, Iran continues to ‎deceive them and the U.N. by secretly pursuing ‎nuclear weapons.‎

The decision to reveal the information at the U.N. ‎General Assembly was made after the data was ‎carefully scrutinized by the IDF and the Mossad, ‎Israel's national intelligence agency, to ensure making it public would not compromise sensitive sources.‎

A senior political source said that Netanyahu sought ‎to have his U.N. address incriminate Iran "across ‎the board," which led to the decision to include ‎the intelligence pertaining to Hezbollah's weapon ‎production efforts. ‎

Israeli military intelligence has been closely ‎monitoring the Shiite terrorist group's efforts for ‎the past year, and has already shared it with ‎several Western intelligence agencies, he said. ‎

Iranian officials dismissed Netanyahu's claims at ‎the U.N., with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif ‎denouncing the allegations as an "obscene charge" ‎and calling the Israeli prime minister "liar who ‎would not stop lying." ‎

A source in Netanyahu's entourage to the U.N. General ‎Assembly said that Thursday's speech has unsettled ‎the Iranians, who have been backed into a corner on ‎the issue.‎

Another source said that Netanyahu himself stressed ‎that he would not have gone forward with the ‎revelations without the support of the Israeli ‎intelligence community. ‎

Describing the speech as a "call for action," ‎Netanyahu also noted that the fact that Iranian ‎officials "criticized the addressed, they didn't ‎deny [the allegations], which says everything."‎

Chinese Military Deploys Fighter Jets And Bombers To Conduct Live-Fire Drills In Disputed S China Seas

Chinese Air Force Holds Live-Fire War Drill In South China Sea Days After US Exercise

China Central Television, as per the Twitter account of the official People's Daily newspaper, reported Saturday that the Chinese military deployed fighter jets and bombers to conduct live-fire war drills in the disputed South China Sea, just days after the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and nuclear-capable US B-52 strategic bombers held exercises over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan on September 27.

The report said dozens of jet fighters from the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force from the Southern Theater Command on early Saturday conducted "live-fire drills to tests pilots' assault, penetration and precision-strike capabilities at sea," said The Japan Times.

Beijing on Thursday blasted the US and Japan exercise over the East China Sea, calling them a "provocation."

"China’s principle and standpoint on the South China Sea are always clear," Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said, according to Chinese state-run media. "China firmly opposes U.S. military aircraft’s provocation in the South China Sea, and will take all necessary measures."

Japan's Mainichi Shimbun News said the joint drills between the US and Japan were highly "unusual," as what we pointed out last week, a China-Japan maritime crisis is inevitable over the disputed Senkaku Islands.

It seems that Thursday's move was aimed at keeping China in check amid increasing tensions between Beijing and Washington, including an intensifying trade war. 

But in a tit-for-tat effort, China hit back with war drills of their own on Saturday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang criticized unnamed countries (US, United Kingdom, and France) for using freedom of navigation and overflight as excuses to disrupt other countries’ sovereignty and security, disturbing regional peace and stability.

In August, US bombers conducted similar exercises over the South China Sea. In addition to those exercises, the warplanes integrated with the Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture-based Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the region.

In June, China’s Foreign Ministry said no military in the world could scare China from the South China Sea when the US flew planes in the heavily disputed waters miles from its militarized islands.

Washington and Beijing have unleashed a series of war drills over the militarization of the South China Sea, where China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines all have active claims.

U.S. vs Russia And China: Rumors Of War

US Hints At Naval Blockade Of Russian Energy Exports Which Moscow Warns Would Be "An Act Of War"

In a interview about fracking and the implications of making the United States less dependent on foreign sources of energy, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told the Washington Examiner that the US Navy has the ability to blockade Russia from controlling energy supplies in the Middle East. 

"The United States has that ability, with our Navy, to make sure the sea lanes are open, and, if necessary, to blockade... to make sure that their energy does not go to market," Zinke said on Friday at a Consumer Energy Alliance event in Pittsburg. 

The comments came as Russia, Germany and other European partners move forward on the Nord Stream II pipeline — something President Trump has vehemently opposed because of the leverage it gives Russia over Europe, and something which US officials have discussed sanctions over if Russia decides to play dirty with the pipeline. 

Zinke continued, "Russia is a one trick pony," and explained Russia's ability to sell energy is paramount to its economic survival: "I believe the reason they are in the Middle East is they want to broker energy just like they do in eastern Europe, the southern belly of Europe," he said. 

While Russia has been engaged in military action in Syria since 2015 at the request of the Syrian government, the West has long accused Moscow of seeking a permanent presence in the Middle East to ensure oil and gas access. 

In the process, Moscow and Tehran have grown closer as the two come under aggressive US sanctions and gained international pariah status. Secretary of the Interior Zinke explained of the Iran situation: "National security-wise, how are you going to deal with Iran?" Zinke asked. "Well, there are two ways."

"There is the military option, which I would rather not. And there is the economic option," he said. "The economic option on Iran and Russia is, more or less, leveraging and replacing fuels."

He added, "We can do that because... the United States is the largest producer of oil and gas."

Understandably, Zinke’s statements provoked an angry response from Moscow, which equated a potential maritime blockade to an “act of war,” while calling the internal secretary’s assumptions “nonsense.”

“A US blockade of Russia would be equal to a declaration of war under international law,” Russian Senator Aleksey Pushkov said, commenting on Zinke’s words. Russia does not currently export any energy to the Middle East, which itself is a major oil exporting region. The whole idea is an “absolute nonsense,” the Senator argued.

Meanwhile such US Naval jostling to keep sea lanes open in contested regions is already happening in the South China Sea, where China's series of man made islands are being used of Beijing to expand and claim territory. 

According to Reuters the latest incident occurred early Sunday:

A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a U.S. official told Reuters, potentially angering Beijing at a time of tense relations between the two countries.

And just last week Beijing denounced recent US-B52 bomber flyovers of the South China Sea and East China Sea, calling the military maneuvers "provocative".

The UN estimates that one-third of global shipping passes through the expansive area claimed by China — and crucially there's thought to exist significant untapped oil and natural gas reserves.

There's been a series of incidents over the summer involving US aircraft and ships, as well as that of regional powers like the Philippines, which have involved Chinese military warning off the foreign vessels and aircraft. 

Also last week China denied a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong in what was a stunning symbolic rebuke in response to new tariffs enacted by the Trump White House.

With Russia now maintaining its own naval build-up in the Mediterranean after repeat US threats to attack Syria over the past month, we could soon see more confrontation over shipping lanes in the region and the West seeks to disrupt Moscow's access to Middle East energy markets. 

Tens Of Thousands Of Palestinians Protest Along Gaza Border: Hand Grenades, Bombs, Airborne Incendiary Devises

Incendiary balloons from Gaza spark two fires in south

Firefighters on Sunday worked to extinguish two blazes in southern Israel sparked by airborne incendiary devices launched from the Gaza Strip and police sappers defused another fire balloon on a highway, as a weekend of violent border clashes was followed by relative quiet.

Since Sunday morning, firefighters have combated two fires caused by incendiary balloons near Israeli towns along the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services said.

A police statement earlier on Sunday said sappers located and neutralized an arson balloon on Highway 35, which caused no damage.

The spate of arson attempts came after over 100 improvised bombs and grenades were hurled at Israeli troops during Friday’s riots at the Gaza border, the military said Saturday. The army released footage of the violent demonstrations, which it said were the worst in two months, depicting attempts to breach and sabotage the security fence.

It also said IDF forces were still engaged in the controlled detonation of unexploded bombs and grenades.

In Gaza on Saturday, funerals were held for the seven Palestinians killed in the previous day’s violence, including two teen boys.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians protested along the Gaza border fence, throwing hand grenades, bombs, rocks, and burning tires in clashes with IDF troops, who responded with tear gas, live fire, and air strikes.

The protest was one of the largest and most violent in recent weeks and comes following the break down of indirect talks with Israel over a ceasefire and warnings that the terror group Hamas, which rules Gaza, was gearing up for another conflict.

Seven people were killed, including a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old, and at least 210 Palestinians were wounded, including an 11-year-old boy, who was in serious condition, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. It said 90 of the wounded were hit by live fire.

The ministry identified three of the dead as Nasser Mosabih, 12, Mohammed al-Houm, 14, and Iyad Al-Shaar, 18, and said they were shot. The other four were in their twenties.

The IDF said about 20,000 Palestinians took part in violent protests, spread out among a few locations along the Gaza security fence.

China 'Opposes U.S. Provocation In S China Sea', Holds Live-Fire Drills

Chinese warplanes hold live-fire drills in South China Sea days after U.S. bomber flights

The Chinese military has sent fighter planes and bombers to conduct live-fire exercises at a range in the disputed South China Sea, state broadcaster CCTV reported Saturday, just days after the U.S. sent heavy bombers through the strategic waterway twice during the past week.

The short report said that dozens of fighters and bombers from the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force from the Southern Theater Command had conducted the drills to test pilots’ assault, penetration and precision-strike capabilities at sea.

Beijing on Thursday blasted the U.S. flights over the South China Sea earlier this week by B-52 bombers, calling them a “provocation.”

“China’s principle and standpoint on the South China Sea are always clear,” Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said, according to state-run media. “China firmly opposes U.S. military aircraft’s provocation in the South China Sea, and will take all necessary measures.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang criticized unnamed countries for using freedom of navigation and overflight as excuses to harm other countries’ sovereignty and security, disturbing regional peace and stability.

Late last month, B-52s conducted similar training over the South China Sea. In addition to those exercises, the bombers integrated with the Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture-based Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the area.

In June, after two U.S. B-52 bombers flew near disputed islands in the South China Sea, China’s Foreign Ministry said no military ships or aircraft could scare China away from its resolve to protect its territory.

Washington and Beijing have frequently jousted over the militarization of the South China Sea, where China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines all have competing claims.

The two powers have often clashed over the region — which includes vital sea lanes through which over $3 trillion in global trade passes each year — and where China has built up a series of military outposts. China claims the area within its so-called nine-dash line, which encompasses most of the waterway.

China has said the facilities are for defensive purposes, but some experts say this is part of a concerted bid to cement de facto control over the South China Sea.

In a separate mission involving the U.S. Air Force and Air Self-Defense Force, a B-52 linked up over the East China Sea and Sea of Japan for a large-scale training mission involving 16 ASDF fighter jets, both countries’ militaries said Friday.

The mission, which took place Thursday, was the latest display by the U.S. and Japanese militaries of their improving integrated operations.

Death Toll Dramatically Increasing In Indonesia From Quake, Indonesia To Busy Tsunami Victims En Masse

Death toll from Indonesia quake and tsunami jumps to 832, fate of thousands more unknown

The death toll in Indonesia’s quake-tsunami disaster nearly doubled to more than 800 Sunday, as ill-equipped rescuers struggled to reach scores of trapped victims, health officials resorted to mass burials and desperate residents looted shops for food and water.

“The casualties will keep increasing,” said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, whose agency announced 832 deaths.

“Today we will start the mass burial of victims, to avoid the spread of disease.”

Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said the final death toll in the north of Sulawesi island could be in the “thousands” since many regions have still not been reached.

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake. Some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

“When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told the TV.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in the region Sunday afternoon.

In Palu on Sunday aid was trickling in, the Indonesian military had been deployed and search-and-rescue workers were doggedly combing the rubble for survivors – looking for dozens feared trapped under one hotel alone.

“Communication is limited, heavy machinery is limited … it’s not enough for the numbers of buildings that collapsed,” Nugroho said.

The 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart the city’s coastline.

Save The Children programme director Tom Howells said access was a “huge issue” hampering relief efforts.

“Aid agencies and local authorities are struggling to reach several communities around Donggala, where we are expecting there to be major damage and potential large-scale loss of life,” Howells said.

Dozens of corpses lay in an open courtyard at the back of a Palu hospital, baking under a fierce tropical sun, with only one building separating it from an open triage site on the opposite side.

On Saturday evening residents fashioned makeshift bamboo shelters or slept out on dusty playing fields, fearing powerful aftershocks would topple damaged homes and bring yet more carnage.

C-130 military transport aircraft with relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, which reopened to humanitarian flights and limited commercial flights, but only to pilots able to land by sight alone.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area’s major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts.

“People here need aid – food, drink, clean water,” said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident.

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque.

“I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline,” said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

“The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors.”

Images showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said.

Friday’s tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia’s portion of Borneo island.

As many as 2.4 million people could have felt the quake, the disaster agency said.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world’s biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy.

'Casualties will keep increasing': Indonesia to bury tsunami victims en masse

The death toll in Indonesia’s quake-tsunami disaster nearly doubled to more than 800 Sunday, as ill-equipped rescuers struggled to reach scores of trapped victims, health officials resorted to mass burials and desperate residents looted shops for food and water.

“The casualties will keep increasing,” said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, whose agency announced 832 deaths.

“Today we will start the mass burial of victims, to avoid the spread of disease.”

Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said the final death toll in the north of Sulawesi island could be in the “thousands” since many regions have still not been reached.

“It feels very tense,” said 35-year-old mother Risa Kusuma, comforting her feverish baby boy at an evacuation center in the gutted coastal city of Palu. “Every minute an ambulance brings in bodies. Clean water is scarce. The mini-markets are looted everywhere.”

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicenter of the quake. Some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

“When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told the TV.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in the region Sunday afternoon.

Save The Children program director Tom Howells said access was a “huge issue” hampering relief efforts.

“Aid agencies and local authorities are struggling to reach several communities around Donggala, where we are expecting there to be major damage and potential large-scale loss of life,” Howells said.

Dozens of corpses lay in an open courtyard at the back of a Palu hospital, baking under a fierce tropical sun, with only one building separating it from an open triage site on the opposite side.

“I have one child — he’s missing,” Baharuddin, a 52-year-old Palu resident, told AFP as he stood on floor tiles smeared with blood.

“I last spoke to him before he went to school in the morning.”

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area’s major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts.

“People here need aid — food, drink, clean water,” said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident.

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves toppling several buildings and inundating a large mosque.