text:
Dr. Souad N. Al-Azzawi Assoc. Prof. / Mamoun Univ. for Science & Technology Member of the BRussells Tribunal Advisory Committee Presented at The 3rd ICBUW International Conference Hiroshima, August 3-6, 2006. [ PDF file ] |
Depleted Uranium (DU) weaponry has been used against Iraq for the first time in the history of recent wars. The magnitude of the complications and damage related to the use of such radioactive and toxic weapons on the environment and the human population mostly results from the intended concealment, denial and misleading information released by the Pentagon about the quantities, characteristics and the area's in Iraq, in which these weapons have been used.
Revelation of information regarding what is called the Gulf War Syndrome among exposed American veterans helped Iraqi researchers and Medical Doctors to understand the nature of the effect of these weapons, and the means required to investigate further into this issue.
The synergetic impact on health due to the post Gulf War I economical sanctions and DU related radioactive contamination raised the number of casualties in contaminated areas as in southern Iraq.
Continual usage of DU after Gulf War I on other Iraqi territories through the illegal No-Fly Zones and the major DU loaded Cruise Missiles attack of year 1998, all contributed in making the problem increasingly complex.
During 2003, military operations conducted in Iraq by the invading forces used additional rounds of DU in heavily populated areas such as Baghdad, Samawa and other provinces. It is only fair to conclude that the environment in Iraq and its population have been exposed continuously to DU weaponry or its contaminating remains, since 1991.
Accordingly millions of Iraqi's have received higher doses of radioactivity than ordinary background levels. As a result a multi-fold increase of low level radiation exposure related diseases have been registered since 1995. An increase of children's leukemia, congenital malformations, breast cancer etc…
The shift of leukemia incidence rates towards younger children during the recent years, and its association with geographically distributed contaminated areas, offers strong evidence of the correlation between LLR exposure and resulted health damages.
Through this paper, an overview of major scientific DU conclusions will be presented, drawn from investigations and research conducted since the year 1991 by Iraqi researchers and MDs. Schemes of these researches can be classified into three categories:
1.0 Introduction:
Depleted Uranium (DU) weaponry has been used against Iraq since the Gulf War 1 in 1991. Estimated (DU) expenditure of 320 - 800 tons were mainly shot on the withdrawing Iraqi troops from Kuwait to the north of Basrah City.
The use of (DU) ammunition and bombs on Iraqi territory never stopped since 1991. Different generations of (DU) supported Tomahawk missiles & Bunker Buster Bombs [3] have been used during the 90's on what were known as the No Fly Zones (Northern & Southern regions of Iraq), and the 1998 attack on Iraq.
With the comprehensive sanctions that were imposed on Iraq, the USA & its allies purposely used these radioactive & toxic weapons to exhaust Iraq's strength & population to prepare for the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Hundreds of tons of (DU) expenditure were also used during the invasion of Iraq. This was done to worsen the radioactive contamination impact. Additionally, the occupying forces have forbade any kind of (DU) related exploration programs or research [2]. They have also covered up and denied DU's damaging health effects, and refused to release information on the amounts, types and locations of these weapons within Iraq. As a consequence, thousands of Iraqi children and their families are suffering from different low level radiation (LLR) related diseases such as congenital malformations, malignancies, congenital heart diseases, chromosomal aberration and multiple malformations. Women in the contaminated areas suffered high rates of miscarriages and sterility [3].
Pressure from anti-DU groups and the international community due to the effects of the Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) on Gulf War veterans, helped Iraqi researchers start a series of investigation programs on the contaminated areas to estimate the radiation dose the people in southern Iraq and the Iraqi troops were exposed to during military engagements in 1991, and assess the level of contamination in the surrounding environment.
The American administration still claims that the biological and chemical agents of hydrocarbon smoke of oil field fires in southern Iraq are the main causes behind the (GWS) and not the exposure to the DU [2][4]. This is very false and misleading information.
The previously published data of the types and amounts of the chemical fumes and hydrocarbons that were released to Iraq's environment in each Iraqi city due to the 1991 air raids and bombing [5] [6] proves that the areas of Ta'meem, and Salahiddin were the most polluted cities due to the destruction of mines and huge material and armed forces industries. This resulted in the formation of SOx, NOx, and COx plumes and hydrocarbon smoke clouds. In addition to the pollution that resulted from the burning of thousands of rubber tires used to mislead Tomahawk missiles off their targets (Table 1).
Registered cancer cases, congenital malformations and other related diseases are less in these cities than in Basrah [7], which proves that the major cause of the multifold increase of such diseases in the south was the extensive use of DU weapons in 1991 and the following years.
Table 1: Contaminants Released to the Environment During the Gulf War of 1991 [5]
City |
Air Pollution burning of |
Water pollution, release of |
Soil Pollution |
Baghdad |
224,000 m3 of Hydrocarbons burning and crude oils Soot of burning 2000 rubber tires |
300 m³/hr sewage released to soil and Tigris river |
Underground storage fuel tanks rupture and leaks |
Ninevah |
551 m³ of gas oil 167 m³ gasoline and kerosene 300 liters of HCl 835 Kg of Sodium Hypochlorites 1150 rubber tire burning |
Release of 1000 m³ of gas oils to surface water |
41,457 liters of gas oil to soil |
Sulaimania |
No record |
40 liters of transformer oils |
250 m³ of oil |
Ta'meem |
4,681,000 m³ of crude oil 910 m³ gas oil 285 m³ naphtha 20 × 106 m³ H2S gas 200 m³ liquid gas 50 m³ gasoline 4000 burning of rubber tires |
No records |
60 m³ engine oils 50 l of conc. Acid H2SO4 53,674,000 m³ crude oil |
Saladdin |
6,228,000 m³ of light fuel 8,250,000 m³ of naphtha 288,000 m³ of heavy oils (hydrocarbons) 13,000 m³ turbine |
10 m³ engine oil 20 m³ transformers oils 200 tons of ammonium hydroxides sewage |
10 m³ of oils |
Anbar |
3,188,000 m³ heavy oils 235,910 m³ of liquefied gas 18,000 tons of raw sulfur 53,600 tons of liquid sulfur |
No records |
223,000 m³ crude oils 100 m³ kerosene 5,616 tons of H2SO4 180 tons of other acids |
Najaf |
1,250,000 m³ of gas oil |
No records |
3000 m³ of gas oil 3000 m³ of turbine oils |
Babylon |
150 m³ of heavy oils 35 m³ of turbine oils 240,000 m³ gas oils 30,000 m³ oils |
No records |
250,000 m³ gas oils |
Karabala |
36,000 m³ heavy oils |
No records |
No records |
Wassit |
2000 m³ kerosene 11,000 m³ gasoline 11,000 m³ crude oils |
No records |
No records |
Maissan |
23,000 rubber tires burning Plastic and rubbr pipes |
No records |
1000 m³ fuel oil pesticides |
Qadisiya |
86,240 m³ of oils 36,729 rubber tires and pipes |
No records |
No records |
Thi Qar |
1000 m³ gasoline |
No records |
10 tons of garbage |
Muthana |
No records |
No records |
4 kg of cyanide |
Basrah |
7,032,000 m³ heavy naphtha 84,824 m³ gasoline 20,000 m³ heavy oils 547 m³ solvents 28,000 m³ natural gas 3.4 million barrels of crude oil from carriers |
17,000 m³ crude oil 60 m³ kerosene 76 m³ transformers oil 50 m³ turbines oil 15,000 tons sodium hydroxide 40,000 barrels crude oil |
1.314 million barrels of crude oil |
The American and British occupation forces are totally responsible for:
1- Forbidding any release of statistics related to civilian casualties after the occupation [8].
2- Refusal to clean up contaminated areas [9].
3- Depriving international agencies and Iraqi researchers the right to conduct full (DU) related exploration programs by USA occupation forces [2] to prevent further damages is the best evidence that these forces are covering up their certain conclusive evidence of the harmful health impacts of DU.
All these acts are crimes against humanity because these weapons are causing undifferentiated harm and suffering to civilians in all contaminated areas. Health effects can range from fatigue and muscular pain to genetic disorder, chromosome aberrations, and malignancies. Existence of DU in the environment will maintain continuous exposure to both toxic and radioactive effects which represent continuous systematic attacks on civilians in an armed conflict (Article 4 of the official regulations and article 7 of ICC).
In this paper the genuine scientific efforts of the Iraqi scientists and researchers who tried hard to define and prove the (DU) contaminated areas in southern Iraq and its health consequences will be reviewed.
Most of these researches couldn't find their way to international peer-reviewed journals because of the comprehensive sanctions imposed on Iraq, even thought they have been published in Iraqi universities scientific peer-reviewed journals.
We feel obligated to let the world know that some of these researches cost the authors their lives e.g. Dr. Alim Abdul Hameed Yacoub who was killed, along with his son, when his car was forced off the highway on the way to his home town of Basrah after being attacked twice at his home by pro-occupation militias two weeks before his death. They cost other researchers their freedom, such as Dr. Huda Ammash who was accused of being (Lady Anthrax) and imprisoned without any real accusation for 3 years.
The assassination of 250 Iraqi scientists after Iraq's invasion by occupation militias is the best way not to continue any kind of research including DU-related research [12] in occupied Iraq.
2.0 Schemes of DU related research that have been conducted and published in Iraq (1991-2003):
We can classify research and studies that have been conducted by Iraqi researchers into the following schemes:
2.1 Detection and modeling of DU contamination through site measurements and laboratory tests.
In 1993 the first Iraqi team of researchers from the Iraqi Atomic Commission and the science college of Baghdad University [7] [13] investigated the increase of DU related radioactivity in selected areas west of Al-Basrah where destroyed tanks and vehicles with DU ammunition were still laying around. The areas were: Northern Rumaila oil fields, Al-Shamia, Kharanje, Rumaila and Jabal Sanam. Exposure measurements revealed the existence of DU contamination in the studied areas. Tables 1, 2, and 3 show the results of these measurements.
Table (2) Field Measurements at North Rumaila Area [7]
Type of Chose Sample |
Background |
Chosen Sample |
1 |
Armoured Personnel Carrier BMB-1 |
8.1 |
24.6 |
2 |
Armoured Personnel Carrier MTLB |
8.2 |
9.7 |
3 |
T-72 Tank |
8.7 |
15.1 |
4 |
Rescue Tank |
7.2 |
13.2 |
Table (3) Field Measurements at Shamia Airffield /Gudairat al-Audhaimi Area [7]
Type of Chose Sample |
Background |
Chosen Sample |
1 |
T-72 Tank |
7.0 |
60.8 |
2 |
Armoured Personnel Carrier (Watercan) |
7.2 |
60.3 |
3 |
Far away area from chosen sample (1)/ T-72 |
7.1 |
7.3 |
4 |
Far away area from chosen sample (2)/ Watercan |
7.3 |
7.2 |
Table (4) Field Measurements at DMZ and Surrounding Area [7]
Type of Chose Sample |
Background |
Chosen Sample |
1 |
Unexploded DU Warhead (near Karrange Oil Pumping Station on the Iraqi-Saudi border |
7.4 |
83 |
2 |
Tank/T-55 (between crossroads Nos. 13 and 14) |
7.6 |
21 |
3 |
Tank/T-72 (No. 16107) |
7.2 |
23 |
4 |
Tank/T-55 (left of crossroads No. 9) |
7.4 |
67 |
5 |
Tank/T-72 (near international observation post between crossroads Nos. 12 and 13) |
7.6 |
69 |
6 |
Tank/T-72 (south west on Mount Sanam) |
7.0 |
65 |
* Exposure measurements (Micro Roentgen/hr)
In 1996 Al-Azzawi and her team conducted a comprehensive exploration program through the Environmental Engineering Deptartment in Baghdad University [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19] (Al-Azzawi et al). The program involved taking hundreds of exposure measurements, soil samples, surface waterway channels, sediments and bio-samples from vegetation cover, fish and grazing animal tissues from areas of heavy military engagement during the first Gulf War like Safwan, Jabal Sanam, al-Zubair, Northern Rumaila oil fields, and Southern Rumaila Oil Fields (Figures 1 and 2).
Scintillation counters were used for exposure measurements and high purity germanium detectors for soil and sediment samples, surface and ground water samples and bio-samples.
Selected measurements from exploration program results are shown in (Table 5). Modeling pollution transport from hundreds of destroyed artilleries to surrounding areas showed the following extensions of DU contamination in the area from 1991 – 1996 [17] [18] [19]:
- 1718 km² of soil contaminated with DU oxides and particles,
- 140,000 m² of channel sediments,
- 845, 100 tons of vegetation cover
Table 5 : Selected Exposure and Soil Radioactivity Measurements [15]
Sample Symbol
Type of Sampled Target
Exposure µR/hr
Activity Concentration in Soil (Bq/Kg)
Northern Jabal Sanam
Northern Jabal Sanam
Jabal Sanam
Jabal Sanam
NW Jabal Sanam
North Safwan City
North Safwan City
Northern Rumeila Oil Field
Northern Rumeila Oil Field
Northern Rumeila Oil Field
Southern Rumaila Oil Field
Southern Rumaila Oil Field
Southern Rumaila Oil Field
Southern Rumaila Oil Field
Jabal Sanam
T: Destroyed Tank A: Destroyed Armored Vehicle
Risk assessment related to previous measurements showed that people in the western part of Basrah City, and the Iraqi and American troops received a total whole body radioactive dosage of (442 – 577) mSv [20] [21], mostly in the first six months of 1991 Gulf War military operations.
In 1999 – 2000 a follow-up exploration program in the same area was done by the Environmental Engineering Department (Al-Azzawi et al) through which site exposure, and soil sediments, water samples, and laboratory tests were also conducted in previously studied areas plus areas where most of the DU contaminated tanks were gathered, on the banks of Wafaa Al Qaied waterway causing further contamination [22] [23].
Results of this program indicated the existence of slightly higher radioactivity in some of the areas, but generally sand storms and the weathering process contributed to the dispersion of these contaminants to nearby populated areas. Table (6) shows conclusions of the the results of these tests and measurements.
Table (6): Conclusion of (1999 – 2000) Exploration Program in Basrah
Type of Measurement |
No. A * |
No. B ** |
Range of Measurements |
Background Levels |
Units |
Exposure |
120 |
17 |
8.2 – 11.6 |
4 – 7 |
µR/hr |
Soil |
120 |
22 |
80 – 788 |
42 – 70 |
Bq/Kg |
Surface and Ground Water |
75 |
-- |
Not detected |
Not detected |
Bq/l |
Waterway Sediment Samples |
13 |
10 |
50 – 85 |
30 – 40 |
Bq/Kg |
* No. A: Number of Samples
** No. B: Number of Samples with Higher Activity
Also in 1999-2000 Al-Azzawi, Maarouf and Al-Mousori investigated the possibility of radiological contamination in Ninevah Governorate and its center Mosul City [Northern Iraq (Map 2)] after being attacked during 1999 by new generations (AGM 154 J50W) of Cruise missiles on three targets on the eastern bank of Tigris River in Mosul city. The program also involved checking the extension of Chernobyl plume on Iraqi territories after 13 years [24].
Results of this program (Table 7) showed slightly higher radioactivity in and around destroyed targeted areas than other areas of Mosul and Ninevah governerate. These results proved that Cruise Missiles also contain DU.
Table (7): Conclusion of Ninevah and Mosul City Exploration Program of 2000 [24]
Type of Measurement |
Area |
No. A * |
No. B ** |
Range of Measurements |
Background Levels |
Units |
Exposure |
Ninevah |
48 |
18 |
8.5 – 14 |
7 |
µR/hr |
Exposure |
Mosul City |
62 |
21 |
8.5 – 14 |
7 |
µR/hr |
Soil |
Ninevah |
29 |
5 |
80 – 107 |
-- |
Bq/Kg |
Soil |
Mosul City |
48 |
18 |
100 – 142 |
-- |
Bq/Kg |
Water |
Mosul City |
4 |
None |
-- |
-- |
-- |
* No. A: Number of Samples
** No. B: Number of Samples with Higher Activity
Tawfiq, N. F. et al in 2000 [25] measured alpha-emitters concentrations in soil samples from different Iraqi cities using Solid State Nuclear Track detectors CR-39 and CN-85. Her team found out that high concentration radioisotopes of (7.8) ppm was measured in Muthana governorate. The Dutch troops later in 2003 refused to camp in the center of Muthana, Samawa City, due to high DU related radioactivity detection by those troops. After a few days they finally moved to a nearby desert area [26]. It was also confirmed by Dr. Durakovich that New York Guardsmen serving in Samawe during 2003 were exposed to DU [27]. Other cities with high radioisotope concentrations are Basrah (7.2) ppm, Nasria(Al-Shatra)(6.2) ppm. Generally, locations where the Iraqi withdrawing tanks were intercepted by US troops, and where the massacre of February 27 occurred- and Iraqi POWs were buried alive under the order of General Macaffery [28].
In 2000, Al-Gurabi, S. and her team measured DU related increases in radioactivity along the areas bordering Kuwait and Saudia Arabia. They also measured Northern Rumaila Oil Field areas and northwest Basrah City [3]. Results showed higher activity concentrations of DU related radioisotopes in all investigated areas except the center of Basrah City.
In 2001-2002 Butras, Wartan and Butras [29] measured radioactivity in three different areas of Basrah using Alpha and Beta measuring LB1200 detectors. The measured areas:
A: Iraqi-Saudi-Kuwaiti borders
B: Qurna, Zubair, Faw and Umm Kasir seaport.
C: Shatt Al-Arab district in Basrah
Results proved the existence of higher radioactivity measurements than background levels of (18*10-3) mRm/hr in area (A) after 10 years of the war. Umm Kasir area registered (10 * 10-3 ) mRm/hr. Normal background levels in the area are within the range of 7 – 8 * 10-3 mRm/hr [34].
In 2000, Al-Kinani, et al [30] collected (11) soil samples from Safwan, S. Rumaila and unarmed border zone using gamma radiation detector. Results indicated that (7) of these samples were contaminated with DU radioisotopes. Sample (SSI) U235/U238 ratio was found to be (0.00351) which indicates highly DU contamination under that destroyed tank. Other ratios ranged between (0.0041-0.0037).
Dozens of other studies were made and published in Arabic or English peer-reviewed scientific journals of various Iraqi universities. The published investigation programs were all conducted by well-known professors and researchers who followed the IAEA and other international scientific standards procedures. All research and radiological laboratory tests that were done in conjunction of the environmental department of the Iraqi Atomic Commission were searched and reviewed by periodic inspection teams of the IAEA who were checking the IAEC activities throughout the nineties until the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
A UNEP report in 2005 specified the existence of 311 sites related to DU contamination without any measurements [43].
2.2 Epidemiological Studies Related to (DU) Contamination Health Effects:
Epidemiological studies about the correlation between (DU) radioactive contamination and the increase of malignancies incidence rates in Basrah Governorate have been noticed and studied by Al-Basra college of Medicine faculty members since 1995. Some of these studies were published in the University of Basrah Medical Journal. Others were presented in the two Iraqi conferences about the effect of economical sanction and the (DU) weaponry use against the human and environment in Iraq, held in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
Results of these studies pointed out very important facts concerning the direct correlation between DU radiological contamination and the resulted increase of the related diseases in geographically contaminated areas. Among others, the following studies are specifically important:
- 1998: Alim Yacoub et al [31] [32] presented an analysis of recorded cases of registered malignant diseases among children under 15 years of age in Basrah for the period (1990 – 1997). This analysis showed a rise of 60% in children's leukemia from 1990 to 1997. Also, a 120% increase in all malignant cases among children under the age of 15 for the same period were registered. The study also showed the shift of age distribution of leukemia cases towards younger, than 5 years of age from 13% in 1990 to 41% of total cases in 1997.
- 1998 Al-Sadoon, et al [33] showed a three fold increase in congenital malformations registered cases in 1998 compared to 1990. Congenital heart diseases, chromosomal aberrations, and multiple malformations all indicate exposure to teratogenic environmental factor.
- In 1998, Alim Yacoub et, al [34] also introduced an analysis of the incidence and pattern of malignant diseases in Basra from the analysis of the histo-pathological reports of Basra University Teaching Hospital for the period 1990-1997. The study indicated that there was a rise of about 160% in reported cases of uterine cancer in 1997 compared to 1990 and an increase of 143% in thyroid cancer cases in 1997 compared to 1990 recordings. Also a 102% increase in breast cancer and 82% rise in lymphomas in 1997 compared to 1990. The shift in the types of the five major leading malignancies in Basrah in 1997 were malignant diseases such as breast, bladder, lymphomas, uterine, and skin cancers. While those of 1990 were malignant diseases of bladder, skin, breast, lung and larynx.
- 2002: Alim Yacoub, Imad Al-Sadoon and Jenan Hasan presented a paper [35] that examines the association between exposure to DU radiation and the rising incidence of malignancies among children in Basra through time sequence criteria, and dose-response criteria through the geographical shift of the increase of incidence rates in Al-Zubair and other western areas from less than 5/100,000 prior to 1993 to 22/100,000 in 2000 compared to only Al-Hartha area (north of Basrah) only prior to 1993 (with highest incidence rates of > 10/100,000 in 1993). They also tested the biological plausibility criteria through the shift of the increase of leukemia incidence rate towards younger ages of less than 5 years old after 1995. Figures 3, 4, and 5 conclude these results.
Yacoub et al, 2002, couldn't explain the reason for the constant increase of malignancies incidence rates among children in Al-Hartha district in northern Basrah City, figure 2, from (10 incidents / 100,000) to (42.7 / 100,000) in the year 2000. This can be explained by the existence of the largest electrical power generation and transformation facilities in Iraq of 800 MW. This power plant was destroyed during air raids several times in 1991. Nobody measured the radioactivity in Al-Hartha, which might also have been destroyed with DU bombing.
- 2002: Abbas Ali & Jawad Ali [26] presented an evaluation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) annual incidence which started to rise from 1995 up to the year 2000, when the increase began to plateau.
2.3 DU Effects on Human Health Pathological Studies:
1998: Huda Ammash- Professor of Molecular Biology in the Science College of the University of Baghdad- presented a paper on the mechanisms of toxicity induced by free radicals resulting from irradiation with DU and ionization of the atmosphere in Iraq [37][38]. This paper pinpointed the need for DU toxicity researches on enzymes (SOD), Caralase, hydrogenates and Glyceraldehydes Dehydrogenates levels. She also presented the multiaborative cases on the DNA level where out of 50 studied cases, 29 cases were found with DNA abnormalities (with no hereditary evidence). Other multiaborative cases investigating the toxoplasmosis effect showed that out of 130 cases, over 65% more were infected than those recorded in 1989.
2002: Muhammed, Z.T. et al [39] published a paper about the effects of DU radiation on the human immune system enzyme. A group of (26) Iraqi veterans who were exposed to DU radiation with (43) control individuals were all subjected to tests for Adenosine DA Amines (ADN) enzyme activity. Results indicated mean activity of the enzyme of the exposed individuals of (0.184 ±0.016) U/g protein, while the unexposed individuals enzyme activity (0.291 ±0.022)U/mg protein.
ADA enzyme activity in the exposed individuals were found to be significantly lower than the control group. P<0.05 significant correlation coefficient was found between ADA activity as an important immune enzyme and related clinical signs and symptoms related to defective cellular immune functions.
2002: Ammash, H., Alwan, L. and Marouf, B.A. published a paper (in Arabic) [40] about the results of Genetic hematological analysis for a group of individuals lives in DU contaminated areas southern Iraq. Blood tests for the (47) individuals who lived in Basra contaminated areas and other (30) individuals as a control group who lived in Baghdad were conducted with the study of other clinical and correlated factors.
Blood tests included hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume test (PCV), total count (WBC) test and chromosomal changes and defects tests. Factors such as exposure type and exposure time due to nature of work were taken into consideration (45% of the studied groups are from Iraqi troops who were involved in military engagements of the Gulf War 1). The others were civilians who lived in contaminated areas.
The test results of the study clearly showed that a 21% of the studied individuals in Basrah group suffered a reduction in hemoglobin concentration of (9-13) g/dl.
The other 79% of the individuals from Al-Basrah studied groups with normal hemoglobin concentrations of (12-15) g/dl and (13-18) g/dl for males and females in the group respectively.
The blood Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test results showed that 25.5% of the Basrah study group showed abnormal (PCV) rates of (30-39)% less than the normal rate. One male's individual blood (PCV) was 3% higher than normal. Other individuals' blood (PCV) in the studied group had normal rates ranging between (40-54)%.
Total count of white blood cells (WBC) test results showed that 8% of the individuals in the Basrah study group have (WBC) less than normal which is 4000 c/ml or higher than the normal rate or (11000) c/ml. Control group individuals all had normal (WBC).
Compound chromosomal changes in the lymphocytes of periphal blood of the individuals of the Basrah studied group have been found at a ratio of (0.1118)% which is significantly higher than that of the control group. The ratio of dicenteric and ringcentric chromosomal abnormality fraction was found to be (0.04479) which is also higher than ordinary ratio. Chromosomal damages were mostly in male veteran individuals. One case was that of a 13-year-old at the time of exposure in Al-Zubair contaminated area.
In 2000: From the Veterinary College of Basrah University, Khadier, A.A. et al [41] conducted a study to detect levels of DU related radioactivity in pastures and animals within the contaminated areas of Safwan, Al-Zubair, N. Rumaila, Jabal Sanam, Kharanje Village, etc.
Blood samples from sheep and other grazing animals were collected. Analysis of blood samples using Lyoluminescence and Track Detectors proved the existing of very small concentrations of radioisotopes in a few sheep that fed from and around the destroyed artillery and tanks within the studied areas. It is believed the polluted dust on the leaves was the source of radioisotopes in the tested blood samples.
2002: Al-Sadi, H.I. and Sawad, A. [42] from the Veterinary College of the University of Basrah also presented a study about the pathological conditions of the animals in Basrah. The study reported the existing of three types of animal neoplasm; seminoma in rams, mesotheliomas in buffalo, and ovarian cystademonas in bitches.
These types of neoplasms have never been reported in these regions before the Nineties. Also some types of congenital defects in farm animals have been described.
3. 0 Conclusion:
1- The USA and UK continuously used Depleted Uranium weapons against the population and environment in Iraq from 1991 until today.
2- Occupation forces in Iraq intentionally denied and covered up the types, locations and amounts of weapons that were used to prevent taking measures which could reduce health damages resulting from LLR exposure.
3- Occupation forces prohibited UNEP, WHO and other international agencies to conduct any exploration programs to assess the health risks to the people of Iraq of these radioactive contaminants.
4- Forbidding the release of any casualty statistics by the health ministry in Iraq right after the occupation is part of the crime that has been continuously committed against Iraq and Iraqis.
5- Exploration programs and site measurements proved without a doubt that the existence of DU related radioactive contamination all over most of Iraq (except the northern area of Kurdistan).
6- Published epidemiological studies in Basrah introduced a clear correlation between DU related exposure to LLR and the multifold increase of malignancies, congenital malformations and multiple malformations in detected DU contaminated areas.
7- Other pathological and hematological studies indicated the existence of chromosomal and DNA aberrations and abnormalities in the 1991 Iraqi Gulf War veterans. Other studies proved their effects on lowering the activities of the human immune system in exposed individuals.
8- Iraqi researchers' site measurements of 2000 revealed the fact that the Muthana governorate and Al-Samawa city were contaminated since 1991. This fact was proven by the Dutch troops in 2003, and then the American Guardsmen who served in that area after the invasion and confirmed exposure to DU contamination after coming back home by Dr. Drakovic.
9- Intentional continuous use of DU against the people and environment of Iraq is a crime against humanity due to its undifferentiated harmful health impacts on civilian long times after the military operations. Existing DU contamination in the surrounding environment is a continuous source of (LLR) exposure to civilians which can be considered systematic attacks on civilians in an armed conflict. Article 4 of the official regulations and Article 7 of the ICC.
4.0 Recommendations:
In light of the stated facts and evidences, the following is recommended:
1- Occupation forces must allow UNEP to conduct a full exploration program in Iraq in order to assess human health and environmental damages caused by these weapons since 1991.
2- Occupation forces should clearly submit all necessary information and data about the types, amounts, and locations of all DU expenditures that have been used on Iraqi territories.
3- Occupation forces should allow WHO to conduct comprehensive health surveys and investigations in DU contaminated areas to help the Iraqi people and children coping with the consequences of DU related health damages.
4- Occupation forces should help in managing all contaminated wreckage and destroyed contaminated artilleries, top soil, waterways, bottom sediments through a comprehensive clean-up and remedy plan.
5- The doors for further research must be opened concerning studies about the impact of DU on the population and the environment in Iraq. This includes the release of statistics related to occupation crimes and casualties that have been committed against Iraqi people during the last two decades.
6- The accused administrations responsible for committing war crimes against Iraqi people and the environment through subjecting them to this suffering and gradual death as a result of DU weaponry use should be convicted and sentenced for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
7- The international community must work together to promote a resolution banning DU weapons as a first step to abolish these weapons from the army arsenals of the countries that currently use them.
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6. IDUST, 2000, "Contaminants released to environment during 1991 aggression on Iraq",
7. International Conference on DU, 2000, "Health, ecological, legal, and economic aspects of conventional radioactive weapons", Committee of Solidarity with the Arab Cause, Nov. 26-27 2000, Gehone, Spain.
8. USA Today, 2003, Iraq's Health Ministry ordered to stop counting civilian dead from war, Dec. 12 2003.
9. Kirby, A., 2003, "US rejects Iraq DU clean-up", BBC news online, April 14th 2003.
10. Busby, C., 2003, "Depleted Science: Health consequences and mechanisms of exposure to fallout from depleted Uranium weapons", Aberystwyth: Green audit, Occasional paper 2003/06; July 2003.
11. Nadeshda, 2004, Iraq/USA/DU: the use of depleted Uranium, http://www.nadeshda.org/foren/cl.politic.frieden/p1750s1754a20.html
12. Brussel Tribunal, http://www.brusselstribunal.org/academicsList.htm
13. Iraq Foreign Affairs Ministry, 1995, "Radiation effects", an official paper submitted by the Iraqi delegation to the briefing meeting on nuclear liability during the 42nd Session of the General Conference, Vienna, 1995.
14. Al-Azzawi, S., Maarouf, B., Seleh, M.J., Al-Saji, M., Al-Hilli, W., and Maguar, A., 1997, "Damages resulted from the use of DU weaponry against Iraq", Technical Report published in Arabic, Environmental Engineering Dept., College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, 157pp.
15. Al-Azzawi, S., and Al-Saji, M., 1998, "Effects of radioactive on surface and ground water in selected regions in southern Iraq", Journal of Arabic Universities Association, vol. 6, no. 1, Baghdad, 1999.
16. Al-azzawi, S., et.al., 1999, "Environmental pollution resulting from the use of depleted Uranium weaponry against Iraq during 1991", the Journal of Arabic Universities Association, college of engineering, university of Baghdad, vol. 6, no. 2, Baghdad, Iraq.
17. Al-Hilli, W., 1998, "Effects of radioactive weapons on the soil and air quality in Iraq", un-published M. Sc. Thesis, environmental engineering dept., college of engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
18. Al-Saji, M., 1998, "Effects of radiological weapons on surface and groundwater quality in selected areas southern Iraq", un-published M. Sc. thesis, environmental engineering dept., college of engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
19. Maguar, A., 1998, "Effects of radiological pollution on human and the environment in southern Iraq", un-published M. Sc. thesis, environmental engineering dept., college of engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
20. Al-Azzawi, S., and Al Naemi, A., 2002, "Assessment of radiological doses and risks resulted from DU contamination in the highway war zone in al-Basrah governorate", proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
21. Al-Azzawi, S., and Al Naemi, A., 2002, "Risk assessment related to radiological contamination resulted from the use of DU ammunition in al-Basrah war zone", proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
22. Al-Azzawi, S., Maarouf, B., and Hussein, S., 2002, "Environmental consequences resulted from the use of DU weapons on soil and air at selected areas in al-Basrah governorate", Journal of Engineering, college of engineering, vol. 7, no. 1, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
23. Al-Azzawi, S., Maarouf, B., and Arif, A., 2002, "Environmental consequences resulted from the use of DU weapons on water and selected areas in al-Basrah governorate", Journal of Engineering, college of engineering, vol. 7, no. 1, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
24. Al-Azzawi, S., Maarouf, B., and Mazouri, N., 2002, "Environmental radiological pollution from the use of DU weaponry against Ninevah governorate during the war", proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
25. Tawfiq, N., et.al., 2002, Determination of Alpha-emitters in Iraqi soil samples using solid state nuclear track detectors CR-39 and CN-85, Proceeding of Conference on the Effects of DU Weaponary on Human and Environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
26. Flounders, S., 2005, "Another war crime? Iraqi cities "Hot" with Depleted Uranium", Anti Imperialist League, Peace and Resistance, http://www.anti-imperialism.net/lai/article-lai.pht
27. Joanne, L., 2004, "Testing of New York guardsmen: first confirmed cases of Iraq war depleted Uranium exposure", World Scientist web-site; http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/apr2004/dwica-a21.shtml
28. Hersh, S., 1991, "Washington slaughter in the Arab-Persian Gulf", New Yorker magazine, N.Y., U.S., May 22, 1991.
29. Butrus, S., Wartan, K., and Butrus, L., 2002, "Assessing radioactive contamination levels in Basrah governorate", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq, published in Arabic.
30. Alkinany, A., Twege, D., and Abdul Allah, K., 2002, "Investigating DU radioactivity in selected locations in Basrah", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq, published in Arabic.
31. Yaqoub, A.A., Al-Sadoon, I., and Hassan, J., 1998, "Incidence and pattern of malignant diseases among children in Basrah with specific reference to leukemia during the period of 1990-1998", Proceeding of the conference on health and environmental consequences of DU used by U.S. and British forces in the 1991 Gulf War, Dec. 2-3, 1998, Baghdad, Iraq.
32. Yaqoub, A., et.al., 1999, "Depleted Uranium and health of people in Basrah: an epidemiological evidence; 1-The incidence and pattern of malignant diseases among children in Basrah with specific reference to leukemia during the period of 1990-1998", the medical journal of Basrah University (MJBU), vol.17, no.1&2, 1999, Basrah, Iraq.
33. Al-Sadoon, I., Hassan, J., and Yaqoub, A., 1998, "Incidence and pattern of congenital anomalies among birth in Basrah during the period 1990-1998", Proceeding of the conference on health and environmental consequences of DU used by U.S. and British forces in the 1991 Gulf War, Dec. 2-3, 1998, Baghdad, Iraq.
34. Yaqoub, A., Ajeel, N., and Al-Wiswasy, M., 1998, "Incidence and pattern of malignant diseases (excluding leukemia) during 1990-1997", Proceeding of the conference on health and environmental consequences of DU used by U.S. and British forces in the 1991 Gulf War, Dec. 2-3, 1998, Baghdad, Iraq.
35. Yaqoub, A., Al-Sadoon, I., and Hassan, J., 2002, "The evidence of casual association between exposure to DU and malignancies among children in Basrah by applying epidemiological criteria of causality", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
36. Ali, A., and Al-Ali, J., 2002, "Chronic myeloid leukemia in Basrah after the Gulf War II", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
37. Ammash, H., 1998, "Mechanism of toxicity induced by free radicals resulting from irradiation with DU and ionization of atmosphere in Iraq", Proceeding of the conference on health and environmental consequences of DU used by U.S. and British forces in the 1991 Gulf War, Dec. 2-3, 1998, Baghdad, Iraq.
38. Ammash, H., 2000, "Toxic pollution, the Gulf War, and sanctions, the impact on the environment and health in Iraq", Iraq under Siege, editor: Anthony Arnove, South End Press, Cambridge, Mass, 2000.
39. Al-Waheeb, Z., et.al., 2002, "Detection of DU effects on human by use of immune system enzyme", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
40. Ammash, H., Alwan, L., and Maarouf, B., 2002, "Genetic hematological study for a selected population from DU contaminated areas in Basrah", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
41. Al-Sadi, H., and Sawad, A., 2002, "Some interesting pathological conditions in animals in Basrah and the possible etiological role of DU used in 1991 aggression against Iraq", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
42. Khudair, A., Abdul Kader, K., and Al-Taha, T., 2002, "Study of the radiological pollution level in pastures of Basrah in 2000", Proceedings of the conference on the effects of the use of DU weaponry on human and environment in Iraq, March 26-27, 2002, Baghdad, Iraq.
URL of this page: http://www.brusselstribunal.org/DU-Azzawi.htm


text:
Janet Kuypers
from the "Periodic Table of Poetry" series (#52, Te)
When a couple is meant to be together
(but at their core they're nothing alike),
you can see them come together almost violently,
before their anger pushes them away from each other.
Until they do it again, and again, and again.
It's like they can't stop. They can't help it.
They rush to each other for a mad embrace,
they feel intense attraction that they can't escape,
'til they know despite their lust, they hate each other so,
and they do everything they can to break free.
It's a sick cycle they're stuck in.
This coming together. Then rushing apart.
There's electricity in the air. I hear the buzz
whenever I walk by that street corner and see
all of the electrical wires, crossing in every direction —
I can hear the loose electricity jumping into the air.
Do you know why electric wires are spaced far apart
when they're up high on poles like that? Well,
that's because those Tellurium metal alloy wires
up high in the sky like that aren't even insulated —
and they have a strong magnetic field with all that electricity
coursing through them. If wires were closer to each other
while up in the air, the wires would swing toward each other
because of their insanely strong magnetic attraction.
In being drawn to each other, an arc may form
between the wires, destroying them almost instantly.
But then again, magnetism in the wires switches polarity
a hundred and twenty times every second
(because ofelectricity's sixty hertz frequency)…
That would make those wires want to repel each other
as often as they were magnetically drawn to each other.
So yes, for one hundred twenty times every second,
these wires would vibrate back and forth.
So if there's no electric arc, these Tellurium metal
alloy wires would vibrate so intensely and violently,
that if they weren't kept far apart
they would destroy each other, vibrating.
Tellurium is used in alloys with steel
to make high-strength conductors.
Abundant cosmically but rare on Earth,
it's often found combined with gold:
in the first gold rush, this mix looked like waste,
so they used it to fill potholes or sidewalks.
Once they realized it was Tellurium and gold,
there was a second gold rush…
Acute poisoning with Tellurium is rare;
most organisms tolerate Tellurium.
Organic tellurides have antioxidant activity.
and can even be used to identify pathogens
responsible for diphtheria.
It's optical refraction makes it perfect for glass.
It's been used in color ceramics,
and gives rubber heat resistance,
In copper, iron, lead or stainless steel,
it makes the metals more machinable,
improving solar cell efficiency and electric
power generation, so it helps any energy.
I don't know,
maybe that explains why
we've been feeling
this electricity in the air.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Resource type
CaMMP Issues
Data Type
Water Pollutant
3 records found
LUCI (Land Utilisation & Capability Indicator)
LUCI explores the capability of a landscape to provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as agricultural production, flood and diffuse pollutant mitigation, carbon sequestration, habitat provision etc. The model is a second generation extension and accompanying...
SAGIS (Source Apportionment GIS)
SAGIS was developed for UKWIR, with support from the Environment Agency, SEPA and Natural England, to analyse sources of chemicals at the river basin scale and identify measures to improve river, lake and estuary water quality. National data on the source of chemicals...
SEPARATE (SEctor Pollutant AppoRtionment for the AquaTic Environment)
National scale nutrient and sediment source apportionment screening tool for England and Wales developed originally as part of Defra project WQ0223 (Developing a field toolkit for ecological targeting of agricultural diffuse pollution mitigation measures). SEPARATE...


text:
Perry G. Mehrling is professor of economics at Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He was professor of economics at Barnard College in New York City for 30 years. There, he taught courses on the economics of money and banking, the history of money and finance, and the financial dimensions of the U.S. retirement, health, and education systems. His most recent book is The New Lombard Street: How the Fed became the dealer of last resort (Princeton 2011). His best-known book Fischer Black and the Revolutionary Idea of Finance (Wiley 2005, 2012) has recently been released in a revised paperback edition. Currently, Prof. Mehrling directs the educational initiatives of the Institute for New Economic Thinking, one of which is his course Economics of Money and Banking, available on Coursera at www.coursera.org/course/money.
Perry G. Mehrling
By this expert
Shadow banking's enduring perils
Five lessons from the last crisis — for managing the next one
RMB in SDR, Now What?
"Governments propose, markets dispose," as Charles Kindleberger liked to say.
Elasticity and Discipline in the Global Swap Network
This paper sketches the outlines of the new international monetary system that has emerged in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
The IMF Worries About EME Corporate Leverage
Hot on the heels of the BIS, now comes the IMF Global Financial Stability report, "Corporate Leverage in Emerging Markets–A Concern?". Yes, a concern, and just in time for the annual meeting in Peru next week.
Featuring this expert
How Expectations Interact to Create Bubbles
How do economists make their models work? By assuming that investors have rational expectations and that every market participant is alike. However, things quickly get messy once economists start to acknowledge that people are different, interact with each other, and change heuristic forecasting strategies based on recent performance.
The Corn Laws: Seeing through the Eyes of Ricardo and Malthus
The British Corn Returns data provided the empirical basis for the fierce debate around the introduction and repeal of the 19th century British Corn Laws. Contemporary readers, like David Ricardo and Thomas Malthus, followed them as closely as stock market prices of today. Much of 19th century political economy rested on contemporaries' interpretations of this data.
Breaking the Climate Change Stalemate
Climate change policy is caught in a stalemate between those who fear the environmental consequences of not doing enough and those who fear the economic consequences of overreacting. But controversy over the extent and sources of climate change need not stand in the way of a positive economic policy response.
Challenging the Foundation
George Soros, Axel Leijonhufvud and Perry Mehrling in Berlin, Germany (2012).


text:
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press Secretary
January 10, 2001
The President today announced the sixth revision to U.S. export controls on high performance computers (HPC) since 1993. The President's action will promote our national security, enhance the effectiveness of our export control system and ease unnecessary regulatory burdens on both government and industry.Review of Alternative Control Measures. In 1995, the President announced a new policy for controlling the export of HPCs. The new policy focused on two complementary objectives: (1) limiting the acquisition of computational capabilities by potential adversaries and countries of proliferation concern, and (2) ensuring that U.S. domestic industries supporting computing capabilities important for national security could compete in markets of limited security or proliferation risks.
The new policy controlled hardware and software products and technology. The Administration recognized that the controls would need periodic adjustment to ensure effectiveness, given the ever-increasing availability of commodity products, such as workstations and servers, of which millions are manufactured and sold worldwide every year. Until recently, the 1995 policy has been able to keep pace with this growth by adjusting hardware controls periodically to ensure that controls were only placed on computers that could be effectively controlled. Control levels have been based on a metric of performance that was well suited to the computer architectures of the mid-1990's -- that is, measuring performance in millions of theoretical operations per second (MTOPS) through a fixed formula.
In mid-1999, it became apparent that the growth in widely available computer hardware capabilities was outpacing the ability of export control policy to keep up. President Clinton announced in July 1999 that hardware controls would be adjusted more frequently and that the Administration would seek a more effective way to control the export of computational capabilities important for security and proliferation interests. The review, which began in the fall of 1999 and involved all relevant security and nonproliferation agencies and private sector experts, sought to address the realities of the computer hardware market, including the continuing growth in single processor performance that can be aggregated relatively easily into multiple processor machines, and the advancements in interconnection capabilities that allow end-users to network large clusters of computers. The latter element has, in particular, become the single most important challenge to the ability to effectively control computer hardware.
The Administration has concluded that there are no meaningful or effective control measures for computer hardware that address the technological and marketplace challenges identified during the review. The review found that the ability to control the acquisition of computational capabilities by controlling computer hardware is becoming ineffective and will be increasingly so within a very short time. This conclusion reflects our understanding of the level of hardware capabilities needed to address problems of national security and nonproliferation concern. Nevertheless, the review did find that there is merit in continuing to control national security and proliferation-related software.
Given these conclusions about the inability to effectively control computer hardware, the Administration would prefer to remove most controls on computer hardware exports, including the existing controls on exports to Tier 3 countries. However, it recognizes that the new Administration needs an opportunity to examine such a proposal, and, that as a legal matter, the FY 1998 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, P.L. 105-85) requires continued use of MTOPS to control computer exports to Tier 3 and Tier 4 destinations. The President has decided, therefore, based on the advice of national security agencies, to revise the current HPC control policy in the short term consistent with legal requirements, and at the same time to propose a longer term strategy for the consideration of the next Administration.
The Revised Controls. The Administration will change the four tiered country group structure created in 1995 to a three tiered system as follows:
Tier 1 (encompassing Western Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Brazil) and what was formerly Tier 2 (South and Central America, South Korea, ASEAN, Slovenia and most of Africa) will be combined into a single Tier 1. Exports without an individual license will be permitted for all computers (i.e., there is no prior government review) destined for end-users/end-uses in this combined Tier 1. Lithuania will be moved from Tier 3 to the new Tier 1. P.L. 105-85 requires a 120-day congressional notification before this move becomes effective.
Tier 3 (India, Pakistan, all Middle East/Maghreb, the former Soviet Union, China, Vietnam and Central Europe). Based on President Clinton's August 2000 decision, effective February 26, 2001, exports will be permitted under general license up to 28,000 MTOPS and individual licenses are required for exports to all end-uses and end-users above that figure.
The Administration will implement a new level, 85,000 MTOPS, above which individual licenses will be required for all end-users in Tier 3 countries. This new level will become effective at the same time as the new NDAA notification level.
NDAA Notification. P.L. 105-85 imposed a requirement for companies to provide the Commerce Department with prior notice of exports for systems above a certain level to all Tier 3 end-users. U.S. export control agencies have 10 days to inform the company if it must apply for a license. The President's August 2000 decision raised the NDAA notification level to 28,000 MTOPS; that decision will become effective on February 26, 2001.
The NDAA notification level will be raised from 28,000 MTOPS to 85,000 MTOPS. The President will advise the appropriate Congressional committees of his decision to raise the NDAA notification level. By law, Congress has sixty days to review this decision, after which the change will become effective.
Tier 4 (Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan and Syria). There are no planned changes for Tier 4 countries, current policies continue to apply (i.e., the United States will maintain a virtual embargo on computer hardware and technology exports to these destinations).
For all these tiers, re-export and retransfer provisions continue to apply, and we will continue the policy of individual license review under the Enhanced Proliferation Control Initiative (EPCI), which provides authority for the government to block exports of computers of any level in cases involving exports to end-uses or end-users of proliferation concern or risks of diversion to proliferation activities (e.g., foreign nuclear weapons design laboratories). Criminal and civil penalties apply to EPCI violators.
The revised controls will become effective when they are implemented in formal Commerce Department regulations. In addition, the Commerce Department will continue to review its list of published entities of concern as a means of informing exporters of potential proliferation and other security risks. The Department will remind exporters of their duty to check suspicious circumstances and inquire about end-uses and end-users. Exporters are advised to contact the Commerce Department if they have any concern with the identity or activities of the end-users, and the Department will work to expand its efforts -- through public seminars and consultations with companies -- to keep industry regularly informed regarding problem end-users and programs of proliferation concern.
Enhanced Controls on Critical Applications Software. In addition to these short term changes, the President has directed agencies to undertake a six-month effort to increase the awareness within industry and the government of the already strong export controls that exist on software for national security applications (e.g., codes for the design, development and operation of weapon systems), and to identify and invest in additional measures for the protection of critical national security software codes.
Legislative Proposal. Given the Administration's conclusions about the lack of controllability of computer hardware, the inadequacy of MTOPS as a control measure, and the lack of appropriate substitutes, the President also proposes that Congress repeal the provisions of P.L. 105-85 that require notification of certain proposed computer hardware exports, waiting periods for adjustments in controls and post-shipment visits.
Multilateral Coordination. The Administration has consulted with other nations, including members of the Wassenaar Arrangement, to ensure that they understand the basis for today's changes in controls. We are committed to working closely with them to adjust multilateral controls to reflect technological advances and collective security concerns. Our controls remain consistent with the purposes of the Wassenaar Arrangement -- to deny arms and sensitive dual-use technologies to countries of concern, and to develop mechanisms for information sharing among the partners as a way to harmonize our export control practices and policies. The United States will also continue to implement reporting requirements on computer exports as appropriate to fulfill U.S. obligations under the Wassenaar Arrangement.


text:
What is the Neil Bold™ font?
This is the one and only Neil Bold, designed by Wayne Stettler in 1966 and originally published as a Typositor typeface. An award-winner and instant celebrity upon its release, Neil Bold became synonymous with magnified modernism for a whole generation. It was a jazz record packaging favorite, especially at Blue Note records, and made regular appearances on science fiction book covers during the last stretch of the genre's golden age. More…
This digital version greatly expands on the film type one. New small caps and biform styles were added to the authentically revived main face (for a set of three fonts), and language support has been extended to include all Latin-based tongues. Neil Bold Pro, the OpenType version, comes in a single font that combines all three fonts into a single file, with programmed features for small caps, stylistic alternates (for biform shapes), a few extra alternates, class-based kerning, and additional language support for Cyrillic and Greek scripts.
Neil Bold™ Font families
The Neil Bold™ includes the following font families:
- Neil Bold Pro
- Neil Bold
- Neil Bold Biform
- Neil Bold Small Caps
Neil Bold™ Preview
Here is a preview of how Neil Bold™ will look. For more previews using your own text as an example, click here.


text:
Road-, Air-, and Water- based Future Internet Experimentation
RAWFIE (Road-, Air-, and Water- based Future Internet Experimentation) is a project funded by the European Commission (Horizon H2020 programme) under the Future Internet Research Experimentation (FIRE+) initiative that aims at providing research facilities for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The project introduces a unique platform across the space and technology by integrating numerous test beds of unmanned vehicles for research experimentation in vehicular, aerial and maritime environments. The platform will support experimenters with smart tools to conduct and monitor experiments in the domains of IoT, networking, sensing and satellite navigation. The project that is bringing together thirteen partner organizations from eight EU countries will organize two open calls to attract researchers from academia and industry, test bed operators and unmanned vehicles manufacturers.


text:
Remote is solving global remote organizations' biggest challenge: employing anyone anywhere compliantly. We make it possible for businesses big and small to employ a global team by handling global payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance. Check out remote.com/how-it-works to learn more or if you're interested in adding to the mission, scroll down to apply now.
Please take a look at remote.com/handbook to learn more about our culture and what it is like to work here. Not only do we encourage folks from all ethnic groups, genders, sexuality, age and abilities to apply, but we prioritize a sense of belonging. You can check out independent reviews by other candidates on Glassdoor or look up the results of our candidate surveys to see how others feel about working and interviewing here.
All of our positions are fully remote. You do not have to relocate to join us!
Remote's Total Rewards philosophy is to ensure fair, unbiased compensation and fair equity pay along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate. We do not agree to or encourage cheap-labor practices and therefore we ensure to pay above in-location rates. We hope to inspire other companies to support global talent-hiring and bring local wealth to developing countries.
At first glance our salary bands seem quite wide – here is some context. At Remote we have international operations and a globally distributed workforce. We use geo ranges to consider geographic pay differentials as part of our global compensation strategy to remain competitive in various markets while we hiring globally.
The base salary range for this full-time position is between $59,460 USD to $200,700 USD. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level and location, and our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay for the successful candidate in this role is dependent upon many factors such as location, transferable or job-related skills, work experience, relevant training, business needs, and market demands. The base salary range may be subject to change.
We work async at Remote which means you can plan your schedule around your life (and not around meetings). Read more at remote.com/async.
You will be empowered to take ownership and be proactive. When in doubt you will default to action instead of waiting. Your life-work balance is important and you will be encouraged to put yourself and your family first, and fit work around your needs.
If that sounds like something you want, apply now!
We will ask you to voluntarily tell us your pronouns at interview stage, and you will have the option to answer our anonymous demographic questionnaire when you apply below. As an equal employment opportunity employer it's important to us that our workforce reflects people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences and this data will help us to stay accountable. We thank you for providing this data, if you chose to.
Need help? Email firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Allan Starr and Samantha Sheeber over the past twelve years. They are not only the utmost professionals, but also wonderful people who I have grown to love like family. I trust them with all of my new development projects and private clients, and we support each other in our business and personal lives. Starr Associates LLP has always been there for me and my clients and I would recommend them as highly as I recommend anyone.
Our team has had the pleasure of working with Starr Associates on our project at 150 Rivington Street. The entire Starr team was a tremendous asset to the success of our project. Through very challenging times, Starr Associates came through time and time again. It is an honor to work with everyone at Starr!
I have known Allan Starr for many years and worked with him on many projects. He has always exceeded my expectations. He not only knows the ins and outs of the law, but knows how to make the whole process easy and quick. I've found him to possess an incredibly astute legal mind, combined with a common sense approach that always accomplishes my goals. He's not only a gentleman and a friend, but a brilliant lawyer.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Allan Starr and Samantha Sheeber over the past twelve years. They are not only the utmost professionals, but also wonderful people who I have grown to love like family. I trust them with all of my new development projects and private clients, and we support each other in our business and personal lives. Starr Associates LLP has always been there for me and my clients and I would recommend them as highly as I recommend anyone.
Allan and I have worked together for decades; along the way, I have worked with Samantha Sheeber, Andrea Roschelle, John Rodriguez and Erica Starr and have always been pleased with their quick and accurate responses. They have worked with us on closings (with great and efficient results), restatements of stale plans, amendments and other assorted AG requirements, always on a timely and cost-effective basis.
"Working with Starr has been great on three condo projects in Manhattan to date. The accessibility and direct attention of the partners is unsurpassed. Allan and Sam have the interests of the owner at heart and make every effort to protect our interests in a responsible and defensible manner. Their practical approach and deep knowledge of the offering plan process and requirements of the AG office combine to make a highly effective and efficient package. At the associate level they have good support as well. The closing office has to be the best in NY – never a failed closing in 15 years. We are repeat customers and will be going forward."
"Samantha Sheeber is a partner in making transactions successful. She's resourceful, respected, smart, funny as hell, and is swift to constantly embarrass us (and clients) because she sees the end while we all muddle in the middle. She saves time. She is selfless and fast and conscientious. She's loyal to the notion of selflessly getting stuff done. She cultivates great talent. And she makes the process fun, even when she is mad at us for asking the same impossible question 11 times hoping for a new result (a solution for which — by the way — she often discovers)."
"As an active developer in New York City, Magnum Real Estate Group is proud to have partnered with Starr Associates, LLP as our legal counsel in 5 significant projects valued at approximately $800 million. Over the last 5 years, Starr has provided us with exceptional advice on condominium Offering Plans and related transactions. Partner Samantha Sheeber, Esq. and her team have professionally guided us, and provided creative and effective solutions when needed."
"I have had the fortunate opportunity, over the past 16 years, to work with Allan Starr and Samantha Sheeber who I consider to be experts in the field of real estate law. They, together with their team, have a deep understanding of Attorney General Offering Plan registrations and continually seek to identify creative solutions to complicated issues. Their level of integrity and commitment are unwavering no matter how large or small a project. I completely endorse Starr Associates LLP and look forward to our mutual continued success."
"Starr Associates' specialty in the creation and representation of condominiums is unmatched. Their knowledge, experience and professionalism in the office condominium sector is best-in-class. Starr Associates' hard work and expertise has been critical to the success of our firm's office condominium projects."
"Starr Associates have been our condominium attorneys for many years. Their counsel goes well beyond just drafting the condominium documents, which of course they do extremely well. They also represent us and our brand with condominium unit purchasers, and with our lenders and partners on condominium related matters. We have always found Starr's attorneys to be professional, responsive and cost-conscious."


text:
Formative Sports is a well-known brand that has been producing high-quality winter jackets in Kaliningrad for many years. As a leading Winter Jackets Manufacturer in Kaliningrad, we have a wide range of jackets to choose from in Kaliningrad, and our products are designed to meet the unique needs of every customer. In order to keep you warm and cozy in Kaliningrad, we've created these jackets.
If you're looking for a reliable brand of winter coats in Kaliningrad, look no further than us. Our company is the most trusted Custom Winter Jackets Supplier in Kaliningrad. These jackets are made of high-quality materials in Kaliningrad that are both durable and long-lasting. We avail these jackets in Kaliningrad at the most competitive prices to fulfill the requirements of our clients.
We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality products in a timely manner in Kaliningrad, which has allowed us to successfully export our jackets to a number of countries all over the world. As a prominent Custom Winter Jacket Exporter in Kaliningrad, we are dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality products at competitive prices. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our customers in Kaliningrad.
Formative Sports is the leading manufacturers of sports uniforms which uses latest and modern technology for customised printing of uniforms and jerseys.


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You can help the project in many ways. Pick what suits your skills best, all contributions are much appreciated by the rest of the community. More detailed information on how to go about contributing is available on our Get Involved wiki page.
Report bugs
phpBB can only be improved if the developers are aware of the problems users encounter. Detailed descriptions of problems help contributors solve them quickly. -
Reproduce bugs and verify fixes
Help identify incorrectly reported bugs to speed up development. Test bugfixes to ensure they work as expected and do not have unintended side effects. -
Submit patches
Know how to work with PHP, CSS or HTML? Fix a bug or implement a feature yourself and prepare your patch to be merged into phpBB. -
Review patches
Help identify problems before they go into a released version of phpBB and reach our users. Review and test other contributors' patches to identify problems. -
Discussing existing RFCs
RFCs are enhancement proposals for future versions of phpBB. You can provide comments on these proposals as well as collaborate on their implementation at the Development Discussion Board. -
Create new RFCs
Propose a new feature or a change in behaviour for discussion with the rest of the community. All big changes need to go through this process on the Development Discussion Board. -
Participate in development IRC channel and Area51
phpBB's development is public. When developers want to discuss something, have a question or want to request feedback they do it either in the development IRC channel (比特加速器修改vip时长) or on the Development Discussion Board. Everyone is welcome to participate in these discussions to whatever extent they want.
All proposals for new features and code changes are discussed in this forum. It runs the latest unstable version of phpBB allowing you to test upcoming features.
If you found a bug in phpBB this is the place to report it. If you're not sure if the behaviour you found is really a bug try asking for help in the Support Forum first.
phpBB's source code is hosted in Git repositories at GitHub. You can also find a number of other tools for phpBB or MOD development there.
比特彗星 BitComet v1.67 解锁全功能豪华版 | 芊芊精典:2021-5-6 · 芊芊精典-MYQQJD.COM下载信息 BitComet 1.67 Build 5.6 Stable 比特彗星全功能解锁豪华版免安装绿色版
phpBB is continuously tested against a large suite of automated tests to ensure we deliver a high quality product. Bamboo takes care of running the tests and packaging nightly development packages, while Travis tests proposed changes before merging them in.
- Rhea (3.2.x) Nightly
- Proteus (3.3.x) Nightly
- master (4.0.x) Nightly
phpBB Coding Guidelines for each version.
- Rhea (3.2.x) Guide
- Proteus (3.3.x) Guide
- master (4.0.x-dev) Guide
Automatically generated documentation for phpBB APIs - always up to date.
- Rhea (3.2.x) Docs
- Proteus (3.3.x) Docs
- 比特加速器修改vip时长
The file changes that were made between each release of phpBB.


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About Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs
Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, is the World's Largest Franchisor of Jewelry and Watch Repair Services.
Established in 1984, Fast-Fix perfected a system for delivering fast, efficient, professional repair work on jewelry and watches for men and women. The company began franchising jewelry repair in 1987 and today, has over 160 franchised locations in the United States, Canada and Ireland.
Fast-Fix inline stores and kiosks are conveniently located in high traffic areas of regional shopping malls across North America and are expanding into Europe.
Our franchise stores offer a wide range of repair services and products such as: Jewelry Repair, Ring Sizing, Necklace & Bracelet Repair, Watch Repair, Watch Battery Replacement, Custom Engraving, Earring Repair, Precious & Semi-Precious Stone Replacement, Jewelry Cleaning & Polishing, Pearl Restringing and Custom Jewelry Designs.
Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs has been recognized as a top performing franchise by leading industry publications including Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 Franchises, Bond Magazine's Top 50 Retail Franchises, Success Magazine's Top 200 Franchises and Franchise Business Review's Top 50 Franchises.
With over 27 years of success in the jewelry and watch repair industry under our belts, Fast-Fix has earned its reputation as one of the top franchise operations in the United States and Canada.
The FAST-FIX Difference
Our franchise owners come from all walks of life – many are corporate executives, past business owners, retail managers, jewelers – but what they all have in common is a strong passion for satisfying customers.
We have over 27 years of successful operation in the jewelry and watch repair industry. Fast-Fix has earned the reputation as one of the top franchises in America. We've tested, developed and proven the formula for running a successful franchise business.
The FAST-FIX Family
When you purchase from a Fast-Fix franchise, you are joining a family. From step one, throughout the entire process, Fast-Fix provides our customers with the quality of product and service that is not available in the traditional jewelry store. Our expert Tennessee staff has over 200 years of jewelry, watch repair, and management experience.
Our business has been built around the relationship that we have with our customers and has been a key factor in Fast-Fix growth for more than 27 years. We value you, our customers and we collaborate with you on virtually every aspect of the sale, repair, design, and/or manufacture of your jewelry. We take pride in creating "memories" and respectfully caring for the needs of your cherished heirlooms.
We're certain once you've experienced what our stores and staff have to offer, you'll understand why so many men and women have taken advantage of the opportunity and joined our Fast-Fix customer family.
*Some services vary by location. Drop by or call the location nearest you to see if the service you require is available.


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Class 1 - HIV: A Virus, a Syndrome, and an Ethical Question
June 14, 2017
10:15 am - 1:15 pm -
Class 2 - The Penn State Factor: The Ethical Imperative of Mandated Reporting and the Devastating Effect of Cover-Up
June 14, 2017
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The HIV & Ethics Seminar
June 14, 2017
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education
810 1st Street NE, 3rd Floor
Washington, D.C. 20002
(Accessible by Metro Red line, Union Station, 1st Street Exit)
This One Day Seminar includes two excellent classes, a total of 6 Ethics CEUs or ACCME Accredited CME hours. Class I meets the DC HIV training requirement for Physicians, Medical Professionals and Social Workers.
The cost of the full seminar is $99. You can attend an individual class for $59. Refreshments are served throughout the day.
Class I – 10:15 – 1:15
HIV: A Virus, a Syndrome, and an Ethical Question
Since the early 1980's clinicians have been grappling with the medical, social and ethical ramifications of the HIV/Aids Epidemic. On the medical front, great progress has been achieved. With proper medication people with HIV are living longer than ever, to the point where some no longer consider it a fatal illness. Yet in our region and in many large cities, HIV cases remain above epidemic rates and many questions still remain.
This informative training will offer an understanding of current thinking around the HIV/AIDS epidemic and what it means for clients today and into the future. This training will look at what treatment is available for HIV, and the best ways to prevent new infections. We will take a fresh look at some of the ethical dilemmas that clinicians have been grappling with for more than a generation. This 3 CEU class counts as both Ethics and HIV training. (Trainer, Jeffrey Davidson, LCSW-C, LICSW, Director CE You!)
Class II – 2pm – 5pm
The Penn State Factor: The Ethical Imperative of Mandated Reporting and the Devastating Effect of Cover-Up (3 Category I Ethics CEUs)
Few things are as heartbreaking and upsetting as learning of an occurrence of child abuse. It is even more disconcerting to learn of systematic abuse and the efforts by institutions to cover them up. It is often said that "the cover up is worse than the crime". Yet time and again institutions and professionals choose to turn a blind eye to abuse or sweep concerns under the rug. This class will take a look at the abuse allegations and cover-up at Penn State University.
Participants will look at reporting patterns and gain an understanding of what prevents people from reporting, and learn how to create an environment that encourages abuse reporting. Participants will learn the laws related to child abuse reporting and what constitutes child abuse in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. They will gain a deeper understanding of the reasons that people and institutions do not report events and an understanding of that impact on the institutions and children. (Trainer, Jeffrey Davidson, LCSW-C, LICSW, Director CE You!)
Venue: DC - THEARC - Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus
Situated on well-manicured grounds in Southeast Washington, DC, the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) offers free parking on well-lit grounds. There is additional street parking as well.
Traveling by bus, take the W2 or W3 and be dropped off right in front of THEARC. Bus 94 will let riders off at Savannah and 19th Street for a short walk down the hill to THEARC. Bus 32 will drop riders off on Southern Avenue, just 0.35 miles from THEARC.
Metro riders travel to the Southern Avenue Station on the Green Line and walk 0.35 miles to THEARC.
Refreshments (healthy and not-so healthy) served at all trainings.


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Welcome to the Watcher's Council, a blogging group consisting of some of the most incisive blogs in the 'sphere and the longest running group of its kind in existence. Every week, the members nominate two posts each, one written by themselves and one written by someone from outside the group for consideration by the whole Council. Then we vote on the best two posts, with the results appearing on Friday.
Council News:
This week, Liberty's Spirit, The Independent Sentinel, Ask Marion and Capitalist Preservation took advantage of my generous offer of link whorage and earned honorable mention status.
You can, too! Want to see your work appear on the Watcher's Council homepage in our weekly contest listing? Didn't get nominated by a Council member? No worries.
Simply head over to Joshuapundit and post the title a link to the piece you want considered along with an e-mail address (which won't be published) in the comments section no later than Monday 6 PM PST in order to be considered for our honorable mention category and return the favor by creating a post on your site linking to the Watcher's Council contest for the week.
It's a great way of exposing your best work to Watcher's Council readers and Council members while grabbing the increased traffic and notoriety. And how good is that, eh?
So, let's see what we have this week…
Council Submissions
- The Colossus of Rhodey – What the Gingrich South Carolina victory could mean
- The Political Commentator – Doing away with the Electoral College! One man, one vote and majority wins!
- The Noisy Room – Revolution Moves Into The Overton Window
- Simply Jews – Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey vs FUKUS
- GrEaT sAtAn"S gIrLfRiEnD – Going All The Way
- Bookworm Room – War is not, and should not be, sporting
- Right Truth – Making Sausage
- The Right Planet – Are We a Democracy?
- The Razor – A Tale of Two Disasters: The Titanic and the Costa Concordia
- VA Right – Will Newt Survive His Ex-Wives With Knives?
- The Mellow Jihadi – Lance Corporal Donald Hogan, Marine Hero
- Rhymes With Right – Am I Wrong To Be Troubled Here?
- The Glittering Eye – You Be the Judge
- Joshuapundit – Obama's State Of The Union – The Hollow Man
- New Zeal – Kyrsten Sinema: Communist Connected Arizona State Senator to Run For Congress
Honorable Mentions
- Liberty's Spirit – Abbott and Costello Discuss Unemployment
- The Independent Sentinel – Obama Reduced Our Dependence on Foreign Oil & I'm the Easter Bunny
- Ask Marion – Tic… Tic… GOP Toc… or Rather Talk
- Capitalist Preservation – The Fallacy Of The Minimum Wage Part Four
Non-Council Submissions
- The Foundry – 1,000 Days Without a Budget: Facts on the Senate's Failure submitted by The Colossus of Rhodey
- Family Security Matters – Muslim Children in America are Being Taught to Hate submitted by The Political Commentator
- Sultan Knish – So You Want a Revolution… submitted by The Noisy Room
- Yourish.Com – TANSTAAFL submitted by Simply Jews
- The Compass – An Iran Attack Would Succeed, Then What? submitted by GrEaT sAtAn"S gIrLfRiEnD
- The Anchoress – Pro-Lifers and the Truth-Phobic Press submitted by Bookworm Room
- Gay Patriot – SOTU: Obama's last chance to change tone submitted by Right Truth
- Chicago Reader – What Makes Obama Run? submitted by The Right Planet
- Zero Hedge – Obama Puppetmaster Warren Buffett Biggest Winner From Keystone Pipeline Rejection submitted by The Razor
- Creeping Sharia – Colorado Muslim arrested on terrorism charges submitted by VA Right
- Right Wing News – The Worst People In Politics Aren't Racists submitted by The Mellow Jihadi
- Polipundit – Why Newt should not be the nominee submitted by Rhymes with Right
- James Taranto/Best of the Web – The Genetic Fallacy submitted by The Glittering Eye
- Mark Steyn – The Sinking Of The West submitted by Joshuapundit
- Accuracy In Media – The FOX News Feminists submitted by New Zeal
- The New Atlantis – The Global War Against Baby Girls submitted by The Watcher
- Cabinet Magazine – The Behavioral Sink submitted by The Watcher
Enjoy! And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter… 'cause we're cool like that!


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Upper-Division Writing Placement Test Preparation
- When:
- Location:
- Academic Center
- Room:
- 103
- www.ubalt.edu/alc
- Description:
Get tips and strategies to prepare for the Upper-Division Writing Placement Test. The test is required of all UB students to place into WRIT 300 or WRIT 200, and you are allowed to take it only once, so come to this free workshop and get prepared. See the testing schedule at www.ubalt.edu/placementtesting.
- Contact Name:
- Achievement and Learning Center
- Contact Email:
- email@example.com
- Contact Phone:
- 410.837.5383
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request 10 days prior to a campus event and 30 days prior to an event requiring travel.


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China and India 'water grab' dams put ecology of Himalayas in danger
The Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
The future of the world's most famous mountain range could be endangered by a vast dam-building project, as a risky regional race for water resources takes place in Asia.
New academic research shows that India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan are engaged in a huge "water grab" in the Himalayas, as they seek new sources of electricity to power their economies. Taken together, the countries have plans for more than 400 hydro dams which, if built, could together provide more than 160,000MW of electricity – three times more than the UK uses.
In addition, China has plans for around 100 dams to generate a similar amount of power from major rivers rising in Tibet. A further 60 or more dams are being planned for the Mekong river which also rises in Tibet and flows south through south-east Asia.
Most of the Himalayan rivers have been relatively untouched by dams near their sources. Now the two great Asian powers, India and China, are rushing to harness them as they cut through some of the world's deepest valleys. Many of the proposed dams would be among the tallest in the world, able to generate more than 4,000MW, as much as the Hoover dam on the Colorado river in the US.
The result, over the next 20 years, "could be that the Himalayas become the most dammed region in the world", said Ed Grumbine, visiting international scientist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Kunming. "India aims to construct 292 dams … doubling current hydropower capacity and contributing 6% to projected national energy needs. If all dams are constructed as proposed, in 28 of 32 major river valleys, the Indian Himalayas would have one of the highest average dam densities in the world, with one dam for every 32km of river channel. Every neighbour of India with undeveloped hydropower sites is building or planning to build multiple dams, totalling at minimum 129 projects," said Grumbine, author of a paper in Science.
China, which is building multiple dams on all the major rivers running off the Tibetan plateau, is likely to emerge as the ultimate controller of water for nearly 40% of the world's population. "The plateau is the source of the single largest collection of international rivers in the world, including the Mekong, the Brahmaputra, the Yangtse and the Yellow rivers. It is the headwater of rivers on which nearly half the world depends. The net effect of the dam building could be disastrous. We just don't know the consequences," said Tashi Tsering, a water resource researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
"China is engaged in the greatest water grab in history. Not only is it damming the rivers on the plateau, it is financing and building mega-dams in Pakistan, Laos, Burma and elsewhere and making agreements to take the power," said Indian geopolitical analyst Brahma Chellaney. "China-India disputes have shifted from land to water. Water is the new divide and is going centre stage in politics. Only China has the capacity to build these mega-dams and the power to crush resistance. This is effectively war without a shot being fired."
According to Chellaney, India is in the weakest position because half its water comes directly from China; however, Bangladesh is fearful of India's plans for water diversions and hydropower. Bangladeshi government scientists say that even a 10% reduction in the water flow by India could dry out great areas of farmland for much of the year. More than 80% of Bangladesh's 50 million small farmers depend on water that flows through India.
Engineers and environmentalists say that little work has been done on the human or ecological impact of the dams, which they fear could increase floods and be vulnerable to earthquakes. "We do not have credible environmental and social impact assessments, we have no environmental compliance system, no cumulative impact assessment and no carrying capacity studies. The Indian ministry of environment and forests, developers and consultants are responsible for this mess," said Himanshu Thakkar, co-ordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People.
China and India have both displaced tens of millions of people with giant dams such as the Narmada and Three Gorges over the last 30 years, but governments have not published estimates of how many people would have to be relocated or how much land would be drowned by the new dams. "This is being totally ignored. No one knows, either, about the impact of climate change on the rivers. The dams are all being built in rivers that are fed by glaciers and snowfields which are melting at a fast rate," said Tsering.
Climate models suggest that major rivers running off the Himalayas, after increasing flows as glaciers melt, could lose 10-20% of their flow by 2050. This would not only reduce the rivers' capacity to produce electricity, but would exacerbate regional political tensions.
The dams have already led to protest movements in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam and other northern states of India and in Tibet. Protests in Uttarakhand, which was devastated by floods last month, were led by Indian professor GD Agarwal, who was taken to hospital after a 50-day fast but who was released this week.
"There is no other way but to continue because the state government is not keen to review the dam policy," said Mallika Bhanot, a member of Ganga Avahan, a group opposing proposals for a series of dams on the Ganges.
Governments have tried to calm people by saying that many of the dams will not require large reservoirs, but will be "run of the river" constructions which channel water through tunnels to massive turbines. But critics say the damage done can be just as great. "[These] will complete shift the path of the river flow," said Shripad Dharmadhikary, a leading opponent of the Narmada dams and author of a report into Himalayan dams. "Everyone will be affected because the rivers will dry up between points. The whole hydrology of the rivers will be changed. It is likely to aggravate floods.
"A dam may only need 500 people to move because of submergence, but because the dams stop the river flow it could impact on 20,000 people. They also disrupt the groundwater flows so many people will end up with water running dry. There will be devastation of livelihoods along all the rivers."


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Earth Friendly Pet Company
Benson's Canine Cookies is proud to carry Cycle Dog in Lakeland, Florida. Cycle Dog's goal is to create the world's best dog products with a focus on the environment and to raise awareness of the millions of bike tubes thrown into landfills every year.
Dog Products
- Dog Collar
- Dog Leashes
- Harness
- Toys
- Waterproof Barrier Nestle Dog Bed
- Barrier Dog Blanket
- Travel Bowls
- Trail Buddy Dog Treats
Come visit our pet supply store in Lakeland, FL specializing in quality food, treats, and supplies for cats and dogs.


text: The Week in Review at the Abbeville Institute, Aug 5-9, 2019 Topics: Land, Southern Tradition, United States Constitution, Southern History Brion McClanahan Brion McClanahan is the author or co-author of six books, How Alexander Hamilton Screwed Up America (Regnery History, 2017), 9 Presidents Who Screwed Up America and Four Who Tried to Save Her (Regnery History, 2016), The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers, (Regnery, 2009), The Founding Fathers Guide to the Constitution (Regnery History, 2012), Forgotten Conservatives in American History (Pelican, 2012), and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Real American Heroes, (Regnery, 2012). He received a B.A. in History from Salisbury University in 1997 and an M.A. in History from the University of South Carolina in 1999. He finished his Ph.D. in History at the University of South Carolina in 2006, and had the privilege of being Clyde Wilson's last doctoral student. He lives in Alabama with his wife and three daughters. Tags:Podcast


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My understanding is that squeezes are most likely to occur when one defender holds all the key cards in say, two different suits. And in most cases, they are what I call "secondary" cards (e.g. Kx, Qxx, or Qx, after the ace or king has been played), meaning that you need to keep both the key card, and a guard. And the one defender holds both "sets" for a "crowded" or "busy" hand.
(In theory, one defender could protect one suit, the other defender a second suit, with both having to protect a common suit, but those situations are rarer, and harder to defend.)
If, say West, holds two or three of these "secondary" combinations, does it make sense to lead one of them out early, so that you're not "caught" with more than one at the end? If the spot card is low, might it be possible to discard it at some point in play and hope declarer doesn't "scoop" your king with the ace?
Perhaps it's best to try to transfer "control" to your partner in one suit (leading out a K or Q, let it be captured by declarer, and hope that East controls the suit with say, JTx, while you protect the other?
Another aspect of a squeeze is that declarer needs to get to and from dummy. Would moves like the "Merrimac coup" to try to disrupt communications make sense?
Are there bidding, playing, or cardholding sequences that should put a defender on particular guard against a squeeze?


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Corinthian Bells® windchimes are the first in a new generation of windchimes to combine excellence in design with incredible tones and resonance. These are visually and acoustically exceptional chimes; we believe that they are the best chimes on the market today. The centrally suspended heavy-walled aluminum tubes along with the high density striker give these chimes their outstanding tones and resonance. The tubes are powder coated to match the dome and wind sail, giving a complete finished look to the chime.
Made in the USA


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Why spend your summer vacation on subways and buses when you could be out exploring places on two wheels?
Thanks to an explosion in bike-share systems and a general appreciation for bike culture, making cycling a central part of your travels is becoming easier and easier. You don't have to throw down, pack your bicycle and head off on a full cycle tour to get the pleasure of seeing a place on two wheels; there are plenty of cities around the world that are bike-friendly and perfect for anyone who enjoys the thrills of riding in a new place.
Here are the ten best places to explore by bike.1. Amsterdam
There's no denying that if you're a bike lover, Amsterdam should be at the top of your list. Here people are practically born on bicycles, and if you want to experience the city like a real local, there's no better way. Start off in the Jordaan district, rent a bike at the friendly Bike City and get ready to master the dance that is cycling in the Netherlands.
2. Copenhagen
Bike riding in Scandinavia is truly part of the local lifestyle, and nowhere is this more true than the Danish capital of Denmark. This is the birthplace of Cycle Chic after all. There are over 390 kilometers of designated bike lanes and over 50 percent of locals commute by bike on a regular basis. The Copenhagen tourism office has a round up of top bike rental places to make fitting in easier than ever. Just remember to wear your finest — Scandinavians look good on their wheels.
3. Portland, Oregon
Beer, baristas and bikes; it's the Portland trifecta. You can get all three at Velocult, the city's hub for bike related events and general fun. If you're downtown you should be sure to hit up the Courrier Coffee Bar, opened by one of the city's favorite pedal-delivered craft roasting companies. Add Trailhead to the list as well, another bike-powered artisan roaster. And when you've had enough pedal-powered caffeine for the day, take your bike, roll over to the bike-centric bar Apex and drink one of their 50 beers on tap.
4. Paris
Ok, so Paris might not be the first place that comes to mind on the list of bike-friendly places – you do have to do a lot of scooter and pedestrian dodging – but thanks to the successful Velib bike-share system, cycling is a big part of Parisian culture. The key in Paris is to identify that bike paths; you'll find separated lanes around the city that make two-wheeled Paris a true delight.
5. San Francisco
Don't let the hills scare you off. Through the late spring and early fall you can take advantage of Sunday Streets, a collection of events that closes off streets to cars in different neighborhoods around the city, and in Golden Gate Park there are car-free Sundays and Saturdays. For a longer adventure, make your way to Marin County.
6. Berlin
Berlin is in the top 10 of bike blog Copenhagenize's bicycle-friendly cities and with good reason. Around 13% of the population ride their bike on a daily basis, and in some neighborhoods it's as high as 25%. There's the 1st Bicycle Gallery which is all about showcasing gorgeous bicycles . There's an online route planner you can use to facilitate your ride, and if you want a different look at one of the city's most iconic landmarks, cycle the Berlin Wall Trail, tracing the former wall.
7. Rio de Janeiro
A bike-share and over 250 kilometers of bike trails make a normally congested city ideal for the cycle crowd. A large part of the bike push has come for preparing for the Olympics in 2016, and above and beyond the Bike Rio bike-share system, there are plenty of bike rental options around town.
8. Barcelona
Beach and bikes; it's no surprise that Barcelona is popular with budget-savvy travelers looking for a little warm weather and outdoor strolls. There are over 100 stations for the city's Bicing program, and a variety of rental and tour options. Top that ride off with some tapas and you have the perfect day.
9. Montreal
Montreal is the place to be if you're a cycle lover. There are trails, separated lanes and designated biking streets, easily navigable on PedalMontreal. The city is also the gateway to Quebec's Route Verte, boasting over 5,000 kilometers of bikeways all over the region along with bike-friendly accomodations. You may need a few weeks.
10. Bogotá
Bogotá's CicloRuta s one of the most extensive in the world. Given that a very small percentage of the local population has access to cars, bicycles make economic sense. If your destination is too far to ride to, the network of bike lanes connects well with the local transportation system, complete with bike parking at several designated stops. As the city's ex mayor Enrique Peñalosa said, "I think the future of the world has to do with bicycles."


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Twisted Metal co-director David Jaffe manages to make fans of the series extremely happy and me feel incredibly old in one fell swoop.
Thanks for the free copy of PlayStation 2 classic Twisted Metal Black, Dave. If anyone needs me I'll be down at Hardees with the rest of the elderly, stuffing horrible food into a digestive system to desiccated to care anymore.
A Twisted Metal Message from David Jaffe [PlayStation Blog]