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Rhondda Records is with you every day
bringing the news ------- that gives a
view of world events different to
the mainstream media or
social media!

Except Sundays - our day of rest.

Journalist: To end war ------

prosecute UK, US officials

who wage(d) it illegally

October 22nd, 10:12pm (PressTV)

The world must finally put an end to the impunity of war

criminals, by holding US and UK officials responsible

for launching the illegal war on Iraq, done without

the approval of the UN Security Council, and

prosecuting them --- under the Nuremberg

principles, US journalist Don DeBar said.

DeBar made the remarks in an interview with Press TV while

commenting on a report which has revealed that the British

military inquiries into abuse against Iraqi nationals... have

been closed without a single prosecution being brought,

even though the credibility of many "shocking and

shameful incidents" during the war in the Middle

Eastern country, have been confirmed.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement

this week that the Service Police Legacy Investigations,

which was looking at claims of abuse in Iraq, had now

"officially closed its doors."

In March 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant

violation of international law and under the pretext of

finding WMDs; but no such weapons were ever

More than one million Iraqis were killed - as the result of

the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq

--- according to the California-based investigative

organization, Project Censored.

The US war in Iraq cost US taxpayers $1.7 trillion with

an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war
veterans, expenses that could grow to more than
$6 trillion over the next four decades counting
interest, according to a study called Costs of
War Project --- by the Watson Institute for

International Studies at Brown University.

DeBar told Press TV that the Iraq war

was illegal from the very beginning.

"It is illegal for a nation to make war on another nation if it

does not have the approval of the UN Security Council, if

any of those nations are signatories to the original UN

Charter. And it’s been adopted - that happened with

the US, as a charter member of the UN -- and it was

approved by the US Senate in the 1940s.

Consequently, the US involvement in Iraq from
the beginning, and the UK involvement in Iraq
from the beginning, was illegal,” he said.

“And under the Nuremberg standards, which would then

apply, each and every death consequent – intentional

or not - to either US or UK military action there, or

condoning of the US action there, by the media

or public officials, or any act facilitating that,

is an individual war crime. And, by the way,

there’s a death penalty for that,” the

“No one will prosecute these people. That’s why I started

with the word impunity. And we might bookend with that

because that’s the problem. And until the world puts an

end to that impunity, until the world sees the major

contradiction in all international relations, is US,

UK, and EU imperialism, then it’s going to

continue until this eats our species,”

A damning White House memo had revealed details of the

so-called “deal in blood” forged by former British Prime

Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush

The document, titled “Secret... Memorandum for the

President”, was sent by then-US Secretary of State

Colin Powell to President Bush --- on March 28th,
2002, a week before Bush’s summit with Blair
at his Crawford ranch in Texas.

The sensational memo, revealed that Blair had agreed to

support the war a year before the invasion even started

while publicly, the British prime minister was working
to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

The document also disclosed that Blair agreed to act as a

spin doctor for Bush and convince a skeptical public that

Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had Weapons of Mass

Destruction, which actually did not exist.

In response, Bush would flatter Blair and give the

impression that London was not Washington’s

poodle but an equal partner in the

“special relationship.”

Powell told Bush that Blair “will be with us” on the

Iraq war, and assured the president that “"the UK

will follow our lead in the Middle East."

Blair has always denied the claim that he and Bush

signed a deal “in blood”, at Crawford, to launch a

war against Iraq that began on March 20th, 2003,

that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The Powell memo, however, showed how Blair and

Bush secretly prepared the Iraq war plot behind

closed doors at Crawford.

Powell told Bush: “He will present to you the strategic,

tactical and public affairs lines, that he believes will

strengthen global support for our common cause.”

0000000000000000000000000000000000000

Venezuela: Ministry of Hydrocarbons

----- repudiates call to privatize

March 25th, 4:35pm

(Prensa Latina)

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons of Venezuela today categorically

repudiated statements issued by a spokesperson for national

extremism from abroad, in which he expressed his intention

to privatize the industry.

The entity in a statement, on behalf of the oil, gas and

petrochemical industry, described the statements

as unhappy.

She indicated - that she is not content with having requested

sanctions, attacks and intervention against the Republic for

years, “she now intends to offer - as if it were her property

and assuming a representation that she lacks - an

industry that is the inalienable heritage of

the entire Venezuelan people”.

The text --- which does not identify the person, although it is

presumed to be the oppositionist María Corina Machado -

also held her responsible for directing the most violent

and extremist factor in national politics ---- and

mercenary actions that left hundreds of

Venezuelan families in mourning.

He indicated that with her intentions, she is “thus revealing

her anti-national spirit” - by attempting to impose herself

above the Constitution, which establishes exclusive

property in its article 12, inalienable and

imprescriptible ..of the Republic

on hydrocarbons.

“The importance of oil for Venezuela can never be diminished

by those who do not have and will never have real or moral

authority to talk about our industry”, he stressed.

He stressed --- that hydrocarbons constitute the

most important economic activity in Venezuela.

In that sense, he mentioned figures from the Central Bank of

Venezuela, which recognizes that 74 percent of Venezuelan

exports in the last decade were contributed by this sector.

The oil engine grew.... in 17 of the last 19 quarters, increasing

by 15.2% in 2025 ....and underpinning the momentum of the

national economy, said the Minister of Hydrocarbons.

________________________________________

Russian diplomats in Colombia make

a solidarity donation to Cuba

March 25th, 11:49am

(Prensa Latina)

Officials from the Russian Embassy delivered today at the

Cuban diplomatic legation in this capital.. a donation of

medicine and food as a sign of support for the elderly

women in the Antilles.

Regarding the delivery of the gesture of brotherhood, the

Russian ambassador to Colombia, Nikolay Tavdumadze,

sent a message in which he conveyed, on behalf of his

group... and himself, “our unwavering solidarity ----
in these difficult times”.

For his part.. the Cuban ambassador to Colombia, Carlos de

Céspedes, expressed gratitude for the initiative on behalf

of his people & government, meanwhile, he evoked the

historical ties that unite both countries that, as he

emphasized, developed since the first years of

the Revolution and are still strengthening.

He thanked the solidarity - shown by Russia over the years

towards the island and considered that the action of this

day --- is a sign of brotherhood, at the same time, it

constitutes “a symbol and an effort that our

country greatly appreciates”.

Their small ceremony, held at the Cuban legation in Havana

the capital, was attended by diplomats from the Caribbean

nation accredited here.... and consular and

administrative personnel.

Cuba is going through a deep energy crisis due to the

intensification of the economic, financial and

commercial blockade -- that the US has

imposed on it for over 60 years.

The signing of an executive order by Donald Trump's

government intensified persecution of the island's

energy transactions by threatening to impose

tariffs ----- on those who supply it

with hydrocarbons.

The difficult situation facing the island sparked an

international solidarity movement as revealed by

the organization of the Nuestra América convoy,

made up of activists from various countries

around the world, who bring or send aid

to Cuba.

People hold up a banner as they protest

against Israel at the entrance of the

International Criminal Court

True Promise 4: Iran and resistance

axis ops. against US-Israeli assets

on Mar. 25

March 25th, 8:44pm

(Press TV Website Staff)

Iranian armed forces and resistance groups across the region

continue to carry out retaliatory military operations against

the US and the Israeli regime.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Islamic Revolution Guards

Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army conducted multiple

operations as part of Operation True Promise 4,

which was launched immediately after the

US-Israeli coalition carried out an

unprovoked act of aggression

against the Islamic Republic

of Iran on February 28.

Iranian armed forces have --- so far --- carried out 82 waves of

missile and drone strikes with advanced weaponry targeting

Israeli military facilities in the occupied territories, as well

as US occupation bases and assets scattered across the

West Asia region.

The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement and the Islamic

Resistance in Iraq ------- have also joined the front against the

external aggressors, inflicting heavy blows on the enemy.

Hezbollah’s operations have been primarily focused on Israeli

military sites in the occupied territories. Its operations are

both --- in response to the assassination of the Leader of

the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei

- and the relentless ceasefire violations by the Israeli

regime over the past year.

Iraqi resistance groups have also been carrying out daily

operations, primarily against US military assets in Iraq

and other Arab countries.

Below is a list of operations carried out by the Iranian armed

forces, as well as resistance movements in Lebanon and

Iraq, against the US and the Zionist regime on March 25:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

The 80th wave of Operation True Promise 4 targeted strategic

points and military centres located in the northern parts of

occupied Palestine .....with the blessed code "Ya Shadid

al-Quwa," dedicated to the martyred driver Mohammad

Dalvand and all truckers and drivers, in support of the

pride-inspiring attacks of the Islamic Resistance of

Hezbollah in Lebanon and the oppressed people

of southern Lebanon.

In this operation, the military command of the regime army

located north of the city of Safad, which is responsible for

commanding and deploying forces for attacks on the

northern borders of Palestine, was targeted.

Israeli military targets in "Tel Aviv", "Kiryat Shmona", "Bnei

Brak", and the bases of the US military in "Ali Al-Salem",

"Arifjan", "Al-Azraq", and "Sheikh Isa" were also

targeted by liquid and solid-fuel, precision-

guided systems and explosive drones.

Successful waves of 81 missiles - hit over

seventy points in the occupied territories.

In the 81st wave of Operation True Promise 4, under the code

"Ya Baqir al-Ulum, peace be upon him," and as a gift to all

the soldiers of the homeland and the soldier martyrs,

especially the hero soldier martyr Sayyed Javad

Izadi -- more than 70 points in the occupied

territories were struck with high success

and intensity including Haifa, "Dimona",

Al-Khadriya near Haifa, and north
and south of "Tel Aviv".

Missiles such as Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr 4,

and Qadr were used in this wave.

The fourth strategic fighter jet of the invading US military --- an

F18, was downed over the skies of Chabahar and crashed into

the Indian Ocean after being precisely hit by missiles from the

new advanced air defense system of the IRGC Navy under

the command of Iran's integrated air defense network.

A 7-member mercenary team linked to foreign spy services was

arrested in Semnan. The leader of this terrorist network --- in

addition to communicating with foreign enemies, received
sabotage training and received funds from his contact

abroad.... for purchasing and manufacturing

explosive equipment.

Iranian Army:

Targeted Israeli air support centres, drone manufacturing

industries, and vital Mossad equipment with a barrage

of drones.

The attacks specifically targeted repair and maintenance

facilities for F-15 and F-16 attack fighters and the Israeli

aerospace industries (IAI), which is the centre for the

development and equipment of advanced "Heron"

and "Harop" drones, the "Ofeq" series of spy

satellites, and the supply of vital

equipment for Mossad and

Shin Bet.

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance

fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles

in the town of Al-Qawzah with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework

of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number

of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic

Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona"

settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance

fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the border town of Al-

Qawzah with a guided missile, achieving a direct hit.

Also, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering

of Israeli soldiers in the border town of Al-Qawzah with

a rocket barrage and artillery shells.

The Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank

in the border town of Al-Qawzah with a guided missile

for the second time.

The Islamic Resistance fighters, targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers in "Shomera" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework

of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number

of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic

Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement

with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance

fighters - targeted the infrastructure belonging to the Israeli

military in the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" settlement ----- with a

rocket barrage.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two Merkava tanks

near the pond of the town of Dibil with guided missiles.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers in the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a

swarm of attack drones.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted positions of the Israeli

military in "Metulla", Al-Marj, and "Misgav Am" with

rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and after monitoring a

force of Israeli soldiers in the town of Taybeh, the Islamic

Resistance fighters targeted them for the second time

with an attack drone, achieving direct hits.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Keila" barracks

in the occupied Syrian Golan with a rocket barrage.

IIslamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank at

the newly established Israeli position in the border

town of Markaba - with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, after monitoring a force

of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Taybeh, the Islamic

Resistance fighters targeted them for the third time

with an attack drone, achieving direct hits.

Islamic Resistance fighters also targeted a gathering of

soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Taybeh

for the fourth time --- with artillery.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers and vehicles near the pool of the town of Dibl

with a swarm of attack drones, achieving direct hits.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers - and their vehicles - in the vicinity of the Khiam

detention centre, for the third time, with artillery shells.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers and their vehicles in the Taybeh project for the

second time - with an attack drone.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers at the Al-Marj site for the second time with an

attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the

enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and

demolition of homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters

targeted the "Krayot" area ....north of the occupied

city of Haifa with a barrage of qualitative missiles.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Merkava tanks and a D9

bulldozer west of the Taybeh project with guided missiles.

After monitoring a force of regime soldiers... attempting to tow

destroyed vehicles west of the Al-Taybeh project, the Islamic

Resistance fighters targeted them with a rocket barrage.

In response to the aggression against Lebanon and its people,

the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the Khiam

detention centre - for the fourth time - with a

rocket barrage.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the

vicinity of the Dibl town pond with a guided missile.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli

soldiers at Tal Abu Madi in the border town of Dhuhaira

with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people --- and following the

observation of the advance of an armoured Israeli force

in the town of Taybeh towards the Al-Muhaisibat area,

the fighters of the Islamic Resistance -- targeted it

with guided missiles, resulting in the destruction

of 4 Merkava tanks and a D9 bulldozer.

Islamic Resistance fighters also targeted a gathering of

Israeli soldiers in the Taybeh project for the third time,

with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and as a continuation

of the statements regarding the confrontations in the town

of Taybeh, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two

more Merkava tanks with guided missiles, resulting in

their destruction, bringing the number of destroyed

tanks to 6.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in continuation of

the reports of the confrontations in the town of Taybeh, the

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two more Merkava

tanks with guided missiles, which led to their

destruction, bringing the number of

destroyed tanks to 8.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq:

Targeted US occupation forces inside

the "Victoria" base --- in Baghdad.

Struck the bases of terrorists in Erbil, Iraq,

which also included..... a base of Mossad.

____________________________________________

Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport halts

all operations... amid Iranian

missile barrages

March 25th, 7:12pm

(PressTV)

Operations at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport have

come to a complete halt as Iranian missiles rain down on

the occupied territories --- in retaliation for the war of

aggression against the Islamic Republic.

According to Hebrew-language media outlets, the Iranian

Armed Forces have launched a fresh wave of missiles

directed at various Israeli positions, effectively

shutting down the airport, located 20 kms

(12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv.

The volley of Iranian projectiles actiated siren systems

throughout the occupied lands, and residents were

ordered to take refuge in bomb shelters.

There are reports that a missile struck an open area

near a power plant in the town of al-Khazirah, in

the northern part of the Israeli-occupied lands.

Another wave of Iranian missiles targeted locations in

the central occupied territories. Sirens sounded in

the area to warn of the incoming missiles.

According to Israeli Army radio, Iranian missile units

launched four separate rounds of attacks within

a span of 40 minutes.

Multiple explosions have also been reported in the

greater Tel Aviv area, with no immediate reports

of possible casualties .....or the extent of the

damage caused.

On Sunday, the spokesperson for the Iranian Army

stated that Ben Gurion Airport had been attacked

by advanced Arash-2 drones.

General Mohammad Akraminia said the bulk of the

unmanned aircraft used against the airport were

of the Arash-2 type, which has a range of 2,000

kms and is a more advanced and destructive

variant of the Kian and Arash-1 drones.

The spokesperson highlighted that the drone can

easily evade enemy radar systems due to its

very small radar cross-section... making it

rather difficult for adversaries to detect.

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale

and unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on

February 28 by assassinating the Leader of the

Islamic Revolution... Ayatollah Seyed Ali

Khamenei, and high-ranking military

commanders, despite the indirect

Tehran-Washington negotiations

on Iran’s peaceful civilian

nuclear program.

Within the framework of their legitimate response, the

Iranian armed forces immediately initiated powerful

missile and drone operations against US interests

across West Asia .....and Israeli positions in the

occupied territories.

___________________________________

IRGC hits another invading

US warplane, an F-18,

in Iran’s airspace

March 25th, 7:01pm

(PressTV)

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced

that it successfully targeted another invading US warplane

in Iranian airspace.

The F-18 fighter jet is the fourth US warplane Iran has

successfully targeted since February 28, when the

US and the Israeli regime launched their war of

aggression against Iran.

The IRGC Public Relations Department reported

the successful operation by air defense units

on Wednesday.

In a separate statement.. earlier on Wednesday, the IRGC

said it had intercepted and shot down an invading drone

in the country’s airspace. The hostile aircraft it added,

was targeted and destroyed ......while hovering over

southern Iran.

The number of hostile drones - hunted down by

Iran’s air defenses so far stands at nearly 140.

Iranian armed forces have responded to the aggression

by launching barrages of precision-guided missiles

and advanced drones, pounding US and Israeli

assets in the region in over 80 waves of

retaliatory strikes.

_____________________________________

UN Rights Council .....approves Iran’s request

for urgent debate on Minab school massacre

March 25th, 6:25pm

(PressTV)

The United Nations Human Rights Council has approved

Iran’s request for an urgent debate on the devastating

US-Israeli airstrike that killed 168 young girls at an

elementary school in the southern Iranian city

of Minab, marking a diplomatic victory for

Tehran ------- as it seeks international

accountability ...for a war crime.

The request, submitted by Iran’s permanent mission and

co-sponsored by China and Cuba, was approved by

consensus, during the council’s session

on Wednesday.

The emergency debate is scheduled for March 27 and

will examine the human rights and humanitarian

dimensions of the February 28 attack on the

Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab.

Addressing the council, Iranian diplomat Somayeh

Karimdoost described the attack as “a grave

breach of international humanitarian law

and international human rights law.”

She said a US Tomahawk cruise missile struck the

school during school hours, killing 168 children

between the ages of seven and 12 ---- and

wounding many others.

Karimdoost stressed that schools and educational institutions

enjoy explicit protection under international humanitarian law

------- which prohibits deliberate or indiscriminate attacks on

civilian objects.

“Targeting a functioning school during school hours is not only a

severe assault on children and education but also a profound

assault on the future of an entire society,” she stated.

She said intentional attacks against educational facilities

that are not military objectives constitute war crimes

under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the

International Criminal Court.

Karimdoost called on the Human Rights Council to send “a

clear and unambiguous message” to the US and Israel

demanding the immediate cessation of attacks on

civilians, especially children, and full respect
for international law.

According to preliminary findings of a US military investigation

reported by The New York Times, the Tomahawk cruise

missile hit the school due to a.. “targeting mistake.”

Iranian officials have dismissed the explanation, noting that

the strike occurred on the very first day of the US-Israeli

war of aggression against Iran --- and was part of a

pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The debate on March 27 will be the second urgent session

convened by the Human Rights Council in the space of a

week, related to the war on Iran.

The Minab school attack occurred on February 28,

the first day of the US-Israeli military campaign

against Iran.

That same day, then-Leader of the Islamic Revolution

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several senior

commanders were assassinated in airstrikes

on Tehran.

The strike on the school quickly became

a symbol of civilian suffering in Iran.

Video footage from the scene showed debris scattered

across the schoolyard, bloodied textbooks, and

rescue workers pulling small bodies from

the rubble.

The attack drew condemnations from humanitarian

organizations ---- and prompted the UN to call for

independent investigations.

Iran’s representative made clear that the debate is

intended to focus -- on the protection of children

and educational institutions in armed conflict,

principles enshrined in international

humanitarian law ---- and

the Convention on the

Rights of the Child.

Iranian officials are expected to present further evidence

of the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure,

including attacks on hospitals, schools, and

residential areas.

Human rights groups and legal experts

may also be invited to testify.

__________________________________

Iran after fugitive US soldiers,

commanders in region: IRGC

March 25th, 5:58pm

(PressTV)

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran

will go after US soldiers and commanders who have

escaped their bases in regional countries -------

following Iran’s devastating attacks.

The spokesman of the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbia Central

Headquarters said on Wednesday - that US soldiers

and commanders have been sheltering in various

hideouts in the countries of the region since

Iran demolished many of their bases in

those countries.

“We ask the people of the region’s countries to report

their whereabouts, and at the same time, for their

own security ---- to demand the expulsion of

Americans from the region,” Ebrahim

Zolfaghari stated.

No return to previous arrangements on Hormuz

In a separate message, Zolfaghari said the US is desperate

to hold talks with Iran to force an end to the current

confrontation and to help reopen the Strait of

Hormuz, a waterway in the Persian Gulf

which has been tightly controlled

by Iran - since the start of the

US-Israeli aggression on

February 28.

“Listen carefully. Just as desperate as you are to avoid

a prolonged war, the resilience of our nation and the

strength of our armed forces, grow stronger with

each passing moment,” he said.

“The situation in the Strait -- will not return to what it was.

Whatever we decide to happen, will happen. With trust

in God, the path is closed to the oppressors ---- and

their allies.”

He said Iran has a - “clear, transparent, and explicit” rule for

allowing transit through the Strait: that anyone associated

with the enemies will have no right of passage and that

the authority to grant passage permits ..rests solely

with Iran.

Donald Trump, the president of the US, said on March 24th, that

he was considering holding talks with Iran to end the ongoing

confrontation ----- which many believe has put him in a very

precarious position.

That comes as he has repeatedly claimed victory since

launching the joint aggression with Israel against Iran.

Sources told Press TV on Wednesday that Iran had rejected a

US offer for talks and its conditions, saying the country has

its own conditions to end the war - which includes a full

stop to the aggression and concrete guarantees that

it will not happen in the future.

___________________________________

'We do not want to die for Israel':

US soldiers wary of Iran war

March 25th, 5:01pm

(PressTV)

A profound sense of moral dissent is spreading through the

ranks of the US armed forces regarding the unprovoked

war Donald Trump has launched against Iran... on

behalf of the Israeli regime, a report says.

In an interview with HuffPost, active-duty soldiers, reservists,

and advocacy groups said many US troops are reporting

vulnerability, overwhelming stress, frustration, and

disillusionment to the degree that they may..

leave the military.

A veteran and reservist who mentors younger officers told

the news website that soldiers have told her, that they

"do not want to die for Israel." She said that she has

heard soldiers saying that they "don't want to be

political pawns."

The report comes -- as Trump orders the deployment of

thousands of additional sailors and Marines to West

Asia. The move has raised concern... about the

possibility of a US ground offensive in Iran.

According to HuffPost, the troops Trump is counting on, for a

possible ground operation - appear increasingly wary of the

war on Iran. One US official familiar with the matter

described a ground operation earlier this week

as "an absolute disaster."

"We don't even have a plan - for that. We can't even fully

defend a single land base in the theatre." The lack of

a clear, consistent narrative justifying the Iran war

is a key source of discontent among troops.

The reservists believe that the war is placing them

in unnecessary danger .....for no identifiable

strategic benefit.

Iranian military officials have warned Trump against

putting US soldiers in danger, saying the Iranian

armed forces, have had extensive training in

asymmetrical warfare - and are prepared

to use their tactics on the battlefield.

Since the war began, on February 28th, Iranian ballistic

missiles and drones have repeatedly hit US facilities

in the Persian Gulf countries and the Israeli-

occupied territories.

On the first day of the war --- a US strike on a girls' school

in the Iranian town of Minab killed nearly 170 schoolgirls.

According to Mike Prysner, executive director of the Centre

on Conscience and War, for many soldiers, the attack on

the school was ------- the "breaking point."

_________________________________________

‘Resistance over surrender’: Hezbollah

fighters ready to sacrifice
‘without limits’

March 25th, 3:18pm

(PressTV)

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem says the

Lebanese resistance movement, has chosen the path of

confrontation over surrender ---- and its fighters are

prepared to sacrifice "without limits" in defense

of Lebanon against the US-Israeli project of

"Greater Israel."

In a statement on Wednesday, the Hezbollah chief outlined the

existential stakes facing Lebanon, affirmed the resistance's

unwavering commitment to the battle, and called for

national unity against what he described as a

joint US-Israeli aggression ...aimed at

subjugating the country.

Sheikh Qassem said Lebanon faces two clear options, "either

surrender and relinquish land, dignity, sovereignty, and the

future of our generations, or engage in inevitable

confrontation and resist the occupation to

prevent it from achieving its goals."

He said the timing chosen by the resistance to respond to the

aggression "denied the Israeli enemy the element of surprise,

prevented it from isolating Lebanon, and nullified all pretexts."

The Hezbollah secretary-general - praised the movement's

fighters, saying they "have written the most magnificent

epics --- of heroism, honour, patriotism, and dignity."

"They are determined to continue --- without limits, ready to

sacrifice endlessly, and now serve as a shining symbol of

nationalism and the beacon of the coming liberation."

Sheikh Qassem said the people of Lebanon "have displaced

themselves --- in contribution to the jihad, endured as

sacrificers and resistors, proudly and willingly

offering their children - suffering far away

from their homes and normal lives - to

secure a free and honorable future -

for their homeland and its people."

The 'Greater Israel' project

Sheikh Qassem warned that there exists a dangerous US-

Israeli project known as "Greater Israel," which is based

on occupation and expansion from the Euphrates to the

Nile, including Lebanon.

He said the US-Israeli aggression against Lebanon has not

stopped since November 27, 2024 ---- and that the Israeli

enemy has continuously violated ceasefire agreements.

Call for national unity

The Hezbollah leader called for national unity under a single

banner: "stopping the aggression to liberate the land and

its people."

He said all other matters can be addressed afterwards.

“National unity -- frustrates our enemy from occupying our

country,” he said. “National unity, enables us to endure

this painful phase through solidarity and cooperation,

helping us to rebuild our country together.”

Sheikh Qassem also called on the Lebanese government ----- to

reverse its decision that criminalizes resistance, warning that

"when the exclusivity of weapons is demanded to meet what

Israel desires while the occupation and aggression continue,

it is a step toward Lebanon's demise - and the realization of

'Greater Israel.'"

The Hezbollah chief firmly rejected

any negotiations with Israel while

the hostilities continue.

"Negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire - constitutes

forced surrender and the deprivation of Lebanon's entire

capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies

land and attacks daily .....are entirely unacceptable."

Defensive battle --- for Lebanon

Sheikh Qassem ------ framed the ongoing

operations as a purely defensive battle.

“We are in a defensive battle for Lebanon and its citizens.

Those who are martyred - are our men, youth, women,

and children. What we liberate - is the land of our

homeland, Lebanon.”

The Hezbollah leader said confronting the aggression

against Lebanon is “a national responsibility

---- for everyone.”

Since the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began -- on

February 28, Hezbollah has intensified its operations against

Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching

rockets and drones at the military targets and

settlements in northern Israel... including

Haifa, Nahariya, and Kiryat Shmona.

Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hezbollah's operations

have successfully tied down significant Israeli ground forces,

challenging the security of northern residents and the

regime’s home front.

Solidarity with Iran

Sheikh Qassem drew attention to Iran's confrontation with the

US and Israel, describing it as "a lesson for reflection."

‌

"What is happening in the confrontation of the Islamic Republic

of Iran with the global American-Israeli aggression is a lesson

for reflection. Iran stood firm against the mightiest and most

brutal criminals on Earth, and it will prevail, God willing,"

he said.

‌

"Know that every victory against America and Israel brings

good to all," he added --- citing the Quranic verse: "And

victory is not but from Allah, the Almighty, the Wise."

‌

____________________________________________________

UAE police chief's call to cement

Israeli ties sparks outrage

across Arab world

March 25th, 12:24pm

(PressTV)

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and

Public Security in Dubai, has sparked controversy with his

statements urging Persian Gulf Arab nations to

strengthen their relations with Israel, amid

the escalating US-Israeli adventurism

in West Asia.

His comments, shared via the social media platform X, come

as the region grapples with the ongoing war of terrorism by

the United States and Israel against Iran.

Khalfan suggested that Arab nations in the Persian Gulf

should look beyond the traditional regional alliances,

asserting that the countries of the region are not

aligned with Arab sentiments.

“O people of the [Persian] Gulf Arab, strengthen cooperation

with Israel… There is no good in the countries of the region

at all,” he posted.

In a subsequent outrageous tweet, Khalfan claimed that the

US and Israeli attacks on Iran are designed to "eliminate

the machines of destruction manufactured for Persian

hegemony over the region," calling the West "the

friendly nations."

In a third post, Khalfan criticized the Arab League, claiming it

had failed to represent Arab interests, especially in light of

its stance towards Iran.

"It is a disgrace for the Persian Gulf countries to remain in a

university that calls itself an Arab League, while it does not

have Arab sentiments," he wrote, adding, "it sympathizes

with the Persians."

Khalfan's remarks have sparked a strong backlash

across the Arab world, with many social media

users condemning his stance.

Critics argue that Israel, an occupying power in Palestine,

represents a major threat to Persian Gulf Arab security

and regional stability. One commentator described

Israel’s "Greater Israel" ambitions.... as the

"greatest threat" to the Persian Gulf.

The controversy comes amid rising tensions in the region,

particularly following an Israeli-U.S. military aggression

against Iran.

In late February, Israel and the US targeted Iranian leaders as

well as its military and civilian infrastructure, while Iranian

forces retaliated with missile and drone strikes aimed at

Israeli-occupied territories and US military bases in

the region.

Iran has defended its response as legitimate self-defense,

citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and

maintains that it has the legal right to protect

itself from acts of aggression by Israel
and the US.

Khalfan’s statements highlight the deepening divisions within

the Arab world over how to address the ongoing US-Israeli

colonial war, with some Persian Gulf states, like the UAE,

seeking closer ties with Israel, while others remain

committed ---- to opposing Israeli policies.

___________________________________________

Iran announces missile attack

against US aircraft carrier

March 25th, 11:48am

(Prensa Latina)

The Iranian army today - announced the launch of cruise

missiles against the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham

Lincoln, deployed in the region.

According to the semi-official Fars agency - which cited

a military statement - the missiles were fired from the

coast towards the sea against the vessel -- while the

armed forces released images of the alleged launch.

Previously, Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani had

warned - that his country would attack the aircraft

carrier as soon as it came within range of its

missile systems.

Iranian General Staff spokesman, Abolfazl Shekarchi,

assured on March 14, that the USS Abraham Lincoln

had already been the target of an attack and forced

to withdraw from the area of operations.

For its part, the United States denied such claims,

and maintained that the aircraft carrier, located

in the Arabian Sea.. according to previous

reports, has not been hit.

The situation develops in the midst of the war started

on February 28th by the US and Israel against Iran,

which left hundreds dead and increased fears

of a regional escalation, while Tehran

responds with missile and drone

attacks against Israeli targets

& US interests, in the region.

Today, March 25th, is the United Nations'

International Day of Remembrance

of the Victims of Slavery and the

Transatlantic Slave Trade.

This is a United Nations international observance

designated in 2007 to be marked on 25 March

The day honours and remembers those who suffered

and died -- as a consequence of the transatlantic

slave trade, which has been called "the worst
violation of human rights in history", in
which.. over 400 years more than

15 million men, women

the victims.

The Secretary-General

Message ---- for the International Day of Remembrance of

the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

25 March 2026

Today we commemorate the victims of a staggering crime:

Millions of people stolen from their families

and communities in Africa.

Trafficked across the Atlantic.

And — if they survived the journey —

enslaved in the Americas.

Millions more were born into bondage, brutally exploited

for their labour, and denied their basic humanity.

We honour - their quiet resilience and

courageous acts of open resistance.

This global order prevailed for over 400 years

— and haunts our world even now.

In systems and institutions shaped

and enriched by chattel slavery.

In social and economic inequalities

rooted in past injustices.

And in biases that permeate our culture

and impact us all.

On this International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of

Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we are called

to confront these legacies.

By rejecting the false narrative of racial difference

and the ugly lie of white supremacy.

By dismantling racism —— online, in the media, in

schools, at work, in politics, and within ourselves.

And by working for truth, justice, and repair.

I welcome the initial steps by some governments

to address the consequences of slavery.

But far bolder actions — by many

more Member States are needed.

Including real commitments to respect African

countries’ ownership of their own resources.

And steps to ensure their equal participation and

influence in the global financial architecture
and the UN Security Council.

Together, let us commit to a world

where all people live and thrive

in dignity.

China labels Israeli-occupied lands

as ‘high risk area,’ bans all new

investments: Report

February 5th, 7:41pm

PressTV)

A Chinese investment fund has revealed that the Beijing

government has imposed a ban on all new investment

in Israeli-occupied lands due to the regime’s brutal

aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.

The news emerged in Israeli media outlets, amid a lawsuit filed

by members of Kibbutz Hanita against Ballet Vision, a Chinese

-controlled fund that holds an 80% stake in Hanita Lenses, an

intraocular lens manufacturing plant located in the northern

part of the occupied lands near the Lebanese border.

Israeli settlers from the kibbutz have filed a lawsuit against the

fund, which controls 80 percent of an intraocular lens plant

located in the northern settlement.

A lawsuit filed in the Tel Aviv district court shows the kibbutz is

seeking approximately $11 million, accusing the fund of failing

to exercise an option to purchase their remaining shares, as

stipulated in a prior agreement.

According to a response letter from Ballet attached to the

lawsuit... the Chinese government has classified Israeli-

occupied lands as a "high-risk area" or "red category"

due to the ongoing situation in the West Asia region,

specifically since Oct. 7, 2023.

“Since the outbreak of the fighting, the Chinese government

has classified Israel as a high-risk zone (red category) and

prohibited any new Chinese investment in the Israeli-

occupied lands,” it said in the letter.

The letter further says that until the restriction

is lifted, the transaction.... is not feasible.

“As long as this restriction remains in place, there is no

practical operational ability to exercise the option,”

it added

Aside from the Chinese government's ban on investing in

Israeli-occupied territories, Ballet says Hanita Lenses

incurred significant operational losses.

Liu Yuxiao, a director of Ballet Vision and CEO of the lens

manufacturing plant, earlier said that Hanita Lenses

sustained losses of around $15 million over a

period of three years --- as well as a

$4 million debt. This resulted in

severe financial issues.

Yuxiao said he became the CEO in March last year to try

to prevent total collapse, and added that the company

may now break even in 2026.

The developments also come as ties between the two sides

were deteriorating over the self-ruling island of Taiwan,

which has been looking to the Zionist entity for

increased military cooperation.

China has already warned Israel against providing military

expertise and technology to Taiwan under the guise of

civilian programs.

Tel Aviv is reportedly assisting Taipei with integrating

elements of its Green Pine and Arrow systems in

order to develop the Tian Gong-4 missile

system, which will be part of the

T-Dome network.

The military cooperation comes despite ongoing Chinese

warnings that it would not tolerate Israeli ties with the

island, which it considers a renegade province.

Taiwan wants to deepen its ties with Israel and its

administration has refrained from condemning

the Tel Aviv regime's crimes in the besieged

Gaza Strip ---- and the other occupied

Palestinian territories.

The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott
of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.

Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow
by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!

Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposed World War One.

His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

ROGER WATERS
TO MUSICIANS:-
"BOYCOTT ISRAEL"

Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter,
calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist
Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural
boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.

“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments
[to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters …
to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists
around the world, to declare a cultural boycott
on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.

Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of
major breaches of human rights and international law
by international organizations, UN officials and the
International Court of Justice.

He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been
identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including
in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of
ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).

Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott,
Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the
Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and
Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7
years, and now wants other musicians to also join
the anti-Israeli front.

“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global
civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in
Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform
or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from
any institution linked to the government of Israel, until
such time as Israel complies with international law
and universal principles of human rights.”

The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently
faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th,
2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.

In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist
regime’s violations of the international law and the lack
of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian
people from achieving their inalienable rights,
especially the right of self-determination.

____________________

www.wegottickets.com/thefactory

www.ticketweb.co.uk

browse venues in Wales

www.ticketlineuk.com

02920 230130

Cash tickets from:

The Factory, Porth
Instrumental Music, Penygraig
Spillers Records, Cardiff

For more details visit

www.factoryporth.com
www.facebook.com/TheFactoryVenue
Twitter @TheFactoryPorth
01443 687080

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

Daytime Delights...

Starts at 1pm

The Parc & Dare, Treorchy

Lunchtime Concerts in the Lounge Bar.

Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea
while enjoying music and sing-along songs
from fantastic Welsh musicians.

Ticket information:

The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:

08000 147 111
or book online at

www.rct-arts.co.ukÃ‚Â

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

Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...

7pm - 9pm

Tonyrefail Comprehensive School
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club

has been running for over 30 years.

We meet on a regular basis

& enjoy making models for display.

We encourage both Gentlemen

and Ladies to attend,
and also young people aged 12+.

However, Young people under 16,
must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket information

£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free

Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658

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

Comedy In The Laughter Lounge

The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.

COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE

Join us once a month in the intimate setting
of the Laughter Lounge for some
top notch comedy with some of the
biggest and brightest
rising comedians on the circuit.

Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!

Hilarious - TimeOut.

www.rct-arts.co.uk

Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's
vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring,
and socialist.

A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous
tricks -- how they con working class people into
attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often,
even their best allies and friends... instead of
seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate
the very idea that working people can think,
create, or achieve a fairer society.

Thatcher said her proudest achievement was
Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in
careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop
local Labour members having a say, and
who made genuine socialist MPs leave
the Labour party in disgust and many
members and voters to despair...
and the young to stop voting.

Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because
he was trying to reverse all that New Labour
corruption --- that's why membership was
flooding in all over the UK.

______________________________________

Get Involved!

– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’,
take this online survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/857YMDK

or this one:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0du5YuhPZ8ahI
oxC_b6pvBprmGA4XFdG-0r2dOVYyc4UNFg/viewform?c=0&w=1

– Request all your own data that
the Labour Party holds on you:

http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy

_______________________________________

IF - YOU THINK you HAVE
BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:

“Any member who is suspended & intends
to appeal the decision should throw in a
‘Subject Access Request in accordance
with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL
data that the Labour Party hold on them.

The Labour Party are Data Controllers and
therefore have to, by law, provide you with
all material/information they hold on you.”

If anyone is in contact with anyone who
was barred from voting --- please can
you pass this info on:

The Labour leadership election was under the
jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.

If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you
can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge
your complaint, and inform them of your
Data Protection request.

https://www.electoralreform.co.uk

The notification letters barring new members
did not give a clear reason, or information on
how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that
anyone in this situation, could also contact
Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com

She is a barrister --- who can
advise members on what to do.

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

PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?

A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs,
caused a massive drop in support among
voters with similar backgrounds, reveals
research seeking to explain why support
has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.

The study says past leaders like Kinnock
and Blair made a concerted effort to pick
“more and more middle-class candidates
to run for office, during the 80s and 90s,
as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which
had initial successes at the ballot box.

But this “conscious electoral strategy”
stored up problems, as working-class
voters who initially, just didn’t vote in
response, now seek an alternative.

The solution? Trust each constituency to put
forward its own candidates, and don't impose
‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.

Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for
decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic
organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are
now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards
cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda...
- and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.

‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide
to Reselection and Democratic Accountability
by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:

http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i-
deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to-
reselection-and-democratic-accountability/

CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS'
LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!

Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP,
was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup
started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST
go, because it was the ONLY way to
act in the Labour Party's interest...

Chris Bryant's voting record:
from TheyWorkForYou.com

On Tuition Fees:

On 27 Jan 2004:
Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition
fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to
£3,000 per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000
per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable
university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000
per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250
per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000
per year, and to make other changes to higher
education funding and regulation arrangements.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition
of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance
grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income
homes, and changes to the country's higher
education system.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal
Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.

On 25 May 2016:
Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's
Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies
- Further Rises in University Tuition Fees

On Human Rights:

Consistently voted for introducing ID cards

Almost always voted for requiring the mass
retention of information about communications

Generally voted for mass surveillance of
people’s communications and activities

On the Environment:

Generally voted against greater regulation
of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract
shale gas

On Special Interests:

Almost always voted against limits
on success fees paid to lawyers in
no-win no fee cases

Generally voted against a
statutory register of lobbyists

On War or Peace:

Generally voted for use of UK military
forces in combat operations overseas

Consistently voted for the Iraq war

Consistently voted against an
investigation into the Iraq war

Generally voted for replacing Trident
with a new nuclear weapons system

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]

On Independence:

Generally voted for more EU integration

____________________________

Chris Bryant Labour MP
From Wikipedia

(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant
1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John
Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John
Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John
Bryant MP.)

Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh
father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where
his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.

He was educated at Cheltenham College, an
independent school for boys in the spa town
of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he
was captain of the school swimming team,
and Mansfield College at the University of
Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with
a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English.
This was later promoted to a Master of
Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.

After completing his first degree, Bryant began
training to be a priest in the Church of England
at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire.
There, he obtained a degree in theology.

Although a member of the Conservative
Party, and an elected office-holder in the
Oxford University Conservative Association,
he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after
leaving Oxford.

He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in
1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of
All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989;
then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough,
as well as travelling in Latin America.

In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after
deciding that being gay and being a priest,
were incompatible. Statements made by
Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford,
also influenced his decision.

After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant
worked as the election agent to the Holborn
and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party,
where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat
in the 1992 general election.

From 1993, he was Local Government officer
for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and
was elected to Hackney Borough Council in
1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of
the Christian Socialist Movement.

He is both a member of the Labour Friends
of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine &
the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was
London manager of the leader-grooming
"charity", Common Purpose.

He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the
1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes),
and Head of European Affairs for the BBC,
from 1998.

His selection for the very safe Labour seat of
Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many
people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex-
Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory,
while studying at Oxford, and a member now,
of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' ---
described by The Guardian newspaper as
'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO
and pro-military intervention, as well as
being fundamentally anti-socialist.

Fifty-two people applied for the candidature
and a local councillor was hot favourite to
win, before Bryant was parachuted in.

In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his
underpants, which he had posted to a gay
dating website, was published in 'papers.

When an interviewer suggested he was
a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied:
"They can't get rid of me."

His pay, allowances and some expenses:

The basic annual salary for an MP, from
April 1st, 2016 is £74,962. MPs also get
expenses: to cover the costs of running
an office, employing staff, having some-
where to live in London, plus, in their
constituency and travelling between
Parliament and their constituency.

His MP's expenses story:

Chris Bryant changed second home
twice to claim £20,000: the deputy
leader of the House of Commons,
"flipped" his second home twice,
in 2 years, allowing him to claim
almost £20,000 for renovations
and fees.

Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over
£92,000 of expenses between 3 properties
in Wales and London --- within five years.

In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to
overhaul his second home in Wales, after
allegedly complaining that properties in
his constituency were "terrace or mine
owners' houses".

Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman,
wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen,
and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the
detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.

He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for
£58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum.
He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.

His alleged justification was disclosed... in
correspondence between Commons officials.
By email, an official wrote: "He had problems
finding a suitable property because in the
Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced
property or mine owners' houses." When
approached by the Daily Telegraph,
Mr Bryant said: "I have never said
or thought anything of the sort".

In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000
for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004.
Along with other bills, his annual claim was
£20,902.

In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in
west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April
2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage
interest, along with other bills. After claiming over
£3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005
for £477,000.

Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive
flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000.
He immediately flipped his second home expenses
there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal
fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.

He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month
on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000
a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.

In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second
home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.

Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in
London, so as to be closer to Parliament."

Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that
at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place
– a move one Labour backbencher described as
“a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:

“Our investigation found that many of the MPs
bought their London properties with the help of
the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system
allowed them to claim back mortgage payments.
But when those claims were banned, following
the expenses scandal, they switched to letting
out their properties, in some cases for up to
£3,000 a month. They then started claiming
expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”

Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow
leader of the House of Commons. He had already
bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and
claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage
claims under the old system.

But after the expenses scandal, he started renting
the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate
agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent
at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved
into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.

Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range
secure quantum communication system.

A group of scientists from ITMO University
in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed
a new approach to constructing quantum
communication systems for secure data
exchange.

The experimental device based on the results of the
research is capable of transmitting single-photon
quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs
or more, which is on par with its cutting edge
analogues, the ITMO press-service says.

"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create
a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system,
that will generate & distribute quantum keys
and transmit useful data simultaneously",
ITMO says.

Information security is becoming more and more
of a critical issue not only for large companies,
banks and defense enterprises but even for
small businesses and individual users.

But the data encryption algorithms we currently
use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the
long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless
of how complex and intricate the algorithm is,
getting around it, is just a matter of time.

Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems
that protect information, by making use of
fundamental laws of quantum physics, can
make data transmission totally immune to
hacker attacks, in the future.

Information in a quantum channel is carried
by single photons that change irreversibly
if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them.
The legitimate users will instantly know
about any kind of intervention.

Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre
of the International Institute of Photonics and
Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni.,
Russia, along with their colleagues from the
Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have
devised a new way to generate and
distribute, quantum bits.

This makes it possible to share quantum signals
--- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.

"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so-
called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim,
head of the Quantum Information Centre,
at ITMO University,

"This unique approach gives us a number
of advantages -- such as a considerable
simplification of the device architecture
and the large pass-through capacity of
the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate
and operating distances, our system is
comparable to absolute champions in
the field of quantum communications."

According to Robert Collins, research associate
at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences
at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors
of the study, this may become a pivotal point for
the whole field of quantum communication and
cryptography:

"Down the track, this new approach can enable
smooth coexistence of numerous data streams
with different wavelengths in one single optical
cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can
be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines
--- along with conventional communications."

The research paper is published
in the Optics Express journal.

Scottish universities are to be
congratulated for their strong
& growing links with Chinese
and Russian universities....

What a shame, that Wales is
lying low --- with academics
too scared to break from
US military research.

KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES

Did you know that each time a local authority

closes a care home for the elderly, within 8

months, around half the residents are dead?

Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect
to euthanasia of the UK's elderly.
What to do?

We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:

EDM 2251: The contents

This House notes with deep concern the worsening
crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local
authority and private care homes face closure

Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly
people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and,
in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when
vulnerable, elderly people are forced to
leave their homes

Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis
will increase needs for local authority care

And therefore calls on the government to
hold a public inquiry into the deaths after
closures, of local authority care homes,
and impose a moratorium on the closure
of local authority care homes, until that
inquiry publishes its results, to ensure
that vulnerable, elderly people's lives
are not put at further risk.

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

MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES

Households across three more English areas
will be able to access superfast broadband
in the latest phase of a Government scheme
to connect rural homes and businesses.

The £50 million funding package for Devon and
Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million)
and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out
of superfast broadband services unable to
be reached by the market alone.

Areas will also receive financial support from
their local authorities and private investors,
the Department for Culture, Media and
Sport says.

So it's Broadband Heaven for England...

and crapola for Wales' broadband - the

slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!

Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a
pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet,
in Scotland, their campaign centred on it
becoming the "most connected country in
Europe," to massively boost their economy.

In Wales, which political party is now
willing to put into practice scientists'
recommendations: that Wales' hilly
topography requires establishing

free 'wireless' broadband?

It could connect the people of Rhondda and the
world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration,
like no other move. Wireless technology is now
supplying free broadband to an entire island
off New Zealand's coast.

Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!

Western China has embraced "green-mode
development" - with painful changes
from which, Wales could well learn.

Eastern China has seen fast growth and
urban mess. The West, a mining and
agricultural area, has not.

Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model
for reclaiming old mining areas.

It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing
the world how best to change, by turning a
badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all
new environment-friendly development.

As China's economic focus moves from east to
west, it's using the lessons learned during 30
or more years of rapid industrial development.

The green way for China's west, is to combine
green industrialization & green urbanization.

The western region's strategy is to adopt
effective energy-saving and environmental
protection technologies... AND to extend
its industry through science and products
unique to China's West, together with strong
vertical growth in agriculture and all its
ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.

In undertaking this industrial revolution, the
western region will keep a sharp eye out - to
avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.

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

A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!

Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing
season in Yunnan province, in China.

Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.

Local beekeepers and many from other places,
such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up
their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.

The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in
Luoping attract myriads of bees, which
produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.

Local people now look to brand their county
as a honey production base & increase sales
to outside markets.

Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair,
Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.

It mainly produces honey, propolis and
propolis powder.

His company works with 270 plus beekeepers,
who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.

Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.

Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?

The whole of the uplands of south Wales could
be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!

CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD

As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos",
perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting
all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart
from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the
1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World
economy, only just kept going by quangos
which promise much... but deliver little...
and rely on weak public support.

We could WAKE UP & understand that we either
do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.

China's premier points the way forward for Wales:

"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by
developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative
and high value added products can our companies
and economy, achieve sustainable development."

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

WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO
STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...

An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese
news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000
respondents, are against raising the current
official Chinese retirement age.

745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose
raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.

China's scholars & the public have been debating
whether to raise the retirement age, for the past
few years, but the issue rose to prominence after
remarks by an official.

Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the
Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security,
said at a press conference that the government
was "studying the matter"...

The retirement age in China is generally set
at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.

Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!

FARMING AND SCIENCE
COULD REGENERATE WALES

A new UN General Assembly report warns
"vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each
year, and that this could lead to unrest.

The report says up to 30 million hectares,
an area the size of Italy, is lost each year
to environmental degradation, industry &
urbanization - the growth of cities - and all
because of speculative building and greed.

The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter,
gives the example of eastern Africa, where
the amount of cultivated land has declined
by half --- in just one generation! "

As rural populations grow and competition
with large industrial units increases, plots
cultivated by smallholders are shrinking
year after year," says De Schutter.

"Farmers are often relegated to soils that
are arid, hilly or without irrigation."

The UN officer also mentions India as another
example, where the average landholding fell
from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in
2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!

He says 500 million small farmers suffer
from hunger, partly because their right to
land is being violated.

The expert warns of the devastating
consequences, as foreign investors
compete for larger and larger areas of
the world's land for "their" agriculture.

Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild
its new economy by basing it on a fresh
approach to high-value added products,
using science and agriculture... such as
the Altzeim project in Gwent.

What have we got to lose?