Mediaboss Marketing

For the past few days activist and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton has beenas the kids sayflexin for the gram. Photos of the 62-year-old outside of his usual suit and tie have popped up all over social media, and if the good reverend wasnt showing off his athletic gear, he threw in a push-up or two for good measure.

READ Al Sharptons Fathers Day Mirror Selfie Has The Internet Cracking Jokes

Today (June 21) ironically is National Selfie Day, something it seems Sharpton has been preparing for, for sometime and Nelly like rest of us is perplexed at the sudden boost in social media presence from Uncle Al. Hes so bewildered that the St. Louis native hopped on Twitter Tuesday taking a page out of Sharptons book and suggested a boycott until someone can get to the bottom of this.

READ Interview: Nelly Speaks On The Success of Nellyville, Guiding His Family In Rap, and N.W.A.

Taking it one step further, Nelly threw Academy Award nominee Cicely Tyson into the mix as Sharptons possible motive for wanting to show off.

Now Nelly knows hes wrong for bringing Mother Cicely into all this Al Sharpton hoopla. But seriously, what gives Uncle Al?

Link:
Nelly Vows To Boycott Instagram Until He Learns Who's Leaking Al Sharpton Photos - Vibe

A short course at Wrexham Glyndr University is targeting people with an amateur or professional interest in the crime scene investigation sector.

Amy Rattenbury, forensic science lecturer, said the course will also appeal to those already working in a crime-related role who are looking to develop their skills.

Students will be assessed via a write-up and practical simulation to be held over two days from Saturday, July 29. On completion, they will receive a certificate of continuing education.

Ms Rattenbury said: The course will help those in attendance gain valuable experience in what happens when you attend a crime scene.

That includes the collection of fingerprints, the correct use of sterile swabs and tape lifts and how to collect tool-mark and other impression evidence.

They will also be taught how to accurately record the crime scene using diagrams and notes, search techniques and team work on-site.

She added: The university has gained a strong reputation for its work in forensics in past years, which is why the degree has proven to be so popular.

This course gives a taster of that, and the real science that goes on behind the fiction you see in TV programmes like CSI and other crime series. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in learning more about forensics, or those interested in pursuing a career in policing, crime investigation or allied fields.

Its an exciting area to be involved in. I think people - even those not directly involved - would find it interesting.

The crime scene investigation short course at Wrexham Glyndr is a remotely accessed, stand-alone qualification that will also allow people to learn about the science and practicalities behind investigations and the considerations that need to be taken into account when processing them.

The course follows the successful Search and Identification: Forensic Investigation Conference, which took place at the university in May with UK-K9 dog training specialists and guest speakers from academia and industry.

The BSc (hons) forensic science degree at the university has gone from strength to strength, and the course even has for Wales only taphonomic facility, also known as a body farm.

The site, alongside the dedicated crime scene house, enables students to be involved first-hand in research which aims to provide data which would help police with investigations particularly.

For more on the short course and forensic science at Wrexham Glyndr University, visit: glyndwr.ac.uk or email amy.rattenbury@glyndwr.ac.uk. Call Amy on 01978 293129. The universitys next open day is on Saturday, August 19, from 10am-2pm.

View post:
CSI fans can hone their skills with free online course at Glyndwr University - Daily Post North Wales

GETTY - REUTERS

Brussels was due to make the comments at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva last week.

But it failed to win the necessary agreement of all 28 member states, after a Greek foreign ministry official refused to agree.

They said the comments were unconstructive and claimed separate talks with the eastern superpower outside of the UN would be more productive.

REUTERS

A statement from the ministry said: Greeces position is that unproductive and in many cases, selective criticism against specific countries does not facilitate the promotion of human rights in these states, nor the development of their relation with the EU.

It marks the first time the EU failed to make a statement at the UNs top rights body, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

And it also highlights the Brussels blocs uneasy links with China.

GETTY

Greeces position is that unproductive and in many cases, selective criticism against specific countries does not facilitate the promotion of human rights in these states

Greek foreign ministry

The union has welcomed Beijing as an ally in the fight against trade protectionism and climber change.

But as its business has grown, with China now being the EUs second largest trade partner, the bloc has also struggled to criticise the Chinese government.

Hu Jia, a Chinese dissident who was jailed for subversion of state power, claimed the international community is more and more afraid of criticising the Chinese Communist Party because of the need for cooperation in areas like the economy, climate change, security and terrorism.

EPA

1 of 7

Police investigators inspect a Mercedes car of former Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, after an explosion inside the car caused by a bomb attack in central Athens, Greece, 25 May 2017

Hu added people feel disappointed when Western leaders give in to Chinese pressure and reduce mentions or even remain silent about human rights abuses during meetings with officials.

Sophie Richardson, the China director at Human Rights Watch, added: Its not just Western countries, its Eastern countries and international institutions as well.

China has got much more aggressive.

Read this article:
Greece blocks European Union statement on China human rights ... - Express.co.uk

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, Frans Timmermans, First Vice President, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, and Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, made the following statement:

"As we mark 60 years of European unity, let us not forget that only a few generations ago many of us in Europe were refugees too. With that same human desire to escape conflict and violence, but also to rebuild our lives, and seek a safer future in freedom.

Today around the world more than 65 million people are forced to leave their homes due to conflicts and violence, natural disasters or the very real consequences of climate change. These are 65 million lives, 65 million different stories. And we support them, within and beyond our borders.

As the leading global aid donor, the EU is providing humanitarian assistance and long-term support to refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. We work closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and international partners, and we are contributing to the development of the UN Global compact on Refugees.

Our support reaches those displaced by conflicts in countries from Colombia to Afghanistan, from Iraq to Yemen, from Somalia to South Sudan and Libya. The European Union has mobilised almost 10 billion to support people who have fled the war in Syria. EU assistance provides them with access to education, health care and basic needs. Through this support, the EU gives a lifeline to millions of Syrians inside the country and across the region, while we have also put in place longer-term projects focussed on social inclusion and gender equality.

Along the migratory routes, we are working with urgency to save people's lives. We are fighting the smuggling networks, and are conducting search and rescue operations at sea, with the support of the European Border and Coast Guard and EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia. These efforts help to save thousands of lives every month.

When we think of refugees, we should never forget where they come from: many have fled conflict and terror; others were born in displacement and know only the life of being a refugee. The most vulnerable of all are children and the European Union provides millions of them with education, healthcare and protection.

In 2016, EU Member States have granted protection to more than 700,000 asylum seekers. In the European Union we are committed to providing a safe haven for those in need of protection, abiding by the Geneva Convention. This is why we need to reach, without delay, an agreement on the reform of the Common European Asylum System based on the principles of responsibility and solidarity.

While improving the living conditions of refugees in Europe, we are working together with our Member States on establishing more legal and safe pathways in order to replace dangerous and irregular smuggling routes. More than 16,400 people in need of international protection have already been resettled to the European Union since July 2015 and the EU is on track to reach its commitment of 22,504 by September 2017. Beyond that, the European Commission has proposed an EU Resettlement Framework for the future, and is hoping that Member States will move forward on this in an ambitious way.

This is a challenge that neither a single Member State nor the European Union can face alone: global action by the international community is needed. Only by sharing this responsibility can we uphold the safety, dignity and human rights of refugees, and give not only a shelter but most of all, a chance for a future to those who need it most. It is a moral duty, and it is also the best investment we can make in our own security and stability."

See the rest here:
Joint Statement on World Refugee Day 2017 - EU News

Afghanistan is at a critical point in its battle against multiple insurgencies and terrorist groups, the Pentagon has said in a new report to Congress. It also reveals that US and Afghan authorities are seeking peace through talks with the Taliban.

Sixteen years after the US-led invasion aimed at overthrowing the Taliban and denying a safe haven to Al-Qaeda the group blamed for 9/11 terrorist attacks Afghanistan is facing a continuing threat from as many as 20 insurgent and terrorist networks, in what the US Department of Defense called the highest concentration of extremist and terrorist groups in the world.

That is one of the assessments in the just-released Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan, covering US efforts between December 1, 2016 and May 31 of this year. Thesemi-annual report is required under the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The US and Afghan Governments agree that the best way to ensure lasting peace and security in Afghanistan is through reconciliation and a political settlement with the Taliban, the report says.

While no measure of territorial control is given, the Pentagon says that as of February 2017, the Taliban exercised influence or control over 11 percent of the Afghan population, the government could claim 65 percent, and the rest was contested.

Though the Taliban achieved only limited successes, it presented them as strategic victories through the proficient use of social media and propaganda campaigns.

Read more

The Afghan National Army (ANA) is approximately 20,000 strong under the authorized level of 195,000 troops. It is generally capable of protecting major population centers, preventing the Taliban from maintaining prolonged control of specific areas, and responding to Taliban attacks, the report states.

President Mohammed Ashraf Ghanis government is seeking to double the size of Special Forces in order to take the battle to the enemy, while relying on local militias called the National Uprising Forces to provide security in rural areas.

However, these groups have limited accountability and a disregard for human rights, and they can exacerbate tribal and ethnic tensions if not properly monitored, the Pentagon concluded.

The plan to modify the force structure and develop into a more agile and lethal force is underway, but 2017 is a year of setting conditions to build momentum, the report said.

Afghanistans armed forces are funded primarily through the Pentagons Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF), which in the fiscal year 2017 amounted to $4.26 billion. President Donald Trumps 2018 budget request would see the funding increased to $4.937 billion. NATO allies have pledged approximately $900 million a year through 2020, while the Afghan government remains committed to spending roughly $500 million a year.

Over $800 million is earmarked for transitioning the Afghan aviation fleet away from Soviet-designed Mi-17 utility helicopters to US-made Blackhawks.

The Afghan Air Force began to operate its own bombers for the first time in 2016, using the Brazilian A-29 Super Tucano turboprop attack planes. There are currently 12 A-29s in service, with another seven scheduled for delivery in 2018.

Read more

The report was more optimistic about the efforts against Al-Qaeda and Islamic States Khorasan group (ISIS-K), which have lost territory and are focusing on survival. At its peak, ISIS-K had a presence in six provinces, but is currently confined to four districts in Nangarhar Province.

Casualty figures paint a grim picture, however. In the six months covered by this report, there were 4,806 effective enemy-initiated attacks or 801 per month, compared to 4,727 or 788 a month in the previous reporting period. Five American soldiers were killed and 36 wounded. There were also 38 attacks on Afghan forces by their own members, known as green-on-green.

NATOs Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team documented more than 3,600 civilian casualties, of which approximately a third were deaths and two thirds were injuries. This was a 32.7 percent increase compared to the same period a year ago. The report also included figures by the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), according to which some 715 civilians were killed and 1,466 were wounded between January and May 2017.

As of May 31, a total of 1,865 US military personnel have been killed in action and 20,272 have been wounded since the US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001.

The US currently has 8,400 troops in the country, conducting both the training, advising and assisting of Afghan security forces and counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups. The report did not mention a need for additional troops.

The estimated cost of the report was $225,000.

Here is the original post:
Pentagon's report paints grim picture of Afghanistan in 2017 - RT.com - RT