Britannia Radio

Monday, 13 April 2009 Thai Troops Open Fire on Protesters in Bangkok 'Anarchy reigned in parts of Bangkok this morning following the Thai military's pre-dawn raid on anti-government protesters who had blockaded parts of the city. Thai soldiers in full combat kit used tear gas and fired automatic weapons to clear the red-shirt protesters from the Din Daeng intersection near the Victory Monument in central Bangkok, injuring at least 70 people. Nineteen people were admitted to hospital, four - including two soldiers and two civilians - had gunshot wounds.' Read more...

Monday, 13 April 2009 You are Being Lied to About Pirates 'Who imagined that in 2009, the world's governments would be declaring a new War on Pirates? As you read this, the British Royal Navy - backed by the ships of more than two dozen nations, from the U.S. to China - is sailing into Somalian waters to take on men we still picture as parrot-on-the-shoulder pantomime villains. They will soon be fighting Somalian ships and even chasing the pirates onto land, into one of the most broken countries on earth. But behind the arrr-me-hearties oddness of this tale, there is an untold scandal. The people our governments are labeling as "one of the great menaces of our times" have an extraordinary story to tell - and some justice on their side.' Read more...

Monday, 13 April 2009 Why do the Police Need to Wear Masks 'It's a balaclava, apparently. No doubt it will be described as essential protective dress. But looking at the video film and photographs of the "territorial support group officer" who has just taken his baton to Ian Tomlinson minutes before the newspaper vendor's death, I'm wondering: why does a British policeman in pursuance of his duties feel the need to be masked? There's another mystery. In one still, Tomlinson is sitting on the ground before the police line, being aided by a stranger. There are eight helmeted officers and two dog handlers in shot. Of these, only three have balaclavas. Two wear the garment normally, covering the chin. The third, having stepped aside after his attack on the passer-by, has the thing high on his face, leaving only the eyes showing. And his shoulder tabs, the tabs bearing his police number, have gone.' Read more...

Monday, 13 April 2009 Former Obama Advisor and CFR VP says 100,000+ Troops, 10+ More Years Needed in Afghanistan 'Korb discussed Obama's plans for Afghansistan at length.  He said, "The indications are that, you know, he's gonna be going big in Afghanistan." He acknowledged that this is a betrayal of what his supporters - many of whom are anti-war - were led to believe about Obama's agenda during his campaign. "A lot of people say, 'Well, no.  We voted for him because we didn't want [to go] to any wars!'" Korb said with an amused smirk. In a mocking tone, he continued: "And... you know on the Blogosphere' you should see the stuff.  I mean, these people are mobilizing to stop going to Afghanistan." But Korb did not seem to think that this pervasive, adamant grassroots opposition to "going big" in Afghanistan should give Obama a moment's pause, despite the fact that, according to Korb, "seeing it through" will require America to pay a high price, in both money and lives.' Read more...