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Monday, July 29, 2013

After crash, Spanish officials defend lucrative train industry

In the aftermath of last week?s deadly train derailment in Spain, as the human tragedy gives way to the security and legal investigations, all sides are working hard at defending their interests ? especially the state rail industry.

Spain has the world?s second biggest high-speed railway system with 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles), trailing only China. It?s one of the country?s signature success stories that President Barack Obama lauded. It's also a profitable high-tech industry, precisely the kind Spain needs to remodel its construction-dependent economy.

At least 79 people lost their lives, and more than two dozen remain in critical condition, after the train connecting Madrid and the northwestern Galician city of Ferrol on the Atlantic Ocean derailed just minutes from entering the Santiago station with more than 220 on board.

The train was reportedly traveling at more than twice the speed limit and the driver, who is under police custody, is due to testify in court Sunday. It was Spain?s worst train accident in more than 40 years, although rail travel here, and generally in Europe, is statistically safer than any other mode of transportation.

Behind the scenes though, the rail industry and officials are going out of their way to defend the safety and record of the high-speed system given the economic stakes. Many others, including rail unions and fellow train drivers, are disputing the sole responsibility of the Santiago driver, even if there is little doubt the train was speeding.

The court will weigh these and other narratives, often conflicting, that have emerged from the tragedy.

The investigation into the accident has only begun: The train equivalent to black boxes haven?t been reviewed. But Transport Minister Ana Pastor said drivers are responsible for disregarding safety guidelines, echoing the broader government conclusion that human error caused the tragedy.

The two state railway companies, Renfe in charge of trains and Adif in charge of rail infrastructure, have also publicly ruled out safety issues and suggested the accident was the driver?s fault. The train makers, which include state-owned companies, also suggested speed was the cause.

PROTECTING A CASH COW?

Indeed, some of the preemptive defense of Spain?s railway industry is coming from officials, to the point that some are raising conspiracy theories.

?IT?S OBVIOUS THERE ARE A LOT INTERESTS INVOLVED, INCLUDING A LOT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS FROM SOME COMPANIES OR HIGH-SPEED [SYSTEM] SUPPLIERS,? ALBERTO NU?EZ FEIJ?O, REGIONAL LEADER OF GALICIA, SAID CANDIDLY ON SATURDAY.

Mr. Feij?o was referring to several multi-billion euro contracts that Spanish consortia are competing for around the globe, including a 12 billion euro plan to connect Rio de Janerio and Sao Paulo in Brazil ahead of the 2016 Olympics.

Some mega projects that have been awarded include one in Kazakhstan and a 6.8 billion euro line to connect Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Spanish companies are eyeing a 14 billion euro connection between Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia and one in California to connect Sacramento and San Diego, along with other proposed projects.

BIGGER INVESTMENT THAN ROADS

The Spanish rail industry?s combined revenue in 2012 was 4.8 billion euros, of which it exported 2.8 billion euros, after 21 percent growth. The industry employs 18,000 people. And the government has allocated some 25 billion euros in state investment in its infrastructure plan until 2024, more than in road infrastructure.

The stakes for both private and public interests is best illustrated through the prized Brazil contract. One of the conditions to qualify to tender offers is to have had no fatal accidents in the previous five years.

That explains why Renfe, Adif, and other companies, along with government officials have all insisted that the Santiago derailment is not technically a high-speed one because it happened on conventional tracks that the train switched into a few kilometers back as it entered Santiago.

Indeed, the train and tracks involved don?t travel at the top velocities of other high-speed rails in the country. The locomotives used in this route are specially designed to be able to switch between conventional and high-speed tracks ?which are wider and slower.

Still, the state railway companies include the segment as part of its high-speed rail system, the first leg of work to connect Madrid and Galicia that will end in 2018.

RECOMMENDED: Test your Iberia IQ: How much do you know about Spain and Portugal?

Intent to harm: Willful acts seem more damaging

[unable to retrieve full-text content]How harmful we perceive an act to be depends on whether we see the act as intentional, reveals new research.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/n7Nea9swENg/130729083354.htm

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Dos ejemplares se imponen en Cl?sico 'Tito' Neuman

Los caballos 'El Kalibre' y 'El Quiche' cruzaron a la par la l?nea de meta para ganar el Cl?sico Augusto 'Tito' Neuman realizado en la tarde de hoy en el Hip?dromo Presidente Rem?n.

Los equinos, montados por los jinetes Omar Hern?ndez y Luis Arango, llegaron a la meta y repartieron $2.80 y $2.20 a boleto ganador. Ambos fueron escoltados por los ejemplares'El Respetuoso' y 'El Morisqueto'.

La carrera se realiz? en distancia de 1800 metros y reparti? $22,400 en premios.

Source: http://www.tvmax-9.com/deportes/noticias_detalle.asp?id_news=114772

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More than 1,000 detainees escape Libyan prison near Benghazi, officials say

By Esam Mohamed, Associated Press

More than 1,000 detainees escaped from a prison near the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi in a massive jailbreak Saturday, officials said, as protesters stormed political party offices in Libya's main cities.

It wasn't immediately clear if the jailbreak at the Koyfiya prison came as part of the demonstrations. Protesters had massed across the country angry over the killing of an activist critical of the country's Muslim Brotherhood group.

Gunmen outside of the prison fired into the air as inmates inside began setting fires, suggesting the jailbreak was preplanned, a Benghazi-based security official said. Those who escaped either face or were convicted of serious charges, a security official at Koyfiya prison said.

The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to speak to journalists.

Special forces later arrested 18 of the escapees, while some returned on their own, said Mohammed Hejazi, a government security official in Benghazi. Three inmates were wounded in the jailbreak and were taken to a local hospital, he said.

Sabri Elmhedwi / EPA

Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan speaks during a media conference Tripoli, Libya, 27 July 2013. The briefing focused on latest situation in Benghazi, after the assassination of an anti-Islamist rights activist in the eastern city of Benghazi.

There also was confusion initially about how many prisoners broke out, with numbers of escapees ranging as high as 1,200.

Benghazi's security situation is among the most precarious in post-revolution Libya. Last year, U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed in the attack on a U.S. diplomatic mission in the city.

Meanwhile Saturday, hundreds gathered in the capital Tripoli after dawn prayers, denouncing the Friday shooting death of Abdul-Salam Al-Musmari. They set fire to tires in the street and demanded the dissolution of Islamist parties.

The two incidents highlighted Libya's precarious security situation and the challenges the North African country faces as it tries to restore security nearly two years after the ouster and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

In Tripoli, protesters appeared to be inspired by events in neighboring Egypt, where millions took to the streets Friday to answer a call from the army chief, who said he wanted a mandate to stop "potential terrorism" by supporters of the country's ousted president, Mohammed Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood.

"We don't want the Brotherhood, we want the army and the police," Libyan protesters chanted, repeating a slogan also used in Egypt. Libya's nascent security forces are struggling to control the country's militias, most of whom have roots in the rebel groups that overthrew Gadhafi in 2011.

Al-Musmari, who used to publicly criticize the Brotherhood, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Benghazi.

Some protesters stormed the headquarters of a Brotherhood-affiliated political party and another Islamist-allied party in the capital, destroying furniture. Witnesses say a Brotherhood party office was also stormed in Benghazi.

Protesters angry with the Libya's weak central government also targeted the liberal National Forces Alliance (NFA), ransacking its headquarters. The party came on top in Libya's first free parliamentary elections last year.

Security forces in Libya have been unable to impose their authority on the country since Gadhafi's ouster. Militias, many made up of former rebels who fought in the civil war that toppled Gadhafi, have grown in the strength and in many areas rival the security forces in their firepower and reach. The armed forces also rely on militias for help securing the country in some cases.

On Saturday, a colonel was killed by gunmen in Benghazi. Another three security members were killed a day earlier when gunmen opened fire on them.

Security members are frequently targets in the country.

In a press conference Saturday, Prime Minister Ali Zidan said that an investigation was launched into the circumstances around al-Musmari's slaying. He said a foreign criminal investigation team will join Libyan investigators in Tripoli and Benghazi on Monday. He did not offer further details.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch urged the Libyan government to "conduct a prompt and thorough investigation" of al-Musmari's death, believed to be the first targeted killing of a political activist.

"Libya's fragile transition is at stake if political killings go unpunished," said Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "This makes investigating al-Musmari's murder all the more urgent."

Libya's top religious figure, Grand Mufti Sheikh Sadeq al-Ghariani, warned his countrymen earlier in the week against copying Egypt and bringing down the Libyan government. Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected president, was ousted by the military on July 3 after millions took to the streets demanding his removal.

Al-Ghariani's warning was posted Wednesday on his official website against unspecified parties "trying to create crises in electricity and gas, and those taking advantage of tribal loyalties to the ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi." Long hours of blackouts and the severe shortage of fuel contributed to Morsi's unpopularity.

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6 Cornerbacks Who Could Become Breakouts Stars in the 2013 NFL Season

As the NFL season approaches, I?m looking at the rising stars in each position. Rather than focusing on rookies (which I?ve already done) or rehashing familiar stories about veterans and established stars, I?m turning my attention to players for whom 2013 might be their best season ever.

Here are 6 cornerbacks to watch out for this season:

Brandon Boykin (Philadelphia Eagles)
It?s hard to imagine a more versatile cornerback than Boykin. While he doesn?t rack up the tackling stats that some others do, he?s indispensable on special teams as a kickoff returner. His ability to switch back and forth between these two roles, and to contribute consistently in both, is a rare gift. Because he relies on quickness and not on bulk, he?ll improve dramatically as he masters the rhythms of the NFL. If he?s allowed to take some chances this year, in his second pro season, he?ll shine.

Ron Brooks (Buffalo Bills)
Brooks is the longest long shot on my list, and he?s here for one main reason. In a single game against Jacksonville last year ? a game in which the then-rookie didn?t start ? he recorded ten tackles and three blocked passes, many of them while enduring an mid-game injury. One amazing game doesn?t make a star, but Brooks has other things going for him, especially the fact that he played quarterback in high school, which has given him an instinct for where passes and receivers are going to travel. If the Bills give him the opportunity to develop, he could have a breakout season.

Nolan Carroll (Miami Dolphins)
Carroll is most familiar as the guy who got intentionally tripped on the sidelines by a Jets coach, but it?s time to start recognizing him as one of the quickest-thinking cornerbacks in the NFL. While he?s not as hard of a hitter as others in the position, his speed and his ability to read an offense help him take opponents by surprise. The Dolphins promoted him to a starting role last season, and he excelled so much that they?ll almost certainly keep him there.

Janoris Jenkins (St. Louis Rams)
It?s hard to believe this is only Jenkins?s second season in the NFL, because he already talks and plays like a veteran. He?s stepped up as a leader on the Rams? defense, mentoring rookies and admirably setting aside past struggles with the law. As cornerbacks go, he?s the perfect package: he?s a reliable tackler and a showstopping pass defender. This season, it?s unlikely he?ll score two touchdowns in the same game like he did against Arizona, but he?ll probably bring a more well-rounded game and contribute more to the Rams in between highlight reel appearances.

Captain Munnerlyn (Carolina Panthers)
A short, swift fireplug of a player, Munnerlyn returned from injuries to own the left cornerback position for the Panthers last season. He?s benefited hugely from the consistency of four seasons in Carolina. He might get lost on another team, but the Panthers recognize his talent for defending passes. He scored two spectacular touchdowns off of interceptions last season. It?s such a delight to see him pick off a pass and run, and we?ll likely get to watch him do it a few times this year.

Sean Smith (Kansas City Chiefs)
Smith is one of the many reasons why the Chiefs are shaping up to become one of the most formidable teams in the NFL this year. When Kansas City lured him away from Miami with a sweet contract, the wisdom looked questionable, but I think Smith is a better fit for the Chiefs than the Dolphins. He?s a big, athletic player, the kind who can knock an unsuspecting wide receiver down with his little finger. And what some people call inconsistency, I see as the potential for making huge plays, especially on a team where his body type and catching ability are unique among cornerbacks.

You can contact Sarah Rasher on Twitter?@pas_dechat

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Editorial Board: Even without troops, the U.S. can assist troubled Iraq

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Source: www.washingtonpost.com --- Saturday, July 27, 2013
“WHAT WE were looking for was an Iraq that was secure, stable and self-reliant, and that’s what we got here, so there’s no question that was a success,” said President Obama’s then-deputy national security adviser, Denis McDonough , in describing an October 2011 decision to station no U.S. forces in the country after that year. It’s now obvious that Mr. McDonough spoke prematurely. Twenty-one months later, Iraq is suffering through the worst wave of violence since U.S. Troops surged to stop a sectarian civil war in 2007 — and the United States’ ability to help is limited because of Mr. Obama’s decision to withdraw all U.S. forces. Read full article >> ? ? ? ? ...

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