Video: US classifies torture, punishes those who tell the truth

In an interview with author and journalist, Naomi Wolf, we hear that the U.S. classifies torture, but punishes those who tell the truth. The current crackdown on journalists, whistleblowers and activists is discussed in detail.

RT's Marina Portnaya interviews Naomi Wolf on a range of subjects.

Wolf is asked her take on the fact that U.S. Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, recently announced an order to Pentagon officials to start monitoring major news stations in the U.S. to see if any of the outlets are disclosing classified information... read more and watch video.

Veteran's rally for Bradley Manning in Oakland, Ca (videos)

A rally and occupation action for accused whistleblower Bradley Manning was held at President Obama's campaign headquarters in Oakland and Portland on August 16. Twelve people were arrested.

A coordinated set of actions by around 100 veterans and supporters of Bradley Manning, the whistleblower who was arrested, imprisoned, facing a court martial and suffering torture for passing on the Collateral Murder video to WikiLeaks.

The veterans occupied and rallied at the Obama campaign offices on the west coast and six members of the group were arrested... read more and watch videos.

Turkish politicians outraged over image of Obama holding bat

The U.S. President was chatting on the phone with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday. He was snapped holding a baseball bat while he talked.

Obama and Erdogan were discussing the ongoing violence in Syria, in which both the U.S. and Turkey are backing the anti-regime opposition forces.

Turkish politicians saw the photo and immediately leveled harsh criticism at Turkey’s head of government. The photo was interpreted as vaguely menacing by some critics, causing a stir in Turkey... read more.

Obama authorized covert US support for Syrian rebels

A U.S. government source has told Reuters that U.S. President Barack Obama signed a secret order allowing the CIA and other U.S. agencies to support rebels seeking to overthrow the Assad regime.

This order, which is known as an intelligence "finding" was apparently given by Obama earlier this year. The order also provides for U.S. collaboration with a secret command center operated by Turkey and its allies... read more.

Guantanamo Bay: US to spend $40 million on renovation (video)

Despite promises by President Obama to close Guantanamo Bay, it seems the U.S. is planning to spend a lot of money on upgrading the facility.

When campaigning for the U.S. presidency, Barack Obama promised that he would close the controversial Guantanamo Bay facility. In 2009, he even signed an executive order to close Gitmo.

However, despite these promises, Washington is now planning to invest tens of millions on renovating the facility's infrastructure and communications... read more and watch video.

Explosions in Kabul follow Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan

Five explosions hit the Afghan capital on Wednesday, resulting in at least seven deaths. The attacks follow the surprise visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to the country.

Digital Journal reported yesterday on the surprise trip President Barack Obama made to Afghanistan on May 1, 2012.

Obama was in Kabul to sign a strategic agreement to cement U.S. military and financial support to Afghanistan beyond the 2014 withdrawal. Obama also made an address to the American nation from the military base at Bagram, showcasing his military achievements and also promising to end the war “responsibly.”...  read full article and view video.

Obama officially opposes CISPA but bill might still go through

The Obama administration has formally declared its opposition to the draconian Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA).

CISPA is up for vote in Congress this week, but a top White House official has now confirmed that President Obama and his closest officers are opposed to the bill.

Once the United States Congress has voted on CISPA, and if the vote successful, the next step is to pass it up the line to Obama for his signature.

The Guardian has reported that Alec Ross, a senior adviser to Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, has reiterated that top officials under President Obama are pushing to keep the legislation from being signed... read full article.

Sen. Chuck Grassley calls Obama 'stupid' on Twitter

Washington - A senator from Iowa insulted President Barack Obama on Twitter. David Axelrod took revenge on this with his own responding tweet.

RT reports that the tweet came as a result of Sen. Chuck Grassley's criticism of Obama's stand on the health care law.

Obama, the former Constitutional Law Professor, had stated that he didn't believe that the Supreme Court would take the "unprecedented, extraordinary step" of actually overturning the health care law and Grassley took offence.

The President had recently addressed the health care law debacle, which had made its way to the Supreme Court. Obama himself critiqued "judicial activism" by way of "unelected" judges on the Supreme Court. Many of his conservative opponents were against this, but only Senator Grassley has resorted to actually taking the President up on this.... read full article.

U.S. Marine faces dismissal over criticism of Obama on Facebook

U.S. Marine sergeant Gary Stein made the mistake of criticizing President Barack Obama on his Facebook page. That mistake may cause him to be dismissed in shame.

Stein superimposed images of President Obama's face on to a poster advertising the movie "Jackass". According to his lawyers, he had done nothing more than exercise his right to free speech.

Captain James Baehr, a defense lawyer representing Stein, said: "We are truly surprised and disappointed but it was an honor to fight for a hero like Sgt. Stein and every other marine's right to speak freely."

Baehr also stressed that Stein had, in fact, not broken any existing law.... Read full article