Security News

US shoots down Death Star superlaser petition

janvier 16, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The White House has rejected a petition to build a Death Star – a huge battle-station armed with a superlaser as seen in the Star Wars films.

In a playful response, a senior US government official said the Obama administration « does not support blowing up planets ».

The official also said the cost – about $850 quadrillion – was too high.

More than 34,000 people had signed the petition, saying the project would spur job creation and strengthen defence.

They also wanted the government to begin construction by 2016.

The White House is obliged to respond to all petitions that gain more than 25,000 signatures.

UK assumes presidency of G8 group

janvier 13, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The UK is assuming its year-long presidency of the G8 group of nations.

The presidency – which rotates through the G8 members – means it will host the annual leaders’ summit and choose the global priorities that are discussed.

June’s summit is to be held at Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh, while topics discussed will include tax havens.

The G8 is made up countries who have, historically, been the richest in the world – France, the US, Russia, Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK.

As prime minister of the presidency holding nation, David Cameron has said he wants to focus on combating trade protectionism, cracking down on tax havens and promoting greater government transparency.

These topics will be discussed in ministerial meetings ahead of the summit along with urgent issues like the crisis in Syria.

Can an emboldened President Obama address gun control?

janvier 13, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

I am in London as I follow news of this terrible slaughter. The president is so right – every parent will feel this tragedy deep in their hearts.

But politics is never far away.

Only hours before, I had been explaining to British friends that most people in the UK just did not get the American attitude towards guns, with many regarding it as a sort of crazy aberration.

But it is just different.

Americans believe they have a right to own guns, not just for sport or hunting but for self defence. That right is embodied in their most revered political document, the constitution.

Guns are much more a part of every day life than they are in the UK. That is why some insist that they should even be allowed to own weapons which are designed for no other purpose than to kill a lot of people, quickly.

Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign

janvier 13, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A former US congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to her head during a mass shooting has launched a campaign against gun violence.

Gabrielle Giffords’ Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative aims to raise money for gun control efforts.

It comes as the White House holds talks with groups representing gun-owners, victims and the video game industry.

A school shooting in December that killed 20 children and six adults has fuelled debate over gun violence.

Ms Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly – both gun owners – wrote in USA Today on Tuesday: « In response to a horrific series of shootings… Congress has done something quite extraordinary – nothing at all. »

The couple also highlight the influence of the gun lobby, adding: « Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources. »

How will oil affect Madagascar’s environmental riches?

janvier 13, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Amid the hills of western Madagascar, villagers have long been aware of a thick sticky substance naturally seeping out of the ground.

But it is only recently that these unconventional oil deposits in the region of Melaky have attracted the attention of investors.

The rising prices of oil on world markets, coupled with new technologies aim to turn the Indian Ocean island – famous for its unique habitat and wildlife – into a significant oil producer.

Tsimiroro is extremely remote – even by the vast island’s standards – and most of Madagascar Oil’s estimated 100 employees are flown by small plane from the capital, Antanarivo, 300km (about 185 miles) to the east of the oil field.

« Currently I work three weeks on the site and get one week off, » says a 48 year old oil worker as he arrives at Tsimiroro airstrip after a week in Antananarivo with his wife in children.