Obama orders Russia expulsions, sanctions for interference in 2016 election

[ThePythonicCow]

This came "over the wire" from Reuters an hour ago. Obama orders Russia expulsions, sanctions for interference in 2016 election

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By Jeff Mason and Lesley Wroughton | HONOLULU/WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats and sanctioned Russian intelligence officials who Washington believes were involved in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 presidential election.

The measures, taken during the last days of Obama's presidency, mark a new low in U.S.-Russian relations which have deteriorated over serious differences on Ukraine and Syria.

"These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior," Obama said in a statement from vacation in Hawaii.

It was not immediately clear whether President-elect Donald Trump, who has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, would seek to roll back the measures once he takes office on Jan. 20.

Obama is seeking to deter Russia and other foreign governments from leveraging cyber attacks in the future to meddle in U.S. politics, former officials and cyber security experts said.

Obama has been under growing pressure from within his own administration and lawmakers of both political parties to respond more forcefully to the cyber attacks, which included leaked emails of Democratic Party operatives that became part of the media coverage in the campaign for the Nov. 8 presidential election.

The Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday the sanctions were counter-productive and would harm the restoration of bilateral ties. Moscow denies the hacking allegation.

Obama sanctioned two Russian intelligence agencies, the GRU and the FSB, four GRU officers and three companies "that provided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations.

PERSONA NON GRATA

Obama said the State Department declared as "persona non grata" 35 Russian intelligence operatives and is closing two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland that were used by Russian personnel for "intelligence-related purposes". The State Department originally said the 35 were diplomats.

A senior U.S. official told Reuters the move would affect the Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco.

The Russians have 72 hours to leave the United States, the official said. Access to the two compounds, which are used by Russian officials for intelligence gathering, will be denied to all Russian officials as of noon on Friday, the senior U.S. official added.

"These actions were taken to respond to Russian harassment of American diplomats and actions by the diplomats that we have assessed to be not consistent with diplomatic practice," the official said.

The State Department has long complained that Russian security agents and traffic police have harassed U.S. diplomats in Moscow, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has raised the issue with Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

"By imposing costs on the Russian diplomats in the United States, by denying them access to the two facilities, we hope the Russian government reevaluates its own actions, which have impeded the ability and safety of our own embassy personnel in Russia," the official said.

The U.S. official declined to name the Russian diplomats who would be affected, although it is understood that Russia's ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak, will not be one of those expelled.

(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, Jeff Mason and Dustin Volz and Katya Golubkova in Moscow; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Alistair Bell)

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[Cidersomerset]

Russia did say earlier they would retaliate this time if Obama started playing games
before the Trump administration is swarn in....

[ThePythonicCow]

Russia's response in RT: Kremlin: New sanctions underline Obama administration’s ‘unpredictable & aggressive’ foreign policy :

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The new US sanctions against Russia are another manifestation of the unpredictable and aggressive foreign policy by the Obama administration, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin press-secretary, said.

“In our point of view such actions of the US current administration are a manifestation of an unpredictable and even aggressive foreign policy,” Peskov told the journalists.

"We regret the fact that this decision was taken by the US administration and President Obama personally," he said.

"As it said before, we consider this decision and these sanctions unjustified and illegal under international law," the presidential spokesman added.

The US restrictions won’t be left unanswered by Moscow, Peskov said, promising “adequate, reciprocal” reaction “that will deliver significant discomfort to the US side in the same areas.”

However, he added that “there’s no need to rush” with the countermeasures against Washington.

"Considering the current transition period in Washington, we still expect that we’ll be able to get rid of such clumsy actions… of behaving like a bull in a china shop, and that we’ll be able to make mutual joint steps to enter on the path of normalization of our bilateral relations," the spokesman said.

Earlier on Thursday, Obama announced set of counter measures in response to what he called “the Russian government’s aggressive harassment of US officials and cyber operations aimed at the US election.”

Thirty-five Russian diplomats have been expelled from the US, with the president calling them “intelligence operatives” and also announcing the closure of two Russian compounds, in New York and Maryland.

According to Obama, nine Russian entities, including the GRU (Russian Military Intelligence) and the FSB (Federal Security Service), were sanctioned.

Four individual GRU officers of the GRU and three companies that “provided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations” were also among the blacklisted.

The Obama administration and the losing Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, have accused Moscow of being behind cyberattacks that targeted Clinton and her campaign chairman, John Podesta, during their campaign.

They said that the whistleblower website WikiLeaks obtained the damaging hacked emails, which dashed Clinton’s chances to win, from Russian intelligence agencies.

The claims were denied by both WikiLeaks and Moscow on numerous occasions, with Peskov earlier calling them “nonsense” in an interview with RT.

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[Cidersomerset]

The US restrictions won’t be left unanswered by Moscow, Peskov said, promising “adequate,
reciprocal” reaction “that will deliver significant discomfort to the US side in the same areas.”

They were talking about this earlier on one of the vids I posted on the WW111 thread...

In this headline vid from earlier you can tell they are hoping for better relations
with the Trump administration , as Foreign minister Lavrov says near the end.

Obviously TPTB and intel agencies do not want that to happen and are pushing
Obama into creating a problem the Donald will find hard to ignore without
upsetting the CIA and others and we know what happens to Presidents who
fall foul of them......

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=bdh4ZcaSntc

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed agreement has been reached on a
ceasefire in Syria and the start of peace talks. The agreement is the result of joint
efforts by Russia, Turkey, and Iran, the president said.

The truce is supported by seven major armed opposition groups that have over
60,000 fighters in their ranks, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.

[Cidersomerset]

Here we go 'scare ,scare , scare ..............

White House hits Russia with sanctions for hacking

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=kKpcVeVec0w

Published on 29 Dec 2016

The Obama administration has imposed new sanctions against Russia in retaliation
for a series of cyberattacks during the presidential campaign. CBS News justice
reporter Paula Reid joins CBSN with the latest details on the steps the U.S. is taking.

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Is Obama handcuffing the Trump administration?

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=cZKtw-WrZmE

Published on 29 Dec 2016

The current administration announces new sanctions against Russia

Obama administration announces new Russia sanctions

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=t91f2eXk6yk

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Kevin Corke reports from Honolulu, HI

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US expels Russian diplomats over cyber attack allegations
17 minutes ago

The US has expelled 35 Russian diplomats as punishment for alleged interference
into last month's presidential elections, giving them 72 hours to leave the country.

It will also close two compounds used for Russian intelligence-gathering.

President Barack Obama had vowed action against Russia amid US accusations it
directed hacks against the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Russia has denied any involvement and called the decision "ungrounded".


Read more....



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38463025

[3(C)+me]

Mr. Farrell adds to the speculation about this US/Russian tit for tat.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=w-ZjMzgzKac

[Cidersomerset]

I was waiting for the CIA NN report which you can tell is 'intel' influenced, its a
nuance but when you watch enough of their reports , CNN is often biased , which is
fine when you know that and like other news agencies it does give you another
aspect of the bigger geo -political picture on many topics......In this case they are
pro TPTB agenda that has been shaken by the Tump victory, but they are still
trying to tie his hands as he enters office....imo and many others.


Expelled Russians have 72 hours to leave US

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=GaizIm7CHbc

Published on 29 Dec 2016

In addition to sanctions, the Obama administration has expelled 35 Russian diplomats and will
close two Russian government compounds in Maryland and New York in response to the country's
hack of the 2016 presidential election. CNN's Jim Sciutto reports.

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( intel mind games ).....

Will Trump reverse sanctions placed on Russia?

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=rpRdWQVIAwM

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser, tells
CNN's Jake Tapper why 35 Russian intelligence officers have been expelled from the
US as part of the response to the hack of the 2016 election.

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Info Wars a little more direct.....

Establishment Desperate For War With Russia

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=u1CxIMdYcFk

Published on 29 Dec 2016
It is more obvious than ever that the establishment wants World War III with
Russia and the ignorant public is falling for it, hook line and sinker

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Secretive Dictator Calls Trump A Con Man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LEa8XwIDcE

Published on 29 Dec 2016
The Globalists are total sociopaths hell bent on deligitimizing Trump, who they fear
will dismantle the advancing New World Order
© The Alex Jones Show Copyright 1995- 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Insane Nazi Collaborator Soros Calls Trump Hitler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwQKy5wTDVI
Published on 29 Dec 2016
Billionaire globalist George Soros says President-elect Donald Trump is a “would be
dictator” who threatens the future of the new world order.

Full report: http://www.infowars.com/soros-trump-i...


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RT Retweeted

RT America ‏@RT_America · 4m4 minutes ago

BREAKING: 'Time to move to bigger and better things' - #Trump after more
sanctions on #Russia announced http://on.rt.com/7z6s

https://twitter.com/RT_com?ref_src=t...Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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RT NEWS.....


Kremlin: New sanctions underline Obama admin’s ‘unpredictable & aggressive’ foreign policy


Published time: 29 Dec, 2016 20:43

Edited time: 29 Dec, 2016 21:58

The new US sanctions against Russia are another manifestation of the
unpredictable and aggressive foreign policy by the Obama administration, Dmitry
Peskov, the Kremlin press-secretary, said.

“In our point of view such actions of the US current administration are a
manifestation of an unpredictable and even aggressive foreign policy,” Peskov told
the journalists.

"We regret the fact that this decision was taken by the US administration and
President Obama personally," he said.

The seats for the Russian delegation are seen unoccupied during the session of the
United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York. © Mike
Segar / ReutersUS expels 35 Russian diplomats, closes 2 compounds
"As it said before, we consider this decision and these sanctions unjustified and
illegal under international law," the presidential spokesman added.


Read more
https://www.rt.com/news/372191-kreml...ion-sanctions/


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CIA NN in Spanish....

Obama sanciona a Rusia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_msgqKbDBt8

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Dan Restrepo analiza las implicaciones de las sanciones que EE.UU. anunció a Rusia
al que acusa de intromisión en las elecciones presidenciales.

[shaberon]

This is an amendment to Executive Order 13694 of April 1, 2015, which declares an emergency. He must have renewed it. All Trump has to do is...nothing...by the end of next April, and it will expire. That's how emergencies work.

Current order and list of targets:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press...onal-emergency

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press...onal-emergency

Original 2015 Emergency:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press...-significant-m

I don't see 35 individuals, maybe their visas were cancelled or something like that.

[Bob]

[OMG]

[Cidersomerset]

" All Americans should be alarmed "......Scare , Scare , They are setting up Trump
as a 'Putin' lover if he repeals Obamas orders. This is not knew and has been
brewing since the election win. It could also be to do with some of the picks for
Trumps cabinet , these topics are brought up in vids below. Also Obama has been
snubbed in the recent cease fire in Syria.

Syrian nationwide ceasefire comes to effect
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jC6ydtg9r0
Published on 29 Dec 2016
The truce is supported by seven major armed opposition groups that have over
60,000 fighters in their ranks. Though not all groups have agreed to the truce.

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Nightly News

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=fUXdLuwQCQs

Published on 29 Dec 2016


Pres. Obama announced new sanctions against Russia on Thursday, including declaring
35 Russian officials as “persona non grata” in the US, and closing two Russian compounds in the US.

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Fox news have been very pro Trump ...........


Trump takes on Obama's foreign policy moves on Twitter

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=8QSJJaulIRw

Published on 29 Dec 2016
The president-elect is addressing the issues on social media; Peter Doocy explains on 'Special Report'

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Too little, too late? US retaliates against Russia

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=sQRUGrTN-2Q

Published on 29 Dec 2016
The 'Special Report' All-Star panel weighs in

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John Kirby 'spinning'..........." we were not excluded "....


'Excluded?': Washington's role in Syrian peace process under question

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=pU5-ULml7a8

Published on 29 Dec 2016
A new ceasefire deal that comes into force on Friday may be the biggest chance in
months to curb the violence in Syria and pave the way for a political transition in
the country.

[Honesty]

..........

[Bob]

@iAMWE - it is customary to document your source and provide background... tnx..

[Honesty]

..........

[RunningDeer]

Posted by OMG (here)

Obama to Trump: 'Stop Whining’

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=y7F7eRM1oiU

Published on Oct 18, 2016
Pres. Obama: "I’d advise Mr. Trump to stop whining and go try to make his case to get votes" http://abcn.ws/2eeoYe9

@ 3:15 Obama to Trump: 'Stop Whining' About Unfounded Voter Fraud Claims

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=_k_wKzcbAeM

[BMJ]

Don't worry about it to much guys O-bumer is getting alot more air time than he deserves. Putin and Trump will ignore O-bumer and wait it out until the 20th then mend relations.

I'm sure that Trump and his team and Putin are well informed about all the tricks O-bumer and tptw might play out in the next few weeks. Knowing your enemy is half the battle.

After the 20th, O-bumer will have his rear end served to him for being an illegitmate present, all his acts will be repealed, and he will be brought up on war crimes charges for such acts as authorizing the illegal miltary attack on Libya, and bypassing congress in the process.

O-bumer is a toothless paper tiger.

[TigaHawk]

I have this feeling that they're trying to push their agenda regardless of not getting whom they wanted in power (hillary) and Mr Trump may have a heart attack, or meet a fate similar to one of your previous presidents if he keeps rocking their boat.

The next question is will the people of America be well behaved and follow the Problem, Reaction, Solution script they're spoon fed by the media or will they finally be able to see through the BS and rise up against it?

[sdv]

Weren't the emails leaked from an insider American source, rather than hacked by Russians?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...linton-campai/
Assange also described the emails as a leak ...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...n-Clinton.html

This whole issue reminds me of Iraq and WMD. Repeat a lie often enough and everyone believes it. Interesting to read the different views here on what is the agenda behind this pushing the lies about a Russian hack.

[Cidersomerset]

Both BBC and RT have bias's as have virtually all media to a degree , which is
fine as long as you know that and you deduct what's really going on and its best
imo to cross reference sources. This is why partisan parties do not like you to listen
to other outlets because they cannot control the mass's. Obviously this has
been challenged by the web and more reliable foreign news sources.

The good thing about RT at present is they bring on a lot of independent journalists
and analysts to counter mainstream propaganda. This of course could change so
beware and 'false flags' and 'red herrings' and agendas come into play.....

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Russia vows response to diplomat expulsion from US
8 minutes ago

The expulsions affect staff at the Russian embassy in Washington

Russia has promised to respond to the expulsion of 35 of its diplomats
from Washington, amid a bitter dispute over alleged Russian interference
in the recent US presidential election.Russian Prime Minister Dmitry
Medvedev said the outgoing administration of President Barack Obama
was ending in "anti-Russian death throes".

The foreign ministry said Russia's response would be announced on Friday.

Russia denies any hacking involvement and calls the US action "ungrounded".

Under the US action taken on Thursday:


Read More.....

Tit-for-tat in the Cold War tradition: Analysis by Steve Rosenberg, BBC News, Moscow



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38464612

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‘White House writes script for mainstream media’ – Lionel

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=8gm22COEX0o

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Media analyst Lionel, of Lionel Media, joins RT’s Ashlee Banks to discuss
mainstream media speculation that President Obama’s expulsion of 35 Russian
diplomatic officials on Thursday may have been a form of retaliation for the
harassment of American diplomats abroad. Also discussed is the connection
between the Obama administration’s extreme gesture today with regard to Russia
and Obama’s probable thoughts regarding his legacy.

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Russia is Obama’s ‘main target right now’ – former Pentagon official

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=5H_K8yw5ubU

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Former Pentagon official Michael Maloof joins RT’s Ashlee Banks to discuss the new
sanctions against Russia, their probable impact on Trump’s presidency when the
president-elect takes office, and Congress’s probable reaction should Trump
attempt to repeal them.

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Obama lashing out at Russia out of ‘chagrin, pain & shame’ – former diplomat

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=8hHcolNR5eY

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Former diplomat Jim Jatras joins RT’s Ashlee Banks to discuss today’s
announcement of serious new sanctions against Russia over accusations of hacking.

[Cidersomerset]

'Excluded?': Washington's role in Syrian peace process under question

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=pU5-ULml7a8

Published on 29 Dec 2016
A new ceasefire deal that comes into force on Friday may be the biggest
chance in months to curb the violence in Syria and pave the way for a
political transition in the country.

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'...humiliated by their own president': US imposed new set of anti-Russian sanctions

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=1IJMLfUPBug

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Thirty-five Russian diplomats have been expelled from the US, according to a
statement from State Department. President Obama described those expelled
as “intelligence operatives,” also announcing the closure of two Russian
compounds, in New York and Maryland

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CIA NN ...'Fishing'....

Conway : This could be an attempt to 'Box' the president elect in ?

Conway: Sanctions could be politically motivated

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=92TlmtKths0

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Kellyanne Conway tells CNN's Kate Bolduan that some believe President Barack
Obama's action against Russia was a politically-motivated move to "box in"
President-elect Donald Trump.

Longer version....
Kellyanne Conway "RUSSIA! RUSSIA! RUSSIA!" HILLARY CLINTON DIDN'T LOSE
BECAUSE OF RUSSIA!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz4dniJACl8

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Longer interview with Fox...


Kellyanne Conway on how Trump will address Russia and Israel

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=JYIEu6lR0Gw

Published on 29 Dec 2016
Incoming counselor to President-elect Trump weighs in on 'Hannity'