Free Republic

Australia’s defense minister said Tuesday that F-35 fighter jet parts had been mistakenly diverted to Hong Kong, following reports US lawmakers were investigating the mishap amid concerns about the possibility of China getting access to sensitive US military technology. “We’ve been made aware of this, and we’re obviously working with the United States and Lockheed in terms of how we can assist in this investigation,” Defense Minister Richard Marles told reporters in Adelaide. Politico first reported last week that the F-35 parts shipment bound for the United States for repairs were rerouted in transit from Australia this summer, citing three...

Peru's parliament has granted emergency powers to President Alan Garcia in order to deal with drug trafficking and organised crime. Congress overwhelmingly approved the move but around 20 Congressmen walked out of the session before the vote. President Garcia has promised not to abuse the powers, which are valid for the next 60 days. He will only have the power to rule by decree on nine specific types of crime, most of which relate to trafficking. Drug violence rise A prolonged strike in the centre of the country by coca farmers demanding the government cease its eradication of their crop...

As part of its massive PR offensive, the House of Saud is trying to convince the world that its treatment of women is improving. But a first-hand witness would see a far different reality: women who are literally locked inside homes, paid little or nothing as domestic servants, worked up to 20 hours per day, and verbally and physically abused. This sad state of affairs exists not just in Saudi Arabia, but in Saudi homes right here in the United States. But there are people who know all about it, and even allow the practice to continue unabated on American...