Detecting language using up to the first 30 seconds. Use `--language` to specify the language Detected language: English [00:00.000 --> 00:09.040] 10pm here in Moscow this New Year's Day, a warm welcome to you if you've just joined [00:09.040 --> 00:10.040] us. [00:10.040 --> 00:11.040] My name is Kevin Owen. [00:11.040 --> 00:12.040] This is RT. [00:12.040 --> 00:17.160] And our top story, US President Barack Obama welcomed in the New Year by signing in a tough [00:17.160 --> 00:20.680] new law but a set of sanctions for Iran. [00:20.680 --> 00:24.600] Anyone doing business with Tehran's central bank will now face punishment, thanks to the [00:24.600 --> 00:28.000] new measures directly targeting the financial sector. [00:28.000 --> 00:32.320] This move comes at a time of heightened tension over Iran's nuclear program and the threat [00:32.320 --> 00:38.240] of sanctions has already seen Tehran threaten to block off a key oil export route in response. [00:38.240 --> 00:42.880] Well adding to the situation as well is Iran's plan to test long-range missiles during naval [00:42.880 --> 00:46.640] drills in the Gulf that's led to US warships being sent to the area. [00:46.640 --> 00:51.240] A researcher at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, Shirin Shafi told [00:51.240 --> 00:55.760] us America's playing a dangerous game right now. [00:55.760 --> 01:01.320] Iran said that if an oil embargo is imposed against Iran and the Iranian livelihood, its [01:01.320 --> 01:10.520] economy is threatened, then Iran would take considerable measures to respond to that. [01:10.520 --> 01:12.700] So that is not a provocation. [01:12.700 --> 01:19.200] But in terms of real provocation, I think that what is provocative is the United States [01:19.200 --> 01:24.920] sending its warships thousands of miles away from its homeland into the Persian Gulf and [01:24.920 --> 01:31.360] also waging wars surrounding Iran with wars in Iraq, in Afghanistan, military bases, all [01:31.360 --> 01:32.680] around Iran. [01:32.680 --> 01:33.680] That is provocative. [01:33.680 --> 01:40.440] And Iran is trying to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. [01:40.440 --> 01:44.320] To Syria now, with violence, the began in March has spilled over into the new year. [01:44.320 --> 01:48.040] Our oblique observers on a mission to the country have warned Damascus against cracking down [01:48.040 --> 01:49.040] on protesters. [01:49.040 --> 01:53.840] At least 13 were reportedly killed in the past day, despite efforts to oversee the implementation [01:53.840 --> 01:55.280] of a peace plan. [01:55.280 --> 01:59.480] An advisory group linked to the Arab League has now called for observers to pull out, claiming [01:59.480 --> 02:03.600] the mission is distracting attention from the ongoing crackdown. [02:03.600 --> 02:08.400] The advice is non-binding, with the observers' stutes stay in Syria for three more weeks. [02:08.400 --> 02:12.400] Journalist Ashid Ratanzi says the conflict is a powder keg that could ignite the entire [02:12.400 --> 02:13.400] region. [02:13.400 --> 02:20.600] It is certainly the Western media's viewpoint that we must believe opposition groups. [02:20.600 --> 02:24.800] It seems that any mobile footage is now accepted as a source. [02:24.800 --> 02:29.880] What is in no doubt is that thousands of Syrian soldiers are dying. [02:29.880 --> 02:32.680] And they haven't died because of peaceful protest. [02:32.680 --> 02:34.840] But this isn't Libya. [02:34.840 --> 02:40.080] Syria is a linchpin of the Middle East and the United States and other countries. [02:40.080 --> 02:44.720] Some of their more intelligent people realize that there will be turmoil right across the [02:44.720 --> 02:50.480] Middle East if anything happens to destabilize the outside government from outside forces. [02:50.480 --> 02:55.200] But certainly, the Syrian government itself has to step up the pace because it's certainly [02:55.200 --> 02:57.080] losing the propaganda battle. [02:57.080 --> 03:02.320] Well, the Syrian regime claims it's fighting an armed insurgency funded from abroad. [03:02.320 --> 03:03.960] That's yet to be independently confirmed. [03:03.960 --> 03:08.480] But what is fact is that rebel fighters who helped overthrow Colonel Gaddafi in Libya [03:08.480 --> 03:12.440] are now eager to take the revolution to President Assad's door, too. [03:12.440 --> 03:16.800] Hundreds of Libyan mercenaries are reportedly already gunning for regime change in Syria. [03:16.800 --> 03:21.680] Al-Tizakzana Boyker reported from Tripoli in the week. [03:21.680 --> 03:24.120] A butcher or a dead man? [03:24.120 --> 03:28.880] The owner of this kebab shop in Tripoli still undecided what's the most fitting term for [03:28.880 --> 03:30.520] Syria's Bashar al-Assad. [03:30.520 --> 03:38.360] Bashar al-Assad is a criminal in the world, not in Syria, not in Syria. [03:38.360 --> 03:43.440] And he killed our people in Syria. [03:43.440 --> 03:47.960] Out of solidarity with their Arab brothers, the owners of the shop have even put on display [03:47.960 --> 03:50.480] the Syrian rebels' tricolor. [03:50.480 --> 03:54.240] But they are very firm on where the revolutionary support should end. [03:54.240 --> 03:57.200] We don't want in Syria any soldiers. [03:57.200 --> 04:04.560] We have enough people and soldiers in Syria, free soldiers, only free soldiers. [04:04.560 --> 04:05.560] We have only. [04:05.560 --> 04:06.560] We have enough. [04:06.560 --> 04:10.720] But I think we want weapons. [04:10.720 --> 04:16.040] In less than three months, Libyan rebels have gone from being celebrated as liberators to [04:16.040 --> 04:18.520] being called occupiers. [04:18.520 --> 04:23.880] Tripoli residents rally almost every week, calling on the armed militia to leave. [04:23.880 --> 04:28.160] And for some of these young men hooked on adrenaline and unwilling to part with their [04:28.160 --> 04:32.200] rifles, Syria seems like the next logical destination. [04:32.200 --> 04:36.400] We're all ready to join the Syrian revolution. [04:36.400 --> 04:40.280] And with the help of Allah, we will make sure that what happened in Libya will repeat itself [04:40.280 --> 04:43.440] in Syria. [04:43.440 --> 04:48.400] The portraits of Sheikh Ibarra are now ubiquitous on the streets of Tripoli, with some rebels [04:48.400 --> 04:53.920] even styling themselves to resemble the famous revolutionary. [04:53.920 --> 04:58.320] With the help of Allah, we can all be like Sheikh Ibarra, fighting for peace and freedom [04:58.320 --> 05:01.800] around the world. [05:01.800 --> 05:06.480] And it seems that Sheikh Ibarra's idea of exporting revolutions have gotten a second [05:06.480 --> 05:08.800] birth in the Middle East. [05:08.800 --> 05:13.680] The Arab Spring has created a buoyant marketplace for soldiers of fortune. [05:13.680 --> 05:19.720] They move from one revolution to another, some motivated by personal gain, some by conviction, [05:19.720 --> 05:20.720] others by adventure. [05:20.720 --> 05:26.400] They fight for their own vision of freedom, and for now, at least, it's the freedom to [05:26.400 --> 05:28.920] live by the gun. [05:28.920 --> 05:33.880] As romantic and spontaneous as it may appear, aiding the Syrian uprising with mercenaries [05:33.880 --> 05:36.920] may not be such a genuine move. [05:36.920 --> 05:42.200] Stories of women and children in Syria gunned down by snipers are abound on YouTube, while [05:42.200 --> 05:45.920] it's still unclear who is pulling the trigger. [05:45.920 --> 05:51.120] There are terrorist snipers who are shooting at civilians, men, women and children, blind [05:51.120 --> 05:57.400] terrorism, random killing, simply for the purpose of destabilizing the country. [05:57.400 --> 06:02.560] They're from Libya, they're from Afghanistan or Pakistan. [06:02.560 --> 06:08.720] Human fighters have been brought in here by the CIA and the other Western services. [06:08.720 --> 06:12.720] One man's terrorist could easily be another man's freedom fighter, but for the United [06:12.720 --> 06:15.600] States, it's now two in one. [06:15.600 --> 06:20.960] Abdel Haikim Belhaj, one of the leaders of Tripoli militia, was once on the CIA Most [06:20.960 --> 06:21.960] Wanted list. [06:21.960 --> 06:27.760] Today, he's a face of the Democratic Libya, who, according to RT sources, led a group [06:27.760 --> 06:32.920] of several hundred Libyan rebels to Syria just last month. [06:32.920 --> 06:38.280] We can do any help to support the Syrian people, because they are facing the same situation [06:38.280 --> 06:39.920] as we faced before. [06:39.920 --> 06:42.720] And we appreciate the help that comes to Libyan people. [06:42.720 --> 06:47.440] And if we could provide the Syrian people with any help to get their freedom, I think [06:47.440 --> 06:49.080] we should do it. [06:49.080 --> 06:53.400] The use of soldiers of fortune is hardly new in this troubled region. [06:53.400 --> 06:58.680] All Eastern rulers hired them for centuries as safeguards against their own populations. [06:58.680 --> 07:03.880] And it now looks like the history of mercenaries in the Middle East has got to its new and [07:03.880 --> 07:05.600] no less bloody chapter. [07:05.600 --> 07:09.480] Aksana Boyko, RT, Tripoli. [07:09.480 --> 07:13.120] Still ahead for you this hour, the year in brief, we take a look back at just a few of [07:13.120 --> 07:19.680] the momentous stories that made the headlines in 2011 around the world. [07:19.680 --> 07:24.160] In Egypt, pro-democracy protesters held a candlelight vigil in Cairo's Tahrir Square [07:24.160 --> 07:28.520] on New Year's Eve in memory of those killed during the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak. [07:28.520 --> 07:33.440] Meanwhile, the US says Egypt's current leaders have agreed to halt raids on pro-democracy [07:33.440 --> 07:34.440] rights groups. [07:34.440 --> 07:38.680] Earlier this week, soldiers and police stormed offices of non-governmental organisations, [07:38.680 --> 07:41.200] including some funded by Washington. [07:41.200 --> 07:44.880] Documents and computers were seized as part of investigations into the foreign funding [07:44.880 --> 07:45.880] of organisations. [07:45.880 --> 07:50.600] The group secures the ruling military of using the same tactics of repression as the Mubarak [07:50.600 --> 07:51.600] regime. [07:51.600 --> 07:55.200] Foreign policy analyst Dr Adil Shamu told me he thinks the generals want to make sure [07:55.200 --> 08:01.000] they hold onto power, but that the people won't stop until they oust them. [08:01.000 --> 08:07.320] This is part of the military, the SCAV, the Supreme Council of Armed Forces, way of making [08:07.320 --> 08:15.920] sure that the revolution basically is molded to the type of government they want, because [08:15.920 --> 08:23.240] those are the same generals, by the way, who worked for Mubarak, the dictator. [08:23.240 --> 08:28.320] So that's really basically, as part of that struggle, is the revolution going to go forward [08:28.320 --> 08:35.200] or is the revolution going to be molded and subdued into submissive role to the military? [08:35.200 --> 08:41.360] But really, the military has to step aside and let the civilian government come to power [08:41.360 --> 08:46.160] once the elections are held, and the elections should be held as soon as possible. [08:46.160 --> 08:51.840] They will not give up the power that easily, but I think the Egyptian people and the Arabs [08:51.840 --> 08:58.520] in general have lost their fear from corrupt government and they have restored their dignity [08:58.520 --> 09:02.920] and they will not tolerate another military dictatorship in their country. [09:02.920 --> 09:09.240] I think all the evidence indicates that despite the sacrifices they have given. [09:09.240 --> 09:11.440] World News and Briefness are in Nigeria first. [09:11.440 --> 09:15.200] The country's leaders declared a state of emergency in areas hit by a wave of Islamist [09:15.200 --> 09:16.200] attacks. [09:16.200 --> 09:19.880] President Good luck Jonathan shut borders with neighbouring countries after a string [09:19.880 --> 09:23.040] of Christmas Day blasts, which killed over 40. [09:23.040 --> 09:27.320] He's about to crush Boko Haram militants who claimed responsibility. [09:27.320 --> 09:30.800] Violence has continued since churches throughout the country were first attacked a week ago [09:30.800 --> 09:36.520] now, tens of thousands have fled their homes, fearing further conflict. [09:36.520 --> 09:40.760] South Sudan's government is sending army and police to an area at the centre of a violent [09:40.760 --> 09:42.040] tribal conflict. [09:42.040 --> 09:46.120] The town of Pibor was attacked by thousands of fighters from a rival tribe who torched [09:46.120 --> 09:49.600] buildings, stole livestock and forced scores to flee. [09:49.600 --> 09:53.080] UN troops deployed in the region were unable to enforce security. [09:53.080 --> 09:57.600] In recent months, ethnic infighting caused by cattle rustling has left around a thousand [09:57.600 --> 09:58.600] people dead. [09:58.600 --> 10:05.560] A former member of the Japanese cult behind an attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 turned [10:05.560 --> 10:08.880] himself into police just before midnight last night, New Year's Eve. [10:08.880 --> 10:14.120] He'd been in hiding for 17 years since the group released sarin gas on the underground [10:14.120 --> 10:16.520] system at the time killing 13. [10:16.520 --> 10:20.840] Aung Shin Rekyu started as a spiritual movement, mixing Hindu and Buddhist police, but then [10:20.840 --> 10:25.880] developed into a doomsday cult obsessed with Armageddon. [10:25.880 --> 10:30.280] First President Barack Obama signed into effect a law which means that any person can be detained [10:30.280 --> 10:32.680] indefinitely without charge. [10:32.680 --> 10:35.960] The major defence bill is aimed at dealing with terrorist suspects and it comes with [10:35.960 --> 10:41.680] a massive $662 billion price tag too, but critics say the military will now have more [10:41.680 --> 10:47.920] authority to interrogate people denying them their basic constitutional rights. [10:47.920 --> 10:52.160] This is RT Live from Moscow, still ahead of the program with me, Kevin Owen, down with [10:52.160 --> 10:53.160] knowledge. [10:53.160 --> 11:06.480] Well, we set out for the streets of New York to discover what Americans know about their [11:06.480 --> 11:12.440] country's policy at home and across the globe. [11:12.440 --> 11:16.200] There's not much New Year cheer from economists predicting a return to recession in Europe [11:16.200 --> 11:17.700] for 2012. [11:17.700 --> 11:21.880] In fact, leaders used New Year messages to warn of hard times ahead in their respective [11:21.880 --> 11:22.880] countries. [11:22.880 --> 11:28.200] German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was facing its most severe test in decades, [11:28.200 --> 11:31.880] while French President Sarkozy's warned that the debt crisis blanketing the continent [11:31.880 --> 11:33.640] was far from over. [11:33.640 --> 11:36.960] Many governments have been forced to slash their spending to meet debt obligations as [11:36.960 --> 11:39.920] economic growth in Europe has been at a standstill. [11:39.920 --> 11:43.560] Some analysts believe that the EU leaders' attempts at keeping the eurozone together [11:43.560 --> 11:47.040] is only deepening the crisis. [11:47.040 --> 11:52.920] Some leaders are trying to shore up the eurozone by having greater degrees of centralization [11:52.920 --> 11:58.400] and not having countries like France and Germany have the final say, in a sense, over the budgets [11:58.400 --> 12:03.120] of those EU member states that have excessive budget deficits. [12:03.120 --> 12:05.440] But that really isn't the answer to the problems. [12:05.440 --> 12:10.360] What's really needed is either a massive injection of cash into countries like Greece [12:10.360 --> 12:12.640] and Italy to shore up their economies. [12:12.640 --> 12:16.320] Of course, another option would, of course, to recognize that the single currency has [12:16.320 --> 12:20.600] hurt competitiveness in many remnations of the eurozone. [12:20.600 --> 12:25.120] So really there's a number of options, either to transfer funds from the north to the struggling [12:25.120 --> 12:29.400] south or, of course, have an orderly breakup of the eurozone. [12:29.400 --> 12:33.320] The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out an airstrike on Gaza on Friday. [12:33.320 --> 12:37.080] One Palestinian was killed in the attack, which Tel Aviv claims was aimed at preventing [12:37.080 --> 12:39.680] militants from firing rockets into Israel. [12:39.680 --> 12:44.000] The country's been stepping up its airstrikes in recent months, leaving dozens dead. [12:44.000 --> 12:47.680] Three years after the Jewish state briefly invaded Gaza, military officials are now [12:47.680 --> 12:52.920] saying that they have to start what they call a, quote, war of necessity. [12:52.920 --> 12:57.000] Attempts at brokering a peace deal have so far proven fruitless, but Israeli columnist [12:57.000 --> 12:58.480] Gideon Nevis spoke to us. [12:58.480 --> 13:03.800] He thinks Tel Aviv isn't really trying to avoid a conflict. [13:03.800 --> 13:07.880] Three years ago, Israel had a card blanche, and not only a card blanche, the West had [13:07.880 --> 13:15.720] applauded Israel and didn't say a word against this attack, but this time we are facing a [13:15.720 --> 13:17.120] new Egypt. [13:17.120 --> 13:23.000] And Gaza is in the backyard of Egypt, and I'm not sure that Egypt will remain indifferent [13:23.000 --> 13:25.120] vis-à-vis another attack. [13:25.120 --> 13:30.800] But having said this, I'm not sure that this is enough to prevent an attack, because unfortunately [13:30.800 --> 13:37.520] Israeli politicians and generals not always react in a most rational and logical way. [13:37.520 --> 13:44.200] The current government of Israel has no serious intention about a serious dialogue with the [13:44.200 --> 13:45.200] Palestinians. [13:45.200 --> 13:48.960] Maybe some photo opportunities, but nothing more than this. [13:48.960 --> 13:55.240] And the PA, the Palestinian Authority, had just launched another proposal for Israel [13:55.240 --> 13:58.360] to get back to the negotiation table. [13:58.360 --> 14:05.000] They even gave up the precondition of freezing the settlements, which is a minimum condition. [14:05.000 --> 14:12.480] And they had suggested just a symbolic release of 100 Palestinian prisoners to get back to [14:12.480 --> 14:14.120] the negotiation table. [14:14.120 --> 14:16.160] And what did Israel say? [14:16.160 --> 14:17.160] No? [14:17.160 --> 14:18.160] OK. [14:18.160 --> 14:22.400] Well, on a happy note, Russia welcomed 2012 in with a bang last night, being the world's [14:22.400 --> 14:23.400] biggest country. [14:23.400 --> 14:27.240] It celebrated New Year nine times, as you can see on the map there, thanks to its nine-time [14:27.240 --> 14:28.240] zones. [14:28.240 --> 14:33.640] All kicks started off in the Far East, and then swept through Russia's to Russia's west of [14:33.640 --> 14:38.200] most point, the Baltic city of Kaliningrad, finishing off with some great fireworks there. [14:38.200 --> 14:42.000] While hundreds also gathered in Moscow's Red Square, a course to toast in the New Year's [14:42.000 --> 14:46.520] great show from Moscow, and the whole rest of the world was treated in mass celebrations [14:46.520 --> 14:50.560] around the globe as well, that was the scene in New York, thousands packing Times Square [14:50.560 --> 14:53.560] for the ceremonial ball dropping at midnight. [14:53.560 --> 14:56.640] Australia, beautiful fireworks, there was an iconic sight from then. [14:56.640 --> 15:00.280] Among the first, of course, to open its doors to the New Year with glittering fireworks [15:00.280 --> 15:02.240] over Sydney Harbour. [15:02.240 --> 15:06.960] Great fireworks in Asia, too, picking at the baton, spectacular shows held across the region, [15:06.960 --> 15:11.440] and Dubai also putting on a spectacle, hundreds gathering at the world's tallest building [15:11.440 --> 15:16.000] to watch an amazing illumination there, and a super show from London, and if you've caught [15:16.000 --> 15:21.000] it or not, millions of revelers packing cities throughout Europe, but a particularly good [15:21.000 --> 15:24.840] show there from London last night, the London Eye and fireworks coming out from Big Ben [15:24.840 --> 15:25.840] as well. [15:25.840 --> 15:31.720] So a celebration sweeping the globe, our teaser Nissan now, he looks back at what made 2011? [15:31.720 --> 15:39.120] 2011 could easily go down as the most eventful year in years. [15:39.120 --> 15:44.440] The killing of Bin Laden after a decade-long manhunt, Libya's Gaddafi after months of [15:44.440 --> 15:50.400] NATO bombing, and the death of North Korea's Kim Jong-il don't even begin to illustrate [15:50.400 --> 15:57.800] 2011. [15:57.800 --> 16:03.000] Time chose the protester as person of the year, and although there were different slogans, [16:03.000 --> 16:10.360] signs and demanded solutions, 2011 will ultimately be remembered as the year people came out [16:10.360 --> 16:12.240] onto the streets. [16:12.240 --> 16:18.400] The Arab Spring bloomed into a European summer, which harvested an American autumn. [16:18.400 --> 16:25.320] From Cairo to California, Moscow to Madrid, Taqreer to Occupy, global rallies shared [16:25.320 --> 16:30.760] common themes, but if one thing stood out in the Middle East and North Africa alone, [16:30.760 --> 16:40.120] it was protests that led down one road, regime change. [16:40.120 --> 16:46.720] Tunisia and Egypt got rid of their dictators without war, but Libya was not so lucky. [16:46.720 --> 16:51.520] NATO and Allies began a humanitarian mission with a fierce bombing campaign. [16:51.520 --> 16:57.000] But critics called it a mislabeled invasion to take down Gaddafi for benefits. [16:57.000 --> 17:00.320] The only reason they're interested with Libya is about the oil. [17:00.320 --> 17:04.320] You hear anybody screaming and yelling about all those people last week that were killed [17:04.320 --> 17:07.120] in the Ivory Coast or the Sudan? [17:07.120 --> 17:13.160] Gaddafi was brutally killed in October as the world watched the graphic video go viral. [17:13.160 --> 17:19.200] Thousands of civilians were killed over months of bombing, and as 2012 neared, Syria found [17:19.200 --> 17:23.120] itself in a similar setup for intervention. [17:23.120 --> 17:29.240] Russia and China fearing a repeat of the situation in Libya as civil war intensifies. [17:29.240 --> 17:36.440] This is a direct, in fact, a direct clash between the U.S. and NATO on one side and [17:36.440 --> 17:41.280] Russia and China on the other side, much more than it was in Libya. [17:41.280 --> 17:51.160] Let us continue in Egypt, Libya, Syria and many more Arab countries as the year ends. [17:51.160 --> 17:56.920] The battle to save the drowning single currency left boardrooms and banks in 2011 and flooded [17:56.920 --> 18:01.680] the streets of Europe, most commonly and violently in Athens. [18:01.680 --> 18:05.200] Greek debt became the centerpiece of the Euro crisis. [18:05.200 --> 18:10.600] Protests raged against desperate austerity cuts to qualify for IMF bailouts, while Germany [18:10.600 --> 18:14.160] and France vied for influence in the debt-ridden zone. [18:14.160 --> 18:19.720] I think we will see an exit of Greece, given the situation in which the Greek economy finds [18:19.720 --> 18:22.720] itself that has become really unavoidable. [18:22.720 --> 18:27.080] Draining the economy of big Euro brother Germany can't go on forever. [18:27.080 --> 18:31.920] Greece and Italy are now led by unelected Brussels-backed technocrat leaders who are [18:31.920 --> 18:35.600] trying to curb the crisis coming into a new year. [18:35.600 --> 18:42.880] Like say 2011, bailouts or bust was the beginning of the end for the single European currency. [18:42.880 --> 18:50.640] There's every chance the Euro is going to crash and burn. [18:50.640 --> 18:56.280] London burned for days in the summer of 2011, what began as a peaceful protest demanding [18:56.280 --> 19:01.680] justice over the death of a 29-year-old man who was shot by police, turned into days of [19:01.680 --> 19:05.000] riots and left authorities helpless. [19:05.000 --> 19:10.200] Reports of possibly bringing out the military buzzed as shops were looted, cars set on fire [19:10.200 --> 19:13.240] and windows smashed across the U.K. [19:13.240 --> 19:19.120] The police, the job center, the banks, everything that's happening, the recession, you know, [19:19.120 --> 19:21.440] there's a lot of anger about that. [19:21.440 --> 19:27.680] Social experts also threw a failed multi-culti program and racism into the mix. [19:27.680 --> 19:32.960] The overuse of stop and search and a sense that the police are certainly institutionally [19:32.960 --> 19:38.680] against young urban people and probably institutionally racist as well. [19:38.680 --> 19:42.480] The riots faded, but the problems are still pressing. [19:42.480 --> 19:50.320] Some say only a spark is needed to set the public off again. [19:50.320 --> 19:55.360] Occupy Wall Street became a household name in the U.S. and around the world, but when [19:55.360 --> 19:59.280] the protests began in September, few were talking about it. [19:59.280 --> 20:05.240] The mainstream media stayed silent until 700 people were arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge. [20:05.240 --> 20:06.240] And then... [20:06.240 --> 20:10.320] It's really based in the anarchist roots of American politics. [20:10.320 --> 20:12.920] The crowd is easy to mock. [20:12.920 --> 20:14.640] They are disorganized. [20:14.640 --> 20:15.640] They look funny. [20:15.640 --> 20:17.400] What are they protesting? [20:17.400 --> 20:18.560] Nobody seems to know. [20:18.560 --> 20:25.120] But negative coverage didn't stop OWS from spreading from small towns to huge ports. [20:25.120 --> 20:27.800] Occupied was not going anywhere. [20:27.800 --> 20:33.760] Police on camps, heavy-handed police and burning pepper spray only helped Occupy grow and spread [20:33.760 --> 20:39.360] their message of the need for economic equality and an end to corporate greed. [20:39.360 --> 20:46.120] Their slogan became, we are the 99 percent, and they, the rich, the 1 percent. [20:46.120 --> 20:52.240] From Oakland to Boston, the more people occupied, the more brutality became more evident. [20:52.240 --> 21:06.640] Our police forces have been militarized. [21:06.640 --> 21:09.440] They are working more in cooperation with the Pentagon. [21:09.440 --> 21:15.880] They're buying and being given military surplus equipment that has been kind of designed for [21:15.880 --> 21:17.280] use in war. [21:17.280 --> 21:23.480] And this is something that leads to treating the public as you would treat an enemy. [21:23.480 --> 21:33.840] A public that has promised to come out in full force in 2012. [21:33.840 --> 21:37.560] Parliamentary elections were the push behind tens of thousands of people coming out onto [21:37.560 --> 21:45.200] the streets of Moscow after allegations the December Duma vote was rigged. [21:45.200 --> 21:51.320] The protest, at least 50,000 strong, the largest in recent history, called for free and fair [21:51.320 --> 21:54.480] elections and remained peaceful. [21:54.480 --> 21:59.040] Ruling party United Russia lost popularity in the vote, with official results putting [21:59.040 --> 22:01.960] their numbers at almost 50 percent. [22:01.960 --> 22:08.200] But experts say a 16 percent drop from 2007 should be taken as a warning. [22:08.200 --> 22:15.080] I think a lot of people wanted to punish United Russia for having power for so long, maybe [22:15.080 --> 22:18.040] not doing everything they could. [22:18.040 --> 22:23.440] Protests organized by vast groups of opposition members are set to continue in 2012. [22:23.440 --> 22:28.400] Next year, Russia, along with the U.S. and France, hold presidential elections, which [22:28.400 --> 22:34.720] makes it a safe bet people will be out on the streets in 2012, in Europe, America, and [22:34.720 --> 22:35.720] around the world. [22:35.720 --> 22:36.720] In Iskinawa, RT, Moscow. [22:36.720 --> 22:47.400] Well, we've got more on all the events that shaped 2011, waiting on a website as well, [22:47.400 --> 22:48.400] RT.com. [22:48.400 --> 22:49.400] Also there, if you see how the world celebrated the arrival of 2012, the next year, you can [22:49.400 --> 22:53.040] find some spectacular footage of the New Year's celebrations and fireworks around the globe. [22:53.040 --> 22:55.680] We've compiled them all for you there. [22:55.680 --> 23:00.400] Also at the end of the year, so U.S. troops wave farewell to Iraq, RT.com explores the [23:00.400 --> 23:04.800] implications and consequences of nine years of conflict. [23:04.800 --> 23:09.840] And a look at the uprisings, the demos, the disasters indeed of 2011 have seen through [23:09.840 --> 23:11.560] the eyes of our correspondents. [23:11.560 --> 23:13.480] Interesting series we've bought you last week. [23:13.480 --> 23:14.960] If you didn't catch it, it's online. [23:14.960 --> 23:19.800] You can hear their testimonies at RT.com. [23:19.800 --> 23:33.080] Witnesses to history in the making, testimony, 10 stories that shaped 2011 on RT. [23:33.080 --> 23:38.080] But many women hoping to become the next president of the U.S. appear to spend as much time demonstrating [23:38.080 --> 23:41.000] their ignorance of the world as they do the political credentials. [23:41.000 --> 23:48.120] But as RT's an associate chair can have found out, that could just be a reflection of society. [23:48.120 --> 23:53.800] It's three agencies of government when I get there that are gone, commerce, education, [23:53.800 --> 23:56.200] and the, what's the third one there? [23:56.200 --> 23:57.200] Let's see. [23:57.200 --> 24:02.200] He's looking to actually fire tens of thousands of federal workers and eliminate an entire [24:02.200 --> 24:03.200] cabinet level position. [24:03.200 --> 24:05.000] And he couldn't even remember its name. [24:05.000 --> 24:08.960] They asked me who's the president of you, Becky, Becky, Becky, Becky, Becky, Stan Stan. [24:08.960 --> 24:10.800] I'm going to say, you know, I don't know. [24:10.800 --> 24:11.800] Do you know? [24:11.800 --> 24:15.680] It's not the fact that he doesn't know, it's the fact that he doesn't think he should [24:15.680 --> 24:16.680] look it up. [24:16.680 --> 24:21.680] Do you agree with President Obama on Libya or not? [24:21.680 --> 24:26.800] Okay, Libya. [24:26.800 --> 24:32.040] The basic knowledge of those attempting to spearhead a country can leave much to be desired. [24:32.040 --> 24:35.960] Where does this leave Americans choosing their politicians and their country's potential [24:35.960 --> 24:36.960] future? [24:36.960 --> 24:37.960] Let's find out. [24:37.960 --> 24:43.960] Uzbekistan, I've heard of it through Borat. [24:43.960 --> 24:45.960] For some reason, I don't know anything about Libya. [24:45.960 --> 24:48.120] Do you know what Uzbekistan is? [24:48.120 --> 24:51.040] No, I do not know what Uzbekistan is. [24:51.040 --> 24:52.040] Uzbekistan? [24:52.040 --> 24:53.040] No. [24:53.040 --> 24:56.040] Do you know the U.S. is an air base there? [24:56.040 --> 24:57.040] No idea. [24:57.040 --> 24:59.440] What do you know about Libya? [24:59.440 --> 25:00.440] Not much. [25:00.440 --> 25:01.440] Do you know how to spell Libya? [25:01.440 --> 25:02.440] Yes. [25:02.440 --> 25:03.440] Yes. [25:03.440 --> 25:07.440] Do you know the United States was involved in a war with Libya? [25:07.440 --> 25:08.440] Okay. [25:08.440 --> 25:11.440] Do you know why? [25:11.440 --> 25:12.440] Nope. [25:12.440 --> 25:15.440] I know absolutely nothing about Libya, honestly. [25:15.440 --> 25:16.440] What about New Mexico? [25:16.440 --> 25:18.440] Is that a state or a country? [25:18.440 --> 25:19.440] Uh-oh. [25:19.440 --> 25:20.440] What is that? [25:20.440 --> 25:22.440] I think we should have been on TV because we're so dumb. [25:22.440 --> 25:25.440] I was the vice president now. [25:25.440 --> 25:27.440] It's the old man. [25:27.440 --> 25:31.440] I was under Bush. [25:31.440 --> 25:32.440] Wow. [25:32.440 --> 25:33.440] I actually... [25:33.440 --> 25:34.440] Come on. [25:34.440 --> 25:35.440] It was not that long ago. [25:35.440 --> 25:36.440] Oh, oh, oh. [25:36.440 --> 25:37.440] Cheney, yeah. [25:37.440 --> 25:39.440] Who is the vice president of the U.S.? [25:39.440 --> 25:41.440] You know, I have no idea. [25:41.440 --> 25:43.440] I know it's Barack Obama, but... [25:43.440 --> 25:45.440] The vice president? [25:45.440 --> 25:46.440] Cheney? [25:46.440 --> 25:48.440] So who is the secretary of state? [25:48.440 --> 25:49.440] Kind of later. [25:49.440 --> 25:50.440] I still don't know. [25:50.440 --> 25:55.440] We would be fools and nays to ignore their purpose and their plan. [25:55.440 --> 25:59.440] Some countries are at the top of politicians' list to attack verbally and literally. [25:59.440 --> 26:03.440] But how much do people really know about those faraway places? [26:03.440 --> 26:05.440] What's the capital of Iran? [26:05.440 --> 26:06.440] Give it to me. [26:06.440 --> 26:07.440] It's Iran. [26:07.440 --> 26:08.440] Yeah, it's Iran, yeah. [26:08.440 --> 26:09.440] Who's the president? [26:09.440 --> 26:10.440] I'm with your dad. [26:10.440 --> 26:11.440] Who? [26:11.440 --> 26:12.440] I'm with your dad. [26:12.440 --> 26:13.440] Do you know what the president of Iran is? [26:13.440 --> 26:14.440] No. [26:14.440 --> 26:15.440] The capital? [26:15.440 --> 26:16.440] Capital of Iran? [26:16.440 --> 26:17.440] No. [26:17.440 --> 26:19.440] Do you know the capital city of Iran? [26:19.440 --> 26:20.440] Negative. [26:20.440 --> 26:22.440] Do you guys know what Iran is? [26:22.440 --> 26:23.440] Of course, yes. [26:23.440 --> 26:25.440] What's the capital of Iran? [26:25.440 --> 26:26.440] Who cares? [26:26.440 --> 26:29.440] Who's the president? [26:29.440 --> 26:31.440] No. [26:31.440 --> 26:33.440] Who's president? [26:33.440 --> 26:34.440] He just died. [26:34.440 --> 26:36.440] What about the capital of Iran? [26:36.440 --> 26:37.440] The capital? [26:37.440 --> 26:38.440] Yes, I do. [26:38.440 --> 26:39.440] What is it? [26:39.440 --> 26:40.440] You're asking me? [26:40.440 --> 26:41.440] I can't tell you that either. [26:41.440 --> 26:42.440] Top secret. [26:42.440 --> 26:43.440] Come on! [26:43.440 --> 26:45.440] I don't know why it's bothering me. [26:45.440 --> 26:46.440] It's not Libya. [26:46.440 --> 26:47.440] It's Pakistan. [26:47.440 --> 26:48.440] Anything? [26:48.440 --> 26:49.440] Any guesses? [26:49.440 --> 26:50.440] No. [26:50.440 --> 26:52.440] You're like Osama. [26:52.440 --> 26:54.440] He's the president of Iraq. [26:54.440 --> 26:55.440] Iran. [26:55.440 --> 26:56.440] Iran, right. [26:56.440 --> 26:57.440] All right. [26:57.440 --> 26:58.440] Do you know his name? [26:58.440 --> 27:00.440] Medagena Jaff or something. [27:00.440 --> 27:05.440] When it comes to picking a future for the U.S., choosing what comes next may be tough without [27:05.440 --> 27:09.440] the knowledge of what has gone on in the past and even the very present. [27:09.440 --> 27:12.440] Ancestria Cherkina, RT, New York. [27:12.440 --> 27:13.440] I like that. [27:13.440 --> 27:15.440] I can't tell you a top secret response. [27:15.440 --> 27:17.440] Sport Live from Moscow a little bit later this hour. [27:17.440 --> 27:22.440] Unim's got news of why English football team Manchester City's New Year celebrations are [27:22.440 --> 27:25.440] extra special today, but it's headlines next in just under two minutes. [27:25.440 --> 27:54.440] In fact, you're on our team with me, Kevin Howey. [28:25.440 --> 28:50.440] Thank you. [28:50.440 --> 29:16.440] Thank you. [29:16.440 --> 29:31.440] Hello again, the headlines from RT Moscow at 10.30 p.m. New Year's Day. [29:31.440 --> 29:35.840] President Obama signed a bill which imposes new tough sanctions on Iran over its disputed [29:35.840 --> 29:36.840] nuclear program. [29:36.840 --> 29:41.760] That's despite Iran's threats to shut off a key oil supply route in the Gulf, as tension [29:41.760 --> 29:45.640] between the two countries continues to build. [29:45.640 --> 29:50.760] The Syrian regime's crackdown on demonstrators carries on unabated, forcing our oblique observers [29:50.760 --> 29:53.400] to warn Damascus to rein in the violence. [29:53.400 --> 29:56.960] The monitors are overseeing the implementation of a peace plan that the president has said [29:56.960 --> 29:59.640] agreed to. [29:59.640 --> 30:00.640] And the world...