#3
Wow! This works for me on so many levels...especially where Kate does the full earwax extraction thang with her tongue. Sheesh Billy, ever hear of a Q-Tip?
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
12/08/2003 0:09 Comments ||
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#4
Uhhh...
Either Rantburg is getting entirely too esoteric for me, or Brian had a bottle ot two too many of the bubbly at the wedding....
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - With a giant American flag waving at half-staff under a cloudy sky, an aging and dwindling group of Pearl Harbor survivors gathered Sunday to commemorate the Japanese attack that launched the United States into World War II 62 years ago.
The generations that have passed since Dec. 7, 1941 have softened the pain but not eroded memories, the survivors said in a service at the USS Arizona Memorial.
"Iâm getting too old to have feelings," said Leo Fitzek, 91, who was a radio operator on Ford Island, next to the harborâs Battleship Row, at the time of the attack.
About 250 people gathered on the memorial for the ceremony which paused in silence at 7:55 a.m. - 62 years to the minute after the attack started.
Representatives of veterans and military groups dropped anthuriums and plumerias onto the water in an open well in the memorial, as the 18-foot flag waved at half-staff.
"The actions of those enemies may forever live in infamy," said Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific. "But the valor of our citizens lives more boldly in our history."
The Arizona, which sank at its mooring along Battleship Row after a bomb ripped it open, remains a tomb for most of the 1,177 crewmen who were killed. The USS Arizona Memorial spans the hull of the battleship that sank in just nine minutes during the attack.
"You always remember," said William Cope, 90, who was a B-17 pilot at Hickam Air Force Base during the attack.
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and other military bases on Oahu lasted two hours. Twenty-one ships were heavily damaged, and 320 aircraft were damaged or destroyed. In all, about 2,390 people were killed and about 1,178 were wounded.
On the other side of the harbor, hundreds gathered at another service, which included a speech by Ernest Borgnine, the Oscar-winning actor whose role in "From Here to Eternity" won him the invitation to the service that was titled "Hollywood Remembers Pearl Harbor." If only hollywood would remember Pearl Harbor.
In separate ceremonies Sunday, two men who were aboard ships in Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack were being buried at sea.
Elsewhere across the country, veterans groups planned candlelight ceremonies in New York, Chicago and Atlanta to honor Pearl Harbor victims.
This yearâs rather subdued observances were similar to those last year, but were far different from 2001, when the 60th anniversary and its parallels with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks drew thousands to Hawaii.
I would like to remember those who gave their lives on Dec 7th as well as during WW II and the wars before and after that. We owe our freedom to you brave men and women.
#1
The forces of the Allies in WW-II literally saved the world - and it was a close-run thing, too. I echo CF's statement 100% - THANKS. We owe you for the freedom we enjoy today.
#2
The fact is that we would have lost the war completly if FDR had listened to his party and NOT built up our forces. On December 7, 1941 we had the worlds 15th largest military. That was before the attack! We were VERY lucky. I salute all that served in what had to be the a very trying time in the U.S. Thank you and god bless.
#4
It is difficult to fully express the gratitude we owe and feel for that generation which sacrificed so much...their potential, their expectations for a good life. I am ashamed of how that legacy has been squandered.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
12/08/2003 0:43 Comments ||
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Pravda alert!
US soldiers are developing a drug addiction problem in Afghanistan, said Deputy State Drug Controller Alexander Mikhailov. He said that there have already been several occurrences of drug addiction among US soldiers in Afghanistan, but the US leadership is keeping it quiet. âThey donât have control of the situation. This should be a good example for our troops in Tajikistan,â said Mikhailov. The state drug controllerâs office and the Russian Orthodox Church have decided to step up joint efforts against drug use, said Mikhailov. At the present time more than 90% of narcotics in Russia come from Afghanistan through Central Asia. Only 10% of narcotics are produced in Russia. I really doubt this story. Pravda has demonstrated before it will go to any lengths to smear US soldiers.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 12:55:27 AM ||
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#1
Steve, not only do they want to smear our troops, but they want to make their own mistakes during the debacle of the (Soviet) Russian war/takeover there look more "excusable."
Undoubtedly, more than one Russki soldier returned home from Aghanistan in the '80's addicted to horse.
Poor bastards.
Leave it to Drudge to feature this story, however.
#2
The young people I know that are doing service today are not druggie types, very uncool. And let me tell you I've known the problem. Let the ghosts go.
#3
I doubt this story not.As a former US Army member
I dabbled in narcotics(Heroin,Opium)for the first
time while serving active duty in Germany.Drug use
was not uncommon even during the Reagan era when
random urine tests were first instituted on a
regular basis.Given the boredom and stress of duty
in the military combined with youthful curiousity,
availability of high grade heroin at cheap prices,
I'm not surprised if the Pravda story is true.
#4
Well, if the soldiers are on deployment, and beer isn't available due to "cultural sensitivity" or some such crap, then yeah, some soldiers might get thier fix elsewhere.
However, I doubt the problem is really widespread to the point where it's having an effect on discipline or operations. Ase Jennie said above, this smacks of projection a little.
Posted by: Pete Stanley ||
12/07/2003 1:55 Comments ||
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#5
This strikes me as a "grain of truth" story. I agree with comments above...but are adequate random drug tests being performed? Better safe than very, very sorry.
#6
"several occurrences of drug addiction" implies "They donât have control of the situation". Yeah right.
Posted by: Rafael ||
12/07/2003 7:08 Comments ||
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#7
Grrrrrrr. What a waste of time - but I can't just let it go by.
1) This is Pravda. P R A V D A. Remember? PRAVDA.
2) "several" occurrences is crap. Numbers or piss off. This the Beeb / NYT calculated vagueness - loaded with implication, utterly unproven and undocumented. What tripe.
3) Anonymous ("I doubt this story not.") - I believe you not, dood. The VAST majority of service men and women are intelligent clear-headed adults with personal ethics and values - an all-volunteer force. The doper mentality went the way of the adolescent pimple-ridden draftees. I pulled my time during the height of the draft - and saw them up close. And when the draft went away the transition to a professional corps came. The majority of the twits have weeded themselves out over time. There may be a few who lack an internal compass or become weak, but they are definitely the exception - which makes this vague broad indictment stink like road-kill. Don't paint these troopers with your brush - when you dabbled, you disgraced yourself. Your vacuous and lame self-justifications are an insult to hundreds of thousands of real men and women - honorable gutsy quality men & women. Time for your rehab meeting, man.
#8
.com - you I completely agree with you. But what good does it do to get upset that the Beeb and Pravda are attempting to smear our troops? Even if it's a complete lie or if we are only talking about the possibility of "a few who lack an internal compass or become weak..."shouldn't the powers that be ask themselves if there could be some truth to this - even if on a tiny scale. The drugs are readily available and kicks are hard to find. All teenagers are young, impressionable and stupid...no matter how smart or professional they may be for their age. I don't find it incomprehensible that there could be a kernel of truth to this. Better for the brass to quietly address the possibility than to hide from it.
Posted by: B ||
12/07/2003 11:49 Comments ||
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#9
When I was a Division Officer in the early 90's, I had several sailors fail urinalysis for THC. They were processed out for their bad decisions. I don't know whether they were the exception or the rule.
I do know that hair clipping tests are much harder to fake as long as the person taking the sample is not dirty. I hope we have upgraded to this method. I had my first hair test at my employment physical for GM - a big company that doesn't move to new technology unless it is generally accepted.
I doubt the Russians have the budget for drug screening - a definite problem. The Soviets certainly didn't during their Afghan War. In my day the drug prevention method the Soviets employed in their navy was to never let their sailors into foriegn ports. A six-month deployment for a Soviet ship was a six-month anchorage near a strategic chokepoint, for example, in the Gulf of Oman.
I am reaonably sure that our 18 year old kids will make some bad decisions even today, but as long as the zero toleratnce policy remains in effect, readiness will not suffer.
Remember also that the Soviet soldiers were drafted, low paid cannon fodder in the middle of an unpopular war. The took heavy casualties in an enviroment that resembled hell-on-earth. Their forces in Afghanistan ought to be used as an example to our media of what morale problems really look like.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:04 Comments ||
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#10
I remember reading reports that up to 40% of the people in some Russian units in Afghanistan had serious drug problems. These were military reports, with good sources and solid information. The Russians truly suffered "Vietnam" in Afghanistan. I also know that many otherwise fine young soldiers and airmen were summarily discharged for testing positive to THC. In Germany, I saw four CIVILIANS fired within six days of commanders getting the results of their drug tests. The US didn't - and still doesn't - fool around. There may be a problem. I doubt it's a SERIOUS problem, and it's one that has a well-established, fast, and effective solution. There are NO repeat offenders - the offenders are almost always out the first time.
PRAVDA is supposed to mean "Truth". Actually, the situation is more like a mirror image - anything they say is 180 degrees out from the truth!
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 12:26 Comments ||
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#11
PRAVDA is supposed to mean "Truth".
And Isvestia (sp?) means news.
Maybe the old Soviet Union era joke still applies. - Isvestia is rarely pravda, and pravda is rarely isvestia.
#12
I wonder what the drug abuse stats are in the Russian military in the Chechnya theater of operations? Smear not, yet you yourself be smeared? So to speak...
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
12/07/2003 15:52 Comments ||
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#13
A six-month deployment for a Soviet ship was a six-month anchorage near a strategic chokepoint, for example, in the Gulf of Oman.
Ah, so you saw the 'rustbucket fleet' too.
O.P. is right - a lot of things tightened up, especially in the latter part of the Reagan era.
It's possible that Mikhailov has some semi-correct info, but I doubt it (then again -we are talking about the Army here ). Perhaps the Russian Deputy State Drug Controller would better spend his valuable time taking care of his own mess.
#14
.com - indeed we are. On the bright side, this is the kind of stuff that just makes the Beeb/Pravda et al less credible every day. And BTW.. I also agree we need to keep calling them on it. Lies repeated often enough, without being challenged, quickly become The Truth(TM).
Posted by: B ||
12/07/2003 16:04 Comments ||
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#15
The Russians weren't the only ones with a drug problem in Afghanistan. The Jihadis themselves were users (though probably not abusers) with the belief that opium (or whatever) would make you a fearless fighter. It probably did too. I bet when the Russians discovered this, they wanted to try it as well. But combined with bad tactics, the results were disastrous, whereas the Jihadis were atleast semi-successful (semi, because without the help from the US, who knows how it might have turned out).
Posted by: Rafael ||
12/07/2003 16:41 Comments ||
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#16
I doubt the validity of this story, but there might be a tiny kernel of truth to drug use by some troops. However, it has nothing to do with heroin or opium.
Methamphetamine use by troops is sort of a dirty little secret, because it's actually issued to some troops that do some certain types of operations. There's a history of issuing speed to troops, it was part of rations for aircrews in WW2 (hence the meth angle to biker gangs), also to some infantry units and OSS types, SOG in Vietnam. Most likely the guys that are doing the same kind of missions now are probably using something to keep themselves 'alert' (i.e., they're speeding their balls off). I wouldn't be surprised if somebody picked up on it and is trying to smear it around.
#17
interesting that the above comment - glibly contending that our troops use speed much in the same way that I drink coffee - was signed by Anonymous. Makes me disbelieve it's merit.
Posted by: B ||
12/07/2003 18:39 Comments ||
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#18
Yeah, "B" is such a unique identifier, it lends you so much credibility. Whatever. In any case, it's not my job to cure you of your ignorance. I suggest you go read something like The Raid and pull your obnoxious head out of your ass. If Simons says some of his guys would use dexadrine during ops, I would tend to believe him.
#19
Except that "B" has been posting here for a while, and has a consistent writing style. In other words, he has a rep.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
12/07/2003 19:22 Comments ||
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#20
Speed abuse is an interesting idea, if we are still issuing it we need to stop. I think anyone who has neglected a term paper and done an allnighter with Nodoze will attest that coherent thought is not a charecteristic of "speeding."
"Alert" does not imply capable of making intelligent decisions. The Spec Ops boys demonstrate too much restraint with thier target differentiation to be speed freaks.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 19:47 Comments ||
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#21
RE:Comment # 7
1)Hey just imagine that,a newspaper that would go
so far as to sensationalize a story to sell more
copies.I am just shocked! You are so astute,.com.
2)I'd like to see numbers,too.
3)I've nothing better to do with my time than make
up fictionalized accounts of drug use in the U.S.
military.Whether you believe me makes not a tiny
bit of difference.If anything,I've soft soaped my
post on drug use upon military bases. Hashish was
readily available and was commonly smoked by the
enlisted men & women I knew,from E-2's through
E8's.Mandrax(a British form of Quaalude)was quite
common in the off base bars and discos frequented
by soldiers.Several other varieties of cannabis
other than hashish were also readily available.
Heroin,Opium & Cocaine were less visible but they
were nonetheless quite available both on and off
base.The Germans and the Turks who did most of
the selling of these aformentioned illegal drugs
were regulars & well known by both servicemen and
civilian employees on my base in Augsburg,West
Germany(Flak Kaserne)as well as on Reese and on
Sheridan Kaserne,the other two main bases in town.
Listen up,I am not condoning nor condemning drugs
or the use of them.I'm not as morally superior as
you think you most obviously are,.cum.If you had
read my post clearly,then you'd see that I am not
isssuing any sort of broad,sweeping indictment but
simply saying that the possibility does exist that
some US servicemen just may be using drugs.SHOCK! SHOCK! The USA is the worlds largest consumer of illegal drugs,ya know.Check it it's a fact jack.
You are right(even though this pains me to admit
that anything you say could possibly be right),
that the majority of servicemen and women are
clearheaded,upstanding individuals.However,much to
your dismay,.scum,some of these good people have
used,will use or are using drugs of one sort or
another,alcohol included ,just as I myself did and
was honest enough to admit.Chalk it up to simple
youthful folly or just plain stupidity,basically
I think those are one and the same.As far as me
disgracing myself,I hardly think so,.crum.If this
is the case a large part of this country is along
for the ride.I went to college after serving my 4 years active duty,graduated,have gone on to enjoy
a well paying job & career,gotten married,had a
couple kids,do volunteer work with kids from less
than fortunate backgrounds and generally lead a
quite happy and well balanced existence.As far as
the drugs go,I haven't done any since the junior year of my college days(Imagine that smoking pot in college,oh my!).Oh yeah by the by, my vacuous
(Ooooooh,you got a thesaurus!)self justifications
are none of the kind.I did what I did because I
wanted do.I accept full responsibility for all of
my own behavior.Period.The next time that you read
read with your brain,you cretin and don't you ever
call me "dude" again......
Posted by: David H.James ||
12/07/2003 23:14 Comments ||
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#22
Passion, bitter passion. What came before is not what is today.
Whatâs "The root cause of Islamic Terrorism?"
Hereâs the answer. Ten pages, so link and read it all
...
Starting in the late 1980s--after the dual shocks of the Iranian revolution and the Soviet war in Afghanistan--Saudi Arabiaâs quasi-official charities became the primary source of funds for the fast-growing jihad movement. In some 20 countries, the money was used to run paramilitary training camps, purchase weapons, and recruit new members.
The charities were part of an extraordinary $70 billion Saudi campaign to spread their fundamentalist Wahhabi sect worldwide. The money helped lay the foundation for hundreds of radical mosques, schools, and Islamic centers that have acted as support networks for the jihad movement, officials say.
U.S. intelligence officials knew about Saudi Arabiaâs role in funding terrorism by 1996, yet for years Washington did almost nothing to stop it. Examining the Saudi role in terrorism, a senior intelligence analyst says, was "virtually taboo." Even after the embassy bombings in Africa, moves by counterterrorism officials to act against the Saudis were repeatedly rebuffed by senior staff at the State Department and elsewhere who felt that other foreign policy interests outweighed fighting terrorism.
Posted by: tipper. ||
12/07/2003 1:10:31 AM ||
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#1
Again, Tipper goes for the throat. Read it, it takes about a 1/2 hr. Everything you thought you knew about our SA buds brought to light. But nothing you don't already suspect.
#3
This is like a lite version of the missing 80 pages... with enough repetition and circulation it will eventually become obvious, even to Geo41, that the real key, cutting to the bone in one swing of the scimitar, is to take their money-maker away from them: the Eastern Province. I've written about this more than a few times - twice very recently - and no one ever bites. *sniff, sniff* The mental exercise of the ramifications is pretty engaging - or so I thought - and it doesn't get much simpler nor more obvious, IMO. Must be my breath. ;->
#4
I'm writing to US NEWS & World to suggest they publish the names of each and every former memeber of the US gov't who has in any way shape or form taken money from or otherwise gone onto the Saudi payroll since leaving their gov't job. I want to know the names of all the Americans who were effectively paid to look the other way while the House of Saud and the Islamic "charities" paved the way for Osama and his ilk. I think the result will be biparitsan: Dems and Pubs will be implicated and exposed as whores. As well they should be.
Posted by: Mark ||
12/07/2003 10:15 Comments ||
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#5
Mark, it might be possible to get some of that list via public domain info. Hmmm... I think I'll look around.
Posted by: Kathy K ||
12/07/2003 10:41 Comments ||
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#6
Well, James Baker and many who work for his firm lobby for the Saudis.
What about the ex-ambassadors to SA? They have a nice pension i'm led to believe. Didn't dhimmi Carter write Arafat's op-ed piece that appeared in the NYT some time ago? So now we have an idea where some of that money went.
Posted by: Barry ||
12/07/2003 10:59 Comments ||
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#7
Read the whole thing before you scream...
Yup. Focus on the blame game, folks. Form a coupla dozen committees and root them out. Beat that symptom bloody. Great sport. Get it out of your systems. Filling, yes, but ultimately unsatisfying because the problem is still there.
Barry - you have a hard-on for Baker. Fine. Indulge yourself - just remember you are actually wasting time. I understand the feeling - the urge, but there'll be plenty of time later for stringing 'em up. If you just gotta party, okay, but keep the real target in mind... and set your alarm clock for an early start tomorrow.
Back on-target: stop the money and you stop 90% of everything else. Start saying the unsayable. Get Un-PC. Get hardass with Congress and Dubya. Gut State - they are our institutional hurdle.
Get a woodie for taking the oil, the funding source, away from the asshats. Think about it - nothing else will work. They didn't create it. It's just ugly serendipity. Get hardcore and prepare yourself and those around you for what has to be done.
In the end, when all the shouting is over, you know this is what we'll have to do. Let's get past that and do it. :-}
#8
It's not just taking out the Eastern Province. We have to destroy Wahabism - totally, completely, irreversibly. That requires bringing down the House of Saud, doing some SERIOUS house-cleaning in the mosques and madrassas, and doing some deep pummeling of those that try to stop us - including the Phrench and their complicit partners. That, and that alone, will allow us to live in peace for another few years, until the NEXT asshat with a plan to rule the world steps up.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 13:07 Comments ||
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#9
OP (everyone) - look at this map. You can ignore all of the other natural resources of SA (CIA Fact Book backs me up) cuz it's oil that provides all the money.
Without money, it all dies - Wahhabism support of all types and from all sources. Think it through. No fat job for Joe Avg Saudi = no zakat. If you're a Royal, will you continue to donate to your favorite turban when you know there is no more coming? What is in the bank today is all there will ever be? Will you turn over investment-level sums of cash to your favorite turban so he can run jihad off the interest - knowing that your nest-egg could be frozen any time the Swiss (or whomever) get enough pressure or the urge to cooperate?
I've been through this over and over for some time now - it's much simpler than you think.
#10
.com,
Not a matter of 'blame game'as much as being able to more effectively counteract our fifth column types by pointing out their backers.
For instance, Joseph Wilson (of yellowcake and Plame fame) works for the Saudi-funded Middle East Institute. That doesn't necessarily discredit anything he says but might make someone at least wonder at some of his motives.
Posted by: Kathy K ||
12/07/2003 14:30 Comments ||
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#11
.com has it exactly right -- much as the gummint whacked Al Capone on tax evasion, not murder, we need to whack the Wahabbis by taking their money, not their lives. Denying the former makes the latter worthless.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 15:29 Comments ||
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#12
.com is right. I need to get into the whole article, but winning the WoT goes in choking off the resources that feeds the terrorists, and that resource is money and the money flows through Saudi Arabia and Iran. If we put our collective wills to it, we could squash them like bugs in a year.
That said, there is something else we need to do, and that is to look inside ourselves with some introspection to see how we collectively let this cancer grow under our very noses for years. The 1973 oil embargo was a wakeup call, but we elected not to wake up. And I mean not just the US but Europe, too. And the rest of the world. Having our human heads up our collective asses is going to get more and more expensive every year, every month.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
12/07/2003 16:07 Comments ||
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#13
three words and the WOT is over: fuel cell technology.
Posted by: B ||
12/07/2003 18:52 Comments ||
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#14
B - add three more words and I'll agree: in 20 years.
KathyK - Okay, I agree with your point, but stick with the statement that there'll be plenty of time later for stringing up our Vichyists. The Wilson affair is a classic example of internal infighting and policy subversion - someone should pay with his career for that stunt. As for Plame, old Joe has really become a carnival barker and she's become Gypsy Rose Lee. Truly a craven and lewd performance by both - not to mention disingenuous and dishonest.
AP - Amen. To all of your comments.
OP - And I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge your points - you're right. The Int'l version of stringing them up is important work, too. Can you see an eventual multilateralist role in administering the assets seized? I'm 100% certain that, once they realize what we must do and that we have the will to do it, they'll immediately hop on-board. Not for the oil, nooooo, but because we will need their guidance. We are but poor cowboys and have, only lately, come to understand that imperial designs can be so, uh, good for the world. Yeah, that's the ticket. "Yes. We, too, want peace piece - of the province."
Arabia yesterday announced the names of 26 suspects wanted in connection with terrorist attacks in the country and offered cash rewards for information leading to their arrest. The ministry urged the wanted men, who include 23 Saudis, two Moroccans and a Yemeni, to surrender to security forces. âThose who are convicted will be punished in accordance with the Shariah,â the ministry added.
Does that mean they're going to cut their heads off?
The ministry has posted an SR7 million reward for anyone providing information that stops a potential attack, SR5 million for information leading to the arrest of a group of terror suspects, and SR1 million for the arrest of a single suspect. The ministry warned anyone cooperating with the suspects in any way, adding they will face âharsh punishment.â
The new list includes seven men already on a list of 19 leading militants published by Saudi authorities a week before the May 12 bombings in Riyadh. The remaining 12 from the May list have been captured or killed or have surrendered to the authorities.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
12/07/2003 12:20:48 AM ||
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#1
I think their list is short by a couple dozen al-Ghamdi's...
#4
"will be punished in accordance with the Shariah"
I'm confused does this mean they will get thier 72 Rasins after they get thier heads cut-off or will the House of Saud provide them now.
An Iraqi officer has identified himself as the source for a British claim about Saddam Husseinâs weapons that sparked a controversy marked by the death of a British government arms expert. The Sunday Telegraph said Lt. Col. al-Dabbagh identified himself as the source for the British governmentâs assertion that Iraq could have deployed chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes of a decision to do so. The paper gave the officerâs surname only, citing fears for his safety if he was fully identified. "Accck! Mahmoud! I have a target for you! And youâd better not miss this time!"
"But my aim with that grenade was perfect last time, effendi!"
[SLAP!] "Idiot! Donât give me that! Youâre a Pakistani, you canât throw a grenade!"
Prime Minister Tony Blairâs office declined to comment on the newspaper report, which was featured in early editions published late Saturday. ``Weâre not prepared to comment but we urge all those involved to provide the Iraq Survey Group with whatever information they believe they have,ââ a spokeswoman for Blairâs office said on customary condition of anonymity. The ISG is the coalition body searching for Saddamâs alleged chemical or biological weapons. The 45-minute claim was in a government dossier published in September 2002. A British Broadcasting Corp. report later incorrectly accused the government of ``sexing upââ the dossier to make a more convincing case for military action. Government weapons adviser David Kelly apparently committed suicide in July after being identified as the source for the malicious, erroneous BBC report. The Sunday Telegraph reported that al-Dabbagh was the former head of an Iraqi air defense unit in the countryâs western desert. It said he had spied for the Iraqi National Accord, a London-based exile group, and provided reports to British intelligence from early 2002 on Saddamâs plans to deploy weapons of mass destruction. Al-Dabbagh said cases containing chemical or biological warheads were delivered to front-line units, including his own, in late 2002, the paper reported. He said they were designed to be launched by hand-held rocket-propelled grenades, and did not know what exactly the warheads contained. "Great news, effendi! We have new warhead for the RPG. It delivers wonderous Sarin gas!"
"Interesting, Mahmoud. Whatâs the effective dispersed radius of the gas?"
"About a hundred meters, effendi."
"Whatâs the effective aimed range of the RPG by our elite Republican Guard soldiers?"
"About a hundred meters, effendi."
"I see. I will have you try it first."
The governmentâs September dossier said that ``Iraqâs military forces are able to use chemical and biological weapons, with command, control and logistical arrangements in place. The Iraqi military are able to deploy these weapons within 45 minutes of a decision to do so.ââ The head of the MI6 spy agency, Sir Richard Dearlove, told the inquiry into Kellyâs death that the 45-minute warning in the dossier came from an ``established and reliable source,ââ quoting a senior Iraqi military officer who was in a position to know the information. The Sunday Telegraph said al-Dabbagh believed he was the source for that claim. ``I am the one responsible for providing this information,ââ he was quoted as saying. ``It is 100 percent accurate. ``Forget 45 minutes, we could have fired these within half an hour,ââ al-Dabbagh added. He said the weapons were not used because most of the Iraqi army did not want to fight for Saddam. Guy must be credible, thatâs the second thing heâs got right.
The newspaper said al-Dabbagh works as an adviser to the Iraqi Governing Council and said he has received death threats from Saddam loyalists. It reported that Iyad Allawi, the head of the Iraqi National Accord and a prominent council member, confirmed that he had passed information from al-Dabbagh on Saddamâs weapons to British and American intelligence officials in the spring and summer of 2002. Wonder if the Democrats will concede this one to Bush?
[crickets chirping]
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 12:38:11 AM ||
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#1
Well it all makes some sense, but I don't think they had that weapon. But the blokes know more than anybody I suppose.
#2
What are you talking about Lucky? Many attacks have been conducted with RPG's, so it makes sense. It would also explains why they have so many. The ones for the WMD were converted since the current attackers don't have the training to handle it(WMD). Not to mention this backs up the overall claim that Sammy had the WMD's in the first place. Why wouldn't the ones to fire the WMD know about them? They don't know WHERE they are, granted, but why would they need to know that? They would have it delivered to them by designated people. Most likely Sadaam Fedayeen.
This also points out the type of conclusions and outright bias that the BBC has against the WoT. And since the officer who helped gather data for the war has stepped forward, how much longer before those with knowledge of the actual WMD's step forward? I am just itching to ululate over discovery.
Posted by: Charles ||
12/07/2003 3:34 Comments ||
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#3
A Sarin RPG round would probably make a better terrorist weapon than a battle field one. I don't remeber too many regular Iraqi infantry units that got within 100M of an coalition infantry unit.
The Iraqi army doesn't strike me as the type of outfit that would pre-deploy sarin at the squad level. The rounds would be more likely to be used against the local Baath Party HQ.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:22 Comments ||
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#4
Like I said, makes some sense but I would think that they would have been used by now. Like on that rocket attack on the Al Rasheed hotel. But If they did have them and if they still have them, they only need a few stooges to cause a big mess.
IRVINE, Calif. - It was planned as a way to bring young athletes together for a weekend of fun, but when participants in the Muslim Football tournament started naming their teams Intifada, Soldiers of Allah and Mujahideen, Jewish leaders took offense.
[snip]
"What exactly are they honoring here?" asked Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Los Angeles-based Jewish human rights organization. "The continued targeting of innocent women and children by homicide bombers deserves to be condemned across the board. Itâs deeply, deeply disturbing."
[snip]
"A lot of the kids on our team are from Palestinian origin," said Tarek Shawky, Intifadaâs 29-year-old captain and quarterback. "We are in solidarity with people in the uprising. Itâs about human rights and basic freedoms."
#2
Yids need to be less sensitive and more imaginative. Golani Brigade is a good name for a team... The Wrath of God is not to bad either.... Or how about the 48'ers..... The F-15Is? The Dolphins? And for the overweight set... the Mighty Merkovas.... THE STERN GANG!
#3
"A lot of the kids on our team are from Palestinian origin," said Tarek Shawky, Intifadaâs 29-year-old captain and quarterback. "We are in solidarity with people in the uprising. Itâs about human rights and basic freedoms."
Sounds like a ham-ASS member to me trying to export their hatred. I would hope that the FBI is watching him since he is in 'solidarity' with murders and terrorists.
#4
Who cares what they name their teams? They have to live with their names. In college there was a great intramural team called the Piss Hard Ons.
Maybe they should call their teams "The Murdering Tikritis" or the "Shredder Feeders". Wait till they play the .50 Cal Snipers in the playoffs.
If you complain about everything, no one listens to you anyway. The story shouldn't be about the SWC complaining, it should be about what the typical American thinks.
#5
Try fielding a team called the CRUSADERS at the Woodbridge Community Park. The ACLU will be there faster than you can say "Separation of church ..."
#6
Once again we have a double standard--this misguided notion that Islam is off limits to any criticism, however it continues to be open season on the Judea/Christian heritage that founded this country.
Posted by: Douglas De Bono ||
12/07/2003 21:24 Comments ||
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#7
"Itâs about human rights and basic freedoms." Human rights protesters that target civilians with semetex - sounds about right.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 21:59 Comments ||
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#8
Anyone on Rantburg heard about the new Riddley Scott movie currently filming in Spain and Morocco? The working title is "The Crusades" that should get some turbans spinning!
Severely EFL & tip O the hat to Andrew Sullivan Collateral Damage:
the health and environmental costs of war on Iraq was issued in London on 12 November 2002 by the global anti-war health organisation Medact, the UK affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and simultaneously released by in the UK, US and over a dozen other countries. Up to four million people could die in a war on Iraq involving nuclear weapons. Did the docs think that Saddam had nukes and would use them?Hmmm
A more contained conflict could cause half a million deaths and have a devastating impact on the lives, health and environment of the combatants, Iraqi civilians, and people in neighbouring countries and beyond. It could also damage the global economy and thus indirectly harm the health and well-being of millions more people across the world. The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
Researched and written by health professionals, this evidence-based report examines the likely impact of a new war on Iraq from a public health perspective. Credible estimates of the total possible deaths on all sides during the conflict and the following three months range from 48,000 to over 260,000. Civil war within Iraq could add another 20,000 deaths. Additional later deaths from post-war adverse health effects could reach 200,000. If nuclear weapons were used the death toll could reach 3,900,000. In all scenarios the majority of casualties will be civilians. And the actual causalties on both sides were a fraction of this. Leave the intel gathering and analysis to less emotional professionals.
The aftermath of a âconventionalâ war could include civil war, famine and epidemics, millions of refugees and displaced people, catastrophic effects on childrenâs health and development, economic collapse including failure of agriculture and manufacturing, and a requirement for long-term peacekeeping. You want to see civil war? Pull coalition troops out soon as the Dims are suggesting and youâll see all the civil war you want.
Thanks to the oil revenues and social policies hundreds of thousands of people were murdered and thousands of women raped of Saddam Husseinâs dictatorship, Iraq pre 1991 had become a reasonably prosperous, urbanised, middle-income country with a modern social infrastructure and good public services. The combined effects of war and sanctions, only partly offset by the humanitarian relief of the Oil-for-Palaces Food programme, relegated it to a pre-industrial age⊠Thereâs much more if you have the stomach. They lied to protect a brutal dictator and his sons.
They'll have a similar report on wherever we decide to hit next. And it'll be just as accurate. Count on it.
#1
I go to a doctor to discuss my aches and pains, and to find a way to treat them. If I want economic advice, I find a banker, or someone who knows economics. If I want to think about the after-effects of war, I discuss it with my fellow warriors. If it ain't your specialty, you don't know squat.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 14:48 Comments ||
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#2
I originally thought humanitarianism carried with it a certain compassion for humanity. At least that's how I like my humanitarianism.
But these folks are liars and are as complicit in the murders of 300,000 civilians if they had been carrying the weapons themselves.
#3
Thanks to the oil revenues and social policies of Saddam Husseinâs dictatorship, Iraq pre 1991 had become a reasonably prosperous, urbanised, middle-income country with a modern social infrastructure and good public services.
...such as efficient torture and body-disposal facilities. But then again, that wasn't the caring physicians' concern, was it?
#4
Sadaam only had mass graves of 300,000 people. The people of Iraq don't qualify for the support of the internation humanitarian community until mass graves hit 1M. I think it's in the UN charter.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 22:04 Comments ||
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EFL
He was always considered extraordinary. He was an excellent pupil, a good cricketer, a natural student leader, and a popular teacher in the medical career that he chose to pursue. Then he decided on a radical change in direction. He would become a jihadi, undergo a six-month training program, and then die as a martyr in the Kashmir Valley.
Oh, good career move...
On the journey toward the ultimate sacrifice of his life, though, his views underwent another radical change, and what had appeared as reality became an illusion as the bitter realization hit home of how cheap life is in the military games that Pakistan and India play. "You know, the military establishment is flourishing on our revenues. It has consumed our resources, and now it aims to consume the whole of our society in the name of jihad. My problem is, we spend so much of our national budgetary resources on our army, yet it sends young civilian lads to fight in the occupied valley [of Kashmir]. Why donât they wage this âjihadâ themselves, for which they get fat salaries and dozens of other benefits which a civilian cannot even dream of?"
Lessee, here... Ummm... "Too important to the movement"?
These words were spoken softly by a man with a long beard in the former Karachi offices of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the most active militant groups in Kashmir. The blunt sentiments caught the few other people in the room by surprise, causing the man with the long beard to laugh, and comment that perhaps such words should not echo "in these four walls".
Stating the obvious is a good way to get yourself dead, isn't it?
Asia Times Online: How was your life changed? Dr Ahmed: I come from a Salafi [Wahhabi] family so I was a practicing Muslim to some extent. After completing my medical education I joined a college where I taught. I came close to a few Salafi scholars whose appeal for jihad inspired me. I prepared a program of six months under which I would go to Kashmir and sacrifice my life in the way of Allah.
That's of much more benefit to society than, say, working on cutting the polio infection rate in Pakland...
ATol: So what happened then? Dr Ahmed: Since I was the most qualified person among my group of jihadis, I was soon elevated to the position of provincial commander of Sindh province, where my work was to recruit new people for jihad. I was also taken to the base camp in Pakistani Kashmir for briefings and exposure to jihadi activities. I am still a committed person in terms of the Islamic cause, but that exposure was enough to bring me back from illusions to reality.
ATol: Could you please elaborate. Dr Ahmed: You are a journalist and roam all around among jihadis and meet people from top to bottom. Have you ever noticed that though Karachi has the largest presence among jihadis, most of them actually come from the rural areas of Punjab? The recruitment of Karachiites is strictly discouraged in jihadi outfits. You know why? Because an urbanite will not follow instructions blindly, and the army establishment needs jihadis with below-average intelligence. It was, I think, in 2002 that I was sitting in the Azad Kashmir [Free - ie, Pakistani-occupied - Kashmir] base camp where a brigadier was giving a briefing on strategy. The brigadier said that a 500-member suicide squad was the need of the hour as India was set to attack. So I asked the brigadier to please explain to me why India would attack Pakistan. He said that since Pakistan supported the freedom struggle in Kashmir, which had "wrecked the nerves of the Indians", retaliation was expected at any time. I argued that this is what Pakistan had been doing for more than a decade, so what was new at this point in time, that India would suddenly need to attack Pakistan, especially at a time when both countries had nuclear arms? The brigadier then replied that the United States wanted to seize Pakistanâs nuclear weapons, and when this happened, India would attack Pakistan. I laughed and said, then perhaps you have chosen the wrong enemy - you should shoot the Americans first and kick their bases out from our land. My conversation irritated the brigadier, so he terminated the briefing and left a note that "next time I do not want to see this gentleman".
The next few days in the camp were even more of a strain on my conscience. A batch of teenagers from different, remote, rural places arrived. They were given initial training and were set to launch into the Indian-occupied Kashmir Valley. But the field commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba sent a message that an Indian army unit was on patrol in the area. The Pakistani colonel in charge nevertheless forced the youths to cross the border as he had to report back to his superiors. So despite the objections of the field commander, the youths had to go. They immediately came under siege by the Indian patrol, and many were shot dead. I questioned myself, should they deserve that? Did they really sacrifice their lives for Allah? For jihad? No! My mind and heart said that they were killed in the military game of two armies on both sides of the divide.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
12/07/2003 12:48:25 AM ||
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#1
A very human story. People are so ready to be sheep-led to slaughter. I first learned this lesson in the sixties on AM radio.
#2
Gosh, it all sounds so...familiar!"You know, the military establishment is flourishing on our revenues. It has consumed our resources, and now it aims to consume the whole of our society in the name of jihad. My problem is, we spend so much of our national budgetary resources on our army, yet it sends young civilian lads to fight in the occupied valley [of Kashmir]. Why donât they wage this âjihadâ themselves..
I'm sure the socialists, communists and affiliates are thinking...HEY! That's our trick! Moving the spot light of self-righteousness pity to another group of The Children(TM) and thus drawing the moths where you want them to be.
#3
The reason the military sends jihadis and not themselves is because they're not dumb whereas the jihadis are idiots. Full military action would lead to a full Indian response, but action by jihadis is discountable.
#4
I suspect that the national treasure of Pakistan is not spent on jihad. Jihad by sparcely outfitted yokels can't be too expensive. The marjority of Pakistan's GNP probably is siphoned off in the graft process at one of the many levels. American military aid probably goes for stockpiled weapons that don't get used. Most of hte cash needed for brainwashing and local oppression probably comes from Saudi Arabia.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:44 Comments ||
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BAGHDAD, IRAQ â Soldiers from Task Force 1st Armored Divisionâs 3rd Brigade Combat Team struck at insurgent elements in the Al Mansor district on the west side of the city Thursday.
The operation, part of Task Force 1st Armored Divisionâs Operation âIron Justice,â included 3rd Brigade units, attack helicopters, military police elements, and 300 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps guardsmen.
More than 1,200 apartments in 36 buildings and 52 other structures were scoured for suspected insurgent forces and criminals, illegal weapons, bomb making materials and propaganda from the former regime.
Soldiers detained 43 people, six suspected of attacking Coalition Forces with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), three of firing mortars at Coalition installations, and two were apprehended for rocket-propelled grenade attacks. Twenty-three people were detained for weapons law violations and 11 for interfering with Coalition operations. One suspected arms dealer was detained.
Military Police from the 709th Military Police Company detained three suspected members of a cell responsible for recent attacks in the district and at local market places.
The operation netted 215 illegal AK 47 assault rifles, 10 other types of military rifles, four machineguns, one shotgun, various weapons parts, nine assorted pistols and 10 hand grenades. An undetermined amount of ammunition, including some armor-piercing rounds, was also confiscated. Soldiers also seized 10 rocket-propelled grenade launcher sights, 12 mortar sights, a Soviet-made night vision device and four mortar aiming stakes. In addition to the weapons, the operation netted assorted electronic components, which could be used in making IEDs, three chemical protective masks, 24 individual body armor plates, assorted Saddam Hussein paraphernalia and 16 cases of U.S. meals ready-to-eat (MREs).
During the operation, a community resident tipped off the soldiers to the location of a weapons cache. Military Police found a bag of rocket-propelled grenade propellant, eight mortar fuses and 225 hand grenade fuses.
During the past 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division and subordinate units have conducted three offensive operations; two cordon and searches and one raid. Soldiers conducted 177 patrols, including nine joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. During these operations, one enemy was killed and seven were captured.
In 3rd Brigadeâs area of responsibility, elements conducted a raid to capture two brothers in Musayyib who have been funding anti-coalition activities through counterfeit currency efforts. The operation was a success and resulted in the capture of one of the two brothers.
In 3rd Armored Cavalry Regimentâs area of responsibility, elements were conducting a reconnaissance of a suspected ambush location. Two Kiowa OH-58 helicopters observing the area were engaged with small arms fire. The aircraft immediately returned fire resulting in one enemy soldier killed. A supporting ground element searched a nearby house where the personnel had fled â resulting in the capture of three males. A subsequent search of the area yielded miscellaneous weapon components.
During the past 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division and subordinate units have conducted eight offensive operations; six cordon and searches, one raid, and a mission consisting of nine simultaneous tactical checkpoints setup to prevent anti-coalition activities. Soldiers also conducted 176 patrols, including 11 joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. During these operations, 38 enemy personnel were captured.
Elements conducted five cordon and searches east of Ar Ramadi along Highway 10. They were designed to capture or kill personnel who have been conducting IED attacks and supporting anti-coalition activities. The operation resulted in the capture of 29 enemy personnel for questioning.
Pope John Paul II stressed to a delegation representing the archbishops of the Keldian [Chaldean] church in Iraq that visited him in the Vatican under the new patriarch for the church, Emaneul Karim Deili, that he is close to all the Iraqis, and he understands their desire to peace, security and freedom.
"That's why I was against liberating you..."
The Pope described before the delegation the situation in Iraq as "grave for Iraq and all humanity."
"Dunno what's gonna happen, now that Sammy's gone..."
Deli, 76 year old, said, for his part to the Vatican news agency that the continued violence in Iraq should be completely denounced, because it is directed against all religions and humanitarian values. He indicated that maintaining security is a precondition for returning back to normal life.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 14:18 ||
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US plans to deploy Iraqi militia forces from Kurdish or Shia units who fought ousted Iraq president Saddam Hussein's government could spark a civil war and force the break-up of Iraq. Sunni religious leaders issued the warning on Sunday.
Lessee, here... Kurdish units... Shia units... Hmmm... No Sunni units? Is that it?
Using militiamen to help restore security to Iraq would be "to ignore a large section of Muslims and push them into the ranks of the opposition," said a statement issued by the Committee of Muslim Ulama in Iraq.
Where are they now?... Oh. They're in the Sunni Triangle...
It would be "an attempt to break up Iraq," the statement said, recalling the Lebanese civil war between 1975 and 1990 when rival militias battled for control.
Don'tcha hate it when these effects happen with no discernable cause? I'm surprised these guys don't stand around 24/7, scratching their turbans, trying to figure it out, instead of setting up IEDs...
The committee, set up after Husseinâs overthrow in April, represents the Sunni minority in the country which had held power over the Shia majority. âFrom a religious point of view it is unacceptable," said the committee, following reports that "US forces intend to set up militias based on several parties termed Shia and Kurds. This is a way to divide and rule by exploiting confessionalism and racism."
"Yeah! It's racism, that's what it is! Those Kurds, and those Shias? They're white, y'know? And us Sunnis, we're... ummm... white."
The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the new militia force would be composed of 750 to 850 fighters and initially work mainly around the capital. The Post cited Iraqi officials as saying that the new force was a "done deal" although later the same day coalition spokesman Dan Senor insisted discussions were still going on with the interim leadership, suggesting militia elements would form a special counter-insurgency group within the civil defence corps.
They're trying to figure how many will be peshmergas and how many will be Badr Brigades. They already know how many will be Sunnis...
âA new Iraqi army must be created with its own people so that it can ensure security in all Iraq while representing all the diversity of denominations and races," said the Sunni statement.âElections should not take place until this army is created which, if necessary, could be backed by an Arab force. Then a government could be formed with the handover of sovereignty."
Yeah. Right. "Backed by an Arab force." Heh heh...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 13:25 ||
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#1
Yeah. Backed by an Arab and of course Sunni force. Now if I were a Kurd, or even a Shia I would introduce a slight variation: backed by an Israeli force. It would send a powerful message to the Arab world: "We reject Arabo-fascism and Islamo-fascism. It was not the Arabs who extracted us from darkness but us who civilized those camel-herders. We are NOT Arabs, we are
Iraquis and want to be on the side of progress and science not on the side of those whose only contribution is oil and terror"
Rummy did it? Do we have kill squads on the ground yet?
A former secret police general who had been in charge of western Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, has been shot and killed at his home in the Iraqi capital. General Khalaf Alussi died under a hail of bullets fired by four men, said Wissam Idan, a building worker at the house in Baghdad's al-Yarmuk area. The general, who died on the spot, headed the feared secret police in the al-Kharkh district on the west bank of the river Tigris. The attack came as US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Baghdad and the northern oil centre of Kirkuk for talks with field commanders on counter-insurgency efforts.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 11:32 ||
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#1
I hear the quiet, soft tinkle of payback!!!!!
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 12:58 Comments ||
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#2
Damn...we should have wrung this bastard dry of all the locations of the mass graves he knew..THEN shot him!
Posted by: Val ||
12/07/2003 14:55 Comments ||
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The killers kept bankersâ hours. They showed up for work at the barley field at 9 a.m., trailed by backhoes and three buses filled with blindfolded men, women and children as young as 1. Every day, witnesses say, the routine was the same: The backhoes dug a trench. Fifty people were led to the edge of the hole and shot, one by one, in the head. The backhoes covered them with dirt, then dug another hole for the next group. At 5 p.m., the killers - officials of Saddam Husseinâs Baath Party - went home to rest up for another day of slaughter. Rat bastards.
In this wind-swept field in the central town of Mahaweel, witnesses say, this went on without a break for 35 days in March and April of 1991, during a crackdown on a Shiite Muslim uprising that followed the first Gulf War. "I watched this with my own eyes," said Sayed Abbas Muhsen, 35, whose family farm was appropriated by Saddamâs government for use as a killing field. "But we couldnât tell anyone. We didnât dare." The mass grave at Mahaweel, with more than 3,100 sets of remains, is the largest of some 270 such sites across Iraq. They hold upward of 300,000 bodies; some Iraqi political parties estimate there are more than 1 million. "Itâs as easy to find mass graves in Iraq as it once was to find oil," said Adnan Jabbar al-Saadi, a lawyer with Iraqâs new Human Rights Ministry. But no one on the left protested the graves.
No one on the left even acknowledges them...
In the days following Saddamâs fall on April 9, family members rushed to grave sites, digging for ID cards and clothing that confirmed their worst fears: The bones in the ground belonged to a son, a wife, a grandfather. The U.S.-led occupation authority desperately tried to halt the digging, telling people that if they waited, forensic teams would unearth the remains and use the evidence to punish those responsible. I can understand both sides of this.
Now, an Associated Press investigation has discovered, forensic teams will begin digging in January to preserve the first physical evidence at four grave sites, their desert locations kept secret to prevent relatives from disturbing them first. Much more at the link.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 1:10:10 AM ||
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#1
Somehow, it will be necessary and not just for partisan political purposes, to let the world know that the Left worldwide signed off on these murders by obstructing a resolution to the problem of Iraq for 12 solid years, by lying to the world and to their own followers about the true nature of this murderous regime, and by actively participating in propoganda against their own country, the country that permitted through military action, the revelation of just how morally vacuous the Left and their allies are.
Somehow, these mass murders must be in the same thought as personalities as Sean Penn, Patty Murray, Mike Farell, Natalie Maines, Kofi Annan and a host of others who constantly berate and lie about the motives behind the liberation of Iraq.
It is necessary not just to bring those who planned and executed these murders to justice, but also to discredit, thoroughly, those who sought to prevent these murders from coming to light, whether intentionally or not.
Unfortunately this will probably get very little or no coverage in the major [entertainment] media and most people will remain ignorant of it. I think it *should* be a campain issue.
What do you think of a campain poster showing an iraqi and the remains of his child with the caption 'Thanks Patty for allowing Saddam to provide Childcare'?
Several hundred Iraqis protested for peace and against terror yesterday...
...described the daily attacks in Iraq as acts of terrorism and that any attempt to legitimize or justify these acts as âresistanceâ are ridiculous... demanded the closing of borders with neighbouring countries to prevent the infiltration of saboteurs, criminals, and terrorists seeking to destabilize the country and undermine reconstruction efforts.
Protestors carried signs and banners that said âNo to terrorismâ, âYes for peaceâ, âIraqis stand united against terror and violenceâ, âThanks to CPA soldiersâ, âWe thank the coalition for our FREEDOMâ...
The odds of seeing that on CNN are about zero
By the way, what the hell are news organizations trying to prove by putting terrorism between idiotic quotation marks...
well it means Reuters, et al is hoping for a Baathist victory
Iâve decided to put quotation marks myself on the following erms: ânews âorganizationsâ, âmediaâ, âpressâ, âcoverage, âreporterâ, and âjournalistâ. F*ing morons.
Posted by: mhw ||
12/07/2003 12:29:29 AM ||
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baathist victory is nil. But rueters and smug 'journalist for peace' are all about happy hour.
Southern Command chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko said Monday that captured Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, is being treated by doctors at the 104th Army Brigade headquarters in Jolo, Sulu. If I only had a brain.... (oh, sorry, I guess that was the scarecrow)
Andang was reportedly wounded in the foot after a brief firefight with the soldiers.
"You'll never take me alive, coppers! Ow! My foot! Okay, I quit!"
The 103rd and the 104th brigades stepped up security in Basilan and Sulu even as ASG bandits reportedly tried to rescue Andang Sunday after he was captured by military troops in an encounter in Barangay Panabuan, Indanan, Sulu.
"Mahmoud, we gots to spring da boss!"
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Narciso Abaya flew to Jolo Monday morning to fetch Andang and present him to President Arroyo in Malacañang, the military said.
"A present for you, Madam President!"
"But Narciso, his head's still on!"
"We can take care of that, Madam President."
Andang, one of ASGâs top leaders, is wanted for kidnappings, including one in 2000 involving some foreigners from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan.
FORMER BAâATHISTS AND ISLAMIST FORCES HAVE JOINED FORCES IN KIRKUK, IRAQâS OIL CENTER IN THE NORTH, TO FIGHT INFIDELS.(AL-SHARQ AL-AWSAT, LONDON, 12/5/03)
THE IRAQI MINISTER OF OIL ANNOUNCED THAT A SPECIAL IRAQI MILITIA SUPPORTED BY REGIONAL TRIBES WILL BE EMPLOYED TO GUARD THE OIL INSTALLATIONS IN THE NORTH WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO FREQUENT ACTS OF SABOTAGE. (AL-HAYAT, LONDON, 12/4/03)
PRINCE SULTAN, SECOND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE IN SAUDI ARABIA, SAID HIS COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN THE COUNTRY FROM TIME TO TIME TO BRING IT IN LINE WITH MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY. THE PROGRAMS WILL ALSO EMPHASIZE THE NATURE OF ISLAM AS THE RELIGION OF THE CENTER. (AL-WATAN, SAUDI ARABIA, 12/5/03)
THE KUWAITI MINISTER OF OIL SAID IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO PUT AN END TO PRODUCTION VIOLATIONS BY OPEC MEMBERS THAN TO ESTABLISH A PRODUCTION CEILING. (AL-QABA, KUWAIT, 12/5/03)
IN A CONFERENCE IN BEIRUT ON IRAQâS ACCOUNTABILITY REGARDING ITS INVASION OF KUWAIT, PRINCE TURKI AL-FAISAL, SAUDI AMBASSADOR TO THE U.K., SAID THE ISLAMIC AND ARAB COUNTRIES FAILED TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE THEIR LEADERS âWHO CONTINUE TO HAVE ABSOLUTE FREE HANDS IN MAKING DECISIONS WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY.â (AL-RAâI AL-AAM, KUWAIT, 12/5/03)
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 14:53 ||
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Woe to Bobland! - Didnât they promise to quit if this happened?Commonwealth leaders agreed Sunday to continue their year-old suspension of Robert Mugabeâs Zimbabwe after a debate that had threatened to split Western and developing-world members of Britainâs former colonial empire. The suspension was indefinite, pending demanded reforms by the Zimbabwe leader, Commonwealth heads of state said. The announcement was a defeat for Mugabe, who had threatened to pull out of the 54-nation bloc completely if its four-day summit ended without an end to the suspension. Several -- although not all -- African and developing nations in the bloc had demanded lifting of the suspension, arguing that dialogue and engagement, not isolation, would bring change in Zimbabwe. yep....bluff called a**hole
The Commonwealth, whose nations represent one-third of the worldâs 6 billion people, banned Zimbabwe from its decision-making councils last year, after Mugabe was widely accused of rigging re-election to continue his 23-year rule. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is charged with monitoring Zimbabwe to judge if it moves toward the demanded human rights and democratic reforms. In its statement Sunday, the Commonwealth said the Obasanjo should report back "when he believes sufficient progress has been made."
Yup. Olusegun's right on the case...
"The key is reconciliation" in Zimbabwe, Obasanjo told reporters.
No, the key is Bob leaving.
Commonwealth leaders have demanded Mugabe reach out to the opposition in his troubled southern African nation, as a first step toward change.
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/07/2003 2:57:37 PM ||
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Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is charged with monitoring Zimbabwe to judge if it moves toward the demanded human rights and democratic reforms.
Hmmm... This is the second time in a month or so we've seen something along these lines...
Egyptian author Dr. Nawal Al-Sa'dawi called for amending the Egyptian constitution and eliminating the article that declares Islam to be the official state religion, "because we have among us Copts, and because religion is a matter between man and God and no one has the right to impose his faith, his God and his rituals on others. Therefore, I am one of the die-hard opponents of a religious state, because our God should not be involved in politics in any fashion.
"Freedom of religion? Blasphemer! She must be killed!"
"Subversion! Sedition! We must reason with her, lead her to the path of righteousness! Where's my gun?"
As for the "Islamic culture," Al-Sa'dawi said that it was "part of a general culture based on Christianity, Judaism, and the Pharaoh's heritage. There is no pure culture, but an intertwined relationship among the cultures. I am against differentiating between a Western culture and an Eastern culture. We live in one culture, which is a culture of capitalism, patriarchy, classes, and inferiority that, regretfully, also uses religion as a tool for domination." Al-Sa'dawi stated that she "knows more about the Koran than Sheikh Al-Sha'rawi: I learned the religions, and compared the Koran with the Torah and the New Testament. Sheikh Al-Sha'rawi never did that; he entrenched himself in the Koran, which is impossible to understand without comparison with other books." Al-Sa'dawi added: "We are defeated intellectually because we do not have creative people. There was always a connection between creativity and rebellion, between creativity and opposition. But we are born, live our lives and die in fear. Therefore, we do not have rebellion and we do not have opposition⊠Our crisis is at the same time political and cultural. I do not differentiate between politics, economy, culture, feminism, and sex. They are all interrelated and when one central pillar collapses, the whole building collapses."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 14:42 ||
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"She must be killed!"
"She?" Pay it no mind, brothers, tis only a woman, not a man of God, we shall stone her after we have our demonstration at the gates of the infidel's embassy. Who's turn is it to make faces? Roll eyes? Excellent, we're off to jihad!
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 15:16 Comments ||
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This is interesting coming from Egypt. You would think that a country with huge pyramids built by the pharohs would be more open-minded concerning the accomplishments of other cultures.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 19:54 Comments ||
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This is interesting coming from Egypt. You would think that a country with huge pyramids built by the pharohs would be more open-minded concerning the accomplishments of other cultures.
Actually they were, until Islam got to them that is. I remember reading that Homer was able to find ancient records over in Eygpt that pertained to Greek civilization (anyone remember if this pertained to the Helen of Troy legend?). Just another proof that those countries that have adopted Islam as a national religion don't fair well.
Posted by: Val ||
12/07/2003 21:27 Comments ||
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It probably refers to the conquest of Egypt by Alexander and the Ptolemy dynasty, of which Cleopatra is the best known progeny
"The wave of violence sweeping through some Islamic countries is due to ignorance of Islamic teachings," Egypt's Mufti of the Republic Ali Gomaa said yesterday.
Then why do the Bad Guys keep quoting verses from the Koran?
"Only by educating the new generation in accordance with the true principles of Islam can these dangerous, trends be reversed, Gomaa said in an interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA).
Yeah. Go ahead. Quote some different verses to them. See what happens...
"The image of Islam has not changed, only the realities which we are experiencing," Gomaa explained, adding that he rejected the idea that a fatwa (ruling based on Islamic law) should apply to all Muslim countries. "A fatwa demonstrates the flexibility of Islamic law, but the Muslim should be selective in such matters, otherwise the imposition of one opinion on all believers is tantamount to bigotry, which is rejected by Islam," he said.
Seems like any idiot can issue a fatwah, and most do...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 14:29 ||
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And any idiot with higher qualifications can issue a fikh who voids the fatwa. It would be a good idea to ask our friends the Saudis why none between the tens of thousand scholars with higher qualifications than bin Laden has issued a fikh voiding his fatwas calling for murder of Americans. And why, they (the Royals) haven't asked the Imams to issue a fikh. (A 45 pointed at his head will do wonders to persuade an imam).
#2
"...bigotry, which is rejected by Islam."
You cudda fooled me. Gomaa should read some of the hate filled quotes from leading Islamic clerics posted on Rantburg. Think that might change Mufti Gooma's mind?
#5
I'm suffering from PFTS Post Fatwa Trauma Syndrome, the only cure of which is to work toward ending fatwas and their oppression of normal people and just plain Joes.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
12/07/2003 15:56 Comments ||
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can issue a fikh who voids the fatwa
I thought fatwas were dropped. "After the AC-130 transited the area several fatwas were dropped by the locals."
Tehran has arrested five men for beating up a leading reformist MP in an attack seen as sabre-rattling before parliamentary elections.
Nothing like a few roving gangs of fascisti to keep those reformers from getting uppity...
The five attacked Muhsin Mirdamadi, head of parliamentâs Foreign Affairs and National Security Commission, in the central city of Yazd on Friday. Parliament Speaker Mahdi Karrubi said on Sunday the attack was an insult to parliament. Newspapers showed a bruised Mirdamadi with a bandaged face, receiving a check-up from doctors. Februaryâs elections will test whether Iranâs voters have lost patience with the countryâs embattled reformists who, despite controlling parliament, have largely failed to overcome objections from the Islamic Republicâs powerful conservatives.
The alternative's turning things over to the black hats...
Conservative camp brownshirts loyalists who accuse reformists of selling out to the West, have disrupted reformist speeches in the run-up to elections.
"Selling out to the West" is defined as not wanting to be ruled by divine-right theocrats...
Mirdamadi was quoted by a reformist daily as saying that 40 people had attacked him while he was delivering a speech. He thought one of the assailants shot into the air. âThe closer we get to the elections, such incidents are done to inflame the political atmosphere... those who did these things have powerful supporters,â he said. The official IRNA news agency reported the governor-general of Yazd saying 17 people had been summoned in connection with the assault.
"Youse guyz ain't very subtle, are youse?"
"Sorry, boss."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 14:06 ||
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Maybe they can have a national truncheon registry. I bet the grain of every truncheon is unique.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 22:07 Comments ||
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The owner of a Lebanese television channel has been arrested and charged with spying for Israel and acting against a friendly country.
That'd be Syria, I'll betcha, or our favorite princes, or both...
Officers from the anti-terrorism and espionage department initially raided the headquarters of New TV on Saturday to arrest Tahsin Khayyat, Al-jazeera correspondent in Beirut said. They did not find Khayyat at his office, however. Shortly afterwards, the officers went to Khayyatâs house and arrested him there. Court sources have refused to comment on the case and there has been no word from Khayyat himself. The charge of acting against a friendly country is believed to be a reference either to Syria or Saudi Arabia.
Toldja so...
The president of Lebanonâs National Council for Information, Abd al-Hadi Mahfuz, said the issue was related to information obtained by the military court about links between âthe owner of the channel and a hostile partyâ.
That'd be us, or them danged Zionists...
âThe detention of Khayyat does not effect the transmission of the channel,â said Mahfuz. âIt is a personal matter and does not concern the managing company.â
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 13:57 ||
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The book, which was the textâs first Arabic translation, completed in 1951, had been put on display âseveral days or several weeks agoâ in the manuscripts museum, which is part of the new library in Egyptâs second city, said Siraj al-Din. It was withdrawn from the museum after articles appeared in the Egyptian and Israeli press. The document was displayed âas a curiosityâ, Siraj al-Din said.
What was that part about it being "more important than the Torah"?
âThe book was never displayed alongside the Jewish Torah nor has it ever been stated that it is a holy book or the basis for a Jewish constitution,â he said.
The library director said the bookâs display showed âinsensitivityâ, adding the book was a forgery âto ferment anti-Jewish feelingsâ. The book, which dates to the beginning of the 20th century, tells of an alleged plot of Jews to take over the world and has been dismissed as a forgery.
The library, destined to be a new beacon of learning and a cultural bridge, succeeding the ancient library which disappeared nearly 16 centuries ago, was inaugurated in October 2002.
In 640 AD the Moslems took the city of Alexandria. Upon learning of "a great library containing all the knowledge of the world" the conquering general supposedly asked Caliph Omar for instructions. The Caliph has been quoted as saying of the Library's holdings, "they will either contradict the Koran, in which case they are heresy, or they will agree with it, so they are superfluous." So, allegedly, all the texts were destroyed by using them as tinder for the bathhouses of the city. Even then it was said to have taken six months to burn all the documents.
If we had a caliphate, of course, such things wouldn't happen...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
12/07/2003 13:41 ||
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I doubt there were that many books to burn by 640 AD, Alexandria's hardline Patriarchs had incited their more excitable followers to trash anything remotely pagan throughout the 5th century & AFAIK Alexandria was also looted by Shahr Baraz's troops early in the 7th cent during the final showdown between the Eastern Empire & Sassanid Iran. However Umar ibn Khattab was certainly fanatical enough to burn anything that had survived.
Posted by: Dave ||
12/07/2003 14:59 Comments ||
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#2
The Protocols are "a book perceived as anti-Jewish"??? Oh... the article is from Al Jazeera, a network which is also "perceived as being anti-Jewish".
#3
"The Protocols" has been rejected as an anti-Jewish screed by all learned societies--I think it's a good thing Alexandria recognized this--too bad lotsa Germans didn't in a more advanced culture 69 years ago
CURSING KERRY UNLEASHES FOULMOUTHED ATTACK ON BUSH
By DEBORAH ORIN
Struggling 2004 Democratic wannabe John Kerrythe haughty, French-looking Massachusetts senator who once served in Vietnam fires an X-rated attack at President Bush over Iraq and uses the f-word - highly unusual language for a presidential contender - in a stunning new interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Sen. Kerry (Mass.) used the undeleted expletive to express his frustration and anger over how the Iraq issue has hurt him because he voted for the war resolution while Democratic front-runner Howard Dean has soared by opposing it. "I thought the Angry Left(tm) would cut me some slack on it. $%#@&* them!"
"I voted for what I thought was best for the country. Did I expect Howard Dean to go off to the left and say, 'I'm against everything?' Sure. Did I expect George Bush to f*** it up as badly as he did? I don't think anybody did," Kerry told the youth-oriented magazine.
Rolling Stone is youth-oriented? I thought its readership consisted of old hippies. Or maybe that was Mother Jones...
Brookings Institution presidential scholar Stephen Hess said he can't recall another candidate attacking a president with X-rated language in a public interview. "It's so unnecessary," Hess said. "In a way it's a kind of pandering [by Kerry] to a group he sees as hip . . . I think John Kerry is going to regret saying this." "Just wait till his wife, outspoken ketchup heiress Theresa Heinz, washes his mouth out with soap!"
... or pickle relish.
Kerry was accurately quoted in Rolling Stone, said spokesman David Wade, adding the X-rated language reflects the fact that Bush's Iraq policy "makes John Kerry's blood boil." Actually, I expect to see a rhetorical arms race among the Democrats. If Kerry has the F-bomb, Dean will have to have one too . . . and Gephardt, and Edwards, and so on. Will the '04 convention mark the first use of an F-bomb in a primetime keynote speech?
These guys want to sit in the same chair Jefferson and Lincoln sat in...
Posted by: Mike ||
12/07/2003 10:36:20 AM ||
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Kerry's in full meltdown mode - bet Theresa goes to sleep each night thanking God for the pre-nup agreement. The only question is how humiliating his bitch-slap by the voters will be, and whether he starts to have shaky support in the people's republic of Masshole
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/07/2003 11:25 Comments ||
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Or perhaps the State of the F****ng Union Address.
Watch Dean fire up a fatty in a strategic response.
#3
Does anyone else get the feeling that some of these "patriots" think Bush "f***ed it up" because we didn't have shiploads of body bags coming back? I mean, it's REALLY not going too badly, if you look at the situation realistically, so what other possibility is there?
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
12/07/2003 12:19 Comments ||
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#4
After reading the Atlantic Monthly excerpt from his book I was convinced that he would make a bad Commander in Chief. My impression of his letters home from Vietnam was that they were written by a elitist punk from Prep School with a negative view of tha Americna miltary.
When I look at presidential candiates, I look at how I feel they would perform as Commander in Chief, condicting foriegn policy and in enforcing legislation enacted by Congress - kind of traditional I know.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:32 Comments ||
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#5
All Bush has to do is to juxtapose their defeatist military/foreign policy views with Bush's drive for a military victory, and in my opinion, it is game over. Then the Demos may as well play out the rest of the election season by email for all the good it will do them. They will have been shown to be the sniveling losers they always have been.
2004 is gonna be such a cool election year. Bush is gonna make the 1984 Reagan landslide look like an devastating republican defeat by comparison.
#6
Badanov,
Don't get over confident. Remember that the current top news story is Jacko.
I talked to several people at work the other day who's only input for news was ABC. They had only seen the chopped up version of the "police brutality" incident in Cincinatti. Many would elect Clinton again given the chance.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:55 Comments ||
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#7
Rhetorical arms race... I like it.
"Tonight's coverage of the Democratic Convention is rated TV-MA" and all of those V-chips suddenly kick in as Tipper Gore steps up to open the convention.
By Erich Marquardt
From the beginning, Iranâs decision to comply with the IAEA latest stipulations on its nuclear research program was an attempt to politically outmaneuver Washington.
Anybody here have an illusions they were intending to cooperated?... Didn't think so.
Even more disturbing to Washington policymakers was how three EU countries also promised Tehran that if it complied with IAEA demands, the EU would be willing to assist Iranâs nuclear research program by giving it greater access to modern technology and supplies.
In many cases the conflict between money and principle is an illusion. In others, it's real, and the lack of conflict becomes the illusion...
Nikolai Shingaryov, spokesman of the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry, made a similar offer, telling Itar-Tass that the IAEA resolution on Iran "gives an opportunity to step up Russian-Iranian cooperation in nuclear power engineering".
I think we need some cliche here about the last infidel selling the Faithful™ the technology they use to destroy the second-to-last infidel...
Other regionally significant countries, such as Russia, are also unwilling to support a hardline US policy towards Iran. In contrast to US strategy, Russia is currently building a nuclear reactor in the city of Bushehr in southern Iran. Moscow also has provided massive supplies of military equipment to Tehran, such as MiG-29 fighter aircraft, Su-24 fighter bombers, T-72 tanks and Kilo class attack submarines.
I can't really wax indignant about that stuff. The Russers need the money, and the Medes and the Persians are dumb enough to buy that stuff after watching it perform against American equipment next door. And it does look good in parades...
Moscow is pursuing the prospect of building more nuclear reactors and facilities in Iran, a development that would help Russia earn much-needed financial capital.
The nukes are a potential problem, not the conventional junk...
Washingtonâs fear over Iran developing nuclear weapons is not contrived. Washington is attempting to preserve the current power balance in the Middle East and Central Asia. If Iran were to become a nuclear-armed state, it would greatly increase the Persian countryâs foreign policy leverage. A nuclear-armed Iran, coupled with its already sizeable military, would greatly increase the countryâs defensive capabilities and limit the ability of rival states to threaten Iranâs territorial and governmental integrity; moreover, it would also prove more difficult to check Iranâs regional ambitions.
The regional ambitions are more relevant than external threats. Except for us, there aren't any. Nobody's even mentioned the possibility of Pakland gobbling up Iranian Balochistan...
Indeed, this is why the leadership in Tehran has been so keen on furthering its nuclear research program. With an agreement designed by the EU now, the only legal way to prevent Iran from enriching uranium is for international observers to prove that the country is using the uranium for nuclear weapons. Finding proof to make a case against a country that may be secretly developing nuclear weapons has always proved difficult.
Has it ever worked yet?
A nuclear-armed Iran would threaten Washingtonâs ability to alter the power balance in the Middle East since it would limit Washingtonâs political and military leverage in the region. A nuclear-armed Iran would also subdue Israelâs power projection capabilities; presently Israel has a nuclear monopoly in the Middle East. Tehran has watched as Washington increased US influence in the entire region; first by establishing military bases in Afghanistan, and second by establishing them in Iraq. This explains why Tehran has been unwilling to compromise on the future of its nuclear research program. Shortly after agreeing to the EUâs provisions, Rowhani was quick to assert that Iran would remain sovereign over all aspects of its nuclear research program. Rowhani stated: "We believe that stopping enriching uranium is totally unacceptable and we think nobody agrees with [doing] that in Iran." Therefore, as long as the EU and other significant states that have influence in Tehran - such as Russia - are unwilling to unite with Washingtonâs desired hardline policy towards Iran, the leadership in Tehran may be able to outmaneuver Bush administration policymakers and come closer to their goal of acquiring nuclear weapons.
Posted by: Lucky ||
12/07/2003 3:40:35 AM ||
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Am I missing something? The wall came down and I thought the cold war games were over. But sometime it seems like the other side (after convincing some of our own players to switch jerseys) is still looking to tackle us in the first dark alley they can find.
Eric Marquardt (email: marquardt@yellowtimes.org) is a featured writer on IndyMedia.moronorg - and I LOVE his email addy.
This article is a classic feint. Slowly building his point of view with nice factual bits he finishes with dearly-held LLL flourishes and hopes to make his conclusion seem inescapable:
1) Washington's fear of a Nuke Iran is well-placed cuz it would limit our ability to control the power balance in the ME; and beneath the radar, negating the positives of an Iraq success... Oooooh, skeery.
2) A Nuke Iran would "check" Israel and its ability to project power in the region... talk about the LLL's wet dream...
3) The US is, again, alone in its position and the EU agreement + IAEA Report (and, by extension, the "weight" of the UN) puts us into a neat and tidy box, pulling Dubya's teeth... The beacons of legitimacy and morality are against us! What, again? Cowboys! Yadda3.
Anybody see the fundafuckingmental flaws here?
Being a terminal multilateralist, this slimer assumes that the EU-brokered joke plus the Elbarradai weasly whitewash IAEA report puts the stamp of "done deal" on the issue.
Uh, why?
Dubya has already made it clear that we will act pre-emptively if necessary and alone if necessary. The stakes are far too high today, given the lethality of the weapons the asshats seek to wait for the first punch or to be tied down by appeasers. And who thinks that Israel will sit still and let the Black Hats build the weapon they said they would immediately use to wipe Israel out?
Is he on drugs or something? Mebbe he got some of that high-grade horse over in Germany, his home, and has lost what mind he possessed. He certainly tossed integrity over the side some time ago.
If we DO sit on our hands and if we DO hold Israel back and if the Black Hats DO gain a deliverable nuke, then Dubya is a total traitorous jackass who has, in one stupid move, negated the efforts of years, billions of dollars expended, and hundreds of lost American lives trying to insure our safety and turn the ME around. Mr Marquardt would probably dance on some of those graves if it goes his way. I doubt it will. I think that the Black Hats will be shorn of their ability to threaten others with their insane religion and greed - and then toppled.
We'll see, soon enough. Meanwhile, Marquardt is grinding the NaziMedia Ax - filter everything through that fact. Pfeh.
#3
What a load of rubbish! Thank God tomorrow's trash day. Until the United States decides to take out Iran's reactors, they can play their nasty little games. However, Harpoon, Tomahawk, and JDAM are still alive and well, and in the US corner. Add to that the Israelis, who have already said they will not tolerate Iran getting nuke weapons, or building the capability to manufacture them. I think "OSIRAK" aught to be a lesson for the entire Middle East.
Pakland is not within range of Israel - from either side. Until, and if, Pakland gets a missile capability to hit Tel Aviv, they'll be safe. The instant they acquire a delivery system capable of reaching the Med, they're toast. The Israelis do NOT play around.
Before I left the Air Force, the Israelis had developed a medium-range missile - the "Jerico" - that could reach Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt with a nuclear warhead. They were experimenting with a two-stage missile - nicknamed "Masada" (which should tell EVERYONE something) - that could fly 8,000Km with a 1Mt nuclear warhead. Measure the distance from Tel Aviv to Moscow, and tell me who should be nervous about supplying nuclear capability to Iran.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 12:54 Comments ||
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I thru the post up last night and went to bed to ponder the BCS. Thanks Fred for putting the post in the right place.
Before the Iraq campaign I saw an online poll asking who was the biggest threat at that Time. The usuall suspects. It was hard not to vote for Iran but I thought that Iraq was the first order of biz. GW read my mind and did the right thing.
Bush knows where the road leads but what gets me, like B, is Russia and the EU. How the shit hits the fan in Iran is perplexing to me. But hit the fan it must.
Anybody have a clue on how to take thse guys down? Or do we just play cold war (what Iran would like) If they do get that bomb and I've been saying that they will. Is that nuclear war? Man I hope not. Does the EU and Russia want that!?
They could. Take a look at the number of scientific of scientific Nobel Prize or Field Medal winners who are Jews. Take a look at the number of them both in Project Manhattan or in the Soviet bomb (Sakharov).
In fact Israel has had dozens of American or Soviet tests for his bomb
#7
Secondaries are not trivial beasts. The first two tests by the UK failed (geometry problems), and one US test had a far larger yield than intended (underestimated Li7 + n).
Essentially, you're assembling a device very close to a nuclear blast, and if you get it wrong, nothing happens (except the primary).
That said, I wouldn't discount the Israelis being able to do it right the first time they set off one they'd built.
#8
Re Israeli bomb working.It may not matter whether or not the bomb actually works.What does count is whether or not the potential targets think the bomb might work.
Posted by: Stephen ||
12/07/2003 21:22 Comments ||
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nothing happens (except the primary).
This is a definition of the term "nothing" that is new and confusing to me, unless they've stopped using atomic bombs as primaries.
No, this isnât the Gweilo Dairies.
Irelandâs Rosanna Davison was crowned Miss World on Saturday, beating 105 other women from around the globe at the competition held at this southern Chinese tropical resort. The 19-year-old Davison - daughter of Chris De Burgh, the singer best known for his 1986 hit ``Lady in Redââ - accepted her tiara with minimum fuss, waving calmly to the audience as the other contestants hugged and kissed her while gold confetti were fired out of a mock cannon. ``I was just so thrilled about being placed in the top five,ââ she said afterward, grinning broadly. ``I didnât think Iâd get this far.ââ Davidson also won the ``Beach Beautyââ award. And well deserved it was.
I think it's wonderful that we can have an occasional Miss World contest without riots in the streets and bodies piled on the curb. But then, China's a civilized country...
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 12:49:59 AM ||
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Oh manfred, Is she a soft shortcake blond with narrow shoulders, medium hips, red smiling lips, creamy belly skin, rounded bottom artfully done. Tell me man. I must know!
#4
I think anywhere with Ms. Davison would be pretty close to paradise. Not even .com would boot her for eating crackers in bed.
We oughta hijack al-Jizz and beam her picture 24/7 -- that would definitely help the WoT.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 15:37 Comments ||
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#5
Then again, Fred, it would be nice to have the occassional internet sex columnist in China NOT being banned for publishing. China's savagery is just beyond the surface.
#6
Lucky,Sanya is in the southern part of Hainan Island. It's truly a tropical paradise. I've lived and worked in China for 8 years now. Major US oil company is my master.
Iâve always said, where thereâs dwarf comedians...thereâs trouble.
Thousands of fans rioted at Sierra Leoneâs national stadium Saturday when authorities substituted two local dwarf comedians for a widely anticipated out-of-town midget duo. Police arrested 30 people, amid damage and dozens of injuries. Itâll now be remembered in Freetown as the famous Midget Riots of â03.
Daylong radio ads had whipped up excitement and ticket sales for Friday nightâs scheduled performance by the two Nigerian entertainers, Aki and Paw Paw. Must not take much to get them excited in Freetown... although it is Aki and Paw Paw...
The Nigerian performers failed to show by early morning. Organizers put the two local dwarf comedians on the stage instead. Hey, theyâre midgets, theyâre comedians...whoâs gonna know?
Fans rioted, throwing projectiles and smashing windows, light fixtures and hundreds of chairs. Your hardcore midget comedian fans! Thatâs whoâs gonna know!
Witnesses said police fired tear gas. Authorities said 30 people were arrested, including eight who allegedly had tried to steal the stadiumâs seats. What were they gonna do, sell them on Ebay?
Dozens of show-goers were reported injured in the melee. Saturday, blood splattered parts of the stadium. Acting President Solomon Berewa, filling in while President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah is at a Commonwealth summit in Nigeria, toured the riot site Saturday and condemned the violence. Guess theyâll have to ban midget comedy shows..."How many more must die, Mister Speaker!?"...
Sierra Leoneâs National Stadium was built as a gift from China. The stadium was under repairs for damage from the West African nationâs devastating 10-year rebellion, ended in January 2002. Looks like they havenât lost their touch.
Posted by: tu3031 ||
12/07/2003 12:24:41 AM ||
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Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 11:43 Comments ||
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#6
I knew you were a man of taste SH... TITT consider perhaps the worst movie ever made... with the possible exception of Plan 9. Legend has it that TITT was made concurrently with the Wizard of Oz since they had all the talent already at knee.
#7
Shipman, my father used to teach a filmaking course at the high school he still teaches at so he had plenty of film books around the house. I pilfered a Medved book called The 50 Worst Movies of All Time. The book is a classic and provides insights like: TTTT was filmed with a troop of little folk named Jed Buell's Midgets. You have got to wonder if Jed locked his munchkins in the basement.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:09 Comments ||
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SH, is "When World Collide" on that list? It's considered so bad it's good.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/07/2003 12:31 Comments ||
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#9
OP, I don't remember that title from the list. The book is dated - from the late 70's. The guys who put it together now put out an annual award book called the Golden Turkeys. It is worth a read if you can find a copy. It gives you a plot summary, dialog examples, sample reviews and some great insight on the production and marketting of these disasters and cult classics. I recommend it to anyone who has wondered what the phrase, "bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia," meant.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 12:50 Comments ||
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#10
No, "Manos: the Hands of Fate" was worse than TTTT and Plan 9. MHF was worse than TTTT and Plan 9 back to back. It was really bad.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/07/2003 15:24 Comments ||
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#11
"When Worlds Collide" probably wouldn't be on the list simply because it had (for its time) pretty decent special effects -- and was produced by George Pal. And was also pretty true to the book...
Why aren't they remaking this, instead of "The AbsentMinded Professor", "Planet of the Apes", and "Psycho"? Because they're idiots...
#13
I believe Plan 9 made the list. Here are a few others I remeber: Che, Gengis Khan (John Wayne's worst- filmed in an Arizona nuke test site - and all the stars died of cancer) , Hurry Sundown, That Hagen Girl (Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, Trotsky, Egahh, Dondi ....
Posted by: Super Hose ||
12/07/2003 21:49 Comments ||
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
