A gunman shot dead a policeman in southern Thailand overnight and fire swept through the living quarters of police commandos fighting a recent upsurge in violence in the Muslim-dominated region.
More than 200 people were killed and 350 others injured on Wednesday when runaway rail wagons loaded with sulphur, petrol and fertiliser derailed and exploded in northeast Iran.
Gee, golly. All the components of a fertilizer bomb, coincidentally on one train. Wonder where it was bound?
âFive villages were destroyed. The number of the people killed in this incident is more than 200,â the head of disasters in Khorassan province, Vahid Barakchi, was quoted as saying. The level of this is massive and beyond our preliminary assessments. Our rescue workers workers are trying to remove more than 350 injured people to hospitals in Mashhad and Neyshabour.â
Kinda like the mother of all car booms, huh?
âThe explosion happened at a time when the firefighters and the rescue workers were trying to put out the fire,â the official said. âA number of the firefighters and local villagers were killed in the explosion.â The massive blast occurred at Khayyam station, near the town of Neyshabour, and was heard in the provincial capital of Mashhad, some 75 kilometres away near the borders with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Local officials said the rail wagons, which were parked in a nearby station, began rolling away in the early hours of the morning. The wagons then derailed and a fire began with several explosions reported, drawing firefighters and curious onlookers to the scene.
"Hey, Ardashir! There's a whole trainload of explosives on fire down at the station. Let's go watch!"
Television pictures showed smashed, blackened and burning tank wagons and other rolling stock piled up on the tracks as firemen played hoses on the wreckage. When the major explosion occurred at around 9:45 am, the Seismological unit of Tehran University recorded an earth tremor measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale in the same area â possibly a reading sparked by the force of the blast.
Atsa pretty big boom...
Officials have not ruled out the danger of further explosions.
... or of people turning into pillars of salt.
Hossein Zaresefat, the deputy governor general of Khorassan province in charge of security, told AFP by telephone that at least two local officials had been killed in the blast. They were the governor of Neyshabour city, Mojtaba Farahmand, and the local electricity chief Morteza Fahrian. âI have also heard some other local officials have been burned to death,â he added.
I didn't really believe in signs and portents until I started reading up on Iran.
More, from London Times, courtesy of Dan...
Runaway fuel wagons blew up in northeast Iran today, killing scores of people in a huge explosion that destroyed homes along the tracks.
"Runaway"? What were they running away from?
Estimates of the death toll ranged from 60 to more than 200, with hundreds injured. The state news agency IRNA said the 51 runaway wagons, laden with petrol, fertiliser and sulphur products, were set loose by earth tremors.
The Khaleej Times version says the "earthquake" was the boom...
IRNA said the governor general of Nishapur was killed in the blast along with the head of the cityâs electricity board and the fire chief. Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, offered Britainâs condolences to Iran. âMany people appear to have been killed and many more appear to have been injured,â he said. âThis is a terrible accident on top of the catastrophe of the earthquake in Bam.â
"God is really cheezed at you guys, isn't He?"
Mr Straw said he had already booked a telephone call to his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharrazi, to express sympathy for the loss of life and injury.
"Mr. Kharazzi, please. This is Mr. Straw... He can't come to the phone now?... Carried off by banshees, was he?... Hmmm... I guess I should express my condolences for that, too..."
Iranian television showed flames licking from mangled, charred train wagons, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Grinning youths scampered around the wreckage despite a warning from emergency teams, quoted by television, that three more wagons were about to explode. "The number of those killed in this disaster is now more than 200," Vahid Barkchi, an emergency official in the northeastern province of Khorasan, told IRNA. "The emergency team is transferring more than 350 injured to hospitals nearby." IRNA said five villages were seriously damaged in the blast which state radio said had killed at least 60 people. State television put the toll at more than 100. Television showed village houses close to the railway track, strewn with overturned carriages. Fire crews had rushed to the scene to fight a smaller initial blaze when the wagons blew up in a giant explosion 20 km from the city of Nishapur, shattering windows within a radius of more than 10 km. Mr Barkchi said the dead included firefighters and local villagers.
Al-Jizz puts the dead at just under 300...
At least 295 people were killed on Wednesday afternoon in northeast Iran when runaway rail wagons loaded with sulphur, petrol and fertilizer derailed and blew up. A local official, who asked not to be named, gave the revised figure to journalists who had earlier put the toll at around 200. And Neyshabour chief coroner Mehran Bakili warned: "The magnitude of the explosion means that identifying the bodies will be a very slow process."
The head of disaster relief in Khorassan province, Vahid Barakchi, was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency that five villages were destroyed. "The level of this is massive and beyond our preliminary assessments,' he said.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt & Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 08:50 ||
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#1
Earthquakes, meteors, massive explosions...
Anyone else think the election's gonna be interesting?
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 9:14 Comments ||
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#2
First 40K people dead from earthquakes, now this is possibly by earthquake.
Could the 3rd one be the charm? Like in the movies, the blackhats are in a meeting and the building falls on top of them.
Also, only 50(?) miles from Afghanistan. Car bomb materiel so close, but now farther away.
#3
Fire crews had rushed to the scene to fight a smaller initial blaze when the wagons blew up in a giant explosion
Sounds just like what happened with the Texas City blast, fire heated up the cargo of ammonium nitrate fertilizer till it reached ignition point.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 10:33 Comments ||
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#4
Iran just isn't having a good year.
Posted by: Charles ||
02/18/2004 10:35 Comments ||
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#5
Mullahs: Look in the mirror and say "Inshallah." Then go out to your flocks and see if they bite it---hook, line, and sinker.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 11:33 Comments ||
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#6
Sounds like the Taliban and Hizzbolah will be disappointed.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:47 Comments ||
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#7
my sympathy meter hasn't even moved a millimeter
#8
I remember a three-day unplanned school vacation in the late 1950's, when a trainload of empty oil cars derailed behind our school in Louisiana. The derailment woke everyone up in a two or three mile radius, and the cleanup took a month. This was WITHOUT any fires, without any dangerous chemicals, and without any loss of life.
Cooking fertilizer (ammonium nitrate) and "sulfur compounds" together is not something any really intelligent person wants to see happen. You can get some really nasty chemical combinations from that - some of which are explosive, others are just plain deadly.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 12:04 Comments ||
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#9
Ruanaway train. Why does this surprise me. Like the Haaj accidents. Allah willed it. Maybe Allah is on our side.
#10
Note to Iranian mullahs: We helped out once. And what did we get for it? This means that for this latest "problem" the appropriate response is, "handle it".
#14
Shipman---I would doubt that Iran has evolved to the hump yard stage yet. Probably switching and making up trains and consists are up to the mullahs (who probably have the final say). Sounds like quite the hazmat stew!
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 16:37 Comments ||
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Fire crews had rushed to the scene to fight a smaller initial blaze when the wagons blew up in a giant explosion
Sounds like they hadn't covered "BLEVE" yet in fire school.
Schade.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/18/2004 16:47 Comments ||
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More from the unmistakable Debka-files:
"DEBKAfile's exclusive sources in Tehran report:
Little credence is given in Tehran to the official claim that the colossal train explosion which killed at least 300 people and razed five villages in the northeastern Khorassan province Wednesday was caused by colliding wagons carrying industrial chemicals and fertilizers, as well as diesel fuel and cotton. Such flammable freights are usually shipped separately in Iran.
DEBKAfileâs sources note that Iranian officials, two days before a highly controversial parliamentary election, are doing their best to play down the disaster outside Neyshabur which rocked houses 50 miles away in Mashad. The Islamic Republican News Agency tried to blame an earth tremor of 3.6 magnitude, but the US Geological Institute in Colorado said no seismic activity was recorded in the area.
Most of the dead were fire and rescue workers, but also the cityâs governor Mojtaba Farahmand-Nekou, its mayor and fire chief.
DEBKAâs sources in Tehran have heard unconfirmed reports that the disaster was no accident, but possibly sabotage carried out by anti-government forces in Khorassan province, which borders on Afghanistan. This report ties in with another that claims the train was not carrying innocent industrial cargoes but hundreds of tons of explosive materials Iran was smuggling into Afghanistan via the Shiite city of Herat to be used by Iranian saboteurs and agents for guerrilla attacks on US troops and the forces of President Hamid Karzai, as well for supplying the Taleban in their Kandahar stronghold.
DEBKAfileâs sources report that there were a series of blasts; the first inside the Neyshabur train station was powerful enough to trigger a second explosion in the remote station of Khayyam. There, it set ablaze another train carrying fuel and other flammable material.
Iran has long used Khorassan province as a conduit for smuggling thousands of its agents into Afghanistan. But the province is also home to nearly two million Afghan refugees, some of whom hire out as agents to the Kabul government or the US military. The suggestion is that a group of these agents were ordered to blow up the train when it pulled into Neyshabur. Their mission: to deter the Iranians from further meddling in Afghanistan.
It would not have been hard to persuade Afghan refugees to undertake the mission. As Sunni Muslims, they harbor strong feelings of resentment against their discrimination at the hands of Iranâs Shiite majority. Three years ago, Afghans were responsible for a large explosion in Mashad, an attack launched after Iran ordered the destruction of a makeshift mosque the refugees had built. Several weeks later, a similar blast occurred in Zahedan, capital of Iranâs Baluchestan province, where Iranian authorities had pulled down another mosque constructed by the refugees.
It just so happens that in the historic town of Neyshabur, site of Wednesdayâs horror, the 11th century poet Omar Khayam was born and buried."
At 5:29:45 a.m. local time...the device exploded with a force equivalent to 19 kilotons of TNT. The shock wave was felt over 160 km away...The military reported it as a accidental explosion at a munitions dump, and the actual cause was not publicly acknowledged until August 6.
But really, fertilizer, diesel fuel, and cotton? This must've been the homemade explosives supply train.
At 5:29:45 a.m. local time...the device exploded with a force equivalent to 19 kilotons of TNT. The shock wave was felt over 160 km away...The military reported it as a accidental explosion at a munitions dump, and the actual cause was not publicly acknowledged until August 6.
But really, fertilizer, diesel fuel, and cotton? This must've been the homemade explosives supply train.
#19
Well, dammit, #18 was supposed to be me explaining that #17 was me. Instead it reposted the comment and pointlessly screwed it up.
I find that Rantburg WILL NOT allow me to embed links when I post from Netscape, but will when I post from Konqueror (which I don't like to use). It apparently doesn't like me to make my name a link, either.
Sorry, everyone. Sorry. I'll just back slowly away from the keyboard now.
Angie - LOL - don't back away (!!!) - it happens to everyone, now & then. One of my favorite historical bits is by either Vinton Cerf or Bob Khan (KAAAHHHNNN!!!) who invented TCP in '74 (pre-IP) - paraphrasing, he said the wonder wasn't that you build an onion and drop it onto the network to be peeled by the intended recipient(s) - that's just simple logic... no the wonder is that the damned thing works at all!
#21
Grrr...this excerpt from the end of this article in the Independent:
Because of the large number of natural catastrophes in Iran, local emergency teams are regarded as some of the best in the world. But local people are becoming concerned about lax safety standards, which are blamed for exacerbating the death toll in natural disasters and leading to unnecessary man-made accidents. Iran has the highest rate of road deaths in the world and suffers frequent plane crashes. US sanctions make it hard to obtain spare parts for its aged fleet of aircraft.
Lousy, good for nothing Americans with their evil sanctions for absolutely no reason at all...
Religious leaders warned Iraqâs top administrator Paul Bremer yesterday against the risk of a crisis should he carry out his threat to veto an Islamic constitution for the country. Clerics reacted angrily to Bremerâs threat to use his veto if the US-appointed Governing Council proposes a basic law that challenges the spirit of Western-style democracy. The Governing Council has been charged with writing the temporary constitution or fundamental law that will govern Iraq until national elections are held. But many observers believe that some council members are pushing to implement Islamist rule in the post-occupation era. Bremer vowed the new law would protect civil liberties in line with the agreement he reached with the Governing Council last November that set June 30 as the final day of the US-led occupation. Yesterday, the Najaf head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) warned against US intervention in the drafting of the countryâs legal code. âI think that if one seeks to impose another solution than what the Iraqi population wants, it would spark a crisis and none of the parties want this to happen,â Sheikh Sadreddin al-Kubbanji said.
I think we'd like you to do it right, so we don't have to come back again. And again. You're not Haiti, you know.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/18/2004 22:12 ||
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Googlinâ the Playa Haters IowaHawk nails another myth - in his inimitable style.
My mom says she would never vote for a Republican, because "Republicans hate people." I am a quasi-Republican, but I love my mom -- and I was a bit concerned by her theory. Was I in danger of becoming yet another soulless misanthrope cog in the GOP humanity-hating machine? So I decided to test it with empirical data gathered through Google.
First, I enumerated a list of political names (and nicknames) and divided them into a rightwing group and a leftwing group.
Rightwing names: Bush, George Bush, George W. Bush G. W. Bush, Dubya, Shrub, Cheney, Dick Cheney, Ashcroft, John Ashcroft, Rumsfeld, Donald Rumsfeld, Republicans, the Republican Party, the GOP, (the) Repugs, Rupuglicans, Repugnicans
Leftwing names: Clinton, Bill Clinton, Slick Willie, Slick Willy, Hillary (not Duff), Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John F. Kerry, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, Janet Reno, Gore, Al Gore, John Edwards, (the) Dems, Democrats, the Democrat(ic) Party, Democraps, Demorats
Next, I did two exact-phrase Google searches on each name, preceded by either "I love" or "I hate." For each "I love leftwing name" result, I awarded one leftwing love point; for each "I hate rightwing name" I gave one leftwing hate point. Opposite scoring for rightwingers.
Rightwing results: 3415 love points, 2053 hate points (62.5% love)
Leftwing results: 1733 love points, 12,030 hate points (12.6% love)
Iâm not sure the data entirely convinced Mom, because she kicked me in the nuts when I showed them to her.
#4
That's funny. People always think republicans are heartless. Could be, but if you look at republican politician's daughters, they are more beautiful than Democratic politician's daughters. I wonder if that's a sign from God.
#5
"republican politician's daughters, they are more beautiful than Democratic politician's daughters"
LOL! Too funny - and yet I have to agree it's prolly true. I'll admit that I happened to have met one prominent Republican's daughter - and she was down to Earth, intelligent, completely self-directed and aware... and drop-dead gorgeous. Ah, but since I'm not attracted to youth, even 'mature' youth - I prefer character and experience pkgs infinitely more, it left me wishing I was 25 yrs younger! I Googled for a pic, but didn't locate one - sorry!
Between your assertion and phil_b's Googleology I think I smell mucho grant money, Lol!
From East-Asia-Intel.......
Koreans love to eat crabs. North-South clashes in waters frequented by crab fishing boats have been one of the most contentious disputes between the brother nations. Crab wars...we used to make crabs fight on fishing boats for amusement while cruising into port.
Last week Seoul proposed that it and Pyongyang hold a military meeting on Feb. 23 to enforce joint fishing agreements and to keep Chinese fishing boats out of disputed waters. Unification Minister Jeong Se-Hyon said talks would be led by major generals from both sides. The date and chief delegate would be decided by mutual coordination but held before May, when the crab season begins. Major General Crustacaen, I presume....
Economic cooperation between the two sides has been fragile without the backing of the militaries. This was demonstrated during two naval skirmishes of 1999 and 2002 in the West Sea. The Red Crab and the Blue Crab forces.
Unlike South Korea, the North Korean military does not operate at the cabinet level, but comes under the direct control of Kim Jong-Il. That Pyongyang has agreed to the military talks signals a significant change in North Korean policy towards South Korea. Other than military contacts between colonels to discuss reconnecting the roads and railroads in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), there have not been talks at the level of generals in four years. Jeong said that the meeting would discuss, "in addition to the matter of preventing clashes over crab catching, (LOL, thatâs rich!)
ways of reducing military tensions in Korean peninsula and trust-building means." Establishing military channels between the two sides "would help North Korea to gain trust from the international crustacaen community," he said. The National Institute for Defense has suggested establishing a South-North joint fishing area to allow an agreed number of fishing boats from both sides, to export the catches through a South Korean network and to share profits. This, suggests the institute, would avoid contingency clashes between the two navies and would solve the problem of Chinese boats coming into the restricted Korean waters as well. Folks, I am not making this up!
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 5:59:42 PM ||
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#1
I should be OK; I'm an aquarius.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 19:28 Comments ||
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I believe you're not making it up, I just can't see NK jerking Daddy's (China's) chain
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/18/2004 19:46 Comments ||
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A Singapore judge reduced the sentence of a policeman charged with receiving oral sex after his case provoked a storm of protest, but he told the court that such a sex act did not conform to Asian values. Police coast guard sergeant Annis Abdullahâs sentence was halved to a year in jail after the 27-year-old received consensual oral sex from a teenage girl in April. "In the Asian culture, certain offences are still not talked about though in some cultures you can go sucking away, and some important people had gotten away with it," 77-year-old Chief Justice Yong Pung How was quoted by state media as telling the court at Tuesdayâs sentencing.
The manâs case sparked a rare public outcry against a notorious local law that says "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animals can be fined and jailed up to 10 years, or even for life." Letters defending Abdullah filled newspapers after media reported the girlâs age as 16, above the legal age of consent. After days of furious correspondence in the press deriding the oral sex ban as antiquated and out of step, the government announced that her age at the time of the incident was 15. Still, Singaporeans, known for quietly acquiescing to tough laws, appeared shocked such a ban even existed, and the government announced last month it may decriminalize oral sex between men and women following a review of the Penal Code.
Posted by: Lil Dhimmi ||
02/18/2004 5:28:36 PM ||
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Police coast guard sergeant Annis Abdullahâs sentence was halved to a year in jail after the 27-year-old received consensual oral sex from a teenage girl in April.
Isn't Anus Abdullah a Saudi prince or something?
Posted by: Lil Dhimmi ||
02/18/2004 17:30 Comments ||
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#3
In the interests of accuracy I need to point out that in Singapore oral sex as part of foreplay leading to intercourse is not illegal. Oral sex is illegal only when it does not lead to intercourse.
So remember! When in Singapore, No sucking without F**king!
#4
phil_b - I know I'm asking for the moon, but can you point to an online source for the penal code reference? I would just love to see the legalistic jargon in context. That could be a major hoot!
#5
.com I believe the statute is vaguely worded along the lines of 'un-natural sex acts'. This has then been interpreted by judges.
There was a much talked about (at least by expats who thought it was hilarious) case 5 or 6 years ago where the judge ruled that oral sex as a part of foreplay leading to intercourse was not 'un-natural', and hence not illegal. Given that Singapore has a UK based system of case law, that is now the legal precedent. Hence my earlier statement.
Of course every press report I have read on the subject fails to mention this and anyone not familiar with the history of the subject would assume all oral sex is illegal, which is not the case. An interesting illustration of how blogs can be more reliable than the mainstream press.
#6
Thx! I am constantly amazed by the opportunities the internet & blogosphere offer. Looking back 20+ years, it was simple: if Walter Crankcase, Howard K Smith, Huntley / Brinkley, or the local paper didn't say it, not only did it not happen, but what did happen happened precisely how and why they said it did. Boggles. And in those parts of the world where these awesome sources are anything less than commonplace (includes much of the US), it explains much. Thx, again!
Indonesia must boost its economic growth to 6% in order to alleviate unemployment and poverty, says the International Labor Organization (ILO)... An estimated 110 million Indonesians live on less than a dollar a day and are at risk of becoming poorer if the nation fails to further improve economic growth... Manpower and Transmigration Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea in October said there were an estimated 38.2 million unemployed people in Indonesia. Economic growth in Indonesia is critical to the WOT. Poor, unemployed, frustrated youth were the basis of the attempted communist coup in the 1960s -- the Indonesians (although doing so is contrary to most Indonesians worldview) would go islamofascist if it promised a better life. Of course, the chronic corruption doesnât much help economic growth . . .
The National Committee for POWs and Missing Affairs (NCMPA) said Tuesday its teams will continue efforts to uncover the fate of all POWs in Iraq despite the attempted bombing of one of its teams in Iraq. Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan had reported in its Tuesday issue that one of the committeeâs teams was attacked by a terrorist group which had planted a bomb on a road leading to the mass grave being dug up.
The committeeâs press release said a security team of the committee and the department of forensics was visiting a region in Iraq under the protection of the Polish troops after receiving information from a sub-committee of the tripartite committee that POWs remains were buried in the area. It said "after digging up all remains from the site, as the team departed for another site, it escaped a bombing bid carried out by evil minds," and the committee is following up the attack with great concern. It added the attack resulted in only minor injuries to one of the team members, as well as material damage. The release said the injured team-member was given medical help and the team was moved to a more secure area. The teamâs mission was suspended upon the instructions of the security forces. It stated the committee immediately coordinated with the coalition forces and the team arrived in Kuwait safely with the remains. The press release added work will continue to uncover the fate of all POWs, and such crimes and hurdles will not hinder Kuwaiti efforts but will only succeed in adding to its persistence to fulfill this national and humanitarian mission.
Rats on Menu as Bird Flu Leaves Fowl Aftertaste
Bird flu may have decimated poultry businesses across Asia, but rat dealers have never had it so good. "Iâve got a constant stream of customers," Van Vath, a rat butcher in the western Cambodian town of Battambang, told Wednesdayâs edition of Cambodge Soir.
"Think of them as ground squirrels..."
With customers shying away from chicken for fear of catching the deadly flu virus that has killed millions of birds and at least 20 people, she has been selling more than 400 pounds of rodent meat every morning -- twice her normal turnover. In far-flung corners of the jungle-clad and impoverished Southeast Asian nation, rat -- fried, grilled or roasted with garlic and vegetables -- is a highly prized delicacy. It is not the only ingredient to be found scuttling on the rural Cambodian menu. Spiders, water beetles, crickets, snakes, frogs and ants are all choice treats, with local tradition saying they were first eaten by starving peasants during the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s.
Posted by: Lil Dhimmi ||
02/18/2004 3:50:16 PM ||
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starving peasants during the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s.
Are you talking about the diffcult transition period to socialism? Genocide is a white thing.
Francie OâConnor has been coming into smoke-filled Dublin pubs as long as he can remember, once at his fatherâs side, now at his sonâs. For him, a pint and a cigarette go hand in hand. No longer. Inspired by similar restrictions in California and New York City, Ireland will become the first country in Europe to crack down on public smoking, the government announced Wednesday. As of March 29, smoking will be forbidden in all enclosed workplaces -- including the countryâs 10,000 pubs.
Thirty percent of Irish adults smoke, but opinion polls indicate the plan has widespread support. To hard-core smokers and traditionalists like OâConnor, however, itâs something close to sacrilege. "A man comes to a pub for a bit of happiness in his life. It can be more of a home than your own home," the 59-year-old handyman said between drags on his Marlboro Light, his son Daithi adopting an identical pose on the bench beside him. "If the goal is to live longer and less happily, well, weâre on the right road."
Pub owners have threatened to challenge the government in court to delay or water down the ban. They argue that it will drive away up to half of their customers -- not just the smokers, but the smokersâ friends. But Health Minister Micheal Martin, a nonsmoker who rarely ventures into a pub, has dismissed proposals to create separate smoking sections with modernized ventilation systems. He says such measures donât lessen the damage done to the bar staff obliged to work among smokers. He stressed Wednesday that nothing could protect people from secondhand smoke besides an outright ban. He dismissed the pub ownersâ predictions and noted he has the support of the unions representing bar staff. "I am confident that people will adjust, just as they did when cinemas, theaters, hairdressing salons, airplanes and numerous other settings went smoke-free," he said.
"As we all know, the very smell of a cigarette'll kill yez. And don't even mention a pipe!"
In the most upscale quarters of southside Dublin, some pubs have embraced the plans as an opportunity to redesign, creating terraces with gas heaters to encourage smokers to sit outdoors and beyond the banâs reach. But on the rougher-hewn north side, most pubs remain blue-collar and plain, and the scent of smoke tends to hit as soon as the door opens. In the Hut pub in Phibsborough on Wednesday, about a dozen lunchtime customers sat at the long oak bar or in simple tables in the back. Every group had at least one smoker. The barman said he didnât want to talk about the ban, but his customers couldnât stop. "If you try to get rid of the smokers, this pub will be more empty than a seminary," Seamus Mahony said. "Youâll live to a ripe olâ age. In the poor house."
"Itâll never happen," said Gina Lawlor, 42, a bank teller on a break. "Itâs bad enough I canât have a smoke at work,"
Don't bet on it, Gina...
"The government will have a revolution on its hands. Iâll have Michealâs head on a pike yet!" blustered John Owens, 27, to the laughter of his drinking mates, all of them telephone company workers in between callouts. "Seriously, though," he said, "I suppose weâll end up smoking outside. Weâll all die of the cold and that will be that -- no more problem." Im no big fan of smoking, but if you cant smoke in a pub in ireland, its surely a sign of the coming of the end of the world.
Posted by: Frank Martin ||
02/18/2004 3:49:52 PM ||
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#1
So the old coot's die of loneliness, old age and exposure... so what. Smoking is B. A. D.
#4
Everyone knows that the drink bone is connected to the smoke bone and you know how the Irish are about drinking!
In fact, I'm almost sure their parliament was loaded when they thought this ban was a good idea.
Don't be so stupidly PC, Eire.
Erin Go Brae!
The reason the ban passed here in NYC is that Bloomberg thinks smoking is bad. Before the ban, he got the tax on cigs upped by more than a buck-fitty. On average, a pack of smokes in NYC will run you $7.50. As a result, taxm revenue is LOST because of bootlegging and Internet sales from Indian reservations.
All this despite the FACT that the studies claiming secondhand smoke is bad are all deeply flawed and inconclusive. There is no proof it's bad.
Nonsmokers, rejoice. But if you're fat, be careful. They'll be coming for you next. After all, it's unhealthy.
#6
Yes more regulations are needed. I think beer and alcohol will be next. After all look at all those deaths from drinking. Cut me a f%@#$%$ break. Yes please legislate something else. Just what is needed. In any case it will be interesting to see how this goes in Eire.
#7
I'm about the get the holy hell flamed outta me on this but I gotta say... I can't stand smoking in doors and I think it's rude as hell. Forget the health issues, it just smells bad and it smells up your clothes (and you) and it bothers my throat. To me I see no difference between someone smoking in doors and someone screaming in my ear constantly... claiming that they have the right to free speech. Not caring if your smoke is bothering those around you is just plain rude and I'm convinced those that do it don't even realize it because it's become so socially accepted. Now go ahead and tear me a new one ;)
#8
I agree with you DPA it's rude as hell .... except I love the smell... I've never quite social worker quit. I like to watch folks smoke. I wish I could be one again. Say Layvee.
#9
DPA, I've always tried to be a considerate smoker. Fat lot of good it's done me.
You may hate it, but it's still legal (what time is it?) and the Constitution gives us the right to put whatever we want into our bodies (including illicit drugs, actually).
"Not liking the smell" is quite a different matter than that of Second Hand Smoke "killing" you, a conclusion which someone above points out is totally based on junk science.
Tobacco made this country great.
America was practically founded on tobacco.
And as you can see, once the Nanny Police State starts in on the smokers, they'll pick off all our freedoms one by one.
Hide and watch!
Businesses that are privately owned should be free to regulate whether their patrons or employees do or don't smoke on the premises and Government should *butt* the hell out!
Smoking bans are a property grab and an abrogation of personal freedom.
Still damn proud to be American?
#10
Hey DPA - I'm with you. For 40+ years,I've had to put up with smokers - it was legal, so that was my tough luck. If I didn't like the smoke, then I could take my ass somewhere else. And I have left many a smoky place just because I couldn't take the stench any more. But - it was legal. So I had to suchk it up - and the smokers just laughed.
Well, now the shoe is moving to the other foot. About 80% of smokers seem to take the same approach I did - hey, we'll abide by the law - even if it incoveniences us. But 20% are the whining, sniveling types whose life theory is "hurray for me, and to hell with eveybody else" - and you can always tell the real imams of smoking when the start talking about "nti-smoking nazis".
Hey - in a generally democratic nation of laws, you go by the law - or - take a hike. I took my hike for 40 years. Your turn now, whiny boys.
#11
You missed the entire point, Lone Ranger.
This phenomenon of "hating" smoke the way you and DPA do is something that's arisen in the last 20 years from PC programming.
You didn't notice any of the real issues at stake.
The government taking away this right from smokers' should make you at least sad, if not infuriated.
Eaters, drinkers, cell phone users, fat people--where will government interference end "for the good of the whole?"
It's not government's job--and while you're so excited about others' rights being abridged (not the least of which is the virtual "robbery" of private property by government), you should worry more and act self-righteous a little less.
Why bring freedom to Iraq and Aghanistan only to have it start to disappear in this country?
Notice Arnold is trying to make a "smokers' area" at the CA capital.
Who are the imams here? (Islam punishes smoking, too)
Although Yasser Arafat has acceded in peace talks to Israelâs right to exist, Palestinian officials indicate otherwise. In an interview broadcast on Palestinian Authority television, Ahmad Nasser, secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said the Jewish state has no right to exist because it is "Satanâs offspring." Nasser asserted Israel cannot exist "among human beings" because it was "founded on the basis of robbery, terror, killing, torture, assassination, death, stealing land and killing people," reported Palestinian Media Watch.
President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon have agreed to the concept of "two states living side by side." But Nasserâs comments "reflect the PAâs continuing campaign to challenge and deny Israelâs right to exist," says PMW director Itamar Marcus. Marcus notes Nasser, in his interview, even criticized Israel for its willingness to release 400 Arab terrorists and prisoners, arguing it was its way of putting a value on Palestinians. "We see that Israel is trying to delude the world and delude the Arabs and the Palestinians psychologically [by showing] that one Israeli will be exchanged for a thousand Palestinians," he told PA TV. A âthousandâ Paleoslopedopes worth one Israeli? That would depend on the Israeli. For the average Joe Gottsman on the street, Iâd agree. Anyone with any special talents, such as understanding the extreme arrogance and pure denial of splodeydope types might be worth as much as six times that much.
Itâs time to end the farce of "Palestine", and send all the paleoEgyptians, paleJordanians, and paleSyrians, paleSaudis, and paleLebanese back where the came from - with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The US and EU need to stop criticizing Israel for fighting for the right to exist, and possibly even lend them a hand (or at least a few B-52âs full of JDAMS).
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 3:45:22 PM ||
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Ahmad Nasser, secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said the Jewish state has no right to exist because it is "Satanâs offspring."
Well, folks. There you have it. Yes, the PA and Israel are far apart on some negotiation issues, but at least one side is communicating (/sarcasm)
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 16:31 Comments ||
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#3
Israel is trying to delude the world and delude the Arabs and the Palestinians psychologically [by showing] that one Israeli will be exchanged for a thousand Palestinians
grrrrr! Inscrutable!!! THOSE JOOOOS!!!! How DARE they put a high value on their own lives!!! We don't! Why should they!!!???
#6
Funny, I don't recall reading these comments in the WaPost, NY Times, LA Times, or Boston Globe. Musta missed it...go figure. I did read about the Red Thingy protesting the wall though, so I guess that's all that I need to know, huh? BTW - the part about the Red Thingy not accepting the Israeli's version of the Red Thingy wasn't noted...musta been an editing error..
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/18/2004 20:42 Comments ||
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From East-Asia-Intel...subscription reqâd...
North Koreaâs deepening isolation caused by its prolonged standoff with the U.S. and its East Asian allies over its nuclear weapons drive is forcing the reclusive country to rely more on trade with its only remaining communist neighbor, China. Since it refuses to give up its nefarious trade practices in marketing missiles and dope.
The trade volume between North Korea and China surpassed $1 billion in 2003, up 38.7 percent from a year ago when it stood at $738 million, the Korea International Trade Association said in a recent report. North Korea imported $627 million worth of goods from China, including fuel, while exporting $395 million worth of goods, mostly seafood, clothing and steel, to its communist neighbor. Just what the Chicoms need, the finest Nork Steel, heat treated with White Slag and Juche.
The Northâs fuel imports sharply increased by 53.2 percent to $187 million from the previous year. The Northâs chronic energy shortage deepened last year after the United States stopped an annual shipment of 500,000 tons of fuel oil in January 2003. Just what the Chicoms need, supplying the Norks with oil when their own domestic supplies are inadequate.
In contrast, North Koreaâs trade with Japan fell more than 30 percent year-over-year in 2003 following Tokyoâs crackdown over Pyongyangâs nuclear ambitions. The report says that two-way trade volume between North Korea and Japan fell by one-third last year from the previous year to $46.9 million, the lowest in 30 years. Analysts say Chinaâs greater role in North Koreaâs economic survival would boost Beijingâs leverage in bringing Pyongyang to the table to defuse international concerns over its nuclear weapons. If Beijing wants to do this they could squeeze Kimmie hard, but no evidence of this yet, being communist buddies and all that.
Diplomatic sources say China has promised to provide North Korea with 26 billion won ($22 million) worth of economic aid in return for Pyongyangâs pledge to return to international talks on its nuclear ambitions. The talks are slated to begin next week. $22 million for showing up for talks and meals, no promises of results. Nice work if you can get it.
Meanwhile, North Korea recently vowed to seek brisk trade with capitalist countries. A recent article in the Kyongje Yongu (Economy Studies), a magazine published by the North Korean government, called for economic diplomacy by expanding markets abroad. "We should conduct active economic diplomacy, that is trade, to brazenly penetrate into capitalist countries," it said. First you have to have something to sell besides missiles to Senegal and heroin to Australia.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 3:37:07 PM ||
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#1
so basically China's been undermining the best efforts of the USA and its allies by directly supplying Kimmie with all he could need,fuckin annoys the hell outa me. Still reassuring to know china would never win in an all out conflict with America that went Atomic
#2
the chicoms created the problem in nkor let them solve it, they are more threatened than the United States by nkor.
the way i see it is that the chicoms overplayed thier hand with thier comi brethern and now must pay the piper.
either pay the tab for supporting this corrupt regime or have a nuclear armed Japan and very serious problem on thier border. Crime in the chicom/nkor border region was already on the rise (hungry nkor solderiers). If this situation persists alot of things will get ugly for the chicoms.
Clinton sold out to the nkor's, once again clinton shrieking his duties and passing the problem to the next admin. Just how did the US become the biggest donor nation to nkor? should of never of happened. Bush did the right thing when he pulled the plug.
Bush's hardball tactics must be making the chicoms squirm.
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 15:54 Comments ||
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#3
agree totally about needing to use very hardball tactics with these nutters
#4
amd the chicoms would not win any conventional war - though it would be bloody, on par with korea or even WWII.
as it stands today the chicoms could barely move a division across the taiwan strait. and they would exhaust ther medium ballastic missle supply in 2-3 days. but they are building more every year, but without them being nuclear tipped, they would have to be dammend accruate to destroy the airfields and harbours of Taiwan. the only way to accomplish this the Global Positioning Satellites, that is american statellites, which we could bar them from using.
the chinese are modernizing, but it will take years. by 2015 they should have the same capabilites that the united states has today (but the us capapbitlies then will be, well a little like star wars to the average joe).
but i wouldn't take my eye off them, their military white paper's point to eventual conflict.
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 16:03 Comments ||
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#5
a read a fleet of 50'000 fishing boats would be the only viable way for china to get enough man power onto mainland taiwan.They will try to itimidate the tai's. A war with china would be possiby the must brutal and hard fought war of all time - make a great film i bet
#6
kinda of a dunkirk in reverse................
make some good target practice for the Taiwanese F-16's
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 16:19 Comments ||
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#7
The Chicoms are being stupid about the NORKS, but the Chicoms are being both stupid and smart about the Taiwanese.
If the PLA has the need to rattle their sabres across the straits, hey have a ball. A conflict with Taiwan would be an economic disaster for the PRC. However, with an increase in trade and economic ties, as well as loans from Taiwan to PRC enterprises, the Chicoms could, after a number of years, put the Taiwanese in a position where they could be economically strongarmed, thus slowly compromised and slowly defacto absorbed into the PRC.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 16:28 Comments ||
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#8
Yes the Chicoms are very smart in regards to Taiwan. Alaska Paul is on the money. They are pulling in billions of investment dollars from Taiwan.
Still not sure how this will play out. Either they are absobed peacefully (doubtful though - especially with thier moves in Hong Kong and Macau) or violently. The second option, based on writings of the PLA, is most likely the outcome. Though this will bring ruin to the chinese and taiwan economies and rise prices for everyone across the board.
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 17:11 Comments ||
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#9
The PRC is supplying the fuel while SK is providing the rice. I'm much happier with the current balance sheet than the situation that Carter negotiated.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 19:35 Comments ||
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Hat tip: Volokh Conspiracy. Edited for brevity.
Some state lawmakers are convinced they have the answer to solve the D.W.I. epidemic and want to require everyone on the road to take a breathalyzer test before they can start the engine of any vehicle.
I [hic!] hate thoshe things. Y'gotta start yer car b'fore y'can get drunk. Shink of all the gash that'sh washted...
Today, the proposal is one very large step closer to becoming law. A bill requiring an ignition interlock device be installed on every car, truck, bus or motorcycle in New Mexico passed the state house today and is on its way to the senate. Representative Ken Martinez introduced the bill and says he was pleasantly surprised with todayâs vote. âI think itâs an opportunity for N.M. to lead on this issue and be a solution state and not a problem state,â says Martinez. As for who will pay for the devices? KRQE News 13 has learned there is another proposed bill that would give people a tax credit for the amount of the device. The senate has until Thursday to vote on the bill. If the bill survives and is signed by the governor, New Mexico would be the only state in the country with such a law. And the nanny state marches on...
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 3:10:08 PM ||
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Soon, every car in New Mexico will be registered in Texas, Arizona, or Colorado. There will be booming business in rental mail boxes along the borders, as well as mail-forwarding services.
At the least, they'll never see another rental car or truck registered in their state again.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 15:24 Comments ||
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#3
I propose all legislators must undergo a breathalyzer test before writing any legislation. Lie detector and sanity tests must also be mandatory.
Posted by: ed ||
02/18/2004 16:12 Comments ||
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#4
ed - the country would come to a standstill. But I like it!
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 16:24 Comments ||
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#5
Wouldn't an inflatable babe work? Just curious, I like science.
#6
But New Mexicos roads will finally be safe from Ted kennedy. Seiously DUIs are a serrious problem and nothing to joke about. Just ask someone who has been tagged or is married to someones who has. The fines are nothing compared to the job the insurance companies do on you. But at the same time if you are out and have had one or two too many all too often it is impossible to get a cab or a ride.
#7
If this makes it into law and past the usual challenges (perfect for the ACLU, I should think), there will be technical work-arounds available immediately. First, there is the designated blower. The machine will never be canny enough to determine who is behind the wheel and who just blew into the machine. Then there is the possibility of using stored air via a tank and regulator. The bypassing of the device will be a hacker's paradise, with PROM chips available immediately. And so on and so forth. And Gov Richardson has a ton of extra $$$ to police this new requirement? I doubt it.
#11
If it takes half the driving population of that state off the road, great. New Mexicans are crappy drivers anyway (go any distance on I-10 as proof).
#12
Its even *worse* if you (or someone close to you) get tagged by a drunk/stoned driver out on the road some night.
I have absolutly no compassion for people who drink and drive.
Saying that, this is not the way to do it -- too many ways around it and another inconvience for people who are responsible.
#13
They will probably push this to other states. I consider it a victory that they didn't go for a urinalysis. At least this way my car won't smell funny when my daughter learns to drive.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 20:03 Comments ||
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#14
Could be that NM's effort is related to an little encounter I had in Gallup some years ago. I was gassing up the car at a large truckstop on the Interstate when a local, fresh off the Reservation, tried to stick me up... He passed out in mid-threat. I finished and went inside and the woman at the register just laughed and said he was a "regular" and part of the "colorful" scenery of the area. So I paid for the gas and boogied on down the road. When I checked my rear-view mirror getting back on the service road, he was still lying in the driveway... being colorful. Mebbe he drives occassionally, too.
#15
Good one Dot. Sounds like the perp was a little dehydrated.
I heard a sta-tistp-tpic about how half the traffic accidents involve alcohol. By a mathomatic deduction I found that half the accidents do not involve alcohol. I've also noted that about half the drivers I know do drink. Not that they are drunk and driving as a rule. And those that I've known who have had accidents, due to their own negligence, well I can think of only one. And he was still in high school at the time and it was dead mans corner.
Hat tip: Begging to Differ. No direct link to item--it is near bottom of page, fifth block from bottom.
HISTORIC BASEBALL AND PHOTO
(Catalog Number 68)
During President and Mrs. Carterâs historic trip to Cuba in 2002, they attended a baseball game with the Cuban team. After the game, President Castro signed this baseball for the leader of President Carterâs Secret Service detail. The baseball has also been signed by President Carter and is offered with a photo of President Carter and President Castro.
Donor: The Carter Center
Value: $2,500.00
Current high bid: $0.00*
Calling either one of these idiots "President" is repugnant. Must be fun to be on Carterâs Secret Service and cavort with Communist dictators.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 2:40:30 PM ||
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#1
We should start using Carter's Secret Service detail to put assassins in place. Imagine -- Castro, Little Kimmy, Chirac -- all of them have been up-close and personal with Carter!
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 14:52 Comments ||
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#2
Here's the link: http://www.beggingtodiffer.com/archives/2004_02.html#000898
#3
Whew! For a moment there, I was afraid you meant Gary Carter.
I've got a couple of his autographs from when I was a kid. I remember him consistently staying on the field longer than any other player, pre-game, to sign autographs, chat with reporters, and answer little kids' questions about how to be a good catcher. I would have hated to hear that he was chummy with Castro, who, despite all the reasons to dislike the guy, sure seems to appreciate good baseball.
#5
Sounds like Jimmah made Secret Service guy fork over the ball to be used as a fund raiser for his noble cause/causes? Why doesn't that surprise me?
He should've took it over to North Korea with him and got Kimmie to sign it too.
Edited for brevity
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist was at Fort Campbell Tuesday to meet with commanding general Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus and personally thank him -- and the 101st Airborne Division -- for a job well done in Iraq. The division was responsible for about 5,000 projects while they were deployed. The division officially returned home Saturday, even though about 3,000 soldiers are still in Kuwait. They are scheduled to come back to Fort Campbell through March.
But Tuesdayâs meeting wasnât the first for the senator and the general. The two have a long-standing history that started 12 years ago, when Frist saved Petraeusâ life. In 1991, Petraeus was shot with an M-16 rifle round in the left side of his chest during a training accident at Fort Campbell, where he was a battalion commander with the 187th Infantry Regiment. Frist, then a heart surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, operated on a badly bleeding Petraeus to remove the bullet. The two Princeton University graduates have since remained friends and have spoken to each other or written e-mails regularly while Petraeus was deployed to the Middle East. At different times, the two attended the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton, and in October 2002 they ran the Army 10-miler together in Washington. Petraeus quickly disappeared in the crowd ahead of Frist and ran about a 7-minute mile, despite a parachute accident that had fractured his pelvis several years ago.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 1:53:19 PM ||
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#1
Forgot to add comment before posting--Does accidentally shooting your battalion commander during an exercise hinder your career?
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 13:55 Comments ||
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#3
Reminds me when I was in the Army we were constantly reminded taht when in the range never, never, never point a weapon to anyone until certified unloaded by the supervising officer . Failing to do that would land you in jail for up to two months. Then one day we learned a senior officer had got a bullet in the buttock (from all places) when his wife had tried to clean a gun without checking it was loaded. ROTFL.
Masked gunmen opened fire on a Palestinian minister and a top economic official in a Jenin restaurant today, the latest in a series attacks on Palestinian officials in the increasingly lawless West Bank. Both men escaped without injury, but two bystanders were lightly injured, including a Palestinian policemen. Al-Aqsa Martyrsâ Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.
"Yeah. It wuz us. We almost dunnit, an' we're glad!"
managing director of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, were in Jenin to attend the opening ceremony of a new hospital. After the ceremony, they went to lunch at a restaurant in the town centre. As they sat down to eat, three masked gunmen opened fire on the officials and called out that they were "not welcome" in their town, witnesses said.
"This town ain't big enough fer the two of us, Tibia!"
"Ummm... There's three of youse!"
"This town ain't big enough fer the four of us, then!"
Palestinian security officials said the attackers had only been trying to intimidate the men.
"Shucks. We wuz jes' a-funnin' with them!"
The attackers had previously threatened to shut down all Palestinian Authority offices in the town unless their demands were fulfilled. The group asked the Palestinian Authority for money and greater political recognition, but their requests have so far gone unanswered. After the attack, Zacariyya Zubeidi, head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrsâ Brigades cell from the nearby Jenin refugee camp rushed to the scene. Zubeidi condemned his colleaguesâ tactics, called them "delinquents", and invited the minister to lunch at a home in the camp.
"Sounds good. What're we having?"
"Roast land mine."
#1
so the official line is that these are rogues out for money. Even if its that, it represents a dramatic deterioration in PA control, for a PA minister to be shot at by rogue AAMB. Or is it open war between the AAMB and the PA cabinet?? But isnt AAMB aligned with Fatah? Is Arafat trying to gun down political enemies within the PA? No precedent for that, at least at this level(IE cabinet minister), that i know of.
Iraqis negotiating over rent with Japanese troops building a base on their land said Wednesday the talks have broken down and threatened to sue, though Japan denied an impasse. The landowners originally sought $2,500 per acre each year but cut their demand to $500 after Japan offered $300, said farmer Mirsal Hashim Mohammed. He said the Japanese then reduced their offer to $100. Should have taken the first offer.
"There is no prospect of an agreement," Mirsal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "We told them that although we cannot stop their construction, we will consider them an occupying force." Well, if you want to get technical about it....
Japan is already building the base on the site outside Samawah, about 230 miles southeast of Baghdad. Troops are expected to move there from nearby Camp Smitty, a base run by the Dutch forces, in coming weeks. I fully expect to see a story about Camp Beetle Bailey any day now, manned by forces from Greenland.
Mirsal, who owns about a third of the 1,400 acres that Japan wants for the base, said the Iraqi landowners were considering legal action, and planned a protest in front of the base on Thursday. Go ahead, nobody has more practice with angry landowners protesting in front of bases than the Japanese. Itâll make them feel right at home.
Mirsal said the Iraqis had lowered their price because they believe Japan has come to help, not because they thought the demand was unfair. "They have cheated us," said Agel Ghathith, a farmer who owns 350 acres on the site. Agel, lighten up. By the time the Japanese leave, theyâll have built a Toyota dealership and a pachinko parlor on your land. I mean, itâs not like anyone else is standing in line to rent your dirt.
Japanâs troops have deployed to Iraq for a humanitarian mission to rebuild local schools, provide medical supplies and supply clean water. About 100 troops are already here, and another 400-500 are expected to arrive over the next month or so. The deployment, begun last month, is Japanâs first military mission to a combat zone since World War II. Japanese military officials acknowledge that the negotiations have been difficult, but have declined to give details. "We expect the talks will take some time," said Col. Masahisa Sato, commander of the troops here. "We intend to continue the negotiations with sincerity." Like I said, just like back home.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 1:39:26 PM ||
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So at $100/yr an acre Agel Ghathith get $35,000 for sitting on his ass and Mirsal Hashim Mohammed get around $50,000. At $500, it becomes $175,000 and $250,000. Average Iraqi income seems to be around $1000/yr? Anyone care to guess what they were making a year ago?
Japan, welcome to the ingratitude big leagues. Saddam, Uday and Qusay would know how to deal with 'em. So did Imperial Army.
Posted by: ed ||
02/18/2004 15:08 Comments ||
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Iraqi Oil Minister Ibrahim Bahr al-Uloum said his agency is examining an Iranian proposal to build an oil pipeline in southern Iraq along the Shatt-al-Arab waterway. "There is a proposed project to build a crude oil pipeline with Iran with a capacity of 250,000 barrels a day," Bahr al-Uloum told reporters, adding it was first proposed by Iranâs oil ministry when he visited Tehran in December. "We are in the process of conducting the feasibility studies of the pipeline, which will be released in the coming few months," Bahr al-Uloum said. Since appointed minister by the U.S.-backed Governing Council in September, Bahr al-Uloum has visited neighboring Iran twice and signed agreements with his Iranian counterpart Bijan Namdar Zanganeh to supply Iraq with oil products. Iran has helped supply Iraq with oil in a bid to alleviate winter shortages which led to an increase in black market sales and long lines at gas stations in Baghdad.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 1:32:48 PM ||
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Yes! A big honker of a pipeline! Jointly built, jointly financed, money to be made all around. It also aliviates(?) de-tensionsizes(?) the shatt-al-arab...
#2
Iran has to come up with the cash to pay Al Sadr and his boys some how. Bombs ain't cheap.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 20:20 Comments ||
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#3
As Iraqi production returns and the badly neglected infrastructure is rebuilt and modernized, I'm sure this will help the oil-starved economy of Iran - and, perhaps, alleviate the dire need for those nuke plants.
Oh, you mean the oil would flow the other way? Even with their shortages? Wow, talk about Muslim charity - puts the West to shame...
/sarcasm
Edited for brevity.
A fierce battle is brewing over the future of the Sierra Club, and an unlikely issue is at the center of the debate: immigration. A growing faction in the nationâs most influential environmental group has urged a stronger stance against immigration, calling the growing U.S. population and its consumption of natural resources the biggest threat to the environment. Past and present Sierra Club leaders say the anti-immigrant faction has teamed up with animal-rights activists in an attempt to hijack the 112-year-old organization and its $100 million annual budget. "At stake is really the heart and soul of the organization," said Adam Werbach, the clubâs president from 1996-98. "Itâs a sad attempt by a very small special-interest group to take over the entire Sierra Club organization."
Some of the old guard has organized a movement called Groundswell Sierra to oppose what they say is an attempted takeover by outside groups. Their opponents responded by filing a lawsuit claiming the leaders are unfairly trying to influence an upcoming board election. Between March 1 and April 15, members will cast mail-in ballots to fill five open seats on the clubâs 15-member governing board. The clubâs anti-immigration faction says it needs only three more seats to control policy.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 1:22:18 PM ||
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"At stake is really the heart and soul of the organization," said Adam Werbach, the clubâs president from 1996-98. "Itâs a sad attempt by a very small special-interest group to take over the entire Sierra Club organization."
How quickly Mr. Werbach forgets. He may be a paunchy old-guard conservative now, but some of us old-timers remember when he and his lefty barbarians hijacked the Sierra Club in the '60s. They transformed it from an outdoor recreational club to a militant anti-capitalist political organization, advocating siezure of land use control nationwide using 'the environment' as their mantra.
Just lie back and enjoy the takeover, Mr. Werbach.
#2
A growing faction in the nationâs most influential environmental group has urged a stronger stance against immigration, calling the growing U.S. population and its consumption of natural resources the biggest threat to the environment.
I don't know about the "threat" to the environment, but it's pretty obvious that more people in a particular place will consume more resources. Debate the pros and cons of legal immigration if you will, but illegal immigration needs to be smacked down, and HARD.
#4
I checked out the Sierra Club once. A lot of the rank and file is non-political, but the leadership is thoroughly politicized.
BTW, what turned me off wasn't the politics, but the structure. It's kind of like Scientology. You pay big bucks up front to go to classes, seminars, and trips. Once you've paid your dues and gotten leadership training, then everything is free or reduced cost. At least in the group I checked out, the leaders didn't seem too concerned about the welfare of the "recruits." They mostly seemed to be enjoying a free trip that the recruits were paying for. Another thing that I noticed about them was that they had precisely zero chapters in the black and latino parts of town. They had some sort of outreach committee, but it obviously wasn't doing much. So they're racist, looney, and exploitive. I honestly hope that they break up. Maybe some of the rank and file will pick up the pieces and reinvent it as a fun organization again.
#6
I see this eventuality as a mini version of what is slowly happening in the DNC. I don't think that JFK would recognize his party. FDR, OTOH would be quite happy.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 19:47 Comments ||
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The International Red Cross assailed Israelâs West Bank barrier Wednesday as a violation of humanitarian law for slashing through land envisaged for a Palestinian state under a U.S.-backed peace plan. Three U.S. envoys met aides to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on his plan to evacuate settlers from the Gaza Strip, also occupied by Israel. The Palestinians proposed international peacekeepers move into Gaza once the Israelis move out.
Provides a fresh target set, y'know...
Sharon says his unilateral strategy aims to defuse conflict with a U.S.-backed peace plan in tatters from persistent violence. But Israel has also kept building the barrier taking in land Palestinians want for a state, raising U.S. concern. In Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the barrier in its current form, winding well inside the West Bank and trapping thousands of Palestinians in enclaves, violated international humanitarian law. Israelâs Geneva ambassador, Yaakov Levy, repeated its position that the barrier was a "self-defense" measure against suicide bombers penetrating the Jewish state, not a new border. Palestinians call it a veiled bid to annex occupied territory. Sharon planned to pitch unilateral "disengagement" steps to Elliot Abrams and Stephen Hadley, two national security advisers to President Bush, and State Department official William Burns, in talks running through Thursday. The trio first met Sharonâs chief of staff, Dov Weisglass, Thursday. Political sources close to Sharon said he wanted to pave the way to a White House meeting with Bush to obtain his backing for removing around 7,500 settlers from Gaza, which Israel captured along with the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. They said the right-wing premier had also decided to alter parts of the barrierâs route at the behest of Washington to remove elongated loops around some West Bank settlements and avoid caging entire Palestinian cities in the future.
Knowing something of Sharon, he probably started out hard so had had something to compromise with later. The eventual wall will probably end up following the 1967 line pretty closely. And it'll still be a wall, seethe as the Paleos may.
"The envoys will try to keep Israel as much as possible on the path of reciprocal steps outlined by the road map, which remains U.S. policy, " a diplomatic source said. The road map requires Israel to stop expanding settlements, especially in the West Bank, and Palestinians to rein in militants to enable a viable Palestinian state to emerge in the West Bank and Gaza by 2005.
Removing the settlers would seem to comply with the roadkill provisions. I'm thinking real hard, but I can't come up with anything the Paleos have done to comply...
"But the envoys will also want to listen to what Sharon has to say about the unilateral plan given a lot of conflicting reports about what it entails," the diplomat told Reuters.
Sharon's probably making it up as he goes along...
Citing leaks from Sharonâs office, Palestinians fear Israel expects to trade in Gaza for permanent control over wide swathes of the West Bank within the course of the barrier where the vast majority of the 230,000 Jewish settlers live.
... and they're feeding the Paleos every ridiculous thing they can think of to keep them seething instead of thinking clearly, assuming that's possible...
Israeli political sources said evacuations were unlikely to begin until October or November given many hurdles in Sharonâs way, including expected Supreme Court battles by settlers and the need for legislation to compensate and relocate them. "This will be a long story," said one Sharon confidant.
... and if it's not possible, they'll bore them to death with details.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei called for international peacekeepers in Gaza if Israel left without a peace deal. Muslim militants sworn to Israelâs destruction dominate the small Mediterranean territory. Israeli and U.S. officials dismissed the idea. "Heâs asking others to do his work for him," a State Department official said in Washington. "Itâs not that the Palestinians canât do it, itâs that they wonât ... act against terrorists in areas they are supposed to be responsible for."
If they'd done that, things wouldn't be at this point.
It would seem that one has to be human to understand human rights. Unfortunately the Israli administration currently hasnât evolved like the rest of the human race.
The seem to be acting reasonably to me. And even though we routinely belittle the intellectual capacity and moral attainments of the Paleos on these pages, we usually allow for the fact that they're human.
When you post, please include the URL in the source line. I may or may not get the same version you got if I have to go look for it.
#2
Anyone have an email address for the public affairs people at the Red Thingy? I wanna get their statement on the wall between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 13:20 Comments ||
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#3
It would seem that one has to be human to understand human rights. Unfortunately the Israli administration currently hasnât evolved like the rest of the human race.
Is that supposed to mean that Israeli admin. will become human when they will start indiscriminate killing of Palestinians? Perhaps something deeper?
Posted by: marek ||
02/18/2004 13:21 Comments ||
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#4
A succession of humane Israeli administrations have shown superhuman concern for human rights by not simply removing to Jordan -- aka the Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine -- Arabs from Judea-Samaria, as Jews were cleansed from the lands of Arabs without compensation or the right of return.
#7
Yeah, I'd like the email address too, so I can ask the Red Thingy what their position is on the wall being built in India, and soon in Thailand...both being built due to Islamic crazies.
I mean surely they have a strong position on these walls too, right?...right??
#10
Fred, I don't know why the poster chose to name his/herself Cruex, but I have a funny story about the product. During Plebe Summer, with all the hummidity in the Annapolis area, a large percentage of male midshipmen develop crotch-rot. Anyway, you're restricted to base so you can't go out in town to buy Cruex. Well, the Midshipman store runs out of Cruex in the middle of my 6-week, see. But my roomate still has a can of Dessinex for athletes-foot. You can guess the rest but it involves me yowling in pain and doesn't have much to do with the Palestinian question.... Hey, actually it might. I get the same type of pain whenever a new asshat post another Spodeydope Appologist piece.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 13:55 Comments ||
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#11
I sent my question to "anotari.gva@icrc.org"; she's supposed to be the Red Thingy's spokeman, er "spokesperson". I asked:
Since the ICRC has taken a stance on the wall being built by Israel, I'm
curious as to your position on the wall being built by Saudi Arabia along
its border with Yemen. Yemen claims the wall is being built, in some
sections, inside their territory. Saudi Arabia claims the wall is being
built to keep out infiltrators from Yemen.
Does the ICRC have a position on this? If not, why not? If so, what is the
reasoning behind this position?
Thank you!
No answer, yet. I don't expect one, ever.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 15:01 Comments ||
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#12
Anyone know the Red thingie's position on the deliberate targetting and murder-in-cold-blood of innocent men, women, and children by Hamas or the PA?
And I dont just mean in Israel but Iraq, Saudi-arabia, Thailand, Indoneasia, etc.....
#13
CrazyFool -- they're too worried about Club Gitmo to concern themselves with that stuff.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 16:11 Comments ||
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#14
I guess I missed the red cross' condemnation of the paleos using ambulances to transport explosives.
But hey...they've had a bias against Israel from the beginning. they allow the red crescent and some other red thing to be affiliated with them. 'won't allow a red Mogen David, the Israeli version because of some trumped up, whatever fu*ked up reasons.
U.S. troops captured seven suspected militants believed linked to al-Qaida in a raid Wednesday in the central Iraqi city of Baquba, the military said. Troops from the 4th Infantry Division carried out the raid targeting an "anti-coalition cell" that may have ties to Osama bin Ladenâs terror group, a statement from U.S command said. Seven suspects specifically targeted in the raid and 15 other people were detained, the statement said. Baquba is in the so-called "Sunni Triangle," north and west of Baghdad, the heartland of anti-U.S. violence in Iraq. Developing, hope we got a big fish.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 12:56:05 PM ||
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A notorious Taliban commander warned Wednesday that Afghans who take part in elections this year will face attack, the first direct threat the guerrillas have issued to the U.N.-backed polls. Mullah Dadullah, a top militant commander blamed for ordering the killing of a foreign Red Cross worker last year and for a series of massacres during the Talibanâs rule, warned Afghans not to vote in the poll that is supposed to be held in June. "The people of Afghanistan must not participate in the election," he said after contacting Reuters from an undisclosed location. "If they do, they will come under Taliban attack." As opposed to being attacked by you for the last decade?
Dadullah is one of elusive Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammed Omarâs most trusted lieutenants and a member of a 10-man leadership council set up last year. It was the second time in three days he has called Reuters to issue a threat. "Please stay on the line, your call is important to us. You will be handled by the next available aircraft, er, operator!
The Taliban threatened late last year to disrupt a Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, called to approve a constitution to pave the way for the elections.
That worked well...
Yup, and nothing happened.
The assembly was held successfully amid tight security, but guaranteeing safe polls will be a much taller order for the foreign peacekeepers and a U.S.-led force based in Afghanistan. Already voter registration has fallen behind schedule with only one million of the 10.5 million eligible voters so far listed and threats from the guerrillas will not help, especially in southern provinces where they have mounted repeated attacks. U.N. officials have already expressed concerns about registration in the south, especially of women in what are ultra-conservative Islamic heartlands. Expressing concern being what the U.N. does best.
Dadullah reiterated a Taliban vow to target Muslims working for foreign aid agencies or assisting the United States and threatened more suicide attacks against U.S. soldiers and NATO-led peacekeepers. "Everywhere there are U.S. and ISAF forces, we will do suicide attacks," he said. "We will kill all those Muslims who are working with America and its 52 other non-Muslim allied countries," he said when asked why the Taliban was targeting Muslims working for aid agencies. "And their baby ducks too!"
"We will build our country with Islam, not with roadbuilding... for every part of the road they asphalt they make 300 Muslims non-Muslim." Is that all it takes, asphalt? Fire up them road pavers, weâre heading for Riyahd!
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 11:25:19 AM ||
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#1
I thought the Mullah Dadullah was that little squishy thing next to the Mullah Oblongata?
#2
I hope he hasn't trade marked his name. It would be a hell of a handle for a rap artist.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:31 Comments ||
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#3
"52 other non-Muslim allied countries" Surprised Reuters printed that. Seems to contradict the Unilateral thing, and recognize Rummy's Ad Hoc Coalition's he talked about in 2001. But then I realized that in order to be "multilateral" you need 54 countries (unless you have 54, then you need 55). Keep moving the bar, and they'll wonder why the moon isn't participating in our "so-called" Coalition.
#4
DAMN! Now I know why Lockheed/Martin, Litton, and a half-dozen other companies in Colorado Springs are suddenly interested in cellphone technology! They're designing a cellphone-homing JDAM! Another good reason why I don't have one, and don't want one...
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 12:15 Comments ||
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#5
OP, if they try to send you one for free, they're just trying to make a missile sump out of you. It's a modern day blip enhanse.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 13:13 Comments ||
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#6
We will build our country with Islam, not with roadbuilding... for every part of the road they asphalt they make 300 Muslims non-Muslim.
What an orator!
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/18/2004 22:39 Comments ||
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A Russian ballistic missile self-destructed moments after taking off from a submarine Wednesday, the second failed test launch in two days of maneuvers meant to display the countryâs military might. Oops, they did it again!
President Vladimir Putin didnât mention the failure, but said Russia would soon get new strategic weapons that would protect the country for years to come. "Cuz the old ones suck"
He also said the Moscow might develop a missile defense system. We offered to share, but did you listen?
Putin didnât offer specifics about the new weapons - presumably a new generation of missiles - but said they will be "capable of hitting targets continents away with hypersonic speed, high precision and the ability of wide maneuver." "Plus, theyâre invisible and come in seven flavors!"
The massive exercises have been described as the largest in more than 20 years, and come less than a month before a presidential election Putin is expected to win. The opposition being kidnapped and beaten.
They are broadly seen as part of campaign efforts aimed at playing up Putinâs image as a leader determined to restore Russiaâs military power and global clout. But two launch failures in as many days were an embarrassment for Putin and further tarnish the image of the Russian military, which has been plagued by chronic funding shortages, low morale and frequent crashes and accidents. And those are on good days.
The missile launched from the Karelia submarine on Wednesday veered from its flight path less than two minutes after take-off, triggering its self-destruct system, Russian Navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo told The Associated Press. No one was hurt, he said in a telephone interview. Look at the bright side, the sub didnât blow up this time.
That came a day after a missile failed to launch from the Novomoskovsk submarine. Russian officials and media had conflicting statements about the reason for the failure. The naval chief, Adm. Vladimir Kuroyedov, ended up saying Tuesday that the navy had never planned a real launch and successfully conducted what he described as an imitation "electronic" one. "Launch? What launch?"
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 11:04:54 AM ||
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#1
At least the sub didn't sink this time.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
02/18/2004 11:31 Comments ||
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#2
Saw a missile shoot kiboshed due to condensation backup in a fanroom hummidification line flood a launcher equipment room. I don't think subs usually have that problem.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:37 Comments ||
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#3
Heh and here I was saying I suspect that these missiles will explode prematurely when I first heard about the Russkies doing a nuke missile test. Man I'm a regular Cassandra....no wait..stop ignoring me guys! arghh! hehehe ;)
#6
Raj, I think Kursk was torpedo fuel that was too volatile. My only sub ride lasted two days. I was glad to be back above the waves. Don't mind being a submariner for a short time but it's been said eternity last forever.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 13:23 Comments ||
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#7
Wasn't the Kursk carrying torpedoes with some sort of hydrogen-peroxide as fuel? I think the UK lost a submarine while in a harbor to the same thing back in the 50s or 60s.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
02/18/2004 14:12 Comments ||
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#8
Wasn't the Kursk carrying torpedoes with some sort of hydrogen-peroxide as fuel? I think the UK lost a submarine while in a harbor to the same thing back in the 50s or 60s.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
02/18/2004 14:12 Comments ||
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#9
Mostly off topic, but I couldn't let it pass.
George (contain their asses) Kennan turned 100 yesterday. Last tag, he wins.
#10
Russian technology. The best in the world!....for its price....when it doesn't blow up prematurely or fall apart, or decay, rust, crash, implode......okay maybe this isn't the best example to use.
EFL. Howard Dean will end his campaign for the presidential nomination and oversee a new effort to keep his issues alive and his supporters organized on behalf of Democratic causes, two party officials said Wednesday. "I topple my king."
Dean was to announce his plans at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, said the officials. The sources said the shape of the new effort is still to be determined but that Dean would eventually support the Democratic Partyâs nominee. One official said Dean would help elect Democrats to Congress in the fall. Dean was mulling whether to endorse one of his rivals. John Edwards has been reaching out to Dean for several weeks, and the former Vermont governor has been impressed with the North Carolina senator and grateful that he has not criticized Dean. Still, the officials cautioned, the chance for endorsement remained slim. Dean exits the active race certain in the knowledge that he will live on in the annals of U.S. politics for shattering Democratic fund-raising records with $41 million collected in a single year â as well as on late-night television and Internet parodies for a high-octane concession speech on the night of the Iowa caucuses that heâs likely never to live down. "AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The former Vermont governor is the political equivalent of a supernova. Once a long-shot candidate, the Internet phenomenon filled his campaign coffers and attracted thousands of supporters through the spring and summer, pushing him to the head of the crowded Democratic field. The leader in national polls â and more important state polls in the first states of Iowa and New Hampshire â Dean seemed poised to win the nomination in a runaway. In the end, he never won a single state through 17 contests. "ARGH!"
Historians will judge, but Dean and his devoted supporters are convinced that they more than anyone else defined the Democratic debate through his unwavering criticism of President Bush, the Iraq war and Democrats who helped Bush push his agenda through Congress. "Because of your work, we have already written the Democratic Party platform," Dean declared Monday night at an exuberant Madison rally that harkened to the heady days when he was more focused on a running mate than exiting the race.
"It's all vowels, and there are some umlauts, but we wrote it!"
For that latter part of 2003 and the early days of this year, Dean seemed untouchable, emerging from miscues and gaffes with yet another fund-raising record or high-profile endorsement. Nothing could dissuade the 640,000 people who joined his campaign via his Web site. They contributed $41 million last year and then pumped millions more this year into a campaign that was faltering even before Iowans dealt the first blow. "AAARRRGGGHHH!"
Dean was the most unlikely of heroes for this movement of liberals, disaffected voters and youth. Born to wealth on New Yorkâs Park Avenue, his Yale pedigree was much closer to Bushâs than the working people to whom he said he was giving voice. "AARRGGHH! I sez i refersented the foor and my LIFS FELL OFF!"
As he left the Vermont governorâs office in January 2003 after nearly 12 years, Dean had a presidential campaign staff of a half-dozen and about $157,000 in the bank. But one of those staffers had found a then-obscure Internet organizing site, known as MeetUp.com. Dean became the first political candidate to sign up for it and suddenly thousands of people were finding him, organizing local events and fund-raisers and slowly making him a force. His blunt speaking style and full-throated opposition to the Iraq war at a time when almost all of the other major contenders were trying to explain their support for it gave him an edge. Even then he was still little more than an afterthought, but he had raised enough money to begin competing and was relentless in appearing everywhere he could. By February last year, he had begun focusing his criticism not just on Bush but on his fellow Democrats, accusing them of being too timid in fighting for the partyâs core principles. Which are infanticide, perversion, and submission to the UN.
Posted by: Steve from Relto ||
02/18/2004 10:43:31 AM ||
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#1
Article doesn't address the big issues of:
- who gets access to his donor list and disaggregates
- who gets access to his list of volunteers
#2
There go all the fun out of this campaign! All we have left is boring John Friggin Kerry C-Vietnam. Maybe we can send Dean some cash and help him out?
#3
In a similar vein, check out the Ralph Don't Run website. I say, Run, Forrest Ralph, Run!
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 11:37 Comments ||
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#4
Dar, Ralph will just put the EPA stuff back on the table. He will mobilize the kooks and then bail so that the energized base of tree huggers flock to Kerry. I would just as soon not remove the wooden stake until the quicklime has finished it's job.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:41 Comments ||
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#6
Think in terms of bridges burned
Gore meant nothing in the end
Watched my polls rise all last fall
Then I watched them fall again
Everything must have an end
Even though Kerry is a bore
He got more votes than me--
Man, I wish I hadn't screamed!--
Itâs the end for Howard Dean
(Apologies to Bob Seeger)
Posted by: Mike ||
02/18/2004 11:56 Comments ||
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#7
I hope this means he won't stop his visits to schools to take about dog urine etc.
#8
Don't underestimate Edwards. Apparently he is quite the demagogue. Let's not play into the DNC's hands by failing to spotlight Edwards until it is too late.
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 12:12 Comments ||
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#9
I just can't see all those angry Deaniacs supporting Edwards. They're more likely to stay home, pout, and be trolls here on Rantburg.....
#11
"Neener neener neener!
They ain't go no Deaner!"
Posted by: Fred ||
02/18/2004 12:56 Comments ||
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#12
An insignificant tree fell in the forest... Did anybody hear it?... Dr. Demento's broke and his base has deserted him. Edwards wouldn't touch him with a barge pole. And Kerry would have his mentor, Teddy, take Howie for a ride over the Chappaquidick Bridge.
Posted by: Jack Deth ||
02/18/2004 13:27 Comments ||
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#13
With Dean out the only thing that will keep my interest in this campaign would be a larger role for Kucinich. He even looks funny - kind of like Zippy, my little brother's stuffed monkey. I wonder whatever happened to Zippy.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 13:28 Comments ||
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#14
as well as on late-night television and Internet parodies for a high-octane concession speech on the night of the Iowa caucuses that heâs likely never to live down.
I think the problem was he couldn't live UP to the speech. I have a certain affection for this nitwit and frankly I'd rather have him president than either Lt. Kerry or Sq. Edwards.
#17
Soon to be heard in Vermont:
"And I'm gonna go to Montpelier,
then I'm gonna go get the dry cleaning,
then I'm going to the grocery store and take back those groceries that aren't the exclusive property of Rush Limbaugh!
BLEEARRRRGH!"
#18
..and oversee a new effort to keep his issues alive and his supporters organized on behalf of Democratic causes, two party officials said Wednesday.
Translation: Dean will fade back to near-obscurity upon returning to Vermont, and will become nothing more than a footnote in the 2004 Donk primaries.
#19
eL, I liked the American Flag touch. Your parody is a thing of beauty.
BAR - we'll get a rerun every four years when he and Al Gore reanimate and provide their kiss-of-death endorsement.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 20:08 Comments ||
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#20
B is right. Edwards is someone to be aware of. OpinionJournal best of the web posted some exit numbers today. Of the voters in the exit poll, only 62% described themselves as Democrats, and they went overwhelmingly for Kerry, 48% to 31%. Edwards bested Kerry 40% to 28% among independents (who made up 29% of the sample) and 44% to 18% among Republicans (9% of the sample). Edwards is a smooth talker. He fooled the people here is NC 98 to vote him into the Senate. Polls here are showing he probably would not win again if he ran. He hasn't done a thing for the state while in Washington. Yet he talks the talk, has a good sell line, and is a pretty face. The fact that independents there went overwhelmingly for him may indicate that were he against Bush the independent vote might go for him. Beware of him!
Posted by: AF Lady ||
02/18/2004 20:12 Comments ||
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#21
Al Gore endorsed him early, Al Gore supported him, Al Gore thought he was what America needed.
My question is... How does this effect Al Gore?
Posted by: Al Gore ||
02/18/2004 20:24 Comments ||
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Posted by: Steve from Relto ||
02/18/2004 10:37 Comments ||
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#3
Actually, nix that. After further research, I've found a new weapons supplier for the Israelis. The Brotronic Death Ray seems like just the thing to combat these jihadi Martians. The product video is particularly impressive.
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/18/2004 12:11 Comments ||
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#5
Needed: a Hasidic Slim Whitman
Just turn loose Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 12:29 Comments ||
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#6
Yow! For a moment, I thought all hope was lost, but then I realized that the alliance would be very short lived, at best.
Imagine the scene of the very first skirmish between the IDF, and the paleos with their Martian allies: The Martians let loose a lethal volley of death rays at the Israelis, slaughtering dozens in an instant. The paleos, overjoyed at the sight of mass slaughter (like on 9/11) start their wild, frenzied ululations. Suddenly, the martians find their heads exploding left and right. Thinking that they have been betrayed, they incinerate every last paleo out of pure self defense.
Fifteen people, including three policemen, were injured on Wednesday in a clash between police and Muslim protestors in the riot-scarred west Indian state of Gujarat, police said. The incident occurred in Godhra town, where 59 Hindus were burnt to death in a train compartment in 2002 allegedly by a Muslim mob — triggering months of bloody Hindu-Muslim rioting in which nearly 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. On Wednesday, when police entered the predominantly Muslim area of Shatpool to arrest two people accused over the Godhra train carnage, a mob stood in their way, superintendent of police Piyush Patel said. âAs soon as the police reached Shatpool to arrest Salim Panwala and another Godhra accused, a huge crowd of Muslims collected and began pelting (them with) stones,â he said. Police fired four warning shots into the air and threw several teargas canisters to control the mob. In the mayhem, 12 people were injured while a police sub-inspector and two head constables were also hurt, Patel added. The area was still tense late on Wednesday.
Posted by: TS ||
02/18/2004 10:12:54 AM ||
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#1
As soon as the police reached Shatpool
I sense a Brit involved in that name.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 10:22 Comments ||
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"...nearly 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed."
(2004-02-17) -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today declared that homosexuals applying for so-called marriage licenses at City Hall can pay the application fee with Monopoly money.
"For too long now," said Mayor Newsom, "Monopoly money, and other counterfeit bills, have been treated as second-class currency. We are no longer captives to antiquated values based on majority opinions and legislation. Since I have power to override state and federal laws, I declare that Monopoly money is legal tender."
A local jeweler in San Francisco immediately began advertising that his shop would also accept Monopoly money for his "full line of genuine pyrite wedding rings."
Posted by: Steve from Relto ||
02/18/2004 9:53:08 AM ||
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#1
loonies in sf - i might just have to raid my daughters monopoly money and take a drive north.
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 10:37 Comments ||
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#2
They can stamp out a million of those gay marriage licenses! They are not worth the paper they are printed on. It's like a 'Worlds Greatest Dad' certificate and carries as much legal weight. Newsome is mocking the law and homos at the same time! Let's see the first time they try to use it as a legal document...NOT! I am starting my own 'Marry your Beast' license. Send me $25 and I will send you a license that says you can marry your dog, cat, chicken, or whatever you like.
#3
You guys don't think that Barbie dumped Ken for Skipper, do you?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:22 Comments ||
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#4
Super Hose...good point - But, if so, I'm afraid that I am to blame. As I think back on my ol' Skipper and Barbie - I can't help but wonder if those butch haircuts I once gave them, had an impact.
#5
Wow, I'm a pretty regular reader so I'm used to some of the interesting commentary posted by others. Having said that, the crap being posted by people like "Cyber Sarge" is just plain stupid and hatefull. Jesus, why would anyone CARE what other people do with their lives? I say focus on your own and let other people live theirs.
Posted by: Vis ||
02/18/2004 12:56 Comments ||
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#6
Vis, brace yourself for people calling you gay and/or troll just because you disagree with them on the same sex marriage issue.
Not being Greek yourself, they'll of course have to come up with somewhat more imaginative insinuations than what they came up with when dealing with me.
As for Cyber Sarge, he's probably just peeved that a husband is no longer defined as "sperm donor" and a wife is no longer defined as "baby factory" -- and so marriage as a whole no longer defined as nothing more than "who's the father".
#7
Um, Vis, Aris, those "marriage certificates" aren't legal; they were issued in contradiction to state law. They're NOT worth the paper they're printed on.
And, really, no one cares what others do with their lives. It's just a lot of people don't think society should be forced to approve.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 13:38 Comments ||
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#8
Thank you Vis fro the diagnosis! I always enjoy it when some homo calls me hateful for my comments. I could CARE LESS what you do with your âLife Partnerâ or âButt Buddyâ or âGerman Shepardâ or âPet Gerbil.â in you own home and behind closed doors. However homos seem to crave (need) recognition from me, by getting a âmarriage licenseâ that really isnât one. Whatâs next? Getting a Catholic baptismal certificate from a Anglican gay priest? If the homos donât care what MOST people think about them, how come they need a marriage license? You have all the rights of a married couple in California, why do you need a piece of paper? Legal fact is that those âMarriage Licensesâ are not worth the paper they are printed on. They are not a legal document outside that courthouse all the homos are gathered around to exchange vows. So go ahead and exchange vows with Bruce, Fluffy, Fido, or Prissy just donât think that I have to agree with it (Because I donât!). Your are not mocking marriage, you are being mocked BY the Mayor (and the rest of the country). End Rant! (Now that was kind of hateful)
#9
Jesus man, I'm straight and with kids. You seem to have a lot of hate towards other people.
Posted by: Vis ||
02/18/2004 13:45 Comments ||
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#10
Yah vis, a lot of hate goes around. There are Gay marriage advocates like Andrew Sullivan who are among the best voices wrt to the war on terror. Some gays have distanced from the left and see that the mullahs are the worst enemies of gay people. Whenever i see something like this, on a site like this, just as when i see ANYTHING about Mel Gibson, my instant suspicion is of a troll attempting to divide.
#11
Yah vis, a lot of hate goes around. There are Gay marriage advocates like Andrew Sullivan who are among the best voices wrt to the war on terror. Some gays have distanced from the left and see that the mullahs are the worst enemies of gay people. Whenever i see something like this, on a site like this, just as when i see ANYTHING about Mel Gibson, my instant suspicion is of a troll attempting to divide.
#12
Yah vis, a lot of hate goes around. There are Gay marriage advocates like Andrew Sullivan who are among the best voices wrt to the war on terror. Some gays have distanced from the left and see that the mullahs are the worst enemies of gay people. Whenever i see something like this, on a site like this, just as when i see ANYTHING about Mel Gibson, my instant suspicion is of a troll attempting to divide.
#13
Vis, Cyber Sarge, is a long-time resident of California. The only thing that makes him angry is the Judiciary legislating from the bench. Think of being a strict constructionist that is continually force fed a steady diet of outrageous 9th district rulings - and then have Justice O'Connor declare half of their rulings to be valid with the most mind-numbingly torturous logic not constructed by a grounded teenager arguing to be allowed to attend a Motley Crue concert.
Cyber made the mistake of actually reading the Consitution and some of the Federalist Papers. I did once also but I gave up the anger in a 12 step program.
If you truly read a lot of Rantburg, you are sure to find an adversarial view on most subjects. For example, I think that legalizing drugs will result in crackhead semi-truck drivers running through neighborhoods streets. Many other Rantburgers disagree with my viewpoint. Please understand that Rantburg is used as scream therapy for myslef and others.
With respect to gay marriage the prevailing views at this site tend towards -
1. What does that issue have to do with the price of AK-47's in Peshewar?
2. Why do these people want to tell me about their sex lives?
3. Why is validation by a jerk like me important enough for these clowns to hound me ceaselessly for my approval?
4. If you just want government benefits, why don't you just mix and match guys and girls between various relationships until you get a girl's name and a boy's name on each marriage certificate?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 14:17 Comments ||
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#14
Vis/LH/Aris, Let me put this in terms that we can all understand:
1) California passed (overwhelming) a proposition that defines marriage between a man and a woman.
2) SF cannot overrule that. No matter what gay Gavin says the licenses are worthless because they are not legal.
3) I have coworkers and friends that are gay (SURPRISE). Btw NONE are running to SF to get hitched.
4) I accept my friends/coworkers because WHO they are, not because WHAT they are.
5) They is NO ONE on earth that can make me like/love/accept something/some one simply because THEY think I should. I reserve the right to like whomever I want.
6) I do not feel the need to parade around the office or town in a t-shirt with a blue square on it. I like to keep people guessing as to my âorientation.â I expect other to do the same. I call this: Donât Ask, Donât Tell, DONâT FRIGGIN CARE policy.
7) I wish nothing but warm fuzzy fun for the gays/homos/fags/dikes whatever (I am not PC) in their endeavor. But be honest no one is going to honor this document other than the City of San Francisco.
P.S. Vis if you disagree with me, defend your position. âHe is mean!â is not a defense itâs a whine.
#15
It all came down to a semicolon, the judge said.
Sometimes it's difficult to discern straight wire service reports from Scrappleface satire. Calif. judges put off gay marriage ruling
#16
yah, so the licences issued by SF, arent recognized by the state. Yeah, i got that. Its some move by SF to embarrass the state, make a point, whatever. So whats to get excited about? I dont care all that much either.
Re this "What does that issue have to do with the price of AK-47's in Peshewar? 2. Why do these people want to tell me about their sex lives? 3. Why is validation by a jerk like me important enough for these clowns to hound me ceaselessly for my approval? 4. If you just want government benefits, why don't you just mix and match guys and girls between various relationships until you get a girl's name and a boy's name on each marriage certificate?"
1. Yeah, i agree, peshawar
2. Why do straight people like to do the same? Is THAT what i was doing when mrs LH and i got a marriage license? All they want is the same as what the rest of us have got. Now if you take the libertarian position, IE lets get the state out of the marriage biz entirely, i could see that.
3. they dont want your approval - they want the states approval - see 2.
4. Its alot more complicated than that - eg if adam and steve a real couple, and mary and eve the other, and adam and eve marry, and steve and mary marry, and steve gets hit by a truck and enters a coma, all of a sudden its mary, NOT adam, who gets to decide who visits Steve, and talks to the docs about what should be done, etc.
And dont give me that God meant for marriage to be between a man and a woman. Sure he did. He also, as per my religion, didnt consider a marriage between a Jew and a gentile (who hasnt converted to Judaism) a valid marriage - and if two jews are married, and they get a civil divorce but not a valid Jewish divorce and one remarries, thats NOT a valid marriage either - it is in fact bigamy. But thats ok - state sanctioned marriage is JUST a human institution its not Kiddushin (sanctification - REAL marriage) so if the state finds it convenient to say, sanction marriage between a Jew and a gentile (and i for one, am damned glad it does - i dont WANT the state discriminating between religions, even if the net effect were to enforce jewish religios law) then we recognize those "civil unions" and we DONT allow a member of one to enter a kiddushin - since "dina d'malchuta dina" - the law of the state IS law. ditto if the state decides to sanction marriage between two men or two women (at least IMHO - dont speak for all my coreligionists on this)
#17
Cyber Sarge, you forgot (8) which says:
8) Because people disagree with you, or find your words hateful, or whatever, you see fit to assume that their sexual orientation is homosexual (as other people here have recently also done), which I assume gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside as it confirms that only gays (or homos as you call them -- do you also call black people "niggers" since you are not PC, btw?) can disagree with you on this issue?
and also
9) You repeatedly compare gay marriages to marriage with pets, thus lowering gay people to the level of animals, thus paralleling the behaviour of southern slavers towards black people or Nationalist-Socialists towards jewish people, both of which liked to deny humanity to their hated groups.
That's your right ofcourse, in a free society to use as many such parallels as you like -- and it's our right to consider you despise-worthy because of that.
I like to keep people guessing as to my "orientation."
Do you keep *all* people guessing as to your orientation, including e.g. your wife/girlfriend/fiancee, so on? Or do you make some exceptions?
"I expect other to do the same."
Keep on expecting it. :-)
As for the legality of the document, I really have no idea, or interest in it -- I found you despise-worthy for wholly different and less legalistic reasons.
#19
Although the gay marriage thing is a big don't care for me, I am curious, from a common law perspective, about the effect of the legalization of gay marriage on polygamy. Seriously. I understand enough about the law to know that pederasty, sex with a minor, and incest are considered to be socially harmful and that the precendent of gay marriage will have no effect on the laws concerning those practices. But what about polygamy (or polyandry for that matter)? It is between consenting adults. It is victimless. Kids have been growing up in polygamous families for millenia with no apparent harm. Any lawyers out there?
#20
its constitutional law that matters, 11, not common law. im no lawyer, but i know that common law can be overriden, in the US (as in the UK) by statute. Thus common law says "caveat emptor" and statute says "implied warranty". Etc, etc. The question is where (eg Massachusetts) judges have said banning gay marriage is discrimination and violates the state constitution, would that same position hold towards polygamy. Since all such decisions thus far have been under STATE cons, that would i presume be a state specific question. Note also that state cons are much easier to amend as a general rule than the US con. Note that if, OTOH, a state legislature CHOOSES to allow gay marriage, that dont mean they necessarilly have to allow anything else. States have some right to be arbitrary (allowing felons to vote, say, doesnt mean they have to allow 12 year olds to vote, even if the latter is a better idea than the former)
#21
You repeatedly compare gay marriages to marriage with pets, thus lowering gay people to the level of animals, thus paralleling the behaviour of southern slavers towards black people or Nationalist-Socialists towards jewish people, both of which liked to deny humanity to their hated groups.
Well, I kinda lump homosexuals (of both persuasions - why do "lesbians" have to have a separate name for their perversion?) and people who screw animals in the same pot because both acts are a) disgusting to me, b) "unnatural", in that sex between anything but a man and a woman is just plain unnatural, and c) because it's all the same kind of sick behavior - "I'm different, and I express my difference by doing things no sane person would do". If you feel differently, then that's your bag. Have fun with it. It won't change my opinion, and it won't stop me from lumping all "unnatural" sexual behavior into the same turdbowl. This in no way satisfies the rest of your tortured and illogical sentence. People can draw conclusions without trying to "match" the stupidity of previous generations. You're comparing apples and oranges, and doing a damned lousy job of it.
As for the rest of your rant, you're drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence - not a very smart thing to do. It can get you in real trouble in a civilized debate among intelligent individuals.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 16:47 Comments ||
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#22
CyberSarge: Gay folks and their enablers such as Vis, as you well know, are trying to sell us coastal development property in Nevada, and this has been going on a long time.
My views are as follows: Whether it is done in public or private, homosexuality is exhibitionism and is therefore behavior that is iminently changable. It can be hidden from view and quite often is, but with gays believing they have sold the 99 percent of the rest of us this rotten ass bill of good based on a Big Lie, it it just plain old in your face immorality.
There are no genes involved.
There is no birth defect.
It is simply rotten behavior, based primarily on ego and a choice.
In most instances of having to view homosexuality purveyed in the media and elsewhere I have to ask myself, why do I need to know this and the answer is simple: I don't and I shouldn't.
As for rights, I think homosexuals have rights, but they also have obligations, and one of the most important obligations is to propogate children for the country they live in. If they cannot live up to this simple obligation there is nothing the state should do to give homosexuals rights of any kind and that most certainly includes a marriage license.
#23
Aris, Scuse me if I offended with my brusque wording. No I do not walk around using disparaging word to describe my fellow black citizens. Dikes, Fags, and Homo are the descriptive words used by the âgay community.â There are the âDavis Dykesâ, âFresno Fagsâ etc. gay groups in the Sacramento valley (I am not making these names up). Now if they describe themselves as dykes or fags. Am I forbidden to use those terms? The equivalency of these gay marriage to beast/man marriage? That is a matter of degree. If you think itâs ok for a man to marry another man, why not a man and his dog? Man and his sister (already in West Virginia)? Man and Mom? Man and child? All are based on a sexual orientation. Which is wrong and which is right? How far down the slippery slope do we need to go before we say enough? The people of California thought they had decided this a few years ago, but I guess liberals have no use for any law they disagree with.
#24
Bad - so straights who have no kids shouldnt marry?
CS - those words are used by a minority of radicals to shock. kind of like when rappers use the word 'nigger'.
re changing the law - californians and others thought they decided years ago that estate taxes were a good thing, etc. Folks have the right to protest what they dont like. If the city of SF wants to protest by handing out docs with no legal meaning, whats wrong with that? (apart from the monetary cost)
#25
it is against california state law for same sex mariages. so the paper is worthless. i do not hate anyone , unless your a rag head who thinks all no believes should die, but homosexuality does not sit well with me. i live in a democracy - so when the guy population is majority then they can legislate their views. but until follow the law of the land. San Francisco has a long history of subverting state and national laws and a long history of being bitch slapped back in place by sacramento!
Posted by: Dan ||
02/18/2004 17:31 Comments ||
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#26
Cute point.
Straights have the inherent capability to produce children and the prefereable relations to at least raise children. As I said though, there is an obligation, one gays folks can NEVER EVER fulfill not matter how hard they try.
Your argument is another gay-inspired canard, totally irrelevent to my contention of there being an obligation.
To repeat: No matter how many time gay folks engages in sex, they have zero chance, as long as they engage in sex with a partner of their gender, to have children, and they absolutely cannot produce a conventional and preferred environment of one father and one mother.
As it is, it is iminently preferable for a childless couple to adopt if they are man and woman, so the child will grow up to understand there are some things they must do, that there are obligations they must fulfill, one of many being they must marry someone of the opposite sex only if they are to receive a license for said union.
The state has no interest in endorsing unions of exhibitionists for any number of reasons, nor should it.
Your mentioning of childless couples is truly reprehensible because possessing a marriage license requires something so easy that were it not for gay folks, it could be considered trivial: relations with someone of the opposite sex. It is something gay folks can do at their very whim.
#27
badanov> "As for rights, I think homosexuals have rights, but they also have obligations, and one of the most important obligations is to propogate children for the country they live in"
How Islamic of you. It's Islam that has child-bearing be an obligation of the people. Christianity on the other hand has used celibacy as the ideal -- hence the celibate priesthood. Check out Paul's letters if you don't believe me.
Anyway, by your own argument, would you say that lesbians willing to become baby factories through artificial insemination, should be allowed to marry, since they fulfil their supposed "obligation to the state"?
And should citizenship be perhaps removed from celibate priests?
Cyber Sarge> Slippery Slope? Oh, alas, no slipery slope where I'm concerned. To consider "gay marriage" the matter of a slippery slope you already have to assume that it exists on such a "slope".
Allowing gay marriage is IMAO the *removal* of a needless artificial distinction. The very opposite of a slippery slope. Do you really want to place it on the same level as the difference between humankind and dogs or the idea of adult consent?
But the idea of "slippery slope" is the last refuge of the ideological failure -- meaning that someone can't oppose an idea as it stands by itself but has to use future hypotheticals of much more extreme and bizarre nature.
badanov> What is IMO truly reprehensible is that there exist so many children in orphanages, which gay or lesbian couples would love to adopt, except they are not allowed to.
And aren't you confusing sex with marriage, two wholly separate concepts? Marriage is at its core about mutual commitment, not about sex -- and you can check out the marital vows if you don't believe me.
#31
Aris still thinks marriage is about love. Love is good in a marriage. Respect is good too. Back rubs, what have you. But marrige is about who is the father. Argue the point Aris. Don't just put it down. Who's your daddy. We know who popped you.
But get this Aris. There isn't a greater respect a man can give than to raise his wifes child and give that child his name. But you might have something greater.
And putting children with people living an adultress life style stinks. But I'm sure your good with it.
Aris still thinks marriage is about mutual commitment, and once again you can check out the marital vows if you don't believe me.
"But marriage is about who is the father."
Once again: Your claim is unsupported by both law and tradition.
As for your insults I return them to you as they are -- you are ofcourse capable of nothing greater when you are so backed against a corner where the nakedness and unsupportability of your fundie beliefs is bared for all to see.
Beginning to look like Malaysia is more involved than they have admitted. I know Iâm shocked. EFL:
A Sri Lankan accused of being the chief financial officer for an international nuclear black market sat on the board of a company owned by the Malaysian prime ministerâs only son, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. Oops!
The connection indicates that alleged senior members of the network established by Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistanâs nuclear bomb, were able to woo partners in the highest levels of society. In the Malaysian case, the partners said they had no idea deals were being made to fashion parts that could be used to make nuclear weapons. The companies involved have cut ties with the Sri Lankan, Buhary Syed Abu Tahir and his wife, Nazimah. Too little, too late.
The documents, obtained by AP through searches of public files, reveal a paper trail through privately held companies that outlines ties between the prime ministerâs son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, and Tahir and his Malaysian wife. I love paper trails.
Malaysian authorities say the accusations against Tahir are being investigated and he remains free, though under surveillance. "The question is, has he broken any law?" Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters. "We have to investigate and get the facts first before we can deny act on anything." The men were top executives at Kaspadu Sdn. Bhd. when Tahir negotiated a deal for a company linked to Kaspadu, Scomi Precision Engineering, to build components that Western intelligence agencies allege were for use in Libyaâs nuclear program. Kamaluddinâs company, the Scomi Group, previously acknowledged that Scomi Precision Engineering, a subsidiary, fulfilled a contract for machine parts that was negotiated by Tahir. Nonproliferation authorities say the parts were for centrifuges - sophisticated machines that can be used to enrich uranium for weapons and other purposes - but Scomi says it did not know what the parts were to be used for. Riiigghhttt. Rohaida Badaruddin, a Scomi spokeswoman, confirmed Tuesday that Tahir was a Kaspadu director until early last year, and said it was likely Kamaluddin encountered Tahir at business meetings. And cocktail parties, and weddings, golf dates....
Kamaluddin was "shocked and surprised" to learn late last year of Tahirâs alleged role in the nuclear network and broke ties with the Sri Lankan - including asking Tahirâs wife, Nazimah Syed Majid, to sell her shares in Kaspadu, the spokeswoman said. "Iâm shocked, shocked to learn that a black market in nuclear material is operating in Malaysia!"
"Mr. Abdullah, hereâs your check."
"Why, thank you."
Kamaluddin has not spoken publicly about the matter and was not available for comment Tuesday. A security guard at the house listed on company documents as his residence told AP it was owned by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but that nobody now lives there. The AP traced Nazimah, 35, to an apartment in one of Kuala Lumpurâs most exclusive suburbs. She declined comment, except to say, "My husband is not here; heâs away." She said she did not know where. But a building security guard said a man he named as Tahir had come and gone several times from the apartment on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the telephone line to the apartment was disconnected and the guard said the couple had left with their two young children, sending a driver back later to pay outstanding bills. Skipped town, wonder if heâs gonna have a heart attack soon?
Tahir is believed to have started developing social and business ties in Malaysia in the mid-1990s, and by 1998 held a society wedding attended by Khan. Tahirâs wife is the daughter of a former Malaysian diplomat. Heâs running in the circles of power.
The revelations of deeper links between Tahir and Kamaluddin come as Malaysian officials complain that this mostly Muslim Southeast Asian country has been unfairly singled out by Washington for its role in the nuclear black market. "Lies, all lies!"
A senior U.S. official said during a visit to China on Monday that Bush doesnât hold Malaysia responsible. "There was never any suggestion that the government of Malaysia was involved," said John Bolton, an undersecretary of state, adding the Malaysian firm might not have known its equipment was for nuclear use. Giving them a out, bet they donât take it.
Kaspadu is a privately held investment vehicle for Kamaluddin and a business partner that has a controlling stake in Scomi. Scomi fully owns Scomi Precision Engineering, which delivered "14 semifinished components" to Dubai-based Gulf Technical Industries between December 2002 and August 2003, under the $3.4 million Tahir contract. Scomi has previously identified Tahir as a businessman who approached its subsidiary about the contract, and said Kamaluddin had no knowledge of the deal because he has no official management role in Scomi. "I just sit in on a board meeting every once in a while, donât really pay attention. Itâs just a hobby, really."
But company documents show ties between Tahir, 44, and companies controlled by Kamaluddin, 36, were closer than previously acknowledged. Kaspadu documents list Tahir as being appointed Dec. 16, 2000, as a company director. Kamaluddin is listed as one of Kaspaduâs four other directors and its "corporate executive." Oops, again! Those damm documents.
Malaysian police say Tahir negotiated the Libya-linked contract around 2001. Possibly from both ends, handy that.
It was Scomi Precision Engineeringâs first order, and it built a factory to fill it. Itâs like the company was created for this sole purpose.
Kaspadu records show Tahir resigned as a director Feb. 24, 2003. No reasons were given and the Scomi spokeswoman said she didnât know why. "He didnât even leave cab fare on the dresser"
Scomi Precision Engineering paid Kaspadu $22,000 in management fees in 2002, when Tahir was a director. Other records show that in October 2000, Nazimah, was one of only three shareholders in Kaspadu. The others are Kamaluddin and his business partner, Shah Hakim Shahzanim Zain. So Kaspadu is the holding company, and Scomi is a division, with Scomi Precision Engineering as the centrifuge plant under them. Shah Hakim Shahzanim Zain must be the partner with the controlling interest.
Documents show that Nazimahâs stake in the company was sold to Kamaluddin and Kahim in January. "Late last year, when Kamaluddin and the other shareholder were informed about the investigation into Tahir, they were shocked and told Nazimah to cease her shareholding" in Kaspadu, Scomi spokeswoman Badaruddin told AP. "There was a mutual agreement to sell the shares." Iâm thinking there was a "Or else" involved.
After an inquiry, Prime Minister Abdullah declared Scomi had been cleared of wrongdoing; last week he said "there is no such thing as Malaysian involvement" in the network outlined by Bush. "Nope, nope, nothing to see, move along"
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 9:47:23 AM ||
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Googled Shah Zain, this from SCOMI Group website: Shah Hakim @ Shahzanim Zain, aged 37, was appointed as an Executive Director and CEO of SGB on 3 March 2003. He has also been the Executive Director of Scomi and KMC since February 2001.
Shah Hakim Zain started his career as an Auditor with Ernst & Young ("E&Y") and after several promotions in E&Y, Shah Hakim Zain was appointed as Consulting Manager servicing several big corporations such as Renong Berhad. Later in 1992, he assumed the role of Executive Director of a regional packaging manufacturer, a successful manufacturing company, with direct operational responsibility. Shah Hakim Zain then ventured into the information technology and telecommunications business including Suria Business Solutions Sdn Bhd, the distributor for Ericsson enterprise products and solutions in Malaysia. Shah Hakim Zain currently sits on the board of a public listed company, Sapura Motors Berhad, as well as a number of other private limited companies in Malaysia.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 10:00 Comments ||
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Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 10:09 Comments ||
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#3
Article from OIC Summit, Oct 2003: PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Oil and gas company, Scomi Group Bhd is looking for opportunities in countries like Libya, Iran and Egypt, where there are likely to be high growth business potentials, its President and Chief Executive Officer Shah Hakim Zain said Thursday.
"We hope to be able to establish and develop relationships in such markets which will allow us to bid for contracts," he said at a workshop on smart partnership in key sector, held at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Business Forum, here. He said that since 2002, the company has started to look at opportunities internationally, with specific target on three regions namely West Asia, Asean and North African countries. To-date, it has secured contracts in Sudan and Myanmar, and in Thailand it has set up a joint venture with a local Thai company while in Indonesia, Scomi has formed a strategic alliance with a subsidiary of Pertamina, Indonesia's national petroleum company.
"In Pakistan, Bahrain and Qatar, we are in discussions with various potential local partners which have the knowledge and appropriate access to the local market in their respective countries," he said.
Reads differently now, doesn't it?
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 10:23 Comments ||
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#4
why are we surprised? Isn't his dad the one who said that Muslim's need to become educated in the sciences - rather than the Koran - in order to kill the Jews?
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 11:28 Comments ||
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#5
B, nope, that was the former leader of Malaysia. This is the son of the current leader of Malaysia. There's a difference, somehow, I guess.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 14:05 Comments ||
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#6
They're just one big happy Nuclear family.
Posted by: ed ||
02/18/2004 18:08 Comments ||
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Hat tip LGF comments thread.
It was Boulderâs first peace rally in months, and in many ways it was similar to so many held during the buildup to the U.S. invasion of Iraq nearly a year ago: the worn protest signs, the anti-Bush-administration pamphlets, the bongos, the beauzeaux, and the keanulint IQs. But besides the occasional Dennis Kucinich-for-President T-shirts on some of the 100 or so participants, there were differences. Kucinich. Can you say moonbat?
For one, the rally marked the one-year anniversary of what was reported to be the largest peace demonstration ever, with an estimated 11 million participating in dozens of cities worldwide, according to the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center. Peace and justice? Their agenda would get neither.
A stack of about 50 cardboard "tombstones," each bearing the name of a fallen soldier, was also new. The Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center made 100 of the signs, organizer Carolyn Bninski said, and made it through only the letter "D" alphabetically. How many said "Bush lied, people died?" Jaron Katzen, 12, at the rally with his father, had a cardboard tombstone balanced on each shoulder. The Platt Middle School student said he was at the rally "because I donât support the war in Iraq because war is pointless." *twang* "Drat that harp!"
New also was widespread doubt that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, which the Bush administration used as its main argument for invading the country. Ken Olson of Telluride, who was at the rally with Deborah Meyer of Boulder, said they came "because we were appalled that the president would attack a country that wasnât an imminent threat to us." He said Iraq wasnât a threat and his legs shrank.
Bninski said the lack of weapons of mass destruction probably wouldnât bring new masses into the peace movement, though. "Once the big part of a war happens â the bombing, et cetera â numbers drop off," she said, from beneath a large foam dove she wore as a hat during the event. But Bninski did view recent revelations regarding Iraqâs lack of chemical, biological or nuclear stockpiles as a vindication of sorts. The peace movement had all along said Iraq didnât pose a threat to the United States, basing the opinion on reports from U.N. weapons inspectors, she said. Not the most trustworthy of people.
Some marched because of long-standing beliefs. Bud Wilson of Boulder said he wanted the United States to invest in human beings rather than the military â to elevate the quality of life for as many as possible.
... and let those foreigners kill each other.
Most on the crowded the Pearl Street Mall looked on with interest as the marchers passed. Busker Tom "Ladder Man" Morrison appreciated the rally less. Many in his audience were distracted as the group stopped in front of the county courthouse, where he teetered on a 10-foot tricycle. "Go to the White House!" he yelled. "And tell the prez to stop bringing tyrants to justice!" Joe Hefferson of Boulder, who had been watching Morrisonâs show as the protest marched by, said more people didnât join the march because of war fatigue.
Posted by: Steve from Relto ||
02/18/2004 9:32:56 AM ||
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The peace movement had all along said Iraq didnât pose a threat to the United States
Excepting, of course, those who said we shouldn't do anything because if we did, Saddam would unleash horrible destruction.
Bud Wilson of Boulder said he wanted the United States to invest in human beings rather than the military â to elevate the quality of life for as many as possible.
"And screw those bastards living under tyranny! What have they ever done for me?!" Bud said later.
Joe Hefferson of Boulder, who had been watching Morrisonâs show as the protest marched by, said more people didnât join the march because of war fatigue.
WTF? Is that the peacenik equivalent of "shell shock"?
Asshats. Every one of them should be rounded up and sent to help excavate mass graves in Iraq.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 9:44 Comments ||
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#2
So, Bud, talk to any Iraqis before you made that comment????
#3
I'm convinced! Let Saddam out of jail and put him back in charge! Would that make my little peaceniks happy? "100 or so" I bet it was 'so many less than 100.'
#5
Ahhh, the People's Republic of Boulder. The black blot on Colorado's otherwise pristine scenery, wonderful people, and great opportunities. Unfortunately, the University of Colorado, with about 35,000 students, and a far far far far far left "intelligencia" firmly entrenched in the city and country government make holding a protest for anything easy in Boulder. If the crowd was under 250, you know it was a flop. Over 3000 came out to protest the cleaning up and reforestation efforts for the Hayman Fire area. Boulder's motto should be "The City and County of Leftist Looney Moonbats". It fits.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 12:22 Comments ||
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#6
Analysis of why the "peace movement" failed this time:
1) 500+ soldiers have died in Iraq so far.
2) In order to use their deaths for political purposes, someone gets the idea of putting their names on cardboard "tombstones".
3) They can only be bothered to make approximately 100 before they got bored/stoned/distracted.
4) When it came time to put names on the "tombstones" they could only get up to the letter "D", leaving 22 other letters without signs. They still had about 50 more "tombstones" left. (Maybe they got high on the magic marker fumes....hey, it can happen when you use them in a small, enclosed space.)
5) They could only get 100 people to show up. Deep in the heart of Dixie, that would not be a bad turnout....but this was Boulder.
6) The best they could do for entertainment was some hippie burnout who couldn't balance on his tricycle.
Maybe they should have had free beer? Or said someone was gonna get nekkid for peace?
#7
The Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center made 100 of the signs, organizer Carolyn Bninski said, and made it through only the letter "D" alphabetically.
War dead E-Z thank you for your noble efforts in commemorating their sacrifice. Did some good smoke come in after you were done with the D's? Can't pass that up, right...dudes?
Assholes.
#8
War dead E-Z thank you for your noble efforts in commemorating their sacrifice. Did some good smoke come in after you were done with the D's?
I think they just got distracted by hallucinating on the tricycle guy.
Posted by: Lil Dhimmi ||
02/18/2004 13:29 Comments ||
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#9
As a former resident of Boulder... its citizens are fond of calling it: "Five square miles surrounded by reality"
Franceâs state-subsidised intellectual elite has united in protest against what it describes as the governmentâs "war on intelligence". Perhaps following their lead on the war on terror, we should really be talking about the "war" on "intelligence". In any case, around 20,000 intellectuals, academics, writers, film makers and media folk have signed a petition and manifesto in the music magazine Les Inrockuptibles. The signatories denounced the centre-right governmentâs attempts to dumb down French life with a "coherent policy (designed to) impoverish and weaken every field considered ... unproductive, useless or dissident." Big names on the petition include philosopher Jacques Derrida, film-makers Bertrand Tavernier and Francois Ozon (whose recent work could be said to define unproductive and useless), former culture minister Jack Lang and clapped-out 1968 militant turned MEP Danny Cohn-Bendit.
Usually protests from such heavily-subsidised quarters translate as "give us more money." The current petition is no different. Dreamed up by journalist Sylvain Bourmeau, the manifesto hopes to unite disparate groups who have a gripe with the government. Actors and performers have seen their generous welfare payments cut despite last summerâs strikes. Lawyers feel weakened by a new bill designed to speed up convictions for organised crime. Teachers are unhappy with government plans to reform education. And intellectuals? Well, in France, being an intellectual is a full-time job. Just as one would hope that oneâs doctor held certain beliefs if he was to live up to his title, French intellectuals are expected to think in a certain way. Voicing grievances against the government - and America, and business, and popular culture, but rarely against dictators, mass-murderers and terrorists - is simply part of the job. Opposition to economic reform is another article of faith: Jack Lang describes the current government as âThatcherite.â
They have been infuriated further by the governmentâs obvious contempt for their feelings. President Jacques Chirac may be a peerless political player, but he is well known to prefer deep-frying to deep thought. His prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin sees the demise of the 1968 generation as a cause for celebration and has described their ideologies as "manipulative simplifications". Interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy is a particular hate figure for Franceâs elite. Sarkozy too makes no secret of his disdain for the intellectual community, sneering at âcaviar socialistsâ who cruise past impoverished hookers on Parisâ ring roads but refuse to do anything about them. He has complained about âprofessional civil libertariansâ who oppose his tough line on inner-city crime. Despite - or possibly because of - the intellectualsâ loathing of Sarkozy, he remains by far the most popular of Franceâs politicians.
Posted by: tipper ||
02/18/2004 9:19:14 AM ||
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well said.
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 10:12 Comments ||
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Just as one would hope that oneâs doctor held certain beliefs if he was to live up to his title, French intellectuals are expected to think in a certain way.
So it's official - intellectuals are not expected to think for themselves. So why do they even need to be intellectual? Why not just get some Johnny Bravo type who fits the suit?
#3
Uh, BH, that's what they have. That's why France is in a nose-dive, and the estimated impact point is the world's largest toilet. France stopped producing any real thinkers before WW II, and has been sliding downhill rapidly ever since. Those not killed during WW II either left for greener pastures, or simply gave up. France is intellectually bankrupt, and the bank's calling due the note.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 11:28 Comments ||
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#10
Old Patriot : âFrance stopped producing any real thinkers before WW II.â How is it possible ? Who were real thinkers before WW II ? Did you read them ? What makes them real thinkers and that lacks to post-WW II thinkers ? Show us that you can THINK what you said ! :-))))
More details on yesterdays arrests:
Police Tuesday claimed to have arrested two alleged sectarian terrorists and recovered huge quantity of weapons and 250kg explosive material from their possession. SSP Farooq Awan of Anti-Violent Crime Cell told newsmen in the recent past, terrorists arrested in the City revealed during interrogation that their associates from the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (Asif Ramzi group) had reorganised themselves under their new Amir (chief) of Sindh province Khalid Memon and were planning to carry out acts of sabotage and terrorism. Police on Tuesday raided a house in Nazimabad-3 and arrested Mohammed Athar alias Khalid Memon alias Kala and Sajid Jabbar alias Budha. One Kalashnikov, 9 pistols, 6 hand grenades, 250kg explosive material, computer with floppies and CDs, literature containing guides for carrying out sabotage activities and fake ID cards and passports were recovered from their possession. The suspects during interrogation confessed their involvement in 13 cases including cases pertaining to the parcel bombs sent to senior police officers and the administration and other dignitaries in year 2002, the SSP said. Confessed already, did they? Must be those fabled Pak truncheons at work.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 9:05:10 AM ||
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Sajid Jabbar alias Budha
Unusual alias for a Moslem fanatic.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/18/2004 23:02 Comments ||
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Weapons stolen from a Thai army base have been smuggled to Islamic separatist rebels in the western Indonesian province of Aceh, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Wednesday.
That's pretty unexpected. Go on...
Thaksin said he confirmed suspicions that the weapons had been sent to Indonesia when he visited Thailandâs southernmost provinces last weekend in an effort to stem a rising tide of violence there. âI got a lot of information on my visit to the south,â Thaksin told reporters at Government House. âWhat I learned from talking to Muslim leaders there matched our own intelligence reports.â He said some of the approximately 300 assault rifles and other weapons stolen from the army base around January 4 ended up in Aceh, where rebels are engaged in an insurgent conflict with Indonesian troops.
That leaves a few unconnected dots...
Four Thai soldiers were killed in the January 4 attack in Narathiwat province. On the same night 18 government schools were burned. Thai government officials and civilians were subjected to sporadic attacks. Thai Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, who accompanied Thaksin on his trip to the south, said details about the destination of the stolen weapons had been obtained from a Muslim religious leader in Narathiwat. She quoted the unnamed Muslim leader as saying the weapons, mainly M-16s and AK-47 assault rifles, had actually been stolen before the January 4 raid, which was carried out to cover the theft. Local news reports said the Thai troops caught in the raid were separated by the raiders into two groups - Buddhists and Muslims - and the Buddhists were killed. Islamic separatists in Aceh have been reported to be in contact with like-minded groups in Thailand, such as the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Both groups are fighting to separate Thailandâs five Moslem- majority southern provinces from overwhelmingly Buddhist Thailand.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/18/2004 09:05 ||
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the weapons, mainly M-16s and AK-47 assault rifles, had actually been stolen before the January 4 raid, which was carried out to cover the theft.
Looting the armory, a few weapons at a time. Bet someone found out, or a inventory was scheduled.
Local news reports said the Thai troops caught in the raid were separated by the raiders into two groups - Buddhists and Muslims - and the Buddhists were killed.
And the Muslims are prime suspects as the ones looting the armory. Had to cover their tracks, it wouldn't surprise me if they had shot the Buddhist troops themselves, before the "raid".
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 10:44 Comments ||
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No real suprise. A boat can cross from southern Thailand to Aceh in less than a day (Its about 150 Ks at the closest point).
The malays as an ethnic group were a primarily sea based culture and links were over water rather than over land. As the land was covered in dense and unhealthy jungle.
My guess is Aceh gunnies have moved across to Thailand to escape the Indo military.
At least eleven Iraqis were killed and 33 hurt, and up to 16 coalition troops, plus one American, wounded in a double suicide car bomb attack on a Polish logistics base at Hilla south of Baghdad on Wednesday.
Zarqawi's offensive continues, looking for the big casualties...
âWe received five killed, three men and two women, and 33 wounded,â said Hilla hospital official Ahmed Khadem, while doctors said a married couple were killed and their two sons, one a baby and the other five years old, wounded. But the number killed was later confirmed as 11 by a spokesperson for the US-led civil administration in Iraq said. âWe can confirm that more than 11 Iraqis were killed,â Coalition Provisional Authority spokeswoman Hilary White said. âIt killed men, women and children.â
Doesn't matter to Zarqawi. What's important is that they're dead...
An Iraqi Civil Defence Corps commander, Laith Hussein Abbas, said the first vehicle exploded 200 metres from the cement barriers shielding the base, called Camp Charlie by the Poles.
Shouldn't that be "Camp Czarly?"
Officials said the second vehicle failed to explode in the twin attack at around 7:15 am but the driver was shot dead by troops guarding the base.
Maybe why it didn't explode. Only 36 virgins for him...
The blast badly damaged three neighboring homes. âI was home when I heard two explosions, one after the other,â said Kassem Nahid, 25, whose head was taped with bandages. Jittery Polish troops were pushing people away from the site of the blast.
Multiple explosions always make me jittery, too...
At least two Iraqis died and eight members of coalition forces were wounded, Polish Lieutenant Colonel Robert Strzelecki said earlier. The dead were apparently the drivers of the explosives-laden vehicles, which drove at the base, while the injured included six Polish troops, one US national and one Hungarian, according to a Polish military statement. In Budapest, however, Hungarian defence ministry spokesman Peter Matyuc told AFP that 10 Hungarian soldiers were injured, two of them seriously. He also said six Polish troops and one US national were wounded. Strzelecki said only one of the two cars had exploded when it pulled up to the base 100 kilometres south of Baghdad. The second had been stopped when guards shot its driver dead, he added. In Warsaw military spokesman Colonel Zdzislaw Gnatowski said the Mongolian guards had brought one of the vehicles to a halt with automatic weapon fire then shot the driver when he tried to escape.
No nonsense to the Mongolians, is there?
He said it was the first such attack on the Polish base. Matyuc said the Hungarian soldiers were injured by shrapnel after one of the two vehicles, which he described as trucks, exploded, blowing out the windows of the brick building where the troops were staying. Matyuc said the other truck failed to explode because it was held up by a brick barricade that surrounds the camp.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/18/2004 08:59 ||
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Simple answer - Send more Mongolians, and a few brigades of Ghurkas - and tell them to go find bad guys, and slice them up. Q.E.D.
#2
Ghurkas are guarding many of the buildings in Baghdad, as part of a private security contract. The banking convoys are guarded by Fijians. Funny how the fiercest guards are from the smallest places.
#3
Do you think someone had to explain to the Mongols not to mount the guys severed head on a stake?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 10:53 Comments ||
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I'd be curious to know what "rules of engagement" the Gurkhas and Fijians think they're acting under.
Posted by: Matt ||
02/18/2004 11:43 Comments ||
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i doubt this will affest Polish resolve in a big way. I think thier one of a new generation of loyal and trustworthy allies, nice to see the Mongols helping too
#6
Actually Jon, I wish it were true but George Bush effectively lost Poland. After Kwasniewski's recent failed visit to Washington, public opinion in Poland has turned vigorously anti-American. The military will not run away, but the next Polish government might pull the troops out if public outcry is loud enough.
Poland is the only ally in Iraq whose citizens have to be fingerprinted before entering the US. While lifting the visa requirement for Poland was a longshot, a lucrative contract in Iraq would have been a nice thank-you. Well, Poland got neither. Coupled with an F-16 deal that didn't turn out to be as sweet as everyone expected, you've got one sour mood right now in Poland.
I don't blame them. Austria was a vigorous opponent of the war, they denied the use of their land and airspace for transport purposes, yet the Austrian company Glock won a contract to arm the Iraqi Police. If this keeps up, Chiraq might have been right, Poland did miss an opportunity to shut up.
Posted by: Rafael ||
02/18/2004 12:45 Comments ||
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Federal troops have destroyed about ten Chechen rebels near the village of Makazhoi. A military spokesman told Itar-Tass on Wednesday that a helicopter equipped with an infrared imager rocketed the rebel group. Army aviation has flown 43 sorties over the past 24 hours, transporting 185 people and 25 tonnes of cargoes. Police have detained four rebels who were complicit in a fire attack on a check post in the Urus-Martan district and setting off an explosive device in Grozny, leaving three policemen with injuries.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:59:30 AM ||
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Georgiaâs President Mikhail Saakashvili has said that his country will be stepping up cooperation with Russia to prevent any armed groups or individuals from crossing the border either way. âAny person who tries to cross the border arms in hand will be detained and brought to justice,â Saakashvili told reporters on Wednesday. âWhen snow thawing begins in the mountains, there may emerge the risk of armed groups penetrating into Georgia from Chechnya. The militants are posing a threat to everybody, in the first place, to Georgia.â Saakashvili said that according to his sources currently there were no armed groups of militants from Chechnya in Georgia. Should they appear, the groups will be detained and disarmed, Saakashvili said.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:58:10 AM ||
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When snow thawing begins in the mountains, there may emerge the risk of armed groups penetrating into Georgia from Chechnya.
I think this was a translation error. What he actually said was, "When snow thawing begins in hell, there may emerge the risk of armed groups penetrating into Georgia from Chechnya."
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 11:25 Comments ||
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MOSCOW: A consul Abdul Karim Umroni from Afghanistan died of suffocation in Tajikistan today after leaving a kerosene lamp on overnight to heat his apartment, officials said. His assistant was hospitalized in serious condition. Tragic accident, happens all the time. Why do you all look like you donât believe it?
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 8:57:26 AM ||
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Now if he'd had a Coleman lantern, he'd have had a warning label that would have prevented this!
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 11:00 Comments ||
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#2
His assistant shoud be happy that the consul doesn't have a taste for Tex-Mex.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:35 Comments ||
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I don't know why we wouldn't believe it. I can think of million of people who have died from leaving on their kerosene lamps overnight ....like....well..hmmm...give me a minute....
Ok.. ok....I've never, ever heard of anyone dying like that before... but that doesn't mean that it couldn't happen!
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 12:16 Comments ||
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#4
Well, the Roman emperor Jovian's death in 364 was explained as a tragic accident involving suffocation after leaving a charcoal brazier burning overnight in his tent, but nobody really believes that, either.
Posted by: Ed Flinn ||
02/18/2004 13:19 Comments ||
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Dar, does the sticker mention Tajikastan apartments or just apartments? Generic apartments might be to vague.
#6
a charcoal brazier burning overnight in his tent
A charcoal brazier would be a killer, they produce lots of carbon monoxide. Every time there's a big snowstorm and power outage, you have to warn people not to drag the grill inside for heating and cooking. A kerosene lamp should not be a problem, unless you have a very small, airtight room.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 13:49 Comments ||
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#7
Unless you get it stuck in your throat...
Posted by: Fred ||
02/18/2004 15:04 Comments ||
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#8
It's not impossible, or even that unbelievable. There have been a number of deaths in the Colorado Rockies from kerosene lanterns. Many of the Gold Rush prospectors died from similar incidents. We still have one or two deaths a year (mostly old people) from asphyxiation where someone will leave an open fire burning in an otherwise well-sealed room. Candles are more the culprit these days than kerosene, since very few people use kerosene for light (or heat) any more.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 15:57 Comments ||
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#9
I've got a pressure washer with a DO NOT DRINK sticker... really.
Now thereâs one I havenât heard before ...
Western diplomats may not give Iranâs parliamentary election campaign high marks for democratic procedure but they acknowledge that the expected conservative sweep could make their jobs easier. Most embassies here say their task of negotiating with the Islamic republic on key areas of concern -- notably the nuclear and al-Qaeda issues -- will be simplified after conservatives cement control over all branches of the regime.
Diplomats interviewed here were critical of the move by the Islamic Republicâs conservative Guardians Council to blacklist most reformist candidates from running in Fridayâs polls. "Letâs not make any pretences here: the elections do not meet our standards of democracy," a senior Tehran-based European diplomat told AFP. "But the reformists are not, and have never been, pulling the strings. Whenever we get to the brunt of an issue, the conservatives have the final say. The regime has been giving us a clear signal: we can shake hands with the president, but if we want to get down to the nitty-gritty and have a result at the end, then we deal with conservatives."
When foreign ministers from the European Unionâs "big three" -- Britain, France and Germany -- sought to bring Iran into line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demands for greater transparency over its suspect nuclear programme, it was a prominent conservative they dealt with. Reformist President Mohammad Karensky Khatami and his cabinet were largely excluded from the October 2003 negotiations in Tehran, which resulted in Iran signing up to tougher inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog. For Khatami, his role was reduced to giving a smile and a handshake before the cameras. Instead, Supreme National Security Council chief Hassan Rowhani -- a conservative close to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- was charged with handling the issue. "Rowhani is being presented as the regimeâs point-man when it comes to topics like the nuclear issue, relations with the United States, Iraq, al-Qaeda, the Middle East crisis and a whole host of other security issues," another Western diplomat said. "Khatami has become irrelevant, and the reformers in the parliament even more so."
But with reformists in the executive, diplomats have been spending many frustrating hours at the negotiating table with interlocutors who openly admit to wielding no real power. The talks that matter have been in private, with regime hardliners. After the polls, President Khatami and some of his cabinet colleagues could be the only reformers remaining in public office, unless they choose to resign or the new parliament promptly impeaches them. The mild-mannered clericâs second and final term as president ends in mid-2005, and diplomats and analysts say they have already detected manoeuvres in the regime to see him replaced by Rowhani. "There will be no prizes for guessing who will win on Friday and who is being lined up to replace Khatami," joked another Western diplomat. "But I donât think youâll see many of us making a fuss and slamming the door."
"These are issues that we have to deal with security people on -- in other words the conservatives," noted a diplomat from a close European ally of the United States. "The reformists have never been in the loop on these kind of things. Having conservatives running everything may not be a reflection of the will of the Iranian public, but it will probably make our job -- as diplomats trying to deal with the people that matter -- much easier."
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:55:09 AM ||
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Having conservatives running everything may not be a reflection of the will of the Iranian public, but it will probably make our job -- as diplomats trying to deal with the people that matter -- much easier.
And this, more than anything else, makes it clear why diplomats are among the lowest scum on the planet.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 9:12 Comments ||
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It was much easier for Chamberlain once Hitler pulled the gloves off too.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 10:52 Comments ||
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Remember, diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggy" while reaching for a/an (insert weapon of choice here). Recall from yesterday that the JDAM production won't be complete untill 2006.
If the Izzoids choose to get totalitarian in the meantime, well, that makes the obvious next move easier to justify in 2006.
Besides, historicaly totalitarian regimes tend to weaken their militaries in order to insure political reliability. That makes any military option all that much easier.
Posted by: N Guard ||
02/18/2004 10:57 Comments ||
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#4
however, it will make the job of newspaper reporters more difficult because they won't be able to pretend in a 'moderate' Iran.
#5
hmmm...I have a problem with this. Oh sure, there is truth to this...but isn't this like saying, we don't reach out to Martin Luther King, because he doesn't represent the white power structure? Or..how about ...ignore Thomas Jefferson - it is really King George who is in charge?
I think I agree with Robert Crawford.
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 11:20 Comments ||
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I can't make a case for dealing with the hardliners in Iran.. But IMO we probably have less leverage in Iran than any other country on earth... I think we have more with the nutty NORKS. I think positive engagement and lots of smutty videos are the way to go.
#8
Shipman, you had me. I thought you had embraced the dark side - appeasement. Why is it mandatory that the US engage the kooks in every corner of the earth? There are too many people in the world for us to kiss absolutely everybody's tush? Let's play the Toaist emperor and tune in some American Idol while the idiots from Bam try to make emplosives in a rickety mobile lab while riding the rails to oblivion. Casey Jones you better watch your speed...
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 20:17 Comments ||
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President Pervez Musharraf today called upon the countryâs clerics and Islamic scholars to launch a nation-wide movement to rid the country of terrorism and extremism.
Yeah. Right. That's gonna happen.
He called upon the participants to promote unity and harmony and to root out sectarian violence. "We are all Muslims and we should not indulge in highlighting differences between Shiite and Sunni Muslim sects. We should not try to impose our views on others," he said. No, this isnât Scrappleface, although they may be writing speeches for him.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 8:51:37 AM ||
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are you sure this isn't Scrappleface?
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 15:12 Comments ||
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Stepping up pressure on foreign militants, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday asked them to leave the country or surrender and pledged not to allow them to carry out their activities against any other country. Foreign militants should leave Pakistan and go to their respective countries or surrender, said the General apparently referring to Al-Qaeda while addressing a gathering of religious scholars in Islamabad. The government would not hand over the surrendered militants to any other country if they laid down their weapons and hand themselves over to Pakistan army, he said, "failing which they will be dealt with full force". "No foreigner should stay in Pakistan illegally," Musharraf said adding that most of the foreigners arrested or killed in operation in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan belonged to Uzbekistan.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:51:06 AM ||
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wow Perv could really be serious , i'm starting to believe he will be fully cooprative in the Binny man hunt
Seems like the Danes have been watching:
The Danish government has proposed amendments to its immigration laws aimed at restricting the entry of radical Muslim clergymen. The changes would require clerics to prove educational qualifications and financial self-sufficiency. "Do you want fries with that, infidel?".
A government spokesman said rules would apply to all, but they were intended to curb the activities of radical imams. What a novel idea.
The government is also planning to increase penalties for anyone hiding illegal immigrants. The changes would affect imams already in Denmark as well as new immigrants. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen outlined the proposals on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting. "Access to obtaining a Danish residence permit for foreign missionaries has been too easy up until now," he said. That is why we now put forward new requirements for residing in the country." "We like our women in miniskirts, not burkas."
The proposed changes are part of a deal reached in September between the Liberal-Conservative government, the far-right Danish Peopleâs Party, and the opposition Social Democrats. They are expected to be approved swiftly by the parliament. Islam is the second largest religion in the predominantly Lutheran Protestant country. Muslims account for 3% of the population, or 170,000 people. And they want to keep it that way.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 8:44:42 AM ||
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And the dutch are sending 26K immigrants back to where they came from.
Small boys wearing white caps and flowing robes played in the shadow of jagged snow-capped peaks lining the frontier with Afghanistan. Thoughts of turmoil on the far side of the mountains still trouble staff and pupils in the spartan, bare classrooms of the Dar ul-Uloom IslamiaMadrassah in Pakistan. "We are in mourning for the collapse of the Taliban," said Maulana Gouhar Shah, the leader of the madrassah. "We are still weeping for them. As soldiers and rulers, the Taliban served the people well."
Mr Shahâs bearded teachers nodded in agreement when he described Afghanistan under the Taliban as the "only true Muslim state". This nostalgia for a regime that Pakistanâs government helped America and Britain to destroy was supposed to be fading away in the countryâs madrassahs, or Islamic colleges. Almost two years ago, President Pervaiz Musharraf announced an ambitious plan to wean the madrassahs away from extremism and force them to teach a broad, modern curriculum. The 10,000 colleges, serving 1.5 million students, were given until the end of 2002 to reform or close. Yet any visitor to Dar ul-Uloom madrassah in the remote town of Charsadda, 20 miles from the Afghan frontier, realises that nothing has changed. Mr Shah, 53, does not pretend to have introduced any reforms. "We have not changed," he said. "The government wants to bring drastic changes in our syllabus. They want to make us like government schools. But we are not ready to accept this."
With 1,000 pupils and a 53-year history, Mr Shahâs madrassah is one of Pakistanâs largest and oldest. He passionately rejects any suggestion that madrassahs are hotbeds of Islamic zealotry, turning out recruits for terrorist organisations. "Our main aim is to impart religious education, to teach our pupils to be civilised, to be good human beings and good citizens who respect their parents," he said. "We want there to be peace in society."
When the Taliban regime was in its death throes many madrassahs sent volunteers to fight on its behalf. Asked whether he did so, Mr Shah replied: "Yes, but donât write that." Today, Mr Shah insists that he would not encourage any of his pupils to fight America. "I would tell them that you donât have the power. I will say we donât know who was responsible for September 11, but whoever was, we condemn it."
Mr Shahâs pupils, aged from nine onwards, are mainly engaged in learning the Koran by heart. Every day they rise at 4am and begin reciting the holy bookâs 6,666 verses. With breaks for prayer and meals, they continue until 9.30pm when the madrassahâs lights are switched off. Mr Shah, who sits in Pakistanâs National Assembly for the Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islam party, says this diet of religious devotion is balanced with English lessons. Yet none of his teachers speaks more than broken English. He also claims to offer computer lessons - on five computers between 1,000 pupils. A recent study found some madrassahs teaching medicine using an 11th-century text, while others taught mathematics based solely on the works of Euclid from 300 BC. Afrasiab Khattak, from the Pakistan Human Rights Commission, said the lack of practical education in madrassahs was the central problem. "They are so concerned with preparing people for the next world that they donât bother with this one."
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:44:22 AM ||
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and begin reciting the holy bookâs 6,666 verses.
#2
The problem is most Pakistani's can't get educated anywhere else. The Pakistani government should build a real education system and starve the maddrasses of students. If the Paks can't afford it perhaps the US (or India) could chip in a bit. It would pay for itself in the long run by stabalizing the region.
Perhaps the Turks could fund and build a few Sufi flavored Mosques and maddrasses to combat the Saudi sponsered Wahhabi psychos.
At least 11 Iraqi civilians were killed Wednesday morning when a pair of homicide bombers tried to attack a coalition base where international troops are based, a coalition spokeswoman said. The attack outside Camp Charlie in Hillah (search) also wounded 44 other Iraqis and 58 coalition troops, including Hungarians, Poles and an American. Polish Gen. Mieczyslaw Bieniek called it a "well coordinated terrorist attack." The bombing happened after 7 a.m. local time when a pair of trucks loaded with explosives tried to drive near the front of Camp Charlie. Guards fired at the vehicles, causing one to explode, killing the driver, said Lt. Col. Robert Strzelecki. Another truck struck a concrete barrier and exploded, damaging a nearby house.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:41:57 AM ||
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A senior Liberal MP today urged the Federal Government to consider action against the leader of Australiaâs Muslims for praising Islamic suicide bombers and calling for a holy war against Israel. The Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj Aldin Al-hilali, made the comments in recent sermons and interviews in Lebanon, according to an internet dispatch by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
That was quick...
Christopher Pyne, parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Family and Community Services, said he was appalled and horrified by Sheik Alhilaliâs alleged support for violence. But a spokesman for the Sydney-based Mufti said he had been taken out of context. According to MEMRI, the Mufti told an interviewer in Lebanon he supported suicide attacks by Muslim martyrs. "We are proud of the Islamic resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, Kashmir...," Sheik Alhilali is reported to have said. "We support the resistance and support, with all our might, the martyrdom operations carried out by the Palestinian liberation movements, operations that are a legitimate act against the cruel occupation, according to all international norms and conventions."
Uhuh... And what was the qualifying context? Looks pretty straightforward to me...
The Mufti is also reported to have called in a sermon in Sidon for a jihad, or holy war, against Israel, adding: "The war waged by the US and Israel against the Muslims is a cruel war aimed at annihilating the (Islamic) nation." The Muftiâs spokesman in Sydney, Keysar Trad, said MEMRI had taken the Muslim leader out of context. "The Mufti is a proponent of peace and peaceful solutions to any conflict," he told ABC radio.
"Except for when it comes to jihad, of course..."
"I spoke to him today and he assured me that the context in which he made his message was not in the way that it was reported by these people." Mr Trad said the Mufti believed Muslim resistance fighters may target occupying military forces, but not civilians. He said the Mufti was not urging people to carry out suicide bombings.
"He is saying, letâs not condemn them because these people are making a major sacrifice to protect their country," said Mr Trad, of the Lebanese Muslim Association. Nor was the Mufti calling for a war against Israel.
That's not the way his comments read...
"He was not so much calling for a jihad in the nature of war, but in the nature of what will get that country to respect the United Nations resolutions." But Mr Pyne said the Muftiâs reported comments were a "very serious matter". "There is never any circumstances that mitigate violence and terror against civilians," he told ABC radio. "I am appalled, horrified and shocked.....by this newest example of Sheik Alhilaliâs extremism, which has no place in this country." Mr Pyne said the government should examine the Muftiâs comments to see what action should be taken against him. "Iâd be very surprised if there wasnât some kind of official response."
Posted by: TS & Tipper ||
02/18/2004 8:41:17 AM ||
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I guess it's going to be left up to the private citizens in our various countries, to kill these islamic bastards, wherever we see them. Since our governments are willing to be "tolerant" of them, the only recourse is for "We The People" to take action. It's coming folks.........
Posted by: Danny ||
02/18/2004 10:10 Comments ||
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#2
Danny> You mean the revolution that's gonna overthrow democratic rule of law as opposed to a mob hunting down people we don't like and killing them?
If it's indeed coming, then I bet I'll be standing on opposite sides of the battle than you. See you then. :-)
#3
No aris, I'm suggesting that if our governments are going to continue to kiss the asses of these terrorists in the name of "tolerance", then we have no recourse but to take care of the problem ourselves. If you'll be on the opposite side from that, then see you there....abdul.
Posted by: Danny ||
02/18/2004 13:03 Comments ||
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If it's indeed coming, then I bet I'll be standing on opposite sides of the battle than you. See you then.
Not a problem. If you find Islamofascism attractive and are willing to fight for it, then at the very least have your last will and testament in order. No use leaving things to the state that your relatives could use.
#5
Bomb-a-rama, according to you "Democratic rule of law"="Islamofascism"? Funny -- I thought it was the opposite.
And Danny, I've seen this "take care of the problem of politicians we don't like" attitude in my own country -- people that acted on it we called them terrorists, and this year we shoved them behind bars.
You either obey the rules of your democratic country which means that you *don't* just go on your own initiative and kill people, even if they morally support the opposite side, or you are yourself at war with your democratic country.
What you are suggesting, whether you understand it or not, is the overthrow of Western democracy. Which I find to be a price too steep for me to pay in order to be defended against Islamic foes.
#6
I believe Danny and BaR are talking about a little "southern Justice". A variant of which my brother and I practiced on some white trash my sister got mixed up with over a decade ago. We didn't overthrow any gov't but he got the message anyway. I believe in being civil to everyone but when I am dealing with people out to destroy what I hold dear the gloves come off.
#7
according to you "Democratic rule of law"="Islamofascism"? Funny -- I thought it was the opposite.
Sorry pal, but Islamofascism isn't compatible with our way of life. If they want to hate Jews and infidels, and call them (and us) names, I can handle that. If they want to call us things like the "Great Satan", I can live with that. If they want to stand on a corner and rail on and on about how depraved Western society is, I can handle that too. When it goes further than that, as in calls to arms or directly calling for the killing of others with the blessing of their religious figures, that's just a bit too far for my tastes.
#8
You're absolutely right whitecollar redneck. aris seems to be more of the same old problem....."Oh dear, what are we going to do? They hate us so...why oh why?!!!" Well, I for one, don't give a damn why they hate us. I just know I'll not hide my head in the sand while they murder my family. If one of those islamic bastards comes around here starting trouble in my little corner of East Texas, they'll be carrying him off in a teacup.
I too am civil to everyone, and expect the same in return. I start no trouble, but I will damn sure end it.
It seems as if aris uses the north korean definition of "democratic".
Posted by: Danny ||
02/18/2004 14:21 Comments ||
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You either obey the rules of your democratic country which means that you *don't* just go on your own initiative and kill people, even if they morally support the opposite side, or you are yourself at war with your democratic country.
Except, Aris, if the government refuses to act in any way to protect the people from a clear danger. Then the government has forfeited its rule and sovereignty falls back to the people.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 15:20 Comments ||
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When Robert steps in I know I'm on the side of the angels:)
You don't understand us Aris. We are descended from the world's malcontents. Minding and taking care of our own business is imprinted into our national consciousness.
#12
Robert Crawford>
The way I've heard it, a government forfeits its rule when it violates the constitution which so made it government. Otherwise the problem is with the constitution itself; something which I don't believe any of you are suggesting.
Danny can of course express his feelings about whether the government acts in a sufficient manner to protect the people. He can express it publicly in protests, he can express it through secret ballot -- both of which allowed in free societies. But what he can't be allowed to express it with is with the lynchmobs which he still seems to me to have been suggesting ("kill these islamic bastards whenever we see them").
And btw, Danny, I don't remember anything anywhere in my post suggesting that I care about the motivation of people hating us. Would you be kind enough to indicate to me where you found even a hint of such an interest on my part? Anywhere at all?
Thanks very much. Or I'll ofcourse consider you as yet another idiot who needs to stereotype his enemies -- I've gotten accustomed in it in Rantburg, where I'm assumed to be gay in discussions about gay marriages, and where I'm assumed to be of "they why do they hate us?" mentality in these discussions.
Or, as I said, I'll be assuming you to be an idiot, with somewhat greater justification on my part.
#13
UseNet, WWW, what's an acronym among "friends" eh?
Perhaps Aris, recently whining incessantly about being labeled a troll, needs a little education regards the actual definition of the term.
Of course, he doesn't care about "fact", something totally foreign to one so enamored with his opinions and self-image as moral superior and guide to the great unwashed, only about his narcissistic pretenses - of which there are too many to recount on Rantburg's bandwidth.
#17
Therapist, I assure you I know quite well what a troll is. You may have wanted to show off your l33t linkage skills or something, but in this case, quite redundant.
And .com, I don't need to go into hyperdrive mode -- I simply add to my mental list of people I no longer need to show a hint of respect to, since they've shown me none.
External political pressures, internal power struggles, and multiple financial crises have brought the Palestinian Authority to the brink of collapse, Palestinian and Israeli officials and analysts say, raising concerns that a possible Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip could create a chaotic vacuum and throw control of the territory into the hands of the Islamic extremist group Hamas. The mounting problems have reportedly caused a major rift between longtime Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, who is under intense pressure from Egypt, European nations, and the United States to undertake reforms of financial and security systems that would prepare the authority to reassume control of Gaza. At a news conference in Germany yesterday, Qurei denied reports that he has threatened to resign because Arafat is blocking the reforms.
Indecision, uncertain loyalties, and pervasive corruption in the authority and in Arafatâs Fatah movement are influencing European nations -- formerly the largest source of aid to the Palestinians -- to reduce financial assistance, local and foreign observers say. These problems are creating greater receptiveness in Washington to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharonâs preparations for unilateral separation from the Palestinians, they say. Three senior US officials are due to arrive in Jerusalem today to discuss Sharonâs proposal to evacuate 17 Jewish settlements in Gaza and to make changes in the route of Israelâs controversial West Bank barrier that would make it more acceptable to the United States and Europe.
"Frankly, there is chaos among the [Palestinian] security forces," said Mustafa Issa, governor of Ramallah and a longtime Arafat loyalist, "and there is much corruption." Reflecting deepening disillusionment at all levels of society, Issa said he would like to see European countries sympathetic to the Palestinian people "control this area for the next five years — eight years if they are good." Palestinians tried to administer their own affairs from the mid-1990s to the present, he said, "and we did not succeed."
A senior Israeli specialist in Palestinian affairs, who spoke on condition that his name not be published, said "the feeling that things are falling apart in the Palestinian Authority is not completely new, but in recent weeks there are increasing manifestations of it really happening." Developments included the mass resignation of hundreds of members of Fatah, who faulted the organization for condoning corruption and failing to provide leadership; a rash of attacks by militants on Palestinian and other Arab journalists, who subsequently said they would refuse to cover Palestinian Authority news until law and order were restored, and sharp reductions in aid to the authority from donors in Europe who are concerned about the apparent misuse of their money.
Issa and other Arafat loyalists have long blamed the Palestinian Authorityâs administrative problems on the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, but with the situation now rapidly worsening, growing numbers of Palestinians and sympathizers are publicly pointing the finger of blame at Fatah, and at Arafat himself. "It is a disaster," said Bassem Eid, director of the East Jerusalem-based Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group. "The problem is not just the occupation, it is much bigger. Nablus is ruled by thugs. The people are killing each other." At least 27 people have been killed by fellow Palestinians in Nablus in the last year, police there say.
So deep has the Palestinian discontent grown that Imad Shakur, one of Arafatâs numerous advisers, recently wrote a withering critique that was published in a broad range of Palestinian newspapers, including the main newspaper of the Palestinian Authority, which is run by a close Arafat associate. Shakur urged Arafat to outlaw all militias, to dismantle Fatah, and to encourage all Palestinian factions and movements to convert themselves into political parties. "This is not an easy matter," Shakur wrote, "but the reality is not easy either. We have to take a strategic decision. When the world does not cry for our victims, and is not saddened by the uprooting of Palestine olive trees, it does not mean the world is bad. It means that our policy is wrong."
International disaffection extends far beyond the United States and Israel, which have long been hostile to Arafat. European aid to the Palestinian Authority is dropping sharply as Arafat continues to block financial reforms. French and British media last week reported on huge cash transfers to Arafatâs wife, Suha, who lives in Paris, and German media followed with a report that EU investigators believe Arafat has been diverting donations to terror organizations. "The Europeans are sending him a signal in their own way," said Eran Lerman, former deputy director of Israeli military intelligence.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 8:40:09 AM ||
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#1
Blame is being assigned to someone besides Israel? That spiked my suprise meter.
"a possible Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip could create a chaotic vacuum and throw control of the territory into the hands of the Islamic extremist group Hamas."
So what? Hamas, Arafat, what's the difference??
As the money for hating Jews and America dries up, the Palestinian people are starting to look about for real jobs.
But unfortunately for them, the Europeans are starting to wake up to understand that Islamists don't love to hate Americans and Jews in the same mild way that they do- the Islamists mean to destroy Western Civilization.
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 10:49 Comments ||
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European aid to the Palestinian Authority is dropping sharply as Arafat continues to block financial reforms. French and British media last week reported on huge cash transfers to Arafatâs wife, Suha, who lives in Paris, and German media followed with a report that EU investigators believe Arafat has been diverting donations to terror organizations.
#6
Does the EU really think this will get arafuk to say "oops...the jig is up. perhaps I should negotiate in good faith with Israel, sue for peace, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, stop teaching and preaching hate for Jews, stop saying one thing in english and another in arabic, stop sending money to my wife (etc etc etc?"
Hardly.
Two rules of physics applies here: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In other words, arafuk will simply do more, not less of the same in response to the pressure. He will disrupt investigations into corruption. He will sow seeds of discontent and mistrust among previous allies. He will somehow attempt to spin the chaos in gaza after the Israeli pullout to his advantage. He will pay graft to influential people.
And through it all there are those in the west who can see nothing wrong with such behavior amongst the palis nor arafuk. In fact, they promote it. Unintentionally, but factually. And you can thank al-guardian, BBC-Akbar, UC Berkley and the MSA, and the like, for that.
#7
SDB at USS Clueless
http://denbeste.nu/cd_log_entries/2004/01/UpagainsttheWall.shtml
wrote an opinion article that this seems to support.
Posted by: Dave ||
02/18/2004 13:11 Comments ||
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Dont know if the EU expects Arafat to change or not - and they dont really need (and may not even want) for him to change completely - just stop being so openly corrupt as to embarrasse them. In any case, if they cut off his funds, they cut off the embarrassment, and the internal political cost in Europe (there are SOME voters there who actually ask why their money is wasted on the PA)
More interesting is the prospect that Israeli withdrawl from Gaza will lead to open war between Hamas and Dahlan. Either way Israel wins - if Dahlan wins they have someone they can talk to, someone who is apparently more sensible and with greater understanding of cause and effect than Arafat. If Hamas wins, they can go after Hamas from the air without the euros and others whining that its undermining the PA.
#10
"The problem is not just the occupation, it is much bigger. Nablus is ruled by thugs. The people are killing each other."
The "country" is a wreck. Blame it on the "Zionist conspiracy" but the Paleos have dug their own graves (or someone may for them). I wonder if they are cheering in the streets now like they did on 9/11.
#11
Why do I think the EU is cutting funds because Europe's economy is sputtering badly and tax revenues are down?Blaming Arafat and PA for corruption is face-saving way of cutting funding-after all,Arafat and PA didn't suddenly discover how to siphon off funds yesterday,it's been known for years.
Posted by: Stephen ||
02/18/2004 18:55 Comments ||
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The militant Basque separatist group Eta has declared a ceasefire for the Spanish region of Catalonia. Eta said it had suspended "armed actions" in Catalonia as of 1 January 2004 in order to strengthen ties between the Basque and Catalan people. "Weâve been getting our asses kicked, so itâs time to take a break"
The news, broadcast by regional radio stations, comes weeks after Eta said it was extending its campaign against tourist targets in Spain. Eta has killed more than 800 people in its campaign since the late 1960s. And as soon as they finish R&R, theyâll be back.
Catalunya Radio broadcast a statement from Eta on Wednesday which said the group "had ceased all its activities in the region as of 1 January, 2004 with the aim of uniting ties between the Basque and Catalan peoples on the basis of respect, non-interference and solidarity". "So, just stop hunting us down and throwing us in the clink, ok?"
Eta decided to carry out attacks in Catalonia against Spanish and French state interests in the region in the 1980s, the message said, but the political situation had now changed. Theyâve been losing.
More details of the ceasefire are expected to be released later. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar is due to hold a press conference at 1415 (1315GMT) to give his response to the Eta statement, government sources say. Youâve got them on the ropes, donât back down.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 8:36:20 AM ||
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#1
Man, kidnapping just doesn't pay like it used to.
During the last 24 hours, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps forces conducted 15 independent patrols. Task Force All American conducted 207 patrols (including 10 joint patrols), cleared two small caches, and executed three offensive operations - cordon and searches in Fallujah, Ar Ramadi, and Husaybah. Task Force All American had five contacts with the enemy since Feb. 15. Soldiers discovered and disarmed five improvised explosive devices before they could be detonated, killed three enemy and captured 16 enemy personnel.
Yesterday, 2,705 people and 51 buses crossed back into Iraq at Ar Ar as they returned from the Hajj. To date, 31,416 people have returned from Saudi Arabia through the 82nd Airborne Divisionâs area of operations and an estimated 300 additional pilgrims are waiting for transportation near Ar Ar in Saudi Arabia.
Feb. 16 at 1 a.m. in 3rd Brigadeâs area of operations, soldiers conducted a cordon and search south of Fallujah to kill or capture Dr. Yasim Hamdi Asef and Sadun Misha. Both targets are believed to be anti-Coalition cell leaders operating in the Fallujah region. The operation resulted in significant direct fire contact with enemy forces and an AC-130 gunship assisted. Coalition forces killing one enemy combatant while capturing nine others, including Sadun (Misha). Soldiers also conducted a cordon and search of two households suspected of housing foreign fighters in Ar Ramadi. The houses were also believed to contain a cache of small arms weapons and contraband. The operation was conducted without incident and resulted in the capture of five enemy personnel.
TIKRIT, IRAQ - Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment captured two individuals suspected of attacking Coalition forces with rocket propelled grenades Sunday morning. The soldiers located and confiscated three AK-47 assault rifles and one bolt-action rifle.
A quick-reaction force from 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment responded to a rocket attack on a forward operating base. The soldiers went to the enemy firing position and found five rocket-propelled grenades, an electrical firing mechanism, four long tubes and one 120 mm rocket casing with batteries connected to the tubes. They also discovered two firing positions for tubes that were dug in with aiming stakes using the water tower on the FOB for reference. The patrol encountered a local man who had been in the area at the time of the attack, and he agreed to show them where he thought one of the attackers lived. The soldiers did not find the attacker at the identified house, but they did discover a second firing position that had five modified brackets for firing rockets. The brackets appeared to have been recently emplaced, and there was evidence that rockets had been fired from the position. The soldiers destroyed all the make-shift firing equipment.
An Iraqi citizen led a patrol from 555th Engineer Group to a location northwest of Duluiyah, where it found a 107 mm rocket set to detonate as an improvised explosive device. The soldiers also located three 120 mm rockets , one of which was wired for detonation. Other items confiscated included 11 blasting caps, one drum of AK-47 ammunition and a small amount of artillery powder. An explosive ordinance disposal team disarmed the IEDs and scheduled them for destruction.
Soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division captured eight individuals, five of whom are suspected of being members of the Fedayeen, northwest of Kirkuk. The captured individuals are suspected of involvement in attacks on the airbase in Kirkuk. Soldiers located and confiscated one AK-47 assault rifle, one musket and documents from the former Baâath party.
In another incident 19 kilometers west of Kirkuk, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division located and confiscated a weapons cache of 100 81 mm mortar rounds. The munitions are scheduled for destruction.
In a palm grove outside of the village of Mukisa, soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment discovered and confiscated one container of artillery propellant, one roll of detonation cord, one grenade, two blasting caps and nine magazines filled with 7.62mm ammunition.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment killed an attacker after he fired an automatic weapon at them from an adjacent rooftop while they were searching a house they had just raided in Muqdadiyah. They returned fire in response to the attack. The soldiers searched an additional two houses and detained three enemy known to be selling weapons. Soldiers confiscated four AK-47s and one shotgun in the raids.
An unmanned observation aircraft identified three individuals loitering approximately 15 kilometers north of Baâqubah in a palm grove previously used by the enemy to fire mortars at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. The three individuals were joined by seven other men and began to emplace what appeared to be a rocket or mortar. An AH-64 Apache helicopter sent to investigate at approximately 8:50 p.m. observed the individuals attempting to flee. 2 Brigade Combat Team artillery fired at the location, killing at least one enemy. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment went to the site and found one complete 120 mm mortar system, one mortar base plate and one 120 mm mortar round. The remains of the attacker were turned over to Iraqi police. Soldiers are assessing whether there were additional casualties.
#2
An unmanned observation aircraft identified three individuals loitering approximately 15 kilometers north of Baâqubah in a palm grove previously used by the enemy to fire mortars at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. The three individuals were joined by seven other men and began to emplace what appeared to be a rocket or mortar. An AH-64 Apache helicopter sent to investigate at approximately 8:50 p.m. observed the individuals attempting to flee. 2 Brigade Combat Team artillery fired at the location, killing at least one enemy. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment went to the site and found one complete 120 mm mortar system, one mortar base plate and one 120 mm mortar round. The remains of the attacker were turned over to Iraqi police. Soldiers are assessing whether there were additional casualties.
I vigorously protest the issuance of clearly inferior materiel to our boys in Iraq. That UAV clearly should have been armed.
Shades of Pierce Brosnan in the Tailor of Panama, methinks
A FRENCH counter-espionage agent has been hauled before a disciplinary committee after it was discovered that he fiddled expenses, invented information and used his undercover car to visit a prostitute, police sources said on Tuesday. The unidentified 49-year-old spy also offered to work for the Swiss intelligence service, the sources said, confirming reports first made by RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper. According to the sources, the agent, who started with the Direction of Territorial Surveillance (DST) -- Franceâs domestic spy service -- in 1977, had long managed to hide his mendaciousness from his superiors and had even reached the rank of captain after being decorated with a medal of honour. But last year, his behaviour came under the scrutiny of an internal affairs police unit, which found he had been making up interviews with an informer whom he had stopped meeting, run up huge tabs on the agencyâs account for supposed assignments and paid for sessions with an Egyptian prostitute he saw regularly in Geneva. Le Figaro said the head of the DST, Pierre de Bousquet, has demanded "exemplary sanctions" against the officer.
Posted by: tipper ||
02/18/2004 7:42:35 AM ||
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Pass him the business card of Jason Blair's literary agent. Sounds like he can generate more compelling whoppers for public digestion than your average Burger King franchise.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 8:55 Comments ||
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This kind of thing is illegal in France?
Posted by: Matt ||
02/18/2004 12:21 Comments ||
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that he fiddled expenses, invented information and used his undercover car to visit a prostitute,
Wait a minute.... that's not in the job description?
EFL When this story broke earlier I read that the charges stemmed from a Cyprus firm run by Sharonâs son, so I figured that it may well not involve the PM. It appears the investigation so far has reached the PMâs office, but I guess we will have to see.
The police have made a significant breakthrough in the Cyril Kern affair. Investigators have uncovered bank accounts in the Caribbean and a front company directly linked to Gilad Sharon. In light of these latest developments, investigators have raided the offices of accountants in Israel during the last few days. One of these offices belongs to Micha Lazar, the accountant who managed the funds of one of the front companies that funded Sharonâs campaign for the primaries in 1999. Investigators have seized documents related to the bank account and the front company in question.
Posted by: badanov ||
02/18/2004 5:56:36 AM ||
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The commander of American-led forces in Afghanistan said Tuesday that the military had adopted new tactics to combat Taliban and Al Qaeda militants in the country. The officer, Lt. Gen. David W. Barno of the Army, said that in the past three months, American units down to the level of 40-soldier platoons had been dispatched to live in villages where they can forge ties with tribal elders and glean better information about the location and activities of guerrillas. In the past, he said, American forces typically gathered intelligence about hostile forces, carried out focused raids for several days against those targets, then returned to base to plan and prepare for their next mission. "What weâre doing is moving to a more classic counterinsurgency strategy here in Afghanistan," General Barno told reporters at the Pentagon in a videoconference from his headquarters in Kabul, the capital.
Going to occupy the territory, are they? Seems that should be a job for the Afghan army...
General Barno said the new strategy had already paid dividends: Afghan civilians have reported more insurgentsâ weapons caches in the past month than had been turned in during the past half year. The new strategy also seeks to complement a renewed effort by the United States, NATO and other allies to expand the number of teams of soldiers and civilians who will fan out beyond Kabul and assist local authorities with security and rebuilding. General Barno said that by the end of this week, 12 of those "provincial reconstruction teams" would be operating. Britain, Italy, Turkey and Norway agreed earlier this month to lead four additional NATO teams by this summer. The teams consist of 60 to 100 people, are tailored to a regionâs specific needs, and have become the linchpin of the coalitionâs efforts to rebuild Afghanistan while staving off guerrilla attacks.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
02/18/2004 1:35:16 AM ||
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This is a truly great way to root out an insurgency, but only so long as you have absolute commitment to see the process through, all the way to completion.
The risk is to recreate what happened in Algeria in 1962 - the French Army on the ground was well on its way to defeating the FLN, with the aid of the "pied noir" (loyal French) citizens of Algeria - who happily helped the French Army hunt down the FLN (who pursued a terrorist bombing campaign eerily similar to recent times). The French army secured the backing of the loyal Algerians by swearing that they would see the process through. Then DeGaulle takes office, reviews the situation, and surmises that - in the end - nationalism will win out - and orders the withdrawal of French Army from Algeria. This means the FLN will win, and will basically slaughter all the "collaborators" who aided the French.
Then - an amzing thing happened - the elite French units on the ground in Algeria - ordered to pull out and leave their former allies to the revenge of the FLN - banded together and decided that they could not walk out on their previous commitment - and thus was formed the OAS - elite French troops that soon found themselves fighting both the FLN, and the rest of the French Army - and not being paid (and having their assets back in France seized). See "Day of the Jackal" about the way part of that story played out.
'Funny - as an Infantry CPT at IOAC at Ft. Benning in 1985, I wrote a paper about the lessons the US Army learned from the revolt of the French Army in Algeria - one of which was about the downside of letting your soldiers get too close to the local people, in fighting an insurgency, when political will might not be absolute.
Let's hope that political will is absolute this time (and I have some reason to feel it is).
#4
Then DeGaulle takes office, reviews the situation, and surmises that - in the end - nationalism will win out - and orders the withdrawal of French Army from Algeria. This means the FLN will win, and will basically slaughter all the "collaborators" who aided the French.
Actually, De Gaulle decided he would win points with the Arab world by withdrawing from Algeria. This coincided with a gradual disengagement from Israel, which had previously been an important buyer of French arms.
#5
This strategy will work because the insurgency is being funded from the outside - other than the opium trade. By opening up another front in Iraq, the funding was syphoned off. If Iraq had not been invaded, Afghanistan would have been the quagmire that many predicted. Another significant invasion will draw outside support away from the Iraq conflict.
By that time the 40 man teams should have established local militias that are effective and provide self-sustaining local security.
A local presence will stiffle local lawlessness. Many of the bad guys aren't out in the countryside living off the land - they are villagers.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 10:46 Comments ||
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If We stay for the long haul, then the people will come to trust the Merkins. However, our history of support for indigenous allies has, so far, been poor and dishonorable. Trolls will mention that, and demand that we pull out. I say that we should regain honor by staying the course, staying in, and whacking the terrorists regardless of how much squealing the trolls do when they see their relatives being cut to pieces.
#7
why use the americans on the ground. There are only about 5800 Afghan National Army troops thus far, not enough to take on this task. Goal is 10,000 by June. Even then will that be enough to do this really aggressively?
Re De Gaulle - not really analogous - the colons were 10% or so of the total population. Local friendlies in Afghan, while less reliable than colonists/settlers, are far more numerous. Even if we walked out theyd keep fighting - heck, the Taliban NEVER controlled the Panshir valley and the northeast corner of Afghanistan - that was ALWAYS Northern Alliance territory. Given the changed balance since 9/11, theres no realist prospect of a Taliban return to Mazar and Herat, or even Kabul. The real questions are 1. How fast can we move to an election in Afghanistan, which would look real good for us, and bad for the Taliban (oh, and would embarras the black hats in Teheran) 2. Can we insure that the Taliban dont regain control of the countryside in the southeast, and even Kandahar (which would be major embarassing for us, and would reinvigorate AQ and allies world wide, especially in Pakland) 3. Can we clean up the border areas enough to take the fight directly or indirectly, to Paklands NWFP, where considerable AQ leadership remains?
SH also makes some interesting points both about grand strategy, and about small wars tactics.
#8
LH, I think this strategy would have worked in Vietnam, had we called up the reserves to stiffen public resolve and not cancelled funding to the South Vietnamese as soon as we were all the way out. It was probably quite easy to steamroller a government with no cashflow with a force heavily backed by China and the Soviet Union.
If we had done that, we would now have an entire half-country that was as prosperous as South Korea and probably hate to boot. I, personally, would rather have millions of fat, happy and unappreciative Vietnamese instead of an entire country with a repressed population that will take another 50 years to free.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 14:26 Comments ||
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#9
OTOH We received the very cream of their population who started off way the bejesus underemployed and are now lookiing to buy several southern states. (And yes I admire the hell out of them) (And have you noticed how the second generation has gotten... larger?)
#10
The Marines used eleven-man teams in I Corps during the Viet Nam war. They were most effective, and, as could be imagined, were the first to be pulled out when the Marines left.
EFL
With officials alert for a potential refugee crisis, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday the administration had "no enthusiasm" for using U.S. forces to quell unrest in Haiti. He added that some nations may be willing to send peacekeepers once peace is restored. Ah, Colin, youâre forgetting something.
The White House said it was up to the Haitian people to decide whether embattled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should remain in power. But Powell dismissed suggestions from some of Aristideâs opponents that he step down. "We cannot buy into a proposition that says the elected thug president must be forced out of office by thugs and those who do not respect law and are bringing terrible violence to the Haitian people," Powell said.
"We'd rather wait until you drag him through the streets and kill him. That way we know he won't come back."
With Haitiâs latest crisis in its 11th day, U.S. officials said they saw no sign at this point of a repeat of the refugee crisis of the early 1990s, when the country was under military rule. Nevertheless, they said there are contingency plans at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a Haitian exodus. They added that no refugee shelters were being constructed at the base. "Move over, Mahmoud, you got company!"
"Hey! What's that in his hand?"
"It's a chicken!"
"And who's that guy with him?"
"Don't mind him. He's dead."
The administration is reluctant to intervene militarily this time, partly because there is no obvious successor.
... and partly because we keep doing that over and over again, and the end result is always the same.
In 1994, Aristide had a legitimate claim to take over after the junta was ousted, based on his election in 1990. Powell talked on Tuesday with French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, who told reporters on Tuesday that France was weighing the possibility of sending peacekeepers. But, he added, it would be very difficult to do so while Haiti is in the throes of violence. France has 4,000 military personnel on the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Iâm sure theyâd get a hot warm welcome in Haiti.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 1:31:19 AM ||
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#5
Anon - that was a lame comment. Why should we go there or rather, how many times should we go there until enough is enough.
I don't think there were allot of oil rigs in Afghanistan, Liberia, and Bosnia.
The Haitians are a lost cause. They are not willing to do anything for themselves. All they are interested in are fVckin' and fightin'. The Dominican Republic shares the same island with them and they don't have similar problems.
You can't help people who aren't willing to help themselves. Past actions there prove they are a lost cause - Dead Enders.
1 more point - where is the precious UN conerning this? I haven't seen or heard them stepping up to the plate to help the Haitians either.
Go hug a tree.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
02/18/2004 10:05 Comments ||
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#6
I'm not sure how many people know it, but we've intervened in Haiti five times in the 20th century. Nothing ever changes. These people are still fighting the same battles in 2004 they were fighting in 1824. Until the people of Haiti change, the politics - including the murder, rape, and total destruction - won't change.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 11:11 Comments ||
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#7
The french have to think hard about going, after all they got kicked out of there, and just about every Haitian is proud to tell you that they did it. The french army would have to put their losing streak on the line. Best dressed losers I ever met.
#8
The OAS and the UN should encourage the Dominican Republic to take over the entire island as occupier, colonist, or in Trust. Haiti was the second Democracy in the western hemesphere and they still haven't managed to make a go of it. They simply don't have the educated populace at this point.
#9
Ruprecht, that would seriously dilute teh quality of the Dogers farm system. It won't happen.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 13:16 Comments ||
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#10
They simply don't have the educated populace at this point.
That's the least of their problems.... Haiti is damn near out of topsoil... it's time to temporarily depopulate that part of Hispanola. 1/3 to the US, 1/3 to France, 1/3 to Quebec, 1/3 to South America, 1/3 to Cuba.
#12
doesn't that make five thirds? Or is that doable in higher mathematics?
It's probably doable in Haiti. In fact, I think it's probably eminently doable. Just ask Aristide...
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 15:49 Comments ||
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#13
It's UN math. Same as they use in their bookkeeping.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 15:50 Comments ||
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#14
What's wrong with five thirds? Even an English major (ahem) should recognize that 5 thirds is the same as (or equvalent to as we say in science) third here, third there, plus 3 thirds or to sigma the whole thing 3 and 2 thirds or 19.
#15
No, Shipman's right. I can see that extra 2/3's to account for the large undead zombie population that supposedly likes to hangout there. My question is, who gets them?
In the best tradition of the U.N., treating the symptoms, not the cause.
U.N. agencies began urgently airlifting relief supplies into eastern Chad and western Sudan on Tuesday to help more than 600,000 Sudanese lacking food, water and medical supplies because of fighting, private aid agencies said. Civil war usually does this. Medecines Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, said its medical team was overwhelmed with patients who were either wounded in the fighting in western Sudan or were suffering from hunger-related diseases. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said a large UN Cessna cargo plane was beginning daily flights to deliver plastic sheeting and other equipment to build refugee camps for the Sudanese, said spokesman Ron Redmond. Now we know why Alaska Paul hasnât been around.
The United Nations and other relief organizations had complained the Sudanese government was blocking the delivery of aid to the stricken people inside the country. The government defended its restrictions, saying the area was too insecure, but it recently allowed the agencies back to Darfur. Now that itâs been "pacified."
The situation in Darfur has deteriorated even as rebels in southern Sudan neared a comprehensive agreement to end the 21-year civil war there. Talks began Tuesday in neighboring Kenya, but do not include the rebels in Darfur. How much oil in Darfur again?
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 1:25:31 AM ||
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#1
I have carried alot of things in my little plane, but I never carried plastic sheeting for building refugee camps. Maybe if I can fly politically sensitive, but high value cargo, I can afford an F-18 or a MIG larger plane.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 11:24 Comments ||
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#2
AP, Khan isn't allowed to contract for that type of work anymore.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:32 Comments ||
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Does Al-Aska Paul Airways serve halal meals in-flight? You could score a quick $25 mill for flying Osama (or his remains) into Bagram. He prolly qualifies as "politically sensitive but high value cargo." It would be a fairly crowded flight, unfortunately. He's a tall turban...and his dialysis machine takes up a lot of room.
#5
Shipman---A twin Otter (DHC-3) would be definitely as step up from my 172P. I've got some hours in that aircraft. Binny could sit in the front of my C172, the back seat comes out for the dialysis machine, and all I need from him is a promise that he will behave and not play with the controls. Word of honor and all that. And BTW, I do have a mileage program. Heh heh.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 15:02 Comments ||
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#6
And inflight food is Kosher. LOL!
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 15:03 Comments ||
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#8
Re my #5 post, if Binny sat in front of my 172, he would be "pink misted" by the prop. I meant the front seat. Well, come to think of it, maybe pink misting is the way to go for him.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/18/2004 21:45 Comments ||
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The Gambian president announced the discovery of "large quantities" of oil in his tiny West African nation, saying the offshore find would eliminate poverty and hunger amongst government elites, Gambian media reported. An unnamed Western company made the find while studying 200 square miles of Atlantic seabed off Gambiaâs coast, the Gambian newspaper The Independent reported Monday. Oil, that is, Gambian gold.
"I now have the open duty to announce that the results of the study are very positive ... there exists oil in the Gambia in very large quantities," the paper quoted President Yahya Jammeh as saying. "And itâs all mine! Mine, I tell you! Mine, mine, mine!"
Government officials in Banjul, the capital, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. Too busy counting their "bonuses"?
Jammeh didnât name the Western company which conducted the offshore study, but thanked the governments of Canada, Taiwan, Nigeria, Turkey and Mauritania for helping. Standard Oil of Mauritania helped out?
"With this first study, we have planted the seeds of what we believe ... will be prosperity for my immediate family our people. This harvest will change the fortunes future of our blessed president country," the Daily Observer, another Banjul-based paper quoted Jammeh as saying. Jammeh gave few details of the oil reserveâs size, but said an offshore rig would begin pumping small amounts by yearâs end to "put some ready cash in my hands" "firm up the results of the study," The Independent said. Gambia, a tiny nation of 1.4 million people wedged into the heart of Senegal, is one of the worldâs poorest countries, with a per capita annual income of $280, according to the World Bank. Gambiaâs coast is 50 miles long. Jammeh seized power in a 1994 military coup, overthrowing Dawda Jawara, the only other president the country has known since independence from Britain in 1965. West Africaâs Gulf of Guinea supplies the United States with 15 percent of its oil imports, and analysts say that share could grow to 25 percent by 2015 as the U.S. explores alternatives to the volatile Middle East. Coming soon, Islamofascism, Gambian style.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 1:20:30 AM ||
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#1
Oh, goody. Another Nigeria in the making. I can't wait for my first Gambia-scam email....
#4
PBMcL, have you noticed that most people with argue with trolls, but never with that guy. It's kind of like how the mentally disabled janitor at work can walk around with his fly down but nobody would ever think of charging him with sexual harassment. Cognitive activity is a prerequisite for crimes of intent. Do you get my drift? :-) I doubt he does.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 11:30 Comments ||
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#5
PBMcl - it took me a minute - but, with a little help from SH, it made it that much more hilarious! lol!
Posted by: B ||
02/18/2004 11:52 Comments ||
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#6
Muck... for the last damn time is's not chainey... it's Chainney! Chainney! Chainney! LOL.
Last week U.S. authorities in Iraq revealed the contents of a memo purportedly written by Abu Musab Zarqawi, an al Qaeda operative. This remarkable document calls for sparking a sectarian war in Iraq to wake sleepy Sunni Muslims to the threat of destruction and death at the hands of Shiites. The letter, even if it is a forgery, faithfully expresses al Qaedaâs attitude toward sectarianism, and it should help convince Americans of how deep the Sunni-Shiite conflict is in the Persian Gulf.
Who suggested it was a forgery?
Many Sunnis, especially religious extremists, hate Shiites more than they hate Israel. Al Qaedaâs basic credo puts the matter bluntly: "We believe that the Shiites are . . . the most evil creatures under the heavens." Sectarian tension is woven into day-to-day life in a number of Gulf societies.
Basically, Sunnis can't live with anybody else. If there aren't any Jews or Christians or Hindus to kill, like in Pakland, they'll go after the Shiites. If the Shiites were all dead, they'd go after heretics...
Itâs a well-known fact that in Saddam Husseinâs Iraq, the Shiites, though a numerical majority, were second-class citizens. But few Americans know that a similar imbalance exists in Bahrain, where the Sunni-dominated state rules a society that is 75 percent Shiite. Next door in Saudi Arabia, the Shiites make up a much smaller percentage of the total population (10 to 15 percent), but they are concentrated in the oil-rich Eastern Province. This sectarian geography has prompted at least one prominent Saudi cleric to call for the "ethnic cleansing" of the Shiites.
Uncomfortable, with the blood enemy sitting on the money, isn't it?
Optimists in Washington have argued that the establishment of representative government in Iraq will have a kind of democratic domino effect. Zarqawiâs war plan, however, forces us to recognize another possibility: a successful U.S. policy could also lead to sectarian conflict. Democracy in Baghdad would spell Shiite domination over the Iraqi system.
If it does, then the Kurds jump ship, being Sufis and non-Arabs. With them, regardless of the immediate consequences, also goes all that lovely money. The Kurds don't want Shiite satraps any more than they wanted Baathist satraps.
This prospect is a bitter one for some Sunnis in surrounding countries, and al Qaeda is working to exploit the resentment. We can already read the writing on the wall in Saudi Arabia, which must be considered — after Iraq itself — as al Qaedaâs primary target.
The Soddies have already peed in their own bed...
When it comes to Shiites and their aspirations, the radicals of al Qaeda and the Saudi religious establishment have identical views: Shiites are the intimate enemy. They dwell among the Sunnis and outwardly make a show of friendship and brotherhood. Inwardly, they will stop at nothing to destroy their sectarian rivals. All the while accepting aid and assistance from Iran ...
I wonder how many deep-laid plots and dire conspiracies there actually are...
The current international crisis, many Saudis believe, is providing the Shiites with an opportunity to do just that. Even before Husseinâs regime fell, the story of Ibn Alqami was circulating in Saudi religious circles. A Shiite minister to the last Abbasid caliph, Alqami betrayed his ruler by conspiring with Hulagu, the Mongol leader who in 1258 sacked Baghdad and destroyed the Abbasid Empire, the flower of Islamic civilization. Over the past year, Sunni religious conservatives have habitually referred to George Bush as Hulagu II. The moment that U.S.-led forces turned their guns toward Iraq, Sunnis began to ask in reference to the Iraqi Shiites, "Will the grandchildren of Ibn Alqami follow in their grandfatherâs footsteps?" When the Iraqi Shiites erupted in joy at the fall of Husseinâs regime, their Sunni detractors lamented that once again Baghdad was toppled from within.
I expect that 800 years from now they're going to be bitching about somebody else, comparing him to George Bush. "Those who forget the past will be forced to repeat it," I suppose, but those who wallow in the past never get a glimpse of the future. And their perception of today can be pretty hazy...
The Shiites of Saudi Arabia are also viewed as exploiting the crisis to extract concessions from embattled Sunnis. Thus, three weeks after Hussein fell, they petitioned Crown Prince Abdullah for equal rights. (Saudi Shiites do not enjoy basic religious freedoms.) That the crown prince would even so much as read the petition aroused deep feelings of resentment among traditionalists. It fell to Safar Hawali, an influential cleric, to vent the feelings of indignation. In an indirect rebuke to the crown prince, Hawali wrote that Godâs law requires suppressing the Shiite heresy.
"Yeah! It says so right in the Koran, someplace! You could look it up!"
Were the government to grant such a request, he wrote, "it would lose its legitimacy, place the majority under a tyranny in the interest of the minority, and contravene the constitution of the country."
"Better to kill 'em all, I say!"
So far, the crown prince has not bowed to Safar Hawaliâs demands. Abdullah continues to entertain the Shiite proposals within the framework of his "National Dialogue," a series of political discussions that may yet grow into a serious reform movement. Al Qaeda condemns the crown princeâs project, precisely because it includes blasphemous groups such as the Shiites. For its part, the Saudi religious establishment refrains from directly criticizing either Abdullah or his National Dialogue. But it does not shrink from launching indirect attacks along the lines of Hawaliâs rebuke. For instance, in early January, 156 clerics signed a petition decrying the editing of Saudi textbooks. The government has already deleted passages attesting to the eternal enmity of Christians and Jews toward Islam, and reformers are calling for even more changes to bring the country in harmony with the West.
No more "eternal enmity of Christians and Jews toward Islam"? But the turbans are working so hard to make it a reality!
In language identical to al Qaeda denunciations of the National Dialogue, the petition depicts the proposals for a new curriculum as an anti-Islamic plot orchestrated by Crusaders, Jews and Shiites. A close reading of the petition reveals that it is not simply a protest against textbook changes but an oblique attack on the National Dialogue itself. Several weeks ago al Qaeda published an article that discussed the likelihood of a violent blow to the United States that would also destabilize Saudi Arabia.
That was at the beginning of this month, when the United States was destroyed...
Zarqawiâs sectarian bloodbath is undoubtedly the kind of event that the author had in mind. A rise in Sunni-Shiite violence in Iraq would inevitably inflame passions in Saudi Arabia. The ensuing turmoil would create conditions that, at the very least, would promote the anti-reform agenda that al Qaeda shares with the Saudi religious establishment. It might even shake the regime itself.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 1:14:29 AM ||
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#1
Sectarian bloodbath... muslim killing muslim... this is the most well-written piece of porn I have ever read.
#2
These people are worse than Baptists and Methodists - and their infighting makes just about as much sense. The turbantops are proving for the entire world to see that they are not adult enough to accept responsibility for their own behavior. Unfortunately I don't think anything but total conquest and subjugation for a thousand years or so would make any difference to them - and maybe not even that.
This is not just an "Arab" problem, nor a "clash of civilizations". It goes beyond that. It reaches down into the very heart of human behavior itself - whether you are intelligent enough to learn how to take care of yourself, or whether you have to have someone care for you. In Islamic society, the Imams act as both government and parent, absolving their "children" of any responsibility for their own abject conditions. Time to apply some good old-fashioned "behavior modification" techniques to the Islamonuts through a thorough spanking (repeat as needed).
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/18/2004 12:55 Comments ||
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Baptists and Methodists, OP? Where DO you live? Down here in Georgia, not much more happens than verbal sniping a-la Babylon 5, and even that's mild compared to the debates within the church on what color of carpet to lay in the Sanctuary. No firebombs yet. Even The local ministerial association has the town Papist on the membership roll.
The U.S. military on Tuesday issued for the first time a wanted list of dozens of key figures suspected of leading the anti-U.S. insurgency in Iraq, including a $1 million reward for a senior Baath Party figure believed to be running guerrilla cells. Another set of playing cards! Collect âem all!
The list of 32 wanted people included suspected cell leaders, former members of Saddam Husseinâs military and regional Baath leaders thought to be helping the insurgency, said Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, deputy operations chief. At the top of the list, with a $1 million reward, is Mohammed Yunis al-Ahmad, a former top Baath Party official. Rewards between $50,000 and $200,000 were offered for the others. "He is one of the former (regime) personnel we suspect of significant anti-coalition activities," Kimmitt said of al-Ahmad. "We have reason to believe he has been running cells in certain parts of this country."
The military has been compiling the list as it built up a better understanding of the insurgency, Kimmitt told reporters. "Some names keep popping up," he said. Sounds like they have their own version of Thugberg.
Until now, U.S. officials have not made public a list of suspected leaders of the insurgency that erupted after the regimeâs collapse and has killed more American soldiers than did the invasion that toppled Saddam. The militaryâs new most wanted list set new rankings of rewards for the fugitives. A $200,000 reward was set for 11 former regional military and political leaders from Saddam regime suspected of "associating" or "providing support" to insurgent cells, Kimmitt said. Among the 11 was Lt. Gen. Hakam Hassan Ali al-Tikriti, a former commander of the militaryâs helicopter forces and an adviser to the Iraqi General Staff during the U.S. invasion. I think Hakamâs worth a full million. For 200 grand Iâd settle for both his legs. Or his liver.
Rewards of $50,000 were offered for 20 "individual operatives in local terrorist cells," he said. "These people have been targets for quite a period of time," he said. "We have now offered significant amounts of money for their capture."
The United States has also placed a $10 million bounty on al-Qaida-linked operative Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Cheap at twice the price.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 1:10:19 AM ||
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#1
I dunno...the U.S. government has a rather spotty reward when it comes to paying off rewards. There are all sorts of technicalities that can be used to deny reward payments. The man who found the D.C. sniper, for instance, never received a dime.
#2
I dunno...the U.S. government has a rather spotty record when it comes to paying off rewards. There are all sorts of technicalities that can be used to deny reward payments. The man who found the D.C. sniper, for instance, never received a dime.
#3
The man who found the D.C. sniper, for instance, never received a dime.
If I recall correctly, he declined any reward.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/18/2004 6:55 Comments ||
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The sniper tipster is Ron Lantz. He stated that he wanted to either give the entire amount or share at least half with the victims' families (account varies by source). However I can't find any mention of it being paid out. When/If he's ever paid, he may not receive the full $500,000 regardless as there were other people who provided useful tips that led to the information Lantz used to I.D. the car.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/18/2004 11:12 Comments ||
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Bombing conspirator Terry Nichols offered Tuesday to plead no contest to state murder charges if prosecutors drop their attempt to seek the death penalty, according to a motion filed in the case. State prosecutors indicated in a statement they have no plans to accept Nicholsâ offer, similar to at least one other offer the defense has made. Nichols, charged with 161 counts of first-degree murder, filed the motion in McAlester, where heâs scheduled to go on trial March 1 for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Nicholsâ motion was apparently filed in response to a recent editorial in The Oklahoman which inferred that the trial, expected to last 3-6 months and cost millions of dollars, was being conducted because of Nicholsâ refusal to enter a plea. "We need to make perfectly clear on the record that Mr. Nichols is willing - and has been willing - to enter a no contest plea to all counts" if the state would not seek the death penalty, the motion states. Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane indicated prosecutors will not accept Nicholsâ offer. A no contest plea, he said, "allows a defendant to be sentenced by a judge without admitting that he bears any responsibility for the acts of which he is accused. I think that speaks for itself," Laneâs statement said.
In September 2001, Nicholsâ lead attorney, Brian Hermanson, offered in an open letter to Lane to end the appeals of his federal bombing conviction and accept a federal life sentence in order to avoid a state trial. Nichols, 48, was convicted of federal charges for the deaths of eight law enforcement officers in the April 19, 1995, bombing, which killed 168 people. he was sentenced to life in prison. The state charges are for the deaths of the other 160 victims and one victimâs unborn child. This mutt should die. However, if he were to tell us everything about the supposed connection of the OK bombing to some Middle Eastern terrorist group, and IF everything he said checked out, and IF that info allowed us to roll up a dangerous network, then I might allow him to spend the rest of his life in solitary.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 1:00:02 AM ||
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#1
I hear ya, Steve.
We need to know all about his meeting(s) with Ramzi Yousef in the Phillipines.
We executed McVeigh too soon and President Bush carried through the sentence even though it meant leting Clinton's FBI get away with "losing" too much of the evidence, but everything about OKC says jihadi Islamists: truck bomb, children killed, big symbolic American "guv'mint" building, looked just like the African embassy bombings, etc.
The truth needs to come out after over 10 years. McNichols is already toast one way or another though so he might as well make it all mean something by telling what he knows.
#3
Why has it taken so long for Nichols to go to trial if he is not cooperating with other pieces of the OKC investigation?
Can anybody offer up an explanation?
Posted by: Daniel King ||
02/18/2004 11:10 Comments ||
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Why has it taken so long for Nichols to go to trial
I'm not sure I understand your question. Nichols was tried and convicted in a federal trial for murdering the federal officials in the building. He got a rather moderate verdict and sentence.
Now Oklahoma wants to try him for murdering all the other people who weren't federal officials. The goal is to increase his sentence.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/18/2004 12:38 Comments ||
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The goal is to increase his sentence
It's simple, the feds gave him life in prison. The people of Oklahoma want his head on a stake, that's why the state prosecutor won't cut a deal.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/18/2004 12:43 Comments ||
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#7
Let's not be hasty, Jon: remember people this clown KNOWS THINGS. Things that I for one want made very public, even if a certain former inhabitant of the White House doesn't. If you look carefully into the events surrounding the Oklahoma City bombing you will see that there are real and substantial links between MvVeigh, Nichols, and Iraqi Army Intelligence. A growing body of evidence suggests that those two idiots were hired by our glorious friends in the Arab world to perform that barbaric act of terror. Inquiring RRR's want to know.
So go ahead and give him his immunity. Some DOC will take care of putting an end to the lamentable Mister Nichols in any case.
The Philippines plans to resume informal talks with Muslim rebels on Thursday, but officials on the war-torn island of Mindanao warned that pulling back troops could jeopardise their support for a formal peace deal. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is seeking a fresh term in general elections on May 10, has expressed hope her government can sign a peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before Filipinos go the polls. But many analysts -- and the rebels themselves -- consider this wildly optimistic after years of stop-start efforts to end three decades of separatist violence in the south of this mainly Roman Catholic country.
A two-day meeting will start on Thursday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, a senior military official told Reuters on Tuesday, adding both sides were expected to focus on removing obstacles so that formal negotiations can restart. "The exploratory talks in Malaysia will go on as scheduled," said Eid "Lipless Eddie" Kabalu, a spokesman for the 12,000-member MILF, the largest of four Muslim rebel groups in the Philippines. "But there canât be any formal talks unless all three of our preconditions are met."
The MILF demands that the government pull its troops from a guerrilla enclave at Buliok in Mindanao, withdraw criminal cases against rebel leaders and deploy a Malaysian-led team to observe a fragile ceasefire. But Manuel Pinol, the governor of North Cotabato province and an ally of Arroyo, has threatened to quit if the government heeds the rebel demand to remove soldiers from Buliok. "I have told them not to touch my province," he told Reuters. "Any peace agreement should not be at the expense of the overall security of our homes." Pinol said municipal mayors in his province would oppose any troop pullout because it could give the MILF and criminal groups an operational base. Officials in the nearby provinces of South Cotabato and Maguindanao shared similar sentiments, Pinol said.
"Itâs not our problem," said Kabalu, the rebel spokesman, adding it would be up to Arroyo to balance the feelings of local politicians and her governmentâs commitment to peace in Mindanao. Kabalu said negotiators meeting in Kuala Lumpur would seek to define the role of 25 ceasefire monitors to be sent by Malaysia and other Islamic states, who are expected to be deployed this month as soon as the guidelines are agreed. "The agenda is wide open and both sides could talk about ways to overcome the difficult obstacles for the resumption of formal negotiations," he said. Kabalu said the success of the peace moves did not rest with the MILF as the rebels had waited for the government to comply with several minor agreements reached as early as last June. "The ball is in their hands. We have done our part," he said.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 12:21:35 AM ||
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This is by the French author of Who Killed Daniel Pearl?
We observed the Abdul Qadeer Khan affair, the incredible story of this Pakistani nuclear scientist who delivered over 15 years -- freely and with impunity -- his most sensitive secrets to Libya, Iran and North Korea. Then we learned that President Musharraf in person, after an interview from which little or nothing has been divulged, ended up granting Khan his "pardon." Case closed? End of story? Thatâs what the American administration, falling oddly in step with the official Pakistani doctrine, would have us believe. But knowing something of the case -- and being the first French observer, to my knowledge, to have tried to alert public opinion to the extreme gravity of the situation -- I believe that we are only at the very beginning this story...
Far from ending on Sept. 11, 2001 -- the day, we are told, on which "the world changed" -- this terrifying nuclear traffic continued until well after: A last trip to Pyongyang, his thirteenth, was made in June 2002 by the good doctor Khan; not to mention the ship inspected last August in the Mediterranean, transporting elements of a future nuclear plant to Libya. The eyes of the world, emulating the eyes of America, were fixed on Baghdad, while the tentacles of nuclear proliferation were being extended from Karachi.
We will soon learn that far from being the overexcited, but in the end isolated, "Dr. Strangelove" that most of the press has described, Khan was at the center of an immense network, an incredibly dense web. There were Dubai front companies, meetings in Casablanca and Istanbul with Iranian colleagues, complicities in Germany and Holland, Malaysian and Philippine agents, and detours through Sri Lanka, with Chinese and London connections -- a world of crime and dirty war that the West, mired in a big game that is beginning to get ahead of it, has so blithely allowed to develop.
We will find that, since Pakistan is steered by the iron hand of its secret service and its army, it is inconceivable that Khan operated alone without orders or cover. We will understand more precisely that we cannot repeat without contradiction that, on the one hand, the Pakistani nuclear arsenal is under control, and that not a warhead can budge without the authoritiesâ knowledge, and, on the other, that Khan was acting alone, working on his own account, with no official connivance. To put it simply and disconcertingly: Pakistanâs nuclear weapons need to be secured. They cannot -- will not -- be secured by Pakistan alone.
We will come back to Gen. Musharraf -- and Pakistan being what it is, we will come back also to other generals and ex-generals, such as Mirza Aslam Beg and Jehangir Karamat, both former army chiefs of staff. But we must not shift our gaze from the president himself, whose knowledge of Khanâs dark machinations no one in Islamabad doubts, and who, at the very moment of his confounding, celebrated Khan once more as a "hero." What does Khan know of what Gen. Musharraf knows? And what does Khanâs daughter, Dina, who announced in London that she has suitcases of compromising files, know?
And at last, sooner or later, we will come to the real secret: that of al Qaeda; and of Khanâs links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the fundamentalist terrorist group at the heart of al Qaeda; and the fact that this "mad scientist" is first of all mad about God, a fanatical Islamist who in his heart and soul believes that the bomb of which he is the father should belong, if not to the Umma itself, at least to its avant-garde, as incarnated by al Qaeda. So let us not shrink from measuring the probability of a nightmare scenario: to wit, a Pakistani state which -- in the shelter of its alliance with an America that is decidedly not counting inconsistencies -- could furnish al Qaeda with the means to take the ultimate step of its jihad.
How much time will it take for all this to be said? How much longer will Islamabadâs masquerade endure? Next month the American Congress will vote on the question of three billion dollars in aid to Pakistan: Will this aspect of things be taken into account? Will demands be made, at last, in exchange for this aid, for inspections of Pakistani sites, as well as the installation of a double-key system -- a system that some of us here in Europe have been calling for? These are just a few elements I offer -- as part of a debate that has scarcely begun.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 12:10:22 AM ||
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#1
I agree with Levy, this is just the tip of the iceburg. There is much still to be revealed, such as the billions of dollars that a small group of Pakistani Generals and businessmen have made from smuggling and Heroin trafficing. Some of which went to propping up the Taliban, and some of which went towards sponsoring the Jihad against India. The Gulf Princes and Sheikhs have a similar enterprise operating at a global scale, with the aim of setting up a fascist theocracy with themselves at the top, while the brainwashed cannonfodder are eliminated in Jihads against their enemies.
Beyond Iran, Libya and North Korea, we'll probably find out that the quest for an Islamic bomb was far broader, and I wouldn't be suprised to find out that countries such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Egypt and Indonesia are involved.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
02/18/2004 0:41 Comments ||
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#2
Egypt? Their press is certainly chalk full of anti-Semitism, but they seem to be far more of a one-party dictatorship than a theocracy to me, especially with Sadat getting knocked off by the jihadis.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 0:47 Comments ||
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#3
Excellent link Dan, thanks. Think I'll send my Congress-critter an e-mail about that Pakiwaki aid bill.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/18/2004 0:50 Comments ||
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#4
Dan, that's true about their not being a theocracy, I didn't mean that they are involved in the spread of Islamism, but I have read that the Egyptian government has long debated becoming a nuclear power, and there have been unconformed rumors that they have sent scientists to Iran and Libya for training.
Similarly, Malaysia isn't an extremist country, but Mahatir has long championed the idea that their should be a Muslim NATO, and they would probably see an Islamic Bomb as something that would make the Ummah a force to be reckoned with.
That is my speculation anyway.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
02/18/2004 1:06 Comments ||
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#5
Ah, I thought that you referring to the jihadis because of the references you cited as far as Gulf and Pakistani involvement that we know has gone to further the goals of the International Front.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 1:10 Comments ||
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#6
That's my fault, I was trying to make 2 unrelated points on similar topics.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
02/18/2004 1:17 Comments ||
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#7
Kahn sells Pak State Sercrets,makes millions of dollars and is a State Hero.
Ony in the Biazzaro-land of Islam can High Treason be considered heroic.
#9
Khan was acting on orders - he's just the agent of Pak military/intelligence (and a disposable one too, in light of his and his wife's "heart attacks"). What is incredible to me is that this huge network went on without (apparently) our knowledge. Is the CIA that incompetent or is there another game afoot?
#10
Couldn't he have sold Amway or something? The guy is to serial proliferation what John Wayne Gacey was to inner-city population control. I expect that Khan still has flyers posted on phone poles throughout the world - you know the kind with the little phone number tabs you can seperate and tear away.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
02/18/2004 8:59 Comments ||
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#11
rkb - I agree with you. I also agree with what others have said above, but I see it in a different light.
It's important to notice that even though this piece is full of good information- it is, at it's heart, just another Blame Bush piece. It's all Bush's fault you see, because ..."The eyes of the world, emulating the eyes of America, were fixed on Baghdad, while the tentacles of nuclear proliferation were being extended from Karachi." and "a world of crime and dirty war that the West, mired in a big game that is beginning to get ahead of it, has so blithely allowed to develop. "
Surely the author isn't sooo ignorant that he believes that he, alone, was aware of this threat. Considering what has come to light recently, does he really expect us to believe that Bush and his cowboys were just gosh dern clueless about this whole dagburn mess.
And what does he think we should have done to end this nightmare?? Ask for another UN resolution or send a terse memo to Musharraf. Hello - done that! Maybe he has a better plan - but right now it looks like he must have been living under a rock not to understand that Bush is keenly aware of this threat.
This author is incapable of seeing any logic in stopping Sadaam's assistance in Iraq, getting a military foothold in the ME and disrupting AQ footholds. Apparently these are just happy diversions distracting from the "real threat". "Those silly Americans have been too busy bogged down in Iraq to notice the big picture".
What I see in this piece is a Frenchman who is being forced to admit that Bush didn't lie. That there is an active nuclear (WMD) program, and that there is an axis of evil. Finding himself incapable of acknowledging this, he makes a clumsy attempt to discredit American successes in exposing diffusing the threat.
His attempt to simply dismiss all that has been accomplished by pointing out that Bush didn't name Pakistan in his axis of evil - is IMHO, shallow, stupid, small sighted and petty.
Oh and one more thing: Shouldn't there be some kind of DUH! Award to give the author for this statement??? "And at last, sooner or later, we will come to the real secret: that of al Qaeda; and of Khanâs links to Lashkar-e-Toiba, the fundamentalist terrorist group at the heart of al Qaeda;"
Call me cynical, but I think we have just received a sneak preview of how the American-Bashers plan to spin increasingly obvious fact that, "Bush didn't lie".
If he thinks he is the first to observe this threat than he is an ass and should be ignored. However, I guess I shouldn't be so harsh, after all, what he did say was that he was "the first French observer , to my knowledge, to have tried to alert public opinion to the extreme gravity of the situation. Maybe I should give him that.
#13
B 2004 is absolutely right on this. I wrote the WSJ a similar comment yesterday. The claim that we have not been aware of this is absurd. Our actions in Libya, which were a direct result of our knowledge of this network, are proof that we have been on the case for some time. Just because the press becomes aware of something does not mean that the intelligence community has not been aware of it for a whole lot longer.
Posted by: remote man ||
02/18/2004 12:49 Comments ||
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Pakistanâs recent clampdown along its border with Afghanistan could help crush the al Qaeda terrorist network, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Tuesday.
Which leads me to believe they won't keep it up long, assuming they're even serious about it...
Pakistani troops are confronting tribal leaders along the Afghan frontier and destroying the homes of those who do not cooperate with them, Lt. Gen. David Barno told reporters at the Pentagon during a video news conference from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Barno said the hunt for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden remains a "very, very high priority" for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. But he seemed to back off a previous statement that the coalition would capture bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar this year, saying "there are no certainties in the war-fighting business out here. Fundamentally, thereâs still unfinished business in this part of the world. Weâre making every effort here during the coming months to close those efforts out." Barno would not discuss specifics, but "the sand in their hourglass is running out."
Barno said Pakistani troops have made "a very serious effort" to assert their authority in the tribal regions in recent months. "The fact that they are now there, that theyâve got a presence, that theyâre confronting the tribal elders, and theyâre holding them accountable for activities in their areas of influence is a major step forward," he said. "And itâs something that weâre watching with great interest and with some cautious optimism it will have a positive effect." He said U.S. and Pakistani forces are operating on each side of the border in hopes of producing "a hammer-and-anvil approach" in which Pakistan would drive al Qaeda fighters toward U.S. and Afghan forces across the frontier.
Barno said U.S. troops have shifted tactics in order to counter smaller-scale attacks by Taliban and other forces. The attacks have targeted peacekeepers, aid workers and civilians "because they are essentially powerless to confront the coalition out here." American units now will spend more time in the Afghan countryside and less in their bases, establishing ties with local leaders and the Afghan people. "The units then ultimately get great depth of knowledge, understanding and much better intelligence access to the local people in those areas, by owning, as it were, those chunks of territory," Barno said. "Thatâs a fairly significant change in terms of our tactical approach out there on the ground." He said U.S. troops and British, New Zealand and German forces have set up "provincial reconstruction teams" to provide security for aid workers. A pilot "regional development zone" has been set up in Kandahar, once the Talibanâs base of support, he said.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
02/18/2004 12:03:52 AM ||
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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.
Howard Dean will end his campaign for the presidential nomination and oversee a new effort to keep his issues alive and his supporters organized on behalf of Democratic causes, two party officials said Wednesday.
