Somalia's Prime Minister on Monday accused insurgents of trying to 'spoil' a truce deal signed last month between Mogadishu and its political foes as he condemned the killing of a top UN official in the capital on Sunday.
The head of the UN Development Programme, Osman Ali Ahmed, was shot at close-range as he left a mosque in the south of the city and later died while undergoing treatment at an African Union military hospital.
'Even though we have the transitional government, (AU) and Ethiopian forces in Somalia, people are still being killed selectively. Insurgents are trying to spoil the agreement signed in Djibouti,' Nur Hassan Hussein told a press conference in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
'I'm very sorry that innocent people are being killed without any reason,' added Hussein, who was in Ethiopia for a three-day trip to discuss bilateral issues with the Horn of Africa giant.
The government and the opposition umbrella group the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) reached a series of agreements at UN-sponsored talks in Djibouti in June, including a three-month truce which was to come into force within a month.
But Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, an influential radical cleric whom Washington accuses of links to Al-Qaeda, has rejected the deal signed by ARS chief Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, saying it fails to set a clear deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.
'The agreement includes the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops after a sufficient number of UN peacekeepers are deployed. What we are seeing now is that people are starting to hope that peace will come, they can have an influence on the insurgents,' Hussein said.
Since their overthrow early last year by the joint Somali-Ethiopian force, the Islamists have waged a guerrilla war, which according to international rights groups and aid agencies, has left at least 6,000 civilians dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The 1991 ouster of dictator Mohammed Siad Barre paved the way for a breakdown of the state and a rise in factional warfare that has seen most of Somalia descend into chaos without any recognised central government in place ever since.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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[3 views]
Top|| File under: Islamic Courts
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Marc Gonsalves, one of three US hostages rescued from Colombia's FARC rebels last week, said Monday the guerillas were not revolutionaries but 'terrorists' using a crusade for the poor as a front for crime.
'They are not a revolutionary group. They are terrorists,' Gonsalves told a televised press conference from Texas, in his first public comments since being rescued by the Colombian army Wednesday along with 14 other hostages.
'They say that they want equality. They say that they just want to make Colombia a better place. But that's all a lie. It's a cover story, and they hide behind it,' Gonsalves said. 'And they use it to justify their criminal activity.... Their interests lie in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping. They refuse to acknowledge all human rights. And they reject democracy.'
Standing, cheering, clapping. Mr. Gonsalves' words should be read on the floor of the U.S. House ...
Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell were seized by Colombian rebels as they conducted an anti-drug mission for the US Defense Department in February 2003. They were freed by the Colombian army on Wednesday. The three Americans were flown from Colombia to a US military base in Texas before dawn Thursday where they underwent medical checks and were reunited with their families.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under:
#1
...Marc Gonsalves, one of three US hostages rescued from Colombia's FARC rebels last week, said Monday the guerillas were not revolutionaries but 'terrorists' using a crusade for the poor as a front for crime.
#3
Well now, who you gonna believe? Are you going to swallow some cockamanie story from a low-life hostage who didn't like the food? Or are you going to put your trust in Nancy Peloski's friends?
Posted by: Richard of Oregon ||
07/08/2008 10:28 Comments ||
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European Union nations gave their backing Monday to a French-drafted pact calling for tightening immigration and asylum rules across the 27-nation bloc.
Justice and interior ministers from the member nations signed off on an eight-page declaration that would bind their governments to step up negotiations on a common immigration policy and complete an effort that has been under way for nearly two decades.
Presented by French Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux, the plan would commit EU nations to coordinating policies and setting common standards for the treatment of migrants by 2012. "The pact represents progress," Hortefeux said, adding that it would officially be signed by the bloc's national leaders in October.
The plan sets five goals for attracting highly skilled workers while managing or expelling unwanted, illegal and mostly poor migrants. Some elements, including language integration and a ban on mass amnesties for illegal residents, were watered down after several EU states raised concerns the pact was too heavy handed.
The pact appears to rehash several existing proposals that have been deadlocked for years in the EU, including establishing high-tech border checks and a European corps of border guards to help at weaker frontier points. ...
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 12:07 ||
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#1
Isn't this a little like closing the hen house door after the fox (and its family) have gotten in?
Posted by: Rambler in California ||
07/08/2008 14:21 Comments ||
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#2
But Rambler, there is a tsunami of foxes heading across the field towards the hen house. Perhaps shutting the door before wave crashes is a good idea? ;-)
#4
ION CHINESE MIL FORUM > SICHUAN QUAKE: A TIPPING POINT FOR A NEW CHINA!? Modernizing contempor China can at best be ascribed as POST-COMMUNIST, unrecognizable as per MAO + DENG XIAOPING, but also NOT yet a Liberal Capitalist Democracy as AMericans know the latter to be. CHINA VV GREAT SICHUAN TRAGEDY CAN ONCE AGAIN ATTAIN CIVILIZATIONAL PREEMINENCE VIA THE REDISCOVERY OF ITS MORAL-ETHICAL HUMANISM AS OPPOSED TO ITS PRE-SICHUAN, POST-COLD WAR DRIVE FOR MATERIALIST GOODS???
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed Tuesday what she called a "landmark" missile defence deal with the Czech Republic that drew immediate fire from Russia. The accord permits the siting of a tracking radar station on Czech soil as part of an extended US missile shield that Washington says is necessary to ward off potential attacks by so-called "rogue" states such as Iran. ...
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 12:04 ||
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#1
well done!
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 12:11 Comments ||
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Switzerland will hold a nationwide referendum on whether to ban the construction of minarets where Muslims traditionally issue the call to prayer, officials said Tuesday.
Swiss nationalists have collected enough signatures to force a vote on the ban, the Interior Ministry said. Organizers backed by the nationalist Swiss People's Party and the fringe Federal Democratic Union say they are acting to fight the political spread of Islam. They argue that the minaret is a symbol of political and religious claim to power rather than a mere religious sign.
No date has been set for the referendum. If it is approved, the Swiss parliament must pass a law enshrining a construction ban in the constitution.
Minarets are tall spires typically built next to mosques where religious leaders call the faithful to prayer. More than 310,000 people among Switzerland's 7.5 million are Muslims, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Opponents say such a ban would violate religious freedom. The U.N. expert on racism, Doudou Diene, has said the campaign is evidence of an "ever-increasing trend" toward anti-Islamic actions in Europe.
President Pascal Couchepin said the government will recommend that voters reject the proposed ban. Several other members of Switzerland's cross-party government have spoken out against the ban. At least 100,000 signatures are needed to put a popular initiative to a vote in Switzerland.
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 12:00 ||
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#1
I assume that was a typo for "anti-Islamic reactions."
The wikipedia article suggests that the UN Rapporteur has some attitude problems, if his report on Brazil is anything to go by.
Posted by: James ||
07/08/2008 14:30 Comments ||
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#2
Doudou Diene is muslim. About as useful as having an Egyptian heading nuclear checks on the Syrians and Iranians.
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 15:51 Comments ||
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#3
You'd have problems too if you name was Doudou...
Police found three rifles, 640 rounds of ammunition and an array of digital electronic components when they raided the family home of Momin Khawaja in March 2004, the Ottawa mans terrorism trial has been told. They also found a pellet gun and a much-perforated paper target mounted with duct tape to a pock-marked concrete wall in the basement of the house owned by Khawajas parents, RCMP Cpl. Taro Tan testified Monday. In addition, the Mounties carried off more than a dozen books on religion, politics and military tactics, among them treatises entitled The Religious and Moral Doctrine of Jihad, Decisive Battles of Islam, and Defence of the Muslim Land.
Investigators seized banking and financial records, passports and other travel documents, two desktop computers, a laptop and four hard drives from the house. They went on to seize another two computers from Khawajas work station at the Foreign Affairs Department, where he was employed on contract as a software designer.
Defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon adamantly insisted none of the evidence proved his client was part of an alleged plot by Islamic extremists to attack targets in Britain. Among the firearms seized by the RCMP were two high-powered, 7.6-mm weapons, including one Russian-designed rifle that was equipped with a folding bayonet. But all the guns were properly registered and Khawaja had a licence to own them, Greenspon noted in court.
He reiterated the point, with added emphasis, in comments to reporters after the days testimony was over. "I dont think that it assists the Crowns case in any way," he said of the weapons seizure. "It shows somebody who was in possession legally of firearms and ammunition and had been involved in shooting and target practice."
Greenspon also noted, during his cross-examination of Tan, that many of the electronic components seized by the Mounties were discovered in the bedroom of Khawajas older brother Qasim along with $10,000 in cash tucked under Qasims mattress.
In a wiretapped phone conversation recorded three days earlier, the two brothers had discussed plans to withdraw a large amount of money from their bank accounts and convert it to cash. "After a few days," warned Qasim, "they might freeze your account. They did it to me."
"They wont do it, trust me," Momin replied.
Greenspon chose his words carefully when asked by journalists whether he thought that Qasim who faces no criminal accusations and is not on trial may nevertheless have played a role in the alleged plot. "Youd have to ask that to the Crown," said the defence lawyer. "Qasim has not been charged. You get some idea of the contents of his bedroom from the evidence today, but I don know that anything more can be drawn from it than that."
Momin Khawaja faces seven criminal counts, including charges of financing terrorism, helping to facilitate a terrorist enterprise and making a house owned by his family in Pakistan available as a terrorist base.
Its a shame the GOP has to do what the press will not: question him on his obvious ERROR on the Surge. Were the surge failing the press would hang that on McCain like an albatross.
#4
I fear that Republicans are still taking too much of the rap for Congress' low ratings. Public at large seems blithely unaware that Congress changed hands two years ago.
#6
I'll say it again. The way to get Americans to the polls is to make them mad. "Sick" Harry and "No Drill" Nancy are doing a great job at that. Their only salvation is a brain dead RNC.
#10
Iblis, I get the same feeling - people are not blaming the Dems as they should be.
There is some sort of mental illness abounding in the nation that is blinding people to the obvious.
"Congress Sucks"
Well, you must be pretty angry at the Democrats then...
"No, those republicans running congress suck".
/sigh.
The real shame is that the porkbarrel ear-marking a-holes that ran the GOP under Hastert were THAT indistinguishable from the Dems to where people didn't notice the change!
The GOP lost because they tried to buy the public with pork and earmarks like Democrats instead of cutting spending and keeping government small, even if it meant not bringing home boondoggles to their districts.
And the leadership STILL does not "get it" that we are fed up with them and their unprincipled ways.
#11
People aren't getting it because they don't want to. Getting it means coming to grips with hard and complex realities. Our welfare state / not my fault populace doesn't want to work that hard.
#12
Consider Congress's (and I'm talking both parties here) reaction to this news:
A. Gee, we must be doing something wrong,
or
B. It's something else's fault - I know! It's high gas prices! Not our fault!
The truth is it's because they're an embarassment to both constituencies. Regardless of party or program, the bulk of them are incompetent and thieves... and there's nothing more embarassing than an incompetent thief.
And they spoke among themselves, saying, "It is a crock of shit, and it stinketh."
And the Workers went unto their Supervisors and said, "It is a pail of dung, and none can abide by the odor thereof".
And the Supervisors went unto their Managers, saying, "It is a container of excrement, and it is very strong, such that none may abide by it."
And the Managers went unto their Directors, saying, "It is a vessel of fertilizer, and none may abide its strength."
And the Directors spoke among themselves, Saying to one another, "It contains that which aids plant growth, and it is very strong."
And the Directors went to the Vice Presidents, saying unto them, "It promotes growth, and it is very powerful."
And the Vice Presidents went to the President, saying unto him, "This new plan will actively promote the growth and vigor of the company with very powerful effects."
And the President looked upon the Plan and saw that it was good.
And the Plan became Policy.
And this is how shit happens...
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
07/08/2008 22:04 Comments ||
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LANDI KOTAL: Elders of the Shinwari tribe held a jirga with local Taliban leaders on Monday to make joint efforts to eliminate "social evils" such as gambling, consumption of liquor and usury (interest) from Landi Kotal. Speaking on behalf of the tribe, Zar Ahmed Shah Shinwari said that the Landi Kotal bazaar would be shut down during Friday prayers.
The jirga was held at the Haji Khan building in the Landi Kotal bazaar. Ahmad Shah, an ex-councilor, told journalists that the elders and religious scholars had been unanimous in demanding the abolishment of all "social evils" from their respective areas. He said that interest-based businesses in Landi Kotal would soon be eliminated.
Meanwhile, representing the Taliban, Mufti Ateeq told Daily Times that they had only heard the elders present their positive suggestions to eliminate the "social evils". He said the Taliban would ponder these proposals in their council meeting. According to sources, there is a rift between two religious groups in Landi Kotal on the issue of how to handle Friday prayers. One group demands that the bazaar be shut down in time for Friday prayers, while the other says there should only be a short break for Friday prayers.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
#1
Need an AI based Jirga detection and homing unit for JDAMS?
#2
Ya know, I wouldn't mind these assholes having their areas revert totally to the turn of the first millenium as they wish. In fact I think that we should help them return to those thrilling days of MoHAMhad.
Let's see.............
1) no indoor plumbing
2) no firearms
3) no explosives
4) no plastic
5) no aluminum
6) no transportation other than foot or beast
7) ............
I could live with that and it would be interesting, in a sociological or Disney World kind of way.
#3
AlanC - we still have to truck supplies from Karachi to Kabul for the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Of course, if Afghanistan also goes back to the 6th Century, then we can leave and that won't be a problem.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
07/08/2008 14:21 Comments ||
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#4
Yeah OP but them thar are our trucks, not theirs.
Heck we could also turn the whole stinkin' place into a Disney world theme ride.
Kinda like the ones about the Dinosaurs. Take a couple of big (REEEEEEEEAALLLY big) armored vehicles and do tours like the Safari tours in Africa.
COME ONE COME ALL, SEE THE BARBARIANS IN THEIR NATIVE LANDS!! WATCH THEM f*** THE GOATS AND CAMELS!!!! WATCH THEM CUT EACH OTHERS HEAD OFF!!!! LAUGH RIOT!!!!
#5
I have this cool mental image of a place very like theAmish/Mennonite country where ALL ISlamics go (MUST GO).
With Arab Tents,Camels, Goats, and Walking everywhere.
(No motor vehicles of any kind allowed)NO VIITORS.
iF THEY WANT TO LEAVE, FINE. ONCE THEY DO LEAVE, NO REENTRY.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
07/08/2008 18:07 Comments ||
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A tribal jirga has reached the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency and will meet Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) chief Mangal Bagh to discuss the restoration of peace in Bara, a private television channel reported on Monday. According to Dawn News, the jirga will present the government's demands to Bagh, which were finalised in a meeting in Peshawar on Sunday. An 18-member jirga had met government officials to initiate the peace process, the channel said. The channel said that the government had demanded the LI chief to hand over 60 of his outfit's "most wanted" men.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Lashkar-e-Islami
Ahmedzai Wazir tribes in South Waziristan on Monday formed a new militant bloc urging Taliban leaders to strengthen bonds with other groups to foil any bid by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud to "re-impose Uzbek militants" on them.
"The grand jirga of the Ahmedzai Wazirs has approved the agreement between [Ahmedzai Wazir chief] Maulvi Nazir and [Utmanzai Wazir chief] Mullah Gul Bahadar, allowing the two leaders to forge a unity against Mehsud," a tribal elder told Daily Times as he emerged from the meeting held in Wana bazaar.
Nazir and Bahadar from South and North Waziristan respectively reached an understanding last month to strengthen bonds to defend the tribes' interest in the backdrop of the "threatening posture" of Baitullah from the rival Mehsud tribe.
Both Nazir and Bahadar oppose Baitullah for 'sheltering' Uzbek militants. Nazir had launched a drive against the Uzbeks in March last year to drive them out from strongholds in the Wana, Kaloosha and Azam Warsak areas.
Dissent: A tribal elder, Malik Bakhan, was fined Rs 500,000 for speaking against the agreement, said another tribal elder asking not to be named.
"We should not play into the hands of [Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief] Fazlur Rehman or [President] Pervez Musharraf as they are following a divide-and-rule policy," Bakhan was quoted as telling the jirga.
Witnesses to the meeting said Bakhan was sent to a private prison and tortured. Other elders, however, reached a compromise with the Taliban for Bakhan's release in return for Rs 500,000 fine.
The Uzbek militants killed Malik Bakhan -- Nazir's close commander, not the dissenting tribal elder -- on June 1 near Dera Ismail Khan district. The killing was a major reason for Nazir to reach a defence pact with Gul Bahadar.
It was decided at the meeting that taxes would be levied on government contactors and fruit exporters to finance the Taliban's bill for securing peace in the Wazir-dominated areas.
"Government contractors and fruit and vegetable exporters will pay a small percentage of their revenue to shoulder the 'peace bill'," said the elder.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Taliban
#1
Uzbek Taliban vs. Wazir Taliban - this could become quite the popcorn event.
Posted by: Menhaden S ||
07/08/2008 7:50 Comments ||
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The NWFP government and the Swat Taliban held peace talks on Monday in the Saidu Sharif town in Swat, reaching a consensus on three major points. The parties agreed to form a committee for the implementation of Shariah in the Malakand division, to remove unnecessary security checkposts and to a ban on carrying weapons in Swat. The parties announced to continue efforts for the restoration of peace in the troubled area of Swat. Provincial Minister Wajid Ali Khan said the security forces would be gradually withdrawn from Swat and the arrested Taliban would soon be released.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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[3 views]
Top|| File under: Taliban
(Xinhua) -- Pakistani Taliban has resumed peace talks with the government and called for withdrawal of troops from Swat valley in Northwest Pakistan, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported on Monday.
A fresh round of talks between the Pakistani Taliban and a government negotiating team was held, said the report. The NNI quoted Pakistani Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan as saying that the talks were constructive. 'We are satisfied with the results of the talks,' Muslim Khan said. He also called for withdrawal of troops from the roadside check posts.
'We want Shariat be implemented as soon as possible. The people will live in peace after Shariat is implemented,' he said, 'troops withdrawal is also a must.'
This was the first round after the suspension of talks by Taliban in June.
Chief of Pakistan Taliban Movement Baitullah Mehsud suspended talks with the government in response to an operation launched by security forces against pro-Taliban militants in the tribal area in late June. owever, he later allowed Taliban in Swat to resume dialogue with the government, according to NNI.
Both sides agreed in the six-hour talks to form a joint committee to ensure enforcing of Shariat system in three months.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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[3 views]
Top|| File under: Taliban
Iraq's national security adviser said Tuesday his country will not accept any security deal with the United States unless it contains specific dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. The comments by Mouwaffak al-Rubaie were the strongest yet by an Iraqi official about the deal now under negotiation with U.S. officials. It came a day after Iraq's prime minister first said publicly that he expects the pending troop deal with the United States to have some type of timetable for withdrawal.
President Bush has said he opposes a timetable. The White House said Monday it did not believe al-Maliki was proposing a rigid timeline for U.S. troop withdrawals. U.S. officials had no immediate comment Tuesday on al-Rubaie's statement.
Al-Rubaie spoke to reporters after briefing Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf on the progress of the government's security efforts, and the talks. 'Our stance in the negotiations underway with the American side will be strong ... We will not accept any memorandum of understanding that doesn't have specific dates to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq,' al-Rubaie said.
Some type of agreement between the United States and Iraq is needed to keep U.S. troops in Iraq after a U.N. mandate expires at year's end.
Iraq's government has felt increasingly confident in recent weeks about its authority and the country's improved stability, and Iraqi officials have sharpened their public stance in the negotiations considerably in just the last few days.
#1
'Our stance in the negotiations underway with the American side will be strong ... We will not accept any memorandum of understanding that doesn't have specific dates to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq,' al-Rubaie said.
#3
I believe that talk is more for internal consumption during the provincial elections than any reality. First of all, the US doesn't have a crystal ball and can't say that on some future date the conditions will be such that it is in Iraq's interest for us to withdraw our troops. What if that date comes and Iraq doesn't want withdrawal?
But most importantly, I believe the document is pretty much finished and is being reviewed by the assembly. It is my understanding that the cabinet has already approved it.
WASHINGTON -- Car and truck bomb attacks have fallen to their lowest level in Iraq in almost four years, according to the military command in Baghdad and a private firm that tracks violence there. In May, there were 23 car and truck bomb attacks, the fewest since August 2004, when there were 18. Last month, the Multi-National Force-Iraq reported 24 such attacks.
Cars and trucks packed with explosives have been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Iraq. Roadside bombs generally target a single vehicle; terrorists use car bombs to inflict mass casualties, often aiming them at ethnic or religious rivals.
The decline in these attacks, which parallels a drop in roadside bomb blasts, is tied to better security in Iraq, says Dakota Wood, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Counterinsurgency tactics have placed a premium on making neighborhoods safer. About 80,000 Sunnis, many of them former insurgents, are paid about $8 a day to work as security guards.
'It's a telling measure,' he says of the decline in car bombs. 'I don't know that it's a be-all, end-all measure. As groups lay a tighter claim to an area, they may feel less of a need to prosecute attacks on rival groups.'
Navy Lt. David Russell, a military spokesman in Iraq, traced the reduction in car bombs to tips about terrorists from citizens, aggressive operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq insurgents and the improving performance of Iraqi security forces.
The military's data differ from the Triton report, which the Pentagon's Joint IED Defeat Organization uses for information on terrorist attacks. According to Triton, there were 28 car bomb attacks in May 2008, the last month for which it had complete statistics. HMS, the British firm that produces the report, collects its data from news media reports, websites and the military. The report still matches the military's trend in showing car bomb attacks at a four-year low. Overall, Triton found the monthly average for the preceding six months was 44 car bomb attacks.
Triton noted that several weapons caches, including munitions that could have been used in car bombs, were seized by Iraqi security forces. The materials included hundreds of pounds of homemade explosives.
Among vehicle bomb attacks cited by Triton in May:
In Fallujah on May 16, a suicide bomber targeted police officers in Fallujah in Anbar province, killing four and injuring nine.
In Tal Afar in Nineveh province on May 27, a car bomb parked in a market killed four people and wounded 46 others.
In Baghdad on May 26, a suicide bomber who had explosives strapped to a motorcycle targeted Sunni security volunteers, killing five people and wounding 11
.
Car bomb attacks continue to kill and maim. Sunday, a car bomb killed one in Baghdad and wounded at least 10 others.
#1
As of this writing there have been 16 views of this article. Maybe the MSM feels there is no commercial value in reporting good news because no one will read it.
#2
The decline in these attacks, which parallels a drop in roadside bomb blasts, is tied to better security in Iraq, says Dakota Wood, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.
Some members of the Al Qaeda terror network in Iraq have started to leave the country for other hot spots in Africa, like Sudan and Somalia, security sources told Gulf News.
A key reason behind the change in strategy is the intensity of the latest military strikes launched by Iraqi and US forces against the terror network, which has been the major challenge in restoring the stability of Iraq, the sources said. 'Our intelligence information indicates the withdrawal of certain groups of Al Qaeda from Iraq because of the military strikes. Many of them have escaped through the borders with Syria and Iran to hotter zones such as Somalia and Sudan,' Major General Hussain Ali Kamal, head of the Investigation and Information Agency at the Interior Ministry, told Gulf News. 'I believe this is the beginning of the complete withdrawal of Al Qaeda from Iraqi territory.'
Sources at Iraqi Ministry of National Security revealed that documents and letters found in hideouts of 'some elements of Al Qaeda' during search operations in Sunni suburbs in Baghdad, which were previously under the control of Al Qaeda, 'prove these elements left Iraq for Somalia and Sudan'.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Iraq
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki raised the prospect on Monday of setting a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops as part of negotiations over a new security agreement with Washington. It was the first time the U.S.-backed Shi'ite-led government has floated the idea of a timetable for the removal of American forces from Iraq. The Bush administration has always opposed such a move, saying it would give militant groups an advantage.
The security deal under negotiation will replace a U.N. mandate for the presence of U.S. troops that expires on December 31.
"Today, we are looking at the necessity of terminating the foreign presence on Iraqi lands and restoring full sovereignty," Maliki told Arab ambassadors in blunt remarks during an official visit to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. "One of the two basic topics is either to have a memorandum of understanding for the departure of forces or a memorandum of understanding to set a timetable for the presence of the forces, so that we know (their presence) will end in a specific time."
Maliki was responding to questions from the ambassadors about the security negotiations with the United States. The exchange was shown on Iraqiya state television.
U.S. officials in Baghdad had no immediate comment. Last month Maliki caught Washington off guard when he said talks on the security deal were at a "dead end" after he complained Iraq's sovereignty was being infringed by U.S. demands. Both sides later said progress was being made.
Maliki said the Iraqi and U.S. positions had gotten closer, but added "we cannot talk about reaching an agreement yet".
He said foreign forces would need Iraqi permission for many of their activities once the U.N. mandate ended. "This means the phenomena of unilateral detention will be over, as well as unilateral operations and immunity," he said. Maliki did not clarify who the immunity referred to.
Officials have said contractors working for the U.S. government would lose immunity from Iraqi law, but Washington is highly unlikely to let the same thing happen to U.S. solders.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Posted by: Bobby ||
07/08/2008 6:06 Comments ||
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#3
The souk is open and the haggling is on. But I doubt that Maliki & Co. don't know that if they lift immunity or something close for contractors, they'll soon see just about everything in the country involving foreigners come to a halt. I don't think even the oil companies will be relying on local security services entirely for a loooong time. And they can have fun with detentions up to a point, that point being any serious attack on US forces.
I think this is 95% bargaining chips - but it's amusing to hear the "timetable" stuff reported endlessly and breathlessly on all "news" outlets - I even heard it on a 2-min. AM radio news summary yesterday. Unbelievable. I think even we more informed sorts still underestimate the impact and extent of info distortion on the US public and politics.
#4
Politics. IIUC many of the Awakening forces did so because they got tired of AQI. Now they are gone this must be addressed even though coalition troops are acting with honor, the real honor. It still leaves open the option for a 20+ year presence. The US can point to their turnover of the Panama Canal as precedent; but perhaps Maliki could tell iran to get with the program as well.
#5
but it's amusing to hear the "timetable" stuff reported endlessly and breathlessly on all "news" outlets - I even heard it on a 2-min. AM radio news summary yesterday. Unbelievable. I think even we more informed sorts still underestimate the impact and extent of info distortion on the US public and politics.
There are hardly any voices but OURS to snare, decode and then ridicule the mainstream media's LIES.
Most of us recognize that the editors and elites who control the old mainstream media are an evil force for change that tirelessly promotes their radical agenda.
They have never let a sun set without punishing America with social & moral relativism.
Any chance the MSM gets it trashes the concept of secure US borders and proclaims that sovereignty is just an old fashion notion.
This year the MSM has unashamedly promoted Obama for Prez... free of charge no less. etc. etc.
#7
Most of us recognize that the editors and elites who control the old mainstream media are an evil force for change that tirelessly promotes their radical agenda.
As rewarded and reflected in their collapsing readership and viewership. :)
#8
Per Bill Roggio:
The "Withdrawl timetable" is only for the cities, which are being turned over to the Iraqis anyway. The rest of the talks envision the US staying indefinately in large bases.
This "story" is nothing but the MSM making a mountain out of a molehill.
Posted by: Frozen Al ||
07/08/2008 17:22 Comments ||
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#9
#8 IMO is broadly correct - however, iff and when it becomes clear to Radical Islam that the US-Allies had failed to stop or won't stop NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION = IRAN, ETC FROM GETTING THE BOMB, INSURGENT VIOLENCE WILL BEGIN ANEW, ONLY STRONGER.
E.G. SADR's MAHDI ARMY MILITIA, etc. > is still armed and still located "IN-PLACE" INSIDE IRAQ.
ANY ISLAMIST HIDDEN IMAM-MAHDI CAN'T ASK FOR BETTER BATTLEFIELD OR MYTHIC-DIVINE CONDITIONS TO APPEAR.
D *** NG IT, OSAMA, EVEN SUNSPOT CYCLE "24" IS RUNNING LATE 2008-2012. WHEN JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS, THE SUN WENT DARK FOR THREE DAYS, correct???
Cue the International Dog and Pony Show...
Gaza Ma'an - Addameer (Conscience) Prisoners' Support and Human Rights Association, a Palestinian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of political prisoners and detainees released a statement on Saturday condemning "execution" of Jerusalem bulldozer attacker Husam Dwayyat. The statement described the execution as "violation of the right to life. " And now he's UnAddameer. Permanently.
The statement also slammed the Israeli Knesset's decision to demolish the man's home, describing the action as "racial behavior and collective punishment against Palestinian residents of Jerusalem." Yes, yes. I'm sure they'll add it to the list...
The association demanded in its statement that investigations be held under international supervision since there are some indications that the incident was in fact a road accident with nothing to do with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Addameer's statement, they suggest that the attacker may simply have lost control of his bulldozer. At around noon on July 2 the terrorist took a large tractor belonging to a construction company and began driving it at great speed in the wrong lane along Sarei Israel Boulevard in the center of Jerusalem . He hit three cars and several pedestrians. He then turned left into crowded Jaffa Road , ramming and crushing two more cars. An oncoming bus went out of control and was thrown to the side of the road. The terrorist used the shovel of the bulldozer to ram and then overturn another bus.
Sorry, boys. Don't think so.
Addameer called on the international community to intervene in order to halt the process already in motion to destroy the home of the Dwayyat family. Yep. I'm sure the "international community" will be getting right on that...
#4
Paleostains have proven all too often that they're not human, but bacteria. A strong disinfectant is needed. I recommend walking artillery barrages and napalm, in equal measure.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
07/08/2008 22:26 Comments ||
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Israel has successfully tested a new defence system designed to intercept rockets fired from southern Lebanon and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, public radio reported on Sunday.
The 'Iron Dome' system is expected to be fully operational within a year and will be able to intercept the military-grade Katyusha rockets used by Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters and the cruder Qassam rockets favoured by Hamas. Citing Israeli security officials, public radio said the system would also be effective against mortar fire.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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#3
Gromky,
You're absolutely right - any kind of mass launch would probably overwhelm it. On the other hand, it would also be proof of a premeditated, warlike attack and although the Usual Suspects would have no problem justifying it, the Israelis would have plenty of justification for a full blown assault.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski ||
07/08/2008 6:30 Comments ||
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#4
As you say, Mike and Gromky, but with the defense system fewer rockets would hit Israel, which is a better than the alternative.
(Xinhua) -- Hamas on Monday criticized Israeli decisions and actions targeting Hamas-affiliated charities and facilities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 'It is really a crime against humanity. These charity organizations are serving all sectors of the Palestinian community, mainly poor families, orphans, and families of martyrs killed by the Israeli occupation,' Fawzi Barhoum told reporters in Gaza.
Israeli army shut down four charities affiliated with Islamic Hamas in West Bank city of Nablus after storming the city early on Monday, Palestinian sources said.
The charities included a clinic and a club, one orphanage, an Islamic school for girls and a mosque.
On Monday, Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz reported that the army will step up its campaign against Hamas civil infrastructure in the West Bank by closing larger number of the Islamic movement's charities.
Israeli authorities including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have approved the plan to target Hamas civilian infrastructure. Barak recently signed an order banning the activities of 36 world charity associations in Israel.
Israel has allegedly said that these fund raising and charity associations acting in the West Bank 'are part of Hamas fund-raising network, and both support and assist Hamas movement.' 'The Israeli occupation has a programmed plan to uproot Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank,' Barhoum said, adding 'the decision is immoral and inhuman crime against the Palestinian society.'
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has met Palestinian leaders based in Damascus, excluding the political chief of the rival Hamas movement, a member of his delegation said on Monday.
The meetings aim 'to restore order in the Palestinian house. But Mr Abbas will certainly not meet (Hamas leaders),' the official told AFP, asking not to be named.
On Monday, Abbas held talks with Ramadan Abdallah Shalah, who heads the radical group Islamic Jihad, but not Hamas political supremo Khaled Meshaal, who like Shalah is also exiled in Syria.
Abbas, head of the secular Fatah faction, met separately late Sunday with Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Nayef Hawatmeh and with Maher Taher of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, quoted in the goverment daily Tishrin, said his country was trying to find common ground between the Palestinian factions. 'We are looking for a common platform between the Palestinian movements and the Authority (which Abbas heads) with a view to launching a dialogue for reconciliation and the unification of Palestinian ranks,' he said.
In a meeting with Abbas on Sunday, President Bashar al-Assad stressed 'the need to exert every effort to achieve unity among Palestinian ranks as the sole means to recover their rights.'
Meshaal's Hamas movement seized power in Gaza a year ago during deadly fighting with Fatah forces loyal to Abbas, effectively splitting the Palestinians into two entities.
Last month Abbas called for talks with Hamas, breaking with his previous position that the movement must relinquish power in Gaza before any negotiations can take place.
But Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina ruled out any meeting between Abbas and Meshaal in Damascus, although he stressed that the Palestinian president's offer for talks with Hamas was still on the table. Hamas has criticised the decision.
Abbas was also expected to hold talks later on Monday with Ahmad Jibril, secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, before winding up his visit to Damascus on Tuesday.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Al-Qaida-linked militants in the Philippines continue to get significant funding from foreign donors despite a crackdown aimed at stopping the flow of cash that finances bombings and other attacks, two terrorism experts said Monday. 'There is no evidence that terrorist financial flows to the Philippines have dried up,' Rohan Gunaratna, a Singapore-based terrorism expert, told reporters on the sidelines of a Manila conference on terror financing.
But he said the militants also use extortion and kidnappings for ransom as a means of supplementing the foreign funding, which isn't always enough to carry out all of their planned terrorist attacks in the country.
Philippine military and police officials have said that the Abu Sayyaf, a small but brutal group accused of involvement in bombings, beheadings and kidnappings, suffered a major financial setback when its chief, Khaddafy Janjalani, and his presumed successor, Abu Sulaiman, were killed in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The two leaders had established connections with Middle Eastern and Asian financiers, something most other Abu Sayyaf commanders have failed to do, the officials said.
The fundraising task, however, has been taken over by a little-known Abu Sayyaf commander, Yassir Igasan, who developed links with Middle Eastern financiers when he went there for terrorist training in the past, said Gunaratna, author of 'Inside al-Qaida: The Global Network of Terror.'
'As long as he is alive and as long he is active, the Abu Sayyaf will continue to get money from Saudi Arabia,' Gunaratna said of Igasan.
Top Indonesian terrorism suspect Umar Patek, who has been hiding in the southern Philippines, also gets funds from Indonesia-based groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah that are used by the Abu Sayyaf and other Muslim rebel groups for terrorist training and attacks in the Philippines, Gunaratna said.
National police chief Avelino Razon declined to comment on Gunaratna's claim, saying a lack of information on terror financing has made it hard for authorities to assess the flow of money to local militants. But he said that in the past some of those funds have been monitored and frozen with the help of foreign intelligence agencies.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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The men who ordered the destruction of the Pan Am flight over Lockerbie and the bombings of the Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon, the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, and the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia are pursuing the nuclear program in Iran and with one goal in mind: to obtain The Bomb.
And they want to destroy you.
After the Iranian Revolution, I was an officer in the Revolutionary Guards. I was also a spy working for the CIA, code name Wally. My position in the Guards gave me access to the Khomeini regimes deep secrets and a firsthand look at the unfolding horror: torture, rapes, executions, assassinations, suicide bombers, training of terrorists, and the transfer of arms and explosives to other countries to support terrorist attacks. I risked my life and my familys trying to expose this regime because I believed it should be stopped. Once again I incur such risks to bring awareness that lack of action endangers the world.
If the mullahs true intention is to provide electricity through nuclear energy for the Iranians (which they claim) the same Iranians whose women, students, teachers, writers and union workers are being flogged, beaten, tortured and stoned to death, the same Iranians who are denied a free election or freedom of speech then why wouldnt they accept the comprehensive incentive package offered by the world leaders in full, scrap the enrichment process, and bring peace and prosperity to their nation?
The reason is that their belief in Islams conquest of the world through the coming of the 12th Imam mandates their actions, and just as a suicide bomber they are not even interested in their own survival and cannot be diverted from their chosen path. The question is: Can the world afford to sit idly by and wait for Armageddon?
#2
The 12th Imam motivates the very religious, but the man on the street is motivated by wanting Iran to have nuclear weapons. Most people in Iran missed the education much of the rest of the world got about nuclear weapons.
From pictures of Hiroshima-Nagasaki, to the anti-nuke movement, all of that never made it to Iran. For the typical Iranian, nukes are just big bombs, but bombs that will give them everything they want, overnight.
Economic success, respect, Vi*gra, luxury, even being fashionable and wearing snazzy clothes. They will get it all as soon as they have a nuclear weapon.
Iran will hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and American interests around the world if it is attacked over its disputed nuclear activities, an aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
"The first bullet fired by America at Iran will be followed by Iran burning down its vital interests around the globe," the students news agency ISNA quoted Ali Shirazi as saying in a speech to Revolutionary Guards. "The Zionist regime is pressuring White House officials to attack Iran. If they commit such a stupidity, Tel Aviv and U.S. shipping in the Persian Gulf will be Iran's first targets and they will be burned," Shirazi was quoted as saying. Shirazi, a mid-level cleric, is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's representative to the Revolutionary Guards.
"The Iranian nation will never accept bullying. The Iranian nation is a nation of believers which believes in jihad and martyrdom. No army in the world can confront it," he added. In Jerusalem, Arye Mekel, Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman, declined to comment on Shirazi's remarks.
Posted by: ryuge ||
07/08/2008 05:29 ||
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#1
these yappy little dogs are amusing. Til you step on em
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 5:46 Comments ||
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#2
Oh, I don't doubt their sincerity. They're dying to get to use all the shiny missiles they have. Also, this will greatly improve their damaged popularity amongst the populace.
#3
I hope the Iranians kick ass on the Jews in occupied Palestine. Jews will lose and soon their control over the U.S. will end. Who says only the Jews in occupied Palestine can have nukes? What crap!
#4
Iran has an "elite" military force? I suspect that like the Iraqi "elite" forces, when confronted, they'd surrender in a heartbeat. My impression is that their "elite" is akin to the American Eagle Scouts. In fact, I believe the Eagle Scouts could overcome Iranian "elites" no problem.
And if President Tom is so deluded as to think his country's "elite" forces can stand up to the American paramilitary - he'll get a short and swift lesson that will lead to his downfall.
And leave us not forget that our Air Forces could devastate Iran with carpet bombing strategies.
Posted by: Walter S ||
07/08/2008 8:28 Comments ||
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#5
Jewish control over the US, huh? DU or Kos homepage? Or is that you, Wesley Clark?
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 9:11 Comments ||
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#6
Lest we forget, the world is chock full of cranks. This guy is one.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 9:16 Comments ||
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#7
or, everyone in the world has an asshole. This one is ours?
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 9:23 Comments ||
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#8
I.M.A Brain-dead American, I say only the Jews can have nukes. They are the only ones in the Middle East not dumb enough to use them. Where is this 'Palestine' you speak of? Aren't those the people who even during a 'truce' keep shooting rockets at Israel? Ah, I waste my breath. I could have a more intelligent, rational conversation with my dog.
#9
I hope the Iranians kick ass on the Jews in occupied Palestine.
Previously occupied by Jordan and Egypt prior to 1967. Why do they always seem to skip over that little fact [rhetorical question]. Wasn't a problem for anyone back then. Then of course they also ignore that the Jordanians kicked them out after Black September or the Lebanese kicking them out [only to regretfully see them return] or the Tunisians kicking them out or the Iraqis kicking them out [there's a pattern developing here..]. And why do the Egyptians keep the wall up keeping them out to this day [yeah, rhetorical question again].
#11
I say Allah Hate Me, Frank G., Dead Fred, and every other Jew on this blog: go fight the Iranians. Hope you foreigners come back in a box.
Let me ask: Are you guys Americans or are you just jews with 2 citizenships: One American and the other Israeli? How come you guys are so tough to stand up for Israel? Zionist thugs, that's what you are. Keep all your hate to yourselves. Too bad the Nazis didn't finish the job. How come a bunch of ex-Communists from Eastern Europe can claim land that was never their? Let the Chinese back the old Philistines claim that lands in the Middle East belongs to them. See if China can't back them up, like the messed-up govt. in the U.S. has been backing up the Zionist pigs in occupied Palestine forfor 60 years. Actually, I want the Jews to use their atomic bombs on the innocent people in the Middle East. Do you think, they'll survive the aftermath. The rest of the surviving people of the Middle East would hunt what ever is left of Jews in the Middle East and would kill every one of them. Jews will never win in the end and I hope it happens soon. I don't care about Jews! I only care about keeping foreign lobbies out of our national policies. If you are an American, act like one. Your jewishness is showing dorks.
#13
Sounds like somebody got some daddy issues or something. If you like paleos go live with them, be a human shield. They always reward their friends.
Better yet, just hit that meth a few more times and make your head explode.
#17
Actually Nimble, I find their incoherent anti-semite rants to be quite amusing. It adds a personal touch to the wacky leftard stuff most of us only read about.
#19
Obviously irony is lost on Free American, living in a country on another continent created by refugees from Europe [Asia, Africa, etc] at the expense of the locals. If he had any integrity to his views, he'd pull stakes and move back to the home of his ancestors. However, it's not about principles, its about hate, the only major industry and product of the Palestinians.
#20
JFM: I only hate what the Zionist pigs are doing to the world. Let me see, JFM is jewish and if he's like most of them, then he agrees with the following: "The only good Arab is a dead Arab." Is that right JFM? How many user names are you using to submit numerous comments? Are you an American or just a jewish zionist? I have no problem with jews practicing their faith, but I do have a problem with foreigners lobbing in the USA to finance their taking of other peoples land and then using the media to distort the facts. Remember this, more people are waking up to what is going on with our foreign policy that favors Israel. I want Iran to win any conflict with jewish pig zionists who are occupying Palenstine. David Ben-Gurion said it best in 1948: "We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population." Also know this, Zionist is now the new Nazism! You can't hide the truth!!!
#22
Hey dork-head Procopius2k, I am a Native American and I am not asking China to help me come kick your ass, take your land and kill your children, because I want your land because it once belonged to my ancestors.
Mojo: u are so dumb. I just wonder when you'll put out that big kosher winnie out of your ass, so you can see you are getting screwed by AIPAC.
Jews who label anyone critizing the jews who occupy Palestine as anti-semetic are lame. Can no one critize evil people? When is it ok with jews to critize the political crap that comes out of the Zionists in occupied Palestine?
If you wer looking for pigs you would be spending your energy on the rapers, murdersx, enslavers and genociders in Sudan. If you were looking for people who desrbve your compasssion you would be spending your energy on those who are being raped, enslaved, tortured and exterminatred in Sudan an,d whose children, contralrily to those of teh Palestinians who are overweight, are starvingf in,steadf of peolle who educate their children to become suicide bmbers, have tried to bomb maternities and have be"en living for sixty<:b< years without working.
Now, Mr Nazi. Do a service to humankind and kill yourself. Perferently with Zyklon B. I love poetic justice.
#32
the best chew toys don't bleat, they squeak. Squeak for me!
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 11:54 Comments ||
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#33
Just know this tu: I like all people. I just hate the poliitics of those selfish people who put their interests before everybody else.
Sometimes people take me wrong, but most of the times I mean what I say and say what I mean and most people understand me.
What is your problem? Re-read my comments. Not once did I say I have a problem with black or gay people.
Should I have said to dork-head Besoeker: If I'm evil then you're stupid? Heck, if I would have said that, I would have gotten more stupid people like you making stupid comments like yours.
#35
If you are so concerned about Africa, then why are you so eager to bomb Iran?
I am not eager to bomb Iran. I am eager of a "Nazi rein" world. BTW, if you are too stupid to find it by yourself I can find you a good provider of Zyklon B in your area.
#39
Tu: Letting the AIPAC dictate our foreign policy is what losing control is all about. That is why Doo-Doo heads like JFM leave comments that advocate bombing Iran or supporting the Zionist thugs who occupy Palestine with U.S. taxpayers footing the bill.
#41
It must be considered- increasing the range of their missiles, the nuclear shell game, monkey brains, iranian weapons and advisors found in Iraq, and holding British sailors hostage, etc. plus those tres cool! military videos they keep releasing.
I do wonder what china would think about the increase in the costs of fuel. I wonder at what point it becomes too expensive to ship goods to N.A. and E.U. and the factory owners go back home.
#42
Poor Nazi American, now I understand. You are so ugly even your mom can'stg stand you and you are still a virgin (even whores don't want you). I apologize. Had I known your plight I wouldn't ahev been so harsh.
#43
Will the wonders of a Paki education ever cease? Hey Mrs. Khan, we found your lost madrassa boy!
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 12:20 Comments ||
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#44
Guys, toss this one in the bin. He's lost it - practically frothing at the mouth. He needs a trip to Roadside America to calm down. Or maybe the KKK or Skinhead sites to b with more of his own.
#45
swksvolFF: but is ok to let the zionest pigs in occupied Palestine to have atomic bombs and to use them to threaten everyone else in the Middle East. At what point will you begin to criticize the Zionist thugs in occupied Palestine?? Do they not do nothing wrong? I can list hundreds of incidents to support what I say. What's wrong with your sense of balance and justice. Or are you another zionist pig?
You haven't dished anything out but hate. You demonstrate neither wisdom or intelligence. The more you troll, the more you display the lack of both. You entertain us. You only reinforce a stereotype. Keep it up :)
#47
Spook, we have to keep him on just a little longer so our Zionist puppet masters can get a fix on his location and send in The Mossad hit squad.
They'll let me know.
#56
I.M.A -- If you look at the top of the Rantburg page, you will see the words.... Civil, Well-Reasoned Discourse.
You comments are well out of bounds of those guidelines.
You and your comments can be removed -- if you want to play with the grow-ups, you have to play by the rules. These rules are not to be broken, and there are enforces of these rule.... lurking.
Now, carry-on with the discussion, only if you are willing and can abide by the rules. Reading your comments, I find none that I would consider Civil, Well-Reasoned Discourse.
Just a suggestion, you may want to find another sandbox in which to play.
#65
most serious rational folks feel welcome here at the 'Burg.
paleo troll: And I hope the Iranians kick butt on the Zionist pigs in occupied Palestine if they should attack.
paleo troll: I am a Native American and I am not asking China to help me come kick your ass, take your land and kill your children, because I want your land because it once belonged to my ancestors.
Near as I can tell you are neither serious or very rational, which also strongly indicates that you are a paleo troll.
Oil sheds more than $8 in 2 days as traders take profits and supply worries dissipate
NEW YORK (AP) -- Oil prices fell as much as $6 a barrel Tuesday, bringing crude down $10 this week and hurling prices back to levels not seen since June 26. Traders, keeping a wary eye on the global economy, cashed in gains from oil's recent rally.
...
Iran is saying this to scare the price of oil back up.
#75
what an idiot...all this puke can do is post that stupid..and copied..pic up...give some substance or shut the hell up
Posted by: Dan ||
07/08/2008 14:45 Comments ||
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#76
There were 2 large radomes at the main complex on the top of the mountain. A search radar and height finder and another height finder. One HF was shutting down at he time. Guess the FAA shut down the other HF too.
Were you there for the mountain race (assuming the tort lawyers didn't shut it down) or something less thrilling. More than a few Airmen dinged up their cars going down that road.
Posted by: ed ||
07/08/2008 15:29 Comments ||
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#77
Ali Shirazi must have eaten infected monkey brain...
#79
2008-2012 Post-Dubya POTUS Period + NO US-IRAN WAR Now thru Jan 2009 [2008-2010/12] > Again, IMO Nuclearizing Iran per se will prefer a low-profile, MSM/Diplo-correct Profile despite rhetoric to the contrary.
2008-2012 = SOCIALISM IN AMERICA. Consider
*POTUS MCCAIN > NO US-IRAN WAR? + Continued support for WOT = USA WILL SPEND + REGULATE; +
*POTUS OBAMA > "END THE WAR IN IRAQ" + SPENDING-INTENSIVE DOMESTIC AGENDA = USA WILL SPEND + REGULATE.
IOW, POTUS MCCAIN + POTUS OBAMA = IRAN WILL BE LEFT ALONE, ergo ISLAMIST IRAN + MILITANTS > STAND A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF GOING NUCLEAR, ETC. THANX TO POST-DUBYA, ANTI/NON-IRAN WAR US FOREIGN POLICY ITSELF + various MSM-verified Economic-Enviro Probs.
AGain IMO, NEITHER THE USA NOR RADICAL ISLAM DESIRES ANY STALEMATE. Despite potent entrenchment, US CONTROL + DOMINATION OF FUTURE OWG-NWO IS NOT ASSURED, WHILST RADICAL ISLAM STILL DESIRES TO VALIDATE + PROVE ISLAM/ISLAMISM AS SUPERIOR ABOVE ALL.
OSAMA + RADICAL ISLAM DID NOT BEGIN THIS JIHAD TO LOSE, NOR TO END UP FIGHTING DECADES OF US-SOVIET/COMMIE BLOC DETENTE' + CO-EXISTENCE WHERE IT WAS THE USSR WHICH BECAME "IRRELEVANT/OBSOLETE"
AND SELF-IMPLODED, NOT THE US-WEST/NATO.
PRAGMATICALLY, FOR RADICAL ISLAM THE VIOLENT-ARMED JIHAD AGZ THE US-ALLIES + NON-ISLAM MUST CONTINUE IFF ONLY IN ORDER TO GIVE TO GIVE ISLAM/ISLAMISM A STRONGER CHANCE OF ACHIEVING ROUGH "PARITY" = STRATEGIC "SUFFICIENCY" OF MILPOL + ECON POWER, LET ALONE "SUPERIORITY" + "DOMINANCE".
OSAMA=RADICAL ISLAM > are well aware that, ALL THINGS EQUAL, DECADES OF COLD WAR-STYLE, US-USSR STRATEGIC-NUCLEAR PARITY FAVORS THE US-WEST/NATO + ALIGNED - read, NON-ISLAM/ISLAMISM - EVEN IFF IRAN + OTHER MUSLIM NATIONS BECAME DE FACTO MIL NUCLEAR POWERS [first-generation].
NUCLEAR RADICALISM-JIHAD-TERROR > 2010-2030 [2050?] > ISLAMIST CENTRAL ASIA = will achieve ISLAMIST "VICTORY THRU DETERRENCE/WEAKNESS", NOT VICTORY THRU STRENGTH.
#81
I thought he was funny, till he got on that one graphic and got stuck. Guess he ran out of jew hating spittle on us. Give him a couple of days to recharge his cliches and get an new IP address and we can kick him around some more.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday his country would not stop enriching uranium and rejected as 'illegitimate' a demand by major powers that it do so, the official IRNA news agency reported.
It was Ahmadinejad's first comment on the dispute since Iran delivered its response on Friday to a package of incentives offered by world powers seeking to curb its nuclear activities. 'They offer to hold talks but at the same time they threaten us and say we should accept their illegitimate demand to halt (enrichment work),' Ahmadinejad told reporters in Malaysia, where he was attending a summit of eight developing countries. 'They want us to abandon our right (to nuclear technology),' he said.
The United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany demand that Iran suspend its enrichment work before formal talks can start on their revised package, which includes help to develop a civilian nuclear programme.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Hezbollah and its allies are again apparently the big winners in the latest round of struggling over political power in Lebanon.
Nothing is official yet, but insiders say Hezbollah's main Christian ally, the group led by lawmaker Michel Aoun (below right), will likely have a significant share of government posts in the next government. 'Formally, the Christian group in the opposition has won important portfolios, but it is still Hezbollah, and through it Iran, which have the upper hand,' said Ali Al-Amine, a Beirut-based political analyst and editor of a local newspaper.
A high-profile accord brokered in Qatar last May among Lebanese political players ended an escalating armed conflict and led to the nomination of a long-awaited president. The deal gave the Hezbollah-led opposition and Hassan Nasrallah veto power over government decisions in the next government.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Syrian authorities said on Sunday they had restored order at a military jail near Damascus after a riot during which an opposition group said dozens of prisoners were killed.
The riot broke out on Saturday at Sidnaya prison, a huge complex 30km northwest of the capital that houses thousands of criminals, political prisoners and soldiers convicted of violating military rules. 'Several prisoners convicted of extremism and terror crimes created chaos ... the issue required the interference of anti-riot units to restore calm,' the state news agency said.
It did not say whether there were any casualties. 'A security force unit immediately took action to remedy the situation and restore calm in the prison,' it added.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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#1
Restoring order the Syrian way...
Clashes between guards and prisoners at a jail in Syria have resulted in many deaths, human-rights groups have said. At least 25 people were killed after military police fired live bullets at Islamist inmates, the groups said.
The Syrian authorities have so far not commented on the situation. Prisoners said the clashes were sparked by raids in which guards beat inmates. One inmate told the BBC he believed the death toll was higher. The prisoners are reportedly holding hostages. Several prisoners have managed to contact Syrian human rights group, as well as the BBC, by telephone.
They said the guards had also desecrated copies of the Koran.
TEHERAN - Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards began military manoeuvres on Monday, news agencies said, the same day the US Navy said it was carrying out an exercise in the Gulf.
You play games, we conduct exercises ...
The war games were conducted by missile units of the Guards' naval and air forces, the Fars and Mehr news agencies said. They said the exercises, which began a few hours ago, were aimed at improving combat readiness and capability.
The reports did not give details of where the exercise was taking place. The Guards often conduct manoeuvres in the Gulf.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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#2
We all get some visceral pleasure from downplaying these guys as "assclowns," but they could be a very serious problem for our Navy and world commerce once they set their collective, though distorted, minds to it. They are every bit as professional and determined, in their own right, as our military assets, and must be treated with a wariness similar to that which we would use with a stray pit bull...
#5
Nuclearizing Iran doesn't want nor needs war agz the US-Israel right now, whereas the Militants need to save resources to rebuild locally in ME plus espec for new destabilizations in Central Asia.
*2008-2010 > Many Perts are anticipating Iran to detonate an indigenous test nuke NLT 2010. Tehran's worse fear is likely that one or more Militant Groups inside Iraq or Lebanon will do something asinine agz US-Israeli interests = high-profile/value targets to induce a major attack or war agz Iran. AS LONG AS THE USA STAYS PUT IN IRAQ-AFGHANIS = CONTAINS ITSELF, ANDOR EVEN UNILATERALLY DOWNSIZES ALA A POTUS OBAMA ADMIN, TEHRAN BELIEVES IT WILL STILL GET ITS DESIRED NUKES.
DUBAI - The U.S. Navy said on Monday it was carrying out an exercise in the Gulf, days after vowing that Iran will not be allowed to block the waterway which carries crude from the world's largest oil-exporting region.
Watch and learn, Short Round ...
"The aim of Exercise Stake Net is to practise the tactics and procedures of protecting maritime infrastructure such as gas and oil installations," Commodore Peter Hudson said in a U.S. Fifth Fleet statement.
Two U.S. vessels were taking part in the exercise alongside a British warship and one from Bahrain, a Gulf Arab ally which hosts the Fifth Fleet. "Stake Net seeks to help ensure a lawful maritime order as well as improve relationships between regional partners," the fleet's statement said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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#1
Mines and missiles can close the strait. We haven't yet realized that we're in a new era of naval warfare.
#3
I'd have to agree Gromky. The USN still doesn't seem to have fully absorbed the lessons of the Falklands. Fortunately our opponents will be the Persians. Unfortunately, the Chinese are paying attention. Why we are giving control of the seas to them is beyond me.
#4
Mines yes, missiles, not so much. This isnt the Falklands. There are real carriers available, and serious EW and air assets, instead of jury-rigged ones. Think Aegis. Also there are large numbers of land-based assets in easy flying distance (the UAE, and Iraq) of the AO, unliek the flaklands, and they are not (relatively) gimpy harriers.
Anti-ship missiles need launchers and radars.
Radars die quick in a hostile environment against US SEAD weapons. So do launchers.
So they will get the initial strike, but that will be the only one of any significance.
Within a few hours, al the radars will be demolished, and anything in the Iranian Navy bigger than a RHIB will be prosecuted fully as a target and sent to the bottom. Same goes for port facilities and command & control.
Basically Hormuz and the military forces within 100 miles of it will be ripped apart.
Aside from that, lets roll Syria. Then we can throw a pipeline across Iraq from Sdaudi/Kuwait, to N Iraq and then across northern Syrian Kurdistan to the Med. Then the gulf no longer needs to be an oil port.
Al Qaeda has successfully established a network for recruiting boys as young as 12 from across central Asia as it seeks new volunteers to enlarge its team of prospective suicide bombers and militants fighters, senior security officials from the Middle East have revealed to CBS News.
News of al Qaeda venturing into the former Soviet central Asian republics with a population that has a largely Muslim heritage marks a significant addition to reports earlier this year that the hardline group had recruited young boys in the Pak-Afghan border region.
Last May, a senior Pakistani security official showed a rare video clip to CBS News documenting a boy, barely 12 years old, using a machete to severe the head of a middle-aged man whom militants probably suspected as being a spy for the U.S.
In an execution which typified the Taliban brand of quick justice, that boy severed the head of his victim who was completely tied up and thrown on the ground as a crowd of hundreds of spectators cheered.
The mountains visible in the background of the video suggest that it was carried out in the rugged terrain somewhere in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"The effort to recruit young boys for the cause has been extended to central Asia. We have reports that this effort may now be up to two years old," said one senior Middle Eastern security official who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/08/2008 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: al-Qaeda
#1
Tapping the kids, now that they are running out of normal recruits. In some ways, it's good news. Al Q is hurtin', but the other way it is a tragedy. More fodder for nothing.
Posted by: Alaska Paul in Hooper Bay, AK ||
07/08/2008 0:38 Comments ||
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#2
Al Qaeda Expanding Recruitment Of Children
Running Scared Al Qaeda Forced To Recruit Children To Fill Ranks
LOL, al-Qaeda's leadership must be making lots more doody in their underwear too.
:)
#3
I can hear it now;
US Marines shoot children....
Posted by: Jan ||
07/08/2008 1:06 Comments ||
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#4
This has all the earmarks of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler.
So why is there no public outcry? Why is the liberal media not pouncing on this as undiluted abuse of future generations.
It's true their culture is far different from ours, but the fact that remains is they're still kids. True to certain Middle Eastern customs, they rear their children in an atmosphere of hate and retaliation. They brainwash their youth to hate anyone different than they and especially the United States of America
Posted by: Walter S ||
07/08/2008 8:33 Comments ||
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#5
Makes me think of that movie Soldier (1998, Kurt Russell). Gonna make a bunch of werewolves, lose some now but have some left in 6-8 years ready to go.
Some people are upset that the Duluth airshow will include a video game that lets you fight terrorists. From the article:
Some community members are calling for a boycott of the Duluth Air Show because of a combat simulation that U.S. Army recruiters will bring to the show.
The Virtual Army Experience demonstrates what life could be like as a soldier. In one scenario, participants transport aid to threatened humanitarian aid workers while using machine guns and a missile launcher to wipe out terrorists who stand in the way.
That has some calling for a boycott of the air show, which comes to Duluth next week.
"We find it to be unacceptable and inappropriate," said Michele Naar-Obe.
Inappropriate? At an air show? One can understand their anger if the simulation was mandatory, and children were herded into vast rooms, drugged up, forced to ride the Humvee sim then marched into a recruitment office and told they were signing up for a free trip to Disneyland, but thats not the case.
I wonder if these people would have protested the comic books of the 40s as well. Before the crime and horror comics took over the market, kids comics were packed with anti-Nazi fisticuffs; the stands were full of pictures of Major Victory and the Bolt and the Flame and other guys in leotards, often accompanied by a cheerful and presumably emancipated minor named Bucky; they were wading into crowds of gaping fang-toothed fascists, punching and grinning and generally saving Western Civ from militaristic collectivism. Boys like to read about fighting the bad guys.
Somehow a sim about saving relief workers by blowing up terrorists is BAD, but a game in which one plays a criminal who drives around town running over pedestrians is okay. One suspects the boycotters would also be down with an RPG simulation of the life of Che Guevara, in which you go about summarily executing "counterrevolutionaries" and "bourgeoise oppressors."
Id say boys are getting mixed messages, but theyre probably not listening to the boycotters on either side.
Posted by: Mike ||
07/08/2008 15:28 ||
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Top|| File under:
#1
Saw this demo at the Vidalia Air show. I didn't want to wait in the VERY long line, but my #2 son did, and did very well.
Assholes trying to look big by challenging someone much bigger than they are, confident that if they are smacked down (easy to do), they'll just run crying to their congressman to lodge a protest.
#2
I think the people upset about something like this refer to that literature as graphic novels and take them quite seriously; well as seriously as mid 20 and 30 somethings can when not playing 'Hail to the Chimp'. They probably get the subterranean homesick blues and don't need no weatherman to tell them which way the wind blows.
#3
The people who are calling for the boycott of the air show are the kind of people who don't go to air shows anyway because why would anyone want to hang around in the hot sun just to look at a bunch of airplanes? They define the English word wankers.
#4
Besides, if they boycott the video game, that will mean the lines will be shorter.
Posted by: Rambler in California ||
07/08/2008 17:44 Comments ||
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#5
and if they try to physically block access to the simulator, you can warmup your defensive hand-to-hand skillz. Throat punch might be in order, eye-gouge held in reserve, k?
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 18:35 Comments ||
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#6
Frank, I doubt that will be a problem - when I was at the Sacramento air show in March, the line looked like it was hours long. Anybody trying to block access would be REALLY sorry.
Posted by: Rambler in California ||
07/08/2008 19:56 Comments ||
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HT to HotAir. Ima thinkrn we don't want these brainwashed tools back. They've spent 4 years getting indoctrinated, but prolly have the social skillz and education of a 2nd grader
Two American teenage boys studying for the past four years at a radical madrassa in Karachi, Pakistan, have been unable to leave, a situation that led three Texas lawmakers to meet with Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf to discuss their return, FOX News has learned. Cuz Dad doesn't want them to..
But Musharraf promised Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, and Democratic Reps. Gene Green and Henry Cuellar that the boys will be released soon and sent home.
The three congressmen flew to Pakistan last week to discuss military affairs with Pakistani officials. On their way to meet with Musharraf, McCaul told the others about the American boys who were studying at a madrassa, or Islamic religious school, called the Jamia Binoria Institute. Green and Cuellar were unaware of the teens' plight.
The boys, identified as Noor Elahi Khan, 17, and Mahboob Elahi Khan, 16, are from the Atlanta area; their parents are both Pakistani. go figure. Dad still here? Keep an eye on him and the boys
Noor and Mahboob lived in the U.S. until being sent to Karachi several years ago by their father. Their parents have been fighting over where the boys should be: Their mother wants them back in the United States, while their father wants them to stay in Pakistan.
"These American boys should be released immediately," said McCaul in a statement. "Pakistan has a policy to exclude foreigners from these madrassas, including Americans. However, the policy has failed so far."
In their July 4 meeting with Musharraf, the Pakistani president assured McCaul that the teens would be let go, as did the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, saying they could be sent home as early as this week.
Musharraf told the congressional delegation that he has been trying to close this particular madrassa, according to Green.
"There's been a concern about madrassas who teach people how to hate America," said the congressman. that would be...all of them?
Within hours of McCaul's meeting with Musharraf, Pakistan's new civilian government announced that it would continue with his madrassas' reform policy which includes expulsion of foreign students, registration with the federal government, control of funding and standardization of the curriculum, according to McCaul's press release on his negotiations.
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/08/2008 09:57 ||
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Top|| File under: Global Jihad
#1
So...do we really want these two back after their "education"?
Tell them to go work at Indian Railways...
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
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Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
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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.
Somalia's Prime Minister on Monday accused insurgents of trying to 'spoil' a truce deal signed last month between Mogadishu and its political foes as he condemned the killing of a top UN official in the capital on Sunday.
A tribal jirga has reached the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency and will meet Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) chief Mangal Bagh to discuss the restoration of peace in Bara, a private television channel reported on Monday. According to Dawn News, the jirga will present the government's demands to Bagh, which were finalised in a meeting in Peshawar on Sunday. An 18-member jirga had met government officials to initiate the peace process, the channel said. The channel said that the government had demanded the LI chief to hand over 60 of his outfit's "most wanted" men.
Ahmedzai Wazir tribes in South Waziristan on Monday formed a new militant bloc urging Taliban leaders to strengthen bonds with other groups to foil any bid by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud to "re-impose Uzbek militants" on them.
(Xinhua) -- Pakistani Taliban has resumed peace talks with the government and called for withdrawal of troops from Swat valley in Northwest Pakistan, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported on Monday. 
WASHINGTON -- Car and truck bomb attacks have fallen to their lowest level in Iraq in almost four years, according to the military command in Baghdad and a private firm that tracks violence there. In May, there were 23 car and truck bomb attacks, the fewest since August 2004, when there were 18. Last month, the Multi-National Force-Iraq reported 24 such attacks.
Some members of the Al Qaeda terror network in Iraq have started to leave the country for other hot spots in Africa, like Sudan and Somalia, security sources told Gulf News. 
(Xinhua) -- Hamas on Monday criticized Israeli decisions and actions targeting Hamas-affiliated charities and facilities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 'It is really a crime against humanity. These charity organizations are serving all sectors of the Palestinian community, mainly poor families, orphans, and families of martyrs killed by the Israeli occupation,' Fawzi Barhoum told reporters in Gaza. 
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has met Palestinian leaders based in Damascus, excluding the political chief of the rival Hamas movement, a member of his delegation said on Monday.
Al-Qaida-linked militants in the Philippines continue to get significant funding from foreign donors despite a crackdown aimed at stopping the flow of cash that finances bombings and other attacks, two terrorism experts said Monday. 'There is no evidence that terrorist financial flows to the Philippines have dried up,' Rohan Gunaratna, a Singapore-based terrorism expert, told reporters on the sidelines of a Manila conference on terror financing.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday his country would not stop enriching uranium and rejected as 'illegitimate' a demand by major powers that it do so, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Hezbollah and its allies are again apparently the big winners in the latest round of struggling over political power in Lebanon. 
Syrian authorities said on Sunday they had restored order at a military jail near Damascus after a riot during which an opposition group said dozens of prisoners were killed.
DUBAI - The U.S. Navy said on Monday it was carrying out an exercise in the Gulf, days after vowing that Iran will not be allowed to block the waterway which carries crude from the world's largest oil-exporting region.
Al Qaeda has successfully established a network for recruiting boys as young as 12 from across central Asia as it seeks new volunteers to enlarge its team of prospective suicide bombers and militants fighters, senior security officials from the Middle East have revealed to CBS News. 
