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Morocco breaks up Qaeda recruiting gang
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Afghanistan
Cheap Afghan insurgency can last for a long time: Hekmatyar
Afghanistan’s insurgency is cheap to fund and the fighters behind it are committed, so it can continue ‘for a long time’ without foreign support, rebel leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has told AFP.
"So don't bother sending us any more money or people. Really, we're fine. Buy yourself something nice instead. A facial, some new shoes, that trip to Atlantic City you always wanted to take," he forgot to add.
Roadside bombs, which Taliban and other insurgents regularly use to deadly effect, cost $100 dollars each, the former Afghan prime minister said in a recorded DVD response to AFP questions that was delivered this week. This is much less expensive than the billions of dollars spent by international troops conducting counter-insurgency operations.

“The Americans know that roadside bombs used against their convoys cost only $100,” said Hekmatyar, who carries a multi-million-dollar US bounty on his head. “We need neither foreign support for materials and equipment or for expenses,” he said in the video. “If we are able to carry out at least 1,000 such attacks a year, it costs us only $100,000. We can carry on this war for a long time,” he added
"I'm serious. Get that barbecue and a big ol' slab of pork ribs, a big ol' tub of ice cold Coronas. Me-n-the-boyz have it all taken care of."
In the DVD, Hekmatyar flatly rejected allegations by President Hamid Karzai and some US officials that the uprising is dependent on support from Pakistan, including its intelligence service. “Those who have military experience and know the details of the current resistance understand that we don’t need support from anyone, or any foreign country,” he said. “Some people suggest that Pakistan supports us. I tell you, Pakistan was the one who helped the Americans take Afghanistan.”
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  In the DVD, Hekmatyar flatly rejected allegations by President Hamid Karzai and some US officials that the uprising is dependent on support from Pakistan, including its intelligence service.

No, really. Other then paying for my room service and my pay per view goat pr0n at the Peshawar Sonesta, they're no help at all. By Allah, I swear to you...
Posted by: tu3031 || 05/07/2007 0:40 Comments || Top||

#2  Article: “The Americans know that roadside bombs used against their convoys cost only $100,” said Hekmatyar, who carries a multi-million-dollar US bounty on his head. “We need neither foreign support for materials and equipment or for expenses,” he said in the video. “If we are able to carry out at least 1,000 such attacks a year, it costs us only $100,000. We can carry on this war for a long time,” he added

The problem is that Taliban fighters need to eat. They also need to be paid. And if they die, death benefits need to be provided to the family. The dirty little secret of jihadism is large cash payments to the families of the deceased. End that, and the flow of fighters crashes. Not to mention the fact that we have an industrial economy's resources to draw on, whereas they don't even control Afghanistan.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 05/07/2007 1:05 Comments || Top||

#3  Only as long as Pakistan.
Posted by: Sneaze || 05/07/2007 4:03 Comments || Top||

#4  if they die, death benefits need to be provided to the family.

And if they don't die but somehow all magically end up blind or otherwise effed up real bad?
Posted by: gorb || 05/07/2007 5:16 Comments || Top||

#5  All those things may be true - OK, they are true - but Hek and da boise can certainly outlast our friends in Congress.
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 6:20 Comments || Top||

#6  The Americans know that roadside bombs used against their convoys cost only $100,”

Yep, and bullets are around 60 cents, die in a hail of (Copper jacketed) lead.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 05/07/2007 6:23 Comments || Top||

#7  Saving all that money doesn't mean shit if you get incinerated by a $50,000 , 5,000lb, marvel of western technology while squating in your mud house.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 05/07/2007 7:45 Comments || Top||

#8  He does have a point. Low key terrorist and separatist attacks will be going on in Afghanistan and other places in the Arab world long after this war and most likely long after we are dead. They have been since the beginning of time and will most likely go on until the end of time.

That being said, I would like to end as many of the taliwackers as possible, as messily as possible before we hand over things to the Afghans.
Posted by: DarthVader || 05/07/2007 9:41 Comments || Top||

#9  Murder is bred into the bone with these people.
Posted by: SR-71 || 05/07/2007 9:54 Comments || Top||

#10  Watched part of a Russian video on LinkTv last night. They were traveling through Afghanistan and trying to talk to the Mullahs.
In one town east of Herat they mullah's let them watch for three days while they had the debate if they should even talk to the Russian video crew.

All these mullahs siting around arguing jinn on the head of a pin stuff. Then about 1/4 of them got into a whirling dervish circle and end up in a trance state.

All this to decide if they would talk to a tv crew. I got bored and turned it off so I don't know if the ever did.

The point ends up being - These guys are wacko!
Posted by: 3dc || 05/07/2007 11:16 Comments || Top||

#11  Oh, and in that video, no where did I see anybody but guards working. Also, no plants anywhere just dust. Not even a vegie garden...
If they are not working at least they could be planting instead of drinking tea and having huge debates about whom to talk to.
Posted by: 3dc || 05/07/2007 11:36 Comments || Top||

#12  You get what you pay for.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 05/07/2007 11:39 Comments || Top||

#13  Somewhere around the time of the whirling dervish, a machine gun should have made the final decision for them.

Oh, and they don't have to work. Every morning they tell their goat what they want for supper, and she passes the word to her human female subordinate.
Posted by: wxjames || 05/07/2007 11:41 Comments || Top||

#14  I guess Hek just wants to prove to his financial supporters that he gets real bang for the buck!

(Sorry, couldn't resist...)
Posted by: Swamp Blondie || 05/07/2007 12:00 Comments || Top||

#15  They do not have to outlast anyone more than Pelosi and Reid and Murtha.

Now how hard would that be?

That us why he is confident the tribes will fall in line behind him and support him locally. All he has to do is point to Iraq when someone brings up American support.
Posted by: Spavise Grundy6517 || 05/07/2007 13:27 Comments || Top||

#16  Sounds like an offer to be properly bribed.
Posted by: Shipman || 05/07/2007 17:07 Comments || Top||

#17  sounds like an offer for a 50 cal slug getween the eyes
Posted by: sinse || 05/07/2007 20:02 Comments || Top||

#18  Hek? Your troops throw grenades like little girls. Biaaaatches
Posted by: Frank G || 05/07/2007 21:26 Comments || Top||


Taliban denounce Pak-Afghan jirga
The Taliban dismissed on Sunday a planned gathering (jirga) between Afghanistan and Pakistan on the insurgency, saying it was an attempt to ‘deceive’ ordinary Afghans.

President Hamid Karzai announced last week that the two countries would hold the gathering on August 1. It is intended to bring together about 700 tribal leaders, politicians and academics from both sides to find a way to tackle the growing Taliban-led insurgency. “It’s an attempt by Karzai’s government to deceive people,” said a Taliban statement read over the telephone by one of the rebels’ spokesmen. “The Afghans know this and will never accept it. They are thinking about their freedom and will gain it,” read the spokesman, Yousuf Ahmadi.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


Britain
How Britain Encouraged Islamic Radicalism - Part 1
Posted by: ed || 05/07/2007 20:42 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  For some of us, Britain started encouraging Islamic radicalism in 1920es.
Posted by: gromgoru || 05/07/2007 22:46 Comments || Top||

#2  I blame Lawrence of "Arabia". We should go back in time and hang him for treason. And Sir Richard Burton. The romantic lies about camel-jockeying started more or less with him.
Posted by: Excalibur || 05/07/2007 22:57 Comments || Top||

#3  I blame those who would consider an obvious death cult worthy of even the most minuscule consideration. Islam must be outlawed world-wide.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 23:53 Comments || Top||


Europe
Extract of Sarkozy's victory speech. (JFM's translation)
I want to make a rally call to those in the world who believe in tolerance, freedom, democracy and humanism, to all those who are persecuted by tyranniees and dictatorships. I want to tell to all children around the world, to all women martyred in the world, I want to tell them that the honor and the pride of France will to their sides. France will be at the side of the lybian nurses he means the bulgarian nurses in Lybia who are in jail since eight years ago, France will not abandon Ingrid Bethancourt raped by the FARC in Colombia, France will not abandon those women who are forced to wear the burka, France will not abandon those women who don't have freedom. That is the message of France, that is the identity of France, that is the history of France.
Posted by: JFM || 05/07/2007 14:13 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I certainly hope the people spoke knowing what they said. If this is done right then there is hope for France yet, and if Segolene doesn't get voted back in then maybe I can get a date with her.

And I heard that Sarkozy is going after the "thugs" responsible for the Car-B-Ques. There was lots of bitching and moaning about his attitude, but I'll bet that it was from the part of the population that is a breeding ground for these thugs, and that the people who are hoping it goes away are sitting home quietly hoping that the French government suddenly sprouts balls. I can't imagine anyone complaining about calling these a$$holes "thugs". Anybody who does should just go out and burn their car and then they have a right to complain.
Posted by: gorb || 05/07/2007 16:18 Comments || Top||

#2  Oops, Ingrid Bethancourt has been not raped but rapTed by the FARC in Colombia several years ago and held by prisoner by them since then.
Posted by: JFM || 05/07/2007 16:35 Comments || Top||

#3  If the rest of the speech was like JFM's excerpt, and as prime minister Sarkozy backs words with deeds, we will indeed have a partner for changing the world.

gorb, Ms Segolene lives with the head of the Socialist Party, who fathered all four of her children. Your odds for getting that date are pretty low. Sorry. Although given the cock up both she and he made of her campaign, with their contradictory messages, that partnership may not survive much longer.
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 16:38 Comments || Top||

#4  If the rest of the speech was like JFM's excerpt, and as prime minister Sarkozy backs words with deeds, we will indeed have a partner for changing the world.

gorb, Ms Segolene lives with the head of the Socialist Party, who fathered all four of her children. Your odds for getting that date are pretty low. Sorry. Although given the cock up both she and he made of her campaign, with their contradictory messages, that partnership may not survive much longer.
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 16:39 Comments || Top||

#5  Gorb. Segolene has quietly separated of the head of Socicalist party after discovering he cheated ion her. She is now with Louis Dreyfus, former head of Renault. However he is positively ugly. Of course as I am a straight guy all guys are uuuuugly to me, but Dreyfus is still uglier than usual. I am sure you can save her from him.

However thare in France we ave lots of girls who o are far prettier than Segolene and vote for Sarkozy.
Posted by: JFM || 05/07/2007 17:46 Comments || Top||

#6  Ms. Segolene left the idiot father of her children? Was that the reason he kept saying things to undermine her campaign?
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 19:21 Comments || Top||

#7  Sarkozy's speech sounds promising.
Posted by: JohnQC || 05/07/2007 19:40 Comments || Top||


Tallinn residents nervously await May 9
As life returns to normal in the Estonian capital more than a week after riots hit the city center, the largest immediate concern among residents is whether fresh unrest will come on May 9, the day Russian-speakers traditionally celebrate the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.

In past years veterans groups had gathered on this day at the Bronze Soldier monument on Tonismagi, whose relocation sparked riots on April 26 and 27. Police have told The Baltic Times that visitors would be allowed to lay flowers at the site, despite the fact that it is still fenced off.

In an address to the public on May 6, Estonian police chief Raivo Aeg said that the police would continue to operate at a higher degree of readiness in coming days.

"I wish to assure you that the police are fully ready to maintain public order in the new week," Aeg said. "All Estonian law enforcement bodies will jointly work to anticipate provocations and ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Instructions have been given to the police not to let themselves be provoked but to fix all violations."

The Viru detached infantry battalion based in the northeast Estonian regional capital Johvi, a city which also saw rioting on April 27, has stepped up its readiness in the run-up to the period around May 9 when further unrest was possible, the Eesti Paevaleht daily reported.

From May 3 the territory of the battalion's base has been surrounded with a fence and guarding of the compound has been beefed up.

Professor Hanno Barabaner, rector of the Institute of Economics and Management in Tallinn and representative of the Russian-speaking community, told The Baltic Times that the mood of the Russian-speaking population on May 9 would depend on how police and authorities allow them to mark the day. He said many Russians would come to lay flowers at the Tonismagi site, and others will do the same at the Garrison Cemetery where the Bronze Soldier now stands.

In regard to this the police chief reminded the public that in Tallinn and in Harju County public meetings were banned until at least May 11.

"This means that the police will not obstruct the laying of flowers or remembering the fallen in World War Two in some other peaceful way," he said. "But remembrance may not be accompanied by public meetings, expressions of political views, instigation of hatred or other violation of public order."

Aeg said though that he did not anticipate any trouble.

"I have spoken with very many Estonian people of different backgrounds, residence, and mother tongues," Aeg said in his address. "Irrespective of nationality, the point of view prevails that people are fed up with and tired of the last week's events. The people want to return to the peaceful and secure rhythm of life characteristic of Estonia."
Posted by: mrp || 05/07/2007 12:22 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bear baiting is not the safest of sports.
Posted by: gromgoru || 05/07/2007 23:42 Comments || Top||


Russian nationalists caught trying to enter Latvia illegally
Latvian border guards detained two Russian nationals early today for crossing the Latvian-Russian border illegally, BNS reported on May 4.

Latvian State Border Guard chief Gunars Dabolins told BNS that the detained Russians, aged 37 and 22, are residents of Moscow and both have higher education. In Dabolins' words, they did not hide their membership in Russia's National Bolshevik organization. Both trespassers were held at around 8 a.m. in the "green" border area.

They had Latvian and Estonian currency on them, as well as maps of the border area, a gas pistol, and National Bolshevik publications and badges.
That the detainees were carrying Bolshevik literature could mean a "false flag" mission. Two days until May 9.
Posted by: mrp || 05/07/2007 12:17 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  FYI

National Bolsheviks are not the Russian Communist Party, but are an ultranationalist group.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 05/07/2007 12:38 Comments || Top||

#2  According to this wikipedia entry , the NBP opposes Putin. As far as their socialist proclivities, check out the iconography displayed in the wiki entry.
Posted by: mrp || 05/07/2007 12:52 Comments || Top||

#3  Last week it was pro-Kremlin NASHI storm troopers some of which got caught attempting to sneak into Estonia to link up with NASHI members already in Estonia's capitol city instigating the riots.

Latvia (another formerly Russian controlled Baltic state) may be next on Putin's list for 'domestic disruptions' and what better way to place blame on an opposition arch-leftist party to Putin's neo-Soviet dictatorship, just in case any NASHI pro-Putinistas are arrested.

The Kremlin has started 'Cold War II'.
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 05/07/2007 19:23 Comments || Top||

#4  A Gas Pistol?
do they mean it shoots gas/ or is it a CO2 gas cartridge type pellet gun?

Confusing.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 05/07/2007 19:59 Comments || Top||


Dutch to substitute Mosques for prison
THE HAGUE, 05/05/07 - Most criminals in the Netherlands should be able to serve their sentence at home in the future. Justice Minister Hirsch Ballin is to introduce house arrest as a new main punishment. Criminals can then also visit friends or a mosque for two hours a day.

Judges will have the option of imposing house arrest as the main penalty, with a maximum duration of four months. Because sentences are relatively short in the Netherlands, the majority of criminals will be eligible for this. Hirsch Ballin expects house arrest to offer a solution for cases where a fine or community service is experienced as too light and "a stay in prison is not seen as necessary" or is seen as too severe a sentence, according to Trouw newspaper. Expectations are that judges will impose fewer jail sentences.

Those under house arrest will receive welfare payments. Only if they run a company from their living-room or do other work that yields sufficient money will they receive no financial support from the minister. They can also do a home course.

"House arrest is experienced as a real punishment," according to a spokesman for Hirsch Ballin. "At the same time, social networks remain in place."

The measure is primarily intended to relieve the prisons. The Netherlands has been struggling for years with a shortage of cells, even though the number of people in prison per head of population is about six times lower than in the US.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Justice Minister Hirsch Ballin is to introduce house arrest as a new main punishment. Criminals can then also visit friends or a mosque for two hours a day.

Why doesn't this spineless judicial bastard just go home and slit his itching wrists, thereby saving everyone a whole lot of trouble.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 1:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Now let's see. Work for a living? Or commit the minor crime of your choice and your penalty is a paid 4 month vacation at home (TV, Internet, fridge) - all your own home comforts. Plus you can popdown to the pub for 2 hours daily and visit with the mates.

Tempting that.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble || 05/07/2007 2:35 Comments || Top||

#3  Interesting that the justice minister assumes most criminals spend time at the mosque.As for the problem of overcrowded prisons, sane societies build more.
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 7:11 Comments || Top||

#4  We could make this work. During Friday services quickly build a big wall around the mosque. Instant prison, already populated.
Posted by: Glenmore || 05/07/2007 7:26 Comments || Top||

#5  As for the problem of overcrowded prisons, sane societies build more.

Comrade Stalin had another solution to overcrowded prisons.
Posted by: JFM || 05/07/2007 7:40 Comments || Top||

#6  That's cause Stalin knew that restless young men need plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 05/07/2007 7:48 Comments || Top||

#7  I fail to see how prison differs from the current Dutch welfare system. But I suppose that is the whole point.
Posted by: Excalibur || 05/07/2007 8:50 Comments || Top||

#8  One has randomly oriented toilets, the other doesn't.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 9:01 Comments || Top||

#9  This is an idiot solution from an idiot official and a dramatic demonstration of what is wrong with Dutch society. This would only create more criminal activity. There are a lot of rotting hulks of old freighters and oil tankers laying around. Put these fools on board and supply minimal rations. Any disobedience results in death from heavily armed guards. Dump the carcasses to the fish.
Posted by: Woozle Elmeter2970 || 05/07/2007 11:21 Comments || Top||

#10  Prisons would be far easier to manage if the cells were (a) single occupant (b) prisoner leaves cell once a week (c) Prisoners are fed soup (from a breadbowl) or sandwiches or other items that do not require implements to eat (d) cells have no power and get their light from sunroofs and the corridor outside the cell so there is no lights out and no messing with the power system.

You would need a shower in every cell which would be hard to retrofit into older prisons but you could fill "the yard" and other open facilities with additional cells and get by with a fraction of the number of guards. There would be no riots, no rapes, no murders, no learning how to commit better crimes.

In your last year or two, if you are good, you could go to a regular prison (except it's filled with other short timers) and you could learn a trade and how to be civilized to help prevent your return to the prison system.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 05/07/2007 18:14 Comments || Top||

#11  Wow! I'll bet the Dutch crime rate will just plummet. Or not ...
Posted by: DMFD || 05/07/2007 18:46 Comments || Top||

#12  The prisons suggested by rjschwarz read like the fact sheet for the Federal SuperMax in Colorado. Everything is poured shaped concrete with cutoff valves to prevent flooding; all prisoners have yard privileges by themselves, no interaction with other prisoners; food is delivered to each cell; and the only entertainment allowed is earned by good behavior and is all vetted by the prison - educational and religious channels.
Posted by: Shieldwolf || 05/07/2007 18:48 Comments || Top||

#13  How about substituting a mosk for a toilet?
Posted by: anymouse || 05/07/2007 19:01 Comments || Top||


Fifth Column
Congressional Democrats Gutting Missile Defense Programs As Far As Possible
Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee this week slashed Pentagon funding for U.S. missile-defense programs in ways critics say will severely harm efforts to build an integrated system to defend against missile attacks. A total of $764 million was cut from the $8.9 billion missile-defense budget request during a mark-up hearing on the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill before the strategic forces subcommittee, headed by Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher, California Democrat.
Who is a progressive and about as anti-military as they come. Good choice for an armed service sub-committee --- if you don't believe in defense.
The Democrats' most controversial cut came in halving money for building a third ground-based interceptor site in Poland and Czech Republic, effectively killing plans for the site, according to Republican congressional aides. The subcommittee cut $160 million from the $300 million request for the third site and called for a study of the site.
Wonder if the 'study committee' will have Russians on it.
Plans for the third interceptor site are the focus of major U.S. diplomatic efforts to convince the Europeans of the need to begin thinking about countering the threat from Iranian missiles. It also comes amid U.S.-Russian tensions over Moscow's fears the interceptors would be used to counter Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles, something the Pentagon has said repeatedly the interceptors are incapable of doing.
Putin barks, the Dhimmicrats jump.
According to House Republicans, the Democrats are biased against missile defense because they don't think it will work, and they don't want a third missile-defense site in Europe to upset the Russians and other anti-defense Europeans. The Democrats also don't think the missile threat from Iran poses a danger to Europe, despite the fact that U.S. intelligence agencies say Tehran has medium-range missile now capable of hitting some parts of Europe and is working on longer-range missiles.
So there's a 'yes but' to each objection, and the Dhimmis going to cut anyway. The system works -- SM3 and Thaad alone works -- Tehran has medium-range missiles that are only going to get better over time, and the anti-defense Y'urp-peons are being replaced one at a time by Euro politicans like Merkel and Sarkozy who see the sense in protecting their continent.
The subcommittee also slashed $400 million from the $517 million budget of the exotic Airborne Laser Program, the most prominent "boost phase" missile-defense system that uses a laser gun mounted in a Boeing 747 to shoot down missiles shortly after launch. The cut effectively kills the program, aides said. The panel also voted to cut $45 million from the $119 million requested for a modernized nuclear warhead, needed to keep the U.S. nuclear arsenal a viable deterrent.

Mrs. Tauscher defended the missile-defense cuts, which likely will be approved by the full committee next week, saying the country needs a system that "works." She criticized Pentagon missile-defense testing as unrealistic.
In what way? That they're testing one part of the system at a time to ensure it's reliable? That they're then integrating the tests? That they're proceeding methodically to solve remaining problems? That the tests more often than not have been successful? What's unrealistic about any of that?
All of it. Next question.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Filthy traitors. If it ever happens (God forbid), then we need to have a necktie party on the survivors.
Posted by: Jackal || 05/07/2007 0:21 Comments || Top||

#2  saying the country needs a system that "works."

What are they looking for? What do they want? Perfection? I'd settle for good enough to make the enemy think ten times before pulling the trigger. The laser system sounds like a good idea to me, why pull funding on that? And this is a system to be used against rogue nations with primitive stuff, which it would probably work acceptably against. Besides, you have to start somewhere.
Posted by: gorb || 05/07/2007 0:33 Comments || Top||

#3  This is easy to understand when you realize that the Dem leadership are completely in thrall to the Tranzis, for whom a strong U.S. is the greatest threat. Their ultimate goal is our total emasculation/subjugation. Unfortunately not enough citizens read Rantburg are paying attention.
Posted by: PBMcL || 05/07/2007 1:08 Comments || Top||

#4  Unbelievable. It's like putting teenagers in charge of the household.
Posted by: Dave D. || 05/07/2007 5:33 Comments || Top||

#5  a perfect campaign stick to beat the shit out of the '08 Donk presidential candidate. "Do you want to be incinerated by a North Korean missile? My opponent would make that possible"
Posted by: Frank G || 05/07/2007 8:40 Comments || Top||

#6  But at least we sent sent the House Republicans a lesson!

/Tancredo, etc.
Posted by: Excalibur || 05/07/2007 8:51 Comments || Top||

#7  So what? You know the Trunks are too craven to beat them about the political head and shoulders about it. They're unwilling to spend the funds to hammer them over their open pathetic defeatism. Why would they spend any capital on this issue. It's all about 1950s 'election cycles' strategies. They're still working in the last mid-century. It's all the 'good o'boys' being in the RNC suite.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 05/07/2007 8:53 Comments || Top||

#8  Dali could not paint a more surreal picture than this. Traitors.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 9:12 Comments || Top||

#9  You may Always count on the democrats to do the EXACT OPPOSITE of the right thing every time. They walk contrary and I would not piss on them if they were on fire.
Posted by: newc || 05/07/2007 9:32 Comments || Top||

#10  “Who is a progressive and about as anti-military as they come…”

Ironic…ain’t it? Rep. Tauscher is a SF liberal yet she is constantly described as a “centrist”. Of course, for “Progressives”, that means she must be demonized as being a sell-out to the evil empire. In fact, the kiddies often refer her as the “Lieberman of the House”. It appears she saw what happened to Jane Harmon and gutting this bill was the obvious way to keep the hippies out of her home office lobby. Sadly, reports indicate that after multi-millions in investment, the Airborne Laser Program is down to the goal line and ready to go operational.
Posted by: DepotGuy || 05/07/2007 9:39 Comments || Top||

#11  This is merely a preview of what's coming. We're headed for a Demo majority far larger than now exists in both houses of Congress. And, unless Thompson runs, a very likely Demo El Presidente. The cuts will run deep. This administration and it's ineptness is going to cripple the Republican Party for years to come. There will be serious repercussions.
Posted by: Woozle Elmeter2970 || 05/07/2007 11:26 Comments || Top||

#12  Woozie, thanks for the plug, but ease off on the doomsday stuff, k ?
Posted by: big Fred || 05/07/2007 13:05 Comments || Top||

#13  Iran Can Target Missile At US And Europe In Less Than Eight Years Warns US
Iran may have a long range missile capable of striking the United States and Europe in less than eight years, a senior State Department official said Thursday. John Rood, the assistant secretary of state for international security and non proliferation, said the weapon could be wholly obtained from North Korea, which had provided Iran ballistic missiles previously.
Posted by: ed || 05/07/2007 16:17 Comments || Top||

#14  a perfect campaign stick to beat the shit out of the '08 Donk presidential candidate.

I've often wondered if this is like giving an inch so you can take a mile later on. If it is, I hope it works.

They walk contrary and I would not piss on them if they were on fire.

There are a few I would pi$$ on if they weren't on fire, however. :-)
Posted by: gorb || 05/07/2007 16:26 Comments || Top||

#15  big Fred?

Posted by: Shipman || 05/07/2007 17:11 Comments || Top||

#16  big Fred Thompson, Ship.

"Thanks for the plug", get it?
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 17:47 Comments || Top||

#17  I've never understood the lefties hatred of Star Wars. If the US was completely safe from foriegn threats it would be much easier to get the taxpayers to agree to slashing the military to the point that we are entirely defensive in nature. I should think that would be one of their end goals.

Then get a lefty as President and start passing around the tech to like thinking friends to remove nukes from the equation all together and get them to disarm down to a defensive force as well.

Then you let civilization silently fall due to birthrates and immigration.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 05/07/2007 18:06 Comments || Top||

#18  Damnit, ya'll! The Dhimmi's have to find ways to cut the budget to fund their pork barrel projects!

So, it's just natural that they'd cut defense programs first, especially experimental ones that show so much progress that it's the Russkies panties in a wad.

Posted by: FOTSGreg || 05/07/2007 18:35 Comments || Top||

#19  The dummycritter party once again shows that they don't have a working relationship with sanity. May they all perish in hell's fire, unless the Norks get 'em first. I'm looking for high ground a long way from any military base. The donks will ENSURE we have further trouble, not only from terrorists, but from "rogue regimes", including China and Russia. What idiots!
Posted by: Old Patriot || 05/07/2007 19:30 Comments || Top||

#20  Remember OP, they have to aim for big targets to get a hit. That usually means big deep blue precincts along the coast. This may be self correcting.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 05/07/2007 21:06 Comments || Top||


Great White North
Oops, eh?
An odd-looking Canadian coin with a bright red flower was the culprit behind a U.S. Defense Department false espionage warning earlier this year about mysterious coin-like objects with radio frequency transmitters, The Associated Press has learned. The harmless "poppy coin" was so unfamiliar to suspicious U.S. Army contractors traveling in Canada that they filed confidential espionage accounts about them. The worried contractors described the coins as "anomalous" and "filled with something man-made that looked like nano-technology," according to once-classified U.S. government reports and e-mails obtained by the AP.

The silver-colored 25-cent piece features the red image of a poppy — Canada's flower of remembrance — inlaid over a maple leaf. The unorthodox quarter is identical to the coins pictured and described as suspicious in the contractors' accounts. The supposed nano-technology actually was a conventional protective coating the Royal Canadian Mint applied to prevent the poppy's red color from rubbing off. The mint produced nearly 30 million such quarters in 2004 commemorating Canada's 117,000 war dead. It did not appear to be electronic (analog) in nature or have a power source," wrote one U.S. contractor, who discovered the coin in the cup holder of a rental car. "Under high power microscope, it appeared to be complex consisting of several layers of clear, but different material, with a wire like mesh suspended on top."

The confidential accounts led to a sensational warning from the Defense Security Service, an agency of the Defense Department, that mysterious coins with radio frequency transmitters were found planted on U.S. contractors with classified security clearances on at least three separate occasions between October 2005 and January 2006 as the contractors traveled through Canada. One contractor believed someone had placed two of the quarters in an outer coat pocket after the contractor had emptied the pocket hours earlier. "Coat pockets were empty that morning and I was keeping all of my coins in a plastic bag in my inner coat pocket," the contractor wrote.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Seafarious || 05/07/2007 11:26 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  A compliment to the Canadians that the US DoD unquestioningly assumed they were capable of such cutting edge technology (or possibly beyond cuting edge -- I'm not at all certain where the edge between reality and hope lies in that area).
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 12:04 Comments || Top||

#2  someone smoked afat one when they found these coins. in other words they where paranoid
Posted by: sinse || 05/07/2007 19:57 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Trunks Could Bail in the Fall
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House Republican leader said Sunday that GOP support could waver if President Bush's Iraq war policy does not succeed by the fall.
Some AP writer reading between the lines?
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Bush's troop increase deserves a chance and should be funded even if benchmarks for success are not met. Last week, Bush vetoed a $124 billion bill to pay for Iraq and Afghanistan operations in part because it required troops to begin returning home by Oct. 1.

A senior House Democrat un-named, but probably from Caliphornia, said it would be "ridiculous" not to condition war money on progress in Iraq. Bush and his supporters say a fixed date is unworkable.

"We don't even have all of the 30,000 additional troops in Iraq yet, so we're supporting the president. We want this plan to have a chance of succeeding," Boehner said. "Over the course of the next three to four months, we'll have some idea how well the plan's working. Early signs are indicating there is clearly some success on a number of fronts," he said. But, he added, "By the time we get to September or October, members are going to want to know how well this is working, and if it isn't, what's Plan B."
That's "wavering", isn't it?
Of course there would be a 'Plan B' -- if Plan A doesn't work, you go to B, then C, then D. Point is, you do everything you can, both militarily and politically, to make Plan A work in the first place, and that includes not telling your enemy what your quit date is up front.
Thus far, Republicans have stood behind the president's increasingly unpopular war policies, including the troop increase and an open-ended war commitment.
More spin at link.
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 06:57 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I'm still pissed at the donks 'cause the troops are still in Korea. That donk pres Truman went to war without an exit strategy. So did FDR, and Johnson, and Clinton, that pussy.
Posted by: wxjames || 05/07/2007 14:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Headline: Boehner: GOP Support on Iraq Could Waver

What he really said: "By the time we get to September or October, members are going to want to know how well this is working, and if it isn't, what's Plan B."

That's not wavering. That's spin.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 05/07/2007 15:36 Comments || Top||

#3  There's 70,000 troops in Germany without a mission for the last 18 years.
Posted by: ed || 05/07/2007 15:40 Comments || Top||

#4  Not to mention the troops still in Guam and Puerto Rico from the Spanish-American war. At least they finally got rid of the special telephone tax from that war (this year).
Posted by: DMFD || 05/07/2007 22:23 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Lashkar-e-Islam issues charter of demands
The Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) staged a rally in Mandi Kas, some five kilometres from Bara Bazaar, and announced a six-point charter of demands on Sunday. LI chief Mangal Bagh, commander Ghuncha Gul, Bara Doctors and Medical Practitioners Association president Niaz Badsha, Dr Habibur Rehman and other LI leaders addressed the participants.
The speakers demanded:
* the government release Mufti Munir Shakir,

*hand over Pir Saifur Rehman’s property to LI,

*evict security forces from Rabat Mosque and Arjli Naddi by releasing them to the Shalober tribe,

*punish security officials involved in the firing incident that killed four children and

*reconstruct the Malak Din Khel tribe’s demolished market in addition to compensating the affected people.
They also criticised the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal government and said it had created numerous problems for the tribesmen. “It [MMA government] blamed tribal elders for the deterioration of law and order by saying they had failed the political system through creating parasitic relations with the authorities,” they said. The speakers also called the demolition of Malak Din Khel tribe’s market ‘illogical’ saying the market was not an office of the LI, but was instead a workplace for more than 20,000 people. The speakers also demanded the government stop constructing security check posts in the area.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ".....and ponies for all!"
Posted by: Steve || 05/07/2007 7:31 Comments || Top||

#2  Opium trade is halal in Islam: Mufti Munir Shakir
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 05/07/2007 15:53 Comments || Top||


Clerics worried by lack of respect for fatwas on suicide
Clerics who issued a fatwa a few weeks ago declaring suicide attacks ‘haraam’ and illegal, are concerned at the fact that even fatwas have failed to stop such attacks by jihadi elements. These religious scholars are of the view that the existing volatile situation has gotten out of control and has reached a point where even religious decrees cannot prevent such elements from their actions.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) NWFP organised a clerics convention on April 17 to protect religious madrassas and tell its activists that problems could be resolved only through peaceful means and not through military ones. The convention also issued a fatwa that said suicide bombing was haraam in Islam and against the law of the land. Over 2,000 clerics from various parts of the country endorsed it and some of it’s signatories were Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maulana Saleemullah Khan, Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhri, Maulana Muhammad Hassan Jan, Maulana Dr Abdul Razaaq Sikandar, Maulana Qazi Hameedullah, Maulana Dr Muhammad Adil Khan, Maulana Dr Sher Ali Khan, Maulana Mufti Ghulamur Rehman and Maulana Muhammad Ullah Jan.

However, the Charsadda suicide bomb attack seems to indicate that the clerics’ decree carried no weight and was ignored. “These are cruel and ignorant people. They have no knowledge and education and don’t even listen to religious scholars,” Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Hassan Jan, one of the fatwa signatories and head of Jamia Imdadul Uloom Al Islamia Darwaish Masjid Peshawar, told Daily Times.
This article starring:
MAULANA DR ABDUL RAZAAQ SIKANDARJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA DR MUHAMAD ADIL KHANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA DR SHER ALI KHANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA FAZLUR REHMANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA HASAN JANJamia Imdadul Uloom Al Islamia Darwaish Masjid Peshawar
MAULANA MUFTI GHULAMUR REHMANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA MUHAMAD HANIF JALANDHRIJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA MUHAMAD HASAN JANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA MUHAMAD ULLAH JANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA QAZI HAMIDULLAHJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
MAULANA SALIMULLAH KHANJamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
Jamia Imdadul Uloom Al Islamia Darwaish Masjid Peshawar
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [11 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Clerics who issued a fatwa a few weeks ago declaring suicide attacks ‘haraam’ and illegal, are concerned at the fact that even fatwas have failed to stop such attacks by jihadi elements. These religious scholars are of the view that the existing volatile situation has gotten out of control and has reached a point where even religious decrees cannot prevent such elements from their actions.

Shucky darn, Muslim on Muslim violence using a technique supposedly reserved only for the Jew and Infidel got you down, Buckey? Tell you what, why don't you prove to the world just how serious you are about this pressing matter and issue a death fatwa against Yusuf Qaradawi for sanctioning it in the first place. You know the guy. One of Islam's most repsected scholars. That's right. That Qaradawi. Now go ahead and issue that death fatwa against him for causing so much trouble and let's see how long all of you live.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 0:51 Comments || Top||

#2  These are cruel and ignorant people.

Precisley. Exactly so. Welcome to our viewpoint.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble || 05/07/2007 2:10 Comments || Top||

#3  Clerics worried by lack of respect for fatwas on suicide

Translation, I"M A HOLY MAN, YOU GOTTA DO AS I SAY (Whadda you mean 'fuck off')
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 05/07/2007 6:20 Comments || Top||

#4  The problem is there are also a lot of clerics who do not accept this view; suicide bombing is just fine if you listen to them. And there does not seem to be any chain of command for these clerics and their fatwas. It's more like Protestant than Catholic that way: if you don't like what Preacher Bob says at the Presbyterian Church, step next door to the Methodist Church. Of course neither one of them is going to endorse suicide bombing (but they may well have different views on certain pregnancy termination practices.)
Posted by: Glenmore || 05/07/2007 7:23 Comments || Top||

#5  Every one of the suicide bombers and jihadists cells seem to have a radical cleric blowing in their ear.
Perhaps if we targeted clerics, who up till now have sustained light losses......
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 05/07/2007 7:41 Comments || Top||

#6  Perhaps if we targeted clerics, who up till now have sustained light losses......

Nuthin's gonna change until that happens. Ya gotta strangle the baby in the cradle and the imams are the ones rockin' it.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 8:16 Comments || Top||

#7  Just like the Saudis have learned, once you let the djinn out of the bottle you can't put it back in.
Posted by: Grumenk Philalzabod0723 || 05/07/2007 19:40 Comments || Top||


UNSC body bothered by Al-Rashid re-opening
The UNSC Sanction Committee on Taliban and Al Qaeda has shown concern over a Sindh High Court (SHC) verdict which had reportedly allowed banned outfit Al-Rashid Trust to reopen its offices as well as publication of its Urdu daily Islam, sources in the Foreign Office, asking not to be named, told Daily Times. The sources said that a visiting delegation of the committee led by Mr Barrot met FO officials on Saturday and made queries on the SHC verdict issued on April 26.

FO spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam confirmed to Daily Times that the committee had a meeting with FO officials, but denied that the delegation had expressed concern on the SHC verdict. “They only made some queries on the issue,” she said, adding that it was a routine visit and the committee delegation had appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism. “We think that the SHC’s decision has been misreported in the media because the court only allowed the trust to distribute eatable items which were decaying,” she said. Aslam refused to comment on the delegation’s reported objection to the publication of Daily Islam from Islamabad and other cities.

The sources said that the UN delegation also held meetings with officials of two intelligences agencies regarding the activities of the Taliban and Al Qaeda activists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:


No progress on Hafsa issue: Ejaz
Federal Religious Affairs Minister Ejazul Haq has denied any forward movement on the Jamia Hafsa issue, saying the issue could not be resolved till madrassa students evacuated the Children’s Library in Islamabad. He told reporters on Sunday that the madrassa was defaming other seminaries in the country.

He said Pakistan People’s Party chief Benazir Bhutto was trying to trap President Pervez Musharraf. He said she would never return to Pakistan. “Benazir wants the government to withdraw the cases against her,” he said. Haq said the government would hold free elections, adding that it would never strike a deal with the PPP. He also said women would now wear a specific dress during Haj.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He also said women would now wear a specific dress during Haj.

And that was apropos of what, exactly? A toss-off to the Jamia as placation? Or does every speech by a muslim male need to throw a punch at women?

Such a strange people. It's like watching some nightmarish TV Soap.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble || 05/07/2007 2:22 Comments || Top||


Nations failing to protect basic human rights disintegrate
Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry told thousands of cheering supporters on Sunday that dictatorship was a thing of the past and states that ignored the rule of law and basic rights faced destruction.

Chaudhry arrived here on Sunday after thousands of supporters turned out to greet him as he travelled by road from Islamabad. The trip takes four hours but took him more than 20. “Nations and states which are based on dictatorship instead of the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and protection of basic rights get destroyed,” Chaudhry, 58, said in the compound of the Lahore High Court to thousands of lawyers, 16 of Punjab’s 23 judges, and opposition activists outside on the street. The reception was organised by the Lahore High Court Bar Association.

“The idea of dictatorship and collective responsibility are over,” he said. “They are chapters from the past and those nations which don’t learn lessons from the past and repeat those mistakes, they have to pay a price,” he said in his 45-minute speech. He said that the Supreme Court had the right to take up basic human rights which were the backbone of a civilised society. He added that no person was above the law and that was why he had taken up and decided human rights cases on merit. “I received 12,000 complaints when I assumed charge as the CJP and decided 6,000 cases till March,” he said.

Chaudhry said Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution could not be suspended even in an emergency. “We understand the law and practice it. Some of our judgments put us in a trying situation,” he said. The CJP called for a true democratic system in the country, which ensured all fundamental human rights and minorities’ rights according to Islam. He said no legislation could be passed which was contrary to basic human rights, adding that the superior courts could cancel any such legislation. “The superior courts can protect the rights of citizens and institutions under various articles including 184, 187, 188 and 189 of the Constitution,” he said.

Chaudhry said Article 89 of the Constitution authorised the superior courts to hear petitions by people who felt that their rights were not being protected. “An independent judiciary can safeguard and protect the Constitution,” he said, adding that suo motu was an inherited right of the courts and he had taken several suo motu actions on issues of basic human rights as the CJP.

Chaudhry said that complaints against honour killings, rape, gang rapes and abduction were given priority by the superior courts, adding that instant decisions were given for public welfare and to set the precedent of rule of the law. He added that a special cell was opened at the SC for the benefit of common people. “There is a majority of people who don’t know where to seek justice and that is why I took the burden on myself,” he said.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  “The idea of dictatorship and collective responsibility are over,” he said. “They are chapters from the past and those nations which don’t learn lessons from the past and repeat those mistakes, they have to pay a price,”

"Instead, we bring you glorious SHARIA!"

He said that the Supreme Court had the right to take up basic human rights which were the backbone of a civilised society. He added that no person was above the law except for those Taliban folks ...

Unless those "basic human rights" happen to belong to a woman or Christian, then all bets are off. While, indeed, "basic human rights" are the "backbone of a civilized society", we're talking about Pakistan here so none of this really applies.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 0:59 Comments || Top||

#2  Wel-l-l. some Mil Forumers have argued that Pakis are so focused on competing/defending agz INDIA, that they've failed to notice their country is becoming a proxy state of CHINA, iff not already.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 05/07/2007 2:04 Comments || Top||

#3  "...which ensured all fundamental human rights and minorities’ rights according to Islam..."

You can bet he actually said that with a straight face...well simmilar to the posted graphic anyway.
Posted by: DepotGuy || 05/07/2007 8:46 Comments || Top||

#4  well simmilar to the posted graphic anyway.

That graphic makes Chaudhry look like he's been ridden hard and put away wet by a half dozen of his madrassa pals.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 8:53 Comments || Top||

#5  Would you by a used car from this man?
Posted by: gromgoru || 05/07/2007 23:45 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
U.N. Beefs Up Security After Gaza Attack
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Security was beefed up at the main U.N. compound in Gaza City Monday, with workers reinforcing the entrance gate and personnel inspecting the roof after a shadowy group of Muslim extremists attacked a U.N.-run school.

Sunday's incident, which killed one and wounded seven, is part of Gaza's out-of-control lawlessness that is increasingly aimed at foreigners. Most foreigners have left Gaza, and the latest attack on the U.N. was seen as a major escalation. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack in the southern Gaza refugee camp of Rafah, but security officials said they believe "salafiyeen," or Muslim fundamentalists, were involved. The group is believed to be behind a string of attacks on Internet cafes and music shops in recent weeks. It is not clear whether they are connected to any political party.
At this point…does it really matter?
The latest incident underscored the inability of the new Palestinian unity government, a coalition of the Islamic militant Hamas and the Fatah movement of ineffectual moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to end the chaos. Sunday's attack on the U.N. school in the southern Gaza refugee camp of Rafah began with a protest by Muslim extremists in long robes, who said a sports festival the school was hosting was un-Islamic. The U.N. "is turning schools into nightclubs," read one sign held up by the protesters. At one point, the group tried to enter the school. Palestinian security fired in the air to keep them away. In the ensuing chaos, at least one bomb was thrown into the school, and a gun battle followed. A senior Fatah official, Majed Abu Shamaleh, was leaving the school when his bodyguard was killed. Seven people were wounded, most by bomb fragments. Some children hid under their chairs during the fighting.

Police arrested two of the gunmen and were interrogating them. Later, the extremists tried to approach the police station where the two suspects were being held, to release the men. Police and gunmen from militant factions surrounded the station to prevent the extremists from entering, witnesses said.
And now folks…for the comedy portion of the show…Putcher hands together for AP's very own... Diaa "Shecky" Hadid!
So-called salafiyeen are known through the Muslim world as fundamentalists who try to imitate their pious ancestors and recreate the lifestyle of Islam's founder, the Prophet Muhammad. Most are peaceful, but some engage in violence.
[Rimshot] Hey...is this thing on? Just flew in from Raffah and boy are my Kassams tired... [Rimshot] hoe..heyyy!
A Palestinian intelligence official said the Gaza group appeared determined to attack all those who don't agree with its strict ideology. Other fundamentalist groups have existed in the same area of southern Gaza for years, but live in their own communities and peacefully preach their beliefs, he said.
[Rimshot] Heyy...hoe now! But seriously folks Don't forget to tip yer civil servants and clerics on yer way out...
"What's new is that this group, which seems to have developed a few years ago, believes in violence if they see things they believe is wrong," the official said.
[Rimshot] Heyy...hoe now!My wifes so fat she buys her Burkas at Gaza Tent and Awning...[Rimshot] Heyy...hoe now!
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he has an aversion to "suspicious objects” that send shrapnel to your chest and bullets that come from “unknown sources” was not authorized to speak to the press.
Posted by: DepotGuy || 05/07/2007 11:11 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Local residents and PA security officials said the attackers belonged to a new al-Qaida group identified with Salafism - a school of thought that takes the pious ancestors [Salaf] of the patristic period of early Islam as exemplary models. Salafism is a branch of Islam that is often referred to as Wahhabi - a derogatory term that many adherents to this tradition avoid using. Salafis believe that Islam declined as a result of foreign innovations (bid'ah) and seek an Islamic revival through the purging of these influences and the emulation of the early generations of Islam.

Unlike Hamas, the Salafis believe that Muslims should not engage in politics. Instead, they argue, Muslims should stick to Islamic activities, particularly jihad, and promote Shari'a rather than an Islamic political program or state. The Salafis and other al-Qaida-linked groups, including the Righteous Swords of Islam, are believed to be behind a series of attacks on young women, Internet cafes, hair salons, restaurants, schools and foreigners in the Gaza Strip over the past two years.

"These groups have attracted many young men, including high school students, who are disillusioned with Hamas," said a PA security official. "They have killed several women in the Gaza Strip in the past few months after accusing them of being prostitutes." Last month, members of the group blew up large parts of the American International School in the northern Gaza Strip. The attack took place in the early morning and no one was hurt.

They are also responsible for the assassination of at least three Hamas representatives in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the same period.


That's al-Qaida for you, winning friends and influencing people world-wide.
Posted by: Steve || 05/07/2007 11:47 Comments || Top||

#2  Sunday's incident, which killed one and wounded seven, is part of Gaza's out-of-control lawlessness

I disagree. The perps are not lawless; they recognize and are trying to implement Allah's law. Violence in the cause of Allah is lawful, from strict Islamic perspective.

The U.N. "is turning schools into nightclubs," read one sign held up by the protesters.


Whereas these pious gents prefer to turn schools into crime scenes and slaughterhouses. Makes Allah happy, you see.

Posted by: Baba Tutu || 05/07/2007 13:25 Comments || Top||

#3  Oh yeah. don't "beef up security" at schools or anything, you gotta protect those very important bureaucrats!
Posted by: mojo || 05/07/2007 14:24 Comments || Top||

#4  Let the Salafis spread the word far and wide that SALADIN and other Islamic greats had standing orders that those whom wilfully harmed or abused women, children, and other innocents without cause, Muslim or Infidel, risked being put to death immediately.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 05/07/2007 23:49 Comments || Top||


PCHRs Wonderful World of Gaza: Weekend Roundup

Hmmmmmmm, no foot wounds this weekend. Bulletproof Shoes R' Us shares opened lower on the news...
PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 10:10 on Thursday, 3 May 2007, two masked gunmen traveling in a vehicle fired at Raghda Ismail El-Ghilani (23-year old woman) near the Ambulance Headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Khan Yunis. She was killed instantly by a bullet to the head. The Police have opened an investigation into the crime.
You have the face of Allah's mother, baby. How about a date?
No, thanks.
Okay...BANG

At approximately 21:00 on the same day, three people including a child were injured during a wedding ceremony in El-Awda Housing Project in the northern Gaza Strip. The injuries occurred when a gunman lost control of the gun he was firing during the celebration.
I can't control it, Achmed! I CAN'T CONTROL IT!!!!
The injured are:
-Mohammad Kamal El-Khatib (11), injured by a bullet to the chest.
-Abdallah Ismail Abu Eyada (24), injured by a bullet in the back.
-Mohammad Mohammad Romman (25), injured by a bullet to the chest.
They were taken to Kamal Odwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, and were then transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City due to the severity of their injuries.
But, since nobody died, good luck and prosperity should shine on the happy couple.
At approximately 1:30 on Friday, 4 May 2007, Mohammad Maher El-Helou (17) was admitted to Shifa Hospital suffering from shrapnel moderate wounds in the right hands. The injury was caused by the explosion of a suspicious object near his house in Sheja’eya Quarter in Gaza City.
PCHR editors note. All former "mysterious objects" are now "suspicious objects". That is all...
At approximately 13:30 on the same day, the infant Shahed Ismail Khalil (9 months) was injured by a bullet to the head. The source of the bullet was not determined. The infant was injured in her family house in Jabalia refugee camp. She was taken to Kamal Odwan Hospital, and from there to Shifa Hospital due to the severity of her injury.
Maybe she shot herself...
At approximately 19:20 in the same day, Antar Mohammad Joha (20) who works in the National Security Apparatus was injured by shrapnel in different parts of his body. The injuries were caused by the premature detonation of an explosive device he was handling at his house, in Daraj Quarter in Gaza City. The injuries were listed as moderate.
Honey, could you take a look at the explosive device? It's on the fritz...
At approximately 20:00 on the same day, Sa’di Maher Sukkar (20) was admitted to Shifa Hospital suffering from shrapnel injuries in different parts of the body. The injuries were caused by the detonation of a suspicious device near his house in Sheja’eya Quarter in Gaza City.
It says, "The Prophet sez pull pin for a swell surprise". Okay...
At approximately 22:30 on the same day, Mohammad Shehada Abu Tabaq (38) was injured by a bullet in the neck. The source of the bullet was not known. The incident took place behind the police headquarters in Jabalia refugee camp. Abu Tabaq was taken to Kamal Odwan Hospital for treatment. From there he was transferred to Shifa Hospital due to the severity of his injury.
Ah, yes. Ye Olde "Unknown source of gunfire behind the police station". It's a mystery, Al-Muldoon. A mystery...
At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 5 May 2007, Mohammad Ali Afana (21) was injured by shrapnel throughout his body due to the detonation of a grenade he was handling near his house in Tal El-Za’tar area near Jabalia refugee camp. He was taken to El-Awda Hospital in Jabalia for treatment. He was transferred to Shifa Hospital due to the severity of his injury.
Mohammad goes behind the back and ...Ooooooh, it's a turnover! And Mohammad is down!
PCHR strongly condemns the continued falling of victims due to the misuse of weapons. The Centre reiterates the call to the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to seriously investigate these crimes and prosecute the perpetrators.
Right you are, PCHR. We'll get on that chop-chop...
Posted by: tu3031 || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The source of the bullet was not determined.

The source of the bullet was not known.


Intensive forensic analysis by Palestinian defectives later revealed that — by some mysterious coincidence — in both cases the source most likely proved to be, in fact, a gun.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 0:45 Comments || Top||

#2  No, an idiot with a gun.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 05/07/2007 6:17 Comments || Top||

#3  And Mohammad Ali Afana (21)raised his hand grenade up on high saying “O Lord bless this thy hand grenade that with it thou mayest blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy.” And the Lord spake, saying, “First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin, then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shalt be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thou foe, who being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it.
Posted by: Classer || 05/07/2007 6:43 Comments || Top||

#4  PCHR strongly condemns the continued falling of victims due to the misuse of weapons.

Weapons are for killing Joooos, who are not victims, since they deserve it. [shakes head]
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 7:15 Comments || Top||

#5  They usually blame a bullet from an unknown source on a jew sniper.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 05/07/2007 7:30 Comments || Top||

#6  I CAN'T CONTROL IT!!!! LOL, tu!
These idiots are dumber than a box of rocks. How long before Gaza disintegrates into subatomic particles?
Posted by: Spot || 05/07/2007 8:05 Comments || Top||

#7  No, an idiot with a gun.

But ...

They usually blame a bullet from an unknown source on a jew sniper.

Well, at least that theory rules out an idiot.

How long before Gaza disintegrates into subatomic particles?

Not anywhere soon enough.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 8:12 Comments || Top||

#8  "The source of the bullet was not determined" although a factory may have been involved. Joooooish factory no doubt
Posted by: Steven || 05/07/2007 18:14 Comments || Top||


Abbas, Haniyeh meeting ends without agreement
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas met in another attempt to put together a security plan on Sunday night. The meeting ended without agreement, and another was set for Monday, government spokesman Ghazi Hamad said. Interior Minister Hani Kawasmeh, the author of the plan, has threatened to resign because security commanders refuse to cooperate with him, mainly because of rivalries between coalition partners Hamas and Fatah.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Eventually, someone, somewhere, is going to say it out loud: These people are nuts!. Then the tide may start to turn. The insanity of them, all of them, is the elephant in the room.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble || 05/07/2007 2:01 Comments || Top||

#2  The insanity of them, all of them, is the elephant in the room.

You forget that the liberals all dwell in Carnagie Hall.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 4:48 Comments || Top||

#3  if Fatah is unable to come to agreement with Hamas, that would be sign of sanity on the part of Fatah, IMO.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 05/07/2007 12:39 Comments || Top||

#4  We've been saying "those people are crazy" ever since 9-11-01, or maybe it was 9-12. I'm not sure anybody believes us, despite the amount of evidence we've collected.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 12:48 Comments || Top||

#5  I think I decided they were idiots either after the 1967 war, or the 1973 war. The level of insanity in an Arab population is usually equal to the number of Arabs in that population, minus two. Those two are always so confused they don't have time to be insane.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 05/07/2007 22:57 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Ex-Iran nuclear negotiator charged with spying: report
A former Iranian nuclear official who was part of a moderate negotiating team has been charged with spying on Iran's controversial atomic programme, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Tehran's judiciary has confirmed that Hossein Moussavian is being held under the auspices of the intelligence ministry at Tehran's notorious Evin prison after his arrest last week. But this is the first indication that Moussavian, who served under reformist president Mohammad Khatami until 2005 and is also close to ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, has been charged with espionage.

"He is charged with spying on nuclear issues and therefore his case is in the hands of the revolutionary court prosecutors," the agency quoted a source as saying. "Currently he is in the section of the intelligence ministry in Evin prison (in Tehran) and the investigation is continuing," the source added. "So far, no decision on the bail has been issued and he is still under arrest."

Hardline Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi confirmed Saturday that Moussavian was in custody but refused to specify the allegations against him "until the investigations are complete." Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini declined to comment Sunday on whether he had been charged with spying. "We should not blow this out of proportion until the investigation is over."

Moussavian played a central role in talks that saw Iran strike a deal with Europe under which it suspended its uranium enrichment activities, a halt which was reversed when President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power.
Posted by: ed || 05/07/2007 16:22 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Camera caught him looking longingly at the Curly Toed Nikes.
Posted by: Shipman || 05/07/2007 17:14 Comments || Top||

#2  Speculation hat on /
Wonder if he had any ties to that Iranian General that "defected" or ran away or whatever did, a few months back.

If he did have a relation, I wonder if this a reaction to what they think he said or what he actually talked about

It's Fars so there probably is a reason for reporting this. Real news isn't their motivation.

off/

Got my conspiracy out for the day, I feel better



Posted by: Flolumble Elmuling1667 || 05/07/2007 17:42 Comments || Top||

#3  One who has fallen out of favor and is being dealt with in the Stalinist fashion.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/07/2007 18:02 Comments || Top||


Nasrallah rejects UNSC intervention in Hariri case
Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah rejected on Sunday UN Security Council intervention to create an international tribunal on the murder of former prime minister Rafik Hariri's assassination.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Nasrallah rejects UNSC intervention in Hariri case

Nasrallah needs to reject several vital organ transplants after getting his worthless Islamic murderous terrorist ass shot up to shit.
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 4:53 Comments || Top||

#2  I don't recall asking him for his opinion.
Posted by: Seafarious || 05/07/2007 16:05 Comments || Top||


Iran bans Al-Jazeera over Shiite clerics' insult
Iran’s parliament has banned Al-Jazeera television reporters from entering the group’s building to protest perceived insults by the network against Iraq’s most revered Shiite cleric, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported Sunday.

The controversy started last week when the Egyptian host of an Al-Jazeera talk show, Ahmed Mansour, questioned Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani’s leadership credentials and whether he authored his own religious edicts. “The Majlis (parliament) has decided to ban reporters of the network from entering until it formally offers an apology over insulting Ayatollah Sistani,” IRNA quoted the parliament speaker, Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, as saying. “We strongly support Shiite clerics, especially Ayatollah Sistani,” he added. Iran’s population is majority Shiite. Al-Sistani is an Iranian-born cleric who has been living in neighbouring Iraq for decades and has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the country since the US-led invasion in 2003 because of his stature within the majority Shiite community.

Following last week’s show, hundreds of angry Shiites poured onto the streets of Basra and Najaf in Iraq to protest. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Al-Jazeera has been seen by Shiite politicians as championing the former leader’s rule and the Sunni insurgency. The 24-hour news channel, hosted by the Persian Gulf Arab state of Qatar, has been banned from operating in Iraq since 2004 and the latest controversy is likely to worsen its already tense relations with the Shiite-led government in Baghdad.
Posted by: Fred || 05/07/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [9 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The Egyptian government-sponsored media will take up the slack.
Posted by: Pappy || 05/07/2007 1:03 Comments || Top||

#2  Al Jazeera splitting up the Heros of Islam?

Naaaaaaaaaahhhh.... Couldn't be!
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 6:45 Comments || Top||

#3  Al Jazeera has gotten in the habit of getting its reporters banned. Iraq shut them out a while ago, now Iran, and I think it's Saudi Arabia that's a bit peeved with them as well...
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/07/2007 7:15 Comments || Top||

#4  Ya know, with all those folks banning them, maybe they aren't all bad....
Posted by: Bobby || 05/07/2007 7:16 Comments || Top||

#5  Tee hee hee!
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 05/07/2007 7:24 Comments || Top||

#6  That's a real kick in the Koran :)
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 05/07/2007 8:20 Comments || Top||

#7  Anyone get the feeling that a classroom full of low blood sugar kindergarteners could get along with each other better than these sniveling Islamic assclowns?
Posted by: Zenster || 05/07/2007 8:46 Comments || Top||

#8  Must be a genetic defect Zenster.
Posted by: JohnQC || 05/07/2007 19:44 Comments || Top||

#9  WND > Hezbollah interview > any and all rocket attacks agz ISRAEL were directed/ordered and supported by IRAN, formally or "in principle".
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 05/07/2007 23:51 Comments || Top||



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Two weeks of WOT
Mon 2007-05-07
  Morocco breaks up Qaeda recruiting gang
Sun 2007-05-06
  Meshaal rejects U.S. timeline, threatens terrible things
Sat 2007-05-05
  Tater Tots, Badr Brigades clash in Sadr City
Fri 2007-05-04
  Thousands Rally Against Olmert
Thu 2007-05-03
  Muharib Abdul Latif banged; Abu Omar al-Baghdadi said titzup
Wed 2007-05-02
  75 'rebels' killed in southern Afghan offensive: UK officer
Tue 2007-05-01
  Abu Ayyub al-Masri reported rubbed out
Mon 2007-04-30
  UK police charges 6 with inciting terror, fundraising
Sun 2007-04-29
  Somalia president claims victory, asks for international help
Sat 2007-04-28
  Missiles Kill Four Hard Boyz in Pakistan
Fri 2007-04-27
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Thu 2007-04-26
  London: Four men plead guilty to explosives plot
Wed 2007-04-25
  IDF to request green light to strike Hamas leadership
Tue 2007-04-24
  Lal Masjid calls for jihad against ''un-Islamic'' govt
Mon 2007-04-23
  51 killed as Somalia fighting rages


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