Hi there, !
Today Mon 07/03/2006 Sun 07/02/2006 Sat 07/01/2006 Fri 06/30/2006 Thu 06/29/2006 Wed 06/28/2006 Tue 06/27/2006 Archives
Rantburg
533185 articles and 1860393 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 109 articles and 623 comments as of 19:37.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Background    Non-WoT    Opinion    Local News       
IAF strikes official Gaza buildings
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
16 00:00 trailing wife [3] 
8 00:00 tu3031 [2] 
1 00:00 JohnQC [3] 
15 00:00 Frank G [2] 
14 00:00 Beau [2] 
6 00:00 Frank G [3] 
5 00:00 Phil [6] 
10 00:00 JosephMendiola [] 
15 00:00 ghostcat [1] 
1 00:00 Chuck Simmins [1] 
6 00:00 JosephMendiola [2] 
5 00:00 6 [] 
7 00:00 Azad [1] 
0 [4] 
6 00:00 JosephMendiola [] 
6 00:00 6 [2] 
0 [4] 
8 00:00 grb [1] 
10 00:00 mac [] 
21 00:00 Frank G [2] 
1 00:00 USN, ret. [4] 
20 00:00 Nimble Spemble [] 
3 00:00 Alaska Paul [2] 
10 00:00 Warthog [2] 
5 00:00 6 [6] 
1 00:00 Captain America [5] 
1 00:00 gromgoru [4] 
0 [2] 
8 00:00 Sock Puppet of Doom [] 
0 [2] 
14 00:00 3dc [] 
2 00:00 Redneck Jim [6] 
0 [1] 
3 00:00 Fordesque [1] 
24 00:00 Cromosh Greamp4148 [] 
0 [2] 
1 00:00 Sheter Omineth1622 [4] 
0 [] 
0 [2] 
1 00:00 anymouse [2] 
0 [6] 
2 00:00 Besoeker [] 
Page 2: WoT Background
3 00:00 Frank G [4]
2 00:00 Frank G [3]
6 00:00 Frank G [3]
11 00:00 BA [6]
3 00:00 Anonymoose [4]
0 []
1 00:00 Anonymoose [6]
13 00:00 trailing wife [2]
14 00:00 Frank G []
19 00:00 JosephMendiola []
38 00:00 Broadhead6 [2]
0 [1]
1 00:00 Zenster []
2 00:00 Huperetch Flamp5732 []
9 00:00 bigjim-ky []
6 00:00 Spomble Phinerong1942 [2]
2 00:00 Sparks []
3 00:00 gromgoru [4]
0 [6]
1 00:00 Azad []
8 00:00 BA [1]
1 00:00 gromgoru []
17 00:00 tu3031 []
10 00:00 Frank G [2]
Page 3: Non-WoT
5 00:00 tu3031 [6]
3 00:00 Eric Jablow [8]
6 00:00 JosephMendiola [4]
9 00:00 Charles []
0 []
0 []
6 00:00 newc []
8 00:00 SteveS []
16 00:00 JosephMendiola [2]
5 00:00 jay-dubya []
1 00:00 anonymous2u [4]
10 00:00 Frank G []
3 00:00 anonymous2u []
2 00:00 Inspector Clueso [4]
5 00:00 Barbara Skolaut [2]
Page 4: Opinion
4 00:00 Eric Jablow [4]
3 00:00 Frank G [5]
3 00:00 trailing wife [3]
0 [1]
0 [1]
3 00:00 JosephMendiola [4]
0 [1]
6 00:00 Swamp Blondie []
3 00:00 trailing wife [6]
7 00:00 JosephMendiola [5]
3 00:00 Spomble Phinerong1942 [3]
9 00:00 Frank G [8]
3 00:00 BA []
8 00:00 Broadhead6 []
1 00:00 grb []
2 00:00 mhw []
19 00:00 JohnQC [2]
6 00:00 6 [4]
Page 5: Russia-Former Soviet Union
4 00:00 Frank G [1]
3 00:00 Steve White []
7 00:00 grb [3]
3 00:00 Chearong Unoper9371 [4]
2 00:00 Frank G [3]
9 00:00 trailing wife [5]
3 00:00 Broadhead6 [2]
1 00:00 Secret Master [1]
1 00:00 phil_b [1]
5 00:00 bigjim-ky [3]
Afghanistan
Afghanistan Roundup
Hattip Instapundit.

Lots of pretty pictures, maps and assorted goodies. And who knew Romanian soldiers were so pretty! Go ye, and read the whole thing. ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:23 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  TW. Thanks for the pics of the Romanian soldiers and other stuff.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 17:26 Comments || Top||


Coalition Kills 14 Afghan Militants

Coalition forces attacked a Taliban safe house and killed 14 militants Friday in eastern Afghanistan, the military said.
Killed is good
Soldiers tracked a group of militants carrying AK-47 submachine guns and rocket-propelled grenades to a compound in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province, a coalition statement said. 'The extremists were observed hiding and then coalition forces attacked them once they reached their safe house, destroying two buildings in the compound,' the coalition said.
I'm guessing airstrike
The statement said soldiers discovered the remains of 14 extremists. The nationality of the coalition soldiers was unclear. U.S. troops have been operating throughout eastern Afghanistan alongside Afghan forces since April, hunting Taliban militants and their allies in the region, which borders Pakistan.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:40 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  as Fred noted: count the ears, divide by two
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 10:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Soldiers tracked a group of militants carrying AK-47 submachine guns and rocket-propelled grenades to a compound in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province, a coalition statement said. 'The extremists were observed hiding and then coalition forces attacked them once they reached their safe house, destroying two buildings in the compound,' the coalition said.

Another case of a "safe house" being converted into an "unsafe house." Been a lot of that going on lately. :)
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 06/30/2006 10:51 Comments || Top||

#3  Another case of a "safe house" being converted into an "unsafe house."

They just looked to see who was getting the New York Times delivered.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 13:04 Comments || Top||

#4  Explains why Heks boyz got that weird sidearm miss-by-a-mil motion.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 14:52 Comments || Top||

#5  This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan, Taliban Minister of Migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States that if military
action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America's supply of convenience store managers.

And if this action does not yield sufficient results, cab drivers will be next, followed by Dell customer service reps.

It's getting ugly.
Posted by: twobyfour || 06/30/2006 15:30 Comments || Top||

#6  Hee ha ha!

I am saying to you pump 3, it is legit to make the gas!
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 15:40 Comments || Top||


3 Taliban, coalition trooper killed in Afghanistan
A coalition soldier was killed and three others injured when their vehicle hit a mine in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday, while the Afghan police killed three Taliban militants in a firefight. The foreign soldier died during a patrol on Wednesday in Nawzad district in Helmand province when their vehicle hit a mine which was probably left behind from 25 years of war, a coalition statement said. “This incident does not appear to be related to extremist activity,” the statement said, noting that millions of landmines are lying unmarked across the country. It did not give the nationality of the dead and injured but most foreign troops in Helmand are from the United States or Britain.

Suspected Taliban militants ambushed an Afghan police patrol in southern Afghanistan, sparking a firefight that left three fighters dead, a police official said on Thursday. The Afghan police were patrolling in Nad Ali district of the southern Helmand province when they were ambushed by militants late on Wednesday, said provincial police chief Ghulam Nabi Malakhail. Police returned fire, killing three militants, while one policeman was wounded in the clash, Malakhail said. Separately, two coalition soldiers were wounded after a roadside bomb struck their vehicle in the same region.

Elsewhere in Helmand, Taliban forces engaged a coalition convoy on Wednesday, wounding one coalition soldier and damaging a vehicle, said military spokesman Maj Quentin Innis. Coalition aircraft fired on Taliban positions, but no assessment had been made of Taliban losses. Another coalition vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the southern Zabul province, slightly wounding two soldiers, Innis said. The nationalities of the soldiers were not immediately released.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


2 Pakistani suicide bombers captured, says Kabul
KANDAHAR: Afghan officials said Thursday they had captured two Pakistanis who were part of a 20-member team that entered southern Afghanistan to carry out suicide attacks. Two other men from the same group were killed Wednesday when they detonated a car bomb near a US-led coalition convoy in southern Zabul province, while 16 other Pakistani nationals were still at large, a police official said.
Toldja they were probably Paks...
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Nope. Must be mistaken identity. No Pakistanis involved in the Afghan jihadi-fest.
Posted by: anymouse || 06/30/2006 1:01 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Ethiopia deploys more troops in the border with Somalia
(SomaliNet) Reports from Gedo region in southern Somalia say large number of heavy armed Ethiopian troops has again crossed into Somalia border villages – this has raised a fear about the Ethiopian military movements inside Somalia.

Confirmed reports told Somalinet thousands of Ethiopian forces have reached in Dollow village of Gedo region bordering with Ethiopia. Local residents said they could see more Ethiopian infantries in their settlement and expressed their concern over the influx of Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia. They were reported to move inner Somalia and more likely to head to Bakol and bay regions in southwest Somalia.

The military activities of the Ethiopian troops in Somalia came two days after Addis government described the new leadership of Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys as threat in horn of Africa. Ethiopia vowed to fight against any one who violates into its border and said the deployment of its troops in the boundary not meant to be incursion on Somalia.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 13:12 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Reasons for the incursion:

The border's not marked very well.

They hadda take a leak.

Looking for the new Tim Horton's.

Two for one night at Somali Holly's bordello.

We're deserting to Somalia. No, really.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 06/30/2006 14:14 Comments || Top||


Islamic militiamen conduct clearing operations in the Somalia capital
(SomaliNet) People in the Somalia capital Mogadishu heartily welcomed on Thursday the ongoing security operations by Islamic courts in the city as hopeful step towards restoring law and order in Somalia. Before the Islamic courts’ power, the capital has been in state of turmoil and chaotic created by militia of the warlords who were defeated the war raged in the capital two weeks ago.

Islamic militiamen have seized a key checkpoint on the ‘Heart junction’ in Bakara market in the capital on Wednesday from the remained militia loyal to former ousted warlord Mohamed Qanyare. It is the second checkpoint taken over by Islamic courts within a week and this makes the Islamists operations stronger. “We feel blessing and relief after the gunmen were removed from this junction, because we had problems in the traffic of the road, many thanks to Islamic courts and we urge them to continue their clearing operations in the capital,” one of the residents told Somalinet on Thursday.

When I visited this morning the area taken over by Islamic militiamen I could see that everything was in order, and well dressed Islamic fighters were arranging the private cars and other passengers’ buses on their right positions, even no car is allowed to take wrong side on the street. Before cars were in disorder. I met many local residents and they told me that they are in happy mood to see Heart junction was secure and safe.

On Monday, the Islamists captured a key position from militia loyal to former anti terror alliance member Abdi Hassan Qeybdid on the main road which links Mogadishu to other southern parts of Somalia after heavy clashes killing six people mostly civilians.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  everything was in order

Alles in Ordnung! No doubt with the proper salutes and everything. Why do so many peoples seem unable to stop halfway between violent anarchy and totalitarian overcontrol?
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 7:44 Comments || Top||

#2  well dressed Islamic fighters

Making the camels run on time.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 10:51 Comments || Top||

#3  Ah, the Iranians provided a clothing allowance.
Posted by: Fordesque || 06/30/2006 21:11 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers militants amnesty
The Saudi monarch has said that wanted Islamist insurgents who surrender will be pardoned, exactly two years after a royal amnesty was issued to lure al-Qaeda followers to turn themselves in. "In continuation of the amnesty" issued in June 2004, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has given orders to pardon militants who hand themselves in to the authorities, SPA official news agency said on Monday. "He who turns himself in will be included in the amnesty," SPA quoted the king as telling a cabinet meeting.

Just six wanted militants took up the offer of a one-month royal amnesty in 2004. Of these, only one was on the kingdom's 26-strong "most-wanted" list issued in December 2003. All six were released in November the same year. In June 2005, the Saudi authorities issued a new list of 36 most-wanted suspected militants, which included 15 inside the kingdom and 21 others abroad.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Will the magic kindom exist five years from now?
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/30/2006 0:56 Comments || Top||

#2  Sounds to mw as if they're trying to get all the head baddies in one place.

I'd be very carefull before accepting any such offer, Governments, especially Kimgdoms have a nasty habit of changing their minds suddenly and without warning, then pretending that "No such thing happened"
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/30/2006 6:20 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
Tales from the Crossfire Gazette
Top terror of Sylhet killed in crossfire
A top terrorist was killed in an encounter between Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-9) and miscreants at Alutal area, the suburb of Sylhet at 2:30 AM on Wednesday night.
Damm miscreants again. If it's not them, it's hooligans
Or communists. But never Islamicists.
Police said, acting on a tip-off RAB-9 contingent at 4 PM on Wednesday nabbed top listed terrorist of Sylhet Habi Ibne Islam alias Chomok who was also Jatiatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) cadre known as Diabetic group from topkhana area of Sylhet City.
"No sweetmeats for us, thanks. We're the Diabetic Group"
On his confession the RAB contingent took him to Alutal area on the following night to recover illegal arms.
Another late night roadtrip. Wonder if they get a milage allowance?
When they reached the spot the accomplices of Chomok attacked them with firarms. Chomok sustained bullet wound seriously while he was trying to flee from the RAB custody.
"Feet don't fail me now....Ouch, ouch! Damm, that feels serious."
RAB recovered one revolver, 2 rounds of bullet and one pipegun from the spot.

Following the incident the victim was rushed to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital where the doctors-on-duty declared him dead.
All together now: "He's dead, Jim"
At least one dozen cases including murder were filed against Chomok, Kotwali police said.
Well, he was wanted on twelve systems
Chomok was the only son of Awami League leader of Sylhet Mr Wahidul Islam Tupa, Mrs Rubi Fatema Islam, mother of Chomok is also a leader of district Awami League women's unit. They are the residents of Mira Bazar area of Sylhet city.
And very proud of their son.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:58 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  RAB-9 contingent !!!!
If that means there are 9(!) battalions of RAB, well the first word that comes to mind is "Yikes!"

That is almost a Rapid Action Division. At this rate, the place is gonna wind up like singapore.
Posted by: N guard || 06/30/2006 10:16 Comments || Top||

#2  12 Battalions
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 10:20 Comments || Top||

#3  RAB Air Wing (RAB Headquarters) << Back


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





(Director RAB Air Wing)


Name of the Wing : RAB Air Wing.

Location: RAB Forces Headquarters, Cargo Admin Building, Zia International Air Port.
12 Battalions AND an Air Wing!
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 06/30/2006 10:26 Comments || Top||

#4  You don't find RAB. RAB finds You!
Posted by: Seafarious || 06/30/2006 10:48 Comments || Top||

#5  1st RAB Div. gotta have an attached MP battalion.

/coals to NewCas Hoare to Paris
/KG V
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 10:53 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh court acquits 23 over concert bombing
A Bangladesh court on Wednesday acquitted all 23 accused in a bomb attack that killed 10 people in the country’s southwest seven years ago and ordered the case be re-investigated, court officials said. The bomb went off during an open-air music concert in the town of Jessore, 300 kilometres from Dhaka, on March 6, 1999. “The accused have been acquitted as police failed to produce any clear evidence against them,” a court official quoted judge M Abul Hossen Bepari as saying.

Bepari questioned the charges filed against the accused, saying recently detained Islamist militants had claimed involvement in the attack. “Police should re-investigate the case and file charges afresh against the real culprits with enough evidence to substantiate the charges,” a defence lawyer quoted the judge as saying.

Security officials said detained Islamist militants including Shayek Abdur Rahman, chief of the outlawed Jamaatul Mujahideen group, and Siddikul Islam Bangla Bhai, leader of another outlawed group Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, confessed during police interrogation to involvement in the concert bombing. The two Islamist groups want to turn Muslim dominated Bangladesh into a sharia-based Islamic country. In May, a court sentenced Shayek and Bangla Bhai along with five others to death by hanging for their involvement in killing two judges late last year.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Basayev gets a promotion
Shamil Basayev, the man who said he planned the 2004 Beslan school siege, was made vice president of the Chechen rebel group on Tuesday, a rebel Web site said. In a decree dated June 27 and published on Chechen rebel Web site, www.chechenpress.info, rebel leader Doku Umarov appointed Basayev - who has described himself as "a bad guy, a bandit, a terrorist," as vice president.

Basayev, Russia's most wanted man for a series of deadly attacks against civilians and soldiers, was previously first deputy prime minister of the separatist government. Pro-Chechen gunmen seized the Beslan school on the morning of September 1, 2004, the first day of the Russian school year. The siege ended when Russian troops stormed the school. More than half of the 331 people who died were children. Basayev, whose foot was blown off by a in 2000, has said he organised the Beslan attack. He has been behind dozens of other attacks, often killing Russian civilians.
Posted by: Seafarious || 06/30/2006 14:42 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  That Pooty sure knows how to round 'em up and teach 'em a lesson.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 14:48 Comments || Top||

#2  I'd love to see that piece of shit put down.
Posted by: JerseyMike || 06/30/2006 16:06 Comments || Top||

#3  They have "vice presidents?" Sounds very corporate.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 16:08 Comments || Top||

#4  JohnQC They have "vice presidents?" Sounds very corporate.

YEP it's an Islamo Hadith invention thingy: normative animal practices/husbandry structure; prescribed by ole farty himself, Muhammad.

Posted by: RD || 06/30/2006 21:14 Comments || Top||

#5  I thought about posting about this, but I couldn't remember whether Basayev is supposed to be alive or dead this week.

I think next month he's supposed to be revealed as Magneto's long lost cousin-in-law.
Posted by: Phil || 06/30/2006 23:24 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Sears Tower Plotters Sought To Overthrow US Government
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Line forms to the left.
Posted by: FOTSGreg || 06/30/2006 14:13 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  And get in line behind the rest of the Democrats moonbats.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 14:47 Comments || Top||

#2  Sounds like these shitbags came out of the same sewer as "Field Marshal Cinque" and his "Symbionese Liberation Army" (remember the Patty Hearst kidnapping?).

Posted by: Dave D. || 06/30/2006 15:15 Comments || Top||

#3  remember, now, dissent is the highest form of patriotism, and so that makes these guys the true Minutemen and patriots.

/moonbat
Posted by: Mike || 06/30/2006 15:21 Comments || Top||

#4  Juz poor, misguided kidz who need group hugs
Posted by: Captain America || 06/30/2006 15:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Juz poor, misguided kidz who need group hugs

When they go to jail, I'm sure they'll get very tight group hugs, allright.
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 06/30/2006 16:09 Comments || Top||

#6  Apparently someone else is singing link

A mystery man has emerged in the Miami terror case involving seven men allegedly plotting against Chicago's Sears Tower and sites in Florida. The man known as Sultan Khanbey, 51, for a time mentor for Narseal Batiste, leader of the group, is reportedly providing prosecutors with an inside view of the alleged terror organization, the Miami Herald says.

Khanbey, who was born Charles Stewart, entered the picture in early April, and became close to Batiste but a rift reportedly developed, leading to at least one gunshot in their Liberty City headquarters, the newspaper report said. Khanbey, rather than face a lengthy prison term, began working with authorities.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:11 Comments || Top||

#7  I'd be surprised if these boneheads could even find Chicago. These 7 were planning to launch an all-out-ground war on the U.S.?
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 17:12 Comments || Top||

#8  but a rift reportedly developed, leading to at least one gunshot in their Liberty City headquarters

Guess he holds a grudge
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 17:12 Comments || Top||

#9  #7: "These 7 were planning to launch an all-out-ground war on the U.S.?"

Just think of them as rabid islamic chihuahuas. They don't realize they're lunch. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 17:19 Comments || Top||

#10  Yet more evidencia/indicia that between now and Year 2015-2020, the name of the game for the Commies and anti-Amer agendists is PC destabilization, factionalism-sectarianism, dysfunctionalism, anarchy and mayhem disguised under feel-good, national populist labels of SAFETY, SECURITY, ACCOUNTABILITY and RESPONSIBILITY, ETAL. aka CREEPING/GRADUAL SOCIALISM-COMMUNISM-TOTALITARIANISM/ABSOLUTISM, inclcuding but limited to POLITICAL ASSASSINATION + COUP D'ETAT = DECAPITATION STRIKES disguised as "JUSTIFIED/REACYIONARY" [anti-US-GOP-Bush] TERROR STRIKES/EVENTS.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/30/2006 21:44 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
8 Suspected Militants Killed in Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India (AP) -- At least eight suspected Islamic militants trying to cross into India's portion of disputed Kashmir from the Pakistani side were killed during a gunbattle early Friday, army and police officials said. The armed men had cut through a barbed-wire fence marking the frontier of the divided Himalayan territory and were moving into Indian Kashmir when they were spotted by an army patrol, said Col. H. Juneja, an Indian army spokesman.

The men were spotted in Kashmir's Keran section, a rugged mountainous area about 70 miles north of Srinagar, the summer capital of India's Jammu-Kashmir state. "The militants opened fire when they were challenged and a six-hour-long gunbattle ensued," Juneja said. "We have found eight bodies and a cache of arms and ammunition."

Police were trying to establish the identities of the dead men and the militant group they belonged to, said Vijay Kumar, superintendent of police. A search was under way to see if any more militants had been killed in the gunfight, he added.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:47 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:


Nuggets from the Urdu press
Punished for marrying, after 33 years
According to Jang a Christian couple who married 33 years ago was punished by a sessions judge of Lahore to 4 years in jail, 30 whiplashes each and 20 thousand rupees each in the year 2002. This was done under Islamic law on the accusation of another Christian Niamat Masih who was trying to get the couple convicted by alleging that the wife of Fazal Masih, Seema was actually married to him, but till 2002 he could not produce any proof. In 2002 however the sessions judge punished the old couple after 33 years of marriage. The Shariat Court finally let them off after a four-year ordeal.

Amir Cheema in heaven
Lyrical columnist Irfan Siddiqi wrote in Nawa-e-Waqt that he had heard Prof Nazir, the father of the martyr of Germany Amir Cheema, narrate his true dream. Fountains of light (noor) had burst forth in all directions as the sacred gathering became visible. It was announced that the Companions had arrived. Then it was declared that Prophet Muhammad PBUH himself was seated in the vicinity but his face could not be seen. Then the voice of the Prophet PBUH was heard saying Amir Cheema is coming! (Amir aa raha hai). The Companions stood up in respect and started looking in one direction. Then the voice of the Prophet PBUH said: “Hasan and Husain, look who I am sending to you, look after him.”

Where is Hayat Sherpao’s wife?
Quoted in daily Pakistan ex-chief minister of NWFP and a close associate of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Nasrullah Khattak said that Hayat Khan Sherpao was murdered in Peshawar but his case was never resolved. He said Sherpao had a wife and a daughter but both had disappeared after his death. They had considerable property but nobody knew their whereabouts.

Child becomes miracle healer
According to Khabrain a six year old child Shehbaz in Pasrur suddenly became a faith healer when he put his hand on his mother’s breast and she was cured of her cancer. His father Sabir Ali declared him a saint and the child started healing by spitting into bottles of water which the patients later drank. The daily income from this healing climbed to Rs 20,000. His relatives put a toll tax on the road in the neighbourhood and started becoming rich too. The police looked the other way after taking their cut. The boy was a boon to Pasrur.

All rulers are ‘security risk’
Columnist Khurshid Nadeem stated in Jang that in the 20th century the idea of the nation-state focused all attention on the ruler and Pakistanis believe that if their lives were not happy the ruler was to blame. In succession, Ms Bhutto (when she received Rajiv Gandhi), Nawaz Sharif (when he received Vajpayee) and now Musharraf (for normalisation) were declared a risk to the security of Pakistan. After the rulers were removed, their names were cleared of the blot and they were dubbed great patriots.

Shadows over the Charter
According to Khabrain, the signing of the Charter for Democracy in London was delayed by several hours because of difference of opinion on the following points. Mr Sharif objected severely to going to the house of Mr Rehman Malik, the ex-FIA boss who had personally arrested his father under Ms Bhutto’s government. Later his ‘leaks’ from London had made his government’s life difficult after the 1997 election. Ms Bhutto did not give ground and demanded instead that the cases made by his Ehtesab Bureau chief Saifur Rehman be formally repudiated by Mr Sharif. Mr Sharif refused that too as that would make Saifur Rehman liable to legal proceedings for false prosecution. Mr Nawaz Sharif was of the view that if the two big parties were not ready to announce a joint struggle and fighting the next election as an alliance, it was no use signing the Charter. To this Ms Bhutto replied that time was ripe neither for a joint struggle nor for an electoral alliance. On this Mr Sharif accused the PPP of making secret contacts with General Musharraf to conclude a deal, and would have refused to sign had not some senior partymen from both sides pointed out that not signing would bring negative publicity to both the leaders and would result in a falling popularity graph for them. It was finally decided to sign without prejudice to the different positions the two sides held on the current political situation.

Musharraf requested Qazi’s ‘dharna’
Columnist Nazeer Naji wrote in Jang that Nawaz Sharif and Benazir by boycotting the 2007 election if Musharraf remained in charge, would leave the field open to the clergy of the MMA. But there was a chance that Nawaz and Benazir would take part in election since the 17th Amendment debars them only from becoming prime ministers. Musharraf had judged the situation and had asked Qazi Hussain Ahmad to do his dharna in September so that election 2007 could be postponed and foreign powers made to accept him as ruler for many more years.

Amir Cheema in Germany
Writing in Nawa-e-Waqt Irfan Siddiqi stated that when shaheed Amir Cheema was studying in Germany and living in the house of his cousin (mamoon-zad) it was noted that he had taken to saying his namaz very regularly. In the past he was not given to saying his namaz regularly. They had noted the change in his personality after his arrival in Germany. He was also keen about going to the local mosque and saying his prayers there. On the day the Muslims of Germany were protesting blasphemy in front of the offices of Die Welt he did not go with the procession but went to the mosque instead to say his Friday congregational prayer. He kept asking about the protest and looked changed in his demeanour.

Sacred light falls on Amir Cheema’s grave!
Writing in Nawa-e-Waqt Haroon-ur Rasheed stated that sacred light will fall on the grave of Amir Shaheed who stabbed the editor of Die Welt in Germany. The people who came to his burial were not fanatical clerics but supporters of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir. They were all filled with the love of the Prophet PBUH but it was a tragedy that on the day of elections they preferred to look to the United States and not Allah.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The daily income from this healing climbed to Rs 20,000. His relatives put a toll tax on the road in the neighbourhood and started becoming rich too. The police looked the other way after taking their cut.

And here I am investing in bonds and GICs like an idiot.
Posted by: Theath Sheretle2555 || 06/30/2006 0:30 Comments || Top||

#2  They had noted the change in his personality after his arrival in Germany.

It's the beer and pork hok. You get used to it.
Posted by: Theath Sheretle2555 || 06/30/2006 0:32 Comments || Top||

#3  So what would the "Shariat Court" have to say about a "Mexican Divorce"?
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 0:49 Comments || Top||

#4  Anybody wonder why it's so hard to talk sense into some of these people?
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 4:54 Comments || Top||

#5  Amir aa raha hai
I live and die for old Paki High!
Amir aa raha hoo
We won't let the infidel go!
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 5:26 Comments || Top||


Two killed, five injured in tribal festivities
QUETTA: Two people were killed and five injured in a tribal clash in Naseerabad district on Wednesday. The Magasi and Jamali tribes clashed in the Ghot Baba area over an old feud and exchanged fire for several hours that killed two people - Haji Khan Magasi and Ali Bakhsh - and injured five others from both sides.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  In the midst of the festivities, one could hear "Stop, you guys are killing me"
Posted by: Captain America || 06/30/2006 0:43 Comments || Top||


Two gas pipelines blown up
QUETTA: Two gas pipelines were blown up in Balochistan on Wednesday. Suspected militants blew up a gas pipeline in the Pat Feeder locality of Dera Bugti district, disrupting gas supplies to many areas of Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab. “A 30-inch diameter pipeline, which supplies gas to Sialkot, Shakarpur and Karachi, was blown up with explosives on Wednesday morning,” sources told Daily Times, adding that gas supply to Karachi was restored immediately and repair work was in progress. Separately, militants blew up a 14-inch diameter gas pipeline in the Sui Nala area of Sui district on Wednesday. No further details were available about the blast.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Popcorn
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/30/2006 0:54 Comments || Top||


Alleged LeT Terrorist Arrested
Bombay’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested terror suspect Samad Khan on Tuesday night as he left the Howrah-Kurla Express at Manmad railway station in the district of Nashik. Police also found on him a quantity of gelatin sticks and detonators. Samad appeared before a court, which remanded him in ATS police custody till July 10 and is the 15th person to be arrested in relation to the Aurangabad and Manmad explosive case.

The ATS had been looking for him after they seized a huge quantity of explosives from a group of alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Aurangabad and Manmad. Samad is a resident of Beed district in Marathwada region and was working as a fabricator before joining the terrorist outfit. During initial interrogation by the ATS officials, the accused said that he had gone to Bangaldesh via Calcutta to generate funds to pay for legal expenses for the members of the terrorist group who were arrested by the ATS last month in Aurangabad. The accused further disclosed that in Bangladesh he was provided more training in handling sophisticated arms and preparing explosives.

On completion of the training he was provided enough cash to meet the legal expenses of the arrested alleged LeT terrorists and was also provided gelatin sticks and detonators to create blasts in some sensitive districts of Maharashtra. ATS chief K.P. Raghuvanshi said that the Maharashtra police had succeeded in destroying the hub of terrorists in the state and that the ATS is still investigating LeT links in other parts of the country.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


23 desert Akbar Bugti
Three commanders loyal to Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and 20 of their companions surrendered their weapons to the provincial authorities on Thursday. The commanders who surrendered include Bangan Khan Bugti, Saeed Khan Bugti and Neyal Khan Bugti. “Nawab Akbar Bugti exploited us. We were ordered to carry out terrorist attacks against innocent civilians in the name of Baloch rights. We have also attacked national installations, but now we have realised that Akbar Bugti is fighting for his own interests,” Bangan Khan of the Raheeja clan of the Bugti tribe told reporters at a press conference. Bangan claimed that he was the second-in-command of Akbar Bugti’s guerrilla forces.

Bangan said that no one but Akbar Bugti himself was responsible for the backwardness of his area and the people living in his town. He added that anyone opposing Akbar Bugti’s policies was detained and tortured in private jails. Bangan claimed that he had spent most of his life with Akbar Bugti and had found out that all subversive activities in the area were being carried out on Akbar Bugti’s orders.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  splitters!
Posted by: Sheter Omineth1622 || 06/30/2006 12:17 Comments || Top||


ATC acquits suspect in US consulate bombing
KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court acquitted a man on Thursday suspected of involvement in a 2002 car bombing outside the US consulate in Karachi that killed 14 people, lawyers said. But Naveedul Hassan will remain in custody until he faces court on July 5 on charges of involvement in a failed 2002 assassination attempt on President General Pervez Musharraf in Karachi. The ATC exonerated Hassan in the consulate bombing because the prosecution "failed to prove his crime," said the defendant's counsel, Samiullah.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq
U.S. Troops Accused of Killing Iraq Family (AGAIN)
BEIJI, Iraq -- Five U.S. Army soldiers are being investigated for allegedly raping a young woman, then killing her and three members of her family in Iraq, a U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Friday.

The soldiers also allegedly burned the body of the woman they are accused of raping.

Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of coalition troops in Baghdad, had ordered a criminal investigation into the alleged killing of a family of four in Mahmoudiya, south of Baghdad, the U.S. command said. It did not elaborate.

"The entire investigation will encompass everything that could have happened that evening. We're not releasing any specifics of an ongoing investigation," said military spokesman Maj. Todd Breasseale.

"There is no indication what led soldiers to this home. The investigation just cracked open. We're just beginning to dig into the details."

However, a U.S. official close to the investigation said at least one of the soldiers, all assigned to the 502nd Infantry Regiment, has admitted his role and has been arrested. Two soldiers from the same regiment were slain this month when they were kidnapped at a checkpoint near Youssifiyah.

At least four other soldiers have had their weapons taken away and are confined to Forward Operating Base Mahmoudiyah south of Baghdad. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

The official said the killings appear to be unrelated to the kidnappings but that a soldier felt compelled to report the killings after his fellow soldiers' bodies were found.

The killings appeared to have been a "crime of opportunity," the official said. The soldiers had not been attacked by insurgents but had noticed the woman on previous patrols.
Posted by: growler || 06/30/2006 13:41 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Is it me, or does this not make sense? Why would American troops burn a body, even if they had -- which I find highly doubtful -- abused her first? This sounds more the behaviour of the various parties of bad guys roaming the area.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 14:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Applying common sense and the (now lost) standards from the past in times of war, I find reporting unattributed quotes and unverified data out of context in such an important matter simply reprehensible. Allow the investigation to proceed without your drumbeat of anti-Americanism, assholes. The confidence in our military is their target - and they've become unrelenting in their bias and craven attempts to undermine it.

WaPo. NYT. Same shit, just different approaches. I used to reserve hate for very personal and very grievous offenses. These media outlets are attacking America in every manner they can dream up, putting us all at risk, however. I see little or no difference between them and other enemies of freedom, now. The offenses are, indeed, grievous - and now I'm learning to hate on the same scale they do.
Posted by: Ulavins Clolurt4578 || 06/30/2006 14:21 Comments || Top||

#3  Many innocent Irakis have been tranformed into Newts.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 15:04 Comments || Top||

#4  Is it my imagination, or have we seen more of these (AM) after Murtha- talking about Hadifa?
Posted by: plainslow || 06/30/2006 15:11 Comments || Top||

#5  It's bad when you have to fight a hostile, insurgent press as well as terrorists.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 15:59 Comments || Top||

#6  Minutemen, John, they're minutemen.
Posted by: Seafarious || 06/30/2006 16:01 Comments || Top||

#7  Seafarious - re: "minutemen"... How about "spinitmen", instead? :)
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 16:15 Comments || Top||

#8  "Hey, what are you guys doing?"

"Oh, just inconspicuously burning a body. Want to help?"
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 16:27 Comments || Top||

#9  If true, it's pretty horrible if they watched this girl for a while, planned this, and then raped and murdered her and her family to hide it. I truly hope the soldiers aren't responsible; it would be beyond depressing.
Posted by: sludge || 06/30/2006 20:18 Comments || Top||

#10  and beyond comprehension. Jeez, the "Iraqis" would have no reason to lie, would they? Perhaps it was an "honor killing" and they wanna collect from the Gringos like every other Iraqi who's had their hands out
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 21:03 Comments || Top||

#11  If true, this is an ugly, ugly situation. The premeditation part is especially disturbing. If they're charged, tried and convicted, the punishment must be severe ... for the sake of everyone afffected, including the rest of our military. I would favor execution, but agree with my wife that they should receive no harsher treatment than the terrorists at Gitmo.
Posted by: ghostcat || 06/30/2006 21:05 Comments || Top||

#12  Very disturbing story. Very bizarre story. Waiting for facts to come out.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble2412 || 06/30/2006 21:07 Comments || Top||

#13  Frank G,

If this is a lie created by Iraqis, it is one thing, but according to the article, one soldier confessed. I'm hoping Washington Post is misinformed (I am being too nice here of course). But it's too early to dismiss this as fabricated.
Posted by: sludge || 06/30/2006 21:55 Comments || Top||

#14  I agree... wait til the evidence is in
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 22:30 Comments || Top||

#15  The current story is that one soldier has confessed to knowledge of the incident (both pre and post) and a second has confessed to participating. (Probably "standing guard", but that's total speculation on my part.) The AP reporter who broke the story was an embed with the unit. Interestingly, the two soldiers who were subsequently captured, "tried" and butchered in that neighborhood were from the same platoon.
Posted by: ghostcat || 06/30/2006 22:34 Comments || Top||


Russia Puts Bounty on Iraq Killers
Russia offered a $10 million reward Friday for information on the killers of five Russian Embassy staff workers in Iraq, according to a report. The offer came two days after President Vladimir Putin ordered special services to hunt down and 'destroy' those responsible for the deaths. The slayings shocked Russia and prompted an angry outcry against the U.S.-led coalition.

Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday that four Russians seized in early June had been killed. A videotape purported to show the deaths of some. A fifth staffer was slain during the abduction. The kidnappers had demanded the Kremlin pull its troops out of Chechnya, a predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia where separatists have been fighting for independence.

'For information which will lead to the result being achieved, the National Anti-terrorist Committee of the Russian Federation will pay a reward of $10 million,' the head of the Federal Security Service, Nikolai Patrushev, according to the RIA-Novosti news agency.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:45 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Send in "Dog" the Bounty Hunter.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||

#2  I wonder what the odds are of Russians ever paying a bounty? I know the Brits had a fine tradition of welching on such debts, and the French, meh! But Russians?

In fact, that is one thing about Americans that always unnerves everybody else: if at all possible they always pay their debts. Downright unnatural.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 06/30/2006 10:03 Comments || Top||

#3  know the Brits had a fine tradition of welching on such debts

Good heavens when did that happen?
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 10:56 Comments || Top||

#4  I think if the Russians get ahold of these guys they won't be wringing their hands on how to treat them. My advice to the killers: get your ass to 229 West 43rd Street, New York City, ask for Bill.
Posted by: vietvet68 || 06/30/2006 10:59 Comments || Top||

#5  Fuck Russia. They don't give a shit about anything other than their own immediate self-interests. If they do something that happens to overlap with our interests, it is mere coincidence. Extend this fact: They have never, not once since the dawn of their existence, intentionally acted as an honest broker or a force for the greater good. There are individual exceptions within their population, of course... those that emigrate. Those we welcome. Those that remain and support the likes of Putin, fuck 'em.
Posted by: Therelet Jush9759 || 06/30/2006 12:29 Comments || Top||

#6  By 2050, by Russian officios own publicly reported statements, if nothing changes Russia's population will be less than half of America's current population, and getting smaller. The Chicoms andor any surreal future Iranian Shia Revolutionary Empire won't even have to invade becuz there'll be no Russians or not enough Russians to resist takeover. The future contemporary descendants of the Germanic-Nordic peoples whom gave Russia its name will have to rename the area SINOASIA = ISLAMASIA, etc. All the warrior-leader, competitive, innovation and progress-building Clintonian Russki Male Brutes are dying between ages 40-50, leaving Russian society to women, the elderly, and masses upon mases of emotionalist youths the former can't control, or more importantly $$$ or materially support.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/30/2006 22:27 Comments || Top||


Sunni rebels reject deal as bin Laden vows jihad in Iraq
BAGHDAD (AFP) - A Sunni Arab leader has said insurgents have rejected the Iraqi prime minister's reconciliation plan, as Al-Qaeda supremo I didn't use that word! Not me! Osama bin Laden vowed that the jihad would press on until victory.

"This initiative is a campaign of public relations for the government," Muthana Hareth al-Dhari, a leader from the influential Sunni Arab Muslim Scholars Association, told AFP.

Dhari said the reconciliation plan unveiled on Sunday by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki aimed at stemming the sectarian violence ravaging Iraq's Sunni and Shiite communities was "meaningless because he has excluded everyone". Everyone?

It also aims to encourage die-hard Sunni Arabs like Dhari who refuse to accept the rise to power of the long-oppressed Shiites to abandon their sympathies for armed struggle and join the political process. Maliki has said he would only pardon those detainees held in US and Iraqi prisons who have committed no violent crimes and stressed there would be no amnesty to those who killed foreign troops, journalists or innocent Iraqis.

More than 2,500 detainees have been freed this month from US and Iraqi prisons as part of the plan. Adding to the confusion over his initiative, Maliki said Wednesday he had been contacted by insurgent groups willing to lay down their weapons and he would engage them in dialogue directly or through other government officials.

The announcement was hailed by state-owned Iraqiya television and the government-owned Al-Sabah newspaper.

They even named the purported insurgent groups which approached Maliki and claimed that tribal leaders from the rebel stronghold of Ramadi in Al-Anbar province of western Iraq were acting as go-betweens.

"Neither the principal armed groups of resistance nor political organisations like ours have accepted this plan which ignores a timetable for the withdrawal of (foreign) troops," said Dhari.

"Nobody knows the so-called organisations mentioned in the government mouthpiece Al-Sabah and the armed groups mentioned are also unknown." Are they part of the 'everyone' excluded by Maliki?

Dhari said the main Sunni groups which rejected the proposal were the Brigades of 1920 Revolution, the Rashedeen Army, Islamic Movement of Iraqi Mujahedeen, United Iraqi Jihadist People, and Jaish al-Mujahedeen. The plan was also rejected Tuesday by an eight-member coalition of militant groups in Iraq led by Al-Qaeda according to a statement posted on the Internet.

And on Friday an Internet-posted voice message purported to be from bin Laden paid tribute to the network's leader in Iraq, Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who was killed in a US air strike on June 7. "We will keep up our fight to bleed your money dry, kill your men and so that (your forces) go home defeated, as we defeated you in Somalia," bin Laden told US President George W. Bush.

"The banner (of jihad holy war) has not fallen. It will be picked up by another lion of Islam," he said in the message whose authenticity could not be immediately confirmed.

Posted by: Bobby || 06/30/2006 06:29 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Wouldn't it have been better to free the 2500 AFTER everyone agreed to the plan?
Posted by: HV || 06/30/2006 10:06 Comments || Top||

#2  The Lions of Islam are starting to get a little mangy. Probably comes from inbreeding and not enough sunlight. This is another case of someone trying to speak for "everyone" without defining who that might be. And since Sunni Arab Muslim Scholars don't study anything except the Koran and bombmaking manuals, he shouldn't really carry any weight at all. He may wind up like Al Gore leading a one-man parade.
Posted by: RWV || 06/30/2006 10:06 Comments || Top||

#3  Keep sending them, the Iraqi SF/IP/Army and Coalition forces will keep hunting them down killing them like the dogs they are.

Osama, you're going to run out of volunteers long before we run out of bullets.
Posted by: Oldspook || 06/30/2006 10:54 Comments || Top||

#4  Oh one more thing Osama: Bush is not Clinton, and Iraq is not Somalia. But you jsut go right on believing it until we can kill off all the people stupid enough to follow you.
Posted by: Oldspook || 06/30/2006 10:55 Comments || Top||

#5  Your #3 and #4 sum it up perfectly, Oldspook.
Posted by: Therelet Jush9759 || 06/30/2006 12:32 Comments || Top||

#6  LOL Somolia comment always cracks me up however it's sad we left the country after the 18 died, I bet we looked like major pu&&ies. Thanks Bill!
Posted by: Jesing Ebbease3087 || 06/30/2006 13:01 Comments || Top||

#7  "We will keep up our fight to bleed your money dry, kill your men and so that (your forces) go home defeated, as we defeated you in Somalia," bin Laden told US President George W. Bush.

Bin Laden is right. The US is spending more than $400 billion a year (increased military, homeland security and imports) fighting people who are spending less than $100 million a year, of which the west is paying. That's a very successful strategy. In the end, the US will leave the region with little or nothing to show for it. Instead, the WOT is the best thing to have happened to muslim power and wealth since invading and plundering South Asia. One thing the muslims do very well is take over, seize wealth and colonize. That has always been the path to victory and something Americans have forgotten. Saudi Arabia alone wll get $200 billion this year from oil. Take it and buy a lot of payback with it.
Posted by: ed || 06/30/2006 13:02 Comments || Top||

#8  ed - Are you a sponsor of The Republic of Eastern Arabia?
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 13:16 Comments || Top||

#9  Gee Ed if this is true, " One thing the muslims do very well is take over, seize wealth and colonize. ", they sure are a bunch of poverty stricken losers. Oh well, guess you're right we should just give up now and convert.....Oh wait a minute, I forgot the other option....we'll leave now AND NUKE THE S*** OUT OF THE WHOLE HOLE. Let's see how good they are at colonizing then, hmmm?
Posted by: AlanC || 06/30/2006 15:06 Comments || Top||

#10  Odd, are you familiar with the area Anon6228? It's an interesting locale about 15 km wide..... Shia I hear. Lottsa oil....
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 15:06 Comments || Top||

#11  Odd? Why is that, 6? I read about it here, several times in fact. Is it supposed to be a secret? Lol, if so then Rantburg is more similar to the Senate Intelligence Committee in closed-door session than I thought. :)
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 15:21 Comments || Top||

#12  the reconciliation/negotiation process was always bound to be tough. After all, this region is the home of the bazaar, the rug dealer, where nothing is "fixed price" Its hard to see how Maliki can limit amnesty only to guys whove never pulled a trigger, but OTOH as a FIRST offer it makes sense - "you WANT amnesty for guys whove only fired at Americans, well, look, this is hard for me to deliver, even frigging Russ Feingold doesnt like it, youre gonna have to give on something else" Similarly its hard to see how the govt can commit to a hard timetable for withdrawing US troops, when a big chunk of the insurgents (the AQ chunk) is not gonna come in from the cold under any circumstances. And isnt beaten. Yet. But as an opening position for the Baathists, it makes sense. Look at how long it took to form a govt - negotiating with the insurgents will be tougher. And the fact that theres anywhere from a dozen to two dozen insurgent groups makes it even more complex.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/30/2006 15:48 Comments || Top||

#13  Lock n' load
Posted by: Captain America || 06/30/2006 15:57 Comments || Top||

#14  Is it supposed to be a secret?

Hardly, the notion seems to be spreading. It's just odd than an Angomoper would pick up on it so quickly.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 16:24 Comments || Top||

#15  "so quickly" -- Now that qualifies as odd. Know every poster at Rantburg do you? I am on a work PC and have to use a proxy to even get to Rantburg, much less post.
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 16:35 Comments || Top||

#16  Angomopers not having the natural advantage of Spembles, is that what you're hinting at, 6? ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:37 Comments || Top||

#17  6 is teasing you, Angomoper Hupoluth6228. At one point Fred's name generator came up with a series of Spembles, of which dear Nimble Spemble is the only remaining member, and 6 discovered and interesting sheaf of traits they shared in common. Dear 6 can also be unexpectedly and dangerously whimsical, for which we try to make allowances. ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:42 Comments || Top||

#18  Will Karen Hughes teach us how to say "we'll kill all the Islamofascist pigs you send our way, Osama" in Arabic?
Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever) || 06/30/2006 17:03 Comments || Top||

#19  So are you coming down to Iraq for the big jihadi party, Binny?
Yeah, I didn't think so...
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/30/2006 22:00 Comments || Top||

#20  Been Laden?

He's dead, Wilbur.
Posted by: mrp || 06/30/2006 22:11 Comments || Top||

#21  Bin Hiding
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 22:34 Comments || Top||


Three Terror Suspect (sic) Killed in Iraq Fighting
Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition forces clashed with insurgents during a raid on a village northeast of Baghdad, killing three terror suspects and wounding three others, the military said Friday. Terror suspects? You mean they were killed without having their Miranda rights read to them? Is this a positive step? Getting 'terror' into the headline, or negative, since they are now suspects? The American and Iraqi soldiers were called in after Iraqi police came under fire from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades while trying to enter the village of Daliqiya near Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad.

The coalition forces, backed by air support, chased the insurgents into a house, engaging in a fierce gunbattle that left three fighters dead and three wounded, the military said, adding that four other suspects were detained. "Coalition forces are currently conducting a thorough search of the village in an attempt to identify any other anti-Iraqi forces in the area," spokesman Sgt. Doug Anderson said in a statement.

The U.S. military has staged several raids in the area since al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed there earlier this month and said Thursday it has gained an advantage Oooohhhh....an advantage! in the fight against the terror network.

Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, spokesman for U.S. forces in Iraq, acknowledged Iraqi civilians were suffering most from the insurgency, accounting for 70 percent of all deaths and injuries, while the number of U.S. casualties did not appear to be on the rise.

But he said the Americans gained momentum in their fight against al-Qaida in Iraq after killing al-Zarqawi, and have devoted a lot of resources to targeting his successor as leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri. "There is no question, if we can take him down, that will just disrupt the organization ... to the point where it would be ineffective for a long period of time," Caldwell said. "It is very disorganized right now. And it is very disrupted right now."

He said coalition and Iraqi security forces had captured or killed 57 foreign fighters this month. "The reason we were able to pick up and track some of these mid-level people ... in the last few weeks is because they've been forced to conduct meetings, to get out and be more visible, because their system has been so disrupted," he said. "And that has given us the opportunities to find them, track them and go get them."

Posted by: Bobby || 06/30/2006 06:18 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  was this before or after the SCOTUS siad GITMO detainees couldn't be tried, so the boots on the ground ar ensuring that the trials won't be needed? "We jes' following da rules, sir."
Posted by: USN, ret. || 06/30/2006 14:17 Comments || Top||


Nine Bodies of Executed Iraqis Found in Rivers
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where many of Iraq’s victims of insurgent and sectarian violence are dumped, yielded grisly new finds yesterday as police fished out at least nine bodies, all tortured and shot. Seven bodies were pulled from the Tigris River near Suwayra southeast of Baghdad. All were men in civilian clothes. They were blindfolded, had gunshot wounds and showed signs of torture, a trademark of the communal bloodshed. Police said it was impossible to identify the men — the river and scorching summer heat had left their bodies bloated and disfigured. They were being sent to the local morgue to await relatives looking for missing loved ones.

About 60 km west of Suwayra, police in the town of Mussayab retrieved two bodies yesterday from the Euphrates. The victims had also been shot and tortured.

The Tigris has been giving up other victims of Iraq’s violence in the past few days. The Ministry of Industry said 11 bodies from a group of 34 factory workers abducted north of Baghdad last week had been found, most floating in the Tigris.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
The Land Of Two Rivers with floating corpses

Posted by: RD || 06/30/2006 2:36 Comments || Top||

#2  More advanced countries use concrete to weight the bodies down and prevent this embarassing problem.
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/30/2006 7:50 Comments || Top||

#3  I would've thought dead, bloated bodies would pollute the drinking water, but I guess I'm overfastidious that way... the tea takes on a funny flavour if the water isn't pure.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 10:13 Comments || Top||

#4  Why is it that whenever I hear the word "Islam" I want to vomit ???
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/30/2006 10:39 Comments || Top||

#5  TW gets my vote for understated, snarky comment of the week.
Posted by: Steve White || 06/30/2006 11:46 Comments || Top||

#6  I guess that retires the trophy Doc.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 13:10 Comments || Top||

#7 
"Why is it that whenever I hear the word "Islam" I want to vomit ???"

It's all just a meme, or so I have been told.

-M
Posted by: Manolo || 06/30/2006 13:37 Comments || Top||

#8  Is the NKVD/OVRA/KGB at it already in their intrepid hunt for the insurgents that did in their embassy guys?

Shot and Tortured? Or Tortured and shot? Make up your mind. Torture first to get them to talk..then do a mercy killing.

If they were shot at the base of the skull,it was the KGB.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 06/30/2006 15:16 Comments || Top||


Iraqi army arrests 52 militants, to take over the security file in Mosul
(KUNA) -- The Iraqi Defense Ministry unveiled in a statement released Thursday that 52 militants were arrested, including a Syrian, in various Iraqi areas. It said the 6th and 9th army brigades arrested 15 militants here, 32 in Mosul and three others including one Syrian in Ramadi. Two others were arrested in the central operations sector in South Iraq. Meanwhile Mosul's governor Dureid Kashmulah said that the Iraqi security will take over in full later today the security file in Mosul, north Iraq.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Five people dead in Iraq suicide bombing
(KUNA) -- Five people were killed and more than 35 others were injured when a suicide car bomber struck into a funeral service in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Thursday, police said. The service in the oil-rich city was in memory of a Shiite army officer who had been stabbed to death on Tuesday, the police source told KUNA.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They work so hard to bring people round to their cause... by ramming car bombs into funeral processions.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 7:54 Comments || Top||

#2  A trick they learned from protestors who attend the hometown funerals of GI's killed in the GWOT. They've just.... kicked it up a notch. Monkey see, monkey ... well you know.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/30/2006 7:59 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Militants demand Israel free 1,000 prisoners
Three Palestinian militant groups that captured an Israeli soldier demanded in a statement on Saturday that Israel free 1,000 Arab prisoners held in its jails and end its offensive.

The document titled "Military Statement Number Two", which was faxed to news agencies, did not specify whether the demands were for the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit.

But a spokesman for the military wing of the governing Hamas group, one of the three factions, said they were conditions for freeing Shalit.
Posted by: ryuge || 06/30/2006 19:55 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Three groups that captured a soldier? Three? One soldier? It takes three Palestinian militant groups to capture one Israeli soldier, and one Israeli soldier is worth 1,000 Arabs. I would have never guessed that these guys would admit to such a self-esteem problem.
Posted by: Darrell || 06/30/2006 20:05 Comments || Top||

#2  Division of labor is the key to large scale efficient industrial activity. You've got the al-Aksa tunnelling brigade, the al-Quds Snatch unit and the Hamas Baby Sitting & Public Relations Troop.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 20:09 Comments || Top||

#3  One Israeli is worth a thousand arabs, but in this case I'd say no.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 06/30/2006 20:19 Comments || Top||

#4  Did the *ahem* Militants stipulate in their demands if they required the 1000 prisoners in Israeli prisons be alive when they are repatriated? I see some middle ground here in the negotiations.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 20:29 Comments || Top||

#5  Maybe we should send you over to handle it, Alaska Paul -- do you speak Arabic? ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 20:44 Comments || Top||

#6  I would have never guessed that these guys would admit to such a self-esteem problem.

low self esteem and incompetence: a deadly combination
Posted by: PlanetDan || 06/30/2006 20:57 Comments || Top||

#7  Yup...I like AP's idea. How about 1000 body bags?
Posted by: anymouse || 06/30/2006 20:58 Comments || Top||

#8  dropped from 5000 ft
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 21:00 Comments || Top||

#9  If Shalit is dead, Israel should take them at their word: line up 1,000 Paleo-terrorists and execute them.

Then announce that the same procedure will be repeated every time they attack Israel. And immediately execute another 1,000 terrorists for teenager Eliahu who was kidnapped and murdered this week.
Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever) || 06/30/2006 21:11 Comments || Top||

#10  Trailing wife---I don't speak arabic, but I am beginning to really understand how their switchboards work.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 21:13 Comments || Top||

#11  How about instead Israel executes one prisoner an hour until the paleos release their kidnap victim?
Posted by: Iblis || 06/30/2006 21:29 Comments || Top||

#12  It's easy... when the Israeli offensive has netted 1,000 prisoners, prisoners, they can swap.

Hamas won't be making that trade again.
Posted by: Dishman || 06/30/2006 21:46 Comments || Top||

#13  Use the thousand to chum the water off the Gaza coast before beginning the big push?
Posted by: Cromosh Greamp4148 || 06/30/2006 21:47 Comments || Top||

#14  AP. Thats the problem. Their switchboard doesn't work. They can't seem to get the connection between cause and effect.

Cause: Deliberately targetting and murdering innocent civilian - even women and children.

Effect: Isreal defends itself and kills those who relish the 'Cause' above.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/30/2006 22:06 Comments || Top||

#15  Agreed that it is time for the Israelis to be hard-assed. However, there seems to be only one currency that the Arabs are fixated on: land.

Declare that for every day they hold the Israeli soldier, the Israelis will permanently confiscate 100 acres of Paleo land, which will thereafter become part of Israel, never to be redeemed.

That this land will be blessed and sanctified by Rabbis after it is completely plowed to erase any trace that Arabs ever lived there. It will be surrounded by the wall so that Arabs might not even look upon it again.

And Israel will not attend, discuss, or have anything to do with any international effort that so much as mentions this land. Other lands might be returned, but never this land.

I believe that this is the one button to push that would finally get results.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 06/30/2006 22:16 Comments || Top||

#16  Interesting thought, Anonymoose. Of course, the Muslims do insist that in the end Allah will make sure they get it all back -- the inevitability of the Reconquista and all that. Abu Abbas's dissertation (University of Moscow? somewhere in the Soviet Union, anyway) was on the option of pushing the Jews off the land by virtue of excess population, even if it has been noticed that the PA is lacking a million living bodies they'd claimed. Nonetheless, Israel has never before put anything completely off limits except the new part of Jerusalem -- it would be salutory shock.

Now all we need do is hope that someone with Olmert's ear pokes his/her head in here tonight. ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 22:51 Comments || Top||


Haniyeh: We won't fall
In his first public address since Israel began its offensive into the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas on Friday said his government would not cave into Israeli demands but said he was working hard to end a five-day-old crisis with Israel.

Though Haniyeh did not directly address Israel's demand that Palestinian militants hand over an abducted Israeli soldier, he implied that the government would not trade him for eight Cabinet ministers and 56 other Hamas officials arrested on Thursday. "When they kidnapped the ministers they meant to hijack the government's position, but we say no positions will be hijacked, no governments will fall," he said.

A few hours before Haniyeh spoke, Israeli jet fighters destroyed the offices of his interior minister in Gaza, intensifying an air invasion while delaying a broad ground offensive in hopes that pressure on the Hamas government will secure the release of the kidnapped soldier .

Haniyeh also said he is working hard to end the crisis.
I'll bet he is, now that Israel has threatened to kill him if the soldier isn't returned unharmed.
Posted by: lotp || 06/30/2006 17:08 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  That is a motivator.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 17:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Indeed. Take him out and see if the position changes. Rinse (well). Repeat.
Posted by: Whuling Ulons4237 || 06/30/2006 17:23 Comments || Top||

#3  "Okay, kill 'im!"

Olmert


Posted by: FOTSGreg || 06/30/2006 18:08 Comments || Top||

#4  Which way to the Gaza parking lot?
Posted by: Captain America || 06/30/2006 18:34 Comments || Top||

#5  Gaza parking lot? It's next to that mountain of trash and rubble that was D-9'd.
Posted by: anymouse || 06/30/2006 19:02 Comments || Top||

#6  Ismael, yo' a walkin' dead man, bro.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 19:22 Comments || Top||

#7  ever notice how much he looks like a pale version of Che-lover and all-around anti-American actor Danny Glover? Makes me dislike him even more since I used to like Glover a lot
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 19:46 Comments || Top||

#8  That's fine.
Feel free to starve to death in the dark...
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/30/2006 22:03 Comments || Top||


Israel warns: free soldier or PM dies
Israel last night threatened to assassinate Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh if Hamas militants did not release a captured Israeli soldier unharmed. The unprecedented warning was delivered to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter as Israel debated a deal offered by Hamas to free Corporal Gilad Shalit.

It came as Israeli military officials readied a second invasion force for a huge offensive into Gaza. Hamas's Gaza-based political leaders, including Mr Haniyeh, had already gone into hiding.
Posted by: ryuge || 06/30/2006 16:21 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Israeli military officials readied a second invasion force for a huge offensive into Gaza.

Operation Orkin Man! [I hope]
Posted by: twobyfour || 06/30/2006 16:32 Comments || Top||

#2  Hmmm, do you think the Paleos will get the idea that the Israelis are serious this time?
Posted by: Tony (UK) || 06/30/2006 16:37 Comments || Top||

#3  NOPE! Right now they are building a monument to the "almost dead" Ismael Haniyeh. The Palos latest martyr. These people are too stupid to get it.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/30/2006 16:46 Comments || Top||

#4  I have cornered the popcorn market.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 17:07 Comments || Top||

#5  How about a little negotiating, Nimble? Free market price? First bowl is discounted?
Ismael can run but he can't hide from the Orkin man!
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 06/30/2006 18:03 Comments || Top||

#6  Woah! The Israelis are cutting out the middleman and going to the top in negotiations. Good. The Paleos have approved or at least condoned this kidnapping action. The PM is responsible. If the IDF takes out the PM, then the next target is the next PM. Lather, rinse, repeat. About time Israel gets tough. Stand by for seething™ and MSM enabling. Stay the course.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 18:45 Comments || Top||

#7  Call me Ismael.........
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 18:47 Comments || Top||

#8  Now that Gaza is more or less a state, it's appropriate to hold the head of government (the PM) responsible. Consider this offensive as Government 101 lessons.
Posted by: JAB || 06/30/2006 19:08 Comments || Top||

#9  Too bad they didn't put a time limit on it. "Free our soldier within 24 hours or your PM dies, no matter what." Actually, barring a miracle, I expect that both will be dead in a few days anyway. I will be sorry for the loss of Gilad Shalit.
Posted by: Darrell || 06/30/2006 20:10 Comments || Top||

#10  I fear Shalit is long dead, or Hamas would have returned him already. They've offered no "sign of life" since the kidnapping. I imagine they're sitting around saying "Shit, he's dead and giving back the corpse will probably just piss off the Israelis even more.... what the #$%^ do we do now?"
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/30/2006 20:20 Comments || Top||

#11  CNN says an Israeli television station interviewed a doctor who said he checked over Cpl Shalit in captivity, but the report was unconfirmed (presumably meaning the doctor's statement). Drudge has the link.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 20:30 Comments || Top||

#12  Thanks for the update TW. I'll continue to hope for his safe return....
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/30/2006 21:14 Comments || Top||

#13  Excellent, everything is going according to plan.
Posted by: Karl "Burns" Rove || 06/30/2006 21:40 Comments || Top||

#14  Ismael Haniyeh: The buck shekel stops here.
Posted by: GK || 06/30/2006 23:27 Comments || Top||

#15  Kill the PM when the time comes due - don't promise then backtrack. I'd target his daughter's bed - that's where he's likely hiding, Paleo Islamic Hero™ that he is. I've had post-late-nite-mexican-food-road-trip shits with more courage than these cowards
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 23:49 Comments || Top||


Thousands Protest Israel's incursion into Gaza
Thousands of protesters in several Muslim countries took to the streets Friday in reponse to the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip....Some 100 ...
[wow a hundred!]
... Palestinians staged a sit-in outside the U.N. building in downtown Beirut Friday to protest the Israeli incursion into Gaza and demanded world action to protect the Palestinians. In Jordan, some 400 Palestinian worshippers ...
[wow that's 500 total]
... marched in the streets of Baqaa refugee camp on the outskirts of Amman. In Syria, some 500 Palestinians marched ...
[total now up to 1000 worldwide]
... the Yarmouk refugee camp after prayers in a Hamas-organized protest. "Resisting the Zionists is a national and religious duty," read one banner raised by the protesters as a Hamas member, speaking through a loudspeaker, called for more abductions of Israeli soldiers. Some 24 children clutching a 10-meter Palestinian flag headed the procession.
[now 1024]
"I'm here to protest the killing and destruction of the Palestinian people," said 32-year-old Maha Jamil.

In Turkey, thousands of angry protesters ...
[now 3024]
... burned Israeli flags and chanted pro-Hamas slogans. Hundreds of women, ...
[now 3224]
... many wearing black chadors or Islamic-style head scarves, carried Palestinian flags and yelled, "Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine!" A man with a loud speaker warned Israel that it was turning Turkey's 70 million Muslims against it. "Inshallah (God willing), all of Turkey will show in coming days that it is behind Palestine!" he said. "Inshallah!" the crowd yelled back.
He doesn't know the Turks too well ...
As protesters streamed out of the Beyazid Mosque after prayers and began to fill the square, police said they estimated that 5,000 people had shown up. Later, they downgraded that estimate to 2,000.
[5224 on the eve of the holy day worldwide - why that must be at least 0.02% of the population of the middle east, including Turkey,- let's all fear the arab street]
Posted by: mhw || 06/30/2006 16:01 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Somebody ask for your stupid opinion?"
Posted by: mojo || 06/30/2006 16:14 Comments || Top||

#2  Of course, no major news stories about the protest of 100,000 in Bolivia against Evo and for Santa Cruz autonomy: http://www.publiuspundit.com/?p=2756

I guess only leftist/pro-islamist causes get coverage, eh?
Posted by: mjh || 06/30/2006 16:24 Comments || Top||

#3  If the Turkish peepul are anti-Israel, but the Turkish Army remains pro-Israel, who wins?
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:45 Comments || Top||

#4  TW: The ones with the guns tend to win these things.
Posted by: Scott R || 06/30/2006 17:44 Comments || Top||

#5  "on the eve of the holy day worldwide"

Is it time for another hajj? Ramadan (sp?)?
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 17:50 Comments || Top||

#6  on friday afternoon the chief mosque sermon is made

I probably should have said "on the eve after the holy day"
Posted by: mhw || 06/30/2006 17:53 Comments || Top||

#7  "Inshallah (God willing), all of Turkey will show in coming days that it is behind Palestine!"

Them Turkies seem to be pretty smart folks. Notice they did not offer to get in front of Palestine????
Posted by: kelly || 06/30/2006 17:58 Comments || Top||

#8  ..called for more abductions of Israeli soldiers.

Fast learners!

Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 06/30/2006 18:10 Comments || Top||

#9  "I guess only leftist/pro-islamist causes get coverage, eh?"

How astute of you to notice, #2 mjh.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 18:27 Comments || Top||

#10  And how does the number of protesters compare to the number of people quietly sitting at home eating popcorn and rooting for the Israelis?
Posted by: SteveS || 06/30/2006 18:36 Comments || Top||

#11  Turks. Behind. Palestine.
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/30/2006 19:14 Comments || Top||

#12  Killer graphic, Fred. ROFL! ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 19:15 Comments || Top||

#13  wound up like lemmings (clockwork on Friday afternoons). Assholes
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 19:35 Comments || Top||

#14  Who cares. Mission forward. We got 1.5 billion covered quite nicely, thank you.
Posted by: Beau || 06/30/2006 21:35 Comments || Top||


Palestinian PM: Israel Aims to Oust Gov't... UNSC schedules debate
(AP) -- The Palestinian prime minister said Friday that Israel's offensive is aimed at toppling the Hamas-led government, but maintained he is working with mediators to resolve the crisis over a captive Israeli soldier.

Israel kept up the pressure in Gaza, destroying the interior minister's office and targeting a car carrying militants in an airstrike. Israel also said it attacked a militant cell, killing a local Islamic Jihad leader - the first reported death in the offensive.

With the crisis threatening to boil over into major fighting, the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency debate Friday. The Palestinians sought for a resolution condemning Israel's actions and demanding a halt to all military operations.

The United Nations said a strike that destroyed Gaza's only power plant had pushed the territory to the edge of a humanitarian crisis, and the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was working to get the military blockade of Gaza lifted for aid shipments.

With troops massed on the border, Israeli officials on Thursday postponed a planned invasion of northern Gaza as international mediators sought a way out of the standoff.

Haniyeh said Friday he was in contact with Arab, Muslim and European leaders to try to resolve the crisis, "but this Israeli military escalation complicates matters and makes it more difficult."

The Bush administration called on the Palestinians to free Shalit and on Israel to practice restraint.

With negotiations appearing to bear no fruit, Israel continued its air assault in Gaza on Friday.

And more details here, including this clever bit of thinking

Mohammed Nazal, a Syria-based member of the Hamas politburo, told The Associated Press on Friday that Israel is not serious about negotiating Shalit's release.

"Israel is negotiating by fire," he said. "They're buying time
until they can locate the soldier through intelligence and then try to free him."


and this pretty piece of shooting

In the pre-dawn attack on the Interior Ministry, Hamas minister Said Siyam's office went up in flames when a missile struck his fourth-floor room. The ground floor office of Siyam's bodyguard also was destroyed, while the first, second and third floors - where passports and ID cards are printed - were left untouched. No casualties were reported.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 15:37 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  More from FoxNews

On Thursday evening, about 2,500 people attended a Hamas rally in Gaza City, denouncing Israel and calling for more abductions.

Palestinian militants launched homemade rockets on Thursday night, and four landed inside Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the army said. Islamic Jihad and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a militant group affiliated with Abbas' Fatah, claimed responsibility.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Who's debating whom? Last I checked, the PLO wasn't a member.
Posted by: mojo || 06/30/2006 16:15 Comments || Top||

#3  Of all the vices I have ... burppp ... glad I never got into kidnapping Isreali soldiers ... burrrrrp.
Posted by: Beau || 06/30/2006 22:05 Comments || Top||

#4  and the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was working to get the military blockade of Gaza lifted for aid arms shipments.

There ya go! Fixed it for ya...
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/30/2006 22:18 Comments || Top||

#5  Do they have an ammo fund? Can you contribute to their artillary shells, without breaking any rules and ending up in Ft. Leavenworth? Just asking. Can a guy buy a shell?
Posted by: Beau || 06/30/2006 22:22 Comments || Top||

#6  I wanna buy the bullet that kills Mashaal
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 22:37 Comments || Top||


lgf : Palestinians Using Iranian Weapons?
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 06/30/2006 12:15 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Does a bear sh*t in the woods?

Does the sun rise in the East?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 12:32 Comments || Top||

#2  The number one weapon anyone can come up with is something that would trip these weapons before they were ready. Is that even possible? Be fun watching these things blow up as these idiots were leaving right after buring them.
Posted by: plainslow || 06/30/2006 12:41 Comments || Top||

#3  Plainslow:
I can think of some ways - at least in principle - various kinds of homemade bombs can be made to detonate at times not expected by their possessor. I don't know about practicality - reliability, side effects, etc., but I confess I do wonder whenever there is an outbreak of 'work accidents.'
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/30/2006 14:48 Comments || Top||

#4  the photos of kids standing by as the explosive is being buried speaks volumes about their values and their culture.
Posted by: PlanetDan || 06/30/2006 15:54 Comments || Top||

#5  If we could just figure out a way to make these work accidents more common.
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 16:30 Comments || Top||

#6  Radical Iran overtly says it is supporting, or will support, regional anti-Israeli terror orgs, ergo the burden is on the USA, and only the USA, to prove to both the world + Iran per se that Iran is doing what it says it is doing or will do. Ergo iff America-Allies invade Iran and its later claimed that Iran lied, the fault for invasion lies with the USA, and only the USA, for not knowing that Iran was lying, ala faulty Intel = wilful imperialism. SO, America and only Amerikkka is at fault for not knowing that Iran was lying while simul at fault for interfering in another nation's affairs and while also being justified to prevent another 9-11 - you know, finding the planners of 9-11 by being isolationist.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/30/2006 23:39 Comments || Top||


Showdown Over Saddam's Daughter
June 30, 2006: There are some interesting troubles developing between Iraq and Jordan. Recently, an Iraqi court issued a warrant for the arrest of Raghdad Hussein, Saddam's daughter. Since the collapse of her father's regime in Iraq, Raghdad has been acting as the "queenpin" of the Baathist terrorist operation, helping to fund operations from a vast pool of money that her father had stashed abroad during his decades in power, and apparently offering advice and guidance to the terrorists as well. Since Raghdad has been living in Jordan, the immediate result of the warrant was that things continued on as they had before. Recently, however, some members of the new Iraqi government have proposed making a formal request, through diplomatic channels, that the Jordanian government honor the warrant.

During the years of Saddam's dictatorship, Jordan maintained cordial ties with Iraq. The late King Hussein even sided with Iraq during the 1990-1991 Kuwait War. Ties between Saddam's family and the Jordanian royals appear to have been close. In fact, Raghdad's stay in Jordan has been rather pleasant. She has been more or less treated as a prominent guest, is free to move about the country and even travel abroad, using a Jordanian passport. Jordanian security personnel have been provided to insure her safety, and the government has made no efforts to interfere in her financial transactions and terrorist activities.

So if Iraq asks Jordan to honor the warrant against Raghdad, there is a considerable chance that the Jordanians will refuse, touching off a major political and diplomatic crisis.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:50 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Jordan is the one Arab player on the Mideast stage with adult leadership. I would bet on Jordan handing her over.
Posted by: RWV || 06/30/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||

#2  I believe I read Saddam Hussein was related to the Jordanian Royal Husseins in a book about the time of the 90-91 war. A distant cousin is what I recall, but doesn't that require hospitality and protection from Jordan? Family blood is thicker than even the thieves of Muslim brotherhood. Gotta follow the money, though, and the family ties. Saddam's nephews were recently arrested and up to no good, too.
Posted by: Danielle || 06/30/2006 10:16 Comments || Top||

#3  Semi-adult, at least, RWV. I don't know if the young king has given up his grandfather's ambition to rule over a united Jordan reaching the Mediterreanean Sea. He has extended his protection over this Hussein princess-in-exile, who is plotting against the American conquerers of her country. The same Americans that the king claims to be a staunch ally of in the war on terror. He's placed himself in an interesting quandary, trying to play both sides. "So sharp, if he were a knife he'd cut himself," comes to mind.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 10:25 Comments || Top||

#4  I also imagine the Jordanians liberally permit observation of her and her activities by interested parties. Who knows how many of her compatriots she has narked?
Posted by: Anonymoose || 06/30/2006 11:37 Comments || Top||

#5  And, to make it even more interesting, according to James Robbins, as a result of the wedding bombing, the Jordanians have "a zero-tolerance policy towards those who choose to mourn [al-Zarqawi,] the country’s least favorite son, and four opposition members of parliament who paid condolences to Zarqawi’s family have been arrested for fomenting sectarian strife."
Posted by: Mike || 06/30/2006 13:27 Comments || Top||

#6  She's probably greasing someone. We're going to have to grease them more to pry her loose.
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 16:22 Comments || Top||

#7  Why waste money on some trash like Raghead Saddam Hussein al-Tikriti?

Bullet to the head; problem solved. We could charge her family for the bullet. Better yet, sell her to sex clubs in Egypt. These are examples of what her father did to Kurds. I think a punishment based on "what goes around, comes around," is always appropriate.

Jordan has always been extremely pro-Saddam. Nice to see that they are, in fact, the source of much of the trouble in Iraq. I guess this is what happens when most of your population is Palestinian.

Too bad so few of them were iced at the wedding parties in Amman last year.





Posted by: Azad || 06/30/2006 16:48 Comments || Top||


Israel revokes residency for Hamas minister and PMs
Jerusalem, Jun. 30 (UPI) — Israel revoked the permanent resident status of four Hamas parliamentarians Friday, including the Palestinian minister for Jerusalem Affairs. The minister, Khaled Abu Arafa, and the three other members of parliament were seized in a massive Israeli Defense Forces raid Thursday, the Jerusalem Post said. They had been warned of the action unless they resigned from Hamas within 30 days.

Israeli Interior Minister Roni Bar-On announced the decision which in effect makes Arafa, Muhammad Abu Tir, Ahmed Abu Atoun and Mahmoud Totach foreigners in Israel. The prime minister, he said, "has no intention of playing games with Hamas." As a result, they will forfeit National Insurance Institute benefits and access to Israel's health and education services and will need visas to stay legally in the country.

The arrested Hamas members reportedly began a hunger strike, ynet.news.com said.
Posted by: lotp || 06/30/2006 09:32 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "The arrested Hamas members reportedly began a hunger strike." Kewl they're doing the work themselves.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge || 06/30/2006 9:39 Comments || Top||

#2  Skipped lunch, did they? The Saddam Hunger Strike approach.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble2412 || 06/30/2006 9:53 Comments || Top||

#3  As a result, they will forfeit National Insurance Institute benefits and access to Israel's health and education services and will need visas to stay legally in the country.

WTF? Brutal damn Jooooooooooos!
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 11:00 Comments || Top||

#4  I am so unimaginative -- it would never occur to me to collect health care benefits from my sworn enemy whom I believe has no right to exist. Gotta hand it to Hamas, they think outside the box.
Posted by: Darrell || 06/30/2006 11:27 Comments || Top||

#5  Wait a minute - these clowns "represent" the paleos, but refuse to live with them?

You'd think that would give the average paleo a clue.

You'd be wrong.

Park their sorry asses in Gaza. They contributed to the present "situation" - it's only fair they die live with it.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 12:36 Comments || Top||

#6  Barbara, I think a lot of the Arabs living in Jerusalem's Old City are legally Palestinians rather than Arab Israelis, a result of the 1967 conquest. They are the source of a considerable number of suicide bombings, because they don't have to get through the intense border security. That said, I believe living conditions are much more civilized there than in the Territories.

But I've never been there, so I can't say for certain.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 13:18 Comments || Top||

#7  to be more precise. prior to 1967, the West Bank and East Jerusalem were under Jordanian contol (annexation recognized by few nations, but thats another story). Residents of those places were considered Jordanian citizens, and carried Jordan passports.

When Israel took those territories in 1967, they annexed East Jerusalem, but not the West Bank, which remained under military administration (or occupation, if you prefer) The Arab residents of Jerusalem were offered Israeli citizenship (since they were now residents of Israel) but most chose not to accept it, in order to show they didnt accept the Israeli annexation. They were instead issued id cards that gave them access to social services, and the right to vote in local elections, but NOT the right to vote in national elections (since they are not Israeli citizens, having turned that down) Most of them consider themselves Palestinians (of course at least some Israeli Arabs who ARE Israeli citizens consider themselves Palestinians too)
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/30/2006 13:28 Comments || Top||

#8  They were instead issued id cards that gave them access to social services, and the right to vote in local elections, but NOT the right to vote in national elections (since they are not Israeli citizens, having turned that down)

That's inhuman!
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 15:12 Comments || Top||

#9  I saw in passing that Israel also banned all World Cup soccer programs for the jailed Palestinians starting last week. So they didn't get to see Germany beat Argentina today in overtime shoot-outs.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:48 Comments || Top||

#10  When are the Israelis going to get it that the answer to all of this Paleo garbage is to RUN 'EM ALL OUT!!!! They'll NEVER be satisfied with anything Israel does and they'll ALWAYS be a clear and present danger until they are either across the river in Jordan or over the Egyptian border. Make these bastards the Jordanians or Egyptians they originally were, declare the issue finished, and refuse to discuss it ever again to any world body, particularly the UN. Present the world with a fait accompli and they'll accept it--and the Jordanians and Egyptians will "take care" of the Paleo troublemakers without any of the difficulty of dealing with world opinion that the Israelis would face. It's the only truly lasting solution to this problem and the Israelis should implement it sooner rather than later.
Posted by: mac || 06/30/2006 17:55 Comments || Top||


Debka: deadlocked dispute between prime minister Olmert and defense minister Peretz
The armored forces and tanks which rolled into southern Gaza Tuesday night have been stationary for 24 hours, only directing desultory artillery fire at empty ground in the north. Amir Peretz is blocking a swift and expeditious offensive urged by the prime minister’ Ehud Olmert and the IDF high command to rescue Gilead Shalit, the Israeli corporal kidnapped by Hamas Sunday, June 25, and eradicate the Qassam missile infrastructure.

Yet the prime minister is hesitating to pull rank and pass orders to the army over the defense minister’s head, Peretz is clinging to a policy of “restraint and diplomacy,” despite the complete breakdown of mediated negotiations in the early hours of the abduction. The prime minister’s office and general command report that no serious diplomatic bid to negotiate the soldier’s release has been floated for 48 hours. None of the intermediaries report progress, even the live wire, Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman.

PMO officials and top commanders are furious with the defense minister and take strong exception to his assertion Thursday: “We stand at one of the most significant moments for setting new game rules between us and terrorist elements in the Palestinian Authority.” Terrorism is not a game, they say.

Frustration with the defense minister was sensed in the speech delivered by the army chief Lt. Gen Dan Halutz at the passing out ceremony of fighter pilots. “Israeli citizens must never be hostages to rockets and the kidnappings of civilians and soldiers,” he said. “We dare not wait for casualties to justify a defensive operation. When someone wants to kill you, you must kill him first.”
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 02:11 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Evident fissures in Israeli ranks. I suppose that's to be expected, to some degree. But disturbing, nonetheless.
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/30/2006 2:23 Comments || Top||

#2  I hope and pray that this is a Debka salt lick and not the real thing. This is the last thing Israel needs now. They must be united and they must be strong.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 2:27 Comments || Top||

#3  Debka is usually most accurate when it's closest to home. I'll bet this is pretty close to the mark.
Posted by: Rory B. Bellows || 06/30/2006 2:35 Comments || Top||

#4  The retros do not have the capacity to learn from past object lessons. They can only perceive an obvious overwhelming direct threat as it's happening.

Negotiations without massive pressure [sic Apocalypse] will go nowhere.
Posted by: RD || 06/30/2006 2:51 Comments || Top||

#5  Peretz: History will remember you very unkindly if you keep this up.
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 2:56 Comments || Top||

#6  Debka has bigger axes to grind the closer home too.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 5:33 Comments || Top||

#7  Debka has an axe to grind? True enough.

But the highlights of this article (link). indicate to me that Debka is right on this.

"Israel destroyed the office of the Palestinian interior minister in a series of airstrikes Friday, increasing the pressure on the Hamas government to release a kidnapped soldier a day after it delayed a broad ground offensive into the Gaza Strip."

The Israelis have stopped in place, giving up surprise and tempo. The airstrikes seem to be some sort of half-assed political compromise between Israeli factions. This is the worst thing they could have done.

The article is also revealing for what it doesn't say: there aren't many casualties. If they were going door-to-door there would be more casualties.
Posted by: Rory B. Bellows || 06/30/2006 7:49 Comments || Top||

#8  IMHO the soldier's been dead since the day they grabbed him. Shut off the water, shut off the power. Let the Paleos revel in their own sweaty stink as their food rots. Time is on Israel's side if they're willing to ignore the bleating from Europe
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 8:42 Comments || Top||

#9  From the CSM:

"Amir Peretz, head of the Labor Party, was appointed to head defense. He is widely perceived to be strong on social issues but inexperienced in military matters, making his new posting controversial. Mr. Peretz's family immigrated to Israel from Morocco in 1956 and settled in working-class Sderot on the edge of the Gaza Strip. He became an army captain and was elected to Israel's parliament in 1988. In 1995, he became head of the Histadrut Labor Federation. Peretz often speaks of growing up in poverty and rants against Israel's free-market policies. He wrested leadership of Labor from elder statesman Shimon Peres in November."
Posted by: Anonymoose || 06/30/2006 8:52 Comments || Top||

#10  Isn't Sderot the place taking all the rocket hits and the place the kidnapped/tortured/murdered civilian came from? This guy sounds like a former NYT editorial board member.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 8:59 Comments || Top||

#11  NS,
Sderot is a small town in the western Negev. It has been constantly bombarded By Hamas Kassams since Israel withdrew from Gazza. The kidnapped Soldier comes from another part of the country (north of Israel). The reason Sderot is mentioned is that Perez resides there.

To Previous Commentors,
Debka indeed has a Political Ax to grind (Pro-Bibi Netaniahu). However, once in a while they do provide some interesting and verifiable information which makes me suspect that they do have some true contacts in Israeli Intelligence community. When they do have a true story, they always come out with it before any other Israeli news-source. Thats why I bother reading them, even though you have to filter out political stuff and fairy tales most of the time, youll occationally find some gold nuggests in the shitload.

Irrespective of the Axe-grinding they hit a basic truth in the perception of the situation : For a long time now the Israeli Labor Party is riding on the long spent ticket of peace talks with the Paleo's, negotiations and the "New Middle -East" dream of Shimon Peres (Ex Labor Party leader).
I think by now most Israeli's have realized that we indeed have no Partner for any negotiation.
Abu-Mazzen is an Impotent Wimp, The Hamas have declared openly in the International Press that they want to destroy Israel and they will never rest (except for a few ill concieved "Hudnas") till they drive us (Joooooo's and dirty zionists) into the sea.

The problem is that the unholy union between the Leftist Labour party and the Centr-Right Kadima party is beginning to burst at the seams (irrespective of whether there is a real dispute between Olmert and Peretz).
I say, if Olmert does not understand what we are facing ( A terrorist bunch who's strings are pulled by Iran and Syria) his government will not survive the next Six months.
I have in the past voted for Labor, I have switched to voting for Kadima after the second Intifada. It looks like I will have to vote Netaniahu or Lieberman in the next elections.

Unless Olmert realizes the true nature of the Hamas assholes sitting in the Paleo Government and delivers the next Nakba to the Gazzans he is gonna loose popular support and his voters will leak rightwards.
In my view this is indeed a cross-roads point in the history of the region. Unless we beging to hit them hard on a large scale in Gazza, Hamas will learn that terror pays and we will be swamped in kidnappings and boomers and kassam mass shelling of every reachable center in Israel.

Now is the time for pulling out the JDAMS and showing them what happens when you finally manage to step on our big toe !
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/30/2006 9:48 Comments || Top||

#12  Good cop / bad cop routine? Perhaps they need a pause for something -- we just don't know what.
Posted by: Darrell || 06/30/2006 10:09 Comments || Top||

#13 
Seems to me that two biggest problems in the world are Islam and Leftism/Leftists! Something should be done about that.

Why is it that Conservatives can't form a united front and begin the task of marginalizing Leftists at all levels of society? This is a mindset (Left) that should be attacked and vilified whenever and wherever it pokes its nasty little head up.

We could, with money and determination, push them out of the media, schools...etc. Once they lose those platforms they would wither and die. Seems to me they are barely hanging on as it is.

Islam too!

All that is needed to shatter Islam is to reject its legitimacy. Contrast and compare it with any other "legitimate" religion and its true nature stands naked for all to see. The non-Islamic world just has to say we no longer recognize you as a religion, and we remove all protections and privileges normally accorded a religion. Shut the Mosques (sp?), deport the "Holy Men" and show some resolve and the whole mess would implode under its own weight.

JMO

-M
Posted by: Manolo || 06/30/2006 10:16 Comments || Top||

#14  Manolo
Some people inculding a lot of Rantburgers refuse to believe in "memes" and the power of "memes". Virtually everything that you know and use to operate in the world is a "meme". Some "memes" are good, some bad and some like viruses a dangerous disease. "leftism", "socialism", "islam", "maoism", "shinning path ism", "mugabe ism", "welfare parasiteism", "slavery" are some of the infinite disease memes.

Note how these memes tend to ignore "change" and are therefore anti-evolution. Now life implies evolution and change. Death implies "status quo" eventually resulting in devolution. So these disease memes are one with death.

Just like you have vaccinations against some disease and not others so the same case exists for memes. Also, some very bad ones are troubling to to find sucor for (Just like AIDS and Malaria) and some have resistance to their application (like the muslims refusing polio shots).

Not all bad memes are of the other and most individuals have lessor and greater bad memes too. (that desire to cut another off a stop light or but in line is a lessor bad meme.)

If you look at the different religions they claim one set of memes and actualize another. Some even get close to meme concepts.

If you look at the basic "love one another" premise of "christanity" that is a meme that contains subsets of infinte of memes. It seems to see a desired end point of memes swimming in a sea of loving caring memes.

Buddhism has its basic tenet of desiring nothingness and one-ness with the universe. That implies coping in a sea of memes and being the sea.

Juddism and Hinduism and Islam and ...
don't really look at the world in a way that accepts the concept of memes.

The world is more black and white for Islam. If memes are acknowledged in Islam its on a one to one basis (like divorce your wife by saying 5 times I divorce you) This is a "incantation" meme. Right out of a magicians book of spells. In point of fact lots of Islam's memes see to be "magic incantations". Perhaps its why they can exist in the sea of modern mimes. The "meme" that enables a CPU to work is not "magic" one but rather one from the realm of "provable math and science" memes.

Back to the articles point, Israel was actualize under the socialist myth meme of fighting kibbutz social units crafting a country. They are evolving into a more "realist" meme set but as with all mighty "socialist memes" this one needs a might effort by the memes around it to stomp out the disease. Antibodies need to be built up, and white blood cells activated.

I could go on forever but this is enough for now.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 12:11 Comments || Top||

#15  Perhaps its why they can exist in the sea of modern mimes.
Sorry - Major typo.

Perhaps its why they can't exist in the sea of modern memes dominated by the scientific meme.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 13:11 Comments || Top||

#16  I want to know more about this fighter pilot 'passing out ceremony.' Sounds like shots at the O club, but I could be wrong.
Posted by: USN, ret. || 06/30/2006 14:24 Comments || Top||

#17  Israel has a history of strong Defense Ministers defying or manipulating weak Prime Ministers. Obvious case is at the time of the 1967 war, when Dayan was effectively making decisions with only limited reference to Levi Eshkol, the PM. OTOH while Olmert looks weak, Peretz is hardly in the position of a Dayan. OTOH if Peretz is holding back, its presumably to keep alive a negotiating strand with Egypt, where Shimon Peres (aslo in the govt) has personal contacts. Alternatively Peretz or Peres is in personal contact with Condi Rice, and is holding back out of deference to Washington.

Also possible - Olmert wants to hold back, cause there really is a negotatiating possibility via Egypt, but wants the Israeli public to blame Peretz, and is leaking appropriately to spread that.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/30/2006 15:38 Comments || Top||

#18  Time is also on Israel's side in the sense that if nothing happens the effect of what they have done will start to be felt more and more painfully by the average Paleostinian. Part of why your average Ahkmed voted for Hamas was that they had done such a good job of providing services. Now the entire infrastructure is disolving and Hamas can't provide power, water or defense. They look like the useless punks they are.

The Paleostinians will not be exterminated nor the Palestinian Authority conquered, much as we might wish it. The goal here is only to gain the return of the kidnapped soldier and to teach the Paleos that they made a mistake voting for Hamas.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 16:22 Comments || Top||

#19  More than that, Nimble Spemble, Olmert stated he wants the end of kassem rocket attacks from Gaza. Which is why Israel is bombing both ends of the Strip, not just where they think the young corporal was secreted.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/30/2006 16:51 Comments || Top||

#20  Looks like I was wrong. Israel is now threatening to assasinate Haniyah, Paleo PM. Good to see Olmert has stones.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/30/2006 17:10 Comments || Top||


Olmert wants the operation to be "prolonged and exhausting,"
heh!
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday rejected a proposal by Defense Minister Amir Peretz and the Israel Defense Forces for a ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip against the ongoing Qassam rocket fire. Olmert demanded that they present him with an approved operational plan.

According to government sources, the operation, which will target Beit Hanun, will take place, but Olmert wants the operation to be "prolonged and exhausting," and did not believe that the plan he was shown fit the bill.

The decision was made following consultations held by Olmert and Peretz with security officials, after Egypt asked Israel to allow more time for negotiations on the release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, abducted Sunday from a post near the Gaza border. The sources added that while IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz approved the plan, other IDF officers opposed it, and Olmert was informed of their objections.

The operation was aimed at halting Qassam rockets from being fired at southern Israel. Meanwhile, six of the homemade rockets struck the western Negev and Sderot on Thursday evening. There were no casualties.

Defense officials were furious at Peretz Thursday night, accusing him both of revealing that the planned military offensive in northern Gaza had been postponed and of denying initial reports that the postponement had been at Egypt's request.

Egypt had asked Israel to delay the operation at the beginning of the week, in order to allow time for diplomatic efforts to obtain the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. However, though negotiations with Hamas officials both in the territories and outside them are continuing, the talks have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 01:56 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Exhausting"? For whom? Perhaps he meant "exhaustive"? Let's hope so, because these pinprick incursions are worse than useless.
Posted by: Jonathan || 06/30/2006 9:50 Comments || Top||

#2  I'm exhausted already. Just last week I was asking why the Jews can't seem to agree on this issue of action vs. constant positioning. Now, I am getting a feel for just how divided they are about their own security, their own stability, and their own future.
Some of them may only desire to fight when they reach the point of despiration. Wake up. The point of despiration is reached long after all of your warriors have died, and all that's left are talkers, cooks, and thinkers.
Posted by: wxjames || 06/30/2006 10:33 Comments || Top||

#3  Decisive, overwhelming force is the only way to deal with Hamas. If Israel is not willing to deal with Hamas and the rest of her enemies, she is committing suicide on the installment plan. Hamas et al are becoming strong because Israel is showing weakness.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 11:09 Comments || Top||


Israel rejects Mubarak deal on soldier
Palestinian militants have agreed to a conditional release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier, but Israel has not yet accepted their terms, an Egyptian newspaper quoted Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, as saying. In an interview published on Friday, Egypt's leading pro-government newspaper, Al-Ahram, quoted Mubarak as saying that “Egyptian contacts with several Hamas leaders resulted in preliminary, positive results in the shape of a conditional agreement to hand over the Israeli soldier as soon as possible to avoid an escalation. "But agreement on this has not yet been reached with the Israeli side," Mubarak said.

The president said that he had asked Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, "not to hurry" the military offensive in Gaza, but to "give additional time to find a peaceful solution to the problem of the kidnapped soldier." Israel suspended a planned ground invasion of northern Gaza on Thursday, giving diplomacy another chance to free the Israeli soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, whom militants linked to Hamas kidnapped on Sunday from an Israeli camp near Gaza. Mubarak's remark implied that he was claiming a role in Israel's decision.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I say, make 'em beg....

"Say 'Please take back Shalit and give us water and electricity!'"
...
"Now say 'Pretty please, with sugar on top'"

Humiliate the bastards. Publicly. Maybe ask how that whole intifada thing is working out... and make 'em air it all on Al Jazeera.
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/30/2006 0:51 Comments || Top||

#2  Mubarak. An honest brocker.
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/30/2006 0:57 Comments || Top||

#3  I think the humiliation is going on now, with the guys who make faces and strut around with guns scurrying like rats to get out of the way of the real soldiers. Not that they can actually feel the humiliation, mind you, since they don't feel shame like we do.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 1:21 Comments || Top||

#4  He's probably already dead, unless they plan to publically torture him. It's hard to be strong with your son in harms way, my heart goes out to this family.
Posted by: Jan || 06/30/2006 1:38 Comments || Top||

#5  Given the uncanny Paleo knack of making a bad situation worse, I suspect Cpl. Shalik is already dead. Not having a live hostage to return is going to make the 'negotiations' a little more complicated. I hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: SteveS || 06/30/2006 2:39 Comments || Top||

#6  Hamas has control over the release of the kidnapped soldier. Since Hamas is the government, wouldn't their complicity be an act of war?
Posted by: PlanetDan || 06/30/2006 6:33 Comments || Top||

#7  invasion, attacking, and kidnapping a soldier IS an act of war.
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 8:35 Comments || Top||

#8  Unless you take a planeload or boatload of US Navy personnel.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/30/2006 8:36 Comments || Top||

#9  "Not that they can actually feel the humiliation, mind you, since they don't feel shame like we do."

My impression is that part of their problem is that they feel shame TOO intensely, whether its an officer who wont admit to his superiors how bad things are, or a whole culture struggling about how to take lessons from barbarians.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/30/2006 9:37 Comments || Top||

#10  Hammas has invaded our territory, attacked and killed two soldiers and kidnapped a third soldier.
This is undisputably an act of aggression of one "government" aginst another sovereign Government.
This is a Cassus Belli or an act justifying a formal declaration of war against the democratically elected Hamas Government.
You cannot claim to be a lawfull democratically elected Gov'mint and keep behaving like a bunch of terrorists.
We have to teach them a dire lesson and the hell with collateral damage. The Buck has to stop somewhere.
I recommend incendiary bombs and NAPALM as an appetiser followed by a rain of JDAMS and an assortment of "Stupid Ammo" for the main course, you really dont want to know what's planned for dessert.
I am Sick and tired of the biggotted Paleos.

Hunting season is open !
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/30/2006 10:06 Comments || Top||

#11  Elder, if you are going to use napalm, why waste JDAMS. The kits cost around $25K apiece. For what you have in mind, accuracy is not important.
Posted by: RWV || 06/30/2006 10:09 Comments || Top||

#12  It is time for the Israelis to completely sever all ties with Palestinians. If they need cheap labor, perhaps they can work out a deal with Mexico.
Posted by: RWV || 06/30/2006 10:11 Comments || Top||

#13  RWV,
I am a generous person and nothing is too expensive for the Paleo's :)
or as was hinted in the words of a very elderly and wise gentlemen I know :" When you go on a spree, go the whole hog including the postage!"
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/30/2006 10:23 Comments || Top||

#14  "When you go on a spree, go the whole hog"

mmmmm.......

hog - bacon mmm.. sausage mmm RIB aaahhhH! time to a whole hog slow cooked and smoked for days... drool..

(I know I shouldn't post before eating but now I am truly hungry and will have to cook something up..)
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 12:23 Comments || Top||


Jordan: Three Top Muslim Brotherhood Members Arrested
Jordanian authorities have arrested three top Muslim Brotherhood officials, the secretary general of the Islamist group's political wing, the Islamic Action Front said on Thursday. Authorities have refused to comment on Zaki Ben Rsheid's announcement. If confirmed the arrests of the three - Mohammad Zghoul, Mohammed Qudat and Mohammad Freihat - will bring to 21 the number of Islamists taken into custody in Jordan since April. Most of the arrests stem from an investigation into the presence in Jordan of terrorist cells linked to the radical Palestinian group Hamas.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Gazans fear worse to come as power, water dwindle
Palestinians lined up at public water fountains Thursday to fill up jugs after a second night of power cuts, under Israeli military pressure that has sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "When the Israelis come maybe we'll be stuck in our homes for God knows how long," says Israa Abu Anza, a 16-year-old girl standing in a chaotic queue at one of the fountains. Three younger siblings clutch her robe: "We need to drink, to wash, to bathe."

An Israeli missile took out a crucial power station late Tuesday. In Rafah, which relied on the destroyed power plant for half of its daily energy needs, residents are now left without power much of the day.

Amnesty International warned that Israel's destruction of three bridges and electricity networks across the Gaza Strip had "left half the population of Gaza without electricity and reportedly also adversely affected the supply of water."

"It's six hours on and six hours off," says Dawoud al-Hamarna, a maintenance chief at the local electric company. Even that is a generous estimate. Rafah was left in darkness throughout Wednesday night. Residents estimated that lights had been on for only six hours out of the past 24. If Israel, Gaza's lone outside power supplier, acts on threats to cut off the supply, those few precious hours of daily electricity will soon disappear as well.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  So tell the Israelis where he is held in exchange for a couple of days of water. It's not hard to do.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 0:33 Comments || Top||

#2  Supposedly, the Paleos are completely united, and relish any opportunity for resistance, and will gladly endure any hardships their defiance may bring. Ok, then - Enjoy!

(Effin' idiots.)
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/30/2006 0:44 Comments || Top||

#3  Gee, I wonder why the Joooooos are doing that to you, little Isra. Hmm. Give me a moment.
Posted by: Swamp Blondie || 06/30/2006 0:47 Comments || Top||

#4  The old "I'll seethe for water" bargin is over
Posted by: Captain America || 06/30/2006 0:50 Comments || Top||

#5  "We need to drink, to wash, to bathe."

Sand washing was good enough for the Prophet, and it's good enough for you.
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/30/2006 0:59 Comments || Top||

#6  Word to Paleos:
- stop suicide bombings
- stop kidnapping and murdering Jooooooos
- stop firing missles into Israel

It's not rocket science. If you want to play hardball I'll bet you the IAF/IDF will gladly do a Rachel Corey on the entire Gaza, hell-hole.
Posted by: anymouse || 06/30/2006 1:05 Comments || Top||

#7  Sand washing was good enough for the Prophet, and it's good enough for you.

Now, Mr. Gromgoru, don't be snarky, or you will Humiliate(Tm) theses poor innocent, moderate paleostinians. Oh, when will the Humiliation(Tm) cease?!?
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 06/30/2006 2:25 Comments || Top||

#8  We need to drink, to wash, to bathe

Just pretend you're French...
Posted by: Raj || 06/30/2006 8:24 Comments || Top||

#9  Anymouse, ain't firin' rockets into Israel rocket science?
Posted by: Perfesser || 06/30/2006 9:17 Comments || Top||

#10  The Israelis murdered by the Lions of Islam no longer need to drink, wash or bathe. Consequently their fellow countrymen have no concern over the inconveniences to the supporters of the Lions of Islam. Palestinians are at war with Israel. When you choose and support war against a powerful enemy, you must accept that there may be consequences. The Gazans should be thankful that the Israelis have not chosen to treat Gaza like Dresden or Hiroshima.
Posted by: RWV || 06/30/2006 9:59 Comments || Top||

#11  We need to drink, to wash, to bathe

May I console you with a quote from the late Arafish "they should drink the seawater of Gazza"
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/30/2006 10:16 Comments || Top||

#12  Perfesser...It's gotta be rocket science cuz about 1/2 the Paleo rockets malfunction.

:)
Posted by: anymouse || 06/30/2006 10:43 Comments || Top||

#13  Boats and rafts for sale, paddles included.
Sign up now to be sure to get one when the supply reaches Gaza. Cash only, no checks or credit.
Posted by: wxjames || 06/30/2006 10:50 Comments || Top||

#14  I would hate to be a Paleo living in a new multistory apartment on the top floor. No power means no water means you have to carry your water jugs up the stairs. Sanitary waste is nasty too. Carry a honey bucket downstairs, or pitch the contents periodically out the window. Look out below. Actions--->consequences, of course, will be completely lost.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/30/2006 11:17 Comments || Top||

#15  You want 7th century? You've GOT 7th century. Courtesy of Hamas.
Posted by: Darrell || 06/30/2006 12:00 Comments || Top||

#16  a Paleo living in a new multistory apartment
You mean refugee camp?
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 13:15 Comments || Top||

#17  How high can you pile rubble?

With the UN, the MSM, Islam, and other completely parasitic and self-defeating indulgences, obviously bullshit can be stacked pretty high.
Posted by: Angomoper Hupoluth6228 || 06/30/2006 13:24 Comments || Top||

#18  re: #10: your sentence was interuppted. Allow me to finish it:"...yet."
Posted by: USN, ret. || 06/30/2006 14:30 Comments || Top||

#19  "We need to drink, to wash, to bathe"

Why start now?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 14:45 Comments || Top||

#20 
We need to drink,


What is wrong with Jack Daniel's?

to wash, to bathe

You have gone without this for 1400 years.
Posted by: JFM || 06/30/2006 14:56 Comments || Top||

#21  good memory EOZ...I forgot that one
Posted by: Frank G || 06/30/2006 15:40 Comments || Top||

#22  Where's my violin--the really tiny one?
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/30/2006 19:13 Comments || Top||

#23  #22 JohnQC - I believe it may be under my nano-oboe. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/30/2006 19:18 Comments || Top||

#24 
Peter, Paul & Mary version of BabylonOh Sinner Man lyrics

By the waters, the waters of Babylon
We sat down and wept, and wept for thee Zion
We remember, we remember, we remember thee Zion

Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
All on that day

Run to the rock, rock was a meltin'
Run to the sea, sea was a boilin'
Run to the moon, moon was a bleedin'
Run to the Lord, Lord won't you hide me?
Lord said ";Sinner man, you shoulda been a prayin'";

Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
Oh, sinner man, where you gonna run to
All on that day?


Posted by: Cromosh Greamp4148 || 06/30/2006 21:54 Comments || Top||


IAF strikes official Gaza buildings
IDF aircraft fired missiles at numerous targets in the Gaza Strip early Friday. The attacks targeted several facilities which had been used to plan terror operations. According to the IDF, 16 air strikes targeted access routes and open areas in southern Gaza. Seven additional strikes hit a weapons storage facility, an Aksa Martyrs Brigades office, a Ministry of the Interior building in Gaza City, a Hamas office and three training camps belonging to the Aksa Brigades and Hamas. The IDF said the Interior Ministry office, controlled by Hamas, was "a meeting place to plan and direct terror activity." There were no reports of casualties in any of the late-night attacks.

Capt. Jacob Dallal of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit told The Jerusalem Post that the operation's purpose was simple: "To gain the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit." According to Dallal, the strikes would be "ongoing." Though the operation was being done "in a calibrated, studied fashion," the IDF "has many means at our disposal" for escalating the attacks. "We hope that this will work and that he will be freed as soon as possible," Dallal concluded.

Also early Friday, IDF troops in southern Gaza noticed several Palestinians approaching an IDF position with an anti-tank rocket launcher. Troops fired at the cell, causing it to flee. According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, two of the attackers were believed to be wounded, but all managed to escape.
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Key Witness In Hariri Probe Gets Three-Year Jail Sentence
Beirut, 30 June (AKI) - A court in Beirut sentenced in absentia to three years in jail a Lebanese woman considered a key witness into the Rafik Hariri assassination probe. Rana Abd ar-Rahim Qoleilat, 39, was convicted on charges of bank fraud, falsifying documents and leaving the country illegally. The woman is however also considered a key witness in the UN probe into the February 2005 car-bomb murder of Hariri and 20 others. Qoleitat was arrested in Brazil in March after 18 months in the run and is still detained there. Four accomplices of the woman were sentenced to three months in jail for helping her flee Lebanon.

Since mid-2003, Qoleitat has been linked to the scandal of the Lebanese al-Madina bank, where she worked as an executive secretary. The bank - which collapsed in early 2003, losing depositors several hundred million dollars - was according to investigators involved in laundering money from the illegal activities of the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

The German magistrate Detlev Mehlis, who until last December headed the UN probe into the death of Hariri, suspected that al-Madina was linked to the attack on the former premier. In a draft version of his report in October 2005, Mehlis wrote that "fraud corruption and money laundering, with the possible involvement of the al-Madina bank could have encouraged other people to take part on an individual basis in the operation [the attack against Hariri]."
Mehlis concluded: The Lebanese authorities should investigate in every possible direction including that of banking transactions through the al-Madina bank."

As a result, Qoleitat's name was reportedly added to the list of the key witnesses that the UN inquiry wanted to question.

Lebanon has no extradition accord with Brazil, and Lebanese authorities are considering to ask for the intervention of the UN commission of inquiry to intervene to try to repatriate Qoleitat. Under UN resolution 1595, which obliges all UN member countries to cooperate with the Hariri probe, Brazil cannot refuse a request from international commissioners.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:38 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:


Terror Networks
Binny Speaks!
Rome, 30 June (AKI) - A new video message mourning the recent death of al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been posted to an Islamist website. The 19-minute video, purportedly from al-Qaeda's leader, Osma bin Laden, praises al-Zarqawi, killed in US-led airstrikes on his hideout three weeks ago as the "lion of holy war," and regrets that he has not been able to return to his homeland. Bin Laden addresses US president George W Bush, warning him not to be "too happy" about Zarqawi's death, "for the banner [of al-Qaeda in Iraq] hasn't dropped but has passed from one lion of Islam to another lion."

"We will continue, God willing, to fight you and your allies everywhere," he said, "in Iraq and Afghanistan and in Somalia and Sudan until we waste all your money and kill your men," bin Laden continues.

In the video, bin Laden reportedly calls on Bush to return Zarqawi's body to his family, and eulogises al-Zarqawi. "Abu Musab had clear instructions to focus his fight on the occupiers," bin Laden continues, "particularly the Americans and to leave aside anyone who remains neutral."
Which he ignored
Bin Laden addresses "those who accuse Abu Musab of killing certain sectors of the Iraqi people," in an apparent reference to a campaign against Iraq's Shia majority by al-Zarqawi.

The video, lasting 19 minutes, shows a still picture of Bin Laden, and moving pictures of al-Zarqawi. The recording's authenticity has not been verified, but if it is confirmed, it would be the fourth audio message Bin Laden has released this year. No new video images of the al-Qaeda leader have appeared since October 2004, however.
Sent a audio cassette via mule, with several dead drops, to al-Qaeda media services in Pakistan where they laid the audio track over stock footage. No way to backtrack it to him
Last week a video was broadcast allegedly showing the deputy leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri in which he paid tribute to Zarqawi and said his death would be avenged.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 09:29 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sent a audio cassette via mule, with several dead drops, to al-Qaeda media services in Pakistan where they laid the audio track over stock footage. No way to backtrack it to him

But he could have Fed-exed it to Waziristan to be put on a donkey in the first place!!! He is safely far away getting his news from satellite but goung to elaborate lengths to make us think he is living weeks away from civilization. Tora Bora shook the coward up and he's long gone.
Posted by: Danielle || 06/30/2006 10:28 Comments || Top||

#2  He speaks but no video of him save for a still photo. There's a good possibility that Al-Qaeda has been playing "Weekend at Bernie's" with Bin Laden since Tora Bora.

We get one audio tape after another, and who knows, it could spliced material or someone who sounds awfully like Binny Boy.

Either way, if he lives, he will eventually go the way of the Zarkman.
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 06/30/2006 10:44 Comments || Top||

#3  James Robbins at National Review:

The promised Osama bin Laden tribute tape to Abu Musab al Zarqawi surfaced early Friday, and it demonstrated that the al Qaeda leader can still generate headlines and dominate news cycles, at least temporarily. And he doesn’t need to say anything particularly earthshaking to do it. In the excerpts available at press time, bin Laden heaps the usual praise on Zarqawi — man of determination — lion of jihad — great knight and prince — yadda yadda. He calls the American raid that killed him “shameful,” perhaps a condemnation of it being an air attack instead of a face-to-face shootout. Or maybe just consistent with the Mujahedin Shura Council’s contention that the bombing was simply a random event, a chance result of routine Coalition bombing of Iraqi residential areas. On the other hand the Shura Council also said it was God’s will, so if the Coalition forces were agents of the divine power, where’s the shame in that? . . .

. . . It is ironic that in the years before 9/11 when bin Laden was releasing lengthy, substantive statements on important matters of al Qaeda objectives and strategy few people were paying attention; and now when he has the world’s ear all bin Laden can muster are empty threats, puerile mockery, and hollow clichés honoring fallen members of his ever-shrinking group of followers. None of the promised domestic attacks of the last five years have materialized. And since Zarqawi’s demise attacks on Coalition forces in Iraq have fallen by 15-20 percent. Osama is going to have to work a lot harder than this to prove he is still relevant.
Posted by: Mike || 06/30/2006 12:14 Comments || Top||

#4  Binny speaks - a computer voice synth program just waiting for good video synth software.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/30/2006 12:25 Comments || Top||

#5  I think you all are onto something there. I mean, we saw yesterday here that President Bush can "rap Sunday, Bloody, Sunday".
Posted by: BA || 06/30/2006 12:45 Comments || Top||

#6  still picture of Bin Laden

A natural for a guest shot on Space Ghost, Coast-to-Coast.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 13:17 Comments || Top||

#7  Bin Laden addresses US president George W Bush, warning him not to be "too happy" about Zarqawi's death, "for the banner [of al-Qaeda in Iraq] hasn't dropped but has passed from one lion of Islam to another lion."

This, from a lion sonofab!tch.
Posted by: Zenster || 06/30/2006 14:39 Comments || Top||

#8  What does it mean when Bin Ladin is drooling out of both corners of his mouth?

The cave floor is level.

:-)
Posted by: grb || 06/30/2006 16:32 Comments || Top||


G'morning...
Rwanda: UN employees suspected of involvement in genocideIAF strikes official Gaza buildingsIraqi army arrests 52 militants, to take over the security file in Mosul Hamas denies recognising IsraelPakistan to offer Thai Muslims scholarships worth Rs 97mTurkey tightens anti-terrorism law
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bette Davis?
Posted by: Bobby || 06/30/2006 6:26 Comments || Top||

#2  NO, MOMMY DEAREST!!
Posted by: ARMYGUY || 06/30/2006 7:38 Comments || Top||

#3  Nah, that was Joan Crawford. Khadaffi has all of her old clothes.
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/30/2006 8:38 Comments || Top||

#4  Pretty sure that's Bette. My wife's grandmothers nephew (I think that's right)was one of her early husbands.
Posted by: Steve || 06/30/2006 9:18 Comments || Top||

#5  What ever happened to Baby Jane ?
Posted by: wxjames || 06/30/2006 9:23 Comments || Top||

#6  Hush Hush stuff Mr. James.
Posted by: 6 || 06/30/2006 10:49 Comments || Top||

#7  It's those eyes...
Posted by: Fred || 06/30/2006 12:33 Comments || Top||

#8  Yeah. she used to look like she was stoned all the time...
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/30/2006 12:34 Comments || Top||

#9  Bette sure sucked alot of fags in her day.



Posted by: RD || 06/30/2006 12:59 Comments || Top||

#10  Definitly
Bette Davis
Posted by: Warthog || 06/30/2006 15:37 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
109[untagged]

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Fri 2006-06-30
  IAF strikes official Gaza buildings
Thu 2006-06-29
  IAF Buzzes Assad's House
Wed 2006-06-28
  Call for UN intervention as Paleoministers seized
Tue 2006-06-27
  Israeli tanks enter Gaza; Hamas signs "deal"
Mon 2006-06-26
  Ventura CA port closed due to terror threat
Sun 2006-06-25
  Somalia: Wanted terrorist named head of "parliament"
Sat 2006-06-24
  Somalia: ICU and TFG sign peace deal
Fri 2006-06-23
  Shootout in Saudi kills six militants
Thu 2006-06-22
  FBI leads raids in Miami
Wed 2006-06-21
  Iraq Militant Group Says It Has Killed Russian Hostages
Tue 2006-06-20
  Missing soldiers found dead
Mon 2006-06-19
  Group Claims It Kidnapped U.S. Soldiers
Sun 2006-06-18
  Qaeda Cell Planned a Poison-gas Attack on the N.Y. Subway
Sat 2006-06-17
  Russers Bang Saidulayev
Fri 2006-06-16
  Sri Lanka strikes Tamil Tiger HQ


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.
18.191.5.239
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Background (24)    Non-WoT (15)    Opinion (18)    Local News (10)    (0)