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Guilty Plea to all Counts in Times Square Bomb Plot
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Afghanistan
US Report: Pakistan Continues To Support Terror Groups,
It took a study to find this out?
Pakistan is continuing to support militant groups further undermining coalition efforts in Afghanistan and increasing the risk of terror attacks overseas, according to a new report by security analysts.

The study by the Rand Corporation, a non-profit research group, said the US should withhold some aid until Islamabad makes progress in tackling the insurgents on its doorstep.

If not, they concluded, Jihadi organisations would become increasingly capable of exporting terror, such as the attempted Times Square bombing on May 1.

"A number of militant networks -- including al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad -- remain entrenched in Pakistan and pose a grave threat to the state and the region," said Seth Jones, one of the authors.

"Pakistan has long used its support of militant groups as a foreign policy tool, so ending that will take time." Pakistan's commitment to tackling home-grown militants has long been questioned.

Groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba have their roots in Pakistan's conflict with India over Kashmir. Others were nurtured by Islamabad as they fought the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, before taking control of the country as the Taliban.

The Pakistani government is under pressure to launch a military offensive in North Waziristan, headquarters of the Haqqani network, one of the most dangerous insurgent groups operating in Afghanistan.

Last month Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, claimed that Pakistani officials knew the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden.

Since then, American politicians have softened their approach.

At the weekend, Richard Holbrooke, US special envoy to the region, paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers.

"In regard to the war itself, Pakistan has made progress, but it doesn't mean that we've reached the end of the road. This is a tough, long struggle and much more needs to be done," he told reporters during a visit to Islamabad.

The Rand report also praised recent operations in Pakistan's tribal belt but questioned whether the military was equipped to hold on to its recent gains in areas such as Bajaur and Khyber.

Major General Tariq Khan, Inspector General of the Frontier Scouts, which is tasked with fighting militants in the tribal areas, said he had lost 600 men since operations began and that no one could question Pakistan's commitment.

"We've done pretty well in the past two years," he said. "We're very proud of what we've achieved."
Posted by: Sherry || 06/22/2010 15:03 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > NEW PAK GOVT PLAN TO BREAK JIHADIST-AL QAEDA NEXUS IN PUNJAB, in response to varied Reports that ALQAEDA + TTP are planning a FRESH WAVE OF ATTACKS in PAK's MOST POPULOUS PROVINCE.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 21:55 Comments || Top||

#2  It took a study to find this out?

It takes a while to warm up the bus and clean the mess from the chassis.
Posted by: Pappy || 06/22/2010 21:57 Comments || Top||


Karzai twists the knife
Not sure whether it's in Obama's or McChrystal's back.
Headline: Afghan president strongly endorses Gen. McChrystal
Posted by: ed || 06/22/2010 14:34 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


RollingStone full article - The Runaway General
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 06/22/2010 12:58 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Even though he had voted for Obama, McChrystal and his new commander in chief failed from the outset to connect. The general first encountered Obama a week after he took office, when the president met with a dozen senior military officials in a room at the Pentagon known as the Tank. According to sources familiar with the meeting, McChrystal thought Obama looked "uncomfortable and intimidated" by the roomful of military brass. Their first one-on-one meeting took place in the Oval Office four months later, after McChrystal got the Afghanistan job, and it didn't go much better. "It was a 10-minute photo op," says an adviser to McChrystal. "Obama clearly didn't know anything about him, who he was. Here's the guy who's going to run his fucking war, but he didn't seem very engaged. The Boss was pretty disappointed."

The first seven words says a lot.
Posted by: Bobby || 06/22/2010 13:22 Comments || Top||

#2  Suggest the General walk into the White House with the "You can't fire me, I quit!" ploy.
Posted by: ed || 06/22/2010 14:24 Comments || Top||

#3  Stan the man spoke the truth - BUT he was insubordinate and must now pay for that deliberate choice. The question is does Obama have the b*lls to fire him or will waffle / etc. If he doesn't have the cojones to fire one of his generals for talking smack then the wolves will realize all his hot air is just that and act accordingly (read China, World Court, Al-Q, etc)
Posted by: Flailet White6069 || 06/22/2010 15:22 Comments || Top||

#4  "then the wolves will realize all his hot air is just that"

Oh, they already know that, Flailet.

In spades.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/22/2010 15:24 Comments || Top||

#5  The first seven words says a lot.

They do indeed.

It is difficult to accept that Michael Hastings has the kind of access to McCrystal that this article implies.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/22/2010 16:01 Comments || Top||

#6  Shades of Col. David Hackworth! I'd guess that McChrystal is seeing the writing on the wall, and is purposefully doing this.
Well, heck - a general's retirement pay isn't anything to sneeze at, and being able to look at yourself in the mirror is probably worth something, too.
The immolation of the Obama administration is imminent - hey, Barbara, you'd better order a truckload of popcorn!
Posted by: Sgt.Mom || 06/22/2010 16:14 Comments || Top||

#7  Drudge flash -- no link yet:

FLASH: According to an unnamed source 'Gen. McChrystal has submitted his resignation' - Joe Klein on Rick Sanchez, CNN... Developing...


Posted by: trailing wife || 06/22/2010 17:04 Comments || Top||

#8  He has done this intentionally. He does not want his legasy to be the guy that lost this war. Better to be the general that called the prez a loser and let history prove him right.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/22/2010 17:09 Comments || Top||

#9  He knows the Afghanistan war is an unwinnable disaster and wants to cause some damage to those who caused it to be the disaster it is.
Posted by: phil_b || 06/22/2010 18:01 Comments || Top||

#10  In my humble opinion, any military person who talks to any newspaper reporter, other than to brief on the results of a concluded operation, is a fool. If you do brief on the results, do not take questions, do not offer any opinions.

THE PRESS IS NOT ON YOUR SIDE!!!
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 06/22/2010 18:26 Comments || Top||

#11  General McChrystal is frustrated and is reacting to the constraints, ROE, and exit plans placed upon his warfighters by the current administration. We may only be seeing the half of it. No one wants to be a party to programmed failure, least of all a professional Army officer. If he goes, many will go with him. Just my assessment.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 18:28 Comments || Top||

#12  An associate of mine following this closely says he read Rolling Stone sent it back for review.

No comments. No wonder the press attache 'resigned'.
Sorry, no link...
Posted by: Bobby || 06/22/2010 18:35 Comments || Top||

#13  A very sad day for America. Very sad.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 18:38 Comments || Top||

#14  Sepuku?
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 06/22/2010 18:45 Comments || Top||

#15  This is a real onion of a story (layered and aromatic). Stan submitted his resignation. If it's accepted then he's positioned for a spot as Secretary of the Army in the next administration. If it's turned down then Obama can look munificent. Either way, the tar baby approach works though - the suspicion is planted/will remain that the aide's allegations were correct. Despite the MSM spin on this McChrystal has the power in this situation - especially because he has chosen not to play by the rules.
Posted by: Flailet White6069 || 06/22/2010 19:33 Comments || Top||

#16  ....or Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (ASDSOLIC).

I vote YES!
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 19:41 Comments || Top||

#17  This was a no-brainer once the the fight for Kandahar was put off. The General really had no choice other than to resign and make the facts known or allow Obama to throw him under the bus.
Posted by: Mike N. || 06/22/2010 20:09 Comments || Top||

#18  The General isn't allowed to play to win.
Sounds like he's done with bambi and the bullshit artists that pass for journalists now days.
Posted by: bigjim-CA || 06/22/2010 20:32 Comments || Top||

#19  Thiswas deliberate. I do love the irony. Rolling stone, the most liberal of all rags in America, The general calls out the prez on his home turf! I do love it. If zero fires him he will be cleared hot to tell all about Zero and his mismanagement of the war.

More popcorn please!!!
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/22/2010 22:43 Comments || Top||


Amnesty could free 1,000 Taliban
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 06/22/2010 10:47 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Posted by: Rhodesiafever || 06/22/2010 15:25 Comments || Top||

#2  There's another 1000 enemy back in circulation.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/22/2010 16:06 Comments || Top||

#3  This is the warden speaking. There will be a cell phone forensics screening serial number inventory during the lunch period. Please bring your cell phone to the lunch room for the mandatory monthly inventory. Thank you.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 19:09 Comments || Top||


Taliban extremists claim Aussie deaths in Afghanistan
Posted by: tipper || 06/22/2010 00:33 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


US tax dollars extorted from Afghan trucking companies may be going to Taliban
Posted by: tipper || 06/22/2010 00:19 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  That's all right, it's a drop in the bucket compared with the money we spend on oil that goes to our enemies.
Posted by: Perfesser || 06/22/2010 2:42 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
Nigeria seeks to observe Abdulmutallab trial
Posted by: ryuge || 06/22/2010 02:40 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Arabia
Saudi convicts 15 men, women for mingling at party
Judicial officials say a Saudi court has convicted four women and 11 men for mingling at a party and sentenced them to flogging and prison terms.
Posted by: ed || 06/22/2010 14:40 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Al Qaeda Sought to Replicate 9/11 Attack in 2003 Riyadh Bombings
[Asharq al-Aswat] Information received by Asharq Al-Awsat, and published for the first time, reveals that 105 people had a hand in the infamous 12 May 2003 Riyadh compound terrorist attacks which resulted in the deaths of 27 people of different nationalities; including 9 US citizens and 7 Saudi Arabians, and which also wounded 160 others.

The information received by Asharq Al-Awsat reveal that 24 Al Qaeda fighters took part in the attacks on three residential compounds in Riyadh; the Dorrat a Jadawel compound, the al Hamra Oasis Village compound, and the Vinell compound, while 81 others were implicated in planning or providing finance for these attacks. The information also said that 1 of the 24 Al Qaeda terrorists who attacked the Riyadh compounds managed to escape with his life, while the remaining 23 others died in this suicide attack.

The information received by Asharq Al-Awsat claims that Al Qaeda sought to simulate the deadly September 11 attacks via the Riyadh compound bombings with regards to attacking numerous targets and synchronizing the timings of the attacks. According to this information, the order to carry out these attacks came from within Iran, and was given by senior Al Qaeda member Sayf al-Adl, who was residing in Iran at the time. The information says that Sayf al-Adl gave the order to attack to Al Qaeda fighter Turki al-Dandani, and that this occurred during an encrypted telephone call between the two men which was picked up by the relevant [Saudi] authorities.

The information also reveals that Al-Dandani -- who killed himself in a suicide attack on 3 July 2003 in Al Jawf province, less than two months after the Riyadh compound bombings -- received an encrypted communiqué to begin Al Qaeda operations on Saudi soil around two months before the attack.

The Saudi authorities previously said that 16 terrorists were responsible for carrying out the Riyadh compound bombings, revealing the names of 14 of these terrorists. However new information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat state that following examinations of unidentified bodies found at the scene, and after a complete investigation into the attacks, the number of those responsible for these attacks has raised from 16 to 24. The authorities have identified all 24 terrorists responsible for the Riyadh compound bombing; 23 of whom died in the attack while 1 managed to escape with his life.

Information reveals that this terrorist, who is known as perpetrator 24, was not killed in the Riyadh compound bombings, and was able to flee with his life, although he is now in custody.

The operation behind revealing the existence of a twenty-fourth attacker took place after [Saudi] security officials were carrying out a routine survey of the scene of the crime at the al Hamra Oasis compound in eastern Riyadh. The security apparatus was attempting to gather evidence and information with regards to who was responsible for the attacks when security officials found a Kalashnikov rifle propped up against a wall at the al Hamra Oasis compound. According to the information given to Asharq Al-Awsat, this weapon was discovered with the rifle butt in the air, and was propped up against the wall in such a way that it was clear that the rifle was used by somebody fleeing the scene of the crime to climb the wall.

The information revealed that the identity of this attacker, later dubbed perpetrator 24, was discovered after the weapon he used was forensically examined, and following an investigation by the competent authorities which resulted in perpetrator 24 being arrested in Jeddah just months after the Riyadh compound bombings.

Against this backdrop, 82 individuals were found guilty of being involved in the planning of the Riyadh compound bombings, including perpetrator 24. Information also revealed that Al Qaeda members Khaled al-Haj of Yemen -- who was killed on 15 March 2004 -- and Turki al-Dandani of Saudi Arabia -- killed just months after the Riyadh compound bombings -- were primarily responsible for the three attacks that took place on 12 May 2003.

The information received by Asharq Al-Awsat attributes the haste in which the Riyadh compound bombings terrorist operation was carried out to a belief that the Saudi security apparatus was closing in. This was after an explosion took place on 15 March 2004 in the southern neighborhood of al-Jazeera in Riyadh which resulted in the death of Al Qaeda member Fahd Samran al-Sa'idi. This explosion, less than two months prior to the Riyadh compound bombings, resulted in the Saudi authorities discovering the presence of this Al Qaeda safe-house, which resulted in Al Qaeda fearing that their plans were about to be discovered, and so the order to carry out the Riyadh compound bombings was given for 12 May 2003.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda

#1  Interesting.
Posted by: Odysseus || 06/22/2010 6:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Sounds like a thorough investigation was conducted using the most sophisticated interrogation techniques. Wonder what they found out about past and planned attacks on us.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 06/22/2010 7:06 Comments || Top||

#3  Thank God for work accidents. That is the only thing that's been keeping our death count down.
Posted by: Frozen Al || 06/22/2010 11:32 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
BNP leaders plotted Sylhet grenade attack
[Bangla Daily Star] Huji leader Mufti Abdul Hannan yesterday in a Sylhet courtroom placed the blame on a few BNP men including an ex-state minister for the grenade attack on an Awami League meeting in the city.

Hannan's brother Mofizur Rahman and Huji operative Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul also gave the court similar statements, Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsul Islam told The Daily Star.

Additional District and Sessions Judge of Sylhet Manzurul Haque Khan framed charges against Hannan and five others in the murder case filed after the grenade attack.

As the APP read out charges, the judge asked the accused whether they were guilty of the charges. Mufti Abdul Hannan and other accused pleaded not guilty.

Hannan said they are innocent victims of a conspiracy.

A fresh probe will reveal facts, claimed Hannan alleging BNP leader Harris Chowdhury, Habiganj Pourashava chairman GK Gous and some other local leaders masterminded the attack.

He suggested that the investigators should interrogate former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar to go deep into the grenade attack.

Mufti Hannan also held CID ASP Munshi Atiq responsible for "falsely implicating" them.

The attack on the AL meeting in the city's Gulshan Centre on August 7, 2004 left Sylhet city AL publicity secretary Mohammad Ibrahim dead and 25 injured.

Mufti Abdul Hannan, Mofizur Rahman alias Muhibullah alias Ovi, Sharif Shahedul Alam Bipul, Mufti Main Uddin and Delwar Hossain Ripon were produced before the court yesterday for framing charges against them.

However, the other accused Humayun Kabir Himu remained at large since the day of attack.

The judge then fixed August 9 for taking deposition of the prosecution witnesses.

The same court yesterday framed charges against the same group of accused in another case in connection with a grenade attack on the Sylhet mayor on December 2, 2004.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: HUJI


Britain
British youngsters told to reject extremism at jihad conference
Over 700 hundred British youngsters were told to reject the idea of extremist jihad during a conference in Bradford. The JIHijackAD event which was hel at Bradford Hilton Hotel and organised by Muslim Youth League UK, a youth forum of Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK, demolishes extremist ideology.

The keynote speaker Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri gave a comprehensive talk on the concept of jihad and urged the youth who may be brainwashed by extremist groups to denounce twisted ideologies and gain proper Islamic knowledge on the true concept of the word jihad. Mr Hassan said "Those who misuse the concept of jihad to fulfil their own hidden agendas take Quranic verses out of context or misapply them, are in actual fact the worst enemies of Islam and Muslims."

Mr Hassan quoted 31 verses of the Quran which mentioned Jihad. "Its mention in the Quran was in non-violent forms such as struggling by means of knowledge, spirituality, charity and character reformation," he said. "Only four verses that refer to Jihad with reference to taking up arms were only permitting taking up arms in self-defence.

"Only a state can declare this form of jihad which involves taking up arms to defend the state or oppressed people. Individuals, organisations or groups have no authority to declare this form of jihad," said Mr Hassan.

Spokesman for Minhaj-ul-Quran UK, Shahid Mursaleen added: "This conference has clarified the concept of jihad which has been hijacked by the extremists and it is a blow to the extremist recruitment in the UK who brainwash our youth and lead them towards hell."
Posted by: ryuge || 06/22/2010 02:31 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Only a state can declare this form of jihad which involves taking up arms to defend the state or oppressed people

The "state" being the Ummah or any other "authority" the jihaddis feel back their view. The "oppressed people" being all muslims everywhere. Now you're right back where you started and provided justification for violent jihad to boot. It's all in the interpretation, isn't it? It's all self-defense.

Everyone is still quite clear on the concept of jihad. Every attempt to "clarify" jihad leads right back to kill all the infidels. it's self-defense always. it's saving the oppressed, always. Only the interpretation of "infidel" is variable.
Posted by: Swanimote || 06/22/2010 9:17 Comments || Top||

#2  The Yoots probably replied "Death to Infidels!"
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 14:26 Comments || Top||


Caribbean-Latin America
Baja California: Local Police Abuse Undercover Federal Agents
Babelfish
Mexican Federal agents of the Policía Federal Preventiva (PFP) were arrested, interrogated, beaten and eventually released by Tijuana, Baja California municipal police in a situation which nearly led to an armed confrontation between the police, say Mexican new reports.

According to the translation, Tijuana municipal police arrested a group of four Mexican Federal agents who were operating undercover dressed in street clothes near calle Tercera, between calles Mutualismo and Miguel Hidalgo in the central district of Tijuana at about 1200 hrs Sunday.

The municipal police agents spent many hours humiliating and abusing their prisoners with the Federal agents who kept protesting their true identity.

Another version of this part of the story was the PFP agents were drunk during this time and were then taken to the hotel where the Federal agents were quartered.

The PFP agents were transferred to a nearby military facility where they were beaten as a lesson and then released to their quarters at the hotel.

When the agents' commander saw the condition of his agents, he immediately called out 20 uniformed Mexican Federal patrols to search for the police who detained and beat the agents.

When a patrol found the municipal police vehicle used to transport the agents, the rest of the federal patrols converged on the scene. Apparently, the Federal agents shouted abusively at the Tijuana police, which prompted the municipal police to request assistance.

Soon between 40 and 50 municipal police patrols converged to the area, essentially surrounding the Federal agents. At this point, apparently both sides were preparing to fire upon each other when commanders of both sides ordered both sides to stand down.

According to the translation, this is not the first such incident between police units in Tijuana.
Posted by: badanov || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Mexiraq.
Posted by: gromky || 06/22/2010 1:39 Comments || Top||

#2  Soon between 40 and 50 municipal police patrols converged to the area, essentially surrounding the Federal agents. At this point, apparently both sides were preparing to fire upon each other when commanders of both sides ordered both sides to stand down.

Unfortunate.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 18:50 Comments || Top||

#3  "Can't tell the players without a scorecard!"
_____________

Present situation of anarchy in our southern neighbor "narco state"...
Posted by: borgboy || 06/22/2010 19:12 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Mexican Cartel Threatens Police Officers in Arizona Border Town
Police officers in a small Arizona border city are on heightened alert following a tip that a Mexican drug cartel will put them in its crosshairs if they conduct off-duty busts.

The threat stems from a marijuana seizure made this month by two off-duty police officers riding on horseback in an unincorporated area east of Nogales, a city of roughly 20,000, Police Chief Jeffrey Kirkham told FoxNews.com.

"The word was that these particular officers would be targeted if they were ever in that area again and were not on duty and intercepted any drug trafficking," Kirkham said. "It said they should look the other way."

The unidentified officers were able to confiscate roughly 400 pounds of marijuana during the seizure in early June at a known smuggling corridor along the U.S.-Mexican border where there is "relatively no fencing," Kirkham said. No arrests were made, and the smugglers were able to retreat into Mexico.

Kirkham said his department, which employs 62 officers, learned about the threat through informants and has been unable to determine which Mexican drug cartel is behind it. Kirkham noted that two drug trafficking organizations -- the Los Zetas and the Sinaloa Cartel -- are currently trying to gain a foothold in the Nogales area.

"Which one, we can't establish," he said. "They're not ones to advertise who's behind this. It's difficult to establish."

In response to the threat, Kirkham said everyone in the department was advised to be armed while off-duty. Officials at the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also were notified, he said.

"We let them know that if they are to go out there, they are to be armed," Kirkham said.

George Grayson, a professor at The College of William & Mary who specializes in Mexican politics and international affairs, said the threat likely came from the Sinaloa Cartel, which is headed by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman-Loera, who is being sought by American and Mexican authorities. The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.

"This is quite credible that the cartels would threaten police officers, on-duty or off-duty," Grayson told FoxNews.com. "They, in fact, are more likely to threaten local police than to go after the [Drug Enforcement Agency] or FBI, which really raises hackles in Washington when you have your federal law enforcement agents threatened."

The Los Zetas criminal organization -- a rival of the Sinaloa Cartel -- had previously operated in the Nogales area, Grayson said, but the area is now probably controlled by "El Chapo," which is Spanish for "shorty." Grayson said Sinaloa is believed to be one of the biggest suppliers of cocaine to the United States, and its members are known to be well-trained and well-armed.

"These officers should get medals for bravery, either on- or off-duty, because I doubt they have the firepower these cartels have," he said. "It's logical that as there are episodes involving U.S. law enforcement [with Mexican cartels], that the threats against American police officers at various levels will also increase."

Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 06/22/2010 14:15 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This article should have been filed under "WOT" because it is part & parcel of terrorism.

Agreed. Moved at 4:37 pm ET.
-- tw (minus the usual periwinkle highlighter.)
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 14:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Maybe this would be a good time for AZ to consider forming a well regulated militia.
Posted by: BrerRabbit || 06/22/2010 14:48 Comments || Top||

#3  Maybe this would be a good time for AZ to consider forming a well regulated militia.

Yup, and at the same time tell the cartels to go screw themselves. Time to go medieval on these guys.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/22/2010 16:26 Comments || Top||

#4  "Maybe this would be a good time for AZ to consider forming a well regulated militia."

Can't a sheriff form a posse for stuff like this? I don't believe the use of a posse is limited to chasing a fugitive.
Posted by: crosspatch || 06/22/2010 16:58 Comments || Top||

#5  I miss judge Roy Bean.
Posted by: twobyfour || 06/22/2010 17:24 Comments || Top||

#6  DRUDGE > Artic repors that the MEXI CARTELS maintain alleged LOOKOUT BASES/STAS on select ARIZONA HILLTOPS.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 18:26 Comments || Top||

#7  "twobyfour": I've been to the remote site of Judge Bean's courthouse and spent three hours taking pictures and having the time of my life. You haven't really been to the "middle of nowhere" until you make the trek (I did, by motorcycle last December.) The woman who runs the Texas Historical Site is a relative og the late judge and can answer about any question you throw at her relating to Bean.
Posted by: borgboy || 06/22/2010 18:56 Comments || Top||

#8  just IMHO but he looked a LOT like Paul Newman
Posted by: Frank G || 06/22/2010 19:09 Comments || Top||

#9  Someone should leak a story into Mexico about Arizona purchasing GPS guided missiles that can reach Sinaloa.
Posted by: Mike N. || 06/22/2010 23:38 Comments || Top||


Mexican Gangs Maintain Permanent Lookout Bases in Hills of Arizona
Mexican drug cartels have set up shop on American soil, maintaining lookout bases in strategic locations in the hills of southern Arizona from which their scouts can monitor every move made by law enforcement officials, federal agents tell Fox News.

The scouts are supplied by drivers who bring them food, water, batteries for radios -- all the items they need to stay in the wilderness for a long time.

Click here for more on this story from Adam Housley.

“To say that this area is out of control is an understatement," said an agent who patrols the area and asked not to be named. "We (federal border agents), as well as the Pima County Sheriff Office and the Bureau of Land Management, can attest to that.'

Much of the drug traffic originates in the Menagers Dam area, the Vekol Valley, Stanfield and around the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. It even follows a natural gas pipeline that runs from Mexico into Arizona.

In these areas, which are south and west of Tucson, sources said there are “cartel scouts galore' watching the movements of federal, state and local law enforcement, from the border all the way up to Interstate 8.

“Every night we're getting beaten like a pinata at a birthday party by drug, alien smugglers," a second federal agent told Fox News by e-mail. "The danger is out there, with all the weapons being found coming northbound…. someone needs to know about this!'

The agents blame part of their plight on new policies from Washington, claiming it has put a majority of the U.S. agents on the border itself. One agent compared it to a short-yardage defense in football, explaining that once the smugglers and drug-runners break through the front line, they're home free.

“We are unable to work any traffic, because they have us forward deployed," the agent said. "We are unable to work the traffic coming out of the mountains. That traffic usually carries weapons and dope, too, again always using stolen vehicles.'

The Department of Homeland Security denies it has ordered any major change in operations or any sort of change in forward deployment.

“The Department of Homeland Security has dedicated unprecedented manpower, technology and infrastructure resources to the Southwest border over the course of the past 16 months," DHS spokesman Matt Chandler said. "Deployment of CBP/Border Patrol and ICE personnel to various locations throughout the Southwest border is based on actionable intelligence and operational need, not which elected official can yell the loudest.'

While agents in the area agree that southwest Arizona has been a trouble spot for more than a decade, many believe Washington and politicians “who come here for one-day visit' aren't seeing the big picture.

They say the area has never been controlled and has suddenly gotten worse, with the cartels maintaining a strong presence on U.S. soil. More than ever, agents on the front lines are wearing tactical gear, including helmets, to protect themselves.

“More than 4,000 of these agents are deployed in Arizona," Chandler says. "The strategy to secure our nation's borders is based on a 'defense in depth' philosophy, including the use of interior checkpoints, like the one on FR 85 outside Ajo, to interdict threats attempting to move from the border into the interior of our nation.'

Without placing direct fault on anyone, multiple agents told Fox that the situation is more dangerous for them than ever now that the cartels have such a strong position on the American side of the border.

They say morale is down among many who patrol the desolate area, and they worry that the situation won't change until an agent gets killed.
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 06/22/2010 12:18 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Its an act of war. Send in the SEAL hunter killer teams.
Posted by: BrerRabbit || 06/22/2010 12:56 Comments || Top||

#2  And Obama allows this - a foreign power to occupy U.S. Sovereign territory - in order to advance his political goals of 'Amnesty'.

The word you are looking for is 'Treason'.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/22/2010 13:01 Comments || Top||

#3  Time to get the ISR platforms out and locate them. From there give it to Sherrif Joe or the vigalanties. It will get taken care of.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/22/2010 13:33 Comments || Top||

#4  I suspect those narcolookouts would show up as bright lights to any UAV scanning for IR emissions after dark out there. Drivers leave tire tracks, plenty of 'em.
They say morale is down among many who patrol the desolate area, and they worry that the situation won't change until an agent gets killed. I don't think agents getting killed will make much of a difference. An atrocity involving multiple murders of peaceful civilians in Arizona might, and that seems to be just a matter of time.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 14:07 Comments || Top||

#5  Isn't "lookout base" just another word for "beaten zone"?
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 06/22/2010 14:55 Comments || Top||

#6  Arizona will see a surge in vigilantism against illegals. Head meet chopping block. And Obama will end up looking like a bad man in the long run, IMHO, once some serious conflict transpires and the tide of public opinion will turn on him as sympathy will start to counterbalance liberal hysteria.
Posted by: Anna Sasin || 06/22/2010 14:58 Comments || Top||

#7  Drone's were made for this. Unfortunately this anti-American president is not on our side.
Posted by: Tiny Clainter3366 || 06/22/2010 16:16 Comments || Top||

#8  Can someone work up a basic IR sensor and put it on a Cessna? Can someone fly it in a series of traverses over likely lookout locations? Can someone post the coordinates/IR images of any hot locations? I'd ask if someone could take the obvious next step, but it would be improper. If our government won't do it's job, we can either replace our government or do the job ourselves.
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/22/2010 19:00 Comments || Top||

#9  In the early to mid '80s I lived in Sierra Vista when the Aerostat was launched and the U.S. government proudly proclaimed it the conquering tool of the drug war. Har! Har! Har!
____________________________________

Additionally the cartels corrupt the officials on BOTH sides of the border. Seizures on this side often end up in recycling...I guess the recycling gives this corruption a "thumbs up" from the "Green" crowd...
Posted by: borgboy || 06/22/2010 19:07 Comments || Top||

#10  Glenmore.

Unattended ground sensors would work nicely and require little maintenance. Persistent surveillance from orbiting airborne platforms could cover sensor gaps. A heliborne Quick Reaction Force (QRF) could respond to the alerts. The technology exists. The only missing component is the 'will.'
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/22/2010 19:17 Comments || Top||

#11  The word you are looking for is 'Treason'.
CF, I really think the word you are looking for are Direliction of Duty. An impeachable offense.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 06/22/2010 19:33 Comments || Top||

#12  maintaining lookout bases in strategic locations in the hills of southern Arizona

They just moved them East from the area between San Diego and El Centro.
Posted by: Pappy || 06/22/2010 22:03 Comments || Top||


Times Square car bomber details his chilling plot
Posted by: tipper || 06/22/2010 09:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "One has to understand where I'm coming from," he said in an unusual departure from tightly scripted guilty pleas, with his defense attorney and prosecutors sitting in silence in federal court in Manhattan. "I consider myself ... a Muslim soldier."

Perhaps Authorities on Islamic Theology like President Obama or John O. Brennan, Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism should explain to this Muslim Soldier why Islam is peaceful and non violent.
Posted by: lord garth || 06/22/2010 14:19 Comments || Top||


Terrorists crossing AZ border into U.S.?
PINAL COUNTY, AZ - On a single day in April, in a special cell block deep inside the Pinal County Jail, nearly 400 inmates sat awaiting trial or extradition after being detained trying to cross the Arizona border from Mexico.

Only about half of them were actually from Mexico.

In 2009, according to Homeland Security documents obtained by ABC 15, ICE officials detained 45,279 undocumented immigrants classified as OTM [other-than-Mexican]. While the vast majority were from other Central American countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, officials also arrested 10 undocumented immigrants from Iran, 10 from Iraq, six from Lebanon and 19 from Pakistan.
At least according to their passports, one assumes. But how many more had acquired false papers?
Through May of this year, officials had detained more than 25,000 OTM border crossers.
Which may or may not mean they are on the path to more detentions than the previous year. With out a year-to-date comparison, or better yet a graph of monthly totals, the through-May-for-2010 number is not quite meaningful. If only communications students were required to take some statistics courses.
Officials interviewed for this story expressed frustration, because U.S. intelligence officials have known for the better part of a decade about terror groups' willingness to smuggle people across the southern border, yet little has been done to substantially increase border security.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 01:03 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Maybe OTL (other than latinos) may be a better designative. QPJ (quite possibly jihadists) would work too.
Posted by: twobyfour || 06/22/2010 9:07 Comments || Top||

#2  ....except..Early in the year, Bryant Vinas, a Hispanic American convert, pleaded guilty to having trained with al Qaeda in Pakistan.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/22/2010 10:15 Comments || Top||

#3  There's a large Hezbollah nest in South America from which they can come from...probably stopping off in Venezuela for provisioning.
Posted by: borgboy || 06/22/2010 19:45 Comments || Top||

#4  E.g. PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > TIMES SQUARE BOMBER SHAHZAD PLEADS GUILTY, DECLARES "ITS A WAR".
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 21:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Perhaps President Obama could skip a golf game, or a party, or take a day away from a vacation and look into this. I mean if it's not too much trouble.
Posted by: DMFD || 06/22/2010 22:08 Comments || Top||


DIA to open new counterintelligence records unit
It was bad when Bush did this sort of thing ...
The Defense Intelligence Agency wants to open a new repository for information about individuals and groups in what appears to be a successor to a controversial counterintelligence program that was disbanded in 2008.

The new Foreign Intelligence and Counterintelligence Operation Records section will be housed in DIA's Defense Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence Center, or DCHC, formed after the demise of the Counterintelligence Field Activity, or CIFA, according to an announcement that appeared Tuesday in the Federal Register.

The "activity" was disbanded, but evidently not its records database, which seems to be headed to the new unit. One of the criticisms of CIFA was that it vacuumed up raw intelligence on legal protest groups and individuals from local police and military spies.

When the DCHC was launched in 2008, the Pentagon said “it shall NOT be designated as a law enforcement activity and shall not perform any law enforcement functions previously assigned to DoD CIFA.'

Why the new depository would want such records while its parent agency no longer has a law enforcement function could not be learned. Not could it be learned whether the repository will include intelligence reports on protest groups gathered by its predecessor, CIFA.

"It's a little hard to tell what this is exactly, but we do know that DIA took over 'offensive counterintelligence' for the DoD once CIFA was abandoned," said Mike German, a former FBI Special Agent who is now policy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union. "It therefore makes sense that this new DIA data base would be collecting the same types of information that CIFA collected improperly, so Americans should be just as concerned."

The Defense Department has also started collecting Suspicious Activity Reports, German pointed out, "which they share with federal, state and local law enforcement through the FBI eGuardian system."

Tuesday's announcement in the Federal Register was vague about the kinds of intelligence the new records center will hold.

It said that it would hold information on “individuals involved in, or of interest to, DoD intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism and counter-narcotic operations or analytical projects as well as individuals involved in foreign intelligence and/or training activities.'

The kinds of records it intends to hold, according to the Federal Register, include “Social Security Number (SSN), address, citizenship documentation, biometric data, passport number, vehicle identification number and vehicle/vessel license data.'

Records would be gathered from “Federal, state, local, and tribal entities, foreign intelligence agencies, educational and research institutions, foreign governments and open source literature,' the announcement says.

The new records center would have a broad domestic and homeland security mandate, judging from the announcement. It would include “records relating to … critical infrastructure protection, research and technology protection, threat analysis, counter-narcotics and risk assessments.'

“Reports of investigation, collection, statements of individuals, affidavits, correspondence, and other documentation pertaining to investigative or analytical efforts by DoD and other U.S. government agencies to identify or counter foreign intelligence and terrorist threats to the DoD and the United States,' it said, would also be gathered. “The system of records includes ad hoc or temporary databases established to support particular investigations, task forces, or analytical projects.'

DIA's chief spokesman Donald L. Black, reached late Tuesday afternoon, said he was unaware of the proposed new unit and not prepared to comment at this time.

Likewise, a spokeswoman at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which DIA notified about its proposal, was also unaware of the proposal and unable to comment offhand.

The new unit will open for business on July 15, “unless comments are received which result in a contrary determination,' according t the Federal Register filing.
Posted by: Steve White || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They keep info on me, they're going to
A. waste a lot of computer memory and
B. be bored shitless.

Go to it idiots.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/22/2010 0:37 Comments || Top||


Guilty Plea to all Counts in Times Square Bomb Plot
The defendant in the failed Times Square bombing pleaded guilty on Monday, an abrupt and expedited end to a terrorism case that extended to Pakistan and an Islamic militant group there.

The defendant, Faisal Shahzad, 30, listened as each count of the 10-count indictment was read to him, and then indicated that he understood the charges and the penalties that he faced.

"I want to plead guilty 100 times over," said Mr. Shahzad, who faces life in prison.

Mr. Shahzad described his training in Pakistan, where he said he went to learn from the Pakistani Taliban how to build a bomb that he planned to detonate in the United States.

His guilty plea was consistent with his behavior since his arrest on May 3, when he began cooperating with federal authorities for more than two weeks without counsel and waived his Miranda rights. The only question would be whether Mr. Shahzad would be seeking some sort of leniency in sentencing in return for his assistance, something his lawyers may be seeking.

But legal experts say that absent any sort of written agreement -- and there may be none since he cooperated for so long without a lawyer -- the government is under no obligation to push for leniency for Mr. Shahzad, who faces a mandatory life sentence on two counts.

He was originally scheduled to appear in court at noon on Monday for what was supposed to be a brief arraignment on an indictment returned against him on Thursday.

But before a packed courtroom, Mr. Shahzads lawyer and a prosecutor left the room for about 15 minutes for a meeting with Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum. The judge then returned and announced that the parties had asked that the hearing be delayed until 4 p.m.

Mr. Shahzad re-entered the courtroom just after 4:30, his hands cuffed behind his back. Marshals then removed the handcuffs. He sat at a table and drummed his fingers as his lawyer Philip Weinstein conferred with the judge and a prosecutor.

The judge asked Mr. Shahzad, who wore a dark blue shirt and a white skullcap, to stand.

She told him that the first charge he faced was attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

"How do you plead to that charge?" the judge asked.

"I do plead guilty to that charge," Mr. Shahzad said.

The judge then said to Mr. Shahzad, "I gather you want to plead guilty to all of them."

"Yes," Mr. Shahzad said.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Obviously setting up an insanity plea.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/22/2010 0:45 Comments || Top||

#2  Hang him and be done with it
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 5:02 Comments || Top||

#3  This is just the 'trial run' for KSM. Make it look easy.

Wonder what kind of deal Shahzad got to plead out?
Posted by: Skunky Glins**** || 06/22/2010 10:28 Comments || Top||

#4  "...as his lawyer Philip Weinstein...."

Heh, I guess he's not insane -- he got a Jewish lawyer!
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 06/22/2010 11:46 Comments || Top||

#5  And why do I feel the death penalty is not even on the table? Let's just take it off the books then if we're never going to use it... it only teases those of us that seek order in a disordered world.
Posted by: Attention on Deck || 06/22/2010 13:47 Comments || Top||

#6  See also NEWS KERALA/TOPIX > TIMES SQUARE BOMBER SHAHZAD DECLARES WAR ON AMERICANS, + TIMES SQUARE BOMBER SHAHZAD: US + ISLAM IN STATE OF WAR, MORE ATTACKS COMING [agz US].
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 21:12 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Pak PM Ignores US Warning On Iran Gas Deal, Going Ahead With Gas Import
Defying a warning from Washington, Pakistan's prime minister promised Tuesday to go ahead with a plan to import natural gas from Iran even if the U.S. levies additional sanctions against the Mideast country.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's comments came two days after the U.S. special envoy to Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, cautioned Pakistan not to ``overcommit'' itself to the deal because it could run afoul of new sanctions against Iran being finalized by Congress.

The deal has been a constant source of tension between the two countries, with Pakistan arguing that it is vital to its ability to cope with an energy crisis and the U.S. stressing that it would undercut international pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.

Gilani said Pakistan would reconsider the deal if it violated U.N. sanctions, but the country was ``not bound to follow'' unilateral U.S. measures. He said media reports that quoted him as saying that Pakistan would heed Holbrooke's warning were incorrect.

The U.N. has levied four sets of sanctions against Iran for failing to suspend uranium enrichment, a process that can produce fuel for a nuclear weapon. The latest set of U.N. sanctions was approved earlier this month.

The U.S. has also applied a number of unilateral sanctions against Iran, and Congress is currently finalizing a new set largely aimed at the country's petroleum industry. Both houses have passed versions of the sanctions and are working to reconcile their differences.

Pakistan and Iran finalized the gas deal earlier this month. Under the contract, Iran will export 760 million cubic feet (21.5 million cubic meters) of gas per day to Pakistan through a new pipeline beginning in 2014. The construction of the pipeline is estimated to cost some $7 billion.

While U.S. officials have expressed opposition to the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline deal, the issue is complicated by Washington's reliance on Pakistan's cooperation to fight al-Qaida and the Taliban.

The U.S. also acknowledges that Pakistan faces a severe energy crisis and has made aid to the energy sector one of its top development priorities. Electricity shortages in Pakistan cause rolling blackouts that affect businesses and intensify suffering during the hot summer months.
Posted by: Sherry || 06/22/2010 15:14 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ION "CRISIS" PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > [UN Dev Program] UNDP: NO WATER FOR PAKISTAN FROM GLACIERS AFTER 2060. Regional "WATER WAR" very likely unless Regional, International efforts are begun NOW to preserve or discover new Water sources.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 22:01 Comments || Top||


'America Knows...'
Two Key international news groups on Saturday criticised Pakistan's army in particular General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff

The Boston Globe wrote in an editorial :"(President) Obama should make a few things clear to the General: that America knows the extent of the ISI's backing of the Taliban; that Pakistan Army will not keep getting money and weapons from Washington if it goes on backing groups that kill American soldiers."

"If Pakistan does not end all support for its Taliban proxies, the US will seek India's assistance in stabilising Afghanistan," it said.

The Boston Globe editorial also said: "The US and the NATO cannot endure an open-ended military commitment in Afghanistan. But they know - or should know - that there can be no hope of ending the war unless Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency stops arming, funding and training Afghan insurgent groups."

"Pakistan originally sponsored the Taliban in the mid-90s as a proxy force that could ensure Afghanistan would be friendly to Pakistan and not be absorbed into an Indian sphere of influence. Anxiety about India's role in Afghanistan remains the driving force behind the ISI's support for the Taliban.", adds the Boston Globe.

The Economist under the title: "Land of the impure: Don't blame the army for all Pakistan's problems. Just most of them."

"Three score years and a bit after its founding, Pakistan-which means land of the pure-still struggles to look like a nation. Economically backward, politically stunted and terrorised by religious extremists, it would be enough to make anyone nervous, even if it did not have nuclear weapons. For these shortcomings, most of the blame should be laid at the door of the army, which claims, more than any other institution, to embody nationhood," it said.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  too little and too late.
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 4:40 Comments || Top||

#2  "If Pakistan does not end all support for its Taliban proxies, the US will seek India's assistance in stabilising AfghanistanPakistan," it said.

There. NOW you will get their attention.
Posted by: Ptah || 06/22/2010 13:49 Comments || Top||


We will not take revenge for Benazir's murder: Zardari
[Dawn] President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that they will not take revenge for the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Why would you not?
Addressing a public gathering on the birthday of Benazir Bhutto in Naudero, Zardari said that the PPP government has gained many successes on different fronts, however, there are still several issues that need to be addressed.
Like who killed Benazir...
He said that the restoration of 1973 Constitution was a big success of the government. The Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package has made the country stronger, he added.
Having the FATA under Arab and Uzbek rule hasn't, though...
The PPP co-chairperson further said that the Pashtun people have got their identity and that he would continue to follow the policy of reconciliation.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > [Book]HASSAIN HAQQANI:1970's PAK PRESIDENT BHUTTO [Benazir's Daddy] OFFERED THE USA NAVAL BASES ALONG THE BALOCHISTAN COAST, in exchange for US rearmament of PAK in aftermath of INDO-PAK WAR. Rejected by the NIXON ADMIN in favor of the US trying to change or alter India's attitudes towards PAK, thus enhancing Regional Stability.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 21:43 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Leishmaniasis, Another Enemy in WOT
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 06/22/2010 17:31 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel's easing of Gaza siege meets criticism
[Al Arabiya Latest] Israel's decision to ease its blockade of Gaza has drawn criticism from Palestinians who say it does not go far enough and Israelis who fear it will strengthen the territory's Hamas rulers.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who has held sway in the West Bank only since Hamas seized power in Gaza and ousted his forces in 2007, insisted Israel must completely lift the four-year-old blockade.

"President Abbas demands the complete lifting of the siege on Gaza," his spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said.

"These steps alone are not sufficient, and all efforts must be exerted to ease the suffering of the people of Gaza," he added.

Gaza's Islamist rulers also dismissed Israel's decision and called for "the complete and genuine lifting of all forms of the blockade."

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said this must include "the opening of all the crossings and guaranteeing the movement of residents and the entry of all goods, especially industrial and building materials."

"We want all of Gaza's needs to be met, including electricity and fuel and the lifting of all banking restrictions, and this is what is not included in the Israeli decision, which means the siege is still in place," he told AFP.

Israel announced on Sunday it would allow the import of strictly
"civilian" goods, but will restrict "problematic dual-use" items -- thought to include construction materials which can be used to build rockets and bunkers. Israel did not mention allowing exports out of Gaza.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  He sent in delicious Hostess snack cakes, what the hell else do they want?

There's just no pleasing some people.
Posted by: bigjim-CA || 06/22/2010 12:46 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Malaysia keeps tabs on students in Middle East
Leisure activities monitored to ensure they don't get involved with terrorists
Posted by: ryuge || 06/22/2010 02:43 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
US-led armada secretly drilled bombing Iranian targets, missile defense with Israel
DEBKA, so make of it what you will.
Posted by: tipper || 06/22/2010 01:02 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  How many ships in an armada?
Posted by: mojo || 06/22/2010 1:40 Comments || Top||

#2  I doubt the USA can intercept hizbollah missiles from 50 miles offshore. And US bombing of Hizbollah bases is equally unlikely.

Practicing an attack on Iran is more plausible.
Posted by: phil_b || 06/22/2010 1:47 Comments || Top||

#3  Phil,
If USA ships cannot deal with the chinese made silkworm ground to sea missiles from 50 miles offshore, then the US navy is in deep S**t worldwide.
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 7:58 Comments || Top||

#4  CNN + FOX NEWS AM > are still watching the movements of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CBG.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 19:00 Comments || Top||

#5  Elder of Z, I was referring to Hizbollah missiles aimed at Israel.
Posted by: phil_b || 06/22/2010 19:32 Comments || Top||


West must compensate for Rigi crimes
[Iran Press TV Latest] A senior Iranian lawmaker has said the US and Britain must pay compensation to the families of victims killed by the recently executed Jundallah ringleader.

Iran announced on Sunday that it had executed the ringleader of the Pakistan-based Jundallah terrorist group, Abdolmalek Rigi.

"Rigi's full confessions, which describe the real basis of his terrorist activities, expose the support of Western countries including the US and Britain," Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi was quoted as saying by ILNA.

"[Therefore] they should pay compensation for each Iranian martyred or slain at the hand this terrorist," Boroujerdi added.

He went on to criticize Pakistani authorities for failing to assist Iran in pursuing or arresting Rigi.

Rigi was arrested by Iranian security forces on February 23 on a flight from Dubai to Kyrgyzstan. He was put on trial three months later and charged with 79 counts of armed robbery, bombing operations, and armed attacks on ordinary civilians.

Iranian Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi said that Rigi was at an American base 24 hours prior to his capture, and that the United States had sought to ease his escape with the help of a forged Afghan passport.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  Make compensation? Kiss my a88 first.
Posted by: Ebbeamp Hapsburg7970 || 06/22/2010 0:14 Comments || Top||

#2  Go ahead and make compensation, Gaza first, for every missile, rocket and murder, then and only then ask the Jews, bet they'll never do it.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/22/2010 0:40 Comments || Top||

#3  IMO read, IRAN will complain to the UNSC like LEBANON.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 0:58 Comments || Top||

#4  Who?

Never hoid o' the guy.
Posted by: mojo || 06/22/2010 1:43 Comments || Top||

#5  They must be getting advice from American lawyers. Forget the fact that this mook was with a Pakistani terrorist group.....go after the big pockets (US/UK)!
Posted by: Cornsilk Blondie || 06/22/2010 7:20 Comments || Top||

#6  I will personaly pay $100 cash to the Iranian Government if and only if they send us the head of Hasan Nasrallah (without the body). USPS Air priority will be enough, no need for Second day air (must save on expenses).
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 8:03 Comments || Top||

#7  Put it on the books with all the allied and civilian deaths propagated by your Revolutionary Guard in Iraq.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/22/2010 10:18 Comments || Top||

#8  Hey, we was martyred. Isn't that supposed to be its own reward?
Posted by: Mizzou Mafia || 06/22/2010 12:16 Comments || Top||

#9  We'll give it consideration right after you shitbirds pay for Lebanon and SA.
Posted by: Mike N. || 06/22/2010 23:52 Comments || Top||


Iran backs Lebanese nation, resistance
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reiterated Iran's support for the Lebanese nation and resistance.

"Today, Iran supports the people of Lebanon and also the resistance as the policies of both countries are built on resisting bullying powers," IRNA quoted President Ahmadinejad as saying during a Sunday meeting with Iran's new Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi in Tehran.

He reiterated on the strong Tehran-Beirut ties while emphasizing on the need to further bolster bilateral relations.

The president emphasized that under the present global circumstances colonial powers are doomed.

"Today, Iran is emerging as a cultural power on the global scene. This powerhouse, due to its humanitarian ideals, has managed to withstand bullying powers, which merely seek material gain," said President Ahmadinejad.

Roknabadi, for his part, presented a report on the bilateral economic and political ties between Iran and Lebanon and expounded on his work priorities.

The president also met with Iran's new Ambassador to Bolivia Ali-Reza Qazili in Tehran on Sunday and emphasized on the need to expand friendly ties with the Latin American state.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  Translation:
"we Iranians are running the show here. Fuck the Americans and fuck Israel. We will use the lebanese people as cannon-fodder any time we like, you Jebanese are just our puppets - and we pull the strings through our new proxi baby Assad.
When we feel that Israel is going to attack us we will create a provocation using our Hizballa dogs and then sit asside and enjoy the sight of Israel demolishing your lovely contry, while we continue our quest for nuclear glory. so indeed we have strong bilateral relationship - you suffwer and we enjoy- Thank you for your cooperation with our humanitarian ideals.... errrr... that's it , now Hariri go quick, make me some coffee !"
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 4:36 Comments || Top||

#2  YNETNEWS > LEBANON is holding ISRAEL responsible for any new attack on follow-on GAZA AID FLOTILLAS [Read, IRAN-sponsored].

versus

TURKEY > deems ISRAEL new easing gf its GAZA BLOCKADE RESTRICTIONS AS "INSUFFICIENT", i.e. ISRAEL must allow aid to reach the PA + Baza.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/22/2010 21:48 Comments || Top||


Iran Guard wing offers to end US Oil spill
[Al Arabiya Latest] The UN-sanctioned industrial wing of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards offered on Monday to help end the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, saying the disaster had become a "shame" for the United States.

Brigadier General Rostam Qasemi, who heads the Guards' industrial wing Khatam al-Anbiya, said on Guards website Sepahnews.com that his organisation could consider sending its experts for ending the two-month old oil spill.

"This is a shame and a disgrace for America, Britain and those who think they are the cradle of technology and superpowers in the world's industrial and economic fields," said Qasemi who himself is a target of U.S. sanctions.

"Two months after the oil rig was destroyed, they are unable to contain the oil spill. It is a mark of crisis for Western technology and the arrogant experts from American and British companies have reached a dead end."

He said Khatam al-Anbiya can send its experts to end the crisis if asked, boasting that "three decades of sanctions has led (the Guards) to acquiring the capability" to fight such disasters.

"They can ask and after due consideration, we will send experts from Khatam al-Anbiya to end the major crisis and put an end to the environmental disaster," Qasemi said.

"Despite the recent sanctions, the Guards will embark on its humane mission and take its exclusive and indigenous ability to the Gulf of Mexico."

Last month Iranian state firm National Iranian Drilling Company had also offered to help curb the massive oil spill.

Khatam al-Anbiya, is one of 15 Iranian companies linked to the Guards which have been targeted in the latest round of UN sanctions imposed against Iran on June 9.

It was created during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war to help rebuild the country, and has diversified over the years into companies dealing with mechanical engineering, energy, mining and defence.

US outrage has mounted as the oil spill reached its two-month mark, impacting 59 miles (95 kilometres) of Gulf Coast shoreline, mainly in Louisiana but also in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

More than one-third of federal waters in the Gulf are closed to fishing because of the spill.
Posted by: Fred || 06/22/2010 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  I seriously advise Bambi to accept their offer (and ridicule), since he doesn't seem to be able to get his act together when push comes to shove.
On the other hand - maybe he can deliver another eloquent speech, that for sure is ghoing to solve the problem.....

Hell's bells, cant you Americans impeach the idiot or something ?
My heart goes to those poor citizens who are going to loose their livelihood because of this talking head's ineptitude.
The US needs a POTUS with Big Balls instead of a big mouth.
Posted by: Elder of Zion || 06/22/2010 4:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Impeachment must needs start in the House of Representatives. That body is dominated at present by lackies of the President's Own party. There is Hope for a Change in the composition of the House in November. But not, alas, before.
Posted by: Grenter, Protector of the Geats || 06/22/2010 9:13 Comments || Top||

#3  Sorry Elder - he is busy trying to figure out where Lebron James should play pro basketball.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/22/2010 11:34 Comments || Top||



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