Yasser Arafat has suffered a mild heart attack but the Palestinian leadership has sought to keep his health problems secret for fear it will "create panic".
"Omigawd! A heart attack! I've had a heart attack! Oh, Lawd!"
"Yasser! Calm down! You'll give yourself..."
"A heart attack!"
The 74-year-old Palestinian president, who is suffering from Parkinson's disease, disappeared from public view last week and re-emerged at the weekend looking extremely ill. His face was pale and pinched, he had lost weight and he was almost inaudible. He had trouble standing for more than a few minutes at a time. The Palestinian press said he was suffering from flu. But Palestinian officials told the Guardian that Mr Arafat had suffered a heart attack last week. "Although he has had a slight heart attack, the doctors say he will make a full recovery. He is in full control. There is nothing to worry about," said a close aide to Mr Arafat, who did not wish to be named.
"Nothing to see here. Move along... Mahmoud! Catch him! He's doing it again!"
Asked why it had not been made public at the time, the official said that it would "have created panic at a critical time when the Israelis are threatening Arafat's life".
"Yasser! Calm down! It ain't a heart attack! It's... ummm... flu."
"It's a heart attack! I can tell! Lookit me! My lips are all blue!"
"Mahmoud, don't feed him that pie anymore..."
At the beginning of last week, the Palestinian president was visited by his personal physician from Jordan, Dr Ashraf al-Kurdi, and a heart specialist, Yousuf al-Qusous, after he abruptly cancelled all appointments and disappeared from view. The doctors said the Palestinian president had been hit by flu but was recovered. "The illness is over, thank God," Dr Kurdi said at the time.
"I'm gonna die! (Blubber!) ..."
But a few days later, Mr Arafat was again isolated from all but a few close aides. Again, the official explanation was flu.
"Mahmoud! The defibrillator, dammit!"
Sources inside the Palestinian leader's compound in Ramallah say he was too weak to eat for several days. When he reappeared at the weekend, regular visitors to Mr Arafat's compound commented on how ill he looked.
"Yasser! You look like spit!"
(Blubber!)
Yesterday, the Palestinian foreign minister, Nabil Shaath, said Mr Arafat was suffering from a stomach ailment which was believed to be an ulcer. He described him as "very frail".
"Stand him up, Mahmoud!"
Israeli officials say the Palestinian president's health is not a factor as the government considers whether or not to carry out its threat to exile, or even kill, Mr Arafat. "It would be very convenient if nature were to take its course," said an Israeli foreign ministry official, Jonathan Peled. "But Mr Arafat is a cat with nine lives and we do not believe he has used all of them yet."
"On the other hand, if he keels over, that's fine with us."
If Mr Arafat require medical treatment that is not available in Ramallah, he would be likely to travel to Egypt or Jordan but only if Israel permits him to return to the West Bank. Mr Peled said the government would be happy to see Mr Arafat leave but was unlikely to allow him to return.
"How 'bout a 1-way ticket to St. Helena?"
The Egyptian press recently reported that Mr Arafat has sought the help of the government in Cairo to ensure that when he dies he is buried next to the Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Islam's third holiest site. Israel would have to give its consent for Mr Arafat's body to be moved from Ramallah to Jerusalem. Israeli officials say that would be unlikely in the present climate.
"Why not just leave him in Ramallah? That'd make it the 943rd holiest place in Islam..."
Mr Arafat was on hand yesterday for the swearing-in of an emergency government led by the new prime minister, Ahmed Qurei.
"See? See? I ain't dead!... Not yet, anyway. (Blubber!) "
But the new administration is already beset by power struggles over crucial issues such as control of the Palestinian security forces. Khalil Shikaki, a leading Palestinian political analyst, said Mr Qurei's government was unlikely to ease the conflict with Israel. "I don't expect this government to deliver very much on the two main issues that confront the Palestinians, political reform and security," he said. "The reform process was destroyed by Arafat when he equated it to disloyalty. The previous government had a much better chance to bring peace because it had the 'road map' [the US-led peace plan] and a ceasefire from Hamas. That is all gone."
G'bye, road map...
"Today, escalation is the dominant theme. Sooner or later the Israelis will expel or kill Arafat, and invade Gaza and reoccupy it. The logic of the Israeli policy is escalation."
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003
9:58:05 PM ||
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Fred - I've had too much champagne celebrating Arnold's victory to comment, and wouldn't have done justice to yours. I bow to the master ;-)
Arafish needs to be netted and disposd of soon before he starts to really smell
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 22:26
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The Israelis should start detonating ridiculously loud noise bombs outside Arafat's HQ every night in the middle of the night to finish him off. Or maybe they can use their death ray . . .
Posted by: Tibor ||
10/07/2003 22:34
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"It's the big one, Suha! I'm comin' to join ya!"
The Department of Homeland Security has decided to open special law-enforcement offices throughout the Muslim world, with agents assigned to carry out investigations of visa applicants who are suspected of ties to al-Qaida and other terrorist groups, senior Bush administration officials said on Monday. About time.
They said permanent offices would be opened early next year in U.S. embassies and consulates in five Muslim nations that were chosen both because of the volume of U.S. visas they process and because of the regional presence of al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. The nations are Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. Two other offices were opened in late August, without public announcement, in Saudi Arabia - one in Riyadh, the capital, and another in the commercial center of Jeddah. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service were criticized for lax visa policies that had allowed several of the suicide hijackers to enter the United States without significant scrutiny. Most INS responsibilities have since been consolidated in the Homeland Security Department. This month, under terms of the 2002 law that created the Homeland Security Department, the agency was given ultimate authority for deciding who is given a visa. Visas previously were the responsibility of the State Department. Good, now we just have to make sure that Homeland Security really investigates these applicants.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
9:55:14 AM ||
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#1
To say State was lax on their visa policies is a gross understatement. Hello......Visa Express anyone?
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
10/07/2003 12:11
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Give Homeland Security all Visa programs immediately. Let's not implement systematic encouragement for Syrians to get their Visas in a country that State still controlls the program in.
#3
Give Homeland Security all Visa programs immediately. Let's not implement systematic encouragement for Syrians to get their Visas in a country that State still controlls the program in.
JPost - Reg Req'd
Two Palestinians on their way to carry out suicide attacks in Israel were captured overnight Monday by IDF troops near the West Bank city of Jenin. IDF Lt. Col. Mordechai told Israel Radio that the terrorists were nabbed during a routine IDF operation in the Jenin area. "As long as bombers head out from the West Bank villages, then the [Palestinian] residents will have to understand that their life can not go on as normal." Mordechai said. cause/effect lesson #5,342
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003
8:49:51 AM ||
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Don't ya think they (IDF) should have tried an operational test.
#3
"As long as bombers head out from the West Bank villages, then the [Palestinian] residents will have to understand that their life can not go on as normal." Mordechai said.
Bombers heading out from West Bank villages. That's about as clear a justification of the building of the wall as could ever be made.
Just a couple of articles of interest, from the Telegraph. All EFL.
Plans for separate EU military HQ 'dropped'
Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg - dismissed by British officials as the "Chocolate Four" - have dropped plans to create a separate military headquarters for the European Union, Germany said yesterday. [T]hey have retreated after meeting strong resistance from more pro-American European countries, led by Britain, Spain and Italy. Instead of having a separate headquarters, Britain has proposed an EU military planning "cell" within Nato. Other ideas include teams of "mobile" EU planners who could operate from national headquarters. The creation of a separate headquarters would have separated the EU's "rapid reaction force" from Nato, destroying an agreement with America that the force would be "anchored" within the transatlantic alliance.
Sanctions loom as EU find French in breach Perfidious Gaul's still at it.
Risking the worst crisis since the launch of the euro, Brussels is to rule tomorrow [Wednesday] that France is in reckless breach of borrowing limits fixed by the Maastricht Treaty. The European Commission is in no mood to show mercy after Paris ignored a deadline last Friday to show that it is taking "effective" action to bring its budget deficit below 3pc of GDP, or face sanctions. The EU ultimatum, agreed by finance ministers last June, had full legal authority. A spokesman for Pedro Solbes, the economics commissioner, said it was "quite clear" that France was making no serious effort to abide by Treaty rules designed to ensure the long-term viability of the euro. The commission is still fuming over comments by Jean-Pierre Rafarrin, the prime minister, that French growth was not going to suffer in order to satisfy "accounting equations of some office or other in some country". It will decide over the next two weeks whether to press for the "nuclear option" of full sanctions against France, which could reach [euro] 7.5 billion in fines. Brussels forecasts that the French deficit will reach 4pc this year, yet France is pressing ahead regardless with tax cuts worth 0.5pc of GDP and a major programme to build new aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and fighter jets.
Mr Raffarin is hoping to stave off sanctions by invoking a murky let-out clause exempting states from the deficit limit in "exceptional circumstances". But special pleading is unlikely to wash with EU finance ministers who will make the final decision on France's fate in November. The Dutch finance minister, Gerrit Zalm, has threatened to go to the European Court unless France is punished. "We gave up the sovereignty of our own currency because we had a very good treaty. If this treaty is not applied, then we are in serious trouble," he said. The French may have to rely on the Germans to block sanctions. Is that going to happen, TGA?!
Berlin is also in breach of the Pact, though it has made the right noises and tightened fiscal policy just enough to keep the Commission at bay. But the German government is itself deeply divided. Hans Eichel, the finance minister, is afraid that discipline will disintegrate altogether in the euro-zone if Germany fails to take a lead now. And it was Berlin that imposed the Pact in the first place. But Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has so far shown he views the Franco-German partnership as paramount.
Pupils thrown out of window Or: Why Morocco gets it better than most Muslims states - they're taught the concept of cause and effect at an early age.
Two Moroccan schoolboys were injured yesterday when their woman teacher threw them out of a first-floor classroom window for being too noisy. One, aged nine, was taken to hospital in Casablanca with a broken shoulder and head injuries. The other, aged 10, was only slightly hurt. An education official said the teacher had warned the pair she would throw them out. "They did not listen. They should have," he said. Unassuming Fatima's mysterious ability to instill discipline in her classes was the subject of many reverential conversations in the staff room...
I'd like to see a few of these Moroccan 'education officials' employed in the UK.
#1
Seems like she could have shot for the middle ground somewhere in between letting them get away with it and throwing them out the 2nd story window. I won't second guess her, though, maybe they wer passing notes behind her back too.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 19:17
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"a major programme to build new aircraft carriers"
I thought they had achieved perfection with the deGaulle.
Posted by: Matt ||
10/07/2003 19:28
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The commission is still fuming over comments by Jean-Pierre Rafarrin, the prime minister, that French growth was not going to suffer in order to satisfy "accounting equations of some office or other in some country".
#4
That's at least two young fellows who're going to grow up with a respect for women...
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 20:23
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Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg - dismissed by British officials as the "Chocolate Four" - have dropped plans to create a separate military headquarters for the European Union, Germany said yesterday
-the "Chocolate Four" huh? That's pretty good. I got a Salty One they can lick.
One, aged nine, was taken to hospital in Casablanca with a broken shoulder and head injuries.
By Hassan Fattah Special to The Christian Science Monitor EFL Hat tip: Brothers Judd
HILLA, IRAQ - Just outside the sprawling mosque that used to be known as the Saddam Hussein Mosque in Hilla, a somber memorial recalls the city?s dark history. On one end, an outstretched hand rises towards the sky, steel rods jutting from it to signify lost souls rising to heaven.
Just below it lie the 76 graves of unidentified victims of Mr. Hussein?s regime found in a mass grave in Hilla last May, separated by a stream from a fountain. Around the statue, scriptures from the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran offer prayers for the victim?s souls.
For the Hilla School of Religion, which took over the mosque and requisitioned the memorial, it?s meant as a dramatic statement in a town that prefers not to discuss the issue of the mass graves. Indeed, in the most unlikely of places, an unlikely school has begun raising critical questions about faith, humanity, and religion.
Founded six months ago by a Shiite scholar, the institution bills itself as the Arab world?s only school of theology, teaching Muslim, Christian, and Judaic texts. In a town full of deep-seated sorrow, the statue may best embody the school?s credo of breaking down barriers and asking dangerous questions.
"This is a school of theology, not of Islam," said Sheikh Faris al-Shareef, professor of Islamic law and philosophy at the school. "There is one thing that unites all of us: God and his prophets. With that realization, you can teach all theologies." And by discussing all theologies, many of the school?s largely Muslim leadership insist, Islam itself can be reinterpreted and rethought.
. . .
The ultimate goal, says Sheikh Farqad al-Quzwini, the school?s founder and dean of its 25 or so faculty members, is to get at answers to the vexing religious problems that left Iraq, and perhaps much of the Muslim world, in its current state.
"For 35 years, Iraqis have feared nothing but Saddam," says Mr. Quzwini, a giant man who wears the headdress of a Shiite cleric. "What?s supposed to happen now is that humanity must stop firing the bullets; the language itself has to change. We must fix the Iraqi before we can fix Iraq."
Posted by: Mike ||
10/07/2003
6:32:09 AM ||
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"Around the statue, scriptures from the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran offer prayers for the victim?s souls."
Reading that raised goosebumps.
That and a few other things I've read lately brings-up the question:Could the disease of sanity and reason be spreading in the Muslim World?
#2
This has got to be one of the rarest gems you could find in any culture, much less Iraq. I only hope the place will survive the inevitable Ba'athist and jihadi backlash once the word spreads.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 11:40
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Mr. Quzwini is a brave man. Unfortunately, the life expectancy for brave men and women with principles in Iraq, Somalia and North Korea is not too high. Kind of contrasts with the "bravery" demonstrated by the Dixie Chicks and the like.
Just a reminder on why one vial of botulinum matters.
Recent anthrax cases in Florida raised fears a biological attack on American soil was a real possibility. The reality is that such an unthinkable act did take place — right here in Central Oregon — almost two decades ago.
In a bizarre plot to take over local government, followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh poisoned salad bars in 10 restaurants in The Dalles in 1984, sickening 751 people with salmonella bacteria. Forty-five of whom were hospitalized. It is still the largest germ warfare attack in U.S. history.
The cult reproduced the salmonella strain and slipped it into salad dressings, fruits, vegetables and coffee creamers at the restaurants. They also were suspected of trying to kill a Wasco County executive by spiking his water with a mysterious substance. Later, Jefferson County District Attorney Michael Sullivan also became ill after leaving a cup of coffee unattended while Rajneeshees lurked around the courthouse.
Now a Deschutes County Circuit Court judge, Sullivan said it was never proved he was poisoned, but a Rajneesh doctor said he was one of the targets. Sullivan worries Americans have forgotten the lessons of the Rajneeshees. The Rajneesh attack "tells us it has happened and can happen again. But I've been thinking that we as a community and as a state have forgotten what happened," he said.
"That would be a huge and tragic mistake."
The Rajneesh bioterrorism attack has received renewed attention recently, including a chapter in a new book titled "Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War." Its authors have appeared frequently on the TV publicity circuit, discussing the nation's vulnerability to germ warfare.
The strange footnote in Oregon history began when the cult moved its headquarters from India to the Big Muddy ranch in Wasco and Jefferson counties in 1981. Soon thousands of red-clad followers descended on the High Desert from around the world.
At first they seemed a benign curiosity to many Oregonians. But that changed after members took political control of the nearby town of Antelope. Along with stockpiling weapons, they obtained salmonella and other more dangerous bacterial agents from a commercial supply house.
Cult leaders plotted to take over the Wasco County Commission by sickening so many people on election day they could get their own candidates elected. State and federal health officials at first blamed poor hygiene by restaurant workers, but they later learned the cult was responsible.
The cult collapsed in 1985 after the Bhagwan was convicted of immigration fraud and deported to India, where he died in 1990. His top aide, Ma Anand Sheela, was convicted for masterminding the salmonella attack and other crimes.
A retired intelligence officer with the Oregon National Guard, Sullivan said biochemical terrorism is a threat to the United States. He urged federal, state and local authorities, as well as all civilians, to be vigilant for the rest of their lives.
"There is no short-term fix," he said. "It's a longtime obligation."
Although far from the nation's seats of government, commerce and cultural power, Central Oregon has emergency response plans for most types of terrorism. But here as elsewhere in the United States, little can be done to prevent another Rajneesh-type bioterrorism attack on open food, officials said.
"As long as any food is open to the public, unless you put armed guards around it, there's absolutely no way to guarantee its safety," said Michael Skeels, M.D., director of the Oregon Public Health Laboratory.
Skeels, however, emphasized that Oregon authorities have no reason to suspect the state has been targeted by terrorists. Since Sept. 11, federal, state and local authorities have been in the difficult position of trying to allay Americans' fears about further possible terrorism, while at the same time taking precautions against those same threats.
"A bioterrorism attack in Oregon is unlikely, but we need to be ready," said Grant Higginson, M.D., the state's top public health officer.
"If we should ever experience such an incident, it could be devastating. For that reason, we've been preparing so we can respond if a biological attack occurred."
The Oregon Health Division's "Bioterrorism Fact Sheet" said domestic water supplies would be difficult to contaminate because of security measures, the diluting power of large bodies of water, and standard filtration and treatment that kills most disease-causing agents.
Pre-packaged foods are generally safe and unpackaged food such as fruits and vegetables are generally made safe by washing them before cooking and eating, state officials said.
On Thursday, the Oregon Department of Human Services announced that state and local public health officials have plans in place to deal with the potential threat of biological and chemical terrorism. In Portland, Central Oregon and other parts of the state, preparations for a potential attack are well under way and include law enforcement, fire departments, health departments, hospitals and other agencies.
The preparations are geared more for emergency response rather than prevention in the case of bioterrorism, but "if we had a major incident involving a biologic agent, the federal government has stockpiles of antibiotics and vaccines to treat and prevent illness in at-risk populations," Higginson said. "These stockpiles can be shipped anywhere in the country in a matter of hours."
What are the chances of a small cell of terrorists being able to develop something harmful in an isolated lab? Does this answer.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003
6:08:59 PM ||
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We ran the al-Jazeera version of this story on Sunday, but what the hell? This has a bit more to it...
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, once a devoted and energetic champion of Arab unity, announced this weekend his definitive separation from the Arabs, whom he heavily criticised.
"To hell with 'em. I'm gonna be a African..."
Standing before a group of women, in a Mediterranean villa in Syrte about 500km east of Tripoli, Gaddafi declared himself more than ever African, claiming to be "forever beyond nationalism and Arab unity."
"Yup. I'm givin' it up. Just another bad habit..."
Admittedly, Gaddafi is famous for his verbal excesses and spectacular rebuttals, but his declaration on Saturday sounded like an irreconcilable divorce from the Arabs, coming from the mouth of an ageing Gaddafi who in recent years has never given up on the ideals from his youth.
"When I was young, I thought I was gonna be an Arab Lenin. Then I thought I'd be an Arab Chairman Mao. Hell, I even wrote a Little Green Book. But now... now... I gotta be me-e-e! I gotta be me..."
When he took power on September 1, 1969, the young leader, raised in the cult of the former president, the Egyptian unionist Jamal Abdel Nasser, threw himself body and soul into attempting unity. He would court Egypt, the Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, regardless of whether they bordered on Libya. On Saturday, he also referred to the symbolic date of September 28, 1961 which ushered in the end of the Syrian-Egyptian union which had for three years formed the United Arab Republic to better support their common agenda. "The era of nationalism and of Arab unity is forever gone. These ideas which once mobilised masses no longer have any value," he said.
"The masses yawned, en masse..."
Gaddafi called on the Popular Congress, the basic structure of the Libyan political system, to "confirm Libya's withdrawal from the Arab League," envisioned by Tripoli for months but never realised.
"Yeah. Let's get outta here and have some fun!"
"The Arab League is in the middle of giving up the ghost, and Arabs will never be strong even if they unite... They will remain content every night to watch bloody newsreels from Palestine and Iraq."
"We can do better than that. We're gonna have General Hospital and All My Children. The writing's better, and they make more sense..."
Gaddafi had some strong words for the Arabs, denying them human qualities, and publicly challenging their former policy of helping movements and political groups from Arab countries. "Libya has for too long endured the Arabs, for whom we have paid blood and money," he said, adding that as a result, his country had been "boycotted by the US and demonised by the West."
"Really, I think we should try something else for awhile..."
"In return, the Arabs joined forces with the US and Israel against Libya," he continued, as he confirmed his African orientation, viewing the continent as "a source of great force" for his country.
"I mean, we play our cards right, we could be another Belgium..."
This confession was made by an appeased leader, whose country had its international sanctions lifted after agreeing to pay $10m to the family of each of the 270 victims killed during the explosion of a Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, blamed on Libyan hijackers.
"That blowin' people up stuff don't come cheap..."
And once more the top Libyan put his faith in women, deeming them "better than men and more capable."
"I mean, I really like babes!"
Gaddafi, who travels with a female security detail, called on Libyan women on October 1 to train themselves against "the enemy," and to be inspired by the women of Africa, whose situation he believes, is better than that of Eastern and Western women. Arab unity dream theory shattered? Well a bit late, in practice Israel had done that already.
I disagree with that. Israel's been the only thing holding them together in the face of competing national interests...
Posted by: Murat ||
10/07/2003
4:32:02 AM ||
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The man is a buffoon who could come out and say the exact opposite tomorrow. I don't trust wacky Muslims who wear purple robes and other bizarre get ups.
#4
Uh, sure thing... If Khadaffy Duck has a moment of serendipity, of illumination, wherein he finally grasps that he is and has been a terrorist asshole and suddenly chooses to cease and desist, well then, we won't send any more F-111 PaveTack missions to Tripoli. This is ample reward and encouragement for his actions, thus far. If he wants candy and flowers, well he's gonna have to do a tad more than acknowledge his assholedness as a Arab tool. Methinks a knobshine is long overdue, and I hereby volunteer to represent the US in this important rapprochement by selecting which of his bodyguards should apply this important symbolic gesture to my, uh, person...
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=5730
#5
And when he loses an interest in being an African, maybe he can look into Mediterranean unity, perhaps a reborn Roman Empire? (With himself as Caesar, of course)
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
10/07/2003 6:12
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Over an hour the Turkish Parliament will vote on the sending of troops, exactly at 15:00 (timezone GMT + 2).
Posted by: Murat ||
10/07/2003 6:44
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To Libya?? Cut the guy (Khadafi) some slack, maybe he's about to croak.
Posted by: Rafael ||
10/07/2003 9:02
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"Libya has for too long endured the Arabs, for whom we have paid blood and money,"
This just in: Super Conducting Ribs Raise Puzzled Porker
#9
Khaddafy's Fembots are pretty tough, they would kick arab ass
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 11:14
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This switch to an Africa-Central policy is just a recognition of the fact that Lybia can't possibly be implicated in every mess in the Arab world while simultaneously stirring the pot throughout Africa.
Should we encourage Africa to be lead by Lybia or South Africa? I am getting a headache.
#11
I'm still amazed that Egypt hasn't absorbed Libya (oil, underpopulated). After all Arab on Arab wars are acceptable to the Arabs if you just throw out Arab Brotherhood and caliph into the propoganda.The UN could be used as an after-action excuse because of Libyan meddling in subSahara Africa. The Europeans could be bought off with oil contracts, and the US couldn't side with Libya.
Adding oil to Egypts population would make them the undisputed ruler of the Arab world.Certainly Libya would be a pushover compared to Israel.It's a no-brainer from what I can see. So why hasn't Egypt gone West?
#12
I read unsubstantiated reports that Egypt and Lybia shared a tunnel complex on their border where they were jointly developping WMD's. Probably could be tracked back to the Mossad.
#16
I wonder how many other countries will back out of the Arab League now? Probably zero, but we can always hope.
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 19:13
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North Africa used to be a prosperous area in the classical age - it was the breadbasket of Rome.
Its civilization was mostly externally imposed, though. Carthage was a colony, and it was replaced by Romans, Greeks and (I believe) Vandals. Probably the Arabs, with their tribal society, had more in common with the Berbers and Libyans and similar tribes. But a tribal structure isn't the path to modern prosperity. "Pan-Arabism" is an extension of that tribal outlook. If Muammar views Libya as a nation he might be on the right track, though he shouldn't expect overnight results.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 20:15
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BAGHDAD (AFP) - US troops backed by armoured vehicles sealed off a Baghdad neighborhood, saying they were searching for former regime leaders after what police said was a tip-off Saddam Hussein was in the area.
"We're conducting an operation against former regime loyalists and possible blacklist members," US Major John Frisbee told AFP.
"We have reports that some of these people have been spotted," he said, adding: "We will try to catch them."
He said the troops were also searching buildings in the area that may serve as safe houses for supporters of Saddam, who has been in hiding since US troops toppled him on April 9.
An Iraqi policeman, who asked not to be named, said one person claimed to have seen the fugitive (news - Y! TV) ex-leader in a car in the area.
An employee at the Cedar Hotel, within the area sealed off with barbed wire and several dozen armored military vehicles, said US troops asked him whether he had seen Saddam.
A Turkish guest at the hotel, Gulin Pasturk, said a US soldier had told her Tuesday evening "Saddam was seen here 10 minutes ago."
US forces searched the hotel, but declined to say whether they were looking for Saddam.
"We're sealing off the perimeter, that's all I can say," said one of the soldiers, who would only identify himself as Staff Sergeant Stevens, as the troops unrolled barbed wire between the Cedar Hotel and the Al-Rimal hotel facing it.
A large area of Baghdad's Karada neighborhood was sealed off with residents and guests, among them several foreign correspondents, prevented from entering or leaving the area where at least 100 soldiers were deployed.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003
3:50:06 PM ||
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Yasser's going down, now if we catch Saddam it'll be a good day!
I just thought this was a cool story
ELIZABETH, N.J. -- An undertaker aligned with the mob came up with a novel way to hide murder victims -- burying them in "double-decker" coffins underneath legitimate clients of his funeral parlor, according to a published report. A senior member of the DeCavalcante crime family, Carlo Corsentino of Elizabeth, who lived to be more than 100 years old, came up with the idea to dispose of those who didn't match his longevity. Testifying in a criminal trial in Manhattan, mob turncoat Anthony Rotondo told jurors the heavy weight of the coffins often surprised pall bearers. "The (crime) family would put the body of the murdered victim below the regular customer, thus disappearing forever," Rotondo explained to prosecutor Michael McGovern. "There would be six grown men carrying someone's 80-pound grandmother, and they looked like they were having a problem." The testimony came during the murder conspiracy trial of Girolamo "Jimmy" Palermo, a reputed acting boss of the DeCavalcante family, whose members claim to be the inspiration behind "The Sopranos" TV show. Rotondo, who has pleaded guilty to two gangland hits, said Corsentino and other old-time mobsters began using the coffins in the 1920s and '30s "when there were a lot of mob murders committed."
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003
3:26:15 PM ||
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#1
"Someday, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day accept this justice as gift on my daughter's wedding day."
Looks like Don Vito called in that favor.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 15:32
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#2
Why would Danny Devito need a favor?
Hey, there would be plenty of extra room in his coffin.
Would the family of the 80 year old grandmother get a reduced rate?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 17:26
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#3
Family thought they were going to blame it on Mcdonalds too.
Posted by: Bill ||
10/07/2003 17:32
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#4
"There would be six grown men carrying someoneâs 80-pound grandmother, and they looked like they were having a problem."
...whose members claim to be the inspiration behind "The Sopranos" TV show.
#7
Yet another case of life imitating art... Eric Von Lustbader had just such a scenario in one of his novels (I forget which one it was), where the denizens of a mob-owned funeral parlor rubbed out two members of a rival gang, embalmed them and stuck the corpses under the false bottoms of caskets. Somebody in the DeCavalcante crime family must have been a fan of the above-named author...
Posted by: Joe ||
10/07/2003 21:00
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EFL
Voters streamed to the polls Tuesday to make an unprecedented decision: whether to recall Democratic Gov. Gray Davis, whose popularity plunged after the downturn in the economy and burst of the high-tech bubble. *pop*
Recent polls suggested that a majority of voters favored making Davis the country's second governor to be recalled, and that Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger was leading the field of 135 candidates to replace him. "I'll be back"
Davis' popularity plunged following the economic downturn. Californians face an $8 billion state budget deficit, persistent unemployment and struggling schools. Not to mention anti-America
The Davis campaign said its internal tracking polls for the past three nights showed voters almost evenly split on the recall issue with just slightly more than 50 percent in favor. Schwarzenegger's campaign, however, said its tracking poll showed the pro-recall side solidly ahead. Bye-bye, Gray
Both campaign's polls said Schwarzenegger was ahead in the race to select a replacement, leading Lt. Gov. Bustamonte ro'BustamonteCruz Bustamante, a Democrat, and Republican state Sen. Tom McClintock.
Surprisingly, "I'd rather be right than governor" McClintock, California Publicans' effort to shoot themselves in the foot, doesn't seem to have thrown the race to Cruz or to The Gray Davis...
Although more than 2.2 million people had already voted by absentee ballot, officials were expecting lines throughout the state, especially because polling places were consolidated to accommodate the short time officials had to prepare for the vote. Honesty in California's Governor's mansion is overdue
Secretary of State Kevin Shelley declined to estimate the turnout because this election has no precedent, but his office reported last week that a record number of voters for a gubernatorial race — 15,380,526 — were registered for Tuesday's vote.
#1
Does anyone know what the number of undecided is, in an average election cycle, in the last days before an election? How can you still be undecided? More likely these are decline to comment you liberal pasty-faced media slime type answers.
#2
Yank, statistically there are 4% undecided up to the minute they get into the voting booth. Who are they? They are people that take elections very lightly but still participate (for some dumb reason). My wife is undecided as of breakfast this morning and I think she will make her mind when she gets in the voting booth (she always has). I think she secretly wants to vote for Gary Coleman! A side note: My mother (a hardcore Democratic) says that she is leaving the state if Arnold gets elected. I am going to miss her :=(
#3
I voted: Davis - out! Arnold - in! (and keep the hands off the interns)
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 17:52
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#4
18% of california is registered independant. 45% Democrat, 35% Republican.
2 million new voters have registered since July. 1.9 million voters signed the Recall petition, well beyond the 15% required to enact the recall election.
3.5 million voted for Gray Davis in November, 3.2 Million for Simon. Out of the 50+ counties in the state, only two counties voted heavily for Gray Davis ( LA and SF) all other counties were within a few hundred votes of each candidate. The actual count wasnt certified for 30 days, and Simon was heavily encoraged to ask for a recount due to the closeness of the vote.
Pat Caddel, (MSNBC analyst) said on election night last november that he had no doubt that there would be a recall, everyone on the panel at that time thought he was out of his mind.
One other note, every single california govenor has undergone a recall effort since the Law was enacted in 1911, but no one has ever gone over 10%, much less the required 15% of voters to qualify. Davis has rang the bell that cannot be unrung.
Posted by: frank martin ||
10/07/2003 18:04
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#5
Actual "big media" facts-n-figures:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,99274,00.html
Posted by: frank martin ||
10/07/2003 18:15
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#6
Man if felt good to vote today. Gray "I'm an incompetent, socialist hack" Davis is outta here.....oh but be sure the Donkeys will try once again to subvert the will of the people via their flunkies in the courts - but this time it's not gonna stick.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
10/07/2003 18:56
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#7
Make that a $38 Billion deficit
Posted by: Tom ||
10/07/2003 20:55
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#8
HaHa Now onto the "next recall" doesn't that law have a repeat recall provision that if they can get X% of voters in THIS reccall election to sign a petition (much smaller number) that this can happen again? Talk about the law of unintended consequences!
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 21:15
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#9
Haha? stevey projecting thru NMM? hmmmmm
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 21:51
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#10
if its close election and arnold wins, I expect their will be yet another recall, if its a blow out, which it is appearing to be, there wont be. the recall was a repulsive way to get this done, and I doubt that it will be taken up as revenge if arnold wins big tonight.
the number arnold has to beat is 3.5 million, if he does that or more, he will be fine, less than that look out. I honestly dont think people have the stomach for another recall for awhile.
This is a referendum on the democratic party leadership of this state. if they get vindictive and take it to court or take off in a second recall,people will see it for what it is.
Posted by: frank martin ||
10/07/2003 21:56
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#11
Now onto the "next recall" doesn't that law have a repeat recall provision that if they can get X% of voters in THIS reccall election to sign a petition (much smaller number) that this can happen again?
What would be the logic in recalling Schwarzenegger if he wins? He hasn't even proved himself yet. On the other hand, Davis already had a couple of years to demonstrate that he couldn't do the job.
#12
Fred--please confirm I'm not the psycho known as "Stevey" I was asking a question--and since when has logic had a place in California politics?
If Arnold wins--I don't care he is not a Bush Republican
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 22:58
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#13
I'll vouch for NMM. Most definitely NOT Stevey boy.
Haven't seen him around in awhile so I'm guess his mom has her porn site back up.
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso - The West African country of Burkina Faso said Tuesday it had arrested about a dozen suspected coup plotters accused of scheming with the help of a foreign state. The senior official who announced the arrests did not name the country involved, but tensions have been high with neighboring Ivory Coast, which has accused Burkina Faso of backing rebels holding half of their county. It's an African Mobius Strip, I plot to overthrow you because you're plotting to overthrow me because...
The impoverished former French colony's military prosecutor, Abdoulaye Barry, said that those arrested in the past few days included two army captains and one civilian -- a Christian pastor who was to give spiritual support to the plotters. Those damn christians, always plotting
Barry said they had all been detained for suspected crimes against state security, though they were still at the recruitment stage and were awaiting help from a foreign country. Got their web site up, taking resumes, issuing an IPO, etc..
"Do not ask me which country it is. I will not tell you, but according to the mastermind of this business the money had already arrived from a foreign country and now they were waiting for the weapons," Barry said. "I can say no more."
The news is likely to fan tensions with neighboring Ivory Coast, which has accused Burkina Faso of backing rebels who failed to seize power in September 2002 but still control the largely Muslim north. Burkina Faso has denied helping the Ivorian rebels but accuses Ivory Coast of mistreating its citizens -- many of whom work on cocoa plantations. Ivory Coast grows 40 percent of the world's cocoa. "No blood for Herseys!"
President Blaise Compaore has ruled Burkina Faso since seizing power in a coup in 1987 that toppled populist ruler Thomas Sankara, an old friend. What's a little coup between friends?
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
3:08:39 PM ||
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OUAGADOUGOU...I could say that all day...OUAGADOUGOUOUAGADOUGOUOUAGADOUGOU
#3
I thought Ghost Who Walks took care of that coup attempt in last months Black Panther.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 17:30
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#4
wasn't this Upper Volta before? I liked that name a lot more
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 17:57
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#5
Interesting name, boring town. Had the strangly dull experience of spending four days there while working at the US Embassy. The cops carried old Soviet SMGs without ammo clips.
It's just not worth the trouble of staging a coup to take over.
The Philadelphia Inquirer corrects one of its stories.
In Sunday's Arts & Entertainment section, an article about the film Kill Bill erroneously referred to Ricardo Montalban's character in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as a Klingon. Khan was an evil human bent on universal domination, though he does quote a Klingon proverb.
Posted by: Christopher Johnson ||
10/07/2003
3:02:56 PM ||
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"Ah Kirk, my old friend. Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is very cold in space."
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 15:13
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#2
What part of Italy were those Klingons from?
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 15:17
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#3
Sicily, of course.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 15:27
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#4
Thats odd - I always thought Klingons came from Uranus
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003 15:29
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#6
Khan controlled a third of Central Asia but they never said where he was really from. His last name was Singh which indicates a Sikh. This is from the series, not the books or any other sources, they might have more details that I'm not about to look for.
#7
Accessed Federation historical records via wormhole:
Khan Noonien Singh
One of history's most notorious dictators, Khan Noonien Singh was a genetically-bred human "superman" of Earth's India in the late 20th century who died in the 23rd century amid another "experiment" gone wrong. Rising to power among others of his kind, his ambition helped foment the Eugenics Wars that involved much of Earth's Third World. Finally facing defeat, he and dozens of followers escaped in the S.S. Botany Bay, a DY-100 vessel modified as a sleeper ship which drifted in intersteller space for over two centuries, until it was discovered in 2267 by the U.S.S. Enterprise. With his fellow survivors, Khan attempted to seize that starship but failed, and he and his people were sentenced by Captain Kirk to tame the wild M-Class world of Ceti Alpha V. Among those exiled was Lt. Marla McGivers, an Enterprise historian who fell in love with Khan and initially assisted him; ultimately, though, she refused to betray Kirk and her shipmates in the tyrant's abortive takeover.
On Ceti Alpha V, the band of refugees thought their dream of conquering an entire planet would come true, but six months after being left there, the star system's sixth planet exploded, and the shock wave wreaked havoc on planet V's ecosystem, making it a desert wasteland. In 2285, the embittered Khan commandeered the U.S.S. Reliant and hijacked the top-secret Genesis Device in a plan to exact vengeance against James T. Kirk. Khan failed to defeat his old foe, and died when he detonated the cataclysmic matter-reorganizing terraforming device, annihilating the Reliant.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 16:35
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We have often editorialised on this issue and pointed out to the authorities that there is no real distinction between sectarian terrorists and the so-called jihadis. Since the militant groups fighting inside Afghanistan and Kashmir were Wahhabi-Deobandi, a free hand to them by the state meant they would also pursue a sectarian agenda. There is enough evidence to suggest that cadres of the so-called jihadi organisations also doubled, in many cases, as sectarian terrorists. For instance, it is futile to distinguish among groups like Harkat-ul Mujahideen, Jaish-e Mohammad, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and Lashkar-e Jhangvi as jihadi or sectarian. Putting jihadi and sectarian tags on one or the other is a futile, in fact downright dangerous, exercise.
The Hazara Shia in Quetta had to endure two dastardly attacks which killed more than sixty and left over 100 injured. The Shia clerics categorically accused Jaish and LJ activists. At least one of them went to the extent of also obliquely blaming the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam, the two factions of which are components of the Mutahidda Majlis-e-Amal. The general tendency so far has been to accuse the Indian RAW of perpetrating these attacks even as, in all cases where the police have managed to apprehend the terrorists, it is clear who they are and what groups they belong to.
Such is the level of hatred now that following the killing of Shia Hazara, two Sunni boys were allegedly torn to pieces by a Shia mob, though the story never made it to the newspapers. While Daily Times could not get it corroborated by any official source, the incident is widely known in Balochistan. Regardless of its veracity, it hardly needs be emphasised that no decent society can allow this kind of violence to go unchallenged.
But we're talking about Pakistan, land of Bugtis and hudood...
General Pervez Musharraf has, on many occasions, talked about curbing extremism. But so far the government has failed to put down this scourge. We are also concerned about why leaders of banned extremist groups like Jaish continue to be treated as VIPs. There can be no half-measures on this score. The sectarian serpent's head has to be cut off. This can only be done by striking where it matters the most, at the level of top leadership. But while sectarianism must be treated as a priority law-and-order problem in the short-term, in the longer run the government needs to take a more integrated approach to the problem. That is where we need to address the question of what is it that produces sectarian hatred? A debate on this question would involve looking at societal tendencies that have developed over the past two decades. Have we become more intolerant and bigoted? Are we now wearing religion on the sleeve? Do we consider apostate anyone who does not share our worldview or denominational particularities?
Yes... Yes... And yes.
General Musharraf's talk about modernising Pakistan will remain just that, mere talk, unless he were to take concrete measures to address these deep-seated prejudices and distortions. It's time for him to walk the talk.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
10/07/2003
3:02:10 AM ||
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Maybe Musharraf is not as courageous as he should be it is pity and a great loss for Pakistan.
Posted by: Murat ||
10/07/2003 3:30
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#2
From all that I've read, and I have made an effort to follow it all, Pakiland is well beyond hope - and Musharraf is screwed, no matter what he tries to do. The entire place seems divided into a myriad number of equally insane factions - and this includes everyone: the military, the rainbow of "religious" twits, secular progressives, political parties, and the general public.
Is there any hope, any at all, for Pakiland? Perhaps a radioactive smoking hole on a calm day is about the best that the rest of the world can hope for.
I defer to Fred, Paul Maloney, and the others who have made the Herculean effort to make sense of it and keep up with all of the players. Perhaps they can prognosticate / oraculate whither Pakiland goeth.
#5
It seems to me that the Paks have been so brainwashed, they are quite happy to let Pakland burn for the cause. In the same way that a suicide bomber is willing to blow himself up if it means a few Jews would get killed, Pakland seems to be wearing a giant suicide belt when it comes to India. They are willing to tolerate and in fact encourage all the internal strife if they can direct just some of it in India's direction. I really think that everyone needs to help pakland achieve martyrdom once and for all.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia yesterday issued a warning that "known terrorist operatives" have been taking note of areas often visited by Westerners in the Kingdom and urged Americans to be more vigilant about their security. Why are they issuing a warning? This is obvious.
"Recent information has come to the embassy's attention that known terrorist operatives in Saudi Arabia have reference material identifying popular trails and campsites in Saudi Arabia often used by Westerners," the embassy said in an advisory posted on its website. Everybody knows this. Saudi Arabia has been unsafe since the last round of bombings.
Arabia's been unsafe since before it was Soddy...
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said last week authorities had arrested more than 500 "suspected terrorists" since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. It's still not safe, and we refuse to come back.
That 500 figure doesn't include the "known Bad Guys" who're checking out the infidels...
"The latest warning is very scary," Michael Burns, 34, an American living in the Kingdom, told Arab News. Wait a minute. Why is this guy still living there? Here we have an example of the type of bonehead that proves that the dummies in slasher flicks are based on actual Americans.
"Don't go in there! Do not go in there!"
"Argh!" [CHOP!]
"She went in there."
"I was at a business function today that was mostly Western expatriates, and it's unnerving thinking that this place could be a target." Yeah, its almost like you shouldn't be there for business purposes anymore. How much is money worth to you once they blow your arms and legs off?
But Bill Graston, 37, a US civil engineer in Jeddah, has become desensitized to such warnings: "This is nothing new; life goes on," he said.
"At least until it stops. Abruptly."
Oh no. There's two of you. Bill is a facilitator of international terrorism. By staying in the target zone for non-essential functions, Bill encourages the status quo. If Bill chose to leave, the jehadis would be forced to shoot each other until order was restored. Bill, get a clue. Life only "goes on" if they don't shoot you through the head or otherwise remove you from the gene pool.
The British Embassy's press officer Nick Abbot said such warnings should be taken seriously. "We are consistently advising people to be cautious. We believe there might still be a possible threat," he said. Geeetttt oooouuuutttt. So many flies.
#2
The oldest American can't be dead or he wouldn't be the oldest American.
Well, she was until she kicked the bucket, the day after her 90-year-old daughter died. Sounds like she belongs in our family - I have SIX living nanogenarians that are part of my family tree - three on each side. BTW, I knew a woman in Louisiana that claimed to have been born in 1856. She told me this in 1963, and lived at least three years after that. Those are the kind of genes to wish for!
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
10/07/2003 19:17
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My great-gandfather died at 101 falling while replacing his roof.
#4
But American corporations pay VERY well if you work in Soddy Arabia don't they? To make up for the fact that you're in a scary third world country that would love to see you killed. .com--you're take on this? all my info is 2nd hand
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 20:45
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EFL. From LGF
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Buoyed by White House support for what it called Israel's right to defend itself, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Tuesday the Jewish state was ready to hit its enemies anywhere following an air raid deep in Syria.
Speaking at a memorial service marking the anniversary of the 1973 Middle East war, Sharon took a tough line but made no specific threats after Sunday's strike on what Israel said was a training camp for Palestinian militants.
"Israel will not be deterred from defending its citizens and will hit its enemies any place and in any way," Sharon said. "At the same time we will not miss any opening and opportunity to reach an agreement with our neighbors and peace." "Who here wants to SURVIVE!"
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, breaking his silence on the attack near Damascus, accused Israel of trying to drag Syria and the rest of the Middle East into a wider conflict. Syria said Israeli warplanes hit a civilian site. "Do as we say, Zionists, not as we do!"
It was Israel's deepest air raid in Syria in three decades and followed a Palestinian suicide bombing that killed 19 people in a restaurant in the Israeli port city of Haifa a day earlier. Events like THAT are the root causes. Sharkey ArafishYasser Arafat, facing fresh Israeli threats to "remove" him after the Haifa blast claimed by the Islamic Jihad group, swore in an emergency eight-member cabinet led by Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie, who has close ties to the Palestinian president.
Sharon adviser Raanan Gissin said Israel would judge the new cabinet by its actions but added: "In all likelihood, if it is established by Arafat it will not fight terror." Of course not.
Yemeni police have detained two al Qaeda suspects, including one accused of involvement in an attack on the U.S. warship Cole who had escaped from jail earlier this year, a security official said on Tuesday. The official said security forces were still looking for eight other al Qaeda suspects who broke out with the two men from a prison in the southern port city of Aden in April. He declined to say whether Jamal al-Badawi, a chief suspect in the October 2000 attack, was one of the two men detained. "I can say no more."
Yemeni officials had promised a "generous reward" for information leading to the arrest of the 10.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
2:25:58 PM ||
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Lets offer a reward for all the aiders and abetters as well.
The US has ordered a line-by-line review of every interrogation at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp involving an air force interpreter suspected of espionage and treason. Intelligence officers face the nightmare prospect that Ahmad al-Halabi, a Syrian-born linguist who served at the camp in Cuba for eight months, may have edited or distorted information given by al-Qaeda and Taliban suspects during interrogation sessions. Tapes of those interrogations - some lasting hours - are being freshly translated. "If the subject answered 'five' and [Halabi] told interrogators he said 'four', then you have a problem," one official said. Senior Airman Halabi, 24, faces 32 counts of espionage and aiding the enemy. He is accused of trying to channel classified information to Syria and attempting to smuggle two handwritten notes and more than 180 email messages from detainees to a third party overseas.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
10/07/2003
2:20:21 AM ||
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Split the bill for the re-translation among the families of the assholes discovered, with interest, of course... Oh - and don't forget the cost of the .22LR that is fired into the base of each asshat's cranium. Be sure to get the angle right so it rattles around in there for awhile.
From Drudge...
SOURCES: NETWORKS TO CALL RACE AT 8:01 PM PACIFIC TIME, AS VOTING OFFICIALLY ENDS...
LATEST EXIT POLLS SHOW 59% VOTE 'YES' FOR RECALL, TOP CAMPAIGN AND MEDIA SOURCES TELL DRUDGE REPORT, 51% FOR SCHWARZENEGGER, 30% FOR BUSTAMANTE, 13% MCCLINTOCK... DEVELOPING...
On Fox News, Dems are threatening another recall race in 100 days if Arnold doesn't solve all problems, everywhere...
From Washington Post...
Asked if he thought he would lose the recall section of the ballot, Davis told reporters he was not in the mood to discuss that but added, "There is plenty of time for post-mortems tomorrow."
"After I'm politically dead..."
He went to afternoon mass and told reporters afterward he offered a prayer to St. Jude, who is the patron saint of lost causes.
Kinda late for that...
The California Secretary of State's office said that when voting ends at 8 p.m. PDT (11 p.m. EDT) almost 10 million people will have voted -- 2.3 million more than the last gubernatorial election and the highest number of voters for any governor's race in state history -- about 65 percent of registered voters.
Event: Gray Davis gets recalled
Group: Sane California voters
Narrative: It's like pulling wings off flies, but Gray Davis is getting recalled. Maybe.
Window: 0 Months (10/20/03)
Probability 80% entered by Steve White on 8/21/03
Probability 85% entered by Fred on 8/21/03
Probability 90% entered by Scooter McGruder on 8/21/03
Probability 100% entered by tu3031 on 8/21/03
Probability 100% entered by tu3031 on 8/21/03
Probability 85% entered by Anonymous on 8/22/03
Probability 85% entered by ccas on 8/22/03
Probability 100% entered by Chuck Simmins on 8/22/03
Probability 90% entered by Frank G on 8/24/03
Probability 70% entered by mft on 9/3/03
Probability 50% entered by Super Hose on 9/17/03
Probability 95% entered by Mike on 9/30/03
Probability 95% entered by R. McLeod on 10/1/03
Overall opinion is Probable (87%)
Current opinion is Probable (83%)
Event: Arnold takes it
Group: California
Narrative: The Gray Davis, out. Arnold, in. Lesser probability: Arianna caught nekkid in a parked Mercedes with Ralph Nader.
Window: 1 Months (10/26/03)
Probability 90% entered by Fred on 8/27/03
Probability 75% entered by tu3031 on 8/27/03
Probability 80% entered by Chuck Simmins on 8/28/03
Probability 50% entered by True German Ally on 8/28/03
Probability 75% entered by Alaska Paul on 8/28/03
Probability 33% entered by Steve White on 9/3/03
Probability 40% entered by mft on 9/3/03
Probability 40% entered by Anonymous on 9/5/03
Probability 30% entered by Super Hose on 9/17/03
Probability 85% entered by Mike on 9/30/03
Probability 85% entered by R. McLeod on 10/1/03
Overall opinion is Possible (62%)
Current opinion is Possible (52%)
Event: California GOP shoots itself in the foot.
Group: GOP
Narrative: State GOP backstabs leading candidate (Arnold)
Window: 0 Months (10/19/03)
Probability 75% entered by Anonymous on 8/20/03
Probability 25% entered by Anonymous on 8/20/03
Probability 75% entered by Fred on 8/20/03
Probability 75% entered by Becky on 8/21/03
Probability 90% entered by Steve White on 8/21/03
Probability 75% entered by Chuck Simmins on 8/22/03
Probability 98% entered by mojo on 8/23/03
Probability 98% entered by mojo on 8/23/03
Probability 40% entered by Mike on 8/23/03
Probability 50% entered by Paul Moloney on 8/23/03
Probability 25% entered by Frank G on 8/24/03
Probability 80% entered by Super Hose on 9/17/03
Overall opinion is Probable (67%)
Current opinion is Probable (65%)
McAuliff's on the teevee. He just said it was a short campaign and a lot of people weren't paying attention, but he thinks The Gray Davis is going to pull it off. And he wants criminal investigations of Arnie. He doesn't think this is good news for the Publicans, doesn't think it's good news for George Bush...
11.05 pm... Bustamante HQ is glum... McClintock will make a speech in a half hour or so... Arnie's been working on his acceptance speech... Gary Coleman hasn't conceded yet...
Looks like Arnold over Bustamante 53-33 percent...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
22:01 ||
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"t. Jude, who is the patron saint of lost causes"
and a voice was heard from the heavens: "yeah, right..."
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 22:09
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7:33 PM Mrs Sarge and I just returned from voting. Davis is gone! Arney is in!
#3
how in the hell did I miss that Future Item?? D'oh!
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 22:37
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The polling data Fox is showing says that 80% of voters made up their minds weeks ago. Looks like the last minute smear campaign didn't actually hurt Davis like I thought it did. Glad to be wrong on every account.
Haven't been as this surpised by a political election since the Paul Wellstone Wake & PepRally was held.
As for this not being good news for Bush, has anyone heard much about the DNC challengers, WMD or Ambassador Wilson's wife roday. Arnie will suck all the oxygen for a week.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 22:50
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#5
actually I heard Wesley's campaign manager quit today
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 22:55
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#6
As for the Quislingcrats trying to do ANOTHER recall in 100 days or so...fuhgeddaboudit. The petition-signature threshold needed to get a recall on the ballot is based on the last election's total voter turnout. Since MORE people voted this time than in the '02 election that returned Grayout for his second term, the Q-crats would have to get considerably more than the 800,000-plus that the recall organizers needed.
Posted by: Jeff ||
10/08/2003 1:42
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Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I stand in front of you today representing the voice of the Iraqi citizen who has long suffered from cruelty within and outside his homeland. Those within his country have inflicted on him the worst kinds of torture: they have attacked his honour, betrayed his family, humiliated him, enchained him and thrown him into miserable wars. His brothers and friends in the region not only maintained silence, ignorance and blindness toward his catastrophe, they also criticised him and shamed him the day he dared raise his voice. And throughout the world, those that stood to benefit scrambled to trade and work with his torturer. "You know who you are, Jack the Weasel and Vlad!"
Very few spoke the truth and embraced it. Very few turned to the catastrophe of this fellow human being and declared that he was a victim. To our calls we heard nothing. So the Iraqi remained lost and persecuted twice over, first from the injustice of the sword with which the dictatorial regime attacked him at home, and then from the injustice of the criticism, a more painful affliction, from those outside. But the Iraqi did not give up, rather he was persistent and patient and he continued his struggle with his thoughts, words and actions to achieve liberation, the. foremost ideal that he has always yearned for.
I stand today before you expressing to you as much as possible the voice of this Iraqi individual, declaring with him and for him the end of silence. I ask you all to listen to him, one by one.
I come today to present you with four essential truths and to demonstrate through these truths two fundamental rights.
The first truth that I begin with is that Iraq's long dark night has been ended. The bitter experience of humiliation, pain and suffering that Iraqis have endured for more than three decades has ended. It ended with Saddam Hussein fleeing, along with his cronies and with the collapse of the symbols that they had erected in Baghdad and throughout Iraq.
As for the second truth, it is that the liberation of Iraq, and what happened is indeed liberation, could not have been achieved without the determination of President George W. Bush and the commitment of the Coalition. At the forefront are the United States of America and Great Britain. If today we hear the voices of those in doubt of the intentions of the American and British governments in undertaking this liberation, we invite them to go and visit the mass graves, to visit the dried up marshes, to visit the gassed city of Halabja, to examine the list of the missing whose very right to live was taken away from them by the regime.
The third truth is that the liberation came as an embodiment of a universal national Iraqi will. It came as a result of the vigorous efforts undertaken by the Iraqi opposition to Saddam Hussein's regime during many long years, when hundreds of thousands of martyrs were sacrificed. The martyr Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr alHakim and his companions were not the last to be sacrificed, may God's mercy be upon them. They added another page to the register of Iraqi bravery on August 29th, the day of the Iraqi martyr. Nor was the martyr Akila al-Hashemi, who would have been in this chamber today, spared from death.
There is no doubt for us to confirm that removing Saddam's regime is the culmination of a national Iraqi will that insisted on removing the nightmare from the chest of the nation. And from here stems the fourth truth, that the fall of the regime is only a beginning for the birth of a new Iraq. This birth that so many faithful Iraqis have prepared for, both in Iraq and abroad, is now ready.
Today, in Iraq we are facing a unique experience. What will prove our success is the will for good, for development and for freedom to spread and flourish. I stand here today to confirm that we in Iraq will not accept anything but success. Iraqis are capable of success and want success. We will not allow a gang limited to mercenaries and terrorists to deprive a person, a society and a nation from a bright tomorrow.
The land of the two rivers, the cradle of civilisation in Sumer, Akkad, Babylon and Assyria, the land of peace, the land of the Caliphate and the house of wisdom, the home of Hammurabi's code and the depository of continuous knowledge, literature, poetry and intellectual achievement depends first and foremost on its human resources before its natural and oil resources. Based on this human wealth, Iraq can achieve a renaissance transporting it from the grips of totalitarianism and fear to stability, prosperity and forgiveness. What the international community puts into Iraq will be returned in multiples. Put your confidence in Iraq, take from it stability and prosperity and you will see it spread to the region and the entire world.
The Iraq that we want is the Iraq of the brilliant individual. More than sixty percent of Iraq's population is below the age of 20. Our first priority in preparing them for the 21st century is to give them cultural and educational values that will allow each one of them to bring out his dignity and self-respect.
In the previous period, in Iraq as in other nations that suffered from the worst ideologies of the twentieth century, the individual was suppressed by the masses, the masses by the revolution, the revolution by the party, and the party by the leader. The result is that the human being is subsumed under continuous layers of oppression that obliterate his individualities, making him an object for consumption in defense of the nation and the economy in the name of the revolution or to be sacrificed for the leader. Today we confirm that the concerns of Iraqis are no different from those of all others in the world. Tomorrow's Iraq must embark by acknowledging the individual citizen as the basis of sovereignty and the starting point for legislation. The rights of the individual person are basic rights, and the rights of the group only derive from this.
Iraqis like others insist on their rights for Dignity, Freedom, Justice and Peace. Asserting these rights is the foundation for tomorrow's Iraq. The dignity of a human being in Iraq will be protected without exception, without consideration for social status, political position and economic situation. We will not give away the dignity of an accused even if convicted guilty. We begin with dignity because the previous regime worked to convince the Iraqi that his dignity is an endowment from the ruler. We confirm today that the dignity of the nation stems from the dignity of each citizen in it.
As with dignity, so too freedom. Freedom is not a gift from the ruler and the state. It is a principle, a basis and the essence of a human being. Responsible freedom that does not impinge upon the freedom of others is the core of the social contract. Despite the excesses that outsiders and infiltrators have inflicted, with the fall of the repressive regime, Iraqis have proven to themselves that freedom is not chaos.
As is the individual's instinct for freedom, so is his demand for justice. Justice will be a basic tenet that ensures the neutrality and independences of the judiciary. The previous regime took away justice, making the apparatuses of the state means of repression and control.
Last but not least, and after wretched wars that took people's lives and destroyed nations and created catastrophes in their wake, the new Iraq will abide with a new defensive policy whose pillar is peace. Iraq will be an activist for peace for the region and the world.
We have mentioned as the first of these fundamental principles, Dignity, Freedom, Justice and Peace because they represent the basis for a political future. The new Iraq will certainly uphold all human rights, starting with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including of course the right of man to life, property and the pursuit of happiness.
We take responsibility that Iraq in its legislation and laws will be equally just to its entire people. No person is above the law; indeed there will be no distinction on the basis of religion, sect, race, language, ethnicity, gender, class or tribe. The previous regime has dug deep into these divisions. As for the new Iraq, it will rely on justice and fairness.
The Iraqi woman is capable of achievement, excellence and generosity of spirit. She can take on all responsibilities in the nation. It is the duty of the society and the state to remove additional burdens blocking her way.
The constant dialogue required between the Iraqi citizen and the state that represents him and serves him will be on the basis of an honest, democratic and representational system. This system stands on the principle of separation of powers and upholds elections as the as the ultimate arbiter. We are not concerned simply with democratic appearances, but more so the safety of the political system as the embodiment of the democratic spirit. The pillars of this system are first, a separation of powers, by writing a constitutional framework that ensures non-interference between the judicial, legislative, executive powers. This forms a sound basis for each to oversee the other. Second, ensuring accountability, starting with the above mentioned supervision and going through elections that form the main entry of the individual in participation in politics and finally arriving at empowering civil society through the free press, unions and independent institutions. These will take the role of monitor, critic and pursuer of political power in its many faces. The third pillar is to uphold transparency as a fundamental principle stemming from the fact that the source of sovereignty is the citizen. The state is there to serve him and it is answerable to him. It is his right to inquire about its affairs and it is not within the right of the state to withhold such information. Fourth is to respect the rights of the minority in relation to the majority. Here it is important to distinguish between a political majority and minority and a factional majority and minority. Political majorities and minorities are those that are exposed through the ballot box, not through population census and not through a random correlation between them. It is not in anyone's authority to demand a political right on the basis of a presumed factional majority. We do not want a political, sectarian or national allocation in Iraq. A representative, federal political system can best express the interests of all Iraqi citizens regardless of their religion, creed, ethnicity or language.
If the previous period was characterised by limiting all powers to an abusive few in Baghdad then tomorrow's Iraq will stand on the principle of local authority in the context of a federal union. Federalism in the way that Iraqis understand it now is not dividing the homeland; rather it is a means of empowerment and rehabilitation of those living in different regions to take responsibility of their affairs in their regions without constant interference from the central government. We rely on the federal system, like the democratic system, because of our clear understanding of the relationship between a state and its citizens. This relationship is not one of guardianship because the Iraqi citizen is not a minor and is therefore not in need of the state's interference in all his affairs. Our concern is that this relationship be one of care where the state is the vigilant servant of the safety of the citizen, and a relationship of nurture in some areas, especially for the youth in providing social, education and health services.
Complementing our belief in federalism, and in contrast to the nationalist excesses of the previous regime, we declare to you all that Iraq is one nation, permanent and whole. There is nothing in this declaration that reduces the continuity of Iraqis with Arabs and Muslims. This does not contradict the sentiment that many Iraqis inside have about their own culture and identity. It confirms rather, that Iraq in all its territory, from its mountains in the far north to its marshes and gulf in the extreme south, passing through its rivers, meadows and deserts is a lasting unit unable to divide. When we declare this, we not only express the opinion of most Iraqis, we consider it a principal belief.
We seek to strengthen the rule of law and institutions of governance. That is, that authority extending from the citizen is emanated not usurped through a political office. This position is upheld because of a legal basis, not because of the whims and opinions of the person holding the position. The previous regime issued many arbitrary rules and regulations based on the disposition of one man. The alternative in tomorrow's Iraq is the application of the rule of law through sanctioned legislative authority that embodies the will of the Iraqi people through an independent judicial authority and under supervision of an independent legal body.
Last but not least, we will address the relationship between religion and state in the new Iraq. Islam is the religion of the majority in Iraq; it etches out the Iraqi identity as well as the state and the nature of governance.
In any case, the great civilisational heritage and valuable cultural depository of Islamic jurisprudence is no doubt one of the assets of Iraq. We will benefit from it through a judiciary that is based on equality and pluralism. It is important for us to point out to a truth often overlooked. That the state in the previous century has used religion and taken out of it what suited the wishes of those usurping power. It negated the independence of institutions and religious centers, taking over the awgaf and imposing a religious terminology suitable to its interests at the expense of others. Religion in Iraq is one of the most important assets of the individual and of society, and we will not abandon it, neither in its juridical, intellectual or daily implications.
These are the main points of what we want for our country. Our right today from the world is to demand help and assistance, thanking all those that stood by Iraqis at their worst hour and forgiving those that did not stand with us.
It is important for all the nations of the world to acknowledge that what happened in Iraq yesterday in terms of horrors, and what is happening today in terms of reconstruction, presents a dramatic historic event. The international community must stand with Iraq in this.
This is what we want of ourselves and what we want from you on the road to a free, just and peaceful Iraq.
We want an Iraq to recognise that unity and plurality are two faces of the same truth.
We want an Iraq that returns sovereignty to the individual, citizen, human being, not to the leader.
We want an Iraq imbedded in its cultural and religious identity, but in dialogue, without compunction with the global heritage.
We want an Iraq in continuity with its past, but looking forward towards the future.
We want an Iraq that lives in peace with itself, its neighbours and the world.
May peace be upon you.
Mr. President:
I stand before this Assembly as a representative of free Iraq. To all those here who helped us in our struggle for liberation we extend our gratitude. Our liberation would not have been achieved without the determination of President, George W. Bush and the commitment of the Coalition, at the forefront of which stand the people of the United States of America and Great Britain. The Iraqis will never forget your courage and sacrifice on our behalf. "We thank you to infinity!"
To those who stood with the dictator and who continue to question the intentions of the American and British governments in undertaking this liberation, we invite you to come and visit the mass graves where half a million of our citizens lie, come and visit the dried up marshes, come and visit Halabja where chemicals were dropped on civilians, come and examine the lists of the disappeared whose right to live was taken away from them by Saddam Hussein. And we the Iraqi people will ask you why you chose to remain silent. "Um⊠uh⊠it was all about the oil and Amerikkkan hegemonyâŠ"
We are here today to declare that a new Iraq is born. An Iraq where dignity, justice and human rights are assured for all citizens. An Iraq at peace with its people, its neighbours and the world. An Iraq that stands ready to regain its rightful place in the international community of free and proud nations Tell me again about the quagmire.
#1
Chalabi to the UN: "Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining!". Even if his credentials may be suspect I gotta admire the solid brass cajones for gettiin' in the faces of the UN flunkie-crats and dishin' some harsh truth. His stock is rising.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
10/07/2003 14:23
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"[We] must embark by acknowledging the individual citizen as the basis of sovereignty and the starting point for legislation. The rights of the individual person are basic rights, and the rights of the group only derive from this."
This guy is channeling Thomas Jefferson or Ayn Rand, incredible! Fantastic! No wonder the Socialists like the French don't like him. Nothing quite so dangerous to a collective as a strident individualist.
"... suffered from the worst ideologies of the twentieth century, the individual was suppressed by the masses, the masses by the revolution, the revolution by the party, and the party by the leader. The result is that the human being is subsumed under continuous layers of oppression that obliterate his individualities, making him an object for consumption in defense of the nation and the economy in the name of the revolution or to be sacrificed for the leader."
This is the best public condemnation of collectivism I have seen in a long while. IF only our politicians would have the brass to take a stand and state the truth, boldly.
What a marvelously different voice to hear at the forefront in that region!
To those who stood with the dictator and who continue to question the intentions of the American and British governments in undertaking this liberation...we the Iraqi people will ask you why you chose to remain silent.
Boy, I'd love to hear Chirac and the other worms answer this one...
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 15:11
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#4
A very good speech! Any chance of seeing this in American media? Didn't think so...
His brothers and friends in the region not only maintained silence, ignorance and blindness toward his catastrophe, they also criticised him and shamed him the day he dared raise his voice. And throughout the world, those that stood to benefit scrambled to trade and work with his torturer.
I wonder if he was looking stright in the French Ambassador's eyes when he said that. (Assuming that the Ambassador was there that is...).
"And we the Iraqi people will ask you why you chose to remain silent."
I can think of several answers to this question, and not one of them is good.
Posted by: Matt ||
10/07/2003 17:28
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#8
Any time I see a State Dept smear of someone I take another look at them, they must've done something right and pro-American
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 18:06
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#9
eyeye,
I bet the lead story is about the 'body bag count' followed by how Arnold groped a few women 25 years ago followed by more body bags, and then the California election.... Rinse.... repeat...
#10
I'm beginning to have some serious respect for Chalabi.
BTW, I linked that one three days ago, where have y'all been?
I did see a little bit about his speech in the media but it was all 'local' media online (in the Podunk Press but not on CNN). Sigh.
Posted by: Kathy K ||
10/07/2003 18:25
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#11
How'd you find it? I just did Googled for it and got basically no hits.
Posted by: Matt ||
10/07/2003 19:22
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#12
I think we found the NEW Iraqi ambassador to the UN.
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 19:29
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#13
Kathy--You posted this Saturday? Guess I'm not the hardcore, 24/7 Rantburger I thought I was!
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 19:44
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#14
give me a break, this guy left the country in 1958 as i recall, he's slightly more iraqi than i am
#15
"I stand before you as trustworthy as an American businessman named Kenneth Lay"--with the backing of the same lunatic right wing conservative ideologues that stole an election and put a Christian jihadist in the White House who has lied about weapons of mass destruction (there are none) and has corrupted the civic discourse of the United States with "You're with us or a traitor" Our Neo-Cons (Oops Rt wing Jews) will be setting the future agenda for our country and because they have more money than you whining liberals will win
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 23:30
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#16
Typical stupid leftie Mikey. You didnt address a single comment, You only tried to smear the guy with repeated lies.
WTF is wrong with your mind, are you incapable of rational thought?
The Palestinian prime minister nominee, Ahmed Qorei, announced on Sunday an eight-member emergency Cabinet which senior officials said would not need parliamentary approval.
"Yasser said it was okay..."
Qorei initially assigned four portfolios, with the rest to be decided shortly, in a mini-Cabinet presented a day after a Palestinian Islamist suicide bomber killed 19 people in a restaurant in the Israeli city of Haifa.
I've been trying to smooth out the spelling of Qurei/Qureia/Qrei/Etc.'s name. He's got more spellings than Muammar Kudhuffy...
Following is biographical information on the key ministers:
Nasser Youssef, interior minister: A major-general and longtime ally of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Youssef assumed control of Palestinian national security forces in the Gaza Strip and West Bank when the Palestinian Authority was established in 1994 under interim peace deals with Israel. Youssef's relations with Arafat deteriorated a few years ago and he recently criticized the Palestinian president's leadership as an obstacle to Palestinian dreams of independence, but the two are said to have mended fences.
That must have been after Yasser spit on him...
Salam Fayyad, finance minister: Fayyad, 50, is an economist, political independent and former International Monetary Fund official recruited by Arafat in a Cabinet shakeup last year under US pressure to establish financial order and transparency in the Palestinian Authority. He stayed on to serve as finance minister in the short-lived administration of Mahmoud Abbas, who resigned as prime minister a month ago after losing a power struggle with Arafat. Fayyad is backed by Washington and has credibility with Israel, which has channeled through him tax funds owed to the Palestinians. Married with three children, he has a PhD from the University of Texas.
Good, gray money man, who gets the money after it's come through Yasser...
Nabil Shaath, foreign affairs: Shaath, 65, formerly an entrepreneur and professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School, evolved into a key adviser to Arafat and has been involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks since 1991. Shaath is a veteran of Arafat's Fatah movement and served as his minister of planning and international cooperation from the 1994 inception of the Palestinian Authority. That title made him unofficial foreign minister, and he formally took the foreign affairs portfolio under Abbas.
He is from a refugee family that left its home in what is now Israel during the 1948 war.
Another Yasser-yessir man, but at least he's not as bad as...
Saeb Erekat, no specified post: Erekat, 58, has a doctorate in peace studies from England's Bradford University. He taught at Al-Najah University in the West Bank city of Nablus before joining the first Palestinian delegation to Middle East peace talks in Madrid in 1991. He has participated in countless negotiations with Israel and the United States since then. An articulate, rapid-fire spokesman for the Palestinian cause and a familiar face in international television coverage of the conflict, Erekat is also a veteran of Fatah and was appointed minister of local government in 1996.
Saeb, as we all know, has no lips. He was once turned into a pillar of salt for several days...
That's only four. Wonder who the other four are?
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
16:47 ||
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#1
Jpost: Speaking after Arafat's announcement Sunday, Qureia said three portfolios in the emergency Cabinet were assigned: Nabil Shaath as foreign minister, Salam Fayad as finance minister and Yousef was to be interior minister.
Qureia said the other five members of the Cabinet would be Saeb Erekat, the current chief negotiator; Nabil Abu Hummus, the current education minister; Jamal Shobaki, the current minister of local affairs; and two legislators from Arafat's Fatah movement, Abdel Rahman Hamad and Tibi.
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 19:27
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Lebanon will rank as one of the "very corrupt" countries in the world and "one of the most corrupt" in the Arab region, when Transparency International releases its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Tuesday. According to sources who have revealed the information to The Daily Star, "Lebanon will rank in the lower half of the index and even in the lower half among Arab countries."
"... and they had to pay baksheesh big time to get that high!"
It's not really a surprise, but it is astonishing to learn Lebanon has performed so badly compared to other Arab countries. "Very few countries are more corrupt than Lebanon in the region," said the source, "and that's saying a mouthful! this shows how deep of a problem we have dug ourselves into."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
16:15 ||
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Hundreds of emotionally charged mourners have rampaged through the Pakistani capital, following funeral prayers for member of Parliament, Azam Tariq who was bumped off gunned down on Monday. Police gave chase to the angry mobs after they pelted cars with rocks, torched a cinema in the Melody market and set ablaze a Shia mosque in the Aabpara neighbourhood. An employee of the Melody cinema, identified as Ghafoor, was killed. He was sleeping inside when mobs set the cinema on fire. "He was brought to the hospital dead," said Dr Rashid Qurashi.
"Kill the infidel cinema usher!"
Another six people were being treated at the Polyclinic hospital for burns, smoke inhalation and cuts sustained when they tried to flee the blazing cinema. Smoke was billowing from a petrol station where crowds had set fire to jerry cans full of petrol, an AFP reporter at the scene said.
"Yeeee-haw! Some funeral, ain't it Mahmoud?"
At least a dozen vehicles were damaged near the cinema. "We will revenge your martyrdom, we will revenge your killing," mourners chanted earlier at the funeral prayers.
"We will have Dire Revenge! We must have Dire Revenge!"
Sunni leader Maulana Abd al-Hafeez Hazari led the funeral prayers, which were followed by fiery speeches and face-making and jumping up and down from fellow clerics close to Tariq. "Those who are behind this killing will not be spared," Maulana Masud al-Rahman Osmani told the crowd.
"Bloooooood! Gooooore! Dire Revenge!"
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
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Hat tip Little Green Footballs
Canadian media baron Israel 'Izzy' Asper, founder and chairman of CanWest Global Communications Corp., has died. He was 71. A news release issued by the Asper family said he died shortly after being admitted to St. Boniface Hospital Winnipeg at approximately 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
When I get sick, don't take me to St. Boniface, okay?
Asper's wife Babs Asper, sons David and Leonard and daughter Gail were present when he died. Asper retired from his position of Executive Chairman of CanWest in January 2003, to devote more of his time to his many philanthropic pursuits, including in particular the establishment Canadian Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg. Asper remained active in the company as Chairman of the Board. "The company feels a sense of profound loss on the passing of our founder, who distinguished himself as a visionary business leader, a caring leader in his encouragement and financial support of worthy causes, and as a champion of Israel," the release said. I'd never heard of this guy before now, butâŠ
As many as 15 Pakistani-Norwegian teenagers attacked a 31-year-old man outside his flat Monday night.
Ya, sure! The very thought of Pakistani-Norwegian teenagers takes my breath away...
They thought he was a journalist who'd written a provocative guide about how to have sex with young Muslim women. It was all a case of mistaken identity, however. The hapless victim simply had the same name as the journalist who'd written the guide, Baard Torgersen.
"Oops. Sorry. Our bad..."
The teenage gang did take the trouble to question his identity when they confronted him on the stairs leading up to his flat in Oslo. "They asked whether I was Baard Torgersen," he told newspaper Aftenposten. "I said that was me, and then they asked to see my driver's license."
"Yew got any witnesses yew're yew, infidel?"
After they examined it, they asked for even more ID, and then spotted a discount card in his wallet for the publication "Natt & Dag" (Night and Day), which coincidentally had published the guide that had angered the Pakistani-Norwegian boys. That set them off, with flying fists battering both Torgersen and a neighbour who happened to arrive on the scene as the fight went on.
"Batter the infidel!"
The gang had fled by the time police arrived at the scene. The Baard Torgersen who actually wrote the sex guide declined to comment on the incident. His editor, however, claimed the article that the teenage gang found so offensive was meant to launch a debate on sexual liberation among Muslim women in Norway. "There will be fewer mixed marriages in Norway," said editor Gaute Drevdal of Natt & Dag. "If we don't do something now, there will be more ghettoes forming."
Now, I've been to Norway. I've walked the streets of Oslo on a nice day, and I came away with the sore neck to prove it. There are more good-looking women per capita in Norway than anyplace I've ever been in the world. Why would Norwegian men pass them up for some drab in a burka?
Drevdal claimed Norway is a society where "sex comes before romance and romance comes before marriage."
"Ya, sure! I been thinkin' of settlin' down. Want to go for a test drive?"
"Why, Ole! That's so romantic!"
"We're two thirds of the way there!"
A local Pakistani-Norwegian comedian, Shabana Rehman, said the guide may be considered "vulgar" but it also is important. "The main question here is accessibility and sexual control," Rehman said. "The role of men is changing and it's interesting that this is often tied to women's sexuality."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
15:09 ||
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#1
"Why would Norwegian men pass them up for some drab in a burka?"
Because they ain't all drabs. I get a satellite feed at work that has some arab news channels and they have drop-dead beautiful women as news anchors. Syria, Lebanon, etc don't go in for burkas and some of those women are hot!!!! Think of all those old Sinbad movies with the harem girls.................sorry, where was I?
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 15:25
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#2
Fred, don't forget the head honcho of Ansar-al-Islam lives there...he's not stupid even if his followers are.
#3
This was the most polite gang I've ever heard of. They not only asked who he was first, but they double-checked his ID and then looked for more ID before pouncing. They didn't want to get the wrong guy. Of course being idiots they managed that anyway.
Still, they were semi-polite. Its no wonder some Europeans don't see the Islamic threat.
#6
Drevdal claimed Norway is a society where "sex comes before romance and romance comes before marriage."
Why would Pakistani men move into to society where they are such an ill fit? It's like having an entire lodge of the KKK packing up the double wides and moving to Liberia.
As for the Burkas, do you think there are tranvestites in Saudi Arabia that secretly galavant about in burka drag?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 17:41
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#7
It's the inferiority complex of the Islamic culture - that's why they keep the women down so much...they don't measure up in so many ways
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 17:55
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#8
I think the KKK guys might consider moving to Liberia if it were safe, they thought the Liberians would leave them alone and they could double their income. That kind of cash boost might make one repress ones hatred of the neighbors.
#11
I have lots of friends in Europe--Italy, Sweden, France, Ireland---they are all dismayed (to put it politely) how their governments have allowed an alien culture to settle in thier midst--maybe Pat Buchannan had a point about the Zulus in Virginia? Oops--they're already THERE
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 21:06
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#12
Syria, Lebanon, etc don't go in for burkas and some of those women are hot!!!! Think of all those old Sinbad movies with the harem girls.................sorry, where was I?
-right on. I'm originally from Detroit. A lot of Arabs up there. Some very beautiful women though. But they're kind of like red-head girls, either hot or heinous, no in-between.
A BRIDE-TO-BE was stabbed to death by a cousin as she dressed for her wedding — after some family members disapproved of her groom. Sahjda Bibi, 21, was butchered 22 times with a kitchen knife in her bedroom. Killer Rafaqat Hussain, 38, struck when the groom arrived at the house — then fled and was on a flight to Pakistan within three hours, a jury heard yesterday.
Ohfergawdsake.
Prosecutor Timothy Raggatt QC told Birmingham Crown Court: "A young Muslim girl was to marry an older man with a less than pristine background as far as some of her family were concerned. There was tension and strife within that family and the plan to murder that young woman was hatched.
"Shaukat! The brazen hussy must be killed!"
"You're right, Chaudry. It's a matter of family honor. His brother killed a second cousin by marriage of my uncle Mahmoud's."
"And I've heard that one of his fourth cousins is married to someone who's not a Bugti!"
"That's right. I've heard that, too. And the cake! Chocolate for a wedding cake?"
"Fatimah! Where's my good knife?"
"Within a few moments what should have been a very happy day was shattered in the most brutal fashion."
Ummm... Yasss. Being butchered would tend to ruin your day, even if you weren't getting married...
Machine operator Hussain had arrived for the celebrations in Alum Rock, Birmingham, from his home in Camberley, Surrey, with £1,000, the knife and two passports, the court heard.
Nothing out of the ordinary there...
He was driven to Heathrow by cousin Tafarak Hussain who played a key part the plot, it was claimed.
Driving the getaway car's a key part...
Rafaqat Hussain returned to the UK and admitted murder at an earlier hearing. Tafarak Hussain, 25, denies murder. The trial continues.
"Nope. Nope. It wudn't murder. It was... ummm... something else."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
14:26 ||
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#1
Another fine example of the religon of peace. Savages.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003 14:43
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#2
It sure was honorable the way he skulked off and fled the country in such haste. Yes, sir, lots of honor was preserved and demonstrated here today by bravely running away.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 15:01
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#3
I hope all the men involved in this action receive virgins in paradise modeled after this american bride.
#5
Sahjda Bibi, 21, was butchered 22 times with a kitchen knife in her bedroom.
Butchered 22 times? The first butchering wasn't enough?
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/07/2003 16:08
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#6
Does the Koran require multiple passports?
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
10/07/2003 16:15
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#7
Why are the moslems in the UK going bonkers all at once? Per capita the moslem population in teh UK must have an incredible rate of violence going on in Britain.
#8
Superhose -- we're not supposed to notice things like that. You know, when an identifiable sub-culture has violence rates completely out of line with the rest of society? We're just supposed to walk on by, acting like we didn't see anything and we're all equally guilty.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
10/07/2003 18:45
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#10
Oh, Robert, I forgot. Racial statistics are only allowed for college admissions and employment. Actually, because Pakastanis are caucasian, you could use the honor killing spree to offset any Abnormal violence statistics in teh West Indian community.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 19:11
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#11
What ever happened to the honorable muslims that stab the bride through the heart and walks out claiming that "Honor" has been restored? Did they all die when we bombed the Taliban and Al-Queada?
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 19:20
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#12
Gee, didn't that post about murder stats yesterday say the best way to avoid getting murdered was avoid arguments? Looks like Muslim women should avoid family altogether.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 19:41
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#13
Looks like Muslim women should avoid family altogether
#14
Again, with apologies to Bulldog who has accused me of being Xenophobic--THIS HAPPENED IN THE UK--not Phrawnce! The UK has a bigger problem with Islamofascists than France does--they've contained it-- Britain lets them go about their business. There will be a Londistan b4 there is a Parisdad
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 20:53
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#15
par for the course. Our friends from the middle-east enlighten us with their cultural mores once again.
#16
NMM - Britain "lets them go about their business"? That's why they're in court facing murder charges then, right? And if you're claiming British police didn't prevent the murder - we don't have minority report technology yet, I'm afraid. By definition, all murders tend to go about their business for a while, irrespective of religion. And do you really think that France's nightmarish Algerian ghettos are some kind of satisfactory "containment"?
Security at the nation's nuclear weapons labs is so lax that the facilities have repeatedly failed drills in which mock terrorists captured radioactive material and escaped, according to an article in Vanity Fair magazine. "Some of the facilities would fail year after year," said Rich Levernier, who spent six years running war games for the U.S. government. "In more than 50 percent of our tests at the Los Alamos facility, we got in, captured the plutonium, got out again, and in some cases didn't fire a shot, because we didn't encounter any guards." These failures occurred despite security forces at the Los Alamos National Laboratories and other nuclear facilities knowing the dates of the drills months in advance, according to the story in next month's Vanity Fair. This is not good.
Why do they still have jobs?
Anson Franklin, a spokesman for the National Nuclear Security Administration, an arm of the Department of Energy that oversees nuclear-weapons security, said Monday that the department has increased security funding by more than 50 percent to protect against terrorist attacks. "Allegations of a 50 percent failure rate in security tests are simply untrue," Franklin said. The report also says Levernier, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Department of Energy, was stripped of his security clearance in 2001 after raising security concerns. Levernier has filed a whistleblower lawsuit arguing that he was illegally removed from his duties. Franklin denied that allegation. "We do not punish federal employees who are doing their jobs by pointing out potential weaknesses in safety and security," he said. Ah, now I see. Grain of salt time.
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/07/2003
12:53:49 AM ||
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"49.9% sure, but not 50%!", said the spokesliar, Franklin.
Whomever was responsible for canning Levernier should be summarily fired in kind - or shot. The guys in the "Tiger Teams" who test the security of all Federal sites are invaluable. Denial doesn't accomplish shit.
C'mon Dubya, Rummy - get this guy back in the saddle and shitcan the clowns who can't handle the heat nor the assignment - this is important shit, not some idiotic political game. *heavy sigh*
#2
This is crap. Increasing funding by 50% does not automatically increase security. And they cannot hit 50% even when the know dates months in advance. What kind of shait is this? This lab should be shut down and its management fired as an example.
Sounds like Franklin should be fired and replaced with Levenier.
#3
I knew Rich "back when" (i.e., early 90s) when I spent a little time in the DOE. Levernier is a straight arrow. I had not heard that he had his clearance yanked. That's like revoking Mother Teresa's eligibility for sainthood. But the DOE was during my exposure to it the most poorly managed agency in the US government. There were competent people working within it but all were led by sniveling, spineless little pogues who thought leader was something you attached to a fishing line. They spent all day back-biting each other in an effort to protect their own rice bowl. And it appears nothing has changed.
#4
I can't believe that Berkley continues to be allowed to run Los Alamos. They recently had to reinstate two detectives hired as internal auditors that were fired because they uncovered out of control theft of materials of all kind by lab employees.
German women fed up with their partners' grumbling on weekend shopping trips can now dump them at a special kindergarten for men offering beer and entertainment. "The women are issued a receipt for their partners when they hand them in and can pick them up again when they return it to us later," Alexander Stein, manager of the 'Nox Bar' in the northern city of Hamburg told Reuters on Tuesday. The men are given a name badge on arrival and for 10 euros ($11.80) they get two beers, a hot meal, televised football and games. Now that's a deal!
Stein said the idea for the Saturday afternoon men's creche, or "Maennergarten," came from a female customer who thought it would be a good way of getting shot of her husband so she could shop in peace. "She found it all too stressful and thought this might be the solution. Both were very happy with the way it turned out. I shop much better with my wife when we don't see each other till she's done..
"Last week the men had a remote control car to play with. Next week there's going to be a mini racetrack," said Stein. They are also offering a drilling workshop. "It beats sitting around in shoe shops, that's for sure," one man told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. We have something like this here, they're called "Hooters".
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
12:50:11 PM ||
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Next step it too combine the mini racetrack with a Hooters. Every time you complete a lap you get flashed!
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:19
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From the "Palestine International Press Centre" website. Salt recommended; English translation somewhat ragged. Raanan Gissin, Sharon's advisor, threatened that President Arafat's days in power are "numbered." I think he actually said "days are numbered," but go on.
Gissin stated Monday evening that the removal of Arafat is imminent. He believed that, Israel would expedite putting in effect the already decision to forcibly remove Arafat, Arab48 online edition published today. Gissin threats coincided with rumors circulated Monday in Rammallah accusing Israel of slipping venom doses to President Arafat in order to gradually poison him, Arab48 added. Or perhaps it's the death rays! (Insert maniacal laugh here.)
Palestinian sources linked such rumors with health downhill of President Arafat nowadays, suffering influenza and dyspepsia that summons up the checkup of doctors day by day. Or, he could just be an old guy over 70 whose lifestyle is catching up with him. Naaah, can't be; must be the venom or the death rays.
It's prob'ly me. I mumble incantations against him every night before I go to bed. And I have one of those dolls that you stick pins into...
Israel's security cabinet decided-in principle-to "remove" Mr. Arafat last month, but did not say how or when, action would be taken. Arrest, isolation, deportation, or possibly killing him [I vote for this one!] are said to be among the options. On Sunday, President Arafat also announced an emergency state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and issued a decree of forming an emergency cabinet with 8 ministers [to replace the regular, non=emergency cabinet with 138 ministers]
due to the worsening situation and to ward off any possible strikes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Followup, from Jerusalem Post...
Four ambulances that were seen entering Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's compound in Ramallah on Monday afternoon triggered off rumors that he was seriously ill.
One for each arm and each leg?
Within minutes, senior officials in the compound were bombarded with phone calls from curious journalists. Arafat's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, dismissed reports that Arafat had been taken to a local hospital. He said Arafat suffered from exhaustion and was recovering.
"It's only exhaustion. Happens to him regularly."
But another senior official said Arafat's health has rapidly deteriorated over the past two weeks. "I don't think it's the flu as some people say," he said. "The president hasn't been feeling well for some time and his health seems to be worsening."
It won't be long now. I can feel it in my bones... Or maybe my arthritis is acting up.
He said it was possible that Arafat, 74, has caught a number of viruses as a result of shaking hands and exchanging kisses on the cheek with thousands of people who came to see him over the past few weeks following Israel's decision to "remove" him.
"Success, sir! The deadly toxin has been delivered by a pair of Arab lips!"
"Good, Smedley! Very good! I must inform Number One!"
On Sunday, a pale and fragile-looking Arafat met in his office with the new PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei.
"Yasser! You look so pale and fragile!"
"Mahmoud! Shoot him!"
"You can't shoot me! I'm the prime minister!"
Palestinians said they have never before seen Arafat in such a condition. "You can see that he's very ill," said someone who attended the meeting. "He can hardly speak. Something bad is happening to him."
It's a deadly toxin, available only in Samoa...
Some PA officials said Arafat's decision to declare a state of emergency in the West Bank and Gaza Strip could be linked to his illness. "It's possible that he doesn't want to leave a vacuum behind," said one PA official. "He must have discussed the issue with Abu Ala [Qurei]."
"Whaddya think, Ahmed? Should I declare a state of emergency?"
"Mahmoud! Put the gun down!"
Last week, the PA summoned a team of doctors from Jordan to examine Arafat after he complained of severe abdominal pain. They concluded that he had recovered from a mild illness and only needed some rest. At first, his aides suspected that he had been poisoned. Arafat had been barfingtossing his felafel vomiting for several days. Shortly after the Jordanian team returned home, a journalist in Ramallah quoted a senior PA official as saying that "Arafat's days are numbered."
"Mahmoud! Shoot him, too!"
On Monday evening, journalists and visitors were barred from entering Arafat's compound. The decision only added to the growing speculation about Arafat's health.
I'll be oiling my ululator for the rest of the afternoon...
Posted by: Mike ||
10/07/2003
12:43:05 PM ||
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Four ambulances that were seen entering Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's compound in Ramallah on Monday afternoon triggered off rumors that he was seriously ill.
Within minutes, senior officials in the compound were bombarded with phone calls from curious journalists. Arafat's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, dismissed reports that Arafat had been taken to a local hospital. He said Arafat suffered from exhaustion and was recovering.
But another senior official said Arafat's health has rapidly deteriorated over the past two weeks. "I don't think it's the flu as some people say," he said. "The president hasn't been feeling well for some time and his health seems to be worsening."
He said it was possible that Arafat, 74, has caught a number of viruses as a result of shaking hands and exchanging kisses on the cheek with thousands of people who came to see him over the past few weeks following Israel's decision to "remove" him.
On Sunday, a pale and fragile-looking Arafat met in his office with the new PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei. Palestinians said they have never before seen Arafat in such a condition.
"You can see that he's very ill," said someone who attended the meeting. "He can hardly speak. Something bad is happening to him."
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 12:46
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Excellent, when rumors keep spreading that the king is dying, the other players will begin to think about being first in line to succeed him. This leads to making sure your rivals don't beat you to it, by giving him a little "push" when you think you are ready.
Now, where's my popcorn?
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 13:05
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#5
And lawn chairs, Steve. Definitely lawn chairs.
#6
Set the TIVO too, so you can review it over and over
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 13:11
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#7
And your favorite adult beverage.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 13:43
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#8
Don't forget the beer hats.
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:47
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I'll cheerfully spit on Yasser's grave along with everyone else, but the Israelis should not kid themselves that Palestinian nationalism will go away just because it's perennial poster boy has gone to the great party congress in the sky. Nations are built on blood and iron and the Israelis have made sure that the Palestinians have gotten a steady diet of that.
#10
Relax. Palestinian ambulances are only used to carry ammunition. Nothing to see here...
Posted by: john ||
10/07/2003 15:12
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#11
I bet his "72 Virgins" will enjoy his quivering lip!
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003 15:27
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#12
There are pictures of a healthy looking Yassir on the Haaratz site today (10/7) embracing the new lapdog PM. Of course, the picture could be staged.
#14
"It's possible that he doesn't want to leave a vacuum behind," said one PA official.
Fine. Let him take the vacuum with him if he wants. We saw how far the Pharaohs got with their possessions in the afterlife. Also Hades is wired for 480 volts for the big zap, and not 240 VAC. Heh heh.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/07/2003 15:52
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Damn straight. He should take his blender, too.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 16:10
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It's all starting to seem faintly like a Monty Python skit:
Dead collector: Bring out your dead!
Palestinian Authority Cabinet Minister: Here's one.
Arafat: I'm not dead!
Collector: What?
Cabinet Minister: Nothing.
Arafat: I'm not dead!
Collector: Here. He says he's not dead.
Cabinet Minister: Yes he is.
Arafat: No I'm not!
Collector: He isn't?
Cabinet Minister: Well he will be soon. He's very ill.
Arafat: I'm getting better!
Cabinet Minister: No you're not. You'll be stone dead in a moment.
Collector: Look, we can't start the Palestinian civil war with him like that. It's against regulations.
Arafat: I don't want to go in the ambulance!
Cabinet Minister: Oh don't be such a baby. here's your baby wipes.
Collector: I can't take him.
Arafat: I feel fine!
Cabinet Minister: Oh, do us a favor?
Collector: I can't.
Cabinet Minister: Well can you make it around in a couple of minutes? He won't be long.
Collector: No... I've got a suicide bombing to go to tonight.
Arafat: I think I'll go for a walk.
Cabinet Minister: You're not foolin' anyone, you know. Look. Isn't there something you can do?
Arafat: I feel happy! I feel happy!
(Sound of Arafat being fried by an Israeli-built death ray.)
Cabinet Minister: Oh, thanks very much.
Collector: Not at all. See you at the Intifada.
Cabinet Minister: Right.
Posted by: Mike ||
10/07/2003 17:43
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I doubt that Arafat's death will have a noticable effect on the WOT but it will have a small effect on my life. ... I'll get a new flavor of Nigerian e-mail. From Suha with love.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 17:54
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Mike M - excelllleennnttt
but you've got too much time on your hands lol
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 18:10
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#20
And his lampshade! Dont forget his lampshade!
Above all, don't forget his baby wipes!
(Yeh, I read LGF too much...)
(Mike, you owe me windex for my monitor...)
Posted by: Kathy K ||
10/07/2003 18:55
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#21
Looks like the IDF has The Death Ray working overtime...
#22
No one mentioned the dreaded and horrible [insert drum roll here] red binder? All Lizardoids know the red binder contains, uh, er, um, some really important stuff. That's why he always tries to hide it, but it's there - you can feel it...
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=7295
#23
So whose going to start the dead pool?? I'll take this Friday, 1100-1200 EST. It would be down right un-American for someone not to make a buck off this asshole's demise.
Syria is considering amending its resolution that seeks U.N. condemnation for Israeli air strikes on its soil after many countries, including the United States, called for more balance. The United States renewed its warning that it might block any draft that did not condemn the suicide bombing in Haifa. So much for the resolution.
Many countries, including Russia appeared to give some support to the U.S. position on Monday, saying Damascus' proposed resolution condemning Israel should be reworked. ``We believe it would benefit from a more balanced form,'' Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. ``In particular, we think it should include a clause on the need to stop terrorist attacks in the region.'' Syria's U.N. Ambassador Fayssal Mekdad on Monday indicated his country may amend its resolution. ``We have to take into consideration the wish by member countries to look into some of the ideas they are raising,'' he said. "In particular, we have to figure out why the same old baloney didn't fly this time."
Mekdad said he would wait for further instructions from Damascus. The attack on Sunday was the first Israeli strike deep within Syria since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The Arab League said the bombing ``exposes the deteriorating situation in the region to uncontrollable consequences, which could drag the whole region into violent whirlpool.'' That's positively, ... North Korean in tone.
At an emergency meeting called at Syria's request Sunday, most council diplomats spoke out against both the airstrike and the suicide bombing in the Israeli port city of Haifa that killed 19 people and prompted Israel's retaliation. U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said Monday he still found the Syrian draft ``deficient in many respects.'' Negroponte, who is also the Security Council president for October, indicated that he would decide on a further meeting or vote on the resolution once Syria comes back with a new draft. Wonder if the Syrians will actually condemn the bombing? ... Nah!
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/07/2003
12:39:09 AM ||
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Dontcha hate it when the US runs the Security Council and acts like it's interested in, you know, security?
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Members of the U.N. Security Council on Monday suggested changes to a U.S. draft resolution on Iraq that has been criticized for not giving the United Nations a big enough role. But the council remained divided over how to rebuild Iraq's government. "Well Gunter, I guess we earned our per-diems today!"
Council diplomats portrayed Monday's session as a constructive exchange of ideas over the revised draft, which called for a slightly expanded U.N. role. The draft appeared headed toward acceptance until U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said last week he wants only an ``indispensable role'' for the U.N. body or no political role at all. I'll take "no political role" for $800, Alex.
The United States will now take council members' suggestions and amendment ideas back to Washington, U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said. Neither he nor other diplomats would detail the changes being sought. ``We've reached a time to take a brief pause for everybody to digest what had been said and see how it affected our thinking,'' said Negroponte, who is also the president of the council for the month of October.
When a reporter asked him whether the survival of the draft was at stake, he said: ``It has no implications along the lines you are suggesting, simply a pause to evaluate where we stand with respect to the draft.'' "I can say no more!"
Diplomats said the 15-member council spent Monday's session harrassing questioning the United States over the revised resolution - presented last week - that seeks help in Iraq's reconstruction. They also brought ideas on gutting improving the document after several days of consultations in their capitals, a U.S. official said.
Several council members agreed the next step - seeing what the United States brings back to the table - will be the most important for the fate of the resolution. ``The United Nations should have a larger role, a leading role in the process,'' said Chilean Ambassador Heraldo Munoz. ``We should be as clear as possible on the timetable. Those two things are very important to us.'' "And in return, of course, we offer nothing!"
A French diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the United States did not appear ready to incorporate changes made by France and Germany, two leading opponents of the war. Wotta brilliant deduction!
But Germany's U.N. Ambassador Gunter Pleuger said the discussions on the resolution were likely to continue but many delegates wanted the council to take Annan's criticism of the resolution into account. ``If the council is united, the political signal is stronger,'' he said after the meeting. In a way, if we stand alone the political signal is stronger, too.
The French diplomat said that progress could be made if there was a totally new approach to the resolution, an idea that Annan has suggested and one United States is unlikely to accept. Annan wants a lead role for the United Nations if the world body were to play any political role in Iraq. Hey! The Daily Double!
Whether there really is room for compromise is unclear because of the fundamental differences concerning two postwar issues - when to transfer power to Iraqis and what role the United Nations should play in stabilizing and rebuilding the war-battered country.
France, along with Germany and Russia, has led the push for a quick handover of power to the Iraqis and a stronger role for the United Nations. French President Jacques Chirac had said last week he was disappointed with the latest draft. Chirac had spoken after Annan ruled out a U.N. political role as long as American and British forces are running Iraq. Annan made his views known to the council on Thursday. Annan wants the United States to hand over sovereignty within five months to an Iraqi provisional government, which could then take the two years or more the United Nations has found necessary to create a viable constitution and organize elections, a senior U.N. official said Friday. Why don't we let the Iraqis write their own constitution?
With Iraqis in charge, Annan says, extremist attacks would hopefully diminish, other countries would be more likely to contribute troops and money and the United Nations, if asked, could help oversee the political transition to a democracy, according to the official. With the UN in charge we'll see more boomers and dead-ender attacks.
At the heart of Annan's concern is security for U.N. staff in Iraq following two bombings at world body headquarters in Baghdad in a month that killed 22 people and injured more than 150. The secretary-general has pulled out more than 90 percent of the U.N.'s international staff, leaving only a few dozen essential people in the country. And it ought to stay that way.
But the United States rejected Annan's recommendation, sticking instead to its agenda of having the U.S.-picked Iraqi Governing Council adopt a constitution, hopefully within six months, then hold elections six months after that. Power would be relinquished only after an elected government is installed. The U.S. draft resolution on Iraq asks both the United Nations and the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority to help the Governing Council adopt a constitution, hold elections and train civil servants. It endorses a step-by-step transfer of authority to an Iraqi interim administration but sets no timetable.
Annan is willing to risk putting significant numbers of U.N. staff back in the country - but only if the United Nations is playing ``an indispensable role.'' Secretary of State Colin Powell assured Annan on Friday that the Bush administration is trying to assign the United Nations a significant role in Iraq's future. "Marvin, I need a word that rhymes with indispensable."
"Well, Mr. Secretary, there's 'despicable'."
"That, Marvin, is why you're not Secretary of State."
"Well sir, it DOES rhyme."
"That it does, Marvin, that it does."
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/07/2003
12:33:53 AM ||
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I give the in-line commentary a 9.9, Steve - great work!
As for this interminable UN engagement, pfeh. Reduce funding and reduce activity - namely doing anything but vetoing idiotic resolutions that come before the UNSC. Initiate nothing, volunteer nothing, engage no one in this venue. It is corrupt and pointless and all our efforts do is give Al Guardian something to spin. The UN is an anti-World Body of asinine autocrats, boring bystanders, callow corruption, despicable despots, egregious elitists, farking French, gutless gyrators, hateful harpies, inane imitators, jackoff Jew-haters, kinky kleptomanics, lame lapdogs, misogynistic multilateralists, nattering numbnuts,obfuscating onanists, prevaricating pussies,quixotic Quislings, rabid rapists, skilled sycophants, transcendant thieves, unctuous usurpers, vaccuous vermin, waffling wimps, xenodocheionologistic xenomaniacs, yeasty yammerers, zelophobic zoilists.
#2
``indispensable roleââ,What a crock.The U.N.(Useless Ninneys)couldn't run away fast enoungh the first time things get rough on them.How in hell are they going to get anything done if they can't handle the pain when the going gets tough?
#4
I don't think Cough-ee is part of the SC, is he? So why should his views be "taken into account"? He can sit at the back of the bus with the other General Assembly losers and STFU...
#5
unfortunately the french can use Kofis words to sway the fence sitters - chile, Mexico, Angola, etc. Instead of France being isolated, its now got important support. Kofi really betrayed us on this one - in previous few months he had maintained some distance from the French on Iraq.
OTOH Turkish willingness to participate in Iraq really helps - we need a UNSC resolution less now, and less urgently in terms of time.
Also i think everyone is digesting the political implications of the Kay report - does this help the French (no WMDS found) or the US (lots of obvious violations of UNSC res 1441)?
Also the situation on the ground continues to evolve - US deaths steady or declining VERY slowly, but no more big bombing attacks, power back to prewar levels, etc. All this is background that effects negotiating leverage.
#7
Members of the U.N. Security Council on Monday suggested changes to a U.S. draft resolution on Iraq that has been criticized for not giving the United Nations a big enough role.
This is all laughable. The U.S. does all the heavy lifting and the SC jerkoffs want a role "big enough"?
The only response that this deserves is an image of a big, fat middle finger.
. . . While we occupy ourselves with the Plame name blame game, we are missing the most important elements of the Wilson affair: the anomalies.
Everyone who works for the CIA in everything having to do with intelligence or foreign governments is required to sign a secrecy agreement that provides the Agency the right to approve and censor what the employee may wish to say or write for public consumption. In Wilson's famous July 6, 2003 NYT op-ed, he said, "The mission I undertook was discreet but by no means secret. While the CIA paid my expenses, (my time was offered pro bono), I made it abundantly clear to everyone I met that I was acting on behalf of the United States government." It is unheard of for anyone to not be required to sign a secrecy agreement. So did Wilson get that article approved by the CIA?
I asked the CIA, and a very testy spokesperson refused to answer. I asked if Wilson ever signed a security agreement, and she sounded about to burst from stress, but she'd give no answer to that question either. Maybe she was just having a bad hair day. Or maybe the CIA is feeling some well-earned heat.
A senior intelligence-community source told me that no one as vocal as Wilson could possibly be bound to the usual security agreement. So Wilson wasn't required to sign one. Why? The fact that he was paid only his expenses is no explanation. That's Anomaly Number 1.
Why was Joe Wilson chosen for the Niger mission? A career foreign-service officer, he's no intelligence pro. He's not an expert on nuclear weapons, and he's sure no expert on covert purchase of WMD-related materials. He served as an "Africa expert" in the second Clinton administration, but hadn't been in Niger since he served as a flunky in our embassy there in the early '80s. He did serve — with courage — as acting ambassador in Baghdad in 1990. He had no unique or current knowledge of Niger, but he does have deeply felt political views which cannot have resulted from some recent epiphany.
Wilson worked for Al Gore as a congressional fellow in the mid-Eighties, has given money to John Kerry's presidential campaign, and believes his mission in life is to "destroy" both "neoconservatives and religious conservatives." Anyone political — which means everyone in the White House and the CIA hierarchy — must have understood the risk the president took in stating WMD as the casus belli against Saddam. Though the nuclear part of the WMD equation was never a principal part of the case for war, it was part of it. Anomaly Number 2: Why was Wilson — uncredentialed in the critical areas, and devoted to a political agenda antithetical to the president's policy — chosen for such an apparently controversial mission?
Wilson's "investigation" was patently inadequate. According to his op-ed, he made no effort to talk to the IAEA, Niger military or intelligence authorities. Dr. Hamza told me in considerable detail about a highly organized and well-financed black-market operation by Saddam's regime to buy every sort of nuclear weapons-related equipment and materials. It's not hard to suborn people with enough money, or to buy uranium and smuggle it out of places such as Niger. Over time, any amount could be smuggled out to Iraq. Anomaly Number 3: Why was Wilson's verbal report apparently taken at face value? No intelligence professional should have relied on it.
Although it's not an anomaly, no one seems to know who hired Joe Wilson for the Niger job. Reports and sources all say George Tenet didn't, and that someone well below him did. One report says that Plame recommended him. To whom, we don't know. Who chose Wilson, and why?
It's possible that Wilson's trip and report were a put-up job, intended to embarrass the president sooner or later. But that analysis overlooks Wilson's persona, his political loyalties, and his actions. I don't believe in conspiracies. But I don't believe in coincidences, either. If I were the president, I'd unambiguously support the leak investigation, and prosecute the leaker if he can be found. With equal urgency, I'd be working hard to find out why these anomalies exist. And wondering what other disagreeable surprises may be coming my way from the CIA in the next twelve months.
Posted by: Mike ||
10/07/2003
12:31:11 PM ||
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#1
I did a google search yesterday on "Joseph Wilson" to see whether there were stories that included his wife's CIA connection prior to Novak's article. Reviewed the titles and dates of about half of the 2600 hits. Looks like the information wasn't in the public domain prior to the article.
It was interesting to see the date spread on the hits with peaks being in early July, late July, Mid August then the tsurinami on the last couple days of September and in to October.
Another interesting tidbit was that Joseph was a regular on American Morning with Paula Zauhn during the ramp up to the invasion. He seemed pretty even-handed about the "case for war" and didn't mention his trip to Niger.
He was chosen as an expert for interviews in January and March because he was the Deputy Ambassador to Iraq prior to the Gulf War I - which I didn't know. He was the last American official to talk to Saddam before the war and heroically harborred Western civilians in the Embasssy - defying Sadaam.
Why would you make television appearances a regular gig if your wife was a covert opperator?
#2
Read some more stuff on Wilson - once did a press conference while wearing a noose for a necktie to make a joke about Sadaam regime, while Wilson was still in Baghdad. Also he lived in France for a number of years and wears cufflinks.
Could be mentally unhinged.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 23:05
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EFL from Guardian
Oswaldo Payä, a dissident leader, delivered a petition to parliament in Havana demanding a referendum on human and democratic rights. The petition, the second of its kind to be presented in the past two years, carried the signatures, names and addresses of more than 14,000 Cubans. Mr Payä, a devout Christian backed by Cuba's Catholic church, says that under the terms of the country's constitution a referendum is compulsory. When he presented the first petition 17 months ago, Mr Castro's regime responded by organising its own petition calling for a constitutional amendment, later approved by lawmakers, ratifying Cuba's socialist system as "untouchable".
That worked well...
Some 40 organisers of Mr Payä's petition, known as the Varela Project, were arrested in March and given prison sentences of up to 28 years as part of a group of 75 people accused of "serving a foreign power", in this case the US.
Damn. They're gonna be in jug longer than Fidel's got left to live, prob'ly...
Mr Payä's petition refers to a clause in the constitution that allows for a referendum to be held if more than 10,000 people back it. This is easier than a referendum in California. Fidel why did you draft this provision into your Constitution? Jack Nicholson calls you a genius and then we find out that you let something like this slip. What were you thinking?
#1
Hose! Now you given Davis a game plan to beat the recall! He was toying with the idea, but now he will just throw the candidates in jail. I wonder who will be Arnolds cell mate? I hope it's Cruz!
#2
HE must have put it in to appease his supporters when he first took power. Now, of course, there's no need for a constitution when you have a dictator, so it's obsolete. I hope the people who fought for him a rolling in their graves.
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:34
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You didn't read the fine print: "...that allows for a referendum", not "demands".
"We know where you live." That was the unmistakable message of the release by Israeli authorities Tuesday of a map pinpointing what it said were homes and offices of Palestinian militant leaders in Damascus. AKA - target list.
The army said the map was intended to illustrate the extent of the "Terror Network in the Damascus Region." It came on the same day that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Israel would attack its enemies "any place, and in any way." Sunday Israeli planes bombed what the Israeli military said was a training camp for Palestinian militants near Damascus, after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in Haifa. Syria said the target of the Damascus strike was a civilian site. I thought it was a old, unused training camp?
The Israeli army map shows supposed locations of the homes of senior Hamas leaders Mousa Abu Marzook and Khaled Mashal, Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan Shallah and Ahmed Jibril, chief of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine -- General Command, or PFLP-GC. It also shows 10 sites in Damascus the army says are the political, military and in some cases media offices for Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Fatah and the PFLP-GC. Boy, that's going to hurt real estate values in the neighborhood.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources in the West Bank and Gaza Strip said Abu Marzook, Mashal and Shallah moved between Damascus and Beirut for "security reasons." They'll be looking for new homes this afternoon.
Syria, which has been under intense U.S. pressure to kick militant groups out of its territory, says Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian groups maintain only media offices in Damascus. "The map is proof of the extensive presence of Palestinian terror groups in Syria," an Israeli security source said. "We said it before and we say it again, everyone that is involved in terror and endangers the lives of Israeli citizens is not immune." Sharon took a tough line Tuesday but made no specific threats. "Israel will not be deterred from defending its citizens and will hit its enemies any place and in any way," he said in a speech broadcast live from a military cemetery in Jerusalem. "You can run, but you can't hide."
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
1:17:29 PM ||
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#1
" Is that the Syrian Presidential Palace? "
" Um, no. "
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:52
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"Syria said the target of the Damascus strike was a civilian site.
I thought it was a old, unused training camp?"
PFLP donated it to the Nature Conservancy, who are using it as a home for baby ducks.
#3
The Israeli army map shows supposed locations of the homes of senior Hamas leaders Mousa Abu Marzook and Khaled Mashal, Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan Shallah and Ahmed Jibril, chief of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine -- General Command, or PFLP-GC. It also shows 10 sites in Damascus the army says are the political, military and in some cases media offices for Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Fatah and the PFLP-GC.
I would've kept this all hushed up and with the next suicide/murder bombing, dispatched aircraft with 1,000 pounders to level every single one of these targets. This in addition to mounting a synchronized commando raid to snatch Yasser from his compound.
Seven out of ten German voters would reject the euro if they were given the chance, a new poll has shown. Germany never held a referendum on adopting the euro, which became the common currency of 12 European countries on 1 January 2002. And the new poll, by the ICM research company in the UK, shows that only 29 percent of Germans would vote to keep the euro if a vote were held today. In contrast, 70 percent would reject the euro, given the opportunity. Which is why they won't be given a chance to vote on it.
Maybe surprisingly, it is younger Germans that are the most eurosceptic, with 73 percent of 18-24 year olds saying they would reject the euro. No surprise, they're the ones with the longer future ahead of them and they don't like the look of where they are going.
The poll also showed that French voters would reject the euro, but by a much more slender margin (approximately 51-49). This has provoked fears that French voters may use a referendum on the Constitution to voice their concerns about the euro. Bwahahaha!
ICM polled 954 voters in Germany and 957 in France. The poll was conducted for the British eurosceptic tabloid, the Daily Mail. Which, of course, invalidates it.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
11:54:16 AM ||
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#1
This id due to poor marketing. If they would have done a study before hand they would have known to name it the Happy instead of the Euro.
#2
The US went to one currency when the Feds absorbed all of the debts of the various states. Perhaps the European Union should consider a similar angle if they are serious about forming a single nation.
#4
Doubtful poll: 29 percent in favor only? I seriously doubt that. Polls conducted in Germany see it rather at a 50:50 level.
Merely asking people: Would you like your Deutschmarks back? just brings out a sentimental answer. You have to tell people what it really means if they get their deutschmarks back. A real vote would look differently, probably a very tight race.
That in Germany Euro acceptance would be lower than in the UK is not credible.
The Euro has a bad image for the following reasons:
1) Except when they travel consumers don't see a real advantage.
2) In the first months there were price hikes which led to people not spending. Because people didn't spend the industry got in trouble. Because the industry got in trouble recession set in. Because recession set in the deficit grew. Deficit is not allowed to grow over 3 percent which means no tax cuts (which are needed). Now Germany and France break the stability pact which may ruin the stability of the Euro in the long run (negative effects currently outweighed by a weak dollar). If France and Germany can't keep the discipline, the smaller countries won't either.
3) When the Euro was introduced, it went on a slippery slope from $1.16 to 84 cents, thus creating the image of a "weak" currency. Now that it is back to initial heights its unwelcome strength is seen to hurt exports. Can't really win on this one.
4) Polls show that most Germans still calculate in DM, which is rather easy to do as one euro is nearly 2 marks. The French have a harder time as one euro is about 6,5 francs.
5) For the French the Euro was invented to check the power of the Bundesbank. With the curent weakness of the German economy that initial fear has largely collapsed. Now they find out that the ECB follows BuBa policies while the Banque Centrale largely followed orders of the French government.
Whether the Euro is good for us or not is hard to say now. We'll know in 10 years or so. If Europe manages to get its political shit together the Euro will be a good thing. If not...
#5
A common currency requires that a participating state hands over control of its monetary policy to some centralized body. If you don't mind someone else making decisions for you, someone who has to consider the other states' needs as well, then I guess a common currency is ok. It also simplifies trade. But if you consider that a separate monetary policy can be used to "fine-tune" an economy, and that the one-size-fits-all argument simply doesn't hold, than a common currency is not something you should strive for. There have been discussions of creating a common North American currency in 1990s. But nothing has come of it, and for good reason.
Posted by: Rafael ||
10/07/2003 15:01
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Edited for brevity.
Ted Nugent, rock musician, avid outdoorsman and defender of gun rights, has come out in support of "Gun Nut" ice cream, a new flavor unveiled by a company billing itself as "the conservative alternative to liberal Ben & Jerry's." Star Spangled Ice Cream Company announced the new partnership yesterday in a statement. "Star Spangled Ice Cream, the ice cream with a conservative flavor, is proud that Ted Nugent had endorsed our newest politically incorrect flavor, Gun Nut," said company Vice President Richard Lessner. "Ted Nugent is a great defender of the people's right to bear arms. We believe Gun Nut is a perfect complement to the wild-game recipes in Ted's best-selling cookbook, 'Kill It and Grill It.'" I'll take a double-barreled cone!
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003
11:51:12 AM ||
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I'd call it a standard Dem ploy, though Davis is about the dirtiest I've ever seen...
Calls to Times editors on the internal scheduling and handling of the story were referred to the newspaper's public-relations department. Times spokesman David Garcia said the story was extremely closely held and not shared "with anyone outside the building." (Which means a Davis man was/is IN the building)
Whether or not the Times received all or part of the story from pro-Davis sources — and the Times continues to vociferously insist that none of the first story, at least, did — the advance knowledge of the story's timing and particulars enabled Davis and the Democrats to design the closing burst of the anti-recall campaign, which we have seen unfold with an uncanny precision. (hmm all of the women work for Davis people or unions. What do you think?)
I had been very impressed with the alacrity with which Davis and the Democrats seized on the Times story and swiftly pivoted into all-out attack mode. A flurry of press statements and highly coordinated events and advertising involving politicians across the state and in Washington, D.C., ensued. It was remarkably efficient. But if you know what is coming in the news flow and when it is coming, it is much easier to design the close of your campaign. Incidentally, the paper Monday backed off its previous contention that none of the women in subsequent stories came forward at the urging of Schwarzenegger's opponents in the wake of the Weekly's revelation that Jodie Evans, who pushed one of the women to come forward, is not merely the peace activist described by the Times but also a former close colleague of Governor Davis and longtime friend of chief Democratic hit man Bob Mulholland. (Translation: After caught in a lie they changed the subject)
In another intriguing bit of Times reporting, Schwarzenegger's huge rally Sunday outside the state Capitol was not referenced until the 18th paragraph of Monday's story. The rally was twice as large as the 5,000 people reported by the Times. Of course, observers can vary in crowd estimates. But another element of the reportage was very strange. "Protesters nearly drowned out the early part of Schwarzenegger's nine-minute speech with a steady chorus of boos," the Times reported today. Viewing from the press riser with most of the rest of the press corps, I didn't hear the protesters. They certainly didn't drown out Schwarzenegger. I asked the question: What comes after sleazy? I asked this to a friend because the Davis camp went well beyond sleazy. The sad part if that the LA Times, SF Chronicle, and Sacramento Bee were willing to be a bitch for the Democratic party. Which kinds of leaves a BIG whole for those of us who want/need a newspaper that speaks the truth. I will not defend Arnolds behavior but the most serious charges come from people that have VERY close ties with the Davis administration. Fortunately the Internet sleuths found out the deception and now the local news had to run the story. One of my female co-workers attended the rally on Sunday and she could not hear any protestors. Also the local news showed security escorted two (2) Code Pink idiots out of the rally. Too bad they didn't crack them with a baton and knock some sense into them. I am voting late today with my wife, we like to vote on the day and with our neighbors. I predict a HUGE Yes vote for the recall and Arnold will replace Davis with more than 50% of the vote.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge (VRWC CA Chapter) ||
10/07/2003
11:34:35 AM ||
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#1
The LA Times will say that they were confirming details up to the last minute, but went to press finally, because if Arnold had lost their investment would in creating the story would have had no value after the election.
Looks like a case where Arnold should sue for libel and use the right of discovery in the civil suit to find E-mail that implicate that the paper held the story for political reasons. This discovery would have no bearing on the suit but could lead to some interesting "blood in the water" activity.
#2
I heard last night that another 'two' allegations were leveled at Arnold by LA Times and Arnold's team revealed that one of them had a long history of arrests for prositution.
Is this true?
If it is it leads me to beleave that Gray's team is hiring hookers to make these claims......
#3
Truth is most of the allegations were made by Premier Magazine two years ago when Arnold was considering a run for Governor. Davis leaked the info to the magazine back then to get Arnold out of the race. Even if the Dems had nothing to do with the latest leak they are still semi-responsible.
Unfortunately for them the fact that the people of California had 2 years to digest the groping charges pretty much nullifies their affect on the decision making process when the charges reappear. The pro-Arnold polls went up because people saw the sleazy tactic for what it was.
I hadn't heard the prostitution line, sounds unlikely. One of the two was married to Arnold's major competitor in the Mr. Olympia competitions back in the late 70s. This is the same competitor that came out with racist misquotes about Arnold a month ago. She was in the gym wearing a loose shirt and no bra so they could see her breast through the armhole. Arnold reached in and copped a feel in front of the other body builders. If he groped her it was to psyche his competitor out, not that that makes it right, but it makes it very possible since Arnold was known for defeating his competition mentally before the matches. That's why Arnold apologized for some of the things that sounded like him.
#4
It was bad enough when the waitresses at Hooters started suing for sexual harassment. When the prostitutes start outting the gropers, where will we be?
#5
Yank and Crazy, the rap sheet is true for the latest 'tear jerker' to come forward. Also the accusation of 'unwanted' touching seem to fall apart after a make-up artist tells the story of who was teasing who. To recap the three people that are identified: One works for the CAL DNC chairman, one works for a Union, and the third is a liar and a criminal with a LONG rap sheet (including prostituion). Drudge had a link to the rap sheet yesterday but it's gone today.
#6
here it is: KFI's John and Ken were all over it yesterday before 6PM, but the LA Times printed it as fact that she and Allred were the 16th gropee
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 12:25
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I think the sleazier thing was the Nazi smear. The Jews in Arnold's home town have a different story to tell about him. Frankly I don't know much about Davis except that he bores me to death when I see him on television.
As for the groping: Jeez, this guy worked with hundreds or thousands of women. I couldn't recall whether I accidently touched a female bum 20 years ago or not so I would not deny it just in case...
That's just pathetic.
I wouldn't know whether Arnold is qualified for that job. But if I get my Californian friends right, he just can't be worse than Davis. So good luck to him!
And it was Ronald Reagan who found out the only way how to defeat the Soviets without making the Earth a place for cockroaches only...
Who knows what Arnie might come up with?
#8
I don't know if Arnold is qualified to run California, but it's pretty obvious The Gray Davis isn't.
If I lived there, I wouldn't have to spend much time deciding how to vote.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 15:16
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#9
What IS this fascination California has with electing bad actors to the governors' office? At least Ronnie had Nancy to run the state (and country for him). I'm less enthused about Arnie's squeeze doing the job, since it's unlikely A.S. (his middle initial doesn't happen to be "S", does it) has a clue.
I saw the same line when Reagan was elected "if at least it had been a good actor like Brando" and I
think it is quite simply despicable. The qualities of actor of Reagan or Schwarzenger are about as relevant than their talent at making apple pie. And for Nancy being the real president
I suggest you read less novels.
#11
JFM - quite so. I voted for Arnold today, and if he fails - I'll take the abuse, but we need a shakeup in CA and he's strong-willed and smart enough to do it. I expect the Dem legislature (both houses) to oppose him at every oportunity until he takes it over their heads to the people...watch next year
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 18:15
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#12
Frank, I am on my way to vote for Arnold. As for the state house opposing him I have three words: Line Item Veto. Ronnie used it often.
#13
Just tuned in Brit Hume. His panel had Arnold's postive/negative rating among women as 40% to 49% which is better than Bustamante. The analysts were saying that the late smear seemed to have moved McClintock voters into Arnold's camp. Evidently, everyone expected Davis to go negative in the last minute and when the sexual harassment story broke everone assumed that David was responsible. Even those who beleive that Arnold is a RINO (Republican in Name Only,) are willing to except a liberal groper to put the wooden stake through Dais' heart.
Better empty a clip of silver slugs into his ass just to be sure.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
10/07/2003 19:30
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#14
Any logical thinking person knows what the L.A. Slimes & the Californian dem-o-rats are trying to pull here. There's such a thing as a statute of limitations. Plus, if theses girls were so damn offended why didn't they sue the multi-million dollar actor years ago?? Shit, for a hundred thousand he can slap my ass to.....Stupid wenches.
Editorial in the Charlotte Observer by Jibril Hough, president of the Charlotte North Carolina chapter of the Islamic Political Party of America rewrites history. Hat tip to LGF, EFL:
It is important for the American public to know that although this political movement by Muslims may be somewhat new, Muslims have been a part of the fabric of this society, in some fashion, since before Columbus. Muslim explorers visited the West Coast long ago. Arabic writings have been found in some caves in California. The name "California" comes from the Arabic word calif, meaning ruler or leader. I'll bet Grey Davis has a bejeweled turban in his closet.
The Declaration of Independence possesses Islamic concepts. Also, 30 percent to 40 percent of the Africans who were enslaved, kidnapped and brought to this country were Muslims. Really, you mean the Muslim Arabs were enslaving, kidnapping, and selling their Muslim brothers?
Some of these built the U.S. Capitol building. The descendants of others were lynched and attacked as they fought to gain the right to vote and for self-determination.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, Muslims have seen many changes in the place we call home. Our civil/religious liberties have been attacked by the likes of the so-called Patriot Act. We all remember watching as the muslims were arrested and marched into those camps in Montana. Right?
This, coupled with the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and the continued unbalanced policy towards Israel and Palestine, gives Muslims many reasons to become more politically active -- as well as exercising our right to vote as we look towards an American "regime change" in 2004. Jihadis for Dean!
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
11:27:50 AM ||
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Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003 11:37
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#2
Interesting story Yosemite Sam, I hadn't heard that and it sounds more credible than the version I'd heard growing up.
I'd heard California came from Caliph (I don't remember where I heard it) but the connection was not that Arabs had gotten to California but that Spain had once been Islamic controlled and Caliphornia stuck in the language as the land of peace or something. Of course this doesn't really make sense since the Spanish were not likely to look fondly on the time of the Caliph when they'd just kicked Islam out of Spain.
#3
and of course, "Los Angeles", "San Jose", "Santa Barbara", "San Francisco", "San Diego" were all named for.....um...Mohammed's ..uh.....girlfriends,... yeah, that's the ticket
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 13:19
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#4
This sounds like the same school of thought that proclaimed the ancient Egyptians flew gliders and had discovered storage batteries, pregnancy tests and evolution. http://www.csicop.org/si/9111/minority.org
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 13:24
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we do not need to fucking Jihadis in America - if you do come expect to meet Mr.Ashcroft -
Posted by: Dan ||
10/07/2003 13:49
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#7
Arabic writings have been found in some caves in California.
Yeah, and people claim to have found Phoenecian writing in New England, along with Oggham, cuniform, and Egyptian hieratic -- sometimes on the same stone. Then there are the Romans that supposedly settled near Tucson, the Phoenecian settlement in southern Illinois, and, of course, the Israelite civilization of south-central Ohio.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
10/07/2003 13:55
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#8
Yosemite Sam is right. The only Arabic thing about it is that Montalvo used a Moorish sounding name for the queen.
"Now I wish you to know about the strangest thing ever found anywhere in written texts or in human memory. [â¦] I tell you that on the right-hand side of the Indies there was an island called California, which was very close to the region of the Earthly Paradise. This island was inhabited by black women, and there were no males among them at all, for their life style was similar to that of the Amazons. The island was made up of the wildest cliffs and the sharpest precipices found anywhere in the world. These women had energetic bodies and courageous, ardent hearts, and they were very strong. Their armor was made entirely out of goldâwhich was the only metal found on the islandâas were the trappings on the fierce beasts that they rode once they were tamed. They lived in very well-designed caves. They had many ships they used to sally forth on their raiding expeditions and in which they carried away the men they seized and whom they killed in a way about which you will soon hear. On occasion, they kept the peace with their male opponents, and the females and the males mixed with each other with complete safety, and they had carnal relations, from which unions it follows that many of the women became pregnant. If they bore a female, they kept her, but if they bore a male, he was immediately killed. The reason for this, inasmuch as it is known, is that, according to their thinking, they were set on reducing the number of males to so small a group that the Amazons could easily rule over them and all their lands; therefore, they kept only those few men whom they realized they needed for their race not to die out."
I will refrain from further comments about the Californian women of today :-)
#10
Spanish is a language who has a lot of arab-derived
words (eg alcalde, the major, derives from al caid, the boss) specially such as is spoken in Andalucia.
Some names in places discovered by the Spanish are derived from places in Spain, this makes for several
of them being derived from the Arabic (Guadalajara "River of the stone", other people told me it meant "River of sh.t". Guadalupe "River of").
But if you had suggested to one of the Conquistadores that there was something Islamic
about the names he would have killed you. :-)
#11
"The Declaration of Independence possesses Islamic concepts."
Absolute garbage. The Declaration of Independence comes out of the ideals of the Enlightenment, a European invention that NEVER found sway in the Muslim world.
This sounds like the old joke about the Russian who takes credit for inventing everything.
I mean what religion doesn't purport to believe in the basic principles found in the Declaration. Big deal. How has that religion BEHAVED when it's come down to implementing those ideals?
Pure crapola.
Posted by: R. McLeod ||
10/07/2003 16:25
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#12
Yes, I vaguely rememember the story of the Native American Muslims rowing out in their suicide canoes to blow the Mayflower out of the water. I belive that makes Plymouth, MA the 273rd most "Holy Place in Islam"...
#13
There's so much of this type of PC/Revisionist rubbish around; especially in the urban high schools I used to work in, e.g. Cleopatra was black, the US Constitution was "stolen" from the Iroquois, etc.
R.McLeod--Do you remember when the Soviets (mid-80's) claimed they'd "invented" break dancing? I swear to God, they said that.
tu3031--Plymouth..273rd holiest place LOL!!!
By the way, Everyone knows St. Brendan & the Irish discovered America!
#14
I thought California was derived from 'Calif' meaning 'hot' and 'fornication' meaning.. well you know.... That makes California the land of hot .. you know.. :)
I also thought the Chinese discovered America first (actually the asians crossing over the landbridge did..).
And, I think Spain had a lot of moorish influence since it was conqured for a time by the Moors during the middle ages. This might explain the 'islamic' names in the spanish language.
What parts of the Declaration of Independance is Islamic? The part about 'We the people'?? Brahahahahahaha!!!
#15
Editorial in the Charlotte Observer by Jibril Hough, president of the Charlotte North Carolina chapter of the Islamic Political Party of America rewrites history.
-I would like to issue a fatwa against Mr. Hough for being a stupid-ass mother f*cker.
Jihadis for Dean!
-I heard Dean's proctologist found ancient runes in his ass. It was on Fox News last night.
#16
Well Jarhead when you get your head outta your ass Fox (Faux) News is not an unbiased source--I'd believe Al Jizz b4 Faux News
Posted by: Not Mike Moore ||
10/07/2003 23:10
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#17
Well Jarhead when you get your head outta your ass Fox (Faux) News is not an unbiased source--I'd believe Al Jizz b4 Faux News.
NMM - DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT WAS ON FOX NEWS?? You don't have a touch of autism do you? As you obviously don't understand sarcasm, satire or irony. Also, thanx for your take on Fox vs. Al Jizz, by your logic Peter Jennings and NPR are also straight sources of info. Mike Moron.
With 358 votes yes and 183 against, 2 absentees the motion to allow troop deployment passed the parliament.
Posted by: Murat ||
10/07/2003
11:10:24 AM ||
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So what is your take Murat?
It seems that the US is at least leaning on the PKK and giving bribes loans. Is that fair trade for peacekeepers/police?
Posted by: Kelvin Zero ||
10/07/2003 11:33
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Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 12:02
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Given that many Iraqis are annoyed with all of their neighbors, excepting Kuwait as far as I know, for helping to keep Saddam in power, I'm not that surprised.
The dilemma then is whether Bremer tells the council that he knows what is best for them or lets the Iraqis decide this issue for themselves.
I think the latter will happen.
Posted by: Kelvin Zero ||
10/07/2003 12:52
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If any contestant scores above a two, I demand an immediate recount.
The women of Yukon have defended their North American title in a breastfeeding contest held this weekend.
"Bartender! Line 'em up! Milk for everyone!"
America failed to defeat them due to our misconception that volume was going to be the judging criteria. We sent Anna Nichole Smith with no teammates. Our mistake.
On the second floor of a bakery in Whitehorse, 36 women began a countdown, then simultaneously latched their babies on to their breasts. In two other places in the northern territory — Dawson City and Haines Junction — groups of women also placed their children in sucking position at exactly 11 a.m. on Saturday, in a contest referred to as The Great Canadian Breastfeeding Suck-In on one of the organizer's Web site. The whole idea sucks. Sorry, I couldn't help that.
Yukon beat out other provinces and states, earning the distinction as "2003 Challenge Winner." The contestants were judged based on the number of babies sucking at once as a percentage of all babies born in the area. Were no style points available?
"We counted down — 10, 9, 8, 7 ... Everyone latch on! Then we counted how many women were breast-feeding at once," said Brenda Dedon, a public health nurse who ran the event in Whitehorse and also participated, with her 18-month-old, Naomi, feeding on cue. Hey, get that biker guy out of here. He's too old and that 10 year old kid too.
In Toronto, new mothers gathered in the middle of downtown in a bid to make it into the Guinness World Records, a title held by women in California. Only 24 mothers turned up for the event, hosted by INFACT Canada — the Infant Feeding Action Coalition. I intend to remove the sucking section from my Guiness book immediately... unless there are pictures.
Women were competing in the third annual breast-feeding challenge as part of World Breastfeeding Week, organized by the Quintessence Foundation, a non-profit group that urged women to participate in order to "to combat breastmilk substitutes." At least they aren't blowing anything up. I support their right to express themselves.
Nunavut and the Northwest Territories came in second and third in the contest that involved more than 2,000 babies latching on at 133 different locations.
There were more than two locations available? That's odd...
Victoria won a secondary category, with the highest total number of babies breast-feeding in one location (112 babies), followed by Vancouver (110) and Honolulu (83). British Columbia had the most babies feeding at once across the province (748), followed by Ontario (406) and Newfoundland and Labrador (238). Although Yukon won the contest based on its birth rate, British Columbia women are more notorious for their support of breast-feeding, said Elizabeth Sterken, director of INFACT Canada. "British Columbia is the breastfeeding California of Canada." California has disputed the results saying that several of their participants were unfairly disqualified for not having been naturally ... ah ... strictly speaking feminine ... I mean... originally... so to speak.
She said women in the North likely won the top three places because "there is a real strong emphasis on all things natural." Was that verified, as well?
Posted by: Superhose ||
10/07/2003
11:08:02 AM ||
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"I've got nipples - could you milk me, Fokker?"
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 11:11
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Time for your medication, Frank! :-)
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 11:36
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Were the men allowed to watch, or just sold video tapes after?
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:25
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Cyber Sarge---You ain't seen notin' yet!
Yukon Women
It's a dusty, dirty town to be living in
It's a dirty, driving, dusty wind that blows
It's a dirty, lousy shame this place ain't got no name
It ain't heaven, it ain't hell, but ain't it home.
I ain't seen any green since last November
Ain't tooken off my boots since last July
I ain't been messin' up my mind more than half the time
But honey, don't you bet I didn't try.
'Cause I'm one of those
Rough, loose, raw and rugged, Yukon women are we
We wear plaid jackets and we build our own cabins
And we all vote NDP--independently.
Yeah, we're in top condition and we go on long hikes
And we aren't afraid of bears
We wear woolly socks, woolly shirts, woolly woollies
'Til it gets kinda itchy under there
And we go in the sauna with no clothes on
And if the boys look we don't care
We've got liberated views on who's lovin' whose And we don't shave our armpit hair.
Yeah, we're rough, loose, raw and rugged Yukon women are we
We wear plaid jackets and we build our own cabins
And we all drink rosehip tea--independently.
Yeah, we're rough, loose, raw and rugged Yukon women are we!
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/07/2003 13:29
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Got a source for this?
Posted by: Fred ||
10/07/2003 15:11
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Here is the source. I heard this one in Juneau. Ah the mammaries er memories! The song about Lady Franklin is also a great one. The best version was sung by Irish fiddler Kevin Burke. Even flew my plane around the area where Franklin wintered and died. Back to the Yukon. It is a great place. Still alot of gold mining going on. Dawson is a great place to visit. Also Whitehorse.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/07/2003 15:40
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Column by Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator from Arizona:
Recent hearings by my Subcommittee on Terrorism have exposed the growing dominance of a radical sect of Islam in the United States. This sect, commonly referred to as Wahhabism, preaches jihad against Christian, Jews, and Muslims who don't toe the Wahhabi line. All 19 of the Sept. 11 hijackers were followers of Wahhabism, as is Osama bin Laden. This violent perversion of Islamic faith has been responsible for terrorist attacks against innocent civilians - both Muslim and non-Muslim - all over the world. As a movement, Wahhabism has established publishing operations, schools, and charities in many countries. The self-labeled "educational outreach" of this movement - financed largely by the wealth of Saudi Arabia, where Wahhabism is the official, and only state, religion - foments jihad and a fundamentalist theology to young people internationally, including in the United States.
I hope Senator Kyl's not just discovering the dangers of wahhabism. I mean, it's been two years...
And there have been a increasing number of instances in which Wahhabists have successfully penetrated key U.S. institutions, such as the military and our prison system. As several recent media reports have noted, the two groups that accredit and recommend Muslim chaplains to the military - the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences and an organization under the umbrella of the American Muslim Foundation -- have long been suspected of links to terrorist organizations by the federal government. The Graduate School and another group accused of ties to Islamic extremists -- the Islamic Society of North America -- also refer Muslim clerics to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Just this week, one of the key architects of the U.S. military's chaplain program, Abdurahman Alamoudi, was arrested and charged with an illegal relationship with Libya, long a state sponsor of terror. Federal investigators also have detained a Muslim clergymen who was once stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - Captain James Yee -- being investigated for potential ties to al-Qaeda. The New York State prison system promoted a Muslim cleric to a position that allowed him to supervise the hiring and firing of all prison chaplains. He was later removed from his job when officials discovered he was an al-Qaeda sympathizer who incited prisoners against America. Jose Padilla, a terrorist accused of trying to build a "dirty bomb" to unleash in the United States, was exposed to radical Islam in the U.S. prison system. Richard Reid, the so-called "shoe bomber," was converted to fundamentalist Islam while serving time in a British prison.
Al-Fuqra specifically recruits blacks in the prison system...
The Pentagon is now undertaking a review of its Muslim chaplain selection program, which has accredited clerics since the early days of the Clinton administration. This review is welcome, but long overdue. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons should follow suit. On Oct. 14, I will chair a hearing through the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security that will analyze the procedures used by the military and prison system to recruit Muslims, particularly focusing on the cleric program. We will also examine whether the instances of Wahhabi infiltration at key U.S. institutions may be part of a larger pattern. We hope to hear from government witnesses on steps they are taking to confront these challenges. In response to our Senate inquiry, groups such as the Saudi-backed Center for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) (whose terror-related activities are being scrutinized by my subcommittee as well as the federal government) have been quick to accuse investigators of Muslim bias. Yet three of CAIR's top leaders were arrested this year on terror-related charges. CAIR declined an invitation to appear before my subcommittee to answer questions. You'd think they'd jump at a chance to defend themselves.
Falsely charging "bigotry" is simply not an acceptable response to serious allegations of criminal activity. Terrorists should not be allowed to disguise their hateful, violent activities under the banner of religious freedom. The fear of being falsely accused of prejudice, coupled with political correctness, may be part of the reason we got into the situation we're in right now. Agreed
America is a welcoming nation, and Americans are respectful of all faiths. It's time we confront the evil that has distorted and victimized the peace-loving, mainstream Muslim community. In the Senate, we intend to do just that. Think this hearing will get the media attention it deserves? Me neither.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
11:03:43 AM ||
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Examine it on a slab, after we blow it's brains out.
Posted by: af ||
10/07/2003 12:28
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Only a two year phase lag. Like sending and receiving radio signals between earth and a nearby galaxy. It is about bloody time some senator gets it. We are going to take more hits if they don't. Sheesh!
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/07/2003 21:04
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Op-Ed by Robert Spencer:
The Muslim organizations that certify chaplains for the U.S. military have come under renewed scrutiny since the arrest of Army Chaplain Yousef Yee and two Muslim translators who worked with al Qaeda prisoners in Guantanamo Bay — and that's all to the good. The Graduate School of Islamic Social Sciences (GSISS) and the American Muslim Foundation (AMF) were already being investigated, and it may well be that somehow Mr. Yee picked up his radical Islam from some contact with these groups. But so far another possibility has been overlooked, perhaps because its political incorrectness quotient is positively off the scale: The possibility that Yee was sincere when he denounced the September 11 attacks, and that his mind was changed by the Guantanamo prisoners themselves.
Likely a combination: he got the basics from the former, the reinforcement from the prisoners...
According to military intelligence veteran and former Guantanamo translator Bill Tierney, the prisoners at Guantanamo would frequently ask Muslim American translators and other servicemen how they could accept the infidel's money. Mr. Tierney said that the prisoners "would know who the Muslims were, who spoke Arabic" among the American military personnel, "and would do everything to push their buttons." Including using the Koran to convince them of the legitimacy of violent jihad? And using the Koranic command that Muslims must not fight against other Muslims (Sura 4:93) to assail the legitimacy of Muslims serving in the American armed forces?
To be expected...
We may never know. So far, these questions have been too hot for the military even to ask. The official position on terrorism seems to be that Islam is a religion of peace, terrorists have hijacked it and that's that.
Gawd, I'm sick of that phrase. They didn't "hijack" a religion. It's a totalitarian movement that takes religion as its starting point and has gained a lot of followers. Mussolini and Hitler didn't "hihack" socialism...
The possibility that American Muslims — even West Point grads like Mr. Yee — could fall prey to the same hijacking is off their radar screen.
Then they'd better get it on the screen. If you're in a battle ideas, it's best to come armed...
To the American officials in charge of Guantanamo, the words "Islamic" and "terrorism" are so far from residing in the same sentence that Mr. Tierney told me that he was forbidden during his time there from compiling a list of Koranic verses relating to jihad, despite the fact that those who were interrogating the prisoners specifically asked for such a list. And, despite the fact that such verses appear in abundance in the writings of Osama bin Laden and other radical Muslims around the world today. These are the writings which are being used as you read this to recruit terrorists on a global scale, and which were most likely used to recruit each of the Guantanamo prisoners into al Qaeda.
That paragraph had better be exaggeration...
Who forbade Tierney from making this list? The American Army captain in charge of all the translators. This captain, an Iranian Muslim who came to the United States in his teens, claimed to have converted from Islam to Mormonism. But Mr. Tierney told me that he behaved just like the other Muslims at Guantanamo, faithfully complained to officials about any anti-Muslim remark, and even prevented Mr. Tierney from using the Internet after he went online to gather open source data to aid in an investigation. He shut down Mr. Tierney's Koranic research by ordering the site manager (a Somali Muslim) to tell Tierney to desist. This problem is bigger than Guantanamo. In my book Onward Muslim Soldiers: How Jihad Still Threatens America and the West, I provide evidence of widespread anti-Americanism among American Muslims. Muhammad Faheed, a 23-year-old who lived in America from the age of 3, expressed these sentiments well when he told a Muslim Student Association meeting in New York: "We are not Americans, we are Muslims. . . . The only relationship you should have with America is to topple it!"
That's not a "hijacking" of a religion. It's a totalitarian revolutionary movement...
Are any Muslims with similar sentiments now serving with American forces in Iraq? There's no way to tell. No one dares to ask. Mr. Tierney also recounted to me an incident from his service in Saudi Arabia, when he drove an American Muslim civilian translator to a local mosque one Friday. Mr. Tierney stood outside listening to the sermon, which was carried to the overflow crowd by loudspeakers: "It is the duty of all Muslims," cried the preacher, "to fight against Israel and those who support Israel!" This translator, Mr. Tierney said, worked for senior Air Force personnel, translating sensitive material — but the American government could not and did not ask him where he went to mosque. We are simply to assume that that sermon made no impression on the translator whatsoever. The Guantanamo espionage cases demonstrate how important it is to root out politically correct wishful thinking about the causes of radical Islam. If there is any lesson to be drawn from the Guantanamo spy scandal, it is that the government's refusal to acknowledge the true dimensions of the threat from Islamic radicalism could come at a cost far greater than anyone has yet calculated. This PC "religion of peace" stance is going to bite us in the ass unless somebody wakes up real soon.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
10:44:25 AM ||
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There is a good BBC article about the necessity of checking the translations that the suspects in Gitmo provided. Fudged translations would be another indicator of guilt and might demonstrate how closely the spies coordinated with themsleves and outside agents.
Corruption remains rife in many of the world's poorest countries and seems to be worsening in several key industrialised states as well, a new report has said.
The annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI), published by anti-corruption group Transparency International (TI), puts Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Haiti at the bottom of the 133-country list. The US has really let Haiti down by contiuing to allow them to cheat themselves into poverty. That's why they hate us now. Haiti should lobby for the creation of a Palestian State to keep them off the bottom in case Bangledesh improves. Does Somalia even qualify as a country?
At the top of the list - which measures the perception of corruption among both locals and expatriates - countries such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and New Zealand remain the cleanest places to do business.
TI chairman Peter Eigen told BBC News Online that the failure to improve among the lowest ranked was "disappointing".
He was also disappointed to see that perceptions of countries including the USA, Israel, Luxembourg and even Canada had deteriorated over the past year. Probably the sole reason that this article got published. When will the Big Dig in Boston be complete so that we can raise our score again? Note I don't think we get penalized for NGO shake downs like Rainbow Push attacking NASCAR.
The CPI scores countries out of 10, with higher scores indicating a cleaner image.
More than 70% of the countries listed - and 90% of developing countries - had a score lower than 5, Dr Eigen said. North Korea and Zimbabwe should assigned negative numbers.
Despite the disappointment of continuing corruption, Dr Eigen said the CPI was achieving the aim of raising awareness about the problem.
"People now understand how prevalent - and how damaging - it is," he said. "We have built a massive global coalition."
The coalition's effects, he said, could be seen in the campaigns to force companies in oil and mining to publish the money they pay governments for licences, to stop the money being stolen by government and business elites. Unfortuantely, I'm sure the kickbacks go both ways.
TI, he said, was careful not to get too much into the ethics of corruption, preferring to concentrate on the practical aspects. I agree. Solutions first. Rhetoric once the people have jobs and food.
LOWEST RANKED
113: DR Congo, Ecuador, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Uganda
118: Cote d'Ivoire, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Papua New Guinea
122: Indonesia, Kenya
124: Angola, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Georgia, Tajikistan
129: Burma, Paraguay
131: Haiti
132: Nigeria
133: Bangladesh
(Ranking on the Corruption Perception Index 2003 out of 133 countries)
On the one hand it damages economic development and keeps people poor, he said, as many of the poorest countries remain corrupt with little help from outside to reform.
And that presents a direct threat to the security of richer countries - in whose interest it is to alleviate poverty and stamp out corruption.
"Millions are left in misery and poverty, and that provides the breeding ground for hopelessness and for planting the seeds of terrorism," he said. The stew that produces terrorism also requires misinformation usually from a socialist or a government run media that blames the west for a bad economy.
"Fighting corruption is also fighting terrorism. As (former Czech President) Vaclav Havel said in October 2001, without corruption the attacks of 9/11 could not have taken place." He's probably right, but cleaning up the Pakistani Passport Bureau and The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles might be harder than killing everyone in the PKK, Hamas and Al Queda.
'Out with the old'
Among the "pervasive" cases is Kenya, which is at 122 on the list of 133.
The new government of President Mwai Kibaki, which came to power in December last year after two decades of one-party rule, has promised to take action against the nation's dismal reputation for corruption - and has placed the head of TI's Kenya chapter, John Githongo, in charge of the cleanup. In a bold move Mr Githongo has announced a 30% discount on all magistrate bribes for the next quarter.
Dr Eigen said the stubbornly low position was normal in countries which had made a point of trying to improve their act, such as Argentina, which occupies position 92. I bet if Argentina has tried to slide Dr Eigen 100 grand to move them up to 73 on the list.
"Things have to get worse before they get better," he said. Why?
Kenya's efforts, however, have returned it to the good books of organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. But these powerful bodies need to offer more support in the fight against corruption, Dr Eigen said. Now I see.
"The president (of the Bank), James Wolfensohn, is our hero," said Dr Eigen. "But the rest of the Bank is turning round only slowly. NGO's are really fighting corruption. All their internal graft is just an elaborate facade to give them street credibility for sting operations. Would you like to meet Mr. Wolfensohn's wife, Morrrgann Fairrrchild.
"The same is true of huge multinational corporations who for decades have systematically condoned corruption to get contracts. I get it. Sadaam was a creation of large multinational corporations that knew that high graft would operate as a barrier to competition from smaller companies. Dicators are the victim. Why didn't I see this before? Somebody hug Dear Leader. He's getting a bad rap.
"Even if their bosses are on board, it takes a long time for people on the ground to realise their old, corrupt ways of dealmaking are obsolete." Corruption is a tax. Use the supplyside model - backoff a bit and revenue will increase overall.
Posted by: Superhose ||
10/07/2003
10:43:59 AM ||
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This is bogus. Louisiana didn't make the bottom 30?
#2
Perceptions of the US has dropped because so many fools believe the war for Haliburton garbage. Note its about perceptions, not realities.
Haiti should be made a UN Trusteeship territory. I'd be willing to let the French or Canadians (french language and all) take care of them and nuture little Haiti into becoming a real state.
EFL/FU:
President Chen Shui-bian issued one of his strongest condemnations of China on Monday and ruled out any talks as long as China imposes conditions on Taiwan. In an interview in the presidential palace in central Taipei, the 52-year-old lawyer, who in March 2000 became the first opposition candidate to be elected president, accused China of "hostile intent" toward Taiwan. Chen, who faces a tight race next year, declared that Taiwan would "walk our own road, our own Taiwan road." That'll spin up the rice bowls in Beijing.
Chen said he would not bow to U.S. pressure to modify recent moves -- including holding a referendum on rewriting the constitution and adding the name Taiwan to its official Republic of China passports -- which Bush administration officials worry could heighten tensions with Beijing. "Taiwan is not a province of one country nor it is a state of another," the Taiwanese president said, referring to China and the United States. "Any kind of democratic reform is our own internal affair. I don't think any democratic country can oppose our democratic ideals." China has said that it will negotiate a series of outstanding issues with Taiwan, such as the possibility of direct flights between the two places, only if Taiwan accepts the "one China" principle, which means that Taiwan is part of China. In the past, Chen had held out hope that he would one day accept it. At one point last year, he even mentioned the possibility of "future political integration" between China and Taiwan. Which no one really believed would ever happen
On Monday, however, Chen called the "one China" principle "abnormal thinking that should not exist, it should be corrected." He also ruled out accepting a compromise deal reached in 1992 under which China and Taiwan had agreed to disagree about the issue. "The so-called 1992 consensus is still a 'one China' principle," he said. "It's a way to make Taiwan a region. It belittles Taiwan, it marginalizes Taiwan." "The people of Taiwan firmly believe that there is one country on each side of the straits," he said, "One China and one Taiwan." That's not a phrase China wants to hear.
Weakened by a sluggish economy and record unemployment, Chen currently lags about 10 percentage points behind his challengers for the presidential election set for March 20. His calculation is that a strong reaction by Beijing would help his chances for reelection, according to a broad variety of Taiwanese analysts and senior government officials. "The only way he can win is if he stimulates China to react," said Tim Ting, a leading pollster in Taiwan. "There will be a line somewhere and Chen will cross it." Ting and others say that China's threats -- including then-Premier Zhu Rongji's nationally televised finger-wagging, seen as a warning to Taiwanese not to vote -- on the eve of the last presidential election helped Chen win. The old foreign threat ploy, better be careful how hard you poke that dragon with the stick.
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003
10:27:48 AM ||
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Careful considered steps are the way, not a politician's election campaign rhetoric. The co-opting of Hong Kong's constitution and politicians should serve as adequate warning to any Taiwanese considering reunification. No need to poke the dragon, just keep procuring the weapons necessary to defend themselves. We need to take their side on that.
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 10:47
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not good timing for a straights crisis from US point of view. With Iraq still hot, issues elsewhere in mideast and GWOT, plus North Korea where Chinese cooperation is really helpful. Understand Taiwanese affection for their democracy, and eagerness not to be subject to PRC thugs, but would help a lot if they could cool it for awhile.
Three policemen and a Muslim Abu Sayyaf guerrilla have been killed at the end of a hostage crisis in the Philippine national police headquarters. "Three policemen and the hostage taker were killed," said police chief investigator Eduardo Matillano, adding that three other officers were wounded in the three-hour hostage crisis. The Abu Sayyaf guerrilla, identified as Buyungan Byngkak, was being held for the bombing of a southern Philippines pub that left several people including a US serviceman dead last year. He grabbed a rifle from a guard to begin a three-hour standoff with hundreds of police special forces men outside the jail. One police hostage was shot in the head while two of the police officers who came to his aid were killed as they stormed the building, police spokesmen said. The hostage-taker was later shot dead, while three other policemen were wounded, Mr Matillano said.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
01:11 ||
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Learning prisoner handling procedures the hard way...
#2
Details: National police chief Hermogenes Ebdane swiftly ordered the relief of Superintendent Rosueto Ricaforte, chief of the division where the hostage-taking occurred. Asked by reporters about the handling of the incident, a visibly irritated Ebdane retorted, "this isn't like a movie."
He said Bungkak and several other detainees had been let out of the prison building without handcuffs for an early morning walk outside because that "is one of the privileges supposed to be afforded to any detainee." Bungkak then allegedly grabbed an M-16 rifle and a pistol from one of the jail guards and took cover in another building in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group compound. Elite Special Action Force members, garbed in black and carrying a battering ram, surrounded the building.
Tear gas was fired before the building was stormed. A police hostage was shot in the head while two of the officers who came to his aid were also killed as they stormed the building where Abu Sayyaf member Buyungan Bungkak was holed up, police spokesmen said. Three other policemen were also wounded in the firefight on Camp Crame, which ended when the detainee was cornered and shot dead in a bathroom, said police chief investigator Eduardo Matillano. In response to the fiasco, Arroyo ordered the government to speed up the construction of a maximum security jail in the police headquarters that was begun after al-Ghozi's escape.
I'd begin the investigation with the guard who let his rifle and pistol be "grabbed".
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 9:20
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...an early morning walk outside because that "is one of the privileges supposed to be afforded to any detainee."
Sounds like a privilege which needs to be revoked for high-security risk prisoners don't you think?
Unsigned editorial in Arab News. I can see why it's unsigned...
Israel's attack on what it said was an Islamic Jihad military training camp in Syria sends two messages to the world. The first, on behalf of the United States, is the clear signal that the Bush administration will do everything it can to keep Syria and Iran in its sights as the so-called war on terror continues. It is a message that has been heard, loud and clear, in the Arab world.
I don't hear a lot of Arab governments howling to protect Syria yet...
However, the second message, though indirect, should be taken on board with equal concern: That suicide attacks on Israeli civilian targets are politically and militarily counterproductive.
Starting to sink in, is it? Not wrong or anything, just counterproductive...
How much reflection has there been in the Arab media on the fact that three Israeli Arabs were among the 19 killed in the restaurant in Haifa on Saturday? How much acknowledgement has there been that the city targeted is one of the few in Israel where Arabs and Jews coexist peacefully? And where are the editorials asking what the three children and the baby who were blown to pieces there did to deserve such a terrible fate?
Is there any reflection on the fact that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is now as a result of the bombing in a weaker position than ever, and that the sizeable minority of ordinary Americans who support Palestinian calls for a viable state are less likely than ever to raise their voices in support of the cause?
The sizeable minority who favor a Paleostinian state is much larger than the minority that actively supports the Paleostinians...
Arab News has said it before, but along with all decent-minded people we must continue to say it loudly and unambiguously: Suicide bombings are morally repugnant, are totally against Islam and all human decency.
Wow. Took my breath away. See why it's unsigned?
The suicide bombings are part and parcel of the impotence and desperation that in so many ways characterizes the Arab condition. Many say that it is precisely because of this impotence that suicide bombers are forced to carry out their attacks. But the opposite is true: Each suicide bombing deals another blow to the already immeasurably weakened Arab position.
Even managed to work in some cause->effect...
Let's face it: The Palestinians and the wider Arab world have no meaningful strategy for dealing with the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that is why extremism fills the vacuum. If as much planning and effort had been put into forging a strategy for mass civil disobedience, for example, and promoting genuine internal reform and development as has been put into the recruitment, training and encouragement of suicide bombers, the Palestinians would not only be in a much stronger position at the negotiating table but would also have much more vocal and tangible support from the international community.
Bingo. But they go for the corpses...
That Israel was able to attack a camp just a few miles outside Damascus, without having to worry about the risks involved or the possibility of reprisals, is a clear indication of Arab impotence.
Bashar's been shown to be more mouth than artillery...
Will the Arabs ever see the link between self-defeating act of suicide bombing and their self-destructive activities on the diplomatic level whenever they attempt to address the Middle East conflict?
Probably not. If they ever do, they problem will be solved within a few years.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
01:06 ||
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It is step. However in Arab media it is common to have two versions: one in English calling to peace and one in Arabic with an entirely differnt content.
#2
Yeah. Someone has got to translate this into the language that terrorists and their supporters understand:
"Les attaques de Israel sur....
Anyone around here who can write French?
Of course it couldn't hurt to see this in Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and a few others too.
Posted by: Tokyo Taro ||
10/07/2003 4:03
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#3
Holy Shit! Made me swallow my gum! Fred, are you writing anonymously for the Green Truth, now? Wow.
While JFM & TT are correct in their comments as well, it is a no-shit Thunderbolt of the Coming Apolcalypse for this to make it into print - in any language - in the AN. It doesn't matter that there is some minor quibbling and prevarication, this is a true moment in the sun for a major Arab publication: More Reality than Phantasy.
Mestunned! Now, let's see if it means anything, as truth lies in acts, not words. Thx, Fred!
#4
Uh, sorry, but this means about as much as a bucket of spit poured into the ocean. Not only is it in the wrong language, but it's in a paper owned by the Soddy Roils -- and they have a desperate need to appear moderate.
I'll believe it when they go a year of Fridays without asking Allah to destroy the Jews.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
10/07/2003 7:02
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#5
RC - Just FYI: I definitely agree that actions are all that matter - as I said in closing...
However, I read the Green Truth everday for almost 3 years in S.A. and never saw them openly admit that Arabs were "impotent" (or anything akin to such an admission) nor did they ever imply that they had no strategy, for that is a direct criticism of the leadership. Though the info in this piece is obvious to us, this is well beyond anything I've ever seen before. Any item that might imply a negative perception of the Royals, for example, had a corresponding plausible (by Saudi reckoning, anyway) Non-Royal scapegoat identified.
I find this language to be unique for the AN.
I'll join you in waiting for the actions necessary to address the points raised. I've got the chips & beer - can you cover the salsa and wine coolers? ;^)
#6
Suicide bombings are morally repugnant, are totally against Islam and all human decency.
Nice sentiment, but as long as an Arab must remain anonymous to write them, things won't change.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 10:26
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#7
signed: Mohammed Abbas
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/07/2003 11:31
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#8
Things will not change overnight, and it is rather dispiriting that a sensible piece such as this has to be submitted unsigned, but the fact that these sentiments are being given expression in the Arab Press is hopeful. The acknowlegement that a culture that venerates the murderous nihilism of suicide bombers is just reveling in its impotence is long overdue. Here's to hoping that these ideas get some traction.
Posted by: af ||
10/07/2003 12:21
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#9
Half Full - no more suicide bombing
Half Empty - Non-suicide bombings and missile/machine gun attacks on school buses continue.
In Manama, a police officer who suffered severe burns in a petrol-bomb attack is "critical but stable," a Bahraini hospital said Saturday, as the king vowed the government would show no tolerance for terrorists. Fazal Rehman, 34, a Pakistani national, was one of six Bahraini policemen wounded when assailants threw Molotov cocktails into a police bus as it was driving through a large town southeast of the capital on Thursday night.
I wonder if the other cops were Pakistani nationals, too?
Rehman suffered 60 per cent burns to his body and is "in critical but stable condition," and employee of the Salmaniyah hospital, Manama, told The Associated Press on Saturday. He is expected to undergo surgery soon. The other four wounded policemen have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor burns. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack, which the government blamed on "unidentified terrorists."
Well, they're terrorists, and they don't know who they are yet, so I guess that's the category to leave them in for now. But...
The place where the attack occurred, Sitra, is an overwhelmingly Shiite Muslim town and home to many opposition supporters. During the unrest of the mid-1990s, which was fueled by Shiite demands for political rights and jobs, Sitra was a hotbed of anti-government sentiment. Shiites enjoy a slight majority of Bahrain's 400,000 citizens, but the ruling family is from the Muslim Sunni sect. Addressing the interior minister and security chiefs on Saturday, the king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,said terrorism challenged the country's democratic revival.
The king has taken big strides toward turning Bahrain into a constitutional monarchy in the past four years. Last year, the country held its first legislative elections since 1973. But several Shiite-dominated opposition groups, notably the Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, boycotted the polls because the constitution provides for an upper house of parliament that is appointed by the king. They have also called on the government to employ more Shiites in the Defense and Interior Ministries.
Bus bombing in Karachi, full of Shiites... bus bombing in Manama, full of... Paks? Could this be Dire Revenge™?
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:54 ||
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#1
The "king" has begun to rue the day he declared his stupid amnesty for the Bahrani wacko-troublemakers - carefully picked out and exiled by the Little Emir. I miss that guy, he was a fascinating character.
That means they're doing too much, of course. This is from al-Jizz...
Human rights groups have accused Southeast Asian nations of using the so-called war against terrorism as an excuse to step up political repression and crack down against their own citizens.
"Especially the ones with turbans..."
"ASEAN governments have hardened repressive laws and justified the use of violence against innocent civilians in the name of national security and the war on terrorism," said Debbie Stothard, head of Bangkok-based ALTSEAN, a network of human rights groups. "Ironically, (this) seems to be contributing to more repression and terrorism in the region," she said. Stothard was speaking at a hotel in Bali, near the conference centre hosting the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Which implies she must have some conception of what the problem is. Or that she's remarkably stoopid...
After Indonesian authorities denied them access to the main venue, non-governmental organisations from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines decided to stage an "alternative ASEAN" nearby.
No doubt that was very effective...
Sunai Phasuk from Forum-Asia blasted the human rights record of Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying his government was "a major impediment for ASEAN to truly become a regional community that promotes human rights, democracy and fairness. After decades of struggle for democracy, it has taken Thaksin less than three years to create a police state and install a climate of fear."
Thais seem not to spend a lot of time cringing in fear. Maybe they haven't noticed?
Malaysia also came under fire from Yap Swee Seng from SUARAM, a rights group based in that country, who denounced Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad. The country "should take responsibility for the continuous deterioration of human rights in Burma as it was that regime's main sponsor for ASEAN membership," said Swee Seng.
That's pretty weak. Malaysia has its own problems. But I guess he's gotta live there, so barking about Burma's an easy hit...
Indonesian activists criticised the government of President Megawati Sukarnoputri for breaking off talks with separatists in the province of Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, and launching a military assault against them.
Just because they want to chew off a major portion of the country for their own little Islamic paradise. Tusk tusk.
At least 1200 people have died there since May, and the rights groups have complained of restricted access to the region. "Most of the victims of the war in Aceh are civilians," said Bonor Tigor of SOLIDAMOR, a Jakarta-based group.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:45 ||
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The Palestinian prime minister says he will not risk a civil war by cracking down on armed groups, while the US says it will judge Ahmad Qurei by his willingness to confront them.
Lost that one already, hasn't he?
Qurei's comments on Monday came one day after President Yasir Arafat declared a state of emergency in Palestinian territories and approved an eight-member cabinet. "We are facing an abnormal situation. There is a state of chaos that should be confronted," he told Reuters. But he insisted he would use persuasion, not force, to stop attacks against Israel. "There won't be a civil war, (I will do it) through dialogue. There won't be martial law".
First y'gotta get their attention, Ahmed...
Qurei says he wants a truce with Israel but the Jewish state has ruled this out until the Palestinian Authority takes action against groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
We saw the corpses resulting from the last "truce."
The Palestinian premier also reiterated his criticism of resistance attacks in Israel. "This gives the Israeli side a justification to steal land under the pretext of security, kill under the pretext of security and expand settlements under the pretext of security. So there is a state of chaos that cannot be tolerated." Qurei did not give further details or say when he would hold talks with the Palestinian groups.
We'll get around to it. Some day."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:35 ||
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#1
The only thing "abnormal" here is that the US continues to throttle the Israeli response and waste so much effort in treating the Paleos as if they were capable of uniting behind anything except the destruction of Israel and killing Jews. There is no leadership worthy of the word in Paleodom. So much wasted motion and goodwill.
Insincere and disingenuous rhetoric is all that they have to offer in compensation for their blind bloodlust. Repay in kind, tenfold. A relentless campaign to generate car-swarm opportunites is appropriate. Rinse. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat. Etc.
#2
Hmmm... are we in a wait them out seige mode here? How many governments does Yasser have to go through before he gets tossed out? (of a high altitude aircraft over the Med. "Oops, I was just showing him what this baby could do, I guess he did not have his seat belt on.")
Posted by: Ben ||
10/07/2003 5:48
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#3
Lost that one already, hasn't he?
You're assuming he ever meant to do anything.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
10/07/2003 7:05
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#4
RC is right on that one. Arafass has no intention of actually forming a Palestinian state - that would deprive him (and the rest of the Arab world) of his enemy. Apparently, having enemies to jihad against is more important than prosperity, peace, etc. etc.
others - seems the strategy is to continue to make arafat irrelevant, Instead of focusing on Arafat, go after terror masters in Syria. This seems like a good idea, weaken the outside supporters and use that to shift power balance in territories. Also seems very much like this strategy has been worked out together between Israelis and White House. Avoids negative political blowback to both Israel and US of hitting Pals, and puts pressure on Syria not only wrt Pals, but wrt Iraq.
#6
haaretz "Nasser Yousef, who had been
tapped to be interior minister,
and Jawad Tibi, the designated
health minister, refused to
participate in the swearing-in
ceremony in front of Arafat due
to a dispute over the scope of
their authority"
At least 23 people, most of them women and children, have been hacked and shot to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations has said. The attack reportedly took place early Monday morning in the village of Kachele, some 100km from the regional capital Bunia, said Isabelle Abric, a spokeswoman for the MONUC force charged with keeping the peace in the capital of the Ituri region in the DRC. It is the first reported massacre since international peacekeepers began patrolling the troubled northeast Ituri region last month. The area was the scene of fierce fighting between the Lendu and Hema militias in July and August. Thousands of civilians fled the clashes. "Members of MONUC who went to the area saw 23 bodies, but according to other eyewitness accounts, 32 other bodies had already been buried," Abric said. Abric said the victims were "mostly children, pregnant women or older people killed with machetes or shot."
They're so much easier to kill than men with guns...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:30 ||
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#1
Thank God the UN is there! Otherwise thing like this might happen!
#3
Here are some articles that deal with the different funding methods for assorted rebel groups:
Canadiens called to boycott cell phones.
Tigers funding activities through conscripting child soldiers than turning them over to UNICEF for rehabilitation.
It would be a good to have a list of which products funds which repression and terror. I wouldn't have expected a purchase of a dried flower arrangement to potentially fund North Korea.
#4
Dozens of tribal fighters attacked a village in volatile northeastern Congo with assault rifles and machetes, killing at least 65 people, mainly children, looting property and setting huts on fire, U.N officials said Tuesday. U.N. troops who were sent to investigate the attack, which took place Monday in Katchele, found 23 bodies in a church, others in a mass grave and some in the bush surrounding the village, said Fred Eckhard, a U.N. spokesman in New York. Isabelle Abric, a spokeswoman for the U.N. mission in Congo, said the victims were from the Hema tribe and fighters from the rival Lendu tribe were suspected of carrying out the attack. The victims found in the bush "may have been people who went to die in the bush after being injured in the attack," Abric said. "They also could have been hunted down and attacked while hiding in the bush."
Posted by: Steve ||
10/07/2003 14:28
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Many ordinary Syrians have voiced their anger over Israel's air strike near Damascus, with some calling for reprisals and others enraged by US reaction.
"We're so angry! Wanna see us seethe?"
The raid, Israel's deepest into Syria since the 1973 Middle East war, was a violent shock. One taxi driver, Mahir Awad, echoed others around him who hoped for a military response on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the war. Awad said: "I couldn't believe my ears when I heard. I wish I was there with a shotgun in my hand."
"I'da gotten myself killed!"
A university student, Jamal, said he hoped the government would send its own air force "to show them what Syrians can do".
I don't think you want to do that. Really.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:27 ||
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A university student, Jamal, said he hoped the government would send its own air force âto show them what Syrians can do".
yea go ahead and lose another 82 planes in one day
#3
Is it true that Khadaffi resigned from the Arab league? Does anyone have information?
Posted by: Murat ||
10/07/2003 3:32
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Murat - I can't find anything confirming it on Google, but my connection is particularly sucky at the moment and some pages are failing to load.
While looking...
I think this article from March where Clown Prince Abdullah and Khadaffy bitch-slap each other is where the ball really got rolling. Entertaining reading, no matter what!
http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/986.cfm Very funny exchange...
#9
I was amused by the claim that the target wasn't a training camp. ( I'm sure it was a baby duck & kitten farm ) Yet they refused to let any reporters into the area. Nice.
#10
A Cessna 172 with a glider in tow was sighted heading to Israel piloted by a taxi driver armed with a shotgun and a University student with a beer bong. it is suspected the Syrian Air Force will so Israel what they can do.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
10/07/2003 10:29
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#11
I hope the Syrian air force does try something--Our Patriot III systems in Israel could use some more field testing. So could our Sidewinders and Sparrows. And our F-16s. And that new Israeli integrated pilot helmet that was described on StrategyPage.com recently.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/07/2003 10:58
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#12
Jamal's a laugh riot. The Syrians can get their asses handed to them, just like the last two times they stuck their collective genitalia in the Israeli grinder.
#13
Jamal is just uninformed. Decades of propoganda probably rotted his mind and filled him with bogus facts and excuses.
I'm curious what Shipman means by the Syrians not losing any aircraft to air-to-air combat this time. Do you think they'll be destroyed on the tarmac, or that they will be shot down by anti-aircraft weapons before they can engage?
#15
Here is an article in Newsday titled Assad Says Air Strike Will Enhance Syria. On one level it is a laughable assertion, but getting bombed by Israel will probably actually improve Assad's credibility on the Arab Street. That would be Arbstreetcred.
#16
I could be wrong, but didn't we sell Syria a bunch of fighter jets with kill-switches in them?
Posted by: Charles ||
10/07/2003 13:30
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#17
Yank, I think Shipman's crack was meant to mean, "Those Syrian blowhards ain't gonna do nuthin'."
Posted by: Carl in N.H. ||
10/07/2003 14:13
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#18
"Syrian jets with Kill Switches" = redundant statement.
As for "flying to Iran", thres a little problem - they have to cross Iraq to get there.
Now, I wonder why Bush wanted Iraq, its not the fact that its geographically central to the middle east region, cutting lines from Iran to Syria... isolating them between Israel and a very well armed US Army Group.
Oh, thats right, Indymedia reminds me: it was the oil
[The most overlooked part of the Iraq action - and probably the most brialliant part of the whole thing: geopolitically, this one puts the hole in the donut, puts the US in the drivers seat: central area, easy to react outward in many different directions, no more paying off gulf states and the Soddys]
#19
As for Syria v. Israel, 1982 air war, I think the air-to-air score was 47-0, Israel. Including anti-aircraft fire from the ground the score shifts to 82-3, Israel. Probably doesn't include the Syrian Mig-25 the PLO shot down because they thought it was an F-15.
A Israeli soldier has been shot dead in an exchange of fire across the tense Lebanon-Israeli border. Israeli troops came under fire from the Lebanese side of the border Monday evening, said Al jazeera's correspondent in Israel quoting local security sources. Two other soldiers were reportedly wounded. In a separate incident, a Lebanese boy was killed in unclear circumstances early Tuesday morning. Israel said Hezbollah fighters were responsible for the killing of its soldier. But the Lebanese resistance group has denied its forces were involved.
"Maybe he fell?"
In response, Israeli troops returned fire and hit a bus travelling along a normally secure road near the border between the villages of Adayseh and Kfarkila, agencies reported. There were no casualties, Lebanese police said.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:24 ||
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The Kremlin-backed candidate in Chechnya's discredited presidential election Ahmad Kadyrov has been elected president of the troubled southern republic.
I'm so surprised.
Kadyrov won 81.1% of the vote casts in Sunday's poll, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
And by a landslide, too...
Chechnya's estimated 560,000 registered voters had a choice of seven candidates, but two of Kadyrov's main rivals withdrew during the campaign and a third, Malik Saidullayev, a wealthy businessman and former prime minister, was disqualified because of alleged irregularities. The election has been widely criticised by critics as well as the Chechen independence fighters.
Also known as Krazed Killers...
Leader of the Chechen fighters, Aslan Maskhadov vowed to "rid our country of the occupiers and put an end to relations between Russia and the Chechen state, no matter how difficult the task".
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
10/07/2003
00:21 ||
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Kadyrov won 81.1% of the vote casts in Sunday's poll, ...
How's he supposed to be a grade-A thug if he doesn't get 100%?
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/07/2003 0:25
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#2
He won by a mudslide....
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/07/2003 13:34
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
