Given the strengths and weaknesses of the Iranian army outline above, what are the military options available for Tehran?
The shortcomings of the Iranian military, especially in the air and at sea, have prompted a number some of the Islamic Republic's top military brass (including Major General Ahmad Kazemi, commander of the ground forces, who was killed last week with 8 of his aides in a plane crash near Oromieh) to oppose any military confrontation with the United States. hmm These officers recently wrote to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Guide, warning of the dangers of president Ahmadinejad's actions and statements calling for a confrontation and for wiping Israel off the map. They emphasized that Iran was in no position to enter into a war with the US.
However, in spite of this, the president and some of his military advisors continue to believe that a confrontation is imminent and that it is crucial to increase military readiness and mobilize public opinion, in Iran and the Muslim world. Some of the procedures recently taken in this respect have included the creation of garrison to recruit would-be suicide bombers and train them for operations against the West, called the "Lovers of Martyrdom Garrison" Virgins her, we got your virgins here. Step right up and splode.. Volunteers from Arab and Muslim countries receive military and ideological training in camps overseen by the Revolutionary Guards.
Most Iranian sources agree that economic sanctions, such as those imposed by the Security Council on Libya, Iraq and the former Yugoslavia, will not be an effective weapon against Iran because it would be the people who would suffer and a number of countries are ready to supply Iran with what it needs, even by illegal means, in order to achieve political or material gains.
Analysts believe that the only weapon that can successfully hurt Iran is oil, given that the Islamic Republic currently imports 60% of its needs of refined oil and gasoline from overseas, because of the shortage of refiners and the rise in local consumption, reaching more than 60 million liters per day.
A recent study by the Institute for International Energy Studies in Iran has revealed that the country's gasoline reserves would cover consumer needs for 45 days only. In case sanctions were imposed, after a three-month period, Iran would find itself paralyzed and popular demonstrations and street protests are likely to be held, mirroring that which took place in the former Yugoslavia, the Ukraine and Georgia. Only last month, during a US Senate meeting on the Iranian nuclear program, a lawmaker suggested a study should be commissioned to examine the effects of gasoline sanctions on Iran, indicating that Washington was considering this alternative.
For its part, the Iranian government has taken a series of steps such as withdrawing its hard currency deposits in European banks and stockpiling huge amounts of foodstuff and medicine as preliminary and preventive measures, in case its nuclear file is referred to the U.N Security Council. However, there is still the possibility for a solution to the current crisis, through the unpublicized talks between the more sensible members of the Iranian regime, the European Union and the International Atomic Agency.
#1
Shut down their domestic refining capacity (best to stop the feedstock inputs and lay off the refineries)and hit the diesel and gasoline transportation infrastructure, esp at the dock or further inland on pipeline pumping stations and electric power substations. Do that and the whole shebang comes to a fairly rapid halt---------and you have the MMs and their lackeys by the nuts.
Game could be over rather quickly. Still have to hit the military targets, though.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 18:05 Comments ||
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#2
Still have to hit the military targets, though.
#5
The way to get at a Mad Mullah's heart is through his refinery, so to speak.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 18:44 Comments ||
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#6
...it is important to note that President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad and extremist leaders in the Basij forces, the Revolutionary Guards and the security services, especially supporters of Sheikh Mohammed Taqi Mosbah Yazdi, the president's spiritual guide, support a military attack, with some even calling for pre-emptive strikes.
An officer in the Jerusalem Corps said, "We should to carry out a hundred suicide operations, simultaneously, and aim a hundred missiles against Israel and the US bases in Qatar and Iraq, as well as a number of oil and economic installations in the region, prior to being attacked. In this manner, we will paralyze the American forces and their allies. If Washington were to attack us afterwards, we can incite a hundred popular uprisings in Muslim countries."
That's right, shitbags: piss off everyone in sight, and give us an excuse to give you the full rabid-dog treatment.
Jeez, these idiots are CRAZY.
Posted by: Dave D. ||
01/26/2006 18:59 Comments ||
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#7
I love this little Jewel here::
"Volunteers from Arab and Muslim countries receive military and ideological training in camps overseen by the Revolutionary Guards"
The geniuses outright brag on what we accuse them of doing (supporting and training terrorist). And this guy is the moderate voice of reason. Those Arab volunteers being trained wouldnt be the terrorist running around all over the world naww they dont support terrorist I am sure they only train those guys for educational purposes right.
Lately I have been torn, at first I thought for sure we were just going to wake up one day either late 06' or early 07' to our air campaign on Iran. But now I am starting to think that like many on the biosphere believe this if we attack "rally around the flag" crap (I dont buy it personally no more than I thought the Iraqi's were going to fight to the death in OP Iraq Freedom for Saddam).
However this belief of the leadership mindset has got me thinking that mixed with Ahmadinejab's lunacy Bush and company are going to let the Iranians hit US first as a PR move.
That way we are forced into defense, we blame Ahmadinejab just like the Iranian's people can when they get their a*s wiped. The world cant really say too much about it and the Dem's will depend on how things go if they support or blame Bush. The LLLs well Bushitler is Bushitler no matter what happens world peace utopia whatever.
I hope I am wrong on the latter Iran can and could hit pretty damm hard if given first shot. Missile strikes possibly Chem/Bio tipped on Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, ect sub and silkworm strikes on military and non-military ships in the gulf and Indian Ocean enmasse. I dont think that is worth the little PR.
#8
Major General Ahmad Kazemi, commander of the ground forces, who was killed last week with 8 of his aides in a plane crash... These officers recently wrote to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Guide, warning of the dangers of president Ahmadinejad's actions
#9
"1000 Pros in a 260K Army" - prob explains why the IRGC is planning suicide attacks and "People's War", like Kimmie and the NorKors. America and Allies hold all the mil cards, while Dubya knows the swordtip of a nuclearized Radical Iran also points at Communists-for-Fascism-for-Communism Russia-China.
Afghan security forces arrested two suspected suicide bombers wearing vests packed with explosives on Wednesday, hours after a grenade was thrown at an Indian consulate, police said. Police in the southern city of Kandahar said that they had received intelligence about suicide attacks and had set up a checkpoint on a road about 25 kilometres south of the city. We stopped two men riding a motorbike, pointed guns at them and ordered them not to move, said Masood Khan, a provincial police commander. They were wearing waist-coats full of explosives. Security forces had not established their identities, he said.
My guess is Pashtuns, probably Paks, from the nearest Waziristan.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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Armed pirates have hijacked a merchant ship off the coast of Somalia, holding 20 of its crew hostage, an ocean crime watchdog says. The attacks, one on a United Arab Emirates (UAE) general cargo ship on Sunday and another launched from a so-called "mother ship" last Friday, come only days after a US Navy warship captured a band of suspected pirates with a cache of arms.
Jayant Abhyankar, deputy director of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), told Reuters on Wednesday: "With these attacks we now have a grand total of five ships and around 100 mariners being held hostage in Somalia, it was as many as 200, and some have been held for four months." The IMB said gunmen stormed the UAE-owned Al-Manara 150 nautical miles off the east coast of Somalia, threatened the crew, and are now demanding a ransom for their release.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Hmmmm the mother ship should never reach port. Blockade the port it comes from and JDAM the f*&king warlord operating this heist scam. I've lost a decade or two patience with the Somalians AKA "The new palestinians"
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:23 Comments ||
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#3
Even I can't fathom, why we would give a hairy rats a** over what goes on in or around Somalia! You would think that, after that lickin we took in the Blackhawk Down Incident, it would show by now that it's either stomp the roaches or let them scurry free. I say set a hot air ballon 15,000 feet up with several 20lb rocks and chunk them over board to sink those tubs!! It's that ridiculous!
The European Court of Human Rights is considering an appeal by the man known as Carlos the Jackal, who says the French authorities violated his rights. The notorious revolutionary, whose real name is Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, is serving a life sentence for the murder of two French agents and an informer. He claims his rights were violated by being held in solitary confinement for eight years from 1994 until 2002. He says he was kept in a small cell and only let out for a two-hour daily walk.
Boo freaking hoo. Should have been dancing on the end of a rope
A lower chamber of the court ruled last year that the treatment did not violate the European Convention on Human Rights. It said special measures had been needed to detain a man once regarded as the most dangerous terrorist in the world.
Carlos, a 56-year-old Venezuelan, gained international notoriety as a mastermind of deadly bombings, assassinations and hostage-takings. He and his right-hand-man Johannes Weinrich closely identified with the Palestinian cause and were supported by the secret services of the former communist eastern bloc.
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 07:53 ||
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#1
Carlos the Jackal
Any resemblance to RB's Jackal or to the name, character, or history of any person here at Rantburg living or dead is purely is coincidental and unintentional."
#4
Stars are very bad at following instructions. You have not followed my instructions. There is no room for stars in my operational teams. You can go.
Two brothers convicted of sending exports from their U.S. company to countries considered sponsors of terrorism were sentenced Wednesday to federal prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Hazim Elashi was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison and will be deported after serving his sentence. His brother Ihsan "Sammy" Elashi was given a six-year term, which will run consecutively to the four-year sentence he is currently serving.
Hazim and Ihsan Elashi, their three brothers and their company were convicted in 2004 on charges of making illegal technology shipments to Libya and Syria.
The Elashis ran InfoCom Corp., a Richardson firm that did up to $5 million in business a year selling computers and Internet services to mostly customers in the Middle East. Prosecutors say they shipped computer products to Libya and Syria from 1997 to 2000, violating a ban on exporting technology, goods or software to countries the U.S. government lists as state sponsors of terrorism.
Agents from the FBI investigated InfoCom for years and raided the business the week before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced the original indictments against the brothers, calling it part of a campaign against "the financiers of terror."
The men also were involved in the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, a Muslim charity that was closed after the Treasury Department accused it of being a front for the militant group Hamas. Bayan Elashi, Ghassan Elashi and Basman Elashi have not been sentenced on the exporting charges
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 09:05 ||
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InfoCom? Fitting—they are now in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike.
Posted by: Eric Jablow ||
01/26/2006 12:34 Comments ||
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Hazim Elashi was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison and will be deported after serving his sentence. His brother Ihsan "Sammy" Elashi was given a six-year term, which will run consecutively to the four-year sentence he is currently serving.
Federal prison sentences run an automatic 1/3 off for good time. That said, even *longer* prison sentences plus deportation would be a better deterrent.
These two low ranking dirtbags should have had longer prison sentences.
[halfass rant]
BUT WHEN HIGH RANKING TRAITORS LIKE
Bernard Schwartz chairman of Loral Space, Loral President J.A. Lindfelt, Johnny Chung, Ron Brown, Warren Christopher, and Sandy Burgler waived national interest along with Buffoono Clinton>>>>
THEY SHOULD GET LIFE IN PRISON OR WORSE!!!
[/rant]
EL PASO - Texas border sheriffs say heavily armed, camouflage-clad men cross the Rio Grande into Texas from Mexico and they feel helpless to stop it while the national governments of two countries ignore their warnings...Maverick County Sheriff Tomas Herrera said the problem is getting worse by the day....[Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo] Gonzalez also questioned what he sees as a hands-off approach by Mexican officials....[Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin] West said he wants more than just talk. "Get us more manpower," West said. "We are helpless and my citizens that live along that border are helpless."
#2
What that sheriff needs to do is get creative. For example, an easy trick is to take a truck with a bunch of big-ass boulders to drop on the dirt roads. Done methodically, several hundred miles of crossings could be made undriveable in as little as a year. Cost a couple hundred thousand.
Since the terrain is uneven, you can't even drive a Hummvee on most of it, so it's not as improbable as it sounds.
Small exerpt... I then joined Hays to go out toward Matamoras where we heard there was a large body of cavalry expected to be coming to Texas. We went out to near the Rio Grande there I got after a Mexican and caught him and from him learned that there was no Mexican force on this side of the river. When the poor devil found that I was not going to kill him he was the proudest Mexican I ever saw. He waited on me like I was somebody as we come back there was a party of Mexicans overtook us near the Nueces. Shap, Ross Woolfalk was riding behind Hays, Luckey
#5
I find it so hard to believe that with all the Barrett .50's sold commercially in this country that NONE of them have ended up in the border states?
#8
#2: What that sheriff needs to do is get creative. For example, an easy trick is to take a truck with a bunch of big-ass boulders to drop on the dirt roads. Done methodically, several hundred miles of crossings could be made undriveable in as little as a year. Cost a couple hundred thousand.
Good idea, but dynamite is cheap, the boulders will get blown to shards quickly.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
01/26/2006 22:15 Comments ||
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#9
It wouldn't hurt to have a few "divisions" of volunteers, armed to the teeth, hanging around the border now and then, also. All it would take is one time having 80-100 former troops ambushing these jerks to make them think twice about crossing that line. We're being invaded by an enemy that hates us almost as much as the ayrabs do, and we're not even trying to take them serious. We also need to stretch the necks of a few dozen people in Washington. Our elected officials were elected to enforce and obey ALL the laws, not just the ones they like.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
01/26/2006 22:32 Comments ||
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#10
Iff memory serves, only State-specific State- and County laws prevent the formation of armed State Militias, State-supported and State-equipped and only under the the authority of State Governors, not the Fed. It is archaic law but IMHO is still legal for those States whom can afford it. The famed TEXAS RANGERS fall under this category. Whats the use of having Tech Dominance, eg electric border fences, cameras, and automated remote weapons, etc. iff NOT going to be used where its needed.
Violence claimed the lives of 10 people in Kashmir ahead of Indias republic day, while Indian troops captured a man believed to be a militant commander who had evaded arrest for 12 years.
Five Muslim militants and an Indian soldier were killed in Jammu and Kashmir and a top militants commander arrested ahead of Indias Republic Day, the police and army said on Wednesday. Four of the militants died in two shootouts with the army in southern Udhampur district and northern Kupwara district late Tuesday, a police spokesman said in Srinagar. The fighting erupted when soldiers raided militant hideouts, he said. An Indian soldier and a militant were killed in a similar gunbattle near the town of Tral, 40 kilometres south of Srinagar, on Wednesday, army spokesman Vijay Batra said.
Security forces arrested a top militants commander during a raid Tuesday in southern Anantag district, an army statement said. It said Wasim Malik, also known as Hamza, had been active with the regions most powerful militant group Hizbul Mujahedin since 1994. The army said Malik spent five years in militant training camps in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir before being sent to Indian Kashmir in 1999.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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A helicopter with seven people aboard that disappeared near the Afghan-Pakistan border following a Red Cross mission to aid quake survivors is still missing after five days, an official said Wednesday. We are still waiting, said Red Cross spokeswoman LaylaBerlemont Shtewi said Wednesday. The search operations are still ongoing on both sides of the border. Shtewi had no information on whether the search area had been narrowed, or whether efforts had been scaled down.
The Russian-made Mi-8 transport chopper disappeared Saturday after taking off from the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar. It had been scheduled to land in the Afghan capital, Kabul, before refueling and flying on to neighboring Turkmenistan, where it is based. The International Committee of the Red Cross had chartered the helicopter for relief work in Pakistan. Its crew were employees of Turkmenistan Airlines, which operated the aircraft. No Red Cross staff member was on board.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
nothing to celebrate here - I hope all are alive/well
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:11 Comments ||
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#2
My guess is that they're not. I'd also guess it was the Talibs what dunnit, unless it was poor maintenance on the part of Turkmenbashi's subjects.
And what the hell kind of a name is LaylaBerlemont Shtewi?
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 0:15 Comments ||
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#3
I met her in a bar, I think,...after 20-30 cocktails, her name was ....er...something like that
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:17 Comments ||
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#4
Nothing on google except the story. Layla Berlemont Shtewi, ICRC Addis Ababa, tel. +2511 518 366
That is all.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 0:24 Comments ||
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#5
musta been her sister...
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:26 Comments ||
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PESHAWAR: Authorities have frozen bank accounts of two Afghan trading firms suspected of funnelling funds to leaders of the Taliban, security officials said on Wednesday. Agents of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raided offices of the firms on Tuesday in Peshawar after requests from Interpol and the Afghan government, the officials said. We seized documents during the raid which show that the firms were transferring money to the Taliban, one of the officials said. We have frozen 15 bank accounts of the firms in Peshawar and Islamabad.
Government agents raided offices of Shirkat Special and Amria Food, a government official said. Also on Wednesday, a local newspaper reported that Taliban chief Mulla Mohammad Omar had a share in both firms. Both companies were set up during Talibans rule in Afghanistan, and the paper said that they were involved in million-dollar transactions. They also had offices in Afghanistan, Dubai, Malaysia and Indonesia under different names, the paper reported.
The official said that no one from the firms had been arrested, but a customs clearing agent who dealt with the companies had been detained. Another security official said that the firms, which deal in edible oil, sugar and other food items, are owned by an Afghan family from the southern province of Kandahar, with close ties to Mulla Omar. Officials of the firms could not be reached for comment. Officials from the Interior Ministry were also not available.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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cripes - you'd do more good if you took every third ISI man and shot him in the forehead. Cheaper too....
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:25 Comments ||
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#2
That would do more good, Frank. Even more good would be done by shooting every ISI man...
Law enforcement agencies have arrested five members of banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi who were planning to kidnap members of an influential political family, intelligence sources told Daily Times on Wednesday. Hafiz Yaseen, Tanvir, Razzaq, Naveed and Pervaiz were arrested on Tuesday in the Muridke area of Sheikhupura district, the sources said. The five men had been following and observing members of an influential family for some time. They would follow their cars from Gujrat in their own Toyota Corolla without a number plate. They had been under watch by the intelligence agencies, the sources added. They were arrested on Tuesday in possession of five AK47s. They have been taken to an undisclosed location for further interrogation, the sources said.
"Your Number 7 truncheon, sir! And your moustachio wax!"
"Thank you, Mahmoud! You may bring in the prisoners!"
SSP (Operations) Amir Zulfiqar Khan denied any knowledge of the arrests.
"Reeeeeeeeally? Nobuddy told me!"
The sources said that the arrests come amid heightened activity by members of Lashkar and other banned militant outfits in recent weeks. They said the intelligence agencies might scrutinise and revise the record of banned outfits activists. They said many of them were free as there was no solid proof against them. They added that most of them were active under fake names. According to rough estimates by law enforcement agencies, over 50 LJ activists have been arrested in the last several months from all over the Punjab.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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Unidentified men blew up a section of the Quetta-Iran railway line on Wednesday. The damaged section is about three kilometres from Nushki city. Several hours later, unidentified men fired several rockets from a mountain east of the city on the newly constructed circuit house and degree college. The rockets missed their targets and hit a ground close to the college. No injuries were reported. Local administration officials reached the scene to investigate the incident.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
According to the Karen, Ain't that the shitz...
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/26/2006 19:58 Comments ||
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Six people were killed and five injured when a van passed over a landmine near Dera Bugti and Kohlu on Wednesday. Dera Bugti District Coordination Officer Abdul Samad Lasi said that six people were killed, including the driver, and five passengers were injured. It was not known who installed the landmine but similar incidents have previously been reported from the area.
Meanwhile, reports from Barkhan, situated on the border of Kohlu and Dera Bugti said that only two people were killed and the five injured were taken to the NLC hospital in Rakhni. The Rakhni DSP said he saw the injured in the hospital and said that only two people were killed. Mr Lasi said that a training camp of armed men was destroyed last month in the same area where a paramilitary truck also came under attack a few days ago. The area was littered with landmines, he said. Security forces and tribesmen clashed in the area late last month. Meanwhile, three children and a woman were killed in the Kahan area during clashes between security forces and Marri tribesmen, said a spokesman for the Marri Ittehad on Wednesday.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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Security agencies raided the base camp of Al Rehmat Trust in Haripur on Sunday night and took 25 workers, including the director of the camp, and five truckloads of relief goods into custody, trust officials told Daily Times. The Islamic charity is believed to have links to banned militant outfit Jaish e-Mohammed. The raid comes following media reports that Western relief agencies are becoming wary of the presence of religious relief organisations working in the earthquake-hit areas.
The government has not given any reason for the raid. I dont know why they raided our base camp. Perhaps it is a message for all other Islamic charities working in the area to pack up and leave, Maulana Asmatullah Muawia, the head in Kashmir of Al Rehmat Trust, told Daily Times from Muzzafarabad. All I can say is that the raid has been conducted at the behest of the Americans and it was meant to discourage us as well as the other religious organisations working in the area, said Maulana Asmat. They havent released any of our workers and officials so far. Our management in Islamabad is in touch with the authorities and there is a hope that they will be released. On the night of the raid we didnt even know who carried out the raid as the local police was not aware of what was going on, he said.
Several Islamic groups including Jamatud Dawaa, Al Khidmat, Al Suffa and Al Rehmat Trust set up relief camps in the earthquake-hit areas soon after the October 8 tragedy. There are believed to be around 20,000 religious relief workers operating in the area.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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"Perhaps it is a message for all other Islamic charities working in the area to pack up and leave?"
Jeebus! Is it that easy? Getthef*ckout!
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 0:29 Comments ||
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#2
Oh yea. "....coming from the Americans." He said it so it's the truth. He is a allenist and would never lie. Nothing to do with being a relabled banned political/"religious" orgnization.
The Bajaur Agency administration is finding it difficult to get tribal chieftains on its side against wanted militant Maulvi Faqir Muhammad, who is suspected to be sheltering Al Qaeda-linked militants in the border area with Afghanistan. Sources close to the Bajaur administration said that they had tried three times since the US air strike on Damadola village on January 13 to raise a lashkar, or tribal army, to track down Muhammad or make him leave Bajaur. They (tribal chieftains) are wary of getting on board because speaking openly against Al Qaeda can invite serious problems from the militants, the sources said.
'Nother words, it's not the gummint that's in charge, right? We knew that.
The administration was able to put together a lashkar against Muhammad last year, but it resulted in three attacks by the militants on senior tribal elders, a tribal elder told Daily Times. It is difficult to take on Al Qaeda since the organisation shows no mercy to people working against it and for the government, said the tribal elder, who wished not to be named for fear of reprisals from the administration and Al Qaeda.
"So it's best we do nothing. That's because we're ferocious Pashtun tribesmen and nobody screws with us."
Malik Shahjehan, key pro-government tribal elder from Bajaur, went underground last year after militants tried to kill him and his family. He was also part of the all-tribal jirga that negotiated peace in Wana with Waziristan elders in 2004. In 2005, suspected militants tried three unsuccessful assassination attempts on Shahjehan, his son Malik Sultan Zeb and his son-in-law Dr Muhammad Tahir after a lashkar set fire to the houses of Muhammad and his relatives. Three jirgas have been called since the Damadola incident but most tribal elders stayed away for fear that Al Qaeda-linked militants may target them as they are targeting people in Waziristan, the sources close to the administration said.
For being so ferocious, they're easily blackmailed, aren't they? How about if we offer to kill them if they don't cooperate?
Muhammad appears not to have been affected by the US missile attack in Damadola village, which killed at least 13 civilians, and is still roaming around freely in an area just 15 minutes from Bajaur chief administrator Faheem Wazirs office in Khar. I would be privileged if Osama Bin Laden or Mullah Muhammad Omar accept my invitation. They are welcome any time and I will receive them as per Pashtun tradition, he told reporters in Damadola a day after the US missile strike, though he denied Ayman al-Zahawri was in the area on the night of the attack.
"Nope. Nope. Wudn't him."
Muhammad, 36, led thousands of volunteers into Afghanistan to fight alongside the Taliban against the Washington-backed Northern Alliance soon after the 9/11 attacks on the US. He (Muhammad) is young and as emotional as Nek Muhammad (the Wana militant killed in a missile attack in June 2004) and a diehard mujahid, Damadola villagers told Daily Times.
Sounds like a case of Nekrophilia to me.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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Time to make the "tribal elders" more afraid of us then. I am calling this a line of waki-paki Pashtun bull turds. "It not our fault that we supply men a arms to the talabs and shelter AQ. We are only simple tribesmen who are bound by tradtions and culture. It's out of our control."
We can start with grabbing their young women for a "fate worse than death." A education and introduction to a 21st century lifestyle. Kind of hard to continue the tribe without women folk who will put up with your "tribal" BS.
January 26, 2006: Personal armor for troops in Iraq is in the headlines once more. Side armor, which adds about ten pounds to the 16 pound weight of the Interceptor Protective Vest, has been available since 2003 (when 250 sets were sent to Iraq.) About a thousand sets were delivered in 2004, and more last year. Side armor is obviously not new, as many news stories imply. While the side armor provided useful protection, the added weight (for a trooper already carrying over fifty pounds), and restricts movement. The new armor is most popular with troops guarding convoys. They spend most of their time sitting down, and the side armor provides additional protection from roadside bombs, which throw out a lot of fragments, at troops sitting facing forward. The bombs are often accompanied by an ambush force armed with machine-guns and assault rifles. Sometimes, the troops have to get out of their vehicles and battle the ambushers. This is often intense and disorganized combat, with fire coming from all directions. Again, the side armor can be very useful, and the troops wont be running around so long that the additional weight and movement restriction will become a major problem. For the same reason, combat troops that are spending most of their time in their vehicles, dont mind the disadvantages of the side armor. But infantry that are spending a lot of time running around, up stairs and battling the enemy in an urban environment, nimbleness is more important. Some of these guys have been known to leave the back plate out, just to save a few pounds.
These different attitudes towards how much armor to wear are similar to those found in police forces. That's why the police have both lightweight armor (worn by most cops, most of the time) and heavier rigs for SWAT teams or anyone out on a raid, and even heavier getup for bomb disposal personnel.
I've noticed the guy who developed the "Predator" facial armor system is getting a lot of play in the media. Is it me, or does it look an awful lot like a Star Wars Storm Trooper helmet?
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 08:54 ||
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The concept isn't much different than the 7th century Sutton Hoo helmet. Just add all that modern molding material and a streamlined design. Bullets and explosive debris move with a little more umph than the old sword or axe.
#2
Looks bulky but face shots and upper neck shots are the main target for snipers lately at least the ones getting kills. Thing really looks heavy but the benefits could outweigh.
#3
The mask looks pretty restricitve and bulky. I don't know about the armor our guys are wearing because it has lots of ceramic materials but my soft body armor (thrreat level 3) was fitted and made for me. (400+ dollars at time of purchase). It's bulky but soft. I have side protection which part of the vest. Fitted body armor has to be better than off the rack stuff. It's really cheap insurance for the user.
The man who served as the no. 2 official in Saddam Hussein's air force says Iraq moved weapons of mass destruction into Syria before the war by loading the weapons into civilian aircraft in which the passenger seats were removed. The Iraqi general, Georges Sada, makes the charges in a new book, "Saddam's Secrets," released this week. He detailed the transfers in an interview yesterday with The New York Sun. "There are weapons of mass destruction gone out from Iraq to Syria, and they must be found and returned to safe hands," Mr. Sada said. "I am confident they were taken over."
Mr. Sada's comments come just more than a month after Israel's top general during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Moshe Yaalon, told the Sun that Saddam "transferred the chemical agents from Iraq to Syria."
I believe we've discussed the same thing here from time to time
Democrats have made the absence of stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq a theme in their criticism of the Bush administration's decision to go to war in 2003. And President Bush himself has conceded much of the point; in a televised prime-time address to Americans last month, he said, "It is true that many nations believed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. But much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong." Said Mr. Bush, "We did not find those weapons."
The discovery of the weapons in Syria could alter the American political debate on the Iraq war.
Yessssss, it could, couldn't it?
And even the accusations that they are there could step up international pressure on the government in Damascus. That government, led by Bashar Assad, is already facing a U.N. investigation over its alleged role in the assassination of a former prime minister of Lebanon. The Bush administration has criticized Syria for its support of terrorism and its failure to cooperate with the U.N. investigation. The State Department recently granted visas for self-proclaimed opponents of Mr. Assad to attend a "Syrian National Council" meeting in Washington scheduled for this weekend, even though the attendees include communists, Baathists, and members of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group to the exclusion of other, more mainstream groups.
Mr. Sada, 65, told the Sun that the pilots of the two airliners that transported the weapons of mass destruction to Syria from Iraq approached him in the middle of 2004, after Saddam was captured by American troops. "I know them very well. They are very good friends of mine. We trust each other. We are friends as pilots," Mr. Sada said of the two pilots. He declined to disclose their names, saying they are concerned for their safety. But he said they are now employed by other airlines outside Iraq.
The pilots told Mr. Sada that two Iraqi Airways Boeings were converted to cargo planes by removing the seats, Mr. Sada said. Then Special Republican Guard brigades loaded materials onto the planes, he said, including "yellow barrels with skull and crossbones on each barrel." The pilots said there was also a ground convoy of trucks.
We heard about the convoy, plane flights are new info.
The flights - 56 in total, Mr. Sada said - attracted little notice because they were thought to be civilian flights providing relief from Iraq to Syria, which had suffered a flood after a dam collapse in June of 2002. "Saddam realized, this time, the Americans are coming," Mr. Sada said. "They handed over the weapons of mass destruction to the Syrians."
Mr. Sada said that the Iraqi official responsible for transferring the weapons was a cousin of Saddam Hussein named Ali Hussein al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali." The Syrian official responsible for receiving them was a cousin of Bashar Assad who is known variously as General Abu Ali, Abu Himma, or Zulhimawe. Short of discovering the weapons in Syria, those seeking to validate Mr. Sada's claim independently will face difficulty. His book contains a foreword by a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, David Eberly, who was a prisoner of war in Iraq during the first Gulf War and who vouches for Mr. Sada, who once held him captive, as "an honest and honorable man."
In his visit to the Sun yesterday, Mr. Sada was accompanied by Terry Law, the president of a Tulsa, Oklahoma based Christian humanitarian organization called World Compassion. Mr. Law said he has known Mr. Sada since 2002, lived in his house in Iraq and had Mr. Sada as a guest in his home in America. "Do I believe this man? Yes," Mr. Law said. "It's been solid down the line and everything checked out." Said Mr. Law, "This is not a publicity hound. This is a man who wants peace putting his family on the line."
Mr. Sada acknowledged that the disclosures about transfers of weapons of mass destruction are "a very delicate issue." He said he was afraid for his family. "I am sure the terrorists will not like it. The Saddamists will not like it," he said. He thanked the American troops. "They liberated the country and the nation. It is a liberation force. They did a great job," he said. "We have been freed."
He said he had not shared his story until now with any American officials. "I kept everything secret in my heart," he said. But he is scheduled to meet next week in Washington with Senators Sessions and Inhofe, Republicans of, respectively, Alabama and Oklahoma. Both are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
He'll be accused of pimping his book
The book also says that on the eve of the first Gulf War, Saddam was planning to use his air force to launch a chemical weapons attack on Israel.
When, during an interview with the Sun in April 2004, Vice President Cheney was asked whether he thought that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction had been moved to Syria, Mr. Cheney replied only that he had seen such reports. An article in the Fall 2005 Middle East Quarterly reports that in an appearance on Israel's Channel 2 on December 23, 2002, Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, stated, "Chemical and biological weapons which Saddam is endeavoring to conceal have been moved from Iraq to Syria." The allegation was denied by the Syrian government at the time as "completely untrue," and it attracted scant American press attention, coming as it did on the eve of the Christmas holiday.
DEBKA was screaming about it at the time, looks like they were correct
The Syrian ruling party and Saddam Hussein had in common the ideology of Baathism, a mixture of Nazism and Marxism.
Syria is one of only eight countries that has not signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, a treaty that obligates nations not to stockpile or use chemical weapons. Syria's chemical warfare program, apart from any weapons that may have been received from Iraq, has long been the source of concern to America, Israel, and Lebanon. In March 2004, the director of Central Intelligence, George Tenet, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying, "Damascus has an active CW development and testing program that relies on foreign suppliers for key controlled chemicals suitable for producing CW."
The CIA's Iraq Survey Group acknowledged in its September 30, 2004, "Comprehensive Report," "we cannot express a firm view on the possibility that WMD elements were relocated out of Iraq prior to the war. Reports of such actions exist, but we have not yet been able to investigate this possibility thoroughly."
Mr. Sada is an unusual figure for an Iraqi general as he is a Christian and was not a member of the Baath Party. He now directs the Iraq operations of the Christian humanitarian organization, World Compassion.
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 08:32 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
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#1
Mr. Sada may have seen barrels with WMD type stickers on them loaded into planes but there is a good chance they were dummies.
It seems to me that Saddam had a basically Potemkin WMD arsenel that was used to freighten enemies.
#2
He is pimping a book, and we shouldn't ignore that.
That's an interesting thought, mhw, and certainly possible.
I was going to say that it seems that looking at the quotes given in this article by "government officials" that the Bush administration is better at Clintonisms than was Clinton himself.
Example one: And President Bush himself has conceded much of the point; in a televised prime-time address to Americans last month, he said, "It is true that many nations believed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. But much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong." Said Mr. Bush, "We did not find those weapons."
many nations believed?
What did you believe Bush?
But much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong Much, but not all, eh? No mention of which intelligence turned out to be wrong. "We did not have sex with find THOSE weapons"
The other statements in this article could be likewise parsed. My take is that the Bush administration has taken a policy of not blabbing to the press everything they know. They've figured out it's best to keep all that information close rather than allow the enemey to create a scandal "no weapons of mass destruction - Bush lied" and then the Administration feels compelled to rush to the microphone with details to prove their case - thus giving away valuable information as they try to investigate further.
It's been obvious from the get go that Saddam had the weapons. They had to repeat the lie many, many, times before the world bought into the "Bush Lied" meme. That the dem's still ran with it, knowing that the truth would eventually come out, just causes me to wonder.
#3
The discovery of the weapons in Syria could alter the American political debate on the Iraq war.
It might alter the debate in that no one would discuss WMD any more, but not one person who opposes the war or is indifferent would suddenly support it. They are simply against the war for wahtever reason Kos gives them.
#4
LISTEN UP ! I listen to a radio show The John Batchlor Show on WABC in NY. Last night one John (forgot his last name) stated that millions of documents were recovered after Saddam's fall. Because of a shortage of translators, only a fraction of them have been cataloged. Among these is a tape in Saddam's own voice discussing the WMDs and his activities concealing them from Blix and others. The tape's contents will be made public on Feb 18th. Apparently, Saddam was organizing to write a book about his out foxing the UN inspectors and everyone else. The tape contains several hours of conversations between Saddam and other high ranking Saddamites covering from roughly 1992 to 2002.
I may have missed a few facts here, but that is the jist of it.
#5
Heh, wxj - now that would justify much more than popcorn, lol.
NS - I agree - the BDSers and similarly insane / gullible / rudderless people, such as those who think they want communism or socialism, are what they are completely independent of any facts.
I believe the John in question is one John Loftus of:
http://www.john-loftus.com/
He often Teams up with John Batchellor. They get a little to close to the edge for my taste. So salt to flavor. For instance, John Loftus is a life long DEM who voted for John Kerry and said on the show one night, I paraphrase, that Repub. should lighten up on the fear of John Kerry because on truth Kerry will not do anything any different the GWB in conducting the WoT. He just has talk that way to keep the left of his party in his camp.
#9
Loftus has been wrong (at least so far) on a number of things, but has been right about some others. Although he is a Dem, he has publicly supported Pres. Bush, the Iraq War and many of the things that have been done by W since 9/11. As for his conference, Ledeen, McInerny, Vallely, Hunt, Babbin, Woolsey and others have been pretty supportive of the US military specifically and many of the actions taken by W in the WoT generally (although Ledeen has been critical of our approach to Iran).
Posted by: Tibor ||
01/26/2006 13:23 Comments ||
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#11
This account was collaborated by aerial photographs in the lead-up to the invasion.
Collaborated by US photos, by the Israelis, and by this fellow.
Colin Powell may be right before he was wrong after he said he was right, etc.
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/26/2006 13:57 Comments ||
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#12
I've been telling you guys this for how long?
This stuff will come out sooner or later. Its there in open sources if you know where to look.
Right now, the reasons for not using the data and analysis that shows this to be highly probable: politics.
We are already hip deep dariningthe swamp in Iraq, and have Iran ready to go nuclear. We dont have time or attention or political capital to spend on Syria right now. Syria would be a fatal distraction from Iran at the moment. It will be forced onto the back burners.
The right doenst want this just yet - timing is not right for the elections. And the military does not want this because we would be forced to act to destroy said stocks (and spread ourselves thinner, increasing risks and risking the gains we have in Iraq). Intel doesnt want this because it calls into quesiton their competence. State doesnt want this because it would make the difficult diplomacy games (ignoreing all kinds of evil) virtually impossible to play anymore with Syria and its allies. Europe doesnt want this because they are likely complicit with illegal trade with Syria. And the lefties *especially* dont want this to come to light because it shows the LEFT lied and smeared the president.
Baby Assad's turn will come, its that for now we have more important things to be working on.
#13
I know how we can settle this....ask Hans Blix
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/26/2006 13:58 Comments ||
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#14
This whole discussion is a no brainer anyway. Let's see, they buried the airforce, they ran away from most direct confrontations during the invasion, they buried artillary shells and RPGs all over the country, They buried nuke equipment in back yards. Key equipment has been found in junk yards in Jordan, Turkey, and The Netherlands. Doesn't it stand to reason that they buried WMDs home and abroad prior to discovery ? Just because we don't have a map of all these sites, doesn't mean there were no WMDs.
That entire Bush lied argument is nothing more than an anti-Bushitler leftists koolaid hangover. People with such hangovers are doomed to a future of irrelevance. It is believed that shock treatments alone will not help.
How will we get any support from the public (dems), Europe, and other countries to go after Iran after all the problems with not finding WMDs in Iraq?
If we're able to prove/show that the WMDs did get squirrelled away in Syria, won't we have an easier time with more partners dealing with Iran?
Plus we get to show how badly the Dems have behaved running up into the election. We can isolate Syria and let them sit and sweat and then deal with Baby doc after Iran.
#18
Decapitate the Syrian baathist tyranny, go in exclusively to capture their WMD stockpiles, and return to Iraq while the Syrian factions kill each other. 2-3 months of operations.
Probably very dirty, and many casualties on our side, but we can't afford to convert one country at a time. The coming direct confrontation with Iran should not require watching the Syrian border at the same time.
#19
A takedown of the Iranian regime would leave Syria completely naked, alone, and probably in armed chaos. Iran has to be done - and done by us, IMHO. So don't waste good people on Syria. Do Iran, seal up Syria and then deal with the remnants at a time of our choosing. Might allow the Lebs to get control over their embedded Syrian proxies, too, as the pucker factor in Syria would dry up such luxuries fast. Just my take.
#20
I went to the Intel Summit last year, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Met John Loftus, John Batchellor, Doctor Zin, and passed Walid Jumblatt in the hall. Dan Darling was supposed to present, but was told his skoolwork took precedence. Go figure.
#24
Old Spook and .com are right: Syria comes later. It is one notch down the food chain from Iran, so if Iran is out, Syria and Pencilneck fall from lack of support. Iran is the keystone to unravelling the madness of the Middle East. And they are making enemas enemies daily.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 22:22 Comments ||
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{and released shortly afterwards from Abu Graib?}
1/26/2006
TIKRIT, Iraq -- Iraqi security forces and Task Force Band of Brothers Soldiers detained 51 suspected terrorists during a series of unrelated actions throughout northern Iraq Jan. 24.
In the largest action of the day, Iraqi troops from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division planned and conducted a large early morning raid in three villages outside of Baqubah. The unit detained 19 suspects, including eight known to have strong ties to terrorists in the area.
In the Bayji area, Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Divisions 3rd Brigade Combat Team continued to make progress against terrorists that have plagued the area. Ten known or suspected terrorists were captured in and around the city.
Tips from Bayji area residents generated a series of early-morning searches south of the city which led to the capture of four men closely tied to a terrorist ring responsible for committing murders and beheadings in the area. A fifth man was killed after firing a pistol at the Soldiers searching his home.
In another positive development, a local tribal leader brought three suspected members of an IED cell from the Bayji area to a coalition base and turned them in to coalition forces.
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment also had a good day taking terrorists off the streets in Tall Afar and the nearby city of Biaj.
Working with Iraqi troops from the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, the unit discovered two caches of weapons and stolen Iraqi Army uniforms and captured 12 suspects.
The troops began their mission working from one tip and with each turn of events, another tip surfaced that carried the Soldiers to two separate caches and 12 individuals.
The citizens of northern Iraq continue to build confidence in the security forces protecting the newly established democracy, as the Iraqi Soldiers grow into a mature, capable force, directly responsible for safeguarding the rights and lives of the people of Iraq.
#1
...And for the most part, it's just catch and release. We can't do anything other than turn them over to the Iraquis, and the Iraquis won't do anything other than hold them untill their tribe pays a bribe makes bail.
When I was over there, we had may repeat customers. I personaly caught at one village the same IED planting team 5 times.
One funny thing though, for some reason this particular team's IEDs never seemed to be functional...(I have my speculations, but I will not comment. You may discuss among yourselves.)
Posted by: N guard ||
01/26/2006 8:37 Comments ||
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#2
Catch-&-release is a good idea as long as they are tagged while in custody. Then they can be tracked to their dens and burrows...
#3
Spot has made a point jokingly that I think needs to be thought about seriously.
I don't think we have micro GPS transmitters yet, but when we do we should tag every suspect and also tag all our military and civilian personnel so they can be tracked down if kidnapped.
Until we have the micros, we ought to make mini GPS bracelets, false teeth and so forth for similar use.
#4
N Guard: We have left the point where it's obvious who the bad guyz are. Good for us, actually, in that it is now a cross between a gigantic 'Cops' episode and extensive counterintelligence scheme.
For example, more and more, those who are picked up are informants with hot information; we not only catch and release, but give them lots of pretty paper to take home with them.
#6
Instead of tag and release how about shave and a haircut to ensure they don't have lice. It's got to be harder for a hairless 20something to hide in the crowd in Iraq than it would be in the west.
Oh, and pick a random one once in awhile, keep him seperate, and let him keep his hair and beard so the others think he might have turned a dime on them.
If folks complain that it is unIslamic we can point out the numerous cases of non-bearded Muslims and how it would be against the Geneva conventions to not delouse them properly. We can also offer wigs and stuff to help them with their islamic issues until their hair grows in again.
#7
Observation: Most, if not all, already have a burr cut. Under that Italian tablecloth / towel is a lace doily thingy - and it don't fit if youze got any hair.
A big fricking tattoo, think of it as a Scarlet Letter, in the middle of the forehead would be a perm solution.
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 10:29 Comments ||
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#9
RD re: #6--sorry about the fractured syntax. It is/was a stressful topic for me. Your revision expresses my thoughts.
As for the idea of tagging, I did suggest it. Even went so far as to look up the pet Id chip thing. Actualy, there were few options for implantable RFID out in the commercial sector. Everything currently assumes a working range of <100M. If DARPA has something better, they aren't talking.
Anyway, I put together a power point presentation.(Yes, I have a Power Point badge! Grin!) With various options, including a "faked" option where nothing was actualy implanted, but with an incision and stitches and evrything.
The Chain of Command was not amused. Evidently, any sort of marking or tracking system that modifies the subject being tracked is somehow a violation of the laws of war somehow.
I have come to the conclusion that one of the first real military reforms is to shoot most of the lawyers.
Posted by: N guard ||
01/26/2006 12:30 Comments ||
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#10
We are at war. If you catch the same phuck twicwe the second time should be terminal.
King Henry, VI part II act IV
"The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers." It's a joke about lawyers sure it is. There are too many lawyers.
pet Id chip, including a "faked" option where nothing was actualy implanted, but with an incision and stitches and evrything.
jeeze, never occured to me to fake them, but now that you mention it what fantistic psychological warfare potential. evil eh! LOL
muses: implant a barely audible beeper in their noggin.
Then show them several hours of Predator UAV videos tracking perps, ending of course with Hell Fire Moments®. BuWaWaWaWa
Anyway, I put together a power point presentation.(Yes, I have a Power Point badge! Grin!) With various options, including a "faked" option where nothing was actualy implanted, but with an incision and stitches and evrything.
#12
Don't shave their beards, shave half their beards, right down the middle, say full beard right side, clean shaven the other side.
Turbans cover hair, but men don't cover their faces, let them decide whether or not to shave the other side, no Rambo shit, use an electric razor.
Hummm, maybe a clear cut stripe down the center leaving a long semi-beard on either side. Get the upper lip too, about three inches wide, continue down the chest, and up the back as well.
That'd be harder to hide, it just screams "I was Caught by the Americans" and let them try to convincr their pals that they didn't talk to be released.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
01/26/2006 22:26 Comments ||
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Samawa residents are cautiously watching the situation in their city (located 270 kilometres south of Baghdad) after clashes broke out between British soldiers and al-Mahdi Army militia in al-Haideriya neighbourhood. Al-Mahdi army fighters (belonging to the young Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr) were deployed throughout the city following the clashes, and the police did not interfere. Sadr supporters clashed Saturday with the British patrol in Samawa. A taxi driver was killed and three civilians were wounded. Hazim al-Araji, who heads the Sadr office in al-Khadimiya, would not comment on the clashes. He said the Sadr office in Samawa is the only body authorized to give statements about the clashes.
#4
Here's what you do: schedule a football match between the Brits and Tater's boyz, and allow all the Brit hooligans to attend. The problem would take care of itself.
#5
The Blackwater consultants in Najaf video from yesterday (must see viewing BTW) had some very interesting dialogue:
"I got a guy waving a green flag"
"Green flags are Mahdi Army. Engage"
#6
BW ROE = we're good at engaging and killing bad guys, thank you DoD but we will always make that call. You don't like our ROE, no problem, we've got more business than we can handle. Here is your contract, we're outta here.
Here's a look at what the Hamas victory could mean for Palestinian relations, Middle East peacemaking and Palestinian politics.
Q: How did Hamas pull off this shocking upset?
A: Hamas exploited public discontent with the corruption-tainted Fatah Party, which has dominated Palestinian politics for four decades.
While reiterating its commitment to "resistance" against Israel, Hamas focused its campaign on internal Palestinian issues, promising better public services, honesty in government and an end to lawlessness.
Q: Does Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas have to resign?
A: No. Abbas was elected last year for a four-year term as president of the Palestinian Authority. However, he will now have to work with a cabinet and legislature dominated by Hamas, severely limiting his ability to manoeuvre.
Abbas has said he will resign if he cannot pursue his agenda of pursuing a peace deal with Israel. If Abbas steps down, the Palestinians would have to hold new presidential elections.
Q: Is this the end of the peace process?
A: Hamas, which has carried out dozens of suicide bombings, says it remains committed to its goal of destroying Israel. But it has signalled it would allow Abbas to handle negotiations with Israel while it focuses on its domestic agenda.
A top Hamas leader, Mahmoud Zahar, said on Thursday the group is ready to extend a year-old cease-fire with Israel if Israel reciprocates. Hamas has not carried out a suicide attack since the truce went into effect.
Q: Although Hamas will dominate the legislature, it has said it is ready to share power. What are its options?
A: Hamas could try to rule alone, agree with Fatah on installing an independent prime minister to lead the cabinet, or even allow Fatah to hold senior positions in the cabinet while it focuses on social issues.
Zahar promised broad changes on Thursday to "every aspect" of Palestinian life, including health programmes, education and economic policies. But the group was vague about its plans for dealing with Israel.
Q: Would Fatah agree to become a junior partner in a Hamas-run coalition?
A: The party has not yet made a decision. Senior members said on Thursday they would prefer to remain in the opposition. They say this would give Fatah time to rebuild, and force Hamas to see how difficult it is to lead a government.
Q: Is Israel willing to talk to Hamas?
A: Israel on Thursday ruled out negotiations with any Palestinian government that includes armed anti-Israel groups. Earlier, it said it would not deal with Hamas until it disarmed and renounced its calls for Israel's destruction.
Following Hamas victories in municipal elections in recent months, Israel has been forced to co-ordinate with Hamas-backed mayors on day-to-day issues such as providing water and electricity.
Q: Will Hamas agree to disarm, as required under the US-backed road map peace plan?
A: During the campaign, Hamas officials said they would not disarm. Hamas will have to decide whether to fold its military wing into the national Palestinian security forces or let it remain independent.
Q: What is the future of the Palestinian security forces?
A: Hamas has had tense relations with the Fatah-dominated security forces, which were involved in several crackdowns against Hamas in the past decade.
With the next prime minister likely to be backed by Hamas, the group could soon be running those same forces. Hamas officials have sought to assure members of the security forces that they have nothing to fear.
Q: The US has pushed heavily for democracy in the Middle East. How did it react to the Hamas victory?
A: George Bush, the US president, said elections sometime bring unwelcome results. He said any group with an armed wing that advocates violence against Israel "is a party with which we will not deal".
Q: Will Hamas turn the West Bank and Gaza into an Islamic state?
A: Hamas says it has no plans to create an Iranian-style theocracy or interfere in people's daily lives. Instead, it says it will lead by example, encouraging people to respect Islamic customs like avoiding alcohol and having women dress modestly.
Even if Hamas tries to impose its will, it will be difficult to change major laws. Changing Palestinian "basic laws," widely seen as the basis for a future constitution, require a two-thirds majority in parliament.
These laws are a mixture of Islamic, Egyptian and Jordanian law and local traditions. However, Palestinian secular rights activists fear Hamas will try step by step to chip away at personal freedoms.
#1
Following Hamas victories in municipal elections in recent months, Israel has been forced to co-ordinate with Hamas-backed mayors on day-to-day issues such as providing water and electricity.
Sounds to me like providing water and electricity is Ham-Ass'es job now.
Hamas has not carried out a suicide attack since the truce went into effect.
Has anyone told the dead Israeli's this? Maybe my memory is faulty but I seem to remember a number of Ham-Ass bombing (or due to a Ham-Ass renamed splinter group....).
On the other hand this is Al-jitz reporting and they don't count jews....
#4
We should give money, weapons and training to Fatah now, and help them to cause as much instability and chaos as possible to try and counteract the Hamas PR drive.
#5
Unless you think the Paleo's should be perpetual wards of an "adult" state or kept under a dictatorship, then what are you going to do with them if you don't give them the opportunity to have representation?
What I like about this is that it is honest. It is the Paleo people themselves that want the Jews washed into the sea. Hamas does represent them. So they are no longer The Poor Piteous Paleos, Pawns of the Powerful, but they are a nation that just unamimously declared their desire to go to war with Israel. And so we don't have to feel bad for the poor piteous Paleos when they get what they voted for. It's what they wanted.
#7
Looks like HAMAS has informally adopted Russia's [c. 2018], and China's [2015-2017]. and the Clintons [2015-2020] timeline for forcing Socialism and OWG on America = Israel. American, Global, and now Jewish Holocaust and Annihilation is good for the Sun, trees, and gosh darn gee whizzz everyone.
Thanks, Bibi. We'll add Hamastan to the Rantburg stylebook.
Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu told the Likud faction in the Knesset Thursday, "Before our very eyes, Hamastan has been established, the step-child of Iran and the Taliban. It's in firing range of our airport, our highways and cities. This has to be a day of soul searching because the writing was on the wall. The policy of giving land for free gave a prize to terror and a winning card for Hamas. "How are Olmert and Peres getting ready for this challenge? They are moving the fence 500 meters closer to the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway (Beit Iksa). They gave more land to the Hamas state. Any land given to Hamas will give more of a front to fire upon us. "This is a new and dangerous situation. Sharon said he wouldn't let Palestinians in Jerusalem vote. Olmert let them."
The left side of the political map was also very concerned about Hamas's probable win in the Palestinian Legislative Council. Labor Chairman Amir Peretz reiterated Thursday that his party did not consider Hamas a partner for peace negotiations.
"We have no intention of allowing negotiations to take place, or of allowing a third party to force us to recognize an organization that openly seeks to destroy Israel," Peretz said, adding that the apparent Hamas victory in the Palestinian Legislative elections undermined the stability of the Middle East.
Meretz-Yahad chairman Yossi Beilin said that the election results still provided a chance for an agreement with moderate Palestinians. He called on Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to launch peace talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Beilin also warned that if Israel and the PA failed to reach an agreement soon, Hamas would win in the next elections, as well.
National Religious Party MK Zevulen Orlev said that the Hamas victory was the result of Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip. "The Palestinian public recognized that Hamas's suicide bombers and Kassam rockets convinced the Kadima-led disengagement government to uproot Jews from Gush Katif," Orlev declared.
Kadima MK Haim Ramon said Thursday that he failed to understand the consternation that Hamas' seeming victory in the Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections caused among right-wing politicians in Israel. Ramon told Israel Radio that right-wing politicians had said "over and over" that "Abbas was the same as Hamas," and had called the PA leader "even worse" because he and his Fatah party "hid their true intentions."
National Union chairman Zvi Hendel had claimed Thursday that Hamas showed the Palestinians that terror was the only way by which they could "defeat and expel Israel." MK Avigdor Leiberman (Yisrael Beitenu) said that the results were "a victory for radical Islam", while MK Effi Eitam, who attempted on Wednesday to disrupt the vote in east Jerusalem, said that Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar "should send flowers to Ehud Olmert."
Former foreign minister and Likud MK Silvan Shalom opined that Israel had made a grave mistake in allowing Hamas to participate in the elections. "The international community will find a way to justify its dealings with Hamas by saying that it was democratically elected - and this after all [Israel's] efforts to prove to the world that Hamas is terror group," Shalom declared.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz cancelled a speech he was expected to deliver Thursday to meet with other top security officials on the implications of the apparent Hamas victory. Olmert was expected to discuss the PA election results with cabinet ministers later Thursday.
Shimon Peres of Kadima told Israel Radio that if Hamas indeed won the elections, it would have to face and cope with a cessation of international aid to the PA.
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 15:59 ||
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#1
The early signs are not good -- literally. Gaza City is decked out with green Hamas banners proclaiming, "Resistance wins, so let's go on." The banners from the supposedly more restrained Palestinian Authority reveal the same mind-set: "Gaza today, the West Bank and Jerusalem tomorrow." Far from being sated by Israeli concessions, the Palestinians are emboldened to demand more. Many will not be satisfied until -- in the words of a 15-year-old would-be suicide bomber quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle -- there are no more "Jews on this world."
Excerpt from link:
#2
Meretz-Yahad chairman Yossi Beilin ... called on Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to launch peace talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
So, we have a politician with no authority to negotiate anything - who, nevertheless, negotiated a paper agreement with an enemy power - wanting the current PM to negotiate with a terroristpolitician with no authority to negotiate anything? Makes sense to me.
#4
Anybody know how the Palestinians in Jerusalem voted?
And was anybody at all surprised by the result of the vote? Everything I'd been hearing said Palestinians were sick of corruption, and when their god died they had no reason left to stick with his party. That would take a large chunk out of the secular and less Islamist groups, and Hamas already had the Islamists sewed up.
Posted by: James ||
01/26/2006 22:53 Comments ||
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#5
I'm really surprised the Israeli vote hasn't already turned on Olmert - give it a few days and see the polls. Bibi's starting to sound like the next best "Sharon" - someone to deal with the enemy from a position of "give me a reason to kill you and I'll take it". IWith teh departure of Sharon's visible strength, resume of defending Israel, I don't think Olmert can carry the Kadima party on his resume or charisma alone. He certainly isn't a bad guy, either. Question is: is he the right man, strongest man, a LEADER, to deal with Iran/Hezbollah/Hamastan/etc. right now?
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 23:29 Comments ||
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Jordan has isssue an alert, warning foreign embassies that suicide bombers may have entered the country.
Jordanian sources said authorities suspected that four vehicles packed with explosives have entered the Hashemite kingdom from either Iraq or Syria. The sources said the vehicles were being prepared for a suicide strike around Western embassies in Amman.
The alert has resulted in increased security around embassies in Amman, Middle East Newsline reported. Several Western embassies have also decreased their personnel and reduced hours of some departments to avoid exposure to attack.
"We are positive that there has been an attempt to bring these cars into Jordan," a source said. "We are not sure whether all, some or any of these vehicles managed to enter."
The sources said the car bomb plot was drafted by Al Qaida in Iraq. They said Al Qaida network chief Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi has planned a new series of strikes in wake of the killing of 57 people in coordinated suicide attacks in Amman in December 2005.
The sources said Al Zarqawi has designated Jordan as his key target outside of Iraq. Jordan has strengthened its military relationship with the United States and became a meeting point of Western intelligence officials who visit or operate in the Middle East.
Jordan has placed on trial about a dozen Al Qaida operatives commanded by Al Zarqawi. Al Zarqawi has vowed to attack Jordan until the kingdom releases the defendants, who include suspected fund-raisers for the insurgency movement.
His defeated Fatah slapped down participation in a Hamas-led coalition. Earlier, Fatah PM and cabinet quit when early results gave Hamas a sweeping 70-75 seats in the 132-seat Palestinian legislature.
The first Hamas statement: Negotiating with Israel and recognition are not on our agenda. The armed struggle will continue. Hamas control of Palestinian government is a regional earthquake that will bring the Muslim Brotherhood into power by the ballot for the first time in Middle East history. President George W. Bush says he will not deal with Hamas unless the organization renounces its commitment to fight for Israels destruction.
In Gaza, in answer to a question on policy, Hamas operative Mohammed Rantisi, whipped out the late Yasser Arafats motto: We shall hold talks as though there is no terror and wage terror as though there are no talks. Other leaders reject negotiations, recognition of Israel or laying down arms. In view of this election upset, some Palestinian sources predict a long wait for final results amid attempts at manipulation, which the Hamas will fight tooth and nail.
The Palestinian election sets back critically the underlying objective of the US-led global war on terror: denying terrorists territorial strike bases and keeping them on the run - as manifested in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. For Israel, allowing the Hamas terrorists to take part in the Palestinian election - after its takeover of the Gaza Strip was a fatal blunder. It is now condemned to dealing with the Damascus-based Khaled Mashal and Mahmoud a-Zahar in Gaza, now holding the whip hand in Ramallah. Behind them lurk sponsors and mentors such as Mahdi Aqaf, leader of the radical Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Hamass parent body, and Sheikh Qardawi, the Qatar-based television preacher. While speaking out against suicide bombers for Western targets, this influential radical ardently advocates Muslim martyrdom for the sacred purpose of killing Israelis.
The peace strategy acting Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert outlined in his policy address the day before the Palestinian election is passé; it was built around negotiations with Abu Mazen and a Fatah regime in Ramallah. He failed to consider the possibility of having to face up to a Palestinian negotiating partner that takes its orders from Cairo, Qatar, Damascus and Tehran.
On the other hand, it brings what we knew all along out into the open. Wonder if Sharon was counting on this?
Posted by: Steve ||
01/26/2006 08:07 ||
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RAMALLAH, West Bank : Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei announced his resignation and said the radical Islamist group Hamas must form the next government after the general election.
The announcement came as Hamas looked set for a stunning victory over Fatah in the Palestinian election, plunging the stalled Middle East peace process into further turmoil.
Senior officials from Fatah, the movement which has dominated Palestinian politics for years, privately acknowledged that they had been beaten into second place by Hamas which was contesting its first parliamentary election.
The central elections commission said the official result would not be announced until 7 pm (1700 GMT), but Hamas was confident that it would now have an absolute majority in the 132-seat parliament. 'It's all happening' as they say in the cricket.
#2
Lucky Mr. Abbas finally has a face-saving pass to get out of town without being killed first by either his enemies, his rivals or his friends, who would at some point have realized that he'd betrayed the Revolution.
#3
The United States and other members of the international Quartet will reassess peace prospects next week, in light of Hamas' showing in the election.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other members of the Quartet of would-be international peacemakers will meet Monday in London, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.
The Quartet, which also includes the European Union and Russia, is on record against allowing Palestinian Authority cabinet status for anyone who has not renounced violence or recognized Israel's right to exist. Hamas has done neither.
#5
If a more hapless breed of people inhabit this earth I am yet to hear of them. F*ckwits one and all.
Posted by: Howard UK ||
01/26/2006 4:40 Comments ||
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#6
In the past week it has become clear this was some sort of Great Game with the Mullahs. Iran was funding Hamas, we were funding Fatah. Now we've gone and let them win, despite being able to rig the ballot. Truly incompetent. Expect an even more belligerent Ahmadinejad.
There is a good chance the terrorism subsidies that come from the EU will decrease (and if they don't international lawyers have a better case to sue the EU after the inevitable terrorism events). There is also a good chance that HAMAS will discredit itself by being incapable of good government. The secularists on the west bank will get to taste what Islamist rules are all about and they won't like it. There is also a good chance of very substantial HAMAS vs. Islamic Jihad conflict.
#9
Good, good, the opposition chairman in Israel goes on record as saying that they "have no intention of allowing negotiations to take place, or let someone else force us to recognize an organization that declares it seeks to destroy Israel," Shimon Peres' point seems true and the leftist Meretz party's line of attack accepts the premise that Hamas is belligerent ("launch peace talks or Hamas will win again and then we'll really have no case!")...
Incidentally, because of this I mildly disagree with the Likud MK who said that Israel should have prevented the PA elections... sounds a little too much like the anti-pullout mentality.
Posted by: Edward Yee ||
01/26/2006 8:12 Comments ||
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#10
Well as long as Jimmy Carter (yes, the old fool's there) certifies the election, I guess that it's all OK.
The Muslim ummah has spoken again and once again it's voted for Allahdaemmerung.
#11
The vote is in, the numbers tallied, and the people have spoken. They have decided to follow the path of violence and death. This is a vote to declare war on the West and Israel. Hold on as they build their Army and prepare for attacks.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
01/26/2006 9:16 Comments ||
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#12
Guess that's the end of any peace fantasy the Israelis might have had.
Not to mention the proponents of the so-called "road map".
#14
this merely makes clear to all that the Paleos will never accept a state with Israel still in existence. A pox on there entire death-cult society and all future generations! Expect a civil war as Fatah and IJ, who were recipients of most of the graft and corruption, now become common thugs in Hamas eyes and everyone with a gun becomes a martyr. Nice job, Yasser!
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 10:28 Comments ||
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#15
Good riddance. Can we stop giving the @ssholes money now?
Posted by: Ol Dirty American ||
01/26/2006 10:28 Comments ||
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#16
Somebody at National Review Online wrote an extensive piece that more or less agrees with my earlier "this could be a good thing" post.
it is at:
http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/ottolenghi200601261002.asp
#17
I honestly believe this is more a vote against fatah rather than for the hamas platform of destroying Israel. After all, as they say, all politics is local.
What strikes me most, though, is that if the plight of the paleos does improve under hamas rule, it clearly proves that the hardships they endured were not the fault of Israel, but of their own making. In other words, that they could have fixed their problems all along. The fact that they didn't merely shows just how despicable that reptilian, corrupt arafat was. He had the power to improve their situation, but lined his pockets instead. And so, it demonstrates that -- amidst virtual unanimous paleo backing of arafat through all those years of cronyism, corruption and ineptitude -- they absolutely don't deserve to govern themselves.
And yet, regardless of whether paleo conditions improve, the world will still blame Israel for whatever the paleos suffer.
The only way the world will be satisfied is if hamas' objectives are actually fulfilled.
#19
I will not negotiate with a government that does not meet its most basic obligations -- to fight terrorism. We are prepared to assist the Palestinians and [Palestinian President Abbas] very much but they must meet their commitments, Olmert said, according to a statement released by his office.
Ka-BAM! Beautiful.
Speaking in the Knesset, Peretz said that he would not conduct negotiations with Hamas. We will not conduct negotiations with an organization that does not recognize Israels right to exist, he said. If we have to, we will implement unilateral moves. We will not agree to a diplomatic stalemate. The changes in the Palestinian Authority will not take us hostage, he said.
Who needs caffeine this morning?
?SOPD #7-Sounds about right.
#20
There is now a clear chain of responsibility/blame for Palestinian terror. The tactic of denial and obfuscation is now unavailable, as it is for Iran now their intentions are out in the open. Matters are coming to a head.
#22
Somebody at National Review Online wrote an extensive piece that..
Well reasoned, no doubt, but the problem is that it's the Paleos, where logic and reason typically don't apply. And in the case of any further terrorist attacks against Israel, well, there's always the "it wasn't us" or the "rogue factions" excuse.
#23
If a more hapless breed of people inhabit this earth I am yet to hear of them. F*ckwits one and all.
Author! Author!
One truly good thing is that if Hamas does not renounce their use of terrorism, then any sitting of Palestinian government now becomes a terrorist conclave and represents a suitable target for IDF airstrikes.
The Palestinians have some extremely difficult lessons to learn with respect to how a state is run. Following Iran's lead in this matter is about as stupid as stupid gets. I no longer have the least sympathy for the Palestinian people. They have sealed their doom by allying themselves with Hamas. They demonstrated this long ago by their popular support for this terrorist organization, but now it is official. May they all rot in a fiery hell.
#24
I wait with batted breath to see the rationalizations that the West (including USA) will evolve to justify their continued support for the Hamas-led "Palestinian People".
Bush most certainly changed the game - and relative to those who preceeded him, grom, he proved that he gets it.
Much of what did (and does) occur is Congressional and State Dept BS, some of it enacted legislation that Bush can't just dismiss - no matter what he (or we) thinks or wants. You don't think USAid decides its own actions, do you? Regards State, well as you know, there are serious problems within the Kool Aid section at State, which is why Rice was given the job of reining them in. Our Govt was almost turned into another Tranzi outpost - the insanity rampant in Europe. Bush is the one who stopped the transition - and is reversing it. Isn't that a good thing? Not fast enough? Lol. It never is - for any of us.
If you can't acknowledge that things have changed a lot since Dubya took over, then you're among the dispeptic ankle-biter krowd who give no credit unless it matches your personal agenda. Hell, I could say I'd prefer Israel go ahead and wipe out the Paleos - but that wouldn't be any more realistic than your piss n' moan routine.
The world will always fail to measure up to your bile-ridden derangement. Tough shit. Give credit where due, if you can manage it. If you can't, well, LOL, who give a shit?
#29
.com sez: None of what has been said here will mean diddley-squat to Paleos, Arabs, or Muzzies. Just noise to them.
That is the basic tenant in dealing with the ME. So we are dealing with people that do not use Aristotlian logic and have a disconnect between cause and effect UNTIL it affects them personally.
Now Sharon did his strategic withdrawl from Gaza in order to set up a free fire zone. The only problem is that Egypt has done nothing, so Gaza will become Hamasistan, and Hamas is stockpiling supplies and ordinance in Gaza for the final push against Israel. Hamas went shopping for a sugar daddy and found a warm welcome with the Iranian MMs. So they have the funding and the supplies. The PA is discredited, so they have very little left in the sugar daddy dept. If there is a civil war, Hamas will stomp their asses and the takeover will be complete. In effect, Israel will have Iranian proxies on their northern and southwestern borders. Iran will initiate a war on many fronts: Israel, Iraq, Straits of Hormuz. They may get stomped, or not.
The key to getting out of all ME pickles seems to point to Iran, they are the big financial bad guy. Lots of countries now have a dog in this fight. Israelis for their existance, UAE, Saudi for protection of their oil fields, Turkey for their natural gas supplies, Iraq for their resources and independence, Chicoms for their oil, which fuels their economic machine, other oil consumers in Europe and Asia, bunch of Stans that do not want to get taken over by Iran for their oil and gas resources.
It all goes back to Iran, everything else is a defensive holding action. Since we are dealing with nutcases in Iran, the best defense is a good offence. Negotiation is a waste. But, we are not in this alone. The rest of the world is, too. The question is: will they be able to wake up in time? Sanctions will not work. There will always be someone who will circumvent the sanctions. And we do not have the time. The MMs and their little parrot Ahmadinejad think that the time is right for them to make their big moves.
Iran needs for some of its infrastructure supporting the money machine be interrupted at critical nodes. We have talked about how to do this pretty much completely at RB. Then we better be ready to decapitate the regime. Israel's long term health will depend upon what happens to Iran. Theirs is the most critical concern. The rest of us are affected, too. We collectively better realize it PDQ.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 16:59 Comments ||
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#30
AP got to the crux.
Israel now has two large, Iranian-funded, openly terrorist organizations surrounding it to the North and to the South. Both are now able to stockpile weapons pretty much without restraint. Both want to destroy Israel. I'd want to crush them asap and carefully watch the West Bank.
#31
Can't help but think that the Pals might be in for a very rude awakening - and in the very near future.
Sure it's all fire guns in air today and ululating. But what happens when Paleostine doesn't turn into a paradise with jobs and food and money for all - terrific schools and booming businesses within 2 weeks (not a patient people these)?
Will they still be so joyful within a month from now when it becomes clear that Hamas has no intention of "governing" Paleostine or "improving" anything vis a vis day to day life. Their mission is to erase Israel. That mission hasn't changed.
And now with the deep pockets of Iran funding them and the philosophies of the Taliban driving them, they see a clear path to attack.
The only "jobs" going will the house-to-house issue of suicide belts. And an order to "get on with the job".
Pals are about to experience a truly "islamic" lifestyle - just as they wanted. They're going to be mighty surprised at just how much worse things are going to get.
But for a people to embrace death as amorously as they have done, very fitting.
There is just as big a bang in imploding as exploding.
#32
Iran needs for some of its infrastructure supporting the money machine be interrupted at critical nodes.
Exactly, Alaska Paul. Hamas has no economic agenda in terms of creating a viable Palestinian industrial base for its electorate. They derive their income as proxy Iranian mercenaries and have no intention of serving the Palestinian people in anything other capacity than a military role. If Iran's economy goes @ss over teacups due to massive bombing of its petro-infrastructure, where will Hamas get their funding?
This sordid victory and self-immolation of the Palestinian people must be strangled in the cradle. Hamas wants a battle to the death and should be given nothing less than their deepest desire. We are now confronted with the gruesome spectacle of a democratically elected government sworn to terrorism. This is a people making a mass self-indictment of themselves as murderous thugs. Ignore it at your peril.
#34
. com Bush most certainly changed the game - and relative to those who preceeded him, grom, he proved that he gets it.
No he doesn't. Bush administration
(a) Provides funds that Palestinians use for terrorism and/or for the amelioration of the consequence of engaging in terrorism.
(b) Pressures Israel into moderating the retaliation --- which is the only means of controling Palestinian terrorism.
Of course, unlike his predecessors, Bush maybe perfectly sincere in believing that Paleos can change, but that doesn't make him a hero --- except to you.
#35
he's a hero to me too - Grom, your opinion doesn't count if you can't take off the blinders and see the alternatives: all worse. W has been and will be Israel's best friend, and not just because it's in our best interest. Support of Israel causes us problems, all which I consider worth it, and I believe W does as well. Does Israel do the same when they sell advanced weaponry and equipment to China??? Thanks for your continuous thankful response
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/26/2006 20:58 Comments ||
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#36
Too long perhaps, but worth a post:
Israel the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can lay claim to the following:
The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in the Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.
Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.
The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel. Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.
The Pentium microprocessor in your computer was most likely made in Israel.
Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.
Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.
The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.
Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S., Russia and China). In addition to a large variety of other aircraft, Israel's air force has an aerial arsenal of over 250
F-16s. This is the largest fleet of F-16 aircraft outside of the U. S. Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined .
Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.
According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. U.S. officials now look (finally) to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.
Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.
Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people --as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.
In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the U.S. (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).
On a per capita basis, Israel has the largest number of biotech startups.
With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and startups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world -- apart from the Silicon Valley, U.S.
Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the U.S. Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.
Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East.
The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the U.K.
Twenty-four per cent of Israel's workforce holds university degrees, ranking third in the industrialized world, after the United States and Holland and 12 per cent hold advanced degrees.
Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
In 1984 and 1991, Israel airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews (Operation Solomon) at Risk in Ethiopia, to safety in Israel.
When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, she became the world's second elected female leader in modern times.
When the U. S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya was bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the scene within a day -- and saved three victims from the rubble.
Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship - and the highest rate among women and among people over 55 - in the world.
Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth. Immigrants come in search of democracy, religious freedom, and economic opportunity. (Hundreds of thousands from the former Soviet Union)
Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as "conflict free."
Israel has the world's second highest per capita production of new books.
Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees, made more remarkable because this was achieved in an area considered mainly desert.
Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.
Israeli scientists developed the first fully computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer.
An Israeli company developed a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of medications, thus removing human error from medical treatment. Every year in U. S. hospitals 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes.
Israel's Given Imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used to view the small intestine from the inside, cancer and digestive disorders .
Researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with heart failure. The new device is synchronized with the camera helps doctors diagnose heart's mechanical operations through a sophisticated system of sensors.
Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. With over 25% of its workforce employed in technical professions, Israel places first in this category as well.
A new acne treatment developed in Israel -- the Clear Light device produces a high-intensity, ultraviolet-light-free, narrow-band blue light that causes acne bacteria to self-destruct -- all without damaging surrounding skin or tissue.
An Israeli company was the first to develop and install a large-scale solar-powered and fully functional electricity generating plant, in southern California's Mojave desert.
All the above while engaged in regular wars with an implacable enemy that seeks its destruction, and an economy continuously under strain by having to spend more per capita on its own protection than any other county on earth.
#37
I wait with batted breath to see the rationalizations that the West (including USA) will evolve to justify their continued support for the Hamas-led "Palestinian People".
I think you are wrong. Time will tell.
Flomotch - You may be onto something. I think Israel really needs a better PR department (as does the US). It may be unrealistic, but I think it would make a difference if they got a positive message to counteract all of the negative stereotypes.
And where, pray-tell, would Israel be were it not for the stalwart support of the US? Nowhere. Literally.
This does not, however, dissuade assholes and fools from posturing and preening. Our efforts are never enough, our aid is ignored - treated as their due... remind you of any other group?
The Israel-Paleo drama is the tiniest zit on the tip of the tail of the dog, yet they believe it should wag the whole damned dog. Bullshit. I've just about reached my fill.
Bush did not inherit Hamas running Paleoworld - for the first time the situation on the ground there is unmuddled by previous agreements or BS "road maps". This time he has a free hand in deciding how HE will deal with the new reality.
He and Rice say they will not fund any "govt" run by Hamas. The Euros are watching - and seem to be headed the same way, given the gist in other articles. Prolly waiting to let Bush do it and take whatever heat there may be first. But hey, we shall see, won't we?
If he cuts off aid, then will we see the dispeptic gromgoru change his tune? Nah, he'll just switch gripes. That's his gig. For a few years he's come to RB, posted short, terse, cryptic, gutteral fartlets - usually pointless. I don't expect that to change.
The State Security Court (SSC) on Wednesday sentenced two men to four-year prison terms after convicting them of plotting attacks against Americans and liquor stores in the Kingdom. The tribunal declared Musa Khader, 23, and Munther Mahmoud, 24, guilty of plotting subversive acts in 2005. The tribunal decided to acquit both defendants of charges of carrying out and plotting activity aimed at undermining Jordan's relations with another country for lack of evidence. Defence lawyer Abdul Karim Abu Kulah told The Jordan Times after the trial that he plans to appeal the verdict.
The defendants became friends while studying at a local college and talked about the need to fight Israelis and Americans, the charge sheet said. They first thought of launching military operations against the Israeli army but changed their minds and decided instead to target Americans in Aqaba and liquor stores, the charge sheet added. Later on, according to the charge sheet, the two decided to fight in Iraq and travelled to Syria where they met with a man called Abu Adam Al Tunisi who was supposed to help them infiltrate into Iraq. The two were arrested in July 2005 before being able to carry out any of their alleged plans.
In a second case on Wednesday, the SSC handed reduced sentences to two men after convicting them of charges of carrying out and plotting activity aimed at undermining Jordan's relations with another country. Iyad Ahmad, 34, was first sentenced to a five-year prison term for the charge, but his sentence was immediately reduced by the court to give him a second chance in life.
Ammar Mohammad, 19, was also handed a five-year prison term, which was reduced to three years for the same reason. The same court acquitted three other men standing trial on the same charges for lack of evidence. Anas Hassan, 19, Kais Nouredin, 24, and Hassan Khalid, 26, immediately knelt inside their prison cell and thanked God for their acquittal verdict.
The defendants met with a man identified by the prosecution as Khaldoun and they discussed the situation of fighters in Iraq and the virtues of jihad, the charge sheet said. Khaldoun offered to recruit them to fight in Iraq and they agreed and some of them also recruited others to fight in Iraq, the charge sheet said. The verdicts are subject to appeal by the SSC attorney general and the defendants.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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Two defence lawyers urged the State Security Court (SSC) on Wednesday to acquit their clients of charges of plotting activities that would undermine the Kingdom's relations with other countries. Defence lawyers Hussein Masri and Yousef Udwan claimed that their clients Basil M., 29, and Mohammad I., 25, were subjected to torture and duress by the authorities to confess to something they did not plot. The defendants are also charged with possessing illegal weapons (machineguns), and entering the Kingdom illegally while carrying the weapons.
No doubt they were tortured into carrying them...
The prosecution also failed to present any evidence to connect our clients with the charges, the defence lawyers told the court.
"Wudn't us."
"Nope. Wudn't us."
The lawyers said the prosecutor was unable to provide the court with the illegal weapons that allegedly were owned by our clients.
"Not our illegal weapons."
"Nope. Not ours."
Other defendants standing trial on the same charges include Faris S., 32, Majdi K., 21, Mohammad J., 22, Mohammad M., 29, Munem I., 31, Raed A., 33, Raouf M., 22, and Qassem M., 36. Five others are being tried in absentia for the same charges. They were identified as Ahmad A., Hussein F., Khaldoun F., Rami A., and Walid K. The defendants first met each other at a mosque and discussed the need to fight Americans in Iraq, according to the charge sheet.
"Hrarrr! Kill the infidels!"
In June 2005, some of the defendants decided to enter Syria illegally, then go fight in Iraq. Some of them crossed into Syria carrying machineguns and stayed at a farm there, the charge sheet added.
"Say! Is that a cow?"
[KERBLAM!] "No. It's beef."
The men had an argument and returned to Jordan, where the authorities apprehended them before they carried out any of their alleged plans.
"You hadda shoot that cow!"
"How wuz I to know it was somebody's pet?"
"Uhhh... Hello, officer. Nice weather we're having!"
"Drop the roscoes and step away witcher hands up!"
The tribunal adjourned the trial indefinitely to issue a verdict. At the end of the session, the defendants informed the press that 15 men standing trial at the SSC on charges of inciting the 2002 Maan riots, plan to stage a hunger strike on Saturday. They asked us to inform the press that they plan to start the hunger strike on Saturday in protest against the SSC's delay in issuing a verdict in their case, one of the defendant said. The tribunal adjourned the trial indefinitely on July 31, 2005 to issue a verdict.
"Who? Oh. Them. Nope. Still thinkin' about it. Call again next month."
When asked by The Jordan Times about the expected date to issue a verdict in the case, a senior judicial source said, no date has been set yet.
"We'll get around to it."
The 15 men are part of a group of 108 standing trial at the SSC on charges of possessing automatic weapons and unlicensed guns, and plotting subversive acts by using flammable substances. Other charges include illegal public assembly and importing weapons with the intention of using them illegally.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/26/2006 00:00 ||
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ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey reported a significant decrease in natural gas from
Iran. The Turkish Energy Ministry said natural gas from Iran has been reduced by 80 percent. The ministry said Turkey has been receiving between five and six million cubic meters of gas per day. Iran has been contracted to relay 26 million cubic meters of gas daily to Turkey through a pipeline. The gas reduction was the latest development in the troubled energy cooperation between Ankara and Teheran. Since 2004, Ankara has demanded a reduction in the price of Iranian energy.
Officials said Iran has attributed the gas reduction to a technical problem at its production facilities. They said the Iranian decline has affected Turkish and other consumers. Ankara also imports gas from Russia. They have bothersome "technical problems" with the gas pipeline but nuclear fusion be easy.
Besoeker post.
The US should tell the world that Iranian oil and gas will be sold at cost for a year to help pay back the loss from shortage of oil and gas to the world during the time we have to beat them down.
That threat is a two way street. China and Russia even France are greed supported play to it and we may even get a UN mandate or some UN troops.
#3
Including China, C-Low? Lol, not a chance. It's a good idea - for all the non-enablers. As for those who've helped these assholes for 2.5 years and more, let them pound sand.
#4
A little internal sobotage would not be a bad thing here. Good SF project. Get the world slowly use to no Iranian Oil/Gas as it is the sudden changes in supply that freak the market out.
#6
Iran's weakness, as described in an article I just submitted for posting, is that it has NO domestic gasoline refining capability and only a 45 day stock in reserve. I suggest we take out the tank farms first. Or just go for a gasoline import quaranteen.
#8
Whoa, NS, that's a serious weakness, lol. Sheesh, talk about having their asses hangin out in the breeze! They'd be frozen in place if the reserve was nailed. Are they this wide open? How many other data points would have similar debilitating effects on any notion of a response? Rail? Won't be any air. Power grids. Ventilation. Etc.
And, of course, if we hear about such vulnerabilities, then they've been bullet-points in several Pentagon plans for some time... Hit 'em everywhere it hurts.
If there is evidence of dispersal among the Black Hats, Rev Council, Guard leadership, etc., then the gig is up. I hope we drop the hammer well before that.
#10
These MMs have screwed their own pooch. They are vulnerable in their own refined products supply. And if Iran is similar to other places in the ME and third world, they get their home cooking fuel from propane cylinders. They have been squandering huge amounts of funds on nuclear power, Shahab-3 missiles, weapons development far beyond their needs, and other crap, while not taking care of their infrastructure, INCLUDING domestic refining capacity. And they do not have squat for environmental regs.
All they really offer now in terms of threats are thousands of boom-belt suicide bombers. They will have more punch if we wait until they get enough U235 for some critical masses. Time is of the essance in dealing with these nutjobs.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/26/2006 18:42 Comments ||
Top||
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.
Afghan security forces arrested two suspected suicide bombers wearing vests packed with explosives on Wednesday, hours after a grenade was thrown at an Indian consulate, police said. Police in the southern city of Kandahar said that they had received intelligence about suicide attacks and had set up a checkpoint on a road about 25 kilometres south of the city. We stopped two men riding a motorbike, pointed guns at them and ordered them not to move, said Masood Khan, a provincial police commander. They were wearing waist-coats full of explosives. Security forces had not established their identities, he said. 
Armed pirates have hijacked a merchant ship off the coast of Somalia, holding 20 of its crew hostage, an ocean crime watchdog says. The attacks, one on a United Arab Emirates (UAE) general cargo ship on Sunday and another launched from a so-called "mother ship" last Friday, come only days after a US Navy warship captured a band of suspected pirates with a cache of arms. 
Two brothers convicted of sending exports from their U.S. company to countries considered sponsors of terrorism were sentenced Wednesday to federal prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Hazim Elashi was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison and will be deported after serving his sentence. His brother Ihsan "Sammy" Elashi was given a six-year term, which will run consecutively to the four-year sentence he is currently serving.
Violence claimed the lives of 10 people in Kashmir ahead of Indias republic day, while Indian troops captured a man believed to be a militant commander who had evaded arrest for 12 years.
A helicopter with seven people aboard that disappeared near the Afghan-Pakistan border following a Red Cross mission to aid quake survivors is still missing after five days, an official said Wednesday. We are still waiting, said Red Cross spokeswoman LaylaBerlemont Shtewi said Wednesday. The search operations are still ongoing on both sides of the border. Shtewi had no information on whether the search area had been narrowed, or whether efforts had been scaled down. 
Law enforcement agencies have arrested five members of banned militant outfit 
Unidentified men blew up a section of the Quetta-Iran railway line on Wednesday. The damaged section is about three kilometres from Nushki city. Several hours later, unidentified men fired several rockets from a mountain east of the city on the newly constructed circuit house and degree college. The rockets missed their targets and hit a ground close to the college. No injuries were reported. Local administration officials reached the scene to investigate the incident.
Six people were killed and five injured when a van passed over a landmine near 
Security agencies raided the base camp of 
The 
Samawa residents are cautiously watching the situation in their city (located 270 kilometres south of Baghdad) after clashes broke out between British soldiers and al-
The State Security Court (SSC) on Wednesday sentenced two men to four-year prison terms after convicting them of plotting attacks against Americans and liquor stores in the Kingdom. The tribunal declared 
Two defence lawyers urged the State Security Court (SSC) on Wednesday to acquit their clients of charges of plotting activities that would undermine the Kingdom's relations with other countries. Defence lawyers Hussein Masri and Yousef Udwan claimed that their clients Basil M., 29, and Mohammad I., 25, were subjected to torture and duress by the authorities to confess to something they did not plot. The defendants are also charged with possessing illegal weapons (machineguns), and entering the Kingdom illegally while carrying the weapons. 
