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Saudi 'cop killers' shot dead
Today's Headlines
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Arabia
Saudi 'police killers' shot dead
Two alleged militants suspected of killing a police chief in Saudi Arabia have been shot dead by security forces, the Saudi interior ministry says. They are accused of killing the head of a police investigations department in the holy city of Mecca three days ago, a spokesman for the ministry said. The two men were stopped as they were driving near the Red Sea city of Jeddah, the spokesman added. Saudi Arabia has been fighting al-Qaeda militants for more than two years. "Security forces killed at dawn on the Mecca-Jeddah road two wanted people who are believed to have taken part in the assassination of security officer Major Mubarak Falah al-Sawwat," Interior Ministry spokesman General Mansur al-Turki told the AFP news agency. The interior ministry was quoted as saying a chase ensued after the two suspected militants were stopped in the early hours of Tuesday. They were both killed in the clash that followed, the ministry said, while three security officers were wounded, one seriously.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 08:35 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Saudi Arabia has been fighting al-Qaeda militants for more than two years.

And funding them for twelve.
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 06/21/2005 9:34 Comments || Top||

#2  The news of his death was posted earlier today. Quick justice. No interrogations, no complaints, case closed! BTW, when killed, he was a Lt. Colonel; now he's just a Major.
Posted by: Bobby || 06/21/2005 10:19 Comments || Top||

#3  "Security forces killed ... two wanted people who are believed to have taken part in the assassination ".

Hmmm.... an old tactic, make it appear the crime is solved and hope public confidence is restored and the authorities still in control. Hell, we use that tactic here too... hope nobody thinks I am drawing a parallel. They eat and we eat doesn't mean I mean we are the same. Its just that people get bamboozeled so easily and not just by scummy crimminally inclined sociopathic genetic misfits.
Posted by: Flavins Flineque6690 || 06/21/2005 10:49 Comments || Top||


Hunt On for Killers of Security Officer
Saudi authorities have vowed that they will bring the killers of Lt. Col. Mubarak Al-Sawat to justice. A senior security officer in Makkah, Al-Sawat was shot in a drive-by shooting on Saturday morning. Authorities believe that Al-Qaeda may have been involved in the murder. Security forces have launched a major manhunt to track down the unidentified gunmen who shot the officer as he stepped out of his house on way to work.

Misbah Al-Otaibi, the officer's wife, said she saw her husband lying in a pool of blood.
Which meant that she was outside without a (living) male escort, so they had to beat her.
A security source denied reports that the killers had mutilated the officer's body. Abdullah Al-Faiz, undersecretary at the Makkah governorate, who visited Al-Sawat's family to convey condolences from Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, said all of Saudi society was against the "deviant group," a term used to refer to Al-Qaeda militants. "This incident will only strengthen the resolve of society to confront the deviant group," he said, adding that the gunmen who perpetrated the crime would not escape. He said the government had not taken any unusual security measures since the incident. According to press reports, police found an axe next to the murdered officer's body and a video camera and wrapping tape on the roof of his house. The killers might have had plans to abduct him but when their operation encountered obstacles, they may have killed him on the spot, the reports said.
Or they were making an al-Q snuff video.
Posted by: Fred || 06/21/2005 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, said all of Saudi society was against the “deviant group,” a term used to refer to Al-Qaeda militants.

al-Qaeda, deviant? Ya think?

Gosh! deviant... al_Qaeda... I have to consider that one for awhile!
Posted by: BigEd || 06/21/2005 7:38 Comments || Top||

#2  We never considered that indoctrinating our children with burning and murderous hate for all non wahabbis would result in attacks on us!

Dumbasses!

Burn baby burn
Posted by: Mountain Man || 06/21/2005 16:35 Comments || Top||


Britain
Man arrested over Iraq attacks
A MAN has been arrested in northern England in connection with suicide bomb attacks on US-led coalition forces in Iraq, police said. The man was detained after around 30 officers raided a house in the Moss Side area of Manchester at 5:00 am (1400 AEST). The arrest was not connected to any threat in Britain but to "an incident overseas" involving attacks in Iraq, Greater Manchester Police said. "Since the beginning of the year, there have been a series of suicide bombings against coalition forces in Iraq," a spokesman said. "It appears that one of the suicide bombers may have travelled from the UK, where he had been living." No further details were available about the identity of the arrested man.
"We can say no more!"
Posted by: tipper || 06/21/2005 04:26 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I hope they've got a search warrant for the local Mosque as well.
Posted by: Howard UK || 06/21/2005 5:01 Comments || Top||

#2  Should we then assume the arrestee was a conducter on the Underground Railroad to Iraq?
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:18 Comments || Top||


Europe
Acquitted Sept. 11 Suspect Leaving Germany
A Moroccan acquitted of charges he helped the Sept. 11 hijackers was heading home Tuesday, two days ahead of the German deadline for him to leave the country. Abdelghani Mzoudi, 32, was aquitted in February 2004 of charges he helped Sept. 11 hijackers Mohamed Atta, Marwan al-Shehhi and Ziad Jarrah in their plot to attack the United States. He faced charges of more than 3,000 counts of accessory to murder and membership in a terrorist organization.

Testimony at his trial showed that Mzoudi trained at the same al-Qaida camps as the hijackers and was close friends with them in Hamburg. But Hamburg state court judges ruled that the prosecution failed to prove he knew anything about their plot. After his acquittal was upheld earlier this month, Hamburg's top security official, Udo Nagel, said his office was still ordering him expelled because it "stands by its view that Mzoudi threatens the free democratic order and supports terrorist organizations." Mzoudi did not comment to reporters after his arrival at Hanover's airport. A man identifying himself as a Hamburg immigration official presented Mzoudi's passport at check-in, saying he would return it once inside the restricted area. Ahead of his departure, one of his lawyers, Guel Pinar told The Associated Press that Mzoudi was looking forward to returning to his family in Marrakesh. "He's happy he's going to see his family again," she said.
This article starring:
ABDELGHANI MZUDIal-Qaeda
Hamburg's top security official, Udo Nagel
MARWAN AL SHEHIal-Qaeda
MOHAMED ATTAal-Qaeda
ZIAD JARRAHal-Qaeda
Posted by: Fred || 06/21/2005 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Hopefully a bunch of intel people are watching everything he does
Posted by: robi || 06/21/2005 0:16 Comments || Top||

#2  HAPAGFLY Hanover-Agadir, estimated local arrival time 05:55 AM
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 0:43 Comments || Top||

#3  Which is 0555 Zulu
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 0:46 Comments || Top||

#4  Wakeup call for the local CIA, be at the airport in one hour
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 0:49 Comments || Top||

#5  Right...to make sure he has a fresh Koran waiting for him - oh and don't forget the prayer rug. Wouldn't want to be insensitive now.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 06/21/2005 1:39 Comments || Top||

#6  TGA , lets hope a ghost ship is ready and waiting...his family can always reach him thru Senator Dicks office.
Posted by: Red Dog || 06/21/2005 2:21 Comments || Top||

#7  LOL, RD! I'm sick and tired of these arguments about "Well, we know he's a terrorist, hangs out with terrorists, but didn't SPECIFICALLY know their plans." I call bull$hit!
Posted by: BA || 06/21/2005 10:09 Comments || Top||

#8  Sometimes I really wonder about Germans. Mzoudi boarded a holiday charter flight to Morocco, with hundreds of German tourists, and no one protested.

If this guy is not red flagged on a NO NO FLY LIST, who needs to be?

Let him walk home to Morocco.

I hope the Moroccans dump him in one of those desert prisons.
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 13:10 Comments || Top||

#9  Who knows who was in the holiday list tho TGA. I'da felt perfect safe.... it's that 3rd connecting flight....
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:27 Comments || Top||

#10  I mean as perfectly safe has you can feel on something that requires the constant intervention of high energy hydrocarbons running through a delicate compression chamber which ensures the clever metalwork won't drop like an aluminum brick.
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:29 Comments || Top||

#11  Ignore that Gulfstream aircraft sitting on the Agadir tarmac...
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 16:45 Comments || Top||

#12  "wait! wait! I know that plane! I read about it on Rantburg©!"
Posted by: Frank G || 06/21/2005 17:47 Comments || Top||

#13  Heh
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 19:19 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Judge Throws Out Money Laundering Evidence
A federal judge threw out evidence against four men charged with laundering more than $60 million through their chain of U.S. Virgin Islands grocery stores, ruling that FBI agents acted in "reckless disregard for the truth." The ruling, released Monday, found that the FBI's search warrant was obtained improperly. It said agents, who had claimed to have seen suspicious tax records from the men, admitted they had only seen a computer printout of the records and did not thoroughly verify the evidence with the U.S. Caribbean territory's Internal Revenue Bureau. U.S. Attorney spokesman Azekah Jennings said he could not immediately comment on the ruling.

In September 2003, prosecutors indicted the four men on charges they evaded $60 million in taxes from their Plaza Extra grocery stores from 1996 to 2001, laundered the money and smuggled it to bank accounts in Amman, Jordan, and the nearby French Caribbean island of St. Martin. The agents initially said the men claimed to have made just $270,000 in 1998. A review of the original tax records showed the men reported making more than $39 million, according to the June 16 order.
That's one hell of a profitable store
"It is our hope that the government will come to its senses, that they will stop harassing these people just because they are Arabs and Muslims," said Pamela Colon, a lawyer for the men, who face from 20 to 93 years in prison if convicted.
Ah, yes. Members of the Religion Of Peace and Tax Evasion.
Colon said the evidence thrown out included more than 100,000 documents and was the backbone of the government's case against Fathi Yusuf, 62; brothers Waleed Hamed, 38, and Waheed Hamed, 41; and Yusuf's 36-year-old son, Maher. Jennings denied that the men were prosecuted because of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
This article starring:
Fathi Yusuf
Waheed Hamed
Waleed Hamed
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 13:25 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  How much evidence does this judge want to issue a warrent? A computer printout from tax records is not good enough to arrest terrorists? Was it not obtained through legal channels? They did not verify it? They are supposed to immediately assume that $39 Million from a lemonade stand is reasonable? This judge seems to represent current US jurisprudence in all of its PC idiocy.
Posted by: Gramble Thineger4320 || 06/21/2005 14:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Ever notice your Grambles are always hard-eyed with figures?
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:31 Comments || Top||

#3  they must be getting a ahell of a deal on their produce
Posted by: Thraing Hupoluper1864 || 06/21/2005 18:41 Comments || Top||

#4  Now I understand why Donald Trump makes his apprentices open lemonade stands!

Guess they sold lemons for 10$ an ounce?
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 19:15 Comments || Top||


Warm Welcome in Texas for Minutemen
(GOLIAD, TEXAS) -- There was no shortage of volunteers last night as the controversial Minuteman civilian border patrol organization gathered in this historic south Texas town to organize anti illegal immigrant activities in Texas. Many volunteers said illegal immigration needs to be stopped, and since the federal government is unable or unwilling to do it, then its up to civilians to step in and get it done. "Our children can't get out into our yards," rancher and Texas Minuteman leader Bill Parmley told the group. "We're afraid. Something has to be done." The location of the meeting in Goliad was significant. The city was the home of many of the volunteers who died fighting the Mexican army at the Alamo in 1836. The unit which delivered a cannon the Alamo along with a flag that carried the defiant message 'come and take it.'

Many volunteers complained that their lives have been 'turned upside down' by the surge in illegal immigration. They told of having illegals kicking down doors, damaging their property, and stealing livestock.
And there was a lot of frustration with what the volunteers perceived to be the federal government's inaction on the problem. "We have met with our senators, we have sent letters to President Bush, we have gone all the way to Washington, and still no response," Parmley told 1200 WOAI's Charity McCurdy. "All we're doing is what President bush asked us to do after 9-11, to be observant citizens and look for suspicious activity and call it in. That's all we're doing."

But several civil rights leaders at the rally said the Minutemen go a lot further than that. Che Lopez compared the volunteers at last night's rally to the Ku Klux Klan. "Just basically racially profiling people. Pulling them out of their cars. Intimidating them."

Minutemen organizer Chris Simcox said he plans to have four chapters of the group patrolling the Texas-Mexico border in October. A Minuteman action in Arizona in April had mixed results. "We are here at the invitation of Texans," Simcox said. "Over 7,000 requests from citizens of Texans who are fed up with President Bush, and are growing weary of the situation we have on our borders."

But not all Texans are excited about the presence of the Minutemen in Texas, and one of them is Senator John Cornyn, who this weekend introduced a measure calling for comprehensive changes in border security, and the hiring of 10,000 additional sworn officers of the U.S. Border Patrol. "I don't think that it is in the best interests of the country to have untrained people, who not withstanding their best of intentions, might find themselves involved in violent and unexpected situations along our border," Cornyn said, adding that he understands the 'frustrations' of the Minutemen and their supporters. "I recognize that citizens think it has fallen to them in the absence of the federal government living up to its responsibilities to provide that security along our border."

But last night in Golaid, volunteers weren't interested in Senate resolutions or debates on international migration. They are increasingly frustrated with that they see as a growing threat to their lives and the security of the United States, and they want action. "I don't think that the federal government has the ability to take care of it," one volunteer said. "I think they need help, and I'm ready to help."
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 13:01 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I really think this will be a big talking point of the next elections. I voted for Bush both times but I wouldn't vote for him again if it were possible. He has really failed the country on this issue.

Why do I have to take off my shoes and get padded down to board a plane but illegals can walk across the border with impunity? It only a matter of time - maybe long maybe short - but one day we will get hit again from someone who walked right on in.

I support the Minutemen and hope the continue to gain notoriaty as long as they play it safe and legally. It will take only 1 incident for everything they've done to be wiped away. I'd venture as far as to say the MSM probably already have prewritten headlines waiting to be published.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam || 06/21/2005 13:15 Comments || Top||

#2  The situation is a lot easier then is being let on. 99% of the illegals come through narrow corridors that have very strict limitations. First, there must be a departure city and an arrival city, or at least transport near roads at your destination. Second, it must have passable terrain obstacles, no mountains, no huge stretches of desert, reasonable weather. So all that really must be done is to block these corridors.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 06/21/2005 13:30 Comments || Top||

#3  I think if they want or need to let more Mexicans in they should simply raise the annual limit of legal immigrations. The race card the "activist" pulled was just plain BS.
We have immigration laws in place and Bush (and numerous other previous presidents have failed to enforce them or take more precautions. (Especially after 9-11.)

You can't let in 10 million Mexicans and then just turn away a boat load of Chinese in NY. We have laws with limits. They should be enforced.

I side with the minutemen simply because we all know if Bush's ranch had people breaking fences and stealing shit they would be shot on sight. These people work hard to get their houses and property. It's ridiculous their requests for government help falls on deaf ears.
Bush and the republicans will suffer for decades if the next terrorist attack comes through this area.
Posted by: 98zulu || 06/21/2005 13:57 Comments || Top||

#4  don't mess with Texas
Posted by: 2b || 06/21/2005 15:52 Comments || Top||

#5  98zulu: Bush and the republicans will suffer for decades if the next terrorist attack comes through this area.

GWB doesn't care. He's in there to do what he said he would do. Nothing in there about illegal immigratiion. The fact that he doesn't care is a feature when you share his views - it's a liability when he doesn't. But look on the bright side - we only don't agree with him on a small list of issues. If McCain or Kerry had been elected, that roster would be miles long. Fact is - no presidential candidate is going to give you everything you want. Reagan raised payroll taxes, cut and ran from Lebanon and approved an illegal alien amnesty. GWB has at least not raised taxes or backed down from the War on Terror. Even his immigration proposal isn't a full-fledged amnesty, which is why liberals are howling about it.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 06/21/2005 15:59 Comments || Top||

#6  good point zf
Posted by: 2b || 06/21/2005 16:05 Comments || Top||

#7  Aw fooey, Texas is fun to stir up.
Posted by: Mississippi || 06/21/2005 18:34 Comments || Top||

#8  Did anyone see those cubans who converted the vintage taxi into a boat to escape Fidel and come to America last week? I say let those folks in, and block all the freakin Mexicales until they get creative and build a blimp or something like the Cubans. Extra points for ingenuity.
Posted by: Mountain Man || 06/21/2005 18:39 Comments || Top||

#9  LOL! Right on, Mountain Man!
Posted by: Sheik Abu Bin Ali Al-Yahood || 06/21/2005 21:50 Comments || Top||

#10  Illegal immigration could be cut off at the knees by removing the economic incentives for it. First, give notice that starting 1 August 2005, anyone who employees illegal aliens WILL be fined $1,000 per head up to $10,000. If more than 10 illegal aliens are employed, the manager of the operation will be imprisoned for 1 year, the sentence increased by one year for each additional 10 illegals employed. For large corporations, everyone in the chain of command up to and including the chairman of the board will be imprisoned for at least 1 year. Second, make it illegal for individuals to wire money from the US to Mexico. Third, arrest and deport every illegal found. Fourth, NO MORE ANCHOR BABIES. Children born to illegals SHOULD NOT BE CITIZENS.
Posted by: RWV || 06/21/2005 22:05 Comments || Top||

#11  RVW - That would sure as hell do it - if enforced, anyway. The first Evening News perp-walk would tie this wound off.
Posted by: .com || 06/21/2005 22:13 Comments || Top||

#12  Now this is amusing.. The GOP is in charge of all branches, yet still the illegal immigrations continues! Guess the "small" business owners who are the backbone of the GOP still like that cheap labor as they play fast and loose with the immigrations laws!
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 22:32 Comments || Top||

#13  BTW--nice SPIN on that ZF-Carl must be blushing
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 22:34 Comments || Top||

#14  hi nmm. loneg time no see.
Posted by: muck4doo || 06/21/2005 22:35 Comments || Top||

#15  NMM, WTF?
How about it's the Dhimmicrats who won't do bupkus about immigration because they love all those dumb and blind illegal immigrant voters!
Notice the Dims have *NO* policy or plans to deal with this problem.
President Bush needs to do more on this and I believe he will, but until that time, the Minutemen are doing a terrific job.
And I love it that this was in Goliad where one of my Texas ancestors died at the infamous Goliad Massacre!
Posted by: Jennie Taliaferro || 06/21/2005 22:50 Comments || Top||

#16  But who would mow the lawn?
Posted by: Hank || 06/21/2005 22:51 Comments || Top||

#17  hi jennie! :)

lonng time no see.
Posted by: muck4doo || 06/21/2005 23:03 Comments || Top||

#18  Nice to see you again Jennie! But the business model embraced by our GOP rulers depends on cheap labor--we don't want any of the Communist Unions guaranteeing workers a living wage! Know when the LAST time the Fed minimum wage was raised? Wanna raise a family on that? So much for compassion in your Conservatism
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 23:05 Comments || Top||

#19  And by the Grace of God--I've been spared with any contact with TX--except changing planes in DFW on my way to LA from NYC--how's that for a stereotype?
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 23:09 Comments || Top||

#20  RWV - you are absolutely correct. We should enforce the existing laws and strip away the corprate veil which protects executives from the decisions in this matter. If Wallmart wants to enploy 5000 illegals then the CEO should be liable for 500 years. I bet they will drop the illegals so fast your head would spin. Oh and extend the same to those officals who create 'sainctuary' cities and counties -- sorry but Federal Law trumps.

And I don't buy that 'but we need the workforce' BS either. If they paid decent [non-slave] wages then they will have the workforce. And if you really need to import workers then CHANGE THE FRIGGING LAWS and allow more LEGAL immigration or guest workers (as long as they apply from OUTSIDE the united states and undergo the full background checks just like everyone else who LEGALLY immigrates.)

Also deport any illegals aliens who are here.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/21/2005 23:50 Comments || Top||

#21  NMM wrote: Know when the LAST time the Fed minimum wage was raised? Wanna raise a family on that?

Raised a while back. Inflation has been 1 - 2% in the meantime. Very few adults actually get minimum, most folks (especially in urban areas) get $8.00/hr at the bottom of the scale. In my village the kids at the Mickey D's are getting $8.00/hr.

And the minimum wage is not the last wage you'll ever have in life if you have any motivation at all. I realize Democrats get all locked in on this, but a little education, some hard work, a willingness to work to get ahead, and you can do pretty decently. Lots of folks do. Ask some of the folks around Rantburg.
Posted by: Steve White || 06/21/2005 23:56 Comments || Top||

#22  Dr Steve, lol, you're just so darn nice! Lol!

*taking notes*

;-)
Posted by: .com || 06/21/2005 23:59 Comments || Top||

#23  Steve - but what about all the free food, resposibility-free sex, drugs, and booze the Democrats have been promising for the past 30 years?

You mean we have to *work* for it?

Damn!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/21/2005 23:59 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Bomb kills [anti-Syrian] politician in Lebanon
An anti-Syrian politician has been killed in a bomb blast in the Lebanese capital Beirut, police say. George Hawi, the former leader of the Lebanese Communist Party, died when the blast destroyed his car in the Wata Musaitbi district of the city.
Mr Hawi is the second anti-Syrian figure to die in Beirut this month. The attack comes a day after the anti-Syrian bloc gained a majority in Lebanon's elections, the first since Damascus ended its 29-year occupation.
Anti Syrian you say? Who'da thunk it...?

Additional: Lebanese minister of justice Khaled Qabbani said that the explosion which claimed the life of the former secretary general of the Lebanese communist party George Hawi today in Wata al-Mseitbeh area in Beirut was controlled by remote control. Security sources expected the explosive to have had been placed under Hawi's seat in the car. Witnesses said that the car completed its running after the explosion for 300 meters and they heard the driver shouting and then he jumped from the window, injured, while George Hawi's was suffering great damage in his stomach. The witnesses added that Hawi was alive the moment he was taken out of the car, but he died immediatly after because his injuries were very grave.
Worthy mentioning that Hawi was an opposition for the policies of the Lebanese government and some of Syria's policies. However, he was known for his moderate attitude in calling for a new phase of reciprocated respects between the two states.
Posted by: Howard UK || 06/21/2005 04:03 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ballots & Bullets?
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/21/2005 7:47 Comments || Top||

#2  Saying goodbye and letting go is really hard for syrians.
Posted by: Tkat || 06/21/2005 9:03 Comments || Top||

#3  Well at least he was one of those "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" kind of allies. Communist Party
Posted by: C-Low || 06/21/2005 9:49 Comments || Top||

#4  Well, that didn't take long:
Lebanese communist party accuses Israel of killing Hawi
Lebanon, Politics, 6/21/2005

In the first reactions to the assassination of the former secretary general of the Lebanese communist party, George Hawi, the party's secretary general Khalil Hadadeh who arrived at the site of the explosion accused "intelligence instruments and Israel of such a series of aggressions."
However, Elias Atallah, an opposition politician held elements supporting Syria the responsibility of the incident, noting that Hawi was opposing the Syrian presence in Lebanon and the return back of its intelligence to the area.

The Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati said that the assassination is aimed at the security of the Lebanese state and "we see one who wants to undermine our security and sends message of such kind (assassination). But I am sure that all Lebanese are attached to their unity and homeland. On this ground I made certain contacts with the security departments to carry out the investigations and I am all hope this will lead to ensure security to the citizens."
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 12:26 Comments || Top||


Iraq-Jordan
Many Iraqi Groups Involved in Drafting Constitution
Posted by: Shing Wheagum4875 || 06/21/2005 16:49 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  this interesting article was written by an Iraqi blogger. Waiting for MSM to pick this up....
tick tick tick....
Posted by: GK || 06/21/2005 18:05 Comments || Top||

#2  On the other hand I have a fresh Constitution here, written by a pompous French aristocrat, only refused twice by the people.

I mean, it's barely been used, almost brand new..really

Comes in nice blue leather print, too.
Posted by: True German Ally || 06/21/2005 19:18 Comments || Top||

#3  ROFL, TGA!!!

Bona-fide gut-buster, Lol! *kudos*
Posted by: .com || 06/21/2005 19:28 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine
Failed Suicide Bomber Wants to Kill Jews (and Israeli Mercy)
Bark!
Howl at the moon!
Whimper!
Sorry. No boom for you!
A badly burned Palestinian woman was alternately defiant and tearful Monday after Israeli soldiers caught her trying to enter Israel with 22 pounds of explosives hidden on her body. The woman, who suffered serious burns on her hands, feet and neck in a kitchen explosion five months ago, had been granted permission to cross into Israel from the Gaza Strip for medical treatment when she raised the suspicion of soldiers at the Erez checkpoint.
so she took advantage of Israeli kindness
Video released by the military showed 21-year-old Wafa al-Biss taking off articles of clothing on the orders of soldiers searching for explosives, and rubbing her disfigured neck with her burned hands and screaming. The military said she tried to blow up the explosives Monday but failed and was not injured.
That's too bad, except that she might have taken somebody with her to the great beyond...
At the Shikma Prison in Israel's Negev Desert, where the Shin Bet security service allowed Israeli TV reporters to interview her, al-Biss said she was determined to carry out a suicide attack against Israel because of its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. ''My dream was to be a martyr,'' she said, adding that she was recruited by the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a violent offshoot of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. ''I believe in death.''
they all seem to have a strong belief system that way
Then why not hook a hose up to your car's exhaust and suck deep? It isn't death she believes in, but vile hatred that's much uglier than her disfigured neck and hands...
Sitting calmly across from an Israeli TV interviewer, the young woman with large brown eyes and curly dark hair pulled back in a ponytail said her decision had nothing to do with her disfigurement, which might make her less desirable as a bride.
yeah, right
''Don't think that because of how I look I wanted to carry out an attack,'' said al-Biss. ''Since I was a little girl I wanted to carry out an attack.''
I wanted to cure diseases and help people. I like me better.
However, her story grew more contradictory as the interview progressed. After more than an hour, she began to lose her composure and changed her story.
when she realized she was in deep doo doo
In a separate interview with foreign reporters, she asserted that she had undergone treatment at a Gaza hospital for her burns, where someone apparently planted the explosives on her body without her knowledge.
20 pounds of explosives planted on her without her knowldege. too funny!
"Here y'go, baby! Try this on!"
"Ooooh! Kinky! It ain't gonna go off, is it?"
"No, no! Certainly not!"
''I did not intend to carry out an attack,'' she said, at which point Israeli security officials told reporters she was lying.
this, after she kept trying to actuate the trigger when she was caught. ya can't make this stuff up, folks!!!
''I didn't kill anyone. Do you think they will forgive me? Do you think they will give me any mercy?'' she asked. ''I hope they show me mercy. I didn't kill anyone.''
you forgot that little part about how you tried to blow yerself up, though. slip yer mind?
Then al-Biss terminated the interview, saying she was exhausted.
I wonder if it was cuz the reporters were laughing so hard?
Israeli military spokeswoman Maj. Sharon Feingold expressed outrage that Palestinian militants used a humanitarian case as a suicide bomber. ''These terror organizations are not only the enemies of the Israelis, but also of the Palestinian people themselves, who suffer as a result of this abuse of the young, the sick, the wounded,'' she said.
and where is the paleo outrage? If it ain't Jews, it ain't worth seething over, I guess!
At one point al-Biss agreed with a reporter that she might have been a victim of the militants, breaking down and sobbing, ''Forgive me, mother.''
Posted by: PlanetDan || 06/21/2005 15:35 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Israeli military spokeswoman Maj. Sharon Feingold expressed outrage that Palestinian militants used a humanitarian case as a suicide bomber." Outrage yes, surpise no. It also tells you that they are having dificulties recruiting from the general population. I wondedr if she got her 72 males before they sent her off to become a murderer?
Posted by: Cyber Sarge || 06/21/2005 16:38 Comments || Top||

#2  Jeeze Louise! What a piece of work. These folks are hopeless. Finish the wall. Shut off the humanitarian gestures. Install counterbattery weapons. Separate from the Paleos. Oh, yes, and make plans to phase out water supply from Israel to Gaza. They can desalinate their own saline wells, for all the thanks they give to Israel.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/21/2005 16:49 Comments || Top||

#3  Amen, Alaska Paul.
Posted by: mmurray821 || 06/21/2005 16:59 Comments || Top||

#4  Amen AP - and get MEAN
Posted by: Frank G || 06/21/2005 17:43 Comments || Top||

#5  Obviously the bitch needs to die
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 23:12 Comments || Top||

#6  AP - your an old softie!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/21/2005 23:39 Comments || Top||


Iraq-Jordan
New Iraqi Airmen stage first operational airlift mission
6/16/2005 - NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airmen representing the new Iraqi Air Force have successfully executed the first airlift operation mission since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The mission not only marks a great accomplishment for the emerging Iraqi Air Force, but it also directly supports the protection of Iraq's power grid.
"The mission, dubbed 'Operation Iraqi Power,' while simple in nature and tactical in design, directly supports a complicated strategic plan to stabilize Iraq," said Lt. Col. James McClellan, the New Al Muthana Air Base U.S. commander, who is deployed from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. "At first glance, moving some cargo isn't a big deal since it occurs every day. However, this operation is filled with firsts — it's the first time the Iraqi Air Force aerial transporters have prepared cargo without significant U.S. assistance, and it's the first time New Al Muthana Air Base has been used to stage an operational mission."

The mission began when the Ministry of Electricity put in an airlift request to move equipment from Baghdad to Basrah to be used by the Ministry's Energy, Pipeline Security Services to protect Iraq's energy distribution system from insurgent attacks. That request was the catalyst for Operation Iraqi Power. Working from a base that still shows battle scars from Operation Desert Storm and the 2003 invasion that finally toppled Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi Airmen began processing and palletizing the cargo for airlift. In a little under five days, everything was ready and the first Iraqi Air Force C-130 to fly this operation sat ready for loading. It would take five chalks to complete the operation. Although the Iraqi aerial port Airmen have been trained in airlift operations, their success was directly tied to the support of the men and women of the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Baghdad International Airport.

"They have been involved since the start with planning assistance and the use of critical material handling equipment, and their efforts helped ensure the success of this operation," said Col. Daniel Kornacki, 447th Air Expeditionary Group commander, who is deployed from his position as the vice commander of the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

To help prepare the Iraqi Airmen to take over airlift missions, and ultimately function as an Iraqi equivalent of Air Mobility Command, the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq is helping to rebuild New Al Muthana Air Base, in training Airmen and in establishing a chain of command in keeping with Iraqi military tradition. That tradition is reflected in the stories of men who suffered under Saddam Hussein, but are now dedicated to building a free Iraq.

One such story tells of one of a new Iraqi Airman who was a fighter pilot during the Iran-Iraq war. While flying a mission into Iran, he refused orders to fire on a school house. Immediately upon landing back in Iraq, he was arrested, and spent nearly 15 years in prison—finally to be liberated when coalition forces invaded at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"This is a fresh start for the Iraqi Air Force, and these men have trained hard," Tech. Sgt. John Spry said with pride. Deployed from the 49th Material Maintenance Support Squadron, Holloman AFB, N.M., Sergeant Spry is serving as a member of the coalition military assistance training team for MNSTC-I. "Operation Iraqi Power is offering them an opportunity to take another step towards freedom and security for their families," he said. Most of the men accomplishing this historic mission are thankful for the chance to help develop an Air Force to be proud of, despite constant threats from insurgents—threats against their lives and even their families.

For these Airmen, and their comrades serving in other areas of the new Iraqi military, the price of freedom is high—but it's a price they are willing to pay for the sake of their children.

One such dedicated Airman, Warrant Officer Hasen, paused while preparing cargo for shipment, and struggled to find the words in English to express his thoughts. "I thank my American teachers, and all Americans who (are) helping us," he said. "They leave everything behind—their home, their family, their children—to come bring freedom. We will tell our children, and they (will) tell (the) next generation—(that) you helped build (a) new (Iraqi) Air Force. I tell your family—they can be proud of you. Thank you. Thank you."
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 16:16 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Al-Qaida Announces Iraqi Suicide Squad
CAIRO, Egypt - Iraq's most feared terror group said Tuesday that it has formed a unit of potential suicide attackers who are exclusively Iraqis, an apparent bid to deflect criticism that most suicide bombers in Iraq are foreigners. Al-Qaida in Iraq announced the unit in an Internet posting signed by Abu Maysara al-Iraqi, the group's purported spokesman. The statement could not be authenticated, but it appeared on an Islamic Web site known for carrying messages from militant groups.

"In response to God's decree, and the heavy insistence of the (Iraqi) brothers and their longing for paradise, the Ansar platoon from the land of Iraq has been formed," the posting said. "Dozens hurried to register their names to meet their God," the posting said. It told of one Iraqi youth who had rebuked his leader for failing to give him a suicide assignment, telling him he would complain to God on the Day of Judgment because "you prevented me from meeting my God."

The U.S. military has said foreign fighters are a small percentage — perhaps one in 10 — of the insurgents fighting the U.S. presence in Iraq. They do a disproportionate amount of killing, however, in part because they are more likely to carry out suicide bombings. U.S. and other analysts say the foreign fighters are primarily Islamic militants waging what they regard as jihad or holy war, while the much larger homegrown, mostly Sunni Arab, insurgency has tended to be motivated more by political grievance and factional rivalry. Al-Qaida in Iraq is led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian. It has claimed responsibility for many of the bloodiest attacks on coalition and Iraqi targets since the 2003 overthrow of the dictator Saddam Hussein.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 13:22 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It told of one Iraqi youth who had rebuked his leader for failing to give him a suicide assignment, telling him he would complain to God on the Day of Judgment because "you prevented me from meeting my God

either somethings been lost in translation, or this guy is EXTREMELY logic-challenged.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 13:57 Comments || Top||

#2  LH - can't it be both? ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/21/2005 14:43 Comments || Top||

#3  The Monty Python elite suicide squad pops into mind when I see that title.
Posted by: mmurray821 || 06/21/2005 14:58 Comments || Top||

#4  I'd put close guard on the short bus routes and what passes for half-way houses, and mount a PR campaign for folks to keep an eye on they little slower buddies.

yes, ima serious
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:35 Comments || Top||

#5  Too bad suicide fighters only work once boys, or else we might be scared.

In Israel, they are arming army checkpoints with sensor arrays that send out a microwave signal in an attempt to ignite electronic timers when they come within 50 feet of a checkpoint, premature explosions, but still dangerous.

VBIED's can often be very, very big bombs though, so the situation might not be the same for the technology implementation. 50 feet may not be near enough.

MM
Posted by: Mountain Man || 06/21/2005 15:55 Comments || Top||

#6  That neuron-challenged fool will undoubtedly soon have something else to thank American soldiers for. Let him try attacking some Marines and they'll make damn sure he gets a chance to see his God pronto.
Posted by: mac || 06/21/2005 17:50 Comments || Top||

#7  Howz about giving them all some of Jimmy Jones' Kool-Aid.
Posted by: anymouse || 06/21/2005 18:45 Comments || Top||

#8  Any Iraqi who hits his own family with a suicide bomb, the following should happen. The Iraqi government levels that person's neighborhood.
Posted by: Floger Glavising3104 || 06/21/2005 19:33 Comments || Top||

#9  Sigh.
Posted by: .com || 06/21/2005 19:36 Comments || Top||

#10  There are no veteran suicide bombers.
Posted by: Hank || 06/21/2005 22:48 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan/South Asia
Afghan and U.S. forces kill 32 Taliban, retake town
Hundreds of Afghan police backed by U.S. air strikes retook control on Tuesday of a district capital in southwestern Afghanistan that was overrun by the Taliban, killing 32 guerrillas, police said. The guerrillas seized Mian Nishin, capital of the district of the same name in Kandahar province last week, capturing 30 police officers and a district chief. They executed eight policemen before announcing the release of the other 23 people. About 400 police took part in the operation to force the guerrillas out of Mian Nishin, said deputy provincial police chief Salim Khan.

"We chased the Taliban to an area 10 km (6 miles) north," Khan told Reuters. "We found them in a village called Murghai and as a result of the clashes there, 11 Taliban were killed and 15 suspects were arrested." Khan said another 21 guerrillas were killed by U.S. air strikes in support of the operation. He gave no details on whether there were any government casualties. Lieutenant Cindy Moore, a spokeswoman for the U.S. military, confirmed an operation involving U.S. forces was under way but said she could not give details while it was in progress.

Hundreds of people have been killed in a surge in guerrilla violence in Afghanistan in the past few months, raising security concerns for parliamentary elections to be held on Sept. 18.

TOP U.S. GENERAL VISITS

General John Abizaid, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, met Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday as part of a visit to the country. State television said security forces had captured Mullah Naqibullah Akhundzada, a Taliban commander active in Ghazni province south of Kabul. It said he was caught with six other Taliban members but did not say when. U.S. air strikes killed 15 to 20 guerrillas on Sunday in neighboring Helmand province and Afghan officials reported 21 more militant deaths in clashes later in the day.

Mian Nishin is in the north of Kandahar province, about 400 km (250 miles) southwest of the Afghan capital Kabul, and was the scene of operations by Afghan and U.S.-led forces last week in which government officials said nine guerrillas were killed.

In another incident in Kandahar province on Tuesday, a driver employed by the Afghan-U.N. election body was wounded and another man was killed when their vehicle came under attack, U.N. officials said. Taliban spokesman Abdul Latif Hakimi telephoned Reuters to claim responsibility for the attack. But Terrence White, the Joint Electoral Management Body's regional spokesman, said it was unclear whether the Taliban were involved.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 13:17 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq-Jordan
'Enemy on enemy' fire signals rebel split in Iraq
Marines patrolling this desert region near the Syrian border have for months been seeing a strange trend in the complex Iraqi insurgency. Insurgents, they say, have been fighting each other in this constellation of towns along the Euphrates, from Husayba to Qaim. The observations offer a new clue in the hidden world of the insurgency and suggest that there may have been, as American commanders suggest, a split between Islamic militants and local rebels.

A United Nations official who served in Iraq last year and who consulted widely with militant groups said by telephone that there had been a split for some time. "There is a rift," said the official, who requested anonymity. "I'm certain that the nationalist Iraqi part of the insurgency is very much fed up with the jihadists' grabbing the headlines and carrying out the sort of violence that they don't want against innocent civilians."
Posted by: Glains Theash7392 || 06/21/2005 11:37 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  And it looks like the media is taking the Jihadi ride...
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/21/2005 12:34 Comments || Top||

#2  Not unusual. In China the Nationalists and Communists spent almost as much effort fighting each other as they did the Japanese.
Posted by: Dreadnought || 06/21/2005 12:39 Comments || Top||

#3  Why are UN officials consulting with "militant groups" in Iraq?
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:44 Comments || Top||

#4  In China the Nationalists and Communists spent almost as much effort fighting each other as they did the Japanese.

If you asked Stilwell, the Nationalists didn't spend much time fighting anyone.

I'm certain that the nationalist Iraqi part of the insurgency is very much fed up with the jihadists' grabbing the headlines

I suspect this is the real issue, much more than the murder of innocent civilians. Baathists never seemed to worried about that before.
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 06/21/2005 12:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Good question, trailing wife. Though we all know the answer -- especially when he spills the one about "nationalist" part of the "insurgency". Ya know, the "nationalists" who are the leaders or lackeys of a tiny minority of unelected, corrupt, genocidal, criminals who looted the country and murdered millions. Ya know, "nationalist."

This red-on-red fighting has been going on for some time out west. It's often as not tied up with tribal feuds, personalities, $$$$, and the usual idiocy as with the purported noble delicacy of the proud "nationalist" parasite thugs so dear to the anonymous "UN official."
Posted by: Verlaine in Iraq || 06/21/2005 12:55 Comments || Top||

#6  Dreadnought: Not unusual. In China the Nationalists and Communists spent almost as much effort fighting each other as they did the Japanese.

Different situation here. The Japanese were in no position to destroy either the Communists or the Nationalists. And the Communists and the Nationalists were certainly in no position to destroy the Japanese. An all-out effort by either the Nationalists or the Communists to go after the Japanese would have been a waste of Chinese lives, because only Uncle Sam had the kind of military power required to beat them.

Saddam's people have the potential to topple the present government. They know how to run the government, and remain able to identify and kill government officials at will, meaning that the repressive organs of Saddam's government remain largely intact. By contrast, the Shiites and the Kurds were never able to do anything like this when Saddam was in power. If Iraq's Baathists want to regain power, they can't rely on some outside power to do for them (unlike China during WWII). And the closer they get to victory, the more they'll want to slaughter potential opponents. Baathists don't want to share power with al Qaeda, and al Qaeda doesn't want to share power with Baathists.

In context, both Chinese and Iraqi guerrilla infighting makes sense - the Chinese were fighting each other to remain top dog after Uncle Sam beat the Japanese, and the Iraqi guerrillas are fighting each other for the keys to the kingdom after Uncle Sam leaves. Anyone who reads the American media could be forgiven for thinking that Uncle Sam is about to bail out of Iraq. The infighting could be a sign that Iraqi guerrillas are about to lose - or it could be a sign that Iraqi guerrillas think that they're about to win, that the endgame for the US presence in Iraq is in sight.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 06/21/2005 12:58 Comments || Top||

#7  My point was basically that any time you have two different factions fighting a common enemy the parties involved must do two things simultaneously:

1. Defeat the current enemy
2. Position oneself advantageously for the next conflict

This poses a problem, though. If you do too much of the fighting, you could be spent as a fighting force, giving your erstwhile ally an easy road to usurp power. On the other hand, if you do too little fighting, all the accolades (and political prestige) go to the more combative group.

The Japanese were in no position to destroy either the Communists or the Nationalists. And the Communists and the Nationalists were certainly in no position to destroy the Japanese.
I would assert that unless we have a shift in political will in our country, this statement is going to hold true for us as well. Unless we stem the flow of jihadis from Syria, Saudi and possibly Iran, we'll face a never-ending stream of cannon fodder who are content to kill one of us for every hundred of them.
Posted by: Dreadnought || 06/21/2005 13:28 Comments || Top||

#8  Dread, I don't think it's that bad. I'm more in line (like yesterday's article) that maybe this is a good sign. Personally, I wish for faster please (I'd rather 'em kill each other than our guys), but the escalation in violence could be the beginning of the end (much like the many Pacific battles cited at the end of WWII). Like someone said yesterday, wars don't fizzle out, they go out with a bang! I think the public in Iraq is starting to get very tired of the jihadis and hopefully, will squash 'em like a bug soon.
Posted by: BA || 06/21/2005 13:49 Comments || Top||

#9  why is the UN consulting the insurgents? obviously to help beat the insurgency.

Abu ben boomie: Ive brought you all to this meeeting to meet our new Consultant, Thomas Howell of Howell Management Systems, Inc. Hes going to help us right-size our organization, establish a strategic vision, write a mission statement, and break down organizational stovepipes. Id like you to stop whatever else it is you are doing when he asks to interview you. First he will interviewing everyone in our organization Jihadi Killers of Iraq, in order to fully document our genocide processes, look for duplication of effort, and evaluate our metrics.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 14:02 Comments || Top||

#10  seriously, I think this must be one of the guys sent to ask if they wanna surrender. Didnt work of course, cause only Iraqis can do the rug dealing necessary to accomplish that.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 14:04 Comments || Top||

#11  "He's going to help us right-size our organization, establish a strategic vision, write a mission statement, and break down organizational stovepipes"

Uh oh, I've been in one of those sessions. It made me want to go on a killing rampage, could be trouble.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 14:14 Comments || Top||

#12  My takeaways from this are: (1) guerrilla infighting doesn't really show whether they're losing or winning - it could mean either and (2) guerrilla infighting could be good for Uncle Sam's efforts in Iraq in the sense that they could kill each other off, or bad, if it leads to the unification of the factions, meaning that they can coordinate large-scale operations instead of each faction jealously guarding its resources and carrying out penny packet deployments.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 06/21/2005 14:25 Comments || Top||

#13  I remember watching the NCAA basketball tournament a few years ago with some friends, and seeing LSU playing Clemson. I'm not a fan of college basketball, and I wasn't in a pool that year, so I didn't care who won. I just sat there nursing my beer, happily shouting "Go Tigers!" every time somebody scored.

I imagine those Marines feel something similar.
Posted by: Mike || 06/21/2005 14:48 Comments || Top||

#14  You know I was tabbed for OverLord by Marshall before Ike don't 'ya. But no! You speak a little slant and off you go. Shit, I should'a killed the peanut myself and saved the world a lot of trouble.
Posted by: V. Joe || 06/21/2005 15:41 Comments || Top||

#15  Cheer up! The UN consulting widely with militant groups means the demise is near. Wonder how many insurgents were raped by the UN consultant(s)?
Posted by: Captain America || 06/21/2005 15:42 Comments || Top||

#16  That's cold, Captain A.

True, but cold. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/21/2005 16:15 Comments || Top||

#17  Sometimes it is a shame they have such poor aim.
Posted by: Sorge || 06/21/2005 20:34 Comments || Top||

#18  Quite funny LiberalHawk--but if Abu ben Boomie were a GOP plant he'd also mention that he was there to gut their retirement plan, give a free ride to the relatives of the Baath Party who have more wealth--then mention that he's a compassionate Islamist (Conservative) You'd have to wonder where he got that agenda?
Posted by: NotMikeMoore || 06/21/2005 22:46 Comments || Top||


Vietnam vets in Iraq see 'entirely different war'
Great article. Read it all.
Browning, 56, of Paradise, Calif., and Weatherhead, 57, of Elk Grove, Calif., are grandfathers. They first flew combat missions in Vietnam, before most of the soldiers in the current Army were born. They and others their age are here with the National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division, which includes some of the oldest soldiers to serve in combat for the modern U.S. Army. Few soldiers or officers in the military, other than the service's top generals, are as old.
Posted by: tu3031 || 06/21/2005 12:01 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Fabulous and important article. And from USA Today, which means it will get lots of exposure. Thanks for posting it, tu.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:41 Comments || Top||

#2  This article will get buried by the press, since there is no goom and doom.

In my unit here, I've spoken to 3(!) Viet vets serving with me. They concur that this war is way different (better run, better equipped, etc), and that the VC/NVA were a lot tougher than the current pansies that we are fighting. The VC/NVA were more civilized, too. Which is an interesting thing to say.
Posted by: N guard || 06/21/2005 12:42 Comments || Top||

#3  Actually, N guard, the article is front-page, top-fold, centerpiece, complete with a photo of CWO Browning at FOB Speicher with his younger self's photo. The subtitle specifically notes: "Vietnam VETS IN IRAQ see 'entirely different war': Graying soldiers cite support among locals and Americans."

HOOAH/OORAH! :-)
Posted by: Edward Yee || 06/21/2005 13:21 Comments || Top||

#4  No, it can't be a different war. They are exactly the same. All wars are VietNam.
LBJ = Nixon = Bush = Hitler.

That's why we here on DU ... Oh, wait. Wrong board.
Posted by: Jackal || 06/21/2005 13:36 Comments || Top||

#5  I bet DU is attacking this MSM bias.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 14:57 Comments || Top||

#6  I see and talk to Iraqi vets all the time here. They are all very confident about the war. Locals trust the US and their own troops more and more, local support is rising against the terrorists, infrastructure being built, terrorists dieing in massive quantities, our casualties low, etc. Things are going fairly well, with all things considered. Just the goddamn left and spineless politicians screwing shit up. Kinda like Vietnam in that respect.
Posted by: mmurray821 || 06/21/2005 15:20 Comments || Top||

#7  I just took a wade through the fever swamps of the DU. I like to do that every now and then, to see what's in the minds of my liberal friends.

It's interesting as it's clear they are setting up Richard Clark as their GOD. Bet $25.00 that he's their choice for the next election.
Posted by: 2b || 06/21/2005 15:42 Comments || Top||

#8  For a low level cannine you have a fine way with words Jackal.
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:48 Comments || Top||

#9  Memorial weekend I talked to a young e6 sniper just back from "the stan". He told me the greybeards were the best, they would get you in and get you out." They were always glad to see them in the helios. So, I tried to re-enlist, what with my critical mos and the problems with recruiting I thought I could get back in the game. It was a good experience, the people were aware, helpful, and smart enough to tell me I had done my time and to let our generation take care of this one and thanks for serving.
Posted by: bman || 06/21/2005 15:58 Comments || Top||

#10  Only because I've studied at the feet of the masters here, Shipman.
Posted by: Jackal || 06/21/2005 17:09 Comments || Top||

#11  Thank you for trying, bman. And thanks for last time, too. :-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 18:10 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine
PLO close to collapse
The Palestinian Authority is quietly bracing for the prospect of collapse amid the unprecedented violence by members of the ruling Fatah movement. PA leaders have acknowledged that they cannot quell the chaos in the Palestinian areas or count on the loyalty of the police and security forces, in many cases bolstered by Western aid and training. Indeed, the PA reports that many of the gun battles that rage through Palestinian cities have included security officers who have joined Fatah operatives in extortion and other criminal activities. Rather than order an offensive, PA leaders have sought to appease Fatah factions and offer them jobs and housing while promising security commanders that they would delay or revise plans to reform the security services. At the same time, senior PA officials have used the official media to blame Israel for the violence and recycle canards used before the Palestinian war in 2000.

Abbas Loses Control

Outwardly, the Palestinian leadership has been engaged in preparations for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank and the acquisition of hundreds of millions of dollars in Western aid. But the leading topic in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which is reflected in PA-controlled newspapers, has been the loss of control by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and the defection of security commanders and their forces to militias established by the ruling Fatah movement. These days, militants from Abbas's own party threaten the chairman, his aides and virtually anybody who fails to cooperate. In muted but clear tones, the PA newspapers report daily the attacks by Fatah, often bolstered by security officers, against PA officials, their families and security installations.

PA officials have been fleeing or plan to leave the West Bank for Jordan and other Arab states. The most popular Palestinian daily, Al Quds [1], has been jammed with ads by travel agencies, a remarkable development considering the poverty of most Palestinians, their lack of passports and other restrictions. The ads are for the Palestinian elite, who are looking to escape the dangers of living in Palestinian cities. Indeed, the assessment by many is that the PA could collapse by late 2005 as the split within the ruling Fatah movement widens. PA security services have been unable to stem the increasing violence in the streets of Palestinian cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Fatah factions have been engaged in gun battles in Ramallah, the center of Palestinian government, while police have largely stood by or even joined in.

Much of the reporting in the PA media has been oblique. Reports of attacks on PA installations or officials have been taken from international news agencies in an effort to avoid the targeting of Palestinian reporters by Fatah gunmen. Many of the attacks are reported in condemnations by prominent residents or by Fatah offices. [2] Editorials in PA dailies have expressed deep concern over the shootouts and attacks on PA officials and installations, but rarely point fingers. Indeed, most of the time they blame Israel. [3]

Internal Violence Marks Greatest Threat

Slowly, columnists and PA advisers have made it clear that Abbas's loss of control represents the greatest threat to the regime and Fatah, which have become indistinguishable. They reflect the fear within the Palestinian leadership as well as among ordinary Palestinians and stress the lack of confidence in Abbas. The assessment is that Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank would only exacerbate the violence in Palestinian cities and embolden Fatah gunmen and their allies in the PA security forces. As one leading commentator put it, " I don't see how we're going to gain control over the [Gaza] settlements, if we can't control the Fares Market [in Gaza City]." [4]

Indeed, even PA leaders have no longer sought to hide the extent of the crisis. PA Prime Minister Ahmed Quriea [5] warned that he would suspend the Cabinet unless the security forces were ordered to halt the chaos in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Qureia, however, has blamed Israel for 90 percent of the violence and established a panel to oversee efforts to restore order. At the same time, he warned that the gun battles between Palestinian gangs did not constitute resistance to Israel.

Qureia has blamed the lawlessness in the PA areas on the failure of the leadership to take any decisions. Qureia warned the security personnel to either act as police or step down and stressed that the government would no longer be able to carry out its duties amid the chaos.
Rest at link. Interesting read too. Things could get real ugly for the Paleos.
Posted by: mmurray821 || 06/21/2005 10:56 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sorry about the double post. I didn't see the other article until after I posted.

Note to self, drink coffee THEN post...
Posted by: mmurray821 || 06/21/2005 11:03 Comments || Top||

#2  This could get"bloody"entertaining.
Posted by: raptor || 06/21/2005 11:34 Comments || Top||

#3  They're not close enough.

Guess I'd better stock up on popcorn. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 06/21/2005 12:07 Comments || Top||

#4  Whose prediction was closest to this date?

I think I'll go make two batches of popcorn. One with salt and butter substitutes for those of you with cardiovascular issues. The other with extra butter and salt, to celebrate with. Be back shortly! ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:23 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan/South Asia
Tales from the Crossfire Gazette
Serial killer Chandu killed in 'crossfire'
June 20: Alleged extremist leaders Babul Karim Chandu (40) and Shooter Jamal were killed in Rapid Action Battalion's (RAB) crossfire incidents in Kushtia and Pabna districts.
A professional serial killer and commander of underground Naxalite Party of Faridpur under Pabna, Babul Karim alias Chandu, was killed in gunfight with the members of RAB-5 at village Ramarama under Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi Sunday night. Sources in the RAB said Chandu was taken to RAB office in Rajshahi for interrogation after he was arrested from his own village Badal.
"Youse coming down to the office, Chandu!"
When quizzed,
"The 9 inch visegrips, please."
he said that his associates, including top-ranking leaders and activists of the party, have been hiding at Bagmara area and continuing the party activities secretly. Based on his confessional statement, RAB members along with Chandu went to Bagmara at round about 11:45pm Saturday in a bid to arrest his cohorts and recover firearms and ammunitions.
11:45pm? That's early for them. Must have a date later.
As soon as they reached near the house of a local chairman at village Ramrama under Bagmara upazila, a gang of unidentified robbers...
Not his cadre? That's a new meme
intercepted the RAB convoy and attacked with gun shots prompting the RAB members retaliate that resulted in a 10-minute gunfight.
Humm, normally they last for an hour. Must have a new script vwriter
Chandu was caught in crossfire when he tried to flee from the spot.
"Feet don't....Ouch, rosebud "
Later, the RAB members found him lying on the C&B metalled road in a critical condition with severe bullet injuries.
Another new storyline, the new guy is much more creative
He was rushed to Bagmara Health Complex, but the attending doctors declared him dead.
"He's dead, Jim"
I'm telling ya, get him to the Chittagong University Medical Center Level 1 Trauma Unit and ... he'll still die.
One Shooter gun was recovered from the spot.
Found out "shooter gun" is a shotgun.
Sources concerned said Chandu was a serial killer as he was allegedly accused in at least 13 murder cases.
They use "serial killer" diferently than we do. Chandu sounds more like a murderous gangster than a Ted Bundy
First, he killed one Majid Molla and threatened the family members of not filing any case with the police. Later, the family men were ousted from the locality. He then killed Faruque, son of Majid Molla, and Kalam, which was later known as sensational double murder case. Chandu also killed Hamid, son of Rahmat Molla, Rokon, son of Hamid Molla, Najmul, son of Alimuddin, Monju Molla of village Baikola under Ataikula upazila, Tapa Shahid of village Shalikpara and Nannu of village Baikola. Shahidullah, son of late Minhaj Uddin Sarder, was hacked and hurt seriously and was evicted from the village by Chandu group.
Besides, Chandu was involved in killings of Obaidul of village Shibpur, Osman of village Shreepur, Rezaul Karim of village Balughata, Salam, Kala and Sabuj of village Mongalgram Bazaar. He was also involved in a number of looting, violence and extortion cases.

In Kushtia, alleged extremist cadre Shooter Jamal was killed in crossfire with police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) early Monday near the Ujangram Bridge in Kushtia. RAB said they arrested Jamal Sunday morning from Rampura area of the capital and took him to Kushtia for interrogation where they came to know about their ammunition and cadres.
Same story, new guy
Following Jamal's statement police and RAB raided the residence of a betel-leaf trader Ziarat Monday at Panthapara of Kushtia sadar at about 3am and dug out two guns from the courtyard of his residence.
Later, police and RAB, taking Jamal and Ziarat with them, went to nab the cadres of the Gonomukti Fouj. When they reached near the Ujangram Bridge at about 4am, extremists opened fire on them.
We're back to the old writer

In retaliation police and RAB also opened fire. At one stage of the encounter, Jamal tried to escape but fell in the line of fire and died on the spot. The encounter continued for half an hour. Police said he was accused in seven cases, including SI Illias murder and eight-murder cases.

Two alleged terrors lynched in Magura
June 20: Two alleged terrors were lynched while one of their accomplices was critically injured in mass beating at a village in Sripur Upazila here this (Monday) morning. The dead were identified as Majed (30) of Shailakupa Upazila of Jhenidah and Rezaul (28) of Pangsha Upazila in Rajbari district.
Police Super Lutfar Rahman said angry villagers of Nabogram caught Majed, Rezaul and Manju, who had allegedly abducted Dev Dulal, a teacher of Amalsar High School on June 13 and demanded Tk 5 lakh for his release. On receipt of information, villagers stormed into the house of Manju and rescued the abducted teacher.
Majed and Rezaul were beaten to death on the spot by angry villagers and left Manju critically injured, witnesses said.
And a fun time was had by all.
Manju was rushed to Magura Sadar Hospital. The bodies were sent to hospital morgue for autopsy.

Ctg Juba Dal cadre arrested by RAB
June 20: The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested top terrorist and Juba Dal cadre Nasir Uddin alias Nasya from Rangunia upazila in the district this afternoon. Sources said, acting on a secret information, a team of RAB raided the Lichu Bagan area under Rangunia upazila in the district at around 4 pm today and arrested the terrorist.
Sources said, the arrested Juba Dal cadre Nasir Uddin alias Nasya is a listed top terrorist and accused in 11 cases. He possessed illegal firearms. He formed a terrorists group at the Rangunia area in the district and committed various types of crime including murder, extortion etc. The RAB sources said, they are interrogating the terrorist to recover the firearms from his possession till filling this report Monday night.
Nasya may end up face down in a alley by then
Police also arrested two listed terrorists from different spots in the city last night. The arrested criminals are identified as Md Mohiuddin (30) and Salahuddin alias Soilya (25). Panchlaish thana police arrested Mohiuddin from Mominbag area in the city last night. On the other hand Bandar thana police arrested Salahuddin alias Soilya from Miler Matha area in the city last ninght. The arrested persons are accused in four cases each, said the police.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 09:51 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ha! A shotgun! Yes! Indeed, I was right again, 3rd time this month.

Chandu 'eh? Familiar name, wonderin ifn he has a brother in the US>
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:22 Comments || Top||


Africa: North
Algeria violence claims army troops
Two army troops were killed and 13 others injured in fighting in western Algeria, reports said Tuesday. French-language daily Le Soir D'Algerie reported that the casualties occurred in the region of Kabael when explosive charges allegedly planted by armed Islamic groups blew up cutting through army patrols combing the area. The Salafi Group for Daawa and Fighting, one of Algeria's most feared groups, is known to be quite active in Kabael. In another incident, security forces rounded up 21 people in the province of Saida, 250 miles west of Algiers, on charges of offering support to armed groups, including laundering money.
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 09:43 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Israel-Palestine
Israel targets Islamic Jihad
ISRAELI forces have rounded up dozens of suspected West Bank militants in a sign of impatience with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, just hours before a summit with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The operation, in which the army said 52 members of Islamic Jihad were taken into custody, was the biggest sweep against wanted militants since Messrs Abbas and Sharon declared a truce on February 8. It followed an Islamic Jihad drive-by shooting that killed a Jewish settler in the West Bank yesterday and mortar bomb and rocket attacks by the group against Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and a town in southern Israel.

Islamic Jihad said the attacks were in response to recent Israeli raids in the West Bank against several of its men.

Israel's planned pullout from the Gaza Strip in mid-August will be high on the agenda of the first meeting between an Israeli prime minister and a Palestinian president in Jerusalem, a holy city at the centre of the Middle East dispute. From Mr Sharon's side, the talks will focus on steps to prevent Palestinian militants from disrupting the withdrawal and filling a potential power vacuum in Gaza afterwards.

Israel says Mr Abbas has not done enough. "As things stand now, (Mr Abbas's) powers have not been brought to bear in fighting terror," Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Israel Radio before the summit at Mr Sharon's residence.

Mr Abbas, whose election in January to succeed the late Yasser Arafat brought new hopes of peace, wants to be able to show militants he has won clear concessions from Israel in return for efforts to ensure the pullout is not carried out under fire. He coaxed Palestinian factions in March into agreeing to a "period of calm" until the end of the year, conditional on Israel ending its operations against them.

But an Islamic Jihad spokesman in the West Bank urged Mr Abbas to cancel the summit after the latest Israeli arrests, while the militant Hamas group said in the Gaza Strip that "a declaration of an end to calm could be made at any moment".

Washington is counting on Israel's pullout from all 21 settlements in Gaza and four of 120 in the West Bank to kick-start a US-backed international peace "road map" plan, which envisages the establishment of a Palestinian state.

However, Mr Sharon reaffirmed at talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Jerusalem on Sunday that he would not enter into talks on permanent peace deal with the Palestinians until Mr Abbas had disarmed and dismantled militant groups. Mr Abbas wants to co-opt gunmen into the Palestinian security forces and their organisations into mainstream politics rather than risk confrontation that may lead to civil war.

The chief Palestinian negotiator said Mr Abbas would press Mr Sharon for further Israeli troop pullbacks from West Bank cities, two of which have been turned over to Palestinian security control. The Palestinian leader also wants Israel to free more of the 8000 Palestinians in its jails, including long-serving inmates. Abbas aides said he would seek Mr Sharon's agreement for a free passage corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, and demand an end to Israeli settlement expansion.

No joint news conference was scheduled, an apparent sign of low expectations.
Posted by: Spavirt Pheng6042 || 06/21/2005 08:47 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Why is the Palastinians allowed to make demands but give nothing in return? I dont understand why the Isrealis even recognize the PLA at all. A government that cannot control thier own people is not in control so negotiations with that gov is pointless it would be like making peace negotiations in 43' with the italian leadership for germany. Dont matter what aggreement is reached Italy has no control over Germany to enforce thier end of the bargain so what is the point? waste of time.
Posted by: C-Low || 06/21/2005 9:44 Comments || Top||

#2  by forcing Abbas to confront the killers, Israel is forcing the Paleos to decide whether they want a nation, or eternal attacks on the Joooos. I see civil war ahead and another missed opportunity by the Losers of the Middle East™, the Paleis
Posted by: Frank G || 06/21/2005 9:53 Comments || Top||

#3  The story I posted yesterday about this said the PIJ was retaliating for abuse of Koran.

Can't even keep their lame a** excuses for blood lust straight. Pfeh.
Posted by: Seafarious || 06/21/2005 10:09 Comments || Top||

#4  Israel says Mr Abbas has not done enough.

Well that's certainly an understatement....
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 06/21/2005 10:13 Comments || Top||

#5  This to me has strong connections to our own home grown loonies. Israel goes out and rounds up militants (where, I assume they're given 3 square meals a day and de-loused) and what does IJ do? The go out and kill Joooooos. Much like us going out and rounding up jihadis and putting them in Gitmo (heard yesterday that we've spent like $110 million on upgrading the facilities there and they get to eat better than our own troops) only to have the jihadis kidnap citizens, behead them, etc. and have apologists back here in the States (Sen. Durbin ring a bell?). I'm to the point that we need to get down and dirty with these a$$wipes, but then, I think, we're soooooo much better than that!
Posted by: BA || 06/21/2005 10:19 Comments || Top||

#6  israel, when agreeing not to target IJ, or Hamas, retained the right to target "ticking bombs" guys in the process of committing terr acts, and that is the justification for this arrest.

I note with interest that only IJ members were arrested and not Hamas. Meanwhile Abbas specifically warned (empty words - maybe) IJ and Fatah members not to disrupt the disengagement. Note he mentioned IJ, but NOT Hamas.

It seems the strategy is to isolate IJ, and to leave Hamas alone for now. We shall see.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 11:30 Comments || Top||

#7  Israel recognizes the PA/PLO because the World insists that they do so, because someone had to sign the Roadmap that was imposed on Israel. Just like the World inserted itself in all of Israel's wars just as the Arabs were losing decisively, forcing Israel to negotiate truces that protected the Arab nations from the Joooos.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:30 Comments || Top||

#8  Thats only one reason, TW. Israel also recognizes the PA cause they dont want to have send the IDF back in to keep order in the West Bank cities, which not only makes Israel look bad, but tends to get young Israeli soldiers killed - at times its necessary to go in, but not now.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 14:09 Comments || Top||

#9  IJ's time is up. Hammas is going to eat them.
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:50 Comments || Top||


Africa: Horn
Fighting erupts in eastern Sudan
Fighting has broken out in north-eastern Sudan, where government forces are battling rebels for control of a town south of the main port. The fighting around Tokar, some 120km (75 miles) from Port Sudan, began on Sunday. Both sides say there have been heavy casualties. The Beja Congress, which complains of marginalisation, says it has launched its biggest offensive in years. Officials also blame attacks on rebels from the western Darfur region.
Opening a second front, are they?
There is no independent confirmation of the involvement of the Justice and Equality Movement, but a BBC reporter saw JEM rebels whilst visiting the border area last week.
So, no reliable source
Sudan blames neighbouring Eritrea, which supports the Beja rebels, of being behind the fighting. The clashes are a setback for peace efforts, which were boosted at the weekend when a deal was signed between the government and the biggest opposition grouping, the National Democratic Alliance. Eastern rebels were part of the NDA alliance, which has been exiled for more than 15 years. A peace deal was also signed early this year between the government and southern rebels, to end a 22 year civil war. Talks are under way in Nigeria to try to end the two-year rebellion in the west, where more than two million have fled their homes in Darfur and at least 180,000 have died. A spokesman for African Union mediators told the BBC that so far the clashes in north-eastern Sudan had not affected the negotiations.
It's not like they were going anywhere
Posted by: Steve || 06/21/2005 08:14 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Let's see:
South...
West
Northeast
sometimes bits of Ethiopia border
sometimes Ugandan border

Hmm have I missed any areas of fighting in that Islamic Republic?
Posted by: 3dc || 06/21/2005 8:55 Comments || Top||

#2  Talks are under way in Nigeria to try to end the two-year rebellion in the west, where more than two million have fled their homes in Darfur and at least 180,000 have died.

Rebellion?

Since when does the BBC describe people resisting being massacred by their 'government' as a rebellion?
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 06/21/2005 9:32 Comments || Top||

#3  RC, the Arab Sudanese are only brown, not black like the Black Sudanese. Clearly the latter is in rebellion against their natural overlords.
/end BBC worldview. Now I need a shower.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:14 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine
Palestinian Authority Bracing for Collapse?
Scary times, rather, more so, for Israel as this insane concept of a "Palestinian" homeland takes form.

This is a looong article.

EFH


The PA has acknowledged that many police and security officers spend their time playing criminals rather than cops. The official PA media have reported the involvement of security officers in gun battles in Ramallah on June 12. The media also reported the killing of three people in the Gaza Strip on the same day. On June 11, about 40 gunmen attacked PA security headquarters in Gaza City and waged a three-hour gun battle with officers in the facility. Later, Fatah operatives opened fire near the home of a senior Palestinian commander, Brig. Gen. Rashid Abu Shback.

Moreover, several explosions in bomb-making laboratories were reported in the Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. In the Jabalya refugee camp, a PA police officer was abducted. The media did not report the arrest or prosecution of suspects.

Increasingly, the Palestinian media have been voicing concern by Fatah figures of a collapse of law and order that would sweep all the political gains of the PA. The media have been quoting prominent Palestinians who speak of an atmosphere of terror. Palestinian dailies focused on the killing of four members of a Palestinian family in Gaza City
Posted by: badanov || 06/21/2005 06:59 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Is there a published time-table?
hot lanta popcorn

Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 8:11 Comments || Top||

#2  The pretense of Nationhood is wearing thin?
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/21/2005 8:12 Comments || Top||

#3  The pretense of Nationhood is wearing thin?
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/21/2005 8:13 Comments || Top||

#4  Sorry for double posting.
Posted by: gromgoru || 06/21/2005 8:14 Comments || Top||

#5  Blast it, Shipman: I skipped breakfast, start up Rantburg, and see that picture. [growl]
Posted by: Jackal || 06/21/2005 8:57 Comments || Top||

#6  So even the Palestinians are getting tired of having the Palestinians as neighbors, eh?
Posted by: SteveS || 06/21/2005 11:00 Comments || Top||

#7  ..concern by Fatah figures of a collapse of law and order..

Oh really? Fatah actually gives a rat's ass about law and order??????

Sure fooled my ass.

The media have been quoting prominent Palestinians who speak of an atmosphere of terror.

Reap what you sow, baby.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 06/21/2005 11:22 Comments || Top||

#8  Oh really? Fatah actually gives a rat's ass about law and order??????

Of course, they're concerned about getting their EU and UN aid monies out of country which is very hard when the banking system collapses with everything else.
Posted by: Snolunter Elmineger5424 || 06/21/2005 11:42 Comments || Top||

#9  Wishful thinking. No one really knows. We'll play our game and they'll play theirs. If they collapse, great. But I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it. To paraphrase the old Marine saying, the PA may die, but the PLO will live forever (as long as Muslims the world over are willing to subsidize Palestinian terrorists).
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 06/21/2005 11:43 Comments || Top||

#10  Ah yes the poor "victims" Israel. Let's pretend that it's not Israel that has been acting aggressively against their neighbours since 1948, and before incidental, that it's not Israel that has been doing the bulk of the killing in their desire to extend their territory. Let's pretend it's not Israel who are the world's 4th largest nuclear weapon country and the 3rd biggest arms dealer in the world, willing to sell to anyone or country that has the money, regardless of human rights. Let's pretend that they are a democracy treating all citizens equally, Let's pretend that Nelson Mandela doesn't describe them as an apartheid State, and let's face it he should know. Let's pretend it wasn't Israel involved in the fabrication of false evidence to encourage their American friends to invade Iraq. Let's pretend that a part of their motivation was not a desire for an oil pipeline to be restored from Iraq to Israel.
Let's just pretend they are victims. :)
Posted by: Grearong Elmurong9235 || 06/21/2005 12:29 Comments || Top||

#11  Not just Muslims, Zhang Fei. The PA gets most of its funds from the EU.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/21/2005 12:32 Comments || Top||

#12  I'm surprised Israel has had the patience to deal with the "palestinians" as long as they have. Those that don't wish to live in peace with their neighbors have no right to live. Ninety percent of the arabs living in Gaza and the West Bank should be forced to leave, and Israel take full control of the territory allotted to them by the Balfour Ruling. If the local arabs want to live in peace, then start acting like it. Otherwise face the same future reserved for other warmongering tribes - extinction.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 06/21/2005 13:06 Comments || Top||

#13  Yeah, GE, keep believing the stuff you've been sold. When's the last time a Jew got to vote in a "Palestinian election" (like Paleos get to do in Israel proper). And I'm sure Mandela visited Israel/"Palestine" how many times? And who's the #2 and #3 nuclear powers? And you're willing to trust them with nukes? And, don't forget to parrot the line about "War for oil." That's why we're paying $2+/gallon for gas here, eh? I guess the Jooooos were acting aggressively against Hitler too, eh (that was before 1948, right)? Give me a freakin' break loser. I'm done, though, not feedin' the trolls anymore.
Posted by: BA || 06/21/2005 13:30 Comments || Top||

#14  Palestinian Authority Bracing for Collapse?

Faster, please. No more pretending that The Palestinians are following the Geneva Conventions as a resistance movement when they simply do not.
Posted by: Ptah || 06/21/2005 13:37 Comments || Top||

#15  GE, let's pretend that the nice Nazis running your favorite dry cleaner didn't put extra starch in your best white sheets, and you don't have enough time to wash them out before the Robert C Byrd memorial march.
Posted by: Desert Blondie || 06/21/2005 14:57 Comments || Top||

#16  You must be referring to the confessed and convicted terrorist bomber Nelson Mandela. Hardly surprising he sympathizes with other terrorists.
Posted by: phil_b || 06/21/2005 15:28 Comments || Top||

#17  GE, let's pretend that Jordan and Eygpt didn't occupy 'Palestinian' lands since 1948. Where was all the compassion and concern for Palestine when their fellow Arabs ruled the land till 1967? How fair and equal where 'Palestinian' voices among those who stood upon the West Bank and Gaza and governed for those years? Let's consider your concern is equally 'pretend' as was the Egyptian and Jordanian concern was for those many years.
Posted by: Snolunter Elmineger5424 || 06/21/2005 15:49 Comments || Top||

#18  9.87
DB with the Starched White Sheets.

Did you get it GE?
Posted by: Shipman || 06/21/2005 15:53 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan/South Asia
Pakistanis arrested for plot to kill Khalilzad
A little more on yesterday's bust...
KABUL: Afghan intelligence officials have thwarted a plot to assassinate US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and arrested three Pakistanis armed with rocket propelled grenades and assault rifles, an Afghan presidential spokesman said on Monday. The men were arrested in Laghman province on Sunday. Two senior Afghan officials said the men had confessed to their crimes. "Their aim was to assassinate Khalilzad," said one of the officials. Afghan television later broadcast a video of the suspects. They identified themselves as Murat Khan, Noor Alam, and Zahid. Two said they came from Peshawar, and the other said he was from Mansehra. The men told agents that they had been trained in Wah Cantt.
This article starring:
MURAT KHANal-Qaeda
NUR ALAMal-Qaeda
ZAHIDal-Qaeda
Posted by: Fred || 06/21/2005 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Note Khalilzad is now going to Baghdad as ambassador. This was likely an attempt by the jihadis in south asia to present a "gift" to their Iraq (syrian/saudi/north African) comrades.

I neednt remind everyone of Khalilzads religious persuasion?
Posted by: liberalhawk || 06/21/2005 11:34 Comments || Top||


22 killed in new Taliban attacks
Twenty-two Afghans were killed and three US soldiers injured in the latest attacks linked to the war-battered country's former Taliban regime, officials said on Monday. Militants from the fundamentalist Islamic group, ousted by the US-led forces in late 2001, attacked a district in Helmand province early Monday, a provincial government spokesman said. "Taliban attacked Washer district at 2:30am and killed the district governor Mulla Sakhi and one policeman," Mohammed Wali told AFP. "Eleven Taliban were killed in the exchange of fire and their bodies are still lying in the area. Three Taliban were wounded," he said.

Late on Sunday at least one policeman was killed and two were wounded when a checkpoint on the highway between Kabul and Kandahar was attacked in southern Zabul province. Zabul police director Abdul Jabar Uruzgani said seven Taliban fighters were also killed but their bodies were not left at the scene. A highway policeman was killed in an attack on the Kandahar-Herat road in Farah province early Sunday, said Herat police spokesman Abdul Raof Ahmadi. Three US troops were slightly wounded on Sunday when their vehicle hit an improvised bomb during a patrol in the troubled province of Paktika.

The Taliban said on Monday they had freed 23 people from a group of 31 they captured in a district of Kandahar province last week, having executed eight of the captives. Taliban spokesman Abdul Latif Hakimi said the 23 were freed as they had been found not guilty of supporting the US-backed government.
Posted by: Fred || 06/21/2005 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:



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

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

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
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Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
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Two weeks of WOT
Tue 2005-06-21
  Saudi 'cop killers' shot dead
Mon 2005-06-20
  Afghan Officials Stop Khalizad Assassination Plot
Sun 2005-06-19
  Senior Saudi Security Officer Killed In Drive-By Shooting
Sat 2005-06-18
  U.S. Mounts Offensive Near Syria
Fri 2005-06-17
  Calif. Father, Son Charged in Terror Ties
Thu 2005-06-16
  Captured: Abu Talha, Mosul's Most-Wanted
Wed 2005-06-15
  Hostage Douglas Wood rescued
Tue 2005-06-14
  Bomb kills 22 in Iraq bank queue
Mon 2005-06-13
  Terror group in Syria seeks Islamic states
Sun 2005-06-12
  Eight Killed by Bomb Blasts in Iran
Sat 2005-06-11
  Paleo security forces shoot it out with hard boyz
Fri 2005-06-10
  Arab lawyers join forces to defend Saddam Hussein
Thu 2005-06-09
  Italy hostage released in Kabul
Wed 2005-06-08
  California father and son linked al-Qaeda, arrested
Tue 2005-06-07
  U.S-Iraqi offensive launched near Syria

Better than the average link...



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