Somalia's powerful Islamic movement demanded that the country's weak government drop requests for foreign peacekeepers as they laid out a series of tough positions at peace talks here. The item topped a list of Islamist demands presented on the third day of Arab League-mediated negotiations, ahead of a Tuesday meeting in Kenya of leaders of potential contributor nations to the proposed force, officials said. In addition to renewing vehement objections to the proposed regional peacekeeping mission, the Islamists also insisted on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops alleged to be in Somalia to protect the interim government.
... any deployment against our wishes will spoil everything, including the small peace in the country...
In Mogadishu, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the head of the executive committee of the Supreme Islamic Council of Somalia (SICS), who arrived here from talks with Kenyan and UN officials, warned that a forceful deployment will send Somalia into a new round of fighting. "We discussed this issue, but we reached no agreement whatsoever. We warned them that any deployment against our wishes will spoil everything, including the small peace in the country," Ahmed told reporters after returning from a two-day visit in Nairobi.
The Islamic delegates in Khartoum also demanded complete respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity if any agreement is to be reached at the talks, which are aimed at easing tensions that threaten further chaos in the lawless nation. "We reject the sending of peacekeepers to Somalia," said a senior member of the Islamist team, describing the contents of the position paper that was distributed privately at the Khartoum hotel where the talks are underway. "The people of Somalia can restore peace in their country without the help of peacekeepers," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The Islamists' strong stand is not surprising given previous threats from their senior leadership to resist the deployment of any foreign troops, particularly those from Ethiopia that they claim are already on Somali soil.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
I'm sure a hundred sorties by F/A-18s over Mogadischu would change his mind - or eliminate it, whichever happens first. Not that I'd mind his demise. Aim for the mosques - that's where everything worth anything militarily is stored, and where all the big boys stay.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
09/05/2006 17:18 Comments ||
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Sudan has agreed to let African troops remain in Darfur, but only if they stay under African Union control and not that of the UN. The latest announcement appears to reverse Khartoum's ultimatum on Sunday to AU peacekeepers to leave after September 30. One African diplomat said the government softened its position because it realised expelling the AU would end implementation of an AU-brokered May peace deal between Khartoum and a rebel faction fighting government-supported militias.
... a presidential adviser said on Monday that the UN mandate's goal was "regime change" in Khartoum...
A US-British backed United Nations resolution, which Khartoum rejects, says more than 20,000 UN troops should take over peacekeeping from AU forces. AU troops were expected to fill the gap before the arrival of the United Nations and ultimately be absorbed into the UN operation, according to the resolution passed last Thursday. But Mustafa Osman Ismail , a presidential adviser, said on Monday that the UN mandate's goal was "regime change" in Khartoum.
"Sudan will not accept those troops to be transformed into part of a UN force," he said. "Monitoring the borders ... protection of civilians ... creating an independent judiciary has all become the responsibility of the international forces, so what is left for the government?" he said, referring to resolution clauses.
If the government had actually done anything along those lines, nobody would be talking about UN or AU troops.
AU troops say; "We're out of here"
The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its intention to leave Sudan's Darfur region by the end of September when its truce monitors' mandate expires.
The AU wants the UN to take over the mission, but Khartoum rejects this.
"The AU Peace and Security Council met today (Monday) in Addis Ababa and decided to reaffirm that its mandate will end on 30 September in Darfur," Baba Gana Kingibe, the head of the AU mission in Sudan, said in a speech in Khartoum. Sudan had said the AU peacekeeping force should leave Darfur unless it drops plans for the UN to take over its mission. It asked the AU to clarify its intentions.
This clear enough for you?
AU deputy chairman Patrick Mazimhaka told the BBC that even if more money were forthcoming, political considerations made it difficult to stay longer. He was speaking hours after Sudan said the AU troops could remain if they accepted Arab League and Sudanese government funding. Khartoum had earlier insisted the troops leave by the end of the month.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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RIYADH - Saudi authorities have arrested four militant suspects in the mountainous south of the huge desert kingdom, a newspaper reported on Monday. Special security forces assisted by security agencies in Al Baha arrested four people suspected of belonging to the deviant group yesterday at dawn, Al Riyadh daily said.
Didn't even have to 'surround' them.
It said the men, three Saudis and a Yemeni, put up no resistance when they were taken in a remote village.
They were led away to jail with digging tools and a map pointing out the nearest mosque.
The authorities say they have seized nearly 80 members or sympathisers with Al Qaeda from around the country over the last three months.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Saudi Arabia: Oh, come on, you can do better than that! I want you to say it brother with meaning! Hey, I got Ahmadinahijab on the other line I better hear you say it!
USA: Yeah, yeah - no, show you the militants!
SA: AH! Not show YOU! Show ME the militants!
USA: Show me the militants!
SA: Yeah, that's it brother but you got to yell that $hit!
#2
What about near BAHRAIN - GULF NEWS > Iran has been suspected by local authorities of wilfully buying Bahraini real estate in order to support its local anti-Govt. proxies/agenda(s)!?
#3
Forgot to mention that IRan has apparently successfully modified Brit HAWK SAM's to be fired from Iran Air Force F-14's and likely other US-supplied aircraft types.
Standard Times Online hand-wringing, jumping on the recent helicopter accident to try to gen up a Chicken Little response.... Can the Afghan campaign stand this casualty rate?
HOW long can Britain stand the current level of casualties in Afghanistan? Probably a long time, shocking though the steady toll has been, and even more with the death of 14 in Saturdays aircraft crash near Kandahar. That is partly because of the public perception that Afghanistan, unlike Iraq, is a success. But if that changes, so could support for the mission.
Yesterdays death of a British soldier in a suicide bomb attack brought the British military death toll to to 37 since the start of operations in November 2001.
The Ministry of Defence classifies only 16 of these as killed in action, while it attributes 21 deaths to accidents, illness, or other injuries.
Perhaps that distinction helps to soothe public anxiety, as it is supposed to do. But the MoD and Nato seem unwise to have got into the body count game, regularly citing the numbers of Taleban killed.
After the weekends Nato and Afghan operation in the south, a Nato spokesman estimated that 200 Taleban fighters had been killed. But it has generally been impossible to verify the numbers killed, whether militants or civilians. The one constant with echoes of Vietnam is that the totals are always far greater than the numbers of Nato or Afghan forces killed.
You cant keep making such claims without prompting the question of why the Taleban death rate hasnt yet made much difference. If the answer is that they keep streaming over the Pakistan border, or worse, that far more of the population in the south wants to fight than Britain first thought, then the numbers game is hardly reassuring.
Public support may also be shaken by the row about whether British troops are overstretched and underequipped. That is a constant grumbling backdrop to any engagement, but is taking on new political heat. General Richard Dannatt, the new chief of general staff, has been quoted round the world for his comment: Can we cope? I pause. I say, Just.
Rebutting Conservative attacks, Dr Kim Howells, Foreign Minister, said yesterday: They (British forces) tell me that the equipment is there, while calling on other Nato countries to make sure their troops were fully equipped.
Until this year, public concern about British operations was focussed almost entirely on Iraq, not Afghanistan. But Britains assumption of the Nato command this summer in Afghanistan has only highlighted the scale of the problem. This years opium crop soared by 59 per cent, mainly in the Taleban heartland of the south, the United Nations drugs agency said this weekend.
It is possible that a prime minister would find it even more difficult to pull forces out of Afghanistan than Iraq, given the leading role Britain has assumed in a project that it acknowledges will take years.
Nonetheless, might Gordon Brown, if he succeeds Tony Blair as prime minister, want to change tack? Probably not on the grounds of casualties, at least. The recent intense pressure on Blair from the Labour Party has come over Lebanon, where there have been no British casualties, even more than Iraq, and far more than Afghanistan.
While Brown might not have wanted to get into these wars in the first place, he would surely not want to look weak on them. For all his deliberate inscrutability on future policy, he has suggested at least that much in key speeches about being tough on terrorism.
But that could change if Afghanistan begins to resemble Iraq in its intractibility.
And there are plenty of signs that it could. There are certainly plenty of signs that you're looking for a magic-bullet meme.
#1
Article: Public support may also be shaken by the row about whether British troops are overstretched and underequipped. That is a constant grumbling backdrop to any engagement, but is taking on new political heat. General Richard Dannatt, the new chief of general staff, has been quoted round the world for his comment: Can we cope? I pause. I say, Just.
There was a time when British military commanders were stoical. It is clear that we have seen the end of that era.
#4
Like you said Glenmore...interviews with Giap and other top NVA types have shown we kicked their collective a**es and killed somewhere between 1.1 and 1.5 million NVA/VC. Thanks to Johnson and McNamara, and the MSM (Walter Cronkite, you treasonous b**tard), politics and insane ROEs led to our failure to win.
Again in Afghanistan we are killing a whole generation of islamo-fascist males while only losing a handful of coalition forces....and the MSM paints it as Vietnam redux.
#5
Nah, they probably trumped up the numbers to agree with our tally, so we'd look more like mass murders, or they could get more 'compensation'.
Heavens, I can be cynical at times!
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 14:18 Comments ||
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#6
Nope, our body counts in VietNam were pretty damned close to the reality. Of course, the fact that we could grind up 3 full NVA infantry divisions during a battle like the siege of Da Nang with ARCLIGHT strikes certainly helped.
US envoy Christopher Hill on Monday warned North Korea against provoking the international community with a nuclear test, urging the secretive state to return to stalled talks on its atomic programme. "The DPRK (North Korea) does not seem as enthusiastic as we are about pursuing a diplomatic track, and obviously this is a very big problem for the six-party process," he told reporters in Tokyo at the start of a regional tour. "There is no reason for the DPRK to stay away from the diplomatic process and my government is very much committed to these talks," said Hill, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The US assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs voiced concern about media reports that Pyongyang, which claims to have built nuclear weapons, may be preparing an underground nuclear test. "I think all governments in the world have made very clear that it would be a very unwelcome development, and that the DPRK should really think long and hard for it to take such a provocative step," he added. "I hope the DPRK will understand that their future lives are not with these tests but by coming to the negotiating table and implementing the September agreement," he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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OK, Kimmie. This is an ultimatum. No time to mess around here. Do it, and we'll seethe so hard it will make the Taliban look like beginners.
#2
Nah, I'm sure we can find some keys to an older SSBN or two we can turn over to the Japanese.
"Here son, its yours."
"Gee, thanks Dad."
"Just drive carefully and responsibly. Just remember you're responsible for insurance and upkeep. And what ever you do, don't push that button. Particularly when the Kimmie Kid is acting up again around the neighborhood."
"Right Dad."
#3
Go ahead Kimbo, do it. It probably won't detonate correctly anyway. We want to monitor the data to detect the yield. Have fun while you can. Just remember two words. Shinzo Abe. He's coming in, you're headed out !
#4
BLOOMBERG.com > Singapore's aging "MInister Mentor" Lee Kuan Yew has reportedly stated that China cannot allow the North Korean regime/state to fail, mainly for Noth Korea's utility to China as a Commie buffer state agz democratic South Korea and espec US milfors based in South Korea. In addition, any NorKor nuke devs = China's nuke arsenal is that much weaker both locally as well as against the US-West. * IOW, IT BEHOOVES DUBYA, the USA + SEOUL, TO ASCERTAIN THE TRUE DESIRE OF NORTH KOREA = KIMMIE VV COMMIE CHINA, EITHER FOR NK TO REMAIN A PC/PDENIABLE, EXPENDABLE "CANNON FODDER" CHICOM PROXY STATE, OR ELSE MOVE TOWARDS DE FACTO, GRADUAL "DELINKAGE" + SOVEREIGNTY FROM THE CHICOMS. Much the same ditto for LEBANON + SYRIA, ETC. VV RADICAL IRANIAN AMBITIONS FOR EMPIRE.
Nearly half of Danes consider Islam incompatible with democracy, according to a poll published on Monday. The Zapera poll, conducted for Danish think tank Mandag Morgen, showed 48 percent of those surveyed thought Islam was incompatible with democratic values. Around 34 percent said they saw Islam as consistent with democracy, while 18 percent said they were undecided.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Only half of Danes see Islam as incompatible with democracy
What they omit is how the other half of Denmark wants to make Medisterpølse out of these f&ckwits.
HINT: If you can even pronounce Medisterpølse correctly, you're half-way there already.
#11
Only half of Danes see Islam as incompatible with democracy
Believe Darth Vader and mcsegeek1 diagnosed the pathogens correctally...
having been exposed to a daily dose of EU socialism [post-Christian nanny state], multiculturalism and to strong inexpensive pot for the last 20 years predictably the current crop of new Danish citizens have flaccid instincts, spiritually defenseless immune systems and will be led easily to slaughter.
The BBC reports that nine men of indeterminate origin, for reasons that are apparently a complete mystery but probably have nothing to do with Islam (otherwise they would say it, wouldnt they?), have been arrested in Denmark on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks: Nine held in Danish terror raids.
All of those arrested are of Islamic background and under 30 years old.
Roland was a warrior from the land of the midnight sun
With his Thompson gun for hire, fighting to be done
The deal was made in Denmark on a dark and stormy day
So he set out for Biafra to join the bloody fray
Through '66 and 7, they fought the Congo war
With their fingers on their triggers, knee deep in gore
For days and nights they battled the Bantu to their knees
They killed to earn their living and to help out the Congolese
Roland the Thompson gunner
Roland the Thompson gunner
His comrades fought beside him, Van Owen and the rest
But of all the Thompson gunners, Roland was the best
So the CIA decided they wanted Roland dead
That son of a bitch Van Owen blew off Roland's head
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Time, time, time, for another peaceful war
Norway's bravest son
But time stands still for Roland, 'til he evens up the score
They can still see his headless body stalking through the night
In the muzzle flash of Roland's Thompson gun
In the muzzle flash of Roland's Thompson gun
Roland searched the continent for the man who'd done him in
He found him in Mombassa, in a barroom drinking gin
Roland aimed his Thompson gun, he didn't say a word
But he blew Van Owen's body from there to Johannesburg
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Roland the headless Thompson gunner, talking about the man
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
The eternal Thompson gunner
Still wand'ring through the night
Now it's ten years later, but he still keeps up the fight
In Ireland, in Lebanon, in Palestine and Berkeley
Patty Hearst heard the burst
Of Roland's Thompson gun and bought it
The Dutch government on Monday passed a law aimed at heavily restricting the number of would-be Pakistani immigrants to the Netherlands, by linking applications to Dutch language proficiency, officials said. Under the new law, any Dutch national of Pakistani origin will only be permitted to send for family members (with a view to settling in Holland) provided that they learn Dutch prior to immigration application. Similarly, any Pakistani wishing to immigrate to the Netherlands will be required to take a language proficiency test at the Dutch Embassy in Islamabad. Anyone failing the test will automatically be denied the right to apply for immigration.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Even if they can speak 'dutch', why let them in?
#8
I like it, all American Slam, speak dutch and Hebrew AND english, and have a doctorate degree
Posted by: bk ||
09/05/2006 11:14 Comments ||
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#9
And have a doctorate degree in hard sciences: we don't want "doctors" in pseudo-sciences where the main requirement for graduation is having memorized the entire works of Chomski and Ward Curchill.
#10
Hmmmm....Ham, bacon, OR sausage. I wonder if you can get all three?
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 14:10 Comments ||
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#11
The EU will pass a law permitting entry into Holland for any muslim that can mouth the following phrases in Dutch: We love the EU and UN; Death to the Jews and America; Islam is the religion of peace.
Posted by: Mark Z ||
09/05/2006 15:11 Comments ||
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MOSCOW : Joint Russian-US military exercises scheduled to take place in western Russia later this month have been cancelled due to questions about the "status" of US military personnel.
"The reason is that the question of the status of American personnel being sent to take part in the exercises has not been resolved," Interfax quoted an unnamed senior Russian defense ministry official as saying.
The exercises involving middle-ranking officers from both countries had been due to take place in the Nizhny Novgorod region, east of Moscow, in the second half of September, he said Tuesday.
A spokesman for the defence ministry would not confirm or deny the report. The US embassy in Moscow said it had no immediate comment.
The official quoted by Interfax did not give details about the status problem, but also referred to a series of protests by Communists who said that US troops should not be allowed on Russian soil because of US foreign policy.
"Emotions being raised over these manoeuvres by certain political forces do not match the scope of the planned exercises," the official said.
The Russian Communist Party had demanded the cancellation of the exercises, threatening to demonstrate across the country on September 14.
"The Communists oppose sabre-rattling on our soil by the army that bombed the sovereign Yugoslavia, trampled the statehood of several countries in the Middle East, and is trying by hook or by crook to perpetuate its military presence in the territory of the former Soviet Union," a communist resolution stated Tuesday, Interfax reported.
Russian-US military exercises have been held periodically since the early 1990s, with manoeuvres in 2004 and 2005 dubbed Torgau, after the name of the German town where Soviet and US troops linked up in the last days of World War II.
#2
BWAAA!!!! Russia-once a great super power, now reduced to third world status hand wringing and cancelling over Status of Forces agreements. Sounds like they are going the way of the Philippines!!
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
09/05/2006 16:27 Comments ||
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#3
Russia soooo wants to be the Soviet Union again.
#5
status? Rapidly approaching "Opfor" if you keep supporting Iran, NK, Syria, Hezbollah, et al. Sucks to be a former empire with an aging alcoholic populace, no economic base (except Stoli, thank you), selling weapons to your future Islamo-oppressers...
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/05/2006 22:40 Comments ||
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#6
This is sort like the guy who's talking about getting an apendectomy when he's really about to get an enema. Russia thinks it's sowing the whirlwind, when in reality, it's merely feeding the crocodile.
The less insight Russia has into our military ability, the better off we are. We know we can kick their @ss any time we want to. They know we can kick their @ss any time we want to.
Even the old Soviet military would have been a turkey shoot for us. Only their nuclear weapons posed any sort of substantial threat. Why do you think they so carefully crafted up Middle East terrorism and set it on our necks?
You need a strong stomach to read this typical softball sympathy interview. Be warned....
CRAWFORD The growing anti-war movement fueled by last summers peace demonstrations in Crawford resurfaces in Washington, D.C., today, but the peace icon who sparked it all wont be there.
Cindy Sheehan says shes taking a hiatus from her activist role to heal and re-energize herself after a trying and torrid summer.
Most of the 100 or so anti-war demonstrators who joined her this year had left her peace camp in Crawford by the close of the Labor Day weekend. However, Sheehan, 49, remained behind, collecting herself after what proved a low-profile protest compared to last years massive, monthlong demonstration near President Bushs ranch.
This years protest gathered little steam in Crawford. Bush, who usually spends the entire month of August at his nearby ranch, cut his vacation to 10 days. And when Sheehan wasnt hospitalized for exhaustion, dehydration and gynecological problems, she was recuperating at a motel in nearby McGregor.
Sheehan looked tired and moved slowly when she granted a brief interview to the Tribune-Herald. Her son, Andy, 22, sat with her. She talked about this years protest; her controversial association with Hugo Chavez, the anti-American president of Venezuela; and her plans for the five-acre spread she purchased for $52,500 just north of Crawford this summer.
Q: Youve spent a lot of the past month in the hospital or on the mend. How do you feel?
A: Just really tired.
Q: Youve been spending a lot of your time in McGregor instead of Crawford.
A: Yeah, when I havent been in the hospital.
Q: How does Camp Casey this year compare to last year? You became an international event in 2005.
A: This is more permanent, and were trying to figure out how to be more effective and changing this to the Camp Casey Peace Institute. Itll be a permanent presence here. Were looking at the more long-term goal of never allowing war to happen again.
Q: Why Crawford? I mean, when the president ends his term in a couple of years, why keep this out here?
A: Why not? (Laughs)
Q: Because its out in the sticks, thats why.
A: Because its a nice place and I have been looking for a place to do my Camp Casey Peace Institute and it wasnt going to be in the city. It was always going to be out some place.
Q: Some of your fellow protesters proclaimed it a victory this year when they apparently kept President Bush from coming back to his ranch near here. Why would keeping Bush from his ranch be a victory in all this?
A: I dont know why they regard it as a victory. Youd have to ask them. I dont see it as so much a victory as just proof that our presence is very effective. I would rather he was here because then he would see us and we would still be out at the (ranch) checkpoint all the time protesting and things like that. I believe they (the White House) changed their schedule constantly when we changed our schedule.
On Hugo Chavez
Q: Well, there certainly was a lot of shifting of schedules going on this year. Regarding presidents, many who sympathize with your cause question some of your actions this year, particularly your association with the Venezuelan president, who is very loud and very declaratory in his view of the U.S. Some might say this was a Hanoi Jane sort of thing to do. Why would you associate with someone like President Chavez?
A: Im not so sure I associated with him as I met with him. I dont think its a Hanoi Jane moment because were not at war with Venezuela. In fact, we have diplomatic relations with Venezuela, so why wouldnt I be able to meet with someone from Venezuela? I understand its getting much worse, but I think we need to encourage people to talk out their problems. The reason President Chavez is the way he is is because the CIA orchestrated a coup against him. The United States has always been very meddlesome in South American politics.
Q: But doesnt your visit with him digress from what your original message is?
A: Well, no. My short-term goal is to bring the troops back home from Iraq, but my long-term goal is to make sure this never happens again, and we have to model behavior that is diplomatic, not always aggressive.
On cutting and running
Q: Even those leaders who agree with you that it was a huge mistake to go into Iraq that it was poorly grounded in intelligence or trumped up or whatever even many of them say we cant exactly pull out now, that the whole region would either collapse or go up in flames.
A: Well, like you say, it was irresponsible to go there in the first place, but I have met with many, many people who live in Iraq and I wonder how many other people in America have had the opportunity to talk with so many (of these) people. As a matter of fact, before Camp Casey, I was in Georgia and I met with some Iraqi parliamentarians who were saying, You know, we need the occupying forces out, we can solve our own problems.
Q: There are very definitely two schools of thought on that.
A: From Iraq? Mostly the people from Iraq and it is their country they say (differently) except for the people who are in power and are protected by the United States. Actually, the (Iraqi) vice president and national security adviser of Iraq have asked for a timeline for withdrawal. Weve heard timelines proposed in Iraq ranging from three months to immediately. This is their country. Weve seen polls where 80 percent of Iraqis want the troops out.
On Camp Casey success
Q: So what would you say is the big gain for Camp Casey this year as far as the war in Iraq is concerned?
A: Well, if you look at the past year, so many things have happened. When I came to Crawford last year, 51 percent (of the American public) disapproved of the war. Now Ive seen some as high as 67 percent. Im seeing so much grass-roots activism all over the country. Just this past week there were thousands of people protesting in Salt Lake City.
Q: Yes, and I saw reports about a similar war protest while the president was in Kennebunkport a week ago.
A: Activism has gone up. And weve seen people like (U.S. Rep.) John Murtha come out and say, The troops need to come home. Hes not even saying anything about a timeline, hes saying, Now, immediately. Were seeing a lot of that happen. Look at Ned Lamont and (U.S. Sen. Joe) Lieberman in Connecticut. People are wanting to be involved in the process.
On stepping out of spotlight
Q: Its been suggested that youre not as much of a player in all this as you used to be.
A: That was suggested by the Waco Tribune-Herald, in fact. But I think its great. I think last year I was just part of a bare majority. This year I am right in the middle of mainstream America.
Q: So it doesnt make any difference if youre gradually becoming a marginal figure in all this?
A: I never set out to be the face of the anti-war movement. I just got out to call attention to the fact that our country was waging an illegal and immoral war and that there are a lot of people in our country and in Iraq suffering because of it. What happened that I didnt expect was for the country to become energized around the movement. I think its just absolutely fabulous that other people are stepping up.
Q: Things have changed a lot.
A: Ive also taken a lot of heat for my position. Ive been out in front, getting all the smears and, well, if anyone wants to share that with me, thatd be great!
Q: Do all the smears bother you?
A: It doesnt hurt me at all.
On funding the movement
Q: The news media, of course, keeps track of the financing of political campaigns of all spectrums as well as the cost of the war in Iraq, so let me ask you this. How can you keep this grass-roots anti-war campaign of yours funded? How did you purchase this property out here?
A: I bought the property myself with my own money.
Q: How about the rest of this peace movement?
A: Its grass-roots donations to our nonprofit group.
Q: You dont have any major backers at all?
A: No.
Q: Really?
A: Not this year.
Q:You had some big ones last year.
A: I had some big ones last year.
Q: What happened to them?
A: I dont know. I think this year a lot of people are concentrating on the elections coming up. I think thats where a lot of the energy is going.
On not being silenced
Q: Ive read a lot of different things about your son, Casey, for whom your peace campaign is named. How did your son feel about the war?
A: He was against the war.
Q: He was against it?
A: Yeah, he was against the war, he was against George Bush. He never voted for him. Our family has always been pretty liberal. He didnt want to go to the war, but he felt it was his duty.
Q:What is that printed on your T-shirt?
A: Its Arabic. It means, We will not be silent.
On Camp Democracy
Q: I understand the peace campaign Camp Democracy starts up immediately after this in Washington, D.C., and that it will last the better part of September.
A: It starts Tuesday, but I wont be involved in it. I have to go home and get my health back. Im not recovering as quickly as I hoped.
Q: Well, a hysterectomy is major surgery.
A: Yeah, thats what people keep telling me Its major surgery, whats the matter with you? Actually, before my surgery, when I was in the hospital the week before, I almost bled to death from (gynecological) problems. And then I was fasting for 37 days. And Ive been so busy and I think I just got run down. I need to go home and get my strength back.
On moving to Crawford
Q: Last question. Do you plan to come back next year? The president is going to be in office till 2009 and our continued presence in Iraq seems fairly assured.
A: I hope hes not in office till 2009, but this (anti-war presence in Crawford) is permanent. Were going to start building a permanent structure soon. This may sound weird, but Im going to live here. My residence is going to be a tree house. Weve got some plans for amazing tree houses! This is a flood plain, so we have to build it. But the first structure were going to build is a camphouse with a great room and an industrial-type kitchen and an office and some bathrooms. So were planning on being permanent. Its not just about George Bush, its about ending the occupation of Iraq and making sure it never happens again.
Q: I guess if you saw that article in the Tribune-Herald a week ago, you also know the mayor of Crawford isnt exactly rolling out the welcome mat.
A: Well, actually, the mayor helped us get our water (piped to the property). He was very hospitable about that. We finally got our water.
Q: Do you have electricity yet?
A: No, but were not sure . . . we want to stay off the grids, so were going to look into solar, and we have that amazing biodiesel generator that the Nelsons gave to us.
On recuperating with Willie
Q: The Nelsons? Who are they?
A: The Nelsons, Willie and Annie.
Q: Oh, how is Willie? I understand you recuperated with his family last month.
A: I was actually at his house in Abbott right after I got out of the hospital the first time, and then this week we spent some time at his house in Austin. Hes great. Hes an amazing and supportive person, and his wife is closer to my age so we have a lot of fun together. She was out here for a few days.
#1
Q: Last question. Do you plan to come back next year? The president is going to be in office till 2009 and our continued presence in Iraq seems fairly assured.
A: I hope hes not in office till 2009, but...
Secret Service? Are you listening? Sounds like a threat to me!
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 15:55 Comments ||
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#2
I was hoping she'd be front and center in the Donk campaigns this fall. Looks like they wised up.
F*cking loser nut
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/05/2006 19:38 Comments ||
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#3
Somebody in Texas needs to look into whether she needs a state EPA air permit and emissions controls for that biodiesel generator. We wouldn't want her to be wrecking the environment now, would we?
A dozen leading congressional Democrats have urged President Bush in a letter to consider changing the civilian leadership at the Pentagon, saying that such a move would show he recognizes the problems his policies "have created in Iraq and elsewhere."
The request comes a week after Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld warned against fascism and appeasement as he defended U.S. policies in Iraq. He told an American Legion convention in Salt Lake City that "it is apparent that many have still not learned history's lessons," alluding to criticism aimed at the Bush administration's war policies.
The remarks drew heavy criticism from Democrats. Party leaders on Capitol Hill said last week that they plan to pursue a vote of no confidence in Rumsfeld.
In their letter, released yesterday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) and 10 other congressional party leaders criticize Bush's policies in Iraq, calling them part of a "stay the course" strategy that has not made the United States more secure. The letter suggests several changes long called for by Democratic leaders.
"While a change in your Iraq policy will best advance our chances for success, we do not believe the current civilian leadership at the Department of Defense is suited to implement and oversee such a change in policy," the lawmakers wrote.
Others who signed the 850-word letter were Sens. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.), Richard J. Durbin (Ill.), Daniel K. Inouye (Hawaii), Carl M. Levin (Mich.) and John D. Rockefeller IV (W.Va.) and Reps. Jane Harman (Calif.), Steny H. Hoyer (Md.), Tom Lantos (Calif.), John P. Murtha (Pa.) and Ike Skelton (Mo.).The usual suspects.
In response, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a statement accusing Democrats, including Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, of calling for retreat from Iraq before the U.S. mission there is completed.
"The Democrat leadership finally agrees on something -- unfortunately it's retreat. Whether they call it 'redeployment' or 'phased withdrawal,' the effect is the same: We would leave Americans more vulnerable and Iraqis at the mercy of al-Qaeda, a terrorist group whose aim -- toward Iraqis and Americans -- is clear," said McConnell, the Republican whip.
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 08:01 ||
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#1
Rumsfeld should add that letter to his resume. Donk military geniuses
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/05/2006 8:45 Comments ||
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#2
Dear Dems:
Go fuck yourselves.
Sincerely,
Dave D.
Posted by: Dave D. ||
09/05/2006 8:57 Comments ||
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#3
"A dozen leading congressional Democrats." Hmm so the rest of the Donks either don't care or don't have the cajones to sign a letter? I was listening to Menendez (Idiot-New Jersey) this morning n FNC and he refused to stray from his talking points and address issues (vis-à-vis Rumsfield). The donks offer nothing but resistance/subterfuge and nothing helpful. When you try to pin them on substance, all of a sudden things become fuzzy and abstract but nothing approaching clarity. You cant fight a war in the abstract it has to be fought with clarity or it is not winnable. The bottom line is they can't get rid of Bush, Cheney, or Rove, so they have to try another target this election season and surprise it's Rumsfield. Fortunately, Rummy is prepared to defend his actions as was witnessed in his recent column that sent Donks squealing like Napoleon in Animal Farm.
We do highly recommend you rid the War Department of leadership which has fallen upon those least capable and will result in further unnecessary death of our gallant soldiers. It is known that our armies are lead by a drunkard and another who suffers from severe cases of depression. They have lead us to nothing but stagnation and ruin before Richmond and Atlanta. We call upon you to replace the failed leaders and the policies that have brought us to this abyss.
#6
other congressional party leaders criticize Bush's policies in Iraq, calling them part of a "stay the course" strategy that has not made the United States more secure
If we are not more secure, then the MSM has been hiding the repetition of attacks on American home soil.
There may have been one or two terrorist attacks here since 9/11, 2001, but I strongly believe America is more secure. Numerous planned attacks have been foiled and cells and financing have been neutralized.
In short, WTF are the donkeys talking about ? You can have your own opinion, but you can't have your own facts. But then, according to Limbaugh, the donks are believing their own lies.
#7
This is just part of the Democratic strategy that Zell Miller laid out in 2004:
Defend America with spitballs.
When Zell said it he was using a rhetorical expression. However Pelosi and her crew mean it literally.
Al
Posted by: Frozen Al ||
09/05/2006 11:47 Comments ||
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#8
October 1964
Dear President Lincoln,
We do highly recommend you rid the War Department of leadership which has fallen upon those least capable and will result in further unnecessary death of our gallant soldiers. It is known that our armies are lead by a drunkard and another who suffers from severe cases of depression. They have lead us to nothing but stagnation and ruin before Richmond and Atlanta. We call upon you to replace the failed leaders and the policies that have brought us to this abyss.
Yours truly,
The Democratic Caucus of Congress
And Lincoln's response? "Find out what brand he drinks, and send some to all of my Generals".
A US senator is under fire from the Muslim community for saying that Muslims drive taxis by day and commit murder by night. Republican Senator Conrad Burns said that America confronted a "faceless enemy" of terrorists who "drove taxi cabs in the daytime and killed at night". He made the remarks on Wednesday at a fundraiser headlined by First Lady Laura Bush.
The US lawmaker, who is known for such gaffes, was taken to task by Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Hooper said, "It just adds to the overall atmosphere of anti-Muslim hysteria and xenophobia." He said Burns's comments could spread beyond his own small base. He argued that such comments from high-ranking American politicians could tarnish America's image in the Muslim world. "It doesn't help our nation either domestically or internationally," Hooper said. "These types of comments are picked up by news sources around the world, they're spread on the Internet, and people hear about them. It's no longer that some local politician can say something to pander to a local audience, because their views will be published internationally."
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Was Hooper talking about Sen. Burns or about OBL, al-Zawhiri & the other Islamic fascist politicians? His criticism cuts both ways.
#2
Well we wouldn't want to do or say (or draw or publish) anything that 'tarnishes our image' in the Muslim world. Then they wouldn't even have to make s*&t up to tarnish our image like stories about Korans in the toilet.
#4
They not only drive cabs. They educate the next generation (Ali Asad Chandia), sell you gas (Faysal Galab, Lackawanna), and program your computers (Maher "Mike" Hawash, Intel) ... and plot to kill you.
Posted by: ed ||
09/05/2006 1:59 Comments ||
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#5
A US senator is under fire from the Muslim community for saying that Muslims drive taxis by day and commit murder by night.
Okay ... okay, he was wrong. They don't drive taxis ...
#7
Burns isn't a career politician. He came to politics late in life, after making it in the private sector. This is why he has always had a bad case of political potty-mouth.
#9
These types of comments are picked up by news sources around the world, they're spread on the Internet, and people hear about them.
OK, Hooper, let's start hearing the contents of every goddamned Friday sermon. We'll start with the ones in Saudi Arabia.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
09/05/2006 5:24 Comments ||
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#10
He did not say MUSLIMS drive cabs during the day and kill at night. He said the FACELESS ENEMY drive cabs by day and kil at night. That's born out in the recent arrests in Britain. Regular, everyday joes, by all accounts, who happen to also be terrorists.
If the terrorists who drive cabs by day/kill by night happen to be muslim, that's not Conrad Burns' fault. He's just pointing out that the enemy hides in our midst.
The headline is a lie, and the story is also a lie. Typical.
#13
I guess when someone talks about a "faceless enemy" and Muslims immediately complain about being singled out, the Muslims just identified themselves as those enemies. Pretty slick for a "gaffe."
#14
Sen. Burns, we luv ya. Glad you're on our side. Just a little slip. I wish I could reach out and touch this slimy shit Hooper. I'd personally like to rip his f**kin' head off and stomp on it.
#15
I guess when someone talks about a "faceless enemy" and Muslims immediately complain about being singled out, the Muslims just identified themselves as those enemies.
I'd say it was the result of a guilty conscience, but there's no evidence anyone at CAIR has a conscience.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
09/05/2006 20:31 Comments ||
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Note this is an AP story... N.Y. Prosecutors Want Lawyer Punished
Prosecutors seeking a 30-year prison term for a lawyer convicted of aiding terrorists have called her behavior "flagrant abuse of her profession" ahead of next month's sentencing hearing.
Lynne Stewart was convicted in February 2005 of providing material support to terrorists by releasing a statement by her client, Sheik Ahmed Abdel-Rahman, who was imprisoned after being convicted in 1995 of plotting to blow up New York City landmarks.
Stewart's "egregious, flagrant abuse of her profession, abuse that amounted to material support to a terrorist group, deserves to be severely punished," prosecutors wrote in a document submitted Thursday to a judge.
Her lawyers have argued that Stewart should receive no prison time, arguing that a harsh sentence would frighten other lawyers from representing notorious clients and that Stewart's three decades of distinguished work for indigent clients should speak louder than a single serious mistake.
The prosecutors see it differently.
"Stewart did not walk a fine line of zealous advocacy and accidentally fall over it; she marched across it and into a criminal conspiracy," Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Dember wrote. "The government obviously did not prosecute Stewart because she is a zealous advocate, but rather for blatantly and repeatedly violating the law."
Dember wrote that Stewart's "conduct was not isolated to one single event; rather, it showed a pattern of purposeful and willful conduct, in which she played a central role in repeated fraudulent attempts to pass messages to and from Abdel-Rahman."
He also said Stewart lied at her trial when she said the government knew that special prison rules allowed the sheik's lawyers to issue news releases, and when she denied knowing an overseas terrorist until her trial.
The government also rejected arguments that the terrorism case was handled differently because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying the criminal investigation of Stewart began before then.
Stewart, 65, had argued that Abdel-Rahman was engaging in protected speech when he expressed his opinion about a cease fire by Islamic militants in Egypt that Stewart passed along in a 2000 news release.
Stewart was convicted along with Mohamed Yousry, an Arabic interpreter, and Ahmed Abdel Sattar, a U.S. postal worker. The government sought a 20-year prison term for Yousry and a life sentence for Sattar.
Yousry also was convicted of providing material support to terrorists. Sattar was convicted of conspiracy to kill and kidnap people in a foreign country. 30 yrs works for me.
#4
Here's hoping she gets the 30 years the gov't is arguing for (though I doubt she will). I'd settle on 20 years which might, in her case given her age, be tantamount to a "life" sentence. Her conviction was in Feb., 2005. Was her ticket to practise law pulled in Feb. 2005? If not, why not? Anyone know? More importantly: I hoping the judge in her case will not permit her to remain free on bond during the inevitable appeal process.
Posted by: Mark Z ||
09/05/2006 9:51 Comments ||
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#5
Prosecutors Seek 30 yrs For Terr Lawyer Lynne Stewart
Hip Hip Hoorah...Hip Hip Hoorah this one article put me in a great mood..
heh I feel so gud thatr ima thinking about posting the crone's pic!! yep!!
Here we go again. Gerard Lynch will hear the NY case. He's an ACLU kind of guy. District Court Judge To Hear Eavesdropping Lawsuit
Lawyers for the federal government will defend in court today the Bush administration's program of eavesdropping on suspected terrorists.
Oral argument in a lawsuit challenging the program on behalf of several attorneys is scheduled for 2 p.m. today before Judge Gerard Lynch of U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
The court hearing comes almost three weeks after a district judge in Detroit, Anna Diggs Taylor, ruled that the program is unconstitutional.
The Bush administration has said the electronic eavesdropping which is done without a court warrant is vital to preventing another terrorist attack.
The lawyers who brought the New York lawsuit are represented by the Manhattan-based Center for Constitutional Rights. Will he pull an Anna Diggs Taylor - or actually call it straight? We shall see.
Discrimination and harassment by law enforcement have come to plague American Muslims in the years since the terrorist attacks of September 11. There have been suspicious looks, slurs, physical attacks, extra screening at airports and arrests on groundless charges. And it seems to be getting worse.
A recent Gallup poll showed that 39 percent of Americans admit to being prejudiced against Muslims and that nearly a quarter say they would not want a Muslim for a neighbor. "Most Americans don't know Muslims except for those they work with in an urban environment so all the information they get is through the media," said Dawud Walid, director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
After having shown some restraint in his rhetoric after 19 Muslim men affiliated with Al-Qaeda flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush has of late been using far more inflammatory language such as 'Islamofacists,' Walid said. "When the religious and political leaders use polarizing language these are the unfortunate side effects. It stretches from the likes of (Christian Coalition leader) Pat Robinson all the way up to President Bush."
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#2
At least they're alive and only suffering the indignity of an extra looking over for the most part. I wonder how long westerners would survive in Iran or wherever if they started pulling terrorist $hi+ over there.
#3
Well some nut in Jordan just shot a bunch of European tourists while yelling Allah Akbar. But he's just a lone nut, coulda happened anywhere. No need to look at the culture of jihad incitement and hatred in the Islamic world. If it does exist, it's merely a reation to American/Israeli foreign policy. No. We must chastise ourselves for our own lack of tolerance, paranoia, and xenophobia, which have led us to this crazy notion that some Muzzies are up to no good.
#4
Meanwhile, Spain, Bali and Britain have been plagued with terrorist attacks perpetrated by mystery men, and a surprising amount of plots have been foiled here and in Europe featuring an unnamed religious group wishing to blow up various means of transportation.
All the while, the fine folks at CAIR say and do nothing except catalog suspicious looks and slurs, for the most part, and occasionally trumpet some "hate crimes" that turn out later to be perpetrated by the "victims" themselves.
Yeah, can't think of a reason why America is turning "islamophobic". Nope, no way.
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 6:40 Comments ||
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#6
I can tell you right now, this is the shape of politics to come: the Democratic Party, its propagandists in the media, and its indoctrination cadres in academia are about to embrace Muslims as their new Officially Recognized Poor Helpless Oppressed Victims, and use them the same way they have been using Blacks the last 40 years.
Think we've been excessively solicitous of Muslims since 9/11? You ain't seen NOTHING yet.
Posted by: Dave D. ||
09/05/2006 7:28 Comments ||
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#7
NB: the 150 or so incidents are 1/6th the number that are committed against Jews.
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
09/05/2006 7:59 Comments ||
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#8
Well guys, how do you think muslims go about treating non muslims throughout the world where they are the majority? And often times they do far worse in the name of unquestioned right and holy duty. In the US they don't really feel themselves as equal(ideology dissonance)but ever seek to gain influence to bend things their way. They're muslim first, are they not?
Good point about the death cult, Crazy Fool. How long would this nonsense last if it was a group of American-grown white boys dedicated to some "religion" that advocated and followd-through on terrorist threats. Well, we'd wipe 'em out. NO questions asked. Just because "islam" has been around awhile and originated elsewhere, that doesn't make the bottom line any different. Our government should be EXTREMELY INTOLERANT of these boys and their fascination with violence.
#19
Ex-Lib makes a valid point. Think if the muslim death cult (aka islam) we deal with daily were called...oh, I don't know...how about "The Branch Dividians"? Think the feds wouldn't hunt them down like rabid dogs? Hey maybe that's it...put the donks back into power then lable all muslims Branch Dividians!!!
Posted by: Mark Z ||
09/05/2006 12:29 Comments ||
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#20
Thanks DOC, I feel better now.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
09/05/2006 12:32 Comments ||
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#21
Hey maybe that's it...put the donks back into power then lable all muslims Branch Dividians!!!
#22
Luckily the borders are open and they can head off to another cuntry where there is no discimination against Muslims instead of trying to change the US.
I think most Americans do not blame all Muslims for the 9/11 attacks. We blame all Muslims for the refusal to denounce fellow Muslims and the glee we see when the Bin Ladens succeed.
I really would like to have seen the US military create an all Muslim military unit (LIke the Japanese-American Go For Broke boys in WW2. Then we could watch the action, or inaction, of Muslims fighting for civilization. As it is they hide the numbers/actions of the Muslims in the military so we can't see if they are helping or not.
#23
I think most Americans do not blame all Muslims for the 9/11 attacks. We blame all Muslims for the refusal to denounce fellow Muslims and the glee we see when the Bin Ladens succeed.
#26
That has a very sipmple solution: when we hear of Muslims killing jihadis there will be no discrimination instead they have ever acted (at best) as ideological human shields.
#27
Too right, JFM. As I have always asked;
Where are all of the Moderate Muslim imams out martyring themselves in the attempt to preach tolerance and coexistence to their jihadist brethern? When I see that, then I'll believe that Islam might be worthy of redemption. Until then, all it deserves is a speedy dispatch from this mortal coil.
#28
To return to Humanity, LEAVE IT. Islam does not leave by the Golden Rule and hence the impossibility of being at peace with anyone else.
/q
"Religions that force people to believe in gods who do not exist are, indeed,
arrogant faiths that lack compassion." He continued, "The constant fighting in the Middle East , where many precious lives are lost every day, is a direct manifestation of the tragic harm that is brought about by Islam." u/q
- Kosho Mizushima
And CAIR jumped! LOL. Hopefully that young sensei Koshso didn't apologise. In any case this is to show that islam can't get along with anyone else, not just the Western Judeo-Christian tradition.
If they are discriminated against its because it does it to others first, and will or can they ever change? They can only do Taqiyyah.
ISLAMABAD Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani has justified the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti and said that the Baloch leader had chosen the road of militancy by closing all political options. His extremist views were disowned even by his own Bugti tribe who isolated him and forced him to go to Kohlu where he eventually met his fate, Durrani told reporters here.
Pakistani spin machine shifting into high gear, explaining how Nawab Bugti was responsible for everything including the Lindburg kidnapping..
The minister was of the view that the rising number of Indian consulates in Afghanistan and their activities were jeopardising the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan.
"Them damm Indians, sniffing around where they don't belong"
In a bid to destabilise Pakistan, he said, some foreign forces were providing all kinds of resources, wealth and weapons to strengthen anti-state elements and a large quantity of arms, ammunition and narcotics was pouring in from Afghanistan into Balochistan.
Coal to Newcastle, ice to eskimos, porn to LA, etc..
He brushed aside an impression that any separatist movement was brewing in Balochistan and said that some elements against whom Nawab Bugti had conducted an operation in 1973 were playing politics over his body. Durrani said that the country's sovereignty would never ever be compromised and all steps would be taken to establish the writ of the state.
He said that Akbar Bugti had stopped travelling to Islamabad when former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was in power. In 1996, former interior minister Naseerullah Khan Babar had also conducted an operation in Dera Bugti and Sui.
The minister also issued a 13-page fact-sheet, "Atrocities against humanity in Balochistan". "Having strong feudal background and oppressive domination, a few tribal chieftains Akbar Khan Bugti, Khair Bakhsh Marri and Attaullah Mengal are the most prominent of these having terrorist outlook," it said. It contains a long list of, what it called, "Terrorist activities of Akbar Bugti and his associates".
It said that Akbar Bugti by utilising the money collected through illegal means (corruption, blackmailing, narcotics trade and arms smuggling) created his own empire. He organised his own mafia of terrorists to coerce local civilians. He maintained a private jail where he detained opponents and poor people illegally, for terms varying between five and 25 years. The average strength of prisoners in his jail used to be 150 to 200. He had his own court in Dera Bugti where he was the self-appointed judge. Since 1992, the fact-sheet said, 60 people were murdered by Akbar Bugti and his terrorists. It said that countless incidents of sabotage had been committed by Akbar Bugti and his terrorists.
Had the death sentence on twelve systems, yada yada yada
The fact-sheet lists similar activities of Khair Bakhsh Marri, Balaach Marri, Hayerbiar Marri, Ghazain Marri and Zamran Marri and said they were also involved in attacking and killing three Chinese and injuring five Chinese and two Pakistanis on May 3, 2004, at Gwadar. They also attacked Chinese on October 15, 2005, near Talar Camp, injuring the driver of the vehicle. Likewise, it said, Akhtar Mengal and his associates were involved in numerous acts of bomb blasts, mine blasts, rocket firing and attacks on security personnel, railway infrastructure, gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines from 2004 to 2006, killing 870 people.
In other words, a true son of Pakistan and a Lion of Islam
Posted by: Steve ||
09/05/2006 13:11 ||
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KARACHI - Pakistani and US naval forces began a series of exercises on Monday aimed at improving counter-terrorism capabilities, a Pakistani navy spokesman said. The exercises, named Inspired Union, will be held in three phases and are expected to last for two weeks, Lieutenant Commander Salman Ali said. The purpose of these exercises is to gain experience in advanced maritime interdiction operations to counter terrorism, Ali said.
The exercises in the Arabian Sea will involve the US aircraft carrier Enterprise, the guided missile frigate USS Nicholas, the guided missile destroyer USS McFaul and the attack submarine USS Albuquerque. From the Pakistani side, three ships, a submarine and aircraft will take part.
The two navies, which have held exercises before, were aiming to improve their ability to work together in a range of areas, he said. The exercises are aimed at countering everything from smuggling, drug trafficking, as well as the miscellaneous threats from terrorism, Ali said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
The purpose of these exercises is to gain experience in advanced maritime interdiction operations to counter terrorism,
...oh, and we'll collect both sonar and acoustical signatures of the paki's.
The Jamaat-e-Islami criticised NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, who belongs to the JUI-F, for allowing police raids on shops selling Islamic cassettes and CDs. If the NWFP chief minister cannot stop his administration from taking action against shops selling Islamic cassettes and CDs, he has no right to remain in power and he should resign, JI MNA Sabir Hussain Awan told reporters while protesting against the campaign against hate material in the province.
Police claimed that the owners were selling CDs that contained speeches by Sipah-e-Sahaba leaders against Shias...
The JI MNA said the chief minister had denied knowledge of the raids, but he was sure that such a campaign could not be launched without Durranis approval. I am surprised that the police raided these shops without informing the chief minister, the law minister or the district nazim, and if the police launched the operation on the directive of the federal government or the US consulate in Peshawar, it is a violation of provincial laws, said Awan. He demanded that the Peshawar police chief be suspended for involvement in the un-Islamic operation against peaceful citizens of the province.
He accused the administration of allowing criminals to operate vulgarity dens in Peshawar, and booking people promoting Islamic literature under the Anti-Terrorism Act. On August 31, Kabuli police arrested six owners of video shops from various Islamic organisations in a raid on Kabari Bazaar and Qissa Khawani Bazaar. Police claimed that the owners were selling CDs that contained speeches by Sipah-e-Sahaba leaders against Shias.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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The Supreme Council of the MMA will convene today (Tuesday) to decide whether the six-party religious alliance should withdraw from the Balochistan government, in the wake of last month's killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. A senior MMA leader told Daily Times that the alliance's provincial leader, Maulana Sherani, was scheduled to brief the session on prospects for the alliance's political future if it did quit the provincial government. However, according to other party sources, while the top MMA leadership supported withdrawal form the coalition government in Balochistan, Maulana Sherani and several other provincial ministers did not favour the move.
Maulana Sherani believed that MMA withdrawal from the provincial government would further fuel the Balochistan crisis, indicating that the alliance was simply interested in sabotaging the government set up to pursue its own political agenda in the province. However, most of the top JUI-F leadership favoured quitting the Balochistan government, a view shared by MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmad, sources said.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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Except in Wazoo, of course. And Bajaur. And Khyber...
Threats to the solidarity of Pakistan will not be tolerated and the government will enforce its writ in Balochistan, President Gen Pervez Musharraf said in a meeting on the provincial law and order situation on Monday. The president said certain elements did not want to see Balochistan progressing as they stood to lose with the empowerment of the common people there. These elements were running farari (fugitive) camps, attacking gas pipelines and security forces, killing Chinese engineers and non-Baloch Pakistani settlers in an effort to disrupt development projects, he said. These terrorist activities were also taken to Karachi, Lahore and other parts of the country, he said. However, he added that the problem existed only in small pockets of the province and most of Balochistan was peaceful.
Gen Musharraf said severe action would be taken against anti-development elements in the province, but the meeting also decided that politicians, working under the direction of PML leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Mushahid Hussain Sayed, would coordinate with Baloch nationalists and opposition parties to set up a conducive and peaceful dialogue.
Baloch leaders also attended the meeting and supported the federal government. We will not compromise on the solidarity of the country and will never allow the separatists to succeed. Anti-Pakistan sentiments will be fought, sources quoted the Baloch leaders as telling the meeting. They also dismissed a separatist threat made by Akhtar Mengal. Gen Musharraf reiterated his commitment to the development of Balochistan. I have already apologised to the people of Balochistan for the negligence of the past governments. We have initiated development projects worth Rs 135 billion, he said, referring to Gwadar Port, the Makran Coastal Highway, Mirani and Subakzai dams and other projects.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#7
Written by a Syrian (read Iranian puppet) political "analyst". Yeah, al Sadr is the real independent (and worthy of infidel support) and Sistani is Tehran's puppet. Jeebus, the NorKs write better propaganda than this.
Posted by: ed ||
09/05/2006 21:27 Comments ||
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#8
If only - maybe he can serve as an example for every other "leader" in the region. Fat chance.
How do you separate mosque and state when the mosque is the state?
Needs to be shared with Americans. Too bad the press won't give it the coverage it deserves.
Five years after our nation was attacked, the terrorist danger remains. Were a nation at war and America and her allies are fighting this war with relentless determination across the world. Together with our coalition partners, weve removed terrorist sanctuaries, disrupted their finances, killed and captured key operatives, broken up terrorist cells in America and other nations, and stopped new attacks before theyre carried out. Were on the offense against the terrorists on every battlefront and well accept nothing less than complete victory.
#1
Just to give everyone a point of contrast, here's Democratic senatorial candidate Bob Casey being interviewed by Tim Russert, as quoted by James Taranto at Opinion Journal:
Russert: Let's go right to it: the war in Iraq. Mr. Casey, you're the challenger, you told the Philadelphia Inquirer August 2005 the following:
'Casey said he would have voted for the war considering the evidence at the time, and supported the spending bills that funded the effort.' Knowing what you know today, would you still have voted for the war?
Casey:...Tim, on the war in Iraq, if, if, if a lot of Americans knew now--if they knew then what they know now, they would, they would have thought that this war was the war that shouldn't have been fought based upon the misleading of this administration.
Here's what I think has to happen in Iraq today.
Russert: So you would not vote for it today.
Casey: Based upon the information that we have now, I think that, that a lot of Americans would have serious doubts. I'm not sure there would have even been a vote on Iraq that early in the--
Russert: But in '05 you said you'd vote for it. Would you today in '06 vote for it?
Casey: Based upon the evidence that was presented then, yes, which I think has been--was misleading, and I think it was faulty. The intelligence was faulty.
Russert: But today, today is no. Today you would vote no.
Casey: Today--if we knew then what we know now, sure. I think there wouldn't have been a vote and I think people would have changed.
Everyone clear on that?
Posted by: Matt ||
09/05/2006 18:16 Comments ||
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#2
profile in courage
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/05/2006 20:23 Comments ||
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#3
There is going to be a series of speeches over the next few days, culiminating in the Sept. 19 speech to the UN. I suspect that the WOT will be waged more aggressively. Jihad incitement from Afghan and Iraq mosques, continues and with obvious results. That has to stop. Wrapping terror in religious "freedom" is an enemy tactic. We have to put our security interests over Muslim worship, where terror is promoted. Lawmakers must implement the President's new initiatives.
#6
NBC covered it fine. They implied it was all about politics...Bush gearing up for the fall elections.
Then NBC missed the point, the point that the families of the 3,000 did not miss, of the 2600 fallen soldiers and their families did not miss, of the thousands of soldiers that have more months CZTE on active duty than months they don't, if you agree this is political posturing you missed the point.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
09/05/2006 22:38 Comments ||
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#7
Maybe I should have included the sarcasm flags.
Outside of a couple of sound bites, NBC ignored the President's remarks, and we won't hear any more about it. Bush may have the 'bully pulpit', but the MSM doesn't have to carry his remarks if they don't want to, and they don't. They simply don't get it, and good night and good luck to us all.
Who is the Gen. Othman Farhood guy and who does he really answer to? The Maliki government? The Hakim cabal? The Iranians? Presumably not the Baathists, but ..?
IRAQI GROUND FORCES COMMAND ASSUMES COMMAND AND CONTROL OF 8TH IRAQI ARMY DIVISION
BAGHDAD The Iraqi Ground Forces Command assumed command and control here today of one of its Iraqi Army divisions from the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, marking the first step toward Iraqi sovereignty over their own armed forces.
The 8th Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Maj. Gen Othman Ali Salih Farhood, which had reported to Multi-National Division-Baghdad as a subordinate unit, will now report directly to the IGFC as an adjacent unit to MND-B. It was the first Iraqi Army division to take the lead in its sector on January 27, 2006.
In a gradual sequence over the following months, the IGFC will assume control of the remaining nine Iraqi Army divisions.
The IGFC was stood up on May 15, 2005 as the Corps-level command for providing command, control and guidance to the 10 Iraqi Army divisions. Over the past year, MNC-I worked closely with the IGFC in a partnership to develop procedures, training and infrastructure that enables the IGFC to effectively command and control maneuver units to provide for Iraqs security. Later this week, the IFGC will join its sister services, the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Navy, in a formal ceremony marking the transition of operational control of Iraqi Armed Forces from Coalition Forces to the Government of Iraq.
On May 3, 2006, the IGFC officially opened its Joint Operations Center, a modern, command center in which all elements of the headquarters staff are represented, to monitor and process data from throughout Iraq in real time.
Todays assumption of control by the IGFC demonstrates the increased capability of the Iraqi Army to assume control of security tasks and is another significant step toward Iraqi security self-reliance.
#1
The two things the Iraqi army still needs is a heavy division or two, which I guess is in the works, and an air force.
I suspect that we will quietly hunt up prospective pilots and mechanics and ship them off to Texas very discreetly. Then they will suddenly return home to Iraq with their aircraft, to a fully operational airbase or three, under tight security.
This will make the Iranians poop large inside their burkas.
#2
But whaddabout the Yahoo/AP article I posted as Bodies Scattered Around Baghdad?
Rebecca, the AP writer, sez, Disagreements continued over the handover of Iraq's armed forces command from the U.S.-led coalition to the Iraqi government
Hmmmm.....
Maybe her stringers didn't see the news about the division assuming control? Or just didn't report it to her in the Green Zone? Or maybe she edited it out as 'irrelevant'?
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 14:16 Comments ||
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#3
I suspect that we will quietly hunt up prospective pilots and mechanics and ship them off to Texas very discreetly. Then they will suddenly return home to Iraq with their aircraft, to a fully operational airbase or three, under tight security.
Well, not so discreetly: BAGHDAD, March 3, 2006 A fully certified aircrew takes flight, and a single air base opens its gates. These feats represent giant steps toward independence and national security to Iraqi airmen training side by side here with U.S. Air Force members. Since November, the U.S. Air Force has taken on the mission of standing up the Iraqi air force, enabling Iraqis to gradually take over operations and help secure their nation's future. "In only a few months they have made significant progress," U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David W. Eidsaune, Air Component Coordination Element director, said. "We're working closely with them on a plan for their future. We agree on where they're going and how to get there."
Iraqi airmen agree that progress has been made, but know there's still a long road to travel. "We are starting over," Iraqi Air Force Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Kamal Barzanjy said. "America has given us a lot of help, and we have already accomplished many things, but we need to keep growing." To assist them, the U.S. has given the Iraq a small fleet of C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.
Despite these growing pains, the Iraqi air force is taking part in some coalition operations. "The IAF is playing a limited, but effective role in our operations," Eidsaune said. "Their current aircraft are kept busy transporting troops, supplies and distinguished visitors." In addition, the Iraqi air force plays a small role in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. "Iraqi ISR assets are tasked by the local (Iraqi) army division to scan their local infrastructure, including pipelines and borders," he said. "These assets bring back valuable intelligence to ground commanders, and are definitely making a difference."
Posted by: Steve ||
09/05/2006 14:45 Comments ||
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#4
I just wonder if the new IAF will equip itself with all Western aircraft or if they will do like the Iraqi Army and blending in Western equipment with their old Soviet stuff? One advantage to the IAF using rebuilt Soviet aircraft like Migs or Sukhois is that they have institutional memory involving them. Also, the costs of upgraded Migs and the like from the new NATO powers like Poland and Hungary is still less per plane than most of the Western models. Another benefit to that approach is that it lets the new NATO countries selloff their old equipment and switch to newer Western gear, at a faster pace and less cost since the old gear is paying for much of the new gear.
BAGHDAD - Iraq may get a new flag to replace one rejected by ethnic Kurds as a symbol of oppression under Saddam Hussein, the government said on Monday, hoping to defuse a nasty row that provoked threats of Kurdish secession. It could be brought up as early as Tuesday in parliament.
After the Kurdish regional leader banned the national flag and the prime minister hit back bluntly, government spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh said he understood the Kurds position and that designing a new flag now had greater priority. Due to such issues, there will be certain priorities in order to advance approving a new flag, he told Reuters. It was not urgent but now it is more urgent.
We understand the sensitivity of the Kurdistan people, that they have been killed under this flag.
A Kurdish member of the Baghdad parliament said his party aimed to introduce a motion at Tuesdays first session since the summer recess calling for a new flag and a new national anthem. Iraqs president, also a Kurd, appeared to throw his weight behind a change, describing the present one as the Saddamist flag, stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands.
Dabbagh defended the statement on Sunday by Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki, a Shiite Arab, that said only the national tricolour must be flown and implied the Kurdish regional flag, ubiquitous in the northern mountains, had no official standing. But, he said, We understand the sensitivity of the Kurdistan people, that they have been killed under this flag.
This is hopeful -- politicans are going to work it out without reaching for their shootin' irons.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani defended Barzani, long his bitter rival, and appeared to back a new design by parliament: The Iraqi flag, which will be ratified by the Iraqi parliament according to the constitution, will be a sacred flag, venerated, accepted by everyone, raised and fluttering over the heads of Iraqis and on the peaks of the Kurdistan mountains.
Nawzat Saleh Rifaat, a member of parliament from Talabanis party, told Reuters: We demand the flag be changed. We are seeking to change it so that all Iraqi people would be united.
This does not mean we want to secede. At the first session of parliament, we will ask for a new flag and national anthem.
The red, white and black horizontal tricolour with a line of three green stars in the middle is a Baathist design adopted after a 1963 coup and modelled after that of other Arab states. It replaced a design that featured a sun motif representing the Kurds. After invading Kuwait in 1990, Saddam added the words Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest) in his own hand. Since he fell, new flags feature the words in a neutral printed typography.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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THE leader of Iraq's ethnic Kurds brandished the threat of secession yesterday as a row with the Baghdad government over the flying of the Iraqi national flag exposed an increasingly bitter rift. After the Kurdish regional government banned the use of the Iraqi flag on public buildings, the country's prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, issued a blunt statement demanding the national tricolour be reinstated and implying that the Kurds' own banner was illegitimate.
If at any moment we, the Kurdish people and parliament, consider that it is in our interests to declare independence, we will do so and we will fear no-one...
Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan region, told its parliament that Iraq's flag was a symbol of his own people's past oppression, and called on the Iraqi parliament to adopt a new flag. "If at any moment we, the Kurdish people and parliament, consider that it is in our interests to declare independence, we will do so and we will fear no-one," he warned.
A terse statement from Mr Maliki's office, made no direct mention of the Kurds and said: "The Iraqi flag is the only flag that should be raised over any square inch of Iraq, until parliament makes a decision as laid down in the constitution."
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Prolly just a matter of time before that happens anyway. Kurdistan is loaded with black gold and would make them a nice little homeland. They would probably quit annoying Turkey and mind their own yard if they had a country.
#2
If it comes down to secession, the Sunni Arabs in Central Iraq would probably be better off with a free Kurdistan. This way, they won't get attacked from both north and south, as they are in a united Iraq.
#5
Good on the Kurds, they've needed a country since we forgot them after WW2
Posted by: bk ||
09/05/2006 11:22 Comments ||
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#6
With America's armies sitting secure in Kurdistan, I think we can bite off big chunks of Iran and Syria for a greater Kurdistan in the near future. Call the map room.
RAMALLAH, WEST BANK -- On the first day of the Palestinian school year Saturday, Ali Abu Dayeh had abandoned his high school classroom for a falafel stand in central Ramallah.
Eight months ago, the Arabic teacher helped the militant Islamist group Hamas win a majority in the Palestinian parliament, but this weekend Abu Dayeh joined tens of thousands of Palestinian teachers in a civil servant strike to protest the government's failure to pay salaries for the last half year. "Hamas started with an agenda of reform and change. This program clashed with reality," he says. "Every government needs a political program, but this government has thrown its hands up and said, 'Be patient.' No government should say that."
Hamas duped much of the world with talk of reform and change. What they really wanted was more guns and ammo and a chance to lob rockets at the Zionists. As a Paleo, you likely supported this whole hog. My sympathy meter reads '0.0000' for you. Enjoy your roosting chickens.
At a time when Hizbullah has enjoyed a surge in popularity throughout the Arab world from its month-long war with Israel, Islamic militants in the Palestinian territories are coming under domestic pressure to resolve a financial crisis or share power.
Though the strike is a political play by union chiefs from the rival Fatah Party, remarks like Abu Dayeh's are a sign that a US and European aid boycott of the Islamic militant-led government is sowing widespread disillusionment with Hamas. The walkout will give [relative] moderate and Holocaust denier President Mahmoud Abbas more leverage to convince Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh into relenting on his rejection of peace talks with Israel.
Yeah, Ismail, if you can't kill Joooz and make the trains run on time what good are you?
To be sure, Hamas knows that its majority rule in parliament is safe for now because Fatah hasn't recovered from the January election landslide. So instead of the Islamic-led government falling, it may strike a compromise to invite Mr. Abbas's Fatah party in a unity coalition. "When the Palestinian government becomes incapable of delivering, it will be frank with the people," says Mohammed Barghouti, the Hamas-appointed Palestinian Social Welfare Minister. "The solution is unity and a domestic agreement that respects both parties."
You'll be as frank as you've always been.
Meaning 'equal sharing of the loot'.
Hamas officials like Mr. Barghouti have argued that the crisis is the doing of Israel and the US, which refused to accept the Islamists' landslide victory at the polls. But the public sector strike that began over the weekend is shifting blame for the paralysis - and strengthening Fatah's hand in negotiations. "The crisis has reached the peak. People can't wait any longer without income," said Samir Barghouti, the director of the Arab Center for Economic Development. "The Arab pressure, the international pressure, and the Israeli pressure has worked. Regular people are saying, 'We elected Hamas and we trust Hamas, but Hamas is not able to bring results.' "
"But we're still hopeful they can drive the Zionists into the sea, so we'll vote for them again."
As they ticked off strike participation rates for cities around the West Bank and Gaza for reporters, union leaders and legislators from Fatah sought to put the government militants on the defensive. Officials said that the civil servants timed the strike at the beginning of the school year because the families would be feeling the economic pinch most acutely as they prepare children for school.
So that they can learn to kill the infidels. See the LGF on-going series on Paleo 'child abuse'.
"The Palestinian people are living in an economic and social crisis, regardless of the Americans and Israelis," says Basem Hadaydel, a spokesman for the teachers' union. "I hope Hamas understands the dangerous situation that we are in."
Hamas has sustained a good deal of its popularity despite months of deepening economic blight, says Hani el-Masri, a columnist for the El Ayyam newspaper. But political leaders blundered when they initially declared the strike an attack on the government rather than spinning it as a call to the international community to lift economic sanctions. "If they insist on keeping control over the government, it will give Abbas a push to dissolve it."
Palestinians hope that a power-sharing arrangement between Hamas and Fatah would end the aid boycott, and restore public sector salaries. Analysts say that a power-sharing arrangement would allow Abbas to participate in peace talks with Israel, while leaving veto power with Hamas legislators. The sides are also reportedly discussing whether the ministers in the unity government - including the prime minister - should be technocrats rather than politicians.
The 'power-sharing' idea already shows results, as the EU is ready to throw money at them. I'm hoping that Dubya is smarter than that.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
On the first day of the Palestinian school year Saturday, Ali Abu Dayeh had abandoned his high school classroom for a falafel stand in central Ramallah.
#3
Nigel Tufnel: The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and...
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most amps go up to ten?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Put it up to eleven.
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to eleven.
#4
"a US and European aid boycott of the Islamic militant-led government is sowing widespread disillusionment with Hamas."
Showing once again, how helpful it is to work with our European allies.
As for the proposed coalition govt, it depends. The boycott is because the PA govt doesnt accept the Oslo accords, and thus Israels existence. If the coalition does so, and no Hamas minister is in security focused ministry, how different is it from Lebanon where SOME ministries are held by Hezbollah?
#7
LH-That's giving the EU more credit than they deserve. The US is the moral leader here-it was the US that pushed for disallowing aid to a Hamas-led government. The EU are busy devising ways of diverting water around that dam.
I don't know why the EU agreed to the boycott, but it surely has nothing to do with doing it for the right principles. I would bet its motivation and end goal both have something to do weakening America in some way.
Posted by: Jules in the Hinterlands ||
09/05/2006 17:37 Comments ||
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#8
The proposed coalition government has two goals, from the Fatah side: to ease some power from Hamas's hands, and to provide an excuse for funds to start flowing again. However, Hamas will never in any way accept Israel's right to exist, nor accept any of the agreements the PLO (Golly, she asked wide-eyed, why do they call themselves Fatah now?) made with Israel along the way, so ultimately this is simply an exercise in taqiyyah, completely in accordance with the desire of the vast majority of the Palestinian population
Several Palestinian public institutions, political factions and figures on Monday declared British Prime Minister Tony Blair persona non grata in Ramallah, saying his planned visit to the city was a "provocation against the feelings of the Palestinian people." In a statement distributed in Ramallah, they said that Blair, who is expected to visit the region later this week, was "completely unwelcome in our country because he was coming to wash the hands that are dripping Lebanese blood with Palestinian water."
... saying his planned visit to the city was a 'provocation against the feelings of the Palestinian people.'
The statement is the first of its kind against Blair and comes one day after Palestinians in various parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip staged demonstrations against the US and Britain to protest against these countries' support for Israel. It also follows a similar protest against US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who visited Ramallah in August for talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets to protest against Rice's visit while an alliance of Palestinian factions, including Abbas's Fatah party, called a general strike.
"Blair's main task is to appear as a peace-maker to stave off sharp criticism in his country and around the world following his refusal to support a cease-fire initiative in Lebanon," the statement added. "He wanted to give Israel's army generals enough time to complete their destructive mission."
According to the authors of the statement, Blair is also "seeking to appease the Arabs and Muslims in light of his biased policies in favor of Israel and his backing for the American adventures. He's trying to create the impression that he is making peaceful efforts to find a solution to the Palestinian cause."
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Haha 'provocation against the feelings of the Palestinian people'
well , even saying hello can be construed as hurting their feelings .. In fact is there anything that doesnt hurt their feelings ?
#8
Why in hell would you imagine someone like Mr. Blair would ever consider visiting the cesspool of Ramallah ???Bwahahahahah !! Dream on you loosers !
Senior Israel officials are scheduled to leave for the United States late Monday evening to notify the US government that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's realignment plan for unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank is off the table. Olmert's chief of staff Yoram Turbovich and diplomatic advisor Shalom Turgeman expect to meet with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and national security advisor Steve Hadley, and intend to plan Olmert's next visit to the US.
Realignment was the central platform of Olmert's policy regarding the Palestinians, but the idea of unilateral withdrawal from captured territory has been deeply undermined by the recent war with Hizbullah in southern Lebanon...
Olmert reportedly told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that the realignment plan agenda "is no longer relevant." Speaking after the meeting, committee member Ran Cohen (Meretz) said that the word realignment was dead and that he understood from Olmert that the idea had been put to bed. Realignment was the central platform of Olmert's policy regarding the Palestinians, but the idea of unilateral withdrawal from captured territory has been deeply undermined by the recent war with Hizbullah in southern Lebanon - a conflict that erupted six years after Israel withdrew unilaterally from the security zone it had maintained there.
Yesha spokesperson Emily Amrusi was not overly thrilled by Olmert's reported remarks. She said that the prime minister had made the statement out of political motives since what concerned him was keeping his coalition together and not aggravating the opposition. "Olmert is still a shortsighted leader who is devoid of logic. He has not changed overnight, he is even talking of negotiating with Lebanon," exclaimed Amrusi.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Good. Finaly he does something right by keeping the middle and southern areas of Israel out of rocket range.
U think this was all planned before hand ... remove recent settlements from Gaza and solidify West bank colonization?
How will this bring democracy and peace to the political desert that is the Middle East?
Posted by: Bruce ||
09/05/2006 7:47 Comments ||
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#4
U think this was all planned before hand ... remove recent settlements from Gaza and solidify West bank colonization?
How will this bring democracy and peace to the political desert that is the Middle East?
Sorta like moving the sod busters in behind the cavalry in the Dakotas and New Mexico Territories. It certainly takes a while, but is rather permanent in its lasting effects.
#6
As the only thing that will bring peace to the Middle East is the total defeat of the Muslims, it's pointless for Israel to allow the stated wishes of the Muslim countries to in any way affect her actions, Bruce. In fact, the greater pain the Muslim countries feel, the sooner they will accept the reality that they've been incapable of erasing since the late 19th century, long before the United Nations recognized the national aspirations of the Jewish people being as legitimate as those of the Poles, the Belgians, and the Saudi Arabians, amongst others.
President Mahmoud Abbas could sack the Hamas-led Palestinian government if it does not agree to his terms by the end of the month, a senior official from Abbas's Fatah movement said on Monday. Abbas has been pushing the elected Islamist group to accept a political program that would mean recognizing Israel, as a way to ease a Western aid embargo. Unable to pay official salaries, the government is facing protests and strikes.
If the performance of the government continues like this, President Abu Mazen will use his constitutional powers to fire the government and pick a new government...
"If the performance of the government continues like this, President Abu Mazen will use his constitutional powers to fire the government and pick a new government," said Azzam al-Ahmad, head of Fatah's parliamentary bloc, using Abbas's nickname. "I expect that he will take this decision before the end of this month. He should do it, otherwise we will be destroyed," Ahmad told Reuters.
Abbas's office did not comment. He has not threatened to sack the government, a move that could prompt a resurgence of internal unrest. Hamas trounced Fatah in January parliamentary elections.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
All three of them that haven't been arrested yet?
An Indonesian who set up a militant Web site on behalf of the alleged mastermind of last year's deadly bombings in Bali was jailed for eight years on Tuesday. The sentence is the first linked to the Oct 1, 2005 bombings, in which three suicide bombers blew themselves up killing 20 people at three restaurants on the resort island's beaches of Jimbaran and Kuta.
Judges from the Denpasar district court found Abdul Aziz broke anti-terrorism laws by setting up a now shutdown militant Web site, www.anshar.net, which contained diagrams of several locations and explained why they would be ideal for attacking people and how to escape after the attacks. Aziz was also guilty of helping Southeast Asia's most wanted terror fugitive, Noordin Top, disseminate through the Internet a fiery speech calling on Muslims to wage war against the United States and its allies.
"The panel of judges believe the defendant knew of the involvement (of Top) in the incidents at Jimbaran and Kuta and he had received the special task of making a site that publicized the actions and claims of the October 1 Bali bombings," said Edy Siregar, a member of three-judge panel. The judges said the sentence reflected mitigating factors after Aziz expressed regret for his actions. The maximum punishment for terrorism crimes is death.
HELSINKI, Finland - The 250 soldiers Finland plans to send to Lebanon will clear mines and help set up bases for the expanded UN peacekeeping force being deployed to protect a cease-fire, the government said on Monday. Under the government plans presented Monday, a small intelligence unit will be deployed in late October and the full force a month later. The Eduskunta, or parliament, is expected to give a green light to the mission on Thursday with President Tarja Halonen giving her approval on Friday.
We are well aware of the risks involved with this operation, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen told Finnish YLE radio. Cease-fire violations are likely to be the biggest risk of all. Also, numerous unexploded mines and bombs in the area pose a direct threat.
Finlands mission is estimated to cost some Ð16.5 million (US$21.1 million) this year and Ð26.9 million (US$34.4 million) in 2007. Some Ð6.7 million (US$8.6 million) of Finlands expense is expected to be reimbursed by the United Nations at a later stage, the government said in a statement.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
I guess that means the Iranians are not going to use their children for mine clearing as they did in the Iran-Iraq war...
#2
Now, this duty could be combined with the prisoner swap. All those Israeli prisoners will be heading that way anyway, so why not have them blindfolded ?
U.N. chief Kofi Annan said Monday he would appoint a mediator for indirect talks between Israel and Heabollah on the release of two abducted Israeli soldiers, the first public word of negotiations between the bitter enemies since fighting in Lebanon ended.
The announcement raised the possibility of a prisoner swap to win the soldiers' release, which Israel has repeatedly rejected, at least in public. Until now, Israel had insisted that it would not hold any contacts with Hezbollah on the issue. The agreement on the mediation effort was a major boost to Annan's efforts to strengthen the fragile 3-week-old ceasefire that ended 34 days of Israeli-Hezbollah fighting. Israel launched a massive offensive in Lebanon after the Shiite guerrillas snatched the two soldiers in a cross-border raid.
'The only thing that I insisted on is that if I'm going to use my good offices, then my mediator should be the only mediator,' he said...
The U.N. cease-fire resolution that ended the fighting on Aug. 14 urges the unconditional release of the two soldiers. Hezbollah has said it would only free them in a swap for Arab prisoners held by Israel. "Both sides have accepted the good offices of the secretary-general to help resolve this problem," Annan told a press conference in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Jiddah. "I will designate someone to work discreetly and quietly with them to find a solution."
"The only thing that I insisted on is that if I'm going to use my good offices, then my mediator should be the only mediator," he said. "There must be one mediator and effective channel of communication."
Posted by: Fred ||
09/05/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
It won't happen, but it would be very satisfying for Israel to tell the UN, since it has been not only ineffective but complicit in endangering them, to simply fuck off.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A trio of oil companies led by Chevron Corp. have tapped a petroleum pool deep beneath the Gulf of Mexico could boost the nation's reserves by more than 50 percent.
A test well indicates it could be the biggest new domestic oil discovery since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay a generation ago. Chevron on Tuesday estimated the 300-square-mile region where its test well sits could hold between 3 billion and 15 billion barrels of oil and natural gas liquids. The U.S. consumes roughly 5.7 billion barrels of crude-oil in a year.
It will take many years and tens of billions of dollars to bring the newly tapped oil to market, but the discovery carries particular importance for the industry at a time when Western oil and gas companies are finding fewer opportunities in politically unstable parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa and Russia.
#1
That's great, but we still need to BUILD MORE REFINERIES.
Cars and power stations don't run on raw oil.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
09/05/2006 16:13 Comments ||
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#2
Big deal! It's only six months worth of oil; same as ANWR!
{Rationale: Lowest forecast, 3 B divided by 5.7 b/yr=0.52 years, or just over six months. You'll see someone seriously expressing this viewpoint before too long. Mine is not serious.}
Posted by: Bobby ||
09/05/2006 16:26 Comments ||
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#3
Barbara is right. Our biggest vulnerability is with the refineries, not the quantity of oil. We need to build refineries further inland.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
09/05/2006 16:31 Comments ||
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#4
What mountain of paperwork is actually required to get a refinery built these days?
#5
A new refinerey will probably never be built in the United States. But a lot of existing refineries will be expanded dramatically. The same will be true for nuclear sites.
#6
You'd think they could capture all that excess heat and generate electricity somehow. Maybe combining it with a power plant would make it more palatable. Can it be done?
In any case, at this point in the game, we must always strive to improve energy efficiency at all levels because our economy will probably grow to suck up every bit of energy we produce unless something big changes. As long as the economy is strong and energy is based on "fossil fuels", demand will be higher than supply, and the resulting high prices will always be a damper.
#1
I'd like to isolate these cancerous bastards too, before they can damage us any more. I have in mind large camps in Death Vally. Very little food & water. Tehn deport them as soon as practical.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Somalia's powerful Islamic movement demanded that the country's weak government drop requests for foreign peacekeepers as they laid out a series of tough positions at peace talks here. The item topped a list of Islamist demands presented on the third day of Arab League-mediated negotiations, ahead of a Tuesday meeting in Kenya of leaders of potential contributor nations to the proposed force, officials said. In addition to renewing vehement objections to the proposed regional peacekeeping mission, the Islamists also insisted on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops alleged to be in Somalia to protect the interim government. 
Sudan has agreed to let African troops remain in Darfur, but only if they stay under African Union control and not that of the UN. The latest announcement appears to reverse Khartoum's ultimatum on Sunday to AU peacekeepers to leave after September 30. One African diplomat said the government softened its position because it realised expelling the AU would end implementation of an AU-brokered May peace deal between Khartoum and a rebel faction fighting government-supported militias.
RIYADH - Saudi authorities have arrested four militant suspects in the mountainous south of the huge desert kingdom, a newspaper reported on Monday. Special security forces assisted by security agencies in Al Baha arrested four people suspected of belonging to the deviant group yesterday at dawn, Al Riyadh daily said.
US envoy Christopher Hill on Monday warned North Korea against provoking the international community with a nuclear test, urging the secretive state to return to stalled talks on its atomic programme. "The DPRK (North Korea) does not seem as enthusiastic as we are about pursuing a diplomatic track, and obviously this is a very big problem for the six-party process," he told reporters in Tokyo at the start of a regional tour. "There is no reason for the DPRK to stay away from the diplomatic process and my government is very much committed to these talks," said Hill, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Nearly half of Danes consider Islam incompatible with democracy, according to a poll published on Monday. The Zapera poll, conducted for Danish think tank Mandag Morgen, showed 48 percent of those surveyed thought Islam was incompatible with democratic values. Around 34 percent said they saw Islam as consistent with democracy, while 18 percent said they were undecided.
The Dutch government on Monday passed a law aimed at heavily restricting the number of would-be Pakistani immigrants to the Netherlands, by linking applications to Dutch language proficiency, officials said. Under the new law, any Dutch national of Pakistani origin will only be permitted to send for family members (with a view to settling in Holland) provided that they learn Dutch prior to immigration application. Similarly, any Pakistani wishing to immigrate to the Netherlands will be required to take a language proficiency test at the Dutch Embassy in Islamabad. Anyone failing the test will automatically be denied the right to apply for immigration.
Discrimination and harassment by law enforcement have come to plague American Muslims in the years since the terrorist attacks of September 11. There have been suspicious looks, slurs, physical attacks, extra screening at airports and arrests on groundless charges. And it seems to be getting worse.
The Jamaat-e-Islami criticised NWFP Chief Minister 
The Supreme Council of the MMA will convene today (Tuesday) to decide whether the six-party religious alliance should withdraw from the Balochistan government, in the wake of last month's killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. A senior MMA leader told Daily Times that the alliance's provincial leader, Maulana Sherani, was scheduled to brief the session on prospects for the alliance's political future if it did quit the provincial government. However, according to other party sources, while the top MMA leadership supported withdrawal form the coalition government in Balochistan, Maulana Sherani and several other provincial ministers did not favour the move. 
Threats to the solidarity of Pakistan will not be tolerated and the government will enforce its writ in Balochistan, President Gen Pervez Musharraf said in a meeting on the provincial law and order situation on Monday. The president said certain elements did not want to see Balochistan progressing as they stood to lose with the empowerment of the common people there. These elements were running farari (fugitive) camps, attacking gas pipelines and security forces, killing Chinese engineers and non-Baloch Pakistani settlers in an effort to disrupt development projects, he said. These terrorist activities were also taken to Karachi, Lahore and other parts of the country, he said. However, he added that the problem existed only in small pockets of the province and most of Balochistan was peaceful.
BAGHDAD - Iraq may get a new flag to replace one rejected by ethnic Kurds as a symbol of oppression under Saddam Hussein, the government said on Monday, hoping to defuse a nasty row that provoked threats of Kurdish secession. It could be brought up as early as Tuesday in parliament.
THE leader of Iraq's ethnic Kurds brandished the threat of secession yesterday as a row with the Baghdad government over the flying of the Iraqi national flag exposed an increasingly bitter rift. After the Kurdish regional government banned the use of the Iraqi flag on public buildings, the country's prime minister, 
RAMALLAH, WEST BANK -- On the first day of the Palestinian school year Saturday, Ali Abu Dayeh had abandoned his high school classroom for a falafel stand in central Ramallah.
Several Palestinian public institutions, political factions and figures on Monday declared British Prime Minister Tony Blair persona non grata in Ramallah, saying his planned visit to the city was a "provocation against the feelings of the Palestinian people." In a statement distributed in Ramallah, they said that Blair, who is expected to visit the region later this week, was "completely unwelcome in our country because he was coming to wash the hands that are dripping Lebanese blood with Palestinian water." 
Senior Israel officials are scheduled to leave for the United States late Monday evening to notify the US government that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's realignment plan for unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank is off the table. Olmert's chief of staff Yoram Turbovich and diplomatic advisor Shalom Turgeman expect to meet with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and national security advisor Steve Hadley, and intend to plan Olmert's next visit to the US. 
President Mahmoud Abbas could sack the Hamas-led Palestinian government if it does not agree to his terms by the end of the month, a senior official from Abbas's Fatah movement said on Monday. Abbas has been pushing the elected Islamist group to accept a political program that would mean recognizing Israel, as a way to ease a Western aid embargo. Unable to pay official salaries, the government is facing protests and strikes.
HELSINKI, Finland - The 250 soldiers Finland plans to send to Lebanon will clear mines and help set up bases for the expanded UN peacekeeping force being deployed to protect a cease-fire, the government said on Monday. Under the government plans presented Monday, a small intelligence unit will be deployed in late October and the full force a month later. The Eduskunta, or parliament, is expected to give a green light to the mission on Thursday with President Tarja Halonen giving her approval on Friday.
U.N. chief Kofi Annan said Monday he would appoint a mediator for indirect talks between Israel and Heabollah on the release of two abducted Israeli soldiers, the first public word of negotiations between the bitter enemies since fighting in Lebanon ended. 
