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Today: 72 articles and 406 comments as of 11:06.
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Mullah Hanif sez Mullah Omar lives in Quetta
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
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Afghanistan
3 Afghan soldiers killed in blast
An Afghan army vehicle struck a remote-controlled bomb in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing three soldiers and wounding four others, an official said.

The Afghan National Army vehicle struck the bomb in the province of Khost, which adjoins the border with Pakistan, army General Samiul Haq said. The general did not say who planted the bomb.

Meanwhile, the British Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that four British soldiers in Afghanistan strapped themselves to the wings of Apache attack helicopters to rescue body of a comrade shot dead by the Taliban. UK Task Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rory Bruce said Royal Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Ford, 30, was shot dead on Monday when more than 200 British troops attacked the Taliban’s Jugroom Fort in southern Helmand province.

When Ford was discovered to be missing, the Marines first planned a rescue attempt with armoured personnel carriers, but when the Apaches became available they decided the fast attack helicopters provided the best opportunity to rescue him.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Horn
Top Islamist commander arrested in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya - A top union of Islamic courts (UIC) commander was on Tuesday arrested in Garissa district as hundreds of fleeing refugees from Somalia camped at the border. Conflicting reports indicated that Sheikh Ahmed Sharif Sheikh, believed to be second in command to UIC leader Sheikh Hassan Aweys, was captured in a remote location near Dadaab refugee camp.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Islamist commander was arrested at a road block in Damajale location, while heading to the United Nations High Commissioner for refugee camps in Dadaab division.

Sources claimed that the Islamist leader was fleeing travelling in a tinted Toyota Land Cruiser and was picked by Kenyan authorities and briefly put in custody at the UNHCR sub office. Other reports however alleged that the Islamist leader voluntarily surrendered to Kenyan officials at the border and requested for asylum status through the refugee agency.
"I'm persecuted I tell you! Ev'ryone hates me!"
Although Sheikh Sharif reportedly resigned from the command of the defeated UIC, he was perceived to be most influential and powerful member of the militia force. Sharif was also among the 90 members of the Shura council of eminent leaders who acted as the interim parliament of Somalia during the six months the court controlled the anarchic horn of Africa nation. He was also the head of the eight-man decision making committee at the helm of the religious uprising.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Although Sheikh Sharif reportedly resigned from the command of the defeated UIC...

Who? UIC? Never heard of em.
Nope, I'm just a crazy guy who wears a dishtowel on his head. Can I go now?
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/18/2007 10:21 Comments || Top||


Somalia: Warlords lay down weapons
(SomaliNet) Former warlord, Mohamed Qanyare Afrah Wednesday handed over all his weapons and militiamen to the government – He is the first warlord who laid down his weapons and let his militia join the government. In an occasion held in his base in southwest of the capital Mogadishu, Mr. Qanyare, who is now member of the parliament announced that all the militiamen with their weapons would be at the side of the government. “I am here by declaring that I am handing all my weapons and my militiamen to the transitional government and I promise to work with the federal institutions,” Qanyare said at the ceremony which attended by senior Somalia military officers.

A large number of weapons including battlewagons, 30 heavy and light rifles were enlisted to be part the government’s arms. General Naji, Somalia chief army commander, addressed the scene saying it was positive step towards promoting peace and security in Somalia.

Today was the deadline of handing over the weapons of the warlords to the interim government. Muse Sudi Yalohow, among the former warlords has also handed his weapons and militia to the government, despite most of Sudi’s arms was taken by the ousted Islamists. Mr. Sudi, MP, argued that he had left some of his weapons in the fiefdoms of Qanyare and Mohamed Dhere, the chairman of Jowhar city, the capital of Middle Shabelle region in Somalia. The handover has taken place in Sudi’s residence in north of Mogadishu, Somalia capital where the government is now working its national duty.

The move is part the government’s disarmament program in the capital as the country is under three-month state of emergency which gives the government new sweeping powers.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Somalia: Lawmakers dump parliament speaker
(SomaliNet) Members of the transitional parliament based in Baidoa city, southwest of Somalia capital Wednesday voted against the speaker of the parliament Sharif Hassan Sheik while he is away from the country. 183 of the 192 lawmakers voted yes to the motion against the speaker while nine members voted No in hand raising system. No one has abstained.

Osman Elmi Boqore, the deputy chairman of the parliament who was chairing the session announced the result of the voting after hours of assembly saying Sharif Hassan has lost the leadership of the parliament in transparent way.

Some of the MPs brought anti Sharif motion before the parliament and the lawmakers moved suddenly into steps against the speaker. Before the voting, text of several impeachments were read out at the hall of the parliament introducing the the step taken to remove Sharif Hassan from the post in the parlaiment 31 MPs put forward the motion against the speaker of the parliament as it was adopted with majority vote. The move came as the discharged Somalia speaker, Sharif Hasan is now on a tour to European countries in a bid of gathering support for his policy.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Bangladesh
RAB, Banglacops, Banglarmy stage mass raids, arrests
As part of their ongoing anti-crime crackdown, members of the joint forces comprising army, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided more hideouts of criminals and nabbed over 65 people including listed criminals, leaders and activists of both the BNP and Awami League (AL) from the capital city Dhaka and elsewhere in the country during the last 24 hours till Wednesday evening. Split into groups, the joint forces carried out block raids on slum, posh areas and suspected criminals’ dens and searched motor vehicles in the capital. The security personnel launched massive hunt for the criminals and to recover firearms and sharp weapons in a bid to ensure the right people get elected law and order during the upcoming paramilitary parliamentary election.
Rapid Action Batallion: Standing up for truth, justice, and the Bangladeshi way.
Members of the army arrested six central leaders of pro-Awami League Chhatra League (BCL) including its general secretary from the city’s Doel Chattar area early Wednesday. They were identified as BCL general secretary Mahfuzul Haider Chowdhury Roton, vice-president Lavlu Mollah Shishir, vice-president Mizanur Rahman, joint secretary Abul Kalam Azad, organising secretary Khairul Hasan Jewel and assistant secretary Tauhidur Rahman Kajol. Police said the Armed Forces members chased a taxicab in the area at about 2am and arrested them from the vehicle. They were taken to the nearby Army camp and then handed over to Shahbagh police. They were later shifted to Ramna police station for security reason.
Too many damned Awamis at Shahbagh station. Or possibly the Shahbagh shutter gun was already checked out.
Our correspondent adds, five people including four sons of late BNP MP Shamsuddin Ahmed Esak and one pourasabha chairman were picked up by the army personnel from their houses at dead of night on Tuesday.
"Follow that taxi and when you catch it, thump anyone you find inside!"
Army personnel seized one revolver (without licence) and 25 bullets of a shotgun, two daggers from the house of late Shamsuddin Ahmed Esak MP.
Sources said the army personnel raided the house of late BNP MP Shamsuddin Ahmed and former woman MP Rokeya Ahmed Lucky and picked up their four sons. They are Narsingdi town BNP general secretary Harunor Rashid (Harun), Jabo Dal leader Kabir Hossain and Chhatra Dal leaders Canadi and Mohammad Ali. Army personnel seized one revolver (without licence) and 25 bullets of a shotgun, two daggers from the house of late Shamsuddin Ahmed Esak MP.
Doesn't really seem like the kiddies were forting up and vowing Dire Revenge, now does it?
The army personnel also raided the house of Narsingdi Pourasabha Chairman and General Secretary of Narsingdi town Awami League Alhaj Lokman Hossain and picked up him.
Him heavy, so the grunts prolly put down him as quick as they could, and none too gently.
Our Manikganj Correspondent adds: In separate drives, army held a Jubo Dal leader and a Jubo League leader from Singair upazila in Manikganj on Tuesday night. The arrested were identified as Alamgir Hossain, president of Jubo League Singair upazila and Sheikh Kabir Ahmed, organizing secretary of the upazila unit Jubo Dal.

They also held drug traders from different parts of Saturia upazila on Wednesday afternoon.

Our Rajshahi Correspondent adds: At least 50 people were arrested in separate drives by police, RAB and armed personnel in various upazilas of Rajshahi districts. Most of the arrested persons are listed terrorists and political leaders. Bagmara thana police last night conducted a block raid in some villages and arrested 36 people though 21 of them were released later on. According to sources, more than 200 police force headed by Additional Superintendent of Police Mozammel Haque raided the villages of Jhikra, Maria, Hamirkutsa, Jugipara, Goalkandi and Tahirpur Municipality and arrested 36 people in connection with their involvement with outlawed terrorist group.

All of the arrested persons were taken to Tahirpur Degree College playground on Wednesday morning.
"Gujipur, go get some zip ties and secure these miscreants to the swingset!"
"Right away, Sarge. I'm on it, sir."
Of them, 21 were released and 15 were sent to jail hajat.The arrested persons are: convener of Tahirpur Municipal Chhatra League Delbar Hossain (27) of Sultanpur village, Shahidul Islam (30), a teacher of Baruipara High School of Baruipara village, Belal Hossain (25), Amjad Hossain (28), Kamal Hossain (30) and Jewel (22) of Sajuria village, Abdul Mannan (30) of Senopara village, Shahin (25), Abdul Quddus (28) of Ramrama village, Kandu (35), Mozammel Haque (28), Rahmat Ali (27) of Plassey village, Taibulla (47) of Tahirpur, Monsur Rahman (35) of Bhatkhali, Khurshid Alam (25) of Sultanpur village. Dr. Mirja Golam Sarwar, Officer in charge of Bagmara thana said, all the arrested persons are listed terrorists and members of outlawed group.
And law-abiding citizens of twelve systems are resting easier in their beds tonight.
In Durgapur upazila, at least 25 people were arrested by police and armed personnel during the last 48 hours. Among the arrested are Jubodal leaders Mahbubur Rahman and Enamul Haque, brother of Enamul Haque, a Jubodal leader of the upazila. It is learnt, armed personnel raided the houses of President of Durgapur upazila BNP Ashraful Kabir Bulu, General Secretary of BNP and Municipal chairman of Durgapur Saidur Rahman Montu, Jubo dal leaders Enamul Haque but failed to arrest any one.
"Missed them by *that* much!"
It is learnt, more than 50 political leaders of both BNP, Jamaat and AL have fled the scene to avoid arrest. In Tanore, the armed forces started a crackdown against the terrorists, but failed to arrest any one. Most of the political leaders of the area have fled the area to avoid arrest.
Posted by: Seafarious || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ...the joint forces carried out block raids on slum, posh areas and suspected criminals’ dens...

Dhaka, posh? - I doubt it.
Posted by: Howard UK || 01/18/2007 3:41 Comments || Top||

#2  That's a relative term, Howard;)

picked up ... at dead of night on Tuesday
The RAB's prints are all over this one, lol.

New Rantburgia position: secretary of the upazila unit
Posted by: Spot || 01/18/2007 8:37 Comments || Top||

#3  In that case Spot, we also need an Undersecretary of Upazila Unit.
Posted by: Phineter Thraviger || 01/18/2007 12:13 Comments || Top||

#4  25 bullets of a shotgun,

I presume they mean shells or maybe slugs.
Posted by: Jackal || 01/18/2007 20:37 Comments || Top||


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Pro-Russian Ukrainian Politician Dies of Gunshot Wound After Hunting Accident
Yevhen Kushnaryov, a prominent Ukrainian parliamentarian and a leader of the Party of Regions, has died in hospital, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday quoting Ukrainian MP Hanna Herman of the Party of Regions.
If he had been a Saoodi he might have gone for a drive in the desert ...
The agency reported that Kushnaryov died in the Izyum district hospital in the Kharkiv region, where he had been taken after he sustained a grave gunshot wound to his stomach while hunting on Tuesday. It has not been established who shot the politician, Russian media reported.
It was Kristin!
The Party of Regions is the main pro-Russian party in Ukraine and the political force behind Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, an opponent of the pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko.
Posted by: gromky || 01/18/2007 09:32 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Please! No Dick Cheney jokes...
Posted by: BigEd || 01/18/2007 11:16 Comments || Top||

#2  Interior Ministry takes control of Kushnaryov’s case – wound looks suspicious

The main version of the incident which caused death of Party of Regions deputy Yevhen Kushnaryov is casual handling with gun.

Izyum department of Interior Ministry reported that Dmytro Zavalny shot Yevhen Kushnaryov with Italian carbine Benelli Argo during going around the chase they rent.

they took two hunting rifles, got into Toyota Land Cruiser and went to the forests. In some time they saw a wolf running parallel to their car. The car stopped, the wolf ran ahead. Kushnaryov and the driver (probably Zavalny) jumped out the car with guns and went in different directions. In some seconds, people in the car heard firing shots and later – cries for help.

Tetyna Bahteyeva, member of PR faction and experienced doctor, said that according to her data, the bullet entered from the right in hypochondrium on-the-miter.

“It passed through liver, right kidney and bowels. Probably, it came from above. It is rather suspicious. Law enforcement officials must investigate this situation very thoroughly,” the expert said.


It does look a bit sus. :)
Posted by: Batikivshina || 01/18/2007 12:54 Comments || Top||

#3  Dang, BigEd...you beat me to it.
Posted by: anymouse || 01/18/2007 12:58 Comments || Top||

#4  Pro-Russian Ukrainian Politician Dies of a grave gunshot wound to his stomach. Yevhen Kushnaryov's gunshot wound was sustained while hunting on Tuesday.

humm...better check him for both lead and polonium poisoning just to be sure.
Posted by: RD || 01/18/2007 13:32 Comments || Top||

#5  Hey, his name isn't Kennedy, Kerry, Kuchinick, or Leahy, so it wuddn't me!
Posted by: Old Patriot || 01/18/2007 16:06 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
US Democrats ready resolution opposing Iraq war
Senate Democrats working with a well-known Republican war critic are developing a resolution declaring that President George W. Bush's troop buildup in Iraq "is not in the national interest," says a person familiar with the document. The resolution also would put the Senate on record as saying the US commitment in Iraq "can only be sustained" with popular support among the American public and in Congress, according to an official familiar with the draft.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican and potential 2008 presidential candidate, is helping Democrats with the wording of the anti-war resolution. "It is not in the national interest of the United States to deepen its military involvement in Iraq, particularly by escalating U.S. troop presence in Iraq," a draft of the resolution says.

More from the AP: Snowe to support resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) - A second Republican signed onto a Senate resolution on Wednesday opposing President Bush's 21,500-troop buildup in Iraq, setting a marker for a major clash between the White House and Congress over the unpopular war.

Sen. Olympia Snowe, a moderate from Maine, said she would support a nonbinding resolution that would put the Senate on record as saying the U.S. commitment in Iraq can be sustained only with support from the American public and Congress. "Now is time for the Congress to make its voice heard on a policy that has such significant implications for the nation, the Middle East and the world," Snowe said in a written statement.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Olympia Snow should change her party affiliation...the party name I won't write here in deference to the pleasant folk who are here.

It sickens me that these "Americans" are so eager to see us fail and that they have so little understanding of the consequences should we do so.
Posted by: remoteman || 01/18/2007 1:57 Comments || Top||

#2  US Democrats ready resolution losing opposing Iraq war
Posted by: Spomort Greling4204 || 01/18/2007 2:38 Comments || Top||

#3  They proclaim to seemingly "oppose" the war but have yet to prove they are le seriuese about Congressionally stopping Dubya. THE WAR IS SO BAD FOR AMERICA THEY GOTTA LET DUBYA CONTINUE TO DO HIS THINGY???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/18/2007 3:52 Comments || Top||

#4  REGAN > the Dems biggest challenger for 2008 may be from FAR/RADICAL LEFTY ELEMENTS within their own Party. WOT > Limited Socialism, Communism, Govt-ism, Totalitarianism, etal.; versus FULL.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/18/2007 3:57 Comments || Top||

#5  I e-mailed Hagel and Snowe this morning:

I read two interesting articles on the Internet this morning, Senator. One was about how the troop surge in Iraq is already having an effect. Al-Qadea has directed their fighters to leave Baghdad, and the neighboring areas are afraid of the violence, so are cooperating with the Iraqi police and army.

The second article, Senator, dealt with your support for a resolution condemning the troop surge. Some of the most vocal opponents of the war have presidential ambitions, and I detest them putting their personal ambition above the safety of our troops.

My son served in Iraq, Senator, and I believe those who encourage a reduction in the war effort also encourage our enemies, prolonging the war. I saw it in Vietnam. I urge you to reconsider your support of the Commander in Chief.
Posted by: Bobby || 01/18/2007 6:55 Comments || Top||

#6  You are assuming that these senators give a damn about that happens in Iraq, to the Iraqi people, or our troops.

I don't see it. In fact, with some congressmen I see the exact opposite - the strategy of the Democratic party over the past few years is that we have to lose, and lose big, in order for them to advance their agenda.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/18/2007 8:21 Comments || Top||

#7  I remember a Senate who sent a directive to one of their commanders to not cross the Rubicon with his troops. That opposition to a troop surge didn't work well for the Senators in the end. Keep playing politics boys and girls and ignore the pattern of human behavior known as history.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/18/2007 9:42 Comments || Top||

#8  Here's the first test for McConnell. It shouldn't be too hard to make this stunt backfire on its proponents, but Frist would have botched that entirely.
Posted by: JSU || 01/18/2007 10:20 Comments || Top||

#9  Procopius2k, I love the reference and the implications. History teaches us much.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge || 01/18/2007 11:19 Comments || Top||

#10  The Chicken Dance continues.......
Posted by: OyVey1 || 01/18/2007 12:46 Comments || Top||

#11  Sulla?
Posted by: Dar || 01/18/2007 12:49 Comments || Top||

#12  #6 CrazyFool, I do not assume they care, I figger at best I get lumped into the "31% of the e-mailes are from wackos who do not support you, Senator" crowd.

But I do feel, from time to time, that it is my responsibility to make the difference between 30% opposed and 31% opposed. It makes me feel ...well...like I'm part of the democracy.
Posted by: Bobby || 01/18/2007 13:04 Comments || Top||

#13  We must do the very best we can to counteract the distorted picture that the MSM foists on Americans citizens everyday. [world for that matter]

We must also recognize that our enemies here at home are possesed by an evil that is tireless, and we must never forget that the job to defend liberty and freedom is a battle never done.

Plz contact as many people as you can [serving or civilians] and urge them to relate the vital importance of the WOT in Iraq; to Congress Criters, on major media blogs, put your 2 cents in everywhere you can. We must join the battle and defeat the bastards once again, for the sake of our children and grand children.

Posted by: RD || 01/18/2007 14:10 Comments || Top||

#14  I thought Fred Thompson's comments on the radio this morning were interesting. This is my quick & dirty transcription:

You know, you couldn't turn on the TV yesterday without seeing a senator or a congressman announcing a plan to pull American troops out of Iraq, or stop the troop buildup in Iraq, or at least warn President Bush that there's opposition to his plans in Iraq. Its worthy of a comment or two.

Well first of all, preparation continues in the house and the senate for the introduction of a resolution disapproving of the president's plan to to send additional troops to Iraq in order to quell the violence there. The resolution will have no legal affect. A congressional vote to cut off funding could stop the troops or could stop the war all together for that matter, but the critics of the plan don't have the stomach for that. It might be politically dangerous.

One sponsor of the senate resolution said that the goal is really to demonstrate that the president is “on his own.”

Well last week I said it seemed to me that we ought to support the plan for the additional troops – which incidentally would still bring the troops up to a number that's less than the number that we've had there in the past – but support it because the consequences of an American defeat in Iraq are so great.

Understandably, people have strong feelings on both sides of this debate. I read yesterday in the Economist magazine, which openly dislikes President Bush, that they agree with the President's plan as “our last, best chance to prevail there.”

But I can see the arguments for the other side, in fact, I can even understand the vote to cut off funds for the war effort if one believes that we've clearly already lost the war, and is prepared to accept the consequences of that loss.

But what I can't see is this non-binding resolution of opposition. Is it really in our country's best interest to signal to the enemy that they probably only have to wait us out a little longer because congressional determination to defeat them is crumbling? Doesn't such a resolution further diminish our chances for success at the very time our soldiers are preparing to go into battle?

And finally, regardless of our politics, is this the time to announce to the world that our president is “on his own?”

Posted by: Elmert Crosh5077 || 01/18/2007 22:21 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Pakistan Hunts for Top Al-Qaeda Member after Air Strike
Pakistani security forces on Wednesday hunted for 10 injured militants including a senior Al-Qaeda member after an army air strike destroyed a training camp near the Afghan border. Early Tuesday, helicopter gunships knocked out a compound in the Zamazula area of South Waziristan tribal district, 360 kilometers (225 miles) southwest of the capital Islamabad, killing an unknown number of militants.

Military officials initially said up to 30 militants were believed killed although authorities later said they had so far found only eight bodies. Among those who escaped was Abu Nasser, who holds a senior position in Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, according to security sources. "Tuesday's raid was launched after intelligence reports that Nasser is using the place as a base to train militants," said a senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "He was injured in the attack but he managed to slip out of the compound along with four other Arab accomplices," he said, without giving details about Nasser's nationality or position in Al-Qaeda. "He is being searched for now."

The strike was the first in South Waziristan since authorities signed an agreement with tribal elders in February 2005, sparking nearly two years of relative peace. Locals alleged the strike killed Afghan labourers and two local tribesmen who were cutting woods in the forest.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "He is being searched for now." =

We got himt to the ISI safe house just in time... An ISI doctor is in attendance.
Posted by: Howard UK || 01/18/2007 4:01 Comments || Top||

#2  After all Pakistan denials why dont he let a neutral country search Quetta for Taliban activity?????
Posted by: Ebbolump Glomotle9608 || 01/18/2007 7:18 Comments || Top||

#3  why dont he let a neutral country search Quetta for Taliban activity?

Who would be dilligent enough to really SEARCH, and who could we trust to do it right? Who would we get that either the Taliban or the ISI wouldn't intimidate? The only country that could POSSIBLY do it would be either Japan or South Korea.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 01/18/2007 20:01 Comments || Top||

#4  or the USAF - in a slightly cruder, post-check DNA-verification, way....
Posted by: Frank G || 01/18/2007 21:39 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Iraqi Army Thwarts Ambush
BAGHDAD - An Iraqi Army patrol thwarted an ambush by a group of armed insurgents in western Baghdad Jan. 17. While conducting a routine patrol in Baghdad's Fahhama neighborhood, an element of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army was ambushed by a group of insurgents armed with pistols and AK-47s. The patrol immediately returned fire on the men attacking them.

Two insurgents were killed and four others wounded in the fire fight. After treating their wounds, the four wounded insurgents were taken into custody.
Posted by: Bobby || 01/18/2007 06:56 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Nicely done, gentlemen!
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/18/2007 8:09 Comments || Top||

#2  After treating their wounds, the four wounded insurgents were taken into custody.


The more reports I read , the more confidence i have on these guys , thanks to their professional trainers . The IA are definatley getting their confidence at last as shown by this articale . A year ago they would have cut and run faster than a ...
Posted by: MacNails || 01/18/2007 8:55 Comments || Top||

#3  < insert analogy here >
Posted by: MacNails || 01/18/2007 8:56 Comments || Top||

#4  ...Kennedy at an open bar?
Posted by: Seafarious || 01/18/2007 9:18 Comments || Top||

#5  *chuckle*
*hugs* :)
Posted by: MacNails || 01/18/2007 9:25 Comments || Top||

#6  Pelosi at a NAMBLA march?

*Whoops! Wrong analogy*
Posted by: BA || 01/18/2007 12:06 Comments || Top||

#7  I wish they would specify Sunni or Shiite, I'm assuming Sunni's are insurgents and Shiites are militias?
Posted by: Spomort Greling4204 || 01/18/2007 14:00 Comments || Top||

#8  Having a hard time trying to picture any Kennedy running FROM an open bar.

maybe from a sinking ship, er, Oldmobile, but not a chance to imbibe.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 01/18/2007 14:10 Comments || Top||

#9  ....faster than a Democrat from a straight answer.
Posted by: USMC6743 || 01/18/2007 14:20 Comments || Top||

#10  wRINOS in heat?
Posted by: Captain America || 01/18/2007 14:27 Comments || Top||

#11  A year ago they would have cut and run faster than ...

Kerry at a veterans' group, especially if they demanded his complete military records.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 01/18/2007 20:03 Comments || Top||


Truck bomber hits police in Kirkuk
BAGHDAD - A suicide bomber driving a truck packed with explosives killed 10 people and wounded 42 at a police station in central Kirkuk on Wednesday, police and a hospital source said.

Police and residents said several buildings had collapsed. ‘There are still people under the rubble of the houses,’ a police source said. A police source said many buildings in the area bombed in Kirkuk on Wednesday suffered severe damage and rescuers were still searching for victims. One resident told Reuters he saw many casualties lying in the street and several buildings collapsed.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


US democracy group 4 workers killed in Baghdad
Three foreigners and an Iraqi working for an American democracy group in Baghdad were killed Wednesday in an ambush on their convoy, an official with the group said. Gunmen attacked a three car convoy belonging to the National Democratic Institute, said Les Campbell, the group's Middle East director. An American woman was among the dead, he said, adding that the others were a Hungarian, a Croatian and an Iraqi.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Andrea Parhamovich -- sounds like she was the salt of the earth.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 01/18/2007 23:56 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Kassam rocket lands in w. Negev; none wounded
A Kassam rocket fired by Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip landed in open territory in the western Negev on Wednesday afternoon. No one was wounded and no damage was reported.
Good thing they've got a ceasefire. Otherwise these things would happen.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Good thing they've got a ceasefire. Otherwise these things would happen.

Distilled to the essence, Fred.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/18/2007 8:11 Comments || Top||


IDF troops find two 30-kg. bombs near Jenin
IDF troops operating in Jenin on Wednesday discovered two bombs, each weighing 30 kilograms. Sappers detonated the devices without incident.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Also IDF kills Palestinian gunman in Nablus
Posted by: gromgoru || 01/18/2007 2:22 Comments || Top||

#2  grom, did you used to post in SHWI?
Posted by: liberalhawk || 01/18/2007 14:38 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Philippine troops kill 10 militants after Arroyo vow
MANILA (Reuters) - U.S.-trained Philippine soldiers killed 10 Islamic rebels in fresh fighting in the south on Thursday as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo vowed to put down the militants "with a hand of steel".

Lieutenant-Colonel Ariel Caculitan, a Marine spokesman, said 10 Abu Sayyaf militants and three soldiers were killed in a hour-long gunbattle on the island of Jolo, where most of the militant group has taken shelter. Two rebels were captured. About 100 U.S. military advisers are on Jolo to provide intelligence and training to the 7,000 Philippine troops combating the Abu Sayyaf, the most deadly militant group in the country. The group, allied to the regional Jemaah Islamiah, is accused of deadly bomb attacks and kidnapping and beheading tourists, including Westerners.

It was the latest success reported by the military against Abu Sayyaf. On Wednesday, troops claimed they had killed Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Sulaiman, one of the top five leaders of the group in a gunbattle at a jungle camp on Jolo. A number of other Abu Sayyaf senior commanders have been killed in recent weeks, including Binang Sali, considered to be one of the group's spiritual leaders.

"It's not the end-game but it will take the sting out of their tail," said a Western diplomat of the string of military successes. "It's breaking down their capacity to function as a group and concentrate on attacks, but the Abu Sayyaf will continue to exist in some form or another."

Arroyo met senior army commanders at the main military camp in Manila to commend them for the killing of Abu Sulaiman. "This government is determined to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil," Arroyo said in a statement. "The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for."
"Then we can hand over Mindinao over to the Moro Liberation Front so I can get my Nobel Peace Prize"
The military said the pressure on the group would continue. "Right now, they are suffering from a leadership vacuum and they are now disorganised," said Lieutenant-Colonel Bartolome Bacarro. "We will keep up the tempo. "We cannot give you a timeframe but the armed forces of the Philippines, by direction of the president, is really bent on destroying the Abu Sayyaf group."

Abu Sayyaf has only 400 or so members, most of them trapped on Jolo island, but it has been held responsible for the Philippines' worst terrorist attack, the bombing of a ferry near Manila Bay in 2004 that killed at least 100 people.
Posted by: Steve || 01/18/2007 07:44 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Then we can hand over Mindinao over to the Moro Liberation Front so I can get my Nobel Peace Prize

Funny as that sounds the Phils seem to have a knack for stealind defeat from the hands of victory. She will do something stupid, I'm certain of that!
Posted by: 49 Pan || 01/18/2007 9:01 Comments || Top||

#2  Long as she keeps pandering to the Philippine Left, that's pretty much a guarantee.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/18/2007 9:42 Comments || Top||


Jihadis ambush and kill Thai plantation owner
A 68-year-old man was killed allegedly by Muslim insurgents Thursday morning on his way to meet a stranger who offered to buy his land. Police said Ma Yi-ngo was shot dead by M-16 rifle on Thursday morning. His son, Makru Yi-ngo, 25, was severely injured in the ambush and rushed to a nearby hospital.

Police said Ma received a phone call from a stranger offering to buy his land and rubber plantation. Ma earlier put up a sign offering his land for sale. The caller asked Ma to meet him at the rubber plantation. The father and son rode their motorcycle to Ma's rubber plantation but they were greeted with M-16 fire, which killed the old man at the scene.
Posted by: ryuge || 01/18/2007 07:29 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan jets bomb Tiger bases as fighting flares
Sri Lankan air force jets pounded a suspected Tamil Tiger base in the island’s northeast on Wednesday, the military said, as troops sought to wrest control of a rebel-held area. Witnesses saw jets roar from their base north of the capital Colombo to attack the suspected base near the village of Verugal where rebels control a dwindling pocket of land in the far northeastern districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa. The Tigers were not available for comment and there were no immediate details of any damage or casualties.

“To neutralise the attacks against the army, the air force this morning ... took selected targets west of Verugal,” said air force spokesman Group Captain Ajantha de Silva. The military also paraded five Tamil youths in front of the media, saying they were Tigers who had surrendered, but there was no independent confirmation of their identities. The army said it captured a stretch of the Tigers’ defences along a battlefront in the east on Tuesday and killed around 30 rebels, but the Tigers denied it and said 12 of their own fighters died and that they killed 45 army troops.
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
U.S. officials say rumour of attack by Iran not true
U.S. defence officials on Thursday said a rumoured Iranian missile strike on a U.S. naval vessel in the Gulf was not true.

"No such event took place," said one of the officials on condition of anonymity.

The bond market briefly pared losses on talk of possible military engagement between the United States and Iran, but turned back down after the U.S. Defence Department said the incident did not occur.

Tensions are high between Washington and Tehran. The United States accuses Iran of supporting insurgents in Iraq and charges that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian energy program.

The Pentagon has increased the U.S. military presence in the Gulf in recent weeks, a move widely seen as a warning against provocative actions by Iran.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 01/18/2007 10:51 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Well, if the Geraniums pull a "Stark" on us, they better expect some "Vincennes on steroids" action in return. Or - maybe more like a "Dresden" - or even a "Hiroshima".

'Couldn't happen to a more deserving regime.

That "Doomsday" clock that is sitting on five minutes to midnight is more like a Doomsday "Glock" pointed at the temple of the fruitcakes in charge in Tehran.

With two carrier groups soon to be on station together in the vicinity, Iran taking potshots at any US navel vessels is likely to bring some serious thunder and lightning down on them.

Let the games begin - we've been waiting for payback since 1979.
Posted by: Lone Ranger || 01/18/2007 11:23 Comments || Top||

#2  I only wish the Iranians were that stupid.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/18/2007 11:39 Comments || Top||

#3  Silence is Golden.
Posted by: ed || 01/18/2007 11:45 Comments || Top||

#4  Darth-

I only wish the Iranians were that stupid.

Iranians aren't that stupid, but all it will take is ONE Al-Quds or RG commander to decide that it's a good day to commune with the Prophet, and it's over. I simply do NOT believe that the Iranian Government has full control over these guys.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 01/18/2007 11:46 Comments || Top||

#5  Shoot, all it takes is one lad with an inconvenient flea bite to twitch in the wrong direction with that silly button in the way of his finger (or whatever, y'all know I don't actually know anything about the mechanics of these things).
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/18/2007 11:56 Comments || Top||

#6  Maybe Jimmah could lead the charge? Only question is: which side he would choose!
Posted by: OyVey1 || 01/18/2007 12:39 Comments || Top||

#7  I believe in the military axiom that you should never let your opponent have *any* advantage. Why should we let Iran pick the method, means, target, time and place for their attack?

Instead, we should insert a team of specialists who will obtain the use of an Iranian missile, place some incriminating nuclear material inside the missile, and launch it at a uniquely US target that has multiple anti-missile layered defenses that a gnat on meth couldn't penetrate, just as they are preparing a comprehensive missile defense test.

And, of course, that the team also insert multiple self-destruct devices on to the missile to insure that it is detonated exactly as it should be to leave irrefutable proof that it was a nuclear weapon.

Properly, the missile's flight path should light up Russia's entire defense grid, and be tracked by half a dozen or more non-US satellites.

Posted by: Anonymoose || 01/18/2007 12:58 Comments || Top||

#8  #4 Mike

That is the problem, they ain't that stupid. They will drag this thing through the press until the public opinion wanes so bad that we wouldn't even provide a tarp for Israel when they attack.
*sigh*
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/18/2007 15:32 Comments || Top||

#9  Instead, we should insert a team of specialists who will obtain the use of an Iranian missile, place some incriminating nuclear material inside the missile, and launch it at a uniquely US target that has multiple anti-missile layered defenses that a gnat on meth couldn't penetrate, just as they are preparing a comprehensive missile defense test.

I like it!

1. Insert team
b. Grab control of an Persian Missile
iii. Put the fickle finger power in the warhead (should be purdy easy)
Four. Shoot it a layered defense.
5. Profit!
Posted by: Shipman || 01/18/2007 16:26 Comments || Top||

#10  gentlemen, gentlemen. I am not quite sure, and i wouldnt say so anywhere but here, but I am beginning to think we are seeing a turning point.

Check out (or someone post - i always mess these things up) the latest AP article on Baghdad. Mahdi army officials say Sadr City is effectively under siege, due to multiple raids, and they are no longer under Malikis protection. Now this COULD be disinfo from the Sadrists trying to make Maliki look good - but it fits too well with certain other things. A largescale naval buildup near Iran. Harsher rhetoric towards Iran. Condi visiting all the Arab states that dont like Iran. Hints of talks between Israel and Syria (to turn Syria?) The arrests in Irbil. Maybe Im seeing whats not there, but I think I see a plan coming together. A real crackdown on Sadr (but with an out for him - we will grab his midlevel guys, and disrupt his org, but neither kill him nor cause him to lose face by holding Sadr City) Iran can either sit quiet, and lose face itself, or it can react, and give us an excuse to escalate against them. At a moment when Imanutjob is looking weak domestically. (yeah its too bad Israel doesnt have a strong PM at the moment, but Israel isnt really central to this)

I await, with hope.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 01/18/2007 17:28 Comments || Top||

#11  Me too, LH. The supposed raids on Sadr's gang was on Hannity's radio show this afternoon. Would like some video and/or DoD concurrence that the Iraqis are fryin' up some tater tots, but the media is all we got at the moment.
Posted by: BA || 01/18/2007 18:06 Comments || Top||

#12  Kennedy's worried about Iran, too. He was grilling someone from the administration about it today. I couldn't stand to hear his drunken bloviating, so I didn't listen to the entire report and don't know what exactly he said.
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 01/18/2007 18:29 Comments || Top||

#13  My birthday is March 27th. I am hoping Bush for some geraniums as a present.
Posted by: Mike N. || 01/18/2007 20:24 Comments || Top||

#14  LH, good to see your optimism. We certainly need to follow the fact pattern you outline. The Iran attack rumors could be disinfo on our part. It adds to the perception of increasing tensions which could make some of Amadinejad's domestic enemies that much more nervous. Certainly the recent crash in oil price is squeezing Teheran as well as their economy is on the razor's edge. The Soddies seem to be willing to keep them low for a while. We should know soon if it is a concerted effort against the Mullas.
Posted by: JAB || 01/18/2007 22:01 Comments || Top||

#15  Iff I remember correctly, sever months ago in 2005 there were reports of Iran firing upon and storming Persian Gulf oil platforms allegedly owned by one of NATO's newest member-states from East Europe [name escapes me].
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/18/2007 22:12 Comments || Top||


G'morning
Iran invites IAEA envoys to visit nuclear sitesUS Democrats ready resolution opposing Iraq war'Held Taliban spokesman says Mulla Omar in Pakistan'Baitullah vows revenge attack for Waziristan strikeJaafari: Iraq shouldn't be 'launching pad' 85% of Israelis want Peretz to resignSri Lankan jets bomb Tiger bases as fighting flares
Posted by: Fred || 01/18/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Fred's gone a bit dotty this week...
Posted by: Seafarious || 01/18/2007 0:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Dot's okay. Nice looking girl.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 01/18/2007 1:25 Comments || Top||

#3  Dorothy Lamour was a huge star in the forties and early fifties.
Posted by: Sneaze Shaiting3550 || 01/18/2007 3:26 Comments || Top||

#4  Did she work in any of the "Road" pictures with Crosby and Hope?
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 01/18/2007 7:43 Comments || Top||

#5  Just looked at her IMDB entry, and I count six of 'em.
Posted by: Mike || 01/18/2007 10:13 Comments || Top||

#6  Nice camo bikini! Probably back in style with the kids this coming summer too!
Posted by: BA || 01/18/2007 12:08 Comments || Top||

#7  My first post. Nice picture Fred. She looks good to this lonely cowboy. Is she opposed to the Iraq war too?
Posted by: CB || 01/18/2007 13:53 Comments || Top||

#8  Greetings CB, I expect her stance on the war would pivot on their respect sarongs.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/18/2007 16:18 Comments || Top||

#9  Sarong as she picked the right one I'm good to go.
Posted by: CB || 01/18/2007 16:41 Comments || Top||



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Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2007-01-18
  Mullah Hanif sez Mullah Omar lives in Quetta
Wed 2007-01-17
  Halutz quits
Tue 2007-01-16
  Yemen kills al-Qaeda fugitive
Mon 2007-01-15
  Barzan and al-Bandar hanged; Barzan's head pops off
Sun 2007-01-14
  Somalia: Lawmakers impose martial law
Sat 2007-01-13
  Last Somali Islamist base falls
Fri 2007-01-12
  Two US aircraft carrier groups plus Patriot missile bn planned for ME
Thu 2007-01-11
  US Warships picking up Al-Q hardboyz at sea
Wed 2007-01-10
  Troop Surge Already Under Way
Tue 2007-01-09
  Major battle on Haifa street in Baghdad
Mon 2007-01-08
  US Gunship Hits Al-Qaeda In Somalia
Sun 2007-01-07
  Iraqi Papers Sunday: Iranian Coup Plot Foiled?
Sat 2007-01-06
  Top Dems Oppose More Troops in Iraq
Fri 2007-01-05
  White House Postponing Loss of Iraq, Biden Says
Thu 2007-01-04
  Report: Supreme Ayatollah Khamenei is Supremely Stable

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