To the Eldermobile!!!
EL FASHER, Sudan - A group of elder statesmen, including usual suspects former President Carter and Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu, urged all sides in Darfur's bloodshed to reach a peace deal as they began touring the region Tuesday. ...and there'll be cake and ice cream for everybody! And pony rides too!
Nothin' like a bunch of elders to show up to bring peace, prosperity and pony rides to a region ...
The delegation of prominent in their minds international personalities is trying to use their influence at a crucial time, with peace talks due to start in Libya and a U.N-African Union peacekeeping force to begin deploying later this month. The visit also comes days after a stunning attack in which rebels overran an African peacekeepers base in northern Darfur, killing 10 the deadliest attack on the force since it arrived in the region three years ago. Speak up Nobel Peace Prize winners. We can't hear you over the gunfire.
"We are not here on a sightseeing tour. We hope we can do something that will make a significant difference ... and bring peace," Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his fight against apartheid in South Africa, told reporters after the delegation arrived in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. And I wanna win the lottery. And I will. Someday. Soon. I hope. Maybe.
Earlier, the North Darfur governor, Youssouf Kabir, told the delegation the security situation in the province is "stable and good." Everything's great. So I guess you guys can go home now. Thanks for coming...
And if you can't believe the governor, who can you believe?
Government forces have been waging a fierce offensive against rebels in North Darfur for the past two weeks. On Saturday night, amid the fighting, a force of 1,000 rebels overran a base of U.N. peacekeepers at Haskanita in North Darfur. In a battle that lasted into the early hours Sunday, the rebels killed 10 peacekeepers, looted the base then escaped when Sudanese troops moved in. Hmmmmmm. Sounds like the rebels might be waging a fierce offensive of their own...
Send in the mighty Uruguayans!
The largely symbolic visit by the delegation led by Carter and Tutu is intended to push all sides to make peace in Darfur, where more than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million driven out of their homes in four years of violence. Make peace. C'mon, make peace. Tell 'em, Desmond.
Yeah. Listen to the crazy old white man, will ya? Where's Branson? I got a good deal on a watch and I need his credit card...
... C'mon people now ..
... smile on your brother ...
... everybody come together ...
... gotta love somebody right now ...
The group visited a U.N. aid compound located next to the sprawling Abu-Shok and Es-Sallam camps where 150,000 refugees who fled Darfur's violence are living. "We hope that you can contribute to put an end to this crazy way," said a nazer, a traditional leader among about 30 men and women who came from the refugee camps to meet the delegation. Hey, buddy. This is a "symbolic visit". And a "largely symbolic" one at that. Whaddya want, everything?
"We certainly hope that everybody will continue to talk to each other, including the rebels," Carter told a group of Darfur civil society workers. Getting to know you
Getting to know all about you...
The delegation called "the elders" also includes billionaire Richard Branson; Graca Michel, wife of former South African Nelson Mandela; and several prominent former statesmen from Africa. I guess Branson's there to pick up all the checks?
#5
Actually, that was the first wife, the Fabulous Winnie, another famous "freedom fighter" who had a teeny tiny problem with homicide by flaming tire.
Looks like Nellie's getting to old for the trips. I guess he stays back at the Fortress of Eldertude and works the radios...
Senegal has warned it could withdraw its peacekeepers from Sudan after 10 soldiers were killed when an African Union base in the Darfur region was attacked. At least one Senegalese soldier was among the dead after what an AU spokesman called a "deliberate and sustained" assault on the Haskanita base late on Saturday.
"If they died because they didn't have the arms to defend themselves, I will withdraw all the Senegalese," Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal's president, said on Monday. "I am not going to send people to be slaughtered," he said, adding he had ordered an investigation into the attack.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Sudan
#1
I know who is sending this support to Dafur to further slaughter Black Christians. The subject is taboo in the media. Brittany has presidence. You need to know more about child obesity and tainted toys than an all out genocide in your time. Shame on all of you.
#3
More likely "Arab" on black warfare. Senegal is overwhelmingly muslim. CIA Factbook; Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%
Abdoulaye (Abdullah) Wade, Senegal's president
Posted by: ed ||
10/02/2007 10:27 Comments ||
Top||
#3
I have no problem selling Egypt anything it wants --- as long as I secretly and appropriately 'modify' it for them before delivery. All sensitive parts remotely destructable if unauthorized (by us) examinations or alterations are attempted (say, by the Chinese.) Self-destruct (violently) if targetted inappropriately (say, on Israel.) Etc.
Saudi Arabias leading cleric said on Monday Saudis should not join jihad outside the kingdom, in a warning over Saudis going to fight US-led forces in Iraq.
Media reports have said a significant number of Saudis have fought with Sunni insurgents in Iraq. Our youth have become a commodity bought and sold by Middle Eastern and Western agencies, they became tools carrying out heinous acts, Grand Mufti said in a religious edict, or fatwa, published on the official SPA news agency. I advise those with money to be careful about where its spent so it does not damage Muslims and I urge scholars and preachers to explain the truth and take young people by the hand so that they see the reality, he said. Saudis go for jihad because they are passionate about their religion but they are not wise enough to know right from wrong, he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under: al-Qaeda
Bahraini authorities have released three people out of a group of six arrested in August on suspicion of belonging to an Al-Qaeda-inspired cell, a legal source said on Monday. Lawyer Farid Ghazi, who represents two of the detainees, told AFP he expected "the remaining suspects to be released because there is no strong evidence against them." Local media reported on August 9 that police had arrested three people accused of belonging to a cell plotting attacks on US targets in Bahrain. The small Gulf archipelago is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and has been designated by Washington as a major non-NATO ally. The Bahraini government recently introduced tough new anti-terror laws despite strong opposition from local rights groups.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under: al-Qaeda
Posted by: anonymous5089 ||
10/02/2007 03:53 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under: Global Jihad
#1
Employees who refuse to perform their legitimately assigned tasks should be fired on the spot. None of these Muslim whingers are being asked to consume, prepare, serve drinks or come into direct contact with alcohol. Any attempt to soothe their endlessly offended Muslim "sensibilities" is the very worst sort of folly. These totally contrived and unreasonable objections are, as YorkshireMiner said, "just the thin end of an even larger wedge". Fire them now and be done with such appeasement tommyrot.
#3
There is some common sense left in Britian: Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, director of the Muslim Institute and leader of the Muslim parliament, said: This is some kind of overenthusiasm. One expects professional behaviour from people working in a professional capacity and this shows a lack of maturity.
Sainsburys is being very good, they are trying to accommodate the wishes of their employees and we commend that. The fault lies with the employee who is exploiting and misusing their goodwill. It makes no difference if it is only happening over Ramadan.
Posted by: Bobby ||
10/02/2007 6:23 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Why are they working there? It makes about as much sense as a nun going to work for an adult bookstore and objecting to "offensive" sales.
And so what if they are handling a bottle with alcohol in it? Doesn't their religion just say that they are not allowed to consume alcohol? Or are they required to beat everyone over the head for even looking at it, even if it isn't a part of that person's religion?
#9
SO overwhelm the checkout staff with mass quantities of alcohol related products and eventually the top dogs will figure it out and give these idiots their own broom and an aisle to run it in......(or the door)
#10
To put it into a proper perspective---what would've happened to an Hindu employee refusing to handle beef products?"
I agree there and also believe this only endorses a radical perception of Islam amongst Muslims.
Muslims are prohibited to drink alcohol by Islamic law, which is totally OK.
This isn't drinking alcohol or touching alcohol; it's a distorted rational, the same which helps extremism exist.
#3
So it's not the muslim's wanton mass slaughter and then denial by the BBC but the "islamophobia in sections of our media". I'm sure glad that has been cleared up. Back to watching reruns of Keeping Up Appearances.
Posted by: ed ||
10/02/2007 10:36 Comments ||
Top||
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
CHOSUN ILBO > NK willing to declare its nuclear program by EOY 2007 but NOT its nuclear weapons. Desires nuke weapons per se to remain as final, ultimate bargaining chip in negotiations. IS NK INDIRECTLY ADMITTING IT HAS NUCLEAR WEAPONS?
#2
ION, KANWA.com > TAIWAN [implications for democratic Asia] > CHINA'S PLA does NOT have enuff technological-warfighting capability nor the fuel reserves in Fall 2007 to successfully conquer Taiwan. Accuracy and reliability of PLA missles facing Taiwan in doubt [ read - more Russ/Cold War junk ala Syria-Israel on 9/6].
The redistribution of European parliament seats is one of the last hurdles to be overcome as the member states finalise a reform treaty to replace the failed EU constitution
A European parliamentary committee on Tuesday approved plans to give 17 of the 27 EU nations fewer seats in the next legislature, AFP reported.
The redistribution of European parliament seats is one of the last hurdles to be overcome as the member states finalise a reform treaty to replace the failed EU constitution. At present there are 785 MEPs, but the treaty foresees a maximum of 750 eurodeputies, with national quotas ranging from six to 96 seats.
The scheme, to be put into action for the 2009-2014 legislature, was adopted by the parliament's constitutional affairs committee by 17 votes to five, with three abstentions. It will now go forward to a full plenary session of the house next week before EU heads of state and government can give it the final approval at their Lisbon summit on October 18-19.
The parliamentary committee decided that the biggest EU nation, Germany, should hold 96 seats next time, against 99 now. Among the other leading EU nations, Spain, deemed to be currently under-represented, is the only one which will not lose seats under the scheme, sticking with its current total of 54 MEPS.
France will have 74 seats under the new system, a loss of four, while Britain will duck below France, going from 78 to 73 MEPs. Italy's allotment will shrink from 78 to 72 and Poland's from 54 to 51, if the measures are approved. Five other countries would also lose euro deputies; Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Luxembourg.
Only four - Austria, Malta, Slovenia and Sweden - would see their parliamentary numbers increase.
#5
Denial is a river flowing through Europe. The EU is like a beached whale, still alive, but it's future looks questionable and the smart money is in oil futures. Pun intended.
#6
I am particularly impressed as the EP continues with its "treaty" after voters roundly and soundly voted against it, even to the point of reducing the amount of "representation".
Former legislator Ayaan Hirsi Ali, threatened with death for her anti-Islam writings, returned to the Netherlands on Monday after the Dutch government refused to continue paying for her bodyguards in the United States, a newspaper reported.
Hirsi Ali moved to the United States in 2006 to join the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank in Washington. The daily NRC Handelsblad reported that Hirsi Ali returned early Monday and was taken to a safe-house at an undisclosed location. Institute spokeswoman Veronique Rodman said she could not confirm the report, but Hirsi Ali remains a "valued scholar" at the AEI.
The Dutch Justice Ministry referred all questions to the country's anti-terrorism coordinator's office, but spokesman Wim Kok said he could not comment on Hirsi Ali's security arrangements.
A senior member of parliament, Sybrand van Haersma Buma, defended the government's stance. Van Haersma Buma, who addresses security policy for the ruling Christian Democrat Party, said the Dutch government had only agreed to pay for security during Hirsi Ali's first year abroad because of the "extraordinary circumstances" surrounding her departure. "It was a temporary measure," he said in an interview with Dutch NOS television Monday. "The responsibility for her security should be taken on by the U.S. government."
He argued that it was impossible for the Netherlands to know what level of security would be appropriate for Hirsi Ali while she was in another country.
The U.S. government said at the time that Hirsi Ali was welcome in the country, and the U.S. immigration service awarded her permanent residency last week.
It was not clear whether her return to the Netherlands was triggered by the Dutch government dropping payment for her security arrangements after she received U.S. permanent residency. NRC Handelsblad reported she plans to return to the U.S. once she has arranged for private funding of her protection. More details now than yesterday
He's offended Muslims worldwide and al-Qaida wants him dead but Swedish artist Lars Vilks said Monday he has no regrets about portraying the Prophet Muhammad as a dog. Vilks, 61, told The Associated Press he even plans to convert the row over his prophet drawings into a musical, with prominent roles depicting Iran's president, Sweden's prime minister and al-Qaida terrorists.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under: Global Jihad
#1
uh, Sweden (or any other Scandanavian country,esp. Finland VS ANY Muslim country = destruction viking style), now that they're realizing assimilation doesnt work very well they would be pretty good moral boosters for the other pussy footers in the Western Bloc
#3
I applaud his cajones, but maybe he should up the life insurance policy just in case.
Wonder if it'll come to US?
Posted by: NOLA ||
10/02/2007 5:43 Comments ||
Top||
#4
An old familiar refrain:
Iran Germany was having trouble, what a sad, sad story.... Needed a new leader to restore its former glory....
Where, Oh where was he? Where could that man be?
We looked around and then we found....
The man for you and me.
And now it's..
Springtime for Ahmadinejacket Hitler and Iran Germany ....
The Islamic Republic Deutschland is happy and glad gayWe're marching to a faster pace....Look out, here comes the master race
Scrappleface Alert!
Just hours after Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV, took the senate floor to call on radio talkshow host Rush Limbaugh to apologize for using the term phony soldiers during his Friday broadcast, a newly-formed, grassroots veterans organization endorsed the senate majority leaders efforts.
Phony Vets for Truth, an non-profit group comprised of ex-military personnel who have publicly and deceptively disparaged the United States, the president or fellow U.S. troops in time of war, applauded Sen. Reids bravery, and his appropriate use of senate debate time to discuss Mr. Limbaughs scurrilous remarks.
In a statement completely independent of the Democrat National Committee, Phony Vets for Truth, a non-partisan think tank, also said: When private citizens start to believe that they can say whatever they want without being subject to the normal democratic process of selective sound-bite editing, and selective outrage, then its time for Congress to take action.
The group, which has no affiliation with professional Vietnam Veteran Sen. John Kerry, also commended Sen. Tom Harkin, D-IA, for boldly standing behind the protection of the speech and debate clause of the Constitution to suggest that Mr. Limbaugh was high on drugs.
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/02/2007 11:07 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
The left has become so loony that this could well be fact rather than ScrappleFace.
More on the Gamesmanship in Congress
Thwarted in efforts to bring troops home from Iraq, Senate Democrats helped pass a defense policy bill authorizing another $150 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Monday's 92-3 vote comes as the House planned to approve separate legislation Tuesday that requires President Bush to give Congress a plan for eventual troop withdrawals.
The developments underscored the difficulty facing Democrats in the Iraq debate: They lack the votes to pass legislation ordering troops home and are divided on whether to cut money for combat, despite a mandate by supporters to end the war. Hoping the political landscape changes in coming months, Democratic leaders say they will renew their fight when Congress considers the money Bush wants in war funding.
While the Senate policy bill authorizes the money to be spent, it does not guarantee it; Bush will have to wait until Congress passes a separate appropriations bill before war funds are transferred to military coffers. "I think that's where you're going to see the next dogfight," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., of the upcoming war spending bill. You can't run with the big dogs, Harry, if you pee like a puppy.
Democrats say their options include directing that the money be spent on bringing troops home instead of combat; setting a date when money for the war is cut off, and identifying a goal to end the war to try to pressure Bush to bring troops home. Similar attempts have been made but fell short of the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles in the Senate.
"Many of us have reached a breaking point on this," said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. "I've done this for too many years. I've waited for the president to start bringing this war to an end any way at all, as long as it does not involve winning. I'm not going to sign up for this any longer."
Until the Hildebeast becomes president. Then he'll do as he's told.
In the House, Democrats are pushing for a bill that would require the administration to report to Congress in 60 days and every 90 days thereafter on the status of its redeployment plans in Iraq. The bill, sponsored by Democrats John Tanner of Tennessee and Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, was initially cast aside as too mild by Democratic leaders focused on tougher proposals ordering troops home this fall.
But after Democrats were unable to peel off Republican support, the Iraq debate stalled and some four dozen rank-and-file Democrats demanded a vote on the Abercrombie-Tanner bill. "This will be the first time since the war in Iraq began that we are working together as a Congress instead of one party or another to be a constructive voice in the civilian management of operations in Iraq," Tanner said in a statement e-mailed to the Associated Press.
In February, Bush requested more than $140 billion for the war, and is expected to ask for another $42 billion to cover costs in the 2008 budget year, which began Monday. The Senate's defense policy bill authorizes Bush's initial request, plus an additional $23 billion for the purchase of bomb-resistent vehicles. In addition to war money, the Senate's defense policy bill authorizes more than a half trillion dollars in annual military programs, including such big-ticket items as $10.1 billion for missile defense.
Republicans predict the bill is on track to be vetoed by President Bush because it includes hate-crimes legislation by Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The White House has said Kennedy's proposal, which would let federal law enforcement help states prosecute attacks on gays, is unnecessary.
The House passed its version of the defense authorization bill in May by a 397-27 vote. That $646 billion measure would trim hundreds of millions of dollars from some weapons modernization programs and use the money instead to aid troops in combat. The House bill has drawn a veto threat from the White House because of provisions insisting the military rely heavily on American-made products and proposed changes to the Pentagon's personnel policies.
Posted by: Bobby ||
10/02/2007 06:31 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
#1
I think they're done. They can squeal and piss and moan and scheme and whine but the bottom line is they haven't accomplishing anything they've tried to do.
Nice work, Harry, you useless bag of shit.
In today's edition of The Hill, Byron York analyzes Ted Kennedy's top priority for the nation's military--ensuring that federal hate crimes legislation applies to them. The Massachusetts driving instructor has added language to the defense authorization bill that includes "gender identity" in the definition of protected classes under hate crimes laws.
Mr. York was scratching his head over that one (and we were, too), wondering what gender identity and hate crimes have to do with defense spending. Not surprisingly, Teddy had an answer for that one. As York explains:
This amendment will strengthen the Defense Authorization Act by protecting those who volunteer to serve in the military, Kennedy said on the Senate floor Wednesday.How, exactly?
Because our military men and women commit hate crimes, Kennedy explained, and this would protect others from them.The vast majority of our soldiers serve with honor and distinction, Kennedy said. But sadly, our military bases are not immune from the violence that comes from hatred.
Kennedy listed a few examples he had to go back to the early 1990s to find some of them of alleged hate crimes in which members of the military were involved.There was the recent case in North Carolina in which, Kennedy said, two members of the 82nd Airborne Division allegedly sold military equipment to FBI agents posing as white supremacists.
There was a case last year in which a Coast Guard officer posted on a white supremacist site.There was a double murder at Fort Bragg in 1995, and another murder in 1992.These examples clearly demonstrate the relevance of this amendment to the military, Kennedy said.
We cant tolerate hate-motivated violence and must do all we can to protect our men and women in uniform.And it could get worse. Kennedy charged that military recruiters, struggling to meet quotas, are enlisting extremists these days, putting our soldiers at higher risk of hate-motivated violence.
Even if you believe all that, the odd thing is, if you read Kennedys amendment, you wont see anything about the military. How his bill would affect the military, which has its own code of justice, is unclear.
Obviously, Senator Kennedy isn't concerned about such trivial details. With his measure--co-sponsored by Oregon Republican Gordon Smith--Teddy manages a sop to his gay constituents, while painting the U.S. military as seething mass of racists and hate-mongers. A two-fer, you might say.
Not that we'd expect anything more from Mr. Kennedy. The senator's view of defense matters is shaped by two goals--doing whatever he can to undermine the Bush Administration (and the war on terror), while preserving military pork for the folks back home.
For example, Senator Kennedy has directed more than $1.6 billion for a jet engine the Air Force doesn't want, but because it's built by GE (which has a plant in Massachusetts), Teddy's all for it. Additionally, Kennedy has led Senate efforts to prevent the Air Force from retiring some of the oldest (and worst-performing C-5s) in its inventory. Turns out that some of those jets are based at Westover AFB in Kennedy's home state. In fact, the Pentagon recently established a depot-level maintenance facility for C-5s at that installation, with a clear nod toward the Bay State's senior senator.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 Senator Barack Obama will propose on Tuesday setting a goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons in the world, saying the United States should greatly reduce its stockpiles to lower the threat of nuclear terrorism, aides say. Yeah, right!
In a speech at DePaul University in Chicago, Mr. Obama will add his voice to a plan endorsed earlier this year by a bipartisan group of former government officials from the cold war era who say the United States must begin building a global consensus to reverse a reliance on nuclear weapons that have become increasingly hazardous and decreasingly effective.
Mr. Obama, according to details provided by his campaign Monday, also will call for pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts aimed at a global ban on the development, production and deployment of intermediate-range missiles.
In 2009, we will have a window of opportunity to renew our global leadership and bring our nation together, Mr. Obama is planning to say, according to an excerpt of remarks provided by his aides. If we dont seize that moment, we may not get another.
His speech was to come one day after an announcement by the Bush administration that it had tripled the rate of dismantling nuclear weapons over the last year, putting the United States on track to reducing its stockpile of weapons by half by 2012. Will this jerk have any credibility after this?
#1
One of these days, either the Russians or the Chinese are going to launch a first strike on us, based on the perception that our nuclear forces can be completely destroyed. But in the ashes of what used to be our cities, we will be able to bask in the warm glow of post-attack radiation our moral superiority, because Senator Obama assured us that our unilateral disarmament was a sign that we had matured as a nation.
#2
The man is totally delusional. He represents nothing less than a threat to this nation's existence. If there is one single nuclear arsenal that poses the least risk of being penetrated by terrorists, it is our's. To even consider reducing our nuclear inventory while Cina and other hostile nations are going about expanding theirs is sheer suicide. Someone needs to pimpslap this evil stooge big time.
#3
YNETNEWS? [or JPOST?] > AFTER THE BOMB article. Background - Israel suffers Nuke Attack [Terror?] via Iran in 5 NLT 10 years after world accepts a nuclear Iran.
I meant to hi-lite only the last line, noting Obama's lack of credibility. The rest is part of the Oct. 2 NY Times text. As for the pic, Fred lists it under "prophets" (or wannabes).
#8
Senator Barack Obama will propose on Tuesday setting a goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons in the world...
Because then we can go back to fighting wars the old fashioned way, with guns, tanks and force of numbers. I for one will welcome our new Chinese overlords.
#12
He's a pol from Illinois. Consider Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich (D&Serbian) who is holding the people of the state's breath till they all turn blue
Why? Because even the Dems refuse to give this Serbian Socialist(communist crook?) the massive amount of pork he wants.
To see how bad it is go to his old neighborhood on Chicago's Northside. It used to be a run down hole recent immigrants from the balkans lived in. Now it is the most up and coming neighborhood in the city. Fancy Italian and German cars, new and rebuilt upscale condos, fancy resturants everywhere, money dripping while the state is in crisis. And still the stupid democratic sheep vote for this foreign thief. Even his uber political king maker father-in-law despises him.
#14
Yes, my "Senator" Obama pratles on about this while we pay the highest price for gas in the country for the last 12 months.
Why don't you get back to your day job and solve this problem first before striking up a chorus of "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me".
Oh, and the Cook County government yesterday failed to pass a 2 cent sales tax increase, which would have made Chicago the highest sales tax in the nation at 11%... ELEVEN PERCENT!
#17
He's a pol from Illinois. Consider Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich (D&Serbian) who is holding the people of the state's breath till they all turn blue
Powerless in their effort to bring US troops home from Iraq, Senate Democrats helped pass a defense policy bill Monday that would authorize another $150 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 92-3 vote came as the House of Representatives planned to approve separate legislation Tuesday that would require that President George W. Bush give Congress a plan for eventual troop withdrawals.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
#2
Overstepping their bounds again. Congress cannot REQUIRE the President to do anything with regards to the military. They can suggest, they can plead, they can even moan and whine and tug on the purse strings, but they cannot REQUIRE.
Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistani prime minister, has said she might allow a US military strike inside Pakistan to eliminate Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader, if she were the country's leader. "I would hope that I would be able to take Osama bin Laden myself without depending on the Americans," she said on Monday in an interview with BBC World News America. "But if I couldn't do it, of course we are fighting this war together and [I] would seek their co-operation in eliminating him."
Bhutto, who has vowed to return to Pakistan on October 18 after eight years of exile, was speaking less than a week before an October 6 election that Pervez Musharraf, the current president, is expected to win despite his slumping popularity. She has been in talks with Musharraf about a post-election power-sharing deal that would shore up his position, which has become more precarious amid violent clashes with Muslim fighters and demonstrations against his re-election bid.
In a new audio message issued less than two weeks ago, bin Laden called on Muslims in Pakistan to wage fight Musharraf's government and his armed forces. A string of deadly attacks has left scores of security personnel dead since government troops stormed the al-Qaeda-linked Red Mosque in Islamabad in July. US intelligence officials believe bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders are being protected by tribal leaders in an area of northwestern Pakistan near the Afghanistan border that is largely inaccessible even to Pakistani forces.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[10 views]
Top|| File under: al-Qaeda
#1
Come on...get the CIA cracking; let's get the big girl in there!
Pakistan on Monday expressed concern over Indian involvement with anti-state elements in the country, and said that the matter would be raised at the forthcoming meeting of a joint anti-terrorism mechanism between the two countries, Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a weekly media briefing. The spokeswoman said Kashmir and Siachen were internationally recognised disputed areas and it had been proven that such disputes could not be resolved through war, and the only way progress could be achieved was through dialogue and negotiation. She said Pakistan was interested in sending back the Afghan refugees and the Afghan government had also agreed to it, but the UNHCR was unable to mobilise the required funds for the repatriation of the refugees.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
ISRAELI FORUM POSTER > stuff will hit the fan in this WOT iff Pakistan's Govt. gets forcibly overthrown via revolution and Islamists take charge of its nucprogs including weapons.
#3
WAFF.com > ORGANISER.com > CHINA IS ENCIRCLING INDIA. GIVES GIFTS TO INDIA's RIVALS. Myanmar also there as possible future "second front" in Himalayas and other regional parts agz India. Russian assistance as per Myanmar's local nucdevprogs also noted.
#4
ISRAELI Poster > USA's priority in Iran crisis is precluding/stopping a Pan-Muslim-specific, NUCLEAR ARMS RACE iff Iran ever gets the Bomb, i.e. NUCLEAR WAR btwn Nuclearized Radical-Islamist Muslim Govts versus Nuclearized Moderate Govts. USA can not and should not allow Radicalists to take over any of the major Muslim nations including Pakistan.
Pakistan ranked first among all developing world recipients in the value of arms transfer agreements in 2006, concluding $5.1 billion in such agreements, with India ranking second in agreements at $3.5 billion, according to a report issued by the Congressional Research Service on September 26.
Arms transfer agreements with the top 10 developing world recipients, as a group, in 2006 totaled $22.2 billion or 77.1 percent of all such agreements with the developing world.
India was the leading developing world arms purchaser from 1999-2006, making arms transfer agreements totaling $22.4 billion during these years (in current dollars).
The total value of all arms transfer agreements with developing nations from 1999-2006 was $188.9 billion in current dollars. India alone accounted for 11.9 percent of all developing world arms transfer agreements during these eight years.
This report is prepared annually to provide Congress with official, unclassified, quantitative data on conventional arms transfers to developing nations by the United States and foreign countries for the preceding eight calendar years for use in its policy oversight functions.
Developing nations, the report said, continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers. During the years 1999-2006, the value of arms transfer agreements with developing nations comprised 66.4 percent of all such agreements worldwide.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
They had to spend all that earthquake disaster relief money somewhere.
#3
I think it is also very important to repeat john frum's vital observation that the vast majority of weapons being sold to Pakistan are not of any use in fighting terrorism but, instead, seem more suited for war with India. This is a tremendous disservice to Asia's largest and oldest democracy.
Communication in Baghdad can be an exercise in frustration, a hit-or-miss proposition due to both geography and technology issues. That will change as reconstruction of a major communication facility continues.
The war resulted in the destruction of the Al Mamoon telecommunications. The Al Mamoon was the technology hub where telephone and cell phone calls, as well as other forms of telecommunications, were routed. The new facility will restore that function again as Iraqis and the Coalition reconstruction projects, vital for the normalization of the country, progress.
The Al Mamoon is being rebuilt by Alfa Consult for the Ministry of Communications. The new complex will include a glass faced 41-meter-high building, housing new telecommunications switching equipment, which will enable residents to place phone calls in and around Baghdad and throughout Iraq, allow for faster internet access, as well as house new satellite and cell phone equipment.
The construction plans also include a 200 seat auditorium, conference rooms and a cafeteria able to serve 150 people. There will be a new Post Office that provides access to FedEx and DHL, as well as a four story parking garage. The grounds will be landscaped and rows of trees will line the walkways.
This building is considered the heart of Iraq, said Mohammad Abdula, the project manager.
The old Al Mamoon, according to Abdula, was a landmark. It was a very famous building to Baghdad people in time of Saddam. Ask any person in Iraq Do you know Al Mamoon building? and they will say yes, said Abdula.
The rebuilding has not been easy. While the project employs 175 workers, it took ten months to clear the site of debris. Curfews delayed the project for several months. Some building materials have to be trucked in from Dubai. The contractors wanted to run two shifts to speed up the complexs construction, but security concerns did not allow it. The Ministry of Communications has made this a high priority project and crews have been working hard, still the project is one to two months behind schedule.
Still, Abdula remains excited about the project and the centers potential. It will connect Iraq with the world, he said.
#2
120,000 detained. How many repeat detainees are included in that count? How many of the Killed or Injured are included in the Detained count through earlier events.
We could be looking at as few as 19,000 total insurgents impacted or as many as 145,000. How many insurgents are there in Iraq, total? Have we affected 1% of them or 10%? How much loss can they stand? (How much have other forces endured?)
#3
Glenmore,
We really don't know because we didn't field the biometric system we currently use until 2006. In 2005 different units developed their own ad hoc systems and entered their data in there.
Very simply the earlier data is less reliable than what we are gathering now.
Another thing is that alot of the casualties from the "Sectarian Violence" was actually the (Shia) Police killing insurgents that had been detained and then released by the courts.
I suspect that a large fraction of the "civilian deaths" should be added to the AIF killed to get an accurate number of enemy killed.
Al
Posted by: Frozen Al ||
10/02/2007 13:08 Comments ||
Top||
BOSTON (AP) - Iraq's foreign minister said Monday a premature pullout of U.S. troops could send the country and region spiraling into chaos and called a U.S. Senate proposal to divide Iraq into three regions well-intentioned but a bad idea. Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari also said during a speech at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government that he remains optimistic despite the strife roiling his country. ``The task facing us is challenging, but I'm confident about the future of my country,'' Zebari said. ``No matter how close we came to the brink, the Iraqi people have risen to the occasion.''
He said that crucial to helping Iraq maintain a path toward democracy and stability are the 160,000 U.S. troops there. He said a rapid withdrawal could lead to the collapse of Iraq's government and allow terrorist groups like al-Qaida to set up permanent shop within his country. ``If we fail we might have a country torn apart by civil strife,'' he said. ``Terrorists will have safe havens that they will turn into death triangles.''
Although he said a multinational force should remain, Zebari said Iraq would eventually like to negotiate a long term bilateral security agreement with the United States similar to agreements the U.S. has with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and other countries.
The speech comes ahead of a planned meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, in early November between Iraq and its neighbors where Iraqi officials will press for help in three key areas: security, refugees and energy. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and representatives of Iran, Russia, France, Italy, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are expected to attend the meeting, which Zebari said is another important step in gaining international recognition for the government.
``Iraq is now fully engaged internationally,'' he said. ``Look at what we are aspiring to - a free country, a united federal democracy at peace with its neighbors and with itself. We are not there yet.''
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
"If we fail we might have a country torn apart by civil strife," he said. "Terrorists will have safe havens that they will turn into death triangles."
Said the man who recently treated with Ahmadinejad as a sincere negotiator. The last thing these turds want is peace. The moment all this strife ends these gansters are out on their asses quicker than the devil can get his shoes on. They no more want peace than the Palestinians do.
The Palestinians will only participate in the US-sponsored peace conference expected to be held next month if general agreement is first reached with Israel on all the fundamental issues, Palestinian Authority officials here said Monday. They said that in addition to Jerusalem, the borders of the future Palestinian state and the problem of the refugees, the PA was also seeking agreement on water, security and a pony settlements.
The officials also denied that the PA had agreed to discuss an exchange of land with Israel and limiting the number of refugees who would return to Israel proper. They said the PA's official position remained that Israel must withdraw from all the territories captured in 1967, including east Jerusalem, and that there would be no concessions on the "right of return."
Remind me, what exactly are they offering in return?
PA negotiator Saeb Erekat said he was unaware of any land swap agreement. He called on the media to refrain from publishing any unofficial documents or unauthorized statements.
One official told The Jerusalem Post the Palestinians were convinced that a joint declaration of principles could be achieved before the conference. "We're not asking for a detailed agreement, but at least let's agree on the principles of the final settlement," the official said. "We have four to six weeks to strike a deal. Let's not waste time."
Hokay. No.
According to another PA official, the Palestinians want the declaration of principles to include an Israeli commitment to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders. "As President Mahmoud Abbas stated last week, we have no intention to compromise on any of our rights," he said.
Asked why the PA, which in recent weeks had expressed reservations about the conference, was now sounding more positive, the official said: "When [US Secretary of State] Condoleezza Rice was here lately, she told us that the US administration was determined to turn the conference into a successful event. She also promised to exert pressure on Israel to soften its position."
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under: Palestinian Authority
#1
Remind me, what exactly are they offering in return?
#3
It is My understanding that the Paleo/Izzy conflict was fixed by Dhimmy Carter and later strengthened by Bubba Clinton. When the PA leadership lives up to ONE of teh past agreements we should then offer them more but not before.
#7
A perfect excuse to lock the Palestinians out of further talks. This will give America and Israel a golden opportunity to avoid any interruptions while they sit down and plan Iran's world-class ass whuppin'. I still maintain that whenever some audacious Islamic maggot comes forward with truculent bullshit like this, they ought to be shot on the spot.
"Release 500 prisoners and we'll give you a 15 minute video of Shal..." [kablammo]
Hamas extradited a wanted Al-Qaeda militant to Egypt in exchange for Cairo's agreement to allow dozens of stranded Hamas and Islamic Jihad members to return to the Gaza Strip, a report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz said Monday, quoting the Palestinian news agency Maan.
Scores of Palestinian militants who had been stranded in Egypt since Hamas took over Gaza in mid-June were allowed back into the territory on Sunday, witnesses said, signaling possible new accommodation between Cairo and the Islamist group, Haaretz said. Egypt has straddled a diplomatic fence with Hamas, neither shunning it nor accepting its violent removal of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction from the Gaza Strip. But in what Hamas sources described as a deal with Egypt, about 85 militants crossed into Gaza overnight through Rafah, a border terminal with Egypt that had been closed since Hamas seized power.
Egypt's Interior Ministry confirmed that they had agreed with Hamas to transport the people across the border. It gave no explanation. Israel, which opposed the return of some of the Palestinians, said it was unaware of an Egypt-Hamas agreement.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under: Hamas
#1
Would it be too much to hope that al Qaeda retaliates for this betrayal?
A Jordanian prosecutor on Monday urged a military court to jail former MP Ahmad al-Abbadi for five years for anti-government action, despite protests by Human Rights Watch. In his closing arguments, the prosecutor said Abbadi should be sentenced to five years in jail for undermining the state, belonging to an illegal movement and distributing anti-regime leaflets, a judicial source said.
A vocal government critic, Abbadi heads the US-based Jordan National Movement and is accused of posting a letter on the Internet addressed to US Senate Majority leader Harry Reid attacking King Abdullah II's government.
Last month Abbadi denied posting the letter and told the state security court that the accusations against him were "politically motivated and malicious." On Friday, the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the trial as a "politically-motivated ... assault on free speech. The only reason Abbadi languishes in jail waiting for his court verdict is that he's a government opponent exercising his right to free speech," said HRW Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson. Abbadi, who last served in Parliament from 1997-2001, was arrested in May following a complaint by Interior Minister Eid Fayez, whose name was mentioned in the letter, in which Abbadi also made allegations of human rights abuses. The trial is to resume on October 8, when the defense is due to give its closing arguments.
This article starring:
former MP Ahmad al-Abbadi
HRW Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson
Human Rights Watch
Interior Minister Eid Fayez
King Abdullah II
Senate Majority leader Harry Reid
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
Abbas appointee: "Muslims are masters of the world, its leaders and teachers, even if the West rejects this." by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook
One of the defining principles of Hamas and the Islamic Brotherhood is their insistence that the only truth is Islam and that the world is destined to be enlightened only when ruled by Islam. A similar Islamic supremacist ideology was expressed recently in an article by a Palestinian Authority religious leader who was appointed last year by Mahmoud Abbas as member of the Supreme Fatwa Council: "Muslims are masters of the world, its leaders and teachers, even if the West rejects this."
"The Muslims and their societies are more advanced and more sublime than the West and its societies are more perfect in value system and humanity. The fact that there are those who believe that these are Western values it is a delusion and false, since the Muslims are masters of the world, its leaders and teachers, even if the West rejects this.
"
This continues the ongoing social-religious evolution that PMW has been reporting for some time, in which the radical Islamic ideology of Hamas is being adopted by the Fatah of Mahmoud Abbas. See PMW's recent report on the newest PA schoolbooks, "From Nationalist Battle to Religious Conflict".
The following was written by Dr. Hamza Dhib Mustafa, member of the Supreme Fatwa Council, appointed by Abbas in August 2006:
"To what does the publication of the declaration of human rights in the West testify in 1948? Didnt Islam issue something much greater 14 centuries ago?
"Despite these rights, reserved for humans we see chilling and embarrassing operations from the states who claim to be democratic, or is it possible that they classify themselves as one of the states of the First World, since what did the United States do in South America? What did America do in Iraq and Afghanistan? And what does the Israeli occupation do to our Palestinian people, by occupying its land, the requisition of its property and its banishment to everywhere on the face of the earth?
"All this in the era of the declaration on human rights. Despite this declaration, humanity is still suffering much from the degradation of human respect, from racial discrimination and from social injustice, and by whom? By those that declared these rights!...
"Yet, these rights Islam espoused them 14 centuries ago Europe and the West in general, would never have reached these principles, had they not been influenced by the advanced Islamic culture and had they not borrowed much from it, including this declaration
"Islamic societies are cultured, humane and righteous societies, since oppression had not found its way to them and the killing did not spread nor extend among them. They do not go beyond the punishment defined by Islamic law with all that pertains to human rights, regardless of their religion, race, color and their countries [of origin], since human beings are equal from the point of view of Islam Everyone is equal under the law in terms of their rights and obligations
"It says in the Quran in the words [of Allah], praise him: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. [Quran, 49,13]
"This and more, Islam promises various rights to the human. It promises him freedom of religion and citizenship, freedom of thought, the right to property, political freedom and his right to employment. The thing that has no doubt is that Islam preceded Europe and the West, in general, with all that pertains to matters of human rights by no less than 13 centuries
"The Muslims and their societies are more advanced and more sublime than the West and its societies. They are earlier in human civilization, and are more perfect in value system and humanity. The fact that there are those who believe that these are Western values it is a delusion and false, since the Muslims are masters, leaders and teachers of the world, even if the West rejects this. It is no wonder that this is rejected by the West, the most eager rival of Islam, its followers and its culture. But shocking and amazing is that these are opinions of some Muslims, and this misdirects their compass from the path of truth, righteousness and wisdom.
Quite a number of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] wish they could turn you (Muslims) back to be infidels after you have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them. [Quran, 2,109]
[Dr. Hamza Dhib Mustafa, member of the Palestinian Authority Supreme Fatwa Council, Al Quds, Aug. 28, 2007]
#2
I think Abbas chose the right guy - all such appointees must meet a certain basic character test - they must be delusional and ready for a straitjacket.
#5
ahhhhh multiculturalism! it teaches us to respect and validate your point of view.
So, yes. In the name of openminded, tolerant multiculturalism, you are indeed our masters, leaders and teachers, and we are grateful for it, and we thank you for helping us understand your beautiful, magnificent culture.
Know that those of us who fear you only do so because we don't yet fully understand you. Were we to understand more completely, we would kiss your asses love you even more.
And if we've said anything to offend you, please accept our heartfelt apologies. While some of us find your ways unacceptable, they do not represent us. They are closed-minded and ignorant facists, and we hate them and want them to suffer and die because they're zionist pigs. Unlike yourselves, dear, dear friends.
Please sir, may I have another
(I'm just helping Red Ken, Galloway, et al with their speechwriting).
#11
Into the sea with this trash. Gaza is the definition of the "moslem world". Soon to be masters of death and desolation. I think they are masters of bating personally but they do not care what I think.
#13
Iff true, this rant/attitude again shows that its premature to argue that Al-Qaeda = Radical Islam has been de facto "defeated". The OBL I know is a man that is wholly dedicated to his beliefs and desires to fight to the bitter end, unto his personal death.
Yeah! You're in big trouble now, junta boys!
GENEVA (AFP) - Top human rights officials on Tuesday attacked Myanmar's crackdown on peaceful protests at a special UN rights council session on the unrest. Attacked. Made faces. Stamped their feet. Wagged their finger. Made a lotta speeches. It's all relative, I guess...
The European Union has tabled a resolution urging the 47-member UN Human Rights Council to "condemn the continued violent repression of peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar." It also calls for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. Yeah, we're not gonna get anything from them anyways so throw that in there so we can feel so much better about ourselves at dinner tonight... However China and non-aligned members of the council could oppose the resolution, stressing the need for dialogue with Myanmar's military rulers. Ah, yes, round eye. Diarouge! It will solve everything! Give the guys a chance, why doncha...
UN Human Rights Commissioner Louise Arbour said that Myanmar's leaders should not be allowed to escape international scrutiny. "The shocking response ... is only the most recent manifestation of the repression of fundamental rights and freedoms that has taken place for nearly 20 years in Myanmar," she said. Well, geez, Louise. But that was easy. She just dusted off her Joo speech and changed "Israel" to "Myanmar"...
"The Myanmar authorities should no longer expect that the self-imposed isolation will shield them from accountability. As the protestors become invisible, our concern only increases," Arbour said. "Invisible". A much more palatable word then "dead" or "murdered" or "executed"...
Protests erupted in mid-August after a massive hike in the price of fuel, but escalated two weeks ago when Buddhist monks emerged to lead the movement and drew up to 100,000 people onto the streets. The protests have abated in recent days following last week's bloody clashes, but UN and regime officials told AFP on Tuesday that over 1,000 people remain detained at a campus in the main city of Yangon.
Speaking at the session in Geneva, Myanmar's ambassador U Nyunt Swe said the protests had sought to overthrow the regime and had been stoked by outside interests, but that the government had managed to restore calm. "The government has firm evidence that these protests were being helped both financially and materially by internal and external anti-government elements," he said. "As all are aware, things have calmed down. We are able to bring normalisation to the situation," he added. Everything's fine now. Please go away. Oh, look, Louise! An Israeli sneezed near a Palestinian!
Where! WHERE!
Amnesty International welcomed the council's session but insisted the members must hold their nerve and strongly condemn the crackdown. "We're concerned by certain governments, the Russians and others, (seeking) to water down the resolution," Judit Arenas, an official with the rights group told AFP. "Now is not the time for consensus building," she added. We call for "in no uncertain terms" to be inserted into the statement, and we want it inserted RIGHT NOW!
Russia's ambassador to the council did strike a more moderate tone, saying that Myanmar's problems should be solved by peaceful dialogue and democratic changes without any pressure from outside. Sure. Just like the last twenty or thirty years...
The humanitarian situation is far from catastrophic in the country, he added. Yeah. Just think of all those new monk jobs that suddenly opened up.
The UN's special rapporteur to Myanmar meanwhile condemned the crackdown on demonstrators and the fate of those detained by the security forces. "We are deeply concerned by the fate of thousands of peaceful demonstrators who have been arrested," Paulo Sergio Pinheiro told the session. I believe this is the UN's special rapporteur to Myanmar who has never been to Myanmar. But seeing how effective they are, there's probably nothing wrong with that.
Myanmar has been the focus of a flurry of diplomatic activity since a government crackdown on anti-regime protests turned bloody last week with at least 13 people reported killed.
UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari met Myanmar's junta leader Than Shwe in the nation's capital Tuesday, as the military regime insisted it was not to blame for the crackdown. Oh.
All righty then. So I guess it's back to New York for me...
China, a key trading power and importer of gas from Myanmar, has refused to take sides in the unrest so far, and Premier Wen Jiabao called Saturday on "all parties" to exercise restraint and seek stability "through peaceful means". At least until this all dies down and everybody forgets about it...
BEIRUT Fires were set simultaneously across the entire country of Lebanon a few hours ago.
We don't know why or the exact number yet. The papers are reporting eight. But we know there are at least 32 (probably more) burning from the south to the north, and from the coast to the Bekaa Valley.
Just got off the phone with Camille Chamoun, the grandson of the late Lebanese president of the same name.
He tells me:
This is not a coincidence. This is the work of our neighbors. The Syrians have a lot of operators here, and this puts extreme pressure on our government.
He adds:
This could be a possible diversion [of the police and military forces] to launch a coup d'etat.
#1
A bit OT : criminal forest fires as a possible terror strategy/tool has been discussed here IIRC, I think WND articles mentioned that possiblity too (they're a bit wild-eyed, agreed), when there was quite a severe string of criminal Us forest fires, and here in France (but by the Islamophobic crowd) when it was noted that several caught arsonists were Youths from the 'hood going to the country to start fires, a couple/few years ago when there was too a severe forest fires summer.
#3
Greece has had its set forest fires recently as well. I seem to remember authorities catching some vandals who started a fire which killed a firefighter - seems they were going bring a charge a murder against them; it was in California I believe.
It is something the fire department I'm in (and our neighbors) should be prepared for.
#4
The cedar forests have been suffering from severe infestations of various sorts over the past decades. I do hope this doesn't wipe out the species in its native range, along with the flora and fauna living among the trees.
This sounds like exactly the kind of nihilistic behaviour Hizb'allah would engage in, after claiming the destruction of much of Shiite Lebanon as a victory against the Jews last summer.
#5
The civilized world has to take a page out of the terror playbook.
If and when a terrorist, especially one supported by a known foreign entity, commits such destructive acts, simply instruct your (Lebanon's) operatives to take out any one of a list of Syrians hiding within the population. Tomorrow, there may still be fires burning, but there will be fewer Syrians toasting kabobs.
Then, ha, demand an investigation.
#7
It's more than evident that the 9-11 atrocity and Beslan just weren't enough. These 200 fires will consume exactly how much of Lebanon's endangered cedars and overall greenbelt? By now Islam's rapacity is crystal clear. How much more havoc shall these Muslim psychos be allowed to wreak before some serious blowback occurrs?
Posted by: ed ||
10/02/2007 10:20 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[9 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
why isn't there a Radio/TV Free Iran? We should be helping the people prepare for an overthrow of the mullahs, and making the case why we will have to stop their nuke program
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/02/2007 10:40 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Meanwhile, Iran is increasing its violence against Iraq. In the north, Iranian artillery has nearly doubled the range of its artillery shelling against Kurdish separatists inside Iraq. Iranian shells are now falling up to 17 kilometers from the border. More Iranian patrols have been spotted inside Iraq, as well as Iranian recon aircraft. When the Iraqi government protests, Iran just denies any of it is happening. This seems to work.
Counter Battery.... Counter Battery... hm.. not ready to play our hand yet?
#6
Why doesn't the US put those SA-7s to good use taking out those Iranian patrols over northern Iraq? Wouldn't that be interesting to see how they complained about it.
And for God's sake make sure if we bomb the government that the people can't hear the ones that survive. Lots of jammers, and a serious effort to find any feeds and destroy them and any associated infrastructure. And arrest anyone who is in charge because they are part of the problem. We should take over every newspaper, magazine, rag, TV, cable, and satellite feed we can find and jam the rest. Make sure western propaganda makes it to their ears and not MM propaganda. Oh, and take out the cell phone system and replace it with our own that automatically sends GPS coordinates when it makes or receives a call. Make it so tough it isn't worth it to be part of some pointless insurgency.
Bug every mosque and follow the imams around, too. After people figure out it's not so bad because they aren't distracted by all the terrorist activity, they'll relax and set up a decent government.
#10
9/6 SYRIA > claims that it fired four missles at "ground targets". Persuming that Syria's version is factual or mostly factual in this respect, is it possible that the IAF's "drop tanks" caused Syrian ADS to fire at wrong targets, i.e. ground NOT air???
#11
Pappy: cuz I'm lazy? It was an offhand question. I talk to Iranian-American engineer's at work and they say there's nothing widely disseminated, except on Sat-TV, and that is being cracked down on, periodically. I assume your info is correct, but it ain't getting to the little guys.... we need to do more, is all I was saying....
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/02/2007 21:43 Comments ||
Top||
#12
by the way, Googling "Radio Free Iran" doesn't show Radio Farda..so thx
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/02/2007 21:45 Comments ||
Top||
#13
That Radio Farda exists beggars the question of why there is not more feedback from the Iranian community regarding its efficacy. One would think that ex-pat Iranians in America would report on its impact back in the homeland. Further, the lack of such feedback falls in line with the current administration's overall pattern of not leveraging propaganda tools at all. Frank made a reasonable assumption, however incorrect.
#2
Given Iran's mobile, re-loadable missile capacity, there is no scenario where escalation does not require use of US tactical nuclear weapons. Shiites are the worst savages since the Stone Age. We have all seen pictures of adult males beating infants on the head with knives during the Ashoura blood festival. The entire Ahmadinejad' clique has the moral worth of a cockroach. While Iranians suffer, he has committed expenditures up to $2.5 billion for the Khomeini Monument. Half of that has already been spent. And one Daisy Cutter can turn it into rubble.
Wait for a relatively windless period during November where there will be no rain to carry fallout, and Qom will look like the Moon. Iranian military professionals and workers will turn on the Basij, and the Ayatollah regime will enter the dustbin of history.
#3
That declaration along with what is quietly happening as we speak: (http://www.debka.com/), bodes ill for reconciliation the near future, prompting options elevation Israel and/or the US has in store for the Iranian nuclear threat. The movement of a nation's citizens whether tourists or professionals with a project, is considered one of the 'lynch pins' to watch for prior to the prelude to war. The drastic increase in Carrier Battle Groups in the theater, closing of the Embassy and Counselates, and Israel 'going quiet' entering a blackout of media coverage and/ or movements, ticks the clock ever closer to the 'midnight hour'. Watch for a massive increase of the Jewish people 'visiting' America as a precaution. I predicted these 'triggers' last year on Rantburg!
#4
WORLDNEWS > US PROSPECTS FOR WAR WITH IRAN. A US-Iran conflict cannot occur later than MAY 2008 vv GOP-DEM Pols + race for 2008 POTUS-Congressional elex. Gener, the sooner the better for the USA and GOP. Also from WORLDNEWS > INFOWARS - FORGET ABOUT IRAQ, GET READY FOR WAR WITH IRAN. Among other thingys, InfoWars says Iran does have a nuclear weapons program.
#5
I hope Russia has transporter beams or something.
I see no alternative to war with Iran unless they grow a brain. Nutjob was citing the 12th Imam and all but saying he welcomed war. They either truly believe they will win, truly believe the US will bow to some sort of international pressure, truly believe they can continue the charade indefinitely, or they think they have nukes and will reveal it at the 11th hour. Half of them are probably shi++ing in their turbans and all of them are trying to act more muslim than everyone else, making it impossible to back down themselves.
My guess is W will wait to see which way the elections are headed. If the likes of Giuliani seem to be winning, he may hand the problem to the next administration. If the Dems seem to be winning, he may well leave office with a bang and hand the problem of cleanup to the next administration. If Shillary or Obama win, I'll bet they basically see W's point of view, and he may be able to entrust them with taking care of things. He could start a war and leave, so all they have to do is blame him, or he may leave the whole thing to them. W seems to be a statesman and cares little about his own reputation as long as he leaves a stable foundation in place from which to prosecute the overall WoT. So if he does start something, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened in late '08, when all the forces at play here seem to come to a head together, including closing in on the time that it is believed Iran would have some kind of bomb to test, and pucker factors among people around the world is starting to make them think realistically, even if only for long enough to support starting a war but not finishing it. Which is more than permission enough for a statesman.
Of course, taking out Iran, after things settle down, could have lots of cool side effects, such as putting Syria in its place and settling down the resupply of arms to the terrorists in Iraq, thereby shutting down the insurgency there. And maybe in Afghanistan/Pakistan, too. Of course, Maliki's job would be on the chopping block then, too. I don't know what would happen to the political situation in Iraq, but I wouldn't be surprised if it stabilized and they suddenly came up with a constitution.
And Chavez would find himself all alone suddenly.
And NorK's nuclear market would dry up.
And nobody would care about any of them, except for big businesses/countries who just lost a ton of money for being stupid enough to dance with the devil. I wonder if they'll figure it out then, after the second time around.
#6
Given Iran's mobile, re-loadable missile capacity, there is no scenario where escalation does not require use of US tactical nuclear weapons.
Given iran's mobile, re-loadable missile capacity needs gasoline to stay mobile, I do not believe tactical nukes would be necessary. Welcome, yes. Necessary, no.
I think odds are better things will kick off in fall '07 rather than next year. W will want the fall out (if you will excuse the expression) to be done with before the next election. If things go badly the GOP nominee can distance himself from proceedings.
#8
I think the Russian engineers would be kept in Iran by the Iranians just to make sure the systems worked. Iran would have very little to lose at that point and a few extra engineer helpers/human shields is always a good thing in their view.
You remember UNIFIL, don't you? It was in all the papers...
The fourth installment of the Qatari contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) left Doha Monday on their way to South Lebanon to serve there under the multi-national peacekeeping force.
"The group consists of 100 soldiers," Assistant Qatari Chief of Staff for Operations and Training Air Marchal Ghanem Bin Shahine Al-Ghanem, who saw the soldiers off at Doha Airport, told reporters in a statement at the airport.
He said another group will depart to the same destination on October 10. "The Qatari contingent in UNIFIL is doing its job in a near perfect manner, " he said. He added that Qatari soldiers are "highly respected in south Lebanon." He stressed that he had gathered this impression while on tour in South Lebanon prior to the start of the Ramadhan holy month. He pointed out that Qatari soldiers, in addition to their military tasks, "are involved in humanitarian aid activities." He added that the Qatari contingent consists of 205 soldiers all told and they are doing their job in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Posted by: Seafarious ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
Iran threatened Monday to attack some 170 American targets in the Middle East and around the world if it is attacked by Israel or the US, Israel Radio reported.
A high-ranking officer from the country's Revolutionary Guards told the force's official journal, The Guards, that Teheran succeeded, after extended and comprehensive work, to identify hundreds of strategic American targets in the Middle East and around the world. The Revolutionary Guards' Ground Forces Command is able to easily kill American nationals staying in the Middle East. "Several years ago they [Americans] were far away from us by thousands of kilometers. Now they are so close we can touch them," the Iranian general said.
On Sunday former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton told Tory delegates in Britain that efforts by the UK and the EU to negotiate with Iran had failed and that he saw no alternative to a pre-emptive strike on suspected nuclear facilities in the country.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
#1
Few other belligerents in all history have begged for it like Iran.
#2
They'll try attacking 170 targets sooner or later, regardless of US or Irael's preemptive action. In fact, preemption may reduce the number of successful attacks substantially. Hope it does not have to be elaborted why.
#4
As one who once boarded the USS Ranger (air craft carrier), I can assure any of America's enemies that an attack on a carrier group would be treated as an attack on US soil. The enemy would be destroyed at the source, and by any necessary means. I was searching for a definitive statement by the President on the Iranian enemy. I gather it was made on Aug. 28, 2007 at a convention of the American Legion. Main points:
"I want our fellow citizens to consider what would happen if these forces of radicalism and extremism are allowed to drive us out of the Middle East. The region would be dramatically transformed in a way that could imperil the civilized world. Extremists of all strains would be emboldened by the knowledge that they forced America to retreat. Terrorists could have more safe havens to conduct attacks on Americans and our friends and allies. Iran could conclude that we were weak -- and could not stop them from gaining nuclear weapons. And once Iran had nuclear weapons, it would set off a nuclear arms race in the region.
Extremists would control a key part of the world's energy supply, could blackmail and sabotage the global economy. They could use billions of dollars of oil revenues to buy weapons and pursue their deadly ambitions. Our allies in the region would be under greater siege by the enemies of freedom. Early movements toward democracy in the region would be violently reversed. This scenario would be a disaster for the people of the Middle East, a danger to our friends and allies, and a direct threat to American peace and security. This is what the extremists plan. For the sake of our own security, we'll pursue our enemies, we'll persevere and we will prevail. (Applause.)
In the short-term, we're using all elements of American power to protect the American people by taking the fight to the enemy. Our troops are carrying out operations day by day to bring the terrorists to justice. We're keeping the pressure on them. We're forcing them to move. Our law enforcement and intelligence professionals are working to cut off terrorist financing and disrupt their networks. Our diplomats are rallying our friends and allies throughout the region to share intelligence and to tighten security and to rout out the extremists hiding in their midst. Every day we work to protect the American people. Our strategy is this: We will fight them over there so we do not have to face them in the United States of America. (Applause.).."
---------------------
The line in the sand: no nukes for Iran. Ayatollah power will be destroyed.
#5
Early movements toward democracy in the region would be violently reversed. This scenario would be a disaster for the people of the Middle East, a danger to our friends and allies, and a direct threat to American peace and security. This is what the extremists plan.
While the reversal may not seem like anything "violent", it has already happened and promises to be "a disaster for the people of the Middle East, a danger to our friends and allies, and a direct threat to American peace and security". How can this be?
It doesn't sound like so very much, does it? Hell, let these backward people keep their odd, archaic legal system. It can't be that bad, can it? After all, who are we to question their way of life or culture? I mean, honestly, just how bad can shari'a law really be?
By allowing Afghanistan and Iraq to retain shari'a law, we have failed to excise the Islamic cancer that will take root again once we turn our backs for a moment. We will have expendedthousandsof livesandhundredsof billionsof dollars only to leave intact the core tenets of Islamic terrorism. This is a direct result of allowing the real enemy to go unnamed. As Srdja Trifkovic notes:
The elite class has every intention of continuing to fight the war on terrorism without naming the enemy, without revealing his beliefs, without unmasking his intentions, without offending his accomplices, without expelling his fifth columnists, and without ever daring to win. Their crime can and must be stopped. The founders of the United States overthrew the colonial government for offenses far lighter than those of which the traitor class is guilty.
[emphasis added]
Make no mistake, I welcome Iran's downfall. However, I also happen to be realistic enough to know that leaving Islam intact and even remotely functionalas in the persistence of shari'a lawis not just a mistake, it is a fatal error. We are treating the symptoms and ignoring the disease. Our sorely misplaced sense of humanityin leaving Muslim "culture" intactshall be used against us in the very worst way. "This is what the extremists plan."
Saddam had WMDs ready to use within 45 minutes too.
You guys need to chill out and stop crapping your pants everytime someone with a foreign sounding name says something. Show some backbone, you sound like a bunch of panicking old ladies. Pull yourselves together and have some self respect.
#8
If Iran disappears, I'll bet lots of the cells that are tasked to attack just walk away from the job so they can live to old age. Heck, nobody knows who they are anyway, and nobody is going to come after them, right? Of those remaining, they would act hastily and screw up a lot. And a few will get through. Even if all 170 worked, it would be the end of it and it would be better than the alternative.
#9
Iran has committed a steady string of attacks on the U.S., Israel, and Europe over the last 28 years. I see no reason why they would stop, they've had no "great awakening". Quite the opposite, they just become more pugnacious with time cause they've not had a good backhand across the mouth in a while.
I think we are doing more than any of us knows at the moment including a little asymmetric warfare of our own.
#10
Revolutionary Guards told the force's official journal, The Guards, that Teheran succeeded, after extended and comprehensive work, to identify hundreds of strategic American targets in the Middle East and around the world.
There are 170 American preschools, tourists in wheel-chairs and clubs with ladies' nights in the Middle East?
#11
Iran's leadership is big on bullshit and the death wish (martyr) thingee. Piss ant fourth world (maybe third world) country. "Be careful what you wish for."
#13
Turkeyneck sounds more like an ostrich with his head in the sand up his butt.
Even if all 170 worked, it would be the end of it and it would be better than the alternative.
Bingo, gorb. "Better than the alternative" is the key to the whole thing. Of course there are risks to attacking Iran and we would be foolish to ignore them. It will also be regrettable when innocent Iranian citizens become collatoral damage. But the alternative is a nuclear armed mullocracy and the risk of that is far greater.
#14
"Several years ago they [Americans] were far away from us by thousands of kilometers. Now they are so close we can touch them," the Iranian general said.
Once again, someone who has ignorance of the "two way street" principle.
#15
The Revolutionary Guards' Ground Forces Command is able to easily kill American nationals staying in the Middle East. "Several years ago they [Americans] were far away from us by thousands of kilometers. Now they are so close we can touch them," the Iranian general said.
Posted by: Red Dawg ||
10/02/2007 20:36 Comments ||
Top||
#16
What is it our Marines say when they're surrounded? This officer isn't saying that.
As for 170 targets: between American Women's Clubs, American international schools, housing and work compounds, popular tourist sites, charity efforts, and idiots trying to protect missile factories with their bodies like in 2003 (although there doesn't seem to be so much of that these days) I'm surprised the Iranians only came up with 170.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said his government will not attend a US-sponsored Middle East peace conference scheduled for November unless its concerns are addressed. He told the BBC in an interview, excerpts of which were posted on Monday on the Internet, that this meant the conference would have to discuss the return of the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967.
The president said Syria had yet to decide whether to attend the conference in the United States because it needed further clarification about what would be discussed. "So far we didn't have the invitation and we didn't have any clarification about anything," he said. "If they don't talk about the Syrian occupied territory, no, there's no way for Syria to go there. It should be about comprehensive peace, and Syria is part of this comprehensive peace. Without that, we shouldn't go, we wouldn't go."
The conference has been called to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Syria demands the return of the entire Golan Heights which Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed in 1981. Direct negotiations between the two countries broke down in January 2000. It has come under international pressure over Lebanon, Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel has not voiced any objection to the planned invitation of Damascus for the conference in November, insisting that Washington alone was responsible for who it invited.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
#1
ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS > Hizbullah will not help/defend SYRIA in case of war agz Israel. The Assad-Moud barbecue plan hits another snag.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa has announced that the idea of a joint Arab-International force to protect anti-Syrian Lebanese members of the parliament is being discussed. In an interview with the London-based Al Hayat newspaper published Monday, Moussa said contacts have been established between U.N. Secretary-General Ban ki-moon and Arab sides in this regard. "An Arab-International umbrella is needed," Moussa said.
Asked whether the Arabs would play a role in preventing further assassinations of Lebanese MPs, Moussa said that it was up to Lebanon to specify what kind of security it wants. "No official request has been received and the security provided by the Lebanese army around the elections site seems sufficient," Moussa said.
He stressed that there is an Arab consensus that the assassinations "should stop, and if they don't stop it , the matter would be taken up with the Arab League."
Eight anti- Syrian MPs were assassinated since February 14 2005 , the date when former PM and MP Rafik Hariri was assassinated . The last so far has been MP Antoine Ghanem who was assassinated on September 19. All fingers were pointed at Syria ,as being the party responsible for all the murders , but Syria has denied any involvement.
"No, no! Certainly not!"
Posted by: Fred ||
10/02/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
"Hitler" did New York and was received like, well, the new Adolf Hitler. Then he flew south and was received like a revolutionary hero. Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has seen the face of two radically different Americas. Call it a practical lesson in the new multipolar world order.
read the sad story at the link.
#4
Besides mood-stabilization, lithium has other applications, according to Wikipedia:
Lithium deuteride was the fusion fuel of choice in early versions of the hydrogen bomb. When bombarded by neutrons, both 6Li and 7Li produce tritiumthis reaction, which was not fully understood when hydrogen bombs were first tested, was responsible for the runaway yield of the Castle Bravo nuclear test. Tritium fuses with deuterium in a fusion reaction that is relatively easy to achieve. Although details remain secret, lithium apparently no longer plays a role in modern nuclear weapons, having been replaced entirely for the purpose by elemental tritium, which is lighter and easier to handle than lithium salts. [citation needed]
Metallic Lithium and its complex hydrides such as e.g. Li[AlH4] are considered as high energy additives to rocket propellants[3].
Lithium peroxide, Lithium nitrate, Lithium chlorate and Lithium perchlorate are used and thought of as oxidizers in both rocket propellants and oxygen candles to supply submarines and space capsules with oxygen.[8]
Posted by: Bobby ||
10/02/2007 17:52 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Agreed - the only pragmatic reason for Iran to have/demand lithium in large quantities is for the production of [post-Uranium] advanced nuclear
devices.
#6
So long as China is buying oil no amount of conservation on our part will disempower these villains. We should instead take the oil. This cuts off all funding to the Orcs of Mecca and the Orcs of Qom and it puts the Red Chinese under a barrel (so to speak).
#7
Imperial Japan started a war with America when we threatened to cut off fuel supplies without which their economy would quickly crash, correctly understanding that to be an act of undeclared war, if I remember my history books correctly.
#3
All 24 Arabs are also connected to Usama bin Laden and should be on the Most Wanted list, but there is a heck of a lot more that should be listed and are not. How could we ever find 170 cells said to be targeting US interests if we don't even know who to look for? A simple updated list based upon suspected involvement with terrorists is not profiling. I'm concerned the FBI is not on top of terrorism, waiting for something to happen so they can investigate the scene. Geez, how about gathering the names of all passengers in and out of Pakistan for starters.
#5
Actual FBI list below
------------------------
Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco
Usama Bin Laden
Diego Leon Montoya Sanchez
James J. Bulger
Emigdio Preciado Jr
Robert William Fisher
Victor Manuel Gerena
Glen Stewart Godwin
Jon Savarino Schillaci
Alexis Flores
-however the 10 most wanted terrorists (actually 24 most wanted) are mostly Arabs (I think all Moslems) Filipeno and an al-Ameriki
The FBI terrorist list is at: http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/fugitives.htm
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.
Bahraini authorities have released three people out of a group of six arrested in August on suspicion of belonging to an Al-Qaeda-inspired cell, a legal source said on Monday. Lawyer Farid Ghazi, who represents two of the detainees, told AFP he expected "the remaining suspects to be released because there is no strong evidence against them." Local media reported on August 9 that police had arrested three people accused of belonging to a cell plotting attacks on US targets in Bahrain. The small Gulf archipelago is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and has been designated by Washington as a major non-NATO ally. The Bahraini government recently introduced tough new anti-terror laws despite strong opposition from local rights groups.
He's offended Muslims worldwide and al-Qaida wants him dead but Swedish artist Lars Vilks said Monday he has no regrets about portraying the Prophet Muhammad as a dog. Vilks, 61, told The Associated Press he even plans to convert the row over his prophet drawings into a musical, with prominent roles depicting Iran's president, Sweden's prime minister and al-Qaida terrorists.
"Many of us have reached a breaking point on this," said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. "I've done this for too many years. I've waited for the president to start bringing this war to an end 
Republicans predict the bill is on track to be vetoed by President Bush because it includes hate-crimes legislation by Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The White House has said Kennedy's proposal, which would let federal law enforcement help states prosecute attacks on gays, is unnecessary.
Powerless in their effort to bring US troops home from Iraq, Senate Democrats helped pass a defense policy bill Monday that would authorize another $150 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 92-3 vote came as the House of Representatives planned to approve separate legislation Tuesday that would require that President George W. Bush give Congress a plan for eventual troop withdrawals.
Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistani prime minister, has said she might allow a US military strike inside Pakistan to eliminate Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader, if she were the country's leader. "I would hope that I would be able to take Osama bin Laden myself without depending on the Americans," she said on Monday in an interview with BBC World News America. "But if I couldn't do it, of course we are fighting this war together and [I] would seek their co-operation in eliminating him." 
Pakistan on Monday expressed concern over Indian involvement with anti-state elements in the country, and said that the matter would be raised at the forthcoming meeting of a joint anti-terrorism mechanism between the two countries, Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a weekly media briefing. The spokeswoman said Kashmir and Siachen were internationally recognised disputed areas and it had been proven that such disputes could not be resolved through war, and the only way progress could be achieved was through dialogue and negotiation. She said Pakistan was interested in sending back the Afghan refugees and the Afghan government had also agreed to it, but the UNHCR was unable to mobilise the required funds for the repatriation of the refugees.
The Palestinians will only participate in the US-sponsored peace conference expected to be held next month if general agreement is first reached with Israel on all the fundamental issues, Palestinian Authority officials here said Monday. They said that in addition to Jerusalem, the borders of the future Palestinian state and the problem of the refugees, the PA was also seeking agreement on water, security and 
A Jordanian prosecutor on Monday urged a military court to jail 
by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook
Iran threatened Monday to attack some 170 American targets in the Middle East and around the world if it is attacked by Israel or the US, Israel Radio reported. 
