A major wildfire that has scorched thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California has been declared an arson, according to Orange County law enforcement and FBI officials said on Wednesday.
Officials said that there is a $70,000 reward for information leading to an arrest for those responsible for the Santiago fire in the rugged eastern part of the county.
The Orange County Sheriffs Department said that no search warrants have been served, and there are no suspects in custody. The FBI has become involved in the investigation because part of the fire was on federal land in National Forest.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
They were saying this on Monday when the Orange County fires were first lit.
#2
BREITBART > BLOGCRITICS MAGZN - THE UPCOMING CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA. In 10 years time??? MY READ - ARticle summises that America is already well on the path to becoming the USR of OIL STORM = a weak OWG Global SSR, becuz its too libertarian, i.e.OVERTOLERANT? OVERPOLITICIZED? OVERCORRECT?, as to be absurd, CATASTROPHICALLY INTOLERANT + direct/formal overt threat to national security and national integrity-identity??? AMERICANS = AMERIKANS CARE NOT FOR UNION NOR DISUNION, ONLY SELF-INTEREST/
CONVENIENCE???
The FBI alerted law enforcement agencies last month that an al-Qaeda terrorist now in detention had talked of masterminding a plot to set a series of devastating forest fires around the western United States. Rose Davis, a spokeswoman for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, told The Associated Press that officials there took note of the warning but didn't see a need to act further on it.
The contents of the June 25 memo from the FBI's Denver office were reported Friday by The Arizona Republic. Davis declined to share a copy of the memo and an FBI spokeswoman in Denver didn't immediately return a telephone call.
The Republic reported that the detainee, who was not identified, said the plan involved three or four people setting wildfires using timed devices in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming that would detonate in forests and grasslands after the operatives had left the country.
The memo noted that investigators couldn't determine whether the detainee was telling the truth.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: al-Qaeda
#1
The West needs a significant increase of large fire retardant capable aircraft, hangers, aircraft engineers, mechanics and standing flight crews that can jump all over these fires when they are small...
especially under dry summer conditions, windy areas and areas prone to arson.
Expensive as hell up front yes but these assets will save billions later in damages and dislocation of US CITIZENS..
Mother Nature causes way more fires than the sickos and terrorists. In addition we have tremendous fuel loads locked up in brush, grass and forests due to legacy anti-burn and anti clearing rules and laws.
There's a smart way to do this which can improve habitat for people and for our fuzzy varmits.
Posted by: Red Dawg ||
10/25/2007 1:51 Comments ||
Top||
#2
In this particular case, we need to take fire prevention all the way back to its overseas source. I keep wondering exactly what it's going to take for Americans to finally realize just how evil Islam truly is.
#3
The Japanese has similar plans in the day. It's a low risk, low cost, way to cause all sorts of confusion. I'm amazed the bad guys haven't tried to take credit already. Leads me to beleave they weren't involved and in fact are hiding in really deep holes right now.
#4
Red Dawg, you are right. Anybody who has lived in SoCal for any length of time could have told you last Sunday morning that there were going to be fires that day. Actually, it was as far back as last Thursday when they started predicting Santa Ana winds. With those hot, dry winds coming in from the desert and the bone dry conditions that we have as a result of several years of drought, it didn't take a genius to predict fire.
Those planes and their crews should have been on standby and ready to go at a moment's notice. And, yes, I heard it on Channel 8 yesterday that officials estimate this fire to have cost at least $1 billion. The official death toll will likely be small but has yet to be announced. Two bodies were found in Poway this morning.
As far as Al Qaeda, I haven't heard of any evidence linking them with the fires. It would be an easy way for them to strike at us because we have made ourselves so vulnerable. But we have had wild fires for a heckuva lot longer than we've had Al Qaeda and we have no shortage of local idiots who will start fires either deliberately or through sheer stupidity. Last year they caught some guy who started a devastating fire up near Banner and they threw the book at him. He was a local firebug, a very sick individual, but a local. As I recall, he was charged with murder because people died in that fire. The guy who started the Cedar Fire in 2003 was a hunter who got lost and started a fire to keep warm after it got dark. The fire got away from him because of the wind. He was just felony stupid.
Yes, Al Qaeda could easily take advantage of this but it's really just a part of the Southern California lifestyle.
Posted by: Abu Uluque6305 ||
10/25/2007 13:01 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Red Dawg: agree about the need for more aircraft. majority of current aircraft are ex-military and are, at best a compromise for effectiveness. several platforms have been grounded by the FAA due to age / fatigue issues ( goggle up videos of a C-130 or C-119 ,can't remember, losing both wings during a fire run. crew had no choice but to ride the tube in) dedicated firebombers-like the CL-415T are excellent and as seaplanes can scoop from lakes, reducing turnaround. many kits exist for converting most current helicopters into fire bombers, and most of these have snorkels for sucking from any water source, even swimming pools. all that is needed is the political will to pony up the $$. these fires may be the catylyst for such action.
#6
The 302nd Reserve Airlift Wing here at Peterson AFB has three aircraft that convert readily to aerial slurry bombers, and are currently flying to help fight the California fires. IIRC, there are eight other squadrons/wings that have similar equipment. It costs $250,000 each for the kits, takes about 18 hours to insert, and the aircraft cost about $7000/hour to fly. The C-130 is a superb aircraft to fly these missions, as they were designed to fly into impossible terrain to support US troops in all kinds of combat. The one that came apart a couple of years ago had not received military levels of maintenance, and metal fatigue was overlooked.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
10/25/2007 17:11 Comments ||
Top||
#7
that one that lost both wings was in the Sierras at Walker, CA between Bridgeport and Topaz Lake - there's a memorial on the east side of 395, just past the great burger/BBQ place....
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/25/2007 19:01 Comments ||
Top||
#8
Few links, but I read elsewhere today that Congress years ago authorized upgrades to military C-130's to be outfitted for new tanks to fight fires. The number of mods performed so far has been less than authorized. Peterson AFB news release mentioned the C130's from there were ordered into action Tuesday morning, seems rather late to me.
Also read that CA state regulations mandated "fire spotters" on each military plane used to fight fires. Some of the mobilized fire spotters didn't show up for the first 24 hours while the mil crews waited, and the fires spread.
No need to have terrorists when you have bureaucracies and human inertia.
Amid worries of new blazes adding to the firestorm already afflicting the region, a man in Hesperia has been arrested on suspicion of arson, and police reported shooting and killing another arson suspect after chasing him out of scrub behind Cal State San Bernardino.
Law enforcement officials said today that they didn't know whether either of the men had started any of the more than a dozen large fires that have devastated Southern California in recent days, including the nearby Lake Arrowhead blaze. The brush fire in Hesperia was quickly extinguished by residents. Investigators have said that at least two of the huge wildfires, one in Orange County and the other in Temecula, were the work of arsonists.
The confrontation that ended in the shooting death started about 6 p.m. Tuesday when San Bernardino university police spotted a man in a rural area of flood channels and scrub near the campus. University police tried to detain the man, but he got into his car and fled, authorities said. When he began to ram officers' vehicle, they shot him.
The suspect is described as a 27-year-old man with a home address in Arizona. Sheriff's investigators will search his impounded pickup truck pending a search warrant, Lt. Scott Patterson of the San Bernardino Police Department said this afternoon.
No additional information, including his identity will be released until Thursday. "We don't know whether he was an arsonist," Patterson said. "What was related by the Cal State police was that they tried to contact him as a suspicious person in a brush area. Things being how they are, there was a suspicion that he could be an arsonist."
The area near the campus had been affected by the massive Old Fire of 2003, Patterson said, adding that "it's very fire-prone. It's an area that would be very devastated if a fire were to start there."
San Bernardino police joined campus authorities in pursuit of the suspect. He drove north on Waterman Avenue and up a dirt fire road into the foothills. When officers tried to take him into custody, he began to batter officers' vehicles with car, Patterson said. Officers shot and killed him. "Both agencies' officers fired," said University Police Chief Jimmie Brown, who added that it was not known who fired the fatal shot. "But right now, we don't know too much more."
The shooting is being investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which is routine for officer-involved shootings.
About three hours later in Hesperia, a man was seen by a female motorist squatting along the side of Highway 173 just south of Arrowhead Lake Road. Sheriff's officials say John Alfred Rund, 48, of Hesperia had just started a fire along the flat, isolated, scrubby road.
The woman called police, and Highway Patrol and sheriff's deputies were soon looking for the suspect, who witnesses said took off on a Honda motorcycle, wearing a red-and-white-striped helmet.
Four residents grabbed shovels and put out the fire with clods of dirt, said sheriff's spokesperson Jodi Miller.
A CHP helicopter, using infrared equipment, caught sight of Rund on his motorcycle, Miller said. Along with CHP officers, sheriff's deputies found and arrested him at a home along Highway 173 near Highway 138, she said.
He was being held on $750,000 bail on suspicion of arson and is to appear in court tomorrow in Victorville. "He has not been connected in any way so far with any fire up on the hill," Miller said. "We don't know at this point what started that fire."
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Hangings too good for 'em, burning's too good for 'em. He should be chopped into little bitty pieces and buried ALIVE! ~Prosecuter of Hannover Smith (Heavy Metal)
Incredibly good news and unbelievably good fortune!
I don't remember any fire where they have nailed an arsonist during the event. Even if they are only copy cats and didn't touch off the original it's still remarkable.
Posted by: Red Dawg ||
10/25/2007 2:05 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Like child molesters and serial rapists, repeat offender arsonists have a tremendous recidivism problem. When conclusively convicted, they should be permanently incarcerated as a danger to the public weal.
Being a firefighter out east our biggest threats are triple decker houses and mansions. The fire is typically not the problem, it's the housing contents. We had a fire in which the occupant died because we could not get through the heaps of garbage and bags of clothes left at the bottom of the stairwells. The environment is pitch black, hot and dangerous. Each step needs to be checked (sounded) prior to advancing. This makes our job frustratingly slow at times. For those of us that see the horrible effects of fire both physically and psycological we can only hope that arsonist meet the fate they admire the most. Let them burn. As far as AQ we are well aware they are capable of setting these type sof fires because of the widespread economic and disruptions it causes. 9/11 caused more fatalities but this type of crime destroys peoples hopes and dreams and memories. Find them and destroy them.
#8
Word, Rightwing.
We are mostly wildland fire out here (but play all roles). Always thought that ball&chaining them in the line of the headfire with nothing but a flyswatter would be appropriate.
The fierce Santa Ana winds that have driven wildfires across Southern California began to diminish Wednesday, with the National Weather Service saying it would lift its wind advisory for the Los Angeles area, although wind and fire danger warnings would remain in effect longer to the south.
Reduced winds would spread the fires more slowly but would be considered a mixed blessing, because a shift from Santa Ana winds to breezes off the ocean would make the wind less predictable. That would increase danger to firefighters, officials said Wednesday at a briefing for those fighting the Harris fire in southeastern San Diego County.
Firefighters to the north had greater success in containing the blazes than their counterparts in the south. The Associated Press reported that the two major fires in Los Angeles County were at least 85 percent contained, while none of the five major fires in San Diego County was more than 15 percent contained.
The National Weather Service's red-flag warnings of the likelihood of unpredictable fires followed a similar pattern, with those in the north expected to be lifted at 4 p.m. local time, while those in the south would extend until 6 p.m.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
it has gotten a LOT better - cool, moist, onshore flow starting to replace the dry Santa Anas
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/25/2007 6:00 Comments ||
Top||
#2
It is horrible what has been happening but the smell of smoke is down... We can say a little prayer for all affected by the fires
A former Afghan diplomat has denied the claim that Pakistani intelligence agencies created the Taliban and aided their government, saying that the roots of the Afghan problem lie inside Afghanistan.
Maulvi Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil, foreign minister in the Taliban regime, told Daily Times from his residence here that, In my view, the root cause of the problem lies in Afghanistan and a solution must be sought within the war-devastated country. He said Afghanistans internal situation, including the establishment of mini-states by warlords, infighting among mujahideen and widespread lawlessness in the wake of the Soviet pullout had led to the emergence of the Taliban, which had drawn support from all segments of Afghan society.
He said the best way of bringing peace to Afghanistan was to let the Afghans decide their own future without any outside interference. He appreciated the recent peace jirga between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying the positive beginning could go a long way towards resolving Kabul-Islamabad disagreements. However, he added, the jirga would not address internal issues facing Afghanistan.
No Taliban at jirga: He said he did not believe the Taliban would attend the second jirga in Islamabad considering their opposition to the first jirga. He said the US-led coalitions support was required for successful peace talks with the Taliban. The US-led coalition, NATO troops and other international backers of the Afghan government must lend support to negotiations. It is the only way out of the existing quagmire, he said.
He said the existing security situation was dismal, adding that the Afghan government had failed to bring about peace and stability by opting for war. They did not attempt to initiate dialogue after toppling the Taliban regime, he added.
Favours foreign troops: Mutawakil said he favoured the presence of NATO and US forces in Afghanistan until the various Afghan factions were independently able to resolve their problems. He said it would not be a speedy process and would require time and patience. He said the battles between Taliban insurgents and foreign troops would never end and could only lead to bad consequences for Afghanistan. Whether balanced or otherwise, a war such as the one being fought by NATO and coalition forces in Afghanistan can never reach a logical conclusion, opined the former minister.
Regarding the replacement of NATO and US troops with a force drawn from Muslim countries, Mutawakil said foreign armies were not the answer to the Afghan imbroglio. He also said neighbouring countries such as China, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia did not have a good history of participation in the regions peace efforts.
No moderate Taliban: Concerning talks between moderate Taliban and some European countries, he said there was no such thing as a moderate Taliban. Seen as a moderate Taliban himself, Mutawakil confessed that the Taliban regime had made several mistakes. However, he said they would amend those in any future set up. He also said he thought that Mullah Omar was still controlling the Taliban. Considering that no other man inside the movement has challenged him, it is enough to believe he is leading the militia, he concluded.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Taliban
#1
Yeah, sure. It was Saudi petro-dollars that created the Taliban, but it was Pakistan that ginned up this demon. Why else are there so many exploding turbans these days?
NOORDWIJK, Netherlands - NATO expressed solidarity with Turkey on Wednesday against Kurdish rebel attacks and said Ankara was showing remarkable restraint in the circumstances. The allies expressed full solidarity with Turkey in the face of these horrible terrorist attacks against Turkish soldiers and civilians, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said.
While he did say that it was important for Turkey to show restraint, Scheffer said: I think the Turkish government is showing remarkable restraint under the present circumstances.
No one disputes the fact that the PKK are murderous scum and terrorists. Turkey going into Iraq would be a disaster. Let the Turks provide intel to us and the Kurdish regional government, and let us do the job on the Iraqi side of the border.
Scheffer, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defence ministers, said that Turkish Defence Minister Mehmet Vecdi Gonul had informed the meeting about developments.
A NATO diplomat said, on condition that he not be named, that Gonul had thanked Scheffer for his statements of support and the allies for understanding Turkeys position. He explained the political situation in Turkey ... and the enormous political pressure that the government is under from the public because of these continuing attacks, the diplomat said. He welcomed statements by the Iraqi government that it would take action against the PKK inside Iraq and of course expressed his wish that this would happen as quickly as possible.
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
As far as I'm concerned NATO is a relic of the cold war whos primary rational now is to irk the Russians.
#10
There is a reason that after founding WEstern civilization Greek eventually became synonomous with a certain sex act. Perhaps the Greeks should ask what's gone wrong?
Judging from Aris I'd say an unhealthy fixation with the past. It's the Colonels of the 70s and laying blame instead of looking forward.
#11
The PKK are a relatively small group. They are a somewhat moribund Marxist group of about 3500. At the heart of this is Turkish sovereignty and the potential loss of 14 million Kurds to a Kurdish state. Moreover, the generals are concerned over the move away from a secular Turkey towards an islamic fundamentalism and want to flex a little muscle.
Violence committed in Gods name is blasphemy, dignitaries of the worlds main religions said as they wrapped up a peace summit in Naples on Tuesday. We can say with more emphasis than before that whoever uses Gods name to hate others, to commit violent acts, to make war, blasphemes the name of God, the some 300 Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu leaders and political figures said in a joint declaration.
The three-day summit on the theme A World Without Violence: Faiths and Cultures in Dialogue, is an annual event organised by the Rome-based lay Catholic community SantEgidio. Topics this year included AIDS, immigration, the plight of Africa and the quest for peace in the Middle East. As (Pope) Benedict XVI told us (on Sunday), Never, evoking the name of God can one justify evil and violence, the statement said.
Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I, the Ashkenazi great rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger, imam Ibrahim Ezzedin of the United Arab Emirates, Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams and the head of the Ecumenical Council of Churches Samuel Kobia attended, as well as several Catholic cardinals.Before parting ways on Tuesday, the delegations prayed separately at various venues in Naples, and took part in a peace procession attended by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Violence in God's name is blasphemy
But killing infidels is cool. You know He wants us to do it! Just think of it as evangelism by explosives.
#2
We can say with more emphasis than before that whoever uses Gods name to hate others, to commit violent acts, to make war, blasphemes the name of God, the some 300 Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu leaders and political figures said in a joint declaration.
Be sure to take special note how, out of all the above creeds, only Islam permits its members to lie about anything that furthers the Muslim agenda. Taqiyya renders all such statements by Muslims to be worth less than dogshit.
#3
I remember reading (Many years ago)
"99% of all people killed throughout the ages, were killed 'In the name of GOD"
(One name or another, put your favorite god's name here.)
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
10/25/2007 12:18 Comments ||
Top||
#4
"99% of all people killed throughout the ages, were killed 'In the name of GOD"
(One name or another, put your favorite god's name here.)
After a colleague claimed the Muslim holy book condones the killing of innocent people, several Oklahoma lawmakers plan to return copies of the Quran to a state panel on diversity. The Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council gave the books to Oklahoma's 149 senators and representatives.
"Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology," Representative Rex Duncan said. The Republican expressed his feelings Monday in a letter to colleagues. At least 17 legislators have told the panel they will return the gift.
Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, chairwoman of the council and a Muslim, denounced Duncan's assessment of Islam. "I know he referred to Islam as an ideology. That is not a fact. It is a religion. It is very peaceful, very inclusive," Seirafi-Pour said.
#3
Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, chairwoman of the council and a Muslim, denounced Duncan's assessment of Islam. "I know he referred to Islam as an ideology. That is not a fact. It is a religion. It is very peaceful, very inclusive," Seirafi-Pour said.
Don't like "ideology"? How about let's try "murder cult" instead. It fits the observable reality better, IMO.
Nice to see at least some lawmakers taking a stand against this asinine "all religions are equal" bullshit.
Posted by: Dave D. ||
10/25/2007 6:47 Comments ||
Top||
#4
After a colleague claimed the Muslim holy book condones the killing of innocent people,
#5
A proponent of islamic monotheism chairing a Diversity Council. What's not to like? Wonder how much she contributed to the governor's election coffers.
Posted by: ed ||
10/25/2007 8:22 Comments ||
Top||
#6
It is still very difficult to obtain the Koran in soft, two-ply rolls. But it shouldn't be.
#7
I live in Oklahoma, and technically speaking they're not "returning" the deathcult's book--instead they've asked not to be provided one. Evidently the one's in question are being printed with an elaborate leather cover that includes the receipient's name engraved upon it.
#8
This is a call to Islam.
Thus, rejection or refusal to convert means you are a target for conquering.
Or, come and get it. You goat raping assholes.
#9
but isn't the touching of the Charmin' by an infidel an offense? so how's about all these lawmakers taking it and then giving it back. it would be unclean and must be destroyed, right?
In my younger years, I had to go through mandatory Das Kapital. Essentially a waste of time, since I witnessed the real time implementation all around me.
Koran should not be a mandatory reading, but avaiable with comments and disclaimers so people don't fall on some of the honeytraps in it, plus some analytic works like "The Prophet of Doom", bound together in one volume.
Well, maybe you are onto something... I hated reading Das Kapital and with it my hatred for the implementation grew as well. Most people did go through the same route, bare a tiny minority of in-duh-viduals that due to inadequately developed mental and logical faculites that thought it was the best thing after the sliced bread. In fact, I would surmise that far fewer people behind the Iron Curtain (not counting USSR) believed in the commie crap than in he West. Living through it teaches you one or two things. Of course, I wish I did not have to... since the age of 9-10, already saw through it then, despite the environment (my father was a party member--which party you may ask? ... the only one allowed).
#15
They've commissioned similarly elaborate and expensive editions of the holy books of the other key religions in the state, right?
As I understand it, the Southern Baptist Convention (which is headquartered in Oklahoma City) gave expensive editions of the Bible. The Muzzies are attempting to copy this action.
#16
#15: "As I understand it, the Southern Baptist Convention (which is headquartered in Oklahoma City) gave expensive editions of the Bible. The Muzzies are attempting to copy this action."
Maybe they should skip giving the book and try copying Christianity instead?
Just a thought....
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
10/25/2007 19:02 Comments ||
Top||
#17
Crusader - Badanov is an OK citizen as well, IIRC :-)
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/25/2007 19:10 Comments ||
Top||
#18
Didn't Mark Twain once replied to somebody along the lines "Thank you for your letter---it proved immensely useful.".
#19
Representative Rex Duncan (peace be upon him) was correct...
i·de·ol·o·gy [ahy-dee-ol-uh-jee, id-ee-] noun, plural -gies. 1. the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.
2. such a body of doctrine, myth, etc., with reference to some political and social plan, as that of fascism, along with the devices for putting it into operation.
re·li·gion [ri-lij-uhn]
noun 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
(AKI/DAWN) - President Pervez Musharraf has unveiled a package of political, administrative and development reform for the disputed Northern Areas which borders China. In a public address where he inaugurated a power project on Tuesday, the president announced that the Northern Areas council had been given the status of a legislative assembly with powers to debate and pass its own budget. The existing council has 36 seats, 24 elected and 12 reserved for women and bureaucrats.
Musharraf said that the deputy chief executive would from now on be called the chief executive with full administrative and financial authority and the chief executive would be elected by the new assembly. He announced plans for the remission of agricultural loans and a waiver of enterprise loans for small businesses. The president also announced a new commission to resolve boundary disputes between the Northern Areas and the North-West Frontier Province which has been troubled by bloody conflict between Pakistani forces and Islamic militants in recent weeks.
The Northern Areas region has so far been governed by the government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas under the Northern Areas Legal Framework Order, 1994. India does not recognise the Northern Areas as part of Pakistan and refers to them as "Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)".
Pakistan promised to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir to determine the will of the people, according to the three resolutions of the UN Security Council and the United Nations Commission. But the promised plebiscite has never been held and Pakistan maintains troops in the region.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
The FBI is taking an active interest in the ongoing investigation into the attack on Benazir Bhuttos rally, with representatives of the US agency attending a briefing at the FIA headquarters on October 21. Sources told Daily Times that a team, led by an FBI official named Kevin who is posted at the US embassy in Islamabad, discussed various aspects of the attack with FIA officials. FIA Special Investigation Group Commandant Khalid Qureshi and forensic expert Major (r) Shafqat Malik led the FIA officials. US embassy spokeswoman Elizabeth Colton neither confirmed nor denied the meeting. I cant confirm the meeting. As for Kevin, there could be many officials of this name in the embassy.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
#1
Bullshi* flag thrown. Embassy FBI LEGATS, you enjoy foreign assignments do you? Then get your "special agent" arsses back to the states and concentrate on all the criminals/foreigners coming across into California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Pakland is a lost cause, much like the agency you're supposed to be working for.
#2
Already there to track phone numbers and email addresses connected to jihadis in the U.S., that the Pakistani people have refused to address for years? The other kind of "aiding the investigators with their inquiries", the kind not being at the receiving end of mustache wax and number four trunceons, I mean.
Security forces continued mobilising and taking positions at strategic points to guard this city against militancy as a rebel cleric vowed on Wednesday to retaliate against any attack on his interests, witnesses and officials said.
On the request of the NWFP government, additional Frontier Corps troops have been deployed in Mingora, Saidu Sharif and Matta, said a military statement. Military spokesman Major Gen Arshad Waheed told AP that 2,500 army troops have been sent to the Swat valley. He said security forces were manning checkpoints across Swat to ensure that Fazlullah and his band of criminals stop terrorising innocent civilians.
The entry and exit points to the district were closed for more than 12 hours on Wednesday, officials said. Schools and most shops were closed. Addressing a rally at the Dheri Ground, Fazlullah said that if an operation were launched, his force would kill many people. He told supporters via his radio station if an operation is launched, they should attack security forces and members of a Swat jirga that met the caretaker chief minister in Peshawar earlier this week to sanction the operation against my followers.
This article starring:
Major Gen Arshad Waheed
Mullah Fazlullah
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under: TNSM
Security around Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been reinforced following intelligence that he could be target of a suicide attack, security officials said on Wednesday. A marked increase in the Maulana Fazlur Rehmans security was noticed during his stay in Peshawar this week as a police officer on-duty said, We are under a directive to guard the opposition leader against a possible suicide attack.
Rehman said that as any common man he also had security concerns. You do not feel insecure? he asked. Senior JUI-F leader and renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Hasan Jan was gunned down in Peshawar on September 15 and Pakistani security agencies received information that the killer was paid from across the border.
This article starring:
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl
Maulana Fazlur Rehman
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl
Maulana Hasan Jan
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Ulema Islami
The US State Department said on Tuesday that Pakistan has not been successful in closing down terrorist networks and their supporters.
In answer to a question, spokesman Sean McCormack, while making the standard response about President Musharraf and his government being good allies in the war on terror, made it clear that the US views Pakistans performance in the war against terrorism as less than satisfactory. He also said that President Musharraf had decided to support the US on his own and the US had been supportive of his effort. The two sides had been working together, with Pakistan itself having launched numerous operations inside Pakistan to try to disrupt terrorist attacks as well as break up terrorist cells, he added.
End safe haven: McCormack said, There was an issue of Taliban sympathisers, Al Qaeda operating in those tribal regions in the northwest of Pakistan. And the prime minister [Shaukat Aziz] and his government are very much aware that its a problem. Its a problem for them. Weve seen the kind of violence that potentially can emanate from those regions and it is directed at us, its directed at the Afghan populations. Its directed at Pakistani populations. So they understand very well what the threat is. Now, in those tribal areas, they made some efforts. Thus far, they have not been successful in closing down these terrorist networks and those who are supporting them. Thats going to require a concerted effort. And were going to continue to work with the Pakistani government to see that there is not a safe haven from which those terrorist groups and terrorists can operate.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
Jamat-e-Islami (JI) has categorically decided to refrain from participating in the All Parties Conference being convened by Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam on national consensus over prevailing political situation and terrorism in Pakistan if General Pervez Musharraf presided over the conference, Daily Times learnt.
The JI also showed its reservation to name anyone for the interim government being set up under the supervision of President Musharraf. The JI leadership was of the view that ice has been melting between the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal president Qazi Hussain Ahmad and general secretary Fazlur Rehman. The sources said Jamat-e-Islami, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) would part away from participating in the interim set-up and in the APC if headed by President Musharraf.
Talking to Daily Times, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) central leader and JI Naib Ameer Liaqat Baloch said that the government had only invited verbally and no formal invitation had been received so far from the government corner on national consensus over prevailing political situation and recent serial of terrorists activities in the country.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Islami
There has been no equivalent surprise, though, in Iraqi politics, yet. If you see that if you see Iraqi politicians surprising you by doing things they've never done before, like forging a self-sustaining political compromise and building the fabric of a unified country then you can allow yourself some optimism.
So far, though, too many of Iraq's leaders continue to act their part looking out for themselves, their clans, their hometowns, their militias and their sects, and using the Iraqi treasury and ministries as looting grounds for personal or sectarian gains. As a result, what you have today is more of a spotty truce, with U.S. soldiers still caught in the middle. That is a quiet strategy, not an exit strategy.
Study the travel itineraries of Iraq's principal factional leaders after the Petraeus hearings. Did they all rush to Baghdad to try to work out their differences? No. Many of them took off for abroad. As one U.S. official in Baghdad pointed out to me last week, "at no point" since the testimony by Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker "have you had the four key Iraqi leaders in the same country at the same time." They saw the hearings as buying them more time, and so they took it.
"We have created a real case of moral hazard in Iraq," said Marc Lynch, a Middle East specialist at George Washington University. "Because all the key players think the Americans are going to bail them out, they have no incentive to make any real concessions to one another." Indeed, I continue to believe that everyone has us where they want us in Iraq: We're holding up the floor for Iraqi politicians to do their endless tribal dance; we are bogged down and within missile range of Iran, so if we try to use any military force to disrupt Tehran's nuclear program we will pay a huge price; and as long as we are trapped in Iraq, we will never even think about promoting reform elsewhere in the Arab world.
There has been more local cross-sectarian dialogue lately, particularly between Shiite and Sunni elders. But that seems to be the limit of Iraqi politics. It still feels to me as if we've made Iraq just safe enough for its politicians to be obstinate, corrupt or reckless on our dime. Even the moderate Kurds must have developed some kind of death wish, allowing their radicals to simultaneously provoke both Turkey and Iran and risking the island of real decency the Kurds have built in the north. Disregarding Friedman's pissing and moaning about the Iraqi quagmire, he does manage to highlight how Iraqi politicians are less than useless. We really need to consider forcibly disbanding their government and holding new elections. As Iraq's liberators, we have that right and it would send a clear moral signal to the MME (Muslim Middle East) that will will not tolerate the endless squabbling and corruption that passes for Arab "business as usual".
#3
Elections and our democratic process of representative government are not a panacea in getting generations of tribal loyalties, kinship, and cronyism out of ME governments. We are projecting our value system on theirs, and changing their values is a HUGE undertaking on our part, requiring literally decades of commitment by this country.
Of course, we in this country have some serious issues with our own system and people, so we mentors have some serious cleaning of cobwebs and homework to do, too.
It seems that our main national interest is to eliminate the Islamic threat. We have to do some serious internal soul searching before we decide commit to a complete overhaul of ME governments.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/25/2007 15:59 Comments ||
Top||
#4
His axiom is wrong. Think about it. The author wants Iraqi leaders to *set aside* self-interest. That doesn't happen anywhere, except by people who *pretend* to set aside their self-interest, like Al Gore and his comrades, who only think of themselves.
Instead, let me suggest that what Iraqi leaders *should* be doing is find a way to blend their self-interest into mutual interest, to profit everyone.
This is a big difference. What is more sensible, to invest $10k in your own investment in the hope of personally making $11k; or to invest $10k in a mutual fund in the hope of making $15k each for everyone in it? You are still all following your self-interest, but you are doing so as a group.
The same with Iraq. What the Iraqi leaders must be convinced of is that they will all prosper more if they hang together, than if try to get it all for themselves.
#8
The author wants Iraqi leaders to *set aside* self-interest. That doesn't happen anywhere, except by people who *pretend* to set aside their self-interest, like Al Gore and his comrades, who only think of themselves.
Bravo, 'moose. You correctly isolated the "false premise" of Friedman's argument. Still, the fact remains that the vast majority of Iraqi politiciansas you duly notemistakenly subscribe to the Zero-Sum Equation. They continue to seek out ways whereby others shall lose as they gain and for that, most of them need to die be ousted from office.
#11
Look at all the existing democracies. None of us are exactly paragons of cooperation. Anyone who thinks that the current political climate is new hasn't read alot about the 1880'2 or Andrew Jackson's time.
#12
Anyone who thinks that the current political climate is new hasn't read alot about the 1880'2 or Andrew Jackson's time.
For that matter, look into the U.S.political machines of the past 100+ years. Every ethnic group new to the U.S. quickly realizes that there's a nice little trough to feed and dispense favors from.
"Because all the key players think the Americans are going to bail them out, they have no incentive to make any real concessions to one another."
Mebbe so, Pappy, but the big difference is that we aren't seeking to nuke the shit out of any non-believing nations whereby many of the Muslim majority countries would like nothing better. This lends a whole different sense of urgency to our own efforts and increases the need for these corrupt-as-shit-assholes to get off of the shari'a dime.
#14
TOPIX > GROONG ARMENIAN NEWS [USA] > Turkey's military operations inside Iraq agz the Kurds may "provoke" or initiate a wider regional conflict. Turkey's incursion is viewed as TEMPORARY at best unless Iraq's new Govt can formally, effectively control and nationalize the Iraqi Kurds. Iff not, risks only promo further instability and risk of inter-nation confrontation.
. . . I was in Iraq when it first hit the stands and someone asked me about the plausibility of the events described in the article. I skimmed the story but it did not even pass a simple sniff-test. With a shooting war going on, there is no time for trivial pursuits, so my only comment was something like, It sounds like a bunch of garbage. Turned out it was.
The soldiers name was Beauchamp. Hed tried to hide his identity, but poor Beauchamp had no idea that the blog world would get on his trail and tree him like a coon. Beauchamp crawled up to the top of that tree, looked down into the snarling spotlight, and suddenly knew he was caught. His simple mask was no more effective than a coons, and that in itself might provide a little insight into how deeply Beauchamp had thought this all through. In any case, he was up in that tree, surrounded by hounds whod done this plenty of times, yet always found this part exciting. The hunters would have written the last sentence if the choice was up to them.
Some wanted Beauchamp to go to prison; some were baying for blood. The fellas in his unit were unhappy, as were his commanders, since hed made some of them look like immature dimwits while others hed cast as deliberately cruel in the worst of ways. Nobody likes to risk life and limb in the hope they are doing the right thing only to be spat upon and accused of criminal acts.
It took a while for the truth to eek out; there was almost none of it in what was published. As the real story unfolded, The New Republic looked increasingly culpable and ridiculous trying to hide behind a fact-checking process that was clearly stuck on the difference between fact and fabrication. . . .
And what of Beauchamp? Because he was the man who originally wrote the lurid overwrought fable of puppy-killing among the grave-desecrating cretins who made fun of a woman disfigured by bombs, the tepid outcome left many people unhappy. Especially those who wanted to see him humiliated (he has been plenty humiliated.) Beauchamp was allowed to stay in the Army and suffered only a minor administrative setback.
. . . Beauchamps battalion commander, LTC George Glaze, politely introduced himself and asked who I wrote for. When I replied that I just have a little blog, the word caught his ears and he mentioned Beauchamp, who I acknowledged having heard something about. LTC Glaze seemed protective of Beauchamp, despite how the young soldier had maligned his fellow soldiers. In fact, the commander said Beauchamp, having learned his lesson, was given the chance to leave or stay.
It can be pretty tough over here. The soldiers in Beauchamps unit have seen a lot of combat. Often times soldiers are working in long stretches of urban guerrilla combat dogged by fatigue and sleep deprivation. This is likely one of the most stressful jobs in the world, especially when millions of people are screaming at you for failures that happened three years or more ago, and for decisions to invade Iraq that were made when you were still a teenager. Just as bad is the silence from the untold millions who have already written off your effort as hopeless. Add that to the fact that buddies are getting killed in front of you. (More than 70 killed in Beauchamps brigade.) I see what these young men and women go through, and the extraordinary professionalism they nearly always manage to exude awes me on a daily basis.
Lapses of judgment are bound to happen, and accountability is critical, but thats not the same thing as pulling out the hanging rope every time a soldier makes a mistake.
Beauchamp is young; under pressure he made a dumb mistake. In fact, he has not always been an ideal soldier. But to his credit, the young soldier decided to stay, and he is serving tonight in a dangerous part of Baghdad. He might well be seriously injured or killed here, and he knows it. He could have quit, but he did not. He faced his peers. I can only imagine the cold shoulders, and worse, he must have gotten. He could have left the unit, but LTC Glaze told me that Beauchamp wanted to stay and make it right. Whatever price he has to pay, he is paying it.
The commander said I was welcome to talk with Beauchamp, but clearly he did not want anyone else coming at his soldier. LTC Glaze told me that at least one blog had even called for Beauchamp to be killed, which seems rather extreme even on a very bad day. LTC Glaze wants to keep Beauchamp, and hopes folks will let it rest. Im with LTC Glaze on this: its time to let Beauchamp get back to the war. The young soldier learned his lessons. He paid enough to earn his second chance that he must know he will never get a third.
Though Beauchamp is close, Im not going to spend half a day tracking him down when just this morning I woke to rockets launching from nearby and landing on an American base. Who has time to skin Beauchamp? We need him on his post and focused. See alsoLuke 15:7.
As for The New Republic, some on the staff may feel like theyve been hounded and treed, but its hard to feel the same sympathy for a group of cowards who wont fess up and cant face the scorn of American combat soldiers who were injured by their collective lapse of judgment. Its up to their readers to decide the ultimate fate.
The New Republic treed like a bandit personally, I think they would make a nice Daniel Boone hat. As far as TNR goes, the applicable verse is Matthew 23:33.
Posted by: Mike ||
10/25/2007 12:38 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Yon is the writer that Beauchump wished he were.
#2
In this case, I think Yon is perhaps being a bit too diplomatic about the fate of the private.
Forgiveness is the job of the chaplain, not the chain of command, and while the commander would be inclined to insure that no unfair treatment was applied to Beauchamp, such an inclination would also apply to not allowing mortal risk to befall him.
How would that look to those quick to condemn the military, were Beauchamp to be killed? They would instantly accuse the army of murdering him, "to shut him up", and then just as quickly double damn them for "covering up evidence" that would confirm their hatred.
Unacceptable. Beauchamp, while he might be in a "hot" area, is probably performing assignments of a far less hazardous nature. In past, this might be to move a large pile of cannonballs a distance and pile them up again, repeatedly.
But today, we can but hope that the private is constructively engaged in finding the exact center between a domain of limbo and one of purgatory.
He will be fed three times a day with ordinary rations, his uniform and individual equipment will be accounted for, and he will be allowed access to telephones provided by the service charity, as would any other.
His duty day will be to sit upon a metal chair and individually inventory several million 1/8" ball bearings, inspecting each for signs of rust and wear, which he will duly note on his inspection log.
#3
If he's working to make it right, then in time I'm willing to forgive him. Based on this, I'm willing to trust his unit and his commanders to see it through without any more comment from me. Thanks for posting this, Mike.
#4
My only comment abour Pvt Dickweed is: "call 257-2414." its ( NAS Whidbey)the Chaplin's number. He don't give a phuck either, but gets paid to listen.
After reading the transcript of the phone calls with Beauchamp, I have changed my attitude toward him. What I read was not the words of a kid trying to escape responsibility. What I read was the words of a soldier who has screwed up and hurt his comrades. He knows his mistakes and he has now taken his punishment and is now determined to be a soldier first.
It appears that TNR wants to escape responsibility by blaming Beauchamp instead of themselves. In order to accomplish this, they are trying to get him to do a Chinese self-criticism by threatening his wife.
Beauchamp may come out of this a man. He has now been through a hellish punishment from his fellows. He may have experienced a nervous breakdown. But instead of agreeing to a dishonorable discharge, he has become a soldier. He is fighting the terrorists in the most dangerous place in the world and he is fighting with honor.
He deserves the honor of being an American Soldier. He also deserves the defense that we give other soldiers. We should tell TNR to lay off of him. Their publication of smears is their fault, not Beauchamps.
Posted by: Mike ||
10/25/2007 15:26 Comments ||
Top||
#6
Interesting story about Beauchamp, and his commanding officer.
There are some good lessons to be learned here. I am glad Michael Yon was able to investigate and write about it. This is journalism at its best. We come away from this article with a greater understanding of things.
Michael Yon is definitely the Ernie Pyle of our age.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
10/25/2007 15:52 Comments ||
Top||
#7
I'd be interested in hearing a straight story about why he did it. His actions don't seem to match his motives. He was trying to sensationalize the war with stories that made war crimes sound like standard operating procedure. He was trying to help the hard left convince the country that the war was wrong and could not be won. I think it's pay time for him and he deserves it.
#8
Why'd he do it?
He knew what TNR wanted to hear, and if gave them what they wanted, TNR wouldn't be all jacked up to check it out for authenticity. Of course that's what it's like over there, how could it be ANY OTHER WAY! And he'd be on his way to fame and fortune.
Franklin Foer must've looked like Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain when he ran this guy's shit down to the printers...
#9
I'm in no rush to forgive Scott Beauchamp. He hasn't asked for forgiveness and until he does, I am not about to grant it. So far, all he's done is clam up and go into hiding after realizing what a shitstorm his irresponsible actions caused, a shitstorm any real adult should have been able to predict-- and avoid, by chosing NOT to act irresponsibly.
Scott Beauchamp might be on a path to redeeming himself. We'll see if he does.
Posted by: Dave D. ||
10/25/2007 17:14 Comments ||
Top||
#10
Re-posted comment from the other Beauchamp thread, as I see this is the more active thread on him today:
Jack's comment (in the other thread about Pvt. Beauchamp potentially disavowing his current apology once he's home and with the EEE) is why I'm not quite willing to go along with Mr. Yon's suggestion. It's one thing to 'own up' to your mistakes when you have the battalion Command Sergeant Major counseling you. It's another to own up when you're discharged from the Army, home and the darling of the EEE.
If Pvt. Beauchamp affirms his mistakes when he's home, then I'll go along with Mr. Yon. As Dave notes, Pvt. Beauchamp may, may be on the path to a more honorable outcome and life. And if he does that and does it well, then Mr. Yon is right: forgiveness and the honor of having fulfilled a second chance are due to him.
I have my doubts. We'll see when he gets home.
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/25/2007 18:21 Comments ||
Top||
#11
I hope I never hear about the guy again and he gets to save all the clippings from his 15 minutes of fame to show to his grandchildren after a long life of obscurity as a middle school English teacher.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
[Mike Sylwester has been pooplisted.]
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
10/25/2007 8:39 Comments ||
Top||
#2
I suspect there were high-fives and muted laughter all over the State Department today. The pink bow-tie crowd has always looked down scornfully at DS (seen as knuckle draggers from Special Forces, SEALS, Force Recon, etc). Nice job Condo, Griffin was a good man who along with his great team, kept your ass and a lot of your diplodink colleagues asses alive. You and your ilk deserve whatever you get!
Ambassador Griffin came to Diplomatic Security from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served as Inspector General from 1997 to 2005. As Inspector General, he directed a nationwide staff of auditors, investigators, inspectors, and support personnel. His office conducted oversight reviews to improve the economy, effectiveness, and efficiency of Veterans Affairs programs, and to prevent and detect criminal activity, waste, abuse and fraud.
Ambassador Griffin previously served as Deputy Director at the U.S. Secret Service, where he was responsible for planning and directing all investigative, protective, and administrative programs. He began his career with the Secret Service in 1971 as an agent in the Chicago office. Subsequent positions included Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division, Special Agent in Charge in Los Angeles, Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Investigations, and Assistant Director for Protective Operations.
During his career in the Secret Service, Ambassador Griffin received a number of special achievement awards. He also received in 1994 the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. In 2000 and again in 2005, he received the Exceptional Service Award of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In 1971, Ambassador Griffin was awarded a bachelor's degree in economics from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1984, received a master's degree in business administration from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. He is a 1983 graduate of the National War College. In May 2004, Ambassador Griffin received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Marymount University.
Two Turkish jet fighters streaked across the mountain peaks near here Wednesday, on their way to bomb a site about six kilometers inside the Iraqi border, said residents of this Kurdish border village.
The air assault, on an unknown target on the banks of the Zey-Gowra River, came after three days of shelling of the area by Turkish artillery, said Jalal Salman, the 45-year-old principal of the local school, and five other villagers.
It also followed reports of other clashes on both sides of the border, including a claim by the Turkish military that it attacked a Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, base here in the northern border region of Iraq, killing 34 separatist guerillas. The PKK denied the Monday report.
Government officials here say there are no PKK bases in Iraq's Kurdistan region, at least in populated areas under government control, and say that most of the artillery strikes so far have hit orchards, roads, mountainsides and, in one case, a tourist restaurant in a cave. So far in this area, officials said, there were no casualties.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
(KUNA) -- Iraqi government troops have attacked offices of Adnan Al-Dulaimi's General Council of the People of Iraq in the capital wounding three people, the party said in a statement released on Wednesday.
A force of the Government Guard attacked, late on Tuesday, the offices in Al-Adel district in western Baghdad, wounding two employees and the official spokesman of the General Council, Muhannad Al-Isawi, the statement said.
Al-Dulaimi, leader of the largest Sunni political grouping in the country, condemned in remarks to KUNA the attack and accused government forces of threatening to assassinate him. He also charged that these forces were behind an attempt to kill him when his motorcade was targeted with rockets and machine-gun fire.
Gunmen had assassinated the political advisor of the influential Sunni leader in in western Baghdad. Sheikh Ahmad Khalil Al-Mashhadani was gunned down near the district of Al-Amiriah in the western sector of the city last Thursday, according to a statement released by Al-Dulaimi's party on Monday. The conference is part of the coalition, the Iraqi Concord Front, headed by Al-Dulaimi. The front has 44 out of the 275 parliamentary seats.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
Interior Minister Prince Naif yesterday called for intensive efforts to save Iraq from its present predicament and to stand firm against destructive forces. Addressing a meeting of interior ministers of countries neighboring Iraq in Kuwait City, he also warned Iraqis working to destabilize their country that history would not show any mercy to them.
Prince Naif refuted suggestions that the meeting was aimed at protecting the interests of Iraqs neighbors rather than Iraq. All countries meeting here are deeply concerned with the situation in Iraq as we are linked with the bond of brotherhood and faith, the prince told the meeting, which was attended by ministers from Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Syria.
The conference, which was the fourth of its kind, discussed how to help Iraq get out of its present security difficulties. It also focused on ways of countering terrorism and curbing smuggling and infiltration across the border. We have to participate in every effort that will help alleviate the suffering of Iraqi people, the prince said. However, he emphasized that Iraqi people must take the lead in the efforts to restore peace and security in their country. If they fail to do so it will not only destroy Iraq but will also endanger the security and stability of neighboring countries. And any instability in this sensitive region will have a negative effect on the whole world.
Prince Naif said the terrorist groups in Iraq were harming Islam and Muslims. Muslims have already realized this fact and enlisted them among their enemies.
The ministers participating in the meeting reiterated their support for Iraq to restore its security and stability. Kuwaits Deputy Premier and Defense and Interior Minister Sheikh Jabir Mubarak Al-Sabah emphasized the need for Iraqi reconciliation to restore the countrys stability.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
#1
Would there have been an al Qaeda without the House of Saud's support for Wahabbism?
(KUNA) -- The Commander of the Baghdad Operations Staff Major General Abboud Canbar announced on Wednesday that terrorist acts by means of booby trapped cars and assassinations had dropped by 77 percent. Canbar, who was holding a press conference at the press center of the Multi-National Forces in Baghdad, said the Baghdad law-enforcement plan had paid dividends.
He revealed a report, backed up with facts and figures on the drop in acts of violence in the Iraqi capital after the first eight months of the implementation of the Baghdad security plan, which kicked off in February this year. He noted that acts of violence against civilians had dropped by 59 percent and by 62 percent against Iraqi forces while the acts of assassination had dropped by 70 percent. He said the number of exploding tires had also dropped by 65 percent while the losses resulting from exploding tires dropped by 80 percent.
He added up to 48 terrorists were killed in the law enforcement campaign, which kicked off on September 17 and continued till October 12. The campaign also paved the way for the return home of some 58 households, he said.
Meanwhile, US Troops operations commander in Iraq General Raymond Oderno who was present at the press conference said US forces moved according to a general policy drawn in Washington with the aim of protecting Iraqi borders with Turkey. He said that, by the end of this year, Iraqi security forces would be able to handle 50 percent of law enforcement operations in Baghdad. He added that bomb attacks had dropped by 60 percent in and around the Iraqi capital.
He said the lower incidence of violence was mainly due to reconciliations among warring tribes in and around the capital. He cited the most recent agreement, which was concluded among five of the Baghdad Sunni and Shiite tribes. However, he added that some tribes were obstinate and declined to get involved in any reconciliation.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
Busy week for CSI:Gaza...
Qalqiliya - Ma'an Four women were killed in the Palestinian territories this week in an apparent series of feminicides. You can tell why Ma'an put this guy on the crime beat. Nuthin gets by him...
A young Palestinian man from the West Bank city of Qalqiliya was accused of killing his two sisters on Thursday. The bodies of Sima and Iyman Al-Adil were found in the family's home Thursday afternoon. Eyewitnesses said the two women appeared to have been shot. The motive behind the killings is unclear. But let me guess...
The Palestinian General Intelligence Service announced the suspected murderer admitted to killing his sisters after he was arrested. The suspect said his motivation was to protect so-called "family dignity." Wow. That was faster then I thought it would be. Nice work, CSI:Gaza!
Separately, Palestinian medical officials in Gaza City discovered the body of a female university student near Salah Addin Street Thursday. The officials said the woman, the daughter of a university professor, had disappeared three days ago. They said the woman had been shot several times. Iyhab Al-Ghussain, a spokesperson for the de facto Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip, said the security forces are investigating the apparent killing. Hmmmmmmmm. A body. Shot several times.
Whaddya think Al-Muldoon? An "apparent killing"?
I dunno. Maybe we oughta wait for forensics, Sarge.
Also on Thursday Palestinian security forces in Qalqiliya announced the arrest of suspects in the apparent killing of a twenty-nine-year-old woman named Wafa Wahdan, who was found dead on Monday near a landfill. Forget it, Jake. It's Qalqiliyatown...
by Hillel Fendel
Defense Minister Ehud Barak is set to approve, on Thursday afternoon, sanctions upon Palestinian Authority-controlled Gaza. The measures are in response to the renewed Kassam rocket fire from Gaza on Sderot and environs.
Six Kassams were fired Wednesday night at the western Negev, sending two people into shock. These followed more than 20 fired on Tuesday, including one that hit a home, and preced another two rockets fired Thursday morning.
A committee headed by Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai has recommended that electricity supplied by Israel be cut off to northern Gaza during certain evening and nighttime hours. The city of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, and environs, comprise the area from which most of the Kassam rockets are fired. The committee also recommends cutting down Israel's supply of fuel and goods to Gaza.
"We have no alternative other than to employ these measures," Deputy Minister Vilnai explained Thursday on Army Radio. "The situation cannot continue in which we supply the Palestinians with all their needs as usual while they fire at us. Gaza is a hostile entity, and this is a gradual disengagement."
Some 62.5 percent of Gaza's electricity, and all of Gaza's fuel, including diesel, gasoline and natural gas, comes from Israel. Another 28.6 percent of Gaza's electricity comes from Gaza's power plant, which depends on Israeli fuel. The remainder of the electricity comes from Egypt. The numbers were supplied by Stuart Shepherd of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Defense Minister Barak is also considering closing the Israel-Gaza crossings for an unlimited time.
Israel already disengaged from Gaza once before, when it destroyed 21 of its own Jewish communities there, expelled their residents, and razed their homes in an effort to increase security for the Jewish State. It was said at the time that Israel had no need to be at all involved with Gaza and the Arab population there. However, ties between Israel and Gaza have continued even without an Israeli presence in Gaza, prompting the nearly 9,000 still temporarily-housed ex-Gazan Jews to wonder what purpose was served by the destruction of much of their lives.
Alon Davidi, of the Sderot Task Force, said after Wednesday night's Kassam attacks, "It is inconceivable that the residents of Sderot should be abandoned by their democratic government, and are deprived of their basic right to live with security and without fear. We call upon the Prime Minister to wake up from his dreams of concessions, and order the IDF to set out on a broad ground campaign to stop the terrorism in Hamastan."
Former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon maintains, in a paper he prepared for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, that one of the reasons Israel is not invading Gaza is its fear that the PA will hold off on supplying Israel with gas from an off shore gas field discovered by Israel in 2000. The field, with an estimated worth of $4 billion of gas, was given as a gift by then-Prime Minister Barak to the PA, which is developing it together with British Gas. !!!
Ex-Prime Minister Sharon opposed the deal, fearing that revenues would be used to fund terrorism, but Prime Minister Olmert apparently plans to go ahead with it.
#3
I vastly prefer Dubya in the Harry Truman phase of his bizarre Harry Truman/Jimmy Carter dual nature.
It's a deep puzzlement. A few years back Dubya was the first prez to talk smack about Paleo idiocy. With their utter unsuitability for serious deal-making smacking everyone across the face on a weekly basis, NOW Bush wants to push for a deal?
Posted by: Frank G ||
10/25/2007 6:15 Comments ||
Top||
#7
Verlaine et al.:
I'm afraid it's "Legacy" time for George. I guess he figures it worked for a limp-dick like Carter so it's worth a shot. W needs to realize that no matter what else he does, the WOT is his legacy, so he should concentrate on winning that.
#8
I've been a big fan of G.W.Bush for the first 6 years of his administration.
But now I know why the founding fathers set up the presidency the way they did.
I'm ready for a new prez, hopefully a Republican one. He's acting a little fatigued, mentally.
#2
Evidently, Dr. Khaled Al-Hroub has purchased a clue. Good on him for the brief while until he is declared an apostate and gets a fatwa put out on his beturbaned ass.
"At a time when poverty, hunger, ignorance, and disease are ravaging millions around the world, the need to nurture humanity is far more urgent than [the need] to build mosques. Those who donate [money] to build large mosques in Europe, thereby promoting Islamophobia, should feel ashamed that the relief to the Muslim poor worldwide - in Afghanistan, Darfur, Somalia, and Indonesia - is mostly financed by foreign organizations, some of them European."
Sort of beggars the question of why we bother to spend so much money on rescuing these besieged Muslims if the ummah doesn't give a rip.
"Any comparison of [European] and Muslim societies with regard to freedom of worship brings disgrace upon the Muslims. We should be asking ourselves, In which Islamic capital is it permitted to build a church or, say, a Hindu or Sikh temple, bigger than any of the city's mosques? In which Islamic state is it possible to purchase mosques and convert them into churches or Hindu temples - as is now happening in Europe, where many a mosque minaret still sports a cross that remains from when [the building] used to be a church. Would any of the Islamic groups currently engaged in building mosques [and in other religious activities] in Europe enjoy the same freedom in their countries of origin?
I'm amazed that the concept of reciprocity managed to somehow batter its way through all the cognitive dissonance. Al-Hroub's days are numbered.
#6
Most of the ones who do, keep silent. So of course we don't know about them.
Just like how they kept silent after 9-11, Bali, Beslan, 7-7, Bali 2.0 and Madrid. After a while, silence is no longer just consent; Silence becomes a lie. Al-Hroub has the moral integrity to know and state this thereby putting the lie to moderate Muslims everywhere who continue to remain deafeningly silent.
Too many Muslims are willing to give their lifeand simultaneously take the lives of so many innocent othersin agressively imposing Islam, yet so few are willing to risk their life in defending their faith from perversion. This speaks volumes about exactly what Islam is really worth, even to its own followers.
The adamant refusal by Muslims to vocally protest terrorism makes them indistinguishable from the terrorists themselves. Far better that Muslims should fear Islam's total eradication due to their abject silence than worry about any risks from radical co-religionists. One action has a chance of surviving, the other guarantees extinction.
#7
WAFF.com > MOUD REITERATES PROPOSAL FOR "ZIONIST" STATES IN ALASKA AND CANADA, aka SSSSSSHHHHHHHHH the LEGAL/PC break-up of the USA-CAN-NORAM. Argues that Zionism and pro-Zionist/centric entities + busn transactions must be formally officially recognized by any and all parties and Govts [GLOBAL KRYSTALNACHT = GLOBAL JEWISH STAR?].
#8
EUROPE > GERABIA RISING: FRANKFURT'S FUTURE SKYLINE. Islam = Islamism rising in Germany and Central EUrope - Wel-l-l, its way for the Islamists to rile the Germans,
The Philippines largest Muslim separatist group resumed negotiations yesterday with government representatives, with a warning that another failure to make a breakthrough could lead to renewed hostilities. The issue on ancestral domain must be resolved first before we can resume formal peace talks. We cannot have perpetual peace negotiations, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) spokesman Eid "Lipless Eddie" Kabalu told Arab News by phone. He also warned that the prevailing truce between government and MILF forces would be difficult to maintain if no political settlement is seen to be forthcoming.
This article starring:
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Eid Kabalu
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Moro Islamic Liberation Front
#1
MILF. Heh. I can't help it. I laugh every time I see that. Sure, they're murderous asshats, but that has to be the most unfortunate name for a political movement in the last two centuries. Yeah, blame the Internet.
...Today, the Department of State designated under Executive Order 13382 two key Iranian entities of proliferation concern: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Additionally, the Department of the Treasury designated for proliferation activities under E.O. 13382 nine IRGC-affiliated entities and five IRGC-affiliated individuals as derivatives of the IRGC, Iran's state-owned Banks Melli and Mellat, and three individuals affiliated with Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).
The Treasury Department also designated the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) under E.O. 13224 for providing material support to the Taliban and other terrorist organizations, and Iran's state-owned Bank Saderat as a terrorist financier...
#1
The IRGC reportedly controls a minima 35% [or higher as per Net sources] of Iran's TOTAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES - regardless of actual percentage at the present, Iran's Govt reportedly also hopes to increase this share.
Mods please add requisite Debka shaker of salt graphic.
The hammer better be dropping on Syria after all the secrecy behind the bombing, potential mole on the inside with pictures or material, Hoekstra and Ro-Lehtinen getting briefed and sworn to secrecy (read real national security that can get you jailed) but demanding that all members of Congress be briefed on it or they'll hold up any NK deals. Add on top of that all the crap Syria is pulling in Lebanon and, more specifically, Iraq, the only thing I want is a Libyan style bad dog belly up kind of submission. Give up all the goods, Junior.
Anyone think the latest outreach to Putin regarding a delay in the Missle Defense Shield in Eastern Europe is a face saving gesture to Russia?
I think it's high time to start squeezing one of Iran's weak little sisters.
DEBKAfile Exclusive: Syria's openness to dialogue with the United States, according to one statement, covers unspecified "other issues" related to Israel as well as Lebanon and Iraq.
In a second statement issued Wednesday night, Oct. 24, Damascus denied American media disclosures Wednesday that a nuclear reactor was the target of the Israeli attack near the Syrian Desert village of A-Tibnah on Sept. 6.
"Lies! All lies!"
The Syrian statements, delivered by Dr. Fawzi Shueiebi, over Syrian state television, cited DEBKAfile and DEBKA-Net-Weekly as primary sources for Syrian policy-making on these issues.
DEBKAfile's military sources report now that the media disclosures Wednesday in the United States confirm the revelation in DNW 320 of Oct. 5 that Damascus was setting up an installation for making "dirty bombs." DNW 321 first reported Washington's intention to start a dialogue with Damascus on Oct. 12.
Posted by: danking70 ||
10/25/2007 00:21 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
#1
I agree danking70. We should squeeze the shit out of Syria. Do that and Iran is further isolated, Lebanon is helped, Iraq is helped, Israel is helped and so on. Maybe we could suggest some further sites to the IAF or "lend" them some MOPs (just for testing of course;)
A report by Secretary General Ban links an Al Qaeda-affiliated group in Lebanon to Syrian intelligence. The information, included in a report released today, is based largely on a letter to Mr. Ban written by Prime Minister Siniora of Lebanon. The letter draws upon information gathered during the interrogation of captured leaders of a group known as Fatah al-Islam, and from data found in a Palestinian Arab refugee camp in northern Lebanon, Nahr al Bared, where the group mounted a rebellion against Lebanon's government during the summer.
"Direct contact between some of Fatah al-Islam's leaders and some senior Syrian intelligence officers, which were revealed in the interrogations, are consistent with the suspicion that Syrian intelligence has used Fatah al-Islam to serve its political and security objectives in Lebanon," Mr. Siniora wrote, according to Mr. Ban's report to the Security Council.
To substantiate his allegation Mr. Siniora cited, among other facts, the release from prison in Syria of Fatah al-Islam's leader, Shaker Yousef al-Absi, shortly before the riots in the Palestinian Arab camp began. The fighting in Nahr al Bared lasted 105 days and ended September 2, when Lebanon's army declared victory over the group. Some168 Lebanese army soldiers and about 222 militants were killed in the fighting, according to Mr. Ban's report, while thousands of the camp's residents were displaced.
Over 200 members of the terrorist group, which allies Al Qaeda, were arrested, but the report notes that the Lebanese victory may be incomplete, as Mr. al-Absi was not captured. The report also accuses Syria of continuing illegal weapons deliveries to Hezbollah. Syria denied the allegations in a letter to Mr. Ban.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under: Fatah al-Islam
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an end to "foreign interference" that has worsened Lebanon's political crisis and urged rival Lebanese parties to elect a new president, warning against a power vacuum that could splinter the government.
In a report to the Security Council, Ban made clear Wednesday that he was particularly referring to Syria, adding that he had again received information from countries in the region "that appears to corroborate the allegation that Syria facilitates the flow of weapons and fighters across the Syrian-Lebanese border."
The secretary-general expressed deep concern at the continuing insecurity in Lebanon, the apparent targeting of pro-Western members of Parliament for assassination, and widespread reports that all parties are re-arming in violation of a 2004 Security Council resolution which calls for the disarming and disbanding of all militias.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
Ace of Spades. This is one post; Ace has more recent ones.
Slate magazine has a round-up with lots of links, including to the PDF files.
Drudge broke the story yesterday but has since pulled down his links to the PDFs in question. But Charles Johnson has them here, and as noted, Slate has them as well.
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/25/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
but they didn't save him. And he brought the USS TNR down with him. They all died. All in all, an Academy Award performace.
The transcript of the phone conference between Scott Beauchamp and the executives at TNR is just plain nauseating-- compared to these guys, Richard Nixon's conduct during Watergate was the epitome of forthrightness, openness and honesty. What a bunch of contemptible weasels.
The military documents, on the other hand, are a specimen of masterfully understated, wry wit. Sure didn't take long for the chain of command to figure out what ailed this Beauchamp character...
Posted by: Dave D. ||
10/25/2007 6:42 Comments ||
Top||
#5
As to the private himself, maybe someday there will be a little line in the back of the newspaper, among the truss ads, that he has finally finished his tour in Iraq, after an extended administrative retention, and will now be returned to the US for outprocessing.
#8
When he gets back stateside and/or gets out, he will be an immediate hero with the EEE (eastern establishment elite) and the Code pinkos/MyDD/Kos/Huffco spiral of evil. I mean he fits right in with the phony soldiers Harry Reid loves to defend. Regardless of the egg on TNR's face, this guy will become a hero in left wing circles simply because the facts were false but the narrative was true.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
10/25/2007 13:42 Comments ||
Top||
#9
Jack's comment is why I'm not quite willing to go along with Mr. Yon's suggestion. It's one thing to 'own up' to your mistakes when you have the battalion Command Sergeant Major counseling you. It's another to own up when you're discharged from the Army, home and the darling of the EEE.
If Pvt. Beauchamp affirms his mistakes when he's home, then I'll go along with Mr. Yon. I have my doubts. Pvt. Beauchamp, here's your chance to prove your character to all of us.
Posted by: Steve White ||
10/25/2007 18:12 Comments ||
Top||
#10
The US Army knows a lot about shaping immature youths into mature adults. If PVT Beauchamp's commander is shielding him from hostile interviews, it is above all because there's a process going on that needs not to be interrupted.
The outcome of that process isn't complete - I'd be more than skeptical of a sudden conversion on Beauchamp's part. What this kid is learning is the gut-level fear, joy and pride of being part of something bigger than himself - probably for the first time in his life.
As he witnesses "no soldier left behind" in combat, it *will* change him. And if it doesn't, write him off then. But if it does and he matures enough as a man to become a mature writer .....
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.
NOORDWIJK, Netherlands - NATO expressed solidarity with Turkey on Wednesday against Kurdish rebel attacks and said Ankara was showing remarkable restraint in the circumstances. The allies expressed full solidarity with Turkey in the face of these horrible terrorist attacks against Turkish soldiers and civilians, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said.
Violence committed in Gods name is blasphemy, dignitaries of the worlds main religions said as they wrapped up a peace summit in Naples on Tuesday. We can say with more emphasis than before that whoever uses Gods name to hate others, to commit violent acts, to make war, blasphemes the name of God, the some 300 Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu leaders and political figures said in a joint declaration. 
After a colleague claimed the Muslim holy book condones the killing of innocent people, several Oklahoma lawmakers plan to return copies of the Quran to a state panel on diversity. The Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council gave the books to Oklahoma's 149 senators and representatives. 
(AKI/DAWN) - President Pervez Musharraf has unveiled a package of political, administrative and development reform for the disputed Northern Areas which borders China. In a public address where he inaugurated a power project on Tuesday, the president announced that the Northern Areas council had been given the status of a legislative assembly with powers to debate and pass its own budget. The existing council has 36 seats, 24 elected and 12 reserved for women and bureaucrats.
Security forces continued mobilising and taking positions at strategic points to guard this city against militancy as a rebel cleric vowed on Wednesday to retaliate against any attack on his interests, witnesses and officials said.
Security around 
Interior Minister Prince Naif yesterday called for intensive efforts to save Iraq from its present predicament and to stand firm against destructive forces. Addressing a meeting of interior ministers of countries neighboring Iraq in Kuwait City, he also warned Iraqis working to destabilize their country that history would not show any mercy to them.
by Hillel Fendel
A report by Secretary General Ban links an Al Qaeda-affiliated group in Lebanon to Syrian intelligence. The information, included in a report released today, is based largely on a letter to Mr. Ban written by Prime Minister Siniora of Lebanon. The letter draws upon information gathered during the interrogation of captured leaders of a group known as Fatah al-Islam, and from data found in a Palestinian Arab refugee camp in northern Lebanon, Nahr al Bared, where the group mounted a rebellion against Lebanon's government during the summer. 
