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Plot fears prompt Morocco crackdown
Today's Headlines
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Afghanistan
Iraqi Newspaper: Binny on Deathbed
...and Zarkboy leaves for Afstan. Developing...
Posted by: BrerRabbit || 05/28/2006 15:07 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Find and get both.
Posted by: Unavitch Unaviper3310 || 05/28/2006 16:18 Comments || Top||

#2  Succession fight coming up on the 8 o'clock news, just after Jeopardy.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 05/28/2006 16:21 Comments || Top||

#3  Come on 7.
Posted by: Ol Dirty American || 05/28/2006 16:31 Comments || Top||

#4  No Martyrdom for YOU!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 05/28/2006 16:50 Comments || Top||

#5  Worn out shunt.
Posted by: 6 || 05/28/2006 17:09 Comments || Top||

#6  What, the "bin Laden is dying" schtick again? I thought Rantburg had a policy against repeat stories...
Posted by: gromky || 05/28/2006 17:35 Comments || Top||

#7  Is Zark gettting Jet service from Iran?
Posted by: Elmolutch Ebbeatle6080 || 05/28/2006 17:52 Comments || Top||

#8  Zark vs Zawa vs Sonnyboy vs Sonnyboy-in-law, etal.???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 05/28/2006 19:39 Comments || Top||

#9  Zark vs Zawa vs Sonnyboy vs Sonnyboy-in-law, etal.???

Gosh, I remember when something like that happened to dear Mohammed's little Muslim empire back in the seventh century. I do believe the Shiites still flagellate themselves over it even yet.
Posted by: trailing wife || 05/28/2006 20:06 Comments || Top||

#10  Right. An Iraqi newspaper, quoted by Novosti. I put that in the same category as "somebody told a friend of mine..."
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 20:52 Comments || Top||

#11  U'd go that far Fred ? sheesh :)
Posted by: MacNails || 05/28/2006 21:00 Comments || Top||

#12  Related to "un-named sources" I believe.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/28/2006 21:13 Comments || Top||

#13  Binny's health must be terrible. According to "news" reports, he has kicked the bucket over a dozen times in the last five years.
Posted by: AuburnTom || 05/28/2006 21:38 Comments || Top||

#14  Binny's health must be terrible. According to "news" reports, he has kicked the bucket over a dozen times in the last five years.

We may need 'Buffy' to kill him for good.
Posted by: DMFD || 05/28/2006 23:22 Comments || Top||


Five Taliban killed near Pakistan border
Coalition forces struck an insurgent training camp in southern Afghanistan, killing five militants, including senior Taliban leaders, the US-led force said on Saturday.

Coalition forces launched the strike late on Friday in an isolated area of southern Helmand province near the border with Pakistan, the statement said."Among those killed were key senior leaders of the Taliban network who have conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces, Afghan officials and civilians," the statement said. The suspected militants also distributed materials used to make homemade bombs, it said.

The raid on the village of Qal'a Sak yielded a large cache of weapons and two hidden fighting positions that contained explosives and heavy machine guns were destroyed, the statement said. It stressed that only a targeted vehicle and two buildings were destroyed in the "precision strike" and there were no reports of injuries to civilians or damage to property.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Horn
Fighting erupts in Mogadishu again, 20 killed
Gee, when was the last time that happened?
Heavy artillery, mortar shelling and gunfire killed at least 20 people in a fourth day of fighting between rival militias in the Somali capital, residents and militia leaders said on Saturday. The battle, which erupted on Wednesday and has killed at least 70 people so far, had eased overnight. But fighting broke out in the Daynile and Keysaney districts on Saturday, sending terrified residents fleeing, witnesses said. On the other side of the shattered city in Galgalato, fighters for warlords who have dubbed themselves a counter-terrorism alliance repelled attacks from Islamist militias who have increasingly gained control of Mogadishu. This is the fourth round of fighting between the two sides since February, in what residents say is the worst combat in the city in a decade.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Oughtn't the question be 'when was the last time this didn't happen?'
Posted by: Seafarious || 05/28/2006 0:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Well, for fighting to "erupt," that would mean that previously, there was no fighting. That would be pretty rare, I'd think.
Posted by: Jackal || 05/28/2006 0:38 Comments || Top||

#3  I'm thinking zits fits.
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 10:24 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Plot fears prompt Morocco crackdown
Moroccan authorities briefly detained 330 activists from the main Islamist opposition and sealed its office amid fears that the unauthorised group was plotting an uprising this year. Officials from the group Al-Adl wa al-Ihsane (Justice and Charity) said one of its leaders, Mohammed Abdelli, and 181 other members were arrested. The arrests took place in Oujda, 541km east of the capital Rabat, and in the small nearby town of Beni Modhar late on Thursday. "Police stormed the two places where the members were meeting and arrested them before they emptied the offices of everything they found inside, including computers and books," an official from the group said.

Another official said: "A total of 148 brothers (Al-Adl members) were arrested in Rabat and three other cities on Wednesday and the previous two days. All those arrested were released later but the mass arrests were unprecedented since we launched an 'Open Doors' campaign weeks ago in several cities." One of the officials said the authorities sealed off the group's office in Oujda and posted policemen to prevent access to it. "It is the first time the authorities took such decision to seal off an office. In the past, they deployed police discreetly to watch without intervening," he added.

Al-Adl, which shies away from violence, is tolerated but not authorised as a political party. Fathallah Arslane, Al-Adl spokesman, said the crackdown was spurred by what he called biased reports and comments in some local anti-Islamist newspapers about the group's activities. Media have said the leadership of Al-Adl wa al-Ihsane, which is the biggest opposition group with an estimated 250,000 members, told followers to prepare for a Qawma (uprising) this year to establish a purist Muslim fundamentalist state. "We are organising activities like the 'Open Doors' campaign so that more people will know us for what we are, rather than what some media say about us," Arslane said, dismissing the reports of a rebellion.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Someone squealed?
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 19:49 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
Two Bangladeshis killed by Indian Border Security
At least two Bangladeshis were gunned down in Molani Frontier of Thakurgaon when Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF)) exchanged gunfire at Telkupi, Keraniganj in Chapainawabganj dist yesterday. Both were shot dead by Indian Border Security Force when they went to bring their cows back home from near Molani frontier in Haripur upazila yesterday.

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) sources said BSF troops from Nawgaon BOP fired several shots, "killing both on the spot". The BSF personnel took away the bodies after the shootings at about 5.35 am.

When contacted, commander Kamruzzaman of BDR said they "strongly protested the incident and asked BSF to return the bodies immediately". A Company Commander-level flag meeting between BDR and BSF was held on the frontier in the morning. It was decided at the meeting that BSF would return the bodies in the evening.
Posted by: Steve White || 05/28/2006 00:15 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Indian border guards (depending on the sector) are authorized to shoot illegals crossing the border on sight.


Posted by: john || 05/28/2006 8:27 Comments || Top||

#2  A local television channel, Channel I reported from the bordering areas that tensed situation has been prevailing in the area following Saturday's incidents that killed a Madrasha teacher and a cattle trader.

A madrassah teacher ? Looks like the BSF got a jihadi trying to cross the border...

Posted by: john || 05/28/2006 9:01 Comments || Top||

#3  Lol, john. A distinction without a difference? :)
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 10:29 Comments || Top||

#4  "Indian border guards (depending on the sector) are authorized to shoot illegals crossing the border on sight."

I wonder if we could outsource our border security to the BSF? I mean...why not, we outsource so much to India anyway!

Just sayin'!

-M
Posted by: Manolo || 05/28/2006 18:30 Comments || Top||

#5  Ironically India is building a fence and buying sensors from the USA
Posted by: john || 05/28/2006 19:57 Comments || Top||

#6  Of course, India is building a fence AFTER the illegals have already entered.
According to some estimates, there are twenty million illegals (most from Bangladesh) living in India.
They have changed the demographics of some border areas. Madrassahs have sprouted up and some parts are muslim only zones.

Posted by: john || 05/28/2006 20:03 Comments || Top||

#7  Madrassahs - the visible sign of infection
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 20:04 Comments || Top||

#8  Pimples on the face of the earth.
Pop them and squeeze the infection out.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 05/28/2006 21:56 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Six Afghans arrested
KHAR BAJAUR AGENCY: Political Administration of Bajaur Agency on Saturday arrested six Afghan refugees for anti-social activities. The arrest has been made in Bajaur Headquarters near Khar in area of Yousafabad where they were engaged in different kinds of anti-social activities.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Six security personnel killed in Dera Bugti clashes
Six security personnel were killed and eight others were seriously injured in clashes with Baloch insurgents in volatile Dera Bugti are on Saturday. "Sporadic clashes between security forces and tribesmen resulted in the killing of three security personnel and injuries to five others in Pir Koh area where a fierce exchange of fire took place between the two sides," said rebel tribal commander Mir Alam Khan Bugti while briefing reporters about the developments in the tense area. He said government forces and armed men also exchanged fire in Sarloop area, 30kms east of Dera Bugti, which left one security personnel dead.

Two more government personnel were killed as violence continued in Loti area where rockets were fired on a gas field and shelling was continuing. Sources told the Daily Times that rockets were fired at security forces' camps on Friday and other smaller weapons were also used. " Well No 6 of Loti Gas Field came under attack. The exchange of fire in the area left two dead and three injured," said a source.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


'Nuggets from the Urdu press
MMA white paper on Karachi deaths
Columnist Dr Hussain Paracha stated in Nawa-e-Waqt that a white paper issued by the MMA had alleged that in 2005 around 676 people were killed, including 37 important political personalities, in Karachi. The MMA also alleged that the MQM not only killed its enemies, it also killed its own unwanted people. MQM had replied that if the party was known to kill why were all the political parties seeking alliance with it and going to London for meetings with Altaf Hussain.

Muslim blood is flowing everywhere!
Renowned historian Dr Safdar Mehmood stated in Jang that during colonialism the Muslims lived under slavery but they were never killed like flies. That was because they did not feel like slaves and there were liberation movements everywhere. But after they were made independent their blood became cheap. When a few Europeans are killed they make a hue and cry (sar par utha laytay hain) but when the Muslims are killed no one takes notice.

AQ Khan dismissed when going to Iran
Quoted by Nawa-e-Waqt President Musharraf told a US TV channel that in 2001, AQ Khan was going to Iran when he asked him about the trip, but AQ Khan refused to divulge the reason for the trip. On this Musharraf became suspicious about the work AQ Khan was doing in Iran. He said AQ Khan might still have secrets to hide.

Naanga Pir grabs women
According to Khabrain a naked pir of Kot Abdul Malik near Lahore had become influential, causing the local women to flock to him to get their problems solved. Amanullah alias Naanga Pir became sexually aroused and started flirting with them because of his intense spirituality. He finally assaulted one Najma Bibi who informed the police. On this Naanga Pir got an imam masjid to issue a nikah nama for the two to save the life of Naanga Pir, but he too was arrested.

After Iran, it’s Pakistan’s turn!
Quoted in the daily Pakistan federal minister for religious affairs Ijazul Haq said in a function of the cultural centre of Iran in Islamabad that after the Americans are done with Iran it would be Pakistan’s turn to be destroyed by the Americans. He said this would happen because the Muslims were not united. He said Pakistan was loyal to the interests of its enemy.

How Benazir fired ISI officers
Retired army chief Aslam Beg stated in the daily Pakistan that in 1994, prime minister Benazir Bhutto fired from ISI service 78 officers, including 8 brigadiers and 70 lieutenant colonels, which was a big victory for the Americans. From this it was clear what would happen to Pakistan if the army was allowed to become subservient to the elected government. He said America and India were united in their plot to annex Balochistan to get access to Afghanistan. He said America was able to get Musharraf to agree to its demands in a shameful way (dhair ho gaya). Columnist Nazeer Naji wrote in Jang (21 April, 2006) that Aslam Beg was the same army chief who had accepted a special medal of acclaim from Ms Bhutto. It appeared that Aslam Beg as army chief did not believe in democracy and had nursed bad thoughts against elected leaders. The medal he received for Ms Bhutto was a ‘democracy’ medal.

Major Amir speaks
Writing in Nawa-e-Waqt Irfan Siddiqi said that he met ex-ISI officer Major Amir at a wedding at the house of editor Mujibur Rehman Shami and took him aside for conversation with other journalists. Major Amir who had come out of a long prison sentence, was asked to consider that Pakistan had fought an American war against the Soviet Union and got nothing in return. Amir replied that Pakistan was able to stage a fresh Kashmir jihad, it got a friendly Afghanistan after a decade of pro-Soviet and pro-India governments in Kabul. Because Pakistan became militarily strong the question of Pushtunistan and Greater Balochistan couldn’t make headway. Because of it the ISI became strong and was feared throughout the world.

Textbook contains obscene words
Reported front page in Khabrain Lahore’s chain of schools called Garrison Academy had included a book in its O-Level course called Pakistan ki Kahaniyan which was full of swear words. The report appealed to the authorities that it be banned and those who set the book should be punished. The stories in the book were supposed to contain words like kuttay (dogs), haramzaday (bastard), haramzadi (bastard), ullu kay pathay (son of an owl) and kanjar (pimp). The book also contained stories luring readers to unnatural acts. There was also a story about the bridal night. Nawa-e-Waqt reported that Jamiat Tulaba Islam had demonstrated in public against the course set in private sector schools.

Wedding halls pay ‘monthlies’
According to the daily Pakistan the Supreme Court had taken action against the activity of the wedding halls catering to one-dish or multi-dish weddings. Since a number of sectors in the economy were involved in the activity, the wedding halls were forced to illegally offer dishes and keep the administration at bay by paying them ‘monthlies’ (monthly bribes). Lahore had 148 wedding halls, which paid Rs 15 lakh as monthlies. The police had not raided the halls for fear of causing death through bhagdar (stampede) among the wedding guests.

Religious wars in Pakistan
Daily Nawa-e-Waqt reported that in Karachi, an opposing students organisation entered a hostel and killed one and wounded another student belonging to the student wing of Jamaat Islami. It was another in a series of incidents in the student war going on in the mega city. In Gujranwala, someone shot and killed the Lashkar-e-Taiba imam of a mosque which belonged to Ahle Hadith. Citizens were protesting on the roads.

Charbeli in Kashmore
According to Khabrain a 7-year boy Abu Bakr was accused of murder and made to clear his name through a trial by fire called charbeli. A big bonfire was prepared of ten maunds of firewood in a ten foot long tunnel and he was made walk on it barefoot. After recitation of the Quran, the boy was made to walk on it. He did it without getting burnt. Later when his feet were washed with goat’s blood it was found that there was no burns.

RAW training 600 Baloch rebels
Quoted in Nawa-e-Waqt PML leader Mushahid Hussain Syed stated that RAW was training 600 pararis (Baloch rebels) inside Afghanistan. He said that Indian diplomatic missions were being used to create trouble inside Pakistan.

Ghauri’s tomb in a bad way
According to Khabrain the tomb of the Afghan conqueror Shahabuddin Ghauri was being neglected in Sohawa in Jhelum because the mosque next to it had become the subject of a dispute between the imam masjid and the archaeology department officials. The electricity of the mosque was cut off and the tomb was in a poor way. Pakistan had named its missile system after Ghauri.

Imran and Hugh Grant as rivals
Reported in Khabrain relations between Imran Khan and his divorced wife Jemima had worsened after love scenes between her and actor Hugh Grant were publicised. On the other hand Hugh Grant’s ex-girl friend Elizabeth Hurley had visited Pakistan to help Imran Khan collect charity funds for his hospital.

ID card photo with ‘pugree’
According to Khabrain MMA leader and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Maulana Fazlur Rehman put forward an adjournment motion asking the government to lift the condition of taking off one’s pugree (cap) while being photographed for the national identity card and international passport. He said that pugree or headgear was the hallmark of Islam and people found it insulting when asked to take it off.

Women in jail under hudood laws
According to Jang there were 246 women rotting in jails in Pakistan because they were either accused of fornication or had accused men of rape. The law attracted a lot of abuse but politicians and ulema were not agreed on reform of law. Nor were they agreed on the lessening of the suffering of innocent women.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Let's hope Naanga is judged by a jury of his Pirs.
Posted by: Jackal || 05/28/2006 0:40 Comments || Top||

#2  Ijazul Haq said in a function of the cultural centre of Iran in Islamabad that after the Americans are done with Iran it would be Pakistan’s turn to be destroyed by the Americans

yeah right. We just want to be left alone. Go away Pakistan. Take care of your people so they don't need to immigrate or blow themselves up and we'll all get along just fine.
Posted by: 2b || 05/28/2006 3:29 Comments || Top||

#3  According to Jang there were 246 women rotting in jails in Pakistan because they were either accused of fornication or had accused men of rape. The law attracted a lot of abuse but politicians and ulema were not agreed on reform of law. Nor were they agreed on the lessening of the suffering of innocent women.

So much for women's rights...
Posted by: Tony (UK) || 05/28/2006 4:26 Comments || Top||

#4  the local women to flock to him to get their problems solved. Amanullah alias Naanga Pir became sexually aroused and started flirting with them because of his intense spirituality if lived their I'd be raising some serious sar par utha laytay hain if you catch my drift.
Posted by: 6 || 05/28/2006 9:13 Comments || Top||

#5  Muslim blood is flowing everywhere!
Yep, and most of it's caused by muslim-on-muslim attacks - in Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Afghanistan, Chechnia, Tajikstan, Uzbekistan, et cetera, ad nauseum. Sounds like a muslim problem to me.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 05/28/2006 14:15 Comments || Top||

#6  Cartoon from the Pak newspaper "The Nation"

Posted by: john || 05/28/2006 18:20 Comments || Top||

#7  Dear Pakistan,
Your country is a shithole of ignorant islamic rubes governed by a corrupt ISI/Cleric mafia. Get over it and clean yourselves up. Get an education, get a job, kill a Taliban cleric
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 19:18 Comments || Top||


Iraq
US clears despatch of Iraq reserve force
BAGHDAD - The US military has approved a request from its commander in Iraq to send a reserve force from Kuwait, a spokesman in Baghdad said on Saturday. The spokesman declined to give details but US officials said earlier this month they were considering sending an extra battalion, several hundred soldiers, to the Baghdad area.

“The MNF-I Commander, in coordination with the Government of Iraq, requested and received authority to relocate the Call Forward Force in support of ongoing security operations,” military spokesman Sergeant Mark Diamond said. “In view of operational security measures it would be inappropriate to discuss specifics,” he added in an e-mail response to a question. “Commanders reserve the right to reposition forces in support of established priorities.”

He did not say where the troops would go or how many there would be. The call-forward force is trained, ready and available in Kuwait for rapid reaction to problems in Iraq.

The move would duplicate one made in March when the United States sent about 650 soldiers into Iraq from a brigade of the 1st Armored Division in Kuwait. Those soldiers remain in Iraq as part of a US force numbering about 133,000 troops.
Posted by: Steve White || 05/28/2006 00:10 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ? new op 5..4..3..
Posted by: RD || 05/28/2006 1:26 Comments || Top||

#2  I wonder if Sgt Mark Diamond is any relation to that colorful old Marine Lou Diamond.
Posted by: GK || 05/28/2006 14:10 Comments || Top||

#3  Lou Diamond late of g'canal? The 1 man mortar team from hell? 10 times promoted 12 times busted? That Lou Diamond?
Posted by: 6 || 05/28/2006 17:11 Comments || Top||


Pakistani driver abducted in Iraq
Iraqi insurgents have abducted a Pakistani working as a driver with US troops. He is already feared dead. Muhammad Shafiq, a resident Chak Batala, Tobatek Singh, had been working with the transport company 'Mabrad' as a driver in Kuwait for the past two years. Muhammad Shafiq's convoy was attacked on April 10, 2006 near Fallujah. Shafiq's vehicle was cut off from the convoy and he was left behind. He was later kidnapped. The US troops informed Mabrad by mail about Shafiq's abduction, but the company failed to inform his family. Recently, his colleagues said the company had received information that Shafiq had been killed.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Four marines singled out in Iraq massacre investigation
A four-man team of United States Marines led the killing rampage in the Iraqi town of Haditha which resulted in the deaths of 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, military investigators believe. The troops went from house to house shooting their occupants after a roadside bomb killed one of their comrades, an internal US military report, which may be completed as early as this week, is expected to conclude. Some of the victims were killed, execution style, by shots to the head.

Shock at the full extent of the killing, reported by The Sunday Telegraph last weekend, has been compounded by photographs taken by a marine intelligence team which show bullet wounds to the upper bodies of the victims, who included several women and six children, some shot in the head and some in the back. One US government official said the pictures showed that marines from Camp Pendleton "suffered a total breakdown in morality and leadership, with tragic results", according to yesterday's Los Angeles Times.

The sergeant who led the unit is suspected of filing a false report that downplayed the number of casualties and claimed they were killed by an insurgent's bomb. He also allegedly said that marines burst into homes in pursuit of locals firing at them. The latest developments in the military investigation are fuelling fears in the Pentagon and White House that the US is facing a war crimes atrocity with chilling echoes of the My Lai massacre in Vietnam, when marines killed 500 villagers in a retaliation attack.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Saw this earlier and wondered, is the investigation finished? No, I didn't think so.
Posted by: Captain America || 05/28/2006 0:19 Comments || Top||

#2  "One US government official said the pictures showed that marines from Camp Pendleton "suffered a total breakdown in morality and leadership, with tragic results", according to yesterday's Los Angeles Times."
-The LAT and US Govt Official - both credible sources w/out an ajenda & combat experience I'm sure.

"My Lai massacre in Vietnam, when marines killed 500 villagers in a retaliation attack."
-IIRC this was Lt William Calley of the Army, not a Marine unit. Second, there's a big difference between a fireteam and a platoon and 500 versus 24. I can deal w/bad news but I'm damn sick of piss poor journalism.
Posted by: Broadhead6 || 05/28/2006 0:24 Comments || Top||

#3  So we're going to have another trial in the Court of Public Opinion, with so-called "journalists" as prosecution, judge and jury all rolled into one. And we all know in advance what the verdict is going to be, without any regard to the facts: guilty.

My son spent a year over there as a guard at the prison at Camp Bucca, starting right after Abu Ghraib hit the news. He returned from Iraq with a profound hatred of journalists, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

And Democrats-- like Kerry and Murtha-- who smear shit on our troops for cheap political gain.

Posted by: Dave D. || 05/28/2006 0:58 Comments || Top||

#4  right, Dave. It's all about focus. We are going to ignore the atrocities committed by the other side and give 24/7 to atrocities committed by ours. I'm not saying that we shouldn't rise above the level of these barbarians - it's a no brainer that we need to do so - but the MSM is all about keeping things out of context. That's what good propaganda is made of.
Posted by: 2b || 05/28/2006 2:13 Comments || Top||

#5  From Hugh Hewitt:

I have a feeling someone was lying in wait for an Abu Ghraib reference. I read the quote and was taken aback because I spoke to the same Brig. Gen. David M. Brahms about the case this week, and his sentiments were very different from those presented in the Post. Which explains why he sent me this statement yesterday:

"Recent reporting on the events in Haditha, Iraq have included significant factual errors and/or misleading statements. This includes a quote attributed to me in the Washington Post this morning that was taken completely out of context and its meaning distorted. Many facts that are favorable to the Marines involved have not yet been disclosed."


Most definately an agenda here. Supporters of the troops best wait until all the facts have been released before telling the world they want the bastards strung up... if they did it.
Posted by: badanov || 05/28/2006 6:01 Comments || Top||

#6  Why the Military doesn't go public, at least enough to say, "The investigation is ongoing. Several media outlets have reported distortions and lies. STFU. We'll call you when the investigation's complete and brief you. Until then, fuck off. Thank you."

It would be so simple - even if prettified - and most in America would stand up and cheer. Fuck everybody else.
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 10:55 Comments || Top||

#7  I don't think anyone in uniform is allowed to leak any information of an active investigation. This would lead me to believe that is coming from a civilian or civilian staffer in the chain. Until we here from a (named) JAG officer or OFFICIAL (named) spokesman, I will consider everything heresay. I am not doubting that something happened but I will wait for an official word.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge || 05/28/2006 13:04 Comments || Top||

#8  Meantime, Zarq uses all this to recruit more jihadists from SA, Syria, Jordan, etc. to kill our men and women in Iraq.

The MSM is aiding the enemy in its efforts, and they do so without impunity.
Posted by: Captain America || 05/28/2006 15:44 Comments || Top||

#9  should be "with impunity"
Posted by: Captain America || 05/28/2006 15:45 Comments || Top||

#10  Cyber Sarge -- the leaks are coming from the defense counsel, just like with Abu Ghraib. Their goal is to pump up the outrage and try to frame it as a matter of policy, of "just following orders" in hopes that the succeeding administration will pardon their clients in gratitude.

I dunno how much of that's exaggeration, but, damn, it fits the facts.
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 05/28/2006 16:29 Comments || Top||

#11  Zarq will recruit his minions any way he can, using whatever rhetoric works for him. The US didn't start this war.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 05/28/2006 20:56 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Hamas militia back on Gaza streets
The Hamas-led government has sent its private militia back into the streets of Gaza, a day after withdrawing the force to help calm an increasingly bloody standoff with forces loyal to Mahmoud Abbas, the president. Hamas officials on Saturday said the move was not meant as a provocation. But Abbas' Fatah movement said the deployment risked igniting new violence.

The 3,000-strong Hamas militia has been at the centre of the Palestinian infighting. Hamas' decision to withdraw the black-clad force on Friday, which was banned by Abbas, was widely seen as a conciliatory gesture. Youssef Zahar, spokesman for the militia, said Saturday's deployment did not contradict the previous day's decision. At the time, Hamas said the force would remain on standby at fixed locations and resume limited patrols in the future. "The police stations are closed to us, so we're making use of some streets," Zahar said.

The presence of the Hamas gunmen was much smaller than earlier this week, with forces stationed at several major intersections and near the homes of senior Hamas government officials. The situation appeared to be calm on Saturday, and in some instances, Hamas gunmen were seen chatting freely with regular policemen. Fatah spokesman, Tawfiq Abu Khoussa, however said the return of the Hamas force, even in small numbers, was "unacceptable and illegal."
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I knew it wouldn't last. It didn't make 24 hours in reality.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/28/2006 1:16 Comments || Top||

#2  Geez, the Paleos are the biggest bunch of wimps and pussies on the planet. Roving gangs of armed thugs, million$ in idiot aid at stake, and they can only manage killing a couple dozen of each other?

Slacker bitches.
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 10:41 Comments || Top||

#3  Don't be so critical 7958, much coupe was counted, eyes were rolled and smiles toothy rendered.
Posted by: 6 || 05/28/2006 11:23 Comments || Top||

#4  were dates for hurried sexual encounters made as well, 6?
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 19:54 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Israel strikes Palestinian militant base in Lebanon
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Israeli aircraft fired missiles at a Palestinian militant base in eastern Lebanon on Sunday, witnesses and a security source said, hours after rockets fired into northern Israel wounded an Israeli soldier.

The source said at least eight Israeli missiles were fired in two sorties against the military base run by the Syrian-backed Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian-General Command (PFLP-GC) near the town of Luci in the Bekaa Valley.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties, but witnesses saw ambulances rushing to the area.

An Israeli army spokesman had no immediate comment.

The exchange came two days after a senior Islamic Jihad official and his brother were killed in a car bombing in southern Lebanon that the Palestinian group blamed on Israel.
Posted by: ryuge || 05/28/2006 07:17 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  One would wonder why nobody is Lebanon has ever thought to say "Hey, fellows! We're going to be lobbing some rockets at Israel, and no doubt they will retaliate with something, so duck!"
Posted by: Anonymoose || 05/28/2006 12:09 Comments || Top||

#2  The prelude to the Iranian conflict has begun. Let's see how Jordan will keep it's act together in the comming months.
Posted by: Hupomort Gloper7285 || 05/28/2006 13:25 Comments || Top||

#3  Oh come on 'moose, that would imply a modicum of a grasp on reality...
Posted by: Tony (UK) || 05/28/2006 14:02 Comments || Top||

#4  That didn't take long.
Posted by: Steve White || 05/28/2006 14:04 Comments || Top||

#5  Pretty soon The BBC, Rooters. and the al-Guardian will be saying they rocketed a "refugee camp."

Faster please.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/28/2006 14:39 Comments || Top||

#6  True, Sock Puppet of Doom. Let's all say "Jenin Massacre" together. An Official UN Terrible Injustice Myth that will never, ever, die.

BBC - Jenin 'massacre evidence growing' (never corrected)
ABC - Report on Jenin massacre flawed (almost got it)
Weekly Standard - The Big Lie
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 14:47 Comments || Top||

#7  JenninGrad Alert!
Posted by: 6 || 05/28/2006 17:13 Comments || Top||


Lebanon Guerillas Fire Rockets Into Israel
Lebanese guerrillas fired a barrage of rockets into northern Israel early Sunday, wounding an Israeli soldier at a military base, the army said. Several rockets landed inside Israel, military officials said. The soldier's injuries were described as light to moderate. The army said it held Lebanon responsible for the attack but there was no immediate reaction. Israel has responded to similar attacks in the past with air strikes on targets inside Lebanon.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The guerrilla group Hezbollah possesses thousands of Katyushas and periodically fires the rockets at Israeli targets, though Palestinian guerrilla groups have also carried out such attacks in the past.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:23 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I suggest they level a "refuge camp" say in the Beirut area.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/28/2006 1:30 Comments || Top||

#2  No, stay away from Beirut. Flatten a Hezbollah camp in south Lebanon; that will have most other Lebanese cheering in private.
Posted by: Steve White || 05/28/2006 11:37 Comments || Top||

#3  drop a bunker buster in the WMD's buried in the Bekaa when the prevailing wind is going to Damascus
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 18:27 Comments || Top||


Slain Jihad Official Planted Amid Calls for Dire Revenge™
SIDON: Mourners shouted “America is the Greatest Satan,” and “Death to Israel” as the bodies of the slain Islamic Jihad leader Mahmoud Majzoub and his brother, Nidal, were buried yesterday in this southern Lebanese coastal city. Islamic Jihad supporters among some 2,000 people walking behind the two coffins, draped in Palestinian and Lebanese flags also shouted: “We are going to Jerusalem ... Martyrs in the millions.”

A car bomb parked near a building where they lived exploded Friday, killing Nidal Majzoub instantly. Mahmoud Majzoub, Islamic Jihad’s leader in southern Lebanon, died in a hospital. Lebanese security officials said the bomb was detonated by remote control. Islamic Jihad blamed Israeli intelligence and vowed to retaliate for the attack, while Lebanon’s Prime Minister Fuoad Siniora condemned the killings and pledged to “exert all efforts to punish the aggressors.” He indicated that Israel was the primary suspect.

Islamic Jihad refused to recognize the truce with Israel declared in February 2005. While the rival group Hamas abided by the cease-fire, Islamic Jihad argued that violence was a legitimate response to Israeli actions. Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for eight of the nine suicide bombings in Israel since the truce. Its latest strike was on April 17 attack on a Tel Aviv restaurant that killed nine people, including an American teenager. The eight bombings killed a total of 28 Israelis, two Palestinians and four foreigners, including the American.
Posted by: Fred || 05/28/2006 00:09 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sorry car bombs are mostly a islamic M.O.

I am about ready to hire out some Wiccans and start having hexes put on thesde "death to america" tards
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 05/28/2006 1:14 Comments || Top||

#2  It should be SOP to hit these funerals hard.
Posted by: ed || 05/28/2006 2:03 Comments || Top||

#3  "Mourners" Heh.
“America is the Greatest Satan” Why, thanks!
“Death to Israel” Of course.
"Martyrs in the millions." NOW you're talking.

Hurry the fuck up, losers. 60 years on, the same gutless chatter. You're still losers and tools. Come 'n get some.
Posted by: Slolulet Sletch7958 || 05/28/2006 10:48 Comments || Top||

#4  Ah, springtime, a time for planting.
Posted by: Perfessor || 05/28/2006 15:09 Comments || Top||

#5  better if you let it mulch
Posted by: Frank G || 05/28/2006 19:41 Comments || Top||

#6  Rig the coffin.
Posted by: mojo || 05/28/2006 22:27 Comments || Top||



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Sun 2006-05-28
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Sat 2006-05-27
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Fri 2006-05-26
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Thu 2006-05-25
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Tue 2006-05-23
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Mon 2006-05-22
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Sat 2006-05-20
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Thu 2006-05-18
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Wed 2006-05-17
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Tue 2006-05-16
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