ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan Gen. David H. Petraeus, the overall commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, is moving to sharply increase Afghan police forces drawn from villages in southern provinces, and is employing the help of former mujahedeen commanders to recruit them, NATO officials said.
The mujahedeen were Afghan guerrilla fighters trained and backed by the United States to fight the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. They later fought against the Taliban and helped topple them from power in 2001. Under President Hamid Karzai, they were gradually disarmed and demobilized. But many maintain fearsome reputations and have deep links in communities that can be revived to gather intelligence and raise forces quickly.
NATO commanders hope that they can be used to help raise as many as 30,000 local police officers within six months, providing a critical element to help the government and coalition forces hold on to areas newly cleared of Taliban insurgents, the officials said.
Previous efforts to raise local defense forces have failed, largely because of a lack of support in communities and from the government. The police, meanwhile, have a well deserved reputation for poor discipline, drug abuse and corruption, and have proved easy prey for the Taliban.
Though some NATO commanders remain cautious about using the mujahedeen, others say the village-based forces can work as part of the coordinated military and civilian strategy that has begun to gain traction in the south since the arrival of 30,000 more American troops and thousands of extra Afghan troops this year.
Under the plan, the new forces will be approved by local councils, or shuras, to ensure that they have the support of all constituencies, that old rivalries between commanders and tribes are not reactivated, and that one faction does not gather too much power to itself.
Then you partner it up effectively with I.S.A.F. and with the Afghan National Police, then you have got a very real possibility of keeping the Taliban out, said Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, the departing British commander of coalition forces in the southern region, referring to the International Security Assistance Force of NATO.
Still, many, even in NATO, have reservations about recruiting and arming loosely controlled forces. Many Afghans, too, including President Karzai, are wary of empowering private militias, given the factional fighting among mujahedeen groups in the 1990s and the more recent tensions caused by Afghanistans private security companies.
General Petraeus had agreed with President Karzai to a pilot program of 10,000 such local Afghan policemen shortly after taking command in July. Recruitment has already begun in some places to expand that plan, with the blessing of the Karzai government.
Posted by: Steve White ||
11/14/2010 11:30 ||
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PANJSHIR VALLEY, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzais moves to make peace with the Taleban are scaring Afghanistans ethnic minorities into taking their weapons out of mothballs and preparing for a fight.
"Outta my way, Ma! I gotta find me my shootin' irons! The Pashtuns are coming!"
Mindful that Karzais overtures come with NATOs blessing, and that US and NATO forces will eventually leave, they worry that power will shift back into the hands of the forces they helped to overthrow in 2001.
Some mujahedeen commanders of the Northern Alliance of minority groups that fought the Taleban are taking no chances. They speak openly of the weaponry they have kept despite a UN disarmament drive.
In the Panjshir Valley, heartland of the Northern Alliance, Mohammed Zaman says that when the UN came looking for weapons, the mujahedeen gave one and hid the other 19.
We have plenty of weapons, rocket launchers and small arms and we can get any kind of weapons we need from the gun mafias that exist in our neighboring countries, he said. All the former mujahedeen from commander to soldier, they have made preparations if they (the Taleban) come into the government.
Somah Ibrahim, a UN spokesman, said 94,262 small arms and 12,248 heavy weapons were collected by the time the disarmament program ended in 2005. But fewer than half of them were destroyed; some went to the army and police, which many of the militiamen joined.
So as to be reunited with their weapons. How convenient ...
The Hazara, a mainly Shia ethnic group, are also worried.
We have lots of weapons but they are not modern weapons. They are simple weapons, said Abbas Noian, a Hazara legislator. It is very bad, America announcing they will leave Afghanistan. It has given more power to the militants, more energy. Already we minorities are afraid. We want peace but we are afraid of a strong Taleban.'
It works like this, Abbas: Obama doesn't care about you, he cares about himself ...
In late 2009, President Barack Obama spoke of starting a gradual pullout in July 2011 if conditions allowed, but then clarified that he was not envisaging a mass exodus at that time. Lately, attention has lately shifted to 202420342044 2014, when Karzai expects his forces to be ready to take the lead in securing Afghanistan.
"♪♫ In the year, Twenty-Five Twenty-Five ♪♫"
Fahim Dashti, a Tajik, says the minorities began rearming about 18 months ago.
The reason is because we dont know who President Karzai is talking to and what he is saying, but we feel the agenda of the government is to Pashtun-ize the government, the re-Talebanization of the system, he said.
Most Taleban are Pashtun, the countrys majority ethnic group.
We are afraid, Dashti said. We have the experience already of the Taleban. We know who they are and what they have done to other ethnic groups.
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11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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The Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned on a tour of East Africa that security in labs dealing with biological agents there was lax, increasing the risk that the pathogens could fall into the hands of terrorists.
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) was in Africa this week with a team of Pentagon arms control experts to study security efforts in containing deadly diseases such as ebola and anthrax.
On Friday, Lugar's team inspected three labs in Nairobi, Kenya, that harbored the dangerous viruses and bacteria for diagnostic and research purposes.
These pathogens can be made into horrible weapons more simply than any dealing with chemical or nuclear devices," Lugar said. "Just one of the deadly viruses I witnessed today could, if in the wrong hands, cause death and economic chaos.
The team noted virus samples stored in boxes stacked in hallways of the lab. Lugar also noted security lapses such as broken windows and a short wall with a couple of strings of barbed wire attached as all that separated a lab from a slum known as a recruiting ground for al-Qaeda affiliated groups. He posted this and other trip photos on Flickr.
The threat is very geographically focused because in one instance the population of the slum is literally against the security wall of the laboratory," Lugar said in a statement.
Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups are active in Africa, and it is imperative that deadly pathogens stored in labs there are secure.
It's a fair point, and one where we would hope the responsible governments would fix security issues. Unfortunately Uncle Sugar will at some point be asked to put coin on the table, and we pro'ly will ...
Posted by: Steve White ||
11/14/2010 11:28 ||
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Question anything coming out of Lugar for a while, the Tea Party announced a couple of days ago that he is a major target for removal in the next primaries.
#3
Lugar is trying to polish his national security creds and build up his image as a tough anti-terrorism candidate. Otherwise, he will pretty much be gone in the next election he stands for.
#4
Lugar has been one of the squishies on a lot of issues, and he could lose a primary battle if the TEA Party actively campaigns against him. He is also a career politician so he does not understand the concept that the TEA Party does NOT care which party wins, as long as that politician does what he or she promised. Losing a squishy Republican to a Jacksonian Dem would be considered a win by the TEA Party, and Lugar cannot understand that -- career politician who identifies with the party brand, not its stated principles.
#5
Thank you, gentlemen. I s'pose part of my confusion comes from the fact that the lax security problem has been known for years. I mean, that was one of the concerns looking forward toward the end of white rule, problematic though that was -- not just biologicals, but also nuclear in South Africa.
[An Nahar] The younger son of Egyptian geriatric President Hosni Mubarak has said he has "no personal ambition" to succeed his father at the helm of the country, newspapers reported on Saturday.
"Despite what people think, I have no personal ambition," Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper quoted Gamal Mubarak as telling an Egyptian television interviewer who asked him about his personal political plans.
"Nonetheless, I will do my duty if necessary. Or not. This may be a pose of modesty, following in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, who thrice refused the crown, or perhaps I really mean what I say."
"Gamal Mubarak: I have no personal ambition," said a front-page banner in the government's flagship Al-Ahram newspaper.
Egypt is set to hold a legislative election later this month ahead of presidential polls expected to take place next year.
The 82-year-old Mubarak, in power since 1981, is yet to say whether he will run for a sixth term in office, and is widely believed to be grooming Gamal, the younger of his two sons, for succession.
In the television interview, excerpts of which were published by several Egyptian papers, Gamal insisted his concerns lie with helping push for reforms through Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).
"I want a role through which I can help the party and the state (prepare) for change. And I want to help the party's candidate implement his program," he was quoted as saying.
"Over the next two years we will be facing important missions ... a huge challenge," he said.
A former investment banker, the 46-year-old heads the NDP's powerful policy committee.
Angry protests erupted in Egypt earlier this year following rumors that he was being prepared to replace his father.
The demonstrations came after posters of Gamal were plastered around Cairo neighborhoods by a previously unknown group called the "Popular Campaign to Support Gamal Mubarak."
Which led a Muslim Brotherhood associated cleric to issue a fatwa against astroturf.
Too bad mods aren't eligible for 'snark of the week award', that one had me choking ...
That was followed by several announcements from groups, also previously unknown, to collect signatures for a petition supporting a bid for the presidency by Gamal. Their volunteers wear shirts emblazoned with the slogan: "Gamal Mubarak: a new beginning for Egypt."
Mr Roger's voice: "Can you say Coffee Party in Egyptian? I knew you could."
The NDP denied any involvement in the campaign.
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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India has refused to hand over Ajmal Kasab, the Mumbai attack convict, and Faheem Ansari to Pakistain until the Indian High Court rules in their case, the counsel of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told an anti-terrorism court during a hearing of the Mumbai attack case.
The lawyer told the court that an Indian court has sentenced Kasab to death and had released co-accused Faheem Ansari. The latter has filed a writ petition in the Indian High Court requesting that his name be expunged from the case. The court has yet to rule on his petition. "India has refused to handover both Kasab and Ansari until a decision from the Indian High Court," the lawyer told the court. The ATC set the next hearing for November 23.
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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Pakistain, which opposes new permanent seats on the UN Security Council and strongly supports an expansion of non-permanent members on Friday, called for "flexibility and compromise" on part of countries pushing competing proposals for enlarging the 15-member body so as to move the stalled reform process forward.
Speaking in the General Assembly's annual debate on achieving equitable representation in the 15-member council, Pakistain's Acting Ambassador Amjad Hussain Sial said his country was committed to reform, that would make it more representative, transparent and effective.
Despite a widespread agreement that the Security Council needs to reflect the 21st century world, the 192-member assembly has been unable for three decades to agree on a reform proposal.
The deadlock was evident during the assembly debate, which wrapped up on Friday: The supporters of the three rival proposals to reform the council showed no signs of budging.
The two-day debate took place in the wake of the United States support for India's bid for a permanent seat on UN's high table. Five permanent members hold veto power; China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States and 10 non-permanent members, with no veto, are elected for two-year terms.
Most countries have argued that this structure does not represent the realities of today's world. Key issues under discussion are the category of membership, the question of veto, regional representation, the size of an enlarged Council, and the Council's working methods and its relationship with the General Assembly.
In his speech, Ambassador Sial stated Pakistain's position as set out by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani that an effective, feasible reform could only be achieved through consensus decisions that were endorsed by the wider UN membership.
Pakistain remained constructively engaged in the ongoing negotiations, and its position was structured around four pillars; that reform should be comprehensive; based on principle of sovereign equality; should enhance the council's accountability to the general membership, and result in a more united, strengthened UN. The Pakistain envoy said that the 'Uniting for Consensus' group, which is led by Italy and Pakistain, had shown flexibility by moving from its 2005 position. Its proposals allowed for variable arrangements and different options, providing relevance to representation for regions, as well as for small states. The proposal, he said, also took into account the concept of equitable geographic distribution, as envisaged in article 23 of the charter. That concept would make little sense if a seat allocated to a region were to be occupied permanently by one country, which was why he respected Africa's position. "Africa's just demand for permanent presence in the council is for the entire region and is, therefore, different from those who seek a seat for themselves," Ambassador Sial said in reference to the aspirants of permanent membership, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan.
"Similarly, we support the position of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), demanding adequate representation of the Mohammedan Ummah in the Security Council," he said.
Commenting on the Security Council's report on its meetings, correspondence and decisions, the Pakistain envoy said that it could be reinforced by analytical explanation of its work and decision-making.
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
* ION PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > PAKISTAN: ARAB + ISLAMIC COUNTRIES/STATES SHOULD HAVE SECURITY COUNCIL SEATS [UNSC, wid full Veto powers].
ARTIC > many PAKIS, Civilians + Govt, believe that what the US does for Pak-rival INDIA + former WW2 enemy JAPAN, i.e. suppor their bids for Permanent Seats on UNSC, THE US CAN DO SAME ALSO FOR PAKISTAN, ESPEC GIVEN HOW MANY PAK SOLDIERS ARE FIGHTING + DYING FOR THE US ANTI-TERROR AGENDA IN PAK = AFPAK???
* SAME > [CFR Report]US EXPERTS: LeT HIDEOUTS SHOULD BE HIT BY DRONES, espec iff PAK = Islamabad fails to attack + destroy same.
ARTIC > CFR REPORT/PERTS = ANOTHER 26/11 = MUMBAI-STYLE ATTACK COULD LEAD TO FULL-SCALE WAR BETWEEN INDJUH + PAKISTAN.
[Pak Daily Times] Former president Pervez Perv Musharraf said on Friday that all elected governments have failed the country. The military governments haven't helped a lot, either....
On a speaking tour of the United States, Musharraf said he wanted to return to power through popular will but did not agree that "we want a democratically elected government and that is all, period." "The important thing for an elected government is to deliver to the people and to the state. If that is not happening, that is the problem in Pakistain," Musharraf told National Public Radio.
"Unfortunately, the civil governments have never performed. And I repeat: Never performed in its history. They have never," Musharraf said. During other appearances before US audiences, Musharraf has criticised the response of President Asif Ali President Ten Percent Zardari and the civilian government to floods that affected 21 million people. Musharraf, who seized power in 1999, stood by his actions, saying Nawaz Sharif "deposed himself" through his "unconstitutional" actions. But he acknowledged that the army -- now under different leadership -- was unlikely to welcome him back and said he wanted to return "through the mandate of the people."
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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[Pak Daily Times] Iraqi politicians appeared on Saturday to have salvaged a power-sharing deal that gives Nuri al-Maliki a second term as premier, days after a dramatic walkout from parliament by his former rivals.
The pact, which has looked fragile since being signed on Wednesday, has been lauded by world leaders, including US President Barack B.O. Obama, as a step forward in a country without a new government since elections in March.
Leaders from the three main parties to the pact met before a session of parliament on Saturday and agreed to reconcile their differences and address the protests of the Sunni-backed bloc led by former premier Iyad Allawi. MPs passed the deal by consensus, a parliamentary official told AFP, and an Iraqiya member read a statement to the Council of Representatives explaining why around 60 politicians from his bloc had walked out.
"We left because of a misunderstanding over the implementation of the agreement," Haidar al-Mullah, an Iraqiya MP said in a statement to the chamber. The official added that "around 250 MPs (of 325 members) who were present approved by consensus the power-sharing initiative." It was not immediately clear why 75 MPs stayed away from the session, or whom they represent.
Mullah said later that three senior Iraqiya members who were barred from standing in the March elections over their alleged ties to ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's Baath party would be reinstated within 10 days. Parliament's failure to do so on Thursday prompted the walkout.
The next session of the Council of Representatives is scheduled for November 21, with the prolonged break due to next week's Eid al-Adha holiday. The power-sharing deal called for Maliki, a Shiite, and President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, to keep their jobs and for a Sunni Arab to be selected speaker of parliament. It also established a new statutory body to oversee security as a sop to Allawi, who had held out for months to regain the post of premier.
The support of Allawi's Iraqiya bloc, which narrowly won the March 7 poll and garnered most of its seats in Sunni areas, is widely seen as vital to preventing a resurgence of inter-confessional violence. The Sunni Arab minority that dominated Saddam Hussein's regime was the bedrock of the anti-US insurgency after the 2003 invasion.
Thursday's parliamentary session, only the second since the election, had got off to a good start, with Maliki and Allawi sitting side-by-side in the chamber.
But shortly after Sunni Arab and Iraqiya member Osama al-Nujaifi was chosen as speaker, verbal festivities erupted, with Iraqiya complaining that the deal was not being honoured. Iraqiya had wanted the three barred members to be reinstated before the vote to elect the president. When their demands were not met, around 60 politicians left the chamber. After some confusion, the remaining MPs began voting to re-elect Talabani.
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
See also STRATEGYPAGE > THE HIDDEN MENACE [IRAN'S contin $$$, Arms, + Materiel, etc. support for Iraqi Shia Militias; + Pro-Iran/Shia = Anti-US Iraqi, Regional Politicians].
BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said his government would be ready to take whatever measures viewed as necessary by Christian leaders to assure the Christian population in Iraq, noting all Iraqis highly respect their Christian brothers.
It's good to have Maliki say that, but we need some action.
The Iraqi government has been still is working on whatever measures to assure all citizens in general and the Christians of Iraq in particular so that everyone enjoy stability and safety, Maliki said in statements during a meeting with the charge daffaires of the Vatican nuncio in Iraq Yuannis Lahdhi Jayyed.
Christians have always been part of the history of Iraq and lived in amity among their Iraqi fellow citizens, Maliki was quoted in a statement issued by his office and received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
The past few days have seen attacks with improvised explosive devices and rockets on houses inhabited by Christians in several neighborhoods of Baghdad, where dozens were killed or wounded and the houses severely damaged.
The attacks followed a raid by gunmen on the Church of Sayedat al-Najah (Our Lady of Salvation) in Baghdad on October 31 during which they kept dozens of worshippers during a Sunday mass hostage.
The takfirist ideology that allows the killing of others, be it Muslim or Christians or any other faith, is one that is alien to any divine religion or human values, Maliki said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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Meanwhile the takfiris assure the Christians they will eventually be exterminated if they don't leave the country.
BAGHDAD -- Iraqs newly reappointed premier Nuri al-Maliki faced the task of repairing a power-sharing pact on Saturday after claims the deal had already been broken. Reappointed on Thursday, Maliki now has 30 days to form his cabinet, with the next parliamentary session scheduled for Saturday.
But a dramatic walk-out by some 60 MPs from the Iraqiya bloc of former premier Iyad Allawi underscored the fragility of the deal just as it was getting inked.
As part of the accord, brokered during three days of intense talks, President Jalal Talabani, re-elected by MPs, named Maliki as prime minister.
But the move was overshadowed by a dispute that prompted angry members of the Iraqiya bloc to storm out of the Council of Representatives chamber. For many, the support of Allawis Iraqiya bloc, which narrowly won the March 7 poll and garnered most of its seats in Sunni areas, is vital to preventing a resurgence of violence.
Last night, it was clear, there are a lot of disagreements, independent Kurdish lawmaker Mahmud Othman told AFP on Friday.
Last night showed that the agreement is shaky, he added. Maybe it was signed behind closed doors, and when it came into the open, one side did not support it. If this means Iraqiya will not be participating in the government, that will create problems.
But senior Iraqiya MP Hassan Alawi, who did not walk out, said the Iraqiya MPs (who left) will be back in parliament and the agreement will be approved.
The parliamentary session, only the second since the election, had gotten off to a good start, with Maliki and Allawi sitting side-by-side in the chamber. But shortly after Sunni Arab and Iraqiya member Osama al-Nujaifi was chosen as speaker, verbal clashes erupted, with Iraqiya complaining the power-sharing deal was not being honoured.
Specifically, it called for three of its top members, barred for their alleged ties to Saddams Baath party, to be reinstated before voting for a president. When their demands were not met, dozens of lawmakers left the chamber. After some confusion, the remaining MPs began voting to re-elect Talabani.
We boycotted the session (on Thursday) because we showed good intentions to others, but they stabbed us in the back, said Saleh al-Mutlak, one of the three members Iraqiya wanted reinstated.
We will not return without international guarantees, he added, without elaborating.
The power-sharing deal stipulated that a Sunni Arab would hold the post of speaker, and that Talabani and Maliki would retain their posts. It also established a statutory body to oversee security, a concession to Allawi, who had held out for months to regain the post of premier.
Iraqiya has said its participation rests on four conditions: a bill forming the security body, a committee examining cases against political detainees, codifying the power-sharing deal and annulling bans on the three Iraqiya members.
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11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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[An Nahar] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu headed home late Thursday after lengthy talks with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ... sometimes described as the Smartest Woman in the World and at other times as Mrs. Bill... that failed to unblock the stalled Middle East peace processor.
A bland joint statement issued after a marathon seven-hour meeting in New York did not address Jewish settlements, the prickly issue that has derailed the latest effort to forge peace between Israel and the Paleostinians.
"The prime minister and the secretary agreed on the importance of continuing direct negotiations to achieve our goals," it said.
Direct talks broke down shortly after their launch in September when a moratorium on new settlement construction in the West Bank expired, and the Paleostinians are refusing to come back to the table until it is reimposed.
US President Barack B.O. Obama and Clinton led global criticism of plans announced by Israel this week to build 1,300 new houses in occupied east Jerusalem, where the Paleostinians want to place the capital of a future state.
This week's announcement prompted Paleostinian president Mahmud Abbas to call on the United Nations, aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society Security Council to urgently debate Israeli settlement construction, again complicating the US task.
In New York, Clinton and Netanyahu held a two-hour, face-to-face meeting before being joined by officials to try to come up with ways to get the negotiations back on track.
"Their teams will work closely together in the coming days toward that end," their joint statement said.
In Ramallah, where crowds gathered to mark the sixth anniversary of Paleostinian leader Yasser Arafat's death, Abbas said he would hold Obama to his September pledge to seek the creation of a Paleostinian state within a year.
"We consider this statement to be a commitment by President B.O., not just a slogan, and we hope that next year he won't say to us 'we apologize, we can't.'"
Ahead of discussions at a New York hotel, Clinton vowed to find "a way forward" and Netanyahu said "a historic agreement" with the Paleostinians was still possible.
"We also hope to broaden it to many other Arab countries... we are quite serious about doing it and we want to get on with it," Netanyahu added.
The Israeli leader has dismissed international criticism of the settlement plans as "overblown" and sought to draw a distinction between new Jewish homes in annexed Arab east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
In a speech delivered at Arafat's grave site, where a new museum is being built to honor the veteran leader, Abbas vowed he would not negotiate while Israel continued to build settlements on Paleostinian land.
He pledged to uphold Arafat's insistence that Paleostinians would one day secure east Jerusalem as the capital of a Paleostinian state and the right of return for refugees.
Abbas took umbrage at comments from Clinton on Wednesday, suggesting that "unilateral actions" by either side are unhelpful to the negotiations.
"We are thinking of going to the Security Council, and that is considered a unilateral act on our part, but when they (the Israelis) take unilateral actions like the wall, incursions, liquidations, uprooting olive trees, that isn't considered unilateral," he said.
Obama has made the deadlocked Middle East peace processor a foreign policy priority, though he acknowledged this week that "enormous obstacles" stand in his way.
In Jerusalem on Wednesday, visiting US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman John I was in Vietnam, you know Kerry ... the Senate's current foreign policy expert, filling the empty broghans of Joe Biden... warned that the chance to clinch Middle East peace was in danger of slipping away.
"The window of opportunity for a comprehensive peace is closing, narrowing is the best way to put it," he told news hounds at a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Posted by: Fred ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
Don't you have problems at home, Hillary and John?
#2
Seven hours of talk fail to make Mid East headway. Big deal. Fifty or sixty years of talks haven't made headway. Of course, to some people the problem is that the Juices won't just go away.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia ||
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Drat. Sorry for the double post.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia ||
11/14/2010 11:22 Comments ||
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The US asked Israel to freeze all new settlement construction begun after September 26th for a 90-day period in exchange for support in the United Nations and 20 additional advanced fighter planes worth $3 billion, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The principles of this agreement designed to restart peace talks with the Palestinians, were relayed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to his inner cabinet, a forum of seven ministers, on Saturday night and will be explained to the full cabinet on Sunday.
The US said that if the deal was accepted it would not request an additional settlement freeze. The request does not include east Jerusalem.
But as we'll see, the US won't have to 'request' additional freezes, it will just have to threaten, quietly, not to honor its side of the deal.
The date for the new freeze has not been set, but it would be retroactive to the September 26th date, when the previous 10-month moratorium on such activity expired.
The details of the deal were worked out Thursday during a seven-hour meeting in New York between Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and members of their staff.
Should Israel accept the offer, the US in turn has pledged in the next year to veto any efforts by the UN Security Council to impose on Israel a non-negotiated solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, as the Palestinians have requested. It would further veto any resolutions that deny Israel the right to self-defense or seek to de-legitimize Israel. The US would also oppose such efforts in other UN bodies and forums.
That's been our policy for the last 50 years. Does this mean that if Israel says no on the moratorium that Bambi will CHANGE the policy? In other words, do as we say or we stop protecting you at the UN? That's quite a shift.
The US administration would ask Congress to approve the supply of 20 additional advanced fighter planes to Israel worth $3 billion so that Israel can keep its qualitative edge. This defense assistance will be added into Israel's security agreement with the US, so that Israel's safety can be assured. Talks about these defense understanding will begin in the coming weeks.
Which means the moratorium has to last much longer, since the F35 isn't yet in production, and Israel won't get the planes first. If Israel drops the moratorium Bambi can in turn change his mind about the aircraft. It's a lousy deal for Israel.
Posted by: Steve White ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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#1
"We'll support you against attempts to kill you, if you'll commit suicide."
#2
Deliveries of the F-35 start well after the Obama administration is history. This is just one more attempt by the antisemite in chief to curry favor with the muslims. Clinton, Obama and co are going to start a war in the Middle East by pushing Israel into a corner. The way out of that corner will be through the wreckage of Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Riyadh, and Teheran. Debka today says that the US "map" of the ME has Israel giving up all but around 4% of the West Bank which would be national suicide.
BTW the 'posting guidance' articles are blocked from access - I didn't put any description because I know there's a problem from copyright trolls - please let me know if I'm doing it wrong
[An Nahar] The General Secretariat of the March 14 Those are the good guys, insofar as Leb has good guys... Forces on Saturday snapped back at Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah over his latest speech on the occasion of "Hizbullah's Martyr Day."
"Despite the positive elements Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech contained in terms of opening a window of hope and counting on the Saudi-Syrian efforts to preserve stability, he unleashed his imagination in a conspiratorial explanation of events," March 14 forces said in a statement.
Nasrallah addressed accusations of treason to Lebanese groups and leaders "devoting their lives for the sake of protecting Leb and its illusory sovereignty," said the statement.
"The March 14 forces, that are holding onto justice and stability together, will not succumb to blackmail" that aims to make Leb a failed State "as a prelude to toppling it," the statement went on to say.
"The State's failure to honor its commitments towards the international community and perform its constitutional duties is the fertile ground for strife, which is rejected by everyone."
The general secretariat noted that "the March 14 forces has made many initiatives in calling on Hizbullah to work together on the basis of 'unifying the accomplishments of liberation and independence' for the sake of Leb, instead of putting them against each other."
"Does this formula represent a conspiracy against anyone in Leb?" the general-secretariat wondered.
"Our stance regarding Hizbullah's arms has no ambiguities, and it is based upon one point: resolving this controversial issue through the mechanisms of dialogue and domestic understanding, according to the principle of integrating this weapons arsenal within the State ... Does this public stance contain 'hidden stitches" and a satanic conspiracy?"
Responding to Nasrallah's charges that some of the March 14 forces were trying to sabotage the Saudi-Syrian efforts with the help of Washington, the statement noted that "if Sayyed Nasrallah has 'some problem' with the Saudi-Syrian rapprochement, we hope he does not create a virtual solution to his real problem."
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11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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[An Nahar] Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah stressed on Friday before a meeting of hundreds of party members the importance of Saudi-Syrian efforts in ending the crisis in Leb, revealing new factors that could make these efforts more serious than before.
He also warned against the United States' influence on the efforts, adding that options are available against those who believe that an indictment will target Hizbullah members.
Furthermore, he predicted that the developments in Iraq will positively impact Leb and the region.
Meanwhile, ...back at the ranch... trusted Lebanese sources told As Safir Saturday that the Saudi-Syrian contacts are taking place on a semi-daily basis, revealing that they are not strictly addressing the indictment in the investigation into the liquidation for former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The sources said that the Syrian leadership had informed a number of Lebanese officials that the Resistance That'd be the Hezbullies, natch... and peace in Leb are a "red line".
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11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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[An Nahar] Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Saturday stressed that "whatever the dangers, difficulties and problems in Leb ... calm and constructive dialogue remain the only way to solve all dilemmas in the country."
Asked during an interview on Russia Today TV about ongoing tensions over the Special Tribunal for Leb's anticipated indictment, Hariri said that over the past five years, the March 14 Those are the good guys, insofar as Leb has good guys... camp had not contributed to aggravating tensions over the indictment or the tribunal, despite the fact that liquidations had targeted several March 14 politicians.
Hariri is expected to head to Moscow on Monday on a two-day visit during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and a number of officials.
The talks are expected to focus on the latest regional and international developments, as well as ways to develop bilateral ties in various fields.
"We are the aggrieved ones, we are the ones whose leaders, friends and brothers were assassinated, we are the ones who have been aggrieved throughout all this period. This matter must be appreciated by the others, the same way we must appreciate the others' concerns," Hariri told the Russian television.
Asked about Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's remarks that the controversial issue of the so-called "false witnesses" will lead towards unveiling prominent officials allegedly involved in the case, the premier rejected to get into an argument with anyone on the issue, stressing that only the relevant judicial authorities can identify "false witnesses."
As to Druze leader Walid Wally Jumblat ... who's been on every side in Leb at least four times... 's stance on the STL, Hariri said: "He has concerns, and there are many Lebanese who have concerns, but would these concerns be worked out through the approach of tensions and escalation."
Asked about the possibility of his resignation, Hariri said: "It is true that I had gained the parliament's confidence because I had formed a national unity government; however, the parliamentary majority had named me for premiership, that's why we continue (to head this government) and God willing we will continue this path."
The premier went on to say: "No one can threaten me to comply with what he wants, I don't accept this approach, I don't comply with threats. However, The infamous However... I'm willing to engage in calm and constructive dialogue, but if someone puts the gun to my head and says this is the way you should behave, that would be intolerable."
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11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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BRUSSELS EU diplomacy chief Catherine Ashton on Friday agreed to resume long-stalled nuclear talks between world powers and Iran on December 5, and suggested they be held in Austria or Switzerland.
Ashtons office said she has agreed to be a dhimmi their proposal to begin talks on December 5 and now looks forward to meeting Tehrans chief negotiator Saeed Jailili to discuss the countrys nuclear programme.
Iran this week proposed the talks take place in Istanbul but Ashtons preference is that the first meeting take place somewhere else in Europe and has proposed Austria or Switzerland.
US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley took a similar position Friday.
Istanbul could still be a location for a second follow-on meeting, he told reporters. But the general consensus is that the first meeting should be somewhere in central Europe.
In a letter seen by AFP sent to the Iranian side by Ashtons office, the EU diplomat proposes the talks kick off with a dinner December 5 and continue through to midday December 7 to have sufficient time for a full and in depth exchange of views.
Hmmm, dinner, and 'working' lunches the next two days. Whose dime?
Posted by: Steve White ||
11/14/2010 00:00 ||
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WASHINGTON A key US lawmaker lifted his hold Friday on 100 million dollars in US military aid to Lebanon, saying he was reassured Lebanese troops would run away from a stand-up fight with Israel. House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Howard Berman said he was satisfied with a "thorough" inter-agency review by President Barack Obamas administration of its military assistance program to Lebanon, initiated after his hold in August.
As a result, I am convinced that implementation of the spending plan will now have greater focus, and I am re-assured as to the nature and purposes of the proposed package, Berman said, noting he had been fully briefed about the review.
But he cited ongoing unrest in Lebanon amid simmering tensions with its Jewish neighbor in the wake of a 2006 big Israeli win between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah that killed 1,200 Lebanese, mainly Hezbully terrorists, and 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.
"I continue to be concerned about developments in Lebanon, and I will continue my ongoing discussions with State (Department) regarding the optimal contours of future military assistance for Lebanon," Berman said.
The California Democratic representative said he had received reassurances that US assistance to the Lebanese armed force has not fallen into the hands of Hezbollah, and Lebanese and US authorities were bribed to ensure that would not happen. He noted that the Lebanese military has taken "important steps to prevent recurrence of dangerous and provocative actions."
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#1
The California Democratic representative said he had received reassurances that US assistance to the Lebanese armed force has not fallen into the hands of Hezbollah
Would he be on a market for Brooklyn bringe? I'll sell it cheap.
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.
[Pak Daily Times] Former president 
BRUSSELS EU diplomacy chief Catherine Ashton on Friday agreed to resume long-stalled nuclear talks between world powers and Iran on December 5, and suggested they be held in Austria or Switzerland.
