Leading counterterrorism experts, including the Homeland Security adviser to US President George W. Bush, will attend the first international anti-terrorism conference in Riyadh to work out a global strategy to combat terrorism. The unusual gathering of security and intelligence officials from more than 50 countries from Feb. 5 to 8 sends a message of support to Saudi Arabia, which has been battling a wave of violence blamed on Al-Qaeda sympathizers since May 2003.
Crown Prince Abdullah is slated to open the conference tomorrow. A number of heads of state and presidents of international organizations are expected to take part in the conference, aimed at exchanging information and experience and fostering cooperation in the fight against terrorism. "We have invited all countries that have suffered from terrorism to the conference, and all have agreed to take part," said Prince Turki ibn Muhammad, assistant undersecretary for political affairs at the Foreign Ministry.
Saudi officials say the meeting, which also brings together UN and Interpol anti-terrorism experts, will be first of its kind. Participants will pool their experiences in tackling terror, its causes and links to organized crime and propose practical joint steps to curb militant violence, organizers said. The United States will also send counter-terrorism officials from the Treasury and State Departments. "I believe it will demonstrate, once again, that the United States and Saudi Arabia are engaging seriously to identify practical ways to fight terrorism along with other nations," said US Ambassador James Oberwetter.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 10:51:19 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[10 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
How about killing terrorists and sending a message? And how about a session on Saudi Princes giving millions to terrorists and to Wahabbi mosques and madarassas worldwide so that they can crank out suicidal nutcases?
I do not think that those subjects will make the agenda.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/04/2005 11:10 Comments ||
Top||
#2
nope, AP - I bet Joooooo occupation of the oppressed innocent Paleos does, tho'
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 11:12 Comments ||
Top||
#3
The meeting will accomplish nothing unless all the Western delegates come with at least three heavily-armed divisions each. THEN maybe we'd see some changes. It's way past time to acknowledge that Saudi Arabia is an enemy, not a friend, and we should treat them accordingly.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/04/2005 13:07 Comments ||
Top||
#4
âWe have invited all countries that have suffered from terrorism to the conference, and all have agreed to take part,â -OH? I heard they didn't invite Israel.
The IRA has issued a veiled threat that it will "abandon" its ceasefire in a deepening of the political crisis in Northern Ireland. Since the British and Irish governments accepted the assessment of Ulster's chief police officer Hugh Orde that the Provisional IRA were behind the £26.5 million Northern Bank raid last year, the situation has got worse. Republicans have insisted they were not responsible for the record breaking raid and blame "securocrats" trying to undermine the peace process for the accusation. But their position is becoming more isolated with the two governments, both police forces and all the other parties accepting their guilt and the Independent Monitoring Commission report into the incident expected to back the police view. The IRA responded to the accusations by withdrawing their offer to decommission weapons as part of an attempt to restore the devolved institutions.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 8:31:26 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
I said it yesterday, I'll say it again today. The provisional IRA is a marxist splinter group that broke off from the traditional IRA back in the 1970's when the old guard wouldn't go along with their philosophy of attempting to use anarchy to promote social change. They are one bunch of ugly SOB's, funded and trained back in the good old days by people such as the Libyans. So, when the IRA says they aren't responsible for this, they mean it. They disowned these crazies decades ago.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 9:49 Comments ||
Top||
#2
The Provisional IRA are the IRA, Weird Al. Whoever else it is you think you're referring to doesn't exist. Simply repeating your ignorant comments on this issue doesn't make them any less irrelevant.
#3
Sorry 2. Simply repeating YOUR ignorant comments doesn't make them true either. The provos and the mainline IRA are not the same. It's called magical thinking. If I say Weird Al is ignorant, it becomes true. You see, most people outgrow that kind of thinking about the time they find out there isn't a santa claus.
I've spent a number of years studying the subject, and can refer you to any of half a dozen books on the subject, some written by people with no sympathy for the IRA whatsoever. The provos are marxist terrorists. They broke from the traditional IRA over their promotion of marxist ideology. Marxism is about as dead an issue in ireland as you could come up with. For many years irish catholics were forbidden by law to own land. It has now become a mania with them. Irish gov't figures released last october showed that in the mid 1970's, the average house in ireland sold for the equivalent of 7,800 euro. Today the average house sells for 246,000 euro. These people are going to embrace a philosophy calling for communal ownership of property? Right.
The fact that the mainline IRA is now the largest catholic party in the north, while everyone but ev eryone loathes the provos just about says it all.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 12:26 Comments ||
Top||
#5
A civil well reasoned response to be sure. Back to the sandbox until you can learn to play well with others.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 12:36 Comments ||
Top||
#6
Look Al, I'll be honest with you. I don't enjoy discussing the IRA for a number of reasons, which I don't really feel like going into. I don't want to embarrass you, either. You are confused about the most basic facts regarding the Northern Ireland Troubles. Do some Googling and/or buy yourself some balanced books on the subject. Ditch the propaganda material.
#7
While I can't agree that I'm confused about the basic facts of the troubles, nor do I think that I'll get anything less than propaganda from most google searches, I can respect anyone who doesn't want to discuss it for any reason. It's a nasty subject about nasty people on both sides. I retract an apologise for anything mean-spirited I had to say and will let it go at that.
Enough said.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 12:54 Comments ||
Top||
#8
One last post. I'm not an apologist or grand supporter of the IRA. I look at the irish conflicts for the same reason I study the american civil war. I find them fascinating. With apologies to the supporters of the lost cause, I don't think either produced any true heros, or if they did, the heros died early, as they usually do. After that it just got downright butt-ugly. End of story.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 13:47 Comments ||
Top||
#9
Al, fwiw I think your a stand up dude. Trust me, I know where your coming from wrt history of the IRA vs the provo splinter group. One can support a unified Ireland without supporting terrorism which is where I think we both are at.
I made a quote yesterday that if I was a N.I. catholic I would never give up my guns, & I standy by that. I'm not advocating violence toward the govt, brits, ect, but I am advocating a person's rights to own a firearm & be free of govt tyranny. One of the other posters took issue and tried to twist my quote into the jew/arab paleo conflict as congruent to the brit/mick conflict. Heck, I'd like to see Palestine have their own state free of terrorism and peaceful toward Israel. I'd also like to see honest citizens anywhere in the world be able to own a firearm if they so desire.
#11
Jarhead, while I don't have any weapons that I'm aware of, I have no quarrel with reasonably responsible people owning guns. However, I do draw the line at plastique, grenades, anti-tank weapons and mines. Would you be agreeable to the IRA (regular and Provo, or whatever they choose to call themselves these days) divesting themselves of such things? The Orangemen as well? By all accounts the IRA at least have large stores of such things.
The issue, as I see it, about Northern Ireland, is that unlike in the homogeneously Catholic south, the population of N.I. is divided between the Catholics and the Scots-Irish Protestants who migrated/were brought in centuries ago to work for the English. They were available, as I understand it, as a result of the Clearances in Scotland, when the peasants and small landholders were replaced with herds of sheep, which provided wool for the looms of industrializing England. At any rate, the population in N.I. is now settled and mixed, which would not amalgamate well with the homogeneous south.
#12
Quite a few of the Scotch protestants were given land for their services to king Billy way back when. They didn't do terribly well under british rule either, since the good church of england types didn't think much more of presbyterians than they did of catholics. The main difference was they did in fact own land, and over the years came to totally dominate the north. And no, as it stands the north would not integrate well with the south, since the constitution of the republic includes a state religion. Not protestant. Duh. I wouldn't go for it either, if I was a prod living in the north being told I had to atone for the sins of the fathers times seven. As to the other, yes everybody should cough up all their heavy weapons. That doesn't mean eveything, and realisticly neither side is going to do it anyway. As I said before, the right to buy/own/have weapons is the right to be free.
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 16:28 Comments ||
Top||
#13
A very brief history of the IRA: When the Troubles started in 1969 the IRA was a Marxist political party. The story goes that when Catholics asked the IRA for weapons to defend themselves against attacks, the IRA could only find a total of 5 revolvers. The IRA wanted to keep The Troubles a political struggle and a group wanting a military struggle split to become the Provisional IRA (the Provos). The existing IRA was referred to as the Official IRA - derogatorially called 'stickies' because sticks was all they had to defend themselves.
The Provos were less marxist and more traditional Irish nationalist than the Official IRA which remained marxist and pursued the military option. The Officials were an active force for a number of years after the split and certain areas of Belfast were Officlal controlled and other Provo controlled. After the early-70s the Officials faded from view as the Provos became the predominant force.
In summary the Provos were less marxist and more nationalist than the IRAs previous incarnation. I do not consider the Provos marxist.
#15
Perception is often more important than reality. If the powers that be think the IRA is behind the stunt, the IRA's denial is of limited value. The denial may be true; the denial may be legitimate -- who knows. What does matter, is that the bank robbery put everyone on edge and re-stirred a rather unhappy pot.
#16
TW - of course, that is reasonable. I see no need for grenades, C-4, mines, shoulder fired missiles of any sort - which is why I mentioned firearms and not explosives, missiles, or indirect fire weapons (i.e. mortars). I beleive every law abiding citizen should have the right *to own or not own* a firearm based on their own individual beliefs, not because the govt told them to. I think catholics in Ireland, Jewish settlers, protestants, & law abiding paleos deserve that right. Prolly the reason some Iraqis who voted yesterday were able to fight thugs who wanted to teach them a lesson today.
#17
Thanks, Jarhead. I value your opinion -- your experience and outlook are so very different than mine. I'll do my bit keeping the home fires burning, while you make the bad guys sorry, ok? And I do appreciate the occasional invective, too -- absolutely revelatory to one whose life is as sheltered as mine!
I.R.A. Delivers New Warning on Ulster Talks
Despite a fresh warning on Thursday from the Irish Republican Army not to "underestimate the seriousness" of its actions, the group's decision to withdraw from peace negotiations in Northern Ireland is not expected to lead to a resumption in violence, government and law-enforcement officials said.
"At least, we hope it won't..."
"We are clear that the I.R.A. has the capacity, it has the capability," said Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland's chief constable. "But I don't think they have the intent to go back to war or armed struggle. We continue to monitor that daily." Few questioned Mr. Orde's assessment, and there was nothing in the I.R.A.'s statement, printed Wednesday night, that would indicate that it planned a return to violence. There was little doubt, however, that the I.R.A.'s announcement that it would withdraw its offer to decommission its weapons, a critical linchpin in the Northern Ireland power-sharing agreement, threw the peace negotiations into even deeper turmoil. If anything, the I.R.A.'s withdrawal from the negotiating table served to underscore how positions had shifted and hardened on all sides since the I.R.A. was accused by the police of a $50 million bank robbery in Northern Ireland in December.
The I.R.A. has denied any involvement in the robbery, a position that has been repeated often and loudly by Sinn Fein, the I.R.A.'s political wing and the largest Roman Catholic party in Northern Ireland. In a statement delivered to Irish national radio late Thursday, the I.R.A. said the British and Irish governments were "trying to play down the importance of our statement because they are making a mess of the peace process." "Do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation," he added.
Without offering any public evidence or making any arrests, Mr. Orde has said the I.R.A. was responsible for the bank robbery, an accusation supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain and the Irish prime minister, Bertie Ahern. Mr. Ahern, seeking to defuse the crisis, said he did not read the I.R.A. statement in a "negative fashion." "They are saying what is a fact - that negotiations have broken down," he said. "Everything is off the table and that's the normal course of negotiation."
Posted by: Weird Al ||
02/04/2005 7:45:36 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
There are severe penalties for IRA withdrawals before 59-1/2.
IN a controversial interview on British television, Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev has vowed further attacks against Russia similar to the Beslan school siege that claimed 344 lives, half of them children.
Of course, if he's titzup then it's still not gonna do him any good...
The exclusive interview aired yesterday on Channel 4 news despite protests by the Russian Government that the broadcast would amount to terrorist propaganda. Sitting calmly behind a laptop computer and clutching a grenade launcher, Russia's public enemy No1 said he would fight on because of Moscow's refusal to withdraw troops from Chechnya, a mainly Muslim republic in southern Russia.
The grenade launcher's a homey touch. Why, Patton used to... Ummm... No. He didn't. Forget it.
"We are planning more Beslan-type operations in the future because we are forced to do so," the bearded militant said, adding he wanted to "show the world again and again the true face of the Russian regime".
You mean weeping, because their army's not competent enough to hunt down and kill the terrorists infesting their country?
Wearing a black T-shirt with the slogan "Anti-Terror" written in white Cyrillic letters, Basayev said he believed the Kremlin, not himself, was responsible for terrorism. Behind him, a banner in Arabic read: "There is no God but God, Mohammed is his prophet."
That kind of negates that stoopid comment, doesn't it?
Referring to the Beslan siege last September, which ended in a gunfight that Basayev blamed on the Russian authorities, he admitted: "To be honest, I am even shocked by what happened there and am still in a state of shock after it."
"Not that that'd stop us from doing it again if we get the chance..."
Channel 4 defended the broadcast of Basayev's first interview since the hostage-taking drama, arguing it was in the public interest. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "Such an irresponsible move to offer a wide audience to the threats of a bandit ... is counter to the efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism."
On the other hand, it's going to make a certain number of the audience look at each other and say "What's it matter what the Russers do to a bunch of Chechens when they produce slime like this guy?"
But the broadcaster said airing the piece did not amount to condoning its contents and pointed to how the media regularly runs videos and audiotapes by Osama bin Laden. The interview is a scoop for Channel 4 that took months of covert preparations, involving secret meetings in undisclosed locations in Europe and the Middle East. It said the footage was filmed at an unknown location by Basayev's men. The British Government sought to distance itself from the broadcast. "The decision to feature this interview is for the broadcaster to take. It has nothing to do with the Government," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
It doesn't, unless Beebs runs it. That's the advantage and the disadvantage of a free press.
Basayev, believed to be hiding in the mountains of southern Chechnya, spoke of more mayhem similar to Beslan, warning that all Russians remained a target. "They are not peaceful people for us. Peaceful people for us are those that do not pay taxes for this war, people who do not participate and who speak out against this," he said in reference to Russia's military campaign in Chechnya.
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 11:43:20 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
So he's saying he didn't approve of how it turned out but he's going to do it again?
How many faces does this guy have?
Posted by: Phil Fraering ||
02/04/2005 12:04 Comments ||
Top||
#2
I'm not sure of faces but he has only a full leg and he is surely a moral midget!
#3
No surprise. Here is another muslime faggot child rapist following Muhamhead's example of child rape and murder. Yes Muhamhead was a pedopohile he was 54 when he boned a 9 year old little girl. According to pIslam's own history.
This goat fucker is just following pIslamic teachings.
#4
Article: "They are not peaceful people for us. Peaceful people for us are those that do not pay taxes for this war, people who do not participate and who speak out against this," he said in reference to Russiaâs military campaign in Chechnya.
These are the rules by which WWII was fought - and the rationale for bombing German and Japanese cities into rubble. Now, if the Russians use the same rules against the Muslims who fund this war against them, there's not going to be many Muslims alive when they're finished. My feeling is that Muslims think the Russians won't go all the way. I happen to think that assessment is accurate.
#5
Assuming he was killed in January, as another article suggests, should we assume the segment was made before the shootout, or is he destined to become the Tupac of terrorists?
Posted by: The Doctor ||
02/04/2005 17:08 Comments ||
Top||
North Korea will turn U.S. military bases in the region into a "sea of fire" if war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean media on Friday quoted a communist officer as saying.
"Sea Of Fire" man returns, Rantburgers rejoice!
The North's state-run news media highlighted the comment hours after South Korea released a new defense policy paper that revealed a U.S. reinforcement plan to dispatch 690,000 troops and 2,000 warplanes if war breaks out in Korea. North Korea's saber-rattling rhetoric comes as the isolated North is urging its military to prepare for what it calls a U.S. plan to invade. Washington and its allies say they are trying to end the North's nuclear weapons programs through multinational disarmament talks. "If the U.S. imperialists ignite flames of war, we will first of all strike all bases of U.S. imperialist aggressors and turn them into a sea of fire," North Korea's Central Radio quoted officer Hur Ryong as saying, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. Hur was also quoted as saying that the North Korean military will "thoroughly incinerate the aggressor elements that collude with the U.S. imperialists," in an apparent reference to South Korea and Japan, both of which host U.S. military bases. Hur made his comment on Wednesday during a debate in Pyongyang on leader Kim Jong Il's "army-first" policy that stresses military strength.
Earlier Friday, South Korea released its new defense white paper that mirrored its efforts to redefine half-century-old confrontation with the communist North as well as adjust its alliance with the United States. The white paper, which has been updated for the first time in four years, removes 10-year-old references to North Korea being the South's "main enemy," though it still calls the North a "direct military threat." The removal of the "main enemy" term is largely symbolic but reflects South Korea's efforts at fostering reconciliation with North Korea. The commitment of U.S. troops in the event of war appears aimed at easing concerns that Washington's plan to use U.S. troops in South Korea as rapid regional redeployments could create a security vacuum in the world's last remaining Cold War flash point. "The reinforcement plan reflects a strong U.S. commitment to defending South Korea," the South Korean white paper said.
North Korea, which accuses the United States and South Korea of preparing to invade over its nuclear weapons programs, has added more artillery pieces and missiles to its Korean People's Army, already the world's fifth largest, it said. The number of North Korean troops remained unchanged at 1.17 million. Already armed with large stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, the North is resisting U.S. pressure to give up its nuclear weapons programs. Three rounds of six-nation talks aimed at ending the programs produced no breakthroughs. The United States, the two Koreas, China, Japan and Russia are struggling to schedule a new round of talks.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/04/2005 9:32:56 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
I - Incomplete. Big points for Sea of Fire, but no notice of Juche or Songon or 2 inch hair. May have been the editing. Comade Ryong is showing the effects of a long layoff.
#3
it's tough to get back into the Juche-mood....possibly spring training needed
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 10:02 Comments ||
Top||
#4
"If the U.S. imperialists ignite flames of war, we will first of all strike all bases of U.S. imperialist aggressors and turn them into a sea of fire,"
This almost reminds me of a bad Godzilla movie or something. Should be interesting since we're just one head of a 7 headed dragon (whom, I assume breates fire too) according to the mad mullahs! Fire on fire...should be an interesting match!
Posted by: BA ||
02/04/2005 10:06 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Army (or whatever) bases aren't all that big. How tight is the North Korean targetting ability? Last I heard (and admittedly I'm not paying close attention) they missed Japan. According to my atlas, Japan is a lot bigger than an army base.
Our missile targetting, however, has a tolerance of yards.
Seoul itself (which used to have U.S. mil bases before we moved farther south) is within range of about 10,000 N.Kor artillery pieces. Or so the intel goes. Don't need guidance systems for artillery shells.
#8
reinforcement plan to dispatch 690,000 troops and 2,000 warplanes
Where the hell did this come from? It's probably a decades old plan. I don't think we have 690,000 troups today. Besides, that number wouldn't be needed with modern weapons.
South Korea's defense department has updated a key White Paper dealing with North Korea to reflect a more conciliatory attitude - while leaving no doubts that it would try to deter any possible attack.
"Pak, what's a nice word for 'nutbag'?"
The document, released Friday, drops 10-year-old references to North Korea as the "main enemy" of South Korea, instead describing the Communist state as a "direct military threat."
"We got millions o' enemies, and you is only a few dozen!"
The revisions to the White Paper, the first in four years, reflect South Korea's policy of seeking to engage the North peacefully. At the same time, the document says the United States would commit 690,000 military personnel, supported by about 2,000 war planes should North Korea attack. The paper says that commitment would require 70 percent of all U.S. Marines, half of the U.S. Air Force, and 40 percent of the U.S. Navy, plus thousands of Army troops, to defend South Korea.
On the other hand, NKor wouldn't be a threat anymore when we were done.
Kim Yong-kyu, a spokesman for U.S. Forces in Korea, confirms that contingency plan, but says the troops would not arrive at once. "This reinforcement number [would] not be deployed at one time," he said. "They have it in three stages." The span of time for the three stages, says Mr. Kim, would depend on the nature and intensity of the conflict. The numbers outlined in the paper would be more than four times the U.S. force presence in Iraq. Kim Tae-woo, a senior fellow at the Korean Institute for Defense Analyses, says that is because a conflict with North Korea would be extremely demanding. "The North Korean military forces are much larger and stronger," he said.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 8:36:04 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#2
Lol, BigEd! I haven't seen the movie cuz I refuse to give Hollyweird Loot, Rape, and Pillage System so much of my hard-earned scratch to go to a theater, so this was great fun, Thx, heh.
#5
I'll do the DVD, see at a matinee price, or watch on cable, but NEVER will I pay premium $$$ into the Hollyweird System every again. I treat them just the same as France, China, Germany, Belgium, Russia, et al. I know, I'm missing out - such is the price of my principles, lol!
The US Defence Secretary has said he is considering whether to attend a conference in Germany, where he may face arrest for war crimes.
You know, it would be fun to see them try it. Fun in a horrific traffic accident kind of way.
Donald Rumsfeld is due to attend a gathering of high-level defence officials and experts next week. But he says he has not yet decided whether or not to attend the conference in the German city of Munich. US lawyers representing Iraqis who say they were abused in US custody have filed a complaint with a German court.
Belgium backed down on this same kind of issue, ya gonna let them show you up, Germany?
"It's certainly an issue. It's something that we have to take into consideration," Mr Rumsfeld said on Thursday. "Whether I'll end up there, we'll soon know. It'll be a week and we'll find out."
"We'll also find out where we're going move those troops we still have in Germany"
There is no mention of Mr Rumsfeld's attendance on the website for the conference, which runs from 11-13 February. In a suit filed with German federal prosecutors, the New-York based Center for Constitutional Rights accuses Mr Rumsfeld of war crimes linked to the alleged abuse of detainees at Iraq's Abu Ghraib detention centre. US investigations into the abuse scandal have concluded that he was not directly responsible. The complaint was filed in Germany as its laws allow war crimes and human rights violations to be prosecuted across international boundaries. The prosecutor's office has not taken any action on the complaint, filed last November.
"What do you take us for, a bunch of dumbkof's?"
The conference has not always been a welcome event for Mr Rumsfeld - in 2003, German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, publicly challenged Mr Rumsfeld's justifications for possible military action over Iraq, precipitating a deterioration in relations between the two nations.
Definitely go. Put Schroeder on the spot if they're stoopid enough to do anything but blow smoke.
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 11:02:27 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
And nothing like this would happen with the ICC...
#2
I hope he goes and puts them on the spot. If they try to arrest him, it'll be the end of NATO and US protection over Germany. End the bases there.
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 12:39 Comments ||
Top||
#3
I'd go farther than that FrankG, I'd make it equivalent to a declaration of war from Germany, and make sure that they PUBLICLY understand it.
Then let them either PUBLICLY back down or spool up their nanny state military for a real fight.
This crap Europeans have about putting Americans on "trial" for defending this nation has got to end, and frankly I've had it to the point that if it takes another war in Europe to get this across, then so be it.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
02/04/2005 13:22 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Was gonna note that Merkins wouldn't take kindly to that sort of treatment of an elderly citizen just cause he's SECDEF. But then LotR went and illustrated that point very nicely.
#5
I'd like to add that I'm not jumping on Germany in particular for this, they are just the latest country these idiotic threats have come from.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
02/04/2005 13:29 Comments ||
Top||
#6
Going to war over this idiocy might be a bit extreme, but something has to be done about these idiots. Letting them make fools of themselves is always a great option.
I wonder how they got it in their heads that they had the *right* to prosecute people from other countries for running legitimate military operations. If it was a war of pure conquest, I might (a very small might) agree that maybe they might possibly have the potential for something resembling a probable basis for an argument. But that doesn't cover any of the U.S. operations, and furthermore there would be no benefit to trying that before you'd attempt to arrest people like Mugabe and the mullahs and Kimmie and the Sudan "leaders," all of whom care more about their own power and position than anything else. And not a word about the Syria/Lebanon occupation? I wonder whether they're taking some kind of warped cue from the Nuremberg (sp?) trials?
There is something terribly wrong in Europe when people in Germany seriously suggest arresting the SecDef of the United States, but next door Yassir Arafat is given first-class medical care as his worthless carcass rots and his soul departs on the next train to hell.
Posted by: The Doctor ||
02/04/2005 13:42 Comments ||
Top||
#7
Go, Rummy. But take some of the nastier pieces of work from the HRT along, just in case.
#8
We should publically tell the Russians that for $5 billion US, we'll let them have all of Germany without interference this time. Besides, it's time to end the Occupation of Germany anyway. What's our exit strategy Democrats? Isn't 60 years enough time to occupy them?
On the other side of the equation, how about issuing arrest warrants for all officials of Old Europe - for cowardice in the face of the enemy - or whatever the legal beagles want to call it?
#10
Before we get all cranked up about Germany,the article clearly states it is a group of AMERICAN lawyers who are trying to get some publicity,by "jurisdiction shopping". Notice the German court has ignored them for 3 months so far,and will never take the case. The chances are they tried Germany,because Belgium quickly changed its laws over similar idiocy.
Posted by: Stephen ||
02/04/2005 15:45 Comments ||
Top||
#11
You know, it would be fun to see them try it. Fun in a horrific traffic accident kind of way.
The former site of Munich, Germany, where the German government foolishly allowed Totalitarianist Leftist officials from the ICRC arrest kidnap US Secy. of Defense Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld was released from the brussels prison where he had been held by now "educated" and terified guards. RUMSFELD immediately flew back to Washington.
#12
Rummy goes to the conference. The New Yawk Lawyahs are told to shove this thing up their collective asses. Ignore them. They are publicity hounds and are trying to embarass and humiliate the SoD and the US Government. Then we should quietly start looking for nefarious things that the Lawyuhs have done and talk to prosecutors about it, if the need comes up.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/04/2005 16:17 Comments ||
Top||
#13
BigEd, that's beautiful.
Posted by: The Doctor ||
02/04/2005 17:11 Comments ||
Top||
#14
"We should publically tell the Russians that for $5 billion US, we'll let them have all of Germany without interference this time."
That's ridiculous, we can get at least $500 billion.
#15
Was gonna note that Merkins wouldn't take kindly to that sort of treatment of an elderly citizen just cause he's SECDEF...
Elderly? He's gotta be one of the hottest elderly men I've ever seen. Rummy's a classicly handsome guy.
If Europe would just take a breath, step back and think about this a bit, it might clear up some confusion on their part on why we don't always seek concensus or invite their input. On important matters, their judgment is dangerously flawed.
#16
Going to war over this idiocy might be a bit extreme
Any bets that the SecDef is routinely extended diplomatic credentials, and is thus protected by diplomatic immunity? Wouldn't a purposeful violation of diplomatic immunity be at least a major incident?
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/04/2005 19:26 Comments ||
Top||
#17
Oh pleaaase, US lawyers, would you kindly stop to exploit German legal loopholes? We should slap them with a hefty fee for frivolous lawsuits.
The law is not a stupid one, it was made to go after war crimes of dictators and other unsavoury characters provided that the victims of such war crimes could not seek prosecution in their own country or in the country of the defendant.
Since you can, of course, press prosecution against Rumsfeld in the U.S. if you have the inclination, the German law doesn't apply and the Federal Attorney will, if you pester him any more, kindly tell you so.
Of course Rumsfeld enjoys full diplomatic immunity so he will be protected by German police, not arrested. Condi Rice is safe, too :-)
Ah, it was a busy day.
PS: BigEd, since I will attend the Munich Security Conference you might want to reconsider the crater idea.
Please understand that this is NOT a German issue. Go after your own lawyers for that one.
Oh and please Rummy, come to Munich. Hillary Clinton said she was going to attend! Sorry, Douglas Feith doesn't cut it.
#18
We can't blame you, TGA, or Germany as a whole for these idiots, since they come from our side of the Atlantic. OTOP, why haven't your courts thrown the case out immediately?
A painting depicting a couple making love while covered in Quranic verses was removed from a Swedish museum this week after hundreds of complaints, some threatening, from Muslims who found it offensive, officials said Thursday.
I can see removing it because it's stoopid and tasteless...
The painting, "Scene d'Amour," by Louzla Darabi, was removed Monday from an exhibit about AIDS at the World Culture Museum in Goteborg in southern Sweden. More than 400,000 of Sweden's 9 million residents are Muslim, and the museum received some 700 complaints about the painting, including some that were threatening. Museum director Jette Sandahl said the painting was removed because it was detracting attention from the exhibit. "We were having so many conversations with the audience about that painting, and it was getting more and more intense," Sandahl said. "It shifted the focus from HIV and AIDS, which is what the exhibit is about."
Obviously it's not about art...
The exhibit, which contains about 500 works of art, is meant to highlight the human tragedy of AIDS but also contains sections focusing on hope and desire. Sandahl said "Scene d'Amour" was meant to "be a celebration of erotic love." The painting was replaced by another work by Darabi, that also contains an erotic scene but without Islamic verses. Darabi could not be reached for comment.
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 10:45:43 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Was it removed due to artistic considerations, sheer concern, or outright fear?
Via Barcepundit, might be old news: The Madrid Club of former Spanish heads of state has invited US President George W Bush to mark the first anniversary of the 11 March terrorist bombings. The move could be seen as an effort to try to boost the poor relations between Spain and the US, which have not improved since the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq last year soon after the present Socialist government came to power. It also came as the Spanish daily El Pais reported Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero was considering changing tack on Iraq in order to lift the chill on US-relations. Zapatero is not thought to be considering re-deploying Spanish troops, but suggesting some aid to Iraq in order to thaw relations with the US.
The Madrid Club has also invited heads of other EU countries and the 15 members of the UN Security Council. They include Vladamir Putin, the Russian premier, Hu Jintao, the Chinese head of state, the Colombian leader Alvaro Uribe and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Indonesian premier. UN Secretary General Kofi Anan is known to be attending the ceremony in Madrid to mark what was SpainÂŽs worst terrorist atrocity in which 191 people were killed and 1,500 injured when ten bombs went off on four commuter trains. Islamic extremists were behind the series of devastating attacks. So far, 100 people have been arrested in connection with the terrorist attacks.
Spain is not among the countries on US Secretary of State Condoleeza RiceÂŽs forthcoming tour of Nato countries between 3-10 February. Bush is also coming to Europe later this month, but is not expected to meet Zapatero. The Madrid Club works to improve international understanding and is separate from the national government.
Posted by: anonymous2u ||
02/04/2005 12:53:02 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Interesting. I'll bet this got quite a bit of "play" from the various entities advising the President - and would have had one or two eye-opening assessments. Knowing Bush, he just might go - if only to show respect for those who died at the hands of terrorists. Hard to say if the situation would offer quality meeting time or if he even wants to meet with any of the other attendees. Certainly, Zappie is not on his list - if / when that happens, it will be on US turf and the invitation initiated by the US.
#3
How do you celebrate this shameful anniversary and the disgusting stab at appeasement that followed?
By bending over, spreading your cheeks and yelling Thank you sir, may I have another?
#4
"By bending over, spreading your cheeks and yelling...
...R.U.N., R.U.N., R.U.N.!
Posted by: Analog Roam ||
02/04/2005 16:25 Comments ||
Top||
#5
How to mark this sad anniversary? Dip your finger in purple ink, show up and stand solemnly next to Aznar and beat feet out of town the moment it's over.
#6
JM / AR - Gotta differ with you guys. It was after the attack that the public beat feet and brought Zappie to power. The election, held only days after the event - before the Spaniards could make sense of it and see the big picture, was shameful, the attack was cowardly on the part of the attackers. I see no kow-tow involved in honoring the victims - for they were victims. Spain didn't ask for it - not until afterwards, IMHO. Your logic leads to a place you don't want to go, methinks.
#7
Gotta disagree a bit there .com. The best way to remember an anniversary such as this is to simply treat it as any other day. Give no respect, no remembrance, no chance for comment, and no spotlight to the event (and in turn those who perpetuated it). The dead are gone, their families have grieved, in the context of a leftist European state this event will serve no purpose other than as a platform from which to trumpet the need for tolerance and understanding of Islamist killers.
#8
A clarification on #4. The R.U.N. comment was from an old joke. Something about bending over and spelling "RUN" (are you in) three times real fast.
JerseyMikes, bend over and spread `em remark caused some spontaneous neuron activity resulting in my post.
Posted by: Analog Roam ||
02/04/2005 18:44 Comments ||
Top||
#9
"Spain is not among the countries on US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice´s forthcoming tour of Nato countries..."
Spain, coulda been a contenda. They went with Aznar having a place with Bush and Blair to begging to give Iraq money to make the US a bit friendlier. They coulda been somebody.
#10
TU - your #7 comment means the same applies to the 9/11 victims - you say forget 'em? This is precisely what I meant when I warned where that logic takes you. The people in the Madrid train massacre were victims on 3/11. On election day, the nation voted to become dhimmis.
Sorry, but you're wrong, IMHO. I guess we can agree to disagree, but I do not accept that the 9/11 and 3/11 victims are different. What differentiates the two situations is how their people and elected Govts responded.
#11
I agree w/SteveS. Pay respect to the victims, when they woke up that morning they did not envision it would be their last time. After W pays his respects - get out of dodge. Snub zappie.
A mob of Seattle Central Community College students chased military recruiters off campus last month, after a tense confrontation. Now a student anti-war group is stepping up efforts to keep them out for good. Students Against War has launched a petition drive aimed at persuading administrators to order a halt to on-campus military recruiting. The group points to a November ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Philadelphia-based court held that a college opposed to the policy barring gays and lesbians in the armed forces has a First Amendment right to protest by blocking access to military recruiters. Central students opposed to the war in Iraq have been fighting the presence of military recruiters all year.
The group organized a protest to coincide with President Bush's inauguration Jan. 20, but it started sooner than scheduled when several hundred students surrounded two Army recruiters. The students hurled insults and water bottles, according to witnesses, forcing the recruiters to flee under the protection of campus security officers. There were no reports of injuries. Administrators initially threatened to take disciplinary action against Students Against War, which denied any responsibility for the incident. Yesterday, however, officials backed off their demand that the group apologize to the recruiters or be stripped of their affiliation with the college. Central President Mildred Ollee said she dropped the ultimatum after discovering that members of other student groups were involved in the confrontation. "I'm not prepared to go on a witch hunt," she said. "We did the best we could do in this, and I believe the students have learned something and we're going to move forward."
Yeah. They learned they can do as they damned well please and you'll roll over and ask for more.
Leaders of the anti-war group told a small crowd of students yesterday that they intend to press for the military recruiting ban. "We do not want the military in our schools asking our friends and family to fight for a war that is wrong," Nicole Thomas said. "We want recruiters out of our schools."
Continued on Page 49
#1
Isn't it time for a platoon or two to enroll at Seattle Community? I'm sure some young soldiers at Fort Lewis would love to get (and give) the full Seattle Central Community College experience.
Posted by: ed ||
02/04/2005 18:48 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Solution is pull all Federal funding including goverment backed student loans and grants to this school. End of story. Screw them. They have no right to federal aid.
"We do not want the military in our schools asking our friends and family to fight for a war that is wrong," Nicole Thomas said. "We want recruiters out of our schools."
Free speech for me, not for thee! And I'll whine and chant and bitch and moan and throw a tantrum until I get my way!
Posted by: Dar ||
02/04/2005 19:33 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Geez, what's with Seattle? They're starting to make San Francisco look civilized.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 19:54 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Only DI's with a martial arts skills to be assigned.
#7
mojo, you've no idea just how many of them would love to pull a tour like that. Would bring new meaning to the G.I. Bill. Faggoty-ass peace pansie hippies. They don't want peace, they have a fake social consience and a truly cowards.
#8
The following is an 'wasn't me!' letter written by the Student Advisor for the student organization:
Via: Sound Politics You can also read the email requesting that this student group apologize.
From: Knutson, Peter
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 8:45 AM
To: Central; North; Siegal; South; SVI
Subject: SCCC demands student group apologize to the U.S. Army
To: GNA Garcia
Coordinator of Student Involvement
Student Leadership Division
Seattle Central Community College
In re: Your letter; Public Disclosure Request
I write in response to your emails of 1/27/05. You state that the student organization, Students Against War, of which I am the faculty advisor, will be disbanded as of February 3, 2005 unless the group sends a formal apology to representatives of the United States Army regarding âthe events of Friday, January 21, 2005.â Should they refuse your demand, Students Against War will be denied the use of public facilities at SCCC by the college administration.
I assume you actually refer to the Inaugural Protest of Thursday, January 20. I further assume that you write this letter in your official capacity as a functionary of the SCCC administration in the Division of Student Leadership.
You allege that Students Against War engaged in âintensely alarming behaviorâ in the presence of Army recruiters. You claim that members of the organization Students Against War menaced people in the hallways, disregarded civil rights of others and touted such behavior as âadmirableâ at the subsequent Westlake Center counter-inaugural demonstration. You provide no sources or names of witnesses. Based on hearsay, you would deny this campus group their voice on our campus, without benefit of due process. Consequent to your allegations I therefore append to this letter three legally binding Public Disclosure Requests to which you and your supervisors are required to respond.
I was teaching during the time in which you allege that Students Against War was harassing U.S. Army personnel. I have subsequently spoken with SCCC staff and students who were directly present in the Atrium during the time you reference. The following are the facts as I have been able to ascertain them:
1-Students Against War was permitted to conduct a rally on the South Lawn. This rally of nearly a thousand individuals was conducted peacefully.
2-Students Against War did not promote or orchestrate the events in the Atrium. You are correct when you state that Students Against War did not plan to harass recruiters or behave in an uncivil fashion towards the military recruiters who, in your view, had âequal rights to be on our campusâ along with students. Not only did the group not plan such actions, but the group did not commit such actions.
Students who demonstrated against the presence of military recruiters in the Atrium did so as a matter of individual conscience, not as members of an organized student group. As faculty advisor to many campus organizations since 1996, I have never been instructed by your office that any student group is to be responsible for policing the entirety of the SCCC campus.
3-U.S. Army recruiters were informed by SCCC staff prior to their activities that a large protest was scheduled for Inauguration Day and it was politely suggested that their visit be postponed. The recruiters ignored this request and proceeded to set up shop with knowledge of the campus context.
4-Seattle Police officers and SCCC security were in communication during the Atrium incident. SCCC security was immediately present and informed the SPD that their assistance was not necessary. Despite the immediate presence of security and nearby SPD, who presumably would have witnessed the menacing behavior and civil rights violation you allege, there were no citations made. If enforcement personnel on the scene did not witness violations of law, what specific institutional standards did the students violate?
I am troubled that the SCCC administration would force our students to write an apology to the U.S. Army under duress. What kind of a lesson does this teach them? If the groupâs conduct violated the law or well-defined institutional standards, then give them due process, and if found in violation, apply sanctions. But donât force them to write false words that violate their integrity . That smacks of dictatorship. I didnât think we were teaching that.
Peter Knutson, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor, Students Against War
Anthropology Instructor
Seattle Central Community College
#9
Anthropology Instructor at a Community College? This person reached bottom, then dug, to achieve such low status on the academic totem pole. Poor, pitiful thing has an awful lot to compensate for.
This is soo cool.
Even the American Indian Movement is saying: shaddup!
Click on the cartoon link at the bottom of the page.
The American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council representing the National and International leadership of the American Indian Movement once again is vehemently and emphatically repudiating and condemning the outrageous statements made by academic literary and Indian fraud, Ward Churchill in relationship to the 9-11 tragedy in New York City that claimed thousands of innocent people's lives.
Churchill's statement that these people deserved what happened to them, and calling them little Eichmanns, comparing them to Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, who implemented Adolf Hitler's plan to exterminate European Jews and others, should be condemned by all. The sorry part of this is Ward Churchill has fraudulently represented himself as an Indian, and a member of the American Indian Movement, a situation that has lifted him into the position of a lecturer on Indian activism. He has used the American Indian Movement's chapter in Denver to attack the leadership of the official American Indian Movement with his misinformation and propaganda campaigns.
Ward Churchill has been masquerading as an Indian for years behind his dark glasses and beaded headband. He waves around an honorary membership card that at one time was issued to anyone by the Keetoowah Tribe of Oklahoma. Former President Bill Clinton and many others received these cards, but these cards do not qualify the holder a member of any tribe. He has deceitfully and treacherously fooled innocent and naïve Indian community members in Denver, Colorado, as well as many other people worldwide. Churchill does not represent, nor does he speak on behalf of the American Indian Movement. New York's Hamilton College Kirklands Project should be aware that in their search for truth and justice, the idea that they have hired a fraud to speak on Indian activism is in itself a betrayal of their goals.
Posted by: badanov ||
02/04/2005 6:51:34 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Change his name to "Squatting Dog with Forked Tounge."
#3
I hope they don't fire him for his stupid free speech usage. Fire him for his doctored resume, fine. Firing him for his speech will only make him a martyr, when he should be the object of scorn and ridicule
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 11:52 Comments ||
Top||
#4
If he were sweeping floors I would be the first one to argue that his employment should be continued.
But he's teaching kids.
You wouldn't send your kids off to learn history from David Duke (or, for that matter, David Irving); why treat the Stalinist apologist totalitarians any differently than you'd treat their Nazi equivalents? (And no, I don't accept 'The Stalinists won the war but the Nazis are a bunch of losers' as a valid answer.)
Posted by: Phil Fraering ||
02/04/2005 12:00 Comments ||
Top||
#6
Undoubtedly there will be a psychiatric case study of this joker in the New England Journal of Medicine, identifying a new syndrome: "Munchausen by Hippie."
Posted by: Mike ||
02/04/2005 12:21 Comments ||
Top||
#7
Oh-oh. Look's like Dances With Hippies has been outed.
#9
The sad thing is that Ward Churchill received tenure despite the fact that he has done virtually no high quality research, does not have valuable knowledge (Ethnic Studies departments are a sick joke) and is a jerk besides.
Even sadder is that there are many, many more like him.
Via Lucianne:
Albert Scardino
Guardian
Fascism is coming back into fashion, at least in the propaganda wars. For the right, it comes in the shape of a new word: "islamofascism". That conflates all the elements into one image: suicide bombs, kidnappings and the Qur'an; the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; Iranian clerics and Hitler. The term seems to have appeared first in the Washington Times in a reference to Islamist fundamentalists. Coined by Khalid Duran, a Muslim scholar seeking to explain Islam to Jews, the word was meant as a criticism of hyper-traditionalist clerics - who in turn denounced Duran as a traitor to the faith.
The ummah takes the place of the Party. The Caliph and his temporary stand-ins are Fearless Leader, all-wise and all-seeing. The jihadis are the Blackshirts and Brownshirts. The Arabs are the Master Race, who are at the top of the heap of the Master Religion. Salafism is the Party ideology. The Defense of Islam equates to the drive for Lebensraum. Gangs like Zarqawi's and Basayev's exterminate those who don't follow the Party line. Qutb's writings fill the function of Mein Kampf. Your friendly neighborhood holy men fill the functions of the block leaders, the Kreisleiters and the Gauleiters. Pretty accurate description, I'd say.
Usage has gathered momentum among commentators and academics who seek a verbal missile to debilitate those who disagree with them. They have adopted it as a sort of Judeo-Christian war cry - look for it soon in the title of a neo-conservative think tank conference.
Probably so. I think "Salafism" is actually easier to pronounce than "Islamofascism." The problem is the political implications, since it'll offend the Soddy sensitivities and drive the price of oil up another $10 a barrel.
For the left, the term "fascist" lost its power in the 1970s, when it was sprayed on every authority figure in sight, from the Nixon-Kissinger White House to university provosts to the neighbourhood cop.
Cried wolf one too many times? Or was it hundreds of thousands too many times?
To make Bush-Hitler comparisons work requires more nuanced historical references - to the night of the long knives, for example, as Sidney Blumenthal did about the dismissal of Colin Powell.
Powell survived the experience. Ernst Roehm didn't. It's normal for cabinet members to submit their resignations after an election, and Powell had stated prior to the election that he was ready to move on. Then again, truth has never been Sid Blumenthal's strong point, has it?
Unfortunately for liberals, those references don't work as efficiently as islamofascism does for the right, because to imagine the appropriately creepy picture requires a familiarity with German history of the 1920s and 30s. Nazism is better known for its death camps than for Leni Riefenstahl or the Reichstag fire, so analogies between the Nazis' early years and current Republican party behaviour seem hollow, no matter how strong some parallels might be.
I dunno. Analogies between the Nazis' early years and current behavior on the left are just as hollow. Events are like bricks No. That's wrong. Lemme start again: Ogres are like onions... No. That's not it. Let's just say that just because an event occurred on one occasion with a given set of results doesn't mean that a similar event occurring on another occasion, under different conditions, will have the same results. America and France both had revolutions, with many of the same ideas and even a few of the players involved in both. One revolution gave us Washington, Jefferson, and John Quincy Adams. The other gave us Robespierre, Napoleon Bonaparte, continental war, and eventually Louis Philippe. Leni Reifenstahl in Hollywood might have directed Jean Harlow movies.
The left fixes on Naziism as the epitome of fascism, but it was a superset of the political system. It grew up in the anarchy into which Italia had fallen during WWI. Il Duce was the modern incarnation of Caesar. The movement adapted itself to similar conditions that existed in Europe at the time, taking root in lotsa different countries: Spain, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, France and Austria among them. There was no equivalent of the Night of the Long Knives in any of them that I know of. The best Il Duce could come up with was the assassination of Matteotti. Stalin, on the other hand, did carry out the Yezhovshchina, which (literally) decimated the Red Army on the eve of WWII, and which presents a much closer parallel to the Night of the Long Knives only longer, and with more casualties. So blood purges seem to be much more associated with dictatorial states than simply with fascism. The same applies to the Reichstag fire, but its inclusion in Albert's argument is so silly it can be dismissed out of hand.
Christopher Hitchens, a former socialist who now sits on the other end of the political see-saw, sprinkles islamofascism about like paprika. He and Andrew Sullivan, a voice of the right, both wrongly receive credit in some quarters for coining the term.
Hitchens is still a leftist. I disagree with most of what he believes society should be. After the WoT's over I'll probably go back to calling him names, and he to calling me names if he notices my existence. He's realist enough to recognize the evil of the enemy that's facing both ends of the political spectrum, something Albert's apparently not bright enough to grasp. Neither Hitchens nor Sullivan, to my knowledge, has claimed credit for inventing the term "islamofascism." Bill Quick invented the term "blogosphere," and I'm the inventor of the Surprise Meter, but neither invention earns us royalties.
Long before September 11 2001, Duran was commissioned by the American Jewish Committee to produce one side of an interfaith project. Duran responded to attacks on his book, Children of Abraham, by deriding those who sought "to impose religious orthodoxy on the state and the citizenry". In that sense, he said, extreme islamism is "islamofascism."
Pretty accurate description, huh? Especially given the striving for the caliphate and the roving bands of fascisti who're now shooting up the entire world.
It took a couple of years for the word to seep into frequent usage. By then its meaning had expanded. Last year, Sullivan cited "five elements that make it particularly dangerous", including the "broken, medieval societies" that foster it, the "unquenchable extremism" of its motivation, and "the destructive technology" its adherents seek. Use of the term to describe Muslim clerics and stateless terrorists has neatly pre-empted any chance of labelling Bush a fascist - no matter how many suspects are kidnapped by the US authorities and tortured; no matter how impervious the border; no matter how effective the use of propaganda to destroy the opposition; no matter how many countries are invaded on false pretenses; no matter how strongly a minority religion may become a mark of guilt.
Since the one term's accurate and the other's frivolous, the frivolous usage doesn't come off well, does it?
Poor, poor Al, we've left him w/nothing, the VRWC has co-opted one of his favorite words.
Posted by: anonymous2u ||
02/04/2005 1:36:04 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Oddly, it seems he can't grasp the obvious: it's accurate. I guess if his ilk can't apply it, then it's only a word which has lost any useful meaning. SocioFascistIslamoBat⢠wank-o-matic AlG twitter.
#4
Fascism is coming back into fashion, at least in the propaganda wars. For the right, it comes in the shape of a new word: "islamofascism". That conflates all the elements into one image: suicide bombs, kidnappings and the Qurâan; the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; Iranian clerics and Hitler.
All the elements of what? In this missive we already have leftist propoganda and we're not even out of the first graf...
The term seems to have appeared first in the Washington Times in a reference to Islamist fundamentalists. Coined by Khalid Duran, a Muslim scholar seeking to explain Islam to Jews, the word was meant as a criticism of hyper-traditionalist clerics - who in turn denounced Duran as a traitor to the faith.
No wonder the left lost the election in 2004 and possibly beyond. Nothing better to do than to trace a word's origins?
We have nothing for society other than to wreck its institutions, nothing to attract people to our views. So, of course that is the right's fault.
The term Islamofascism is a lamentable word to be sure. Islam is fascism: why give it a sort of indicator that other elements of Islam aren't fascism by saying terrorism is inspired by Islamofascism? Islam is ALL fascism.
Usage has gathered momentum among commentators and academics who seek a verbal missile to debilitate those who disagree with them.
HELP! I'm being oppressed! Someone called me an Islamofascist!
The guy is right. It's terrible when you devote your whole life to wrecking a society whose tit you suck daily.
Words have power over the left because frankly they have nothing else. A lifetime of sedition and treason, and all I got was called an Islamofascist.
They have adopted it as a sort of Judeo-Christian war cry - look for it soon in the title of a neo-conservative think tank conference.
Joe's Islamofascist Institute/Bar and Grill?
For the left, the term "fascist" lost its power in the 1970s, when it was sprayed on every authority figure in sight, from the Nixon-Kissinger White House to university provosts to the neighbourhood cop.
Actually, the obverse is true: The word did have some resonance, but it was overused. But it never really did lose its power. And the word is in widespread usage still in Russia where it essentially got its birth as a disparaging term.
To make Bush-Hitler comparisons work requires more nuanced historical references - to the night of the long knives, for example, as Sidney Blumenthal did about the dismissal of Colin Powell. Unfortunately for liberals, those references donât work as efficiently as islamofascism does for the right, because to imagine the appropriately creepy picture requires a familiarity with German history of the 1920s and 30s. Nazism is better known for its death camps than for Leni Riefenstahl or the Reichstag fire, so analogies between the Nazisâ early years and current Republican party behaviour seem hollow, no matter how strong some parallels might be.
That kool-aid taste good? A little bitter maybe?
Republican party behavior?
Did I miss something? Was there not s'posed to be an example of how 'Republican party behaviour' could even be parallel to the German National Socialist Party at any point in history?
Oh, wait. Nevermind. This is a leftist article about propoganda. I forgot the left often criticizes in ways that smears the left itself with whatever taint-du-jour a befuddled writer can invent.
Christopher Hitchens, a former socialist who now sits on the other end of the political see-saw, sprinkles islamofascism about like paprika.
Hitchens is still very much a creature of the left. I personally like the guy, but he is very much a creature of socialism. His program will resume as soon as the WoT is over.
He and Andrew Sullivan, a voice of the right, both wrongly receive credit in some quarters for coining the term.
How awful. And Sullivan shifted left this last fall. If Sullivan is of the right when John Kerry will run as a republican for senate next time...
Long before September 11 2001, Duran was commissioned by the American Jewish Committee to produce one side of an interfaith project. Duran responded to attacks on his book, Children of Abraham, by deriding those who sought "to impose religious orthodoxy on the state and the citizenry". In that sense, he said, extreme islamism is "islamofascism."
Which was wrong. Islamism IS fascism, no question.
It took a couple of years for the word to seep into frequent usage.
I've used it myself a time or two, but it is too long and I prefer the term Islamowanker anyway.
By then its meaning had expanded. Last year, Sullivan cited "five elements that make it particularly dangerous", including the "broken, medieval societies" that foster it, the "unquenchable extremism" of its motivation, and "the destructive technology" its adherents seek.
Sullivan is a wanker, just like the Guardian writer.
Use of the term to describe Muslim clerics and stateless terrorists has neatly pre-empted any chance of labelling Bush a fascist
Poor baby. All mad coz Bush won't fit into a box?
- no matter how many suspects are kidnapped by the US authorities and tortured;
Cool! That's our spooks, baby!
no matter how impervious the border; no matter how effective the use of propaganda to destroy the opposition;
You must mean the fifth column. The opposition is having a difficult time with their message at the moment, but not the fifth column like this writer.
no matter how many countries are invaded on false pretenses;
You must mean Iraq. You know, that new Bush Imperial province in which there is no democracy, only Bushitlerian fascism.
no matter how strongly a minority religion may become a mark of guilt.
One billion adherants a minority religion? Typical leftist math: 2+2 = 250,000
Thank God f*ckers like this writer don't do engineering.
#5
.com, deep down I think he does get it and knows it fits, & it's eating him up. He's just doing what comes naturally to all candy assed LLL window-lickers w/a masters degree and a third grader's outlook on the world - he's throwing a temper tantrum.
#6
Hes just pissed because Facism is fullhy applicable to Islam and the Islamic countries such as Iran, Syria, SA, etc... You dont have to look very far for examples.
While Facism is not applicable to Bush. There is no evidence of a 'night of the long knives' or anything else by that matter.
Did anyone notice that the actions of the DNC and its union brownshirts during the last election? Election offices shot at, taken over, and tires slashed. I would not go so far as to call the DNC facists, but they are working on it.
#7
The guy obviously wants to have his cake and eat it too: he wants to retain the right to accuse Bush and republicans of being neo-fascists, but try to deny that right to those he opposes.
CrazyFools' remark helped me realize that one of the problems with accusing Bush of being a Fascist/Nazi is that the purported "proof" or "evidence" does not fit the magnitude of the accusation. one of the "outs" Intellectuals use to put down the concept of God is that the claim that God exists is an "extraordinary" claim that demands "extraordinary" proof. The level of proof demanded to prove that one is a murderer is higher than that demanded to prove that one is a pickpocket. No such "extraordinary" evidence exists when it comes to Bush: just highly creative analogies. At the same time, if one substitutes "religious superiority" for "Racial superiority", the correspondence of behavior between Radical Islamists in Sharia and the Nazis becomes easy to make, with an abundance of examples.
To rephrase what CrazyFool said, it pisses this author off that it is easier for us to pin the "Fascist" label on the Islamists than it is for him to pin it on us or on Bush, and he's demanding, like every leftist, a synthetic right of equality of regard and acceptance of one's arguments. He's demanding an intellectual free-lunch, where his arguments are accepted blindly, without any regard to how good they are. Put another way, it's a demand for an Intellectual analogue to federal welfare, in which he gets intellectual currency without having to work for it. Good insight, CF.
#8
the best explanation of the historical connections between radical, Qutbist, Islamism and european fascism is found in Paul Berman's "Liberalism and Terror" Berman remains a liberal, and a moderate socialist, but I think most of you would find his insights compelling. And his tone is a lot easier to take than either Hitchens or Sullivan. I strongly recommend this book.
#10
"Christopher Hitchens, a former socialist who now sits on the other end of the political see-saw..."
Um, that's not accurate at all. He is still a socialist (or at least "Third Way," which is socialism for liars), is still not very fond of the US (has he stopped hounding Kissinger yet?), and, in general, is still very much a Leftist.
He is not, however, an Idiotarian. Mr. Scardino is, apparently.
#14
That which we call "tyrrany" by any other name still smells just as bad.
Posted by: Mike ||
02/04/2005 19:12 Comments ||
Top||
#15
"Islamofascism" is -- at least when I use it -- intended to describe the conflation of racialist nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism. The Baath party is the direct intellectual descendant of the Nazi party! Why is it so hard to follow that? Then you chuck in the tendency of the Islamists to treat Arabs as a kind of master race -- a practice derived either from pan-Arab nationalism or, possibly, from a belief that "the closer you are to Mohammed, the more perfect you are".
CrazyFool and Ptah are right -- this ass is just upset that he can't scream "fascist" and make it stick.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/04/2005 19:24 Comments ||
Top||
#3
But Senate Democrats opposed Gonzales, blaming him for administration policies after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that they charged contributed to the abuse of foreign detainees.
Yeah, they know what's important.
They'll never get, will they?
#4
I'll go against the grain here and say that Gonzales badly, horrifically screwed up our policy process regarding interrogations and torture. Conservatives should be appalled (and Scalia definitely is-- read his opinions on this). Gonzales is way out of his league and should never have been nominated.
A U.S. Department of State official was indicted on fraud and bribery charges for allegedly issuing visas to foreign nationals in exchange for cash. Piotr Parlej was arraigned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Washington and pleaded not guilty to visa fraud, bribery and conspiracy charges, which were outlined in a 13-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury Wednesday. He is accused of fraudulently issuing visas for money while working at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.
Well, isn't that special..
Theft or fraudulent issue of U.S. visas has become one of the most dangerous crimes since Sept. 11, 2001, for fear the papers could admit a terrorist into the country. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay ordered Parlej to remain in jail while he weighs the prosecution's argument that the defendant is likely to leave the country if freed on bond. The judge is expected to rule on the bond status Monday. "Mr. Parlej poses a serious risk of flight ... he has the knowledge and the means to flee," Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenda J. Johnson told the judge. "This man is a world traveler, well educated and fluent in at least three languages." Prosecutors also noted he has very few ties to the United States and none in the Washington region, with the exception of a friend in Gaithersburg with whom Parlej said he has been residing. Parlej left his native Poland 15 years ago, eventually moving to the United States, where he gained citizenship. He has worked at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia as a consular associate for at least the past two years, but State Department officials declined to detail his exact length of service.
Didn't figure State would cooperate
As a U.S. consular, Parlej's duties included interviewing visa applicants and, if the necessary qualifications were met, issuing visas. The indictment alleges Parlej issued unwarranted visas to six foreign nationals in Armenia for as much as $10,000 on each occasion.
Hope they've got a APB out on all of them. Wonder exactly which countries they are really from?
"He was abusing his position as a trusted employee of the State Department," Johnson said. The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service led the investigation and, upon informing Parlej of the allegations, urged him to come back to the United States.
Urged? URGED??? How about "returned in handcuffs in the diplomatic bag?"
He returned to the Washington region, where he was arrested Wednesday. "The people of the United States have a right to have immigration rules applied fairly and properly," said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Wainstein in a statement Thursday. "A United States consular official who violates those rules for personal financial gain undermines the integrity of our visa application and review process, and erodes public trust in our consular officials around the world."
Not that we had any trust in consular officials anyway
If convicted, Parlej faces between five and 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. A status hearing is set for Feb. 18.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/04/2005 10:25:42 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
This man is a world traveler, well educated and fluent in at least three languages." Prosecutors also noted he has very few ties to the United States and none in the Washington region, with the exception of a friend in Gaithersburg with whom Parlej said he has been residing.
great choice as visa guy...idjits. Time to clean house with a broom, Condi
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 10:39 Comments ||
Top||
#2
"Well, isn't that special.." hoot!
Just think of all the other critters working in our government....make ya feel warm and fuzzy?
oh well
Posted by: more lithium ||
02/04/2005 12:13 Comments ||
Top||
#3
It's a start.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 12:38 Comments ||
Top||
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on the Pentagon to discipline a top general who earlier this week said it is "fun to shoot some people."
Really. It is. You should try it sometime...
At a public event in San Diego, Calif., Lt. Gen. James Mattis said:
"Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot ... You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
The audience applauded the general's remarks. Mattis leads the 1st Marine Division in Iraq. He is based in Quantico, Va.
"We do not need generals who treat the grim business of war as a sporting event," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. "These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life." Awad urged that "appropriate disciplinary action" be taken against Gen. Mattis. In 2003, CAIR called for similar action against Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, who told church audiences that he is in "the army of God" and claimed Muslims worship an "idol." A Pentagon investigation of Boykin's remarks concluded that he violated regulations by failing to make clear he was not speaking in an official capacity and did not obtain prior clearance for the remarks.
This article starring:
NIHAD AWAD
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 10:15:56 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
You know, guys like that ainât got no manhood left anyway. So itâs a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." The audience applauded the generalâs remarks.
#3
The towelheads are complaining about what a General said? That's like your average Christian sending a letter to Mullah Omar about his mean sermons. If you don't like what the good General has to say - pack your bags and your harem and go spend some time in Khandahar you asshole.
#4
When you, CAIR, stop calling, teaching and believing that war can be holy, then you may begin to complain. Until then a chimney has no right to call a kettle black.
#6
For once I actually agree with CAIR. There should be 'action' with respect to LtGen Mattis. He should be promoted to Four-Star rank and be made commander of CENTCOM. Thank you CAIR, good call! Clinton/Boxer 2008!
#8
Given that the audience applauded, one can only assume they agreed with him; does CAIR want that they should be sent to bed without any supper as well?
Posted by: The Doctor ||
02/04/2005 12:03 Comments ||
Top||
#9
It's San Diego. We like our Generals with balls and our CAIR STFU
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 12:05 Comments ||
Top||
#10
The Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003-4034
That can't be too far from Quantico, General. Why don't you drop by for a visit and have Executive Director Dickhad voice his complaints in person?
I'm sure they'd love to see you. Just try not to make them cry, okay?
#13
"We do not need generals who treat the grim business of war as a sporting event," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad.
Don't flatter yourself, A**wad. By all accounts, your guys aren't good enough to call it "sporting". If it weren't for their complete lack of honor, they wouldn't get any hits in at all.
#16
Members of CAIR have been arrested for supporting terrorism. These goat fucking pIslamics want to convert all of America to muslimes so we can worship some pagan moon god piggy allah.
Fuck them and fuck the terrorist training manual the koran!
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 15:22 Comments ||
Top||
#19
Gen. Mattis sounds to me like a Marine's Marine. But, since I'm a chickenhawk, I can't have such a favorable opinion of anything military.
I guess the PC-approved answer should have been along the lines of: "Killing is always a regrettable - but sometimes necessary and inevitable - consequence of achieving our military aims."
#20
"Actually, itâs a lot of fun to fight. You know, itâs a hell of a hoot ... You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didnât wear a veil. You know, guys like that ainât got no manhood left anyway. So itâs a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
Is there a problem? Am I missing something? Seems like Gen. Mattis was saying what everyone is thinking. And? I don't get the uproar. The compaints are just flatulance amongst the leftist elites, who have no soul to begin with...
#21
"Semper Fi" General, keep up the good work. We need warriors to fight wars, not social workers. After all, we should follow our bliss, and if it means shooting these mofos like the morons they are, then more power to the General.
#22
One of my senior officers was at a briefing w/Mattis right after OEF finished up. Mattis basically said "we killed them by the bushloads," to paraphrase - "if you only knew how many of those cowards we killed - it was obscene and I'm ready to go back and kill more of them if you want me to." "They don't like us, they don't want to understand us, they want to kill you and every free breath you take."
#23
Happened to catch a segment of BBC World News last night. The newsreader read: General Mattis said it's "fun to shoot some people", then said something about muslims being "those people". End of segment. No context of Gen. Msttis' remarks of mullahs and terrorists abusing women or subjugating whole societies under the authority of allah, or the murder of non-muslims under the color of the Koran. Just American says it's fun to kill muslims. I can't say I am the least bit surprised about the BBCs selectivity. Can't say I would mourn if Jordan Eason's advice is taken to heart and journalists started dropping like flies from lead poisoning.
Posted by: ed ||
02/04/2005 18:28 Comments ||
Top||
#24
I wonder how that CAIR thug feels about abusing women. Probably would make a really long, complicated statement about it.
Probably wouldn't get all that worked up about the idea of women being shot for daring to appear in public with their eyes showing.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/04/2005 19:32 Comments ||
Top||
#25
you don't walk on superman's cape
you don't spit in the wind
you don't pull the mask of the old lone ranger
and you don't mess around with James
du dut do do du tu du dut to
Condoleezza Rice leaves on Thursday for Europe on her first trip as US Secretary of State, hoping to heal old rifts with US allies over Iraq but facing new frictions over China and Iran. Rice was flying to London to kick off a week-long tour of eight European nations and the Middle East and start tackling a full plate of foreign policy issues hanging over US President George W Bush's second term. The trip was billed as a warm-up to Bush's own fence-mending tour later this month but will also be the first test of Rice's ability to sell the tough policies she helped craft over four years as his national security adviser. A week after taking over the helm of US diplomacy, Rice will use the success of Iraq's national elections Sunday to try to narrow differences with US allies such as France and Germany that fiercely opposed the war.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#2
According to the whining, they just want to be listened to. During those years running Stanford, our Condi must have had lots of experience listening to such people with a grave and attentive expression, thanking them for their valuable input, then doing as she'd already decided while crediting them with helping shape that decision. I expect her to be even better than Powell at that collegiality thing.
#3
I'm sure the Euro's are all upset their boy Colin isn't coming to see them. After all Colin was great at appeasing (something the Euro's excel at) the Euro's and genuinely caring about the Swiss position on Global Security issues. Powell had no spine and stood for nothing. He was much less a moderate then a liberal. His UN speech regarding Iraq's WMD can be compared to Adlai's Cuban Missle rant. The similarity is not the enlightening nature of the address but in the proximity of the two men's positions. I love the fact that the US's international rep is towing the same mark as the President. Should be a little awkward eh Gerhard.
Anyone who stole from the UN's oil-for-food programme for Iraq must stand trial and the money be repaid to the Iraqi people, Iraq's human rights minister said on Friday. Bakhtiar Amin praised Thursday's report by Paul Volcker, the former head of the US Federal Reserve charged with probing corruption in the programme, and said it revealed that even UN dignitaries were not above robbing the poor for profit. "It shows that some so-called dignitaries had not an iota of shame in their bones, no conscience and no morals," Amin told Reuters in an interview. "They profited as parasites on the misery of an impoverished nation."
He revealed he personally had experienced the corruption, saying a Lebanese man was named in the report who had been involved in his father-in-law's 1994 assassination in Lebanon by Saddam Hussein's agents. "The oil-for-food programme was used to fund terrorism, international terrorism," the minister said.
Benon Sevan, a Cypriot who ran the humanitarian programme, was accused in the report of repeatedly soliciting and getting Iraqi oil allocations for a trading firm connected to the family of former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. The senior UN diplomat's conduct was "ethically improper and seriously undermined the integrity of the United Nations," Volcker's interim report into the running of the now-defunct $67 billion programme said.
Continued on Page 49
#1
Hopefully we will extradite to Iraq any of these war criminals we can seize. Personnally, I'd pick them up right on the street, even in New York City. Diplomatic immunity be damned. These are not diplomats of sovereign nations -- these are U.N. gangsters and their criminal associates.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 19:45 Comments ||
Top||
#2
These mullahs need straightening out.
That's a job for Spike!
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 19:48 Comments ||
Top||
#3
I am heartened to see the Iraqis going after these criminals and profiteers. They need to be exposed to the light of day. How much the Iraqis will actually get is anybody's guess. But if they cannot prosecute, at least Iraq, and friendly nations like the US can make the perpetrators persona non grata in their countries and deny them landing rights in airports. Hats off to Bakhtiar Amin.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/04/2005 23:18 Comments ||
Top||
#4
..connected to the family of former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
It's always nice to have an extra boutros handy....
"Stop hitting me! I quit... Well, no I don't quit. But I'll be good..."
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan promised swift action and major management changes yesterday in the hope of repairing relations with the United States and boosting morale among his own staff -- both badly shaken by the United Nations' protracted role in Iraq. But in the hours after an independent inquiry suggested that a former top U.N. official may have profited from his position, Annan's office also said it was time to stop bashing the humanitarian organization. He announced that he will take disciplinary action against Benon Sevan, who ran the U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq, and said diplomatic immunity will be lifted from any U.N. employee who may face criminal charges stemming from the ongoing investigation of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the program.
The measures were some of the toughest of Annan's tenure, and aides and former colleagues said they were intended to assure critics that he is serious about fixing problems. "The whole scandal, and then the avalanche of criticism and personal charges against him, sent him a wakeup call the likes of which he has never seen," said John Ruggie, a former assistant secretary general at the United Nations who teaches at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. "In that sense, the scandal may have done Annan a favor."
It is unclear whether those actions will be enough to quell a torrent of criticism and calls for Annan's resignation from some Republican quarters in Washington. Rep Henry J. Hyde (R-Ill.), chairman of the House International Relations Committee, said yesterday's findings by former Federal Reserve chairman Paul A. Volcker paint a "picture of mismanagement, neglect and political manipulation." "I am reluctant to conclude that the U.N. is damaged beyond repair, but these revelations certainly point in this direction," Hyde said. But Annan's new chief of staff, Mark Malloch Brown, countered during a news conference that the report also showed that the United Nations fed millions of Iraqis under the oil-for-food program and reversed a slide toward a humanitarian disaster in a country under harsh U.N. sanctions. He urged countries to halt sharp attacks on the organization and give Annan's team a chance to put revisions and management changes in place.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 12:02:02 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Shit. Been there / done that a thousand times. We've beat this dead horse more than almost any other topic. Looooong before its self-appointed apologist came on the scene.
It's broken. Fatally. It can't get up. Kill it. Design one that will work limited to participants that will let it work. Everybody else can move to Paris and form a daisy chain.
#6
diplomatic immunity will be lifted from any U.N. employee who may face criminal charges stemming from the ongoing investigation
Now that is some serious throwing of the weakest off the troika to feed the wolf pack! Mr. Annan must be very seriously concerned about his own welfare.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said he is shocked by findings of the independent enquiry into the oil-for-food programme run by the world body.
"I'm shocked! Shocked!"
Officials said on Thursday that Annan pledged to waive diplomatic immunity if any criminal charges are to be launched against UN staff connected to the scandal. "The secretary-general is shocked by what the report has to say," Annan's chief of staff Mark Malloch Brown said shortly after the first damning set of findings by the independent commission was presented to the UN chief.
"Yeah! He's shocked!"
Led by former US Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, the independent commission blamed officials in the world body for ignoring regulations and safeguards.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
This bag-o-shit is shocked? I think he ought to be shocked with a fu__king cattle prod , enough of these third world two bit di_kheads, cut them off and lets cut and run from this money draining America hating nightmare!
I noticed how Kofi the Brave left his buddy of 3 decades, Benon Sevan, slowly twisting in the wind, yesterday... He's now solely interested in saving his own ass - and that's odd considering he only has 2 yrs to go. Ideas?
#4
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said he is shocked by findings of the independent enquiry into the oil-for-food programme run by the world body.
#5
.com, I wonder what he would be willing to do to save his son as well as himself. I think in the end Mike Sylwester is going to find his heroes are clay far above their feet.
#8
Re #5 (trailing wife): I wonder what he would be willing to do to save his son
Save his son from what? I don't think he's accused of any indictable offense. So far, he's accused of somehow arranging for Contecna to get a UN contract. There's still no public evidence for that, other than that he had a Cotecna expense account and met with some UN officials. Even if that accusation turns out to be true, then what's the legal consequence? Probably zilch.
.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/04/2005 9:01 Comments ||
Top||
#9
Oh, Mikey, how soon you forget! Remember:
"Kojo Annon Coughs Up Truth About Dirty Oil Dealings"
http://rantburg.com/poparticle.asp?HC=&D=1/30/2005&ID=55052
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1462576,00.html
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 9:08 Comments ||
Top||
#10
To paraphrase Claude Rains' immortal line from Casablanca, Kofi was "shocked, shocked to find bribery, theft, graft, and corruption going on in the Oil for Food Program" as he and his son pocketed their cut.
#12
What Kojo did was illegal if he worked for Uncle Sam. Whether it was illegal if he worked for the UN is another story. A**holes involved in this should be prosecuted to the extent possible (may not be much unfortunately) by the US.
#13
This opera ain't even in Act II yet. After intermission, Kofi cuts off Benon's UN pension and pulls his "get out of Jail" UN immunity card to show his "legitamacy" (snicker). Then when Benon starts getting indited in multiple jurisdictions, and his legal bills start piling up, he starts "turning states evidence". (Note to Benon: taqke really good notes. You will need them for the book deal)
That is when it will be time to tell the Fat lady to get to the bullpen and start getting ready to sing.
#14
"The secretary-general is shocked by what the report has to say," Annanâs chief of staff Mark Malloch Brown said...
Maybe he should use his "shock" constructively and in addition to leading the charge to FIX problems, reflect on how contaminated the UN is becoming and thank America for pointing out that the UN's ship wasn't tip top stern to bow, and censure any and all guilty parties in a public session of the UN for corruption under OFF. That would be a great start to healing between the US and the "international community".
But oh yeah, I forgot, the international community still thinks corruption's no big deal-just hand over the US wallet again and watch it misspent again. Those Americans-so fussy about theft!
Scrap the UN and start from scratch, eliminating the apologists for the Arabic fascist empire and ill-bred allies with no morals or principles.
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 13:02 Comments ||
Top||
#17
Sorry....the above is for Mike. We do have stautes that take care of the thieves in the back offices of corrupt organizations. Semi-plausible denyability is not enough to insulate you in the US. In fact, the entire staff of the UN (and probably anyone involved with decision making of oil for food at all) is probably indictable under RICO. Not my field of specialty, you understand, but I believe that the law is pretty broad.
Now if you are contending that they haven't committed an indictable offense because they are shielded by diplomadic immunity, you are correct. Slimy, but correct.
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 13:08 Comments ||
Top||
#18
That's "statutes" not "stautes"
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 13:28 Comments ||
Top||
#19
Re #17 (Mark E): We do have statutes that take care of the thieves in the back offices of corrupt organizations.
Why would the USA have any jurisdiction in a case where Kojo Annan, a citizen of Ghana, working as a consultant for Cotecna, a Swiss corporation, helped that corporate client to obtain a UN contract to inspect imports of food and medicines into Iraq?
Is there even a crime? What was stolen?
.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/04/2005 16:11 Comments ||
Top||
#20
Nothing was stolen. It was all just contracts and credit/debits. No blood, no foul. Keep moving and ignore the smell.
#21
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act. The nexus with the US is the theft of our money, as well as the location of the corrupt organization/scheme in New York. Just because you are a citizen of a foreign country doesn't mean that you cannot be tried for crimes you committed on foreign soil.
To be the member of a conspiracy, you do not need to know the full extent of the conspiracy. Nor do you need to individually profit from it. All you need is to have taken action in the furtherance of the conspiracy; both people are still memebers of the same corrupt enterprise.
http://www.ricoact.com/ricoact/nutshell.asp
A few relevant quotes:
"Although the RICO Act can be used in many contexts, the statute is most easily understood in its intended context: the Mafia. In the context of the Maifa, the defendant person (i.e., the target of the RICO Act) is the Godfather. The "racketeering activity" is the criminal activities in which the Mafia engages, e.g., extortion, bribery, loan sharking, murder, illegal drug sales, prostitution, etc. Because the Mafia family has engaged in these criminal actions for generations, the criminal actions constitute a pattern of racketeering activity. The government can criminally prosecute the Godfather under RICO and send him to jail even if the Godfather has never personally killed, extorted, bribed or engaged in any criminal behavior. The Godfather can be imprisoned because he operated and managed a criminal enterprise that engaged in such acts. Moreover, under section 1964(c) of the RICO Act, the victims of the Mafia family (i.e., the extorted businessman, the employers whose employees were bribed, debtors of the loan shark, the family of a murder victim) can sue the Godfather civilly and recover the economic losses they sustained by reason of the Mafia family's pattern of racketeering.
As a practical matter, the closer a plaintiff's case is to the Mafia scenario described above, the better chance the plaintiff has in succeeding under the RICO Act. Given the diverse factual scenarios that may confront attorneys and parties under RICO, it is always helpful to analogize non-Mafia factual scenarios to the prototypical RICO claim against the Mafia. It is always helpful to ask: who stands in the position of the Godfather, i.e., the defendant person? What is the equivalent of the Mafia family, i.e., the enterprise? This will give you a good start in evaluating the merits of any RICO claim you confront. If the facts are well-suited to the Mafia analogy, you likely have a stronger claim."....
"By far the most useful and common civil RICO claim is found under section 1962(c), which makes it unlawful for a person to manipulate an enterprise for purposes of engaging in, concealing, or benefiting from a pattern of racketeering activity. Given its broad utility, the general elements of a RICO claim will be discussed in the context of a section 1962(c) claim. Distinctions will then be made between section 1962(c) claims and claims under 1962(a), (b) and (d)."....
"The elements of a section 1962(c) civil claim can be described in many ways. Generally, to establish a claim under section 1962(c), the plaintiff must prove that (1) a defendant person (2) was employed by or associated with an enterprise (3) that engaged in or affected interstate commerce and that (4) the defendant person operated or managed the enterprise (5) through a pattern (6) of racketeering activity, and (7) the plaintiff was injured in its business or property by reason of the pattern of racketeering activity."....
Again, not my field. But the law seems broad enough that if the US were to "obtain jurisdiction over the defendant" i.e. arrest him or have him extradited, then this might be applied.
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 16:34 Comments ||
Top||
#22
There's no evidence that Cotecna didn't fulfill its contract properly. Who suffered harm or damages?
Where's the racketeering? Kojo Annan was a consultant for Cotecna. He had a Cotecna expense account and he met with some UN officials. He's the son of the UN General Secretary. Cotecna won a UN contract.
That's all the evidence there is, so far. That's ALL the evidence. That's pretty meagre for a RICO indictment.
.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/04/2005 20:32 Comments ||
Top||
#23
Kojo, 31, has a £500,000 flat on Londonâs King Road. I'd certainly be looking into that.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 20:46 Comments ||
Top||
#24
It smells bad for a lot of reasons, Mikey!
12/2/2004 --
"On Monday, Annan said he was "very disappointed and surprised" that his son KOJO received payments until February 2004 from a firm that had a contract with the oil-for-food program. The Swiss-based firm Cotecna Inspection S.A., said Kojo Annan was paid $2,500 a month to prevent him from working for competitors after he left the company in 1998."
http://rantburg.com/poparticle.asp?HC=&D=12/2/2004&ID=50268
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 20:58 Comments ||
Top||
#25
He was what we in Chicago call a ghost payroller. How it works is this: the big guy comes in and shakes you down for spots on your payroll. He benefitted to the extent that he had a job that he didn't do. He knew he wasn't doing anything for his check, because he didn't. Undenyable. The corrupt organization consists of elements of the UN who cooperated in the conspiracy and various corporations and individuals in collusion (Sevan, Cotnecna, various recipients of oil vouchers, et al.) The underlying crime(s) being threefold; the theft of oil for food money, the supply of weapons in violation of the law (and liability steming therefrom), and the warcrimes and murders committed under Saddam enabled by the supply of those weapons. Criminal and civil liability. Kojo certainly isn't a big player, but when the whorehouse gets raided, even the coatcheck girl and the piano player go to jail. It paints a vivid picture.
If you don't think I could get an indictment based on that...
Posted by: Mark E. ||
02/04/2005 21:18 Comments ||
Top||
#1
A significant number of participants are unhappy with the moral climate in the United States, viewing certain aspects of U.S. society as immoral. They strongly support universal health care, affirmative action, tougher environmental laws and lower taxes.
Universal health care and lower taxes is impossible.
#2
Sigh. Yet another cultural and political tumor on the host. Someday soon the PC / Rainbow / Diversity fuckwits (my generation) will lose their grip on the social levers, aging and dying off. Then, perhaps, assimilation will resume its rightful place as an expectation for those who immigrate to the US. Every group that tries to remain aloof and separate, for whatever reason, acts precisely like a tumor.
#3
Yes, they interpret their faith, meaning that when they sell me a Penthouse magazine at the local 7-11 they can do so without having to kill me; but if they thought I once had been a Muslim they would still have to kill me.
Oh, OK, that's right... I don't read Penthouse. Make that a modern comparative psychological critique of 1001 Arabian Nights with Mo and Alia.
#5
They strongly support universal health care, affirmative action, tougher environmental laws and lower taxes.
"And .......... ponies for all!"
You know, if they don't like it, why did they come? There are plenty of other folks who would appreciate the citizenship more and have a great deal more to offer in return.
#6
'Affirmative action'? It's a synonym for 'discrimination', usually racial. What's wrong with the term 'racial discrimination'? Talk about Orwellian...
#7
I hate A-action!I've lost 3 and possably 5 good jobs because A-action,to people less quailified than me.Nobody ever favored me cause of my white ass.
#8
Perhaps, Raptor, they would have favored you if you hadn't shown it to them. ;)
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 8:31 Comments ||
Top||
#9
Soon as I read the title I knew it was done in Detroit. According to the article, they strongly support:
universal health care - um, no thanks.
affirmative action - I agree strongly w/BD on this one. AA is preferential treatment based on race. I think its mainly bullshit. How about helping *all kids regardless of ethnicity* go to college based purely on merit + the families financial status. Race should not even be considered, i.e. I doubt Michael Jordan's kids need help to go to college. IIRC Bush started something like this when he was Gov of TX. A lot of lefty's bitched so it's prolly a good program.
tougher environmental laws - I agree.
lower taxes - I think we all agree on this.
"Most said civil rights, education and foreign policy were the most important policy issues for them."
-Holy jalapenos, I think the muslims and us here on the mighty RB are in synch for once. Though I would add the caveat that w/equal rights comes w/equal responsibility.
#10
You know, if they don't like it, why did they come? There are plenty of other folks who would appreciate the citizenship more and have a great deal more to offer in return.
So you think all those lower east side Jewish socialists (and Italian socialists, yes there were those too) shouldnt have come? They came for democracy, which implies the chance to support social change.
#12
the Islamists didn't come for democracy, LH. I seriously doubt they think that a Jew should have a say in their view of desired societal change, and all you wymens with uncovered ankles....cover up or else!
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 10:59 Comments ||
Top||
#13
LH - They know how right-wing the US is. Assuming they're immigrants (i.e. first-generation) - why didn't they choose one of the multitude of other countries more suited to their political preferences. Somewhere that is burdened with socialised healthcare and racial discrimination affirmative action? The US isn't the only democracy in the world, as you seem to be implying. Personally, I think any socialist or socialist who chooses to relocate to the US then complains about the lack of Government interference must be some kind of moron! At the least, they didn't do any homework. If you didn't have a choice, then fair enough. That may have applied to Jews but I doubt it did the Italians - but that was many, many decades ago...
The Lower East Side? Interesting place. Yes, I've eaten at Katz's Diner (sp?)! (Couldn't persuade my friend to mimic Meg Ryan's performance though - I think because it was breakfast time...)
#14
Affirmative action - "I didn't work hard enough to actually qualify for the job, but you should hire me anyway because I'm [insert the minority of the day]".
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/04/2005 21:01 Comments ||
Top||
Despite tough new language on Iran, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday that a U.S. attack on the Tehran regime is "simply not on the agenda" for now. After talks Friday with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Rice said the United States and its allies still have "many diplomatic tools" that they will pursue "fully" to ensure that Iran's theocracy does not subvert its legal nuclear energy program to develop a nuclear weapon.
"On the other hand, if that doesn't work we'll have to kill them."
President Bush, Vice President Cheney and other top foreign policy officials have recently indicated that the administration intends to have a more robust policy in confronting Iran. But Rice, who is on the first stop of a week-long tour of Europe and the Middle East, said Iran is increasingly isolated and denied that the U.S. refusal to participate in Europe's disarmament talks with Tehran hampered the diplomatic initiative. Rice said on Thursday that the United States would rebuff European efforts to bring it into negotiations with Iran aimed at preventing the Islamic state from developing nuclear weapons. Flying to Europe, she told reporters that the United States was confronting the theocratic government in Tehran in "a variety of ways" I hope ways is the new DOD shorthamd for weapons.
with "a variety of different partners" I guess this is the new euphemism for Israel, or at least I hope so.
to end its nuclear weapons ambitions, support for Islamic extremism, interference in Iraq and human rights violations.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 8:20:47 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
"Its not on the agenda"
Dexter: Madame Secretary, is invading Iraq on todays agenda?
Rice: No, dexter, today we'll be wrapping up preparations for the Europe trip. I only have time for a one hour staff meeting, so we'll have to keep it to a short agenda. Whens our next staff meeting?
Dexter: The Tuesday after you get back.
Rice: Ok, put it on the agenda for that meeting. Oh, and something about improving the shuttle buses from the building to the Foggy Bottom Metro station - there have been complaints.
Dexter - I'll get right on it, Mme. Secretary.
Rice: Very good, Dexter.
Remember - a quality meeting starts on time, ends on time and has an AGENDA.
#6
Rice off the record,"Let me tell you guys the truth.We don't have an agenda. We have strategies and we have plans,but most of all we have a President who wakes up one morning,says that's all the s*** Ah'ma gonna take from so and so,and the next thing you know,the cruise missiles are launching,the bombers are flying,Special Forces are snooping and Walla!another regime bites the dust. It's like Crash said to the batter,don't dig in too deep,I don't know where the next pitch is going. Swear to God I don't."
Posted by: Stephen ||
02/04/2005 16:07 Comments ||
Top||
Iran on Thursday rejected US President George W Bush's call for freedom directed at the Iranian people as misguided and ignorant of the Islamic republic's history.
"They don't need no damn' freedom. They got turbans!"
"Mr Bush has forgotten that the great Iranian people, through the Islamic revolution 26 years ago, put an end to the dominant influence and presence of the United States in Iran," said foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi. The spokesman, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the US president was "closing his eyes to the realities of the Islamic republic with its deep-rooted freedom and democracy".
"We just define 'freedom' and 'democracy' differently. Very differently."
Bush's comments had "nothing to do with Iran's vibrant society" and only served "to further discredit the American government".
"Us Medes and Persians, on the other hand, are just as credited as we can be!"
The president, in his State of the Union address on Wednesday, charged that Iran "remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror — pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve". "To the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you," he said.
That's a fairly bald statement, isn't it, Hamid? Think on the implications..."
Europe failing to deliver: Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official has expressed frustration that European states have not delivered on incentives promised last year in return for Tehran's pledge to suspend nuclear enrichment. "The talks so far do not indicate serious determination of Europeans to achieve any results quickly," Hossein Mousavian, one of Iran's chief nuclear negotiators, told Thursday's Financial Times.
"It's all their fault, of course..."
Iran, which denies US accusations that it is seeking nuclear weapons, has agreed to freeze potentially arms-related uranium enrichment activities while the talks continue but has shown impatience with the dialogue launched late last year. In his State of the Union address on Wednesday, US President George W Bush repeated his charge that Iran is developing nuclear weapons and called Iran the "world's primary state sponsor of terror".
I dunno. It's kind of a tossup between Iran and Soddy Arabia...
Germany, France and Britain, acting for the Eurpean Union, hope to persuade Tehran to permanently scrap processes such as uranium enrichment - a possible path to the atomic bomb - in return for political and economic incentives. "We have not yet seen considerable progress in our cooperation and no incentives in political, security, technological, economic and nuclear fields," said Mousavian. "Now it is time to deliver something to Iranian public opinion and the nation."
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
"...the Islamic republic with its deep-rooted freedom and democracy."
Syria called yesterday for dialogue with the United States, rejecting as "futile" the mounting pressure on the regime from the administration of President George W. Bush. In his State of the Union policy speech largely focused on the Middle East, Bush admonished Syria, saying it should end its support for "terror" and open the door to freedom. But Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah told AFP: "American officials need to be convinced that the pressure on Syria is futile and that a strengthening of dialogue is the only path."
Washington has slapped sanctions on Damascus, accusing it of sponsoring international terrorism and turning a blind eye to anti-American insurgents crossing the border into neighboring Iraq. Dakhlallah, whose government has about 14,000 troops stationed in neighboring Lebanon, lashed out at the Americans' use of their military might to bring about change in the region. "It is impossible to export freedom with tanks, planes and cannons," he said. "Freedom also means an end to occupation, the building of a world order based on democratic relations between nations."
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[8 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Nothing to talk about, Babe. You know the drill.
#2
Syria called yesterday for dialogue with the United States, rejecting as âfutileâ the mounting pressure on the regime from the administration of President George W. Bush.
....Calls for "dialogue" coming in the face of pressure that is claimed to be "futile"...?
#3
Here's one for you. If the border is so open to permit agents to go into Iraq, it is equally open to permit agents to go into Syria. Don't think your people noticed the free elections next door? You will when the 'boooooom' starts echoing from your own streets.
#6
Oh, Aris, it's working or he would have nothing to say. When he says âIt is impossible to export freedom with tanks, planes and cannonsâ then you know that either (1) he has never heard of Germany and Japan and Afghanistan and Iraq or (2) it's working. Now off with you before .com finds you.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 11:34 Comments ||
Top||
#7
Or (3) three, he's just talking the babble that all dictators everywhere are talking.
Fine, keep on thinking it's "working" -- but in the meantime Syria is still killing Americans and Iraqis.
And if .com wants me, he knows where I am and he even has my email. As do all of you. If you want to continue your personal games and pretend this is all about meeeemeeeeemeee, Tom, you can email meeemeeemeee and stop cluttering up the forum.
"You really are the biggest Attention Whore on the 'Net..."
"You get 99.99% of your info second or third or fourth hand. It's often tripe. That you are so certain, and perhaps proud of this tainted and flawed version of reality, it's little wonder you're a walking (I assume) talking fuckwit of half-truths and pure unsubstantiated opinion. You're truly a sad and pathetic little boy. So full of yourself, so full of shit, but that's redundant - it's just you being yourself. Perhaps you'll get a lesson, the hard one, soon. One can hope, for your sake. But for Rantburg, it's irrelevant - it's your personality disorder and should be dealt with offstage. You are typical of a guest on Jerry Springer."
"Pure pontification. Aris, your true name is impotent conceit - for that is the one indisputable trait that identifies you."
"No one gives a fuck what you think. No one gives a fuck why. No one gives a fuck if you live, die, or admit you're a dull gay blade who sucks cock better than Divine Brown and Linda Lovelace put together. No one gives a fuck about Greece, about their opinions, their government, their attitudes, their lives, their deaths. No one cares if it falls into the ocean or is swept clean by the next tsunami. No one would notice. No one cares if the EU builds a military or continues to suck tit. No one cares if they accept or reject a constitution. No one cares what you think about international institutions. No one cares about what you think makes America tick. No one cares what you think Red State and Blue State mean. No one cares what you think of American idiomatic or colloquial speech. No one cares what you're *sure* or *fucking clueless* about. No one cares. Because you are no one. Fuck, less than no one."
"It boggles how you pontificate, posture, preen and pose, yet you're impotent and imminently irrelevant. The only unique thing about you is your massive tumorous conceit - perhaps an achievement in your environs, but of no consequence outside your infantile mind. You're merely the arrogant little L'enfante terrible of conceit, endlessly blathering from the hinterhindquarters of the swampy lowlands of nowhere muttering to yourself - signifying nothing. Your opinion is of no consequence, nor is it worth the bandwidth or the time. Impotent. And that's why you post, your terminal case of LSM (Little Man Syndrome) simply overwhelms what logical faculties you might have, swamping your entire being in rage and hopeless helplessness."
"Sucks to be you, I'd wager, "LEECHBOY."
"All:
Impotent conceit. That sums up all aspects of Aris. He can affect nothing. He has no power. He isn't capable of anything except yapping - like the little dogs who get so excited they pee themselves. Ignore it and it will implode. Irksome, but terminally Irrelevant. Impotent. Insignificant. Inconsequential. Yap! Yap! Infantile. Inane. Yap! Insane. Idiot."
I requested it for "The Clasics". #34 at:
http://rantburg.com/poparticle.asp?HC=Main&D=2005-02-02&ID=55426
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 11:50 Comments ||
Top||
#10
Thank you Tom -- that's helpful: It shows you've already lost your transient desire of a couple days ago to atleast make a pretense at the appearance of sentience.
#12
And in the meantime, Syria is still killing Americans. You keep on caring about your games, I'll keep on caring about *that* instead, being more interested in American lives than you seem to be, Tom.
#14
We don't need you to tell us that Syria is killing Americans, Airhead Krapsaris.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 12:16 Comments ||
Top||
#15
"Syria is still killing Americans"
-Maybe, but in the mean time we'll keep our kill ratio on jihadis at unbelievable proportions, be they iraqis or foreigners. Again, Assad feels the pressure as my previous quote & we'll keep flypapering all the extremists.
#16
Oh crap, there goes the bandwidth....
Aris, if you had bothered to check the dates on those articles, you would see that they are all dated after the invasion of Iraq. Coincidence? I think not. He wasn't motivated to call for "dialogue" before 100k American troops were in the vicinity, battle-tested ones, not all green recruits. If I were a dictator in Bush's crosshairs with 14k of my troops out of the country tying down a restless neighbor, yeah, I'd be nervous.
And, now, apparently Assad has called for "dialogue" more frequently. The one previous to this was just before the elections. Notice a pattern there? He's getting worried. Case closed.
#17
We don't need you to tell us that Syria is killing Americans
Don't you? You nonetheless needed me to tell you that Syria's been urging for dialogue for *years* now, when y'all saw it as something new and strange and an omen that victory's at hand.
Those who forget history...
Here's a prediction: Two years from now Syria will urge for dialogue yet again, and the Rantburgers of that time will again say "It's working" when nothing will have changed from now to then. Cheers.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 12:33 Comments ||
Top||
#19
ignore the attention whore
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 12:36 Comments ||
Top||
#20
Aris, if you had bothered to check the dates on those articles
Having quoted the dates, I think it shows I did bother to check them, intentionally choosing one example from each year.
Coincidence? I think not.
No. It's only now he's had reason to attempt to make Americans think that "it's working". And as long as you're believing that "it's working" because he's urging for dialogue, it's proving a successful tactic.
Throwing you scraps of bread so you can pat yourselves on the back. Pshaw! If he was really terrified of America, one of the first things he'd do was actually stop killing your people.
#21
Friday night in Athens and Airhead the Attention Whore is huddled at a screen typing "y'all" and "Pshaw!" This has got to be ScrappleFace!
BWUHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 12:45 Comments ||
Top||
#22
...silently repeating the Serenity prayer to myself....
#24
I find the AAA (All About Aris) threads to be a bit repetitive and dull. That's why I have started to avoid them. But, Aris, you have to admit that your persuasive powers are not working as well as you might wish. Unless Tom and .com are right. So I just wanted to let you know about this book that many Americans, about whom you know so much, have found to be helpful in resolving problems like yours.
Good luck and best wishes.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 12:54 Comments ||
Top||
#25
Last one to leave the thread, kindly turn out the light.
#26
Mrs. D, first he needs to acknowledge that he has a problem:
http://www.sextreatment.com/masochism.htm
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 12:59 Comments ||
Top||
#27
I have enough friends, thank you very much, among people that never visit Rantburg. But if I wanted to make myself likeable to idiots and jerks and the intentionally ignorant (or even found such a thing tolerable), I'd have gone into a career of politics instead.
But if you're interested more in talking about meeeeeeemeeeemeee than about Syria being the murderer of Americans and Iraqis, and about calls for dialogue being just a pretense game they play rather than an actual consensus that shows a change in them -- that just shows the priorities of all y'all lie: and how much you people hate reality, and dealing with facts -- and how much you like to be self-deluded.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:11 Comments ||
Top||
#32
But, Aris, you have to admit that your persuasive powers are not working as well as you might wish.
We can each only be ourselves. If I need to lick your toes in order to "persuade you", then I won't do it.
I've contributed a specific fact in this thread (something more than you have done) that Syria has been constantly urging for dialogue, with specific facts and references -- same that I recently offered multiple points showing the consistent Syria-Russia alliance. Whether you choose to ignore such things, or try to incorporate them in your reasoning and possibly re-estimate your worldview that's yours to choose. But it's a useful datapoint for me (or anyone else) to offer, regardless of whether its wasted when thrown before swine. The swine can also be just swine.
That makes my participation in Rantburg worthwhile by itself. *shrug* Until I am bored of being a swineherder, I guess.
#33
Swineherder? I could have sworn Long Hair Republican said "goatfucker"! Oh, yes -- June 28, 2004. Definitely "goatfucker".
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:17 Comments ||
Top||
#34
If we are all such idjits, morons and dorks.....and if Aris has so many friends....why does he keep posting here
Why does a missionary intentionally travel to people who've never heard the Gospel? And why do I go to people who've never heard of logic, of argument, or perceived the usefulness of facts in deciding a course of action?
I'm still a believer that the swine can grow into people if you feed them human food, I guess.
#35
Here, Airhead, an old American expression that you need to learn: "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
Fits well with "y'all" and "pshaw" too.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:23 Comments ||
Top||
#36
it's all about meeeeeeeeeemeeeemeee. I need attttteeeennnnttionnn
#37
Tom, look, if he can't understand the meaning of the word "rhetorical"....
Stick a fork in this thread, it's done.
Looking forward to the new, improved Rantburg in June.
#38
And, now, apparently Assad has called for "dialogue" more frequently. The one previous to this was just before the elections. Notice a pattern there? He's getting worried. Case closed.
-I agree. Assad's further into a bad position. He's seen what's going on in Iraq, at first prolly seemed a good idea to tacitly look the other way why the screwball jihadis left syria en masse to fight the infidels. Heck, prolly even has some Iraqi illegal weapons in his country. Now, elections have taken place and the U.S. will prolly wind down in the next 18-24 months from Iraq as the Iraqis start providing their own security. Then he prolly wonders where the U.S. will be looking next. Makes sense. Also makes sense that after we invaded Iraq he asked for dialogue three different times. Now he's pushing for time at will prolly have to start locking down the islamonuts because he doesn't want to give Washington a causus belli when their hands are not tied down in Iraq. He's been looking for weapons from Putin to. U.S. mil on his flank. Cowboy Bush on his ass. Yep, it's working.
#39
Ok, maybe I was a bit hasty.
Thanks for bringing the discussion back to the matter at hand, Jarhead!
Anyone else care to discuss the matter, kindly post.
#40
If it turns out that we are invited to keep troops on a longer-term basis deep in the western deserts of Iraq, including that northwest corner, the rules have changed in that part of the world for at least a generation.
Permeable borders are permeable in both directions. If, as the Syrians say, they cannot keep people from "accidently" coming into Iraq, the same can be said for people intentionally going the other way. Trained, lethal, focused and motivated people.
Deals with Putin nothwithstanding, that is not something Syria can prevent directly. So they will try mightily both to swagger and also to tie up the US in the negotiating about negotiations game.
Why do I think it's not going to work for much longer? It will depend on how the new government in Iraq sorts out, but even the Shi'ite Islamic party can't be happy about Sunni / Baathist crap coming out of Syria to stir things up.
Oh, and don't forget the Kurds in southeastern Syria, who might get ideas of their own.
#43
A march out of Iraq through Syria to the Mediterranean would clean up a lot of loose ends: terrorism, Baath Party, Lebanon, Iraqi fugitives, WMDs. And it's a lot easier than leaving through Iran. A Mediterranian base would be nice, too.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:44 Comments ||
Top||
#44
I'm not sure they have to travel. Some may be occuring just inside their borders???
#46
So for 30-something posts Aris wants to argue that Syria *ISN'T* feeling pressure from the elections in Iraq and thousands of US troops next door? Golly--I suppose he still believes the earth to be flat as well?
#47
Permeable borders are permeable in both directions. If, as the Syrians say, they cannot keep people from "accidently" coming into Iraq, the same can be said for people intentionally going the other way. Trained, lethal, focused and motivated people.
Very good point. There has been some securing of the Iraq-Syrian border done in the last while, from the Iraq side (a bit of earthworks to make it easier to spot infiltrators), but it is segmented and the border is long. There are old smuggling trails there in less modifiable areas, so this is not a solution, just a part of it.
Assad needs to know that if he does not secure his side of the border, a can of whupass is in store. A date has to be set.
#48
Jarhead - Good resolution, and I think I'll try to follow it, too. (Sobiesky, you are a very bad man! ;P)
Even if we don't invade, you gotta admit that seeing the Iraqis voting - freely - had to freak Assad Jr out. Even Al Jazeera gave it pretty positive marks. No wonder he wants to move to protect his job.
#50
Tom, A march out of Iraq through Syria to the Mediterranean would clean up a lot of loose ends: terrorism, Baath Party, Lebanon, Iraqi fugitives, WMDs. And it's a lot easier than leaving through Iran. A Mediterranian base would be nice, too.
I agree, but let's be realistic. You need a substantial casus belli, to get the above nicely sorted out. Sure, even a manufactured one if needs to be ( ;-) ), but it has to be present and believable.
#52
You can't look at a map of Syria and tell me that a whole lot of people wouldn't be happy to have us clean it up: Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, the Kurds... And doing so would put Iran's influence that much farther away from the Palestinians too.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:58 Comments ||
Top||
#53
Syria can't feel that comfortable with the US and Israel on either side, and Israeli jets doing flybys over the capital and palace. Time to ratchet up the pressure and get the Baathists uncomfortable.
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 13:59 Comments ||
Top||
#54
Oh, Sobiesky, I think we could make a list and check it twice.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 13:59 Comments ||
Top||
#55
Question Jarhead? You mentioned "we'll keep our kill ratio on jihadis at unbelievable proportions". Can you shed some light on those proportions? The MSM wants the world to believe we are getting our asses kicked, which Rantburgers know is not the case. I've been compiling as much info as I can since the start of Gulf War II. My total tallies for dead Iraqi's and foreign fighters is roughly 8,800 to our 1,450 and 16,000 iraqi civilians. I'm having a difficult time convincing my doubting crew that we are in fact hammering these guys. We are all firefighters and we feel that we have a special stake in this conflict. The guys are in the dumps thinking we haven't paid them back nearly enough. If you have any links or info on this please let me know.
#59
Tom - Well, there would always be some who don't want us to clean it up, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Which, IMHO, are two very good reasons to keep the pressure on.
Discussions with adults are truly lovely, are they not? I so enjoy a thread with intelligent discussion.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 14:31 Comments ||
Top||
#67
i thought "Its working" was a bit of a joke. Obviously Baby assad asking to talk is only an INDICATION its working, not proof. so cool down everybody.
#69
Private Syrian jihadis in Iraq are not casus belli.
If they are, so would be French, Saudis, Jordanians, Egyptians, Lybians, Moroccans, Algerians, Kuwaitis, Iranians, Chechens ... and so on.
However, in Iran's case, there is some evidence that the goverment is involved in all sort of crap, in contrast with Syrian jihadis that have no apparent links with Assad's goverment.
Assad can always claim that these people slipped acrosss and that it is not entirely possible to control the border, but his administration is doing what they can to curb it. BS? Yea, but call it.
Occupation of Lebanon... ahm, that issue has a long beard and it seems that Lebanese are poised to deal with it very soon, thanks to the pressure on Assad from different directions.
Support for jihadis of different stripes... Again, Assad can claim with a degree of believability that he is trying to curb these groups, but has to do it cautiously because if he tried more radical approach, it may as well be his government's death warrant with jihadis as a replacement.
However, if there was something that can be interpreted as an unequivocal hostile act or a series of them, these above points may represent an additional weight.
#70
Openly? Nothing. But they could sponsor the local wackos and loons to cause headaches as part of an "uprising" as in Iraq.
The status quo in the region has been very good to them, especially the Saudis. Iran has to be nervous with American troops on two sides of them (Iraq and Afghanistan).
The last thing they would want to see is yet another country in the region heading towards some kind of democracy or accountability to their people.
#71
I think the mullahs might breathe a sigh of relief if we shifted forces and focus toward Syria for awhile. A democratic Syria is not like having a democratic Afghanistan or a democratic Iraq right next door.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 14:41 Comments ||
Top||
#72
<< Private Syrian jihadis in Iraq are not casus belli.>>
It will be interesting to see what happens when the Iraqis demand the return of their money from Damascus banks and the extradition of Ba'athist criminals from their cozy condos.
And, perhaps, request assistance from the Coalition in achieving those demands, for the good of the newly-stabilizing Iraqi state.
Might not happen, of course ... but there are lots of ways to proced that don't need to involve tanks taking the shortcut to a Mediteranean ship.
Posted by: trawling for allan ||
02/04/2005 15:19 Comments ||
Top||
#74
"For his part, Schroeder rejected a suggestion that US insistence on democratic change in Iran would compromise efforts by Germany, Britain and France to negotiate with Iran on the nuclear issue.
He said that US President George W. Bush 's "heart is where it should be" on democracy in Iran and added: "I couldn't agree more. I don't believe at all that there will be any weakening effect on the ongoing negotiations led by the three European countries."
#75
It is interesting that Assad wants "democratic relations between nations." Presumably he means one country, one vote. That's very different from democratic relations between a state and its citizens.
Right word, wrong idea. But thanks for playing, "Save Your Anachronism!"
Posted by: Baba Tutu ||
02/04/2005 15:56 Comments ||
Top||
#76
Looks like we got a PARASITE!
Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! It's all about me and my EGO! MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Parasite, lazy parasite! LAZY PARASITE! YKTWBAGNFAB!
Posted by: abu Meeeeeee ||
02/04/2005 16:41 Comments ||
Top||
#77
Hey, asshat! You're right, it's time for more "dialogue". Only, since you don't seem to understand the language we've been using, we've decided to change languages. How well do you speak JDAM?
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/04/2005 17:26 Comments ||
Top||
#78
I'am waiting for .com and than I'll agree with him
#79
Re #9 (Tom, about Aris): You really are the biggest Attention Whore on the 'Net...
Aris, to quote .com: "You really are the biggest Attention Whore on the 'Net..." "You get 99.99% of your info second or third or fourth hand. It's often tripe. That you are so certain, and perhaps proud of this tainted and flawed version of reality, it's little wonder you're a walking (I assume) talking fuckwit of half-truths and pure unsubstantiated opinion. You're truly a sad and pathetic little boy. So full of yourself, so full of shit, but that's redundant - it's just you being yourself. Perhaps you'll get a lesson, the hard one, soon. One can hope, for your sake. But for Rantburg, it's irrelevant - it's your personality disorder and should be dealt with offstage. You are typical of a guest on Jerry Springer." "Pure pontification. Aris, your true name is impotent conceit - for that is the one indisputable trait that identifies you." "No one gives a fuck what you think. No one gives a fuck why. No one gives a fuck if you live, die, or admit you're a dull gay blade who sucks cock better than Divine Brown and Linda Lovelace put together. No one gives a fuck about Greece, about their opinions, their government, their attitudes, their lives, their deaths. No one cares if it falls into the ocean or is swept clean by the next tsunami. No one would notice. No one cares if the EU builds a military or continues to suck tit. No one cares if they accept or reject a constitution. No one cares what you think about international institutions. No one cares about what you think makes America tick. No one cares what you think Red State and Blue State mean. No one cares what you think of American idiomatic or colloquial speech. No one cares what you're *sure* or *fucking clueless* about. No one cares. Because you are no one. Fuck, less than no one." "It boggles how you pontificate, posture, preen and pose, yet you're impotent and imminently irrelevant. The only unique thing about you is your massive tumorous conceit - perhaps an achievement in your environs, but of no consequence outside your infantile mind. You're merely the arrogant little L'enfante terrible of conceit, endlessly blathering from the hinterhindquarters of the swampy lowlands of nowhere muttering to yourself - signifying nothing. Your opinion is of no consequence, nor is it worth the bandwidth or the time. Impotent. And that's why you post, your terminal case of LSM (Little Man Syndrome) simply overwhelms what logical faculties you might have, swamping your entire being in rage and hopeless helplessness." "Sucks to be you, I'd wager, "LEECHBOY." "All: Impotent conceit. That sums up all aspects of Aris. He can affect nothing. He has no power. He isn't capable of anything except yapping - like the little dogs who get so excited they pee themselves. Ignore it and it will implode. Irksome, but terminally Irrelevant. Impotent. Insignificant. Inconsequential. Yap! Yap! Infantile. Inane. Yap! Insane. Idiot." I requested it for "The Clasics". #34 at: http://rantburg.com/poparticle.asp? We don't need you to tell us that Syria is killing Americans, Airhead Krapsaris. Mrs. D, first he needs to acknowledge that he has a problem: http://www.sextreatment.com/masochism.htm Get treatment, Air. Go find yourself a goat. Mrs. D, first he needs to acknowledge that he has a problem: http://www.sextreatment.com/masochism.htm Get treatment, Air. http://www.sextreatment.com/masochism.htm http://www.sextreatment.com/masochism.htm Swineherder? I could have sworn Long Hair Republican said "goatfucker"! Oh, yes -- June 28, 2004. Definitely "goatfucker". Here, Airhead, an old American expression that you need to learn: "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." Fits well with "y'all" and "pshaw" too. You can't look at a map of Syria and tell me that a whole lot of people wouldn't be happy to have us clean it up: Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, the Kurds... And doing so would put Iran's influence that much farther away from the Palestinians too. Oh, Sobiesky, I think we could make a list and check it twice. OK, Ars, "killing Americans", we got it already -- before you even arrived. Three months until the end of the Ars pain. Saudi Arabia and Iran -- what could they do about it? I think the mullahs might breathe a sigh of relief if we shifted forces and focus toward Syria for awhile. A democratic Syria is not like having a democratic Afghanistan or a democratic Iraq right next door. Ars. Oh, Mikey, how soon you forget! Remember: "Kojo Annon Coughs Up Truth About Dirty Oil Dealings" http://rantburg.com/poparticle.asp? HC=&D=1/30/2005&ID=55052 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1462576,00.html Perhaps, Raptor, they would have favored you if you hadn't shown it to them. ;) Bravo Al Mudhiryiah! Encore! Encore! Hopefully we will extradite to Iraq any of these war criminals we can seize. Personnally, I'd pick them up right on the street, even in New York City. Diplomatic immunity be damned. These are not diplomats of sovereign nations -- these are U.N. gangsters and their criminal associates. Geez, what's with Seattle? They're starting to make San Francisco look civilized. Kojo, 31, has a £500,000 flat on Londonâs King Road. I'd certainly be looking into that.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/04/2005 21:02 Comments ||
Top||
#80
Mikey's having a meltdown.
Posted by: Tom ||
02/04/2005 21:11 Comments ||
Top||
#81
Tom, you can cause him to have a snit fit without even trying. Good job.
Depends on the kill ratio you want to know? For the total war period? Or, just during the so called insurgency period?
Actual U.S. combat related deaths is around 1,089. The others were non-combat accidental deaths. Both numbers includes the entire time we've been at GW2.
I think your 8,800 number is low if we're talking the entire GW2. Remember, we don't officially post enemy kia's anymore so I can't give you anything that I can reference other then the msm reports, which I'm sure none of us gives a rat's ass about anymore. Truth be told, we slaughtered about 3 divisions worth of Iraqi regulars in the first three weeks or sooner of the war by most counts. My conservative swag (scientific wild assed guess) based on my lads who've been there would mean about 25,000 iraqi regs/rep guards are dead.
As far as after the "regular war" our kill ratio's something like 11 to 1, and that's being conservative. Pretty amazing considering urban terrain and lack of good actionable intel our boys have there, for now. Plus remember our tactics, we do no more then what the job calls for, how many jihadis got away because we show restraint in wasting a grid square? Prolly a shit load. Also, most of our combat deaths are convoy and other service support troops, not grunts. Convoys are not meant to dismount and go after the ambushers, we drive right through an ambush, that's doctrine, so you're not going to see a big kill ratio there. If it makes you feel better, look at the ass kicking the jihadis took in fallujah. An urban environment where usually the attacker takes 3 to 5 times the amount of casualties then the defender, that scenario was inverted times about two.
#88
Re #9 (Tom, quoting .com, about Aris): Aris, to quote .com: You really are the biggest Attention Whore on the 'Net...
Nothing to talk about, Babe. You know the drill. ROFL!!! Too funny, Fred! In the great tradition of Mata Hari, lol! Hmmm, I wonder how many Holy Men were seduced... Prolly the most eager of the lot. The Meese Commission would prolly volunteer to help... Lol! A fine Arafish parody, heh. I noticed how Kofi the Brave left his buddy of 3 decades, Benon Sevan, slowly twisting in the wind, yesterday... He's now solely interested in saving his own ass - and that's odd considering he only has 2 yrs to go. Ideas? Wow. Julian Borger's almost bright. Sorta half-bright. Perfect for AlG. In essence, this brings nothing new to light except more rehashed Mad Mullah faux Black Hat bravura and bluster. Keep it up, boyz. You're doing great. Inviting an actual "moderate" voice, Kipper, is the anchor of this piece. She's rational, but absolutely against anything but diplomatic means. I wonder if she'd be quite so calm and analytical about her diplomacy-only position if the Mullahs had her home targeted as ground zero... Tick... Tock... MullahWankers. Lh - I believe he remembers recognizes the consequences of a 2-front war... ROFL!!! W00t! One more box to check... Tick... Tock... MullahWankers. Shit. Been there / done that a thousand times. We've beat this dead horse more than almost any other topic. Looooong before its self-appointed apologist came on the scene. It's broken. Fatally. It can't get up. Kill it. Design one that will work limited to participants that will let it work. Everybody else can move to Paris and form a daisy chain. It's a quagmire. Where's our exit strategy? Hey, you'll get no argument from me - I've never trusted the freak. Talk to Lh and lex - they seemed to think he is a positive. Maybe, in the end, they'll be right... but I do remember he killed the first draft constitution because it stipulated a secular govt and has never been particularly helpful in anything, except when he bopped off to London so the Jarines and 1st Air Cav (?) could stomp Sadr in Najaf. In the Shi'a corner, I think the notion that the Iraqi Arabs will take direction from Iranian Persians is bullshit, I figure it will be their own gig, whatever form it takes. The shrine biz is what differentiates the turbans from the little people in Iraq. They make serious money from pilgrims and play the scholar role, emphasizing the importance of the religious game to propagate their power. Islam's a power scam. If they take over the Govt, too, well it's Iran, again. The poor Iraqi Shi'a will be screwed. Same old wine, new bottle, new label, methinks. And yep, the Kurds will split - and they should. The Sunnis? Mebbe they'll become the new dimwit "Palestinians" of the M.E. They've earned whatever happens to them - in spades. We shall see if Sistani & Co are just a new flavor of Khomeini & Co - or if they give a shit about their followers. Good advice, RbR... Maybe it will turn out dandy. Maybe it won't. We'll see. Regardless, I hope the Kurds are eventually unshackled from the Iraqi Arabs. They deserve better. phil_b - Here's another on a large scale... think we they can slice off the top of Syria for Med access? A chunk of Iran and a large chunk of Turkey should do nicely, as well, thanks - heh. No wonder the Turks are freaked - and it means absolutely nothing at all to me that they are. Life sucks when you get used to owning someone else's land, I guess. Looking at this map, I can't help but conclude that Sykes and Picot were puffing some primo hash... Interesting. I'll bet this got quite a bit of "play" from the various entities advising the President - and would have had one or two eye-opening assessments. Knowing Bush, he just might go - if only to show respect for those who died at the hands of terrorists. Hard to say if the situation would offer quality meeting time or if he even wants to meet with any of the other attendees. Certainly, Zappie is not on his list - if / when that happens, it will be on US turf and the invitation initiated by the US. One other observation is that he clearly likes and respects Aznar, so if Aznar will be there that might sway the decision, as well. JM / AR - Gotta differ with you guys. It was after the attack that the public beat feet and brought Zappie to power. The election, held only days after the event - before the Spaniards could make sense of it and see the big picture, was shameful, the attack was cowardly on the part of the attackers. I see no kow-tow involved in honoring the victims - for they were victims. Spain didn't ask for it - not until afterwards, IMHO. Your logic leads to a place you don't want to go, methinks. TU - your #7 comment means the same applies to the 9/11 victims - you say forget 'em? This is precisely what I meant when I warned where that logic takes you. The people in the Madrid train massacre were victims on 3/11. On election day, the nation voted to become dhimmis. Sorry, but you're wrong, IMHO. I guess we can agree to disagree, but I do not accept that the 9/11 and 3/11 victims are different. What differentiates the two situations is how their people and elected Govts responded. Sigh. Yet another cultural and political tumor on the host. Someday soon the PC / Rainbow / Diversity fuckwits (my generation) will lose their grip on the social levers, aging and dying off. Then, perhaps, assimilation will resume its rightful place as an expectation for those who immigrate to the US. Every group that tries to remain aloof and separate, for whatever reason, acts precisely like a tumor. IIRC, when vigilantiism was discussed as a hypothetical here in the 'Burg, opinions were divided. Now that it's a reality, has anyone changed their mind? Personally, I think this rocks. I think, given what the second source on the story said (www.abc.net.au's Mark Willacy) that we will see more. Everyone who was warned not to vote is likely to receive a visit if they disobeyed and voted. The local leader certainly knows his own society and will be expecting the reprisal. I am beyond happy that he ambushed them - and I hope the wounded were given to interrogators who showed no, that's zero, mercy in seeking intel on who sent them. Not to be argumentative, but to make a point, it's not stated in either article who fired first, but implied by the use of "attack"... They were threatened and the response is up to the tribe or clan leader. This is Arab "honor" at stake, here. As an Arab dealing with other Arabs, he knew what was coming and I'll bet it was an ambush of the asshats. I'm thinking Northfield Raid, as a parallel. He would lose a lot of status and support if he was threatened, attacked, and people were injured because he was only passively prepared. Just my guess, but it's as good as any other in the face of missing detail, and better matches my understanding of the Arab "honor" game. I'll PayPal him money for more ammo if he'll provide a link. Hey - no big deal to me. You can get excited if you want, it's your kharma. And from the second source: "We understand that last night the insurgents came back to punish the people of al-Mudhariya, but instead of metering out that punishment the villagers fought back and they killed five of the insurgents and wounded eight. They then burnt the insurgents' car. So the people of that village have certainly had enough of the insurgents." No use of "attack" there... No big deal, just offering what my understanding would suggest happened as neither story is precise. The tribe will tell it as it pleases them - cuz they won the engagement. The Arabs will tell and retell and read between the lines as it pleases them, as well. Truly, no big deal to me. My impression is only that, my impression. Only a first-hand account from an honest and neutral source could be trusted for total accuracy in an incident such as this. Just as the MSM has gone into agenda-mode, Arabs have their own way of dealing with each other, the Press, and the truth, you know. -30- Lol, BigEd! I haven't seen the movie cuz I refuse to give Hollyweird Loot, Rape, and Pillage System so much of my hard-earned scratch to go to a theater, so this was great fun, Thx, heh. I'll do the DVD, see at a matinee price, or watch on cable, but NEVER will I pay premium $$$ into the Hollyweird System every again. I treat them just the same as France, China, Germany, Belgium, Russia, et al. I know, I'm missing out - such is the price of my principles, lol! Lol, Mrs D. When it comes out an DVD I'll rip it and share, lol! Oddly, it seems he can't grasp the obvious: it's accurate. I guess if his ilk can't apply it, then it's only a word which has lost any useful meaning. SocioFascistIslamoBat⢠wank-o-matic AlG twitter. RIP, John, you were excellent. Voice and presence both exceptional. Thanx for the good memories. By "haircut" I presume you mean a scalping, bad? Count coup on this 'tard and toss him out. Koo-tah-haaay! Nope - damnit! If anyone knows, please post! Lol! I remember a little Cherokee - something like: Wahkinah tay too, wopinah tah tonay. It about facing the rising sun or something, lol! Longhorn Council Order of the Arrow. Hey I was only 14 when I went in and can't remember. This is much like klaatu berada nikto, heh... Do not eat this packet - Lol! Spewed coffee when the "Urk. Gleep." sank in, heh, instant flashback to the Jetsons robot... Heh - made me go to Dictionary.com to get: autodidact n : a person who is self-taught Yeah, since they're dropouts, they're self-taught, alright, lol! To be equally inane about it... On the other side of the equation, how about issuing arrest warrants for all officials of Old Europe - for cowardice in the face of the enemy - or whatever the legal beagles want to call it? The groundskeeper would be apoplectic - plays hell with the turf, y'know, lol! I saw a demo of two miniguns attached to a Cobra down at Ft [mumble] when they were being initially rolled out and the claim of putting a round in every square foot of a football field in 10 seconds (120' x 300' = 36000 sq ft / 4,000 rpm = 9 seconds, assuming perfect aim tracking) certainly seemed believable. The Snake appeared to back up when both guns went active (momentarily lost in a local cloud of smoke not dissipated by the blades!) - and the target area looked like liquefied soil at a rapid boil. Stunning. We're talking major skidmarks, here. Quite a sight back ~35 yrs ago, I assure you. The burrrrrrrrip! of a mini is the most welcome sound imaginable - if you're US. Must be the ultimate sound of terror if you're them. The Indian subcontinent is a lost province of the Middle Kingdom. Eventually, it must be reassimilated. Silly Indians. Free cookies, oh the horror! La Plata County Court Judge Doug Walker should be tossed out on his ass next election cycle, the wanking moron. If I had my way, Wanita Young would be heavily sedated, wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a big basket, taken to a Blue State, set on the front step of a large Psychiatric Hospital late at night... then ring the doorbell and run. She'd fit right in. She doesn't deserve neighbors who do such nice things - and neither does the "judge". Take the cost of the shuffle out of Walker's salary. Unfreakingbelievable. The site may be New Scientist, but this was not said by a scientist - it's idiot-talk. So I will write off New Scientist as yet another Science in the Public Interest wankeroo group.
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
02/04/2005 23:39 Comments ||
Top||
#89
Jealous of Aris' Attention Whore status, Mikey?
Well, you trumped him today with your moronic and childish reposting of Tom's and then my comments for almost the entire day.
You must be someone's exceptionally well-beaten red-headed stepchild - or want to be.
What a retard. Fuck off Mikey, you're an appurtenance. And an infantile one at that.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Umar Karami has issued a strong warning to the country's anti-Syrian opposition in the face of growing criticism over Syria's involvement in Lebanese affairs.
Without specifying what moves he contemplated, the Syrian-backed prime minister on Thursday accused the opposition of "crossing all boundaries".
"Yeah. Youse guyz are gonna get it!"
Asked what the government planned to do to deal with the situation, he said: "You will see in the next couple of days." Christians and Muslim figures from across Lebanon's opposition on Wednesday made their strongest call yet for Syria to pull its 14,000 troops out of Lebanon as demanded by a UN resolution sponsored by the US and France. Druze opposition leader Walid Jumblatt said a Syrian envoy who met several pro-and anti-Syrian Lebanese officials in Beirut this week should next time bring trucks to take back Syria's intelligence officers who are deployed in Beirut.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
The Syrian and Iranian governments reacted angrily yesterday to George Bush's vow to confront them over their alleged harbouring of terrorists and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. The American president's state of the union speech on Wednesday night identified Syria and Iran as the primary obstacles to the Bush administration's declared mission to spread peace and democracy in the Middle East. It sent tremors through the region, raising fears that the administration might have more military action on its second-term agenda.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denounced the United States as "like one of the big heads of a seven-headed dragon", menacing his country under the direction of "Zionist and non-Zionist capitalists". "Bush is the fifth US president seeking to uproot the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Carter, Reagan and father Bush and Clinton failed. This president will also fail," the Associated Press quoted him as saying.
"Just like he did in ... um, never mind."
The response from Damascus also reflected growing nervousness at Mr Bush's intentions. "Freedoms cannot be exported by tanks and planes, death and destruction," said Syria's information minister, Mehdi Dakhlallah.
"It didn't work for us in Lebanon, either!" he added.
"Everyone knows that Syria is cooperating in fighting terrorism, but the definition of terrorism cannot be selective and based on ideology and politics," he said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
"...the speech is bad news for Europe's hopes of getting the US more involved in talks with Iran..."
Wow. Julian Borger's almost bright. Sorta half-bright. Perfect for AlG. In essence, this brings nothing new to light except more rehashed Mad Mullah faux Black Hat bravura and bluster. Keep it up, boyz. You're doing great.
Inviting an actual "moderate" voice, Kipper, is the anchor of this piece. She's rational, but absolutely against anything but diplomatic means. I wonder if she'd be quite so calm and analytical about her diplomacy-only position if the Mullahs had her home targeted as ground zero...
#2
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denounced the United States as "like one of the big heads of a seven-headed dragon"
Black flag.. black clothes.. black acid..
Posted by: Howard UK ||
02/04/2005 9:21 Comments ||
Top||
#3
"like one of the big heads of a seven-headed dragon"
-why only one head? I thought we were the whole thing? I mean, how would he know? Has he ever seen a seven-headed dragon? Not the type of thing you just look out your window and see strolling by everyday.
Therefore, I want a retraction from Khameni right now dammit! We're the whole fucking dragon plus the fire, the serpent, and all that evil sounding shit! I haven't spent my whole adult life in the service of the *great satan* just to be "one big dragon head." I demand satisfaction Khameni, you sanctimonious son of a motherless goat!
#4
I got ya big dragon head, right here, Ali, ya big pussy
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 10:06 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Great picture. Makes me wonder, do kids the world over make those faces, or is that just undersupervised and undisciplined American brats like my kids?
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 10:21 Comments ||
Top||
#6
"For his part, Schroeder rejected a suggestion that US insistence on democratic change in Iran would compromise efforts by Germany, Britain and France to negotiate with Iran on the nuclear issue.
He said that US President George W. Bush (news - web sites)'s "heart is where it should be" on democracy in Iran and added: "I couldn't agree more. I don't believe at all that there will be any weakening effect on the ongoing negotiations led by the three European countries."
#9
If that analysis proves accurate, the speech is bad news for Europe's hopes of getting the US more involved in talks with Iran over suspending uranium enrichment
Say one thing for Al-Guardian: they don't shy away from reporting bad news for Europe. It's pretty obvious that the EU3 negotiations are a complete farce that command the respect of neither the Iranians nor us.
Donald Rumsfeld on CNN's Larry King Live last Thursday held Turkey responsible for terrorists resistance.
"One of the things that didn't go right was we were not able to get the 4th Infantry Division in from the north through Turkey. And because of that, the Sunnis north of Baghdad never really got engaged in the war and an insufficient number were captured and killed in that part of the country. And they didn't really ever experience the full power of the United States military. And they, in many instances, today are the ones that are fomenting this insurgency that exists in Iraq. So that and the fact that we couldn't get that division in from the north was unfortunate, in my view," said the U.S. Secretary of Defense. On the eve of Condleeza's meeting with Turkish PM. Wouldn't surprise me if they cancelled the meet.
#2
Any world leader would be an imbecile to cancel a meeting with Rice right now. They will undoubtedly record every word she says, then pour over it looking for nuances for weeks. This slight by Rumsfeld was no slip of the tongue, there are intense negotiations going on right now about the future of Incirlik air base, and probably two dozen other major linkages, such as Tikrit, Syria, Iran, Kurdistan as a whole, and the WoT. He was sending at least one message, to at least one receipient, loud and clear. No, the Turks will greet Condi like she is a long-lost cousin.
Muslim clerics debate the relative benefits of killing Jews or converting them to Islam.
While the Palestinian Authority may come down clearly on the side of killing Jews for divine Islamic reward, other Muslims think converting Jews is even better. Although, they'll agree, killing Jews is still good.
Speaking on Saudi Arabia's Iqra TV last month, Sheikh Aed Al-Karni expounded: "The Prophet Muhammad, as is said in the Hadith [post-Koranic instructions for behavior and belief - ed.], sent Ali to the Jews - to the Jews, the brothers of apes and pigs - to fight them. Ali, being so brave and daring, thought he was sent to behead them. The Prophet Muhammad told him that it was better to guide them to the righteous path than to kill them...."
Adding elucidation of the founder of Islam's instruction, Al-Karni concluded, "By Allah, if you guide a Jew or a Christian to the righteous path, it is better than slaughtering one or two thousand of them on the battlefield."
A London-based Islamic preacher, however, has a different view. Appearing on Iranian television's Arabic broadcast on December 30, Said Radhwan declared: "The only option with these Jews is Jihad. Jihad is the only option that the [Palestinian] resistance should employ and maintain against the Jews. It is impossible for [the Palestinians] to regain their lands and their holy places in any way but Jihad, because Jihad is the only way to liberate the Palestinian lands and the Al-Aqsa Mosque."
This article starring:
SAID RADHWAN
Learned Elders of Islam
SHEIKH AED AL KARNI
Learned Elders of Islam
Posted by: tipper ||
02/04/2005 10:11:11 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Well, at least they talked it over...
Urk.
Gleep.
Posted by: Do not eat this packet ||
02/04/2005 12:29 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Adding elucidation of the founder of Islamâs instruction, Al-Karni concluded, "By Allah, if you guide a Jew or a Christian to the righteous path, it is better than slaughtering one or two thousand of them on the battlefield."
and when's the last time you did that on the battlefield, you ignorant backassward coward?
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 12:35 Comments ||
Top||
#3
This is a no-brainer, guys. The obvious answer is to convert the EvilJews(tm) and *then* kill them. Two birds with one stone!
Squeamish about muslim-on-muslim fratricide? Not a problem. Convert them to the *other* flavor of Islam and you can still slaughter them for being non-believers. Could Solomon himself do better?, he asked smugly.
Preliminary election returns released Thursday by Iraqi authorities showed that 72 percent of the 1.6 million votes counted so far from Sunday's election went to an alliance of Shiite parties dominated by religious groups with strong links to Iran. Only 18 percent went to a group led by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite who favors strong ties to the United States. Few votes went to Sunni candidates. Although the early votes were drawn only from Baghdad and from five southern provinces where the Shiite parties were expected to score strongly, and from only 10 percent of the 5,216 polling stations, the scale of the vote for both religious and secular Shiites underscored the probability of a crushing triumph and a historic shift from decades of Sunni minority rule in Iraq.
The scale of the lead held by the Shiites and the possibility of their coalition with the Kurds seemed certain to cause anxiety among Sunnis, who largely boycotted the election and remain deeply suspicious of the emerging Shiite dominance. But signs also emerged on Thursday that some Sunni leaders were ready to involve themselves at least in a limited way in the political debate. The leaders of 13 mostly Sunni political parties that stayed out of the election had agreed Monday that they would take part in writing the constitution, the next step in the establishment of a new Iraqi state. Election officials emphasized that the results were preliminary, and pleaded for caution in extrapolating from them. They noted that there were no returns from the Sunni heartland and that the returns were primarily from Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad. And in a turnabout, the officials said they would not announce a figure for the overall voter turnout until all votes were tabulated next week.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
02/04/2005 12:16:16 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
If Sistani and his merry men try to set up a mullocracy like Iran, it will split the country into pieces. The Kurds won't tale this crap. This election and the setting up of a constitutional government is a one-time opportunity for Iraq to work through the spirit of horse-trading and compromise. The Iraqi people better not blow it. I have a bad feeling about Sistani. He will bide his time, then he will try to consolidate power and lay his trip on everyone and then there will be civil war. Am I overworried or what?
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/04/2005 0:53 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Hey, you'll get no argument from me - I've never trusted the freak. Talk to Lh and lex - they seemed to think he is a positive. Maybe, in the end, they'll be right... but I do remember he killed the first draft constitution because it stipulated a secular govt and has never been particularly helpful in anything, except when he bopped off to London so the Jarines and 1st Air Cav (?) could stomp Sadr in Najaf.
In the Shi'a corner, I think the notion that the Iraqi Arabs will take direction from Iranian Persians is bullshit, I figure it will be their own gig, whatever form it takes. The shrine biz is what differentiates the turbans from the little people in Iraq. They make serious money from pilgrims and play the scholar role, emphasizing the importance of the religious game to propagate their power. Islam's a power scam. If they take over the Govt, too, well it's Iran, again. The poor Iraqi Shi'a will be screwed. Same old wine, new bottle, new label, methinks.
And yep, the Kurds will split - and they should.
The Sunnis? Mebbe they'll become the new dimwit "Palestinians" of the M.E. They've earned whatever happens to them - in spades.
We shall see if Sistani & Co are just a new flavor of Khomeini & Co - or if they give a shit about their followers.
#3
Before everyone panics (like I did when I first saw this on the topic list), note the source of this article. The MSM's going crazy trying to come up with yet another discredit-Bush meme, and for now "run for your lives, the Islamist theocrats are a-comin'" will do just fine.
Posted by: Ricky bin Ricardo (Abu Babaloo) ||
02/04/2005 1:09 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Good advice, RbR... Maybe it will turn out dandy. Maybe it won't. We'll see.
Regardless, I hope the Kurds are eventually unshackled from the Iraqi Arabs. They deserve better.
#5
The Kurds will be delighted to take any opportunity to split (The Turks are already major frothing at the thought - see Turkish news sites). The open question is what happens to the Sunni areas in the middle. My guess is Shiites will take a slice on the southern side, the Kurds will take a bigger slice on the Northern side. See here for Kurdish historic claims. Leaving a rump Sunni area mostly desert and no oil that possibly may join Jordan. A satisfactory outcome as far as I am concerned.
#7
phil_b - Here's another on a large scale... think we they can slice off the top of Syria for Med access? A chunk of Iran and a large chunk of Turkey should do nicely, as well, thanks - heh. No wonder the Turks are freaked - and it means absolutely nothing at all to me that they are. Life sucks when you get used to owning someone else's land, I guess.
Looking at this map, I can't help but conclude that Sykes and Picot were puffing some primo hash...
#9
Er, the usually invaluable Paul Moloney gave this one the rather, uh, (needlessly) provocative title. The article itself is pretty innocuous.
So Sistani's list won. We all knew it would happen. Word beforehand was that they'd weeded out most of the actual dangerous folk, while keeping the dangerous groups still nominally represented. Maybe, maybe not. Chalabi's back. All sorts of stuff going on. Too much uncertainty to start hyperventilating already.
Incidentally, it's fortunate the ballots weren't counted on election day, since this "Islamist takeover" spin would undoubtedly have been all over the MSM in their attempt to crap on liberty's parade.
#12
Whatever happened to the reports that the leading Shia party had signed on to a Islamic style secular government with no clerics? I never understood that to mean that no clerics would run for the Constitutional assembly or that islamic law wouldnt be enforced in the country by the government but there seemed to be some rumors that the Shia were open to the idea of religious equality and once the government was formed having no clerics be also elected officials in that Govmt.
This has disappeared or are we just not hearing about from the MSM trying to scare us?
I think the jury is out on the ol wizard BTW. Sure he's playing power games but he's smart and he seems to have some sense in that he recognizes what is good for Iraq to some extent. He may not be our man entirely but I don't expect him to be. I also have a hunch that he is not interested in a mullahocracy with him on top. He seems smarter than that and he has to have seen and be aware of how the mullahs across the way have failed.
I'm not ready to write him off yet. He's laregly responsible for getting out the Shia vote and so therefore he is the force behind Iraq's first steps to some political maturity.
#13
More MSM bullshit. Extrapolating from heavily shi'a districts only and then screaming about a win for Iran and a loss for Bush is like projecting a massive Kerry landslide based on early returns from Vermont and Massachusetts.
#14
The main this this election did was select the group that will create the permanent constitution. If three provinces fail to ratify the constitution, it doesn't fly. Let the shi'ites do whatever they want. If they can't swing the deal with the Sunni and the Kurds to establish a constitution, they become an appendage of Iran, the Sunni go to Syria and Kurdistan gets an outlet to the sea through northern Syria. That alternative is ugly enought to the Shia that they will have to make a deal that goes down well for the Sunni and Kurds. And if they're too dumb to do that, I don't find the alternative all that unappealing. Kurdistan just becomes our mole instead of Iraq.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis ||
02/04/2005 11:43 Comments ||
Top||
#15
Everyone knew from the get go that the Islamists Party of Sistani was going to be the big winner. Also we know that Sistani has demonstrated a willingness to support a Democracy and not a Theocracy. He was living in Iran and I am sure he has learned from their mistakes. I could be wrong, but I heard that most Shia do not want to emulate Iran. A recent poll showed that most want a goverment modeled after the UAE. The UAE is considered very moderate even liberal by arab standards. The Federal Goverment style would be a nice fit into ethnic division that is Iraq.
#16
Wouldn't surprise me, actually. The Shiites are grateful that we got rid of Saddam for them. But they have their own agenda, which isn't necessarily our agenda. This is why I believe we will need to make sure that non-Shiites are represented in the government - to rein in the Shiites. The alternative is partition, which I have no real issues with.
#17
Rooting around I came found this vote so far :
I combined the partial inside Iraq results with the expatriate results and found this:
Per IOCV 265148 people voted outside Iraq. New accounts give only who number %ages of that vote : Sistani 36% Kurd 30% and Allawi 9%.
Inside Iraq wirh no Kurdish provinces, and 3300000 votes counted : Sistani 67%, Allawi 17% "independendent Cadres" (?) 1.3% Commies, Islamic Radicals, and al-Yawer List 1% each.
No reports on Kurd vote inside Iraq yet.
#2
I'm laughing so hard my sides hurt. Bush put an additional 15,000 troops INTO Iraq before the election, to help insure security of the election process. Now the election is over, and he's pulling them out. Unfortunately, the MSM doesn't think like the rest of us do, and will scream that this is a major victory for Ted "Traitor" Kennedy. Listen for it, and remember, you heard it here, first!
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/04/2005 17:04 Comments ||
Top||
Palestinians trained in Jordan will be deployed in the West Bank, Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki said yesterday, denying Israeli media reports that Jordanian forces would be sent to the area. "They are PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) forces that have been denied to go inside the territories," Mulki told AFP. "They are not Jordanians, they are Palestinians, and they have been trained by Jordanian special forces. They abide by the instructions of the president of the Palestinian Authority," he said.
Israel's Maariv newspaper reported that Jordan's King Abdallah had offered to deploy 1,000 Jordanian troops in the northern West Bank to ensure order after Israel pulls out from four small settlements there later this year. But Mulki insisted that the force, described by the Israeli media as the Badr Brigade, was made up of Palestinians trained in Jordan. "They are not ours. Jordan has no jurisdiction over them. They were our guests and we trained them," he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
who wants to bet theyll be Jordanian "advisors" embedded in these units? Recall half of Jordanians are Pals, and the others are close in dialect and appearance, IIUC. Wouldnt be a bad things to have some Jordanians keeping order on the West Bank.
#2
Interesting comment LH. It brings to mind a few years ago when there was a discussion of a Palestinian State. Israel was saying that there already was such a state -- Jordan!!! Of course, Jordan went crazy over the comment. It seems that it was probably true.
-looks like the paleo version of "dress, right dress" i.e. a drill movement to get your unit in proper alignment formation before taking the report. The black female in the front would get dingged on improper head alignment.
US President George Bush has painted a promising future for the Middle East, saying that a Palestinian state was now within reach.
Hamas and Hezbollah aren't going to let it happen. We had that story yesterday, even though we guessed before we saw it.
Delivering his annual State of the Union address, Bush also said the elections in Iraq marked a "new phase" in US efforts to train Iraqi security forces and that both liberty and democracy were on the march in the region. "The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace is within reach - and America will help them achieve that goal," Bush told the joint session of the US Congress and a televised audience of millions. With an eye on his place in history, Bush said spreading democratic reforms in the Middle East would help defeat "terrorists like those behind the September 11, 2001 attacks".
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
Abbas and the Paleo people will have to take on a serious bunch of nutcase hardcases. I do not think that they will do it. To use banker's lingo, the Paleos are a poor risk. When the nutcases move in among the Paleos, they will start rocket attacks and Israel will have to do the equivalent of counterbattery fire and make killing zones, which is JUST what Hamas and Hizb'Allah want to happen.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/04/2005 0:58 Comments ||
Top||
#2
*shrug* - maybe we will see the assasination of a few key Hamas and Hizb'Allah in the next few months . Thats the only way Abbas will control them .
The Iraq war is entering a new, post-election phase in which U.S. troops will focus on training Iraqi security forces, but no American withdrawal is in sight, top Pentagon officials said Thursday. "In this new phase, the priority will be on increasing our efforts to help the Iraqis assume more responsibility for providing security for their country," Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told reporters at the Pentagon. But in Senate testimony, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conceded that less than a third of 136,000 Iraqi troops and police counted as "trained and equipped" are capable of independent combat operations. "It does not mean the rest of them are not useful because in many parts of the country all you need are police on duty," Myers told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Wolfowitz told the panel that the number of U.S. troops in Iraq would be reduced in coming weeks from 150,000 to about 135,000, or about the same level as before reinforcements were sent in for the Jan. 30 elections. But while Iraq's elections have buoyed U.S. and Iraqi officials, Wolfowitz indicated that the American troop level was likely to remain that high throughout the year - a suggestion that provoked a drunken fiery response from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. "How long is it going to take to train Iraqis to fight for their own country, to shed their own blood, as Americans are doing it?" Kennedy demanded. "Is that going to take four months? Is it going to take 12 months?"
Teddy, remember that time in the '50s when the Army tried to train you to be an M.P.? About that long, perhaps longer.
Wolfowitz said 1,342 Iraqi police and soldiers had been killed - nearly as many as the 1,439 American dead. U.S. and allied forces have trained and equipped about 136,000 Iraqi troops and police, Wolfowitz added, and expect to have 200,000 trained and equipped by October. Myers estimated that about 40,000 of the Iraqi forces are trained and equipped well enough to operate independently. Still, U.S. commanders "believe that over the course of the next six months you will see whole areas of Iraq successfully handed over to Iraqi army and Iraqi police," Wolfowitz added.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said, "One of the reasons why there's continuous questions is because of the various setbacks we've had in the training and equipping of the Iraqis." But Wolfowitz and Myers said Iraqi forces performed well on election day, stopping seven attempted car bombings in Baghdad and one south of the city and providing security at polling places. Wolfowitz also reported that on each of the first two days after Sunday's elections, an estimated 2,500 Iraqis joined Iraq's security forces. Their most important gaps are intangible, Wolfowitz said: leadership, command and control arrangements, experience, and unit cohesion. "These intangibles take time to develop," he said. "Some of them are, frankly, best developed by actual combat experience."
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under:
One of Iraq's two top Kurdish leaders is to be a candidate for the post of prime minister or president in any future government, according to his political rival. Kurdistan Democratic Party chief Masud Barzani said on Thursday that both Kurdish parties had agreed Jalal Talabani should be their candidate for one of the key posts in Baghdad. "Either president or the prime minister, we will not accept other than that", Barzani said. Talabani is head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the other main Kurdish political party. Together the two groups claim to represent about 90% of people in the Kurdish northern regions of Iraq. And despite fighting a civil war in the 1990s, both leaders formed an alliance to contest the elections. The Kurdish alliance is widely expected to come second or third in the elections, with a Shia bloc certain to win.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
Top|| File under:
A court in Mauritania has ended a mass coup trial, condemning the alleged mastermind of three failed coup attempts and three others to life in prison.
Another Mastermind checked off the list...
I don't know if after three failed coups you qualify for "mastermind"
Three main opposition leaders were acquitted on Thursday, including Muhammad Khuna Walad Haid Allah, a former military leader who overthrew current President Muawya Sid Ahmad Walad Taya two decades ago and lost a presidential race against him in 2003. In all, 181 people have been on trial since November in this Sahara desert nation for involvement in three separate coup attempts between 2003 and 2004. Those condemned to life prison terms with hard labour included ex-military commander Salih Walad Haninna, Capt Abd al-Rahman Walad Mini, Cmdr Muhammad Walad Shaikhna and Capt Muhammad Walad Salik.
Pleading guilty
Haninna, the coups' alleged ringleader, had pleaded guilty at the trial, saying he wanted to overturn two decades of dictatorial and corrupt rule by the West African nation's leaders. During one hearing in December, Walad Haninna said he wanted to "free the Mauritanian people from the grip of a despot who doesn't respect the laws of the country or international conventions". After presiding judge Muhammad al-Hadi Walad Muhammad read the verdicts, applause rang out in the courtroom. Others, family or friends of the accused, wept.
Prosecutors had requested death penalties for 17 of the accused. Two others acquitted on Thursday were Ahmad Walad Daddah, a two-time presidential candidate who heads the Rally of Democratic Forces party and is considered the most powerful opposition leader in the country, and Shaikh Walad Hurma, president of the Party of Democratic Convergence.
Forty-nine people, mostly low-ranking army officers, were ordered to serve 18-month jail terms. Others received sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years in prison with hard labour. The suspects went on trial en masse at a heavily guarded military base in the town of Wad Naga, 50km east of the capital, Nouakchott. The government had moved the trial from the capital, citing security fears. The accused were suspected of mounting three coup attempts between June 2003 and September 2004. Only the 2003 coup made it past the planning stage, sparking brief but deadly street fighting in the capital.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
A former top Indian intelligence official has penned his memoirs detailing the exploits of Pakistani diplomats between the sheets.
"Shaujaat. Chaudry Shaujaat..."
'Open secrets India's intelligence unveiled' by Maloy Krishna Dhar, former joint director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), details the intelligence games between Pakistani and Indian agents since 1956, including the "honey traps" used by both sides to gain information. The book contains several sensational claims about current Indian politicians that are causing a stir here.
"You doinked that hussy at the SAARC summit! Patel, how could you!"
Dhar writes how, as head of the Pakistan desk at the counter-intelligence wing of the IB, he tailed and video-taped several Delhi-based Pakistani diplomats in bed with various women. One diplomat had seduced the sister of a reputed journalist who was close to then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
"Oh, take me, Mahmoud!"
"She had succumbed to the blackmailing of a Pakistani diplomat of NWFP origin. The Pakistan Counter Intelligence Unit documented several of their intimate meetings with appropriate light and sound. The tape was played for the prime minister and he took action..." writes Dhar in his book, an advance copy of which was made available to Daily Times.
"Tell, me, madame, what are we to make of these pictures?"
"That is not my butt!"
"The lighting is very good. And the sound is superb. Are you sure this is not your butt?"
Another Pakistani diplomat had seduced the daughter-in-law of a reputed arms peddler and defence contractor. "She had arranged two meetings of the Pakistani diplomat with a serving major general of the Indian Army," Dhar writes.
"Uncle Mukkerjee, this is my lover, Shaujaat. Shaujaat, this is Uncle Mukkerjee, the very model of a modern major general..."
Indian agencies also used "honey traps" to target Pakistani diplomats based in New Delhi. One Pakistani diplomat had pierced deep into Indian defence targets and was a great headache for Indian agencies. "His behavioural peculiarities were studied over a period and it was found he was fond of a certain lady from old Delhi. The beauty was recruited and taught certain trade secrets. A trap was laid and the diplomat was caught fabulously on celluloid," writes Dhar. He adds that the woman was later used in operations inside the high security Pakistani High Commission.
"What kind of operations?"
"Sensitive operations!"
In a claim that tears apart the stand of Hindu nationalists (Sangh Parivar) and the government, the book says that the demolition of Babri Masjid was planned 10 months in advance by top leaders of the RSS, BJP and VHP. "Around February 1992, soon after the flop 'ekta yatra' of Murli Manohar Joshi, I was directed to arrange technical coverage of a key meeting of the BJP/Sangh Parivar. The meeting was to be attended by Lal Krishna Advani, MM Joshi, Rajju Bhaiya (then RSS chief), KS Sudarshan, Vijayaraje Scindia, HS Sheshadri, Vinay Katiyar, Uma Bharati and Champat Rai," the author says.
"Along with three dozen hookers from Peshawar and Quetta, of course."
About operations in Kashmir, Dhar says Indian democracy "has never given a sincere try to the goodwill of the people of Kashmir". He writes that India's Kashmir policy has remained hostage to the interests of the Nehru-Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah families, together with certain peripheral Kashmiri Muslims and core Pandits (Kashmiri Hindus) and a few intelligence bureaucrats. He says that around 1989, intelligence production in that state had dried up. When called to assist, Dhar writes, he raised some intelligence assets in the valley. "I deftly used the services of a Delhi-based Muslim lady to recruit a couple of Kashmiri Muslim assets. These assets were engaged in fruit and carpet trading and lived around Muslims ghettos in the Lajpat Nagar and Okhla localities of Delhi," he writes.
"I can't seduce him!"
"Oh, c'mon! Why not?"
"He smells like old bananas!"
"Well, try the carpet guy, then."
Posted by: Fred ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 AM ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under:
#2
No beautiful spy ever tried to lure me to give up national secrets. Dammit.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/04/2005 8:15 Comments ||
Top||
#3
Yeah... how come I never get targeted by the Indian Intelligence Bureau?
Posted by: Phil Fraering ||
02/04/2005 9:01 Comments ||
Top||
#4
As Johnny Rivers put it:
Beware of pretty faces that you find
A pretty face can hide an evil mind
. . . Don't you let the wrong words slip
While kissing persuasive lips
The odds are you won't live to see tomorrow
Posted by: Mike ||
02/04/2005 9:58 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Pakistan Counter Intelligence Unit documented several of their intimate meetings with appropriate light and sound
cue porn music: twangy guitar and bass
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/04/2005 10:32 Comments ||
Top||
#6
One Pakistani diplomat had pierced deep into Indian defence targets...
An Afghan passenger jet with more than 100 people on board was missing and feared crashed after it failed to land at Kabul airport or turn up in neighboring Pakistan, where a company official said it had been diverted due to bad weather. The Kam Air Boeing 737 took off Thursday afternoon from the western Afghan city of Herat bound for the capital, Kabul, but was unable to land because of a strong snowstorm, said Feda Mohammed Fedayi, the airline's deputy director. Fedayi said the plane was diverted to an airport in Pakistan, possibly the border city of Peshawar, but that as of Friday morning the company had no word on whether it landed safely. Pakistani aviation officials told The Associated Press on Friday that the plane never entered their airspace. ``We have information that a plane went missing on the Herat-Kabul route but no plane has entered Pakistani territory and no plane has made contact with any air control tower,'' said Abid Rao, deputy chief of Civil Aviation for Pakistan. ``We have checked all of our stations.''
Foul play or are they emulating Air Ukraine?
My initial suspicion would be foul play...
UPDATE: KABUL (Reuters) - The wreckage of an Afghan airliner that went missing with 104 people on board was found Friday near the capital, Kabul, a day after it was turned away because of heavy snow, a Western security source said. The Kam Air Boeing 737 was found to the northeast of the capital, but the security source did not say if there were any survivors. NATO troops and helicopters have been searching for the plane, which was on a flight from the western city of Herat to Kabul Thursday when it went missing after being turned away from Kabul airport. At least seven of the 96 passengers were foreigners and six of the eight crew members were from Kyrgyzstan, Kam Air deputy director Feda Mohammed Fedayi said. The foreigners included three American women working for a Massachusetts-based company, Management Sciences for Health, its Kabul representative William Schiffbauer said. "We don't know if there were any survivors," the security source said, adding that the passengers included five international aid workers and nine Turkish nationals. Deputy Interior Minister Shah Mahmoud Miakhel told Reuters earlier the plane may not have had sufficient fuel to enable it to fly as far as an airport in Pakistan. "It did not have so much fuel to enable it to fly far," he said.
Not enough fuel to divert, ran out of time, gas and options
Kam Air financial controller Zimarai Kamgar said the aircraft had contacted Peshawar airport in northwestern Pakistan about an hour after it was turned away from Kabul at about 4 p.m. (11:30 a.m. GMT) Thursday. "It was given clearance to land, but it never arrived," Kamgar told Reuters. Kam Air opened as Afghanistan's only private airline in November 2003. It flies leased aircraft between Kabul and Dubai and Istanbul and operates several domestic routes. In September, an Antonov-24 operated by the airline went off the runway while landing in Kabul, slightly injuring some of the 27 passengers aboard, apparently after engine trouble.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/04/2005 00:00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[3 views]
Top|| File under:
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.
The IRA has issued a veiled threat that it will "abandon" its ceasefire in a deepening of the political crisis in Northern Ireland. Since the British and Irish governments accepted the assessment of Ulster's chief police officer Hugh Orde that the 
IN a controversial interview on British television, Chechen warlord 
North Korea will turn U.S. military bases in the region into a "sea of fire" if war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean media on Friday quoted a communist officer as saying. 
South Korea's defense department has updated a key White Paper dealing with North Korea to reflect a more conciliatory attitude - while leaving no doubts that it would try to deter any possible attack.
The US Defence Secretary has said he is considering whether to attend a conference in Germany, where he may face arrest for war crimes. 
The Madrid Club of former Spanish heads of state has invited US President George W Bush to mark the first anniversary of the 11 March terrorist bombings. The move could be seen as an effort to try to boost the poor relations between Spain and the US, which have not improved since the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq last year soon after the present Socialist government came to power. It also came as the Spanish daily El Pais reported Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero was considering changing tack on Iraq in order to lift the chill on US-relations. Zapatero is not thought to be considering re-deploying Spanish troops, but suggesting some aid to Iraq in order to thaw relations with the US.
A mob of Seattle Central Community College students chased military recruiters off campus last month, after a tense confrontation. Now a student anti-war group is stepping up efforts to keep them out for good. Students Against War has launched a petition drive aimed at persuading administrators to order a halt to on-campus military recruiting. The group points to a November ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Philadelphia-based court held that a college opposed to the policy barring gays and lesbians in the armed forces has a First Amendment right to protest by blocking access to military recruiters. Central students opposed to the war in Iraq have been fighting the presence of military recruiters all year. 
The 
Condoleezza Rice leaves on Thursday for Europe on her first trip as US Secretary of State, hoping to heal old rifts with US allies over Iraq but facing new frictions over China and Iran. Rice was flying to London to kick off a week-long tour of eight European nations and the Middle East and start tackling a full plate of foreign policy issues hanging over US President George W Bush's second term. The trip was billed as a warm-up to Bush's own fence-mending tour later this month but will also be the first test of Rice's ability to sell the tough policies she helped craft over four years as his national security adviser. A week after taking over the helm of US diplomacy, Rice will use the success of Iraq's national elections Sunday to try to narrow differences with US allies such as France and Germany that fiercely opposed the war.
Anyone who stole from the UN's oil-for-food programme for Iraq must stand trial and the money be repaid to the Iraqi people, Iraq's human rights minister said on Friday. Bakhtiar Amin praised Thursday's report by Paul Volcker, the former head of the US Federal Reserve charged with probing corruption in the programme, and said it revealed that even UN dignitaries were not above robbing the poor for profit. "It shows that some so-called dignitaries had not an iota of shame in their bones, no conscience and no morals," Amin told Reuters in an interview. "They profited as parasites on the misery of an impoverished nation."
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said he is shocked by findings of the independent enquiry into the oil-for-food programme run by the world body. 
Despite tough new language on Iran, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday that a U.S. attack on the Tehran regime is "simply not on the agenda" for now. After talks Friday with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Rice said the United States and its allies still have "many diplomatic tools" that they will pursue "fully" to ensure that Iran's theocracy does not subvert its legal nuclear energy program to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iran on Thursday rejected US President George W Bush's call for freedom directed at the Iranian people as misguided and ignorant of the Islamic republic's history.
Syria called yesterday for dialogue with the United States, rejecting as "futile" the mounting pressure on the regime from the administration of President George W. Bush. In his State of the Union policy speech largely focused on the Middle East, Bush admonished Syria, saying it should end its support for "terror" and open the door to freedom. But Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah told AFP: "American officials need to be convinced that the pressure on Syria is futile and that a strengthening of dialogue is the only path."
The Syrian and Iranian governments reacted angrily yesterday to George Bush's vow to confront them over their alleged harbouring of terrorists and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. The American president's state of the union speech on Wednesday night identified Syria and Iran as the primary obstacles to the Bush administration's declared mission to spread peace and democracy in the Middle East. It sent tremors through the region, raising fears that the administration might have more military action on its second-term agenda.
Palestinians trained in Jordan will be deployed in the West Bank, Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki said yesterday, denying Israeli media reports that Jordanian forces would be sent to the area. "They are PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) forces that have been denied to go inside the territories," Mulki told AFP. "They are not Jordanians, they are Palestinians, and they have been trained by Jordanian special forces. They abide by the instructions of the president of the Palestinian Authority," he said.
US President George Bush has painted a promising future for the Middle East, saying that a Palestinian state was now within reach.
The Iraq war is entering a new, post-election phase in which U.S. troops will focus on training Iraqi security forces, but no American withdrawal is in sight, top Pentagon officials said Thursday. "In this new phase, the priority will be on increasing our efforts to help the Iraqis assume more responsibility for providing security for their country," Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told reporters at the Pentagon. But in Senate testimony, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conceded that less than a third of 136,000 Iraqi troops and police counted as "trained and equipped" are capable of independent combat operations. "It does not mean the rest of them are not useful because in many parts of the country all you need are police on duty," Myers told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
One of Iraq's two top Kurdish leaders is to be a candidate for the post of prime minister or president in any future government, according to his political rival. Kurdistan Democratic Party chief Masud Barzani said on Thursday that both Kurdish parties had agreed Jalal Talabani should be their candidate for one of the key posts in Baghdad. "Either president or the prime minister, we will not accept other than that", Barzani said. Talabani is head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the other main Kurdish political party. Together the two groups claim to represent about 90% of people in the Kurdish northern regions of Iraq. And despite fighting a civil war in the 1990s, both leaders formed an alliance to contest the elections. The Kurdish alliance is widely expected to come second or third in the elections, with a Shia bloc certain to win.
A court in Mauritania has ended a mass coup trial, condemning the alleged mastermind of three failed coup attempts and three others to life in prison. 
A former top Indian intelligence official has penned his memoirs detailing the exploits of Pakistani diplomats between the sheets. 
