Armed supporters of an Afghan warlord have blocked the main road between two towns in volatile eastern Afghanistan, government officials said Thursday. Supporters of Bacha Khan Zadran cut the road between Gardez and Khost three days ago after local officials seized a dozen of his militia's vehicles because they were setting up illegal checkpoints, said Hashmatullah, an official in the governor's office in Khost province. State TV reported that Paktia Gov. Raz Mohammad Dalili sent a delegation of elders to try to resolve the problem. Hashmatullah said elders from Khost province had also been dispatched. Zadran kinda-sorta patched things up a month ago. This might be the longest one of his agreements has ever lasted...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 06:35 pm ||
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This story is getting stranger all the time.
A British man is recovering in hospital after a shoot-out in a hotel in Kabul which left two Afghans dead. Colin Berry, 37, from Essex, suffered a gunshot wound during the incident at the Intercontinental Hotel on Bagh-e-Bala Road on Tuesday. He was taken to a hospital in the Afghan capital where his condition was described on Thursday as satisfactory. A Foreign Office spokesman said Mr Berry was expected to remain in hospital for a few more days but said that his injuries were minor. Now the strange part.
A German news agency quoted Kabul's security chief Mohammad Basir Salangi as saying four armed Americans entered the hotel room - containing two Afghans and two Britons - and opened fire. Anyone notice if they had New Jersey accents?
The Foreign Office refused to confirm that story or confirm the presence of a second Briton in the incident. "What story? What Brit?"
The spokesman said reports that Mr Berry had been arrested were unfounded and denied he was helping police with their inquiries. He was believed to have been working as a bodyguard.
The Foreign Office spokesman said: "He was in Kabul on a private visit and there aren't any charges against him, he has not been arrested, he is not helping police and we are keeping in touch with the local authorities. He received a visit from our consular staff yesterday as is standard practice." Thanks, that helps a lot.
The shoot-out was sparked by a "conflict of interest concerning a commercial dealing," according to an Afghan television report. Somebody tried to cut in on Tony Sopranos action.
The report said only that an unidentified British man was detained and a police investigation was under way. "We'll get back to you."
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 02:15 pm ||
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#1
according to an Afghan television report
I thought they banned cable awhile ago??
#2
My first thought was that perhaps Mr. Berry found religion in the Brixton mosque. But the tu3031 is just as persuasive. We'll see.
Posted by: Pete Stanley ||
02/27/2003 15:47 Comments ||
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#3
I had to respond to these comments, I'm back in the U.K having been released on the 28th August 2004. Even though they kept me for nearly six months no charges wrere forth comming. I was tortured etc to reveal who I was working for and what I was doing there. The 'Jersey' guys were freinds and allies. I was alone with the Afghans and it wasn't for any shady deals. They were the bad guys with strong links to terrorist activities. They were stopped.
Posted by: Colin Berry ||
04/30/2004 7:05 Comments ||
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#4
And you can "say no more"?
To say that this is still puzzling is a massive understatement!
The one thing I am certain of, however, is that it is good to hear you are out of AfghaniWakiLand, home, and recovering - in all the applicable ways! If you happen to feel the urge, I have no doubt we would all like to hear much more. If that isn't possible or advisable, well, I offer my best wishes for your recovery! Welcome home!
#5
O.K, just a bit more, since a fair bit of what happened is reaching the press etc. I was aiding both British and American INTEL to collect SAM's (blowpipe, stinger, SA 7) as well as sending teams into Pakistan to hunt for Gulbaddin and Osama. My brief also inclueded running informants to report on the activities of opium smuggling by highly placed Afghan officials and their followers. Basically I was exposed by a unsavoury double agent who is currently hiding in Dubai.(not for long) There was a knock at my door one night and in walked two Afghan guys who I'd recently recovered some urainium from. It was being tested by the New Jersey boys. Anyway they weren't there to talk, after a short time one went for a chinease TT,(not a take away) I grabbed his arm we struggled and as he shot me in the stomach I punched him under his nose, I fell back and in doing so drew my own pistol (Makarov)his partner was coming at me so I shot him three times in the chest, he dropped like a sack. The one with the gun was just getting an aim on me again when I aimed at him and gave him three into the same spot. All went quite. The one nearest me twitched so he got another to the face and for good measure I fired into his pal's forehead. Game over Brits two, Afghans nil. I called for assistance and ten minutes later the door came of its hinges in came a whole bunch of 'North Face' models in base ball caps. It wasn't long before we left. The rest I'll leave for now depending upon interest. p.s thanks for good comments.
Posted by: Colin Berry ||
07/26/2004 17:41 Comments ||
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Afghan authorities said they have arrested 12 members of the former Taliban regime suspected of plotting attacks. Police said they have seized arms and explosives during the arrests in the southern towns of Kandahar and Spin Boldak. Seven suspects were arrested at a house in Kandahar with a stock of arms and land mines, said Mohammed Anwar, a senior police officer in the city, worldnews.com reported. Another five supporter of the Taliban were arrested from a hotel in Spin Boldak, said local security chief Abdullah. Up until now, the durance for guys caught in similar circumstances doesn't seem to have been particularly vile. Wonder if the gummint's going to get a little harder on them?
The news of the arrests came after a blast in Kandahar in front of the city center house of the provincial director of education, Mohammed Dawood Barak. The police said the explosion, which appeared to have been caused by a land mine, damaged a car but caused no casualties. They said it was likely to have been carried out by remnants of the Taliban or fighters of renegade warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. If they don't crack down on them, they're going to end up with more incidents like this one...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 10:58 am ||
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The father of Ali ibn Saud ibn Nasser, the alleged killer of a British citizen in Riyadh on Thursday, has said his son does not belong to any organization. "He's not a member of any religious group," he told Al-Watan. He said that his son, aged 26, was very emotional, and that although his son was allegedly involved he condemned the shooting. "He always kills infidels when he gets upset... Why, yes, he is always upset. Why do you ask?"
Ali was suspected of having links with Al-Qaeda. Saudi security sources said Nasser had recently traveled to Pakistan and named his youngest son Osama. Ali, who belongs to the Al-Harithy tribe in Najran, killed Robert Dent, a British commercial officer at the BAE Systems, by shooting him at close range. Family sources said Ali's parents had a nervous breakdown after hearing that their son may have been involved in the shooting incident. Police arrested Ali, who was employed at Baashen Establishment in Riyadh, soon after the incident. Made the pilgrimage to Pakland, where he got fired up with that Olde Tyme Religion™.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 10:23 am ||
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Saudi Arabia has arrested seven more men for suspected links with Saudi-born Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, Interior Minister Prince Naif has announced. "The arrests were made a few days ago in Makkah and the seven are suspected of belonging to this group," he told Al-Watan Arabic newspaper. The men â mostly young Saudis, some of whom are still in secondary school â are being interrogated to determine if they had links with Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist organization. "We will know within a few days," the minister said, adding that security officers had also confiscated arms from the suspects. The Ministry of Interior has also announced an SR500,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the gunman who shot Jouf Deputy Governor Dr. Hamad Al-Wardi in Jouf on Feb. 17. Prince Naif dismissed the idea that there are "sleeping terrorist cells" in the Kingdom. "One or two people are arrested here and there but we don't have what is known as sleeping cells," he clarified. He added that most of the arrested Al-Qaeda suspects in the Kingdom had previously visited Afghanistan. I didn't think they needed sleeper cells in Soddy Arabia. I thought the Bad Guys and the cops just politely ignored each other, each pretending the other didn't exist.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 10:17 am ||
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Rowan Williams was enthroned today as the 104th Archdruid Archbishop of Canterbury in a lavish ceremony. Previously the Archdruid Archbishop of Wales, Dr Williams wore vestments made by Welsh craftsmen and from Welsh materials as he sat in the 13th century marble chair of St Augustine and swore an oath on the 1500-year-old Canterbury gospels. First time I saw a picture of him in his druid costume, I swore a might oath, too. And I'm not even an Anglican...
In a break with Anglican tradition, the first Welsh archdruid archbishop selected one of his own translations of a Welsh hymn to be sung at the service. The enthronement was given added Celtic flavour by a harp accompaniment to the soprano soloist Rachel Grey. The Welsh anthem Cwm Rhondda was also sung. Inside, leaders of other Christian denominations, including Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster and representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist faiths, shared pews with the Prince of Wales and senior politicians. Did they, uhhh... sacrifice anyone? I understand it was a druid tradition on special occasions...
The ceremony was the culmination of the lengthy process of installing the controversial intellectual as spiritual leader of the Church of England and 70 million Anglicans worldwide. But outside the great oak doors of the cathedral, protesters opposed to the new archbishop's liberal views gathered to make their feelings heard. Dr Williams has publicly backed homosexuals in the church and favours the appointment of women bishops.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 08:10 pm ||
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#1
We've seen this pic before. They look like the asbestos cleaning crew that works my building at night.
#2
Tu,
Where do you live?If it's in the U.S.,then by OSHA regulations.That building you work in is suppossed to be sealed,and vented using negative -air preassure.No one but trained and certified asbestos/hazmat personal allowed into the excusion zone.
#3
They're doing it floor by floor here. They suit up in the lobby and head up to the sealed off floor. I'm 24/7 on call so I usually see them about 9 at night when I get called in.
Now here's a story that I never thought I'd see.
Russia is making a land route through its territory available for use by Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, to resupply peacekeepers in Afghanistan. The announcement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's visit to Moscow on Wednesday. Putin described the measure as a first, as Russia has never before allowed a NATO member nation to move troops through its territory. German Army - Russia - winter, must maintain control, flash back ..too strong, must ATTACK!!!.....sorry
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 11:34 am ||
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#1
Wonder if they're being routed via old Stalingrad?
#2
Does Russia have a different track gauge than Western Europe still? Seems that was one of the things that delayed resupply in WWII--even if the tracks weren't destroyed, they needed to be reset to the standard European 4' 8 1/2" gauge.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg ||
02/27/2003 12:43 Comments ||
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Russia has about 100 klicks of "standard" 4' 8 1/2" gauge and close to 160,000 klicks of 5' "Russian gauge". Those Jerries are gonna have to shuffle some equipment around or use those expensive and heavy multi-gauge wagons.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg ||
02/27/2003 12:56 Comments ||
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The trans-siberian has to switch gauges at the Chinese border crossing. It's done by lifting the wagon off the trucks with a gantry crane, and lowering it onto trucks with the right gauge. Doesn't take that long. Mind you this is for passenger trains, I don't know if it could be done for regular freight.
#5
Right now Germany uses the very reliable C160 Transall (German/French production, can carry up to 16 tons or 92 passengers) planes to airlift heavy equipment. These have often been used to bring fast humanitarian aid into desaster areas (floods in Mozambique for example). They will be replaced by the new A400M built by Airbus in the next years that the German Luftwaffe and other European air forces will use.
You will be so glad to hear that one of the small panzer brought to Afghanistan are called "Wiesel"
MODERATE STANCE: SANTA CRUZ COUNCIL REJECTS PLEA TO CREATE ANTI-WAR `SANCTUARY'
Ignoring activists' pleas to pass resolutions that would create an anti-war ``sanctuary'' and urge Congress to impeach President Bush, the Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday night voted to launch a campaign aimed at persuading the state Legislature to oppose a war against Iraq. Your tax dollars at work.
In September, Santa Cruz became the first city in the country to pass a resolution to oppose a war. Although more than 100 city councils and county boards across the country followed, Hawaii and Maine are the only states to adopt resolutions suggesting that Bush resolve the dispute with Iraq peacefully. Santa Cruz. Leading the way to "Peace in our time".
``There is growing and serious support'' for impeaching Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, said activist Sherry Conable. Sherry, why aren't you in Baghdad protecting a baby food factory or something?
When the council held a town meeting with Rep. Sam Farr last week, the loudest cheers came when one speaker suggested impeaching Bush for his pro-war stance, she noted. ``We are two weeks away from a Holocaust in Baghdad,'' said Robert Norse, adding that local officials needed to do more than write anti-war letters. ...a Holocaust, I tell ya!
He urged the council to create a ``sanctuary'' in Santa Cruz for members of the military who refuse to join the fight against Iraq. Sanctuary!....Sanctuary!!! The council didn't discuss the suggestions, also made by a handful of other activists, including James Cosner, a self-styled ``revolutionary freedom fighter'' who was sentenced to 10 months in Santa Clara County Jail for taking a sledgehammer to a Christopher Columbus statue in San Jose City Hall in 2001. Cosner had claimed Columbus was a symbol of white supremacy. And I'm sure he had some very interesting suggestions....
The council indicated it preferred a more moderate reaction to the town meeting, at which the overwhelming number of speakers expressed anti-war sentiments. ``To do something that sets us up for ridicule is counterproductive,'' Mayor Emily Reilly said. ....and it'll get these nutjobs outta here so we can go home.
Instead, the council decided to send letters to state legislators who represent Santa Cruz — Democratic Assemblyman John Laird and Republican Sen. Bruce McPherson — asking them to sponsor a resolution urging Bush not to initiate a ``pre-emptive war with Iraq'' and to support a diplomatic solution built on international support. The council also directed Reilly to send letters to the councils and boards of 18 other California cities and counties that have adopted anti-war resolutions to urge them to write their own state legislators to build support for a state resolution. The communities are Arcata, Berkeley, Davis, Fairfax, Los Angeles, Mendocino County, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara County, Santa Monica, Sebastopol, Topanga Canyon, Ukiah and West Hollywood. Very good. Nice ineffectual response and now all you crazies can go home. Next item on the agenda....
#1
"Dang it, Rummy, we've got to call off the attack. The Santa Cruz City Council has voted against it!"
"Darn! And it would've been such a nice attack, too."
Posted by: Mike ||
02/27/2003 12:51 Comments ||
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Hmmmmm, self styled freedom fighter James Cosner takes a sledge hammer to a statue. Glad my freedom doesn't depend on the intestinal fortitude of clowns like James Cosner or the cretins on all the city councils who passed their useless, idiotic anit-war resolutions.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
02/27/2003 12:46 Comments ||
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I was at UC Santa Cruz during GWI. One thing worth noting is that before it started, there was strong opposition. Once it was under way, though, even that bastion of radicalism shifted heavily towards supportive. Even people who generally opposed the US watched and chuckled as Bernie described a Tomahawk flying down the street and turning left.
#4
Notice here in San Diego that kinda crap didn't pass - it wasn't even brought up. When it comes down to it - we are the military. Faster please
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/27/2003 15:24 Comments ||
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Dunno..we'll see. The Left is a different animal these days. I doubt those protesting the war with "Impeach Bush" signs are going to suddenlty change their stripes. 8 years of Clinton has turned a lot of these characters into foam at the mouth automatons.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
02/27/2003 16:07 Comments ||
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I know that James Cosner, he's the feller that rekkins he'd have sumore poted meat mmhmmmmmm.or is he that fish guy in the movies, oops thats Kevin Costner, my mistake
At least three people have been killed in two separate shooting incidents in Karachi today. In one incident, two Shiite Moslem community members were gunned down while working in their bakery on the main M.A. Jinnah Street. The three attackers arrived at the bakery on a motorcycle, one entered the shop and shot dead two people. The victims were an uncle and nephew, both Iranian Pakistanis who have settled in Karachi for decades. In another similar attack, unknown gunmen in the central Jauharabad district of the city shot dead a member of a Sunni community, police said. Police suspect the two incidents may be related to the sectarian violence which erupted again last Saturday when assailants in the Malir Halt area of eastern Karachi gunned down nine people, all Shiite Moslems. Crackdown's over, so the festivities resume...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 8:15:02 PM ||
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Authorities said today they had seized over three tonnes of drugs smuggled in from Afghanistan as well as mortar bombs and anti-aircraft ammunition in two raids this week. The paramilitary Frontier Corps seized 1.3 tonnes of morphine on Wednesday in Girdi Jungle refugee camp, 250 km (150 miles) southwest of Quetta near the Afghan border, a Corps officer said. The Corps found the morphine, 22 mortar shells and 12 boxes of anti-aircraft gun rounds — all smuggled in from Afghanistan — in an abandoned house in the camp after a tip-off, he said. In the central city of Multan, customs officials said they seized two tonnes of hashish on Wednesday and arrested a smuggler posing as an army officer in a fake military vehicle. The antiaircraft ammunition and the mortars make it sound like the Bad Guys are mixing business with pleasure. Tell me again the difference between a terrorist and a crook?
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 07:40 pm ||
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Pakistan has signaled to the United States that it will back a new resolution on disarming Iraq, a stance that could help swing wavering votes on the UN Security Council, The Los Angeles Times reported today. "We are very good allies of the United States and value our relationship and want to see that blossom," a senior Pakistani official told The Times. "The issue of Iraq will not become a problem between us." Doesn't that come as a surprise...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 07:37 pm ||
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The death of Pakistan's air force chief in a Fokker plane crash last week reverberated in Parliament yesterday as opposition MPs voiced suspicions of a U.S. hand in the incident. But Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali rejected the apprehensions as an attempt at "playing to the gallery".
"It's gotta be some sort of infidels plot..."
Liaqat Baloch, leader of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), said the timing of the February 20 crash "gives enough reason to be suspicious as there is disturbance on Afghan borders and there is a tremendous pressure on Pakistan due to Iraq crisis. On Afghan issue after 9/11 Air Chief Mushaf Ali Mir had refused to give bases to the United States. There are reports in international media that the United States is testing aircraft jamming technology in the region as part of its preparations to attack Iraq," Baloch said. You knew this was coming, didn't you?
Yeah. If I was gonna test aircraft jamming technology, I'd go to the Pak-Afghan border area. (I'm not sure why...)
He said a military plane crashed in Iran and then there was the Fokker incident in Pakistan and subsequent crash of a Cessna plane in which Afghan minister Mohammed Jumma Mohammadi was killed. "If it is true that the United States is testing this weapon, then it is a crime against humanity," Baloch said. Our secret electronic weapons at work.
If the U.S. isn't testing weapons in the area, and all three crashes are a result of crummy maintenance, as I suspect they are, then I'd say that's a crime against humanity. A little less reading the Koran, a little more reading the manuals, okay?
"The air marshal had the guts to say what others cannot say," said MP Tehmina Daultana from Pakistan Muslim League party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. She added that the Fokker was a safe plane and asked, "How could it crash like that?"
I dunno. Maybe Mahmoud left a wrench in one of the air intakes? Or maybe Lashkar e-Jhangvi decided they were all infidels and apostates and such...
MMA member Hafiz Hussain Ahmed demanded that a parliamentary committee should probe the crash and present a report. "The nation is still in the dark about the C-130 military aircraft crash in August 1988 that killed then president General Mohammed Ziaul Haq," Ahmed said. You really want to dig into that one, Ahmed? Be careful, you might find something. Makhdoom Amin Fahim, parliamentary leader of Pakistan People's Party of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, said a timeframe should be fixed for the official investigation. Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal told the National Assembly that a high-level inquiry team comprising air force officers, technical and medical experts was looking into "all aspects" of the Fokker crash. "Whether it was human error, technical fault, bad weather or sabotage, any speculation is premature," Iqbal said. "On receipt of the inquiry report, the public will be informed about it," the minister said. "It is unjust to speculate as a team of very experienced experts is conducting investigations," Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. I guess offering the help of the NTSB is out of the question?
Prime Minister Jamali, dismissing the opposition suspicions, criticised the tendency to draw "political mileage" from the incident. "The investigation committee is doing its work and there is no need to be touchy and itchy about the matter," Jamali said. Now that's a slap! Way to go, Jamali!
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 10:01 am ||
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#1
Well, it certainly cannot be attributed to Allah's will. I would keep our NTSB folks out of Pakistan. It is not a good idea to expose our talent needlessly to Pak hazards. The Paks may not really want to know the true cause, and it is not our Buck Rogers Death Ray, either.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/27/2003 9:58 Comments ||
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Paul - Of course it's not our Buck Rogers Death Ray. It's in for quarterly maintenance. Everybody knows that. My guess is that it was the similar Secret Weapon that Ambrose Bierce and the Masonic Elders maintain on Mount Shasta. That's the only place I can think of that has the requisite Secret Weapon and the line of sight...
Posted by: Fred ||
02/27/2003 10:51 Comments ||
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This is what happens when you mix modern technology and 7th century Islam.
Senior Bush administration officials, speaking anonymously, have briefed reporters on their vision of a postwar Iraq and these plans emerged last night:
The US military would control Iraq in the short term after President Saddam's removal; troops would maintain security, protect Iraq's oil fields, ensure that other nations respect Iraq's existing borders and find and destroy weapons of mass destruction.
A civilian administrator would work on engaging Iraqis in the formation of a democratic government. A transition would last months, not weeks. The administrator would not necessarily be an American.
Iraq said today that it would destroy its al-Samoud missiles within two days, as US officials reported that Iraqi troops and equipment have begun moving towards Baghdad. Sn Iraqi official, who declined to be named, said Baghdad was "seriously and genuinely" studying a UN request that it destroy missiles that inspectors say exceed range restrictions. He said Iraq would reply in the form of a letter to the UN security council within the next 48 hours. The response came shortly before the security council was to open discussions on a new resolution drafted by US, British and Spanish diplomats that said Saddam had failed to meet disarmament demands, diplomatic language that could trigger war. Toldja so. But notice that what's happening is actually that they're "seriously and genuinely" studying the order â not a request — and they'll get back to us. What they're going to get back to us with will be questions, suggestions, request for clarification and requests for discussions. The only way the missiles will get destroyed is if Sammy thinks we're actually coming. Cheeze, this is predictable...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 07:57 pm ||
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Uhh.....maybe he did
Posted by: Michael ||
02/27/2003 20:23 Comments ||
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Cheeze, this is predictable...
What is also predictable is that the same people that were taken for suckers before get suckered again. And again, and again, and....
#3
Next"TrixieBlixe is going to say "They are cooperating,but more is needed."
When is some going ask Blixie"No more BS,no more seesawing around is Iraq cooperating or not"
The BBC said today it had obtained a draft copy of the next U.N. weapons inspectors' report on Iraq and quoted chief inspector Hans Blix as saying the results on disarmament had so far been "very limited." Not a twitch from the old surprise meter...
"Iraq could have made greater efforts to find any remaining proscribed items or provide credible evidence showing the absence of such items," the British broadcaster's World Service radio quoted Blix's draft as saying. "The results, in terms of disarmament have been very limited so far. The destruction of missiles, which is an important operation, has not yet begun. Iraq could have made full use of the declaration which was submitted on December 7." Instead they've been pretending and hoping the whole things would blow over...
Blix is due to present the report to the U.N. Security Council on Saturday. The final version of the report is expected to be available later today.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 07:43 pm ||
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Not that anyone cares but...
The Church of England's General Synod offered prayers for Saddam Hussein yesterday before condemning military action against Iraq without a fresh United Nations mandate. After a highly-charged emergency debate called by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Church toughened its anti-war stance by insisting that Western leaders "must" comply with international law through the UN. But here's the surprise. Not everyone's buying it
However, the debate revealed a surprisingly high level of dissent from that line, with one in seven voting against the motion, and a significant number of speakers backing the right of George Bush and Tony Blair to use force even if they fail to secure UN backing. Among the 49 Synod members who opposed the motion, which affirmed the joint statement made last week by Dr Rowan Williams and his Roman Catholic counterpart Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, were a number of archdeacons and other senior churchmen. Along with the guy who should have been the new Archbishop of Canterbury and probably will be when the liberals walk
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, who has argued that a pre-emptive strike against Iraq could be legitimate, also broke ranks with his colleagues by abstaining. The usual suspects said the usual things
The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, led the prayers for all those involved with government and leadership, including for "our Prime Minister and all MPs, for President Bush and the United States administration, for Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi government". Also remembered were members of the Armed Forces and their families. Opening the debate, Dr Hope acknowledged that there were "differing and diverse views" on the issue, and conceded that the country was facing "a serious dilemma". He added: "A determined Iraqi refusal to comply with UN resolutions cannot simply be met by inaction, passivity, appeasement or indifference. At the same time there remain among Christians very real doubts about the moral legitimacy of a war with Iraq, with all the human suffering which it will entail." There aren't any with this Christian
I think they got that from the Islamists. If you don't agree with them, you must be an apostate or an infidel of some sort...
He said there were no simple answers but decisions about the use of force must be endorsed by the UN. "It cannot be for individual nations, in these circumstances, to substitute their own judgment for that of the international community." Where in the Bible does it say that, Dr. Hope?
Canon Andrew White, the director of International Ministry at Coventry cathedral, argued that the West was partly responsible for creating the crisis in Iraq and efforts to depose Saddam, such as sanctions, had increased the suffering of the Iraqi people. The sanctions that have "increased the suffering of the Iraqi people" are UN sanctions, Canon White. But the Archbishop of York thinks we need UN approval. Care to explain the discrepancy?
He said: "As many Iraqis have died at the hands of the West as they have at the hands of Saddam." I assume you've got an unbiased source for that statement. No? British military chaplains have the same concerns as their American counterparts
The Ven Barry Hammett, the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, warned the Synod to be careful of making statements which the Armed Forces would regard as against them. He said: "Such men and women are not a breed apart from the population in general. They are not people immune from the concerns and anxieties which we all share." He said that seldom had people under military discipline faced such a dilemma. And apparently have a great deal more nuanced view of the situation than the antiwar clergy
Brig Ian Dobbie from Rochester, who retired from the Army in 1992, said that the Western leaders were almost certainly in possession of intelligence about the activities of Saddam which they could not share publicly for security reasons. He said that when he served in Northern Ireland he was not always told all he would have liked to know but he was told what he needed to know. He believed that Mr Blair and President Bush could be trusted to act honourably even if they did not get the support of the UN. He added: "I do not believe that our leaders so lack integrity that they would send our nations to war just for a glory trip or to secure oil supplies." One Geoffrey Locke warned against idolatry
Geoffrey Locke from Lichfield warned against demonising the United States and idolising the UN. He said that if the West took no action Saddam would spin the issue out until he was sufficiently armed so that no one would dare to take action against him.
Posted by: Christopher Johnson ||
02/27/2003 04:59 pm ||
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From IslamOnline.net, that's all you need to know.
Iraqi Ambassador in Moscow Abbas Khallaf announced that more than 10,000 Russian citizens have applied for entrance visa into Iraq to act as human shields in the looming U.S.-led military aggression. In statements to the independent Russian website news.ru on Wednesday, February 26, the Iraqi diplomat said applicants spiraled up from 3,500 people in February 21 to more than 10,000 at present. The Russians want to defy the Anglo-American aggression against Iraq, said Abbas, recalling that 3,000 Russians had already arrived in Iraq over the past days. All the travel, stay and return expenses are footed by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Some Iraqi diplomats said most of the applicants are Christian Orthodox who flock to Iraq not to defend its sovereignty but more importantly to fight the Americans. They expected the Russian human shields to stay in Iraq for three weeks and fly back home by mid-March. Just before the attack.
On Wednesday, February 26, the Chairman of the Russia Mufti Council announced that thousands of Muslim Russians are ready to head for Baghdad to defend the Iraqi people against the American aggression. Peace activists from around the four corners of the of the universe are coming in droves to Iraq to help defend the innocent Iraqi people from the state-of-the-art Anglo-American weaponry machinery. "Follow-up reports indicate that the 10,000 Russian human shields are all male, between the ages of 19 - 25, and in unusually good physical condition. They also insist on carrying their own luggage."
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 01:53 pm ||
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4 corners of the universe? I recall hearing the phrase "4 corners of the world" before (flat-earth geography, of course). But shouldn't the universe have more than 4 corners? Last time I checked the universe was at least 3 dimensional. 8 corners would be required for a cube-shaped universe. :-p
#2
If they're gonna leave before it starts, they're not human shields, they're tourists. Nice of the Foreign Ministy to pick up the tab. But it is Islam on Line.
#4
Scooter you blasthemous infidel! The universe has 4 corners, says so right here...
Remember what the Russians did in Kosovo? Didn't they suddenly appear in Pristina or something like that? I must admit this crossed my mind, they could pull off a stunt like this again, with Saddam's blessing. Actually maybe not, because then the US forces would have make a run for it to take the majority of the country and surround Baghdad. Hey, it could be Berlin all over again.
What countries have sent, offered or are considering for potential military action against Iraq:
ALBANIA: Approved U.S. use of airspace, land and territorial waters. AUSTRALIA: Ordered 2,000 troops to the Persian Gulf and hints it's ready to join a U.S.-led attack even without U.N. backing. BAHRAIN: Sent a frigate and troops under Gulf Cooperation Council mission to defend Kuwait. Allowing use of bases for U.S. troop buildup. BELGIUM: Allowed movement of troops and supplies from U.S. bases in Germany through Belgium en route to Gulf. BRITAIN: 42,000 troops already in the Gulf, including a quarter of the army, a third of the air force and largest naval deployment since 1982 Falklands War. BULGARIA: Approved U.S. use of military airport and 150-member Bulgarian non-combat unit. Stationing of up to 18 coalition aircraft and 400 U.S. troops, and use of airspace. CANADA: Sent military planners to join U.S. counterparts at their command post in Qatar. A destroyer and two frigates sent to the region could protect U.S. ships. Help also may include special forces. CHINA: No promises. CROATIA: Will allow refueling stops by U.S. transport aircraft. CZECH REPUBLIC: Sent unit specialized in dealing with aftermath of chemical, nuclear and biological attacks to Kuwait. DENMARK: Offered 70 elite Jaegerkorps soldiers and the Saelen submarine if military action gets U.N. backing. EGYPT: Promised to keep Suez Canal open to U.S. and allied warships en route to Gulf. GERMANY: Ruled out participating in any war but pledges unhindered use of its airspace and U.S. and British bases. About 60 German soldiers are currently in Kuwait as part of the U.N. border monitoring force, operating specialized vehicles for detecting chemical or germ warfare; parliament has barred them from entering Iraq. Also helping to protect Turkey with AWACS and Patriot anti-missile rockets. GREECE: U.S. naval base in Crete serves U.S. Sixth Fleet and supports Navy and Air Force intelligence-gathering planes. Any other assistance conditional on U.N. backing. HUNGARY: The United States allowed to use a Hungarian air base to train Iraqi opposition figures for non-combat support roles and postwar administration. NATO (news - web sites) can use the country's roads, railways and airspace to carry military support for Turkey's defense. Willing to consider opening airspace to U.S. military flights. Has ruled out contributing troops. INDIA: Ruled out joining any military action without U.N. backing. No facilities for U.S. forces. ITALY: Offered use of bases, ports and airspace. No plans to send troops. JORDAN: Several hundred U.S. troops are stationed in Jordan near the Iraqi border manning anti-missile batteries in case Iraq fires missiles at Israel. KUWAIT: More than 70,000 U.S. troops training in the Kuwaiti desert in preparation for a possible invasion of Iraq. LITHUANIA: Authorized use of airspace. NETHERLANDS: 360 Dutch troops to operate three Patriot missile defense systems in Turkey; allowing movement of troops and supplies from U.S. bases in Germany through the Netherlands en route to Gulf. NORWAY: Offered to send 10,000 chemical warfare suits to Turkey. OMAN: Sent one battalion under Gulf Cooperation Council mission to defend Kuwait. POLAND: A few dozen Grom elite commando troops and a transport ship in Gulf area, already under U.S. command as part of Afghanistan operation, could be enlisted. PORTUGAL: Granted U.S. permission to use Lajes Field air base in the Azores Islands, a traditional mid-Atlantic refueling stop. QATAR: U.S. Central Command mobile headquarters at Camp As Sayliyah. Al Udeid air base opened for in-flight refueling squadron, F15 fighter wing and maintenance hangars. ROMANIA: 278 non-combat nuclear, biological and chemical decontamination specialists, military police troops and demining units. Will make available Black Sea air and naval bases. SAUDI ARABIA: Pentagon says it has assurances the United States could launch air support missions from Saudi bases, though Saudi officials say decision not yet made. Won't participate in any direct military action. SLOVAKIA: Deployed 69-member anti-chemical warfare unit to Kuwait. Has approved U.S. flyovers and offered use of its bases. SPAIN: U.S. will be able to use the Rota naval base and Moron air base in southern Spain. Co-sponsoring new U.N. resolution with U.S. and Britain, but no military commitment yet. TURKEY: Cabinet approved plans to allow 62,000 U.S. combat troops, 255 warplanes and 65 helicopters to use Turkish bases for possible northern front against Iraq, in exchange for multibillion-dollar aid package. Needs parliamentary approval. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 4,000 troops backed by Apache attack helicopters, Leclerc tanks, BMP3 amphibious armored vehicles, a missile boat and a frigate to defend Kuwait in case of war on Iraq. Now, tell me again about how we are going it alone?
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 12:43 pm ||
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Of course, Frenchland is nowhere to be seen on the list.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
02/27/2003 13:04 Comments ||
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I've also heard reports that Bulgarian pimps are mobilizing their ho's to the region in support the allied war effort. Thanks, Bulgaria - I'm sure many of our troops appreciate the service!!!
#4
Fred, I hope you don't mind. I plopped this whole thing into my blog, crediting Rantburg, so that the info gets spread around a bit more widely. Nice formatting, much better than Yahoo's.
A unit of the elite Iraqi Republican Guard was on the move Thursday in northern Iraq, signaling the first major repositioning of Iraqi military forces during the current U.S. military buildup, according to U.S. officials. Uh, it's not the first, but please continue.
U.S. intelligence indicated the unit will be positioned in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's ancestral homeland, but it also could be en route to Baghdad to defend the capital. This unit is believed to be possibly one of two Republican Guard infantry divisions in northern Iraq. If it is the Special Republican Guard, then I believe that many if not most of the members also are from Tikrit and are Sammy's clan members. Digging in to defend their hometown and Sammys solid base of support makes some sense.
The United States has been tracking the troop movement for several days. Earlier this week, imagery indicated more than 100 heavy transporters had left their parking areas and were headed to pick up equipment for this unit. Tank transporters? Moving armor then. And I'm sure that we are watching every movement with great interest. Hope there is not too much cloud cover.
If the division repositions to Baghdad, it could be another indication that Saddam may try to draw U.S. troops into a battle in the city, sources said. This also might indicate that Tikrit is where Saddam plans to go to ground while his son runs the war from a alternate location. I believe that Saddam has gone here in the past when he feels threatened. If the Special Republican Guard does indeed dig in around Tikrit instead of a more vital location like Baghdad, I'd give it some "special attention".
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 10:23 am ||
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#1
IIUC, the SRG was already in Bagdad. The unit near Mosul was regular Republican Guard, who are nto allowed into Bagdad. Clearly they're in danger in the open, and Mosul with a largely Kurdish/Turkmen population is not ideal place for urban warfare. Where else is Saddam going to put them. Looks like a plan for pulling troops into the Sunni Arab heartland, and into cities, but not to make a stand in any one city. Of course Bagdad is the only city big enough to present a potential nightmare. OTOH he has been nervous about bringing any troops other than SRG into Bagdad. This indicates he is still not ready to take the leap and bring RG's into Bagdad.
#2
From Reuters: Troops and equipment from an Iraqi Republican Guard division have begun moving south toward Baghdad from their base near Mosul in northern Iraq, U.S. defense officials said on Thursday."It started in the last couple of days and they are in the process of moving now," one of the officials, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters. "It is a heavy Republican Guard division," said another official, "but we don't know how much is being moved or why." Defense analysts estimate that six such divisions, depleted after the 1991 Gulf War, now include up to 8,000 troops each. Heavy divisions include tanks and artillery to support their ground troops, but it was not clear whether the division in question was classed as an armored or an infantry unit. The officials stressed that the units being moved were not part of Saddam's Special Republican Guard, an elite force of up to 15,000 troops. Most of them are stationed near Baghdad and are the backbone of a protective cordon for Iraq's president.The U.S. officials did not make clear how military intelligence had discovered the Iraqi movement, but said that large numbers of trucks had been seen moving troops south. The United States uses intelligence satellites, unmanned spy planes and other aircraft to watch over Iraq. "We don't know whether the units being moved will continue south to Baghdad or will go to Tikrit. They could stop somewhere in between," said one official.
Posted by: Steve ||
02/27/2003 12:24 Comments ||
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Tikrit is probably the only place where Saddam won't be attacked once the war starts... by his own people.
In Baghdad the Shiites might get him before the Americans do.
Turkey's Defence Ministry has reached an agreement with the US on troop deployment ahead of a crucial government vote on the issue. The US wants to base 62,000 troops, aircraft and helicopters in Turkey in the event of military action against neighbouring Iraq. They would be used to open up a second front, which analysts say would shorten any war and limit casualties. In return for its cooperation, America is offering Turkey $24bn worth of aid. Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul said: "Agreement is complete on the military issues. All that's being discussed is at what level (the deal) will be signed." Signature of Bush would do
The aid package, which will be debated by the Turkish parliament later, follows weeks of sensitive talks. Despite sharp divisions within the ruling Justice and Development Party, it is almost certain to be accepted. The deal will plug the last major gap in Washington's planning for military action against Saddam Hussein. Turkey will use the $24bn in grants and loan guarantees from the US to cushion its frail economy against the impact of war. It plans to send 40,000 troops into a border buffer zone in northern Iraq but insists they will not become involved in any fighting. It says they will only marshall the expected flood of refugees and protect the Turkish minority in the Kurdish-controlled region. Baghdad has said a decision by Turkey to allow US troops on its soil would amount to it joining hostilities.
Posted by: Murat ||
02/27/2003 10:06 am ||
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I sort of agree with you Murat. A democratic multi ethnic and multi sectarian government with appropriate regional legislatures would be wonderful. Before the Baathists took over, something like that seemed to be evolving in Iraq. The problem is that decades of Baathist rule have made getting from here to there dicey. The version of Swiss Canton system with somewhat more national control might be the transition.
#2
Why do we even want a parlimentary system? Our way, three branches, seems to work so much better. The Swiss cantons for a model? How about the United States? Where else in the world can you find a better example of diverse ethnic and racial groups working together well? The other way leads to Yugoslavia II, and without a Tito that fails. Well, perhaps Tito Jackson is available?
#3
Chuck---Your point is well taken. However, our US model is based upon being a melting pot, where the most important thing is to make the good of the country the primary thing, and the individual ethnic allegance secondary, though very strong. If a group cannot put the interest of the country (the common good) above group loyalties, the system is doomed. So it boils down to whether the groups are willing to commit to this principle for our US model to work there.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/27/2003 10:06 Comments ||
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Well Chuck, one of the reasons our system works is that the ethnic and religious groups aren't very concentrated geographically. When you have geographic concentration of different worldviews (whether economic, ethnic or religious) things go bad (e.g., the American Civil War). The Swiss are the way they are because different Cantons are linguistically different for historic reasons(e.g., some speak French and have a french like culture, others are more German). Once upon a time, religious differences were also toxic (17th century). Now to critize my own thoughts I have to admit that the Austo-Hungarian empire was an unsuccessful example of cantonization which broke up along ethnic and religious lines. The current line up in the Balkins is what happens when the toxicity affects the ethnic groups. If the same takes place in Iraq, there would be 4 or 5 different 'nations' in what is now Iraq. Personally, I don't see anything bad about this. However, Turkey would consider an independent Kurdistan (even an unarmed and weak one) to be a threat. There is also a chance that a de confererated Iraq could encourage mischief by Syria or Iran. So that's why a more federated version of the Canton system might have to be given a play.
#5
what people forget about Switzerlans is that it worked because for a long time religion cut differently than language. Geneva was francophone, but protestant, and wanted nothing to do with Catholic France - similarly the largest and most important German speaking cantons were Protestant, and the adjacent german speaking states - Austria and Bavaria - were Catholic. So Switzerland is something of an exception.
#6
Chuck, Another reason our sysem works is that we have been able to successfully assimilate immigrants into our culture gradually and absorb parts of their cultures and make it our own e.g. St Paddies's Day and Columbus Day. Unfortunately, the multiculturists amongst us want us to change our ways and balkanize the country and allow immigrants to keep their cultures intact. e.g. bilingual education and other politically correct horse manure. If they have their way, our system will collapse.
A power blackout plunged Mindanao into darkness on Wednesday after suspected Muslim rebels blew up a major pylon in Lanao del Norte, military authorities reported yesterday. The outage occurred while 60,000 troops were on high alert on Mindanao to ward off what the military said were possible attacks by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas. The pylon in Tuminado was the 12th electrical transmitter operated by state-run National Power Corp. to have been disabled in the past two weeks in the wake of clashes between soldiers and the MILF. Army spokesmen said the bombings were acts of rebel reprisal for the capture by government forces of an MILF stronghold in Pikit town after fierce clashes two weeks ago.
The Armyâs Fourth Infantry Division spokesman, Col. Johnny Macanas, said 15 MILF rebels carried out the attack. Macanas said a certain Macapaar alias Commander Bravo led the attack. In Buluan, Maguindanao, armed men believed to have links with MILF also bombed transmission lines No. 34 and 40 Wednesday night.
The attack occurred two days after MILF chairman Hashim Salamat, in a radio address, urged Muslims to resist Manilaâs âall-out warâ policy. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the rebels blew up the pylons or that the attacks were in response to Salamatâs call to his people. Peace negotiations between the government and the MILF have been stalled because of the military offensive in Buliok. Kabalu said in a telephone interview the MILF would not talk peace with the government âas long as military presence remainsâ in MILF strongholds.
âWhy should we withdraw (from Buliok)? To allow them to regroup and set up camps once more?ââ Armed Forces Public Information Chief Lt. Col. Micheal Manquiquis said. An officer who refused to be identified said the documents recovered in Buliok clearly show that the MILF does not want peace. The documents, the officer said, contain MILF plans âto cause a psychological damage to a Christian-dominated Philippines.â
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 07:30 pm ||
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Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the sleazy bars, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) has announced its comeback after halting its violent activities in the wake of the Bali bombings. FPI, which is notorious for trashing bars and making threats against Westerners, is now accepting recruits and giving them âmorality trainingâ. The news is likely to heighten fears that militant Muslim groups could stage violent protests or go after foreigners in the event of a US-led war on Iraq. Looks like it's a certainty...
Following its inception in late 1998, FPI has staged numerous attacks on nightclubs, bars, cafes, massage parlors, pool halls and other entertainment venues deemed an affront to Islam. Sources say the vigilantes are involved in protection rackets, sometimes in cahoots with police, at other times in competition with police. In addition to its raids on nightclubs, FPI has also attacked the headquarters of the National Commission on Human Rights, lending credence to claims the radical organization was formed and funded by senior generals. Not a surprise there, either. And this comes just after the army was bitching about the police taking over the public security role. Wotta coincidence...
After the US-led strikes on Afghanistan in late 2001, FPI and other radical groups threatened to round up and expel Americans and their allies, although no foreigners were ever attacked or forced to leave the country. However, the group continued to vandalize nightspots, including bars frequented by Westerners. FPI leader Muhammad Rizieq Shihab was arrested on October 16 on charges of instigating violence and vandalism. He was released on November 5, after the group pledged to cease its attacks on entertainment venues. And he was as good as his word. Here we are mostly through February, and there's been hardly anything...
The cessation of violence came soon after the disbandment of the much larger paramilitary group, Laskar Jihad, which played a major role in religious violence that left about 9,000 people dead in the Maluku islands. Itâs widely believed that senior generals linked to Laskar Jihad and FPI had ordered the disbandment of the two groups in an effort to distance themselves from radical Islam. Didn't want to get rounded up with all the Islamists in the wake of the Bali bombings...
But the Bali bombings have now been blamed on members of regional terrorism network Jemaah Islamiyah, signaling that other extremist groups may be safe to regroup. Jakarta Police spokesman Colonel Prasetyo said authorities canât stop FPI from regrouping, but would not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation. Since the cops are feeling their oats right now, and look good in the wake of the Bali investigations, maybe they can carry through... Siroj Alwi, head of FPI's anti-vice unit, said violence would only be used against nightspots as a last resort. "If the police do not act on our reports, what can else can we do?'' he was quoted as saying by AP. Ummm... How about going to the mosque and praying for yourself and letting other people alone?
FPI militia commander Tubagus Sidik told The Straits Times the group had frozen its activities in November for the sake of internal consolidation, and was now ready to resume its fight against immorality in Jakarta. "Right now, the focus is on re-registering our old members. We have new recruits, but we will first screen them to prevent being infiltrated by police intelligence," he was quoted as saying. FPI has been widely criticized for taking the law into its own hands, but Tubagus denied the group has done anything wrong. "We are not violent, we are just firm on crime⊠If the police can shoot a criminal, then why can't we take action against those who are poisoning our society?" Because you're not the cops?
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
02/27/2003 12:10 pm ||
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Ah yes, "morality training" by murderers. How quaint.
Accused Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui said he wants to torture U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, court documents showed on Wednesday. Zack, you're making it hard to remember that it's the Religion of Peace.
Moussaoui, who is not an attorney but is representing himself, made the comment in a filing to the court complaining about closed-door hearings that were held in relation to his case on Jan. 30.
In the handwritten filing, Moussaoui accused Ashcroft of trying to "kill" him through the media since the trial proceedings began in 2001. "You make secret hearing so you can leak want (sic) you want and hide the parody of justice. The world must know that you are a hard (sic) of scavenger. However, it does not appear to be the Religion of Literacy.
"Ashcroft must be sent to Alexandria jail so I can torture him. After all torture is now part of the American way of life," wrote Moussaoui, who is being held in Alexandria, Virginia. Moussaoui has often written inflammatory statements in his filings to the court, accusing his court-appointed attorneys and the judge of trying to kill him. Keep working on that insanity defense.
After hundreds of such filings, District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered all of the filings to be put under seal until they are vetted for inflammatory language or possible hidden messages. The document that included the comments about Ashcroft had two censored portions. Moussaoui, a French citizen of Moroccan descent, has been charged of six counts of conspiracy -- four of which carry the death penalty -- in the Sept. 11, 2001 hijacked plane attacks. He was arrested in Minnesota on immigration charges in August 2001 but officials suspect he was meant to have been the 20th hijacker on Sept. 11. Moussaoui has fired his court-appointed lawyers and he is trying to represent himself in the trial which has just been indefinitely postponed. Shine up the needle.
From the Duke University Chronicle. The author is a former fellow in the Duke School of Medicine now on the faculty at the Medical College of Georgia, and seems to be a Palestinian from the tone of the article. Edited for length. Self-determination?
by Bala Ambati
History demonstrates that self-determination doesn't require mass murder. Desire to destroy others by one's own destruction is fueled by craven clerics selling murder for sex by peddling depraved fantasies of 72 celestial virgins for "martyrdom." And we're just getting started!
Modern suicide bombing is bereft of honor: even kamikazes attacked targets that could shoot back, unlike today's suicide-bombers who hurl themselves at buses, towers, discos and restaurants. He's right. Calling suicide bombers "Islamokazes" is an insult to the memory of the kamikaze pilots.
Squeaky wheels don't deserve grease, especially when suffering that seduces is needless or self-inflicted. Why are groups employing suicide bombing deserving of sympathy or intervention? Why are Palestinians more worthy than Kurds, Iraqi Shi'ites, Tibetans or southern Sudanese? . . . The inhuman brutality of Muslim to fellow Muslim â 800,000 Pakistanis killed by Pakistan in 8 months in 1971, 20,000 Syrians killed in a week by Syria in 1982, 1.5 million Afghans killed by the Taliban in 5 years, 200,000 Iraqis killed by Saddam in 1988, 5,000 Palestinians killed by Jordan in one month in 1970, 300,000 Palestinians ethnically cleansed by Kuwait in 1991 â dwarfs anything done by Israel, where 3,000 Palestinians were killed in eight years of intifada, or the U.S. Those blaming Israel and America forget this, revealing their indignation as hollow.
Mercy and kindness are not Islamic virtues. Nor is tolerance, which is what led to most of these incidents. But the sheer numbers are apalling...
Suicide bombing is not due to occupation, . . . Suicide bombing is due to brainwashing in media, madrassahs and mosques by "clerics" and "leaders" drunk with lust for power and happy to barter blood. We must stop being seduced by Palestinians claiming monopolies on suffering or occupation. Many have grievances, yet only Islamic fundamentalists glorify and practice suicide-bombing on a mass scale. While every community has terrorists, only Islamic fundamentalists have global reach and aspirations of conquest, oil money, esteem of multitudes and men with fantasies of celestial virgins.
We've noticed that. We've even commented on the fact a few times...
Proponents for Palestinian self-determination should realize no one will care more than Palestinians. Arab countries who never offered Palestinians independence pre-1967 and keep refugees in hellholes while bankrolling teenagers blowing themselves up are happy to fight Israel to the last Palestinian; Europeans will feign sympathy to keep trade concessions; and, in the U.S., the goodwill of many Americans sympathetic to self-determination was irreparably destroyed by Palestinian celebrations of 9/11, which were unforgivable. Amen to that! I suspect a lot of people's sympathies evaporated when they saw the video and still photos of Palestinians celebrating 9/11. There's something deeply messed up about a society which cheers mass murder.
Ultimately, moral judgment must be rendered on suicide bombing and Islamic fundamentalism by Muslims themselves. . . . It is incumbent upon Muslims to defrock imams sanctioning mass murder. Ideals that Muslims proclaim are belied by revolting realities practiced in their name--love dies where hatred is preached, freedom wilts under despotism, learning is unattainable when free scholarship is banned, tolerance flees where dissent earns death, equality is a sham when women and minorities are enslaved, justice is mocked by shari'a with a travestic set of rules for believers and another for women and "disbelievers" and peace is a veiled fraud when the peace of the grave is pursued by killers with Hitler's enthusiasm. If the Palestinians want to join the civilized world, they need more Palestinians like this guy, brave enough to challenge the "craven clerics selling murder for sex" and their willing accomplices in the West.
I hope he's checking his car for explosives before starting it...
Posted by: Mike ||
02/27/2003 12:26 pm ||
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You know, it's very possible those 72 virgins are still virgins because they're butt-ugly. But if that's your idea of paradise we're more than happy to help you get there!
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg ||
02/27/2003 12:49 Comments ||
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Yes, we definitely need more Palestinians (hate that word) like him, but only because he actually seems to be Indian.
I think these links describe him:
The U.S. military is busy making the poor excuses that the "Foal Eagle" exercise and the reception, staging, onward movement and integration exercise are "annual events" and they "have nothing to do with the DPRK". However, with nothing can they cover up the aggressive nature of the war maneuvers aimed to disturb peace, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary.
It goes on:
Oh, Gawd. I was afraid it would...
The U.S.-South Korea joint military drills to be staged in South Korea are premeditated moves to harass peace on the Korean Peninsula and stifle the DPRK through nuclear strikes at any cost. When are we nuking them?
This lays bare before the world community the hypocrisy of the U.S. imperialist warmongers keen to ignite a war of aggression on the Korean Peninsula while paying lip-service to the "negotiated solution to the nuclear issue". U.S. imperialist warmongers! A vintage commie classic!
The Korean nation, however, remains unfazed by the U.S. war racket. War racket, nuclear racket. Everything's a racket.
The Korean nation, which loves peace more than anyone else, does not allow any slightest compromise or concession to the harasser of peace. The army and people of the DPRK will wipe out at a single blow any aggressors coming in attack to disturb peace and the reunification movement on the Korean Peninsula and creditably defend peace and security on the Korean Peninsula with the might of the army-centered policy. Juche uber alles!
Posted by: tu3031 ||
02/27/2003 10:08 am ||
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The army and people of the DPRK will wipe out at a single blow any aggressors coming in attack to disturb peace...
Funny, I was thinking we could do the same with a few B-52 flights from Guam. God damn, these people are brain damaged...
#2
' The army and people of the DPRK will wipe out at a single blow any aggressors coming in attack to disturb peace and the reunification movement on the Korean Peninsula and creditably defend peace and security on the Korean Peninsula with the might of the army-centered policy.'
#5
army-centered policy again! dammit learn some new words!..can you say: hegemonist? I knew you could
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/27/2003 15:40 Comments ||
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The Korean nation which loves peace more than anything else? I thought they loved rotting cabbage & onions better than anything else. Those wacky Koreans The Tee totaling Irish of Aisa!
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.
Rowan Williams was enthroned today as the 104th 
