The source is Azzam, so the recommended salt dosage is pretty high. Badshah Khan is our old buddy, Padshah Khan Zadran. Khan's eldest son was reported toe-tagged in a clash last March. This could be a retelling of the same tale. MEERANSHAH (AZZAM): Clashes occurred between US troops and Badshah Khan troops in Paktia. A US marine was killed and two others sustained life threatening injuries while Badshah Khan's son was arrested in a severely injured condition. A companion of Badshah Khan's son was killed during the encounter. Sources disclosed that US and Afghan troops were on regular guard duty patrol in Makka Tikka region in Paktia when they ordered two equipped men to hand over their weapons. Badshah Khan's son handed the Kalashnikov while his companion opened fire on coalition troops killing a US marine, but he was also killed by a US sniper.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 06:57 pm ||
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KABUL (AZZAM): A high-ranking leader of the Taliban, Maulvi Khalid, has vowed to exact revenge from US and coalition troops over the martyring of Maulvi Naimatullah. Naimatulluh, who was a famous Taliban leader during Taliban rule, was killed last week by US troops in the Watpur region of Kunar province. A special press release from a Taliban spokesman said that residents of Kunar were in grief at the death of Naimatullah, he also urged the Muslims to rise up against the occupying forces of the US and Coalition and fight the Jihad.
But natch. What else could they do?
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 06:47 pm ||
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None whatsoever, as far as I know. Even if Afghanistan was in worse shape than it is, it wouldn't make any sense. For one thing, it would be political suicide for the entire Bush team.
Such is the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, compounded by the return to the country of a large number of former Afghan communist refugees, that United States and Pakistani intelligence officials have met with Taliban leaders in an effort to devise a political solution to prevent the country from being further ripped apart.
According to a Pakistani jihadi leader who played a role in setting up the communication, the meeting took place recently between representatives of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Taliban leaders at the Pakistan Air Force base of Samungli, near Quetta. The source told Asia Times Online that four conditions were put to the Taliban before any form of reconciliation can take place that could potentially lead to them having a role in the Kabul government, whose present authority is in essence limited to the capital:
Mullah Omar must be removed as supreme leader of the Taliban.
All Pakistani, Arab and other foreign fighters currently engaged in operations against international troops in Afghanistan must be thrown out of the country.
Any US or allied soldiers held captive must be released.
Afghans currently living abroad, notably in the United States and England, must be given a part in the government — through being allowed to contest elections — even though many do not even speak their mother tongue, such as Dari or Pashtu.
Apparently, the Taliban refused the first condition point blank, but showed some flexibility on the other terms. As such, this first preliminary contact made little headway. It is not known whether there will be further meetings, but given the fact that the reason for staging the talks in the first place remains unchanged, more contact can be expected.
This isn't the first time this story's been told — in fact, when I read the original article I had to check the date. I can't find it on Rantburg, so I may not have used it because it's so unlikely. The unnamed jihadi source is no source at all — not even an organization. The reference to the U.S. prisoners held by the Talibs echos a story Hamid Gul was pushing subsequent to Operation Anaconda, last year. They mention in passing that we haven't been able to track down Hafiz Rahim, who was reported killed last week. Asia Times often has some good, informed stories. They also carry stuff like this and most of the things Pepe Escobar writes, which makes DEBKA more reliable.
RAS-AL-KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates: The ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, dethroned his eldest son Saturday to appoint a younger son as his successor. The change came in an Amiri decree Saturday by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed al-Qassimi, one of the world's longest-serving rulers, WAM said. He has been ruler since 1948. The decree appoints Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al-Qassimi, in his late 40s, as the Crown Prince, replacing Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr al-Qassimi, the heir to the throne for the last 37 years. It was not immediately clear why Khalid, the only Crown Prince the emirate has had, was removed from the post he held since 1966.
Wants to spend more time with his familty? Pursue options in the private sector?
Khalid has been the de factor ruler of the emirate for the past four years, owing to the ill-health of his octogenarian father. Sources close to the ruling family said minor disputes broke out between Saud and Khalid, and were brought to the attention of the ruler, before Saturday's decree was issued. The sources refused to discuss the details of the dispute, which highlighted a power struggle within the family over who will be the successor. Prior to his appointment as crown prince, Saud was chairman of Ras al-Khaimah's royal court, which mainly handles administrative responsibilities. Saud is the son of Sheik's Saar's third wife, the daughter of the one of UAE's most prominent businessman, Ahmed al-Ghurair. Saud is married to the daughter of another prominent businessman, Hana bint Jumaa al-Majid.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 10:43 pm ||
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KUWAIT CITY: The Ministry of Interior announced Friday border securitymen foiled separate attempts by two Iraqi groups - of men and women - to infiltrate into the country to smuggle illegal weapons and narcotics near the northern Kuwaiti boarder post of Abdally late Thursday. The Ministry said an Iraqi man was killed in an exchange of fire with Kuwaiti securitymen, and seven men and a woman, all Iraqis, were arrested. Two Kuwaiti men, who collaborated with the suspects, were also arrested.
It added, in the first incident securitymen detected a group of three men and a woman, armed with machineguns and magazines, penetrating the northern Kuwaiti borders with Iraq. The suspects were surrounded and arrested.
"Welcome to Kuwait. Stick 'em up!"
During interrogations, the suspects led securitymen to two Kuwaiti nationals who were allegedly collaborating with them to facilitate their illegal entry into the country. The two Kuwaitis were waiting for the suspects in an Abdally farm when they were arrested by securitymen.
"Hi! We're from the government. Stick 'em up!"
The Ministry's statement said the second incident took place around midnight when border security detected a second armed group of six Iraqi men coming through the Iraqi border into Kuwait. The six men were surrounded by border securitymen, who had to return fire, when the group began shooting at them. Four of the six suspects were arrested and one was injured, but died later due to serious bullet wounds. A suspect was able to escape and withdrew into Iraq.
"Sorry you're dead, Mahmoud. I'll tell Mom. See ya!"
Some 14 kilograms of hashish, pistols, machineguns mobile telephones and Iraqi money were found in the possession of the second group. The ten suspects have been referred along with the seized items to the authorities.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 10:27 pm ||
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Saudi security forces have arrested five more suspects in connection with the May 12 Riyadh suicide bombings that left 35 people dead, the interior minister said. "We arrested four people the day before yesterday ... A fifth man was arrested earlier and he could have played a major role" in the attacks, Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz told Al-Riyadh newspaper. The Saudi security authorities were still searching for several other suspects, including 10 members of a cell of 19 uncovered by the kingdom just a few days before the bombings. They include Turky al-Dandani and Ali al-Ghamdi, numbers one and two on the list of the 19 cell members, and who are believed to be the masterminds of the Riyadh attacks. Prince Nayef said reports about the arrest of Ghamdi in Yemen had not been officially confirmed by the authorities in Sanaa. He praised security cooperation with Yemen and said it would improve in the near future. The two Gulf neighbours last week signed a pact to boost security cooperation and tighten measures along the 1,800 kilometer (1,125 mile) border to combat arms smuggling, inflitration and terrorism.
Hadn't heard al-Ghamdi had been nabbed in Yemen... Yemen Times doesn't have anything on it...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 08:48 pm ||
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Before Blair sells the UK to Europe for a wad of promises and a fistful of magic beans, he's taking a wrecking ball to Government infrastructure to show he Has The Power, Juche-style... EFL Tony Blair was accused of creating chaos and confusion throughout government last night as anger grew over the way far-reaching constitutional changes had been rushed through without consultation. [Tory leader] Iain Duncan Smith said the Prime Minister was acting like a "tinpot dictator" and treating the centuries-old British constitution as his "personal plaything". Mr Blair sought to regain the initiative by promoting women and giving a second chance to former ministers when he made changes to the middle and lower ranks of the Government. Mr Blair's attempt to freshen his team was overshadowed by protests from opposition parties and some Labour MPs over the decision to scrap the 1,400-year-old office of Lord Chancellor. It will be replaced by a Department of Constitutional Affairs, headed by Lord Falconer of Thoroton, his former flatmate. It will oversee radical reforms, including the creation of a supreme court.
Lord Strathclyde, Tory leader in the Lords, accused Mr Blair of producing "trendy reforms cobbled together on the back on an envelope". Others claimed the reshuffle was a "botched job" which had produced a "constitutional dog's breakfast". There was a widespread view at Westminster that the changes appeared rushed and ill thought through. Downing Street was unable or unwilling to answer detailed questions about the constitutional shake-up. Mr Blair's spokesman said that the old Scottish and Welsh Offices would be "subsumed" within Lord Falconer's new department. Peter Hain - who will combine the jobs of Leader of the Commons and Welsh Secretary - admitted that it should have been explained "far more effectively" by No 10. In an interview in The Daily Telegraph today, he adds to the confusion by saying that he will continue as Welsh Secretary while the Welsh Office will come "under Charlie Falconer's umbrella".
There was further controversy over the decision to combine Alistair Darling's post of Transport Secretary with the job of Scottish Secretary. Downing Street denied that it meant the transport portfolio was being downgraded. But officials were unable to say whether he would devote one day a week to Scotland and the rest to trying to improve the country's overcrowded road and rail links. Civil servants in the Scottish and Welsh Offices said they were not sure whether they reported to Lord Falconer - or Mr Darling and Mr Hain. MPs protested they did not know who they would go to with issues concerning their constituencies. It also emerged that Lord Falconer would take over as Lord Chancellor, following the resignation of Lord Irvine of Lairg, until the post was abolished by legislation. To the surprise of peers, he briefly took his place on the Woolsack in the House of Lords dressed in the gown and wig of the Lord Chancellor. He had not wanted the role - but No 10 had not realised that the Lord Chancellor's attendance in the House was required by a standing order that goes back to 1660. Lord Falconer appealed yesterday to be judged on his merits and not as one of Mr Blair's "cronies". But Bob Marshall-Andrews, Labour MP for Medway, said he was not elected and was a creature of the Prime Minister's patronage. I gave, and will give, Tony full credit for a lot of things, not the least of which being his brave position over Iraq. But he's increasingly acting more like President for Life rather than Leader of the Government. Having been vindicated over Iraq in the eyes of the sane, it looks as though he's emboldened sufficiently to think that whatever he thinks is right will turn out to be right, and to hell with obstacles that get in the way.
Posted by: Bulldog ||
06/14/2003 09:55 am ||
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#1
Becky,
A dog's breakfast (not to be confused with the similar expression, a dog's bollocks) means a mess, or muddle. You can find the origin of the phrase at this useful site http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/meanings/114550.html
Posted by: Dick Saucer ||
06/14/2003 14:29 Comments ||
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#2
Is there any place in this remarkable process for the will of the people to be heard, Bulldog? What do they think? Does it matter?
Posted by: Dave D. ||
06/14/2003 11:27 Comments ||
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#3
How many magic beans?
Posted by: Matt ||
06/14/2003 11:30 Comments ||
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One "Aw, Shit" will negate a thousand "atta-boys." Blair better explain what he is trying to do and involve the public or he will sink himself. Even public perceptions are important at this stage. A public that perceives that it is being railroaded into something, no matter how good, will turn on their leaders.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 12:34 Comments ||
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a "botched job" which had produced a "constitutional dog's breakfast".
what is a "dog's breakfast"?
ed for length
Although it was the third ECB rate cut in just six months, the ECB had actually been far slower to respond than other central banks as they sought to stimulate the world's flagging economies. what a surprise! they are so ineffectual on the world political stage via the UN that why anyone should expect them to manage a united economic zone any better is beyond me. Besides, what is good for one economy is not necessarily good for all: so no wonder the beaurocrats are a) slow to respond and b) completely ineffectual when they do.
All the while, the rising euro threatens to make Europe's export goods and services over-priced to global markets. But the big eurozone economies of Germany and France are in a double bind because the eurozone's economic and management union charter dictates government spending cuts at a time when spending is needed for economic stimulus. One would be tempted to laugh at them if the repercussions were not global and severe. The most humourous aspect was that some EU beaurocrats were actually proud that their once-pitiful currency had grown legs. Well it will be a bitter laugh. Pride is expensive. You can have an overvalued Euro if you like because for every 1% that the US$ falls, that makes US exports 1% cheaper than their European competitors. But this absolute failure of beaurocracy to make effective decisions to aid even the largest EU economies is one of the best arguments why Britain should not abandon the pound and completely hand over their decision-making ability to a bunch of Eurocrats - bendy plastic-wrapped cucumbers notwithstanding
With some understatement, economists for Lehman Brothers recently declared: "We are concerned that the rapidly rising euro could consign the eurozone to an extended period of stagnation." The ECB rate cut and the seriously underlying problems in so many of the eurozone economies have been fortuitous for Britain's influential "eurosceptics" - those who see membership of the European Union as a necessary evil but are not prepared to sacrifice the pound and adopt the euro. Yes, Britain RUN, run away from the Euro. Don't walk.
I wonder what The Borg make of all this. While their militant wing is scratching around for uranium to make a dirty bomb, their economic wing is watching with interest. I suspect they believe they may pull down the US economy with a well-timed action considering the US$ is teetering on the brink. Once it falls below 92 on the USDX (currently at 92.22) there is no telling where it will stop. That is a major resistance point from way back in 1999. It may have only fallen halfway against the Pound, Euro, Aus$, Can$ etc. There comes a point where the benefit to exports is outweighed by the destruction of faith in the dollar system and The Borg know it.
Dr Mahatir is soon to speak of the introduction of the Islamic Gold Dinar: currency of The Borg
Posted by: Anon1 ||
06/14/2003 01:22 am ||
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#1
Asian-Pacific Co-Prosperity Sphere?
(just kidding...)
Trade agreements and mutual-defense treaties with Australia are long overdue. If only they played *proper* football...
Although I think your idea is great, and I would certainly support it, I can't see President Blair going for it.
The guy has almost got a Jekyl and Hyde character, he does the right thing with Iraq, and stands side-by-side with America. In other words, he is a great Statesman. However, we have the debacle over the Euro and all things European in general (the constitution being the most important), as well as the erosion of civil liberties, the destruction of centuries-old institutions and the continual disregard of the populace.
It's bloody infuriating living in the UK at the moment.
Posted by: Tony ||
06/14/2003 16:11 Comments ||
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Yes, we share a common foundation culture, Britain, Australia, the US and those links are strongest.
Yes, I would personally LOVE America to shift its NKor base to Australia, so that I can have 50,000 Marines, it will improve the pool of datable guys no end, we need some hot american guys in this country so bring your bases down under!!!!
#4
Anon1 - as a US Navy veteran I wholeheartedly approve of the idea of basing American personnel in Australia, for really long tours of duty. Have 'em build large fleet bases, so guys can spend their entire careers there shuttling back & forth between shore billets and homeported ships. I personally have pleasant memories of Australia from a port call in Burnie (Tasmania) 26 years ago. And especially pleasant memories of an 18 year old brunette student nurse... :D
Posted by: Jeff ||
06/15/2003 0:23 Comments ||
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Still waiting for G-Dub to invite Tony to join a "Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Area"...Congress should throw in honorary US citizenship, too, while they're at it...
Posted by: Jeff ||
06/14/2003 4:11 Comments ||
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Australia has been trying to get a free trade agreement with America for years too, and it might finally be happening soon.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
06/14/2003 7:27 Comments ||
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Australia deserves a free trade agreement with the U.S. - how many times have they stood by us when few others would? I personally will guarantee the Australians a trade surplus on their wines ;-)
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 10:40 Comments ||
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Take a look at the map and see what Australia is facing to the NW. Both Britain and Austrailia have similar values as the US. Those kind of values must be strengthened. Telecommunications brings them electronically close to the US. There is the distance issue, but sea lanes are not hostile. Jeff has the right idea, but the trade area should be TRANS-AL-PAC instead.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 12:42 Comments ||
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ROME - The main mosque in Rome suspended its imam after he delivered a sermon praising Palestinian fighters and calling for the destruction of Islam's enemies. The decision by the mosque's administrators to remove Abdel-Samie Mahmoud Ibrahim Moussa capped a week of debate about the sermon, delivered during Friday prayers June 6 and published, in part, by the Rome daily La Repubblica a day later. "Allah, let the Islamic fighters in Palestine, Chechnya and elsewhere be triumphant!" La Repubblica quoted Moussa as saying in Arabic. "Allah, destroy the houses of the enemies of Islam! Allah, help us crush the enemies of Islam! Allah ensure the victory of the nation of Islam!" the imam said in quotes that were confirmed Saturday by Mario Scialoja, head of the World Muslim League in Italy, which is affiliated with the mosque.
I guess that stuff goes over well in Mecca, but not in Rome...
Italy's interior minister, Giuseppe Pisanu, expressed outrage at the imam's call, saying Italy's mosques "must be completely free of preachers of violence, recruiters for holy war and agents of foreign interests in Italy." On Friday, the administrative council of the Islamic Cultural Center, made up of the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other Muslim countries, decided to suspend him, Scialoja said Saturday. "We cannot allow the mosque to be used to espouse violence the way the young imam did," he said Saturday.
Why not? They do it everywhere else.
He said the majority of Rome's 90,000 Muslims are "quite peaceful and serene" and didn't share Moussa's message and that the Muslim community's relations with the Italian government are good. It wasn't clear what would become of the 32-year-old Moussa, who is Egyptian and was named to head Rome's main mosque five months ago by Cairo's Al-Azhar university, Sunni Islam's highest authority. Scialoga said it would take some time for a permanent replacement to be named.
Maybe they should ship his ass back to Egypt, and the rest of him with it.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:36 pm ||
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MADRID - A French national has been arrested in southern Spain in connection with last month's suicide attacks in Casablanca. The Moroccan-born man was arrested Friday in Algeciras, just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, the national news agency Efe said. Police were not available for comment. Efe did not name the suspect but Europa Press identified him as Abdelaziz Benyaich. Both agencies said Morocco had issued an international arrest warrant for the suspect in connection with his possible role in the Casablanca bombings, which killed 31 people and the 12 bombers.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:04 pm ||
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BRUSSELS - Belgian police on Friday arrested a man suspected of trying to blow up a synagogue in what could be the latest in a string of anti-Jewish attacks across Europe linked to violence in the Middle East. Jules Mathieu, a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office, said the man was suspected of having placed five gas bottles in a car and torching it in front of the synagogue in a densely populated area of the southern town of Charleroi. There was no explosion and the blaze was rapidly put out by firefighters based nearby. Mathieu would not identify the suspect in Charleroi, but said he was of Moroccan origin and had confessed to setting the car alight. "It's possible that he has psychological problems, but we have to have experts evaluate him first," he said.
"Hey! This is Europe, Mahmoud! We can torch our own synagogues!"
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 10:08 pm ||
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psychological problems closely related to the attempted Globalisation of Islam TM
When you are a member of The Borg collective, that is all the reason need.
A final version of the draft constitution for an enlarged European Union has been agreed after tough last-minute negotiations in Brussels. The document is to be presented to EU leaders at a summit in Greece next week. Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, who headed the convention that produced the text, said that history had been made. However, several countries including Britain and Spain said the draft would need to be rejected amended when governments start to debate it later this year. "This will be a good foundation for final negotiations," said Britain's chief negotiator, Peter Hain. The convention has also put off a final decision on some controversial issues until after the summit in Thessaloniki. These include the question of whether EU should drop national vetoes in foreign, defence, taxation and cultural matters. Mr Giscard d'Estaing said that when he handed over the draft to next week's summit he would advise the leaders there to tamper with it as little as possible. "I will make just one recommendation to the Council: The closer you stick to our text, which has been discussed and reflected upon at great length, then the lighter will be your task." Yeau kneau, doon't yeau leuk teau cleausly at zee leetle deetailz. Zey arrrr not amportont.
The 105 members of the convention, representing 25 countries, have been working on the text with a president and two vice-presidents for 16 months. They have reached broad agreement to extend qualified majority voting to a range of new areas, including immigration and asylum policy. The debate has been dominated by tensions between small states, which favour strengthening the European Commission - the EU's executive arm - and the larger states, which prefer joint decision-making by governments. The final draft constitution creates a new post of president of the European Council - the body made up of heads of EU member states - who will work in parallel to the President of the Commission. It also introduces a foreign minister who will get his or her mandate from the European Council, but will serve as a vice-president of the Commission. Some of the changes are designed to make it easier to administer the EU when 10 new members join the 15 already in the union next year. "We are setting up a new Holy Roman Empire political age, more efficient, more democratic, and assuming [France's] [Europe's] full role on the world stage," said French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin. Slovenian parliamentarian Alojz Peterle said that the draft was part of the project of unifying Europe after 50 years of Cold War division. That's right! If only the nasty old US hadn't allowed the Nazis or the Communists to unite Europe 50 years ago, we wouldn't have to doing all this now.
"This project proves that a united Europe is possible, and an expanded Europe can be successful," he said. How does a pile of paper "prove" in any way that a future experiment will be successful?
Posted by: Bulldog ||
06/14/2003 09:01 am ||
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#1
And as always it's only Americans and Brits (well, and communists too) that can see the deep conspiracies and horrors that exist behind Europe's beautiful faces. All those Eastern Europeans that voted with margins of 90% or 80% in favour of joining the EU are surely uneducated and uninformed savages that have to be taught by you where their own good lies.
I propose calling this sacred duty of yours "Anglosaxon Man's Burden".
But I've still not understood the reason you believe Blair's government stays in the EU, if he doesn't believe it to be good for the UK...
And yeah as "Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire" said, it's closer union and federalism that's favoured by the small member-states, exactly because it works better for them.
#2
This is a powder keg waiting to explode. Europe will never get rid of its nationalistic fervor. Implementing economic measures is understandable, but this super-state thing is nonsense. Those countries that voted 80% or 90% were thinking in terms of economics (like my family in Poland) and not because they wanted to form some sort of new European one nation. Get your head out of the clouds Aris.
then two member states will have a 'border disagreement' or some other spat
the EU will then become paralysed beaurocracy producing 'strongly worded resolutions condemning the violence' and Europe will go back to being a bloodbath. Old habits die hard.
#4
Difficult to have "border disagreements" mean much when people pass freely from one country to the other and borders mean about as much as state borders mean in the US.
#5
And RW, I'm glad you know what 80% and 90% have been thinking based just on your own family's attitude. Or what your family claimed was their attitude. Perhaps they didn't want to break your heart. :-)
But polls tell a different story, one that's not based on economics alone, but on a common foreign and defense policy as well.
#8
I especially love this bit: "Social policy:
The Union and the Member States... shall have as their objectives the promotion of employment, improved living and working conditions," You mean like cutting the work week to 25 hours, and prohibiting firms from ever laying off workers?
There's a future economics Ph.D. somewhere in there: 21st Cent. European Economic History: What Went Wrong?
#9
The undercurrent of political struggles and quarrels between the smaller and larger members of the EU sound a lot like the US in the 1780s. The smaller states signed on to the constition pretty fast as it helped to prevent them from being steamrollered by the larger states. Federalism worked best for them. States like Virginia had a vested interest in the older confederation political process because it enlarged their influnce and Federalism could only decrease it over time. This is one reason that a Constitional Admendment to eliminate the Electoral College will never pass.
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire ||
06/14/2003 10:10 Comments ||
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#10
The Czechs also voted (77% approval) to join - hope they had a better upbringing, and they know when to shut up and listen to their betters, so Jacques isn't frustrated again
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 10:22 Comments ||
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#11
I give this un-UN about four years before all the members bow out. I am taking bets on it going beyond four years.
#12
The top leadership part sounds like a pyramid scheme. The generalizations and "feel good" language I have read so far sounds like a bureaucrat's dream. I hope that the European public reads this document very carfully and asks some hard questions before they sign on with this outfit, but I'm just a cynical and uncultured Merkin.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 12:59 Comments ||
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Slightly re-ordered.
The Romanian government issued a blunt denial yesterday that the Holocaust hit the country during the Second World War, defying historical accounts of a campaign of anti-Semitic persecution orchestrated by its pro-Nazi wartime regime. The statement, issued by the Public DisInformation Ministry, startled Jewish leaders in Romania, where 250,000 Jews were killed or deported to concentration camps under the rule of Marshal Ion Antonescu. The statement came a day after Romanian authorities released wartime archives to the Holocaust War Memorial Museum in Washington. "We firmly claim that within the borders of Romania between 1940 and 1945 there was no Holocaust," the ministry said.
... with a straight face.
Jewish leaders questioned the assertion and criticised the Romanian government for failing to reflect the truth. "You cannot say there weren't victims," said Ernest Neuman, a Jewish community leader in Timisoara. Historians have documented numerous accounts detailing the deportation and execution of Jews in Romania. Most died in camps in the former Soviet Union. But several pogroms spilled Jewish blood on Romanian soil. In June 1941 up to 12,000 people in the north-eastern city of Iasi are believed to have died as Romanian and German soldiers swept from house to house killing Jews.
Posted by: Bulldog ||
06/14/2003 08:23 am ||
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ISLAMABAD - A legal group asked the Supreme Court to remove 68 mostly Islamic hard-line lawmakers, arguing they lacked the education for the job. The Justice Welfare Trust argued that 65 Islamic legislators and three other lawmakers, were "illegally occupying" their seats because they didn't have university degrees. The court agreed to hear the suit.
It's a nuisance suit, they don't have a chance of winning in Pakland, but it's amusing, nonetheless...
Electoral reforms carried out by President Pervez Musharraf before elections in October required all candidates have a degree.
The Islamists are still squalling about it...
Yet Musharraf accepted degrees from Islamic seminaries. The Justice Welfare Trust, a small left-leaning organization, argued that religious seminaries should not be considered universities and the legislators, who graduated from these seminaries, should be disqualified.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:41 pm ||
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KARACHI: Police on Saturday arrested five suspected militants believed to be members of a new radical group allegedly involved in terrorist activity in Karachi, officials said. The suspects were arrested in pre-dawn raids at various places in the city, senior police officer Javed Shah Bukhari said. âDuring the raids we also recovered a large quantity of explosives and detonators meant for terrorist activity,â he said. The new group, the Muslim United Army (MUA) claimed responsibility for blasts at 26 Shell petrol stations. Shah said police were interrogating the five suspects. He said the raids followed information obtained from a suspected militant, Mohammad Riaz, who was arrested several days ago.
A new terrorist group for Pakland is like carrying coal to Newcastle, giving ice cubes to Esquimaux, sand to Morocco...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 10:54 pm ||
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And more on the sunken sea tiggers...
A top Tamil politician was assassinated by an unidentified gunman in Sri Lanka's northern town of Jaffna. The leader of the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front — Varatharajah Wing (EPRLF), Subathran, 44, was killed at his office in Jaffna. The party is bitterly opposed to the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which entered into a truce with the government in February last year. Despite the ceasefire, the Tigers have been accused of killing more than 30 rival Tamils and military informants. Subathran is the most senior politician to have been killed during the truce.
His murder came as a Tamil Tiger merchant ship blew up and sank with its crew aboard as the navy fired warning shots to halt the vessel, defence officials said. The vessel belonging to LTTE was being towed by a smaller boat when the navy confronted them, defence secretary Austin Fernando said. He said the navy had told him that the smaller craft had taken off leaving the ship behind in high seas. The crew of the ship had blasted the vessel before the navy could board it, Fernando said.
"Put a shot across her bow, Mahendra!"
"Yes, sir!"
[KABOOM!]
"Ummm... A little higher next time, Mahendra!"
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 08:57 pm ||
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AFP: Indian troops shot dead four Kashmiris along the Line of Control in the Kalaroos area of Kupwara. Another four freedom fighters were killed along the international border with Pakistan in R.S. Pora sector overnight, a police spokesman said. In another incident, the army shot dead five Kashmiri activists during two cordon-and-search operations in Kupwara overnight. He identified one of them as Abdul Wahid, a "battalion commander" of Lashkar-i-Taiba. Two more Mujahideen were killed by the troops in Poonch district in the early hours of Thursday, police said, adding a shepherd, Haji Mitha, and his son Mohammed Ayub had their throats slit by suspected Mujahideen. They died near Bandipora township of Baramulla. Another two Muslim civilians were killed in Budgam district, one of them in a mine explosion, police said.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
06/14/2003 08:16 pm ||
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COLOMBO - The Sri Lankan navy sank a suspected Tamil Tiger rebel ship early Saturday morning, and truce monitors said all 12 on board were feared dead, in what could be a blow to the island's fragile peace process. "It seems there were 12 Sea Tigers on board. They jumped overboard but as to whether they were rescued, we don't know," said Agnes Bragadottir, a spokesman for the Nordic monitors who oversee a Norwegian-brokered truce between the rebels and the government. Well Agnes, unless they're on the Tamil Olympic swim team ...
She added there was an explosion on the boat and it was thought the ship had sunk. The violence further clouds the peace process to end 20 years of war between the Tigers and the government. The two sides agreed to a cease fire in February last year, but talks have been on hold since April. The Tigers also boycotted a donor conference in Tokyo which raised $4.5 billion to rebuild the war-torn island. The rebels rejected the latest government proposal aimed at restarting talks Wednesday, and are demanding an interim administration for the Tamil-majority north and east. Sounds like they think they can get more on the field than at the table.
The navy confirmed there was a clash between one of its boats and a ship it said belonged to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and said the incident took place in waters off the northeastern port city of Trincomalee. Despite the stalled talks, the truce has been holding, giving the island what is seen as the best chance yet to end the war that killed 64,000. Four previous peace bids ended in renewed fighting.
Posted by: Steve White ||
06/14/2003 02:02 am ||
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Clever way to circumvent the Roadmap, kill people off-road, at sea. Oh, my bad, there is no road map in this conflict, the vaunted moralists of the "international community" haven't time to look beyond Ze Jews.
Posted by: af ||
06/14/2003 13:29 Comments ||
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...were feared dead... I rather expect they were made dead.
BAGHDAD - The two main Iraqi Kurdish groups moved to unite the administration of their two competing strongholds in the Kurdish enclave of northern Iraq, confirming Saturday they will present an outline by month's end on a single government. Leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, or KDP, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, or PUK — the two armed political groups running Kurdish northern Iraq — said they've set up a six-member committee to complete the plan. "It was a sense of responsibility that persuaded us that this was a must," said Arif Tayfor, a KDP spokesman. Murad Mohammed Ibrahim, a PUK spokesman, said a unified administration would be based in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, which houses the Kurdish parliament.
The Kurds are proving to be a remarkably sensible people — quite non-Middle Eastern in their outlook...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:28 pm ||
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Coalition forces said Saturday they had captured former Iraqi air force commander Hamid Raja Shalah al-Tikriti, who was No. 17 on the U.S. Central Command's most-wanted list. The former commander, who is in his late 50s, is from Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit and was close to the ousted Iraqi president's family. He was one of the Iraqi military commanders seen meeting regularly with Saddam before the U.S.-led war started March 20. The pilot and three-star general was appointed commander-in-chief of the Iraqi air force during the mid-1990s. He also commanded air bases during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, including in the northern city of Kirkuk. Before the U.S.-led war started, the commander advised Saddam that the Iraqi air force would be fully prepared to fight and defeat invading coalition forces.
And a damned fine job they did of it, too.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:21 pm ||
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FALLUJAH - U.S. Army units moved in force early Sunday to seal off Fallujah, intending to raid the homes of suspected militia leaders and search for illegal weapons. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade targeted locations where intelligence reports indicated militia operations were underway or weapons stockpiled for use against U.S. forces. The operation was called "Spartan Scorpion." The initial thrust against the city met no resistance, but Iraqis sounded sirens and flashed their porch lights in apparent warning to each other that American troops were coming. The 2nd Brigade entered Fallujah and the nearby towns of Habaniyah and Khaldiyah on June 4, tripling the number of U.S. troops in the area after repeated ambushes on supply convoys. The brigade's mission was to defeat anti-American militias and help restore local government offices and infrastructure. The raids across Fallujah by Task Force 3-15, Task Force 1-64 and Task Force Enforcer — using more than 1,300 soldiers — began at about 3 a.m., just three hours after a deadline for Iraqis to turn in heavy weapons under an amnesty program. On Saturday, warnings were broadcast on mosque loud speakers that the United States likely would raid Fallujah after the amnesty ended. The raid against Fallujah followed an extensive action last week, dubbed Operation Peninsula Strike, against the so-called "Sunni triangle" north and west of Baghdad. That operation was completed successfully, the military said Sunday. About 60 of the 400 people detained during that search-and-seizure operation remained in custody for further interrogation. Those in custody included former Iraqi generals of Saddam Hussein's army — Maj. Gen. Abul Ali Jasmin, the secretary of the defense ministry, and Brig. Gen. Abdullah Ali Jasmin, head of the Iraqi military academy.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:09 pm ||
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Sweet mother of God, now we have to feel guilty for killing Iraqis trying to ambush our troops and set up terrorist training camps? I don't think so....
RAWAH, Iraq - Hassan Ibrahim walked the narrow space between the fresh graves and shook his head. There were 78, some of them packed with more than one body, with rocks as markers. The air stank of death. The names of the dead were written on paper and folded into soda bottles stuck in the ground. ``This town was safe before the Americans came here and made a lot of blood,'' said Ibrahim. ``Is this the democracy they were talking about?''
No. I think this is the "Saddam, we will defend you with our blood" they were talking about...
The graves were all that remained after U.S. forces struck a suspected terrorist training camp 5 1/2 miles from town Thursday, raking the earth with missiles and machine-gun fire. Although the attack was a military success, it threatens to create thousands of new enemies in this small farming city on the banks of the Euphrates River. In a place where everyone knows each other and the streets are quiet after dark, the number of corpses and the havoc of battle could have unintended consequences. ``If I get a chance, I would shoot an American, because they are now my enemies,'' said Marwan Alrawi, a member of a family that owns farmland throughout the area. ``Before this, one of 10,000 Rawah citizens would fight the Americans. Now, more than half would.'' Bring it on, Marwan. Asshat
The backlash highlights the increasingly difficult task of crushing Baath Party loyalists and what U.S. officials say are a growing number of foreign fighters while also winning the sympathies of ordinary Iraqis. The raid was part of some of the heaviest fighting in Iraq since President Bush declared the war largely over May 1. Most of it has taken place in the ``Triangle,'' an area that extends from Baghdad, in the east to Tikrit in the north, and then west almost to Syria. The area, made up predominantly of conservative Sunni Muslims, has been a recent flash point of attacks on American troops.
Attacks continued early Friday when a group of Iraqi gunmen ambushed a column of tanks from the Army's 4th Infantry Division with rocket-propelled grenades near Balad, about 50 miles north of Baghdad. U.S. tanks, armored personnel carriers and attack helicopters returned fire, killing 27 attackers.
In Mosul, five U.S. soldiers were wounded Friday night as U.S. troops battled Iraqi fighters for a second day in the streets of the northern provincial capital. Two Iraqi citizens were killed, and three more were wounded in the fighting. Six U.S. soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division have been wounded in grenade attacks over the past two days as demonstrations by ex-Iraqi soldiers demanding to be paid have turned violent. Thursday, Iraqi police killed two Iraqis and wounded two others after hundreds of demonstrators stormed a government building and shot at police in the city center. U.S. commanders said fighting broke out again Friday after a crowd of about 100 angry Iraqis hurled stones and makeshift explosives while gunmen fired from rooftops. Mosul has enjoyed relative calm for the past six weeks, and the fighting suggested that while many Iraqis welcomed Saddam's fall, they are increasingly frustrated by the chaos that has succeeded the dictator.
Central Command officials said the U.S. military offensives in recent days are part of ``a continued effort to eradicate Baath Party loyalists, paramilitary groups and other subversive elements.'' Speaking to Pentagon reporters in a teleconference Friday, Lt. Gen. David McKiernan, the top allied commander in Iraq, declined to say much about the Rawah raid. He did not say who the suspected terrorists were. ``I will simply tell you that it was a camp area that was confirmed with bad guys, and specifically who the bad guys are will be determined as we exploit the site,'' he said.
While many in Rawah, about four hours west of Baghdad, said the people killed were fighters from Syria and Iraq, the death toll outraged them. Villagers said nearly 80 fighters were killed in the raid. Maj. Brad Lowell of the U.S. Central Command said the number of casualties could not be confirmed. ``The command has always stayed away from specific body counts,'' Lowell said. ``The bottom line is if we're in that area, and we've put this type of combat power there, then it's obvious there's some significant concentration of enemy there.'' A Pentagon official said information remained sketchy about the nationalities of those killed in the raid. ``Some Syrians were among them,'' said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. ``But there were other nationalities as well.'' Kill em all - let Allah sort em out
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 08:33 am ||
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...Marwan Alrawi, a member of a family that owns farmland throughout the area.
#2
Seems a bit of an oxymoron to describe it as such a tiny littletown, where everyone knows everyone and then talk about the foreign fighters. It's also hard to envision the danger from the "massive uprising" that will occur from a tiny little farming town.
`Before this, one of 10,000 Rawah citizens would fight the Americans. Now, more than half would.''
without comment. This guy is obvioulsy trying to play the press. Haven't journalists learned by now to take these al-Sahaf-like statements with a barrel of salt.
Posted by: Tokyo Taro ||
06/14/2003 8:57 Comments ||
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The key phrase: "growing number of foreign fighters"
#6
Outraged at the deathtoll? Yeah...me too. Should have been higher - but it's a good start. Problem is that the war ended too quickly. Too many of these asshats don't know they've been defeated 'cause they haven't been made to feel like it. We need to get the 4th ID and the 101st going on an ass-kicking tour of Iraq (I'll sell the t-shirts) to get the message across that they are to STFD and STFU and if that is just too difficult for them then we are going to treat their torsos to hot-lead ventilation.
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
06/14/2003 12:13 Comments ||
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Thailand's Prime Minister says terror suspects arrested this week were planning a bombing spree against embassies and tourist sites to coincide with an APEC leaders summit in Bangkok in October. US President George W Bush and Prime Minister John Howard are among world leaders scheduled to attend the meeting. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra used his weekly radio address to announce further details of a terror plot revealed this week after the arrest of three Thai Muslims. Mr Thaksin says the group was planning to set of a series of car bombs on October 20 and 21 as the Asia Pacific Economic Forum was underway. He says the information is based on the written confession of alleged ringleader and Jemaah Islamiah operative Ari bin Ali, who was arrested in May and handed over to Singapore authorities.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
06/14/2003 03:21 am ||
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Here is something we should all keep in mind:
Global Islam does not need an actual terrorist structure, just enough people that agree/support the ideals and they can act alone/ organise a small group to do damage from the petty to the monstrous.
To better understand (so we can fight it) the ideological support for Binny, here are the words of a supporter (ed for length, posted on an Islamist website published in the USA www.as-sahwah.com):
I support Sheikh Osama bin Laden (hafidhahullah) because it is my understanding that he is acting according to Quran and Sunnah, and that in doing his duty, as a Muslim, he is obeying Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) alone. Everything that he does and says is motivated by his desire to do what is right, as judged by Quran and Sunnah.
I support him because it is my understanding that he is a devout and humble Muslim, much given to remembering Allah (SWT). In truth, I support him - and applaud his actions - because he is an excellent example of all the virtues that a good Muslim should aspire to, as even a brief knowledge of his life will show. He has spent many, many years of life living simply, among the Mujahideen, fighting the kuffar, risking his life everyday. He has given up a life of luxury to do his Islamic duty. For over a year he and a few Mujahideen have outwitted the combined military might, and the money, of the kuffar. Thus, it is my view that he is and should be an inspiration, an example, a role model, for Muslims, young and old.
However, I know there are Muslims who do not support Sheikh Osama bin Laden (hafidhahullah) and who condemn his actions and those of the Muslims who have been inspired by him. If they are sincere in their objections, then they should produce evidence, from Quran and Sunnah, and this should be discussed. It might be that, after such a discussion, we agree to differ, in a reasonable way. This is the honourable, the Muslim, thing to do. Furthermore - and of vital importance - if the kuffar decide to attack and kill Muslims, if they decide to and do invade a Muslim land, if they humiliate Muslims, if they seek to replace our Islamic values, our Way of Life, with their own, if they ask us to help find and capture and hand-over to them one of our brothers, our sisters, then we should and must forget our differences, and - as Muslims - unite to fight the kuffar.
"Then fight in Allah's cause - you will be held responsible only for yourself." Al-Nisa:84 Interpretation of Meaning
"Whoever aids an oppressor, or taught him an argument to nullify the right of an ordinary Muslim, has drawn upon himself the anger of Allah". 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ood
For it is much better not to betray a fellow Muslim to the kuffar - even if that Muslim might be wrong - than it is to allow the kuffar to shed Muslim blood.
"Whoever protects the honour of his brother, Allah will protect his face from hell on the Day of Judgment." (Ahmad and Tirmidhi).
Therefore, what we should do is unite, and fight the kuffar. SNIP the spittle and on to the religious justification for Binnie Laden
"And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out." [2:191 Interpretation of Meaning]
And when you punish them (your enemy) then do so with the like of that with which you were afflicted by them" [16:126 Interpretation of Meaning]
"Your wish for the Crusaders should be the same as in this verse of poetry: The only language between you and us is the sword that will strike your necks." Sheikh Usama bin Laden (hafidhahullah)
Abdul Aziz
18 Thul-Hujja 1423
This one's for you, Celissa ;)
Posted by: Anon1 ||
06/14/2003 09:03 am ||
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Well, that kinda rules out reasoned discourse and negotiation, does it not? A Million Hugs won't hack it with these chaps.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 13:33 Comments ||
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What the hell ever happened to the respect due the "People of the Book".
Ask the Jews and Christians in Egypt. Or Saudi Arabia.
Posted by: lkl ||
06/14/2003 15:22 Comments ||
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If Islam leaves us no choice other than join or die, we will accept the alternative of destroying Islam. Since we (the non-Islamic nations of the world) have about 400 times the firepower of all Islam combined, guess who wins? IF there are no living adherents to a religion, does it continue? If that's the ONLY OPTION, we will exercise it. The Immams should consider that when they next decide to declare a "holy war".
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
06/14/2003 15:42 Comments ||
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We have not yet shown the situational awareness to go after the immams. Targeting the party leaders like Rantissi is a positive step, but the eventual fight is with radical islam itself. Jihadic islam depends on the interpretation of the Quran, and that means the preachers. Witness Khomeni, -no ayatollah, no overthrowah. Not all muslim sects believe in violent jihad. It takes an ideologue to produce the necessary momentum. If we don't start grasping this and taking the fight to that level, we're gonna see the destabilization of many new eastern and western societies. Don't you think Mexico would be a ripe target for a religious, revolutionary message?
Posted by: Scott ||
06/14/2003 17:29 Comments ||
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SWDNVFWP: Given contradictions in the Koran about how to treat Christians and Jews, the hard core Salafists/Wahabis have taken the view that the harsher passages were uttered by Mohammed later than the more tolerant ones and that the tolerant passages were therefore nullified. (This is not the best source, but I 'm in too much of a hurry to search for a better link.) In other words, Allah tried being nice and all, but those damn Christians and Jews wouldn't play nice with Mohammed, so Allah changed his mind and decided to give Mohammed permission to go f--- them up. You can't reason with people like this. Only kill them. And I don't say this in anger. To me it's like putting down a rabid dog. You don't hate it. It's just too late to save it.
I found a link to this article on LGF, and thought it might be worth keeping, the article below is just a summary of the material contained in the link above, which explains how shadowy the Hizb is in terms of structure, size and leadership. Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (Islamic Party of Liberation) is an emerging threat to American interests in Central and South Asia and the Middle East. It is a clandestine, cadre-operated, radical Islamist political organization that operates in 40 countries around the world, with headquarters apparently in London. Its proclaimed goal is jihad against America and the overthrow of existing political regimes and their replacement with a Caliphate (Khilafah in Arabic), a theocratic dictatorship based on the Shari'a (religious Islamic law).
Hizb ut-Tahrir's spread around the globe, in Western Europe and often in authoritarian states with strong secret police organizations, is impressive. It could be accomplished only by applying 20th century totalitarian political "technology" melded with Islamic notions of the 7th and 8th centuries, as interpreted by medieval Islamic scholars. "Representatives" in Great Britain and Pakistan claim to speak for the organization but have no official address or legal office. Leadership for large regions, countries, and local areas is kept secret. Hizb ut-Tahrir is a totalitarian organization, akin to a disciplined Marxist-Leninist party, in which internal dissent is neither encouraged nor tolerated. The genius of Hizb founder Taqiuddin an-Nabhani was marrying Orthodox Islamist ideology to Leninist strategy and tactics. Because its goal is global revolution, Hizb is similar to the Trotskyite wing of the international communist movement. Its candidate members become well-versed in party literature during a two-year indoctrination course in a study circle, supervised by a party member. Only when a member "matures in Party culture," "adopts the thoughts and opinions of the party," and "melts with the Party" can he or she become a full-fledged member.
When a critical mass of cells is achieved, according to its doctrine, Hizb may move to take over a country in preparation for the establishment of the Caliphate. Such a takeover would likely be bloody and violent. Moreover, its strategy and tactics show that, while the party is currently circumspect in preaching violence, it is already justifying its use--just as Lenin and the Bolsheviks did--when "circumstances" dictate (such as jihad against the "infidels"). Hizb's platform and actions fit in with "Islamist globalization"—an alternative mode of globalization based on radical Islam. This ideology poses a direct challenge to the Western model of a secular, market-driven, tolerant, multicultural globalization. Where radicalization has taken hold in the Islamic world, Hizb has gained new supporters in droves. Its primary characteristics are the fiery rhetoric of jihad, murky funding sources, rejection of existing political regimes, and outlook and goals that are shared with al-Qaeda and other organizations of the global jihadi movement.
Posted by: Paul Moloney ||
06/14/2003 03:12 am ||
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This goes back to the money. Follow the money and dry it up. And we know where the money is. After Iraq fell, we must have cut off 20 to 25% of the money. Iran and Saudi must go and then we can look around and see what happens after that.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 13:38 Comments ||
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TEHRAN - Police on Saturday arrested dozens of pro-clergy militants who smashed their way into university dormitories and beat up sleeping students in a wave of violence aimed at putting down protests against Iran's Islamic government.
That's unusual, to say the least...
The arrests appeared to be an attempt by Iran's ruling hard-line clerics to rein in their militant supporters, reflecting fears that the violence might only stoke the past week's anti-government protests, which were the largest in months.
Afraid they're going to find a tipping point in their immediate future, are they?
The Islamic regime is worried about alienating a restive public at a time when the United States has stepped up pressure against Tehran over its nuclear program and alleged links to the al-Qaeda terror network.
That's what I said...
In Washington, the White House called on Iran to protect the human rights of the students. "The United States views with great concern the use of violence against Iranian students peacefully expressing their political views," spokesman Ari Fleischer said. "Iranians, like all people, have a right to determine their own destiny, and the United States supports their aspirations to live in freedom." The militants, who pledge allegiance to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, usually act with impunity, breaking up demonstrations and punishing protesters.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:25 pm ||
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BOGOTA - Colombia bombarded leftist rebel camps and killed an estimated 67 insurgents, the air force commander said Saturday. The report could not be immediately verified. Gen. Hector Fabio Velasco told RCN television that the rebels were killed in two separate attacks in southern Meta and Cauca states. He didn't say when the attacks occurred nor did he say to which rebel army the fighters belonged. Attempts to reach air force and defense ministry officials for further comment were unsuccessful. An army spokesman said he had no knowledge of the aerial bombardments.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 11:02 pm ||
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ALGIERS: Suspected Islamic rebels killed eight government soldiers when they ambushed a military convoy in western Algeria. In other attacks, seven rebels and five civilians were killed in renewed bloodshed as the North African country grapples with the aftermath of last month's quake that killed 2,274 people and caused up to $5.0 billion worth of damage.
Like they need this crap after an earthquake...
French-language newspaper Le Matin said rebels ambushed a military convoy, killing eight soldiers and wounding two others in Tissemsilt province. In a similar ambush, rebels killed the deputy mayor of a small town and a friend traveling with him on Thursday night in M'sila province. Three civilians were killed in a rebel raid also on Thursday night in el Madher area in Batna province. Eight members of Algeria's security forces have died and two were wounded in a hail of sub-machine gunfire and grenades by an armed Islamic extremist group. Assailants ambushed a military patrol on Wednesday near its base at El-Youssoufia. The Algerian army launched a major search operation following the attack. The deaths could not immediately be officially confirmed. They would bring to 20 the number of victims slain during violence in Algeria last Wednesday and Thursday, according to official sources and newspaper reports. Extremists cut the throats of three victims on Thursday near Batna. A serviceman was killed on Wednesday by attackers who had set up a false road checkpoint near the town of Lakhdaria. Algerian radio reported that security forces had Thursday killed six extremists in Bouira region south of Algiers.
Maybe we should start an Algerian Korpse Kount...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 10:38 pm ||
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THREE people were killed in Gamba parish, Kango sub-county in Nebbi district following an attempted cattle raid by Congo rebels who crossed into Uganda over the weekend. The dead include two Congo rebels who were killed on Sunday and an 18-year-old primary six pupil, identified as Michael Matasi, son of the area LCI chairman. Matasi was killed in a renewed rebel raid on Monday. Nebbi district Police commander Samson Onyai said the dead rebels and two injured ones were from the Mountain Zeu units under the self-styled commander Jerom of the FAPC rebel faction. "Four armed rebels wielding guns on Sunday crossed into Uganda and grabbed 35 head of cattle. On realising this, the wananchi mobilised themselves with bows and arrows and followed the rebels," he said.
"You boys have a bill of sale for them cows?"
"Don't even try to mess with us! We're heroic resistance fighters from the Congo!"
"Alright, boys! Ventilate 'em! But try not to kill 'em all."
He said the wananchi recovered the cattle. Deputy External Security Organisation chief Col. Peter Kerim described FAPC as an "indisciplined force without command and control over its forces". The faction, formerly under Thomas Lubanga, controls Aruu and parts of Mahagi in eastern Congo.
Assuming anyone controls it...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 09:56 pm ||
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HEAVILY armed UPDF [Uganda Popular Defense Force] soldiers killed a top commander of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels on Tuesday. The rebels had attacked Gulu resident district commissioner's (RDC) residence. The RDC, Max Omeda, was however not at home. The Northern Region Operation Intelligence Coordinator, Lt. Col. Charles Otema Awany, identified the commander as Lt. Lapwony Kilama.
A lieutenant? A lieutenant is a top commander? Oh, well. I guess if they ever take over, they don't have to worry about being overthrown by a junta of colonels...
Former LRA rebels said Kilama was one of the few commanders who were notorious, battle-harden and had led many daring raids on internally displaced people's camps, carried out ambushes and raiding villages.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 09:38 pm ||
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Zimbabwe Independent (Harare)
ZIMBABWEAN aircraft passengers who were detained in Kenya this week were Zanu PF youths going to Libya for training, it has emerged. Sources in Zanu PF said the 57 passengers were drawn from Zanu PF youth structures throughout the country and were heading for the north African country's capital Tripoli for a training programme. Information officials at the ruling party's headquarters yesterday confirmed that the delegation was made up of provincial youth leadership going to learn about youth activities in Libya. "It's an ongoing inter-party exchange programme," a Zanu PF information official said. "Youth leadership from all our 10 provinces would learn the youth activities in Libya and that would be disseminated to our youths here." Libya has compulsory national youth service, including ideological tutoring.
Like the proper use of bludgeons, we assume...
Press reports on Wednesday said the Zimbabwean nationals aboard a Russian-made Ilyushin plane, flown by two Libyan pilots, were detained for allegedly overflying Kenyan airspace without authority. The passengers were detained at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for three days after the plane was intercepted by Kenya's airforce. Zanu PF officials said there was nothing wrong with Zimbabwe sending a delegation to Libya to acquire skills on self-reliance and patriotism. "The Women's League sent their delegation to explore business opportunities earlier on and this is actually the second delegation and there is nothing wrong with it," the official said.
These developments come amid reports that Zanu PF militias hired to thwart the Movement for Democratic Change-led mass protests last week could have cost the ruling party as much as $60 million in payments. The over 2 000 militiamen who camped at the Zanu PF headquarters building for the whole of last week are thought to have been paid $30 000 each on Saturday after their success in blocking MDC marches.
I presume that's 30,000 Zim dollars. Otherwise, being a thug has become a pretty lucrative career...
Zanu PF secretary for information Nathan Shamuyarira however denied that his party paid the youths. The militias were bused from Mashonaland Central and East to help the uniformed forces to stop mass protests intended at forcing President Mugabe from office.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 09:23 pm ||
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Rantburg: The internet accounts for the Zimbabwe Daily News and Harare's Independent have been suspended, cutting off the main sources for news from Zim. The government-run Harare Herald remains on-line.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 09:14 pm ||
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At least 16 people were injured, seven by gunshots, as police battled supporters of President Hugo Chavez near an anti-government protest. Violence broke out when city police — controlled by anti-Chavez Caracas Mayor Alfredo Pena — fired teargas at the Chavez supporters in the shantytown of Petare who protested an anti-government rally being held in their neighborhood. The pro-Chavez crowd responded with rocks and firebombs. Then the neighborhood turned into a battlefield, as police and Chavez supporters clashed and exchanged gunfire just 300 meters away from the anti-government rally. Chavez supporters destroyed a police shed and an office belonging to Copei, a once powerful political party now opposed to Chavez that organized the march. Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel blamed police, the mayor and state governer Enrique Mendoza — also a Chavez opponent — for starting the violence, and vowed to sue them.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 09:00 pm ||
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Liberian rebels said they would only sign on to a truce if President Charles Taylor resigned, in an about-turn which sent peace talks to end the country's four-year civil war into disarray. Liberian government officials attending the peace parleys in Ghana rejected the demand, saying it amounted to asking the embattled leader — whose capital has been ringed by rebels — to "commit suicide."
Sounds good to me...
Kabineh Janeh from the main Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) main rebel group, fighting Taylor since 1999, said his movement was prepared to sign a ceasefire if Taylor pledged to quit in 10 days. "Taylor must leave the presidency in 10 days" after the ceasefire is signed, he said, adding: "There should also be an interim government in place within 10 days of the signing." But the newly emerged Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) rebel group, based in southern Liberia and accused by Monrovia of being backed by its eastern neighbour Ivory Coast, took a harder line. MODEL representative Eugene Wilson said: "We will not sign the ceasefire until Taylor quits."
Ivory Coast is backing them? Turnabout's fair play, I guess...
"We want the United States or the western powers to lead a stabilisation force in to Liberia before that," he added. "We have genuine fears about our security and we cannot enter Liberia before such a force is there already."
Lemme think... No.
Liberian Defence Minister Daniel Chea said: "It's an absurdity that anyone can think that the ceasefire and the peace process can succeed without the involvement of Charles Taylor."
I expect it'll tick along nicely if he's dead...
Senator Muhammed Dukuly, a prominent member of the Liberian government delegation at the talks, accused the rebels of throwing a monkey wrench in the works. "Asking President Taylor to step aside without immunity is like asking him to commit suicide. He will not do that and it is not fair for anyone to suggest that," Dukuly said.
Too bad. He should really think seriously about snacking on the fruit of his .45...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt ||
06/14/2003 08:43 pm ||
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... in an about-turn which sent peace talks to end the country's four-year civil war into disarray.
How in the world did they notice?
Posted by: Steve White ||
06/14/2003 20:59 Comments ||
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Tel Aviv — "Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it." So states the Islamic charter of the militant Islamic group Hamas. This week's bus bombing in Jerusalem, which killed 17 people, was a bloody reminder of Hamas' power to strike Israel at any time. The organization, which has carried out dozens of attacks during the past 33 months of Israeli-Palestinian violence, called the attack "the beginning of a new series of revenge attacks . . . in which we will target every Zionist occupying our land." In a statement, it blamed the attack on Israel's attempt to assassinate its spokesman, Abdel Aziz Rantissi, in Gaza. Now, as Israel targets Hamas political leaders, the long-simmering standoff between the organization and Israel has become a no-holds-barred brawl. 'bout time.
But Hamas does not need a specific Israeli operation as an excuse to act. Its charter, first published in 1988, clearly states that it is committed to an extended struggle against Israel and its replacement with an Islamic Palestinian state "from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River." pretty clear on that
"Hamas has a long-term strategic game plan for an Islamic creation of Palestine some time around 2022, 2023, based on regime change, demographic changes, Islamic revolution in Jordan and Egypt, Israelis being divided and life after Yasser Arafat," said Magnus Ranstorp, deputy director of the Center for Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a leading expert on Hamas and other Islamic militant groups. I don't think Hamas will be around in its present form in 2006
Just two weeks ago, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas dangled the promise of a cease-fire by Hamas and other militant groups. After the attack on Rantissi and the suicide bombing, however, that seems like a distant dream. But Ranstorp believes that was a feint in the group's long duel with Israel. "Hamas does not want a truce. Like Hezbollah in Lebanon, it thrives on resistance, on not giving up its military option, because this is what makes it unique — its resistance on the political front against the Palestinian Authority, on the social front against social and economic deprivation and militarily against Israel," he said. The tiny sliver of the Middle East upon which the Israeli state was established in 1948 is land that Hamas deems an "Islamic Waqf (endowment) consecrated for future Muslim generations until Judgment Day," so many analysts doubted that the group would ever lay down arms. then kill it. now.
Even if Hamas were to agree to a cease-fire, it would be only the first step in a peace plan that ultimately concludes with a vision Hamas has vowed never to accept: a two-state solution with Palestine and Israel existing side-by-side. Hamas, an acronym for Harakat Muqawama Islamiya, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, was born in 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Since then, the group has grown in stature to become one of the leading militant groups in the region and a key player that now jeopardizes the success of the U.S.-backed road map for Mideast peace. It gained support in the West Bank and Gaza when the Palestinian Liberation Organization went into exile in Tunisia in the early 1980s. Recently, as Palestinians have grown increasingly disillusioned with corruption in the Palestinian Authority and angry over Israeli military operations that have restricted travel and sent living standards plummeting, its support has grown. Efraim Inbar, a political scientist at Tel Aviv's Bar Ilan University, notes that Hamas has a "strong territorial base, especially in Gaza where it has proved a very effective organization, in contrast to the Palestinian Authority, in providing services." The group operates a network of charitable institutions in the impoverished coastal strip and disseminates its views via leaflets and sermons in local mosques. Its mission to "liberate Palestine" finds a sympathetic audience among the 1 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza. The result has been to increase Hamas' clout and make it almost untouchable within its own community. Last year, Arafat was forced to back down after yielding to U.S. and Israeli pressure and placing Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin under house arrest. Spiritual leader of a psychotic murdering cult?
Sharon has pledged that Israel will "fight the terrorist organizations and their leaders to the death." But Ranstorp says that Sharon has a broader vision that precludes dealing the group a death blow. "Israel knows every Hamas leader, every senior member and how they make their decisions," he said. Eliminating Hamas "is something Israel can do blindfolded if it wanted to, but it's not in Israel's interests to completely clip the wings of Hamas, which is a useful counterweight against the Palestinian Authority."
Seems to me they've had blinders on with regard to Hamas. A fatality rate approaching 100 percent for Hamas would make for a much more polite and reasonable PA...
Even if Israel were willing to decapitate the organization's leadership, as it has threatened, the question remains: Is Israel capable of destroying Hamas? The group's ability to mount continued attacks, despite Israel's heavy military presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, suggest that the army is not able to stop the group, which has a powerful grass-roots structure and cuts across social and class lines. Ismail Abu-Shanab, a Hamas leader in Gaza, told Al-Jazeera satellite TV on Thursday that an all-out war "will make Hamas stronger." "If we survive...I guess"
"The Israelis experienced this in 1992 when terrorist (former Israeli Prime Minister) Rabin deported Hamas leaders to southern Lebanon," he said. "What results did he get? The resistance escalated and Hamas' capabilities for action were heightened. We are not afraid at all."
I agree. Much better to kill them all than to drive them into exile, to come sneaking back in later...
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 10:30 am ||
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One of my fellow workers, a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, summed it up. He was approached by a Hamas heavy, who said, "First we get the Jews, then we will get you."
Yassin needs a JDAM on his spot of existance. Warn the others that they are in harms way if they hang out with him and the other leaders. Almost as important, we have to go after the money, and it all points to ---again----Saudi Arabia as the big donor.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 13:26 Comments ||
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BUNIA, Congo - French troops leading an international force engaged in a firefight with gunmen Saturday for the first time in their mission to stabilize this northeastern Congolese town ravaged by tribal fighting. Somebody forgot to safety their weapon?
The special forces returned small arms and light tank fire after they were fired on by gunmen as the French patrolled near Dele, a village about 4 miles south of Bunia, said spokesman Col. Gerard Dubois. The shooting lasted about 20 minutes; there were no French casualties, he said. It was not clear whether the assailants suffered any casualties. Possibly a sprained ankle as the frogs ran away
The French patrol of about 70 troops and 20 vehicles, including one light tank fitted with a 90-mm gun, stopped when the firing started, and the soldiers took up positions in the long grass on the side of the muddy road.
Bunia is the capital of resource-rich Ituri province, which has been the scene of some of the worst atrocities of Congo's 5-year-old civil war. The troops are part of a French-led international force that began deploying to Bunia on June 6 in an attempt to stem fighting between Lendu and Hema tribal factions that has killed hundreds of people in and around the town. The Hema faction, known as the Union of Congolese Patriots, which controls Bunia, said it was Lendu fighters who fired on the French on Saturday. wuddn't us, nope
A few dozen Hema fighters passed the French troops when the firing started. Some cheered as the French opened fire. "We were advancing on our traditional enemy (the Lendu), and the French troops came from behind us and told us to stop and that they would move ahead of us," UPC security chief Saba Rafiki told The Associated Press. "The Lendu attempted to fight the French but fled after a short while when the French began using heavy weapons." It was not possible to contact Lendu militia who are in the rolling green hills that surround Bunia.
Still running, are they?
There are about 400 French troops in Bunia. At full strength the force will have 1,400 troops, some 800 of whom will be deployed in Bunia. The remainder will be stationed at the force's logistics base in Entebbe in neighboring Uganda. Ten French Mirage jets connected to the force are based in N'djamena, Chad and Libreville, Gabon. So there will actually be 800 in congo, with 600 REMF's
The force, which is to deploy for three months, is supposed to reinforce some 750 U.N. troops in Bunia who can only fire in self-defense and have not attempted to stem the violence. time for a 3 month resupply, rearm and redeploy, huh?
The international force is authorized to shoot to kill if necessary, but it does not have the mandate to disarm the fighters or demilitarize the town. pathetic
On the other hand, if they kill them, they don't have to worry too much about disarming them, do they?
Despite the deployment of the French forces, the town remains unstable and reports of looting, abductions and killings continue to surface. but the French troops are deploying 4 miles south? Manodje Mounoubai, spokesman for the U.N. mission in Congo, said U.N. officials had heard reports that there were "more than one" mass grave in Bunia. But UPC fighters deployed in the area of the suspected graves have prevented U.N. personnel from investigating the graves. The French-led force does not want to engage the UPC until it has increased its strength, Mounoubai said.
Congo's civil war erupted in August 1998 when neighboring Rwanda and Uganda sent troops into Congo to support rebels seeking to oust then-Congolese President Laurent Kabila. They accused him of supporting insurgents from their countries whom they said were threatening regional security. Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia sent troops to back government forces. The foreign troops have withdrawn, but fighting between rival rebel and tribal factions continues in eastern and northern Congo. This will only provide diversity in the rebel's diet. The French taste like chicken
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 08:25 am ||
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This is such a fiasco that I have to feel sorry for the soldiers. Imagine being in their place!
The individual fighters are just trying to stay alive and get home before the EU sacrifices them as pawns in a diplomats board game. Nothing will be gained by their presence or bravery. Personal survival should be their first order of business. This is a lost cause at the highest levels. Why should they waste their lives in vain?
#2
Sad thing is, 800 French troops plus the 700-odd Uruguayan troops, with a mandate to kick ass and with proper support and motivation, could stabilize that city. They could secure it, turn it into a real safe haven for the civilians, and link it to the airport. Then you could actually get some food and medicine into the place.
Reminds me of the Clinton fiasco in Haiti -- Clinton was wringing his hands about what he could do. He actually telephoned Colin Powell (at that point a civilian) and asked what possible good 20,000 US troops could do in Haiti. To which (I'm doing this from memory) Powell actually exploded and yelled into the phone, "Mr. President, if you put 20,000 troops into Haiti, you OWN the place!"
The UN force now in Bunia could own the place if only the lace-pants crowd could see it.
#3
Ack, that anon comment was mine. Fred, the name and e-mail fields aren't being remembered in the comments form. Sorry.
Posted by: Steve White ||
06/14/2003 13:48 Comments ||
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The French patrol of about 70 troops and 20 vehicles, including one light tank fitted with a 90-mm gun, stopped when the firing started, and the soldiers took up positions in the long grass on the side of the muddy road.
Thus demonstrating thet they learned almost nothing in Vietnam.
Clear the kill zone if you can, you jerks. Any copetent adversary would have had mines in the long grass to welcome you to Jesus' arms...
THE Islamist movement Hamas today rejected the possibility of a ceasefire with Israel after one of the bloodiest weeks in their 32-month-old conflict. "Hamas is rejecting any call for ceasefire under occupation," senior Hamas leader Abdul Aziz al-Rantissi told AFP. "The word ceasefire is not in our dictionary." Only: Jihad, Occupation, Zionists, Pigs, and ...uh, Jihad. Those are all the words we have now in our dictionary
Contacts were reported between Palestinian officials and Hamas on a possible truce amid reports Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had proposed a three-day ceasefire with the hardline movement. Yesterday there was talk of Hamas Ok'g a cease to attacks if the IDF quit killing their bigwigs... guess martyrdom is OK only for the fodder. Kill em all, Sharon, or discredit them by making Hamas beg for the targetted hits to stop
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 08:19 am ||
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I just can't wait for all the stinging criticism in the U.S. and European press about Hamas getting in the way of "the peace process".
(wakes up)
Hey I can dream!
Posted by: Jeff Brokaw ||
06/14/2003 8:31 Comments ||
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tipping point? getting really close - sounds like the mullahs are getting desperate and their thugs are outta control
Dozens of militants stormed at least two university dormitories, beating up students in their beds and detaining several of them as violence aimed at silencing government critics raged through Iran's capital. Way to encourage opponents - beat the ones that aren't protesting
Across the city, supporters of Iran's hard-line clergy beat pedestrians with clubs, brandished knives, fired machine guns in the air and hurled rocks at homes earlier Friday night. It was the most intense and widespread fighting in four consecutive nights of violence in Tehran. "C'mon, show your love for the mullahs"
"Ow, dammit, that hurt!"
"See, I knew you'd love us, or else"
The attacks were aimed at intimidating young protesters who have gathered in Tehran for nightly demonstrations this week calling for an end to the country's hard-line establishment led by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Student Mojtaba Najafi said about 200 students were sleeping in their rooms in the Hemmat dormitory of Allameh Tabatabai University, when the attacks began. He said over 50 students were injured and taken to the hospital and about two dozen had disappeared after the attack. "We were sleeping in our beds. Suddenly we heard windows being smashed," Najafi said. "It was the most brutal way of attacking a human being. They beat up the guard before entering our dormitory. They see no borders, no limits."
There were also attacks at Tehran University's Chamran dormitory before dawn Saturday, other students said. In 1999, a similar attack on a dormitory led to the death of at least one student and generated the worst street battles since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Khamenei referred to the 1999 raid this week when he warned of a major crackdown in a speech broadcast on state television and radio. Unlike previous nights, no anti-clergy demonstrations were seen before the violence erupted Friday night.
Decided to go on the offensive, did they?
Protesters had been calling for an end to the country's hard-line establishment and for supreme leader Khamenei's death. Criticism of Khamenei is usually punished by imprisonment, and public calls for his death had been unheard of until this week. Khamenei's hard-line supporters — who control key government institutions in Iran — are locked in a power struggle with popularly elected President Mohammad Khatami, who came to power aiming to reform Iran's conservative political system. Although the protesters criticize the clerics, public support for Khatami also appears to be falling because of his government's inability to implement promised reforms. dissatisfaction with all facets of the gubbmint
During a Friday prayer sermon at Tehran University, former president Hashemi Rafsanjani — a key Khamenei supporter — urged Iran's youth not to fall into what he described as a U.S. trap by denouncing the country's political leadership. "I advise the youth, especially students ... that they should be careful not to fall into trap dug out by the Americans," Rafsanjani told worshippers. Rafsanjani said it was Iran's policy to "act resolutely" to prevent demonstrations from getting out of hand but "not to be harsh on protesters." rubber truncheons, flexible sticks, and low-voltage cattle prods - see? we're not harsh.... *smack*
While the recent protests seemed to be disorganized, with no clear leaders, some demonstrators vowed to keep up the pressure until next month's anniversary of the much larger and violent protests in 1999. Exiled opposition groups have been encouraging dissent in Iran through U.S.-based Persian language TV channels. U.S. pressure on Iran, which Washington accuses of hiding a nuclear weapons program and harboring terrorists, may have further emboldened those who hope to see the regime toppled.
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 08:11 am ||
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A.P., You are correct. The "Iranian militant" thugs are actually Palestinians and Syrians imported for their lack of conscience, joy in thuggery and "pure islamic faith" (i.e. mullah says "kill", thug says "How many per pile"?).
#2
I recall that Khomeini's power base was in the bazaars -- the poorer uneducated Iranians that weren't benefiting from the Shah's westernization program and were opposed to rapid cultural change. Kind of like Nixon's "silent majority." Until I see evidence that the regime has lost its influence with those folks, I am dubious as to whether the students can effect any change.
#3
Comparatively speaking western university students have it good. Though sometimes I would like to invite those Iranian thugs to show our students how it's really done.
Problem is, will these protests spill over to the general population, or remain a student phenomenon?
#4
I think we will see tipping point when the individual police and enlisted ranks in the army swing over to the moderates. Then all the mullahs will have left are their security forces
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire ||
06/14/2003 10:13 Comments ||
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I was reading somewhere a while ago that Iran has brought in foreign muscle for enforcement because of the lack of trust in the loyalty of the local law enforcement for the regime. If the current regime brutalizes the students past a certain point, it will radicalize the moderates and Just-Plain-Joes and the movement will gain momentum exponentially. The students need an incident to focus on and for everyone to identify with in order to tip the balance. "We're sick of the Mullahs" is not enough. We'll see.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 13:11 Comments ||
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North Korea claimed Friday that it has developed a wearable device that uses a "jewel" to convert the sun's rays into a photo-electromagnetic field to purify blood and heal a range of serious diseases.
"Cures arthritis, bursitis, neuritis, neuralgia and halitosis! Only five dollars a jewel! Step right up, folks!"
The device, worn as a wristband or toe-tag ring, was tested on more than 500 starving patients, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Friday. Within hours, it cured 98.8 percent of the patients of a range of conditions, including blood clots in the brain, heart attacks, blocked arteries, the report said. It didn't elaborate. This can't be true — no one in North Korea has a cholesterol level high enough to get blocked arteries!
"It is much better than medicinal therapy, dietary and exercise remedies," KCNA said. The country remains the world's most isolated country. Its claims cannot be independently verified and usually aren't. North Korea's communist government is cash-strapped and has been demonstrated to accused of resorting to selling white skag narcotics and missiles to raise money. Alternative health remedies are believed to be popular in the country as health care is poor. Eating is popular too, but you don't see much of that in North Korea, either.
Posted by: Steve White ||
06/14/2003 02:57 am ||
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New revenue source for the DPK! Think of all the income they can get selling those things at the assorted New Age retreats and Ashrams all around America and other developed countries.
Posted by: Tokyo Taro ||
06/14/2003 4:44 Comments ||
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think it'll be able to fix Kim's hair?
Posted by: Frank G ||
06/14/2003 8:08 Comments ||
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"think it'll be able to fix Kim's hair?"
You'd think the Man Who Can Do Anything(TM) would be able to find himself a decent coiffeur. But then maybe his electro-shock afro's just an unfortunate side-effect of too much Juche. Or white slag.
EFL
The United States agreed Friday that participation by South Korea and Japan ``is indispensable'' in talks to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program, sending a strong signal to the North that it cannot rely solely on the Americans to make a deal. Weather forecast from the North: spittle all day tomorrow, followed by juche and more spittle Sunday.
At the same time, the three countries promised to seek a peaceful end to the North Korean nuclear program. They can dismantle their program, and we'll then promise not to bomb that reactor.
U.S., Japanese and South Korean diplomats issued a joint statement declaring their intention to work together at the conclusion of two days of talks of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group. Meeting were James Kelly, assistant U.S. secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Lee Soo-hyuck, South Korea's deputy foreign minister; and Mitoji Yabunaka, director general of Japan's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau. The delegations referred to April 23-25 talks held in Beijing with China, the United States and North Korea and agreed ``on the necessity of multilateral talks expanded to include other interested parties.'' It was the first meeting of the three-nation group since the end of major fighting in the Iraq war, which raised concern among the North Koreans that the United States might be planning to attack the communist nation next.
Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursdsay that ``we will not be frightened into taking action that would not be appropriate.'' The closed-door meetings at the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort on Waikiki Beach reached the same conclusion. ``We're all committed to the resolution in a peaceful way of the nuclear problem of North Korea, and we all seek a complete and verifiable and irreversible end to their nuclear weapons program,'' Kelly said as he left the final meeting. ``We're all committed to do that in a peaceful means with dialogue,'' he said. ``We went through the details of how to get there.'' "And if that doesn't work, we'll bomb the snot out of them."
Yabunaka told Japanese reporters that the delegations want ``to send a clear message to North Korea'' that it needs to end its nuclear weapons program to prevent further deterioration of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Diplomats from Japan and South Korea have been sidelined from negotiations as North Korea insisted on dealing directly with the United States. Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun called for their nations to be included in talks to defuse the nuclear standoff, calling it ``a serious threat'' to regional peace. So we're all singing from the same page.
Delegates at the Honolulu meeting promised that if North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons program it will ``improve its relations with the international community and livelihood of its people,'' according to the joint statement. The three delegations ``expressed concern about illegal activities by North Korean entities, including drug running and counterfeiting,'' and discussed sinking drug-running ships cooperation to stop them. No mention was made of whether the delegates discussed any changes to the U.S.-led project to build two nuclear reactors in North Korea. The light-water reactors are part of a 1994 agreement in the efforts to keep the Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons by replacing the North's graphite-moderated reactors, which experts say produce greater amounts of weapons-grade plutonium. Under the agreement, North Korea agreed to freeze its then-suspected nuclear weapons facilities in return for the new reactors to generate the electricity needed to grow the country's economy. H-e-l-l-o Guardian, there isno agreement anymore. The NKors broke it, remember?
Posted by: Steve White ||
06/14/2003 01:07 am ||
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"If you guys think we're goin' in there alone, you're as crazy as they are!"
#2
All of this talk of negotiation talk for the last 50 years has produced in me a chronic now acute case of yawnitis. NK must sink before human progress advances on the Korean Peninsula.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
06/14/2003 13:17 Comments ||
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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.
