At least 21 people have been killed in a car bomb attack on a market in southern Afghanistan, officials say. At least 13 people were injured in the attack, which took place in the southern province of Kandahar. "There was a suicide attack in Panjwayi bazaar. Twenty-one civilians, including children, were killed and 13 others were injured," interior ministry spokesman Yousuf Stanizai is quoted as saying by AFP.
Earlier on Thursday, a Nato soldier died in Kandahar when a bomb hit his vehicle. Another Nato soldier was wounded, the alliance said.
And local officials said 10 Taleban fighters were killed by Afghan and Nato forces in the neighbouring Helmand province, during a raid on a Taleban hideout.
Posted by: Steve ||
08/03/2006 08:59 ||
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The Pentagon announced Wednesday that a combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy to Afghanistan late this year as part of the next rotation of forces.
The deployment, to include the 82nd Airborne headquarters staff and various unidentified support units, will total about 11,000 soldiers, the Pentagon said. The announcement gave no indication that this would represent either an increase or a decrease in U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan, which currently stand at about 22,000.
At a Pentagon news conference, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that based on his visit last week to Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan he is optimistic about progress there.
Regarding troops levels, Pace said, "The U.S. contribution has stayed stable and will remain stable."
Late last year the Pentagon said U.S. troop levels would be reduced by 3,000 this year. But that has not happened, mainly because the Taliban armed resistance has stepped up its attacks, particular in the volatile southern areas.
#4
BDE = Brigade, IIUC. However the 82nd is a division
Yes it is a Division. And there are 3 manuever Brigades in each Division. All this means is that a BDE from the 82nd is replacing the BDE from the 10th Mountain Division in the Eastern sector of the country.
Actually the Brigades are going away. They are be transformed to UAs, or Unit of Action. This new concept finds it's roots in the book "Breaking the Phalanx" written about 15 years ago by an Army Colonel who critcized the current Army's Division structure. He was way ahead of his time...
#6
Today we have companies, Battalions, Brigades, and Divisions. As AL said, that is all about to change. Prior to this we had troops, Squadrons, and Regiments. AL correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Regiment was a hold over from the Britts. The Air Force and the Army Cav and some select SOCOM units still operate under Regimental colors not Brigade colors.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
08/03/2006 16:24 Comments ||
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#7
I believe the Chief of Staff of the Army Gen Peter Schoomaker has recently decided to ditch the "unit of action/unit of employment" terminology and revert back to Bde and Div.
#8
The Marines still use Infantry Regiments, which consist of 3 Infantry battlations and ancillary support units. In the Korean War, an Army Regiment had about 3800 men.
At some point, the army went to 'Brigades', which were usually combined arms teams. So they might have 2 Infantry battalions, an armored battalion, artillery battalions and support units. The battalions still kept their Regimenal designations due to the illustrious history of many Regiments. For instance, the Army's 27th Infantry Regiment is no longer constituted as a Regiment, but Brigades with have Battalions like the '1st battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment'.
I think that the Army also re-did their Brigades so now a Division has 4 manuever brigades.
Eighteen Taliban and one policeman have been killed as Afghan forces and coalition aircraft raided an insurgent hideout in the country's south, police said on Wednesday. The fighting took place late on Tuesday near the Helmand province town of Garmser, where Afghan forces have been hunting insurgents following last month's brief takeover of the town by the Taliban.
The violence occurred on the same day a Taliban ambush killed three British soldiers and seriously wounded a fourth in the north of the province. NATO said insurgents attacked one of its positions in the north of the province on Wednesday with light weapons, wounding one of its soldiers. No further details were provided.
Meanwhile, US-led coalition spokesman, US Col Tom Collins, said pamphlets from Taliban leader Mulla Omar had been distributed recently in Afghanistan. The pamphlets urged people to rise up against the US and its allies, claiming they were "out to destroy Muslims" and expressing pride in suicide bombers, even if they kill innocent civilians, Collins said.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
I don't see why the good guys couldn't release a pamphlet or two in his name in the middle of the night. I wonder what it would say. Perhaps:
"Ten guys who honestly believe that they'll get 72 virgins if they blow themselves up in the middle of a packed school full of little girls. Must not be able to think for themselves."
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, Aug. 2, 2006 Twenty-five U.S. Marines and one Navy corpsman recently completed a 10-day desert training course conducted by a French Marine regiment from a neighboring camp. Marines from the 4th Provisional Security Company here were invited by the 5th French Marine Regiment at Briere de LIsle Barracks to participate in the course.
The goal of the course is to learn basic survival and combat skills in a desert environment. For this type of exercise Djibouti makes a superb training ground, said French Marine Capt. Michel Ladan, chief of the Desert Training School. The training teaches simple things like eating, drinking, orienting with GPS, medical evacuation, and fighting in the desert environment, he said.
The course is divided into two parts: acclimation and commando training. In the first portion the lessons included education on desert plants and animals, survival skills, how to find water and how to prepare food to stay alive in the desert.
We learned how to make life a little more comfortable when it's 125 degrees, said Cpl. Matthew Kang, 4th Provisional Security Company.
The commando-training portion of the school included daily 15- to 20-mile foot movements, at night, through the high desert mountains. The Marines traveled with a camel caravan that carried their supplies. They also conducted ambushes and mock raids against suspected enemy forces in manufactured villages.
After the acclimation period was over, the platoon stopped eating French Meals Ready to Eat. We were only given two goats, some rice and flour to make little pancakes out of each
day." said Cpl. Emanuel Ramosyajimovich , 4th PSC, "We learned how to kill and skin goats like the locals and then made jerky or cooked them for our meals."
We need to better understand our partners in the war on terror, said Capt. Garth Massey, executive officer, 4th PSC. The French Marines trained here will be working in Afghanistan and other parts of Africa, so training with them was a great opportunity to see firsthand how they go about preparing for missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom."
Posted by: Bobby ||
08/03/2006 06:41 ||
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#1
Been reading a book on the 5th Marine Regiment. The personal accounts of the Officers are highly appreciative of the French Officers who trained them in trench warfare and prepared them for comabt in WWI.
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
08/03/2006 8:04 Comments ||
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#2
That's pretty cool. National politics and pop culture a side, professional warriors respect other professional warriors and it's neat to see them do some training together.
#3
For all the jokes we make here, there's nothing wrong with the French military that good leadership wouldn't cure.
Posted by: Steve ||
08/03/2006 9:20 Comments ||
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#4
Here, here! For once, the Frenchies do something right. I applaud this move, especially as NATO takes over the task of Afghanistan (of course, I don't think France will play much of a role there either, but it's nice to dream).
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 9:20 Comments ||
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#5
Hey, if you want to learn escape & evasion, study with the best!
#6
"For all the jokes we make here, there's nothing wrong with the French military that good leadership wouldn't cure."
Well, there is money from the budget and societal respect. You might as well say that there is nothing wrong with the French military that couldn't be cured by making it part of the US military. ;-)
Posted by: Mark E. ||
08/03/2006 14:04 Comments ||
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#7
Colin Powell: "America and France are like an old married couple that has been in marriage counseling for 200 years."
Still on the horse tho'.
Posted by: J. D. Lux ||
08/03/2006 15:27 Comments ||
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German politicians questioned security on trains and in stations as authorities continue their investigations after finding two bombs on trains this week. Rail officials said they cannot guarantee complete safety.
After two bombs were found Monday in the western German cities of Dortmund and Koblenz and other suspicious pieces of luggage, including bags in Hamburg and Frankfurt, turned out to be harmless, members of Germany conservative Union parties called criticized the security of Germany's trains and in train stations.
"What happened in Madrid and London can also occur in Munich or Berlin," Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentarian Stephan Mayer told the Passauer Neue Presse on Thursday.
Mayer added that train stations as well as trains should be subject to complete video surveillance to "increase security and contribute to determent" of criminal acts.
But, but ... surely that only happens in the police state headed by BusHitler????
CSU parliamentarian Norbert Geis called on the rail company to cooperate with the interior ministry to set up airport-like checks for train passengers.
"We cannot take a chance that a bomb explodes in an ICE," Geis told the paper, referring to Germany's high-speed trains.
Social Democratic Party member Dieter Wiefelspütz, however, warned that the situation needed to be carefully considered before any major changes are made to rail security.
"We should refrain from falling into a hectic debate after such serious events," he told Reuters on Thursday, adding that scanning all luggage would be unrealistic. "I prefer an objective debate, not premature suggestions."
German railway officials meanwhile said that passengers need to be aware that complete protection cannot be offered. They added that Deutsche Bahn has focused on security since the 2001 terror attacks in the United States and gave security training to employees before the 2006 World Cup.
"We have between 4.5 million and 4.7 million travelers at 5,400 stops and train stations every day," he said, pointing out that it would be nearly impossible to conduct searches of every passenger's luggage. "You cannot put millions of people and their luggage though a metal detector every day."
More important than scanning every bag and person to enter a train station, Wolfgang Bosbach of the Christian Democratic Union said Deutsche Bahn needed to focus on using the most effective technology and employing enough security personnel.
"Modern video technology, especially in the train stations, has a preventative effect that does not just help after the fact but can prevent crimes," he told the N24 news channel. "In addition to that we naturally need the presence of security guards."
Federal police have increased their patrols of trains and stations and asked train passengers to pay attention to their fellow travelers' luggage to make it easier for conductors to know which bag belongs to whom, said police spokesman Jürgen Karlisch.
Both of the bombs found on regional trains in Germany earlier this week were not discovered until they were opened at two lost and found centers inside the train stations. It remains unclear if the bombs were capable of detonation. In 2003, police in Dresden's main station were late in noticing an unattended bag containing a bomb that failed to explode due to an error in construction.
Prosecutors meanwhile have begun looking for witnesses among train passengers and set up a hotline for tips from the public.
"We are investigating in all directions," said Ullrich Schultheis of the federal prosecutor's office.
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
08/03/2006 15:26 Comments ||
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#2
I believe a couple of explosions and attendant loss of life on the German home soil would do for them what Kimmie's Dingdong did for Japan. I certainly don't want to see German casualties, but it may take this to shock them back to reality.
#3
ICE = Intercity Express. Big trains that go really fast, would cause a lot of death and destruction if one were to go boom. Checking the passengers is a nice idea, but I don't recall the railyards being at all guarded a decade ago when the government had more money lying about. Also, I think one can rent storage lockers if one doesn't want to carry suitcases and such about the city; but I don't recall (it's been a decade since last I was there) whether they are just lined along the walls like gym lockers, or if there is an attendant involved.
#4
But why would anyone want to bother the Germans? They are not in Iraq. they don't support Israel. They don't kowtow and genuflect as much as the French, but then, who does?
I think Karl Rove is behind it!
Posted by: Bobby ||
08/03/2006 18:01 Comments ||
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When a gunman opened fire on women at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle last Friday, he announced the shootings were intended to make a statement. Prosecutors who charged Naveed Afzal Haq on Wednesday say he did: Hate.
Haq, 30, was charged with nine felonies, including aggravated first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary and malicious harassment, the state's hate-crime law. "Make no mistake, this was a hate crime," King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng said Wednesday as he announced the charges during a news conference.
The charges provide chilling details of the shooting spree in which one woman was killed and five others were wounded. Prosecutors allege that Haq shot Pamela Waechter in the chest and then followed the wounded woman as she fled up some stairs. At the top, Haq allegedly reached over the railing and shot her again, killing her.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 12:10 ||
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#1
HEY HAQ< Take your point of view and STICK IT UP YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#6
Maleng said Haq had identified himself as an "American Muslim," although friends have said he is a convert to Christianity. His family is deeply involved in Islam in the Tri-Cities area.
Mahmoud (under questioning): "Uh, yeah, copper, he converted just late last night. Me and the boyz here's saw him do it."
Cop: "You mean he converted to Christianity just yesterday, and was worried about Muslims in the Middle East today?"
Ahmed: "Don't try to think like us. We're superior ya know. He converted to be an Amish man. Ya know, those Amish are some crazy folk. Blow themselves up with Jooos others too."
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 14:23 Comments ||
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#7
Hmm... there was the guy who made himself so fat on prison food (I hear that prisoners in WA prisons get very good chow) that they communted his sentence to life because they were afraid he might suffer when they hung him.
I think this same guy (not sure about this) then got a free liver transplant at government expense.
Hell we can't even snuff out the Green River Killer .
SEATTLE -- A man accused in the shooting rampage at Seattle's Jewish Federation office last week was charged Wednesday with nine felony counts, including aggravated first-degree murder and violation of the state's hate-crime law. "Make no mistake, this was a hate crime," King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng told a news conference. "The attack on these women was an attack on the Jewish community, not only in Seattle but throughout our nation and the world."
Haq's court-appointed attorney said he would not comment until he had more time to review the case.
Naveed Afzal Haq is charged with aggravated first-degree murder in the death of Pamela Waechter, 58, director of the Jewish charity's annual fundraising campaign. Conviction is punishable either by life in prison or death; Maleng has 30 days to decide whether to seek the death penalty. Haq also is charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder in the wounding of five women at the federation's downtown offices Friday afternoon; one count of first-degree kidnapping, involving a teenage girl who was briefly taken hostage; one count of first-degree burglary for allegedly entering a locked facility to commit a crime; and one count of malicious harassment under the state's hate-crime law. Haq's court-appointed attorney, C. Wesley Richards, said he would not comment until he had more time to review the case. Haq is being held in the King County Jail without bail.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
(sorry, couldn't resist)
Attorney: Young lady, are you aware that to withold evidence pertinent to a crime so henious...
Judge: No.
Attorney: Hy-neous?
Judge: No.
Other Attorney: Hi-nee-us?
Juror: I think it's pronounced Hee-nus.
Witness: No, no. You wouldn't say, "Your Hee-nus".
Judge: No! Ladies and gentlemen, I have it right here. 'Hyenas', any of a family of cowardly, carnivorous beasts of Asia and Africa...
(KUNA) -- At least three people were killed and at least 15 injured in two separate incidents in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday. In one incident, 15 people were injured, when gunmen lobbed a grenade at a bus stand at Surankote in the border district of Poonch in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday, news agency Indo-Asian News Service reported. In another incident, two gunmen and an Indian army soldier were killed in an encounter in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, the news agency reported.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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The Balochistan government claimed on Wednesday that members of the Marri tribe had for the first time begun surrendering to the government, following in the footsteps of former loyalists to Nawab Akber Khan Bugti.
Government officials said that 38 former loyalists of Nawabzada Balach Marri, the Moscow-educated purported chief of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), had surrendered to the Kohlu administration. They also gave up a large number of weapons including rocket launchers, Kalashnikovs and ammunition, while pledging to refrain from participating in movements against the government, the sources added.
The surrendering team is led by Wadera Jumma Khan, a prominent elder from the Marri tribe, said one source. "This is just the beginning of a new era of success for the government," said Raziq Bugti, Balochistan government spokesman, while talking to Daily Times.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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Iraqi and U.S. soldiers have found munitions caches and captured suspected terrorists in operations throughout Iraq this week, and U.S. soldiers killed a man planting a roadside bomb.
U.S. officials also announced the capture of a high-value suspect.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found a bag of munitions while conducting a patrol in western Baghdad early today. The bag contained five 82 mm mortar rounds, which were turned in to an explosive ordnance disposal team to be destroyed.
Elsewhere today, Iraqi soldiers arrested four terrorists involved in a drive-by shooting early this morning in northeastern Baghdad. The terrorists were arrested after exchanging small-arms fire with an Iraqi civilian in his home. One terrorist was seriously wounded.
Elements of 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, conducted a combined cordon-and-search mission with U.S. soldiers of Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, of four houses north of Baghdad around 4:30 a.m. yesterday, resulting in the detention of one suspected terrorist.
A patrol from Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a cordon-and-search mission northwest of Baghdad at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, resulting in the detention of two suspected terrorists.
One day earlier, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed a terrorist planting an improvised explosive device on the side of a road north of Baghdad late Aug. 1.
Soldiers from Company A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, spotted the suspect digging a hole after curfew on the side of a road where IEDs are frequently placed. When the man saw the soldiers, he fled into a nearby tree line. He later returned to continue digging and noticed the soldiers and tried to flee again, but the soldiers immediately engaged the man, U.S. officials said.
The same day, a patrol from Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad around 6:30 p.m. The patrol found 19 73 mm rockets, two 120 mm mortar rounds, and 19 73 mm rockets.
In other news from Iraq, U.S. officials announced today that combined Iraqi and U.S. forces captured eastern Baghdads third-highest most wanted terrorist in Adhamiyah during a precision operation July 30.
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers of 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, and 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, and elements of the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, participated in the operation. The actions were part of Operation Together Forward, a Multinational Division Baghdad operation to disrupt murders, kidnappings and bombings in Baghdad.
The suspect taken into custody is believed to lead criminal elements, which have conducted deadly roadside bombings against coalition and Iraqi forces, as well as sectarian murders and kidnappings. He is believed to act as a financier, planner and director of those criminal activities in eastern Baghdad, U.S. military officials said.
In a combined mid-morning cordon-and-search operation, U.S. soldiers discovered the man at a hospital complex. In a thorough search of a building with a lot of people in it, the attention to detail at the Soldier level accounts for this capture. The soldiers knew who they were looking for and methodically found him, squadron commander Army Lt. Col. Brian Winski said.
During the search, the U.S. soldiers were attacked by sniper fire but suffered no injuries.
The key to success was all of the junior officers and noncommissioned officers who were able to make good decisions based on the intent of the operation, Troop B commander Army Capt. Will Arnold said.
Neither the suspected terrorist nor any coalition or Iraqi soldiers were injured during this operation. This marks the second high-value capture for the brigade in the past week. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, captured another individual July 25. This has been a very busy and productive week for our forces in Iraq.
A bombing in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, has killed nine people and injured more than 20, police have reported. An official said the bomb was strapped to a motorbike parked near the near the busy al-Rashid shopping area.
The attack comes as the UK's outgoing ambassador in Iraq, William Patey, warned that civil war was a more likely outcome in Iraq than stable democracy. Iraq is facing a surge of violence with about 100 people being killed daily.
Posted by: Steve ||
08/03/2006 08:46 ||
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BAGHDAD As members of a calvary unit began their new mission in Baghdad and were told they would be responsible for a neighborhood called Jihad, which translated from Arabic means 'holy war,' they were surprised to find many residents happy to see them.
The neighborhood's name held some negative connotation on July 9, as Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, began operations in the neighborhood amidst an increase in sectarian violence in the capital. This is from the official website of the Multi-National Force, so we can leave off the usual "swelling, surging, expanding, balooning, blossoming, continuing" adjectives in front of "sectarian violence".
Earlier that day, residents witnessed the killing of at least 40 Sunni Iraqis in a series of violent attacks. A group of terrorists had set up makeshift checkpoints, stopping cars and buses to check each person's identification. They gunned down many of them in the streets.
According to the Soldiers, many locals seemed to welcome the added security the troops provided. Most of the people generally seem happy when they see us especially the kids, thats the biggest thing for me, said Pvt. Loudon Garvey, a cavalry scout from Nashville, Tenn.
Army 1st Lt. Frank Toomey, a 23 year-old platoon leader from Waldwick, N.J., and his team of Soldiers, assumed
responsibility of Jihad as the 10th Mountain Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team began redeploying to Fort Drum,
N.Y., after completing their yearlong combat tour here.
Toomey said his Soldiers have made a smooth transition from conducting infrastructure assessments with local Iraqi
citizens into a role supporting Iraqi security forces operating in Baghdad.
He said his units primary mission is to support the ISF while they take control of the area, but that the bulk of
security work falls on Iraqi shoulders. Were giving them the ball and blocking for them; they just have to run with it, he said.
The police are gradually stepping up their security operations in Jihad by putting up more checkpoints while the
calvary Soldiers provide security for them, Toomey said, noting that insurgent attacks have shifted away from his
troops toward Iraqi security personnel.
Weve seen a lot of attacks focusing specifically on ISF patrols and checkpoints, he said. Despite all the smiles and waves the Soldiers receive, Garvey said they are well aware of the dangers lurking near the streets of Jihad.
It gets hard out here sometimes, said Spc. Charles Johnson, a cavalry scout from Grayson, Ky., during a joint
patrol with the Iraqi Police, but it feels good to know Im contributing to the mission and helping these guys
out.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 02 August 2006 )
Posted by: Bobby ||
08/03/2006 06:32 ||
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#1
Two "l's" in "ballooning", yes?
Posted by: Bobby ||
08/03/2006 10:07 Comments ||
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#2
This is from the official website of the Multi-National Force, so we can leave off the usual "swelling, surging, expanding, balooning, blossoming, continuing"
Amusing how the collection of adjectives is so very sexual. Indicative of that whole "war porn" thingy, indeed. Well noted, Bobby!
(KUNA) -- An Iraqi policeman was killed, three wounded, on Wednesday when an explosive device targeted their patrol in Mosul, northern Iraq. An Iraqi Police source told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the attack took place near a security checkpoint in the area of Manassah in the city of Mosul. The source added that gunmen also attacked a police station in Talafar, western Mosul, noting that a policeman was wounded in the incident.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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Two hidden bombs exploded Wednesday in a soccer field, killing nine youths, as two mortars landed while another soccer game was underway, killing three children, police said. The young men killed by the home made bombs in Amil district of western Baghdad were aged between 15 and 25 years, said police 1st Lt. Maitham Abdul Razzaq. About an hour earlier, two mortar shells hit Abu Dshir residential area in Baghdad, one landing in a soccer field and killing three children below 15 years of age, said police Capt. Firas Queti. The other mortar landed on a house, injuring a couple and their child, he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Two hidden bombs exploded Wednesday in a soccer field, killing nine youths, as two mortars landed while another soccer game was underway, killing three children, police said.
#2
Brave. Very brave. You could tell your grandkids about it someday, but with balls as big as peppercorns, you couldn't have any even if you lived that long.
(1) "Insurgents" in Iraq who are intentionally placing hidden bombs (mines?) in soccer fields where kids play and lob mortars onto other soccer fields.
(2) The Taliban, who hung wommin-folk in soccer stadiums.
(3) Hezbollah, who intentionally round up kids (some who were invalid, supposedly), place them in a house, sit a AA gun on the roof and await the IAF to bomb the house, all the while running away themselves and hoping for good MSM video.
(4) The Beslan murderers who killed hundreds of children in the elementary school there.
Who do these punk-@ss "brave lions of Islam" think they are? It's basically a deadly game of the high school bully who picks on kids half his height/weight until someone finally stands up and says "Hey, sh!thead, why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 8:59 Comments ||
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#4
I'd put the Beslan Boyz'n'Girlz at the top -- they personally raped the babies, instead of waiting for hot metal and explosives to kill and maim for them. But that's only a matter of small degree and opportunity, not a judgement on degrees of evil.
#5
Personally, I'm with ya on that assessment, TW! Hadn't heard the raping babies story, but the massacre alone puts them at the top of the heap(tm) in my mind.
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 10:38 Comments ||
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#6
They did gang-rape children and bayonet babies in Beslan - that has been reported a number of times.
#7
TW, I believe the only difference between the Islamist murderers in Beslan and anyplace else is opportunity. Given the same chance to work their will on Israelis I have no doubt the Paleos and Hezb would do worse, assuming of course that such a thing is possible. These foul animals do not know the meaning of either mercy or self-restraint.
Posted by: mac ||
08/03/2006 11:45 Comments ||
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#8
Mohammand is their example -- the perfect Muslim.
Didn't he have the Jews of Medina lined up and executed in front of their women and children -- and then have the women (and likely children) gang-raped that very night?
Complete with words, maps, and incredible photos. Spend some time, it's worth it.
Includes this:
BEHIND ENEMY LINES:
Hizb'allah has 6 major training bases in the Bekaa Valley and in South-Lebanon.
In the Bekaa Valley, the terrorist Hizb'allah/Syrian/Iranian military bases are:
1- Ain Bourday Base (South of Baalbek): training camp for general guerilla warfare.
2- Nabi Sheet Base : training camp for general guerilla warfare.
3- BaaIbek Homs Road Base: train General Guerilla warfare.
4- Wadi Firsan Base (in the Hermel, Bekaa Valley): Main activities taught at this base are guerilla warfare, survival warfare, long range patrols, observations techniques, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon techniques and so on.
Missiles and chemical weaponry smuggled before the war from Iraq to Syria is believed to be buried and hiding around this base in the Bekaa Valley.
5-Wadi Al Yammouneh Base: This terrorist Base is located between the Bekaa Valley and the upper moutains of Jbeil. Activities are Guerilla warfare, anti tank and anti aircraft weapons, and other terrorist skills.
6- Nabeh El Assi Base {EL ASSI RIVER} ( location -Hermel, Bekaa Valley): This base is a covert base disguised as a fishing farm. The main activities in this base are marine
and underwater guerilla warfare techniques, demolition techniques, and general training for close combat and weapons techniques and skills.
The photos of the grimy young Israeli combat engineers returning from battle are worth the price of admission. Put them in the dictionary next to "Allies."
Posted by: Matt ||
08/03/2006 18:09 Comments ||
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#3
Well that was worth going through. The pics of the Indonesians were ones I'd not seen before - a couple dozen guys whizzing on motorbikes dressed in white sheets brandishing guns (including shotguns) and no coppers 'had a word'? Hmmm
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 18:42 Comments ||
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#4
Wow, Sherry, that's 10 pounds in a 5 pound bag! What a great find!
#11
I have to admit -- those pics, as Matt said, "the grimy young Israeli combat engineers returning from battle" -- well, I kinda kept going back to them. This site of pics was found from clicking from, then clicking from -- via http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/ site who is currently in Israel.
She quoted this from Naomi Ragen, with more clicking I found is an American-born novelist and playwright who has lived in Jerusalem since 1971. She has published six internationally best-selling novels, and is the author of a hit play in Israel's National Theatre that I read before I saw the pics of these warriors:
Israel is a strange country. It is the only place where the people mourn the deaths of soldiers more than civilian deaths. Because the death of a soldier is the death of our children, our future fathers and mothers, our brightest hopes. Nothing tears at the heart of our people more. At this time, when our soldiers are being called up to the front in the thousands from all segments of the population, all parts of the nation, we as a nation embrace them collectively, as one, holding them close to our hearts, the way a mother embraces her beloved, only child. hat tip Naomi Ragen
With the limited contact I've had with this generation of our warriors (and I include these fighting for Israel) and their partners and peers, I have faith in our future. They are doing incredible things. Greatest Generation, Part II.
#12
I agree, Sherry. I've lost two young friends, my landlord is in Afghanistan, his youngest son just started Boot Camp, his oldest son is a crew chief on a Medivac hellicopter in Iraq, One hell of a Generation. I can only give them moral and financial support. I'm too far gone physically to be of service otherwise. My vote will help (I hope and prey).
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
08/03/2006 22:25 Comments ||
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#13
Unfair war: Brave Israeli soldiers v. cowards
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 23:30 Comments ||
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Humm -- could maybe be used in keeping an eye on Iran?
The United States may supply Israel with the most advanced stealth fighter jet in the world the F22 Raptor considering the war in Lebanon and the Iranian threat, the Israeli security establishment has assessed.
The US has not yet exported the F22 to any of its allies. Recently, however, the House of Representatives lifted its nine year ban on the sale of the advanced jet outside the United States. No real contacts have yet been made on the matter, but the lifting of the ban on its sale has paved the way for such a deal.
US officials have apparently hinted to Israel lately that as part of American efforts in the international war on the axis of evil, the US would offer Israel to buy the stealth fighter.
The F22 Raptor is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Originally, the US Air Force planned to buy 750 of the jets, but the number dropped first to 350, then to a mere 183. The price of each F22 is roughly USD 150 million. Lockheed Martin wanted to export the plane to American allies, but up until now it was barred by the US government from offering them for sale.
The Israeli Air Force enthusiastically welcomed reports that the stealth jet could come to Israel. The F22 Raptor is the most advanced warplane in the world and is almost undetectable to radar systems. The planes stealth is achieved through the combination of its shape, color, composite materials, and various installed systems.
The single-seater plane is armed mainly with air-to-air missiles, but also with the smart missiles used by the Israeli Air Force.
In addition, security officials assessed Wednesday that the US administration would significantly boost funding of the joint American-Israeli program to develop anti-missile systems.
The threat is on the whole world, and Washington understands that a solution must be found and fast, one of the sources said.
Even before the current war, the security establishment assessed that all types of rockets starting at the simple Qassam all the way to accurate long-range missiles would be the main weapon of terrorism used against Israel in the upcoming years.
For this purpose, the Defense Ministry decided to take up a joint offer by the Rafael Advanced Development Authority Ltd. and the American Raytheon Company to manufacture an unprecedented defense system, jointly funded by Israel and the US.
The initial investment amounted to USD 250 million. The projects main aim was to develop a portable system that would quickly identify rocket launches and respond immediately by destroying the enemy rocket.
#3
F-22's might serve them well in an attack on Iran. What they need today is about 100 Warthogs which could do some serious damage in ground attack mode.
#5
Why do the Israelis need the F22? Don't they already have complete, uncontested control of the skies in that region?
Yes, but if missions and challenges change, Israel has to have the tools in its belt to deal with the problem. Geographically, they are about as big as a postage stamp, and they don't have the size or isolation that allows them luxury of a slow response to quick developments. Israel may need to attack Iran, and Iran may send SAMs or other anti-aircraft systems to whoever Israel is beating up at the moment.
#8
Remember that the Russians have been giving the Syrians some of their most advanced export SAM systems. We are betting that the Raptor is better than these Russian systems, and so the Israelis could pound the Syrians at will after taking them out.
#9
They don't need stealth fighters. They need cruise missles. We are well beyond the air war and need to get ord to a target. GPS missles are fine for that.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
08/03/2006 22:42 Comments ||
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#10
Personally, i would suggest a cheaper way - just flatten any grid square that has a radar array in it - anywhere within the Muslim Midlle East.
Tell them - "You are barbarians, and are not permitted to own radar. If you put in place anything that emits radar waves, we destroy everything within 1,000 meters of that point."
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hizbollah guerrillas killed seven people in Israel in a rocket barrage on Thursday despite an intensive Israeli ground and air campaign to wipe them out, as world powers struggled to end the 23-day-old war. Ah yes, the old 7 were killed despite the Joooos best efforts to keep civilian casualties to zero argument. In the lead paragraph, no less.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said the war had killed 900 people in Lebanon and wounded 3,000, with a third of the casualties children under 12 (Wonder why that is? Care to explain there, Hezbollah?). He said a million Lebanese, a quarter of the population, had been displaced and infrastructure devastated. The Reuters tally of Lebanon deaths is at least 683. Color me shocked, the Roooters body count is less than Lebanon's? Guess they're eating crow over that whole 50-60 dead in Qana, when it was only 28 (even though I do grieve each of those 28 personally).
Hizbollah has continued to unleash rockets despite Israeli assertions that the guerrilla group has been dealt a heavy blow by the war. On Wednesday, a record barrage of 231 missiles killed one person and wounded scores. Boy, the Hezzies are the most accurate muzzie rocket launchers ever. Methinks even "apes and pigs" could do "better."
Sixty-five Israelis have been killed in the conflict, including 39 soldiers, two of whom died in fighting on Thursday. A Lebanese security source said 80 Hizbollah fighters had been killed so far -- well below the Israeli estimate of 300-400. So, Hezbollah has now launched hundreds (if not 1,000+) of rockets, and killed 26 Israeli civilians? What a quagmire. Not to mention that I lean toward believing Israel's count of Hezzie deaders. I mean a lot of those so-called "civilians" in Lebanon are probably Hezzie gun-toters or at least supporters/suppliers.
The United States, France and Britain hope for a U.N. Security Council resolution within a week that would call for a truce and maybe strengthen existing U.N. peacekeepers until a more robust force can be formed, U.N. officials said. I like the word "maybe" in that sentence.
"I'm now hopeful we will have such a resolution down very shortly and agreed within the next few days," British Prime Minister Tony Blair said. "The purpose of that will be to bring about an immediate ceasefire and then put in place the conditions for the international force to come in."
But splits between the United States and France, a possible leader of the new force, over the timing of a ceasefire have complicated diplomatic efforts to end the fighting.
France's U.N. ambassador said he was less confident that a Security Council resolution could be adopted within days.
"Yesterday morning I was confident that we could have a resolution adopted in the coming days, but by the end of the day I was less confident," Jean-Marc de la Sabliere said. So, France is now in on the good cop/bad cop routine while Israel wipes the Hezzies off the map? Good Lord, what's wrong with this world?
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 12:13 ||
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#1
How come Rooters doesn't tell us how many Israeli women and children died?
#2
Can't Hizb'allan do anyhing right. They had years to survey their launch points. Stick a pipe in the ground, pour a little concrete a around it and scratch a number in the concrete, say 34. Abdul opens a little book and reads the azimuth and elevation for FP 34. They should be able to get in, position the missiles, set the timer and un-ass the AO in about five minutes... with some fairly decent effect on target.
Interviewer: Gen Dayan, what is the secret of your success?
#3
I have a feeling that Hezbollocks are trying to use up their rockets in the south before Israel overruns their positions and captures them. Expect continued heavy firing of rockets for the next couple of days.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
08/03/2006 14:08 Comments ||
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One Dead, 2 Injured in Acre Rocket Attack
16:31 Aug 03: (IsraelNN.com) A new wave of rocket attacks by Hizbullah terrorists has killed one person and injured two others in Acre (Akko). One of the Katyusha rockets hit a five-story building. Initial reports indicate that the building was empty and that the victims were in a vehicle, which was hit by shrapnel. Medics are treating the wounded. More to follow.
Katyushas Hit Ma'alot, Kiryat Shemona
16:13 Aug 03: (IsraelNN.com) Katyusha rockets exploded a short time ago in the north, two hitting Ma'alot, south of Tzfat, and one striking Kiryat Shmona, near the Israeli-Lebanese border. Two houses sustained direct hits, but no one was injured. Hizbullah terrorists fired more than 30 rockets on the north Thursday.
Warning Sirens in Tzfat, Tiberias, Haifa
16:04 Aug 03: (IsraelNN.com) Sirens are sounding at this moment in Rosh Pina, Tzfat and Yesod HaMa'aleh in the Upper Galilee and in Tiberias, Nazareth, Afula and several Arab and Druze villages in the Lower Galilee andante Haifa and Carmiel area. Residents have been advised to enter bomb shelters.
Hizbullah Orders Attacks on Tel Aviv if Beirut is Attacked
15:40 Aug 03: (IsraelNN.com) Senior Hizbullah officials have ordered the terror organization's missile unit to launch attacks against Tel Aviv if Beirut is attacked. Such a response is to be immediate, not dependent on additional consultations, the terror commanders are quoted a saying.
Quoted in a Kuwaiti newspaper, the senior terror officials state if Israel attacks Beirut, Tel Aviv will be hit immediately. Regarding targets past Tel Aviv, such a decision will be depend how events unfold, the newspaper reports.
Posted by: Steve ||
08/03/2006 09:33 ||
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Hizbullah Orders Attacks on Tel Aviv if Beirut is Attacked
Posted by: Frank G ||
08/03/2006 12:41 Comments ||
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#8
:) yeah we have a couple dhimmis here. For survival i have more hope in the people than in politicians. Also there is a great disconnect between right polititians and right bloggers. Right blogger are more or less Right-Libertarian, right politicians are mainly social-democrats pro america in the past less so now that Red Army faded. Btw we are doomed economically , but 4 millions get money from the state no one wants to move.
For the media the opinion columns are more or less balanced, the left also doesnt have anyone brilliant to talk. The journos are almost all in the left and extremely ignorants even old leftists protest about the kids that came from schools.
#9
CU2772, why did you expect things to be sorted out in 48-72 hours? And although any IDF soldiers being killed is not good news (as far as I'm concerned), 1 tank with 2 killed 2 wounded is not the end of all things.
There's a lot of things that have puzzled airmchair generals about this war; the 'Fabled IDF conquering all before it in 6 days', 'the heroes of Entebbe', 'the beleaguered on all sides IDF' - where are these amazing warriors and why haven't they conquered all the Arab capitals yet?
Well, it seems that they're doing it all again - confounding the enemy by not doing what the enemy expects...
If you want to get up to speed on what's happening, check out The Belmont Club for some heavyweight analysis, and they seem ok with things... Be prepared to put the effort in though - it took me an hour to get through one thread, although.
grom - take it easy mate, I'm not sure CU2772 is a troll or someone who is really after information.
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 13:17 Comments ||
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#10
No, he's probably soncere, and like Ns, it's not a bad thing to have a contrarian view. Like Patton said IIRC, "when everybody's thinking thes ame thing, nobody is thinking", or something like that.
I much prefer someone who think it's not going well when it's going well (and I do hope it's going well, though the leadership in Israel worries me a lot, to be frank, again, I would have prefered the likoud to win), than the reverse. Blind optimism or delusions are not good.
#12
Belmont Club is nearer my opinion on the subject:
"Perhaps sensing this, Netanyahu has brought up the decisions of the "security cabinet on the 13th of this month" to warn to Olmert not to renege on an earlier decision to win "a strategic victory"; to "complete the job"
But the latest accounts of IDF activities in Lebanon which have been described as "reshaping the border" cannot be described as a strategic campaign in any meaningful sense of the word. It is still a preparation if it is anything. The strategic part of the campaign implicit in Netanyahu's words: "a strategic victory. Those were the objectives set out by the government, justly, wisely, and boldly. They were presented to the security cabinet on the 13th of this month" -- the campaign the cabinet decided on -- was not yet in evidence. The question is whether it remains on the agenda."... Monday, July 31, 2006
#13
Others have voiced views similar to CU here. He's clearly not a troll. English ain't his first language, so sometimes he doesn't express himself too well. Can't we just stick him in the "loyal opposition" category instead of beating up on him?
#14
CU doesn't seem like a troll. He doesn't even exactly seem like a member of the opposition. I believe this is a language barrier thingy. With that said, I should like to point out that CUs English is a hell of a lot better than my Portugese.
#15
Clerert Uneamp2772, this is not a right wing site, nor Conservative, nor Republican. There are plenty of those on the web, but this site isdevoted to understanding the War on Terror in all its myriad tentacles. Some of us are Registered Democrats and even atheists. Quite a few of us are neither American nor living in the U.S. (You might ask Mr. gromgoru his thoughts on the situation, as he is an Israeli posting from Israel. I'm sure if you ask nicely, he'll like you better. Seriously!) We try to approach this more as intelligence analysts, like the site owner was before he retired to his current career that somehow involves computers.
I hope that helps explain the reception you found here. And welcome!
#17
Ok CU2772, as you've been to the Belmont Club ;)
My opinion is that things are moving along more or less the way Israel wants them to, and that they're involved in a lot of disinformation. Disclaimer: I have no military experience, but I do have a logical and scientific mind and have picked up on who seems to know what they're talking about (here and elsewhere).
To my mind it's entirely likely that Netanyahu's calls to Omert to 'finish the job' are designed to sow more disinformation amongst Hizzys, Syria and Iran. Although Israeli politics seems suicidal at times, it does seem that most Israelis recognise that this war is a critical situation for the country (see the article by 'The Four Mothers', This war is different) and for that reason we will see a 'strategic victory'.
Somewhat OT: Old Spook posted something a few days ago about 'turning the flank' on Syria, which meant the Israelis where within striking distance of Damascus - designed to tell Syria to 'shut up and not get involved?' Maybe.
We also mustn't forget that GW has said that Iran will not be a nuclear power, so Israel will be taking a lead from him too.
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 15:49 Comments ||
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Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 15:59 Comments ||
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#20
Thanks for all the words here.
I just will tell you that i know some Israelis from their army. I dont have contacts right now but the opinion is that upper schelons and politicians lost the contact with the men that do the fight.Ex: if you see pictures of reservists and even some non-reservists, they dont have weapon sights and body armour.
"and that they're involved in a lot of disinformation"
I am of the opinion that is almost impossible the have desinformation for something big. If they advance to Tyre or something everyone would be talking, Baalbek was known when the fighting was still on.
The advance only happened because Israel people pressure not because politicians wanted. They could have started it 2nd week easily even letting 1 week for airpower. The crazyness of the issue is exemplified by Bint Jeil assault with several deaths then retire, then next day there was already a rocket launcher there. Now after this idiocy it is finaly occupied or what remains of it.
Now think the implications for Israeli economy to have +300000 persons not working for all this time. Speed is of essence. Then you have Olmert and Halutz words...
#21
"CU2772, I'm getting tired of you, you little perfora rectii!"
Gromgoru, there was once a time, a year or so ago, when your own comments on Rantburg were at least as negative, and devoid of hope, as CU2772's are today. Day after day, it was doom and gloom, all is lost, yadda yadda yadda. If anyone should know what it was once like to be hopelessly pessimistic, it is you. So give the guy a break, eh?
CU2772, sometimes one just has to grit one's teeth and resign oneself to the insecurity of not knowing for sure what is happening, and have faith that in the end, right will prevail.
We *WILL* win this.
Posted by: Dave D ||
08/03/2006 16:26 Comments ||
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#22
But isn't gromgoru's Latin simply gorgeous! ;-)
Tony (UK), elves have a different sense of time than simple humans -- all that immortality gets in the way of clear thinking, I suppose. Coupled with a testosterone buzz from the Fairy Convention you both recall so clearly, and...
And doesn't everybody think the upper echelons are out of touch? In all organizations?
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 19:08 Comments ||
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#24
Gromgoru, there was once a time, a year or so ago, when your own comments on Rantburg were at least as negative, and devoid of hope
My frustration was with Israelis infatuation with an idea of Peace & being loved by the World---which expressed itself as carring more for Arab's lives than our own.
CU annoys me because of his (armchair general) views. Casualties don't mean loosing, they are just the cost of doing business. Bottom line, I hate people who expect IDF to be superman almost as much as I hate people who demand IDF to be "supermoral"[1].
Some of the long range rockets that were fired at Israel Wednesday noon landed across the Green Line, in the West Bank. The rockets fell near the Palestinian village of Pqua, in the Jenin area. Ynet has learned that parts of the rockets fell off while they were in transit, but caused no injuries or damage.
The rockets' landing site in the Palestinian territories is the most southern point Hizbullah has managed to hit so far. A week and a half ago, an improved Fajr-5 rocket landed in Afula.
An examination by security forces revealed that the rockets were fired from over a 100-kilometer range, apparently from the Lebanese town of Tyre. Police sappers are currently inspecting the rockets' parts and have been able to determine that they are probably old Syrian 302 rockets.
Here's the creepy part. Palestinians 'overjoyed' by rocket attacks
Palestinian witnesses in the Jenin area, who noticed the rocket parts which fell between Beit Shean and Afula, said the rocket appeared to have fallen in the Gilboa area.
A Fatah activist from Jenin added that the rocket hit was heard clearly around the city, and a spark and a flame were also clearly seen. The Fatah member related that local residents cheered when they heard the rocket fall and saw the resulting flames. Even if it were to fall on our heads, it wouldnt have spoiled our joy. All of us here are praying for Hizbullahs success and victory," he said.
Just imagine how much happier he'd be if the thing had killed him.
Posted by: Mike ||
08/03/2006 07:31 ||
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#1
Only in the Middle East.
Even if it were to fall on our heads, it wouldnt have spoiled our joy. All of us here are praying for Hizbullahs success and victory,"
Oookaaay,
Gene pool cleaup team, to your station puh-leaze!
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 7:46 Comments ||
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#5
It would be in Israel's best interests if they stepped up and took care of the Israeli Arabs. They were complaining about how long it takes an ambulance to come as opposed to the ones for Jewish children. Part of the battle is for their hearts and minds, and there can be Jewish seething hatred, too. Take the higher road or they will have millions within collaborating against Israel.
#6
Danielle, correct. This is especially critical for Israel's survival. But it's important for ALL western countries, including US. All Arab/Muslims need to be expelled. Look at gratitude of the Muzzies we hauled out of LEB. Now the ingrateful bastards are bringing some sort of asinine lawsuit as their way of thanks. There is absolutely nothing complimentary which can be said about these worthless POS.
#7
Danielle, I think the 'Hearts and Minds' meme was passe even in the 70's. It got a cardiac-start with full-on PC in the 80's and 90's and that's why you hear people talk about it today, as though it's a panacea to the situation.
I truly believe things have morphed into a different state today.
Most Israelis now realise they are in an existential battle, witness Olmert getting hammered over a proposed West Bank pullout - there can be no compromise with people who think you should not exist.
This is what 9/11 showed us, these people want us (being defined as anyone who disagrees with them) dead. No compromise, no 'understanding of the issues from both sides', no 'moral relativism'. No, the only thing that will do for these people is seeing us (today it's the Jews, tomorrow ...) dead.
As to taking care of the Israeli Arabs, I'm reminded of the story from LGF of someone walking into a hospital in Israel surprised at seeing Palestinians and Arabs being treated the same as Israelis. The response was essentially "yes we do this, but it gets hard when they cheer", "cheer?", "yes, when a suicide bomber victim is brought in"
The full story from LGF is here and there are many more from a Google search on 'It gets hard when they cheer'
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 11:45 Comments ||
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#8
Even if it were to fall on our heads, it wouldnt have spoiled our joy.
#10
Even if it were to fall on our heads, it wouldnt have spoiled our joy. All of us here are praying for Hizbullahs success and victory," he said.
This one single passage is a prime indicator of exactly why it may be utterly impossible to reconcile Islam, as it currently exists, with modern civilization (save by death).
Let the Palestinians' fascination with death be brought to surfeit. Not even the African cannibal dictators can rival the supremely psychotic idiocy of the Palestinians. Each day, they further prove to the world that they reign unchallenged as the most worthless collection of genocidal lunatics.
With this latest acclaim for Hezbollah's inadvertant and potentially lethal attacks upon their own populace they have finally demonstrated just how unsuited they are for continued existence in this world. Should they be erased from the face of this earth tomorrow, I would not shed a single tear.
Palestinian militias operating out of Lebanon have passed large quantities of heavy weaponry, including rockets, to Hizbullah for use against Israel, a senior Lebanese political source told WND.
German newspaper reports Iran freed son of al-Qaeda leader from house arrest with aim of sending him to Syria-Lebanon border following outbreak of war between Israel, Hizbullah
The move comes amid calls by Palestinian groups in Judea, Samaria and Gaza to prepare for an "escalation" against Israel and follows statements by members of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party that their "fighters" in Lebanon are set to enter combat along with Hizbullah.
Palestinian groups, including Fatah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, maintain armed bases in Lebanon, mostly in the al-Naemeh province just south of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley near Lebanon's border with Syria. The groups also have offices in Syria.
Israeli and Lebanese officials say the Palestinian groups have been provided over the years with rifles, ammunition, several kinds of long range rockets and antitank and antiaircraft missiles by Iran and Syria. Israel has previously bombed Popular Front bases following rocket attacks against the Jewish state it says were launched from the Palestinian group's military camps in Lebanon.
The Palestinian groups in Lebanon earlier this year clashed with the Lebanese Army. A United Nations Resolutions demands Lebanon disarm "all militias," including armed Palestinian groups.
Lebanese officials tell WND the Palestinian groups in recent days passed heavy weaponry to Hizbullah. They said some of the weapons belonged to Hizbullah but were stored in Palestinian bases.
The officials also said they had information Palestinian camps in Lebanon were being used for Hizbullah training and that some Hizbullah members are still operating out of the camps.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday Israel has destroyed most of Hizbullah's bases, targeted much of Hizbullah's weapons arsenal and destroyed nearly two-thirds of the group's longer-range rockets.
Hizbullah is still thought to possess up to 10,000 more Katyusha rockets capable of hitting northern Israeli cities and hundreds of Zilzal and other kinds of longer range rockets that can target central Israel, including Tel Aviv. As well, security officials here say rockets continue to be smuggled into Lebanon from the country's border with Syria.
During its current military campaign against Hizbullah, Israel has largely refrained from hitting Palestinian bases in Lebanon.
Last week Sultan Abu al-Aynain, leader of Fatah in Lebanon, announced Palestinian gunmen in the country are set to join the fighting against Israel. He said Fatah has thousands of fighters in Lebanon who are prepared to participate in the fighting. It was unclear whether his comments were coordinated with Abbas.
WND reported yesterday Bani al-Hassan, a senior Abbas official, sent a letter to hundreds of Fatah members asking them to prepare for an "escalated battle" against Israel while the Jewish state continues its military campaign in Lebanon. The letter was also sent to members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group, the declared "military wing" of Fatah.
"You the fighters are the new generation that will bring us victory over Israel," Hassan wrote in the letter, which was obtained by WND from a Fatah official.
He compelled Fatah members to "be prepared" for an escalation against the Jewish state but did not mention particulars or give specific instructions.
Later that day Hassan led a rally in Ramallah in which he reportedly informed participants he placed Fatah fighters on high alert "ahead of the possibility of escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, which could manifest itself in an escalation of Israeli actions (here)."
"I know what I'm talking about, and I know what I'm referring to," Hassan reportedly told the crowd.
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 02:49 ||
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Give these goons a state
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 2:57 Comments ||
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#3
Later that day Hassan led a rally in Ramallah in which he reportedly informed participants he placed Fatah fighters on high alert "ahead of the possibility of escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, which could manifest itself in an escalation of Israeli actions (here)."
"I know what I'm talking about, and I know what I'm referring to," Hassan reportedly told the crowd.
#4
You gotta know "escalation" also means NORTH KOREA-TAIWAN somewhere in the meaning. SO iff the Japanese attacked San Francisco, etal after Pearl Harbor, will FDR and Americans have the right to get mad, e.g. iff only a PC "limited attack" against CHINATOWN ala Kai-shek???
#6
A United Nations Resolutions demands Lebanon disarm "all militias," including armed Palestinian groups.
It looks like they are disarming themselves... the hard way. So Fatah feels the need to declare war as officially as Hamas? The world has changed; this time they'll get a bellyfulof it, and the losses will be permanent. They really never do lose an opportunity to lose an opportunity.
#9
All the more reason to absorb Gaza and the West Bank, and forcibly expel the Jordanians, Egyptians, Syrians and Lebanese. Oh! I'm sorry, I meant the 'palestinians'.
#10
You mean for Israel to take the land and send the posers marching into the desert.
I've always thought that would be a great move.
They could go live in the Sinai, nobody's living there. Land is cheap in the scenic Sinai.
#13
We are all venting hard, but I believe the world does not really perceive correctly whats going on here.
I take the hezbies threats very seriously as they have been known to deliver what they promise.
It seems that if the Paleo's will start another front Israel will be forced with its back against the wall because we cannot sustain another five months with two million civilians hiding in bomb shelters.
I am sorry brothers, but the time when we draw some heavyweight weaponry from certain bunkers is getting nearer and nearer.
The time for wholesale massacres of the arab populations of lebanon and paleoland is getting near.
The Hezbbies will eventually succeed in their aims (or their master's aim) of fighting to the last lebanese civillian.
I forsee a regional war in the middle east within two months.
I wish I was wrong.
Posted by: Elder of Zion ||
08/03/2006 12:14 Comments ||
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#14
No apologies needed, Elder of Zion. If those who started it will see it finished in ways they made necessary, they have no business complaining about the consequences of their actions. Israel will do what she must, and we will support her completely.
#17
My father is Israeli, EoZ -- his mother used to kaffeeklatch with Golda Meir when she used to have time back before 1948. Daddy was working after hours on Haganah projects when he blew up the Technion lab... and in the 1950's instituted labour safety practices for the government for the northern half of Israel. Mama was born in Germany, but spent the War hiding in Holland from the Nazis; her mother's memoir is archived in Yad Vashem and the Holocaust Museum in DC.
This isn't a game to me.
I'm sure neither the PA Fatah nor anyone els has any control of the historic chaos of the extraterritorial camps, liberalhawk. But formally authorizing what is going on anyway is a big step for the PA Fatah, and certainly could be construed as an act of war.
#18
The time for wholesale massacres of the arab populations of lebanon and paleoland is getting near.
It's not as if they haven't been begging for it over the last few decades. If "disarming" the ring of terrorists bordering Israel requires killing every last man, woman and child in the terror sponsoring regions, then so be it. Long ago they proved their complete lack of use to the modern world. We will not be dragged back into their stone age milieu, and their reluctance abject refusal to join even the most slightly form of civilized society must, therefore, be their death knell.
#20
We are all venting hard, but I believe the world does not really perceive correctly whats going on here.
Especially France. I don't see any common driving purpose to all the different fronts they are approaching this problem on, including their internal fronts. Internally they seem to be restricting behavior that is part of being Muslim, externally they have threatened to nuke anybody who might attack them in a big way, they are courting Iran, and they are pushing for what appears to be a UN resolution as lame as the previous ones for Lebanon. And they say they want peace for all at the same time. What gives here? Pick a side and go for it.
An attack on a hospital, the killing of an entire Lebanese family, the seizure of five men in Baalbek and a new civilian death toll - 468 men, women and children - marked the 22nd day of Israel's latest war on Lebanon.
The Israelis claimed that helicopter-borne soldiers had seized senior Hizbollah leaders although one of them turned out to be a local Baalbek grocer. In a village near the city, Israeli air strikes killed the local mayor's son and brother and five children in their family.
The battle for Lebanon was fast moving out of control last night. Lebanese troops abandoned many of their checkpoints and European diplomats were warning their colleagues that militiamen were taking over the positions. Up to 8,000 Israeli troops were reported to have crossed the border by last night in what was publicised as a military advance towards the Litani river. But far more soldiers would be needed to secure so large an area of southern Lebanon.
The Israelis sent paratroopers to attack an Iranian-financed hospital in Baalbek in the hope of capturing wounded Hizbollah fighters but, after an hour's battle, got their hands on only five men whom the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, later called "tasty fish". The operation suggests what Hizbollah has all along said was the purpose of the Israeli campaign: to swap prisoners and to exchange Hizbollah fighters for the two Israeli soldiers who were captured on the border on 12 July.
Hizbollah continued to fire dozens of missiles over the border into Israel, killing one Israeli and wounding 21, with Israeli artillery firing shells back into Lebanon at the rate of one every two minutes. For the first time, a Hizbollah rocket struck the West Bank as well as the Israeli town of Beit Shean, the longest-range missile to have been fired so far. Yet still the West seems unable to produce an end to a war which is clearly overwhelming both Hizbollah and the Israelis.
Hizbollah obviously has far more missiles than the Israelis believed - there is not a town in northern Israel which is safe from their fire - and the Israeli army apparently has no plan to defeat Hizbollah other than the old and hopeless policy of occupying southern Lebanon. If Hizbollah had planned this campaign months in advance - and if the Israelis did the same - then neither side left room for diplomacy.
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 02:10 ||
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#3
Whoops, there was another column to that article! Here it is, read it. It only gets better!
The French have wisely said they will lead a peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon only after a ceasefire. And to be sure, they will not let this become a Nato-led army. France already has a company of 100 soldiers in the UN force in southern Lebanon, whose commander is himself French, but Paris, after watching the chaos in Iraq, has no illusions about Western armies in the Middle East.
Outside the shattered Dar al-Hikma hospital in Baalbek yesterday stood two burnt cars and a minivan, riddled with bullet-holes. Hizbollah, it seems, fought the Israelis there for more than an hour. The hospital, which includes several British-manufactured heart machines, was empty when the Israeli raid began and was partly destroyed in the fighting.
The Lebanese army, which has tried to stay out of the conflict - heaven knows what its 75,000 soldiers are supposed to do - was attacked again by the Israelis yesterday when they fired a missile into a car which they claimed was carrying a Hizbollah leader. They were wrong. The soldier inside died instantly, joining the 11 other Lebanese troops proclaimed as "martyrs" by the government from a logistics unit killed in an Israeli air raid two weeks ago.
The obscene score-card for death in this latest war now stands as follows: 508 Lebanese civilians, 46 Hizbollah guerrillas, 26 Lebanese soldiers, 36 Israeli soldiers and 19 Israeli civilians.
In other words, Hizbollah is killing more Israeli soldiers than civilians and the Israelis are killing far more Lebanese civilians than they are guerrillas. The Lebanese Red Cross has found 40 more civilian dead in the south of the country in the past two days, many of them with wounds suggesting they might have survived had medical help been available.
#7
Just like the Chicom extermination of 200-Milyuhn or more of America = Amerika's 300-Milyuhn population or more, plus taking over 1/2 or more of NORAM-CONUS, is good and necesary for America, Americans, China, the world, and of course Chinese-centric Communism-Socialism. CLINTONISM says Americans=Amerikans like it, want it, and demand it, D *** you. America can attack and make war, just SSSSSSSHHHHHHHHH not fight let alone win or fight to win. Its for the Sun, its for the Environment,Its for the chilluns. for the World you selfish Male Brute decadent capitalist Westernist pig you.
#10
do they say what percentage of the children killed were terrorists??
Conor, I know your trolling, but I'll answer you question anyway. I happen to have first hand experience of terrorists and how they operate in communities. Kids think they are cool. They hang around. Run errands for them. Happily form a crowd to protect the terrorists. And this ignores that terrorists deliberately place children in danger and try and get them killed because it makes great propaganda. And then of course terrorists use the homes of people who are either willing or coerced into helping them.
So how many of those kids were innocent uninvolved bystanders, probably not very many. But then you don't care do you Conor, because you have already decided the Jews are to blame and they should just put up with terrorism and be good little victims.
#17
OldSpook the same holds true for 99% of all BBC reporters involved in covering the Middle East and Asia.
In this case send Mossad out after them and take them out. I got banned from Biased BBC for saying that but it''s the truth. Anything else is intellectual wanking.
#18
What kills me about Conor and his bullshit is I never see them here when kids are dying in Israel, which makes him nothing more than POS no good SOB who needs to F*cking grow up.
#19
Conor, that's actually a good, if incomplete question. You need to finish by asking, "Why the hell did Hizb'allah (The Army of God --that's the "allah" bit, dear) not take care to shoot off their beloved rockets in places far from children, why did their parents not keep them away from the armed men?" The International Laws of War, of which the various Geneva Conventions are only the most recent additions, mandate that armed groups separate themselves from civilians in order to protect the civilians from exactly the kind of threat that Mr. Fisk invented out of whole cloth. So why has Hizb'allah, and the various Palestinian groups, and the insurgent groups in Iraq, chosen instead to insinuate themselves so deeply in civilian neighborhoods as to cause such things to happen?
The Laws of War define those who cause such situations as the ones committing the war crime -- and no coubt you'll have remarked that Israel did nothing against Lebanon until Hizb'allah started shooting off rockets and coming across the border to kidnap soldiers. Conor, dear, I do look forward to your further analysis of the situation, now that you have some facts to work with.
#20
I'm getting really tired of seeing that "tasty fish" comment being taken out of context.
"Yet still the West seems unable to produce an end to a war which is clearly overwhelming both Hizbollah and the Israelis."
Stupidest line of the day... so far.
#21
What's all this business about a 'Journalist'? A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist. They shouldn't be allowed to hide behind a pen, anymore than the Hezzie pieces of filth hide behind women and children.
#22
Trailing wife- fyi dear, terrorist groups don't fight using the Marquis of Queensberry rules or follow the international laws of war guidelines and will at every opportunity force/put civilians in danger, that their nature , but countries such as Israel who have signed the Geneva Convewntion should try a little bit harder to follow it.
- Geneva Convention article 48 of Protocol I states that "the presence within the civilian population of individuals who do not come within the definition of civilians does not deprive the population of its civilian character. Also you can critical of a government policy and still have respect for it's people.
#23
If I read your post correctly, Conor, since the terrorist Hizb'allah is deliberately using its civilian population as a shield, Israel should simply surrender? You do understand the result of that surrender, I assume: Hizb'allah's objective is not merely the defeat of Israel, but the erasure of the country by killing all the Jewish people. They have stated plainly that nothing less will suffice them.
#24
Does Conor realizer that Hizbollah fighters are totalitarians? Ethnocentrism will lose this war with the Islamofacists. The King of Persia wants the Middle East and large portions of Asia, and eliminating Israel is the surest way to engender loyalty of the masses, Arab or otherwise, in that area, because for the last 70 years the Moslems have made Jews the scapegoats for EVERYTHING wrong in their individual and collective life experience.
#25
Conor, with all due respect, anyone that believes the Geneva Conventions apply to terrorists and other criminal non-signatories ought to have their head examined. But don't feel bad. That belief, misguided as it is, seems to be held by many, such as fine 'patriots' Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Paul Stevens and Steven Breyer.
#28
Conor, you're aware of the IDF phoning some guy in Gaza to tell him they're going to take out the building because he just happens to be living on top of a Hamas Ammo dump?
You're aware of the IDF dropping leaflets in Lebanon telling people to get out of the area?
You're aware of the IDF burying Hizbullah terrorists in accordance with their religious rites?
Your quote: but countries such as Israel who have signed the Geneva Convewntion should try a little bit harder to follow it.
Why is it that Israel, who is involved in an existential war, has to fight by some rules which just keep giving the advantage to a group who would kill Israeli children just as soon as look at them? This isn't a game, these people will kill all Israelis if they get a chance, so what would you have the Israelis do?
Answer that and stay fashionable.
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 12:02 Comments ||
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#29
WTF Conor you cannot be that stupid. GC is not a suicide pact. That has got to be the dumbest stuff I have ever heard.
#30
the Israeli army apparently has no plan to defeat Hizbollah other than the old and hopeless policy of occupying southern Lebanon.
Mr. Fiskkkk,
There is a secret plan but I can't tell you about it because it involves secret hydrogen bombs and also secret neutron bombs and some plain old vanilla flavored fission bombs.
So you see Mr. Fissssskkkkkk, the Israeli army does have a plan but its so secret that we cant tell you about it.
Posted by: Elder of Zion ||
08/03/2006 12:24 Comments ||
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#31
Another thing, Conor....
Lebanon did sign GC on 11 April 1969.
Hezbollah has its members as a part of Lebanese government. Thus, Lebanon government is violating the treaty they signed, by allowing Hezbollah using civilians as a cover for their activities.
#32
Connor, you (and the liberal elites that run Europe and want to run this country) quote selectively from the GC to support your agenda. You picked the wrong site to do that since some of here have actually studied the conventions. Here are some articles that caveat your quote:
GC IV, Art. 28. The presence of a protected person may not be used to render certain points or areas immune from military operations.
GC IV, Art. 19. The protection to which civilian hospitals are entitled shall not cease unless they are used to commit, outside their humanitarian duties, acts harmful to the enemy. Protection may, however, cease only after due warning has been given, naming, in all appropriate cases, a reasonable time limit and after such warning has remained unheeded.
There are other such clauses. The GC is actually pretty good law in that it protects non-combatants in a reasonable fashion. Efforts to use it to outlaw war will destroy the conventions and only increase the suffering of non-combatants. These kinds of efforts make the GCs unenforceable and thus "bad" law. Bad law always tends to fall into disuse.
#33
Wow, I'll just sit back and refrain from piling on to "mr." connor. Geez, nothing we ever sign is a suicide pact. Get that through your thick skull first and foremost.
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 12:46 Comments ||
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#34
Geneva Convention article 48 of Protocol I states that "the presence within the civilian population of individuals who do not come within the definition of civilians does not deprive the population of its civilian character.
This means that military folk are allowed to sit in coffee shops and live in their houses among civilians. It does not mean that those same military folk can fight amongst civilians.
And sometimes their danger to their adversary and value of their being dead in the context of ending the conflict is so great that even the civilian nature of their surroundings is not enough to ward off an attack, such as top leaders, etc. These guys basically have to understand that they are full-time walking targets, and that any civilians nearby ought to remove themselves. Hitler and Pol Pot would be some of, but not all, of the most obvious examples.
Conor, use your brain. You are reading the rules letter for letter and forgetting the spirit and intent. The only thing you are proving if you stick to this path is that you are incapable of meaningful logic. In which case the folk here will make fun of you. :-)
#40
Well the pdf I am reading has Lebanon on it, but I don't see Israel on it.
Well it does mention Israel in that Kuwait felt it an appropriate venu to insert a line saying that they don't recognize the existance of Israel nor will they have any treaties with it. Nya nya nya nya nya, nyaaaa!
Conor, how's the research going? Badly, I suppose? :-)
#42
Should someone clue Conor in to the idea that Israel won't be a signatory to the GC until the terrorists and hostile states around it agree to and in practice abide by it?
Maybe in another 10 or 20 years if all went well, I suppose? Hopefully sooner, but that's just a pipe dream for now.
#44
Just a thought here. Has anyone ever heard of an empty hospital ? One has to ask, why was it empty ? Was it actually being used for something beside medical applications ?
Hezbs tunnel under hospitals, mosques, and schools. There, they sleep and prepare for the killing of others. In this case, the hospital appears to have been used as an office complex for the tunnel rats. A breath of fresh air, as it were. The mindset of the splodydope scum is to use civilians and normal institutions as shields while they throw shit at the wall in increasing amounts.
The civilized world should declare all of the hezbs guilty of murder by association, and to be killed on sight. Then bring out the dogs and flame throwers. Islam must go.
Fuck off. Folks like you that defend the cold-blooded acts of terrorists while simultaneously decrying any attempt of the attacked to defend themselves aren't worthy of reasoned debate.
#47
So these "civilized" islmafascists don't mind wiring the kiddies up with bombs and sending them into Israel to kill as many Israeli citizens as they can. How the f*ck sick is this? They could care less about any rules of civilized warfare. Spare me the bleeding heart bullshit.
#48
Conor,
Just take yourself to DU. You'll be appreciated and lauded there.
Heck, they don't even beleive any soldiers got kidnapped in the first place.
All a plot to take over lebanon.
Posted by: J. D. Lux ||
08/03/2006 15:38 Comments ||
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#49
gorb,
Israel signed the convention 8th December 1949 and ratified the treaty on 6th July 1951 with the reservation that they would use the red shield of David in place of the Red Cross.
it can be found on the international committee of the red cross webiste - wwww.icrc.org
#50
As has been pointed ou. "the prescence of non-civilians in e civilian population" does not cover rocket launchers and machine gunners.
Aggressors cannot be protected by hiding behind civilians and even IF they were lawful combatants or representatives of a government or a legitimate army instead of a KKK like group of professional international terrorists with apocalyptic visions of grandeur. They would be making the conventions moot by their very tactics.
Wars and rumours of wars are not won or ended by tit for tat half measures and phony cease fires.
Posted by: J. D. Lux ||
08/03/2006 18:40 Comments ||
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#51
Conor is posting from Dublin, Ireland. You know, that nice place where the IRA came from?
#53
The Third Geneva convention (the one the US is a signatory to) affords protection on the basis of reciprocity. Since we know of 2 or 3 US military prisoners and several civilian hostages, all of whom were executed in the most horrible and barbaric ways, any protection of the other side is only through the kindness and naivity of our leadership. All prisoners the US catches are perfectly eligible to tortured and executed in the most barbaric way science can come up with. In reality, our meek treatment of captives and civilians only serves to let them live to fight another day.
By the same bedrock principle of reciprocity, the Israelis are within the Geneva Conventions to bomb the crap out of any Lebanese civilians it sees fit since Israeli civilians are the primary targets of rockets launched from Lebabon. Same for Gaza and West Bank.
Posted by: ed ||
08/03/2006 22:32 Comments ||
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#54
The thing I hear most from the lefty-weenies is that if we abandon "humane" principles we loose our "humanity". It seems to me only human to treat depravity with extinction. Make the "humans" guilty of depravity extinct and voila: No more depravity. Humans are capable of all kinds of despicable acts. Calling someone more "human" because he doesn't regard eliminating depraved people as "humane" is to deny the "humanity" of , well Humans. We destroy rabid animals. That is considered "humane" riding ourselves of rabid humans is considered in-humane.
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
08/03/2006 22:40 Comments ||
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#55
Ed: Yes and no. The GC does allow reprisals but not on protected persons. So if country X gasses you, then you can gas country X's soldiers, but you cannot execute his EPWs if he executes yours. Google FM 27-10, Law of Lanf Warfare if you want to get the US interpretation of the GC. I don't have time to post a link. Also, the President reserves the authority to authorize reprisals.
(KUNA) -- The Brigades of Al-Nasser Salahuddine, the military arm of Popular Resistance Committees, on Wednesday said it fired a missile on the Jewish settlement Netiv Ha'asara. The brigades said in a press release that it fired a "Nasser 2" type missile on the settlement, noting that the operation comes in response for demolishing the residence of Brigades Leader Yousef Nazal in Jenin. The brigades pledged to execute more military operations against Jewish settlements.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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Israeli aircraft rocketed boats in Gaza Citys harbor early yesterday and missiles hit a house in the center of the strip. No injuries were reported, but several boats anchored in the Gaza marina were destroyed, witnesses said, adding they heard loud explosions. The Israeli Army said in a statement that it targeted a vessel used by fighters to smuggle weapons into the strip from Egypt.
No one was injured also in the house rocketed in the central El-Bureij refugee camp, because the home-owner and his family left after receiving an advance warning in a phone call from an Israeli Army officer a practice used frequently in the past week or two. The airstrikes are part of an Israeli offensive launched after fighters from the governing Palestinian Hamas movement and two other groups raided a military outpost bordering Gaza and captured an Israeli soldier while killing two others.
At least 160 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive began exactly five weeks ago, the Palestinian Health Ministry said yesterday. The deaths included 30 children and youths aged under 16, the youngest of whom was a seven-month-old baby, it said, adding more than 600 others were wounded. An Israeli soldier was also killed.
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Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
the home-owner and his family left after receiving an advance warning in a phone call from an Israeli Army officer a practice used frequently in the past week or two.
IAF fighter jets struck four armed Palestinians overnight Wednesday near Dahiniye in the Gaza Strip. The air force was backing up troops from the Givati Brigades, Engineering Corps and tank units who were carry out an operation near Rafiah.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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An Israeli man was killed Wednesday when a Katyusha struck Kibbutz Saar, north of Nahariya, as Hezbollah marked the resumption of strikes on northern Israel with a record number of some 210 rockets.
He was killed as he rode his bicycle toward his home after a warning siren went off...
The casualty was identified as 52-year-old Kibbutz Saar member David Lalchuk. He was killed as he rode his bicycle toward his home after a warning siren went off, said Yehuda Shavit, a local government official. Kibbutz residents said he was originally from the Boston area and had been living in Israel for 20 years. Lalchuk's wife and two daughters had moved to the south earlier in the fighting, Shavit said. The strike brings to 19 the death toll from the rocket attacks since they began on July 12.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
The strike brings to 19 the death toll from the rocket attacks since they began on July 12
About on par with one successful Paleo self-boomer.
HUNDREDS of Southeast Asian suicide bombers have been dispatched around the world with a mission to attack Jewish interests in countries that support Israel such as Britain, the US and possibly Australia.
The radical Jakarta-based Asian Muslim Youth Movement gave The Australian details of the plot yesterday, claiming it was being funded in part with cash donations from two unnamed Australian-Indonesian businessmen.
The leader of the AMYM, Islamist author Suaib Bidu, warned that thousands more jihadis were preparing to join the resistance against Israel and die as"martyrs".
Mr Bidu said a "passing-out" ceremony for more than 3000 jihadis would be held tomorrow in the Indonesian city of Pontianak on the large northern island of Kalimantan.
But only about 200 would be sent immediately to targets aboard, with the remainder being active supporters.
Mr Bidu warned that his group would "monitor" the position of Australia towards Israel's current military operation in southern Lebanon, and that it too could become a target for suicide attacks.
"We have a lot of support, including in Australia, from people who don't believe Israel's attack (on Hezbollah) is just," Mr Bidu said.
Terrorism experts have warned that the radical group had the motivation and the backing to organise such a campaign of terror.
One of the foremost scholars in militant Islam, Zachary Abuza, described the group as a dangerous threat that deserved to be taken seriously.
"These people are willing to martyr themselves and that just feeds on itself," Dr Abuza told The Australian. "Events like this (the Lebanon conflict) are superb tools for recruiting and indoctrinating people."
He said the group had been active in Southeast Asia before and said Israeli sites in the region could be targeted.
Dr Abuza said the move could also have far-reaching ramifications because it gave the Southeast Asian militants the ability to network with jihadis in the Middle East.
Last night, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said there were fears a "new wave" of terrorists could be generated by the Israeli offensive in Lebanon.
"Muslims are angry even in moderate Muslim countries," said Mr Abdullah, who hosted an emergency meeting of the 57 nations of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
And in Cairo, the leader of Egypt's extremist Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Mehdi Akef, said he was ready to send 10,000 fighters to Lebanon to battle Israel alongside Hezbollah.
But he admitted the chances were slim that any volunteers from Egypt would reach Lebanon.
"There are enough people but you would need Arab regimes to authorise their deployment or at least turn a blind eye on their departure," Mr Akef said.
The head of the International Centre for Terrorism and Political Violence Research's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Rohan Gunaratna, said the jihadis in Southeast Asia could quickly develop the capability to carry out their plan in so-called third-country attacks.
Although he said the numbers of recruits were probably being exaggerated to "provoke fear and anxiety", the group should not be underestimated.
Dr Gunaratna said the AMYM had sent fighters to Iraq in the past, albeit in small numbers.
The group has already sent 217 suicide bombers, including 72 Indonesians as well as citizens of six other Southeast Asian nations, to Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, Mr Bidu said.
They include seasoned mujaheddin fighters, some of whom had fought the Soviets in Afghanistan and then the Northern Alliance in the same country.
Mr Bidu said they were on a mission to infiltrate Israel and its allies "with the help of friendly networks".
"They will be charged with destroying infrastructure targets of Israel and its supporters, such as Britain and the US," he said.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qa'ida's second in charge, has already called for Sunni Muslims across the world to wage jihad against Israel.
The move comes as another group of fighters from a separate body known as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) announced it had 200,000 members ready to join the battlefield in southern Lebanon.
"When we apply for passports we say we are going to Singapore or to Mecca, so that we can fulfil our true aims'" FPI spokesman Habib Hasan al-Jufrie said.
He said the FPI held military training courses "at secret locations" every two weeks. The FPI is thought to be involved in gangster activity and extortion and protection rackets in the Indonesian capital. It attracts most of its support through advocating jihad to the nation's Muslim majority.
The AMYM and FPI have been blatant in their past condemnation of the US and its Middle Eastern policies. The AMYM has allegedly previously threatened to attack US interests in Jakarta and has sent fighters to the conflicts in Bosnia and Chechnya.
About 40 per cent of the AMYM recruits have military experience in countries including Afghanistan, Thailand, The Philippines, Palestine and Iraq. Those with field experience have learned how to make suicide bombs.
Mr Bidu said the fighters from his movement would not travel to Lebanon "because we don't want to face Israel from the front; we prefer to do it from behind".
A spokesman for the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah, Abu Bakar Bashir, said the cleric "fully supports opposing through jihad".
#1
HUNDREDS of Southeast Asian suicide bombers have been dispatched around the world with a mission to attack Jewish interests in countries that support Israel such as Britain, the US and possibly Australia.
Notice that the word muslim is missing as in "Hundreds of Southeast Asian ->MUSLIM<- suicide bombers...." Guess there are some Methodists in there somewhere, huh? You think?
#5
It's the same old proxy war Muslims have been waging against the West for a few decades now. If their countries of origin don't stop these people despite knowing of their activities, Israel would be justified in retaliating against their governments.
#6
The Asian Muzzies can be a formidable foe. They are a worthy enemy but they are not suicide bombers. Suicide bombers are brought in from Soddi and Afghanistan for the suiside missions. Asian Muzzies love to kill westerners but do not like to die, I question this report as propaganda and worthless.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
08/03/2006 14:08 Comments ||
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#7
If anyone is caught trying to blow up a US embassy or a US business, the nation where that terrorist originated should lose all its infrastructure - roads, bridges, rail lines, dams, ports and harbors, airfields, etc. It may take destroying a dozen or so countries, but sooner or later they'll either get the message, or won't be able to dispatch any other suicide bombers. If a few thousand (million, billion) are inconvenienced, too bad.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
08/03/2006 14:42 Comments ||
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#8
Moderate muzzies hate you to moderate death(only)!
Posted by: ed ||
08/03/2006 16:32 Comments ||
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#11
And events like suicide bombings etc. are superb tools for recruiting and indoctrinating people against you, too! Be careful not to wake up the sleeping giant!
#12
In the first instance, to accept the term "moderate" as applicable in such a context as with the muzzies' creed means (as if) you already accede to their optional right to be extreme as well. Insidious implication therein. Taqiyyah at every turn.
#13
Suicide bombers are brought in from Soddi and Afghanistan for the suiside missions.
Actually suicide bombers from Afghanistan is extremely rare. Afghans believe in fighting an enemy and if they die, then its God's will. They view suicide bombings as cowardice.
Recently there has been an increase in Foreign fighters traveling to Pakistan to the Madrassas and encouraging Pakistanis to become suicide bombers.
When we began to see suicide bombers late last year in Afghanistan, we asked the Afghan soliders what was up. They simply told us "Their not Afghani, not even the Taliban would do this". But it did seem that the Pakistani Mullahs were changing the mind of some of their students.
Much like the Pashtuns (tribe dominant on the Afghan/Pakistan border, even more radical islam will probably sway many indonesians to become jihad party favors.
Artillery pounded Tamil Tiger positions in northeast Sri Lanka and fighting raged early on Thursday as the island seemed to be slipping back into open war and aid workers wondered how to reach its victims. At least 800 people have died so far this year and ambushes, air strikes and naval clashes had become commonplace, but it was a dispute over a rebel-held water supply that led to the first real ground fighting since a 2002 ceasefire. "Right now, it's very localised," said a diplomatic source. "But I think it will spread because the Tigers need to make the government wonder where to put their troops next."
Outgoing multi-barrel rocket fire and the distant flash of impacts in rebel areas lit up the night sky over the port of Trincomalee, while the military said clashes continued in the town of Mutur just south of the harbour. "We have sent reinforcements to the area," said an army spokesman. "But the fighting is still going on with artillery, mortars and also small-arms because some of the rebels are hiding in the houses."
Both sides still say they want peace but diplomats fear the truce may become increasingly irrelevant and a two decade civil war that has claimed more than 65,000 lives may be back on. "As it stands now, there is no reason for any kind of optimism," Norwegian peace envoy Jon Hannsen-Bauer said in Oslo late on Wednesday.
The main military advance to reopen a single Tiger-held sluice gate south of Mutur and restore water to 50,000 people seems to have all but halted amid minefields and mortar fire. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacked three army camps before dawn on Wednesday and the military fear for more attacks.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the group would target Tel Aviv if Israel attacked central Beirut.
The threat comes after members of Hezbollah killed seven people in a barrage of 100 rockets on Israel and four Israeli soldiers in fighting in Lebanon, in the deadliest day of the war for Israel.
Sheikh Nasrallah said rocket attacks would cease if Israel halted its bombing campaign in Lebanon.
"If you strike Beirut, the Islamic Resistance will strike Tel Aviv and it is able to do so," Sheikh Nasrallah said, in the first apparent confirmation that Hezbollah has longer-range missiles capable of hitting the city 130 kilometres from the border.
"(If) at any time you decide to stop your campaigns on our cities, suburbs, civilians and infrastructure, we won't strike with rockets any settlement or Israeli city ..."
Israel promised to destroy Lebanon's infrastructure in response.
The latest barrages showed Hezbollah was still a potent threat to Israel despite Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's declaration on Wednesday that Israel had destroyed its infrastructure.
"Israel will actively seek out and pursue Hezbollah until these murderous attacks cease and quiet is restored to northern Israel," said David Baker, an official in Mr Olmert's office.
Despite 23 days of an intensive air and ground campaign to wipe them out, Hezbollah fired more than 200 rockets into Israel on Wednesday, its most intense one-day barrage of the conflict.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said the war had killed 900 people in Lebanon and wounded 3,000, with a third of the casualties children under 12.
He said a million Lebanese, a quarter of the population, had been displaced and infrastructure devastated. The Reuters tally of Lebanon deaths is at least 683.
Sixty-six Israelis have been killed in the war including 40 soldiers. Israel lowered the number of people killed in rocket strikes to seven after earlier reporting eight.
The Israeli army has carved out a "security zone" of 20 villages in south Lebanon up to six kilometres from the border and will stay until an international force arrives, Israeli TV said.
#1
the M.O. of these groups is all the same. the more the threaten, the less they can do. they are feeling the pressure. when they declare total victory, that really means they've been destroyed. weird bunch. truth is not held in high regard in the culture. probably why militaries coming out of those cultures suck ass.
#4
Israel answered by blowing the hell out of southern Beirut with Hezbollah.
Then Israel publicly said: Hit Tel Aviv and we destory all the infra-structure in Leb.
Lt. Ohad Shamir was commanding a surveillance team hiding in Maroun a-Ras. Their mission was to locate Hizbullah fighters still operating near the village after it had been captured by Golani and Paratroopers units. Shamir's men felt pretty safe - during the 10 days they spent in the village, not a shot had been fired at their building. But then an antitank missile hit the structure and Shamir was lightly wounded.
On Wednesday, he was being treated at Safed's Ziv Hospital for fragments in his back.
"They are small teams, three of four people, hiding in the undergrowth, firing out of nowhere. They're the biggest danger," he said of the Hizbullah gunmen.
The same story repeats itself time and again in the hospital wards where wounded solders are recovering and comparing experiences. No one has yet begun analyzing the causes of casualties in this war, but the indisputable fact is that the great majority of wounds and deaths were a result of antitank missiles - more than from gunfire, grenades and other explosive devices together.
The term "antitank" is misleading; the missiles were originally designed to be used against tanks, but the IDF's Merkava tanks and upgraded armored fighting vehicles are capable of withstanding most missiles in Hizbullah's arsenal. But Hizbullah isn't using them only against tanks. The range of these missiles - up to three kilometers - and the force of their explosive charges make them ideal for attacking groups of soldiers and IDF positions from afar.
Hizbullah have been preparing for this war for six years, and the two main weapons they have been stockpiling have been the Katyushas and other rockets now being fired at Israeli towns and antitank missiles. The organization has thousands of Soviet-built Sagger, Cornet and Fagot antitank missiles, the French MILAN and the US-built TOW, all supplied by Iran and Syria. These missiles are usually fired by a two- or three-man team.
Over the last two weeks, the tactic used by many of the Hizbullah teams has been to avoid close-range combat, where IDF soldiers' high level of training gives them the upper hand. Instead, the Hizbullah men have been moving to positions high above villages and continuing to fire missiles at the IDF forces. Large stores of missiles were prepared in the hills in advance, for this eventuality.
IDF officers have voiced frustration at the fact that even in areas where the IDF has been operating for more than a week, the missile threat still exists. On Monday, tanks that had been fighting for two days in the villages opposite Metulla came under missile fire when they were returning through the border fence.
Col. Ofek Buchris, a former Golani battalion commander and the officer now in charge of offensive operations on the northern front, said this week, "Hizbullah aren't as good soldiers as people have been saying, they don't have good combat skills. In shooting battles, we beat them every time. What they do have is good antitank capabilities.
"They were trained for this especially by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. For intents and purposes, Hizbullah is Iran's advance division here."
One of the first results of the IDF's experiences facing Hizbullah antitank missiles has been the quick adaptation of new training for reserve units that have just been called up. In addition to weapons and first aid refresher lessons, the men mobilized this week have all received special training on detecting and avoiding the missiles.
#2
I'm curious about the IDF's night-fighting ability compared to Hizbullah. Has anyone seen much commentary about that?
Posted by: Dar ||
08/03/2006 16:43 Comments ||
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#3
I've seen somewhere that Hezbollah has anti-IR "long johns". That would seem to be essential for this tactic to work, otherwise the UAV's would find them quickly.
#1
Ye. I told this (next day) to gromwife, who told it to her mom (who used to call me a fascist[1]). And then, on the day after, grom-mother-in-law criticized gromwife cause there was no mention in MSM. And then I found sources and grom-mother-in-law had to eat crow (which made gromwife happy---they've some issues).
[1] Until grombaby was born (obviously the father of her first grandchild is perfect)
Hezbollah's leader offered Thursday to stop rocket attacks on northern Israel in return for an end to airstrikes throughout Lebanon. Another hudna? Logistics about to give out? Running out of rocket launchers or room to maneuver?
However, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah also vowed to fire rockets into Tel Aviv if Israel strikes Beirut proper. Israeli warplanes have repeatedly bombarded Hezbollah strongholds in southern suburbs of Beirut. "If you bomb our capital Beirut, we will bomb the capital of your usurping entity... We will bomb Tel Aviv," he said in a taped televised speech. Aha! The old "trying to get something for nothing" ploy. Try it and your launchers will disappear. Takes too long to bug out after you fire. Your threats are meaningless! Hahahahaha!
In issuing the threat while looking nervously over his shoulder, Nasrallah offered his first opening toward diminishing the three-week-old conflict, which has taken more than 500 Lebanese lives and killed more than 50 Israelis. "Anytime you decide to stop your campaign against our cities, villages, civilians and infrastructure, we will not fire rockets on any Israeli settlement or city," he said. What are you going to do instead, fight on the ground?
In his statement, Nasrallah also said his fighters have inflicted "maximum casualties" on Israeli ground troops and that his guerrillas are "fighting until the last breath and last bullet."
"Hassan, we will defend you with our blood!"
Does Israel have this guy on the payroll or something? Thanks for the info and show of desperation.
#3
Get the feelin, Israel gave Nas-coward-lah a Clint Eastwood moment...
Nazzy : If de Jooz bomb Beiruit, we lauch de Rockets at de Tel Aviv...And I hide deeper in my hole...
Israel AF just bombed Beiruit.
"Go ahead punk, make my day..."
If Tel Aviv is bothered by missiles, then Damascus is history, and the magic mulla glow-in-the-dark joy juice is too...No more nuke facilities... I hope anyway...
#2
Point 1: He urged Muslim states to "isolate" the United States and Britain, accusing them of supporting Israel's military offensive and saying they should be expelled from the U.N. Security Council.:
I agree:
1) We should isolate ourselves from Muslim states too, just to be sure we're doing it properly
2) We should leave the UNSC, in fact we should leave the UN
3) The UN should pack its bags and set sail for a country more in line with its moral compass - say Zimbobwe.
and
Point 2: replace 'Israel' with 'Iranian Leadership' in this headline and really end this 'crisis'
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 12:23 Comments ||
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#3
And no more aid to Egypt, Jordan, Paleos, etc...
#4
Right. Like the jew's would'nt become terrorist like the muslim's if this happened.
Besides, if they ever succeed in this, the rest of the countries of the Caliphite are next.
20 years from now, he might say " just wipe France off the earth, and it will solve the problem".
#5
"Although the main solution is for the elimination of the Zionist regime, at this stage an immediate cease-fire must be implemented," he said.
Your boys getting their asses kicked again? Too bad those damn Zionists just won't roll over and die like you want them to, huh, you malignant little dwarf.
#6
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday the solution to the Middle East crisis is to destroy Israel...
Then step up to the plate, you P***Y. Send trroops. Send warplanes. Lead the charge like Saladin. It's really easy to hide behind rhetoric, proxies, women and children like most Lions of IslamTM.
"Although the main solution is for the elimination of the Zionist regime, at this stage an immediate cease-fire must be implemented," he said.
Let me translate yourfarsi: We are getting the living s*** out of us again by Israel. Please stop kicking the living s*** out us before all of the 100s of millions of dollars Iran we have invested in our proxy Hezbollah is totally wasted.
#7
"Although the main solution is for the elimination of the Zionist regime, at this stage an immediate cease-fire must be implemented," he said."
If there ever was a reason for no-ceasefire, this statement gives it to us. the fact that he used the word "must" is interesting.
#8
Deep breathing anymouse, deeeeep breathing mate.
Ahmadinejad is definitely going to be a lot warmer by the end of the year. Firstly (and briefly) here on earth, and then a lot hotter and for a loooong time somewhere else...
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 13:22 Comments ||
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#9
Thanks, Tony. Sometimes I get pretty pumped up.
Posted by: Tony (UK) ||
08/03/2006 13:38 Comments ||
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#11
'round 1980 we were all humming a certain Beach Boys song.
What was that again ?
Posted by: J. D. Lux ||
08/03/2006 13:57 Comments ||
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#12
He urged Muslim states to "isolate" the United States and Britain
Listen carefully to the master. The only way that Ahmadinejad and the mullahs can possibly keep hold on the reins of power is to impose the worst sort of isolation upon their own people.
The United States and Britain are far to integrated into the world's economy for some p!ssant he||hole like Iran to enforce a global embargo upon them (we won't even mention military might). To give you some perspective regarding this, consider that, barring petroleum exports, America imports twice as much dollar value in manufactured goods from HONG KONG as it does from the entire Arab Middle East.
It is this entire lack of modernization that continues to keep the Islamic countries locked into a stone age milieu. Guess who is responsible for it? Islamic leaders. You all know the reason why. It is far easier to control a technologically illiterate population.
We need to build super-cheap satellite wireless notepad computers and air-drop them into Iran to begin a relentless campaign of enlightenment with respect to the abuses of their current regime. This is the only alternative to simply decapping the Iranian leadership structure.
Whichever route we choose, it must be selected soon. A nuclear armed Iran would represent the most significant strategic blunder of this new century. Iran's fomenting of the Israeli regional conflict is all the evidence needed of its intentions once they gain the stage as a nuclear power.
#15
Many of the problems in the mideast would go away if this path were followed Zenster. Should have done something when our people were held hostage by the mad mullahs back in 1979.
#18
#12: "We need to build super-cheap satellite wireless notepad computers and air-drop them into Iran to begin a relentless campaign of enlightenment with respect to the abuses of their current regime. This is the only alternative to simply decapping the Iranian leadership structure. "
I'll take what's behind Door #2, Zenster.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
08/03/2006 22:49 Comments ||
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Kuala Lumpur, 3 August (AKI) - Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that removing Israel was the solution to the Middle Eastern crisis. "The main solution is for the elimination of the Zionist regime," the president said in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he is attending a meeting of Islamic nations with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). Ahmadinejad, whose country has been accused of arming HeZbollah militias with Syria, also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. "Though the main solution is the elimination of the Zionist regime, in this phase, an immediate ceasefire should be implemented," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by Iranian state television.
Posted by: Steve ||
08/03/2006 08:38 ||
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#1
It's ONE solution; elimination of Iran might be an alternative solution. Or maybe elimination of Islam. You have to be open-minded and consider all the options.
#3
Can't believe he's seriously saying this in Kuala Lumpur, supposedly an "International City." Gotta wonder exactly how many Arab leaders told him afterwards to keep it on the "down low, don't play your hand to early, man."
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 9:25 Comments ||
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#4
Now is THAT helpful in your book, Mr. Malloch Brown?
#5
BA, this guys a poser and an inciter, his big weapon is his breath, his target, those within earshot, his goal, inspire action by a cadre of folks whose options are limited by the systems in which they live. people who respond to these outlandish comments have already forfieted thier liberty and replaced it with "resigned stupidity" common to a hopeless cause.In other words, the birth of more useful idiots is all that can come of it.
#8
Now, now, Mr. eLarson, let's not be too hasty. I mean, true diversity and freedom of expression allows for comments like this. Of course, we inspired elites(tm) of the UN would even accept the elimination of Israel IF it stopped the cycle of violence(tm) (/sarcasm off).
Posted by: Mr. Malloch Brown ||
08/03/2006 10:35 Comments ||
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#9
If I remember my history, I believe it's Ahmadinejad that fed the multitude of 5000 with 5 pieces of fish and bread.
In a press briefing Wednesday, a senior officer at the General Staff spoke about the operation in which 200 soldiers of elite units raided the Baalbek area in Lebanon. Ten terrorists were killed in the operation around the hospital in Baalbek, all of them armed and wearing bullet-proof vests.
The officer was asked whether the operation at the hospital was aimed at locating intelligence information on the kidnapped soldiers, who may have been treated there before being moved elsewhere, but he refused to answer the question.
According to the officer, the Israel Defense Forces has so far carried out 15 similar operations, also 120-130 kilometers (74.5-80.7 miles) away from the border.
Referring to the continuation of the war, he said that "the operational goal will be reached tomorrow morning an operational control of the traditional security zone in the central region."
The officer said the operation in Baalbek was planned last week to meet two objectives:
1. To deal a blow to the Dar el-Hikma hospital, which was used to cover up Hizbullah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards activities.
2. The second aim was in the Sheikh Habib neighborhood where weapons were seized and five Hizbullah terrorists were nabbed from a building situated about five kilometers from the hospital.
The hospital served as an outpatient clinic for Hizbullah .
"The minute the soldiers arrived they came under fire. There were very few people. Soldiers found disks, computers and encountered armed men. A number of cars arrived at the scene but the forces neutralized them," the officer said.
Multi-operational value
A search of the building led soldiers to weapons.
"The operations have a multi-operational value. They give us a good intelligence picture. Tonight five Hizbullah members whose ages range from 20 to 54 were kidnapped and their names are known to us," the officer said.
The officer added that the operation was not carried out to nab specific Hizbullah members.
The Baalbek operation began after midnight. Foreign sources reported that IDF soldiers were flown into Baalbeck in a bid to kidnap Sheikh Muhammad Yazbek, a member of Hizbullah's High Council and one of the group's top 12 senior members. According to the report, IDF soldiers engaged in fierce battles with Hizbullah gunmen.
Security sources in Lebanon reported that 19 people were killed in IAF strikes in Baalbek, including civilians, children and a Syrian citizen. Hizbullah reported that the Lebanese kidnapped in the operation were innocent citizens and not activists.
Referring to the reports, the officer said that the operation was not aimed at targeting one specific person. He added that other secret operations were taking place in Lebanon but refused to give details. He said the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are smuggling weapons to Hizbullah and in some cases they operate some of these weapons on behalf of the Shiite group.
The officer said despite a decrease in attempts to smuggle arms from Syria to Hizbullah, activities along the Syrian-Lebanese border are being monitored closely.
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 03:09 ||
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IDF: We'll Control Security Zone By Thursday
Which is something neither the UN nor the Lebanese ever did for years, decades, lifetimes, etc.
Turkish authorities have prevented 50 Iranian students from crossing the border, AFP reported. The students announced last week they were heading to Lebanon as volunteers, to help Hizbullah fight the Israeli army. Quoting the Iranian Fars news agency, the report said the students were stopped at the border. After waiting for five days at the border, they demonstrated outside the Turkish embassy, demanding to be allowed entry. The students protested against what they called an alliance between Turkey and the Zionists.
The students, calling themselves the Student Movement for Justice, climbed onto two trucks in Tehran last week and headed for the Iranian-Turkish border. They were hoping to enter Lebanon through Turkey and Syria, and help Hizbullah fight Israel.
Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 2:18 Comments ||
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#4
"Psst, Mahmoud, hold me back!DEATH TO ISRAEL! JIHAD! LET ME AT THEM"
I don't know if AhmadInAHijab is trying to say something or if it's a diversionary tactic. I expected it, but I'm glad to actually see that Turkey did the right thing here.
(KUNA) -- Hezbollah said it launched more Khaibar-1 rockets Wednesday on the Israeli city of Affoulah. The Lebanese party said in a statement that its fighters also destroyed a fifth Israeli tank during the Israeli army advance into the Lebanese town of Aita Al-Shaab.
Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes raided several Lebanese areas including Al-Naqar, Khraj, Beir Al-Salasil and Sultania. The Israeli army also shelled other Lebanese areas including Safad Al-Battikh, Jomayjmah, Tibnin and the surroundings of the Tahrir Educational Complex in Southern Lebanon. Lebanese security forces said that 17 people were killed and 16 injured in the Israeli attack on Baalbak last night.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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this is usually transliterated from Hebrew as "Afula" and is an Israeli town just north of the 1949 ceasefire line from the West Bank town of Jenin.
The IDF on Thursday called on Lebanese civilians in villages north of the Litani River to leave their homes, ahead of intensified IDF action in the area.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/03/2006 00:00 ||
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"Get ready to RRRRRRRRRUUUUUUMMMMMMMBLE!"
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 8:54 Comments ||
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Posted by: Captain America ||
08/03/2006 2:14 Comments ||
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#3
One famous female tennis player (can't remember who, really) once said that "one third of professional female tennis players was virgins, one third was lesbians, and one third was slut". Not really appropriate here, but I thought I could pass this bit of wisdom along.
#4
"One famous female tennis player (can't remember who, really) once said that "one third of professional female tennis players was virgins, one third was lesbians, and one third was slut"."
That sounds a lot like the LPGA. Of course, it's probably true of most professional womens sports.
I'll bet that mens professional sports is split between rump rangers and horn dogs.
#7
lol, Besoeker, quote of the day. I still remember the day (like where I was on 9/11, when the Challenger blew up, when the "wall came down" in Germany, etc.) I first saw that T-shirt (at college of course) a guy was wearing..."I'm a lesbian trapped in a man's body". Absolutely freakin' hilarious!
And, Manolo, by "split" i hope you mean something like 0.0001% vs. 99.9999% in men's sports, not 50/50. Heck, I'd bet it's 0/100 in NASCAR, lol!
Posted by: BA ||
08/03/2006 9:06 Comments ||
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#8
She's got a writing credit on Rooster Cogburn, too.
#9
"...by "split" i hope you mean something like 0.0001% vs. 99.9999% in men's sports, not 50/50. Heck, I'd bet it's 0/100 in NASCAR, lol!"
I have no idea what the actual "split" is, but, I expect that there is a lot of stuff happening on the Down Low that we would never guess. Yes, even in NASCAR.
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.
Eighteen Taliban and one policeman have been killed as Afghan forces and coalition aircraft raided an insurgent hideout in the country's south, police said on Wednesday. The fighting took place late on Tuesday near the Helmand province town of Garmser, where Afghan forces have been hunting insurgents following last month's brief takeover of the town by the Taliban.
When a gunman opened fire on women at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle last Friday, he announced the shootings were intended to make a statement. Prosecutors who charged Naveed Afzal Haq on Wednesday say he did: Hate.
SEATTLE -- A man accused in the shooting rampage at Seattle's Jewish Federation office last week was charged Wednesday with nine felony counts, including aggravated first-degree murder and violation of the state's hate-crime law. "Make no mistake, this was a hate crime," King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng told a news conference. "The attack on these women was an attack on the Jewish community, not only in Seattle but throughout our nation and the world."
The Balochistan government claimed on Wednesday that members of the Marri tribe had for the first time begun surrendering to the government, following in the footsteps of former loyalists to Nawab Akber Khan Bugti. 
(KUNA) -- An Iraqi policeman was killed, three wounded, on Wednesday when an explosive device targeted their patrol in Mosul, northern Iraq. An Iraqi Police source told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the attack took place near a security checkpoint in the area of Manassah in the city of Mosul. The source added that gunmen also attacked a police station in Talafar, western Mosul, noting that a policeman was wounded in the incident.
Two hidden bombs exploded Wednesday in a soccer field, killing nine youths, as two mortars landed while another soccer game was underway, killing three children, police said. The young men killed by the home made bombs in Amil district of western Baghdad were aged between 15 and 25 years, said police 1st Lt. Maitham Abdul Razzaq. About an hour earlier, two mortar shells hit Abu Dshir residential area in Baghdad, one landing in a soccer field and killing three children below 15 years of age, said police Capt. Firas Queti. The other mortar landed on a house, injuring a couple and their child, he said.
(KUNA) -- The Brigades of Al-Nasser Salahuddine, the military arm of Popular Resistance Committees, on Wednesday said it fired a missile on the Jewish settlement Netiv Ha'asara. The brigades said in a press release that it fired a "Nasser 2" type missile on the settlement, noting that the operation comes in response for demolishing the residence of Brigades Leader Yousef Nazal in Jenin. The brigades pledged to execute more military operations against Jewish settlements.
An Israeli man was killed Wednesday when a Katyusha struck Kibbutz Saar, north of Nahariya, as Hezbollah marked the resumption of strikes on northern Israel with a record number of some 210 rockets. 
Artillery pounded Tamil Tiger positions in northeast Sri Lanka and fighting raged early on Thursday as the island seemed to be slipping back into open war and aid workers wondered how to reach its victims. At least 800 people have died so far this year and ambushes, air strikes and naval clashes had become commonplace, but it was a dispute over a rebel-held water supply that led to the first real ground fighting since a 2002 ceasefire. "Right now, it's very localised," said a diplomatic source. "But I think it will spread because the Tigers need to make the government wonder where to put their troops next."
Turkish authorities have prevented 50 Iranian students from crossing the border, AFP reported. The students announced last week they were heading to Lebanon as volunteers, to help Hizbullah fight the Israeli army. Quoting the Iranian Fars news agency, the report said the students were stopped at the border. After waiting for five days at the border, they demonstrated outside the Turkish embassy, demanding to be allowed entry. The students protested against what they called an alliance between Turkey and the Zionists.
