#3
I'd love to see the United States send in all 36 of its remaining B-52s on a low-level conventional bombing mission through the heart of Khartoum, making sure all government buildings are in the target zone. I'm sure that would reduce the military tension in northeast Africa by about 300%. It would also put the rest of the $#^%$#$^% continent on alert that we're tired of the status quo, and we won't tolerate it any more. When Europe howls, leak the mission plans for similar runs over Paris, Brussels, etc. It's time the United States stopped being timid and use TR's Big Stick.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
01/13/2006 15:09 Comments ||
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#4
Doncha just hate it when you are trying to have a good old-fashioned genocide or some other atrocity and the damn US Marines show up! It's not like with the UN Peacekeepers with their little blue hats and shoot-me signs on their backs, who you can buy off with cash or sex. Those Marines are relentless. And when they shoot you, it hurts like a sonovabitch.
Sudanese troops are disguising themselves as African peacekeepers to launch surprise attacks on rebels in Darfur. In a report to be submitted to the AUâs Peace and Security Council yesterday, AU Commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare said the Sudanese troops were painting their vehicles white, the color of AU peacekeepersâ vehicles âto disguise their identities and launch surprise attacks on their opponents.â Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol said his military hires vehicles and helicopters that are painted white for transportation, but said the vehicles were never used in combat. âGovernment troops do not need to disguise their vehicles by painting them white to fight the rebels,â he said in the Ethiopian capital.
But it was not the first time the AU has accused Sudanese forces of disguising themselves as peacekeepers. The AU had said in October that in a September attack on civilians in a Darfur town and adjacent camp for those displaced by the war, Sudanese forces used government vehicles painted AU white. âThis new development threatens to undermine the credibility of (the African Union peacekeeping mission) and draw the mission into the conflict,â Konare said in his report yesterday.
He said three government vehicles and a helicopter gunship had been spotted painted white. âThe government should ensure that no white colored vehicles are used for military operations. The government should stop using white aircraft and vehicles for any security related activity,â Konare said. A 6,964-strong African Union military and police force has been struggling to stabilize Darfur, saying it needs more financial and other support from the international community.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
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Posted by: AU commish ||
01/13/2006 9:55 Comments ||
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#2
Any bets on how long that pic will remain posted, whahahhahahaaa.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/13/2006 10:03 Comments ||
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#4
haven't a clue as what was objectional about that comment???
LOL, unless it was something in the mind of the observer to begin with. :)
Posted by: AU commish ||
01/13/2006 10:39 Comments ||
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#5
AU Commish, if you aren't being facetious, you're right, you don't have a clue. Get one. If you are being facetious, it falls flat. It's the 21st century, not the 19th. Grow up.
It was a blatantly racist pic, and no, it's not in my mind.
Don't do this sort of thing; it's not the image or reputation we want for Rantburg.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/13/2006 10:44 Comments ||
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#7
Wew! I'm exhaused, those Aunt Jemima pancake syrup labels were an absolute bitch to get off, but now I'm clean, my mind is right once again (hope I can avoid the camps) thanks to the Burger fellows.
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Posted by: Red Dog AU commish ||
01/13/2006 11:44 Comments ||
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#9
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Posted by: Red Dog ||
01/13/2006 11:45 Comments ||
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#10
Sudan Troops Disguising as Peacekeepers in Darfur
shhhhh they're watching us
Posted by: AU commish ||
01/13/2006 9:55 Comments ||
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#11
Hokay evil Me
I surender
Posted by: Red Dog AU commish ||
01/13/2006 11:44 Comments ||
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#12
as per usual:
surrender
Posted by: Red Dog ||
01/13/2006 11:45 Comments ||
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At least 10 persons were injured in a clash between supporters of the ruling BNP and the Awami League in the Char Milpara area under Kushtia sadar on Sunday morning.
Local sources said a group of BNP activists of Char Milpara kidnapped Aminur Rahman alias Aku, a supporter of the Awami League. Consequently, Akuâs relatives beat Shafiqul, a follower of the BNP. After the incident, the two groups were locked in an hour-long clash brandishing sharp weapons and exploding at least 20 hand-made bombs when 10 persons were injured.
Good time was had by all, except for the ones who were injured.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/13/2006 00:08 ||
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Reports about trials of proponents of religious extremism and terrorism in Russia are no longer breaking news.
Many of them involve organizations that call themselves Islamic and operate all over Russia, including the North Caucasus, the Volga region and the Urals. Muscovites seldom hear much about them or know what is at the bottom of disputes in the regions. Are the defendants genuine extremists or are they being punished for their religious beliefs?
It is difficult to discern from Moscow the small but vital details of regional political and economic disputes or find the truth in the clash of interests of companies and individuals. In fact, "cases of religious extremism" are seldom rooted in the nuances of religion.
Svetlana Akkiyeva, director for social and political research at the Institute of Humanitarian Studies of the Kabardino-Balkarian Government and the republican center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told RIA Novosti that it is social factors that mostly determine the situation in the regions, primarily the North Caucasus. The ethnic factor, which was the root cause of confrontations between the people and the authorities in the early and mid 1990s, has withered to almost zero. Ethnic conflicts are possible wherever people of different nationalities live side by side, but current events are based on entirely different reasons.
"Religious radicalism is primarily a social and not a religious conflict," Akkiyeva said. "Young people think that religion is the only equalizer of people and restorer of social justice. They use religious slogans, but what they really want deep inside is social justice."
The October events in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, clarified some of the roots and causes of religious extremism. They were provoked by a complicated mixture of foreign policy reasons (the role of international terrorist organizations), internal problems in the Muslim community, and social and economic problems, such as corruption in the upper echelons, unemployment and monetary stratification of the people, dissatisfaction with the actions of law enforcement agencies, etc. Of course, some forces want to rock the boat, but extremist ideas brought from without will not take root unless the local soil has been prepared, say RIA Novosti experts.
There are many formulas of combating extremism. One of the latest examples was the idea advanced by Kabardino-Balkarian parliament: amend the Russian legislation by stipulating longer sentences for incitement of religious hatred and organization of extremist groups. The clergy - irrespective of confessions - also suggest stricter control of missionary operation by outside preachers.
Valiulla Khazrat Yakupov, first deputy mufti of Tatarstan, a Muslim republic of Russia, summed up the general opinion: religious ignorance is one of the root causes of extremist sentiments among Muslims, which makes them an easy prey for all kinds of missionaries.
Religious extremism also thrives on the fact that religious institutions were outlawed and liquidated in the Soviet Union, which is why newly established and inexperienced religious communities could not control the situation or resist outside preachers in the early 1990s.
Yakupov also said that young Muslims in the former Soviet republics are mostly new converts. And as it often happens with new converts, they go to extremes and frequently detour from Islamic beliefs that are traditional for the given region. This provokes conflicts between different generations of Muslims.
A conflict of generations is fraught with serious problems. Many young Muslims who studied Islam in Arab countries in the middle or late 1990s have acquired new views of religion and life there. We do not mean those who were recruited by terrorist organizations and took up arms upon returning to Russia. We mean those who decided to strictly abide by the norms of Islam, though not its traditional forms preached in Dagestan, Tatarstan and other Muslim republics of Russia, but those they learned in Arab countries.
Islam, just as any other religion, has local traditions differing from country to country. But young Muslims reject them, especially because they see the older generation of the imams who grew up in the Soviet Union as corrupt and religiously semi-literate. The new generation of Muslim believers frequently wants to have their own mosques, imams and their own life. As a result, they clash with the official Muslim Boards in the regions.
Worse still, the official Muslim clergy is frequently disunited too, with one of the conflicting sides trying to involve the assistance of the state and accusing the other side of Wahhabism and extremism. The Russian law enforcers cannot always distinguish between Wahhabis and ordinary Muslims. Police simply react to the information to the best of their ability, which only pours fuel onto the flames of religious discord in the regions.
Mufti Yakupov spoke in a recent interview not about the danger of growing influence of such extremist groups as Hizb ut-Tahrir in Russia, but precisely about the danger of Wahhabism. Hizb ut-Tahrir has been outlawed, but the notion of Wahhabism is too vague for general understanding. Yakupov said that this provides fertile breeding ground for Wahhabi cells that are winning the ear of Muslim clergy.
But those who are listed as "politically suspect" in the regions hold a different opinion. They say that all opponents of the official Muslim Boards are branded Wahhabi in the regions. To establish the truth, one needs to analyze each particular case for something other that religious circumstances.
Regional judges are mostly biased because they are involved in the situation in one way or another, and external arbiters are non-existent or have no possibility or time to analyze the situation in detail.
This is not only a problem of relations between the Muslim Boards and the unrecognized religious communities. Conflicts, as well as accusations and suspicion, can develop also between secular and religious authorities. The latest example is the scandal over the Russian Islamic University in Tatarstan.
Legislation should provide more clear-cut definitions of the notions of extremism and terrorism. How can one distinguish between an over-zealous believer and an extremist? How can one establish that foreign sponsors' money is spent on improving education, including religious one, and not on subversive activities? This is extremely difficult to do when absolutely everything is complicated by the shadow of local scandals. There are no ideal criteria, judges or arbiters.
In fact, the regions can rely either on the wisdom of local authorities, who should be interested in maintaining stability, or on the interference of the federal center. The federal center also faces a very difficult choice. Whom to back without making a serious mistake?
Russian scientists and experts working with the local public seem to be the least biased in this situation. Most of them say that the shortest way to regional stabilization is dialogue with Muslims who are listed as suspect. The use of force will not solve the problem, though the law enforcement agencies should increase the network of agents and improve the quality of information collection. But they must not limit their activities to conducting mass check-ups, closing mosques and arresting suspects.
Svetlana Akkiyeva said that in the mid-1990s Muslim converts in many North Caucasus republics firmly rose against the traditional values. They erected a high wall between themselves and society, but some local authorities wisely decided to involve them in dialogue. As a result, the young converts became more accepting of the world around them and gradually stopped rejecting their own culture, traditions and society.
The situation has changed dramatically since then, with law enforcement agencies made responsible for working with such young people. This clearly points to a preference of the stick to the detriment of the carrot. One of the results of this policy was the tragedy in Nalchik and the spread of radical sentiments among young people in Dagestan. Those who had never taken up arms before and rejected Basayev have been actually forced out to the other side of the barricade.
Yuri Sidakov, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission under the President of North Ossetia, also calls for dealing directly with the people. The commission experts, who get no money from the state, are working with Muslim communities in the outlying regions of the republic within the framework of the Islam Without Weapons program.
"We are trying to solve their problems within the boundaries of law," Sidakov said. The young people killed during the terrorist attack in Nalchik died not only because terrorists had thoroughly brainwashed them but also because of the authorities' slack policies, he said. The underlying reasons are social, economic and political drawbacks in the work of the authorities.
Sidakov said terrorists used two standard channels of influencing the communities: through a network of schools of Arab language and religion fundamentals (there is a need for this), and a chain of Shariah courts created in the regions because the people have become disillusioned in the corrupt secular courts. Sidakov said that this trend could be cut short if Russian legislation were complemented with local judicial traditions of the North Caucasus, which take into account blood feuds and conflicts.
"All problems can be solved within the community if we talk to the people as equals," Sidakov said. "As a rule, Muslim communities are deeply pained by external interference in their affairs. But talking to them in the same language can preclude many problems."
The community can influence the situation in its region, control its members and cut short the influence of extremist preachers. No secular laws, let alone use of force, will solve problems unless we recognize this truth. But do the advocates of dialogue speak up loudly enough in the regions? Are the conclusions of researchers who monitor the situation on a weekly basis applied in practice? Or are their attempts to improve the situation in the regions doomed to failure?
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
01/13/2006 10:38 ||
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"All problems can be solved within the community if we talk to the people as equals," Sidakov said. "As a rule, Muslim communities are deeply pained by external interference in their affairs. But talking to them in the same language can preclude many problems."
Yes indeed my dearest Svetlana they are veeeektems of westurn imperialist social injustice. You may only "speak to them" in the langauage of their understanding, the Kalashnikov of korse.
Ten Australian terror suspects have gone on hunger strike because they are not allowed to pray together, their relatives have said. The men, who were arrested in November and charged with belonging to a terrorist organisation, are being held separately in a maximum security jail. Victoria's state prisons chief said he was not prepared to "compromise public safety" to meet the men's' demands.
The 10 men were among 18 arrested during raids in Sydney and Melbourne. They are being held in Barwon Prison in Melbourne, south-eastern Australia. According to the AAP news agency, they are being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day. They want to be allowed to pray together on Friday afternoons, and on special religious occasions, according to the Melbourne Herald Sun.
One of those on hunger strike, Ahmed Raad, said the group would continue their protest indefinitely until their conditions were improved, according to his wife. She said her husband also complained he and the others were not getting enough food.
Corrections Victoria Commissioner Kelvin Anderson said his hand would not be forced by the prisoners' action. "Prison authorities have worked closely with Muslim leaders so alleged terrorism suspects have special food, prayer times and places to pray," he said in a statement. "Individuals charged with terrorism offences have been separated from each other for security reasons. No religious festival could ever have priority over our risk assessment arrangements."
But their lawyer, Rob Stary, said they just wanted to be treated in the same way as other prisoners in the jail. "I understand they don't present as any disciplinary problem or any management problem," he told ABC radio.
Nine of the men, including Abu Bakr, the alleged leader of terror cells in both Sydney and Melbourne, were arrested in Melbourne on 8 November. Another was arrested in Sydney and transferred to Melbourne. They are due to appear in a Melbourne court on 11 April for a pre-trial hearing.
Australia is continuing to develop its over-the-horizon Jindalee radar network that will now play a major role in the U.S. ballistic missile defense network.
The Jindalee system is already up and running and covering the northern approaches to the continent, the Melbourne Age newspaper reported Saturday. The paper said U.S. scientists who had studied it were impressed by its range and capability and had confirmed that it could detect a missile launch far away in Asia.
Officials from the giant U.S. aircraft and weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin told The Age that the Australian system, officially known as the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), would be a highly effective part of the global missile defence shield. They said it significantly increased the time available for a defence system to intercept missiles.
The scientists said Jindalee would be part of an electronic network, including spy satellites and yet-to-be built air warfare destroyers, able to pick up the launch of a missile and, by tracking it, work out its target. The ship or a land-based anti-missile system would then shoot the missile down.
Standard radar sends a signal along line of sight until it bounces off a target ship or aircraft. However, JORN bounces signals off the ionosphere, which lies above the stratosphere and extends about 600 miles above Earth. The signal then bounces down onto its target. In that way it can apparently pick up even sophisticated stealth bombers, which are virtually invisible to standard radar, The Age said.
In July 2004 Australia agreed to cooperate with the United States on missile defence and in early 2005, Lt. Gen. Henry "Trey" Obering III, director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, visited Australia for talks with government and defence officials involved in the Jindalee project.
The Australian government of Prime Minister John Howard plans to spend tens of billions of dollars over the next decade to develop the sophisticated military technology needed to intercept missiles capable of carrying nuclear, chemical or biological warheads.
The Howard government plans to buy three air warfare destroyers, to be equipped with the Aegis missile control system.
French authorities reportedly knew of fraud being committed by government officials involved in the oil-for-food program.
The allegation was made by Didier Houssin, a high-level French official connected to the program, during questioning before an investigative magistrate, Le Figaro newspaper reported Thursday.
Now, according to the newspaper, Judge Philippe Courroye is trying to find out if the French administration covered up the fraud.
A series of investigations in France and in the United States have implicated French politicians and businessmen in a web of kickbacks connected to the oil-for-food program.
Established in 1996 by the United Nations, the program allowed Iraq to sell its oil on the world market in exchange for food, medicine and other humanitarian aid. At the time, there was an international embargo against the regime of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
A number of international figures are accused of profiting from the kickbacks, including former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua.
The French justice system is also investigating the alleged involvement in the scandal of two former foreign ministry officials, Jean-Bernard Merimee and Serge Boidevaix.
According to Le Figaro, both Houssin and another French official, Dominique Maillard, told judge Courroye they were aware as of 2001 of overcharges made by French companies involved in the oil-for-food program. Both men said they did not raise the alarm, however, because it wasn't their business to question the U.N. program.
Both men occupied senior government positions dealing with energy resources at the time.
Posted by: too true ||
01/13/2006 12:03 ||
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Non!
Posted by: Rex Mundi ||
01/13/2006 12:12 Comments ||
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#2
Now, according to the newspaper, Judge Philippe Courroye is trying to find out if the earth is indeed round, French administration covered up the fraud.
#7
What will be interesting to watch in countries like France, we already know what will happen in PuttyPutzLand - nothing, is if the people will be outraged, angry, demand a housecleaning, realize the implications (especially regards the propaganda campaign of anti-Americanism, Iraq, etc.), et al. If they "get it" then, perhaps, they will stage a comeback. I've said it before, and received mainly deafening silence in response to the point, the ex-Allies have suffered from exceptionally egregiously moronic leadership. Yeah, they voted 'em in, but people can be fooled - especially if you play to their pre-existing fears. We came terrifyingly close in 2000 and 2004 to making the same mistake. A moment of pause should be, IMHO, in everyone's feedback loop before bashing...
So we'll be watching - and I'll be hoping - that they'll realize what BS they've been fed, how corrupt and crass and craven their leadership has been, and take steps to clean it up and come out of the Kool Aid pool.
The former US governor of Iraq has condemned Spanish troops for their 'idiotic' conduct in Iraq. Paul Bremer claimed they "did nothing" as a battle between Shi'ite militia forces and coalition troops went on around them in the Iraqi city of Najaf in 2004. In his memoirs, Bremer wrote: "They are sitting in tanks doing nothing", quoting from notes he made at the time. "It is a perfect outrage â I call it the 'coalition of the not-at-all- willing'."
Bremer's book, 'My year in Iraq: The struggle to build a future of hope', challenges the version given by the Spanish military of the Najaf uprising in April 2004. The rebellion took place just days before Spanish troops were due to be withdrawn from Iraq by the newly-elected Socialist government which won a general election weeks earlier. Bremer claims Spanish troops deployed five kilometres from Najaf refused to help US marines and troops from Latin American countries who were fighting insurgents. The defence ministry of the present Socialist government and the Popular Party, which first deployed Spanish troops when it was in power, defended Spanish troops. "There is no reason to doubt their work," a defence ministry spokesman told the Spanish daily El Pais.
#1
Then it was a good thing they left Iraq. Good job Zappy. Although I suspect a lot of the other nation's troops, including staunch allies like Japan, would do the same. But at least they're not stationed in sensitive areas like Najaf.
#4
The Salvadoran troops loathed the Spanish troops - interviews made it clear that the Salvadorans felt the Spanish were the worst Coalition troops to have as backup, and that the Spanish were responsible for the deaths of several wounded Salvadorans since they did not provide any help with medavacing the wounded.
#9
Lol, tw - too true! I hear personal experience speaking!
BTW, O/T note - check out this site: http://www.coffeebeandirect.com/
Bulk coffee and tea - and I mean bulk, lol. I bought 2lbs of Irish Breakfast - and it's good stuff - and 2lbs of a flavored tea (orange spice) - and didn't like it cuz it was over-flavored. I haven't tried the coffees, yet, but will. You won't believe the prices. Apologies for O/T bandwidth. ;-)
EFL
Alberta's oilsands could become the single biggest contributor to the world's supply within 10 years, says a report released Wednesday by CIBC World Markets. That would mean a global shift in oil dominance from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to Canada.
The main reason is most of the new oil coming on line this year will simply offset older oilfields being depleted in the North Sea and Kuwait, said Jeff Rubin, Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets. Rubin suggested global conventional oil production peaked in 2004. New supply in 2007 is expected to grow by less than 1.5 million barrels per day and will fall to less than one million barrels per day in 2008, the report says. "All of the net increase in oil production this year is expected to come from non-conventional sources. While deep-water oil is the primary source today, we forecast that Canadian oilsands will become the single biggest contributor to incremental global supply by 2010."
Rubin also noted Canadian oilsands would also be one of the few remaining oil developments still open to private investment. Oil prices are expected to average more than $70 US per barrel this year. Warning: the Canadian stock market is a wild and woolly place where scams abound, and the odds are high that the small investor will have to pay for the priviledge of having lost his shirt.
Question: what impact would Canada's newfound popularity have on relations with the U.S.? On its actions vis a vis the War on Terror? Discuss.
#4
Well, let us suppose that the Canadian tar sands are bought up by China.
Since oil is sold in a global market, and is largely fungible, that would simply mean that there'd be less demand for Middle Eastern or African oil.
The only way that Chinese control of Canadian oil matters, is if the global supply of oil suddenly shrinks - but even then, as phil b points out, there are over a trillion barrels of oil that could be tapped in the U.S.
They're just not as cheaply recoverable as is Middle Eastern or even Canadian oil.
Posted by: Michael Herdegen ||
01/13/2006 3:30 Comments ||
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#5
I think youâre overstating the âindependenceâ movement up here. Iâm an American living in Canada (Alberta). While there is a lot of disgruntlement over getting screwed by the federal government from the oil revenues, most people up here wouldnât want to separate and form their own country. It gets more media attention than it deserves and the movement is not as organized nor as deep as it is in Quebec. Not to mention, this sentiment exists only the rural areas of Southern Alberta. You donât hear much about it in the big cities. Albertans donât think of themselves as âAlbertansâ, but more as âCanadiansâ.
I also think this âallegianceâ with the US is overstated. Thereâs a lot of anti-Americanism in Alberta (and I canât stress this enough). I see it everyday at work. Granted, I live in Edmonton, which is decidedly more left-wing than the rest of the province, but still. Alberta isnât THAT right-wing; there was a recent poll on which American party Albertans would support and over 60% supported the Democrats.
As for the Chi-coms buying out the oil here, itâs all talk. I donât think their offers come close to what American firms offer. Once in a while, Paul Martin while whine and moan about Canada-US trade issues (to score political points with the anti-Americans and unionists, who are also anti-American) and threaten to seek other export âmarketsâ, but this is just talk. I donât think he is that stupid (though the way heâs running his reelection campaign here is making me wonder) and he knows Canada needs the US export market to survive and that China has never really honored any trade agreements.
The one I would worry about is Jack Layton, who leads the socialist NDP party. He would probably cut the supply to the US and sell to China. Heck, it was one of his campaign promises if the US didnât fix the softwood lumber issue. But I think heâd do this mostly because he sees the PRC as an ideological ally. The chances of him getting elected this time are very, very slim, though.
And while they are improving techniques to extract oil from the tar sands, itâs still a very expensive and time-consuming process. Not to mention, the quality of the oil just isnât all that good compared to the black gold in the Middle East. Unfortunately, weâll all have to depend on Middle Eastern oil for a long time.
#7
Why are'nt we subsidising this form of oil production. If these places were able to go on line in one year (I know that can't happen now), Venazaula, and the Middle East would be hurt almost instantly. We could punish them without sending our best to stop them. Seems that subsidising would be the cheap way.
Recovery from tar sands requires very large capital investment that is repaid over a very long time. In order to make the investment pay off, the price must consistently remain above some floor level at which it makes a profit.
The current oil market is very volatile. The price can crash or skyrocket in a matter of weeks.
In order to provide the minimum return the market requires, we should not subsidize oil developers, but assure that oil prices do not fall below a floor at which they can make a profit through an import duty. If the tar sands can be developed at a profit when the price is $50 per barrel, we should put a duty on imported oil that brings its price to $50. If the oil is purchased for $35 per barrel, the duty is $15. If the price is $55, the duty is $0. This would assure that the tar sands were developed using investor greed instead of the corruptible government largesse of subsidies.
#10
massive build out of wind, solar and nuclear plants, increased ethanol production and flex-fuel supercharged plug-in hybrids would eliminate the need for importing oil. Could be done in less than 10 years.
#12
Nimble Spemble, great point. But I don't think you even need to do that... the tar sand people could do it themselves by shorting oil futures and lock in their returns. No need to get the gov't involved... free market is fully equipped to handle volatility in pricing.
#15
How long before it begins to affect price though. Venzauala, Saudi Arabia, Iran, are only able to do as they please because of oil. They have no other real export of much value other than illegal product (illeagal in the west)
#16
If we could stop the envirowackos from shutting down US exploration, we could be energy-indepentent in two years. That's the major problem, not a lack of resources. There are enough coal seams in the Rocky Mountains to supply LPG to every customer in the United States for the next 80+ years. The recovery technology is in place, and we're already producing. There are dozens of really DEEP oilfields that aren't being produced because the expense is too high at the moment, but $60/bbl will change that - IF the price stays that high long enough. A friend of mine developed a technology to extract oil from oil shale for $45/bbl, but it took too much water - water that couldn't be supplied then, and really isn't available now. Shipping oil shale to somewhere else where there IS water is expensive.
We need three things to increase US energy independence: modernization of existing facilities (refineries, oil pipeline networks, power lines, rail links, ports, harbors, etc.), development of both new facilities (refineries especially) and alternative facilities (nuclear, nonconventional, etc.), and restructuring and reducing the financial and legal tangle to provide better incentives for both traditional and non-traditional energy production. There are dozens of allied groups doing everything possible to sabotage all three programs. We, the people that are most affected by all this, need to put a stop to their sabotage, and hold them accountable. That includes hanging a former impeached president and his co-conspirator.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
01/13/2006 18:42 Comments ||
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#17
"the tar sand people"
Good name for a band. Adjustments req'd for an SUV name, though.
Republican National Committee member has gathered enough signatures to engineer a party vote next week on a resolution that calls for tougher immigration and border enforcement and opposes a guest-worker plan in what could be a head-to-head showdown on President Bush's signature immigration proposal.
#1
I'm not against a guest-worker program. I am against using a "guestworker" program as a back-door amnesty. I think it would be a good idea to have a large number of Mexican citizens in good standing sign up for guest worker visas that would allow them to enter the US to pick fruit and vegetables, to do other seasonal work, and to even fill long-term jobs where there's a demand. There are several ways to handle it, though, and neither party has made any real attempt to define the program. With current computer capabilities there's no reason we cannot create a national database of APPROVED guest-workers, especially those that have entered the US before, then gone back to Mexico once their work was done. I think such a program would help reduce the number of illegals considerably, and give the US a better handle of who's in the country. It would also reduce the incentive for people to hire human smugglers, and make it easier to pot the bad guys who violate our border for criminal reasons (fewer "civilian" casualties when we do get nasty). It's going to take compromise, ingenuity, and initiative to develop a border policy that works. Right now, neither side is actually working to make things better.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
01/13/2006 18:59 Comments ||
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#2
Guestworker program OK, AFTER the border's sealed and secured and the program works as OP sez above. VFox and Friends can blow himself if he doesn't like it
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/13/2006 19:41 Comments ||
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The leader of a large Shiite mosque in Queens has joined the new Iranian president in disputing the Holocaust, saying the Nazi massacre of an estimated 6 million Jews during World War II "has been exaggerated."
"The numbers which have been mentioned are too much," the spiritual leader of the Imam Al Khoei Islamic Center in Jamaica, Sheik Fadhel al Sahlani, told The New York Sun. Sheik al Sahlani, who said his mosque has a membership of about 3,000, said that the killing of innocent Jews during the war was "an injustice" but that the extent of Nazi persecution needed further examination. "The numbers, the reasons, we have to study more," he said.
In that light, Sheik al Sahlani voiced his support for Iran's proposal to hold a conference on the Holocaust in Tehran, saying there is "nothing wrong with studying more." The conference is likely to include scholars who deny that the Holocaust took place.
The sheik's skepticism about the Holocaust follows President Ahmadinejad's recent statements that the genocide of the Jews is a "myth" and that Israel should be "wiped off the map." Sheik al Sahlani said that the Iranian leader's call for an end to Israel was not practical, but added, "It is a kind of dream, but we have to be realistic. Even we have to accept a fact that we don't like."
Many Muslim leaders in New York are rejecting such fiery rhetoric about Israel and the Holocaust, saying the comments will not help defuse tension in the Middle East.
In a survey by the Sun of more than a dozen Muslim leaders across the city, only Sheik al Sahlani voiced agreement with Mr. Ahmadinejad's statement about the Holocaust. Most imams, mosque administrators, and officials at Islamic organizations strongly denounced the Iranian leader's comments. Some called the remarks "irresponsible" or "offensive," and others said they should not be taken seriously.
"For him to make stupid comments like that, I don't even think the Iranian people think like that," the president of Masjid Ar-Rahman at 80 Madison Avenue, Firoz Shaikh, said. He added that there is little doubt about the Holocaust in the Muslim community. "Of course it happened. It was atrocious."
The director of the Muslim Center of New York, Mohammad Sherwani, called the Holocaust the "greatest injustice" and suggested Mr. Ahmadinejad was "going bananas."
"How can he say that?" Mr. Sherwani said. "Nobody can deny who knows history that the Holocaust happened."
Other imams interviewed by the Sun professed to have little knowledge about the details of the Holocaust but did express skepticism that 6 million was an accurate figure for the number of Jews killed.
#4
I want this SOB deported so fast that there's a popping sound made by the air rushing back in to fill the space his body previously occupied. Other popping sounds more typically associated with muzzle discharges would be equally welcome.
#5
I'd choose to fill him with giggle juice, put him on the mind-bender diet, and torture him on the waterboard. But that's just me. I'm "inhumane" when it comes to people who are part of the "Kill the Infidels!" game. It stems from my infidel status, I guess.
Phones Can Be Difficult or Impossible to Track; Large Quantities Purchased in California, Texas
Federal agents have launched an investigation into a surge in the purchase of large quantities of disposable cell phones by individuals from the Middle East and Pakistan, ABC News has learned.
The growing use of the throwaway cell phones has been cited by President Bush as an important justification for expanding the wiretap laws under the Patriot Act. Buried deep in the text, but too important to leave there ;-)
"There's very little audit trail assigned to this phone. One can walk in, purchase it in cash, you don't have to put down a credit card, buy any amount of minutes to it, and you don't, frankly, know who bought this," said Jack Cloonan, a former FBI official who is now an ABC News consultant.
In one New Year's Eve transaction at a Target store in Hemet, Calif., 150 disposable tracfones were purchased. Suspicious store employees notified police, who called in the FBI, law enforcement sources said. Thank goodness for suspicious store employees!
In an earlier incident, at a Wal-mart store in Midland, Texas, on December 18, six individuals attempted to buy about 60 of the phones until store clerks became suspicious and notified the police. A Wal-mart spokesperson confirmed the incident.
The Midland, Texas, police report dated December 18 and obtained by ABC News states: "Information obtained by MPD [Midland Police Department] dispatch personnel indicated that approximately six individuals of Middle-Eastern origin were attempting to purchase an unusually large quantity of tracfones (disposable cell phones with prepaid minutes attached)." At least one of the suspects was identified as being from Iraq and another from Pakistan, officials said. "Upon the arrival of officers, suspects were observed moving away from the registers â appearing to evade detection while ridding themselves of the merchandise."
Other reports have come in from other cities, including Dallas, and from authorities in other states. Authorities in Pennsylvania, New York and other parts of Texas confirmed that they were alerted to the cases, and sources say other jurisdictions were also notified.
The Midland, Texas, arrest report police also identified the individuals as linked to a terror cell. "Evasive responses provided by the subjects, coupled with actions observed by officers at the onset of the contact prompted the notification of local FBI officials to assist in the investigation," the report said. "Upon the arrival of special agents, and as a result of subsequent interviews, it was discovered that members of the group were linked to suspected terrorist cells stationed within the Metroplex. In addition, special agents reported that similar incidents centering on the large-scale purchases of tracfones had been reported throughout the nation â identifying individuals of Middle-Eastern descent as the purchasers."
"Upon conclusion of the initial investigation, three of the suspects were taken into custody on immigration violations, with one individual arrested for possession of marijuana â the drug having been discovered during the search of the group's vehicle. Also found within the green 2002 Kia van were additional cell phones, the total believed to be approximately 60."
FBI officials told ABC News that while the cases may wind up in the hands of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the FBI would benefit from any intelligence gleaned and would take the lead if a solid terrorist connection emerged. Deport the fools! They don't deserve to live here.
#1
Let's see the NY Slimes article on NSA was published in the December 16, 2005, front-page article.
The first mass purchase was on December 18th.
Could it be the terrors are readers of the NY Slimes?
Me thinks so.
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/13/2006 17:06 Comments ||
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#2
Heh, CA - spot-on. They represent the "new subscribers" to the Flagship Paper of Dhimmitude, Tranzi kow-towing, and Kool Aid. Pinch, baby, you're fortune is slowly toasting. Hope you hang on til you're totally broke.
And I salute and thank the employees of these places where their suspicions were aroused enough to report them! Thanks! They, obviously, don't read the NYT, lol.
EFL
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents caught a California homicide suspect Wednesday morning after they pulled over a suspicious-looking vehicle driving on Interstate 10 near Blythe, according to a Border Patrol news release. He was taken into custody at the Blythe station, where agents routinely scanned the suspect's fingerprints by pressing them against a computer touchscreen. The computer system then ran the detainee's prints through a national database, Yuma Sector spokesman Michael Gramley said. They found he was wanted in connection with a homicide in San Joaquin Valley, Calif. The suspect was turned over to Riverside County Sheriffâs Office for extradition on the warrant, according to a Border Patrol news release.
The fingerprint database that the agents used to match the suspect with his warrant is called the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, the release said. "It's a computer that scans all 10 fingerprints of subject and compares them to fingerprints on file in a national database," Gramley said.
Since Oct. 1, 2005, CBP agents nationwide have used IAFIS technology to help identify more than 30,000 subjects involved in crimes, including 114 homicide suspects, according to Border Patrol statistics.
After the U.S. military invaded Afghanistan to oust its Taliban rulers, authorities found a locker full of applications to join al Qaeda's holy war overseas.
A prosecutor produced the alleged document for the first time Thursday in Miami federal court, where Padilla pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges that he was a recruit for a North American terrorist cell with South Florida links that aided Islamic jihad abroad.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Garber denied bond for Padilla, who had been held in military detention for about four years before his transfer to Miami to face a criminal indictment.
''It was recovered by U.S. personnel in late 2001 after the United States began bombing Afghanistan,'' Justice Department lawyer Stephanie Pell said, referring to Padilla's alleged al Qaeda application.
She added it was found among 80 to 100 other mujahadeen (holy warrior) applications found in the country, which harbored al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden before he masterminded the Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. terrorist attacks.
''Several links in this case prove this is his document,'' Pell said after submitting it at Padilla's bond hearing.
Pell said Padilla's July 24, 2000, application was authenticated by a ''cooperating government witness'' convicted in an unrelated case who had once filled out the same Arabic ''mujahadeen data form.'' She said Padilla's date of birth, Oct. 18, 1970, was on his application along with his adopted Muslim name, Abu Abdullah Al Mujahir.
She said his co-conspirators and others called him ''The Puerto Rican,'' a reference to the American-born Padilla's Hispanic heritage.
Padilla's attorney, Michael Caruso, questioned the authenticity of Padilla's alleged mujahadeen application, saying there was ''no direct evidence'' he filled out the form.
He asked Garber three times if he could call an FBI agent to the witness stand to ask about the document. Garber rejected his requests.
Caruso went on to describe the indictment against his client as ``vacant.''
Padilla, 35, whose mother, stepfather and stepbrother attended the court hearing, expressed no emotion during the hearing.
Prosecutors described Padilla as a danger to the community because of his criminal history in both Chicago and Broward and a flight risk because of his contacts overseas.
The magistrate judge agreed, denying his release before his September trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Padilla was arrested by the FBI in Chicago in May 2002 upon his return from Pakistan after allegedly training with al Qaeda operatives in the Middle East.
But the criminal charges outlined in the indictment against Padilla are different from the ''dirty bomber'' accusation that had landed him in U.S. military detention for about four years.
The government had accused him of plotting to detonate a radioactive bomb on American soil.
Padilla's status as an enemy combatant changed last week with his transfer from a South Carolina naval brig to the Miami Federal Detention Center. The move -- sought by the Bush administration -- was made immediately following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow Padilla's transfer into the criminal justice system.
In the South Florida case, prosecutors say the five-member North American cell was headed by a Palestinian computer programmer from Sunrise, Adham Amin Hassoun. Hassoun, Padilla and three others are charged with conspiring to kill people in foreign countries and provide material support for terrorists.
The case is built on thousands of government wiretaps of the alleged terrorist cell's telephone conversations from 1993 to 2001.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
01/13/2006 10:16 ||
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#1
They have job applications? What's their 401K like?
#5
I've actually seen a couple of these and yes, they are every bit as nutty as you can imagine. A lot of the bureaucratic stuff we found in Afghanistan is beyond parody.
Posted by: Dan Darling ||
01/13/2006 10:53 Comments ||
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#6
was there an essay questionon it? Jeebus?
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/13/2006 11:30 Comments ||
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#7
But somehow the CIA couldn't get a man in. However, it does have lots of ability to leak national security info to allies of al Qaeda. Sheeessssh!!!
Posted by: ed ||
01/13/2006 07:55 ||
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#1
Thanks for posting this, ed. A Cambodian lad, whose family was killed by the Khmer Rouge, joined the American Army because of his appreciation for the country which took him in. Not only joined the Army, but has spent 15 years in the Special Forces. And considers himself just an ordinary man, nothing special, not like his sergeant, whose parents he has to tell about the hero's death of their son. What a country this must be, to earn the loyalty of men like him!
His conclusion (in an op-ed in the New York Times, no less!). go read the whole thing -- it isn't very long.
There is, of course, still much to be done. American troops and Iraqis continue to die battling criminal elements of the Saddam Hussein regime and Qaeda terrorists. President Bush has correctly identified Iraq as the central front in the war on terrorism, as Osama bin Laden himself acknowledged when he told his followers "the third world war has begun in Iraq" and that it would "end there in victory and glory, or misery and humiliation."
Despite these enormous stakes, some Americans have called for setting a timetable for our withdrawal or even pulling out now. This would be a historic mistake: a betrayal of the sacrifices Americans and Iraqis have made; a victory of the terrorists everywhere; and step toward a more dangerous world.
#1
Why didn't Bremer leak this shit to NY Slimes "reporters"? Furkristsake
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/13/2006 17:17 Comments ||
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#2
Excerpt from Bremer's book at the National Review: âGiving Birthâ
In this excerpt, Ambassador Bremer recalls Sunday, July 13, 2003, when the Iraqi Governing Council met the press for the first time.
Posted by: ed ||
01/13/2006 17:47 Comments ||
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In the midst of Iraq's violence, Ali Allawi, Iraq's Finance Minister, is starting to impose order on Iraq's chaotic finances. In the latest milestone, most of the nation's largest corporate creditors, dating back to before the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, have accepted a deal to swap the bulk of Iraq's commercial debt -- nearly $14 billion -- for new dollar-denominated notes. The notes will have a face value of 20% of what the companies are owed. "This will make it easier for Iraq to start getting the type of credits it needs for trade and business," says William Rhodes, senior vice-chairman of Citigroup (C), which arranged the debt deal together with J.P. Morgan.
The pact gives Iraq an important shot at rebuilding credibility in global financial markets at a time when the U.S. is expected to begin trimming its aid for the Iraqi economy. The securities, which will have a coupon of 5.8% per year, should start trading Jan. 19. They're expected to be in demand, in part because they're backed by the world's second-largest oil reserves.
The bond issue is just Iraq's most recent move to shore up its finances. When Saddam Hussein was ousted in early 2003, Iraqis were left with an estimated $130 billion in debt. Iraqi officials have been hacking away at it ever since the U.S. led coalition handed power over to a local government in 2004. Early on, they cut a deal with government creditors such as France, Italy, and the U.S. to reschedule some $40 billion.
Under the terms of this deal, 80% or more of the debt is likely to be written off if Iraq continues economic reforms. Iraq doesn't want to continue in "a financial twilight zone," Allawi says. It also pays 5% of its oil revenues, budgeted at $30 billion for 2006, to pay off reparations to Kuwait and other entities damaged by the 1990 invasion.
Though numbers are smaller, restructuring Iraq's private-sector debt is even more critical for restoring its reputation in the international business community. At first glance, private companies balked at the prospect of getting no more than 20 cents on the dollar for the money owed them. But nearly all of them have knuckled under, concluding it was likely the best deal they would ever get.
How the new Iraqi notes trade will be an important indicator of the country's world standing. The companies that receive the securities are expected to begin selling them to financial players, including emerging-markets funds and hedge funds. Market participants think they'll find takers, especially since the notes will probably trade at a discount and thus yield 10% or so. "We expect a lot of interest from Arab funds, Europe, and the U.S.," says Mike Noone, head of sovereign research at Exotix, a London brokerage.
The risks are substantial. No amount of restructuring will make much difference unless Iraq's political turmoil stabilizes and the violence calms down. Still, unless Iraq collapses completely, its financial leaders should be able to keep edging the country's finances in the right direction.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/13/2006 00:44 ||
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Good. Another quiet step toward the establishment of the rule of law, this time on the financial side. And that this was undertaken by the Iraqis themselve, not by the Americans on their behalf, bespeaks a certain maturing of Iraqi society. Not that Iraq is yet anywhere near America-lite, but they are definitely climbing the learning curve.
The US military predicted yesterday that violence would increase around Iraq as final results from last monthâs elections are released and political groups forge ahead with forming a new government. Brig. Gen. Donald Alston, spokesman for the US-led coalition force, said in Baghdad that a series of âhorrific attacksâ that left at least 500 people dead since the Dec. 15 elections were an indication that insurgents were trying to take the opportunity of the transition to a new government in an effort destabilize the democratic process. âAs democracy advances in the form of election results and government formation, and as the military pressure continues, and the pressure generated by political progress increases, we expect more violence across Iraq,â he said at a news briefing.
Final election results are expected to be released early next week. Alston said that as a new government starts coming together âthose committed to seeing democracy fail will see this time of transition as an opportunity to attack the innocent people of Iraq.â
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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Iraq's former deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, may have less than a month to live after suffering a cerebral embolism, his lawyer has said. Badie Arif Ezzat told the Al-Hayat Arab newspaper on Thursday that Tareq Aziz, one of the most recognisable figures from Saddam Hussein's deposed regime, is "in agony and I do not expect him to live more than a month" following the cerebral embolism and heart problems.
Anyone tell Pat Robertson?
A cerebral embolism occurs when a blood clot creates a blockage in an artery in the brain and is a common cause of a stroke. Ezzat did not say when Aziz, 69, had been struck by the illnesses but noted that the deterioration was apparent when he visited several of his clients to mark the Muslim Eid Al-Adha festival which started on Tuesday.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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I should have read the article first. I thought maybe there was no point in a trial, they were just going to string him up.
#2
in agony and I do not expect him to live more than a month
I can live with that. But put the bastard on trial now, and convict him quickly, so that his death sentence steals the last few minutes from his life as he enabled life to be stolen from others. Let him face the judgement of his god after he faces that of those he wronged. Vengeance may be claimed by God, but Man is perfectly capable of justice untempered by unjustifiable mercy.
#3
Security guards surround Iraqâs Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz (C) as he arrives at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on Thursday. "Iraqi missiles are within the limits set by the United Nations," Aziz said, dismissing suggestions that Baghdad's rocket programme was in breach of UN resolutions. â Reuters photos
Israel's right-wing Likud party will face fresh turmoil before the forthcoming general election as cabinet ministers rebel against an order from their leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, to quit the country's coalition government. Israeli media reports suggested that the four ministers - Silvan Shalom, the foreign minister, Limor Livnat, responsible for education, Yisrael Katz, the agriculture minister and the health minister, Danny Naveh - were to defy Netanyahu.
Netanyahu was elected as Likud leader last month after Ariel Sharon, who helped found the party, split it by leaving to form his own centrist party, Kadima. He had been frustrated by criticism from the right of the party over his withdrawal from Gaza. The walkout had been planned for earlier in the week but was postponed out of respect for the prime minister who suffered a stroke last week and is now in a critical condition in hospital. Netanyahu ordered the ministers to tender their resignations from the government on Thursday morning, shortly before voting begins to determine the list of Likud candidates to run in national elections on 28 March. Reports on Israeli radio on Thursday said that the ministers refused to comply and instead said that they would resign only on Sunday.
One unnamed minister was quoted by the YNETnews website as saying: "We won't obey [Netanyahu's] orders to resign." The order was issued by Netanyahu on the eve of Likud's primary elections. The aim was to pressure ministers to follow through on his instructions or risk not winning a place on the party ticket.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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Ehud Olmert, Israel's acting prime minister, has told George Bush, the US president, that there could be no progress in the Middle East peace process if Hamas enters a Palestinian government.
On Thursday, in their first telephone conversation since Ariel Sharon was admitted to hospital, Olmert updated the US president on Sharon's health. The leaders also discussed this month's Palestinian parliamentary election which is being contested by the Islamist movement Hamas, the prime minister's office said. Olmert told Bush that Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader must "take steps against terrorism and disband the terrorist organisations because otherwise there can be no progress with an administration in which there are terrorist organisations as members".
Hamas is contesting the parliamentary elections for a first time on 25 January, giving the ruling Fatah faction the first real run for its money. A statement said: "Acting Prime Minister Olmert said that the Israeli people appreciated US President Bush's determination to fight terrorism and not compromise with it. The US president replied there can be no differentiation between kinds of terrorism and said that there can be no peace with terrorist organisations. He emphasised that the Palestinian Authority had to prove that it was able to act against terrorism and added that the US is working to establish democratic institutions in the PA that will advance peace and not terrorism."
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Taking down Iran will help this. Iran funds large segments of Hamas. Cut the Iranian funding and they will dry up.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
01/13/2006 7:31 Comments ||
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Amen, 49pan. Funding is the nexus that allows the assholes to play jihadi.
EFL
President Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood together Friday in urging U.N. intervention if Iran does not retreat from a resumption of its nuclear program. The world needs to "send a common message to Iran that their behavior ... is unacceptable," Bush said. Was TGA there?
Merkel used similar words, and she also condemned statements by Iran's leader challenging Israel's right to exist. "We will not be intimidated by a country such as Iran," she said.
Bush assailed what he called Iran's efforts "to clandestinely develop a nuclear weapon, or using the guise of a civilian nuclear weapon program to get the know-how to develop a nuclear weapon."
Going through the motions of Taking the matter to the Security Council, as Germany, France and Britain recommended on Thursday, is the logical next step, Bush said. "We want an end result to be acceptable, which will yield peace, which is that the Iranians not have a nuclear weapon in which to blackmail and-or threaten the world," Bush said.
Both Bush and Merkel said they discussed Iran at length. In two years of difficult negotiations between European nations and Iran, "Iran refused every offer we made," Merkel said.
"It's very important for non-transparent societies to not have the capacity to blackmail free societies," Bush asserted.
Merkel took power last November after an extremely close and protracted race with Schroeder. Bush jokingly likened that race, which took almost two months to resolve, to his own victory in 2000 over Democrat Al Gore, which was decided only after weeks of suspense by a Supreme Court decision. "We didn't exactly landslide our way into office," Bush said.
Schroeder's opposition to the U.S.-led war that deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein so damaged the German's relationship with Bush that the president refused at times to speak to Schroeder on the telephone. Merkel, by contrast, is more in tune with Bush's conservative politics. Merkel also was to meet with members of Congress and planned to attend a ceremony at the newly renovated headquarters of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Considering the Socialists have most of the important cabinet positions, I figured Merkel would be impotent to make any significant actions. I'm still skeptical, but maybe, just maybe...
Iran has alarmed the international community by removing the seals at its nuclear fuel research sites - but experts say it is several years away from being capable of producing a nuclear bomb.
There are two routes to producing an atomic weapon: using either highly enriched uranium, or separated plutonium, and Iran could pursue either or both routes. Regarding uranium, Iran has already embarked on the first step of the purification process necessary to ultimately produce weapons-grade material.
It has produced reconstituted uranium - what is known as "yellow cake" - at its uranium conversion facility at Isfahan.
However, the influential London-based think tank The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said in a report in September that this was contaminated and was not currently useable.
Supposing Iran solves this problem, it then needs to embark on the process of enriching the uranium. For uranium to work in a nuclear reactor, it needs only a small amount of enrichment. Weapons-grade uranium must be highly enriched. Gas centrifuges are one way of enriching uranium.
Iran already has 164 centrifuge machines installed at its pilot centrifuge plant at Natanz, but that is only a fifth of the total it needs before it is fully operational. The commercial-scale facility could ultimately house as many as 50,000 centrifuges, according to some estimates.
Mark Fitzpatrick, senior fellow for non-proliferation at the IISS, says Iran has another 1,000 centrifuges dating to before it temporarily suspended enrichment in 2003. But these have not been tested to ensure they still work.
Tehran might possibly have parts for a further 1,000 centrifuges, Mr Fitzpatrick told the BBC News website. Frank Barnaby, consultant for the UK security think tank the Oxford Research Group, agrees that Iran does not yet have a critical number of centrifuges in place.
"They don't currently have enough centrifuges working - so far as we know - to produce significant amounts of highly-enriched uranium or even enriched uranium. They would need a lot more," he told the BBC News website.
Even if the plant is made fully operational, it is currently configured to produce low enriched uranium (LEU) rather than the weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium (HEU). So given these limitations, the IISS believes it would take Iran at least a decade to produce enough HEU for a single nuclear weapon.
Dr Barnaby agrees.
"The CIA says 10 years to a bomb using highly enriched uranium and that is a reasonable and realistic figure in my opinion," he said.
Iran could alternatively use plutonium to produce nuclear weapons, but this route is also problematic for Tehran, analysts say. Plutonium can be produced as a by-product of fission carried out by Iran's Russian-built nuclear power reactor at Bushehr.
The IISS says Iran would need to build a reprocessing plant suited to the fuel used in Bushehr and this would be very technically challenging. But according to Dr Barnaby, useful reprocessing could be carried out over a short period using a suitably equipped chemical laboratory.
Iran is also constructing a heavy-water research reactor at Arak, which Dr Barnaby says would "very efficiently produce plutonium of the sort that is good for nuclear weapons." But this will not be ready until at least 2014, and probably later, the IISS has said. "And anyway, the Iranians are a primitive, childlike people who only care about peace, so they would never do anything as unfriendly as build a bomb."
#3
Based on this report, I predict Iran will test their first nuke before the 4th of July, 2006. The only open question is whether that test will be over a city, a group of US ships in the Persian Gulf, or underground like everyone else.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
01/13/2006 12:43 Comments ||
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#2 I'm sure its yet another CIA 'Slam dunk'.....
Posted by: CrazyFool 2006-01-13 12:24
Psssssst...."Show them the IRAQ WMD trailer slides Mr. Secretary, show them the WMD trailer slides.....Yes, George. Yes, George."
#5
The CIA, like Besoeker, has failed so miserably in their ability to analyse the obvious (such as the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of the Islamists) that when they speak, no one listens.
#6
IF the IAEA, the biggest pussweeds in the world, think Iran is "months away from a bomb" we should be worried. They have stymied this process for a long time, now they want to move in and shut them down.
Iran already has 164 centrifuge machines installed at its pilot centrifuge plant at Natanz, but that is only a fifth of the total it needs before it is fully operational. The commercial-scale facility could ultimately house as many as 50,000 centrifuges, according to some estimates.
That's one.
Iran could alternatively use plutonium to produce nuclear weapons, but this route is also problematic for Tehran, analysts say. Plutonium can be produced as a by-product of fission carried out by Iran's Russian-built nuclear power reactor at Bushehr.
That makes two.
Iran is also constructing a heavy-water research reactor at Arak, which Dr Barnaby says would "very efficiently produce plutonium of the sort that is good for nuclear weapons." But this will not be ready until at least 2014, and probably later, the IISS has said.
That's three.
Three choke points to target. Not bad. Thank you, IISS!
#9
This is about the same as tracking a terrorist cell but waiting until they blast through a cockpit door before arresting them. Saddam's WMDs may be fantasy or they may be buried somewhere, but I'm relieved that we've put him out of business. And Saddam seems like a reasonable man compared to that nutjob president of Iran. Don't risk my civilization on ASSumptions about what Iran has and doesn't have. They've already made plenty of statements tantamount to declarations of war, and they've made it clear that they have plans to do some serious underground work. They're not looking for carrots down there, doc.
Posted by: Captain America ||
01/13/2006 17:20 Comments ||
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With the technology available at that time and after all the research done the Manhattan Project took 3 years to make a bomb. 10 years in the 21st C seems ludicrous
The UK, France and Germany say the time has come for the Council to deal with the issue, although they say talk of sanctions against Iran is premature. The US also wants the UN to confront Iranian "defiance" over its programme. The US and some European states believe Iran is covertly seeking to develop nuclear arms, but Tehran denies this. The crisis intensified this week when Iran removed seals at three nuclear facilities following a two-year freeze.
Fighters deploy
Coinciding with increased tensions with Iran over the resumption of illicit uranium enrichment, the U.S. Air Force has dispatched additional warplanes to the region in a not-so-subtle sign, military sources say.
An entire wing of F-16s, the Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing based in Fort Wayne, Ind., left for a base in southwest Asia on Tuesday. A wing is usually about 72 aircraft and several hundred support personnel.
F-16s and support personnel from the 4th Fighter Squadron of the 388th Fighter Wing based at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, also deployed recently to Iraq. The squadron has 12 F-16s.
Both units' F-16s could be used in any military operation to take out Iranian nuclear facilities.
A spokesman for the U.S. Central Command Air Forces, which runs air operations in the region, said the F-16 deployment of about 80 jets is part of a rotation and is not related to Iran's uranium reprocessing
nosirreee
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/13/2006 11:37 Comments ||
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#1
Lol. If Jackson calls her "Sister Maryam", well, that's the kiss of death. Hard to begrudge State with getting one right, given how much festering puss-filled disease they've spread in my / our name, but it certainly sounds like they did. I'd like to thank the anti-American Moonbats who endorse this group - they certainly helped clarify the issue for me.
Thx for the post, CU - I've had some doubts and you've helped me put them to rest with this article. ;-)
Israeli military planners have more confidence in the success of an attack on Iran's nuclear weapons facilities and have already begun sending signals to Tehran that it will not be permitted to threatened the Jewish state with annihilation, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin today.
The new government of acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also wants the mullah government in the Islamic republic to understand that the incapacitation of Ariel Sharon will not leave Israel in any less state of military readiness, G2 Bulletin sources say.
Yesterday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed strong U.S. support for a European move to take the issue of Iran's nuclear program to the U.N. Security Council. The secretary accused Iran of deliberately escalating the confrontation over the issue, but said the United States still hopes for a diplomatic solution.
The secretary of state endorsed the European decision in a statement to reporters, saying "provocative" Iranian actions in recent days had shattered the basis for further talks between Iran and three European nations.
The U.S. is certain that Iran's "civilian" nuclear program conceals an ambitious secret weapons effort.
The secretary said it was premature to talk about possible U.N. sanctions or whether permanent Security Council members Russia and China, which have extensive commercial dealings with Iran, could be persuaded to support them.
She plans to speak with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing as part of a far-reaching U.S. diplomatic push on the Iran issue.
The secretary said since he came to power last year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has done nothing but confront the international system on the nuclear issue with outrageous statements, the likes of which, she said, "have not been made in polite company" in many years.
Ahmadinejad has called for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth and suggested that the Jewish state be moved to Europe. He also denied the Holocaust ever happened.
Israel has no illusions about the U.N. solving the crisis.
G2 Bulletin sources say a recent statement by the Israeli military chief of intelligence, Gen. Aharon Zeevi-Farkash, that March 1 would be the time limit for diplomatic means to deter Iran's plans was actually an implied warning to Iran.
Sources in Tel Aviv and in several European capitals, say Zeevi's remarks were based on a military-planned timetable and a possible D-Day to take the Iranian military nuclear plant out of the picture.
Gen. Dan Halutz, Israel's chief of staff and former air force commander, intentionally selected to be the first chief of staff to come from the air force, last week said there are several military means to deal with the problem.
Although his statement was somewhat vague, Halutz is known for his verbal restraint. Sources say he is certain the Israeli military machine would be as effective against the Iranian project as it was in 1981 against the Iraqi Ossiraq nuclear site.
Sources in Israel also believe public disclosures about the Israeli air force's "anti-aircraft imaging unit" are significant. The Israel air force magazine re-published a story in December 2005 under the title: "Know Thy Enemy." It dealt specifically with the anti-aircraft missile threat, which could be the major obstacle in taking out the Iranian system. The special unit's existence was until recently classified as top secret.
Since 1996, the air force and the Rafael Weapons Development Authority have been jointly operating a unit of Soviet anti-aircraft systems similar to those in service in the Middle East. The unit, based on thorough knowledge of Russian-made systems, is instrumental in the training of Israeli air force fighter pilots on how to survive anti-aircraft and radar threats, sometimes thousands of kilometers away from base. The unit also operates weapon systems captured from Arab armies, undisclosed purchased equipment and secret computer developments of systems identical to anti-aircraft systems used by Iran, and even systems directly ordered by Iran from the Russians to protect their nuclear assets, G2 Bulletin reported.
The Israelis have also received help from former Soviet or Russian anti-aircraft officers who immigrated to Israel.
The air force also chose to reveal details of its cooperation with the Turkish air force including the deployment of Israeli fighter jets in Turkey and Turkish squadrons in Israel as part of a joint training program. Even Greece, which for years rejected any cooperation with Israel, recently announced its air force is also fully cooperating with the Israeli air force.
This cooperation with regional air forces, especially with Turkey, which borders Iran in the east, is highly significant when mentioned in uncensored air force publications, reports G2 Bulletin.
#2
my faith in this issue being resolved peacefully is still almost nothing, the EU three as they call themselves have been absolutly blagged by Iran on this nuclear problem and havn't got a chance of getting anywhere with the mad Mullahs in terms of sorting this out. Its very disturbing that even someone such as myself with zero qualifications and no job can figure out that Iran have been blagging the world all along and have no intention of cooperating with the rest of the world on this issue, just how the hell can the worlds suppossedly smartest goverments not see this for what it is???? Incomptetance on a level and scale far beyond what was seen during the pre World War Two days when it comes to dealing with this problem. Every single lesson that should have been learnt by the Euros after World War Two has been completely and utterly trashed. I see no peacefull outcome to this thanks to this bumbling incompitance/appeasement by the world and i just hope that Israel has the courage to go through with an attack regardless of what the 'UN' or 'EU' say should be done. Time is running out rapidly, i personally can't beleive how fast the last few years watching this has past and while the T.V camera's and 'journalists' along with alot rantburgers have been transfixed on Iraq the real big challenge is only just coming to the attention of the worlds media and its mainstream viewers. The media war is in my opinion already lost thanks to the medias stunningly bad and unfair portrait of the Iraq war and thier general fawning for dictators/nut job leaders. where does that leave us then? well i think Israel will do it with overflight rights from turky and the unoffically Iraq with US permission and support, possibly operating out of forward operating bases hastily set up in the deserts and unpopulated Iraqi regions for several days to increase the tempo of operations, US eagles could secure Irqi airspace im sure from any Iranian air intruders,Israeli subs may also provide a fair few large warheads to add to the attack, perhaps hitting Iranian targets in the furthest of place,i've no idea what the missile resupply rate for the subs are but im sure they wouldnt be a one shot asset. Maybe throw in some specforces stuff on the ground front and in several days maybe a week Irans program can be put back several years if not a decade,if they retalitate then hit their Oil industry hard in a few key places and knock out all thier power too,ah while your at it kill off the goverment too. Just how far do Israel need to escalate this, to the point of wiping out the whole of Irans military or just a campaign against the nuclear facilities? that is now my biggest question.
Posted by: Shep UK ||
01/13/2006 9:16 Comments ||
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#4
Eventually, after all is said and done, I again foresee a Middle East Common Market, with Turkey and Iraq as its anchor states. As ridiculous as it sounds now, Israel could also be part of this economic confederation.
As more and more countries in the region become true and stable democracies, the advantages of joining such an organization become irresistable.
Posted by: Red Dog ||
01/13/2006 9:38 Comments ||
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#6
Gen. Dan Halutz, Israel's chief of staff and former air force commander, intentionally selected to be the first chief of staff to come from the air force, last week said there are several military means to deal with the problem.
Although his statement was somewhat vague, Halutz is known for his verbal restraint. Sources say he is certain the Israeli military machine would be as effective against the Iranian project as it was in 1981 against the Iraqi Ossiraq nuclear site.
#7
Olmert may be even more likely to do it, to prove his cojones for the coming elections...
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/13/2006 10:20 Comments ||
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#8
Security comes from having ones offenses prepared.
Confidence comes from also having your defenses prepared.
Since Iran can only attack with missiles and aircraft, if Israel can defeat those, the *worst* that could happen for them is a stalemate.
And since they *can* inflict serious damage on Iran, even if they can't completely obliterate their nuclear program, they still win. Remember that all they are trying to do is "setback" the nuclear program by a year or two--not an impossible goal to meet.
So, bet on Israel to win.
Iran's goals, and their strategy to meet those goals, are far more difficult. To the point where several plans *must* work, or they lose. This is an invitation to defeat.
#9
With all of the stories swirling lately about potential strikes against Iran, I think the fog of pre-war (speculation, disinformation, ignorance, wishful thinking) is often worse than the fog of actual war. As formidably ignorant of military logistics as I am, I certainly can't cut through it.
I just trust that the people who can actually do something about Iran are doing their homework and won't be taken in by international or domestic political considerations.
#10
just how the hell can the worlds suppossedly smartest goverments not see this for what it is????
Shep, a large part of it is simply, MONEY. Much of Europe continues to sell commodities and technology to Iran. Given America's prohibition of exporting to this oil-rich nation, it leaves a mountain of petro-dollars to be spent elsewhere.
To date, Europe has rarely shown any compunctions with respect to taking up slack with pestilential regimes like Saddam's. I refer you to the Oil for Palaces scandal for a solid object lesson. Similarly, Russia and China are so dependent upon Iran for the hard currency (or oil) they crave that, they too, think nothing of sacrificing regional (if not global) security for the sake of the BILLIONS that flow into their coffers.
While China may be, to an extent, more immune to the burgeoning terrorist threat, Russia is most certainly NOT (see Beslan). Yet, both of these countries' economys are so pressed for hard cash that they cheerfully overlook the destabilizing ramifications of Iran's nuclear aspirations.
Europe is pretty much the same story. They are also blinded by their own self-acclaimed prowess at "nuanced negotiation" which, as you have clearly noticed, is worth squat. Still, between the hard cash and their overweening desire to play a superpower role in resolving perpetuating this crisis, they too, are entirely ineffectual in bringing any resolution.
Finally, the prolonged dithering has shown itself for the intensely damaging diplomatic boodoggle that it really is. As always, WMDs have changed the political landscape forever. The old price of temporary military buildups, to be cured by subsequent conflicts, no longer applies.
While the Europeans still rely upon this outmoded model of conflict resolution, rogue nations like Iran go about assembling a nuclear arsenal that will pose an incredible threat to the entire region. This fazes the Europeans not a whit because their own political models do not even predict the sort of mayhem that Iran promises to bring to the table.
The cash continues to flow and everyone remains fat and happy until the warheads begin to rain down. This has been Europe's old model and not much seems to have changed except for how dire the consequences of their inaction are.
#11
good post, Zenster. Isn't it interesting how history repeats itself? Russia assists the buildup of an enemy, that even a blind sheik can see they will eventually need to face (must be that ridiculous "give your an enemy a knife so he won't get a gun" philosophy that someone shared with us previously). Europe talks of appeasement and dithers, wasting the opportunity act in a position of power. Africa is used to flank the greater powers. etc.
Americans offer asstance, but then someone strikes at our homeland for assisting our allies. Then we get mad and round up a posse and hunt them down and hang em' high until Main Street is peaceful once again.
#13
Isn't it interesting how history repeats itself?
Thank you, 2b. One of my closing points is that WMDs have changed the political landscape in ways that Europe simply seems unwilling or unable to comprehend. In reality, history is not repeating itself. While previous arms build-ups were solved by large-scale conflicts, this sort of conflict resolution no longer applies in an age of WMDs.
One single nuclear assault can do so much harm that even vanquishing the aggressor does no good to repair the devastating damage done. Allowing inevitable conflict to occur no longer acts as a pressure vent valve. We have migrated into an age of pre-emption.
Countries that do not have the foresight or contingency planning to understand and act against the threat of rogue regimes and nuclear proliferation will be laid to waste. Europe is so blinded by its own presumed diplomatic brilliance that it cannot see what awaits at the end of this blind alley they are navigating.
Each year draws these procrastinating nations into a decision-tree whose branches decrease exponentially. The alternatives slam shut with alarmingly greater frequency as one progresses down this futile avenue of negotiation from a position of increasing weakness.
Europe simply does not comprehend this and it will be their doom. Societal disruption, car-b-ques, skyrocketing rape statistics, terrorist atrocities all provide ominous portents of what is soon to come. Still, none of this is taken seriously because last century's negotiating strategies have yet to be exhausted.
Iran has ZERO interest in pursuing negotiating strategies, save towards the end of being a delaying tactic. Europe refuses to admit this, as it would invalidate its precious self-image. Ergo, we have the gruesome spectacle of a continent willingly bending its neck to the sword.
Worst of all, America absolutely cannot permit Europe to surrender to the Islamists. The existing nuclear arsenals alone prohibit this. The economic imbalances and potential for crimes against humanity also preclude it as well. Should we be forced, FOR A THIRD TIME, to rescue Europe from itself, I will advocate restoring it as a protectorate of America without any say in its government until pervasive democracy is put in place.
At some point the insanity has to end. Ahmadinejad has provided a plethora of reasons why it is Iran's aspirations that must be vanquished. Just because Europe cannot realize this is no reason to restrain ourselves from halting a disaster in progress.
Well, NS, how about it? Are you unable to sufficiently assess the situation whereby conclusions can be drawn? Are you?
Here's a few to consider:
A) Is it even likely the entire European continent would willingly convert to Islam?
B) Is it more likely some attempt at forcible conversion might be imposed?
C) Is simple demographic displacement going to succeed as a means to hijack long standing national governments in the region?
D) Are sundry European nations eventually going to understand what awaits complaisance and, instead, begin to resolve the threat to their sovereignty by mass expulsions or deportations?
E) Will Islam finally manifest as such a dire global threat that so huge a body of its Middle Eastern (or South Asian) followers are incinerated, whereby its diaspora finally comprehend the criticality of peaceful assimilation?
Answers:
A) Not too likely. Retention of previous religions and the penalties of dhimmitude, which become increasingly capricious in proportion to Muslim power, would most likely be too onerous.
B) Possible, but such a naked display of force would also justify third party (American) intervention.
C) This option remains as one of the only viably "peaceful" means. Review Israel's own "redistricting" (Gaza withdrawl), so as to understand this issue. Immigration quotas, more liberal deportation criteria and highly restrictive naturalization requirements will likely be brought into play to prevent such over-running of host nations.
D) An increasing sense of empowerment within Muslim factions consistently manifests in expanded illegal or contralegal activity. This lack of restraint is one of the most persistent shortcomings of Islamic radicals. Such overstepping of bounds (as seen in Scandinavia) will sow the seeds for mass expulsions and deportations.
E) This horrific scenario becomes increasingly more probable as radicals like Ahmadinejad continue to provoke even the most sedentary opponents (i.e., Europe). Quite possibly, even a single nuclear terrorist attack could trigger a Muslim holocaust. The genocidal nature of radical Islam literally guarantees this final and most gruesome alternative.
So, NS, do you have any observations to contribute or does heavy lifting give you hives? I'm certainly interested in your take, .com.
#17
option E with heavy BBQ sauce. - the tech edge will make a "final solution" almost a real possibility this time, even given muslim numbers, if there's nobody to say: stop!
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/13/2006 19:17 Comments ||
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#18
interesting posts.
An increasing sense of empowerment within Muslim factions consistently manifests in expanded illegal or contralegal activity. This lack of restraint is one of the most persistent shortcomings of Islamic radicals. YES! Their bravado is what has gotten them as far as they have come, but as always, one's greatest strength is one's greatest weakness.
I think it will be a combination of this and the tech edge. Also, I think that we will start to see the mythical moderate Muslims in Muslim countries, fighting the Islamists. When all is said and done, this IS about power - not religion.
C. As their population ages and they need more young to empty their bed pans the Euros are going to have a harder time kicking their Arab habit than we will our Mexican. And they have no experience assimilating.
A. The entire continent, no. But you have much more confidence in the rationality of the Euros than I. I see them as the people who brought you the French Revolution, National Socialism and Soviet Communism. They have a disproportionate share of wackos because the ones with sense migrated here. Their adoption of nihilism will leave them searching for the meaning to life. Islam will provide the answer for too many.
B. When does dhimmitude turn to forced conversion? It is such a nuanced transition that the Euros will not make it clear.
As to D & E, you're an optomist. Perhaps we will save the Euros before it's too late. But in any event they no longer have the will to save themselves.
I expect the process to be completed by the end of the century. I don't expect it to happen with a big bang, but slowly with barely a whimper. The future of the U. S. will be in the Pacific. Why will the U. S. waste time defending a Europe that is no longer worth saving because it no longer exists? You may not like the ending, Zenster, but that doesn't make it less likely.
#20
It is sad to see the old homelands (for most Americans) in Europe walking down this road to oblivion. So much history and glory, and pain. Europe is the starting location that led to our civilization, to where it is today. Here is the USA.
I truly hope the US changes our immigration policies from an anti-white posture (made possibly by Ted. Really) and point it to Europe. I am sure there are 10 million good, stalwart Europeans who would love to move here if only given the chance. Think of the many European scientists and engineers who would love to innovate, which according to a study I read about today, the USA is 50 years ahead of Europe.
Let is work to open the gates to Europe, get those Dassault engineers and Porsche designers here. Those with a good future and high value. Those who can appreciate all American has to offer.
The hard part of this might be the lone 'holdouts' who resist dhimmitude. I am thinking UK and ...Denmark. The UK is easier with it's island status as long as there is any steel left in the British spine.
Denmark is much more precarious. Virtually surrounded by countries in advanced states of d'tude (dhimmi-like behaviour), they have just begun to say "Hey, wait a minute! This is Denmark, our ancestors were Vikings and we bow to no one (well, except Germans), especially such brutal savages. Now STFU and be gone". Well, maybe not that strongly, but at least they had some cartoons which upset the always-critical muzzies. Sheesh. I just hope we get all the cool Danish furniture designers and they move to North Carolina, sparking a new age in American chairs.
#21
In instance "C", I envision a more refined revolving door, much like with some portion of Hispanics in the United States whereby individuals gain fast access but are also ejected and do not obtain permanent status.
As for "A", Europe's admitted propensity for nihilism may not entirely allow them to abandon strongly entrenched state (yes, state) religions. This is why I mention the onerous and quickly abused nature of dhiummitude. A whole continent is not about to drop centuries of religious practice. Let's pause to ponder just what would happen if French Islamists tried to turn Notre Dame Cathedral into a mosque. Can you say world-wide uproar?
And "B". While the perceived transition between dhimmitude and actual conversion may seem imperceptible to you, please read up on dhimmi status and experience in ancient Spain. This is why I made specific mention of how empowered Muslims trend towards gratuitous displays of dominance. Once a chain of submission is initiated, it is doubtful in the extreme that Islamists could contain themselves and patiently await voluntary conversion. Zeal is everything to the Islamists and coercion would instantly accompany the slightest wavering.
It is these precise weaknesses of Islam that make me wonder just how well they could peaceably manage the large scale conversion of a continent long accustomed to other worship. I also think that at some point, non-Muslim nations would make a point of going in and crippling the nuclear arsenals of any countries submitting to Muslim domination. Pakistan is the poster child for what to expect vis Islamic nuclear weapons and the proliferation of said technology.
#22
Aw shit, Zen. Saw this too late to make a decent reply with any depth... and leave any time for feedback.
Quickie response - and a rather different take than you may have expected, lol...
I believe, I truly do, that some of Europe will awaken from their Nanny State soma and begin resisting - adequately - to stave off a takeover. There are mixed signals from each country, but some are encouraging.
Oddly enough, I think economics will be the key, the clarion call that has the greatest effect. The European slide will do as much as anything. They have a huge guilt deficit over, well, about many things: anti-Semitism, repeated American assistance, and so on. They can ignore it short-term, cuz they're flush with EU twits and leaders telling them what they want to hear: everything that's wrong is somebody else's (usually those damned Americans) fault. This has always, and will always, sell well. That they lack a strong sense of survival is my greatest worry.
Immigration will exacerbate the economic slide and will become the linchpin. You see it in microcosm now, but the guilt trip has held back the tidal wave, so far, as racism is the label successfully applied to any effort to shut it off. Sounds familiar, doesn't it, lol. Since we will overcome it - the idea that it isn't the knee-jerk of racism, but common sense and a prophylactic against institutional suicide will take root "over there", too, IMHO.
Some will capitulate because it's the easiest route and because they've let the game run too long. No way out. I see your option C as their fate - and it will be ugly - ugly enough to accelerate defenses against it in other places. Once a weak-sister domino or two falls, I suggest that it will serve notice to all the others - who you can bet will be watching very very closely.
Eventually, I expect that Islam - the ideology - will be seen for what it is: a blatant world dominion cult. It will become as reviled as Nazism. It will have to drastically reform to survive a global purge. Everywhere that there is bloodshed - that hasn't been there for generations - is, by and large, the handiwork of Islam. It can be curtailed. It should be exterminated if it will not reform so that it can co-exist peacefully. At present, it cannot. It deserves eradication. I do not believe time is on anyone's side in this - they won't get it soon enough to save themselves.
Just my 10-minute type-fest take. Sorry I couldn't be more specific regards your points. Tying yours and mine (which has been brewing for some time, now) together, which I believe is not only possible, but straight-forward, would have taken another hour, lol. :-)
On Monday, an Iranian military plane crash killed eleven top commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Gen. Ahmad Kazemi, the commander of IRGC's ground forces, died in the crash. The dead also included a number of other military notables whose names were released by the Islamic Republic News Agency, including the commander of Rassoulollah Army Division 27, the deputy commander of ground forces for operation affairs and the official in charge of information for ground forces.
While a spokesman for the IRGC has blamed bad weather and dilapidated engines for the crash, my sources are convinced that this was an act of sabotage. Stratfor has weighed in with its analysis of the crash, noting that while "[i]t is entirely possible that the plane crashed due to technical difficulties," there are reasons to suspect foul play:
Though maintenance negligence offers a plausible explanation for the crash, the death of several of Iran's senior IRGC commanders comes at a particularly interesting juncture in Iran's political history. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election was not fully endorsed by the entire Iranian political spectrum. His firebrand antics, though coming in pursuit of a strategy to raise the Islamic republic's profile in the Muslim world, have stirred up noticeable hintes of dissent within the ruling regime. One of Ahmadinejad's top security guards in the Ansar al-Mahdi Corps, a unit of the IRGC responsible for the personal security of senior Iranian officials, died Dec. 14 in an ambush on the presidential motorcade in Iran's lawless Sistan and Balochistan province.
Considering that the Falcon was carrying one of Iran's most elite IRGC commanders, and would thus undergo thorough tests for technical issues before flight, the crash could also indicate foul play aimed at undermining Ahmadinejad's power base and influence.
Stratfor also states that in the wake of the plane crash, "Ahmadinejad's power base has been severely threatened."
While the Iranian regime would never publicly admit that this was an act of sabotage, the situation bears watching. If sabotage occurred, observers believe that it was either a product of the "mullah wars," in which Iran's mullahs have been clashing with president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or else was orchestrated by members of the IRGC who are sympathetic with the opposition to the regime and stay in the IRGC to harm it from the inside. My sources believe that the former is more likely.
Amir Taheri has described the clash between Ahmadinejad and the mullahs. This clash is rooted in both Ahmadinejad's investigation of the Iranian political establishment's corruption and also an honesty about the goals of the Islamic revolution that conflicts with the dissimulation of other Iranian politicians. Even Ayatollah Khamenei, who helped to bring Ahmadinejad to power, may feel threatened by the new president as it is widely believed that Ahmadinejad would like to replace Khameini as supreme leader with his closest clerical ally, Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi.
If the military plane crash is an act of sabotage, that shows how severe the fissures within Iran have become. Even while pursuing the UN Security Council as one option for dealing with the Iranian nuclear program, the U.S. needs to carefully follow, and be willing to exploit, the power struggle within Iran.
The three major European powers and the US say the time has come for Iran's nuclear activities to be dealt with by the United Nations (UN) Security Council. The calls follow a storm of international criticism after Iran broke the seals at three nuclear plants to resume uranium enrichment research. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has accused Iran of a "deliberate escalation" of the dispute, saying it is in "dangerous defiance of the entire international community". She says the Security Council should "call for the Iranian regime to step away from its nuclear weapons ambitions".
After holding talks in Berlin, the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany made a joint statement saying two-year negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program had reached a dead end. They described Iran as having a record of concealment and deception and said its government was not interested in better relations with the international community. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said, "Iran has decided to turn its back and these negotiations have reached an impasse".
He says it is time for Europe to act. "I think we have no alternative but for the decision at which we have reached to call for an emergency meeting of the board of governors of the Atomic Energy Agency, with a view to the involvement then of the Security Council," he said. The ministers have called for an emergency session of the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which can refer Iran to the Security Council where it could face trade sanctions.
But UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has been speaking with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator. He says he has been told Iran still wants what it calls "serious and constructive negotiations" on the nuclear issue but within a time frame. Mr Annan has asked the Iranians to come back to the negotiating table. "Basically, I called him to urge him to avoid any escalation, to exercise restraint, go back to give the negotiations a chance and that the only viable solution remains a negotiated one," he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/13/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Kofi Annan is obvioulsy not intelligent if he actually believes Iran really wants to sincerely negotiate.
#2
"But UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has been speaking with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator."
The staff administrator at the UN thinks he's a sovereign, a Head of State. Certainly he's earning every dime the MMs funnel to him - and none of what he's paid to manage the UN.
Enough. Enough of the IAEA, the UN, the MMs. Enough of this fool Annan.
DULUTH, Minn. - Already stressed by the pace of funerals for aging veterans, the leader of an honor guard is incensed by the Army's refusal to allow him to replenish his ranks with the adult children of vets. The problem is a little-known federal statute that bars the Army from giving ceremonial M-1 rifles that are fired during a poignant part of most military funerals to honor guards with non-veteran members.
"They want to honor veterans, I don't know why they shouldn't be able to do it," said John Marshall, captain of the Duluth Combined Honor Guard, a group comprised of Legionnaires, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other service organizations. An estimated 1,800 military veterans die every day across the country, and honor guards such as the one in this northern Minnesota city are struggling to keep up with serving at as many as two or three funerals per day.
Marshall, an Army veteran who served in the first Gulf War, would like to supplement his honor guard with members of the Sons of the American Legion â a group comprised of the sons of veterans that is affiliated with the American Legion. "These are our sons and grandsons; these are responsible people. It shouldn't be an issue," said Mike Duggan, the Washington-based deputy director of foreign affairs for the American Legion, a nationwide veterans service organization with more than 3 million members.
Army officials, though, said the rule is a necessary one. "These veterans, they've been in the military, they know how to handle a military issue weapon," said Ed Wolverton, chief of the Army donations program at the U.S. Army TACOM Lifestyle Management Command in Warren, Mich. "The sons are often younger folks; they're teenagers sometimes. They've maybe not been trained properly on these weapons â we don't know that. But the vets have." "U.S. Army TACOM Lifestyle Management Command"???...holy sweet Jesus...
Wolverton said he has little power to investigate whether honor guards around the country are following the statute. But he won't give weapons or ammunition to those he knows aren't, and said if he finds out the rules are being broken, he will repossess the materials. ...Instead of doing the decent and honorable thing and trying to find a way to resolve this IN FAVOR OF THE VETS...
It would take an act of Congress to change the rifle statute, Wolverton said. A spokesman for U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (news, bio, voting record), whose district includes Duluth, said the congressman is looking into the issue. Many veterans organizations around the country didn't know about the statute, and said they regularly augment their honor guards with members of the Sons of the American Legion. But when Marshall tried to do just that, the Army told him no.
The Duluth Combined Honor Guard has about 30 members, but Marshall said he can only count on about a dozen to be regularly available to attend veterans' funerals â not only in Duluth but in surrounding communities where local veterans organizations are having even more serious membership problems.
"Some of our guys are 86, 89 years old," Marshall said. "There are some younger guys, but they have families, jobs. They don't have time to be running to 11 or 12 funerals a week."
In 1999, Congress passed a law ensuring that all veterans could receive full military honors at their funerals. But it failed to include much money for the practice, and the military has largely turned to veterans organizations to provide the service. A few states grant small stipends to honor guards, but Minnesota does not.
Marshall said his group's expenses, such as buying uniforms and transportation, are covered by veterans' families who are willing to make donations, and by fundraising. Still, he said, "as long as I'm commander, I won't turn anyone down â anytime, anywhere." Somebody make sure Mr. Marshall gets a serious "thank you" for that.
Pat Hogan, commander of the American Legion Post in Keokuk, Iowa, said he regularly augments his honor guard with Sons of the American Legion members â and didn't know it was against the rules. "It should be up to us to take care of our own," Because at the end of the day, nobody else will.
Hogan said. "I don't think these guys going to their final rest would mind at all."
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski ||
01/13/2006 09:45 ||
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#1
In 1999, Congress passed a law ensuring that all veterans could receive full military honors at their funerals. But it failed to include much money for the practice
One root of the problem.
Don't know much about all this other than that I think M-1s require a special background check to buy from the feds or through the civilian marksmanship program. FWIW
#2
"Power to investigate" Weapons and ammo repossession indeed, what an arsss. A typical DA civilian bureaucratic, no-can-do answer, thanks Ed you dick. Kind of flies in the face of the Army "Train the Trainer" philosophy. I say Let the older ones train the younger ones. The manly art of "M1 Thumb" avoidance can be easily trained in about 3-5 minutes. The manual of arms takes a bit longer. I'm sure the Vets will do a fine job of training and not permit the FNG to let them down. Appears we're guarding our own borders, maybe we'll have to buy our own burial detail Garands and ammo as well. My humble opinion as a Life VFW member.
#3
And on an individual basis to boot. IIRC the law that allows the M-1s to be sold controls their resale to some degree .... my sig other has one bought directly from the govt a number of years ago.
#4
M1s (either carbine or Garand) should be no harder to buy than any other rifle. They are semi-auto with an 8rd clip so don't fall a foul of all those nast assault weapon issues.
#5
Back in the 70s when the Army had 1 million under arms, the supporting installation would provide honor guards if the funeral was a days drive [to and back, and on exceptional grounds - i.e. CMH, further]. The reg's called for provided free ammo [Krag-Jorgensen's from the Spanish American War!] to vet organizations [VFW, AL] upon request. Two demographic lines intersected in the early 90's. One they more than half'ed the Army while not cutting back on missions and the WWII population started arriving in large numbers to the funeral homes. Something had to give. To support veterans funerals would have taken literally a couple of battalions worth of troops out of the system nationwide just to handle the demand. Didn't we just get through the whining and chest thumping about not having enough troops to accomplish the military commitments in the ME? To the point that Congress had to authorize another 20,000. Congress engages in another round of unresourced mandates when it declares that all veterns should have military honors [by the way, does that include people like Tim McVey?]. Looks good back home, doesn't do squat for anyone when its all show and no meat. Go hammer your Congressperson, they pass the statutes.
#7
This is just one more area where a national militia, fully-trained and equipped, could make a big difference. These "Sons of the American Legion" and any other group, properly organized, should be immediately recognized as a militia organization under the Second Amendment, and not only "allowed" to be armed, but actually given weapons and ammunition for thier various self-assigned or directed missions. The problem is, the Donkeycrats don't want ANY armed Americans, no way, no how. We really need to change the mentality of people in Washington. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible without manually ejecting about 40 senators and 125 congresscritters - preferably from 40,000 feet without a parachute.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
01/13/2006 18:50 Comments ||
Top||
#9
I was wrong above. No restrictions were put on reselling Garands bought under the civilian marksmanship program - only the presale background check was required.
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.
Sudanese troops are disguising themselves as African peacekeepers to launch surprise attacks on rebels in Darfur. In a report to be submitted to the AUâs Peace and Security Council yesterday, AU Commission Chairman 
At least 10 persons were injured in a clash between supporters of the ruling BNP and the Awami League in the Char Milpara area under Kushtia sadar on Sunday morning.
The former US governor of Iraq has condemned Spanish troops for their 'idiotic' conduct in Iraq. 
The US military predicted yesterday that violence would increase around Iraq as final results from last monthâs elections are released and political groups forge ahead with forming a new government. Brig. Gen. Donald Alston, spokesman for the US-led coalition force, said in Baghdad that a series of âhorrific attacksâ that left at least 500 people dead since the Dec. 15 elections were an indication that insurgents were trying to take the opportunity of the transition to a new government in an effort destabilize the democratic process. âAs democracy advances in the form of election results and government formation, and as the military pressure continues, and the pressure generated by political progress increases, we expect more violence across Iraq,â he said at a news briefing. 
Iraq's former deputy prime minister, 
Israel's right-wing Likud party will face fresh turmoil before the forthcoming general election as cabinet ministers rebel against an order from their leader, 
On Monday, an Iranian military plane crash killed eleven top commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Gen. Ahmad Kazemi, the commander of IRGC's ground forces, died in the crash. The dead also included a number of other military notables whose names were released by the Islamic Republic News Agency, including the commander of Rassoulollah Army Division 27, the deputy commander of ground forces for operation affairs and the official in charge of information for ground forces.
The three major European powers and the US say the time has come for Iran's nuclear activities to be dealt with by the United Nations (UN) Security Council. The calls follow a storm of international criticism after Iran broke the seals at three nuclear plants to resume uranium enrichment research. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has accused Iran of a "deliberate escalation" of the dispute, saying it is in "dangerous defiance of the entire international community". She says the Security Council should "call for the Iranian regime to step away from its nuclear weapons ambitions".
