[Al Arabiya Latest] Somalia's Islamist al-Shabaab rebels on Saturday ordered men to grow long beards, shave their moustaches and wear their trousers above the ankle.
It is the first time in the lawless Horn of Africa country that the insurgents, who seek impose a strict form of Islamic Shariah law, have focused on men's appearance, having previously ordered women to cover their entire bodies, and banned bras.
"In order to ensure the complete implementation of the Islamic Shariah law in the region, we call upon all men to grow their beard and shave their moustache," Sheik Ibrahim from the Shabaab group told reporters in Kismaio.
"Anybody found ignoring the rules or breaking it will be punished accordingly."
He said the order will be implemented in three days in the port town of Kismaio.
"People already started practicing the Shariah as the Shabaab ordered and with the new rules, every adult is keen to grow beard in order to avoid punishment", Mohamed Sakiin, a resident told AFP by phone.
"You must look like them otherwise you are likely to be in trouble", another witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: al-Shabaab
#1
Beardfros?
Posted by: ed ||
12/20/2009 0:57 Comments ||
Top||
#2
That'll make it a lot easier when we finally decide to put a stop to this sh$$hole. Just kill every male wearing a beard.
The US MUST develop a carrier-based A-10, to put the fear of the REAL God into this bunch of goat-bangers.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/20/2009 13:55 Comments ||
Top||
The Lockerbie bomber had £1.8m in a Swiss bank account when he was convicted eight years ago, it has been revealed. The Crown Office, Scotland's equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service, has confirmed it refused to grant bail to Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi as recently as November last year because of concerns he might try to gain access to the money.
The existence of such a large sum in a personal account casts doubt on claims by the Libyan government that Megrahi was a low-ranking airline worker. The disclosure also raises further questions about the wisdom of the Scottish government in releasing the bomber, who it was claimed has terminal prostate cancer, on compassionate grounds in August.
Sources close to Megrahi's defence team said they were aware of the bank account and had several explanations prepared ahead of his trial in the Netherlands in 2000. They included the claim that he had been given the money by Libyan Arab Airlines, his employer, to buy aircraft parts abroad in breach of the western trade embargo in place against his country at the time of the 1988 bombing of the Pan Am plane over Scotland, in which 270 people died.
Another explanation would have been that Megrahi had been entrusted with the funds to finance an attempt to include Libya in the Paris to Dakar rally. The issue of the account was never raised by the prosecution because it came too late to be introduced as evidence at his trial.
A source close to Megrahi said: "The crown would have said that the money was being used to buy explosives and pay bribes to people. It would have undermined his position as being a simple employee and that he had no big connections with anybody because someone with that status in life wouldn't have that kind of money in bank accounts."
Ben Wallace, Conservative MP for Lancaster and Wyre and a member of the Scottish affairs committee, which is inquiring into the circumstances of Megrahi's release, said the existence of the account was a "startling" revelation. "Had this been known at the time, the financial web that linked Libya and Megrahi to international terrorism would have been a major plank in the crown's case," he said. "Far from being the wrong man, I think this suggests Megrahi was an international co-ordinator of terrorism for Libya."
Last month, The Sunday Times revealed that Megrahi was implicated in the purchase and development of chemical weapons by Libya, according to documents produced by the American government. The papers also claimed he sought to buy 1,000 letter bombs from Greek arms dealers while working as a Libyan intelligence officer.
The Crown Office said details of Megrahi's bank accounts were received from the Swiss authorities in June 2000 and were a factor in the crown's opposition to Megrahi's bail application last November.
#3
I spent a year and a half in England in the 1980's - would have stayed longer if I could. I have great respect for Queen Elizabeth. She understands the wants and needs of her subjects, and probably HATES what is happening to her country. On the other hand, I'm sure she's doing everything in her power to live long enough to bypass Charles as the next King, and will probably offer the crown to one of Charles' sons - IF they ever grow up.
Britain's Labour government is only slightly more corrupt than our Democratic government. Brown and Barry make a pair destined for Hell. I wish no one harm, but the sooner both of them make the trip, the better the world will be.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/20/2009 14:00 Comments ||
Top||
On orders from President Barack Obama, the U.S. military launched cruise missiles early Thursday against two suspected al-Qaeda sites in Yemen, administration officials told ABC News in a report broadcast on ABC World News with Charles Gibson.
One of the targeted sites was a suspected al Qaeda training camp north of the capitol, Sanaa, and the second target was a location where officials said "an imminent attack against a U.S. asset was being planned."
The Yemen attacks by the U.S. military represent a major escalation of the Obama administration's campaign against al Qaeda.
In his speech about added troops for Afghanistan earlier this month, President Obama made a brief reference to Yemen, saying, "Where al Qaeda and its allies attempt to establish a foothold -- whether in Somalia or Yemen or elsewhere -- they must be confronted by growing pressure and strong partnerships."
Until tonight, American officials had hedged about any U.S. role in the strikes against Yemen and news reports from Yemen attributed the attacks to the Yemen Air Force.
President Obama placed a call after the strikes to "congratulate" the President of Yemen, Ali Abdallah Salih, on his efforts against al Qaeda, according to White House officials.
#1
Shades of Clinton's approach to problems. Let them eat TLAM's.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike ||
12/20/2009 4:17 Comments ||
Top||
#2
President Obama placed a call after the strikes to "congratulate" the President of Yemen, Ali Abdallah Salih, on his efforts against al Qaeda, according to White House officials.
No discussion regarding the phone call or negociations and pay-for-play with Ali Abdallah Salih prior to the strike, asking for permission. Only publicized was the obligatory congratulatory follow-up call. Note also the absence of the usual Mooslim outrage, bodies of exploded women and children, etc? Appears Ali Abdallah Salih is now qualified to be a Senator from Nebraska.
Posted by: Bobby ||
12/20/2009 10:58 Comments ||
Top||
#4
#3 Obama who?
Posted by: Bobby 2009-12-20 10:58
My sentiments exactly. Whodda' thunk he had the stones to not only order it, but publicly take credit for it? The whiners on the left will definitely have their knickers in a twist.
[Al Arabiya Latest] The United States gave military hardware, intelligence and other support to Yemeni forces who raided suspected al-Qaeda hide-outs this week, U.S. media reported on Saturday.
Officials in Washington familiar with the operations said the U.S. help, approved by President Barack Obama, had been given at the request of the Yemeni government, The New York Times reported.
The support was intended to help Yemen prevent al Qaeda from mounting attacks on American and other foreign targets inside its borders, the Times reported.
"Yemen should be commended for actions against al-Qaeda," Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman, told the newspaper.
Yemeni said on Thursday its security forces had foiled a planned series of suicide bombings by attacking targets including a Qaeda training centre in the southern province of Abyan and sites in Arhab district.
About 30 Qaeda militants were killed and 17 arrested in Abyan and in Arhab, northeast of the capital Sanaa, it said.
Several fighter planes took part in the raid and hit a civilian area by mistake, a local official in Abyan told AFP. Abyan is a part of the former South Yemen republic authorities say has become a regrouping base for Islamist militants.
Raids also took place in the capital Sanaa and the neighboring district of Arhab, to the northeast, a defense ministry official.
Some of the strikes against suspected Qaeda hideouts in Yemen this week were undertaken by local forces alone, U.S. officials told the Times.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Arabia
The warning the bluntest issued by police has underlined an assessment that a terrorist cell may be preparing an attack on London early next year.
Security sources said concerns had been raised by chatter on a prominent jihadist website two weeks ago. One contributor suggested fighters could use automatic weapons to strike places such as nightclubs, sporting venues and Jewish centres. In an online discussion hosted on December 2, another contributor invited suggestions for carrying out guerrilla warfare and proposed a group of mujaheddin raid police stations and fire at them.
Another said: Make sure that all those at the location are of age, that there are no children and so on. Insist on the locations and times where no Muslims or children are to be expected.
It looks like this bunch have accepted at least some of the new thinking on jihad. Goody.
The Met is understood to be struggling to draw up effective plans to deal with the challenge of mass shootings followed by a prolonged siege with terrorists prepared to kill their hostages and themselves. In Mumbai, many victims were killed in the first half hour of the attack. The Met is concerned that it will be much longer before the SAS, which has traditionally dealt with terrorist sieges in London, would arrive from its base at Regents Park barracks.
When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, indeed.
Clearly, it's time for Londoners to think in terms of defence... although given the draconian gun laws, alternative methods should be the primary option. Any thoughts, O Rantburgers?
#4
When a group of people at one of the Mumbai hotels was lined up to be shot, a Muslim couple complained that they were Muslim. The terrorists demanded proof, so the couple recited one of the suras from the Quran, the only one they had memorized in Arabic (they were Turkish), and they were spared. The others were executed SS style. Since British law forbids self defense, maybe Londoners could bone up on the Quran and claim they are Muslim if caught in a similar circumstance.
Posted by: Number 673927 ||
12/20/2009 10:07 Comments ||
Top||
#5
#1 Copycats: Coming to a city near you in the USA?
Posted by: Hammerhead 2009-12-20 08:39
Watch what happens when Bambi, Holder, et al have their little circus in New York City with Khalid Sheik Muhammad (or whatever his name is).
#6
although given the draconian gun laws, alternative methods should be the primary option.
Yes a few that won't immediately bring the Bobbies crashing thru your doors, Britian did very well for centuries with the English Longbow, A modern Pistol/Rifle equivalent is a crossbow and Quarrels, I've seen Pistol grip small crossbows that are NOT toys, they would be legal, concealable and deadly, but only one shot, (A spur to improving your aim).
I think Bobbies would look askance at Swords, so maybe a sword/Cane.
Anybody else got any better ideas?
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/20/2009 12:30 Comments ||
Top||
#7
I think there's a pressing need for self-defense training in Britain, probably in the form of martial arts instruction, the use of improvised weapons, and a penchant for stiff leather clothing, especially vests or jackets (something that will either turn a knife, or reduce its effectiveness). Of course, the most important act that Parliament could pass would be the re-arming of the British subject. Let everyone whose ancestry stretches back over five generations on British soil be allowed one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun per person, with 500 rounds of ammunition for each. Crime would plummet, and Muslims would become nervous. Reviving the "Home Guard" wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/20/2009 14:11 Comments ||
Top||
#8
Do bobbies pack nowadays? I've been there a few times, but never noticed.
#9
So, we have to wait for the SAS to get back once this sh starts? Sounds like a green light to go ahead for the Islamic kaffirs. They could knock this place out overnight. Mean-time, I improvise bolts for my pistol crossbow from car ariels, (where did I get that idea, lol), whilst
I work on my design for an extending baton. High profile cops are tooled up, MM, local ones only have spray/tasers, if they're lucky.
[Kyodo: Korea] A plenary session of the U.N. General Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding that North Korea resolve the abduction issue by immediately returning the victims to their home countries.
The resolution was backed by 99 nations, including Japan, Germany and the United States. Twenty countries, such as China, Myanmar and Malaysia, voted against it with 63 abstentions.
The latest action marked the fifth straight year that a resolution seeking concrete action from Pyongyang on resolving the abduction issue has been passed by the General Assembly.
The move followed approval by the U.N. Third Committee, which is charged with dealing with human rights issues, on Nov. 19.
Japanese Ambassador Yukio Takasu told reporters after the adoption of the resolution that he is pleased with the high numbers of countries throwing their weight behind the text.
He said support from 99 countries at the General Assembly is ''a significant achievement.''
The Japanese ambassador blasted North Korea for failing to take action after the General Assembly adopted a similar resolution last year.
''Since last year regrettably there was no positive response from DPRK,'' he said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Takasu expressed concerns about a growing number of Non-Aligned Movement countries abstaining from voting. Among such countries were Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, India, Zambia and Qatar.
The bloc of more than 120 members are increasingly opposed to handling country-specific human rights issues at U.N. headquarters in New York as many believe that the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva is the more appropriate venue to tackle these issues.
In the resolution, the General Assembly reiterates a ''very serious concern at unresolved questions of international concern relating to abductions in the form of enforced disappearance'' and urges North Korea ''urgently to resolve these questions'' by ensuring ''the immediate return of abductees.''
The document expresses a ''very deep concern at the precarious humanitarian situation in the country'' partly resulting from frequent natural disasters compounded by the ''misallocation of resources away from the satisfaction of basic needs'' as well as increasing restrictions on the cultivation and trade of food items.
The resolution urges Pyongyang ''to respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.''
The Japanese ambassador also explained how the Japanese mission organized a recent viewing for ambassadors to the United Nations of a documentary about Japanese abductee Megumi Yokota in efforts to drum up global support for resolving the abduction issue.
The movie featured continued efforts by Megumi's parents to get her back from North Korea. She was abducted by North Korean agents in 1977 at age 13.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: Commies
#1
So, for the fifth straight year the "stern note" approach has been taken. They are doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome. We need to eject this nest of vermin from our shores. I do not care where they go.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike ||
12/20/2009 4:22 Comments ||
Top||
#2
A minor rant regarding the euphemisms above:
The "abductees" are SLAVES. They were caught in SLAVE RAIDS and have been ENSLAVED ever since.
This is in contrast to the North Korean people, who are mostly SLAVE descendants of SLAVE parents.
[Dawn] The constitutional provision granting immunity from prosecution to the president was the subject of two petitions filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday. One of the petitions contended that even a foreign court cannot try the president while the other called for doing away with the immunity clause.
The Watan Party filed in the Supreme Court a constitutional petition challenging the reopening of Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, saying the president also enjoys 'sovereign immunity' against foreign courts, besides constitutional immunity under Article 248 against local courts.
The petition was filed at the Lahore registry of the Supreme Court.
Barrister Zafarullah Khan, counsel for the Watan Party, said that previously the cases were pending in Swiss courts for the recovery of laundered money in favour of state and Mr Zardari appeared in those cases as a private individual, along with his wife Benazir Bhutto. But now Mr Zardari had become the president and state immunity was attached to his office, the counsel said, adding that the president could not be summoned or sued in any case whatsoever by any court of any country during his term as president.
Barrister Zafar said the Supreme Court verdict reopening cases against President Zardari was beyond its jurisdiction.
He requested the court to review its decision and declare it as void because it undermined the sovereignty and independence of the nation.
On Dec 16, the Supreme Court annulled the National Reconciliation Ordinance and ordered reopening of money laundering cases being heard in a Swiss Court. The case was withdrawn under NRO, which was promulgated by former president Pervez Musharraf.
Immunity challenged
A former officer of the ISI on Saturday filed in the Supreme Court a petition seeking an end to the protection available to the president under the Constitution, saying the immunity was against fundamental rights.
"Article 248 of the Constitution (presidential immunity) be declared ultra vires as it is in infringement of the fundamental rights of citizens/persons guaranteed in chapter I of Part II of the Constitution, the norms of natural justice as promulgated in Quran and Sunnah," said the petition moved by Khalid Khawaja, chairman of the Defence of Human Rights Organisation.
This is the third such petition filed in the apex court after the Dec 16 verdict on the NRO. The two previous petitions were filed by Engineer Jamil, of the Communist Party of Pakistan, and Syed Mohammad Iqbal, of the Human Rights Commission for South Asia, seeking to do away with Article 248 which provides immunity to the president and governors.
Senior lawyer Naseer Ahmed Chaudhry said that Clause 3 of Article 248 prevented courts from issuing any order for the arrest or imprisonment of the president or the governor during their time in office.
Khalid Khawaja, who will appear in person to plead his case, contended in his petition that Article 248 in its entirety was against the Constitution and the norms of Islam that guaranteed equality, dignity and respect for humankind.
"The protection is also not in consonance with Article 25 (equality of citizens) which guarantees equal protection of law to all citizens. It means that the president and the governor are free to commit any crime or rob the public treasury and could even commit high treason, but they would not be answerable to any court or forum during the term of their office," the petition said, adding that they could even flee the country after committing crimes like former president Pervez Musharraf.
"It is only because of Article 248 and the protection to our rulers, our homeland has been degraded in the eyes of the world."
The nation, the petition said, was divided on this issue as many people, including members of parliament, were agitating against this protection which should not be available to dignitaries. "The Islamic concepts as envisaged by the objective resolution under Article 2-A of the Constitution should prevail to ensure a just political system and an Islamic welfare state."
The petition said that the Supreme Court should resolve the protection issue by declaring the provisions not only in contravention of Articles 227, 25 and 2-A, but also ultra vires of the Constitution and its principles enunciated by the apex court from time to time.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
[Geo News] NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that the Crime Investigation Cell has the information that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leader Hakimullah Mehsud has tasked his men to take out him (Mian Iftikhar) and the entire ANP leadership. He said this while addressing a press conference here Saturday. On the occasion, he said at present it is not possible to hold by-elections on the seat falling vacant following the 'Shahadat' of Dr. Shamsheer.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: TTP
[Geo News] President Asif Zardari said Saturday that he would not step down until allegations against him are proved to be correct. Talking to the senior leaders of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in a meeting of Central Executive Committee held here at the Presidency, he pointed out that in more than a decade's time, not a single accusation was proved correct. He further said despite all the conspiracies against the party, PPP is established and will remain vigorous in the future. PPP was strong after the judicial killing of its founder, and after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, he added. He said the party had faced challenges in the past and it is prepared to face challenges in the future too. He said his party would use democracy and constitution as weapons against conspiracies.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
[Al Arabiya Latest] Tehran and Baghdad pledged on Saturday to pursue a diplomatic solution to a border dispute over accusations that Iranian troops seized an oil well inside Iraq.
The Iranian flag was flying over the disputed oil well in a remote desert area southeast of Baghdad early on Saturday and an Iranian military tent was pitched nearby.
"We call for calm and for a peaceful solution to this matter, far from any military escalation," Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Reuters Television in Baghdad.
Iran on Saturday acknowledged its takeover of the oil well but insisted the well lies on its land, playing down the fallout from the first such incident since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
"Our forces are on our own soil and, based on the known international borders, this well belongs to Iran," Iran's armed forces command said in a statement, quoted by Iran's Arabic-language al-Alam satellite television.
On Friday, Iraq's state-owned South Oil Co in the southeastern city of Amara said "an Iranian force arrived at the field ... It took control of Well 4 and raised the Iranian flag even though the well lies inside Iraqi territory."
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
#1
Once the Iranians get the bomb, you will see more of these types of "border disputes"...maybe even in Trinidad.
#2
" "We call for calm and for a peaceful solution to this matter, far from any military escalation," Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Reuters Television in Baghdad."
translation: They have us scared.
Try parking an Iraqi Platoon and a Tank beside the well under the Iranian Fort's walls. See if they will fire on it. Have an air strike ready for five minutes later.
say it was all a "misunderstanding" which will be true. Make sure there are no survivors in the Fort. Occupy the ruins. Build a road out to it and run up the flag. If they want to fight let them show their stuff.
See if Iran can get the support of anyone inside their young people or if the whole world gives a sh8t. Iraq can see if their military is worth anything or if its full of the "usual" Moslem soldiers.
Of course if the Iraqi military IS full of Islam that would explain the smell of piss coming from Baghdad.
[Ma'an] Hamas leader in Gaza Ayman Taha said Saturday that the movement's leader Ismail Haniyeh has called off a meeting initially set for Sunday where leaders of all Palestinian factions were to have discussed Egypt's unity plan.
An invitation to the meeting was made public on Friday, but received no official responses from factions. One statement from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said they and other PLO factions were engaged in "serious meetings" in Ramallah, trying to determine their collective response to the invite.
Taha cited an "emergency" behind Haniyeh's calling off of the meeting. He did not announce an alternative date for the meeting.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Hamas
[Ma'an] The de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh instructed the Gaza Ministry of Interior and security forces throw out the charges on activists with Jund Ansar Allah, the Salafi group involved in an August take-over of the Rafah Mosque.
A show-down between Hamas and Jund Ansar Allah forces killed 22 including three children, and saw leaders of the movement who sought to declare an Islamic emirate in Gaza, killed or detained. De facto government officials promised to release the remaining members from prison ahead of both the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha holidays.
On Saturday Haniyeh ordered the four-month-old file to be destroyed for the sake of Palestinian unity.
The statement announcing the policy shift came following the de facto prime ministers visit to a Gaza prison where the ultra-Islamist members were being held. He said the move showed the keenness of his government to respect the national rights of the people of Palestine and respect commitment to Islamic values.
Hours before the statement was released, sources in Gaza said Haniyeh called off an all-factions meeting to which all factions from the West Bank and Gaza had been invited to discuss unity. A Hamas official said Haniyeh had to deal with an "emergency" and would have to postpone the meeting set for Sunday.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Hamas
[Ma'an] Minister of the Interior with Gaza's de facto government Fathi Hammad promised efforts were being made to control the actions of gunmen shooting an Egyptian workers constructing a steel wall along the Egypt-Gaza border.
Hammad's promise came Saturday following the second report from Egyptian security of Gaza gunmen firing shots at workers. Construction of the 25-meter-deep and 1 ten km long steel wall is said to be an attempt to stifle the proliferation of smuggling tunnels running beneath the Rafah border.
The promise was made by Hammad over the telephone with Egyptian government officials, as he expressed concern over the recent events at the border.
Earlier in the day Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum announced to Egypt that they had less to be scared of from Gaza as from the Israeli occupation. He condemned what he called the Egyptian support of Israel's blockade of Gaza, which spurred the growth of the dangerous tunnel industry.
During his talk with Egypt, Hammad also inquired about the construction of the wall. He further requested the government do more to help lift the siege on Gaza, and echoed Barhoum's words, saying Gaza will never be a threat to Egyptian security.
"Palestinians cannot bare the pressure of a tightened blockade," he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Hamas
#1
"Palestinians cannot bare the pressure of a tightened blockade," he said. .
..Then they should stop all terrorism and violence against the State of Israel and the borders will soon open to normal trade and commerce.
It's that simple.
You fate is in your own hands, Gazans
Posted by: Mike Hunt ||
12/20/2009 0:12 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Gaza doesnt like it? yeah?
They can make peace with israel or sh*t in their hat.
Hold their face in the toilet until they do.
Tell em to sing or gargle "Palestine shall be ours" while they swim.
#3
"We'll quit shooting at you, but the Juice are worse!"
nice Paleo logic macro
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/20/2009 9:43 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Eventually the world will grow tired of the paleostains and wipe Gaza from the face of the earth. It's one thing to "hate the Juice", but it's another to thumb your nose at everyone. The stench is hard to bear now, and it will only get worse as the noose tightens.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/20/2009 14:19 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Compare wid WAFF > SETTING UP [State of] ISRAEL-PALESTINE.
Months after the post-vote unrest in Iran, the Israeli military intelligence chief says Tel Aviv had counted on anti-Islamic Republic protests to achieve its long-sought goals.
Speaking at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, Amos Yadlin said one of the outcomes of the post-vote turmoil in Iran is that the notion of "an exemplary regime [in Iran] has been shattered."
The Israeli intelligence chief, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the turn of events in Iran, saying, "The bad news is that the Iranian regime has managed to stop the protest for now."
"This protest does not have a classic leadership which is capable of collapsing regimes, as leaders of the protest movements are still the regime's own flesh and blood," Yadlin added.
The report of Israel's unwavering support for creating tensions in Iran comes as earlier in December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United States to use the power of the Internet and online social networking websites to counter the Islamic Republic.
"Using the power of the Internet and of Twitter against the Iranian regime is a tremendous thing that the United States can do," Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[0 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
Iran's senior dissident cleric, Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, has died, official media reported on today. He was 87. Montazeri, who branded Iran's disputed election in June fraudulent, was an architect of the 1979 Islamic revolution who fell out with the present clerical leadership and spent five years under house arrest until 2002.
He had been named to succeed late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as Iran's supreme leader, but quarrelled with him in 1989 over the mass execution of prisoners. Instead, the current supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, succeeded Khomeini after he died later the same year.
"Hossein Ali Montazeri passed away in his home last night," the official IRNA news agency said in a report that did not mention his title.
Tripped and fell down the stairs? Sudden cardiac arrest? Acute cirrhosis? Shot himself twice in the head?
He lived in the holy Shi'ite Muslim city of Qom, south of Tehran, and was one of the Islamic Republic's most senior clerics.
In August, he described the clerical establishment as a "dictatorship", saying the authorities' handling of street unrest following the June presidential poll "could lead to the fall of the regime".
Montazeri was among the government's harshest critics in a clerical establishment whose splits have gaped during turmoil triggered by the disputed election six months ago. The pro-reform opposition says the poll was rigged to secure hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election.
The authorities have denied the charge and portrayed the huge opposition protests that erupted after the election as a foreign-backed bid to undermine the clerical leadership.
The semi-official Fars News Agency said another senior pro-reform cleric, Grand Ayatollah Yusof Saanei, visited Montazeri's home on Sunday to express his condolences.
Iran has successfully tested today an 'optimized' version of the solid-fuel Sejjil-2 ballistic missile. The recent test builds on the first successful launch conducted in May 2009.
Iran has tested several combinations of propellant compounds to achieve reliable operation. Iranian sources indicate that the current missile has been configured to carry different warheads and uses stealth attributes ('anti-radar material coating').
The use of solid propellant dramatically reduces pre-launch preparations, enabling the missile to be fired immediately after being erected by the mobile launcher. The Iranians claim the solid-powered Sejill-2 is faster during the powered ascent as well as on reentry, and, therefore, more difficult to intercept. It is also more accurate than the former Shehab.
#1
HMMMMM, HMMMMM, wehell, perhaps MOUD = IRAN can follow CHINA's lead, to wit:
CHINESE MILITARY FORUM > CHINA'S UNDERGROUND "GREAT WALL" { China = CSecond Arty Corps building a 3107-mile-and-counting
"hardened" underground missle network in HEBEI, northern China, for covert storage as well as anti-US-Western "ready missle launch" or other prep, + espec to avoid overhead US-SPAWAR RECCE.
D *** NG IT, BOYZ, ALL TOGETHER NOW, WID FEELING, "SINK THE TIRPITZ" {Norway fjords > e.g. Commando crafts, raids].
* ION CHINA > WMF > "ASIA TIMES" MEDIA: HOW THE US LOST THE 2015 CARRIER NAVAL BATTLE [China manages to sink the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CV]: + THE CREATION OF NEW SUB-STATES IN INDIA WILL FOSTER MORE UNREST.
[Iran Press TV Latest] Police officers involved in fatal violence at Tehran's infamous Kahrizak facility have been charged with murder, Iran's armed forces say.
A statement from the Judicial Organization for the Armed Forces on Saturday announced that according to forensic information three of the 168 people detained during the country's post-election violence, six months ago, were killed while being held at the Tehran facility.
The three identified as Mohsen Rouholamini, Amir Javadifar and Mohammad Kamrani died from injuries sustained during repeated beatings in the detention center, the statement read.
The Judicial Organization report further dismissed earlier accounts that the three had died of meningitis.
Of the 22 officers under investigation in connection with the Kahrizak case, 12 were charged with murder first degree over "direct involvement in the beatings that led to the deaths."
Tehran's military prosecutor has requested that three of the defendants be sentenced for three counts of premeditated first-degree murder.
The statement added that the date for the Kahrizak trial would soon be announced.
Kahrizak was declared as a 'sub-standard' facility in August, after grim revelations about the state of detention of the inmates.
Consequently, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei ordered the immediate closure of the detention center.
The Leader also called for a probe into the complaints lodged by the detainee, who alleged that they were subjected to harsh interrogation techniques during their time in Kahrizak.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
A senior Iranian commander on Saturday took a hit at the former UN nuclear watchdog director-general, saying he has to apologize for creating misconceptions about Iran's nuclear activities on the global stage.
Deputy Head of Iran's Armed Forces Headquarters Brigadier-General Seyyed Massoud Jazayeri said all intelligence agencies and in particular the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) "is well aware of the fact that the use of nuclear energy by the Islamic Republic is a legal and peaceful move."
He, however, explained that domineering powers make every attempt to reverse facts and manipulate public opinion, seeking to deprive Iran of its right to have access to nuclear energy.
The Iranian commander was referring to Western pressure on Iran, calling on the Tehran government to halt its nuclear enrichment under the allegation that the program is aimed at building a nuclear bomb.
Tehran, however, says nuclear weapons have no place in its defensive doctrine and has called for the removal of all weapons of mass destruction from across the globe.
Jazayeri went on to implicate former IAEA director-general Mohamed ElBaradei in what he described as reversing the reality about Iran's nuclear program.
"Without a doubt, the former IAEA director-general had a role in reversing the reality about this issue; therefore he should apologize for this matter to the people of the world and in particular to the Islamic Republic," Jazayeri said.
The remarks come as the IAEA, in ElBaradei's last days in office, passed a resolution calling on Iran to stop all construction work at its new enrichment plant -- Fordo -- and confirm there are no more nuclear sites that the agency must be aware of.
The Tehran government, however, rejected the resolution as politically-motivated and without any legal basis, arguing that Iran's activities are not in breach of the nuclear pact.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[5 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
Iran rejects reports that its forces have taken over an oil well within Iraqi borders, while a Baghdad official admits the site is in a disputed border area.
In a Saturday phone interview with Press TV, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman described reports about the country taking over an Iraqi oil well as an attempt to harm the close relations between Tehran and Baghdad.
"Some media outlets are using incorrect vocabulary in these reports. This choice of words is not in keeping with Iran-Iraq ties," Ramin Mehmanparast told Press TV.
"Such propaganda is an attempt to harm our close ties with Iraq. Naturally these efforts are part on an agenda that is being followed by some countries which are unhappy about our friendly relations," he explained.
In a separate statement, Mehmanparast said that the two countries have always settled their border disputes through diplomatic means and within the frameworks of the 1975 Algiers Accord, which has clear instructions for times like these.
"Under circumstances where border signs undergo changes as a result of natural disasters or in the aftermath of the 8-year [former Iraqi dictator] Saddam [Hussein]-imposed war against Iran, an Iranian-Iraqi commission will convene to discuss and resolve the issue," read the Saturday statement, citing the Algiers Accord.
Mehmanparast further added that the Iranian Foreign Ministry has already expressed its readiness to convene the commission and is waiting a response from the Iraqi side.
The spokesman's comments came after the Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohammed Haj Aziz, claimed that Iranian troops had seized an oil well in the Fakkeh border region on Thursday night.
Prominent Iranian figures including parliamentarian Alaeddin Boroujerdi had already rejected the Iraqi claim, saying that Iranian forces had by no means violated the Iraqi border.
"I strongly reject the claim that Iran has taken over an Iraqi oil well," Boroujerdi said.
He added that the matter was being dealt with through diplomatic channels, while stressing that it would by no means impact the two sides' relations.
Iran's Ambassador to Iraq Hassan Kazemi-Qomi has also described the reports as a futile campaign to harm Tehran-Baghdad ties.
Meanwhile, Iraq's Deputy Interior Minister Ahmed Ali al-Khafaji confirmed that there has been no actual takeover.
"This news is not true. This field is disputed and now it is neglected by both sides. There was no storming of the field, it's empty, it's abandoned, it is exactly on the border between Iraq and Iran," he was quoted by Reuters as saying.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
#1
PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > IRAQ OFFICIALLY DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF IRANIAN TROOPS FROM OIL WELL; + IRANIAN TROOPS MAKE PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL FROM DISPUTED OIL WELL.
[Al Arabiya Latest] Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in Syria on Saturday on his first visit to the former long-time foe and powerbroker since he took office last month.
The visit looks set to close the chapter on nearly five years of animosity between Damascus and a broad political alliance led by Hariri.
Lebanese political sources expect the two leaders to agree on opening a new page in their personal relationship and on strengthening cooperation between their governments to guarantee Lebanon's stability.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/20/2009 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[6 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Syria
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
The Lockerbie bomber had £1.8m in a Swiss bank account when he was convicted eight years ago, it has been revealed. The Crown Office, Scotland's equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service, has confirmed it refused to grant bail to Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi as recently as November last year because of concerns he might try to gain access to the money. 
