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US journo trapped in Afghan prison riot
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Afghanistan
Bush: Bin Laden Will Be Captured or Killed
KABUL, Afghanistan - In a surprise visit under extraordinary security, President Bush expressed unwavering confidence Wednesday that Osama Bin Laden will be captured despite years of fruitless manhunts for the elusive terrorist leader who ran training camps in Afghanistan and plotted the deadly attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Bush ordered Air Force One, on a flight to India, to make a secret detour to this war-scarred country to show U.S. support for the fledgling democracy led by President Hamid Karzai, whose authority has been weakened by suicide bombings and rising violence by insurgents.

There are more than 18,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and Bush said their mission was "to help this new democracy not only survive but to flourish."

The president, who once boasted bin Laden would be taken "dead or alive," said the fugitive terrorist would not elude the United States forever. Bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar were driven into hiding by the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11. They are believed to be in the rugged Pakistan-Afghan border region.

"It's not a matter of if they're captured and brought to justice," Bush said at a news conference with Karzai at the war-battered presidential palace. "It's when they're brought to justice."

Eight weeks in the planning, Bush's visit to Afghanistan was not announced in advance to reduce chances of an assassination attempt. Heavily armed combat assault teams shadowed Bush's moves. Door-gunners on at least two helicopters fired brief bursts of bullets down at the dusty flatlands not far from Bagram Air Base as they ferried the president's entourage into town.

A U.S. military spokesman, Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, said the gunners on the choppers were test firing their weapons.

"It is standard operating procedure for the MH-47 helicopter to test-fire their mini-guns over East River Range every time they fly in mission," he said. "Neither President Bush nor any of the aircraft in the flight were ever in any danger."

Streets were locked down and there was a heavy show of security along Bush's brief motorcade route. There was no other traffic. At one intersection, pedestrians gawked from behind military and security forces.

It was Bush's second visit to a war front, after his secret 2003 trip to Iraq
to visit with U.S. troops at Thanksgiving.

Karzai said Afghanistan owes the United States "a great, great deal in this country's rebuilding — peace, democracy, the strong steps toward the future."

Bush said Karzai's government, which has allowed young girls to attend school, is one that believes in hope — "which is the exact opposite of the ideology of the bin Ladens of the world and the Taliban."

In Washington Wednesday, the State Department issued a report saying production and trafficking of opium, which accounts for one third of Afghanistan's economy, declined 10 percent last year.

The area under opium cultivation dropped 48 percent, the report said. Opium is the main ingredient of heroin.

The report, mandated annually by the Congress, is titled "International Narcotics Control Strategy Report" and is more than 900 pages. It examines production, trafficking, money laundering and financial crimes in all countries.

"Afghanistan's huge drug trade severely impacts efforts to rebuild the economy, develop a strong democratic government based on rule of law, and threatens regional stability," the report said.

Bush spent just four hours in Afghanistan, racing from meetings and lunch with Karzai, the news conference, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the new U.S. Embassy and a pep talk for 500-600 U.S. and foreign troops at Bagram Air Base.

From Afghanistan, Bush flew to India for two days of appointments that both sides hope will be capped by a landmark civilian nuclear agreement. Bush said it was a difficult issue for both countries, and one official suggested that if there were to be an agreement, it would come at the last moment.

The president is to fly to Pakistan on Friday evening and return to Washington late Saturday.

At the news conference, Bush and Karzai spoke of the steps Afghanistan has made toward rebuilding the nation, restoring peace and achieving democratic reform. Bush also acknowledged Afghanistan's complaints about violence emanating from neighboring Pakistan, and said he'd talk with Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf about it when he sees him in Islamabad.

"I absolutely will bring up the cross-border infiltrations with President Musharraf," Bush said. "These infiltrations are causing harm to friend, allies and cause harm to U.S. troops."

Bush said he also would remind Musharraf about the need to capture bin Laden and Omar. "It's important that we bring these people to justice," Bush said. "He (Musharraf) understands that. After all, they've tried to kill him four times."

As Bush arrived in South Asia, Pakistani security forces struck a militant training camp near the Afghan border, killing three dozen fighters, including a Chechen commander linked to al-Qaida, an army official said. Pakistan, a key U.S. ally in the war against terror that has deployed thousands of troops to fight militants, has denied in the past that arrests of militants are timed to coincide with events.

Violence in Afghanistan increased 20 percent last year, the Defense Intelligence Agency said this week. About 1,600 people were killed in violence last year, including 91 U.S. troops. There have been 25 suicide bombings in the past four months.

It was Bush's first visit to Afghanistan although his wife, Laura, and Vice President Dick Cheney both have visited before. The first lady joined her husband.
If there is one thing I want in this entire world its that son of a bitch dead. Thank God GEORGE W. BUSH IS PRESIDENT

Posted by: Graing Spaimp5878 || 03/01/2006 16:39 || Comments || Link || [336149 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The increased violence in Afghanistan and in Iraq is headline-grabbing stuff by Al Q in just the same way that the NVA did during Tet in Viet Nam. They are shooting their wad. They are playing to the MSM because they cannot inspire the people, and they cannot win militarily against the US and the steadily more capable Iraqi army.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/01/2006 22:07 Comments || Top||

#2  Well said, AP.

War is always the most intrense just before it ends - I'm told. Think Battle of the Bulge..
Posted by: Bobby || 03/01/2006 22:45 Comments || Top||

#3  "Bush: Bin Laden Will Be Captured or Killed"

I'll take Door Number 2, George. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 03/01/2006 23:08 Comments || Top||


Bush makes surprise Afghan visit
Posted by: ed || 03/01/2006 09:01 || Comments || Link || [336074 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I really think we should play this stuff up way more than we do. Bin laden and his cohorts always talk about how brave and supported they are, but they never go anywhere. Bush, Rumsfield, Rice, many Senators and Congressman, have been to Afghanastan, Irag, Pakistan.
Bin Laden bragged about being in the "belly of the beast." But where has he been seen? Seems like Bush is the one who goes to the belly of the beast. He's not afraid of them. If they are so loved, why are they afraid?
Posted by: plainslow || 03/01/2006 9:29 Comments || Top||

#2  Blair's been there too. Great point. Bush can show his face in Afghanistan but Binny cannot.
Posted by: JAB || 03/01/2006 10:44 Comments || Top||

#3  Your right JAB. Blair, some of his secratary's. I believe the Poles have been there, and other's as well.
But the only place you see Binny, is weeks after the fact posing in front of a black sheet. And I thought he could trust his people.
Posted by: plainslow || 03/01/2006 11:04 Comments || Top||

#4  This is big. Prez Bush did the turkey trot in Iraq, but Afganistan has been the orphan.

The images of the smiling faces on the soldiers serving in Afganistan is priceless.
Posted by: Captain America || 03/01/2006 16:59 Comments || Top||

#5  Where are the pix you're referring to, CA - I didn't see 'em.

Since it's CNN - the pix I saw, other than Bush and Karzai, in their cute little picture flipper in the right-hand column are of shithead protesters. CNN sucks beyond belief.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 17:30 Comments || Top||

#6  I looked to. Even Fox has nothing but protesters, other than the 2 prez
Posted by: Sherry || 03/01/2006 17:38 Comments || Top||

#7  Saudi's bought a significant interest in Fox not long ago. It's showing.
Posted by: 2b || 03/01/2006 19:01 Comments || Top||

#8  I'm waiting for the plastic muffaleta story, sad to say.
Posted by: Eric Jablow || 03/01/2006 21:57 Comments || Top||


US journo trapped in Afghan prison riot
And his captors want his head. This may shed some light on the lack of heavy artillery at the prison site.
An American journalist inmate at an Afghan jail block seized by prisoners said Taliban militants held there threatened on Tuesday to behead him and told him he would die if an attempt were made to end the siege by force. Emmy award-winning documentary maker Edward Caraballo, 44, from New York, was one of three Americans jailed in 2004 after being convicted of running a private jail and illegally detaining and torturing men in a freelance war on terror.

Speaking by mobile phone from Pul-i-Charkhi jail on the outskirts of Kabul, Caraballo told Reuters he was barricaded in his room in block one of the prison, parts of which were overrun by inmates on Saturday night. He said some prisoners in the block were protecting him but others, who said they were Taliban militants, had threatened to kill him if their demands were not met.

"I'm not letting anyone in, and I am not going out," said Caraballo who sounded frightened. "I have told the U.S. embassy that they want to speak to the ambassador and President Karzai on the phone to tell them their demands. I was told that if they don't do that and they don't want to talk to these people, then they will cut my head off. Right after I spoke to the embassy, four of them walked into my room and very calmly, very matter-of-factly, said this is not anything personal against you, but we have grievances that we want to get across to somebody in charge."

The men who threatened him said they were Taliban, not al Qaeda militants, he said. They had said authorities should not attempt to storm the jail.

"They said there would be a lot of bloodshed and I would be one of the first to go," he said. Caraballo said his two-year sentence expired in four months and all he wanted to do was to return home and see his daughter.

"PLEASE, PLEASE, DO NOT STORM"

"My recommendation to the U.S. government and Afghan police force is please, please, do not storm at this time; just keep the negotiations going and please do not attack us," he said. Caraballo was contacted in the prison on a mobile phone number that a diplomat confirmed belonged to the prisoner. He said he had spoken to the U.S. embassy and asked for assistance, but had been told: "They cannot extract me, it is not their business, and it's in the Afghan's hands."

Caraballo said he had been nicked in the side by a bullet or a piece of shrapnel when police opened fire in the prison at the start of the siege, when he had been trying to run back to his cell. He said he was not badly hurt. "It's a nick; it's really nothing," he said. "It was not intentional. The police have been very good in trying to protect me -- it was just friendly fire."

He said he was now feeling unwell and had been vomiting frequently and questioned whether his food had been poisoned. Caraballo said that since the siege began he had been treading a thin line between being one of the protesting prisoners and "being a hostage, because the first thing they said was 'Get the American and get his phone.'"

He said there were about five different factions among the prisoners, one of which was trying to protect him. Caraballo said one of the men who had threatened him had said their only demand was not to be prosecuted for the uprising because the police had started it and killed their comrades. Four prisoners were killed in attempts to subdue the riot.

The two Americans jailed with Caraballo -- Former U.S. Green Beret Jonathan "Jack" Idema and another ex-serviceman, Brent Bennett -- are in the same prison but in a separate block, where they were not thought to be in danger.
Oh my. What a dreadful situation. I presume they planned this uprising with his cellphone in mind.
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 01:37 || Comments || Link || [336131 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Here is a November 2005 interview with Mr. Caraballo. I hope you all read it; I may even put it up here as a post in the morning.
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 1:59 Comments || Top||

#2  This site is monitoring the riot hour by hour. I dunno how reliable it is, but go read and decide for yourself.
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 2:02 Comments || Top||

#3  "Nothing personal, but we may have to cut your head off."
"That's not personal?"
"No, no, of course not. It's just a negotiating tactic."
"Yeah, it's good to have an infidel or two around when there are talks."
"Yep. Just don't take it personal, mmmkay?"
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 2:11 Comments || Top||

#4  This guy is an idiot. He's one of those tools who thinks that he's special forces, or something, and sniffs around until where he shouldn't be until he gets into real trouble.
Posted by: gromky || 03/01/2006 3:06 Comments || Top||

#5  I had to bang my sympathy meter a few times to see if the needle was stuck. It's not so I must have no sympathy.
Posted by: SPoD || 03/01/2006 3:29 Comments || Top||

#6  Agreed, this guy and his pal Idema are there because they are shisters and wanna be's. Hope they are having fun. Sleep with rats you will get fleas!!!!
Posted by: 49 Pan || 03/01/2006 4:16 Comments || Top||

#7  Try stuporpatriots.blogspot.com For more on our hero's Ha
Posted by: 49 Pan || 03/01/2006 4:30 Comments || Top||

#8  I'm puzzled by the fact that Caraballo has a working cell phone in his cell.
Posted by: GK || 03/01/2006 9:04 Comments || Top||

#9  It's over: Four-Day Riot at Afghan Prison Ends
Posted by: ed || 03/01/2006 9:21 Comments || Top||

#10  OT #5. So, SPoD, you have your own blog site now. We'll drop by from time to time to see how it goes.
Posted by: GK || 03/01/2006 9:21 Comments || Top||

#11  Tried to find out what his "documentaries" are, can't find his name on IMDB.
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 03/01/2006 9:35 Comments || Top||

#12  Hey, Idema's the more controversial...
Posted by: Hupeash Cleart9965 || 03/01/2006 9:51 Comments || Top||

#13 
US journo trapped in Afghan prison riot
Can't decide whether to file this under "couldn't happen to a more deserving clown" or "who gives a shit?"

Guess I'll wait for my sympathy meter to come back from its annual cleaning before making a final decision.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 03/01/2006 19:31 Comments || Top||

#14  I read this clown had the AQ guys take him to see the other clown, Idema, and then decided he wanted to be kept seperate, guess the AQ treated him better. They took him back to his cell. This is a case of Bevis and Butt head visit Afghanistan. Barb, keep your meeter clear of this on or it might break trying to find a neg reading!!
Posted by: 49 Pan || 03/01/2006 19:50 Comments || Top||


Fresh violence hits Afghan jail
Violence has flared again at Afghanistan's main jail, ending a brief period of calm after two days of rioting which killed four inmates.
Dead inmates? Oh, my heart bleeds!... No. Wait. Brussels sprouts again. Never mind.
Police have blamed the deaths on al-Qaida and Taliban inmates held at the grim 1970s-era Pul-e-Charkhi jail on the outskirts of Kabul.
Have you considered artillery?
On Tuesday gunfire was again heard from inside the prison as officials said some of the 1300 prisoners were once more smashing windows and beds as they had done when the first revolt erupted last Saturday. Authorities had been hopeful that earlier talks would end the standoff and had been preparing to move the prisoners to new facilities after their own were damaged in the rioting.
Why move them after they've fouled their nests? Why not leave them there to enjoy it?
"It seems that they don't respect what they had agreed during negotiations," Mohammad Qasim Hashimzai, Deputy Justice Minister, told AFP. "They've started to break windows and beds and even walls."
They don't respect their agreements? Wow. That's never happened before, has it?
He said it appeared some inmates were receiving orders from outside the jail through their mobile phones. Authorities were trying their best to calm the situation, he said as extra police arrived and a spy drone flew overhead. A prisoner who asked not to be named told AFP by mobile phone that police opened fire late on Tuesday after inmates refused to move to another building.
Sounds good. Lots of casualties, I hope?
The man, who said he was being held on criminal charges, said Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners started the revolt and other inmates joined them. "We're together now and resisting together," the prisoner said. "Unless our demands are met we will not surrender to police."
If Dostum was in charge he'd be giving them the old "surrender or die" choice. If he gave them a choice...
He added: "The police tried to enter the block but were forced out. We've blocked the gates and windows with beds, chairs and desks."
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336076 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Um, just yesterday KhaleejTimes said the riot had been going on for four days.

Her we hav al Jizz saying it lasted only two and resulted in 4 dead alQ & Tallyweenie inmates.

Figure out a way to seal the thing up and leave 'em in the rubble they created. And let Amnesia Int'l feed & water 'em.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:36 Comments || Top||

#2  Her we hav..., lol. Th cas of th missing silent 'e's. Here we have...
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:37 Comments || Top||

#3  AQ is rioting in Jordan's jails too!

(Its got to be connected.)

See Debka:

DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources report: coordinated riots by erupted Wed. March 1, in a wing of Jwaida jail in Amman, as well as Swaqa and Qafgafa prisons, which hold more than 150 detainees. Hundreds of Jordanian special forces troops fought to put down the riots. Casualties are reported on both sides.

The outbreak began at Swaqa prison when la heavy Jordanian contingent came to transfer to another facility the two al Qaeda terrorists who assassinated USAID diplomat Laurence Foley in Oct. 2002: Salkim bin Suwaid, a Libyan, and Yasser Freihat, a Jordanian. Both are under sentence of death. Several prisoners attacked the troops claiming the pair was being taken out for execution. Swaqa cells also hold Azmi Jayusi, a Zarqawi aide who was sentenced to death this month for leading a chemical attack plot in April 2004.

In no time, the violence spread to the Juwaida and Qalqafa jails.

DEBKAfile’s sources add: Jordanian prisons holding al Qaeda terrorists are equipped with exceptionally tough security measures. The outbreak of a riot in three of these facilities bares an intelligence lapse four months after al Qaeda bombers caught Jordanian security unawares by hitting a string of Amman hotels and killing 57 people.

The three outbreaks Wednesday indicate that their inmates were connected by an external communications system missed by the authorities.

Jordan has denied it was on the list of foreign facilities holding some of the CIA’s al Qaeda suspects for interrogation. However, DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources have confirmed these allegations – in particular in the case of Jordan. It is not clear if these detainees took part in the riot although it occurred on the fifth day of a jail riot in Kabul’s central prison in Afghanistan, with not sign of Afghan special forces breaking through to the wings barricaded by the prisoners. Weapons were smuggled into the facility by an unknown route. Heavy American forces surround the prison to prevent escapes.
Posted by: 3dc || 03/01/2006 9:11 Comments || Top||

#4  Fred, I dont know whats got you on this Dostum kick. Hes a snake, at various times he supported the Communists, I think at one point he may have supported Hekmatyar, just generally the classic example of a warlord who changes sides at a moments notice, and who mistreats the peons. The kinda guy who made so many afghans nervous abotu the northern alliance. Sure hes impious, and hes tough, and I could see why that would appeal in this instance, but still, lets not think hes the direction we want the Afghan state to go in.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/01/2006 9:55 Comments || Top||

#5  Use the right tool for the job. Dostum's men handled Qala-i-Jangi quite nicely, except for leaving Johnny Jihad alive.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 10:53 Comments || Top||

#6  Curious that they didn't use tear gas. The old debate about listing it as a chemical agent in warfare? (The US doesn't, a lot of others do.) This is arguably a law enforcement situation anyway ....
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 10:56 Comments || Top||

#7  I thought US armed forces were forbidden to use teargas and similar irritants? I remember reading an article ("Where has the teargas gone?" IIRC) on this subject from an "anti-tofflerian" website many moons ago, deploring the lack of this in US arsenal.
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 03/01/2006 11:09 Comments || Top||

#8  We don't - in combat - but we haven't officially agreed that it is covered by the Geneva Convention on chemical warfare IIRC.

The riot at the prison is an interesting test case, tho, as it isn't a battlefield venue (arguably). On the other hand, we don't want to label the prison a law enforcement situation on, either, I would imagine.

I had a talk with a JAG type about this once, but it's been a while....
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 11:16 Comments || Top||

#9  Is live steam a chemical agent?
Posted by: 6 || 03/01/2006 16:59 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
B'desh hunts for top fugitive Islamist leader
SYLHET, Bangladesh - Bangladeshi security forces laid siege overnight to a house in a northeastern town, where the leader of a militant Islamist group was believed to be hiding up, officials and witnesses said on Wednesday.

Some 500 members of an elite police force had surrounded the two-storeyed lair house in Sylhet town where Shayek Abdur Rahman, supreme leader of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen group, and his henchmen associates were believed to be holed up. Shayek’s group and another radical Islamist organisation, the Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, have been blamed for a wave of bombings in the impoverished nation since August that have killed 30 people and wounded 150.

Police said security forces might eventually storm the house, in the town’s Tilagarh area, some 400 km (240 miles) from the capital Dhaka, if the militants did not give themselves up. “We are trying to persuade them to come out. But they seem adamant,” said an officer of the Rapid Action Battalion force. A Reuters reporter at the scene said the police had made repeated announcements over a loudspeaker, urging the militants to surrender.
"Hokay, come out witcher mitts in da air!"
"You won't hurt us, will you?"
"Pshaw! We'll just go for a midnight stroll. Say, you boys have a shutter gun?"
"Nutz to dat, coppers!"
Hundreds of people believed to be members of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and the Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh have been detained since the bombings, but Shayek and Jagrata Janata chief Bangla Bhai remain at large. The two groups are fighting for introduction of Islamic sharia law in Bangladesh, a mainly Muslim democracy.
Identify the joke in that last sentence.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336079 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The joke is that theyre a particularly illiberal democracy

"Bangladeshis can change their government through elections. A referendum held in 1991 transformed the powerful presidency into a largely ceremonial head-of-state position in a parliamentary system. Elections to the 300-member unicameral parliament are held in single-member districts under a simple-plurality rule. The 1996 vote was the first under a constitutional amendment requiring a caretaker government to conduct elections. The most recent national elections, held in October 2001, were described as generally free and fair despite concerns over polling irregularities, intimidation, and violence. More than 140 people were killed throughout the campaign period in what was Bangladesh's most violent election to date. In July, European Union (EU) representatives as well as local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) raised concerns about the validity of a by-election held in the Dhaka-10 constituency that was marred by fraud and intimidation.

Both major parties have undermined the legislative process through lengthy parliamentary boycotts while in opposition. In recent years, political violence during demonstrations and general strikes has killed hundreds of people in major cities and injured thousands, and police often use excessive force against opposition protesters. Party leaders are also targeted, and several died during the year after being attacked. Odhikar, a local NGO, claimed that during the first half of 2004, there were 287 people killed in political violence. Student wings of political parties continue to be embroiled in violent campus conflicts.

Analysts blame endemic corruption, a weak rule of law, limited bureaucratic transparency, and political polarization for undermining government accountability. In October, Transparency International again listed Bangladesh at the bottom of a 146-country list on its 2004 Corruption Perceptions Index and noted that corruption was perceived to be "acute." An Anti-Corruption Commission, which is authorized to conduct investigations and try corruption cases in special courts, was launched in November. However, critics remain concerned that the new body will not be truly independent either politically or financially.

Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/01/2006 10:00 Comments || Top||

#2  The other joke is that if the near term end state in Iraq is a system much like that in Bangladesh, most folks here will call it a grand victory, and a vindication of Bush.

And you know what, I'll be one of them. They'll be right.

Of course Bangladesh has had more years to build than Iraq post Saddam. OTOH Bangladesh is much poorer, less literate, less urban, etc than Iraq.

Id say Banglas about as democratic as id expect given all the strikes against it. You dont need Islam to explain the illiberalism of Bangladeshi democracy.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/01/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||


Banglaboomers to get necks stretched
Two separate courts in Bangladesh are reported to have sentenced 22 Islamic militants to death for carrying out bomb attacks across the country last year.
Are they dead yet?
A court in the western city of Jhenidah condemned 21 militants in connection with serial bomb explosions on 17 August, the private ATN Bangla television network reported. Eighteen of the defendants were in court when the sentence was read, while another two remain fugitives.
Kinda hard to hang 'em when you haven't caught 'em, isn't it?
Lawyers said they planned to appeal the sentences.
Oh. Wotta surprise.
In a separate case, a court in northeastern Sylhet city sentenced a man to death for hurling a homemade bomb outside the house of a judge, slightly injuring him, on 18 October.
Dumbass. Who'd you think you were gonna be sentenced by in court? A plumber?
The militants were sentenced for their part in a deadly wave of blasts that saw more than 400 bombs explode almost simultaneously across Bangladesh last year, officials said. The bombings, claimed by an outlawed Islamic militant group, killed three people and rocked a nation which had previously denied having a serious problem with extremism.
400 bombs, three people dead. What's wrong with that picture?
Went to the Hek School of Grenade Throwing, did they?
Amirul Islam, administrative officer at the court said the accused were all members of the militant group Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Babul Ansari, one of the condemned men, was employed as a security guard at the Bangladesh parliament at the time of the attacks, Motaleb Hossain, the court's prosecutor told AFP. Hossain said the case was the first successful prosecution in connection with the attacks in which small explosive devices were detonated in almost every town and city in the country. JMB leaflets were found at the blast sites calling for the imposition of strict Islamic law.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336075 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Pakistan army kills 40 militants near Afghan border
Why it's almost like the Pakistani's were expecting an important visitor.
Pakistan's army killed around 40 Al-Qaeda suspects in a ground and air strike in a tribal region bordering Afghanistan. One soldier also died and 15 were wounded.

The raid came as US President George Bush, on his surprise first trip to Kabul, said he would discuss cross-border infiltration by militants when he meets President Pervez Musharraf during his visit to Pakistan starting Friday.

Pakistan army spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said the raid on a sprawling hideout at Saidgai village in North Waziristan tribal region followed intelligence that there was a big gathering of foreign militants.

Helicopter gunships pounded the militant complex, which housed eight residential quarters, before ground troops moved in for a search operation, prompting a fierce gunbattle.

Local administration official Zaheerul Islam said the militants were targeted following information that they were carrying out attacks across the Afghan border.

"We have reports up to 40 militants, mainly foreigners, were killed in the raid on the compound where there was a big gathering of foreign militants," a security official in the region told AFP.

Another 20 were wounded. Sultan said foreign militants and their local supporters were killed in the operation but he did not have the exact death toll or the nationalities of those involved.

A local official said among those killed was an Al-Qaeda Chechen commander who was targeted when he tried to escape the raid. He was identified as Imam.

The Pakistani security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the raid was conducted on specific information that Al-Qaeda was using the compound as a base to launch attacks across the border. "It was an Al-Qaeda camp and a training center," the official said.

Sultan said militants had stored a big cache of ammunition in the compound which caught fire after the air strike. Explosions were heard an hour after the raid.

Kabul has frequently said Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters were using Pakistani border areas to launch attacks inside Afghanistan. President Hamid Karzai, when he visited Islamabad last month, handed over a list of around 40 Taliban rebels said to be in Pakistan.

Bush told reporters in Kabul after talks with Karzai that the cross-border attacks were harming US troops, some 20,000 of whom are deployed in Afghanistan -- mainly along the border with Pakistan. "I will bring up the cross-border infiltrations with President Musharraf," Bush told reporters. "These infiltrations are causing harm to friends, allies and cause harm to US troops. And that will be a topic of conversation."
NORTH WAZOO (Rantburg News Service): With President George W. Bush on the way for a visit, Pakistani forces staged a rare demonstration of initiative by attacking a nest of terrorists in North Waziristan. 40 turbans were reported killed in a ground and air strike on a tribal region bordering Afghanistan. One soldier was killed and 15 were reported wounded.

The raid, the first in over a year, was designed to avert a stern talking-to by Mr. Bush to President-General Pervez Musharraf. Mr. Bush is currently in Kabul on a surprise visit, and Musharraf is unable to point to significant results along the Afghan border in the past year, despite having been provided by Afghan President Hamid Karzai with names, addresses, phone numbers, girlfriends' names, and shoe sizes of known Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Murder, Incorporated figures infesting the region.

Pak army spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan, the very model of a modern major general, said the raid on the sprawling hideout at Saidgai village, which had somehow been overlooked for years, followed intelligence reports of a large gathering of foreign terrorists. Such gatherings have been happening weekly since late 2001.

Helicopter gunships, usually unavailable for such actions without a U.S. president on the way for a visit, pounded the terrorist manor house, which consisted of eight barracks blocks, a parade ground, firing range, ammunition dump, and dungeon. Ground troops moved in for a search operation, prompting a serious gunbattle.

Local administration official Zaheerul Islam, a devout fellow with a long beard and a large turban, said the terrorists were targeted following information that they were carrying out attacks across the Afghan border for the past five years. "No one noticed during that time, but as soon as we did, we got right on it, by golly," he said. "So Perv can just tell Mr. Bush that there's no truth to the story that we haven't been doing anything out here in the sticks. He doesn't have to send in B52s or anything, because we're on top of it. Really. We are."

"We have reports up to 40 militants, mainly foreigners — certainly nobody from around here — were killed in the raid on the compound where there was a big gathering of foreign militants," a security official in the region told AFP. "It's terrible, the way those foreigners came in and mucked up our peaceful corner of North Waziristan. It's shameful. We're glad they're dead. I'm sure all the bodies will be recovered soon, unless their compatriots dragged them off like they usually do. You can tell Mr. Bush they're all dead. They won't bother him again."

Another 20 terrorists were reported wounded, none seriously. Sultan said foreign militants and their local supporters were killed in the operation but he did not have the exact death toll or the nationalities of those involved. "I'm sure there were a lot of them," he said. "You shoulda seen it! Helicopters zooming in! Guns being fired! People screaming! Oh, yes! I'm very sure there are lots of dead terrorists. Mr. Bush should be very well pleased!"

A local official said among those killed was an Al-Qaeda Chechen commander. "A very bad man," the local official described him, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead despite the brutal Waziristan winter. "Everyone was afraid of him. He showed up uninvited. Many people here, simple people who know no better, owed him money. Sometimes he would kick puppies or kittens for no reason. I think his name was Imam, or Abdul or something like that. He was targeted when he tried to run away. All us simple local people are very glad he's gone. You'll tell that to Mr. Bush, right?"

The Pakistani security official, speaking on condition of anonymity so that his comments could not come back to haunt him, said the raid was conducted on specific information that Al-Qaeda was using the compound as a base to launch attacks across the border. "It was an Al-Qaeda camp and a training center," the official said. "That was why they had the barracks and the parade ground and the firing range. We never noticed them before, of course. These miscreants, they're very clever at hiding that sort of thing. The local people never catch on. They think they're just another farm or a miniature golf course or something."

Sultan said terrorists, in an effort to blend in with the local people, had stored a large cache of ammunition in the compound which caught fire after the air strike. Explosions were heard an hour after the raid. "Lots of people keep arms, ammunition, explosives, and sometimes nerve gas in their homes," the local official explained. "No one really noticed anything out of the ordinary, because according to our quaint local customs those are used to celebrate weddings, engagements, and public holidays. I am sure the residents of Crawford, Texas, have similar customs."

Kabul has frequently said Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters were using Pakistani border areas to launch attacks inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has just as frequently denied they are. President Hamid Karzai, when he visited Islamabad last month, handed over a list of around 40 Taliban rebels said to be in Pakistan. By coincidence, this raid netted 40 dead terrorists.

Bush told reporters in Kabul after talks with Karzai that the cross-border attacks were harming US troops, some 20,000 of whom are deployed in Afghanistan -- mainly along the border with Pakistan since they are not needed along any other border, to include Iran's. "I will bring up the cross-border infiltrations with President Musharraf," Bush told reporters, an ominous frown crossing his face. "These infiltrations are causing harm to friends, allies and cause harm to US troops. And that will be a topic of conversation. Loud conversation on my end."
Posted by: ed || 03/01/2006 09:01 || Comments || Link || [336214 views] Top|| File under:

#1  it's a start - now do 10 times more
Posted by: Frank G || 03/01/2006 9:20 Comments || Top||

#2  So, I assume new intel will be available presently, as these boyz are tortured questioned.
Posted by: wxjames || 03/01/2006 9:21 Comments || Top||

#3  Too bad Bush cant visit there every week.

Hmmm.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/01/2006 9:39 Comments || Top||

#4  Too bad, we can't take Paks unsupported word.
Posted by: gromgoru || 03/01/2006 9:55 Comments || Top||

#5  Comments by the site boss and owner are priceless! (sucking sound)
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 03/01/2006 10:41 Comments || Top||

#6  Imam is Daniar, the Chechen al-Qaeda leader who commanded their forces in their largely successful victory against the Pakistani military back in 2004.
Posted by: Dan Darling || 03/01/2006 10:49 Comments || Top||

#7  Let's see if we can clear Dubya's schedule for a monthly visit to PakiWakiLand. Perv's list is gonna need some updatin'
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 11:09 Comments || Top||

#8  "Local administration official Zaheerul Islam, a devout fellow with a long beard and a large turban"

Fucking brilliant reporting from North Wazoo.

ROTFLMAO!!!
Posted by: Danking70 || 03/01/2006 11:33 Comments || Top||

#9  I really like the Rantburg News Service. It gives you the, um, local flavor of things.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 11:37 Comments || Top||

#10  ROFl North Wazoo bhawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa can't breath!
Posted by: djohn66 || 03/01/2006 11:37 Comments || Top||

#11  I protest.

This "reporter" for this alleged "news service" failed to account for the wimminz, chilluns, minorities and fluffy baby chipmunks that were undoubtedly affected the worst by this oppressive action by an illegitimate colonialist regime trying to curry favor with the evil overlord, Chimpy W. McHitlerburton.

In addition, this "reporter" also failed to mention the gruesome images from Abu Ghraib, the impending civil war in Iraq, or the fact that it didn't snow again today in Washington DC on account of Monkeyboy not signing Kyoto.

I intend to complain most vigorously to the Newspaper Guild, just as soon as they call off their strike.
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 12:32 Comments || Top||

#12  No, no, Em. No baby ducks are hurt when the Pakistani army attacks a village using their patented "spray and pray" firing technique. Baby ducks are only hurt when the ChimpyMcBush's military attacks, using weapons so precise that the pilot has to toggle the "Men's Room or Ladies' Room" selector switch. Haven't you been paying attention to Human Rights Watch?
Posted by: Matt || 03/01/2006 12:56 Comments || Top||

#13  Ahem, that toggle switch is labeled "Men's Room or Wimmin's Room".
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 14:02 Comments || Top||

#14  We Demand A Switch of Our Own!
Down with discrimination ....

League of transvestites, transexuals and transgendered persons
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 14:19 Comments || Top||

#15  Pakistan has done 1/1000th of 1/100th of 1% of the actual effort required. Much more is required to stablize the region. Draining the pool of more lamers that will continue to destabilize the region and try to continue to live as if they are in the middle ages with modern weapons is required. Zero effort or political will has been applied by Pakistan.

I give GWB a F on his actual results in regards to getting Pakistan to act. Try harder.
Posted by: SPoD || 03/01/2006 14:28 Comments || Top||

#16  I'm not sure we can force anything in Pakistan, except the disintegration of Musharraf's government and in the installation of open Islamacists in his place.

What we need at the moment is for Afghanistan to continue to progress and for our relationship with India to solidify and deepen. Then when Pakistan falls apart the shrapnel will be contained mostly within its own borders.
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 15:03 Comments || Top||

#17  I give Fred's update a RB classic nod!
Posted by: Frank G || 03/01/2006 15:34 Comments || Top||

#18  I second that idea, Frank. w00t!

Y'know, this should be emailed to Dubya - I have zero doubts that he'd be howling by the 3rd paragraph, lol.

Magisterial, Fred!
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 15:46 Comments || Top||

#19  LOL!

Love the inline comments! ROFLMAO indeed!

Classic! Classic! Classic!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 03/01/2006 16:59 Comments || Top||

#20  Yeah, Classic Fred. Likely took him several days to right that.
Posted by: 6 || 03/01/2006 17:01 Comments || Top||

#21  Great countercommnetary Fred, but I'd like to see some of those terms and phrases we get in the local reports that get edited out in by the big news agencies.

A couple of examples picked at random from a PakTribune article on the same event;

He said that gunship helicopters are being used in the operation

whereas a security forces person also embraced Shahdat.
Posted by: phil_b || 03/01/2006 19:33 Comments || Top||

#22  OK, I got a serious question for everyone, just as soon as I'm able to breathe again:

What's been the actual ratio of forces deployed in this manner in Waziristan compared to those deployed in Balochistan?
Posted by: Phil || 03/01/2006 21:05 Comments || Top||

#23  Great commentary, Fred.

using weapons so precise that the pilot has to toggle the "Men's Room or Ladies' Room" selector switch.

As someone who has helped develop the circuitry for those weapons, I give that one a hearty ... bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 21:42 Comments || Top||


'Hangu incident was a suicide bombing'
NWFP police confirmed on Tuesday that a suicide bomber had blown himself up at the Ashura procession in Hangu killing 39 people on February 9.
It took them three weeks to figure that out?
Images of the suspect were captured by a video camera filming the procession and later released to the media inviting the general public to provide information on the suspect. In a press release, the police department held that the team investigating the incident had concluded that it was a suicide attack and that findings of the bomb disposal squad, Forensic Science Laboratory and other experts reaffirmed it. They said that despite giving out the images of the suspect in the media, no information about him had emerged, strengthening the view that he was indeed the suicide bomber.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336075 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Off topic comment...the other day i watch the original Pink Panther movie. Two things struck me. One, Henry mancini's music was just terrific. And two, that was a *very* naughty movie. I didn't think you could say those things in the movies in 1964.

;-)
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 0:54 Comments || Top||


Court reissues warrant for Akbar Bugti’s grandson
An Anti-Terrorism Court has reissued non-bailable warrants for the arrest of Sardar Brahamdagh Khan, grandson of Nawab Akbar Bugti, in the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) bombing case. Brahamdagh Khan and an alleged accomplice, Abdul Hameed, have already been declared absconders by the court. On Tuesday, the case investigation officer submitted a report before the court stating that the warrants could not be executed as the men were missing.

The court reissued the warrants and adjourned until March 6. In normal practice, trial courts declare absconders as proclaimed offenders after issuing the warrants twice or thrice. In case the court decides to try the absconders in absentia, it appoints a lawyer to defend them. The men are wanted in connection with the November 15 bombing of the PIDC complex in Karachi, which killed four people. According to the police indictment, two other men – Aziz Khan and Mangla Khan – arrested within 24 hours of the blast have confessed to carrying out the bombing before a judicial magistrate. The men have testified that Brahamdagh Bugti ordered them to bomb the office of the Pakistan Petroleum Limited in the PIDC complex, the police told the court.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336090 views] Top|| File under:


Rockets fired at military, tower
QUETTA: Suspected tribal militants fired rockets at a security forces' checkpoint and a telecommunications building in separate attacks on Tuesday, officials said. No one was reported injured. Three rockets landed in a field near a paramilitary post in Dera Bugti, said District Coordination Officer Abdul Samad Lasi.

In a separate attack, assailants fired two rockets at a telecommunications tower in Bolan, southeast of Quetta, police official Ilahi Bakhsh said. The rockets missed the tower but landed nearby, shattering windows in a building at the tower's base, Bakhsh said. On Monday, gunmen fired assault rifles at a passenger train shortly before it was derailed by a bomb explosion. No one was reported injured.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336076 views] Top|| File under:

#1  (and killed some dirt. Really extra dead.)
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:31 Comments || Top||


Indo Cops Tear Gas Kashmir Muslim Festivities
Police in Indian-administered Kashmir fired tear gas yesterday to disperse hundreds of Muslims protesting the magazine publication of a picture of a playing card showing an image of Kaabah, police and witnesses said. They said at least 10 protesters were detained.
"Into the paddy wagon wit' yez!"
More than 400 Muslim youths gathered near Lal Chowk, in the heart of Srinagar, shouting “La Ilaha Illallah” (Obla dee obla dah there is no god but Allah) ... down with India Today.” In its latest issue, the weekly published pictures of playing cards, one showing an image of Kaabah. The protesters are angry because gambling is forbidden by Islam.
Can't show an image of Mohammad (may his drip clear up), and you can't show a picture of the rock. If it ain't in the book, you can't do it.
The administration in Kashmir has ordered the seizure of all the copies of the magazine. “The administration is fully seized of the matter. The government is exploring the possibilities of legal action against the magazine. We have seized copies of the controversial issue of the magazine in the valley,” said a state officer here.
So you've trampled all over the idea of freedom of the press, and what'd it get you?
Youths pelted police with stones and set fire to copies of the magazine, witnesses said.
Hint: They'd be doing the same thing if you'd told 'em to piss off.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336082 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Are you watching, Europe?
Posted by: gromgoru || 03/01/2006 10:05 Comments || Top||

#2  A photo of the Kabah on a playing card causes riots, yet Saudi Arabia has issued hundreds of stamps showing the same scene. Postage stamps get sent to infidels, get slurped all over and stuck to grubby envelopes by grubby paws of grubby, unemployed muzzies, they get stepped on, stuck in dirty mailbags, and flown halfway around the world - yet that's ok. I can't figure these mush-headed fools out.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 03/01/2006 13:06 Comments || Top||

#3  It's the exact parallel, I think, to homies demanding respect on the streets of some cities here.
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 13:29 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Child welfare violation
TERRORIST ROCKET ATTACK KILLS 8 IRAQIS, WOUNDS 3
Release Date: 3/1/2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Eight local nationals were killed and three were wounded Feb. 27 when two rockets impacted in northwest Baghdad at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The rockets impacted on a car and a curb next to a primary school.

Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, responded to the scene to assist the wounded.

Elsewhere, Iraqi police discovered a roadside bomb with a cell phone initiator concealed in a food sack while on patrol in the vicinity of Al Iskandariyah at approximately 3 p.m.

According to local witnesses, a child was paid by terrorists to place the bomb along an Iraqi police foot patrol route.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team successfully recovered the bomb without any injury to personnel, equipment or infrastructure.

Both incidents are under investigation by Iraqi authorities.
Posted by: Glenmore || 03/01/2006 15:48 || Comments || Link || [336082 views] Top|| File under:

#1  These terrorists are total animals, I dont even know how they can consider themselves religious. I guess morality and the laws of their religion just dont apply when it comes to fighting a sovereign Iraqi govt. and the U.S.
Posted by: bgrebel || 03/01/2006 19:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Religious, hell.

I don't know how they consider themselves human.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 03/01/2006 19:33 Comments || Top||


Paper trail links Sammy to massacre
The chief prosecutor in Saddam Hussein's trial read out documents in court on Tuesday which he said established that the former Iraqi leader signed a death warrant for 148 people. Jaafar al-Moussawi said the document was dated 14 June, 1984 and signed by Awad al-Bandar, chief of the Revolutionary Court and his co-accused, and approved by the former president. "This document condemns the 148 victims to hanging until death," Moussawi told the court.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336092 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I can harldy contain my suspense! Is he guilty? We must wait and see.
Posted by: 2b || 03/01/2006 0:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Pins 'n needles, I tells ya, pins 'n needles.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:38 Comments || Top||

#3  lol!
Posted by: 2b || 03/01/2006 0:42 Comments || Top||

#4  Naah, as ugly as Saddam is, he HAS to be guilty! Law of nature.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 03/01/2006 21:35 Comments || Top||

#5  Judge Ito: It depends on whether Dennis Fung sealed the bindles before or after writing the specific blood droplet locations and whether the swabs were used...

kill Saddam. now
Posted by: Frank G || 03/01/2006 22:22 Comments || Top||


Fresh Sunni offensive in Iraq
A series of attacks targeting Iraq's Shia majority have killed 58 people and wounded 180 as fears grow that a new wave of sectarian violence may be unleashed across the country. In one of the biggest attacks, a car bomb exploded on Tuesday evening outside a Shia mosque in Baghdad's northeastern al-Hurriya neighbourhood, killing 21 people and injuring 43 according to a local security official. The explosion came soon after three bombs went off in quick succession in Shia areas of the capital, leaving 30 people dead and 130 wounded.

Responding to the continuing violence, George Bush, the US president, said that Iraq must choose between "chaos and unity".

The blasts came as the trial of Saddam Hussein resumed after a two-week suspension of his trial. Hours before Saddam returned to court bombs wrecked the tomb of his father, Hussein al-Majid in Tikrit.
Posted by: Fred || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336095 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sunni offensive? I'd say that goes without saying. Seriously stuck on stupid and getting all the help they can ask for from the alQ types.

Sigh.

Chaos. Unity. Yup, Dubya's called it. We shall see. Is the sum IQ sufficient to the task of choosing, rather than just reacting to the opponent's provocations.

A comment on the unconscious Western POV: the numbers of Shi'a dead are, actually, not terribly different from other time periods of the asshat destabilization campaign -- but it appears the symbols, the moskkks and shrines and such, are far more important to the Shi'a than the people.

I hope the Kurds in the military stay safe - they're gonna be needed to man the borders of The Republic of Kurdistan if the Shi'a join the Sunnis in wholesale Arab dementia.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:47 Comments || Top||

#2  I hope Shia are getting the message.
Posted by: gromgoru || 03/01/2006 10:06 Comments || Top||

#3  A comment on the unconscious Western POV: the numbers of Shi'a dead are, actually, not terribly different from other time periods of the asshat destabilization campaign -- but it appears the symbols, the moskkks and shrines and such, are far more important to the Shi'a than the people.

My thoughts exactly, .com. In some people's minds symbols count more than the thousands of innocent people blown up to date. Of course, that doesn't preclude having "terror masters" pushing just the right buttons behind the scenes this go 'round.
Posted by: Xbalanke || 03/01/2006 13:08 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Islamic Jihad Leader Killed in Attack
Israel launched an airstrike on a car in Gaza City on Wednesday, killing the top commander of the Islamic Jihad militant group, Palestinian police said. Khaled Dahdouh, 39, was targeted in the attack, police said. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. Abu Dajana, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad's military wing, vowed revenge. "Our retaliation and our reprisal will reach into the depths of the Zionist entity," Abu Dajana said. "The Zionists will swallow the same bitter drink that each Palestinian family has drunk from."

The car, hit as it traveled over a speed bump, was incinerated. Hospital officials said two other people were wounded. The explosion took place on a busy street in a residential area near the Finance Ministry compound in Gaza City. It knocked out electricity in the area and damaged several cars parked nearby. Israel last targeted militants in early February airstrikes, killing leading members of Islamic Jihad and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a violent offshoot of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement.
Posted by: Paul Moloney || 03/01/2006 06:36 || Comments || Link || [336087 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "The Zionists will swallow the same bitter drink that each Palestinian family has drunk from."

By blowing up a bus full of women/old people/kids.. what a bunch of pussies. Good shooting IAF.. more please.
Posted by: Howard UK || 03/01/2006 9:52 Comments || Top||

#2  For what it's worth, Israel continues to deny any involvement.

Maybe it was a work accident?
Posted by: Chinter Flarong9283 || 03/01/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||

#3  hit as it traveled over a speed bump

I am suspicious. Normally the Iraelis take credit when they zorch a Bad Guy, and home-brew explosives are noted for being...touchy. Work accident?
Posted by: N guard || 03/01/2006 10:11 Comments || Top||

#4  Maybe it was plain old suicide? Maybe he was depressive? Who knows!?!
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 03/01/2006 10:15 Comments || Top||

#5  red on red
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 10:30 Comments || Top||

#6  It blowed up real good.

From the caption: Islamic Jihad vowed revenge for the death of Dahdouh, who they said had survived nine Israeli attempts on his life.
Posted by: Seafarious || 03/01/2006 10:31 Comments || Top||

#7  When the sign says "Slow: Bump" they really mean it in Gaza.
Posted by: ed || 03/01/2006 10:41 Comments || Top||

#8  I agree, how are we to know that he just didn’t martyr himself? Maybe he decided that he wanted to know what the suicide bombers felt like. With the many suicide bombers in Gaza, it is easy to conclude he put on the wrong vest after planning against the Jews. He could also been wondering what that shiny red button on the dash board does.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge || 03/01/2006 11:17 Comments || Top||

#9  Maybe he was just stricken over his own party's disappointing turnout in the elections.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 12:03 Comments || Top||

#10  I love how the AP simply trusts the Paleos on the airstrike angle.

It knocked out electricity in the area and damaged several cars parked nearby. ...

"The explosion shattered all the windows of my apartment and some of the flying shrapnel from the windows hit me in the face,"


This level of damage would seem to point away from an airstrike. IDF airstrikes seem much more pinpoint - which is why too many of the targets of past strikes are still drawing breath.
Posted by: Xbalanke || 03/01/2006 12:20 Comments || Top||

#11  is nobody concerned that extrajudicial killings are taking place at all? Dont judge the terrorist until you have walked in his shoes. for the most part palestinians are incredibly and unbelievably patient, good natured and peaceful. but when your wife is 7 months pregnant and bleeding internally and the IDF hold you at a checkpoint for 5 hours while you go into premature labour and watch your baby die... then maybe, just maybe you understand the level of frustration and hate that can build up in the mind of a young palestinian.
Posted by: Chans Omeating5673 || 03/01/2006 13:42 Comments || Top||

#12  It's a tough call, CO. I rather think that if the Palestinians hadn't made a regular practice of smuggling suicide bombers into Israel (and terror cell members out) VIA AMBULANCE that the current Israeli policies wouldn't have evolved.
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 14:17 Comments || Top||

#13  Dont judge the terrorist until you have walked in his shoes.

We're supposed to excuse the terrorist who purposely bombs children because Israel needs to protect itself from them? Rot in hell.
Posted by: 2b || 03/01/2006 14:28 Comments || Top||

#14  Chans Omeating5673, please. You can't be that naive or that willfully ignorant. The truth is the Palestinians have made the bed they are laying in. Palestinians invented what we refer to as modern terrorism. Israel didn't just impose the current conditions on Palestine. Cause and effect control conditions in the real world. Unlike how your fantasy world must operate.

It appears that Israel is not involved in this dillhole's demise.
Posted by: SPoD || 03/01/2006 14:54 Comments || Top||

#15  half-day at the Jr High, CO?
Posted by: Frank G || 03/01/2006 15:07 Comments || Top||

#16  Image hosting by Photobucket

Puttin' the squeeze on.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 03/01/2006 15:30 Comments || Top||

#17  Gee, now why would a Paleo need to go to Israel for medical care, since Yassir Arafat spent billions of dollars that were given to Palestine building hospitals, clinics, medical schools, and all the other infrastructure his people needed?

What? He just squirreled it away in his personal bank accounts in Paris? Now, why would he do that when his people are in such need that they have to beg Jewish charity so that their children don't die?

What kind of horrible monster would do that to his own people?
Posted by: Anonymoose || 03/01/2006 15:34 Comments || Top||

#18  If you look at the picture, the trunk is blown out. I'm willing to bet it is an internal explosion. The fact that the bump triggered the bomb leads one to believe it is a work accident.

The IJ must be facing a personnel shortage when the head cheese has to schlep bombs.
Posted by: CSI Rantburg || 03/01/2006 15:43 Comments || Top||

#19  is nobody concerned that extrajudicial killings are taking place at all?

I'm extremely concerned. Extremely concerned that they are not happening fast enough. Unless the Muslim ummah is relieved of its violence-prone puritanical imams and general leadership, all Islam will probably be consumed by nuclear fire.

CO, notice how everyday Palestinian citizens are not the target of these extrajudicial killings? The point of them is to eliminate amoral psychotic genocidal thugs that have led the Palestinian people into a blind alley of poverty and mayhem.

As to that pregnant mother, why don't you ask yourself why Suha Arafat went to Paris to have her baby in a $10,000 a day clinic while her countrywomen are deprived of ambulance service because her husband is too busy abusing them for the smuggling of weapons and terrorists.

You really need to get some balanced information before asking such incredibly naive questions. Stick around here and keep your head down for a while, and you will have an opportunity to gather a much more sane world view.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 15:52 Comments || Top||

#20  Eh, if it was in his trunk, and he was heap-big chief, I'm guessing it was a AAMB or Hamas bomb, not a helizap or a work accident.
Posted by: Mitch H. || 03/01/2006 16:17 Comments || Top||

#21  I just assumed CO forgot the /sarc tag.

It's getting too hard to distinguish sarcasm, satire and parody from reality anymore.
Posted by: Xbalanke || 03/01/2006 16:56 Comments || Top||

#22  When good things happen to bad people!
Posted by: 3dc || 03/01/2006 19:26 Comments || Top||

#23  SPOD said:

Palestinians invented what we refer to as modern terrorism

I think it's sad that most of the world forgets this very fact. When we have to leave for the airport 2 hours earlier and line up to be searched and anally probed just to board an airplane, thank the paleos for mastering the art of leveraging innocent lives to make their case. And thank them for the extra taxes we pay just to keep planes and trains from blowing up.

Why do they still do it? Because when you find something that works, you stick with it. So thank the west, predominantly euro-petrowhores for sympathizing with their "plight." That's where CO is coming from.
Posted by: PlanetDan || 03/01/2006 20:01 Comments || Top||


Debka: Al Qaeda Orders All Foreigners Out Of Gaza, Immediate Sharia Law
Urgent consultations in European and Arab capitals and Jerusalem are reported by DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources over the threatened targets published by Al Qaeda’s Gaza cell – the Army of Jihad - dated Feb. 16. Not only must "non-Muslim foreigners of all nationalities" leave, but "foreign embassies and consulates must be evacuated and their staff leave within one month of this warning."

Our sources report that the al Qaeda communiqué was urgently translated by foreign embassies in Tel Aviv and transmitted to their governments. They concluded that the document was put together by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s subordinates posted in the Gaza Strip and contains a direct threat to unleash Iraq-style terror in the Palestinian territory against the targets listed below.

Therefore, diplomatic, security and international aid staff can expect to be pulled out of the Gaza Strip without delay.

DEBKAfile’s sources stress that the meaning for the Palestinian Authority, Israel and even Hamas, is the launch of an al Qaeda offensive to transform the Gaza Strip into a radical Islamic entity as set out by the statement issued by the Army of Jihad: "...we address all believers of our people and all those who sacrificed their blood and property to defend Islam and Muslims against the Zionist occupation.

Allah ordered us to fight to combat atheism. With Allah’s support we defeated our enemy and obliged Israel to withdraw in humiliation from the Gaza Strip. One thing remaining to be done is to implement Sharia laws."

These are the targets listed in the al Qaeda statement:

*Corrupt elements inside and outside the Palestinian Authority

*Traders, dealers and salesmen of drugs, wines and cigarettes

*Owners of ill-mannered houses and hotels where our sons and girls are degraded and spoiled

*Internet coffee shops that allow youth to search licentious and immoral websites

*Coffee shops where immoral youth gather to smoke...and where meetings between young men and girls take place

*Any girl who goes out wearing trousers without a veil to cover her hair

*All non-Muslim foreigners of all different nationalities are warned to leave

*Collaborators with Israel are warned "we will never relax in targeting them."

*All foreign embassies and consulates must be evacuated and their staff leave within one month of this date

*All auditoriums holding wedding ceremonies that are "rakish and uninhibited"

*Policemen who impede us and protect corrupt men

*All corrupt leaders, even if they are influential and powerful in the Authority and organizations, are our first target.

Monday, Feb. 27, Israel’s acting prime minister Ehud Olmert said he does not see Hamas as being a strategic security threat to the country. This is seen by DEBKAfile’s political sources as an effort to soothe concerns and divert attention from the menace building up in the Gaza Strip.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336096 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This one seems oddly worded:

"*Any girl who goes out wearing trousers without a veil to cover her hair..."

Do most women in Gaza wear trousers? Do most women in Gaza who DO normally wear trousers normally wear a veil? If a woman is wearing a skirt or dress, does she need to wear a veil?

The emphasis on trousers seems weird.
Posted by: Jules || 03/01/2006 0:13 Comments || Top||

#2  Yeah, that bugged me, too. Does anybody have any thoughts as to how the translation could have gotten sideways like that? Are trousers the issue?

Do they have Bermuda shorts? Skorts? Peddle pushers?
Posted by: OregonGuy || 03/01/2006 0:50 Comments || Top||

#3  Probably was some catchall or slang word for Western-style clothes, as opposed to a burkha.
Posted by: gromky || 03/01/2006 1:24 Comments || Top||

#4  Any girl who goes out wearing trousers without a veil to cover her hair

Anyone else see the loop-hole here?
Posted by: Robert Crawford || 03/01/2006 9:42 Comments || Top||

#5  No coffee, cigs, booze, computers or whorehouses. Gee, sounds like a paradise. I bet the people can't wait. What am I saying, they probably would like to live like that. Ick!
Posted by: Unock Greatch1969 || 03/01/2006 10:00 Comments || Top||

#6  Never thought I'll be hopping that AQ are not just blowing air.
Posted by: gromgoru || 03/01/2006 10:00 Comments || Top||

#7  This is very similar to the demands the algerian jihadists made at the beginning of the 90's civil war.
Posted by: anonymous5089 || 03/01/2006 10:12 Comments || Top||

#8  Remember folks, this is DEBKA and saline additives are the rule.

Nonetheless, what a wonderful stroke of luck for the Palestinians. They may finally have a chance to enjoy the true fruits of their anti-Semitic labors. Not just the usual froth and spittle, but real down-home honest-to-gosh grindingly dull sharia brand Islamism. Remember, Osama considers iced soft drinks to be a manifestation of western decadence.

For all their spewing, the Palestinians are actually a somewhat diverse people with Copts, Druze and Christian elements in the general population. Al Qaeda coming in and enforcing strict sharia law is going to rub a lot of people the exact wrong way. Not that they couldn't have seen this coming after so many decades of Jew hating.

Corrupt elements inside and outside the Palestinian Authority

Well, that leaves, what? Five or ten percent of the population unscathed? The Traparancy International Corruption Perception Index:

http://ww1.transparency.org/cpi/2004/cpi2004.en.html

rates the Palestinian Authority at #111 out of 146 different national governments. It shares company with such illustrious company as Libya, Equador and Yemen. (America rates as #19, Denmark #3 and Finland #1).

I could not wish a more polarizing or zero-fun sort of puritanical astringent bunch of thugs as al Qaeda upon the Palestinians. Let them get a taste of what the Arab world envisions as model Jew haters so they can see just how wide of the mark they've been. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of turds.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 10:32 Comments || Top||

#9  It will be seet watching AQ, hamas, and the hez fighters duking it out.
Posted by: anymouse || 03/01/2006 11:04 Comments || Top||

#10  Sounds like a Plan!

Oh and we better take our money out of there too. Let Benny support the assholes.

Hurry up and complete the wall and then let them enjoy their 'paradise'.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 03/01/2006 11:24 Comments || Top||

#11  Nothing seems to put people of I-slam quicker than Bin-Ladens band of goat lovers taking over.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 03/01/2006 11:32 Comments || Top||

#12  Silly peeps, they just left out a word:

Any girl who goes out wearing trousers or without a veil to cover her hair

Now, let's see what sort of hilarious results we can get by inserting a single word here and there amongst these little gems:

All non-Muslim foreigners of all different nationalities are warned to leave jizya.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 12:21 Comments || Top||

#13  Does this edict by al Qaeda pass muster with the people's party - Hamas? Aren't they the ones that get to say "quittin time"?
Posted by: Hank || 03/01/2006 16:31 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Bus drivers stage defiant protest in Teheran
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 28 – Close to a hundred bus drivers and conductors, who have been released recently from Evin Prison after being locked up for taking part in union protests, gathered on Monday outside the Tehran Bus Company headquarters to protest against the government’s handling of their case.

Iranian authorities launched a heavy crackdown on the transit workers late last month, arresting large numbers of bus drivers who had decided to go on strike. Earlier this month, a dissident worker told Iran Focus that agents of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), the country’s secret police, had been conducting night raids into the homes of striking bus drivers and workers in Tehran, arresting more than a thousand people on political charges.

During Monday’s protest by the recently released bus drivers, they demanded that the government clarify their position and reinstate them to their previous posts. Many of the union’s members are believed to still be behind bars. Four union activists had to appear in court on Monday.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336090 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Hmmm. These guys have some serious brass... Are there more like them, who haven't bubbled to the surface of our awareness? Interesting.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:12 Comments || Top||

#2  I thought so too. We just don't know enough about Iran. I've been surfing some of the Iranian ex-pat websites, but they're mostly clipping services. And I can't read Farsi. I do have a friend, lovely woman who's Persian, but I dunno if I can get her to translate on a regular basis.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 0:33 Comments || Top||

#3  Organized labor in Iran is strong enough to put hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in the streets on May Day, and they hate the Mullahs. Check out one conservative and one leftist site on the strike issue:




Send your solidarity protests to the top:

Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadjinejad,
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir
Fax: + 98-21-6648. 06. 65 or: + 98 21 649 5880 &

Ambassador Mohammad Reza Alborzi, Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Institutions in Geneva, Chemin du Petit-Saconnex 28, 1209 Geneva, Switzerland, Fax: +41 22 733 02 03, E-mail: mission.iran@ties.itu.int
Posted by: Listen To Dogs || 03/01/2006 3:28 Comments || Top||

#4  This should work:

http://www.activistchat.com/

http://www.labournet.net/world/0601/iran9.html
Posted by: Listen To Dogs || 03/01/2006 3:31 Comments || Top||

#5  Listen To Dogs (interesting nym) - I hope there's more than petition-signing going on under the surface. The list is long...

Making contact with the US Govt - yes, the CIA
Providing intel on the targets that need to be neutralized
Cooperation and collaboration in developing real action plans
Recruitment - with all the risks that entails
Arming the cells, once organized
Coordinating actions to be effective, not pointless bloodbaths
Focus - on regime change and on removal of nuke threat
Ditching the Pollyanna and romantic BS - this will be real war

If the people you've pointed to are serious, and not just Cause of the Day types or childish dreamers, then there are many things which they can be doing to make the overthrow of the Mad Mullah and the entire despotic Mullahcracy a reality. If they are few in number and / or unwilling to pay the price, then they are wasting their, and our, time and efforts.

The regime will fall - we can't allow them to survive to restart their games and force us to do it all over again another day. They will have to be eliminated.

The nuke program (which I've read is very popular, unlike the Mullahs) will have to be destroyed. Period. End of fucking story. If you think we'll sacrifice lives and treasure to remove the Mullahs but preserve your Shi'a Muzzy Viagra, you're wasting your time. Not. Happening. Get over it, if that offends you. We will help you regain control of your country, but you have to pull your weight and recognize our interests, too. We are going to remove the threat and your agenda had better include that item. Otherwise, wank away with the website shit and keep dreaming. Shit's coming down and it will happen with or without you.

The petition games can be your front, but it achieves nothing, nada, zilch. The Mullahs are laughing at you. Get bizzy helping our intel people and organizing yourselves to make this your victory, independence from insanity - not just our campaign to remove a major threat.

Is that 2 cents worth?
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 4:34 Comments || Top||

#6  That's about 4 cents.
Shouldn't we be smuggling cell phones into Iran ?
Shouldn't we also pay a bunch of them to attack one of our ships so we can get this war reved up ?
Posted by: wxjames || 03/01/2006 9:27 Comments || Top||

#7  Shouldn't we also pay a bunch of them to attack one of our ships so we can get this war reved up ?

Umm ..... no.

That's precisely the sort of sh!t that generates; "America flew their own planes into those skyscrapers so that they could start a war on Islam." sort of crap.

wxjames, leave it to the Mullahs to do something just crazy enough (as if virtually declaring war on the United States, threatening to nuke Israel and meddling in Iraq weren't sufficient), that will get this whole ball of camel dung rolling.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 10:03 Comments || Top||

#8  Camel dung comes in balls?
Posted by: Thrinetch Tholumble7024 || 03/01/2006 19:25 Comments || Top||

#9  What about those Chicom pebble reactors?

Aren't those relatively safe?

They can have reactors, they just can't have bombs.
Posted by: anonymous2u || 03/01/2006 20:51 Comments || Top||

#10  Camel dung comes in balls?

It does once the dung beatles (a.k.a. scarabs, if I recall correctly) are done with it. I always wondered why the Egyptians were so keen on such creatures...
Posted by: trailing wife || 03/01/2006 20:59 Comments || Top||

#11  Scarabs in your camel toe.... yikes!
Posted by: Visitor || 03/01/2006 21:03 Comments || Top||


Senior Iran cleric sez whacking embassies ok
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 28 – A senior Iranian cleric has approved attacks on foreign embassies in Tehran over the publication of insulting cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in European dailies, a website belonging to the office of hard-line Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reported. “Muslims must take the most ferocious stance against insults to Islamic sanctities”, the senior cleric told Ayatollah Dorri Najaf-Abadi, the country’s Chief State Prosecutor, according to the Persian-language website Khedmat.

“If setting fire to embassies of countries that insult the Prophet aims to show that these countries no longer have any place in Islamic countries then this act is permissible”, the senior ayatollah was quoted as saying. “Anyone who dies in this path [of protests against the insults] is a martyr”, he said.

Khedmat did not name the senior Shiite religious leader, but Najaf-Abadi met and held talks separately with five senior ayatollahs in Qom on February 20. The ayatollahs, Moussavi Ardebili, Makarem Shirazi, Fazel Lankarani, Safi Golpayegani and Nouri Hamedani, unanimously condemned the cartoons depicting Islam’s Prophet Mohammad and described it as a “Zionist and Western conspiracy against Islam”.

“The support shown for the [cartoons] by the European Union and some European governments showed that this was not just an issue of journalism. But Muslims’ reaction was beyond expectation and it showed that Muslims have woken up and this is a great asset”, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi told the prosecutor, according to the government-owned ISNA news agency.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336080 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Well sure it is! Geez, wotta dumb question. Anything, anything at all, that advances the interests of mullahs and imams is specifically and automatically okey-dokey. Just ask 'em and they'll tell you. Why, they'll even dig up some Sura or something and "interpret" it for ya. Silly fucking infidels.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:16 Comments || Top||

#2  If all countries having embassies in Tehran closed them for a week in protest of this outrageous pronouncement, do you think they might change their minds. Probably not. You have to possess one before it can be altered.
Posted by: GK || 03/01/2006 0:30 Comments || Top||

#3  I wonder how the nations of the remaining embassies in Iran will rationalize keeping them open.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 03/01/2006 0:51 Comments || Top||

#4  Well we don't have to worry about that. I think any Zeropian nation that keeps an Embassy open in Iran is stone cold stupid. Iran has a habit of grabbing up people and holding them hostage. I Thinbk the Zeropians forgot that. I hope they burn a few and take some hostages. It will force things.

It's better sooner than later.
Posted by: SPoD || 03/01/2006 1:06 Comments || Top||

#5  Mosques are the embassies of the Islamists.

Let's take him at this word.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 03/01/2006 11:23 Comments || Top||

#6  Mosques are the embassies of the Islamists.

Brilliant, BP. It's time to outlaw Islam in all countries that practice freedom of religion.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 12:11 Comments || Top||

#7 
Senior Iran cleric sez whacking embassies ok
Cool!

Let's start with yours. :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 03/01/2006 19:05 Comments || Top||

#8  Does this really surprise anybody???
Posted by: bgrebel || 03/01/2006 19:06 Comments || Top||

#9  Lol, Barbara! :-)
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 19:09 Comments || Top||

#10  Senior American computer geek says whacking mosques okay from now on.
Oh yeah, clerics too.
Posted by: wxjames || 03/01/2006 19:11 Comments || Top||

#11  Attacks on embassies may and are normally considered de facto ACTS OF WAR, espec iff done with host nation/Govt approval. Iran, etal. can not give State andor Ideo-Faith-specific sanction to PC/PDeniable, individual acts of terror but then claim the State-Faith is NOT per se responsible. THE CLERIC > EITHER KILL US OR WE WILL KILL YOU, SURRENDER/CONCEDE AND WE MIGHT DECIDE TO SPARE YOU, .......ETC. AFTER ALL, CLINTONISM > FASCIST = LIMITED COMMIE LEFT/COMMIE-MAJORITY MAINSTREAM AMERIKANS WANT TO BE RULED BY ANYONE EXCEPT AN AMERICA, CORRECT!? MOTHERLY RADICAL ISLAM, ETAL. IS MERELY DOING WHAT AMERIKANS WANT ANYWAYS AND HELPING YOU DESTROY YOURSELVES AND YOUR COUNTRY FOR THE GOOD OF EVERYONE.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 03/01/2006 21:43 Comments || Top||


IAEA’s latest report on Iran: Full text
Link is to a PDF file.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336080 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Written by Sgt. Schultz.
Posted by: 2b || 03/01/2006 11:48 Comments || Top||

#2  IAEA has discovered something much more valuable than nuclear energy - Perpetual Motion:

"We aksed these (suspect) men some questions."

"They didn't answer the questions to our satisfaction."

"We can't be sure they're not up to no good."

"We'll continue to ask these men more questions and report our results (and draw a paycheck)."
Posted by: Spoter Unatle4689 || 03/01/2006 22:31 Comments || Top||


Iran to close Straits of Hormuz

The fastest way to start a war with the US: block our shipping. Ask, well, dozens of countries.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are making preparations for a massive assault on U.S. naval forces and international shipping in the Persian Gulf, according to a former Iranian intelligence officer who defected to the West in 2001. The plans, which include the use of bottom-tethered mines potentially capable of destroying U.S. aircraft carriers, were designed to counter a U.S. land invasion and to close the Strait of Hormuz, the defector said in a phone interview from his home in Europe. They would also be triggered if the United States or Israel launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran to knock out nuclear and missile facilities.

"The plan is to stop trade," the source said. Between 15 and 16.5 million barrels of oil transit the Strait of Hormuz each day, roughly 20 percent of the world's daily oil production, according to the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration.

The source provided NewsMax parts of a more than 30-page contingency plan, which bears the stamp of the Strategic Studies Center of the Iranian Navy, NDAJA. The document appears to have been drafted in September or October of 2005. The NDAJA document was just one part of a larger strike plan to be coordinated by a single operational headquarters that would integrate Revolutionary Guards missile units, strike aircraft, surface and underwater naval vessels, Chinese-supplied C-801 and C-802 anti-shipping missiles, mines, coastal artillery, as well as chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. The overall plans are being coordinated by the intelligence office of the Ministry of Defense, known as HFADA.

Revolutionary Guards missile units have identified "more than 100 targets, including Saudi oil production and oil export centers," the defector said. "They have more than 45 to 50 Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 missiles ready for shooting" against those targets and against Israel, he added.

The defector, Hamid Reza Zakeri, warned the CIA in July 2001 that Iran was preparing a massive attack on America using Arab terrorists flying airplanes, which he said was planned for Sept. 11, 2001. The CIA dismissed his claims and called him a fabricator. The source also identified a previously unknown nuclear weapons site last year to this writer, which was independently confirmed by three separate intelligence agencies.

NewsMax showed the defector's documents to two native Persian-speakers who each have more than 20 years of experience analyzing intelligence documents from the Islamic Republic regime. They believed the documents were authentic. A U.S. military intelligence official, while unable to authenticate the documents without seeing them, recognized the Strategic Studies Center and noted that the individual whose name appears as the author of the plan, Abbas Motaj, was head of the Iranian navy until late 2005. A former Revolutionary Guards officer, contacted by NewsMax in Europe, immediately recognized the Naval Strategic Studies institute from its Persian-language acronym, NDAJA. He provided independent information on recent deployments of Shahab-3 missiles that coincided with information contained in the NDAJA plan.

The Iranian contingency plan is summarized in an "Order of Battle" map, which schematically lays out Iran's military and strategic assets and how they will be used against U.S. military forces from the Strait of Hormuz up to Busheir. The map identifies three major areas of operations, called "mass kill zones," where Iranian strategists believe they can decimate a U.S.-led invasion force before it actually enters the Persian Gulf. The kill zones run from the low-lying coast just to the east of Bandar Abbas, Iran's main port that sits in the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz, to the ports of Jask and Shah Bahar on the Indian Ocean, beyond the Strait.

Behind the kill zones are strategic missile launchers labeled as "area of chemical operations," "area of biological warfare operations," and "area where nuclear operations start." Iran's overall battle management will be handled through C4I and surveillance satellites. It is unclear in the documents shared with NewsMax whether this refers to commercial satellites or satellite intelligence obtained from allies, such as Russia or China. Iran has satellite cooperation programs with both nations. The map is labeled "the current status of military forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, 1384." 1384 is the Iranian year that ends on March 20, 2006.

Iran plans to begin offensive operations by launching successive waves of explosives-packed boats against U.S. warships in the Gulf, piloted by "Ashura" or suicide bombers. The first wave can draw on more than 1,000 small fast-attack boats operated by the Revolutionary Guards navy, equipped with rocket launchers, heavy machine-guns and possibly Sagger anti-tank missiles.

In recent years, the Iranians have used these small boats to practice "swarming" raids on commercial vessels and U.S. warships patrolling the Persian Gulf. The White House listed two such attacks in the list of 10 foiled al-Qaida terrorist attacks it released on Feb. 10. The attacks were identified as a "plot by al-Qaida operatives to attack ships in the [Persian] Gulf" in early 2003, and a separate plot to "attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz."

A second wave of suicide attacks would be carried out by "suicide submarines" and semi-submersible boats, before Iran deploys its Russian-built Kilo-class submarines and Chinese-built Huodong missile boats to attack U.S. warships, the source said. The 114-foot Chinese boats are equipped with advanced radar-guided C-802s, a sea-skimming cruise-missile with a 60-mile range against which many U.S. naval analysts believe there is no effective defense.

When Iran first tested the sea-launched C-802s a decade ago, Vice Admiral Scott Redd, then commander of U.S. naval forces in the Gulf, called them "a new dimension ... of the Iranian threat to shipping." Admiral Redd was appointed to head the National Counterterrorism Center last year.

Iran's naval strategists believe the U.S. will attempt to land ground forces to the east of Bandar Abbas. Their plans call for extensive use of ground-launched tactical missiles, coastal artillery, as swell as strategic missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia and Israel tipped with chemical, biological and possibly nuclear warheads.

The Iranians also plan to lay huge minefields across the Persian Gulf inside the Strait of Hormuz, effectively trapping ships that manage to cross the Strait before they can enter the Gulf, where they can be destroyed by coastal artillery and land-based "Silkworm" missile batteries. Today, Iran has sophisticated EM-53 bottom-tethered mines, which it purchased from China in the 1990s. The EM-53 presents a serious threat to major U.S. surface vessels, since its rocket-propelled charge is capable of hitting the hull of its target at speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour. Some analysts believe it can knock out a U.S. aircraft carrier. When Iran last mined the Gulf, in 1987-1988, several U.S. ships and reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers were hit, even though the mines they used were similar to those used in the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915, Tenaglia said. The biggest challenge facing Iran today would be to actually lay the mines without getting caught. "If they are successful in getting mines into the water, it's going to take us months to get them out," Tenaglia said.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff has been warning about Iran's growing naval buildup in the Persian Gulf for over a decade, and in a draft presidential finding submitted to President Clinton in late February 1995, concluded that Iran already had the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz. "I think it would be problematic for any navy to face a combination of mines, small boats, anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes, coastal artillery, and Silkworms," said retired Navy Commander Joseph Tenaglia, CEO of Tactical Defense Concepts, a maritime security company. "This is a credible threat." In Tenaglia's view, "the major problem will be the mines. Naval minefields are hard to locate and to sweep," and the United States has few minesweepers. "It's going to be like running the gauntlet getting through there," he said.
Posted by: Jackal || 03/01/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336134 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Heh. Mullah plans be one thing - we got some of those plan thingys, too. Executing them be a whole 'nuther thang. Plans usually don't survive contact - but that old saw is very dependent upon how realistic they are - a function of experience and savvy.

And another tiny detail looms rather large: Who pulls the trigger first?

I'm thinking that just may be a key question, but not necessarily a show-stopper. In fact, if they do so, and the target is a US asset, Bush's legal issues with the gutless US Senate become moot. Perhaps that is one possible strategery...
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 0:25 Comments || Top||

#2  So are they hinting they have 45 nukes?
Posted by: 3dc || 03/01/2006 0:42 Comments || Top||

#3  Saber-rattling. I'm sure they have contingency plans in case of war. It's just a pity that the USN's anti-mine warfare units are so low on the priority list. Nobody gets promoted for commanding a minesweeper.
Posted by: gromky || 03/01/2006 1:19 Comments || Top||

#4  China might get upset if it can't get it's oil or there is even a hint of it not getting it's oil. The leadership of China likes living as it does. If the oil stoped flowing it would upset that order. Iran had better look at the Dragon not the Eagle.
Posted by: SPoD || 03/01/2006 2:36 Comments || Top||

#5  It is my belief that US aid to anti-Mullah forces is being directed to the Azeris and Kurds. Even a low grade guerrilla campaign would tie up Iranian forces. I doubt that Iran transport workers would take CIA money - as they did to a small degree in Chile - but Euro money is already in their hands. A coalition of anti government forces should be in place by April. The Mullahs will be tempted to cancel May Day, and that is when their support collapses. Student groups would like nothing better than to have a go at the Basijis.
Posted by: Listen To Dogs || 03/01/2006 4:49 Comments || Top||

#6  "I doubt that Iran transport workers would take CIA money - as they did to a small degree in Chile - but Euro money is already in their hands."

Explain.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 4:55 Comments || Top||

#7  BTW, For the Transport guys to go out and get their heads busted, now, with no coordinated effort or plan, is dumb. Really dumb. Only possible upside is to generate more sympathy and be examples. But what a loss - and they appear to be the sort of people who would, if this was done right, be gutsy enough to help carry off an overthrow.

And what about the nuke program. Is it as popular as I've read? Do these people expect to have nukes after the Mullahs are gone?
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 4:59 Comments || Top||

#8  I'll be back later - it's my time to sleep, now. Would love to read you responses - both here and to my post on the Bus Drivers thread.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 5:16 Comments || Top||

#9  I notice your good bye shut the site doen for 3 hours. That's a real thread killer.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 03/01/2006 9:23 Comments || Top||

#10  I think closing the Straits would warrant a nuclear response. I don't really like those assholes much anyway, kind of hope they do it.
Posted by: Unock Greatch1969 || 03/01/2006 9:37 Comments || Top||

#11  Excuse my skepticism on this one. Hamid Reza Zakeri was the "surprise witness" at the Mzoudi trial in Hamburg. He claimed that Iranian Intelligence service was really behind the 9/11 attacks and that the U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan had advance warning of the operation. However, these claims were quickly discounted. German intelligence were quoted “he presents himself as a witness on any theme which can bring him benefit.” He’s defected in 2001 but half a decade later he has presented NewsMax, no less, with a "contingency plan" should there be a pre-emptive strike to knock out Iran’s nuclear facilities.

This guy sounds like a poser and a fabricator.


Posted by: DepotGuy || 03/01/2006 9:42 Comments || Top||

#12  This is far more interesting for what it doesn't say. For instance, from the Iranian point of view, they *don't* want an immediate, high-intensity war, they want a gradual slippage into hostility, which gives duplicity and treachery its best advantage. They want to be able to attack at the same time as claiming they are being victimized. They want to avoid clarity and clear alliances, and to keep dangling prospects for favorable deals with greedy bastards like Russia, China and France.

For example, the best way to close the Strait would be to scuttle a commercial ship or three, which is easy to do, hard to prevent, effective and has plausible deniability. Since the Strait is heavily trafficked, who knows which ship or ships will be the ones? "Just bad luck", that will take months to clear, and the Iranians could even claim that by international law that those scuttled ships have to be salvaged by an Iranian company.

Second, teathered sea mines are far more effective against commercial shipping than they are military ships. What if they start laying mines as "defensive" mines very close to their shores, then loudly announce their presence? This allows them to channel both commercial and military shipping into tighter and easier-to-attack sea lanes.

They have also been bullying the UAE for a year or two over disputed islands, and could easily grab them and mine them.

Commercial shipping companies are cowardly, and very prone to bullying. So without declaring war or major hostilities, the Iranians could really stop commercial shipping overnight.

But, in the final analysis, as long as there is a US carrier fleet in the vicintity, the Iranians can't do everything they want to, at least from their point of view. So their strategy will probably be one of gradual aggression, hoping to goad the US until the Iranians can attack with maximum effect and minimum response, and then to try and snivel their way out of it with diplomacy and seeming cooperation, etc.

There are many, many avenues open to those who prefer cunning, treachery, deceit, duplicity, lies, greed, and feigned victimization to anything approaching a fair fight.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 03/01/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||

#13  That description sounds familiar to me. Is it Persian?
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 03/01/2006 10:04 Comments || Top||

#14  Operation "Please Come Kick My Ass"
Posted by: mojo || 03/01/2006 10:45 Comments || Top||

#15  There are many, many avenues open to those who prefer cunning, treachery, deceit, duplicity, lies, greed, and feigned victimization to anything approaching a fair fight.

Well said, 'moose. Sort of sums up all Islamist terrorism in a single sentence. It's time for our military thinkers to realize that the above is a perfect description of terrorism's order of battle.

We need to begin thinking outside of national boundaries and start targeting single locations which attempt to pose threats, regardless of whether they are in Pakistan (a putative ally), or in Iran. Our cruise missiles have almost ridiculous accuracy and can be used to take out a barking dog, if needed.

Just as with wetwork teams against individual advocates of jihad, we need to begin a campaign of eliminating hot-spots like Khar and their anti-cartoon fatwa driven suicide squads, Tehran's entire government and nuclear structure, Khartoum's government house and so forth.

We no longer have the luxury of genteel border and boundary driven wars to fight. Our targets use every possible pretense and deceit to conceal themselves and invite escalation. America's technology now allows it unprecidented selectivity in who, what where and when we track, whack, smack and thwack. Time to get down to it.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 10:50 Comments || Top||

#16  This is the same game plan they had back in '96 when I was a young ensign ASWO.

This scenario has been practiced against since then.
Posted by: Yosemite Sam || 03/01/2006 12:51 Comments || Top||

#17  The Straits of Hormuz is an international waterway. Shutting it is an act of war not only against the nations with legitimate access, but with any nation using it to transport goods and materials. The Iranians have been planning to shut these straits since at least 1981, when they began buying Chinese Silkworm anti-ship missiles and mounting them on the cliffs overlooking the straits and the rest of the Persian Gulf. Control of the Straits of Hormuz would give the Iranians control not only of oil, but even the very basics needed by Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the Gulf Emirates (all imported through the Persian Gulf), and seriously degrade Saudi Arabia's economy.

The Iranians think they can determine and control the battlefield. They didn't learn ANYTHING from the US attack against Iraq. Sinking a Nimits-class carrier would dramatically raise the stakes - possibly to the nuke-response level. The Mullahs are either very, very stupid, or totally insane. The latter seems more reasonable.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 03/01/2006 13:29 Comments || Top||

#18  It's time for our military thinkers to realize that the above is a perfect description of terrorism's order of battle.

What makes you think that they don't realize that, Zenster? I think you give them far less credit than they deserve.

We need to begin thinking outside of national boundaries and start targeting single locations which attempt to pose threats,

The decision to ignore national boundaries is a national policy issue that is determined outside the military.

Just to repeat, in case anyone else is confused: national policy is set OUTSIDE the military. The military leadership sets strategy, plans and acts in accordance with the national policy. And that strategic planning starts with defining the nature of the enemy:

The nature of free and open societies enables terrorist networks to take advantage of freedom of movement, communications, financial systems, and logistical support. Extremist networks are able to operate in and exploit seams between states, between military and police forces, and between international and local
laws ...

There is a direct relationship between the enemies’ motivations and the willingness to use terror tactics. The enemies of the United States and its partners are motivated by extremist ideologies antagonistic to freedom, tolerance, and moderation. These ideologies have given rise to an enemy
network of extremist organizations and their state sponsors and non-state supporters.

Extremists use terrorism -- the purposeful targeting of ordinary people -- to produce fear to coerce or intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of political, religious, or ideological goals. Extremists use terrorism to impede and undermine political progress, economic prosperity, the security and stability of the international state system, and the future of civil society....


Lots more at in the National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terror, linked above.
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 13:43 Comments || Top||

#19  They didn't learn ANYTHING from the US attack against Iraq.

Or from Operation Preying Mantis, the last time they tried to take us on in the Gulf.
Posted by: lotp || 03/01/2006 15:10 Comments || Top||

#20  No answer is an answer. I guess Listen To Dogs is just a fart in the wind.

Lol - sorry, NS. I finally gave up on RB and that's why I called it a day, to be factual.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 15:50 Comments || Top||

#21  What makes you think that they don't realize that, Zenster? I think you give them far less credit than they deserve.

Nowhere have I ever said our military is incompetent or dull-witted. I have given over half of my life towards contributing to technology and processes that have placed our armed forces at the pinnacle of world power. I am deeply proud of that fact and look to them to make best use of such work.

To see Bush willingly appease the Iranians by saying that they are justified in retaining nuclear technology for power generation is a slap in the face for all of us who have sought to pursue security through superior firepower. I believe in America's military and am profoundly grateful for their endless sacrifice in the name of my safety. I just hope that they will not be hobbled by shortsightedness or lack of executive vision when crucial pivot points arise during the global war on terrorism.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 16:03 Comments || Top||

#22  I finally gave up on RB

Please don't do that, .com. Your strong voice and firsthand experience are badly needed hereabouts.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 16:06 Comments || Top||

#23  Read the outline of the NPT, Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, you flaming nitwit. They ARE entitled, as a signee to the treaty, to peaceful nuclear tech.

When you have done so, come back here and apologize. Dickhead.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 16:07 Comments || Top||

#24  Don't try to butter me up when you're spewing BDS BS.

Your apology is due to the 'Burg.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 16:07 Comments || Top||

#25  Signatories of NPT are entitled to peaceful nuclear energy. It is the clandestine behaviors and motives behind the Moolahs that is in play.

Back to the topic at hand, there is little question that closing the Straits is objective #1 come our kicking the door down (right after the mid-term elections in November).

The mad men want this to be a overtly regional war (as it is covertly now) once stompin' time arrives. They also should know, based on the Iraq invasion, that we safeguard all contingencies.
Posted by: Captain America || 03/01/2006 16:55 Comments || Top||

#26  Since the straits are such a problem area, then Iran will definitely sink ships there if and when war breaks out. That will cause supply problems for us, and help them operate in the gulf area somewhat unchecked. That should be relatively unchecked. Relative to what ?
Posted by: wxjames || 03/01/2006 19:09 Comments || Top||

#27  Don't try to butter me up when you're spewing BDS BS.

That was sincere. You're the one who is way off-base, .com.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 19:25 Comments || Top||

#28  What is "BDS" ??
Posted by: Visitor || 03/01/2006 19:27 Comments || Top||

#29  It is the clandestine behaviors and motives behind the Moolahs that is in play.


That and threats to wipe Israel off of the map plus the position that all Muslim countries should have "nuclear technology." Iran is so far outside of the NPT as to be laughable.
Posted by: Zenster || 03/01/2006 19:27 Comments || Top||

#30  Visitor: BDS = Bush Derangement Syndrome
A disease usually of the left.
See: Left Coast Pols and an ex-Vermont gov. as common victims of the syndrome. Most of the EU elites also suffer with this horrible disease.

Please, help find a cure to BDS. Future generations depend on your donations.
Posted by: 3dc || 03/01/2006 20:07 Comments || Top||

#31  I see. Thank you for the explanation.
Posted by: Visitor || 03/01/2006 20:09 Comments || Top||

#32  BDS: Bush Derangement Syndrome.

I don't thing this a Rantburg neologism. I've seen it elsewhere, usually in comments on the nonsensical rantings of those who can't get past the fact that the peepul were so stupid as to elect George W. Bush president twice (!!!), or perhaps somehow that obviously stupid, evil man managed to game a system set up by others vastly more intelligent than himself. And besides, every time he says, "nucular," the Europeans snigger.

Like that. ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 03/01/2006 21:10 Comments || Top||

#33  There are a great many BDS sufferers on the right, as well. Mostly paleocons and Libertarians, but also everyone who allows the Best to be the enemy of the Good. .com isn't fond of that last group, and tends to point out their stupidity when riled.... often in creative terms.
Posted by: trailing wife || 03/01/2006 21:13 Comments || Top||

#34  Right O' TW!
Posted by: Visitor || 03/01/2006 21:15 Comments || Top||

#35  BDS was coined and defined by Dr Charles Krauthammer.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 21:16 Comments || Top||

#36  Both well coined and esteemed. Thanks!
Posted by: Visitor || 03/01/2006 21:19 Comments || Top||

#37  The ultimate utility of the US DemoLeft is to PC induce DemoCapitalist = Socialism/Communism, Federalist = Socialist/Centralist, Cop/Judge = Mafia-Crook, .............@ CLintonian Washington NPE to take over everything and anything domestically while simul restraining America's mil response overseas. Iran = North Korea = NK-Taiwan, etal > PC bloody diversions for the real Battlefield that is Washington and control of the NPE. TO PARAPHRASE FNC THIS AM, ee.g. BILL CLINTON WANTS TO GIVE THE AMERICA PEOPLE THE STRAIGHT ARROW/GIST OF THINGS BY BEING UNDENIABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY ON BOTH, ANY EACH ALL AND EVERY SIDE OF THE PORTS ISSUE, AND OF COURSE ON NO ONE'S SIDE(S) OF SAME. * "America is a Socialist nation moving towards National and Global Communism and, God help us all, the Left doesn't know how to stop it" - THE SOCIALISTS, COMMIES, AND LEFTIES DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAVE AMERICA FROM DUBYA AND HIS SAME. THE HORROR, THE HORROR, THE HORROR.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 03/01/2006 22:01 Comments || Top||

#38  Whew, Joe! I got lost somewhere around "@CLintonian Washington NPE...". Sorry, bro, er, I mean Mr SecGen-elect.
Posted by: .com || 03/01/2006 22:05 Comments || Top||

#39  Holy crap.
Posted by: Thraimble Greque5524 || 03/01/2006 22:06 Comments || Top||

#40  It's ok, Thraimble G. Our JosephMendiola alternates between the most poetical all-caps rants, and surprisingly concise and informative commentary on things military. There's a movement here to get him nominated to replace Mr. Annan when the post of Secretary General of the U.N. falls open -- between the rants and the deep knowledge base, they won't have a chance!
Posted by: trailing wife || 03/01/2006 22:23 Comments || Top||

#41  Oh TW, you do make me laugh. I think Joe might be running a meth lab and dipping into the product a wee bit too often. Love his passion though.
Posted by: Remoteman || 03/01/2006 22:59 Comments || Top||

#42  Of course I didn't think of that, Remoteman. Is that what it looks like? I haven't actually managed to get drunk yet, y'see, and the effect of such stronger stuff is beyond my comprehension. As for the nomination, I think Seafarious started it. I'm just an innocent by-sitter.
Posted by: trailing wife || 03/01/2006 23:42 Comments || Top||



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Wed 2006-03-01
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Tue 2006-02-28
  Yemen Executes American Missionaries’ Murderer
Mon 2006-02-27
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Sun 2006-02-26
  Jihad Jack Guilty
Sat 2006-02-25
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Fri 2006-02-24
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Thu 2006-02-23
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Wed 2006-02-22
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Tue 2006-02-21
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Mon 2006-02-20
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Sun 2006-02-19
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Sat 2006-02-18
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Thu 2006-02-16
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