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Today: 72 articles and 417 comments as of 9:38.
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Bali bombers execution to be delayed
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Africa North
Taureg rebels in Mali abandon 1-month truce and threaten to resume attacks
The opposition movement or the Touareg rebels have put an end to a 1-month truce. The rebels justify such a step by the failing of the Malian Government to commit to the promises it made during the meeting held in Algiers, under the auspices of the mediator between the belligerent parties, the Algerian Ambassador to Mali, Mr. Abdelkrim Ghreib. The rebel Touregs have called on the EU, and the UN to support to the peace process in Mali.

In this regard, the Touareg rebels represented by the Coalition for the Change, said in statement released yesterday that they regret the failing of the agreement reached in Algiers, last July.21st, adding that the agreement concluded in Libya, last April, has not been respected by the Malian Government, too. The statement that has been signed by the spokesman of the coalition has indicated that the Malian Government neither respected its commitments reached during the meeting of Algiers, in July.2006, nor those agreed last month in Algiers, or the agreement concluded in Tripoli. While the Toureg rebels added that they are still disposed to participate in the ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, the political wing of the Toureg rebels, led by Ibrahim Bahanga, has announced new claims as like, the establishing of a political status for the northern regions of Kidal, Timbuktu, and Gao, in which the Touareg populations are based. But the statement has not made it clear if the world "status" expresses the will of the rebel movements to establish a self determination status.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Touareg?

VW's are revolting?

Posted by: OldSpook || 08/23/2008 0:32 Comments || Top||

#2  i really dont find the new VW line to be that bad... but then again, tastes in Mali might be different


now the new scions... bleeach!
Posted by: Abu do you love || 08/23/2008 12:38 Comments || Top||


Britain
Three questioned over threat to assassinate Gordon Brown
Three men arrested under terrorism legislation are being questioned over internet threats to kill Gordon Brown and Tony Blair. One of the men being questioned by police in Manchester is suspected of posting a death threat on a recognised jihadi website and styling himself Sheikh Umar Rabie al-Khalaila, leader of al-Qaeda in Britain.

The threats appeared on the al-Ekhlaas website -- which has been used by al-Qaeda and is monitored by intelligence agencies - in January. They gave warning of a wave of suicide attacks in Britain and against British interests around the world unless the group's demands for a withdrawal from Iraq and the release of Muslim prisoners were met.

The detainees are aged 21, 22 and 23 and all come from Blackburn, Lancashire.
The detainees are aged 21, 22 and 23 and all come from Blackburn, Lancashire, where extensive searches have been carried out. One man was detained in the Accrington area and the other two were arrested at Manchester airport before they could board a flight to Helsinki.

The Times understands that British police are concerned about the potential link to similar groups in Scandinavia, and travelled to Finland this week to carry out further inquiries. There is no known history of Islamic extremism in Finland but there has been an upsurge in Denmark in recent years.

Police were granted further warrants of detention to continue questioning the men until next Thursday, when they may seek to extend that period again.

The internet threats were reported by The Times earlier this year and the full text of the posting, which originally appeared in Arabic, has since been obtained. It was headed, "Statement of the Leader of al-Qaeda in Britain, Sheikh Umar Rabie al-Khalaila" and began by offering "a truce to the British government". The author of the document demanded "a complete withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan and Iraq" and the release of "all Muslim captives from Belmarsh Prison". It specifically named the extremist clerics Abu Qatada and Abu Hamza al-Masri as two inmates who should be freed. The courts have since ordered the release on bail of Abu Qatada, who is now living under a 22-hour curfew in West London.

The statement added: "If the British Government fails to respond to our demands by the last day of March 2008, as they fail to answer to the truce of our Sheikh Osama bin Laden . . . then the Martyrdom seekers of the organisation of al-Qaeda in Britain will target all the political leaders, especially Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. We will also target all Embassies, Crusader Centres and their interests throughout the country, with the help of Allah." The author signed off: "Umar Rabie al-Khalaila. The leader of al-Qaeda in Britain."

Sources said that the arrests did not appear to be connected to any imminent terrorist attack but there was concern about the propagation of violent and extremist ideology. Reporting on the posting in January, the Jamestown Foundation in Washington DC said: "British security officials had difficulty assessing the seriousness of the threat, which appeared only briefly on al-Ekhlaas."

The threats had, however, coincided with warnings from Spanish police about a group of Pakistani nationals en route from Barcelona to London. Those fears led to the arrest of a number of men at Heathrow, but they were able to demonstrate that they had no connection to terrorism.
This article starring:
ABU HAMZA AL MASRIal-Qaeda in Britain
ABU QATADAal-Qaeda in Britain
SHEIKH OMAR RABIE AL KHALAILAal-Qaeda in Britain
Posted by: ryuge || 08/23/2008 06:02 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Britain

#1  You know the thing that makes it so hard for the Brits to catch these terrorists is that there is no pattern as to who the perpetrators could be. At first we thought that maybe that "Allahu Akbar" thing that they love to scream just before touching off the detonator might be a common thread, but hey, who doesn't love God! So we couldn't eliminate any suspects.

Cheers!
- MI5
Posted by: Scott R || 08/23/2008 7:03 Comments || Top||

#2  They should be arrested for plotting to assassinate such a non-entity. Al Qaeda would get more press if they kidnapped Big Bird.
Posted by: Excalibur || 08/23/2008 7:30 Comments || Top||

#3  they are said to have 59 million sympathisers.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 08/23/2008 11:47 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Obama bin Biden
I have no idea how to make this appear on the page, but maybe a mod might....?

Obama bin Biden

That's gonna leave a mark! :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 08/23/2008 14:31 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sorry, mods - I swear I picked WOT - Politix.

On the other hand....
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 08/23/2008 14:36 Comments || Top||

#2  What a hoot! Excellent Barb. I just e-mailed this to 10 other guys, who will each mail it to ten or more others, who will.... well as the Obamessiah says.... "you know."
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/23/2008 14:57 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Arizona man arrested for Hamas fundraising
The US Department of Justice announced Thursday they arrested a man over his alleged fundraising for a foundation authorities say backs Hamas, the Palestinian organization Washington has designated a terrorist group. Akram Musa Abdallah, also called Abu Saiaf, 54, of Mesa, Arizona, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of lying to authorities over his involvement in fund-raising for the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which US officials say funnels money to Hamas.

According to the indictment, Abdallah was involved in fund-raising activities for the Holy Land Foundation in the Phoenix, Arizona area between 1994 and 1997. If convicted of lying in the case, Abdallah faces up to eight years in prison, a fine of 250,000 dollars, or both.
Posted by: trailing wife || 08/23/2008 11:26 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Strategy page: 200,000 flee fighting in Bajaur agency
Bajaur agency is at the Northern tip of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). Apparantly the "Peace" talks with the Taliban haven't gone too well.
Posted by: Frozen Al || 08/23/2008 13:13 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:


Gomez sez, "I'm in"

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The widower of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto has agreed to run for the Pakistani presidency.
Ouch...ouch...quit twisting my arm! Oh...all right. I'll do it.
The announcement was made Saturday at Asif Ali Zardari's home.

An election by lawmakers to replace Pervez Musharraf will be held on Sept. 6. Musharraf resigned less than a week ago rather than face impeachment.

Mian Raza Rabbani of the Pakistan People's Party said Zardari had accepted his party's nomination to run for president. But his election is far from certain.
What, 10% isn't enough?
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the junior partner in the ruling coalition, has demanded that the People's Party slash the powers of the president before he'll support their candidate.
Posted by: tu3031 || 08/23/2008 12:56 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:


Malik, LeT founder agree to cooperate on Kashmir
Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Friday spoke to militant outfit Lashker-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and they agreed to cooperate with each other in their activities in Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

They agreed on this course of action when Saeed spoke to Malik on telephone, said a statement issued by Jamat-ud-Dawah, a group set up by Saeed after the Pakistan government imposed a ban on the LeT.

Malik said the protests led by Hurriyat leaders had sent out a "message to the whole world" and the "Kashmir freedom movement had taken a new turn after the current economic blockade". However, he said the "attitude of Pakistani rulers is very disheartening and disappointing" for Kashmiri Muslims.

Earlier in the day, while delivering a sermon after Friday prayers in Lahore [Images], Saeed called for an immediate end to operations by Pakistan's military in the Swat valley of the North West Frontier Province, Bajaur Agency and other tribal areas.

He also said Pakistani nation "has had to pay for Pervez Musharraf's [Images] warped policies of enlightened moderation and friendship with India and America".

He also criticized Pakistani rulers for "maintaining a criminal silence" on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports in the Pakistani media have said that there had been an increase in the activities of outlawed groups like the Lashker-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed following Musharraf's resignation on Monday.
Posted by: john frum || 08/23/2008 07:46 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:


Pakistan: Nationwide security alert after new Taliban threats
(AKI) - Pakistan was on high alert on Friday after the Taliban threatened to carry out more terrorist attacks across the country.

The Interior Ministry has ordered tighter security measures in the country's four provinces following an ominous statement from the leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud, that the group was planning more suicide attacks.

Two suicide bombers killed 70 people and injured at least 80 others when they blew themselves up on Thursday outside the Pakistan Ordinance Factory in the high security town of Wah, near Islamabad.

It was described as the deadliest attack on a military installation in the country's history.

Interior Ministry sources said on Friday that six suicide bombers from Baitullah Mehsud's group had entered different parts of the country to carry out more terrorist acts in protest against military action in the Bajaur Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas bordering Afghanistan.

"We carried out this attack and soon similar blasts will happen all across the world if the military operations do not stop in the Swat Valley and Bajaur," spokesperson for Pakistan's Tehrik-i-Taliban, Moulvi Omar, said in a statement issued to the national media on Thursday.

Pakistani Taliban leaders had threatened earlier this month to carry out suicide attacks in major cities, including Karachi and Islamabad, unless the military stopped its offensive against militants.

Tehreek's spokesman, Maulvi Umer told Geo News from an undisclosed location that suicide attackers have been sent in different cities including Islamabad, Multan, Lahore and Karachi to target military installations there.

He said the Wah suicide blasts were carried out in reaction to the actions against Taliban in Bajaur Agency, the Swat Valley in the North West Frontier Province and other areas.

The ministry has directed all four provincial governments and police to strengthen their security and monitoring arrangements.

Meanwhile, at least 11 people were killed and 15 others were injured when security forces attacked suspected militant hideouts in Bajaur Agency on Thursday. More than 250,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Pakistan: Recent attacks raise questions about intelligence body
(AKI) - While Pakistan's ruling coalition teeters on the brink of collapse, there is growing speculation about the power of the country's intelligence agency and its links with Taliban militants.

Former premier Nawaz Sharif threatened to quit the ruling coalition on Thursday if judges sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf are not restored.

The leaders of the coalition that won elections in February, headed by the party of slain ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto, were expected to hold crucial talks on Friday to discuss the judiciary and potential candidates to replace Musharraf.

But several violent attacks in Pakistan and neighbouring Pakistan this week have raised concerns about the resurgence of the Taliban and the role of the country's intelligence agency in aiding terrorist attacks.

A senior US State Department official told The Financial Times newspaper on Wednesday that Pakistan needed to step up efforts to control the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency after Musharraf's resignation.

"The position of the ISI has always been ambiguous, [but] they may have been more directly involved in actions in more recent months because of lack of supervision," the official.

He was reportedly referring to "a lot of allegations" that the agency was involved in the 7 July bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul.

Persistent US intelligence reports that al-Qaeda has entrenched its position in "safe havens" in Pakistan near the Afghan border, has deepened Washington's doubts about the future outlook for intelligence co-operation.

Senior western diplomats told the FT that last month the US confronted Pakistani officials with what it considered credible evidence documenting the ISI's role in backing extremist Islamist groups, including those involved with the Taliban.

Returning from a trip to Pakistan last month, Mike Mullen, head of the US joint chiefs of staff, had declined to comment on whether the ISI could be weaned off its contacts with Islamist and radical groups, cultivated during Afghanistan's wars in the 1980s and 1990s.

Relations between the ISI and jihadi networks developed after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 when it was mainly responsible for training and arming militants opposed to the regime.

This week's attempted suicide attack on a US military base, Camp Salerno in the province of Khost and the fierce clashes that killed 10 French soldiers and injured 21 others has raised serious questions about the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

This week the London-based think-tank, the Senlis Council , said international efforts to contain Taliban insurgents had failed and it called for urgent action to stop the cross-border movement of militants from Pakistan.

The attacks in Afghanistan are becoming more serious, not only in relation to the number of victims but in relation to the sophistocation of the attacks - suicide bomb blasts, car bombs and ambushes.

Ashfaq Kiyani, Pakistan's army chief, travelled to Kabul on Tuesday for talks with top US and Afghan commanders, immediately provoking speculation about a possible military initiative to counter insurgents in the border region.

Joint co-operation had suffered after Pakistan accused the US of killing several members of its Frontier Corps militia in a strike in June. The US has continued to attack suspected Taliban targets inside Pakistan, despite protests by Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, Pakistan's current Prime Minister.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under: ISI

#1  "The position of the ISI has always been ambiguous."

Only to some. Only to some.
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/23/2008 9:44 Comments || Top||

#2  Yes, maybe if some upper echelon ISI bodies were found face down in some roadside ditches, some progress could be made...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 08/23/2008 12:16 Comments || Top||


Bush assures Gilani of US support to Pak govt
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Iraq
Tater may stay in Iran for years
The Yahoo summary of yesterday's article.
Militant Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr plans to make a series of short visits to Iraq starting within weeks but has decided to make Iran his home base for years to come, a key aide says.

The aide is close to the 35-year-old cleric and has accurately reported on the Sadrist movement for several years. The aide would not say how long al-Sadr would stay in Iran, where he has lived since May 2007, but said it was "reasonable" to expect he would remain there for five or more years.

That's the time al-Sadr needs to prepare to win acceptance as a "marjaa," joining Iraq's top Shiite leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and three other grand ayatollahs as members of the highest Shiite religious authority.

Al-Sadr announced in March that he had moved to the Iranian holy city of Qom to focus on religious studies -- an essential credential for power in Iraq's majority Shiite community.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Mahdi Army

#1  WE got Grad students like that in Tallahassee.
Posted by: .5MT || 08/23/2008 7:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Good. Stay in Iran. Might be a moderating influence on the mullahs, or not. Just stay in Iran, Iraq's not safe for you anymore.
Posted by: Richard of Oregon || 08/23/2008 9:28 Comments || Top||


Sadrists denounce emerging US-Iraq deal
Several thousand supporters of anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr protested Friday against an emerging U.S.-Iraqi security agreement, saying it would turn Iraq into a U.S. colony.

The march in the southern city of Kufa came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad to discuss the deal, which includes a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Under a draft agreement, American combat troops would pull out of major Iraqi cities by next June and leave Iraq by 2011, according to Iraqi officials familiar with the document. The schedule could be modified if the two governments agree, and the pact has not been approved by either the Iraqi Cabinet or the parliament, which has the final decision.

Al-Sadr, who lives in Iran but retains significant political clout in Iraq, strongly opposes the U.S. military presence. Al-Sadr and other critics fear that the pullout deal will bind the U.S. and Iraq in a long-term security relationship, instead of restoring Iraqi sovereignty.
Then again, it might do both -- security and sovereignty -- and then what will Mookie do?
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Mahdi Army


U.S., Iraqi Negotiators Agree on 2011 Withdrawal
U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have agreed to the withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from the country by the end of 2011, and Iraqi officials said they are "very close" to resolving the remaining issues blocking a final accord that governs the future American military presence.

Iraqi and U.S. officials said several difficult issues remain, including whether U.S. troops will be subject to Iraqi law if accused of committing crimes. But the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were unauthorized to discuss the agreement publicly, said key elements of a timetable for troop withdrawal once resisted by President Bush had been reached.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  Get ready for the BigZero and his MSM minions to claim omniscience about the pull-out plan. "This is a pull-out plan just like Barak said!"
Posted by: Slomock Peacock6489 || 08/23/2008 6:55 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Protest boats seek an end to Gaza siege
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  The protesters plan to deliver 5,000 balloons for children, as well as hearing aids to a Palestinian charity.

Gee, just what they needed, balloons. Israel should let them through so the Gazans can have them for lunch.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 08/23/2008 8:48 Comments || Top||

#2  The adults need 'balloons'. And 5,000 won't do the job.
Posted by: Eric Jablow || 08/23/2008 9:31 Comments || Top||

#3  Probably make nice artificial reefs. Good for the scuba diver tourist trade.
Posted by: tu3031 || 08/23/2008 10:53 Comments || Top||

#4  Boats with pro-Palestinian activists reach Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Two boats of international activists on a solidarity mission with the Palestinians have reached the Gaza Strip after a two-day journey at sea.

Since setting sail from Cyprus on Friday, the mission had been in question. Israel had hinted it might prevent the vessels from reaching Gaza. The activists also suffered from rough seas and accused Israel of sabotaging their communications equipment.

Earlier Saturday, Israel said would permit the boats to dock in Gaza after determining that the activists were carrying humanitarian equipment. Hundreds of Palestinians have gathered to greet them.

The mission is meant to defy Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israel imposed the blockade in June 2007 after the Hamas militant group seized power in Gaza.


Okay. Now...don't let em out.
Posted by: tu3031 || 08/23/2008 11:15 Comments || Top||

#5  Is abu Mary-Ann amonst the passengers that day>
Posted by: .5MT || 08/23/2008 15:42 Comments || Top||


Middle East: Border closures impact people of Gaza, says UN official
But not nearly enough to modify their behavior ...
(AKI) - People in Gaza are suffering from the impact of border closures and need to see tangible results of the recent ceasefire with Israel, the United Nations' relief agency said on Thursday.

Spokesman for the United Nations Relief Works Agency, Christopher Gunness, told Adnkronos International (AKI) from Gaza, that limited fuel supplies in particular were hampering people in their daily lives.

"We need to show the people of Gaza visible and concrete signs that the ceasefire is yielding results," he told AKI. "Since the beginning of the ceasefire, the situation has remained roughly the same, there has not been an appreciable increase in supplies. We are still woefully down from where we were two years ago."

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak closed all crossings points to Gaza on Wednesday, in response to a rocket attack against Israel by Palestinian militants.

Under the ceasefire agreement on 19 June between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's blockade was due to be eased in order to allow basic supplies into the Strip. Militants consider the failure to lift the economic blockade of Gaza a violation of the ceasefire.

Gunness said all major border crossings including Rafah, Erez and Nahal Oz remained closed on Thursday morning. "As far as our food supplies are concerned we are actually okay, the big push that we are trying for now, is for adequate supplies of concrete and obviously petrol," he told AKI.

He said fuel shortages imposed by Israel in the Gaza Strip has restricted economic activity and severely affected health services and humanitarian aid. "For our operations, UNRWA has enough fuel. But, what we need to do is get cars back on the streets of Gaza, our workers need to travel to work, they need to look after their family, shop and other things," he said. "What we need to do is to demonstrate to the people of Gaza that there is something concrete to show for the ceasefire, " concluded the UN official.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  Fred,

Perfect story for the Sympathy Meter graphic.
Posted by: Waldemar Uneack9263 || 08/23/2008 3:51 Comments || Top||

#2  Food supplies are okay but they need adequate supplies of concrete? Imported from Chavez, perhaps? Oh, and balloons!!! Lots of helium balloons and maybe a few lawnchairs for Paleo-style hovercraft? Geezsh!
Posted by: Danielle || 08/23/2008 10:08 Comments || Top||


Intra-Palestinian violence rises, says UN official
(AKI) - Israel and the Palestinians are continuing their negotiations aimed at devising a durable settlement to their long-running conflict, but intra-Palestinian violence has spiked over the past month, the top United Nations political official told the Security Council.

The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe voiced concern at a surge in deadly intra-Palestinian violence and political uncertainty sparked by tensions between members of the Islamist Hamas movement and Fatah in Gaza.

The violence has contributed to the overall total of 43 Palestinians killed and 366 injured during the current reporting period.

Hamas forces have seized control of the remaining Palestinian Authority institutions in Gaza and detained several governors, he said.

"These actions severely prejudice the prospects for Palestinian reunification within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. We are also concerned at the potential consequences for UN operations in Gaza."

Pascoe made the remarks during his monthly briefing to the Council on the situation in the Middle East. He also said that that negotiations between the two sides as part of the so-called Annapolis peace process had been ongoing at both the political and technical levels.

"It would appear that gaps between the parties' positions remain and I reiterate the Secretary-General's call for the need to press ahead to make real progress in overcoming differences to reach the goal of an agreement by the end of this year," he said.

In addition, Pascoe said Palestinian security forces in the West Bank had arrested dozens of Hamas activists and closed a number of Hamas-linked institutions, and he called for the release of these detainees by both sides, saying it "could serve as a first step in a process leading to reconciliation."
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Southeast Asia
Indonesia: Bali bombers execution to be delayed
(AKI) - The three Islamic militants convicted of the 2002 Bali bombing have been given a stay of execution due to the upcoming holy fasting month of Ramadan in September. Fearing a backlash from the Muslim community, Indonesian authorities have decided to delay the execution of Amrozi, his brother Mukhlas and Imam Samudra.

The three were convicted of planning and carrying out the nightclub bombings in October 2002 which was the worst act of terrorism in Indonesia. The attacks killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists, and injured another 209 people.

The Indonesian Attorney general's office had said it hoped to execute the Islamist militants who were convicted in 2003, before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in early September. It is now expected to be delayed until after Ramadan.

The three convicted terrorists, members of the militant Islamist Jemaah Islamiyah, are at Nusakambangan prison island in Central Java.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Jemaah Islamiyah

#1  The Surprise Meter works here too.
Posted by: tu3031 || 08/23/2008 9:38 Comments || Top||

#2  gotta keep em alive until that pardon-holiday
Posted by: Frank G || 08/23/2008 10:34 Comments || Top||

#3  There's one every 3rd Thursday, won't be long.
Posted by: .5MT || 08/23/2008 15:43 Comments || Top||

#4  I'd bet dollars to donuts they don't whack these guys. But don't worry. Chuck Norris is up to the task.
Posted by: SteveS || 08/23/2008 17:31 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Lebanon Justice minister: 745 Lebanese missing in Syria
Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar said in a television interview that Lebanon is asking for revealing the fate of 745 citizens missing in Syria.

These citizens are divided into two main categories, convicts and kidnap victims. Najjar said. The justice ministry should handle the convicts' issue, he said. Najjar, however, did not say which department should follow up on the issue of kidnap victims.

Najjar's classification is the first by a Lebanese government official of the issue related to the fate of Lebanese citizens held in Syrian jails.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Wednesday some Lebanese citizens were kidnapped by the Syrian army and allied militias in Lebanon.

The kidnapped citizens were taken to the neighboring country during the 30 years of Syrian military deployment in Lebanon, Geagea added.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Salloukh: Israeli threats aim at hurting Lebanon's image
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh said on Thursday that Israel's threats aim at hurting Lebanon's image.
More convoluted logic...
'Who said that the cabinet has given the okay to Hezbollah to carry out any action against Israel?' Salloukh asked.
"Wait until they do before complaining, okay?"
He said the situation south of the Litani River is stable where the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is exerting 'major efforts and there have been no complaints against Hezbollah.'

Lebanon adheres to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Salloukh noted. Lebanon, according to Salloukh, has honored its commitments in line with the resolution while Israel persists in violating the resolution by its daily over-flights over Lebanese territories.

Resolution 1701 brought an end to the July 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon's militant movement Hezbollah. The UN resolution demanded a full cessation of hostilities, Israel to withdraw all of its forces from Lebanon in parallel with Lebanese and UNIFIL soldiers deploying throughout the south, and the full control of Lebanon by the Lebanese government.

Israel has warned the Lebanese government against giving greater legitimacy to the Shiite militant group, saying it would make the entire country a target in any future war. 'The moment the Lebanese government confers legitimacy on Hezbollah, it must understand that the entire Lebanese state will be a target in the same way that all of Israel is a target for Hezbollah,' Environment Minister Gideon Ezra told Israeli public radio on Wednesday. 'During the Second Lebanese War we considered the possibility of attacking Lebanon's infrastructure but we never resorted to this option, because we thought at the time that not all the Lebanese were responsible for the Hezbollah attacks,' added Ezra, who is close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Israeli bombing during the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah was largely confined to Beirut and the south but the military did hit civilian infrastructure, including the main international airport, roads, bridges and power stations. Israel has always said that such instances were exceptions to an attack that was solely focused on Hezbollah and was initially aimed only at recovering two Israeli soldiers seized in a deadly cross- border raid.

The two soldiers were captured by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006. Their capture led to a 33-day war by Israel on Lebanon, during which the Jewish state failed to free its soldiers. The two dead soldiers were returned to Israel in a swap with Hezbollah on July 16. In return, Israel freed five Lebanese prisoners who were held in Israeli jails and handed over the bodies of around 199 dead Hezbollah and Arab militants.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


IAEA deputy chief in Tehran
IAEA Deputy Director General Heinonen is in Tehran to discuss Iran's nuclear program with Atomic Energy Organization of Iran officials.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran


Iran: Aggressors will not leave alive
Commander of the Iranian Army Ataollah Salehi warns Tehran's enemies against committing an act of aggression against the country.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  I didn't know that governments left suicide notes.
Posted by: gorb || 08/23/2008 2:00 Comments || Top||

#2  We should broadly suggest through some means heard by the Iranian people, despite censorship, that if we get into a war with them, a lot of Mullahs will be hanging from light poles.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 08/23/2008 7:06 Comments || Top||

#3  Of course! That's why the Iranians were digging something like 10,000 graves in the interior of the country.
Posted by: trailing wife || 08/23/2008 10:29 Comments || Top||

#4  Alive? Hah! The question will be moot when the CIA and DARPA send armies of undead zombies and giant killer robots.
Posted by: SteveS || 08/23/2008 11:44 Comments || Top||

#5  fortunately with the global warming we have been engineering, the zombies can be more active...

now i see the fullness of GWB's sinister plan

muahawawa
Posted by: Abu do you love || 08/23/2008 13:22 Comments || Top||

#6  Commander of the Iranian Army Ataollah Salehi

Sorta like having Jimmuah Swaggert command the 5th Corps.
Posted by: .5MT || 08/23/2008 15:44 Comments || Top||


West using Iran's N-case to bully world
The West aims to bully nations seeking nuclear technology by creating obstacles to Iran's civilian nuclear program, a senior cleric says.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran


Iran Army wraps up stealth maneuvers
A senior army commander says Iran has wrapped three successful military maneuvers aimed at strengthening the country's defensive prowess.

Brigadier General Abdul-Rahim Mousavi said Friday that Iran's Army forces have held aerial, naval and ground drills over the past two months.

According to the Iranian commander, the maneuvers have been held in secret to prevent Western governments from acquiring intelligence on Iran's defensive and combat capabilities.

The announcement comes amid reports suggesting that an armada of US and European naval vessels had been stationed in the Persian Gulf in an unprecedented build-up.

The US and Israel have long threatened to launch military strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran should the country continue its uranium enrichment program.

Despite the UN nuclear watchdog's confirmation that enriched uranium in Iran does not exceed 3 percent, a rate consistent with the construction of a nuclear power plant, the two staunch partners alongside their European allies accuse Iran, a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of pursuing atomic weaponry.

Brig. Gen. Abdul-Rahim Mousavi, deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic Army, added that one of the goals of the maneuvers was to test the forces' promptness in countering threats against the country.

"In a part one of the drills, a legion of the army was moved from a region to another in quickest possible manner," he expounded.

"While the media scrutinizes any military movement in Iran, this part of maneuver was carried masterfully out without attracting any attention," the commander continued.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  "In a part one of the drills, a legion of the army was moved from a region to another in quickest possible manner," he expounded.

Posted by: gorb || 08/23/2008 2:12 Comments || Top||

#2  I have secret intercepts of these exercises from satellites and black helicopters and NSA Tesla antennas mounted on invisible UFO based planes. Here is what I got leaked, eat your heart out NY Times!


//S E C R E T/HVCCO/REL NATO//
//030827:0917Z-UFO//
//FROM: FIELD STATION ZEBRA//
//TO: ALLCON//
//SRC: HALLIBURTON PHONETAP-O-MATIC//

//TRANSCRIPT BEGIN//

/0918Z/COL FARID/: Hey Mahmoud /OC: BELCH HERE/ I mean Colonel Rashid, I am shtarting to move to /OC: BELCH HERE/ Bandar Abbash with a motorised /OC: HICCUP HERE/ infantry battalion like US /OC: SAID YOO ESH/ marinesh.

/OC: SPEECH SLURRED. POSS REF BANDAR ABBAS, US MARINES/

/0919Z/COL RASHID/: Roger that Colonel Farid. I am pretending to assault with my 1000 man platoon of Basij across your front. Hey Abdul, remember that good deal we got with the Japanese last year? My Basij are not only armed with plastic keys to paradise, but they now have improved sharp knives to cut the infidel's throats thanks to Ginsu. Abdul? Hello? Did Abdul leave the conference call again?

/0921Z/OC: SILENCE/

/0922Z/UI VOICE POSS RASHID/:Yooohoo sleeping beauty wake up /OC:YELLING LAST TWO WORDS/

/0922Z/OC: POSS SNORING SNDS INTERRUPTED WITH STARTLE/

/0923Z/GEN ABDUL/: Yes, I am here.

/0925Z/OC: APPARENT MULTIPLE DICE ROLLING AND ABRUPT STOP WITH MUFFLED WORD. BELIEVE TO BE "FINALLY"/

/0925Z/GEN ABDUL/:Farid, your marines are all dead. Allah has provided the presi... /OC: TRAIL OFF AND CLEARS THROAT/ Colonel Rashid with a roll of 12 to hit and destroy each of the US marines and vehicles by our Stealth Iranian Holy forces with only 97 precent casualties to the Basij!

/0926Z/*MIXED VOICES*/: Allah Ahkbar! Allah Ahkbar! The infidel Americans will surely die when they invade. /OC: ALL YELLING/

/0927Z/OC UI VOICE POSS FARID CONT INCOHERENT FOR 3 ADDTL MINUTES/

/0930Z/GEN ABDUL/: Lets call it a day, its been a hectic hour, and its almost time for prayers. All should be back on this conference call tomorrow but later, say one-ish, since I know Colonel Rashid has a date, I mean late night working tonight. President Ahmadine..., I mean Colonel Rashid, tomorrow you can call me and then I will three-way in Colonel Farid for you. Also, Colonel, umm, Rashid, we need to use your copy of Panzerblitz for this - I lost some of the German counters out of my box today to the cat.

/OC: REF PANZERBLITZ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PanzerBlitz)/

/0932Z/GEN ABDUL/:Finally, Colonel Farid, this time remember to hang up! The Mullahs are going to whip us for the phone bill as it is. Allah Ahkbar and long live the President!

/0932Z/COL RASHID/:Thanks - and long live our secret nuclear weapons! Abdul, remember to give Farid the latest pirated photoshop you have, we need some pictures of this for the western press.

/0932Z/GEN ABDUL/:Will Do, goodbye sir.

/0932Z/COL RASHID/: Toodles.

/0932Z/COL RASHID/DISCONNECTED
/0932Z/GEN HAFEZ/DISCONNECTED
/0933Z/COL FARID 5 MIN LIGHT SNORING MUMBLING. POSS WORDS "SHORTY" "MIDGET" "DINNER JACKET"/
/0938Z/SIGNAL LOST/
//TRANSCRIPT ENDS//
//OC: COL FARID POSS INEBRIATED BASED ON SPCH CHARS//
//1 OF 1//
//S E C R E T/HVCCO/REL NATO//
Posted by: OldSpook || 08/23/2008 2:30 Comments || Top||

#3  I vote yay on adding this to the classics.
Posted by: Mike N. || 08/23/2008 4:19 Comments || Top||

#4  o/PanzerBushBlitz
Posted by: .5MT || 08/23/2008 7:24 Comments || Top||


Lebanon lodges UN complaint over perceived 'Israeli threats'
Prime Minister Fuad Siniora sent a letter of protest to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, having received the cabinet's approval of a decision to formally complain about what it perceived as recent Israeli threats against Lebanon. Siniora urged Ban to inform the UN Security Council's member nations of the seriousness of the Israeli threats, according to his office. "To hear what Israeli officials say, one would think Israel was showering Lebanon with roses during its last aggression," he said of the 2006 summer war between Israel and Hezbollah, in which over 1,200 Lebanese - mostly civilians - were killed.

Siniora was responding to remarks made earlier this week by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who said Israel would dispense with restrictions it has so far imposed on itself in combating Hezbollah on Lebanese soil should Lebanon "become a Hezbollah state."

Meanwhile, a military source close to the Lebanon-based Hezbollah told a Kuwaiti daily on Friday that the is planning to avenge the assassination of its second-in-command, Imad Mughniyah.
"We shall have Dire Revenge!™"
Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the Damascus car bombing which killed Mughniyeh in February. Sheikh Ahmed Murad told the newspaper Hezbollah would take action "as soon as the conditions are ripe."

"The revenge will be rattling, and big surprises can be expected," Murad said, warning that "Israel and its generals will not enjoy stability.

New intelligence on Hezbollah's intentions to abduct Israelis abroad prompted the government's counterterrorism unit this week to issue a warning to travelers, who were advised to take special precautions. The threat comes days after the government's counterterrorism unit issued a warning to Israeli travelers to take special precautions, following new intelligence on Hezbollah's intentions to abduct Israelis abroad prompted.

The Counter-terrorism Bureau, a branch in the Prime Minister's Office, explained that intelligence reports suggested Hezbollah is planning abductions as its revenge for the assassination of Mughniyeh, the militia's former operations chief. Israel has denied any involvement in the bombing. But the Sunday Times in London quoted "informed Israeli sources" that the Mossad spy agency carried out the car bombing that killed Mughniyeh.

Hezbollah has previously vowed to avenge Mughniyeh's death by attacking Israel or Israelis abroad. The travel advisory set this week was a general warning, applicable to the entire world, not any specific travel destinations.

According to people within the intelligence community, Israel does possess specific information regarding the location where Hezbollah plans to attack. But the Counter-terrorism Bureau's warning says it applies to all countries.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah

#1  Let's see:

Iran directly threaten's Israel's very existance with nukes: OK

Israel tells Lebanon to be nice: Not OK

Posted by: gorb || 08/23/2008 2:14 Comments || Top||


Terror Networks
Screech eulogizes Mudhat Mursi
Al Qaeda's number two, Ayman al-Zawahiri, mourned two leading members of the terror network who were killed last month in Pakistan, in a video message posted Friday on the Internet. "I announce to you the good news of the martyrdom of my friend ... Sheikh Abu Khabab Al-Masri and his pious comrades," Zawahiri said in a videotape posted on a website used by militant groups. "With him also passed away ... our brother and educator, Ibrahim, who is the son of Sheikh Abi Al-Faraj Al-Masri, may Allah end his captivity," Zawahiri added in the brief message limited to the eulogy.

The second-in-command to Osama Bin Laden, wearing a white tunic and matching turban, spoke in Arabic against the backdrop of photos of two bearded and turbaned men -- presumably the two Masris. Al Qaeda confirmed early this month that Abu Khabab al-Masri -- a top expert on chemical and biological weapons -- had been killed along with other "heroes" in late July. Pakistani officials said a July 28 missile strike in South Waziristan Agency killed Masri, an Egyptian militant. Local residents said the strike was carried out by a pilotless US drone.
Posted by: Fred || 08/23/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda



Who's in the News
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2Mahdi Army
2Moro Islamic Liberation Front
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1al-Qaeda
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Two weeks of WOT
Sat 2008-08-23
  Bali bombers execution to be delayed
Fri 2008-08-22
  37 more killed in Kurram festivities
Thu 2008-08-21
  TTP suicide bombers hit Pak ordnance plant; dozens dead
Wed 2008-08-20
  MILF warns Manila against ''declaring war''
Tue 2008-08-19
  10 French soldiers die in Afghan battle
Mon 2008-08-18
  Pakistan's Musharraf steps down
Sun 2008-08-17
  Baitullah launches parallel justice system for Mehsuds
Sat 2008-08-16
  36 militants killed in Afghanistan
Fri 2008-08-15
  Gunships Blast Pakistani Madrassa; Faqir Mohammad rumored titzup
Thu 2008-08-14
  Feds: Siddique wanted to poison Worst President Ever
Wed 2008-08-13
   Russian troops roll into strategic Georgian city
Tue 2008-08-12
  Israel 'proposes West Bank deal'
Mon 2008-08-11
  Taliban take control of Khar suburbs as Zardari, Nawaz, Fazl jockey for presidency
Sun 2008-08-10
  Iraq car bomb kills 21
Sat 2008-08-09
  US tourist dies in Beijing attack


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