TRIPOLI (Rooters) - Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor imprisoned in Libya eight years ago and sentenced to die for infecting hundreds of children with HIV may know this week whether they are to go free.
The medics were sentenced to death in December after being convicted of infecting 426 Libyan children with the deadly virus while working at a children's hospital in the city of Benghazi.
The six say they are innocent and were tortured to make them confess. Some Western scientists say negligence and poor hygiene were the real culprits and that the infections started before they arrived at the hospital. As proved by virus DNA tests.
Relatives of the children have said the infections were part of a Western attempt to undermine Muslims and Libya.
Libya's Supreme Court last week upheld the death sentences, placing their fate back in the hands of the government's High Judicial Council, which is controlled by the government and has the power to commute sentences or issue pardons.
With the Council due to meet on Monday, European Union governments are hopeful the six will be set free after hectic negotiations with an association of families.
Both sides have suggested agreement is close, and Libya has hinted it could free the nurses if an accord is reached.
The families have asked for compensation of 10 million euros ($13.3 million) for each infected child's family -- "blood money" under which Islamic law lets victims' relatives withdraw death sentences in return for reparations.
The EU refuses to accept the idea of compensation, which would imply the medics were guilty, but has offered a fund to pay for the children's future care. Because, that's different if you pay a ransom like that rather than directly.
Libyan officials say the Council could take several sessions to reach a final decision and will only agree to the release of the nurses if a settlement had been reached in the private talks between the families and the EU.
"The Council will take into consideration several factors like compensation, the age and the time spent by the prisoners in jail," Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel-Rahman Shalgam told reporters last week.
Libya emerged from decades of international isolation in 2003 when it scrapped its program of prohibited weapons and returned to international mainstream politics.
Washington said last week it was sending the first U.S. ambassador to Tripoli in nearly 35 years, but failure to free the medics could carry a heavy diplomatic cost for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
#1
My wife read in her online Flemish news that the Bulgarian government is proposing to give each family Euor1 mil. That is 10% of the offer. Maybe there is some hope here. I doubt Libya wants to piss off EU and America any more than they have in the past.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 9:39 Comments ||
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CAIRO, Egypt - Egypts powerful chief of intelligence, who acts as a key diplomatic link with the United States and Israel, flew to Washington on Sunday for talks with administration officials on bilateral ties and Mideast issues, officials said. The visit by Omar Suleiman came amid friction between Egypt and the US because of increasing criticism by the Bush administration and Congress over President Hosni Mubaraks lack of democratic reforms.
Suleiman did not speak to reporters on departure, but Egyptian officials said he would meet with top officials at the White House, the State Department and the CIA. Bolstering bilateral relations will be top on his agenda, said one official.
Relations between the two allies took a dip after the US House of Representatives tabled legislation last month to withhold US$200 million in military aid until Cairo takes steps to curb police abuses, reform its judicial system and stop arms smuggling into the neighboring Gaza Strip. Under the draft, the aid would be withheld from the total of US$1.3 billion that Egypt is due to receive in military aid from the US in 2008. The legislation has yet to be approved by Congress or signed by President George W. Bush.
Egypt also receives vast US civilian subsidies, and is the second largest recipient of American aid in the world after Israel.
The Egyptian government blasted the proposed US legislation as an unacceptable interference in Egypts internal affairs.
No problemo: don't take our money.
Last week, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit paid visits to US Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and warned Washington of the Egyptian peoples wrath if it continued meddling in Egypts internal affairs.
Bush angered Mubaraks government and parts of the Egyptian media when he met last month with leading human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim and criticized the jailing of opposition leader Ayman Nour.
Ibrahim has been advocating cuts in US military aid as an instrument to press Egypt for democratic reforms. Nour is serving a five-year prison sentence for allegedly forging signatures on petitions to register his political party. He challenged Mubarak for the presidency in 2005, finishing a distant second in Egypts first contested presidential elections.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
Egypt also receives vast US civilian subsidies, and is the second largest recipient of American aid in the world after Israel. The Egyptian government blasted the proposed US legislation as an unacceptable interference in Egypts internal affairs.
Just goes to show... we don't buy our friends! They bugger us just like the bad guys.
#2
One has to wonder if a "no more danegeld, anywhere, for any reason" pledge might be the silver bullet for the successful 2008 Presidential candidate...
Posted by: M. Murcek ||
07/16/2007 10:08 Comments ||
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#3
this is EXACTLY what's wrong with our foreign policy. Do not give Egypt one dime...EVER AGAIN!!! Will someone please wisen me up to why we would feel the need to give Egypt a billion dollars? For any reason? What about Hurricane Katrina relief? You mean we have money for Egyptians but not for ourselves? I mean, is there an economic factor I'm unaware of? I'm not sure globalism is a good thing.
#4
If "democratic reforms" work in Egypt like they did in Gaza, Bush may wish he hadn't pestered Mubarak about it. After, whats' he gonna do if the Muslim Brotherhood gets elected?
#5
The money is Egypt's payoff for the peace treaty Sadat signed with Israel, hmmmm. Although, given all the weapons smuggling and anti-Israel/antisemitic propaganda Egypt has sponsored since, that money isn't buying much in the way of peace. On the other hand -- and I'm sure someone will correct me if my recall is faulty -- it seems to me the money going to Egypt has been significantly reduced on President Bush's watch.
Islamabad, 16 July (AKI/DAWN) - Pakistan will take over next month the command of a multinational naval coalition patrolling waters around the Arabian Peninsula to stop terrorism and piracy and search vessels suspected of smuggling arms or material used for making nuclear weapons, an official source told the Pakistani daily Dawn.
This would be for the second time that Pakistan would get the command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) of the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan on August 1 for four months.
The CTF-150 is one of the several naval units operating under the US-led maritime coalition that was formed as part of the Operation Enduring Freedom.
The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Pakistan all contribute to the maritime component of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The mission oversees the Straits of Hormuz through which almost a quarter of the worlds oil is transported from the Gulf.
While two other units handle the Gulf, CTF-150s 15 vessels also patrol an area that includes the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Although Washington has been accusing Syria and Iran of helping insurgents in Iraq, it is the US ally Saudi Arabia which is the largest source of foreign insurgents in Iraq, a media report has said.
About 45 per cent of all foreign militants targeting US troops and Iraqi civilians and security forces are from Saudi Arabia, compared to 15 per cent from Syria and Lebanon; and 10 per cent from North Africa, according to official military figures made available to The Los Angeles Times by a senior US military officer.
Nearly half of the 135 foreigners in US detention facilities in Iraq are Saudis. Fighters from Saudi Arabia are thought to have carried out more suicide bombings than those of any other nationality, said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the subject's sensitivity.
This has left the US military in the awkward position of battling an enemy whose top source of foreign fighters is a key ally that at best has not been able to prevent its citizens from undertaking bloody attacks in Iraq, the paper said.
Fifty per cent of all Saudi fighters in Iraq come as suicide bombers, the source told the newspaper adding suicide bombings have killed or injured 4,000 Iraqis in the last six months.
While the Saudi government accepts the fact that some of its youths are ending up as suicide bombers in Iraq, it asserts it has done everything it can to stop the bloodshed. "Who are you going to believe, me, or your own lying eyes?"
#1
Saudi are no friend of the west.If it wernt for oil we would have nothing to do with them!!!!
Posted by: Paul ||
07/16/2007 9:20 Comments ||
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#2
In this case, I think that the government of Iraq should launch a publicity drive in Saudi Arabia, aimed at young men.
Some television commercials and print advertising, featuring Sunni Imams from both Iraq and Saudi, putting out the simple message that young Saudi men are being "tricked" into killing themselves to kill other Muslims, which is not jihad, but sin.
Just by planting the seed of doubt, a lot of those dumbasses might have second thoughts.
#3
I started to post but messed up cause it was minutes from midnight.
While Saudi role should not be diminished - there are few facts in this article to support this premise - note:
the largest number of foreign fighters and suicide bombers in Iraq come from a third neighbor, Saudi Arabia, according to a senior U.S. military officer and Iraqi lawmakers. - um, excuse me, Smelly Times, but do you have any names to go with those figures?
About 45% of all foreign militants targeting U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians and security forces are from Saudi Arabia; .... according to official U.S. military figures made available to The Times by the [anonymous] senior officer. Nearly half of the 135 foreigners in U.S. detention facilities in Iraq are Saudis, he said. um, scuse me, SmellA times, if these are "official US figures, why can't you source them
Fighters from Saudi Arabia are thought to have carried out more suicide bombings than those of any other nationality, said the senior U.S. officer, who spoke on condition of anonymitybecause of the subject's sensitivity. It is apparently the first time a U.S. official has given such a breakdown on the role played by Saudi nationals in Iraq's Sunni Arab insurgency. Soooo Smelly Times, this is an anonymous opinion from an unsourced "official" report.
[The Anonymous] He said 50% of all Saudi fighters in Iraq come here as suicide bombers. In the last six months, such bombings have killed or injured 4,000 Iraqis. who is he and source please
The situation has left the U.S. military in the awkward position of battling an enemy whose top source of foreign fighters is a key ally. ah, US military awkwardly battling opinion of unnamed source of unsourced "offical" report. And...Do I smell a Bush/Halliburton connection?
In the 1980s, the Saudi intelligence service sponsored Sunni Muslim fighters for the U.S.-backed Afghan mujahedin battling Soviet troops in Afghanistan. At the time, Saudi intelligence cultivated another man helping the Afghan fighters, Osama bin Laden, the future leader of Al Qaeda who would one day turn against the Saudi royal family and mastermind the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and the Pentagon. Indeed, Saudi Arabia has long been a source of a good portion of the money and manpower for Al Qaeda: 15 of the 19 hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks were Saudi. All true, but how does this confirm or relate to your proclaimed stats?
Now, a group that calls itself Al Qaeda in Iraq is the greatest short-term threat to Iraq's security, U.S. military spokesman Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner said Wednesday. Ah a source ... but wait! Are we to assume that Al Qaeda in Iraq means that "Saudi Arabia which is the largest source of foreign insurgents in Iraq,"??
The group, one of several Sunni Muslim insurgent groups operating in Baghdad and beyond, relies on foreigners to carry out suicide attacks because Iraqis are less likely to undertake such strikes, which the movement hopes will provoke sectarian violence, Bergner said. Despite its name, the extent of the group's links to Bin Laden's network, based along the Afghan-Pakistani frontier, is unclear. Ah another named quote ...but why should we believe that "severeal Sunni Muslim" groups means that Saudi Arabia is the largest source of foreign insurgents in Iraq, ??
The Saudi government does not dispute that some of its youths are ending up as suicide bombers in Iraq, And pray tell just how does this prove that Saudi Arabia is the largest source of foreign insurgents in Iraq,
blah, blah...
said a U.S. intelligence official in Washington, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Others contend Other Iraqi officials said But some Iraqi Shiite leaders say the [UNNAMED] senior U.S. military officer said.
[UNNAMED] Iraqi officials agreed. the [UNNAMED] senior officer said.
An estimated 60 to 80 foreign fighters cross into Iraq each month, according to the U.S. military. yes - but where does it say the largest percent (45%) are from Saudi Arabia?
#5
I did a Google search of "foreign fighters" +"captured in Iraq", and came up with a few good sources. The first one contains the following statements:
They are among more than 400 militants from 21 countries whose deaths were celebrated on Islamic Web sites over the last two years.
"By far the nationality that comes up over and over again is Saudi Arabia," says Evan Kohlmann, an NBC News terrorism expert.
The NBC News analysis of Web site postings found that 55 percent of foreign insurgents came from Saudi Arabia, 13 percent from Syria, 9 percent from North Africa and 3 percent from Europe.
The U.S. military also says Saudi Arabia and Syria are the leading sources of insurgents. An Army official provided a list of the top 10 countries to NBC News but would not release the numbers of foreign fighters from each. The top 10, alphabetically, are: Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
The information is from the terrorists' own propaganda outlet - the horse's mouth, so to speak.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
07/16/2007 13:07 Comments ||
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#6
The percentage hasn't changed from 2-3 years, but the percentage of Saudis volunteering to blow up women in markets is down. It was estimated to be 80% at one time.
Posted by: ed ||
07/16/2007 13:08 Comments ||
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#7
The nerve it touched was the one regarding headlines that don't support the content contained within. This article provides no source to support this claim except this:
according to official military figures made available to The Los Angeles Times by a[n UNNAMED] senior US military officer
Was this offical report provided by this UNNAMED "Senior US military office"? Or is this a report that I too could find should I choose to look for it.
This article provides ZERO to support the headline's claim.
#8
This has been true since since the start of the Iraq war. In fact, at one time 50% of the foreign fighters came from one province in eastern Saudi Arabia.
As Ed says, if anything the percentage of Saudis has declined over time. This is proof that Iraq has become AQ's roach motel.
Al
Posted by: Frozen Al ||
07/16/2007 13:42 Comments ||
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#9
Why would Saudi try to stop them? If a lot of their young whackos are leaving the country & not coming back I'm sure it's a win-win for them. OTOH, we need to deal w/the Saudis eventually based on so many reasons besides this article.
#10
Anonymous, untraceable sources that may or may not exist (and entirely too often don't, as the blogosphere has proved time and again) is indeed an ongoing frustration with mainstream journalism, Angaiger Tojo1904. But in this case the numbers match up with what we've been seeing here at Rantburg for a number of years... and are not contradicted by those Rantburgers who've spent time over there. When you have some time take a walk through Rantburg's archives, and see for yourself.
#11
In fact, at one time 50% of the foreign fighters came from one province in eastern Saudi Arabia.It was estimated to be 80% at one time.
Heh! Maybe that's the reason for this crap-o "reporting". The real story is probably something positive like, "Flow of SA Jihadists Slows Over Word That Surge is Working."
But why miss an opportunity to keep the Kos Kids sheltered from life's difficult realities and pacify them with a play day in Bush/Cheney conspiracy fun by changing the moral of the story to this? The situation has left the U.S. military in the awkward position of battling an enemy whose top source of foreign fighters is a key ally.
#12
Just as Congress has to be dragged kicking and screaming to utter a peep of protest against Iranian actions which have killed U.S. troops, President Bush will do everything possible to wiggle out of condemning "our good friends the Saudis" for their perfidy.
GORDON Brown is under pressure to block a £75million mega mosque, amid claims one of the suspected Glasgow Airport bombers belongs to the radical Islamic group behind it.
More than 200,000 people have signed a Downing Street petition calling on the Prime Minister to intervene over plans for the mosque near the Olympics site in east London. It is being funded by the fundamentalist Tablighi Jamaat sect. One member of the sect is said to be Kafeel Ahmed, who was engulfed in flames when a Jeep laden with gas canisters crashed into a Glasgow Airport building two weeks ago.
He is said to have taken up the teachings of Tablighi Jamaat after he was asked to leave his local mosque which he had tried to convert to what he called a purer form of Islam.
The sects plans for a huge mosque just a mile from the main Olympics stadium have caused much concern. Local Tory councillor Alan Craig said: It will be a horrendous security nightmare if they are allowed to build this large mosque so close to the Olympics.
They have a growing and ominous track record as further young men follow Tablighi teaching about Islam and then go on to plan horrendous atrocities. The Newham councillor accused the sect of radicalising and dehumanising young Muslims and said: The dangerous truth about Tablighi Jamaat is coming out.
This article starring:
Kafeel Ahmed
MohamÂmed Siddique Khan
Shehzad Tanweer
Tablighi Jamaat
Posted by: tipper ||
07/16/2007 01:39 ||
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#1
"mega mosque"
Is that like the mega fungus that is spread under several entire counties in East Texas...?
#7
Find out how many of the backers are foreigners and deport them. Also, pass a law against foreign money being used in the construction of any mosque.
#8
Exactly, this is Saudi money being used obviously. If the government won't listen to the people via the peaceful petition process I would encourage them to use other more direct measures. They either make their stand or they fall under the Muzzi boot.
#9
This doesn't look good. If Gordon Brown refuses to even mention "Islam" and "terrorism" in the same context, I doubt he'll do anything to stop the cancer from spreading further.
#10
Also, pass a law against foreign money being used in the construction of any mosque.
That would be a great start. I doubt that many other religions are so dependent upon outside donations to construct their buildings. If the local Muslim population had to kick down for these elaborate construction projects there'd be a lot fewer of them.
#11
Maybe the impact of the Internet and television has distracted Europe from doing something as simple as READING A HISTORY BOOK once in awhile. Muslims have invaded and attempted to invade Europe before and the permission to build a "mega-mosque" is a slap in the face for the many brave souls who died to make England free.
#15
GP2073, the mosque isn't for the Olympics event. It is a permanent installation of a heretofore unprecedented size. It will represent an ideal launching padbarrackscommand center Muslim gathering place for the local community and those "attending" the games.
David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, insisted yesterday that the United States would remain Britain's main ally, as he issued a coded warning to government colleagues not to interfere in foreign policy. His move was part of the government's continuing effort to kill off speculation that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, is preparing to distance Britain from the US and President George Bush.
The speculation started last week when Douglas Alexander, the International Development Secretary, used a speech in Washington to call for a more "multilateral" foreign policy that put greater emphasis on economic development than military might. And it was fuelled by Mark Malloch-Brown, the former United Nations official now serving as a junior Foreign Office minister in the House of Lords, who has been a persistent critic of the Bush administration. On Saturday, he told a newspaper Mr Brown and Mr Bush would not be "joined at the hip", as he said the president and Tony Blair had been.
But Mr Miliband made clear Britain's relationship with the US was unchanged. "We have a very clear view in the government - it's been the case for many years - that our bilateral relationship with the United States is the most important bilateral relationship we have," he said.
In a BBC interview, he said pointedly that neither Mr Alexander nor Lord Malloch-Brown were authorised to drop hints or send signals about UK foreign policy. "We are not into the game of hints," Mr Miliband said. "If we want to say something, we will say it and we will say it in plain terms and you will hear it from the Prime Minister and you will hear it from myself." The Foreign Secretary's rebuke was aimed mainly at Lord Malloch-Brown, the minister for Africa, Asia and the UN. But he is also said to have been upset that Mr Alexander ranged so widely into foreign policy in his Washington speech, although the address had been cleared by Downing Street in advance.
#2
The Foreign Secretary's rebuke was aimed mainly at Lord Malloch-Brown, the minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, former co-investor in the UN oil-for-food program. But he is also said to have been upset that Mr Alexander ranged so widely into foreign policy in his Washington speech, although the address had been cleared by Downing Street in advance.
There, fixed that. One of the weirdest things Blair did was to get this guy a Lordship. I mean, what the hell was he thinking? I guess he wanted to prove once and for all that he wasn't Bush's lap dog.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 9:46 Comments ||
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#3
MMB's Lordship was his backdoor to the Foreign Office, where he'd otherwise have to be an elected MP. In other words, Brown specifically wanted miniSoros to run his foreign policy (though Miliband, to his credit, seems to be resisting the figurehead part).
#4
An England with a Winston Churchill could keep the US as an ally. However, it seems Winston has joined the other 'Winston' in the memory hole of Oceania British history.
and the Saudis are right smack in the middle of it. To the tune of 3 billion Pounds Sterling or about 6 billion $US which they allegedly received from BAE with the government's knowledge.
Can our British regulars add anything to the article?
#1
Only that BAE has been in bed with the Saudis for decades. Their sale of cattle-prods to the Saudis has never been explained. One can only speculate why the largest defense contractor in the world outside the United States is selling riot-control/torture equipment agricultural equipment to the thriving Arabian cattle industry.
Senior police officers say their calls to be allowed to hold terror suspects for longer without charge would not mean any kind of "internment". "We are not arguing for some kind of Guantanamo nonsense for the UK," said Ken Jones, head of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).
No, no - certainly not.
This would be a kinder, gentler, more British (if not EUropean) form of protection for misunderstood youts in danger of doing bad things. Nothing like that nasty US Guantanamo nonsense, not at all.
Mr Jones said the police needed more flexibility over the current limit of 28 days without charge.
Shami Chakrabarti, of campaign group Liberty, attacked the police proposal. "We elect politicians to determine legislation and we expect chief constables to uphold the rule of law, not campaign for internment," said Ms Chakrabarti, director of Liberty.
The head of the senior police officers' organisation had warned in a newspaper interview that terror investigations were "up against the buffers on the 28-day limit" - and that suspects should be held for "as long as it takes".
But facing criticism over such an open-ended form of detention, Mr Jones sought to clarify what flexibility the police needed in such cases. "We do not want internment. That would be crazy. It needs to be as long as is proportionate and necessary, subjected to sufficient judicial checks and balances," Mr Jones told the BBC. "But I can tell you now, Acpo is not calling for indeterminate detention."
The Metropolitan Police distanced themselves from any calls for indefinite detention. "Any such proposal would not have the support of the Metropolitan Police service."
Extending the detention period without trial was rejected by the Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis.
And extending the detention period without trial was rejected by the Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis.
The Tories have gotten wierder and wierder on the GWOT.
"All the evidence shows that when the police tried to claim the need for 90-day detention without charge they were wrong and Parliament's decision on 28 days was right," said Mr Davis. "Since the 28-day limit was introduced neither the police or security services have produced one shred of evidence to demonstrate the need for extension, either in public or in confidential briefings," said Mr Davis.
Liberal Democrat MP, Evan Harris, also condemned the calls for such an extension. "The police have not provided evidence from their experience of recent investigations that the current 28-day limit - already one of the longest for a democracy - is not sufficient to collect evidence to bring charges," said Dr Harris.
The government has tried to raise the limit a suspect can be held without charge to 90 days. But MPs have consistently rejected that proposal - handing former Prime Minister Tony Blair his first defeat in the Commons, in 2005.
Posted by: lotp ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
Yes, nothing like Guantanamo. Instead of detaining enemies apprehended while fighting your military you propose to lock up your own citizens without charge let alone trial.
I am all in favor of internment, btw. I say go for it. And if hypocritical posturing is what it takes to get it done then be my guest.
#2
The reason the Tories are loopy on WoT and Iraq is the same for the Dhimmicrats over here - poliitics. When the other party usurps your traditional, long-serving positiion - strong military, strong national security, etc. then you have no option (if you are a politician) than to find things wrong with their approach. Or you end up being just like them. Can't have that, can we? Too confusing to the voters.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 9:51 Comments ||
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#3
Ironically, political correctness (an invention of the Left) has made it virtually impossible for security forces to forthrightly deal with the threats from Islamic terrorism in Europe, forcing them to suggest backdoor methods reminiscent of Fascism.
At this rate native European grandmothers will enjoy fewer civil rights than the invaders who openly call for the destruction of their society.
#1
There's a rich irony in that, after the commies flooded the world with they rifle. And it's very fitting that over 80 years+ of communism, which was as its proponents maintened the most successful and scientifical system of industrial and societal organization, there was no drug, no car, no electronic device, nothing *useful* which was ever designed and exported... only cvodka and a low-end rifle aimed at guerilla.
"The famous Kalashnikov assault rifle has become not only an example of daring innovative thought but also a symbol of the talent and creative genius of our people,"
My gun-knowledge is purely literacy-based, but that's pretty funny, since the AK is heavily based on the german Stg44/MP43, and is basically an improved rip-off with a better reduced-power rifle cartridge. See above for the continuous lack of "daring innovative thought, talent and creative genius of the USSR" over all those years.
#2
It seems there has also been some controversy concerning the only other Russian product that ever met with any international market success: Stolichnaya
I used to think it might be a novelty to drive a Zil or a Chaika but I don't think you can get them as anything but museum pieces, kind of like old Packards or Tuckers. When I googled them it looked like all they really were anyway were just knockoffs of Packards, Cadillacs and Continentals. I guess that's what happens when the state plans all economic activity and suppresses market competition and entrepreneurial spirit. Anybody who had a spark of creativity understood that he or she would never be rewarded for it.
#3
Same for Smirnoff vodka. One of the family brought it to the US after the Soviet Revolution and a few years ago the Russian and US brands got into a pissing match.
Posted by: ed ||
07/16/2007 13:06 Comments ||
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#4
So, which brand produces a greater volume of urine per hour? Inquiring minds want to know.
North Korea has written letters to the United Nations calling for a human rights investigation into Japan's treatment of Koreans resident in Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday.
"The DPRK permanent representative at the United Nations sent letters to the U.N. secretary general and the president of the U.N. General Assembly on July 6 as regards the Japanese authorities' evermore pronounced suppression of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon)," KCNA said. "He, in the letters, cited facts to disclose the Japanese security authorities' suppression of the Koreans in Japan," the report said.
Noting the recent decision of a court in Japan to call for the auctioning off of Chongryon's headquarters in Japan, the ambassador charged the move was "aimed to physically destroy the center of the activities of Chongryon, champion of the democratic national rights of the Koreans in Japan, and stamp out the activities of Chongryon and the Koreans in Japan."
"It is a wicked act of infringing upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, which no preceding regimes of Japan dared to do so."
"For these crimes Japan has become an object of concern among the U.N. human rights organizations," the letter continued. "Japan is whitewashing the crimes committed by it in the past, far from admitting its invasion of Korea and other Asian countries and massacre of tens of millions of innocent civilians, and is now covetous of the permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council. The DPRK, therefore, cannot remain an onlooker to these inhuman acts of Japan," the letter said.
In conclusion, the ambassador asked the U.N. officials to "include the item 'Contemporary form of ethnic cleansing' in the agenda of the 61st session of the U.N. General Assembly and distribute this letter as an official document of the U.N. General Assembly and the UNSC for the purpose of sounding a note of warning against the national chauvinism including Japan's suppression of the Koreans in Japan."
U.N. inspectors have verified that North Korea shut down its nuclear reactor, the watchdog agency's chief said Monday, the first on-the-ground achievement toward scaling back Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions since the international standoff began in late 2002.
The main U.S. envoy on the issue, meanwhile, said that the United States is looking to build on momentum and will start deliberations on removing North Korea from a list of terrorism-sponsoring states.
North Korea pledged in an international accord in February to shut the reactor at Yongbyon and dismantle its nuclear programs in return for 1 million tons of oil and political concessions. However, it stalled for several months because of a separate, but now-resolved dispute with the U.S. over frozen bank funds.
The shutdown over the weekend was confirmed by a 10-member team of IAEA inspectors, said Mohamed ElBaradei, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The process has been going quite well and we have had good cooperation from North Korea. It's a good step in the right direction," ElBaradei said, speaking in Bangkok ahead of an event sponsored by Thailand's Science Ministry.
The Yongbyon reactor, about 60 miles north of the capital, generates plutonium for atomic bombs; North Korea conducted its first nuclear test explosion in October.
On Monday, South Korea sent the second of two initial shipments of what eventually will be 50,000 tons of oil to reward North Korea specifically for the reactor shutdown. The first arrived Saturday, prompting North Korea to begin the shutdown of the Yongbyon. The second shipment departed Monday, South Korea's Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said.
The North's Foreign Ministry said Sunday that further progress under the disarmament accord would now depend "on what practical measures the U.S. and Japan, in particular, will take to roll back their hostile policies toward" North Korea.
In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill laid out an aggressive agenda of a steps Washington hopes can be made in the reconciliation process as Pyongyang lays aside its nuclear weapons program.
"If North Korea wants to denuclearize, all of this stuff is very doable," Hill told the AP.
A first step will be the North declaring a complete list of its nuclear programs to be dismantled. However, the North has yet to publicly admit to embarking on a uranium enrichment program _ which the U.S. in 2002 alleged it had done to spark the nuclear crisis. Washington wants the facilities disabled by the end of the year so they cannot be easily restarted, Hill said.
Along with the oil deliveries, Hill said the U.S. would look at other incentives for the North such as humanitarian aid.
Posted by: Bobby ||
07/16/2007 06:58 ||
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#1
Boy, Bush must be real desparate to show he has a soft side on terrorism and using diplomacy to appease weasels. Whatever happened to the "axis of evil"? Must not be as evil as we thought.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:01 Comments ||
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THE Federal Government has cancelled the visa of Mohamed Haneef for failing a character test, and will transfer him to the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney to wait during legal proceedings.
Haneef has been charged with supporting terrorism but was granted bail by Brisbane Magistrate Jacqui Payne today. "I am satisfied the (visa) cancellation is in the national interest," Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said.
Haneef's lawyer Peter Russo today said he would appeal the decision. "We will start the next battle. If that's the way they want to do it - bring it on,'' he said outside Brisbane Watchhouse.
Mr Russo said his client had remained calm when he was told of the new development. "He's very respectful. He listened to what I said. I probably reacted worse than he did,'' he said. "I told him 'We've won a few battles and we will fight the next battle'.''
Mr Russo was scathing of Mr Andrews' claim that Haneef "had or has an association with persons involved in criminal conduct namely terrorism''. "I've been trying to avoid the political debate but maybe it's landed on my doorstep and maybe it's time I took them on,'' Mr Russo said. "He (Mr Andrews) obviously doesn't understand the presumption of innocence for him to make a comment like that when the evidence hasn't been heard in court.''
Mr Russo wasn't aware of the decision to revoke Haneef's visa until informed by journalists outside the Brisbane Watchhouse. He expressed frustration at the lack of communication from authorities. "No one has bothered to tell us anything but that's what they've been doing all along,'' he said.
Mr Andrews said the matter of the visa cancellation was unrelated to whether Haneef received a fair trial. He said the responsibilities of Ms Payne, who granted Haneef $10,000 bail, were separate to those of the Federal Government. "The magistrate in Brisbane has a set of responsibilities which she has carried out and I am making no comment whatsoever on the magistrate or any decision made by the magistrate in Queensland.
"I have parallel to that a set of responsibilities and that's what I've acted upon."
Mr Andrews rejected the suggestion the cancellation of the visa was a face-saving exercise designed to prove the AFP's investigation and detention of Haneef had been justified. "This is simply a matter of me looking at the responsibilities that I have under the migration legislation and then making a decision," he said.
Haneef is the first person arrested and detained under the 2005 Australian Anti-Terrorism Act and the first to have his detention extended under the Act. However, Mick Keelty, the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, did say that Haneef "may have done nothing wrong and may at the end of the day be free to go."[5] Following Haneef's arrest, his family claimed that any link between him and the terrorists is only tenuous, he was not involved in the plot, and that he was returning to India to see his wife and ten day-old daughter, who is sick with jaundice.[6] Mr Ahmed Haneef's father-in-law said the doctor wanted to take his wife and daughter back to Australia after getting the infant a passport, and so travelled without a return ticket.[7]
Australian police did not believe this explanation. It was reported that Haneef emailed an associate soon after news of the initial British arrests had been aired, saying he would have to leave Australia in a hurry, and did not mention visiting his ailing wife and child.
Meanwhile back in the USA it's going to take a nuke going off before we start deporting Muslim terrorist. But by then it will be to late.
EFB
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate this week will pull its first all-night debate on the Iraq war in advance of a vote on whether to bring home all combat troops by next spring, Democrats said Monday. The rare, round-the-clock session Tuesday night through Wednesday morning is intended to bait Republicans into an exhaustive debate on the politically unpopular war, as well as punish GOP members for routinely blocking anti-war legislation. "How many sleepless nights have our soldiers and their families had?" said Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Democrats are trying to ratchet up pressure on Republicans who have grown uneasy with the lack of progress and begun questioning President Bush's military strategy. Republicans shrugged off the planned marathon debate as political theater. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said GOP senators are "happy to stay and debate this."
Democrats want to pass legislation by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., that would order combat troops to begin leaving in 120 days and complete the pullout by April 30. Republicans have insisted it take 60 votes to pass - a de facto filibuster threat because it takes as many votes to cut off debate under Senate rules. With only three RINOs Republicans Presidential Doubtful Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Olympia "The Big O" Snowe of Maine and Gordon Fishsticks Smith of Oregon - having promised to back the measure, it's expected to fail.
Frustrated by the minority's ability to block its anti-war proposals, Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid said he planned an endless night of tantrums votes and live quorum calls to force members to the floor in advance of the Wednesday morning vote. "We're not going to let everybody go home and have a good night's rest," Reid, D-Nev., told reporters. Republicans shrugged off the endless session as political theater. "I doubt that they can accomplish in an extra seven hours what they've failed to accomplish in the last seven months," said Don Stewart, McConnell's spokesman.
Not the kind of All-Nighter Teddy Kennedy was hoping for.
#2
Charades to impress the wingnut base. It has no chance and they can't override a veto - pure Kabuki. Harry's worth than worthless, and we can thank God for that....
Posted by: Frank G ||
07/16/2007 20:59 Comments ||
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ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and Ittehad Tanzeemat Deenia (ITMD),
who?
a conglomerate of five Wafaqul Madaris,
oh, them.
on Sunday called upon the government to immediately reopen Lal Masjid and allow academic activities in Jamia Hafsa.
'academic' activities: bomb-making classes?
Speaking incoherently at a meeting, MMA and ITMD leaders linked the sudden jump in suicide attacks in Fata and the NWFP to the Lal Masjid operation.
Briefing gullible reporters after the meeting, MMA secretary-general Maulana Fazlur Rahman said the religious leadership was of the view that Pakistan was not the right place for suicide bombing and militant activities to achieve political objectives, including enforcement of Sharia.
"Yeah, take it to Britain!"
Replying to a question, he said they were in a position to influence the youth to shun their extremist activities.
Yes, they're in that position allright.
The Maulana said: We are against troop deployment in the NWFPs settled areas as the provincial government had made it clear on the federal government that it was capable to handle any situation.
And see how well they've done so far.
MMA president Qazi 'Chia-pet' Hussain Ahmed presided over the meeting. A whole bunch of other reprobates Qari Saeedur Rahman, Sahibzada Abul Khair Mohamamd Zubair, Liaquat Baloch, Maulana Abdul Malik, Allama Ramazan Tauqir, Dr Ataur Rahman, Maulana Rehmatullah Khalil, Rana Shafiq Pasroori and Allama Abdul Jalil Naqvi attended the meeting. They unanimously rejected the standpoint of Gen Musharraf on the issue and said it was intriguing that he ordered operation before a decision of the Supreme Court which had taken suo motu notice of the seige.
Um, guys, Perv's a military dictator, in case you hadn't noticed.
The meeting called for an inquiry by the Supreme Court into the circumstances in which the military operation was ordered by leaving the course of talks.
The meeting expressed anguish over the disappearance of a large number of suckersrubessplodydopescannon fodder students during the operation.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani on Sunday urged politicians, intellectuals, lawyers and teachers to unite to face the challenges of extremism. All patriots should join hands against terrorism and extremism. Extremists are targeting innocent civilians and security forces, which is deplorable, he said while talking to the APP. Condemning the attacks in Miranshah and Dera Ismail Khan, the minister said political parties should condemn such incidents hampering the remote areas development. We should fight terrorism as it is not against any individual but against the country, the minister went on to say.
He said the attacks were being launched at a time when the political process in the country was entering into another positive phase and the elections were also nearing. Now, all political parties should support the government in strengthening the political process, he added. The minister paid tributes to the martyred troops died and prayed for their eternal peace.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) on Sunday said that Shariah could not be enforced in the country by carrying out suicide attacks and insisted that the country needed a political struggle for Islamization. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of opposition in the National Assembly, said this while addressing a press conference along MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmad after their meeting with a delegation of Itehad Tanzeematul Madaris (ITMD).
Fazl also demanded restoration of religious education in Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia and vowed to resist any government control on both of the seminaries. He said MMA would not allow demolition of Jamia Hafsa and resist any government measure in this regard.
Fazl also demanded restoration of religious education in Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia and vowed to resist any government control on both of the seminaries. He said MMA would not allow demolition of Jamia Hafsa and resist any government measure in this regard.
Fazl also demanded a judicial inquiry into the Lal Masjid military operation and asked the government to make public the names of the people who had gone missing in the operation. He demanded immediate release of the imprisoned male and female students of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid and reminded the government that they had announced general amnesty for all students of Jamia Hafsa. Earlier, the ITMD sought control of Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia in its convention held in Rawalpindi. Qari Saeedur Rehman chaired the session.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
Again and every time, I say "sharia will be met with extreme violence until all its advocates cease to exist..."
Posted by: M. Murcek ||
07/16/2007 10:09 Comments ||
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#3
Shariah could not be enforced in the country by carrying out suicide attacks
Not that it stops them from trying.
"sharia will be met with extreme violence until all its advocates cease to exist..."
M. Murcek, you have it right. Advocacy of shari'a law needs to be criminalized in all Western nations. Such a move should be a prelude to eventually banning the practice of Islam entirely. Islam unabashedly promotes some of the very worst human rights violations around the world. It is as if the Thugee cult were granted religious protection solely because they applied for R-1 beneficiary tax exempt status. One may as well recognize a church that performs human sacrifices as allow Islam to condone "martyrdom operations". There is not one whit's worth of difference. It remains astounding that human rights organizations, the UN and Western governments can continue to ignore this simple fact.
Munir Akram, Pakistans permanent representative at the United Nations, has said that Islamic extremism has not grown during President Musharrafs term of office, arguing that its origins lie in the anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan 25 years ago. The origin of the problem of extremism lies in the use of jihadis against the Soviets, he pointed out in a CNN interview over the weekend.
Asked about a CIA claim that Al Qaeda has regrouped in Pakistan, Akram said, I think that estimate has to be balanced with what you have also heard from Ambassador Boucher who deals with our region and he said, if Pakistan was not fighting terrorism there is no way that you could win in Afghanistan nor could you ensure the Security of the homeland, if Pakistan was not fighting terrorism. So we are fighting terrorism and if there is any evidence of presence of Al Qaeda, we shall go and eliminate it.
When reminded that the Lal Masjid operation had shown that Islamist extremism has reached the big cities of Pakistan, Akram responded that Pakistan is a free country with people who have different views. Islamic extremists in Pakistan are a very small minority though they appear in various places. Pakistan has dealt with the problem in a very effective way, doing its best to save lives and avoid causing casualties. But in the final analysis, I think it has demonstrated that we are against terrorism, that we are capable of effective action so that innocent lives are not lost, but at the same time we try to address issues in a humanitarian way, and I think that has been demonstrated in the operation we have conducted. We will be able to cope with all the backlash and we have an effective army and effective law enforcement agencies to be able to do so.
Answering a question about the peace deal made by the government in Waziristan, Akram said in fighting terrorism, Pakistan has lost more lives than anybody else in this war against terror. We have captured 500 Al Qaeda, we have captured 1,500 Taliban and we are determined to put down extremism and terrorism in all its forms. I think after the action against the Lal Masjid, there should be no doubt about the determination of President Musharraf and the government of Pakistan towards dealing with extremism and terrorism. There can be no doubt, despite all the doubts that have been cast by non-objective reporting, if I may say so. Wherever this challenge arises we deal with it. Of course we will try to deal with it in accordance with the rule of law but when the rule of law is challenged by extremists and terrorists we shall use all the force necessary to impose it, he added.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
Yep, that's the reason - Afghan war. Suprised he didn't throw in the obligatory Joooos. Of course, Islam and Madrassas and stuff like that are innocent bystanders caught in the cross fire of WoT.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:04 Comments ||
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Recent attacks on the army are the natural outcome of what our security forces have been doing in the last four to five years, former ISI chief Asad Durrani told Geo news programme Meray Mutabiq on Sunday.
Durrani said the army took action in different areas of Pakistan and killed its own countrymen. Surprisingly, those who took the action were congratulated for such killings, he added. He said such actions had been affecting the army credibility because there was a perception that everything was being done at the behest of the United States. According to Durrani, uniform has now become a compulsion for Musharraf to remain on the safer side. He said whatever was happening in the tribal areas had not only linkages with the Lal Masjid operation but also with the military actions in recent years.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) President Qazi Hussain Ahmed on Sunday demanded that President Pervez Musharraf be tried for the killing of hundreds of innocent women and children in the Lal Masjid operation. Only President Musharraf is can be blamed for the killings. He ordered the massacre to please his Western masters. Hence, he must be tried and handed down the severest punishment under the law, Qazi told reporters during a visit to Al-Khidmat Foundation Information Centre, a non-government organisation established to guide parents of Lal Masjid students who went missing in the operation.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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An American writer based in Pakistan, who claims to have been a friend of Abdul Rashid Ghazi, has disclosed that on the night of July 8, a Predator drone buzzed over the city of Islamabad.
"Really. I seen it!"
The Predator must have been a US one because Pakistan does not have Predators. The next night, claims Nicholas Schmidle in the Washington Post, that Ghazi took a shot in the leg, refused to surrender and was finally killed.
"It wuz the Predator as shot him. I seen that, too."
Over the past year, Id gotten to know Ghazi quite well. Every few weeks, I would visit him at Lal Masjid to chat about everything from jihad and the Islamic revolution he planned to lead, to our preferred vacation spots and his favorite English authors. We rarely agreed about anything substantive.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
I looked up some of the writings of Nicholas Schmidle. This piece reminded me of Michael Totten's writing.
The US administration Sunday lent its full support to President Pervez Musharraf after Taliban militants scrapped the North Waziristan peace accord. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said the deal hasnt worked. President Musharraf understands it. We understand it. President Musharraf is taking steps to move troops back into that region. That probably accounts for the statements we heard from the Taliban, he said on Fox News. There is pooling of Taliban there. There is training, Hadley said, adding that Gen Musharraf is doing more. We are urging him to do more, and were providing our full support to what hes contemplating.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
We are urging him to do more, and were providing our full support to what hes contemplating.
Unless it is nuking Wariristan then there is nothing to contemplate that will solve the problem.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:08 Comments ||
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#2
Which targets, exactly, do you propose nuking in a heavily mountainous territory with few cities?
#3
Which targets, exactly, do you propose nuking in a heavily mountainous territory with few cities?
How about the entire border region from the Hindu Kush down through Baluchistan to the Iranian border. A nice wide glowing stretch of radioactive wasteland would probably put an end to cross-border operations once and for all. Of course, nuking half of Pakistan would also do wonders for clearing up the mess known as the Muzzlem Muddled East.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
07/16/2007 13:51 Comments ||
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#4
US [administration] backs Musharraf against Taliban (never mind what India thinks), and backs Abbas against Hamas (never mind that Israel thinks), and backs Mexico against USA (wait. that can't be right. can it?).
President General Pervez Musharraf has called a high-level security meeting today (Monday) to draw up a plan to counter the increasing number of attacks on security forces in NWFP and the tribal areas. Sources told Online that the meeting would likely plan action against militants in Swat and Dir and step up the presence of security forces in the tribal areas. Online learnt that intelligence agencies had warned the government of a potential backlash from the Lal Masjid operation from Taliban supporters in the areas bordering Afghanistan and had suggested preventative measures, but these measures had been delayed.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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Another ringing endorsement for the Nobel Peace prize...
DALLAS: Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams apologized Thursday for saying she could kill President Bush, remarks that drew scorn from Bush loyalists and shook up the International Womens Peace Conference in Dallas.My feelings now and again get way ahead of me," Williams said. I couldnt kill anybody, but I must confess that Im extremely angry with the Bush administration and what they have done. To say that was wrong." I'm just a wild and wacky Irish broad. We drink you know...
Conference organizers immediately sought to distance themselves from her speech Wednesday night, but it brought a swift rejoinder from the White House, dominated some radio talk shows and drew a flurry of hateful e-mails to attendees. Questioned about her speech Thursday morning, Williams initially denied making the comment, but reversed course after organizers confirmed the quote. Oh, that death threat against the president...
In a speech before 1,000 people Wednesday, Williams said that violence is a choice and the push for peace takes hard work and commitment.Right now, I could kill George Bush," she said. No, I dont mean that. How could you nonviolently kill somebody? I would love to be able to do that." As she made her point, she chuckled and some members of the audience laughed. Williams, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for creating a group that helped start peace talks in Northern Ireland, also said that Bush should be impeached. About half the audience responded to that with a standing ovation. Maybe Bush ought to order an airstrike on the International Womens Peace Conference the next time it's in town?
No, hahahaha, that's just a joke. I'm sure he'd get away with a joke like that. Hahaha...
Several women at the conference said they admired Williams for having the courage to say what she thought -- even if it is unpopular.It was an incredible act of bravery to make that statement in Texas," said Lucinda Marshall of Louisville, Ky., who added that the anti-Bush rhetoric appealed to her. When you have a president thats consistently breaking the law, you do not have a democracy. You have a dictatorship." Oh, good. Another addition to the Bushitler list.
White House spokesman Blair Jones called Williams comments surprisingly hostile rhetoric coming from someone who has been recognized for promoting peace." Geez, I'm glad somebody noticed that... It wasnt the first time Williams has spoken critically of Bush. Last July, she made an almost identical comment about wanting to kill George Bush" to a group of schoolchildren in Brisbane, Australia. She said her point was that it is hard to be nonviolent when there are so many atrocities in the world. So you can see why she was confused...I mean, which death threat are you talking about here?
Williams said Thursday that the focus on her comments about Bush was a distraction from her more important message about peace. Im just really passionate about my work. Sometimes its `open mouth, insert foot,"' she said. Ill spend the rest of the day saying Im sorry to everybody." So, hahaha, let's just blow it off, and...move on, okay, peons?
Conference chairwoman Carol Donovan stressed Thursday that the conference is nonpartisan and that Williams views are her own. The remarks were spoken from her heart and were based on her own concern and opinions," she said. With over 1,000 delegates, you can imagine the range of opinions is very wide." Now, now. It's just an opinion. I'm sure a lot of us here at the International Womens Peace Conference agree with her.
Nancy Sonntag, a Dallas psychotherapist who has worked with Iraq war veterans, said she is not a Bush supporter but called Williams comments totally inappropriate. I was a little disappointed in her response," Sonntag said, referring to the conferences overarching question of how to achieve peace. I dont think thats the solution I was looking for." Didn't expect to hear murder advocated at a peace conference?
Assistant Police Chief Ron Waldrop said police presence at the Adams Mark Hotel and Conference Center was not increased as a result of the speech. We have people that work with protesters and monitor controversial events," he said. We do that on a routine basis." Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren in Washington declined to comment, but a Dallas agent said Williams had not been questioned and there were no plans to do so. ...and another moonbat walks away clean.
#5
Send her ass to Saudi and see how the bitch sees the USA after she is sentenced to be stoned to death for looking a man in the eyes and not keeping covered.
You gotta love the AP's headline calling it a "robot" plane, lol! A little more on the deployment soon of the Raptor, and some stats on it that are pretty interesting.
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - The airplane is the size of a jet fighter, powered by a turboprop engine, able to fly at 300 mph and reach 50,000 feet. It's outfitted with infrared, laser and radar targeting, and with a ton and a half of guided bombs and missiles. The Reaper is loaded, but there's no one on board. Its pilot, as it bombs targets in Iraq, will sit at a video console 7,000 miles away in Nevada.
The arrival of these outsized U.S. "hunter-killer" drones, in aviation history's first robot attack squadron, will be a watershed moment even in an Iraq that has seen too many innovative ways to hunt and kill. That moment, one the Air Force will likely low-key, is expected "soon," says the regional U.S. air commander. How soon? "We're still working that," Lt. Gen. Gary North said in an interview.
The Reaper's first combat deployment is expected in Afghanistan, and senior Air Force officers estimate it will land in Iraq sometime between this fall and next spring. They look forward to it. More info/stats at link, assuming they (the AP) got them correct, LOL!
Posted by: BA ||
07/16/2007 13:41 ||
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#1
Coming soon to a Northwest Frontier Province near you!
A major western newspaper has noticed. The Observer, fergawdsakes. Perhaps the NYT will now get a clue? EFL to remove the hand-wringing and moral equivalency.
For there are two Iraqs in evidence these days: not just the one where weddings are bombed and young women murdered in reply. The other Iraq is harder to dramatise but it is equally real. It is a place where boring, ordinary things take place. And in taking place become extraordinary in the context of conflict.
Last week it was the opening of a new $20 million government centre next to Tal Afar's ancient ruined fort. The day before Jamil detonated his explosives' belt, the sheiks and dignitaries came in and crowded through the building's corridors, muttering approvingly as they examined its new painted walls, the photocopiers, printers and computers - some of them still wrapped in plastic - sitting on the brand new desks.
Last week the debate over whether to pull out of Iraq took on an urgent new intensity as the struggle between the Democrat-led Congress and the White House of President George W Bush finally reached a head. Driven by a presidential election cycle, six years of building animosity in US politics has finally been focused on the lightning rod that is Iraq. After four years of war, perhaps more than 650,000 Iraqi dead, ...
Wrong, it's 1/3 that or less.
... it has finally come to a single question of accounting: which of the two Iraqs is winning, the Iraq of death or an Iraq that looks to peace?
Posted by: M. Murcek ||
07/16/2007 10:05 Comments ||
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#5
The Brits, as represented by the journalism of the Observer, know about as much of a Constitutional Republic form of government as we know, via the NYTs, of a Parlimentary Monarchy form of government they have. What do they mean that after 6 years of politicians acting like politicians that we are "now" focused on Iraq? What were we focused on - Social Security reform (one week), Immigration (two weeks).
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:15 Comments ||
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#6
From the very beginning, I watched carefully as the much maligned J. Paul Bremer reconstructed the high level institutions of Iraq. And while there was little to see on the short and mid-term, I could tell that when the economic engine finally started to run, Iraq was, is, going to have a recovery that will even eclipse post-WWII Japan.
And while it has taken far longer than expected to get the engine started, I suspect that in the next few years, Iraq is going to redefine the expression "explosive growth", assuming that they don't get into a major war.
The terribly dull sectors of the Iraqi economy that are never in the news, like their agribusiness and their financial sector, are going to be producing some jaw dropping economic impacts, and soon.
To start with, when the harvest comes in this year, as the reporter noted, Iraq is going to be bulging with food, which will not only strongly lower prices, but will have considerable surplus for export.
#7
Their currency and financial systems were completely redone as well. For now, some of the financial people are in Amman waiting out the violence in Baghdad, but the mechanisms are in place and the people trained at the higher levels.
#10
Frozen Al is right, someone needs to call this Bozo on his "mistake." I mean good grief, that narrows down to 445+ people killed/day, every day for the last 4 years. Yes, it was probably hell at first (it was a war, after all), but once the "dust settled" on the major skirmish, AQiI and Sadr's effects have been NO WHERE near that level of violence. Heck, it gets MSM coverage when only 1/day is killed, you think they'd let us off the hook if over 400 were killed every stinkin' day? Naw, I didn't either!
Posted by: BA ||
07/16/2007 13:56 Comments ||
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BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's prime minister was misunderstood when he said the Americans could leave ``any time they want'' an aide said Sunday, as politicians moved to end a pair of boycotts that are holding up work on crucial political reforms sought by Washington.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters Saturday that the Iraqi army and police were capable of maintaining security when American troops leave. ``We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at any time they want,'' al-Maliki said. Those comments appeared to undercut President Bush's contention that the 155,000 U.S. troops must remain in Iraq because the Iraqis are not capable of providing for their own security.
On Sunday, al-Maliki's adviser Yassin Majid told The Associated Press that the prime minister meant that efforts to bolster Iraq's security forces would continue ``side-by-side with the withdrawal.''
Majid urged the United States to continue building up Iraqi forces so they would be ready whenever the White House orders a troop withdrawal.
Al-Maliki's remarks appeared to reflect Iraqi frustration with American complaints that the country's religious and ethnic communities have failed to move fast enough to enact power-sharing deals - the key to long-term stability after more than four years of war.
Legislation has stalled in part because of separate boycotts by Sunni legislators and Shiite lawmakers loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Negotiations have been under way to convince both blocs to return during Monday's scheduled parliamentary session.
Adnan al-Dulaimi, a Sunni leader, met Sunday with al-Maliki to discuss the Sunni boycott, which began last month following the ouster of the Sunni speaker of parliament, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani. The Shiite-dominated parliament voted June 11 to remove al-Mashhadani because of erratic behavior and comments that frequently embarrassed al-Maliki's government.
Sunnis also want the government to set aside an arrest warrant against the Sunni culture minister, accused of ordering an assassination attempt against a fellow Sunni legislator.
After the meeting, al-Dulaimi's spokesman, Muhannad al-Issawi, said that the boycott would continue and if the speaker were replaced, the decision should be made by the Sunnis and ``not imposed'' by Shiites and Kurds.
But al-Dulaimi was more optimistic about a settlement that would allow the Sunnis to return. ``Things are, God willing, on their way to be resolved,'' al-Dulaimi told The Associated Press. ``The pending issue of al-Mashhadani and that of the minister of culture will be solved by the end of the week, and things will go back to their normal course.''
Hassan al-Suneid, a Shiite lawmaker close to al-Maliki, also said a deal was near under which al-Mashhadani could return to his post briefly, then permitted to retire.
Meanwhile, a member of the Sadr bloc said his faction would meet Monday with parliament leaders to discuss their own boycott, launched to protest delays in rebuilding a Shiite shrine in Samarra that was damaged by a bomb in February 2006. ``We will end our boycott when our conditions are accepted,'' lawmaker Naser al-Saidi told the U.S.-funded Alhurra television. Those conditions include a plan to rebuild the shrine and secure the road from Baghdad to Samarra, which passes through Sunni insurgent areas.
The absence of the two major blocs has delayed work on such key benchmark legislation as the oil bill, constitutional reform, scheduling local elections and restoring many former Saddam Hussein loyalists to government jobs. Those are among the 18 benchmarks which Washington uses to measure progress toward national reconciliation. A White House report last week found that Iraqis had made only limited progress, fueling calls for a U.S. troop withdrawal.
Posted by: Steve White ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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Iraq and Saudi Arabia have agreed to monitor sectarian fatwas from clerics that could inflame violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Iraqs national security chief was quoted as saying on Sunday. Iraq has long complained that fellow Arab countries are not doing enough to help end sectarian violence there a complaint backed by Washington. Sunni Muslim insurgents fighting the US-backed Iraqi government and US forces regularly attack Shiite targets. Some of the insurgents have been Saudis whose Al Qaeda-based radical Sunni ideology despises Shiites. In turn Shiite militias attack Sunni targets. We emphasised monitoring fatwas that support this element...and give religious justification for their acts, Mowaffak Al-Rubaie told Okaz newspaper, citing agreements signed in meetings in Saudi Arabia last week with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdulaziz. Saudi authorities fear Saudi militants fighting in Iraq could return to fight the US-allied monarchy, which has been fighting its own insurgency since 2003. Rubaie said Iraqi courts had passed sentences against 160 Saudis since 2003. He said hundreds were awaiting trial. We learned that a great number of those who have been duped [into fighting] in Iraq are Saudis, who entered from a certain neighbouring country, Rubaie said. When they train in Iraq, they could return to the kingdom...and threaten civilians.
Posted by: Fred ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
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[11128 views]
Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency
#1
Olmert is everything a man must never be. He is an ignorant buffoon. He is without spine, guts, balls, brains, honor, and courage. He is the last kind of weakness you would want to head a country with enemies at it's borders, yet the stupid jooos have put this fag boy in the lead. Some kind of mass hysteria.
#3
The Israelis elected Ariel Sharon, wxjames. It was Sharon that made Olmert his second in command, who inherited the mantel of leadership when Sharon had that terrible stroke. The stupid Jooos have been trying -- legally -- to remove him from office ever since. An honourable man would have stepped down when the commission found him culpable for last summer's debacle, but as you say about Olmert...
#4
TW, I really don't believe jooos are stupid, but there are enough of them who support Olmert and/or his party that he remains at the top. That means they support appeasment and accept lack of a clear advantage over their sworn enemies. The situation has become unacceptable under Olmert, and no political party should remain strong enough to keep him. Yet, he remains.
#5
True enough, wxjames. I can only assume all sorts of frantic negotiations are going on behind the scenes. But I struggle with American politics; Israeli politics is far, far beyond my ability to grasp. Perhaps Liberalhawk or one of the others can explain to us what's really going on.
#6
Olmert has agreed to grant amnesty to nearly 180 Fatah terror leaders, in exchange for their signatures on a commitment to cease terrorism for three months.
W T F ?!?!!!
Who is Olmert kidding? He must know what taqiyya means and how little likelihood there is that these prisoners will not once more take up arms against Israel the instant they are freed. The moment one of these scumbags is caught injuring or killing a Jew, Olmert should be prosecuted along side the perpetrator as an accessory before the fact.
Mossad and the IDF should use that three month interregnum to hunt down and kill every single one of these terrorists.
#10
gg, from the link I can only assume you mean Bush. It's about time that Bush finally understands that only Israel wants peace. For every single other MME (Muslim Middle East) country peace is the very last thing they want. It would put all the warlords out of business and turn the spotlight upon cleaning up all the other tyrannies that have demanded the Palestinian crisis be solved first.
The West must eventually realize that Islam seeks no solution save destruction of the West. It has no other plan and no other desire. Total war must be our only answer. If not global, then sequentially through each Muslim majority country until every last one of them has unconditionally surrendered or is in ashes. There will be no peace until that time.
#12
He's not fooling Bush either. Bush is out front. The only people the Israelis are fooling is themselves. Settlements are half measures. Its been enough decades of half measures now, its time to move on. The only way Israel can end the Palestinian issue is to give them a state. It than can live in peace with its Jewish neighbor (fat chance, but the Euros think so) or it can prove itself an enemy nation hell bent on destroying Israel. Only after Palestine is a state can Israel live in peace with it (ha!) or scatter it to the four winds.
Giving them a state is the next to last step to ending that debacle.
Posted by: Mike N. ||
07/16/2007 21:21 Comments ||
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#13
Mike N., out of polite curiosity, what sort of "nation" would you give the Palestinians? The segregated territories that exist as of now are not conducive to any real "statehood". Rest assured, I see where you're going with thisas in: give them enough ropebut I really do not think that the international community should waste its time with such formalities. We've been doing that for many decades without the least bit of progress. That is, unless you call the catastrophic deterioration of Hamas controlled Gaza "progress": Which I do, myself.
#6
Nahoul is from the small town of al Wanah in the West Bank, which makes him, technically speaking, a "Wanah bee."
[ducks]
You can view the (tragic yet unintentionally hilarious) martyrdom of Farfour here.
Posted by: Mike ||
07/16/2007 13:54 Comments ||
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#7
So is Nahoul a Do Bee or a Don't Bee?
Angie, if you keep talking about drugs (doobies), the BATF or the DEA will visit you, very soon...
(Ducks, running for cover)
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
07/16/2007 14:04 Comments ||
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#8
I wonder if Nahoul owns any land like Farfour did?
And we all remember what supposedly happened to Farfour...
But I still say he died of AIDS, like another Pali hero.
A tough new anti-terrorism law has come into effect in the Philippines. The Human Security Act allows the government to detain suspects for up to three days without charge, use wiretaps and also seize suspects' assets.
The government in Manila says the law will help it to tackle militant groups, such as Abu Sayyaf. But critics, including the Roman Catholic Church, fear the law could be used to quell legitimate political dissent in the country.
The government says the anti-terrorism law will give it a specific weapon to counter extremists, including choking off funds used to finance their attacks.
The government also argues there are adequate safeguards in the law, pointing out the detention period without charge is far shorter than in many other countries, while wiretapping requires a court order.
But critics, including the influential Roman Catholic Church,
Sheesh. The bodies of the Pinoy marines aren't even cold yet, and still no sign of the kidnapped priest...
fear President Gloria Arroyo may be tempted to use the new powers to harass her political rivals. They also say the law is being pushed through without clear implementing guidelines.
Opponents further worry that rogue elements in the army, accused of killing hundreds of mainly political activists over the past few years, will take the new law as a green light to step up their murderous activities, our correspondent says.
Posted by: lotp ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[11130 views]
Top|| File under: Abu Sayyaf
#1
The Catholic church is not worried one bit about the poor pinoys and their civil rights. They are scared to death that the world will find out the Catholic church is in full support of the CPP and the New Peoples Army.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
07/16/2007 19:35 Comments ||
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#2
Why would the Catholic Church support the CPP and the New Peoples Army, 49Pan?
#3
Well now, that interesting. I learn something new about the Catholic Church everday it seems.
Posted by: Mike N. ||
07/16/2007 19:39 Comments ||
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#4
Read a story today (ht: Hot Air) where the Islamists got a hold of a dead soldier's cellphone and then proceeded to call his wife to tell her they killed her husband and ask her if she would like to be 'friends'.
On the other hand the Philippine government doesn't seem to care that much about the poor Filipino's either. The outright corruption and graft in the government seems to drive more people to the NPR then anything else.
#1
Ahhh, the GUARDIAN > Caption [paraphrased] on HOTAIR.com > Bush is determined to solve the Iran crisis once and for all before the end of his term. *D ***ng it, boyz, we have to make to absolutely undeniably categorically completely clear to the Amer people - WE HAVE TO STOP BUSHITLER FROM NOT INVADING POLAND TO STOP WW3. WE HAVE TO STOP THE WAR TO MAKE SURE IT OCCURS.
OTOH, various Netters > IFF IRAN GETS THE BOMB, ALL OF OUR EFFORTS IN IRAQ-AFGHANISTAN WILL BE FOR NAUGHT/NOTHING. THE USA WILL HAD LOST THE WOT. NUCLEAR TERROR AGZ USA-WEST WILL BE INEVITABLE.
#3
Russia and China are resisting tougher measures
Says it all who is behind all of US enemies!!!!
Posted by: Paul ||
07/16/2007 5:24 Comments ||
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#4
Hey, its working in Nork, why can't it work here in Iran.
You know Tony Snow and Karl Rove are damn good PR guys who have somehow set up Cheney as the fall guy for every damn thing that drives the Euros and Dhimmies crazy. Bush is still the problem but its Cheney who is the puppet master.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:20 Comments ||
Top||
The balance in the internal White House debate over Iran has shifted back in favour of military action before President George Bush leaves office in 18 months, the Guardian has learned.
A well-placed source in Washington said: "Bush is not going to leave office with Iran still in limbo."
The shift follows an internal review involving the White House, the Pentagon and the state department over the last month. Although the Bush administration is in deep trouble over Iraq, it remains focused on Iran. A well-placed source in Washington said: "Bush is not going to leave office with Iran still in limbo."
The White House claims that Iran, whose influence in the Middle East has increased significantly over the last six years, is intent on building a nuclear weapon and is arming insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cheney is being resisted by the secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, and the defence secretary, Robert Gates.
The vice-president, Dick Cheney, has long favoured upping the threat of military action against Iran. He is being resisted by the secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, and the defence secretary, Robert Gates.
Last year Mr Bush came down in favour of Ms Rice, who along with Britain, France and Germany has been putting a diplomatic squeeze on Iran. But at a meeting of the White House, Pentagon and state department last month, Mr Cheney expressed frustration at the lack of progress and Mr Bush sided with him. "The balance has tilted. There is cause for concern," the source said this week.
Nick Burns, the undersecretary of state responsible for Iran and a career diplomat who is one of the main advocates of negotiation, told the meeting it was likely that diplomatic manoeuvring would still be continuing in January 2009. That assessment went down badly with Mr Cheney and Mr Bush.
"Cheney has limited capital left, but if he wanted to use all his capital on this one issue, he could still have an impact," said Patrick Cronin, the director of studies at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The Washington source said Mr Bush and Mr Cheney did not trust any potential successors in the White House, Republican or Democratic, to deal with Iran decisively.
"The choices are: tell Israel no, let Israel do the job, or do the job yourself."
The Washington source said Mr Bush and Mr Cheney did not trust any potential successors in the White House, Republican or Democratic, to deal with Iran decisively. They are also reluctant for Israel to carry out any strikes because the US would get the blame in the region anyway.
"The red line is not in Iran. The red line is in Israel. If Israel is adamant it will attack, the US will have to take decisive action," Mr Cronin said. "The choices are: tell Israel no, let Israel do the job, or do the job yourself."
Almost half of the US's 277 warships are stationed close to Iran
Almost half of the US's 277 warships are stationed close to Iran, including two aircraft carrier groups. The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise left Virginia last week for the Gulf. A Pentagon spokesman said it was to replace the USS Nimitz and there would be no overlap that would mean three carriers in Gulf at the same time.
No decision on military action is expected until next year. In the meantime, the state department will continue to pursue the diplomatic route.
Posted by: lotp ||
07/16/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[11129 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
#1
Iran + Radical Islam desire a total US-Western pullout from the ME = Muslim Nations, NOT A PARTIAL. In any case, the USA must be ready in case of conflict between Israel + Iran-Syria in coming months. MOUD ESCALATING VZ DUBYA ENTRENCHING. Dubya has circa 17 months left before leaving office, which is a lot of time for him to unilater make the US-Allied position in the ME stronger, while Iraqi insurgents, Islamies, and suppor national Govts. can potens lose a lot of fighters, a lot of experienced leaders-commanders. loss of worldwide ideo-diplomatic credibility, and suffer US-induced, State-specific economic detriment during the same period. And, for whatever personal andor political reasons the bulk of anti-GOP US DemoLefties are NOT serious about US withdrawal or pullout from the ME, espec now that the WH will be up for grabs in 2008. NO DEM FOR 2008 + WH RUNS WANTS TO BE LINKED TO US FAILURE IN THE ME, WHILE POST-JAN 2009 US ENTRENCHMENT MEANS MORE RESOURCES = $$$ FOR A GLOBALLY-SUPPORTED US HYPER-WELFARE STATE. WIN-WIN-WIN FOR US DEMS, LOSE-LOSE-LOSE FOR MOUD + ISLAMIES EVEN IFFA DEM WINS THE WH IN 2008. Short of war, Moud per se needs a GUARANTEED ANTI-US PRO-IRAN POTUS IN AMERICA.
#2
Joe, ya' pretty much nailed it. However, events have their way to conspire against any predictions, even these rather of a general nature. Some fuckin bee somewhere would fly into someone nostril, who would then sneeze and lose control of a vehicle, causing a chain collision of a multitude of vehicles and ...
Something of that sort. ;-)
#3
The Guardian reporting on internal WH debate . . . where's that salt shaker when I need it?
Posted by: Mike ||
07/16/2007 6:11 Comments ||
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#4
Mike,
If anyone from State was there then the Guardian has a source. Forget the shaker and grab your weapon of choice.
Posted by: Jack is Back! ||
07/16/2007 10:23 Comments ||
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#5
The donks have so much invested in Iraq that they have no vision for down the road. So if the Administration focus suddenly shifts to Iran, Iraq will be forgotten, just like Afghanistan is today.
#6
The only way diplomacy can work with Iran is if you carry a big stick and make them understand that you will use it. Even then it may not work because they are CRAZY!!! They are stalling, Condi, don't you get it? Tic toc, Mr. President. The clock is running.
#7
Don't lets forget all those Air Force airplanes that have surged into Iraq... and all the little accidents, riots, inexplicable murders, etc. that have been happening in Iran over the past months. Just because it isn't another blitzkrieg doesn't mean nothing is happening. (Or so I hope, anyway.)
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Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Although Washington has been accusing Syria and Iran of helping insurgents in Iraq, it is the US ally Saudi Arabia which is the largest source of foreign insurgents in Iraq, a media report has said. 
Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) President Qazi Hussain Ahmed on Sunday demanded that President Pervez Musharraf be tried for the killing of hundreds of innocent women and children in the Lal Masjid operation. Only President Musharraf is can be blamed for the killings. He ordered the massacre to please his Western masters. Hence, he must be tried and handed down the severest punishment under the law, Qazi told reporters during a visit to Al-Khidmat Foundation Information Centre, a non-government organisation established to guide parents of Lal Masjid students who went missing in the operation.
An American writer based in Pakistan, who claims to have been a friend of Abdul Rashid Ghazi, has disclosed that on the night of July 8, a Predator drone buzzed over the city of Islamabad. 
A tough new anti-terrorism law has come into effect in the Philippines. The Human Security Act allows the government to detain suspects for up to three days without charge, use wiretaps and also seize suspects' assets. 
The balance in the internal White House debate over Iran has shifted back in favour of military action before President George Bush leaves office in 18 months, the Guardian has learned.
