That's the name of the game in this production by Qaeda al-Jihad's media arm. No need to read between the lines. Just get your head out of your ass.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Lift the Fatwa against Salman Rushdie!
The Iranians have been spelling out numerous preconditions for the US to meet before talks. Here's one I'd like to see the Obama administration demand: lift the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. According to the AFP story in Lebanese The Daily Star:
Iran says fatwa ordering Rushdie's death still valid
By Agence France Presse (AFP) Thursday, February 12, 2009
TEHRAN: Iran said on Wednesday that a fatwa ordering the death of British writer Salman Rushdie was still valid 20 years after it was issued by the revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. "It is natural that as long as a fatwa has not been annulled, it is still valid," foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said at a news conference suggesting that Khomeini's order was still valid.
The Indian-born Rushdie, 61, was forced to go into hiding for a decade after Khomeini issued the 1989 death sentence over his book "The Satanic Verses," saying it insulted Islam.
Khomeini's successor as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in 2005 that he still believed the British novelist was an apostate whose killing would be authorized by Islam. - AFP
Iran says fatwa ordering Rushdie's death still valid
By Agence France Presse (AFP) Thursday, February 12, 2009
TEHRAN: Iran said on Wednesday that a fatwa ordering the death of British writer Salman Rushdie was still valid 20 years after it was issued by the revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. "It is natural that as long as a fatwa has not been annulled, it is still valid," foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said at a news conference suggesting that Khomeini's order was still valid.
The Indian-born Rushdie, 61, was forced to go into hiding for a decade after Khomeini issued the 1989 death sentence over his book "The Satanic Verses," saying it insulted Islam.
Khomeini's successor as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in 2005 that he still believed the British novelist was an apostate whose killing would be authorized by Islam. - AFP
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Tale From Two Cities
Washington and Tehran. Here's the headline from the WAPO story: "Iran Signals Willingness to Talk to U.S. in Fair Atmosphere." Wow! That sounds fairly positive, unlike the tone I've outlined in several earlier posts about how Iran has been responding to Obama's overtures.
Here's the Tehran Times's coverage of the same Ahmadinejad speech:
TEHRAN - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran is safe from any foreign military threat since the country has become a responsible superpower.
“Today, I officially declare that Iran has become a real and righteous superpower, and the shadow of threats over Iran has been removed forever,” the president stated at a rally in Tehran marking the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Ahmadinejad also said Iran would welcome a “fundamental” and not “tactical” change by the new U.S. administration and was ready for dialogue provided talks were held in a “fair atmosphere and with mutual respect.”
U.S. President Barack Obama announced on Monday that the United States is looking for opportunities for “face-to-face” dialogue with Iran after nearly three decades without diplomatic ties. “There’s been a lot of mistrust built up over the years, so it’s not going to happen overnight,” CNN quoted Obama as saying during his first news conference. Ahmadinejad went on to say “belittlement, threats, and monopolization of science” are the arrogant powers’ means to dominate nations, but the Iranian people have surpassed all these obstacles and are now filled with self-confidence. He pointed to Iran’s recent satellite launch, saying Iran is now one of only eight countries that possess the complete cycle of launch pad, rocket, reception station, and satellite.
Iran launched its first domestically manufactured satellite, called Omid (hope), into orbit on February 2. The satellite, carried on a Safir-2 rocket, is meant for telecommunications and research purposes. Today the world is about to enter the era of logic, thought, and dialogue, and the era of force and domination is over, Ahmadinejad added.
Note Ahmadinejad's use of the phrase about the "monopolization of science." That needs to be read as American insistence that Iran not develop the capacity to build nuclear weapons.
Note also that Iran's willingness to talk reflects its confidence in its new found and self-declared status as a "real and righteous superpower."
Even less positive is the report from the FARS News Agency. Ahmadinejad's statement came at a rally at which Iranians were "chanting anti-US slogans."
"It is quite clear that real change must be fundamental and not tactical. It is clear the Iranian nation welcomes real changes. The Iranian nation is ready to hold talks but talks in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect," Ahmadinejad told a mass rally at Tehran's Azadi square. Millions of Iranians chanting anti-US slogans took to the streets of the capital and other cities of Iran on Tuesday for the annual demonstration to mark the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
In fact, at the rally Ahmadinejad came up with a new demand:
Referring to US President Barack Obama's slogan about "change in US policies", Ahmadinejad noted, "…if you (the US administration) are seeking change, try and punish the agents behind the recent wars in the region because Saddam (former Iraqi dictator) was not the sole war criminal."
The Iranian president called for trial and punishment of former US President George W. Bush, his administration, companions and accomplices as well as leaders of the Zionist regime (of Israel) for their crimes against humanity.
For reasons I cannot fathom, non of this made its way into the WAPO report.
So where does that leave Obama? Well, the Iranians are ready for talks as long as the US: lift sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, apologize for past actions, stop all talk about regime change in Tehran, view Iran as a "victim" of, rather than an exporter of terrorism, free the Iranian "diploamts" under detnetion in Iraq, remove the "pressure" of the Jews from the backs of American voters, and bring Bush and members of his administration and the leaders of "the Zionist regime" to trial for war crimes.
Why doesn't this crap get reported by the American media? The fact that the Iranian leadership insists on looking a gift horse in the mouth isn't Obama's fault. But the reality is that the abysmal Iranian reaction to his sincere and well intentioned approaches could be and was predicted by many, making our new president appear . . . somewhat naive. Nevertheless, all of this says far more about the American press than it does about the American president.
Here's the Tehran Times's coverage of the same Ahmadinejad speech:
TEHRAN - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran is safe from any foreign military threat since the country has become a responsible superpower.
“Today, I officially declare that Iran has become a real and righteous superpower, and the shadow of threats over Iran has been removed forever,” the president stated at a rally in Tehran marking the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Ahmadinejad also said Iran would welcome a “fundamental” and not “tactical” change by the new U.S. administration and was ready for dialogue provided talks were held in a “fair atmosphere and with mutual respect.”
U.S. President Barack Obama announced on Monday that the United States is looking for opportunities for “face-to-face” dialogue with Iran after nearly three decades without diplomatic ties. “There’s been a lot of mistrust built up over the years, so it’s not going to happen overnight,” CNN quoted Obama as saying during his first news conference. Ahmadinejad went on to say “belittlement, threats, and monopolization of science” are the arrogant powers’ means to dominate nations, but the Iranian people have surpassed all these obstacles and are now filled with self-confidence. He pointed to Iran’s recent satellite launch, saying Iran is now one of only eight countries that possess the complete cycle of launch pad, rocket, reception station, and satellite.
Iran launched its first domestically manufactured satellite, called Omid (hope), into orbit on February 2. The satellite, carried on a Safir-2 rocket, is meant for telecommunications and research purposes. Today the world is about to enter the era of logic, thought, and dialogue, and the era of force and domination is over, Ahmadinejad added.
Note Ahmadinejad's use of the phrase about the "monopolization of science." That needs to be read as American insistence that Iran not develop the capacity to build nuclear weapons.
Note also that Iran's willingness to talk reflects its confidence in its new found and self-declared status as a "real and righteous superpower."
Even less positive is the report from the FARS News Agency. Ahmadinejad's statement came at a rally at which Iranians were "chanting anti-US slogans."
"It is quite clear that real change must be fundamental and not tactical. It is clear the Iranian nation welcomes real changes. The Iranian nation is ready to hold talks but talks in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect," Ahmadinejad told a mass rally at Tehran's Azadi square. Millions of Iranians chanting anti-US slogans took to the streets of the capital and other cities of Iran on Tuesday for the annual demonstration to mark the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
In fact, at the rally Ahmadinejad came up with a new demand:
Referring to US President Barack Obama's slogan about "change in US policies", Ahmadinejad noted, "…if you (the US administration) are seeking change, try and punish the agents behind the recent wars in the region because Saddam (former Iraqi dictator) was not the sole war criminal."
The Iranian president called for trial and punishment of former US President George W. Bush, his administration, companions and accomplices as well as leaders of the Zionist regime (of Israel) for their crimes against humanity.
For reasons I cannot fathom, non of this made its way into the WAPO report.
So where does that leave Obama? Well, the Iranians are ready for talks as long as the US: lift sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, apologize for past actions, stop all talk about regime change in Tehran, view Iran as a "victim" of, rather than an exporter of terrorism, free the Iranian "diploamts" under detnetion in Iraq, remove the "pressure" of the Jews from the backs of American voters, and bring Bush and members of his administration and the leaders of "the Zionist regime" to trial for war crimes.
Why doesn't this crap get reported by the American media? The fact that the Iranian leadership insists on looking a gift horse in the mouth isn't Obama's fault. But the reality is that the abysmal Iranian reaction to his sincere and well intentioned approaches could be and was predicted by many, making our new president appear . . . somewhat naive. Nevertheless, all of this says far more about the American press than it does about the American president.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Jihad-by-Forest-Fire?
I was watching NBC News tonight to see if Brian Williams or anyone else would mention a story making the rounds today on the web referencing an Australian news report dated 7 September 2008 about the call by the imprisoned "architect of the new al Qaeda" Abu Musab Al-Suri (background information here) to wage jihad-by-fire in Australia. Not a word from NBC News. When the program ended, I went to my PC and called up the page with the story, under the by line of Josh Gordon, that I had read in the morning. Guess what? It's gone! It was here. And if you Google it you'll still get the headline: "Islam group urges forest fire jihad theage.com.au" I suppose they pulled it because it had suddenly become too "incendiary." If the Aussies started to think that Jihadists were responsible for the fires that have killed over 170 people, well, things could get ugly. Nevertheless, you can still find a copies of the same Josh Gordon story here on a Canadian web site and here.
A little more searching revealed other stories that also pre-date the fires. Here's one from the World Tribune dated 15 January 2008. My bolding.
U.S. officials monitoring terrorist web sites have discovered a call for using forest fires as weapons against “crusader” nations, in what may explain some recent wildfires in places like southern California and Greece.
A terrorist website was discovered recently that carried a posting that called for “Forest Jihad.” The posting was listed on the Internet on Nov. 26 [2007] and reported in U.S. intelligence channels last week.
The statement, in Arabic, said that “summer has begun so do not forget the Forest Jihad.”
The writer called on all Muslims in the United States, Europe, Russia and Australia to “start forest fires.”
You can find another story here.
The news reports about the fire indicate that high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds present "perfect conditions" for these raging fires. But it is also true that the Australian government is now saying that they are beginning to suspect arson. Does that mean that Muslims set these fires? Of course not. We have forest fires in the US all the time and when it's a case of arson I can't ever recall a Muslim being involved.
A little more searching revealed other stories that also pre-date the fires. Here's one from the World Tribune dated 15 January 2008. My bolding.
U.S. officials monitoring terrorist web sites have discovered a call for using forest fires as weapons against “crusader” nations, in what may explain some recent wildfires in places like southern California and Greece.
A terrorist website was discovered recently that carried a posting that called for “Forest Jihad.” The posting was listed on the Internet on Nov. 26 [2007] and reported in U.S. intelligence channels last week.
The statement, in Arabic, said that “summer has begun so do not forget the Forest Jihad.”
The writer called on all Muslims in the United States, Europe, Russia and Australia to “start forest fires.”
You can find another story here.
The news reports about the fire indicate that high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds present "perfect conditions" for these raging fires. But it is also true that the Australian government is now saying that they are beginning to suspect arson. Does that mean that Muslims set these fires? Of course not. We have forest fires in the US all the time and when it's a case of arson I can't ever recall a Muslim being involved.
Nevertheless, when you have jihadist leaders calling on Muslims to carry out fire jihad, you have to take that into consideration the next time you're looking at a major forest fire.
What happened to the public's right to know?
I wonder: if a building loaded with refugees in Gaza just blew up this evening without any clear evidence of who was responsible, would the Western media not report the incident because Muslims around the world would probably blame the Israelis and innocent Jews in Europe and elsewhere in the world might become the targets of hate-crimes? Of course they'd report it. But here we have a case where a leading al Qaeda type calls for Muslims to set forest fires, especially in Australia, we have major fires break out unlike any others known in Australian history, arson is suspected, and not only does the media refuse to report the story, they actually go out and delete earlier reports that suggest a connection.
I hope the fires are natural and that no arson is invovled. And if there are arsonists, I pray they're not Muslims.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Joe Biden's Munich Speech
Excerpts. You can find the entire text here. Bolding is mine.
Excepting the crap about climate change I consider this an excellent speech. I've seen reports on the speech that stress Biden's focus on diplomacy, but he readily admits throughout that the US won its Independence through force of arms and has since secured its freedom in that same manner. "That will not change," Biden reminds his audience. Likewise he talks about multilateralism, but also makes it clear that the US will move unilaterally if that multilateralism fails to materielize. The speech offers no weakening on the need to "defeat" global jihadism, and by implication Hamas. And while he reiterates Obama's willingness to talk with Iran, Biden lays out tougher sanctions as a possibility.
He also talks somewhat loosely about not preemptive war, but "preventive actions" meant to avoid situations were we would be attacked or placed in a situation where the best option might be preemption. That's fine, but it's not clear from the speech that "preventive actions" might also include the use of force, given the fact that the tools in Biden's arsenal include the "military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural...."
There are other salient points in the speech as well. Biden indicates that the administration will continue to support missile defense systems. The administration favors the two-state solution and does not see Hamas as part of that process.
02/07/2009
...And we must recognize new forces shaping this young century:
The spread of mass destruction weapons and dangerous diseases;
A growing gap between rich and poor;
Ethnic animosities and failed states;
A rapidly warming planet and uncertain supplies of energy, food, water;
The challenge to freedom and security from radical fundamentalism.
The False Choice Between Security and Values
In meeting these challenges, the United States will be guided by this basic principle:
There is no conflict between our security and our ideals. They are mutually reinforcing. The force of arms won our independence, and throughout our history, the force of arms has protected our freedom. That will not change. But the very moment we declared our independence, we laid before the world the values behind our revolution and the conviction that our policies must be informed by a “decent respect for the opinions of mankind.” Our Founders understood then and the United States believes now - that the example of our power must be matched by the power of our example. That is why we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. America will vigorously defend our security and our values, and in doing so we will all be more secure. As hard as we try, I know that we are likely to fall short of our ideals in the future, just as we have in the past. But I commit to you now: we will strive, every day, to honor the values that animate America’s democracy … and that bind us to you. That is why, on one of the very first days of his presidency, Barack Obama reaffirmed America’s most basic values. He made clear to the world:
America will not torture. We will uphold the rights of those we bring to justice. And we will close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Tough choices lie ahead. As we seek a lasting framework for our common struggle against extremism, we will have to work cooperatively with nations around the world – and we will need your help. For example, we will be asking others to take responsibility for some of those now at Guantanamo. Our security is shared. So, too, is our responsibility to defend it.
What We Will Do - What We Will Ask
That is the basis upon which we want to build a new approach to the challenges of this century.
America will do more, but America will ask for more from our partners. Here is what we will do and what we hope our partners will consider.
First, we will work in partnership whenever we can, alone only when we must.
The threats we face have no respect for borders. No single country, no matter how powerful, can best meet them alone. We believe that international alliances and organizations do not diminish America’s power – they help us advance our collective security, economic interests and values. So we will engage. We will listen. We will consult. America needs the world, just as I believe the world needs America. But we say to our friends that the alliances, treaties and international organizations we build must be credible and they must be effective. That requires a common commitment not only to live by the rules, but to enforce them.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
That is the bargain we seek. Such a bargain can be at the heart of our collective efforts to convince Iran to forego the development of nuclear weapons. The Iranian people are a great people, and Persian civilization is a great civilization. But Iran has acted in ways that are not conducive to peace in the region or to the prosperity of its people; its illicit nuclear program is but one manifestation. Our administration is reviewing policy toward Iran, but this much I can say:
We are willing to talk.
We are willing to talk to Iran, and to offer a very clear choice: continue down your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon your illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there will be meaningful incentives.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
Second, we will strive to act preventively, not preemptively to avoid wherever possible a choice of last resort between the risks of war and the dangers of inaction.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
We will draw upon all the elements of our power - military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural - to stop crises before they start. In short, we will recapture the totality of America’s strength, starting with diplomacy. On his second full day in office, President Obama went to our State Department, where he stressed the centrality of diplomacy to our national security. That commitment can be seen in his appointments, starting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It can be seen in the President’s decision to name two of America’s most tenacious diplomats – Senator George Mitchell and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke – to contend with two of the world’s most urgent and vexing challenges:
The need for a secure, just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians and the imperative of stopping the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan from providing a haven for terrorists. In both of these efforts, America seeks your partnership. Senator Mitchell just completed his first trip to the Middle East. Above all, he went to listen. In the near term, we must consolidate the cease-fire in Gaza by working with Egypt and others to stop smuggling and developing an international relief and reconstruction effort that strengthens the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas.
Neither of these goals can be accomplished without close collaboration among the United States, Europe and our Arab partners. Then, we must lay the foundation for broader peacemaking efforts. It is past time for a secure and just Two State solution. We will work to achieve it, and to defeat the extremists who would perpetuate the conflict. And, building on the positive elements of the Arab Peace initiative put forward by Saudi Arabia, we will work toward a broader regional peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
As we responsibly draw down our forces in Iraq, the United States will continue to work for a stable Afghanistan that is not a haven for terrorists. We look forward to sharing that commitment with the government and people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and with our allies and partners because a deteriorating situation in the region poses a security threat to all of us, not just the United States. President Obama has ordered a strategic review of our policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan to make sure that our goals are clear and achievable.
As we undertake that review, we seek ideas and input from you, our partners. The result must be a comprehensive strategy for which we all take responsibility that brings together our civilian and military resources that prevents a terrorist safe have and that helps Afghans develop the capacity to secure their own future.
No strategy for Afghanistan can succeed without Pakistan. We must all strengthen our cooperation with the people and government of Pakistan, help them stabilize the Tribal Areas and promote economic development and opportunity throughout the country.
Third, America will extend a hand to those who unclench their fists.
We do not believe in a clash of civilizations. We do see a shared struggle against extremism – and we will do everything in our collective power to help the forces of tolerance prevail. In the Muslim world, a small number of violent extremists are beyond the call of reason. We will defeat them. But hundreds of millions of hearts and minds share the values we hold dear. We will reach them. President Obama has made clear that we will seek a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect. It was not by accident that he gave his very first interview as President to Al-Arabiya.
To meet the challenges of this new century, defense and diplomacy are necessary - but not sufficient. We also need to wield development and democracy – two of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal. Poor societies and dysfunctional states can become breeding grounds for extremism, conflict and disease. Non-democratic nations frustrate the rightful aspirations of their citizens and fuel resentment.
Our administration has set ambitious goals to increase foreign assistance – To cut extreme poverty in half by 2015;
To help eliminate the global education deficit;
To cancel the debt of the world’s poorest countries;
To launch a new Green Revolution that produces sustainable supplies of food and;
To advance democracy not through its imposition by force from the outside, but by working with moderates in government and civil society to build the institutions that will protect freedom.
We also are determined to build a sustainable future for our planet – and we are prepared to lead by example. America will act aggressively against climate change and in pursuit of energy security with like-minded nations. Our administration’s economic stimulus includes long-term investments in renewable energy.
The President has directed our environmental protection agency to review how we regulate emissions, started a process to raise fuel efficiency and appointed a climate envoy – all in his first week in office. As America renews our emphasis on diplomacy, development, democracy and preserving our planet, we will ask our allies to rethink some of their own approaches - including their willingness to the use force when all else fails.
When it comes to radical groups that use terror as a tool, radical states that harbor extremists, undermine peace and seek or spread weapons of mass destruction and regimes that systematically kill or ethnically cleanse their own people - we must stand united and use every means at our disposal to end the threat they pose.
None of us can deny – or escape - the new threats of the 21st century. Nor can we escape the responsibility to meet them.
Renewing Our Alliance
Two months from now, the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will gather for our Alliance’s 60th anniversary. This Alliance has been the cornerstone of our common security since the end of World War II. It has anchored the United States in Europe and helped forge a Europe whole and free. Together, we made a pact to safeguard the freedom of our peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. We made a commitment to cooperate, to consult – and to act with resolve when the principles we defend are challenged.
There is much to celebrate. But we must do more. We must recommit to our shared security and renew NATO, so that its success in the 20th century is matched in the 21st. NATO’s core purpose remains the collective defense of its members. But faced with new threats, we need a new resolve to meet them, and the capabilities to succeed. Our Alliance must be better equipped to help stop the spread of the world’s most dangerous weapons, to tackle terrorism and cyber-security, to expand its writ to energy security and to act in and out of area effectively.
We will continue to develop missile defenses to counter a growing Iranian capability, provided the technology is proven to work and cost effective.
We will do so in consultation with our NATO allies and Russia. As we embark on this renewal project, the United States, like other Allies, would warmly welcome a decision by France to fully participate in NATO structures. In a recent discussion with President Sarkozy, President Obama underscored his strong support for France’s full participation in NATO, should France wish it. France is a founding member of NATO and a major contributor to its operations. We would expect France’s new responsibilities to reflect the significance of its contributions throughout NATO’s history and strengthen the European role within the Alliance.
We also support the further strengthening of European defense, an increased role for the European Union in preserving peace and security, a fundamentally stronger NATO-EU partnership and deeper cooperation with countries outside the Alliance who share our common goals and principles.
The United States rejects the notion that NATO’s gain is Russia’s loss, or that Russia’s strength is NATO’s weakness. The last few years have seen a dangerous drift in relations between Russia and the members of our Alliance.
It is time to press the reset button and to revisit the many areas where we can and should work together. Our Russian colleagues long ago warned about the rising threat from the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Today, NATO and Russia can and should cooperate to defeat this common enemy.
We can and should cooperate to secure loose nuclear weapons and materials and prevent their spread, to renew the verification procedures in the START treaty and then go beyond existing treaties to negotiate deeper cuts in our arsenals. The United States and Russia have a special obligation to lead the international effort to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world.
We will not agree with Russia on everything. For example, the United States will not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. We will not recognize a sphere of influence. It will remain our view that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.
But the United States and Russia can disagree and still work together where our interests coincide.
Conclusion
This conference started in the shadow of the Cold War. Now it takes place in a new century with new threats. As a great poet once wrote, our world has changed utterly - a terrible beauty has been born. We must change too, while remaining true to the principles upon which our alliance was founded.
And we must have the courage and commitment of those who came before us to work together to build together - and to stand together. In sharing ideals and searching for partners in a more complex world, Americans and Europeans still look to one another before they look to anyone else.
Our partnership benefits us all. This is the time to renew it.
Excepting the crap about climate change I consider this an excellent speech. I've seen reports on the speech that stress Biden's focus on diplomacy, but he readily admits throughout that the US won its Independence through force of arms and has since secured its freedom in that same manner. "That will not change," Biden reminds his audience. Likewise he talks about multilateralism, but also makes it clear that the US will move unilaterally if that multilateralism fails to materielize. The speech offers no weakening on the need to "defeat" global jihadism, and by implication Hamas. And while he reiterates Obama's willingness to talk with Iran, Biden lays out tougher sanctions as a possibility.
He also talks somewhat loosely about not preemptive war, but "preventive actions" meant to avoid situations were we would be attacked or placed in a situation where the best option might be preemption. That's fine, but it's not clear from the speech that "preventive actions" might also include the use of force, given the fact that the tools in Biden's arsenal include the "military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural...."
There are other salient points in the speech as well. Biden indicates that the administration will continue to support missile defense systems. The administration favors the two-state solution and does not see Hamas as part of that process.
This is a classic "walk softly but carry a big stick" kind of speech. Yes, we want to talk. Yes, we want to act multilaterally. But if you don't want to talk, and if our allies doesn't want to step up and help us in Afghanistan, then we'll consider using force and on our own.
This is not a speech I would have imagined Biden giving back in September 2008. You have to wonder: what does the Obama team know now, or what has it learned, that it didn't know five months ago?
Speech at the 45th Munich Security Conference02/07/2009
...And we must recognize new forces shaping this young century:
The spread of mass destruction weapons and dangerous diseases;
A growing gap between rich and poor;
Ethnic animosities and failed states;
A rapidly warming planet and uncertain supplies of energy, food, water;
The challenge to freedom and security from radical fundamentalism.
The False Choice Between Security and Values
In meeting these challenges, the United States will be guided by this basic principle:
There is no conflict between our security and our ideals. They are mutually reinforcing. The force of arms won our independence, and throughout our history, the force of arms has protected our freedom. That will not change. But the very moment we declared our independence, we laid before the world the values behind our revolution and the conviction that our policies must be informed by a “decent respect for the opinions of mankind.” Our Founders understood then and the United States believes now - that the example of our power must be matched by the power of our example. That is why we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. America will vigorously defend our security and our values, and in doing so we will all be more secure. As hard as we try, I know that we are likely to fall short of our ideals in the future, just as we have in the past. But I commit to you now: we will strive, every day, to honor the values that animate America’s democracy … and that bind us to you. That is why, on one of the very first days of his presidency, Barack Obama reaffirmed America’s most basic values. He made clear to the world:
America will not torture. We will uphold the rights of those we bring to justice. And we will close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Tough choices lie ahead. As we seek a lasting framework for our common struggle against extremism, we will have to work cooperatively with nations around the world – and we will need your help. For example, we will be asking others to take responsibility for some of those now at Guantanamo. Our security is shared. So, too, is our responsibility to defend it.
What We Will Do - What We Will Ask
That is the basis upon which we want to build a new approach to the challenges of this century.
America will do more, but America will ask for more from our partners. Here is what we will do and what we hope our partners will consider.
First, we will work in partnership whenever we can, alone only when we must.
The threats we face have no respect for borders. No single country, no matter how powerful, can best meet them alone. We believe that international alliances and organizations do not diminish America’s power – they help us advance our collective security, economic interests and values. So we will engage. We will listen. We will consult. America needs the world, just as I believe the world needs America. But we say to our friends that the alliances, treaties and international organizations we build must be credible and they must be effective. That requires a common commitment not only to live by the rules, but to enforce them.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
That is the bargain we seek. Such a bargain can be at the heart of our collective efforts to convince Iran to forego the development of nuclear weapons. The Iranian people are a great people, and Persian civilization is a great civilization. But Iran has acted in ways that are not conducive to peace in the region or to the prosperity of its people; its illicit nuclear program is but one manifestation. Our administration is reviewing policy toward Iran, but this much I can say:
We are willing to talk.
We are willing to talk to Iran, and to offer a very clear choice: continue down your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon your illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there will be meaningful incentives.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
Second, we will strive to act preventively, not preemptively to avoid wherever possible a choice of last resort between the risks of war and the dangers of inaction.
military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural -
We will draw upon all the elements of our power - military and diplomatic; intelligence and law enforcement; economic and cultural - to stop crises before they start. In short, we will recapture the totality of America’s strength, starting with diplomacy. On his second full day in office, President Obama went to our State Department, where he stressed the centrality of diplomacy to our national security. That commitment can be seen in his appointments, starting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It can be seen in the President’s decision to name two of America’s most tenacious diplomats – Senator George Mitchell and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke – to contend with two of the world’s most urgent and vexing challenges:
The need for a secure, just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians and the imperative of stopping the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan from providing a haven for terrorists. In both of these efforts, America seeks your partnership. Senator Mitchell just completed his first trip to the Middle East. Above all, he went to listen. In the near term, we must consolidate the cease-fire in Gaza by working with Egypt and others to stop smuggling and developing an international relief and reconstruction effort that strengthens the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas.
Neither of these goals can be accomplished without close collaboration among the United States, Europe and our Arab partners. Then, we must lay the foundation for broader peacemaking efforts. It is past time for a secure and just Two State solution. We will work to achieve it, and to defeat the extremists who would perpetuate the conflict. And, building on the positive elements of the Arab Peace initiative put forward by Saudi Arabia, we will work toward a broader regional peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
As we responsibly draw down our forces in Iraq, the United States will continue to work for a stable Afghanistan that is not a haven for terrorists. We look forward to sharing that commitment with the government and people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and with our allies and partners because a deteriorating situation in the region poses a security threat to all of us, not just the United States. President Obama has ordered a strategic review of our policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan to make sure that our goals are clear and achievable.
As we undertake that review, we seek ideas and input from you, our partners. The result must be a comprehensive strategy for which we all take responsibility that brings together our civilian and military resources that prevents a terrorist safe have and that helps Afghans develop the capacity to secure their own future.
No strategy for Afghanistan can succeed without Pakistan. We must all strengthen our cooperation with the people and government of Pakistan, help them stabilize the Tribal Areas and promote economic development and opportunity throughout the country.
Third, America will extend a hand to those who unclench their fists.
We do not believe in a clash of civilizations. We do see a shared struggle against extremism – and we will do everything in our collective power to help the forces of tolerance prevail. In the Muslim world, a small number of violent extremists are beyond the call of reason. We will defeat them. But hundreds of millions of hearts and minds share the values we hold dear. We will reach them. President Obama has made clear that we will seek a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect. It was not by accident that he gave his very first interview as President to Al-Arabiya.
To meet the challenges of this new century, defense and diplomacy are necessary - but not sufficient. We also need to wield development and democracy – two of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal. Poor societies and dysfunctional states can become breeding grounds for extremism, conflict and disease. Non-democratic nations frustrate the rightful aspirations of their citizens and fuel resentment.
Our administration has set ambitious goals to increase foreign assistance – To cut extreme poverty in half by 2015;
To help eliminate the global education deficit;
To cancel the debt of the world’s poorest countries;
To launch a new Green Revolution that produces sustainable supplies of food and;
To advance democracy not through its imposition by force from the outside, but by working with moderates in government and civil society to build the institutions that will protect freedom.
We also are determined to build a sustainable future for our planet – and we are prepared to lead by example. America will act aggressively against climate change and in pursuit of energy security with like-minded nations. Our administration’s economic stimulus includes long-term investments in renewable energy.
The President has directed our environmental protection agency to review how we regulate emissions, started a process to raise fuel efficiency and appointed a climate envoy – all in his first week in office. As America renews our emphasis on diplomacy, development, democracy and preserving our planet, we will ask our allies to rethink some of their own approaches - including their willingness to the use force when all else fails.
When it comes to radical groups that use terror as a tool, radical states that harbor extremists, undermine peace and seek or spread weapons of mass destruction and regimes that systematically kill or ethnically cleanse their own people - we must stand united and use every means at our disposal to end the threat they pose.
None of us can deny – or escape - the new threats of the 21st century. Nor can we escape the responsibility to meet them.
Renewing Our Alliance
Two months from now, the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will gather for our Alliance’s 60th anniversary. This Alliance has been the cornerstone of our common security since the end of World War II. It has anchored the United States in Europe and helped forge a Europe whole and free. Together, we made a pact to safeguard the freedom of our peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. We made a commitment to cooperate, to consult – and to act with resolve when the principles we defend are challenged.
There is much to celebrate. But we must do more. We must recommit to our shared security and renew NATO, so that its success in the 20th century is matched in the 21st. NATO’s core purpose remains the collective defense of its members. But faced with new threats, we need a new resolve to meet them, and the capabilities to succeed. Our Alliance must be better equipped to help stop the spread of the world’s most dangerous weapons, to tackle terrorism and cyber-security, to expand its writ to energy security and to act in and out of area effectively.
We will continue to develop missile defenses to counter a growing Iranian capability, provided the technology is proven to work and cost effective.
We will do so in consultation with our NATO allies and Russia. As we embark on this renewal project, the United States, like other Allies, would warmly welcome a decision by France to fully participate in NATO structures. In a recent discussion with President Sarkozy, President Obama underscored his strong support for France’s full participation in NATO, should France wish it. France is a founding member of NATO and a major contributor to its operations. We would expect France’s new responsibilities to reflect the significance of its contributions throughout NATO’s history and strengthen the European role within the Alliance.
We also support the further strengthening of European defense, an increased role for the European Union in preserving peace and security, a fundamentally stronger NATO-EU partnership and deeper cooperation with countries outside the Alliance who share our common goals and principles.
The United States rejects the notion that NATO’s gain is Russia’s loss, or that Russia’s strength is NATO’s weakness. The last few years have seen a dangerous drift in relations between Russia and the members of our Alliance.
It is time to press the reset button and to revisit the many areas where we can and should work together. Our Russian colleagues long ago warned about the rising threat from the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Today, NATO and Russia can and should cooperate to defeat this common enemy.
We can and should cooperate to secure loose nuclear weapons and materials and prevent their spread, to renew the verification procedures in the START treaty and then go beyond existing treaties to negotiate deeper cuts in our arsenals. The United States and Russia have a special obligation to lead the international effort to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world.
We will not agree with Russia on everything. For example, the United States will not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. We will not recognize a sphere of influence. It will remain our view that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.
But the United States and Russia can disagree and still work together where our interests coincide.
Conclusion
This conference started in the shadow of the Cold War. Now it takes place in a new century with new threats. As a great poet once wrote, our world has changed utterly - a terrible beauty has been born. We must change too, while remaining true to the principles upon which our alliance was founded.
And we must have the courage and commitment of those who came before us to work together to build together - and to stand together. In sharing ideals and searching for partners in a more complex world, Americans and Europeans still look to one another before they look to anyone else.
Our partnership benefits us all. This is the time to renew it.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Dr. Ayman Speaks #1
Here's the first part of an As-Sahab (al Qaeda's media arm) interview with Ayman al-Zawahiri, Qaeda al-Jihad's number 2. In this part Dr. Ayman claims that the Americans are losing in Iraq and Afghanistan, that he hopes the Americans send their entire army to Afghanistan, that the dogs of that country have yet to eat their fill of American flesh, and that the "Zionist Fanatic" Tom Friedman of the New York Times dictated the "Saudi" peace plan and the idea of the recognition of Israel to King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz (about 5:15 into the video). I had not known that the Saudis were under the thumb of "the Juice." Had me fooled.
Say What?
The Jerusalem Post today ran a story about why human rights groups don't investigate Hamas war crimes.
It makes it quite easy regarding Hamas. It is quite clear that they are attacking and targeting civilians. When someone straps a bomb on themselves or fire missiles at civilians, the details are less important. It is clearly a war crime without even looking at the details," [Sarit Micha'eli] said. "Even if they fired a Kassam missile as a military target, the fact that it is an inaccurate weapon, it would still count as an indiscriminate attack."
Now I have it. Since Hamas blatantly ignores international law and openly targets civilians, there's no need to investigate. Whereas the Israelis, whose policy is to do their best to avoid hitting civilians, need to be investigated.
Following this logic, the Israelis should take off the gloves and announce that Gaza is a free-fire zone and indiscriminately start bombing and shelling the place. That way they could avoid all these investigations.
I have to wonder, though, if Hamas's war crimes are so obvious, how come the international community isn't calling for trials for its leadership, whereas they are calling for trials of Israelis?
If these idiotarians had been around in 1945, and Adolf Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt had somehow survived the war, I suppose we would have seen FDR on trial while Hitler wandered Germany as a free man.
It makes it quite easy regarding Hamas. It is quite clear that they are attacking and targeting civilians. When someone straps a bomb on themselves or fire missiles at civilians, the details are less important. It is clearly a war crime without even looking at the details," [Sarit Micha'eli] said. "Even if they fired a Kassam missile as a military target, the fact that it is an inaccurate weapon, it would still count as an indiscriminate attack."
Now I have it. Since Hamas blatantly ignores international law and openly targets civilians, there's no need to investigate. Whereas the Israelis, whose policy is to do their best to avoid hitting civilians, need to be investigated.
Following this logic, the Israelis should take off the gloves and announce that Gaza is a free-fire zone and indiscriminately start bombing and shelling the place. That way they could avoid all these investigations.
I have to wonder, though, if Hamas's war crimes are so obvious, how come the international community isn't calling for trials for its leadership, whereas they are calling for trials of Israelis?
If these idiotarians had been around in 1945, and Adolf Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt had somehow survived the war, I suppose we would have seen FDR on trial while Hitler wandered Germany as a free man.
Pot Calls Kettle Black Alert
The Islamic Republic News Agency ran this story today.
Iran criticizes human rights violation in Canada
Tehran, Feb 5, IRNA – Iran criticized Canada for violating the rights of Muslims and other minorities as well as its recent support for Israeli crimes in Gaza Strip.
Iran made the move in the fourth summit to review human rights situation in the world which was held in UN European office in Geneva. The country’s representative in the meeting referred to the cases of human rights violations in Canada and criticized the country for its opposition to the recent resolution by Human Rights Council condemning the atrocities of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
While Canada claims to advocate human rights in the world, it supports the Israeli crimes against the civilian Gazans, he said. He called on Canada to fulfill its commitments regarding human rights without any political considerations. Referring to the problems facing Muslims and Canadians of African origin and the increasing trend of Islamophobia, he added that Muslim community in the country was under mounting pressure following September 11 attacks.
Several other countries participating in the summit objected to the country’s discriminating behavior towards the Muslims as well as its policy on the Zionist regime.
I suppose if this doesn't stop Canadian Muslims will start returning to their countries of origin where human rights are so strongly upheld. Do they stone women in Canada? Do they hang homosexuals? Do Canadian leaders talk openly of "wiping the Arabs off the face of the Earth"?
Iran criticizes human rights violation in Canada
Tehran, Feb 5, IRNA – Iran criticized Canada for violating the rights of Muslims and other minorities as well as its recent support for Israeli crimes in Gaza Strip.
Iran made the move in the fourth summit to review human rights situation in the world which was held in UN European office in Geneva. The country’s representative in the meeting referred to the cases of human rights violations in Canada and criticized the country for its opposition to the recent resolution by Human Rights Council condemning the atrocities of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
While Canada claims to advocate human rights in the world, it supports the Israeli crimes against the civilian Gazans, he said. He called on Canada to fulfill its commitments regarding human rights without any political considerations. Referring to the problems facing Muslims and Canadians of African origin and the increasing trend of Islamophobia, he added that Muslim community in the country was under mounting pressure following September 11 attacks.
Several other countries participating in the summit objected to the country’s discriminating behavior towards the Muslims as well as its policy on the Zionist regime.
I suppose if this doesn't stop Canadian Muslims will start returning to their countries of origin where human rights are so strongly upheld. Do they stone women in Canada? Do they hang homosexuals? Do Canadian leaders talk openly of "wiping the Arabs off the face of the Earth"?
Sniper Victim in Iraq
This is an incredible story I found on "The Jawa Report v3.0" blog, which has on its banner a superb quote attributed to Thomas Mann that captures the essense of our time: "Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil."
U.S. Soldier Shot by Iraqi Sniper - watch more videos
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Latest Iranian Demand
The Financial Times reports that Mojtaba Samareh-Hashemi, a close aid to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has stated that "dialogue with the US will succeed only if the Obama administration accepts Tehran’s right to have a nuclear programme."
So where's that leave our president? If he wishes to talk to the Iranians he has to apology for past US policies, release frozen Iranian assets, lift the sanctions regime, drop all support for Iranian dissident movements, and allow the Iranian nuclear program to progress. And then they will talk with President Obama.
About what? The weather? Maybe they could debate the Holocaust? They must be scratching their heads in the Whitehouse.
So where's that leave our president? If he wishes to talk to the Iranians he has to apology for past US policies, release frozen Iranian assets, lift the sanctions regime, drop all support for Iranian dissident movements, and allow the Iranian nuclear program to progress. And then they will talk with President Obama.
About what? The weather? Maybe they could debate the Holocaust? They must be scratching their heads in the Whitehouse.
Larijani: Will not Meet with Americans in Munich
There's been much speculation that Iranian and American officials would sit down with each other at the forthcoming 45th Munich Security Conference. But Iranian sources have made it clear that Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani will not met with the American officials attending the conference.
It's beginning to look like much of the American '08 campaign debate about whether or not Obama should meet with the Iranians is becoming a moot point. They don't seem like they want to, unless he's willing ahead of time to apologize, release frozen assets, and drop all sanctions.
I wonder how many cheeks our new president has?
It's beginning to look like much of the American '08 campaign debate about whether or not Obama should meet with the Iranians is becoming a moot point. They don't seem like they want to, unless he's willing ahead of time to apologize, release frozen assets, and drop all sanctions.
I wonder how many cheeks our new president has?
Iranians Slap Obama Again
One of the outreach programs that the Obama administration had hoped would symbolize a new beginning in American-Iranian relations was the planned trip of the American women's badminton team to an international tournament to be held in Iran starting this week. Just as Ping Pong symbolized the American opening to China back in the '70s, perhaps Badminton could have played a similar role with Iran.
Unfortunately, the Iranians have rejected the Visa applications for the team. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi told reporters: "The issuing of visa is a time-consuming procedure and this long period made it impossible for them to receive visas. Therefore they will not participate in the competition."
Maybe the Americans were slow getting their paperwork in; or maybe this is another Iranian message to Obama.
I wonder how the American women would have been expected to dress?
Unfortunately, the Iranians have rejected the Visa applications for the team. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi told reporters: "The issuing of visa is a time-consuming procedure and this long period made it impossible for them to receive visas. Therefore they will not participate in the competition."
Maybe the Americans were slow getting their paperwork in; or maybe this is another Iranian message to Obama.
I wonder how the American women would have been expected to dress?
Hamas Steals UN Aid
Gulf News carried an AP story "Hamas seizes UN food aid, says UN spokesman." [Excerpt, bolding mine]
Hamas police in Gaza broke into a warehouse full of United Nations humanitarian supplies and seized thousands of blankets and food packages, a UN spokesman said Wednesday, a rare public clash between the international agency that feeds much of the territory and the militant group that rules it. . . .
Hamas policemen stormed into an aid warehouse in Gaza City on Tuesday evening and confiscated 3,500 blankets and over 400 food parcels ready for distribution to 500 families, said United Nations Relief and Works Agency spokesman Christopher Gunness.
"They were armed, they seized this, they took it by force," Gunness said, terming the incident "absolutely unacceptable."
UN officials said the aid was kept in a local storage facility because the organization's regular warehouses were full. The UN, human rights groups and Palestinians have often complained that a blockade by Israel and Egypt has left Gaza critically short of vital supplies.
Hamas police in Gaza broke into a warehouse full of United Nations humanitarian supplies and seized thousands of blankets and food packages, a UN spokesman said Wednesday, a rare public clash between the international agency that feeds much of the territory and the militant group that rules it. . . .
Hamas policemen stormed into an aid warehouse in Gaza City on Tuesday evening and confiscated 3,500 blankets and over 400 food parcels ready for distribution to 500 families, said United Nations Relief and Works Agency spokesman Christopher Gunness.
"They were armed, they seized this, they took it by force," Gunness said, terming the incident "absolutely unacceptable."
UN officials said the aid was kept in a local storage facility because the organization's regular warehouses were full. The UN, human rights groups and Palestinians have often complained that a blockade by Israel and Egypt has left Gaza critically short of vital supplies.
Who Let the Dogs Out Alert
Let them go! Let them go! The long and the short and the f---ing jihadists.
The New York Times reports that "Eleven Saudis who were released from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and then passed through a Saudi rehabilitation program for former jihadists are now believed to have fled the country and joined terrorist groups abroad, Saudi officials said Tuesday."
Can you believe that? The report goes on to acknowledge:
The announcement further underscored the difficulties faced by the Obama administration as it prepares to close the Guantánamo detention center. All told, 14 Saudis now appear to have rejoined terrorist groups after their return from Guantánamo, including the 11 living abroad and 3 who were rearrested in Saudi Arabia after their return.
You don't say. I suppose it's a "green" thing. We recycle the jihadists.
"Jewbama"
The Queens-New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society is a group purportedly committed to peaceful Dawa (prostelyzation. They offer an "intellectual" invitation to Islam. Their "about us" webpage proclaims:
Bismillah ir Rahman ir RahimInnal-Hamdalillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa RasoolillahAs-Salaamu alaikum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakatuhu
Welcome to the Islamic Thinkers Society web site.
We are less than a handfull of Muslims from Ahlus Sunnah wal jama'ah who give public da'wah to society, where we invite the society to Islam(Aqeedah+Shahriah), command the good, forbid the evil and expose falsehood from every angle. Our struggle is always intellectual & political non-violent means.To find out more about our activities and about our views, we highly recommend you visit the "About Us" page first.
Bismillah ir Rahman ir RahimInnal-Hamdalillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa RasoolillahAs-Salaamu alaikum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakatuhu
Welcome to the Islamic Thinkers Society web site.
We are less than a handfull of Muslims from Ahlus Sunnah wal jama'ah who give public da'wah to society, where we invite the society to Islam(Aqeedah+Shahriah), command the good, forbid the evil and expose falsehood from every angle. Our struggle is always intellectual & political non-violent means.To find out more about our activities and about our views, we highly recommend you visit the "About Us" page first.
Thoughtful? I guess it depends on how you define "thought." Is this thoughtful?
"Beware of Jewbama" is the title of the piece. Note the picture in the bottom-right corner: "Obama & Vermin." Where have we seen this before?
I can imagine the kind of Americans who come to Islam through this type of Dawa.
And remember: this group is not operating from Peshawar, Tehran, or Jenin. No, they're right here in "The Big Apple."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
More Zionist War Crimes Detailed!!!
The Ma'an News Agency, which operates from the West Bank, released a list of 181 Gazans who were killed or maimed as a result of the Zionist assault on Gaza.
Sorry! I hold on. I goofed. The 181 Gazans were killed or maimed by Hamas. Fatah had 11 members executed by Hamas gunmen. A total of 58 Fatah men were shot in the hands or feet or both. Another 112 had their legs broken.
Can you imagine the outrage if the IDF had purposefully maimed 170 Gazans?
The Undersecretary of the caretaker government’s Ministry of Prisoners Affairs Ziyad Abu Ein spoke out against the rights violations and accused Hamas of “terrorism,” and said they were preventing media outlets in Gaza report on their crimes. “Our people badly need a free press capable of protecting the truth,” he said, noting that the truth was all that could counter the “terrorist procedures against patriotic Palestinians.”
Abu Ein also published a list of names and neighborhoods of those in Gaza who were killed, maimed, beaten or tortured during the Israeli war on Gaza. He encouraged aid organizations inside Gaza to check the list and contact those who have given testimony and prove the truth of the list of 181 names. Abu Ein also called on the Arab League to send a fact-finding mission to Gaza and uncover the reality behind the shocking information.
I'm certain that the Western media will follow up on these leads with the same doggedness that they pursue accusations of crimes by the Israelis. After all, Fatah has already provided the names, fates, and neighborhoods of those killed or maimed. Keep your eye out for the follow up stories on this one. And if you actually see one, please forward it to me. Maybe I'm too cynical.
Sorry! I hold on. I goofed. The 181 Gazans were killed or maimed by Hamas. Fatah had 11 members executed by Hamas gunmen. A total of 58 Fatah men were shot in the hands or feet or both. Another 112 had their legs broken.
Can you imagine the outrage if the IDF had purposefully maimed 170 Gazans?
The Undersecretary of the caretaker government’s Ministry of Prisoners Affairs Ziyad Abu Ein spoke out against the rights violations and accused Hamas of “terrorism,” and said they were preventing media outlets in Gaza report on their crimes. “Our people badly need a free press capable of protecting the truth,” he said, noting that the truth was all that could counter the “terrorist procedures against patriotic Palestinians.”
Abu Ein also published a list of names and neighborhoods of those in Gaza who were killed, maimed, beaten or tortured during the Israeli war on Gaza. He encouraged aid organizations inside Gaza to check the list and contact those who have given testimony and prove the truth of the list of 181 names. Abu Ein also called on the Arab League to send a fact-finding mission to Gaza and uncover the reality behind the shocking information.
I'm certain that the Western media will follow up on these leads with the same doggedness that they pursue accusations of crimes by the Israelis. After all, Fatah has already provided the names, fates, and neighborhoods of those killed or maimed. Keep your eye out for the follow up stories on this one. And if you actually see one, please forward it to me. Maybe I'm too cynical.
Canard #1: It's All about Oil
This is the first in a series of post that address various canards--false, unfounded, and misleading arguments or stories--that obfuscate the realities of American policy toward the Middle East. We hear them all the time.
#1 It's All about Oil
We have all heard the cry: “It’s all about oil!” It is a legitimate point to make in 2009 that United States policy in the Middle East is heavily influenced by issues related to petroleum supplies, but that is far too simplistic. History offers the most obvious retort. The West, and even the United States, was involved in the affairs of the Middle East long before the age of petroleum. It's not as if Vasco de Gama rounded the horn of Africa in 1497 in search of oil.
Even the United States, a relative newcomer to the Middle East, has been involved in the region since the late eighteenth century. We signed our first treaty with a Muslim state—Morocco—in 1784. No oil was involved. Algerine depredations in 1793 led the new Federal Congress to re-establish a U. S. Navy and Marine Corps in March 1794. No oil was involved. We signed a treaty with Algiers in 1796; the treaty marked the beginning of the American arms trade with the Middle East and served as our first, but far from last, “arms for hostages agreement.” No oil was involved. We fought a war with Tripoli (Libya) between 1801 and 1805. The American fleet blockaded and bombarded Tripoli (not for the last time). No oil was involved.
Even in the twenty-first century only a fool would argue that “It’s all about oil.” After all, if it was, the United States certainly would have sold out Israel decades ago.
Iranians Make New Demands of Obama
The Tehran Times reports that Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has upped the ante for President Obama. Iranian officials had earlier demanded an apology and evidence of "new thinking" before beginning official talks with the United States. On Monday Larijani expanded on and detailed what else needs to be done. "What is important," Larijani stressed, "is that Iran’s rights have been ignored and some measures have been taken (against Iran) since the revolution, including the freezing of Iranian assets, and our diplomats are also being held hostage in Iraq. The U.S. needs to untangle these knots so that it becomes clear that new thinking on peace and security has arisen in the country.”
The reports also notes:
Larijani made the remarks after the new administration of President Barack Obama has officially announced that it is ready to negotiate with Iran on matters where Tehran and Washington differ. Analysts have also said that the Munich security conference, which begins on February 6, may serve as a catalyst for a direct encounter between Iranian and U.S. officials. Larijani is one of the Iranian officials who have been invited to the Munich security conference. “I have been officially invited to the Munich conference,” Larijani said. He said his speech at the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy will center on crises in the Middle East and Afghanistan, energy, European security, and disarmament. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will represent the United States at the annual security conference. White House National Security Adviser James L. Jones is slated to join Biden at the meeting.
The reports also notes:
Larijani made the remarks after the new administration of President Barack Obama has officially announced that it is ready to negotiate with Iran on matters where Tehran and Washington differ. Analysts have also said that the Munich security conference, which begins on February 6, may serve as a catalyst for a direct encounter between Iranian and U.S. officials. Larijani is one of the Iranian officials who have been invited to the Munich security conference. “I have been officially invited to the Munich conference,” Larijani said. He said his speech at the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy will center on crises in the Middle East and Afghanistan, energy, European security, and disarmament. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will represent the United States at the annual security conference. White House National Security Adviser James L. Jones is slated to join Biden at the meeting.
Allah Sent Hitler to Put the Jews in Their Place
Another teaching moment! Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradhawi--one of those many "clerics" of the "religion of peace." I cannot imagine why the Brits tossed this guy out of the country? If the embededd video doesn't work, you can find the video here.
You can find the transcripts here. My bolding.
January 30, 2009: Hitler "Put The Jews In Their Place"
"Throughout history, Allah has imposed upon the [Jews] people who would punish them for their corruption. The last punishment was carried out by Hitler. By means of all the things he did to them – even though they exaggerated this issue – he managed to put them in their place. "This was divine punishment for them. Allah willing, the next time will be at the hand of the believers." [...]
January 28, 2009: I Will Die As A Martyr Shooting Jews Al-Qaradhawi
"To conclude my speech, I’d like to say that the only thing I hope for is that as my life approaches its end, Allah will give me an opportunity to go to the land of Jihad and resistance, even if in a wheelchair.
"I will shoot Allah’s enemies, the Jews, and they will throw a bomb at me, and thus, I will seal my life with martyrdom. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Allah’s mercy and blessings upon you."
Why doesn't the sheikh simply make his way to the Lebanese-Israeli border with a few grenades and an AK? I'm certain the Israelis would be happy to speed the bozo on his way to Paradise. Somebody please send this "holy man" a map.
You can find the transcripts here. My bolding.
January 30, 2009: Hitler "Put The Jews In Their Place"
"Throughout history, Allah has imposed upon the [Jews] people who would punish them for their corruption. The last punishment was carried out by Hitler. By means of all the things he did to them – even though they exaggerated this issue – he managed to put them in their place. "This was divine punishment for them. Allah willing, the next time will be at the hand of the believers." [...]
January 28, 2009: I Will Die As A Martyr Shooting Jews Al-Qaradhawi
"To conclude my speech, I’d like to say that the only thing I hope for is that as my life approaches its end, Allah will give me an opportunity to go to the land of Jihad and resistance, even if in a wheelchair.
"I will shoot Allah’s enemies, the Jews, and they will throw a bomb at me, and thus, I will seal my life with martyrdom. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Allah’s mercy and blessings upon you."
Why doesn't the sheikh simply make his way to the Lebanese-Israeli border with a few grenades and an AK? I'm certain the Israelis would be happy to speed the bozo on his way to Paradise. Somebody please send this "holy man" a map.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tariq Almohayed: Hamas on Political Suicide Mission
Well worth reading.
[Excerpt]
Some might ask; what about Hamas? Unfortunately the Muslim brotherhood-affiliated movement has consented to becoming an implement in the destruction of the Palestinian cause, and the sacrificing of Palestinian blood and the long history of armed and political struggle which led our region into long wars and which Hamas [now] wants to simply erase. Hamas has become involved in the Iranian- Syrian- Qatari axis as just a small wheel propping up a large base, allowing quick and easy movement, but not towards a solution that will result in a Palestinian state, rather in a return to decades of conflict in order to return the Palestinian cause back to square one.
What will happen is that the West Bank will fall under the jurisdiction of Jordan, or Gaza will declare itself an Islamic governorate, or fall under the administration of Egypt and destabilize it [Egypt]. This is something we have seen increasing over the past three weeks, although it [the destabilization of Egypt] began when Hamas executed a coup on the Gaza Strip.
Khalid Mishal's announcement of his intention to form a new Palestinian authority can only be described as a suicide attack aimed at our history, and at our future. We are the sons of the region, and that is what should be noted.
[Excerpt]
Some might ask; what about Hamas? Unfortunately the Muslim brotherhood-affiliated movement has consented to becoming an implement in the destruction of the Palestinian cause, and the sacrificing of Palestinian blood and the long history of armed and political struggle which led our region into long wars and which Hamas [now] wants to simply erase. Hamas has become involved in the Iranian- Syrian- Qatari axis as just a small wheel propping up a large base, allowing quick and easy movement, but not towards a solution that will result in a Palestinian state, rather in a return to decades of conflict in order to return the Palestinian cause back to square one.
What will happen is that the West Bank will fall under the jurisdiction of Jordan, or Gaza will declare itself an Islamic governorate, or fall under the administration of Egypt and destabilize it [Egypt]. This is something we have seen increasing over the past three weeks, although it [the destabilization of Egypt] began when Hamas executed a coup on the Gaza Strip.
Khalid Mishal's announcement of his intention to form a new Palestinian authority can only be described as a suicide attack aimed at our history, and at our future. We are the sons of the region, and that is what should be noted.
Qaddafi Calls for Single-State Solution in NYT
He calls it "Isratine!" Why can't we all just be friends, sit around the fire, and sing Kumbaya?
This is actually an old idea from the late 1960s and early 1970s that made some sense when the Arab side was at least nominally secular, namely Palestinian Muslims and Christians. Lebanon--where Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Shia Muslims lived in brotherhood and peace--was usually offered as the model for a multi-sectarian state.
But then reality intervened in the form of the Lebanese Civil War. No one in his or her right mind would today offer Lebanon as a model for a Palestinian solution.
To further complicate matters, the "secular" Palestinian movement is increasingly dominated by Islamists who wish to live under Shari'a. Fatah's loss of Gaza to Hamas is a perfect example of such a development. I suppose Hamas would allow the Jewish population to remain in Palestine, as long as Muslims ruled and the Jews were willing to live as Dhimmis. But that's not what the Israelis have in mind.
This is actually an old idea from the late 1960s and early 1970s that made some sense when the Arab side was at least nominally secular, namely Palestinian Muslims and Christians. Lebanon--where Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Shia Muslims lived in brotherhood and peace--was usually offered as the model for a multi-sectarian state.
But then reality intervened in the form of the Lebanese Civil War. No one in his or her right mind would today offer Lebanon as a model for a Palestinian solution.
To further complicate matters, the "secular" Palestinian movement is increasingly dominated by Islamists who wish to live under Shari'a. Fatah's loss of Gaza to Hamas is a perfect example of such a development. I suppose Hamas would allow the Jewish population to remain in Palestine, as long as Muslims ruled and the Jews were willing to live as Dhimmis. But that's not what the Israelis have in mind.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Round 2?
Hamas, having so recently "won" its war with Israel, apparently is eager to have at it again. And why not? The more Palestinians who die the bigger the "victory" in the minds of much of the Hamazis and much of the international community.
According to Hamas's Iranian controllers, most recently "Supreme Leader" Ayatollah Khamenei, both Israel and the United States are "experiencing weakness and gradual annihilation worldwide." According to an IRNA report: "Signs of promised victories by Almighty God have been revealed more than before, said the Supreme Leader."
One more push! Just one more and maybe....
These bozos have no clue what "maybe" is. I do. And it's not what they suspect. but they are right: it is only a matter of time.
According to Hamas's Iranian controllers, most recently "Supreme Leader" Ayatollah Khamenei, both Israel and the United States are "experiencing weakness and gradual annihilation worldwide." According to an IRNA report: "Signs of promised victories by Almighty God have been revealed more than before, said the Supreme Leader."
One more push! Just one more and maybe....
These bozos have no clue what "maybe" is. I do. And it's not what they suspect. but they are right: it is only a matter of time.