Mount St. Helens spewed some ash this afternoon. Scroll to the extended entry to see pics from today's eruption and a live images from Johnston's Ridge observatory at Mount St. Helens. See, I'm interested in all things that explode. After all, volcanos are nature's nuclear bombs! more...

Posted by: Rusty at 08:48 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 201 words, total size 2 kb.

Last reminder. I will be on Stanford's KZSU 90.1 FM today from around 5:30-6:00 pm Pacific time. You can listen live here. No call-ins, but the host wants to ask me the important questions so just e-mail kzsushark-at-yahoo.com with your Gannon/Sgrena related querries.

UPDATE: Bleg for e-mails. Please e-mail the host with questions for me. If not, my ego will be shattered!!! Before you ask the inevitable question, though, the answer is "8 inches".

UPDATE: I'm up pretty quick. Feel free to leave live comments. I'll try to read them during the interview.

UPDATE: I'm on hold. Last chance to get in on the interview from the beginning.

UPDATE: And I'm spent.............thanks for the questions y'all!!

Posted by: Rusty at 07:21 PM | Comments (25) | Add Comment
Post contains 126 words, total size 1 kb.

SITE translates this communique from Abu Musab al Zarqawi's al Qaeda Organization in Iraq. It seems that the photos released by CNN on Saturday are actually Zarqawi:

According to the statement, these photos were taken from an al-Qaeda mujahid who was killed in a battle in Iraq. “It happened then that these pictures [those recently broadcast by the media] fell into the infidels’ hands,” the text reads.

“We hold Abu Musab [al-Zarqawi] in our hearts and we embrace him and defend him with our lives as it is the duty of a Moslem to stand by his Brother and not betray him.”

UPDATE: The Iraqi government issued two more photos of Zarqawi yesterday. Here they are. Remember, if you see this man please do the world a favor and kill him.

Posted by: Rusty at 01:52 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 183 words, total size 2 kb.

Earlier I reported on Giuliana Sgrena's version of Fallujah. She called the Marine invasion of that city a 'massacre' and accused the Marines of dropping napalm on civilians. Blackfive has this after-action report done by a US Marine who was in Fallujah. Compare the two versions.

Hmmm I wonder if this from the Marine:

Footholds are strongpoints where the squad can fight from. At the foothold Marines can return fire, throw grenades, and use explosive devices to neutralize the enemy. After the enemy has been damaged the squad can move in and clear the house. If the roof top is the foothold the squad is holding, then the roof could be breached by a directional charge. Grenades or incendiary devices can be thrown into the structure flushing out the enemy......

[from a list of demolition devices Marines used in Fallujah and should be familiar with for future urban-warfare situations]

2. “House Guest” (Named by 2nd squad, 1st platoon, I Company) – Propane tanks placed in the central hallway with C-4 used to ignite it, creates a fuel air explosive – Used for bringing down a house when contact is made inside, propane tanks must be full

3. A 60 or 81 mm white phosphorous mortar round, wrapped three times with detonation cord and a 1/4 or 1/2 stick of C-4 – Used when contact is made in a house and the enemy must be burned out

4. Molotov cocktails – one part liquid laundry detergent, two parts gas – Used when contact is made in a house and the enemy must be burned out.

«We buried them, but we could not identify them because they were charred from the napalm bombs used by the Americans». People from Saqlawiya village, near Falluja, told al Jazeera television, based in Qatar... The sad story of common graves, which started at Saddam’s times, is not yet finished. Nobody could confirm if napalm bombs have been used in Falluja, but other bodies found last year after the fierce battle at Baghdad airport were also completely charred and some thought of nuclear bombs.

Posted by: Rusty at 01:25 PM | Comments (37) | Add Comment
Post contains 365 words, total size 3 kb.

Do CIA agents get paid better than libertarian bloggers? Cause, you know, if they do sign me up!!

"Having failed to murder the reporter, the US spooks unleash a smear campaign to sell the public on the idea that she only got what she deserved."

Like Goebbels before her, if Giuliana Sgrena had gotten what she deserved she'd be, er, dead!

Reminder: If you would like to ask Rusty Shackleford, CIA agent, a question, remember that I will be on the Shark Tank show on Stanford's KZSU 90.1 FM today from around 5:30-6:00 pm. You can listen live by going to their website here. No call-ins, but if you have a question you would like asked of me just e-mail kzsushark-at-yahoo.com.

Posted by: Rusty at 12:46 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 135 words, total size 1 kb.

1 I knew it! BTW Can't find that quote on the WhatReallyHappened when I was abducted by the aliens and told about the secret plans site.

Posted by: mantis at March 08, 2005 01:01 PM (zmcHh)

2 I redid the link. Just click on it and scroll down.

Posted by: Rusty Shackleford at March 08, 2005 01:03 PM (JQjhA)

3 I still can't wrap my mind around anyone thinking that an "attempt to assassinate" could possibly fail under circumstances like this. Obviously there are conspiracies within conspiracies... maybe the MIBs shielded her from the "handfulls of bullets" that "rained" over her. Enquiring minds want to know!

Posted by: Jonathan at March 08, 2005 02:24 PM (7D30s)

4 Is that 5:30 - 6:00 Pacific Time? I'm so confused.

Posted by: Preston Taylor Holmes at March 08, 2005 02:32 PM (WsZ4F)

5 If we listen to your show, will you have to kill us?

Posted by: Brian B at March 08, 2005 07:56 PM (CouWh)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Aslan Maskhadov, the leader of Chechnya's rebellion, has been killed by Russian forces.

Muskhadov had a $10 million dollar bounty on his head and was considered the most wanted man in Russia. Maskhadov had led the Chechen rebellion in the early 1990s until a cease-fire was negotiated with then President Boris Yeltsin.

Maskhadov was a bitter rival to the al Qaeda linked Shamil Basayev. Basayev has been linked to the Beslan massacres and has promised more Beslan like attacks in the future. Maskhadov ran against Basayev in 1997 for the Chechen Presidency and won.

Maskhadov was later driven out of office by the Russians when he declared Chechnya an independent state.

The press reports that Maskhadov was simply a leader of a nationalist movement in Chechnya are mistaken. Maskhadov is accused of planning the hostage crisis at the Nord-Ost theater in Moscow. 129 hostages later died, mostly as the result of a botched rescue operation.

Further, the MSM likes to portray Maskhadov as a moderate, contrasting him to the al Qaeda linked Basayev, but Maskhadov's nationalism was tied closely to his Muslim identity. His army is composed of jihadis drawn from around the world to repel the infidel invaders (Russia). Clearly, Maskhadov was a jihadi who saw his mission to end the 400 year old Russian control of Chechnya as a religious imperetive.

Images: (top) Reuters photo of the dead Maskhadov. (bottom) Maskhadov pauses to say prayers with his army of jihadis. (below) Russian television station NTV airs video of Maskhadov dead on the street.

more...

Posted by: Rusty at 12:06 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
Post contains 770 words, total size 6 kb.

UPDATE 4:05 Central time: Italian television station Tg1 reports that a car was used. I have pictures up here. Not sure which report to believe yet.....

This important and overlooked new detail arises. If you have seen as many jihadi videos as me then you know that the vehicle of choice is the small Japanese pickup truck. Check this WaTimes article out:

The left-leaning Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported yesterday that Mr. Calipari decided not to use available escort protection from the elite commandos who protect ItalyÂ’s Baghdad embassy.

Instead, he rented an inconspicuous pickup truck to recover Miss Sgrena, wrote La RepubblicaÂ’s top investigative reporter, Giuseppe DÂ’Avanzo.

The vehicle has been located and a preliminary investigation reveals that "Something that car did caused the soldiers to fire."

hat tip Charles Johnson

Posted by: Rusty at 11:37 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 177 words, total size 1 kb.

From the it's so disgusting you're going to want to watch your lunch department. These are Giuliana Sgrena's friends and Michael Moore's minutemen. The Scotsman:

Placing the missile back in a wooden box beside him, the teacher then passes a wrapped lump of plastic explosive around the class, sparking a flurry of grasping hands. "Come on! It's my turn," hisses one impatient young boy at his neighbour.

So begins lesson one of jihad for juniors, the newest recruits to Iraq's insurgency. After nearly two years of struggle which has decimated their adult ranks, resistance commanders are grooming a fresh generation of child soldiers to carry on the fight.

Posted by: Rusty at 11:30 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 160 words, total size 1 kb.

Here is a letter from an Italian reader. Evidence that not all in Italy are buying Sgrena's lies hook, line, and sinker:

Ms. Sgrena's speech are pure ideological tales. They (the italian Communist) hate the US or I should say they hate an ideological representation of the US, a very strong mental building of which they need to express their absurd ideas.

Most italian respect the US and the job that you are doing to defeat the terrorism.

Raffaello ****

Firenze, Italia

Posted by: Rusty at 11:10 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
Post contains 89 words, total size 1 kb.

1 What Job?Killing People?You must make war against iraqi people not against italian people!If a italian soldier had killed an american what would u have said?CRIMINALS!

Posted by: Angelo at March 08, 2005 11:20 AM (2Q3tN)

2 What Job?Killing People?You must make war against iraqi people not against italian people!If a italian soldier had killed an american what would u have said?CRIMINALS!If anyone of us has msn messenger please add me at furasco@hotmail.com we will continue there the conversation.I want a soldier!

Posted by: Angelo at March 08, 2005 11:21 AM (2Q3tN)

3 The shooting was a mistake. A mistake is not an act of war. We are sorry for your loss. However, Sgrena's words themselves show that she, not your people, is an enemy of the US.

Posted by: Rusty Shackleford at March 08, 2005 11:23 AM (JQjhA)

4 I love italy- I love italians too. I recognize that Sgrena is the Ward Churchill of Italy- She is free to scribble her hate all she wants. I see her for what she is. A despicable harpy. I plan to visit Italy in April and plan to spend lots of money visiting their amazing sites, eating the amazing food and guzzeling their amazing wine.

Posted by: Ob Snooks at March 08, 2005 11:30 AM (yBHNA)

5 Cnn is the tv of american empire...is is not real...the italian tv says an other story...

Posted by: Angelo at March 08, 2005 11:31 AM (2Q3tN)

6 Angelo seriously how old are you, of all the biast, propaganda run news media establishments in the US, you pick the one organization that has the most unbiased reporters and is the most respected for getting to the bottom of the truth to bash like a little kid. During the first Gulf War Saddam even watched CNN cause he knew he was getting the most accurate up to date information, more accurate than his own intelligance staff. Oh the Italian TV said this, seriously, if your TV reporters are anything like your journalists, I wouldn't believe a single word the Italian media says. I can't believe how many people are bashing the US media when there own media in Italy, France, and the like are producing extreame nutcasers like this Italian bird. I dread to think what they said Angelo.

Posted by: Cain at March 08, 2005 12:56 PM (spv7p)

7 no italians no iraqi no afgan no syrian no iranian NO ONE MORE HAVE TO DIE! Turn on your minds....you are fighthing a war only for a reason: money! you need to keep your econmy alive and Bush thinks it's the only way to do it! Which country will be the next one? Syria, iran?? ...maybe China that is strumbling the US economy on its knees?? Well done boys, continue in following the Uncle Sam, he's calling you!

Posted by: EUROPEAN at March 08, 2005 01:59 PM (QVA5a)

8 "Not all Italians" are buying Sgrena's & the commies' crap? That's like writing that "not all Americans" are buying that Bush stole the elections. The left are a vocal minority here as much as they are in the US. I just wish some US guys would fucking quit to dump us USA supporters with the commies. That's like being associated with everthing the DU says because "you're American".(/vent)

Posted by: Francesco Poli at March 08, 2005 03:53 PM (XwB7F)

9 No afgan no syrian no iranian no more have to die What are iranian, afgan and syrian doing fighting in iraq. if you would go read some of the blogs of the iraqi people you may open YOUR mind. www.Hammorabi.com www.Messopotamia.com go take a look

Posted by: sparky at March 08, 2005 05:05 PM (F1nba)

10 Its astonishing how naive the italian visitors have been. The Yoko Ono School of Foreign Policy.

Posted by: Robin Roberts at March 08, 2005 06:20 PM (xauGB)

11 Another good blog is http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com I find that people overseas are too gullible and only want to believe what they see or hear on their television and newspapers. A good way to educate yourself is to search the internet and look for blogs that come out of the ME. Maybe then you might be able to see for yourself that we Americans and our allies are trying to help other countries who have been run by dictators and oppressors. There also are plenty of articles that show that Europe is being overrun by terrorists, but I'm sure you haven't read that--have you? Go ahead and google...expand your mind and quit with the American bashing! I've lived in Europe and have seen different parts of the world and I wouldn't trade my life or my country for yours!

Posted by: GC at March 08, 2005 08:52 PM (9ULfn)

12 In Reply To Raffaello: Raffaello , ma tu chi sei per ignorare tutto quello che sta succedendo in italia? Davvero non ti accrogi che siete rimasti tu e Schifani a difendere la missione in iraq? "Most italian respect the US and the job that you are doing to defeat the terrorism." MA CHI?

Posted by: antonio at March 09, 2005 09:31 AM (6Bbh7)

13 FRANCESCO POLI: You are 100% correct. We are getting to defensive. But it's so hard. You have assholes, we have assholes. Probably, more than you. Sorry about that. Keep the faith. I do find Italy fascinating. All those neat old buildings. History and good food. My kids favorite visiting spot in Europe. Italy is okay. lots of style. so where does this commie bitch come from? Joking, we have them to.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 07:43 PM (CBNGy)

14 Greyrooster--Next time in Italy, if you've never been to Harry's Bar in Venice, have a martini there. Wear long trousers. I had the pleasure of seeing an male tourist slob turned away because he was wearing shorts. (Ah, standards of dress.) The spirit of Hemingway lives on at Harry's. Regardless of the criticism regarding prices, it's a neat spot. And the Italian people are TOPS.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 13, 2005 09:30 AM (5DzD1)

15 I'M writing from Italy and I'm Italian. I'd like to pose a question to American Force: WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOOT TO THAT BITCH(Sgrena),AND INSTEAD YOU DID IT AGAINST OUR AGENT CALIPARI?! (oh...this is the question posed by the 90% of Italian people and WE ARE NOT STUPID,you understand,MR. ROBIN ROBERTS!?) Even if that fucked journalist is alive,anyway,she represents a danger FOR NOBODY HERE,AND NOT EVEN FOR YOU,just for the reason we are "quite" intelligent.But tell the truth,please:YOU SHOT AGAINST OUR CAR JUST FOR WARNING US NOT TO SURRENDER TO TERRORIST REQUESTS PAYING A RANSOM,even if this last one has needed to save a human being....(it hasn't been an accident..., you knew exactely what you were doing..). Our government payed that ransom(sure it did!) only for two reasons:..to allure italian communist party,...and to cut a fine figure,giving after some prestige to our "007" for "the well done liberation".AND IT DID IT NOT FOR PROTECTING COMUNISM!Here we hate comunism and we believe on the principle of american democracy,that is ours too and which we contributed to all over our Story and our Law just since ancient times! God bless United States here we say in Italy,but YOU AMERICAN can't understand a thing:YOU ARE UNDERESTIMATING ITALY AND ITALIANS.DON'T FORGET WE HAVE BEEN THE FIRSTS ON ARTS ,SCIENCE,CULTURE AND MATHS SINCE 3000 YEARS SO AS SOME OTHERS EUROPEANS,although our State is very small.Your and our greatness exists even thanks to our discoveries and our study made in our past,and without those ones the world 's tecnology could not to be born! It's astonishing(using a Robert's term) how an intelligent and advanced people as the American one can't realize it fully(or better...not all the Americans...). WAKE UP,MY GOD,YOU ARE NOT PRIMITIVE!!! Anyway,hoping we will destroy terrorism all together soon, cancel comunism one time for ever(Sgrena should know that ,but she ignore it,or pretends to ignore it,that Saddam Hussein has been the Stalin of our days),and give development and civilization wherever possible,thank you for your attention,and pardon me for my bad English, I know it just a little bit. P.s=...However,someone who told days ago that some of american war missions have also the economic purpose such as oil,raw materials,commercial and militar bases,traffic army-weapons and so on he sayed the truth..he doesn't have any reason!But it's right to be this,it would be a silly and even dangerous thing if America shouldn't do that!!And that "someone" should know and remember something else important,as important is what sayed before:Italy is one of the first nations projecting,producing and trading weapons!!! Goodbye,my American Friends!!

Posted by: Italian 100% at March 23, 2005 02:23 AM (qkPkV)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

I'm off to edumacate the masses. In the meantime the Carnivorous Conservative has found evidence of Gannon worship at a pro-Syria rally in Lebanon.

UPDATE: The cure for Gannon worship--Lebanese chicks!

Posted by: Rusty at 09:34 AM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
Post contains 39 words, total size 1 kb.

Italy's Foreign Affairs minister announced today that he believed the version of events offered by Giuliana Sgrena in a dispute over the facts on what really happened when American soldiers openned fire on the freed hostage's vehicle. The incident left on Italian secret-service agent, Nicola Calipari, dead near the Baghdad airport.

Giuliana Sgrena is a known anti-American propagandist and liar with a history of accusing the United States of the most outlandish crimes. In the past Sgrena has claimed the US used napalm on civilians, massacred thousands, and tortured children. Sgrena has even hinted that the U.S. used nuclear weapons during the Iraq invasion. Sgrena's lies and propaganda are documented here.

In a bizarrely contradictory statement, the foreign minister claimed the incident was both an "accident" yet that some one needed to be punished.

"It was an accident," Fini told lawmakers. "This does not prevent, in fact, it makes it a duty for the government to demand that light be shed on the murky issues, that responsibilities be pinpointed and, where found, that the culprits be punished." (AP)

The Italian minister also bought one version of Sgrena's story.

"The car was travelling at a speed that couldn't have been more than 40kph," Fini said. He said that a light was flashed at the car after a curve and that the gunfire -- lasting 10 or 15 seconds -- started immediately afterward, disputing US military claims that several attempts were made to stop the car.

Sgrena, in one version of the story written for Italian audiences disputed a US claim that lights were flashed at the car to warn it to slow down. However, in an English language interview with the BBC she admitted lights had been flashed.

In another version of the story Sgrena also claimed the vehicle she was driving in was speeding so fast in the rain that the driver almost lost control.

The US claims to have shot warning shots at the car, something Sgrena denies. However, Sgena does claim that between 300-400 shots were fired. A single bullet hit one of the three passengers making it all but certain that the US version of events is accurate and that Sgrena is intentionally lying to make the US look bad.

In comparison, Bonnie and Clyde's car was hit with a comparable number of bullets, 300-400, yet both were hit about 50 times. It is likely that the initial shots Sgrena heard were warning shots. The incident happened on a rainy night.

Sgrena has called the incident an "ambush" and has alluded to the US trying to send a message to anti-war reporters. Sgrena made a similar claim during the US invasion when the hotel she was staying at was hit by coalition fire causing minor damage.

The incident has heightened the unpopularity of Italian participation in the US led occupation. Italy has about 3,000 troops in Iraq. Sgrena is not only openly anti-war but also openly anti-American. Her communist newspaper, Il Manifesto, has used the incident to rally anti-war sentiments. An anti-war protest has been scheduled by Il Manifesto to honor Sgrena's release.

UPDATE: Jack Lewis also documents Sgrena's contradictory stories here.

Posted by: Rusty at 08:16 AM | Comments (53) | Add Comment
Post contains 537 words, total size 3 kb.

1 hi to all... just few lines What happened to Giuliana Sgrena and Nicola Calipari is simply crazyness. As crazy as Your WAR your personal war boys. In europe , in italy too, we don't believe in war as a method to "tech" democracy we believe , as catholic as comunist as liberal, in PEACE. We don't use Dealth penalty to punish evil men as you do in America We don't use chains to carry our detenutes for a 10 minute's air breath We don't sell guns to our citizens to our babys think about it Europe is culture is peace America Where are you? bye

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 08:31 AM (6Bbh7)

2 The Italians want Justice? They should shoot Giuliana Sgrena in the ass for faking her own kidnapping and extorting 10 million bucks out of the Government. Justice would have been her death rather than that poor Intel guy who died because of her.

Posted by: Obsnooks at March 08, 2005 08:34 AM (yBHNA)

3 Hey Antonio- You cowards in Europe never believe in war. You believe in Surrender. THat is why you are partial to SauerKraut and Snitzel. Achtung you europimp! You should quit your job at the white flag factory and join the real world.

Posted by: Filthy Allah at March 08, 2005 08:36 AM (yBHNA)

4 What happened to Giuliana Sgrena and Nicola Calipari is simply crazyness. I agree- She should not have faked her own kidnapping. As crazy as Your WAR your personal war boys. In europe , in italy too, we don't believe in war as a method to "tech" democracy we believe , as catholic as comunist as liberal, in PEACE. Filty Allah is right. You are cowards. No wonder the USA has to save your yellow asses over and over. We don't use Dealth penalty to punish evil men as you do in America. You let them go with a croissant and a promise not to do it again. We don't sell guns to our citizens to our babys think about it Europe is culture is peace Europe is morally bankrupt. Remember, In france you are GUilty until proven innocent.

Posted by: Earl Dittman at March 08, 2005 08:40 AM (yBHNA)

5 Funny, Europeans do not believe in war. The 2 largest were started in Europe, and we saved your butts both times. How about France's adventure in Vietnam? Bet your forgot about that one, Antonio. How many European countries were involved in the Korean War? Oh, and don't forget about the US saving your butts from being over run by the Soviet Union.

Posted by: William Teach at March 08, 2005 08:52 AM (HxpPK)

6 No, no, Europe has now evolved into the standard holders of peace! They have finally seen the wisdom in non-violence and have created a better society. Just like they did at the Congress of Vienna after Napoleon. And then again after German and Italian unification. And once again after World War I. And WWII. And after the Cold War. But finally, after the Kosovo War, this one will be true peace! They will never feel agression ever again. Well, maybe after the eventual formation of a Sixth Republic in France, but its definitely clear sailing after that.

Posted by: Wine-aholic at March 08, 2005 09:04 AM (Wsn+K)

7 Oh yeah... Antonio- Please inform your partners in surrender the French not to eat the grapes before they make the wine.

Posted by: Obsnooks at March 08, 2005 09:10 AM (yBHNA)

8 And let's not forget the non-violent Communist revolution of 1917. Remember when the Czar and his family were given that stern lecture and simply told to go away?

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 09:15 AM (x+5JB)

9 Oh Yes! I never ever forget what Americans did 60 years ago in europe. Every italian thanks you for rescue from Nazist/fascist regime for ever.. but now the situation is so different. Europe is growing up faster and faster , society in it live under human rights respect and peace , just take a walk in italy or in denmark or whatever nation you want and breath freedom. We're defeating neocons party as well as in italy or in other places to allow people to really choose between peace and war. With you or without you.It's not a problem. I hope your bush amministration that bring you to war falls-out very soon and give to americans freedom and justice and worldwide respect.

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 09:21 AM (6Bbh7)

10 Man, I love the smell of troll in the morning!!

Posted by: Rusty Shackleford at March 08, 2005 09:23 AM (JQjhA)

11 Antonio: You explain the reason why my Muslim Friends find it so easy to operate in your countries. You are soft. Easy to manipulate. Look what my brothers did in Spain! Stay the way you are Antonio and soon, you will be facing Mecca 5 times a day. Oh, save time and buy your wife a burka now before prices go up.

Posted by: filthy allah at March 08, 2005 09:26 AM (yBHNA)

12 You brute American Scum must say you are sorry for the way you insult my tender Antonio!

Posted by: Antonios Gay Lover at March 08, 2005 09:27 AM (yBHNA)

13 It's still a shame that Sgrena didn't catch that bullet in a vital organ. That's the true tragedy in all this.

Posted by: Preston Taylor Holmes at March 08, 2005 09:34 AM (WsZ4F)

14 Oh my god! how many answers! I think it's true that now Europeans and Americans are very far from having the same idea about rights, history and future. But i haven't understand -really- why did you attack iraq... for Mass destruction weapons? ah but who gave MDW to saddam'regime ? it was me from italy? no i think that in the past 20 years your country (expecially) as well as some europeans make trouble and businness with mullah with saddam , gave weapons to africa instead food and schools .. and now it's the result war war war when i tell you that something in europe is changing i refer to this ... the people now knows and can't ignore nothing. Bye bye take care of your self

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 09:34 AM (6Bbh7)

15 Ok ok i'll replay to all!!! - "You brute American Scum must say you are sorry for the way you insult my tender Antonio!" Antonios Gay Lover ME: very funny!! better than jerry lewis! - You explain the reason why my Muslim Friends find it so easy to operate in your countries. You are soft. Easy to manipulate. Look what my brothers did in Spain! ME: Muslims live in italy since 800 AC . the italian culture is full of islam tradition ...Islam world is in a difficult period . Not all Arabs are terrorists only a small part of them . In italy live many Muslim and all of them are good people but tell me which is better take under arrest all and take them to guantanamo? (uhhhh) - Stay the way you are Antonio and soon, you will be facing Mecca 5 times a day. Oh, save time and buy your wife a burka now before prices go up. ME: Do you think Bush religion idea is different from mullah? What do you think your president think about the relationship between religion and ethic? the same of mullah. Burqua ? who sell it? taliban? oh taliban ... i remember that talibans went to new york many years ago to meet rumsfield to make businness... Don't? do want to see the picture of this meeting? Ok i'm stopping now have you notice that before my post (it's my first visit here) no one reply before? Now this site is alive!

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 09:51 AM (6Bbh7)

16 This man clearly disagrees with the war, but he's not being malicious about it. He does not advocate the destruction of our troops or the American people. I think that he means well for us. (And he writes better English than I can Italian.) Let's argue our case without sophomoric insults to the man.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 09:52 AM (x+5JB)

17 Siete un branco di fottuti maiali

Posted by: Teskio at March 08, 2005 09:53 AM (M/RPo)

18 i forgot: make love not war boys no pornostar no peepshow

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 10:00 AM (6Bbh7)

19 After reading Antonio's last remarks, I take it all back.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 10:09 AM (x+5JB)

20 Be nice to antonio, kids. He lives in a dying culture, rotting under a self-bankrupting government, with a declining birthrate, weak economy, and an increasing Muslim fundementalist movement. He lives under the delusions that his country and his way of life is right becuase he must; he simply has no other way to deal with the fact that his nation is in decline, as are most nations in western Europe. These countries need the United States as a scapegoat, just as they needed the wartorn countries of the Middle East and Africa as places to feel superior to. Denial is a powerful defense mechanism. antonio doesn't mean to be an idiot, it is simply a defense mechanism against the insanity of a crumbling once-proud society.

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at March 08, 2005 10:14 AM (C5gjM)

21 it was not me to post....

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 10:17 AM (6Bbh7)

22 you are the alone empty people and inasmuch as you are of the trade you empty the balls to me, suck suck suck and not to lose not one drop..... greedy

Posted by: SKULL at March 08, 2005 10:35 AM (M/RPo)

23 in replay to Confederate Yankee: Do you really think that? Do you think my country is trying to survive? no you 're blind. the economy of this world is changing . No more only one nation can tell the rule but all tells the rules. This is the end of america's supremacy that made the world better some decade ago but carring on as now means slavery . Admit to yourself why america can't gain profit no more from arab's oil , why it can't tell the rules in south america in africa in asia. It's simple the people's destiny is returnig to their hands. Look at Venezuela,Brasil,Ecuador,Cina,India, look at those nation that yesterday was poor and owned by west "democracy" No one no more. That's why Bush wons for the second times. that's why Berlusconi wons , Blair wons , Putin wons. this is the only reason to explain this WAR. I hope all of you think about what war means not only for you but for people that suffer for it. think about iraqui people that aren't terrorist (99%) they die as worms by your inconscious hand under cluster bombs gas bombs bullets.. in the name of what? Do you think one day they will thank you ? for what? abu Graib , guantanamo , falluja and now giuliana's case risk to put mud on america credibility (translate in english from italian credibilità). I remeber to you ... make a trip for holiday i'll do it as soon as i can . go to south america or whatever you want talk with people if you can notice their proud without having money or guns you can discover your real one. and probably you can imagine where the world is coming to.

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 10:46 AM (6Bbh7)

24 the anti-Sgrena bloggers should get your facts straight...the car had stopped before it was fired on. so says the driver. How is it that the brave soldier occupiers are excused for murder? perhaps they should not be there in the first place!

Posted by: arya at March 08, 2005 10:50 AM (cZY1m)

25 Antonio, don't forget that it's the terrorists who are exploding bombs in the middle of crowds of Iraqi citizens.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 11:09 AM (x+5JB)

26 oh yes i know .... i know also all the atrocities that terrorist commit on poor people in iraq as in iran as in syria... Information today brings to us all crimes news in every places don't forget cecenia , korea , china. we have to stand for rights and we have to do unite. But before doing that we have to elevate rights and democracy in our countries we can talk about pollution if in italy for example politicians gain power by mafia or america can talk about rights when in a state (i don't remember which sorry) a judge put to death by gas chamber...or guantanamo o abu graib If a european or italian told you this is for friendship because he can't figure out he can't believe... and suggest to make a turn. ok great day for me , i'm enjoy it bbut now ... i must work before my boss pulls me out. bye to all

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 11:29 AM (6Bbh7)

27 oh yes i know .... i know also all the atrocities that terrorist commit on poor people in iraq as in iran as in syria... Information today brings to us all crimes news in every places don't forget cecenia , korea , china. we have to stand for rights and we have to do unite. But before doing that we have to elevate rights and democracy in our countries we can talk about pollution if in italy for example politicians gain power by mafia or america can talk about rights when in a state (i don't remember which sorry) a judge put to death by gas chamber...or guantanamo o abu graib If a european or italian told you this is for friendship because he can't figure out he can't believe... and suggest to make a turn. ok great day for me , i'm enjoy it but now ... i must work before my boss pulls me out. if everyone want to contact me please feel free and write me on my mail. sorry for my bad english bye

Posted by: antonio at March 08, 2005 11:30 AM (6Bbh7)

28 To Sgrena from Rod Go F--- yourself!

Posted by: Rod Stanton at March 08, 2005 11:46 AM (l5t6M)

29 See guys? Antonio's not a bad dude. He might be opposed to the war, but he's not after American blood like so many other "peace" lovers we've heard from recently.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 01:13 PM (x+5JB)

30 WAKE UP!!! You are living in a terrible dream...i know you need a reason to be there, fighthing for a war that isn't yours, but you can't believe that war is the right way to solve problems! And please don't talk about Italy, you don't have the history and the prestige of our country. Think about yourself, a country governed by fear of their citizens, and that is trying to export their fear to the whole world....but the world is not like you!! I don't know if i'm better or worse...but i like my way to be and you don't have to talk about it! Please, pay attention, not all americans thinks like you, i hope you know it....it's a shame...you talk about life like nuts. Finally, is better to be an italian rabbit then an american idiot! PS Ciao Teskio!!!cazz' e fin' hai fatt'!

Posted by: spens at March 08, 2005 01:43 PM (QVA5a)

31 Sorry I grew up in Siberia, England and now live in the U.S Your RIDICULOUS stereotypes about Americans living in fear are so unfounded and stupid. I've been here for 6 years and let me assure you the atmosphere in this country is much brighter and more pleasant than both Russia AND England. Fighting a war that isn't ours? Well WHO else is going to do it????? Obviously only a couple of countries in Europe have the courage to stand up for others when they cannot defend themselves. Other countries obviously just don't care, and believe that societies should just be left to work things out by themselves. Much of Europe is simply bitter that America is at the fore-front of change in the world. That's all it is. I used to have a similar problem when I was living in the U.K, but many of the thoughtless stereotypes in and around that country were squashed when I moved here. I'm here to tell you, "screw you." Don't help the Coalition (and I'm including ALL the countries who are currently involved). We'll continue to support and give help to those who can't help themselves (which you seem to think is SO SIMPLE), and you continue to care about your immediate family and treat everyone else like they live on the Moon. We'll see who gets more done.

Posted by: Igor Kazakov at March 08, 2005 04:28 PM (xM3Dg)

32 Amen, Igor.

Posted by: Young Bourbon Professional at March 08, 2005 04:58 PM (snAx4)

33 US is the best, trust me. We have the Duff DO AH HI HO HU

Posted by: John at March 08, 2005 06:17 PM (QVA5a)

34 Actually, Antonio, you seem very ignorant of the history of Iraq and its WMD programs. In fact, most of the components for Iraq's programs of nuclear weapons, biological weapons and chemical weapons did come from Europe. France built Iraq's first nuclear reactor, and intentionally transfered to Iraq a reactor designed to be able to produce weapons grade plutonium. Most of Iraq's weapons were Soviet in origin, but the next largest supplier of military weapons to Iraq after the Sovbloc was France again. Followed by Germany. If you think that Falluja undermines US credibility, its because you've been lied to about what happened there. Part of the reason that the town was so difficult to capture last fall was because the first time the US tried to push the terrorists out of Falluja, there was a campaign of lies that created political pressures not to continue the attacks. That was a large mistake as the terrorists built up their forces there, and as is now clear, embarked on a campaign of terrorizing the residents of Falluja. In the end, the US and Iraqi forces found that the residents were happy that we finally cleaned out their town of foreign terrorists. It takes some work to find these accounts - especially in Europe whose media is filled with dishonest accounts of Falluja.

Posted by: Robin Roberts at March 08, 2005 06:29 PM (xauGB)

35 Non parlate di storia per piacere! Nè di democrazia! Avete scelto di essere lì perchè i vostri pensieri di soldati, di uomini di guerra sono pensieri di odio e di distruzione. Non cercate di rivestire la morte con i panni rassicuranti della democrazia e della storia. La vera democrazia è riconoscere ad ogni uomo la possibilità di pensare che la propria morte sia ben più importante di qualsiasi ragione storica o politica.

Posted by: girl at March 09, 2005 06:05 AM (j5KF+)

36 hey ANTONIO, the United States never gave Saddam any Weapons of Mass Destruction, true the U.S. sold them regular infantry and artillery weaponry in the IRAN and IRAQI WAR, but which european country didn't?? Even now Germany and France and some E.U. states are planning on selling military tech to the Chinese. Back to the WMD, It was the the FRENCH who sold it (nuclear reactor) to them even help them build it... and oh about your "Peace talks", why dont you ask the French about West Africa (ex.. ivory coast)they're Big on Peace Talks...

Posted by: erving at March 09, 2005 12:35 PM (JNfad)

37 FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TOLD ME! ...the only words a real soldier should shout pissing on his gun! signature Think differnt group!

Posted by: zack at March 09, 2005 05:05 PM (QVA5a)

38 Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission Ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite All of which are American dreams All of which are American dreams All of which are American dreams

Posted by: zack at March 09, 2005 05:07 PM (QVA5a)

39 think different, be different, live different

Posted by: zack at March 09, 2005 05:18 PM (QVA5a)

40 So much for any hope of coherence.

Posted by: Robin Roberts at March 09, 2005 08:36 PM (xauGB)

41 We have to remember that Antonio is from a country ruled by the muslims for over 400 years. That was before birth control. Birds of a feather?

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 01:57 AM (gvOyZ)

42 I mean I assume he's sicilian. Everyone else in Italy gets the news.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 06:31 PM (CBNGy)

43 How does a mind like Zacks figure out how to turn a computer on? Must be luck. Maybe, that's why we don't hear from him much.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 06:36 PM (CBNGy)

44 IGOR: Seriously here. I love the Brits. The Brits, Aussies and yes, Ruskies have always been my favorite people. The reason. Courage. I have to exclude Scandinavia as everyone knows they're really the best. I am one of them. What is the problem you had with the Brits? I find them to be a great nation. The only serious error I find they have made is too many muslims in jolly ole England. This has created lots of problems. If they aren't careful it will get worse. Other than that I can find no fault. I have always considered them to be the bravest nation on earth. Classy and gentlemanly. A bit quick to fight, but I like that in a people. What problems did you have? I'm going over there next month. I even like their food. I know, thats sick, but bangers and beer are food from heaven. Clue me in.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 06:50 PM (CBNGy)

45 I wonder about someone who comes to an english spealing blog and comment in a foreign language. Hey GIRL. Looks good but no comprende. Speaka the English.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 06:55 PM (CBNGy)

46 SPENS: You're wrong.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 07:00 PM (CBNGy)

47 Antonio: South America. Are you nuts. Been there, done that. They are flooding our borders. The big dream south of the border. Come to the United States, legally or illegally. If we are so bad WHY? We have a word here. MOONBAT. Do you know what it means. Bye.

Posted by: greyrooster at March 11, 2005 07:10 PM (CBNGy)

48 in reply to greyrooster.. i'm italian 100% i write from Milan not from sicily (but i was born in the south italy near Neaples) I don't think America is too bad! i think America is a great place but you have many contraddictions inside.. and we 're talking about that... I'm not flooding this board infact i leave my real email not a fake one... Just fot talk

Posted by: antonio at March 14, 2005 07:56 AM (6Bbh7)

49 beloved ally American is a soldier like you and perhaps before you they have been in many places you ask yours connects MARIN as ando' the elisbarco to SOGOLAK in 1997 I WAS TO DIE THEM From LAUGHING. " THANKS FOR the RISATE ". and siccome I know to you very well as the thoughts I ask you only one what THAT I HAUL WE HAVE GONE AGO IN IRAQ? INVENTED And YOU DO NOT SAY LITTLE HAULED. to I forgot if the benzine serves you sail satisfied I but left to be the IRAQ. And GOOD BOTTA

Posted by: FAFA at April 05, 2005 05:06 AM (hz7NW)

50 sorry for american Hey!!! I am a soldier like you, I worked and I still work with you and I know really well you manner of think and your approach to thinks and to military actions. Why you do not ask to your colleagues of the Navy how it was the helicopter-landing (helilanding) in SOGOLAC in Bosnia? I was about to die of laughing, thank you very much for that guys it was definitely quite an experience!!!! Just a question: what the hell are we doing in Iraq? Why the hell are we over there? To do precisely what???!!! If Bush needs petrol he could find an smarter way to get it!!!! Â… GET OUT OF IRAQ!!!!!! LET IRAQI PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR OWN HISTORY AND CIVIL EVOLUTION!!!!

Posted by: fafa at April 05, 2005 07:29 AM (hz7NW)

51 " AP - Italian investigators have blamed stress, inexperience, poor procedures and fatigue among American troops for the fatal shooting of an Italian intelligence agent on a Baghdad road. The investigators found no evidence, however, that the March 4 killing of Nicola Calipari was deliberate. The Italians, in a report released overnight, also did not object to many of the findings of fact contained in a separate American report that was made public on Saturday." Satellite video proves that the car, which the Italians claimed was going 50 kph, was really going 95 kph. So the Italians lied. Then they immediately accused the US with conspiracy theories. Now when the final report comes out, they refuse to acknowledge the results. The government is obviously afraid of upsetting the nationalist emotions of the people, so it is careful not to do anything that would seem mature or honest. " Calipari is regarded an Italian hero and his death was mourned as a national tragedy." Why not? In a nation full of both angry anti-American leftists and reckless drivers, he should be the posterboy. My guess? They see a checkpoint. Their adrenaline is pumped from freeing the woman held hostage. The woman is a communist, writes for "The Manifesto", who initially went to Italy to oppose the US through "journalism". Most Italians lean towards the Left, opposed their own government's decision to support the US. and in a fit of passive-aggressive disdain, refuse to obey the rules about slowing down properly. After all, these are the 'big bad' American troops who they have been bashing for years. It would be unthinkable in terms of street cred as well as glorious Italian pride, to politely obey the man the with the gun. Their intention was something like speed up the checkpoint, show ID without saying anything, only steely glares at their hated adversaries, and then speed away in disdain, preferably with peeling rubber. In a similar spirit, the government now decides to let it drop without admitting the fault of the driver and the high speed. Truth and facts are far less important than Italian pride. http://veraciraptor.blogspot.com/

Posted by: V. at May 04, 2005 07:57 AM (q23DB)

52 "Europe is culture is peace America Where are you?" How fitting, at the 60th anniversary of Peaceful Europe's annihilation of 60 million people. 60 million who never had grandchildren. 60 million who can make no comment on Europe's peaceful culture. 60 million added to the millions of others in Africa, the Americas, Asia ... who Peaceful Europe exterminated. Yes, after 2000 years of war and destruction, Europe has behaved well for a few decades. Even death penalty is stopped for a few years now. And suddenly Europe which killed more people in the 20th century than anyone else in HISTORY, is preaching about how peaceful and superior it is???????? Europe Uber Alles, once again?

Posted by: observant at May 04, 2005 08:04 AM (q23DB)

53 We are all the same. Yes, certain people and countries in this world have more power than others over physical aspects of the world. Our soul is really the only thing we own. Nothing physical or materialistic matters. Only to those who only know physical it matters, but brings them only suffering. No land belongs to anyone. Religions and Boundaries(countries, rules, law, morals of today) were formed to make us seperate, to make us forget. Now is the time to search, because now is the time we earn our time in the devine. Look past political. Look past science. Look past all that has been 'setup' for us today. Look past how we are living now. Because there is so much more sweet sweet children, but we have to open our minds and souls. Do not judge one another with your eyes, do not judge at all. Physical beauty brings sorrow, but eternal beauty brings only happiness. This time of suffering is what we need to know the good times(devine). We should not form attachments, because then death causes pain and suffering. Souls are eternal and live on forever. The people you share happy times with now, you will continuously meet in all your other lives, as pure souls(spiritual,devine) and as unpure souls(physical, hell). Man dies, Spirit is enternal. Where science ends, religion begins. Where religion ends, truth and spirituality begin. Our minds have been blurred by hate, greed, power,ego and lust. All these things are shared, no matter what race, country, or religion. We are all on the same boat, just on different decks. There is no toleration for these differences at this time. We believe we are only physical, this will change and soon every soul will understand the truth. Hazards and disasters in nature all around the world are becoming more intense. This is because the souls are falling. Everything happens for a reason. -Soon to be none again, so that knew life can come again. -Man gets tired, spirit don't. Man surrenders, spirit won't. Man crawls, spirit flys. Spirit lives when man dies. Man seems, spirit is. Man dreams, Spirit lives. Man is tethered, Spirit free. What spirit is man can be.

Posted by: Eternal Soul at July 29, 2005 05:22 AM (aeRPx)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Giuliana Sgrena is a propagandist for the Communist daily rag Il Manifesto. Her writings do not reveal a bias, they reveal that Sgrena is an enemy of the United States of America and responsible for supporting terrorists and the murder of American soldiers and civilians.

She accuses the US of complicity in mass murder, the use of napalm on civilians, the targetting of journalists, and the torture of children.

Since the MSM has now reduced itself to reporting Sgrena's contradictory stories as fact, shouldn't we be examaning he track record?

One of Giuliana's friends dropped us a line and assured us that Sgrena is above reproach.

The following is evidence that Sgrena is a lying propagandist who issued blood lible reports. Her reports are so disgusting that a reader of them, if they were to be believed, would be morally bound to fight the US.

From a German article in Die Zeit we learn that this is not the first time Sgrena has accused the US of targetting reporters (more on Die Ziet's bias here and here):

What we believed was impossible has happened. The Americans have not spared even the mythic Hotel Al-Rashid [where reporters were staying]. It was only scratched. Was that a mistake? Or was it supposed to be a message?

Sgrena was documenting 'US war-crimes' against residents of Fallujah when she was 'abducted' by terrorists. Here is what Sgrena was writing about shortly before she was captured:

The massacre in Falluja continues .

Remember, al Jazeera admits that Sgrena had "very good contacts in Baghdad, including with the ulamas [Muslim clergy]" and was interviewing refugees at a mosque said to be the center of insurgent activities in Baghdad when she was 'abducted'. more...

Posted by: Rusty at 05:14 PM | Comments (86) | Add Comment
Post contains 1362 words, total size 10 kb.

Jay Tea: "Anyone know of any Italian communists in or around Cow Hampshire I could kidnap and threaten to kill? I hear there's good money in that, for very little risk..."

Wuzzadem: "I've been taken hostage by insurgents. They're actually very reasonable people, and decent chaps for the most part - except for the whole kidnapping thing - but they mean business. And by 'mean business', I'm not implying that they would harm me, but they might be forced to take me for a drive, and Mahmoud likes to play 'chicken' at checkpoints, so there's always a chance I could be shot by some overzealous American soldier."

Cranky Neocon: "Help Me Leon Trotsky - You're My Only Hope"

Sobek: Sgena=Gannon (You have to see this)

Posted by: Rusty at 05:11 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 135 words, total size 1 kb.

First Bono nominated for the World Bank and now Bolton? Ironincal. Speaking off the record, one UN employee responded here . Wait, I thought you said Michael Bolton.
more...

Posted by: Rusty at 03:29 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 193 words, total size 1 kb.

I'm not just saying that because they are paying me to say it either. I'm seriously. I'm saying that because KKKarl Rove ordered me to say it. Why not click on over, it's not like you're working anyway.....

Posted by: Rusty at 02:49 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 44 words, total size 1 kb.

Islamic terrorists kill because they are serious adherents of their religion. American universities, unable to make moral judgements about religious ideologies, only compound the problem. It's not only that the US education establishment equivocates between Palestinians that deliberately murder Jews and Arab civilians killed by the IDF in the crossfire, but that the American left has a deep alliance with terrorists.

Although most on the left would not agree that fundamentalist Islam is the solution to the world's problems, they do however agree with the jihadis on those problems. The jihadis and the left speak the same language--colonialism, imperialism, Zionism, American hegemony, etc. It is not surprising that this jihadi could teach in a US university.

INN:

The terrorist behind the Stage Club in Tel Aviv over a week ago taught Middle East Studies at a University in the US before he moved to Syria.

47-year-old Ramadan Shallah is the head of Islamic Jihad who was caught on tape ordering the attack by telephone from Damascus. A transcript of the call was given to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Shallah was a PhD student at Durham University, in England from 1985-1990, where he wrote his thesis on the merits of Islamic Banking.

Shallah then moved from Durham to the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he taught Middle Eastern studies and headed the World and Islam Studies Enterprise, a think tank affiliated with the university.

In 1995 he became the head of Islamic Jihad and is now wanted for murder by Israel.

UPDATE: Syria finally admits Shallah is a terrorist, expels him. JPOST:

Bowing to international pressure, Syria has ordered head of Hamas politburo Khaled Mashaal and Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan Shallah to leave Damascus, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday.

Islamic Jihad was behind the March 25 suicide bombing in the Tel Aviv 'Stage' nightclub, in which five Israelis lost their lives and over 50 suffered injuries.

"They have gone, and they have told me that they have gone," Khaled Fahum, the veteran head of the PLO in Damascus, told The Telegraph.

Mashaal had left for Qatar, while Shallah was being sheltered by Hizbullah in Lebanon, he said. "The government has closed their offices, cut off their phones and shut down their email," Fahum said. "I know this from both sides."

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times reported that Israel had passed on to the US transcripts of a phone conversation in which Shallah orders the March 25 suicide bombing on Tel Aviv's beachfront promenade.

Hyscience reminds us that this is not the first time the University of South Florida had been in the news for its terrorist connections. Remember Sami Al-Arian who was indicted for his support of terrorism.

Posted by: Rusty at 01:47 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 514 words, total size 4 kb.

As predicted Giuliana Sgrena is using her ordeal to drum up anti-American sentiments in Italy. She was in Iraq for the explicit purpose of showing the American led effort in as negative a light as possible. The death of the Italian agent who freed her, while tragic, suit her anti-war purposes just fine.

Pravda:

There is something behind all this," Marta Belziti, 31, a distant relative of the dead intelligence agent, Nicola Calipari, said as she left the white marble of the Vittoriano monument in Rome, where thousands of Italians paid their respects to Mr. Calipari's body and his widow. "The Americans aren't telling the truth."

Corriere Italy (responding to Italian media accounts):

is it true, as the self-styled “Communist Daily” headline puts it, that the death of Nicola Calipari was a “preemptive” and therefore premeditated, homicide? Is it true, as Rossana Rossanda writes, that the Americans were shooting “to kill,” and that Calipari’s death was “an assassination?” Can we really subscribe to the picture painted by Ms Rossanda of arrogant Yankee roughnecks, beardless and/or whisky-soused, complying with the “American maxim, ‘shoot first, ask questions later?,’ and obeying without objection the order ‘when those Italians arrive, eliminate them’?” Must we really trust Giuliana Sgrena’s feelings when she tells us that her abductors were very probably right when they told her, “the Americans don’t want you to go back,” adding her own comment that they - the Americans again - “don’t want our work to show what Iraq has become with the war, despite the so-called elections.”

Posted by: Rusty at 01:05 PM | Comments (77) | Add Comment
Post contains 550 words, total size 4 kb.

I have an interview set up for the Shark Tank show on Stanford's KZSU 90.1 FM tomorrow from around 5:30-6:00 pm. You can listen live by going to their website here. No call-ins, but if you have a question you would like asked of me just e-mail kzsushark-at-yahoo.com.

Before I have to say this on the radio let me just admit here and now that my real name is John Guckert and I am a gay-prostitute who takes marching orders from KKKarl Rove.

UPDATE: MH King is on Kevin McCullough's show this afternoon.

Posted by: Rusty at 01:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 103 words, total size 1 kb.

Vonski--"Yes, the infidels are right. This isn't as hot as the two Lesbianese chicks."

Jack M--"In an unprecidented display, the Arab Street protests Jada Pinkett Smith's "declaration of heteronormativity" by publicly going up each other's Assad's."

Brian Blazevic--"San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom illegally marries Ahwful Salahd and his two-dimensional "partner"."

*Winners chosen arbitrarily by me, that's why!!

Posted by: Rusty at 11:54 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 63 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Mid-east appeal for Deputy Dewey has escalated in recents months, culminating with gay displays of affection for the fictional character made famous by David Arquette.

Posted by: LD at March 07, 2005 01:40 PM (Hu2j3)

2 Woohoo! Thank you, Doc. So, as a prize do I get to chose from one of the many items in your extensive online store?

Posted by: Vonski at March 07, 2005 02:36 PM (AHaCg)

3 Ha, a-yup.

Posted by: Rusty Shackleford at March 07, 2005 03:36 PM (JQjhA)

4 Yeah, I want a free t-shirt! Seriously, I'm honored to be chosen. Keep your powder dry, Brian

Posted by: Brian Blazevic at March 07, 2005 11:50 PM (b2Y3g)

5 Thanks Rusty! It's about time my sneering contempt for the "Arab Street" (and, interestingly enough, Jada Pinkett Smith) earned me something! Besides...everyone knows that being a winner in a Jawa Report's Caption Contest is way better than being a winner in one of Ace's less, um, "heteronormative" haiku escapades.

Posted by: Jack M. at March 08, 2005 09:43 AM (1W1ap)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Here is some of Sgrena's interview with the BBC. You be the judge:

--What did your captors tell you when you were hostage?

That I needed to help them to ask [Silvio] Berlusconi to withdraw the troops. They saw all what happens in Italy, demonstrations against the occupation, demonstrations for my liberation. And so they [became] aware that I was really working against the occupation and people were supporting me and so they told me: "We have seen that you are very appreciated in Italy". And that helped me to be freed.

--Tell us about the car journey you shared with him.

We were on our way to the airport when the tanks started to strike against us and he tried to cover me and he was shot. He died and, me, I was safe but he was dead. [Sgrena now changes her story. It was tanks that fired on the car?]

The Americans shone a flashlight at the car and then fired between 300 and 400 bullets at if from an armoured vehicle.

Further, this contradiction from one story to another. BBC:

They started to shoot at us without any light or signal.

More from Sgrena:

--Do you think it was deliberate?

I can't say it was deliberate because we can't say if there was a lack of information. But also a lack of information in this case is [their] responsibility because you are in a war field and you have the responsibility to pass immediately any information.

"Everyone knows that the Americans do not like negotiations to free hostages, and because of this I don't see why I should exclude the possibility of me having been the target," she said.

And writing in her left-wing Il Manifesto newspaper, she said upon her release her kidnappers warned her to be careful 'because there are Americans who don't want you to go back'."

UPDATE: CNN translates Sgrena's Il Manifesto article (ht: Secure Liberty who got the link from Captain Ed):

I learned to understand what was going on by the behavior of my two guards, the two guards that had me under custody every day. One in particular showed much attention to my desires. He was incredibly cheerful. To understand exactly what was going on I provocatively asked him if he was happy because I was going or because I was staying. ...

I experienced a strange sensation because that word evoked in me freedom but also projected in me an immense sense of emptiness. I understood that it was the most difficult moment of my kidnapping and that if everything I had just experienced until then was "certain," now a huge vacuum of uncertainty was opening, one heavier than the other.

Sgrena's article continues:

They came back: "We'll take you and don't give any signals of your presence with us otherwise the Americans could intervene." It was confirmation that I didn't want to hear; it was altogether the most happy and most dangerous moment. If we bumped into someone, meaning American military, there would have been an exchange of fire. My captors were ready and would have answered. My eyes had to be covered. I was already getting used to momentary blindness.

The car kept on the road, going under an underpass full of puddles and almost losing control to avoid them. We all incredibly laughed. It was liberating. Losing control of the car in a street full of water in Baghdad and maybe wind up in a bad car accident after all I had been through would really be a tale I would not be able to tell.

Further, this Washington Times article says that the Italians deliberately kep the US in the dark on the whole thing.

They told me that we were less than a kilometer away...when...I only remember fire. At that point, a rain of fire and bullets hit us, shutting up forever the cheerful voices of a few minutes earlier.

The driver started yelling that we were Italians. "We are Italians, we are Italians." Nicola Calipari threw himself on me to protect me and immediately, I repeat, immediately I heard his last breath as he was dying on me. I must have felt physical pain. I didn't know why. But then I realized my mind went immediately to the things the captors had told me. They declared that they were committed to the fullest to freeing me but I had to be careful, "the Americans don't want you to go back." Then when they had told me I considered those words superfluous and ideological. At that moment they risked acquiring the flavor of the bitterest of truths, at this time I cannot tell you the rest.

More on the "harsh conditions" of her captivity:

But the months that I spent in captivity probably changed forever my existence. One month alone with myself, prisoner of my profound certainties. Every hour was an impious verification of my work, sometimes they made fun of me, and they even stretch as far as asking why I wanted to leave, asking me stay. They insisted on personal relationships. It was them that made me think of the priorities that too often we cast aside.

Here is another interesting exchange where Sgrena tells them they should be kidapping pro-war reporters and American troops, not a fuzzy loveable anti-American like herself:

"Yes because you go speak to the people, we would never [ed: meaning, can't] kidnap a journalist that remains closed in a hotel and because the fact that you say you're against the war could be a decoy." And I would answer almost to provoke them: "It's easy to kidnap a weak woman like me, why don't you try with the American military." I insisted on the fact that they could not ask the Italian government to withdraw the troops. Their political go-between could not be the government but the Italian people, who were and are against the war.

Like when it was a first Sunday after the Friday they kidnapped me, in the house in Baghdad where I was kept, and on top of which was a satellite dish they showed me the Euronews Newscast.

"Come watch a movie on TV" they would say while a Wahabi roamed around the house and took care of me. The captors seemed to me a very religious group, in continuous prayer on the Koran. But Friday, at the time of the release, the one that looked the most religious and who woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to pray incredibly congratulated me shaking my hand, a behavior unusual for an Islamic fundamentalist -- and he would add "if you behave yourself you will leave immediately." Then an almost funny incident. One of the two captors came to me surprised both because the TV was showing big posters of me in European cities and also for Totti. Yes Totti. He declared he was a fan of the Roma soccer team and he was shocked that his favorite player went to play with the writing "Liberate Giuliana" on his T-shirt.

Another update: Michell Malkin finds this nugget:

"Don't believe a word of the U.S. version," said Oliviero Diliberto, secretary of the Italian Communist Party. "There's an attempt to mask what actually happened. The Americans deliberately fired on the Italians."

Because of the large numbers of trackbacks, I have not been able to check out what every one in the blogosphere is saying. Also, the man is keeping me down by making me do this thing called 'work'. If you have further Sgrena related info, it is better to e-mail me right now until things cool off.

UPDATE: New post is up on Giuliana Sgrena's Blood Libel Against the US which explores Sgrena's past anti-American utterances; including the accusation that the US was targetting journalists (said long before she was taken hostage), had used mustard gas on civilians, and tortured women in Iraq, and was complicit in the massacre of thousands in Afghanistan.

Posted by: Rusty at 09:00 AM | Comments (30) | Add Comment
Post contains 1724 words, total size 12 kb.