April 10, 2006
The Century War With Islam
I'll admit it, I'm a Dan Simmons fan. Both
Hyperion &
Return to Hyperion deal with the time paradox problem & I loved both books. Incidentally, one of the major heroes of the Hyperion series is a Muslim.
On that note, what if some one was to come back from the near future and warn you about the coming War with Islam, Eurabia, & a future global caliphate? And what if it was your society's own damn fault that they are enslaved in the future because they were so self-critical and unwilling to engage in the ruthlessness needed to win a war?
A brief conversation between Dan Simmons and a traveller from the future---read the whole thing:
I tried to relax. “What do you want to talk about?” I said.
“The Century War,” said the Time Traveler.
I blinked and tried to remember some history. “You mean the Hundred Year War? Fifteenth Century? Fourteenth? Sometime around there. Between . . . France and England? Henry V? Kenneth Branagh? Or was it . . .”
“I mean the Century War with Islam,” interrupted the Time Traveler. “Your future. Everyone’s.” He was no longer smiling. Without asking, or offering to pour me any, he stood, refilled his Scotch glass, and sat again. He said, “It was important to me to come back to this time early on in the struggle. Even if only to remind myself of how unspeakably blind you all were.”
“You mean the War on Terrorism,” I said.
“I mean the Long War with Islam,” he said. “The Century War. And it’s not over yet where I come from. Not close to being over.”
“You can’t have a war with Islam,” I said. “You can’t go to war against a religion. Radical Islam, maybe. Jihadism. Some extremists. But not a . . . the . . . religion itself. The vast majority of Muslims in the world are peaceloving people who wish us no harm. I mean . . . I mean . . . the very word ‘Islam’ means ‘Peace.’”
“So you kept telling yourselves,” said the Time Traveler. His voice was very low but there was a strange and almost frightening edge to it. “But the ‘peace’ in ‘Islam’ means ‘Submission.’ You’ll find that out soon enough”
Great, I was thinking. Of all the time travelers in all the gin joints in all the world, I get this racist, xenophobic, right-wing asshole.
“After Nine-eleven, we’re fighting terrorism,” I began, “not . . .”
He waved me into silence.....[snip]
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Posted by: Howie at April 10, 2006 03:28 PM (D3+20)
Posted by: MiB at April 10, 2006 03:44 PM (2hPsb)
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Too far fetched! Come on now - lets be honest and say what we really think!
The only reasons Islam is in the headlines is 1)(most important) OIL and 2) (less important) Israel.
When the industrialized world develops a viable alternative to petroleum - Islam, Arabs, the whole lot will fade back into backwater 10th century oblivion trying to figure out how to manufacture toilet paper!
Does anybody seriously fear these people? Beyond their perchance for senseless cruel violence (which BTW - they tend to inflict on themselves 90% of the time!) they are freakin' idiots!
I am tired of people building this group up like some kind of giant! Yeah! They had their moment for a few centuries a thousand years ago - when the competition was a heavily divided Europe stuck in the Dark Ages and constantly at war with each other!
Now and the distant forseeable future belongs still to the West and Asia - as it has during most of the past!
Islam, like a few other "regions" of this world remain a sideshow of on again-off again interest - best left to a National Geographic Special of quiant customs and costumes.
Stop whining and fretting about Islam! Does anyone really believe we got to being on top by being whining pussies? Does anyone really believe our current crop of whining pussies would simply give it all up - in the face of ISLAM? (They may be lame - but they are not stupid - and really like being on top as much as we all (they just won't admit it).
Worry about real adversaries - like the Chinese, Japanese, the Euros (when they get their heads out of their asses), the Russians (yes - they will be back because they are tough talented SOBS).
ISLAM?????
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 04:25 PM (4mgfY)
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Hondo, the other civilizations you mention generally value this life more than the "afterlife". The problem with muslim radicals is they willingly die and take others with them. A nuclear weapon in their hands doesn't bear thinking of.
They will always be an irritation to the planet and I think using the term "civilization" when referring to Islam is a loose one.
Posted by: Jester at April 10, 2006 04:46 PM (TuAMG)
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Jester
I understand that - they can be dangerous - like a pitbull - but a pitbull is still just a dog! I fear we are making the same stupid mistake multi-cultural diversity believers make by unwarrantly "building up" another culture - in their case - unwarranted achievements and respect - in ours - unwarranted fear and the respect that comes with it.
For god's sake! How many tanks, planes, bombers, warships etc. are manufactured in the islamic world? - ZILCH! NADA! ZERO!
The preferred rifle - an AK-47 (made in Russia, China or Yugoslavia) - not a Mohammed-18!!!!
Their missiles - cheap obsolete export from China - or worse - cheaper clones from NK!
Yeah! They are make some newer ones - based on the cheap NK obsolete clones!
Am I the only one willing to say the biggest problem a country like Iran will have with nukes is the dud factor!
Have we forgotten that during the first Gulf War some of the Scuds fired by Saddam had concrete warheads! WHY? He had the warheads - he had the Chemical ones too - but they need to be installed first! What was installed was done prior by Russian technicians! The Iraqis didn't know how!
When the islamic world starts manufacturing flat screen TVs, computer components, cars that can compete with Nissen or Saab etc. - then I will give them the respect of fear.
Lets be honest! Our "fears" aren't about islam - they are about ourselves - our own insecurities whether we still got it or not!
God! the Asians must be giggling behind our backs over our "uncertainties". No self-respecting Chinaman would go weak-kneed at the sight of islam! This whole debate is embarrassing!
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 06:49 PM (4mgfY)
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hondo,
I rarely ever disagree with you, but just this one time I do. I remember reading about a man in a small city in an unimportant peninsula in a desert who had a dream. He wanted his people to be something more than a bunch of warring tribes beheading and murdering each other and fighting over caravans of supplies moving through the deserts. He claimed to be a prophet, was forced out of the city he knew and occupied another city. There a religion and a force grew.
After a few short years, and the conquest of the city he had to flee, this man and his followers came riding out of the desert to face two great powers of the ancient World, the Persian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. How would it be possible for these people to defeat these great ancient powers? Within 100 years, all of the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, southern France, the Persian Empire(which consisted of Iraq, Iran, and other parts of Asia), Syria, and parts of Anatolia had fallen to these invaders.
It was only possible for these two great powers to lose large parts of their empires or to be conquered because they had populations who were fractured, where unity had been destroyed, and large numbers of people felt no loyalty to the empires they lived in. Does this sound familiar? In other words, the people had gone soft.
Has this happened to us? Yes, to some extent this process is rotting the US, and has left Europe only a shell of what it once was. The West is at a crossroads. Can it recover? I think the jury is still out on the US, but Europe as a whole will not fight. This is a major problem for the West, because Europe, especially GB, had been the major power in the World for 300 years. France is gone, Germany is consumed by self-hate, and Italy and Spain are only interested in the status quo. The West may or may not survive, but if it does, it is time right now to take the action necessary to assure that survival.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 08:00 PM (rUyw4)
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JJ
Sorry - no. When Rome collapsed in 476AD that whole region of the world went to hell in a handbasket fast - they don't call it the Dark Ages for nothing. The Byzantine Empire was an empty shell (like the later Holy Roman Empire - a grand title - nothing more. The Parthian/Persian empire was in the same situation - it was like without Rome to compete against, there was no real reason to be.
Islam was born (by luck) into a world regional void of self-doubt, fracture and collapse. There was absolutely no unity whatsoever to oppose it.
The region was filled with mini-states only nominally politically associated (on paper no less) with larger entities (like the Byzantine Empire - kinda like the relationship with a guy on the western Tennessee frontier circa 1750 and King George in London).
Christianity already had it first breakup (East/West) and the Eastern churches were arguing amongst themselves. People also tend to forget that at this point in Euro history, most Europeans WERE NOT CHRISTIANS! THEY WERE PAGANS!
I believe the last region in Europe to be Christianized was the Eastern Baltic around 1200!!!
Islam is a religion - a unifying factor that spread rapidly amongst pagan Arab/North African populations that were no longer under the control or influence of any outside power of substance - and unity at that point in time easily lent itself to the world's second oldest profession - world conquest. Their "victories" were inevitable - there was no one to stop them! They were in much the same situation as the Euro barbarians were in at Rome's end - easy pickings.
Islam was not monolithic in its conquests! It was Arabs, Moors, Berbers, Turkmen, Kurds etc all out grabbing a piece of the world under the faux banner of Allah - it was just convenient! lots of voices - one false face for PR purposes - and they conquered and slaugthered each other with equal gusto.
Much of the Arab/islamic world history is more myth than anything else. It would be like giving credit to the Ukranians for exploring and navigating the world - even though it was the English, Portuguese etc. - but using the rationale that the Ukranians are white Euro Christians too - just like the English etc. See how it works.
Arab time in the sun was extremely short-lived (a few centuries only). the Turks took over the regional ballgame next and held most of it till the early 20th century. After the Euros took back Spain they essentially ignored the Arab world as a backwater wasteland - till the early 1800s when they wanted empires for the hell of it and picked away at the islamic world - more for ego than anything else. They ended up giving it back as not worth it.
Who knew then about the oil and how important it would be - but when its no longer important - its back to camels, bedsheets,rugs and dust.
We make them out to be bigger and more influential that they are - why? - who knows.
This lesson will cost you 3 Micky D's JJ - I work/write for food now.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 09:40 PM (4mgfY)
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hondo,
You ask the wrong questions.
The question is: how many weaponizable diseases are manufactured in these countries? The answer? We don't know.
The intent is clear. Only capability may be lacking.
Posted by: M. Simon at April 10, 2006 10:14 PM (Yim1P)
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Sorry
Its not Arab/islam strength we are discussing - but our own perceived weaknesses. Sure, there are problems - but nothing that can't be fixed or changed in short order.
Whatever our self-doubts - islam is not gonna be the one to capitalize on them - they are indeed backwater idiots. Now those Chinese are another story - let us hope our kung fu mojo returns before we square off against this real giant of the past and future.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 10:21 PM (4mgfY)
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Simon
I'm sure there is a tribe of pygmes somewhere who also hate us - and one may have a degree in Biology (from a Western University no less). And - so what!
Intent means nothing - all that really matters is skill, capability and real committment with a realistic quantifiable goal!
Sure - mr. mohammed is dangerous - not denying it - but I'm just tired of "building him up" to be 10 feet tall! I am a firm believer in never underestimating an opponent ... but this has become rediculous!
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 10:33 PM (4mgfY)
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Hoo ha ha Hoo haha haaaaaaaaaa hooooohahaaaa Islam is coming to invade you, run, run for your life hoo hahaha , What a rubbish, you know, you people are scared, scared even to yourselves. It is not Islam who will kill you, your fear, greed and lust will kill you. If you people have the guts then read the book not the people. We have only one book not dozens that you should be confused which one to read. Will anybody be brave enough to tell, follower of which religion killed the most human? anybody, hello anybody, no, ok ..................... I am afraid it is Christianity, but we the Muslims have never feared that we are in danger because we know the truth will be victorious. I know the truth which I have found by my self. If you want to find the truth then do your own search don't just follow the warmongers.
Posted by: Raja Saeed at April 11, 2006 03:46 AM (XfUdJ)
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JJ and Hondo are both right.
------------
"We have only one book not dozens that you should be confused which one to read."
Raja, you dumbass, that's your problem. Because you don't think for yourselves you will fail. You have only one book and your book is full of lies and deceit. hoo hahaha .... the joke's on you, fool. Who's the warmonger? You and your "prophet". You make war on your own people in too many ways. Keep killing each other. We'll help.
Posted by: Oyster at April 11, 2006 05:37 AM (YudAC)
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raja
So Raja! You read a book once! - That's part of an old American joke which I'm sure you won't understand. Me? - Oh, probably in the thousands. Like I said - a backwater idiot with a hyped past, and no future.
Try your luck frightening small children - it doesn't work with me. But, while your here ....
I'll have a coffee - milk - 2 sugars - buttered roll - and the Post.
Posted by: hondo at April 11, 2006 07:34 AM (4mgfY)
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raga,
You better get your moon god worshipping ass to the gym. I'm looking for your kind every day.
Posted by: Leatherneck at April 11, 2006 07:46 PM (D2g/j)
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They say a million monkeys on a million typewriters will eventually produce the collected works of Shakespeare; it can now also be said that one muslim on one computer should get a monkey to do his typing.
This idiot's post is just more evidence as to why we should kill them all.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 12, 2006 05:49 AM (0yYS2)
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As I told you before it is your fear not Muslims who will kill you, and follow the book not the people. Go to this web http://www.jews-for-allah.org/index.html and see for your self how Islam has changed their lives, Fanatics has no religion or faith they are everywhere in every religion like the people who say ' you better get your moon god worshipping ass to the gym. I'm looking for your kind every day'. and some one said ' This idiot's post is just more evidence as to why we should kill them all'.
Lets be very honest to our selves, who was the Hitler? a Muslim or............... and who used the two atomic bombs and killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people, who started the first and second world war and who killed the innocent Muslims in Bosnia and raped 25,000 women were they Muslims?????
Who burned the black people alive and killed their children and women where they some fanatic Muslim, no I am afraid no, they all were Christians. So who is fanatic, uncivilised and barbarian, I think it is not very hard to tell who is. It is still not bad, what we all need is positive thinking and honest approach, do we have that?
Posted by: Raja Saeed at April 13, 2006 05:50 PM (XfUdJ)
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Raja,
Your problem is that you view America as the representative of Christianity.
Hitler did not represent or practice Christianity, and he absconded from his jewish background.
America dropped 2 bombs to stop a baberic war it not start.
As far as black people, America has made great progress in civil rights and realized its own shortcomings. I can't say the same for the "Easterners" who make their women cover up from head to toe and murder their daughters and wives in "honor killings".
Terrorists are bastards, and coincidentily, they are Muslim. America is progressive because it is not constrained by connections between religion and government. If your people's position is so intolerable, then do something about it. Come get some.
America fights its batlles face to face. America is not on a religious crusade. Muslims are on a religious crusade, and they tie their captives hands behind their backs and cut their heads off.
If you any problems, please see the Marines Stationed in Iraq, they will be happy to assist you.
Posted by: Garner at April 15, 2006 05:20 PM (x7v0S)
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I don't want to get into this never ending debate. As I told you all before, don't follow the people because they might not be the true followers, read the book and you will get all your answers. Today, even the majority of the Muslims don't follow the Quran and Sunnah and they have brought bad name to Islam and its followers. That's why it is important for all of us to read the book and then raise the questions if there is any. may Allah guide us all on the straight path.
Here is another link, the people who chose to discover the Islam and they did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYo2T3V3y7U&search=Islam%20Muslim%20Khattab%20Hakamia
Posted by: Raja Saeed at April 16, 2006 06:29 AM (XfUdJ)
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Madchen, die pfeifen und Hennen (Hahnen), die krahn, soll man beizeiten den Hals herumdrehn.
Posted by: Milosh at June 14, 2006 07:31 AM (+RUJH)
Posted by: Felix at June 14, 2006 07:36 AM (Y6y60)
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Islamists Kill 13 Algerian Customs Officials
(Algiers, Algeria) Sources indicate that a convoy of Algerian customs officials was attacked by Islamist militants in the southern part of the country.
From Middle-East-Online.com:
Thirteen Algerian customs officials were killed (pic) and eight others injured Friday when their convoy was ambushed south of Algiers, security sources and the Algerian news agency APS reported.
A security source said the convoy of about 12 four-wheel-drive vehicles came under rocket attack by Islamist militants around 8:00 am (0700 GMT) at Ouardhia on a Saharan road to In Salah.
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One thing left out - the Customs officials - well - they were muslim too (unless they were Chinese contract workers). So much for muslim brotherhood and peace.
Without oil - who would really give a fuck about these people - 'cept to sell bullets to - to kill other muslims of course - to bring about the united islamic world of peace.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 05:18 PM (4mgfY)
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UN Agency Handling Palestinian Aid Linked to Terrorism
On Saturday, I
wrote that the United States and the European Union are cutting off funding to the Palestinian Authority now that Hamas has taken control. Apparently, the announced aid cuts are merely a shellgame.
On April 7, the Washington Post reported that US aid to Palestinians is being redirected through the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). As the Wall Street Journal Opinion Journal discovered three years ago, the UNRWA has been infiltrated by terrorist sympathizers, and the "refugee" camps administered by UNRWA are, in reality, terrorist training camps (via IRIS Blog).
Thanks to Tel-Chai Nation who has more.
Also posted at The Dread Pundit Bluto and Vince Aut Morire.
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'Sex Cammandos' Hack Jewish Porn Sites
Somebody call Madonna, quick! Since we're constantly being accused of being a Zionist front, I figure we owe it to our readers to highlight this case.
Ynet:
A group of ultra-orthodox hackers, shocked by the obscenity of some porn sites, has launched an internet campaign in a bid to cause such sites to crash. The hackers, already named at some internet forums the "ultra-orthodox sex commando," or the "ultra-orthodox electronic underground," focus their efforts at this point on Hebrew sites.
The first target was the Hebrew porn site www.sexhack.tk – a mid-sized, not very popular site that features sex videos.
Those who tried logging in to the site found instead a photo of the Lubavitch Rabbi with the text: "We, the religious-net group, hacked into this site and erased all obscenities. The other sites we plan on bringing down are listed below."
The hackers erased the explicit content and wrote that "the holy kabbalah warns that the sin of spilling sperm in vain is the cause for most diseases and misfortune!"
But what I want to know is how come Bill Dauterieve, who sends along the link, was busy looking at Jewish porn? And for that matter, there's
Jewish porn.
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"ultra-orthodox" Aren't that the guys that are banging their heads to a wall when they have their prayers? How did they found out about those pornsites? Is this hacking some kind of excuse to get a peek at naked flesh?
Posted by: Dan at April 10, 2006 10:27 AM (Z2OsI)
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“The hackers erased the explicit content and wrote that "the holy kabbalah warns that the sin of spilling sperm in vain is the cause for most diseases and misfortune!"
This is also know as “choking the chicken” and don’t tell me y’all didn’t know this was a bad thing. Your parents been telling you that all along. Right on hackers, keep up the good work.
No birth control and no condoms either!
Now, get back to doing something worthwhile!
Posted by: Brad at April 10, 2006 10:39 AM (3OPZt)
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Well, if Jews can cause earthquakes and tsunamis, I suppose they can hack porn sites too
Posted by: goesh at April 10, 2006 11:12 AM (1w6Ud)
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Kosher adult entertainment... Might I just say "OWWWW! MY EYES, MY BEAUTIFUL EYES! IT BURNS!!!" about the black text on white base lined with black combined with higher than one screen brightness/contrast.
Posted by: A Finn at April 10, 2006 11:58 AM (lGolT)
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i need cheats for mu plz
Posted by: Top_ at May 08, 2006 11:17 AM (bNPeK)
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I am a jew, and I have to say that is just messed up. And since when can we cause earthquakes and tsunamis? I didn't know I could do that... Someone please tell me how?
Posted by: Red at June 03, 2006 08:56 PM (0z+CR)
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Blogger Hacked by Online Terrorists Over Mohammed Cartoons
Our good freind
Aaron has been hacked by the al3iznet crew. You can see a
captured image of the hacked page here. It appears that he was targetted for his promotion of the Mohammed cartoons as this particular group of online terrorists has turned their attention to supporters of free speech in Denmark.
The group is well known and has hacked the Kingdom of Bahrain's website in the past. They've also targetted several Danish bloggers such as Nodblog and Uriaposten. So, Aaron ought to feel himself in good company.
Apparently, the cyber attack originated from Saudi Arabia. You mean to tell me there are terrorists from Saudi Arabia? I don't believe it!
Beth calls this the online equivalent of a fatwa. I'm sooooo jealous. All this time I've put in for a fatwa and what do I get? Nothing!
Ever wanted to e-mail an online terrorist? It just so happens that we have the e-mail address of the crew responsible for the wave of online terrorism:
al3iz@hotmail.com
Why not drop a line and let this guy know what you think of him.
UPDATE: It looks like another old friend, TC Leather Penguin, was also hacked, but he's back up again. As McGehee notes, both attacks were on Word Press users. The same can be said of the Danish bloggers who were attacked. Is there a flaw in Word Press that the ROPers have learned to exploit to their own advantage?
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Posted by: McGehee at April 10, 2006 09:42 AM (lAOTn)
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Heh. And now it looks like his site's been restored to its pre-hack condition.
ABUYD.
Posted by: McGehee at April 10, 2006 09:44 AM (lAOTn)
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What a lame, pathetic attempt. Of course, it's no coincidence that muslims and liberals use the same bullying tactics, and to the same effect.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 10, 2006 09:46 AM (0yYS2)
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No Beth, my foulmouthed female fellow traveller, I'm not on Hosting Matters. I trust my stuff to
DataPipe, who are GODS when it comes to fixing this kind of crap and had me back up and running in under and hour of me filing the work ticket.
Posted by: TC@LeatherPenguin at April 10, 2006 11:24 AM (kd/kM)
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It wasn't through WordPress. It was through the CPanel.
ABUYD...
I always heard this as
"He who laughs last just did a backup."
Posted by: Aaron's cc: at April 10, 2006 11:35 AM (ov6Vw)
Posted by: Aaron's cc: at April 10, 2006 02:37 PM (ov6Vw)
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Good grief. All this fuss over some cartoons. You know, while all that was going on the first week or two, I was getting some hits from Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries.
Posted by: RepJ at April 10, 2006 09:42 PM (y6n8O)
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He has been hacked again.
They must be really pissed!
Aaron: Keep pissing them off, please.
Posted by: sugiero at April 12, 2006 03:39 AM (WBE9k)
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More Federalism the Answer to Iraq's Woes
Qubad Talabani, son of Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, spoke to University of South Carolina students yesterday, advocating less centralized government in Iraq as the answer to some of his nation's current problems.
Townhall:
Other parts of the country are looking at forming similar regions so they can govern themselves with as much autonomy as possible over their own affairs, thus reducing the powers of the central government. By reducing such powers, you will reduce the different communitiesÂ’ insecurities because of the mistrust that exists today."
He adds, "At the moment, Baghdad is the prize and everybody is fighting over it. We need to reduce the relevance of that prize so that we reduce the level of tension throughout Iraq."
The mistrust and tension, Talabani says, is a part of Saddam HusseinÂ’s legacy, pitting one community against the other, as well as instilling fear from cruelties committed by the former regime against all segments of the population.
"My own region, Kurdistan, was decimated by Saddam," Talabani says. "He destroyed about 4,000 villages, killed about 200,000 people, and used chemical and biological weapons in over 250 incidences – primarily against civilians."
Prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, most Kurds believed themselves to be the only victims of SaddamÂ’s brutality. "But when the regime fell, we realized that Iraqi Arabs were also victims," Talabani says. "We recovered hundreds-of-thousands of bodies in mass graves across the country, many of which were dedicated to children three to six-years-old. Most had been experimented on by the regime. I cannot describe the carnage and brutality in a way that you would be able to comprehend just how bad it really was."
Interesting. But if that is the case, then why not let Iraq dissolve into three more homogenous countries?
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In reality we are already seeing federalism creep into Iraq. The Kurdish area of Iraq is already functioning as an autonomous region, and the less control that Bagdad has over the Kurdish region, the better. The Shia south is the same in some respects, but the religious fanaticism of that area is likely to ruin the prospects for the people there.
As for the Sunni area, who knows? Everything is still too fluid to tell if the Sunnis will wish to participate in a government, even one composed of more federalism.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 08:07 AM (rUyw4)
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One thing to keep in mind; that while allowing the country to split into the regions dominated by Kurds, Sunni, et al, may sound like a good idea, the Iraqis wouldn't accept it (IMHO) because of the unequal distribution of the oil producing regions.
Posted by: Lonevoice at April 10, 2006 09:28 AM (CvGtv)
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I think the concern about letting Iraq break up is about balance of power. Iraq has always counterbalanced Iran. Beyond that, an independent Kurdistan would survive about three days before Turkey and Iran decided to invade so their Kurdish regions wouldn't get any ideas.
Finally, one must wonder if it makes sense to create a nation-state based on ethnicity or religious sects. It may only delay fighting until each state has established it's own military.
Unless we are willing to redraw the entire Mid-East map, Iraq must stay a single nation and federalism is the only way that will happen.
Posted by: KG at April 10, 2006 09:51 AM (SZsz5)
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I seem to remember that the British created Iraq from three former provinces of the Ottoman Empire. I believe the three provinces were Mosul, Bagdad, and Basra. The British created the nation-state of Iraq from three distinct provinces that the Turks had drawn up according to ethnicity and religious beliefs.
If you look at the maps, isn't that about how the situation is on the ground right now in Iraq? The Kurds are in the Mosul area, the Sunnis in the Bagdad area, and the Shia in the Basra area. Why not base a federal republic along these lines? I believe the natural progression is toward a division along these lines, anyway. Why not make it formal?
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 10:27 AM (rUyw4)
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Break-up actually makes sense - which is why so many will oppose it. Bush & Co are idealistic nation-state status quo'ers - the left is blinded by no-borders one-worlders adherents ... neither wants more mini-nations - both want to manage "world reality" from their perspective views.
Both fear (as well as the current world power structure) that breakups can be contagious on the world scene.
Lonevoice makes an interesting comment about unequal wealth distribution - funny isn't it - the reason to stay together so one area/group to have access to another area/group's resources ..... which is the same motivation/reasoning for war and conquest in the first place.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 12:54 PM (4mgfY)
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You are right, hondo. But back to the original problem, and I will propose a solution. The oil income should be divided between the three federal entities based on the population of each region. For instance, if Kurds make up 25% of the population, they would receive 25% of the income, etc.
But who would honestly administer such a program? I guess that is the real problem in all this. There is no one in Iraq who wishes to give up their claim to the other's resources. So much for a great idea.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 01:47 PM (rUyw4)
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JJ
Never happen. When it comes to resources, most humans tend to believe they have some divine right to another's property - they will cloak it with some BS about what's fair, share whatever - resort to historical bizzare territory claims - anything - and when possible - conquest (with the right intentions of course).
Hell! Look at the Japanese. They've got essentially nothing - marched out brutally claiming all around them - got the shit kicked out of 'em - then brilliantly learned how to improvise and adapt. Its a pity the Japanese/Asian model isn't exportable to the rest of the world.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 03:08 PM (4mgfY)
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Immigration Tit for Tat
I've been largely silent about the immigration issue because, frankly, I'm conflicted. But check out these immigration laws from Mexico. Draconian, to say the least.
Thehomosayswhat:
Foreigners may not in any way participate in the political affairs of the country. This ban applies, among other things, to participation in demonstrations and the expression of opinions in public about domestic politics.
What?
UPDATE: No Speed Bumps says the Democrats have sold out the working class by supporting amnesty for illegals. I dunno. That kind of assumes the Ds cared in the first place....
Posted by: Rusty at
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And your point is? Are you implying that we should be like Mexico? A corrupt nation that has serious trouble proving for its people. I would hope that we aspire to better than that.
Posted by: Peter at April 10, 2006 07:50 AM (QBHjR)
2
No, Peter, his point is that Mexico is a two-faced liar of a nation.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 08:09 AM (rUyw4)
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>>>>Democrats have sold out the working class by supporting amnesty for illegals.
Democrats haven't stood for the working class since they became the party of "exotic" fringe special interests-- including illegal aliens. The more fringe, the better.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at April 10, 2006 08:55 AM (8e/V4)
4
Actually, Draconian immigration policies are the norm in the vast majority of nations on this planet - even Western Europe until relatively recently (past several decades).
Many nations in the world Peter can not provide for all their people - and many of them use emmigration (often illegal) as a means for disposal and safety valve to maintain their own status quos.
20 years ago the argument was over 3-5 million illegals - now its over 8-11 milion (some say as many as 20 mil) - tomarrow it will be over 20-30 milion.
As it stands now - the shit hits the fan when the next severe recession comes (inevitable) - and depending on the severity, it could be disasterous and violent.
Make no mistake about it - here in NYC high immigration convienently and benignly allows for quiet discrimination against African Americans, Puerto Ricans (weird huh!) and other select groups (depends on who is doing the selecting).
There is also a fair degree of discrimination between immigrant groups and legal/illegal status. all this in an economic environment that is extremely good! (though seldom reported for patisan political reasons).
When the bubble bursts - watch out!
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 09:27 AM (4mgfY)
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Amazing isn't it?
...that hundreds of thousands of people each year literally swim rivers, scale walls, suffer desert heat stuffed in closed container boxes, etc etc., all to get into the "GREAT SATAN" (ie. "country with the most corrupt administration in its history"). If I didn't know better, I'd say that this illustrates how tired and weak that condemnation of our country is. What's almost more amazing, is that there are literally MILLIONS of people who believe this Democrap about our nation and President Bush.
Posted by: mrclark at April 10, 2006 09:34 AM (S76hi)
6
Well said, Mrclark!!!
If we're so bad, then why the hell are people from damn near EVERY NATION IN THE WHOLE WORLD trying to get here?!?!?!?
Posted by: Lonevoice at April 10, 2006 09:39 AM (CvGtv)
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hondo,
Good to hear from a voice who is right just about every damn time. Haha! It looks like I might have to come up with that Micky D. gift certificate after all.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 09:44 AM (rUyw4)
8
JJ
May need that certificate soon - technically between civilian jobs (unemployed) - will retire soon from Mil Reserve after 27 years total Active/Reserve - got a good solid disability claim pending from LOD injury last Mil activation - hoping for 50% - but could take a long time.
Not looking too hard for work - like a vacation - want something close to home - no commute - something mellow - not overly ambitious - modest pay ... 30K is fine (if pension comes thru (tax free!).
Spend time working on restoring house - brought 2 years ago cheap - 1880 cottage set in heavily wooded hillside/park overlooking NY Harbor - big time gentrifying area - already doubled in value - fully restored expect 400%+ return.
I'm busier now than when I was working for one incredibly corrupt Fed Agency.
Spending less time on the net - except job search and computer home design projects. Weather is nice - lots to do - less time for blogs.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 10:29 AM (4mgfY)
9
My neighbor complained that the Republicans were selling the country down the river by coddling up to the illegal immigrants. When I pointed out that it was the Democrats who were doing this, she was very surprised and didn't believe me. She does watch the nightly news so this is where I think she gets her information on every subject.
Posted by: eeyore at April 10, 2006 10:37 AM (7CmAn)
10
Know that you are missed, my friend! And we will look forward to a time when you will blog more often. Good luck on your job search, and your disability claim.
Actually, I have had more time on my hands since I have been working in Arkansas. I'm living in an apartment where I have no yard work or home duties, so through the week I have lots of time to surf the blogs. On weekends, however, when I go home, the wife has a long list of chores for me to do. But I have two teenage sons who work well when you crack the whip! Haha!
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 10:43 AM (rUyw4)
11
Two posts back, hondo centers on the other little mentioned aspects of illegal immigration.
There are many 'moral' problems which are created from allowing unabated, unhindered illegal immigration. This isn't only bad for the US....its bad for MEXICO.
Google Delinquency and Crime statistics for Mexico and you'll understand that to which I refer.
Illegal immigration is having the same effect on Mexican families (in Mexico) as it had on innercity African American families here in the US in the 80 and 90's.
The creation of millions of one parent households in Mexico in a relatively short period of time CANNOT BE A GOOD THING.
Posted by: mrclark at April 10, 2006 10:44 AM (S76hi)
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JJ - Ha ha
No sons - one grown daughter - had custody - it was an experience doing it alone - she's the only woman I had paticence with and could tolerate!
She dreads coming over 'cause I tend to put her to work - "lets gut the third floor - tear out that retaining wall - grab that chainsaw - drag these concrete blocks up the hillside" - stuff like that!
She loves the pets though - cat, 3 raccoons, 1 possum - damn squirrels in the attic and walls! (lil' bastards keep tearing up the new insulation!).
Tells me I need a small army of Mexicans! Her husband's Equadorian - him and his buddies just fix cars - don't know jack about construction! Need Mexicans!
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 11:08 AM (4mgfY)
13
Just reference to Hispanic immigration ....
Mexico, Central America, South America are on a treadmill to nowhere for 200 hundred years now - they should have been by now on par with at least Europe as far a development - but it hasn't happened - and probably won't. Their own elites (left & right) are perfectly satisfied with their positions - and can always blame the US for their failures.
What's different now is modern communications - down there they know its hopeless and the only real opportunity is here.
I feel sorry for them - I like them - but ....
We argue about the number 8-11 million - make no mistake about it - it can easily jump far beyond that! Right now anywhere between 100-150 million people south of that border would make the jump when the conditions ripen - and I don't mean here! When conditions worsen there!
It will happen - its inevitable - and the consequences will be disasterous.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 12:08 PM (4mgfY)
14
As usual, hondo makes a connection that the rest of us don't see. I had not thought about how economic conditions south of the border might impact illegal immigration. I should have, but this makes it even more imperitive that the southern border be secured.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 01:12 PM (rUyw4)
15
JJ
Most Americans view immigration (legal and illegal) though the rose-colored glasses of American mythology - peoples wanting to come here for opportunity, advancement, freedom etc. etc.
Its a two-sided coin - and Americans conveniently forget the other (ugly) side. Peoples are fleeing conditions where they come! FLEEING!
Fleeing not just limited opportunity - but REAL poverty, disease, violence, oppression, discrimination (YES! non-whites discriminate massively) etc.
Those conditions in many parts of the world will worsen and are as we speak. You can feel sorry for them (I do), but the sheer numbers are potentially staggering! I am not joking when I say the numbers of people who would flee to the US (don't use immigrate!) is in the hundreds of millions. The only thing that stands in the way is ease of access. Remember - we only have one significant border access - otherwise we are surrounded by oceans and Canada.
I expect economic and political conditions south of the border to worsen - its almost like a freakin' cycle! They are coming - and it will increase even more dramatically - I would.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 03:41 PM (4mgfY)
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Hondo, isn't that why they're building more ICE facilities? To be prepared for a full on invasion of illegals? Or am I just imagining things?
Posted by: Oyster at April 11, 2006 06:01 AM (YudAC)
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Make Your Own Taco Day
Today is supposedly when millions of illegal Mexican squatters are being told to stay home from work and not buy anything to show the omnipotent power they have over the U.S. economy.
No word yet on whether illegal Chinese, Saudi, or Haitians (or any other nationality) have been invited to take part.
Racism has nothing to do with it. Since the illegals agitating for attention are Hispanic, then it's the illegal Hispanics who will get the attention. And the mocking that goes along with it.
Here where I live, some businesses, mainly Mexican restaurants, are closing for the day in solidarity with the insurgents. Therefore, if your situation is similar, I'm marking this as Make Your Own Taco Day.
Just trot down to your favorite still-open market, purchase the delicious fresh ingredients (no box crap allowed! That's too easy) and make your own scrumptious Mexican-style meal. If you want a nice frozen adult beverage to go with it, swap the tequila for rum and have a Daquiri instead of a Margarita.
Or, if you are just lousy in the kitchen, find an authentic Mexican restaurant that is open and offer them your patronage and hard earned cash.
Our current open-border policy is a bona fide national security threat. Anyone can sneak over our border, nobody's sitting there qualifying Mexicans over Muslims to creep in.
Seal the damned border, we can figure out what to do about those already here later.
And fly your American flag proudly today, if you aren't already.
Posted by: Vinnie at
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1
I'm as WASP as the come, yet my
chiles rellenos kick some major butt.
I can handle a walkout.
Posted by: Russ at April 10, 2006 06:39 AM (utsLN)
2
I'm as WASP as they come, yet my
chiles rellenos kick some major butt.
I can handle a walkout.
Posted by: Russ at April 10, 2006 06:39 AM (utsLN)
Posted by: Rusty at April 10, 2006 07:06 AM (JQjhA)
4
Seal the damn border NOW. We'll deal with the squatters later.
Posted by: n.a. palm at April 10, 2006 07:20 AM (ECLHt)
5
I keep trying to tell ya'll, it will be up to the citizens of the United States to seal the border. The government is just not interested. The Democrats want the illegals for their votes, and many Republicans want the domestic and yard help. If a terrorist slips through, so what? Neither of these groups really care about the US.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 07:28 AM (rUyw4)
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I have finally realized after all these years just what inept cowards we have running this country (USA). The bill they were going to pass was one of the stupidest things I've ever heard of. One provision would have required amnesty-seekers to "promise to be upstanding citizens". LOL. And just how were they going to figure out how long these people have been here? Less than two years and they would have to return to their country of origin. Between 2-5 years, they'd have to return briefly, get carded, and then return to the US. THIS is what our "leaders" came up with???? They actually expected to get the truth as to how long an illegal immigrant has been here? LOL. It's absolutely stupid. I want that border sealed and pronto. I had an RNC guy call me up and ask for money (like they always do). I told him, "Until you guys get this stuff under control, don't call me again". I hope they're getting the same response from millions of Americans.
Posted by: Richard at April 10, 2006 07:54 AM (7KF8r)
7
Great, now I'm hungry......
Chicken enchiladas w/sour cream sauce....mmmmmmmmmm....
(wiping drool from the keyboard)
Posted by: Lonevoice at April 10, 2006 09:44 AM (CvGtv)
8
There are many good, hardworking people who come here, both legally and illegally, to support their families and make a better life for themselves, and the shame is that those will be hurt by the actions of a few radicals who don't have such noble intentions. Meanwhile in the government camp, the band plays on...
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 10, 2006 09:50 AM (0yYS2)
9
Tacos???? I wish! I wish it was all (illegal immigration) coming from just one location! But its not. Mexicans may be number 1 but ....
Immigration advocates like to believe that the illegals are one big happy family - they actually think a stupid term like Hispanic denotes "natural unity".
Come the next recession - just watch how unified illegal Mexicans, Pervians, Guatemalans, Salvadorians, Haitians, Muslims, Africans, Chinese, Koreans, etc. etc. etc. are! - especially with an offical unemployment rate 12-15% amongst legals and citizens - and 30-40% amongst illegals.
It should be interesting - especially when illegals compete for jobs not only amongst themselves - but against legals and citizens too!
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 09:50 AM (4mgfY)
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We're screwed, you know. The Republicans don't want to punish the businesses who hire illegals and the Democrats don't want to punish the illegals for invading.
And I want Harry Reid to get his butt down here to Florida and MAKE ME SOME DAMN TACOS!
Posted by: Oyster at April 10, 2006 10:55 AM (w8kVd)
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I wonder what the true number is for all the illegal aliens who now occupy our country. Suffice it to say that it tops the 10-11 million government estimate. I bet it is closer to 20 million, with no one either in or out of government able to get a hand on it.
After this amnesty, what do you think will happen next? The Democrats will return to power, no border patrol agents will be hired, an open borders policy will be encouraged, and the US will disappear as a nation.
The legislation before Congress right now will decide the future of the US. Will it be a French solution of appeasement, or will it be a solution that allows the nation to survive? Probably the French version, but one can still hope.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 10:59 AM (rUyw4)
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Cheap labor, good economy, rose-colored glasses over the implications and meaning of multi-culturalism and diversity.
No action will be taken at this time - gov only responds when severe crisis actually occurs - right now its tolerable.
Expect response in future when economy goes south - flash points with be urban areas where illegals compete against each other group, and especially African Americans - look to LA, Florida, areas with high black populations, and/or exceptionally diverse immigrant populations.
It will get ugly and violent - urban gov services will breakdown without massive tax increases on citizen population - current high national debt and budget deficits have removed any possible cushion.
How bad it gets - no one can tell - watch the business community - decentralization and relocation now completely possible due to communications revolution - they have been looking to make the complete jump out of central cities since the 60/70s.
Posted by: hondo at April 10, 2006 11:40 AM (4mgfY)
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Does this apply to vertical tacos?
Posted by: memphis761 at April 10, 2006 12:33 PM (D3+20)
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Why, yes memphis, it does.
Tuna flavored, even.
Did I just say that?
Posted by: Vinnie at April 10, 2006 02:15 PM (/qy9A)
Posted by: Oyster at April 10, 2006 03:28 PM (n/kLX)
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What do you mean, "yeesh." You named yourself after an aphrodisiac, after all.
Posted by: Vinnie at April 10, 2006 04:20 PM (/qy9A)
Posted by: Oyster at April 11, 2006 06:01 AM (YudAC)
18
At least I didn't name myself "bearded clam".
Posted by: Oyster at April 11, 2006 06:07 AM (YudAC)
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 11, 2006 09:38 AM (rUyw4)
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Saddam Intended Suicide Missions Against US
Showing the sort of initiative that
should be coming from an alert mainstream press, Ed Morrissey of
Captain's Quarters has confirmed the translation of a captured Iraqi document asking for volunteers for a "Suicide Mission" against "American Interests".
Fearing that critics would claim the document had been mistranslated because the original translation had been done for the Free Republic, Morrissey hired two independent translators to confirm the original. Captain Ed has posted the results, both of which confirm the original translation:
The top secret letter 2205 of the Military Branch of Al Qadisya on 4/3/2001 announced by the top secret letter 246 from the Command of the military sector of Zi Kar on 8/3/2001 announced to us by the top secret letter 154 from the Command of Ali Military Division on 10/3/2001 we ask to provide that Division with the names of those who desire to volunteer for Suicide Mission to liberate Palestine and to strike American Interests and according what is shown below to please review and inform us.
This document, in and of itself, proves that Saddam had not only contemplated terrorism against US interests, but was actively recruiting martyrs for that purpose. The conclusion is obvious, as stated by Captain Ed: "...destroying Saddam's regime is an integral part of the war on terror, not a distraction."
The mainstream media has yet to report the existence of this document.
Also posted at The Dread Pundit Bluto and Vince Aut Morire.
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Interesting document. Translation certainly seems defensible. Next question - is the document real? Plenty of motive and opportunity for someone to have inserted a forged document into the mix. I'm not saying they DID, just that they might have, and that it will be very difficult to prove they did not.
Follow-up question - did this document address the INCEPTION of such a terrorist infiltration or was it just one more brick in the structure? There are still unanswered questions about possible Iraqi involvement peripheral to the OKC bombing years earlier, for instance.
Posted by: Glenmore at April 10, 2006 05:28 AM (gqMPg)
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April 09, 2006
MSM Steps Up Propaganda Campaign Against US Military
How else to explain the grossly offensive way that
Washington Post writer Thomas E. Ricks chose to phrase his
"exposé" disclosing that [gasp] the American military would like Iraqis to think badly of brutal terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi? [emphasis added to excerpt below]
The U.S. military is conducting a propaganda campaign to magnify the role of the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, according to internal military documents and officers familiar with the program. The effort has raised his profile in a way that some military intelligence officials believe may have overstated his importance and helped the Bush administration tie the war to the organization responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The idea that publicizing the undisputed terrorist acts of Zarqawi in an effort to cut off any support he has among the Iraqi populace is somehow nefarious is ridiculous. This is the man who sawed off Nick Berg's head.
Ricks is likewise outraged that the US "home audience" is part of the "propaganda operation". Horrors! Everyone knows that only mainstream journalists are allowed to target American citizens with propaganda. Actually, Ricks' outrage seems to be jealousy that a New York Times reporter, Dexter Filkins, was given a scoop that Ricks missed out on. Since it wasn't given to Ricks it's not a "tip", it's a "leak".
In his zeal to damage the Bush administration, reporter Ricks has betrayed his profession, as well as his country.
Also posted at The Dread Pundit Bluto and Vince Aut Morire.
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What a dirtbag this Ricks is..
When the insurgents kill a few hundred in Iraq, its all bloodshed, civil war, millions rising up against the infidel americans. When the insurgents are rightly blamed for murdering iraqis, then its suddenly, oh just a small part, no big fish.
One has to wonder where the loyalties lie, of someone who wants to defend the name of a child murdering bag of excretement.
Posted by: MathewK at April 09, 2006 11:46 PM (pVHqF)
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Zarqawi.... a psyop? Gee.... I thought he was dead. Starting to look like flavor of the month is the new Goldstein... the object of the Two Minute Hate.
===
Iraq militants claim al-Zarqawi is dead
Al Qaida-linked extremist suspected of planning attacks
AP file Undated photo of suspected al-Qaida commander Abu Musaab al-Zarqawi.
Updated: 6:31 a.m. ET March 4, 2004
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Jordanian extremist suspected of bloody suicide attacks in Iraq was killed some time ago in U.S. bombing and a letter outlining plans for fomenting sectarian war is a forgery, a statement allegedly from an insurgent group west of the capital said.
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in the Sulaimaniyah mountains of northern Iraq “during the American bombing there,” according to a statement circulated in Fallujah this week and signed by the “Leadership of the Allahu Akbar Mujahedeen.”
There was no way to verify the authenticity of the statement, one of many leaflets put out by a variety of groups taking part in the anti-U.S. resistance.
The statement did not say when al-Zarqawi was supposedly killed, but U.S. jets bombed strongholds of the extremist Ansar al-Islam in the north last April as Saddam HusseinÂ’s regime was collapsing.
It said al-Zarqawi was unable to escape the bombing because of his artificial leg.
Before the Iraq conflict began last March, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said al-Zarqawi received hospital treatment in Baghdad after fleeing Afghanistan. U.S. intelligence sources said he apparently was fitted with an artificial leg.
The statement said the “fabricated al-Zarqawi memo” has been used by the U.S.-run coalition “to back up their theory of a civil war” in Iraq.
In February, the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq made public an intercepted letter it said was written by al-Zarqawi to al-Qaida leaders, detailing a strategy of spectacular attacks to derail the planned June 30 handover of power to the Iraqis. U.S. officials say al-Zarqawi may have been involved in some of the series of suicide bombings this year in Iraq.
“The truth is, al-Qaida is not present in Iraq,” the Mujahedeen statement said. Though many Arabs entered the country to fight U.S. troops, only a small number remain, the group said.
A little over a year ago, Jordanian authorities named al-Zarqawi as the mastermind behind the October 2002 murder of Laurence Foley, a 60-year-old administrator of U.S. aid programs in Jordan.
In a German court last year, Shadi Abdellah, a Palestinian on trial for allegedly plotting to attack BerlinÂ’s Jewish Museum and a Jewish-owned disco, testified he was working for al-Zarqawi. He said they met in Afghanistan.
German authorities have reportedly said they believe al-Zarqawi was appointed by al-QaidaÂ’s leadership to arrange attacks in Europe.
Moroccan government sources said a group blamed for bombings last May that killed 45 people in Casablanca got its orders from al-Zarqawi. In Turkey, officials said he was believed to have played a role in bombings that killed 63 at two synagogues, the British consulate and a British bank in Istanbul in November.
Posted by: 8ackgr0und N015e at April 10, 2006 12:58 AM (K5Ko+)
3
noise,
so where's your actual evidence that Zarqawi is actually dead? Citing Baghdad Bob to that effect isn't very persuasive.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at April 10, 2006 01:56 AM (8e/V4)
4
Wasn't Zarqawi's successes a sign of Bush (US) failure in Iraq, and something he was trying to hide from? Now he is accused of blowing it out of proportion too. Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.
Posted by: AbbaGav at April 10, 2006 04:36 AM (5XR09)
5
Two minute hate? Suggesting that we, or anyone, only has a two minute attention span and we'll just move on to someone else and forget about him? "Oh, look! Something shiny!" Please. The fact is, there are so many of these guys, it's only two minutes before the next one spouts off.
"In a transcript of the meeting, [Col. Derek] Harvey said, "Our own focus on Zarqawi has enlarged his caricature, if you will -- made him more important than he really is, in some ways."" The media has played Zarqawi up making him larger than life, reporting over and over on him and splashing his photo all over the place for how long now? But let the military campaign against him and it's,
"They're making him out to be too important." Ricks himself has reported on Zarqawi dozens of times as he often contributes to articles with many other reporters as well as writing some on his own.
The fact that there are military people who have disagreements on how any aspect of the war is conducted is nothing new. Col. Harvey thinks Zarqawi shouldn't be played up and someone else thinks he should. So what? But this reporter tries to make this into something it isn't and in effect implies Zarqawi is a bit player.
Posted by: Oyster at April 10, 2006 05:24 AM (YudAC)
6
Noise still hasn't apologized for his allegations that death squads linked to the Interior Ministry and trained by US contractors kidnapped Jill Carroll.
He has also had nothing to say about the Revenge Brigades, who took the credit for Jill's kidnapping, being part of the Islamic Army in Iraq, who are associated with Sunni terrorists. He should also apologize to Rusty for disputing Rusty's great reporting on this connection.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 07:37 AM (rUyw4)
7
What else do you ever expect from these liberal birdcage liners?
Posted by: sandpiper at April 10, 2006 12:34 PM (I9Upt)
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Playboy Launches in Muslim Indonesia on Hef's 80th B-Day
On Hugh Hefner's 80th birthday,
Playboy magazine went on sale in Muslim Indonesia.
From the BBC:
An Indonesian version of Playboy has gone on sale in the world's most populous Muslim nation.
A spokesman for the magazine, which has promised to tone down its erotic photographs, said copies would be available in major cities on Friday.
The launch has drawn criticism from Muslim clerics, who condemn the magazine as a corrupting influence.
Earlier this year there were street protests in many towns when the magazine announced its plans to launch.
As previously reported (
here and
here), everyone is not thrilled. There continue to be protests by Muslim groups demanding that the sellers of
Playboy be arrested and prosecuted under pornography laws. However, the magazine displays no nudity and is believed to be tamer than other magazines being sold in Indonesia.
Nevertheless, here's wishing Hugh Hefner a "Happy Birthday!" and congratulations on Playboy magazine's successful launch in the Muslim nation of Indonesia.
As an interesting side note, the last I heard, Playboy is still prohibited from being sold on military bases in the U.S. I guess this means that Muslim suppression of free speech doesn't hold a candle to good American political correctness. (H/T Pirate's Cove)
From Interested-Participant.
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1
To Islam, with Love.
Hef should be in charge of the Department of Pissing Off Imams.
Posted by: Kermit at April 09, 2006 10:32 PM (RTy2V)
2
I think it was banned from the bases and also by 7-11 stores because of the religous right. It is banned also in both Koreas,India,Taiwan,Singapore, and Malaysia. Also in that most sexually conservative of buddhist nations..... Thailand.
Posted by: john Ryan at April 09, 2006 10:33 PM (TcoRJ)
3
Dirka Dirka!! Alla RACKbar!!
Posted by: mrclark at April 10, 2006 06:16 AM (Na6eO)
4
Yep, the Religious Right threatened to kill or riot against those 7-11 stores that chose to sell Playboys. John Ryan, I wonder if you have any idea how you come across when you try to draw a moral equivalence between Christianity and Islam.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 07:51 AM (rUyw4)
5
John is quite the philosophical contortionist, isn't he?
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 10, 2006 09:52 AM (0yYS2)
6
Will they put a FATWA on HUGH HEFNER?
Posted by: sandpiper at April 10, 2006 12:36 PM (I9Upt)
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Blog Sabbath Caption Contest: More Than Walnuts on the Lawn Edition.
Or posted way late edition, whatever
Ap Via Yahoo : An unidentified intruder, right, shouts as he is approached by a member of the Secret Service Emergency Response Team on the North Lawn of the White House, Sunday, April 9, 2006 in Washington.
Er uh caption the nut! I like the God says, “You really owe me for this one!” But it will be hard to beat what he actually said.
Yahoo : Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren identified the man as 40-year-old Brian Lee Patterson, "I have intelligence information for the president," he said, waving his arms in the air. "I'm not afraid of you!"
Update fatwa's issued should have titled this one "Not Much Response Edition". Therefore I will not bump it up.
Fatwa issued against the winner Improbulus Maximus for :
Time to up the dosage it seems.
Fatwa issued against Orlando for :
I will remain here until President Sheehan takes her lawful place.
Honorable mention to Venom becuase Vinnie says if I want to live a long life I'd better. And sorry Graeme you can't win very time.
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Posted by: mychimo at April 09, 2006 08:56 PM (uxuQL)
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MORE COWBELL!
(my link will actually work on this one.)
Posted by: mychimo at April 09, 2006 09:13 PM (uxuQL)
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"I am just a victim of being on the White House lawn while white!"
Posted by: Graeme at April 10, 2006 09:39 AM (PgW7o)
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Time to up the dosage it seems.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 10, 2006 09:53 AM (0yYS2)
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I will remain here until President Sheehan takes her lawful place!
Posted by: orlando at April 10, 2006 11:30 AM (qLdYL)
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Throw your hands in the air...
And wave 'em like ya just don't care
And if you're mind's gone
While on the White House lawn,
Then give me a big "Oh Yeah!"
Posted by: Venom at April 10, 2006 01:14 PM (dbxVM)
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Terrorists Release Video of Two German Hostages
I hope they are returned and the criminals who took them face justice soon.
BBC : In an internet statement, their captors issued a threat to kill them if US forces did not release Iraqi prisoners.
Describing the men as "German agents", they said they would be killed if men and women were not freed from the "occupation prisons".
Bareknucklepolitics has a link to the video as well as the Reuters dispatch.
BERLIN (Reuters) via Bareknucklepolitics : - Two German hostages held in Iraq since the end of January have appeared in a video pleading for help, German media reported on Sunday.
The two men appearing in the video were identified by German broadcasters as Rene Braeunlich and Thomas Nitzschke.
The German government stopped short of identifying them, but confirmed it had received a video showing the hostages.
Looking distraught and exhausted, Braeunlich and Nitzschke were shown in front of a black banner with white Arabic writing on it.
One of the men, thought to be Nitzschke, could be heard saying in German: “We have been here for more than 60 days. We are at the end of our nerves. Please help us. We cannot bear this any longer. Please help us.”
The video has a March 28 date stamp on it and is believed to be the fourth video message showing the Germans.
Al Jazeera television also aired a brief portion of the tape, showing the two bearded men standing in front of a black banner bearing the name of the Ansar al-Tawhid Wa-Sunna group.
Hat Tip Orgish : Hosting the video here.
Posted by: Howie at
07:52 PM
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"Describing the men as "German agents", they said they would be killed if men and women were not freed from the "occupation prisons"."
Where were these "freedom fighters" when Saddam packed his jails with men and women who simply didn't like him?
Posted by: Oyster at April 10, 2006 05:27 AM (YudAC)
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Iraqi Shia Protest Against Bombings/Violence.
Gateway Pundit has a great post showing reaction to yesterdayÂ’s bombings. It seems they dislike al-Qaeda.
Gatewaypundit : As the media paints a picture of Civil War, the terrorists in Iraq continue to murder innocent civilians. The worst massacre of the year on Friday was blamed on Al Zarqawi and his thugs and NOT on sectarian division.
After the suicide bombings yesterday at the Buratha mosque in Baghdad that killed over 70 people, Shiites protested for unity today in Iraq..
Al-Qaeda = Failure
Posted by: Howie at
07:31 PM
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Oh Where Oh Where Are The Moderate Muslims?
They are not hiding here in the stove! No really guys where are you?
Instapundit : We need to make the moderates feel safer -- and the extremists much more nervous. That's why things like the pandering response to the Cartoon Wars by everyone from Borders to the Bush Administration, are exactly wrong. Plus, there's this:....
Posted by: Howie at
07:24 PM
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Secretary of Defense on Iraq Anniversary
Donald H. Rumsfeld talks about what we have gained in the last three years. HeÂ’s not been fired yet so what the hell.
Secretary Rumsfeld Via Centcom :Some have described the situation in Iraq as a tightening noose, noting that "time is not on our side" and that "morale is down." Others have described a "very dangerous" turn of events and are "extremely concerned."
Who are they that have expressed these concerns? In fact, these are the exact words of terrorists discussing Iraq -- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his associates -- who are describing their own situation and must be watching with fear the progress that Iraq has made over the past three years.
The terrorists seem to recognize that they are losing in Iraq. I believe that history will show that to be the case.
Donald H. Rumsfeld
Posted by: Howie at
06:52 PM
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You may be interested to know what Gen. Newbold had to say re: Mr. Rumsfeld:
He points the finger at Rumsfeld and says the planning "was done with a casualness and swagger that are the special province of those who have never had to execute these missions — or bury the results."
The "consequence ... was that a fundamentally flawed plan was executed for an invented war, while pursuing the real enemy, Al Qaeda, became a secondary effort."
=
beware wary of warplans when the only generals endorsing them are general electric and general dynamic.
Posted by: 8ackgr0und N015e at April 10, 2006 01:15 AM (K5Ko+)
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Brothers Kill Sister for "Honor"
(Lod, Israel) Nineteen-year-old Rim Abu Ganem, an Israeli Arab, was allegedly
choked to death by her brothers in an "honor killing." Rim had fallen in love with a Palestinian man who wasn't the family's choice for her mate. Shortly before she was murdered, police had warned that her life was in danger and referred her to a shelter. Tragically, Rim didn't heed the warning.
Rim's brother Suliman, a pediatrician at Assaf Harofeh Hospital, allegedly gave the other brothers an anesthetic to put her to sleep. While Rim dozed, they choked her. Rim's body was later found in a well.
The five brothers were arrested and they may actually face legal consequences since the crime was committed in Israel. I hope so. More here.
From Interested-Participant.
Posted by: Mike Pechar at
05:36 PM
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Here's where some Liberal says honor killing isn't in the Koran.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at April 09, 2006 07:10 PM (8e/V4)
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Thanks for the link, most kind of you.
Posted by: AbbaGav at April 09, 2006 11:09 PM (eiYHi)
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Easiest way to curb these honor killings, make an example of these loving brothers, firing squad for each of them, followed up burning the body in pig fat.
I'll bet the practice of Honour Killings will vanish into the dustbin of history very quickly.
Posted by: MathewK at April 10, 2006 12:10 AM (pVHqF)
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I suspect that honor killings are being committed much more often than is being reported and, if the public knew the actual frequency and scope of the practice, there would be general outrage.
Posted by: Mike at April 10, 2006 07:15 AM (Kjxf6)
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Mike, I doubt whether the public could work itself up to an outrage about anything. If there is no outrage over the beheadings and suicide bombings in the ME, I doubt whether these honor killings will even raise an eyebrow with the cable-TV set.
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 10, 2006 08:33 AM (rUyw4)
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April 08, 2006
9 April 2003
Gratitude:
World opinion says that this war was illegal because the Coalition found no weapons of mass destruction. What have been found, however, are heaps of bodies, buried in mass graves, which would not have been discovered otherwise. Five-hundred thousand people — men, women and children — had been executed or buried alive. Saddam Hussein and many of his henchmen were captured alive and, in contrast to the way they treated people, are being treated humanely. Saddam Hussein's 35-year war against the population of Iraq cost over two million people their lives, and this campaign is not over yet. Now, however, we are no longer alone in this war. We have the United States on our side. We know that we can win this struggle.
Posted by: Vinnie at
11:54 PM
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World opinion be damned!
Posted by: Rod Stanton at April 09, 2006 03:10 AM (NX6Xx)
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your blogroll is overlapping your post on the right side and people can't read the post.
sorry I tired to ppost there and couldn't.
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/063369.php
Posted by: sam at April 09, 2006 05:17 AM (dNYpA)
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That's right Rod; damn them all. World opinion just shows that the vast majority of people are willing to put up with any amount of suffering in the name of peace, as long as it's someone else who is doing the suffering.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at April 09, 2006 06:52 AM (0yYS2)
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Developing resource: Prewardocs New Evidence
>>March 17, 2001____Saddam Targeted American Assets For Terrorism:
>>Saddam Hussein's regime was planning suicide attacks on U.S. interests six months before 9-11
>>Hans Blix presented a report called, Unresolved Disarmament Issues. For those who don't trust or believe the Bush Administration's claims about WMD, this report is a much better description of the alleged threat that Saddam's Regime posed.
Much more: Videos, audios, transcripts, orders, reciepts, memos, thousands upon thousands of records to come..
Posted by: Rubin at April 09, 2006 07:17 AM (NJCwf)
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The whole world depents too much on the same reptiles that runs the New York Sewer
Posted by: sandpiper at April 09, 2006 12:42 PM (XGDTE)
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OK, IM summed that up better than I could. excellent.
Posted by: davec at April 09, 2006 03:51 PM (CcXvt)
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And IM and davec, I'm ashamed to say that the majority of Americans fit into that same category. Rather than "Give me liberty or death", the new motto in America is "Give me cable-tv or People magazine". Disgusting!
Posted by: jesusland joe at April 09, 2006 09:33 PM (rUyw4)
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I have always hated that picture. Da da da da daaaaa "we have saved the day again!!!!"
Its amazing how much money our government will spend a day in another country for "humanitarian" reasons when it struggles to meet the needs of our own. Are the foreigners we are trying to keep out more important that the citizens that are here and under the flag?
Posted by: Hill-billy bob at April 10, 2006 06:51 AM (vx4R9)
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