The bombings burning and general chaos in Iraq this week are hardly conducive to the release of Ms. Carroll. However letÂ’s not let that stop us for praying for her freedom. Monsters and Critics gives us five reasons why Jill should be released, IÂ’ll sample one here.

Monsters and Critics :If Jill Carroll is killed, her captors will be denounced by Muslims worldwide for murdering an innocent woman. In short, they will have handed their enemies a huge propaganda victory.

Jill Carroll Archive here. more...

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Patriot Guard Riders Still on the Job providing support at the funeral for Cpl. Andrew Kemple, who died in Iraq Feb. 12. Stopping the McAssholes.

New group oppressed in Palestine since the Hamas election victory, Christians!

JPost : "Since Hamas took over, I cover my head in Ramallah," she says. "I don't feel comfortable." In the largely cosmopolitan Ramallah, though they comprise some 10 percent of the population, Christians are becoming less and less visible. The first time that Khoury ran into her local parish priest there with her head covered, he raised his eyebrows and laughed.
"I see more and more women covered up," Khoury says, explaining that for now, it's preferable to play it safe and assimilate on the street, even if she would never choose to cover her head otherwise. "Years ago I even used to go in short sleeves," she says. "You'd have to put a gun to my head to get me to wear short sleeves now."

Nigerian Hostages still Mcheld.

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Nigerian militants released photographs of nine foreign oil workers they kidnapped on Feb. 18 from a Willbros Group Inc. boat near Royal Dutch Shell Plc's Forcados export platform. The photographs were e-mailed by Jomo Gbomo, a spokesman for the militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND. In a separate e-mailed statement, Gbomo said the hostages won't be released until the government frees a former Bayelsa state governor and a jailed militia leader.

Don't miss Vonski's weekly roundup of important victories in the GWOT. Lot's of good news this week had been overshadowed.

Coalition Forces, with the assistance of the Iraqi Police, conducted a raid in northern Baghdad Feb. 24, which resulted in the death of Abu Asma, the Al Qaeda Military Emir of Northern Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicated Abu Asma was in possession of and expected to use suicide vests against the Iraqi people and security forces.

One of my very best friends is school worked for Ronald. Soon it was all “let’s get some McBeer, get McLoaded and try to get some McNookie”. I swear this will be the McLast time I McBlog.

Update: Dick cheney's got a gun! H/T memphis761.

more...

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Only one group is so evil to destroy a revered and I must say beautiful mosque this week. Only one little peg legged bastard has any reason to. This mosque I must say was a nice place. If there is one thing that impresses me about Iraq itÂ’s some of the fantastically opulent and beautiful mosques there. It has been a target several times and each time the attacks failed until Wednesday. This heinous act almost resulted in civil war and the danger is not over yet.

Robbins at National Review : The initial retaliatory attacks on Sunni mosques must have pleased Zarqawi; if taking down this site did not start the civil war, nothing would.
So the foreign fighters must have been stunned when Shiite and Sunni leaders rushed out statements saying they knew that the takfiri (i.e., those who accuse other Muslims of being infidels, a code word in this context for the foreign extremists) were behind the attack, and they would not let this act of brutality divide Iraq. In an announcement on his website Shiite leader Ayatollah Ali Sistani blamed “takfiris [who] meant to foment sedition among the Iraqi people, thus fulfilling their malicious goals.”… … Shiite radical Muqtada al-Sadr — remember him? — blamed the attack on the takfiri, Saddam loyalists, and “the occupation.” “We should not attack Sunni mosques,” he said on al Jazeera. “I ordered [his militia the] Al-Mahdi Army to protect the Shiite and Sunni shrines and to show a high sense of responsibility, something they actually did.”

The Australian News : Fearing even that would not compensate for their loss of influence, Sunni extremists, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al-Qa'ida in Iraq, have sought to ignite a broader conflict than has been waged in the past 18 months.
Analysts in Jordan believe Iraq is now on the precipice.
"A lot of Sunni Arab politicians have been working hard towards a government of national unity, but there are a number of spoilers in the Sunni community," said the Middle East project director for the International Crisis Group Joost Hiltermann.

Posted by: Howie at 12:17 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment
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1 Mohammed at Iraq the Model reported yesterday that Sadr's Shia militias attacked Salafist and Wahabi Sunni mosques, but not "ordinary Sunni" ones. I haven't seen that distinction mentioned in the MSM. This suggests that even a murderous jackass like Sadr realizes that al Qaeda is the true enemy.

Posted by: The Dread Pundit Bluto at February 24, 2006 12:39 PM (RHG+K)

2 Does anyone here believes it could of been orchestrated by Iran via the IRG, in order to tie up the allied forces?

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 01:26 PM (CcXvt)

3 I read that Dave. Nope did not buy it. It reminded my of the 911/ truth movement (we blew ourselves up). It's fun to think about but not very likely to actually be true. I suppose the Spanish and French and English blew themselves up too and then called UBL Hey cover our ass by claiming this would ya?

Posted by: Howie at February 24, 2006 01:29 PM (D3+20)

4 I'm not sure it could be considered blowing themselves up though? Despite the fact that they fought each other in the Iran-Iraq war, I have not read that Iranian people believe this to be one of the most important Shia Mosque (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong?) For two cultures that continually attempt to make their own country the pinnacle of the Shia faith I would imagine the Mosque is not as much consequence to the Iranian Government as we're lead to believe, not to mention the fact their Government came out blaming the Jews/American alliance for it's destruction (not unexpected)

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 02:10 PM (CcXvt)

5 Sorry I can't correct an opinion. Good points no one has had the balls to stand up and claim this one so we are left speculating(as far as I am aware). I lean toward AL-qaeda as I think it's safe to say they have been wanting this target for a long time. Also it fits their goals just oh so right. That being said I'm all for hearing other angles becauase it's possible I'm wrong.

Posted by: Howie at February 24, 2006 02:22 PM (D3+20)

6 Someplace between 120 and 200 mosques in the capitol were attacked. That is a large number.

Posted by: john ryan at February 24, 2006 03:25 PM (TcoRJ)

7 Yeah, it was most likely Zarqoward who was behind the attack on the Shiite mosque.

Posted by: tommy at February 24, 2006 04:03 PM (6nMOD)

8 Then again, maybe it was the New Black Panther Party that attacked the mosque http://michellemalkin.com/archives/004618.htm They are awfully fearsome!

Posted by: tommy at February 24, 2006 04:07 PM (6nMOD)

9 I found a very intersting post this morning over at 24 steps to liberty. He is an Iraqi blogger that says the news being reported in Iraq is very different from what we are hearing here in the US. I have an excerpt and a link to his post here

Posted by: The Ugly American at February 24, 2006 09:23 PM (hS6ZA)

10 It was da JOOOoooooOOOOOoooozzzz what did it, greg sez so!!!

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 25, 2006 07:55 AM (0yYS2)

11 three things are key in this bombing which suggest that it was not AMZ: 1. the timing, 6:45am, after morning prayers; AMZ would have made sure to kill people praying 2. whoever did this let the guards live. AMZ would have no problim killing guards and would have liked to get more victims 3. this bombing hurts the sunni and helps the shia. i know AMZ is on the ropes (praise allah) but he would not do anything which would create such obvious blowback. i was sure it was AQITLOTR, but now, looking at the facts and circumstances, i say it was iran and the rev guard - trying shift power from the govt to the religious leaders and militias

Posted by: dale at February 25, 2006 09:21 AM (z9YTo)

12 Good points dale. For those who think Iran wouldn't desecrate a shia holy site, I would love to hear why.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 25, 2006 10:48 AM (0yYS2)

13 I think it is also noteworthy that this attack was in the north, not the shia-rich south. It would appear that Iran was trying to throw people of their trail. Additionally, this was the fourth most important mosque from my understanding, not one of the top three. Lastly, the overall timing is weird. Iran is having setbacks with the government in Iraq, the nuclear issue seems to moving backward for them. It would make perfect sense for them to do this as a warning to the US of the trouble they can cause, at will, for the plans of the US to exit. Lastly, there have been NO CALLS for the US to leave despite the repeated threats of civil war. It is weird to me that all this occurring and NO ONE is calling for a US withdrawal. As to why Iran would NOT bomb a mosque, you pose a difficult side to argue for. I think those 5000 religious leaders calling the shots over there would do anything at anytime to try and retain their slipping power.

Posted by: dale at February 25, 2006 11:05 AM (+WIFW)

14 >>>>JOOOoooooOOOOOoooozzzz what did it bwahaha! I love when you do that.

Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at February 25, 2006 06:26 PM (8e/V4)

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Besides fishing, I did have other business to attend to. Blogging may be very light for awhile. Personal stuff below. more...

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On February 3, a U.K.-based militant faction formerly know as Al-Muhajiroun Helped organize a raucous demonstration outside the Danish, Norwegian and French embassies in London.

NEFA investigaters attended the protest and caught the event on camera.

After entering the website: look at the top for the link to "Prophet Mohammed Cartoon Protest"

FYI-this was the protest where the "Behead Those Who Insult Islam" posters were seen.

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Went fishing. Who would have thought that fishing could be more relaxing than blogging?

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I participated in a conference call tonight with Representative Curt Weldon (R-PA) and several other bloggers about the Able Danger program, 9/11, the USS Cole attack, and the ongoing coverup by mid- to senior-level bureaucrats spanning two administrations. Frankly, a lot of information was forthcoming and I need time to process it all.

But I do want to address a charming bit of character assassination by Washington Post writer William M. Arkin, who has a problem with Able Danger whistleblower Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer: more...

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1 Well, character assasination is the only thing left to the anti-ideological ideologues of today in defense of Able Danger BS. Its rather interesting, how undifferentiated each major party has become from one another. Democrats are the socialists with more taxes, Republicans are the socialists with a few "tax cuts" and then some hidden taxes (deficeits.) Essentially the politics of today has more the feel of a sporting event than any actual ideological confrontation. Instead of a stand between principled opponents each attempting to prove their consistant ideology is what is best for the nation, you have a pair of personalities that are universally anti-idealistic, "pragmatic" (funny how so-called "pragmatists" are so unpractical, in the long run,) and totally divorced from any thought except how to justify themselves, not even the day after tomorrow, just tomorrow. This culture is evident in the numerous amount of spending, the inability to be fiscally responsible, and the flat-out refusal to deal with big issues - on the premise that, since nobody has any ideology to guide them on their actions as to what is right, they have no idea what is the good and proper thing to do. Thus, no one wishes to be the first one to act when the first one to do so is going to be blamed for the shebang. Thus, our "practical" politicians have an ever-shrinking range of concern, limiting themselves to issues that can be predicted by today's focus group, tomorrow's exit polls. And that, of course, is the price one pays for allowing that dirty word, "practical," into the political scene. To be "practical," in this day, is to compromise on whatever principles you hold for some (supposed) advantage. It has lead to the insane contradiction of a politician seeking election for the sake of being elected - as, once you've compromised enough, the only ideal you have left is that you must compromise to get anything done - and thus, you have nothing to compromise on and are incapable of any significant action in the political realm. A lesson to learn. Too bad it has to be learned at the worst possible moment - but such is the penance for America's abandonment of principled stands for the individual.

Posted by: MiB at February 23, 2006 09:59 PM (tFcEO)

2 Just found the site and my pagan ass loves it! keep up the outstanding work! love g

Posted by: girish at February 24, 2006 01:12 AM (IpuE8)

3 Anyone else noticed problems with Jihadwatch? Seems to be frozen up or possibly hacked.

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 04:07 AM (GHTct)

4 MiB, you're right on, I will only add that the only thing the parties agree on is that they must steal as much as possible from us before we wise up and hang them all. Girish, welcome. Dave, it works fine now.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 24, 2006 04:56 AM (0yYS2)

5 No, Jihadwatch still isn't updating, and the sidebar with the links and email form has vanished. Thats how it's appearing to me. I can't post a comment at all. Very odd.

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 05:44 AM (GHTct)

6 I think JW/DW has been cyber-attacked. By the way, I think MiB speaks truth.

Posted by: kentim at February 24, 2006 05:56 AM (CqTKB)

7 Dave, re: JW/DW, I didn't notice the side bar missing until you mentioned it . Since last night, I (only) noticed that the final comment on each thread was not identified by who posted it. It didn't dawn on me that I couldn't comment until you mentioned it. I thought it was my system blocking cookies or something . . .hmmmm.

Posted by: heroyalwhyness at February 24, 2006 06:00 AM (XU9K/)

8 JW has been frozen like that for at least 15 hours I'd say.

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 06:07 AM (GHTct)

9 oh, and sorry for butting into this thread.

Posted by: dave at February 24, 2006 06:11 AM (GHTct)

10 I had not heard about this "Able Danger" thing before. Senator Joseph McCarthy comes to mind(more and more every day), remember what he said? Paraphrased-- "if these things were mistakes due to incompetence, the perpetrators would do the right thing "accidently" at least once in a while, but instead there is a distinct pattern that suggests a coherent pursuit of a specific goal". I have no doubt in my mind anymore he was right. While chasing the Leninists, who were so obvious and easily identified, he stumbled upon the Pragmatic(Americanised) Fabians, that's where the real power is, and that was the force that destroyed him. Goldwater knew too, probably Wallace too. The fact is, with this knowledge, almost all "history", or "conventional wisdom" is suspect. This fact is dangerous for a truth-seeker. Power is what determines what is "sane and rational", but that may or may not coincide with truth and reality. "The Naked Capitalist" by Skousen and "Tragedy and Hope" by Quigley pretty much shatters the myth of "self-government" here.

Posted by: kentim at February 24, 2006 06:56 AM (CqTKB)

11 I'm still reading Shaffer's testimony, but so far I'm shocked that the megalomaniacal, self-aggrandizing attitudes of those charged with the defense of this country are so systemic. I guess I always knew it, but seeing so many individual accounts of it is still shocking. Has the House Armed S_ervices Committee subpoenaed any of Shaffer's documents or email (or anything) to corroborate his testimony? It would be a dereliction of duty not to. Unless they've been purged too. This entire investigation would be a farce without it. The House Armed S_ervices Committee member's list is extensive. I wonder how many of them are taking this seriously. I also read Cambone's testimony. Eighteen pages of obfuscation with no names and many generalities. His testimony reads like a parent making light of some child's game. His answers focus consistantly on Atta even when not requested to do so. So this is their Able Danger "expert"? Someone who was not involved in the program while it was underway and was charged with finding information on 2.5 terabytes of information which was purged? His testimony is basically useless. (Sorry for the underscores in some words. MuNu's filters are over-zealous)

Posted by: Oyster at February 24, 2006 07:06 AM (YudAC)

12 Everyone who has taken the time to read this, don't forget the numerous supporting military and contractor witnesses supplying their own statements backing up Colonel Shaffer, some found here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2006_hr/index.html#ad . P.S. Shaffer names conspirators in Pentagon--now anyone can call them and let them know what real Americans think of them.

Posted by: jim at February 24, 2006 10:17 AM (6Q9ZO)

13 Hang in there friend and pursue the able danger to the bitter end. It looks to me like there is far more being withheld than is being exposed.

Posted by: Earl J Prignitz at February 24, 2006 11:47 AM (m2XUf)

14 gambling addiction Probaly you should read this. gambling addiction Hope this helps. See you next life. Buy gambling addiction now

Posted by: gambling addiction at March 24, 2006 05:26 AM (0oDgr)

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A Few days ago Mohammed Shtawi swore he would never be caught and prosecuted for his terrorist activity against Israel. He was just as right then as he is dead now.

Yahoo News : One of those killed Thursday was identified as Mohammed Shtawi, a top Al Aqsa fugitive. On Wednesday, Shtawi told an AP reporter that earlier in the day soldiers surrounded his hideout for five hours, but he and several friends slipped away. "They will never catch me," he said at the time.

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Greg at RhymeswithRight get his very first death threat. Something to do with Bacon I hear.

A new comment has been posted on your blog Rhymes With Right, on entry #158774 (Toronto Cartoon Flap). http://rhymeswithright.mu.nu/archives/158774.php
IP Address: (removed tracks to New Dehli)
Name: aamir malik
Email Address: aamir834@yahoo.com
URL:
Comments:
ASALAM_U_ALIKUM
what the hell have you people made this?
how could you be so much rude ?
what do you think of yourself?
if you vl be here we will jst kill you>?

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The Freedom's Zone international blogging community is encouraging all bloggers to help 'Stand Up For Denmark' by immediately writing a post on Christopher Hitchens' call for a demonstration at the Embassy of Denmark, between noon and 1 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 24.

Please be outside the Embassy of Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven Street (off Massachusetts Avenue) between noon and 1 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 24. Quietness and calm are the necessities, plus cheerful conversation. Danish flags are good, or posters reading "Stand By Denmark" and any variation on this theme (such as "Buy Carlsberg/ Havarti/ Lego") The response has been astonishing and I know that the Danes are appreciative. But they are an embassy and thus do not of course endorse or comment on any demonstration. Let us hope, however, to set a precedent for other cities and countries. Please pass on this message to friends and colleagues.

Embassy of Denmark
3200 Whitehaven St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: +1 (202) 234-4300
Fax: +1 (202) 328-1470

Email: wasamb@um.dk

More information and updates are available at Freedom's Zone.

Freedom's Zone was founded by a coalition of American and Italian bloggers, and is owned by the international blogging community that supports it through posting and sharing the message and it's mission.

A new "Stand Up For Denmark" Freedom's Zone logo will be available at the site tomorow. Just link back to FZ from your blog.

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The Muslim riots in Nigeria earlier in the week have now produced a backlash from Christians in the south after Muslims rioted against Christians to protest the publication of satirical cartoons depicting Muhammad. Of course these were not spontaneous riots and never mind that Nigerians had nothing to do with it. They were incited by Muslim clerics in a misguided effort to get respect for Islam by use of fear. Rather than protesting peacefully against those actually responsible they took out their frustrations on those who had nothing to do with the issue. Burning Churches and murdering Christians in the street. In Nigeria where this kind of Muslim/Christian is fairly common the result has been that the Christians there are violently turning against Islam, burning Mosques and killing in revenge. Giving right back to the Muslims what they had been dishing out just a few days before. Now the Muslims are fleeing and finding themselves in the same position they put others in just a few days before. I cannot condone Christian riots and Killing. However the bible does say ye shall reap what ye sow. Looks like the Muslims in Nigeria are harvesting a bumper crop!

Washington Post : ONITSHA, Nigeria -- Muslims fled this southeast Nigerian city and corpses still smoldered in its streets Thursday as two days of sectarian violence that killed more than 50 people subsided.
Saturday in the northern city of Maiduguri, Muslim protests against cartoons caricaturing the Prophet Muhammad turned violent, razing 30 churches and claiming the lives of 18 people, mostly Christians.
Similar violence followed Monday and Tuesday in the northern city of Bauchi, where witnesses and Red Cross officials say 25 people were killed when Muslim mobs attacked Christians there.
The violence came to Onitsha Tuesday, apparently in reaction to the killings in Maiduguri and Bauchi, which like most of northern Nigeria, are dominated by Muslims. Onitsha, like most of the south, is dominated by Christians.

Christian mobs, seeking revenge for the killings of Christians in the north, attacked Muslims with cutlasses, destroyed their houses and torched mosques in two days of violence in Onitsha, where at least 85 people have died.
"We are very happy that this thing is happening so that the north will learn their lesson," said Anthony Umai, a motorcycle taxi rider, standing close to where Christian youths had piled up the corpses of 10 Muslims and were burning them.

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1 An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Islamic Clerics unite. Please help stop the violence abroad. Even against your own. The world is getting fed up with the BS and it shows. No one is afraid anymore and this is only to worsen. Be the hero not the doomsayer of your own people.

Posted by: Joe at February 23, 2006 12:56 PM (Z2ndo)

2 The same thing happens in India when muslims riot there. Hindus just murder them right back. When will the moooslims learn. And no, their violence has not caused anybody to "respect" them, only abhor them.

Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at February 23, 2006 01:07 PM (8e/V4)

3 The Islamist's only weapon is our own tolerance of their violence, trying to pass it off as "righteous anger" or some legitimate form of demonstration. Burning an embassy, or destroying someone else's property, is not free speech. It is an attempt to put into place a thugocracy. Any government that does not harshly punish those involved has absolutely no legitimacy. Violence against these thugs and their supporters in light of a government which refuses to take action is not only called for, but absolutely just and a requirement if the Christians of Niger wish to remain a free people. And I say this as a rabid atheist. Mercy to the guilty is treason to the innocent.

Posted by: MiB at February 23, 2006 01:26 PM (tFcEO)

4 Death to Islam

Posted by: Andy at February 23, 2006 03:09 PM (tMU4W)

5 Way to go Christians in Nigeria! It is about time someone defended themselves. While we hold hands , and sing songs. Could any Muslims in America please burn an American flag close to me? Ft. Worth, Texas would be nice. Support Denmark, buy Danish.

Posted by: Leatherneck at February 23, 2006 03:12 PM (D2g/j)

6 well spoken MiB, you're my kind of an athiest :-)

Posted by: Javapuke at February 23, 2006 03:27 PM (zTtEv)

7 These Muslims in Nigeria have hopefully learned a hard lesson, and I sincerely hope that Muslims around the world will stop this silliness before they cause the entire world to hate them. And more people are getting fed up daily. I'm at my breaking point, myself.

Posted by: jesusland joe at February 23, 2006 03:35 PM (rUyw4)

8 JP, all those "atheists" who are constantly attacking Christians and Christianity, are really just communists parading in the guise of atheists. A real atheist is usually also a non-ideologue. That said, I hope the Nigerians kill lots of muslims.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 23, 2006 03:55 PM (0yYS2)

9 Christianity is as illogical as any religion; I'm not going to give them a pass on that. But they aren't trying to blow me up, either. So they can go on with their faith stuff and I won't bother them if they don't bother me. I like that arrangement; Islamists, obviously, do not give me this option. While I don't care for their faith at all, I do defend, and rabidly so, their right to it. And I will urge them to take action - violent action, in this case - to protect that right. Because, while I do not like Christians or Christianity very much, they are tolerable and tend to not cut the heads off of nonbelievers. I know which side I'm on in this war.

Posted by: MiB at February 23, 2006 04:52 PM (tFcEO)

10 Max I understand where you're coming from. It is not common an athiest has the convictions to bring him/herself to regard fundamental rights for Christians. This is almost humerous. MiB you're the exception but I have known others like you, usually more libertarian consistant in their values. Whatever your politics you'd be welcome in my home.

Posted by: Javapuke at February 23, 2006 06:29 PM (rzVXG)

11 Gezzzzz MIB, I quess your welcome at my table too. Now, who's turn is it to say the blessing?

Posted by: Leatherneck at February 23, 2006 08:01 PM (D2g/j)

12 JP, speaking as an atheist myself, it takes a lot of moral fibre to be a true atheist and a good citizen, because we have abandoned ideology-based morality in exchange for principle-based morality, and thus stand alone as an independant human being, knowing that we must answer to none but our fellow man and our own conscience for the things we do. As for me, my own conscience is a far more stern judge than any invisible man in the sky, so I tend to be well-behaved and will not wrong my fellow man without justification. This is why atheists don't go around killing people for no good reason, but religious people often do; we can't rationalize violence so easily, because we must answer to ourselves for our own sins.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 23, 2006 08:14 PM (0yYS2)

13 IM, just because atheists don't have religion doesn't mean they don't have ideology. And that ideology will cause them to kill in even greater numbers sometimes. See, you are still human, and that's what humans do. They kill, unless their particular ideology/religion tells them not to.

Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at February 23, 2006 09:08 PM (8e/V4)

14 Max I'd say you're an atheit's ideologue. A ton of lefties are atheists and commies, their problem is being honest enough to admit it. But I have no problem giving them the benifit of doubt. Nothing personal So you really think you're more stern than Allah?

Posted by: Javapuke at February 23, 2006 09:12 PM (2+rWy)

15 It appears that while 'turning the other cheek' may well work in many cases, it does not work with Islamofacists. The Nigerian Islamo's merely take it as an opportunity to 'Bitch slap' the Christians'. Maybe the Islamo's should read a few other Biblical references prior to butchering the innocent, in the name of their 7th century religion. References such as: He who lives by the sword... The Islamists keep harping on about the Crusades, it would appear that in Nigeria they've started another localized one; maybe the Islamo's should emigrate to the Arabian desert, where they can joyfully kill each other in the name of their particular Islamic sect; because it sure looks as though the Nigerian Christians' won't take any more of their shit.

Posted by: Ken at February 23, 2006 09:24 PM (CYeOT)

16 You guys are confusing atheism with communism, which is just a state religion. Carlos, there is no incident in history where atheists killed anyone stricly on behalf of atheism. There are however many examples of so-called atheists killing Christians in the name of - you guessed it! - Communism! Communism is nothing but a competing religion, and has been trying to wipe out Christianity for a long time, because Communism cannot exist alongside Christianity, although it does seem to overlay nicely with islam, which would go far in explaining how the global leftist movement is hand in glove with islamic terroristm, although the two appear on the surface to be ideologically different. Scratch a militant Atheist, (notice the capitalization), and you'll find a leftard every time, but there are plenty of us just like me, who cherish our culture, history, and civilization, and respect the rights of our fellow man, and ask, nothing more in return.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 24, 2006 05:06 AM (0yYS2)

17 Oh, I almost forgot to post on the original topic. I wonder how long it will take for the muslims to start crying about how the Christians in Nigeria are oppressing them, and calling for a jihad against them? I wish I could afford to take off for six months and go there on a little safari.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 24, 2006 05:10 AM (0yYS2)

18 IM, but you said that a true atheist cannot be an ideologue, and I beg to differ. Man needs to believe in something, so remove religion from the mix and an atheist will fill the void with an ideology. Your best hope is only that the ideology you choose is a good one.

Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at February 24, 2006 03:00 PM (8e/V4)

19 I guess you could consider a love of liberty and the Constitution to be an ideology, because that's all I've got. I'm not really into "isms", and neither are any of the true atheists that I know, we just like being free people in a free country, even if many of our fellow citizens act like ignorant assholes toward us sometimes.

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 25, 2006 08:00 AM (0yYS2)

20 IM, your ideology is called patriotISM. It's a fine ideology.

Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at February 25, 2006 10:42 AM (8e/V4)

21 i think it's time for all the christians of the world to have a re-awakening to the true nature of christ.regardless of what the leftist , hippy infiltraters of the church of england would lead us to believe ; christ was not some pioneer woodstock wannabe in a white nighty. lets remember the over looked qoutes ; ' i did not come to bring peace to the world , but a sword.'. ' if you do not have a sword ; sell your cloak and buy one' and he also tells use that if anyone causes others to sin , it would be better to tie a large millstone around the persons neck and drown them in the sea. i think the christian brothers of nigeria are not ashamed of these more uncomfortable and challanging aspects of christs earthly ministry. armed self defence and the execution of thoughs that act as an impediment to the greater peace and as emermies of gods people, is totally justified. god bless the christians of nigeria.

Posted by: josiah at March 04, 2006 10:35 AM (0FZ2t)

22 i think it's time for all the christians of the world to have a re-awakening to the true nature of christ.regardless of what the leftist , hippy infiltraters of the church of england would lead us to believe ; christ was not some pioneer woodstock wannabe in a white nighty. lets remember the over looked qoutes ; ' i did not come to bring peace to the world , but a sword.'. ' if you do not have a sword ; sell your cloak and buy one' and he also tells use that if anyone causes others to sin , it would be better to tie a large millstone around the persons neck and drown them in the sea. i think the christian brothers of nigeria are not ashamed of these more uncomfortable and challanging aspects of christs earthly ministry. armed self defence and the execution of thoughs that act as an impediment to the greater peace and as emermies of gods people, is totally justified. god bless the christians of nigeria.

Posted by: josiah at March 04, 2006 10:35 AM (0FZ2t)

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Michelle Malkin's website was down for most of the morning, presumably due to a Denial of Service attack from hackers. The site was back up as of around 10:30, when Malkin posted, noting that the FBI had been informed of the attack.

In an update posted at Pajamas Media, where Malkin rode out the attack, she notes that investigators have confirmed a DoS attack, apparently originating in Turkey.

Also posted at The Dread Pundit Bluto and Vince Aut Morire.

Posted by: Bluto at 12:16 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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(Los Angeles) Google will be prevented from displaying certain copyrighted thumbnail images according to a U.S. District Court ruling on Friday.

From Breitbart.com:

Internet giant Google Inc. infringed copyright rules by posting thumbnail-size photos from other websites on its search results pages, a US judge said in a ruling issued.

US District Judge Howard Matz's ruling, handed down in Los Angeles, stems from a lawsuit filed in 2004 by the pornography firm Perfect 10 Inc., which accused Google of breaching on its copyrights.

The type of search with which Perfect 10 took issue is Google's "Image Search" function, which returns a page with tiny images -- known as thumbnails -- that fit the searcher's query.

The image search function also allows searchers to view the image as it appears on the page.

The judge ruled that because Google receives advertising money from offering search functions, it is not entitled to the same level of free use of the images as other entities would be.

As the godfather of search engines, I would speculate that Google will be taken to court on a fairly regular basis.

From Interested-Participant.

Posted by: Mike Pechar at 08:22 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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A multi-vehicle crash on the Stevenson Expressway near Stickney, Illinois has prompted an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation.

The investigation was prompted by the $2 million check authorities found in the car of 45-year-old Lafi Nofal the Chicago Tribune says:

Chicago Tribune— The FBI has joined the investigation into a multi-vehicle crash on the Stevenson Expressway after police found a $2 million check, credit cards and other "financial instruments" in the car of one of two people killed, authorities said today.

The items were discovered in the car of a 45-year-old man involved in the crash, which occurred about 11:20 a.m. Wednesday on the outbound Stevenson (Interstate Highway 55) near Stickney, Illinois State Police said.

The man, identified as Lafi Nofal, was flown by helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he died from his injuries hours after the accident, the Cook County medical examiner's office said. ...

CBS2 in Chicago is also covering the story: [ click here ]

WBBM has coverage as well, [ click here ]

Cross-posted at OpinionBug.com

Update:

Lafi Nofal's family talked to CBS2 about Lafi and the FBI's investigation of his financial dealings.

His family told CBS2 that Lafi ran a medical clinic in Puerto Rico where he lived. He was also an entrepeneur, and investor they said. Every 3 to 4 months, Lafi would come to the U.S. to conduct business then return to Puerto Rico. His family lives on the West Bank where he was building a house.

CBS2 says the FBI is still involved.

Source: CBS2

Posted by: OpinionBug at 08:05 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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...lies with the likes of Muslihoon.

No particular post to link to. Just read it all.

Besides, how can you not love a Muslim that dares say this:

Now, if a Christian were to enter Mecca and leave a cross/crucifix/Bible - ah, that's an interesting issue. (We'd do it, except We might be killed. Even if We were not, many thousands of innocent Christians and Westerners might be in the raging flames of the Muslims' reaction.)

If I were a Muslim, I'd be Muslihoon.

God is great, indeed.

Posted by: Vinnie at 03:43 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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I'll be participating in a second conference call about Able Danger tonight. Representative Curt Weldon will update bloggers on the latest developments and take questions. This is a follow-up to this call with Mark Zaid, who represents Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and others. The call is scheduled for 6PM ET and will last for about an hour and a half, so I may have something to post about it later in the evening.

Both calls were arranged by Mike Kaspar of the Able Danger Blog.

Also posted at The Dread Pundit Bluto and Vince Aut Morire.

Posted by: Bluto at 01:52 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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How ironic is THIS?

IP Address (removed by Vinnie, cuz I'm nice)
Country Indonesia
Region Jawa Timur (djawa Timur)
City Surabaya
ISP Pt. Telekomunikasi Indonesia
Returning Visits 1
Visit Length 0 seconds

Those are from my stats, not Rusty's though. Still......I got a laugh from it.

Posted by: Vinnie at 11:48 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Normally, Derbyshire is a tad glum for me, but I can't disagree with this.

Posted by: Vinnie at 06:18 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I need a break. Seriously. I'm going to take the next few days off.

Posted by: Rusty at 05:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Bill from INDC has a great post on strategy in winning the war against terror. He's right. Yes, you heard me, he's 100% right. It doesn't mean that my earlier post on Islam as the root ideology which we are fighting is wrong, but only that as a matter of strategy, it is irrelevant.

Muslims are not children. They are adults. As such, they understand that, as I stated in my previous post:

Alliances are relationsips based on mutual interests.

To think of an ally as a friend is to misunderstand the basis of a relationship. Indeed, much political theory has been devoted to arguing that nations cannot have friends, only allies. This is the core of most modern international relations theory, as I understand it, which is rooted in one branch or another of realism.

Neocons, in my view, are just another branch of realism which see the long term interests of the United States being tied to the state of freedom in other countries. So the term "ally" should be a term familiar to them.

Posted by: Rusty at 04:28 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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