Halliburton, revenge and cronies aren't on the agenda for you, huh? Could it be that college students are actually in good hands with appropriate dissonance? If it's Aaron? The answer is always.........yes.
Summit Calls For Moderation in U.S.-Muslim World Relations (Click on)
...Various panelists addressed the specific problems surrounding Iraq, Afghanistan, Abu Ghraib, and the Arab-Israeli conflict at different times during the summit.
Aaron Brown, former host of CNN's NewsNight and the keynote speaker at the summit, said that after 9-11, "whatever goodwill we had around the world, whatever sense of national unity and purpose we had at home, was squandered in the way we went to war with Iraq."...
Friday, September 22, 2006
More gossip from the UN - Little information about policy. While at the Clinton gathering it was nothing but policy and impowerment
1002
I wouldn't call Bush by such names as Cowboy and Former Drunk. I'd just call him a loser. President Chavez is right about that. The American Indian genocide. It's true. The USA Calvary almost wiped them out.
Those statements were positively temperate compared with the reaction among administration allies. Sen. Jim Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, accused the New York Times of "treason." Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, asked the U.S. attorney general to launch a criminal investigation of the paper. On June 29, the House of Representatives voted 227-to-183 to condemn the publication of classified information and to urge news organizations' cooperation in the war on terror. In early August, Sen. Kit Bond, a Missouri Republican, introduced a bill that would criminalize the unauthorized disclosure of classified information.
I wouldn't call Bush by such names as Cowboy and Former Drunk. I'd just call him a loser. President Chavez is right about that. The American Indian genocide. It's true. The USA Calvary almost wiped them out.
1013
I won't call the American Press a free press exactly. I do believe there are a few journalists in jail these days.
Judgment Calls
http://www.ajr.org/Article.asp?id=4185
How top editors decide whether to publish national security stories based on classified information
By Rachel Smolkin Rachel Smolkin
(rsmolkin@ajr.umd.edu) is AJR's managing editor.
The outcry over decisions by major newspapers to disclose the Bush administration's secret monitoring of international banking transactions was fast and furious.
Although the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post also published articles describing efforts to trace the financial records of suspected terrorists, the New York Times broke the story on the Web and bore the brunt of the outrage. The administration had asked the New York Times and L.A. Times not to publish. But both papers ultimately decided to anyway, posting their pieces the evening of June 22 and publishing them on page one the following day.
The clash between the First Amendment's guarantee of a free press and the patriotic duty to protect American lives and uphold national security puts the media in an uncomfortable position. For the second time in six months, the New York Times had infuriated the administration by exposing a secret program in the war on terror. The piece followed a December 16 story disclosing the National Security Agency's warrantless eavesdropping inside the United States. In that instance, too, the administration had pleaded with the Times to withhold publication. But after delaying for more than a year to conduct additional reporting, the Times published the article--and won a Pulitzer Prize for it.
On June 26, President Bush condemned the global banking records story. "Congress was briefed," he said, answering questions from reporters. "And what we did was fully authorized under the law. And the disclosure of this program is disgraceful. We're at war with a bunch of people who want to hurt the United States of America, and for people to leak that program, and for a newspaper to publish it, does great harm to the United States of America."
Vice President Dick Cheney weighed in more pointedly the next day. "Some in the press, in particular the New York Times, have made the job of defending against further terrorist attacks more difficult by insisting on publishing detailed information about vital national security programs," Cheney said in a June 27 speech. He called the Times' Pulitzer for its NSA story "a disgrace."
Those statements were positively temperate compared with the reaction among administration allies. Sen. Jim Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, accused the New York Times of "treason." Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, asked the U.S. attorney general to launch a criminal investigation of the paper. On June 29, the House of Representatives voted 227-to-183 to condemn the publication of classified information and to urge news organizations' cooperation in the war on terror. In early August, Sen. Kit Bond, a Missouri Republican, introduced a bill that would criminalize the unauthorized disclosure of classified information.
The punditry was even more vociferous. On June 28, San Francisco talk show host Melanie Morgan told the San Francisco Chronicle that New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller should be jailed for treason for approving publication of the banking records story. "If he were to be tried and convicted of treason, yes, I would have no problem with him being sent to the gas chamber," Morgan told the Chronicle. "It is about revealing classified secrets in the time of war. And the media has got to take responsibility for revealing classified information that is putting American lives at risk." ...
... Describing their calculus for weighing whether to publish, editors cite an imprecise combination of case-by-case evaluations, a balancing test of public interest versus national security, and, ultimately, some reliance on their gut. "It starts with instinct," Bradlee says. ...
1027
There is some question about the actual statements by Nikita Khrushchev and where and when he stated them. This is an entry from Wikipedia. I realize people challenge the source many times, but, this would have been a glaring error on their part, so I think it has some brevity.
We will bury you
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev famously used an expression generally translated into English as "We will bury you!" ("Мы вас похороним!", transliterated as My vas pokhoronim!) while addressing Western ambassadors at reception in Moscow in November, 1956. [1] The translation has been controversial because it was presented as being belligerent out of context. The phrase may well have been intended to mean the Soviet Union would outlast the West, as a more complete version of the quote reads: "Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you" - a meaning more akin to "we will attend your funeral" than "we shall cause your funeral".
Several online sources incorrectly claim that he made this statement at the United Nations General Assembly on October 11, 1960, when he is said to have pounded the table with his shoe, or with an extra shoe he had brought with him explicitly for that purpose. [2] (Occasionally these incorrect reports give the date October 12, the date this incident was reported in most newspapers.)
Speaking some years later in Yugoslavia, Khrushchev himself remarked, "I once said, 'We will bury you,' and I got into trouble with it. Of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you" [3], a nod to the popular Marxist saying, "The proletariat is the undertaker of capitalism." Khrushchev later went on to explain that socialism would supplant capitalism in the same manner that capitalism itself supplanted feudalism.
1030
Even Time Magazine has it reported differently than David Gergen stated it. Sorry, Anderson, you lose.
"We Will Bury You!"
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,867329,00.html
Posted Monday, Nov. 26, 1956At the final reception for Poland's visiting Gomulka, stubby Nikita Khrushchev planted himself firmly with the Kremlin's whole hierarchy at his back, and faced the diplomats of the West, and the satellites, with an intemperate speech that betrayed as much as it threatened.
"We are Bolsheviks!" he declared pugnaciously. "We stick firmly to the Lenin precept—don't be stubborn if you see you are wrong, but don't give in if you are right." "When are you right?" interjected First Deputy Premier Mikoyan—and the crowd laughed. Nikita plunged on, turning to the Western diplomats. "About the capitalist states, it doesn't depend on you whether or not we exist. If you don't like us. don't accept our invitations, and don't invite us to come to see you. Whether you like it or not. history is on our side. We will bury you!"
1033
Death Squads? Or Defense Squads?
Iraq torture report by UN angers Washington
By Tim Reid of The Times in Washington
The Bush Administration angrily rejected a claim by a United Nations official today that more Iraqis are being tortured now than when Saddam Hussein was in power.
Manfred Nowak, the UN's chief anti-torture campaigner, has never been to Iraq but said he based his claim on interviews with people in Amman, Jordan and other sources.
"What most people tell you is that the situation as far as torture is concerned now in Iraq is totally out of hand," Mr Nowak said in Geneva.
"The situation is so bad many people say it is worse than it has been in the times of Saddam Hussein."
Nowak, an Austrian law professor, was speaking following a UN report which showed that the number of Iraqi citizens killed in July and August was 6,599, a record-high number.
More than 5,100 were murdered in Baghdad and many victims had been tortured. Violent civilian deaths in July reached an unprecedented 3,590, an average of more than 100 a day.
A State Department official in Washington, asked about Professor Nowak's comments, told The Times: "How anyone could compare state-sanctioned torture under a dictator to the situation today is beyond us.
"We definitely don't agree with his remarks. We don't agree with his assessment of the situation at all."
According to the UN report, torture is rampant in Iraqi detention centres and in sectarian killings across the country.
Bodies found in the Baghdad morgue "often bear signs of severe torture including acid-induced injuries and burns caused by chemical substances, missing skin, broken bones - back, hands and legs - missing eyes, missing teeth and wound caused by power drill or nails," the report said.
"You have terrorist groups, you have the military, you have police, you have these militias. There are so many people who are actually abducted, seriously tortured and finally killed," Mr Nowak said.
"It’s not just torture by the government. There are much more brutal methods of torture you’ll find by private militias," he added.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2368770,00.html
1037
Just a repeat of last night. Ho-hum. Waiting for the punch line in the second hour.
1114
President Chavez is winning over the world. The interesting part is that he really means it. He feels 'the threat' of Bush's administration and military and isn't about to take it lying down. He is providing the impetus to contain Bush. He just might.
The USA Near Borders in two years, I suggest the people of the USA turn their country around and soon.
Top U.S. Leader On S. America Warns Against Venezuela
September 21, 2006 6:35 p.m. EST
Matthew Borghese - All Headline News Staff Writer
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A U.S. military commander says Venezuela's leader Hugo Chavez continues to export political instability to Latin America.
Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, the outgoing head of U.S. Southern Command, which oversees South America, says Chavez has become "bigger than a nuisance."
"I think there's an exporting of instability coming out of Venezuela. I think it's unfortunate. There's a glut of money there from oil. Money talks in a lot of parts of the world. It buys things, influence."
According to the Pentagon, Craddock's comments came on the same day Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called President Bush "a devil" during a speech to the U.N. General Assembly. The general said the United States should take such inflammatory speeches seriously.
Improving relations between Venezuela and Iran is also "of concern." The General adds, "We have to watch that."
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004940286
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez boosts heating oil program for U.S. poor
Ian James, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, September 21, 2006
NEW YORK (AP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visited a Harlem church Thursday and promised to more than double the amount of discounted heating oil his country ships to needy Americans, while he also took another sharp swipe at U.S. President George W. Bush.
A day after he called Bush "the devil" in a speech to the UN General Assembly, Chavez said of the president: "He's an alcoholic and a sick man."
Chavez received a round of applause from the crowd at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, which included activists and other supporters as well as actor Danny Glover.
Bush has acknowledged that he had a drinking problem when he was young but gave up alcohol 20 years ago.
Chavez also called Bush's policies in Iraq criminal, adding he hopes Americans will before long "awaken" and elect a better president. The Venezuelan leader said that while he opposes Bush, the American people "are our friends."
Some in the church laughed and applauded when Chavez compared Bush to the cowboy movie icon John Wayne.
Chavez also announced that Citgo, the U.S.-based refining arm of Venezuela's state-run oil company, plans to more than double the amount of discounted heating oil it is offering Americans this winter to 380 million litres, up from 150 million litres.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=d7785063-3c00-454f-a59d-d3f2a23d7668&k=38778
CHAVEZ'S ANTI-U.S. FERVOR
Emerging force among nonaligned nations
Robert Collier, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, September 21, 2006
He pops up almost everywhere -- Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America and this week at the United Nations, denouncing U.S. policy with revolutionary fervor.
Like a recurring bad dream for the Bush administration, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is molding himself into one of the world's most pre-eminent anti-American leaders.
Days before he addressed the United Nations -- where he called President Bush the devil Wednesday -- Chavez hosted the equally anti-American Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Caracas. They cemented an increasingly close alliance by signing more than 20 trade and investment deals, and Chavez promised to cut off oil supplies to the United States in the event of a U.S. military attack on Iran.
At last week's summit in Cuba of the 116-nation Non-Aligned Movement, Chavez emerged as the heir apparent of the movement's longtime patron, the ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro. However, Chavez has something Castro never had -- huge oil revenues that will last for decades to come.
"Unlike Castro, who depended on the Soviet Union, Chavez is completely independent economically, which gives him a large margin to maneuver," said Luis Lander, a professor of social sciences at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas.
Although Chavez came to power in 1999, his global influence has expanded dramatically in the past two years as his oil revenues boomed. He is pouring aid into leftist allies Cuba and Bolivia, providing discounted oil to Caribbean and Central American nations, buying high-tech weaponry from Russia and even spreading Venezuelan wealth around western Africa. If Venezuela succeeds in its attempt to gain a two-year rotating seat on the U.N. Security Council, Chavez will have a big new megaphone on the global stage.
"Chavez is wildly popular in places where you wouldn't imagine people had even heard of him," said Carlos Mendoza, who was Venezuela's ambassador to Russia until last year and previously was ambassador to Saudi Arabia. "In the (Persian) Gulf states, for example, everyone knows who he is, they admire him and love him."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/09/21/MNGPDL9LS51.DTL
enough
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The Nuclear War Presidents
Unfortunately Bush already has them, otherwise the world would be placing sanctions on him.
1006
Anderson has green hair now. Seriously. It's green. I guess it reflects the amount of expertise in journalism he has.
I can understand the confusion by the Iranian President about the Holocaust and why the Jewish people aren't in Germany. He can't or won't see the Justice in Jewish people having a homeland in the Middle East when they were from Europe. He doesn't connect the 'history' of the Hebrews in territories of the Middle East. He also wants the world to realize the injustice of 'the times' when Israel was carved out of those territories. The injustice that is of Palestine. Palestine was a nation of nomads. But, today they are a nation of people. They are being treated seriously today as the Jewish were after the Holocaust. There really is no sincere reason for his anger about Palestine. Nor the Jews.
He has much empathy for the Palestinians but none for Israel to realize they have suffered greatly as well, just less in modern times. He truncates the past, the history, the heritage of the Hebrews in order to justify hatred. That is unfortunate. It reveals perhaps a racial bigotry or perhaps even more a man that is unaware of the profound need to respect history and it's importance in the present. The Hebrews are home. Israel is correct to be where it is. The reality that Palestine is a nation of focal areas of Israel is to realize the past of very ancient times when Rome first caused such atrocities that drove native peoples from the region to seek safety. He stated there are Jews in Palestine as well. That should also bring a clear reality to the roots of the region and why it is correct for the Palestinians and Jews to live together as they did millenium ago. It is odd that today they are still at war with each other when their shared enemy, the Romans, have long since died away.
The Iranian President didn't think much of you, Anderson.
Where is the coverage about the Western USA fires?
Well, Andy's hair was green. It was in the interview.
1032
Day Fire
Area: 84,035 acres
(5% increase from yesterday)
Location: Ventura county, CA - SW of Pyramid Lake @ Piru Creek
Cause: Human
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Jeanne Pincha-Tulley
15.0% Contained
Fuels: Heavy Mixed Brush With Scattered Timber.
1006
Anderson has green hair now. Seriously. It's green. I guess it reflects the amount of expertise in journalism he has.
I can understand the confusion by the Iranian President about the Holocaust and why the Jewish people aren't in Germany. He can't or won't see the Justice in Jewish people having a homeland in the Middle East when they were from Europe. He doesn't connect the 'history' of the Hebrews in territories of the Middle East. He also wants the world to realize the injustice of 'the times' when Israel was carved out of those territories. The injustice that is of Palestine. Palestine was a nation of nomads. But, today they are a nation of people. They are being treated seriously today as the Jewish were after the Holocaust. There really is no sincere reason for his anger about Palestine. Nor the Jews.
He has much empathy for the Palestinians but none for Israel to realize they have suffered greatly as well, just less in modern times. He truncates the past, the history, the heritage of the Hebrews in order to justify hatred. That is unfortunate. It reveals perhaps a racial bigotry or perhaps even more a man that is unaware of the profound need to respect history and it's importance in the present. The Hebrews are home. Israel is correct to be where it is. The reality that Palestine is a nation of focal areas of Israel is to realize the past of very ancient times when Rome first caused such atrocities that drove native peoples from the region to seek safety. He stated there are Jews in Palestine as well. That should also bring a clear reality to the roots of the region and why it is correct for the Palestinians and Jews to live together as they did millenium ago. It is odd that today they are still at war with each other when their shared enemy, the Romans, have long since died away.
The Iranian President didn't think much of you, Anderson.
Where is the coverage about the Western USA fires?
Well, Andy's hair was green. It was in the interview.
1032
Day Fire
Area: 84,035 acres
(5% increase from yesterday)
Location: Ventura county, CA - SW of Pyramid Lake @ Piru Creek
Cause: Human
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Jeanne Pincha-Tulley
15.0% Contained
Fuels: Heavy Mixed Brush With Scattered Timber.
Bar Complex Fire
Area: 74,170 acres (4% increase from yesterday)
Location: Trinity county, CA - N & NW of Weaverville, CA
Cause: Lightning
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Molumby/Johnson
39.0% Contained
Expected Containment: Oct 15, 2006
Fuels: Nffl Fuel Models 6, 8, & 10. Heavy Loading Of 1000 Hr. Fuels From Past Fires And Non-fire (bug Kill) Mortality In The Areas Surrounding The Fires Exists.
Rattlesnake Complex Fire
Area: 44,904 acres (0% increase from yesterday)
Location: VALLEY county, ID - 13 MILES NE OF GARDEN VALLEY
Cause: Lightning
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Rowdy Muir
75.0% Contained
Expected Containment: Oct 15, 2006
Fuels: Fuel Models 2,8,9,10 Sub-alpine Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine And Grass
Red Mountain Fire
Area: 35,482 acres (0% increase from yesterday)
Location: Boise county, ID - 16 miles northeast of Lowman, Idaho
Cause: Human
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Paul Broyles
95.0% Contained
Expected Containment: Oct 1, 2006
Fuels: Subalpine Fire And Lodgepole Pine.
The Derby Fire
Area: 234,000 acres (0% increase from yesterday)
Location: Sweet Grs/Stlwtr/Par county, MT - 15 miles south of Big Timber, MT
Cause: Lightning
Team Type: 1
Team Leader: Chuck Stanich
90.0% Contained
Expected Containment: Oct 15, 2006
Fuels: Combination Of Fuel Models 8,2, And 10.
enough
It took less than three minutes for Andy to get to the nuclear weapon argument ...
... it took Paula Zahn a whole lot less than that. She even ventured into launching weapons against Iran.
The world is talking about sanctions and these idiots are putting 'Iraq II' before the public as if it's a reality.
To speak to a 'timely' issue based in reality we have to turn to The Arab News. Kyoto is not about completely replacing oil energy resources, it's about limiting it. Limiting enough to stop the deadly trend and reverse it to a tolerable level that doesn't destroy Earth's icecaps. It's the icecaps that provide a livable planet.
Kingdom Supports Kyoto, but ‘Green Power’ Can’t Meet Demand: Al-Naimi
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=86830&d=20&m=9&y=2006
RIYADH, 20 September 2006 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman called on the business community yesterday to take advantage of opportunities that await them in the energy sector, especially in the area of clean development mechanism (CDM), which provides a new investment avenue. The governor made his remarks while inaugurating the three-day first international conference on CDM organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources here last night.
CDM is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol that allows for industrialized countries to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases not by reducing their own emissions but by investing in the construction of modernized, energy-efficient technologies in developing countries.
1008
Gergan hasn't said anything worthwhile yet. As if Bush is the only leader in the world that can speak harshly about other countries. Jerks.
Carolina's Kristi Eveland Named ACC Player Of The Week Freshman was named Defensive MVP of Duke adidas Classic.
Eveland was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the tournament as the Tar Heels posted shutouts in back-to-back games beating Marquette 2-0 and Florida 1-0 to improve to 8-1 on the season. The freshman from Southlake, Texas anchored a defensive effort which limited the competition to just four shots, two of which were on goal, over the weekend.
In Friday's contest against Marquette, North Carolina outshot the Golden Eagles 21-1 and followed that performance by outshooting the Gators 14-3 on Sunday. It was the fifth straight shutout registered by the Tar Heels and the seventh in nine games this year. Eveland has started all nine games for UNC this season, playing in 916 of the team's 920 total minutes.
Eveland and the Tar Heels will open conference play this Thursday, September 21, as North Carolina welcomes Florida State to Chapel Hill in a game shown live on the Fox Soccer Channel at 8:00 pm. The Tar Heels will wrap-up the weekend facing Miami at home on Sunday.
House of Cards: How job loss, lack of education and creative financing steal the dream of home ownership
http://www.yesweekly.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=44&ArticleID=1713&TM=70085.83
He shuffles around the corner clutching a typed notice in his hand, making his way past the Guilford County Clerk of Court's administrative suite and down the long hallway where a continuous bulletin board stretches the length of the wall, subdivided into columns headed with numbers for the day of the month, each one containing a headache-inducing array of sale notices.Wearing a chestnut-colored snap-cap and sensible slacks, heavy black-framed glasses focusing quizzical eyes, 80-year-old Govan Tate looks all of an old-school man of the world, and the stoop in his walk and smooth skin stretched over hollowed cheeks do not detract from his obvious pride. With a curt "excuse me" he positions himself in front of the column marked "13" and examines the notices, glancing from the jumble of papers on the wall to the one in his hand. After a moment he shakes his head and walks down to the end of the hallway and back before accepting the assistance of a stranger.
Suicide, homicide ruled out in death of Anna Nicole Smith's son
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20060919-1330-annanicolesmith-son.html
By Michael Melia
ASSOCIATED PRESS
1:30 p.m. September 19, 2006
NASSAU, Bahamas – More than a week after her son mysteriously died beside her hospital bed, Anna Nicole Smith remained out of sight in the Bahamas as officials said only that his death was not a suicide or homicide.
With toxicology tests pending, the official cause may not be publicly known before a jury inquest starting Oct. 23. The 38-year-old former reality TV star, who gave birth to a baby girl three days before her son's death, is expected to be summoned.
Daniel Smith, 20, died the morning of Sept. 10. By all accounts, he flew into the Bahamas the night before and went directly to the private Nassau Doctors Hospital, where staff saw him tending to his mother and newborn half-sister in the hours before his death.
Two autopsies – one by the Bahamas coroner's office, another by celebrity pathologist Cyril Wecht – have ruled out suicide, foul play and several potential natural causes. Both have sought further tests to detect drugs or chemicals.
Wecht, who was hired by Anna Nicole Smith to perform a follow-up autopsy, said Daniel had been taking a “quite low” dosage of prescription anti-depression medication.
Frank Rich on Global Warming
The Cannes Landslide for Al Gore
By FRANK RICH
LET it never be said that the Democrats don't believe in anything. They still believe in Hollywood and they still believe in miracles. Witness the magical mystery comeback tour of Al Gore.
Like Michael Moore's ''Fahrenheit 9/11'' before it, Mr. Gore's new documentary about global warming, ''An Inconvenient Truth,'' has wowed the liberal caucus at Cannes (who needs landlocked Iowa?) and fueled fantasies of political victory back home. ''Al Gore Takes Cannes by Storm -- Will the Oval Office Be Next?'' Arianna Huffington asks on her blog, reporting that the former vice president was hotter on the Croisette than Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis and Penelope Cruz. In a ''fantasy'' presidential poll on the liberal Web site Daily Kos, Mr. Gore racks up a landslide 68 percent, with the closest also-ran, Russ Feingold, at 15. Liberal Washington pundits wonder whether the wonkishness that seemed off-putting in 2000 may actually be a virtue. In choosing a president, Margaret Carlson writes on Bloomberg.com, maybe ''we should give a rest to that old saw about likeability.''
Still, the unexpected rebirth of Al Gore says more about the desperation of the Democrats than it does about him. He is most of all the beneficiary of a perfect storm of events, the right man in the right place at the right time. It was just after Mr. Gore appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'' to kick off his movie's publicity campaign that long-rumbling discontent with the party's presumptive (if unannounced) presidential front-runner, Hillary Clinton, boiled over. Last week both New York magazine and The New Yorker ran lead articles quoting party insiders who described a Clinton candidacy in 2008 as a pox tantamount to avian flu. The Times jumped in with a front-page remembrance of headlines past: a dissection of the Clinton marriage.
If Senator Clinton is the Antichrist, might not it be time for a resurrected messiah to inherit (and save) the earth? Enter Mr. Gore, celebrated by New York on its cover as ''The Un-Hillary.''
There's a certain logic to this. Mrs. Clinton does look like a weak candidate -- not so much because of her marriage, her gender or her liberalism, but because of her eagerness to fudge her stands on anything and everything to appeal to any and all potential voters. Where once she inspired passions pro and con, now she often induces apathy. Her most excited constituency seems to be the right-wing pundits who still hope to make a killing with books excoriating her. At least eight fresh titles are listed at Amazon.com, including my own personal favorite, ''Liberal Fascism: The Totalitarian Temptation From Mussolini to Hillary Clinton.'' (Why settle for Il Duce when you can go for Hitler?)
Since no crowd-pleasing Democratic challenger has emerged at this early date to disrupt Mrs. Clinton's presumed coronation, the newly crowned movie star who won the popular vote in 2000 is the quick fix. Better the defeated devil the Democrats know than the losers they don't. Besides, there are at least two strong arguments in favor of Mr. Gore. He was way ahead of the Washington curve, not just on greenhouse gases but on another issue far more pressing than Mrs. Clinton's spirited crusade to stamp out flag burning: Iraq.
An anti-Hussein hawk who was among the rare Senate Democrats to vote for the first gulf war, Mr. Gore forecast the disasters lying in wait for the second when he spoke out at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Sept. 23, 2002. He saw that the administration was jumping ''from one unfinished task to another'' and risked letting Afghanistan destabilize and Osama bin Laden flee. He saw that the White House was recklessly putting politics over policy by hurrying a Congressional war resolution before the midterm elections (and before securing international support). Most important, he noticed then that the administration had ''not said much of anything'' about ''what would follow regime change.'' He imagined how ''chaos in the aftermath of a military victory in Iraq could easily pose a far greater danger to the United States than we presently face from Saddam.''
At the time, the White House professed to ignore Mr. Gore's speech, but on cue in the next five days Condoleezza Rice, Ari Fleischer, Donald Rumsfeld and the president all stepped up the hype of what Mr. Rumsfeld falsely called ''bulletproof'' evidence of links between Saddam and Al Qaeda. Democratic leaders in Congress, meanwhile, blew off Mr. Gore for fear that talk of Iraq might distract the electorate from all those compelling domestic issues that would guarantee victory in the midterms. (That brilliant strategy cost Democrats the Senate.) On CNN, a representative from The New Republic, a frequent Gore cheerleader, reported that ''the vast majority of the staff'' condemned his speech as ''the bitter rantings of a guy who is being politically motivated and disingenuous in his arguments.''
But in truth, as with global warming, Mr. Gore's stands on Iraq (both in 1991 and 2002) were manifestations of leadership -- the single attribute most missing from the current Democrats with presidential ambitions. Of the potential candidates for 2008, only Senator Feingold raised similar questions about the war so articulately so early. The Gore stand on the environment, though still rejected by the president and his oil-industry base, has become a bipartisan cause: 86 evangelical Christian leaders broke with the administration's do-nothing policy in February.
If this were the whole picture, Mr. Gore would seem the perfect antidote to the Democrats' ills. But it's not. The less flattering aspect of Mr. Gore has not gone away: the cautious and contrived presidential candidate who, like Mrs. Clinton now, was so in thrall to consultants that he ran away from his own administration's record and muted his views, even about pet subjects like science. (He waffled on the teaching of creationism in August 1999, after the Kansas Board of Education struck down the teaching of evolution.) That Gore is actually accentuated, not obscured, by ''An Inconvenient Truth.'' The more hard-hitting his onscreen slide show about global warming, the more he reminds you of how much less he focused on the issue in 2000. Gore the uninhibited private citizen is not the same as Gore the timid candidate.
Though many of the rave reviews don't mention it, there are also considerable chunks of ''An Inconvenient Truth'' that are more about hawking Mr. Gore's image than his cause. They also bring back unflattering memories of him as a politician. The movie contains no other voices that might upstage him, not even those of scientists supporting his argument. It is instead larded with sycophantic audiences, as meticulously multicultural as any Benetton ad, who dote on every word and laugh at every joke, like the studio audience at ''Live With Regis and Kelly.''
We are also treated to a heavy-handed, grainy glimpse of Katherine Harris, Michael Moore-style, and are reminded that Mr. Gore is not a rigid blue-state N.R.A. foe (he shows us where he shot his rifle as a farm kid in Tennessee). There's even an ingenious bit of fearmongering to go head to head with the Republicans' exploitation of 9/11: in a worst-case climactic scenario, we're told, the World Trade Center memorial ''would be under water.'' Given so blatant a political context, the film's big emotional digressions -- Mr. Gore's tragic near-loss of his young son and the death of his revered older sister from lung cancer -- are as discomforting as they were in his 1992 and 1996 convention speeches.
If ''An Inconvenient Truth'' isn't actually a test drive for a presidential run, it's the biggest tease since Colin Powell encouraged speculation about his political aspirations during his 1995 book tour. Mr. Gore's nondenial denials about his ambitions (he has ''no plans'' to run) are Clintonesque. Told by John Heilemann of New York magazine that his movie sometimes feels like a campaign film, Mr. Gore gives a disingenuous answer that triggers an instant flashback to his equivocation about weightier matters during the 2000 debates: ''Audiences don't see the movie as political. Paramount did a number of focus-group screenings, and that was very clear.'' You want to scream: stop this man before he listens to a focus group again!
Even so, let's hope Mr. Gore runs. He may not be able to pull off the Nixon-style comeback of some bloggers' fantasies, but by pounding away on his best issues, he could at the very least play the role of an Adlai Stevenson or Wendell Willkie, patriotically goading the national debate onto higher ground. ''I think the war looms over everything,'' said Karl Rove this month in bemoaning his boss's poll numbers. It looms over the Democrats, too. But the party's leaders would rather let John Murtha take the heat on Iraq; they don't even have the guts to endorse tougher fuel economy standards in their ''new'' energy policy. While a Gore candidacy could not single-handedly save the Democrats from themselves any more than his movie can vanquish ''X-Men'' at the multiplex, it might at least force the party powers that be to start facing some inconvenient but necessary truths.
1021
Any country that takes CNN off the aire has my loyalty.
Everyone is excited about Katie on CBS, but, one is talking about Rosie except Chuck Scarborough.
Rosie O'Donnell's Lively 'View' Debut
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500574.html
Rosie O'Donnell's Lively 'View' Debut
By FRAZIER MOOREThe Associated PressTuesday, September 5, 2006; 2:16 PM
NEW YORK -- "My name is Meredith Vieira, and welcome to 'The View,'" said Rosie O'Donnell, introducing herself _ as if that were necessary _ on the ABC women's chat show Tuesday.
Filling the moderator slot vacated in June by Vieira (who went to NBC's "Today" show), O'Donnell was greeted by a rousing standing ovation from the studio audience. And she coyly suggested that her longtime crush, Tom Cruise, had sent the huge flower arrangement on the floor beside her.
1026
Union takes issue with state's performance pay rules for teachers
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/LOCAL/209190327/1078/news
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Education Association is challenging state guidelines for developing local teacher performance pay plans because they were written without going through required rule-making procedures, officials of the statewide teachers union said Monday.The union contends the Florida Department of Education has cut teachers out of the guideline-writing process for the new program dubbed Special Teachers are Rewarded, or STAR. The challenge is aimed at invalidating several interpretations of the plan the department has made."Through proper rule-making, all parties have an opportunity to address concerns, identify problems and perhaps arrive at a workable solution," union general counsel Pam Cooper said in a statement.Gov. Jeb Bush said teachers have had an ample opportunity to be heard in hearings held around the state."Basically the union does not want to pay teachers over and above the increases that we've given them on an annual basis for performance based on student learning," Gov. Jeb Bush said.
Union president Andy Ford said his group doesn't oppose the concept of performance pay, a form of merit pay that gives more money to those teachers deemed to be doing a better job than their peers. It is premature, though, until all Florida teachers can be paid a salary at or above the national average, Ford said.
1029
The world is talking about sanctions and these idiots are putting 'Iraq II' before the public as if it's a reality.
To speak to a 'timely' issue based in reality we have to turn to The Arab News. Kyoto is not about completely replacing oil energy resources, it's about limiting it. Limiting enough to stop the deadly trend and reverse it to a tolerable level that doesn't destroy Earth's icecaps. It's the icecaps that provide a livable planet.
Kingdom Supports Kyoto, but ‘Green Power’ Can’t Meet Demand: Al-Naimi
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=86830&d=20&m=9&y=2006
RIYADH, 20 September 2006 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman called on the business community yesterday to take advantage of opportunities that await them in the energy sector, especially in the area of clean development mechanism (CDM), which provides a new investment avenue. The governor made his remarks while inaugurating the three-day first international conference on CDM organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources here last night.
CDM is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol that allows for industrialized countries to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases not by reducing their own emissions but by investing in the construction of modernized, energy-efficient technologies in developing countries.
1008
Gergan hasn't said anything worthwhile yet. As if Bush is the only leader in the world that can speak harshly about other countries. Jerks.
Carolina's Kristi Eveland Named ACC Player Of The Week Freshman was named Defensive MVP of Duke adidas Classic.
http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/stories/091806abj.html
Sept. 18, 2006
GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina's Kristi Eveland was tabbed Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week after leading the Tar Heels to a pair of wins at the 2006 Duke adidas Classic in Durham, N.C., this past weekend.
Eveland was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the tournament as the Tar Heels posted shutouts in back-to-back games beating Marquette 2-0 and Florida 1-0 to improve to 8-1 on the season. The freshman from Southlake, Texas anchored a defensive effort which limited the competition to just four shots, two of which were on goal, over the weekend.
In Friday's contest against Marquette, North Carolina outshot the Golden Eagles 21-1 and followed that performance by outshooting the Gators 14-3 on Sunday. It was the fifth straight shutout registered by the Tar Heels and the seventh in nine games this year. Eveland has started all nine games for UNC this season, playing in 916 of the team's 920 total minutes.
Eveland and the Tar Heels will open conference play this Thursday, September 21, as North Carolina welcomes Florida State to Chapel Hill in a game shown live on the Fox Soccer Channel at 8:00 pm. The Tar Heels will wrap-up the weekend facing Miami at home on Sunday.
House of Cards: How job loss, lack of education and creative financing steal the dream of home ownership
http://www.yesweekly.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=44&ArticleID=1713&TM=70085.83
He shuffles around the corner clutching a typed notice in his hand, making his way past the Guilford County Clerk of Court's administrative suite and down the long hallway where a continuous bulletin board stretches the length of the wall, subdivided into columns headed with numbers for the day of the month, each one containing a headache-inducing array of sale notices.Wearing a chestnut-colored snap-cap and sensible slacks, heavy black-framed glasses focusing quizzical eyes, 80-year-old Govan Tate looks all of an old-school man of the world, and the stoop in his walk and smooth skin stretched over hollowed cheeks do not detract from his obvious pride. With a curt "excuse me" he positions himself in front of the column marked "13" and examines the notices, glancing from the jumble of papers on the wall to the one in his hand. After a moment he shakes his head and walks down to the end of the hallway and back before accepting the assistance of a stranger.
Suicide, homicide ruled out in death of Anna Nicole Smith's son
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20060919-1330-annanicolesmith-son.html
By Michael Melia
ASSOCIATED PRESS
1:30 p.m. September 19, 2006
NASSAU, Bahamas – More than a week after her son mysteriously died beside her hospital bed, Anna Nicole Smith remained out of sight in the Bahamas as officials said only that his death was not a suicide or homicide.
With toxicology tests pending, the official cause may not be publicly known before a jury inquest starting Oct. 23. The 38-year-old former reality TV star, who gave birth to a baby girl three days before her son's death, is expected to be summoned.
Daniel Smith, 20, died the morning of Sept. 10. By all accounts, he flew into the Bahamas the night before and went directly to the private Nassau Doctors Hospital, where staff saw him tending to his mother and newborn half-sister in the hours before his death.
Two autopsies – one by the Bahamas coroner's office, another by celebrity pathologist Cyril Wecht – have ruled out suicide, foul play and several potential natural causes. Both have sought further tests to detect drugs or chemicals.
Wecht, who was hired by Anna Nicole Smith to perform a follow-up autopsy, said Daniel had been taking a “quite low” dosage of prescription anti-depression medication.
Frank Rich on Global Warming
The Cannes Landslide for Al Gore
By FRANK RICH
LET it never be said that the Democrats don't believe in anything. They still believe in Hollywood and they still believe in miracles. Witness the magical mystery comeback tour of Al Gore.
Like Michael Moore's ''Fahrenheit 9/11'' before it, Mr. Gore's new documentary about global warming, ''An Inconvenient Truth,'' has wowed the liberal caucus at Cannes (who needs landlocked Iowa?) and fueled fantasies of political victory back home. ''Al Gore Takes Cannes by Storm -- Will the Oval Office Be Next?'' Arianna Huffington asks on her blog, reporting that the former vice president was hotter on the Croisette than Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis and Penelope Cruz. In a ''fantasy'' presidential poll on the liberal Web site Daily Kos, Mr. Gore racks up a landslide 68 percent, with the closest also-ran, Russ Feingold, at 15. Liberal Washington pundits wonder whether the wonkishness that seemed off-putting in 2000 may actually be a virtue. In choosing a president, Margaret Carlson writes on Bloomberg.com, maybe ''we should give a rest to that old saw about likeability.''
Still, the unexpected rebirth of Al Gore says more about the desperation of the Democrats than it does about him. He is most of all the beneficiary of a perfect storm of events, the right man in the right place at the right time. It was just after Mr. Gore appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'' to kick off his movie's publicity campaign that long-rumbling discontent with the party's presumptive (if unannounced) presidential front-runner, Hillary Clinton, boiled over. Last week both New York magazine and The New Yorker ran lead articles quoting party insiders who described a Clinton candidacy in 2008 as a pox tantamount to avian flu. The Times jumped in with a front-page remembrance of headlines past: a dissection of the Clinton marriage.
If Senator Clinton is the Antichrist, might not it be time for a resurrected messiah to inherit (and save) the earth? Enter Mr. Gore, celebrated by New York on its cover as ''The Un-Hillary.''
There's a certain logic to this. Mrs. Clinton does look like a weak candidate -- not so much because of her marriage, her gender or her liberalism, but because of her eagerness to fudge her stands on anything and everything to appeal to any and all potential voters. Where once she inspired passions pro and con, now she often induces apathy. Her most excited constituency seems to be the right-wing pundits who still hope to make a killing with books excoriating her. At least eight fresh titles are listed at Amazon.com, including my own personal favorite, ''Liberal Fascism: The Totalitarian Temptation From Mussolini to Hillary Clinton.'' (Why settle for Il Duce when you can go for Hitler?)
Since no crowd-pleasing Democratic challenger has emerged at this early date to disrupt Mrs. Clinton's presumed coronation, the newly crowned movie star who won the popular vote in 2000 is the quick fix. Better the defeated devil the Democrats know than the losers they don't. Besides, there are at least two strong arguments in favor of Mr. Gore. He was way ahead of the Washington curve, not just on greenhouse gases but on another issue far more pressing than Mrs. Clinton's spirited crusade to stamp out flag burning: Iraq.
An anti-Hussein hawk who was among the rare Senate Democrats to vote for the first gulf war, Mr. Gore forecast the disasters lying in wait for the second when he spoke out at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Sept. 23, 2002. He saw that the administration was jumping ''from one unfinished task to another'' and risked letting Afghanistan destabilize and Osama bin Laden flee. He saw that the White House was recklessly putting politics over policy by hurrying a Congressional war resolution before the midterm elections (and before securing international support). Most important, he noticed then that the administration had ''not said much of anything'' about ''what would follow regime change.'' He imagined how ''chaos in the aftermath of a military victory in Iraq could easily pose a far greater danger to the United States than we presently face from Saddam.''
At the time, the White House professed to ignore Mr. Gore's speech, but on cue in the next five days Condoleezza Rice, Ari Fleischer, Donald Rumsfeld and the president all stepped up the hype of what Mr. Rumsfeld falsely called ''bulletproof'' evidence of links between Saddam and Al Qaeda. Democratic leaders in Congress, meanwhile, blew off Mr. Gore for fear that talk of Iraq might distract the electorate from all those compelling domestic issues that would guarantee victory in the midterms. (That brilliant strategy cost Democrats the Senate.) On CNN, a representative from The New Republic, a frequent Gore cheerleader, reported that ''the vast majority of the staff'' condemned his speech as ''the bitter rantings of a guy who is being politically motivated and disingenuous in his arguments.''
But in truth, as with global warming, Mr. Gore's stands on Iraq (both in 1991 and 2002) were manifestations of leadership -- the single attribute most missing from the current Democrats with presidential ambitions. Of the potential candidates for 2008, only Senator Feingold raised similar questions about the war so articulately so early. The Gore stand on the environment, though still rejected by the president and his oil-industry base, has become a bipartisan cause: 86 evangelical Christian leaders broke with the administration's do-nothing policy in February.
If this were the whole picture, Mr. Gore would seem the perfect antidote to the Democrats' ills. But it's not. The less flattering aspect of Mr. Gore has not gone away: the cautious and contrived presidential candidate who, like Mrs. Clinton now, was so in thrall to consultants that he ran away from his own administration's record and muted his views, even about pet subjects like science. (He waffled on the teaching of creationism in August 1999, after the Kansas Board of Education struck down the teaching of evolution.) That Gore is actually accentuated, not obscured, by ''An Inconvenient Truth.'' The more hard-hitting his onscreen slide show about global warming, the more he reminds you of how much less he focused on the issue in 2000. Gore the uninhibited private citizen is not the same as Gore the timid candidate.
Though many of the rave reviews don't mention it, there are also considerable chunks of ''An Inconvenient Truth'' that are more about hawking Mr. Gore's image than his cause. They also bring back unflattering memories of him as a politician. The movie contains no other voices that might upstage him, not even those of scientists supporting his argument. It is instead larded with sycophantic audiences, as meticulously multicultural as any Benetton ad, who dote on every word and laugh at every joke, like the studio audience at ''Live With Regis and Kelly.''
We are also treated to a heavy-handed, grainy glimpse of Katherine Harris, Michael Moore-style, and are reminded that Mr. Gore is not a rigid blue-state N.R.A. foe (he shows us where he shot his rifle as a farm kid in Tennessee). There's even an ingenious bit of fearmongering to go head to head with the Republicans' exploitation of 9/11: in a worst-case climactic scenario, we're told, the World Trade Center memorial ''would be under water.'' Given so blatant a political context, the film's big emotional digressions -- Mr. Gore's tragic near-loss of his young son and the death of his revered older sister from lung cancer -- are as discomforting as they were in his 1992 and 1996 convention speeches.
If ''An Inconvenient Truth'' isn't actually a test drive for a presidential run, it's the biggest tease since Colin Powell encouraged speculation about his political aspirations during his 1995 book tour. Mr. Gore's nondenial denials about his ambitions (he has ''no plans'' to run) are Clintonesque. Told by John Heilemann of New York magazine that his movie sometimes feels like a campaign film, Mr. Gore gives a disingenuous answer that triggers an instant flashback to his equivocation about weightier matters during the 2000 debates: ''Audiences don't see the movie as political. Paramount did a number of focus-group screenings, and that was very clear.'' You want to scream: stop this man before he listens to a focus group again!
Even so, let's hope Mr. Gore runs. He may not be able to pull off the Nixon-style comeback of some bloggers' fantasies, but by pounding away on his best issues, he could at the very least play the role of an Adlai Stevenson or Wendell Willkie, patriotically goading the national debate onto higher ground. ''I think the war looms over everything,'' said Karl Rove this month in bemoaning his boss's poll numbers. It looms over the Democrats, too. But the party's leaders would rather let John Murtha take the heat on Iraq; they don't even have the guts to endorse tougher fuel economy standards in their ''new'' energy policy. While a Gore candidacy could not single-handedly save the Democrats from themselves any more than his movie can vanquish ''X-Men'' at the multiplex, it might at least force the party powers that be to start facing some inconvenient but necessary truths.
1021
Any country that takes CNN off the aire has my loyalty.
Everyone is excited about Katie on CBS, but, one is talking about Rosie except Chuck Scarborough.
Rosie O'Donnell's Lively 'View' Debut
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090500574.html
Rosie O'Donnell's Lively 'View' Debut
By FRAZIER MOOREThe Associated PressTuesday, September 5, 2006; 2:16 PM
NEW YORK -- "My name is Meredith Vieira, and welcome to 'The View,'" said Rosie O'Donnell, introducing herself _ as if that were necessary _ on the ABC women's chat show Tuesday.
Filling the moderator slot vacated in June by Vieira (who went to NBC's "Today" show), O'Donnell was greeted by a rousing standing ovation from the studio audience. And she coyly suggested that her longtime crush, Tom Cruise, had sent the huge flower arrangement on the floor beside her.
1026
Union takes issue with state's performance pay rules for teachers
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/LOCAL/209190327/1078/news
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Education Association is challenging state guidelines for developing local teacher performance pay plans because they were written without going through required rule-making procedures, officials of the statewide teachers union said Monday.The union contends the Florida Department of Education has cut teachers out of the guideline-writing process for the new program dubbed Special Teachers are Rewarded, or STAR. The challenge is aimed at invalidating several interpretations of the plan the department has made."Through proper rule-making, all parties have an opportunity to address concerns, identify problems and perhaps arrive at a workable solution," union general counsel Pam Cooper said in a statement.Gov. Jeb Bush said teachers have had an ample opportunity to be heard in hearings held around the state."Basically the union does not want to pay teachers over and above the increases that we've given them on an annual basis for performance based on student learning," Gov. Jeb Bush said.
Union president Andy Ford said his group doesn't oppose the concept of performance pay, a form of merit pay that gives more money to those teachers deemed to be doing a better job than their peers. It is premature, though, until all Florida teachers can be paid a salary at or above the national average, Ford said.
1029
Human Rights Watch Urges Governor Jeb Bush to Postpone the Execution of Clarence Hill
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-16412.html
1034
"Hamid Karzi is the elected president of Afghanistan." states Andy.
Yet.
President Ahmadinejad is a 'regime.' Although he was elected by the people of Iran.
No hatred there of course.
1037
Citizens Property Insurance ordered to hold customer service hearings
Tallahassee, Florida - The state is putting new requirements on the state-created company that is the largest home insurer in the state.
Governor Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet ordered Citizens Property Insurance to hold three public hearings on its customer service by the end of the year.
Citizens, which insures homes for which people can't get private coverage, was seeking approval of its business plan for the coming year, one written mostly by the Legislature.
But Bush and the Cabinet rejected the plan.
The company must also present a new plan with more details on how it will do better in that area and can't use outside attorneys to sue the state over some disputes without approval from the company's board and the governor and Cabinet.
A Citizens spokesman says they take the recommendations seriously and will comply with them.
1044
Alabama Ferry Shut by Racism is Revived
September 19, 2006
The Associated Press
Chicago Tribune
A ferry service that was shut down 44 years ago in what was seen as an attempt by whites to prevent blacks from registering to vote reopened Monday, dedicated as an example of what the ballot box can bring. "I'm mighty happy," said 89-year-old Ollie Pettway, who christened the new Gee's Bend Ferry by breaking a bottle of champagne over the boat's railing. The ferry over the Alabama River carries people between the isolated, poor and mostly black community of Gee's Bend and the Wilcox County seat of Camden.
http://www.civilrights.org/issues/voting/details.cfm?id=47052
enough
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The Election Season Neocon Agenda at AC 360
There isn't going to be a war with Iran. Russia and China won't allow it. The worst that will happen is sactions.
The Pope is a complete innocent of the circumstances surrounding his academic talk.
Vatican experts say Pope 'unrepentant'
http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1619215.ece
As protests against the Pope continued to rumble around the Muslim world yesterday, Catholics began asking themselves if this highly intelligent man can really have been so crass as to have ignited the passions of millions of Muslims without realising that he was doing it.
If the alternative version is more credible - that he knew exactly what he was doing - then the next question arises: why? The gloomy conclusion of some Vatican experts is that there was no inconsistency in the Pope's choice of the words "inhuman and evil" - quoted from the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Palaeologus - to characterise Islam. Such a negative view, they say, is consistent with all his words and actions with regard to Islam.
SOMETHING YOU'LL NEVER HEAR FROM CNN.
Kidnap of soldiers in July was Hezbollah's fifth attempt
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/764450.html
By Ze'ev Schiff, Haaretz Correspondent
Two months before the July 12 raid in which Hezbollah abducted two Israel Defense Forces soldiers and killed three others, Israel had learned of another plan by the group to carry out an attack against an IDF patrol at the same location. Sources said Hezbollah refrained from carrying out the attack due to the deployment of large IDF forces in the area. At the same time, Israel contacted American and French diplomats, and warned them that if Hezbollah would attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers again, Israel's response would include a large-scale military operation. It is unclear whether Israel's warning of a massive response to another attempt to kidnap soldiers reached Hezbollah, nor is it clear whether the group chose to disregard the warning.
Israel when faced with dealing with sovereign countries does not have these issues. All the countries in the Middle East besides the violent onces still on the outside of civilization have good relations with Israel. As a matter of fact it was Israel recently that stated there was no reason for an invasion into Iran. Israel feels there is still time to reverse the damage to good rellations wtih Iran by other countries. In other words, Israel has a great deal of faith in the EU.
1000
I have heard nothing thus far except inflammatory rhetoric.
John Roberts is a liar. Israel has said nothing about launching a strike atainst Iran.
The previous pint was that Israel does well with most countries in the Middle East, but, in the case of recent hostilities it involved terrorist networks. Hamas and Hezbollah at it's borders. There is absolutely no reason for those hostilities, except the sovereigh states that house them have little control over their activities. In the case of Hamas, it uses Israel and hate toward Israel as a political tool. No different than Bush uses fear in the USA electorate to scare people into his camp as if he has control over all events that could harm them. Same thing.
By John Roberts being inflammatory in regard to Israel's intent to strike against Iran he is seeking to make a 'control' issue of Israel wihich is not the case. These journalists just love to paint Israel as the trouble maker when that is not the case at all. By victimizing Israel to elevate any restraint by Bush it endangers the people there. But, hwo cares about that when Bush's votes are on the line.
1013
I wish Michael Ware would get a real job. He creates enthusiasm for the insanity of Bush in Iraq all the time. I feel bad for the guy.
Oh, stop it Michael. There is no torture room in Iraq. There is a civil war. 'Send a signal.' That is not what they are doing Michael. This is a shame. This news team is dhameful in their propaganda. Oh, there is the name, Zarkawi. Or whatever his name is.
That's a shame. They use inflammatoty rhetoric for the purpsose of politics. You know you should have talked about spinach. Let's see.
LA events point to battle for Democratic votes in governor's race
The motive isn't clear? About a dead nun? That's important. Who is killing nuns? Oh, let's see, there must be an excuse for Muslims somewhere in false accusations. I don't think so.
1030
Somali leader escapes suicide attack
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/18/news/capital.php
Four deaths overshadow success of Operation Medusa
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=d29b19dc-895e-48ef-bc30-feec9874e556&k=50384
Chirac advocates backing off U.N. sanctions against Iran
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060918.wchirac18/BNStory/International/home
Has the viewership of AC 360 heard anything about these issues? Of course not. Nor will they.
You know you are in trouble when CNN starts to paly their 'presentations' that feature primarily their own talking heads.
I've had enough of this mind pollution.
The Pope is a complete innocent of the circumstances surrounding his academic talk.
Vatican experts say Pope 'unrepentant'
http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1619215.ece
As protests against the Pope continued to rumble around the Muslim world yesterday, Catholics began asking themselves if this highly intelligent man can really have been so crass as to have ignited the passions of millions of Muslims without realising that he was doing it.
If the alternative version is more credible - that he knew exactly what he was doing - then the next question arises: why? The gloomy conclusion of some Vatican experts is that there was no inconsistency in the Pope's choice of the words "inhuman and evil" - quoted from the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Palaeologus - to characterise Islam. Such a negative view, they say, is consistent with all his words and actions with regard to Islam.
SOMETHING YOU'LL NEVER HEAR FROM CNN.
Kidnap of soldiers in July was Hezbollah's fifth attempt
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/764450.html
By Ze'ev Schiff, Haaretz Correspondent
Two months before the July 12 raid in which Hezbollah abducted two Israel Defense Forces soldiers and killed three others, Israel had learned of another plan by the group to carry out an attack against an IDF patrol at the same location. Sources said Hezbollah refrained from carrying out the attack due to the deployment of large IDF forces in the area. At the same time, Israel contacted American and French diplomats, and warned them that if Hezbollah would attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers again, Israel's response would include a large-scale military operation. It is unclear whether Israel's warning of a massive response to another attempt to kidnap soldiers reached Hezbollah, nor is it clear whether the group chose to disregard the warning.
Israel when faced with dealing with sovereign countries does not have these issues. All the countries in the Middle East besides the violent onces still on the outside of civilization have good relations with Israel. As a matter of fact it was Israel recently that stated there was no reason for an invasion into Iran. Israel feels there is still time to reverse the damage to good rellations wtih Iran by other countries. In other words, Israel has a great deal of faith in the EU.
1000
I have heard nothing thus far except inflammatory rhetoric.
John Roberts is a liar. Israel has said nothing about launching a strike atainst Iran.
The previous pint was that Israel does well with most countries in the Middle East, but, in the case of recent hostilities it involved terrorist networks. Hamas and Hezbollah at it's borders. There is absolutely no reason for those hostilities, except the sovereigh states that house them have little control over their activities. In the case of Hamas, it uses Israel and hate toward Israel as a political tool. No different than Bush uses fear in the USA electorate to scare people into his camp as if he has control over all events that could harm them. Same thing.
By John Roberts being inflammatory in regard to Israel's intent to strike against Iran he is seeking to make a 'control' issue of Israel wihich is not the case. These journalists just love to paint Israel as the trouble maker when that is not the case at all. By victimizing Israel to elevate any restraint by Bush it endangers the people there. But, hwo cares about that when Bush's votes are on the line.
1013
I wish Michael Ware would get a real job. He creates enthusiasm for the insanity of Bush in Iraq all the time. I feel bad for the guy.
Oh, stop it Michael. There is no torture room in Iraq. There is a civil war. 'Send a signal.' That is not what they are doing Michael. This is a shame. This news team is dhameful in their propaganda. Oh, there is the name, Zarkawi. Or whatever his name is.
That's a shame. They use inflammatoty rhetoric for the purpsose of politics. You know you should have talked about spinach. Let's see.
LA events point to battle for Democratic votes in governor's race
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/15551260.htm
MICHAEL R. BLOOD
Associated Press
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry rallied Democratic support Monday for gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a landmark school bill flanked by two leading Democrats, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.
The events, although miles apart and on different subjects, pointed to the fierce competition for the same thing in the governor's race - Democratic votes. Angelides needs to solidify Democratic support in his bid to oust the incumbent Republican, while Schwarzenegger is expected to need at least a quarter of that vote to carry the Democratic-leaning state.
Kerry appeared with Angelides in a half-empty auditorium, where about 75 people waving campaign signs heard the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee criticize Republican policies in Washington and California.
The motive isn't clear? About a dead nun? That's important. Who is killing nuns? Oh, let's see, there must be an excuse for Muslims somewhere in false accusations. I don't think so.
1030
Somali leader escapes suicide attack
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/18/news/capital.php
Four deaths overshadow success of Operation Medusa
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=d29b19dc-895e-48ef-bc30-feec9874e556&k=50384
Chirac advocates backing off U.N. sanctions against Iran
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060918.wchirac18/BNStory/International/home
Has the viewership of AC 360 heard anything about these issues? Of course not. Nor will they.
You know you are in trouble when CNN starts to paly their 'presentations' that feature primarily their own talking heads.
I've had enough of this mind pollution.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
It's TV time with Andy
I haven't heard anything I consider news or news worthy or haven't known before.
Where is Aaron? This is the first 9/11 we had without Aaron. It isn't the same.
Anderson was nowhere that day.
1008
Gee, do you think Pakistan gives a hoot? I don't think so.
1009
Nic Robertson - Aghan Taliban
In Pakistan. No clue. Quetta. How quaint? I told you. Osama bin Laden is living in the basement of the palace. And Bush actually armed this country with his 'air space' payments.
I would never have given Musharraf a nickel. He took the government by coup. The USA has explicit laws forbiddening any dealings with coup governments. Bush has been breaking the law the entire time and paying it besides. "Taking care of their own problems first." Musharraf has always taken care of himself first.
Malegaon blasts: Muslims hold anti-Pak demo
PTI
Saturday, September 09, 2006 12:39 IST
AHMEDABAD: Members of Muslim community on Saturday held an anti-Pakistan demonstration at Kalupu locality of the city to protest yesterday's blasts in Malegaon town of Maharashtra, in which 38 people were killed and 189 injured.
Several members of the minority community came out on the streets and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans, denouncing yesterday's multiple blasts in which several members of the minority community were killed. They also urged people to maintain peace.
One of the demonstrators, Rauf Bengali said, "We Muslims can see a larger picture behind the blasts that happened in Malegaon yesterday. We strongly believe it to be a handiwork of Pakistan's ISI."
"First, in order to create a rift between Muslims and Hindus, elements connected with Pakistan's ISI bombed temples like at Varanasi and now they are exploding bombs around mosques and graveyards," he said.
"We urge the Hindus and Muslims to stand united against such terrorist activities, directed to create communal tensions between the two communities," Bengali added.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1051925
1017
Badi Masjid
Police knew of threat to Malegaon mosque
Ganesh Kanate
Monday, September 11, 2006 05:32 IST
MALEGAON: Three days before the Malegaon blasts, former MLA Nihal Ahmed had informed Superintendent of Police (Rural) Raj Vardhan that there could be an attack on the Badi Masjid. Three of the four blasts that killed 38 in Malegaon on Friday took place near the mosque.
The fact that the police had prior warning emerged when local leaders, including Ahmed, called on Deputy Chief Minster RR Patil on Sunday. Vardhan, who was present, confirmed that he knew of the threat.
The State Minorities Commission has also said that Malegaon policemen held a meeting with leaders of the Muslim community and trustees of Badi Masjid and told them of the threat.
In addition, the Union home ministry had sent advisories to the state in which the possibility of an attack on communally sensitive Malegaon figured prominently.
But despite the warnings, and the big congregation that had gathered for Shab-e-Baraat, security was minimal. Patil himself admitted that no cover was provided to the mosque on Friday.
Why? In Malegaon, this is one of two questions being asked. The other is, will the state take action against the police for failing to act.
The point was also raised by state Congress spokesman Sanjay Nirupam when he visited Malegaon. Talking to the press, he said, “Why didn’t police take Ahmed seriously? Is it just a coincidence that five years ago, communal riots broke out in Malegaon and four months later municipal elections were held and this time too, municipal elections are scheduled to be held in four months?”
Nasim Siddiqui, chairman of the Minorities Commission, and Dr Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, have also written to DGP Pasricha about the failure to provide security.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1052320
1018
Nic had something to say. If Bush is up sometime next, then I already heard it and all this is propaganda about how profoundly wonderful the speech was. Dear God, the man has been at war for five years and still hasn't ended al Qaeda or captured or killed Osama bin Laden. What could anyone have to say about any of it that makes sense. Billions and billions and billions of dollars and all he has to say is, "We are safer but not safe."
enough
Where is Aaron? This is the first 9/11 we had without Aaron. It isn't the same.
Anderson was nowhere that day.
1008
Gee, do you think Pakistan gives a hoot? I don't think so.
1009
Nic Robertson - Aghan Taliban
In Pakistan. No clue. Quetta. How quaint? I told you. Osama bin Laden is living in the basement of the palace. And Bush actually armed this country with his 'air space' payments.
I would never have given Musharraf a nickel. He took the government by coup. The USA has explicit laws forbiddening any dealings with coup governments. Bush has been breaking the law the entire time and paying it besides. "Taking care of their own problems first." Musharraf has always taken care of himself first.
Malegaon blasts: Muslims hold anti-Pak demo
PTI
Saturday, September 09, 2006 12:39 IST
AHMEDABAD: Members of Muslim community on Saturday held an anti-Pakistan demonstration at Kalupu locality of the city to protest yesterday's blasts in Malegaon town of Maharashtra, in which 38 people were killed and 189 injured.
Several members of the minority community came out on the streets and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans, denouncing yesterday's multiple blasts in which several members of the minority community were killed. They also urged people to maintain peace.
One of the demonstrators, Rauf Bengali said, "We Muslims can see a larger picture behind the blasts that happened in Malegaon yesterday. We strongly believe it to be a handiwork of Pakistan's ISI."
"First, in order to create a rift between Muslims and Hindus, elements connected with Pakistan's ISI bombed temples like at Varanasi and now they are exploding bombs around mosques and graveyards," he said.
"We urge the Hindus and Muslims to stand united against such terrorist activities, directed to create communal tensions between the two communities," Bengali added.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1051925
1017
Badi Masjid
Police knew of threat to Malegaon mosque
Ganesh Kanate
Monday, September 11, 2006 05:32 IST
MALEGAON: Three days before the Malegaon blasts, former MLA Nihal Ahmed had informed Superintendent of Police (Rural) Raj Vardhan that there could be an attack on the Badi Masjid. Three of the four blasts that killed 38 in Malegaon on Friday took place near the mosque.
The fact that the police had prior warning emerged when local leaders, including Ahmed, called on Deputy Chief Minster RR Patil on Sunday. Vardhan, who was present, confirmed that he knew of the threat.
The State Minorities Commission has also said that Malegaon policemen held a meeting with leaders of the Muslim community and trustees of Badi Masjid and told them of the threat.
In addition, the Union home ministry had sent advisories to the state in which the possibility of an attack on communally sensitive Malegaon figured prominently.
But despite the warnings, and the big congregation that had gathered for Shab-e-Baraat, security was minimal. Patil himself admitted that no cover was provided to the mosque on Friday.
Why? In Malegaon, this is one of two questions being asked. The other is, will the state take action against the police for failing to act.
The point was also raised by state Congress spokesman Sanjay Nirupam when he visited Malegaon. Talking to the press, he said, “Why didn’t police take Ahmed seriously? Is it just a coincidence that five years ago, communal riots broke out in Malegaon and four months later municipal elections were held and this time too, municipal elections are scheduled to be held in four months?”
Nasim Siddiqui, chairman of the Minorities Commission, and Dr Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, have also written to DGP Pasricha about the failure to provide security.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1052320
1018
Nic had something to say. If Bush is up sometime next, then I already heard it and all this is propaganda about how profoundly wonderful the speech was. Dear God, the man has been at war for five years and still hasn't ended al Qaeda or captured or killed Osama bin Laden. What could anyone have to say about any of it that makes sense. Billions and billions and billions of dollars and all he has to say is, "We are safer but not safe."
enough
Saturday, September 9, 2006
The 'error' of believing in "The War on Terror"
I remember Former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor once stated, the reference to a war on terror was an obscure idea. She warned about having a nation focused on assigning terror as a reason for war and depriving citizens of civil liberities.
Her decisions against an oppressive government were many as she served in a 5 to 4 swing as a member of the Supreme Court.
Cases in Which Sandra Day O'Connor Cast the Decisive Vote (7/1/2005)
http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2004/13935res20050701.html
After leaving the bench she has not been silent.
Dictatorship is the danger
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1729350,00.html
Former top judge says US risks edging near to dictatorship
· Sandra Day O'Connor warns of rightwing attacks
· Lawyers 'must speak up' to protect judiciary
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1729396,00.html
Dictatorship is the danger
A Reagan-appointed supreme court justice voices her fears over attacks on US democracy
Jonathan Raban
Monday March 13, 2006The Guardian
Linking the words "America" and "dictatorship" is a daily staple of leftwing blogs, which thrive on the idea that Bush administration policies since 9/11 are taking the country ever closer to totalitarian rule. Liberal fears that democracy is endangered by Republicans in Congress are so widespread, so endemic to the jittery political climate in the US, that they hardly bear repeating. It'll surprise no one to learn that another voice was added to the chorus last Thursday, warning that recent attacks on the American judiciary were putting the democratic fabric in jeopardy and were the first steps down the treacherous path to dictatorship.
What is surprising - more than that, electrifying - is that the voice belonged to Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired a few weeks ago from the supreme court. O'Connor is a Republican and a Reagan nominee. Regarded as the "swing vote" on the court, she swung the presidential election to George Bush in 2000.
Equally surprising is that O'Connor's speech to an audience of lawyers at Georgetown University was attended by just one reporter, the diligent legal correspondent for National Public Radio, Nina Totenberg. No transcript or recording of the speech has been made available, so we have only Totenberg's notes to go on. But - assuming they are accurate - the notes are political dynamite.
O'Connor's voice was "dripping with sarcasm", according to Totenberg, as she "took aim at former House GOP [Republican] leader Tom DeLay. She didn't name him, but she quoted his attacks on the courts at a meeting of the conservative Christian group Justice Sunday last year when DeLay took out after the courts for rulings on abortions, prayer and the Terri Schiavo case.
"It gets worse, she said, noting that death threats against judges are increasing. It doesn't help, she said, when a high-profile senator suggests there may be a connection between violence against judges and decisions that the senator disagrees with."
Then she spoke the D-word. "I, said O'Connor, am against judicial reforms driven by nakedly partisan reasoning. Pointing to the experiences of developing countries and former communist countries where interference with an independent judiciary has allowed dictatorship to flourish, O'Connor said we must be ever-vigilant against those who would strong-arm the judiciary into adopting their preferred policies. It takes a lot of degeneration before a country falls into dictatorship, she said, but we should avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings."
Delivered by someone who was, until recently, one of the nine guardians of the US constitution, these are spine-chilling opinions, and you might have thought they'd have been all over the papers the next day. Not so. I happened to catch Totenberg's NPR report last Friday, and have been following up references to it. A cable TV talkshow and a handful of blogs have mentioned Totenberg's piece: otherwise there's been a disquieting silence, as if the former justice had laid an unsavoury egg and had best be politely ignored.
Why did O'Connor choose such a closed forum to air her thoughts? Why was Totenberg the only reporter present? The possibility that America is sliding toward dictatorship or an unprecedented form of corporate oligarchy ought to be a matter of world concern. And if O'Connor believes what she is reported to have said, surely she owes it to the world to make public the prepared text of her remarks, which so far have the dubious character of the scores of unverifiable leaks that have passed for news in the compulsively secretive world of the Bush administration. It's unsurprising that, say, Colin Powell chooses to leak rather than speak out, but when a supreme court justice prefers to whisper her fears to a coterie audience, it's hard to avoid the inference that the whisper itself speaks volumes about the imperilled democracy it purports to describe.
Death threats to judges figured importantly in O'Connor's speech, with good reason. Last year, an Illinois federal judge found her husband and mother murdered, and a Georgia state judge was shot dead in his courtroom. Within days, Senator John Cornyn of Texas mused: "I wonder whether there may be some connection between the perception in some quarters, on some occasions, where judges are making political decisions yet are unaccountable to the public, that it builds up and builds up and builds up to the point where some people engage in violence."
DeLay, speaking of the judges who had ruled that Schiavo be allowed to die, said: "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behaviour."
These are peculiar times, and when Republican politicians appear to endorse the killing of judges who make rulings of which they disapprove, it's maybe understandable that a distinguished judge like Sandra Day O'Connor, expressing views calculated to enrage Republican politicians, might sensibly look to a small podium with a weak sound system for fear of being heard too clearly by the likes of Cornyn and DeLay.
· Jonathan Raban's latest book is My Holy War: dispatches from the home front. Nina Totenberg's report is at: http://tinyurl.com/lt5ls
Today Cooper is in Afghanistan because of the 'heating up' of the war with the Taliban. It isn't a war about terror. It is however a military stand against the Taliban.
In Afghanistan it is also a controversial war.
This from 2004.
Karzai Says Taliban Movement Dead, Noncriminal Members Can Return
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2004/n02272004_200402272.html
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2004 – The Taliban is dead as a movement or a military factor in Afghanistan, the country's president said here Feb. 26, and former Taliban leaders seeking to return home will be allowed back if they don't have criminal records.
President Hamid Karzai held a joint news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld after they met in Afghanistan's presidential palace. He challenged the implications of a question posed by a correspondent from the Arab satellite television network al Jazeera that implied al Qaeda and the Taliban were becoming increasingly active in the country.
"Everything that happens in Afghanistan is not terrorist-related," Karzai said. "Lack of security at times is not Taliban-related or security-related. There is banditry too. There is theft too. There is armed robbery too." He said ascribing crimes common in any country and any major city to the Taliban because it happens in Afghanistan is vastly overstating the case.
"We strongly believe, with evidence, that they are defeated. They're gone," Karzai said, referring to the Taliban. For example, he said, a terrorist who recently killed 19 children in Kandahar tried to hide in a house, but the woman living there delivered him to the police. Citizens have turned in terrorists in four or five other cases in recent months, he noted.
Rumsfeld echoed Karzai's assessment of the Taliban. "I've not seen any indication that the Taliban pose a military threat to Afghanistan," he said.
"We don't see a resurgence of the Taliban," Karzai said. "The Taliban as a movement does not exist anymore. You'd be surprised, gentleman from al Jazeera, if I disclosed to you as to how many approaches we have from the Taliban on a daily basis – individuals (and) groups coming to talk to us to let them back into the country."
He acknowledged that terrorist incidents and even some Taliban-related activities still occur, but repeated that most crime in the country is "normal life."
The Taliban leaders contacting Afghan officials "recognize that Afghanistan is now a better place for all of us to live in" and would like to return and benefit from that. Karzai said all Taliban who do not have criminal records and were not involved with al Qaeda or terrorism "are free to return to their country and live a normal life."
While today:
Karzai rejects security fears
From correspondents in Washington
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20380253-1702,00.html
September 09, 2006
AFGHANISTAN President Hamid Karzai has overnight rejected any notion that security in his country was worsening, after a suicide blast in Kabul left two US soldiers and 14 civilians dead and shook the presidential palace, Time magazine has reported.
"Look, we have enemies," Mr Karzai told the magazine in an interview minutes after one of the deadliest attacks in the heavily secured Afghan capital.
"The same enemies that blew up themselves in London, the same enemies that blew up the train in Madrid or the train in Bombay or the twin towers in America are still around," he said, recalling some of the major terrorist attacks.
The Taliban militia, which is waging a guerrilla-style insurgency and claimed responsibility for the attack, "are on the run and hiding and they come out from their hiding and try to hurt us when they can manage it," Mr Karzai said.
He adamantly rejected any suggestion that the security situation in Afghanistan was deteriorating, Time said in its report.
The O'Connor here is the Canadian Defense Minister. In recent weeks the Brits have reinvested in Iraq and the Canadian military is feeling the brevity of their presence in Afghanistan. They seem to believe the circumstances can be 'won'/reversed in favor of stability but there needs to be a larger commitment to the effort by the rest of the NATO forces.
Canada needs help fighting Taliban, allies told
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060908.wxafghanhelp08/BNStory/National/home
O'Connor complains of military burden as NATO seeks contributions from others
GLORIA GALLOWAY
From Friday's Globe and Mail
OTTAWA — Canada's Defence Minister says Canadian troops cannot defeat the Taliban "militarily" in the dangerous southern part of Afghanistan and Canada is shouldering an unduly large part of the mission that has claimed 16 soldiers in the past three months.
"We cannot eliminate the Taliban, not militarily anyway," Gordon O'Connor told Reuters in an interview yesterday from Australia. Instead, the Defence Minister said, "we've got to get them back to some kind of acceptable level, so they don't threaten other areas."
Mr. O'Connor's uncharacteristically pessimistic statements would seem to be at odds with his government's unwavering support for Canadian involvement in the NATO operation.
The minister, who could not be reached for comment on his published remarks, went on to complain about the military burden being borne by Canada.
The issue of responsiblity for the upsurge of violnece in Afghanistan lies directly on the shoulders of Don Rumsfeld and his failed attempts at securing a nation. Neither of the countries of Afghanistan or Iraq are so large that victory over terrorist networks such as the Taliban cannot be achieved. The circumstancers in Iraq are different. And to that in a minute.
To make a long dialogue short Bush diverted the war against al Qaeda into a larger picture for an agenda of war and cronies. It's just that simple. The war against al Qaeda is a complete failure by the simple fact it's mastermind and mentor, Osama bin Laden, is still actively engaging terrorist networks globally, ie: Hezbollah. The real heroes, I am hoping are not the Americans and their ever expanding debt ceiling, but, the Brits whom have hunkered down with the reality of their own failed allied relationship with the USA.
Reporting on British Trials a Challenge
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/08/AR2006090801011.html
By PAISLEY DODDS
The Associated Press
Friday, September 8, 2006; 2:41 PM
LONDON -- The complete story of how suspected terrorists planned to blow up U.S.-bound airplanes may take a year or so to tell because of reporting restrictions that keep journalists from publishing details before a trial.
Britain's tough contempt laws and reporting restrictions on covering court cases _ intended to protect suspects' rights _ mean key facts are hidden from the public even as terror plots multiply, leaving international media struggling to respect the law of the land while reporting the news to global audiences.
That is NOT acceptable. But, to what end can war subdue such influences in Afghanistan? The country is war torn and poverty stricken. It's time to realize war has it's limits of influence after five years of commitement by forces allied with freedom rather than oppression. A change in strategy is direly needed while the current forces are armed enough to reclaim lost ground to the Taliban. Some of that strategy has to be a change in leadership in Pakistan as well where loyality to peace is highly questionable. The infrastructure of Afghanistan has to change or otherwise we are facing a chronic issue of a global menance with a figure head government.
Upto now the 'military solutions' are the only strategies put forth. What has failed globally is an active State Department that can bring 'change' without destroying a country completely. The diplomacy of the USA has been nonexistant except where it provides fiscal well being for cronies and a platform for war. When in any administration has a president been met with assassination attempts both in Georgia and South America? Let's face it, Bush has no ability to govern or lead so much as march armies of munitions from one place to another, killing Americans while corporate profits source in their wake.
The false speeches of this administration over the last five years have confused the reality of Iraq as well.
Pre-invasion Iraq, was simply a country contained. It was divided ethnically no different than today. In the south, under the "No Fly Zone" were always the Shi'ites. In the north, under the "No Fly Zone" were always the Kurds. In the middle was a paranoid dictator with only a rifle and a balcony to declare war on anyone.
The Sunnis were always Saddam Hussein's military. They still are today. Bush calls them 'dead enders.' That is not the case. This is the military that has survived from Iraq's initial invasion by the Coalition forces. It is still today trying to take the country from the clutches of occupation. In an attempt to secure it's place, the Sunnis began a war against the Shi'ites. They tried to stop the Shi'ites from cooperating with the new authority in Iraq. What resulted instead were militias determined to survive the Sunni onslaught without protection from the USA.
The Shi'ites under the guidance of the Grand Ayatollah al Sistani were always the 'compliance' sheep where 'low profile' under a benevolent Ayatollah, a man of peace above all else, insured survival of those peoples. The Gand Ayatollah al Sistani came from Iran to lead the most endeared members of Shi'ite ethnicity to a life of compliance and survival. For the most part he was successful with attacks even on the Shi'ite water supply and an uprising that cost the Shi'ites 50,000 members in 2002 at the hand of Saddam's Sunni military. To attempt to separate the Iraqi Shi'ites from the Iran Shi'ites is fruitless. They will always identify with each other to insure their existence while devoting themselves to the love and loyalty of Islam.
Her decisions against an oppressive government were many as she served in a 5 to 4 swing as a member of the Supreme Court.
Cases in Which Sandra Day O'Connor Cast the Decisive Vote (7/1/2005)
http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2004/13935res20050701.html
After leaving the bench she has not been silent.
Dictatorship is the danger
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1729350,00.html
Former top judge says US risks edging near to dictatorship
· Sandra Day O'Connor warns of rightwing attacks
· Lawyers 'must speak up' to protect judiciary
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1729396,00.html
Dictatorship is the danger
A Reagan-appointed supreme court justice voices her fears over attacks on US democracy
Jonathan Raban
Monday March 13, 2006The Guardian
Linking the words "America" and "dictatorship" is a daily staple of leftwing blogs, which thrive on the idea that Bush administration policies since 9/11 are taking the country ever closer to totalitarian rule. Liberal fears that democracy is endangered by Republicans in Congress are so widespread, so endemic to the jittery political climate in the US, that they hardly bear repeating. It'll surprise no one to learn that another voice was added to the chorus last Thursday, warning that recent attacks on the American judiciary were putting the democratic fabric in jeopardy and were the first steps down the treacherous path to dictatorship.
What is surprising - more than that, electrifying - is that the voice belonged to Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired a few weeks ago from the supreme court. O'Connor is a Republican and a Reagan nominee. Regarded as the "swing vote" on the court, she swung the presidential election to George Bush in 2000.
Equally surprising is that O'Connor's speech to an audience of lawyers at Georgetown University was attended by just one reporter, the diligent legal correspondent for National Public Radio, Nina Totenberg. No transcript or recording of the speech has been made available, so we have only Totenberg's notes to go on. But - assuming they are accurate - the notes are political dynamite.
O'Connor's voice was "dripping with sarcasm", according to Totenberg, as she "took aim at former House GOP [Republican] leader Tom DeLay. She didn't name him, but she quoted his attacks on the courts at a meeting of the conservative Christian group Justice Sunday last year when DeLay took out after the courts for rulings on abortions, prayer and the Terri Schiavo case.
"It gets worse, she said, noting that death threats against judges are increasing. It doesn't help, she said, when a high-profile senator suggests there may be a connection between violence against judges and decisions that the senator disagrees with."
Then she spoke the D-word. "I, said O'Connor, am against judicial reforms driven by nakedly partisan reasoning. Pointing to the experiences of developing countries and former communist countries where interference with an independent judiciary has allowed dictatorship to flourish, O'Connor said we must be ever-vigilant against those who would strong-arm the judiciary into adopting their preferred policies. It takes a lot of degeneration before a country falls into dictatorship, she said, but we should avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings."
Delivered by someone who was, until recently, one of the nine guardians of the US constitution, these are spine-chilling opinions, and you might have thought they'd have been all over the papers the next day. Not so. I happened to catch Totenberg's NPR report last Friday, and have been following up references to it. A cable TV talkshow and a handful of blogs have mentioned Totenberg's piece: otherwise there's been a disquieting silence, as if the former justice had laid an unsavoury egg and had best be politely ignored.
Why did O'Connor choose such a closed forum to air her thoughts? Why was Totenberg the only reporter present? The possibility that America is sliding toward dictatorship or an unprecedented form of corporate oligarchy ought to be a matter of world concern. And if O'Connor believes what she is reported to have said, surely she owes it to the world to make public the prepared text of her remarks, which so far have the dubious character of the scores of unverifiable leaks that have passed for news in the compulsively secretive world of the Bush administration. It's unsurprising that, say, Colin Powell chooses to leak rather than speak out, but when a supreme court justice prefers to whisper her fears to a coterie audience, it's hard to avoid the inference that the whisper itself speaks volumes about the imperilled democracy it purports to describe.
Death threats to judges figured importantly in O'Connor's speech, with good reason. Last year, an Illinois federal judge found her husband and mother murdered, and a Georgia state judge was shot dead in his courtroom. Within days, Senator John Cornyn of Texas mused: "I wonder whether there may be some connection between the perception in some quarters, on some occasions, where judges are making political decisions yet are unaccountable to the public, that it builds up and builds up and builds up to the point where some people engage in violence."
DeLay, speaking of the judges who had ruled that Schiavo be allowed to die, said: "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behaviour."
These are peculiar times, and when Republican politicians appear to endorse the killing of judges who make rulings of which they disapprove, it's maybe understandable that a distinguished judge like Sandra Day O'Connor, expressing views calculated to enrage Republican politicians, might sensibly look to a small podium with a weak sound system for fear of being heard too clearly by the likes of Cornyn and DeLay.
· Jonathan Raban's latest book is My Holy War: dispatches from the home front. Nina Totenberg's report is at: http://tinyurl.com/lt5ls
Today Cooper is in Afghanistan because of the 'heating up' of the war with the Taliban. It isn't a war about terror. It is however a military stand against the Taliban.
In Afghanistan it is also a controversial war.
This from 2004.
Karzai Says Taliban Movement Dead, Noncriminal Members Can Return
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2004/n02272004_200402272.html
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2004 – The Taliban is dead as a movement or a military factor in Afghanistan, the country's president said here Feb. 26, and former Taliban leaders seeking to return home will be allowed back if they don't have criminal records.
President Hamid Karzai held a joint news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld after they met in Afghanistan's presidential palace. He challenged the implications of a question posed by a correspondent from the Arab satellite television network al Jazeera that implied al Qaeda and the Taliban were becoming increasingly active in the country.
"Everything that happens in Afghanistan is not terrorist-related," Karzai said. "Lack of security at times is not Taliban-related or security-related. There is banditry too. There is theft too. There is armed robbery too." He said ascribing crimes common in any country and any major city to the Taliban because it happens in Afghanistan is vastly overstating the case.
"We strongly believe, with evidence, that they are defeated. They're gone," Karzai said, referring to the Taliban. For example, he said, a terrorist who recently killed 19 children in Kandahar tried to hide in a house, but the woman living there delivered him to the police. Citizens have turned in terrorists in four or five other cases in recent months, he noted.
Rumsfeld echoed Karzai's assessment of the Taliban. "I've not seen any indication that the Taliban pose a military threat to Afghanistan," he said.
"We don't see a resurgence of the Taliban," Karzai said. "The Taliban as a movement does not exist anymore. You'd be surprised, gentleman from al Jazeera, if I disclosed to you as to how many approaches we have from the Taliban on a daily basis – individuals (and) groups coming to talk to us to let them back into the country."
He acknowledged that terrorist incidents and even some Taliban-related activities still occur, but repeated that most crime in the country is "normal life."
The Taliban leaders contacting Afghan officials "recognize that Afghanistan is now a better place for all of us to live in" and would like to return and benefit from that. Karzai said all Taliban who do not have criminal records and were not involved with al Qaeda or terrorism "are free to return to their country and live a normal life."
While today:
Karzai rejects security fears
From correspondents in Washington
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20380253-1702,00.html
September 09, 2006
AFGHANISTAN President Hamid Karzai has overnight rejected any notion that security in his country was worsening, after a suicide blast in Kabul left two US soldiers and 14 civilians dead and shook the presidential palace, Time magazine has reported.
"Look, we have enemies," Mr Karzai told the magazine in an interview minutes after one of the deadliest attacks in the heavily secured Afghan capital.
"The same enemies that blew up themselves in London, the same enemies that blew up the train in Madrid or the train in Bombay or the twin towers in America are still around," he said, recalling some of the major terrorist attacks.
The Taliban militia, which is waging a guerrilla-style insurgency and claimed responsibility for the attack, "are on the run and hiding and they come out from their hiding and try to hurt us when they can manage it," Mr Karzai said.
He adamantly rejected any suggestion that the security situation in Afghanistan was deteriorating, Time said in its report.
The O'Connor here is the Canadian Defense Minister. In recent weeks the Brits have reinvested in Iraq and the Canadian military is feeling the brevity of their presence in Afghanistan. They seem to believe the circumstances can be 'won'/reversed in favor of stability but there needs to be a larger commitment to the effort by the rest of the NATO forces.
Canada needs help fighting Taliban, allies told
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060908.wxafghanhelp08/BNStory/National/home
O'Connor complains of military burden as NATO seeks contributions from others
GLORIA GALLOWAY
From Friday's Globe and Mail
OTTAWA — Canada's Defence Minister says Canadian troops cannot defeat the Taliban "militarily" in the dangerous southern part of Afghanistan and Canada is shouldering an unduly large part of the mission that has claimed 16 soldiers in the past three months.
"We cannot eliminate the Taliban, not militarily anyway," Gordon O'Connor told Reuters in an interview yesterday from Australia. Instead, the Defence Minister said, "we've got to get them back to some kind of acceptable level, so they don't threaten other areas."
Mr. O'Connor's uncharacteristically pessimistic statements would seem to be at odds with his government's unwavering support for Canadian involvement in the NATO operation.
The minister, who could not be reached for comment on his published remarks, went on to complain about the military burden being borne by Canada.
The issue of responsiblity for the upsurge of violnece in Afghanistan lies directly on the shoulders of Don Rumsfeld and his failed attempts at securing a nation. Neither of the countries of Afghanistan or Iraq are so large that victory over terrorist networks such as the Taliban cannot be achieved. The circumstancers in Iraq are different. And to that in a minute.
In Afghanistan the USA according to Cooper's reporting has claimed victory, yet, there still remains at large Osama bin Laden and his extensive influence over the oppressed and self righteous in Islam. He continues today to serve as a leader misguided and misguiding by violent interpretations of the Quran. The text of the Quran in reference to 'Jihad' in particular are primarily validations to the right of self defense in a world where nomads once dominated the reality of life. That does not apply to the modern world. It is chaotic and self defeating in a world where infrastructure supplies order and advances/enhances quality of life leading to burgeoning democracies.
It is the democracies that bin Laden seeks to destroy with a 'fundamental' desire of vast oppression of people while calling it Islam. Islam is not about war, it is not about aggression and it is not about control. It is about providing a 'guidepost' to living. The fundamentalists need to address these texts through writing of their Imams and Aytollahs no differently than the Jewish find 'commentary' an important link to past teachings and modern day. I realize that analogy will not 'set well' among many, but, it is the truth. By allowing people such as Mullah Omar the opportunity to linger in past 'strategies' of survival by the majority of Muslims, there is justification for 'individual' Jihadists. This anarchy that al Qaeda teachs is very contrary to the over riding cornerstone of Islam, which is community. But, that is getting off the subjects at hand.
It is 'easy' for Bush and the USA seeking higher value of their one time influence in the country of Afghanistan to claim victory and walk away without a scatch of blame for the current circumstances, while elements of the underground there and in Pakistan continue to reek havoc in places that Mr. Karzai named above.
The fact that Britain began to take a greater interest in Afghanistan and the defeat of the Taliban, whom shelter bin Laden, after the London bombings brings even greater controversey to the USA attacks into Iraq. The business of 'dealing with' bin Laden and al Qaeda was hardly over when Bush and his administration set their cites on Iraq, which was already a disarmed victory for Bush's father and the United Nations. After the Kuwait attacks and having beaten Saddam Hussein the efforts of global proportions worked only to be destroyed at the hand of Bush's son and oil ambitions of his self appointed vice president. To put it bluntly, the USA abandoned it's 'War on Terror' a long time ago when it allowed al Qaeda to continue to flourish without destroying bin Laden in Tora Bora.To make a long dialogue short Bush diverted the war against al Qaeda into a larger picture for an agenda of war and cronies. It's just that simple. The war against al Qaeda is a complete failure by the simple fact it's mastermind and mentor, Osama bin Laden, is still actively engaging terrorist networks globally, ie: Hezbollah. The real heroes, I am hoping are not the Americans and their ever expanding debt ceiling, but, the Brits whom have hunkered down with the reality of their own failed allied relationship with the USA.
Reporting on British Trials a Challenge
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/08/AR2006090801011.html
By PAISLEY DODDS
The Associated Press
Friday, September 8, 2006; 2:41 PM
LONDON -- The complete story of how suspected terrorists planned to blow up U.S.-bound airplanes may take a year or so to tell because of reporting restrictions that keep journalists from publishing details before a trial.
Britain's tough contempt laws and reporting restrictions on covering court cases _ intended to protect suspects' rights _ mean key facts are hidden from the public even as terror plots multiply, leaving international media struggling to respect the law of the land while reporting the news to global audiences.
It is my estimation the security surrounding the proceedings of trials and investigation will continue for some time. I appreciate that. There seems to be little the Brits are not determined to 'dig up' about these networks, when in reality it is just one huge network of 'misguided beliefs' by a mastermind convinced of his purpose. I hold great hopes for the Brits to be able to do what the USA has not been able to do and that is destroy ever aspect of funding and infrastructure that allows terrorist networks to exist. I am confident they will and quite frankly I don't see that it should have taken five years to do it.
As to Afghanistan. The reflection alone of the flourishing Poppy crop is proof enough that Afghanistan has little desire to change it's ways, so much as placate warlords to allow a 'place' for government when in fact the government cannot even provide the world with a country of benevolence and a national product to find legitimacy on the world market, except, in underground networks that supply funding to terrorist networks. To that end, Karzai's words are empty and should be regarded as misguided in the 'politics of the day.' In other words, due to Rumsfeld's failed war against al Qaeda and the Taliban, we are faced with an Afghanistan where it's government settles for a 'foot hold' rather than a governance.That is NOT acceptable. But, to what end can war subdue such influences in Afghanistan? The country is war torn and poverty stricken. It's time to realize war has it's limits of influence after five years of commitement by forces allied with freedom rather than oppression. A change in strategy is direly needed while the current forces are armed enough to reclaim lost ground to the Taliban. Some of that strategy has to be a change in leadership in Pakistan as well where loyality to peace is highly questionable. The infrastructure of Afghanistan has to change or otherwise we are facing a chronic issue of a global menance with a figure head government.
Upto now the 'military solutions' are the only strategies put forth. What has failed globally is an active State Department that can bring 'change' without destroying a country completely. The diplomacy of the USA has been nonexistant except where it provides fiscal well being for cronies and a platform for war. When in any administration has a president been met with assassination attempts both in Georgia and South America? Let's face it, Bush has no ability to govern or lead so much as march armies of munitions from one place to another, killing Americans while corporate profits source in their wake.
The false speeches of this administration over the last five years have confused the reality of Iraq as well.
Pre-invasion Iraq, was simply a country contained. It was divided ethnically no different than today. In the south, under the "No Fly Zone" were always the Shi'ites. In the north, under the "No Fly Zone" were always the Kurds. In the middle was a paranoid dictator with only a rifle and a balcony to declare war on anyone.
The Sunnis were always Saddam Hussein's military. They still are today. Bush calls them 'dead enders.' That is not the case. This is the military that has survived from Iraq's initial invasion by the Coalition forces. It is still today trying to take the country from the clutches of occupation. In an attempt to secure it's place, the Sunnis began a war against the Shi'ites. They tried to stop the Shi'ites from cooperating with the new authority in Iraq. What resulted instead were militias determined to survive the Sunni onslaught without protection from the USA.
The Shi'ites under the guidance of the Grand Ayatollah al Sistani were always the 'compliance' sheep where 'low profile' under a benevolent Ayatollah, a man of peace above all else, insured survival of those peoples. The Gand Ayatollah al Sistani came from Iran to lead the most endeared members of Shi'ite ethnicity to a life of compliance and survival. For the most part he was successful with attacks even on the Shi'ite water supply and an uprising that cost the Shi'ites 50,000 members in 2002 at the hand of Saddam's Sunni military. To attempt to separate the Iraqi Shi'ites from the Iran Shi'ites is fruitless. They will always identify with each other to insure their existence while devoting themselves to the love and loyalty of Islam.
In realizing the 'survival strategy' of the Grand Ayatollah al Sistani it is easy to grasp why the majority Shia have adhered to elections and votes in the face of fearing the Sunnis. It is the directive of their Grand Ayatollah, a man who sees survival in majority rule as well as peace as a tool to a better quality of life he has longed for with these people whom love him more than they love themselves. With repeated offenses by the USA there began a resistance to USA domination and occupation within the Shi'ite majority. Let's face it, if Bush is going to attack precious Mosques and the clerics that defend them and live within them there is going to be a huge abandonment of loyalty to any influence by the USA.
Add to that mix a Bush military intent on 'having it's way' through oppression of Shi'ite militias and by making a higher callling of protection of the innocent. The reality is that a large number of Iraqis are refugees in the surrounding countries such as Jordan and now the burgeoning Kurdistan.
Iraq Begins to Take Formal Control of Its Armed Forces
The government now oversees one of 10 army divisions, along with a nascent air force and navy. No big U.S. troop cutbacks are seen.
By Patrick J. McDonnell, Times Staff WriterSeptember 8, 2006
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government began to assume formal control of the nation's armed forces Thursday, in a highly symbolic move linked to a possible future drawdown of U.S. troops.Even as U.S. and Iraqi officials lauded the move, however, violence raged in the capital, and an Iraqi official said Baghdad had recorded more than 1,500 violent deaths in August — not far behind the record level of July. The bloodshed continued despite a massive security crackdown in the capital that began Aug. 7.
To remain in Iraq is futile. It only serves a larger agenda of war that is completely counter productive to peace in the entire region. The leaders of countries such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan seek resolution of hostilities, especially since the war between Hezbollah and Israel. It is foolish to continue to attempt control in a region of the world that largely has rejected Bush's war and it's influence toward a greater instability creating a 'birth place' for an invasion into Iran.
That will never happen.
Islam is 'on to Bush' and simplistic concept of escalating wars while increasing the chaotic economic environments where terrorist networks flourish is completely abhorrent to the majority of Arab nations. They seek peace with Israel and want Iraq to fall in line with that peace including the adverse influences in Syria and Iran. A peace is at the threshold if only the USA would abandon it's hideous war in Iraq and shouting match with Iran.
Quite frankly.
I see economic sanctions while offering Iran incentive and direction to global economic inclusion, as well as the same for Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria a far better directive than Bush's 'Global War on Terror' which never really existed and today has little definition in fact.
Sandra Day O'Connor could not be more correct. To allow, a war on 'terror' - a concept - is to open the entire world to attacks in it's name.
An enemy is a noun and not a verb or adjective. An enemy has a name and place for attack. Intelligence and the undermining of networks is where any war on terror will find it's success. Not in the killing of innocent people for the pure 'chance' the right amount and the right ones will finally die that a peace through annihilation will result. If that is Bush's plan then he has the 'survival strategy' of the MEEk to contend with and even according to Bush's god, "The meek shall inherit the Earth."
end
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Israel is making progress to peace
Reassurances from countries importing goods into Lebanon that there would be no arm shipments in those trade relations. It's all very hopeful.
Annan Ends Mideast Trip With 2 Successes
http://www.forbes.com/business/healthcare/feeds/ap/2006/09/06/ap2998400.html
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan wrapped up a trip to the Middle East Wednesday with two notable successes: winning Israel's agreement to lift its blockade of war-ravaged Lebanon and securing a commitment for Turkish troops to join the U.N. peacekeeping force there.
Just hours after Annan called for the lifting of a sea and air blockade, Israel said it would end it Thursday evening. International forces will replace the Israelis at command positions over Lebanese seaports and airports. Israel said the blockade was necessary to prevent arms shipments to Hezbollah guerrillas.
Annan - on the tail end of 11-day trip to the region - also renewed a call for an Israeli troop pullout from Lebanon, calling it "crucial" to peacekeeping.
The U.N. chief also urged Hezbollah militants based in southern Lebanon to disarm. The U.N. had 2,000 peacekeepers in Lebanon but is starting to send thousands more into the region to monitor a tenuous truce between Israel and Hezbollah after 34 days of fighting.
"When 5,000 international troops are on the ground ... we will have a credible force and it will be time for Israel to withdraw completely," Annan said.
The U.N. force will eventually number 15,000 who will monitor the truce along with 15,000 Lebanese army troops.
Annan arrived in Turkey Tuesday - hours before its parliament voted to send troops to Lebanon, becoming the first Muslim country with diplomatic relations to Israel to join the U.N. peacekeeping force.
Arab states to push Mideast peace plan
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1154526017180&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Arab foreign ministers met Wednesday to promote a plan to revive the deadlocked Middle East peace process amid widespread Arab fears the recent war in Lebanon helped boost the influence of Iran and the militants it supports.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the 22-nation body will discuss a plan to request a ministerial meeting by the UN Security Council to advance efforts to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict, through direct talks among Israel, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.
Bahrain's foreign minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who chaired Wednesday's meeting in Cairo, said in an opening speech that "a credible and real effort" is needed to put the peace process back on track.
Annan Ends Mideast Trip With 2 Successes
http://www.forbes.com/business/healthcare/feeds/ap/2006/09/06/ap2998400.html
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan wrapped up a trip to the Middle East Wednesday with two notable successes: winning Israel's agreement to lift its blockade of war-ravaged Lebanon and securing a commitment for Turkish troops to join the U.N. peacekeeping force there.
Just hours after Annan called for the lifting of a sea and air blockade, Israel said it would end it Thursday evening. International forces will replace the Israelis at command positions over Lebanese seaports and airports. Israel said the blockade was necessary to prevent arms shipments to Hezbollah guerrillas.
Annan - on the tail end of 11-day trip to the region - also renewed a call for an Israeli troop pullout from Lebanon, calling it "crucial" to peacekeeping.
The U.N. chief also urged Hezbollah militants based in southern Lebanon to disarm. The U.N. had 2,000 peacekeepers in Lebanon but is starting to send thousands more into the region to monitor a tenuous truce between Israel and Hezbollah after 34 days of fighting.
"When 5,000 international troops are on the ground ... we will have a credible force and it will be time for Israel to withdraw completely," Annan said.
The U.N. force will eventually number 15,000 who will monitor the truce along with 15,000 Lebanese army troops.
Annan arrived in Turkey Tuesday - hours before its parliament voted to send troops to Lebanon, becoming the first Muslim country with diplomatic relations to Israel to join the U.N. peacekeeping force.
Arab states to push Mideast peace plan
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1154526017180&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Arab foreign ministers met Wednesday to promote a plan to revive the deadlocked Middle East peace process amid widespread Arab fears the recent war in Lebanon helped boost the influence of Iran and the militants it supports.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the 22-nation body will discuss a plan to request a ministerial meeting by the UN Security Council to advance efforts to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict, through direct talks among Israel, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.
Bahrain's foreign minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who chaired Wednesday's meeting in Cairo, said in an opening speech that "a credible and real effort" is needed to put the peace process back on track.
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