OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: MOSSAD-AL QAEDA
Executive Intelligence Review: Mossad Exposed in Phony`Palestinian Al-Qaeda' Caper
by Michele Steinberg and Hussein Askary
The United States government has been provided with concrete evidence that the Israeli Mossad and other Israeli intelligence services have been involved in a 13-month effort to "recruit" an Israeli-run, phony "al-Qaeda cell" among Palestinians, so that Israel could achieve a frontline position in the U.S. war against terrorism and get a green light for a worldwide "revenge without borders" policy. The question: Does the United States have the moral fiber to investigate?
Evidence of the Israeli dirty tricks burst onto the public scene on Dec. 6, when Col. Rashid Abu Shbak, head of the Palestinian Preventive Security Services in the Gaza Strip, held a press conference revealing the details of the alleged plot, as his agency had put the pieces together. The revelations undermine the "big lie" that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has used to justify new brutal attacks on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and other occupied areas. Sharon claimed on Dec. 4 that Israeli intelligence had "hard evidence" of al-Qaeda operations in the Gaza Strip. Now, the top Palestinian leadership has shown the United States and other nations how Israeli intelligence entities were creating that al-Qaeda link!
Haaretz: Ibrahim, the Shin Bet wants you to join Qaida
Arabia: Palestinian Man Says Mossad Sought to Induce Him to Set up Fake Qaeda Cell in Gaza
Kilafah: PA uncovers Israelis posing as Al-Qaeda
Sidney Morning Herald: Palestinians arrest al-Qaeda 'poseurs'
Anti War: By Way of Deception, by Justin Raimondo
Saturday, December 20, 2003
IRAQ 1990
RENSE: April Glaspie - Saddam Hussein Conversation 1990
Excerpts From Iraqi Document on Meeting with U.S. Envoy
The New York Times International
Sunday, September 23, 1990
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- On July 25, President Saddam Hussein of Iraq summoned the United States Ambassador to Baghdad, April Glaspie, to his office in the last high-level contact between the two Governments before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2. Here are excerpts from a document described by Iraqi Government officials as a transcript of the meeting, which also included the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Tariq Aziz. A copy was provided to The New York Times by ABC News, which translated from the Arabic. The State Department has declined to comment on its accuracy.
RENSE: April Glaspie - Saddam Hussein Conversation 1990
Excerpts From Iraqi Document on Meeting with U.S. Envoy
The New York Times International
Sunday, September 23, 1990
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- On July 25, President Saddam Hussein of Iraq summoned the United States Ambassador to Baghdad, April Glaspie, to his office in the last high-level contact between the two Governments before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2. Here are excerpts from a document described by Iraqi Government officials as a transcript of the meeting, which also included the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Tariq Aziz. A copy was provided to The New York Times by ABC News, which translated from the Arabic. The State Department has declined to comment on its accuracy.
Friday, December 19, 2003
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Reuters: Sharon Issues Separation Ultimatum to Palestinians
HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued an ultimatum to Palestinians, saying Israel would enforce a separation denying them land they want unless progress was made on a U.S.-backed peace plan within months.
The United States and the Palestinians condemned Sharon's go-it-alone plan on Thursday, and Israeli right-wingers criticized his idea of abandoning some Jewish settlements as part of what he called essential measures for Israel's security.
His Likud party has been thrown into confusion by his apparent rethink on its long-standing resistance to abandoning land seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.
In a major policy speech Sharon, warned that, whatever happened, work would speed up on a barrier through the West Bank that he says is vital to keep out suicide bombers and gunmen.
Reuters: Sharon Issues Separation Ultimatum to Palestinians
HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued an ultimatum to Palestinians, saying Israel would enforce a separation denying them land they want unless progress was made on a U.S.-backed peace plan within months.
The United States and the Palestinians condemned Sharon's go-it-alone plan on Thursday, and Israeli right-wingers criticized his idea of abandoning some Jewish settlements as part of what he called essential measures for Israel's security.
His Likud party has been thrown into confusion by his apparent rethink on its long-standing resistance to abandoning land seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.
In a major policy speech Sharon, warned that, whatever happened, work would speed up on a barrier through the West Bank that he says is vital to keep out suicide bombers and gunmen.
IRAQI RESISTANCE
AFP: US Soldier Killed In Baghdad Ambush
(AFP) - An American soldier was killed and another was wounded during an ambush in Baghdad, as violence also flared up in other areas of the country.
The soldier's unit was conducting a vehicle patrol in Baghdad's Karkh district at around 10:30 pm (1930 GMT) when the ambush occurred, the spokeswoman said Thursday.
"Another soldier and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the incident," she said.
AFP: US Soldier Killed In Baghdad Ambush
(AFP) - An American soldier was killed and another was wounded during an ambush in Baghdad, as violence also flared up in other areas of the country.
The soldier's unit was conducting a vehicle patrol in Baghdad's Karkh district at around 10:30 pm (1930 GMT) when the ambush occurred, the spokeswoman said Thursday.
"Another soldier and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the incident," she said.
IRAQ-USA
Spiegel: Rumsfeld signalisierte grünes Licht für Einsatz chemischer Waffen
Als der einstige Reagan-Gesandte Donald Rumsfeld 1984 Saddam Hussein einen Besuch abstattete, spielte die US-Regierung ein doppeltes Spiel. Neue Dokumente belegen: Trotz Öffentlicher Verdammung chemischer Waffen lag es dem Weissen Haus daran, die Beziehungen zu Bagdad auszubauen - auch wenn Saddam die Waffen gegen Iran einsetzen würde.
Spiegel: Rumsfeld signalisierte grünes Licht für Einsatz chemischer Waffen
Als der einstige Reagan-Gesandte Donald Rumsfeld 1984 Saddam Hussein einen Besuch abstattete, spielte die US-Regierung ein doppeltes Spiel. Neue Dokumente belegen: Trotz Öffentlicher Verdammung chemischer Waffen lag es dem Weissen Haus daran, die Beziehungen zu Bagdad auszubauen - auch wenn Saddam die Waffen gegen Iran einsetzen würde.
MEDIA WATCH
Albawaba: Anatomy of a News Report on Palestine by Les Blough
The following analysis examines a typical news report on Palestine by the corporate media. In the report, a Reuters reporter, Eli Berelzon, writes a story of a Palestinian soldier attacking the Israeli army and killing two Israeli soldiers. It is a story of what appears to be a successful Palestinian military operation against the Israeli Army ... but it’s not presented that way - not at all. You may think, “But Eli only reported the facts!�. Ah, but how were they presented?
“It’s not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and the myths that surround it� - John Pilger.
"CHECK IT"
Albawaba: Anatomy of a News Report on Palestine by Les Blough
The following analysis examines a typical news report on Palestine by the corporate media. In the report, a Reuters reporter, Eli Berelzon, writes a story of a Palestinian soldier attacking the Israeli army and killing two Israeli soldiers. It is a story of what appears to be a successful Palestinian military operation against the Israeli Army ... but it’s not presented that way - not at all. You may think, “But Eli only reported the facts!�. Ah, but how were they presented?
“It’s not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and the myths that surround it� - John Pilger.
"CHECK IT"
SADDAM
Newsday: Wash. Congressman Questions Saddam Timing
WASHINGTON -- The Washington congressman who criticized President Bush while visiting Baghdad last year has questioned the timing of the capture of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., told a Seattle radio station Monday the U.S. military could have found Saddam "a long time ago if they wanted." Asked if he thought the weekend capture was timed to help Bush, McDermott chuckled and said: "Yeah. Oh, yeah."
The Democratic congressman went on to say, "There's too much by happenstance for it to be just a coincidental thing."
When interviewer Dave Ross asked again if he meant to imply the Bush administration timed the capture for political reasons, McDermott said: "I don't know that it was definitely planned on this weekend, but I know they've been in contact with people all along who knew basically where he was. It was just a matter of time till they'd find him.
"It's funny," McDermott added, "when they're having all this trouble, suddenly they have to roll out something."
Newsday: Wash. Congressman Questions Saddam Timing
WASHINGTON -- The Washington congressman who criticized President Bush while visiting Baghdad last year has questioned the timing of the capture of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., told a Seattle radio station Monday the U.S. military could have found Saddam "a long time ago if they wanted." Asked if he thought the weekend capture was timed to help Bush, McDermott chuckled and said: "Yeah. Oh, yeah."
The Democratic congressman went on to say, "There's too much by happenstance for it to be just a coincidental thing."
When interviewer Dave Ross asked again if he meant to imply the Bush administration timed the capture for political reasons, McDermott said: "I don't know that it was definitely planned on this weekend, but I know they've been in contact with people all along who knew basically where he was. It was just a matter of time till they'd find him.
"It's funny," McDermott added, "when they're having all this trouble, suddenly they have to roll out something."
SADDAM
Albawaba: Israel denies Qatari report saying Sharon secretly met Saddam in Baghdad following arrest
Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon paid a brief visit Sunday to Baghdad to secretly meet former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, a Qatari newspaper reported Tuesday.
Al-Raya, citing Nasser Mahmoud – a top Iraqi politician with close links to the interim council, reported that "Sharon, accompanied by intelligence officers, landed at around 20:00 at the Baghdad airport."
According to the report, top civil administrator Paul L. Bremer received the Israeli leader and accompanied him during the meeting with Saddam Hussein.
Mahmoud added, according to the report, that during a meeting with Bremer after his arrival in Baghdad, Sharon had asked to see Saddam in person.
Following the meeting with the ousted leader, Sharon praised Bremer and the US army on the capture and said it "strengthens the US victory in Iraq".
Albawaba: Israel denies Qatari report saying Sharon secretly met Saddam in Baghdad following arrest
Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon paid a brief visit Sunday to Baghdad to secretly meet former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, a Qatari newspaper reported Tuesday.
Al-Raya, citing Nasser Mahmoud – a top Iraqi politician with close links to the interim council, reported that "Sharon, accompanied by intelligence officers, landed at around 20:00 at the Baghdad airport."
According to the report, top civil administrator Paul L. Bremer received the Israeli leader and accompanied him during the meeting with Saddam Hussein.
Mahmoud added, according to the report, that during a meeting with Bremer after his arrival in Baghdad, Sharon had asked to see Saddam in person.
Following the meeting with the ousted leader, Sharon praised Bremer and the US army on the capture and said it "strengthens the US victory in Iraq".
SADDAM
WSWS: Bush calls for Hussein’s execution: a portrait of sadism and ignorance
Those who actually sat through the interview and who know Bush’s record, however, may not be so impressed. When he was governor of Texas, the “ultimate penalty� was altogether routine. He presided over 152 executions, more than any other governor in US history, and once allowed that he spent an average of just 15 minutes reviewing cases before giving the order to put human beings—including the mentally ill—to death.
After becoming president, he has resumed the use of the federal death penalty for the first time in the US since 1963, ordering the execution of a Persian Gulf War veteran on the very eve of launching the invasion of Iraq last March
This is a disgusting tyrant who deserves justice, the ultimate justice. But that will be decided not by the president of the United States but by the citizens of Iraq in one form or another,� said Bush, who defensively added, “You don’t want a kangaroo court.�
But that is precisely what Washington is preparing. The “citizens of Iraq� will decide nothing. They are subjects of a US military occupation, without an elected government and without even the prospect of a vote for years to come. The US will create the instrument that will render Hussein’s verdict based on the time-honored American principle of “give him a fair trial and hang him.�
The other advantage of such a procedure is that dead men tell no tales. Hussein can be denied the one defense he would inevitably make before an international court: that the greatest crimes of which he stands accused—the Iran-Iraq war, the gassing of the Kurds and suppression of the Shiites—were carried out with either the direct support or tacit approval of US administrations in Washington.
WSWS: Bush calls for Hussein’s execution: a portrait of sadism and ignorance
Those who actually sat through the interview and who know Bush’s record, however, may not be so impressed. When he was governor of Texas, the “ultimate penalty� was altogether routine. He presided over 152 executions, more than any other governor in US history, and once allowed that he spent an average of just 15 minutes reviewing cases before giving the order to put human beings—including the mentally ill—to death.
After becoming president, he has resumed the use of the federal death penalty for the first time in the US since 1963, ordering the execution of a Persian Gulf War veteran on the very eve of launching the invasion of Iraq last March
This is a disgusting tyrant who deserves justice, the ultimate justice. But that will be decided not by the president of the United States but by the citizens of Iraq in one form or another,� said Bush, who defensively added, “You don’t want a kangaroo court.�
But that is precisely what Washington is preparing. The “citizens of Iraq� will decide nothing. They are subjects of a US military occupation, without an elected government and without even the prospect of a vote for years to come. The US will create the instrument that will render Hussein’s verdict based on the time-honored American principle of “give him a fair trial and hang him.�
The other advantage of such a procedure is that dead men tell no tales. Hussein can be denied the one defense he would inevitably make before an international court: that the greatest crimes of which he stands accused—the Iran-Iraq war, the gassing of the Kurds and suppression of the Shiites—were carried out with either the direct support or tacit approval of US administrations in Washington.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"President Bush is an intelligent man. He is not going to declare an
economic war against Iraq. I admire your extraordinary efforts to
rebuild your country. I know you need funds. We understand that, and our
opinion is that you should have the opportunity to rebuild your country. But we
have no opinion on Arab-Arab conflicts like your border disagreement with
Kuwait. James Baker [US Secretary of State] has directed our official
spokesmen to emphasise this instruction. .... "
-- April Glaspie, US Ambassador to Iraq, in conversation with Saddam
Hussein, US State Department transcripts, 25th July 1990, eight days before the invasion
"President Bush is an intelligent man. He is not going to declare an
economic war against Iraq. I admire your extraordinary efforts to
rebuild your country. I know you need funds. We understand that, and our
opinion is that you should have the opportunity to rebuild your country. But we
have no opinion on Arab-Arab conflicts like your border disagreement with
Kuwait. James Baker [US Secretary of State] has directed our official
spokesmen to emphasise this instruction. .... "
-- April Glaspie, US Ambassador to Iraq, in conversation with Saddam
Hussein, US State Department transcripts, 25th July 1990, eight days before the invasion
Thursday, December 18, 2003
ISRAEL
Haaretz: Justice Minister Lapid slams 'barbaric' behavior of settlers
Justice Minister Yosef Lapid on Thursday launched a verbal assault on residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip settlements, describing their behavior as "barbaric," and accusing them of having "de facto" control in Israel.
Lapid said that the settlers "in their heart of hearts dream of the transfer of Palestinians to the [Eastern] banks of the Jordan [river], a solution which is not only barbaric but also utterly impossible."
Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, a showcase conference on Israeli security, Lapid said that, "Even though Israel is an exemplary democracy, it is de facto controlled by a small minority of Yesha settlers who represent a minority within the settlers themselves.
"Their answer to the demographic problem is for another million immigrants to arrive in the country, although no one knows from where," he said.
Speakers at the Herzliya Conference revisited Thursday controversial comments made by Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the day before, in which he said that the Israeli Arab population posed a demographic threat to the country.
MK Azmi Bishara of Balad (National Democratic Alliance) said that describing the original residents of the land as a demographic problem would be considered racist in any country.
"No people in the world like to hear that their actual existence causes a demographic problem," Bishara told Army Radio. "Even in undeveloped countries, this is thought of as racist."
"CHECK IT"
Haaretz: Justice Minister Lapid slams 'barbaric' behavior of settlers
Justice Minister Yosef Lapid on Thursday launched a verbal assault on residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip settlements, describing their behavior as "barbaric," and accusing them of having "de facto" control in Israel.
Lapid said that the settlers "in their heart of hearts dream of the transfer of Palestinians to the [Eastern] banks of the Jordan [river], a solution which is not only barbaric but also utterly impossible."
Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, a showcase conference on Israeli security, Lapid said that, "Even though Israel is an exemplary democracy, it is de facto controlled by a small minority of Yesha settlers who represent a minority within the settlers themselves.
"Their answer to the demographic problem is for another million immigrants to arrive in the country, although no one knows from where," he said.
Speakers at the Herzliya Conference revisited Thursday controversial comments made by Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the day before, in which he said that the Israeli Arab population posed a demographic threat to the country.
MK Azmi Bishara of Balad (National Democratic Alliance) said that describing the original residents of the land as a demographic problem would be considered racist in any country.
"No people in the world like to hear that their actual existence causes a demographic problem," Bishara told Army Radio. "Even in undeveloped countries, this is thought of as racist."
"CHECK IT"
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
IRAN
Albawaba.com: Iran's Leader - Bush, Sharon
Deserve Same Fate As Saddam
Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that all Iranians were "pleased" at the arrest of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but said U.S. President George W. Bush and Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should also go.
"The Iranian nation is very pleased with his [Saddam's]arrest," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech in the city of Qazvin carried live on state television.
He described the ousted Iraqi leader as a "wild animal", a "corrupt being" and a "bloodthirsty wolf", sparking chants from the crowd of "Death to Saddam", "Death to Israel" and "Death to America".
However, the leader also blamed Saddam's captors of hypocrisy, citing their support of Iraq during its 1980-88 war against the Islamic republic of Iran that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Iranians.
"The same Americans who are now happy over his arrest were at the time shaking his hand. The current U.S. defence minister [Donald Rumsfeld] met with Saddam in Baghdad, promised to help him and helped him in order to put Islamic Iran under pressure," Khamenei declared.
"I heard the U.S. president told Saddam that 'the world is a better place without you'. I want to tell the U.S. president that he should know the world would be an even better place without Bush and Sharon," Khamenei said.
Albawaba.com: Iran's Leader - Bush, Sharon
Deserve Same Fate As Saddam
Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that all Iranians were "pleased" at the arrest of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but said U.S. President George W. Bush and Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should also go.
"The Iranian nation is very pleased with his [Saddam's]arrest," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech in the city of Qazvin carried live on state television.
He described the ousted Iraqi leader as a "wild animal", a "corrupt being" and a "bloodthirsty wolf", sparking chants from the crowd of "Death to Saddam", "Death to Israel" and "Death to America".
However, the leader also blamed Saddam's captors of hypocrisy, citing their support of Iraq during its 1980-88 war against the Islamic republic of Iran that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Iranians.
"The same Americans who are now happy over his arrest were at the time shaking his hand. The current U.S. defence minister [Donald Rumsfeld] met with Saddam in Baghdad, promised to help him and helped him in order to put Islamic Iran under pressure," Khamenei declared.
"I heard the U.S. president told Saddam that 'the world is a better place without you'. I want to tell the U.S. president that he should know the world would be an even better place without Bush and Sharon," Khamenei said.
IRAQI RESISTANCE
Tagesanzeiger: Bomben im Stundentakt
Nachdem bereits am frühen Morgen ein Tanklaster in Bagdad explodiert war, hat eine weitere mächtige Explosion am frühen Nachmittag den Süden der irakischen Hauptstadt erschüttert
Independent: 10 killed in Baghdad truck bombing
An explosives-laden truck speeding toward a police station collided with a bus at an intersection before dawn Wednesday, killing at least 10 people amid a surge of violence since the weekend arrest of Saddam Hussein.
Twenty people were also injured in the attack in al-Bayaa, a poor district in south-west Baghdad, hospital officials said. Ahmed Kadhim Ibrahim, deputy interior minister, said the dead were Iraqis, and that the truck driver had planned to strike the police station.
Tagesanzeiger: Bomben im Stundentakt
Nachdem bereits am frühen Morgen ein Tanklaster in Bagdad explodiert war, hat eine weitere mächtige Explosion am frühen Nachmittag den Süden der irakischen Hauptstadt erschüttert
Independent: 10 killed in Baghdad truck bombing
An explosives-laden truck speeding toward a police station collided with a bus at an intersection before dawn Wednesday, killing at least 10 people amid a surge of violence since the weekend arrest of Saddam Hussein.
Twenty people were also injured in the attack in al-Bayaa, a poor district in south-west Baghdad, hospital officials said. Ahmed Kadhim Ibrahim, deputy interior minister, said the dead were Iraqis, and that the truck driver had planned to strike the police station.
SADDAM
Iribnew: Iran Broadcasting Says Bush
Met Saddam On November 27
ISLAMABAD - A Pakistani newspaper on Tuesday published a report, claiming a meeting had taken place between US President George Bush and former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on November 27.
The Urdu language newspaper, Khabrain, quoting some reports said that during his unexpected sojourn to Baghdad, Bush met deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on November 27.
The daily further said that Saddam had tried to commit suicide on November 23. He was apprehended with the help of Kurd leader Jalal Talabani and Saddam's his own guards three days before he
attempted to kill himself.
The local press, like in all the other countries, gave front page extensive coverage to the stories about Saddam's arrest and the circumstances which led to his capture.
Iribnew: Iran Broadcasting Says Bush
Met Saddam On November 27
ISLAMABAD - A Pakistani newspaper on Tuesday published a report, claiming a meeting had taken place between US President George Bush and former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on November 27.
The Urdu language newspaper, Khabrain, quoting some reports said that during his unexpected sojourn to Baghdad, Bush met deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on November 27.
The daily further said that Saddam had tried to commit suicide on November 23. He was apprehended with the help of Kurd leader Jalal Talabani and Saddam's his own guards three days before he
attempted to kill himself.
The local press, like in all the other countries, gave front page extensive coverage to the stories about Saddam's arrest and the circumstances which led to his capture.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
STREETART: ACCESS FESTIVAL
Pictures from Acces-s:
PICS 1
PICS 2
EKOSYSTEM: I had asked some ekosystem friends to work on a common theme : the Access. More than 40 people sent me their contributions and I've put them together in a video. This video was shown during Acces(s) festival last november download the Video DIvx/51MB
Pictures from Acces-s:
PICS 1
PICS 2
EKOSYSTEM: I had asked some ekosystem friends to work on a common theme : the Access. More than 40 people sent me their contributions and I've put them together in a video. This video was shown during Acces(s) festival last november download the Video DIvx/51MB
SHARON
Haaretz: Sharon's Perception Of Time
"At the behest of Sharon's careful, incremental method, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed or injured over the past year; masses have fallen below the poverty line; billions of dollars have been squandered; hatred has mounted; and the demographic threat has increased."
Disturbingly, there's at least one indication that Ariel Sharon really thinks time is on his side: The prime minister clings to his belief that "a million Jews" will immigrate to Israel, and defuse the demographic threat to the Jewish state. Nary a meeting with wealthy, visiting Jews goes by without Sharon preaching to his guests about immigrating to Israel.
The troubling thing is that when a leader believes time is on his side, he has no reason to try to change reality. Yitzhak Shamir, who was sure the passage of time would strengthen the vision of Greater Israel, formulated the doctrine this way: "In the end, the Arabs will get used to the situation."
Haaretz: Sharon's Perception Of Time
"At the behest of Sharon's careful, incremental method, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed or injured over the past year; masses have fallen below the poverty line; billions of dollars have been squandered; hatred has mounted; and the demographic threat has increased."
Disturbingly, there's at least one indication that Ariel Sharon really thinks time is on his side: The prime minister clings to his belief that "a million Jews" will immigrate to Israel, and defuse the demographic threat to the Jewish state. Nary a meeting with wealthy, visiting Jews goes by without Sharon preaching to his guests about immigrating to Israel.
The troubling thing is that when a leader believes time is on his side, he has no reason to try to change reality. Yitzhak Shamir, who was sure the passage of time would strengthen the vision of Greater Israel, formulated the doctrine this way: "In the end, the Arabs will get used to the situation."
IRAQI RESISTANCE
Reuters: Saddam Arrest Cheer Fades
Into More Iraqi Anger At US
"The only difference is that Saddam would kill you in private, where the Americans will kill you in public."
BAGHDAD (Reuters) -- Joy at the capture of Saddam Hussein gave way to resentment toward Washington Monday as Iraqis confronted afresh the bloodshed, shortages and soaring prices of life under U.S. occupation.
The morning after Iraq's U.S. governor revealed the ousted strongman was a disheveled prisoner, Iraqis flooded the streets to snatch up newspapers emblazoned with photos of the man who ruled them by fear, now humbled and captive.
Many were ecstatic to see Saddam captured and hoped he would answer for his deeds but said they would not rush to thank America -- in their eyes the source of their problems since a U.S.-led coalition toppled Saddam in April.
Reuters: Saddam Arrest Cheer Fades
Into More Iraqi Anger At US
"The only difference is that Saddam would kill you in private, where the Americans will kill you in public."
BAGHDAD (Reuters) -- Joy at the capture of Saddam Hussein gave way to resentment toward Washington Monday as Iraqis confronted afresh the bloodshed, shortages and soaring prices of life under U.S. occupation.
The morning after Iraq's U.S. governor revealed the ousted strongman was a disheveled prisoner, Iraqis flooded the streets to snatch up newspapers emblazoned with photos of the man who ruled them by fear, now humbled and captive.
Many were ecstatic to see Saddam captured and hoped he would answer for his deeds but said they would not rush to thank America -- in their eyes the source of their problems since a U.S.-led coalition toppled Saddam in April.
SADDAM
Spiegel: US-Demokrat wirft Bush inszenierte Festnahme vor
Nach der Festnahme Saddam Husseins triumphiert George W. Bush. Doch der demokratische Kongressabgeordnete Jim McDermott wirft dem Präsidenten vor, er habe den Zeitpunkt der Gefangennahme Saddams aus innenpolitischen Gründen bewusst festgelegt.
Washington - Der demokratische Kongressabgeordnete Jim McDermott sagte in einem Rundfunkinterview, das US-Militär hätte Saddam schon vor langer Zeit finden können, "wenn sie das gewollt hätten". Auf die Nachfrage, ob er die Gefangennahme für "getimt" halte, damit Bush innenpolitisch punkten könne, antwortete McDermott: "Ja, oh ja."
Spiegel: US-Demokrat wirft Bush inszenierte Festnahme vor
Nach der Festnahme Saddam Husseins triumphiert George W. Bush. Doch der demokratische Kongressabgeordnete Jim McDermott wirft dem Präsidenten vor, er habe den Zeitpunkt der Gefangennahme Saddams aus innenpolitischen Gründen bewusst festgelegt.
Washington - Der demokratische Kongressabgeordnete Jim McDermott sagte in einem Rundfunkinterview, das US-Militär hätte Saddam schon vor langer Zeit finden können, "wenn sie das gewollt hätten". Auf die Nachfrage, ob er die Gefangennahme für "getimt" halte, damit Bush innenpolitisch punkten könne, antwortete McDermott: "Ja, oh ja."
IRAQ
Amnesty International: Iraq Tribunal Established without Consultation
Amnesty International has expressed concern to the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Iraqi Governing Council about the decision to
establish an Iraqi special tribunal that was taken without prior
consultation with the Iraqi civil society or the international
community. 'We have been urging that the proposals to establish the tribunal be
subject to widespread consultation within Iraqi civil society,
especially the legal profession and human rights groups, as well as the
international community,' said Amnesty International today. 'Unfortunately, the draft
statute of the tribunal was not made public before its adoption.' Under
international humanitarian law, the authority of the CPA as an
Occupying Power to establish a tribunal of the scope envisaged for the Iraqi
special tribunal is doubtful at best.
Amnesty International: Iraq Tribunal Established without Consultation
Amnesty International has expressed concern to the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA) and the Iraqi Governing Council about the decision to
establish an Iraqi special tribunal that was taken without prior
consultation with the Iraqi civil society or the international
community. 'We have been urging that the proposals to establish the tribunal be
subject to widespread consultation within Iraqi civil society,
especially the legal profession and human rights groups, as well as the
international community,' said Amnesty International today. 'Unfortunately, the draft
statute of the tribunal was not made public before its adoption.' Under
international humanitarian law, the authority of the CPA as an
Occupying Power to establish a tribunal of the scope envisaged for the Iraqi
special tribunal is doubtful at best.
SADDAM
CNN: Iraqi war crimes court set up
Saddam always said he'd tell the world of his real connections with the
Reagan and Bush administrations if he got the chance. Now, thanks to an
"amazing coincidence," he won't get his day in a world court. That's
because 3 days before his alleged capture, the Bush interim government
in Iraq set up a special war crimes tribunal that will be closed to the
world except for "outside experts" (hand-picked by the Bush junta, of
course). How very, very convenient. As the AFP reported on December 10, "Back in
Iraq...the Governing Council approved late last night the creation of
an Iraqi penal tribunal to try former members of Saddam Hussein's regime
for their crimes against humanity.. Council members have said US overseer
Pau Bremer has to sign the tribunal statutes, but a coalition spokesman has
insisted it was the Governing Council that was taking the decisions
about the court and not the US-led occupation authority."
CNN: Iraqi war crimes court set up
Saddam always said he'd tell the world of his real connections with the
Reagan and Bush administrations if he got the chance. Now, thanks to an
"amazing coincidence," he won't get his day in a world court. That's
because 3 days before his alleged capture, the Bush interim government
in Iraq set up a special war crimes tribunal that will be closed to the
world except for "outside experts" (hand-picked by the Bush junta, of
course). How very, very convenient. As the AFP reported on December 10, "Back in
Iraq...the Governing Council approved late last night the creation of
an Iraqi penal tribunal to try former members of Saddam Hussein's regime
for their crimes against humanity.. Council members have said US overseer
Pau Bremer has to sign the tribunal statutes, but a coalition spokesman has
insisted it was the Governing Council that was taking the decisions
about the court and not the US-led occupation authority."
WATER
Alternet: The Battle for Water
We are taught in school that the Earth has a closed hydrologic system; water is continually being recycled through rain and evaporation and none of it leaves the planet's atmosphere. Not only is there the same amount of water on the Earth today as there was at the creation of the planet, it's the same water. The next time you're walking in the rain, stop and think that some of the water falling on you ran through the blood of dinosaurs or swelled the tears of children who lived thousands of years ago.
Alternet: The Battle for Water
We are taught in school that the Earth has a closed hydrologic system; water is continually being recycled through rain and evaporation and none of it leaves the planet's atmosphere. Not only is there the same amount of water on the Earth today as there was at the creation of the planet, it's the same water. The next time you're walking in the rain, stop and think that some of the water falling on you ran through the blood of dinosaurs or swelled the tears of children who lived thousands of years ago.
Monday, December 15, 2003
SADDAM
Rense: They Got The Wrong Guy
War is peace, Orwell said. It has never been clearer than now.
The theatrical apprehension of fallen Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein from his pathetic hole in the dirt is a prima facie example of how the American vision of life and the world has become totally twisted. It was the culmination of an unjust war against a defenseless people, this ritual roughing up of a tired old man who was never more than a puppet following the orders of the master manipulators who always planned to do him in when it became convenient.
Saddam was never a danger to America, despite all the pre-war rhetoric that has all been proven false.
George W. Bush - and Bill Clinton and the elder Bush before him - killed many times more Iraqis than Saddam ever did. The 20,000 or so Iraqi innocents who perished in the recent bombing of the Cradle of Civilization were at least ten times more than the number of political malcontents who ran afoul of the murderous machismo of Saddam's inflexible rule, and the utter destruction of this functioning nation-state was certainly something Hussein never contemplated.
Rense: They Got The Wrong Guy
War is peace, Orwell said. It has never been clearer than now.
The theatrical apprehension of fallen Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein from his pathetic hole in the dirt is a prima facie example of how the American vision of life and the world has become totally twisted. It was the culmination of an unjust war against a defenseless people, this ritual roughing up of a tired old man who was never more than a puppet following the orders of the master manipulators who always planned to do him in when it became convenient.
Saddam was never a danger to America, despite all the pre-war rhetoric that has all been proven false.
George W. Bush - and Bill Clinton and the elder Bush before him - killed many times more Iraqis than Saddam ever did. The 20,000 or so Iraqi innocents who perished in the recent bombing of the Cradle of Civilization were at least ten times more than the number of political malcontents who ran afoul of the murderous machismo of Saddam's inflexible rule, and the utter destruction of this functioning nation-state was certainly something Hussein never contemplated.
VANDALISM
Zürich: Sprayer festgenommen
Die Stadtpolizei Zürich hat in der Nacht auf Montag einen 17-jährigen Schweizer festgenommen, der zuvor eine Hauswand in der City besprayt hatte.
Der Sachschaden an der Hausfassade beläuft sich auf rund 2000 Franken.
Eine Streifenwagenpatrouille sah, wie eine vermummte Person an der Gottfried Keller-Strasse eine Hauswand besprayte. Als der Sprayer die Polizisten bemerkte, rannte er weg. Obwohl er stürzte, konnten ihn die Beamten erst beim Stadelhoferplatz stoppen, wie die Stadtpolizei mitteilte.
Der 17-Jährige leistete heftige Gegenwehr, so dass er nur «mit angemessener Gewalt» festgenommen werden konnte. Weil er über Schmerzen im linken Arm klagte, brachte ihn die Sanität ins Spital, wo eine Fraktur des Ellbogens festgestellt wurde.
Zürich: Sprayer festgenommen
Die Stadtpolizei Zürich hat in der Nacht auf Montag einen 17-jährigen Schweizer festgenommen, der zuvor eine Hauswand in der City besprayt hatte.
Der Sachschaden an der Hausfassade beläuft sich auf rund 2000 Franken.
Eine Streifenwagenpatrouille sah, wie eine vermummte Person an der Gottfried Keller-Strasse eine Hauswand besprayte. Als der Sprayer die Polizisten bemerkte, rannte er weg. Obwohl er stürzte, konnten ihn die Beamten erst beim Stadelhoferplatz stoppen, wie die Stadtpolizei mitteilte.
Der 17-Jährige leistete heftige Gegenwehr, so dass er nur «mit angemessener Gewalt» festgenommen werden konnte. Weil er über Schmerzen im linken Arm klagte, brachte ihn die Sanität ins Spital, wo eine Fraktur des Ellbogens festgestellt wurde.
IRAQ: SADDAM
Truthout: We Caught The Wrong Guy
Saddam Hussein, former employee of the American federal government, was captured near a farmhouse in Tikrit in a raid performed by other employees of the American federal government. That sounds pretty deranged, right? Perhaps, but it is also accurate. The unifying thread binding together everyone assembled at that Tikrit farmhouse is the simple fact that all of them - the soldiers as well as Hussein - have received pay from the United States for services rendered.
Independent: 'We Never Had WMD' Saddam Tells Interrogators
Saddam Hussein told his American interrogators that Iraq never had weapons of mass destruction, claiming that they were an invention of the US government to justify an invasion, it was reported last night.
Although Saddam was captured without a fight and was initially said to be co-operative, US intelligence sources said that he had since been unco-operative and defiant under questioning.
Independent: Saddam's Capture Will Not
Stop Resistance by Robert Fisk
"Peace" and "reconciliation" were the patois of Downing Street and the White House yesterday. But all those hopes of a collapse of resistance are doomed. Saddam was neither the spiritual nor the political guide to the insurgency that is now claiming so many lives in Iraq - far more Iraqi than Western lives, one might add - and, however happy Messrs Bush and Blair may be at the capture of Saddam, the war goes on.
Online Journal: Will Saddam's Capture Prove
To Be A Trap For Bush?
"There is another possibility that whoever thought this through had done his homework very well, and the timing was impeccable. If true, students of propaganda will be using this incident as a case study for decades to come."
It was pretty much of a shock to learn of Saddam Hussein's capture so soon. Then again, come to think of it, no! George W. Bush's popularity is dipping badly and those niggling questions about Sept 11 are now gaining feverish momentum.
Rense: Saddam Betrayed - He Was A Prisoner
It's becoming increasingly clear Saddam had apparently been betrayed by his own closest protectors weeks ago and was being kept a prisoner in a hole in the ground while they tried to arrange to sell him for the $25 million - or more - in US reward money
Truthout: We Caught The Wrong Guy
Saddam Hussein, former employee of the American federal government, was captured near a farmhouse in Tikrit in a raid performed by other employees of the American federal government. That sounds pretty deranged, right? Perhaps, but it is also accurate. The unifying thread binding together everyone assembled at that Tikrit farmhouse is the simple fact that all of them - the soldiers as well as Hussein - have received pay from the United States for services rendered.
Independent: 'We Never Had WMD' Saddam Tells Interrogators
Saddam Hussein told his American interrogators that Iraq never had weapons of mass destruction, claiming that they were an invention of the US government to justify an invasion, it was reported last night.
Although Saddam was captured without a fight and was initially said to be co-operative, US intelligence sources said that he had since been unco-operative and defiant under questioning.
Independent: Saddam's Capture Will Not
Stop Resistance by Robert Fisk
"Peace" and "reconciliation" were the patois of Downing Street and the White House yesterday. But all those hopes of a collapse of resistance are doomed. Saddam was neither the spiritual nor the political guide to the insurgency that is now claiming so many lives in Iraq - far more Iraqi than Western lives, one might add - and, however happy Messrs Bush and Blair may be at the capture of Saddam, the war goes on.
Online Journal: Will Saddam's Capture Prove
To Be A Trap For Bush?
"There is another possibility that whoever thought this through had done his homework very well, and the timing was impeccable. If true, students of propaganda will be using this incident as a case study for decades to come."
It was pretty much of a shock to learn of Saddam Hussein's capture so soon. Then again, come to think of it, no! George W. Bush's popularity is dipping badly and those niggling questions about Sept 11 are now gaining feverish momentum.
Rense: Saddam Betrayed - He Was A Prisoner
It's becoming increasingly clear Saddam had apparently been betrayed by his own closest protectors weeks ago and was being kept a prisoner in a hole in the ground while they tried to arrange to sell him for the $25 million - or more - in US reward money
IRAQI RESISTANCE
Spiegel: Autobomben töten zehn Menschen
Auch nach der Verhaftung von Saddam Hussein geht die Terror-Serie im Irak weiter. Heute morgen explodierten vor zwei Polizeistationen Autobomben - zehn Menschen starben.
Bagdad - Der erste Anschlag habe sich in der Ortschaft Husseinijah etwa 30 Kilometer nördlich der irakischen Hauptstadt ereignet, teilte ein Polizeisprecher mit. Neun Menschen seien getötet worden, viele weitere seien zudem verwundet worden. Über dem Tatort stieg dichter Rauch auf. Die US-Armee riegelte das Gebiet ab.
Eine zweite Autobombe ging vor einer Polizeistation im Bagdader Stadtteil Amirijah in die Luft. Der Fahrer des Wagens wurde getötet, mindestens acht Menschen wurden dabei verletzt, wie die Polizei mitteilte. Kurz zuvor hatten Sprengstoffexperten eine Autobombe entschärft, die in der Umgebung gefunden worden war.
Spiegel: Autobomben töten zehn Menschen
Auch nach der Verhaftung von Saddam Hussein geht die Terror-Serie im Irak weiter. Heute morgen explodierten vor zwei Polizeistationen Autobomben - zehn Menschen starben.
Bagdad - Der erste Anschlag habe sich in der Ortschaft Husseinijah etwa 30 Kilometer nördlich der irakischen Hauptstadt ereignet, teilte ein Polizeisprecher mit. Neun Menschen seien getötet worden, viele weitere seien zudem verwundet worden. Über dem Tatort stieg dichter Rauch auf. Die US-Armee riegelte das Gebiet ab.
Eine zweite Autobombe ging vor einer Polizeistation im Bagdader Stadtteil Amirijah in die Luft. Der Fahrer des Wagens wurde getötet, mindestens acht Menschen wurden dabei verletzt, wie die Polizei mitteilte. Kurz zuvor hatten Sprengstoffexperten eine Autobombe entschärft, die in der Umgebung gefunden worden war.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
IRAQ
Reuters: Saddam Hussein reportedly arrested
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been arrested, an Iraqi Kurdish representative in Iran says, but the U.S. Defence Department says it can not confirm the report.
"I confirm that Saddam has been arrested," Nazem Dabag, representative in Iran of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), told Reuters on Sunday.
The official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted PUK leader Jalal Talabani as saying that Saddam had been captured in his home town of Tikrit.
"The American forces in Tikrit announced that Saddam was arrested on Sunday. The Americans said that they will announce the news officially in the next few hours," IRNA quoted Talabani as saying.
The news agency report was from Qasr-e Shirin in Iran across the border from Iraq. A Talabani aide said the Kurdish leader was in Tehran on his way to France.
The U.S. Defence Department said it could not confirm the report. Washington has made Saddam number one on its list of 55 most-wanted Iraqis, and placed a $25 million (14 million pounds) reward on his head.
U.S. officials had said Saddam, 66, had eluded American troops by moving every few hours, probably in disguise and aided by members of his clan.
Reuters: Saddam Hussein reportedly arrested
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been arrested, an Iraqi Kurdish representative in Iran says, but the U.S. Defence Department says it can not confirm the report.
"I confirm that Saddam has been arrested," Nazem Dabag, representative in Iran of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), told Reuters on Sunday.
The official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted PUK leader Jalal Talabani as saying that Saddam had been captured in his home town of Tikrit.
"The American forces in Tikrit announced that Saddam was arrested on Sunday. The Americans said that they will announce the news officially in the next few hours," IRNA quoted Talabani as saying.
The news agency report was from Qasr-e Shirin in Iran across the border from Iraq. A Talabani aide said the Kurdish leader was in Tehran on his way to France.
The U.S. Defence Department said it could not confirm the report. Washington has made Saddam number one on its list of 55 most-wanted Iraqis, and placed a $25 million (14 million pounds) reward on his head.
U.S. officials had said Saddam, 66, had eluded American troops by moving every few hours, probably in disguise and aided by members of his clan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)