The Guardian: You asked for my evidence, Mr Ambassador. Here it is by Naomi Klein
In Iraq, the US does eliminate those who dare to count the dead
David T Johnson,
Acting ambassador,
US Embassy, London
Dear Mr Johnson, On November 26, your press counsellor sent a letter to the Guardian taking strong exception to a sentence in my column of the same day. The sentence read: "In Iraq, US forces and their Iraqi surrogates are no longer bothering to conceal attacks on civilian targets and are openly eliminating anyone - doctors, clerics, journalists - who dares to count the bodies." Of particular concern was the word "eliminating".
The letter suggested that my charge was "baseless" and asked the Guardian either to withdraw it, or provide "evidence of this extremely grave accusation". It is quite rare for US embassy officials to openly involve themselves in the free press of a foreign country, so I took the letter extremely seriously. But while I agree that the accusation is grave, I have no intention of withdrawing it. Here, instead, is the evidence you requested.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
USA
ICH: The Good Germans
It is a commonplace that at the end of WWII scarcely a Nazi or Nazi sympathizer could be found, or even anyone with an inkling that a Holocaust had been taking place. Even as rocks flew through Jewish shop windows and homes were burned, the Good Germans didn't know. Even when Jews began disappearing in huge numbers from right under their noses, the Good Germans weren't aware
While there is much justified consternation surrounding the truly astonishing election of George W. Bush-first he steals power, then it's handed back to him tied with a fancy yellow ribbon-the fact is that for the longest time American foreign policy (and often domestic as well) has been so savage as to shock the world. Yet the average American seems to care as little as the average German did about the Third's Reich's crimes against humanity or the Holocaust. Didn't know, didn't care or-liked it very much. 'We' are empire! Therefore 'we' are a priori justified in anything we do. Rules only apply to lesser nations, lesser beings.
It is a commonplace that at the end of WWII scarcely a Nazi or Nazi sympathizer could be found, or even anyone with an inkling that a Holocaust had been taking place. Even as rocks flew through Jewish shop windows and homes were burned, the Good Germans didn't know. Even when Jews began disappearing in huge numbers from right under their noses, the Good Germans weren't aware
While there is much justified consternation surrounding the truly astonishing election of George W. Bush-first he steals power, then it's handed back to him tied with a fancy yellow ribbon-the fact is that for the longest time American foreign policy (and often domestic as well) has been so savage as to shock the world. Yet the average American seems to care as little as the average German did about the Third's Reich's crimes against humanity or the Holocaust. Didn't know, didn't care or-liked it very much. 'We' are empire! Therefore 'we' are a priori justified in anything we do. Rules only apply to lesser nations, lesser beings.
Monday, December 06, 2004
DOLLAR VS. EURO
Quotes: Financial Crisis Ahead?
“Buffett said the transfer of the country's ‘net worth’ abroad would eventually lead to ‘major trouble.’ ‘In effect, our country has been behaving like an extraordinarily rich family that possesses an immense farm. In order to consume 4% more than we produce - that's the trade deficit - we have, day by day, been both selling pieces of the farm and increasing the mortgage on what we still own.’”
- Warren Buffett
CEO, Berkshire Hathaway & 2nd Wealthiest Person in the World
“Over time, there is only one direction for the dollar to go – lower.”
- Bob McTeer
President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
“[D]ue to our never-ending deficits what we're seeing is a massive transfer of assets from the U.S. to creditors probably the greatest transfer of assets in history. Over time this is going to mean a lowered standard of living for my kids and your kids, and if it happens quickly it will also mean a lowered standard of living for you and me. When you build up gigantic debts, somebody has to pay for those debts. The great American debt-sponsored party is slowly coming to an end.”
- Richard Russell
Editor-Publisher, Dow Theory Letters
Dow Theory Letters
The long-term picture is pretty bad.”
- Jagadeesh Gokhale
Senior Fellow, Cato Institute;
& research publisher for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
“To give you idea how big the problem is, you'd have to have an immediate and permanent 78 percent hike in the federal income tax [to close a $51 trillion fiscal gap]…. The country's absolutely broke, and both Bush and Kerry are being irresponsible in not addressing this problem. This administration and previous administrations have set us up for a major financial crisis on the order of what Argentina experienced a couple of years ago.”
- Laurence Kotlikoff
Economics Chairman, Boston University
“All the official reports, from the Congressional Budget Office to the Fed to the IMF, keep returning to the same bottom line: The longer we put off any sacrifice, the harder will be the blow to our nation, our economy, and our lives. With this year's record federal deficit, we are already effectively borrowing to fund all our domestic discretionary programs. By 2020 we will be borrowing to pay for our defense programs as well, since revenues by then will cover only benefit checks and interest on the national debt.”
- Peter G. Peterson
Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
“Volcker predicts we face a 75% chance of crisis within five years.”
- Paul Volcker
Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
“The direction of the dollar is down... The dollar is declining because of our loose money policy, our terrible fiscal deficit and our current-account deficit, all of which are heading the wrong way. What will happen at some point is that foreigners will stop buying our securities or at least buy less of them...
Given the decline in the dollar and the dramatic shortfall we see developing, we expect [gold as an asset class] to be our highest-return asset class. We look for gold to appreciate demonstrably from here. Our near-term target is $500 an ounce, and our longer term target is $1,000.”
- Richard Arvedlund
Founder, Cypress Capital Management
Forbes
“Buffett said the transfer of the country's ‘net worth’ abroad would eventually lead to ‘major trouble.’ ‘In effect, our country has been behaving like an extraordinarily rich family that possesses an immense farm. In order to consume 4% more than we produce - that's the trade deficit - we have, day by day, been both selling pieces of the farm and increasing the mortgage on what we still own.’”
- Warren Buffett
CEO, Berkshire Hathaway & 2nd Wealthiest Person in the World
“Over time, there is only one direction for the dollar to go – lower.”
- Bob McTeer
President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
“[D]ue to our never-ending deficits what we're seeing is a massive transfer of assets from the U.S. to creditors probably the greatest transfer of assets in history. Over time this is going to mean a lowered standard of living for my kids and your kids, and if it happens quickly it will also mean a lowered standard of living for you and me. When you build up gigantic debts, somebody has to pay for those debts. The great American debt-sponsored party is slowly coming to an end.”
- Richard Russell
Editor-Publisher, Dow Theory Letters
Dow Theory Letters
The long-term picture is pretty bad.”
- Jagadeesh Gokhale
Senior Fellow, Cato Institute;
& research publisher for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
“To give you idea how big the problem is, you'd have to have an immediate and permanent 78 percent hike in the federal income tax [to close a $51 trillion fiscal gap]…. The country's absolutely broke, and both Bush and Kerry are being irresponsible in not addressing this problem. This administration and previous administrations have set us up for a major financial crisis on the order of what Argentina experienced a couple of years ago.”
- Laurence Kotlikoff
Economics Chairman, Boston University
“All the official reports, from the Congressional Budget Office to the Fed to the IMF, keep returning to the same bottom line: The longer we put off any sacrifice, the harder will be the blow to our nation, our economy, and our lives. With this year's record federal deficit, we are already effectively borrowing to fund all our domestic discretionary programs. By 2020 we will be borrowing to pay for our defense programs as well, since revenues by then will cover only benefit checks and interest on the national debt.”
- Peter G. Peterson
Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
“Volcker predicts we face a 75% chance of crisis within five years.”
- Paul Volcker
Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
“The direction of the dollar is down... The dollar is declining because of our loose money policy, our terrible fiscal deficit and our current-account deficit, all of which are heading the wrong way. What will happen at some point is that foreigners will stop buying our securities or at least buy less of them...
Given the decline in the dollar and the dramatic shortfall we see developing, we expect [gold as an asset class] to be our highest-return asset class. We look for gold to appreciate demonstrably from here. Our near-term target is $500 an ounce, and our longer term target is $1,000.”
- Richard Arvedlund
Founder, Cypress Capital Management
Forbes
PEAK OIL - DOLLAR CRISIS
FTW: ODAC The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
PEAK OIL - DOLLAR CRISIS
FTW: ODAC The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
PEAK OIL - DOLLAR CRISIS
FTW: ODAC The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
PEAK OIL - DOLLAR CRISIS
FTW: ODAC The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
NEWS RELEASE
NEW OIL PROJECTS CANNOT MEET WORLD NEEDS THIS DECADE
World oil supplies are all but certain to remain tight through the rest of this decade, unless there is a precipitous drop in demand, according to the results of a study by the London-based Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC).
The study found that all of the major new oil-recovery projects scheduled to come on stream over the next six years are unlikely to boost supplies enough to meet the world’s growing needs.
ODAC analysed a total of 68 ‘mega projects’ with publicly announced start-up dates from 2004 through 2010. In total, these projects would add around 12.5 million barrels a day to world oil supplies by the turn of the decade.
“This new production would almost certainly not be sufficient to offset diminishing supplies from existing sources and still meet growing global demand,” ODAC Board member Chris Skrebowski said.
More than half of the estimated new supply would simply replace production declines elsewhere due to natural depletion, the study found. A modest one percent annual rise in demand over the six-year period would then leave little or no surplus capacity to cushion against unforeseen disruptions in supply.
If demand were to increase by two percent annually, available supplies could fall short of the total needed in 2010 by more than two million barrels a day – roughly equivalent to losing all of Kuwait’s current daily production.
"recommendet reading"
PEAK OIL - DOLLAR CRISIS
FTW: THE END OF THE AGE OF OIL by David Goodstein
Published by CalTech News, California Institute of Technology, Vol. 38, No.2, 2004
This article is adapted from a talk that Caltech vice provost and professor of physics and applied physics David Goodstein presented at an April 29 program of the Institute support group, the Caltech Associates. Goodstein’s new book, Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil, was published in February by W. W. Norton
In the 1950s, it was not Saudi Arabia but the United States that was the world’s greatest producer of oil. Much of our military and industrial might grew out of our giant oil industry, and most people in the oil business thought that this bonanza would go on forever. But there was one gentleman who knew better. He was an oil exploration geologist named Marion King Hubbert....
.
"strongly recommendet reading"
Published by CalTech News, California Institute of Technology, Vol. 38, No.2, 2004
This article is adapted from a talk that Caltech vice provost and professor of physics and applied physics David Goodstein presented at an April 29 program of the Institute support group, the Caltech Associates. Goodstein’s new book, Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil, was published in February by W. W. Norton
In the 1950s, it was not Saudi Arabia but the United States that was the world’s greatest producer of oil. Much of our military and industrial might grew out of our giant oil industry, and most people in the oil business thought that this bonanza would go on forever. But there was one gentleman who knew better. He was an oil exploration geologist named Marion King Hubbert....
.
"strongly recommendet reading"
UKRAINE: GEOPOLITICS
FTW: Cold War crisis in Ukraine
Control of oil, key Grand Chessboard 'pivot' at stake by Larry Chin
November 26, 2004—The bitterly disputed Ukrainian presidential election, and the crisis that is exploding in the wake of the contested outcome, has reignited the Cold War and a new round of East-West conflict over control of Eurasian/Caspian/Black Sea energy.
Against the backdrop of Peak Oil (also check energy-related coverage in From The Wilderness), this conflict could well decide the geo-resource direction of the planet itself.
Amidst reports of election irregularities, Moscow-backed Viktor Yanukovych, who supports stronger ties with Russia, declared himself the winner over pro-Western opposition leader Viktor Yushchekno, in defiance of shrill and aggressive opposition and open threats from the West and the Bush administration.
Zbigniew Brzezinski's 1997 book, The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and its Geostrategic Imperatives has served as a blueprint for world dictatorship, and an incriminating predictor of post-9/11 world conflict. Against today's explosive headlines, Brzezinski's words are, once again, nightmarishly relevant:
"Geopolitical pivots are the states whose importance is derived not from their power and motivation but rather from their sensitive location and from the consequences of their potentially vulnerable condition for the behavior of geostrategic players. Most often, geopolitical pivots are determined by their geography, which in some cases gives them a special role in either defining access to important areas or in denying resources to a significant player [my emphasis-LC]."
"Ukraine, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Turkey and Iran play the role of critically important geopolitical pivots . . .
Control of oil, key Grand Chessboard 'pivot' at stake by Larry Chin
November 26, 2004—The bitterly disputed Ukrainian presidential election, and the crisis that is exploding in the wake of the contested outcome, has reignited the Cold War and a new round of East-West conflict over control of Eurasian/Caspian/Black Sea energy.
Against the backdrop of Peak Oil (also check energy-related coverage in From The Wilderness), this conflict could well decide the geo-resource direction of the planet itself.
Amidst reports of election irregularities, Moscow-backed Viktor Yanukovych, who supports stronger ties with Russia, declared himself the winner over pro-Western opposition leader Viktor Yushchekno, in defiance of shrill and aggressive opposition and open threats from the West and the Bush administration.
Zbigniew Brzezinski's 1997 book, The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and its Geostrategic Imperatives has served as a blueprint for world dictatorship, and an incriminating predictor of post-9/11 world conflict. Against today's explosive headlines, Brzezinski's words are, once again, nightmarishly relevant:
"Geopolitical pivots are the states whose importance is derived not from their power and motivation but rather from their sensitive location and from the consequences of their potentially vulnerable condition for the behavior of geostrategic players. Most often, geopolitical pivots are determined by their geography, which in some cases gives them a special role in either defining access to important areas or in denying resources to a significant player [my emphasis-LC]."
"Ukraine, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Turkey and Iran play the role of critically important geopolitical pivots . . .
UKRAINE: GEOPOLITICS
FTW: It's now or never for Washington
America's real aim in Ukraine and other former Soviet republics is to seize control of vital resources before China and India can challenge US dominance. By Mark Almond
Are we on the brink of a new cold war? On both sides of the Atlantic, media commentators see the crisis in Ukraine as comparable to the Berlin crises, involving the US and the Soviet Union, which kept the world on tenterhooks for decades. In this supposed drama, a resurgent Kremlin under an ex-KGB colonel is suppressing freedom at home and encroaching on ex-Soviet republics around his country's vast rim.
This terror of shadows has a track record of success. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the ailing world of Leonid Brezhnev was portrayed as a sinister superpower with its tentacles almost around Uncle Sam's throat. The US and the majority of western European nations combined behind a programme of arms build-up and covert sponsorship of anti-communist dissidents.
America's real aim in Ukraine and other former Soviet republics is to seize control of vital resources before China and India can challenge US dominance. By Mark Almond
Are we on the brink of a new cold war? On both sides of the Atlantic, media commentators see the crisis in Ukraine as comparable to the Berlin crises, involving the US and the Soviet Union, which kept the world on tenterhooks for decades. In this supposed drama, a resurgent Kremlin under an ex-KGB colonel is suppressing freedom at home and encroaching on ex-Soviet republics around his country's vast rim.
This terror of shadows has a track record of success. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the ailing world of Leonid Brezhnev was portrayed as a sinister superpower with its tentacles almost around Uncle Sam's throat. The US and the majority of western European nations combined behind a programme of arms build-up and covert sponsorship of anti-communist dissidents.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: APARTHEID
The Observer: Israel's New Road Plans Condemned As 'Apartheid'
The message has been consistent: Israel believes the US-backed road-map is the way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It has been repeated by Ariel Sharon and by ministers, yet now government papers suggest that Israel intends to bypass the peace plan, creating a Palestinian state of enclaves, surrounded by walls and linked by tunnels and special roads.
Israel has released plans for the upgrade of roads and construction of 16 tunnels which would create an 'apartheid' road network for Palestinians in the West Bank.
Existing roads would be reserved for Jews, linking their settlements to each other and to Israel. The plans came to light when Giora Eiland, Israel's director of national security, requested international funding for the project. At a meeting with World Bank officials, he told them the roads would maximise freedom of movement for Palestinians without compromising security for Jewish settlers.
"nerver forget "israel" is the only democracy in the middle east!"
The message has been consistent: Israel believes the US-backed road-map is the way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It has been repeated by Ariel Sharon and by ministers, yet now government papers suggest that Israel intends to bypass the peace plan, creating a Palestinian state of enclaves, surrounded by walls and linked by tunnels and special roads.
Israel has released plans for the upgrade of roads and construction of 16 tunnels which would create an 'apartheid' road network for Palestinians in the West Bank.
Existing roads would be reserved for Jews, linking their settlements to each other and to Israel. The plans came to light when Giora Eiland, Israel's director of national security, requested international funding for the project. At a meeting with World Bank officials, he told them the roads would maximise freedom of movement for Palestinians without compromising security for Jewish settlers.
"nerver forget "israel" is the only democracy in the middle east!"
PAKISTAN: OBL
BBC: Bin Laden Trail 'Completely Cold'
Troops searching for Osama Bin Laden along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan have no idea where he is, says Pakistan leader Pervez Musharraf
"OBL seems to have fullfilled his Job as Bogeyman for every bad thing that happended in the last 3 years. After all we now have al-zarkawi which is the new Dr. Evil so why bother and find osama"
Troops searching for Osama Bin Laden along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan have no idea where he is, says Pakistan leader Pervez Musharraf
"OBL seems to have fullfilled his Job as Bogeyman for every bad thing that happended in the last 3 years. After all we now have al-zarkawi which is the new Dr. Evil so why bother and find osama"
EURO VS. DOLLAR
Observer:
Japan Threatens Huge
Dollar Sell-Off
Japan is warning the White House that there will be 'enormous capital flight' from the dollar if the Bush administration maintains its laissez-faire approach to the mounting currency crisis.
Tokyo fears that Japan's strongest economic recovery in a decade could be derailed by the sudden appreciation in the yen against the greenback.
The criticism of President Bush's inaction, by a senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, will be taken as a veiled threat that Japan could start to sell off its multi-billion-dollar holdings of US Treasuries
Japan Threatens Huge
Dollar Sell-Off
Japan is warning the White House that there will be 'enormous capital flight' from the dollar if the Bush administration maintains its laissez-faire approach to the mounting currency crisis.
Tokyo fears that Japan's strongest economic recovery in a decade could be derailed by the sudden appreciation in the yen against the greenback.
The criticism of President Bush's inaction, by a senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, will be taken as a veiled threat that Japan could start to sell off its multi-billion-dollar holdings of US Treasuries
USA: VOTE FRAUD
Globalresearch: Kerry Won the Election by at least 1,7 Million Votes
A word of caution.
While the following text presents evidence which is not directly verifiable, Global Research, nonetheless, took the decision to bring this controversial text to the attention of our readers. Moreover, the author's identify is not known.
The relevance of this text, should be assessed in relation to the large body of documentation and research already conducted on electoral fraud in America.
The truth about this election is this: Florida and Ohio had to go for Bush in order for him to "win" the election. In reality he lost both states. In fact, he did not even win the popular vote. He lost the national popular vote by at least 1,750,000. This shows you the scale of the fraud.
The exit polls were not wrong. Kerry was the clear winner, but victory was snatched from him.
A word of caution.
While the following text presents evidence which is not directly verifiable, Global Research, nonetheless, took the decision to bring this controversial text to the attention of our readers. Moreover, the author's identify is not known.
The relevance of this text, should be assessed in relation to the large body of documentation and research already conducted on electoral fraud in America.
The truth about this election is this: Florida and Ohio had to go for Bush in order for him to "win" the election. In reality he lost both states. In fact, he did not even win the popular vote. He lost the national popular vote by at least 1,750,000. This shows you the scale of the fraud.
The exit polls were not wrong. Kerry was the clear winner, but victory was snatched from him.
USA: MILITARY
Libertyforum: Us Versus Them
I am a manipulated stooge who sold his soul to exploit the ignorant with the proud lies our own leaders.
I am told on a regular basis “The Army is not like it used to be.” Most of the lifers think that the military lacks discipline and blame the new “Nintendo generation” soldiers for the weakness. However, I think a hard look should be given at the uses of America’s advanced military in the modern era. Do to the operations the military has been tasked in the last forty years the nobility of the professional soldier has been destroyed. From Vietnam to Iraq the Armed Forces has been a chess piece in a game for money and power by elite Americans. Back in the world wars the military represented every citizen’s will. Today the people are duped with lies and phoney values to support imperial progress.
I am a manipulated stooge who sold his soul to exploit the ignorant with the proud lies our own leaders.
I am told on a regular basis “The Army is not like it used to be.” Most of the lifers think that the military lacks discipline and blame the new “Nintendo generation” soldiers for the weakness. However, I think a hard look should be given at the uses of America’s advanced military in the modern era. Do to the operations the military has been tasked in the last forty years the nobility of the professional soldier has been destroyed. From Vietnam to Iraq the Armed Forces has been a chess piece in a game for money and power by elite Americans. Back in the world wars the military represented every citizen’s will. Today the people are duped with lies and phoney values to support imperial progress.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
VHeadline.com - John Pilger: What happens in Venezuela is incredibly important to all of us
John Pilger: What happens in Venezuela is incredibly important to all of us
“Propaganda and the media are absolutely crucial at this time”, Pilger argued, comparing the media coverage of the US invasion of Iraq to the Duke of Wellington’s coverage of the 1815 battle of Waterloo -- “the general as journalist.”
Commenting on last month's US presidential election, Pilger said that only the richest 1% of the US population were the winners. Everyone else was a loser ... whether they voted Republican or Democrat.
Pilger said that in Australia, “there is only effectively one party with two factions [Liberal and Labor].” He argued that the world is heading into an era of “direct action,” of mass struggles against governmental and corporate power ... “There is, across the world, an extraordinary movement ... just because we’re not told about it, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist
“Propaganda and the media are absolutely crucial at this time”, Pilger argued, comparing the media coverage of the US invasion of Iraq to the Duke of Wellington’s coverage of the 1815 battle of Waterloo -- “the general as journalist.”
Commenting on last month's US presidential election, Pilger said that only the richest 1% of the US population were the winners. Everyone else was a loser ... whether they voted Republican or Democrat.
Pilger said that in Australia, “there is only effectively one party with two factions [Liberal and Labor].” He argued that the world is heading into an era of “direct action,” of mass struggles against governmental and corporate power ... “There is, across the world, an extraordinary movement ... just because we’re not told about it, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
JUS: Mujahideen With Fresh Fighters Now Control 70% Of Fallujah
More than 100 Resistance fighters have managed to gain access to Fallujah, joining up with hundreds of other fighters that have flooded into the city in recent days and joined the ranks of the city’s defenders.
According to a report filed at 12:50pm Monday local time by Mafkarat al-Islam’s in Fallujah, the US presence in the city is now limited and the Mujahideen now control more than 70 percent of the city. Fighters from ar-Ramadi have joined up with the fighters inside al-Fallujah and these fighters are said to be experts in urban warfare
More than 100 Resistance fighters have managed to gain access to Fallujah, joining up with hundreds of other fighters that have flooded into the city in recent days and joined the ranks of the city’s defenders.
According to a report filed at 12:50pm Monday local time by Mafkarat al-Islam’s in Fallujah, the US presence in the city is now limited and the Mujahideen now control more than 70 percent of the city. Fighters from ar-Ramadi have joined up with the fighters inside al-Fallujah and these fighters are said to be experts in urban warfare
IRAQ: US MASS GRAVES
Priosnplanet: Further Evidence Of Mass Graves Of US Soldiers In Iraq
"website Jihad Unspun is claiming that a new video carried on its website provides further evidence of mass graves of US soldiers that have been hidden to reduce the official casualty count.
The video offers no definitive proof that the bodies shown are those of US army personnel. The bodies are in an advanced stage of decomposition although one could argue that the whiteness of the teeth suggests they are Western (an area of better sanitation)."
The website posted a lengthy PDF report which can be found here
click here for video (discretion advised)
"website Jihad Unspun is claiming that a new video carried on its website provides further evidence of mass graves of US soldiers that have been hidden to reduce the official casualty count.
The video offers no definitive proof that the bodies shown are those of US army personnel. The bodies are in an advanced stage of decomposition although one could argue that the whiteness of the teeth suggests they are Western (an area of better sanitation)."
The website posted a lengthy PDF report which can be found here
click here for video (discretion advised)
Monday, November 29, 2004
ISRAEL
New York Review of Books: Sharon and the Future of Palestine
When Ariel Sharon first announced his intention to "disengage" unilaterally from Gaza and to dismantle four isolated settlements in the northern West Bank, many observers believed he was on his way to fulfilling their expectation that, sooner or later, he would transform himself into an Israeli De Gaulle and make the tough decisions that would finally end the Israeli– Palestinian conflict. Even those who were skeptical of the possibility of such a transformation, and believed that Sharon intended the Gaza withdrawal as leverage to gain international acceptance of Israel's control over much of the West Bank, believed that a disengagement from Gaza would create a precedent that would lead to further withdrawals from the West Bank as well, for it would dispel the myth that any effort to dismantle settlements would drag the country into a civil war. For this reason, not only the Bush administration, which has found no measure taken by Sharon too outrageous to deserve American support, but also the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia (the other three members of the Quartet formed to oversee the implementation of the "road map"), as well as much of Israel's left, welcomed Sharon's initiative.
When Ariel Sharon first announced his intention to "disengage" unilaterally from Gaza and to dismantle four isolated settlements in the northern West Bank, many observers believed he was on his way to fulfilling their expectation that, sooner or later, he would transform himself into an Israeli De Gaulle and make the tough decisions that would finally end the Israeli– Palestinian conflict. Even those who were skeptical of the possibility of such a transformation, and believed that Sharon intended the Gaza withdrawal as leverage to gain international acceptance of Israel's control over much of the West Bank, believed that a disengagement from Gaza would create a precedent that would lead to further withdrawals from the West Bank as well, for it would dispel the myth that any effort to dismantle settlements would drag the country into a civil war. For this reason, not only the Bush administration, which has found no measure taken by Sharon too outrageous to deserve American support, but also the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia (the other three members of the Quartet formed to oversee the implementation of the "road map"), as well as much of Israel's left, welcomed Sharon's initiative.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Aljazeera: U.S. uses napalm gas in Fallujah – Witnesses
The U.S. military is secretly using banned napalm gas and other outlawed weapons against civilians in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, eyewitnesses reported.
The United Nations banned the use of the napalm gas against civilians in 1980 after pictures of a naked wounded girl in Vietnam shocked the world.
The United States, which didn't endorse the convention, is the only nation in the world still using the deadly weapon.
The U.S. military is secretly using banned napalm gas and other outlawed weapons against civilians in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, eyewitnesses reported.
The United Nations banned the use of the napalm gas against civilians in 1980 after pictures of a naked wounded girl in Vietnam shocked the world.
The United States, which didn't endorse the convention, is the only nation in the world still using the deadly weapon.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Aljazeera: U.S. uses napalm gas in Fallujah – Witnesses
The U.S. military is secretly using banned napalm gas and other outlawed weapons against civilians in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, eyewitnesses reported.
The U.S. military is secretly using banned napalm gas and other outlawed weapons against civilians in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, eyewitnesses reported.
UKRAINE
Toronto Times: Ukraine flirting with a civil war
The narrow victory of Ukraine's prime minister Viktor Yanukovych in last week's reportedly fraudulent presidential election is raising grave fears of civil war in this highly strategic nation.
Ukraine split along historic lines, with the European-oriented western, largely Uniate Catholic half (once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), supporting Yushchenko, and the Eastern Orthodox portion, notably the Donets coal basin and industrial Luhansk, with 10 million ethnic Russians, favouring Moscow. Crimea, an ethnic Russian and Tatar region, went solidly for the pro-Moscow camp.
Yushchenko supporters have massed in the streets for days and called on the army and security service to join them, invoking the threat of political chaos, even civil war.
As of this writing, the security services, heavily influenced by Russia's secret services, appear loyal to Yanukovych
The narrow victory of Ukraine's prime minister Viktor Yanukovych in last week's reportedly fraudulent presidential election is raising grave fears of civil war in this highly strategic nation.
Ukraine split along historic lines, with the European-oriented western, largely Uniate Catholic half (once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), supporting Yushchenko, and the Eastern Orthodox portion, notably the Donets coal basin and industrial Luhansk, with 10 million ethnic Russians, favouring Moscow. Crimea, an ethnic Russian and Tatar region, went solidly for the pro-Moscow camp.
Yushchenko supporters have massed in the streets for days and called on the army and security service to join them, invoking the threat of political chaos, even civil war.
As of this writing, the security services, heavily influenced by Russia's secret services, appear loyal to Yanukovych
UKRAINE
Times: Russia ‘will back force’ by Ukraine president
RUSSIA has offered to back the Ukrainian government if it uses force to crush pro-democracy demonstrators who have taken control of the capital and other cities, it was claimed last night, write Askold Krushelnycky and Mark Franchetti.
A senior figure in the Ukrainian presidential administration who declined to be identified said that Boris Gryzlov, President Vladimir Putin’s personal envoy to Ukraine, had promised “diplomatic cover” against any international backlash prompted by such a move.
Guardian: Ukraine's postmodern coup d'etat
Yushchenko got the US nod, and money flooded in to his supporters
For one thing the demonstrators do not reflect nationwide sentiments. Ukraine is riven by deep historical, religious and linguistic divisions. The crowds in the street include a large contingent from western Ukraine, which has never felt comfortable with rule from Kiev, let alone from people associated with eastern Ukraine, the home-base of Viktor Yanukovich, the disputed president-elect.
Their traditions are not always pleasant. Some protesters have been chanting nationalistic and secessionist songs from the anti-semitic years of the second world war.
Nor are we watching a struggle between freedom and authoritarianism as is romantically alleged. Viktor Yushchenko, who claims to have won Sunday's election, served as prime minister under the outgoing president, Leonid Kuchma, and some of his backers are also linked to the brutal industrial clans who manipulated Ukraine's post-Soviet privatisation
Yet after none of those polls did the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the main international observer body, or the US and other western governments, make the furious noise they are producing today. The decision to protest appears to depend mainly on realpolitik and whether the challengers or the incumbent are considered more "pro-western" or "pro-market".
RUSSIA has offered to back the Ukrainian government if it uses force to crush pro-democracy demonstrators who have taken control of the capital and other cities, it was claimed last night, write Askold Krushelnycky and Mark Franchetti.
A senior figure in the Ukrainian presidential administration who declined to be identified said that Boris Gryzlov, President Vladimir Putin’s personal envoy to Ukraine, had promised “diplomatic cover” against any international backlash prompted by such a move.
Guardian: Ukraine's postmodern coup d'etat
Yushchenko got the US nod, and money flooded in to his supporters
For one thing the demonstrators do not reflect nationwide sentiments. Ukraine is riven by deep historical, religious and linguistic divisions. The crowds in the street include a large contingent from western Ukraine, which has never felt comfortable with rule from Kiev, let alone from people associated with eastern Ukraine, the home-base of Viktor Yanukovich, the disputed president-elect.
Their traditions are not always pleasant. Some protesters have been chanting nationalistic and secessionist songs from the anti-semitic years of the second world war.
Nor are we watching a struggle between freedom and authoritarianism as is romantically alleged. Viktor Yushchenko, who claims to have won Sunday's election, served as prime minister under the outgoing president, Leonid Kuchma, and some of his backers are also linked to the brutal industrial clans who manipulated Ukraine's post-Soviet privatisation
Yet after none of those polls did the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the main international observer body, or the US and other western governments, make the furious noise they are producing today. The decision to protest appears to depend mainly on realpolitik and whether the challengers or the incumbent are considered more "pro-western" or "pro-market".
ISRAEL: STATE TERRORISM
Guardian: Israel shocked by image of soldiers forcing violinist to play at roadblock
Of all the revelations that have rocked the Israeli army over the past week, perhaps none disturbed the public so much as the video footage of soldiers forcing a Palestinian man to play his violin.
The incident was not as shocking as the recording of an Israeli officer pumping the body of a 13-year-old girl full of bullets and then saying he would have shot her even if she had been three years old.
Of all the revelations that have rocked the Israeli army over the past week, perhaps none disturbed the public so much as the video footage of soldiers forcing a Palestinian man to play his violin.
The incident was not as shocking as the recording of an Israeli officer pumping the body of a 13-year-old girl full of bullets and then saying he would have shot her even if she had been three years old.
Yoram Kaniuk, author of a book about a Jewish violinist forced to play for a concentration camp commander, wrote in Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that the soldiers responsible should be put on trial "not for abusing Arabs but for disgracing the Holocaust".
"So when Israeli soldiers are abusing palestinians they should not be tried because they commited a crime or in this case because they did the same thing as the nazis did when they forced jewish musicans to play in concentration camps but because they are "disgracing the holocaust". How twisted can a mind get?"
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
JUS: First US Retreat From Fallujah Reported
Mujahideen Retake The Old City
Last evening, after US forces outside Fallujah took heavy rocket fire from the Lions of Fallujah, occupation forces pulled their units that were surrounding the western sector of the city back in the direction of the US base at al-Habbaniyah.
In a dispatch posted at 9pm Mecca time, Friday night, Mafkarat al-Islam's correspondent reported that US forces outside Fallujah were subjected to heavy Mujahideen bombardments, firing Grad and Tariq rockets that resulted in their withdrawal from the area. JUS also received information from sources close to the Mujahideen that US forces were indeed pulling back at al-Habbaniyah
Mujahideen Retake The Old City
Last evening, after US forces outside Fallujah took heavy rocket fire from the Lions of Fallujah, occupation forces pulled their units that were surrounding the western sector of the city back in the direction of the US base at al-Habbaniyah.
In a dispatch posted at 9pm Mecca time, Friday night, Mafkarat al-Islam's correspondent reported that US forces outside Fallujah were subjected to heavy Mujahideen bombardments, firing Grad and Tariq rockets that resulted in their withdrawal from the area. JUS also received information from sources close to the Mujahideen that US forces were indeed pulling back at al-Habbaniyah
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
911
P&A: $100,000 Reward For Scientific Proof WTC Towers Collapsed As Bush Administration Claims
$100,000 REWARD to the first person to deliver a full mathematical, engineering proof of how the impact and/or fires caused any of the WTC buildings to collapse the way the government claims! It must include all the fuel, mass, critical temperatures, likely temperatures and their causes, energy needed to crush concrete into fine powder, force needed to sheer bolts and rivets, time calculations, and all the other relevant data in a detailed analysis to be reviewed by accredited engineers on a team headed by Jeff King http://911review.org/Wiki/King,Jeff.shtml, engineer and doctor educated at MIT.
$100,000 REWARD to the first person to deliver a full mathematical, engineering proof of how the impact and/or fires caused any of the WTC buildings to collapse the way the government claims! It must include all the fuel, mass, critical temperatures, likely temperatures and their causes, energy needed to crush concrete into fine powder, force needed to sheer bolts and rivets, time calculations, and all the other relevant data in a detailed analysis to be reviewed by accredited engineers on a team headed by Jeff King http://911review.org/Wiki/King,Jeff.shtml, engineer and doctor educated at MIT.
USA: PROPAGANDA WATCH
Rense: US Media Preps Americans For Attack On Iran
"Amerika and its partner in war crimes, Israel, are getting ready to sock it to Iran. Shortly before this worse than disgustingly useless farce we just participated in, hyped as a national presidential election, our government of razor wire mentality shipped specially designed long-distance F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to Israel. And as usual, these heavy duty F-16 fighter planes of superior design and capability when compared to those of our own Air Force were purchased by Israel with our tax money"
"Amerika and its partner in war crimes, Israel, are getting ready to sock it to Iran. Shortly before this worse than disgustingly useless farce we just participated in, hyped as a national presidential election, our government of razor wire mentality shipped specially designed long-distance F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to Israel. And as usual, these heavy duty F-16 fighter planes of superior design and capability when compared to those of our own Air Force were purchased by Israel with our tax money"
Monday, November 22, 2004
USA: POWELL
The Telegraph: Powell 'pushed out' by Bush for seeking to rein in Israel
Colin Powell, the outgoing US secretary of state, was given his marching orders after telling President George W Bush that he wanted greater power to confront Israel over the stalled Middle East peace process.
Although Mr Powell's departure was announced on November 15, his letter of resignation was dated November 11, the day he had a meeting with Mr Bush.
According to White House officials, at the meeting Mr Powell was not asked to stay on and gave no hints that he would do so. Briefing reporters later, he referred to "fulsome discussions" - diplomatic code for disagreements.
"The clincher came over the Mid-East peace process," said a recently-retired state department official.
"Powell thought he could use the credit he had banked as the president's 'good cop' in foreign policy to rein in Ariel Sharon [Israel's prime minister] and get the peace process going. He was wrong."
Colin Powell, the outgoing US secretary of state, was given his marching orders after telling President George W Bush that he wanted greater power to confront Israel over the stalled Middle East peace process.
Although Mr Powell's departure was announced on November 15, his letter of resignation was dated November 11, the day he had a meeting with Mr Bush.
According to White House officials, at the meeting Mr Powell was not asked to stay on and gave no hints that he would do so. Briefing reporters later, he referred to "fulsome discussions" - diplomatic code for disagreements.
"The clincher came over the Mid-East peace process," said a recently-retired state department official.
"Powell thought he could use the credit he had banked as the president's 'good cop' in foreign policy to rein in Ariel Sharon [Israel's prime minister] and get the peace process going. He was wrong."
ISRAEL
Uri Avnery: Sharon prepares to sabotage Palestinian elections
Uri Avnery says that Sharon will do his utmost to sabotage the upcoming Palestinian presidential elections, which are likely to be won by Mahmud Abbas - Abu-Mazen. He argues that the election of Abu-Mazen could pave the way for US endorsement of a Palestinian state, risking both Sharon's plan to annex 58 per cent of the West Bank and the future of the settlements. He warns that Sharon will do anything to prevent this. "For example, bloody attacks, acts of 'terrorism' that can be attributed to the new chairman, civil war, anarchy
Uri Avnery says that Sharon will do his utmost to sabotage the upcoming Palestinian presidential elections, which are likely to be won by Mahmud Abbas - Abu-Mazen. He argues that the election of Abu-Mazen could pave the way for US endorsement of a Palestinian state, risking both Sharon's plan to annex 58 per cent of the West Bank and the future of the settlements. He warns that Sharon will do anything to prevent this. "For example, bloody attacks, acts of 'terrorism' that can be attributed to the new chairman, civil war, anarchy
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Depopulation should be the highest priority of U.S. foreign policy towards the Third World." - Dr. Henry Kissinger, National Security Memo 200, dated April 24, 1974
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Al-Jazeera: Napalm, Falluja women, children in mass grave:
Residents of a village neighbouring Falluja have told Aljazeera that they helped bury the bodies of 73 women and children who were burnt to death by a US bombing attack.
"We buried them here, but we could not identify them because they were charred by the use of napalm bombs used by the Americans," said one resident of Saqlawiya in footage aired on Aljazeera on Sunday.
There have been no reports of the US military using napalm in Falluja and no independent verification of the claims
Residents of a village neighbouring Falluja have told Aljazeera that they helped bury the bodies of 73 women and children who were burnt to death by a US bombing attack.
"We buried them here, but we could not identify them because they were charred by the use of napalm bombs used by the Americans," said one resident of Saqlawiya in footage aired on Aljazeera on Sunday.
There have been no reports of the US military using napalm in Falluja and no independent verification of the claims
HAARP, Aerosol and Electromagnetic Weapons
Globalresearch: Aerosol and Electromagnetic Weapons In The Age Of Nuclear War
North America is now suffering its seventh year of conspicuous and dangerous aerosol and electromagnetic operations conducted by the U.S. government under the guise of national security. Concerned citizens watch in fear as military tankers discolor the skies with toxic chemicals that morph into synthetic clouds.
We continually witness bizarre meteorological occurrences as powerful electromagnetic devices manipulate both the jet stream and individual storm fronts to create artificial weather and climatic conditions. Black operations projects embedded within these aerosol missions are documented to sicken and disorient select populations with biological test agents and psychotronic mind/mood control technologies.
Part of what is happening in the atmosphere above us involves the Pentagon's secret space weapons program, designed for strategic, operational and tactical levels of war. NASA missions will soon be transferred to Pentagon control.1 The Air Force Space Command declares that, in order to monitor and shape world events, it must fight intense, decisive wars with great precision from space.2 Air Force Secretary James G. Roche has stated: "Space capabilities are integrated with, and affect every link in the kill chain."3
North America is now suffering its seventh year of conspicuous and dangerous aerosol and electromagnetic operations conducted by the U.S. government under the guise of national security. Concerned citizens watch in fear as military tankers discolor the skies with toxic chemicals that morph into synthetic clouds.
We continually witness bizarre meteorological occurrences as powerful electromagnetic devices manipulate both the jet stream and individual storm fronts to create artificial weather and climatic conditions. Black operations projects embedded within these aerosol missions are documented to sicken and disorient select populations with biological test agents and psychotronic mind/mood control technologies.
Part of what is happening in the atmosphere above us involves the Pentagon's secret space weapons program, designed for strategic, operational and tactical levels of war. NASA missions will soon be transferred to Pentagon control.1 The Air Force Space Command declares that, in order to monitor and shape world events, it must fight intense, decisive wars with great precision from space.2 Air Force Secretary James G. Roche has stated: "Space capabilities are integrated with, and affect every link in the kill chain."3
IRAQ: FALLIJAH WAR CRIMES
islamonline: US Troops Reportedly Gassing Fallujah
FALLUJAH, November 10 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - US troops are reportedly using chemical weapons and poisonous gas in its large-scale offensive on the Iraqi resistance bastion of Fallujah, a grim reminder of Saddam Hussein’s alleged gassing of the Kurds in 1988.
“The US occupation troops are gassing resistance fighters and confronting them with internationally-banned chemical weapons,” resistance sources told Al-Quds Press Wednesday, November 10.
The fatal weapons led to the deaths of tens of innocent civilians, whose bodies litter sidewalks and streets, they added.
“They use chemical weapons out of despair and helplessness in the face of the steadfast and fierce resistance put up by Fallujah people, who drove US troops out of several districts, hoisting proudly Iraqi flags on them. Resistance has also managed to destroy and set fire to a large number of US tanks and vehicles
Jihad Unspun: Mujahideen Holds South Fallujah, Harries North
The Mafkarat al-Islam correspondent noted that US forces in their attacks on the ash-Shuhada’ and al-Jubayl neighborhoods on Thursday used a new type of gas, different from that used before. The new gas overcomes the victim and causes asphyxiation. Twenty bodies of victims of the gas were found in the two neighborhoods in the last four days
It appears that the Mujahideen had come to cope with the desiccating gas used by the US forces, as fighters could be seen carrying around water-dampened cloths.
FALLUJAH, November 10 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - US troops are reportedly using chemical weapons and poisonous gas in its large-scale offensive on the Iraqi resistance bastion of Fallujah, a grim reminder of Saddam Hussein’s alleged gassing of the Kurds in 1988.
“The US occupation troops are gassing resistance fighters and confronting them with internationally-banned chemical weapons,” resistance sources told Al-Quds Press Wednesday, November 10.
The fatal weapons led to the deaths of tens of innocent civilians, whose bodies litter sidewalks and streets, they added.
“They use chemical weapons out of despair and helplessness in the face of the steadfast and fierce resistance put up by Fallujah people, who drove US troops out of several districts, hoisting proudly Iraqi flags on them. Resistance has also managed to destroy and set fire to a large number of US tanks and vehicles
Jihad Unspun: Mujahideen Holds South Fallujah, Harries North
The Mafkarat al-Islam correspondent noted that US forces in their attacks on the ash-Shuhada’ and al-Jubayl neighborhoods on Thursday used a new type of gas, different from that used before. The new gas overcomes the victim and causes asphyxiation. Twenty bodies of victims of the gas were found in the two neighborhoods in the last four days
It appears that the Mujahideen had come to cope with the desiccating gas used by the US forces, as fighters could be seen carrying around water-dampened cloths.
IRAQ: WAR CRIMES
IPS: US Slaughters People At Prayer In Baghdad Mosque
An eyewitness commentary to IPS through a U.S. raid on a Baghdad mosque Friday gives a vivid picture of what a 'successful raid' can be like.
U.S. soldiers raided the Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad during Friday prayers, killing at least four and wounding up to 20 worshippers.
At 12:30 pm local time, just after Imam Shaikh Muayid al-Adhami concluded his talk, about 50 U.S. soldiers with 20 Iraqi National Guardsmen (ING) entered the mosque, a witness reported.
"Everyone was there for Friday prayers, when five Humvees and several trucks carrying INGs entered," Abu Talat told IPS on phone from within the mosque while the raid was in progress. "Everyone starting yelling 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest) because they were frightened. Then the soldiers started shooting the people praying!"
Talat said he was among a crowd of worshippers being held back at gunpoint by U.S. soldiers. Loud chanting of 'Allahu Akbar' could be heard in the background during his call. Women and children were sobbing, he said.
An eyewitness commentary to IPS through a U.S. raid on a Baghdad mosque Friday gives a vivid picture of what a 'successful raid' can be like.
U.S. soldiers raided the Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad during Friday prayers, killing at least four and wounding up to 20 worshippers.
At 12:30 pm local time, just after Imam Shaikh Muayid al-Adhami concluded his talk, about 50 U.S. soldiers with 20 Iraqi National Guardsmen (ING) entered the mosque, a witness reported.
"Everyone was there for Friday prayers, when five Humvees and several trucks carrying INGs entered," Abu Talat told IPS on phone from within the mosque while the raid was in progress. "Everyone starting yelling 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest) because they were frightened. Then the soldiers started shooting the people praying!"
Talat said he was among a crowd of worshippers being held back at gunpoint by U.S. soldiers. Loud chanting of 'Allahu Akbar' could be heard in the background during his call. Women and children were sobbing, he said.
ÎRAQ: RESISTANCE
Arab Voice: 104 US Troops Killed In Mass Attacks Around Iraq
Iraq Explodes At "Zero Hour" Saturday Resistance
Launches New Strategy Nation-Wide
All parts of Iraq witnessed fighting against the US occupation on Saturday, beginning early in the morning. Half-past six am was zero hour for the Iraqi Resistance forces. At that time they launched attacks on US troops and fighting erupted all over the country that flared particularly violently in Baghdad.
These battles marked the launch of a new Resistance strategy based on the coordination of actions between the Resistance groups in different parts of Iraq, and the unification of their efforts for the liberation of the country.
Iraq Explodes At "Zero Hour" Saturday Resistance
Launches New Strategy Nation-Wide
All parts of Iraq witnessed fighting against the US occupation on Saturday, beginning early in the morning. Half-past six am was zero hour for the Iraqi Resistance forces. At that time they launched attacks on US troops and fighting erupted all over the country that flared particularly violently in Baghdad.
These battles marked the launch of a new Resistance strategy based on the coordination of actions between the Resistance groups in different parts of Iraq, and the unification of their efforts for the liberation of the country.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
China View: Resistance Controls 60 Percent Of Fallujah - Witnesses
Militant groups in battle-torn Fallujah have controlled 60 percent of the central Iraqi city and surrounded dozens of US Marines in Jolan district,witnesses said Sunday.
"Defenders of the city are controlling 60 percent of the city and they are encircling dozens of US soldiers in Jolan neighborhood," eyewitnesses who managed to sneak out of the city told Xinhua.
Residents of Fallujah said the southern part of Fallujah, whichis still under control of the militant groups, constitutes the larger part of the city, and US troops only control the north andsmall eastern spots in the city.
"Some American troops are based in government buildings and the yare pounded by fighters," they said.
"In daytime, groups of mujahedeen (Holy War fighters) engage with hit-and-run attacks with US Marines, and at the same time they gear themselves up for the night battles," they said.Fierce fighting and loud explosions resonated throughout Jolan district before the sunset.
Militant groups in battle-torn Fallujah have controlled 60 percent of the central Iraqi city and surrounded dozens of US Marines in Jolan district,witnesses said Sunday.
"Defenders of the city are controlling 60 percent of the city and they are encircling dozens of US soldiers in Jolan neighborhood," eyewitnesses who managed to sneak out of the city told Xinhua.
Residents of Fallujah said the southern part of Fallujah, whichis still under control of the militant groups, constitutes the larger part of the city, and US troops only control the north andsmall eastern spots in the city.
"Some American troops are based in government buildings and the yare pounded by fighters," they said.
"In daytime, groups of mujahedeen (Holy War fighters) engage with hit-and-run attacks with US Marines, and at the same time they gear themselves up for the night battles," they said.Fierce fighting and loud explosions resonated throughout Jolan district before the sunset.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
ARAFAT
Guardian: Yasser Arafat's Life And Legacy
From an early age, Muhammad Abdul Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini, the sixth child of a Palestinian spice, incense and grocery merchant, sensed that a high destiny awaited him. It did - but Yasser Arafat, who has died aged 75, assuredly earned it by his own endeavours too.
By the standard of lifelong, indefatigable, and for him courageous dedication to a cause, he deserved the title of Mr Palestine that he held for a whole generation of his people's struggle. But by the standards of ultimate achievement, he didn't; rarely can a "liberator" have strayed further from the original ideals of "liberation".
Arafat was born in Cairo, where his father had settled for business reasons, but after the death of his mother, the four-year-old was packed off to Jerusalem to live with his uncle in a house by the Wailing Wall and al-Aqsa mosque.
From an early age, Muhammad Abdul Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini, the sixth child of a Palestinian spice, incense and grocery merchant, sensed that a high destiny awaited him. It did - but Yasser Arafat, who has died aged 75, assuredly earned it by his own endeavours too.
By the standard of lifelong, indefatigable, and for him courageous dedication to a cause, he deserved the title of Mr Palestine that he held for a whole generation of his people's struggle. But by the standards of ultimate achievement, he didn't; rarely can a "liberator" have strayed further from the original ideals of "liberation".
Arafat was born in Cairo, where his father had settled for business reasons, but after the death of his mother, the four-year-old was packed off to Jerusalem to live with his uncle in a house by the Wailing Wall and al-Aqsa mosque.
IRAQ: WHO KILLED M. HASSAN?
Jihad Unspun: Who Really Killed Margaret Hassan?
“Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state” (Noam Chomsky)
There are truths, there are lies and then there is the middle ground of half-truths: propaganda. Those who engage in its dissemination are malicious criminals. And those who are subjected to it are the victims.
Margaret Hassan is now believed to be the first woman killed by kidnappers but nobody is asking who and why, given that the Iraqi resistance has denied any role in her captivity from the onset. In fact, Abu-Musab Al-Zarqawi’s group issued a statement that they don’t hold women prisoners unless they are proven to be belligerent enemies and they actually called for her release! Furthermore, no group has claimed responsibility, which is unprecedented in relation to previous cases of killing kidnapped hostages.
“Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state” (Noam Chomsky)
There are truths, there are lies and then there is the middle ground of half-truths: propaganda. Those who engage in its dissemination are malicious criminals. And those who are subjected to it are the victims.
Margaret Hassan is now believed to be the first woman killed by kidnappers but nobody is asking who and why, given that the Iraqi resistance has denied any role in her captivity from the onset. In fact, Abu-Musab Al-Zarqawi’s group issued a statement that they don’t hold women prisoners unless they are proven to be belligerent enemies and they actually called for her release! Furthermore, no group has claimed responsibility, which is unprecedented in relation to previous cases of killing kidnapped hostages.
IRAQ: RESISTANCE REPORT
Jihad Unspun: In Baghdad: Fierce Daylong Battle Al-Karakh, Attacks Throughout City
Violent clashes broke out at dawn yesterday between the Iraqi Resistance forces and US forces operating in collaboration with Allawi troops around Baghdad. The fighting erupted in Baghdad’s al-Karakh district at about 5am where it extended to the Vanguards’ Square [Sahat at-Tala’i‘], al-Mushahadah and al-Fahhamah. The correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that the Americans together with Allawi “national guard” tried to encircle the area, but the Resistance put up a fierce struggle. Fighting raged until 1pm and left four Allawi Land Cruisers, four Nissan pickups and another truck destroyed.
Violent clashes broke out at dawn yesterday between the Iraqi Resistance forces and US forces operating in collaboration with Allawi troops around Baghdad. The fighting erupted in Baghdad’s al-Karakh district at about 5am where it extended to the Vanguards’ Square [Sahat at-Tala’i‘], al-Mushahadah and al-Fahhamah. The correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that the Americans together with Allawi “national guard” tried to encircle the area, but the Resistance put up a fierce struggle. Fighting raged until 1pm and left four Allawi Land Cruisers, four Nissan pickups and another truck destroyed.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Asia Times: Counterinsurgency run amok
"The people who are doing the beheadings are extremists ... the people slaughtering Iraqis - torturing in prisons and shooting wounded prisoners - are 'American heroes'. Congratulations, you must be so proud of yourselves today."
- Iraqi girl blogger Riverbend
Whom are you going to trust: Fallujah civilians who risked their lives to escape, witnesses such as Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein, hospital doctors, Amnesty International, top United Nations human-rights official Louise Arbour, the International Committee of the Red Cross; or the Pentagon and US-installed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi?
CHECK IT
"The people who are doing the beheadings are extremists ... the people slaughtering Iraqis - torturing in prisons and shooting wounded prisoners - are 'American heroes'. Congratulations, you must be so proud of yourselves today."
- Iraqi girl blogger Riverbend
Whom are you going to trust: Fallujah civilians who risked their lives to escape, witnesses such as Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein, hospital doctors, Amnesty International, top United Nations human-rights official Louise Arbour, the International Committee of the Red Cross; or the Pentagon and US-installed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi?
CHECK IT
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Jihad Unspun: A WORD ABOUT TODAY'S EDITION
The word is out far and wide. The US has crushed Fallujah. Words like the “a hollow of the city” and the “former home to insurgents”. Meanwhile, at the same time, reports are also far and wide. Fallujah is being struck by bombs. If the US has taken the city, why are they bombing? What on earth is going on here?
Let's recap, shall we? As of our reports early this morning, the battle is still going on in Faulljah. Occupation troops have not been able to get near the al-Jawlan neighborhood; all they control are the main streets in Fallujah, which is part and parcel of the Mujahideen's war strategy, and the Americans are backing up their presence with fierce air strikes. The Consultative Council of the Mujahideen of Fallujah have said that the military situation of American forces in al-Fallujah has remained consistant for three days. The Mujahideen are operating under a central command and have a war plan. This plan includes the Sunni Triangle which is currently rife with resistance activities. This was a preplanned strategy to thin out the ability of occupation forces to send reinforcements into the city.
The word is out far and wide. The US has crushed Fallujah. Words like the “a hollow of the city” and the “former home to insurgents”. Meanwhile, at the same time, reports are also far and wide. Fallujah is being struck by bombs. If the US has taken the city, why are they bombing? What on earth is going on here?
Let's recap, shall we? As of our reports early this morning, the battle is still going on in Faulljah. Occupation troops have not been able to get near the al-Jawlan neighborhood; all they control are the main streets in Fallujah, which is part and parcel of the Mujahideen's war strategy, and the Americans are backing up their presence with fierce air strikes. The Consultative Council of the Mujahideen of Fallujah have said that the military situation of American forces in al-Fallujah has remained consistant for three days. The Mujahideen are operating under a central command and have a war plan. This plan includes the Sunni Triangle which is currently rife with resistance activities. This was a preplanned strategy to thin out the ability of occupation forces to send reinforcements into the city.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Jihad Unspun: Mujahideen Moves Easily In Fallujah; 19 Americans Killed In Explosion
In a dispatch posted at 4:17pm Mecca time Monday, the Fallujah correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that a noticeable quiet has descended over Fallujah, broken only by intermittent fire by one of the American snipers scattered on rooftops in places in the city. The calm prevails both in the city center and on the outskirts.
US snipers are deployed on the main streets of the city in six or seven positions along ath-Tharthar Street, the main street leading to ar-Ramadi (ar-Ramadi Road), and buildings overlooking the Euphrates to the west of the city.
Sources in the Consultative Council of the Mujahideen of Fallujah told Quds Press on Monday that Mujahideen blew up a building in Fallujah as American forces were entering it on Monday morning, killing 19 US troops.
The building in the al-Bazarah neighborhood opposite the al-Wuthbah Secondary School in the city was blown up using a large amount of TNT just as the US troops were entering it. The US forces brought in bulldozers to dig out the remains of their dead. US troops who were still outside the building when it exploded were wounded.
In a dispatch posted at 4:17pm Mecca time Monday, the Fallujah correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that a noticeable quiet has descended over Fallujah, broken only by intermittent fire by one of the American snipers scattered on rooftops in places in the city. The calm prevails both in the city center and on the outskirts.
US snipers are deployed on the main streets of the city in six or seven positions along ath-Tharthar Street, the main street leading to ar-Ramadi (ar-Ramadi Road), and buildings overlooking the Euphrates to the west of the city.
Sources in the Consultative Council of the Mujahideen of Fallujah told Quds Press on Monday that Mujahideen blew up a building in Fallujah as American forces were entering it on Monday morning, killing 19 US troops.
The building in the al-Bazarah neighborhood opposite the al-Wuthbah Secondary School in the city was blown up using a large amount of TNT just as the US troops were entering it. The US forces brought in bulldozers to dig out the remains of their dead. US troops who were still outside the building when it exploded were wounded.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WARCRIMES
Reuters: NBC Says Marine Shot Dead Wounded Iraqi Prisoner
A television pool report by U.S. network NBC said on Monday that a U.S. Marine had shot dead an unarmed and wounded Iraqi prisoner in a mosque in Falluja.
The Iraqi was one of five wounded prisoners left in the mosque after Marines had fought their way in on Friday and Saturday. There was no immediate comment from the Pentagon on the report.
ICH: Video: Unarmed And Wounded POW Shot In The Head By U.S. Marine
A television pool report by U.S. network NBC said on Monday that a U.S. Marine had shot dead an unarmed and wounded Iraqi prisoner in a mosque in Falluja.
The Iraqi was one of five wounded prisoners left in the mosque after Marines had fought their way in on Friday and Saturday. There was no immediate comment from the Pentagon on the report.
ICH: Video: Unarmed And Wounded POW Shot In The Head By U.S. Marine
USA: OHIO RECOUNT
Truth Out: Recount in Ohio a Sure Thing
Green Party Campaign Raises $150,000 in 4 Days, Shifts Gears to Phase II
WASHINGTON -- November 15 -- There will be a recount of the presidential vote in Ohio.
On Thursday, David Cobb, the Green Party’s 2004 presidential candidate, announced his intention to seek a recount of the vote in Ohio. Since the required fee for a statewide recount is $113,600, the only question was whether that money could be raised in time to meet the filing deadline. That question has been answered.
“Thanks to the thousands of people who have contributed to this effort, we can say with certainty that there will be a recount in Ohio,” said Blair Bobier, Media Director for the Cobb-LaMarche campaign.
Green Party Campaign Raises $150,000 in 4 Days, Shifts Gears to Phase II
WASHINGTON -- November 15 -- There will be a recount of the presidential vote in Ohio.
On Thursday, David Cobb, the Green Party’s 2004 presidential candidate, announced his intention to seek a recount of the vote in Ohio. Since the required fee for a statewide recount is $113,600, the only question was whether that money could be raised in time to meet the filing deadline. That question has been answered.
“Thanks to the thousands of people who have contributed to this effort, we can say with certainty that there will be a recount in Ohio,” said Blair Bobier, Media Director for the Cobb-LaMarche campaign.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WARCRIMES
Independent: US Soldier Kills Wounded Insurgent In Cold Blood
'I Don't Think The US Is Paying Much Attention To The Geneva Conventions'
The US Marine Corps launched an investigation into possible war crimes last night after video footage taken inside a mosque in Fallujah apparently showed a Marine shooting dead an unarmed Iraqi insurgent who had been taken prisoner.
The footage showed several Marines with a group of prisoners who were either lying on the floor or propped against a wall of the bombed-out building. One Marine can be heard declaring that one of the prisoners was faking his injuries.
"He's fucking faking he's dead. He faking he's fucking dead," says the Marine. At that point a clatter of gunfire can be heard as one of the Marines shoots the prisoner. Another voice can then be heard saying: "He's dead now."
'I Don't Think The US Is Paying Much Attention To The Geneva Conventions'
The US Marine Corps launched an investigation into possible war crimes last night after video footage taken inside a mosque in Fallujah apparently showed a Marine shooting dead an unarmed Iraqi insurgent who had been taken prisoner.
The footage showed several Marines with a group of prisoners who were either lying on the floor or propped against a wall of the bombed-out building. One Marine can be heard declaring that one of the prisoners was faking his injuries.
"He's fucking faking he's dead. He faking he's fucking dead," says the Marine. At that point a clatter of gunfire can be heard as one of the Marines shoots the prisoner. Another voice can then be heard saying: "He's dead now."
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
IPS: The Other Face Of US 'Success' In Fallujah
Everyone saw it coming, only the U.S. forces did not: humanitarian disaster in Fallujah, and stronger resistance against U.S. and allied occupying forces all around Iraq.
The real face of the 'success' of the U.S. military assault in Fallujah is now beginning to present itself. Thousands of families remain trapped inside Fallujah with no food, clean water or medical assistance.
No one can say how many of the 1,200 'rebels' U.S. forces claim to have killed inside Fallujah are civilians, or whether the death toll is higher.
Everyone saw it coming, only the U.S. forces did not: humanitarian disaster in Fallujah, and stronger resistance against U.S. and allied occupying forces all around Iraq.
The real face of the 'success' of the U.S. military assault in Fallujah is now beginning to present itself. Thousands of families remain trapped inside Fallujah with no food, clean water or medical assistance.
No one can say how many of the 1,200 'rebels' U.S. forces claim to have killed inside Fallujah are civilians, or whether the death toll is higher.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Reuters: Allawi Doesn't Believe Any Civilians Died
A Reuters correspondent who drove from north to south saw bloated and decomposing bodies in the streets, smashed homes, ruined mosques and power and telephone lines hanging uselessly.
Iraq's Red Crescent group has sent seven truck-loads of food and medicine to the city, but the U.S. forces have held up the aid at Falluja's main hospital, on the western outskirts.
A U.S. Marine commander said American forces were working to deliver assistance in the city themselves. Any Iraqis needing help would be told to go to the hospital, he said.
Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said he doesn't believe any civilians were killed in the offensive, which has left 38 U.S. soldiers, 6 Iraqi troops and more than 1,200 insurgents dead. But witness accounts contradicted him.
A Reuters correspondent who drove from north to south saw bloated and decomposing bodies in the streets, smashed homes, ruined mosques and power and telephone lines hanging uselessly.
Iraq's Red Crescent group has sent seven truck-loads of food and medicine to the city, but the U.S. forces have held up the aid at Falluja's main hospital, on the western outskirts.
A U.S. Marine commander said American forces were working to deliver assistance in the city themselves. Any Iraqis needing help would be told to go to the hospital, he said.
Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said he doesn't believe any civilians were killed in the offensive, which has left 38 U.S. soldiers, 6 Iraqi troops and more than 1,200 insurgents dead. But witness accounts contradicted him.
Monday, November 15, 2004
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Jihad Unspun: Fallujah Calls For Media To Dismiss Lies
Mujahideen spokesman, Abu Saad Al-Delaimy : “America is having news media crisis; if they control 90% or more of Fallujah as they alleged, I challenge them to allow world news satellite media to see for themselves”.
Abu Saad also described American allegations of killing 1000 Mujahideen as totally false. He said only 100 Mujahideen have been martyred, and the rest are civilians.
Mujahideen Council Releases Casualty Numbers
The office of Mafkarat al-Islam in Fallujah has received a communiqué issued by the Advisory Council of Fallujah Mujahideen detailing the results of battles in the city. Below is a run down on enemy casualties in personnel and war equipment:
Killed:
400 Americans
140 Allawi Army
Captured:
136 Americans
15 Brits
123 Allawi Army
Military Equipment:
2 Copters
11 F-16
1 Chinook
5 Reconnaissance plane
7 Abrahams Tanks
In addition to specific numbers listed above, Mujahideen have destroyed a large number of tanks and other mechanized vehicle. It is also worth noting that a Chinook aircraft carries 60 soldiers.
Mujahideen spokesman, Abu Saad Al-Delaimy : “America is having news media crisis; if they control 90% or more of Fallujah as they alleged, I challenge them to allow world news satellite media to see for themselves”.
Abu Saad also described American allegations of killing 1000 Mujahideen as totally false. He said only 100 Mujahideen have been martyred, and the rest are civilians.
Mujahideen Council Releases Casualty Numbers
The office of Mafkarat al-Islam in Fallujah has received a communiqué issued by the Advisory Council of Fallujah Mujahideen detailing the results of battles in the city. Below is a run down on enemy casualties in personnel and war equipment:
Killed:
400 Americans
140 Allawi Army
Captured:
136 Americans
15 Brits
123 Allawi Army
Military Equipment:
2 Copters
11 F-16
1 Chinook
5 Reconnaissance plane
7 Abrahams Tanks
In addition to specific numbers listed above, Mujahideen have destroyed a large number of tanks and other mechanized vehicle. It is also worth noting that a Chinook aircraft carries 60 soldiers.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Quotes:
http://www.news.com.au/common/printpage/0,6093,11389249,00.html
"THE US military said overnight it saw no need for the Iraqi Red
Crescent to deliver aid to people inside Fallujah as it did not think
any Iraqi civilians were trapped inside the city.
"There is no need to bring (Red Crescent) supplies in because we have
supplies of our own for the people," said US Marine Colonel Mike
Shupp.
"Now that the bridge (into Fallujah) is open, I will bring out
casualties and all aid work can be done here (at Fallujah's
hospital)."
He said he had not heard of any Iraqi civilians being trapped inside
the city and did not think that was the case.
The Iraqi Red Crescent believes at least 150 families are trapped
inside Fallujah and that many are in desperate need of food,
blankets, water and medicine.
Some residents still inside the city, contacted by Reuters today,
said their children were suffering from diarrhoea and had not eaten
for several days.
Asked what he intended to do about families and other non-combatants
trapped inside the city, Col Shupp said: "I don't think that is the
case.
"So in a city of 300'000 are no civilians left? Is everybody death or is everybody regarded as a terrorist?."
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=246764
"Hundreds of men trying to flee the assault on Fallujah have been
turned back by U.S. troops following orders to allow only women,
children and the elderly to leave.
...
As it believes many of Fallujah's men are guerrilla fighters, it has
instructed U.S. troops to turn back all males aged 15 to 55."
"which is a war crime"
http://tinyurl.com/5uonk
"Hussein moved from house to house ? dodging gunfire ? and reached
the river.
"I decided to swim ... but I changed my mind after seeing U.S.
helicopters firing on and killing people who tried to cross the
river."
He watched horrified as a family of five was shot dead as they tried
to cross. Then, he "helped bury a man by the river bank, with my own
hands."
"I kept walking along the river for two hours and I could still see
some U.S. snipers ready to shoot anyone who might swim. I quit the
idea of crossing the river and walked for about five hours through
orchards." "
Zitat NY Times:
"The offensive also shut down what officers said was a propaganda
weapon for the militants: Falluja General Hospital, with its stream
of reports of civilian casualties."
"hospitals are now propaganda weapons because the doctors are telling the world how many civillians died and therefore legitimate targets "
http://www.news.com.au/common/printpage/0,6093,11389249,00.html
"THE US military said overnight it saw no need for the Iraqi Red
Crescent to deliver aid to people inside Fallujah as it did not think
any Iraqi civilians were trapped inside the city.
"There is no need to bring (Red Crescent) supplies in because we have
supplies of our own for the people," said US Marine Colonel Mike
Shupp.
"Now that the bridge (into Fallujah) is open, I will bring out
casualties and all aid work can be done here (at Fallujah's
hospital)."
He said he had not heard of any Iraqi civilians being trapped inside
the city and did not think that was the case.
The Iraqi Red Crescent believes at least 150 families are trapped
inside Fallujah and that many are in desperate need of food,
blankets, water and medicine.
Some residents still inside the city, contacted by Reuters today,
said their children were suffering from diarrhoea and had not eaten
for several days.
Asked what he intended to do about families and other non-combatants
trapped inside the city, Col Shupp said: "I don't think that is the
case.
"So in a city of 300'000 are no civilians left? Is everybody death or is everybody regarded as a terrorist?."
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=246764
"Hundreds of men trying to flee the assault on Fallujah have been
turned back by U.S. troops following orders to allow only women,
children and the elderly to leave.
...
As it believes many of Fallujah's men are guerrilla fighters, it has
instructed U.S. troops to turn back all males aged 15 to 55."
"which is a war crime"
http://tinyurl.com/5uonk
"Hussein moved from house to house ? dodging gunfire ? and reached
the river.
"I decided to swim ... but I changed my mind after seeing U.S.
helicopters firing on and killing people who tried to cross the
river."
He watched horrified as a family of five was shot dead as they tried
to cross. Then, he "helped bury a man by the river bank, with my own
hands."
"I kept walking along the river for two hours and I could still see
some U.S. snipers ready to shoot anyone who might swim. I quit the
idea of crossing the river and walked for about five hours through
orchards." "
Zitat NY Times:
"The offensive also shut down what officers said was a propaganda
weapon for the militants: Falluja General Hospital, with its stream
of reports of civilian casualties."
"hospitals are now propaganda weapons because the doctors are telling the world how many civillians died and therefore legitimate targets "
Friday, November 12, 2004
IRAQ: FALUJJAH RESISTANCE
Jihad Unspun: Muhaideen Make Signifgant Gains; Executed Well Planned Attacks
On Thursday, Fallujah Mujahideen managed to make significant gains against occupation forces as the US were forced to admit they are meeting with stiff resistance. While mainstream press continues the façade that only 18 soldiers have been lost and that the will have the city under control by Saturday, the reality of the situation that JUS has been reporting is finally beginning to be echoed in Arab press.
As details of fighting in and around of Falluja are slowly surfacing, a clear picture of Mujahideen’s professional pre-battle planning based on accurate anticipation of enemies moves is emerging. Mujahideen are now seizing the opportunities this advance planning has provided by shelling occupation forces, attacking them on the ground, ambushing them and forcing them to retreat every step of the way. An undisclosed number of Americans have been captured as well.
Also on Thursday evening, Iraqi Mujahideen bombed an ice factory in the center of the al-Jawlan neighborhood where US occupation forces invaders had parked vehicles and stored equipment. The factorys had a floor space of nearly 5,000 square meters and inside Humvees for carrying equipment. Large numbers of tanks and armored vehicles surrounded the factory.
Mujahideen suspected the Americans would use the factory as a storage depot or headquarters and therefore they mined the building prior to the US assault. Thursday night Mujahideen forces bombarded the bobby-trapped factory with mortars, setting off a thunderous explosion followed by massive secondary blasts that were still continuing at the time of this filing. The explosions were so massive that fireballs could be seen five kilometers away.
On Thursday, Fallujah Mujahideen managed to make significant gains against occupation forces as the US were forced to admit they are meeting with stiff resistance. While mainstream press continues the façade that only 18 soldiers have been lost and that the will have the city under control by Saturday, the reality of the situation that JUS has been reporting is finally beginning to be echoed in Arab press.
As details of fighting in and around of Falluja are slowly surfacing, a clear picture of Mujahideen’s professional pre-battle planning based on accurate anticipation of enemies moves is emerging. Mujahideen are now seizing the opportunities this advance planning has provided by shelling occupation forces, attacking them on the ground, ambushing them and forcing them to retreat every step of the way. An undisclosed number of Americans have been captured as well.
Also on Thursday evening, Iraqi Mujahideen bombed an ice factory in the center of the al-Jawlan neighborhood where US occupation forces invaders had parked vehicles and stored equipment. The factorys had a floor space of nearly 5,000 square meters and inside Humvees for carrying equipment. Large numbers of tanks and armored vehicles surrounded the factory.
Mujahideen suspected the Americans would use the factory as a storage depot or headquarters and therefore they mined the building prior to the US assault. Thursday night Mujahideen forces bombarded the bobby-trapped factory with mortars, setting off a thunderous explosion followed by massive secondary blasts that were still continuing at the time of this filing. The explosions were so massive that fireballs could be seen five kilometers away.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Jihad Unspun: “Resistance Is Unshakable Mountain” Says Captured General; American Contractor Seized
An American General was among those captured by Mujahideen forces on Thursday after having to abandon their vehicles under Mujahideen fire.
The incident came after the Mujahideen lured the Americans into city center and forcing them to split into six groups, the Mujahideen destroyed 14 tanks on the main street linking the old road to Ramadi. US occupation forces have recently resorted to using tanks instead of personnel carriers to storm the city after realizing that their personnel carriers were easily hit and destroyed. As the tanks blazed, no soldiers came out of the destroyed tanks that usually carry 9 soldiers on board.
An American General was among those captured by Mujahideen forces on Thursday after having to abandon their vehicles under Mujahideen fire.
The incident came after the Mujahideen lured the Americans into city center and forcing them to split into six groups, the Mujahideen destroyed 14 tanks on the main street linking the old road to Ramadi. US occupation forces have recently resorted to using tanks instead of personnel carriers to storm the city after realizing that their personnel carriers were easily hit and destroyed. As the tanks blazed, no soldiers came out of the destroyed tanks that usually carry 9 soldiers on board.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
ICH: Iraq: the unthinkable becomes normal by John Pilger
Mainstream media speak as if Fallujah were populated only by foreign "insurgents". In fact, women and children are being slaughtered in our name
Edward S Herman's landmark essay, "The Banality of Evil", has never seemed more apposite. "Doing terrible things in an organised and systematic way rests on 'normalisation'," wrote Herman. "There is usually a division of labour in doing and rationalising the unthinkable, with the direct brutalising and killing done by one set of individuals . . . others working on improving technology (a better crematory gas, a longer burning and more adhesive napalm, bomb fragments that penetrate flesh in hard-to-trace patterns). It is the function of the experts, and the mainstream media, to normalise the unthinkable for the general public."
Mainstream media speak as if Fallujah were populated only by foreign "insurgents". In fact, women and children are being slaughtered in our name
Edward S Herman's landmark essay, "The Banality of Evil", has never seemed more apposite. "Doing terrible things in an organised and systematic way rests on 'normalisation'," wrote Herman. "There is usually a division of labour in doing and rationalising the unthinkable, with the direct brutalising and killing done by one set of individuals . . . others working on improving technology (a better crematory gas, a longer burning and more adhesive napalm, bomb fragments that penetrate flesh in hard-to-trace patterns). It is the function of the experts, and the mainstream media, to normalise the unthinkable for the general public."
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Asia Times: A thousand Fallujahs by Pepe Escobar
Once again the US has been caught in a giant spider's web. Fallujah now is a network: it's Baghdad, Ramadi, Samarra, Latifiyah, Kirkuk, Mosul. Streets on fire, everywhere: Hundreds, thousands of Fallujahs - the Mesopotamian echo of a thousand Vietnams. The Iraqi resistance has even regained control of a few Baghdad neighborhoods.
Baghdad residents say there are practically no US troops around, even as regular explosions can be heard all over the city. Baghdad sources confirm to Asia Times Online that the mujahideen now control parts of the southern suburb of ad-Durha, as well as Hur Rajab, Abu Ghraib, al-Abidi, as-Suwayrah, Salman Bak, Latifiyah and Yusufiyah - all in the Greater Baghdad area. This would be the first time since the fall of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, that the resistance has been able to control these neighborhoods
There are at least 120 mosques in Fallujah. A consensus is emerging that almost half of them have been smashed by air strikes and shelling by US tanks - something that will haunt the United States for ages
According to residents, the city is now littered with thousands of cluster bombs. In an explosive accusation - and not substantiated - an Iraqi doctor who requested anonymity has told al-Quds Press that "the US occupation troops are gassing resistance fighters and confronting them with internationally banned chemical weapons". The Washington Post has confirmed that US troops are firing white-phosphorus rounds that create a screen of fire impervious to water
The wounded in Fallujah are in essence left to die. There is not a single surgeon in town. And practically no doctors as well, as the Pentagon decided to bomb both the al-Hadar Hospital and the Zayid Mobile Hospital.
"CHECK IT"
Once again the US has been caught in a giant spider's web. Fallujah now is a network: it's Baghdad, Ramadi, Samarra, Latifiyah, Kirkuk, Mosul. Streets on fire, everywhere: Hundreds, thousands of Fallujahs - the Mesopotamian echo of a thousand Vietnams. The Iraqi resistance has even regained control of a few Baghdad neighborhoods.
Baghdad residents say there are practically no US troops around, even as regular explosions can be heard all over the city. Baghdad sources confirm to Asia Times Online that the mujahideen now control parts of the southern suburb of ad-Durha, as well as Hur Rajab, Abu Ghraib, al-Abidi, as-Suwayrah, Salman Bak, Latifiyah and Yusufiyah - all in the Greater Baghdad area. This would be the first time since the fall of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, that the resistance has been able to control these neighborhoods
There are at least 120 mosques in Fallujah. A consensus is emerging that almost half of them have been smashed by air strikes and shelling by US tanks - something that will haunt the United States for ages
According to residents, the city is now littered with thousands of cluster bombs. In an explosive accusation - and not substantiated - an Iraqi doctor who requested anonymity has told al-Quds Press that "the US occupation troops are gassing resistance fighters and confronting them with internationally banned chemical weapons". The Washington Post has confirmed that US troops are firing white-phosphorus rounds that create a screen of fire impervious to water
The wounded in Fallujah are in essence left to die. There is not a single surgeon in town. And practically no doctors as well, as the Pentagon decided to bomb both the al-Hadar Hospital and the Zayid Mobile Hospital.
"CHECK IT"
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Jihad Unspun: Mujahideen Control Majority Of Fallujah
Americans Expelled From Three Districts
In news just in, the tactical decision taken by the Mujahideen to open up two roads leading to the city centre has turned out to be very effective.
According to sources close to the Mujahideen, as a result of heavy shelling on civilian neighborhoods all around the perimeters of the city, a decision was made to move the battle into the center of town by opening two main roads that lead into Fallujah central.
The first road opened was "Nisan 7", which is 17 -20 meters wide and stretches from the rail network north of Fallujah, passes by the Al-Mualimeen zone, on to Nisan 7 to Al-Forqan Mosque and ends in the Al-Shuhada neighborhood. The second road opened was "Tharthar Street", which is 15 -18 meters wide extends from railway station, from where the Americans are handling forward control, passes through the Al-Ghuaifi neighborhood and ends at Officers neighborhood. After opening the two roads, Mujahideen made a tactical withdrawal from the city's perimeters to permit the Americans to enter the two roads. The plan was successful; the Americans are now on the two roads just where the Mujahideen wanted them to be.
Americans Expelled From Three Districts
In news just in, the tactical decision taken by the Mujahideen to open up two roads leading to the city centre has turned out to be very effective.
According to sources close to the Mujahideen, as a result of heavy shelling on civilian neighborhoods all around the perimeters of the city, a decision was made to move the battle into the center of town by opening two main roads that lead into Fallujah central.
The first road opened was "Nisan 7", which is 17 -20 meters wide and stretches from the rail network north of Fallujah, passes by the Al-Mualimeen zone, on to Nisan 7 to Al-Forqan Mosque and ends in the Al-Shuhada neighborhood. The second road opened was "Tharthar Street", which is 15 -18 meters wide extends from railway station, from where the Americans are handling forward control, passes through the Al-Ghuaifi neighborhood and ends at Officers neighborhood. After opening the two roads, Mujahideen made a tactical withdrawal from the city's perimeters to permit the Americans to enter the two roads. The plan was successful; the Americans are now on the two roads just where the Mujahideen wanted them to be.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
BBC: Eyewitness: Defiance amid carnage
As US forces battle insurgents in streets strewn with rubble and corpses, the BBC News website spoke by phone to Fadhil Badrani, an Iraqi journalist and resident of Falluja who reports regularly for Reuters and BBC World Service in Arabic.
I went for a walk around the city last night after the Americans pulled back.
It was very quiet - often the only sounds coming from the movement of fighters along streets and rooftops.
In places, it was also very dark, with only the occasional rocket or flare lighting the way.
Wherever I went, I found broken buildings and bodies - local people and fighters killed on the streets.
As US forces battle insurgents in streets strewn with rubble and corpses, the BBC News website spoke by phone to Fadhil Badrani, an Iraqi journalist and resident of Falluja who reports regularly for Reuters and BBC World Service in Arabic.
I went for a walk around the city last night after the Americans pulled back.
It was very quiet - often the only sounds coming from the movement of fighters along streets and rooftops.
In places, it was also very dark, with only the occasional rocket or flare lighting the way.
Wherever I went, I found broken buildings and bodies - local people and fighters killed on the streets.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Rense: Fallujah - America's Guernica
On April 26, 1937, the Nazi Luftwaffe dropped 100,000 pounds of bombs on the peaceful Basque village of Guernica, Spain on the urging of the Fascist Generalisimo Francisco Franco. At the end of the day, Guernica was in total ruins and 1,654 Basque civilians had been slaughtered and 889 wounded. The world in those days was horrified by the deed. Generalisimo Franco initially denied to the press that the raid ever took place. Later, when photographs of the massacre were published, the Fascist Franco blamed the destruction of Guernica and the killings on those who defended it.
Guernica" is back. This time it is not about the Nazi Luftwaffe dropping bombs on a village in Spain but about the USA dropping bombs and massacring hundreds of civilians that include women and children in the town of Fallujah, Iraq. As Franco in "Guernica", the USA military is denying that it is targeting civilians, but censored reports are filtering out of Iraq that say that over half of the Mosques in the city lie in ruins and that US Marines are utilizing outlawed lethal gasses against the city's defenders which are also causing massive casualties among the civilians that remain in the city. Other reports in the Arab media talk about hundreds of civilian casualties under the rubble of homes that were hit by USA bombs during the initial military "softening" of the city. Gruesome photographs of the dead are reminiscent of the survivor's account of "Guernica" as quoted above.
On April 26, 1937, the Nazi Luftwaffe dropped 100,000 pounds of bombs on the peaceful Basque village of Guernica, Spain on the urging of the Fascist Generalisimo Francisco Franco. At the end of the day, Guernica was in total ruins and 1,654 Basque civilians had been slaughtered and 889 wounded. The world in those days was horrified by the deed. Generalisimo Franco initially denied to the press that the raid ever took place. Later, when photographs of the massacre were published, the Fascist Franco blamed the destruction of Guernica and the killings on those who defended it.
Guernica" is back. This time it is not about the Nazi Luftwaffe dropping bombs on a village in Spain but about the USA dropping bombs and massacring hundreds of civilians that include women and children in the town of Fallujah, Iraq. As Franco in "Guernica", the USA military is denying that it is targeting civilians, but censored reports are filtering out of Iraq that say that over half of the Mosques in the city lie in ruins and that US Marines are utilizing outlawed lethal gasses against the city's defenders which are also causing massive casualties among the civilians that remain in the city. Other reports in the Arab media talk about hundreds of civilian casualties under the rubble of homes that were hit by USA bombs during the initial military "softening" of the city. Gruesome photographs of the dead are reminiscent of the survivor's account of "Guernica" as quoted above.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
NBC: More Than 200 U.S. Fallujah Casualties Reported
U.S. soldiers and Marines launched a large attack Thursday into the southern half of Fallujah, where insurgents still holding, opening a second phase in the offensive, U.S. officials said
U.S. soldiers and Marines launched a large attack Thursday into the southern half of Fallujah, where insurgents still holding, opening a second phase in the offensive, U.S. officials said
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Al-Jazeera: 'Scores of civilians' killed in Falluja
Muhammad Abbud said he watched his nine-year-old son bleed to death at their Falluja home, unable to take him to hospital as fighting raged in the streets and bombs rained down on the Iraqi city
Residents say scores of civilians have been killed or wounded in 24 hours of fighting since US-led forces pushed deep into the city on Monday evening
Muhammad Abbud said he watched his nine-year-old son bleed to death at their Falluja home, unable to take him to hospital as fighting raged in the streets and bombs rained down on the Iraqi city
Residents say scores of civilians have been killed or wounded in 24 hours of fighting since US-led forces pushed deep into the city on Monday evening
Thursday, November 11, 2004
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Asia Times: Satan hides in a hospital
by Pepe Escobar
Everything one needed to know about the true, unspinnable foreign policy of the second George W Bush administration is represented by the "capture" of the first strategic target in the assault on Fallujah: the general hospital, on the left bank of the Euphrates, now totally cut off from the city. According to the Bush administration world view, this is the house where Satan lives.
Bush-installed interim Iraqi Prime Minster Iyad Allawi announced with a smile of victory that he personally ordered the capture of the hospital. So maybe it was not the Pentagon: it was an unelected politician asking a foreign occupation army to attack a hospital in his own country and preventing doctors and ambulances from entering a city under siege.
The assault, dubbed Operation Phantom Fury, perversely started on Laylat e-Qadr, the most important and holy night of the year for the Islamic world.
In terms of the information war, the hospital was indeed the most strategic of targets. During the first siege of Fallujah in April, doctors told independent media the real story about the suffering of civilian victims. So this time the Pentagon took no chances: no gory, disturbing photos of the elderly, women and children - the thousands unable to leave Fallujah in advance of this week's offensive, the civilian victims of the relentless bombing.
"CHECK IT"
by Pepe Escobar
Everything one needed to know about the true, unspinnable foreign policy of the second George W Bush administration is represented by the "capture" of the first strategic target in the assault on Fallujah: the general hospital, on the left bank of the Euphrates, now totally cut off from the city. According to the Bush administration world view, this is the house where Satan lives.
Bush-installed interim Iraqi Prime Minster Iyad Allawi announced with a smile of victory that he personally ordered the capture of the hospital. So maybe it was not the Pentagon: it was an unelected politician asking a foreign occupation army to attack a hospital in his own country and preventing doctors and ambulances from entering a city under siege.
The assault, dubbed Operation Phantom Fury, perversely started on Laylat e-Qadr, the most important and holy night of the year for the Islamic world.
In terms of the information war, the hospital was indeed the most strategic of targets. During the first siege of Fallujah in April, doctors told independent media the real story about the suffering of civilian victims. So this time the Pentagon took no chances: no gory, disturbing photos of the elderly, women and children - the thousands unable to leave Fallujah in advance of this week's offensive, the civilian victims of the relentless bombing.
"CHECK IT"
USA: VIDEO OF TANKS IN LA
Indymedia: Video of Tanks at anti-war protest in LA
LOS ANGELES, November 9, 2004 - At 7:50 PM two armored tanks showed up at an anti-war protest in front of the federal building in Westwood. The tanks circled the block twice, the second time parking themselves in the street and directly in front of the area where most of the protesters were gathered. Enraged, some of the people attempted to block the tanks, but police quickly cleared the street. The people continued to protest the presence of the tanks, but about ten minutes the tanks drove off. It is unclear as to why the tanks were deployed to this location. Uploaded here is video from the event.
"Disturbing"
LOS ANGELES, November 9, 2004 - At 7:50 PM two armored tanks showed up at an anti-war protest in front of the federal building in Westwood. The tanks circled the block twice, the second time parking themselves in the street and directly in front of the area where most of the protesters were gathered. Enraged, some of the people attempted to block the tanks, but police quickly cleared the street. The people continued to protest the presence of the tanks, but about ten minutes the tanks drove off. It is unclear as to why the tanks were deployed to this location. Uploaded here is video from the event.
"Disturbing"
USA: NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL
CCR: New Attorney General-Geneva Concventions "quaint" and "obsolete"
On November 10, 2004 in New York, NY the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) voiced strong opposition to the nomination of White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales to replace Attorney General John Ashcroft. Citing the infamous leaked January 25, 2002, Gonzales’ memo justifying the suspension of the Geneva Conventions in the war on terror, CCR Legal Director Jeffrey Fogel said, “To call the Geneva Conventions, which were put in place after the atrocities of World War II to govern the future conduct of war and prevent such horrors from ever occurring, ‘quaint’ and ‘obsolete’ is to go back down a path we thought we would never travel again.”
On November 10, 2004 in New York, NY the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) voiced strong opposition to the nomination of White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales to replace Attorney General John Ashcroft. Citing the infamous leaked January 25, 2002, Gonzales’ memo justifying the suspension of the Geneva Conventions in the war on terror, CCR Legal Director Jeffrey Fogel said, “To call the Geneva Conventions, which were put in place after the atrocities of World War II to govern the future conduct of war and prevent such horrors from ever occurring, ‘quaint’ and ‘obsolete’ is to go back down a path we thought we would never travel again.”
MIDDLE EAST: ARAFAT DIES
Uri Avnery: Uri Avnery views the life and achievements of Yasser Arafat
Uri Avnery looks back on the life and achievements of Yasser Arafat, from liberating the Palestinian people from Arab rulers, to leading the armed struggle against Israel, to his decision to reach an agreement with Israel on the basis of a two-state solution. "Israel will lose a great enemy, who could have become a great partner and ally... As for me, I respected him as a Palestinian patriot, I admired him for his courage, I understood the constraints he was working under, I saw in him the partner for building a new future for our two peoples. I was his friend."
Uri Avnery looks back on the life and achievements of Yasser Arafat, from liberating the Palestinian people from Arab rulers, to leading the armed struggle against Israel, to his decision to reach an agreement with Israel on the basis of a two-state solution. "Israel will lose a great enemy, who could have become a great partner and ally... As for me, I respected him as a Palestinian patriot, I admired him for his courage, I understood the constraints he was working under, I saw in him the partner for building a new future for our two peoples. I was his friend."
MIDDLE EAST: ARAFAT DIES 11.11.2004
Reuters: Arafat, Icon of Palestinian Cause, Dead at 75
PARIS (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who rose from guerrilla icon to Nobel peace prize-winner but ended up isolated and locked in conflict with Israel, died in a French hospital on Thursday. He was 75.
The announcement of the death of the Palestinian president, who symbolized his people's fight for an independent state but failed to achieve it in his lifetime, ended days of confusion over his condition as he lay comatose behind a veil of secrecy.
PARIS (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who rose from guerrilla icon to Nobel peace prize-winner but ended up isolated and locked in conflict with Israel, died in a French hospital on Thursday. He was 75.
The announcement of the death of the Palestinian president, who symbolized his people's fight for an independent state but failed to achieve it in his lifetime, ended days of confusion over his condition as he lay comatose behind a veil of secrecy.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Middle East Online: House-to-house warfare in Fallujah
Insurgents have chosen mobility to counter far superior US artillery and missiles in battle of Fallujah.
Insurgents have chosen mobility to counter far superior US artillery and missiles in battle of Fallujah.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Chicago Tribune: At Least 200 Iraqi Troops Abandon Fallujah Offensive
U.S. military officials said Monday that at least 200 Iraqi troops had deserted their posts in the American-led offensive on Fallujah.
The troops supporting the nation's interim government are facing pressure from some Iraqi religious groups and threats from insurgents.
Prominent Iraqi Muslim clerics, including influential Sunnis and top aides to rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, condemned the Iraqi troops serving alongside Americans in Fallujah. The insurgent council that has controlled Fallujah for the past six months threatened to behead Iraqi troops who entered the city to "fight their own people."
U.S. military officials said Monday that at least 200 Iraqi troops had deserted their posts in the American-led offensive on Fallujah.
The troops supporting the nation's interim government are facing pressure from some Iraqi religious groups and threats from insurgents.
Prominent Iraqi Muslim clerics, including influential Sunnis and top aides to rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, condemned the Iraqi troops serving alongside Americans in Fallujah. The insurgent council that has controlled Fallujah for the past six months threatened to behead Iraqi troops who entered the city to "fight their own people."
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Reuters: Fighting Rages in Iraq's Falluja After Night Lull
U.S. warplanes launched air strikes in the Iraqi city of Falluja on Wednesday amid fierce fighting between U.S.-led forces and rebels.
Machinegun, mortar and rocket fire shook the Sunni Muslim city as planes made several bombing runs over the northwestern Jolan district within 15 minutes, a Reuters reporter said.
Smoke was rising from houses just beyond Falluja's captured rail station, where Marines and Iraqi forces have a base.
Marines said their opponents showed no signs of giving up, even though U.S. forces penetrated to the center of the city, west of Baghdad, after an offensive launched on Monday night.
U.S. warplanes launched air strikes in the Iraqi city of Falluja on Wednesday amid fierce fighting between U.S.-led forces and rebels.
Machinegun, mortar and rocket fire shook the Sunni Muslim city as planes made several bombing runs over the northwestern Jolan district within 15 minutes, a Reuters reporter said.
Smoke was rising from houses just beyond Falluja's captured rail station, where Marines and Iraqi forces have a base.
Marines said their opponents showed no signs of giving up, even though U.S. forces penetrated to the center of the city, west of Baghdad, after an offensive launched on Monday night.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
BBC News: 'Watching tragedy engulf my city'
US and Iraqi forces are locked in desperate street battles against insurgents in the Iraqi city of Falluja. The BBC News website spoke by phone to Fadhil Badrani, a journalist in Falluja who reports for the BBC World Service in Arabic.
"Now they are firing back at the houses, at anything that moves. It is war on the streets.
The American troops look like they have given up trying to go into buildings for now and are just trying to control the main roads."
cannot say how many people have been killed but after two days of bombing, this city looks like Kabul.
Large portions of it have been destroyed but it is so dangerous to leave the house that I have not been able to find out more about casualties.
US and Iraqi forces are locked in desperate street battles against insurgents in the Iraqi city of Falluja. The BBC News website spoke by phone to Fadhil Badrani, a journalist in Falluja who reports for the BBC World Service in Arabic.
"Now they are firing back at the houses, at anything that moves. It is war on the streets.
The American troops look like they have given up trying to go into buildings for now and are just trying to control the main roads."
cannot say how many people have been killed but after two days of bombing, this city looks like Kabul.
Large portions of it have been destroyed but it is so dangerous to leave the house that I have not been able to find out more about casualties.
USA: VOTE FRAUD
Buzzflash: BuzzFlash > Contributor > Incredible As It May Seem, MSNBC Covers Voting Problems
Just watched Keith Olbermann on MSNBC in which he did a story on election problems. He said that there were 90,000 more votes cast in Ohio than registered voters (he went through a list of counties and said how many voters were registered in each and how many extra thousands of votes were recorded).
He reported how in Florida counties, heavily-leaning dem counties went overwhelmingly for Bush -- the first time these counties have ever voted Repub. He showed charts with numbers, etc., it was very compelling.
He said that all the irregularities in Florida and Ohio have happened in counties using non-paper-trail e-voting from the companies run by Bush's friends.
He interviewed a reporter from the Cincinnati paper who discussed how homeland security barred reporters from witnessing the voting in some of the major minority areas in town, that this was the first time the press was ever kept out of and barred from witnessing the voting. The Sec of State in Ohio says that it was under orders from Bush's Homeland Security chief, who said that these cities in Ohio were under a highly increased threat of terrorism during the election. For this reason, only one entrance was open for the voting in these (largely democratic) areas, and the press was barred from coming in to see the voting, or to have the usual offices in the building they have had in every past year
Just watched Keith Olbermann on MSNBC in which he did a story on election problems. He said that there were 90,000 more votes cast in Ohio than registered voters (he went through a list of counties and said how many voters were registered in each and how many extra thousands of votes were recorded).
He reported how in Florida counties, heavily-leaning dem counties went overwhelmingly for Bush -- the first time these counties have ever voted Repub. He showed charts with numbers, etc., it was very compelling.
He said that all the irregularities in Florida and Ohio have happened in counties using non-paper-trail e-voting from the companies run by Bush's friends.
He interviewed a reporter from the Cincinnati paper who discussed how homeland security barred reporters from witnessing the voting in some of the major minority areas in town, that this was the first time the press was ever kept out of and barred from witnessing the voting. The Sec of State in Ohio says that it was under orders from Bush's Homeland Security chief, who said that these cities in Ohio were under a highly increased threat of terrorism during the election. For this reason, only one entrance was open for the voting in these (largely democratic) areas, and the press was barred from coming in to see the voting, or to have the usual offices in the building they have had in every past year
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
IRAQ: RESISTANCE
Al-Basrah: Iraqi Resistance Report for 5 November 2004 through 7 November 2004.
Al-Fallujah – ar-Ramadi Province.
US savagely pounds al-Fallujah late Friday night.
In a dispatch posted at 12:55am Saturday morning local time (11:55pm Friday night Mecca time) the al-Fallujah correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the city were at that hour under an extremely fierce US bombardment. In the north, the al-Jaghifi neighborhood was under US fire, in the east of the city American shells were raining down on al-‘Askari neighborhood, while the industrial zone and the ash-Shuhada’ neighborhoods were the American targets in the southern part of al-Fallujah.
The savage US bombardment began at 11:25pm local time Friday night and was still under way as the correspondent filed his report.
A Mafkarat al-Islam dispatch posted at 2:30am Saturday local time (1:30am Saturday Mecca time) reported that the US bombardment was still continuing.
Al-Fallujah – ar-Ramadi Province.
US savagely pounds al-Fallujah late Friday night.
In a dispatch posted at 12:55am Saturday morning local time (11:55pm Friday night Mecca time) the al-Fallujah correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam reported that the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the city were at that hour under an extremely fierce US bombardment. In the north, the al-Jaghifi neighborhood was under US fire, in the east of the city American shells were raining down on al-‘Askari neighborhood, while the industrial zone and the ash-Shuhada’ neighborhoods were the American targets in the southern part of al-Fallujah.
The savage US bombardment began at 11:25pm local time Friday night and was still under way as the correspondent filed his report.
A Mafkarat al-Islam dispatch posted at 2:30am Saturday local time (1:30am Saturday Mecca time) reported that the US bombardment was still continuing.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Al-Jazeera: Hospital hit as fighting rages in Falluja
Warplanes have bombed a government clinic in the centre of Falluja as US ground forces engaged in pitched battles with fighters defending the city.
Residents said the one-storey Popular Clinic which had been receiving wounded anti-US fighters and civilians was hit overnight as US-led forces pressed into the city.
The residents said on Tuesday it was impossible to reach the clinic because of heavy bombing and US tanks in the area.
The clinic's telephones were no longer working.
Warplanes have bombed a government clinic in the centre of Falluja as US ground forces engaged in pitched battles with fighters defending the city.
Residents said the one-storey Popular Clinic which had been receiving wounded anti-US fighters and civilians was hit overnight as US-led forces pressed into the city.
The residents said on Tuesday it was impossible to reach the clinic because of heavy bombing and US tanks in the area.
The clinic's telephones were no longer working.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
Reuters: US Chopper Shot Down In Falluja - Witness
A U.S. helicopter was shot down over Falluja on Tuesday as U.S.-led forces were pressing home an offensive on the rebel-held city.
"I saw the helicopter collide with a rocket. It turned into a ball of fire and fell to the ground," said Reuters reporter Fadel al-Badrani. "There was smoke everywhere."
A U.S. helicopter was shot down over Falluja on Tuesday as U.S.-led forces were pressing home an offensive on the rebel-held city.
"I saw the helicopter collide with a rocket. It turned into a ball of fire and fell to the ground," said Reuters reporter Fadel al-Badrani. "There was smoke everywhere."
IRAQ
Rense: American Options In Iraq by William R. Polk
Iraq is in a terrible condition, its society has been torn apart, scores of thousands have been killed and even more wounded, its infrastructure has been shattered, dreadful hatreds have been generated. Today, there are no good options -- only better or worse -- alternatives. Three appear possible:
The first option has been called "staying the course." In practice that means continued fighting. France 'stayed the course' in Algeria in the 1950s as America did in Vietnam in the 1960s and as the Israelis are now doing in occupied Palestine. It has never worked anywhere. In Algeria, the French employed over three times as many troops, nearly half a million, to fight roughly the same number of insurgents as America is now fighting in Iraq. They lost. America had half a million soldiers in Vietnam and gave up. After forty years of warfare against the Palestinians, the Israelis have achieved neither peace nor security.
The author is a former Member of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Council, responsible for the Middle East, he was Professor of History at the University of Chicago and Founding-Director of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Iraq is in a terrible condition, its society has been torn apart, scores of thousands have been killed and even more wounded, its infrastructure has been shattered, dreadful hatreds have been generated. Today, there are no good options -- only better or worse -- alternatives. Three appear possible:
The first option has been called "staying the course." In practice that means continued fighting. France 'stayed the course' in Algeria in the 1950s as America did in Vietnam in the 1960s and as the Israelis are now doing in occupied Palestine. It has never worked anywhere. In Algeria, the French employed over three times as many troops, nearly half a million, to fight roughly the same number of insurgents as America is now fighting in Iraq. They lost. America had half a million soldiers in Vietnam and gave up. After forty years of warfare against the Palestinians, the Israelis have achieved neither peace nor security.
The author is a former Member of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Council, responsible for the Middle East, he was Professor of History at the University of Chicago and Founding-Director of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Monday, November 08, 2004
USA: THE APOCALYPSE IS COMING
Check: Rapture Ready Index
The Purpose For This Index
The Rapture Index has two functions: one is to factor together a number of related end time components into a cohesive indicator, and the other is to standardize those components to eliminate the wide variance that currently exists with prophecy reporting.
The Rapture Index is by no means meant to predict the rapture, however, the index is designed to measure the type of activity that could act as a precursor to the rapture.
You could say the Rapture index is a Dow Jones Industrial Average of end time activity, but I think it would be better if you viewed it as prophetic speedometer. The higher the number, the faster we're moving towards the occurrence of pre-tribulation rapture.
The Purpose For This Index
The Rapture Index has two functions: one is to factor together a number of related end time components into a cohesive indicator, and the other is to standardize those components to eliminate the wide variance that currently exists with prophecy reporting.
The Rapture Index is by no means meant to predict the rapture, however, the index is designed to measure the type of activity that could act as a precursor to the rapture.
You could say the Rapture index is a Dow Jones Industrial Average of end time activity, but I think it would be better if you viewed it as prophetic speedometer. The higher the number, the faster we're moving towards the occurrence of pre-tribulation rapture.
VENUZELA
Heise: USA finanzieren "demokratische Bestrebungen" nach Intervention und Putsch
Weitere US-Einflussnahmen in Venezuela: Finanzierung und Unterstützung aus dem Norden für die Opposition
Die Strategie der Opposition, die sich in Venezuela selbst wenig Hoffnungen auf eine breite Unterstützung machen kann, zielt darauf Entscheidungen der Regierung als Willkür einer Diktatur zu präsentieren und durch Rücktritte, die Behinderung verwaltungstechnischer Vorgänge und das Anstacheln von gewalttätigen Zusammenstößen auf den Straßen, ein Bild weitgehender Instabilität und Unregierbarkeit zu präsentieren, um so den internationalen Druck auf Venezuela zu erhöhen. Die führenden Sektoren der Opposition hoffen dadurch einen erneuten Militärputsch oder eine US-Intervention zu hervorzurufen. Dafür demonstrierten sie auch vor der US-Botschaft in Caracas mit Schildern wie "1. Hussein; 2. Aristide; 3. Chávez".
Weitere US-Einflussnahmen in Venezuela: Finanzierung und Unterstützung aus dem Norden für die Opposition
Die Strategie der Opposition, die sich in Venezuela selbst wenig Hoffnungen auf eine breite Unterstützung machen kann, zielt darauf Entscheidungen der Regierung als Willkür einer Diktatur zu präsentieren und durch Rücktritte, die Behinderung verwaltungstechnischer Vorgänge und das Anstacheln von gewalttätigen Zusammenstößen auf den Straßen, ein Bild weitgehender Instabilität und Unregierbarkeit zu präsentieren, um so den internationalen Druck auf Venezuela zu erhöhen. Die führenden Sektoren der Opposition hoffen dadurch einen erneuten Militärputsch oder eine US-Intervention zu hervorzurufen. Dafür demonstrierten sie auch vor der US-Botschaft in Caracas mit Schildern wie "1. Hussein; 2. Aristide; 3. Chávez".
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
Al Jazeera: Battle of Falluja under way
Fierce fighting is raging in Falluja after interim PM Iyad Allawi gave US-led forces the go-ahead for a full-scale attack on the besieged Iraqi city
Allawi: "I gave my authority to the multinational forces, Iraqi forces. We are determined to clean Falluja from the terrorists."
"Puppet Allawi doesn't hold any authority"
Iraqi special forces stormed the hospital at about 2am (2300 GMT Sunday) without firing a shot, blindfolding and dragging people into halls and kicking down doors.
All the hospital staff and doctors have been arrested," said a doctor at the hospital Dr Ahmad Ghanim.
"We are now in a very small and poorly-equipped alternative clinic. We are only 4-5 doctors with 5 assistants. " Ghanim said.
The doctor added that US forces had grounded all ambulances and fired on and disabled the hospital's only car. Doctors were also running short of medicines.
The hospital director said earlier that the facility was surrounded. "They are telling us over loud speakers that if we leave the building we will be shot at," Dr Salih al-Isawi said, adding that an ambulance that tried to exit the facility was fired upon.
"It seems that the americans went to the israeli warcrime school"
Fierce fighting is raging in Falluja after interim PM Iyad Allawi gave US-led forces the go-ahead for a full-scale attack on the besieged Iraqi city
Allawi: "I gave my authority to the multinational forces, Iraqi forces. We are determined to clean Falluja from the terrorists."
"Puppet Allawi doesn't hold any authority"
Iraqi special forces stormed the hospital at about 2am (2300 GMT Sunday) without firing a shot, blindfolding and dragging people into halls and kicking down doors.
All the hospital staff and doctors have been arrested," said a doctor at the hospital Dr Ahmad Ghanim.
"We are now in a very small and poorly-equipped alternative clinic. We are only 4-5 doctors with 5 assistants. " Ghanim said.
The doctor added that US forces had grounded all ambulances and fired on and disabled the hospital's only car. Doctors were also running short of medicines.
The hospital director said earlier that the facility was surrounded. "They are telling us over loud speakers that if we leave the building we will be shot at," Dr Salih al-Isawi said, adding that an ambulance that tried to exit the facility was fired upon.
"It seems that the americans went to the israeli warcrime school"
IRAQ: FALLUJAH WAR CRIMES
BBC: US strikes raze Falluja hospital
A hospital has been razed to the ground in one of the heaviest US air raids in the Iraqi city of Falluja
A hospital has been razed to the ground in one of the heaviest US air raids in the Iraqi city of Falluja
MIDDLE EAST: ARAFAT POISONED?
Jerusalem Post: Aide alleges Israel poisoned Arafat
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat was poisoned by Israel, one of his advisers said Sunday.
The option is being seriously considered by the PA, which has sent blood samples to the US and Germany to confirm or rule out the option, he said.
Arafat suffers symptoms similar to those of former PFLP military leader Wadi'a Hadad, he said.
Hadad was poisoned in the late 1970s by a close aide who was allegedly recruited by the Mossad, the adviser said, although the official reason for his death was cancer.
"It took Hadad eight weeks to die... he also entered a coma", he said, "Unless they find an antidote, Arafat will die," he added.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat was poisoned by Israel, one of his advisers said Sunday.
The option is being seriously considered by the PA, which has sent blood samples to the US and Germany to confirm or rule out the option, he said.
Arafat suffers symptoms similar to those of former PFLP military leader Wadi'a Hadad, he said.
Hadad was poisoned in the late 1970s by a close aide who was allegedly recruited by the Mossad, the adviser said, although the official reason for his death was cancer.
"It took Hadad eight weeks to die... he also entered a coma", he said, "Unless they find an antidote, Arafat will die," he added.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Observer: Remaining Falluja Residents Face Extreme Danger US Troops To Regard All As 'Potential Insurgents'
US Troops To Regard All As 'Potential Insurgents'
Marines near Falluja call last year's invasion of Iraq 'the first war'. This, then, is the second. They plan to retake the rebel-held city of Falluja and from there crush the insurgency throughout the Sunni Triangle, west of Baghdad.
Last week thousands more combat troops, joined by Iraqi security forces, arrived to back the marines who will lead the assault - expected to begin as early as tomorrow.
'Although it is inevitable that there are some casualties in a city like this, we have done everything we can to let people know coalition forces are here,' said Shupp. 'That's one of the reasons why we have such a large show of force, so people realise they should really evacuate.' More than half the townspeople are believed to have left. Anyone still in the city will be regarded as a potential insurgent and all cars treated as possible suicide bombs.
US Troops To Regard All As 'Potential Insurgents'
Marines near Falluja call last year's invasion of Iraq 'the first war'. This, then, is the second. They plan to retake the rebel-held city of Falluja and from there crush the insurgency throughout the Sunni Triangle, west of Baghdad.
Last week thousands more combat troops, joined by Iraqi security forces, arrived to back the marines who will lead the assault - expected to begin as early as tomorrow.
'Although it is inevitable that there are some casualties in a city like this, we have done everything we can to let people know coalition forces are here,' said Shupp. 'That's one of the reasons why we have such a large show of force, so people realise they should really evacuate.' More than half the townspeople are believed to have left. Anyone still in the city will be regarded as a potential insurgent and all cars treated as possible suicide bombs.
"So anybody who's not leaving fallujah is now regarded as a insurgent and will be shot..that is a warcrime and they even announce that in public. To clear a city under occupation from its inhabitants is regardet as ethnic cleansing by international law. If you target a whole population and don't differ between civilians and insurgents..that's a war crime of the worst kind. The USA is there to spread Democracy and Western Values isn't it? And then they ask why do they hate us? Heil Bush!"
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
NY Times: Invasion of Fallujah Begins
Sunday 07 November 2004
Fallujah - Explosions and heavy gunfire thundered through the outskirts of Fallujah on Sunday night and early Monday as American soldiers and marines swept toward strategic bridges, hospitals and other objectives in what appeared to be the first stage of a long-expected invasion of the city.
Hours earlier, Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, faced with an outbreak of insurgent violence across the country, declared emergency law for 60 days across most of Iraq. The proclamation gave him broad martial powers that allow him to impose curfews, order house-to-house searches and detain suspected criminals and insurgents.
"We declared it today and we are going to implement it whenever and wherever it is necessary," Dr. Allawi told pool reporters inside the fortified compound that houses the headquarters of the interim Iraqi government. "This will send a very powerful message that we are serious."
Troops were on the move by 9 p.m. to the west and south of Fallujah, just across the Euphrates River, and after two hours of steady pounding by American guns, tanks, Bradley armored vehicles, artillery and AC-130 gunships, at least one objective - a hospital less than a mile from downtown Fallujah - had been secured by American special forces and the Iraqi 36th commando battalion.
Tracer fire lit up the sky as the operation began, helicopters crisscrossed the battlefield, and at least one American vehicle was fired upon with a rocket-propelled grenade as American and Iraqi forces converged on the hospital, called Al-Fallujah. Shortly before midnight, American forces were exchaning gunfire across a strategic bridge near the hospital with four to five insurgent positions on the other side.
Sunday 07 November 2004
Fallujah - Explosions and heavy gunfire thundered through the outskirts of Fallujah on Sunday night and early Monday as American soldiers and marines swept toward strategic bridges, hospitals and other objectives in what appeared to be the first stage of a long-expected invasion of the city.
Hours earlier, Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, faced with an outbreak of insurgent violence across the country, declared emergency law for 60 days across most of Iraq. The proclamation gave him broad martial powers that allow him to impose curfews, order house-to-house searches and detain suspected criminals and insurgents.
"We declared it today and we are going to implement it whenever and wherever it is necessary," Dr. Allawi told pool reporters inside the fortified compound that houses the headquarters of the interim Iraqi government. "This will send a very powerful message that we are serious."
Troops were on the move by 9 p.m. to the west and south of Fallujah, just across the Euphrates River, and after two hours of steady pounding by American guns, tanks, Bradley armored vehicles, artillery and AC-130 gunships, at least one objective - a hospital less than a mile from downtown Fallujah - had been secured by American special forces and the Iraqi 36th commando battalion.
Tracer fire lit up the sky as the operation began, helicopters crisscrossed the battlefield, and at least one American vehicle was fired upon with a rocket-propelled grenade as American and Iraqi forces converged on the hospital, called Al-Fallujah. Shortly before midnight, American forces were exchaning gunfire across a strategic bridge near the hospital with four to five insurgent positions on the other side.
USA: ELECTION THEFT
Rense: House Dems Ask GAO To Investigate Voting Machines
Common Dreams: Evidence Mounts That The Vote Was Hacked
When I spoke with Jeff Fisher this morning (Saturday, November 06, 2004), the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 16th District said he was waiting for the FBI to show up. Fisher has evidence, he says, not only that the Florida election was hacked, but of who hacked it and how. And not just this year, he said, but that these same people had previously hacked the Democratic primary race in 2002 so that Jeb Bush would not have to run against Janet Reno, who presented a real threat to Jeb, but instead against Bill McBride, who Jeb beat.
"Election night, I'd been doing live election coverage for WDEV, one of the radio stations that carries my syndicated show, and, just after midnight, during the 12:20 a.m. Associated Press Radio News feed, I was startled to hear the reporter detail how Karen Hughes had earlier sat George W. Bush down to inform him that he'd lost the election. The exit polls were clear: Kerry was winning in a landslide. "Bush took the news stoically," noted the AP report.
But then the computers reported something different. In several pivotal states.
Conservatives see a conspiracy here: They think the exit polls were rigged. "
Greg Palast: Kerry Won - Here Are The Facts
I know you don't want to hear it. You can't face one more hung chad. But I don't have a choice. As a journalist examining that messy sausage called American democracy, it's my job to tell you who got the most votes in the deciding states. Tuesday, in Ohio and New Mexico, it was John Kerry.
Most voters in Ohio thought they were voting for Kerry. At 1:05 a.m. Wednesday morning, CNN's exit poll showed Kerry beating Bush among Ohio women by 53 percent to 47 percent. The exit polls were later combined with-and therefore contaminated by-the tabulated results, ultimately becoming a mirror of the apparent actual vote. Kerry also defeated Bush among Ohio's male voters 51 percent to 49 percent. Unless a third gender voted in Ohio, Kerry took the state.
TWD: Palm Beach County Logs 88,000 More Votes Than Voters
According to the official election results posted on the Palm Beach County election website, 542,835 ballots were cast for a presidential candidate while only 454,427 voters turned out for the election (including absentee). This leaves a discrepancy of 88,408 votes cast for the presidential candidates.
Palm Beach County's supervisor of elections is Theresa LePore who is known for the 2000 Presidential Election and the notorious "butterfly ballot" that caused confusion among seniors and other Floridians.
Other election oddities occurred throughout Florida with some counties registering a 400% increase in expected voter turnout among Republicans while Democrats supposedly experienced a -60% decline in expected support within certain counties. The 50+ counties experiencing the high percentage fluctuations in expected turnout used optical scan voting machines on November 2nd.
Vote discrepancies were also found in Gahanna, Ohio which gave an extra 4,000 votes to President Bush. The error was explained away by Franklin County administrators as a "glitch" in the electronic voting system.
Truthout: Broward Machines Count Backward
Fort Lauderdale - It had to happen. Things were just going too smoothly.
Early Thursday, as Broward County elections officials wrapped up after a long day of canvassing votes, something unusual caught their eye. Tallies should go up as more votes are counted. Thats simple math. But in some races, the numbers had gone . . . down.
Officials found the software used in Broward can handle only 32,000 votes per precinct. After that, the system starts counting backward.
Why a voting system would be designed to count backward was a mystery to Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman. She was on the phone late Wednesday with Omaha-based Elections Systems and Software.
Common Dreams: Evidence Mounts That The Vote Was Hacked
When I spoke with Jeff Fisher this morning (Saturday, November 06, 2004), the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 16th District said he was waiting for the FBI to show up. Fisher has evidence, he says, not only that the Florida election was hacked, but of who hacked it and how. And not just this year, he said, but that these same people had previously hacked the Democratic primary race in 2002 so that Jeb Bush would not have to run against Janet Reno, who presented a real threat to Jeb, but instead against Bill McBride, who Jeb beat.
"Election night, I'd been doing live election coverage for WDEV, one of the radio stations that carries my syndicated show, and, just after midnight, during the 12:20 a.m. Associated Press Radio News feed, I was startled to hear the reporter detail how Karen Hughes had earlier sat George W. Bush down to inform him that he'd lost the election. The exit polls were clear: Kerry was winning in a landslide. "Bush took the news stoically," noted the AP report.
But then the computers reported something different. In several pivotal states.
Conservatives see a conspiracy here: They think the exit polls were rigged. "
Greg Palast: Kerry Won - Here Are The Facts
I know you don't want to hear it. You can't face one more hung chad. But I don't have a choice. As a journalist examining that messy sausage called American democracy, it's my job to tell you who got the most votes in the deciding states. Tuesday, in Ohio and New Mexico, it was John Kerry.
Most voters in Ohio thought they were voting for Kerry. At 1:05 a.m. Wednesday morning, CNN's exit poll showed Kerry beating Bush among Ohio women by 53 percent to 47 percent. The exit polls were later combined with-and therefore contaminated by-the tabulated results, ultimately becoming a mirror of the apparent actual vote. Kerry also defeated Bush among Ohio's male voters 51 percent to 49 percent. Unless a third gender voted in Ohio, Kerry took the state.
TWD: Palm Beach County Logs 88,000 More Votes Than Voters
According to the official election results posted on the Palm Beach County election website, 542,835 ballots were cast for a presidential candidate while only 454,427 voters turned out for the election (including absentee). This leaves a discrepancy of 88,408 votes cast for the presidential candidates.
Palm Beach County's supervisor of elections is Theresa LePore who is known for the 2000 Presidential Election and the notorious "butterfly ballot" that caused confusion among seniors and other Floridians.
Other election oddities occurred throughout Florida with some counties registering a 400% increase in expected voter turnout among Republicans while Democrats supposedly experienced a -60% decline in expected support within certain counties. The 50+ counties experiencing the high percentage fluctuations in expected turnout used optical scan voting machines on November 2nd.
Vote discrepancies were also found in Gahanna, Ohio which gave an extra 4,000 votes to President Bush. The error was explained away by Franklin County administrators as a "glitch" in the electronic voting system.
Truthout: Broward Machines Count Backward
Fort Lauderdale - It had to happen. Things were just going too smoothly.
Early Thursday, as Broward County elections officials wrapped up after a long day of canvassing votes, something unusual caught their eye. Tallies should go up as more votes are counted. Thats simple math. But in some races, the numbers had gone . . . down.
Officials found the software used in Broward can handle only 32,000 votes per precinct. After that, the system starts counting backward.
Why a voting system would be designed to count backward was a mystery to Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman. She was on the phone late Wednesday with Omaha-based Elections Systems and Software.
USA: THE BUSH VOTER
Rense: God's Anointed One Was Elected
What you are about to read is an actual email Jeff Rense received...
Mr. Rense,
Hello! I believe what we have here as far as the 2004 elections is a close tie between the devil and God. Not Kerry and Bush. And God prevailed obviously and placed the most morale person in office during the "end times".
Abortion and Christanity are reasons for my voting for Bush along with the gay marriage ban! I have been rejoicing since Bush's (the good Lord aboves Win!) victory. He is a family and moral man and believes in the sanctity of marriage, honesty, anti-choice/pro life. He is going back to the beliefs of our founding fathers of the U.S.A.
Of course since God is with Bush the world hates him because they don't want to turn to the bible and away from their vile-sinful lifestyles that are abominable to God. Jesus was hated by the world too. Doesn't it make since when you are born again TRULY through the blood of Christ the world would hate you too? Well, that is Bush. Wake-up. Bush sincerely cares about this nation because he has the love of God living within him. So, it is ones choice to accept Christ or not. If not they send themselves to hell by living in opposition to Gods rule. Don't blame him.
God Bless,
(Name removed)
What you are about to read is an actual email Jeff Rense received...
Mr. Rense,
Hello! I believe what we have here as far as the 2004 elections is a close tie between the devil and God. Not Kerry and Bush. And God prevailed obviously and placed the most morale person in office during the "end times".
Abortion and Christanity are reasons for my voting for Bush along with the gay marriage ban! I have been rejoicing since Bush's (the good Lord aboves Win!) victory. He is a family and moral man and believes in the sanctity of marriage, honesty, anti-choice/pro life. He is going back to the beliefs of our founding fathers of the U.S.A.
Of course since God is with Bush the world hates him because they don't want to turn to the bible and away from their vile-sinful lifestyles that are abominable to God. Jesus was hated by the world too. Doesn't it make since when you are born again TRULY through the blood of Christ the world would hate you too? Well, that is Bush. Wake-up. Bush sincerely cares about this nation because he has the love of God living within him. So, it is ones choice to accept Christ or not. If not they send themselves to hell by living in opposition to Gods rule. Don't blame him.
God Bless,
(Name removed)
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