Asia Times: Evildoers, here we come by Pepe Escobar
"Far more than the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the defeat of the mullahcracy and the triumph of freedom in Tehran would be a truly historic event." - Michael Ledeen, neo-conservative and member of the American Enterprise Institute, June 2003
Iran is very much in the US spotlight at present over concerns that it is developing nuclear weapons, with much talk of "regime change". Over the next four years of the second George W Bush term, any of a number of countries could come into the crosshairs - Syria, Saudi Arabia and "axis of evil" original North Korea. Ralph Peters, a former lieutenant-colonel responsible for "future warfare" at the Office of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and deputy chief of staff for intelligence before he retired, commented, "It's really difficult to exactly delineate who our enemies are, but they number in millions. They're Arab and Muslim ... Our enemy is the majority of the people who live in what we think of as the large Arab nations, plus certain other groups. Our enemy is concentrated in Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria, plus the Palestinians are part of it."
Friday, December 17, 2004
IRAN
Asia Times: How Iran will fight back
TEHRAN - The United States and Israel may be contemplating military operations against Iran, as per recent media reports, yet Iran is not wasting any time in preparing its own counter-operations in the event an attack materializes. A week-long combined air and ground maneuver has just concluded in five of the southern and western provinces of Iran, mesmerizing foreign observers, who have described as "spectacular" the massive display of high-tech, mobile operations, including rapid-deployment forces relying on squadrons of helicopters, air lifts, missiles, as well as hundreds of tanks and tens of thousands of well-coordinated personnel using live munition. Simultaneously, some 25,000 volunteers have so far signed up at newly established draft centers for "suicide attacks" against any potential intruders in what is commonly termed "asymmetrical warfare".
TEHRAN - The United States and Israel may be contemplating military operations against Iran, as per recent media reports, yet Iran is not wasting any time in preparing its own counter-operations in the event an attack materializes. A week-long combined air and ground maneuver has just concluded in five of the southern and western provinces of Iran, mesmerizing foreign observers, who have described as "spectacular" the massive display of high-tech, mobile operations, including rapid-deployment forces relying on squadrons of helicopters, air lifts, missiles, as well as hundreds of tanks and tens of thousands of well-coordinated personnel using live munition. Simultaneously, some 25,000 volunteers have so far signed up at newly established draft centers for "suicide attacks" against any potential intruders in what is commonly termed "asymmetrical warfare".
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
STATE TERRORISM
There was an interesting article in todays Neue Zürcher Zeitung about a clandestine Nato intelligence army called "Gladio" which was active in many Countries through Europe operating without knowledge of Parliments and carrying out Terrorist attacks in Itali during the 1970's.The Gladio-Secret Army was uncovered during parlimentary enquiries into terrorattacks from Brigade Rosso in Italy in 1990. Gladio carried out Terror Attacks in Italy to blame it on the left wing guerilla group "Brigade Rosso" with the goal to create fear under the civilian population so that they will ask for a more authoritarian Goverment and stronger homelandsecurity laws to fight this communist guerilla group. Later it was learned that Gladio was active in many European countries including the "neutral" Sweden and Switzerland where Gladio was active under the name P-26. Gladio was build with the goal to be a secret "stay-behind army" should communist sovjetunion take over europe and to engage them in guerilla warfare should other means fail.unfortunately the articel is not available online and in german. Maybe there's more information in english at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) of the ETH Zürich which is running a research project in that whole matter. I will check that out later.
you can download the Hi-res Version of my Scan here
you can download the Hi-res Version of my Scan here
ESSAY
Harpers Magazine: QUITTING THE PAINT FACTORY
On the virtues of idleness
I distrust the perpetually busy; always have. The frenetic ones spinning in tight little circles like poisoned rats. The slower ones, grinding away their fourscore and ten in righteousness and pain. They are the soul-eaters.
On the virtues of idleness
I distrust the perpetually busy; always have. The frenetic ones spinning in tight little circles like poisoned rats. The slower ones, grinding away their fourscore and ten in righteousness and pain. They are the soul-eaters.
ACTUALLY PEOPLE ARE KILLED IN WAR
Vaiw.org: Amputation Rate for US Troops Twice That of Past Wars
US troops injured in Iraq have required limb amputations at twice the rate of past wars, and as many as 20 percent have suffered head and neck injuries that may require a lifetime of care, according to new data giving the clearest picture yet of the severity of battlefield wounds. The data are the grisly flip side of improvements in battlefield medicine that have saved many combatants who would have died in the past: Only 1 in 10 US troops injured in Iraq has died, the lowest rate of any war in US history. But those who survive have much more grievous wounds. Bulletproof Kevlar vests protect soldiers' bodies but not their limbs, as insurgent snipers and makeshift bombs tear off arms and legs and rip into faces and necks. More than half of those injured sustain wounds so serious they cannot return to duty, according to Pentagon statistics.
US troops injured in Iraq have required limb amputations at twice the rate of past wars, and as many as 20 percent have suffered head and neck injuries that may require a lifetime of care, according to new data giving the clearest picture yet of the severity of battlefield wounds. The data are the grisly flip side of improvements in battlefield medicine that have saved many combatants who would have died in the past: Only 1 in 10 US troops injured in Iraq has died, the lowest rate of any war in US history. But those who survive have much more grievous wounds. Bulletproof Kevlar vests protect soldiers' bodies but not their limbs, as insurgent snipers and makeshift bombs tear off arms and legs and rip into faces and necks. More than half of those injured sustain wounds so serious they cannot return to duty, according to Pentagon statistics.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
AP: U.S. warplanes strike Fallujah; 9 U.S. troops killed
American warplanes pounded Fallujah with missiles Sunday as insurgents fought running battles with coalition forces in the volatile western Iraqi city. The U.S. military said two soldiers and seven Marines died in separate incidents.
Several detained leaders of Saddam Hussein's regime began refusing meals in apparent protest against their upcoming trials, U.S. military officials and a lawyer said. Former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein was not among them.
Three weeks ago : US commander says Fallujah is 100 per cent secure
American warplanes pounded Fallujah with missiles Sunday as insurgents fought running battles with coalition forces in the volatile western Iraqi city. The U.S. military said two soldiers and seven Marines died in separate incidents.
Several detained leaders of Saddam Hussein's regime began refusing meals in apparent protest against their upcoming trials, U.S. military officials and a lawyer said. Former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein was not among them.
Three weeks ago : US commander says Fallujah is 100 per cent secure
SPAIN: MADRID BOMBING COVER UP
Independent: Aznar 'purged all records in Madrid bombings cover-up'
Spain's socialist Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, condemned his conserva- tive predecessors yesterday for carrying out a "massive deception" in blaming the 11 March train bombings on Eta Basque separatists.
Jose Maria Aznar's team also destroyed all computer records dealing with the bombings before leaving office, Mr Zapatero stated
Spain's socialist Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, condemned his conserva- tive predecessors yesterday for carrying out a "massive deception" in blaming the 11 March train bombings on Eta Basque separatists.
Jose Maria Aznar's team also destroyed all computer records dealing with the bombings before leaving office, Mr Zapatero stated
USA: IRAN NEXT?
La Times: A Cult Is Trying to Hijack Our Iran Policy
About 15,000 people, most of them Iranian Americans or exiles, recently flocked to Washington to denounce the fundamentalist Islamic government of Iran. The crowd shouted slogans against Iran's reviled clerical regime and hoisted placards encouraging President Bush to take whatever action necessary — including preemptive military strikes — to ensure that Iran did not develop nuclear weapons.
By all appearances, the march seemed like a protest by concerned Iranians who supported regime change in Iran. In reality, it was a meticulously orchestrated political rally in support of a violent, pseudo-Marxist Iranian religious cult — the People's Mujahedin of Iran, also known as the Mujahedin Khalq (MEK) — an organization that has been on U.S. and European Union terrorist watch lists for years.
Times: Attack Iran the day Iraq war ends, demands Israel
05.11.2002 ISRAEL’S Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has called on the international community to target Iran as soon as the imminent conflict with Iraq is complete.
In an interview with The Times , Mr Sharon insisted that Tehran — one of the “axis of evil” powers identified by President Bush — should be put under pressure “the day after” action against Baghdad ends because of its role as a “centre of world terror”. He also issued his clearest warning yet that Israel would strike back if attacked by Iraqi chemical or biological weapons, no matter how much Washington sought to keep its controversial Middle Eastern ally out of any war in Iraq.
NI_MPU('middle');
He made clear that western Iraq would be one of the first areas targeted by the US in any invasion, saying that lessons had been learnt from strategic mistakes of the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq successfully fired 39 Scud missiles into Israel.
About 15,000 people, most of them Iranian Americans or exiles, recently flocked to Washington to denounce the fundamentalist Islamic government of Iran. The crowd shouted slogans against Iran's reviled clerical regime and hoisted placards encouraging President Bush to take whatever action necessary — including preemptive military strikes — to ensure that Iran did not develop nuclear weapons.
By all appearances, the march seemed like a protest by concerned Iranians who supported regime change in Iran. In reality, it was a meticulously orchestrated political rally in support of a violent, pseudo-Marxist Iranian religious cult — the People's Mujahedin of Iran, also known as the Mujahedin Khalq (MEK) — an organization that has been on U.S. and European Union terrorist watch lists for years.
Times: Attack Iran the day Iraq war ends, demands Israel
05.11.2002 ISRAEL’S Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has called on the international community to target Iran as soon as the imminent conflict with Iraq is complete.
In an interview with The Times , Mr Sharon insisted that Tehran — one of the “axis of evil” powers identified by President Bush — should be put under pressure “the day after” action against Baghdad ends because of its role as a “centre of world terror”. He also issued his clearest warning yet that Israel would strike back if attacked by Iraqi chemical or biological weapons, no matter how much Washington sought to keep its controversial Middle Eastern ally out of any war in Iraq.
NI_MPU('middle');
He made clear that western Iraq would be one of the first areas targeted by the US in any invasion, saying that lessons had been learnt from strategic mistakes of the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq successfully fired 39 Scud missiles into Israel.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Guardian: Israelis hasten land grab in shadow of wall
Bulldozers go in as expansion of settlements continues
Sharif Omar has been waiting two years for the bulldozers, ever since Israel's steel and barbed wire "security fence" carved its way between his village and its land. Last week the excavators and diggers finally arrived on the outskirts of Jayyous to lay the foundations for an expansion of the nearby Jewish settlement of Zufim, fulfilling the fears and warnings of its Palestinian neighbours.
The bulldozers were preparing the ground for hundreds of new homes, despite the Israeli government's claim that it is not expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Like other building work along the route of the barrier, it seems to be an attempt to ensure that the land between the fence and the 1967 border remains in Israeli hands in any final agreement with the Palestinians.
Bulldozers go in as expansion of settlements continues
Sharif Omar has been waiting two years for the bulldozers, ever since Israel's steel and barbed wire "security fence" carved its way between his village and its land. Last week the excavators and diggers finally arrived on the outskirts of Jayyous to lay the foundations for an expansion of the nearby Jewish settlement of Zufim, fulfilling the fears and warnings of its Palestinian neighbours.
The bulldozers were preparing the ground for hundreds of new homes, despite the Israeli government's claim that it is not expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Like other building work along the route of the barrier, it seems to be an attempt to ensure that the land between the fence and the 1967 border remains in Israeli hands in any final agreement with the Palestinians.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Reuters: Abbas Calls on Palestinians to Drop Armed Struggle
GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said his people should drop their weapons in the struggle for a state, marking out a clear change of strategy for peace with Israel after Yasser Arafat's death last month.
Abbas, near certain to win a Jan. 9 election to succeed Arafat, made the comments in an interview published on Tuesday, two days after militants showed their muscle with the deadliest attack on Israeli troops since May.
The U.S.-favored veteran leader had previously shown his opposition to armed attacks in a 4-year-old uprising
The idea of giving up weapons was dismissed by a spokesman for Hamas Islamic militants, who joined with a group from Abbas's own dominant Fatah faction to launch Sunday's attack.
"I believe the consensus of the Palestinian people contradicts these statements," said Sami Abu Zuhri. "The strategies of the Palestinian people should be discussed through a serious and comprehensive dialogue."
Hamas has called for a boycott of the presidential election and a low turnout could damage the credibility of Abbas if it comes to disarming militants.
GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said his people should drop their weapons in the struggle for a state, marking out a clear change of strategy for peace with Israel after Yasser Arafat's death last month.
Abbas, near certain to win a Jan. 9 election to succeed Arafat, made the comments in an interview published on Tuesday, two days after militants showed their muscle with the deadliest attack on Israeli troops since May.
The U.S.-favored veteran leader had previously shown his opposition to armed attacks in a 4-year-old uprising
The idea of giving up weapons was dismissed by a spokesman for Hamas Islamic militants, who joined with a group from Abbas's own dominant Fatah faction to launch Sunday's attack.
"I believe the consensus of the Palestinian people contradicts these statements," said Sami Abu Zuhri. "The strategies of the Palestinian people should be discussed through a serious and comprehensive dialogue."
Hamas has called for a boycott of the presidential election and a low turnout could damage the credibility of Abbas if it comes to disarming militants.
IRAQ: AL-ZARQAWI
Aljazeera: The Risks of the al-Zarqawi Myth by Scott Ritter
An interesting phenomenon is taking place today in the Iraqi city of Falluja
For months now, the Bush administration had been building up the image of a massive network of foreign terrorists using Falluja as a base for their terror attacks against targets associated with the interim government of Iyad Allawi and the US military which backs him. One name appeared in western media accounts, over and over again: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a wanted Jordanian turned alleged "terror" mastermind. Almost overnight, Zarqawi's terrorist group, al-Qaida Holy War for Iraq, expanded its operations across the width and breadth of Iraq. Al-Zarqawi was everywhere, his bombers striking in Mosul, Baghdad, Samarra, Najaf, Baquba, Ramadi and Falluja. Islamist websites published accounts of al-Zarqawi's actions, and the western media, together with western intelligence services, ran with these stories, giving them credibility. The al-Zarqawi legend, if one can call it that, was born.
"CHECK IT"
An interesting phenomenon is taking place today in the Iraqi city of Falluja
For months now, the Bush administration had been building up the image of a massive network of foreign terrorists using Falluja as a base for their terror attacks against targets associated with the interim government of Iyad Allawi and the US military which backs him. One name appeared in western media accounts, over and over again: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a wanted Jordanian turned alleged "terror" mastermind. Almost overnight, Zarqawi's terrorist group, al-Qaida Holy War for Iraq, expanded its operations across the width and breadth of Iraq. Al-Zarqawi was everywhere, his bombers striking in Mosul, Baghdad, Samarra, Najaf, Baquba, Ramadi and Falluja. Islamist websites published accounts of al-Zarqawi's actions, and the western media, together with western intelligence services, ran with these stories, giving them credibility. The al-Zarqawi legend, if one can call it that, was born.
"CHECK IT"
USA
ICH: The Rise of the Amerikan Nazis by Manuel Valenzuela
Part I of III: Birth of Despotism
12/14/04 "ICH" -- The rise to power of the Amerikan Nazis, and the subsequent dive into the cesspool of fascism the nation is now experiencing, was assured with the ascension to the White House of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in November 2000. Through the well-conceived, methodical fraud committed against the American people, the Amerikan Nazis were now free to unleash their devastation upon the world. They were now free to release the demons of war on humanity, destroying innocent human life, tearing flesh apart, devastating environments, endangering freedoms and rights, eviscerating democracy and decimating entire peoples and nations.
Part I of III: Birth of Despotism
12/14/04 "ICH" -- The rise to power of the Amerikan Nazis, and the subsequent dive into the cesspool of fascism the nation is now experiencing, was assured with the ascension to the White House of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in November 2000. Through the well-conceived, methodical fraud committed against the American people, the Amerikan Nazis were now free to unleash their devastation upon the world. They were now free to release the demons of war on humanity, destroying innocent human life, tearing flesh apart, devastating environments, endangering freedoms and rights, eviscerating democracy and decimating entire peoples and nations.
IRAQ: IRAQ WAR CRIMES
Reuters: Marines Staged Mock Executions Of Juveniles
U.S. Marines fired a pistol in a mock execution involving four young Iraqi looters and shocked another Iraqi detainee with an electric transformer until he "danced," a document made public on Tuesday showed.
The June 16 U.S. Navy document detailed 10 "substantiated" incidents of detainee abuse in Iraq involving 24 Marines dating back to May 2003. The Marine Corps said 13 Marines were convicted in courts-martial stemming from the incidents, getting prison sentences of up to 15 months.
The document was written seven weeks after pictures of U.S. Army soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib jail became public, triggering worldwide condemnation.
U.S. Marines fired a pistol in a mock execution involving four young Iraqi looters and shocked another Iraqi detainee with an electric transformer until he "danced," a document made public on Tuesday showed.
The June 16 U.S. Navy document detailed 10 "substantiated" incidents of detainee abuse in Iraq involving 24 Marines dating back to May 2003. The Marine Corps said 13 Marines were convicted in courts-martial stemming from the incidents, getting prison sentences of up to 15 months.
The document was written seven weeks after pictures of U.S. Army soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib jail became public, triggering worldwide condemnation.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
IRAQI RESISTANCE: VIDEO
ICH: A Message From The Iraq Resistance
Islamic Jihad Army - A message in English
"We are simple people who chose principles over fear."
The media platoon of the Islamic Jihad Army. On the 27th of Shawal 1425h. 10 December 2004
People of the world! These words come to you from those who up to the day of the invasion were struggling to survive under the sanctions imposed by the criminal regimes of the U.S. and Britain .
We are simple people who chose principles over fear.
We have suffered crimes and sanctions, which we consider the true weapons of mass destruction.
"CHECK IT"
Islamic Jihad Army - A message in English
"We are simple people who chose principles over fear."
The media platoon of the Islamic Jihad Army. On the 27th of Shawal 1425h. 10 December 2004
People of the world! These words come to you from those who up to the day of the invasion were struggling to survive under the sanctions imposed by the criminal regimes of the U.S. and Britain .
We are simple people who chose principles over fear.
We have suffered crimes and sanctions, which we consider the true weapons of mass destruction.
"CHECK IT"
Monday, December 13, 2004
USA: PROPAGANDA WATCH
NY Times: Pentagon Weighs Use of Deception in a Broad Arena
The Pentagon is engaged in bitter, high-level debate over how far it can and should go in managing or manipulating information to influence opinion abroad, senior Defense Department civilians and military officers say.
The Pentagon is engaged in bitter, high-level debate over how far it can and should go in managing or manipulating information to influence opinion abroad, senior Defense Department civilians and military officers say.
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Now, critics say, some of the proposals of that discredited office are quietly being resurrected elsewhere in the military and in the Pentagon.
Pentagon and military officials directly involved in the debate say that such a secret propaganda program, for example, could include planting news stories in the foreign press or creating false documents and Web sites translated into Arabic as an effort to discredit and undermine the influence of mosques and religious schools that preach anti-American principles.
"largely because commanders there believe they are safely separating the two operations and say they need all the flexibility possible to combat the insurgency."
Indeed, senior military officials in Washington say public affairs officers in war zones might, by choice or under pressure, issue statements to world news media that, while having elements of truth, are clearly devised primarily to provoke a response from the enemy.
USA SPYING ON EL-BARADEI
Washington Post: IAEA Leader's Phone Tapped
U.S. pores over transcripts to try to oust nuclear chief.
The Bush administration has dozens of intercepts of Mohamed ElBaradei's phone calls with Iranian diplomats and is scrutinizing them in search of ammunition to oust him as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to three U.S. government officials.
Although eavesdropping, even on allies, is considered a well-worn tool of national security and diplomacy, the efforts against ElBaradei demonstrate the lengths some within the administration are willing to go to replace a top international diplomat who questioned U.S. intelligence on Iraq and is now taking a cautious approach on Iran.
U.S. pores over transcripts to try to oust nuclear chief.
The Bush administration has dozens of intercepts of Mohamed ElBaradei's phone calls with Iranian diplomats and is scrutinizing them in search of ammunition to oust him as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to three U.S. government officials.
Although eavesdropping, even on allies, is considered a well-worn tool of national security and diplomacy, the efforts against ElBaradei demonstrate the lengths some within the administration are willing to go to replace a top international diplomat who questioned U.S. intelligence on Iraq and is now taking a cautious approach on Iran.
USA: VENZUELA COUP
ZNET: CIA and Venezuela
CIA Documents Cast New Light on Washington's Role in Venezuela
WASHINGTON, December 8. When it comes to Venezuela's rocky diplomatic relations with the United States, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is usually given the blame. His frequent denunciations of U.S. "intervention" in Venezuela are taken as indications that he is hostile to America.
But the evidence is mounting that Washington is the party responsible for friction with our third largest oil supplier. Last week the New York Times reported on recently released CIA documents showing that our government had advance knowledge of the military coup that briefly overthrew Venezuela's democratic government on April 11-13 of 2002. The Bush Administration not only failed to warn Venezuela of the coup, but actually pretended that it wasn't a coup at all.
"They lied about not knowing about coup threats before April 11th, and when they claimed that the coup was a popular uprising when they knew that it was actually being planned for weeks," said U.S. Congressman Jose Serrano of New York City today.
The documents (available at http://www.venezuelafoia.info/CIA/CIA-index.htm), show clearly that the White House knew that there were detailed plans for a coup in April, that these plans included arresting the President, and that "to provoke military action, the plotters might try to exploit unrest stemming from opposition demonstrations." That is exactly what happened on April 11.
CIA Documents Cast New Light on Washington's Role in Venezuela
WASHINGTON, December 8. When it comes to Venezuela's rocky diplomatic relations with the United States, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is usually given the blame. His frequent denunciations of U.S. "intervention" in Venezuela are taken as indications that he is hostile to America.
But the evidence is mounting that Washington is the party responsible for friction with our third largest oil supplier. Last week the New York Times reported on recently released CIA documents showing that our government had advance knowledge of the military coup that briefly overthrew Venezuela's democratic government on April 11-13 of 2002. The Bush Administration not only failed to warn Venezuela of the coup, but actually pretended that it wasn't a coup at all.
"They lied about not knowing about coup threats before April 11th, and when they claimed that the coup was a popular uprising when they knew that it was actually being planned for weeks," said U.S. Congressman Jose Serrano of New York City today.
The documents (available at http://www.venezuelafoia.info/CIA/CIA-index.htm), show clearly that the White House knew that there were detailed plans for a coup in April, that these plans included arresting the President, and that "to provoke military action, the plotters might try to exploit unrest stemming from opposition demonstrations." That is exactly what happened on April 11.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: RESISTANCE
Jerusalem Post: 13 IDF Wounded In AttackOn Rafah Terminal Crossing
Thirteen Israeli soldiers were reported wounded Sunday evening in a combined bomb and mortar attack on an IDF position near the Rafah Terminal Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip along the border between Gaza and Egypt.
A strong explosion was heard near the crossing, followed almost immediately by a barrage of mortar shells and small arms fire. Security officials said the blast occurred when over one ton of explosives were activated inside a tunnel, which was dug under the area where soldiers check Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza for Egypt.
At least two suicide bombers were involved in the attack, Israel Radio reported.
Immediately after the blast, Palestinians opened mortar and light arms fire at the crossing. The wounded were being evacuated under fire towards the nearby Israeli community of Keren Shalom.
Thirteen Israeli soldiers were reported wounded Sunday evening in a combined bomb and mortar attack on an IDF position near the Rafah Terminal Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip along the border between Gaza and Egypt.
A strong explosion was heard near the crossing, followed almost immediately by a barrage of mortar shells and small arms fire. Security officials said the blast occurred when over one ton of explosives were activated inside a tunnel, which was dug under the area where soldiers check Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza for Egypt.
At least two suicide bombers were involved in the attack, Israel Radio reported.
Immediately after the blast, Palestinians opened mortar and light arms fire at the crossing. The wounded were being evacuated under fire towards the nearby Israeli community of Keren Shalom.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH RESISTANCE
AP: U.S. Strikes Fallujah; Two Troops Killed
Baghdad - American warplanes pounded Fallujah with missiles Sunday as insurgents fought running battles with coalition forces in the volatile western Iraqi city. The U.S. military said two troops died in separate incidents.
Meanwhile, a large swath of Iraq lost electricity Sunday after a fire erupted in a major power plant north of Baghdad. Prime Minister Ayad Allawi called the fire an accident, but accused guerrillas of hurting Iraqis with attacks on infrastructure. The capital went dark at about 4 p.m. and power was still out at 7 p.m. The only lights came from the Green Zone and a few other places that have their own generators.
Baghdad - American warplanes pounded Fallujah with missiles Sunday as insurgents fought running battles with coalition forces in the volatile western Iraqi city. The U.S. military said two troops died in separate incidents.
Meanwhile, a large swath of Iraq lost electricity Sunday after a fire erupted in a major power plant north of Baghdad. Prime Minister Ayad Allawi called the fire an accident, but accused guerrillas of hurting Iraqis with attacks on infrastructure. The capital went dark at about 4 p.m. and power was still out at 7 p.m. The only lights came from the Green Zone and a few other places that have their own generators.
IRAQ: FALLUJAH
Rense: Fallujah To Be A Virtual Concentration Camp
Retina scans to get into your own home. Work details under armed guard. No cars. Military armor on every corner. All men to be shot on sight after curfew. No freedom of movement. These are just some of the details of the new order in Fallujah (and one assumes any other Iraqi city that the US destroys in the future). Somewhere between a concentration camp and what US troops called a strategic hamlet in Vietnam, this is the latest version of Washington's freedom and democracy installation in Iraq. How much clearer does it have to become before the US media and its brainwashed audience admit to themselves that this whole adventure is about domination and control? If there are any arms caches left in Fallujah after the US military finishes its so-called security searches, one can guarantee that these draconian measures being put into place will insure that those weapons will be used against US forces.
Retina scans to get into your own home. Work details under armed guard. No cars. Military armor on every corner. All men to be shot on sight after curfew. No freedom of movement. These are just some of the details of the new order in Fallujah (and one assumes any other Iraqi city that the US destroys in the future). Somewhere between a concentration camp and what US troops called a strategic hamlet in Vietnam, this is the latest version of Washington's freedom and democracy installation in Iraq. How much clearer does it have to become before the US media and its brainwashed audience admit to themselves that this whole adventure is about domination and control? If there are any arms caches left in Fallujah after the US military finishes its so-called security searches, one can guarantee that these draconian measures being put into place will insure that those weapons will be used against US forces.
ANALYSE
Worldaffairsbrief: ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC THREATS
IN THE CURRENT DECADE (2000-2010) by Joel M. Skousen
INTRODUCTION
Strategic threats are carefully planned threats by predator nations or groups that transcend their own normal sphere of influence and threaten the entire world with conquest and/or control. In this analysis I will discuss three current strategic world powers, which constitute a premeditated threat to world liberty, and the complex tactical maneuvers between them as they position themselves for the coming, inevitable conflict. Two of these world powers are nations--Russia and China--and the third is a transnational conspiracy of power by a combination of individuals in the West attempting to maneuver the world into a New World Order (NWO) of global control, euphemistically masquerading as a "global democracy." I will refer to the latter as Western globalists. All less powerful nations in the world fall under the influence of one of these three powers, either as direct allies, client states for the purchase of arms, and/or diplomatic allies working in collusion to further strategic goals of global hegemony. There is one further complicating factor, however. The Western globalists are divided into two main factions: a US/British faction firmly in control of the financial means of the NWO, and a European faction of hard-core leftists, secretly aligned with Moscow, which controls the majority of votes in the General Assembly of the UN. I will attempt to describe each of the three power centers, their allies, and what I believe their individual strategy involves.
IN THE CURRENT DECADE (2000-2010) by Joel M. Skousen
INTRODUCTION
Strategic threats are carefully planned threats by predator nations or groups that transcend their own normal sphere of influence and threaten the entire world with conquest and/or control. In this analysis I will discuss three current strategic world powers, which constitute a premeditated threat to world liberty, and the complex tactical maneuvers between them as they position themselves for the coming, inevitable conflict. Two of these world powers are nations--Russia and China--and the third is a transnational conspiracy of power by a combination of individuals in the West attempting to maneuver the world into a New World Order (NWO) of global control, euphemistically masquerading as a "global democracy." I will refer to the latter as Western globalists. All less powerful nations in the world fall under the influence of one of these three powers, either as direct allies, client states for the purchase of arms, and/or diplomatic allies working in collusion to further strategic goals of global hegemony. There is one further complicating factor, however. The Western globalists are divided into two main factions: a US/British faction firmly in control of the financial means of the NWO, and a European faction of hard-core leftists, secretly aligned with Moscow, which controls the majority of votes in the General Assembly of the UN. I will attempt to describe each of the three power centers, their allies, and what I believe their individual strategy involves.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
USA: VOTE FRAUD
Brad Blog: This Report Blows the Lid Off of E-Voting Manipulation in South Florida
In stunning revelations set to rock the vote from Tallahassee to Capitol Hill -- and perhaps even a bit further up Pennsylvania Avenue -- a Florida computer programmer has now made remarkable claims in a detailed sworn affidavit, signed this morning and obtained exclusively by The BRAD BLOG!
- Affidavit in .PDF format - (Generously hosted by Raw Story!)
The programmer claims that he designed and built a "vote rigging" software program at the behest of then Florida Congressman, now U.S. Congressman, Republican Tom Feeney of Florida's 24th Congressional District.Clint Curtis, 46, claims that he built the software for Feeney in 2000 while working at a sofware design and engineering company in Oviedo, Florida (Feeney's home district).Curtis, in his affidavit, says that as technical advisor and programmer at Yang Enterprises, Inc. (YEI) he was present at company meetings where Feeney was present "on at least a dozen occasions".Feeney, who had run in 1994 as Jeb Bush's running-mate in his initial unsuccessful bid for Florida Governor, was serving as both corporate counsel and registered lobbyist for YEI during the period that Curtis worked at the company. Feeney was also concurrently serving as a Florida state congressman while performing those services for YEI. Feeney would eventually become Speaker of the Florida House before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. He is now a member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.
"a must read"
In stunning revelations set to rock the vote from Tallahassee to Capitol Hill -- and perhaps even a bit further up Pennsylvania Avenue -- a Florida computer programmer has now made remarkable claims in a detailed sworn affidavit, signed this morning and obtained exclusively by The BRAD BLOG!
- Affidavit in .PDF format - (Generously hosted by Raw Story!)
The programmer claims that he designed and built a "vote rigging" software program at the behest of then Florida Congressman, now U.S. Congressman, Republican Tom Feeney of Florida's 24th Congressional District.Clint Curtis, 46, claims that he built the software for Feeney in 2000 while working at a sofware design and engineering company in Oviedo, Florida (Feeney's home district).Curtis, in his affidavit, says that as technical advisor and programmer at Yang Enterprises, Inc. (YEI) he was present at company meetings where Feeney was present "on at least a dozen occasions".Feeney, who had run in 1994 as Jeb Bush's running-mate in his initial unsuccessful bid for Florida Governor, was serving as both corporate counsel and registered lobbyist for YEI during the period that Curtis worked at the company. Feeney was also concurrently serving as a Florida state congressman while performing those services for YEI. Feeney would eventually become Speaker of the Florida House before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. He is now a member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.
"a must read"
USA: VOTE FRAUD
Online Journal: Texas to Florida: White House-linked clandestine operation paid for "vote switching" software
December 6, 2004—The manipulation of computer voting machines in the recent presidential election and the funding of programmers who were involved in the operation are tied to an intricate web of shady off-shore financial trusts and companies, shady espionage operatives, Republican Party politicians close to the Bush family, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contract vehicles.
An exhaustive investigation has turned up a link between current Florida Republican Representative Tom Feeney, a customized Windows-based program to suppress Democratic votes on touch screen voting machines, a Florida computer services company with whom Feeney worked as a general counsel and registered lobbyist while he was Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and top level officials of the Bush administration.
According to a notarized affidavit signed by Clint Curtis, while he was employed by the NASA Kennedy Space Center contractor, Yang Enterprises, Inc., during 2000, Feeney solicited him to write a program to "control the vote." At the time, Curtis was of the opinion that the program was to be used for preventing fraud in the in the 2002 election in Palm Beach County, Florida. His mind was changed, however, when the true intentions of Feeney became clear: the computer program was going to be used to suppress the Democratic vote in counties with large Democratic registrations.
"a must read"
December 6, 2004—The manipulation of computer voting machines in the recent presidential election and the funding of programmers who were involved in the operation are tied to an intricate web of shady off-shore financial trusts and companies, shady espionage operatives, Republican Party politicians close to the Bush family, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contract vehicles.
An exhaustive investigation has turned up a link between current Florida Republican Representative Tom Feeney, a customized Windows-based program to suppress Democratic votes on touch screen voting machines, a Florida computer services company with whom Feeney worked as a general counsel and registered lobbyist while he was Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and top level officials of the Bush administration.
According to a notarized affidavit signed by Clint Curtis, while he was employed by the NASA Kennedy Space Center contractor, Yang Enterprises, Inc., during 2000, Feeney solicited him to write a program to "control the vote." At the time, Curtis was of the opinion that the program was to be used for preventing fraud in the in the 2002 election in Palm Beach County, Florida. His mind was changed, however, when the true intentions of Feeney became clear: the computer program was going to be used to suppress the Democratic vote in counties with large Democratic registrations.
"a must read"
IRAQ: FALLIJAH
Rense: Fallujah As A 'Model City' by Dhar Jamal
The unbearable gas crisis has worsened yet further. Lines at stations are up to 8 miles long in places, causing people to wait hours, sometimes days, for fuel. If they are lucky the station won't run out of gas before they are allowed in to fill their tank.
Petrol on the black market now, if you are lucky enough to find it, is nearly 1$ per liter!
Another example of the winning of hearts and minds of Iraqis is being formulated for the residents of Fallujah. The military has announced the plans it is considering to use for allowing Fallujans back into their city.
They will set up "processing centers" on the outskirts of the city and compile a database of peoples' identities by using DNA testing and retina scans. Residents will then receive a badge which identifies them with their home address, which they must wear at all times.
Buses will ferry them into their city, as cars will be banned since the military fears the use of them by suicide bombers.
Another idea being kicked around is to require the men to work for pay in military-style battalions where these "work brigades" will reconstruct buildings and the water system, depending on the men's skills.
"What a nice idea. First we bomb their Cities to the ground and then we require them to build their torn cities again from the scratch. As next step we could set up some concentration camps and use them to do the dirty work for halliburton"
The unbearable gas crisis has worsened yet further. Lines at stations are up to 8 miles long in places, causing people to wait hours, sometimes days, for fuel. If they are lucky the station won't run out of gas before they are allowed in to fill their tank.
Petrol on the black market now, if you are lucky enough to find it, is nearly 1$ per liter!
Another example of the winning of hearts and minds of Iraqis is being formulated for the residents of Fallujah. The military has announced the plans it is considering to use for allowing Fallujans back into their city.
They will set up "processing centers" on the outskirts of the city and compile a database of peoples' identities by using DNA testing and retina scans. Residents will then receive a badge which identifies them with their home address, which they must wear at all times.
Buses will ferry them into their city, as cars will be banned since the military fears the use of them by suicide bombers.
Another idea being kicked around is to require the men to work for pay in military-style battalions where these "work brigades" will reconstruct buildings and the water system, depending on the men's skills.
"What a nice idea. First we bomb their Cities to the ground and then we require them to build their torn cities again from the scratch. As next step we could set up some concentration camps and use them to do the dirty work for halliburton"
WAR ON TERROR
UPI: Ex-CIA official: We will lose terror war
The United States will ultimately lose the war on terror because of its policies in the Middle East and because of concerns over the human rights of militants worldwide, the former head of the CIA's team that hunted Osama bin Laden said Friday. In a conversation with United Press International's reporters and editors, Michael Scheuer, newly revealed as the author of the bestselling book "Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror," said bin Laden was now possibly the Arab world's most popular leader, adding al-Qaida's domination of the Internet in the Muslim world was leading to the United States losing its battle for the hearts and minds of Muslims worldwide
Sunday Herald: US admits the war for ‘hearts and minds’ in Iraq is now lost
THE Pentagon has admitted that the war on terror and the invasion and occupation of Iraq have increased support for al-Qaeda, made ordinary Muslims hate the US and caused a global backlash against America because of the “self-serving hypocrisy” of George W Bush’s administration over the Middle East.
On “the war of ideas or the struggle for hearts and minds”, the report says, “American efforts have not only failed, they may also have achieved the opposite of what they intended”.“American direct intervention in the Muslim world has paradoxically elevated the stature of, and support for, radical Islamists, while diminishing support for the United States to single digits in some Arab societies.”Referring to the repeated mantra from the White House that those who oppose the US in the Middle East “hate our freedoms”, the report says: “Muslims do not ‘hate our freedoms’, but rather, they hate our policies. The overwhelming majority voice their objections to what they see as one-sided support in favour of Israel and against Palestinian rights, and the long-standing, even increasing support, for what Muslims collectively see as tyrannies, most notably Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan and the Gulf states.
"Wow the bright people in Pentagon only needed 3 Years to figure out that the muslims don't hate them because of their "Freedom" but because of their policies and support for Israel"
The United States will ultimately lose the war on terror because of its policies in the Middle East and because of concerns over the human rights of militants worldwide, the former head of the CIA's team that hunted Osama bin Laden said Friday. In a conversation with United Press International's reporters and editors, Michael Scheuer, newly revealed as the author of the bestselling book "Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror," said bin Laden was now possibly the Arab world's most popular leader, adding al-Qaida's domination of the Internet in the Muslim world was leading to the United States losing its battle for the hearts and minds of Muslims worldwide
Sunday Herald: US admits the war for ‘hearts and minds’ in Iraq is now lost
THE Pentagon has admitted that the war on terror and the invasion and occupation of Iraq have increased support for al-Qaeda, made ordinary Muslims hate the US and caused a global backlash against America because of the “self-serving hypocrisy” of George W Bush’s administration over the Middle East.
On “the war of ideas or the struggle for hearts and minds”, the report says, “American efforts have not only failed, they may also have achieved the opposite of what they intended”.“American direct intervention in the Muslim world has paradoxically elevated the stature of, and support for, radical Islamists, while diminishing support for the United States to single digits in some Arab societies.”Referring to the repeated mantra from the White House that those who oppose the US in the Middle East “hate our freedoms”, the report says: “Muslims do not ‘hate our freedoms’, but rather, they hate our policies. The overwhelming majority voice their objections to what they see as one-sided support in favour of Israel and against Palestinian rights, and the long-standing, even increasing support, for what Muslims collectively see as tyrannies, most notably Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan and the Gulf states.
"Wow the bright people in Pentagon only needed 3 Years to figure out that the muslims don't hate them because of their "Freedom" but because of their policies and support for Israel"
IRAQ: ELECTIONS
DailyStar: Bloody weekend hits hopes for Iraq polls
90 killed in string of deadly attacks over 3 days
With more than 90 people killed in the last three days in a huge upsurge of unrest Sunni Muslim Iraqis also stepped up calls to delay the election.
Lakhdar Brahimi, a special advisor to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and until recently UN envoy in Iraq, said the January 30 vote could only take place "if first and foremost security improves
90 killed in string of deadly attacks over 3 days
With more than 90 people killed in the last three days in a huge upsurge of unrest Sunni Muslim Iraqis also stepped up calls to delay the election.
Lakhdar Brahimi, a special advisor to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and until recently UN envoy in Iraq, said the January 30 vote could only take place "if first and foremost security improves
ISRAEL: DEMOCRACY
Al-Jazeera: Report: Israel biased against non-Jews
A civil rights group has accused the Israeli interior ministry of grossly and systematically violating the rights of non-Jews in Israel in order to maintain the state's ethnic purity.
In its analysis, the ACR pointed out that the most discriminated-against group are Palestinians who are denied residential status in Israel even if they are married to an Israeli spouse.
Israel prevents some non-Jewish families from living together
The report said that ministry workers had made every conceivable effort to deny decent family life to Israeli citizens married to Palestinians. According to Arab Knesset member Muhammad Baraka, if an Israeli Arab male citizen marries a woman from the West Bank or Gaza Strip, he will either have to give up his Israeli citizenship, which means leaving the country, or get a speedy divorce.
The couple has a third choice, to stay apart, one living in Israel and the other living in the occupied territories. "Nothing like this happens anywhere in the world, and the reason is racism, sheer racism," said Baraka in a recent interview with Aljazeera.net.
"Remember that Israel is the only "Democracy" in the Middle East"
A civil rights group has accused the Israeli interior ministry of grossly and systematically violating the rights of non-Jews in Israel in order to maintain the state's ethnic purity.
In its analysis, the ACR pointed out that the most discriminated-against group are Palestinians who are denied residential status in Israel even if they are married to an Israeli spouse.
Israel prevents some non-Jewish families from living together
The report said that ministry workers had made every conceivable effort to deny decent family life to Israeli citizens married to Palestinians. According to Arab Knesset member Muhammad Baraka, if an Israeli Arab male citizen marries a woman from the West Bank or Gaza Strip, he will either have to give up his Israeli citizenship, which means leaving the country, or get a speedy divorce.
The couple has a third choice, to stay apart, one living in Israel and the other living in the occupied territories. "Nothing like this happens anywhere in the world, and the reason is racism, sheer racism," said Baraka in a recent interview with Aljazeera.net.
"Remember that Israel is the only "Democracy" in the Middle East"
SYRIA
Yahoo: Syrian President Makes Peace Overtures
Lebanon - Fearful of being left behind, Syrian President Bashar Assad has been saying something quite startling — that he is willing to resume peace talks with Israel unconditionally.
The Israeli and U.S. response has been lukewarm, with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) insisting last week that Syria first must crack down on militants. Publicly, Assad's government has backpedaled.
"as one sees israel has no partners for peace in the middle east"
Lebanon - Fearful of being left behind, Syrian President Bashar Assad has been saying something quite startling — that he is willing to resume peace talks with Israel unconditionally.
The Israeli and U.S. response has been lukewarm, with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) insisting last week that Syria first must crack down on militants. Publicly, Assad's government has backpedaled.
"as one sees israel has no partners for peace in the middle east"
IRAQ: RESISTANCE
AP: Gunmen seek U.S. collaborators in Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Brazen gunmen firing automatic weapons roamed Baghdad's streets today within blocks of the country's most fortified facilities, including the U.S. Embassy and the headquarters of Iraq's interim government. Five more American troops were killed in volatile Anbar province.
A dawn attack on a domestic oil pipeline supplying fuel from northern Iraq to Baghdad and clashes that killed three militants in the country's turbulent west underlined the security difficulties ahead of Jan. 30 national elections.
The heavily armed insurgents have been emboldened by a spate of attacks across Iraq that have claimed more than 80 lives in recent days, mostly Iraqis working for the coalition or Iraqi national security forces.
NY Times: 2 C.I.A. Reports Offer Warnings on Iraq's Path
A classified cable sent by the Central Intelligence Agency's station chief in Baghdad has warned that the situation in Iraq is deteriorating and may not rebound any time soon, according to government officials
The Australian: Shiites plan autonomous region
ABOUT 600 leaders from central Iraq's Shiite Muslim provinces announced plans to begin setting up their own autonomous region, following a meeting today in the holy city of Najaf.Representatives agreed to set up a security committee for their five provinces and a regional council to stimulate the economy of their neglected region.
Iraq's provisional constitution recognises the federal nature of Iraq, most of whose Kurdish population lives in three northern provinces with a large degree of autonomy.
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Brazen gunmen firing automatic weapons roamed Baghdad's streets today within blocks of the country's most fortified facilities, including the U.S. Embassy and the headquarters of Iraq's interim government. Five more American troops were killed in volatile Anbar province.
A dawn attack on a domestic oil pipeline supplying fuel from northern Iraq to Baghdad and clashes that killed three militants in the country's turbulent west underlined the security difficulties ahead of Jan. 30 national elections.
The heavily armed insurgents have been emboldened by a spate of attacks across Iraq that have claimed more than 80 lives in recent days, mostly Iraqis working for the coalition or Iraqi national security forces.
NY Times: 2 C.I.A. Reports Offer Warnings on Iraq's Path
A classified cable sent by the Central Intelligence Agency's station chief in Baghdad has warned that the situation in Iraq is deteriorating and may not rebound any time soon, according to government officials
The Australian: Shiites plan autonomous region
ABOUT 600 leaders from central Iraq's Shiite Muslim provinces announced plans to begin setting up their own autonomous region, following a meeting today in the holy city of Najaf.Representatives agreed to set up a security committee for their five provinces and a regional council to stimulate the economy of their neglected region.
Iraq's provisional constitution recognises the federal nature of Iraq, most of whose Kurdish population lives in three northern provinces with a large degree of autonomy.
IRAQ: WAR CRIMES
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.
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.
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 "
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