Salon: "The time of revenge has come"
by Juan Cole
Blowback from Bush and Blair's incompetently pursued war on terror has hit London. When will the U.S. figure out how to fight smart?
Credit for the horrific bombings of the London Underground and a double-decker bus on Thursday morning was immediately taken on a radical Muslim Web site by a "secret group" of Qaida al-Jihad in Europe. By Thursday afternoon, as the casualty toll rose above 40 dead and 700 wounded, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw was saying, "It has the hallmarks of an al-Qaida-related attack." Although U.S. President George W. Bush maintains that al-Qaida strikes out at the industrialized democracies because of hatred for Western values, the statement said nothing of the sort. The attack, the terrorists proclaimed, was an act of sacred revenge for British "massacres" in "Afghanistan and Iraq," and a punishment of the United Kingdom for its "Zionism" (i.e., support of Israel). If they really are responsible, who is this group and what do they want?
Monday, July 11, 2005
TERROR
New Statesman: Paymasters Of Carnage
by John Pilger
In the orgy of summit coverage something has been overlooked: the two men at the heart of it, telling us how the world should be run, are the men responsible for Fallujah and Abu Ghraib.
Over the past two weeks, the contrast between two related "global" events has been salutary. The first was the World Tribunal on Iraq, held in Istanbul; the second the G8 meeting in Scotland and the Make Poverty History campaign. Reading the papers and watching television in Britain, you would know nothing about the Istanbul meetings, which produced the most searing evidence to date of the greatest political scandal of modern times: the attack on a defenceless Iraq by America and Britain.
by John Pilger
In the orgy of summit coverage something has been overlooked: the two men at the heart of it, telling us how the world should be run, are the men responsible for Fallujah and Abu Ghraib.
Over the past two weeks, the contrast between two related "global" events has been salutary. The first was the World Tribunal on Iraq, held in Istanbul; the second the G8 meeting in Scotland and the Make Poverty History campaign. Reading the papers and watching television in Britain, you would know nothing about the Istanbul meetings, which produced the most searing evidence to date of the greatest political scandal of modern times: the attack on a defenceless Iraq by America and Britain.
LONDON: ATTACK
Heise: Politiker fordern mehr Überwachung zur Verhinderung von Terror
Größerer Schutz durch biometrische Ausweise, Überwachungskameras, Sensoren zur Sprengstofferkennung, Gen-Datei oder Speicherung der Verbindungsdaten?
Der Anschlag in London hat zu den üblichen Verurteilungen und Gesten der Einheit im Kampf gegen den Terrorismus sowie zu den erwartbaren Forderungen nach erhöhten Sicherheitsmaßnahmen und neuen Gesetzen geführt. Gerechtfertigt werden schon beschlossene Antiterror-Maßnahmen, beispielsweise in Deutschland oder Großbritannien die Einführung der Ausweise mit biometrischen Merkmalen. Aber die Bomben in London lehren vermutlich gerade, dass die meisten Sicherheits- und Überwachungsmaßnahmen entschlossene und einigermaßen intelligente Terroristen, auch wenn sie mit wenig ausgeklügelten Strategien und relativ primitiven Mitteln vorgehen, nicht daran hindern können, Anschläge im öffentlichen Raum von Städten auszuführen. Um das Risiko wirklich zu minimieren, wäre schon ein Überwachungsapparat Orwellscher Dimension oder ein Repressionsregime notwendig, wie man es etwa in Nordkorea findet.
Größerer Schutz durch biometrische Ausweise, Überwachungskameras, Sensoren zur Sprengstofferkennung, Gen-Datei oder Speicherung der Verbindungsdaten?
Der Anschlag in London hat zu den üblichen Verurteilungen und Gesten der Einheit im Kampf gegen den Terrorismus sowie zu den erwartbaren Forderungen nach erhöhten Sicherheitsmaßnahmen und neuen Gesetzen geführt. Gerechtfertigt werden schon beschlossene Antiterror-Maßnahmen, beispielsweise in Deutschland oder Großbritannien die Einführung der Ausweise mit biometrischen Merkmalen. Aber die Bomben in London lehren vermutlich gerade, dass die meisten Sicherheits- und Überwachungsmaßnahmen entschlossene und einigermaßen intelligente Terroristen, auch wenn sie mit wenig ausgeklügelten Strategien und relativ primitiven Mitteln vorgehen, nicht daran hindern können, Anschläge im öffentlichen Raum von Städten auszuführen. Um das Risiko wirklich zu minimieren, wäre schon ein Überwachungsapparat Orwellscher Dimension oder ein Repressionsregime notwendig, wie man es etwa in Nordkorea findet.
LONDON: ATTACK
MSNB: Islamic group claims London attack
"But MSNBC TV translator Jacob Keryakes, who said that a copy of the message was later posted on a secular Web site, noted that the claim of responsibility contained an error in one of the Quranic verses it cited. That suggests that the claim may be phony, he said.
"This is not something al-Qaida would do," he said. "
"But MSNBC TV translator Jacob Keryakes, who said that a copy of the message was later posted on a secular Web site, noted that the claim of responsibility contained an error in one of the Quranic verses it cited. That suggests that the claim may be phony, he said.
"This is not something al-Qaida would do," he said. "
Sunday, July 10, 2005
LONDON: ATTACK
Prison Planet: London Underground Bombing 'Exercises' Took Place at Same Time as Real Attack
A consultancy agency with government and police connections was running an exercise for an unnamed company that revolved around the London Underground being bombed at the exact same times and locations as happened in real life on the morning of July 7th.
Click here for a clip of this dialogue. Click here for a longer clip where the comments can be heard in their full context.
BBC: Tube bombs 'almost simultaneous'
Scotland Yard said the attacks took place within 50 seconds of each other. It was previously thought they had taken place over a longer time period.
BBC: PM 'to reject bomb inquiry calls'
Tony Blair is expected to reject demands for an inquiry into the London bombings in a statement to MPs.
Independent: Police hunt 'mercenary' terror gang recruited by al-Qa'ida
Police and intelligence agents areinvestigating the theory that a gang of white "mercenary terrorists" was hired by al-Qa'ida to carry out last week's devastating attacks on London.
The Independent on Sunday can reveal today that investigations into the bombings of three Tube trains and a bus, which left at least 49 people dead, are focusing on the possibility that criminal gangs were paid to mount the worst atrocities in British history.
A consultancy agency with government and police connections was running an exercise for an unnamed company that revolved around the London Underground being bombed at the exact same times and locations as happened in real life on the morning of July 7th.
Click here for a clip of this dialogue. Click here for a longer clip where the comments can be heard in their full context.
BBC: Tube bombs 'almost simultaneous'
Scotland Yard said the attacks took place within 50 seconds of each other. It was previously thought they had taken place over a longer time period.
BBC: PM 'to reject bomb inquiry calls'
Tony Blair is expected to reject demands for an inquiry into the London bombings in a statement to MPs.
Independent: Police hunt 'mercenary' terror gang recruited by al-Qa'ida
Police and intelligence agents areinvestigating the theory that a gang of white "mercenary terrorists" was hired by al-Qa'ida to carry out last week's devastating attacks on London.
The Independent on Sunday can reveal today that investigations into the bombings of three Tube trains and a bus, which left at least 49 people dead, are focusing on the possibility that criminal gangs were paid to mount the worst atrocities in British history.
Friday, July 08, 2005
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACKS
Cannon Fodder:What's Behind the London Attacks?
Only one word sprang to mind when I heard about the bombings that claimed the lives of dozens of Londoners today – convenient.
Is there anything convenient in death, or in thousands of lives destroyed from catastrophe? No – and words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the men and women changed by today's events. But governments with skeletons in their closets have a great deal to gain from a national tragedy bolstered by "terrorism."
As I sit in my office today, I hear the whispers of co-workers now utterly convinced our war on terror must continue. Despite American and British involvement in the Middle East birthing wave after wave of rebel forces, the Bush doctrine is now justified in the minds of millions. Petty grievances such as the Downing Street Minutes, the President's flagging support and Karl Rove's treasonous outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame are unimportant. A shadowy conglomeration is out to kill us.
check it
BUSH SPEAK
Independent: Bush was right, but too late
by Robert Fisk
Put through Chomsky's machine, Bush's speech begins by frightening the audience to death with terrorism and finishes triumphantly by rousing them to patriotic confidence in their country's future victory.
Checkt it
by Robert Fisk
Put through Chomsky's machine, Bush's speech begins by frightening the audience to death with terrorism and finishes triumphantly by rousing them to patriotic confidence in their country's future victory.
Checkt it
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
BBC: Galloway: Bombings price of Iraq
Londoners have paid the price for Iraq and Afghanistan, says George Galloway.
M&C: Extra: Rice dismisses Iraq/Afghan angle to London attacks
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday that the deadly bombings in London will strengthen British resolve to defeat terrorism and dismissed suggestions that the attacks were in retaliation for Britain's role in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Condi in Wonderland. I'm wondering in which parallel universe ms. rice is living. She seems to have lost contact with reality. Oh no this has absolutely nothing to do with Iraq and Afghanistan. The Terrorists just mentioned that reason for PR-Purposes. They bombed London because they hate democracy, freedom and civilisation, Big Macs and Fish'n'Chips"
Londoners have paid the price for Iraq and Afghanistan, says George Galloway.
M&C: Extra: Rice dismisses Iraq/Afghan angle to London attacks
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday that the deadly bombings in London will strengthen British resolve to defeat terrorism and dismissed suggestions that the attacks were in retaliation for Britain's role in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Condi in Wonderland. I'm wondering in which parallel universe ms. rice is living. She seems to have lost contact with reality. Oh no this has absolutely nothing to do with Iraq and Afghanistan. The Terrorists just mentioned that reason for PR-Purposes. They bombed London because they hate democracy, freedom and civilisation, Big Macs and Fish'n'Chips"
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
BBC: Statement claiming London attacks
The BBC has located an Islamist website that has published a 200-word statement issued by an organisation saying it carried out the London bombings
"In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate, may peace be upon the cheerful one and undaunted fighter, Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him.
The BBC has located an Islamist website that has published a 200-word statement issued by an organisation saying it carried out the London bombings
"In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate, may peace be upon the cheerful one and undaunted fighter, Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him.
Nation of Islam and Arab nation: Rejoice for it is time to take revenge against the British Zionist Crusader government in retaliation for the massacres Britain is committing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The heroic mujahideen have carried out a blessed raid in London. Britain is now burning with fear, terror and panic in its northern, southern, eastern, and western quarters.
We have repeatedly warned the British Government and people. We have fulfilled our promise and carried out our blessed military raid in Britain after our mujahideen exerted strenuous efforts over a long period of time to ensure the success of the raid.
We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and all the Crusader governments that they will be punished in the same way if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. He who warns is excused.
God says: "You who believe: If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly."
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
Tompaine.com: Why London, Why Now?
americans believed Al Qaeda was targeting the United States because we stood for democracy, when, in reality, they hated us because we massively supported oppressive regimes in the Middle East.
Counterpunch: It's Up to the Anti-War Movement to Restrain the Thirst for More Blind Revenge
This morning, the suffering, grief and terror that have visited so many innocents in recent years came to London. We have not paid the kind of price that people have paid in Fallujah, Najaf or Jenin, but it is a steep price nonetheless. And its root causes are the same.
americans believed Al Qaeda was targeting the United States because we stood for democracy, when, in reality, they hated us because we massively supported oppressive regimes in the Middle East.
Counterpunch: It's Up to the Anti-War Movement to Restrain the Thirst for More Blind Revenge
This morning, the suffering, grief and terror that have visited so many innocents in recent years came to London. We have not paid the kind of price that people have paid in Fallujah, Najaf or Jenin, but it is a steep price nonetheless. And its root causes are the same.
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
Jerusalem Post: Ex-Mossad Chief Calls For World War After London Attack
There will be supreme tests of leadership in this unique situation and people will have to trust the wisdom and good judgment of those chosen to govern them. The executives must be empowered to act resolutely and to take every measure necessary to protect the citizens of their country and to carry the combat into whatever territory the perpetrators and their temporal and spiritual leaders are inhabiting.
There will be supreme tests of leadership in this unique situation and people will have to trust the wisdom and good judgment of those chosen to govern them. The executives must be empowered to act resolutely and to take every measure necessary to protect the citizens of their country and to carry the combat into whatever territory the perpetrators and their temporal and spiritual leaders are inhabiting.
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
IsraelINN.com: Report: Israel Was Warned Ahead of First Blast
Army Radio quoting unconfirmed reliable sources reported a short time ago that Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.
The Israeli Embassy in London was notified in advance, resulting in Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remaining in his hotel room rather than make his way to the hotel adjacent to the site of the first explosion, a Liverpool Street train station, where he was to address and economic summit.
Yahoo News: Netanyahu Changed Plans Due to Warning
British police told the Israeli Embassy in London minutes before Thursday's explosions that they had received warnings of possible terror attacks in the city, a senior Israeli official said.
now they are backtracking from earlier reports:
IOL: Israel not warned about blasts - foreign minister
Israel was not warned about possible terror attacks in London before at least six blasts ripped through the city, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said today.
A Foreign Ministry official had said earlier that British police warned the Israeli Embassy in London of possible terror attacks minutes before the first explosion.
“There was no early information about terrorist attacks,” Shalom told Israel Army Radio. “After the first explosion an order was given that no one move until things become clear.”
Army Radio quoting unconfirmed reliable sources reported a short time ago that Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.
The Israeli Embassy in London was notified in advance, resulting in Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remaining in his hotel room rather than make his way to the hotel adjacent to the site of the first explosion, a Liverpool Street train station, where he was to address and economic summit.
Yahoo News: Netanyahu Changed Plans Due to Warning
British police told the Israeli Embassy in London minutes before Thursday's explosions that they had received warnings of possible terror attacks in the city, a senior Israeli official said.
now they are backtracking from earlier reports:
IOL: Israel not warned about blasts - foreign minister
Israel was not warned about possible terror attacks in London before at least six blasts ripped through the city, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said today.
A Foreign Ministry official had said earlier that British police warned the Israeli Embassy in London of possible terror attacks minutes before the first explosion.
“There was no early information about terrorist attacks,” Shalom told Israel Army Radio. “After the first explosion an order was given that no one move until things become clear.”
Thursday, July 07, 2005
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
Skynews: ATTACKS KILL 45, REPORTS
At least 45 people are reported to have been killed and 1,000 injured in a series of terror attacks on London.
At least 45 people are reported to have been killed and 1,000 injured in a series of terror attacks on London.
Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt said the figures, which could rise, were from a reliable, but unofficial source.
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
Bloomberg: London Terror Attacks Kill at Least Eight, Cripple Transport
Terrorists set off a series of bombs across London's subway system in the financial district and on a bus in the center of the capital, killing at least eight people and shutting down all public transportation.
Update:
Denying an earlier report, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said that Israel was not warned by Scotland Yard in advance of the blasts.
Terrorists set off a series of bombs across London's subway system in the financial district and on a bus in the center of the capital, killing at least eight people and shutting down all public transportation.
Update:
Denying an earlier report, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said that Israel was not warned by Scotland Yard in advance of the blasts.
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
Independent:Terror blasts paralyse London
Many people are feared dead in seven terrorist blasts across central London, hitting trains and a bus. All public transport is halted.
t least seven explosions ripped through London today in a series of terrorist strikes leaving dozens feared dead and crippling the capital.
Many people are feared dead in seven terrorist blasts across central London, hitting trains and a bus. All public transport is halted.
t least seven explosions ripped through London today in a series of terrorist strikes leaving dozens feared dead and crippling the capital.
* Explosions are known to have happened on the London Underground at Aldgate East, Edgware Road, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Russell Square and Moorgate. City of London police have confirmed that two people have been confirmed as dead, both casualties at Aldgate.
* A bus packed with commuters later exploded in Tavistock Place, near Russell Square. Witnesses said the roof was ripped off and claimed many could be dead.
* The Prime Minister Tony Blair said it is "reasonably clear there have been a series of terrorist attacks".
* The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said there had been a total of six underground blasts and one bus blast have been confirmed, but said there may have been further incidents.
LONDON: TERRORIST ATTACK
AP: Six Blasts Rock London, Killing at Least 2
LONDON (AP) -- Half a dozen explosions rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday. The blasts killed at least two people and injured scores in what a shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair said was a series of "barbaric" terrorist attacks.
Police reported "a number of fatalities" at one London subway station. "Things are still relatively confused," Superintendent John Morgan told reporters.
Blair said it was clear the attacks were designed to coincide with the opening of the G-8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. The prime minister said the meeting of world leaders would continue but that he would return to London.
"Tony Blair is calling it a barbaric terrorist attack. I wonder what he thinks about the killing of over 100'000 iraqi civilians by US and UK Forces in Iraq since the start of war, i wonder what he is calling the use of Napalm and Cluster Bombs in iraqi residential Areas. I wonder what he is calling himself after deliberately lying us to war. Is the World safer now as Bush and Blair wanted to make us believe?"
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
IRAQ: THE SALVADOR OPTION
Observer: Revealed: grim world of new Iraqi torture camps
Secret torture chambers, the brutal interrogation of prisoners, murders by paramilitaries with links to powerful ministries... Foreign affairs editor Peter Beaumont in Baghdad uncovers a grim trail of abuse carried out by forces loyal to the new Iraqi government
Observer: UK/US aids funds Iraqi torture units
British and American aid intended for Iraq's hard-pressed police service is being diverted to paramilitary commando units accused of widespread human rights abuses, including torture and extra-judicial killings, The Observer can reveal.
It's all Latin America again
Secret torture chambers, the brutal interrogation of prisoners, murders by paramilitaries with links to powerful ministries... Foreign affairs editor Peter Beaumont in Baghdad uncovers a grim trail of abuse carried out by forces loyal to the new Iraqi government
Observer: UK/US aids funds Iraqi torture units
British and American aid intended for Iraq's hard-pressed police service is being diverted to paramilitary commando units accused of widespread human rights abuses, including torture and extra-judicial killings, The Observer can reveal.
Iraqi Police Service officers said that ammunition, weapons and vehicles earmarked for the IPS are being taken by shock troops at the forefront of Iraq's new dirty counter-insurgency war.
The allegations follow a wide-ranging investigation by this paper into serious human rights abuses being conducted by anti-insurgency forces in Iraq. The Observer has seen photographic evidence of post-mortem and hospital examinations of alleged terror suspects from Baghdad and the Sunni Triangle which demonstrate serious abuse of suspects including burnings, strangulation, the breaking of limbs and - in one case - the apparent use of an electric drill to perform a knee-capping.
The investigation revealed:
· A 'ghost' network of secret detention centres across the country, inaccessible to human rights organisations, where torture is taking place.
· Compelling evidence of widespread use of violent interrogation methods including hanging by the arms, burnings, beatings, the use of electric shocks and sexual abuse.
· Claims that serious abuse has taken place within the walls of the Iraqi government's own Ministry of the Interior.
· Apparent co-operation between unofficial and official detention facilities, and evidence of extra-judicial executions by the police.
It's all Latin America again
IRAQ: RESISTANCE
Uruknet.info:Iraqi Resistance Report
aqi Resistance organizations on Thursday morning issued a statement in which they denied claims by the former puppet so-called "Iraqi minister of electricity," Ayham as-Samarra'i that the Iraqi Resistance had agreed to negotiate with US occupation forces and to form a political organization.
aqi Resistance organizations on Thursday morning issued a statement in which they denied claims by the former puppet so-called "Iraqi minister of electricity," Ayham as-Samarra'i that the Iraqi Resistance had agreed to negotiate with US occupation forces and to form a political organization.
Monday, July 04, 2005
THE NEXT PANDEMIC?
Foreign Affairs: The Next Pandemic?
International health officials are warning that a deadly avian influenza virus may soon spread rapidly, overwhelming unprepared health systems in rich and poor countries alike. If the virus mutates to become easily transmittable among humans, the death toll of the resulting global pandemic could number in the millions.
As a call to action, the July/August issue of Foreign Affairs includes a special set of articles written by Laurie Garrett of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota and the Department of Homeland Security, and Drs. William Karesh and Robert Cook of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Special condensed versions of the essays by Garrett and Osterholm, along with a Web-only Q & A with Garrett, are available on the Foreign Affairs website today.
Nature magazine is providing additional information on the medical and scientific aspects of the H5N1 virus. The coverage of both magazines is being coordinated to assist efforts of the Royal Institution World Science Assembly to spur preparations by governments and international organizations
International health officials are warning that a deadly avian influenza virus may soon spread rapidly, overwhelming unprepared health systems in rich and poor countries alike. If the virus mutates to become easily transmittable among humans, the death toll of the resulting global pandemic could number in the millions.
As a call to action, the July/August issue of Foreign Affairs includes a special set of articles written by Laurie Garrett of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota and the Department of Homeland Security, and Drs. William Karesh and Robert Cook of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Special condensed versions of the essays by Garrett and Osterholm, along with a Web-only Q & A with Garrett, are available on the Foreign Affairs website today.
Nature magazine is providing additional information on the medical and scientific aspects of the H5N1 virus. The coverage of both magazines is being coordinated to assist efforts of the Royal Institution World Science Assembly to spur preparations by governments and international organizations
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