NG Attacked at home; Time to Stand and be Counted

Editor's Note: This is an news article mixed with MY opinion of the state of the union. It is my opinion, but it is not mine alone. If it is not yours, you must be a terrorist or a sympathizer. In either case, I personally do not care. Just so we have that straight. Full disclosure and all, ya know.

Those of us with a brain between our ears have had to listen the garbage spewn across our TV's (for those who still them on) as if these were 'peace' protests. They are not. I, for one, refuse to allow this charade to continue.

Over at Little Green Footballs, I found this article: National Guardsman Brutally Attacked. I beg you to read it. Then I dare you to show your true colors. Are you a patriot or a communist-fascist-sympothizer? How will we know?

Write to the SeattleInsider at:

KIRO/SeattleInsider.com
2807 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: (206) 728-7777

These are the brave souls that reported this story. Show them your support, and ask if there is any new information. Then, go around in your town and find another person who gets as angry as I am at this happening (and it is not reported except for the local area).

This must not be allowed to stand. We must fight back with PRO-VICTORY protests. I do not care that you have a job. Those people are dead because they had a job on September 11, 2001, or have you forgotton?

Category: (Military) Blogger News and (Freedom) America.

Know Thy Enemy

Courtesy of Dallas News with permission of the Author, Rod Dreher.

Forty years ago, the godfather of Islamic terrorism was executed, says Rod DREHER, and America today is no closer to understanding his apocalyptic vision.....

Two days from now, the country will observe the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its catastrophic aftermath. What will pass unnoticed on that day is the 40th anniversary of a hanging of a revolutionary in Cairo, an event that is incalculably more important to the present and future of the United States than any meteorological event.

The pious life and martyr's death of Sayyid Qutb, and the legacy the Islamic theologian left behind, extend a powerful challenge to the West. Until we provide an answer to him and his followers, we can't hope to prevail in the war of ideas with Islamic extremists. And most of us have no idea who this man even was.

Sayyid Qutb (pronounced KUH-tuhb) has been called "the philosopher of Islamic terror." He rose from humble origins in rural Egypt to become an influential theologian and leading light of Egypt's fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood movement. He advocated global Islamic rule imposed by the sword.

Also Online: English translation of 'Milestones.'
The Egyptian dictator Gamal Abdel Nasser ordered him hanged for treason Aug. 29, 1966.
Yet, his ideas have spread like a prairie fire over the parched landscape of Islam's last generation. As writer Paul Berman observed, Qutb was "the intellectual hero of every one of the groups that eventually went into al-Qaeda."

We Americans have a bad habit of assuming that there's nothing to radical Islam but fury, grievance and bloodlust. We think of jihadist leaders as wild-eyed mullahs far removed from our experience. It's a fatal form of condescension. Qutb may have been a madman by our lights, but he was no fool – and, in important ways, he had our number.

Americans also cherish the idea that lack of understanding is at the root of conflict – and that there are few disputes that can't be worked out by people getting to know each other. Not so with Qutb, whose sojourn in America as a foreign exchange student between 1948 and '50 radicalized him and confirmed his hatred for Western materialism and freedom.

Qutb spent most of his time in the Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colo. The pathologically prudish Egyptian scholar was shocked by the morality of Greeley's women, appalled by its racism and scandalized by the wealth of American society.

As Lawrence Wright writes in The Looming Tower, his acclaimed new book about the roots of 9/11:

Qutb saw a spiritual wasteland, and yet belief in God was nearly unanimous in the United States at the time. It was easy to be misled by the proliferation of churches, religious books and religious festivals, Qutb maintained; the fact remained that materialism was the real American god. 'The soul has no value to Americans,' he wrote to one friend. 'There has been a Ph.D. dissertation about the best way to clean dishes, which seems more important to them than the Bible or religion.' Many Americans were beginning to come to similar conclusions. The theme of alienation in American life was just beginning to cast a pall over the postwar party. In many respects, Qutb's analysis, though harsh, was only premature."

It is tempting to laugh at the Islamic pietist overwhelmed by the sensuality of the Rocky Mountain Gomorrah. But when Qutb returned to Egypt, his ardor to fight Western cultural hegemony led him to write: "We are endowing our children with amazement and respect for the master who tramples our honor and enslaves us. Let us instead plant the seeds of hatred, disgust and revenge in the souls of these children."

Qutb believed that if Muslims accepted democracy, capitalism, civil liberties and the Western way of life, they would commit spiritual suicide. He dedicated the rest of his life to convincing Muslims that their only hope rested in surrendering totally to a stringent form of Islam.

But why, according to Qutb, are modernity and Islam irreconcilable?

Because modernity was only made possible by a fundamental theological error that guaranteed man's alienation from God and from his nature. This alienation had reached a point of crisis worldwide, with the world's richest and most powerful nations producing masses of well-fed, well-off people who are rootless, miserable, hedonistic and self-destructive.

This was not a novel insight. As Paul Berman points out in his 2003 book Terror and Liberalism, many Western thinkers of the same era were writing about alienation amid the freedom and plenty of modern society. Qutb located the source of the modern world's ills in Christianity's separation of the world into sacred and secular realms, creating what he called a "hideous schizophrenia" that caused Western man to split the material realm from the spiritual.

Islam holds the two to be one under God's sovereignty. But this unnatural divorce had material benefits for the West, enabling it to leapfrog far ahead of the Islamic world in science and technology. The West's success made it powerful, true, but its culture grew increasingly debauched, and its people were turning into moral and spiritual wrecks. Yet – and here, Mr. Berman writes, is where Qutb is most original – the all-powerful West was in the present day imposing its false and destructive ideals on the weakened Muslim world.

What is to be done? Lenin famously asked about Czarist Russia. Qutb's answer to the same question about the West was, in part, "Milestones," a Leninist-style tract advocating worldwide Islamic revolution.

In this thin volume, Qutb argues that the Islamic nation must overthrow modernity if it wishes to continue to exist. Only Islam, with its divinely given law regulating all aspects of daily life, is capable of rightly ordering the soul and body, and of being most true to God-given human nature. He believed the West, whether or not it realized it, was engaged in a fight to the death against Islam. Though the conflict had military, economic and cultural aspects, for Qutb, this was essentially a religious war.

"Milestones" calls for the subjugation of all non-Islamic peoples, the total crushing of all non-Islamic institutions and entities, and the universal imposition of harsh sharia law. Reading "Milestones" as a guide to the mentality of jihadists is a bone-chilling exercise (even more so when you consider that Muslim teens participating in a 2004 quiz competition at the Dallas Central Mosque were assigned "Milestones" as part of their contest reading).

His is the voice of the genocidal utopian, an apocalyptic idealist who – like Lenin, Stalin, Hitler and Mao – will stop at nothing to create an earthly paradise on the bones of the Crusaders, Zionists, moderate Muslims and sundry infidels.

It's difficult to imagine why anybody fell for Nazism or communism, but neither ideology could have gone anywhere if it didn't speak deeply to the hopes, needs, fears and passions of millions. As fanatical as Qutb's Islam sounds – as fanatical as it is – it provides an explanation for the misery and backwardness so much of the Muslim world lives in today. It gives its followers dignity and solidarity, a focus for their anger, a sense of purpose and of being on the right side of history. It holds out the false promise, that old siren song, that perfect happiness and oneness can be achieved in this life, once the Enemy has been destroyed. And it is a vision that Qutb gave witness to by courageously sacrificing his life.

What are we to do? There are no easy answers, but we should begin by jettisoning as folly the naive idea that all Muslims want the same things the liberal West wants. Followers of Qutb's brand of Islam hold that our wealth, secularity and freedom, especially for women, are evidence of our corruption.

While Qutb's prescriptions are quite mad, his diagnosis of the Western spiritual and psychological condition was serious, and it requires a serious response. If we Westerners cannot look at the world we've created for ourselves and understand that Sayyid Qutb was not all wrong, we will never figure out how to convince the Islamic masses he lived and died for that their holy martyr was a false prophet.

Rod Dreher is an assistant editorial page editor. The views expressed here are his own. His e-mail address is rdreher@dallasnews.com .

Find a link to an English translation of Sayyid Qutb's "Milestones" at DallasNews.com/Extra.

Technorati Tags: 'War on Terror' ... Terrorism ... Russia ... al-Qaeda ... Bin Laden ... Milestones ... Islamofascism ... Osama Bin Laden ... Caliphate ... Domestic Terrorism ... Islamist ... Sayyid Qutb ... Islamic Theologian ... Muslim Brotherhood ... Mullahs ... Lenin ... Czarist ... Islamic revolution ... religious war ... holy martyr ... Hizbollah … Middle East … Terrorism … Ahmadinejad … Iran … Islam … Terrorist … Anti US … Martyrdom fighters … Fighters of Muhammad
Category: (Military) Blogger News.

"My Love's in Arizona"

There is a great man, Bill Faith of Old War Dogs, who has done a wonderful thing. If you would like to pass this along, please feel to do so. Please feel free to go to his site and help, also.

Everyone needs a little bit of help from their friends at one time or another. Imagine how important it would be to have the help from a total stranger...

Carol Gell Crowley, whose father died for his country in the Ia Drang valley in 1965, sent me an email yesterday about an important project she's involved in to provide scholarship money for the children of this war's KIAs. Please click here to read more about it.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Category: (Military) Blogger News.

A Real Hero You Should Know and Help

Allow me to begin with the acknowledgement that I am biased toward children. I love them. Now that this is out in the open, I would like to share with you a story that is still in everyone's prayers who knows of this.

SPC Selena Lassien spent her time in OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) from October 2004 to September 2005. If you thought that was hectic, you haven't heard anything yet.

When Selena returned home to Vinton, La, on September 24, 2005, she found herself being chased out of her home by Hurricane Rita. For her 26 years of life, the worst was yet to come.

After this, her family and she were settled in many different places, with Selena moving from one Fort to the next. Until one day, her boyfriend Darrell and she settled in at Lake Charles. After they had settled in, they received the news. Selena was pregnant.

It just so happened that she flew to her cousins high school graduation party in Jamaica Plain, Mass. in June 2006. Two hours before she was ready to fly home, she noticed there was something wrong with her pregnancy. She called her doctor back home, he told her to relax and fly home, but Selena knew better. (Not too hard, if you ask me, to second guess a doctor!)

It was a good thing, too. She went to the hospital emergency room. Being six months pregnant, she was already dialating. They admitted her that day. "After another four weeks in a special bed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, tiny Kameryn Bias was born. She was soon transferred to Children’s Hospital, where surgeons dealt with the intricate complexities of this fragile but determined life." She weighed no more than 1.5 pounds.

As of today, she weighs in at 2 pounds. At this very moment, Kameryn is having another surgery. I have just learned this from Patty Patton-Bader, President and Founder of Soldiers' Angles. Soldiers' Angles will be accepting donations into their general fund for 48 hours, starting last night, to help Selena find an apartment near the hospital.

She is far away from home, and she really needs our help. She helped us by going to war on our behalf, this is a very simple way for us to show our gratitude.

You may also find some information at Blackfive's website. Also, Pundit Review held a three hour vigil of sorts on their radio program last night for Selena.

Please, no matter if you only have $10, it all counts. Do not be embarrassed. Think about it this way. How would you feel after going to war, living through a hurrican, and then your child is born premature and needed surgery on her heart and intenstines? Would you like to be near your daughter? Would you do whatever it took to do so? Well, we're just trying to make it a little easier on her. After all, doesn't she have enough on her mind?

Please use the paypal, or write to:

Soldiers’ Angels
Care of SPC Selena Lassien
1150 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
You may also call SA at (615) 676-0239.

Thank you so much for all that you do. That includes the Veterans who have also stepped up to the plate. Unfortunately, they can only offer housing which is very far away from the hospital. I love you guys, but come on. I wouldn't even leave the hospital, let alone go far away!

Please remember to pray for Darrell, Selena and Kameryn. Thank you.

Sources: Blackfive, Pundit Review, Soldiers' Angels, and two articles from the Boston Herald: Infant at home in the Hub -- for now and Fellow vets reach out to mother in need.
Category: (Military) Someone You Should Know.

Journalist charged in Sudan: 'spying' and 'false reporting'

"Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune was charged in a Sudanese court Saturday with espionage and other crimes."

Paul Salopek, 44, was charged in a 40-minute hearing with espionage, passing information illegally and writing "false news," the Tribune reported on its Web site. His driver and interpreter, both Chadian nationals, faced the same charges.

The three men were arrested August 6 by pro-government forces in the war-torn province of Darfur, the paper said. Salopek was working on a freelance assignment for National Geographic magazine during his arrest. [continue reading]

How is the world supposed to know about different situations and crisis' without reporters? Or is this the problem you face, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's? Is the truth that terrible? YOU BET IT IS.

If you would like to read the whole article even though that link will take you to CNN's site, please go here. They never seem keep the story up for very long. I do not wish to deprive you of this news.

We must scream it from the rooftops. We must do all that we can. One thing you could do is go to Washington, DC and participate in the rally for Darfur, Sudan. It is going to be held on September 9, 2006, and the other one is to be held on September 17, 2006 in NY City. Please go to Jay's site for further information. You may also reach him here.

Please help these people in Darfur. It is almost to late, but not yet. By helping them, maybe we can free this reporter? Let us pray...

Technorati tags: Darfur, Sudan, journalist, arrested, brutal dictator and freedom.
Category: Freedom, Darfur, Sudan, Media and News.

UN backs away from disarming Hezbollah

What is up with the United Nations? Has it been officially confirmed that the United Nations is an appeaser and apologist organization? Are they really in cahoots with Islamofacists based in Lebanon and Gaza, who commit terrorist acts and kill innocent civilians on behalf of their supports and providers; Iran and Syria?

Lets review the the events of last month's conflicts. Hezbollah and Hamas attacked Israel last month and took hostages. Israel struck back. Hezbollah and Hamas responded by firing thousands of rockets at Israel. Israel countered the rockets. And, the world community said Israel did not have the right to protect itself.

Along came the United Nations and Europe countries to broker a peace treaty and provide the "backbone" of a peacekeeping forces for Lebanon. Today, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan made an outlandish statement that the UN peace keepers will not disarm Hezbollah.

"It is generally accepted that the disarmament of Hezbollah cannot be done by force," Annan said. "The troops are not going there to disarm Hezbollah, let's be clear on that." Source - AP News story courtesy of CBN News Service

To make matters worst, according to the Jerusalem Post, the sponsor of terror in the Middle East, Iran, has moved things up several notches in the past few months. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls for the annihilation of the State of Israel on almost a daily basis.

Giora Eiland, Israel's former national security adviser, told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, if he ever became the supreme decision maker in his country, would "sacrifice half of Iran for the sake of eliminating Israel,"

Eiland also believes that Ahmadinejad,"has a religious conviction that Israel's demise is essential to the restoration of Muslim glory, that the Zionist thorn in the heart of the Islamic nations must be removed. And he will pay almost any price to right the perceived historic wrong. Source - Courtesy of The Jerusalem Post: Iran leadership poses threat

Tell me, is there something wrong with this picture or is the United Nations an enabler of terror, fascism, and oppression. This sure is reminiscent to the workups of the fascist anti-Semitic Third Reich almost 60 years ago. And the world community sits by making apologist and appeaser solutions. The UN and world community sits back and does nothing, the hands on the "Doomsday Clock" for Israel moves forward.

Technorati Tags: Hizbollah … Middle East … Terrorism … Ahmadinejad … Iran … State Sponsored Terrorism … Islam … Israel… Martyrdom fighters … Fighters of Muhammad … Freedom … Politics … Multilateral Engagement … Détente … Containment … UN … appeasers … Terror … Terrorism … Terrorist … War on Terror … Islamic Extremists … Jihad … Holy War … Muslims … Radical Islam … Islamists … Fundamentalist Militants … Islamic World … Kafir … War on terror … Military … Hizbollah … Hezbullah … Iran … Israel … Terror … Terrorism … Terrorist … Lebanon … Assad … Opinion

Freedom of Assembly not afforded Jews in Argentina

When I read this yesterday, I was infuriated. "How could this be?" I asked myself. It was a frightful conclusion that came to me. It is because no one wishes to go against the Mullahs of Iran.

Do they not realize that this is precisely how the holocaust in Hitler's Germany (not today's Germany) began? Is anyone paying attention, taking note? Why has this not reached the news? Fear?

Gateway Pundit has been watching and writing about this atrocity.

Iranian Regime Supporting Leftists Harass Jews in Argentina
A group of radical leftist supporters of the Iranian regime prevented Jewish protesters from holding a demonstration at the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires today:

Left-wing activists in Argentina prevented an anti-Iran demonstration.

Argentine Jewish groups organized a demonstration Wednesday in front of the Iranian Embassy in Buenos Aires to protest Iran’s support for Hezbollah.

But some 50 members of the group Quebracho stopped traffic and blocked the street so the Jewish demonstration couldn’t proceed.

Argentine Jewish leaders expressed serious concern and demanded the freedom to demonstrate.

“Public opinion can understand, from this event, who is playing with violence,” said Silvio Rossjansky, president of the Argentine Zionist Organization.

A member of the Iranian community (L) argues with members of the Jewish community (R) who had planned a protest against Iran, near the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires August 23, 2006. (REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian)

May someone else will start to pay. Then another and another, before it is too late...

Update: I have some disgusting cartoons about the holocaust, if you want to see what the ME is learning... These are from Iran. If you want to enlarge them to view them, please go to the bottom-left corner and put the arrow on the last picture. You will see a yellow square. Click on it. If this will upset you, please do not view this. Remember, they are cartoons. Yes, it is because of what was done in Holland a couple years back.

Technorati tags: anti-semitism, Argentina, protest, Iran, Jewish, disgusting cartoons and holocaust.
Category: Israel, Iran, Argentina and Anti-Semitism.

World proclaims Hizbollah victor, Lebanon does not

I was going to start this column with an apology, because I have refused to read anti-semitic material. I receive the The Daily Star on a daily basis, but I have been deleting it. Then I retrieved the last one sent, and here are some of the headlines:

Syrian ports gain from Lebanon blockade
US claims 'great progress' in Iraq as violence kills 14 The terrorists blow people up, we get blamed?
Aoun says Hizbullah should try to 'reassure' rest of country Isn't he supposed to disarm Hizbullah?
Wake up, America! Israel is no friend of yours They never attacked us on purpose or murdered any of our servicemen that were there to protect and help you.
Be grateful that exasperation has not stifled moderates It is not what you think.

That is just an example from yesterday, Aug. 25, 2006 (their time). All the while, they are marching in the shoes of our western media. They may not like this, but they have been westernized!

I have read this wonderful article in the Opinion Journal online. Now I am pretty much confused. Are the reporters still being threatened? Is the IRGI (Islamic Republic Guard of Iran) still there? Do we need to confront this group? (I say, "Yes." We should have done so 3 years ago, but that's a different issue.)

Mr. Amir Taheri has written this article today. He sites many people of fine distinction. Michel Aoun (a maverick Christian leader and tactical ally of Hezbollah, has called for the Shiite militia to disband), Walid Abi-Mershed (a leading Lebanese columnist), Sayyed Ali al-Amin (the grand old man of Lebanese Shiism, has broken years of silence to criticize Hezbollah for provoking the war, and called for its disarmament), Mona Fayed (a prominent Shiite academic in Beirut) and many more.

Here is what he concludes:

Hezbollah's position is no more secure in the broader Arab world, where it is seen as an Iranian tool rather than as the vanguard of a new Nahdha (Awakening), as the Western media claim. To be sure, it is still powerful because it has guns, money and support from Iran, Syria and Hate America International Inc. But the list of prominent Arab writers, both Shiite and Sunni, who have exposed Hezbollah for what it is--a Khomeinist Trojan horse--would be too long for a single article. They are beginning to lift the veil and reveal what really happened in Lebanon.

Having lost more than 500 of its fighters, and with almost all of its medium-range missiles destroyed, Hezbollah may find it hard to sustain its claim of victory. "Hezbollah won the propaganda war because many in the West wanted it to win as a means of settling score with the United States," says Egyptian columnist Ali al-Ibrahim. "But the Arabs have become wise enough to know TV victory from real victory."

I do believe there is a movement in Beruit that will be unstopable, just as the March 14 Cedar Revolution. It is up to the people of Lebanon to demand justice from their government. A state within a state which does not abide by any of the same rules as the Superior State is unjust. As we know, that tension, that struggle, cannot stand. One state will survive, but only one.

Technorati tags: Beruit, Lebanon, terrorism, Iran and Hizbollah.
Category: Lebanon, terrorism, Syria and Iran.

Assad Warns on Deploying UNIFIL and threatens Golan

Special Dispatch - Syria/Lebanon
August 25, 2006
No. 1265

Syrian President Al-Assad on Deploying UNIFIL at Lebanese-Syrian Border: "If [Lebanon] Wants to Destroy Relations Between Syria and Lebanon, It is Free to Do So - and to Bear the Responsibility"

To view this Special Dispatch in HTML, visit: Syrian President Al-Assad's views on UNIFIL .

The following are excerpts from an interview with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, which aired on Dubai TV on August 23, 2006.

TO VIEW THIS CLIP, VISIT: Al-Assad Video Clip on MEMRI TV .

"This [Lebanese] Movement Consists of Some Figures who are Known Historically for Their Relations with Israel"

Bashar Al-Assad: "This [Lebanese] movement consists of some figures who are known historically for their relations with Israel, since the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Others have begun collaborating with the Israeli position - not necessarily with Israel itself, but we do not necessarily have all the information. They did this through Resolution 1559. The Israeli officials said that they themselves had worked hard to bring about this resolution. Yet [these Lebanese figures] supported this resolution. Resolution 1680, which deals a blow to Syrian-Lebanese relations... For whose sake was this resolution adopted? For Syria? For Lebanon? It was for the sake of Israel. The recent war has exposed these positions."

[...]

"As is well known, they accepted the first Franco-American draft, and if the situation on the ground had not changed, this draft would have become Resolution 1701. These forces have carried out all these plots against the resistance. With regard to the resistance that concerns us as Arabs - and I'm not talking about resistance as an internal Lebanese issue, but as an issue that now concerns any Arab citizen, and you can see Hizbullah flags everywhere... They conspired with Israel in both directions."

[...]

"Loyalty to One's Country Means Rejecting Foreign Interference, Through Any Embassy"

Bashar Al-Assad: "Loyalty to one's country does not just mean [not] being a known agent of another country. Loyalty to one's country means rejecting foreign interference, through any embassy - and I am always clear on this - and through any foreign government that tries to interfere directly. I have said this very clearly to the Europeans several times. I said to them: Any person on whose behalf you interfere - we will consider him to be unpatriotic. You must stop interfering and sending messages. This matter is closed, as far as we are concerned. We are very sensitive when it comes to foreign interference. Apart from this, everybody is here. If we wanted to prevent them from talking, as some claim, they would all be in prison. This is not the case. We have taken a few steps, and we are not claiming we have achieved a lot. We have taken some steps that are reasonable, given our circumstances. Some think these steps are less than they should be, and others think they are more than they should be. Let us stay in the middle. We must act with caution. We are not operating in a normal climate. No one, Syrians or others, should doubt that there are daily attempts to interfere in Syria's domestic affairs. We cannot be naive and say: Everything is fine, everybody is patriotic. This is not a matter of good intentions."

[...]

Deploying UNIFIL "Would Violate Lebanon's Sovereignty"

Interviewer: "How do you view the deployment of UNIFIL on your border with Lebanon?"

Bashar Al-Assad: "This would mean creating hostility between Syria and Lebanon. First of all, this would violate Lebanon's sovereignty. No country in the world would accept the deployment of soldiers of other nationalities at its border passes, unless it is at war with another country, like in the Golan or South Lebanon. This is normal. First of all, this would mean taking away Lebanese sovereignty - and they are constantly talking about Lebanese sovereignty - and giving it to others. The other issue is that this would be hostile to Syria. Naturally, this would create problems between Syria and Lebanon."

Interviewer: "But Mr. President, they fear that Syria would be used as a conduit for weapons that would reach elements that they don't want these weapons to reach. People might infiltrate through this border, and help one group of Lebanese against another. This may justify their apprehensions and the presence of such a force."

Bashar Al-Assad: "If there is a Lebanese army, it should be responsible for that. Why should the Lebanese army be responsible for protecting Israel?"

If [Lebanon] Wants To Destroy Relations between Syria and Lebanon, It is Free to Do So - and to Bear the Responsibility

Interviewer: "Mr. President, are you calling upon the Lebanese government to reject the deployment of an international force along the border between Lebanon and Syria?"

Bashar Al-Assad: "I am calling upon it to bear the responsibility like any other country. It will bear the responsibility. If it wants to destroy the relations between Syria and Lebanon, it is free to do so, and to bear the responsibility. There are elements within the Lebanese government and among the majority who strive towards this."

[...]

Interviewer: "Is it possible that we will see armed resistance in the Golan?"

Bashar Al-Assad: "Like I said... Same answer... The people will decide. I reiterate: If peace does not restore the rights, this will be the natural and obvious option. Things will take this course, whether we like it or not."

Interviewer: "Mr. President, you say that the people will decide. Is the people ready... I am sure you can sense the sentiments of the people. Is the people ready now for armed resistance in the Golan?"

Bashar Al-Assad: "There are always different currents and opinions. Some people talk enthusiastically about getting into this today, while others say we must prepare ourselves. However, this war has emphasized that option."

*********************

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent, non-profit organization that translates and analyzes the media of the Middle East. Copies of articles and documents cited, as well as background information, are available on request.

MEMRI holds copyrights on all translations. Materials may only be used with proper attribution.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
E-Mail: memri@memri.org

Search previous MEMRI publications at www.memri.org

Golan ... War on terror ... Military ...`Hizbollah ... Hezbollah ... Iran ... Israel ... Terror ... Terrorism ... Terrorist ... Cell ... Lebanon ... Assad ... MEMRI ... Opinion

Welcom Home Natascha, Good Riddance Kidnapper

Wednesday was a day of great emotion in Austria. Emotions of joy, relief, amazement, anger and confusion all rolled into one.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006, Natascha Kampusch, who had been kidnapped at age 10, was finally discovered in a garden outside of Vienna after escaping her captor. This is an amazing story of a sheer will to live.

Kampusch disappeared on her way to school in Vienna. While investigators embarked on a massive man hunt, there hadn't been a trace of the girl since her kidnapping. She was apparently held in a cramped car service pit -- used by mechanics to access the underside of cars -- under a garage in the Austrian town of Strasshof. Kampusch said she finally managed to escape. [continue reading]

This is an amazing article, and everyone at Knickerbocker News would like to extend our warmest wishes on the road back to normalcy, as much as there is one.

Source: Der Spiegel.
Technorati tags: Vienna, kidnapping, home and free.
Category: Germany and News.

8 Military Personnel to Have Article 32 Hearing

KFMB San Diego, channel 8 is reporting that the Marine Corps has denied four Marines accused of killing an Iraqi civilian in Hamdania, Iraq, the option of going straight to trial even though they apparently waved their article 32 hearing to go to trial. Defense lawyers claimed that perhaps this was a sign that prosecutors don't have a solid case. The generals and administrative weenies will keep the pressure on until those eight lads break, regardless of the truth.

According to Camp Pendleton spokesman Lt. Col. Sean Gibson the move was made "to make a fair and impartial decision on the disposition of these cases."

Lt. Col., save it for the MSM, libs and anti-war groupies.

The seven Marines and one Navy corpsman allegedly went into Hamdania, and among other things took a man from his home, tied him up and shot him without provocation April 26. The men ---- all accused of premeditated murder, kidnapping and related offenses ---- were first detained in late April in Iraq. All were jailed in the Camp Pendleton brig on the same day in May, and all were charged on the same day in June. Soon, 12 men ---- 11 Marines and one sailor ---- were pulled from their units, kept on house arrest in Iraq, then returned to Camp Pendleton two weeks later.

Eight of the men were jailed and charged on June 21 with premeditated murder, a charge which carries the possibility of the death penalty if they are convicted. The other four men, including platoon commander 2nd Lt. Nathan Phan, were restricted to the local base ---- but not jailed.

On of the defense attorneys, Joseph Casas said he views the recent decision by the Marines to bringing charges in the assault case as a pressure tactic to get the men not accused in Awad's death to tell what they know about the alleged slaying.

It sure as hell makes me wonder what is going on with this case.

More from KFMB channel 8>>

More information courtesy of Nationally syndicated talk-show host, Michael Savage:

Demand for immediate trial signals change in Pendleton 8

Military Justice on trial

The Great Lie

It has come to that point in time whereby one must decide. Do you want to live in fear of offending someone, or do you simply want to live? Sometimes, you may have to fight for that right.

Liberty was never gained by the weak nor the mild. Freedom was never won by the pacifist nor the lazy. Life was never more precious as when one gave up his for another.

Conspiracies are born from ignorance. They are also born of denial. Then there are those times when there simply is no conspiracy theory but a lie! Yes. People who want to kill you will lie to you. Are you surprised? What makes you think that that a murderer has the moral compass not to lie?

This just in: The Lebanese men suspected of having deposited bombs on German trains last month were hired hands -- in the employ of the German government itself.

That, at least, is what one 27-year-old from Saudi Arabia believes. "It's all a Protestant crusade," the man explains. "All of northern Germany is Protestant, isn't it? And so is President Bush." Then the man launches into a melange of confusing arguments and historical facts. The bubonic plague, Martin Luther and former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl all make a cameo. It's all connected somehow, the man is sure of it. [continue reading]

Was not Hitler a liar? Was he not a dictator? If you disagreed with him, was this hazardous to health? Then what do say to people who worship him? Yes, the Islamofascists. After all, was not Hitler a fascist?

Hat tip: Spiegel Online and Little Green Footballs.

Category: Terrorism and Germany.

Iran: Over the Weekend 8/22/2006

This is a list of titles from the e-mails received which have many articles in them. From there, you may go to Doctor Zin's homepage to see the rest of the articles.

• Iran's military exercises: Trouble brewing in the next few days? Sat, Aug. 19, 2006.
• The coming wars in the Middle East. Sun, Aug. 20, 2006.
• Iran to offer a "multifaceted response" to the West, but will not stop enrichment. Mon, Aug. 21, 2006.
• What is Iran planning for Tuesday, August 22nd? Tue, Aug. 22, 2006.

Life has been very turmultuous these last few years. Personally, I am very grateful to have awoken today. As I drifted (slammed) into sleep, I was not certain of the future. Would there be another explosion? Another plane flying into a high rise? A suicide bomber?

Either way, I am grateful to be alive. I sure do hope we do more than talk and talk and talk. Now I know what they mean when they say, "You can talk a subject to death."

Thank you, Doctor Zin and your whole team of dedicated people. Continue to bring us the news from behind the 'wall of silence', and I will continue to spread the word. Information is going to either save us or kill us. I'm on the side of saving us!

Category: The Daily Briefing on Iran.

Russia: No Survivors from Airplane Accident

An airplane with 170 people aboard may have hit by lightning while in the air. It appears there are no survivors.

By ANNA MELNICHUK
Associated Press Writer

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- A Russian passenger jet with at least 170 people aboard crashed Tuesday in Ukraine after sending a distress signal, authorities said. A news agency reported no survivors and that Russian officials had ruled out terrorism. [continue reading]

This is breaking news, so there will be more news to come.

Category: Russia.

Pulitzer Prize Recipient Joe Rosenthal Passed Away, 08/21/2006

Courtesy of a good friend Jerry W. who emailed me on our loss:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2336647

Photographer Joe Rosenthal, Who Won Pulitzer Prize for Photo of Iwo Jima Flag-Raising, Dies

In a file photo with the Iwo Jima Memorial in the background, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Joe Rosenthal poses for photographers Wednesday, June 28, 1995 in Arlington, Va., during a ceremony honoring photographers who lost their lives covering military conflicts around the world. Rosenthal won a Pulitzer Prize for making the photo that the Iwo Jima Memorial is modeled after. Rosenthal died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006. He was 94. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

By JUSTIN M. NORTON

SAN FRANCISCO Aug 21, 2006 (AP)— Photographer Joe Rosenthal,
who won a Pulitzer Prize for his immortal image of six World War II servicemen raising an American flag over battle-scarred Iwo Jima, died Sunday. He was 94.

Rosenthal died of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the San
Francisco suburb of Novato, said his daughter, Anne Rosenthal.

"He was a good and honest man, he had real integrity," Anne Rosenthal said.

His photo, taken for The Associated Press on Feb. 23, 1945, became the model for the Iwo Jima Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The memorial, dedicated in 1954 and known officially as the Marine Corps War Memorial, commemorates the Marines who died taking the Pacific island in World War II.

The photo was listed in 1999 at No. 68 on a New York University survey of 100 examples of the best journalism of the century.

The photo actually shows the second raising of the flag that day on Mount Suribachi on the Japanese island. The first flag had been deemed too small.

On the Net:

More on Rosenthal:

http://www.newseum.org/warstories/interviews/mov/journalists/bio.asp?ID32

_______________________________________________________

News and Views for putting America first.
Hosted by: http://www.3.9cpm.com/

Ed Evans
MGySgt., USMC (Ret.)
Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine.

http://community.webshots.com/user/photo8069http://donelsonchristianchurch.org/

http://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc

PUT AMERICA FIRST!

Stop being a good Democrat. Stop being a good Republican. Start being a good American.” Immigration -- "There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." - Pres. Theodore Roosevelt, 1907

-- "A man who thinks of himself as belonging to a particular national group in America has not yet become an American, and the man who goes among you to trade upon your nationality is not a worthy son to live under the Stars and Stripes." -- Pres. Woodrow Wilson

Spread the word about the sacrifices, dedication and hard work of our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen and their collective efforts to accomplish a challenging but worthwhile mission in Iraq: http://www.imef-fwd.usmc.mil/

For the straight scoop on Iraq, forget the mainstream media, check out Michael Yen's in-country Online Magazine at http://www.michaelyon-online.com/?BMIDS=17052130-30c03440-115850.

Please pray Psalm 91 on this day, and every day, for our Armed Forces
standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty,
and for the families awaiting their safe return.

Pray also for the defeat of our enemies, foreign and domestic.

God Loves Marines

http://www.godlovesmarines.com/

Three Years is Too Long...Save Darfur

There are two events that are coming up rather soon, and you should prepare if you plan on attending.

The first event shall be on September 9, 2006. There is going to be a demostration (peacefully, I pray) at noon by the White House. It is being held by Africa Action.

The second event shall be held on September 17, 2006. This is going to be a worldwide demonstration of unity in the hopes and prayers to put an end to the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. For more details, please visit Day for Darfur.

Editor's Note: I pray that this is a peaceful demonstration with the Darfurians in the frontmost of the minds of all people. If it is not, I condemn it. We do not need anymore Bush-bashing while Iran is getting stronger with its nuclear technology.

Can we please, for once, think of the people for whom you are protesting? Stop the genocide. Then do what you will. Don't waste the people's time who truly want to help the Darfurians. They do not have the time to spare.

Category: Darfur, Sudan.

The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 5

This is the fifth and final part to this series with Mr. Jay McGinley. Today we are going to talk a little bit about Jay. It would have some information about the man who has given so much information and passion into this series. Please read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 to further your education.

The questions will be in bold type, and the answers will be in plain type. Shall we jump right in to this final interview? Okay.

Good evening, Mr. McGinley. We are coming to the conclusion of this interview, and I would like to thank you for your courtesy. Oh, it was my pleasure. The press has been ignoring me, and maybe this can start the catylist necessary to wake up the people? I certainly hope so. It is definitely a worth cause. Are you ready? Yes. Let's get started.

20. How old are you? Why now? What stirred you to become an activist?
I'll be fifty-five years old in October of this year. As a youth I was introduced to Jesus and I fell in love. I was born to wealth and as my late teens and early twenties came, I moved out from the loving cacoon formed by my extraordinary biological father. I allowed myself to be seduced by the lies of the "American Dream" of independence, take care of yourself, get comfort, get safety, get sex, get power, get a career, squander it all on your biological family and abandon and exploit all others."

I never became a bad man, but I stopped viewing the teachings of Jesus, the Son of God, as something to be lived literally. About twelve years ago I experienced what was our Father's call: "I did not put you here to make rich people richer, nor to teach your biological family that only they are family. All people are your family. Go and serve them."

Within 4 years I had moved from my computer executive career path and was a Guidance Counselor in arguably the lowest performing, largest elementary school in the country, fighting for the lives and spirits of these doomed kids. That took everything I had physically and materially. A loving non-biologiclly related family that I knew very casually read of my plight on the front of the Philadelphia Inquirer and made me part of their family.

By working in their furniture business, I nursed back to health. Then I became aware of Darfur from a Nicholas Kristof article in the NY Times. That was over two years ago.

Even as a child I saw that the world should have come to a standstill if need be to stop the Holocaust. Now I saw Genocide on my watch. I would do anything and everything in my power, I would put my life on the line to stop the Genocide. I have marched on the DC mall solo 2 summers ago. Hunger striked for Darfur 20 days last summer.

Sent over 10,000 emails to faith organizations on the east coast, colleges and universities around the country.

21. Who is your inspiration to being doing this? Who is it you admire?
Jesus most of all. Gandhi, for whom Jesus was the greatest practitioner of his religion "Selfless Love," Dr. King, and Teresa of Calcutta.

22. To be fair, what kind of a job do think President Bush is doing as far as Darfur?
Every president that has faced Genocide has been atrocious. Never has one exercised his moral leadership and risked considerable political capital to get out in front and lead the people on the issue. This includes President Bush. However, Darfur comes on the heals of the [20] year slaughter of non-Arab Christians in Southern Sudan. It took these [20] years of slaughtering Christians to penetrate the consciousness of US Christians, but it finally happened. As a consequence Darfur is on the mind of these same Christians and they have mobilized to make it clear to the administration about this is Genocide and they have a desire that action be taken. Bush has happily responded.

He still has not taken substantial risks on their behalf, but neither have we "we the people". So I blame us more than I blame Bush. We are the problem. We are also the solution. We owe him a mandate, and he has given every indication that he and the Congress would happily accede to our pleas. They could and would apply all political power toward getting the 20-30,000 peace keepers on the ground. but we must speak loudly for that mandate...now.

23. Have you had an opportunity to speak to the Black Causes? Have they tried to speak with you? Do they know of your existence and purpose? How?
My experience with the Black Cause is limited to 3 that were here in President's park participating in a small rally conducted by Africa Action. I approached 2 of the 3 and because I was not a dignitary, someone that could help their selfish interests, only someone that had sacrificed everything for their Darfur brothers and sisters, they almost literally ran away from me. Kind of like you move away from garbage.

24. Is there anything I missed about the situation in Darfur?
I think you covered everything.

25. Feel free to add anything I have not asked for which you think is important for the people to know. Please feel free to go on and on and on. (lol).
I went on an on above. I am extremely fatigued today. After 24 days with no food really hit me for the first time. Sorry I've not done a better job. Please use your editorial license. It is sorely needed

There are a few notes I would like to add. In the first place, the number of murdered Darfurians claimed to be at 400,000 is the same number I wrote about in May of 2005! Now either I'm claravoyant (I am not) or no one else has died. Neither of these claims are true. I believe we are seeing another Rwanda. Must we wait for the movie to come out before we grieve?

Jay can be reached for comment at JyMcGinley@cs.com. He also has his own website at Stand with Darfur, White House.

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.

Chavez v Rosalas on Dec. 3, 2006

December 3, 2006, there will be an election in Venezuela, and Gov. Rosalas is challenging Mr. Chavez for the seat of president which is a six year term.

While the polls have Rosalas at 9% and Chavez at 56%, Gov. Rosalas realizes he has an uphill battle. One which he is willing climb.

"The government wants to be the owner of all private property," Rosales said. "We will distribute land to the peasants, but we will buy it in such a way as to respect the principle of private property, just as we will respect those of human rights and social justice." [continue reading (free reg. required)]

While he is considered a Social Democrat, he sounds more like a American Conservative! Mr. Chavez is far Left in his political persuasions. He also hates America.

This is one of the reasons it would be a terrible mistake to allow Venzuela to obtain the South American seat in the UNSC!

Category: Venezuela.

Chavez delusional; insists US is spying

Once again, Venezuelans has been given to delusional thoughts of granduer by their president, Mr. Chavez. He is a very unstable leader, and this unstability leads to dangerous situations.

Mr. Chavez has been trying to tighten ties with Iran and North Korea. He hates the United States, and he believes we are trying to crush him. I only wish we would.

Fox News has an article today: Chavez Says Venezuela Captured Four U.S. Spies. Quite interesting, if you have been keeping up with the calamity known as Venezuela. Unfortunately, I have not written articles about what I've read.

I do, however, have a a few links that will allow you to keep up to date if you would like. Caracas News, Full Coverage: Venezuela (Yahoo News), and Planeta.com. This last one covers all the countries in South America, so if you are interested, help yourself. lol.

There are many stories out there right now that may be of concern:

• Venezuela’s Candidacy for UNSC Appears on Track. Thu, Aug. 17, 2006.
• Chavez's challenger rallies thousands in Venezuelan capital.

I am not interested in telling the world how lovey-dovey Chavez and Castro are/were. There are some articles about that in Caracas.com. If you'd like, that's were you'll find them. Have a great day.

Category: Venezuela, The UN and News.

Germany arrests another terrorist suspect

This is an ongoing threat from the plot to blow up an abandon building where two bombs were found. Over at Little Green Footballs (LGF), this story was broken to this newspaper.

German police have arrested a suspect in the attempted Islamic terror attack on German trains: Police detain suspect in July bomb plot-report. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)

That report starts as follows:

BERLIN (Reuters) - German security forces have taken into custody a suspect linked to last month’s failed plot to explode bombs on German trains, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

In a preview of an article to appear in Bild am Sonntag on Sunday, the paper cited security sources as saying one of two suspects in the case had been seized in the northern city of Kiel and was being questioned by police.

Earlier on Saturday, the train station in Kiel was shut down for five hours. Police said the move was linked to the investigation into two bombs that were discovered in abandoned suitcases on trains in Dortmund and Koblenz last month.

Our gratitude is extended to the German security forces. We do not wish to have anyone suffer the fate we in America suffered on September 11, 2001. Thank God no one was hurt, and the terrorist(s) are behind bars where they belong.

Hat tip: LGF.

Category: Germany and Terrorism.

The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 4

Today we are going to take a trip halfway across the world to Darfur, Sudan. What is life like for these people? Is there any help? What are people doing? These are a few of the many questions that will be answered today.

I have asked Jay many questions about the conditions. What he may have missed, I may be able to help. Either way, I hope you take away from this series an education not only why Jay is on a hunger strike, but why these people need our help...now.

The bold type will be my questions, and the plain type will his answers. Here are Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Here we go.

Good afternoon Mr. Jay McGinley. How are you doing today? I am feeling very tired, but my spirits are high. That keeps me going. Would you like to continue, or would you prefer to wait? I'm ready to move forward. My family in Darfur has no rest, and they cannot afford for me to rest. Good answer. Let us begin.

11. Is the African Union (AU) able to protect an area the size of France withonly 7000 men?
The most conservative estimates are 20,000[-30,000] troops with a Chapter 7 mandate to use force. Sudan Reeves has the most authoritative analysis. Eric Reeves is a Smith College professor dying of cancer. He has mortgaged his house so he can afford to spend what days and months he has left keeping Darfur on the world stage through his authoritative studies and articles.

12. Do you think the UN is helping, hurting, or remaining neutral on Darfur? Please explain.
There is no UN. Actually, there is no US Government in Washington. There is only we the people of the world and the United States. I am trying to be neither cute, trite nor mystical in this response. We the people of the world are the government, whether or not we are in a democracy. This was Gandhi's great genius. If the people exert their will with enough resolution the Government must follow.

The streets of the world are empty of people delivering their unmistakable mandate to their officials to see that 20-30,000 UN peacekeepers be put on the ground in Darfur with a Chapter 7 mandate (ability to use force) NOW.

The UN is not the problem. "We the people" are both the problem, and we are the solution. Now, having said that, China and Russia are problems. They both have preferential relationships regarding Sudanese oil, and they are worried that UN intervention could cause sanctions that would get in the way of their profits. We have to do a better job of convincing them that genocide is unacceptable.

13. Is the AU allowed to use force against the Janjaweed militia of the Islamic government?
The AU has no authority to use force. They are window dressing to enable the neglect of we brothers and sisters around the world.

14. What religion are the Black Darfurians?
The 3,000,000 in Southern Sudan that were exterminated by el Bashir were non-Arab Christians. But he is an equal opportunity butcher. In Darfur they are Muslums like him, but the fact that they are non-Arabs makes them fair game.

15. What is your opinion of this new peace deal that only the SLA signed on to?
As it stands it is entirely inadequate. If it is not enhanced to better represent the needs of the Darfur people (not just the war lords who are themselves as evil as Bashir) it is a time killer. However it can be enhanced and if so done, and then enforced it will be a benefit.

16. How much area does the leader of the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) control?
Minni Minnawi, who with his entourage came to meet with me two days ago, represents 4% of the Darfuries, but as much of 80% of the rebel fighting force.

17. Why did the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) refuse to sign on to the peace deal?
The two that did not sign on had selfish reasons, but the truly selfish leader was Minnawi I fear. He cut the deal for himself. The others saw that it was profoundly unjust and inadequate for their people. Too little protection. Too little of the country's oil wealth. Too little representation.

18. How many Armies are in Darfur? How much terrority do they control?
The armies control little if any territory, if you mean the so called rebel armies. I think there were three Minnawi's SLA remains separate, and the other 2 have merged. I think the other two may, may more truly represent the masses.The Janjaweed is the only one truly in control of territory all of it.

19. Is there any fighting between these Armies?
Yes, there is constant fighting for territory and influence, largely so that the "leaders" can have wealth and power when the dust settles. There are no good guys that I can see. Only innocent, totally abandoned victims.

Editor's note: I understand there is much to take in and grasp. I also realize that I may not have placed the questions and answers in the best, logical way. Aside from that, please let me know if you have any questions.

Jay had a press release today! You will find it here. Thank you, and have a great day.

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.

News from the Middle East 8/18/2006

There is much 'news' coming from the Middle East; however, it appears some questions may soon be answered as to what are we actually facing. For example, do you remember the ruckus about the cartoons? So does Egypt.

Egypt's top Islamic cleric demands jail time for editor over Prophet cartoons.
Saturday, August 19, 2006.
Egypt's top Islamic leader on Friday called for the editor of Jyllands-Posten, the Danish daily that published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, to be imprisoned and for his newspaper to be closed down. "The satirical drawings of the Prophet Mohammad are one of the most serious crimes ever committed. The editor should be imprisoned for one, two or three years," Grand Sheikh Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi told Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende in an interview.

They are half a day ahead of us. There is also this article which speaks of a 'possible' failed terrorist attack in Germany.

Investigators link 'failed bomb attack' on German trains to Lebanon.
Saturday, August 19, 2006.
by Richard Heister.
WIESBADEN, Germany: German investigators said on Friday they suspected that homemade bombs found on two trains last month were a failed terror attack. In the wake of the revelation, Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble warned he could not rule out an attack on the German public transport system to rival the bombings in Madrid and London which killed dozens of passengers.

Jonah Goldberg has written a must read article about the conditions in the Middle East in comparison to the conditions Nazi Germany in the 1930's-40's. It is chilling.

The swastika and the scimitar.
Thursday, August 18, 2006.
The Jews everywhere are "the Muslim's bitter enemies," said a prominent Islamic leader. Throughout history, the "irreconcilable enemy of Islam" has conspired and schemed and "oppressed and persecuted 40 million Muslims," he said. In Palestine, the Jews are establishing "a base from which to extend their power over neighboring Islamic countries." And, he proclaimed, "this war, which was unleashed by the world Jewry," provided "Muslims the best opportunity to free themselves from these instances of persecution and oppression."

And that's just the first paragraph.

That should be enough to keep you busy for now. If you would care to read about the Military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, please go to DoD Daily News or DoD Daily News-2. The second one is where you will find the more lengthy, detailed articles. However, there are many good articles on the homepage (the first one). Thank you, and have a nice day.

Category: Egypt, Germany, Israel, Middle East and Blogger News.

France now sending 10 officer and 200 troops

After all the posturing during the peace talks at the United Nations, France may send only 10 officers and 200 troops to Lebanon? When the negotiations first started, one did not need a crystal ball to figure that there was not going to be a new, tough, 15,000 strong UN force to manage the Lebanese border and keep Hezbollah at bay. Imagine trying to get Euro-weenies to carry their weight and do something other than drink wine and talk BS.

Folks, France never wanted anything more than the right to claim command credit and to demand their share of the new UN support contract to feed and supply the additional 13,000 Blue Hats in Lebanon. Color me surprised that France disappointed the apologists at the United Nations with their significantly small troop contingent.

French President Jacques Chirac left open the possibility that France might eventually provide more soldiers. He did say that 1,700 French troops already positioned near Lebanon would be made available to the United Nations but would not be placed under UN control. It is quite probable that France's reconsideration of troop commitment was due to their fears over "reprisals from Syria or Iran" not to prevent hostilities between Islamofacists and Israel.

Lets face it, Chirac is trying to cover his dhimmis ass, if hostilities should break out in Lebanon or if Syria organizes a second front resistance. Chirac is not concerned about Israel's safety or that of the civilians in Lebanon when Hezbollah decides to run amok again. Chirac figures that the less French troops in the area, the less they can get hurt from running over each other as they stampede to the rear.

The white flag waving does not stop with France. The whole peace process was ill planned by the United Nations. There were no provisions to disarm Hezbollah and no meaningful rules of engagement. This is another half-assed United Nations operation destined to failure before it gets off the ground.

I hate to say this, but, Israel had better stand by for Act Two.

And the world of public opinion will condemn Israel instead of the the aggressors no matter what happens.

For additional information, please read: UN Officials Warns of Renewed Bloodshed in Lebanon by Haaretz News Service.

Technorati Tags: Hizbollah … Middle East … Terrorism … France … UN … United Nations … Iran … Islam … Terrorist … Anti Israel … Jacques Chirac … Chirac… Martyrdom fighters … Fighters of Muhammad … terror …terrorism … terrorist … war on terror
news … Insurgency … terror cell … counterterrorism … islamic extremists jihad … holy war … Islamists …muslims

The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 3

Today we will discuss the part that is played by the American press and the American people. Do you remember how it was that many we convinced people were convinced that going into Kosovo was the right thing to do? I did not. I did, however, keep it to myself after the war began.

We will continue the interview with Jay from here. Answers to questions 1, 2, and 3 can be found here, while answers to questions 4, 5, and 6 can be found here. We will cover questions 7, 8, 9, and 10 today. My questions shall be in bold type. His answers will be in normal type. Ready?

Good afternoon, Mr. Jay McGinley. Are you comfortable enough? Yes, thank you. Let us continue, then.

7. Do you believe the American people are aware of the seriousness of the Darfur situation?
Yes and no. It is said that the longest journey in the world is from the head to the heart. Millions upon millions of Americans have heard something about this situation, but almost none have allowed the information to travel from their head to their heart.

I am passionately convinced that the cowardly way we have reacted to the information is not what my brothers and sisters in America truly desire. I honestly believe that once they are raised to a courageous response, the joy that will be released in them will constitute their finest hour. It would be a turning point for our country. We would be back in the world's leadership in humanity and human rights that we always have aspired to fulfill.

8. Do you think the press is neglecting this issue?
I think everyone in this country is avoiding this issue. I think the press has ceased to be fighters for morality and truth, and they have become nothing more than entertainers.

They, too, have prevented the journey from the head to the heart. Also, unless some of us can successfully encourage their leadership, they will at some time in their life be ashamed and deeply regretful for the cowardice and inhumanity they are now providing.

9. Who is responsible for this apathy? Does it have anything to do with the lack of press attention?
When these politians want things to be noticed, they know how to manipulate the press. I am just one man who demands we save lives. The lives of my brothers and sisters in Darfur, Sudan.

Sure, if they aired news about the conditions of the refugee camps every night, there may be an outcry. That isn't happening. There have been attempts but when you have limitted resources, what else can you do but what I am doing?

10. Do you believe the hatred for President Bush is coloring how the press covers their stories and which ones they cover?
Frankly, I feel that there is little independent press left. None in the mainstream seems more than shameless entertainers and puppets of the establishment. They are entertainment workers with no courage, and they fear Bush' influence on their careers through their corporate owners.I believe that on Darfur, Bush is doing as well, or slightly better than any previous President facing Genocide and I feel the press is accurately reflecting this.

Editor's Note: It is very sad that no major paper will be responsible enough to step forward and step up for the people of Darfur, Sudan. It is shameful. President Bush, or whoever is president, should make the people aware that many people are dieing by the day. What is their crime? They are black, they live in Africa, and they are alive.

I really do not want to hear about how racist this country is when you cannot get this or do that, etc. These people are fighting for a meal, for their lives. Could you please tell me when is the last time you've had to flee your home, go to a refugee camp that was very dangerous, and even there you were not protected? If you have this story, we'll talk. If not, please help these people to be able to say the same.

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.

Will Syria attack the Golan?

According to an article in NewsMax, 'Syria President Assad Threatens War', Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has threaten to attack Israel to take back Golan. There appears to be some credence to that threat, as, Syria has staged it's military forces on the boarder near Golan Heights region.

After the dhimmis apologist and appeasement security agreement that worked out by the United Nations, Israel has begun to withdraw much of it's forces from their "high ground" in Lebanon. The Lebanese military who was unable to tame Hezbollah in the past is taking up key positions along Litani River, 18 miles from the Israeli border. However, Hezbollah has said point blank that they will not disarm. Sure sounds to me that it status quo in the Middle East. And the Islamos are dancing in the streets that they were victorious against Israel, you know, the country that was attacked by Iranian proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah..

There are no checks and balances to prevent Hezbollah from re-grouping, re-arming and moving back into a combat offensive posture. United Nations General Secretary, Kofi Annan, has urged the United Nations Security Counsel to ignore Hezbollah treaty violations and appears to embolden hostilities in the region.

Hezbollah appears to be playing a good public relations game, reminiscent of the rise of the Third Reich of Germany during the 1930s with their offer of (Iranian sponsored) reconstruction monies to each of displaced southern Lebanon families and are encouraging Lebanese youth to participate in educational youth programs; like the rise of the Storm Troopers and youth party in Germany. This is the making of a perfect storm in the Middle East.

Enter Syria, who shows open hostility toward Israel. The Syrian government daily Al-Thawra claimed Hezbollah had achieved a military victory over Israel, which "forced the Americans to make huge diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing [the victory] from being translated into a new political reality.” Syria is small enough not to invoke the wrath of the global community nor the involvement of the United States. Iran will sit idly by and supply the necessary arms and perhaps a few covert troops like they supplied to Hezbollah.

Does Iran's proxy government of Syria smell blood in the water? Do they believe that they have a "chance" of defeating Israel? T he world body of the United Nations appears to have no sympathies for the State of Israel. Would the ambivalence of the United Nations and world opinion hold off America from becoming involved if Syria decides to escalate a war with Israel for the Golan? Is Syria willing to gamble on it?

From a military strategist point of view, the timing may be perfect to escalate a Syria - Israeli war. Syria may get a pass from Kofi Annan and the dhimmis and apologists of the world.

Does anyone "see" the battlefield possibly taking shape? What would be the outcome?

Will Syria Attack Israel for Golan?

The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 2

Yesterday we focused on the condition of living in Darfur, Sudan. You will find that interview here. It is highly recommended reading to understand the purpose for this interview.

We covered three questions yesterday, as we will do today. These will be questions 4, 5, and 6. Mr. Jay McGinley was kind enough to answer many questions. I have grouped them into categories for such a series as this. His story is quite impressive, compelling, devastating, and long over due.

The questions will be in bold type, while the answers will be in normal type. Here we go...

Again, hello Mr. McGinley. Are you ready to continue? Yes, I am. Thank you.

4. Would you like to tell us why you are on a hunger strike for the people of Darfur, Sudan?
I reject the notion that we have no responsibility for our brothers and sisters, no matter their location or the color of their skin. Just as in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who is my neighbor? Those who live next door to me? Should I treat those who do not live next door by a different standard?

I am a desciple of Jesus. He was explicit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others all that you would have them do unto you. As you do unto the least of these, My family, you do unto Me. This is in my heart. People in Darfur are my family. For those who do not have faith or have a different faith, it is the Golden Rule.

When your family is in jeapordy, you do all you can to find a solution. All parties involved are calling for: "20,000 to 30,000 UN Peacekeeping Troops on the ground with a Chaper 7 mandate" (empowered to use force) to protect and make these people's land safe again for living and farming.

You do all you can to make your fellow citizens aware of the problem and get them involved in solving it. I want a mandate from our administration. Many, many people do. One that demands that Congress and the White House will apply all pressure necessary on Sudan's President el Bashir. He must be pressured into allowing the peacekeepers and aid workers in, unmolested, to do their jobs.

According to Samantha Power's Pulitzer prize winning analysis of the last 100 years of genocide (Problem from Hell), the battle to stop genocide has always been lost on the field of public opinion in the US. We have the power, but we as a citizenry have never raised the will. We have never found the courage to step out of our comfort zone and registered our mandate with our elected officials.

So what can you do? You set about to raise the courage among your fellow citizens.

I believe in nonviolent warfare in general, and certainly in the struggle to raise courage among "we the people."

In all of the important such struggles in this country - Civil Rights, Womens' Suffrage, Anti-Apartheid - a small group of people have stood up with tremendous courage, giving an example to millions who then stood up with them. This substantial courage unmistakably forced the tides of change. They stated their mandate to the elected officials, and they were heard.

I am calling for an all out nonviolent campaign, here in the US, to raise the mandate that I know our elected officials want to see. I believe some of us need to pay a personal price. I am leading by example. That is why I am on Hunger strike.

5. What do you hope to accomplish? When will you feel you haveachieved your goal?
As Gandhi said, "Full effort is full victory." Our Heavenly Father is not going to ask me if I stopped the Genocide. What He will ask me is whether I did everything in my power to try to stop it. This is what I hope to achieve: "...doing all that I would have them do unto me.

I want to raise awareness so that others will have a similar level of commitment and sacrifice. That would spark hundreds of thousands to register their mandate through nonviolence but unmistakeable personal sacrifice, so the administration would have the mandate they need to push forward.

Specifically I want to see that which will be the catalyst to raise our will - 20 to 500 of us will gather in August at the White House for either a mass hunger strike or a rolling one. It is possible there may be nonviolent arrests, but these will instill in our brothers and sisters around the country the urgency of the situation and the courage to stand up for Darfur.

The Save Darfur Coalition is planning to meet in NYC on September 17, 2006. With this August's action, we can deliver to the rally 100,000 to 300,000 people that have sufficient courage to undertake whatever remaining nonviolent civil disobedience is necessary so that the 20-30,000 UN Peacekeepers needed by our Darfur family are deployed to Darfor without further delay.

6. How many days have been on this hunger strike?
Today is day 91 of the round the clock vigil for Darfur at the White House. Today is Day 40 of the Hunger strike. I intend to go through Day 60 on Hunger Strike. This will put me in extreme harms way. This is where a soldier fighting for his brothers and sisters belongs. But I have a good chance of surviving, and a good soldier is neither reckless or suicidal. I am neither.

Editor's Note: I disagree with Jay's position that it does not matter what we accomplish as long as our intentions are good, but he is a fine man with a great big heart. I'm sure I misunderstood. After all, I don't see anyone else out there making their point of view known about the genocide in Darfur!

This is a very intriguing interview. Tomorrow we will discuss the press and the awareness of the American public. You will be amazed by some of his answers. Stay tuned...

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.