THE VIRGINS
Someone is promising the suicide bombers that he will get virgins when he blows himself up for the cause! Who is crazy enough to believe that? Who is crazy enough to think anyone else would believe that? Does this make sense?
Have you noticed how quirky life is? This is another quirk; worse, it's laughable. Jokes are made about it; and, no one seems to get the number of Virgins right. I've heard 17 and I've heard 72. But, let's take 72 as the final figure.
Would you want to be trapped in a room with 72 Virgin Teenagers? Without being supplied with earplugs. And, don't make them angry; they can be vicious.
How about, the door to Paradise opens and there they are. . .72 octogenarians! Every one of them are warty and ugly.
How about an error in the rumor? It's really 72 VIRGINians.
You might not be getting what you think you are. So, be careful what you wish, you might get it. Personally, I picture 72 VIRGINS, all are. . . . . CONCRETE.
Veteran Blog watcher and commenter STEVE emailed, "Concrete virgins would be worse than old and ugly so I give the bigger laugh to you."
Thanks, Steve.
by Max
Friday, April 23, 2004
AT KURDO'S SITE
That will be the biggest mistake that Kurds could do. Why should we fight Arabs in Iraq? That will only lead us to civil war. At this stage Kurds have to improve their friendship with the rest of Iraqi people. 182.000 Kurds were killed by Saddam’s regime. We have enough of war, no war anymore. We have to work hard for a better future for our children instead of fighting in Falluja. Let the American fight for the Iraqi oil, not the Kurds.
Rashaan 04.22.04 - 6:34 pm | #
First, I have to say what I have thought often and said frequently: We respect and admire the Kurds. You have accomplished so very much. There should have been bus tours of your area to show people how it is done, and what to do. You are amazing.
It isn’t just fighting Arabs in Iraq. It’s fighting against all those who would put you back; thereby, putting your children and grandchildren back into the cauldron and applying the flame. The good people can stand together or “hang separately.” Not pleasant, but it seems to be the way the world is these days.
Rashaan, if we are fighting for Iraqi oil, we are really, really stupid. We have paid Billions in attempting this. Did you see the ticker at Sarmad’s site: Sarmad down the left side near the bottom?
The Cost of War is ticking off about $1,000 a second. Estimates are a cost of one Billion a month, at least. We could buy a lot of oil for that, and we wouldn’t have dead soldiers. We can buy oil elsewhere; but, where do we buy back our dead soldiers?
This is the fight for your children, down several generations. Fallujah aside (we should be able to handle that,) you are needed for the unity of Iraq in the name of the good Iraqis—those who care about the future, and the children of the future.
That will be the biggest mistake that Kurds could do. Why should we fight Arabs in Iraq? That will only lead us to civil war. At this stage Kurds have to improve their friendship with the rest of Iraqi people. 182.000 Kurds were killed by Saddam’s regime. We have enough of war, no war anymore. We have to work hard for a better future for our children instead of fighting in Falluja. Let the American fight for the Iraqi oil, not the Kurds.
Rashaan 04.22.04 - 6:34 pm | #
First, I have to say what I have thought often and said frequently: We respect and admire the Kurds. You have accomplished so very much. There should have been bus tours of your area to show people how it is done, and what to do. You are amazing.
It isn’t just fighting Arabs in Iraq. It’s fighting against all those who would put you back; thereby, putting your children and grandchildren back into the cauldron and applying the flame. The good people can stand together or “hang separately.” Not pleasant, but it seems to be the way the world is these days.
Rashaan, if we are fighting for Iraqi oil, we are really, really stupid. We have paid Billions in attempting this. Did you see the ticker at Sarmad’s site: Sarmad down the left side near the bottom?
The Cost of War is ticking off about $1,000 a second. Estimates are a cost of one Billion a month, at least. We could buy a lot of oil for that, and we wouldn’t have dead soldiers. We can buy oil elsewhere; but, where do we buy back our dead soldiers?
This is the fight for your children, down several generations. Fallujah aside (we should be able to handle that,) you are needed for the unity of Iraq in the name of the good Iraqis—those who care about the future, and the children of the future.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Death threats to Almuajaha members
by Majid A.Jarrar
Situation just can't keep going down and down... the society still can't figure how and where to express its anger
After broadcasting the 2nd episode of "Bridges to Baghdad" program done by HBO TV soon after the end of the war and broadcasted on Channel two last Thursday, two members from the core of Al-Muajaha staff who participated in that episode received several death threats from an anonymous group.
It is believed that those death threats were made by followers of the formal regime, after listening to what the Iraqi part of the episode mentioned about how unjust the government of Saddam was.
The members who got threatened and didn’t wish to have their named published said that they were pursued by group of strangers several times. One of them was attacked once but hardly managed to get away.
Under this difficult situation, and with such circumstances, those members have no choice but to quit their jobs and try to disappear, or leave the country. This will certainly affect the work of almuajaha project, and will certainly inflame more of anger in the rest of the group.
by Majid A.Jarrar
Situation just can't keep going down and down... the society still can't figure how and where to express its anger
After broadcasting the 2nd episode of "Bridges to Baghdad" program done by HBO TV soon after the end of the war and broadcasted on Channel two last Thursday, two members from the core of Al-Muajaha staff who participated in that episode received several death threats from an anonymous group.
It is believed that those death threats were made by followers of the formal regime, after listening to what the Iraqi part of the episode mentioned about how unjust the government of Saddam was.
The members who got threatened and didn’t wish to have their named published said that they were pursued by group of strangers several times. One of them was attacked once but hardly managed to get away.
Under this difficult situation, and with such circumstances, those members have no choice but to quit their jobs and try to disappear, or leave the country. This will certainly affect the work of almuajaha project, and will certainly inflame more of anger in the rest of the group.
STRANGE ACTIVITY
In highlighting Faiza's material for reference, there appears to be a quirk. When the post is tranferred into the blogger site, it changes the quotes, dashes, etc. into a question mark. This happened before at the almuajaha.com site. Just some added fun to make this more difficult than it would have been.
In highlighting Faiza's material for reference, there appears to be a quirk. When the post is tranferred into the blogger site, it changes the quotes, dashes, etc. into a question mark. This happened before at the almuajaha.com site. Just some added fun to make this more difficult than it would have been.
FAIZA'S FREEDOM 3. (deception and suspicion)
And I want to turn the American administration's attention to an important thing that was said some days ago. Iraqis aren't stupid. And they cannot be dealt with upon that basis. Because during all the years of Saddam Hussein, we learnt how to live to governments and deceive. We learnt all the means and methods, and we will accept no more that people will deceive us. . .
I?m not sure what was said "some days ago;" but, if the question were, "Do Americans believe Iraqis are stupid?". . .I would have to tell you that Americans have not been describing Iraqis as "stupid." However, please take into account that there are hundreds of millions of Americans; and, somewhere there may be some who feel that way; but, generally speaking, . . .no.
It appears to have taken great resilience, and deception, and manipulation, to have survived in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Many people were able to come through those dark years in a sleep without hope; and now, they are energized, and filled with hope for the future. Others are still reeling from the experience. Still others are afraid to hope. If you had the means and methods, and learned how to deceive, you may not be able to trust at all. There will be suspicion attached to everything; and so, many others will wait and wait--in a state of suspended animation.
. . .Who respects us, we will respect and trust them, and we will be loyal and sincere to them. And who ever hurts us or disrespects us - we will turn their lives into hell. And the days that passed witnessed that.
If only it were that straight-forward. There is such hatred in the ME for much that is western. Where we may admire your culture, and some of your traditions, we might be met with absolute hatred of our culture and traditions. Respect and trust are earned and do not necessarily come automatically. Disrespect is a more active and possibly could be intended or could be accidental—because of differences between two cultures/traditions. When hatred is involved all actions could be interpreted as intended, when they were (actually) accidental. Hatred can shade everything.
And I want to turn the American administration's attention to an important thing that was said some days ago. Iraqis aren't stupid. And they cannot be dealt with upon that basis. Because during all the years of Saddam Hussein, we learnt how to live to governments and deceive. We learnt all the means and methods, and we will accept no more that people will deceive us. . .
I?m not sure what was said "some days ago;" but, if the question were, "Do Americans believe Iraqis are stupid?". . .I would have to tell you that Americans have not been describing Iraqis as "stupid." However, please take into account that there are hundreds of millions of Americans; and, somewhere there may be some who feel that way; but, generally speaking, . . .no.
It appears to have taken great resilience, and deception, and manipulation, to have survived in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Many people were able to come through those dark years in a sleep without hope; and now, they are energized, and filled with hope for the future. Others are still reeling from the experience. Still others are afraid to hope. If you had the means and methods, and learned how to deceive, you may not be able to trust at all. There will be suspicion attached to everything; and so, many others will wait and wait--in a state of suspended animation.
. . .Who respects us, we will respect and trust them, and we will be loyal and sincere to them. And who ever hurts us or disrespects us - we will turn their lives into hell. And the days that passed witnessed that.
If only it were that straight-forward. There is such hatred in the ME for much that is western. Where we may admire your culture, and some of your traditions, we might be met with absolute hatred of our culture and traditions. Respect and trust are earned and do not necessarily come automatically. Disrespect is a more active and possibly could be intended or could be accidental—because of differences between two cultures/traditions. When hatred is involved all actions could be interpreted as intended, when they were (actually) accidental. Hatred can shade everything.
FAIZA?S FREEDOM 2. (hope)
I hope these upcoming days come with peace for Iraq and Iraqis, and for everybody who loves them and wants to help them.
Is the quote "Hope springs eternal in the heart of man?" (I have a book which would tell me. It?s here somewhere?hiding among other books.) Well, close enough for the idea. Martin Luther King, Jr. had "A Dream." Robert F. Kennedy saw possibilities and asked, "Why not?" I have HOPE.
You have HOPE; so do I. HOPE that through the next decades, the world will be able to come to some new understanding, have better dreams and actions for the people. HOPE that the good people in this world will join together for one thing: to rid the world of terrorism and suicide bombs, which kill tens, to hundreds, to potentially thousands, of people who do not deserve these heinous acts to be performed on them. I have the HOPE that WE THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH will not tolerate, will shout NO, NEVER AGAIN. I HOPE that the people of the earth will look into the face of the end of civilization with defiance, and will not go quietly back through time to the era of Genghis Kahn, Hitler, Stalin; and will not go forward into a future of domination by TERRORISM.
[Terrorism is the activity of murdering or maiming (with intent and malice) as many innocent human civilians as possible; and, the intent to threaten the remaining civilians with similar acts for the terrorist's own purpose--retaliation and/or heinous acts against civilians.]
I hope these upcoming days come with peace for Iraq and Iraqis, and for everybody who loves them and wants to help them.
Is the quote "Hope springs eternal in the heart of man?" (I have a book which would tell me. It?s here somewhere?hiding among other books.) Well, close enough for the idea. Martin Luther King, Jr. had "A Dream." Robert F. Kennedy saw possibilities and asked, "Why not?" I have HOPE.
You have HOPE; so do I. HOPE that through the next decades, the world will be able to come to some new understanding, have better dreams and actions for the people. HOPE that the good people in this world will join together for one thing: to rid the world of terrorism and suicide bombs, which kill tens, to hundreds, to potentially thousands, of people who do not deserve these heinous acts to be performed on them. I have the HOPE that WE THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH will not tolerate, will shout NO, NEVER AGAIN. I HOPE that the people of the earth will look into the face of the end of civilization with defiance, and will not go quietly back through time to the era of Genghis Kahn, Hitler, Stalin; and will not go forward into a future of domination by TERRORISM.
[Terrorism is the activity of murdering or maiming (with intent and malice) as many innocent human civilians as possible; and, the intent to threaten the remaining civilians with similar acts for the terrorist's own purpose--retaliation and/or heinous acts against civilians.]
FAIZA'S FREEDOM (explanation)
Is it possible to build a bridge with most of the construction from one side of the water? Answer: maybe.
Attempting to build a bridge presents the opportunity to construct a bridge. If no attempt is made, no bridge could be built. The project under construction is the attempt to build a one-sided bridge, most of the way, and see what happens. If, at any time, those on the other side of the water wish to pitch in and help it might be possible to build a bridge over the water which could be reinforced and eventually become solid, sturdy, and very useful for both sides.
The first attempt to build a bridge will be responses to the post of April 21. There may be long responses to some paragraphs, short or no response to other paragraphs. It is what it is; it is the attempt to build a one-sided bridge (as far as possible in the time I have.)
Is it possible to build a bridge with most of the construction from one side of the water? Answer: maybe.
Attempting to build a bridge presents the opportunity to construct a bridge. If no attempt is made, no bridge could be built. The project under construction is the attempt to build a one-sided bridge, most of the way, and see what happens. If, at any time, those on the other side of the water wish to pitch in and help it might be possible to build a bridge over the water which could be reinforced and eventually become solid, sturdy, and very useful for both sides.
The first attempt to build a bridge will be responses to the post of April 21. There may be long responses to some paragraphs, short or no response to other paragraphs. It is what it is; it is the attempt to build a one-sided bridge (as far as possible in the time I have.)
FIAZA’S FREEDOM 1:
The dialogue is open to return trust to the two sides. And there is a way to talk, and it must remain open, like lines of communications or bridges to bridge distances, to explain mysterious events. Because ignorance in the other causes enmity, and ignorant people are enemies, or or that’s how the saying goes.
In these difficult times, we need to struggle to come together as people who care. Regardless of political positions, the importance of working together for a better Iraq overcomes some of the political positions. Can enemies become friends? Can the ignorant gain knowledge? Much is possible except a clear knowledge of what the future holds; but, we can work very hard to shape the future toward good, away from bad. How we do this is as mysterious as the explanation of some of the mysterious events. We can only inspect it piece by piece, assess the event and try to come to some understand of the facts and the truth.
Bridge to Bridge: Can we do it? It is worth a try.
FIAZA: The dialogue is open to return trust to the two sides.
Trust is based on truth. If there is no truth, and no search for truth, there is little chance to develop trust—it can not be based upon lies, distortion, or twists. There are (at least) two sides to the issue of War in Iraq. For purposes of the discussion, it may be possible to compare Iraqi and American views, only. In a later discussion it could be possible to discuss other aspects of war—with a view toward additional group involved in the conflict and what they want.
FIAZA: like lines of communications or bridges to bridge distances
Could we build bridges, each from our own side, and arrive at a near spot in the middle? An interesting thought. There is no comments section in your blog, but possibly you might eventually consider adding one. It doesn’t seem likely, at the moment. Your view of the CMAR site as a poison site may prevent the addition of a comments section to your blog.
CMAR (in my view) was a site to provide the opportunity for others to respond to the blogs which have no comments section. Of course there will be nasty comments, and comments with which you would never agree; but, there were constructive comments, also. And, there is value in constructive comments. My view is: a blog is for the writer to express ideas and thoughts. If there was no expectation the blog would be viewed by others, there is an opportunity to check a blog which prevents the publication of the blog—it remains private. Not including a comments section leaves the reader with little possibility to respond and if the reader is in disagreement with a point (but not adamant) steam may build up with no vent to moderate the steam.
This steam is similar to the steam you may have felt while under the control of Saddam. Fears, worries, conclusions, constructive criticisms are stifled, prevented, contained—-causing steam to build. The freedom to express thoughts combined with the willingness of others to listen gives a mirror for your thoughts that you could not have without others who listen/read. Without feedback (responsive food for thought and idea exchanges) each person is lost in thought which may be narrower than it needs to be, which may lead to a perspective of truth which is not completely accurate. Actual truth may be a combination of truthful perspectives resulting in more than one truth.
So far, we agree on (at least) one thing: Iraq is for Iraqis; it is your country; you should rule it (hopefully with kindness, justice, wisdom, strength, and truth.) It is not Iran’s country; it is not Syria’s country; it is not Palestine’s country—it is IRAQI COUNTRY. It is for Iraqis to decide the destiny and participate in the Iraqi future.
Am I wrong? I believe this is what you believe. I believe that you do not feel this is what I believe.
The dialogue is open to return trust to the two sides. And there is a way to talk, and it must remain open, like lines of communications or bridges to bridge distances, to explain mysterious events. Because ignorance in the other causes enmity, and ignorant people are enemies, or or that’s how the saying goes.
In these difficult times, we need to struggle to come together as people who care. Regardless of political positions, the importance of working together for a better Iraq overcomes some of the political positions. Can enemies become friends? Can the ignorant gain knowledge? Much is possible except a clear knowledge of what the future holds; but, we can work very hard to shape the future toward good, away from bad. How we do this is as mysterious as the explanation of some of the mysterious events. We can only inspect it piece by piece, assess the event and try to come to some understand of the facts and the truth.
Bridge to Bridge: Can we do it? It is worth a try.
FIAZA: The dialogue is open to return trust to the two sides.
Trust is based on truth. If there is no truth, and no search for truth, there is little chance to develop trust—it can not be based upon lies, distortion, or twists. There are (at least) two sides to the issue of War in Iraq. For purposes of the discussion, it may be possible to compare Iraqi and American views, only. In a later discussion it could be possible to discuss other aspects of war—with a view toward additional group involved in the conflict and what they want.
FIAZA: like lines of communications or bridges to bridge distances
Could we build bridges, each from our own side, and arrive at a near spot in the middle? An interesting thought. There is no comments section in your blog, but possibly you might eventually consider adding one. It doesn’t seem likely, at the moment. Your view of the CMAR site as a poison site may prevent the addition of a comments section to your blog.
CMAR (in my view) was a site to provide the opportunity for others to respond to the blogs which have no comments section. Of course there will be nasty comments, and comments with which you would never agree; but, there were constructive comments, also. And, there is value in constructive comments. My view is: a blog is for the writer to express ideas and thoughts. If there was no expectation the blog would be viewed by others, there is an opportunity to check a blog which prevents the publication of the blog—it remains private. Not including a comments section leaves the reader with little possibility to respond and if the reader is in disagreement with a point (but not adamant) steam may build up with no vent to moderate the steam.
This steam is similar to the steam you may have felt while under the control of Saddam. Fears, worries, conclusions, constructive criticisms are stifled, prevented, contained—-causing steam to build. The freedom to express thoughts combined with the willingness of others to listen gives a mirror for your thoughts that you could not have without others who listen/read. Without feedback (responsive food for thought and idea exchanges) each person is lost in thought which may be narrower than it needs to be, which may lead to a perspective of truth which is not completely accurate. Actual truth may be a combination of truthful perspectives resulting in more than one truth.
So far, we agree on (at least) one thing: Iraq is for Iraqis; it is your country; you should rule it (hopefully with kindness, justice, wisdom, strength, and truth.) It is not Iran’s country; it is not Syria’s country; it is not Palestine’s country—it is IRAQI COUNTRY. It is for Iraqis to decide the destiny and participate in the Iraqi future.
Am I wrong? I believe this is what you believe. I believe that you do not feel this is what I believe.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
A HITCHENS MISTAKE
When fools say that the occupation has "united" Sunni and Shiite, they flatter the alliance between the proxies of the Iranian mullahs and the Saudi princes. And they ignore the many pleas from disputed and distraught towns, from Iraqis who beg not to be abandoned to these sadistic and corrupt riffraff. One might have seen this coming with greater prescience. But it would have made it even more important not to leave Iraq to the post-Saddam plans of such factions. There was no way around our adoption of Iraq, as there still is not. It's only a pity that the decision to intervene was left until so many years had been consumed by the locust.
SLATE
When fools say that the occupation has "united" Sunni and Shiite, they flatter the alliance between the proxies of the Iranian mullahs and the Saudi princes. And they ignore the many pleas from disputed and distraught towns, from Iraqis who beg not to be abandoned to these sadistic and corrupt riffraff. One might have seen this coming with greater prescience. But it would have made it even more important not to leave Iraq to the post-Saddam plans of such factions. There was no way around our adoption of Iraq, as there still is not. It's only a pity that the decision to intervene was left until so many years had been consumed by the locust.
SLATE
ABDUL YASSIM (Miniter, WSJ Article Ref. below)
Or, better, "Against All Evidence." Mr. Clarke misstates a range of checkable facts. The 1993 U.S. death toll in Somalia was 18, not 17. He writes that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed became al Qaeda's "chief operational leader" in 1995; in fact, he took over in November 2001. He writes (correctly) that Abdul Yasim, one of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers, fled to Iraq but adds the whopper that "he was incarcerated by Saddam Hussein's regime." An ABC News crew found Mr. Yasim working a government job in Iraq in 1997, and documents captured in 2003 revealed that the bomber had been on Saddam's payroll for years.
Or, better, "Against All Evidence." Mr. Clarke misstates a range of checkable facts. The 1993 U.S. death toll in Somalia was 18, not 17. He writes that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed became al Qaeda's "chief operational leader" in 1995; in fact, he took over in November 2001. He writes (correctly) that Abdul Yasim, one of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers, fled to Iraq but adds the whopper that "he was incarcerated by Saddam Hussein's regime." An ABC News crew found Mr. Yasim working a government job in Iraq in 1997, and documents captured in 2003 revealed that the bomber had been on Saddam's payroll for years.
IRAQ
Iraq. . .Iraq. . .Iraq. . . is the keystone. It is the hope for the ME future. Iraq, FIRST. Fix as many of the problems as we can; fight as many of the murderers as we can; hold the Coalition together as well as we are able; persist. . .continue. . .determinedly step-by-step with concrete resolve that we *must* accomplish the job.
Iraq is the focus; keep your eyes on it; and, your hearts with it. The killers realize that if Iraq goes into a good future it is a STAB at the heart of TERRORISM. The terrorists see it and are working vigorously to kill it in its infancy.
Iraq. . .Iraq. . .Iraq. . . is the keystone. It is the hope for the ME future. Iraq, FIRST. Fix as many of the problems as we can; fight as many of the murderers as we can; hold the Coalition together as well as we are able; persist. . .continue. . .determinedly step-by-step with concrete resolve that we *must* accomplish the job.
Iraq is the focus; keep your eyes on it; and, your hearts with it. The killers realize that if Iraq goes into a good future it is a STAB at the heart of TERRORISM. The terrorists see it and are working vigorously to kill it in its infancy.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
POV:
Iraq is the keystone, the center, the crossroads in the ME—geographically, and possibly economically in the future. It is a monumental task which, if it works, could jog the ME out of its pattern—out of its vicious cycle. The I/PC is a vicious cycle.
Nothing done over the last 56 years has changed the picture of the I/PC. If some progress is made, the other side will work hard to correct the situation; and, I don’t care which side you are on. It’s a stalemate; it’s been a stalemate; and it is STALE/STAGNANT.
Interesting turn of the phrase: “this is sticking a band aid onto a gaping wound.” It’s all in the perspective. I view this as an overwhelming effort (not a band aid) which is costing billions for the US. It is a huge military, economic, social campaign to change the picture for one country. All the resources available have been dedicated to this. It’s a monumental undertaking, seriously viewed as such, and worked on actively—everyday, all day, every week, all year. It is a medical operation, surgically removing a diseased tumor (Saddam & sons), cauterizing the wound to exterminate the germs (terrorists+), stitching it back together (IGC), applying more medication (to prevent the spread of Sadr), stapling the wound for extra strength (Interim Gov.), using nursing staff (NGOs/aid workers/construction workers) to care for and rehabilitate the patient. There are caring people who bring flowers and cards—well wishes.
All of the above, PLUS someone wants to kill the patient!
Iraq is the keystone, the center, the crossroads in the ME—geographically, and possibly economically in the future. It is a monumental task which, if it works, could jog the ME out of its pattern—out of its vicious cycle. The I/PC is a vicious cycle.
Nothing done over the last 56 years has changed the picture of the I/PC. If some progress is made, the other side will work hard to correct the situation; and, I don’t care which side you are on. It’s a stalemate; it’s been a stalemate; and it is STALE/STAGNANT.
Interesting turn of the phrase: “this is sticking a band aid onto a gaping wound.” It’s all in the perspective. I view this as an overwhelming effort (not a band aid) which is costing billions for the US. It is a huge military, economic, social campaign to change the picture for one country. All the resources available have been dedicated to this. It’s a monumental undertaking, seriously viewed as such, and worked on actively—everyday, all day, every week, all year. It is a medical operation, surgically removing a diseased tumor (Saddam & sons), cauterizing the wound to exterminate the germs (terrorists+), stitching it back together (IGC), applying more medication (to prevent the spread of Sadr), stapling the wound for extra strength (Interim Gov.), using nursing staff (NGOs/aid workers/construction workers) to care for and rehabilitate the patient. There are caring people who bring flowers and cards—well wishes.
All of the above, PLUS someone wants to kill the patient!
CHANGES ARE ACOMIN'
“The US, military and all, will still be there calling the shots on July 1st. What do you think a symbolic gesture of handing over sovereignity is going to change? If anything it will only emphasize the disconnect between what we say and what we do”. (Danya)
Yes, they will be there; No, they won’t call all the shots. The interim government will be making the day to day decisions of the government as a custodian (a temporary ruling body) to assist in a more orderly turn over of the government to the elected officials (in the early part of 2005.)
We are temporarily holding sovereignty but it was legally Iraq’s and now will (actually) be in the hands of Iraqis on July 1. Symbolic as it may seem, it is another step toward Iraqis (totally) in control of Iraqi affairs. There will be times when the Iraqi Interim Government say, “Don’t do that!” There will be times when the IIG says, “Do this!” There will be times when the US says, “No.” Between times, there will be some compromise but there will be more control in the hands of Iraqis—just where it will be in the future, and just as it should be.
”I don't want a crystal ball. I want to be pleasantly surprised if anything good comes of this. Otherwise I already know how it's going to go.” (Danya)
As rough as this has been for all, the one thing which seems to be true is that we (all) wish good for the Iraqi people. If you “already know how it’s going to go” and you don’t like that way, it seems reasonable to work harder to make the good happen. The politics should not stand in the way of making good happen for Iraqis. . .but, it will.
“The US, military and all, will still be there calling the shots on July 1st. What do you think a symbolic gesture of handing over sovereignity is going to change? If anything it will only emphasize the disconnect between what we say and what we do”. (Danya)
Yes, they will be there; No, they won’t call all the shots. The interim government will be making the day to day decisions of the government as a custodian (a temporary ruling body) to assist in a more orderly turn over of the government to the elected officials (in the early part of 2005.)
We are temporarily holding sovereignty but it was legally Iraq’s and now will (actually) be in the hands of Iraqis on July 1. Symbolic as it may seem, it is another step toward Iraqis (totally) in control of Iraqi affairs. There will be times when the Iraqi Interim Government say, “Don’t do that!” There will be times when the IIG says, “Do this!” There will be times when the US says, “No.” Between times, there will be some compromise but there will be more control in the hands of Iraqis—just where it will be in the future, and just as it should be.
”I don't want a crystal ball. I want to be pleasantly surprised if anything good comes of this. Otherwise I already know how it's going to go.” (Danya)
As rough as this has been for all, the one thing which seems to be true is that we (all) wish good for the Iraqi people. If you “already know how it’s going to go” and you don’t like that way, it seems reasonable to work harder to make the good happen. The politics should not stand in the way of making good happen for Iraqis. . .but, it will.
FAIZA's ORIGINAL PARAGRAPH from F’s Website
Bush led a war on Iraq in the name of God. He said that God sent him to undertake this war against Saddam and his oppression, and that he will give freedom to the Iraqis. Exactly like Saddam, when he announced a war on Kuwait, and placed God’s name on the Iraqi flag. God is innocent of what they do. And there are millions of ignorant, tricked idiots, running to clap and whistle. Doesn’t it appear to be a sight to make you laugh, and make you sad, at the same time? When will the ignorant wake up and not repeat mistakes already made by others?
Bush led a war on Iraq in the name of God. He said that God sent him to undertake this war against Saddam and his oppression, and that he will give freedom to the Iraqis. Exactly like Saddam, when he announced a war on Kuwait, and placed God’s name on the Iraqi flag. God is innocent of what they do. And there are millions of ignorant, tricked idiots, running to clap and whistle. Doesn’t it appear to be a sight to make you laugh, and make you sad, at the same time? When will the ignorant wake up and not repeat mistakes already made by others?
COMMENTS ON FAIZA’S PARAGRAPH: F’s Website
F-“Bush led a war on Iraq in the name of God. He said that God sent him to undertake this war against Saddam and his oppression, and that he will give freedom to the Iraqis.”
The words “God is on my side” are spoken frequently, and by many. It’s unlikely that God whispered in either ear—Saddam’s or Bush’s. I can assure you that God did not whisper in my ear about giving freedom to Iraqis. It is an important gift, and is far better than imprisonment. However, if the imprisoned view themselves as happy the gift will be refused. The prisoner will go back in the cell and slam the cell door shut. So, the question would be: was it a prison or a happiness to be under the control of Saddam’s regime?
F-“ Exactly like Saddam, when he announced a war on Kuwait, and placed God’s name on the Iraqi flag. God is innocent of what they do.”
This seems to be a true statement, upon which we both agree.
F-“ And there are millions of ignorant, tricked idiots, running to clap and whistle. Doesn’t it appear to be a sight to make you laugh, and make you sad, at the same time?”
Yes, the problem is to recognize which are sad and laughing, and which are tricked idiots (ignorant clappers and whistlers.) There are 3 categories: the right, the wrong, and the vicious. Most people are in the right or the wrong, while thinking they are in the right category. The third category is for those who don’t care whether or not they are in the right, or in the wrong; but, care only for themselves, their greed or their viciousness.
Fortunately, there don’t seem to be many people in category 3. Saddam Hussein and his sons seem to fall directly into category 3. Most people might agree. Terrorists are clearly in category 3—most of the world agrees. Many people would like to toss George Bush into category 3; but, it may be a little more difficult to do that. (I’ll leave the discussion of that one for another time.)
Most of us like to believe that we are in category 1—the right category. Many of us are in category 2—the wrong category. We all want to be in category 1. I suspect that most of us are on a huge highway interchange (cloverleaf with exits), speeding back and forth between right and wrong—tricked idiots (whistled at, cheered and jeered by those who have traversed the interchange or who are about to get into it.) And, it all happens while we are going about in circles through the interchange.
Category 3 (the vicious) claps when the masses get off at Exit “WRONG.” Restaurants, hotels and shopping support the vicious. Anyone who stops there provides funding for the vicious.
F-“ When will the ignorant wake up and not repeat mistakes already made by others?”
Who are the ignorant, which are asleep? Could we agree on what the mistakes were? Are the actions repeated mistakes, or new approaches to the old problems?
Faiza’s paragraph is “food for thought.” Is it a snack or a banquet?
F-“Bush led a war on Iraq in the name of God. He said that God sent him to undertake this war against Saddam and his oppression, and that he will give freedom to the Iraqis.”
The words “God is on my side” are spoken frequently, and by many. It’s unlikely that God whispered in either ear—Saddam’s or Bush’s. I can assure you that God did not whisper in my ear about giving freedom to Iraqis. It is an important gift, and is far better than imprisonment. However, if the imprisoned view themselves as happy the gift will be refused. The prisoner will go back in the cell and slam the cell door shut. So, the question would be: was it a prison or a happiness to be under the control of Saddam’s regime?
F-“ Exactly like Saddam, when he announced a war on Kuwait, and placed God’s name on the Iraqi flag. God is innocent of what they do.”
This seems to be a true statement, upon which we both agree.
F-“ And there are millions of ignorant, tricked idiots, running to clap and whistle. Doesn’t it appear to be a sight to make you laugh, and make you sad, at the same time?”
Yes, the problem is to recognize which are sad and laughing, and which are tricked idiots (ignorant clappers and whistlers.) There are 3 categories: the right, the wrong, and the vicious. Most people are in the right or the wrong, while thinking they are in the right category. The third category is for those who don’t care whether or not they are in the right, or in the wrong; but, care only for themselves, their greed or their viciousness.
Fortunately, there don’t seem to be many people in category 3. Saddam Hussein and his sons seem to fall directly into category 3. Most people might agree. Terrorists are clearly in category 3—most of the world agrees. Many people would like to toss George Bush into category 3; but, it may be a little more difficult to do that. (I’ll leave the discussion of that one for another time.)
Most of us like to believe that we are in category 1—the right category. Many of us are in category 2—the wrong category. We all want to be in category 1. I suspect that most of us are on a huge highway interchange (cloverleaf with exits), speeding back and forth between right and wrong—tricked idiots (whistled at, cheered and jeered by those who have traversed the interchange or who are about to get into it.) And, it all happens while we are going about in circles through the interchange.
Category 3 (the vicious) claps when the masses get off at Exit “WRONG.” Restaurants, hotels and shopping support the vicious. Anyone who stops there provides funding for the vicious.
F-“ When will the ignorant wake up and not repeat mistakes already made by others?”
Who are the ignorant, which are asleep? Could we agree on what the mistakes were? Are the actions repeated mistakes, or new approaches to the old problems?
Faiza’s paragraph is “food for thought.” Is it a snack or a banquet?
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