SADR SAYS continue

This morning's news (MSNBC) mentions that Sadr is calling for the fighters to continue after his death. His promotion of his own death may be premature.

Muqtada has little left: he could die fighting, he could run to Iran, he could give up and go directly to jail ("do not pass go.")

He is a failure. Iran doesn't seem to want him. Running to Iran may not be one of his options. Poor Muck has a problem.

Sistani may not be interested in his capture. One explanation was the arrest of a cleric (even with Sadr's absence of stature) would signal that clerics are subject to the law--not above the law. Poor Muck has another problem.

Now, it seems Muqtada is at the last option. He wants to be a martyr.

He does have one last option--the glorious state of DISAPPEARANCE. If he fades from the scene, leaves the country, he could live quietly. A difficult option for him, Muck would have to keep his head down for the rest of his life. And, no one would believe he would do that, so he might be chased.

Muqtada's BIG DREAM is a figment of his imagination.

IT'S SARIN

Looks like the testing is complete and it is SARIN. Now, there will be tests to determine how recently the Sarin was manufactured.

I'm not in favor of finding WMD after it has been used. And, this was used. . .on US.

It isn't accidental that we are coming into the summer/hot months. We will have to use the chem suits. I don't believe this shell was an accident; or the mustard gas two weeks ago; or the supposed chemical attack planned in Jordan.

I do wonder about the Anthrax in Mosul; and, the accuracy of the information about Syrians on the NK train with chemical materials. It looks like some intel was more accurate. Combine the mustard data, and the sarin data, with the planned chem attack reportedly involving chemicals from Syria, and add the possibility that some chemicals were being transferred to NK (on the destroyed train) and you have worry. . .in huge letters.

HORRIFYING HOAX

According to Majid (in his blog) his friend died. In Khalid's blog (link from Majid's) a cruel hoax was played on them.

I can't trust most of the information on the family's blogs; so, I'm not sure what to think about the truth of the whole thing. Someone wrote to Majid to tell him C was dead. Khalid's blog tells of C's friends who entered the apartment, used the computer, and told of C's death. They did it because C was friendly with Jarrars. If true, they wanted to hurt people.

It wouldn't be a surprise that we would have people like that in the US. It's no surprise that there are people like the Jarrars, in Iraq. People are biased, opinionated, stubborn and vocal complainers; people are also nasty, cruel, hurtful. Lots of scores for hatred.

MUSTARD GAS

The White House released information concerning a Mustard Gas Shell which had been found approximately two weeks ago.

FOX early reports do not indicate where the shell was found, or on which date. The information describes the shell as "inert" and fox reports that it was ineffective because it had not been stored properly.

ADDITIONAL ON SARIN SHELL:
The Sarin Shell was unmarked. One Chemical Engineer suspects that they did not know what they had. This was a binary shell, which would mix the agents, but the agents were not well mixed; therefore, it was not as deadly as it could have been.

There will be efforts to determine whether or not the shell was manufactured more recently. Zarqawi seems to be the prime suspect.

WMD Indication?

Samir Sumaida'ie (Interior Minister)says that we have the first indication that Saddam had WMD.

More than half the world thought Saddam had WMD; an overwhelming number of UN members thought Saddam had WMD; we thought Saddam had WMD; I thought Saddam had WMD.

We didn't find any. . .have we finally found some of the WMD? This is not the way I had hoped to find them. This event may terrify the already frightening Iraqis. It certainly isn't comfortable for the troops or the US; but, it should not change the efforts or the war. This should point out to all of US that we need to try harder, be more effective, and keep moving.

I have to wonder if this is one of the reasons we limited the number of soldiers in Iraq. It is difficult to support huge numbers of troops with everything they need. Therefore, it has seemed reasonable to keep troop strength at a reasonable level.

With the double flare-up, it was nasty for the troops expecting to go home to be retained in country. However, it may have been the most reasonable why to increase strength during the rotation. Continuity would be the expected result of the delayed rotation out.

AL JAZZ on SARIN?

Al Jazeera is covering the murder of Salim, the Iraqi Governing Council Member, but is not mentioning the finding of the shell with Sarin in it.

GEE JAZZ!! Wonder why you didn't mention the Sarin, yet. No, it's not a question because I don't care about the answer. You didn't and are busy trying to figure out how to spin it or ignore it.

GAZI GEORGE

On FOX, Gazi George (former scientist under Saddam) expressed his thoughts that he always knew weapons would be revealed (my words not his.)

George suggested that finding the shell on the western side of Baghdad near the airport means (to him) that the shell/shells would have come from Syria.

I wonder if they were in Fallujah all this time. Fallujah is an unsearched area. During the siege of Fallujah, Iraqis were able to get supplies into and out of Fallujah on the back roads (verified by Jo Wilding's trip.)

Is there more to Fallujah then a mere rebel stronghold? We don't know that Fallujah is not a weapons staging area and we may not know for a while. It's possible that Gazi George is correct that weapons were coming into Iraq from Syria. It's (also) possible that the weapons came from a stash hidden in Iran and brought back; Ijaz's belief; and, Fallujah could be involved--we don't know.

George is hoping that the bombers did not know what they had. One thing is true: they know now. So, it makes no difference--if they found one, they can find more.

WMD REMINDER (Fox)

FOX was reminding viewers about the previous report of weapons being transported from Iran into northern Iraq. Six to twelve reported chem warhead weapons. (this reduces it to 5-11)

Mansor Ijaz's reports are not always verified. He, along with many others, (make predictions) give information, that is unable to be proven. If he is correct this time, it would mean that Ansar Al-Islam could have pulled the weapons out of Iraq, into Iran, and brought them back.

The SARIN was (apparently) found on Saturday, according to Kimmit.(5/15)

SARIN IN SHELL

US Military finds Artillery Round with Sarin Nerve Agent in Iraq. The shell was rigged as an IED.

The former regime declared all of it destroyed. Apparently, all was not destroyed. Is anyone surprised?

It is reported to be a binary shell, which when they were in the attempt/approach to dismantle the shell exploded. A binary shell uses more than one agent and (apparently) mixes precusors into the agents for deadly chemical combination.

Early reports suggest that the bombers may not have known that the shell was chemical and used it from a found weapons cache. Well, they know now.

PRO-AMERICAN!!

GM’s Blog from Egypt

The attitudes of the Kurds lead us to ponder about who are the most pro-America people in the world. After listening to the news for several years, I can come up with this list:

1) Kurds

2) Eastern Europeans (USA helped them in defeating communism and establishing freedom; 100,000 Romanians stood in the pouring rain to listen to a speech by Bush)

3) Israelis

4) Older generation of South Koreans (those fought along with US soldiers so that they won’t end up starving under the yoke of the North Korean leader)

5) A large number of Iranians (the only Muslims who automatically held street vigils after 911 all by themselves)

6) French who live around Normandy!

7) A good number of Kuwaitis.

8) Secular Iraqis and moderate religious Iraqis.

One smart poster remarked that Americans would be at about 4.5.
That's sad. . .and possibly true.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

In the wake of the defeat of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the renunciation by Libya of its weapon of mass destruction (WMD) programs, the United States has begun to expand the scope of its nonproliferation activities to prevent the migration of former WMD scientists and workers from these countries to other dangerous nations or organizations.

Interesting, isn't it. We couldn't find any WMD in Iraq; and yet, we are trying to prevent "the migration of former WMD scientists and workers from these countries to other dangerous nations and organizations." Dead intellectuals all over Iraq (including scientists) and who could be left to proliferate?

The US did believe Iraq had WMD. Personally, I can't believe that Saddam would give them up. . .just that he would change the game. Saddam changed the game in other ways. I haven't heard a really good explanation of what happened, yet.

RUSSIAN HOSTAGES IN IRAQ?

Well, Al Jazeera is showing clips of (2) supposed Russian hostages. Remember the time a Russian was taken hostage and the Russians returned the body parts of the capture's family member? It took a long time for anyone to think of taking a Russian hostage.

We could hope that the Russians would announce that they were sending in thousands of troops. It would be a cure! It would help the Iraqis. It would help US. It would help the UN; it would help the AID workers.

Ah well, that would be too easy.

NORTH KOREA

I try to stay with Iraq. . .sometimes, it's difficult. There is a connection here (if only very vague.) I continue to offer Jan a bus ticket to N. Korea because he favors the despots. 8)

There is hints of much more mystery in the N. Korean train crash. The news is stating that there were Syrians aboard the train and that the Syrian section was the most damaged. It was mentioned that it was a chemical explosion, and there were workers dressed in chem suits around the train.

All this led to speculation that there was a chemical warhead on board that train, accompanied by Syrians. That whatever was carried on the train was part of Saddam's chemical weaponry, transferred to Syria and now hauled into N. Korea.

Truth? I don't know what the facts are, but someone suspects an International Shell Game of hide the weapons. Iran is watched; Libya gave up some of their WMD; Syria is under US Sanctions; and, it could be a logical transfer. . .or, a figment of the imagination.

Whatever it could be. . .it's very interesting!

AND THEY ALL WANT SOMETHING:

The anti-War movement wants. . . . . . .peace at any price.

The Democrats want . . . . . . . . . . . . to WIN the election.

The Leftists want . . . . . . . . . . . . .to tell everyone what to do.

The UN wants . . . . . . peace at any price; and, Oil for Fraud.

Saddam’s regime wanted. . . . .power, money, and control.

The Carnegie Endowment for INTERNATIONAL PEACE. . .peace at any price.

_______________________________________________

JAN questions:

Why did you neglect to put the "INTERNATIONAL PEACE" words in the Cargnegie Endowment's name? It distorts the view.

Why do you continuously attempt to prevent the Iraqis from an outcome which would permit their freedom of speech, while you enjoy freedom of speech so well?

You don't seem to want it for others; but you sure do appear to want it for yourself. The proof is your current screech accusing others of controlling your FREEDOM OF SPEECH. (now listed at the top of the posts in the side column)

[Jan thought there was a server foulup which prevented access to all the free speech sites he posted on a new thread.]

The hypocrisy is enough to make people laugh. (okay, I can't speak for everyone. . .but, it almost doubles me over.)

For entertaining reading and challenges, see Jan's post at almuajaha.com He's persistent, consistently anti-American, and it must take him hours to type the propaganda.

THE JAN BATTLE, again
(al muajaha)

(Jan was from Holland; is now in Australia.)

The latest comments on the Anti-American thread at AM show Jan (in typical anti- posture) telling readers that the US was late to the war, took the credit. He seems to promote the idea that the Russians suffered more, therefore, they get credit. It's not necessarily so. My response was:

Many suffered, in many different countries. Frequently, you attempt to share your contempt for the US by disregarding some of the facts. The contribution of the Russians was **detrimental (1939-41)** because they were on the other side acquiring countries (having signed a non-aggression pact with Germany); and then, they were fighting for their own lands from 1941-early 44. They were fighting to beat back the tyranny (in other parts of Europe for a little more than 18 months. You say we got their late, when we were supporting the British in their efforts, then in Dec. 1941 we took on the war in Japan and the war in Europe. Much of the territory invaded by Russia remained in the Communist Bloc until the USSR fell.

We acknowledged that we were fully engaged in the European Front just two months later than Russia. You accuse US of “late” to the war and taking all the credit. Well Jan, the “West” takes credit for saving you in Holland. The US was part of it; and yes, we take credit, too. If we had waited until VJ Day; you would have spoken German for a long time. And, we were not on the other side first.

We helped to free you; and you choose a path against the West—actively, sometimes feverously. You seem to favor the communist leaders, the socialist leaders, and the tyrants and despots. If you like all these things so well; why are you still living in the West? You breathe in the freedom, and spit out the noxious gas. Hypocritical!

BERG'S EMAIL

While looking for more information for the timeline, one site referred to January emails from Berg.

Philly

(You have to sign up--drawback)

Berg has been in Mosul looking for his uncle's (paternal uncle) brother(Moffak.)

My presence near Moffak made him more concerned (about his own safety and probably mine too) than I've been the entire time I've been here. Mosul is very calm - except for the Army convoys and check-points, you can't really tell there is an occupation. Baghdad every night you here IEDs and such, but here I've yet to here or see anything except a few aged craters

Apparently, Berg must have gone back to Mosul for business he mentioned, or to see his uncle's brother.

(still no further information about the second trip in March)
FOX interviewed Andrew Duke and Hugo Infanti (sp) during which Duke said he was one who added some confusion because Berg told him he was leaving through Turkey.

JOE, THE SOLDIER, SAYS:

JOE, THE SOLDIER, SAYS:

(via John Moore, via Amy Ridenour. . .from Joe)

[Note: I have not read all of this and am putting it up as I saw it. Thank you, Joe. We appreciate your information, your courage, and your service.]

-Joe

------------------------

The fighting we are engaged in against the uprising of Muqtada Al-Sadr is one that is extremely sensitive and risks catastrophe. Had we entered this previously, it would not have been possible for us to win. Over the months, we have been involved in preparations and much planning. Thus, today we are scoring amazing successes against this would-be tyrant.

I ask that the American people be brave. Don't fall for the spin by the weak and timid amongst you that are portraying this battle as a disaster. Such people are always looking for our failure to justify and rescue their constant pessimism. They are raising false flags of defeat in the press and media. It just isn't true.

Last year in April while the main war was still going on to defeat Saddam Hussein's military, I myself gave a class to my company of the 16th Engineers about the threat posed by Sadr and the prospects for conflict with his militias. Though my fellow soldiers didn't appreciate having to attend a class at 8am on one of our last days before deploying to Baghdad, they can tell you that what is happening now is no surprise. I used open and general information that my superiors were already aware of.

The basis of our evaluation over a year ago was that Sadr presented a formidable and possibly impossible threat. Last summer, as my unit covered Sadr City -- the sprawling part of Baghdad that Sadr controlled then -- his militias challenged us by making a show of force in defiance of the effort to open up Iraq society to the new freedoms. Sadr clearly demonstrated that he would deny Iraqis democracy and freedom in his quest for power. By the fall, he had most of Iraq's Shia leaders and the community at large intimidated and kowtowing to his bully tactics. In January through March, his arrogance and thuggery led him to pursue two further attacks upon the hopes for Iraqi freedom.

He vigorously pursued courting and forming alliances with Iranian hard-liners. Upon returning to Iraq, he then welcomed many foreign fighters to train and assist his militia in terrorist tactics and guerrilla warfare.

In fact, we almost went into full conflict with him back then, months ago!

So our leaders, Paul Bremmer, Gen. Abizaid, and countless other US and Coalition leaders all over the land, acted w/ caution and care to secure for the US ever stronger cards against Sadr while simultaneously working to achieve four main goals.

Now we today are in a climactic battle against him and his militia. When the remnants of Saddam's regime were in full uprising in Fallujah, Sadr thought his time had come to make his bid for total power and to oust the US from Baghdad. He was very wrong.

It has been subtle and very well done by our leaders. You should be proud. It would have seemed impossible to have achieved our four main goals against Sadr even just a few months ago. Now today, despite the message of the pessimists who are misleading you into despair, we are have scored all the victories needed to bring this battle to a close. First goal was to isolate Sadr. Second was to exile him from his power-base in Baghdad. Third was to contain his uprising from spreading beyond his militias. And the last goal was to get both his hard-line supporters to abandon him, and to do encourage moderates to break from him. This has been done brilliantly, and now we are on the march in a way that just months ago seemed impossible to do. Sadr is losing everything.

Goal one: His so-called Mahdi Army militia is fighting alone. We are out defeating them day and night, and all the time we find them exposed and vulnerable. The people of Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf are not supporting him. His forces are isolated.

Goal two: His one-time powerbase, Sadr City in Baghdad, has been lost. Sadr has been exiled from there, and we have him on the run. He is trying to cloak his presence and activities in Najaf and Kut as planned, but that is damage control on his part. Yes we confront pockets of his followers. Just a couple days ago, I had to maneuver around such a crowd of 300 in Sadr City. The point is, though, we operate in Sadr City, and his followers are merely trying to raise the lost cause of his. It is perhaps better to understand why he is able to mobilize groups like this by seeing him as a mafia leader who is just sacrificing his own people in a mad last plunge to grab onto power. He is no different from any other thug in the world who manipulates and betrays his followers for his own lost cause. The critical thing to see, however, is that in Baghdad, Sadr is gone. He has been effectively exiled and we are destroying his one-time properties of power and abuse there.

Goal three: Other Shia leaders are breaking from him now in large numbers. The overall Shia leader of Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, has left Sadr's call for jihad and uprising to flounder on deaf ears. Bremmer and Gen. Abizaid stunned the overall Shia community by negotiating a calm in Fallujah. That has tail-spinned Sadr and his efforts to intimidate Iraq's Shia leaders. They see the US hand is strong, and that therefore they are making a mistake in kowtowing to Sadr's terror and violence.

Sadr is now running scared in Najaf. This is great. The Iraqi people of Najaf are offended by this Baghdad thug coming to their city and trying to hijack them into conflict with us. His militias have moved into Karbala too, and the same sentiment is being expressed by the people there. Sadr and his Mahdi Army militia are occupiers of those cities, and are insulting the most sacred sites of Shia Islam daily in their actions. Sadr's forces have stockpiled weapons in mosques and schools, and he continuously is going into the Imam Ali Mosque to call for jihad against us. This is offending Iraq's Shia leaders very much, and the Shia people are not following.

Our units, in fact, are operating w/in 500 meters of the most sacred Shia religious sites in these cities, and you should notice that the local people are not resisting. This is what the pessimists amongst you are preventing you from understanding. Something like this would have been impossible before Sadr and his militia thugs went into there to hijack Iraqi Shia Islam. The people of Najaf and Karbala know we are not there to conquer and occupying the religious sites; we are there to liberate them from this would-be tyrant who is trying to hijack them. His uprising has been contained, despite Sadr's desperate efforts to expand.

Goal four: Now Sadr's patrons and mentor in Iran are breaking from him. Grand Ayatollah Hossain Kazzam Haeri in Qom, Iran, is no longer backing him and has instead made it clear that Sadr's uprising is not sanctioned. Haeri is his mentor, and was a close intimate to Sadr's respectable father. The Teheran Times has run stories that are largely exaggerated, but still are making clear that Sadr's uprising is counter to Iranian interests and does not have the support of even one of Iran's grand statesman, Hashemi Rafsanjani.

In lieu of this, Sadr has exploded increasingly desperate and offensive. On Friday, he offended perhaps the whole Muslim world when he issued a fatwa (a religious edict) that if his forces in Basra capture a female British soldier, they can keep her as a slave. And as I pointed out already, his militia thugs in Najaf and Karbala are keeping weapons in mosques and schools.

In this, quite frankly, Sadr has done it to himself. He has compelled his would-be supporters amongst Iran's hard-liners to break from him and to put distance between Iran's interests and Sadr's uprising. Along with this, Shiites all over Iraq are breaking from Sadr and ignoring his frantic calls for jihad and slave-taking. Sadr has been abandoned.

I'm not writing you blind to the casualties this is causing us. My battalion, the 16th Armored Engineers, should be home reunited w/ family and friends after serving a full year here. Instead, we are still here where the temp is reaching 115-125 degrees. And some of my fellow soldiers have fallen. Units of my battalion are right in the front of the fighting. Your prayers are needed. [A soldier] lost his eyes and a hand last week. The surgeons are trying to salvage his hand now by re-attaching it. This tragedy is a real nightmare. Another suffered shrapnel wounds in his abdomen. Others have been cut badly. Miracle of miracles, however, Sgt. Morales on Friday was shot in the CVC (helmet) -- the bullet ricocheted around his head and fired into the back of his seat, never cutting his skin!!!

I'm telling you this because you need to know that your soldiers are working their hardest. My unit is just one of many in this fight. What you need to do is be strong and persistent in your faith with us. Sadr's militia is in panic and desperate, so they are dangerous, but you need to keep this all in perspective. The pessimists would have you believe this is a disaster. Don't listen to them. I think some of them feel that their reputations require our failure because they have been so negative all along, so they are jumping at every opportunity to sensationalize what is happening here as a disaster. Eliminating Sadr's threat is part of the overall mission and we are further ensuring the liberation of the Iraqi people. This has to be done, and we are doing it.

Don't be seduced by those who would rather that we sit back and just enjoy the freedoms past generations of Americans have sacrificed to gain for us. This is our time to earn it. I remember President Bush saying after the September 11th attacks: "The commitment of our Fathers is now the calling of our time."

MIDDLE EAST PRESS QUOTES:


(WP)

Jordanian Times

Nothing Justifies Killing (headline). . . But the murder of a civilian cannot and will not avenge the abuse of so many Iraqi prisoners, an act which, when made public, shocked the entire world. . . The region is rife with violence. The world, throughout its history, abounded in atrocities and genocides. Mankind's vicious nature is shown every time there is war and conquest. . . We cannot have become so inured to cruelty and pain. No amount of barbarism can and should kill our humanism. . . .Perpetrators of crime have to be brought to justice. Whoever and wherever they are. . .International conventions and the rule of law must be observed. Humanity cannot be held ransom to barbarity and nothing justifies killing.(JT)

(read full article)

Iran Daily in Tehran
reformist Iran Daily (PDF format) in Tehran. . . "Iraqi Violence Turns Gruesome," said the newspaper's page-one headline on Thursday. The accompanying story reported that residents of Baghdad had greeted the news of Berg's decapitation with "condemnation and excuses." (WP) (Read full article at WP and ID—Tehran)


ARAB NEWS (link missed on this one)

In Saudi Arabia, the editors of the Arab News said the photos of Berg's murder, along with pictures of Palestinian militants holding the bloody body part of a slain Israeli soldier alongside a copy of the Koran "are not only revolting, they are also devastatingly damaging." (WP)

Numerous paragraphs about Abu Ghraib, followed by:

At a stroke, all the international good will and sympathy for the Iraqis and anger with the Americans that followed the prison photos has been dispelled. Washington has been delivered from its shame by ignorant, malevolent hands, acting with as little principle or morality as the Americans who took the prison photos.

It is hardly surprising that the Palestinian leadership has demanded that the Israeli body parts be recovered and returned for proper burial. Those photos are as much a political disaster for the Arabs as the prison ones are for the Americans. A picture can change everything. The Abu Ghraib photos blew away America’s attempts to claim the moral high ground in Iraq; these latest ones pull the rug from underneath the Iraqis and Palestinians, playing straight into Bush’s and Sharon’s hands.

It is already happening on Capitol Hill. US legislators, sickened by the beheading video, are saying that however vile the photographed mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners was, it was not on a par with the filmed hacking off the head of the luckless Nick Berg.

Slowly but surely, moderation and common decency are being squeezed from Iraqi affairs. There is increasingly narrower ground for the reasonable, moderate majority of Iraqis to stand upon. At the same time, rising extremism everywhere, including among coalition soldiers, celebrates its triumphs with bloody images of its savage crimes. (AN)

Saudi Gazette

The danger now is that the spiral of violence will increase as each side attempts to revenge itself on the other for the latest outrage. The American view is that Berg s brutal death is a reminder of why the United States invaded Iraq in the first place and President Bush has promised his killers will be tracked down. Senator John McCain, with a lack of irony given recent events at Abu Ghraib, described those who carried out the killing as barbarians . He said it served to emphasize why America should finish what it had started in Iraq.

Berg s decapitation comes after the murders and dismemberment of four other American contractors prompted the recent siege of Falluja, which ended in stalemate with numerous civilian deaths and the failure of the US military to capture those responsible. Falluja was a warning about the dangers of allowing individual incidents no matter how grim they may be to influence overall strategy.

The problem is that America s policy in Iraq appears increasingly uncertain. The June handover to an interim Iraqi administration is taking on a largely notional status. The date now being given for an effective transfer is January 2005. In a recent edition of the Economist Britain s former envoy to Iraq - Sir Jeremy Greenstock - said the transfer of executive authority to an Iraqi government by June 2004 was less important than the year-end elections in the building of a new Iraqi state.

This means the United States is in Iraq for the foreseeable future in a situation in which it appears unable to provide the internal security the overwhelming majority of Iraqi people so evidently crave and foreign contractors so evidently need. The Coalition Provisional Authority s efforts to build an Iraqi security apparatus not based on Ba athist structures has failed. This places American combat troops in the front line for internal policing something for which they are not trained for a period of time that will extend beyond the US presidential election.

In such circumstances a deal with the former Iraqi military must be in order.(SG)

Gulf News

The Gulf News in the United Arab Emirates called Berg's decapitation "a truly barbaric act that served no cause except the brutish bloodlust of his executioners."
They lamented the effect on Iraqi detainees.

"Just when the world's attention was focusing on Washington and the plight of the Iraqi prisoners, this atrocity took the spotlight away from those who are suffering in detention. . . . One brutality does not forgive another.

"There is justifiable anger at the behavior of American forces in Iraq but atrocious acts will never give comfort to those who have suffered in detention, nor do anything but add to the despair of the Iraqi people." (WP)

Islam Online
Islam Online, based in Doha, Qatar, reported that the Islamic militant group Hezbollah had condemned the beheading as "an ugly crime that flouted the tenets of Islam".(WP)

Hezbollah Condemns ‘Un-Islamic’ Berg’s Beheading
"Hezbollah condemns this horrible act that has done very great harm to Islam and Muslims by this group that claims affiliation to the religion of mercy, compassion and humane principles," the resistance group said in a statement Wednesday, May 12.

. . . "The timing of this act that overshadowed the scandal over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in occupation forces prisons is suspect timing that aims to serve the American administration and occupation forces in Iraq and present excuses and pretexts for their inhumane practices against Iraqi detainees," read the statement carried by Reuters. . . the executors' behavior was closer to "the Pentagon school - the school of killing, occupation, crimes, torture and immoral practices that were exposed by the great scandal in occupation prisons". (IO)

"Zarqawi is an enemy of the Arab and Muslim nation because he distorted their image and portrayed Islam in an incorrect manner," Hasan Ahmad Jar Allah, 41, a Saudi government employee, who had seen the tape on the Internet, told al-Jazeera.net.

"What religion or sect condones such a barbaric act? This is abominable, God curse Zarqawi," he said of the tape which showed masked men sawing Berg's head off with a large knife and holding it in the air.

Al-Jazeera.net website also quoted an unnamed Gulf analyst as saying the killing would prove counter-productive for Iraqis.
"This strengthens the position of Americans in Iraq . American people are going to start asking their government when it will retaliate."

Al Manar
But al-Manar, the Web site of the Lebanese television station run by Hezbollah, did not run a story on Berg on Thursday. The station did report that "Israel" (and al-Manar always puts the name of the Jewish state in quotes) was negotiating with Palestinian authorities for the return of remains of the soldiers killed in the roadside bombing. (WP)
[Note: difficult to find the quotes, may be Arabic when found.]

Daily Star
The Daily Star in Beirut said Berg's executioners have "created a reactionary climate in which Abu Ghraib can be seen as a deserving punishment for an entire society, a climate which fosters the belief that Berg's killers represent the real face of Arabs and Muslims."

"Not only did an innocent civilian lose his life in appalling circumstances," they said. "But the Arab and Muslim worlds have been dealt a severe body blow by the same blade that ended Berg's life." (WP)

Secondly, the region's kings, princes and presidents need to learn a valuable lesson from this abhorrent incident: that fractured societies produce real-life theaters of shame like the Berg murder in a systemic manner, and that similar fractures are infecting their own societies. If the Berg beheading does not catapult the region's leaders from the world of lethargy to the world of vigorous action to establish law and order in their own societies - and beginning with themselves - then they will be considerably weakened. They need to prove that their vision extends beyond their own vested interests to their people and societies. (DS)

PARTIAL BERG TIMELINE:

RECONSTRUCT BERG TIMELINE

March 23—approximate start of alleged detention

detained by the Iraqi police in Mosul," coalition spokesman Dan Senor—in Iraq Police custody (CNN)

Iraqi authorities said Thursday they held the American civilian only briefly before handing him over to U.S. troops, police sources in Mosul said Thursday.(CNN)

He was met by U.S. officials, he was visited three times by the FBI, but at all times, he was in Iraqi custody." (Senor) (CNN)

March 30, schedule flight to US

April 6—release from (?) custody

goes to Baghdad before April 10 (CNN)

April 10--

Thursday, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that State Department consular officers spoke with Berg in Baghdad on April 10 and offered to help him leave Iraq by plane to go to Jordan. However, Boucher said, Berg told the consular officers that he was going to go by land through Kuwait and had already made arrangements. (CNN)

May 8--

Berg’s body found on overpass near Baghdad

[more information needed]

DESERT DIARIES


Desert Diaries

Post cards, letters, comments from those in the ME. Some are very interesting, some funny, good reading (seems to be updated and current)

BERG

The information about Berg is confusing. This morning one of his friends said that he was leaving through Turkey, then going sailing.

Prior to this, another person had said Berg planned to exit through Kuwait.

Apparently, his password had been found on Moussoui's computer; he had been previously questioned by the FBI. The Philadelphia Inquirer is working on a story (trying to answer some of the questions)for tomorrow; but, it's doubtful that the mystery of Berg will be clear soon.

Anti-Americanism: A Powerful Reality
(on Al Muajaha)

(comment by 51st state)

Perhaps the poll should have also asked if OBL should be leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Hey, why not make the post powerful nation a place like Jordan, Pakistan, or Morroco. That would be awesome. Once again men would rule all, and we could forego religious freedom. Excellent.

There is not one country in history with the global power the US currently has. The world is a better place for the hard faught freedom the US earned over 200 years ago. Sure it is not a perfect nation, never will be, but by and large intentions are good. Like any nation many international actions taken will absolutely benefit the US, of course! But they also benefit the oppressed. Peace in Iraq would have served UN and European oil interest. Likewise, the war will benefit the US in the longterm. One way or another the Iraqis will sell oil. Only one way will the Iraqi people see the benefits.

Can't wait to hear you all when China takes over global leadership. Thank God for the US.

(by Jan)

51st State,
You know very little of the trouble making manipulations of your nation. But finally, America's arrogance has been exposed to others by America's own actions under Bush..just a clumsier version of the normal patterns. Just as Vietnam radicalised many people, similarly this Iraq invasion and occupation has radicalised many people all over the world. America's arrogance has led to the destruction of its own influence for ever, I believe.

The typical U.S.line is we depended on America against Japan and Hitler, and soon we will need America against China one day. Well I believe the U.S. will NEVER let China become more powerful than the U.S. without a fight. America would rather cunningly provoke a war to keep China down than let them become more powerful. The reason I can say that, whereas "51st State" wouldn't, is because I know how ruthlessly selfcentred and cleverly manipulative the U.S. is internationally. This view is based on what they do without getting blamed for it. "51st State" is simply too gullible believing too much good from his own lot.

(by Geli)
at : by USdissident 16 Apr 2004

thx for the great post! i can fully support your statements.

i watch american foreign politics since more than 35 years with growing disgust and couldn't have say it more correct and to the point than you did.

i am more scared by american politics than by bin laden and i am convinced that without those politics there would be no al quaida in the first place.

your posting of all is the most interesting, informative and relevant for the subject

(by 51st state)

Jan or geli,
First of all, you assume I am from the USA. Not true. Why do you assume only an American would support the US?

As I said, the US is not perfect, but they have done a good job...just my opinion. All the anti-American propaganda is an attempt to ruin the world by taking down incentives for people to do better for themselves. I can only guess that those who promote this hatred are power hungry themselves, failed to better themsleves, or just enjoy tearing things down as opposed to the more positive task of building. Here's a tip for you and yours. Attitude goes a long way. You are a minority taking advantage of the free speech, which you might thank the US for, and using it to manufacture discontent.

You say: "You know very little of the trouble making manipulations of your nation."
Every nation manipulates. Ar you that naive. The US just happens to win because they have good things to offer. Sorry if that has made you this angry.

You say: "Just as Vietnam radicalised many people, similarly this Iraq invasion and occupation has radicalised many people all over the world."

You are correct, there are many Vietnamese I know who can not stop smiling thay are so happy to be out of Vietnam and living in the USA. They wanted out of Vietnam so bad they had to escape by overloading fishing boats and rafts and heading off into the deep blue sea. They could not even tell their friends of the plans because they too wanted out so bad they would follow them around for weeks so as not to miss the chance to escape.

You said: "America's arrogance has led to the destruction of its own influence for ever, I believe."

You are entitled to that. What you call arrogance I call confidence. I believe America's confidence appears as arrogance to people who just can not wrap their minds around the fact that a system can create such huge success for so many average people. The average American works very hard for what they have... Check the hours worked per individual charts...reference your fact book. Americans have chosen to work hard to get ahead, and so are proud and full of confidence. US citizens who choose the easy route are left behind, just as are other nations. Most social issues are left to the family, community, and church...if you fall through the cracks it is likely you have chosen to opt out of those. Few of these are left to the government...

You say: "The typical U.S.line is we depended on America against Japan and Hitler, and soon we will need America against China one day."

I would agree with the first two. On the thrid I have to assume you mean against in a military fashion. Who ever said that?! China will be, maybe already is, an economic superpower. The head count is way too high for anyhting else to be the case. The US has done and will continue to propomte freedom their by tying economic incentives to political goals. Maybe you and Al Qaida can take China on. You will be missed.

You say: "Well I believe the U.S. will NEVER let China become more powerful than the U.S. without a fight. America would rather cunningly provoke a war to keep China down than let them become more powerful."

It just sounds nutty, so I wanted it shown.

You say: "The reason I can say that...is because I know how ruthlessly selfcentred and cleverly manipulative the U.S. is internationally."

Right, they promote freedom, and do it peacefully...as much as possible.

Yous say: "This view is based on what they do without getting blamed for it."

And why do suppose that is. . . .

Majid's Blog

On Majid's blog (yesterday):

My best American friend has died today…
and I am so depressed…
She lived in Chicago…
May God have mercy on her soul…
Her death has given me another push to live, another cause for anger, and another reason to struggle for.
My deep consolations to her family…
I can't express what's in my mind anymore.

Out

Most of us know (so well) what it is to lose someone we love, or care for very much. We have times when we can ignore the facts of life; but, all too frequently, it just hits us. It rolls over us and flattens us completely.

It's times like these that I can only think: those we know are like beautiful butterflies. We can't capture them and keep them with us forever; we can only admire (as the sun glints off their colorful wings) and enjoy their flight before they fly on. . .and are gone from us, all too soon.

I have known some very beautiful butterflies.

RUMSFELD in IRAQ

SURPRISE! Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Iraq, today.

Sec.Def. Donald Rumsfeld, members of the Joint Chiefs, and several Pentagon lawyers took a flight and appeared in Iraq. Rumsfeld met with the troops.

It's not unreasonable to conclude that the flight was scheduled to deliver Pentagon lawyers for the trail next week. IIUC, TV coverage will not be permitted. We could hope there could be radio coverage of the trial.

(IIUC = If I Understand Correctly) special for Steve! :)

MENTAL ARGUMENT:


The Geneva Convention states that prisoners should not be exposed to unpleasant treatment of any kind. My mental argument is: what would happen if we removed ourselves from the Geneva Convention? And, how would we do that?

One of my first thoughts is that it would be a radical action. We need something radical to level the field. While the world tells US we just think we are the “good guys,” we struggle to act like that “good guys;” it’s a terrible disadvantage. When we do something wrong (and we do) the world yells, “See, you’re not as good as you thought! You’re just arrogant.” (We hang our heads.) And, the world beats US up.

Our soldiers, as POWs, have incurred heinous physical and mental abuse throughout the world. But, we are prohibited from exposing POWs to ***unpleasant treatment of any kind?*** What if we stated loudly, and clearly, that WE WILL NOT ABIDE BY THE GENEVA CONVENTION REGARDING TERRORISTS? What will be the difference for US? (--Probably, no difference at all.) There would still be the Daniel Pearls, and the Nicholas Bergs; there would still be kidnappings and heinous treatment of our troops and the innocent civilians in Iraq and around the world.

Underwear over the head of a naked man is nothing in comparison to the slow sawing to decapitate a human being. There is no equivalency. IIUC, the prisoners were from IA and IB of Abu Ghraib prison and were not the innocent, or the average criminals. They should be treated differently; they would surely treat US despicably and unaccountably if the situation was reversed—and, they did treat Nick Berg so VERY DIFFERENTLY.

The world is hypocritical, greedy, and political. Many countries are signatories to the Geneva Convention and have no intention of adhering to it. Would it be more honest to declare that WE WILL NOT FOLLOW THE GENEVA CONVENTION REGARDING TERRORISM. Then we would have to determine the definition of “TERRORISM and TERRORISTS;” it’s the honest thing to do. Is it the “right” thing to do?

This is the UGLY face of our enemy, and the UGLY FACE OF WAR. It may leave very UGLY BLOTCHES ON OUR FACE. There will be no walking away from this war; most people realize that as fact. The American people need to see the reality; the American people need to come together, stay together, and fight (long, continuously, and vigorously) against this particular enemy.

If we can not following the Geneva Convention (for this time and for the fight against terrorism) would the honest thing be to declare it and let the chips fall?

(Radical thoughts for radical times, this former moderate flips the rant switch off, now.)

IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

Is that what Ali is saying? [Iraq the Model link below]

. . .Instead I’m going to focus on this one tiny detail that do not fit in this picture; that is the Iraqi economy.

I think that most people agree that the exchange price of a country’s currency is one of the indicators of the state of that country’s economy and one that when combined with the average income would help in giving a prediction of the future of this economy and the political future of that country as well, as economy and politics are so adherent to each other. Now the Iraqi Dinar was never trusted before the war, and my family was one of the hundreds of thousands of families that changed all the Iraqi currency they had into US Dollars just before the war which caused the exchange price for the Iraqi Dinar against the US Dollar and other foreign currencies to drop uncontrollably from 2000 for each dollar to about 4000 in a period of a month that proceeded the war. After the war the Iraqi Dinar returned to the previous figure and with the introduction of the new Iraqi Dinar, the exchange price improved to around 1500 by the beginning of 2004 with few shakes during the early period. Since January 2004 and till now and despite all the given factors of instability, the exchange price remained almost constant with a marginal variation from 1430 to 1460 and never dropped below 1400 nor did it ever rise above 1500!! What should that tell us?

Is it possible that Iraqis are that dumb to believe in their currency and that their economy is stable and rising!? Are they really stupid enough to by all this crap about a prosperous Iraq in the future? Or are there solid economic changes that make it so hard to shake despite all the efforts the friends and brothers of the Iraqi people are putting? Don’t they ever think of revolting against the Americans? Note that I’m talking about the majority here.

Back to the average income issue. Some readers may remember that I said my salary was about 17 US$ before the war. Shortly after the war it was raised to 120 US$. Three months after that, they made it 150 US$. Two months later it became 200$(although the truth should be said that they promised that it was going to be 250$) and when I went with one of my colloquies (who gets an exact payment) to receive his salary this month (I still haven’t get paid for 6 months due to some beaurocractic problems that has just been solved), the accounter said to my friend "congratulations! You are getting a new rise starting from the next month and your salary will be around 300 US$!"

Now I know this is still a very low figure compared to what doctors get in other countries, but look at the pace of the raises; 120, 150, 200, 300 all in one year! I mean it’s spooky. What will it be the next year, 500$? And what about 3 or 4 years from now? A thousand or can I dare and say few thousand dollars? Will we get more than what the Syrian, Egyptian Iranian and even Saudi doctors!? What a disaster will it be to the mullahs of Iran, Bashar Al-Assad and the king of Saudi Arabia?

Some people, including some Iraqis, are fooled by the media as it tells them that the prices are higher than before. This is not true, as the prices of ALL the imported goods have lowered especially with only 5% import tax and with no Uday or Qusay to take their share of the merchants’ profits. The only prices that have risen are those the of the local goods and the wages of laborers and services provided by private businesses, but that was only by 2 to 3 folds at maximum compared to the unbelievably high rise in the income of the government employees who represent most of the working Iraqis which should explain the former fact as a healthy sign of economical growth, not the opposite.

Others are fooled by what the media keeps screaming about the unemployment. And this is the most stupid lie I’ve ever heard to which I have only one question: Who are those unemployed people?? I dare anyone to answer this!

Everyone who knows enough about Iraq should know that millions of Iraqis were employed by the government, but most of them had second jobs (I used to run a small shop with my brothers beside my job as a doctor, and of course I gave it up soon after the war) except for those who took illegal advantages from their original jobs. The rest were involved in private businesses that paid more but were very risky with all the shakes in economy and all the restrictions from the old regime. After the war some of those who were employed by the government were expelled, but most of them are back now. For God’s sake even most of the Ba’athists and the security agents are back to their jobs now! The only people who are out of job now are Saddam’s special security agents and higher ranked Ba’athists who sucked the Iraqi people’s blood for decades. May I ask how many are those, and should we really sympathies with them this much? Besides, most of them made fortunes and fled out of the country or are using it to start their own businesses and no one is preventing them from that. But wait a minute! Maybe they are talking about the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the old army who were paid no more than 10 thousand Iraqi Dinars (5 US$)! Now that is something really bad, to deprive a soldier from a job that paid him 5 $ and cost him 10 times of that in transport and bribing the officers besides his DIGNITY!

The bottom line, and to talk more seriously, is that this picture the media is giving us about Iraq is almost convincing, even to me, if it wasn’t for this insignificant detail, and something must be done to make it right before most Iraqis start to realize that! But to be fare our Arab and Muslim brothers supported by the legitimate Arab leaders and cheered by most of the major media are aware of that, and of the dangers of the vicious circle of (prosperity-stability-more prosperity-more stability) that the Americans and the Iraqi traitors (like myself) are trying to establish. They (our brothers) are doing all that they can; bombing oil pipelines and ports, beheading foreigners in the name of Iraqis and Allah, attacking electricity stations, creating chaos that allows thieves to loot everything they can, yet it’s still not working!! The Iraqi Dinar stands stable despite some Arab governments formally warned their citizens from dealing with it, the oil production is increasing, the markets are full of goods, most Iraqis are busy working, studying selling and buying and the average income is rising!

Ali's full post

DISINFO FICKLE FINGER TO:


Angry Arab News Service

The Angry Arab linked to the Iraq Body Count Site with these words: "Innocent victims of US war in Iraq."

Among those "innocent victims" are:

43 Republican Guards apparently killed between Apr. 2, and Apr. 3.

Most people would be able to figure out that these people were not innocent. They were fighters; they were enemy. Therefore, the enemy during a war are not innocents.

DISAPPEARED

This is going to be more difficult than I thought. The code is gone. . .gone! PANIC? Nah, there is probably a place to recover the code. I just have to find it. . .HA, that should take a while.

FINDING TIME

I have got to find the time to put all the great websites back up. When I changed the template, they disappeared and I haven't put them back.

If I put all the great ones from my bookmarks, it would take me days. Guess I'll have to tie myself to the computer and just DO IT!

WHO WILL GO. . .ANYONE?

No reasonable person said this would be easy, and it has been difficult--very, very difficult. In getting this far, half the world has been encouraged to hate us. Half the world has been told distorted truths, some lies, and has been systematically incited to work against us. It is not accidental.

It may become much rougher before it's over. We can not waiver from our objective. If we do, the world will be worse for it. Bad kills for little or no reason. Bad is stronger and more overwhelming. Good has to struggle harder; good has to win by numbers and has to be willing to use force.

So, when you tell me that Rumsfeld has to go. . .NO.
When you tell me that Tenet has to go. . .NO.

It is not in our interest to change in the middle of a war which is begining to look like WWIII. We need to do that which is NOT in the interest of the Terrorists. We need to doggedly march forward, with determination. If there is any benefit to the Terrorists, we do the opposite. We should do what they don't like. Appeasement brought US here. No more appeasement!

HORRENDOUS

There will be times when this effort will be horrendous.
FORWARD, STEP-BY-STEP.

We have been accused of much.
KEEP MOVING

We will make mistakes.
IMPROVE

We will be accused of more.
WORK THROUGH IT WITH JUSTICE

If we never give up. . . . .
WE WIN

We win for US; we win for the Iraqi people; and, the WORLD WINS.

FOX

Video Appears to Show Beheading of American

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

Associated Press CAIRO, Egypt — A video posted Tuesday on an Islamic militant Web site showed a group affiliated with Al Qaeda beheading an American contractor in Iraq, saying the death was revenge for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers.
The video showed five men wearing headscarves and black ski masks, standing over a bound man in an orange jumpsuit -- similar to a prisoner's uniform -- who identified himself as Nick Berg (search), a contractor from West Chester, Pa., whose body was found on a highway overpass in Baghdad on Saturday.

"My name is Nick Berg, my father's name is Michael, my mother's name is Susan," the man said on the video. "I have a brother and sister, David and Sarah. I live in ... Philadelphia."

After reading a statement, the men were seen pulling the man to his side and putting a large knife to his neck. A scream sounded as the men cut his head off, shouting "Allahu Akbar!" -- "God is great." They then held the head out before the camera.

"For the mothers and wives of American soldiers, we tell you that we offered the U.S. administration to exchange this hostage with some of the detainees in Abu Ghraib (search) and they refused," one of the men read from a statement.

"So we tell you that the dignity of the Muslim men and women in Abu Ghraib and others is not redeemed except by blood and souls. You will not receive anything from us but coffins after coffins ... slaughtered in this way."

The video bore the title "Abu Musab al-Zarqawi shown slaughtering an American." It was unclear whether al-Zarqawi -- a lieutenant of Usama bin Laden -- was shown in the video, or was claiming responsibility for ordering the execution.

The Web site on which the video was posted is known as a clearing house for Al Qaeda and Islamic extremist groups' statements and tapes.

The website says that Al Zarqawi did this. There were (likely) more than 5 who participated.

***
Do you believe there is a place in Paradise for those who do these terrorist acts?

If there is justice in the hereafter, Zarqawi and the animals will receive routine beheadings for eternity, beyond imagination. . .on and on until the end of time.

Revenge for photos, for humiliation! Nick Berg would have chosen the photos. His parents would have chosen the photos.

There is no place on earth that deserves you. There is no revenge involved--just shoot you. It's what they do to MAD DOGS.

Once again you pointed out that the world needs to eliminate you and your fellow terrorists. Listen for the gunshot

TORTURE

We know that pictures and videos were taken of naked men, and prison guards. The incidents happened in Oct/Nov. According to one source the photos were taken in 1A and 1B of Abu Ghraib prison.

We don't know:
Were orders given to do this?
Was there physical torture involved?
Was this restricted to mental stress or mental torture?
Was the purpose to provide photos to press others for info?
Are there more incidents, more photos?
Were all of the prisoners from 1A and 1B, or another area?
Were any of the prisoners hardcore?
Were any of the prisoners accused of minor crimes?

We do know that the photos of the rape scenes were taken from a website which stated that actors were used for the scenes.

ABU GHRAIB

What should we do with this Iraqi Prison, scene of numerous tortures?

Nothing. It does not belong to US. In 51 days, the Iraqi people will making more decisions about their futures, and the future of their country. They may want to demolish it; make a museum; use it as a prison. It's Iraq's property--for Iraqis to decide.

MEETING DISRUPTION

Free speakers decided to disrupt the testimony of Donald Rumsfeld at noontime. They were expecting to leave, and left; but, not after shouting "FIRE RUMSFELD."

Under 10 people made a decision for their free speech which infringed on the rights of the millions of people who are watching to hear Rumsfeld and the Committee, not them. They forced those watching to listen to 10 voices, while disrupting the reason I was listening; thereby, disrupting my freedom! I resent it. They have a right to speak; they have no right to force me to listen.

This is an overlap of rights. Do I have a case? It's doubtful; but, I still resent the loudmouth minority forcing their rights, and ignoring my rights. I wanted to listen to the hearing. I could not change the channel and listen to the hearing--they were present on all channels airing the hearing. I was not there to listen to them. They slapped their rights in my face, at the expense of my rights.

We need some JUSTICE here!!

JUSTICE

We are human—huge groups of diverse humanity; but, we are not always humane. Justice is the line which divides US from much of humanity.

It is not that we are better, superior. It is that we seek justice for all, not just ourselves. We waddle along the Freedom Road swinging from side to side in our pursuit for fairness. Sometimes conservative, sometimes liberal, we look for the solutions to the injustices in our society and around the world; we try to remedy some of them and can not possibly fix them all.

We sway from selfishness to generosity while many are trying to stay away from greed. Nothing works all of the time; but we try to make the world a better place, and US a better people. Perfection is an unachievable goal; not seeking to improve ourselves is a human error (an imperfection.) In reaching for perfection we become a slightly improved people, stepping forward and backward on the Freedom Road. From time to time, we see justice along the road.

Justice is a rest-stop, a respite, a reinvigoration. Justice, sometimes, provides the fuel to continue on the road. Without justice we are less to ourselves and others. Where there is no justice, there is no progress. Where there is no justice, there is no freedom. Where there is NO JUSTICE. . . .THERE IS NO HOPE.

THE RIGHT TO JUSTICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

NO RIGHT TO KNOW ALL?

We have no right (constitutionally) to know all of the events within our government. Many of US do not request this; we request to know truth—when and where available and as much as we can know.

We have the right . . . to be presented with the TRUTHS—NOT LIES. We have a right to expect that our media will give the facts, not twisted opinions. The fact must be clearly stated, and the opinions clearly labeled. There should be NO CONFUSION as to facts, opinions, twisting of the truth, and total fiction.

PEACE or QUIET

Are we accepting quiet, thinking it is the peace we seek?

Quiet, with growing cancer, was the situation in 2000. We were at war, and we didn?t know it; we didn?t know how very important it was. We found out Sept. 11, 2001.

We had been living in quiet with a growing cancer. That cancer struck us and made us aware that the future was in doubt?the patient was severely ill. Without treatment, the patient would succumb to a ?wasting disease.? Because the condition was ignored for so long, the illness has taken hold and run rampant through vital systems.

Which operation will benefit the patient? Which literature will contain the information necessary to make knowledgeable decisions? Which people will prevent the operation that may save the patient? Which people are promoting non-intervention?

PROPAGANDA

The propaganda mill is functioning too well. The war may be in Iraq; but the war against propaganda is all over, well-organized, fully functioning.

FIGHT PROPAGANDA!

MY REASONS

My reasons for agreeing with the War in Iraq are: Disarming Iraq; Verifying the Disarmament—including prevention of WMD and related technology/plans from movement within Iraq, into and out of Iraq; Removing Saddam Hussein and his regime; Removing/Preventing any and all Connections with Al Qaida; Freeing the People of Iraq; Providing the Stepping Stones to a more People-Friendly government in Iraq.

This would require assisting with Development and Reconstruction. And in the end, after the basics are provided, giving the people of Iraq the opportunity to decide for themselves which way they would like to live their lives. In other words, let the people go (at a designated point in time) which should be the time of the closely monitored elections.

WWIII

I've heard some refer to this as WWIII. It seems to be accurate. We are going through the buildup and who knows where this will end.

This is not so much defense of Democracy; Democracy may not be the best form of government that people will have in the future. At any rate, our form of government is not Democracy; we are a Democratic Republic (at representative democracy without full control in the hands of the people, but controls enough to gradually change and deter.)

To me, this is a war AGAINST FREEDOM for much of the Middle East; and, a war FOR FREEDOM for much of the WEST. Freedom means viable choices for the people of the world. When you have a choice between Saddam Hussein and DEATH that is not a viable choice anyone wants and that is not freedom. Of course, there were some who willingly chose Saddam (and still choose Saddam); there is not much to be done for them--they will not change their minds.

TILTING

The exercise of responding to Faiza is over. . .there is not enough time to fully respond to everything she says while there are other important things to consider.

So, the exercise of “TILTING AT WINDMILLS” ends quietly.

"SINGLE MOST DAMAGING. . .IN A DECADE"

That's what Joe Biden (D-DE) thinks. Apparently, it wasn't damaging to find that Iraq was working on NUKE WEAPONS. . .we found this out in 1995. Much to the surprise of the IAEA and UNSCOM, Iraq still had WMD, they were still being found, they were still being destroyed. This was not only DAMAGING is was DEADLY!!; and it was a SURPRISE to inspectors!!

Now, THIS WAS SEVERELY DAMAGING to the US and the UN and the WORLD. But, Joe needs to focus on the naked prisoners who are still among the living. Less than a decade ago, the UN inspectors FAILED and the mushroom cloud of that failure has spread, and infiltrated the respect for the UN.

The inspectors could not find the "ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM" even when it stepped on their toes. THAT WAS THE SINGLE EVENT wHICH MADE THE SEVERE DAMAGE POSSIBLE.

That was the event, confirmed by the Oil-for-UN scandal made it possible for the world to dissolve in the mire of DISTRUST. Thanks, Joe; but, NO THANKS.

EQUAL TIME????

I suggest, as a cure for the wide promotion of this very ugly situation, that we promote and spread the pictures of those poor souls who were shoved into the shredder feet first to prolong their agony!

This will not happen. There was no "FREE PRESS" to show the horrors of Saddam. The "FREE PRESS" can only show and promote ugliness on our side; they play it and they replay it. Maiming, mutilating, shredding does not require nearly the attention the pictures of Iraqis, or terrorists, or foreign fighters (or whoever they are) are getting in the world-wide press. Those naked people are still living. And, they can testify against their guards; but, we can not request the same of the shredded, and those in the mass-graves.

Let’s Make Enemies: (NAOMI KLEIN)

ENEMIES


US occupation chief Paul Bremer hasn't started wearing a hijab yet, and is instead tackling the rise of anti-Americanism with his usual foresight. Baghdad is blanketed with inept psy-ops organs like Baghdad Now, filled with fawning articles about how Americans are teaching Iraqis about press freedom. "I never thought before that the Coalition could do a great thing for the Iraqi people," one trainee is quoted saying. "Now I can see it on my eyes what they are doing good things for my country and the accomplishment they made. I wish my people can see that, the way I see it."

**Of course, the quote must be targeted as “fawning” or some other label to convince the readers that the quote is unworthy of any reality. And Baghdad Now must be one of the inept psy-ops organs to nullify anything it prints. The mention of Paul Bremer wearing the Hijab is humorous and unrealistic. . . But, the anti-Americanism is a reality promoted by this author and many others. It is harmful, but no banned--which doesn't make it truth either.

**(read with SARCASM totally engaged:)Ah, but these people do not hate Americans….NEVER. They just want to destroy much of the hope, the work, and the fiber of America. Oh but, it has nothing to do with the people, ‘cause they love the people. The Western Journalists live under various forms of democracy; but NO, it’s not for the Iraqi people to be free because force is used. The Iraqi people have to be told what to believe and this author is there to tell you.

“Unfortunately, the Iraqi people recently saw another version of press freedom when Bremer ordered US troops to shut down a newspaper run by supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr. The militant Shiite cleric has been preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on Iraqi civilians and condemning the interim constitution as a "terrorist law." So far, al-Sadr has refrained from calling on his supporters to join the armed resistance, but many here are predicting that the closing down of the newspaper--a nonviolent means of resisting the occupation--was just the push he needed. But then, recruiting for the resistance has always been a specialty of the Presidential Envoy to Iraq: Bremer's first act after being tapped by Bush was to fire 400,000 Iraqi soldiers, refuse to give them their rightful pensions but allow them to hold on to their weapons--in case they needed them later.”

**Do you doubt the author’s feelings about Muqtada’s newspaper shut down? After all, Sadr is only”preaching that Americans are behind the attacks on civilians” and promoting the interim constitution as a “terrorist law.” Sadr has advocated violence against Americans, his people have attacked Americans, he hides in Najaf, and there is a warrant for his arrest in connection with the murder of another cleric. But NO, his paper should be able to continue organizing armed resistance against the “occupiers.” It has never been acceptable for US to incite violence, or the violent overthrow of the government. Why would it be accepted from Sadr and his group?

**There are almost 200 newspapers. Sadr’s newspaper was suspended for approximately 60-90 days. It was not closed down permanently—which could have been done as a consequence of the nature of the material printed. It was not closed down permanently—-but, Sadr might be closed down. If Sadr is supported, the Iraqi people may get their request. They may not like the results of their support.

**Bremer disbanded an army which had left the battlefield and disappeared, only to come back to seek a pension—-which was given. Where was the author? Did she miss the protests? Was she too busy looking for a hotel room? But, the Naomi Klein’s of the world just want you to see an alternative view, while they promote their articles, and seek their fame by distorting for profit.

**I, too, am offering an another view. It is not for fun—-this is not fun. It is not for profit; I seek no profit. It is not for fame; I do not seek fame or notoriety. I began writing while hoping to hear from Iraqis (whatever their view.) I continued writing to challenge the propaganda which does not seem to be the truth and sometimes is twisted beyond all reason; and, I am looking for TRUTH in this mess.

**When this is over, I hope to slide comfortably back into my unknown life of an average American, in middle America, of the moderate view—-the view of the voter who chooses with no loyalty to either Democrats or Republicans but great appreciation of living in America.

Mutiny is the only way? (by Naomi Klein) (almuajaha.com)

Above is a response to this article via another of Naomi Klein's articles.

MORE ON SALIH

THE GENERAL

Saleh is a veteran of Saddam's Republican Guard. He met with tribal leaders in a mosque on Friday morning, wearing his uniform from the former Iraqi military with his general's insignia.

"Fallujah residents have chosen Maj. Gen. Jassim Mohammed Saleh to form and lead a unit that will be in charge of protecting the city," said Iraqi Brig. Gen. Shakir al-Janabi, who expects to be part of the new force. "Our force will handle the security issue today in cooperation with Iraqi police."

ONE OF THE GENERALS?

Jasim Muhammad Salih is said to be the General who is assisting in Fallujah. It appears Salih will head a new emergency Iraqi force. He is said to have given a speech on Friday.

According to a relative, Salih was a former Chief of Staff.

Is Jasim Muhammad Salih one of THE GENERALS who waited so long to be freed? Is he one of WIGGLES' WARRIORS?

There was one General (in particular) who was spoken of in very good terms. He impressed his interrogators with his intelligence, and his genuine caring of his officers. The General (I have in mind) was A Man of HONOR among so many who do not know the meaning of honor.

AL JAZZ-UR-EAR-A

It looks like Al Jazeera has obtained (yet) another tape from their friends Al Qaeda. (Isn't it amazing how they are able to do this?)

Zarqawi denies that the Jordan attempt included chemical bombs.

The laugh is on Zarqawi because he is a victim of the propaganda machine, which is world-wide. The Liar Zarqawi is stung by his own operation and is turning to the representatives of the Liars to offer what he calls truth.

A LIAR TELLING LIARS the truth? That's one for Ripley's Believe It or Not!!!

YUP, MARC RICH

Clinton Crony

Marc Rich Tied to U.N. Oil-for-Food Scandal

Clinton-pardoned fugitive billionaire Marc Rich has turned up in the middle of the United Nations Oil-for-Food scandal, with his name on a roster of companies authorized to participate in the corruption-plagued arrangement.

"One of Marc Rich's companies was on the United Nations list that was approved to trade and transport Iraqi oil," Fox News Channel's Eric Shawn reported Tuesday.

"And it appears that Mr. Rich's firm, Marc Rich & Co. Investments AG, may well have been given that approval by the U.N. before the presidential pardon," Shawn added.

That means the U.N. was ready to do business with America's most-wanted white collar criminal, while other program participants were busily stuffing their pockets with Saddam Hussein's kickbacks.

TERROR DISEASE

The Terrorists are spreading the disease around. Spain, Morocco, Bali, and now Syria, Jordan are seeing it spread. Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia have experienced the scourge; is Iran NEXT? HA, I doubt it. I would have to wonder if they would attack themselves!

In the recent activities in Syria, there is (apparently) more to this than anyone previously thought, and there may be more news about this today.

Meanwhile, a fugitive in the Madrid bombing is also indicted for planning 9/11.

INTERESTING HINT

Today's news had an interesting twist. It seems that from one of the names on the OFF program there is a connection to former President Bill Clinton. Hmmm.

Who could that be? I missed the name. Could it be Marc Rich? I'm hoping that the segment will be run again. If so, I'll put the name and take away my guess.

WELL, WELL, WELL!

It's Saddam's birthday, today. I think he should celebrate, maybe sing a little song. Why? Because this is as good as it gets; he's over the hill on the downward slide; it's not going to get better. It will be a WHOLE LOT WORSE.

Celebrate now, Saddam. You never know how many more birthdays you will get. The rest of us get one year older, it may not happen again for you.

OIL FOR TERROR

CLAUDIA ROSETT WRITES:
Beyond the billions in graft, smuggling, and lavish living for Saddam Hussein that were the hallmarks of the United Nations Oil-for-Food program in Iraq, there is one more penny yet to drop.

It's time to talk about Oil-for-Terror.

Especially with the U.N.'s own investigation into Oil-for-Food now taking shape, and more congressional hearings in the works, it is high time to focus on the likelihood that Saddam may have fiddled Oil-for-Food contracts not only to pad his own pockets, buy pals, and acquire clandestine arms — but also to fund terrorist groups, quite possibly including al Qaeda.

Oil For Terror

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS (Oil for Food--SCANDAL)

CLAUDIA ROSETT WRITES:
But at what cost? Are we supposed to conclude that, in order to deliver this amount of aid, the UN had to approve Saddam’s more than $100 billion worth of largely crooked business, had to look the other way while he skimmed money, bought influence, built palaces, and stashed away billions on the side, at least some of which may now be funding terror in Iraq or beyond?

No, something was at work here other than passive acquiescence. At precisely what moment during the years of Oil-for-Food did the UN Secretariat cross the line from "supervising" Saddam to collaborating with him? With precisely what deed did it enter into collusion? Even setting aside such obvious questions as whether individual UN officials took bribes, did the complicity begin in 1998, when Saddam flexed his muscles by throwing out the weapons inspectors and when Oil-for-Food, instead of leaving along with them, raised the cap on his oil sales? Did it come in 1999, when, even as Saddam’s theft was becoming apparent, the UN scrapped the oil-sales limits altogether? Or in 2000 and 2001, when Sevan dismissed complaints and reports about blatant kickbacks? Did it start in 2002, when Annan, empowered by Oil-for-Food Plus, signed his name to projects for furnishing Saddam with luxury cars, stadiums, and office equipment for his dictatorship? Or did the defining moment arrive in 2003, when Annan, ignoring the immense conflict posed by the fact that his own institution was officially on Saddam’s payroll, lobbied alongside two of Saddam’s other top clients, Russia and France, to preserve his regime? Certainly by the time Annan and Sevan, neck-deep in revelatory press reports and standing indignantly athwart their own secret records, continued to offer to the world their evasions and denials, the balance had definitively tipped

Oil for Food Scam

MAJID

This is a challenge to your freedom. It’s not only from the former regime members, but those who wish to own your view. The more you express their views, the more you strengthen them--helping them to own you. At that end of the road, you may make it possible for them to succeed in destroying your rights.

The efforts of your family seem directed toward using freedom of speech to undercut the Coalition which hopes to improve and solidify your freedoms. It’s worse than human shields because members of your family seem to be standing in their own way—yelling about the injustices of those who would support your difficulties and would condemn those who threaten to kill you. It undercuts those who might have helped you.

If the information is true, you could use help; but, Iraqis (and others) have attempted to cut the lines of rescue. If many in your family continue to use their free speech to erode the cause of those who offer freedom of speech, they will simply be continuing to cut off your choices. And, in doing so, will cut off their own choices.

You will make it possible to regress (from approximately 200 newspapers) back to a few newspapers run by the latest “Uday” It defies reason; and yet, it seems to be happening. Groups of Iraqis actively working to erode, undermine, thwart their own good future and trying vigorously to shove themselves back into a cave.

I can only hope that the work is as difficult as trying to shove 10 elephants into a thimble.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.]

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.)

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.

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

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.