DNC EDGE

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$100 or less
 
For a political edge!   (via Drudge)
 
McAuliffe, DNC Chairman, wrote to the Dept. of Justice requesting docs under Freedom of Information Act:
 

According to recent reporting, an investigation into former National Security Adviser Samuel Berger has been going on for at least nine months, since October 2003. Yet, the criminal investigation only came to light three days prior to the release of a report expected to be critical of the Bush administration's lack of focus on the events leading up to the 9-11 attacks. As conservative scholar Norm Ornstein stated, "you can't look at the timing of this with anything but an enormous amount of skepticism." [CNN, 7/20/04](…)

In light of the seriousness of the possibility that the Bush administration and the Department of Justice have politicized an ongoing investigation, it is imperative that this Freedom of Information request is responded to in an expedited manner.(…)
 
(…)requesting copies of the following:Any and all communications relating or referring to the investigation of Samuel ("Sandy") Berger, between, correspondence (including electronic mail) between, memoranda between, phone records of communications between, meeting notes and/or minutes of meetings between, on the one hand, any official or employee of the US Department of Justice AND, on the other hand, (i) the Executive Office of the President or any unit or office thereof (including but not limited to the Office of the Vice President); (ii) any official, employee, or representative of the Republican National Committee; OR (iii) any official, employee or representative of the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign.

 
Let me see…the Democrats are accusing the Republicans of being political about Sandy Berger’s theft of information from the archives.  They want to investigate all the correspondence between Justice and the Administration so the DNC can be……(you guessed it!) POLITICAL about the Republicans’ being POLITICAL.
 
The problem isn’t who is being political.  The problem is that information and notes were missing…WHY?  What was taken?
 
Don’t tell me they were *just copies*; it was the information which was important and classified.  It wasn’t blank paper that was classified. It wasn’t Berger’s blank note cards. It was the information, stupid! 

BERGER'S BS

FOX

(…)Berger and his lawyer said Monday night he knowingly removed the handwritten notes by placing them in his jacket, pants and socks, and also inadvertently took copies of actual classified documents in a leather portfolio.

(…)Berger had ordered his counterterrorism adviser, Richard Clarke, in early 2000 to write the after-action report and has publicly spoken about how the review brought to the forefront the realization that Al Qaeda had reached America's shores and required more attention.

The missing documents involve two or three draft versions of the report as it was being refined by the Clinton administration. The Archives is believed to have copies of some of the missing documents.

In the FBI search of his office, Berger also was found in possession of a small number of classified note cards containing his handwritten notes from the Middle East peace talks during the 1990s, but those are not a focal point of the current criminal probe, according to officials and lawyers.

Breuer said the Archives staff first raised concerns with Berger during an Oct. 2 review of documents that at least one copy of the post-millennium report he had reviewed earlier was missing. Berger was given a second copy that day, Breuer said.

Officials said Archive staff specially marked the documents and when the new copy and others disappeared, Archive officials called Clinton attorney Bruce Lindsey.

Berger immediately returned all the notes he had taken, and conducted a search and located two copies of the classified documents on a messy desk in his office, Breuer said. An Archives official came to Berger's home to collect those documents but Berger couldn't locate the other missing copies, the lawyer said.

Breuer said Berger was allowed to take handwritten notes but also knew that taking his own notes out of the secure reading room was a "technical violation of Archive procedures, but it is not all clear to us this represents a violation of the law."

Justice officials have informed the Sept. 11 commission of the Berger incident and the nature of the documents in case commissioners had any concerns, officials said. The commission is expected to release its final report on Thursday.

---

 

ABC

 

Berger: Incident Was 'Honest Mistake'
Berger Says Document Incident 'Honest Mistake,' but GOP Calls for Answers
The Associated Press
 
 
WASHINGTON July 21, 2004 — Former national security adviser Sandy Berger says he regrets the way he handled classified terrorism documents, calling the whole thing "an honest mistake." Republicans say the matter raises questions about whether the former Clinton administration official sought to hide embarrassing materials.
 
(..)"Last year, when I was in the Archives reviewing documents, I made an honest mistake. It's one that I deeply regret," Berger said. "I dealt with this issue in October 2003 fully and completely. Everything that I have done all along in this process has been for the purpose of aiding and supporting the work of the 9/11 commission, and any suggestion to the contrary is simply, absolutely wrong."

From the Fox Article:
 

There are laws strictly governing the handling of classified information, including prohibiting unauthorized removal or release of such information.
 
Berger served as Clinton's national security adviser for all of the president's second term and most recently has been informally advising Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. Clinton asked Berger last year to review and select the administration documents that would be turned over to the Sept. 11 commission.
 
Breuer said the Archives staff first raised concerns with Berger during an Oct. 2 review of documents that at least one copy of the post-millennium report he had reviewed earlier was missing. Berger was given a second copy that day, Breuer said.
Officials said Archive staff specially marked the documents and when the new copy and others disappeared, Archive officials called Clinton attorney Bruce Lindsey.

 
 
 
COMMENTS:  Whatever else this involves, it was not an honest mistake.  Honesty would be following the rules, not secreting notes and documents.  Berger had much experience with classified documents, apparently he was above the rules and the laws; but, it was inadvertent….accidental.

Well, one document Berger had reviewed previously was missing and the staff had furnished another copy which was marked.  In short, he had one and it disappeared.  They furnished another….that disappeared, too.  Pockets, pants or socks; Berger knew better and did it anyway.  He was savy about what he was doing.  He knew the "drill", and it happened more than once with Berger.
 
Whatever the Republicans say, or the Democrats say, is less important than what Berger said.  He said that it was an honest mistake.  Twice?  Pants or socks, his notes, and copies of documents?   Honest mistake?  Twice?
 
If you believe it was honest, I’m going into the bridge-selling business.

PAUL RAY SMITH, HERO

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posthumously

AMERICAN HERO: SGT. 1ST CLASS PAUL RAY SMITH, US ARMY

July 20, 2004 -- NOTE: PostOpinion's "American Heroes" series takes note of U.S. servicemembers decorated in the War on Terror.

SGT. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom, was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He is currently a nominee for the Medal of Honor.

Smith was killed in battle April 4, 2003, when his unit, the 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, was assigned the task of establishing an enemy prisoner of war holding area and was aggressively counter-attacked by a large Republican Guard unit near the Baghdad International Airport. The unit was overtaken and pinned down within minutes.

Several vehicles were out of action and some soldiers were down. Smith climbed aboard a damaged armored vehicle, and under intense fire managed to get a .50-caliber machine gun working and provided critical covering fire so the wounded could be evacuated.

BERGER BOTCH?

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FOX

WASHINGTON — Former President Clinton's national security adviser is under criminal investigation for taking highly classified terrorism documents that should have been turned over to the independent commission probing the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, FOX News has confirmed.

Sandy Berger (search) is under scrutiny by the Justice Department (search) following the disappearance of documents he was reviewing at the National Archives

Berger's home and office were searched earlier this year by FBI (search) agents armed with warrants after the former Clinton adviser voluntarily returned some sensitive documents to the National Archives and admitted he also removed handwritten notes he had made while reviewing the sensitive documents.
He apparently was seen stuffing classified documents into his pants and his coat, according to some newspaper reports.

However, some drafts of a sensitive after-action report on the Clinton administration's handling of Al Qaeda terror threats during the December 1999 millennium celebration are still missing, officials and lawyers told The Associated Press.

Berger and his lawyer said Monday night he knowingly removed the handwritten notes by placing them in his jacket and pants, and also inadvertently took copies of actual classified documents in a leather portfolio.

WILSON/PLAME

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Hitchens
 
Plame's Lame GameWhat Ambassador Joseph Wilson and his wife forgot to tell us about the yellow-cake scandal. 

By Christopher HitchensPosted Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at 9:27 AM PT

Two recent reports allow us to revisit one of the great non-stories, and one of the great missed stories, of the Iraq war argument. The non-story is the alleged martyrdom of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wilson, supposed by many to have suffered cruel exposure for their commitment to the truth. The missed story is the increasing evidence that Niger, in West Africa, was indeed the locus of an illegal trade in uranium ore for rogue states including Iraq.

The Senate's report on intelligence failures would appear to confirm that Valerie Plame did recommend her husband Joseph Wilson for the mission to Niger. In a memo written to a deputy chief in the CIA's Directorate of Operations, she asserted that Wilson had "good relations with both the Prime Minister and the former Minister of Mines [of Niger], not to mention lots of French contacts." This makes a poor fit with Wilson's claim, in a recent book, that "Valerie had nothing to do with the matter. She definitely had not proposed that I make the trip." (It incidentally seems that she was able to recommend him for the trip because of the contacts he'd made on an earlier trip, for which she had also proposed him.)

Wilson's earlier claim to the Washington Post that, in the CIA reports and documents on the Niger case, "the dates were wrong and the names were wrong," was also false, according to the Senate report. The relevant papers were not in CIA hands until eight months after he made his trip. Wilson now lamely says he may have "misspoken" on this. (See Susan Schmidt's article in the July 10 , Washington Post.)

PLAME/WILSON

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Washington Post

Plame's Input Is Cited on Niger Mission
Report Disputes Wilson's Claims on Trip, Wife's Role

By Susan Schmidt
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 10, 2004; Page A09

Former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, dispatched by the CIA in February 2002 to investigate reports that Iraq sought to reconstitute its nuclear weapons program with uranium from Africa, was specifically recommended for the mission by his wife, a CIA employee, contrary to what he has said publicly.

Wilson last year launched a public firestorm with his accusations that the administration had manipulated intelligence to build a case for war. He has said that his trip to Niger should have laid to rest any notion that Iraq sought uranium there and has said his findings were ignored by the White House.

Wilson's assertions -- both about what he found in Niger and what the Bush administration did with the information -- were undermined yesterday in a bipartisan Senate intelligence committee report.(…)

ANOTHER WEASEL

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New Weasel
 
The mollycoddling milksops of Manila
Michelle Malkin 
July 14, 2004

 

Add the flag of the Philippines to the International Hall of Appeasers. Sign this pitiful nation up for a lifetime membership to the Axis of Weasels. And remind me never again to brag about the proud fighting spirit of my ancestors.

 I never thought I'd say this, but I'm deeply, mortifyingly ashamed of my parents' native land. The island nation has gone and pulled a Spain (and a France and a Germany). Philippine president Gloria Macagapal-Arroyo has crumbled like a fried lumpia wrapper under pressure from radical Muslim terrorists.

 The Battling Bastards of Bataan have given way to the Mollycoddling Milksops of Manila. And ultimately, we -- not just Filipinos, but all Americans and our allies battling Islamofascism -- will pay a grisly price for this disgraceful capitulation.

 
 
DISGUST for the betrayal, Filipinos.  It doesn’t help the next victim and makes it possible for this to continue to threaten and kill more.  It didn’t help…it hurt.  You didn’t help yourselves and the rest of the world.  Not an easy choice to make; but, the courageous have to fight against the murderers, kidnappers, and terrorists.  The brave have tough choices to make. . . apparently, you aren’t one of the brave. 

You took the easy way out and harmed the rest of us while you were doing it!  The terrorists won’t do what doesn’t work. 

BETTER

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SMART BOMB

A saboteur attempting to plant a bomb Saturday under a natural gas pipeline set off the explosion early and killed himself, The Associated Press reported. The pipeline was undamaged in the explosion in Riayd, about 30 miles southwest of Baghdad, said Col. Sarhat Qader of the Kirkuk police.

Reference Site
 
The bomber must have been a surviving student from GM's cartoon:

check out the cartoon


U.S. Air Raid on Suspected Militants in Iraq
 
Reuters

FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. forces in Iraq launched an air strike on suspected guerrillas allied to al Qaeda in the rebellious city of Falluja on Sunday, and local doctors said at least 12 people were killed.

The U.S. army said in a statement that Iraq's interim government had authorized "a strike against a known terrorist fighting position in southern Falluja."
Around 25 fighters loyal to Jordanian militant Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi were in the area just before the attack, it said.

 

IN A BRIEF REPORT (heard once) :

In a recent report of an attack on a convoy, the terrorists perpetrated the attack and proceeded to escape.  While they were in the process of their escape, local residents were shooting at them. 
 
Good or bad, those residents were tired of the attacks and were doing something about it---the local residents were chasing the attackers.

ON THE GROUND

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If you haven't seen these, they are interesting reading:
 
 
Greenside
 
Messages from the front, a son is sending emails to his father about what is happening on the ground in Iraq.
 
 
 
Road of a Nation
     
Sarmad is exchanging views with other Iraqis.  By this morning, there were 788 Comments in response, including additional comments by the Iraqis.  

WILSON LIED

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ANN COULTER
 

(…)Wilson was shocked because, in 2002, he had been sent on an unpaid make-work job to Niger to "investigate" whether Saddam Hussein had tried to buy uranium ore from Niger. Wilson's method of investigating consisted of asking African potentates questions like: Did you commit a horrible crime, which, if so, would ruin your country's relationship with the United States? I have no independent means of corroborating this, so be honest!
 
(…)
(,,,)I'm not sure we were waiting for any more evidence on whether Wilson was an idiot, but this week we found out he's a liar, too. The Senate report on the CIA's intelligence gathering concluded that, contrary to Wilson's statements about his own report, his findings had bolstered rather than undermined the case that Saddam had sought uranium from Niger.
Most amusingly, despite Wilson's insistence that he had been tapped for the Niger trip based on his nonexistent expertise and zero credentials, the Senate committee produced his wife's memo recommending her husband for the (unpaid) job. This followed Wilson's assertions that his wife "definitely had not proposed that I make the trip" and his astonishment that anyone could imagine his wife was "somehow involved in this," saying that "just defies logic."

When presented with the memo from his wife recommending him for the job, Wilson said only that his wife was not the one who made the decision to send him to Niger. This cleared up the matter for anyone who had been under the impression Wilson was married to George Tenet.

As an aside, I note that the main point of the Senate report was to slam the agency for its Mickey Mouse intelligence gathering on weapons of mass destruction. Guess what Wilson's wife does at the CIA? That's right! She gathers intelligence on weapons of mass destruction! No wonder she claims to be "undercover." Her fantasist husband calls the incompetent CIA paper-pusher "Jane Bond." (I'm an astronaut!) (…)

 
 
 

39. INTEL. REPORT
B.  Former Ambassador
 
            (XXX) Officials from the CIA’s DO Counterproliferation Division (CPD) told Committee staff that in response to questions from the Vice President’s Office and the Departments of State and Defense on the alleged Iraq-Niger uranium deal, CPD officials discussed ways to obtain additional information.  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  XXXXXXXX who could make immediate inquires into the reporting, CPD decided to contact a former ambassador to Gabon who had a posting early in his career in Niger.
 
            (X)  Some CPD officials could not recall how the office decided to contact the former ambassador, however, interviews and documents provided to the Committee indicate that his wife, a CPD employee, suggested his name for the trip.  The CPD reports officer told Committee staff that the former ambassador’s wife “offered up his name” and a memorandum to the Deputy Chief of the CPD on February 12, 2002, from the former ambassador’s wife says, “my husband has good relations with both the PM [prime minister] and the former Minister of Mines (not to mention lots of French contacts), both of whom could possibly shed light on this sort of activity.”  This was just one day before CPD sent a cable XXXXXXXXXXX requesting concurrence with CPD’s idea to send the former ambassador to Niger and requesting any additional information from the foreign government service on their uranium reports.  The former ambassador’s wife told Committee staff that when CPD decided it would like to send the former ambassador to Niger, she approached her husband on behalf of the CIA and told him “there’s this crazy report” on a purported deal for Niger to sell uranium to Iraq.
 
            (XXX))  The former ambassador had traveled previously to Niger on the CIA’s behalf XX  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX.  The former ambassador was selected for the 1999 trip after his wife mentioned to her supervisors that her husband was planning a business trip to Niger in the near future and might be willing to use his contacts in the region XXXXXXXXXXX  XXXXXXXXXXXXXX.  Because the former ambassador did not uncover any information about XXXXXX  during this visit to Niger, CPD did not distribute an intelligence report on the visit.

READ THIS! (#450)

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Terror in the Skies, Again?
 
By Annie Jacobsen
 

On June 29, 2004, at 12:28 p.m., I flew on Northwest Airlines flight #327 from Detroit to Los Angeles with my husband and our young son.  Also on our flight were 14 Middle Eastern men between the ages of approximately 20 and 50 years old.  What I experienced during that flight has caused me to question whether the United States of America can realistically uphold the civil liberties of every individual, even non-citizens, and protect its citizens from terrorist threats.

 
Jacobsen (via) Malkin (via) Tom the Redhunter  It’s long; but, not boring! 
 
Thanks to Jacobsen (who wrote it), Malkin (who carried it) and Tom, the Redhunter (who found it!!)


[Comment:  They're trying to kill us with our own materials and our freedoms. Death by PC with the help of DoT. Grim situation, any suggestions?]

MOORE MANURITIS

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Moore’s manure does a nasty disservice to the Iraqi people. Jeffrey, at Iraq Blog Central (right link) points out Sarmad’s views at Road of A Nation (also, right link.) Sarmad is not pleased with Michael Moore’s coverage of happy Baghdad.

Last night in a discussion with someone who saw F9/11, it was mentioned that the film was propaganda, full of incorrect information. The person (in the discussion) had not decided which Presidential Candidate but (apparently) there was no vote for Michael Moore. I haven’t seen it; but, would like to. The problem is that I refuse to donate a single shilling to the creep.

MM sucked up all the benefits of the US, and bashed in return. He wouldn't exist in Russia, and wouldn't have been loud for very long in Saddam's Iraq. Only in the USA can a mad dog bite the hand that feeds it....and make millions in the process.

When he leaves the country....can we revoke his passport? It's a comforting thought! We could take up a collection for MM to live in France but it would be a waste of money. France would likely give him a home for nothing. Do it Michael….move out…"move on", move away! I’m in favor of Moore Moving.

INT REP—NIGER

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G. The Niger Documents

57.3 (X) On October 9, 2002, an Italian journalist from the magazine Panorama provided U.S. Embassy Rome with copies of documents8 pertaining to the alleged Ira-Niger uranium transaction. The journalist had acquired the documents from a source who had requested 15,000 Euros in return for their publication, and wanted the embassy to authenticate the documents. Embassy officers provided copies of the documents to the CIA’s (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) because the embassy, which did collect the information, was sending copies of the documents back to State Department headquarters.

Footnote 8:
(X) The documents from the Italian journalist are those that were later passed to the IAEA and discovered to have been forged. In March 2003, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Rockefeller, requested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate the source of the documents, XXXXXXXXXX, the motivation of those responsible for the forgeries, and the extent to which the forgeries were part of a disinformation campaign. Because of the FBI’s investigation into this matter, the Committee did not examine these issues.

There have been many rumors about the above. Among the rumors was information that a dark-of-night breakin to the Niger Embassy in Rome netted burglars some documents supplies. Another rumor was that the Niger documents came via a no-so-friendly foreign government source.

It would have been better to have included more information within the report concerning the forged documents. There are so many possibilities: Chalabi and his forging group could have crafted the documents; Saddam could have produced the documents as a blatant forgery to discredit belief in Iraq’s attempting to acquire uranium.

We need more information about this. Will the FBI publish their findings; or, will we never know how far the investigation advanced? We need to know more.

LATEST OFF INFO

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Drip, Drip, Drip

Latest OFF Link by Claudia Rosett

It's intriguing, in its way, to trace the clues back and forth, trying to piece together the biggest jigsaw puzzle of graft, fraud and theft in the history of humanitarian relief. But wouldn't it have spared us all a lot of grief had the U.N. chosen to run this program not as a private consulting arrangement with Saddam, but as an open book? Just this week, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated to the San Francisco Chronicle what has clearly become Mr. Annan's party line--that the Secretariat, which collected a $1.4 billion commission on Saddam's oil sales to run this program, was "not mandated to police the contractors; it's not the way the program was set up by the Security Council members."

Interesting how Mr. Annan bowed to the Security Council when it was the ordinary people of Iraq being robbed, but now that his own office is under fire, he feels free to let his subordinates run around blaming the Security Council. Wasn't anyone at the U.N. paid to think?

[For more Claudia Rosett articles, see link (at right) under Docs and Info Sites]

GROUP THINK:

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Intelligence Committee Report:

[Note: 18 refers to page # (followed by .--dot) then paragraph #]

18.1 (U) Conclusion 3. The Intelligence Community (IC) suffered from a collective presumption that Iraq had an active and growing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program. This “group think” dynamic led Intelligence Community analysts, collects and managers to both interpret ambiguous evidence as conclusively indicative of a WMD program as well as ignore or minimize evidence that Iraq did not have active and expanding weapons of mass destruction programs. This presumption was so strong that formalized IC mechanisms established to challenge assumptions and group think were not utilized.

The IC is charged with paranoia; it is paid to be paranoid. In this way, it is less likely to underestimate threat, thereby leaving the citizens of the United States defenseless against a growing threat. In estimating the Iraq threat, IC is accused of “group think.”

“Group think” was running with the crowd who said the world was flat. When it was proven that the world was round, the people who joined the opinion that the world was round were correct. Although they jumped on the “bandwagon,” the facts were accurate and based on previous conclusions. Those who felt the world was flat were no longer accurate and were participants in “group think.” Apparently, the Committee does not consider those who agreed with the conclusion that the world was round as group thinkers with a correct assessment, basing their ultimate theory on previously proven facts/history.

I must be a member of “group think.” But, there was no GROUP--just me wading through the information. I agree with the theories presented by the IC and many of the conclusions drawn; and, disagree with the assumptions of the Committee and their conclusions drawn prior to the submission of the Iraq Survey Group Report. These conclusions seem to be every bit as much “group think” as the accusation against the IC (of “group think.”) They are basing their conclusions upon information which is incomplete.

Further, the IC based some of its theories and assumption on history—accurate facts provided by the U.N. and Iraq, as well as the IC. Although there may be room for the conclusion that Saddam Hussein turned “Saint,” (destroyed all his weapons, was open, was honest, kept nothing, had no resuscitation programs, and had been vigorously assisting the weapons inspectors) we have proof that the December Full Final Complete Declaration was not full, final, or complete. That is only part of the history of the regime.

The Committee makes its judgment prior to the ISG Report, ruling out previous facts, and expects to come to a factual decision about the accuracy of IC reports and the NIE. It’s a hasty conclusion (right or wrong.) This Committee does not know what happened; whether or not Saddam destroyed all WMD; whether or not some will be found tomorrow; why the IAEA permitted quantities of yellowcake and other items; they may not have a clue to what was really going on (the same as I.)

Then why the report? Well, the report is in two phases, and possibly the second phase will include more facts. (IMHO) The important thing to know about Iraq is historical. The regime required control, twice conducted war with neighbors, was secretive and thoroughly uncooperative with the U.N. and weapons inspectors. It was proven again, and again, that they possessed great amounts of WMD and the facts were not proven until we dropped sanctions and had more vigorous inspections. Too dangerous to consider this a Court Case where the defendant was presumed innocent; the regime had been proven guilty continuously (beyond doubt, not just reasonable doubt) by facts and by their own admissions. This must be taken into consideration! To ignore facts, ignore proven history, is to work in a vacuum and may result in a ‘group think” of flat-world syndrome.

This is just a beginning opinion and may change with respect to valuable information contained in the report. I’d like to focus on the Niger information (purely curiosity.) The mystery of this seems to include several intriguing twists and turns.

[Note: This is a .pdf file. Some of these can be captured and reproduced to avoid having to key in the information. I haven’t been able to do it with this one and have been keying the paragraphs into separate files. (groaning, again…) On with it!! ]

WORTHWHILE WAR?

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Approximately 45% of Americans feel the war in Iraq was worthwhile. I’m one of the 45%. I was in favor of doing something about Saddam Hussein and his band of monstrous murderers. It wasn’t a new thought; it was a thought with me since 1990. At the end of Gulf War I, I was in favor of finishing the job now, before it gets any worse in the Middle East. Well, coulda, woulda, shoulda……didn’t.

At the end of the war, I felt that it was unfinished business, and that Saddam would continue to be a problem. We would be back. It might be worse when we came back. I don’t have a psychic bone in my body. I don’t have a crystal ball. It didn’t take much intelligence to realize that Saddam Hussein wanted power and control and would persist on his preferred path. What, where, when, no one could foresee; but, my interpretation was that the man was trouble, and the trouble would continue.

Whether or not it is worthwhile, the more important question for the American public is: Do you want it to succeed? Do you want the Iraq people to have more choices, more freedoms, more prosperity…….more hope for their future and the future of Iraq? The answers might produce a much higher percentage of Americans who wish the Iraqi people well.

According to the news, the Intelligence Report (7/7/04) exonerated the President concerning lies and persuading (pressuring) for their view. The report (apparently) gave credit to the intelligence groups concerning connections between the regime and terrorists. It’s a long report; I’ll have to read the whole thing before I can draw my own conclusions, because you have to read the original to get a more complete view without the spin of the media (both sides.) GROAN! (Well, I read the whole indictment of Sami Al Arian, guess I can get through this.)

As for the question of whether or not the war in Iraq was worthwhile, we won't know for a few years.

DANGEROUS!

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DON’T DO IT!!!!!

An extremist group(s) will be trying to disrupt the Republican Convention in New York City. Don’t do it!!! Some of you might be Democrat protestors; some are seriously extreme activists; and, the plan is horrendously dangerous.

A website is promoting disrupting the convention and recommending that people go to shooting ranges prior to protesting. What the HELL do you think you are doing? In trying to keep the police busy with you idiots, you could interfere with the prevention of a disaster. Gun powder residue on your clothes takes effort away from finding potential killers. Is that your objective? Are you so anxious to push your agenda that you would assist in endangering thousands of citizens? This is not rational thinking! It’s grounds for checking into the local insane asylum.

It’s worse than trying to cut off your nose to spite your face. It’s (potentially) cutting off your head for your radical free speech. You aren’t gonna speak if your head’s cut off. Throwing marbles into the police horses’ path prevents the police from doing their duty; but, their duty isn’t only you and your free speech. Part of their duty is to attempt to prevent bombings, watch for terrorists, and you would hinder them and help your own enemies, who would kill you in an instant and be gleeful. Your just another body to them; and you could be helping them to kill you—-as well as, to kill as many others as possible.

When did you begin to believe that it is okay for you to demonstrate in any way you wish, even if it kills your neighbor or your friend. I can’t imagine where your brain is. Were you the ones who handed the box cutters to the terrorists? If you weren’t, don’t hand them a gross of “box cutters” now. Ah, but you won’t listen.

The CREATIVE COURT OF JUSTICE SPEAKS AGAIN: If you are caught disrupting any convention (Republican or Democrat) with these tactics, your sentence is toughing it out in an empty stadium for the duration of the convention; minimum “job johnnies”; cans of “Slim Fast; and nothing to do. Upon exit, your forehead (right between the eyes) is stamped with a 1-inch (neon) dye dot which will not come off for at least a month. Agree to it, or go to jail for 6 weeks!

[If a terrorist attack happens while you are engaged in your activities, the COURT OF CREATIVE JUSTICE will try you for each and every death. One more thing: if you think this is unfair, how about instant martial law, and they just shoot you. Your delaying and impeding tactics are very dangerous. You should be responsible for your actions, and the results of your actions.]

STOP THE STUPIDITY!!

BENE OF DOUBT

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If you are an American, consider giving US some Benefit Of Doubt. You may be liberal; but, liberal views gained strength over the last two decades. You may be able to be content with some of those gains. You can’t have it all, all the time; but, of course, you would like to have all you wish.

In your struggle to gain more items of the liberal agenda, think about what would happen if the US lost. Think about the changes which might happen to the liberal agenda if your promotion undermines the effectiveness of US during a war. There will be time for fighting your fight, unless we lose the war on terror. If you undermine US well enough, we might lose….and then, you lose. We’re losing the Propaganda War and you seem to be helping our opponents.

You might not agree, but when you run down the US for politics . . . . .you hurt US and you. "Truth will set you free" and Propaganda will kill US.

Find the Truth; take out the propaganda; let US (all) know the facts, and nothing but the facts. It’s an obligation, and a responsibility of free speech.

But, if there is a benefit of the doubt to be given, it should be given by US to US (not given to Saddam Hussein, and not to Osama Bin Laden.)

Please don't feed the enemy.

PROPAGANDA WAR

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One media story is making the rounds and it’s strange. A recent poll of Hungarian school kids shows that kids 16-18 in the secondary school dislike Bush more than Bin Laden, SH, Stalin, etc., and less than they dislike Hitler. This makes little sense.

Yahoo

The poll shows that Bush was liked more than the Pope, but this was not the headline. The headline was “Bush Liked Less Than Saddam, Bin Laden.” Most 16-18 year olds do not have knowledge of current events and have more knowledge of the music of the times. The kids are studying, working, living as teenagers, but few would call them politically savy or knowledgeable researchers of fact. It should make you wonder why the kids responded in this way.

Propaganda may be the answer. What are the kids in Hungary hearing? Rather than believing that the poll describes the children’s opinions, we should wonder how they could believe that Bush is worse than Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and Stalin. Stalin and Saddam killed their own people—not just a few people…..thousands. In Stalin’s case it might be millions. Bin Laden purposely targets innocent human beings. But, Bush is disliked more than these 3. What can those kids be thinking. More importantly, what could they be hearing which would impact their thoughts so extensively? Propaganda.

The media takes a fact and extracts the damaging information, which becomes the headline. The good things are played down; the bad things are hyped-up. The picture becomes distorted and propaganda is the end product. It isn’t just the propaganda press in the US; it’s happening in Hungary, too. This is not just a War On Terror. It’s a War On Propaganda.

We were late to the War On Terror. We were late to the War In Iraq. We are very late to the War On Propaganda. Look for the TRUTH; look for the FACTS; promote ACCURACY IN THE MEDIA.

FIGHT THE PROPAGANDA.

Committee Report

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(Updated below)

Because Iraq seems to have no huge stockpiles does not equate to having no WMD at all. The 500-page Committee Report, released this week, is a conclusion without sufficient evidence. While the Committee states that the intelligence was flawed, it seems risky to conclude this prior to the full Iraqi Survey Group Report. We haven’t gotten to the end of the story; no one is able to explain what happened; no one seems to know what happen. The Committee is refuting intelligence as flawed, and we don’t know the truth. We still don’t know how dangerous Saddam was, or what he was doing, or what he had done.

You can guess that the intelligence was flawed, but if you don’t know what really happened …..it is just a guess. It might be an educated guess, or a best guess, but it is still a guess (an opinion) until you have all the facts. The 500-page report is flawed reporting of the flawed intelligence, with redactions.

On the news, the “bi-partisan” team (of 2) presented the opinions of the opinions in the 500-pages. The two presenters had different views on the content. You could tell the Republican from the Democrat. Who was spinning what, we don’t know. We need the report.

We can hope someone puts the report on the net for all to read.

Update: A generous commentator provided the site for the report:

Int.Com.Rep.7/7/04

OFF COMPANIES

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Fox

Saddam's List of Preferred Companies
Friday, July 09, 2004

NEW YORK — Saddam Hussein (search) and his regime chose hundreds of foreign companies to do business with under the United Nation's oil-for-food program. Investigators believe the companies were selected because they or their governments were willing to back Saddam against international isolation and sanctions.

The list of the foreign companies approved by Saddam, obtained exclusively by FOX News, spells out that Russian and Saudi Arabian companies were the big winners in the scheme, which was beset by bribes and kickbacks:

— 109 Saudi Arabian companies are listed on a document titled Exempted Arab and Foreign Companies for importing all items. One Saudi company is described as a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

— 33 Russian companies are listed. One of those is further broken down into 250 company names, possibly subsidiaries.

[Comment: There will be "front companies" and "shell companies." They are following the money and there is no telling (yet) where this will lead, and to whom.]

SAM SAYS

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Sam (Hammorabi)

We are not supporting GWB neither against his opponents but really telling the truth about our dictator that we knew more than the others. If those who talk about WMD and the war should ask us and we will tell them that SH is a danger not only for Iraq but to the region and the world. This has been demonstrated by his several atrocities in the past.

Without the help of US to get rid of Saddam he may has stayed in power for hundreds of years by his sons with all his danger over the heads of all of us.

[Note: Bold, for emphasis, is mine]

FREED TO FIGHT US

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UPI

Released detainees return to fighting U.S.
By Shaun Waterman
UPI Homeland and National Security Editor
Published 7/6/2004 7:20 AM

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- Several prisoners released by the U.S. military from a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have rejoined their comrades in arms and taken part in fresh attacks on U.S. forces, according to Defense Department officials and a senior GOP lawmaker.

"We've already had instances where we know that people who have been released from our detention have gone back and have become combatants again," Rep. Porter Goss, R-Fla, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence told United Press International recently.

"At least five detainees released from Guantanamo have returned to the (Afghan) battlefield," said the defense official, who requested anonymity.

When asked how U.S. authorities could know, the official declined to comment, "That gets into intel stuff. I can't go there," the official said.

"These people don't have driver's licenses," he told UPI. "They don't even have birth certificates. Some of them are trained in deception and counter-interrogation techniques.

"One guy had 13 aliases."

[Comment: This is not PC; it's PS (Politically Stupid. SCOTUS reached into a foreign land to protect the guilty. Looks that way!]

PULSE & COUNT SITES

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Blog Pulse

The site attempts to “take the pulse” of bloggers, on a variety of topics. You can plug in a word or a phrase, or a person’s name. The search engine will direct you to the blogs which are covering the search request.

Iraq Blog Count

Iraq Blog Count is a very helpful site which keeps track of the Iraqi bloggers with a list of those who are “blogging Iraq.” Some are Iraqis inside Iraq; some are Iraqis outside Iraq; some are military; and, some have opinions on Iraq. It covers most blogs dealing with Iraq.

[Comment: Okay, so it didn’t cover this blog. Iraq Blog Count is still a good site.]

AGAINST SADDAM

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Saddam defence team threatened (almuajaha.com thread)
by mustafa muhsin

Number 1 I am a Sunni

Number 2 I am an Arab

Number 3 I hate saddam more than anything... the mere sight of him angers me.

Number 4 I don't care about the lies that people say about saddam having support amongst Sunni Arabs... It's just not true we hate him just as much...

Number 5 saddams defence team should be made to stand trial along with him for the mere audacity of defending a mass murdering, genociadal, homociadal, sadistic, sociopathic psychopath.

[Blank lines inserted for ease of reading.]

U--TRANSFER

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ABC/APwire

U.N. Didn't OK Uranium Transfer to U.S.

Wed Jul 7, 7:06 PM ET
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - The United States didn't have authorization from the U.N. nuclear watchdog when it secretly shipped from Iraq (news - web sites) uranium and highly radioactive material that could be used in so-called "dirty bombs," U.N. officials said Wednesday. The nearly 2 tons of low-enriched uranium and approximately 1,000 highly radioactive items transferred from Iraq to the United States last month had been placed under seal by the International Atomic Energy Agency at the sprawling Tuwaitha nuclear complex, 12 miles south of Baghdad, the officials said.

(…)In 1992, after the first Gulf War (news - web sites), all highly enriched uranium — which could be used to make nuclear weapons — was shipped from Iraq to Russia, the IAEA's Zlauvinen said.

After 1992, roughly 2 tons of natural uranium, or yellow cake, some low enriched uranium and some depleted uranium was left at Tuwaitha under IAEA seal and control, he said.

SYRIAN RUMORS

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Official Rumors

Global Security

In a briefing for journalists reported on October 29, 2003, the director of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency said satellite images showed a heavy flow of traffic from Iraq into Syria just before the American invasion in March 2003. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General James Clapper Jr. said he believed "unquestionably" that illicit weapons material was transported into Syria and perhaps other countries. He said "I think people below the Saddam- Hussein-and-his-sons level saw what was coming and decided the best thing to do was to destroy and disperse. ... I think probably in the few months running up to the onset of the conflict, I think there was probably an intensive effort to disperse into private hands, to bury it, and to move it outside the country's borders."

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph published on January 25, 2004, Dr. David Kay, the former head of the Iraq Survey Group, said there was evidence that unspecified materials had been moved to Syria shortly before the start of the war to overthrow Saddam. "We are not talking about a large stockpile of weapons," he said. "But we know from some of the interrogations of former Iraqi officials that a lot of material went to Syria before the war, including some components of Saddam's WMD programme. Precisely what went to Syria, and what has happened to it, is a major issue that needs to be resolved."

[Comment: The above makes the rumors official; it does not make the conclusions factual. There are good reasons to suspect that Syria is "holding it for a friend."]

FUNNY SADDAM

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NEED A LAUGH? Check out this site, creativity at work on Saddam's trial photos---with captions. It's a top site, now. You may need patience to get into the site; it's a busy place; but, it's worth it.

Rock, Paper, Saddam

MISSED LPB SPEECH

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(UPDATED BELOW)
Fox News reported that the LA Times and Washington Post claimed that L. Paul Bremer left Iraq without a goodbye—-no parting speech. (How rude!) We have misinformation in prominent place, and retractions hidden under a rock. It happens too often. It happened again with this……….misinformation. Reporters must learn to present the facts, nothing but the facts……under penalty of UNEMPLOYMENT.

Several of the Iraqi bloggers remarked on Bremer's speech. It was televised in Iraq, just as it should have been. If you spiffy reporters can’t find information, you should MoveOn to another job. The Iraqis heard the speech. The reporters were not reporting facts, they were spreading gossip.

Apparently, one LA Times reader sent information (facts) to the reporters. (Typical response: they’ll think it over.) Maybe they can squeeze a correction ("sorry bremer") into the Real Estate Section.

UPDATE:

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Iraq the Model

We almost thought we were hallucinating!
After the authority handover at June 28, Ali wrote a post about that event and included a description about Paul Bremer’s farewell speech to the Iraqis. We were surprised that it wasn’t covered by the major media and moreover the Los Angeles times even went as far as saying that Mr. Bremer "left without even giving a final speech to the country — almost as if he were afraid to look in the eye the people he had ruled for more than a year".

Omar, at Iraq the Model, tells all and includes a link to the LA Times correction.

HOT STUFF--REMOVAL

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US Newswire

WASHINGTON, July 6 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced today that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense (DOD) have completed a joint operation to secure and remove from Iraq radiological and nuclear materials that could potentially be used in a radiological dispersal device or diverted to support a nuclear weapons program.

(…)Twenty experts from DOE's national laboratory complex packaged 1.77 metric tons of low-enriched uranium and roughly 1000 highly radioactive sources from the former Iraq nuclear research facility. The DOD airlifted the material to the United States on June 23 and provided security, coordination, planning, ground transportation, and funding for the mission.

[Comment: If the radioactive sources were too dangerous to remain in Iraq, why hadn't the U.N. forced prior removal or destruction? Was Yellowcake included in the removal?]

9/11 IRAQ MURAL

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9/11 Mural in Iraq

Claim: A mural in Iraq depicts an airplane slamming into buildings resembling the World Trade Center towers.

Status: True.

Origins: On 26 March 2003, a mural showing an airplane crashing into one of two tall vertical buildings and setting it aflame (while a second airplane approaches the other building) was discovered by U.S. Marines searching Iraqi military headquarters in Nasiriya. The plane in this cheerily-hued painting bears the logo and color scheme of Iraqi Airlines.

The now famous photo, which shows two Marines in front of the mural, was taken by Joe Raedle, a photo journalist accompanying the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force from Task Force Tarawa.

No comment has so far been offered as to whether the mural pre-dates the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City or whether it was painted afterwards in celebration of same.

Barbara "artless" Mikkelson

Last updated: 30 March 2003

Sources:
CNN. "Marines Discover Iraqi 9/11 Mural." 26 March 2003.
Wolf Blitzer. "Wolf Blitzer Reports." CNN. 26 March 2003.
[Melbourne] Herald Sun. "Twin Towers Reminder." 28 March 2003 (p. 9).

[Note: Whether or not the mural was done before or after 9/11, it shows the opinion of the Regime--gloryification for the death of innocents.]

FISK SENTENCE?

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Sullivan

FISK COMES THROUGH: The Independent's Robert Fisk does his bit for the Baathists by disclosing the identity of the judge who is presiding over Saddam's trial. Now the guy fears for his life. Whatever it takes to prevent democracy in Iraq. Whatever it takes ... (via Sullivan, via Black Triangle)

Just punishment for Fisk would be to spend the rest of the war with the Judge. Fisk should be sentenced to existing no more than 15 ft. from the Judge at all times. He should eat the same food, ride in the same vehicle, sleep in the same residence, exist close enough to understand the fear that he made so clear to the Judge. Fisk should feel it, too. Fisk should be forced to live with the results of his actions.

The Court of Creative Justice levies this sentence on Robert Fisk.

Black Triangle can be found Here.

14 September, 2001

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by Tony Kern

[This is a portion of an open letter to America. The rest is worth reading, too]

(…)Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail.

Everyone I've talked to in the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another, "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain. If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain. God Bless America.

Dr. Tony Kern, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
Former Director of Military History, USAF Academy

WMD:U--AMBIGUITY

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Life is AMBIGOUS; messy and full of questions.

Guardian WatchBlog (right)

Uranium

* 3 May 04 UPDATE: In his new book, Joe Wilson states that "It was Saddam Hussein's information minister, Mohammed Saeed Sahhaf, often referred to in the Western press as 'Baghdad Bob,' who approached an official of the African nation of Niger in 1999 to discuss trade -- an overture the official saw as a possible effort to buy uranium."

CavalierX:

So the uranium buy attempt did happen, and he knew about it, and he lied about it to try and prevent the liberation of Iraq. How about that?
Posted at Tuesday, January 06, 2004 by CavalierX

IMHO: Most quotes are recorded accurately; the interspersed opinions are in question. The Wilson quote could be easily verified. The conclusion might not be accurate. To support the conclusion, Cavalier suggests that there was little else Iraq would be interested in purchasing from Niger. Although, it may be true that the interest was Uranium, there could have been another reason for Iraq approaching Niger. My conclusion (at this point)is Iraq did approach Niger for trade purposes; we don’t know conclusively what the trade involved.

(IIRC) During the war, we heard that troops had found yellowcake, and we heard that the U.N. knew about it and had tagged it. If true, we don't know why the U.N. would permit Iraq to have Yellowcake.


[Uranium Info:]
http://chemistry.allinfoabout.com/periodic/u.html About Uranium

Uranium occurs in minerals including pitchblende, carnotite, cleveite, autunite, uraninite, uranophane, and tobernite. It is also found in phosphate rock, lignite, and monazite sands. Radium is always associated with uranium ores. Uranium can be prepared by reducing uranium halides with alkali or alkaline earth metals or by reducing uranium oxides by calcium, carbon, or aluminum at elevated temperatures. The metal can be produced through electrolysis of KUF5 or UF4, dissolved in a molten mixture of CaCl2 and NaCl. High-purity uranium can be prepared by the thermal decomposition of uranium halides on a hot filament.


[NOTE: Thanks, CavalierX. You have worked hard and include factual information. Regardless of whether or not I agree with the conclusions, your efforts and materials are helpful in the search for truth.]

WASHINGTON POST POISON?

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About Chandrasekaran & Yellow-J

How do I know this? Because my fellow Marines and I witnessed it with our own eyes. Chandrasekaran showed up in the city of Al Kut last April, talked to a few of our officers, and toured the city for a few hours. He then got back into his air-conditioned car and drove back to Baghdad to write about the local unrest.

"The Untouchable 'Mayor' of Kut," his article's headline blared the next day. It described a local, Iranian-backed troublemaker named Abbas Fadhil, who was squatting in the provincial government headquarters. He had gathered a mob of people with nothing better to do, told them to camp out in the headquarters compound, and there they sat, defying the Marines of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Chandrasekaran was very impressed with the little usurper: "'We thank the Americans for getting rid of Saddam's regime, but now Iraq must be run by Iraqis,' Fadhil thundered during a meeting today with his supporters in the building's spacious conference room. 'We cannot allow the Americans to rule us from this office'....Fadhil has set up shop in an official building and appears to have rallied support across this city of 300,000 people.

"The refusal of Marine commanders to recognize Fadhil's new title has fueled particularly intense anti-American sentiments here," Chandrasekeran continued. "In scenes not seen in other Iraqi cities, U.S. convoys have been loudly jeered. Waving Marines have been greeted with angry glares and thumbs-down signs."
Readers must have concluded that Kut was on the verge of exploding. The entire city was ready to throw out the despised American infidel invaders and install their new "mayor" as their beloved leader.

What utter rubbish. In our headquarters, we had a small red splotch on a large map of Kut, representing the neighborhood that supported Abbas Fadhil. When asked about him, most citizens of Kut rolled their eyes. His followers were mainly poor, semi-literate, and not particularly well-liked. They were marginal in every sense of the word, and they mattered very little in the day-to-day life of a city that was struggling to get back on its feet.

We knew the local sentiment intimately, because as civil affairs Marines, our job was to help restore the province's water, electricity, medical care, and other essentials of life. Our detachment had teams constantly coming and going throughout the city, and Chandrasekeran could have easily accompanied at least one of them.

Since he didn't, he couldn’t see how the Iraqis outside of the red splotch reacted to us. People of every age waved and smiled as we rumbled past (except male youths, who, like their American counterparts, were too cool for that kind of thing.) Our major security problem was keeping friendly crowds of people away from us so we could spot bad guys.

None of those encouraging things made it into the article. Nor did anything about how we had been helping to fix the city’s problems as soon as we arrived. Just a quick-and-dirty sensationalistic piece about a local Islamist thug bravely going toe-to-toe with the legendary United States Marines. The general reaction to Chandrasekeran’s article was either laughter or dumb bewilderment.

Soon afterwards, a Marine commander met privately with Fadhil and told him he would be forcefully removed if he did not leave the government building. Fadhil, chastened, asked if he could slither into exile without the appearance of coercion, so he could save face. The commander agreed. Suddenly faced with a real confrontation, the "mayor" had backed down, and he left without any riots or bloodshed. The Americans took over the office that Fadhil said we should never occupy. The Post didn't cover any of that, either.

Don't take my word for it that the Post’s reporting is substandard and superficial. Take the word of Philip Bennett, the Post's assistant managing editor for foreign news. In a surprisingly candid June 6 piece, he admits that "the threat of violence has distanced us from Iraqis." Further, "we have relied on Iraqi stringers filing by telephone to our correspondents in Baghdad, and on embedding with the military. The stringers are not professional journalists, and their reports are heavy on the simplest direct observation." Translation: we are reprinting things from people we barely know, from a safe location dozens of miles away from the fighting.

[Note: Yellow-J = Yellow Journalism. See original article for all the links, and more information]

OBL threatens Europe

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OBL says Time’s Almost Up, Europe!

Newsmax

The statement run by Asharq al-Awsat newspaper referred to a 90-day cease-fire for attacks in Europe that the leader of al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden, declared on April 15.

"To the European people: Only a few days remain for you to accept the truce offered by bin Laden. Otherwise you will have nobody but yourself to blame," the London-based paper quoted the statement as saying.

Spain’s response?

CNN

MADRID, Spain (CNN) -- Spain's cabinet has agreed to send nearly 900 more troops to Afghanistan, boosting its current small contingent there to more than 1,000 ahead of the country's elections.

[Comment: Spain, if you have enough courage, send those troops back to Iraq, too!]

FISK RATTED?

.

Or, was FISK FISKED?

• DOWNING Street blasted The Independent yesterday for naming the judge in Saddam’s trial — putting his life at risk."

"It accused journalist Robert Fisk of breaking an agreement with the Iraqi Special Tribunal not to identify anyone in the court other than the defendants.

The Sun (UK)

THE CHEF

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Or, look who’s cooking, now!

During a Fox News Channel interview, one participant mentioned that he had been studying cooking for approximately 5 years. When asked what he would do now, Mr. L. Paul Bremer planned to cook, write a book, and lecture (at some time) during the fall.

No, the stress did not reduce the man to chef-hood . . .he likes to cook! He will specialize in French Cuisine. Uh Oh, is this a diplomatic difficulty, or will it soothe U.S./French relations?

I hope Mr. Bremer has time to check the Iraqi Blogs. There are many expressions of “thanks” to Abu Haider for his tireless efforts (and to the CPA we “thank you!”)

HAPPY 4th of JULY to the SOLDIERS--who are working hard to develop and improve Iraq!

4TH OF JULY

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I am a descendent of the REBELS, those who dared. They saw a better life for the people and they dared to reach for it. More than 225 years later, we still dare to feel the spirit of . . . FREEDOM.

Today in NYC, there is a dedication of the site of the FREEDOM TOWER. A building which will rise 1776 feet into the sky and will be a phoenix—-rising out of the ashes. A symbol of freedom, a dedication to those who died at this site, the building will remind US buildings will rise and fall; but, the SPIRIT remains, the SPIRIT lives on, and the SPIRIT can not be destroyed. Remember FREEDOM.

Dignitaries and ordinary people are meeting to place the cornerstone which says:

“TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 AND AS A TRIBUTE TO THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF FREEDOM”.

Now, “Ground Zero” has an additional meaning: it means a continuing with determination through adversity; it means a renewed appreciation of “THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM.” It means that “We, the people, are charged with protecting and DEFENDING those freedoms which were given to US by the men and women who fought to gain those freedoms—those who died to gain them, those who lived on to shape them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

(Pause to celebrate and enjoy the day. Then it’s back to the job; we have work to do for FREEDOM.)

ZEYDUN (UPDATE)

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UPDATE: Zeyad (Healing Iraq) posted on this at 3:13am.

UPDATE: Accountability, Justice, and Truth: We may wish it wasn’t so—that this had never happened; but, wishes are not Truth. Now, there is Accountability and it will be followed by Justice. Lies are easy. Truth takes more time to discover. (But, we found a Truth along the way: Bloggers can make a difference!)

My sincere hope that Accountability, Justice, and Truth may bring some measure of peace to Zeydun’s family and friends.

Thank you, Zeyad. You kept our focus on *looking for the Truth*!
Max Lane | Email | Homepage | 07.03.04 - 11:13 am |

CAR-BOMB FACTORY

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Troops find car-bomb production site

Seattle Times

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. soldiers discovered a car-bomb production site and detained 51 people for questioning during a search for illegal weapons in Baghdad, the military said early today.

Soldiers found a site with four vehicles that were apparently being modified for use in bomb attacks, while searches elsewhere netted rocket-propelled grenade launchers and explosives designed to be used in roadside attacks.

Soldiers also found more than 12 million Iraqi dinars ($8,275) at the car-bomb production site, along with AK-47 rifles, ammunition, timers and computer boards. Three people there were detained. At other locations, U.S. troops detained 48 suspects and found more weapons.

2 ARAB STATES OFFER

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2 Arab states offer military help for Iraq

Arizona Republic

(…)However, Iraq's deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying that the Baghdad government was likely to oppose the offer from Jordan because of Iraq's declared opposition to accepting troops from any of its immediate neighbors.

It was unclear how Iraq would respond to the offer from Yemen, which does not border Iraq.

"Yemen would be willing to play any role that the Iraqi people and the United Nations want it to play," said Yemen's ambassador to the United States, Abdulwahab Hajjri. If the Iraqis want Yemen to contribute peacekeeping troops, "we can help," he said.

(…)On Thursday, King Abdullah of Jordan said his country was willing to send troops to Iraq if the interim government there requested them. He previously had expressed reluctance to offer to send troops to Iraq, but indicated he had changed his mind because the region could not afford to see the Iraqi government fail.

[Comment: India has not come forward; (IIRC) they had agreed to send troops if a UN Resolution was passed. Was the Resolution not worded properly? Why not India?]

ZEYDUN (THE INCIDENT?)

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FOX

Three GIs Charged in Iraqi's Death
Friday, July 02, 2004

DENVER — Three U.S. soldiers have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the drowning of an Iraqi detainee who was shoved off a bridge near Baghdad in January, the military said Friday.
A fourth soldier faces charges for allegedly pushing a second Iraqi into the same river, the Tigris, in the city of Samarra. That man survived.

Both Iraqis were civilians who had been detained for a curfew violation, Army spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington said. He said the four soldiers, all from Fort Carson (search), were on patrol at the time. All have since returned to the Colorado post.

Sgt. 1st Class Tracy E. Perkins, 33, and 1st Lt. Jack M. Saville, 24, are charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, according to a summary of the charges released by the Army. Sgt. Reggie Martinez, 24, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and Spc. Terry Bowman, 21, is charged with assault. All are charged with making false statements.

[NOTE: This appears to include information about Zeyad's relative.]

UPDATE: CNN Headline News carried the story but said the soldiers were from Ft. Hood

ON THE SCENE

.
(That’s how it felt.) I was playing “remote roulette” (a game of channel changing at high speed :)) when CNN reported a bombing in Baghdad close to “Paradise Square” (Firdos Square.)

At the speed of light, I check my bookmarked “Fox live link” camera. Wow, I was in--on the scene. Smoke was billowing everywhere. You couldn’t tell if a hotel had been hit, or a car bomb went off in the street.

The news wasn’t covering the incident; I was stuck. If I closed the window, it might not let me back in. Finally, I minimized that browser and opened another one. No injuries—good! Apparently, it was a bus bomb.

It took an hour to pry myself away from it.


I bookmarked the camera site because the first time visiting the scene was beautiful. You could only imagine how it would be at sunrise, or sunset. I’ve watched a few of these scenes and they are incredible.

Okay, here it is:

Fox Live Camera

(This may mean I’ll never get in, again; but, it’s a sight to see and share.)

THE POLITICAL

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BI-PARTISAN: when both parties get together claiming temporary neutrality; lack of political bias; they are Americans solving the problems sans politics. [LOL]

It’s the new TROJAN HORSE—Democrats and Republicans inside red and blue equines. Close your eyes; you can tell the difference. You can determine from which side of the aisle the horse has come.

They don’t fool US. We are looking at the Trojan Horses dressed in the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” sporting the Cheshire Cat Grins, carrying the signs “America First” with the small print “after my party.”

I’d send “Mr. Smith” to Washington, if I could find him. Unfortunately, he saw the movie Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, too.

He’s hiding. No one can find him. It’s easy to understand.

WMD EXTRAS

.
OR NOT?{SEE UPDATE)

(via Command Post)

Interview

Questions to Rumsfeld (during radio interview with Roger Hedgecock KOGO)

Q (…)I’m reading recent reports in fairly easily accessible published accounts that Syria is holding the weapons of mass destruction or some of them, that others were destroyed, that others might still be hidden in Iraq, etcetera. What is the status on WMD? And if Syria is holding any of them and you guys know about it, how come we haven’t heard about it?

SEC. RUMSFELD: Well, let me respond this way. The decision to go to war was a concern on the part of, first, the president, then the Congress of the United States and ultimately the United Nations that Saddam Hussein had had weapons of mass destruction, had used them on his neighbors in Iran and had used them on his own people in Iraq – chemical weapons – that he was known to have various other WMD programs and that he was required by the United Nations over a period of some 17 resolutions to file a declaration declaring what he had. And everyone agreed he had filed a fraudulent declaration as to what weapons of mass destruction he had. The debate as to whether to go to war was not whether or not he’d filed a fraudulent declaration. Everyone agreed to that. The only question was should you give him another chance, should you wait and go 18 resolutions or 19 resolutions, another five years or however many.

Now what’s actually happened? Right now you have the Iraqi Survey Group, which is a multinational group that’s out there reviewing documentation and looking at suspect WMD sites. I was with the Polish minister of defense this weekend in Istanbul, Turkey at the NATO Summit. And in the course of that, he pointed out that his troops in Iraq had recently come across – I’ve forgotten the number, but something like 16 or 17 – warheads that contained sarin and mustard gas.

Now these are weapons that we always knew Saddam Hussein had that he had not declared and they have tested them and I have not seen them and I have not tested them, but they believe that they are correct that these, in fact, were undeclared chemical weapons -- sarin and mustard gas -- quite lethal and that is a discovery that just occurred within the last period of days. If you think about -- most people remember the image of where Saddam Hussein was captured in that hole -- that pit that he was living in. That pit, that hole in the ground was probably big enough to hold chemical and biological weapons sufficient to kill tens of thousands of people. And therefore, it is not hard to hide things in a country the size of California. It’s quite easy to hide things. In fact, we finally found a bunch of jet aircraft that they’ve buried underground.

In answer to your question on Syria, there have been a lot of intelligence speculation and rumors and chatter about the fact that Saddam Hussein may have placed some of his weapons of mass destruction in Syria prior to the start of the war. Until that can be validated and proved, you’ll find people in the administration not talking about it.

[Note: There are rumors that Iraq Survey Group has found more shells (containing mustard and sarin)—supposedly found by the Polish.]

Then, I found this:

Polish Army Says Iraq Shells Had Deadly Cyclosarin

Reuters

There were 17 shells found. They are not recently manufactured; probably from the ‘80s. Just a few more of the “destroyed” (which were not destroyed) WMD; they were old, but still dangerous.

UPDATE:

Seattle Times

The Coalition Press Information Center in Baghdad, Iraq, said in a statement that the 122-mm rocket rounds, which initially showed traces of sarin, "were all empty and tested negative for any type of chemicals."

The release also said that two other 122-mm rounds, found June 16 by the Poles, had tested positive for small quantities of sarin but were "so deteriorated ... (as) to have limited to no impact if used by insurgents against coalition forces."

COURT CONFUSION

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(Update 1, 2, 3, below)
Legal custody of Saddam Hussein and 11 others was transferred to Iraq on Wednesday. Thursday was Saddam’s first court appearance. First reports indicate that there was no microphone is the court; after which, we can hear the voices. Faces of individuals were not to be shown; at least one face was shown. This is the beginning of the trial of O.J. Saddam, with all the trimmings and decorations; with all the diversions and dancing.

The Judge read 7 charges:
1. Gassing of Kurds—Halabja;
2. Brazani Family Killings—1983;
3. Intentional killings of Party Leaders (political;)
4. Intentional killings of Religious Leaders;
5. Anfal—amnesty for Kurds who came forward; they were killed;
6. 1991 Shi’ite Uprising—killing of thousands;
7. Invasion of Kuwait.

Supposedly, Saddam said that he had heard about Halabja and mentions the Kuwaiti “Dogs.” He wants his lawyer. Trial under what legal system? (And, it doesn’t matter,) Bush did it all. Won’t sign anything; and. . . I have done nuth…thing; nuth…thing.

I am the ELECTED PRESIDENT.

[Well, don’t worry. We have the makings for another Michael Moore Manure-film. Moore should be there soon to start the shoveling process for moore manure millions.]

UPDATE #1:
REPORTER CONFUSION—Reporters saw many things while viewing Saddam Hussein. Some saw Saddam as disoriented, confused, shrunken. Others saw irritation, anger, and defiance. They are trying to figure out what they did see—at least one opinion per reporter.

(Opinion: ) I saw a quarterback in a losing season; one last game to play. He hasn’t lost hope; he still has plays (in or out of the playbook.) He’s convinced the game isn’t over, yet. And. . .he thinks he has the ball.

UPDATE #2:
A DEFENSE?--Saddam may claim that as the President of Iraq he was immune from prosecution. Apparently, Saddam passed a law that he was the law. He may have passed a law protecting his regime (giving themselves immunity); therefore, claiming he was within the law and also immune—he believes he would be freed. Saddam asked what law he would be tried under, would it be “his law?”

Usually under Saddam’s Law, after the name is called the criminal is removed to the backyard and shot…dead. Some people received the short-cut—skip the name procedure and go directly to the shot. . .dead.

UPDATE #3:
[Via Jason (Comments section GM’s Land of the Pharoah—link at right)]

The Judge--Courageous Man!

NY Times

"We need to build our country, of course, and to do that there will be victims," he said in an interview after the court hearing. "If I am going to be among them, I accept it. The most important thing is that we build a country based on justice. There can be no future for us without law."

THE U.N. FAMILY

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by C.Rosett

The story of a dysfunctional family. (Sopranos?)

First, let's head for the hearth, where, ensconced at the cozy core of this grand estate, we'll find the five elders, the veto-wielding members of the Security Council. There, of course, you'll run into the wayward U.S. and United Kingdom, who so disturbed the U.N. last year by chasing Saddam Hussein right out of his well-worn seat and down a spider-hole in the cellar. Nearby, counting his cash, is Russia's president Vladimir Putin, who strove so hard to preserve Iraq, uninterrupted, as a family business--Saddam's family, that is, and Russia's enormous Oil for Food business. Then there's Frère Jacques Chirac, who toiled so passionately last year in the U.N. kitchens, trying to stop America from cooking up any freedom fries in all that Iraqi oil. And, lest we forget, there's also China's Hu Jintao, who amid his many daily chores of jailing democratic dissidents and threatening Chinese democracy on Taiwan, found time last year to oppose the liberation of Iraq.

DEBUNKING CT

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Kat, at The Middle Ground is delving into some deep material. Check this site for in-depth coverage of the Oil CT--Conspiracy Theories. Good job, Kat!!
(lf1)

$60,000 Questions:

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Sevan, LAKIA, OFF

Why did Sevan, who's been reluctant to publicly answer any questions about the beleaguered oil-for-food program, tell the Iraqi government about the bribe allegation against it before apparently telling the Security Council? Was he getting the facts straight, or was he, in effect, tipping off Saddam Hussein that questions might soon be asked?

Second, after Sevan eventually brought the matter to the Security Council's attention, why did it not provoke an investigation and changes in the program especially since rumors of corruption were already widespread?

IRAQI VOICES!

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[While I seem to be wordless today, the Iraqi Voices are speaking. They have the words, and they are letting their voices be heard!]

For a brief summary of some voices:

Go To: Iraq Bloggers Central

Or, go to the sources:

Iraq the Model

I turned to one friend who was a committed She’at and who distrusted America all the way. He looked as if he was bewitched, and I asked him, “So, what do you think of this man? Do you still consider him an invader?” My friend smiled, still touched and said, “Absolutely not! He brought tears to my eyes. God bless him.”

Messopotamian

“As for the scum, it will go (disappear) in vain (uselessly); and as for that which has benefit for people, it will stay in the earth.”

“aren’t these men better than the riffraff who used to govern us?”

“Mother of Days”

“The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that.”


Don’t miss GM (Egypt) (link at right)

& In Kuwait: “Kuwait Resumes Diplomatic Ties with Iraq.”


Iraq Talk Radio:

“Iraqis rejoice on talk radio airwaves”

"I send my congratulations to all Iraqis and every Iraqi home,”

"I want to tell Dr. Allawi to be bold, to be strong. We need him to build up the army because we need them at a time like this."

I send all the Iraqi people my blessings," “But I warn these terrorists, all the Iraqis will rise up and strike them with steel”

"There is a feeling of joy among the listeners.”

"I say to our new government that everyone here is one," (from Kirkuk)


[Listen to the wonderful sound of Iraqis. We couldn’t hear them before. We hear them now.]

CHEERS FROM ELSEWHERE:

“Good luck for Iraq and the civilized people the friends of Iraq.”

“Hopefully there are some depressed terrorists and many jubilant Iraqis.”

“Bloody brilliant!” (New Zealand)

“Iraq is for All Iraqis--officially!”

“Mabrouk”

(AND,)

Congratulations to Iraq and Iraqis on this great day.. A day which is considered a big blow on the heads of those who call the United States and the coalition: ‘occupiers’.. Well.. thank you very much for the ‘occupiers’.. Those who helped us in liberating our country from the tyranny, the ‘occupiers’ who liberated Iraq on the 9th of April, the ‘occupiers’ who sent Mr.Paul Bremer as we did not have a governor at that time..the ‘occupiers’ who helped us in forming a governing council.. The ‘occupiers’ who helped us in the interim constitution.. The ‘occupiers’ who stood against the terrorists.. The ‘occupiers’ who helped us in forming and training our army......etc.. then those ‘occupiers’ handed over the sovereignty to the Iraqis.... they are the best ‘occupiers’ I’ve ever seen..(…) (Ays—Iraq at a Glance)

WORDS FAIL

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Words fail me today. There is happiness that Iraq belongs to Iraqis. Iraq is truly on the road to a better nation, a better place for Iraqis. Words are difficult to find; but, a smile is there for all Iraqis who have hopes and dreams for their country.

Words fail me. There are thoughts that SCOTUS may have SCRWDUS. The thoughts that our courts can reach into another country to protect an individual terrorist from our military; . . . . .it leaves me somewhat speechless. It leaves me with pictures of lawyers crawling over battlefields—thoughts of protections for OBL as he gives the orders for the destruction of a US city. There was no lawyer for the person on the 89th floor of the WTC. There will be no lawyer to protect US from another attack. No answers; only questions; I stare at the wall . . . speechless.

When the law protected Moussoui from unreasonable peeking into his computer hard drive, we lost the chance to protect ourselves. We protected Moussoui’s computer and sentenced thousands to death. Where is protection; where is reason; where is justice for the good guy. We are too involved with protecting the guilty under the guise of preventing one innocent from injustice; however, (somewhere) there are still innocents in the prison system. And, there are a h*ll of a lot more guilty roaming free. Where is the balance? Justice is blind; is she (now) blind to the guilty? Are those scales she carries tilted in favor of the criminal? What are the answers? I ask, but there is silence.

The world tells US to obey the Geneva Conventions; the world tells the terrorists. . .nothing. The world tells US not to torture—no panties on the head, no naked strolls or piles—nothing unpleasant please; the world watches another beheading in judicial silence. What does the world say to this? They say, “That detainee at Git’mo needs another musical instrument.” (I sputter but there are no words.)

I still smile that Iraqis are more in charge of their destinies; that an Iraqi father can say to his son or daughter, “Yesterday . . . was the beginning of a new era in Iraq. We will have fair elections, and this will be important to every Iraqi.” That is a good feeling; and, words fail to fully describe the feeling.

Words fail.

COMPLAINTS (DFI)

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Al Jazeera

Reports by Christian Aid and the Liberal Democrats, Britain's third-largest political party, said there were glaring gaps in the handling of $20 billion generated by Iraq's oil.

Latest Iraqi Oil Budget Report:


iraqcoalition.org

SURPRISE PARTY!!

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CONGRATULATIONS IRAQ!

Iraq (temporarily on loan) has been returned to Iraqis, two days early. It was a surprise. It puts a smile on the face. A big plateau has been accomplished.

Today, Iraq belongs to Iraqis. Not just a few, not a small group, not a tyrant, Iraq belongs to Iraqis.

Special Congratulations to All the great Iraqi Bloggers. Special hope for the Bloggers who did not have hope for a new Iraq; it could be a new start for you, a new hope for you, too.

Although there is still much hard work to do, the party starts now. Buffet table in the living room; drinks in the kitchen.

[A special treat for any terrorists who stop by: there is Kool-Aid punch. It’s to the rear of the backyard, near the woodpile (behind the woodshed.) Help yourself.]

COINCIDENCE?

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"SADDAM'S FINGERPRINTS ON N.Y. BOMBINGS"
The Wall Street Journal, June 28, 1993
by Laurie Mylroie

HERE

Mr. Yusuf soon became the roomate of Mohammed Salameh, the naive Palestinian who repeatedly returned to the van rental agency for his deposit. Passionate, but not bright, Mr. Salameh would appear a ready dupe to an intelligence operative. In trial documents, an Iraqi-American, Musaab Yassin, has stated that he had known Mr. Salameh two years. Mr. Yassin moved into Mr. Salameh's apartment in September 1992, and Mr. Salameh moved out. Mr. Yassin's younger brother, Abboud, lived with him. An Arab who knows Musaab Yassin, like Mr. Yusuf, came to the U.S. in the fall of 1992, seeking medical treatment.

In late November, Mr. Yusuf allegedly ordered chemicals for the bomb and Mr. Salameh rented a locker to store them. The plot was underway. In early February, Mr. Salameh notified his landlord that he and Mr. Yusuf would leave at month's end. On Feb. 26 the World Trade Center was bombed. Messrs. Salameh and Yusuf vacated their apartment two days later.

Mr. Salameh was arrested March 4. Musaab Yassin returned home that day to find the FBI searching his apartment, while Abboud had been taken for questioning. Abboud Yassin told the FBI that he taught Mr. Salameh to drive the van that carried the bomb, that he accompanied Mr. Salameh to an apartment later identified as the bomb's testing ground; and Abboud Yassin's information helped lead the FBI to the locker where the chemicals had been stored. The U.S. press reports that Abboud Yassin then returned to Iraq, as did Mr. Yusuf. The New York Times reported that Arabs who knew Mr. Salameh and the second Palestinian arrested, Nidal Ayyad, said that the two had "close ties with two Iraqis, one of whom they say was named Rashid, but both of whom have since disappeared."

This information, although sketchy, indicates Iraqi activity. If Mr. Yusuf, the key figure, had worked for Iran, Tehran would not have let him return to Iraq. Given the totalitarian nature of the Iraqi regime, even Abboud Yassin's return to Iraq is significant. An innocent man would, arguably, have chosen to stay in the U.S. - he would have a better chance of a fair hearing in a U.S. court than before an Iraqi intelligence officer. If Abboud Yassin was involved in the bombing - but was not acting under Baghdad's instruction - then it was even more imprudent for him to return to Iraq. Mr. Yusuf and Abboud Yassin could have gone to Afghanistan, where they would not have exposed themselves to the potentially fatal suspicions of Baghdad's intelligence agencies.

That two men involved came from Iraq and returned there is reason enough to consider an Iraqi role in the World Trade Center bombing. What other possible evidence is there? It has been reported that the bombing suspects received money from abroad: up to $100,000 from Germany, Iran, and "another Middle Eastern Country." That country is probably Jordan, shielded by U.S. authorities who continue protecting Amman for the sake of the "peace process." Without knowing how much money came from each country, though, it is hard to exclude Iraq. Last but not least, it is worth noting that the February bombing occurred on the second anniversary of Kuwait's liberation.

[NOTE:The article is over ten years old. How much of this is proven? Laurie Mylroie is still working on connecting dots.]

COMMENTS (at Sam's)

.
[Diane found this link:]

Telegraph

(…)On the ground in al-Askeri, tension was once again rising under the US attacks. Strangers had to seek permission from the "district commander", a local imam called Sheikh Yassin who controls a broad coalition of Saddam loyalists and Islamic radicals, to move beyond the rebel lines. The sheikh, who has emerged as the neighbourhood strongman since the uprising against American occupation, has used his following to unite all strands of resistance under his leadership.

His radio buzzed constantly as scouts, moving incognito in private cars, sent in reports about US positions around the suburb. The ground shook as F-16 Falcons dropped precision-guided 500lb bombs on rebel positions near the football stadium, half a mile away.

US commanders have spoken of their frustration over the Fallujah Brigade's failure to rein in rebels, and the ineffectiveness of the political deal struck with local tribes in April. "We've been prepared to pull the plug on it three or four times, but each time we detect a faint heartbeat," a senior marine officer said. To Sheikh Yassin, the supposedly anti-rebel brigade is a useful tool, providing support for his fighters. "We respect the Fallujah brigade - it never interferes against us," he says. He openly acknowledges that his coalition was a marriage of convenience, bringing together the secular Saddam faithful and Muslim fundamentalists.

The imam, who wants Iraq to be governed by Islamic law, points to one of his companions - a colonel in the disbanded Iraqi army - and asks why he is still fighting.

The colonel is blunt. "Fallujah is the starting point of the return of the Ba'ath Party," he says. "Our comrades in Baghdad and other provinces are joining our struggle. Here already we are free. No one can touch us."(…)

Who is Sheikh Yassin? Is he a "muj?" Is he related to Abboud Yassin, or Musaab Yassin?

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

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Ladybird (Baghdad Dweller)


Fayrouz (Live from Dallas)

TAKEN TO COURT

.
Sam (Hammorabi) Says:

The Main Iraqi Criminal Justice Court has issued a judicial order to arrest three Mullahs in Falluja for their instigation to kill six Iraqi Shia youth. They are:
1.Abdalla Al-Janabi,
2.Thafer Al-Dilami and
3.Omar Al-Hariri.
The Court has decided to take such action after full and detailed investigation which confirmed the involvement of the three mentioned above. What is called (Haiyat Olamaa Al Mouslmeen) or the Body of Muslims Clergy which is Sunni Pro-Wahabi group tried to bribe the relatives of the victims with at least one million Iraqi Dinars and to return their vehicles back if they keep silent, but they refused that and decided to take the matter legally. This is what the iraqi Law and Iraqis should do in their new civilized state!

[NOTE: It marks a new era; a new time when the people have some options against the powerful. And now, Iraqis can hope to see some justice applied!]

THE TERRORISTS CIVILIANS (402)

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NOBODY HERE BY THAT “T” NAME

There are no terrorists or resistors. Have you not read the news? The guy with the RPG is a civilian. Only civilians die. We bomb a terrorist hideout. Oops, more civilians.

Fallujah is full of Grandmas and Grampas; no terrorists here! In the dark of night, they are flown in from Syria and Saudi Arabia.

Yes, the planes are invisible! They arrive fast; they leave instantly. . .there are no terrorists here in Fallujah!

Just us civilians (somebody else left the RPG and mortar.)

“I was just holding it for a friend.”