thedissidentfrogman.com STRIKES AGAIN!
http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/bureau/000113.html
How did I miss this great information? It compiles the data on the arms sales of each country (to IRAQ) for decades. "Warmongers" are in blue; "No War" in red. Each UNSC member is clearly marked. Look at those contributions! USA = 1% of the Total. Guess who win the awards for the top arms sales to Iraq?
by Max
Saturday, January 10, 2004
On the dissident frogman, he compares 2 opinions from the BBC article on the dilemma of Saddam Hussein. Give him to the Iraqis? Take him to The Hague?
Answer No. 1! Give him to the Iraqis. The Hague is still too busy to deal with Saddam. The Hague will be busy for years. Iraq has precedence.
The atrocities forced upon Iraqi people by Saddam require the judgement of Saddam. . .by Iraqis.
Answer No. 1! Give him to the Iraqis. The Hague is still too busy to deal with Saddam. The Hague will be busy for years. Iraq has precedence.
The atrocities forced upon Iraqi people by Saddam require the judgement of Saddam. . .by Iraqis.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND RUMORS
One Iraqi blogger reported that they feed their babies on conspiracy theory milk from the time they are six months old. We are not far behind. It seems a human trait to draw conclusions from the information available. When we don't know all the material, we play "fill in the blanks", too. It becomes an amazing feat to be able to determine the facts, once the speculation soars.
One Iraqi blogger reported that they feed their babies on conspiracy theory milk from the time they are six months old. We are not far behind. It seems a human trait to draw conclusions from the information available. When we don't know all the material, we play "fill in the blanks", too. It becomes an amazing feat to be able to determine the facts, once the speculation soars.
Friday, January 09, 2004
MARSH ARABS (IRAQ)
“The study also uncovered some of the horrors of the Marsh Arabs’ experiences under the former regime. 72% of the tribes had been displaced, 92% of them forcibly by Saddam’s troops. The study found that the villages had suffered weekly attacks and that 25% had been forcibly uprooted more than 10 times in the last twelve years.”
http://bamdiary.blogspot.com/ (AMAR site)
“The study also uncovered some of the horrors of the Marsh Arabs’ experiences under the former regime. 72% of the tribes had been displaced, 92% of them forcibly by Saddam’s troops. The study found that the villages had suffered weekly attacks and that 25% had been forcibly uprooted more than 10 times in the last twelve years.”
http://bamdiary.blogspot.com/ (AMAR site)
REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGES
One Iraqi blogger was discussing his building a house and the difficulty obtaining money. Apparently, he has been building the house in stages--as he acquired the funding.
While we talk about rebuilding Iraq, the building of Iraq may be astonishing. There are many architects within and without the country. There will be a race to design new structures, hopefully in character with the existing structures in historic areas.
Iraq has huge possibilities for commerce, industry, and tourism. Can you picture it? I can.
One Iraqi blogger was discussing his building a house and the difficulty obtaining money. Apparently, he has been building the house in stages--as he acquired the funding.
While we talk about rebuilding Iraq, the building of Iraq may be astonishing. There are many architects within and without the country. There will be a race to design new structures, hopefully in character with the existing structures in historic areas.
Iraq has huge possibilities for commerce, industry, and tourism. Can you picture it? I can.
WORLDWIDE GRAPEVINE
It's a circular pattern--"what goes around, comes around," "History Repeats itself" (circular.) So, the question is, have we progressed only to return to the past?
Communication in "olden" times was word-of-mouth. Friends, relatives, strangers, came to town and spread the word. Then, media entered the picture. Newspapers, radio, television replaced the human interchange of information. Now, where are we? We are communicating by word-of-mouth, again.
Are we going forward, or backward? Or, have we come full-circle?
It's a circular pattern--"what goes around, comes around," "History Repeats itself" (circular.) So, the question is, have we progressed only to return to the past?
Communication in "olden" times was word-of-mouth. Friends, relatives, strangers, came to town and spread the word. Then, media entered the picture. Newspapers, radio, television replaced the human interchange of information. Now, where are we? We are communicating by word-of-mouth, again.
Are we going forward, or backward? Or, have we come full-circle?
INCIDENT IN IRAQ
There has been an incident in Iraq. We don't have all the information, yet; but, speculations are abundant.
Last night, I was reading an Iranian blogger's comment section when I came across a post urging readers to go to "Healing Iraq" (Zeyad's blog.) After reading the initial blog, I was puzzled. In the account put forth, there are not many facts. The information is confused, due to the circumstances; and, much does not make sense.
At this point, three things stand out. One, innocent until proven guilty--each position should be viewed from an unbiased attitude. Two, more facts must be obtained. Three, a thorough investigation is necessary because this is very important.
Although many thoughts run through my mind, it seems the wisest action would be the inaction of reserving an opinion on this until there is more information.
There has been an incident in Iraq. We don't have all the information, yet; but, speculations are abundant.
Last night, I was reading an Iranian blogger's comment section when I came across a post urging readers to go to "Healing Iraq" (Zeyad's blog.) After reading the initial blog, I was puzzled. In the account put forth, there are not many facts. The information is confused, due to the circumstances; and, much does not make sense.
At this point, three things stand out. One, innocent until proven guilty--each position should be viewed from an unbiased attitude. Two, more facts must be obtained. Three, a thorough investigation is necessary because this is very important.
Although many thoughts run through my mind, it seems the wisest action would be the inaction of reserving an opinion on this until there is more information.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
READING FROM RIO
This is a quiet little blog--not much company. And then. . .Celine from Rio de Janiero pops in to comment! The Web just continues to amaze me!!!
Celine's remarks are in the comments section after the Jan. 6, post "A Family in Baghdad Blog." First, since the language was not Spanish, I had to remember which was the prodominent language in Rio. Ah ha, looks like Portuguese. Now, where could I find a translator (of course, free) on the Net?
When I entered Celine's comment, the translation was:
"Each one of in ' ja ' had moments where Nao obtained to see the light
in the end of tunnel. E with Certainty a time more left fortified with Esperanca in the life. Thus, if dificeis days Retornarem, we must affirm in the same ones:
"Of this time nao sera different; everything ha to give certain!”"
It happened this way because the tranfer to Word doesn't work (from the comments section). . .and when you retype the Portuguese, you can't type the appropriate letters without Portuguese characters on the keyboard.
Celine,
Era um desafio para encontrar um tradutor, porque eu não leioescreva o português (mas o familiar do am com espanhol.)
A tradução de seu comentário era: (above)
É difícil para aqueles que saem do túnel para ver claramente e
determinar em que sentido devem ir. Nós podemos apreciar os hardships que estiveram completamente, Eu esperarei que os iraqis possam estar fortes, carrinho junto, e caminhada para um futuro bom.
Obrigado para a escrita, Celine.
Max
------------------------------------------------
I'm a little better with English:
Celine,
It was a challenge to find a translator, as I do not read/write Portuguese (but am familiar with Spanish.)
The translation of your comment was: (above)
It is difficult for those coming out of the tunnel to see clearly and determine in which direction they should go. We can appreciate the hardships they have been through, but hope the Iraqis will be able to stand strong, stand together, and walk toward a good future.
Thank you for writing, Celine.
Max
This is a quiet little blog--not much company. And then. . .Celine from Rio de Janiero pops in to comment! The Web just continues to amaze me!!!
Celine's remarks are in the comments section after the Jan. 6, post "A Family in Baghdad Blog." First, since the language was not Spanish, I had to remember which was the prodominent language in Rio. Ah ha, looks like Portuguese. Now, where could I find a translator (of course, free) on the Net?
When I entered Celine's comment, the translation was:
"Each one of in ' ja ' had moments where Nao obtained to see the light
in the end of tunnel. E with Certainty a time more left fortified with Esperanca in the life. Thus, if dificeis days Retornarem, we must affirm in the same ones:
"Of this time nao sera different; everything ha to give certain!”"
It happened this way because the tranfer to Word doesn't work (from the comments section). . .and when you retype the Portuguese, you can't type the appropriate letters without Portuguese characters on the keyboard.
Celine,
Era um desafio para encontrar um tradutor, porque eu não leioescreva o português (mas o familiar do am com espanhol.)
A tradução de seu comentário era: (above)
É difícil para aqueles que saem do túnel para ver claramente e
determinar em que sentido devem ir. Nós podemos apreciar os hardships que estiveram completamente, Eu esperarei que os iraqis possam estar fortes, carrinho junto, e caminhada para um futuro bom.
Obrigado para a escrita, Celine.
Max
------------------------------------------------
I'm a little better with English:
Celine,
It was a challenge to find a translator, as I do not read/write Portuguese (but am familiar with Spanish.)
The translation of your comment was: (above)
It is difficult for those coming out of the tunnel to see clearly and determine in which direction they should go. We can appreciate the hardships they have been through, but hope the Iraqis will be able to stand strong, stand together, and walk toward a good future.
Thank you for writing, Celine.
Max
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
A FAMILY IN BAGHDAD BLOG (afamilyinbaghdad.blogspot.com)
This feeling is not brought about by Saddam’s fall, but I was aware that the all of past governments handled the “Kurdish Issue/File” aggressively. And because I am not Kurdish and did not live amongst them, this issue does not import nor concern me. Just as an American civilian is living their life now, as they hear and see what their government is doing to other populations, sorry! Did I cross the red line?!
*Handling the Kurdish agressively* is a mild way to put it. Performing genocide on the Kurds is a more accurate way to describe the situation. When you fear, at the sounds of the bombing, there are not troops purposely trying to annihilate you and all like you. For the Kurds, they knew the killers were coming to irradicate (erase) them, and their communities. As angry as you are at the Americans, the Kurds will be doing well if they can temper their hatred to anger and begin to cooperate with their own people (for the PUK, women's issue) and other peoples.
It is important and it does concern you and every other Iraqi. During the last few decades there were many who did not prosper--many were murdered and many starved. There was terrible suffering. That it was not you, or your people, does matter. Because you were able to manage does not make the suffering less for others during those years. You are suffering now. Does this mean it does not concern others? Would this mean others should not be attentive to the needs of all the people of the country?
As an American, while living my life, I am watching and hoping that the people of Iraq will be able to pull together (and, pull all of this together. ) We can only do so much before it is your turn. Those who are learning to work toward Iraqi rule of Iraq are in a much better position than those who are bombing the efforts of a New Iraq. The American government is attempting to lead Iraq into a new time; Saddam Hussein (and regime) has done more to ruin Iraq than most dictators, with the exception (possibly) of Hitler and Stalin. It will take extensive work for Iraqis to bring the country to a place where it can thrive.
There is conflicting information about Iraqis. We hear that you are a diverse people who will not be able to overcome dislike (or hatred) for one another. We hear you are educated and have the ability to understand and work complex problems. We see tribal control; we see religious control; we see many political parties. This is very complex--a huge exercise in juggling.
This feeling is not brought about by Saddam’s fall, but I was aware that the all of past governments handled the “Kurdish Issue/File” aggressively. And because I am not Kurdish and did not live amongst them, this issue does not import nor concern me. Just as an American civilian is living their life now, as they hear and see what their government is doing to other populations, sorry! Did I cross the red line?!
*Handling the Kurdish agressively* is a mild way to put it. Performing genocide on the Kurds is a more accurate way to describe the situation. When you fear, at the sounds of the bombing, there are not troops purposely trying to annihilate you and all like you. For the Kurds, they knew the killers were coming to irradicate (erase) them, and their communities. As angry as you are at the Americans, the Kurds will be doing well if they can temper their hatred to anger and begin to cooperate with their own people (for the PUK, women's issue) and other peoples.
It is important and it does concern you and every other Iraqi. During the last few decades there were many who did not prosper--many were murdered and many starved. There was terrible suffering. That it was not you, or your people, does matter. Because you were able to manage does not make the suffering less for others during those years. You are suffering now. Does this mean it does not concern others? Would this mean others should not be attentive to the needs of all the people of the country?
As an American, while living my life, I am watching and hoping that the people of Iraq will be able to pull together (and, pull all of this together. ) We can only do so much before it is your turn. Those who are learning to work toward Iraqi rule of Iraq are in a much better position than those who are bombing the efforts of a New Iraq. The American government is attempting to lead Iraq into a new time; Saddam Hussein (and regime) has done more to ruin Iraq than most dictators, with the exception (possibly) of Hitler and Stalin. It will take extensive work for Iraqis to bring the country to a place where it can thrive.
There is conflicting information about Iraqis. We hear that you are a diverse people who will not be able to overcome dislike (or hatred) for one another. We hear you are educated and have the ability to understand and work complex problems. We see tribal control; we see religious control; we see many political parties. This is very complex--a huge exercise in juggling.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
AL-TABOOL MOSQUE
In the recent raid on the Mosque, can we be sure that the soldiers did not step on the holy book? No, we cannot. Can we be sure that something was going on in the Mosque. . . yes, we can.
When weapons are found in a Mosque, it means someone is up to something. And, it means that some religious leader is aware of it. The Christians who worshipped in the church in Pakistan were bombed. They were civilians. No one was killed in this incident, but a Mosque was violated. This will not be a frequent event if the Mosques don't store weapons and give terrorists sanctuary. In short, you can't run out of the Mosque, shoot, bomb, run back in the Mosque and expect safety. Those who wish to protect against this will need to keep the terrorists out of the Mosques.
To those who rant against the troops for not removing their shoes: the troops will remove their shoes if they are visiting. If they must attack and remove weapons and terrorists, they will NOT remove their shoes. If you respect your religion and wish the troops to respect the Mosques, why not keep the terrorists out of the Mosques? When the Mosques are the base for attacks, the Mosques will be involved in the attacks. We need to apologize for the disrepect, others need to apologize for harboring killers.
In the recent raid on the Mosque, can we be sure that the soldiers did not step on the holy book? No, we cannot. Can we be sure that something was going on in the Mosque. . . yes, we can.
When weapons are found in a Mosque, it means someone is up to something. And, it means that some religious leader is aware of it. The Christians who worshipped in the church in Pakistan were bombed. They were civilians. No one was killed in this incident, but a Mosque was violated. This will not be a frequent event if the Mosques don't store weapons and give terrorists sanctuary. In short, you can't run out of the Mosque, shoot, bomb, run back in the Mosque and expect safety. Those who wish to protect against this will need to keep the terrorists out of the Mosques.
To those who rant against the troops for not removing their shoes: the troops will remove their shoes if they are visiting. If they must attack and remove weapons and terrorists, they will NOT remove their shoes. If you respect your religion and wish the troops to respect the Mosques, why not keep the terrorists out of the Mosques? When the Mosques are the base for attacks, the Mosques will be involved in the attacks. We need to apologize for the disrepect, others need to apologize for harboring killers.
IF YOU DON'T XXXX, THE TERRORISTS ARE GOING TO WIN!
"When Hell freezes over!" "Not in this lifetime."
The terrorists may hit us again; probably will hurt us again. They will NOT win! Once they proved to us that it was a life-death struggle for all of us, they lost. THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT MUCH.
Those who care more about hate will sacrifice generations to the fire of that hate. The leaders of hate will never throw themselves on the fire. Sooner or later, the terrorists may realize that they will run out of minions. In the meantime, we will be doing our best to assist the leaders into the fire. This may save some of the minions, who are really just the children of parents throughout the world. The children become persuaded to join, they die, the parents suffer the loss.
After all, we don't want to take over the world. . .they do. It's not going to happen their way. The huge neon sign is flashing. . .do or die, and we are going to do. You have given us notice; we paid attention. You may eventually realize you made a big mistake.
"When Hell freezes over!" "Not in this lifetime."
The terrorists may hit us again; probably will hurt us again. They will NOT win! Once they proved to us that it was a life-death struggle for all of us, they lost. THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT MUCH.
Those who care more about hate will sacrifice generations to the fire of that hate. The leaders of hate will never throw themselves on the fire. Sooner or later, the terrorists may realize that they will run out of minions. In the meantime, we will be doing our best to assist the leaders into the fire. This may save some of the minions, who are really just the children of parents throughout the world. The children become persuaded to join, they die, the parents suffer the loss.
After all, we don't want to take over the world. . .they do. It's not going to happen their way. The huge neon sign is flashing. . .do or die, and we are going to do. You have given us notice; we paid attention. You may eventually realize you made a big mistake.
AN IRANIAN BLOGGER
http://humanfirstthenproudiranian.blogspot.com/
Jannati attacks US aid motives
Speaking at Friday prayers, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who heads the powerful Council of Guardians, said the Americans were trying to exploit the disaster to seek relations with Iran. Read it here .
This is the stupidest thing that Jannati could have said while US aid is in Iran. I am absolutely not too crazy about the US leaders and current Bush administration, but while the victims are in urgent need for help and while world aid which partly consists of the aid from the US is pouring into Iran for the victims, only an stupid leader who doesn't care about the welfare of the people can make such comments.
Faramin @ 8:44 PM (January 2, 2004)
It's difficult to read bloggers who rant against the U.S. Sometimes, that is because I agree (and don't like what was done); other times, it is because I vigorously disagree and try not to be offended.
The long list (rant) of Faramin's earlier blog seemed to be unfair. And then, Faramin wrote the above comments. This proves to me that (although I may not like much of the rant) there is a thinking individual at the writing end of the blog. There is someone who is weighing the events and the decisions made.
The new blogging era may bring all kinds of ideas into the exchange. This new era may have significant impact on the world. We may not agree, but we may be able to have more understanding of the problems than we have had. . .ever. Certainly, we will have ore understanding of the different views in the world.
http://humanfirstthenproudiranian.blogspot.com/
Jannati attacks US aid motives
Speaking at Friday prayers, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who heads the powerful Council of Guardians, said the Americans were trying to exploit the disaster to seek relations with Iran. Read it here .
This is the stupidest thing that Jannati could have said while US aid is in Iran. I am absolutely not too crazy about the US leaders and current Bush administration, but while the victims are in urgent need for help and while world aid which partly consists of the aid from the US is pouring into Iran for the victims, only an stupid leader who doesn't care about the welfare of the people can make such comments.
Faramin @ 8:44 PM (January 2, 2004)
It's difficult to read bloggers who rant against the U.S. Sometimes, that is because I agree (and don't like what was done); other times, it is because I vigorously disagree and try not to be offended.
The long list (rant) of Faramin's earlier blog seemed to be unfair. And then, Faramin wrote the above comments. This proves to me that (although I may not like much of the rant) there is a thinking individual at the writing end of the blog. There is someone who is weighing the events and the decisions made.
The new blogging era may bring all kinds of ideas into the exchange. This new era may have significant impact on the world. We may not agree, but we may be able to have more understanding of the problems than we have had. . .ever. Certainly, we will have ore understanding of the different views in the world.
EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN
It's a sad world when we cannot put aside our differences in today's world, in order to have people help people. The politics of an earthquake come before the victims of an earthquake. It is pitiful.
I do not doubt that the Israelis were willing to help in the search and rescue efforts, or that they would be willing to send aid to the survivors of the quake. But, Iran was willing to accept help from all. . .except the Israelis. Does this refute the old saying that "beggars can't be choosers?"
People *should* help other people, especially during earthquakes. It is offensive to refuse help and it is a missed opportunity to change the world situation for the better. I can understand it; but, I don't have to like it.
It's a sad world when we cannot put aside our differences in today's world, in order to have people help people. The politics of an earthquake come before the victims of an earthquake. It is pitiful.
I do not doubt that the Israelis were willing to help in the search and rescue efforts, or that they would be willing to send aid to the survivors of the quake. But, Iran was willing to accept help from all. . .except the Israelis. Does this refute the old saying that "beggars can't be choosers?"
People *should* help other people, especially during earthquakes. It is offensive to refuse help and it is a missed opportunity to change the world situation for the better. I can understand it; but, I don't have to like it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
After posting a cartoon, the links section disappeared. I really liked that cartoon. It was 3 panels concerning the Iraqi demonstrations against terrorism--based on the three monkeys, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
There was very little media coverage of that demonstration. I have to question WHY? Was it good news not fit to print? Was it the preoccupation with the coming election? Since the media does not wish to assist either party, they have (seemingly) decided not to promote good news. The reason could be that it would influence the election on the Republican side. What about the American side? How is this fair and balanced throughout the media when all media is promoting the horror news, how many died, which buildings have been attacked? How can that be balanced?
There was very little media coverage of that demonstration. I have to question WHY? Was it good news not fit to print? Was it the preoccupation with the coming election? Since the media does not wish to assist either party, they have (seemingly) decided not to promote good news. The reason could be that it would influence the election on the Republican side. What about the American side? How is this fair and balanced throughout the media when all media is promoting the horror news, how many died, which buildings have been attacked? How can that be balanced?
Sunday, December 14, 2003
HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN
In a rat hole, in a mud hut, Saddam Hussein was hiding. Had he run from hole to hole over the past few months?
He looked dazed, scruffy, dirty, and the amazing part was:
SADDAM HUSSEIN LOOKED LIKE A HOMELESS MAN. . .AND HE WAS!!!
SADDAM HUSSEIN SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED HIS HOME and NOW, HE WILL BE LIVING IN A BOX.
In a rat hole, in a mud hut, Saddam Hussein was hiding. Had he run from hole to hole over the past few months?
He looked dazed, scruffy, dirty, and the amazing part was:
SADDAM HUSSEIN LOOKED LIKE A HOMELESS MAN. . .AND HE WAS!!!
SADDAM HUSSEIN SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED HIS HOME and NOW, HE WILL BE LIVING IN A BOX.
WELL SADDAM, NOW WHAT. ..
It has been hours since the capture of Saddam. What is he doing? What is he saying? HA! He's not as tired as he is going to be. Hope they play the "BARNEY" song loud and clear for the old man.
Saddam...BE VERY AFRAID! You could be released on the biggest street corner in Baghdad (after an appropriate announcement.)
News is commenting that Saddam was captured after interviews with his family and "friends."
I'll be anxious to hear the Iraqi Bloggers. There are busy yelling and cheering. It might be a while before we hear what they are thinking, on this amazing day.
It has been hours since the capture of Saddam. What is he doing? What is he saying? HA! He's not as tired as he is going to be. Hope they play the "BARNEY" song loud and clear for the old man.
Saddam...BE VERY AFRAID! You could be released on the biggest street corner in Baghdad (after an appropriate announcement.)
News is commenting that Saddam was captured after interviews with his family and "friends."
I'll be anxious to hear the Iraqi Bloggers. There are busy yelling and cheering. It might be a while before we hear what they are thinking, on this amazing day.
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