A FAMILY IN BAGHDAD
Faiza is willing to try to teach us Arabic. This is a kind and generous effort on her part. Thank you, Faiza. I've checked out the first lesson. It is clear, concise, and leaves my mind the moment I leave the site. I will have to read it again and again to impress it on my brain. It's a challenge and a good thing to try this.
Faiza Teaches You Arabic
by Max
Friday, March 05, 2004
INTERIM CONSTITUTION
A Senior Coalition spokesperson said that all the Council Members are there, working on a difficulty. It sounds as though they are working on a refinement of language. He stressed that this is similar to the happenings when we were drafting our Constitution.
Something, apparently, came to the attention of the Council Members which needs a fix before the final signing. Since they are all there, it seems that all are willing to work diligently on whatever issue has presented itself. Some basic human rights should be irrevocable--Equality, Life, Liberty, Persuit of Happiness means FREEDOM.
They are working on it. It's approximately 8 in the evening (Baghdad.) They may have to continue tomorrow.
A Senior Coalition spokesperson said that all the Council Members are there, working on a difficulty. It sounds as though they are working on a refinement of language. He stressed that this is similar to the happenings when we were drafting our Constitution.
Something, apparently, came to the attention of the Council Members which needs a fix before the final signing. Since they are all there, it seems that all are willing to work diligently on whatever issue has presented itself. Some basic human rights should be irrevocable--Equality, Life, Liberty, Persuit of Happiness means FREEDOM.
They are working on it. It's approximately 8 in the evening (Baghdad.) They may have to continue tomorrow.
TURMOIL
There is turmoil in most lives--everyday. When you consider the whole, the turmoil of each man is not usually a high degree. When you consider the individual, the turmoil is high relative to his own life and thoughts; but it is highly subjective and internal. The Iraqi Turmoil is subjective, internal, as well as, objective and external.
The turmoil is delivered through fear and terror. There is fear that this great effort will not be the dream. There is terror that this great effort might be the nightmare. Through it all, some of the Iraqi Bloggers infuse us with their determination. This is what will win the day. . .DETERMINATION.
DETERMINATION is the need to do whatever it takes. The US has it; many of the Iraqis have it. TOGETHER, we will work to make this work, because we MUST. IRAQ IS THE KEY to unlock the door to freedom for the Middle East. IRAQ IS THE CROSSROAD, THE CENTER. Iraq is THE HUB around which the wheel can turn.
There are others with DETERMINATION. There are those who wish to keep their people poor and dependent. There are those who pedal propaganda to keep their populations enraged against others; thereby directing rage away from themselves. And there are the media propaganda puppets who feed on distortion and lies. Like leeches, they feed on the blood of the people. And, the people become weakened. They look for a snake as they grow weaker, when all the time it's the leech which is killing them slowly.
The media in the Middle East has almost sucked the people dry. They live off the hatred that they promote and they have been living well. The window of truth was opened (briefly) when the Arab Street was surprised by the defeat of Saddam. The typical people did not know. Why didn't they know? They didn't know because the leeches didn't tell them. As an example, this should be clear to all. The leeches weakened the people (again) and the people were surprise by their lack of awareness. Lack of knowledge (awareness) and hatred can be deadly. And, the leeches continue.
TRUTH IS A SHIELD FOR THE PEOPLE.
There is turmoil in most lives--everyday. When you consider the whole, the turmoil of each man is not usually a high degree. When you consider the individual, the turmoil is high relative to his own life and thoughts; but it is highly subjective and internal. The Iraqi Turmoil is subjective, internal, as well as, objective and external.
The turmoil is delivered through fear and terror. There is fear that this great effort will not be the dream. There is terror that this great effort might be the nightmare. Through it all, some of the Iraqi Bloggers infuse us with their determination. This is what will win the day. . .DETERMINATION.
DETERMINATION is the need to do whatever it takes. The US has it; many of the Iraqis have it. TOGETHER, we will work to make this work, because we MUST. IRAQ IS THE KEY to unlock the door to freedom for the Middle East. IRAQ IS THE CROSSROAD, THE CENTER. Iraq is THE HUB around which the wheel can turn.
There are others with DETERMINATION. There are those who wish to keep their people poor and dependent. There are those who pedal propaganda to keep their populations enraged against others; thereby directing rage away from themselves. And there are the media propaganda puppets who feed on distortion and lies. Like leeches, they feed on the blood of the people. And, the people become weakened. They look for a snake as they grow weaker, when all the time it's the leech which is killing them slowly.
The media in the Middle East has almost sucked the people dry. They live off the hatred that they promote and they have been living well. The window of truth was opened (briefly) when the Arab Street was surprised by the defeat of Saddam. The typical people did not know. Why didn't they know? They didn't know because the leeches didn't tell them. As an example, this should be clear to all. The leeches weakened the people (again) and the people were surprise by their lack of awareness. Lack of knowledge (awareness) and hatred can be deadly. And, the leeches continue.
TRUTH IS A SHIELD FOR THE PEOPLE.
SARMAD
Sarmad's command of the written word is becoming very good. At first, it was difficult to read. To be able to express your thoughts concisely in a second language is amazing. Those fluent in a second language must (eventually) think in that language. Sarmad, keep up the great work.
But, not only the above, Sarmad's latest blog was an epistle. He gave us information that we could not have had otherwise. He gave insight into Falluja, where even a peek is more than we can expect. Sarmad has hope, he has expectations, he has belief about humanity. Sarmad allows us to "tip toe" through his brain and heart. It seems like a very good heart, to me.
Sarmad's command of the written word is becoming very good. At first, it was difficult to read. To be able to express your thoughts concisely in a second language is amazing. Those fluent in a second language must (eventually) think in that language. Sarmad, keep up the great work.
But, not only the above, Sarmad's latest blog was an epistle. He gave us information that we could not have had otherwise. He gave insight into Falluja, where even a peek is more than we can expect. Sarmad has hope, he has expectations, he has belief about humanity. Sarmad allows us to "tip toe" through his brain and heart. It seems like a very good heart, to me.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
ARISTIDE
Now Aristide claims that he was forced to sign a letter resigning. The news said that he claimed he was kidnapped. The tough approach on this one is that the minute Aristide said he was kidnapped, they should have taken him back. No fanfare, no comments. Just take him back. Countries aren't lining up to shelter him, anyway.
News: Canada, US, France and more, are putting together a peacekeeping force.
Now Aristide claims that he was forced to sign a letter resigning. The news said that he claimed he was kidnapped. The tough approach on this one is that the minute Aristide said he was kidnapped, they should have taken him back. No fanfare, no comments. Just take him back. Countries aren't lining up to shelter him, anyway.
News: Canada, US, France and more, are putting together a peacekeeping force.
OUTSOURCING...RUN AMUCK!
During a hearing today, Rep. Zack Wamp (R, TN) revealed information he had concerning the outsourcing of "bio-shield" to a German company. The company, apparently, has questionable connections.
This reminds me of the outsourcing of crystals to a Swiss company which decided that it didn't wish to give us the crystals because they objected to what we were doing in Iraq. (Well, it ranks close to selling our enemies weapons so they can shoot us--think Ollie North.) This was the cause of the "Buy American" Pentagon Push.
Back to the problem, why would we EVER contract with another country to provide equipment for our NATIONAL SAFETY. More than paranoia, we couldn't afford to be surprised at failure of equipment, or refusal of delivery. It's common sense; but, not all of us have that.
If we do not currently have a company which can produce the product, then we need to have one. First, you outsource the jobs, then you outsource the safety of our lives. Oh, we have a lot of work to do to make US better.
Could we make a law? Outsourcing more than 10% of the jobs results in no sales in the US marketplace. You want to go offshore, then go; but, don't sell any of your products here--not in your major business, nor a subsidiary, nor a shell corporation. Nada, Nyet, nothing!
After this fiasco, I wouldn't be surprised if someone wanted to move the CDC to the northeastern border of Afghanistan ( with Pakistan--home of Bin L.) Next, they'll want to let the prison inmates (cheap labor) make the bullets for the police guns. Please don't tell me that's happening!
WHAT IDIOT HAD A BRAIN BURP? (that was phrased very gently, wasn't it?)
During a hearing today, Rep. Zack Wamp (R, TN) revealed information he had concerning the outsourcing of "bio-shield" to a German company. The company, apparently, has questionable connections.
This reminds me of the outsourcing of crystals to a Swiss company which decided that it didn't wish to give us the crystals because they objected to what we were doing in Iraq. (Well, it ranks close to selling our enemies weapons so they can shoot us--think Ollie North.) This was the cause of the "Buy American" Pentagon Push.
Back to the problem, why would we EVER contract with another country to provide equipment for our NATIONAL SAFETY. More than paranoia, we couldn't afford to be surprised at failure of equipment, or refusal of delivery. It's common sense; but, not all of us have that.
If we do not currently have a company which can produce the product, then we need to have one. First, you outsource the jobs, then you outsource the safety of our lives. Oh, we have a lot of work to do to make US better.
Could we make a law? Outsourcing more than 10% of the jobs results in no sales in the US marketplace. You want to go offshore, then go; but, don't sell any of your products here--not in your major business, nor a subsidiary, nor a shell corporation. Nada, Nyet, nothing!
After this fiasco, I wouldn't be surprised if someone wanted to move the CDC to the northeastern border of Afghanistan ( with Pakistan--home of Bin L.) Next, they'll want to let the prison inmates (cheap labor) make the bullets for the police guns. Please don't tell me that's happening!
WHAT IDIOT HAD A BRAIN BURP? (that was phrased very gently, wasn't it?)
KURDO
The Kurds have had a higher degree of autonomy (freedom) than many others in Iraq. Kurdo mentioned autonomy from 1970. This was autonomy? True, those murdered during Anfel chose to give themselves up for amnesty; but, they are dead and gone. How can you compare that which you have (now) and will have to the "Anfel Autonomy" of the past? You need to sit in a quiet spot, with tea, and think this over more thoroughly. We do not achieve freedom by declaration, but by cooperation.
Cooperation is the metal (fabric) which holds it all together. A group of Kurds can declare their freedom until a stronger group of Turks, or Iranians refutes it by action. The cooperation is not easy and strains brain and emotions. Human greed needs to be tempered with the "give and take" of negotiations--while observing the opposition's human greed. Human greed is want, and need, and desire, sometimes mixed with jealousy and envy. And, it is not all on one side but on each side. There has to be as much open-minded negotiation as possible. Negotiate, re-negotiate, and then do it again.
If you consider Iraq is a building under construction (with several levels existing) and remove more than one-fourth of the foundation, the building is likely to topple. If you consider Iraq as a suspension bridge and you remove one-fourth of the bridge, no one goes anywhere.
Worse than not going anywhere, the Kurds could walk willingly into their own demise. The world can be a nasty place, as you well know. Together much is possible; alone less is possible. A scenario: My brother and I (with our families) have a farm which is attacked by murderers. My brother decides to take his family to the safety of the woods. There are an equal number of adults (murderers and us); but, if we split our forces, we lose (first one family, then another.) Our strength is in cooperation, defending against the murderers together.
The focus is on Iraq. If you become independent, the focus will still be on Iraq, and (likely) much less on you. It could be dangerous. It took more than a decade for you to become truly free. Prior to April (2003) Saddam could have invaded you with all his resources and, by the time anyone came to your aid, there would have been no Kurds. We could not prevent it (alone,) you could not prevent it (alone,) but together we did prevent it.
We need you; Iraq and Iraqis need you; and, you need us. All of us must cooperate, for mutual strength and safety. We don't want to see the another Rwanda. Once is once more than anyone needs or wants.
The Kurds have had a higher degree of autonomy (freedom) than many others in Iraq. Kurdo mentioned autonomy from 1970. This was autonomy? True, those murdered during Anfel chose to give themselves up for amnesty; but, they are dead and gone. How can you compare that which you have (now) and will have to the "Anfel Autonomy" of the past? You need to sit in a quiet spot, with tea, and think this over more thoroughly. We do not achieve freedom by declaration, but by cooperation.
Cooperation is the metal (fabric) which holds it all together. A group of Kurds can declare their freedom until a stronger group of Turks, or Iranians refutes it by action. The cooperation is not easy and strains brain and emotions. Human greed needs to be tempered with the "give and take" of negotiations--while observing the opposition's human greed. Human greed is want, and need, and desire, sometimes mixed with jealousy and envy. And, it is not all on one side but on each side. There has to be as much open-minded negotiation as possible. Negotiate, re-negotiate, and then do it again.
If you consider Iraq is a building under construction (with several levels existing) and remove more than one-fourth of the foundation, the building is likely to topple. If you consider Iraq as a suspension bridge and you remove one-fourth of the bridge, no one goes anywhere.
Worse than not going anywhere, the Kurds could walk willingly into their own demise. The world can be a nasty place, as you well know. Together much is possible; alone less is possible. A scenario: My brother and I (with our families) have a farm which is attacked by murderers. My brother decides to take his family to the safety of the woods. There are an equal number of adults (murderers and us); but, if we split our forces, we lose (first one family, then another.) Our strength is in cooperation, defending against the murderers together.
The focus is on Iraq. If you become independent, the focus will still be on Iraq, and (likely) much less on you. It could be dangerous. It took more than a decade for you to become truly free. Prior to April (2003) Saddam could have invaded you with all his resources and, by the time anyone came to your aid, there would have been no Kurds. We could not prevent it (alone,) you could not prevent it (alone,) but together we did prevent it.
We need you; Iraq and Iraqis need you; and, you need us. All of us must cooperate, for mutual strength and safety. We don't want to see the another Rwanda. Once is once more than anyone needs or wants.
THE MURDERS CONTINUE
What can anyone say about this horrendous type of act? It is more than sad; and, it is difficult to form the words of understanding, sympathy, and comfort for those directly targeted--the dead, the injured, their families, their friends, their fellow Iraqis.
Oh, "THE HUMANITY!" (said as The Hindenburg burned.) It constricts the heart, and scorches the soul. It inflames to rage; and, as the rage cools, it becomes the clear, cold resolve to irradicate the soulless. Humanity needs the hearts and resolve of everyone unwilling to be silent while their family, friend, and fellow partner in the world is blown into pieces.
"WE WILL NOT GO SILENTLY. . ."
What can anyone say about this horrendous type of act? It is more than sad; and, it is difficult to form the words of understanding, sympathy, and comfort for those directly targeted--the dead, the injured, their families, their friends, their fellow Iraqis.
Oh, "THE HUMANITY!" (said as The Hindenburg burned.) It constricts the heart, and scorches the soul. It inflames to rage; and, as the rage cools, it becomes the clear, cold resolve to irradicate the soulless. Humanity needs the hearts and resolve of everyone unwilling to be silent while their family, friend, and fellow partner in the world is blown into pieces.
"WE WILL NOT GO SILENTLY. . ."
ZEYDUN
I have heard little further information on the incident. There was mention that the soldiers moved away from the scene while the two men were still near the bridge. There was information about soldiers mis-treating detainees at a detention center. No connection was mentioned. The "bones" of it are that we no little more than we knew shortly after the incident.
Thanks for the rare (for this site) comment. (Mike H.)
I have heard little further information on the incident. There was mention that the soldiers moved away from the scene while the two men were still near the bridge. There was information about soldiers mis-treating detainees at a detention center. No connection was mentioned. The "bones" of it are that we no little more than we knew shortly after the incident.
Thanks for the rare (for this site) comment. (Mike H.)
ezboard (Iraqi Discussions)
I posted this to the board under Riverbend (Baghdad Burning):
Is there a possibility that River might be having a slight attitude change? She may be considering that the "invaders" and "occupiers" might not be as horrific as the "repisstors."
Note: I have discontinued the word "resistor." The phrase "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" does NOT apply. These fighters are not for freedom; they are not for life. They are for death and destruction. The only thing these terrorists resist is permitting others the right to live and be free.
I posted this to the board under Riverbend (Baghdad Burning):
Is there a possibility that River might be having a slight attitude change? She may be considering that the "invaders" and "occupiers" might not be as horrific as the "repisstors."
Note: I have discontinued the word "resistor." The phrase "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" does NOT apply. These fighters are not for freedom; they are not for life. They are for death and destruction. The only thing these terrorists resist is permitting others the right to live and be free.
Monday, February 02, 2004
ZEYAD REPORTED
Zeyad (healingIraq.blogspot.com) reported that the body of Zeydun was found 12 days later, approximately 1/2 mile downstream from the bridge area. At his site, he links to an article which describes the alledged events of that night.
There is anger in the postings. Zeyad feels that some commentators would be enraged if the incident had resulted in the death of soldiers by the Fedayeen. That may be true; however, I don't classify the Fedayeen in the same category (as the troops.) The objective of the Fedayeen is to kill to attain power; the objective of the troops is to prevent the disruptions, to calm the waters (if possible) and to avoid killing innocent Iraqis.
Zeyad, in some cases, may be hasty in his conclusions. Neither the cousins, nor the soldiers, should be concluded guilty until the investigtion is completed. Many acknowledged that it is possible the soldiers may have done this. Many acknowledged that the full truth has not been revealed--there are still many unanswered questions. Many are waiting for the CID decision, at the end of the investigation.
Regardless, this is the reason we need to keep in contact--that Zeyad should struggle to continue the blog. It is not easy for either side and most people feel strongly about some aspect of the happenings in Iraq. For Zeyad, this incident was so very close to home. For others, it is not our purpose (in Iraq) to kill passers-by and innocents. We know it happens, but we do not expect a purposeful incident which does not involve a serious reason for the actions.
There is more to this story and we can hope to get to the truth, eventually. In the meantime, there will be speculations. This is what we do. We examine the information and try to figure out what happened. In doing so, we must consider that any suspicions we have may be wrong and we must be prepared to be wrong. (As Zeyad may, also, have to prepare to be wrong.) This does not mean that he is wrong, but it means he cannot be right at this point, and neither can I be right at this point.
So far, we have a picture of a truck; we have quotes from Marwan; and, we (apparently) have the body of Zeydun, now. Sad, I was hoping that he was taken into custody and would reappear in a few weeks. It was not to be. The death of a young man of nineteen years is something which will sit in the minds of his parents for the rest of their days. . .
Zeyad (healingIraq.blogspot.com) reported that the body of Zeydun was found 12 days later, approximately 1/2 mile downstream from the bridge area. At his site, he links to an article which describes the alledged events of that night.
There is anger in the postings. Zeyad feels that some commentators would be enraged if the incident had resulted in the death of soldiers by the Fedayeen. That may be true; however, I don't classify the Fedayeen in the same category (as the troops.) The objective of the Fedayeen is to kill to attain power; the objective of the troops is to prevent the disruptions, to calm the waters (if possible) and to avoid killing innocent Iraqis.
Zeyad, in some cases, may be hasty in his conclusions. Neither the cousins, nor the soldiers, should be concluded guilty until the investigtion is completed. Many acknowledged that it is possible the soldiers may have done this. Many acknowledged that the full truth has not been revealed--there are still many unanswered questions. Many are waiting for the CID decision, at the end of the investigation.
Regardless, this is the reason we need to keep in contact--that Zeyad should struggle to continue the blog. It is not easy for either side and most people feel strongly about some aspect of the happenings in Iraq. For Zeyad, this incident was so very close to home. For others, it is not our purpose (in Iraq) to kill passers-by and innocents. We know it happens, but we do not expect a purposeful incident which does not involve a serious reason for the actions.
There is more to this story and we can hope to get to the truth, eventually. In the meantime, there will be speculations. This is what we do. We examine the information and try to figure out what happened. In doing so, we must consider that any suspicions we have may be wrong and we must be prepared to be wrong. (As Zeyad may, also, have to prepare to be wrong.) This does not mean that he is wrong, but it means he cannot be right at this point, and neither can I be right at this point.
So far, we have a picture of a truck; we have quotes from Marwan; and, we (apparently) have the body of Zeydun, now. Sad, I was hoping that he was taken into custody and would reappear in a few weeks. It was not to be. The death of a young man of nineteen years is something which will sit in the minds of his parents for the rest of their days. . .
Friday, January 16, 2004
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
BAGHDAD MARKET BOMB
http://www.alternet.org/print.html?StoryID=15626
“. . .But immediately after mentioning him, it quotes another Iraqi defector general as saying the disputed rocket that killed 60 people in a Baghdad market came from a Russian missile, meaning it came from the Iraqi side. This information, which could only come from the highest levels of the Iraqi regime,. . .”
(The above information was found within an article about Izzat Ibrahim.)
http://www.alternet.org/print.html?StoryID=15626
“. . .But immediately after mentioning him, it quotes another Iraqi defector general as saying the disputed rocket that killed 60 people in a Baghdad market came from a Russian missile, meaning it came from the Iraqi side. This information, which could only come from the highest levels of the Iraqi regime,. . .”
(The above information was found within an article about Izzat Ibrahim.)
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
IMPORTING
Arab Times Online
Kuwait is also currently supplying Iraq and US forces there with more than two million liters of petrol a day.
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/breakingnews/view.asp?msgID=4401
Democratic Underground
“That's right - the invasion that was supposed to pay for itself through Iraqi oil revenues has ended with the U.S. importing oil into Iraq.”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/top10/03/p/131.html
I posted the above on Faramin’s (comments) in response to a poster who stated that we were importing oil and billions. (not meaning into Iraq, but into the US) We are importing the oil and the billions INTO Iraq, not out of Iraq.
Arab Times Online
Kuwait is also currently supplying Iraq and US forces there with more than two million liters of petrol a day.
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/breakingnews/view.asp?msgID=4401
Democratic Underground
“That's right - the invasion that was supposed to pay for itself through Iraqi oil revenues has ended with the U.S. importing oil into Iraq.”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/top10/03/p/131.html
I posted the above on Faramin’s (comments) in response to a poster who stated that we were importing oil and billions. (not meaning into Iraq, but into the US) We are importing the oil and the billions INTO Iraq, not out of Iraq.
WMD
I am still preoccupied by WMD. We've found plans, we've discovered covert lab systems, we've discovered old shells. Where is the rest of it? What happened.
There were rumors before the war, reports of convoys to Syria, whispers of nuclear going to Libya, hints of N. Korean technicians in Iraq. We still do not know what is true and what is not.
Remember the rumor about Pakistan sharing its nuclear with others; now, we have Iran. The IAEA did a terrible job; they couldn't have done worse if they had stayed home sipping beer.
It is interesting to find that Libya does having nuclear, but where did they get them? Have they been working on this for decades, too? Now, we have an escaped journalist, who is dying of cancer, telling information about three sites in Syria and the possibility of WMD stockpiled there.
What will we learn next?
I am still preoccupied by WMD. We've found plans, we've discovered covert lab systems, we've discovered old shells. Where is the rest of it? What happened.
There were rumors before the war, reports of convoys to Syria, whispers of nuclear going to Libya, hints of N. Korean technicians in Iraq. We still do not know what is true and what is not.
Remember the rumor about Pakistan sharing its nuclear with others; now, we have Iran. The IAEA did a terrible job; they couldn't have done worse if they had stayed home sipping beer.
It is interesting to find that Libya does having nuclear, but where did they get them? Have they been working on this for decades, too? Now, we have an escaped journalist, who is dying of cancer, telling information about three sites in Syria and the possibility of WMD stockpiled there.
What will we learn next?
PAUL O'NEILL
Paul O'Neill implicated Bush, Jr. in the plan to topple Saddam Hussein. Well Paul, I have to say that this is not a surprise analysis. There are plans for everything and one of the plans could have, should have, and would have been to topple Saddam Hussein (if at all possible.)
Clinton worked on it. Bush did it.
Paul O'Neill implicated Bush, Jr. in the plan to topple Saddam Hussein. Well Paul, I have to say that this is not a surprise analysis. There are plans for everything and one of the plans could have, should have, and would have been to topple Saddam Hussein (if at all possible.)
Clinton worked on it. Bush did it.
From Instapundit.com:
Reynolds received an email from Baghdad:
The unit says they did have a checkpoint in the area and may have processed them, but prior to any resolution of the situation the occupants of that car and checkpoint itself were turned over to personnel from the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC).
We may be making progress. The unit was there; ICDC was there--confirmed by both (the accused and accuser.)
Little else has been confirmed.
Reynolds received an email from Baghdad:
The unit says they did have a checkpoint in the area and may have processed them, but prior to any resolution of the situation the occupants of that car and checkpoint itself were turned over to personnel from the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC).
We may be making progress. The unit was there; ICDC was there--confirmed by both (the accused and accuser.)
Little else has been confirmed.
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