Loud Mouths
Political commentary to soothe the savage soul.
Thursday, October 31, 2002
D.C. SNIPERS MAY HAVE HAD ACCOMPLICE
They had one in Alabama and they most certainly had one in Washington D.C. That is why we stated there will be John Does in this case. In Alabama however, witnesses say neither John Muhammad and John Lee Malvo were carrying the rifle that was used in the Alabama murder. This means there was another shooter. This also means that in Alabama, the two were accomplices to a murder.
Some witnesses had seen a white individual at the times of the shooting. And with the walkie-talkies being found, there is a high probability that there was a look-out or shooter in a white van. The accounts on the white van being at the scene of the killings is too coincidental.
McViegh Redux on the John Does for the time being.
Ryder said she was shoplifting for film role - witness
The world is a stage has been given a new meaning.
Guilty.
Russia ends mystery, names gas
The gas used to end the Moscow theatre siege was based on the powerful opiate Fentanyl, Russian Health Minister Yuri Shevchenko said yesterday, ending a four-day mystery.
So it wasn't a gas that attacks in the manner as hinted at by Glenn Reynolds. The Professor seems to be incorrect again. The Professor should pay more attention to sources that know better.
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, sends rivers of lava down the mountain in Linguaglossa, near Catania, Italy, yesterday. A series of quakes rocked Sicily on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of families temporarily homeless, as Etna spewed lava and ash for the third day running.
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
The U.S. had better live and learn on who it supports. U.S. Rejects Chechen Separatist Chief
Use of Military Unjustified in Wellstone "Memorial"
A memorial service that was turned into a political rally for the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, killed with his wife and daughter in the crash of his campaign plane Friday, has raised questions about whether taxpayers should be reimbursed for the cost of flying a large delegation of mostly Democratic congressmen, senators and their spouses and staffs from Washington to Minnesota aboard U.S. Air Force jets.
British copycat sniper on the prowl; 6 injured
In an eerie resemblance to the series of sniper shootings in Washington, a British copycat shooter is using an air-rifle to fire stinging pellets at unsuspecting passers-by in the city.
Mr. Smith goes to Washington
Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura salutes during the national anthem at the start of the public memorial service.
Ventura May Appoint 'Regular Citizen' to Wellstone Seat
The Smoking Gun has listed documents related to the beltway sniper.
Will Murkowski appoint Hood to Senate?
Is top Alaska Teamster Jerry Hood headed for the U.S. Senate? That's what columnist Robert Novak is reporting.
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Maxspeak has launched a weblog that has both sides who are against a war against Iraq
This site endorses such an endeavor. But we would add, Hussein should be taken out with one bullet.
Jordan rounds up murder suspects
Jordanian security forces rounded up scores of political activists yesterday in a nationwide hunt for the killer of a senior US diplomat, officials said.
Having seen scenes from Wellstone's memorial, I was left with the feeling that many of those who attended did so for themselves, for the photo op and the whole damn thing looked like a pep rally.
Clinton the ex-president was true to character.
Remember a memorial he went to previously? When he realised he was caught on camera what did Clinton do? 
Update
It seems some others thought the same thing about the Wellstone Memorial.
Held at a sports stadium in the city of Minneapolis, the crowd responded to speakers so enthusiastically that at points the service took on the air of a political rally.
The New York Times is even getting in on the act.
At Mr. Kahn's words, people sprang to their feet, as the face of Walter F. Mondale, the former vice president who is likely to replace Mr. Wellstone on Tuesday's ballot, flashed on the Jumbotron. The spontaneous chant was a muddle of "Wellstone, Wellstone!" and "Mondale, Mondale!"
The Star Tribune has an interesting read.
"What a complete, total, absolute sham," said Vin Weber, a former U.S. representative from Minnesota. "The DFL clearly intends to exploit Wellstone's memory totally, completely and shamelessly for political gain. To them, Wellstone's death, apparently, was just another campaign event."
[...]
State House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said it was disrespectful that the crowd cheered when former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., appeared on the big monitors and that the crowd jeered when U.S. Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., and former GOP Sen. Rod Grams of Minnesota were on the screens.
[...]
The speech provoked scores of calls to GOP headquarters and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Norm Coleman's campaign, said Bill Walsh, the state party's deputy executive director.
"They overplayed their hand, and our phones are ringing off the hook," he said. Many callers were offering to contribute money, Walsh said.
Even the Freepers are Lampooning the Memorial. What a damn shame it is what the Democrats did. They erased the legacy of a dead man in one night. The voters of Minnesota will remember what was done.
MAYBE IT WAS MURDER AFTERALL
Former President Clinton (news - web sites) laughs with former Vice President Walter Mondale and his wife Joan Mondale as the enter a public memorial service Tuesday, Oct. 29 2002 in Minneapolis for Sen. Paul Wellstone, his wife and the three staff members who died Oct. 25, in a plane crash in Eveleth, Minn.(AP Photo/ Paul Sancya) 
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks with Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Ms) before the start of a memorial service for U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, October 29, 2002. Wellstone and seven others, including his wife and a daughter, were killed in a small plane crash two miles south of the Eveleth, Minnesota airport, October 25. REUTERS/Eric Miller
Totally inappropriate behavior. Maybe the conspiracists in the Democratic party would like to recant.
Is there really such a thing as Republican Babes in Vancouver B.C.
Republican Babes of the week.
Oh come on. Don't beat a dead dog to death. She ain't no Republican. She is a blonde with dark roots. 
Do we dare?
Maybe a double dare.
But then again, sometimes it just pays just to go along.
Detectives begin thorough search of suspect's car
Among the items in the cluttered Chevrolet Caprice that will draw the most attention from police: a laptop computer, walkie-talkies and possible gunshot residue in a rifle port drilled in the trunk, law enforcement officials told The Sun.
Walkie-takies...........Any bet there was another vehicle at the time of the shootings that was acting as a look out.
However the article states this;
The discovery of the walkie-talkies suggests that the attacks were carefully coordinated, allowing Muhammad and Malvo to keep in close communication during the incidents, sources said.
Why would the two be seperated?
One would be the driver and the other would be the shooter if the Caprice was used as is being alleged by the FBI.
This story has alot more questions than answers.
Crackdown promised after mortar bomb find
The British government today promised a major crackdown on dissident republican terrorists linked to a mortar bomb find in Derry.
Reynolds has a mole?
Looks like his mole is a little slow.
And while he was on the subject he states;
YET ANOTHER UPDATE: Andrew Sullivan: "So he was a terrorist, a Muslim, a member of the fanatical anti-Semitic group the Nation of Islam and someone who shot up a synagogue. Who'd have thought it?" Yeah, go figure. Who'd have thought those things would go together? Not the "angry white male" profiler crew. . . .
One would like to know if Sullivan and Reynolds were AWOL on Rubin. Matt Welch wasn't.
There is hope afterall, and it's called balance. And for some, that is just fine with them.
For those students that are taking jounalism in Buffalo State College and have this guy as an instructor, RUN.
The blades on the prop at the time of the impact were still turning.
Update
Newsmax ran a story on Monday how some Democrats think Wellstone's death may have been murder. Makes you wonder why they didn't join in on the tragic death of Ron Brown and that accident not being murder.
Let the conspiracies fly. It's a shame that a death like Wellstone's brings out the worst in people.
Wellstone's Flight Timeline
• 9:37 a.m. Friday, the plane, a Beech King A100, took off from Minneapolis-St. Paul City Airport.
• 9:48 a.m., permission was given to climb to 13,000 feet.
• 10:01 a.m., air traffic control cleared the flight to the Eveleth-Virginia Airport, with the pilot given discretion to come down to 4,000 feet.
• 10:10 a.m., flight begins to descend.
• 10:18 a.m., last transmission is given.
“Everything had been completely normal,’’ Carmody said.
• 10:19 a.m., The flight was descending to 3,000 feet, with speed decreasing to 155 knots.
• 10:21 a.m., last radar fix was at 1,800 feet, speed decreasing to 85 knots.
The plane’s angle from where it landed was calculated to be 180 degrees, heading due south, as the plane was turning from its straight westerly approach.
“We don’t know why’’ the plane was turning,” Carmody said.
Robert Fisk is disturbing in his latest.
He picks them and then writes them. We critique.
"Why should ordinary people get killed and punished for the crimes of their leaders?" a female Jordanian neighbour said afterwards. And therein lies a clue to this murder. Jordanians – "our" Arabs, friends of the West whose Plucky Little King Mk II, King Abdullah, went to Sandhurst – now find it natural to refer to the "crimes" of President Bush.
He is quick to criticise Sharon for attacking Arafat when crimes are commited by Arafat's henchmen. Who's crimes are they, Arafat's or the henchmen. Fisk is to the left what Farwell is to the right.
The criticism should be placed on the killer. That is who commited the crime. The leaders are arguably responsible, but the question is are they justified. So the question is, was the terrorist that puposefully killed the diplomat justified?
Fisk has definately gone off the deep end in this latest.
Muhammad, Malvo linked to crimes here
Mike Urban / P-I
A gun traced to John Allen Muhammad allegedly was used to fire two rounds through a window at the Temple Beth El synagogue at 5875 S. 12th St. in Tacoma between May 1 and 4. No one was injured in the shooting.
Monday, October 28, 2002
Bookmark this one from Future Paradigm.
The info in the post will surely come up later. You can bet on it. In the Washington Post, the have a good article on the Anthrax letters. The article does raise the question that Iraq may have been involved.
US weapons secrets exposed
If true, this becomes a double standard. When you consider who we have sold bio-weapons to.................
We have stated many times on this site that Simon would win.
Chronwatch has a list of media endorsements in California.
Looks like the liberals won't be holding their nose much longer. Look for the Green candidate to do very well and Davis be left with Kodak moments of him holding campaign contributions.
You know it is bad when the L.A. Times said: "Davis' obsessive pursuit of every last campaign dollar from special interests is unseemly... ."
Sunday, October 27, 2002
Angels in the Outfield
Anaheim Angels in Seventh Heaven, Beating Giants to Win World Series
Motorcycle Mamas, Iranian Style
And what to wear if you do.
Saturday, October 26, 2002
Suspect registered vehicle in Camden
John Allen Muhammad registered the car believed used in the sniper killings at a Motor Vehicle Services office here on the one-year anniversary of 9/11 - just minutes after a caller told police a bomb had been placed in the building.
Co-owner of sniper suspects' car held
WHO IS NATHANIEL OSBORNE? The co-owner of the Caprice that was registered the same day the bomb threat was made.
Why no news accounts of he being with Muhammad that day?
Update
ABC is picking up on the arrest of Osborne. What stands out is this statement: The man arrested Saturday was believed to have helped the two suspects buy the car, which was registered in New Jersey. Authorities say a hole had been bored in the trunk from which the snipers may have fired on their unsuspecting victims.
A hole bored in the trunk that would be large enough to shoot through? Ten times the Caprice was pulled over and no one would even question a hole in the trunk? At a certain point in the investigation, witnesses had stated that they saw a brown or burgandy Caprice. Why did a truck driver lead police to the Caprice.
This dosen't compute. The story on the hole in the trunk doesn't seem to fit. By taking witness accounts of seeing other types of vehicles, more than one vehicle was involved in the sniper attack.
Update
More on Osbourne
Nathanel O. Osbourne, 26, first registered with the DMV in 1998, using an Immigration and Naturalization Service resident alien card, Rasmussen said.
Osbourne, who is wanted on a material witness warrant, changed his address several times before obtaining a valid New Jersey license in 2000, Rasmussen said.
Several times he used the INS card, but officials have no way of knowing if it was valid.
In September, Osbourne and Muhammad each presented a driver's license to register the car in Camden, using 1400 Sheridan Ave. as their address.
The wreckage of a King Air A-100 that crashed in northern Minnesota, killing Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., and seven others, including his wife and daughter, is seen in an image from television Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, near Eveleth, Minn.
The Crash Investigation
In California, you have the Green Party candidate being left out of the debates. In Alaska you have Murkowski inviting them on stage to participate.
Once again, Fran Ulmer has her cronies dictating the scene with one of her volunteers setting up who gets to be on stage in the debate.
It was supposed to be a nonpartisan debate forum. It wasn't as is told in the story.
One could argue that Murkowski was playing a little showmanship. Maybe, but his actions did give the students the opportunity to hear other candidates.
Road work starts as floods recede
Floodwaters from Deep Creek dug a 50-foot-wide gap in the approach to the Sterling Highway bridge in Ninilchik. The damage severed the only road to Homer. (Photo by Evan R. Steinhauser / Anchorage Daily News)
Eveleth Municipal Automatic Weather Observing
26 00:54 Calm 3.00 Light Rain OVC002 34 32 29.95 NA
25 22:54 Calm 3.00 Drizzle OVC006 36 34 29.96 NA
25 20:14 Calm 7.00 Light Drizzle OVC008 36 34 29.98 NA
25 19:56 S 3 5.00 Light Drizzle OVC008 36 34 29.98 NA
25 19:34 S 3 5.00 Light Drizzle OVC008 36 34 29.99 NA
25 18:57 S 3 7.00 Light Drizzle OVC004 36 34 30.00 NA
25 18:35 S 3 7.00 Light Drizzle OVC004 36 34 30.00 NA
25 17:14 SE 3 5.00 Light Snow OVC004 36 34 30.03 NA
25 16:54 SE 3 5.00 Light Snow OVC004 34 32 30.03 NA
25 16:34 Calm 4.00 Light Snow OVC004 34 32 30.03 NA
25 16:14 SE 3 4.00 Light Snow OVC004 34 32 30.04 NA
25 15:54 Calm 4.00 Light Snow OVC004 34 32 30.05 NA
25 15:34 Calm 4.00 Fog/Mist OVC004 34 30 30.05 NA
25 15:14 Calm 3.00 Light Snow SCT004 OVC007 34 32 30.06 NA
25 14:54 Calm 2.50 Light Snow SCT004 OVC007 34 32 30.07 NA
25 14:34 Calm 2.00 Light Snow OVC007 32 30 30.08 NA
25 14:14 Calm 2.00 Light Snow OVC007 30 28 30.09 NA
25 13:54 Calm 3.00 Light Snow OVC007 30 28 30.09 NA
25 13:34 Calm 2.00 Light Snow OVC007 30 28 30.10 NA
25 13:14 Calm 2.00 Light Snow OVC007 30 28 30.10 NA
25 12:54 Calm 3.00 Light Snow OVC009 30 27 30.11 NA
25 12:35 Calm 4.00 Light Snow BKN009 BKN012 OVC020 28 27 30.11 NA
25 12:14 Calm 3.00 Light Snow OVC020 28 27 30.12 NA
25 11:54 NE 3 4.00 Light Snow SCT011 OVC022 28 27 30.12 NA
25 11:34 Calm 5.00 Fog/Mist SCT011 SCT016 OVC022 30 27 30.13 NA
25 11:14 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC020 28 25 30.13 NA
25 10:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC020 28 25 30.13 NA
25 10:34 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC020 28 25 30.14 NA
25 10:14 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC020 28 25 30.14 NA
25 09:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC020 28 25 30.15 NA
25 09:34 E 3 10.00 Overcast OVC018 28 25 30.15 NA
25 09:14 Calm 10.00 Overcast BKN020 OVC028 28 25 30.15 NA
25 08:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC030 27 23 30.16 NA
25 08:34 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 23 30.16 NA
25 08:14 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 21 30.17 NA
25 07:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 21 30.17 NA
25 07:34 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 21 30.17 NA
25 07:14 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 21 30.18 NA
25 06:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 27 21 30.18 NA
25 06:34 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC034 25 21 30.18 NA
25 06:18 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC034 25 21 30.18 NA
25 05:54 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC034 25 19 30.18 NA
25 05:34 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC034 23 19 30.18 NA
25 05:15 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 23 19 30.19 NA
25 04:55 Calm 10.00 Overcast OVC032 21 18 30.19 NA
25 04:34 Calm 10.00 Partly Cloudy SCT034 19 18 30.20 NA
25 04:14 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.20 NA
25 03:54 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.20 NA
25 03:34 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.20 NA
25 03:14 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.21 NA
25 02:54 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.21 NA
25 02:34 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 21 18 30.21 NA
25 02:14 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 23 19 30.22 NA
25 01:54 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 23 18 30.22 NA
25 01:34 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 25 18 30.23 NA
25 01:14 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 25 18 30.24 NA
25 00:55 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 27 18 30.24 NA
25 00:34 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 27 18 30.25 NA
25 00:14 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 27 18 30.25 NA
24 23:54 Calm 10.00 Fair CLR 28 18 30.25 NA
These automated observing sites are pieces of shit. Ironically it was Congress who came up with the bright idea of cutting back funds that went to weather observing sites that had actual weather observers. In airfields that have limited ILS and other landing equipment, it is even more important.
In this case, it seems the equipment may have been faulty or out of calibration or the AWOS is performing as usual. The time frame between 04:14 and 04:55 is telling on how these AWOS sites work. Going from CLR skies to an OVC deck at 3200 feet with calm winds is highly suspect.
Other indications that there may be faulty or erroneous observations are highlighted in bold letters.
Most likely the ceiling heights were slightly lower and fog in combination with the light snow was obstructing the approach endof the runway.
Moreover, these sites do not pick out how the weather is impacting the runway that is being used. Visibility can be lower on the approach end of the runway if a snow squall or fog bank is over the approach end of the runway. Also in this case it seems the AWOS is set to take observations at aproximately every twenty minutes regardless if the weather has changed to a condition that passes a visibilty or ceiling height threshold to amend a forecast.
In Alaska, most weather reporting sites are AWOS stations, and it has been my experience they are a threat to flight safety.
While I was in the Air Force, pilots have come back from briefings I had given that had observations from AWOS and they would say they are a piece of shit. They couldn't land.
There is something to be said for an observer who can indicate in remarks that a fog bank is on the approach end of the runway or visibility to the East is 1/4 of a mile when the prevailing is higher.
The death of Wellstone is very unfortunate, but given the weather conditions and the equipment at the airfield, there is a higher risk of an aircraft incident then if he had been landing at a better equiped airfield.
Congress had better get its act together and spend more cash on these airport facilities, if not these type of accidents will continue.
Friday, October 25, 2002
Flooding ravages Peninsula
Three to 15 inches of rain fell in the rare storm, which forecasters compared to a fire hose of tropical Pacific air aimed squarely at the Kenai Peninsula.
The Ninilchik bridge suffered major damage during the flooding that hit much of the Kenai Peninsula. There was no access into the village other than on foot. ( Photo by Jeri Cook)
Phantom white van just a footnote in sniper case
So there was no white van after all.
[...]
Eyewitnesses said the suspects fled in a white van or white box truck or trailer. The vehicle was reportedly spotted again at several subsequent shootings, and over the next three weeks police pulled over and searched hundreds of white vans in their manhunt for an elusive killer.
[...]
Investigators now believe the Chevrolet Caprice was the vehicle the men were using all along and that witnesses who reported seeing a white van or box truck were simply mistaken.
[...]
It's what the experts call "witness contamination." And it happens frequently, particularly in high-profile crimes.
One of the most famous examples is "John Doe No. 2," the elusive dark-haired suspect who was supposedly Timothy McVeigh's accomplice in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
[...]
The FBI released a sketch of the suspect, and several witnesses later reported seeing the mystery man with McVeigh. The government now says "John Doe No. 2" was an innocent Army private who happened to be at the shop the day after McVeigh rented the truck.
Hmmm. Then what is this about?
Court papers describe suspect's weapons fascination
The court papers, obtained by The Associated Press, were filed this week in federal court in Seattle as the sniper task force was preparing to arrest Muhammad on a federal weapons violation. They make no mention of the sniper attacks but do shed light on Muhammad's involvement with weapons.
[...]
The papers state that Muhammad visited Holmes' residence in Tacoma three times over the last six months. The first time, Muhammad and an unidentified associate displayed an AR-15 assault rifle and at least one other rifle, authorities alleged.
Muhammad's vet status puts new focus on Gulf War
First, it was Timothy McVeigh. Now, a second Persian Gulf War veteran may be connected with another home-grown act of terrorism.
[...]
The U.S. government has long denied Gulf War veterans' claims that many soldiers were exposed to dangerous chemical and biological agents during the war and in the period after, when many Iraqi weapons were destroyed.
[...]
No evidence surfaced Thursday that Muhammad had ever made claims of suffering from Gulf War-related problems. In 2001, he indicated he wanted to sign up for Veterans Administration health benefits but did not appear for the appointment he had set up at a Seattle VA center, according to James R. Benson, a spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The revelation shook the neighborhood and left Clarke - who says he knew Muhammad only in passing, as a customer - scrambling to explain why the car was registered to the All Nation's Lounge's address and co-owned by Nathanel O. Osbourne, 26, who also listed 1400 Sheridan Street as his address.
Hmmm. Co-owner of the car the sniper was found in.
An Uprising at Auschwitz, With Emphasis on Realism
The Grey Zone, does it truely allow for forgiveness or understanding?
We will tear apart all arguments raised by Justin Raimondo in two words: Timothy McVeigh
Krauthammer needs to take notes: North Korea Strikes It Rich
Maybe he would like to spread that criticism around.
Greg Buete raises some good questions on the sniper.
But he may have made one mistake on the "militia training camp".
If this indeed is the website of the same GroundZeroUSA, it trained policemen in Alabama not terrorists.
Update
Nothing found at Ground Zero
So having got that out of the way, we will check his sources to see if indeed he is on a trail.
Update
Students in Alabama were asked about their thoughts on the arrest of the sniper and the close proximity of the training camp.
The Mirror really does a number on some of the facts of the case.
One fact does make you wonder about other facts.
Officials admitted last night that Muhammad was questioned by police during a traffic stop on October 8.
If you were a police officer and pulled over a car that had a hole in the trunk the size that would be needed to fit a gun barrel and look through a scope, would you not be very suspicious? Unless it was not there at the time they were pulled over.
Looking back, you had stories of Atta being pulled over and let go and now you have this incident.
Crikey.
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Charles Krauthammer attacks the Clinton administration's policy on North Korea.
He is right, they did take the money. And they will take money again, from China, Russia, Japan and South Korea.
McVeigh Redux?
Witnesses are being discounted on seeing a White Astro van, a white male and many other statements that may no longer be investigated. Why the credit card, how many times was it used and exactly where, why the death of the woman who owned the credit card and why the link of the murder to these two individuals?
War and water
The Hasbani River
Sniper murders solved, police say
There is more to this than what the police are saying. The clues that brought the police to the 17 year old and the 41 year old indicate support from outside sources.
We have stated there would be other John Does and other vehicles used in the killings. The witness accounts need to be remembered and studied.
One question would be, who took the picture?
Sratfor.com is just getting to the failed coup attempt in Qatar?
First and foremost, how serious was the coup plot? There is no clear answer yet, nor any indication of whether the regime in Doha is secure now. U.S. actions suggest that, while this plot may have been adequately suppressed, the regime still is under internal pressure due to its close cooperation with Washington. Qatar's Muslim clerics reportedly are speaking out against the government privately and in Friday prayers. This could fuel a broader opposition and future moves against the government. The plotters also reportedly came from within the military and royal family, suggesting that the threats are both significant and difficult to root out.
A second major question is to what degree, if any, Saudi Arabia was involved in the plot. Egyptian daily al-Joumhoreyah reports that members of Qatar's ruling al-Thani family were among those arrested. Some family members reportedly issued a recent statement expressing their opposition to the regime's pro-U.S. policies. Qatar's ruler, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifah al-Thani, deposed his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, and Riyadh allegedly helped the deposed monarch attempt a counter-coup. Saudi officials maintain good relations with the deposed Qatari leader, but those with the current sheikh are deteriorating.
The Saudi government has been incensed not only by Doha's liberal social reforms, but also by its close cooperation with the United States. After officials in Riyadh said they would refuse Washington use of their air bases for an attack on Iraq, the U.S. military relocated supplies and equipment from Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia to al-Udeid air base in Qatar. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Qatar came to a boil at the end of September, when Riyadh recalled its ambassador from Doha.
Finally, what does word of the foiled coup plot do to U.S. plans in the region? Can Washington count on Qatar as a base for military operations against Iraq? And if not, can war plans proceed at all? Speaking in Kuwait on Oct. 15, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber al-Thani said his country opposes any U.S.-led war against Iraq -- but that Doha had not yet decided whether it would permit Washington to use its bases for such an attack.
Meanwhile, the United States will postpone military exercises scheduled for November in Qatar, according to a U.S. Embassy announcement. The weeklong exercise was to involve 600 members of U.S. Central Command headquarters and was designed to study the ability to establish that headquarters in Qatar in an emergency. Though officially due to a delay in the transport of equipment for the exercise, the postponement could be the first result of the foiled coup plot. It also could be a serious setback for Washington's war plans.
Given that bin Laden CDs are becoming popular in Qatar, one could say Qatar is not a safe place to launch an invasion into Iraq. We have been consistent on bringing you what realistically is happening in the region. The mainstream press however was hyping normal events into a "for sure" we are going to war drumbeat.
What did we say five days ago?
Don't bet for a second that the Qatar government is going to allow an invasion into Iraq to take place from Qatar. They have enough internal problems as it is. The U.S. can't afford to protect the present regime from its own military rank and file while conducting an invasion.
As a side note, it is interesting to read the comments from some FreeRepublic members. They are not well informed.
Democrats Still Enjoy Slight Lead in Close Congressional Race
The poll, conducted Oct. 21-22, shows the Democrats maintaining a slight edge among likely voters, 49% to 46%. However, that 3-point lead is within the poll's margin of error (±4 points), so the final outcome is essentially too close to call.
Angels in the Outfield
San Francisco 16, Anaheim 4
Budget Deficit of $159 Billion Reported
That is because Bush has acted like a Democrat and increased government spending. The only thing lacking is an increase in taxes, something the Democrats would love to see.
Folks hold on to your wallets.
The Crystal Ball.
CRYSTAL BALL SAYS:
After an unusual eight years of Democratic rule in Republican Alaska under Governor Tony Knowles, Alaska would seem to be reverting to form with Republican Frank Murkowski, the current junior U.S. Senator from Alaska. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer is a credible Democratic nominee, but her best chance is in the mad collection of third-party and independent candidates on the ballot in Alaska, which may drain more votes from Murkowski than from her. For most of the campaign, Murkowski has appeared to be in the frontrunner's saddle, but lately our correspondents from Alaska have told us that his lead is shaky. While Murkowski is in D.C., Ulmer is campaigning hard in Alaska. Furthermore, many Alaskans may prefer to keep his Senate seniority by electing Ulmer. All in all, the Crystal Ball is still placing a small bet on Murkowski--but far fewer chips than just a month ago. Interestingly, just in the past week during a western swing, your faithful Crystal Ball correspondent encountered several active Alaskan Republicans who--to a man and woman--believed that the governor's race was becoming a dead heat. Accordingly, the Crystal Ball will be keeping an even closer eye on the Frontier State.
By the way, if Murkowski does win, he will be able to appoint his U.S. Senate successor. The new Alaska governor takes office on December 2, but by law (passed by a GOP state legislature), Murkowski must wait 5 days after his Senate resignation to appoint the successor. This provision was enacted to prevent outgoing Democratic Governor Knowles from getting the Senate appointment--though again under law, would have had to choose a registered Republican for the open seat. If the Congress has a lame-duck session, and the GOP has achieved majority status through the election of Jim Talent in Missouri (see Missouri Senate race), then Murkowski's resignation might deprive Republicans of their temporary majority for the 5-day period. The Crystal Ball's head would hurt if it had one. (Thanks to correspondent Michael Carey for this tip. Also, check out www.wyethwire.com's 9/19 post which lays out a "doomsday" scenario regarding this situation.) 10/10/02 prediction: leans Republican
REUTERS
US Marines have lunch in a makeshift cafeteria at the Al Udeid air base, 35km south of Doha, yesterday. Some 4,000 US troops are currently deployed in the desert base.
Reporters Without Borders is publishing the first worldwide press freedom index
What ranking did your country get for its freedom of the press.
Andrew Sullivan is once again naive. First he applauded the French on their support of the U.S. on Iraq. Where are the French standing today on Iraq?
Now Sullivan has hysterically pointed to some article on South Korea supporting Bush on North Korea.
Once again Sullivan is wrong. S. Korea says no to N. Korea sanctions
Bush has to contend with China. And if Sullivan thinks Bush can crack that nut, he is living beyond the twilight zone. After all, Bush supported the PNTR.
One can say, talk is cheap unless you have to buy love. And Bush is racking up the charges as Turkey and Russia get the dough.
If North Korea does any negotiating, it will done with a hand under the table and the U.S slipping dollars to China and China slipping dollars to North Korea.
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
The beltway bloggers have been on the case of the sniper
Ann Coulter continues on her downward spiral in DNA evidence exonerates Hitler!
This person is no conservative, so let her eat her own cake.
‘Iraq is no threat to US’
Hmmm, evidently the guy is not a believer in the Czech intelligence and is more apt to believe Havel.
Camejo's Green message goes largely unheard
But those who dislike Davis and lean to the left will vote for him. The demise of Davis.
We challenged the World Tribune on their allegations of a build up in Qatar, so today, they post this.
Related article
Al Udeid base not ready yet
How does it all fit in?
1998 Memo and Iraqis linked to Oklahoma atrocity to Havel's denial to an eventual Iraqi link to past and future John Does that have the look of those in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Hezbollah warns: Israeli attack on Wazzani water project will ignite entire front
This issue is becoming more serious than Iraq.
Nasrallah said their aim was to return the Jews to Israel and rebuild their temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70AD, over the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, Nasrallah added, “if they (Jews) all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.”
So why does the idiot complain. Evidently the "Christian Zionists" are playing into his plan.
The Kahanists in Israel are coming under the spotlight
Like it was said on this site before. The Kahanists are to Sharon what the Hamas are to Arafat.
Angels in the Outfield
Angels blow in cold, black day for Giants
Sniper Attacks Have Little Impact on Public Attitudes About Guns
The ongoing sniper rampage outside of Washington D.C. has dominated news coverage across America since the first deadly shooting spree on Oct. 3, and has perhaps exposed the limits of law enforcement to the public in a stark new way. However, despite the frightful nature of these events, and the fact that the sniper (or snipers) remains at large, a Gallup Poll conducted Oct. 14-17, finds no evident change in public attitudes about gun ownership.
XXXXX 666 related news stories XXXXX
Top Stories Auto-generated 12 minutes ago
ITV
Bush Team Urges Bold Inspections of Iraq's Arsenal
New York Times - 3 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 The Bush administration, anticipating approval of a United Nations Security Council resolution that falls short of what it was seeking, is now pressing harder than ever for inspections of Iraq's weapons program to be carried ...
Russia, France still oppose Iraq resolution London Free Press
Russia, France balk at US plan on possible use of force against Iraq Kansas City Star
Ireland Online - Reuters AlertNet - The Globe and Mail - ITV - and 666 related »
It must be a SIGN that Google news has somehow linked itself to the darkside.
One would have to question the difference in the tactics used by the Phillippine government officials in arresting terrorists and the tactics used by the Israelis.
In the latest terrorist bombings in Israel, the Israeli government is showing restraint.
Are they learning something from foreign governments who have captured terrorists by not blowing up buildings, cars and killing innocent civilians? It will be interesting to see how the Israeli government handles the latests killings.
Raimondo is just plan foolish in his latest short screed, article, short story on fiction, readers digest material, whatever the hell you want to call it. Why?
This is why:
P.P.P.S. Dept of 'I told you so' (Part II): In yet another recent column, I opined that the revelation by North Korea that Pyongyang is gong nuclear would put the Bush administration's war plans in the Middle East on hold:
Knock, knock is anyone home? Earth to Justin, turn that dimbulb up a little, smell the coffee, come to your senses, the war plan is failing because of Russia, the French and Qatar.
One could say Justin is a little full of himself in his latest. Sure hope he doesn't have aids, his cheap shot at Sullivan seems to be haunting him.
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
MSNBCBlogs an affiliate to Loud Mouths is launched.
Little Green Footballs makes the grade.
Monday, October 21, 2002
North Korean brinkmanship
North Korea: detente for dollars.
The Czech president, Vaclav Havel, has quietly told the White House he has concluded that there is no evidence to confirm earlier reports that Mohamed Atta, the leader in the Sept. 11 attacks, met with an Iraqi intelligence officer in Prague just months before the attacks on New York and Washington, according to Czech officials.
We knew this was coming , and it is proof that Havel is trying to save Clinton's ass.
Archaeological evidence of Jesus?
If scientifically, the story of Jesus is proven to be true, what impact would it have on other religions? And if you were considered a Christian, how would you view other religions if the story of Jesus was true?
Tolerance or mockery?
Pessimism About War on Terrorism Highest Since Sept. 11
Bush job approval rating falls to 62%
Andrew Sullivan is proof positive that you can be dumb and popular at the same time.
NORTH KOREA AND IRAQ: The argument that immediately surfaced in the media following the North Korean revelation about their nukes has been: See? Why shouldn't we invade North Korea now? The Bushies are sooo inconsistent. They just want to invade Iraq for oil/empire/the hell of it/the mid-term elections, or fill in the latest Dowdian allegation. But the difference between North Korea and Iraq is so simple it's astonishing some people don't see it. So let's put this as clearly as we can: North Korea has a nuke; Iraq, so far, doesn't. Got that? When a rogue state succeeds in getting weapons of mass destruction, our options are severely limited. The question with Iraq is simple: in trying to stop Saddam getting a nuke, do we follow the same policies as Clinton and Carter in 1994 with North Korea, or do we try something else? Amazingly, large swathes of apparently intelligent people seem to think we should try the Carter/Clinton approach to Iraq. My view is simple: if we do not disarm Saddam now, we never will. And if we don't, a full-scale nuclear, biological and chemical war is inevitable in the Middle East; and that war, with the help of terror groups like al Qaeda, will soon come to LA and New York and London and Washington. So the choice is a dangerous war now; or a much more destructive war later. I know democracies don't like to hear these as the two options; democracies rightly, understandably hate to go to war. But these choices, in my view, are the only ones we actually have. So what's it gonna be? Or do we still want to change the subject?
How many presidential administrations have been dealing with North Korea's taste for nukes? If you want to start with Carter, then that includes Reagan, Reagan, Bush, Bush, Clinton, Clinton. That is 24 years.
And not one had the balls to invade North Korea.
Next, who replaces the current Iraqi regime? A pro Israeli regime perhaps?
Sullivan is a nutcase. He has no anwers to the question on who do you replace Saddam with. More specifically, one who will leave Israel alone.
When pigs fly or when hell freezes over is when that will happen. But that could happen when Israel gives up their nukes.
But then again, according to Sullivan, that has not stopped the Arabs from wanting to liquidate the Israelis. They must have more balls than the U.S. when dealing with states that have nukes.
Union links Xentury's builder to bin Laden
Osceola County's snake-bitten quest for a convention center got another jolt Friday with a labor union's insinuation of links between the prospective builder and Osama bin Laden.
Sunday, October 20, 2002
Czechs retract terror link
Looks like Havel is trying to save his buddy Clinton from embarrasing facts.
The special agent in the document knew of the training of Middle Eastern men and gave notice to his bosses.
Update
Tenet is out pushing stories on how successful the Clinton administration was in implementing "The Plan."
Angels in the Outfield
Angels Edge Giants 11-10 in Game 2
Much of the credit belonged to Francisco Rodriguez, too. The 20-year-old rookie sensation pitched three perfect innings and got the victory, making him 5-0 in the postseason.
This kid is one helluva relief pitcher.
Will Iran take on the Turks?
Not likely. Iran is taking the line of the Turks and will let the Turks do the fighting. But will the U.S. abandon the Kurds if Turkey attacks them?
Syria to leave Lebanon?
Is that before or after Iran leaves.
Meryl Yourish has a problem with Lebanon and the Freedom of the Press.
It seems Israel has had the same problem.
There is a slight difference though. President Lahoud sought to protect the Jewish reporter from the other reporters. The Israeli government arrested the Palestinian photographer.
Let the excuses begin.
Squatters hurled stones and charged at the security officers.
More problems for Sharon but what about other stone throwers.
For you reality T.V. fanatics
Global Extremes: Mt. Everest – 4Runners of Adventure
Kuwaiti representatives inspect Czech chemical unit equipment
The task of the Czech contingent in Kuwait is to protect the organisational staff of the Enduring Freedom Operation. The soldiers are ready to take action not only in case of a military conflict but also in an ecological accident.
Iceland’s Position on War
The Greens aren't happy.
Saturday, October 19, 2002
WAL-MART TURNS TO EAST CHINA
The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, kicked off a thrust into the booming east coast of China through a new joint venture with a Chinese conglomerate. Wal-Mart said its East China Wal-Mart Stores venture with China International Trust and Investment Corp. would open supermarkets in and around Shanghai--a stronghold of rival Carrefour of France.
Wal-Mart said it had opened a procurement centre in Shanghai to buy merchandise in north and east China for export. It expects to buy $12 billion in goods from China this year for sale in some of its 4,500 stores worldwide. Foreign retailers in China can hold up to 65% of a retail joint venture. The deal to set up the new joint venture will require government approval.
Wal-Mart has 22 stores in the north and south but needs a presence on the east coast, the main engine of growth in the world's fastest growing major economy. China's rules regarding foreign retailers have suffered from being unclear. In 2001, regulators said Carrefour had opened stores without permission. The French chain was forced to reorganize and bring in local partners to comply with the rules.
The bomb blast in the Phillippines was set off by using a cell phone.
Now for some humor Bin Laden Is Back in Saudi Arabia - Is Working Closely with Baghdad
It's from DEBKA. What do you expect.
The World Tribune is coming out stating that "Qatar said 4,000 U.S. soldiers have been deployed in the emirate. The emirate also said the headquarters of U.S. Central Command would be moved to Doha. The disclosures came during an interview of Qatari Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr Al Thani on late Wednesday."
Here is the official line from Qatar and the Foreign Minister.
And one wonders why Drudge, antiwar.com and others post their bullshit. It is amazing. They are about on par with DEBKA as far as getting their stories straight without innuendo. But what do expect from a group that is cited by terrorist groups like the Kach.
One can draw without a stretch of the imagination, a comparison of the Indymedia organization and the World Tribune. As for it being the first time, Qatar has been acknowledging a U.S. build up certainly before 1999. And no, CENTCOM is not moving its headquaters there. They are sending personnel there for TDY in support of excercises and 4,000 troops is nothing when you consider the logistics in supporting bases in the region
Even more surprising is the World Tribune missed this little bit of news. News on a coupe attempt in Qatar, detention, arrests at the American participation
Diplomatic sources indicated that American personnel in civilian costumes took part in the breaking in and detention acts which targeted Pakistani and Yemeni recruited soldiers in the Qatari army, and that American forces are deployed in the streets of Doha and around sensitive areas and points.
Don't bet for a second that the Qatar government is going to allow an invasion into Iraq to take place from Qatar. They have enough internal problems as it is. The U.S. can't afford to protect the present regime from its own military rank and file while conducting an invasion.
Qaeda claims shooting US marine
The statement, published by an Islamist website, also claimed the US has covered up “huge losses” during the October 8 attack during marine training on Failaka island, 20km east of Kuwait City.
U.S. asks allies for help in curbing North Korea
Russia is going to participate in wargames with North Korea and China has them under its wing. So how much will the U.S. have to pay this time to get them to the bargaining table.
Hate-crime death probed in California
The killing of a 17-year-old boy who dressed as a girl was being investigated Friday as a possible hate crime by police who say they were led to his shallow grave by one of four young men arrested on suspicion of murder.
Friday, October 18, 2002
The White House withheld North Korea’s admission about a nuclear weapons program from key Democrats until after Congress had passed its resolution authorizing war with Iraq, prompting complaints on Capitol Hill that the administration has let politics influence its conduct of foreign affairs.
Jeeesus. If true, political fallout for the GOP.
Honest criticism is good.
"It's not very helpful," Mr. Rollins said of Representative Davis. "Maybe it's the strain of his job? Last time I looked, his Congressional committee had not put any money in our race, or offered us any money for our race. So I don't think he gets to critique it."
Taegan Goddard's latest on Alaska's governor race shows Democratic candidate Fran Ulmer in a slight lead.
Once in a while you can get the desired results by polling. How? Well if you are the company who is doing the polling and support the candidate, well people don't take you serious. The Craciun poll has that feel because they support the current adminstration who Ulmer happens to a part of.
Murkowski is ahead by at least 4 to seven points. Ulmer has seen her last days as a politician.
Francophone summit opens in Beirut
Summit Briefs
No mention of terrorist activities. But there is plenty of French dressing to spread around.
Oh and don't forget about Iraq.
Iraq could be the reason for the absence of any terrorist activity.
What you have is government agencies who spend billons of dollars who can't decipher basic crypto messages.
So much for the linguist school out in Monterey California.
North Korea Drops a Bomb
Do a google search on North Korea and you will get the drift. North Korea has nukes.
To South Korea's and the United States' surprise.
Some may argue that Bush's tough "love" (Axis of Evil) talk is the reason the North Koreans fessed up. You should remember, President Bush threatened unspecified ``consequences'' if Iraq and North Korea produce weapons of mass destruction.
With the wrangling in the U.N. why would North Korea want the hassles of possibly having U.N. investigations.
Instead, they just said, we got them. So now what. What is the U.N. going to do? North Korea has the support of CHINA; Made in China to be exact.
Do you think North Korea will give them up? Do you think the U.S. will go to war against North Korea? These are rhetorical questions. The answer is no and no. Unless of course, the U.S. wants to buy more tough "love."
Can you say VETO.
The U.S. gets the Barbie Dolls, North Korea gets the nukes.
So much for the PNTR. Something the Bush adminstration supported.
From this latest news on this, the top bloggers are spouting off. Sullivan cites Clinton;
WORDS TO REMEMBER: "North Korea cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb. We have to be very firm about it." - Bill Clinton, "Meet the Press," Nov. 7, 1993.
Sullivan just can't bring himself to be smart and post what the others say. Bush said there would be unspecified "consequences" if North Korea developed nukes. Like we said before, so now what.
Moreover, North Korea has been doing testing as way back as 1983. That goes through the Reagan administration, the Bush administration and the Clinton administration. If Sullivan wants to cast a poor light on a presidential administration, he is going to have to get a little more candle power and broaden the beam.
And as for that professor of logic, the only crow eating will be his. Which goes to show you, that you can be popular and not know what the hell you are talking about at the same time.
Let's see, as it stands the U.S. has had to pay Turkey off to use its bases and Turkey may wind up killing Kurds if we invade Iraq.
Qatar gets money for bases, but has not agreed to allow the U.S. to use them for an invasion. Russia gets money but does not agree with the U.S resolution so the U.S. capitulates, undulates, lactates and whatever other lates there are by softening its tough "love" stance.
So were does that leave the U.S.? Loving the French. Yes there will be some crow eating by Sullivan and friends.
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Agency hushed anthrax scandal
Still, the family never fully bought the story that Frank Olson died from a surreptitious LSD trip. In 1994, his body was exhumed and a forensics expert determined Olson couldn't have burst through the window by himself. By 1995, the Manhattan district attorney was investigating for homicide. And later, compelling memos began surfacing, including a correspondence from then-White House assistant Dick Cheney to Chief of Staff Rumsfeld, dated July 11, 1975 (one day after the Olsons held their press conference): A lawsuit could ignite "the possibility that it might be necessary to disclose highly classified national-security information in connection with any court suit or legislative hearings on a private bill."
Hmmmmmm.
Wal-Mart Pulls Video Games Off Shelves
The video games that are being recalled feature snipers targeting and killing innocent people. Wal-Mart officials said they pulled at least seven video games off store shelves, including Terminator, Dawn of Fate, Tribes Aerial Assault and Rainbow Six, and Rogue Spear.
I would wonder what type of parent who would allow this type of game being played in their house. And one would wonder why a retailer would sell it in the first place.
FM no to regime change; UN debates Iraq
Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani categorically denied he made a proposal to President Saddam Hussein to take refuge in an Arab country to avoid a US strike on Iraq.
Are the Kurds expendable in an attack on Iraq?
Iraeli Intelligence said bin Laden is dead?
BULLSHIT We have stated if Omar is alive so is bin Laden. Others are wondering if he is alive.
LeBoutillier indirectly shows why the Israelis would come out with the story. It would be designed to break the spirit of the Al Qaeda. Will it work? No, even with the cells being smaller and spread out. And who are the members of Al Qaeda going to believe? Communiques from Omar are just adding to the increased effort by the Al Qaeda.
It is evident that the young and restless like Damian Penny are about as ignorant as Raimondo is on what "is" is when it comes to politics and bigotry.
First to Penny, he uses a link to Horowitz to show that Raimondo is ignorant.
Well using Horowitz's statements made in regard to the SDS and his New Left Deal one would have to say, does Penny really know what the fuck he is talking about when he criticizes Raimondo by using Horowitz.
Horowitz the champion of the conservatives? Try the New Left and the manifesto contained in the Port Huron Statement.
Today, Horowitz still defends the doctrine, the dogma, the socialism, the interventionist attitude that is found in the New Left. He wants to be a kinder and gentle Marxist. After all who wants to live on an island or be alone for that matter. It is not humane.
I found Horowitz's story on his father interesting considering my mother was terrorized by the dumb fucks who were members of the SDS.
I remember my mother who was a single parent paying her way through college, had written an article on the SDS and one instructor, a member of the SDS who had threatened her by suggesting she would get a low grade if she didn't have sex with him.
When the college paper published the article, the college papers were burned by members of the SDS, they wrote graffitti on the door of the newspaper office stating that she was dead, and literally wrapped chains around her car. This was the same group who espoused freedom of speech.
So one would have to question the intellect of Penny when he links to Horowitz to dispute something factual that was made by someone else.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
Ottawa protests U.S. deportation of Canadian citizen
The United States deported an Ottawa engineer accused of having links to al-Qaeda to Syria? This doesn't pass the smell test.
Witness Saw Sniper's Gun
AK47?
Merrill sends unauthorised e-mail about China Telecom
Send in the Turtles and Anarchists.
Newsmax comes up with a Zinger this time.
Apparently the "axis of evil" waxes and wanes in evilness according to which foreign dictator is in town.
Jewish settlers defy Israeli army to protect tent city
Big problems for Sharon. The Kahanists are to Sharon like the Hamas are to Arafat.
Top power official 'flees China'
Gao Yan, the former head of China's largest electricity company, has fled China to escape arrest, according to a report published Wednesday.
Possible Saudi link to Bali blast
...The explosives were bought from Indonesian army officers who sold the material illegally.
Local psychologist believes sniper kills done by terrorists
Good take on the sniper situation.
More than one, not a loner. Wouldn't be surprised if there is a John Doe 2 or 3 and different vehicles being used.
Al Qaeda shifting to small-scale operations
Frank Anderson, the CIA's former top Middle East operations official, said the emphasis on smaller targets showed that the Qaeda leadership had been "significantly reduced."
This is proof that the CIA had and has incompetent officials.
The bombings are happening with more frequency. The Al Qaeda are now harder to find. Omar is alive and the FBI has the wrong picture of him.
"Blaming guns for crime is like blaming beds for sex."
John J. Cowdery, Republican, Alaska State Legislature
Does that make a condom like a trigger lock?
Iraq seeks chemical for arms
From who? China. We thought China would make it in the news stories.
Army's chemical defenses not battle-ready, audit says
There has been alot of debate on whether we should or shouldn't attack Iraq.
We have taken the position that sending soldiers into Iraq would be assinine because we haven't engaged in the type of warfare that would be required to invade Iraq and our troops would not be protected from chemical and biological agents.
Now given the Army audit on the poor reliability of the equipment issued, one would have to ask, who would support an invasion into Iraq given the facts on the reliability of chemical warfare gear being faulty.
Another question should be asked, who is responsible for not providing the military with the proper gear?
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Myanmar recruits world's greatest number of boy soldiers, report reveals
Johnny Htoo, right, a 12-year old Karen boy watches as his twin brother Luther prepares to fire an M-16 rifle at their jungle camp Ka Mar Pa Law on the Myanmar side of the Thailand-Myanmar border in this file photo. (AP)
HORN OF AFRICA: Warning of massive humanitarian crisis
Up to 15 million people in Ethiopia and Eritrea could face famine conditions in the coming months, spelling a massive crisis for Africa, a senior UN relief official warned on Monday.
Tim Blair has been receiving many e-mails from the U.S. that are offering prayers and sympathy.
A somewhat different attitude when compared to those (who we are sure are a minority of opinions) Australians in the previous article.
You always get oneside of the story when the author has a bias.
But like in any story, there is another side.
Unfortunately for the atrocities commited against the Catholic Poles, there were no apologies only condemnation. Over 6 million non-Jews were killed and it was the intent of Hitler to kill every Pole.
The Honeymooners
Richard Steiner is prepared next week at the World Space Congress to call for a "kinder and gentler" paradigm for space exploration. He will call for the United Nations to regulate all human activity in space. Furthermore, he wants to have the UN designate the Moon as a World Heritage Site . free from commercial development.
Iraq goes to the polls
The Democrats could only wish that they had it so lucky in the U.S.
Australians vent anger at PM over ties with US after Bali blast
We will hold judgment on if the opinions stated in this article are a reflection of the majority of Australians.
As for those Australians who are blaming the U.S.? Bullshit. There was a conference that was scheduled in Bali and it was a conference on closing bank accounts that were being used to support the Al Qaeda.
Monday, October 14, 2002
Just in Time For Halloween
Related Links
Duct Tape Cures Warts
The Duct tape Guys
The Turf War begins in the Gaza.
Police on the lookout for sniper truck
DMV records and manufacturing records should make the tracking down of the truck easy.
Saudi starts finger-printing Americans
Saudi Arabia has adopted new restrictions, including finger-printing, for US nationals entering the kingdom in response to similar measures introduced by the United States.
[...]
“in an effort to assert the bilateral cooperation in the war against terrorism.”
No joke.
BULLSHIT Wrenching. There is and will be a silent majority of Palestinians and Arabs who will eventually turn against their manipulative despots and terrorist mob-bosses. Iraq will be the first opportunity to prove this. Others will surely follow.
What a crock. Sullivan needs to come clean on how he really feels about Palestinians. Iraq will be their first opportunity? What bullshit.
Ottawa seeks answers on U.S. deportation
He was deported to Syria? What deal was made between the U.S. and Syria.
XXXX BIN LADEN GOES UNDER THE KNIFE XXXX
With the intense man hunt that has been going on in Pakistan and Afghanistan, CIA agents have received the latest proof that bin Laden is still alive.
Others who dispute the picture are saying that this is just more evidence that the Islamic culture has taken over the U.S. Word has it that Andrew Sullivan is greatly disappointed.
(Via Future Paradigm)
Sunday, October 13, 2002
Angels in the Outfield
Angels Slam Twins, Advance to World Series
Maybe the New York Yankees will finally admit that they got beat by the better team.
Remember the container that was alleged to have uranium in it. Remember the markings Made in West Germany?
Rod Dreher reviews Oriana Fallaci's the Rage and Pride.
Fallaci sounds more like the female version of the Aryan crusader Godfrey de Bouillon.
As for her take on Islam, what about the Aryan crusades? Her knowldege of history is lacking or biased. Evidently she missed Zanzibar's nationalism.
Islamist success in Pakistan poll hinders US hunt for al-Qa'eda
American operations to hunt down Osama bin Laden and al-Qa'eda terrorists on the Afghan border are under threat after the unexpected success of Islamic fundamentalist parties in the Pakistan elections.
Money-laundering conference to be held
The conference was to be held in Bali.
Prime Minister Howard's speech on the bombing in Bali.
Saturday, October 12, 2002
Wazzani water for local use only, Lebanon tells U.S.
Lebanese workers watching the first test of the pumping station on the Wazzani River on Wednesday.
(Photo: AP)
Angels in the Outfield
Anaheim 7, Minnesota 1
Hard to tell if Glenn Reynolds is playing off the cuff on this one and if he is trolling.
If he isn't, well what can you say other than here is your bill Sir.
Keeping Tabs on Mr. Popular
Impeach Gray Davis
Fire Davis
Vote for Gray Davis
egray
Gray Out 2002
Boot to the Skull
Clean Energy Now
No Smoke
14 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bali Blasts
The official says another blast took place 50 meters away from the U.S. Consulate in nearby Denpasar. There are no reports of any injuries at the consulate.
Update
Bali Nightclub Bombing Kills 171
Bin Laden CD climbing the charts
DOHA: The latest compact disc to hit the streets may not yet be No.1, but it is climbing the charts with a real bullet.
For about $8, Qataris can buy a 70-minute CD featuring Osama bin Laden discussing his views and urging forceful action against the United States.
Bus driver, victims cope in aftermath 
Greyhound bus driver Abel Hernandez, 50, right, and his wife Marina Hernandez, at their home in Pomona Thursday. (AP photo)
Man suspected of al Qaeda link arrested in Paceville
Reuters reported that a sixth suspect from Libya is being detained in the UK facing unrelated charges, while a seventh man wanted for questioning, another Tunisian, is still at large.
Friday, October 11, 2002
China barred US rescue craft from HK
China denied a US Navy aircraft permission to land here, preventing the US from helping to search for 25 fishermen who went missing when their Hongkong-registered ship sank in August, the US Consulate General said yesterday.
Angels in the Outfield
Angels Top Twins for 2-1 Series Lead
Thursday, October 10, 2002
Race for Governor Tightening as Election Day Nears
We pick Simon to win. We also stated that the Green party will hurt Davis. Green party candidate Peter Camejo is now getting 8 percent of the vote.
The race between Davis and Simon is now at 7 percent with a margin of error at 4 percent.
Juror does penance for Traficant verdict by joining campaign
A juror who helped convict James A. Traficant Jr. on racketeering charges says he now thinks the former congressman is innocent - and is showing it by volunteering for his re-election campaign.
The United States has deplored Lebanon's 4-munite pumping test on the Wazzani springs, menacingly calling it "an unacceptable unilateral step exactly like an Israeli military attack on the Lebanese installations is also a unilaterally unacceptable act."
Pumping water is like the Israeli military attacking a Lebanese installation?
Honda does it again. Natural way to pump gas — at home
Aiming to boost the sale of nearly nonpolluting cars that run on natural gas, Honda says it will start selling a natural gas Civic and has teamed up with the maker of a pump that connects to a home’s natural gas line for fill-ups. The news comes as California officials unveiled a plan to increase the number of natural gas vehicles there from 19,000 at present to more than 600,000 within 10 years.
Angels in the Outfield
Angels 6, Twins 3
Rick Reed watches as Brad Fullmer rounds third after hitting a two-run HR in the sixth. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
We stated to keep Turkey as an ally it would cost a pretty penny. Now we know how pretty that penny is, the bill is in.
Turkish estimates put the cost to Turkey at $150 billion over the next 12 years.
An ally doesn't come cheap.
Alexander at Future Paradigm lays out the changing scenario for being involved in global security.
No argument with the thesis, but one question does come to mind. The effect on Constitutional constraints?
Maxspeak stole it from Gene Healy so we stole it from Maxspeak.
A for artistic talent and being somewhat factual.
Bin Laden deputy warns of attacks
An audiotape of Ayman al-Zawahri, al-Qaida’s fugitive second in command, appears to be genuine and to have been recorded in the last few weeks, a U.S. official said Wednesday. In the tape, he threatens new attacks on the United States and its economy. References to current events in the tape — obtained Tuesday by Associated Press Television News — are a clear sign that al-Zawahri is alive, the official said in Washington on condition of anonymity.
Survey shows the voters are evenly divided
Among respondents who said they are likely to vote Nov. 5, the race between Lautenberg and Republican Douglas Forrester is a dead heat -- 44 percent to 44 percent. Among potential voters, Lautenberg holds a 46 percent to 40 percent lead.
(Via Taegan Goddard's political wire)
Group Claims It Has Pictures Of Davis Taking Illegal Contribution
Monty Holden, the executive director of the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (COPS), provided this photograph Tuesday Oct. 8, 2002, that allegedly shows then Lt. Gov. Gray Davis (news - web sites), left, accepting a check from COPS' former Executive Director Al Angele at his state Capitol office. (AP Photo/California Organization of Police and Sheriffs ) 
Deborah Pacyna press secretary for Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, holds up a copy of a Jan. 31, 1998 photo allegedly showing then Lt. Gov. Gray Davis (news - web sites) accepting a campaign donation in his Capitol office. Pacyna showed the media around the lieutenant governor's office in Sacramento, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, to let them compare the layout of the office to the one in the photo. The California Organization of Police and Sheriffs, a law enforcement group allied with Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Simon, Gov. Davis' opponent in his bid for re-election, released the photo Tuesday showing Al Angele, right, then executive director of COPS, allegedly handing Davis a $10,000 campaign donation.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Related Headlines
Official loses post after his loyalty shifts
The early attempts to establish a direct connection between Iraq and September 11, most notably by a purported meeting between Mohamed Atta, the lead hijacker, and an Iraqi intelligence officer in Prague, were abandoned.
It was never abandoned by the Czech BIS but amazingly the Bush administration said Iraq may use UAVs against the U.S.?
With Honda coming up with the first hydrogen powered car coming to market, the future conflicts over oil may change.
We hope it doesn't become over water as is what is happening in Lebanon.
Can't we all just get along
Vets Group Wants Rumsfeld Out Over Alleged Shipment to Iraq
The shit is just starting to hit the fan. Those guys that were exposed to bio and chemical agents during Desert Storm, are getting shit on by the Defense Department.
The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri (left) and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Sabri delivered a message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to the Emir. The two leaders also discussed bilateral and regional issues.
Related Story
Sabri convinced of Arab support for Iraq
"Should Saddam conclude that a U.S.-led attack could no longer be deterred, he probably would become much less constrained in adopting terrorist action," it continued. It noted that Mr. Hussein could use either conventional terrorism or a weapon of mass destruction as "his last chance to exact vengeance by taking a large number of victims with him."
As was stated here.
The U.S. is not prepared to fight that type of war. Sending our troops into that type of warfare is sending many to their graves and exposing many to life long illnesses.
Tuesday, October 08, 2002
Los Angeles first to receive Honda's hydrogen-powered car
The first retail zero-emissions car available in the United States will be delivered to the city by the end of the year by Honda, officials said Monday.
Perrier the highly carbonated fuel.
If the Gallup is right, an invasion in Iraq would have to prove to be completely safe in order for the invasion to have a majority of support.
No friendly fire, no aircraft mishaps, no release of chemical or biological agents, and no KIA by the enemy. This ain't no Panama.
U. S. Navy will test UUV ocean-powered robot gliders
They call them "gliders," but these move through water instead of air.
Did the attack on the French tanker work?
We will say it again for the third, fourth whatever the hell it was. The Republicans need to let the issue go. Forrester can win without the legal wrangling.
Taegan Goddard's political wire has some good stuff on the most recent polls.
"More than half the state's voters -- 54 percent -- say the last-minute switch of Sen. Bob Torricelli for Lautenberg is unfair, but just 30% say they can't vote for Lautenberg because of the switch."
The Republicans need to let the voters wrestle with the issue.
Left to themselves, those numbers will get higher. If the Republicans keep going in the direction they are headed after the U.S. Supreme court denial, spite has got the best of them and they deserve to lose and they will if they continue.
'Bin Laden tape' being analyzed for validity
The focus on bin Laden is interesting considering, Omar is still alive.
One of the contributors to this site who posted on FreeRepublic made this post back on December 29, 2001.
Bringing you up to date, in an article on September 2002 titled Al Qaeda's new home, you find the U.S. is currently focusing on those areas and Karachi.
All accounts from captured Al Qaeda are, both Omar and bin Laden made it into Pakistan before the bombing campaign. If Omar is alive, so is bin Laden.
The U.S. is simply playing dumb because if the U.S. does acknowledge bin Laden is alive, it shows the U.S. to be incompetent.
All one has to do is look to the most recent event in Yemen to know the U.S. intelligence network is.
Monday, October 07, 2002
Haven't had time to read Bush's speech but I suspect that Alexander at Future Paradigm has the substance of the speech formated in a manner that show one liners were used.
It may have been heartfelt and liked by some, but the bottom line is this; Bush wants a regime change. And for that to happen, Saddam would have to surrender. And knowing that Saddam has issued standing orders that if attacked, chemical and biological agents are to be used, what has the U.S. gained?
The Secret Weapon
Former Italian Porn star offers herself to Saddam
Sunday, October 06, 2002
As the stock market falls so does the confidence in privatizing social security.
Beirut to begin pumping Wazzani, but Israel won't react for now
In regard to Sharon;
But he admitted that due to the "current sensitive circumstances" in the Middle East, Israel is not yet reacting to the developments on the Lebanese side of the border.
Kel Gleason an Australia Survior contestant was stabbed repeatedly in a bar in Canada.
Before being beaten, Kel said a man "asked if I was 'that Indian on Survivor." Did anyone help him? No.
Anti-war activists march to protest the Bush administrations stance on Iraq Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002 in Los Angeles, Calif. The protesters started the day by rallying outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
The polls coming out, according to Drudge, are saying it is the ECONOMY
"President Bush and congressional leaders are spending too much time talking about Iraq, while neglecting problems at home," a majority believe, according to the media giants.
Catch 22 for Bush, if we go to war with Iraq, the economy turns south. The 401k plans and the stock market dive as gas prices sky rocket.
Barring an invasion, we said that education and the economy would be on voter's minds.
The one bullet, one shot theory is gaining support. As it should.
Aside from the warnings that were issued, one issue that comes to mind in this Washington Post article is the U.S. criticism of Qatar based al-Jazeera; known for its broadcast of audio and videotapes of al-Qaida leaders.
Steven Chapman has some misgivings about the alleged phone call between bin Laden and Omar.
Triangulation takes some time and GPS technology has its own faults.
Voice analysis would have been done on the recorded conversations and we are sure that the voice was matched. Unless of course, it is nothing but a lie. His reasons cited, however are not a reason that one would question it. It is plausible that the phone call could have been made.
Exclusive Poll: Lautenberg vs. Forrester
Out of 558 likely New Jersey voters, 49 percent said they would vote for Lautenberg. Forty-five percent said they would vote for the Republican challenger, Douglas Forrester. Six percent were undecided.
(Via Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)
Related Headlines
Lautenberg and Forrester Face Off
A Stealth Build Up?
The stealthy nature of the buildup has fed suspicions that the Pentagon is preparing for a surprise attack on Iraq. But in interviews, defense officials dismissed such speculation as unrealistic. Before any military action, they said, there will need to be a mobilization of several Army divisions, scores of Air Force aircraft and armadas of ships, plus a call-up of tens of thousands of reservists -- moves that would not go unnoticed.
Sheesh. If you were the enemy, all you had to do was read the press to know about the build up. If this was the Pentagon's approach to a "stealth" pre-emptive attack, we are in trouble. Who writes this stuff at the Post.
Craft 'rammed' Yemen oil tanker
Russian business has long-standing interests in Iraq. Lukoil, the biggest oil company in Russia, signed a $20bn contract in 1997 to drill the West Qurna oilfield. Such a deal could evaporate along with the Saddam regime, together with a more recent contract with Russian giant Zarubezhneft, which was granted a potential $90bn concession to develop the bin Umar oilfield. The total value of Saddam's foreign contract awards could reach $1.1 trillion, according to the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2001.
[...]
Government sources say they fear - existing concessions aside - France could be cut out of the spoils if it did not support the war and show a significant military presence. If it comes to war, France is determined to be allotted a more prestigious role in the fighting than in the 1991 Gulf war, when its main role was to occupy lightly defended ground. Negotiations have been going on between the state-owned TotalFinaElf company and the US about redistribution of oil regions between the world's major companies.
Extortion and an Iraqi link.
Saturday, October 05, 2002
US asks Turkey permission to use air bases
Let the bidding war begin. Oops No US request for base: Ecevit
Why? Turkey warns Kurds against bid for independence
Future NASCAR drivers
Watch out Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, your jobs are in jeopardy.
Update
Move to diversify NASCAR
I hope whoever is working at the ATCC is finding what they are after. 05 Oct 2002 / 04:47:10 PM microbe.atcc.org
Referrer: http://www.google.com/search?as_q=2002&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-
Update
Senator Byrd's comments on September 29, 2002
The most deadly of the biological agents that came from the U.S. were shipped to the government of Iraq by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), a non-profit organization that provides biological materials to industry, government, and educational institutions around the world. According to its own records, the ATCC sent 11 separate shipments of biological materials to the government of Iraq between 1985 and 1988. The shipments included a witches brew of pathogens including anthrax, botulinum toxin, and gangrene.
I hope whoever is working at the ATCC is finding what they are after posted by Loud @ 4:59 PM
It is interesting that the ATCC is doing a Google search on this heading and coming to this site via: 05 Oct 2002 / 03:17:07 PM microbe.atcc.org
Referrer: http://www.google.com/search?as_q=Iraq October 2002&num=100&
Interestingly, the group specializes in selling biological material and does testing on Mycoplasma, a bacteria that is a by-product of Anthrax.
Do a Goggle search for ATCC Mycoplasma anthrax and see what you get. Amazing.
Related Links
U.S. Biotek
Update
AMES, Iowa --- An Iowa State University researcher and his Israeli colleagues are setting their sights on a type of bacteria that causes disease in cattle, sheep and goats. The problem for ISU's Ricardo Rosenbusch and Israel's David Yogev, Sharon Levisohn, and Eitan Rapoport is that the target keeps changing.
Mycoplasmas can even cause RNA and DNA mutation of the host cells and have been linked to certain cancers for this reason.
Ex-smoker awarded
$28 billion
“Testimony during the trial showed that Ms. Bullock was aware of the health risks of smoking and was warned repeatedly of those risks by her doctors over four decades, and her daughter also urged her to quit. Her response: ’I am an adult, this is my business.”’
Lebanon begins pumping water Monday
This may not be the way for the Bush administration to keep Britian on board.
If he does, it will cost us.
This may not be the way for the Bush administration to keep Turkey as an ally
If he does, it will cost us a pretty penny.
Update
Found this, the Turks are not happy with the Bush administration.
(Via Roger Schultz
Alexander at Future Paradigm connects to a law firm that will begin a SCOTUS Blog.
Friday, October 04, 2002
Tropical Storm Kyle
Will it meet Lili to form the perfect storm off the N.E. Coast?
LeBoutillier has some words for Doug Forrester.
We know that there are Anti-semites and then there anti Anti-semites
When is racism in Vogue? When it attacks the right to speak freely no matter how tasteless the comment is. Even when it comes from the left or the right.
Ms Duisenberg is collecting signatures for a pro-Palestinian petition called "Stop the occupation". When asked how many signatures she hoped to collect, she replied: "six million", and laughed. The lawyer says she was referring to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War Two.
The Rev. Jerry Falwell says "I think Muhammad was a terrorist" in an interview to be broadcast Sunday on the CBS program "60 Minutes."
Having met Falwell and his entourage at Camp Nuchek out on Hinchinbrook Island, in the Prince William Sound, I found him to be a bigot towards Catholics.
Thursday, October 03, 2002
What kind of person would plan to send men into battle ill-prepared? President Bush is doing exactly that.
It has been stated on this site that our troops are not prepared for urban combat and they certainly do not have the proper equipment to protect them against a chemical or biological attack.
These are facts.
And What are the Odds makers saying?
Douglas Forrester (R) favored over the field, 8 to 7 (53.3% chance)
Forrester's chances upgraded Sept. 30 from 50.8% after Torricelli announced his withdrawal. Forrester had been favored to win as of Sept. 27; previously, Torricelli's chances downgraded to 50% from 50.4% on August 31, from 51.7% chance on August 26, from 52.9% on Aug. 16 and on August 4 from 55.6%
DEMOCRATIC SEAT AT CRITICAL RISK Torricelli's dramatic withdrawal scrambles this race. We'll see which Democrat gets the nod -- and whether the ballot can be changed. Though the developments make this race very hard to handicap, the recent events so far seem to strengbthen the GOP position -- at least until the next shoe drops.
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
What in the hell is with the world wide news festival on a N.J. state election?
You would think the election was a presidential election. Let the New Jersey voters vote. It only affects N.J. residents.
The Republicans are playing on a slippery slope and are increasing their chances of losing. Let the decision go. Move on.
My Country tis of thee..........I pledge allegiance to the............and really in my heart.................I am an alien
(Via Roger Schultz)
Report: U.S. troops at high risk in chemical or biological attacks
"The survival of our service members and military operations in a chemical or biological environment may be at risk," Raymond Decker of the GAO told a House Government Reform national security subcommittee hearing.
What was said on this site?
As it stands, the equipment used by the troops do not even come close to what is required to protect one in a bio and chem war. If you saw the Czech Army chem teams you would know.
That is one reason it has been stated on this site our troops would be in a world of hurt if Hussein decide to let loose with chemical agents or bio agents.
Surface Map of Southern Coast in the path of Hurricane Lili
Hourly Surface reports of Louisiana
Marines of Headquarters and Service Company, Battallion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conduct a night live fire exercise with the M240G medium machine gun in the U.S. Central Command area of operations recently. Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU (SOC) continue to train throughout the duration of their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Mace M. Gratz)
Looking for a Fight?
Bush
9 690 000 results
vs.
Gore
2 870 000 results
Alexander from Future Paradigm, has another excellent link. This time it deals with the workforce in the U.S.
It is really enjoyable reading this guy. Some such terms take on other meanings, as they mature. “Do-Dad” is used today in the medical field. It applies to a young father who experiences pains and change in his nature along with those of his pregnant wife. It' been happening for years,doctors agree,but he have finally decided that word to designate such a husband who echoes his wife's sufferings in such a personal manner is “doing” things,hence he is called a ”do-Dad.” as oppose, I assume to a non-do one,
If he has grandchildren, they are blessed to have him.
Penny, Layne have followed the bullshit line from Reynolds, that the LAX shooter was on some list or was a terrorist. Pure bullshit on their part. Newsmax even posted the story saying the guy wasn't.
Records reveal CDC sent germ strains to Iraq in 1980s
"I don't think it would be accurate to say the United States government deliberately provided seed stocks to the Iraqis' biological weapons programs," said Jonathan Tucker, a former U.N. biological weapons inspector.
"But they did deliver samples that Iraq said had a legitimate public health purpose, which I think was naive to believe, even at the time."
Now you have the statement:
The CDC and a biological sample company, the American Type Culture Collection, sent strains of all the germs Iraq used to make weapons, including anthrax, the bacteria that make botulinum toxin and the germs that cause gas gangrene, the records show.
Where is the legitimate public health purpose? Admittedly in the article, they were sent to make weapons. Once again the U.N. strikes a dumb chord.
Lebanon convicts six of spying for Israel [... --- ... ] Lebanon arrests 3 al Qaida suspects [... . -. -.. / -- --- -. . -.--] U.S. approves $32 million aid to Lebanon [- .... .- -. -.- / -.-- --- ..- ]
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
Headlines: Bush Appears to Soften Tone on Iraq then you have White House endorses 'single bullet' assassination of Iraqi leader
The latter has the best solution to the Iraq problem. This site has pointed it out many times, with the most recent time being here.
Frank Lautenberg?
The Democrats lose N.J. if the GOP plays it right.
Man which Democratic advisor decided that one. Oh it was McGreevey, that explains it. He listened to the wrong Democrats. Joseph J. Roberts would have been the better candidate with the money that was waiting for him to campaign on.
The Republicans would be wise to lay low on politicizing the move and focus on the issues. The court battle is the wrong approach to draw attention to the election race.
"When it comes to Mr. Lautenberg, the voters are going to say, 'Been there, done that,'" said Bill Pascoe, campaign manager for Republican candidate Douglas Forrester. "It's time for new leadership."
That sums it up.
The ozone layer over Antarctica goes "bi-polar"
The ozone hole over Antarctica is markedly smaller this year than in the last few years and has split in two, government scientists reported Monday. The so-called “hole,” actually an area of thinner than normal ozone, was measured at 6 million square miles in September. That compares with around 9 million square miles on September measurements over the last six years, according to researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Agency.
Any bets on the cause?
Atrios thinks that the GOP may have gotten what they asked for.
Not likely. The GOP knew going in that if the "Torch" was removed or quit, the Gov of N.J. would get to pick who would fill the seat within a certain time. The guy most likely chosen, would be an unknown in regard to a federal level position. The known candidates like Lautenberg are has-beens. And Bradley would be seen as an opportunist. Some Democrats are acknowledging this are suggesting that an unknown candidate would have a sizable war-chest to work from in the event of an upcoming election.
The timing of the "Torch's" quitting however is the sticking point. If Atrios posts are correct on the statues then their is no sticking point.
In Alaska, Senator Murkowski is running for Governor. If elected it is argued that he will choose who will fill his own seat in the U.S. Senate.
So, the GOP is certainly not naive in these matters. And that whining Atrios likes to think is sour grapes, is just political rhetoric designed to make the prospective opponent look like a weak candidate.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXNEWS FLASHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
WAR OVER SADDAM READY TO RESIGN
Al-Muharrir news: Saddam is ready to resign
Hmmm.
Could Sullivan be right?
THE INSPECTOR QUESTION:
There are times when you marvel at the discipline of the Bush administration. And then there are times when you despair. How on earth did the president let his secretary of state and his vice-president say two superficially contradictory things about U.N. weapons inspection in Iraq within days of each other? That kind of mixed message can only cause glee in the hearts of the anti-war coalition from Saddam to Mandela and Chirac (not to mention Brent Scowcroft and Howell Raines). Or does it? Cheney says inspectors are useless. Powell says they're necessary. Is it possible that both could be right? Much of the global hostility to dealing with Saddam cannot be avoided. It comes from America-envy and the usual appeaseniks and terrorist-lovers. But some of it could be headed off if a Cheney-Powell Bad Cop-Good Cop routine became part of American diplomacy. Why not ask Cheney to come up with a rigorous weapons inspection regime that could actually do the job - dozens of inspectors, random visits, no limits on what they can investigate and look at, and so on? Then ask Powell to endorse it and demand instant compliance from Baghdad.
WHAT'S THE DOWNSIDE? I'm not sure there is one. If the U.N. balks at the stringent conditions for new inspections, then we tried. If the U.N. complies and Iraq balks, then we have added yet another justification for the war. Either way, our international position is strengthened. What if Saddam says yes to genuine inspections? He won't. If he says yes and then tries to wriggle out as he has so often in the past, then we can invoke U.N. resolutions, and have a mighty force in the region with which to destroy his regime. And both parts of the strategy help each other. Our military buildup can be the force behind the inspections regime and its insurance policy. And our last-ditch diplomatic effort can help justify our action in the minds of those few world leaders who can swallow their America-envy and see what's best for the entire planet. There are increasing signs that we may have more allies in this than now seems possible. But whatever strategy the president follows, he needs to understand that he cannot let this debate drag on any further without his presence. The drift is empowering the forces of appeasement. It is way past time for a major, impassioned counter-offensive.
But wait there is GOOD NEWS:
The administration seems to be following the strategy I wrote about last Tuesday. Use the U.N. - but don't be used by it. The case is so strong we can afford to exhaust every single peaceful avenue, as long as we don't leave open the possibility of Saddam wriggling out of his obligations.
Saddam Hussein appeared poised last night to agree to resumed UN arms inspections in Iraq, in a deft move that looks likely to complicate Washington's resolve to unseat him.
Hmmmm. Maybe not. The U.N. Security Council is not in the business of changing regimes. Of course they aren't.
Schiphol Airport Used to Transport Weapons to Israel
The Dutch government has admitted that Schiphol Airport has been used for weapons shipments from the United States to Israel.
Dutch companies are not allowed to send weapons to conflict zones.
EU Plan Ends War Crimes Court Row With US
European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels have agreed to give US nationals limited immunity from prosecution by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Washington has refused to recognise the court, as it fears its soldiers will be vulnerable to politically motivated charges. The US government has been trying to secure bilateral agreements with ICC signatories under which they would agree not to hand over US citizens to the court. Britain and Italy were in favour of such an agreement, while other EU countries were opposed.
The leaflets in Iraq didn't work in Desert Storm, it were the bombings that did it.
If the military planners think that ops will be similar to Panama's psyops, they are friggin nuts. There may be a hold-over from the memories of Desert Storm, but the bombing campaign won't be there.
The dynamics of of a Desert Storm just isn't there.
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