Selasa, 31 Juli 2007
Iran's Not Sitting Still
...while Saudi Arabia inks a major arms deal with the US.
Iran is in negotiations with Russia to buy 250 state-of-the-art fighter jets, an Israeli newspaper reported, in a pointed response to a new American bid to sell billions of dollars’ worth of weapons to potential Iranian adversaries in the Middle East.
Read more .....
Iran is in negotiations with Russia to buy 250 state-of-the-art fighter jets, an Israeli newspaper reported, in a pointed response to a new American bid to sell billions of dollars’ worth of weapons to potential Iranian adversaries in the Middle East.
Read more .....
Commentary -- July 31, 2007
September 10th in Waziristan -- David Ignatius, Washington Post
Iraq, Iran and How the Surge is Working -- John Burns, Hugh Hewitt Show
Methods That Work in Iraq -- Frederick J. Chiaventone, American Thinker
The Real Long War -- Christopher Chantrill, American Thinker
Iraq, Iran and How the Surge is Working -- John Burns, Hugh Hewitt Show
Methods That Work in Iraq -- Frederick J. Chiaventone, American Thinker
The Real Long War -- Christopher Chantrill, American Thinker
Inside Gaza: An Arms Dealer's Tale
July 30, 2007 - It is not a fact that he particularly likes to advertise, but, if pressed, Abdel Hamid Bahar will acknowledge that his business is at its best when people are dying. Last Sunday I went to see the black-market arms dealer at his home, a squat, dilapidated structure made of cinderblocks and tin sheeting, in the central Gaza village of Moghraga. We sat on pink plastic chairs in the shade, next to a slightly sickly garden with a couple of banana plants and a slender olive tree. The weapons merchant's business varies widely, of course, depending on how much fighting is going on. Last summer, when Gaza was at war with Israel after the kidnapping of Gilad Schalit, Bahar was pulling in almost $3,000 per month, more than most Gazans earn in a year. How is business now, I asked, with Hamas in power and the streets relatively calm? "Zero," the gun dealer complained, without bothering to hide his frustration.
Read more .....
Read more .....
War And Politics -- July 31, 2007
Commentary: Hillary Shows Classic Clintonian Weakness On al-Qaeda In Pakistan – Strata-Sphere
Democrats, Answer Questions About Iraq Pullout Plan – Philadelphia Inquirer
Clyburn: Positive Report by Petraeus Could Split House Democrats on War – Washington Post
Leftward Confusion On Iraq: We Are Winning – Strata Sphere
Democrats Rethinking On Iraq? – Pundita
Lieberman Escalates Attack On Iraq Critics -- The Hill
Democrats, Answer Questions About Iraq Pullout Plan – Philadelphia Inquirer
Clyburn: Positive Report by Petraeus Could Split House Democrats on War – Washington Post
Leftward Confusion On Iraq: We Are Winning – Strata Sphere
Democrats Rethinking On Iraq? – Pundita
Lieberman Escalates Attack On Iraq Critics -- The Hill
U.S. Seeks To Fix Power Balance Upset By Iraq War
BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S. promises of military aid or arms sales to strengthen its Middle Eastern allies against Iran and other regional foes seem aimed at repairing a balance of power destroyed by the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Toppling Saddam Hussein ended Iraq's role as a counterweight to Iran, a part it had played since the 1980s in a Gulf security system that Washington had hoped would contain the rival powers.
Supplying advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries sends a message that Washington is committed to backing conservative rulers it had criticized after the 9/11 attacks for spawning Islamist militancy, analysts said.
Read more .....
Toppling Saddam Hussein ended Iraq's role as a counterweight to Iran, a part it had played since the 1980s in a Gulf security system that Washington had hoped would contain the rival powers.
Supplying advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries sends a message that Washington is committed to backing conservative rulers it had criticized after the 9/11 attacks for spawning Islamist militancy, analysts said.
Read more .....
Fewer Child Soldiers, Many Still Brutally Vulnerable
LONDON (Reuters) - The end of brutal wars in West Africa and global efforts to halt recruitment have cut the number of child soldiers, but experts say vulnerable boys and girls are still forced into battle from Latin American to Asia.
Armed with Kalashnikovs and machetes, drunken, drugged and traumatized children were at the heart of wars in the 1990s in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo marked by atrocities committed by young killing machines.
Those wars are now largely over and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF estimates some 250,000 child soldiers remain active in the world -- down from earlier estimates of 300,000.
But other experts say that figure is little more than conjecture given the impossibility of getting hard data on the ground.
Read more .....
Armed with Kalashnikovs and machetes, drunken, drugged and traumatized children were at the heart of wars in the 1990s in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo marked by atrocities committed by young killing machines.
Those wars are now largely over and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF estimates some 250,000 child soldiers remain active in the world -- down from earlier estimates of 300,000.
But other experts say that figure is little more than conjecture given the impossibility of getting hard data on the ground.
Read more .....
Pakistan: Another Mosque Painted Red, Islamic Revolution Feared
Embattled Cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz recently said “There are many Ghazis (His brother and Deputy who was killed during Op Silence at Red Mosque) living to be martyred” […] "God willing, Pakistan will have an Islamic revolution soon."
To predict or think of an impending Islamic Revolution in Pakistan is not at all a hard task now. Even keen observers of developments in Pakistan would agree what the cleric said. Self exiled leader Benezir Bhutto guessed it too sitting hundred miles away from the land. The fear of Islamic Revolution which might erupt from religious seminaries or madrassas, is gaining ground as things are shaping up in Pakistan, especially after the fall of Red Mosque. The military operation and subsequent fall of Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) early this month actually have galvanized radical sentiments in Pakistan. This has been fuelled and coupled by anti Musharraf and anti-US wave prevalent in the region including in neighboring Afghanistan. Though it had little effect on neighboring India so far.
Read more .....
To predict or think of an impending Islamic Revolution in Pakistan is not at all a hard task now. Even keen observers of developments in Pakistan would agree what the cleric said. Self exiled leader Benezir Bhutto guessed it too sitting hundred miles away from the land. The fear of Islamic Revolution which might erupt from religious seminaries or madrassas, is gaining ground as things are shaping up in Pakistan, especially after the fall of Red Mosque. The military operation and subsequent fall of Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) early this month actually have galvanized radical sentiments in Pakistan. This has been fuelled and coupled by anti Musharraf and anti-US wave prevalent in the region including in neighboring Afghanistan. Though it had little effect on neighboring India so far.
Read more .....
Iraq -- War News Updates July 31, 2007
Iraqi Leader Faces Revolt Within Party -- Yahoo News
U.S. Toll In Iraq Lowest In 8 Months -- Yahoo News
US Helicopter Down In Iraq, Crew Safe -- Yahoo News
Iraqi Armed Forces Turn To China While Pentagon Dithers – American Thinker
China Arming Both Sides In Iraq – Washington Times
The Purging Of al-Qaeda In Iraq – Strata-Sphere
NOVAK: Pentagon Plan To Forestall Turkey From Invading Iraq... -- Human Events
Brown Warns Bush Of Early Iraq Pull-Out -- Telegraph
Brown Disappoints Critics of Iraq War -- New York Sun
Britain Will Take Troops Out Of Iraq Regardless Of US, Says PM – Independent
Children Hardest Hit By Humanitarian Crisis In Iraq – Guardian
‘Untouchable’ Corruption In Iraq ministries – MSNBC
US Army Kills 8, Detains 40 In Precision Raids Throughout Iraq -- Kuwait News Service
Petraeus: 'A Lot of Soul Searching' -- ABC News
Iraq's Soccer Success Exposes Politicians' Failure -- Reuters
Joint Chiefs Nominee: Iraq Security 'Better, Not Great' -- CNN
Iraq Report: Attacks Fail To Materialize After Soccer Victory -- Fourth Rail
U.S. Toll In Iraq Lowest In 8 Months -- Yahoo News
US Helicopter Down In Iraq, Crew Safe -- Yahoo News
Iraqi Armed Forces Turn To China While Pentagon Dithers – American Thinker
China Arming Both Sides In Iraq – Washington Times
The Purging Of al-Qaeda In Iraq – Strata-Sphere
NOVAK: Pentagon Plan To Forestall Turkey From Invading Iraq... -- Human Events
Brown Warns Bush Of Early Iraq Pull-Out -- Telegraph
Brown Disappoints Critics of Iraq War -- New York Sun
Britain Will Take Troops Out Of Iraq Regardless Of US, Says PM – Independent
Children Hardest Hit By Humanitarian Crisis In Iraq – Guardian
‘Untouchable’ Corruption In Iraq ministries – MSNBC
US Army Kills 8, Detains 40 In Precision Raids Throughout Iraq -- Kuwait News Service
Petraeus: 'A Lot of Soul Searching' -- ABC News
Iraq's Soccer Success Exposes Politicians' Failure -- Reuters
Joint Chiefs Nominee: Iraq Security 'Better, Not Great' -- CNN
Iraq Report: Attacks Fail To Materialize After Soccer Victory -- Fourth Rail
Afghanistan -- War News Updates July 31, 2007
Second Korean Hostage Found Dead In Afghanistan -- Independent
Afghans Recover Body Of Slain Korean Hostage -- Reuters
Families Plead For US Help To Rescue Hostages -- Times Online
Families Losing Hope For Hostages -- CNN
Afghan Taliban: "We Might Stop Killing Hostages" -- CBS News
South Korea Asks U.S. For 'Flexibility' In Hostage Crisis -- International Herald Tribune
Suicide Car Bomb Hits U.S. Convoy In Afghan Capital -- Reuters
Twisted Taliban Politics – Strategy Page
Royal Marine Killed In Gunfight With Taliban – Telegraph
Afghanistan: Attacks On Schools On The Rise --AKI
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Trapped By Their Own Plans -- Strategy Page
Afghans Recover Body Of Slain Korean Hostage -- Reuters
Families Plead For US Help To Rescue Hostages -- Times Online
Families Losing Hope For Hostages -- CNN
Afghan Taliban: "We Might Stop Killing Hostages" -- CBS News
South Korea Asks U.S. For 'Flexibility' In Hostage Crisis -- International Herald Tribune
Suicide Car Bomb Hits U.S. Convoy In Afghan Capital -- Reuters
Twisted Taliban Politics – Strategy Page
Royal Marine Killed In Gunfight With Taliban – Telegraph
Afghanistan: Attacks On Schools On The Rise --AKI
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Trapped By Their Own Plans -- Strategy Page
Senin, 30 Juli 2007
Iran, Iraq, the U.N. 598 Resolution, and Chemical Weapons
Yesterday the Persian Journal published a very succinct but insightful article on the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, who helped to end it and how. Read more .....
Analysis -- Russian Jet Fighter Deal To Iran
According to the Jerusalem Post, Israeli intelligence is investigating reports of a pending arms deal between Iran and Russia. If those reports prove accurate, then Tehran may be negotiating the purchase of up to 250 SU-30 Flanker strike fighters from Moscow. It would represent the largest arms deal in Iranian history, and provide enough airframes to replace Iran's existing inventory of U.S.-made F-4s, F-5s and F-14s, as well as Russian-built SU-24s.
Read more .....
Another article to read on Iran and Russia is ..... Cold War II | Russia Gives Iran Long Range Offensive Capabilities.
Read more .....
Another article to read on Iran and Russia is ..... Cold War II | Russia Gives Iran Long Range Offensive Capabilities.
The Calm Days After The Fall Of Baghdad
The Educated Soldier recalls the calm days after the fall of Baghdad. Belmont provides comments.
Inside Iran's Nuclear Nerve Centre: Halfway House To An Atomic Bomb
The rush to process uranium is to generate electricity, officials tell Julian Borger in Isfahan. But there are no power stations.
Read more ......
Read more ......
Arm Sales To The Middle East -- A Commentary
The proposed multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia has raised the hackles of Congress, which objects to arming the Saudis as long as they tolerate extremism. Tom Lantos (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), and Robert Wexler (D-FL), and seven other Democratic co-sponsors will propose a resolution to block the deals once Congress has officially been notified of the sale. The Democrats, as it turns out, are not the only ones to object, but to be fair, Iran actually understands the geopolitical goals of the sale:
Read more .....
Read more .....
U.K. PM Brown And President Bush: We Are At One In The Fight On Terror
Gordon Brown and President George W. Bush stood side by side for the first time at Camp David today, insisting that the “special relationship” between Britain and America would endure and dismissing any notion of a loosening of transatlantic ties.
But Mr Brown hinted that a decision about a British troop withdrawal from Iraq could be made soon, announcing a “full statement to Parliament” on its return in October. The easy rapport seen between Mr Bush and Tony Blair was noticeably absent.
Read more .......
But Mr Brown hinted that a decision about a British troop withdrawal from Iraq could be made soon, announcing a “full statement to Parliament” on its return in October. The easy rapport seen between Mr Bush and Tony Blair was noticeably absent.
Read more .......
UN Expert: Rape Rampant in Congo
Sexual atrocities in Congo's volatile province of South Kivu extend "far beyond rape" and include sexual slavery, forced incest and cannibalism, a U.N. human rights expert said Monday.
Yakin Erturk called the situation in South Kivu the worst she has ever seen in four years as the global body's special investigator for violence against women. Sexual violence throughout Congo is "rampant," she said, blaming rebel groups, the armed forces and national police.
Read more .....
Yakin Erturk called the situation in South Kivu the worst she has ever seen in four years as the global body's special investigator for violence against women. Sexual violence throughout Congo is "rampant," she said, blaming rebel groups, the armed forces and national police.
Read more .....
Uganda Rebels Want $2m For Talks
Uganda's rebels are demanding $2m from donors, or they say they will not return to peace talks in South Sudan.
Comment: What a pathetic shakedown for money.
Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) technical adviser David Nyekorach told the BBC the money was needed for consultations with its various groups.
Read more ....Comment: What a pathetic shakedown for money.
Hamas Shows Gaza To Foreign Reporters
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Never mind the international isolation, growing poverty and reports of violent retribution against its defeated Fatah rivals. In Hamas' own eyes, its takeover of Gaza has made the coastal strip "safe, clean and green."
In an attempt to get that message across, Hamas took two busloads of foreign journalists on an air conditioned tour of Gaza on Monday — including a stop in a refugee camp where the deposed prime minister waved from his balcony and a prison visit hosted by one of Hamas' most powerful military men.
Read more .....
Also:
Tunnels Are Conduit For Weapons To Gaza -- Yahoo News
Israel Wounds Seven In Gaza -- Reuters
In an attempt to get that message across, Hamas took two busloads of foreign journalists on an air conditioned tour of Gaza on Monday — including a stop in a refugee camp where the deposed prime minister waved from his balcony and a prison visit hosted by one of Hamas' most powerful military men.
Read more .....
Also:
Tunnels Are Conduit For Weapons To Gaza -- Yahoo News
Israel Wounds Seven In Gaza -- Reuters
Seven Killed In Militant Violence In Pakistan
SLAMABAD (Reuters) - Seven people died in Islamic militant attacks on Monday and a mosque and shrine have been occupied in northwestern Pakistan, officials said, as the country struggles to cope with increasing violence.
Pakistan has been hit by a string of attacks and suicide bombings, especially in its tribal areas near the Afghan border, following a military assault on the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, complex in the capital Islamabad early this month.
More than 100 people were killed in that assault and an anti-government backlash has followed.
Read More ......
More news from Pakistan:
Shut Down By September 27 Or Else... -- Daily Times
Pakistan Says Draft US 9/11 Law Could Harm Relations -- Yahoo News
Musharraf May Quit Army To Seal Bhutto Deal: Minister -- Yahoo News
Red Alert In Pak Amidst Presence Of 600 Bombers In Islamabad -- Hindustan Times
Militants Flourish In Al-Qaida's New Haven, Pakistani Leader Faces Bleak Choices -- International Herald Tribune
Govt Planning To Shut Down All Afghan Refugee Camps: Rind -- Daily Times
Militants Seize Shrine In Pakistan -- Yahoo News
Pakistan has been hit by a string of attacks and suicide bombings, especially in its tribal areas near the Afghan border, following a military assault on the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, complex in the capital Islamabad early this month.
More than 100 people were killed in that assault and an anti-government backlash has followed.
Read More ......
More news from Pakistan:
Shut Down By September 27 Or Else... -- Daily Times
Pakistan Says Draft US 9/11 Law Could Harm Relations -- Yahoo News
Musharraf May Quit Army To Seal Bhutto Deal: Minister -- Yahoo News
Red Alert In Pak Amidst Presence Of 600 Bombers In Islamabad -- Hindustan Times
Militants Flourish In Al-Qaida's New Haven, Pakistani Leader Faces Bleak Choices -- International Herald Tribune
Govt Planning To Shut Down All Afghan Refugee Camps: Rind -- Daily Times
Militants Seize Shrine In Pakistan -- Yahoo News
US Sinks North Korean Ship Bound for Iran
How come we have heard nothing from any major news service or network????
This would be BIG news if true.
So is it?
This would be BIG news if true.
So is it?
Iraq -- War News Updates July 30, 2007
Big U.S. Presence In Iraq Until Mid-2009: Commander -- Reuters
6 Dead After Minibus Explodes in Baghdad -- FOX News
Mesopotamia: The Champions of Asia -- Iraq The Model
If I Go Back To Iraq Anybody Could Kill Me, Says Hero Football Captain -- This Is London
Sunnis, Shiites And Kurds Unite To Hail Cup-Winning Heroes -- Scotsman
Iraqi Parliament Adjourns In Blow To Bush -- Reuters
Iraqi Parliament Adjourns For August -- Yahoo News
UK Pushing Ahead With Basra Exit Plan -- Sydney Morning Herald
Baghdad Raid Night -- Middle East Journal
Corruption 'Mars Iraq Rebuilding' -- BBC News
Third Of Iraqis 'Need Urgent Aid' -- BBC News
Iraq’s Christian Exodus -- National Review
Commentary: A War We Just Might Win -- New York Times -- Commentary On This Article from Tigerhawk.
Gems Of Iraqi Conspiracy Theories -- International Herald Tribune
6 Dead After Minibus Explodes in Baghdad -- FOX News
Mesopotamia: The Champions of Asia -- Iraq The Model
If I Go Back To Iraq Anybody Could Kill Me, Says Hero Football Captain -- This Is London
Sunnis, Shiites And Kurds Unite To Hail Cup-Winning Heroes -- Scotsman
Iraqi Parliament Adjourns In Blow To Bush -- Reuters
Iraqi Parliament Adjourns For August -- Yahoo News
UK Pushing Ahead With Basra Exit Plan -- Sydney Morning Herald
Baghdad Raid Night -- Middle East Journal
Corruption 'Mars Iraq Rebuilding' -- BBC News
Third Of Iraqis 'Need Urgent Aid' -- BBC News
Iraq’s Christian Exodus -- National Review
Commentary: A War We Just Might Win -- New York Times -- Commentary On This Article from Tigerhawk.
Gems Of Iraqi Conspiracy Theories -- International Herald Tribune
U.S. Announces Major Middle East Arms Package
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday announced military aid packages worth more than $43 billion for Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in an effort to bolster Mideast allies against Iran and others.
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The United States plans to offer a $13 billion package for Egypt over 10 years and a $30 billion package for Israel over the same period, increases over previous military funding, as well as unspecified defense aid to Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Read more .....
Other News:
Reports: Iran To Buy Jets From Russia -- Jerusalem Post
Iran Criticizes U.S., Saudis Arms Deal -- APNews
Comment: The arms race is on. The players are clearly positioning themselves for future conflicts.
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The United States plans to offer a $13 billion package for Egypt over 10 years and a $30 billion package for Israel over the same period, increases over previous military funding, as well as unspecified defense aid to Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Read more .....
Other News:
Reports: Iran To Buy Jets From Russia -- Jerusalem Post
Iran Criticizes U.S., Saudis Arms Deal -- APNews
Comment: The arms race is on. The players are clearly positioning themselves for future conflicts.
Afghanistan -- War News Updates July 30, 2007
Taliban Kills Hostage -- Reuters
Taliban Kill Male South Korean Hostage: Spokesman -- Yahoo News
Taleban 'Shoot Dead' A Second Korean Hostage -- Times Online
Taliban Ambush Kills Up to 13 Private Security Guards in Afghanistan -- FOX News
Chairman Of Afghanistan's Taliban Military Council Killed -- Fourth Rail
Nato Mulls 'Smaller Afghan Bombs' -- BBC News
Taliban Kill Male South Korean Hostage: Spokesman -- Yahoo News
Taleban 'Shoot Dead' A Second Korean Hostage -- Times Online
Taliban Ambush Kills Up to 13 Private Security Guards in Afghanistan -- FOX News
Chairman Of Afghanistan's Taliban Military Council Killed -- Fourth Rail
Nato Mulls 'Smaller Afghan Bombs' -- BBC News
Minggu, 29 Juli 2007
Colombia -- Farc 'Killed Hostages By Mistake'
The 11 politicians who died while being held by Farc rebels were killed during an accidental clash between factions, Colombia's intelligence chief has said.
Andres Penate said intercepted communications showed the left-wing movement had shot dead the hostages after coming across another rebel unit.
Read more ......
Andres Penate said intercepted communications showed the left-wing movement had shot dead the hostages after coming across another rebel unit.
Read more ......
U.S. Intel Can't Keep Up With New Technology
Tens of billions of dollars ...... thousands of personal involved in the shifting through millions of pieces of paper ....... would not having men on the ground be cheaper and more reliable?
Hezbollah: We Are Ready To Strike Israel At Any Time
Hezbollah is spoiling for a fight.
More news from Lebanon:
Hezbollah: We Are Ready to Strike Israel Again -- FOX News
Hezbollah Rejects U.S. Vision Of Mideast -- Yahoo News
Lebanon: Army Kills 8 Militants In Refugee Camp -- Jerusalem Post
Lebanese Troops Move Deeper Into Battle Camp -- Yahoo News
Lebanese Army Seizes Command Bunker -- Daily Star
More news from Lebanon:
Hezbollah: We Are Ready to Strike Israel Again -- FOX News
Hezbollah Rejects U.S. Vision Of Mideast -- Yahoo News
Lebanon: Army Kills 8 Militants In Refugee Camp -- Jerusalem Post
Lebanese Troops Move Deeper Into Battle Camp -- Yahoo News
Lebanese Army Seizes Command Bunker -- Daily Star
Iraq -- War News Updates July 29, 2007
Commentary: Neither Washington nor Riyadh are spending any time thinking about containing the chaos that will follow the inevitable American withdrawal from Iraq -- International Herald Tribune
Cutting Costs, Bending Rules, And a Trail of Broken Lives -- Washington Post
US-Led Forces Assault Al-Qaeda Across Central Iraq -- Yahoo News
Truck Bomber Turns Against Jihad In Iraq -- MSNBC
Iraq Car Bomb Kills 4, Wounds 10 In Shiite Area -- MSNBC
Third British Soldier In Three Days Killed In Mortar Attack -- Independent
Turkey Set To Defy US And Hunt Kurdish Rebels -- Telegraph
US Fears That Brown Wants Iraq Pull-Out -- Times Online
British Pullback in Iraq Presages Hurdles for U.S. -- New York Times
Gunfire Erupts After Iraq Soccer Win -- Yahoo News
Four Dead After Iraqi Football Victory -- Times Online
Amputations Bring Health Crisis To Iraq -- Guardian
Cutting Costs, Bending Rules, And a Trail of Broken Lives -- Washington Post
US-Led Forces Assault Al-Qaeda Across Central Iraq -- Yahoo News
Truck Bomber Turns Against Jihad In Iraq -- MSNBC
Iraq Car Bomb Kills 4, Wounds 10 In Shiite Area -- MSNBC
Third British Soldier In Three Days Killed In Mortar Attack -- Independent
Turkey Set To Defy US And Hunt Kurdish Rebels -- Telegraph
US Fears That Brown Wants Iraq Pull-Out -- Times Online
British Pullback in Iraq Presages Hurdles for U.S. -- New York Times
Gunfire Erupts After Iraq Soccer Win -- Yahoo News
Four Dead After Iraqi Football Victory -- Times Online
Amputations Bring Health Crisis To Iraq -- Guardian
Afghanistan -- War News Updates July 29, 2007
Taliban: Hostages Will Die Monday -- CNN News
Taliban Says No More Talks On Korean Hostages -- Yahoo News
Taliban Leaders Set Korean Hostage Deadline -- Reuters
Plea From Pope: Release S. Korean Hostages -- CBS News
Karzai 'Doing Best' For Hostages -- BBC News
Afghanistan Tries To Shame Taliban Kidnappers -- MSNBC
Afghan Leaders: Free Female Hostages -- Yahoo News
Three British Soldiers Dead In A Week: The Bloody Battle Of Kajaki Dam -- Independent
Taliban Says No More Talks On Korean Hostages -- Yahoo News
Taliban Leaders Set Korean Hostage Deadline -- Reuters
Plea From Pope: Release S. Korean Hostages -- CBS News
Karzai 'Doing Best' For Hostages -- BBC News
Afghanistan Tries To Shame Taliban Kidnappers -- MSNBC
Afghan Leaders: Free Female Hostages -- Yahoo News
Three British Soldiers Dead In A Week: The Bloody Battle Of Kajaki Dam -- Independent
Possible Saudi Arms Sale Stirs Controversy
They have the money, the people, the contacts. and more importantly the oil .......... lets not kid ourselves ...... the Saudis will get what they want.
House Members Say They Will Try to Block Arms Sales to Saudis -- Washington Post
Israel Declines To Criticize U.S. Weapons Sales To Gulf Arab States -- International Herald Tribune
Commentary from Douglas Farah on the Saudi Government and its links to Islamic extremism.
House Members Say They Will Try to Block Arms Sales to Saudis -- Washington Post
Israel Declines To Criticize U.S. Weapons Sales To Gulf Arab States -- International Herald Tribune
Commentary from Douglas Farah on the Saudi Government and its links to Islamic extremism.
Pakistan -- War News Updates For July 29, 2007
Musharraf, Bhutto To Share Rule -- The Australian
Musharraf Risks Civil War As He Invades The Al-Qaeda Badlands -- Times Online
Bhutto Warns Of Islamist Revolt In Pakistan, Plans Return -- Yahoo News
Zawahiri Backs Militant Action Against Musharraf -- Yahoo News
Cleric To 'Wage Jihad' If US Attacks Waziristan -- Gulf News
600 ‘Suicide Bombers’ Lurking In Twin Cities -- Daily Times
Musharraf Urged To Quit Army Post -- BBC News
Al-Qa'eda Divided Over Musharraf -- Telegraph
Army, Law Enforcers Warned Against Wearing Uniform In Public -- Daily Times
New 'Red Mosque' Springs Up -- News 24
Musharraf Risks Civil War As He Invades The Al-Qaeda Badlands -- Times Online
Bhutto Warns Of Islamist Revolt In Pakistan, Plans Return -- Yahoo News
Zawahiri Backs Militant Action Against Musharraf -- Yahoo News
Cleric To 'Wage Jihad' If US Attacks Waziristan -- Gulf News
600 ‘Suicide Bombers’ Lurking In Twin Cities -- Daily Times
Musharraf Urged To Quit Army Post -- BBC News
Al-Qa'eda Divided Over Musharraf -- Telegraph
Army, Law Enforcers Warned Against Wearing Uniform In Public -- Daily Times
New 'Red Mosque' Springs Up -- News 24
Al-Qa'eda Divided Over Drive To Oust Musharraf
You know that what they really want is to get their hands on Pakistan's nuclear weapons ....
CIA Blunders Outlined In New Book
The CIA thought it had an intelligence coup on its hands in 1994. Its friends in the Guatemalan military were bugging the bedroom of Marilyn McAfee, the American ambassador in that country, whom they regarded as suspect because she was fighting human rights abuses by the regime.
Eavesdroppers heard her whispering sweet nothings to someone whom they took to be her secretary, another female diplomat - and the CIA set out to undermine Mrs McAfee by spreading rumours in Washington that she was a lesbian.
There was just one problem. The ambassador, who was happily married, was not having an affair with her secretary. The secret microphones had instead recorded her "cooing endearments" to Murphy, her poodle.
The mistake is just one example of bungling by the CIA chronicled in a new history of the agency by the Pulitzer prize-winning author, Tim Weiner, who has covered intelligence matters for The New York Times for two decades.
His book draws on 50,000 documents in the CIA's archives, dating back to 1947, the year it was founded, and more than 300 interviews with staff, past and present, including 10 former directors. Weiner concludes that "the most powerful nation in the history of Western civilisation has failed to create a first-rate spy service" - a failure, he argues, that is a danger to American security.
Read more......
Eavesdroppers heard her whispering sweet nothings to someone whom they took to be her secretary, another female diplomat - and the CIA set out to undermine Mrs McAfee by spreading rumours in Washington that she was a lesbian.
There was just one problem. The ambassador, who was happily married, was not having an affair with her secretary. The secret microphones had instead recorded her "cooing endearments" to Murphy, her poodle.
The mistake is just one example of bungling by the CIA chronicled in a new history of the agency by the Pulitzer prize-winning author, Tim Weiner, who has covered intelligence matters for The New York Times for two decades.
His book draws on 50,000 documents in the CIA's archives, dating back to 1947, the year it was founded, and more than 300 interviews with staff, past and present, including 10 former directors. Weiner concludes that "the most powerful nation in the history of Western civilisation has failed to create a first-rate spy service" - a failure, he argues, that is a danger to American security.
Read more......
Sabtu, 28 Juli 2007
Algerian Military Kills 22 Al-Qaeda Militants
Fighting is starting to heat up in this country again.
Israel And Its Neighbours -- July 28, 2007
U.S.-Backed Fatah Admits Infiltration By Hamas -- World Net Daily
Hamas-Run Gaza Government Starts Paying Salaries Of Thousands Of Civil Servants -- International Herald Tribune
Unconfirmed Report: One Of Two Captive Soldiers Has Died -- Jerusalem Post
Hamas-Run Gaza Government Starts Paying Salaries Of Thousands Of Civil Servants -- International Herald Tribune
Unconfirmed Report: One Of Two Captive Soldiers Has Died -- Jerusalem Post
Stepping Up Hunt for Osama Bin Laden, Taliban and Al Qaeda Hideouts
The U.S. Air Force plans to deliver its newest and deadliest unmanned aircraft, the Reaper, to the theater of operations in Afghanistan.
"The Reaper is an attack aircraft loaded to the hilt with weapons," Gen. T. Michael Moseley, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told ABC News exclusively.
Four MQ-9 Reapers, defined by the Air Force as "hunter-killers," are expected to arrive within several months, according to Gen. Moseley.
Read more......Wolf in Sheik's Clothing
Analysis of Robert Gates (U.S. Secretary of Defense) and his comments on America's War On Terror.
Two Palestinians Killed By Israeli Soldiers In Gaza
The never ending cycle of violence in Gaza ...... read more.
Iran's Khamenei Says U.S. And Israel Are Main Foes
When the Supreme leader of Iran says you are the enemy ...... and backs it up with actions on the ground ....... and only certain parts of the media report his comments ...... you know we are in trouble.
Lebanon Faces Civil War If Crisis Unchecked: France
France is worried that thing are spiraling out of control.
Robert Fisk from the Independent adds to this discussion.
Robert Fisk from the Independent adds to this discussion.
Pakistan -- War News Updates For July 28, 2007
Musharraf Proposes Bhutto Power-Sharing Arrangement -- Times Online
Pakistan Blast Investigation Begins -- Yahoo News
Pakistan Tightens Security After Mosque Suicide Blast -- Yahoo News
Recurring Suicide Bomb Nightmare Haunts Pakistan -- Reuters
Pushtun Politics And The Pakistani Predicament -- Strategy Page
US, Pakistan Differ On Terrorist Sanctuaries -- Daily Times
Red Mosque Closed Indefinitely After Attack -- Khaleej imes
Eight Police Personnel Among 15 Persons Killed In Islamabad Suicide Bombing -- Terrorism Update
Pakistan Suicide Bomb Wave Warning -- CNN News
Pakistan Blast Investigation Begins -- Yahoo News
Pakistan Tightens Security After Mosque Suicide Blast -- Yahoo News
Recurring Suicide Bomb Nightmare Haunts Pakistan -- Reuters
Pushtun Politics And The Pakistani Predicament -- Strategy Page
US, Pakistan Differ On Terrorist Sanctuaries -- Daily Times
Red Mosque Closed Indefinitely After Attack -- Khaleej imes
Eight Police Personnel Among 15 Persons Killed In Islamabad Suicide Bombing -- Terrorism Update
Pakistan Suicide Bomb Wave Warning -- CNN News
Iraq -- War News Updates July 28, 2007
Iraqi Leader Tells Bush: Get Gen Petraeus Out -- Telegraph
4 Killed, 10 Hurt By Car Bomb In Baghdad -- Yahoo News
Finding Nonsectarian Military Leaders -- Yahoo News
U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq At 3,646 -- Yahoo News
US Accuses Saudis Of Telling Lies About Iraq -- Guardian
U.N. Spotlights Iraqi Refugee Kids -- Yahoo News
U.S. Widens Push To Use Armed Iraqi Residents -- MSNBC
Iraqi Security Forces & U.S. Advisors Battle Mahdi Army In Karbala -- Fourth Rail
Americans Call In Airstrike in Clash With Shiite Militia -- New York Times
Iraq Government In Disarray, Leaders Play Blame Game -- Reuters
Iraq Salutes Its Asian Cup Soccer Finalist -- LA Times
A Tale Of Abduction And Escape In Iraq -- LA Times
Iraqi Officials Raise Death Toll In Thursday Bombing In Baghdad To 61 Killed -- International Herald Tribune
U.S. Troop Deaths Show Sharp July Decline -- USA Today
4 Killed, 10 Hurt By Car Bomb In Baghdad -- Yahoo News
Finding Nonsectarian Military Leaders -- Yahoo News
U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq At 3,646 -- Yahoo News
US Accuses Saudis Of Telling Lies About Iraq -- Guardian
U.N. Spotlights Iraqi Refugee Kids -- Yahoo News
U.S. Widens Push To Use Armed Iraqi Residents -- MSNBC
Iraqi Security Forces & U.S. Advisors Battle Mahdi Army In Karbala -- Fourth Rail
Americans Call In Airstrike in Clash With Shiite Militia -- New York Times
Iraq Government In Disarray, Leaders Play Blame Game -- Reuters
Iraq Salutes Its Asian Cup Soccer Finalist -- LA Times
A Tale Of Abduction And Escape In Iraq -- LA Times
Iraqi Officials Raise Death Toll In Thursday Bombing In Baghdad To 61 Killed -- International Herald Tribune
U.S. Troop Deaths Show Sharp July Decline -- USA Today
Afghanistan -- War News Updates July 28, 2007
Taliban In First Heat-Seeking Missile Attack -- Telegraph
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan -- Telegraph
Afghan Clashes Kill Three NATO Soldiers -- Reuters
50 Taliban And 28 Civilians Killed In Afghan Clashes -- Daily Times
Former Taliban Lawmaker In SKorea Talks -- Yahoo News
Afghans Say May Use Force If Hostage Talks Fail -- Yahoo News
Taliban Says Some Korean Hostages Sick -- Khaleej Times
Robert Fisk On Zahir Shah: The Last King Of Afghanistan
British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan -- Telegraph
Afghan Clashes Kill Three NATO Soldiers -- Reuters
50 Taliban And 28 Civilians Killed In Afghan Clashes -- Daily Times
Former Taliban Lawmaker In SKorea Talks -- Yahoo News
Afghans Say May Use Force If Hostage Talks Fail -- Yahoo News
Taliban Says Some Korean Hostages Sick -- Khaleej Times
Robert Fisk On Zahir Shah: The Last King Of Afghanistan
Jumat, 27 Juli 2007
Iraqi PM Tells Bush: Get Gen Petraeus Out
The Telegraph reports on the deep division between U.S. General Petraeus and the Iraqi Priminister al-Maliki.
"Relations between the top United States general in Iraq and Nouri al-Maliki, the country's prime minister, are so bad that the Iraqi leader made a direct appeal for his removal to President George W Bush.
Although the call was rejected, aides to both men admit that Mr Maliki and Gen David Petraeus engage in frequent stand-up shouting matches, differing particularly over the US general's moves to arm Sunni tribesmen to fight al-Qa'eda."
Commentary: On all levels this is shocking news. If the senior U.S. Commander in Iraq cannot work with the Iraqi Prime Minister and his government, expectations and predictions that the surge will be successful cannot possibly succeed.
"Relations between the top United States general in Iraq and Nouri al-Maliki, the country's prime minister, are so bad that the Iraqi leader made a direct appeal for his removal to President George W Bush.
Although the call was rejected, aides to both men admit that Mr Maliki and Gen David Petraeus engage in frequent stand-up shouting matches, differing particularly over the US general's moves to arm Sunni tribesmen to fight al-Qa'eda."
Commentary: On all levels this is shocking news. If the senior U.S. Commander in Iraq cannot work with the Iraqi Prime Minister and his government, expectations and predictions that the surge will be successful cannot possibly succeed.
What Is Sec. of Def. Bob Gates Been Working On Lately?
A post from Westhawk looks at "Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he is personally engaged in developing contingency plans for a drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq and emphasized that those efforts constitute a "priority" for the Pentagon."
Unintelligent Intelligence
This article from TCS Daily that analyzes on what passes for Intelligence Reports from the U.S. Government .......... and subsequent coverage from the Main Stream Media ....... also sums up perfectly the reasons why this blog was started.
Good News From Afghanistan (From A Canadian Perspective)
A positive post on developments in Afghanistan from the Ruxted Group in Canada.
An Update From The Bottom Post -- Al Qaeda Seen In Search Of Nukes
Al Qaeda terrorists are continuing to plan attacks against the United States and are seeking nuclear and other unconventional arms for the strikes, a senior Pentagon official told Congress yesterday.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, told a joint House committee hearing that al Qaeda has conducted terrorist attacks against more than two dozen nations since September 11.
Read the entire article here.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, told a joint House committee hearing that al Qaeda has conducted terrorist attacks against more than two dozen nations since September 11.
Read the entire article here.
Commentary: Is the War Lost? Three Inconvenient Truths About Iraq Right Now
A commentary from TCS Daily.
Other commentary......
The Iraq War Is Lost by Peter Galbraith
The Intellectual Stakes of the Iraq War by Robert Tracinski
The Surge: Another View By Douglas Hanson
Other commentary......
The Iraq War Is Lost by Peter Galbraith
The Intellectual Stakes of the Iraq War by Robert Tracinski
The Surge: Another View By Douglas Hanson
Israel And Its Neighbours
Hundreds of Syrian missiles poised for possible first strike against Israel -- World Tribune
Terror group vows to obtain U.S. weaponry -- World Net Daily
Fatah officials blamed for fall -- BBC
Fatah official in Gaza rout quits post -- International Herald Tribune
Terror group vows to obtain U.S. weaponry -- World Net Daily
Fatah officials blamed for fall -- BBC
Fatah official in Gaza rout quits post -- International Herald Tribune
Philosophical Founder Of Modern Terrorist Jihad Conversion
Sayid Imam al-Sharif, the man behind the assassination of Anwar Sadat and whose writings led an entire generation of radical Islamists to terrorism, now says that the theological underpinnings of such actions are completely faulty and should be discarded:
Guardian Reports.
Captain's Quarter's comments.
Guardian Reports.
Captain's Quarter's comments.
Senin, 02 Juli 2007
Mahasiswa Hukum Indonesia Kembali Mendulang Prestasi Internasional
INDONESIA MERAIH JUARA UMUM DALAM
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW ARBITRATION MOOT 2007 DI AUSTRALIA
Tidak selang beberapa lama atas prestasi mahasiswa hukum Indonesia di pentas internasional, kini Mahasiswa Fakultas Hukum Universitas Indonesia (FHUI) kembali mencetak prestasi serupa dalam satu kompetisi peradilan semu (mooting competition) bernama International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot yang telah diselenggarakan oleh Victoria University pada tanggal 22 hingga 26 Juni 2007.Selain keluar sebagai Juara Umum (Champion), mereka juga mampu meraih predikat 2nd Best Memoranda for Respondent. Para talenta muda yang tergabung dalam tim tersebut terdiri dari Ivan Nikolas Tambunan, Rivana Mezaya, Titis Lintang Andari, Ken Prasadtyo, dan Adithya Lesmana. Kesemuanya merupakan mahasiswa FHUI angkatan 2005 yang telah di-training secara khusus oleh alumnus mereka, Giffy Pardede, young professional lawyer, dan Hanna Azkiya, peraih penghargaan internasional sebagai the best oralist dalam The Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition di Washington DC, Amerika Serikat yang lalu.
Secara garis besar, rule of game dalam kompetisi kali ini didahului dengan pembuatan suatu kasus fiktif oleh panitia penyelenggara dengan mengilustrasikan suatu sengketa dalam hukum maritim internasional. Setiap peserta harus menyampaikan argumentasi hukum terkait sengketa tersebut, baik secara lisan maupun tertulis. Argumentasi lisan yang dikemukakan oleh setiap tim akan dinilai oleh para juri yang terdiri dari para praktisi hukum dan praktisi di bidang industri maritim internasional.
Dalam penilaiannya para juri tersebut dapat pula menginterupsi setiap saat dan menyampaikan sejumlah pertanyaan kepada para peserta dengan muatan akademik yang cukup tinggi. Oleh karena itu peserta dalam satu tim sangat diuji kemampuannya dalam menjawab pertanyaan berdasarkan logika dan dasar hukum, termasuk menyampaikan kasus-kasus yang dapat dijadikannya sebagai rujukan. Sedangkan argumentasi tertulis diberikan dalam bentuk Memoranda yang berisikan gugatan atau jawaban atas gugatan.
Untuk sampai pada babak Grand Final, tim Universitas Indonesia harus terlebih dahulu melalui berbagai tahapan. Dalam babak penyisihan, mereka mampu mengalahkan empat universitas ternama lainnya, yaitu Murdoch University (Perth), Hongkong University (Hongkong), International Islamic University of Malaya (Malaysia), dan National Law University of Jodhpur (India). Di babak perempat final mereka menundukan Mara University of Technology (Malaysia) dan selanjutnya mengalahkan Murdoch Univerisity (Australia) dalam babak semi final. Sedangkan pada babak Grand Final yang dilangsungkan di Federal Court of Australia di Melbourne, tim Universitas Indonesia berhasil membungkam tim tuan rumah yaitu Victoria University.
International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot 2007 ini diikuti oleh 17 universitas yang berasal dari berbagai negara seperti Australia, India, Malaysia, China, Hongkong dan Indonesia. Selain FHUI, tim Indonesia juga diwakili oleh Universitas Padjajaran. Berikut merupakan daftar Universitas yang turut berpartisipasi:
- University of Queensland
- University of Technology, Sydney
- The University of Hong Kong
- University of Newcastle
- Murdoch University
- Universitas Indonesia
- Victoria University
- National Law University, Jodhpur
- La Trobe University
- International Islamic University Malaysia
- Queensland University of Technology
- China University of Political Science and Law
- Padjadjaran University,
- Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, India
- Gujarat National Law University, India
- MARA University of Technology, Malaysia
- Hidayatullah National Law University, India
- Winner, Oral hearings sponsored by Blake Dawson Waldron – Universitas Indonesia
- Runner-Up Oral Hearings sponsored by DLA Phillips Fox – Victoria University
- Best Written Memo for the Claimant sponsored by Informa Publishing – Murdoch University
- Best Written Memo for the Respondent sponsored by Informa Publishing – University of Technology , Sydney
- Best Speaker General Rounds sponsored by Ebsworth & Ebsworth – James Green, University of Queensland
- Best Speaker in the Finals- sponsored by Jaya Prakash – Jamie Stollery, University of Technology , Sydney
- Highest Ranked Team in the General Rounds sponsored by Minter Ellison- Victoria University
- Individual Achievement award, sponsored by Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand ; and now renamed to honour the founder of the moot - to be called the Sarah Derrington Achievement Award - Pallav Mongia Hidayatullah National Law University
- A new Team Achievement award, sponsored by Sarah and Roger Derrington - The School of Excellence in Law, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar National Law University.
- An individual Courage and Commitment award, also sponsored by Sarah and Roger Derrington Lisa Muller, University of Newcastle.
Tentunya kita berharap dari tangan-tangan cendekia hukum muda tersebut di ataslah, masa depan kedaulatan dan sengketa antar negara yang melibatkan Indonesia dapat diselesaikan dengan membawa hasil terbaik di pihak Indonesia. Sebutlah beberapa sengketa maritim yang belum menemui titik jelas seperti konsep penyesuaian ALKI di wilayah perbatasan maritim Indonesia–Timor Leste, atau masalah penyerobotan wilayah laut Karang Unarang sebagai kelanjutan dari lepasnya Pulau Sipadan dan Ligitan ke tangan Malaysia.
Kiprah Indonesia dalam pentas internasional tentunya diharapkan tidak berhenti di kalangan generasi mahasiswa saja. Suksesnya penyelenggaraan Konferensi ke-4 Asian Law Institute (ASLI) pada bulan Mei yang lalu telah mengantarkan universitas-universitas di Indonesia menuju Research University dan World Class University. Oleh karena adanya rencana penyelenggaraan kompetisi maritime ini pada tahun 2009 untuk dilangsungkan di salah satu negara Asia, maka sebaiknya rencana tersebut disambut pula oleh para stakeholder terkait dengan membawa kompetisi bertaraf internasional tersebut agar dapat diselenggarakan di salah satu kota Indonesia. Jika prestasi internasional sudah seringkali terukir, maka kini sudah saatnya Indonesia berupaya mengajukan diri menjadi tuan rumah sekaligus secara bersamaan melakukan persiapan “sapu bersih” terhadap penghargaan yang nantinya akan diperebutkan. Mari sama-sama kita tunggu kiprah para insan dan civitas hukum Indonesia selanjutnya. Fiat justitia ruat caelum..
Jakarta, Juni 2007
Note: Sampaikan ucapan selamat dan komentar anda atas keberhasilan tim Indonesia melalui kolom tanggapan di bawah.
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