Sunday, November 1, 2009
Delhi 1984: Memories of a massacre
Nearly 3,000 members of India's Sikh community were massacred after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards on 31 October 1984. Rahul Bedi, one of the first journalists to reach the affected areas in the capital, Delhi, recalls events.
Osama Bin Laden and 9/11: The Evidence
The idea that Osama bin Laden was responsible for the 9/11 attacks has been an article of faith for public officials and the mainstream media. Calling it an “article of faith” points to two features of this idea. On the one hand, no one in these circles publicly challenges this idea.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The cover-up continues
The Obama administration has clung for so long to the Bush administration’s expansive claims of national security and executive power that it is in danger of turning President George W. Bush’s cover-up of abuses committed in the name of fighting terrorism into President Barack Obama’s cover-up.
Busting the Darfur myth
While peace has been slowing taking hold in Darfur, in the Ogaden, Ethiopian death squads, funded by western 'aid' have spent the better part of the past decade spreading murder and mayhem across the countryside, notes Tom Mountain.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Obama administration will not 'separate commercial banking from investment operations'
Paul A. Volcker, the former Federal Reserve chairman who endorsed Mr. Obama early in his election campaign and who stood by his side during the financial crisis, wants the nation’s banks to be prohibited from owning and trading risky securities, the very practice that got the biggest ones into deep trouble in 2008. And the administration is saying no, it will not separate commercial banking from investment operations.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Why do they hate us?
Glenn Greenwald: Imagine if every American spent just a day contemplating how they'd react if some foreign army from a Muslim nation invaded and bombed the U.S., occupied the country for the next several years with 60,000 soldiers, killed tens of thousands of citizens here, set up secret prisons where they disappeared Americans for years without charges or even contact with the outside world, imposed sanctions that blockaded food and medicine and killed countless children, invaded and ransacked our homes at will, abducted Americans and shipped them halfway around the world to island-prisons, instituted a worldwide torture regime, armed their allies for attacks on other Western nations, and threatened still other invasions.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
BOOK REVIEW: 'The Ground Truth: The Untold Story of America Under Attack on 9/11'
“The Ground Truth: The Untold Story of America Under Attack on 9/11,” by John Farmer — senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission, claims that the government presented a “fundamentally false version of events”. If this leads some to believe that Mr. Farmer will present the true version of events, they will be disappointed.
What the book does is expose the shortcomings of the government’s response to the hijackings on 9/11. Mr. Farmer does not question the identity of the hijackers although several were later reported by British newspapers as being alive.
He accepts the official version that 9/11 was directed by Osama Bin Laden although Bin Laden himself denied that to a Pakistani newspaper, and the FBI says they have no hard evidence against Bin Laden. They do not even mention 9/11 in their "Most Wanted Terrorists" poster of Bin Laden!
Mr. Farmer’s book basically describes how the hijackers were able to penetrate multiple layers of U.S. security: National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, FBI, the State Department’s visa offices, and airline screening.
His book may be useful to those wishing to “reinvent government.” Until that is done, says Farmer, the passage of new statutes, or the creation of new procedures, or the creation of the Department of Homeland Security leaves the U.S. vulnerable to “terrorist” attacks.
Mr. Farmer does not address the mounting evidence that the twin towers and Building 7 of the World Trade Center were demolished with explosives. He does seem to admit that United Airlines Flight 93 may have been shot down, but he makes no reference to the lack of hard evidence that American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
Indeed his failure to address the evidence is particularly striking where he refers to the phone calls made by the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and Flight 77.
The claim that Flight 77 passenger Barbara Olson called her husband, Justice Department's Solicitor General Ted Olson, twice, was contradicted at the Zacarias Moussaoui trial in 2006.
The FBI reported that only two cell phone calls were made from all four planes — both from United Flight 93.
Mr. Farmer may have done the 9/11 truth movement a favor. By revealing the government's conspiracy to lie about its response to 9/11, Mr. Farmer casts doubt on ALL the findings of the 9/11 Commission.
REVIEWED by Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
What the book does is expose the shortcomings of the government’s response to the hijackings on 9/11. Mr. Farmer does not question the identity of the hijackers although several were later reported by British newspapers as being alive.
He accepts the official version that 9/11 was directed by Osama Bin Laden although Bin Laden himself denied that to a Pakistani newspaper, and the FBI says they have no hard evidence against Bin Laden. They do not even mention 9/11 in their "Most Wanted Terrorists" poster of Bin Laden!
Mr. Farmer’s book basically describes how the hijackers were able to penetrate multiple layers of U.S. security: National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, FBI, the State Department’s visa offices, and airline screening.
His book may be useful to those wishing to “reinvent government.” Until that is done, says Farmer, the passage of new statutes, or the creation of new procedures, or the creation of the Department of Homeland Security leaves the U.S. vulnerable to “terrorist” attacks.
Mr. Farmer does not address the mounting evidence that the twin towers and Building 7 of the World Trade Center were demolished with explosives. He does seem to admit that United Airlines Flight 93 may have been shot down, but he makes no reference to the lack of hard evidence that American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
Indeed his failure to address the evidence is particularly striking where he refers to the phone calls made by the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and Flight 77.
The claim that Flight 77 passenger Barbara Olson called her husband, Justice Department's Solicitor General Ted Olson, twice, was contradicted at the Zacarias Moussaoui trial in 2006.
The FBI reported that only two cell phone calls were made from all four planes — both from United Flight 93.
Mr. Farmer may have done the 9/11 truth movement a favor. By revealing the government's conspiracy to lie about its response to 9/11, Mr. Farmer casts doubt on ALL the findings of the 9/11 Commission.
REVIEWED by Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
Warmonger wins peace prize
The Nobel Committee has awarded the 2009 Peace Prize to President Obama, the person who started a new war in Pakistan, upped the war in Afghanistan, and continues to threaten Iran with attack unless Iran does what the US government demands and relinquishes its rights as a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty.
Israeli's bid to buy Al-Jazeera from Qatar
Haim Saban, an Israeli media tycoon, has submitted an offer to the Qatari government in a bid to purchase half of the Doha -based Al-Jazeera satellite network.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
One in four is Muslim, study says
A report from an American think-tank has estimated 1.57 billion Muslims populate the world - with 60% in Asia.
An absurd war
• Gen. James Jones: "The al-Qaida presence is very diminished. The maximum estimate is less than 100 operating in the country, no bases, no ability to launch attacks on either us or our allies."--Robert Scheer, "A War of Absurdity," truthdig.com, October 6, 2009
• "We had and have no plan of harming countries of the world, including those in Europe ... our goal is the independence of the country and the building of an Islamic state," the Taliban said in a statement on the group's website www.shahamat.org.--Sayed Salahuddin, "Afghan Taliban say they pose no threat to the West," Reuters, October 7, 2009
• Former Vice President Cheney: "We've never made the case, or argued the case, that somehow Osama Bin Laden was directly involved in 9/11"--Enver Masud, "Bin Laden Not Wanted for 9/11: The 'FBI has no hard evidence connecting Bin Laden to 9/11'," The Wisdom Fund, June 8, 2006
• "We had and have no plan of harming countries of the world, including those in Europe ... our goal is the independence of the country and the building of an Islamic state," the Taliban said in a statement on the group's website www.shahamat.org.--Sayed Salahuddin, "Afghan Taliban say they pose no threat to the West," Reuters, October 7, 2009
• Former Vice President Cheney: "We've never made the case, or argued the case, that somehow Osama Bin Laden was directly involved in 9/11"--Enver Masud, "Bin Laden Not Wanted for 9/11: The 'FBI has no hard evidence connecting Bin Laden to 9/11'," The Wisdom Fund, June 8, 2006
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The demise of the dollar
In the most profound financial change in recent Middle East history, Gulf Arabs are planning — along with China, Russia, Japan and France— to end dollar dealings for oil, moving instead to a basket of currencies including the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan, the euro, gold and a new, unified currency planned for nations in the Gulf Co-operation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Obama letdown: the list keeps growing
With each new revelation (the latest being the Obama-Netanyahu agreement on Israel's nuclear arsenal), we find it more difficult to keep hoping for the CHANGE that Obama promised.
Our list of Obama's actions and policies that mirror those of Bush keeps growing, and the doctored photo by David Dees appears more apt.
We realize that Obama needs Congress to enact what he proposes, but what about those acts for which he does not require Congress' approval?
Our list of Obama's actions and policies that mirror those of Bush keeps growing, and the doctored photo by David Dees appears more apt.
We realize that Obama needs Congress to enact what he proposes, but what about those acts for which he does not require Congress' approval?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
NEW BOOK: 'The Untold Story of America Under Attack on 9/11'
John Farmer, senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission, builds the inescapably convincing case that the official version is almost entirely untrue. The ground truth that Farmer captures suggests a very different scenario — one that is doomed to be repeated unless the systemic failures he reveals are confronted and remedied.
MORE
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The U.S., not Iran, is violating the NPT
The IAEA only actually requires that it be informed six months before an enrichment facility comes online, and the new site is at least that far from completion.
The principal obligation undertaken by the United States under the NPT is to "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament."
The principal obligation undertaken by the United States under the NPT is to "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament."
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
US wins minds, Afghan hearts are lost
Afghans are Afghans. They have their own history, their own culture, their own habitual ways of thinking and behaving, all complicated by a modern experience of decades of war, displacement, abject poverty, and incessant meddling by foreign governments near and far - of which the United States has been the most powerful and persistent. Afghans do not think or act like Americans. Yet Americans in power refuse to grasp that inconvenient point.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
U.S. hypes Iran's nuclear 'threat', ignores Israel's
Overriding Western objections, a 150-nation nuclear conference on Friday passed a resolution directly criticizing Israel and its atomic program for the first time in 18 years. Iran hailed the vote as a "glorious moment."
The result was a setback not only for Israel but also for the United States and other backers of the Jewish state, which had lobbied for 18 years of past practice — debate on the issue without a vote.
The result was a setback not only for Israel but also for the United States and other backers of the Jewish state, which had lobbied for 18 years of past practice — debate on the issue without a vote.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Somalis file complaint with the International Criminal Court alleging aggression by 'Foreign Warships'
The Somali Young Politicians League (SYPL) has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court alleging aggression by "Foreign Warships".
The complaint dated August 29, 2009 states: "Ships mainly the West, Far East of Asia and some of Arab countries have been waging a full scale operation, exploiting the marine resource off the Somali Coastline."
In their complaint, SYLP states: "International Pirates off the Somalia Coastline have been operating in the Somalia Coast since 19991 till 2009."
SYLP cites several reasons for the presence of "Foreign Warships" in Somali territorial waters: dump medical, chemical and nuclear wastes, and harvest the fish and other marine animals.
The complaint was filed by Hussein Ali Elmi, Former Somali Presidential Candidate (2004).
The complaint dated August 29, 2009 states: "Ships mainly the West, Far East of Asia and some of Arab countries have been waging a full scale operation, exploiting the marine resource off the Somali Coastline."
In their complaint, SYLP states: "International Pirates off the Somalia Coastline have been operating in the Somalia Coast since 19991 till 2009."
SYLP cites several reasons for the presence of "Foreign Warships" in Somali territorial waters: dump medical, chemical and nuclear wastes, and harvest the fish and other marine animals.
The complaint was filed by Hussein Ali Elmi, Former Somali Presidential Candidate (2004).
Iran nuclear 'threat' hyped
• Iran is unlikely to be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium (HEU) for a nuclear weapon until at least 2013, according to a United States government intelligence estimate made public last Thursday.—Daniel Luban, "New nuke report debunks Iran hawks," atimes.com, August 11, 2009
• Iran is not going to produce a nuclear weapon any time soon and the threat posed by its atomic program has been exaggerated, the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief said in a published interview.—"Iran nuclear 'threat' hyped: IAEA's ElBaradei," Reuters, September 2, 2009
• This latest U.S. intelligence-community assessment is potentially controversial for several reasons, not the least of which is that it is at odds with more alarming assessments propounded by key U.S. allies, most notably Israel. Officials of Israel's conservative-led government have been delivering increasingly dire assessments of Iran’s nuclear progress and have leaked shrill threats about a possible Israeli military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.—Mark Hosenball, "Intelligence Agencies Say No New Nukes in Iran: Secret updates to White House challenge European and Israeli assessments," Newsweek, September 16, 2009
• [I]n 1975, presidential chief of staff Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld introduced a group of neoconservatives, led by Harvard professor Richard Pipes, to the CIA in order to make sure that future NIEs would falsely conclude that the Soviet Union rejected nuclear parity, were bent on fighting and winning a nuclear war, and were radically increasing their military spending.
This group of Cold War hardliners and neocons (known as Team B) and the CIA (Team A) then wrongly predicted a series of Soviet weapons developments that never took place, including directed energy weapons, mobile ABM systems and anti-satellite capabilities.
In the 1980s, CIA Deputy Director Gates used this worst-case reasoning in a series of speeches to ingratiate himself with CIA Director Bill Casey and the Reagan administration.
In view of the consistent exaggeration of the Soviet threat throughout the 1980s, when the USSR was on a glide path toward collapse, it is fair to speculate on current geopolitical situations that are far less threatening than our policy and intelligence experts assert.—Melvin A. Goodman, "How the Soviet Menace Was Hyped," consortiumnews.com, September 15, 2009
• Iran is not going to produce a nuclear weapon any time soon and the threat posed by its atomic program has been exaggerated, the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief said in a published interview.—"Iran nuclear 'threat' hyped: IAEA's ElBaradei," Reuters, September 2, 2009
• This latest U.S. intelligence-community assessment is potentially controversial for several reasons, not the least of which is that it is at odds with more alarming assessments propounded by key U.S. allies, most notably Israel. Officials of Israel's conservative-led government have been delivering increasingly dire assessments of Iran’s nuclear progress and have leaked shrill threats about a possible Israeli military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.—Mark Hosenball, "Intelligence Agencies Say No New Nukes in Iran: Secret updates to White House challenge European and Israeli assessments," Newsweek, September 16, 2009
• [I]n 1975, presidential chief of staff Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld introduced a group of neoconservatives, led by Harvard professor Richard Pipes, to the CIA in order to make sure that future NIEs would falsely conclude that the Soviet Union rejected nuclear parity, were bent on fighting and winning a nuclear war, and were radically increasing their military spending.
This group of Cold War hardliners and neocons (known as Team B) and the CIA (Team A) then wrongly predicted a series of Soviet weapons developments that never took place, including directed energy weapons, mobile ABM systems and anti-satellite capabilities.
In the 1980s, CIA Deputy Director Gates used this worst-case reasoning in a series of speeches to ingratiate himself with CIA Director Bill Casey and the Reagan administration.
In view of the consistent exaggeration of the Soviet threat throughout the 1980s, when the USSR was on a glide path toward collapse, it is fair to speculate on current geopolitical situations that are far less threatening than our policy and intelligence experts assert.—Melvin A. Goodman, "How the Soviet Menace Was Hyped," consortiumnews.com, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
New York Daily News should visit the FBI's Most Wanted page for Osama Bin Laden
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and the New York Daily News should visit the FBI's Most Wanted page. According to the FBI, they have no hard evidence that Osama Bin Laden is the 9/11 "mastermind."
Saturday, September 12, 2009
City of New York concedes 9/11 coalition has 30,000 valid signatures for a referendum
In a last minute decision, lawyers for the City of New York have conceded that the New York City Coalition for Accountability Now (NYC CAN), a group comprising 9/11 family members, first responders and survivors, indeed did submit over 30,000 valid signatures to put the referendum for a new 9/11 investigation before the voters of New York City this November.
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11: Neither before nor since . . .
On September 11, 2001, there occurred five events which, as far as we know, are unique in world history. According to official accounts:
At 9:59 A.M., 110-story Two World Trade Center (the South Tower), having been struck by United Airlines Flight 175 at 9:03 A.M., collapsed at near free fall speed.
At 10:28 A.M., 110-story One World Trade Center (the North Tower), having been struck by American Airlines Flight 11 at 8:47 A.M., collapsed at near free fall speed.
The 110-story North and South Towers remained standing after being struck by Boeing 767s. They collapsed — we’re told — due to fire. No steel frame tower has collapsed due to fire, neither before 9/11 nor since 9/11.
At 9:38 A.M., American Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, struck the Pentagon at 530 mph, and unlike other aircraft disasters, disappeared leaving no identifiable fuselage, wings, or tail outside.
At 10:03 A.M., United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania leaving a crater about the size of a large automobile, debris scattered over a few miles, and unlike other aircraft disasters, only tiny pieces “no larger than a phonebook” at the site of the crash.
At 5:20 P.M., 47-story Seven World Trade Center collapsed at near free fall speed. The 9/11 Commission chose not to even mention its collapse in their final report.
Seven World Trade Center was not struck by a plane. It collapsed — we’re told — due to fire. No steel frame tower has collapsed due to fire, neither before 9/11 nor since 9/11. On 9/11, three did.
Five events on 9/11 — unheard of before 9/11, since 9/11. Coincidence or coverup?
We don’t believe the official account, and neither do many American patriots.
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
At 9:59 A.M., 110-story Two World Trade Center (the South Tower), having been struck by United Airlines Flight 175 at 9:03 A.M., collapsed at near free fall speed.
At 10:28 A.M., 110-story One World Trade Center (the North Tower), having been struck by American Airlines Flight 11 at 8:47 A.M., collapsed at near free fall speed.
The 110-story North and South Towers remained standing after being struck by Boeing 767s. They collapsed — we’re told — due to fire. No steel frame tower has collapsed due to fire, neither before 9/11 nor since 9/11.
At 9:38 A.M., American Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, struck the Pentagon at 530 mph, and unlike other aircraft disasters, disappeared leaving no identifiable fuselage, wings, or tail outside.
At 10:03 A.M., United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania leaving a crater about the size of a large automobile, debris scattered over a few miles, and unlike other aircraft disasters, only tiny pieces “no larger than a phonebook” at the site of the crash.
At 5:20 P.M., 47-story Seven World Trade Center collapsed at near free fall speed. The 9/11 Commission chose not to even mention its collapse in their final report.
Seven World Trade Center was not struck by a plane. It collapsed — we’re told — due to fire. No steel frame tower has collapsed due to fire, neither before 9/11 nor since 9/11. On 9/11, three did.
Five events on 9/11 — unheard of before 9/11, since 9/11. Coincidence or coverup?
We don’t believe the official account, and neither do many American patriots.
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Wisdom Fund founder to discuss 9/11 on South Africa's SAfm
To our visitors in Asia, Africa, China, Europe — too early for the Americas
Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund, will be on South Africa's national radio station SAfm on prime time (8:30 to 9:00 A.M. GMT) on September 11.
To listen live, go to http://www.sabc.co.za/portal/site/sabc/#. Click on 'listen live' and select 'SA FM' from the drop-down menu.
Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund, will be on South Africa's national radio station SAfm on prime time (8:30 to 9:00 A.M. GMT) on September 11.
To listen live, go to http://www.sabc.co.za/portal/site/sabc/#. Click on 'listen live' and select 'SA FM' from the drop-down menu.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Airline bomb plot: opposing views
GUILTY: Three British Muslims were found guilty today of conspiracy to murder thousands of passengers and crew in an unprecedented airline bomb plot that could have proved as deadly as the 9/11 attacks.
NOT GUILTY: Shortly after the plot was made public, chemists and scientists insisted the notion of assembling liquid bombs from hydrogen peroxide and other household substances is preposterous.
NOT GUILTY: Shortly after the plot was made public, chemists and scientists insisted the notion of assembling liquid bombs from hydrogen peroxide and other household substances is preposterous.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Appeals court rules against Ashcroft in 9/11 case
The exact ramifications of the ruling were not immediately clear, but at a minimum it casts a negative spotlight on the Bush administration's practice of detaining Muslim men earlier this decade at a time when the nation was still on edge after Sept. 11.
"It's a very big ruling, because qualified immunity is ordinarily a very robust form of protection," said Richard Seamon, a professor at the University of Idaho College of Law and a former assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General. "To overcome that immunity, you have to show that the defendant almost deliberately acted unconstitutionally to violate someone's rights — no innocent mistakes."
"It's a very big ruling, because qualified immunity is ordinarily a very robust form of protection," said Richard Seamon, a professor at the University of Idaho College of Law and a former assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General. "To overcome that immunity, you have to show that the defendant almost deliberately acted unconstitutionally to violate someone's rights — no innocent mistakes."
Friday, September 4, 2009
Court says 9/11 witnesses can sue Ashcroft
In a harshly worded ruling handed down Friday, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the government's use of material witnesses after Sept. 11 "repugnant to the Constitution and a painful reminder of some of the most ignominious chapters of our national history."
The court found that a man who was detained as a witness in a federal terrorism case can sue Ashcroft for allegedly violating his constitutional rights. Abdullah Al-Kidd, a U.S. citizen and former University of Idaho student, filed the lawsuit in 2005, claiming his civil rights were violated when he was detained as a material witness for two weeks after 9/11. . . .
The court found that a man who was detained as a witness in a federal terrorism case can sue Ashcroft for allegedly violating his constitutional rights. Abdullah Al-Kidd, a U.S. citizen and former University of Idaho student, filed the lawsuit in 2005, claiming his civil rights were violated when he was detained as a material witness for two weeks after 9/11. . . .
Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance built on Muslim graves
The Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, being built atop an ancient Muslim cemetery, is a project of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, whose founder Rabbi Marvin Hier envisions the museum as a "great landmark promoting the principles of mutual respect and social responsibility." The site had been a cemetery for at least one thousand years.
Nato airstrike kills 90 in Afghanistan
Nato said it believed the dead were all Taliban fighters, but angry relatives in northern Kunduz province said villagers were collecting fuel from the hijacked trucks and caught in the blast.
Lockerbie: Megrahi was framed
The trial of the “Lockerbie bomber” was worse than a travesty of justice. Evidence that never came to court proves his innocence.
. . . No one in authority has had the guts to state the truth about the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 above the Scottish village of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988, in which 270 people were killed. The governments in England and Scotland in effect blackmailed Megrahi into dropping his appeal as a condition of his immediate release. Of course there were oil and arms deals under way with Libya; but had Megrahi proceeded with his appeal, some 600 pages of new and deliberately suppressed evidence would have set the seal on his innocence and given us more than a glimpse of how and why he was stitched up for the benefit of "strategic interests".
"The endgame came down to damage limitation," said the former CIA officer Robert Baer, who took part in the original investigation, "because the evidence amassed by [Megrahi's] appeal is explosive and extremely damning to the system of justice." New witnesses would show that it was impossible for Megrahi to have bought clothes that were found in the wreckage of the Pan Am aircraft - he was convicted on the word of a Maltese shopowner who claimed to have sold him the clothes, then gave a false description of him in 19 separate statements and even failed to recognise him in the courtroom.
The new evidence would have shown that a fragment of a circuit board and bomb timer, "discovered" in the Scottish countryside and said to have been in Megrahi's suitcase, was probably a plant. A forensic scientist found no trace of an explosion on it. The new evidence would demonstrate the impossibility of the bomb beginning its journey in Malta before it was "transferred" through two airports undetected to Flight 103.
A "key secret witness" at the original trial, who claimed to have seen Megrahi and his co-accused, al-Alim Khalifa Fahimah (who was acquitted), loading the bomb on to the plane at Frankfurt, was bribed by the US authorities holding him as a "protected witness". The defence exposed him as a CIA informer who stood to collect, on the Libyans' conviction, up to $4m as a reward.
. . . No one in authority has had the guts to state the truth about the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 above the Scottish village of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988, in which 270 people were killed. The governments in England and Scotland in effect blackmailed Megrahi into dropping his appeal as a condition of his immediate release. Of course there were oil and arms deals under way with Libya; but had Megrahi proceeded with his appeal, some 600 pages of new and deliberately suppressed evidence would have set the seal on his innocence and given us more than a glimpse of how and why he was stitched up for the benefit of "strategic interests".
"The endgame came down to damage limitation," said the former CIA officer Robert Baer, who took part in the original investigation, "because the evidence amassed by [Megrahi's] appeal is explosive and extremely damning to the system of justice." New witnesses would show that it was impossible for Megrahi to have bought clothes that were found in the wreckage of the Pan Am aircraft - he was convicted on the word of a Maltese shopowner who claimed to have sold him the clothes, then gave a false description of him in 19 separate statements and even failed to recognise him in the courtroom.
The new evidence would have shown that a fragment of a circuit board and bomb timer, "discovered" in the Scottish countryside and said to have been in Megrahi's suitcase, was probably a plant. A forensic scientist found no trace of an explosion on it. The new evidence would demonstrate the impossibility of the bomb beginning its journey in Malta before it was "transferred" through two airports undetected to Flight 103.
A "key secret witness" at the original trial, who claimed to have seen Megrahi and his co-accused, al-Alim Khalifa Fahimah (who was acquitted), loading the bomb on to the plane at Frankfurt, was bribed by the US authorities holding him as a "protected witness". The defence exposed him as a CIA informer who stood to collect, on the Libyans' conviction, up to $4m as a reward.
Why not sanctions on Israel and the US?
Israel and the US claim the right to abrogate Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy. The Israeli/US position has no basis in international law or in anything other than the arrogance of Israel and the United States.
The hypocrisy is extreme. Israel is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and developed its nuclear weapons illegally on the sly, with, as far as we know, US help.
The hypocrisy is extreme. Israel is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and developed its nuclear weapons illegally on the sly, with, as far as we know, US help.
Taliban’s bombs came from US, not Iran
Evidence from the U.S. Defense Department, Canadian forces in Afghanistan, and the Taliban itself indicates that the increased damage to NATO tanks by Taliban forces has come from anti-tank mines provided by the United States in the 1980s.
Embassy guards 'dress as Afghans'
Private security contractors guarding America's embassy in Kabul dressed as mujahedin fighters and went out on unauthorised night-time military operations in the Afghan capital, according to reports being investigated by the US State Department.
Faster troop withdrawal may save $1 trillion
A speedier withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and Afghanistan would shave $1.1 trillion off the budget in the next decade, a new congressional budget projection says.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Iran nuclear 'threat' hyped: IAEA's ElBaradei
Iran is not going to produce a nuclear weapon any time soon and the threat posed by its atomic program has been exaggerated, the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief said in a published interview.
Filipinos want US soldiers out
Calls to renegotiate a treaty that allows U.S. troops to operate in the Philippines — or to expel the forces altogether — are growing as criticism and allegations of U.S. involvement in combat operations continue to mount.
Afghan war blowback for India's children?
Depleted uranium reportedly used in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq may be the cause of the deformities and disorders on the rise in India's northwestern state, according to a team based in the city of Faridkot.
Iraq's city of deformed babies
An Iraqi doctor has told Sky News the number of babies born with deformities in the heavily-bombed area of Fallujah is still on the increase. The rise in deformities may be linked to the use of chemical weapons by US forces.
Dutch to prosecute AEL for holocaust cartoon
An Arab organisation will be put on trial in the Netherlands for publishing a Holocaust-denying cartoon in response to caricatures of the prophet Mohammed. Prosecutors announced they would not put far-right MP Geert Wilders on trial for distributing controversial Danish cartoons of the prophet Mohammed on his website.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Iraqi journalist detained without charge for a year
A year ago today, U.S. and Iraqi forces raided the home of Iraqi journalist Ibrahim Jassam, a freelance photographer working for Reuters. Soldiers seized his computer hard drive and cameras. He was led away, handcuffed and blindfolded. For the past year the U.S. military has held Jassam without charge. Ten months ago the Iraqi Central Criminal Court ordered his release for lack of evidence but the U.S. military refused to release him claiming he was a “high security threat.”
While the case of Laura Ling and Euna Lee made international headlines — as did the recent jailing of American journalist Roxana Saberi in Iran — far less attention has been paid to Jassam's case.
While the case of Laura Ling and Euna Lee made international headlines — as did the recent jailing of American journalist Roxana Saberi in Iran — far less attention has been paid to Jassam's case.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Lockerbie part of a bigger story
1986: Libya is accused of bombing a Berlin disco, killing two U.S. servicemen. A defector from Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, claims it framed Libya. Khadaffy demands Arabs increase oil prices.
1987: The U.S. tries to kill Khadaffy but fails. Eighty-eight Libyan civilians die.
1988: France wages a secret desert war with Libya over mineral-rich Chad. France's secret service, SDECE, is ordered to kill Khadaffy. A bomb is put on Khadaffy's private jet but, after Franco-Libyan relations abruptly improve, the bomb is removed before it explodes.
1988: The U.S. intervenes on Iraq's side in its eight-year war against Iran. A U.S. navy Aegis cruiser, Vincennes, violates Iranian waters and "mistakenly" shoots down an Iranian civilian Airbus airliner in Iran's air space. All 288 civilians aboard die. Then vice-president George H.W. Bush vows, "I'll never apologize ... I don't care what the facts are."
The Vincennes' trigger-happy captain is decorated with the Legion of Merit medal for this crime by Bush after he becomes president. Washington quietly pays Iran $131.8 million US in damages.
1987: The U.S. tries to kill Khadaffy but fails. Eighty-eight Libyan civilians die.
1988: France wages a secret desert war with Libya over mineral-rich Chad. France's secret service, SDECE, is ordered to kill Khadaffy. A bomb is put on Khadaffy's private jet but, after Franco-Libyan relations abruptly improve, the bomb is removed before it explodes.
1988: The U.S. intervenes on Iraq's side in its eight-year war against Iran. A U.S. navy Aegis cruiser, Vincennes, violates Iranian waters and "mistakenly" shoots down an Iranian civilian Airbus airliner in Iran's air space. All 288 civilians aboard die. Then vice-president George H.W. Bush vows, "I'll never apologize ... I don't care what the facts are."
The Vincennes' trigger-happy captain is decorated with the Legion of Merit medal for this crime by Bush after he becomes president. Washington quietly pays Iran $131.8 million US in damages.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Remember Iraq's WMDs? Now it's Iran's WMDs
* Iran is unlikely to be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium (HEU) for a nuclear weapon until at least 2013, according to a United States government intelligence estimate made public last Thursday.--Daniel Luban, "New nuke report debunks Iran hawks," atimes.com, August 11, 2009
* Key to bringing Israel on board is a promise by the US to adopt a much tougher line with Iran over its alleged nuclear weapons programme. The US, along with Britain and France, is planning to push the United Nations security council to expand sanctions to include Iran's oil and gas industry, a move that could cripple its economy.--Ewen MacAskill and Julian Borger, "Barack Obama on brink of deal for Middle East peace talks," Guardian, August 25, 2009
* Western officials are leaking stories to the Associated Press and Reuters aimed at pressuring the outgoing chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, to include a summary of intelligence alleging that Iran has been actively pursuing work on nuclear weapons in the IAEA report due out this week.
The aim of the pressure for publication of the document appears to be to discredit the November 2007 U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the Iranian nuclear programme, which concluded that Iran had ended work on nuclear weapons in 2003.--Gareth Porter, "Planted News Stories Show New Bid by West to Say Iran Seeks Nuclear Weapons," counterpunch.org, August 26, 2009
* Key to bringing Israel on board is a promise by the US to adopt a much tougher line with Iran over its alleged nuclear weapons programme. The US, along with Britain and France, is planning to push the United Nations security council to expand sanctions to include Iran's oil and gas industry, a move that could cripple its economy.--Ewen MacAskill and Julian Borger, "Barack Obama on brink of deal for Middle East peace talks," Guardian, August 25, 2009
* Western officials are leaking stories to the Associated Press and Reuters aimed at pressuring the outgoing chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, to include a summary of intelligence alleging that Iran has been actively pursuing work on nuclear weapons in the IAEA report due out this week.
The aim of the pressure for publication of the document appears to be to discredit the November 2007 U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the Iranian nuclear programme, which concluded that Iran had ended work on nuclear weapons in 2003.--Gareth Porter, "Planted News Stories Show New Bid by West to Say Iran Seeks Nuclear Weapons," counterpunch.org, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
NEW BOOK Zionism: An 'Abnormal' Nationalism
"The ultimate goal . . . is, in time, to take over the Land of Israel and to restore to the Jews the political independence they have been deprived of for these two thousand years . . . The Jews will yet arise and, arms in hand (if need be), declare that they are the masters of their ancient homeland." — Vladimir Dubnow, 1882
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
U.S. funding travel to Israel for anti-Islam indoctrination
The Israel program is run by Security Solutions International (SSI), a group that has attracted controversy due to its ties to Islamophobic propaganda groups — as well as its apparent view that indoctrinating first responders with alarmist information about Islam is an essential part of counterterrorism training.
Most striking of all, the SSI Israel trip is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Most striking of all, the SSI Israel trip is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Lockerbie bomber freed, believed innocent by many
Alleged Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, landed in Libya to a hero's welcom. Libyans view Megrahi as a scapegoat used by the West to reinforce its depiction of Libya as a pariah state.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ebrahim (Eboo) Patel on CNN's 'Generation Islam'
Ebrahim (Eboo) Patel, an Indian-American Muslim, was featured on CNN's, Christiane Amanpour reports "Generation Islam". Eboo Patel is the founder of Interfaith Youth Core based in Chicago, and a member of President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Founded in 2002, IFYC has had remarkable success in obtaining grants and contributions: $14,110 in 2003, $653,825 in 2004, $593,258 in 2005, $974,889 in 2006, and $5,026,122 in 2007.
According to IFYC's 2007 Annual Report: "Approximately 66% of the total contribution revenue was contributed by one individual organization during the year ending July 31st, 2007."
IFYC's mission is stated on their website. What is the mission of IFYC's contributors?
Founded in 2002, IFYC has had remarkable success in obtaining grants and contributions: $14,110 in 2003, $653,825 in 2004, $593,258 in 2005, $974,889 in 2006, and $5,026,122 in 2007.
According to IFYC's 2007 Annual Report: "Approximately 66% of the total contribution revenue was contributed by one individual organization during the year ending July 31st, 2007."
IFYC's mission is stated on their website. What is the mission of IFYC's contributors?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Postponing Iraqi public opinion
When Iraq's Parliament ratified its security pact with the US last year, allowing the presence of US troops until the end of 2011, it built in a provision for a public referendum vote to take place. . . . The vote, scheduled to take place by July 30, never happened.
Explosive allegations: Blackwater founder implicated in murder
Sworn statements filed in Federal Court also allege that Blackwater founder Erik Prince launched a "crusade" to eliminate Muslims and Islam.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
War crime in Afghanistan?
Thousands of Afghan prisoners were killed while travelling in sealed containers on their way from Konduz to a prison at Sheberghan. The bodies of the dead and some who survived were then buried in a mass grave at nearby Dasht Leile. US special forces were closely involved and in charge at the time. Were they involved in a war crime? The Pentagon denies the events. The eyewitnesses tell what happened.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Independence Day: A repeat of Japanese style internment for Muslims?
Ask CNNs Soledad O'Brien to do "Muslim in America" — she can begin here.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Scientific evidence proves official account of 'Flight 77' is false
Given the topography, forces generated by the transition from downward flight to level flight would cause the aircraft to disintegrate before striking the Pentagon.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Israeli forces abduct humanitarian workers, former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
Last night, Israeli Occupation Forces attacked and boarded the Free Gaza Movement boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, abducting 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including Noble laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. The passengers and crew are being forcibly dragged toward Israel.
The seizure of humanitarian supplies and abduction of human rights workers is an act of piracy, a crime under international law. When the boat was attacked, it was not in Israeli waters and was on a human rights mission to Gaza. Israel's deliberate and premeditated attack on an unarmed boat in international waters is a clear violation of international law.
The U.S. government and corporate media have largely ignored or buried this story,
The seizure of humanitarian supplies and abduction of human rights workers is an act of piracy, a crime under international law. When the boat was attacked, it was not in Israeli waters and was on a human rights mission to Gaza. Israel's deliberate and premeditated attack on an unarmed boat in international waters is a clear violation of international law.
The U.S. government and corporate media have largely ignored or buried this story,
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Michael Jackson converted to Islam — reports
Michael Jackson had converted to Islam, according to reports in the Middle East.
The singer’s Muslim brother Jermaine claimed the “Thriller” hitmaker had taken interest in the religion since Jermaine converted in 1989. Michael had been considering converting since 2005.
Muslim funeral customs call for a body to be buried as close to the time of death as possible. The family is discussing funeral arrangements.
The singer’s Muslim brother Jermaine claimed the “Thriller” hitmaker had taken interest in the religion since Jermaine converted in 1989. Michael had been considering converting since 2005.
Muslim funeral customs call for a body to be buried as close to the time of death as possible. The family is discussing funeral arrangements.
The U.S. encouraged Iran to nationalize oil — report
The United States Ambassador to Iran, Henry F. Grady (1950 - 1951), according to an unconfirmed report, is said to have encouraged Iran to nationalize the British organized Anglo-Iranian Oil Company so that American oil companies could, at a later date, gain control of Iran's oil.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Who owns the media?
The ten biggest owners are: AOL Time Warner, Disney, General Electric, News Corporation, Viacom, Vivendi, Sony, Bertelsmann, AT&T and Liberty Media.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
'Questioning the War on Terror'
In his new book, "Questioning the War on Terror," Dr. Barrett uses rigorous analysis and just plain common sense to show that Obama voters were right: the War on Terror is a profoundly dubious enterprise. He begins with the observation that Americans are thirty times more likely to die from lightning strikes, and ten times more likely to drown in their bathtubs, than to be killed by terrorists: "Should we declare war against lightning bolts and bathtubs? Should we install PA systems in our bathrooms reminding us that the threat level of bathtub drowning has been raised to orange? Should we create a new Department of Bathtub Security (DBS) empowered to do sneak-and-peak warrantless searches of our bathrooms to make sure that we're using no-slip bath-mats? Should we invade and occupy countries that we falsely blame for bathtub deaths? Would this be any crazier than what we're doing now, allegedly due to the equally insignificant 'terrorist threat'?"
Using the Socratic method, Questioning the War on Terror asks fifty- four hard questions that, taken together, effectively annihilate the central notion on which our post-9/11 political life has been based. It concludes with a list of twenty-two concrete actions that readers can take to end the War on Terror and achieve the change they voted for.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dear President Obama, here are some 9/11 'facts to be dealt with'
Dear President Obama:
In your speech today in Cairo, you called the attacks of September 11, 2001, "not opinions to be debated" but "facts to be dealt with." I agree.
So let's deal with the facts.
I've summarized important facts in my book "9/11 Unveiled" — an "executive summary" of what happened on that tragic day.
I look forward to your administration dealing with these facts. They lead to a very different conclusion than the one accepted by both your administration, and the previous administration.
On July 11, in collaboration with Citizen Investigation Team, and Pilots for 9/11 Truth, we'll present a National Security Briefing: Deconstructing the 9/11 Pentagon Attack. Our presentation, based on hard facts, refutes the generally accepted theory.
Do send your staff to examine the facts. The truth will surprise you.
Sincerely,
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
In your speech today in Cairo, you called the attacks of September 11, 2001, "not opinions to be debated" but "facts to be dealt with." I agree.
So let's deal with the facts.
I've summarized important facts in my book "9/11 Unveiled" — an "executive summary" of what happened on that tragic day.
I look forward to your administration dealing with these facts. They lead to a very different conclusion than the one accepted by both your administration, and the previous administration.
On July 11, in collaboration with Citizen Investigation Team, and Pilots for 9/11 Truth, we'll present a National Security Briefing: Deconstructing the 9/11 Pentagon Attack. Our presentation, based on hard facts, refutes the generally accepted theory.
Do send your staff to examine the facts. The truth will surprise you.
Sincerely,
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Preaching the Gospel of biblical capitalism, military might, and American empire
Ivanwald, situated in a cul-de-sac at the end of 24th Street North in Arlington, Virginia, is the stronghold of a widespread "invisible" and powerful network, working for "democracy" and "free markets," but in reality extending the American empire. . . .
Monday, May 25, 2009
Presidents of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan meet
Pakistani leader Asif Ali Zardari is expected to discuss regional security with Iranian officials. He will also address economic relations, a gas pipeline, a 1000 MW power supply from Iran to Pakistan via Balochistan, and border security with Ahmadinejad.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Re Iran, on Fareed Zakaria GPS
Subject: GPS: Iran
Date Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 3:23 PM
From: CEO
To: Prof. Fawaz A. Gergez
CC: Fareed Zakaria, Gideon Rose
Dear Prof Gerges:
Thank you for pointing out that Iran hasn't attacked anyone, but you missed an opportunity to point out a few other facts.
1 - On March 23, 2005, Iran made a confidential offer, suggested by an advisory panel of European and U.S. scientists and experts, voluntarily restricting certain of its inalienable rights. The offer included:
- Foregoing reprocessing of spent fuel and recovery of plutonium;
- A low ceiling on the level of enrichment;
- A limitation on the capacity of the enrichment program to that needed to meet the contingency fuel requirements of Iran's power reactors;
- Immediate conversion of all enriched Uranium to fuel rods TO PRECLUDE EVEN THE TECHNICAL POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER ENRICHMENT;
Furthermore, Iran offered to allow continuous on-site presence of IAEA inspectors at uranium conversion and enrichment facilities to provide unprecedented transparency, above and beyond even that required under the Additional Protocol, signed, but yet to be ratified by the Iranian Parliament.
. . . Not only would Bush-Cheney-Rice not let the E3/EU accept the offer; they wouldn't even let the E3/EU acknowledge receipt of it.
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2009/0401-Iran.html
2 - Re Ahmadinejad's comment about wiping out Israel, it has been deliberately mistranslated according to our sources. The full quote translated directly to English:
"The Imam said this regime occupying Jerusalem must vanish from the page of time". Word by word translation: Imam (Khomeini) ghoft (said) een (this) rezhim-e (regime) ishghalgar-e (occupying) qods (Jerusalem) bayad (must) az safheh-ye ruzgar (from page of time) mahv shavad (vanish from).
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2005/1220-Ahmadinejad.html
3 - Several Israeli leaders have not only spoken of wiping out Palestinians, they have been doing it. Here are some of the quotes:
"The Palestinians" would be crushed like grasshoppers ... heads smashed against the boulders and walls." Isreali Prime Minister (at the time) in a speech to Jewish settlers New York Times April 1, 1988
"When we have settled the land, all the Arabs will be able to do about it will be to scurry around like drugged cockroaches in a bottle." Raphael Eitan, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, New York Times, April 14, 1983.
"The thesis that the danger of genocide was hanging over us in June 1967 and that Israel was fighting for its physical existence is only bluff, which was born and developed after the war." Israeli General Matityahu Peled, Ha'aretz, March 19, 1972.
"We have to kill all the Palestinians unless they are resigned to live here as slaves." Chairman Heilbrun of the Committee for the Re-election of General Shlomo Lahat, the mayor of Tel Aviv, October 1983.
"Every time we do something you tell me America will do this and will do that . . . I want to tell you something very clear: Don't worry about American pressure on Israel. We, the Jewish people, control America, and the Americans know it." - Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, October 3, 2001, to Shimon Peres, as reported on Kol Yisrael radio.
"We declare openly that the Arabs have no right to settle on even one centimeter of Eretz Israel... Force is all they do or ever will understand. We shall use the ultimate force until the Palestinians come crawling to us on all fours." Rafael Eitan, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces - Gad Becker, Yediot Ahronot, April 13, 1983, New York Times April 14, 1983.
"We should prepare to go over to the offensive. Our aim is to smash Lebanon, Trans-Jordan, and Syria. The weak point is Lebanon, for the Moslem regime is artificial and easy for us to undermine. We shall establish a Christian state there, and then we will smash the Arab Legion, eliminate Trans-Jordan; Syria will fall to us. We then bomb and move on and take Port Said, Alexandria and Sinai." - David Ben-Gurion, May 1948, to the General Staff. From Ben-Gurion, A Biography, by Michael Ben-Zohar, Delacorte, New York 1978.
"We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population." Israel Koenig, "The Koenig Memorandum," April 1976.
"We walked outside, Ben-Gurion accompanying us. Allon repeated his question, What is to be done with the Palestinian population?' Ben-Gurion waved his hand in a gesture which said 'Drive them out!'" Yitzhak Rabin, leaked censored version of Rabin memoirs, published in the New York Times, October 23, 1979.
"It is the duty of Israeli leaders to explain to public opinion, clearly and courageously, a certain number of facts that are forgotten with time. The first of these is that there is no Zionism,colonialization or Jewish State without the eviction of the Arabs and the expropriation of their lands." Yoram Bar Porath, Yediot Aahronot, of July 14,1972.
"Spirit the penniless population across the frontier by denying it employment... Both the process of expropriation and the removal of the poor must be carried out discreetly and circumspectly." Theodore Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organization, speaking of the Arabs of Palestine,Complete Diaries, June 12, 1895 entry.
"We will establish ourselves in Palestine whether you like it or not...You can hasten our arrival or you can equally retard it. It is however better for you to help us so as to avoid our constructive powers being turned into a destructive power which will overthrow the world." - Chaim Weizmann, Published in "Judische Rundschau," No. 4, 1920
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2005/1220-Ahmadinejad.html
4 - Israel and the US have carried out attacks outside their borders.
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
www.twf.org
To ADD your name to our mailing list go to http://www.twf.org/twflist/subscribe.html - expect about 3 emails per week.
Date Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 3:23 PM
From: CEO
To: Prof. Fawaz A. Gergez
CC: Fareed Zakaria, Gideon Rose
Dear Prof Gerges:
Thank you for pointing out that Iran hasn't attacked anyone, but you missed an opportunity to point out a few other facts.
1 - On March 23, 2005, Iran made a confidential offer, suggested by an advisory panel of European and U.S. scientists and experts, voluntarily restricting certain of its inalienable rights. The offer included:
- Foregoing reprocessing of spent fuel and recovery of plutonium;
- A low ceiling on the level of enrichment;
- A limitation on the capacity of the enrichment program to that needed to meet the contingency fuel requirements of Iran's power reactors;
- Immediate conversion of all enriched Uranium to fuel rods TO PRECLUDE EVEN THE TECHNICAL POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER ENRICHMENT;
Furthermore, Iran offered to allow continuous on-site presence of IAEA inspectors at uranium conversion and enrichment facilities to provide unprecedented transparency, above and beyond even that required under the Additional Protocol, signed, but yet to be ratified by the Iranian Parliament.
. . . Not only would Bush-Cheney-Rice not let the E3/EU accept the offer; they wouldn't even let the E3/EU acknowledge receipt of it.
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2009/0401-Iran.html
2 - Re Ahmadinejad's comment about wiping out Israel, it has been deliberately mistranslated according to our sources. The full quote translated directly to English:
"The Imam said this regime occupying Jerusalem must vanish from the page of time". Word by word translation: Imam (Khomeini) ghoft (said) een (this) rezhim-e (regime) ishghalgar-e (occupying) qods (Jerusalem) bayad (must) az safheh-ye ruzgar (from page of time) mahv shavad (vanish from).
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2005/1220-Ahmadinejad.html
3 - Several Israeli leaders have not only spoken of wiping out Palestinians, they have been doing it. Here are some of the quotes:
"The Palestinians" would be crushed like grasshoppers ... heads smashed against the boulders and walls." Isreali Prime Minister (at the time) in a speech to Jewish settlers New York Times April 1, 1988
"When we have settled the land, all the Arabs will be able to do about it will be to scurry around like drugged cockroaches in a bottle." Raphael Eitan, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, New York Times, April 14, 1983.
"The thesis that the danger of genocide was hanging over us in June 1967 and that Israel was fighting for its physical existence is only bluff, which was born and developed after the war." Israeli General Matityahu Peled, Ha'aretz, March 19, 1972.
"We have to kill all the Palestinians unless they are resigned to live here as slaves." Chairman Heilbrun of the Committee for the Re-election of General Shlomo Lahat, the mayor of Tel Aviv, October 1983.
"Every time we do something you tell me America will do this and will do that . . . I want to tell you something very clear: Don't worry about American pressure on Israel. We, the Jewish people, control America, and the Americans know it." - Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, October 3, 2001, to Shimon Peres, as reported on Kol Yisrael radio.
"We declare openly that the Arabs have no right to settle on even one centimeter of Eretz Israel... Force is all they do or ever will understand. We shall use the ultimate force until the Palestinians come crawling to us on all fours." Rafael Eitan, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces - Gad Becker, Yediot Ahronot, April 13, 1983, New York Times April 14, 1983.
"We should prepare to go over to the offensive. Our aim is to smash Lebanon, Trans-Jordan, and Syria. The weak point is Lebanon, for the Moslem regime is artificial and easy for us to undermine. We shall establish a Christian state there, and then we will smash the Arab Legion, eliminate Trans-Jordan; Syria will fall to us. We then bomb and move on and take Port Said, Alexandria and Sinai." - David Ben-Gurion, May 1948, to the General Staff. From Ben-Gurion, A Biography, by Michael Ben-Zohar, Delacorte, New York 1978.
"We must use terror, assassination, intimidation, land confiscation, and the cutting of all social services to rid the Galilee of its Arab population." Israel Koenig, "The Koenig Memorandum," April 1976.
"We walked outside, Ben-Gurion accompanying us. Allon repeated his question, What is to be done with the Palestinian population?' Ben-Gurion waved his hand in a gesture which said 'Drive them out!'" Yitzhak Rabin, leaked censored version of Rabin memoirs, published in the New York Times, October 23, 1979.
"It is the duty of Israeli leaders to explain to public opinion, clearly and courageously, a certain number of facts that are forgotten with time. The first of these is that there is no Zionism,colonialization or Jewish State without the eviction of the Arabs and the expropriation of their lands." Yoram Bar Porath, Yediot Aahronot, of July 14,1972.
"Spirit the penniless population across the frontier by denying it employment... Both the process of expropriation and the removal of the poor must be carried out discreetly and circumspectly." Theodore Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organization, speaking of the Arabs of Palestine,Complete Diaries, June 12, 1895 entry.
"We will establish ourselves in Palestine whether you like it or not...You can hasten our arrival or you can equally retard it. It is however better for you to help us so as to avoid our constructive powers being turned into a destructive power which will overthrow the world." - Chaim Weizmann, Published in "Judische Rundschau," No. 4, 1920
More on this at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2005/1220-Ahmadinejad.html
4 - Israel and the US have carried out attacks outside their borders.
Enver Masud
Founder, The Wisdom Fund
www.twf.org
To ADD your name to our mailing list go to http://www.twf.org/twflist/subscribe.html - expect about 3 emails per week.
Friday, May 15, 2009
National security briefing: deconstructing the 9/11 Pentagon attack
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11, for this groundbreaking presentation by Citizen Investigation Team and Pilots for 9/11 Truth — sponsored by The Wisdom Fund.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pirates say they’re collecting 'fines' for illegal acts
The pirates do not use the word "ransom." They say they’re collecting "fines" for illegal acts.
There’s more to this story than we’re being told:
1 - It has been reported that the Maersk Alabama belonged to a U.S. Department of Defense contractor with top security clearance.
2 - European and Asian ships are estimated to be illegally taking more than $450 million in fish out of Somalia's waters annually. It is believed that ships from the EU alone take out of the country more than five times the value of the EU's aid to Somalia every year.
3 - European ships are dumping toxic, and sometime radioactive wastes in Somali waters. It is estimated that the cost to European companies to dump the wastes on Somalia's beaches is $2.50 per ton compared to $250 a ton to dispose of the wastes in Europe.
Obama advisor Lawrence Summers — then president of the World Bank — recommended "encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs (Less Developed Countries).
Mr. Summers argued that "the costs of health-impairing pollution depends on the forgone earnings from increased morbidity and mortality."
In other words, human beings in LDCs are worth less than human beings in developed countries, according to Mr. Summers' leaked memo of December 12, 1991.
The U.S. and Europe are making plans that could "open the way for more missions to hunt down the pirates inside the lawless country."
There’s more to this story than we’re being told:
1 - It has been reported that the Maersk Alabama belonged to a U.S. Department of Defense contractor with top security clearance.
2 - European and Asian ships are estimated to be illegally taking more than $450 million in fish out of Somalia's waters annually. It is believed that ships from the EU alone take out of the country more than five times the value of the EU's aid to Somalia every year.
3 - European ships are dumping toxic, and sometime radioactive wastes in Somali waters. It is estimated that the cost to European companies to dump the wastes on Somalia's beaches is $2.50 per ton compared to $250 a ton to dispose of the wastes in Europe.
Obama advisor Lawrence Summers — then president of the World Bank — recommended "encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs (Less Developed Countries).
Mr. Summers argued that "the costs of health-impairing pollution depends on the forgone earnings from increased morbidity and mortality."
In other words, human beings in LDCs are worth less than human beings in developed countries, according to Mr. Summers' leaked memo of December 12, 1991.
The U.S. and Europe are making plans that could "open the way for more missions to hunt down the pirates inside the lawless country."
War, peace, and human rights
Today, April 17, on the 14th anniversary of The Wisdom Fund, we would like to draw your attention to an issue that has huge implications for war, peace, and human rights -- specially for Muslims, and mainly Muslim countries, and which has taken trillions out of the American economy.
That issue is September 11, 2001. The official explanation is just plain wrong, and we can prove it. Hence U.S. wars, and violations of human rights, that resulted from the official explanation of that tragic day, cannot be justified on the basis of 9/11.
We challenge any member of the 9/11 Commission, or any official of the Bush or Obama administrations, to rebut the evidence and arguments we present.
"9/11 Unveiled" by Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund, together with a 45-minute documentary bearing the same title, will convince most audiences that, at the very least, there is "reasonable doubt" about the official explanation.
Indeed a highly placed judge told us that we have sufficient evidence for a prima facie case.
We intend to make the documentary available free with the book "9/11 Unveiled."
We spoke out during the tense period following 9/11, and we continue to speak out now. We've scheduled a conference on July 11, 2009 regarding what happened at the Pentagon on 9/11. Details will follow.
We find it sad that we're not supported by Muslim "leaders" and the larger Muslim organizations. Perhaps they can learn from AIPAC and the Heritage Foundation.
Would AIPAC and the Heritage Foundation support our efforts if it were their allies who were wrongly blamed for 9/11, and we had the evidence to prove otherwise?
So why do Muslim organizations hesitate?
"With reason as your shield and the sword of love in your hand, Servant of God! the leadership of the world is at your command" wrote the Muslim poet, philosopher and politician Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal.
But this is an issue that reaches far beyond the Muslim community. The U.S. response to 9/11 has cost the U.S. about $4 trillion -- according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and Harvard economist Lind Bilmes.
What's holding us back from distributing "9/11 Unveiled" -- the documentary, is copyrights clearances. We've obtained some, but we need legal advice on "fair use," and guidance on obtaining the remaining clearances.
Do support our efforts to get out the truth about 9/11. We need your support now. The initial legal review alone can cost $6000. The Wisdom Fund usually operates in the red, and is in the red now. And we pay no salaries, except the $1 per year to the founder.
So please give what you can, and give today.
You may donate online at our http://www.twf.org/.
If you prefer send check or cash to: The Wisdom Fund, PO Box 2723, Arlington, VA 22202 USA.
We are classified as a Section 501(c)(3) organization as described in the Internal Revenue Code. Donors may deduct contributions as provided in Section 170 -- employee identification number 54-1755689.
That issue is September 11, 2001. The official explanation is just plain wrong, and we can prove it. Hence U.S. wars, and violations of human rights, that resulted from the official explanation of that tragic day, cannot be justified on the basis of 9/11.
We challenge any member of the 9/11 Commission, or any official of the Bush or Obama administrations, to rebut the evidence and arguments we present.
"9/11 Unveiled" by Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund, together with a 45-minute documentary bearing the same title, will convince most audiences that, at the very least, there is "reasonable doubt" about the official explanation.
Indeed a highly placed judge told us that we have sufficient evidence for a prima facie case.
We intend to make the documentary available free with the book "9/11 Unveiled."
We spoke out during the tense period following 9/11, and we continue to speak out now. We've scheduled a conference on July 11, 2009 regarding what happened at the Pentagon on 9/11. Details will follow.
We find it sad that we're not supported by Muslim "leaders" and the larger Muslim organizations. Perhaps they can learn from AIPAC and the Heritage Foundation.
Would AIPAC and the Heritage Foundation support our efforts if it were their allies who were wrongly blamed for 9/11, and we had the evidence to prove otherwise?
So why do Muslim organizations hesitate?
"With reason as your shield and the sword of love in your hand, Servant of God! the leadership of the world is at your command" wrote the Muslim poet, philosopher and politician Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal.
But this is an issue that reaches far beyond the Muslim community. The U.S. response to 9/11 has cost the U.S. about $4 trillion -- according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and Harvard economist Lind Bilmes.
What's holding us back from distributing "9/11 Unveiled" -- the documentary, is copyrights clearances. We've obtained some, but we need legal advice on "fair use," and guidance on obtaining the remaining clearances.
Do support our efforts to get out the truth about 9/11. We need your support now. The initial legal review alone can cost $6000. The Wisdom Fund usually operates in the red, and is in the red now. And we pay no salaries, except the $1 per year to the founder.
So please give what you can, and give today.
You may donate online at our http://www.twf.org/.
If you prefer send check or cash to: The Wisdom Fund, PO Box 2723, Arlington, VA 22202 USA.
We are classified as a Section 501(c)(3) organization as described in the Internal Revenue Code. Donors may deduct contributions as provided in Section 170 -- employee identification number 54-1755689.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dump wastes on less developed countries — Obama advisor Lawrence Summers
Obama advisor Lawrence Summers recommended "encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs (Less Developed Countries) when he was president of the World Bank.
Mr. Summers argued that "the costs of health-impairing pollution depends on the forgone earnings from increased morbidity and mortality."
In other words, human beings in LDCs are worth less than human beings in developed countries, according to a leaked, December 12, 1991 internal memo by Mr. Summers. Therefore, it is cost-effective to dump waste from developed countries on less developed countries.
A caller brought up the issue yesterday on WPFW Pacifica Radio's "What's at Stake" hosted by Verna Avery Brown.
Discussing the issue of piracy off the Somali coast on "What's at Stake," were Fred C. Ikle, undersecretary of defense during the Reagan administrations, and Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund.
Mr. Ikle reiterated the position he had taken in his article "Kill the Pirates" (Washington Post, April 13, 2009 ): "an inspection and quarantine regime off the coast of Somalia to seize and destroy all vessels that are found to be engaged in piracy," arming ship's crew, and blockading Somalia if the ship's crew were taken hostage.
Masud argued for immediately stopping the illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) dumping and fishing in Somali waters by Europeans and Asians.
European ships are dumping toxic, and sometime radioactive wastes in Somali waters. It is estimated that the cost to European companies to dump the wastes on Somalia's beaches is $2.50 per ton compared to $250 a ton to dispose of the wastes in Europe.
Mr. Masud stated that IUU ships are estimated to be taking more than $450 million in fish out of Somalia annually. It is believed that IUUs from the EU alone take out of the country more than five times the value of its aid to Somalia every year.
The pirates do not use the word "ransom." They call what they collect a "fine" for illegal acts.
Mr. Summers argued that "the costs of health-impairing pollution depends on the forgone earnings from increased morbidity and mortality."
In other words, human beings in LDCs are worth less than human beings in developed countries, according to a leaked, December 12, 1991 internal memo by Mr. Summers. Therefore, it is cost-effective to dump waste from developed countries on less developed countries.
A caller brought up the issue yesterday on WPFW Pacifica Radio's "What's at Stake" hosted by Verna Avery Brown.
Discussing the issue of piracy off the Somali coast on "What's at Stake," were Fred C. Ikle, undersecretary of defense during the Reagan administrations, and Enver Masud, founder of The Wisdom Fund.
Mr. Ikle reiterated the position he had taken in his article "Kill the Pirates" (Washington Post, April 13, 2009 ): "an inspection and quarantine regime off the coast of Somalia to seize and destroy all vessels that are found to be engaged in piracy," arming ship's crew, and blockading Somalia if the ship's crew were taken hostage.
Masud argued for immediately stopping the illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) dumping and fishing in Somali waters by Europeans and Asians.
European ships are dumping toxic, and sometime radioactive wastes in Somali waters. It is estimated that the cost to European companies to dump the wastes on Somalia's beaches is $2.50 per ton compared to $250 a ton to dispose of the wastes in Europe.
Mr. Masud stated that IUU ships are estimated to be taking more than $450 million in fish out of Somalia annually. It is believed that IUUs from the EU alone take out of the country more than five times the value of its aid to Somalia every year.
The pirates do not use the word "ransom." They call what they collect a "fine" for illegal acts.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Captain of Maersk Alabama caught up in the new scramble for Africa
Those Somali pirates—trying to stop illegal dumping and trawling, the crisis in Darfur, the war crimes charges against Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir, and the bases in Africa sought by AFRICOM are best understood in the context of the Great Game—the scramble for Africa's resources.
In January 1991, Somalia's president Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown by a coalition calling itself the United Somali Congress which then divided into two groups — one led by Ali Mahdi Muhammad, who became president, and the other led by Mohammed Farah Aidid.
Fighting broke out among rival clans, and food shortages became widespread. Pictures of starving Somalis were repeatedly broadcast in the United States.
In a bid to destroy the forces of Mohammed Farah Aidid, on December 12, 1992, the U.S., undercover of a "humanitarian mission" invaded Somalia. In the following ten months, 10,000 Somalis died in battles with the U.S.
"Colin Powell, at the time the chairman of the Pentagon's Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the invasion a "paid political advertisement" for the Pentagon at a time (less than a year after the end of the so-called Cold War) when Congress was under growing pressure to cut the war budget."
The U.S. ultimately withdrew. The deciding battle for Mogadishu, the Somali capital, was captured in the film "Black Hawk Down."
It was a humiliating defeat for the U.S., and Somalia descended into chaos. U.S. support for warlords fueled the turmoil.
Peace was restored when the Islamic Courts Union came to power.
"Finally, after 16 years, the Somali people have decided to liberate themselves with the leadership of the Islamic court, said Sheikh Sherif Ahmed, Chairman, Islamic Courts Union.
"The Union of Islamic Courts does not want to impose a Taleban-style Islamic state in Somalia, says their leader." (BBC News, June 6, 2006)
But the U.S. had its own plan. On December 24, 2006, Ethiopia, supported by the U.S., invaded Somalia.
"The coordinated assault was the first open admission by Ethiopia's Christian—led government of its military operations inside Somalia, where—with tacit American support - it has been helping a weak interim government threatened by forces loyal to the Islamic clerics who control the longtime capital, Mogadishu, and much of the country. (New York Times, December 25, 2006)
"The real reason [for U.S. support of the invasion] is likely to be that the Ogaden region, which borders Somalia, sits on a not yet exploited gas field. (Daniel Whitaker, Observer, November 12, 2006)
When the U.S. role was revealed, support for the Islamists increased, and Somalia faced a new humanitarian crisis.
"A local human rights group put the death toll at 1,000 over just four days earlier this month, and more than 250 have been killed in the past six days.
"More than 320,000 of Mogadishu's 2 million residents have fled since heavy fighting started in February." (Salad Duhul and Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Independent, April 24, 2007)
The United Nations labeled it the "worst refugee crisis."
Winterpatriot.blogsport.com reported "the United States has intervened directly into the conflict, carrying out bombing raids on fleeing refugees and nomads, firing missiles into villages, sending in death squads to clean up after covert operations, and . . . assisting in the "rendition" of refugees, including American citizens, into the hands of Ethiopia's notorious torturers."
"Amnesty International has called for the role of the United States in Somalia to be investigated, following publication of a report accusing its allies of committing war crimes." (Steve Bloomfield, Guardian, May 7, 2008)
16,000 civilians died in this new conflict, and despite U.S. support, the Ethiopian troops were forced to withdraw in January 2009.
"Analysts had feared the withdrawal of the Ethiopians would lead to a power vacuum and fighting between rival Islamist factions.
"But at the moment all factions—whether they back the peace process with the government or not—seem to be working together." (BBC, January 15, 2009)
Now, the new "Great Game of Hunting Somali Pirates," may be a precursor to reestablishing U.S. control in the region—i.e. bases for AFRICOM.
The "piracy in Somalia has its origin among disgruntled fishermen who had to compete with illegal poaching by foreign commercial vessels in its tuna-rich coastal waters", writes former Indian ambassador M. K. Bhadrakumar.
"At some 3,300 kilometres, Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa. With a fertile upswelling where the ocean reaches Africa's Horn, the seas are rich in tuna, swordfish and shark, as well as coastal beds of lobster and valuable shrimp. (Daniel Howden and Abdinasir Mohamed Guled, Independent, November 14, 2008)
"The pirates are actually a blessing in disguise. They provide an excuse for the administration to beef up it's military presence and put down roots. . . .
"When the Asian tsunami of Christmas 2005 washed ashore on the east coast of Africa, it uncovered a great scandal. Tons of radioactive waste and toxic chemicals drifted onto the beaches after the giant wave dislodged them from the sea bed off Somalia. Tens of thousands of Somalis fell ill after coming into contact with this cocktail. They complained to the United Nations (UN), which began an investigation. . . .
"In 2006 Somali fishermen complained to the UN that foreign fishing fleets were using the breakdown of the state to plunder their fish stocks. These foreign fleets often recruited Somali militias to intimidate local fishermen. Despite repeated requests, the UN refused to act." (Mike Whitney, Global Research, December 2, 2008)
The scramble for Africa's resources is acclerating.
"A US businessman backed by former CIA and state department officials says he has secured a vast tract of fertile land in south Sudan from the family of a notorious warlord, in post-colonial Africa's biggest private land deal. . . .
"He believes that several African states, Sudan included, but possibly also Nigeria, Ethiopia and Somalia, are likely to break apart in the next few years".
"Despite resistance from virtually every nation in Africa, the U.S. continues to seek a home for its Africa Command, AFRICOM. The lure of African oil and other resources causes Washington to devise various schemes to dominate the continent . . . a central Washington political thrust in Africa revolves around the Darfur region of Sudan [where Israel is collaborating with rebel forces]. What the U.S. really wants is regime change in Sudan, and control of its oil resources." (Mark P. Fancher, opednews.com, February 18, 2009)
Like millions of innocent civilians in Somalia and Sudan, the captain of the Maersk Alabama is caught up in this deadly game.
[updated article]
In January 1991, Somalia's president Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown by a coalition calling itself the United Somali Congress which then divided into two groups — one led by Ali Mahdi Muhammad, who became president, and the other led by Mohammed Farah Aidid.
Fighting broke out among rival clans, and food shortages became widespread. Pictures of starving Somalis were repeatedly broadcast in the United States.
In a bid to destroy the forces of Mohammed Farah Aidid, on December 12, 1992, the U.S., undercover of a "humanitarian mission" invaded Somalia. In the following ten months, 10,000 Somalis died in battles with the U.S.
"Colin Powell, at the time the chairman of the Pentagon's Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the invasion a "paid political advertisement" for the Pentagon at a time (less than a year after the end of the so-called Cold War) when Congress was under growing pressure to cut the war budget."
The U.S. ultimately withdrew. The deciding battle for Mogadishu, the Somali capital, was captured in the film "Black Hawk Down."
It was a humiliating defeat for the U.S., and Somalia descended into chaos. U.S. support for warlords fueled the turmoil.
Peace was restored when the Islamic Courts Union came to power.
"Finally, after 16 years, the Somali people have decided to liberate themselves with the leadership of the Islamic court, said Sheikh Sherif Ahmed, Chairman, Islamic Courts Union.
"The Union of Islamic Courts does not want to impose a Taleban-style Islamic state in Somalia, says their leader." (BBC News, June 6, 2006)
But the U.S. had its own plan. On December 24, 2006, Ethiopia, supported by the U.S., invaded Somalia.
"The coordinated assault was the first open admission by Ethiopia's Christian—led government of its military operations inside Somalia, where—with tacit American support - it has been helping a weak interim government threatened by forces loyal to the Islamic clerics who control the longtime capital, Mogadishu, and much of the country. (New York Times, December 25, 2006)
"The real reason [for U.S. support of the invasion] is likely to be that the Ogaden region, which borders Somalia, sits on a not yet exploited gas field. (Daniel Whitaker, Observer, November 12, 2006)
When the U.S. role was revealed, support for the Islamists increased, and Somalia faced a new humanitarian crisis.
"A local human rights group put the death toll at 1,000 over just four days earlier this month, and more than 250 have been killed in the past six days.
"More than 320,000 of Mogadishu's 2 million residents have fled since heavy fighting started in February." (Salad Duhul and Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Independent, April 24, 2007)
The United Nations labeled it the "worst refugee crisis."
Winterpatriot.blogsport.com reported "the United States has intervened directly into the conflict, carrying out bombing raids on fleeing refugees and nomads, firing missiles into villages, sending in death squads to clean up after covert operations, and . . . assisting in the "rendition" of refugees, including American citizens, into the hands of Ethiopia's notorious torturers."
"Amnesty International has called for the role of the United States in Somalia to be investigated, following publication of a report accusing its allies of committing war crimes." (Steve Bloomfield, Guardian, May 7, 2008)
16,000 civilians died in this new conflict, and despite U.S. support, the Ethiopian troops were forced to withdraw in January 2009.
"Analysts had feared the withdrawal of the Ethiopians would lead to a power vacuum and fighting between rival Islamist factions.
"But at the moment all factions—whether they back the peace process with the government or not—seem to be working together." (BBC, January 15, 2009)
Now, the new "Great Game of Hunting Somali Pirates," may be a precursor to reestablishing U.S. control in the region—i.e. bases for AFRICOM.
The "piracy in Somalia has its origin among disgruntled fishermen who had to compete with illegal poaching by foreign commercial vessels in its tuna-rich coastal waters", writes former Indian ambassador M. K. Bhadrakumar.
"At some 3,300 kilometres, Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa. With a fertile upswelling where the ocean reaches Africa's Horn, the seas are rich in tuna, swordfish and shark, as well as coastal beds of lobster and valuable shrimp. (Daniel Howden and Abdinasir Mohamed Guled, Independent, November 14, 2008)
"The pirates are actually a blessing in disguise. They provide an excuse for the administration to beef up it's military presence and put down roots. . . .
"When the Asian tsunami of Christmas 2005 washed ashore on the east coast of Africa, it uncovered a great scandal. Tons of radioactive waste and toxic chemicals drifted onto the beaches after the giant wave dislodged them from the sea bed off Somalia. Tens of thousands of Somalis fell ill after coming into contact with this cocktail. They complained to the United Nations (UN), which began an investigation. . . .
"In 2006 Somali fishermen complained to the UN that foreign fishing fleets were using the breakdown of the state to plunder their fish stocks. These foreign fleets often recruited Somali militias to intimidate local fishermen. Despite repeated requests, the UN refused to act." (Mike Whitney, Global Research, December 2, 2008)
The scramble for Africa's resources is acclerating.
"A US businessman backed by former CIA and state department officials says he has secured a vast tract of fertile land in south Sudan from the family of a notorious warlord, in post-colonial Africa's biggest private land deal. . . .
"He believes that several African states, Sudan included, but possibly also Nigeria, Ethiopia and Somalia, are likely to break apart in the next few years".
"Despite resistance from virtually every nation in Africa, the U.S. continues to seek a home for its Africa Command, AFRICOM. The lure of African oil and other resources causes Washington to devise various schemes to dominate the continent . . . a central Washington political thrust in Africa revolves around the Darfur region of Sudan [where Israel is collaborating with rebel forces]. What the U.S. really wants is regime change in Sudan, and control of its oil resources." (Mark P. Fancher, opednews.com, February 18, 2009)
Like millions of innocent civilians in Somalia and Sudan, the captain of the Maersk Alabama is caught up in this deadly game.
[updated article]
Thursday, February 12, 2009
To President Obama, regarding the 'stimulus'
Dear Mr. President
It is not clear how your financial rescue plan addresses the major problems: home foreclosure, job losses, and banks not lending. Nor is it clear how the plan's performance will be measured.
I suggest that you examine the plan put forth by The Wisdom Fund, and make this a model for presenting your plan to the public.
ONE, NATIONALIZE THE BANKS: Reinstate the separation between commercial and investment banks. For a limited time, suspend the mark to market rule. Give commercial banks the option to remain independent, sell out, or be declared insolvent and nationalized. Have the remaining commercial banks contribute amounts sufficient to keep the FDIC solvent. Homeowners facing foreclosure could go to nationalized banks for loans they can afford, and banks could take an equity position in the home to make up for any shortfall. Investment banks would compete in the "free market."
TWO, CUT MILITARY SPENDING 10% PER YEAR FOR 5 YEARS: Our reported military spending is about equal to that of the rest of the world combined. Military spending hidden among other budget items is estimated to be equal to that which is identified in the budget. Get out of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2009. Forget about war with Iran.
THREE, GIVE THE BULK OF THE "STIMULUS" TO THE STATES: States, being closer to the problems than Washington, can better decide how to spend the "stimulus" than Washington. Set strict guidelines for spending the stimulus, and establish measures of performance. Set up a Federal Business Administration (FBA) similar to the Federal Home Administration (FHA) to make loans to businesses through channels similar to those used by the FHA.
FOUR, EXTEND JOBLESS BENEFITS: Cuts in military spending will cause more to lose jobs. However, extending jobless benefits would provide time and funds for retraining. Those accepting jobless benefits could be required to provide some hours of work free to organizations interested in utilizing their skills. This may lead to regular employment with these organizations.
I look forward to seeing your transform your plan into something that is clear, and measurable, by us ordinary Americans.
Sincerely,
Enver Masud
Founder and President
The Wisdom Fund
It is not clear how your financial rescue plan addresses the major problems: home foreclosure, job losses, and banks not lending. Nor is it clear how the plan's performance will be measured.
I suggest that you examine the plan put forth by The Wisdom Fund, and make this a model for presenting your plan to the public.
ONE, NATIONALIZE THE BANKS: Reinstate the separation between commercial and investment banks. For a limited time, suspend the mark to market rule. Give commercial banks the option to remain independent, sell out, or be declared insolvent and nationalized. Have the remaining commercial banks contribute amounts sufficient to keep the FDIC solvent. Homeowners facing foreclosure could go to nationalized banks for loans they can afford, and banks could take an equity position in the home to make up for any shortfall. Investment banks would compete in the "free market."
TWO, CUT MILITARY SPENDING 10% PER YEAR FOR 5 YEARS: Our reported military spending is about equal to that of the rest of the world combined. Military spending hidden among other budget items is estimated to be equal to that which is identified in the budget. Get out of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2009. Forget about war with Iran.
THREE, GIVE THE BULK OF THE "STIMULUS" TO THE STATES: States, being closer to the problems than Washington, can better decide how to spend the "stimulus" than Washington. Set strict guidelines for spending the stimulus, and establish measures of performance. Set up a Federal Business Administration (FBA) similar to the Federal Home Administration (FHA) to make loans to businesses through channels similar to those used by the FHA.
FOUR, EXTEND JOBLESS BENEFITS: Cuts in military spending will cause more to lose jobs. However, extending jobless benefits would provide time and funds for retraining. Those accepting jobless benefits could be required to provide some hours of work free to organizations interested in utilizing their skills. This may lead to regular employment with these organizations.
I look forward to seeing your transform your plan into something that is clear, and measurable, by us ordinary Americans.
Sincerely,
Enver Masud
Founder and President
The Wisdom Fund
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Islam film Dutch MP to be charged
A Dutch court has ordered prosecutors to put a right-wing politician on trial for making anti-Islamic statements.
Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders made a controversial film last year equating Islam with violence and has likened the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf.
"In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to... draw a clear line," the court in Amsterdam said.
Mr Wilders said the judgement was an "attack on the freedom of expression".
Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders made a controversial film last year equating Islam with violence and has likened the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf.
"In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to... draw a clear line," the court in Amsterdam said.
Mr Wilders said the judgement was an "attack on the freedom of expression".
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Is Al Jazeera internet TV being blocked?
We had been watching Israel's attack on Gaza on Al Jazeera streamed over the Internet at http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/ until about last Friday.
For the past two days, all we've had is a black screen.
Is Israel, or the U.S., blocking Al Jazeera?
Recall that the U.S. has blocked websites in the past, and wanted to bomb Al Jazeera, to keep the truth from getting out.
Nevertheless, the numbers tell the story.
For the past two days, all we've had is a black screen.
Is Israel, or the U.S., blocking Al Jazeera?
Recall that the U.S. has blocked websites in the past, and wanted to bomb Al Jazeera, to keep the truth from getting out.
Nevertheless, the numbers tell the story.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Why bombing Ashkelon is the most tragic irony
Both Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres said back in the 1990s that they wished Gaza would just go away, drop into the sea, and you can see why. The existence of Gaza is a permanent reminder of those hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who lost their homes to Israel, who fled or were driven out through fear or Israeli ethnic cleansing 60 years ago, when tidal waves of refugees had washed over Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War and when a bunch of Arabs kicked out of their property didn't worry the world. . . .
Yet if more than 300 Israelis had been killed—against two dead Palestinians—be sure that the "numbers game" and the disproportionate violence would be all too relevant.
Yet if more than 300 Israelis had been killed—against two dead Palestinians—be sure that the "numbers game" and the disproportionate violence would be all too relevant.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Witnesses say the terrorists spoke fluent Marathi, not a Pakistani language
Witnesses in Cama hospital say the terrorists spoke fluent Marathi. Jihadis from Pakistan are unlikely to speak this language.
Afghanistan: Yet another war for empire
Right after the Soviet collapse, a core of imperial strategists - the neoconservatives or neocons - began arguing that the U.S. should lock in this unipolar world and prevent any rivals from emerging to challenge the U.S.
This was articulated in the Defense Department's 1992 "Defense Planning Guidance" - written by Paul Wolfowitz, Lewis Libby and Zalmay Khalilzad under the direction of then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney - all later top officials in the Bush II administration.
Getting Bin Laden was just the pretext.
This was articulated in the Defense Department's 1992 "Defense Planning Guidance" - written by Paul Wolfowitz, Lewis Libby and Zalmay Khalilzad under the direction of then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney - all later top officials in the Bush II administration.
Getting Bin Laden was just the pretext.
Israeli strikes on Gaza have as much to do with domestic policy as military deterrence
Last week, days after the ceasefire officially ended, 80 rockets were launched against Israel in just one day. . . . no Israeli was killed or injured . . .
Yesterday's strikes will have had as much to do with Israeli domestic policy as military deterrence. The country goes to the polls on February 10. Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister and the Kadima party candidate for prime minister, increasingly faced accusations of being soft on defence.
Yesterday's strikes will have had as much to do with Israeli domestic policy as military deterrence. The country goes to the polls on February 10. Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister and the Kadima party candidate for prime minister, increasingly faced accusations of being soft on defence.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Indian intelligence agent provided SIM card to Mumbai attacker
Calcutta police arrested Mukhtar Ahmed for procuring SIM cards for the group without knowing that he was an undercover operative.
He was on a long-term mission with police in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Senior intelligence sources say a "high-value asset" has been blown and his family put at risk.
Mukhtar Ahmed has told those questioning him that he was working for police intelligence in Indian-administered Kashmir.
His brief was to procure SIM cards for Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters and pass the numbers to police so that all calls from those numbers could be monitored by intelligence.
He was on a long-term mission with police in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Senior intelligence sources say a "high-value asset" has been blown and his family put at risk.
Mukhtar Ahmed has told those questioning him that he was working for police intelligence in Indian-administered Kashmir.
His brief was to procure SIM cards for Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters and pass the numbers to police so that all calls from those numbers could be monitored by intelligence.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mumbai Attacks: Why should we believe Kasab and Jadhav's stories?
Although Indians are not aware of it, in university circles in America it is a widespread opinion that 9/11 was an inside job carried out under the leadership of American and Israeli Zionists as a cover story for the conquest of Iraq and Afghanistan. The mainstream media is solidly under the control of the Jewish establishment, so those forums are closed to the discussion, but it freely takes place on the internet. These forces, whether global-financial-imperialist or zionist, are under the ultimate control of the same people, organised around a small cluster of Jewish financier families. They have completely taken over all Western societies, especially America and Britain.
These forces would like to break up Pakistan and then any other multi-ethnic large states in the region as a means to uncontested control of small states in the middle east and central asia for the next hundred years. Manmohan, a creature of the World Bank which they completely control, is their man. But so are the Hindutva fascists. The first faction, Manmohan and perhaps Sonia and company, is closer tied to financial circles, and the second, the Hindutvis, to Israel. It is very easy to control terrorists if you are a well-funded intelligence agency. It is easy to get people to pretend to be Islamist or whatever fanatics, and give them the money to control the actions of the demented folk who volunteer to be their followers. That seems to have been done in this very sophisticated operation. The Jewish involvement, and its subsequent media use, is one more suggestive clue. Against that background, here are some questions.
Why should we believe Kasab and Jadhav's stories? The entire account of Karkare's death comes down to these two characters. They should be narco-analysed. But who can we trust to do it? Are there any moe jewels like Karkare left in India's crown?
I don't trust what is left of the Maharashtra police, and I don't trust either Congress or the BJP. What was really discussed at the Narayanan - Advani meeting before the Mumbai incident? We know it was about the embarrassment caused by Karkare, but what else?
We were shown Kasab on TV, and it was said he was so badly wounded that he could only be allowed to confess for five minutes at a time. Quite a drama. Then the dean of the hospital came up with the statement that Kasab was not wounded at all. Now it is said that he is wounded in the palms of his hands. An unwounded Kasab would lead one to question his story. But if the story starts unraveling, the best way to bring in some credibility is to wound the man. I think the palms would be the best site to volunteer to take a hit.
Jadhav's story too is full of incredible claims. He too turns out to be cosmetically wounded. There are some questions we would like to ask you, sir.
I think it is sheer foolishness to tie our fortunes to a sinking West, instead of to our neighbours, Pakistan, Iran, China, Russia, Central Asia, and the whole Middle East. There we would count for something. Why are the Congress and the BJP drumming up a war with Pakistan? If we act as the agents of the West, we will end up like Saddam Husain.
—Prof Syed A R Zaidi
These forces would like to break up Pakistan and then any other multi-ethnic large states in the region as a means to uncontested control of small states in the middle east and central asia for the next hundred years. Manmohan, a creature of the World Bank which they completely control, is their man. But so are the Hindutva fascists. The first faction, Manmohan and perhaps Sonia and company, is closer tied to financial circles, and the second, the Hindutvis, to Israel. It is very easy to control terrorists if you are a well-funded intelligence agency. It is easy to get people to pretend to be Islamist or whatever fanatics, and give them the money to control the actions of the demented folk who volunteer to be their followers. That seems to have been done in this very sophisticated operation. The Jewish involvement, and its subsequent media use, is one more suggestive clue. Against that background, here are some questions.
Why should we believe Kasab and Jadhav's stories? The entire account of Karkare's death comes down to these two characters. They should be narco-analysed. But who can we trust to do it? Are there any moe jewels like Karkare left in India's crown?
I don't trust what is left of the Maharashtra police, and I don't trust either Congress or the BJP. What was really discussed at the Narayanan - Advani meeting before the Mumbai incident? We know it was about the embarrassment caused by Karkare, but what else?
We were shown Kasab on TV, and it was said he was so badly wounded that he could only be allowed to confess for five minutes at a time. Quite a drama. Then the dean of the hospital came up with the statement that Kasab was not wounded at all. Now it is said that he is wounded in the palms of his hands. An unwounded Kasab would lead one to question his story. But if the story starts unraveling, the best way to bring in some credibility is to wound the man. I think the palms would be the best site to volunteer to take a hit.
Jadhav's story too is full of incredible claims. He too turns out to be cosmetically wounded. There are some questions we would like to ask you, sir.
I think it is sheer foolishness to tie our fortunes to a sinking West, instead of to our neighbours, Pakistan, Iran, China, Russia, Central Asia, and the whole Middle East. There we would count for something. Why are the Congress and the BJP drumming up a war with Pakistan? If we act as the agents of the West, we will end up like Saddam Husain.
—Prof Syed A R Zaidi
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Total defeat for U.S. in Iraq
On November 27 the Iraqi parliament voted by a large majority in favor of a security agreement with the US under which the 150,000 American troops in Iraq will withdraw from cities, towns and villages by June 30, 2009 and from all of Iraq by December 31, 2011. The Iraqi government will take over military responsibility for the Green Zone in Baghdad, the heart of American power in Iraq, in a few weeks time. Private security companies will lose their legal immunity. US military operations and the arrest of Iraqis will only be carried out with Iraqi consent. There will be no US military bases left behind when the last US troops leave in three years time and the US military is banned in the interim from carrying out attacks on other countries from Iraq.
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed after eight months of rancorous negotiations, is categorical and unconditional. . . .
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed after eight months of rancorous negotiations, is categorical and unconditional. . . .
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Who are the beneficieries of Mumbai terror? Hindu fascist organizations and its parent 'BJP'!
1. Unlike other terrorists, Terrorists in Mumbay has not demanded anything? They don't demand release of their co-prisoners nor demanded money... why?? what was their target then?
2. Unlike other islamic Jehadis with beard and turbans, why Mumbai terrorists came with strange look - they wore jeans and T-shirts; clean-shaved and no turbans nor any sign of muslims terrorists we normally watch on media?
3. And the Terrorists attackers did nothing specifically for western, even Israelis, it was sure if they were Jehadists!
4 Beer driking terrorists; Jehadi terrorists and non-alcoholic, however Mumbai Terrorists goes to the cafe and drinks beer before they start firing??
5. Mumbai terrorists (as shown by media) had close similarities with RSS cadres: Mumbai terrorist wearing an yellow band on his right hand as RSS cadres wears normally (see pictures).
6. Mumbai terrorists immediately find their targets by killing ATS leaders [Hemant Karakare, CP Ashok Kamthe & Vijay Salskar) in early hours of their terror? How they so specific the clearly chose ATS leaders? And the terrorist immediately ran away, why? & who was that terrorist?
7. Only one terrorists is caught lively (?), all others killed as in every encounter in recent past?
8. Mumbai terrorits are very clear about their targets, they are well experienced their hide abouts in Taj and other places?
9. Prime Minister, Sonia & LK Advani visits Mumbai, but no clues or no claims about ISI or Pakistan.. However No1 terrorist, Gujarat CM Modi hurry-up to Mumbai and declares that Pakistan is behind the attack without any doubt! [because he is the one who hired them]
Note: no other CMs goes to Mumbai.. And he offers rewards to every military men killed of 1 crore unlike PM and LK Advani? Even he offers aid to MahaRastra!
10. Media was widely reporting that there were IDs of terrorists recovered which shows Malaysian and Mauritious IDs however such references disappeared once Terrorist leader Modi's arrival!
11 The timing of Mumbay terror is well planned, just before state elections!
12. We are told that they came from Pakistan by sea? Indian military in boards sea were sleeping?? We told they came by speed boats? Yes, but not from Pakistan but from Gujarat!
13. It took contineous 60 hours to stop the terrorism! and most of terrorists killed!!
2. Unlike other islamic Jehadis with beard and turbans, why Mumbai terrorists came with strange look - they wore jeans and T-shirts; clean-shaved and no turbans nor any sign of muslims terrorists we normally watch on media?
3. And the Terrorists attackers did nothing specifically for western, even Israelis, it was sure if they were Jehadists!
4 Beer driking terrorists; Jehadi terrorists and non-alcoholic, however Mumbai Terrorists goes to the cafe and drinks beer before they start firing??
5. Mumbai terrorists (as shown by media) had close similarities with RSS cadres: Mumbai terrorist wearing an yellow band on his right hand as RSS cadres wears normally (see pictures).
6. Mumbai terrorists immediately find their targets by killing ATS leaders [Hemant Karakare, CP Ashok Kamthe & Vijay Salskar) in early hours of their terror? How they so specific the clearly chose ATS leaders? And the terrorist immediately ran away, why? & who was that terrorist?
7. Only one terrorists is caught lively (?), all others killed as in every encounter in recent past?
8. Mumbai terrorits are very clear about their targets, they are well experienced their hide abouts in Taj and other places?
9. Prime Minister, Sonia & LK Advani visits Mumbai, but no clues or no claims about ISI or Pakistan.. However No1 terrorist, Gujarat CM Modi hurry-up to Mumbai and declares that Pakistan is behind the attack without any doubt! [because he is the one who hired them]
Note: no other CMs goes to Mumbai.. And he offers rewards to every military men killed of 1 crore unlike PM and LK Advani? Even he offers aid to MahaRastra!
10. Media was widely reporting that there were IDs of terrorists recovered which shows Malaysian and Mauritious IDs however such references disappeared once Terrorist leader Modi's arrival!
11 The timing of Mumbay terror is well planned, just before state elections!
12. We are told that they came from Pakistan by sea? Indian military in boards sea were sleeping?? We told they came by speed boats? Yes, but not from Pakistan but from Gujarat!
13. It took contineous 60 hours to stop the terrorism! and most of terrorists killed!!
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