The Bush administration has begun expanding the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to create a combined strength of around 750,000 active duty troops -- a process backed by McCain's Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
But McCain believes an Army and Marine Corps with a combined strength of up to 900,000 troops is necessary, . . .
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Military action 'would destabilise Iraq'
Iraq will be plunged into a new war if Israel or the US launches an attack on Iran, Iraqi leaders have warned. Iranian retaliation would take place in Iraq, said Dr Mahmoud Othman, the influential Iraqi MP.
The Iraqi government's main allies are the US and Iran, whose governments openly detest each other. The Iraqi government may be militarily dependent on the 140,000 US troops in the country, but its Shia and Kurdish leaders have long been allied to Iran. Iraqi leaders have to continually perform a balancing act in which they seek to avoid alienating either country.
The Iraqi government's main allies are the US and Iran, whose governments openly detest each other. The Iraqi government may be militarily dependent on the 140,000 US troops in the country, but its Shia and Kurdish leaders have long been allied to Iran. Iraqi leaders have to continually perform a balancing act in which they seek to avoid alienating either country.
Shiite clergy want referendum over US troop presence
Iraq's Shiite leadership indicated Friday that it will press the Baghdad government to hold a national referendum on the issue of a further stationing of US forces in the country.
Imam Sadreddin al Kabandji said at the Friday prayers in the Shiite holy city of Najaf: 'The Iraqi nation regards with concern the Iraqi-American treaty whose contents are not exactly known.'
Imam Sadreddin al Kabandji said at the Friday prayers in the Shiite holy city of Najaf: 'The Iraqi nation regards with concern the Iraqi-American treaty whose contents are not exactly known.'
Iraqi Shiites denounce security pact with US
Large crowds of Shiites on Friday denounced the security pact Baghdad is negotiating with Washington for a long-term US military presence in violence-wracked Iraq.
In Baghdad's Sadr City, the bastion of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, Shiite men, women and children shouted anti-American slogans as they demonstrated against the security deal after the weekly Friday prayers.
In Baghdad's Sadr City, the bastion of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, Shiite men, women and children shouted anti-American slogans as they demonstrated against the security deal after the weekly Friday prayers.
Friday, July 4, 2008
French-Colombian Ingrid Betancourt rescued
The Colombian government has released video footage of the daring raid that freed 15 rebel-held hostages, including politician Ingrid Betancourt. . . .
Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos denied reports that $20m had been paid to some Farc members to assist the operation. . . .
He also denied reports that Israeli and US agents had been involved in the operation, saying it had been "100% Colombian". . . .
Ms Betancourt was campaigning for the presidency against current incumbent Alvaro Uribe when she was kidnapped by Farc guerrillas six years ago.
After her release she thanked Mr Uribe and said she still aspired "to serve Colombia as president".
Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos denied reports that $20m had been paid to some Farc members to assist the operation. . . .
He also denied reports that Israeli and US agents had been involved in the operation, saying it had been "100% Colombian". . . .
Ms Betancourt was campaigning for the presidency against current incumbent Alvaro Uribe when she was kidnapped by Farc guerrillas six years ago.
After her release she thanked Mr Uribe and said she still aspired "to serve Colombia as president".
Obama pledges to expand aid to religious charities
Barack Obama pledged Tuesday to expand a controversial White House program that funnels federal money to religious charities, embracing a core piece of President Bush's legacy as he tries to win over Republican-leaning evangelical voters.
The presumed Democratic presidential nominee said he would make it easier for churches and small community groups to win grants and would spend $500 million to help schools and churches run summer reading programs.
The presumed Democratic presidential nominee said he would make it easier for churches and small community groups to win grants and would spend $500 million to help schools and churches run summer reading programs.
Deoband first: A fatwa against terror
Saturday’s fatwa, signed by Darul-Uloom’s grand mufti Habibur Rehman, asserts that "Islam rejects all kinds of unjust violence, breach of peace, bloodshed, murder and plunder and does not allow it in any form".
Citing the "sinister campaign" to malign "Islamic faith...by linking terrorism with Islam and distorting the meanings of Quranic Verses and Prophet traditions", Mahmood Asad Madani, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, had wanted Deoband to spell out the stand of Islam on world peace.
Citing the "sinister campaign" to malign "Islamic faith...by linking terrorism with Islam and distorting the meanings of Quranic Verses and Prophet traditions", Mahmood Asad Madani, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, had wanted Deoband to spell out the stand of Islam on world peace.
U.S. admiral: Iran strike on Israel 'likely'
A FALSE FLAG OPERATION BY ISRAEL AND THE U.S.?
Iran is likely to launch ballistic missiles against Israel and the United States and the NATO alliance should prepare for it, was the warning issued earlier this week by Admiral James Winnefeld, commander of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. In recent years, the missile boats of the Sixth Fleet practiced intercepting Shahab-3 missiles from Iran aimed at Israel, along with the Arrow batteries of the air force and U.S. and Israeli batteries of Patriot missiles.
Iran is likely to launch ballistic missiles against Israel and the United States and the NATO alliance should prepare for it, was the warning issued earlier this week by Admiral James Winnefeld, commander of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. In recent years, the missile boats of the Sixth Fleet practiced intercepting Shahab-3 missiles from Iran aimed at Israel, along with the Arrow batteries of the air force and U.S. and Israeli batteries of Patriot missiles.
Sharia law SHOULD be used in Britain, says UK's top judge
The most senior judge in England yesterday gave his blessing to the use of sharia law to resolve disputes among Muslims.
Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips said that Islamic legal principles could be employed to deal with family and marital arguments and to regulate finance.
He declared: 'Those entering into a contractual agreement can agree that the agreement shall be governed by a law other than English law.'
In his speech at an East London mosque, Lord Phillips signalled approval of sharia principles as long as punishments — and divorce rulings — complied with the law of the land.
Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips said that Islamic legal principles could be employed to deal with family and marital arguments and to regulate finance.
He declared: 'Those entering into a contractual agreement can agree that the agreement shall be governed by a law other than English law.'
In his speech at an East London mosque, Lord Phillips signalled approval of sharia principles as long as punishments — and divorce rulings — complied with the law of the land.
Direct China-Taiwan flights begin
The first regular, direct flight from mainland China to Taiwan for nearly 60 years has landed at Taipei's airport.
China's top official on Taiwan affairs said the flight was "a new start" in exchanges between Taipei and Beijing.
The two sides have been ruled by separate governments since 1949, forcing travellers to fly via a third destination.
China's top official on Taiwan affairs said the flight was "a new start" in exchanges between Taipei and Beijing.
The two sides have been ruled by separate governments since 1949, forcing travellers to fly via a third destination.
Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis
Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian.
The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an internationally-respected economist at global financial body.
The figure emphatically contradicts the US government's claims that plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3% to food-price rises.
The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an internationally-respected economist at global financial body.
The figure emphatically contradicts the US government's claims that plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3% to food-price rises.
Rise of Awakening groups sets off a struggle for power among Sunnis
It is an outgrowth of the Awakening Councils — launched by tribal leaders and backed by the United States — that have fought extremists and become a key to stability in many areas.
Awakening leaders are planning to compete as a political force in provincial elections scheduled for the fall, when Iraqis will choose governing councils in Iraq's 18 provinces. The leaders likely will challenge established Sunni groups, including the Iraqi Islamic Party, the largest Sunni political party, which is led by non-tribal Sunnis who mainly lived in exile during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
Awakening leaders are planning to compete as a political force in provincial elections scheduled for the fall, when Iraqis will choose governing councils in Iraq's 18 provinces. The leaders likely will challenge established Sunni groups, including the Iraqi Islamic Party, the largest Sunni political party, which is led by non-tribal Sunnis who mainly lived in exile during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
Admiral Mike Mullen warns the West over military strike against Iran
There are two ways of interpreting this week's warning by America's top military officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, that opening a new front in the Middle East by launching air strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities would be "extremely stressful".
Either the United States, with the help of its favoured Middle Eastern proxy, Israel, is already preparing to take out Iran's main nuclear facilities, and is simply preparing public opinion for the likely consequences of such action.
Or America's top brass, who already have their work cut out prosecuting two major military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, are trying to pre-empt any thoughts President George W. Bush, the nation's commander-in-chief, might have about ordering his armed forces into action against the mullahs.
Either the United States, with the help of its favoured Middle Eastern proxy, Israel, is already preparing to take out Iran's main nuclear facilities, and is simply preparing public opinion for the likely consequences of such action.
Or America's top brass, who already have their work cut out prosecuting two major military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, are trying to pre-empt any thoughts President George W. Bush, the nation's commander-in-chief, might have about ordering his armed forces into action against the mullahs.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Indian PM moves to seal nuclear accord with the U.S.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made a very calculated political — and potentially dangerous — move to seal the much-delayed civilian nuclear accord with the United States. The deal, though, is only one piece on the chessboard of India's global ambitions that includes the key players of Pakistan, Iran and the United States. But it's the weather that could decide Manmohan's and the chess game's fate.
Committee questions State Dept. role in Iraq oil deal
Bush administration officials knew that a Texas oil company with close ties to President Bush was planning to sign an oil deal with the regional Kurdistan government that ran counter to American policy and undercut Iraq’s central government, a Congressional committee has concluded.
Congress's 'virtual Iran war resolution'
H.J. Res 362 [listed as H. Con. Res 362 online] is a virtual war resolution. . . .
"This demands that the President impose stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains and cargo entering or departing Iran, and prohibiting the international movement of all Iranian officials."
This is unbelievable! This is closing down Iran. Where do we have this authority? Where do we get the moral authority? Where do we get the international legality for this? Where do we get the Constitutional authority for this? This is what we did for ten years before we went into Iraq.
"This demands that the President impose stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains and cargo entering or departing Iran, and prohibiting the international movement of all Iranian officials."
This is unbelievable! This is closing down Iran. Where do we have this authority? Where do we get the moral authority? Where do we get the international legality for this? Where do we get the Constitutional authority for this? This is what we did for ten years before we went into Iraq.
CIA given green light to bomb Osama bin Laden
he CIA has been given the green light by Pakistan to attack Osama bin Laden with unmanned aircraft armed with ground attack missiles if they can find the terror godfather, it has been revealed.
Iraq hints at delay in U.S. security deal
Declaring that there will not be “another colonization of Iraq,” Iraq’s foreign minister raised the possibility on Wednesday that a full security agreement with the United States might not be reached this year, and that if one was, it would be a short-term pact.
American officials, speaking anonymously because of the delicate state of negotiations, said they were no longer optimistic that a complete security agreement could be reached by the year’s end.
American officials, speaking anonymously because of the delicate state of negotiations, said they were no longer optimistic that a complete security agreement could be reached by the year’s end.
Official says Iran accepts P5+1 talks proposal
A senior Iranian official reportedly told members of the Iranian parliament Monday that Iran has agreed to freeze its enrichment program for six weeks and begin negotiations with the P5+1 group of states as early as next week, according to reports of that decision by the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) and by a Farsi-language website in Iran. . . .
The P5+1 consists of the permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia — and Germany.
The P5+1 consists of the permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia — and Germany.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Firefight: A gripping account of the courage and humanity of firefighters at the Pentagon on 9/11, marred by flawed account of Flight 77
A book review by Enver Masud
"Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11" is about the courage and humanity of firefighters called to duty at the Pentagon on 9/11, and it does an admirable job of chronicling that. However, Creed and Newman seem unaware of the vast amount of research that contradicts theirs, and the government’s, version of what struck the Pentagon on 9/11. A simple Google search of “what really happened at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001” would have given them rich material for their book.
For example the authors write: "The airplane's tail, 45 feet tall, was still attached to the plane as it plowed into the Pentagon." This is contradicted by several photographs that show that the hole in the Pentagon wall, prior to the collapse of the roof, was far too small to accommodate a Boeing 757.
They write that the Boeing 757 was blown into tiny pieces so that no fuselage, wings, or tail section remained identifiable, while, miraculously, the body of the hijacker remained. How was the hijacker identfied? Where did they get his DNA? Creed and Newman provide no answer. Moreover, there are no Arab names on the only passenger lists available to the public.
Creed and Newman choose the testimony of witnesses who support their version of events, and omit the testimony of those who contradict them, such as CNN’s senior correspondent Jamie McIntyre on September 11, 2001, and Arlington County fire chief Ed Plaugher at the official Pentagon briefing on September 12, 2001.
Creed and Newman write: "FBI photographer Jennifer Combs (formerly Jennifer Farmer) went far out of her way to pull hundreds of photographs from archives and narrate all of them".
How did the authors get access to these photographs, when others have Freedom of Information Act requests pending for these photographs and Pentagon videos? Did they get special privileges because they support the government’s version of events?
To this day, Bin Laden is not wanted for 9/11 at the FBI's Most Wanted, and the only evidence offered by the government to substantiate their claim of Flight 77 having struck the Pentagon is a fuzzy video that proves nothing — indeed the flight recorder data released by the government shows that a plane flew about 400 feet above the Pentagon.
"Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11" is about the courage and humanity of firefighters called to duty at the Pentagon on 9/11, and it does an admirable job of chronicling that. However, Creed and Newman seem unaware of the vast amount of research that contradicts theirs, and the government’s, version of what struck the Pentagon on 9/11. A simple Google search of “what really happened at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001” would have given them rich material for their book.
For example the authors write: "The airplane's tail, 45 feet tall, was still attached to the plane as it plowed into the Pentagon." This is contradicted by several photographs that show that the hole in the Pentagon wall, prior to the collapse of the roof, was far too small to accommodate a Boeing 757.
They write that the Boeing 757 was blown into tiny pieces so that no fuselage, wings, or tail section remained identifiable, while, miraculously, the body of the hijacker remained. How was the hijacker identfied? Where did they get his DNA? Creed and Newman provide no answer. Moreover, there are no Arab names on the only passenger lists available to the public.
Creed and Newman choose the testimony of witnesses who support their version of events, and omit the testimony of those who contradict them, such as CNN’s senior correspondent Jamie McIntyre on September 11, 2001, and Arlington County fire chief Ed Plaugher at the official Pentagon briefing on September 12, 2001.
Creed and Newman write: "FBI photographer Jennifer Combs (formerly Jennifer Farmer) went far out of her way to pull hundreds of photographs from archives and narrate all of them".
How did the authors get access to these photographs, when others have Freedom of Information Act requests pending for these photographs and Pentagon videos? Did they get special privileges because they support the government’s version of events?
To this day, Bin Laden is not wanted for 9/11 at the FBI's Most Wanted, and the only evidence offered by the government to substantiate their claim of Flight 77 having struck the Pentagon is a fuzzy video that proves nothing — indeed the flight recorder data released by the government shows that a plane flew about 400 feet above the Pentagon.
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