Clipmarks | Middle east Clips

America Must Plumb Olmert's 'Depths of Reality'

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:37:12 GMT

Israel did not fight in the first Gulf War, neither did its soldiers die in Afghanistan or Iraq—a war its cooked intelligence helped to bring about. This year our “strongest ally” pushed the Bush administration to the brink of war with Iran—a war whose catastrophic reverberations would have been on a par with the current global economic meltdown.

Israel’s regional aggression and its repressive—often brutal— domestic policies regarding the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank inflames its Arab neighbors and cinches tight the explosive vest to the chests of Arab youths.

Predictably, the United States’ irrational and unconditional support of Israel makes it equally culpable and equally target-worthy in the eyes of Arabs and Persians in the Middle East and Muslims worldwide. An ally that causes more insecurity than succor can hardly be considered the strongest ally in the world—unless that ally is also the only way to the White House.

Huge Weapons Cache Found West Of Baghdad

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:53:37 GMT

clipped by: merrie
clipper's remarks: The pic looks like a bunch of .50 barrels. BFD…

comment by thebronze

“The cache included 269 122 mm rocket rounds and 200,000 heavy machine-gun rounds.”

“The cache included 269 122 mm rocket rounds.”

Those rockets would be great IEDs. Or if they have a launcher they could use them against other areas.

I take heavy machine gun rounds to mean at least .50.

It is something of a big deal.

comment by Hard Right

Clip Source: www.floppingaces.net

American soldiers operating west of Baghdad have uncovered a large weapons cache that could be tied to a recent rise in the number of booby-trapped houses in the area, officials said Thursday.

The troops, from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, seized the weapons near Thamir Village, near Abu Ghraib, on Thursday. The cache included 269 122 mm rocket rounds and 200,000 heavy machine-gun rounds.

Officials with the unit said the rockets have a longer range than most rockets used by insurgents and could also be part of a “rising” threat of booby-trapped houses.

“Because of the size and condition of this cache, this will significantly degrade the enemy’s ability to conduct attacks against the Iraqi Security Forces, the local populace and Coalition Forces,” Lt. Col. Glen Blumhardt, executive officer of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said in a news release.

Tags: fanatical islam, middle east, military, post-invastion, the iraqi war, true heroes, war on terror

Inside Account of U.S. Eavesdropping on Americans

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:49:17 GMT

clipped by: Jorjor
clipper's remarks: Listening in on phone sex.

Clip Source: abcnews.go.com

Despite pledges by President George W. Bush and American intelligence officials to the contrary, hundreds of US citizens overseas have been eavesdropped on as they called friends and family back home, according to two former military intercept operators who worked at the giant National Security Agency (NSA) center in Fort Gordon, Georgia.

"These were just really everyday, average, ordinary Americans who happened to be in the Middle East, in our area of intercept and happened to be making these phone calls on satellite phones," said Adrienne Kinne, a 31-year old US Army Reserves Arab linguist assigned to a special military program at the NSA's Back Hall at Fort Gordon from November 2001 to 2003.

Kinne described the contents of the calls as "personal, private things with Americans who are not in any way, shape or form associated with anything to do with terrorism."

Calling home to the United States, talking to their spouses, sometimes their girlfriends

Tags: politics, bush, eavesdropping, spying

Petraeus Talk Bolsters Obama

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:58:31 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks: Cont....

Petraeus also came out unambiguously in his talk at Heritage for opening communications with America’s adversaries, a position McCain is attacking Obama for endorsing. Citing his Iraq experience, Petraeus said, “You have to talk to enemies.” He added that it was necessary to have a particular goal for discussion and to perform advance work to understand the motivations of his interlocutors.

Yet Petraeus emphasized throughout his lecture that reaching out to insurgent groups — some “with our blood on their hands,” he said — was necessary to the ultimate goal of turning them against irreconcilable enemies like Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Clip Source: washingtonindependent.com

Throughout Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, the Republican nominee has wrapped himself in the mantle of U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, proclaiming himself the leading advocate of the former commanding general in Iraq who devised last year’s controversial troop surge. Yet during a talk Wednesday about Iraq at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington policy organization, Petraeus repeatedly made statements that bolstered the foreign-policy proposals of Sen. Barack Obama, McCain’s Democratic rival, or cut against McCain’s own lines.

Petraeus relinquished command in Iraq last month. He assumes responsibility for U.S. Central Command later this month, putting him in charge of U.S. forces in the Middle East and South Asia.

Petraeus pointed to efforts by Hamid Karzai’s government to negotiate a deal with the Taliban that would potentially bring some Taliban members back to power, saying that if they are “willing to reconcile,” it would be “a positive step.”

Tags: patreaus, mccain, obama, afghanistan, iraq

LIHOP: Let It Happen On Purpose

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:07:13 GMT

clipped by: katsteevns
clipper's remarks: (cont.)In effect, taking the hit on 9-11-2001 -- or more accurately, having several thousand innocent people take the hit -- would then allow a fanatical response, which would be politically acceptable to the American public. Thus the initiation of what might best be described as Bush Wars -- a variation of a theme of Oil Wars.

An extremely credible and interesting article in this regard is by a member of the British Parliament, entitled The War on Terrorism is Bogus. This article has the advantage of basing its argument on what has been learned over the last two years -- but almost never publicized in the mainstream Media. In essence, it explains that the evidence is extremely convincing that the high level neo-conservatives in the US government were aware of the impending strike and took great pains to ensure that it was successfully accomplished. The latter includes making sure every member of the government was immediately unavailable to deal with the crisis as it unfolded o

Clip Source: www.halexandria.org

LIHOP

The basic idea is that LIHOP stands for "Let It Happen On Purpose". In essence, we're dealing here with a theory that suggests the United States federal government -- and very importantly, high level members of the Bush Administration in particular -- were sufficiently forewarned about the 9-11-2001 attacks that these attacks could have been prevented. Furthermore these forewarnings were intentionally ignored, and allowed to happen, in order to have an attack on the order of Pearl Harbor. According to the theory, such an attack could be used to carry out a neo-conservative, covert agenda of invading various countries in the Middle East. By occupying and controlling several countries in the Middle East -- Afghanistan and Iraq spring to mind -- the United States and Britain would then have access and control over the oil fields in these countries.

Dubai builds the world's tallest tower (again)

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:10:01 GMT

clipped by: petercasier
clipper's remarks: Over one kilometer tall. Would you want to live on the top floor?

Clip Source: www.theroadtothehorizon.org

Currently, the world's tallest structure is the soon to be finished the Burj Dubai, which is rumoured to stand at 818 meters. Today, Dubai revealed its successor, the Nakheel Tower, to be "over one kilometre" high and have more than 200 floors.

Tags: dubai, emirates, uae, building, tallest tower, records, world records, middle east

"24" Producer pulls endorsement of "Obsession"

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:24:36 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: Remains committed to basic message, but believes "goal of co-existence and tolerance is not being served by films like Obsession"

Clip Source: thinkprogress.org

‘24′ Producer Pulls Endorsement Of Anti-Muslim DVD ‘Obsession’»

A pro-Israel think tank, the Endowment for Middle East Truth, has already pulled out of the project. Now, Howard Gordon, the executive producer of the Fox show “24″ has announced that he is also withdrawing his endorsement of the film:

After being contacted by a number of people whose opinions I respect and after reviewing Obsession with their criticisms and concerns in mind, I have asked the film makers to remove my endorsement from the Obsession website and from any future promotional materials. While I remain committed to the film’s essential message — that the hate-mongering promoted by radical Islamism presents a real threat to western values of tolerance and pluralism — I also appreciate that the goal of co-existence and tolerance is not being served by films like Obsession.

Tags: obsession, islam

Make-Believe Maverick--McCain's true nature

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:49:23 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: EXCELLENT article Highly recommend if you are wavering or undecided...Dramesi continued:
"McCain says his life changed while he was in Vietnam, and he is now a different man," Dramesi says today. "But he's still the undisciplined, spoiled brat that he was when he went in."

Clip Source: www.rollingstone.com

A closer look at the life and career of John McCain reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty

• VIDEO: Five Myths About John McCain
• The Double-Talk Express
• Mad Dog Palin: The Full Story

On the grounds between the two brick colleges, the chitchat between the scion of four-star admirals and the son of a prizefighter turns to their academic travels; both colleges sponsor a trip abroad for young officers to network with military and political leaders in a distant corner of the globe.

"I'm going to the Middle East," Dramesi says. "Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran."

"Why are you going to the Middle East?" McCain asks, dismissively.

"It's a place we're probably going to have some problems," Dramesi says.

"Why? Where are you going to, John?"

"Oh, I'm going to Rio."

"What the hell are you going to Rio for?"

McCain, a married father of three, shrugs.

"I got a better chance of getting laid."

Israel and the War in Iraq

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:44:07 GMT

clipped by: ChicagoLynn
clipper's remarks: Exceptional post - good for understanding Christians' views on Israel in the political forum.

Clip Source: obamacan.wordpress.com

Israel’s Allies in America

For the past 100 years, there has been a move among the superpowers of the world to create, then support, and to some extent, even sustain a nation-state for the Jewish people in the region of the fertile crescent. In America, this movement was first led by Woodrow Wilson, yet over time, it’s banner has been passed to what is now the “Neo-conservative” movement.

Yet, it would be logical, fair and sound for the media to challenge and raise doubt about the Christian Right on the moral inconsistency and, really, hypocrisy, of preaching about a culture of life while advocating war in Iraq, and remaining shamefully quiet about the genocide in Darfur. Who are these people who would propound such ill teachings? Call them out – name their names – show what they are doing for what it is – misleading their own flock, and perpetrating unending violence in the Middle East.

Tags: israel, christians, second coming, neoconservatives, progressives, balfour declaration, evagelical, dispensationalist, charismatic, biblical

Saudi Cleric Favours One-Eye Veil

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:18:51 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: Two eyes are too seductive? Ah, com'on! Why not just ban women outright? Problem solved! Tss!!

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Saudi cleric favours one-eye veil

A Muslim cleric in Saudi Arabia has called on women to wear a full veil, or niqab, that reveals only one eye.

The two-eyed look remains too seductive for Sheikh Habadan

Sheikh Muhammad al-Habadan said showing both eyes encouraged women to use eye make-up to look seductive.

The question of how much of her face a woman should cover is a controversial topic in many Muslim societies.

The niqab is more common in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, but women in much of the Muslim Middle East wear a headscarf which covers only their hair.

Sheikh Habadan, an ultra-conservative cleric who is said to have wide influence among religious Saudis, was answering questions on the Muslim satellite channel al-Majd.

Tags: small wiener syndrome

One Eye Only - Saudi Cleric Calls Eye Exposure Immodest

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:34:18 GMT

clipped by: ColoradoRight

Clip Source: patdollard.com

A Muslim cleric in Saudi Arabia has called on women to wear a full veil, or niqab, that reveals only one eye.

Sheikh Muhammad al-Habadan said showing both eyes encouraged women to use eye make-up to look seductive.

The niqab is more common in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, but women in much of the Muslim Middle East wear a headscarf which covers only their hair.

Sheikh Habadan, an ultra-conservative cleric who is said to have wide influence among religious Saudis, was answering questions on the Muslim satellite channel al-Majd.

Tags: muslim, woman, saudi arabia

Say It Ain't So Pat

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:32:24 GMT

clipped by: AtlLiberal
clipper's remarks: Pat Robertson, that Nostradamus of the 21st century, has done it again. Although his previous predictions haven't fared all that well there's always a first time. And if his prognostications fail to materialize, there's always the "God works in mysterious ways" get out of jail free card.

In conclusion, I'd like to offer my own Elixir of Health and Life Extender. Just send $4.98 to ...

Clip Source: blog.au.org

Pat’s Problematic Prophecies: Robertson Sees Nuclear War On The Horizon

According to The Virginian-Pilot, the controversial TV preacher is predicting an imminent war in the Middle East that may result in nuclear attacks on coastal cities in the United States.

“In a letter on his Web site, www.patrobertson.com, Robertson said his opinion was that Israel would bomb Iranian nuclear sites between Nov. 4 and the inauguration of the United States’ new president,” the newspaper reported. “Robertson tied his warning to biblical prophesy.”

Russia, Robertson said, will jump into the war, and things will quickly get very out of hand.

“It all will conclude,” he added, “when God has rained fire on the islands of the sea and on the invading force coming against Israel.”

“We have between 75 and 120 days before the Middle East starts spinning out of control,” Robertson wrote. “If there was ever a time for fervent prayer, it is now.”

Deteriorating economy forces changes in Paetec tower

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:51:29 GMT

clipped by: johnlam

Clip Source: democratandchronicle.com

Preliminary plans unveiled Friday show a 350,000-square-foot building that will be nine or 10 stories tall rather than the 37-story building Chief Executive Arunas A. Chesonis had described four months ago. But Chesonis stressed that the PAETEC portion of the building, with room to expand the company, remains the same size. About 150,000 square feet of leasable space was cut out.

PAETEC's headquarters would be nine or 10 stories tall and located on South Clinton Avenue, about in the middle of the block currently occupied by Midtown Plaza. Whether the building will extend all the way to Clinton and East Main Street hasn't been determined yet.

The building would be big enough for PAETEC's 850 employees currently scattered in four buildings, as well as provide space to grow to a work force of 1,500.

PAETEC would probably lease the building back from Rhode Island developer Gilbane Inc., which helped develop the design concept.

Cost is estimated at $100 million.

Tags: architecture, land use, downtown, rochester, planning, urban, recession, paetec, real estate

The World According to Palin-McCain

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:53:20 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks: Explains a lot.

Clip Source: patriotboy.blogspot.com

Sarah Clark

National Geographic

Dear Ms Clark,

I've always suspected that National Geographic was a liberal publication. My suspicions were confirmed today when I saw your map of the Middle East. Venezuela is nowhere to be found. Obviously, you put up new maps to embarrass John McCain after he called out Venezuela as a Middle Eastern country.

I also noticed that your maps showing the shape and location of Pakistan, Alaska, Russia, and Spain do not match the descriptions given by Sen. McCain and Sarah Palin.

I'm enclosing new maps that conform to Palin-McCain specifications. Please use them.

Heterosexually yours in a chaste and biblically appropriate kind of way,

Gen. JC Christian, patriot

Tags: maps, redrawn, exploits, threat, fear, mongering, politics, gop, palin, mcsame

Lebanon - Switzerland of the Middle East

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:29:33 GMT

clipped by: Kelika

Clip Source: www.darkroastedblend.com

Outside of wars and politics: Lebanon's natural beauty is second to none

"Switzerland" comparison does not exactly come to mind when you consider how war-torn and miserable this nation has been in the recent years. But cast a longer look around you while visiting this incredible spot in the Middle East - and the ancient, spectacular beauty of the place will start to haunt you, bless you, and lift you above political agendas and human strife.

Those who still remember times of peace before the Civil War (1975-1990) would say that comparison with Switzerland is not so far fetched. Many banks made home there and the cultural diversity and color was simply astounding. Combine it with natural grandeur, and there you have it - something to be treasured in the heart of anyone who experienced it.

In this article we only going to show the nature side, but trust us - the cuisine and intense culture of the region is still vibrant and unforgettable today.

Tags: photos