Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Headlines for 09-09-08

A Stand For Justice

Report: US-NATO Airstrikes Bring Higher Afghan Civilian Toll Ramped-up U.S. and NATO airstrikes in Afghanistan are causing an increased civilian death toll, raising concerns about the fallout from civilian deaths on the war effort against the Taliban insurgency, according to a major new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released here Monday.


Russia Presses for Georgia Arms Embargo


Lawsuit to Ask That Cheney's Papers Be Made Public Months before the Bush administration ends, historians and open-government advocates are concerned that Vice President Cheney, who has long bristled at requirements to disclose his records, will destroy or withhold key documents that illustrate his role in forming U.S. policy for the past 7 1/2 years.


South Ossetia says finds 500 of 1,600 civilian dead "Preliminary information received by the investigation team by questioning neighbors and relatives showed that over 1,600 people died in South Ossetia as a result of the invasion by the Georgian army," Georgia is the nation to which we will soon send 1 billion dollars in aid money and the Israelis and our government are/were helping to arm and train the Georgian army.


Bush reshuffles war zone troops US President George W Bush has announced that about 8,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by February - with 4,500 being sent to Afghanistan


U.S. plans $7 billion missile-defense sale to UAE The Bush administration is planning to sell the United Arab Emirates an advanced U.S. missile defense system valued at up to $7 billion that could be used to defend against Iran, people who have attended briefings on the matter said on Monday.



Israel 'could kidnap Ahmadinejad' "A man like Ahmadinejad who threatens genocide has to be brought for trial in The Hague," seat of the international war crimes tribunal, Eitan said today. "And all options are open in terms of how he should be brought." See the write up on about the alleged threats to Israel Iran's president made.


Oil falls as Opec ministers meet Brent crude has fallen below $100 a barrel for the first time since April, as traders predict Opec will stick to current output levels.


Pentagon set on mission to rebuild Georgian military What the hell for? Try rebuilding AMERICA instead.


Saakashvili warns of more territorial conflicts involving Russia Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose country had a brief war with Russia last month, warned Sunday that Moscow could trigger more armed conflicts in the former Soviet territories.


Iran demands U.N. response to Israeli "threats"


Al Qaeda chief says Iran and US collaborating: report Al Qaeda number two Ayman al-Zawahiri has launched a vitriolic attack on Iran, using a video message broadcast by Al-Jazeera to accuse it of collaborating with Washington in Afghanistan and Iraq.


Israel attack on Lebanon depends on Iran, Syria: Hezbollah Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said any Israeli attack on Lebanon depended on the Iranian nuclear issue and the Israel-Syria talks, in an interview with Iran's state-run television on Monday.


Report: '60 Minutes' Cut Ahmadinejad's Statement, 'Solution Is Democracy' in Israel/Palestine


Ron Paul: US And Israel To Attack Iran... Ron Paul took the floor of Congress to tell it like it is. Why are oil prices so high? Many reasons but among them is the war talk coming from Bush and the Israeli government. Next week, Iran starts settling oil contracts in Euros instead of dollars. Right on. Must watch.


Jews to rally against Ahmadinejad "We're not going to be silent when someone threatens to destroy the United States and Israel," Hoenlein said. Oh I see. So now Iran has threatened to destroy Israel AND America? The tales grow taller on down the line.


Hizbullah chief warns against Gaza strike


Vying for Jewish votes, parties target VP picks Most recently, Biden and Obama refused to back a nonbinding amendment last year initiated by Sens. John Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) that would have urged President Bush to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps a terrorist group. (The amendment passed, and Bush did so.) Biden and Obama objected to including attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, allegedly backed by Iran, as a rationale for the designation, fearing Bush could claim congressional backing if he attacked Iran.
Oh dear.


Lebanese cabinet calls for Israel to implement UN resolutions Specifically, he said Israel must withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, referring to the disputed Shebaa Farms; end overflights of Lebanese airspace and turn over maps of mines and cluster bombs laid and dropped on Lebanese territory.


Israel's Olmert, ministers to discuss Iranian nukes Israeli Radio said government officials were concerned by reports that Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station was nearing completion.
Russia has already delivered nuclear fuel to Iran under a $1 billion contract to build the Bushehr plant, on the Gulf coast in southwest Iran, and Iranian officials say the reactor is likely to be started up soon.



Report: Israel's leading weapon company wins $260 mln missile deal from India The Israel Armament Development Authority (Rafael) has won a contract of 260 million U.S. dollars from India whose air force intends to buy 18 Spyder Low Level Quick Reaction Missiles, local daily Ha'aretz reported here Sunday.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Headlines for 09-07-08

A Stand For Justice

Iran to hold three-day war games: report The exercises will be held amid persistent speculation about a possible U.S. or Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, which the West and Israel say are part of a clandestine bid to build atomic bombs, despite Tehran's denials.


Iran's Ahmadinejad holds talks with Chinese President


'CIA helped draw up dodgy Iraq war dossier for No 10'


Vladimir Putin set to bait US with nuclear aid for Tehran Russia is considering increasing its assistance to Iran?s nuclear programme in response to America?s calls for Nato expansion eastwards and the presence of US Navy vessels in the Black Sea delivering aid to Georgia.


Sarkozy: Israeli Attack Inevitable While the Republicans were nominating Sarah Palin ? who reportedly believes the Bush-Cheney war of aggression against Iraq was inevitable, part of "God's plan" ? French President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Damascus, warning the "leaders of Syria, Turkey and Qatar" that an Israeli attack on Iran also appears to be inevitable.


Iran rejects French warning it risks Israeli strike Iran dismissed on Saturday a warning by France's president that the Islamic Republic was taking a dangerous gamble over its nuclear program because one day its arch-foe Israel could strike.


Hezbollah chief says to keep arms to defend from Israel's attack


Iran Emerges as Wedge Issue for Jewish Voters As Democrats work to shore up support of Jewish voters, and Republicans do all they can to tear it down, Iran is emerging as a pivotal foreign policy issue in the presidential campaign, and an indirect test by many Jews of the candidates? full commitment to Israel?s security. Israel's security - not America's.


Cheney tells Peres: Russia supplies weapons to terrorists U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney met with President Shimon Peres on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti forum on the edge of Italy's Lake Como on Saturday, telling the Israeli leader that Russia is selling arms to Damascus and Iran with the clear knowledge that they are being channeled to Hezbollah and terror groups in Iraq.


Report: UN to demand Israel pay Lebanon $1 billion in reparations The United Nations will require Israel to pay Lebanon nearly $1 billion for environmental damages caused during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported on Saturday. GOOD! Serves them right for what they did to Lebanon. Unfortunately, it will more than likely be the already overburdened US taxpaying public that will foot the bill (as usual) via increased aid to Israel.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Headlines for 09-05-08

Iran calls Sarkozy nuclear claims 'baseless' Iran on Friday dismissed as baseless remarks by French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Tehran was pursuing its controversial nuclear programme for military purposes.


Letters from Langley by Philip Giraldi My sources are still insisting that the actual forgery took place in the Pentagon, more specifically in Doug Feith?s Office of Special Plans (OSP), in response to a request from Scooter Libby in the Vice President?s Office.


Iran nuclear program needs political, not military response: Peres Iran's nuclear program demands a political rather than a military response, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Friday, a day after his French counterpart warned Tehran risked a possible Israeli strike.


The Washington Post Does John McCain's Dirty Work But the Post story is actually something else altogether, a breathless account of - wait for it - how Ron Paul had help in writing The Revolution: A Manifesto. What a shock: a presidential candidate would have professional assistance in putting together a book.


The new gulf war: which state can spend its oil trillions faster? Thanks to the soaring oil price, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have money to burn - and they can't wait to spend it, as this week's dramatic acquisition of Manchester City shows. Michael Savage and Toby Green investigate where the money has gone


Israeli Arab convicted of spying for Hezbollah


Experts Helping Palin Brush Up on Foreign Policy Lieberman, who was the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee but is now an independent, has helped introduce Palin to officials of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the leading pro-Israel lobby. In a meeting Tuesday, the day before she delivered her prime-time address at the Republican National Convention here, Palin assured the group of her strong support for Israel, of her desire to see the United States move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and of her opposition to Iran's aspirations to become a nuclear power, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Don't vote for Palin/McCain unless you want more of the same (Israel first!).


AIPAC Meets the Candidate Having already thrice denied denied any connection with Pat Buchanan, it was perhaps inevitable that Sarah Palin?s walk to Canossa would now entail passing through the gauntlet of The Lobby. On Tuesday she was accompanied by Joe Lieberman when she met with a group from AIPAC


Zealous for Zion In February 2006, televangelist John Hagee founded CUFI to "respond instantly to Washington with our concerns about Israel," telling reporters to "think of CUFI as a Christian version of AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs Committee]."


Sarah Palin: The Xena of the War Party Religion also played an important role in the choice of Palin: she's a member of a dispensationalist sect, within the Pentecostalist tradition, a "born again" Christian who believes in the Rapture and the centrality of Israel in world affairs.


Iran strike a costly attempt to buy time Aviv, now heading a security consultancy in New York called Interfor and sporting a large CIA badge in his lapel, was shown off to Australian gatherings this week by several Jewish groups, including the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, who seemed to take him and what he said at face value......"I believe that Israel is planning to act on these reactors before Bush leaves the White House," Mr Aviv said. "We've got to take a chance ? the next president of America may not allow it.".....He may or may not be speaking for anyone but himself, but his sponsorship suggests Australian opinion-makers were being warmed up for an Iran strike. Former Israeli MOSSAD is sporting a CIA badge?


Hezbollah says it shot helicopter The leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon has acknowledged that his group was responsible for the shooting down last week of a Lebanese army helicopter.


Resettlement of Palestinians to Iceland A total of 29 vulnerable Palestinian refugees stranded for the last two years in a makeshift camp in the desert on the Iraq-Syria border are set to leave Monday to begin a new life in Iceland. The group includes some of the most vulnerable refugee women, several of whom lost their husbands during the conflict in Iraq ? and their children. Given their vulnerability, UNHCR considers resettlement their only option and we appreciate Iceland's decision to accept them.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Headlines for 09-04-08

Army: soldier suicide rate may set record again


Two US troops charged for Iraqi detainee murder A US soldier and an officer have been charged with the murder of an Iraqi detainee and their first hearings will take place near executed dictator Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit next week, the US military said on Thursday.


Barak: East Jerusalem could be capital of Palestinian state He also said that there was still time for diplomacy to curb Iran's nuclear program but that Israel was serious about using "any option" if that failed.


Congress is about to pour lighter fluid on Iran According to the Jewish Daily Forward, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., offered an apology to a representative from the antiwar group Peace Action, saying, "I regret the fact that I did not read this resolution more carefully." He further told the Valley Advocate of Northampton, Mass., that he?s "all for stricter sanctions against Iran, but the blockade part goes too far. I?m going to call the sponsors and tell them I?m changing my vote." Don't be fooled by Israel-firsters like Wexler - this resolution IS an act of war. And based on the last paragraph of that article, AIPAC is literally dictating US foreign policy - to the detriment of AMERICANS. Our representatives on Capitol Hill are committing an act of treason to allow these agents of a foreign nation to dictate to them foreign policy directives that gravely threaten US interests.


Sarkozy warns Iran it risks Israeli attack French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Iran on Thursday it was taking a dangerous gamble in seeking to develop nuclear weapons because one day its arch-foe Israel could strike.


Biden, Palin take the lead as campaigns clash on Mideast The two vice-presidential candidates led the way Wednesday as the Obama and McCain campaigns worked to draw clear battle lines on Iran and Israel.


Palin links energy policies, Iran Sarah Palin tied the energy policies she favors to diminishing the Iranian threat.


Syria awaits Israeli response to peace proposals after talks postponed Syria today said a round of indirect talks with Israel had been postponed because of the resignation of the chief Israeli negotiator, as Damascus waited for a response to its latest proposals.


Evangelical faith drives Palin's pro-Israel view Sarah Palin displays an Israeli flag in her governor's office in Juneau, even though she has never been to the country, and attends Protestant evangelical churches that consider the preservation of the state of Israel a biblical imperative. Her faith makes her a favorite with the staunchly pro-Israel neoconservative elements in the Republican Party.
Well, now you know why she got the nomination.


Can we count on US? In the latter period, any Israeli policy, particularly in respect to the conflict with the Palestinians, was granted automatic support and acquiescence from the White House: Starting from the Rabin government?s Oslo process, through Netanyahu moves, Barak?s talks on a final-status agreement, Sharon?s path of siege and disengagement, and back to the current government?s attempts to secure a final-status agreement. This support and acquiescence came in addition to the international backing for Israel on the part of the American giant at global institutions. Note the source. 'Acquiescence' - you ain't kidding. Total obeisance, is more like it. The actual premise of this story is that America is no longer the superpower she once was, so Israel is looking for a new host to feed off of. This was actually a prediction I made way back in 2003 just before the attack on Iraq- that Israel would continue to use us as their whore for money and to attack nations on their behalf - and then kick us to the curb once our time has run out in terms of blood and treasure.


Biden: Israel's decisions must be made in Jerusalem, not D.C. The Delaware senator also attacked critics who have questioned his support of Israel saying, "I will take a back seat to no one, and again, no one in AIPAC or any other organization, in terms of questioning my support of the State of Israel." .....Biden also questioned the wisdom of a pre-emptive U.S.-led attack on Iran, at a time when the U.S. is "bogged-down in Iraq," adding that he has been "stunned by the incompetence" of the Bush administration in its handling of the war in Iraq. That last sentence from the excerpt is the only thing Biden's got going for him in terms of dealing with Israel and its lobby in the States (and their desire for the US to attack Iran).

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Headlines for 09-03-08

Third US Navy ship heads for Georgia One of the three US ships, the USS McFaul, sailed back through the straits toward the Mediterranean late Monday


US poised to announce $1B in aid for Georgia What the hell for? They made the disastrous decision to try to retake Ossetia. Not our problem. But, since there is an Israel factor in this, of course the US is shelling out more.


Dick Cheney arrives in Azerbaijan The US Embassy says US Vice President Dick Cheney has arrived in Azerbaijan as part of a tour in support of Russia's southern neighbours.


Georgia won't affect Russian stance on Iran


September Surprise Remember, the Israelis have been threatening to strike on their own for months: what's changed is that now, apparently, the U.S. has caved in to what is a blatant case of blackmail and has agreed to do the job for them.....Reports of anywhere from 100 to 1,000 Israeli "advisers" in Georgia do not bode well for the situation on the ground. With the Israelis already installed in that country, the logistics of carrying out such a sneak attack are greatly simplified. Israeli pilots would only have to fly over Azerbaijan, and they'd be in Iranian airspace ? and within striking distance of Tehran. Note the mention of Azerbaijan. Look who just arrived in Azerbaijan: Dick Cheney, coincidence of all coincidences.


Ron Paul pledges to continue Internet-organized 'Revolution' on Tuesday, the Republican congressman from Texas nevertheless attracted up to 10,000 supporters here for a 10-hour event called Rally for the Republic, held at the sports center home of the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team.


Syria pledges to help France solve Iran dispute Sarkozy had asked Assad to use Syria's ties with its ally Iran to urge the Islamic Republic to cooperate with Western powers over its nuclear programme, which they say could be used to develop nuclear weapons.


Biden: AIPAC doesn't speak for all Jews Even as he pledged to respect Israel?s decisions on peace and security, Biden vigorously defended his record of occasionally breaking ranks with the pro-Israel lobby.....


Sarah Palin mesmerizes Israeli filmmaker When asked about Palin's past support of Pat Buchanan, whose anti-Israeli views are common knowledge, Frank said that Palin's support of Buchanan stemmed from his positions in other issues, and that she did not agree with his views of Israel. "She had an Israeli flag, of all the things, mounted on her office wall, and I have that on film" he said. "I was very surprised to see that and when I asked her about it, she said that she loves Israel and the she had friends who visited the country and brought her the flag."
Don't vote for Palin/McCain unless you want more of the same.


GOP platform offers strong support for Israel, veers right domestically Sources familiar with the formation of the platform say the language dealing with Israel and fighting anti-Semitism was drafted in consultation with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and other Jewish groups. Note the source.


Cheney colleague admits bribery in Halliburton oil deals A former colleague of the US Vice-President, Dick Cheney, has pleaded guilty to funnelling millions of dollars in bribes to win lucrative contracts in Nigeria for Halliburton, during the period in the Nineties when Mr Cheney ran the giant oil and gas services company.


UN deminer killed in south Lebanon A Belgian sapper with the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was killed Wednesday while clearing unexploded ordnance from Israel's 2006 war with Shiite militant group Hezbollah, UN and Belgian officials said.


Israel warplanes break sound barrier over Lebanon Israeli jets have repeatedly overflown Lebanon in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah


Hezbollah attempts to kidnap Israelis foiled: Barak

Headlines for 09-02-08

Iran plans air force games in Ramadan: commander The Iranian air force will hold wargames during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began in Iran on Tuesday, a military commander said.


Russia will complete Iran nuclear plant


Up to seven civilians dead in Herat air raid: US A US investigation has found that between five and seven civilians were killed in an attack in the Afghan province of Herat last month


Why CIA Veterans Are Scared of McCain Many current and former US spies expect a McCain administration guided by neoconservatives to treat them with hostility and mistrust. They also say McCain would likely weaken the CIA by giving broad new spying authorities to the Pentagon, which CIA officials believe is more amenable to giving policymakers the intelligence they want, while being subject to less congressional oversight.



Oil down sharply on Gustav relief US crude fell to a five-month low of $105.46 a barrel before closing down $5.75 at $109.71 while London's Brent crude fell $1.07 to close at $108.34.


Scenes from St. Paul -- Democracy Now's Amy Goodman arrested


Sending the U.S. to war is not the president's call


Syria warns of 'catastrophic' effect of any Israeli strike on Iran Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned Tuesday that an attack by Israel on Iran would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.


Lebanese speaker warns against serious Israeli threats Several Israeli officials recently vowed to destroy Lebanon's infrastructure if the Shiite Hezbollah controls the Lebanese government. Evidently, Israel decides which Arabs will govern in Arab countries.


Palin meets with AIPAC leaders "Now that both the Democrats and the Republicans have determined their respective tickets, AIPAC is pleased that both parties have selected four pro-Israel candidates," he said. "In so doing, they have reaffirmed the broad bipartisan support that exists in our country for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship."


Biden reassures Florida Jews on Israel "By any objective fact, Israel is less secure today in the world than it was eight years ago," Biden said. "I promise you ... we will make it more secure."


Commentary: Israel of the Caucasus In a secret agreement between Israel and Georgia, two military airfields in southern Georgia had been earmarked for the use of Israeli fighter-bombers in the event of pre-emptive attacks against Iranian nuclear installations. This would sharply reduce the distance Israeli fighter-bombers would have to fly to hit targets in Iran. And to reach Georgian airstrips, the Israeli air force would fly over Turkey. The attack ordered by Saakashvili against South Ossetia the night of Aug. 7 provided the Russians the pretext for Moscow to order Special Forces to raid these Israeli facilities where some Israeli drones were reported captured. A rather interesting article by Arnaud de Borchgrave of the UPI.


Report: Israel will leave disputed areas Israeli officials are denying widespread reports that Israel is ready to pull out of disputed areas on its border with Lebanon.


Allies, foes scrape through Palin bio for Jewish material The paucity of material led the Republican Jewish Coalition to tout the appearance of a small Israeli flag propped against a window of the state Capitol in an online video in which Palin touts the virtues of hiking Juneau. In an e-mail blast, RJC executive director Matt Brooks offered the screengrab as an answer for "those of you who have had questions regarding Sarah Palin and her views on Israel."


Palin Pick Shows, Awareness of the Israel Lobby Is Now Out There in the American Hinterland


PALIN MEETS WITH AIPAC A campaign official would not say who asked for the meeting, but said it was geared towards putting the American Jewish community at ease over her understanding of US-Middle East relations......Palin, joined by Sen. Joe Lieberman, expressed her "heartfelt support for Israel" and spoke of the threats it faces from Iran and others, the campaign official said.


French head to begin Syria visit Mr Sarkozy's two-day visit to Syria is the first by a Western head of state in five years.


Israeli-Georgians protest 'Putin the murderer' Hundreds rally in Israeli port town to stage protest against Russian human rights violations in their former homeland, call for EU sanctions on Moscow

Monday, September 1, 2008

Headlines for 09-01-08

Russia: U.S. may have sent arms to Georgia Russia warned the West on Monday against supporting Georgia's leadership, suggesting that the United States carried weapons as well as aid to the ex-Soviet republic and calling for an arms embargo until the Georgian government falls.


5 Afghan children killed in raids Afghan officials have accused forces from the U.S. and other countries of killing dozens of civilians in recent weeks. The deaths have inflamed tensions across the country and weakened public support for both Karzai's government and a continued foreign troop presence in Afghanistan


Iran says has not bought Russian missiles Iran denied on Monday it had bought Russia's advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, after Israeli defense sources said the Islamic Republic could take delivery of the weapons by the end of the year......The U.S. Department of defense said in July that Iran was not expected to receive the anti-aircraft system this year. Those remarks followed comments by Israeli defense sources who said they expected Iran to take delivery by the end of 2008.



Georgia admits dropping cluster bombs, says rights group Human Rights Watch says it has letter acknowledging use of cluster bombs near Russian border tunnel


Dutch intel: US to strike Iran in coming weeks The Dutch intelligence service, the AIVD, has called off an operation aimed at infiltrating and sabotaging Iran's weapons industry due to an assessment that a US attack on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program is imminent, according to a report in the country's De Telegraaf newspaper on Friday.


ME Arabs 'reject' idea of Iran strike By and large, Arabs in the Middle East "absolutely reject" an Israeli or American strike on Iran or its nuclear facilities and believe the Islamic Republic is being "targeted" for reasons other than its nuclear program, an Egyptian expert on Iran has told The Jerusalem Post.


Israel, Syria to resume indirect peace talks: public radio


McCain camp rebukes Buchanan claims On Aug. 29, the Democratic Party issued a release quoting U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) as saying that McCain's pick was a "direct affront to all Jewish Americans" because of reports of Palin's past associations with Buchanan, who has long postulated that the pro-Israel lobby is inordinately influential and that Hitler might have been contained through peaceful means.


Biden camp says report on Iran a lie A spokesman for US Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Biden on Monday scathingly rejected an Army Radio report which claimed Biden told Jerusalem officials three years ago that he firmly opposed an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and that Israel would likely have to come to terms with a nuclear Iran.....Biden has a solid 36-year Senate record of pro-Israel leadership. He has called Israel "the single greatest strength America has in the Middle East" and declared himself a Zionist in an interview with a US Jewish television channel last year, saying that "you don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist."
Obama and Biden aren't much better than McCain/Palin. Both party's candidates are proposing to expend more American blood and treasure defending Israel - TO THE DETRIMENT OF THIS NATION - America.


Evangelicals in Israel back McCain If you want a better chance of seeing more neocon-centric policies being put into action for four years starting in January of 2009, vote for John McCain. He's the best friends the neocons could want right now. And for that reason alone, he isn't getting THIS Republican's vote come November.