US soldier suicides the highest on record: army
Rice says Iraq war was right thing to do Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended on Thursday the Bush administration's record in Iraq after sharp criticism of the war in a new book by a former White House spokesman.
Senior Iran cleric slams IAEA over alleged nuclear studies Senior Iranian cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Friday branded as a trap the UN nuclear watchdog's demand that Iran come clean over its past atomic work suspected of weaponisation studies.
Pentagon To Shift Funds To Pay for Iraq War The Pentagon plans to shift $9.7 billion of its overall budget to pay for war operations but warned on Wednesday it will run out of money if the U.S. Congress does not approve more funding by mid-July.
The road to peace in Iraq runs directly through Tehran To some, this may all sound like dancing on a pinhead. But Scott McClellan, Bush's former press secretary, has just accused his former boss of manipulating the truth and mounting a dishonest propaganda campaign against Iraq before the invasion. We ignore similar efforts against Iran at our peril.
Talking to Hamas As for the latest announcement that Syria and Israel are prepared to open peace talks again, Mishaal said that he supports Syria's decision but that he believes these talks will come at the expense of the more difficult and complicated Palestinian negotiations.....Mishaal acknowledged that the Carter visit was "fruitful," and he repeated his pledge to Carter that Shalit would be allowed to write a letter to his family. "The president requested the letter, and it's out of respect for Carter we have agreed to that. We requested from our brothers in Gaza that they allow that letter, and it will be coming soon."
Are Ahmadinejad's Days Numbered?
Is President Bush becoming irrelevant? by Patrick J. Buchanan Neoconservative ideology, not U.S. national interests, McClellan is saying, motivated Bush to launch one of the longest and most divisive wars in U.S. history.....Israel has ignored Bush's demand that it stop building and expanding settlements on a West Bank that is to be the heartland of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been secretly negotiating with Syria for the return of the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. Another gem by Mr. PJB.
Chertoff: Hezbollah Makes Al Qaeda Look 'Minor League' JERUSALEM ? Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff warned Thursday that the radical Islamic group Hezbollah "makes Al Qaeda look like a minor league team," and poses the greatest threat to national security. WHOSE national security would that be? He's utterly insane if he was referring to the nation that he is SUPPOSED to be serving - AMERICA.
Murdoch Goes After Condi, Urges Blockade Against Iran both Stephens' column and Feith's op-ed were relatively tame compared to Wednesday's opinion pages. In the lead editorial, entitled "Punxsutawney Condi," the newspaper called for the U.S. drop its diplomatic efforts to get Tehran to freeze its uranium enrichment program and instead mount a "month-long naval blockade of Iran's imports of refined gasoline" - a clear act of war - in order to, in its words, "clarify for the Iranians just how unacceptable their nuclear program is to the civilized world."
AIPAC draft agenda: Iran, peace, terrorism Much of a draft proposal obtained by JTA focuses on backing existing efforts in Congress and elsewhere to further isolate Iran until it ends its suspected nuclear weapons program. The agenda also promotes Israel's qualitative military edge in the region and the peace process.
Neo-Cons Silent on Hagee Repudiation by McCain it was the neo-cons, mainly Irving Kristol and Commentary?s former editor, Norman Podhoretz, who, like the Likud party (whose then-leader, Prime Minister Menahim Begin, gave the late Jerry Falwell his first private jet), saw Christian Zionists as a key political constituency in the U.S. that would mobilize effectively against any inclination by a future U.S. president to pressure Israel to dismantle Jewish settlements on the West Bank or remove Jewish settlers from East Jerusalem as part of a peace deal with the Palestinians
DHS Looks to Adopt Israeli Airport Security Methods While in Jerusalem for a conference attended by public and homeland security ministers from around the world, Chertoff signed an agreement with Israel to share technology and information on methods to improve homeland security. An incredibly unwise move. That's the last thing we should be doing.
Hezbollah says ready to discuss defense strategy but not give up weapons
Syrian source: Israel did not ask us to sever ties with Iran
Britain looked to Israel when studying military deception After Egypt blocked the strategic Straits of Tiran and expelled U.N. forces from the Sinai Desert, Israel launched pre-emptive strikes on June 5, 1967, against Egyptian and Syrian air forces, destroying them on the ground. In six days of one-sided battles, Israeli forces captured the West Bank, Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and Sinai from Jordan, Syria and Egypt. In an unsigned, top secret military document, that war was cited as "an example of how deception can be employed in the modern era and in such a way that the enemy decision making process is placed at a severe disadvantage."
Jewish GOPers to broadcast board Halperin of New Jersey is a former chairwoman of the Republican Jewish Coalition and once led a campaign against perceived anti-Israel bias at National Public Radio, one of the institutions that receives CPB funding.
Search Is Urged for Syrian Nuclear Sites The Bush administration is pressing U.N. inspectors to broaden their search for possible secret nuclear facilities in Syria, hinting that Damascus's nuclear program might be bigger than the single alleged reactor destroyed by Israeli warplanes last year. The 'evidence' of that alleged reactor destroyed by Israel was largely provided BY ISRAEL, according to former CIA counterterrorism official Philip Giraldi.
Bin Laden turns his mind to Israel in one recent statement he called Palestine "my nation's pivotal issue". It was, he declared, "an important factor in giving me since childhood, and giving the 19 free men (who carried out the 9/11 attacks), an overwhelming feeling that we must stand by the oppressed and punish the unjust Jews and their backers."In fact, Palestine has never been an operational priority for the group.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Headlines for 05-28-08
Post-traumatic stress soars in U.S. troops
Why Doesn't al-Qaeda Attack the US? by Michael Scheuer For now, Americans should see themselves as being in standby mode for the larger-than-9/11 attack bin Laden eventually will trigger because the last two U.S. administrations and Senators McCain, Clinton, and Obama have warned about the severe Islamist threat, while knowingly encouraging its worldwide growth by championing status quo foreign policies that degrade U.S. security, as well as by supinely appeasing their Saudi and Israeli masters. That's former CIA counterterrorism official, Michael Scheuer.
John Bolton Escapes Citizen?s Arrest at Hay Festival John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, has escaped an attempted citizen?s arrest as he appeared at the Hay Festival
Bin Laden hiding in north Pakistan: official
Iran speaker warns nuclear agency Iran's new parliament speaker has warned that it could set limits on future co-operation with the United Nation's nuclear agency, the IAEA.
Iran Aiding, Arming Hezbollah and Hamas, Says Israel
Bush ?Plans Iran Air Strike by August? Two key US senators briefed on the attack planned to go public with their opposition to the move, according to the source, but their projected New York Times op-ed piece has yet to appear.
Local soldier helps Iraqi girl get new legs
Keep up resistance, Iran tells Hamas
Iran-Syria sign defence pact
Exclusive: McClellan Whacks Bush, White House ?Neither, I believe, did President Bush. He, too, had been deceived and therefore became unwittingly involved in deceiving me. But the top White House officials who knew the truth - including Rove, Libby and possibly Vice President Cheney - allowed me, even encouraged me, to repeat a lie.?
U.S., Israel, Canada and European countries co-operate on anti-terror efforts Israel's minister of public security says nine countries, including Canada, are co-operating to create a counterterrorism network.
Fox: Carter 'outing' of Israeli nukes helps Iran
After weeks of feuding over Mideast, candidates head to AIPAC parley They have engaged in a bruising battle over Iran policy. McCain favors increased isolation for Iran, Obama favors what he calls tough diplomacy and direct negotiations, and both are casting their arguments in terms of what's better for Israel The obeisance is utterly disgusting.
Two men accused of agreeing to broadcast the Hezbollah television channel al-Manar to U.S. customers will face trial on terrorism charges in January, a U.S. judge ruled on Wednesday.
J Street to Lieberman: Cut Hagee ties A dovish pro-Israel lobby wants U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman to cut ties with the Rev. John Hagee
Why Doesn't al-Qaeda Attack the US? by Michael Scheuer For now, Americans should see themselves as being in standby mode for the larger-than-9/11 attack bin Laden eventually will trigger because the last two U.S. administrations and Senators McCain, Clinton, and Obama have warned about the severe Islamist threat, while knowingly encouraging its worldwide growth by championing status quo foreign policies that degrade U.S. security, as well as by supinely appeasing their Saudi and Israeli masters. That's former CIA counterterrorism official, Michael Scheuer.
John Bolton Escapes Citizen?s Arrest at Hay Festival John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, has escaped an attempted citizen?s arrest as he appeared at the Hay Festival
Bin Laden hiding in north Pakistan: official
Iran speaker warns nuclear agency Iran's new parliament speaker has warned that it could set limits on future co-operation with the United Nation's nuclear agency, the IAEA.
Iran Aiding, Arming Hezbollah and Hamas, Says Israel
Bush ?Plans Iran Air Strike by August? Two key US senators briefed on the attack planned to go public with their opposition to the move, according to the source, but their projected New York Times op-ed piece has yet to appear.
Local soldier helps Iraqi girl get new legs
Keep up resistance, Iran tells Hamas
Iran-Syria sign defence pact
Exclusive: McClellan Whacks Bush, White House ?Neither, I believe, did President Bush. He, too, had been deceived and therefore became unwittingly involved in deceiving me. But the top White House officials who knew the truth - including Rove, Libby and possibly Vice President Cheney - allowed me, even encouraged me, to repeat a lie.?
U.S., Israel, Canada and European countries co-operate on anti-terror efforts Israel's minister of public security says nine countries, including Canada, are co-operating to create a counterterrorism network.
Fox: Carter 'outing' of Israeli nukes helps Iran
After weeks of feuding over Mideast, candidates head to AIPAC parley They have engaged in a bruising battle over Iran policy. McCain favors increased isolation for Iran, Obama favors what he calls tough diplomacy and direct negotiations, and both are casting their arguments in terms of what's better for Israel The obeisance is utterly disgusting.
Two men accused of agreeing to broadcast the Hezbollah television channel al-Manar to U.S. customers will face trial on terrorism charges in January, a U.S. judge ruled on Wednesday.
J Street to Lieberman: Cut Hagee ties A dovish pro-Israel lobby wants U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman to cut ties with the Rev. John Hagee
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Headlines for 05-26-08
Iran 'withholds nuclear details' The UN nuclear watchdog has said it believes Iran is still withholding information on its nuclear programme.
Report: Iran 'Paid Iraq Insurgents to Kill U.K. Soldiers' According to a leaked British government document obtained by London's Daily Telegraph, Jaish al-Mahdi (JAM) ? also known as the Mahdi Army ? used hundreds of thousands of dollars funneled from Iran to pay fighters to carry out strikes against U.K. forces in Basra. Making the case for war.
Jimmy Carter says Israel had 150 nuclear weapons Israel has 150 nuclear weapons in its arsenal, former President Jimmy Carter said yesterday, while arguing that the US should talk directly to Iran to persuade it to drop its nuclear ambitions.
Carter wants Iraq troop deadline "I don't care if it's one year or five years....the essence of it is to let the world know that...we are going to be out," Mr Carter told journalists.
U.S., Iran and Arab neighbors to meet on Iraq The United States will prod Sunni Arab states to offer more support to the Iraqi government at a conference in Sweden this week as a way of countering the growing influence of non-Arab Iran in Iraq.
LET'S REMEMBER TO NOT START ANOTHER WAR as we approach this sad milestone, it is insane that the same people who were so disastrously wrong before miring us in Iraq are again beating the drums for an another unnecessary military action, this time against Iran.
Israel 'has 150 nuclear weapons' Former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Zeevi-Farkash told Reuters news agency he considered Mr Carter's comments "irresponsible".
"The problem is that there are those who can use these statements when it comes to discussing the international effort to prevent Iran getting nuclear weapons," he said.
Oh dear.
Increased U.S. airstrikes in Iraq killing more civilians
U.S., Saudis ink nuclear pact The Bush administration is encouraging moderate Arab Middle Eastern allies to sign such pacts to prevent Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program from launching a regional arms race.
The Chalabsey Twins*
Carter urges 'supine' Europe to break with US over Gaza blockade Carter said the Quartet's policy of not talking to Hamas unless it recognised Israel and fulfilled two other conditions had been drafted by Elliot Abrams, an official in the national security council at the White House. He called Abrams "a very militant supporter of Israel".
Israel charges Iran spy suspect
Israel 'would consider strike' amid fears over Iran's weapons programme With US President George Bush nearing the end of his term, the likelihood of US military action appears to be fading. The strong chance of Democrat Barack Obama winning the presidential race means Israel will have to consider going it alone.....Bar also pointed to a paper to be published next month by the Washington Institute for Near East Strategy. Its authors, Patrick Clawson and Michael Eisenstadt, argue that it should not be assumed an attack on Iran would result in a doomsday-type scenario. That aforementioned 'thinktank' is another neocon front.
NORPAC draws 1,000 activists to D.C. Nearly 1,000 activists lobbied for Israel in Washington.
Ahmadinejad sure Syria will press struggle against Israel
Israeli PM says Syria peace talks to remain secret
Olmert says Israel serious about peace with Syria
Ex-army chief says Israel can 'manage' without Golan
Israel Targets Iran Through Syrian Friendship
Olmert tells critics: No promises made to Syria so far
Progress seen in prisoner talks Israel and Hezbollah are nearing a breakthrough in prisoner-swap negotiations, sources on both sides said.
Report: Iran 'Paid Iraq Insurgents to Kill U.K. Soldiers' According to a leaked British government document obtained by London's Daily Telegraph, Jaish al-Mahdi (JAM) ? also known as the Mahdi Army ? used hundreds of thousands of dollars funneled from Iran to pay fighters to carry out strikes against U.K. forces in Basra. Making the case for war.
Jimmy Carter says Israel had 150 nuclear weapons Israel has 150 nuclear weapons in its arsenal, former President Jimmy Carter said yesterday, while arguing that the US should talk directly to Iran to persuade it to drop its nuclear ambitions.
Carter wants Iraq troop deadline "I don't care if it's one year or five years....the essence of it is to let the world know that...we are going to be out," Mr Carter told journalists.
U.S., Iran and Arab neighbors to meet on Iraq The United States will prod Sunni Arab states to offer more support to the Iraqi government at a conference in Sweden this week as a way of countering the growing influence of non-Arab Iran in Iraq.
LET'S REMEMBER TO NOT START ANOTHER WAR as we approach this sad milestone, it is insane that the same people who were so disastrously wrong before miring us in Iraq are again beating the drums for an another unnecessary military action, this time against Iran.
Israel 'has 150 nuclear weapons' Former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Zeevi-Farkash told Reuters news agency he considered Mr Carter's comments "irresponsible".
"The problem is that there are those who can use these statements when it comes to discussing the international effort to prevent Iran getting nuclear weapons," he said.
Oh dear.
Increased U.S. airstrikes in Iraq killing more civilians
U.S., Saudis ink nuclear pact The Bush administration is encouraging moderate Arab Middle Eastern allies to sign such pacts to prevent Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program from launching a regional arms race.
The Chalabsey Twins*
Carter urges 'supine' Europe to break with US over Gaza blockade Carter said the Quartet's policy of not talking to Hamas unless it recognised Israel and fulfilled two other conditions had been drafted by Elliot Abrams, an official in the national security council at the White House. He called Abrams "a very militant supporter of Israel".
Israel charges Iran spy suspect
Israel 'would consider strike' amid fears over Iran's weapons programme With US President George Bush nearing the end of his term, the likelihood of US military action appears to be fading. The strong chance of Democrat Barack Obama winning the presidential race means Israel will have to consider going it alone.....Bar also pointed to a paper to be published next month by the Washington Institute for Near East Strategy. Its authors, Patrick Clawson and Michael Eisenstadt, argue that it should not be assumed an attack on Iran would result in a doomsday-type scenario. That aforementioned 'thinktank' is another neocon front.
NORPAC draws 1,000 activists to D.C. Nearly 1,000 activists lobbied for Israel in Washington.
Ahmadinejad sure Syria will press struggle against Israel
Israeli PM says Syria peace talks to remain secret
Olmert says Israel serious about peace with Syria
Ex-army chief says Israel can 'manage' without Golan
Israel Targets Iran Through Syrian Friendship
Olmert tells critics: No promises made to Syria so far
Progress seen in prisoner talks Israel and Hezbollah are nearing a breakthrough in prisoner-swap negotiations, sources on both sides said.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Headlines for 05-24-08
Honoring Our Veterans by Bill Moyers and Michael Winship We honor our war dead this Memorial Day weekend. The greatest respect we could pay them would be to pledge no more wars for erroneous and misleading reasons; no more killing and wounding except for the defense of our country and our freedoms.
Coming home: US soldiers struggle in civilian life
Nader Calls for Bush-Cheney Impeachment
Energy fears looming, new survivalists prepare
Buffett sees "long, deep" U.S. recession
Iran: Israel should withdraw from Golan Heights unconditionally
Syria rejects linking Israel peace with cutting off Iran
Building a Case for Attack on Iran's Nuclear Sites it appears that the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP) is preparing the case for why an attack ? either by the U.S. or Israel ? on Tehran?s nuclear facilities might not be as calamitous as most analysts, including top Pentagon brass, believe. WINEP, of course, was founded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and has acted as an integral part of the so-called Israel Lobby since its launch.
An Act of War according to Haaretz, Prime Minister Olmert "suggested" that, among other more drastic steps, the US impose a "naval blockade," using U.S. warships, "to limit the movement of Iranian merchant vessels."
Bush and McCain's Iran Insanity by Charley Reese
Hezbollah welcomes Lebanon deal
Syrian defence minister to hold Tehran talks It is the first visit to Tehran by a Syrian official since Syria and Israel announced on Wednesday that they had resumed peace negotiations indirectly through Turkish mediators.
Jews defend Hagee's words Nutjobs of a feather flock together. Charming.
Coming home: US soldiers struggle in civilian life
Nader Calls for Bush-Cheney Impeachment
Energy fears looming, new survivalists prepare
Buffett sees "long, deep" U.S. recession
Iran: Israel should withdraw from Golan Heights unconditionally
Syria rejects linking Israel peace with cutting off Iran
Building a Case for Attack on Iran's Nuclear Sites it appears that the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP) is preparing the case for why an attack ? either by the U.S. or Israel ? on Tehran?s nuclear facilities might not be as calamitous as most analysts, including top Pentagon brass, believe. WINEP, of course, was founded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and has acted as an integral part of the so-called Israel Lobby since its launch.
An Act of War according to Haaretz, Prime Minister Olmert "suggested" that, among other more drastic steps, the US impose a "naval blockade," using U.S. warships, "to limit the movement of Iranian merchant vessels."
Bush and McCain's Iran Insanity by Charley Reese
Hezbollah welcomes Lebanon deal
Syrian defence minister to hold Tehran talks It is the first visit to Tehran by a Syrian official since Syria and Israel announced on Wednesday that they had resumed peace negotiations indirectly through Turkish mediators.
Jews defend Hagee's words Nutjobs of a feather flock together. Charming.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Headlines for 05-23-08
China, Russia rule out military actions on Iran
U.S. airstrike kills 8 Iraqi civilians: police
U.S. military 'regrets' killing 2 children in Iraq operation
Commander Dempsey: U.S. Must Confront Iranian Influence In The Middle East The acting commander of the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East on Thursday said the Iranians have to be dealt with directly in Iraq, where they influence Shiite militias fighting U.S. forces
15 bln dlrs in US Iraq spending unaccounted for: reports The Pentagon cannot account for nearly 15 billion dollars in payments for goods and services in Iraq, according to an internal audit which members of Congress blasted Friday as a "shocking" accountability failure.
Counterterror staff falls to 62% More than one out of every three positions in an elite FBI division that tracks al Qaeda terrorists is vacant, according to an internal bureau document. Efforts are under way at the FBI to canvass for "volunteers" to fill what the agency said is a "critical" need in its counterterrorism efforts.
Oil spike forcing Americans off the road: stats Officials say higher petrol prices and the economic downturn are to blame.
Obama backs off from pledge to talk with Iran
US Senate approves $165 billion in new war money The US Senate has approved an additional $US165 billion to wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan for another year after lawmakers rejected proposed timetables for withdrawing American troops from Iraq.
US spending in Iraq ignored rules An audit of some $8bn (£4bn) paid to US and Iraqi contractors has found that almost every payment failed to comply with US laws aimed at preventing fraud.
March to War in Lebanon? by Rep. Ron Paul I am concerned that this kind of similarity is intentional and will inevitably result in US military action in Lebanon, or against Syria or Iran.
Where Are Those Iranian Weapons in Iraq?
Generals criticize Iran but see better relations Their remarks reflect a U.S. effort ? from President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates on down ? to highlight Iranian activity that Washington deems harmful in Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East while also encouraging Tehran to change its behavior.
No real progress on Iran nuclear dossier: diplomats
China, Russia denounce US missile plans
Iran mosque blast plotters admit Israeli, US links: report
Poland says no missile shield without US military aid
Pelosi denies Olmert proposed U.S. blockade of Iran "During the luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Olmert, there was never any mention of a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports," Elshami said in a statement. He declined to comment further.
Policy Forum Dead, Too?
Netanyahu denies saying he wouldn't abide by Syria deal
Israel asks U.S. for 25 F-35 warplanes, at $80 million a unit legislation in the U.S. Congress forbids the sale of the F-22 on the grounds that it would diminish the U.S. Air Force's advantage. Sources in Israel have expressed hope that U.S. President George W. Bush's recent visit to Israel would ensure the approval necessary to acquire the plane
Petraeus calls Syria nuclear program troubling
McCain forced to ditch pastor who claimed God sent Hitler
Bombing Iran: The Clamor Persists Listening to the questions asked of Gen. David Petraeus in the Senate Thursday, you might think the U.S. was headed for a new war in the Gulf. Senators from both sides of the aisle spent as much time asking him about Iran as they did about Iraq and Afghanistan. Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut grilled Petraeus on Iran's anti-U.S. activities in the region. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii plaintively asked about the utility of negotiations with Iran.....Following Bush's visit this month, the Jerusalem Post reported that a senior U.S. advisor on the trip had told Israeli officials that Bush was prepared to attack Iran, but that Gates and Rice were blocking the way
Israel sets demands in new Syrian peace track Israel has set terms for concluding a peace deal with Syria, closing ranks with Washington in demanding Damascus distance itself from Iran and stop supporting Palestinian and Lebanese militants.
FBI affirms support for AMIA probe The FBI is working to catch the five Iranians involved in the 1994 attack on Argentina's main Jewish center, its deputy director said.
In campaign season, Pelosi takes Israel fight to GOP Pelosi said the two preeminent topics raised by Israeli leaders during her trip to mark the Jewish state's 60th anniversary were the twin threats of Iran and Hamas.
Bush bid to isolate Mideast hardliners backfires: analysts The Bush administration's campaign to isolate Iran and Syria has backfired as the two Middle East hardliners ended up this week sidelining the United States, analysts said.
Israel sets demands in new Syrian peace track Israel set terms for concluding a peace deal with Syria on Thursday, closing ranks with Washington in demanding Damascus distance itself from Iran and stop supporting Palestinian and Lebanese militants.
Christian legislators gather on Capitol Hill to garner Israel support A delegation of Christian parliamentarians from around the world whose countries have formed pro-Israel parliamentary lobbies gathered Thursday on Capitol Hill in an effort to buttress support for the State of Israel across the globe.
Israel hopes hard power will do the talking Israel is gambling that its military superiority can persuade an isolated Bashar al-Assad to distance himself from Iran and its allies
U.S. airstrike kills 8 Iraqi civilians: police
U.S. military 'regrets' killing 2 children in Iraq operation
Commander Dempsey: U.S. Must Confront Iranian Influence In The Middle East The acting commander of the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East on Thursday said the Iranians have to be dealt with directly in Iraq, where they influence Shiite militias fighting U.S. forces
15 bln dlrs in US Iraq spending unaccounted for: reports The Pentagon cannot account for nearly 15 billion dollars in payments for goods and services in Iraq, according to an internal audit which members of Congress blasted Friday as a "shocking" accountability failure.
Counterterror staff falls to 62% More than one out of every three positions in an elite FBI division that tracks al Qaeda terrorists is vacant, according to an internal bureau document. Efforts are under way at the FBI to canvass for "volunteers" to fill what the agency said is a "critical" need in its counterterrorism efforts.
Oil spike forcing Americans off the road: stats Officials say higher petrol prices and the economic downturn are to blame.
Obama backs off from pledge to talk with Iran
US Senate approves $165 billion in new war money The US Senate has approved an additional $US165 billion to wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan for another year after lawmakers rejected proposed timetables for withdrawing American troops from Iraq.
US spending in Iraq ignored rules An audit of some $8bn (£4bn) paid to US and Iraqi contractors has found that almost every payment failed to comply with US laws aimed at preventing fraud.
March to War in Lebanon? by Rep. Ron Paul I am concerned that this kind of similarity is intentional and will inevitably result in US military action in Lebanon, or against Syria or Iran.
Where Are Those Iranian Weapons in Iraq?
Generals criticize Iran but see better relations Their remarks reflect a U.S. effort ? from President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates on down ? to highlight Iranian activity that Washington deems harmful in Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East while also encouraging Tehran to change its behavior.
No real progress on Iran nuclear dossier: diplomats
China, Russia denounce US missile plans
Iran mosque blast plotters admit Israeli, US links: report
Poland says no missile shield without US military aid
Pelosi denies Olmert proposed U.S. blockade of Iran "During the luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Olmert, there was never any mention of a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports," Elshami said in a statement. He declined to comment further.
Policy Forum Dead, Too?
Netanyahu denies saying he wouldn't abide by Syria deal
Israel asks U.S. for 25 F-35 warplanes, at $80 million a unit legislation in the U.S. Congress forbids the sale of the F-22 on the grounds that it would diminish the U.S. Air Force's advantage. Sources in Israel have expressed hope that U.S. President George W. Bush's recent visit to Israel would ensure the approval necessary to acquire the plane
Petraeus calls Syria nuclear program troubling
McCain forced to ditch pastor who claimed God sent Hitler
Bombing Iran: The Clamor Persists Listening to the questions asked of Gen. David Petraeus in the Senate Thursday, you might think the U.S. was headed for a new war in the Gulf. Senators from both sides of the aisle spent as much time asking him about Iran as they did about Iraq and Afghanistan. Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut grilled Petraeus on Iran's anti-U.S. activities in the region. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii plaintively asked about the utility of negotiations with Iran.....Following Bush's visit this month, the Jerusalem Post reported that a senior U.S. advisor on the trip had told Israeli officials that Bush was prepared to attack Iran, but that Gates and Rice were blocking the way
Israel sets demands in new Syrian peace track Israel has set terms for concluding a peace deal with Syria, closing ranks with Washington in demanding Damascus distance itself from Iran and stop supporting Palestinian and Lebanese militants.
FBI affirms support for AMIA probe The FBI is working to catch the five Iranians involved in the 1994 attack on Argentina's main Jewish center, its deputy director said.
In campaign season, Pelosi takes Israel fight to GOP Pelosi said the two preeminent topics raised by Israeli leaders during her trip to mark the Jewish state's 60th anniversary were the twin threats of Iran and Hamas.
Bush bid to isolate Mideast hardliners backfires: analysts The Bush administration's campaign to isolate Iran and Syria has backfired as the two Middle East hardliners ended up this week sidelining the United States, analysts said.
Israel sets demands in new Syrian peace track Israel set terms for concluding a peace deal with Syria on Thursday, closing ranks with Washington in demanding Damascus distance itself from Iran and stop supporting Palestinian and Lebanese militants.
Christian legislators gather on Capitol Hill to garner Israel support A delegation of Christian parliamentarians from around the world whose countries have formed pro-Israel parliamentary lobbies gathered Thursday on Capitol Hill in an effort to buttress support for the State of Israel across the globe.
Israel hopes hard power will do the talking Israel is gambling that its military superiority can persuade an isolated Bashar al-Assad to distance himself from Iran and its allies
Friday, May 23, 2008
Headlines for 05-21-08
The Fourth Estate Fails Again by Philip Giraldi Those who have been following the issue know well that planning to attack Iran is nothing new, that there are many in the Bush administration and outside it who are eager to bomb the mullahs into the stone age. What is different now is that there is a consensus inside the White House that a military attack is not an option but rather a necessity to "send a message" and restrain Iranian ambitions......That a dim bulb like Bush might draw all the wrong lessons from a historical analogy, confusing appeasement with diplomacy, comes as no surprise. But, perhaps inadvertently, he has clearly and unambiguously restated the centrality of Israel to the security problem posed by Iran Philip Giraldi is a former CIA COUNTERTERRORISM official.
Gates questions notion of useful U.S.-Iran talks
Military officer: Iran jeopardizing peace in Iraq Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that "irresponsible actions" by Iran's Revolutionary Guard "directly jeopardize" peace in Iraq. Making the case for war.
To Admiral William Fallon (USN ret.), With Respect You are acutely aware of the dangers of attacking Iran, but seem to be allowing an inbred reluctance to challenge your erstwhile commander in chief to trump that oath, and to prevent you from letting the American people know of the catastrophe about to befall us if, as seems likely, our country attacks Iran. By former CIA Ray McGovern.
Iran says ready to start 'serious, targeted' negotiations
Iran protests to U.S. over mosque blast: agency
Hyping the threat from Iran War talk against Iran is rising again in Washington as the Bush administration enters its final months with little to show for its labors in the Middle East.
Oil hits new record in overnight trade
White House denies Iran attack report Army Radio had quoted a top official in Jerusalem claiming that a senior member in the entourage of President Bush, who visited Israel last week, had said in a closed meeting here that Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were of the opinion that military action against Iran was called for.
Bush plays the Hitler card by Patrick J. Buchanan What has Bush's refusal to talk to Hamas, Hezbollah, Damascus and Tehran done to make either Israel or America more secure?
Rice defends Bush policy on Iran as 'successful'
Israel wants more pressure on Iran
Olmert proposes naval blockade on Iran: report The Haaretz daily quoted Olmert as telling Nancy Pelosi that "the present economic sanctions have exhausted themselves" and the international community needed to take more drastic steps to stop Iran's efforts to obtain nuclear weapons....The prime minister's suggestions, Haaretz said, included a naval blockade of Iran using U.S. warships to limit the movement of Iranian merchant vessels. That's a blockade 'USING US WARSHIPS', folks. Whose war is this?
US market slumps amid rising oil prices
Report: U.S. Will Attack Iran A leading member of America?s Jewish community told Newsmax in April that a military strike on Iran was likely and that Vice President Cheney?s March trip through the Middle East came in preparation for the U.S. attack.
Journal: US report on Iranian weapons in Iraq 'delayed significantly' In a little-noticed story, the Los Angeles Times reported two weeks ago that American promises to offer proof that Iran was arming Iraqi militants had fallen through.
Report says Iran's neighbours looking at nuclear power In a report, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said Iran's nuclear programme had prompted other states in the oil-rich region to consider acquiring nuclear technology.
Officials: Bush pledged funding for Arrow 3 US President George W. Bush pledged his commitment to Israeli leaders during his visit to Jerusalem last week to obtain the necessary funding for the development and production of Israel's Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system, The Jerusalem Post has learned.....In an interview with the Post on Sunday, Pelosi said that Congress was committed to helping Israel retain its qualitative military edge over other countries in the Middle East. She noted that the House of Representatives passed legislation doing just that last week. Under the House version, which still needs the approval of the US Senate before being sent to Bush to become law, future arms sales would need to make sure that Israel's military advantage was maintained Read that again.
Osama: Palestinian Cause Was 'Main Factor' The answer to Why the press can't say why they hate us goes to ideology. If the Palestinian grievance is acknowledged or valorized, rather than dismissed out of hand, well that opens the door on the Nakba, on the dispossession, on the many landgrabs of the Jewish state and inevitably casts doubt on the inherent goodness of Zionism and the justice of the occupation, theirs and ours.
Paying for War at the Pump Would some reporter with access to the Republican presidential candidate please ask John McCain why he wants to continue President Bush?s Mideast policy when it has proved so ruinous for American taxpayers?
Israel and Syria admit the start of formal peace talks in Istanbul
Bush Team Criticizes New Report About Iran The statement, following an even angrier attack on NBC the day before, appeared to reflect a heightened sensitivity to what Mr. Bush?s aides view as mischaracterizations of his intentions in confronting Iran over its pursuit of nuclear enrichment, its involvement in Iraq and its support of the militant Islamic groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian areas.
Olmert warns of Syria concessions Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has described peace talks with Syria as "exciting", but warned that they might involve "painful concessions".
Bush trip fails to advance policy goals or bolster Arab moderates Israeli officials are still hopeful that the United States will play a leading role in preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons. They say they showed Bush new intelligence on Iran?s nuclear program and came away with the impression that the U.S. leader means business on Iran.
US welcomes Syrian-Israeli talks but stresses Palestinian track
Israel-Syria peace deal could threaten Iran, Hezbollah
Global Peace Index: Israel hits rock bottom Iceland is the world's most peaceful nation while Israel ranked 136th out of 140 nations, according to the "Global Peace Index," compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit.....The United States slipped from 96th last year, but was still ahead of foe Iran which ranked 105th. Iran is ahead of Israel on that list, the irony.
Gates questions notion of useful U.S.-Iran talks
Military officer: Iran jeopardizing peace in Iraq Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that "irresponsible actions" by Iran's Revolutionary Guard "directly jeopardize" peace in Iraq. Making the case for war.
To Admiral William Fallon (USN ret.), With Respect You are acutely aware of the dangers of attacking Iran, but seem to be allowing an inbred reluctance to challenge your erstwhile commander in chief to trump that oath, and to prevent you from letting the American people know of the catastrophe about to befall us if, as seems likely, our country attacks Iran. By former CIA Ray McGovern.
Iran says ready to start 'serious, targeted' negotiations
Iran protests to U.S. over mosque blast: agency
Hyping the threat from Iran War talk against Iran is rising again in Washington as the Bush administration enters its final months with little to show for its labors in the Middle East.
Oil hits new record in overnight trade
White House denies Iran attack report Army Radio had quoted a top official in Jerusalem claiming that a senior member in the entourage of President Bush, who visited Israel last week, had said in a closed meeting here that Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were of the opinion that military action against Iran was called for.
Bush plays the Hitler card by Patrick J. Buchanan What has Bush's refusal to talk to Hamas, Hezbollah, Damascus and Tehran done to make either Israel or America more secure?
Rice defends Bush policy on Iran as 'successful'
Israel wants more pressure on Iran
Olmert proposes naval blockade on Iran: report The Haaretz daily quoted Olmert as telling Nancy Pelosi that "the present economic sanctions have exhausted themselves" and the international community needed to take more drastic steps to stop Iran's efforts to obtain nuclear weapons....The prime minister's suggestions, Haaretz said, included a naval blockade of Iran using U.S. warships to limit the movement of Iranian merchant vessels. That's a blockade 'USING US WARSHIPS', folks. Whose war is this?
US market slumps amid rising oil prices
Report: U.S. Will Attack Iran A leading member of America?s Jewish community told Newsmax in April that a military strike on Iran was likely and that Vice President Cheney?s March trip through the Middle East came in preparation for the U.S. attack.
Journal: US report on Iranian weapons in Iraq 'delayed significantly' In a little-noticed story, the Los Angeles Times reported two weeks ago that American promises to offer proof that Iran was arming Iraqi militants had fallen through.
Report says Iran's neighbours looking at nuclear power In a report, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said Iran's nuclear programme had prompted other states in the oil-rich region to consider acquiring nuclear technology.
Officials: Bush pledged funding for Arrow 3 US President George W. Bush pledged his commitment to Israeli leaders during his visit to Jerusalem last week to obtain the necessary funding for the development and production of Israel's Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system, The Jerusalem Post has learned.....In an interview with the Post on Sunday, Pelosi said that Congress was committed to helping Israel retain its qualitative military edge over other countries in the Middle East. She noted that the House of Representatives passed legislation doing just that last week. Under the House version, which still needs the approval of the US Senate before being sent to Bush to become law, future arms sales would need to make sure that Israel's military advantage was maintained Read that again.
Osama: Palestinian Cause Was 'Main Factor' The answer to Why the press can't say why they hate us goes to ideology. If the Palestinian grievance is acknowledged or valorized, rather than dismissed out of hand, well that opens the door on the Nakba, on the dispossession, on the many landgrabs of the Jewish state and inevitably casts doubt on the inherent goodness of Zionism and the justice of the occupation, theirs and ours.
Paying for War at the Pump Would some reporter with access to the Republican presidential candidate please ask John McCain why he wants to continue President Bush?s Mideast policy when it has proved so ruinous for American taxpayers?
Israel and Syria admit the start of formal peace talks in Istanbul
Bush Team Criticizes New Report About Iran The statement, following an even angrier attack on NBC the day before, appeared to reflect a heightened sensitivity to what Mr. Bush?s aides view as mischaracterizations of his intentions in confronting Iran over its pursuit of nuclear enrichment, its involvement in Iraq and its support of the militant Islamic groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian areas.
Olmert warns of Syria concessions Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has described peace talks with Syria as "exciting", but warned that they might involve "painful concessions".
Bush trip fails to advance policy goals or bolster Arab moderates Israeli officials are still hopeful that the United States will play a leading role in preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons. They say they showed Bush new intelligence on Iran?s nuclear program and came away with the impression that the U.S. leader means business on Iran.
US welcomes Syrian-Israeli talks but stresses Palestinian track
Israel-Syria peace deal could threaten Iran, Hezbollah
Global Peace Index: Israel hits rock bottom Iceland is the world's most peaceful nation while Israel ranked 136th out of 140 nations, according to the "Global Peace Index," compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit.....The United States slipped from 96th last year, but was still ahead of foe Iran which ranked 105th. Iran is ahead of Israel on that list, the irony.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Headlines for 05-19-08
Unanswered 9/11 questions This alarming statement is based on evidence from many sources, including observations of the structural behaviour of the towers as they collapsed, the known characteristics of steel framed buildings, eyewitness testimony of explosions, and research into the chemical composition of dust recovered from the collapse zone.
Thousands of Gazans believed to have gone abroad for terror training Up to a couple thousand Palestinians from the Gaza Strip are believed to have traveled overseas for military training in recent years, senior defense officials warned on Monday as the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) revealed that it recently captured a former Fatah operative who had undergone advanced weapons training in Iran. Major BS alert.
Palestinians cool to embrace from al-Qaida leader In his latest message, Osama bin Laden portrays himself as the only true defender of the Palestinians. But the Palestinians, even the Islamic militants of Hamas, didn't seem too enthusiastic Monday over the bear hug from the fugitive al-Qaida leader.
Egyptian FM: US is fueling Middle East turmoil
Pelosi: More must be done to stop Iran The Democratic Pelosi, the No. 3-ranking politician in the US after the president and the vice president, is leading a blue-ribbon panel of 13 congressmen to Israel for the state's 60th anniversary.
US House speaker: Nothing should be ruled out in order to stop Iran
Obama's Plan to Talk With Iran Shows 'Weak Judgment,' Kyl Says
Deputy IDF chief, top US military official discuss Iran IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Major-General Dan Harel met this past weekend with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, to discuss the Iranian threat, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
Bush?s Nazi-Iran Analogy
An American president in Israel
Congressional Leader Pelosi Says She Agrees With Bush Over Backing Israel "I don't know what would be gained by a military strike other than to strengthen the president of Iran and increase the price of oil, but I think we shouldn't take anything off the table," she said.
Thousands of Gazans believed to have gone abroad for terror training Up to a couple thousand Palestinians from the Gaza Strip are believed to have traveled overseas for military training in recent years, senior defense officials warned on Monday as the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) revealed that it recently captured a former Fatah operative who had undergone advanced weapons training in Iran. Major BS alert.
Palestinians cool to embrace from al-Qaida leader In his latest message, Osama bin Laden portrays himself as the only true defender of the Palestinians. But the Palestinians, even the Islamic militants of Hamas, didn't seem too enthusiastic Monday over the bear hug from the fugitive al-Qaida leader.
Egyptian FM: US is fueling Middle East turmoil
Pelosi: More must be done to stop Iran The Democratic Pelosi, the No. 3-ranking politician in the US after the president and the vice president, is leading a blue-ribbon panel of 13 congressmen to Israel for the state's 60th anniversary.
US House speaker: Nothing should be ruled out in order to stop Iran
Obama's Plan to Talk With Iran Shows 'Weak Judgment,' Kyl Says
Deputy IDF chief, top US military official discuss Iran IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Major-General Dan Harel met this past weekend with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, to discuss the Iranian threat, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
Bush?s Nazi-Iran Analogy
An American president in Israel
Congressional Leader Pelosi Says She Agrees With Bush Over Backing Israel "I don't know what would be gained by a military strike other than to strengthen the president of Iran and increase the price of oil, but I think we shouldn't take anything off the table," she said.
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