My unit, the 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Marine Division, lost several men in January and February of 1991. We took the first combat-related losses of the ground offensive in Desert Storm. Please take a moment to visit the memorial page of the unit veterans' website:
1st LAI fallen comrades
Thank you.
2004-05-28
2004-05-27
I never
post after I've had a couple of beers.
I'm just too mellow to be effective.
See you in the morning.
I'm just too mellow to be effective.
See you in the morning.
The New York Times Takes DiL's Advice
... well, sort of.
This blog recently offered the traditional media several pieces of advice on at least two points: (1) to pay more attention to the phenomenon of blogging; and (2) to readily admit one's past errors. It appears the New York Times has followed this advice, albeit in its own fashion. (Of course, it is just possible that these articles were in the works anyway. But I say, think positive.)
Ah, but let's look at how the Dame Grise has seen fit to interpret our sage counsel.
Shall we begin with Katie Hafner's blogging article? The Times seems to think that it can counter the threat of blogging (and make no mistake, we ARE a threat to the NYT) by writing a derisive article on it. Could the Times possible acknowledge the relevance of blogging for an audience disillusioned with the manipulations of the media? Too much to expect, I suppose. I'll have more to say on this later.
And then there was the Times' so-called "correction" of its Iraq coverage. Well, it would be nice if this "correction" included a re-assessment of the Times' anti-American bias, but that, too would be asking too much.
This blog recently offered the traditional media several pieces of advice on at least two points: (1) to pay more attention to the phenomenon of blogging; and (2) to readily admit one's past errors. It appears the New York Times has followed this advice, albeit in its own fashion. (Of course, it is just possible that these articles were in the works anyway. But I say, think positive.)
Ah, but let's look at how the Dame Grise has seen fit to interpret our sage counsel.
Shall we begin with Katie Hafner's blogging article? The Times seems to think that it can counter the threat of blogging (and make no mistake, we ARE a threat to the NYT) by writing a derisive article on it. Could the Times possible acknowledge the relevance of blogging for an audience disillusioned with the manipulations of the media? Too much to expect, I suppose. I'll have more to say on this later.
And then there was the Times' so-called "correction" of its Iraq coverage. Well, it would be nice if this "correction" included a re-assessment of the Times' anti-American bias, but that, too would be asking too much.
Department of Flying Pigs
... from Little Green Footballs. Can they really mean that they want to invite ... a ... THIRD PARTY to that Muslim-Christian conference in Qatar?
And then there's this from MEMRI:
second thoughts about jihad
The end is near, people.
And then there's this from MEMRI:
second thoughts about jihad
The end is near, people.
Two Speeches
Jessica's Well from Midland, Texas compares notes from Bill Cosby's speech and E.L. Doctorow's. Worth reading.
Disaster!
Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler has the news on our so-called "catastrophe" in Iraq. Go check it out.
2004-05-25
The Secret Watchers - Portland (Oregon) Tribune
This story appeared in the Portland Tribune in 2002 and is particularly relevant today. While the agency involved was the Portland Police Bureau, rather than any Federal organization, it's a sobering reminder of how power can be abused. (One amusing sidenote: a "suspicious" young woman whose photograph appeared in the secret files - her offense was supporting the grape boycott in 1968 - was none other than Vera Katz ... by now the mayor of Portland!)
"The day we found the mass grave is vivid to me still. ... "
THE IRAQI HOLOCAUST:
Memory
"We found it up near the Iranian boarder. Very quickly people came from miles and miles away. We stood and watched the family members digging up bones and clutching remains as they sat in the dirt, rocked back and forth and cried. They were adamant that we should come over and look as they dug them up. Every single body had its hands and feet wired together with ROMEX. Each skull had a bullet hole in it except for a few that were smashed with a club or rifle butt. There were clearly men but also women and children. The grave never made the news as there were no media with us and it was small by Iraq standards. One detail that I found particularly outrageous was that the assassins left the identifications on the bodies as if they were so arrogant that it never occurred that someday, someone would dig up the bodies and hold them accountable. I will never forget it."
- Quoted by Zayphar from a US serviceman's letters home. Read the whole post. Thanks to Jane.
Memory
"We found it up near the Iranian boarder. Very quickly people came from miles and miles away. We stood and watched the family members digging up bones and clutching remains as they sat in the dirt, rocked back and forth and cried. They were adamant that we should come over and look as they dug them up. Every single body had its hands and feet wired together with ROMEX. Each skull had a bullet hole in it except for a few that were smashed with a club or rifle butt. There were clearly men but also women and children. The grave never made the news as there were no media with us and it was small by Iraq standards. One detail that I found particularly outrageous was that the assassins left the identifications on the bodies as if they were so arrogant that it never occurred that someday, someone would dig up the bodies and hold them accountable. I will never forget it."
- Quoted by Zayphar from a US serviceman's letters home. Read the whole post. Thanks to Jane.
2004-05-23
At last!
No event of recent days has been more eagerly anticipated by DiL than William Safire's Monday column, explaining the mechanics and machinations of the Chalabi raid. Safire reveals the roots of both State's and Agency's animus towards Chalabi, as well as the role of Robert Blackwill in advancing Brahimi - who demanded the withdrawal from Falluja as well as the blacklisting of Chalabi. I'm too tired to post in detail tonight, but it's worth reading.
Reader Participation: Chalabi Raid and Iran Regime
Rubin and Ledeen are furious.
Wretchard cites the Telegraph's article linking Chalabi with the UN scandal and Brahimi.
Who's right? Is Chalabi guilty as charged? Or is he the scapegoat in some power struggle?
If anyone has new information, insights, or clues about the background and implications of the Chalabi raid, I'd love to hear it. Post to comments.
Wretchard cites the Telegraph's article linking Chalabi with the UN scandal and Brahimi.
Who's right? Is Chalabi guilty as charged? Or is he the scapegoat in some power struggle?
If anyone has new information, insights, or clues about the background and implications of the Chalabi raid, I'd love to hear it. Post to comments.
2004-05-17
Shy No More
Recently returned from an idyllic spring vacation in Shiraz, one of the writers at View From Iran notes that "it's fun not to be shy" among the outgoing Iranians. She also describes her encounters with the numerous Western tourists, including a Dutch lad named Joop.
A Day in the Life
Ginmar prefers to avoid explosions. (Really, what's WRONG with her?!)
Also don't miss her latest posts at A View From A Broad.
Also don't miss her latest posts at A View From A Broad.
2004-05-13
True Security Begins with Regime Change in Iran
PETITION: TRUE SECURITY BEGINS WITH REGIME CHANGE IN IRAN
As House Resolution 398 has rightly recognized, the illegitimate government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged, and continues to engage, in efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. Such weapons would pose an immediate threat not only to Iran’s neigbors, but ultimately to the entire world.
The cruelty of the IRI regime is well known and abundantly documented. The regime has been implicated in assassinations throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States; the murder of more than 100,000 Iranians; continuing policies of rape, torture, and arbitrary imprisonment as political tools; and the kidnapping of thousands of women and girls for sale into prostitution and slavery.
According to the Department of State report released by the Department of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on February 25, 2004: “The Government's poor human rights record worsened, and it continued to commit numerous, serious abuses. The right of citizens to change their government was restricted significantly. Continuing serious abuses included: summary executions; disappearances; torture and other degrading treatment, reportedly including severe punishments such as beheading and flogging; poor prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; lack of habeas corpus or access to counsel and prolonged and incommunicado detention. Citizens often did not receive due process or fair trials. The Government infringed on citizens' privacy rights, and restricted freedom of speech, press, assembly, association and religion.” These and other abuses clearly indicate that the regime constitutes a grave threat to the people of Iran and to free people everywhere.
It has come to our attention that Israel and/or the United States may be contemplating a pre-emptive military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. If the United States follows a policy based exclusively on the nuclear issue, however, the results will be catastrophic both for the Iranian people and, ultimately, for the Middle East and the world. Merely striking at Iranian nuclear facilities would at best delay the regime’s nuclear program, driving it deeper underground; would certainly provoke even harsher measures against the Iranian people; and would likely lure the West into a false sense of security with the mullahs of the IRI regime plotting their ultimate retribution against America, Israel, and all others who have stood in their way.
The Islamist regime continues to actively undermine American efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and Iraq. Regime-backed agents and mercenaries are killing American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines every week. To wait until Iraq and Afghanistan are “secure” before confronting the Iranian mullahs is folly; rather, the United States must take the battle to the enemy in Tehran.
The vast majority of freedom-loving Iranian people support the right of Israel and all of Iran’s Middle Eastern neighbors, as well as the United States, to live in peace and security. Therefore, it is in our common interest that:
1. President Bush must support clear and open policy calling for regime change in Iran.
2. The Administration must abandon its policy of “Afghanistan yesterday, Iraq today, Iran maybe tomorrow”, and confront the threat from the IRI regime immediately.
3. President Bush must deliver an ultimatum to the IRI’s primary hidden supporters (Britain) and secondary supporters (France, Germany, EU, Japan, Canada, Russia, and China) to stop giving economic assistance, intelligence assistance, or other assistance to the regime. The EU, in particular, should not use resources stolen from the Iranian people to finance its own failed welfare state.
4. The United States must deliver an unequivocal ultimatum to the Iranian regime to step down peacefully and immediately, and transfer power to a team of Iranian-American leaders; this team would set up a referendum under US and international supervision with military presence of US, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands in Iran as the peacekeeper. If the mullahs do not agree to step down peacefully, then the US should provide all necessary financial and military support for freedom-loving Iranian opposition both inside and outside Iran to remove the regime in a short period of time.
The Bush Doctrine advocates America’s active role in supporting freedom, democracy, and human rights throughout the world. We call on the Government to act in accord with this wise and noble policy, and help the Iranian people achieve their dream of a free and democratic Iran.
This is the preliminary text of a petition to be circulated by Iranian freedom activist groups. Watch this space for further details.
As House Resolution 398 has rightly recognized, the illegitimate government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged, and continues to engage, in efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. Such weapons would pose an immediate threat not only to Iran’s neigbors, but ultimately to the entire world.
The cruelty of the IRI regime is well known and abundantly documented. The regime has been implicated in assassinations throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States; the murder of more than 100,000 Iranians; continuing policies of rape, torture, and arbitrary imprisonment as political tools; and the kidnapping of thousands of women and girls for sale into prostitution and slavery.
According to the Department of State report released by the Department of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on February 25, 2004: “The Government's poor human rights record worsened, and it continued to commit numerous, serious abuses. The right of citizens to change their government was restricted significantly. Continuing serious abuses included: summary executions; disappearances; torture and other degrading treatment, reportedly including severe punishments such as beheading and flogging; poor prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; lack of habeas corpus or access to counsel and prolonged and incommunicado detention. Citizens often did not receive due process or fair trials. The Government infringed on citizens' privacy rights, and restricted freedom of speech, press, assembly, association and religion.” These and other abuses clearly indicate that the regime constitutes a grave threat to the people of Iran and to free people everywhere.
It has come to our attention that Israel and/or the United States may be contemplating a pre-emptive military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. If the United States follows a policy based exclusively on the nuclear issue, however, the results will be catastrophic both for the Iranian people and, ultimately, for the Middle East and the world. Merely striking at Iranian nuclear facilities would at best delay the regime’s nuclear program, driving it deeper underground; would certainly provoke even harsher measures against the Iranian people; and would likely lure the West into a false sense of security with the mullahs of the IRI regime plotting their ultimate retribution against America, Israel, and all others who have stood in their way.
The Islamist regime continues to actively undermine American efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and Iraq. Regime-backed agents and mercenaries are killing American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines every week. To wait until Iraq and Afghanistan are “secure” before confronting the Iranian mullahs is folly; rather, the United States must take the battle to the enemy in Tehran.
The vast majority of freedom-loving Iranian people support the right of Israel and all of Iran’s Middle Eastern neighbors, as well as the United States, to live in peace and security. Therefore, it is in our common interest that:
1. President Bush must support clear and open policy calling for regime change in Iran.
2. The Administration must abandon its policy of “Afghanistan yesterday, Iraq today, Iran maybe tomorrow”, and confront the threat from the IRI regime immediately.
3. President Bush must deliver an ultimatum to the IRI’s primary hidden supporters (Britain) and secondary supporters (France, Germany, EU, Japan, Canada, Russia, and China) to stop giving economic assistance, intelligence assistance, or other assistance to the regime. The EU, in particular, should not use resources stolen from the Iranian people to finance its own failed welfare state.
4. The United States must deliver an unequivocal ultimatum to the Iranian regime to step down peacefully and immediately, and transfer power to a team of Iranian-American leaders; this team would set up a referendum under US and international supervision with military presence of US, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands in Iran as the peacekeeper. If the mullahs do not agree to step down peacefully, then the US should provide all necessary financial and military support for freedom-loving Iranian opposition both inside and outside Iran to remove the regime in a short period of time.
The Bush Doctrine advocates America’s active role in supporting freedom, democracy, and human rights throughout the world. We call on the Government to act in accord with this wise and noble policy, and help the Iranian people achieve their dream of a free and democratic Iran.
This is the preliminary text of a petition to be circulated by Iranian freedom activist groups. Watch this space for further details.
Iranian-Americans Boycott Ebadi's Speech
When Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi spoke in Washington, DC, Iranian-Americans stayed away in droves, according to SMCCDI News Service.
Once a favorite of the Iranian freedom movement, Ebadi shocked activists by declaring her allegiance to the so-called "moderate" faction in the Iranian regime.
Read the news report at this link.
Once a favorite of the Iranian freedom movement, Ebadi shocked activists by declaring her allegiance to the so-called "moderate" faction in the Iranian regime.
Read the news report at this link.
2004-05-12
The Iraqi Holocaust: Uday vs. Women
from The Mesopotamian:
You might have heard that an assassination attempt against Uday had taken place in 1996, which left him with injuries that caused impotency. This made him even more cruel and sadistic than his usual self. It has been revealed after the fall of the regime that he shot the doctor who broke the news to him (c.f. interview with one of the close bodyguards of Uday at Al Arabia last year). This added one more complex to his extensive repertoire of psychological problems. He started to hate anything to do with other people having any kind of sexual pleasure.
Well, that horrible day we learnt that the night before the Fedayeen [under Uday's command] had attacked scores of houses and dragged women and young girls to streets and beheaded many with swords leaving the heads at the doorsteps of the victims houses. Some of these heads were left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The atrocities lasted for several weeks.
You might have heard that an assassination attempt against Uday had taken place in 1996, which left him with injuries that caused impotency. This made him even more cruel and sadistic than his usual self. It has been revealed after the fall of the regime that he shot the doctor who broke the news to him (c.f. interview with one of the close bodyguards of Uday at Al Arabia last year). This added one more complex to his extensive repertoire of psychological problems. He started to hate anything to do with other people having any kind of sexual pleasure.
Well, that horrible day we learnt that the night before the Fedayeen [under Uday's command] had attacked scores of houses and dragged women and young girls to streets and beheaded many with swords leaving the heads at the doorsteps of the victims houses. Some of these heads were left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The atrocities lasted for several weeks.
Security for Israel, Freedom for Iran
As noted here yesterday, there are persistent rumors that Israel and/or the United States may be contemplating a pre-emptive airstrike against the regime's nuclear sites in Iran.
Iranian freedom activists support Israel's right to security, but caution that any action taken against the regime in Tehran must come as part of a full-scale attack on the IRI mullahs in order to effect regime change.
For the Iranian people, a "pinpoint" strike that leaves the apparatus of oppression intact provides no relief or comfort. Such a move would only provide the regime with a pretext for further draconian measures against the Iranian populace.
For the West, it makes no strategic sense simply to "wound the beast." Merely attacking the IRI's nuclear facilities would treat the symptom but not the disease. We cannot afford to continue a failed policy of half-measures and stop-gap solutions.
Please watch this space for an official declaration from Iranian dissident organizations.
Iranian freedom activists support Israel's right to security, but caution that any action taken against the regime in Tehran must come as part of a full-scale attack on the IRI mullahs in order to effect regime change.
For the Iranian people, a "pinpoint" strike that leaves the apparatus of oppression intact provides no relief or comfort. Such a move would only provide the regime with a pretext for further draconian measures against the Iranian populace.
For the West, it makes no strategic sense simply to "wound the beast." Merely attacking the IRI's nuclear facilities would treat the symptom but not the disease. We cannot afford to continue a failed policy of half-measures and stop-gap solutions.
Please watch this space for an official declaration from Iranian dissident organizations.
2004-05-11
The Iraqi Holocaust: Mass Graves
Please take a few minutes to look at some of the 56 pages of photographs of Iraqi Mass Graves.
2004-05-10
Zeyad Lays Down the Law
Healing Iraq is now off-limits to trolls! And good riddance to them, too. For those of you just joining us, the prominent Iraqi blogger Zeyad has been experiencing an ever-increasing volume of off-topic and hostile traffic in his Comments corner. He's just announced a policy of "no more Mr. Nice Guy" which will make life easier for those of us who want to have a real discussion.
On a more serious note, Zeyad also discusses the US reaction - and in the view of some Iraqis, perhaps over-reaction - to the Abu Graib scandal. He notes that many former prisoners of the Ba'athist regime contrast the present international outcry with the silence that surrounded far greater atrocities under Saddam. Zeyad also warns of an upsurge in banditry - already a serious problem - if large numbers of dangerous criminals are released as a result of the scandal.
On a more serious note, Zeyad also discusses the US reaction - and in the view of some Iraqis, perhaps over-reaction - to the Abu Graib scandal. He notes that many former prisoners of the Ba'athist regime contrast the present international outcry with the silence that surrounded far greater atrocities under Saddam. Zeyad also warns of an upsurge in banditry - already a serious problem - if large numbers of dangerous criminals are released as a result of the scandal.
2004-05-07
Two Views of Abu Ghraib
TWO VIEWS OF ABU GHRAIB. (Head Heeb, Belmont Club) Noting that “it is in the nature of counterinsurgencies” to blur the line between enemy and civilians, the Head Heeb asserts that “We need to leave [Iraq] while we still have a choice.” (I have taken some slight exception to this conclusion – see Comments.) The Belmont Club draws a different lesson: Wretchard explains that conflicts unresolved – that is, wars unwon – soon degenerate into endless cycles of mindless bloodshed. Wretchard’s analysis reminds us that the dehumanizing effects of war are by no means limited to counterinsurgencies, but are part of conventional warfare as well – which is exactly why wars, including this one, must be ended quickly and decisively.
CLARIFICATION:
For my part, I think we are all agreed on the need to turn control of Iraq over to the Iraqis as soon as possible. For a better understanding of Jonathan's position, I'll let the HH tell it in his own words:
What productive purpose is our continued presence in Iraq serving? Getting rid of Saddam - that job's done. Eliminating WMDs - well, no. Fighting terrorism - sure, but at this point the terrorism is mostly local and occupation-inspired rather than the sort of global terror we should really be fighting. Preventing anarchy - maybe, but at this point it seems more like we're preventing natural political evolution. Increasing American political leverage - we're doing quite the opposite of that at this point. Cleaning up the mess - a noble cause, certainly, but our best efforts seem only to make the mess worse.
If we keep winning all the battles but the situation keeps getting worse, then I think our presence might fairly be described as counterproductive.
CLARIFICATION:
For my part, I think we are all agreed on the need to turn control of Iraq over to the Iraqis as soon as possible. For a better understanding of Jonathan's position, I'll let the HH tell it in his own words:
What productive purpose is our continued presence in Iraq serving? Getting rid of Saddam - that job's done. Eliminating WMDs - well, no. Fighting terrorism - sure, but at this point the terrorism is mostly local and occupation-inspired rather than the sort of global terror we should really be fighting. Preventing anarchy - maybe, but at this point it seems more like we're preventing natural political evolution. Increasing American political leverage - we're doing quite the opposite of that at this point. Cleaning up the mess - a noble cause, certainly, but our best efforts seem only to make the mess worse.
If we keep winning all the battles but the situation keeps getting worse, then I think our presence might fairly be described as counterproductive.
2004-05-06
State vs. Defense - and the Chalabi Charge
When you first read the article linked at my post “Chalabi Aiding Iranian Mullahs?”, didn’t you think it was just a tiny bit curious that “intelligence agencies” (meaning the CIA) were suddenly concerned about about those Iranian insurgents in Iraq? Especially when the Agency has never said peep about them? I know, it sounded odd to me too. But, according to the Newsweek piece, “the State Department and the CIA are using the intelligence about his Iran ties to persuade the president to cut him loose once and for all” [my emphasis – aa]. While “Chalabi still has loyal defenders among some neoconservatives in the Pentagon,” according to the article. (Those pesky neoconservatives! That damn Pentagon!)
In an April 30 article, Barbara Lerner addresses criticisms of what has been termed “Rumsfeld’s occupation” of Iraq. “First,” she says, “it’s not Rumsfeld’s occupation; it’s Colin Powell’s and George Tenet’s.” And second, that’s the problem. And one more thing: now there’s talk of handing Iraq over to the United Nations and Lakhdar Brahimi.
There are two factions at work in Washington: one, led by the White House and the Defense Department, and the other, led by the CIA and the State Department. According to Lerner, “Rumsfeld’s plan was to equip – and then transport to Iraq – some 10,000 Shia and Sunni freedom fighters led by Shia exile leader Ahmed Chalabi” to join Kurdish freedom fighters led by Jalal Talabani and Massoud Barzani. General Garner would have then handed power over to these three, and six others, in “a matter of weeks – not months or years” thus greatly enhancing the legitimacy of the new Iraqi government.
But State and the CIA had other ideas. Garner was replaced with State man Paul Bremer. The Iraqi exile force was slashed to a few hundred, while Rumsfeld’s trio was inflated to a total of 25, with the result that “Bremer’s face [was] the only one most Iraqis saw.”
In Bemer’s GC, many Iraqis “saw a foreign occupation occupation of potentially endless length” led by untrustworthy Americans, while Syria and Iran set about trying to carve up the newly liberated Iraq.
Now check out David Frum’s new piece (May 6). Money quote: “Those inside the government pushing the line that Mr. Chalabi has divulged secrets to the Iranians come from the same bureaucracies, the State Department and CIA, that have also advocated for the inclusion of Iraqi parties with more open links to Tehran in the Iraqi Governing Council, such as the Dawa Party.” Attention, Department of Pots and Kettles.
And speaking of Foggy Bottom and Tehran, read this from Frum’s May 5 post:
“And those intrepid foes of Iranian imperialism at the State Department? What have they done? In March 2004, Colin Powell agreed with the European allies to drop US demands for Security Council action against Iran. US policy is now one of “engagement” with Iran – even as Iran hosts al Qaeda on its territory and supports terrorism inside Iraq.” For Frum’s devastating analysis, read the whole post at the link.
But I digress. Back to the original question: Is the Iraq occupation Powell’s or Rumsfeld’s? With the horrifying revelations that have come to light since Barbara Lerner’s article was published, Rumsfeld’s reputation is now badly tarnished. But in any event, Lerner is adamant that the occupation must not be Brahimi’s. “The UN as a whole is bad; Lakhdar Brahimi is worse,” she writes. “Men like Chalabi, Talabani, and Barzani have nothing but contempt for Mr. Brahimi, the UN, and the Old Europe.” These are the ones we must support – regardless of where Rumsfeld’s career may take him.
In an April 30 article, Barbara Lerner addresses criticisms of what has been termed “Rumsfeld’s occupation” of Iraq. “First,” she says, “it’s not Rumsfeld’s occupation; it’s Colin Powell’s and George Tenet’s.” And second, that’s the problem. And one more thing: now there’s talk of handing Iraq over to the United Nations and Lakhdar Brahimi.
There are two factions at work in Washington: one, led by the White House and the Defense Department, and the other, led by the CIA and the State Department. According to Lerner, “Rumsfeld’s plan was to equip – and then transport to Iraq – some 10,000 Shia and Sunni freedom fighters led by Shia exile leader Ahmed Chalabi” to join Kurdish freedom fighters led by Jalal Talabani and Massoud Barzani. General Garner would have then handed power over to these three, and six others, in “a matter of weeks – not months or years” thus greatly enhancing the legitimacy of the new Iraqi government.
But State and the CIA had other ideas. Garner was replaced with State man Paul Bremer. The Iraqi exile force was slashed to a few hundred, while Rumsfeld’s trio was inflated to a total of 25, with the result that “Bremer’s face [was] the only one most Iraqis saw.”
In Bemer’s GC, many Iraqis “saw a foreign occupation occupation of potentially endless length” led by untrustworthy Americans, while Syria and Iran set about trying to carve up the newly liberated Iraq.
Now check out David Frum’s new piece (May 6). Money quote: “Those inside the government pushing the line that Mr. Chalabi has divulged secrets to the Iranians come from the same bureaucracies, the State Department and CIA, that have also advocated for the inclusion of Iraqi parties with more open links to Tehran in the Iraqi Governing Council, such as the Dawa Party.” Attention, Department of Pots and Kettles.
And speaking of Foggy Bottom and Tehran, read this from Frum’s May 5 post:
“And those intrepid foes of Iranian imperialism at the State Department? What have they done? In March 2004, Colin Powell agreed with the European allies to drop US demands for Security Council action against Iran. US policy is now one of “engagement” with Iran – even as Iran hosts al Qaeda on its territory and supports terrorism inside Iraq.” For Frum’s devastating analysis, read the whole post at the link.
But I digress. Back to the original question: Is the Iraq occupation Powell’s or Rumsfeld’s? With the horrifying revelations that have come to light since Barbara Lerner’s article was published, Rumsfeld’s reputation is now badly tarnished. But in any event, Lerner is adamant that the occupation must not be Brahimi’s. “The UN as a whole is bad; Lakhdar Brahimi is worse,” she writes. “Men like Chalabi, Talabani, and Barzani have nothing but contempt for Mr. Brahimi, the UN, and the Old Europe.” These are the ones we must support – regardless of where Rumsfeld’s career may take him.
2004-05-05
Best of Blogdad: Iraqis Address the Peace Movement (Part 1)
The worldwide antiwar demonstrations in 2003 attracted a lot of publicity. And the peace activists had quite a lot to say to the rest of us.
Some of the Iraqis they claimed to be defending had a few things to say to them, too, although it is not certain how closely the activists were listening.
The title of Mohammed’s November 17 post, addressed to the peace movement, gets right to the point:
******
YOU OWE US AN APOLOGY
I don’t know really know why Saddam’s regime lasted for over three decades, but I am sure as an Iraqi who survived that period that there’re no legal or moral justifications for it to remain. I was counting days and hours waiting to see an end to that regime, just like all those who suffered the cruelty of that brutal regime. It’s been really a disgrace chasing the world ,the world of the 21st. century, reminding it how incapable it was to aid the oppressed and to sue those who dispised all the values of humanity.
Through out these decades I lost trust in the world governments and international committees. Terms like (human rights, democracy and liberty..etc.)became hallow and meaningless and those who keep repeating these words are liars..liars..liars. I hated the U.N and the security council and Russia and France and Germany and the arab nations and the islamic conference.
I’ve hated George Gallawy and all those marched in the millionic demonstrations against the war .It is I who was oppressed and I don’t want any one to talk on behalf of me, I, who was eager to see rockets falling on Saddam’s nest to set me free, and it is I who desired to die gentlemen, because it’s more merciful than humiliation as it puts an end to my suffer, while humiliation lives with me reminding me every moment that I couldn’t defend myself against those who ill-treated me. [emphasis mine - aa]
******
Take a moment to read this over and think about it. Then read the whole post at the link. And visit the current post by Omar, Mohammed, and Ali Fadhil on their blog “Iraq the Model” – use the link on my sidebar.
Stay tuned for more.
Some of the Iraqis they claimed to be defending had a few things to say to them, too, although it is not certain how closely the activists were listening.
The title of Mohammed’s November 17 post, addressed to the peace movement, gets right to the point:
******
YOU OWE US AN APOLOGY
I don’t know really know why Saddam’s regime lasted for over three decades, but I am sure as an Iraqi who survived that period that there’re no legal or moral justifications for it to remain. I was counting days and hours waiting to see an end to that regime, just like all those who suffered the cruelty of that brutal regime. It’s been really a disgrace chasing the world ,the world of the 21st. century, reminding it how incapable it was to aid the oppressed and to sue those who dispised all the values of humanity.
Through out these decades I lost trust in the world governments and international committees. Terms like (human rights, democracy and liberty..etc.)became hallow and meaningless and those who keep repeating these words are liars..liars..liars. I hated the U.N and the security council and Russia and France and Germany and the arab nations and the islamic conference.
I’ve hated George Gallawy and all those marched in the millionic demonstrations against the war .It is I who was oppressed and I don’t want any one to talk on behalf of me, I, who was eager to see rockets falling on Saddam’s nest to set me free, and it is I who desired to die gentlemen, because it’s more merciful than humiliation as it puts an end to my suffer, while humiliation lives with me reminding me every moment that I couldn’t defend myself against those who ill-treated me. [emphasis mine - aa]
******
Take a moment to read this over and think about it. Then read the whole post at the link. And visit the current post by Omar, Mohammed, and Ali Fadhil on their blog “Iraq the Model” – use the link on my sidebar.
Stay tuned for more.
"Marg ba Amerika" ... not!
For those of you who haven't gotten the word yet, the Iranian people don't hate Americans. Forget that stuff about the Great Satan. Read Nicholas Kristof's column in the New York Times. Then check out the discussions on the Free Iran message board - use the link on my sidebar.
2004-05-04
Against the United Nations
Jane has a superb post on the UN. The time has come to radically reform, replace, or abolish this anti-democratic institution which represents states, not people.
Oh, yeah, almost forgot: Sudan has been appointed to the UN Commission on Human Rights.
Have a nice day.
Oh, yeah, almost forgot: Sudan has been appointed to the UN Commission on Human Rights.
Have a nice day.
2004-05-03
Sidebar Highlight: Ruti Gaon
Israeli artist Ruti Gaon offers a wide range of original work, from stunning renditions of Biblical scenes to inspirational productions. She is a woman of many talents, and I'm reliably informed that she is a fearsome opponent on the Quidditch court as well. Go check out her site.
You ain't there yet?!
You ain't there yet?!
Morning Report: May 3, 2004
· Al-Qaeda strikes Saudi oil facility – details murky. (Debka) A day-long suicide attack and gunfight claimed several lives at Yanbu on May 1. Official reports said that three attackers were gunned down and a fourth captured. Debka’s analysis questions official casualty figures, and suggests that several “bands” of terrorists may have spread out through the town. The Israeli report suggests that the goals of the attack were to undermine the Saudi regime, to weaken US/Saudi oil ties, and to cause oil prices to rise prior to the US elections in November.
· Brahimi a Saddam fan? (Free Arab Forum) Quoting Kurdish media, FAF alleges that Iraq’s UN representative has close ties with former dictator Saddam Hussein.
· VDH on overcoming dependency. (National Review Online) In a long and eloquent piece assessing the current situation, Victor Davis Hanson calls for decreased dependency on foreign oil:
“Surely conservatives can agree to reasonable mileage standards for new cars that will have the eventual practical effect of reducing our nation's daily consumption of oil. By the same token, surely liberals can agree to explore our own Arctic Circle for known petroleum, under careful environmental scrutiny to ensure that such resources are extracted with more care at home than they are currently extracted abroad, in areas where our own environmental protocols have no sway. We Americans cannot expect to drive cars that consume more gasoline than they need nor demand of others to tap their own fragile environment for resources that we desire but would not do the same for at home."
· Gaza pullout: Likud says no. (Various) Voters in Ariel Sharon’s Likud party soundly rejected the Israeli Prime Minister’s plan for a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Head Heeb comments succinctly: “This is a good day for Hamas and a bad one for Israel.” Debka, which had previously noted its lack of enthusiasm for the plan, essentially pronounced the vote the end of Sharon’s political career. I hope to post my own thoughts on this a little later.
· Brahimi a Saddam fan? (Free Arab Forum) Quoting Kurdish media, FAF alleges that Iraq’s UN representative has close ties with former dictator Saddam Hussein.
· VDH on overcoming dependency. (National Review Online) In a long and eloquent piece assessing the current situation, Victor Davis Hanson calls for decreased dependency on foreign oil:
“Surely conservatives can agree to reasonable mileage standards for new cars that will have the eventual practical effect of reducing our nation's daily consumption of oil. By the same token, surely liberals can agree to explore our own Arctic Circle for known petroleum, under careful environmental scrutiny to ensure that such resources are extracted with more care at home than they are currently extracted abroad, in areas where our own environmental protocols have no sway. We Americans cannot expect to drive cars that consume more gasoline than they need nor demand of others to tap their own fragile environment for resources that we desire but would not do the same for at home."
· Gaza pullout: Likud says no. (Various) Voters in Ariel Sharon’s Likud party soundly rejected the Israeli Prime Minister’s plan for a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Head Heeb comments succinctly: “This is a good day for Hamas and a bad one for Israel.” Debka, which had previously noted its lack of enthusiasm for the plan, essentially pronounced the vote the end of Sharon’s political career. I hope to post my own thoughts on this a little later.
Sudan Atrocities
After attacking the village in February, soldiers and Janjaweed chased women and children into a valley and shot them in cold blood as they attempted to hide behind rocks and trees.
"They said: 'You are dogs! We will drive you off this land!'" said Salma Zakariah Hassan, 19, who escaped unscathed.
"They told me: 'You are a rebel and the son of rebels!'" said Hussein Daafallah, 12, who was shot three times - in the face, arm and leg. The child saw three friends aged between 7 and 11 fall wounded beside him, but does not know whether they lived or died. That, he explains, is why he is crying; not because of his disfigured face, shattered elbow and swollen, infected leg. ...
The Sudanese government is believed to be complicit in the ongoing horror in the Darfur region in the west of Sudan, bordering Chad. The gangs of thugs known as janjaweed appear to be enforcing the regime's ethnic-cleansing policy.
Despite the urging of American officials, the UN response - and particularly that of the European Union - has so far been disappointing.
Recalling the words of the 18th century Whig politician Edmund Burke: "It is necessary only for the good man to do nothing for evil to triumph" - the head of the US delegation to the Commission called for a special session to "hold accountable those responsible for the deplorable acts in Darfur."
"After World War II, the world said 'never again,'" US Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs Richard Williamson said. "Then came Cambodia where the 'killing fields' were awash in blood. Ten years ago in Rwanda, evil reigned ... Then came ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo.
"We cannot fail as we have before. 'Never Again' must be more than mere words or an idle promise."
Read the whole story here. (Hat tip, as always, to Jane.) Then sign the petition.
"They said: 'You are dogs! We will drive you off this land!'" said Salma Zakariah Hassan, 19, who escaped unscathed.
"They told me: 'You are a rebel and the son of rebels!'" said Hussein Daafallah, 12, who was shot three times - in the face, arm and leg. The child saw three friends aged between 7 and 11 fall wounded beside him, but does not know whether they lived or died. That, he explains, is why he is crying; not because of his disfigured face, shattered elbow and swollen, infected leg. ...
The Sudanese government is believed to be complicit in the ongoing horror in the Darfur region in the west of Sudan, bordering Chad. The gangs of thugs known as janjaweed appear to be enforcing the regime's ethnic-cleansing policy.
Despite the urging of American officials, the UN response - and particularly that of the European Union - has so far been disappointing.
Recalling the words of the 18th century Whig politician Edmund Burke: "It is necessary only for the good man to do nothing for evil to triumph" - the head of the US delegation to the Commission called for a special session to "hold accountable those responsible for the deplorable acts in Darfur."
"After World War II, the world said 'never again,'" US Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs Richard Williamson said. "Then came Cambodia where the 'killing fields' were awash in blood. Ten years ago in Rwanda, evil reigned ... Then came ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo.
"We cannot fail as we have before. 'Never Again' must be more than mere words or an idle promise."
Read the whole story here. (Hat tip, as always, to Jane.) Then sign the petition.
More on the Prisoners
Jonah Goldberg at NRO's The Corner says it better than I can. He's also posted an email from a veteran commenting on this outrage:
"Jonah,
... The damage done to our cause, and our country's reputation by this appalling conduct could be catastrophic. For all the people in the world who dismiss the Eurotrash's sniping at America, to say nothing of the likes of bin Laden and al Jazeera, this will be hard to explain and may very well plant a poisonous seed.
I'm not the parent of a fallen soldier or Marine, but I can just imagine how I would feel if, after experiencing the horror of outliving my child after
he or she died for freedom in Iraq, saw those pictures of the prisoners in
Baghdad. My kid's dead...but his memory, and his reputation as an American fighting man, ostensibly fighting against this same barbarity, has been sullied by guttersnipes led by a one-star witless moron.
700+ heros have taken a bullet and meanwhile...literally behind their
backs...everything they have bled and died for is being gleefully
undermined. These people pissed on their graves...and laughed. String 'em up.
I'll be happy to spell one of the guards at Leavenworth should they need it. ..."
Goldberg writes:
"The awfulness is twofold. First, there's the illegal, morally corrupt -- and corrupting -- evil of torturing people for the pleasure of it (and taking pictures of it!). Second, there's the counter-productive stupidity of it. Even if these guys were the worst henchmen of Saddam's torture chambers, the damage this does to the image of America is huge. How do we look when we denounce Saddam's torture chambers now? How many more American soldiers will be shot because of the ill will and outrage this generates? How do we claim to be champions of the rule of law?
Well, there is one way. This needs to be investigated and prosecuted."
Read the whole thing here and here.
"Jonah,
... The damage done to our cause, and our country's reputation by this appalling conduct could be catastrophic. For all the people in the world who dismiss the Eurotrash's sniping at America, to say nothing of the likes of bin Laden and al Jazeera, this will be hard to explain and may very well plant a poisonous seed.
I'm not the parent of a fallen soldier or Marine, but I can just imagine how I would feel if, after experiencing the horror of outliving my child after
he or she died for freedom in Iraq, saw those pictures of the prisoners in
Baghdad. My kid's dead...but his memory, and his reputation as an American fighting man, ostensibly fighting against this same barbarity, has been sullied by guttersnipes led by a one-star witless moron.
700+ heros have taken a bullet and meanwhile...literally behind their
backs...everything they have bled and died for is being gleefully
undermined. These people pissed on their graves...and laughed. String 'em up.
I'll be happy to spell one of the guards at Leavenworth should they need it. ..."
Goldberg writes:
"The awfulness is twofold. First, there's the illegal, morally corrupt -- and corrupting -- evil of torturing people for the pleasure of it (and taking pictures of it!). Second, there's the counter-productive stupidity of it. Even if these guys were the worst henchmen of Saddam's torture chambers, the damage this does to the image of America is huge. How do we look when we denounce Saddam's torture chambers now? How many more American soldiers will be shot because of the ill will and outrage this generates? How do we claim to be champions of the rule of law?
Well, there is one way. This needs to be investigated and prosecuted."
Read the whole thing here and here.
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