Terrorists in Iraq say they have killed US Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun. I'll post more on this soon.
2004-07-03
2004-07-02
Morning Report: July 2, 2004
American volunteer owes life to Iraqi heroes. 22-year-old Scott Erwin, an American civilian volunteer in Iraq, credits a spare battery and Iraqi courage with saving his life. The battery, hanging in a pouch around Erwin's neck, stopped a bullet during an ambush. Also during the hail of bullets, the Iraqi translator, a friend of Erwin's, "was able to kind of pull me down and pull me from the car, until I was actually pulled to the opposite side outside of the car, so the car itself was almost blocking myself and him from the fire." The ambush killed an Iraqi officer and his driver.
Iraqi police put him and the others into the back of a pickup truck and sped off to the Green Zone. Erwin recalled that on the way to the hospital he tried to talk to his close friend, Col. Mohammed.
"I realized he wasn't answering, and then the translator, who saved my life, I believe, said that he had passed away."
Gunfire shattered some of the windows of the ambushed vehicle.
While in a state of shock, Erwin said he remembered feeling deep disappointment and sadness for the loss of Col. Mohammed's life, because he had a family -- a wife and two children.
He said he thought about how Col. Mohammed "would never get to see a prosperous Iraq, which he always talked about and he always dreamed about."
Read the whole story at the link.
Iraqi police put him and the others into the back of a pickup truck and sped off to the Green Zone. Erwin recalled that on the way to the hospital he tried to talk to his close friend, Col. Mohammed.
"I realized he wasn't answering, and then the translator, who saved my life, I believe, said that he had passed away."
Gunfire shattered some of the windows of the ambushed vehicle.
While in a state of shock, Erwin said he remembered feeling deep disappointment and sadness for the loss of Col. Mohammed's life, because he had a family -- a wife and two children.
He said he thought about how Col. Mohammed "would never get to see a prosperous Iraq, which he always talked about and he always dreamed about."
Read the whole story at the link.
2004-07-01
The New Republican: TNR Discovers Sudan
"Do something," the editors implore in the July 8/12 issue, referring to the Sudan crisis.
Well, some of us have been. I've just gone through all my back copies of TNR since April, and it appears the Sudan crisis has only just popped up on the magazine's radar. The editorial criricizes the Bush administration's alleged passivity during the past year, but does not cite any instances of TNR's voice being raised in outrage during that period.
The piece admits that "in recent weeks, the Bush administration has taken modest steps in the right direction," which may account for the editorial's timing. TNR has to say something, fast, before Bush steals the show altogether.
The editorial offers a number of strategies that might help: "To make sanctions effective, the United States should coordinate with its European allies" - hope springs eternal - "the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank." And while our own combat strength is fully committed elsewhere, "logistical and airlift support" might encourage some of those other nations to come on board with peacekeeping troops. (Well, it can't hurt to ask.)
The magazine suggests that a transfer of "even a fraction of the 2,000 American troops currently stationed in nearby Djibouti" could have a "dramatic psychological impact". And shortly after a gratuitous suggestion that "few in the Bush administration have ever shown much enthusiasm for using the US military to save African lives," the editors remember that "some 200 American ground troops helped end the violence in Liberia last summer."
"If President Bush wants to show the world that his moral rhetoric was sincere in Iraq, he now has his chance, in Sudan." I couldn't agree more. It's nice to know that The New Republic is finally catching up with President Bush.
Well, some of us have been. I've just gone through all my back copies of TNR since April, and it appears the Sudan crisis has only just popped up on the magazine's radar. The editorial criricizes the Bush administration's alleged passivity during the past year, but does not cite any instances of TNR's voice being raised in outrage during that period.
The piece admits that "in recent weeks, the Bush administration has taken modest steps in the right direction," which may account for the editorial's timing. TNR has to say something, fast, before Bush steals the show altogether.
The editorial offers a number of strategies that might help: "To make sanctions effective, the United States should coordinate with its European allies" - hope springs eternal - "the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank." And while our own combat strength is fully committed elsewhere, "logistical and airlift support" might encourage some of those other nations to come on board with peacekeeping troops. (Well, it can't hurt to ask.)
The magazine suggests that a transfer of "even a fraction of the 2,000 American troops currently stationed in nearby Djibouti" could have a "dramatic psychological impact". And shortly after a gratuitous suggestion that "few in the Bush administration have ever shown much enthusiasm for using the US military to save African lives," the editors remember that "some 200 American ground troops helped end the violence in Liberia last summer."
"If President Bush wants to show the world that his moral rhetoric was sincere in Iraq, he now has his chance, in Sudan." I couldn't agree more. It's nice to know that The New Republic is finally catching up with President Bush.
Anti-Gay Law Takes Effect in Virginia
An uncommonly hostile law aimed at stripping gay couples of their legal rights took effect in Virginia today, according to a CNN report. The legislation prohibits civil unions, partnership contracts or other arrangements "purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage." A rally in Richmond to protest the law drew over 400 people, and similar demonstrations were held in other cities statewide.
Saddam Transcript
The transcript of Saddam's arraignment is actually more interesting than you might expect. I'll post my thoughts on it later.
Let's Blogroll!
An uncanny resemblance. Jeffrey at Iraqi Bloggers Central notes the striking similarity between Saddam's courtroom rhetoric and the pronouncements of certain other individuals we've heard lately.
A close call, and some thoughts on security. Zeyad reports on a too-close-for-comfort car chase by some bandits, and stresses the need for increased Iraqi visibility in the security forces. He reports that "overall ... Baghdadis are cautiously optimistic about new developments."
Battle of wits. Ginmar gets to interrogate a new prisoner (not Zarqawi, unfortunately), and explains the different philosophies of interrogation. "One of them is the one that took the dark road to Abu Ghraib. The other is the one that it seems everyone in my company pretty much believes in: the battle of wits. This is where you plot and plan and study your opponent, eyeing body language, and weighing what facts you have, and how you can use them." She also talks about R&R, the mood in Qatar, and women's intimate apparel. (And no, I don't believe she plans to employ any of the latter with her next subject.)
US blunder. Big Pharaoh is appalled at an incident involving US forces and the Iraqi Police. Read the post, and don't miss the discussion in the comments corner.
Immigrant smuggling. CaribPundit has a
thought-provoking report on immigrant smuggling. Immigrants from Mexico and Central America are often subjected to degrading and inhuman treatment, while criminal gangs reap huge profits.
A close call, and some thoughts on security. Zeyad reports on a too-close-for-comfort car chase by some bandits, and stresses the need for increased Iraqi visibility in the security forces. He reports that "overall ... Baghdadis are cautiously optimistic about new developments."
Battle of wits. Ginmar gets to interrogate a new prisoner (not Zarqawi, unfortunately), and explains the different philosophies of interrogation. "One of them is the one that took the dark road to Abu Ghraib. The other is the one that it seems everyone in my company pretty much believes in: the battle of wits. This is where you plot and plan and study your opponent, eyeing body language, and weighing what facts you have, and how you can use them." She also talks about R&R, the mood in Qatar, and women's intimate apparel. (And no, I don't believe she plans to employ any of the latter with her next subject.)
US blunder. Big Pharaoh is appalled at an incident involving US forces and the Iraqi Police. Read the post, and don't miss the discussion in the comments corner.
Immigrant smuggling. CaribPundit has a
thought-provoking report on immigrant smuggling. Immigrants from Mexico and Central America are often subjected to degrading and inhuman treatment, while criminal gangs reap huge profits.
Morning Report: July 1, 2004
"Real criminal is Bush." - Saddam Saddam Hussein was belligerent and sullen by turns at his first court appearance in Baghdad, giving his title as "President of Iraq" and challenging the judge's authority, but quieting down when ordered to do so. CNN's Christiane Amanpour reported: "He said please a lot, which I'm sure is a change for him." He defended the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, referring to the Kuwaitis as "dogs". He declared that "the real criminal is Bush", and, according to Fox News, labeled the hearing as "theater".
2004-06-30
Nader's anti-Semitism
Don't have time for a full post right now, but Ralph Nader was recently quoted with some anti-Semitic remarks. More on this later. For now:
As a former Nader supporter, I wish I could say I'm surprised. I never knew Nader to be anti-Semitic, and I did not hear anything about his anti-Semitism during the 1996 and 2000 campaigns. But I probably could have found the information if I had dug for it, which I did not do. I knew there were anti-Semitic elements in the leftist world, but I didn't want to believe that they affected Nader or the Green Party. So I blame myself for not having asked enough questions.
Regarding the Greens (with whom Nader is no longer affiliated), there are both anti-Semitic and anti-anti-Semitic elements in the GP. I have been very favorably impressed with some European Greens' unequivocal denunciation of anti-Semitism in the past. Unfortunately, there is another side to the picture as well.
I'll post more on this as soon as I can.
As a former Nader supporter, I wish I could say I'm surprised. I never knew Nader to be anti-Semitic, and I did not hear anything about his anti-Semitism during the 1996 and 2000 campaigns. But I probably could have found the information if I had dug for it, which I did not do. I knew there were anti-Semitic elements in the leftist world, but I didn't want to believe that they affected Nader or the Green Party. So I blame myself for not having asked enough questions.
Regarding the Greens (with whom Nader is no longer affiliated), there are both anti-Semitic and anti-anti-Semitic elements in the GP. I have been very favorably impressed with some European Greens' unequivocal denunciation of anti-Semitism in the past. Unfortunately, there is another side to the picture as well.
I'll post more on this as soon as I can.
Let's Blogroll!
Life after death. Right Thinking Girl has a 9/11 story you won't forget. Just read it. Thanks to Baldilocks.
Prejudice and the prairie. A Liberal Canadian MP's remark gets Kate hot under the collar, and it ought to bother you, too. Labeling conservatives as "droolers and knuckledraggers" and calling people from rural areas "rednecks" is disgusting, and it's typical of the hypocrisy of elite so-called "liberals" who fancy themselves defending freedom of thought. I grew up in Connecticut, and I love my native New England dearly but I don't love the bigoted attitudes towards Southerners that were all too often tolerated in our "enlightened" society.
"You are too dark. We want to make a light baby." CaribPundit describes rape as ethnic cleansing in Sudan in harrowing detail.
In the driver's seat. Citing the proverb that "nobody washes a rented car", BigPharoah expresses confidence in Iraq's future, saying that "Early indicators show that the vast majority of Iraqis are willing to give this new government a chance and they will base their judgment on how well Allawi does in providing security, jobs, clean water, and electricity." He cautions that Allawi's government must learn from the mistakes of the CPA, and make security and services a top priority or face the wrath of the Iraqi people. Drawing on his experience in the PR world, he also notes that the perception of sovereignty - or lack of sovereignty - is everything: multinational forces "shouldn't fire a single bullet" without the approval of the Iraqi government; and Iraqi visibility in security forces must increase.
Prejudice and the prairie. A Liberal Canadian MP's remark gets Kate hot under the collar, and it ought to bother you, too. Labeling conservatives as "droolers and knuckledraggers" and calling people from rural areas "rednecks" is disgusting, and it's typical of the hypocrisy of elite so-called "liberals" who fancy themselves defending freedom of thought. I grew up in Connecticut, and I love my native New England dearly but I don't love the bigoted attitudes towards Southerners that were all too often tolerated in our "enlightened" society.
"You are too dark. We want to make a light baby." CaribPundit describes rape as ethnic cleansing in Sudan in harrowing detail.
In the driver's seat. Citing the proverb that "nobody washes a rented car", BigPharoah expresses confidence in Iraq's future, saying that "Early indicators show that the vast majority of Iraqis are willing to give this new government a chance and they will base their judgment on how well Allawi does in providing security, jobs, clean water, and electricity." He cautions that Allawi's government must learn from the mistakes of the CPA, and make security and services a top priority or face the wrath of the Iraqi people. Drawing on his experience in the PR world, he also notes that the perception of sovereignty - or lack of sovereignty - is everything: multinational forces "shouldn't fire a single bullet" without the approval of the Iraqi government; and Iraqi visibility in security forces must increase.
Morning Report: June 30, 2004
Saddam, aides to go to Iraqi custody; arraignment Thursday. Saddam Hussein and eleven aides were transferred to the legal custody of the new Iraqi government on Wednesday, although the "dirty dozen" will remain in US legal custody. The deposed dictator will face formal charges in an Iraqi tribunal on Thursday, although the formal indictment may take months. US forces will retain custody of the prisoners until Iraqi security is ready to hold them. (CNN)
Alleged sex offender challenged to debate accuser. Bill Clinton, the former US President who was charged with sexual harassment, has been challenged to a debate by his alleged victim, Paula Jones. "I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to be out and meet him eye-to-eye and tell him he knows he did what he did to me. But Bill Clinton would never agree to something like that," Jones said. Jones' suit, filed in 1994, charged that Clinton, while he was still governor of Arkansas, groped her and exposed himself to her in a hotel room. The lawsuit was settled in November 1998, with a payment of $850,000 but no admission of wrongdoing by Clingon. (CNN)
Alleged sex offender challenged to debate accuser. Bill Clinton, the former US President who was charged with sexual harassment, has been challenged to a debate by his alleged victim, Paula Jones. "I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to be out and meet him eye-to-eye and tell him he knows he did what he did to me. But Bill Clinton would never agree to something like that," Jones said. Jones' suit, filed in 1994, charged that Clinton, while he was still governor of Arkansas, groped her and exposed himself to her in a hotel room. The lawsuit was settled in November 1998, with a payment of $850,000 but no admission of wrongdoing by Clingon. (CNN)
2004-06-28
Bush, Kerry, and Nader
I supported Ralph Nader in 1996 and again in 2000. This year, while I don't support him as a candidate, I will defend his right to run for office - and not just because I'm voting for Bush.
I was with the Green Party for seven years, from 1996 (Nader's first run) thru 2003. I registered Democratic around last spring, but my heart wasn't in it. I lasted about a year with the Dems.
If people like Joe Lieberman and the folks at The New Republic represented the majority of Democrats, I'd stay with them. But they don't.
The problem I'm seeing with the Dems now is, ironically, very similar to how the party looked to me from the Green side of the house: they don't seem to stand for anything except "not being Republicans". Every four years they try to convince you that the world is going to come to an end if a Republican gets into the White House. That was their whole case against Nader - because they couldn't challenge him on the issues or on integrity.
Well, whatever you think about the 2000 election, GWB has certainly not caused the end of the world. The only people whose world has come crashing down have been (a) the Taliban; (b) the Iraqi Ba'ath Party; and (c) their sympathizers and apologists in the West.
Nader isn't running on the Green ticket this year, but he will be running as "the anti-war candidate". Kerry will then be really screwed, because he's trying to take a middle position on an issue where there's no middle ground. The Democrats will scream (again) about Nader stealing "their" votes, but by this point it should be obvious that the Democrats never "owned" those votes in the first place. Ironically, this is an example of the very "entitlement mentality" that conservatives so often accuse liberals of.
I think American politics may end up being reborn as a result of all this. If they are smart, the Democrats could re-invent themselves as a centrist party within the next couple of election cycles. The Greens are strong - I still have a lot of respect for them - and could take in some of the far lefties. This three-party model could produce a much more interesting exchange of ideas than the current "duopoly".
But the Democratic Party will have to ask itself some hard questions first.
I was with the Green Party for seven years, from 1996 (Nader's first run) thru 2003. I registered Democratic around last spring, but my heart wasn't in it. I lasted about a year with the Dems.
If people like Joe Lieberman and the folks at The New Republic represented the majority of Democrats, I'd stay with them. But they don't.
The problem I'm seeing with the Dems now is, ironically, very similar to how the party looked to me from the Green side of the house: they don't seem to stand for anything except "not being Republicans". Every four years they try to convince you that the world is going to come to an end if a Republican gets into the White House. That was their whole case against Nader - because they couldn't challenge him on the issues or on integrity.
Well, whatever you think about the 2000 election, GWB has certainly not caused the end of the world. The only people whose world has come crashing down have been (a) the Taliban; (b) the Iraqi Ba'ath Party; and (c) their sympathizers and apologists in the West.
Nader isn't running on the Green ticket this year, but he will be running as "the anti-war candidate". Kerry will then be really screwed, because he's trying to take a middle position on an issue where there's no middle ground. The Democrats will scream (again) about Nader stealing "their" votes, but by this point it should be obvious that the Democrats never "owned" those votes in the first place. Ironically, this is an example of the very "entitlement mentality" that conservatives so often accuse liberals of.
I think American politics may end up being reborn as a result of all this. If they are smart, the Democrats could re-invent themselves as a centrist party within the next couple of election cycles. The Greens are strong - I still have a lot of respect for them - and could take in some of the far lefties. This three-party model could produce a much more interesting exchange of ideas than the current "duopoly".
But the Democratic Party will have to ask itself some hard questions first.
Morning Report: June 28, 2004
IRAQI SOVEREIGNTY DECLARED TODAY. Morning Report is taking the day off to celebrate.
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