THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS: 01/01/2005

Monday, January 31, 2005

COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARIES

Katherine Lopez of NRO's THE CORNER points to a recent post by ROGER L. SIMON which cited an earlier article by AUSTIN BAY (now of his own blog) at STRATEGYPAGE.

K-lo, Roger and Austin make the point that the so-called "insurgents" are really - and ought to be really called - "reactionaries." (Perhaps they think that this name is not only more accurate - which it is - but that it will also emphasize to Lefties everywhere that they should unambiguously support the Coalition of the Willing and the Iraqi Government in the current war against the neojiahdists and neobaathists in Iraq.)

Actually - IMHO, the best name for the "insurgents" is not "reactionaries" but COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARIES.

The one true revolution was and still remains the democratic revolution - the one we started in 1776, and that has been steadily bringing liberty and democracy to more and more of humanity EVER SINCE. Truly, a democratic revolution is what's happening now in Iraq.

LIBERTY - after 229 years, it's STILL the most revolutionary thing out there!

"LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION!" "POWER TO THE PEOPLE!" "DOWN WITH THE COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARIES!"

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:44 AM ; Permalink;

FIRST PRECINCT RESULTS IN FROM IRAQ

Early returns are in: And they show that Teddy Jo Kopechne has carried Fallujah! YUP: the Leftwing has clearly carried the hearts and minds of the neojihadists and neobaathists - or is that carried their water!? Heh!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:18 AM ; Permalink;

Friday, January 28, 2005

THE FUTURE BEGINS ON SUNDAY IN IRAQ

Sunday will be the start of something big: a democratic future for Iraqis. I'm praying for them. I've read countless heartwarming stories about Iraqi families planning to vote. Some are staggering their voting times - so if there's an attack at their polling place some members of their family will be sure to survive. Another family has decided to go to the polls all together; they want to vote together or DIE TOGETHER while voting: "democacy is that important to us - it is worth dying for."

God Bless them all - no matter how they vote. And may God Bless our troops.

Here's a very touching account by Iraqi blogger Mohammed of Iraq the Model (hat tip WINDS OF CHANGE):

Less than 48 hours left before the people of Iraq experience free decision making for the first time in their country's modern history. It's a moment of pure freedom but still surrounded by lots of dangers just like any beautiful rose surrounded by spikes. There is fear from the enemies of freedom who have their weapons already prepared to intimidate us and stop us from choosing our future. But at the same time we're full of hope as we know that we've put our feet on the right track and even if we make a bad choice once, we know that we will have the chance to reevaluate the situation again. No more tyrants ruling the country for decades.We're standing before a historic moment and I won't be exaggerating if I said that it's an important moment for the whole world; we're standing before a crossroads and everyone should watch and learn from the rebirth of Iraq. Regardless of the winners in the se elections, those who opposed the elections and resisted the change will have to deal with the new reality. In 48 hours from now, the dying dictatorships and their filthy tools, the terrorists, will find themselves facing an elected legitimate government in Iraq.
The tyrants nightmare is becoming reality, now they will have to deal with the scariest word in their dictionaries; THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE. The terrorists have challenged the bravery of the Iraqi people but they messed with the wrong people. The people have accepted the challenge; democracy and elections are not a luxury for Iraqis, it's an issue of life or death. And the terror brutal campaign has only made the people more determined to go on with the change. The results of some recent polls that have shown how determined Iraqis are to hold the elections might have surprised you, but they weren't a surprise for us; we're not the kind of people that kneel to terror and the sights of blood and beheadings. Saddam had tried all tools of oppression, killing and torture he could find against our people (including WMD's) but he failed to make the people believe in his hateful regime. And that's why the people abandoned him and now, he and his regime are just a bad old tale from the past. On Sunday, the sun will rise on the land of Mesopotamia. I can't wait, the dream is becoming true and I will stand in front of the box to put my heart in it. Mohammed.

WOW.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:09 PM ; Permalink;

TARANTO NAILS TEDDY JO!

IF YOU DON'T READ TARANTO EVERYDAY HERE'S MORE PROOF OF WHY YOU SHOULD SUBSCRIBE:

John F. Kennedy's presidency is hard to evaluate because it was so brief, but he is best known for the soaring rhetoric of his 1961 Inaugural Address:

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge--and more.

Kennedy's brother Ted, whose 15,423 days of service make him the second most senior U.S. senator, is best known for driving off a bridge and leaving a young woman to drown. His attitude toward America's role in the world is the opposite of his brother's; it's best summed up as an inversion of FDR: We have nothing to offer but fear itself. Here he is yesterday at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies:

The war in Iraq has become a war against the American occupation. . . . The U.S. military presence has become part of the problem, not part of the solution. . . . The first step is to confront our own mistakes. . . . No matter how many times the Administration denies it, there is no question they misled the nation and led us into a quagmire in Iraq. . . . As in Vietnam, truth was the first casualty of this war. . . . As a result of our actions in Iraq, our respect and credibility around the world have reached all-time lows. . . . Never in our history has there been a more powerful, more painful example of the saying that those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. . . . The nations in the Middle East are independent, except for Iraq, which began the 20th century under Ottoman occupation and is now beginning the 21st century under American occupation.

And on and on and on. That last sentence we quoted is really something when you realize that the the 21st century began more than four years ago, when Iraq was under Baathist occupation. And the idea that "the nations in the Middle East are independent" really sums up the EMK worldview. Terror-sponsoring tyrannies are just peachy, suggests brother Ted, so long as America does not have to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend or oppose any foe.

Such harangues are to be expected from the malignantly magniloquent Massachusettsan, but why now? "It's remarkable that Sen. Kennedy would deliver such an overtly pessimistic message only days before the Iraqi election," said Republican spokesman Brian Jones in a statement. "Kennedy's partisan political attack stands in stark contrast to President Bush's vision of spreading freedom around the world."

But that's exactly the point. A succcessful election in Iraq will be a triumph for the Bush doctrine and the strongest rebuke yet to those Democrats who learned from Vietnam that America is a force for ill in the world. Ted Kennedy is, as The Wall Street Journal puts it today, "cheerleading for America to fail" because his ideology leaves him unfit to cope with American success. If he has his way, democracy in Iraq will suffer the same fate as Mary Jo Kopechne.

RTWT EVERYDAY! SUBSCRIBE! http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:40 PM ; Permalink;

Progress or Regress?

Hamas did very VERY well in the recent local elections in Gaza.

Will the fact that they'll now have to actually self-govern in a transparent way and deliver services moderate them, or will it poison the system?

I'm not sure, but I am optimistic.

I do know that there are many other instances of this sort of thing (of "institutional change: and wondering what's it's impact will be: wheter it strengthens or weakens institutions) - maybe that's an indication of how things will likely go, and why:

(A) Gay marriage - does it represent the embourgeoisification of homosexuality, or the destruction of a basic and ancient and important social institution? (B) Democracy in the Islamosphere - will it radicalize Muslim nations or moderate them? (C) Privatization of Social Security - will it destroy retirement benefits or strengthen them?

I believe that how we answer these questions reflects what we believe about humanity.

Universalists believe that people are basically good, and basically the same all over the world. Genetics pretty much backs this up. This would mean that ALL three of my examples would lead to GOOD results: empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own lives - in the private and public domains - is inherently good because personal autonomy is basically good.

On the other hand: there MUST ALWAYS be checks and balances - without checks and balances a few bad players can ruin anything. Checks and balances is basically what makes the USA work so well (it's not who we are ethnically or any other way; it's that we have separated the powers of the state so thoroughly).

IOW: we should be as libertarian as possible, but NEVER expect that a completely unfettered and unchecked authority - by any individual or group or any state - will lead to anything good.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE?

Well, gay marriage? ... maybe... in some form... in some states if they want it; sure. Democracy in the Islamosphere? ... yeah... good; even if it leads sometimes to reactionaries attaining power - as long as their governments have checks and balances, and the public has recourse for recalls and elections. Privatization of social security? ... DEFINITELY: personalization and ownership and personal responsibility is a good thing, but let's make sure it is VOLUNTARY.

And Hamas??? Well... We'll see; I hope when they have to deliver services to their own people (instead of genocide) that they will reform. The test will come when it's time for them to disarm (just as in Northern Ireland with the IRA). I'm praying...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:18 PM ; Permalink;

P-U-T-I-N SPELLS TROUBLE

Putin is becoming a very bad actor:

At home.... with YUKOS.
In his backyard... with the UKRAINE.
Globally... with Syria. (Yeah SYRIA: apparently the missile deal is NOT dead!)

It's time that the folks who aided the democrats in Serbia and Georgia and the Ukraine started aiding the democrats in Russia. (And Iran. And North Korea. For STARTERS!) And not just for their sake: because - as Bush said in his inaugural - liberty at home depends more and more on liberty abroad.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:18 AM ; Permalink;

Thursday, January 27, 2005

HUMAN SHIELDS

From THE AMERCIAN THINKER: Human shields

Where are the human shields? You remember the Westerners who flocked to Iraq to "protect" it from America. Now that democracy itself is under attack, why aren't they pouring into Iraq to protect the polling places? Two possible answers:

(a) Because they think the jihadis, unlike the Coalition, will actually try to kill them.
(b) They were willing to risk their lives to save Saddam but not to make a democratic election possible.....

Clarice R. Feldman 1 27 05

All of the above. The same thing goes for the Human Shields and Israel: they volunteered to "protect" Arafat, but NEVER to sit in an Israeli bus or pizzeria or cafe...

As great men have often said: "they're not for peace; they're on the other side!" (See HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and ESPECIALLY HERE and then HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE.)

YEAH: 13 links to the Blogfather; think he'll notice the shameless plea for an instalanche!? Heh! Only kidding: each link is relevant and deserved, after all he virtually coined the expression - "... they're on the other side!"

UPDATE: go to CITIZEN Z and get his read on this issue... now!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:58 PM ; Permalink;

MORE HOPEFUL NEWS FROM MIDDLE EAST

From the front page of the Jerusalem Post:

Sharon: 'We are on verge of historic breakthrough' By HERB KEINON AND JPOST STAFF As PA begins deployment in south Gaza, Sharon says Israel willing to go a long way. Related Stories:

Rice to visit region next week

Mubarak phones Sharon, praises positive atmosphere

These stories come on the heels of the coordinated USA/Israeli isolation of Arafat (which helped make clear that his path would not succeed), elections in the Afghanistan, the occupied territories, and soon - VERY SOON - an election in IRAQ. All made possible by Bush's bold and resolute policies.

These are hopeful times, indeed. I pray that people of peace and freedom in the occupied territories and Iraq succeed in defeating the forces of tyranny and genocide, and are able to achieve democratic self-rule.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:13 PM ; Permalink;

CHENEY: genocide a perennial evil which must be confronted

Cheney attended and spoke at the Holocaust Memorial in Auschwitz (hat tip DRUDGE):

"The story of the camps remind us that evil is real and must be called by its name and must be confronted," Cheney said at a forum in Krakow, where he spoke before attending an anniversary program at the concentration camps here. "We are reminded that anti-Semitism may begin with words but rarely stops with words and the message of intolerance and hatred must be opposed before it turns into acts of horror." While he didn't draw the comparison directly, the subtext of Cheney's message melded with the theme of President Bush's Inauguration Day speech about freedom versus tyranny as well as one of his previous State of the Union addresses when he called Iraq, North Korea and Iran the "axis of evil."

Cheney and Bush "GET IT" - and are proactively confronting evil more effectively than even FDR did (and almost as well as Churchill, and with just about the same number of allies, too!). Which should remind everyone: when it comes to the battle between good and evil, Old Europe is HARDLY (and harldy ever was) the best barometer of good.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:40 PM ; Permalink;

Philip Johnson

Roger Kimball of The New Criterion wrote a fabulous and comprehensive obit/review of Johnson's life; click HERE and RTWT. You might be surprised to find out that Johnson's life included a prolonged involvement with NAZISM, and other pernicious creeds.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:56 AM ; Permalink;

TEDDY JO KOPECHNE: "TIME TO RETREAT FROM IRAQ"

GUARDIAN/(AP): Amid constant harangues that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam," Teddy Kennedy has now explitictly called for the immediate "withdrawal" of US troops from Iraq. What he means is he wants the USA to surrender and accept defeat.

This is hardly surpising: the lefty Democrats forced the premature withdrawal of our troops from Vietnam in 1973, and then suspended financing of the South Vietnamese government in 1975. What happened as a result? The North invaded, the South fell, 500,000 were sent to "re-education" camps, 1 MILLION "boat people" fled the Marxist tyranny - half a MILLION died fleeing, Cambodia fell to Marxists and 3 MILLION more died on the altar of Leftist utopianism there as a result. You see: the Domino Theory was correct, after all. (More HERE and HERE and HERE.)

A similarly bad result will certainly occur in Iraq - and the Middle East - if we abandon the Iraqis as they battle the neobaathists (who - like Ho Chi Minh are socialists), and the neojihadists - both of whom want to re-establish xenophobic tyrannies.

Perhaps Teddy has appeasement in his genes: his poppa - the Wall Street thief, Joe Kennedy - advocated letting another socialist tyrant - Hitler - have all of Europe. (Though I suspect that JFK and RFK would want us to defend our allies and fellow democracies; at least it's pretty to think so).

Perhaps Teddy thinks the Iraqis don't deserve democracy or aren't up to it? Or maybe he thinks our troops are more needed elsewhere, like to storm and shut-down power plants in the USA in order to save us from the menace of global warming!?

It matters not why Kennedy advocates surrender; it matters only that the majority of Americans see him for what he is: a man who has ALWAYS appeased tyrants opposed to US interests, and who has always opposed using force to spread and defend democracy and liberty - from Vietnam to Nicaragua, to Cuba, to Panama and Granada - yea: even in our relations with the old- REPEAT OLD (and defeated) - USSR - Kennedy has ALWAYS advocated giving-in to anti-American tyrants.

Either Kennedy thinks peace is too dear, or that liberty and democracy are worth nothing: no battle; no war. He is wrong. Many things are worth fighting for, and the fight against tyranny and for liberty in Iraq is one of them.

UPDATE: Welcome POLIPUNDIT readers! Please take a minute and check out a few other "NO NUANCE" posts. AND: I think Lorie's point - that the timing of Teddy Jo' remarks only adds more horror to them - is totally RIGHT ON! It's a few days before the landmark election and Teddy Jo and the Left are heaping scorn and defeatism upon our bold efforts and brave sacrifices and those of the brave Iraqi people. As we all know - and this only further proves: Teddy Jo and the Left have no shame!

More HERE at Common Sense and Wonder.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 7:50 AM ; Permalink;

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

BUSH PRESSER

If you missed Bush's press conference today you missed an INCREDIBLY great performance. He was glib, warm, forceful and communicated effectively on every issue on every question. There was none of the halting un-loquaciousness which he's become famous for. Not that loquacity is paramount for the job of president, but it helps - (if loquacity was job #1, then we'd elect slick, used-car salesmen!).

I think you should watch the 46 minute exchange. You'll come away very VERY impressed. Here's a link to C-SPAN; they have the presser available. right now.

You know what impressed me the MOST!? Bush said - in response to a question about Social Security that "Now is the time to act!"

This may best sum up what kind of president he has become since 9/11: one who acts - boldly and with a firm feel for the basic UNIVERSAL values that must underpin bold actions - in the domestic and international realms - if they are to serve humanity well in the long-term.

I came away with the renewed belief that Bush firmly believes that he must act boldy and be willing to confront tough problems with tough solutions if he is to fulfil his responsibility as president; Bush will NOT slough off problems onto future presidents or future generations, (as many previous presidents have done - with DISASTEROUS results).

Such has been the case with the GWOT: We were attacked repeatedly starting in 1979 by neojiahdists, and only really responded effectively after 9/11. Bush learned the 9/11 lesson well, and is applying it to everything on his plate. He will not let problems grow to the point of disaster. He is a bold and brave and resolute president. If he has some good successes, we will owe a debt to him for generations.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 6:18 PM ; Permalink;

McCAIN: RICE A VICTIM OF BDS

Rice was confirmed by the Senate 85-13. McCain spoke well on the floor about the rancorous confirmation process (AP via DRUDGE):

On the Senate floor Wednesday, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., suggested Democrats are sore losers. Rice had enough votes to win confirmation, as even her Democratic critics acknowledge, McCain said. "So I wonder why we are starting this new Congress with a protracted debate about a foregone conclusion," McCain said. Since Rice is qualified for the job, he said, "I can only conclude that we are doing this for no other reason than because of lingering bitterness over the outcome of the election."

The same bitterness and extremism has polluted the confirmation of Gonzales. If the Democrat Party continues down this road they will go the way of the Whigs: obstructionism and reactionary policies (which run counter to the basic principles of our Nation's founding) are a dead-end.

I suggest that the Democrats stop paying attention to their extreme Left-wing base (people like Boxer and Kennedy and Kerry and Shaprton and Jackson and Kucinich) and move to the center FAST. This means that they have to get over the election - as McCain suggests - and their anti-Bush obsessive-compulsive disorder: BDS (Bush derangement Syndrome). In other words: they need a dose of REALITY.

More HERE.

UPDATE (NYTIMES): "Those who voted against Ms. Rice, besides Mr. Jeffords and Mr. Dayton, were Senators Barbara Boxer of California, Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts, Carl Levin of Michigan, Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Evan Bayh of Indiana, Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Tom Harkin of Iowa."

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:22 PM ; Permalink;

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

CARNAC THE MAGNIFICENT

Carson was GREAT! 30 YEARS - wow! What a run. God Bless him; may he Rest in Peace.

Now that the well-deserved TV tributes have slowed a little I'll toss in my two-cents: I think he was sharp, quick, puckish, curious, and MOST IMPORTANTLY he was almost never snide, and almost never told a joke at the expense of his guest; he never went for the cheap laugh if it would make them look bad. That's very different from what's the norm now; now snarky snide rank-out/put-down humor passes for wit. YUP: In our world today, snideness and cynicism pass for satire just as easily as notoriety passes for celebrity, and slutiness for sexiness. Oh well. Things change.

Here's one of my favorite Carnac answers:

"9W."

What's the question? (see comments for answer.)

Then go HERE (hat tip POWERLINE) and HERE for insightful recollections by Larry Miller and Steve Martin.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:05 PM ; Permalink;

DEFICIT SCHMEFICIT

The UN is butting in again, this time to criticize the USA for having two big deficits that they claim are hurting the world's economy: the annual federal budget deficit and the trade deficit. (Click HERE for the NYTIMES article on this.)

Well this is ALL BUNK!

First of all, the budget deficit is NOT large by ANY historical measure. In WW2 it was 50% of GDP, and as recently as 1990's it was more than 5% of GDP. Now, it is less than 5% - and shrinking. Further proof that it is NOT too big is the fact that interest rates have remained low; if the federal government was putting too big a strain on the world money supply - "crowding out" other potential borrowers - then rates would go higher. They have not; they have remained as low as they have ever been!

Second of all our trade deficit is not a bad thing AT ALL: if we stopped buying things from people overseas, then foreign economies would tank - REALLY GO INTO A DEEP RECESSION, INCREASING THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT AND THEIR BUDGET DEFICITS (AS THE UNEMPLOYED PUT BIGGER AND BIGGER DEMANDS ON THEIR SOCIALIST/WELFARE SYSTEMS AND BECAUSE THEY'D GET REDUCED REVENUES!).

And Americans would have to pay more for things than they pay now. (I think that's the part that the anti-Americans at the UN REALLY LIKE!)

If we bought less from China, for example, then all the economic tigers of Asia would suffer: the South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and China economies - all of'em - would collapse!

IOW: the UN plan is a recipe for WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE - a one-way ticket to serfdom.

The reason much of the Third World is poor is because of the EU's, China's and Japan's protective trade barriers.

If the UN wants to improve the living standards of people in the Third World then they need to make the EU AND CHINA AND JAPAN CONSUME MORE; NOT MAKE THE USA CONSUME LESS!

Even arch-liberal/NYTIMES columnist Kristoff has admitted that free trade has been the best route to end world poverty, (hat tip Radley Balko).

So. the UN should just shut up, already! And get out of the way!

HERE ARE SOME MORE FACTS (from COMMON SENSE AND WONDER):

The UN is now complaining that the US has too high a budget deficit and if it doesn't cut the budget there could be a shock to the world economy. I am all for balanced budgets, especially through reducing in government spending (instead of increased taxation, which can actually reduce tax receipts if it causes an economic slowdown). However, I think the UN comments are a bit over the top (and are pretty funny considering they just called us "stingy", but I guess they think it is okay if we throw money at UN approved projects).

If you look at this historical data from the OECD, both the US and Europe have had deficits much larger, as a percentage of GDP, than what we have today. Here are some key points:

- In 2004, the budget deficit as a % of GDP was 4.4%. The OECD average was 3.5%. While most countries had deficits lower than the US, some, like Japan (with a deficit equivalent to 6.5% of GDP) had far high levels.

- If you look back to 1993, the OECD average was a deficit equivalent to 5% of GDP, with the UK at 7.9%, Canada at 8.7%, France at 6%, Greece at 13.4% (!!!!), Italy at 10.3%. The US deficit was 4.9%.

In other words, our current deficit is not the end of the world.

Yes in absolute terms it is big, but as a percentage of GDP, it is not out of the ordinary. In fact, both the US and EU were running higher deficits just 10 years ago. And the world didn't end, in fact, it got much better (I'm not arguing the virtues of deficits, I'm just saying that despite predictions of catastrophe, things turned out alright). I also think its funny how you still hear people complain about the Reagan budget deficit and how he spent enormous amounts of money. But you never hear anyone complain about European deficits and how they were spending like there was no tomorrow. Well, according to the OECD, in 1987, the US deficit was 4.3% of GDP, while deficits were 4.5% of GDP in Europe. And they didn't even have the excuse of a massive military buildup! - (Max Jacobs CS&W).

So....... if ya REALLY wanna help the Third World: CONSUME MORE! Every thing you don't buy is another hungry person goin' without a meal somewhere in the Third World.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 8:46 PM ; Permalink;

IRAQ: who is attacking whom, and why?

INSTAPUNDIT linked to a posting at The Corner by Rich Lowry who cited a good article by the NYTIMES about the violence leading up to the Iraqi elections (and then Glenn updated to a post on the same subject at CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS).

Check'em out.

And also keep this FACT in mind: violence is principally being used by neobaathists and neojihadists against Iraqi citizens, the Iraqi Army, and Iraqi Police, and Iraqi election officials.

What does this FACT tell us about the state of affairs in Iraq, and their chances of establishing a democracy? I think it tells us their chances are very good. Here's why:

If the majority of Iraqis did not want elections - and wanted a return of a Saddam-like regime (neobaathism) or a theocracy like they had in Afghanistan (neojihadism), then the neobaathists and neojiahdists would not have to use violence and intimidation; they could win at the ballot box or they could mobilize non-violent mass-demonstrations (like those in Serbia or Georgia or Ukraine).

Their use of violence proves that the bad-guys KNOW that they cannot win any other way. They know that without intimidation they cannot gain power or authority anywhere - Iraq included. The bad guys seek to gain, by intimidation, what they cannot win through passionate appeals to people's hearts and minds.

I have faith in people - that includes the Iraqis. I had faith in the Afghanis, (and I have guarded hope in the Palestinian Arabs). I believe that they can all rule themselves democratically. I believe they can all succeed in establishing democratic self-rule in spite of the ruthless thuggery of those who support tyranny of one sort or another.

Bottom-line: If we are not intimidated by the ruthless minority (who think they're an all-knowing elite destined to construct utopia, but who are in fact no different than the KKK), then we cannot lose.

UPDATE: for a detailed analysis by another OPTIMIST click HERE and read Belgavia Dispatch.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 6:48 PM ; Permalink;

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Partial Privatization: a simple and long overdue innovation which will MOST benefit the working-class

The basics of partial privatization are simple and sound:

1 - Don't change the amounts due in accounts for those over 50, but gradually increase the age at which payments begin: every 3 years make the retirement age 6 months later until payments first begin at age 70. This will bring payments more in-tune with actual 21st Century retirement age and actual life-expectancy rates (and discard those from the middle of the last century) and therefore reduce outlays. Because it is phased-in, it allows time for workers to adjust their retirement planning accordingly. This will increase contributions to the systems and decrease outlays - greatly reducing the current projected shortfall.

2 - Offer people under 50 the opportunity to steer 20% of their payroll tax into stock funds geared to their own account IN RETURN THAT PERSON MUST AGREE TO REDUCE THEIR EVENTUAL SOC.SEC. PAYMENT BY 40%. This reduces the current funds payout by more than it reduces the input; hence the partial privatization makes the old/existing fund MORE solvent while increasing the potential individual wealth of those who voluntarily opt to put some of their own payroll tax into a personal stock fund.

3 - Gradually increase the % amount which those under age 30 may steer into their personal stocks fund.

4 - Again FOR ONLY THOSE UNDER 30: gradually (every six-12 months or so) RAISE the age at which time recipients may begin to receive 100% of their traditional Soc. Sec. payment (for example: at age 65 you can get 50% and at age 66 you can get 60%, and at 67/70%, and so on) Thgis will reduce the burden of the old system BUT ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE 356 YEARS to prepare.

This is a general/thumbnail version of a proposal; actuarily speaking - this will have to be worked out in MUCH greater detail, BUT this voluntary and gradual and partial privatization plan would work.

And: it would most benefit poorer people - they'd get something they could pass along to their kids, and most working poor cannot save enough for IRA's now; this would be their IRA and their family's ticket out of propertylessness.

As such, partial privatization is one of the most pro-working class proposals EVER to come out of Washington.

ONLY REACTIONARIES oppose partial privatization. And, sadly, they are all on the Left.

Partial privatization would be a GREAT THING EVEN IF THERE WERE NO LOOMING CRISIS;THEREFORE, the debate over whether there's a crisis in 2018-2040 is IMMATERIAL.

BOTTOM-LINE: do we think that a program designed in 1935 is the best possible program for us now - 60 years later!?!?!?! Of course, it cannot be. It isn't. It is time to innovate. In fact, the time is long overdue. Privatization is sensible, too. And simple to implement - except for the politics; in other words: the only thing that stands between the imperfect present and the future are the demogogues of the Left. So far, Bush had defeated them on every issue; I believe he will win again. Justly so.

THIS POSTING HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT INPUT FROM A LEADING ECONOMIST.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 3:15 PM ; Permalink;

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Leading Islamic Moderates FINALLY and UNABIGUOUSLY Attack Neojihadists

Two days ago I argued that in the final analysis, WW4 will be seen as a battle over Islam's future - it's almost an Islamic Civil War.

Today, as part of the Haj the OFFICIAL CLERIC OF THE SAUDI KINGDOM ATTACKED THE NEOJIHADISTS; from the GULF NEWS of BAHRAIN:

Shun terror in name of Islam!

MECCA: A leading Saudi cleric warned Muslims yesterday against heeding militant calls to wage terror attacks in the name of Islam.
Shaikh Abdulrahman Al Sudeis, the state-appointed preacher at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, told pilgrims in a sermon to mark the Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha that scholars must preach moderation to confront this "putrid" phenomenon. Militants were using "misguided and void" interpretations to justify violence, he said, in comments that came amid a surge in militant attacks in Muslim countries and beyond. "Because Muslims have strayed from moderation, we are now suffering from this dangerous phenomenon of branding people infidels and inciting Muslims to rise against their leaders to cause instability," Sudeis said.

"The reason for this is a delinquent and void interpretation of Islam based on ignorance ... faith does not mean killing Muslims or non-Muslims who live among us, it does not mean shedding blood, terrorising or sending body parts flying." Saudi Arabia has deployed thousands of security forces at the holy sites to prevent possible attacks during the Haj. The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Abdullah, also urged Muslims to shun extremism.

ABOUT TIME!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 10:00 PM ; Permalink;

BUSH 43: PART TWO

I watched the speech and liked it.

I read it (hat tip INSTAPUNDIT) and LOVED IT!

Bush spoke of the foundations of humanity's most lofty goals and of establishing universal human liberty by ending the rule of tyrants EVERYWHERE. This is something that "neocons" FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt would have applauded.

I found the speech especially enheartening (and not at all empty or false) because it came from president who's already demonstrated deep commitment to these universal values, and who's shown a fierce resolve to achieve these goals - a resolve which is second to none.

I feel it's pretty obvious that Bush 43 has what it takes to be a great and important president: a mind devoted to securing and expanding liberty, and the heart n' soul - and courage - of a good man who is confident that our nation's founding principles, and citizens, are up to the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead.

This confidence may be bold, but it is not hubristic - because it's based on truth. What makes America great is not our race - for we are all races; it's not our sectarian faith - for we are all faiths; it's not our weather, or our diet, or our style. America has become great because of our founding principles and our core values - (values that all peoples on every continent could apply to their own nations and societies). Our principles have created a system which has unleashed the greatness of our people, the bounty of our continent, and - as Bush said so well - it has also implanted deep inside each of us a commitment to the unfinished business that lies ahead: to help our brothers and sisters everywhere - of every race, of every sect, on every continent - to live in freedom, liberty, and justice - and to enjoy the prosperity and peace that is their by-product.

I wish him the best; his success is humanity's.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:20 PM ; Permalink;

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

SOCIALISTS STICK TOGETHER, (AS DO BAATHISTS AND NEOJIHADISTS)

Zyuganov on President al-Assad's visit to Moscow: relations are on concrete basis

Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/19/2005

Russian Communist Party Leader Gennadii Zyuganov said Tuesday peace in the Middle East will not be achieved as Israel still occupies the Syrian Golan."We can't talk about any peace process as the Israeli aggression still poses a threat on South Lebanon, and peace will not be comprehensive in the region without reaching a fair solution to the Palestinian issue," Zyuganov told SANA in Moscow.He added that the Syrian policy owns credibility in the international and regional arenas as well as having a firm and independent foreign policy and works for the liberation of all the occupied Arab lands.He described the upcoming visit of President Bashar al-Assad to Moscow as an important event not only regarding the Russian-Syria relations, but it also gains importance due to the international ongoing situation.He added the friendship relations which link the Syrian and Russian people are based on concrete basis, saying that both countries have great capabilities to enhance trade and economic relations between them."Pressures on Syria are baseless, they were fabricated as a result of Syria's adherence to the Arab just causes and its principled stances vis-a-vis peace process and the Palestinian cause," the Russian Party Leader added.

Baathism is socialist as much as it is pan-Arabist and Islamist. From Paul Berman as related in The Guardian:
Berman draws similar links between fascism and Baathism, the Arab national socialism both of the fallen regime in Baghdad and of that which still rules neighbouring Syria. He quotes Sami al-Jundi, who helped found the Syrian Baath Party in the 1930s: 'We were racists, admiring Nazism, reading its books and the source of its thought, particularly Nietzsche.' So, paradoxically, the drive towards Muslim or Arab purity in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has its roots in a European ideology promoting Aryan purity in the nineteenth century. 'The Baathists and the Islamists were two branches of a single impulse, which was Muslim totalitarianism - the Muslim variation of the European idea,' writes Berman.

Nazism, Marxism, socialism, baathism, and neojiahdism are all Leftist and utopianist creeds: they all advocate the surpremacy of the state over the individual, and overtly call for the state to be controlled by an elite - whether a politburo or a council of mullahs is of little difference; all advocate that the elite are people who know better than we do ourselves what's good for each us. And they are willing to do HORRIBLY HORRIFYING things to attain their version of utopia.

Arafat was a socialist. Pol Pot - a socialist. Kim - a socialist. Stalin - a socialist. Hitler - a socialist; (YES: NAZI stands for National Socialist; more HERE). Mussolini - a socialist. Nasser and Assad and Saddam and Qaddafy - all socialists. And Bin Laden - he's a socialist, too.

Socialism comes in many flavors - all are mortally toxic; yea: each is a WMD!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:42 PM ; Permalink;

IMPOSING VALUES

INSTAPUNDIT linked to a short posting by CRAIG HENRY which proposed a BRILLIANT comparison:

Criag asserted that the so-called "insurgents" in Iraq are more like the KKK, than the Founding Fathers. And that the Iraqi election workers are more like the FREEDOM RIDERS.

I would add that the entire USA military in Iraq is also like the Freedom Fighters, too.

Which gets me to my point: To the post-modern Left, (which includes the Euroweenies and the base of the Democrat party), the USA is trying to "impose" its values on Iraqis and the non-Western world; to the Left imposing values is "cultural arrogance" and a reversion to a form - or aspect of colonialism, and it must be stopped.

Most of these very same people would NEVER make the same charge against the Freedom Riders, or any of the other Northeastern liberal groups that went down South to end segregation - and "impose" their values on southerners.

Now, they might retort: "well, in that case - back then - we're just trying to enforce federal law within "the federation" - the US Constituion gave us jurisdiction; therefore we were not imposing values; we were just imposing what had already been agreed to in the Constitution."

Fine. BUT.... would these folks then argue that the only reason that slavery, or segregation based on skin-color, was bad or wrong or immoral was because it was UNCONSTITUTIONAL!? Or would they have the courage to admit that slavery and segregation are INTRINSICALLY wrong and bad and EVIL because they violate the VALUES which are the FOUNDATION for the US Constitution; principally, that we are (1) endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights; and that (2) the government ONLY has limited powers that are granted by the people (who are sovereign), and only with consent. These human rights exist independently of the government - a priori; they transcend the state. That's why they're MORE than merely constitutional; they're fundamental and universal. Once one admits that slavery and segregation are wrong LEGALLY (in a constitutional sense) and MORALLY, then one MUST agree that they are also wrong UNIVERSALLY because these rights are human and not American. They're the core of Universal Human Rights that Eleanor Roosevelt devoted herself to and enshrined in the UN's Declaration of Universal Human Rights.

In fact, the Left indirectly uses UNIVERSALITY as the basis for arguing that we should (a) apply the Geneva Conventions to all combatants, and not just those specified in that treaty - and limited to its signatories. And they also imply universality when they argue that (b) illegal immigrants are entitled to all the rights.

SO WHY DOES THE LEFT THINK THAT IRAQIS DON'T DESERVE WHAT THEY ARE WILLING TO ACCEDE TO ENEMY COMBATANTS AND ILLEGAL ALIENS!? And why won't they fight as hard for Iraqis - and all other peoples EVERYWHERE - to attain their universal human rights, as they once fought for blacks in America!? Why does the Left attack President Bush for helping Afghanis and Iraqis and Arab Palestinians attain what the Freedom Riders helped blacks attain in the segregated south!?

I believe that the Left is hypocritical when it justly praises the FREEDOM RIDERS but unfairly criticizes "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and "Operation Enduring Freedom." Just as we would not tolerate slave trade anywhere today, we must not tolerate totalitarianism - which essentially makes slaves of everyone.

When we fight tyrannical totalitarianism - whether Marxist of Baathist or Jihadist - and no matter where it is, WE ARE NOT "IMPOSING" VALUES; WE ARE LIBERATING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND ENABLING THEM TO ENJOY WHAT TYRANNY TOOK AWAY: their universal, inalienable God-given rights.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 4:55 PM ; Permalink;

BOXER ADMITS IGNORANCE AND ARROGANCE

THIS IS A DIRECT QUOTE FROM THE TRANSCRIPT OF BOXER'S EXCHANGE WITH CONDI [emp[haisi added]:

SEN. BOXER: Well, you should read what we voted on when we voted to support the war, which I did not, but most of my colleagues did. It was WMD, period. That was the reason and the causation for that, you know, particular vote.

(1) Boxer ESSENTIALLY admits she never read the Bill. If she did, she'd know that Congress authorized the war against Saddam based on Saddam's failure to fulfil all of his obligations of ALL the UNSCR's. These UNSCR's were NOT just limited to WMD's, or even WMD's stockpiles; in fact, the word stockpile appears ONLY ONCE in the entire body of UNSCR's; in fact, when referring to WMD's - or WMD programs, the UNSCR's most frequently use the phrase "any and all" or "any capability." (More HERE.)

(2) See below post "Truth Exposed" - or click HERE - for other LIES that Boxer and the Left are still trying to foist on the public, (with the explicit cooperation of the Old Media).

UPDATE: an astute reader pointed out that in my quote from Boxer perhaps she was denying she'd voted for the bill, and not denying that she'd read the bill (as she implied Condi hadn't ever read it, as in: "...you should read the bill we voted on..."). MY POINT STILL STANDS: if Boxer read the bill (which she accuses Condi of failing to do), than she DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT AT ALL!

UPDATE: CRUSHKERRY ON THE CASE, (hat tips to INSTAPUNDIT AND POLIPUNDIT).

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:14 PM ; Permalink;

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

IRAN AND SYRIA INSTIGATING ANTI-ISRAEL/ANTI-ABBAS TERROR IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

According to the JPost:

Israel accused Hizbullah, Iran and Syria of being behind the recent wave of terror, with senior diplomatic officials Tuesday night threatening action "both here and elsewhere" against those responsible. One senior official said Tuesday evening's suicide attack in Gush Katif is "another incident in a series of deliberate efforts, instigated by Iran and Hizbullah, and supported by Syria, to scuttle any reconciliation process with Abu Mazen [Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas]."

Iran and Syria harbor and aid neojihaditerrorists who are attacking the emerging democracies in BOTH Iraq and in Arab Palestine.

If we want our brothers and sisters in Iraq and the occupied territories to have democracy and their God-given inalienable/universal Human Rights, then IRAN AND SYRIA MUST BE MADE TO "CEASE AND DESIST."

With any and all necessary means. And the sooner the better. According to the same article, indications are that Israel WILL act against the international sponsors of Jihadoterror - EVERYWHERE:

"Israel will take the necessary steps, there will be no limitations, there will be no immunity or refuge, not here or elsewhere," he added. "There will be intensified action along the whole front."

We should do the same, and AT LEAST attack the camps and refuges of the neojihadists and baathists in Syria. If the enemy won't respect borders, then we shouldn't either! NO REFUGE FOR TERRORISTS!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:07 PM ; Permalink;

DAN RATHER VERSUS JON STEWART

VIACOM owns both CBS and COMEDY CENTRAL. CBS broadcasts the "CBS Evening News with Dan Rather." COMEDY CENTRAL broadcasts "THE DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart."

I just saw an billboard for Jon Stewart's DAILY SHOW. It said: "America's most popular fake news show."Another says: JON STEWART: "America's most trusted name in fake news."

Maybe.But Dan Rather has nothing to worry about.His show is America's MOST EXPERIENCED FAKE NEWS SHOW. HEH. EVEN FUNNIER: Les Moonves - the president of CBS - WILL NOT RULE OUT INCLUDING JON STEWART AS A CONTRIBUTOR TO A REVAMPED CBS EVENING NEWS!!! (HAT TIP DRUDGE.) It makes sense: then, the CBS EVENING NEWS will be both America's most popular AND most experienced and most trusted FAKE news show! Heh, heh!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:56 PM ; Permalink;

TRUTH EXPOSED: BUSH ON SADDAM, WMD AND NIGER

Here's an excerpt from Bush's Sept. '02 speech to the UN General Assembly [emphasis and numbers added]:

If the Iraqi regime wishes peace, it will [1] immediately and unconditionally forswear, disclose, and remove or destroy all weapons of mass destruction, long-range missiles, and all related material. If the Iraqi regime wishes peace, it will [2] immediately end all support for terrorism and act to suppress it, as all states are required to do by U.N. Security Council resolutions. If the Iraqi regime wishes peace, it will [3] cease persecution of its civilian population, including Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkomans, and others, again as required by Security Council resolutions. If the Iraqi regime wishes peace, it will [4] release or account for all Gulf War personnel whose fate is still unknown. It will return the remains of any who are deceased, return stolen property, accept liability for losses resulting from the invasion of Kuwait, and fully cooperate with international efforts to resolve these issues, as required by Security Council resolutions. If the Iraqi regime wishes peace, it will [5] immediately end all illicit trade outside the oil-for-food program. It will accept U.N. administration of funds from that program, to ensure that the money is used fairly and promptly for the benefit of the Iraqi people. If all these steps are taken, it will signal a new openness and accountability in Iraq. And it could open the prospect of the United Nations helping to build a government that represents all Iraqis -- a government based on respect for human rights, economic liberty, and internationally supervised elections.

No one with any intelligence, a shred intellectual honesty, or an ounce of self-respect could now claim that the whole case against Saddam was based on WMD stockpiles, and that therefore since we did not find stockpiles that the war was a mistake or a hoax. INDEED: those who continue to argue that "Bush Lied" or that the war was all about WMD are the ones perpetrating the hoax! AND THAT MEANS YOU BARBARA BOXER! Bush made a case using 5 different aspects of the UNSCR's which Saddam had violated. Except for stockpiles, Saddam is guilty as charged!

Another hoax that the Left is STILL peddling (see today's Taranto on SALON) is that Bush lied when he uttered those famous 16 words in his 2003 SOTU (and that this is "SCANDAL." Here's what Bush said: "The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa." This statement was NOT based on forged documents (perhaps the product of Rocco Martino as Leftist Josh Micah Marshall asserts - as if it had ANYTHING to do with Bush's SOTU).

Bush's statement was based on British intelligence. How do I know this!? That's what Bush said, and I know how to speak English! Well, there's also the fact that the British government had an investigation of their intelligence and the report concluded that there was ample intelligence for the British government to draw its conclusion that Saddam had INDEED tried to buy uranium in AFRICA.

REMEMBER: contrary to what that scumbag Joe Wilson may think, (and I mean scumbag in a nice way) Bush's SOTU did NOT once include the word "Niger." Therefore, when Wilson, Salon or anyone else makes this charge they are being utterly FALSE. FACTCHECK.ORG agrees.

SO... I'm here to tell the Left to "GET OVER IT ALREADY, DAMMIT!" And to ask them this: "decide whose side you want to be on: the side of universal human rights and democracy - or the side of ruthless neojihadists and baathists."

I have a feeling that they're gonna stay in the weasely middle-of-the-road, where they can carp and propagandize without making any real contribution to the war. Like Chirac and Schroeder and Zapatero.

In a war between the West and the Islamofascists (both the neojihadist and baathist varieties), the middle-of-the-road is an apt place for the passe appeaserati of the Left - both domestic and overseas varieties. WHO CARES, ANYWAY - as long as they get out of our way when we come through - or if not , as long as they duck.

WELCOME POLIPUNDIT READERS! Please check out the rest of my blog. CHEERS!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 6:08 PM ; Permalink;

Islam's Civil War

The GWOT is a euphemism for WW4 - a war between the remaining champions of Western Civilization, democracy & universal Human Rights and ruthless nativistic neojihadists.

But in another sense, the war is between moderate Muslims and the neojihadists: Afghanistan was a civil war, (one which we fomented, but that was fought with Afghani ground troops). What's going on in Iraq now is a civil war: not the one which was predicited by some (between ethnic elements within Iraq); what's going on in Iraq is a civil war between neojihadis & neobaathists - (NOT a surprising alliance when one realizes that baathism is, after all, not so different from Jihadofascism; both are pan-Arabist/nativist utopianist ideologies which favor totalitarian tyranny; each are variants of Islamofascism) - and moderate Muslims who want democracy. In Iraq - as in Afghanistan - the USA is clearly on the side of Muslim democrats. In the occupied territories, a civil war is beginning too: between Abbas and Hamas/Hizb'allah, the PFLP and al Aksa. Recent pols show that an increasing majortity of Palestinian Arabs want a peaceful two-state settlemnt. Saudi Arabia and Egypt and Jordan and Yemen and Indonesia are also fighting civil wars against the neojihadis - each with less military assistance from the USA than either Afghanistan or Iraq.

It is time for all the nations of the free world who are on the sidelines - (because they see WW4 as an aggressive hegemonic battle between the USA and Jihaodterrorists, or because they want to triangulate, or because they want a free ride) - to accept that this is a civil war within the Muslim world, and actively help the USA and the UK and Australia support the moderate Muslim nations who want to defeat neojihadism and become more democratic.

The USA can defend itself and fight a decades long war against the neojihadists alone. But, because there are so many neojihadis and neojihadi sympathizers in the Muslim World (even if only 10% of the 1 BILLION Muslims are actively sympathetic this amounts to 100 MILLION supporters!), this will be a very long and very costly and very bloody war.

Ultimately, WW4 will be concluded not when he West defeats Islam, but only when Islam defeats neojihadism. This will come sooner and with lower casualties and costs if the West is more cohesively allied. Which means it's time for the other moderate Muslim nations and for Old Europe to UNAMBIGUOUSLY get on board - and join us in the fight against neojiahdism at least as much as the moderate Afghanis and Iraqis have.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:50 PM ; Permalink;

POLL REVEALS MORE PALESTINIANS NOW FAVOR TWO-STATE SOLUTION

According to HAARTEZ:

Some 63 percent of the Palestinians support the proposal that after the establishment of the state of Palestine and a solution to all the outstanding issues - including the refugees and Jerusalem - a declaration will be issued recognizing the state of Israel as the state of the Jewish people and the Palestinian state as the state of the Palestinian people. Some 35 percent of the Palestinians oppose such a declaration. In June 2003, 52 percent supported such a proposal, and 46 percent were opposed.

Some 54 percent of the Palestinians support a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, with border corrections and no massive return of refugees, confirming that there has been a change in Palestinian public opinion since the death of Yasser Arafat.

Those findings in a comprehensive public opinion poll among 1,319 respondents conducted at the end of December contrasts with a similar poll done in December 2003, which showed only 39 percent of the Palestinians supported an agreement with Israel. And a parallel poll, conducted in Israel among a representative sample of Jewish and Arab voters, showed that 64 percent are now in favor of a permanent peace agreement compared to only 47 percent who supported such a deal in a similar poll last year.

If the poll is accurate, it represents progress and the basis for hope. I pray so.

The poll has many fascinating results; RTWT!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:04 AM ; Permalink;

KIM'S MISSING PORTRAITS: mystery solved?

According to "REUTERS" portraits of Kim Jong Il have been defaced with pro-democracy grafiti. Once they've been defaced, they'd hardly remain hung up for long. MYSTERY SOLVED. "Reuters" claims to have seen a 35 minute video of this happening.

35-minute video clip viewed by Reuters showed a portrait of Kim taken inside a factory building and defaced by writing that demanded freedom and democracy. Such an act would be considered a grave crime in the North and bring capital punishment without trial to the perpetrator, said Do Hee-youn, who heads the South Korean group that made the clip available.

“There is a great potential for democracy in this country,” the narrator said. [Mr.] Do said the group who took the footage were people who would be able to exercise influence on the North Korean public, but declined to say whether they were members of the North’s communist party or the military. Still frames captured from the clip and a partial transcript were made available yesterday on a website operated by a group of former North Korean defectors and refugees who have settled in the South. The group, the Network for North Korean Democracy and Human Rights, is headed by the highest ranking North Korean official to defect to the South, Hwang Jang-yop. “Down with Kim Jong-il. Let’s all rise to drive out the dictatorial regime,” read the poster seen on the wall inside a factory. The footage, said to be taken in November, showed a largely deserted and run-down town with patches of snow on the ground.

It seems to me we need to be doing more to help the North Korean democracy movement - even if it's just reminding the brave freedom-fighters that we know about them and believe in them and want them to win. It seems to me that Bush needs to step up and have a Reagan "TEAR DOWN THIS WALL" moment supporting the democracy movements in North Korea - and Iran. We may have our hands full - AT THE MOMENT - but soon, we will be able to turn our revolutionary sights on their plight, too!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:00 AM ; Permalink;

Monday, January 17, 2005

ALSO ON THIS DATE...

Raoul Wallenberg disappeared on this date in 1945. He was probably arrested by Stalin's troops, and sent to die in a gulag - like so many other fine people.

Wallenberg is credited with rescuing 100 THOUSAND Jews from the megamaws of Hitler's NAZI -(read: National Socialist) - "Final Solution."

ASIDE:

Kofi Annan is married to Wallenberg's niece. THAT'S ALL THEY HAVE IN COMMON. Here's a commentary on Annan and Wallenberg written by Per Ahlmark, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden - WALLENBERG"S HOME:

No other organization is held in such respect as the UN. This is perhaps natural, for the UN embodies some of humanity's noblest dreams. But, as the current scandal surrounding the UN's administration of the Iraq oil-for-food program demonstrates, and as the world remembers the Rwanda genocide that began 10 years ago, respect for the UN should be viewed as something of a superstition, with Secretary General Kofi Annan its false prophet. Not since Dag Hammarskjold has a UN leader been as acclaimed as Annan. Up to a point, this is understandable. Annan usually maintains an unruffled, dignified demeanor. He has charm and -- many say -- charisma. But a leader ought to be judged by his or her actions when important matters are at stake. Annan's failures in such situations are almost invariably glossed over.

Between 1993 and 1996, Annan was assistant secretary-general for UN peacekeeping operations and then under-secretary-general. One of the two great disasters for which he bears a large share of the blame is the Serbian slaughter of 7,000 people in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica, perhaps the worst massacre in postwar Europe. In 1993, Bosnia's Muslims were promised that UN forces would protect them. This commitment was a condition of their consenting to disarm. The UN declared Srebrenica a "safe haven" to be "protected" by 600 Dutch UN troops.

In July 1995, Serb forces attacked. The UN did not honor its pledge. Annan's staff released evasive, confused statements. Oblivious, apparently, to the dreadfulness of the situation, they failed to sound the alarm properly and did nothing to intervene. The Dutch fired not a single shot. NATO air power could have halted the Serbs, but Annan did not ask for NATO intervention. Ratko Mladic, the Serb commander and war criminal, deported the women and children under the eyes of the UN, while capturing and murdering the men and adolescent boys.

No one should be surprised by the UN's inaction, because only the year before it had demonstrated utter incompetence in facing the fastest genocide in history -- the slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda in just 100 days. UN forces in Rwanda in 1994 were Annan's responsibility before and during the crisis.

Annan was alerted four months before Hutu activists began their mass killings by a fax message from Romeo Dallaire, the Canadian general commanding UN forces in Rwanda. Dallaire described in detail how the Hutus were planning "anti-Tutsi extermination." He identified his source "a Hutu" and reported that arms were ready for the impending ethnic cleansing. Dallaire requested permission to evacuate his informant and to seize the arms cache. Annan rejected both demands, proposing that Dallaire make the informant's identity known to Rwandan President Habyarimana, a Hutu, even though the informant had expressly named the President's closest entourage as the authors of the genocide blueprint.

Annan maintained his extreme passiveness even after the airplane crash that killed Habyarimana, which signaled the genocide's start, helped by the indifference of the great powers (the US not least).

One might think Annan far too compromised for the post of secretary-general, but the UN doesn't work that way. Instead of being forced to resign after Rwanda and Srebrenica, he was promoted to secretary-general. That is the culture of the UN: believe the best of barbarians, do nothing to provoke controversy among superiors and let others be the butt of criticism afterwards. Even subsequent revelations about Annan's responsibility for the disasters in Rwanda and Bosnia did not affect his standing. On the contrary, he was unanimously re-elected and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the all-time Teflon diplomat.

The media sometimes ratchets up admiration for Annan by pointing out that his wife is Swedish and a close relative of Raoul Wallenberg. We are meant to infer that, on top of all his talents, Annan shares the ideals embodied during the last days of World War II by the foremost Swede of modern times. But Wallenberg's name should make us even more dismayed about Annan's record. Wallenberg refused to ignore the threat of massacres to come. Instead of ducking responsibility and carrying on with conventional work in Sweden, he made his way to Hungary, the scene of Hitler's last homicidal orgy against the Jews. In Budapest, Wallenberg exploited every available contact, resorting to shady tricks, bribes and other stratagems to save as many people as possible from the Holocaust. He never allowed himself to be duped by Hitler's cronies.

Perhaps no one's achievement should be judged by comparison with that of Wallenberg -- a titan of strength, courage, and perseverance. The trouble with Annan is that, when similar perils loomed, he proved especially wanting. Annan cannot plead that he faced any risk to his personal safety, whereas Wallenberg in 1944 and 1945 was in constant peril. Nor can he possibly excuse himself by saying that no warnings were given, or that he lacked resources, or that he did not have the international position to intervene. Annan had at his disposal all of the instruments of power and opinion that Wallenberg lacked.

Yet when thousands or hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to mortal threats that he had the authority and duty to avert, alleviate or at least announce, he failed abjectly. Now, despite the recent revelations about bribery in the UN's oil-for-food program for Iraq, the world is clamoring to entrust Annan with the future of more than 20 million Iraqis who survived former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's depraved dictatorship.

That is both because of who Annan is and what the UN has become: an institution in which no shortcoming, it seems, goes unrewarded.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:33 PM ; Permalink;

ABBAS ACTS

According to "REUTERS" - (HAT-TIP ROGER L. SIMON):

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - New Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered security forces to prevent all attacks on Israel by militants, who have so far defied his calls for calm. But militants, some warning there could be clashes with Palestinian forces, ruled out any halt to attacks before an end to "Israeli aggression" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel described the measure as a "small step", but said Abbas must at least deploy forces to stop rocket fire from Gaza for the Jewish state to restore ties cut last week after an assault on a border crossing that killed six Israelis.

If the Palestinians want a state - and not a fiefdom ruled by competing gangs - then they must assert the rule of law and have only one miltia: the one run by the state. The archetypal dove Shimon Peres once pointed this out: the Labour Party and the Lkud Party do not have their own militias; there is only the IDF. Unless and until the PA becomes an effective government there can be no peace between the Palestinians and Israel, and no statehood for the Palestinians. This fact is not an external demand; it's an internal need. The sooner the Palestinians realize this - and do something effective about it (like disarming Hamas and the PFLP and the al Aksa Brigades, and all the other gangs), the sooner the achieve independent statehood.

ONE PROBLEM: the never-ending attacks against Israel are mostly the work of Neojihadist groups whose aim is NOT the creation of a Palestinian state within the occupied territories; it is the destruction of Israel, and REPLACING Israel with an Islamicist Palestinian state. That's what makes the job of real Palestinian moderates - who are willing to settle for a two-state solution - so impossible. IMHO: Until Neojihadism is defeated - everywhere - there will be no peace ANYWHERE.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 4:08 PM ; Permalink;

NeoJihadists Kidnap Catholic Archbishop

MY PET JAWA REPORTS:

Archbishop Kidnapped in Iraq - Mosul is a base of operation for The Army of Ansar al Sunnah, and I suspect that this is their handiwork. Reuters: The Catholic archbishop of the Iraqi city of Mosul was kidnapped Monday in what the Vatican called an "act of terrorism."

He has more and more links. GO THERE! BUT FIRST... look at a post of mine from 1/07/04, which reminds us that the entire Middle East was Jewish and Christian BEFORE it was converted to Islam by violents "insurgents."

I hope these posts serve to reiterate that the GWOT is a euphemism for a war between Western Civilization - (a Helleno-Judeo-Christian amalgam) - and Neojihadism.

And check out this posting at MY PET JAWA, too; (it's about the brutal execution of a family of 4 Egyptian Coptic Christians RIGHT HERE IN THE USA - in New Jersey! And then read the MPJ posting right below it! (MPJ is on fire!)

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:42 PM ; Permalink;

Dr. MLK Jr. - he said it best...

EXCERPTS:

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves, who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must ever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.

[...]

This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. And this will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning, "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!" And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

[...]

And so let freedom ring -- from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring -- from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring -- from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring -- from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring -- from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that. Let freedom ring -- from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring -- from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring -- from every hill and molehill of Mississippi, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last."

May God Bless his soul.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:40 PM ; Permalink;

EU: needs a Thatcher NOW!

From the EUobserver:

The EU continues to lag behind the US when it comes to entrepreneurship, a poll published on Monday (17 January) by the European Commission shows. The survey – conducted on both sides of the Atlantic – shows that nearly twice as many Americans are thinking of setting up their own business (28 percent) than their European counterparts (15 percent). Moreover, the gap appears to be widening. The number of people thinking about starting their own firm increased by eight percent since 2003 in the US, but only by two percent in the EU. Job security [... obsessed... Ed.] Europeans also seem to feel more at home working within a company than Americans, who would rather be self-employed. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of American respondents to the poll said they would prefer to be self-employed, compared to only 45 percent of Europeans, who cited job security and a fixed regular income as reasons to be employed by a company rather than being their own boss. [...] Javier Echarri, Secretary-General of the European Venture Capital Association, which aims to promote an entrepreneurial spirit in the EU, said, "If the EU is serious about encouraging more Bill Gates and Richard Bransons in the EU, then it must look to ease access to finance for entrepreneurs as well as improve the entrepreneurial environment in Europe".

The UK had Thatcher; the USA had Reagan. They saved the West by disestablishing Keynesianism and replacing it with Hayekianism. The result: the UK and the USA are economically vital. Continental Europe is still largely mired in a strangulating blend of Keynesianism and socialism.

This continued adherence to the failed programs of Keynesianism and socialism will kill their economy just as surely as their sophisticated adherence to post-modernism has been killing their will to protect their culture (and allowing it to be replaced by nihilism, Islamism, and moral/cultural relativism).

I pray that I might live long enough to have children and grandchildren - and that they will live to enjoy an economically and culturally vital European Europe. I doubt it more each day.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:55 AM ; Permalink;

Sunday, January 16, 2005

PAR-IS-TANBUL

THE OBSERVER reports on an alarming and revealing trend: French people are leaving France and emigrating to the UK in large and increasing numbers. They are leaving France's stagnant socialist economic cesspool and going to the robust and economically vital post-Thatcherite/Hayekian Great Britain.

Most revealing. After all: People vote with their wallets and feet. The emigres are telling us that they have given up on France. And - because it is reasonable to assume that those leaving are among France's most assertive entrepreneurial and independent people - the drain is SERIOUS.

The fact that these people are leaving France tells you all you need to know about where France is today, and where it is heading. When added to the (a) demise of the Church, and (b) the surge of Islamic immigration and births (and low birth rates for native French) one can't avoid the conclusion that French France is in serious decline and that the Islamification of France is nearly unavoidable.

Bertrand Delanoe - "Gay Paree's" gay Socialist mayor may soon have to put up new signs around town: "BIENVENUE A PARISTANBUL" ...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:44 AM ; Permalink;

Saturday, January 15, 2005

MOSQUE DE NOTRE DAME?

INSTAPUNDIT linked to a posting by DANIEL DREZNER (on the recently published NIC/CIA look into the future, through 2020) which included a graphic that Glenn called "troubling."

The graphic is a chart which shows the changing demography of the EU, projected out to 2025. The chart basically shows that - based on current trends (immigration and birth rate/death rate and religious ID trends) - the EU will become very very Muslim; 40% Muslim! Some commentators and historians - like Bat Y'eor - have been making this point for some time: that Europe is becoming Islamicized; some call it "Eurabia."

IS THIS AN IMPORTANT TREND? Can the religion of a nation or continent make a difference? Should we care if Europe becomes a little more Muslim?

Well, the Leftists in the USA are not shy about claiming that Christianity - especially evangelical Christianity - has an effect on OUR politics; they think it has a HUGE effect - and a BAD effect. Self-identified evangelicals comprise about 40% of the US population, according to some polls.

If that's POSSIBLE - if religion can inform politics here in the USA - then it must also be possible in the EU. THEREFORE, Leftists MUST accept that the trend in the CIA graph presents the potential for major social and political change.

I wonder what the Left thinks that change might involve? Do they think it will make the EU more tolerant? More libertarian? Less mysogynistic? Less anti-Semitic? More competitive in commerce and the sciences?

OF COURSE IT CANNOT MEAN ANY OF THOSE THINGS. It probably means the exact opposite of those things. YES: It's a harbinger for bad things, for things getting worse than they are.

Only two leading mainstream politicians in the EU seem to get this: Nicholas Sarkozy and Gert Wilders. I hope they're brave enough to lead a counter-movement - a second enlightenment - that can defeat this INVASION in a way that's consistent with Western values.

Either they do, or the Eiffel Tower will be the Muezzin for the Mosque du Notre Dame!

Don't laugh - it's happened before: in Constantinople, Antioch, Alleppo, Alexandria, and so on. It can happen again. As a matter of fact, according to this BBC REPORT, it may be too late to stop the trend:

"For decades, the Church in France has been living on borrowed time, relying on a body of priests whose average age has steadily increased. That time has suddenly run out." Recent research suggests that French priests have become so old that half of them will die in the next eight years. [...] Fr Cambon - who has more than 30 churches to look after - says his elderly congregation is dying out so rapidly that in 10 years there may be no church in Puy L'Eveque at all. "People kept saying it would be all right," says Fr Cambon, "but they're about to be proved wrong. My fear is that the Roman Catholic Church will disappear altogether in France. That's the path we're on." For French seminaries it is a well-trodden path. Only 150 men completed their training as priests last year, for the whole of France.
The BBC correspondent blames secularization. The CIA/NIC chart reveals that the Christian character of the EU is under assault on another front, too: Muslimization by demography. Add to that the propensity of the CHIC APPEASERATI of Old Europe to pay obesiance to neo-Jiahdists - instead of confronting them and counter-attacking them - and, well, what you've got is a two front war on Judeo-Christianity in Europe in which only one side wants to fight! Unless and until Europe decides to fight back, they haven't got a chance! And Europe had better start fighting back now, on both fronts - or else, as the CIA/NIC chart reveals - it will be soon too late.

WELCOME CHRENKOFF READERS! TAKE A LOOK AROUND. THERE'S ANOTHER POSTING ON THE ISLAMIFICATION OF FRANCE - "PAR-IS-TANBUL; IT HAS A FEW OTHER LINKS. G'DAY! WELOCME MY PET JAWA READERS!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:33 PM ; Permalink;

The Road to Damascus Goes Through Beirut

Lebanon is occupied territory. It is occupied by Syria. The UNSC passed UNSCR#1559 demanding that Syria removes its forces. Syria has been stalling. Yesterday, the USA issued a new harshly worded warning to Syria reminding it if its responsibilities uder UNSCR#1559:

The United States has rejected what it called 'procrastination tactics' by the governments in Beirut and Damascus to delay Syria's military withdrawal from Lebanon and asserted that the Bush administration would not let the enforcement of U.N. resolution 1559 be postponed until peace breaks out in the Middle East. "The justification by the governments of Syria and Lebanon that resolution 1559 will be enforced once all other previous resolutions concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict are enforced is a flagrant tactic for not implementing 1559," said Elizabeth Dibble, who heads the Middle East Bureau of the U.S. State Department. "The United States does not intend to delay resolution 1559 pending the implementation of the region's other resolutions," Dibble said in an interview aired by the U.S.-sponsored SAWA Arabic-language radio station Thursday evening. Excerpts of the interview were reported by An Nahar Friday morning. "Resolution 1559 was taken as an independent resolution," she said. "It is clear that we want to see a comprehensive solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict, but we do not intend to delay 1559 pending that day." The Syrian forces, Dibble added, must leave Lebanon. "I believe that the contention that implementation should await comprehensive peace is an additional procrastination tactic by Syria and Lebanon." She charged that Hizbullah "harbors intention to destabilize the region" and said the United States "cannot differentiate between Hizbullah's terrorist activities and it political status."

If Syria fails to withdraw, the US might use the threat of force to compel Syria withdrawal - and to thereby weaken its terrorist client/surrogate Hizb'allah. This would have beneficial effects on the Israeli-Arab "peace process."

The threat of force on the Lebanese "front" and the subsequent withdrawal of Syria troops would also enable Syria to redeploy its army where it's really needed: on the Iraqi border (where they will either seal the border or be destroyed by US forces who would be retaliating against the Baathists and Neojihadists who are using Syria as a base of operations.

IOW: I expect the US to use the Syrian occupation of Lebabnon as a lever. STAY TUNED.

For more on UNSCR#1559 go HERE (to read it) and HERE (for an historical analysis) .

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:22 PM ; Permalink;

Chic Appeaserati Speaks

GUARDIAN: After meeting with the utterly corrupt French President in Paris, Kerry had this to say:

``I believe there needs to be a larger political reconciliation, as well as a broader involvement of other countries in decision-making in order to build a greater stability in Iraq.''

That's nothing more than the GLOBAL TEST AGAIN! Sheesh! This guy is too much: he wants to give away US authority and says so while overseas! What a jerk! The USA learned during the Kosovo war - (in which the 19 nations of NATO had a veto over Wes Clark and the US military) - that it's best if we don't take orders from other nations during war-time. That's why we did Afghanistan alone. And now: here comes Kerry - months after he's LOST the election - telling our most obstinate and unhelpful allies (Germany and France) that he favors giving them more say over our military!

HEY VIKINGPUNDIT: Can we get a recall going in Massachusetts!?!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:05 AM ; Permalink;

Friday, January 14, 2005

THE MSM COLLABORATES WITH THE ENEMY

From BLACKFIVE, written by a soldier in Iraq - in CAMP FALLUJAH:

By LTC Tim Ryan, CO, 2/12 Cav, 1st Cav Div

... Through their incomplete, uninformed and unbalanced reporting, many members of the media covering the war in Iraq are aiding and abetting the enemy. [...] Did it ever occur to the media that this type of notoriety is just what the terrorists want and need? Every headline they grab is a victory for them. Those who have read the ancient Chinese military theorist and army general Sun Tsu will recall the philosophy of "Kill one, scare ten thousand" as the basic theory behind the strategy of terrorism. Through fear, the terrorist can then manipulate the behavior of the masses. The media allows the terrorist to use relatively small but spectacular events that directly affect very few, and spread them around the world to scare millions. [...] This war is not without its tragedies; none ever are. The key to the enemy's success is use of his limited assets to gain the greatest influence over the masses. The media serves as the glass through which a relatively small event can be magnified to international proportions, and the enemy is exploiting this with incredible ease. [...] Almost on a daily basis, newspapers, periodicals and airwaves give us negative views about the premises for this war and its progress. It seems that everyone from politicians to pop stars are voicing their unqualified opinions on how things are going. Recently, I saw a Rolling Stone magazine and in bold print on the cover was, "Iraq on Fire; Dispatches from the Lost War." Now, will someone please tell me who at Rolling Stone or just about any other "news" outlet is qualified to make a determination as to when all is lost and it's time to throw in the towel?

It's a long - very well-written article. GO TO BLACKFIVE AND RTWT. Print it out, and pass it around! The MSM must either be kept honest and kept on their toes - or kept QUIET!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:55 PM ; Permalink;

ANNAN BLAMES INTERIM IRAQI GOVERNMENT FOR PRE-ELECTION WOES!

BBC:

"I have always made clear that the elections must be as inclusive as possible, if, as I hope, they are to contribute positively to the political transition in Iraq," Mr Annan said. "Even at this late stage, reaching out to the Arab nationalist component of society, especially the Sunni Arabs is critical to this. I encourage the government to intensify its efforts in this direction."

WILD! First, Annan calls the Baathist/neo-Jihadist counter-revolutionaries "Arab Nationalists (at best a sanitary way of saying "Baathist" - Baathism is first and foremost an Islamic pan-Arabist movement, and secondarily a socialist party). That would have been bad enough, but Annan makes it worse: Annan then blames the difficulties and dangers that Iraqi Sunni Arabs will probably have voting (due to the terror wave committed by the counter-revolutionaries) on the Interim Government!

Annan has got to go!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:40 PM ; Permalink;

UPDATED!!! SHARON TO ABBAS: "WE'RE SHUTTING UP UNTIL YOU PUT UP!"

BREAKING NEWS: MSNBC/AP

Israelis cut ties with new Palestinian leader

Ordered by Sharon, boycott comes a day after deadly Gaza attack

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon severed contacts with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas until he acts against militants, a spokesman said Friday, a day after six Israelis were killed in an attack on a Gaza Strip crossing.

As I wrote below: the ball is in Abbas' court; he must make a credible move or else prove that he is not a partner for peace. IT'S NOW OR NEVER. (More from HAARETZ HERE.)

LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: Abbas and the PA are like the Taliban were: they're "hosting" terrorists. Abbas has been given the same ultimatum by the Israelis that we gave the Taliban: "'take care' the terrorists or we will." If Abbas needs help to do this, he can call on Egypt or Saudi Arabia or Jordan for help - they all have experience in squashing Jihadoterrorists. Or, Abbas can ask the IDF to help - or the USA. Any of these could help Abbas eradicate the terrorists, just as they were eradicated in Jenin and Kabul and Fallujah. Abbas must act now - or consign himself and the nationalist cause of his people to irrelevance.

If Abbas doesn't act, then Isreal would no choice except to unilaterally separate on its own timetable, and to borders of its own choosing. This would not necessarily equate with the best possible deal that Abbas might negotiate if he were sincere - and proved it. Since this is completely obvious, and becasue Abbas can ask for assistance to get the job done, one must conclude that if Abbas doesn't reign in the Jihadoterrorists it's because he doesn't want to reign in the Jihadoterrorists.

IMHO (sadly) Abbas is complicit with the Jihadoterrorists. It's sad because continued Palestinian "insurgency" is not rational - it cannot lead to the accomplishment of their goals - in fact, their violence is counter-productive. But then: Jihadoterrorism is not known for its rationaliy, is it?! Just as they lost in Afghanistan, and will lose in Iraq, they will lose in the occupied territories. YES: it seems to me that it's high time we accepted the fact that the victory of democracy and self-determination can only come about AFTER we UTTERLY DEFEAT the enemy - everywhere. May our victory come soon.

UPDATE (JPOST): Erekat spoke with CNN responding to Israel's dramatic move. "We need to resume contacts and negotiations, in order to revive hope in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis that peace is possible. Suspending ties serves nobody's purpose except the extremists on both sides," Erekat said. Erekat said the gesture was extreme, and wholly unjustified, in particular because the PA's chairman-elect Mahmoud Abbas has not yet entered office, and so has not yet been in the position of authority to take steps against the violence. Abbas will be sworn in as PA chairman at noon this Saturday in Ramallah. "How can you blame him?" Erekat demanded. "How can you blame someone who has not yet entered the office of the Palestinian Authority?"

Erekat - a longtime Arafat cohort and expert apologist and propagandist for terror - HAS IT ALL WRONG (and of course neither CNN or the MSM follow up on his LIE): ABBAS is ACTING head of the PNA ALREADY, and CHAIRMAN OF THE PLO, and has all the autority he needs - in addition, he is the a founding leader of FATAH, and was their successful presidential candidate. IF HE WANTED TO ACT HE COULD ON ANYONE OF THOSE FRONTS!

Erekat's lie is the lie of Abbas. And it does NOT BODE WELL. Stay tuned...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:22 PM ; Permalink;

ABBAS' FATAH HAILS "MARTYRDOM" ATTACK

JPOST:

Six Israeli security guards were killed and five wounded late Thursday night in a combined bombing and shooting attack at the Karni crossing point from the Gaza Strip, military sources said. Three Palestinian terrorists were reported killed. [...] The Aksa Martyrs Brigades, affiliated with Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah, claimed responsibility, as did Hamas and the umbrella Popular Resistance Committee. Fatah hailed "a martyrdom operation" at Karni, which is the main crossing point for goods transported to and from Gaza.

Now... will Abbas do more than condemn the attack - which his own "political party" hails!?!? Will he discipline his "party!?"

MORE IMPORTANTLY: will Abbas do anything concrete to punish the attackers and to prevent it from happening again!?!?! THIS IS THE TRUE TEST; THIS WILL REVEAL WHO ABBAS REALLY IS!

UPDATE (11:30AM): UPI / WASHTIMES - ABBAS COMMENTS - Gaza, Gaza, Jan. 14 -- Palestinian President-elect Mahmoud Abbas says recent violence between his people and Israel won't help the peace process move ahead. [...] "This Palestinian attack and what the Israeli army had done last week in Gaza killing nine Palestinians and all these mutual attacks would never help the peace process," Abbas said.

This is NOT a condemnation of the Karni attack; this is an artful dodge that merely states the obvious. Unless and until Abbas CONDEMNS all attacks against all Israeli targets, and unless and until he TAKES ACTIONS TO STOP SUCH ATTACKS there is NO repeat ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THAT THERE WILL BE ANY BILATERAL DEAL. To have a bilateral; deal there has to be TWO sides ready to make a deal; obviously Abbas is NOT ready. He is a poseur a fraud and a terrorist. When he acts to end anti-Israeli attacks, then AND ONLY THE do we have a partner for peace.

IT'S REALLY SIMPLE: if Abbas won't police his people, then the IDF has to. The ball is in Abbas' side of the court. We're waiting...

More form "Reuters" HERE and al Jazeera HERE and the London Times HERE.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:11 AM ; Permalink;

NORTH KOREA READY TO REJOIN TALKS?

BLOOMBERG: North Korea Is Ready to Join Nuclear Talks, U.S. Lawmakers Say

Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- North Korea is ready to rejoin six- nation talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear programs, said a group of U.S. Congress members who visited the capital, Pyongyang. The lawmakers, speaking in the South Korean capital Seoul today, said they met North Korea's second in command Kim Yong Nam. The bipartisan delegation, led by Representative Curt Weldon, a Pennsylvania Republican, visited North Korea Jan. 11 to Jan. 19 as part of visits to nations involved in trying to persuade North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

RTWT. I hope the Congressmen are right. And I hope that North Korea is ready to negotiate in earnest, and not merely using negotitations as a ploy, a delaying tactic. AGAIN! Then again: we should never base our national security on a "hope." IOW: regime change is still the only REAL answer.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:52 AM ; Permalink;

CHIC APPEASERATI TO MEET TODAY IN PARIS

From the Boston Globe:

"PARIS -- Sen. John Kerry will meet Friday with French President Jacques Chirac, U.S. and French officials said."

How do you say Waterloo in French? Nevermind, I'm sure Kerry knows. Seriously, what will they talk about? And why? This has got to be the least savory and least important meeting to take place in Paris since Chirac met with Arafat on Arafat's death bed - (SHEESH, I hope he's bathed since then!).

This visit is typcial of Kerry: meeting with the enemy during a war! It comes on the heels of a meeting he had with Assad in Syria. Before that he was disparaging our efforts in Iraq - WHILE VISITING OUR TROOPS THERE!

Hey, maybe he'll make a nostalgic visit to the Paris hotel where he met with the Vietcong delegation - WHILE ON HIS HONEYMOON!?

What is it about people like Chirac and Kerry and Petain and Chamberlain that makes them think that all we have to do is be a little nicer to our enemies and they'll learn to love us!? Is it naivete? Greed? Are they a willful fifth column. Or are they just dupes? Or cowards?

If this were a multiple choice question, then the answer would be "ALL OF THE ABOVE."

YEAH THAT'S IT - that defines the chic appeaserati: naive greedy dupes willing to suck up to tyranny if it will maintain their high status status quo.

You can hear the chic appeaserati rant: "SPONSOR THE SPREAD OF UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY!? MOI!? I COULDN'T BE BOTHERED! JUST GIVE THE MASSES A PENSION AND HEALTHCARE AND LEAVE US THE HELL ALONE! YOU NEOCONS ARE SUCH TROUBLE MAKERS - MAKING NASTY JIHADIST MOUNTAINS OUT OF LITTLE MUSLIM MOLEHILLS! WHY COULDN'T YOU JUST LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE! CHIRAC, KERRY, ANNAN, SCHROEDER, ZAPATERO - NOW THERE'S LEADERSHIP! INSTEAD, WHAT DO WE HAVE: BUSH - WHO'S CONTROLLED BY ARIEL SHARON AND PAT ROBERTSON AND THE HOUSE OF SAUD! OSAMA!?!? HE WORKS FOR KARL ROVE! MERDE: IF THE AMERICANS WEREN'T SO DAMN STUPID, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE FALLEN FOR ROVE'S DIVISIVE FUNDAMENTALIST CRAP - OR THE WMD LIES - AND INSTEAD ELECTED KERRY - A REAL WAR-HERO. AND THE WORLD WORLD BE AS ONE!"

Well, the chic appeaserati is right about just one thing: Chirac, Kerry, Zapatero, Schroeder, and Annan belong together!

UPDATE: Chirac could dodge trial if made senator-for-life (AFP) - Supporters of French President Jacques Chirac are pushing for a constitutional change that would make him a senator-for-life after he leaves office and thus shield him from the threat of future legal proceedings, newspapers reported Friday. The proposed measure would mean that all former presidents become automatic members of the upper house of parliament - instead of joining the constitutional council, France's highest judicial authority, which they do under the existing arrangement. Chirac, 72, cannot be prosecuted as long as he remains president, but when he steps down he risks being placed under judicial investigation in connection with a series of party-finance scams during his 18-year tenure as mayor of Paris.

What a slime ball!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:34 AM ; Permalink;

Thursday, January 13, 2005

COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARIES ROB BANK IN RAMADI

HAT TIP BACKCOUNTRY CONSERVATIVE:

Iraqi rebels steal $17.6mFrom correspondents in Ramadi

ARMED men robbed an Iraqi bank in Ramadi, the troubled capital of western al-Anbar province, stealing about $US13.5 million ($17.6 million) worth of Iraqi dinars."At 11am (7pm AEDT), a group broke into the Rashid bank and locked all the employees in a room and took all the money from the bank before escaping," a police captain said.

AS BACKCOUNTRY CONSEVRATIVE ASKED: "Could there be a problem with their usual funding avenues?"

I think this action, and the fact that the counter-revolutionaries are using bigger bombs indicates that they are getting more desperate. And, that we are winning. And that the enemy knows they must do everything between NOW and January 29 to prevent the election. TOM FRIEDMAN knows why we must NOT ALLOW THEM TO DO THIS.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 10:55 PM ; Permalink;

US PLANNING MISSILE STRIKES AGAINST SYRIA

According to UPI/Global Policy Forum, the Bush Adminstration is moving toward retaliating against the "insurgents" inside of Syria by attacking their bases, training centers and camps:

"An administration official said Syria has "camps in which Syrians are training Iraqis for the insurgency and others where Iraqis are training Syrians for the same purpose" which could be hit by U.S. air strikes." [...] One former senior CIA official, usually an administration critic, said, "We should send a cruise missile into south-side Damascus and blow the Mukharbarat headquarters off the map. We should first make clear to them that they are the target."

RTWT! AND STAY TUNED...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:21 PM ; Permalink;

NEW IRAQI GROUP DECLARES WAR ON JIHADISTS

Iraqis are taking justice into their own hands, it seems:

An unknown militant group Saraya Iraqna has declared war on extremists acting on the territory of Iraq, reported RIA Novosti citing an article published in the Iraqi newspaper Al Ittihad. The first official message of the group says it aims at “a relentless fight against all kinds of terrorists and Wahabits in the country”. “Our activity will not be selective. It is directed toward all terrorist organizations on the territory of Iraq, no matter what their religion or ethnic origin is”, says the message.

They're a POSSE COMITATUS and counter-counter-revolutionaries. If they kill a lot of Jihadoterrorists (the counter-revolutionaries) they will help prevent Iraq from becoming a tyrannical totalitarian state again. More power to'em! "Viva la revolucion!" - the DEMOCRATIC "revolucion," that is!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:51 PM ; Permalink;

NO WMD STOCKPILES IN IRAQ

Okay. Then where are they, in Syria (DEBKA and others reported in early 2003 that they were trucked there by the Russians in late 2002)?

Or was Saddam bluffing - to create a deterrent? Or were his scientists?

IT DOESN'T MATTER TO ME. Even if he had no WMD stockpiles, and even if he made none from 1991-2002 - Saddam still violated UNSCR#1441: he had illegal missile programs; and illegal WMD labs & production capabilities; and he had hidden parts necessary for a nuclear enrichment program - ALL BANNED BY ALL THE UNSCRS AND UNSCR#1441! AND HE FILED A FALSE FINAL REPORT! AND HE WAS ABUSING THE OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM! AND HE DRAINED THE GREAT BASRA SWAMP! AND HE WAS STARVING AND TORTURING HIS TYRANNIZED PEOPLE! (SEE: Duelfer's testimony HERE for more proof Saddam was in violation of UNSCR#1441.)

And - strategically - we had to get our troops out of Saudi Arabia (that was after all Bin Laden's #1 complaint & recruiting plank). Removing Saddam was the only way to do that.

ALSO: Iran is now surrounded. ALSO: Iraq is a now magnet for Jihadoterrists; they go there and die; dead ones are a smaller threat to us than lives ones. AND: liberating Iraq from tyranny and establishing a democracy there will begin to eradicate the "root causes" of neo-Jihadism: poverty; ignorance; xenophobia. As Iraq improves - and as Iraqis remain Islamic - (NOT Islamist or Baathist) - other Arabs and Muslims all over the world will begin to see that modernity and Islam can co-exist; NAY: they will see that they can thrive together. And that the only thing that stands between them and the future is tyranny.

YUP: Saddam was one bad-guy who had to go. A few more should join him.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:34 AM ; Permalink;

PAKISTAN RELEASING ALQAEDA SUSPECTS INTO TRIBAL AREAS

(AFP) PESHAWAR, Pakistan - "Pakistan is to free up to 25 suspected Al Qaeda-linked militants seized in a volatile region bordering Afghanistan before a Muslim festival next week, the military said Wednesday. All the suspects were arrested or surrendered during two big military operations in March and June last year in the South Waziristan’s Shakai valley, considered a militant stronghold, a military statement said. 'The military authorities in recognition of unprecedented support and cooperation of the tribesmen have decided to release apprehended men of Shakai Valley before Eid al Azha (January 21),' the statement said."

I hope they've implanted chips in these suspects, that they track them and that they're led to Bin Laden's lair. Otherwise, it seems like another step BACK! And on the heels of the escape of a Musharraf assasination suspect, well: it seems to me that Pakistan is rapidly becoming a problem again - at best unreliable; at worst... a foe. STAY TUNED.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:11 AM ; Permalink;

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

ANTI-SEMITIC UN MOVES AGAINST ISRAEL SECURITY FENCE

Hat-tip to the inimitable MARK LEVIN:

The UN is setting up a bureaucracy to assist Arabs in the occupied territories of Israel to make claims against the Government of Israel for losses they assert were caused by the anti-terror security fence . (See other news stories HERE and HERE.)

Levin - tonight, on his syndicated radioshow - made the point that there are DOZENS of other security fences on disputed territories which have NEVER EVER been the subject of ANY UN attack. To prove his case, Levin used information from a posting at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, HERE and HERE.

This new anti-Israel action by Kofi Annan, and the anti-Semites of the UN, comes on the heels many others - including the recent spurious ICJ case against the fence. It's more proof that the UN has a net negative effect on world affairs. UN peace-keeping offices are often overrun with sexual predators; they pilfered the Oil for Food program; they've already mismanaged the tsunami relief effort.

As Levin suggested, it's time to kick the UN out of the US and turn the building into a condo --- a TRUMP CONDO! "PAGING THE DONALD!"

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 6:33 PM ; Permalink;

COSBY CORRECTLY BLAMES BAD PARENTING

COSBY -

The problems: "Teenage girls become unwed mothers while males are allowed to walk away without taking any responsibility. The incarceration rate of our youth is accelerating with devastating consequences for our families and neighborhoods. Children are being killed by stray bullets in territorial gang and drug wars. "

The causes: "Most of these ills stem from several factors, but an important one is the lack of education of too many of our young people. Studies show a correlation between inadequate schooling and a wide range of distressing outcomes, including early death, a propensity toward violence and substance abuse. "

The solution: "Proper education has to begin at home. We must demand that our youth have an understanding of spoken and written English, math and science. We must transform our communities with a renewed commitment to our children, and that means parents must show that they value education. We don't need another federal commission to study the problem. What we need now is parents sitting down with children, overseeing homework, sending children off to school in the morning well fed, clothed, rested and ready to learn."

I would only add: if parents demanded better grades from their kids, then the kids would get better grades - and it wouldn't cost another extra dime!

(Proof of this is the different average grades which Koreans and Hispanics get in the same NYC schools - Koreans average "A's" while Hispanics average "C's". Why does this happen? Well, if a Korean kids gets a "B" they get punished; this does not normally occur in Hispanic households unless the child gets a "D". Perhaps if Hispanic parents were as demanding as Korean parents, then Hipanic kids would do just as well as Korean kids. BTW: many Korean homes are bi-lingual, just like the Hispanic homes - so this is NOT a reason for the disparity. Neither is race!)

Because the social cost of a uneducated youths/citizens is HUGE, I believe that we should find a way to incentivize better parenting. Maybe we could increase the amount of the federal child deduction (create a "BONUS") for households in which the children get a "B" average? And decrease it if the children get below a "C" average? Ditto incentivizing the school districts.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 4:55 PM ; Permalink;

VDH ON THE EU(SSR)

From his interview with John Hawkins of RIGHTWING NEWS via IBERIA NOTES:

Hawkins: Why do you think Europeans and Americans seem to have such a dissimilar view of the world these days?

Victor Davis Hanson: I wish it was because of issues that divide us on principle, but I’m afraid a lot of it has to do with the absence of 300 Soviet divisions. During the Cold War, the U.S. subsidized the defense of Europe and it kept Russia from going in and doing to Western Europe what it had done to Eastern Europe. With the demise of the Berlin Wall, the Europeans immediately began to follow up on their socialist utopia.

IMHO: utopianism - and utopianists like Hitler and Stalin and Bin Laden - are the problem. They all believe that an elite of better-informed/enlightened leaders (whether it's a politburo informed by Das Kapital or a council of Mullahs informed by the Koran) can make the world a perfect place. What they ALWAYS end up doing is destroying liberty and prosperity and committing genocide. In fact, only utopianists commit genocide. WHY? Because utopianists think that their vision of "utopia" is so so so so soooooooo perfect that it's worth doing really really really bad things to achieve it. Like denying other "less informed" people their innate rights: the right to the fruits of their labor, their property, and their right to self defense. And the utopianist elites usually end up killing the "infidels" - and thousands like them - if the "unenlightened" insist on getting in the way of the elite's grand utopianist plans.

RTWT. More on the evil twins Hitler and Marx and other dangerous utopianists HERE (scroll around - there's PLENTY!).

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:31 PM ; Permalink;

SYRIAN-RUSSIAN MISSILE DEAL

Links to dozens of fresh/hot stories HERE at Google News.

The missile deal would upset the current precarious balance of power by giving Syria (and perhaps Hezb'allah) a more powerful and more accurate missile capable of hitting anything in Israel - including Dimona.

IMHO: this is (a) another instance of Putin (who's been increasingly more despotic) screwing us, and (b) another reason why the clock is ticking with regard to Syria: the more hardened are their defenses, the more obstinate they will be - and the likelihood of getting them to be a good neighbor to Iraq and Israel DECLINES DRAMATICALLY.

It really pisses me off that Putin is enabling this. Is Putin trying to protect Assad because that's where Saddam's WMD are (having been transported there in the winter of 2002 - as DEBKA reported in early 2003)?

UPDATE: JANE'S SECURITY NEWS BRIEFS highlight growing concern about Putin's Russia: "The problem of Russia in 2005 - Although the risk of further attacks by international terrorist groups remains the main focus of attention for Western intelligence services, JID's top analysts point to Russia as an increasing cause for concern. In this article, a leading security specialist warns that downplaying the threat the Kremlin poses is no longer an option.[Jane's Intelligence Digest - first posted to http://jid.janes.com - 12 January 2005]"

UPDATE #2 - (HAT-TIP DRUDGE/YAHOO): "The United States warned Russia against selling missiles to Syria amid reports that Moscow was ready to provide Damascus with a sophisticated weapon that could hit any target in Israel. But Russia denied it had any such plans. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington could consider sanctions against Moscow if it went through with reported plans to sell Syria its SS-26 Iskander missile. Secretary of State Colin Powell also raised the reported sale in talks here Wednesday with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, according to a State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity. "The US policy on this is very clear," Boucher said. "We're against the sale of weaponry to Syria, against the sale of lethal military equipment to Syria, which is a state sponsor of terrorism." He said the United States was aware of reports a deal was brewing and "we think those kinds of sales are not appropriate. ... The Russians know about this policy. They know about our views." The Russian media carried reports of the planned sale as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad prepared to visit Russia on January 24 for talks with President Vladimir Putin."

UPDATE #3 - HERE. These missiles are shoulder-launched and once in Syria (a state-sponsor of terrorism) they could easily "fall into" the hands of Jihadoterrorists. As Roger L. SIMON points out - HERE - this arms deal is a revival of the old KGB/USSR/ASSAD alliance, and represents another HUGE step back for Putin's Russia.

UPDATE #4 - according to HAARETZ: (a) Russian is denying the sale; and (b) the Israeli miltary is claiming the new missile would NOT alter their defenses. (But then, the IAF is second to only one [the USAF], and all EL AL jets have anti-missile defenses.)

UPDATE#5 - The American Thinker weighs in with a round-up and some excellent analysis of the implications of continued arms proliferation by Russia and the EU (with Iran and China).

STAY TUNED! MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:08 PM ; Permalink;

IRANIAN AMERICAN ARRESTED FOR AIDING IRAN NUKE PROGRAM

NY Newsday: BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- An Iranian-born businessman illegally smuggled equipment to support the Iranian nuclear missile program, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Mohammad Farahbakhsh, 43, an Iranian-born U.S. citizen living in Los Angeles, was arraigned in U.S. District Court Tuesday on charges that he sent pressure sensors and other equipment from Stamford to the United Arab Emirates, where they were to be shipped to Iran. Farahbakhsh was charged in Connecticut because he allegedly ordered pressure sensors from Stamford-based Omega Engineering in 2003. Just 20 months ago, Omega was fined $313,000 for illegally shipping equipment to Pakistan. When the company learned the sensors were destined to Iran, officials notified the FBI.

I'm glad that Ascroft's DOJ is on top of this.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:27 AM ; Permalink;

ASSAD COMPLAINS TO COMMUNISTS THAT THE USA IS BEING TOO TOUGH

DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a meeting with leaders of the communist party, said the Middle East had entered "a very dangerous period, more dangerous than during World War I. He said he was was resisting "unlimited pressure."

I hope that diplomatic pressure works, though I feel it has about as much a chance of working on Assad as it did on Saddam - which is NIL.

I think when our navy is done helping out with the tsunami tragedy, we should moor them off the coast of Syria, and start the countdown...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:18 AM ; Permalink;

FRANCE SENDS ONE SHIP

JANUARY 12 - ON BOARD THE JEANNE D'ARC (AFP/YAHOO) -

The French helicopter-carrier Jeanne D'Arc was heading for northern Indonesia on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the tsunami-hit town of Meulaboh. Helicopter pilots on the ship were busy training Tuesday, hauling medicines and other aid into the air and suspending them above the bridge while soldiers sorted the supplies and stacked them in a nearby hangar. The Jeanne D'Arc left Djibouti earlier Tuesday with six helicopters and 600 crew to transport 6,000 food rations, 800 tonnes of water and water treatment equipment, five tonnes of medicine and field medical posts.

Okay: one ship is better than none.

Now let's see... how many did the USA send? As of Jan. 7, America already had more than 12,500 military personnel in place, along with 20 ships, 44 aircraft and 54 helicopters -- with more on the way.

All of this was done without direction from the United Nations. Or France. Heh.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:08 AM ; Permalink;

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

NIXON, CLINTON AND BUSH

Ken Adelman (TCS - 5/28/03):

George W. Bush is a transformational leader. He's willing to take big risks to make big changes. Unlike most modern presidents - Ronald Reagan the notable exception - Bush is in high office not so much to be something as to do something. [...] In contrast to transformational leaders are transitional leaders - those who keep their desk tidy, make managerial decisions, and leave few footprints.

Who'da thunk it! Certainly not this Democrat in 2000! But Adelman was right - 100% right. Clinton was merely a mediocre transitional president. While Bush is transforming more than just foreign policy, the Middle East, and the GWOT - he's taking on long-standing domestic crises as well: Social Security; Medicare; taxes; immigration. He's proposing BOLD policies based on unshakeable FAITH in basic values and universal human rights, and employing them with great CONFIDENCE, if not RESOLUTENESS.

It may take forever for those afflicted with BDS to realize it or accept it, but he's ALREADY a great president!

What is it with the Left, anyhow - that makes them so impervious to the obvious!? Is it merely partisanship!? I dunno, maybe they just need some... perspective. That reminds me: I recently hitched a ride with a Leftie who was STILL BASHING NIXON (I forget why)! I offered a rebuttal to his view - and to what has become CONVENTIONAL WISDOM - that Nixon was bad. I gave him this simple recitation:

"In barely over four years in office Nixon ended the Vietnam War, ended the draft, invented detente and signed an arms limitation treaty with the USSR - and the ABM treaty, opened China, founded the EPA and passed the Clean Air Clean Water Act, tried the bold (and ill-conceived) Wage & Price Controls, made two extraordinary SCOTUS appointments, and realigned the national parties with his southern strategy. So say what you will about the man's obvious "partisan paranoia" (and I mean Watergate - which was NUTS! Heck: he would thrashed McGovern without a single dirty trick!) - Nixon was a transformational president whose good accomplishments have greatly improved the USA and the world in ways we are still benefiting from! What great things did Clinton do in EIGHT YEARS!?"

My friend nodded. He'd never realized - or accepted before how much good Nixon had accomplished, how many bold and important moves he'd made in just four years. The perspective - the distance of 30 years had allowed him to be OBJECTIVE. He had to admit it: Nixon HAD done invaluably great things (and a few bold bad things - like Wage & Price Controls).

And he also had to admit how few great things Clinton had accomplished in EIGHT YEARS: NAFTA, Family Leave, a big tax increase, Kosovo and... what else again? BUT: there sure were big failures, though: Rwandan, Bosnian, and Sudanese genocides; the Somalian debacle; the Haiti debacle; and the Khobar Towers bombings, the 1993 WTC bombing, and the African Embassy bombings, AND THE USS COLE ATTACK ALL UNANSWERED! And Lewinsky. And Impeachment. And shame, shame, shame...

Saying Clinton was "transitional" maybe putting it politely!

So, 30 years from I expect to be having the same type of conversation about Bush 43 with my Leftie friends (if there are still any around!) - and getting the same nods of grudging respect for Bush - God-willing!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 8:33 PM ; Permalink;

RATHER REPLACEMENT PREDICTION

APPOINTMENTS OFTEN SURPRISE. WHOODA THUNK THAT CHERTOFF WOULDA BEEN PICKED FOR DHS? NO ONE.

In that spirit, I predict that Moonves will select LESLEY STAHL to replace Dan Rather.

She has a more impressive CV than John Roberts or Scott Pelli (the two most often cited as potential Rather replacements by the Old Media), and she has more gravitas, and a higher Q rating (more of the public knows who she is). PLUS: she's a woman - which will help CBS create some product differentiation without subverting the product or the brand (since she is a respected reporter/moderator/host and an old CBS hand).

DOWNSIDE: She's older than Roberts and Pelli; (she was born in 1941). BUT - (IMHO) - the younger male wannabes - Roberts and Pelli - would NOT NECESSARILY attract a younger demographic; no anchor will (unless Moonves selects Carson Daly or Howard Stern!). She's young enough to anchor for the next 5-10 years - and that's EONS in the media game! So I say, Moonves will let the kid Brian Williams scramble for the relatively small youngish demographic (which barely watches TV news, anyhow), and try to "OUT-GRAVITAS" both NBC, AND the soon-to-be Jenning-less ABC, by going with the experienced, trustworthy and well-known Stahl.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:04 PM ; Permalink;

Rather: A Big Wheel in the Travis County, Texas Smear Machine

The release of the Rathergate Report reminds me of all the other smears that the Texas Democrats have attempted recently. Not ALL of them with the complicity of CBS!

Here's an excerpt from an article which described them all:

Political HayTexas Smear Machine Targets DeLay

By Peter Flaherty Published 9/23/2004

If nothing else, you have to give Travis County Democrats credit for thinking big, like real Texans. Apparently undaunted that the assault on President Bush's National Guard service blew up in their faces, they are now trying to bring down House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. All roads in the CBS memo scandal traverse Travis County. Dan Rather was the special guest at a 2001 fundraiser for the Travis County Democratic Party, and his daughter is active in the organization. Former National Guardsman Bill Burkett, the unstable Bush-baiter, who now claims he was the source of the forged documents, is represented (and many believe directed) by David Van Os, the former Travis County Democratic Party chairman.Now Travis County district attorney Ronnie Earle, a Democrat with a history of bringing politically motivated indictments, has indicted three DeLay aides who ran a political action committee called Texans for a Republican Majority PAC. Perhaps recognizing that indicting DeLay himself 41 days before an election would be just too transparent, Earle instead indicted the three underlings for allegedly directing corporate contributions to Texas legislative candidates in 2002.

RTWT.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 4:50 PM ; Permalink;

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH...

... the Ukraine gets packing!

From FOXNEWS:

"The situation in Iraq has deteriorated and as a consequence we lost our men," acting Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk was quoted as saying on Monday by the Interfax news agency. [...] Defense Ministry spokesman Andriy Lysenko said the military had an approximate plan for the withdrawal, which would take two months. "The military will fulfill the political decision as soon as we receive an order from the president," he said. Earlier, the cash-strapped Ukrainian military announced it was preparing for a phased withdrawal from Iraq by the end of 2005 because of logistic and financial problems.

IOW: if things were easier/safer/cheaper then Ukraine might stay and help. With friends like these... well, you know the rest. REAL allies, and REAL defenders of liberty would INCREASE their presence in Iraq now - AS "NEOCON" BLAIR JUST DID!

More on ungrateful Ukraine here.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:52 PM ; Permalink;

Constructive Criticism on Iraq, or: "HEY LOOKY HERE, I FOUND A LIBERAL COLUMNIST WHO GETS IT!"

Suggestions from David Ignatius, WASHPOST (hat-tip INDC JOURNAL):

• Reduce the U.S. target. Iraq's best hope for avoiding a civil war may be the fact that nearly all Iraqis are united in wanting the U.S. occupation to end -- and are reaching out to find some common ground. A source close to Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani told the Arabic daily Al Hayat last weekend: "The representation of our Sunni brethren in the coming government must be effective, regardless of the results of the elections."

• Live with de facto partition. For all of the difficulties in the war, much of northern and southern Iraq is stable today. Right now, the United States can be pumping billions of dollars in unspent reconstruction money into any part of the country that's able make good use of it. It may take years to end the chaos in central Iraq, but that shouldn't stop progress elsewhere.

• Make it deadly to be an insurgent. [...] Iraqi authorities must be ruthless in destroying opposition to that accord. Insurgents must wake up each morning afraid that they will die. This sort of dirty war isn't one I would like to see American forces fighting; it's one for Iraqi special forces[...] the psychology of intimidation in Iraq has to be reversed, so that it's the insurgents who fear for their lives.

I like the last suggestion most. Except: (1) why call these thugs "insurgents"!? They are counter-revolutionaries who seek to reimpose tyranny - either Baathist or Jihadofascist. And (2) if US forces can help do the job - then we should! Ditto ANYONE else; when the Iraqis can handle it themselves, then we can come home - or head for the next front in the GWOT!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:41 PM ; Permalink;

MUSHARRAF SUSPECT ESCAPES

BBC/AFP:

An alleged militant accused of trying to assassinate Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has escaped from custody, the authorities say. Mushtaq Ahmed was being held by air force police in the city of Rawalpindi. The BBC's Zaffar Abbas in Islamabad says the escape of a man regarded as a prime suspect in the attacks is a huge embarrassment for the authorities. [...] "This criminal escaped from custody and we hope that we will arrest him. He was a key figure in the 14 December, 2003 attack on President Musharraf," Sheikh R. Ahmed told the AFP news agency. He said a huge manhunt was under way.

IMHO: Either (a) the police & military in Pakistan are totlally incompetent, or (b) MUCH more riddled with Jihadoterrorists than anyone realizes, or (c) the suspect was allowed to escape (by loyal authorities) in order to lead the authorities to capture & destroy more cells. If the third choice is NOT much more likely than the other two, then Musharraf is NOT safe; in which case, it is likely that - due to incompetence or a malicious conspiracy by Jihadoterrorists - he will be assassinated or overthrown by the Jihdoterrorists, and that then Pakistan will become a HUGE problem. STAY TUNED....

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:45 AM ; Permalink;

Bigger Bombs In Iraq

The counter-revolutionaries are using bigger bombs against the coaliton forces.

Stories HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE.

I believe this proves that the neo-baathist/jihadoterrorists realize that their days are numbered; they realize they must stop the election or they lose; they have a limited amount of explosives, but now realize there's no point in rationing the supply for a long drawn out counter-attack over the next year. In other words: it's now or never.

Therefore, I expect the tempo of attacks to increase, too. And therefore, our casualties. DO NOT WORRY. It always gets darkest before the dawn. And remember: In WW2, we took our worst casualties between D-Day and VE-Day. Most were after the Battle of the Bulge.

The tide will turn in Iraq - and in the GWOT - after the huge turnout on Iraqi election day. This will do more to defeat Jihadofascism than sending more US troops.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:56 AM ; Permalink;

CHIRAC CRITICAL OF US TSUNAMI AID EFFORT

From FOXNEWS:

Within days of the disaster, the U.S. military aircraft were conducting aerial reconnaissance and transporting supplies and wounded victims. Soon after, American ships began arriving -- providing fresh water, carrying supplies, and transporting helicopters. As of Jan. 7, America had more than 12,500 military personnel in place, along with 20 ships, 44 aircraft and 54 helicopters -- with more on the way. All of this was done without direction from the United Nations. You would expect applause for such initiative, but no: These magnificent efforts have been criticized by some as another example of American “unilateralism” designed to undermine the United Nations. French President Jacques Chirac fears “that Washington is deliberately circumventing the United Nations and wants to compete with the international organization,” the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported. “President Chirac wants to hinder America from using its ad hoc-organized aid operation to set a precedent that will lastingly weaken the role of the United Nations.”

Chirac is an ass.

This story by Roger Cohen from the IHT may explain why: Asked if France, now a medium-sized power, had too many pretensions on the world stage, [French Foreign Minister] Barnier replied: "We don't have pretensions. We have ambitions. We have ideas." [...] "Sometimes we are arrogant," he continued. "But others are, too, no? It's not an excuse, I know."

So let's make that ARROGANT ASS!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:08 AM ; Permalink;

Monday, January 10, 2005

MASS EXHUMATIONS TO FOLLOW UNNECESSARY MASS GRAVES

According to this report from the BBC, Thai authorities now admit that in the first fews days after the tsunami many foreigners - along with Thais - were buried in unnecessary (see HERE, HERE and HERE) - and hysterically dug & filled mass graves.

As a result of this tsunami disaster, I pray the world will learn to never again make mass graves.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:44 PM ; Permalink;

The Rathergate Report: MORE BS FROM CBS

INSTAPUNDIT linked to and excerpted a bit from Jim Geraghty of NRO's "TKS":

Does the panel really think that CBS would have acted in the same manner in a seemingly-great story that would have hurt John Kerry? Are we really to believe that it was solely “competitive pressures” that led to this, and that no one in this process had their thinking influenced by a desire to see Bush defeated in this year’s election?

Well Glenn, Jim: I DO believe that there were more, MUCH more "competitive pressures" on CBS to "get" Bush than to "get Kerry;" after all: NOT A SINGLE CBS "OLD MEDIA" COMPETITOR WAS GOING AFTER KERRY, OR GOING TO GO AFTER KERRY! Heh.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:22 PM ; Permalink;

UNGRATEFUL YUSCHENKO WILL WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAQ - AS HE PLEDGED DURING CAMPAIGN

Just off the wire (from AFP): "Yushchenko looks to Iraq withdrawal

The winner of Ukraine's presidential vote, Viktor Yushchenko, said on Sunday withdrawing the nation's troops from Iraq will be a priority for him once he takes office, after an accidental blast killed seven Ukrainian soldiers there. "Viktor Yushchenko sends deep condolences to the families of Ukrainian peacekeepers who died in Iraq today," said a statement released by his press office. "Insofar as withdrawing Ukraine's peacekeeping contingent from Iraq, it remains one of Yushchenko's priorities once he assumes office," the statement said. The seven Ukrainian troops, along with one Kazakh soldier, died after a bomb they were about to defuse went off accidentally in Iraq's central Wasit region, where Ukrainian and Kazakh troops serve under Polish control, Kiev's defence ministry said. Another seven Ukrainian and four Kazakh troops were injured as a result of the accident, which occurred at 12.05pm after a team of Kazakh sappers and their Ukrainian back-up had brought back to defuse about 35 aerial bombs that Iraqi police had found stashed near the central military base of As Suwayrah. After the bombs were unloaded from their transport vehicles one of them exploded for reasons that are still being investigated, the ministry said. About 1,600 Ukrainian troops have been deployed since August 2003 in Iraq's Wasit region, where US-led coalition forces are under Polish command. Prior to today's deaths, Ukraine has lost nine of its troops, with another 20 injured. In the heat of Ukraine's election saga last month, parliament in Kiev approved a resolution that demanded outgoing President Leonid Kuchma withdraw Ukrainian soldiers from Iraq."

Sad. A man who owes so much to external/international pressure put on his enemies - the enemies of freedom and democracy - (and who also owes much of his success to the external/external support given to his party), is withdrawing support for other human beings who are struggling to gain freedom and democracy.

I think that - (a) in light of the loss of brave Ukrainian troops in Iraq, and (b) the fact that he would NOT have ascended to power without this external/international support - Yuschenko should've reconsidered, and decided to keep the Ukrainian troops in Iraq. I think that if Yuschenko goes through with it, that he is, in effect, withdrawing from the Coalition of the Willing and joining the "Coalition of the Ungrateful" - along with France and Germany and Spain, (the nations of Old Europe which have forgotten the cost of freedom, and are unwilling to do for others what was done for them after WW2).

Certainly, it's within his right and power to withdraw the troops - and campaign pledges are imporant, BUT... the higher good - in this case, supporting the Iraqis in their hour of need as they seek to attain their universal Human Rights (as the Free World helped Ukrainians) - is MORE important.

Some argue that the efforts of the USA and the Coalition of the Willing are doomed to fail because "democracy cannot be imposed."

I say this is hogwash! Democracy is NEVER imposed. WHY?! Because freedom is a natural, innate gift all humans are born with, AND democracy is the only mutually consensual way for free people to act collectively and have self-rule.

Rather, it is TYRANNY which is imposed on free people. This is why it's called LIBERATION when tyrannies are cast off: because people are freed from what is imposed on them, and their innate freedom is all that's left! That's why the effort in Iraq is properly called a LIBERATION: we have removed the tyranny that was imposed on the Iraqis by Saddam and the Baathists, and are now engaged in a war with fanatical counter-revolutionaries who are trying to impose a religious tyranny on them. We are fighting them in order to give the Iraqis an opportunity to arrange for self-rule and democracy.

It would be nice if the Ukrainians did ALL they could to help. Apparently - like Spain, and France, and Germany - they will do less than they can - and LESS THAN THEY SHOULD. Like I said: it's sad. It reflects badly on them, and NOT on the noble efforts of the Coalition of the Willing to help our brothers in sisters in Iraq gain their universal human rights.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:16 AM ; Permalink;

Sunday, January 09, 2005

ABBAS

I haven't posted much on the Palestinian election; click HERE for why - (Krauthammer NAILS it - as he usually does!).

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:44 PM ; Permalink;

ORANGE YOU GLAD YOU SAID YOU'D WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAQ?

Yuschenko ran on a platform of closer ties to the EU - and WITHDRAWAL OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS FROM IRAQ.

Well, the Jihadoterrorists have targeted and killed Ukrainian troops serving there - SEVEN. And also two Kazakhs.

Will Yuschenko cut and run - AND SEND THE SAME MESSAGE THAT ZAPATERO SENT: "we are cowards who will run when attacked, and who will appease aggression."

This is an interesting first test. Yuschenko has SOME obligation to do what he said he'd do in the election campaign - WITHDRAW. But after his BRAVE - nay HEROIC confrontation with tyranny, how can he give into the Jihadoterrorist/Baathist tyrants in Iraq!?

It will be a sad day for democracy EVERYWHERE when Yuschenko - who's own campaign was aided so dearly by external activists, and whose NATION'S DEMOCRACY was saved by external pressure - caves into isolationists and appeasers.

We shall see if he is, in his heart, a grateful universalist with a backbone, or not. Stay tuned...

UPDATE!!! CLICK HERE and HERE for an exchange on this topic that I am having with DISCO SHAMAN of Le Sabot Moderne - in Ukraine.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:04 PM ; Permalink;

Saturday, January 08, 2005

BUSH, THE SIX PARTY TALKS AND NORTH KOREA

GOOD analysis HERE. And more proof that - (unlike what the Left and the Old Media would have you believe) - Bush has always, when appropriate, used patience and lithe multilateral diplomacy.

Bush also knows when to say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" - and on this count... the clock... is... ticking....

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:15 PM ; Permalink;

2005-2007: the Cusp of a New Era

I guess this is sort of a New Years post. One based on reflecting where we've been in the last year or so, and where I think we're headed in the next year or so. I guess this is sort of my SOTW (state of the world!).

I have the feeling - because of Bush's boldness and resolve - we are on the cusp of a new era; already on the horizon (internationally): Afghanistan and Iraq and Palestine all democratic; Jihadoterrorism largely defeated and discredited; reform on the way in other Arab countries; and the UN reformed. And domestically, we probably will reform Social Security, taxes, torts, and immigration.

Potential progress on these fronts is huge, and - if realized - it would put the Bush presidency on a footing with few equals.

After these successes, Old Europe and the Old Media will come around.

A few huge problems remain: North Korea; Syria and Iran; and the African tyrannies. I feel that Bush will confront these problems, too - and that, because of his imminent successes on the preceding fronts, he will be just as successful.

Of course, the enemy is NOT going to go down without a cunning and ruthless fight. They will counter-attack at every available moment, and attempt to rollback the progress. And, they'll counter-attack with greater and more terrible verocity the closer we get to victory - (remember: the Allies took more losses in the final 4 months of WW2 than in the preceding 4 years!). And, the enemy will counter-attack on many fronts, at our weakest spots - and when we least expect it. The enemy will attempt to distract us from victory on one front by drawing us into another front. (I expect Iran or North Korea to create a crisis just as we near victory in the Middle East.)

But, if we don't lose our resolve we'll win. Tyranny - (and the poverty and the ignorance and the hatred that tyranny foments) - will be replaced by democracy - (and the prosperity and the curiosity and the tolerance that democracy creates). The long hard painful march of humanity from tyranny to liberty has always been one-way. WHY?! Well, tyranny is so yesterday, and (as the wise man once said) yesterday has never defeated tomorrow.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 3:13 PM ; Permalink;

ANOTHER KEY ARREST IN IRAQ

AFP - The US military said on Saturday that it had the arrested a militant linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Al Qaeda-linked group in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. US Brigadier General Erv Lessel said the top lieutenant for the Zarqawi-linked Abu Talha cell in Mosul, Aziz Sadun Ahmed Hamduni, had been detained on December 22, bringing to three the number of arrests of top leaders from the militant group in Mosul. "These terrorists and Saddamists are doing all they can to stop upcoming elections," Brig Gen Lessel said. Iraq's Government had already announced on Thursday the arrest of Hamduni, also known as Abu Ahmed.

MORE BELOW; SCROLL DOWN...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:04 PM ; Permalink;

US "STEPS UP" REWARDS PROGRAM IN PAKISTAN

The US has taken out ads in Pakistan advertising rewards for info' leading to the arrest of 14 more alQaeda leaders believed to be in Pakistan. EXCERPTS:

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - The United States advertised rewards in a top Pakistani daily for information leading to the capture of 14 Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders including Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar. ... The half-page advert in the Urdu language newspaper Jang, placed by the US embassy in Islamabad, features mugshots of the wanted men and said anyone giving details to a special email address or hotlines would remain anonymous. ... US officials believe they are hiding somewhere in the mountains on the porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, although all the key seizures to date have been in crowded Pakistani cities.

I think that - due to the rapidity with which his latest tapes arrived in the West (and his up-to-date awareness of news and his appearance)- the US realizes that OBL is in a city in Pakistan - or Iran. We probably can't buy ads in Iran... Let's hope greed trumps xenophobia, and someone comes forward with a good tip!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:55 AM ; Permalink;

KUWAITIS NAB LOCAL ALQAEDA LEADER

KUWAIT (Agencies): Kuwait's authorities have arrested a leading Kuwaiti al-Qaeda suspect accused of enlisting youths to attack US forces in Iraq, a security source said on Friday. Mohsen al-Fadli - an Islamic militant hunted by state security since August for allegedly supporting al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden - was detained earlier this week and is being interrogated, the source told Reuters.

The Arab Gulf nations have largely been good allies in the GWOT; this is another example of their seriousness. I expect them to lead a major breakthrough in Arab Israeli relations after Abbas wins and the PA and GOI begein earnest negotiations.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:48 AM ; Permalink;

LANTOS ARRIVES IN NORTH KOREA

U.S. Congressman Arrives in N. Korea for Four-day Trip

PYONGYANG, Jan. 8 (KCNA-Yonhap) -- A U.S. Congressman arrived in Pyongyang Saturday for a four-day trip expected to focus on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and human rights issues, the North's official news agency reported. Tom Lantos, the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee, and four of his staff were met by an official at the airport in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency said in a brief report.

Lantos is a gem - and he AIN'T freelancing, so keep your on on him for the next few days and after his return.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:41 AM ; Permalink;

IRAQ'S DEFENSE MINISTER SHOWS PROOF SYRIA & IRAN AID COUNTER-REVOLUTION

From ARAB NEWS in SAUDI ARABIA ("REUTERS"):

Iraqi Minister Says Iran, Syria Back Insurgents

BAGHDAD, 8 January - Iraq’s interim defense minister said yesterday he had proof that Syria and Iran were backing the insurgency raging in Iraq with money and arms. In the latest accusation against Iraq’s neighbors, Hazim Al-Shaalan showed journalists a video of a man he said was the captured leader of an insurgent group called Mohammed’s Army, confessing to receiving aide from Iran and Syria, and threatened revenge. “We, especially in Mohammed’s Army, received a lot of help from Iran, which also supports most of the resistance groups in Iraq,” said the man, who identified himself as Col. Moayed Yassin Aziz Al-Nasiri, from Saddam Hussein’s disbanded army. The video’s authenticity could not be verified. Iran and Syria deny links with Iraq’s insurgents.

It's ultimatum time... or maybe we have to wait until Iraq elects their government - AND THEN THEY ISSUE AN ULTIMATUM OF THEIR OWN: "Stop aiding the counter-revolutionaries or we will counter-attack your nation!" Then, the Iraq government asks us for help - AND WHAM, we whack Iran and Syria destroying all their military assets!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:35 AM ; Permalink;

Friday, January 07, 2005

ANCIENT FAITH: THE CHRISTIAN MIDDLE EAST

Here's a link to a fascinating article about Christians still trying to live out their faith in the hostile regions of eastern Syria, Turkey and Northern Iraq. EXCERPT:

One of the most ancient monasteries in the world, St Matthew's, stands on a barren mountainside in northern Iraq, its last inhabitant a crusty old Syrian Orthodox priest. Nestled between sandstone crags with views of the hills around ancient Nineveh, now called Mosul, it looks like the final redoubt of the Christian world. Seven thousand monks used to worship here; now there is just one, Father Ada Qadr al-Kars. This thinning of the ranks has taken centuries, he said, but in the valleys Iraq's Christian community, targeted with especial ferocity by Islamic extremists for the past year, is disappearing rapidly. Churches have been bombed, priests kidnapped and Christian neighbourhoods subjected to random shootings, the terrorists' revenge for the community's shared religion with the "Christian" invaders.

This article reminds me of a fact that I think post-modernists ("Edward Said-like" "orientalists" and Marxists and anti-colonialists) have pretty much successfully gotten the West to forget (because they dominate the "academy"):

Namely, that the nearly the entire Middle East - and North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt - was Christian LONG before the people were forcibly converted to Islam, AND THAT CHRISTIANITY IS AN ANCIENT INDIGENOUS FAITH TO THE AREA - AND NOT SOME EUROPEAN IMPORT!

Another FACT often over-looked - or deliberately obfuscated: the Crusades were DEFENSIVE WARS waged by the Church to RECAPTURE lands which had been taken by force!

The idea that Christianity is alien to the greater Middle East and that it's an alien "Western" presence in the greater Middle East and is in itself an affront to indigenous culture is FALSE. Christans - AND JEWS AND BAHAI'S AND SUFI'S - deserve to be able to live and worship ANYWHERE in the Middle East and North Africa - including Iraq, Iran Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Gaza! Those who would prevent the indigenous peoples of these regions from worshipping as they have for CENTURIES - and as they please NOW -are fascists who deserve - at best - our utter scorn.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:14 PM ; Permalink;

WORLD'S PATHOLOGIES REMAIN

Imagine a world in which there was no United States during the last 15 years. Iraq, Iran, and Libya would now have nukes. Afghanistan would remain a seventh-century Islamic terrorist haven sending out the minions of Zarqawi and Bin Laden worldwide. The lieutenants of Noriega, Milosevic, Mullah Omar, Saddam, and Moammar Khaddafi would no doubt be adjudicating human rights at the United Nations. [...] Bosnia and Kosovo would be national graveyards like Pol Pot's Cambodia. Add in Kurdistan as well — the periodic laboratory for Saddam's latest varieties of gas. Saddam himself, of course, would have statues throughout the Gulf attesting to his control of half the world's oil reservoirs. Europeans would be in two-day mourning that their arms sales to Arab monstrocracies ensured a second holocaust. North Korea would be shooting missiles over Tokyo from its new bases around Seoul and Pusan. For their own survival, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan would all now be nuclear. Americans know all that — and yet they grasp that their own vigilance and military sacrifices have earned them spite rather than gratitude. [...]

So an entire mythology has grown up to accommodate this false world of ours — sadly never more evident than during the recent tsunami disaster, [...] So even in death and misery, the world's pathologies remain — as Israel is disinvited to help the dying as the most benevolent United States, which freed Afghanistan and toppled Saddam, is supposedly under scrutiny to "regain" its stature for its "crimes" of jailing a mass murderer and sponsoring elections in his place. Last year alone the United States gave more direct money to Egypt and Jordan than what the entire billion-person Muslim world has given for the dead in Indonesia. [...]

Apparently the crime against America is not that it gives too little to those who need it, but that it gives too little to those who wish to administer it all. When the terrible wave hit, Kofi Annan was escaping the conundrum of the Oil-for-Food scandal by skiing at Jackson Hole, so naturally George Bush down in 'ole Crawford Texas was the global media's obvious insensitive leader — "on vacation" as it were, while millions perished.

The U.S. military is habitually slurred even though it possesses the world's only lift and sea assets that could substantially aid in the ongoing disasters in Indonesia and Thailand. Blamed for having too high a profile in removing the Taliban and Saddam, it is now abused for having too meek a presence in Southeast Asia. "

VDH. 'F'N' A-1! RTWT, A/O! OK?! (H-T LGF and NRO).

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 7:56 PM ; Permalink;

INTERROGATING GONZALES

It strikes me as very revealing that the Democrats and the Left interrogate people like Gonzales more toughly than they would interrogate enemy combatants.

But, I guess that's to be expected from the kind of wackos who fear Ashcroft more than Bin Laden.

EQUALLY REVEALING: Most of the "Bush is a torturer" crap comes from guys with very questionable personal backgrounds: Kennedy left the scene of a vehicular homicide (to put it POLITLEY!); Biden was a plagiarist; Leahy an officialy reprimanded leaker of national secrets. And that's just the Lefties on the Judiciary Committee. Then there's Clinton - the serial rapist/adulterer/perjurer, and Sandy Berger - who got caught stealing TOP SECRET documents from the National Archives, and Kerry - the slanderer and "war criminal."

Whatta crew! Thank God they're NOT in control of interrogating Jihadoterrorists or national security!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 5:38 PM ; Permalink;

REV JJ SINGS A SONG

In honor of Jesse Jackson's, Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Barbara Boxer's efforts to overturn Ohio's vote...

CLICK AND SING-ALONG with "JESSE"!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 4:04 PM ; Permalink;

NATURE JOURNAL: "MASS GRAVES UNNECESSARY"

"07 January 2005; Mass graves not necessary for tsunami victims; Philip Ball / Report says need for rapid burial to avert health risks is a myth."

And then they cite the same source I did LAST WEEK:

The tragedy is that this concern about the health risk posed by the dead is misplaced. A report issued last September by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) addressed the management of dead bodies in disaster situations. Its findings suggest that the corpses from the 26 December catastrophe pose no serious risk of spreading infection and disease.Bodies should always be buried in a way that allows for later exhumation, says the PAHO report. "The use of common graves should be avoided in all circumstances," it recommends. The report calls mass burials "a violation of the human rights of the surviving family members.

I hope, now that the MSM is finally on the case, that this abhorrent and unnecessary practice will never be used again. Sadly, it is too late for many - including - possibly - tourists:

Aussies may be in mass graves -- January 7, 2005

UNIDENTIFIED Australian tsunami victims could have been buried in mass graves in Thailand, Australian officials said today.But the head of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) forensic team leading the victim identification process in Thailand said Australians, if they had been buried in mass graves, would be identified and their remains returned home. AFP team leader Karl Kent said he was aware of the location of the graves and he was satisfied Thai authorities had acted responsibly when conducting mass burials. Asked if it were possible that foreigners could be in the graves, Mr Kent said: "Yes." "We know the sites, we have been informed about them. "All of those deceased persons will be exhumed and all will be examined using the international DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) protocol."

And of course, this may be true elsewhere, too - where there were far many more victims...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:12 PM ; Permalink;

THREE WEEKS OF HELL

That's what I expect it to be like between now and the election in Iraq. 3 weeks of hell.

I'm not alone: Nick Wadhams of the Associated Press on January 7, 2005, 1:12 PM EST -

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A top U.S. military official said today he expects that insurgents may try to carry out "spectacular" attacks as the Iraqi election draws near, while Sunni religious leaders called for unity but persisted in their demands that the vote be delayed.The comments by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Erv Lessel echoed a warning by Iraq's prime minister the day before that insurgent violence would only increase ahead of the Jan. 30 election for a National Assembly.

And then there this item from a nation which collborated with Saddam, (and therefore may have sources within the counter-revolution):

PARIS (Reuters) - President Jacques Chirac has urged journalists not to go to Iraq after the disappearance of a French reporter which caused fears of a new hostage crisis. [...] "We are terribly worried," Paris-based media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders said in a statement. "The situation in Iraq is such that nothing can be ruled out."

The recent attack which destroyed a 35 TON Bradley Fighting Vehicle is just a taste of what the Jihadoterrorists have in store for us. WHY DO I SUSPECT THIS? Because so much is at stake; it's make or break time for Jihadism in Iraq, and they know it. And their only weapon is TERROR: inflicting a horrifying loss which shakes our will. By definition then, subsequent terrorist attacks must be more terrifying than preceding ones. Perhaps a Shia mosque will be blown up? Or another larger group of Iraqi election officials beheaded? I dunno, but be sure and brace yourself.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:05 PM ; Permalink;

ABORTION POLICY IN CHINA

Two news items on abortion policy in China.

First, this story - (HAT TIP K-Lo of THE CORNER) - China intends to outlaw selective gender abortions. These are prevalent in China; there are now 40 million more men than women in China, and the government wants to halt this imbalance.

The imbalance is primarily due to ANOTHER Chinese government policy: family planning limits parents to one child per household. In fact, China uses COERCIVE practices to force parents to limit themselves to one child (Links to an article from AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.) ! (More HERE and HERE.)

So... many parents decide that if they can only have one child, they want a boy - and so they have sonograms to determine the gender of the baby, AND ABORT THE BABY IF IT'S A GIRL!

Bottom-line: the Chinese government wants parents to accept the gender of their first born, and then abort ALL subsequent pregnancies regardless of the baby's gender - a politically correct solution which of course is nothing more than genocide.

YEAH: GENOCIDE. The tyrannical government of China coerces parents to abort. Because ALL Chinese are coerced to abort this may seem to some people to be fair; the Chinese government is merely trying to control population, and since the Chinese government has SO MANY RESPONSIBILITIES over that population (because it is still a socialist state) this control seems within their rights.

Naturally, no government anywhere should have that much control over anybody. People should be able to have as many kids as they choose - and as long as they take care of the kids, they can keep them, and keep having them. It's their business, not mine, not yours, not the state's.

What gets me is this: IMO, the pro-abortion lobby in the USA makes their most powerful case FOR abortion rights when they argue that the STATE should not have control over a woman's body. Well, that libertarian argument certainly runs counter to the situation in China where the state COERCES women to have abortions - which is, after all, ANOTHER way that the state takes control over a woman's body. SO it seems to me that the pro-abortion folks here ought to be making a HUGE stink about China's fascist family-planning policy. But they aren't.

BOTTOM-LINE: If one favors abortion rights on the basis of personal liberty then one should oppose China's policy. If one is anti-abortion on the grounds that one believes that life begins at conception (and all life should be honored and protected), then one must oppose China's policy.

Therefore, there is no moral basis for supporting China's policy.

The only basis is non-interventionist isolationism and moral/cultural relativism. But based on these creeds, there is no basis for intervening anywhere to stop "internal" genocide or slavery.

Which is what is happening in China: parents are virtual slaves of the state because they are coerced by the state into aborting their own babies - which is genocide.

When will the world cry out to make China stop their inhumane policies which amount to nothing more than slavery and genocide!? How many millions must die!?

PERSPECTIVE: 200 times more babies have been aborted in China because of this policy than people died in the tsunami. Think about it. Then think about this: since Roe v Wade, 200 times more pregnancies were aborted in the USA than people died in the tsunami.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:04 AM ; Permalink;

Thursday, January 06, 2005

Interrogating or Conversing: which will yield more information from Jihadoterrorists?

Via Michele Malkin - Heather McDonald on interrogating Jihadoterrorists:

"... district attorneys and police detectives routinely invoke the possibility of harsh criminal penalties to get criminals to confess. Federal prosecutors in New York have even been known to remind suspects that they are more likely to keep their teeth and not end up as sex slaves by pleading to a federal offense, thus avoiding New York City’s Rikers Island jail. Using such a method against an al-Qaida jihadist, by contrast, would be branded a serious humanitarian breach."

IMHO: Interrogators who cannot use coercive techniques on terrorists will not get as much information as ones that can and do. Disallowing all coercive techniques in order to banish torture is nothing more than throwing the baby out with the bathwater! Coercive techniques are part of the "arsenal" of a normal interrogation; they're the "stick" the "bad cop" uses when the "good cop's" "carrot" fails. In fact, they make each other MORE effective!

NOW... We all want the people in our armed forces to have the very best equipment. RIGHT?! SO... why do some - mostly naive hand-wringing idealists on the Left - want to "DISARM" our interrogators?! It makes NO SENSE!

RTWT.

And read MM everyday!

UPDATE 1/7: Lowry/NRO/the corner ("MORE ON INTERROGATION") has an example of coercive interrogation making a big difference.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:40 PM ; Permalink;

OIL AND WATER

One of the many images that have bolstered me in the last few days have been the photos that the US Navy have been posting at their website which show how well and hard our military has been working to ameliorate the suffering of the millions of people hurt by the recent tsunami. (HAT TIP PRESTOPUNDIT.)

One little part of the imagery has stuck in my mind: photo after photo of water bottles - being filled; being ditributed. We have all heard so much about how getting clean water to the area is critical to prevent disease and more death. Well, that's a lot of what we've being doing - getting the survivors clean water.

AND... all of the water bottles are of course PLASTIC. Now, this would be hardly noticeable to most people in the world: most of the world is young, and they don't remember the days when ALL bottles were glass. I DO. Can you imagine the added problems and costs we'd be facing if all the many MILLIONS of water bottles being filled and distributed were GLASS? The added weight... the breakage. The difficulty of handling. Sheesh.

And all those many millions of water bottles are made from OIL. And delivered by ships and planes and heliocopters that run on OIL. And all those hospitals all over the region that are filled with injured victims of the tsunami - they are all lighted with OIL, cooled with OIL; their OR's are lighted by OIL, too. As are the water purifiers we are delivering all powered by oil.

Without OIL, the rescue would be impossible; with less oil, or more expensive oil, the rescue would be less effective, and more costly. And more lives would be lost.

WE NEED OIL. The WHOLE WORLD NEEDS OIL. OIL IS NOT THE CONSPICUOUSLY SOLD OR CONSPICUOUSLY CONSUMED LUXURY ITEM THAT THE LEFT WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE IT IS.

Oil is a necessity - the most basic commodity of the world economy. Without oil (and the products and the energy from oil) modern life would cease to function, and rescue missions - like the one now on-going in the Indian Ocean - would be IMPOSSIBLE.

I GRANT YOU: this is a minor point, one that should not be necessary to make. But the recent onslaught of anti-oil Leftist propaganda makes me feel it's necessary to reiterate.

"NO BLOOD FOR OIL!" was an awful and shallow harangue that belittled BOTH our aims in liberating Iraq, AND our NEED FOR OIL.

A need which President James Earl Carter clearly and unequivocably spelled out in his 1980 SOTU:

"Let our position be absolutely clear: An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force."

Carter was right then, and The Carter Doctrine is still right: we mustn't allow Jihadoterrorism to gain control of the world's oil by gaining control of Iraq or Saudi Arabia. And that is PART of what is at stake in the GWOT today in Iraq.

OIL: it's not just about the "First World's" ability to drive big cars. It's the whole world's ability to produce prosperity and to respond to global calamities.

Next time you hear an anti-globalist Leftist or Luddite deride the West's insatiable need for oil, tell him to try to go a day without it! And ask him: would he rather the whole world was like the Third World, or would he prefer those in the Third World to become materially better off... MORE LIKE THE FIRST WORLD!?

Well, we'll never make the people of the Third World more materially rich by having the First World consume less and buy less; that would just create a GLOBAL recession and more poverty - FOR EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE! NOPE, to improve the lives of people in the Third World we have to build more power plants and produce more goods. That means find, mine, refine and use more OIL., because it's the lifeblood of the modern world. It's what enables us - in the First World - to enjoy each day, create prosperity, and to help those less fortunate make tomorrow a better day.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:49 PM ; Permalink;

SEVERAL KEY JIHADOTERRORISTS ARRESTED IN IRAQ

From AFP: Zarqawi followers arrested

From correspondents in Baghdad, Iraq

January 7, 2005

US forces and Iraqi police detained two leaders of Islamist cells linked to al-Qaeda terror chief in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the US military said today.The arrests came in two restive cities of the Sunni Muslim insurgency, Mosul and Baquba. Yesterday, Iraqi police netted two Islamic extremists in Baquba, 60 kilometres north-east of Baghdad, the military said. Police captured Karem Abed Ibrahim, who has "ties to the Zarqawi network in Baghdad", said Colonel Dana Pittard, head of the 1st Infantry Division in Baquba. "It'll put a dent in the insurgency."
It seems to me that the enemy is getting bolder and more desperate as we approach the election. They're being met with superior force and resolve, and we are defeating them, killing them, arresting them. Their days are numbered. The anti-Bush Old Media may not depect it that way; they prefer to depict Iraq's deadly struggle to achieve democracy as a pointless quagmire. In fact, I betchya you won't read about these arrests in the Old Media. Pity: in their insatiable desire to bring down Bush and the USA, the Left and thge Old Media they dominate are missing a great story - humanity's age-old battle against tyranny.

RTWT.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 8:00 PM ; Permalink;

KERRY IN DAMASCUS FRIDAY

According to the Kuwaiti News Agency, Kerry will meet with Assad on Friday.

I predict that - if Kerry follows his old pattern, (of meeting with the enemy and then carrying their water) - it means we can expect him to start speechifying on behalf of terrorists and enemy combatants as soon as he gets back with their instructions! I expect something like: "Let's use a carrot with Syria and Iran - and not a stick." Which ought to make the "chic European appeaserati" happy! Which leads me to wonder: how will Kerry "use" the Gonzales confirmation vote? I predict as an opportunity to trash the US military and law enforcement agencies, and thereby make the Jihadoterrorists - and their Baathist allies - happy, too!

UPDATE: According to NEWSMAX Kerry - while in Bagdhad - is already trashing the USA! It's a virtual resprise of his Fonda-Vietcong days: giving moral aid to the enemy! Sheesh: it only proves that Kerry - like so many other Left-wing McGovernite anti-Americans - never really changed. Pity: the world HAS changed.

UPDATED 1/8: see WIZBANG.

*******UPDATE 1/8******* CLICK HERE. NOW! That's an order from Greyhawk at Mudville!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:25 PM ; Permalink;

DEMOCRATS JUMP SHARK!

I just watched Barbara Boxer's presser in which she explained why she will challenge the counting of the Electoral College votes today. SHEESH! This is really the last straw; the Dems have really lost it - JUMPED THE SHARK! "OHIO-OHIO-OHIO!" "Fraud fraud fraud, long lines, discouraged voters, glitches, errors!"

They just don't get it!

It's as if they live in a parallel universe where terrorists deserve ACLU lawyers and wars and elections are perfect. They've become cry-babies! Whining, hand-wringing, terrorist coddling cry-babies!

The clincher: Bush LOST more states BY CLOSER MARGINS in 2000 and in 2004 than Kerry or Gore and yet contested NOTHING!

YUP: BUSH LOST BY SMALLER MARGINS IN THESE STATES THAN KERRY DID IN OHIO, AND YET HE CONTESTED NOTHING!

That's how adults who live in the real world behave.

I for one - a 4th generation registered Democrat (for the time being) - am ashamed of the Democrats, and PROUD I VOTED FOR BUSH!

UPDATE: Well, the Dems just objected to the Electoral College Count during the Joint Session, and the two bodies are withdrawing to their own chambers for 2 hours of debate. WHAT A WASTE! The Dems have demonstrated a total lack of leadership, sportmanship, and honor. SHAME ON THEM!

UPDATE #2: well, they're voting now in the Senate. Seems to me that they should've added another category besides "YES" and "NO"... "YOU MUST BE JOKING!" Sad thing is: the joke is on the Democrats - they seem like petty cry-babbies who would rather score points with their base than do what's right for their country.

HEY: that just about sums up where the Dems have been on loads of issues, DOESN'T IT!? The Democrats put satisfying their wacky Left-wing base ahead of patriotism and sanity. Not a single Democrat stood up and berated this wacky partisan move - had one: it would've been a "SISTER SOULJAH moment" to crown all others, and a presidential candidate would've been born. Instead, all the Dems speechified in platitudes and demogogic "sky-is-falling" cliches. PATHETIC!

UPDATE #3: POWERLINE agrees. So does VIKINGPUNDIT.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:08 PM ; Permalink;

CHINA AND NORTH KOREA

The brilliant ROGER L. SIMON linked to an op-ed in the WSJ by Bruce Gilley titled AN IMMODEST PROPOSAL in which Gilley - a brilliant and well-educated expert in Asian affairs - suggests that the solution to the North Korean problem is not unification (now) but regime change authorized by the world community and undertaken by China through an invasion and occupation, followed by a transition period that would ultimately lead to re-unification.

Simon comments:

It also seems indisputable that the Chinese are by far the best placed to undertake such an action. [...] Well, it's hard to come to a conclusion about something like this at such short notice - to say the least. But Gilley certainly deserves plaudits for thinking out of the box."

I agree with Gilley. And I said so last year in a post made on 11/22:

11.22.2004 - SomeStraight Talk On North Korea - FROM JAPAN

The head of the ruling party in Japan has said that because the Kim Jong Il regimehas not been sincere/trustworthy in negotiations that regime change may be the only option.

This makes sense. Only how? I think an invasion by China makes the most sense. We should let them occupy North Korea and let them set up a new regime. ALSO: here's a link to an article from a South Korean newspaper with photographic PROOF that billboards of KIM JONG IL are coming down all over North Korea.

Simon expresses concern about enabling China to occupy another country and brings up Tibet. He is right to do so. Gilley and I merely believe that the risks of an unbridled North Korea outweigh the risks of Chinese hegemony. And China is better able to absorb North Korea than Soth Korea - at the present time. In conclusion: regime change led by China is the most practical solution.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:16 PM ; Permalink;

ULTIMATUM FOR NORTH KOREA APPROACHES

According to YAHOO/"Reuters" - TOKYO (Reuters) - "The United States is setting a deadline of early February for a reply from North Korea on whether the communist state will return to six-party talks on its nuclear arms programme, a Japanese newspaper says. If Pyongyang does not reply positively by the time U.S. President George W. Bush gives his State of the Union address, the United States will prepare to bring the matter to the U.N. Security Council, the conservative Sankei Shimbun said on Thursday, quoting an unidentified diplomatic source familiar with the talks."

According to South Korea's CHOSUN.COM: "The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed El-Baradei says the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons program is worsening and needs to be resolved as soon as possible."

SO... I guess we should prepare for an anxious spring and summer! Well, maybe we'll all be ready by then: the elections in Iraq and the "Palestinian" territories will be behind us. I imagine that if Syria and Iran are cooperating by then that North Korea will be next in line for liberation.

Somehow, I feel that Syria and Iran will NOT be so cooperative, and that their uncooperativeness might slow things up a little - which might be part of the strategy of the axis of evil.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:04 AM ; Permalink;

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAT!

YOU KNOW WHO WE MEAN!

Many happy and healthy returns of the day!
With love and respect,
reliapundit

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 9:22 PM ; Permalink;

SYRIAN-IRAQI BORDER UPDATE

Doug Jehl of the NYTIMES has an excellent article on the current status of the Syrian-Iraqi border problem.

EXCERPTS:

The Bush administration is considering imposing new sanctions on Syria to prod it to crack down on Iraqis there who are providing financial and logistical support to insurgents in Iraq, senior American counterterrorism officials said Tuesday. [...] Syria has long been subject to limited economic sanctions by the United States because of its designation by the State Department as a sponsor of terrorism. Under pressure from Congress, the Bush administration imposed additional measures last spring that prohibit exports to Syria of most goods, excluding food and medicine, and prohibit commercial flights between the United States and Syria by Syrian-owned aircraft. [...] The American officials would speak about Syria only on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want their comments to overshadow recent public remarks by Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the top American commander in Iraq, Richard L. Armitage, the deputy secretary of state, and others. The officials interviewed represented several government agencies involved in counterterrorism policy, including those favoring a more patient approach toward Syria and those urging a harder line. [...] A second counterterrorism official said there remained "a wide range of views" within the administration about taking further action against Syria, with the State Department most opposed. The official said the Pentagon in particular was pressing for a more aggressive approach. "This is not the Ho Chi Minh trail that's keeping the insurgency alive," the official said. "But if Syria were to take action, it would have an impact."

I think the status-quoists of the pro-Arab US State Department are - in effect - running interference for Assad and prolonging the bloody reactionary "Baathist/Jihadist/pan-Arabist" counter-revolution in Iraq. The sooner we get tougher on Syria - and Iran - the sooner Iraq will become a stable democracy. SO.... WHY WAIT!? We should be tough and unambiguous; we should issue ULTIMATUMS to both Syria and Iran: "Close your borders or we will mine them and attack and destroy your military assets with missiles."

NOTE: The blithe way the State Department official discounts the importance of cracking down on the Syrian-Iraqi border is truly MIND-BLOWING; ("... if Syria were to take action, it would have an impact.")!

After all, the infiltrations are a major reason why we are taking so many casualties! We MUST do whatever we can do in order to protect our troops; THIS OPEN BORDER IS MORE DANGEROUS TO OUR TROOPS THAN LACK OF ARMORED HUMMERS! So: LET'S GET AS TOUGH AS WE HAVE TO GET, AND NOW!

AND THAT MEANS: NO MORE HALF-MEASURES - LIKE MORE SANCTIONS; WE MUST PUT TEETH INTO OUR BARK - AND NOW!

UPDATE: the WASH TIMES get it: "...the behavior of the Syrian regime does not merit gentle treatment. Far from it, Syria should be read the riot act. Syria continues to support Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorist groups determined to sabotage the Jan. 9 elections scheduled to take place in the West Bank and Gaza. And it continues to subvert Iraq through its support of the terrorist insurgency there. "

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 2:00 PM ; Permalink;

CHILD TRAFFICKING CONCERNS ADDRESSED

I posted yesterday on my concerns about an increase in child trafficking in SE Asia as a result of the tsunami. These concerns have been addressed by the UN, UNICEF, the Indonesian government and the Old Media. Here are a few stories and links:

1 - UK GUARDIAN - Guards to protect tsunami orphans from child traffickers

Agencies - Wednesday January 5, 2005

Indonesian authorities posted police guards at refugee camps today to protect children orphaned by last week's tsunamis from child traffickers. The UN confirmed two attempts to snatch children in Indonesia's devastated Aceh province, the first independent verification of widespread fears that children across the Indian Ocean region could fall prey to traffickers. The Indonesian government banned children under 16 from leaving the country on Monday in an attempt to halt a potential trade in tsunami orphans.

2 - BBC - "The UN children's agency, Unicef, has begun registering thousands of tsunami orphans in Aceh in a bid to protect them from human traffickers."

3 - TIMES of India - Stating that care for separated children must also be given high priority in the all relief plans, she said finding children who have lost families, identifying them and reuniting them with their extended families and communities was a challenge to be met with. Relief efforts must also ensure that children were protected from exploitation in tumultous environments like those in the tsunami zone, where families wre broken apart, incomes lost and 'hope was in short supply'. "In some affected countries, reports have been emerging of opportunistic child traffickers moving in to exploit vulnerable children. UNICEF is working closely with local and national authorities to head off these criminals," Bellamy said.

4 - UK Telegraph - Police guard tsunami orphans amid kidnap fears (Filed: 05/01/2005)

Indonesian police are guarding refugee camps in tsunami-hit regions to protect orphaned children from being kidnapped by trafficking gangs. United Nations charity workers have confirmed two attempts to snatch children from the devastated Aceh province. Indonesia has introduced restrictions on children leaving the country in an attempt to prevent youngsters being sold into forced labour or sexual slavery in rich neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. John Budd, Unicef spokesman, said there were unconfirmed reports of up to 20 other youngsters being taken to Malaysia, and possibly hundreds to Jakarta. He said: "I don't think you could have a more vulnerable child on Earth than a child in this situation. A young child who has gone through what they have witnessed will be barely surviving in terms of psychological health." Unicef, plans to set up a registration scheme for orphans in the area. Criminal gangs are believed to be posing as aid agencies or family friends and a text message is rumoured to be in circulation advertising an auction of 300 orphans. An estimated 35,000 children in Aceh have lost one or both parents in the tragedy.

5 - AFP - "Few cases of child trafficking have been confirmed so far, but the tragedy affected the part of the world most at risk from networks eager to exploit children for criminal ends. "

THOUSANDS of vulnerable children orphaned by the south Asia tsunami disaster now have to deal with another threat: gangs of unscrupulous human traffickers looking for easy pickings, humanitarian organisations said today. "Experience shows that the risks of child trafficking grows in a crisis situation where there are population movements and where the environment that normally protects the child collapses," said Marc Vergara of UNICEF. "There are no parents, no family, no school, no village," the spokesman for the United Nations children's fund in Geneva said. As a result of the threat, the UN is developing a program to register every displaced child in Indonesia's tsunami-hit province of Aceh in an effort to stop human traffickers from smuggling them out, of the country.

I'm a little relieved... I hope that the UN's efforts in this regard are more effective than their efforts in other areas: the IAEA has been awful; and the UN's refugee offices in Africa and the Middle East - and the Baltics - are as corrupt as any organization in the world; in fact, they've been involved in THEIR OWN sex scandals. So... I hope the increased scrutiny that is concomittant with the vast nature of the recent tsunami will make it more difficult for the agencies involved to do more harm than good. I PRAY SO!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:23 PM ; Permalink;

PREDICTION: McCain will determine the outcome of the Gonzales nomination

My first prediction of 2005: McCain will be the deciding factor in the Gonzales nomination battle. For two obvious reasons: (1) The Old Media and the Democrats love him and give him much sway. (2) He was a POW who was REALLY tortured.

How will he use this gravitas? Will he see Gitmo for what it is: a place where terrorists (NOT covered by any treaty and legally NOT POWS) have been getting moderately coercive treatment? Or will he get on is high horse and claim that it doesn't matter if the Gitmo detainees are terrorists or enemy comabatants or whether they're covered by Geneva or not: we mustn't "torture" them in any way shape or form - even mildy by making them stand all day and listen to bad music.

If McCain is half the opportunist some think he is, he may think he can get ahead by dumping on Gonzales.

But I think if Bush signals he will go to the mats for Gonzales that then... McCain will realize he can lose more (in terms of 2008) on the GOP-side than he can gain on the DNC side, and that he will back Gonzales.

Of course... McCain will make Bush and Gonzales sweat it out - even court him. But in the end McCain will do the right thing and support Gonzales. That will squelch the debate and assure Gonzales confirmation.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 1:54 AM ; Permalink;

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

GONZALES AND BUSH VERSUS THE DEMOCRATS AND THE TERRORISTS... my money is on Al and George

INSTAPUNDIT just posted a link-filled on the looming battle over the Gonzales nomination by Bush for the AG. DRUDGE has a siren going on it, too. According to Glenn, LIMBAUGH was all over the story.

One MUST conclude: this will be the next knockdown drag-out partisan fight, and my money is on Bush and Gonzales - and not just because Bush is still an undefeated president.

Because the Democrats will come off as terrorist-coddling, ACLU-aping Lefties who want to treat terrorists - (non-uniformed enemy combatants who routinely violate all laws and norms of warfare, and who are legally NOT POWS by ANY stretch of the imagination) - as POWS who deserve an ACLU lawyer, the Fifth Amendment, and an air-conditoned cell. HECK: THE DEMOCRATS WILL PROBABLY TRY TO GET THEM ACLU LAWYERS AND GREEN CARDS AND THEN TRY TO REGISTER THEM AS DEMOCRATS!

Sure, sure, sure: the Lefties will whine: "we mustn't lower ourselves to the enemy's level; we must uphold our ideals, or the enemy has already won; we shopuld treat them they way we want to be treated."

BAH HUMBUG! These Jihadoterrorists cut off the heads of innocents; they desrve nothing except utter defeat -and the sooner, the better! If that means we have to play tough: SO BE IT!

Must I remind you that when our army liberated Dachau they SUMMARILY EXECUTED a few HUNDRED German Officers who ran the death camp?! Was it a war crime? NO.... JUST PUNISHMENT - swift and sure and true and just. AND fearful. And without shame.

Then again... that war was waged when the Democrats were in the White House - Democrats who had no trouble waging a just and powerfully deadly war against our enemies. And, FDR and Truman were unafraid to use the full force and might of the USA to defeat our enemies; they firebombed cities - dropped TWO A-bombs; (BTW: the fact that a second A-bomb had to be dropped PROVES that a "demonstration explosion" - or dropping just one - would have NEVER gotten the Japs to surrender! IT TOOK TWO!).

FDR and Truman would've voted for Bush - and they'd support Gonzales. Today's Democrat Party has more in common with Lindbergh and Oswald Mosley and Vidkun Quisling than they do with FDR and Truman and JFK.

If the Democrats turn the Gonzales confirmation hearing into a partisan battle they will just be nailing another nail in their own coffin. Deservedly so.

BTW: I AM A REGISTERED DEMOCRAT; HAVE BEEN SINCE 1974. But I won't be for long. I suspect more Democrats will be joining me as I exit the party if the party makes this fight.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 10:55 PM ; Permalink;

TSUNAMI ORPHANS EASY PREY FOR JIHADIST SEX SLAVE TRADE

Three things make me very worried about the orphans of the tsunami, and that they may be targeted for kidnapping by Jihadis, and then put into the sex-slave trade in Thailand and elsewhere:

First, this news item from the BBC about a Swedish child who was kidnapped from a hospital in Thailand points out the factual basis for claim that children who were orphaned by the tsunami in Thailand are easy prey for the sex-slave trade.

EXCERPT:

Swedish police have arrived in Thailand to investigate reports that a 12-year-old survivor of the tsunami has been kidnapped from a hospital. Two officers are helping Kristian Walker's family and Thai police search for him, amid fears he may have been taken by child sex traffickers.

Second, this article (from January 2004 - and principally about the convergence of Jihadism and the sex-slave trade in Iran) points out the relationship between the sex-slave tade and the Jihadis - simply put the sex-slave trade (especially in kaffir/dhimmis/non-Muslims) is a big source of revenue for the Jihadis; (this should come as a surprise to no one: people who would behead some innocents would certainly use others as sex-slaves for profit).

EXCERPT:

Joining a global trend, the fundamentalists have added another way to dehumanize women and girls: buying and selling them for prostitution. Exact numbers of victims are impossible to obtain, but according to an official source in Tehran, there has been a 635 percent increase in the number of teenage girls in prostitution. The magnitude of this statistic conveys how rapidly this form of abuse has grown. In Tehran, there are an estimated 84,000 women and girls in prostitution, many of them are on the streets, others are in the 250 brothels that reportedly operate in the city. The trade is also international: thousands of Iranian women and girls have been sold into sexual slavery abroad.
[...]
Some may think a thriving sex trade in a theocracy with clerics acting as pimps is a contradiction in a country founded and ruled by Islamic fundamentalists. In fact, this is not a contradiction. First, exploitation and repression of women are closely associated. Both exist where women, individually or collectively, are denied freedom and rights. Second, the Islamic fundamentalists in Iran are not simply conservative Muslims. Islamic fundamentalism is a political movement with a political ideology that considers women inherently inferior in intellectual and moral capacity. Fundamentalists hate women’s minds and bodies. Selling women and girls for prostitution is just the dehumanizing complement to forcing women and girls to cover their bodies and hair with the veil.

Third, the areas in SE ASIA principally hit by the tsunami were Muslim - and in many parts there is rampant Jihadism. The beach resorts of Thailand are all in Muslim regions were there has been a lot of unrest recently. SO: ruthless people are in the area, and they are in dire need of money. Children are easy prey for them.

Fourth, the sex-slave trade is a well-known part of Thai tourism.

THEREFORE, special efforts must be made by INTERPOL and other international and national law enforcement and anti-terror authorities - AT ONCE - to prevent the child survivors of the tsunami from being victimized again by being kidnapped and forced into the sex-slave trade. This means cracking down at the hospitals, and in Bangkok (and other cities in the region with rampant child prostitution), and at the airports.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 8:45 PM ; Permalink;

MORE PROOF MASS GRAVES ARE UNNECESSARY

FROM PROMED - a Harvard University medical news-service:

Date, Tue, 28 Dec 2004 / From: Martin Rieder

As I am watching the news about the catastrophe in the Indian Ocean area, I am amazed how often it is mentioned that because of the fear of epidemics, dead bodies have to be buried as quickly as possible. Looks like we are still in the 19th century, with all the theories about miasma (meaning bad air, hence "malaria") and dead bodies.

As far as I remember, several scientific studies have shown that after natural disasters, the dead bodies of victims do not cause any increase in the spread of communicable diseases. It is the accompanying situation (lack of safe water, lack of proper sanitation for "still alive" human beings -- well, lack of everything....) that constitutes a threat. Those who fell victim to the disaster and their bodies do no harm, apart from looking ugly and smelling while decomposing.

Whatever infectious agents the deceased victims of the tsunami harbored while still alive will pose less threat to the public health than when they were alive, and no new organisms will develop while the dead bodies are rotting. The real threat to public health is posed by those still living, some of whom may spread infectious agents, and the worsened conditions that help spread whatever they may carry.

Therefore, the utmost priority from a public health point of view is not to bury all the dead immediately (which is what people on TV seem to be telling us), but to restore the safety of the water supply. In fact, for many of the affected countries, it is not a matter of "restoring" but establishing a safe source of water!!! It will also be important to pay attention to environmental issues like vector control, waste disposal, and hygiene education.
--
Martin Rieder, DTMPH

LET'S END THE UNNECESSARY AND INHUMANE PRACTICE OF MASS GRAVES FOREVER!

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:08 AM ; Permalink;

ZARQAWI NABBED?

"Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, declared 'target number one in Iraq' by the US authorities, has been arrested in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources."

It would be good if this is true. Stay tuned.

(Hat-tip POWERLINE and COMMON SENSE & WONDER). NOW DRUDGE, TOO...

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 10:44 AM ; Permalink;

MASS FORENSICS: YES; MASS GRAVES: NO!

The UK Guardian has a great article on the mammoth job of identifying the dead. Here's an excerpt:

Forensic experts from around the world have flown in to help identify bodies. Britain has dispatched a team of about 20 pathologists, forensic dentists, logistic experts and counsellors to help the international operation. It is being led by Australia , whose team was the first to arrive on the scene and has experience in dealing with the Bali bomb. There are two picture galleries in Phukhet town hall. The first are the noticeboards for the missing, which feature hundreds of pictures of honeymooners, holidaying families and retirees - in almost every case healthy and smiling. The second set of boards depicts the ranks of the dead - close-up photographs of the victims, most of whom have been bloated by sea water and stiffened by rigor mortis. They are horrifying images of distended, twisted, blackened children and adults turned into blood-splattered, grey balloons. It is hard to reconcile the smiling faces with the grotesque death masks. Doing so scientifically is likely to be even more difficult.

Read the whole thing HERE. Read why we must ban mass graves HERE (an earlier post).

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 12:54 AM ; Permalink;

Monday, January 03, 2005

NORTH KOREA SELLING ARMS TO AL QAEDA AFFILIATE

AUSSIE ABC NEWS ONLINE:

A newspaper report in Japan suggests North Korea has been selling weapons to an Islamic extremist group in the Philippines. Japan's biggest-selling newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, quotes South-East Asian security sources as saying that North Korea sold 10,000 rifles to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The group is based in the Philippines and allegedly has ties to Al Qaeda.

If this is true, then it proves that North Korea is aiding and abetting Jihadoterrorism. AND: then... it's time to overthrow Kim Jong Il. Before he sells them a nuke!

More HERE. AND HERE.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 11:41 PM ; Permalink;

CJR DISMISSES THE BLOGOSPHERE!

According to JIM LINDGREN (HAT-TIP INSTAPUNDIT) the Columbia Journalism Review has - in an article on Rathergate - largely dismissed the blogosphere. This is especially BIZARRE considering that 2004 was the "year of the blog" and that blogs were chiefly responsible for outing Rather, CBS and the bogus documents.

WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS? Because: the dinosaurs of the Old Media are a much more likely future employers for anyone at the CJR than the bloggers. CYNICAL?! Yes, but human nature is human nature: people tend not to bite the hand that feeds them - or the hand that might feed them in the near future. And for CJR contributors that is the Old Media.

- Posted by Reliapundit @ 10:04 PM ; Permalink;

EAST CONGO: "a tsunami every four months!"

Jan Egeland - the UN Under Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief (who regrettably made the "stingy" comments last week, and is in charge of ALL relief efforts for the UN all over the world, including Darfur and Congo) - said today (in a presser I saw on C-Span) he appreciates the unprecedented out-pouring of relief aid, and - echoing comments I made yesterday in this blog - said he only wished that there was a similar response to other man-made disasters which also cause widespread and preventable loss of life - like the on-going genocide in east Congo where he said there is a loss in human life which is the equivalent of a great tsunami every four months!

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