The Couple
Monday, January 31, 2005
Hillary Shows a Vulnerability
The Always Dedicated Hillary
HILLARY TAKES A VACATION. She is wonderful. I don't know another woman that has lived her entire life in service to others. Without exception. Hillary from early adulthood has done little except serve joyously to others to improve their quality of life. Her level of dedication has never slowed and she is getting 'a little older.' Not only that, this has been a horrible time to be a Democrat and even worse a woman who believes in 'empowering' other women. Hillary has rarely stepped outside her advocacy role and chronically demands more of herself than the people around her demand. I believe Bill, Hill and Chelsey deserve a well earned vacation from the demands of 'the job.' I am quite confident SHE keeps her appoints for standard medical exams regardless of Bush's negligence to same in his questionable years of service in The Air National Guard.
Take care Hillary. It's okay to be vulnerable when a 'bug' hits.
We love you, Hillary.
Middle East Peace Russian Style? Are we all agreed?
Wrap Your Mind Around This.
From left, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, meet in Moscow Monday. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Abbas prepares for Moscow talks
The newly elected Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is scheduled to have talks in Moscow with President Putin.
Mr Abbas, who was only elected a few weeks ago, has begun his first foreign tour in the Russian capital.
Russia calls for an independent Palestinian state
Jan 31, 2005 10:09:00 PM
.MOSCOW FES133
Moscow, Jan 31 (PTI) Russian President Vladimir Putin today called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state in West Asia and expressed hope that Palestine will take resolute steps to improve relations with Israel.
"Russia favours the creation of an independent state living in peace with Israel, which has the right to existence, and to a safe existence," Putin said after talks with Palestinian Administration (PA) chief Mahmoud Abbas here.
Russia backs Abbas as Middle East peace hopes build
Monday, 31 January , 2005, 17:55
Moscow: Russia pledged its "active" support Monday for the Palestinians amid growing signs of a revival in the long-dormant Middle East peace process as visiting Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas voiced "high hopes" Moscow would advance the drive to restart peace talks.
Abbas visits Moscow for Putin talks Mark Oliver and agenciesMonday January 31, 2005 The Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, was today holding talks with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin as he attempted to win Moscow's support prior to peace talks with Israel.
Abbas sees peace role for Russia
The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia has a key role to play in the Middle East.
Abbas meets Putin as Russia returns to Middle East peace talks
MOSCOW (AFP) - Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas takes a brittle new Middle East peace initiative to Moscow in the first direct engagement of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the conflict in four years.
Putin proposes Russia help in Middle East settlement
MOSCOW, January 31 (Itar-Tass) - President Vladimir Putin has promised Russia’s help in Middle East settlement.
He met Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the Kremlin on Monday.
“We hope very much that you will succeed to make decisive steps in improvement of the relations with Israel and in economic development of Palestine,” he said.
Russia ready to work on settling Mid-East problem-Putin
MOSCOW, January 31 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Russia’s assistance in a Mid-East settlement and hopes that head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas will succeed in improving relations with Israel and will reach results in Palestine’s economic development.
What next on the Middle East peace process
The observers of Middle East conflict scenario have been overly optimistic about Israeli-Palestinian settlement this time around with a successor to redoubtable Yassir Arafat in place. Mahmood Abbas, the President of Palestinian Authority (PA) elected recently in a peaceful and democratic transition of power, is expected to revive the stalled peace process. Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Prime Minister, has already congratulated Abbas on his victory -- a sign that in all probability the talk will be in motion soon. The US, Israel's strategic ally in the Middle has also given a positive nod by inviting Abbas to the White House. Both Bush and Sharon once called Yassir Arafat the only obstacle to peace. With that obstacle now removed the road ahead for peace has, according to conventional wisdom, no barrier whatsoever.
Israel set for West Bank pullback
Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz has said Israel is ready to transfer control of several West Bank towns to Palestinian forces in the coming days.
THE CONCERNS are the inability of Mazen to maintain an infrastructure of security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The demands for any more release of Palestinian Prisoners is a security issue as well as an issue of justice in and for Israel. In Israel, the heartbreak of separation from settlements is real and compelling.
Who believes in Abu Mazen?
A recent poll shows that only one in four Israelis who described themselves as `moderately right-wing' believes Abu Mazen is a partner for peace. But that is the least of his problems.
"If you would just overcome your hatred," says West Bank Special Forces Colonel Bashir Nafa, "it would be easier for you to understand that you have an interest in synchronizing your actions with the Palestinian side." Nafa is a constituent of General Nasser Yousef, Abu Mazen's candidate for the Palestinian minister of the interior, which includes the leadership of the security forces.
Abbas to demand Sharon release 8,000 Palestinian detainees
GAZA - President Mahmoud Abbas, slated to meet Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon next week, will demand Israel release virtually all Palestinians held in its jails, sources close to the Palestinian leader said in Gaza on Monday.
They said the release of 8,000 prisoners was one of four key demands Abbas will make of Sharon at their February 8 parley.
I FIND THE POSSIBLITIES Russia is promising a better answer to a true and lasting peace than Bush's plans to USE Israel for the purpose of espionage against other Middle East countries and Iran and as a 'launching pad' for invasions into other sovereign nations.
My hopes....
Surface to Air Missiles - The Brits are talking about the Igla missile. Article below.
Shoulder Fired Missiles
Low altitude air defense gunner prepares to fire a missile-like aluminum projectile from the Simulated Target Launching System. Aimed at a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter, the simulated missile will glide nearly 40 meters before crashing to the earth.
Igla missile's potent force
The Igla missile reportedly smuggled into the United States by a British arms dealer is capable of downing the US president's plane, Air Force One, defence analysts have told the BBC.
What does a Super Stallion.....
US Sikorsky CH/53E Super Stallion capable of carrying 55 war personnel,
30 Marines, Sailor Die In Copter Crash in Iraq
Six Other Troops Killed in Deadliest Day for U.S.
By Cameron W. Barr and Karl Vick
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, January 27, 2005; Page A01
BAGHDAD, Jan. 26 -- A Marine Corps transport helicopter crashed during a sandstorm in western Iraq early Wednesday, killing 30 Marines and a sailor in the deadliest single event for U.S. forces since they invaded Iraq nearly two years ago. Four more Marines and two soldiers died in attacks, bringing to 37 the U.S. toll for the day.
.... have in common?
From Michael Moore.com ( http://www.michaelmoore.com/ ) an American Manufacturer British C130 Hercules Cargo Plane capable of carrying 55 war personnel or war supplies.
Ansar al-Islam
(Supporters of Islam)
Jund al-IslamSoldiers of God
Ansar al-Islam is a radical Kurdish Islamic group that is supportive of Saddam Hussein's regime. This group is located in the pseudo-autonomous Northern Iraq. This group has ties with Taliban and al-Qaeda. It is the most radical group operating in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
11 members of Iraqi Islamic Ansar al-Islam group surrendered to Kurdish authorities in North Iraq
Sep 26, 2002
The Associated Press
Eleven members of a Kurdish extremist group with suspected ties to al-Qaida have surrendered to Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, an official of a U.S.-backed Iraqi Kurdish group said in Damascus.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Journalism at Risk
Fourth Journalist Reported Released in Burma
Jan 5, 2005
An international media rights group says Burmese authorities have released a fourth journalist who had been jailed for allegedly threatening state security.
CPJ demands release of jailed journalists
Country/Topic: Eritrea
Date: 03 December 2001
Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Person(s): Ghebrehiwet Keleta, Zemenfes Haile, Fitzum Wedi Ale, Medhanie Haile,Yusuf Mohamed Ali, Mattewos Habteab, Temesken Ghebreyesus, Amanuel Asrat, Fesshaye Yohannes, Aaron Berhane, Said Abdelkader, Selamyinghes Beyene, Dawit Habtemichael, Seyoum Fsehaye
Target(s): editor(s) , journalist(s)
Type(s) of violation(s): arrested , imprisoned , missing
Urgency:
(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 3 December 2001 letter to Eritrean President Asayas Afewerki, CPJ stated that it is deeply troubled by the government's ongoing crackdown on the independent press in Eritrea.
According to CPJ's research, all the country's independent newspapers have now been shut down. Eleven journalists are currently jailed without charges, while the whereabouts of three others are unknown.
Eleven jailed journalists start new year in harsh prison conditions
Français: Début d'année difficile pour les 11 journalistes toujours détenus
Español: Difícil comienzo del año para los 11 periodistas que continúan detenidos
Country/Topic: Iran
Date: 13 January 2004
Source: Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Person(s): Siamak Pourzand, Ali-Reza Jabari, Taghi Rahmani, Reza Alijani, Hoda Saber, Hassan Youssefi Eshkevari, Akbar Ganji, Iraj Jamshidi, Ali-Reza Ahmadi, Hossein Ghazian, Abbas Abdi
Target(s): journalist(s)
Type(s) of violation(s): arrested , imprisoned , sentenced
Urgency: Bulletin
(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed indignation over the prison conditions of 11 Iranian journalists. Most of the detained are ill and in a very weakened state, both physically and psychologically. The organisation renewed its objections to the journalists' often-arbitrary detention and has called for their release.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Dubai prince pushes for Arab media reforms
Dubai's prince speaks out against regimes which clamp down on dissenting views
The Straits Times
Thursday, January 13, 2005
By John R. Bradley
The Arab media should actively promote reform in the Middle East and 'despotic regimes' should stop censoring alternative views to facilitate the process, Dubai's Crown Prince has said in a speech hailed as a potential blueprint for home-grown reforms in the Arab world.
US condemns Zim press laws
12/01/2005 10:18 - (SA)
Washington - The United States on Tuesday condemned new media laws in Zimbabwe that will see unlicensed journalists jailed for up to two years.
Mahoso Threatens to Close Paper
Financial Gazette (Harare)
January 13, 2005
Posted to the web January 13, 2005
Chris Muronzi
Harare
ZIMBABWE'S latest newspaper, the Weekly Times, is threatened with closure barely a week after hitting the streets as it comes face-to-face with the draconian Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).
A Free Press
After Nasser’s iron fist and Sadat’s roundup of dissendent journalists, today’s media professionals enjoy a degree of freedom unprecendented since the Revolution. Here’s how it all went down.
By Manal el-Jesri
EGYPT HAS LIVED through 25 years of media ups and downs, from the time Sadat put a muzzle on most journalists, to the age of President Hosni Mubarak declaring himself the number-one champion of freedom of the press.
Ten jailed Iranian journalists start the New Year in harsh prison conditions
12/01/2004 Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders has expressed its indignation at the prison conditions of 10 Iranian journalists, most of them ill and in a very physically and psychologically weakened state. The international press freedom organisation renews its objections to their often-arbitrary detention and calls for their release.
UZBEKISTAN:
Focus on press freedom
17 Jan 2005 13:11:15 GMT
Source: IRIN
TASHKENT, 17 January (IRIN) - A new Uzbek media watchdog has urged international organisations promoting journalist's rights to pay more attention to the situation in this Central Asian republic where there is no independent press and freedom of speech is severely curtailed.
"Uzbekistan is becoming a dangerous place for journalists who dare to challenge the government," Yusuf Rasulov, head of the Association for the Protection of Journalist's Rights and Freedoms (APJRF), told IRIN in the capital, Tashkent.
The Media's New Cold War
Thirteen years after the end of the Soviet Union, the American press establishment seemed eager to turn Ukraine's protested presidential election on Nov. 21 into a new cold war with Russia. Still worse, its greatest enthusiasts were not the usual Russophobes but influential opinion-makers and publications reputed to be exemplars of balanced, moderate, even liberal, outlook.
Cameroon
Protest day to support jailed journalist
Journalists in Cameroon closed their papers for a 'Day without News' on 21 January in protest at the six month jail sentence handed down to Jules Koum Koum this month.
On 10 January, Koum Koum, editor of the privately owned newspaper Le Jeune Observateur, was sentenced to six months in prison with no parole for defamation in an article questioning the management of two insurance companies. Koum has been held in New Bell prison, in the country's business capital, Douala, since the sentence was handed down. "Imposing a prison sentence on a journalist for libel represents a clear step backwards for press freedom in Cameroon," said the Paris-based media rights group Reporters sans Frontières. "Far from being a crime, reporting that certain companies are not functioning properly falls under a journalist's duty to inform the public."
Journalists protest harassment
Tens of Yemeni journalists staged Monday a sit-in in front of the Presidential place to protest the continued detention of Abdulkareem al-Khaiwani, editor of al-Shoura Opposition Weekly.
IAPA calls for release of jailed independent journalists
Español: SIP pide excarcelación de periodistas independientes
Pays/Sujet: Cuba
Date: 19 mars 2004
Source: Inter American Press Association (IAPA)
Personne(s):
Cible(s): journaliste(s)
Type(s) d'infraction(s): agression , grève de la faim , emprisonnement , blessure
Niveau de priorité: Menace
(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 March 2004 IAPA press release:
IAPA calls on Cuba to free jailed independent journalists
MIAMI, Florida (March 18, 2004)
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today marked the first anniversary of the unleashing of a new wave of repression in Cuba that led to 75 political dissidents and independent journalists receiving stiff prison terms with a call for their immediate release from jail.
Iran goes on cyber crackdown of bloggers
Megan K. Stack
Los Angeles Times
Jan. 25, 2005 12:30 PM
TEHRAN, Iran - The criminal seems younger than his 25 years. He is the quiet type, shy and lanky, peering solemnly through octagonal glasses. He has no weapons, not in the traditional sense.
February/March 2005 Preview
Under Fire
Journalists have been barraged by a spate of subpoenas to identify confidential sources and court decisions ordering them to comply. Investigative reporting could suffer if more ensue. Can the media fight back? Does the public care?
Related reading:
Reporters Under Fire
By Rachel Smolkin
Rachel Smolkin is an AJR senior writer.
Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper's 6-year-old son doesn't read the New York Times or watch C-SPAN, so as Christmas approached he remained blissfully ignorant that his father faced up to 18 months in jail for refusing to reveal his confidential sources.
Reporters sans Borders:
jailed Cuban journalist needs TB medicine
Associated Press
HAVANA - An independent journalist jailed in Cuba needs six months of treatment for tuberculosis, Reporters Without Borders said Tuesday.
Azerbaijan: Two journalists imprisoned
IFEX Communique, Toronto, 25.01.2005 -- The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Azerbaijan Journalists Confederation are calling on free expression advocates to write to authorities in Azerbaijan urging them to release two jailed journalists and express concern over attacks on the press.
Zouari on hunger strike again in protest against internal banishment
Abdallah Zouari, a journalist who wrote for the Islamist opposition newspaper Al-Farj, began a hunger strike on 23 January in protest against his banishment to the south-eastern town of Zarzis, 500 km from Tunis where his family lives.
He previously went on hunger strike in August 2003 in protest against his imprisonment for violating the banishment order, which was originally imposed in June 2002 when he was released from prison on completing a long sentence.
His second release from prison, where the 46-year-old journalist has spent a total of 11 years, was in September 2004.
White House Won't Contest Media Ownership Rules in Major Victory for Grassroots Media Activists
Grassroots media activists won a major victory Thursday when the Bush administration announced it would not seek to overturn a court ruling that has blocked the Federal Communications Commission from implementing sweepings regulations that would allow for greater media consolidation.
The Fallacy of Press Freedom in Sierra Leone
The Independent (Freetown)
ANALYSIS
January 27, 2005
Posted to the web January 27, 2005
Bailor Jalloh
Freetown
The Media, which has a vital role to play in shaping the society for sustainable development, should enjoy freedom as stated in sections 25 and 11 of the 1991 constitution of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19.
This seems to be dormant as journalists around the world- Sierra Leone in particular- always face pressure or suppression in the country. This scenario is a common phenomenon in Africa. A practical example is the case of Paul Kamara the managing Editor of 'For Di People' Newspaper. Mr. Kamara, was charged with the offence of "Seditious Libel" contrary to the Public Order Act of 1965. The case was between the State and Mr. Kamara according to the Judiciary. He was later jailed last year for 2 years by the presiding Judge and a recommended a six- month ban slammed on his paper.
Iran Attempts to Pull Plug on Web Dissidents
About 20 online journalists and bloggers have been jailed. Some say they were tortured and forced to publicly denounce their work.
By Megan K. Stack, Times Staff Writer
TEHRAN — The criminal seems younger than his 25 years. He is the quiet type, shy and lanky, peering solemnly through octagonal glasses. He has no weapons, not in the traditional sense.
Jan 5, 2005
An international media rights group says Burmese authorities have released a fourth journalist who had been jailed for allegedly threatening state security.
CPJ demands release of jailed journalists
Country/Topic: Eritrea
Date: 03 December 2001
Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Person(s): Ghebrehiwet Keleta, Zemenfes Haile, Fitzum Wedi Ale, Medhanie Haile,Yusuf Mohamed Ali, Mattewos Habteab, Temesken Ghebreyesus, Amanuel Asrat, Fesshaye Yohannes, Aaron Berhane, Said Abdelkader, Selamyinghes Beyene, Dawit Habtemichael, Seyoum Fsehaye
Target(s): editor(s) , journalist(s)
Type(s) of violation(s): arrested , imprisoned , missing
Urgency:
(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 3 December 2001 letter to Eritrean President Asayas Afewerki, CPJ stated that it is deeply troubled by the government's ongoing crackdown on the independent press in Eritrea.
According to CPJ's research, all the country's independent newspapers have now been shut down. Eleven journalists are currently jailed without charges, while the whereabouts of three others are unknown.
Eleven jailed journalists start new year in harsh prison conditions
Français: Début d'année difficile pour les 11 journalistes toujours détenus
Español: Difícil comienzo del año para los 11 periodistas que continúan detenidos
Country/Topic: Iran
Date: 13 January 2004
Source: Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Person(s): Siamak Pourzand, Ali-Reza Jabari, Taghi Rahmani, Reza Alijani, Hoda Saber, Hassan Youssefi Eshkevari, Akbar Ganji, Iraj Jamshidi, Ali-Reza Ahmadi, Hossein Ghazian, Abbas Abdi
Target(s): journalist(s)
Type(s) of violation(s): arrested , imprisoned , sentenced
Urgency: Bulletin
(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed indignation over the prison conditions of 11 Iranian journalists. Most of the detained are ill and in a very weakened state, both physically and psychologically. The organisation renewed its objections to the journalists' often-arbitrary detention and has called for their release.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Dubai prince pushes for Arab media reforms
Dubai's prince speaks out against regimes which clamp down on dissenting views
The Straits Times
Thursday, January 13, 2005
By John R. Bradley
The Arab media should actively promote reform in the Middle East and 'despotic regimes' should stop censoring alternative views to facilitate the process, Dubai's Crown Prince has said in a speech hailed as a potential blueprint for home-grown reforms in the Arab world.
US condemns Zim press laws
12/01/2005 10:18 - (SA)
Washington - The United States on Tuesday condemned new media laws in Zimbabwe that will see unlicensed journalists jailed for up to two years.
Mahoso Threatens to Close Paper
Financial Gazette (Harare)
January 13, 2005
Posted to the web January 13, 2005
Chris Muronzi
Harare
ZIMBABWE'S latest newspaper, the Weekly Times, is threatened with closure barely a week after hitting the streets as it comes face-to-face with the draconian Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).
A Free Press
After Nasser’s iron fist and Sadat’s roundup of dissendent journalists, today’s media professionals enjoy a degree of freedom unprecendented since the Revolution. Here’s how it all went down.
By Manal el-Jesri
EGYPT HAS LIVED through 25 years of media ups and downs, from the time Sadat put a muzzle on most journalists, to the age of President Hosni Mubarak declaring himself the number-one champion of freedom of the press.
Ten jailed Iranian journalists start the New Year in harsh prison conditions
12/01/2004 Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders has expressed its indignation at the prison conditions of 10 Iranian journalists, most of them ill and in a very physically and psychologically weakened state. The international press freedom organisation renews its objections to their often-arbitrary detention and calls for their release.
UZBEKISTAN:
Focus on press freedom
17 Jan 2005 13:11:15 GMT
Source: IRIN
TASHKENT, 17 January (IRIN) - A new Uzbek media watchdog has urged international organisations promoting journalist's rights to pay more attention to the situation in this Central Asian republic where there is no independent press and freedom of speech is severely curtailed.
"Uzbekistan is becoming a dangerous place for journalists who dare to challenge the government," Yusuf Rasulov, head of the Association for the Protection of Journalist's Rights and Freedoms (APJRF), told IRIN in the capital, Tashkent.
The Media's New Cold War
Thirteen years after the end of the Soviet Union, the American press establishment seemed eager to turn Ukraine's protested presidential election on Nov. 21 into a new cold war with Russia. Still worse, its greatest enthusiasts were not the usual Russophobes but influential opinion-makers and publications reputed to be exemplars of balanced, moderate, even liberal, outlook.
Cameroon
Protest day to support jailed journalist
Journalists in Cameroon closed their papers for a 'Day without News' on 21 January in protest at the six month jail sentence handed down to Jules Koum Koum this month.
On 10 January, Koum Koum, editor of the privately owned newspaper Le Jeune Observateur, was sentenced to six months in prison with no parole for defamation in an article questioning the management of two insurance companies. Koum has been held in New Bell prison, in the country's business capital, Douala, since the sentence was handed down. "Imposing a prison sentence on a journalist for libel represents a clear step backwards for press freedom in Cameroon," said the Paris-based media rights group Reporters sans Frontières. "Far from being a crime, reporting that certain companies are not functioning properly falls under a journalist's duty to inform the public."
Journalists protest harassment
Tens of Yemeni journalists staged Monday a sit-in in front of the Presidential place to protest the continued detention of Abdulkareem al-Khaiwani, editor of al-Shoura Opposition Weekly.
IAPA calls for release of jailed independent journalists
Español: SIP pide excarcelación de periodistas independientes
Pays/Sujet: Cuba
Date: 19 mars 2004
Source: Inter American Press Association (IAPA)
Personne(s):
Cible(s): journaliste(s)
Type(s) d'infraction(s): agression , grève de la faim , emprisonnement , blessure
Niveau de priorité: Menace
(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 March 2004 IAPA press release:
IAPA calls on Cuba to free jailed independent journalists
MIAMI, Florida (March 18, 2004)
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today marked the first anniversary of the unleashing of a new wave of repression in Cuba that led to 75 political dissidents and independent journalists receiving stiff prison terms with a call for their immediate release from jail.
Iran goes on cyber crackdown of bloggers
Megan K. Stack
Los Angeles Times
Jan. 25, 2005 12:30 PM
TEHRAN, Iran - The criminal seems younger than his 25 years. He is the quiet type, shy and lanky, peering solemnly through octagonal glasses. He has no weapons, not in the traditional sense.
February/March 2005 Preview
Under Fire
Journalists have been barraged by a spate of subpoenas to identify confidential sources and court decisions ordering them to comply. Investigative reporting could suffer if more ensue. Can the media fight back? Does the public care?
Related reading:
Reporters Under Fire
By Rachel Smolkin
Rachel Smolkin is an AJR senior writer.
Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper's 6-year-old son doesn't read the New York Times or watch C-SPAN, so as Christmas approached he remained blissfully ignorant that his father faced up to 18 months in jail for refusing to reveal his confidential sources.
Reporters sans Borders:
jailed Cuban journalist needs TB medicine
Associated Press
HAVANA - An independent journalist jailed in Cuba needs six months of treatment for tuberculosis, Reporters Without Borders said Tuesday.
Azerbaijan: Two journalists imprisoned
IFEX Communique, Toronto, 25.01.2005 -- The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Azerbaijan Journalists Confederation are calling on free expression advocates to write to authorities in Azerbaijan urging them to release two jailed journalists and express concern over attacks on the press.
Zouari on hunger strike again in protest against internal banishment
Abdallah Zouari, a journalist who wrote for the Islamist opposition newspaper Al-Farj, began a hunger strike on 23 January in protest against his banishment to the south-eastern town of Zarzis, 500 km from Tunis where his family lives.
He previously went on hunger strike in August 2003 in protest against his imprisonment for violating the banishment order, which was originally imposed in June 2002 when he was released from prison on completing a long sentence.
His second release from prison, where the 46-year-old journalist has spent a total of 11 years, was in September 2004.
White House Won't Contest Media Ownership Rules in Major Victory for Grassroots Media Activists
Grassroots media activists won a major victory Thursday when the Bush administration announced it would not seek to overturn a court ruling that has blocked the Federal Communications Commission from implementing sweepings regulations that would allow for greater media consolidation.
The Fallacy of Press Freedom in Sierra Leone
The Independent (Freetown)
ANALYSIS
January 27, 2005
Posted to the web January 27, 2005
Bailor Jalloh
Freetown
The Media, which has a vital role to play in shaping the society for sustainable development, should enjoy freedom as stated in sections 25 and 11 of the 1991 constitution of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19.
This seems to be dormant as journalists around the world- Sierra Leone in particular- always face pressure or suppression in the country. This scenario is a common phenomenon in Africa. A practical example is the case of Paul Kamara the managing Editor of 'For Di People' Newspaper. Mr. Kamara, was charged with the offence of "Seditious Libel" contrary to the Public Order Act of 1965. The case was between the State and Mr. Kamara according to the Judiciary. He was later jailed last year for 2 years by the presiding Judge and a recommended a six- month ban slammed on his paper.
Iran Attempts to Pull Plug on Web Dissidents
About 20 online journalists and bloggers have been jailed. Some say they were tortured and forced to publicly denounce their work.
By Megan K. Stack, Times Staff Writer
TEHRAN — The criminal seems younger than his 25 years. He is the quiet type, shy and lanky, peering solemnly through octagonal glasses. He has no weapons, not in the traditional sense.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Israel is not Safe. It is at the mercy of a Madman with an ally like the USA.
When is a peace settlement not a peace settlement? When it is met with demands and not guarantees.
I was a bit surprised at the leveled criticism by Mr. Satterfield. Isreal doesn't need to be told what to do. The PA needs to be told what to do, but, in the bigoted world of Bush whereby Palestinians receive grants and Israel is denied loan guarantees nothing should be a surprise.
U.S. gov't official: Israel must stop building in the settlements
By Nathan Guttman, Haaretz Correspondent and Reuters
WASHINGTON - U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield on Thursday called on Israel to stop all construction and development in the settlements, saying such activity damages Israel's own interests.
CAN THE BUSH WHITE HOUSE SAY THE SAME THING about Iraq? Of course not, but, yet it will demand Israel to give up all sense of security to 'attempt' to settle a peace by 'BOLD' moves and not guarantees that Palestinian Extremists are under control. Quite the contrary. In making demands on Israel the USA through Satterfield demanded the release of 'JAILED' Palestinian extremists. Prime Minister Sharon tried releasing people of this nature before when 'The Infamous Road Map' was first attempted. The result was increased attacks on Israelis and the resumed tensions between the PA and Israel. Gunships returned to the skies and tanks rolled into refugee camps with killings of members of Hamas including it's new leadership after the death of the Sheik. That. After Israel was abandoned by the USA when it was The Road Map that was the problem in the first place and the release of 500 jailed Palestinian extremists.
The above article goes on to state: "Satterfield condemned Russia's recent activity aimed at relieving Syria from the debt it has toward Moscow and said the American government regrets all international activity that relieves the pressure on Damascus. Speaking on the nuclear threat in Iran, the official said the U.S. is very doubtful over whether Iran is ready to fulfill its commitments to freeze its plans of uranium enrichment."
Much of what is going on between countries 'fearing' an invasion from the USA is compensation from Russia to prepare a defense of soverign countries with a right to exist. The USA doesn't like it. Russia sees stronger borders without danger. After all if Russia is to respect all countries, those that it does business, with needs to understand Russia is still bigger and stronger than they are and although many would see my view as naive as I sometimes see myself, the evidence is stacked in Russia's favor as an equitable ally and not the USA.
As outrageous as this sounds, I would see Russia as a more suitable ally to Israel than the USA while the Neocons are in political prominence. One has to realize that Bush has an agenda based in prejudice and not good sound foreign policy. Bush has a silent agenda of hate rather than peace. Bush has plans for and with Israel, regardless of what any Israeli authority might consider reasonable.
A gross example of The Bush Silent Agenda is that of Iraq. Iraq had no consequence to the USA. For as offensive as Saddam Hussein was on a regular basis it has been proven time and again that Iraq had no ties to al Qaeda, was not a terrorist state and was completely disarmed. At the time Bush/Powell tangoed at the United Nations the inspectors were coming back with reports of empty findings. There was absolutely no reason for Bush to lose his 'cool' stating Saddam wasn't cooperating when all they were getting was cooperation. At question were inventories. It was being proven daily that regardless of Saddam's inability to prove the inventories were destroyed there was absolutely no evidence of them anywhere in Iraq. So, therefore, Saddam was guilty of bad bookkeeping. Hardly a reason to invade an country killling hundreds of thousands of people; UNLESS that reason was based in self-serving personal gain on the part of Cheney who was mentoring Bush and harassing Powell. And let's face it, a Secretary of Defense also a Neocon, Rumsfeld is always ready for war. So, with a willing Franks convinced 'Shock and Awe' would scare every Iraqi weasel to death they proceeded, instead of listing to Gen. Eric K. Shinseki and his statements of troop shortages that would later be realized as profound.
The point is, with the advent of Neocon dominance in the USA, a new aggression, a propagandized media; what kind of ally does Israel have? I propose, not a good one.
In the Jerusalem Post appeared an article regarding a missile sale to Syria.
Putin tells 'Post': Missile deal with Syria possible
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, refused to rule out his country's sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, insisting that such missiles serve "defensive" purposes only and would not affect the balance of forces in the region.
The article continues in a congenial manner with a great deal of openness from the Russian President regarding his obligation and responsibility to a greater community than just Isreal but he was willing to put any missile sales on hold while the issue was discussed with Prime Minister Sharon in the following days. As threatening as all that seems to Israel I see this as an opportunity to work with Russia and Syria in securing mutual respect and trust to eliminate the need for missiles in Syria while allowing Israel a role in an alliance to protect Syrian borders. The historic love of the land that is Syrian in Shaba Farms can only bring the two countries closer to the understanding there 'can' be little difference between them.
I wrote on January 27th, the above article regarding Shaba Farms appeared on the 29th.
"The Russian Missiles in the Area is due to Bush’s aggression against Iran. Bush is making the USA a permanent fixture in the region and Russia feels every country should be armed to protect their sovereignty. Those missiles are most likely not for aggression against Israel so much as defense from the USA. In placing the missile sales to Syria on hold following a phone conversation between Putin and Sharon, would Israel be willing to provide a treaty with an understanding an alliance between Israel and Syria also include a defense of Syria if needed? Are these two countries capable of that level trust and compassion? I think Israel is capable of providing missile defense for Syria is the need arose through an alliance. Why can’t that happen? The two countries need to settle border disputes and be better neighbors. It is upto Israel to resolve it’s security issues. I know the Prime Minister is capable."
Since, those articles, the 'Rememberance of the 60th year since Auschwitz has occurred and the profound 'pleading' of Russia's President is more than compassionate but an accounting of events that Russia held as a responsibility for the suffering of so many Jews that lead them to ultimately free them. I was impressed to say the least. Nowhere in history has a head of state purged his country's history to make a lasting impression on Israel and every Jew that would find comfort in realizing they have a homeland. Putin's compassionate extention of good will and reverence to those dead and those living the scars of being Jewish was to put on notice the maniacal and silent agenda of Bush who may very well be a victimizer to Israel rather than a peacemaker.
Following Satterfield's ridicule of Israel, Prime Minister Sharon again stepped to the occassion and acted in the best of faiths opening the gates to the Palestinians and moving aside to allow the Palestinian expression of 'good faith.'
The proclamations are that relations between the PA and Israel are improving beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. However, while all this embellishment of good will and cooperation by be as true as well as good as it seems; there is Hamas who is all to eager to confront questionably old enemies without regard for politics or proprieties; and while the USA insists on questionalby helping having a USA authority within the borders of Israel is a sovereignty issue as well as one of increased insecurity for the burgeoning good relations between Palestine and Egypt as well as a potential to settle with Syria since the fate of Shaba Farms is decided.
With the USA intelligence on sovereign Israel soil, can an invasion into Syria or Iran be far in the offing? I think not and Prime Minister Sharon should be cautious to realize he may not have an ally in Bush at all, so much as he does in Putin.
I was a bit surprised at the leveled criticism by Mr. Satterfield. Isreal doesn't need to be told what to do. The PA needs to be told what to do, but, in the bigoted world of Bush whereby Palestinians receive grants and Israel is denied loan guarantees nothing should be a surprise.
U.S. gov't official: Israel must stop building in the settlements
By Nathan Guttman, Haaretz Correspondent and Reuters
WASHINGTON - U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield on Thursday called on Israel to stop all construction and development in the settlements, saying such activity damages Israel's own interests.
CAN THE BUSH WHITE HOUSE SAY THE SAME THING about Iraq? Of course not, but, yet it will demand Israel to give up all sense of security to 'attempt' to settle a peace by 'BOLD' moves and not guarantees that Palestinian Extremists are under control. Quite the contrary. In making demands on Israel the USA through Satterfield demanded the release of 'JAILED' Palestinian extremists. Prime Minister Sharon tried releasing people of this nature before when 'The Infamous Road Map' was first attempted. The result was increased attacks on Israelis and the resumed tensions between the PA and Israel. Gunships returned to the skies and tanks rolled into refugee camps with killings of members of Hamas including it's new leadership after the death of the Sheik. That. After Israel was abandoned by the USA when it was The Road Map that was the problem in the first place and the release of 500 jailed Palestinian extremists.
The above article goes on to state: "Satterfield condemned Russia's recent activity aimed at relieving Syria from the debt it has toward Moscow and said the American government regrets all international activity that relieves the pressure on Damascus. Speaking on the nuclear threat in Iran, the official said the U.S. is very doubtful over whether Iran is ready to fulfill its commitments to freeze its plans of uranium enrichment."
Much of what is going on between countries 'fearing' an invasion from the USA is compensation from Russia to prepare a defense of soverign countries with a right to exist. The USA doesn't like it. Russia sees stronger borders without danger. After all if Russia is to respect all countries, those that it does business, with needs to understand Russia is still bigger and stronger than they are and although many would see my view as naive as I sometimes see myself, the evidence is stacked in Russia's favor as an equitable ally and not the USA.
As outrageous as this sounds, I would see Russia as a more suitable ally to Israel than the USA while the Neocons are in political prominence. One has to realize that Bush has an agenda based in prejudice and not good sound foreign policy. Bush has a silent agenda of hate rather than peace. Bush has plans for and with Israel, regardless of what any Israeli authority might consider reasonable.
A gross example of The Bush Silent Agenda is that of Iraq. Iraq had no consequence to the USA. For as offensive as Saddam Hussein was on a regular basis it has been proven time and again that Iraq had no ties to al Qaeda, was not a terrorist state and was completely disarmed. At the time Bush/Powell tangoed at the United Nations the inspectors were coming back with reports of empty findings. There was absolutely no reason for Bush to lose his 'cool' stating Saddam wasn't cooperating when all they were getting was cooperation. At question were inventories. It was being proven daily that regardless of Saddam's inability to prove the inventories were destroyed there was absolutely no evidence of them anywhere in Iraq. So, therefore, Saddam was guilty of bad bookkeeping. Hardly a reason to invade an country killling hundreds of thousands of people; UNLESS that reason was based in self-serving personal gain on the part of Cheney who was mentoring Bush and harassing Powell. And let's face it, a Secretary of Defense also a Neocon, Rumsfeld is always ready for war. So, with a willing Franks convinced 'Shock and Awe' would scare every Iraqi weasel to death they proceeded, instead of listing to Gen. Eric K. Shinseki and his statements of troop shortages that would later be realized as profound.
The point is, with the advent of Neocon dominance in the USA, a new aggression, a propagandized media; what kind of ally does Israel have? I propose, not a good one.
In the Jerusalem Post appeared an article regarding a missile sale to Syria.
Putin tells 'Post': Missile deal with Syria possible
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, refused to rule out his country's sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, insisting that such missiles serve "defensive" purposes only and would not affect the balance of forces in the region.
The article continues in a congenial manner with a great deal of openness from the Russian President regarding his obligation and responsibility to a greater community than just Isreal but he was willing to put any missile sales on hold while the issue was discussed with Prime Minister Sharon in the following days. As threatening as all that seems to Israel I see this as an opportunity to work with Russia and Syria in securing mutual respect and trust to eliminate the need for missiles in Syria while allowing Israel a role in an alliance to protect Syrian borders. The historic love of the land that is Syrian in Shaba Farms can only bring the two countries closer to the understanding there 'can' be little difference between them.
I wrote on January 27th, the above article regarding Shaba Farms appeared on the 29th.
"The Russian Missiles in the Area is due to Bush’s aggression against Iran. Bush is making the USA a permanent fixture in the region and Russia feels every country should be armed to protect their sovereignty. Those missiles are most likely not for aggression against Israel so much as defense from the USA. In placing the missile sales to Syria on hold following a phone conversation between Putin and Sharon, would Israel be willing to provide a treaty with an understanding an alliance between Israel and Syria also include a defense of Syria if needed? Are these two countries capable of that level trust and compassion? I think Israel is capable of providing missile defense for Syria is the need arose through an alliance. Why can’t that happen? The two countries need to settle border disputes and be better neighbors. It is upto Israel to resolve it’s security issues. I know the Prime Minister is capable."
Since, those articles, the 'Rememberance of the 60th year since Auschwitz has occurred and the profound 'pleading' of Russia's President is more than compassionate but an accounting of events that Russia held as a responsibility for the suffering of so many Jews that lead them to ultimately free them. I was impressed to say the least. Nowhere in history has a head of state purged his country's history to make a lasting impression on Israel and every Jew that would find comfort in realizing they have a homeland. Putin's compassionate extention of good will and reverence to those dead and those living the scars of being Jewish was to put on notice the maniacal and silent agenda of Bush who may very well be a victimizer to Israel rather than a peacemaker.
Following Satterfield's ridicule of Israel, Prime Minister Sharon again stepped to the occassion and acted in the best of faiths opening the gates to the Palestinians and moving aside to allow the Palestinian expression of 'good faith.'
The proclamations are that relations between the PA and Israel are improving beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. However, while all this embellishment of good will and cooperation by be as true as well as good as it seems; there is Hamas who is all to eager to confront questionably old enemies without regard for politics or proprieties; and while the USA insists on questionalby helping having a USA authority within the borders of Israel is a sovereignty issue as well as one of increased insecurity for the burgeoning good relations between Palestine and Egypt as well as a potential to settle with Syria since the fate of Shaba Farms is decided.
With the USA intelligence on sovereign Israel soil, can an invasion into Syria or Iran be far in the offing? I think not and Prime Minister Sharon should be cautious to realize he may not have an ally in Bush at all, so much as he does in Putin.
Dominant Jet Stream over North America 1.28.29.05..0600
Northern Hemisphere Jet Stream across North America returns to dominance.
Noted the Global Warming dominance of the planet has not diminished with heat concentrations now over Antarctica Ice Cap as it is summer there. This brief phenomina is encouraging but will not sustain as solar migration north returns. The concentrated effort of carbon dioxide reduction at the lower troposphere has returned some function to the Jet Stream and is encouraging for future trends.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Putin Expresses His Sympathies from Russia
President Putin placing a candle on a memorial during a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on Thursday.
By Judith Ingram
Misha Japaridze / AP
The Associated Press
KRAKOW, Poland -- As world leaders and death camp survivors mourned victims of the Holocaust on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Thursday that anti-Semitism and xenophobia had surfaced in Russia, tackling an issue that the Kremlin had long failed to confront directly.
Putin also signaled that Moscow would not revise its view that the Soviet Union was solely a victim of World War II -- refusing to accept arguments that it, too, held some responsibility for the conflict, due to the signing of a secret Soviet-Nazi pact that divided up Eastern Europe.
"Even in our country, in Russia, which did more than any to combat fascism, for the victory over fascism, which did most to save the Jewish people, even in our country we sometimes unfortunately see manifestations of this problem and I, too, am ashamed of that," Putin said at a forum near Krakow, to long applause.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
The continued view of the Southern Hemisphere heat transfer.
The weather in Antarctica is (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
Antarctica
Scott Base
Fine
-5.0°
Updated Friday 28 Jan 9:59AM
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chimes) is:
34 °F / 1 °C Overcast
Windchill:
30 °F / -1 °C
Humidity:
87%
Dew Point:
30 °F / -1 °C
Wind:
5 mph / 7 km/h from the North
Pressure:
29.56 in / 1001 hPa
Visibility:
1.8 miles / 2.8 kilometers
UV:
0 out of 12
Clouds (AGL):
Scattered Clouds 397 ft / 121 m Overcast 1300 ft / 396 m
...HEAVY SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTH CENTRALPANHANDLE THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
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