Hundreds of flags .... 3,982 Americans dead

By E.J. Graff - March 19, 2008, 4:40PM
My office is at Brandeis University. Today as, I walked down the curving path that carries everyone through campus, I noticed that, lining the path, at very short intervals, were small American flags. A sign explained that there was one for every 10 American soldiers who had died in Iraq.
It's a long path. There were hundreds of flags.
By the time I made it across campus, tears were running down my face. It's not the Vietnam Memorial, but I found it profoundly moving nevertheless. I send my admiration to the students who organized it.
Yes, I know that it's just as grievous to think of the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have died. My friend Huda Ahmed, an Iraqi journalist, has personally lost more people than I can bear to consider, and reminds Americans periodically that Iraqi dead are just as important as American dead. And the truth is, Iraqis are the ones I think about most often when I am wrenched by the thought of the war.
And yet we all know that the human animal has a larger imagination for the suffering of those like us, for those closer to us in our various tribal memberships; it just seems to be how we are built. And so I do not apologize for weeping, today, for the American dead....

US Nears 4,000 Dead in Iraq - Anti-War Protestors Don't have their parades rained out or rained on, 200 arrests to let everyone know they mean it !

The countries of the Middle East are far different than those of "The West." Their leadership is usually a monarchy or dictatorship of some kind in the majority of cases. Where there is a 'voter' element it usually doesn't have any effect on the primary leader of the country. A prime example of that is Bush's Pakistan. How many times have there been attempts at elections only to have the infrastructure turn away any democratic process. The past elections are the only successful elections in the past decade in Pakistan and still today Musharraf remains in office.

Pakistan Elects First Female Parliament Speaker in History (click here)
By Diane Smith 15:13
March 19th 2008
The Pakistani government elected on Wednesday the country’s first female speaker.
She is Fahmida Mirza, a 52-year-old veteran politician whose loyalty belongs to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which is currently led by Asif Ali Zardari, Ms Beanir Bhutto's husband who took over after his wife was assassinated.
Ms Mirza was elected speaker with 249 votes in the 342-seat lower house to become the first female speaker in Pakistan’s 60-year history. She is expected to play a major role in the country’s next phase of the political struggle as frictions between the coalition government led by PPP and President Pervez Musharraf....

The Jordanian Monarchy has always been a friend of the USA and has been able to make in roads with Arab nations when no others prevailed. The King of Jordan is a good leader and a benevolent leader to his people while seeking fiscal support from the USA as an ally.
The Palestinians found their first 'battle victory' when they were in Jordan. Jordan has always been a kingdom that supported the challenge of the Palestinians and that was before this King Abdullah. His father before him supported the Palestinian efforts as well. The current Queen of Jordan is Palestinian by heritage.
The point is this monarch seeks to remove his country from conflict. The King of Jordan seeks peace for his people and those of the region by being strongly mired in his religious beliefs. It is not unusual for the King to attend traditional ceremonies to reaffirm his faith in open and obvious demonstrations of loyality to the same god as those of his people.


His Majesty King Abdullah reviews soldiers carrying photos of Karameh Battle martyrs during a ceremony to mark its 40th anniversary in Karameh town in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday (Photo by Yousef Allan)

The Battle of Karameh: Symbolic Victory (click here)
Mid-March 1968, after a series of cross-border attacks, it became clear that the Israelis were preparing a massive reprisal on Jordanian territory. Despite their small numbers and the brute strength of the Israeli army, the fighters took the unexpected decision to stay and wait in Karameh refugee camp for the enemy. At dawn on 21 March, the Israelis stormed into the camp to be faced by Palestinian fighters with guns blazing. While the Palestinians lost several hundred fighters, 28 Israelis were killed, 90 Israelis were injured, and Israel was taken aback. The Battle of Karameh passed into Palestinian legend as a military success, the first time Palestinians had faced Israelis in open combat. Hundreds of other Arabs joined Palestinian mourners and the funeral parades of these martyrs who had died looking the enemy in the eye. Within two years of Karameh, around 30,000 new recruits of all nationalities had signed up to the Palestinian resistance....

In every Muslim country of the Middle East there are very strong ties within the government structure to religion. There is no separation of church and state and there never will be. When the USA attempts to 'impose its will' on countries with populous UNWILLING to 'comply' there is violent backlash.

US embassy in Yemen to be shut until Saturday
By Nasser Arrabyee, Correspondent
Published: March 20, 2008, 00:38
Sana'a: The US embassy will remain closed at least until Saturday after being targeted by terrorist attacks on Tuesday, a diplomat said on Wednesday.
The diplomat confirmed that the attacks targeted the embassy, not the adjacent girls' school, where a number of children and security agents were killed and injured by mortars fired by unknown attackers.
The government-run media described the attackers as terrorists.
"I can confirm that the attacks of yesterday targeted our embassy, not the school," Ryan Gliha, the press and public affairs officer at the embassy, told Gulf News.
The embassy may stay closed until next Saturday, the official added.
Immediately after Tuesday's attack, the embassy issued a short statement saying three mortars exploded in the vicinity of the embassy and that it will be closed for the remainder of the day. The statement did not mention the embassy was targeted.

http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/10198703.html



US offers free flights so embassy staff in Yemen can leave
Reuters
Published: March 20, 2008, 11:09
Washington: The US State Department is offering free flights out of Yemen to non-essential diplomats and family members, after three mortars hit a school near the US Embassy in Sanaa.
"The security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in Yemen. The Department of State authorized the voluntary departure for embassy employees and eligible family members after several explosions targeted the embassy compound on March 18," the State Department said.
Thirteen girls and five Yemeni soldiers were wounded in Tuesday's attack near the US mission in the Yemeni capital. Yemen said "terrorists" were behind the attack.

http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/10198884.html


Clerics back death fatwa for writers
Reuters
Published: March 20, 2008, 00:38
Riyadh: A group of Saudi clerics has come out in support of a colleague who issued a fatwa saying two writers deserve to die if they did not retract views that he said made them apostates.
Shaikh Abdul Rahman Al Barrak, one of the kingdom's most revered clerics, said in a rare fatwa last week the columnists should be tried for apostasy for "heretical articles" published in Al Riyadh newspaper and put to death if they do not repent.
They questioned the Sunni view in Saudi Arabia that adherents of other faiths should be considered unbelievers, which Al Barrak said implied Muslims were free to follow other religions and their faith was on a par with other religions.

http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi_arabia/10198841.html



Shura Council rejects resolution calling for international pact to respect all religions
By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
Published: March 20, 2008, 00:38
Riyadh: A resolution calling for the enactment of an international pact to forbid religions as well as their symbols, leaders and prophets from being defamed or insulted has been voted out by the Saudi Shura (Consultative Council).
A total of 77 members opposed the recommendation while 33 voted in favour. Those who opposed it argued that such a pact would force people to recognise religions, which advocate idol worship, and that "would be unacceptable."
The rejected resolution stated that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall work in coordination with Arab and Islamic groups and others at the United Nations to draft an international pact for respecting religions, their symbols and leaders, and prohibit insulting them in any way."
"This recommendation is creating 'much ado,' said Dr Khaleel Al Khaleel, a member of the Shura.
Opposing the move he said that the concept of religions and their symbols varied from country to country and culture to culture. According to Dr Khaleel, this recommendation would create a dangerous precedent that may produce a negative impact on Muslims rather than followers of other religions.
"Some consider Buddhism, Qadianism and Baha'ism as religions. Can we make it obligatory for Muslims to respect these faiths and avoid criticising them? he asked.
Blasphemous cartoons
Talal Bakri, one of the staunch critics of the move, said "if we approve the resolution it will be make it obligatory to recognise some religions and will facilitate establishing places of worship for them in Muslim countries."
Mohammad Al Quwaihes, who presented the resolution, told reporters that he had not expected that his move would be defeated in such a way as the overwhelming majority of members were in favour of introducing the resolution for deliberations.
"The provocation to move the resolution was the continuous onslaught on Islam in general and the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in particular, say for example, the blasphemous cartoons and films being published in Denmark, the Netherlands, America and the like," he said.

http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi_arabia/10198702.html

Here even in the social structure are high values of women's virtue to the point where hotels for women travelers are now available with ONLY women attending to the needs of the traveler, hence giving them freedom of travel without being accompanied by a male relative. That is not a reality in the USA, nor should it be. Much of the American culture is viewed in disfavor by Muslims.

First women-only hotel in Saudi Arabia opens
Agencies
Published: March 19, 2008, 16:20
Riyadh: For a country that goes to such great lengths to segregate unrelated men and women, it took Saudi Arabia a long time to hit on the idea of women-only hotels.
The kingdom's first hotel exclusively for females opened on Wednesday, offering plush lodgings with a full-range of health and beauty facilities.
"Inside this physical structure, we are all women. We even have bell-women. We are women-owned, women-managed and women-run, from our IT engineer to our electrical engineer," said Executive Director Lorraine Coutinho.

http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi_arabia/10198654.html


Guantanamo inmate says US interrogators threatened rape
Reuters
Published: March 20, 2008, 12:25
Miami: A young Canadian prisoner held at Guantanamo said in legal documents that US interrogators repeatedly threatened to rape him and Canadian government visitors told him they were powerless to do anything.
The claims were part of an affidavit sworn by Omar Khadr, 21, who is charged in the Guantanamo war court with murdering a US soldier with a grenade during a firefight in Afghanistan when Khadr was 15.
Khadr has long claimed he was abused by American interrogators in Bagram, Afghanistan, after his capture in July 2002 and at the Guantanamo Bay US Naval base in Cuba, where he was taken a few months later.
The previously undisclosed allegations of the rape threats were part of a nine-page affidavit released by the US military on Wednesday, with some of the names and details blacked out.

http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Cuba/10198894.html


Inmates riot at high-security Kabul jail, at least 9 hurt
Reuters
Published: March 19, 2008, 11:35
Kabul: Scores of prisoners rioted in a high-security Kabul jail and at least nine people were wounded in an exchange of gunfire as Afghan police tried to restore order, sources in two foreign aid agencies said on Wednesday.
A part of the Pul-i-Charkhi prison was taken over by the inmates who claimed they were illegally confined despite a decree by President Hamid Karzai acquitting them over a year ago, an aid agency worker said on condition of anonymity.
Around 150 inmates had been on a hunger strike for days, demanding release.

http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Afghanistan/10198622.html

Cheney was just to Afghanistan not long ago. He was the target of an attack at the military instillation where he was housed. The attack claimed lives but was unsuccesful in reaching Cheney. This 'frequent flyer' visit to Karzai is more than ominous. The war in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban and therefore al Qaeda whom the Taliban supports isn't going well because Cheney and Bush abandoned the 'one true war' the USA needed to win.


Cheney in Afghanistan to back Karzai government
AP
Published: March 20, 2008, 12:59
Kabul: Vice President Dick Cheney met with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday to discuss ways the country's fragile government can counter rising threats from Al-Qaida and Taliban militants.
Cheney flew to the Afghan capital from Oman. Reporters were not allowed to disclose Cheney's visit until he had arrived safely.
"The president asked the vice president to meet with President Karzai in advance of the NATO summit to discuss progress in a democratic Afghanistan as well as the work that lies ahead, especially in the south," said Cheney spokeswoman Lea Ann McBride.

http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Afghanistan/10198896.html

Here again, the USA is simply adding fuel to the fire when it comes to insurgency and reasons for recuritment of young Muslim men into al Qaeda.

US-led coalition troops kill six civilians in southern Afghanistan
Agencies
Published: March 19, 2008, 10:59
Kabul: Six civilians including two children and a woman were killed in a raid by US-led coalition troops in southeastern Afghanistan, officials said on Wednesday.
Foreign troops raided two houses in the village of Muqibel in the Khost province and killed three men, two boys and one woman.
The boys, both younger than 10-years-old were shot in the head and chest.
The houses were occupied by two brothers and the victims all came from the two families.
Troops also detained two men in the raid, which a Nato spokeswoman confirmed was conducted by US forces.

http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Afghanistan/10198618.html

The President of Iraq is trying to maintain a reasonable 'peace' within Iraq. He has not pushed for any elections in hopes the people would not be stimulated into rebellion, yet again. The reason the Iraqi Government has succumbed to pressures by the Bush/Cheney White House is to 'complete benchmarks' as demanded by the USA Legislature.

The reality in Iraq is actually that they could not care less about benchmarks or maintaining the USA presence in that country, but, to proceed with a government that is decentralized allowing a greater 'peace' to be known between people that basically hate each other.

When these elections occur there is the possibility it will lead to greater conflict politically that will interpret into higher levels of violence, still again.

When the Iraqi government succumbs to the 'demands' of the USA Executive Branch it is NOT a willing initiative nor one can take seriously as an act of 'free will' within a country that is supposed to be exuding democratic principles above all other forms of government.

Patraeus and Crocker are due back before Congress in April. If it weren't for that testimony there would be no pressure on Baghdad to provide elections. Baghdad's incentive? You've got to be joking? Money. Nothing more, nothing less. When Congress again convenes on Iraq the questions have to be asked, 'How 'willing' is Iraq to make these changes without pressure from the USA?' I think we already know the answer to that question, the issue is, will Petraeus know the answer?

Under US pressure, Iraqi leaders clear a path for elections (click here)
Reversal seen as key to bridging ethnic divisions
By Alexandra Zavis
Los Angeles Times / March 20, 2008
BAGHDAD - Iraq's presidential council dropped its objections yesterday to a measure that helps clear the way for provincial elections, which are considered key to reconciling the country's ethnic and religious factions.
more stories like this
The unexpected announcement by the council, made up of the country's president and two vice presidents, follows intense lobbying by US officials to make the power-sharing compromises needed to solidify a recent drop in violence.
US patience with Iraq's fractious politicians is wearing thin as the war enters its sixth year. But yesterday's decision offers officials here a sign of progress, which they can use to make the case in Washington for time over the summer to assess the impact of US troop withdrawals under way.
General David H. Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, and US Ambassador Ryan Crocker will make their recommendations to Congress in April....

So, while the Middle East nations are pursuing peace and stabilization, what type of diplomacy is the Veep looking at?

You guessed it, an escalation in the 'Bush/Cheney War Chant.'

Let's see if I get this right. On one hand the Bush/Cheney administration is touting all kinds of reductions in violence in Iraq due to the fall in Iraqi population, impoverishment and deaths, but, on the other hand they are escalating a war against Iran in the face of facts that state otherwise.

Gee, what a coincidence. Five years after their first war spawned by Propaganda this administration lacks impeachment for doing the same all over again.

Hm?

I guess that is simply the Neocon culture and it gets easier and easier to point to the fact when Republicans are elected there is danger to any form of peace.

Cheney on Iran war fears: 'Because of my past' (click here)
Sultan Qaboos bin Sayed the Sultan of Oman received Vice President Dick Cheney, left, in Muscat, Oman today. AP Photo by Hamid Al-Qasmi
by Mark Silva
Vice President Dick Cheney acknowledges that it's understandable that people might read planning for a war in Iran into his Middle East trip.
Asking Cheney, in Oman, if he can foresee any point where military action might be taken, the interviewer explained that she was asking this "because when you come over here, people in the region start thinking you're over here to plan some sort of military action.''
"Well, I suppose that's because of my past history,'' Cheney replied.
"I've been pretty consistent over time about Iran,'' Cheney said in his interview with ABC News' Martha Raddatz at the opulent Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa on the Gulf of Oman, across the water from Iran. "I don't think I've ratcheted up the rhetoric. I felt strongly for a long time, and a lot of us have, that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.''
Cheney declined to comment on Adm. William Fallon, the Centcomm commander who has announced his retirement after Esquire magazine reported that Fallon was concerned about the administration ratcheting up war talk about Iran. "The admiral had many years of distinguished service in the United States Navy,'' Cheney said. "I think he deserves our thanks for his service.''...

So there you have it. After one complete disaster without end, the Republicans want still another. It is time to stop this idiocy. And don't think for one minute Cheney and Bush are doing this alone. Heck no. Hank Paulson is throwing right in with them.

Ah, oh. Iran MAY be up to something, BUT, unfortunately Hank simply does not know what !

US Treasury says Iranian central bank may aid suspicious transactions (click here)
- WASHINGTON (Thomson Financial) - The US Treasury warned international financial institutions again today of the dangers it believes are inherent in doing business with banks in Iran, including even the Iranian central bank.
'The US Department of the Treasury is particularly concerned that the Central Bank of Iran may be facilitating transactions for sanctioned Iranian Banks,' it said in a statement....

Do you know what that 'something' might be? I mean seriously, why would good 'ole Hank put out such hideous notices? There has to be a reason? Well, remember that Bank that mimics the capacity of the World Bank that Chavez started? Remember?

Get this...with Iranian assets somewhat freed through affiliations with South America, all of a sudden Hank, Bush and Cheney are scrambling to stop any affiliation with the nations of South America and Iran. Make sense? See, the USA simply don't believe Iran has enough sanctions and they would like to tie up any and all monies Iran has without any chance of investment anywhere. Why? Because the 'war chant' states the Iranians are 'beginning their nuclear initiative again that ended in 2003.' Sound familiar? It sounds all too familiar to me.

Iranian Overtures to Latin America Spark US Concern (click here)
By Brian Wagner
Miami
19 March 2008
WIranian moves to solidify ties with Venezuela, Bolivia and other leftist governments in Latin America have sparked increasing concern in the United States. From Miami, VOA's Brian Wagner reports the growing Iranian ties reflect shared political and economic goals and anti-American sentiment.
At first glance, Iran seems to have little in common with Latin America. Trade and economic relations are rare, and the two regions have different cultural and religious traditions.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, center, shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, Iran, 19 Nov 19, 2007 (file photo)
But Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has found common ground with leftist leaders critical of the United States and its policy goals around the world.
To help build alliances, Iran has signed a series of economic deals with Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. This week, Bolivia and Iran agreed on joint projects worth $1 billion, including the installation of three Iranian-backed television channels in Bolivia....

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-03-19-voa35.cfm

Basically, boys and girls the same old rhetoric is at work all over again. The USA military and intelligence communities don't believe Iran has the capacity to produce nuclear weapons, the UN has placed sanctions but "The West" never thinks it is enough and before you know it, Iran will be trading oil and gas for food and we are off to the races all over again. To counter that reality and continue to be fiscally responsible for his country, the Iranian president has 'gone elsewhere' to find fiscal affiliations so the quality of life of Iranians don't go where Iraqis have gone.

So on the fifth anniversay of the illegal war in Iraq we can honestly say we need to rid the USA government of Neocons and return to sanity in government. What the Middle East countries do with their religion is NONE of our business.

Jeeze !