Archive for May 14, 2004
Some people were worried about Sunni-Shi`ite conflict in Iraq. I do not see evidence of that, or not yet anyway. But I certainly see evidence of Sunni-Shi`ite frictions–if not conflict–in the larger Arab world. Many Shi`ites feel that Arab Muslims have been largely silent about the plight of people in Najaf and Karbala’. There is [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
You know how much the US has damaged its own cause in the Middle East when you read one of the most vocal (and sophisticated) Arab neo-conservatives, Hazim Saghiyyah of Al-Hayat (who had a stint last year at the pro-Likud Washington Institute for Near East Policy)talking about US behavior in Iraq “combining Sadism and racism.” [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
I was getting ready to grade some papers (I have graded none so far), when a familiar voice from the TV blasting outside came on. It was the Saudi Crown Prince’s advisor on National Security, `Adil Al-Jubayr, who resides in Washington, DC. Now imagine if “Bush”‘s National Security Advisor resides in Paris, France. That is [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
For those who care, an article about my talk at Merced College. (thanks Brian)
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
“Paper or plastic?” is what US soldiers ask Iraqi prisoners before they cover their heads for no more than 72 hours (not 73 or 74).
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
To “John.” You have illegally obtained access to my friend’s email. She and I know that you used her email address to send me that disgusting message, and we know your IP address. You will be denied access to this site, and will take legal action against you.
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
Kerry showing his ignorance of Israeli torture of Arabs: “I also think, when you look at what Israel has done for years, where they’ve faced terror for far longer than we have, that they don’t engage in that type of activity. And they specifically decided not to, because they want to keep the moral high [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
So a member of Congress yesterday was asking an American official what would happen if the new Iraqi “government” became so incensed by American conduct in Iraq that it asked American forces to withdraw. “Mr. Grossman at first said that this could not happen because any government would recognize the importance of keeping American forces [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
From an exchange between Sen. Reed and Paul Wolfowitz yesterday: “Sensory deprivation, which would be a bag over your head for 72 hours. Do you think that’s humane?” “Let me come back to what you said, the work of this government——” “No, no. Answer the question, Mr. Secretary. Is that humane?” “I don’t know whether [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
I know American patriots worship their military, but maybe you need to know this: “Spec. Charles A. Graner Jr., the military policeman photographed with a big smile as he stood behind a pile of naked Iraq prisoners, was a target of abuse allegations long before he was singled out by an Army investigator as the [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
“THE United States prison guard holds a snake up to the camera: “This is a sand viper,” she says. “One bite will kill you in six hours. We’ve already had two prisoners die of it, but who cares? That’s two less for me to worry about.” “
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
Rules of “engagement” with Iraqi detainees. Some are illegal under the Geneva Convention, but they are consistent with the “spirit” and “ghost” of the Geneva convention. They include: “SENSORY DEPRIVATION, Using blindfolds, earmuffs and other materials. The field manual states this can be done for no more than 72 hours.” It is not as bad [...]
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad
Israel to raze hundreds of houses in Rafah; “Bush” and Kerry plead with Israel to raze more.
Posted on May 14, 2004 by As'ad