Archive for October 9, 2005

“U.S.-hired contractors [in Iraq] rely on laborers from impoverished countries, but no one looks out for the rights — or lives — of the foreigners.”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

The spokesperson of the ruling Hizb Ad-Da`wah party in Iraq (although he refers to himself as spokesperson of the prime minister but I am being more accurate than him), Layth Kubbah–who had promised last week to “purify” Sunni areas in Iraq of terrorism–, said today that Iraqis “don’t need a conference for national reconciliation.” He [...]

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

“Dobson spiritual empire wields political clout”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

The leader of Mauritania’s military ruling junta “said Sunday he would maintain relations with Israel.” Upon learning that, the White House, US Congress, and US media instantly declared him a “champion of democracy and human rights.”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Changes at the Nation magazine: when a Nation reviewer is to the right of Jeffrey Sachs, you know that something has changed.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

People in Bsus in Lebanon are mad. A person who owns a private land on which stands a small church, wants to demolish it. The protestors argued that this person does not have the right to do what he wishes with HIS land.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Oh, no. This is not People magazine. This used to be a feminist magazine.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

“Bigots united”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

“The Wars Over Evolution”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Hizbullah, after Hariri’s assassination. From the standpoint of Lebanese politics, and the standing of the party in the domestic context, I can say this. Hizbullah is adding to its collection of political blunders since the assassination of Rafiq Hariri. They started with the highly exaggerated and effusive praise of Hariri (which was not sincere to [...]

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

The party of the Islamic Action Front in Jordan knows its priorities. A king runs the kingdom through his mukhabarat, Palestinians are being killed like pigeons by Israeli troops, the king serves at the pleasure of US wishes, orders, and commands, and the party is furious about…billboards in Amman that they deemed to be “offensive.” [...]

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

The caption on top says: “Bush warns against the formation of a radical Islamic empire stretching from Spain to Indonesia!!” Under Bush is written: “American Empire.”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Palestine Satellite TV was abruptly taken out from the offerings of Globecast when the US got really mad at Yasir `Arafat, but was recently reinstated once Abbas was installed in power.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

These are mass graves that will not trouble “the conscience” of US government, Western human rights groups, or US media: “Secret mass graves of prisoners in Morocco”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

One of the new allies (and former enemies) of the Lebanese Forces was asked about the state his alliance with the Lebanese Forces. He answered that he is rather surprised that they have not changed. That they are still the old Lebanese Forces.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Mini-Hariri thinks that he can lead and manage Lebanon from here, where he resides.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

Arab thinker Muhammad `Abdid Al-Jabiri has published a new book titled, Critique of the Need for Reform. Am eager to read it. I have seen reform, and I have read about reform, and have never been impressed with reform. Personally, I don’t want reform. Reform is another word for preservation of the status quo, but [...]

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Me, and Senor Xolotl,1949. Kahlo, Frida.

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

“Cronies, Contracts and the No-Fault President: Katrina and the Growls of Greed”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad

“Senior U.S. officials have begun to question a key presumption of American strategy in Iraq: that establishing democracy there can erode and ultimately eradicate the insurgency gripping the country.”

Posted on October 9, 2005 by As'ad