Archive for December 12, 2005

Romantic chants of the Lebanonese “liberty” lovers: the reality of the Lebanonese Revolution. Sahar Mandur of As-Safir reports on the demonstration at the headquarters of An-Nahar yesterday. The youths (the youths of Lebanon, no less) chanted, among other chants: “Say to the Syrian people; gypsy* you are, and gypsy you always will be.” And “You [...]

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

I read that the Saudi budget surplus has reached $ 57 billion. Last time the House of Saud produced budget surpluses it funded an international fanatical movement from which came Bin Laden. Let us what this one will buy, in addition to favor in DC, and toys for the royal family.

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

Where have you gone Mr. Mehlis? We hardly knew you. How an Investigation Came to NAUGHT. So is this it? That’s it. The Second Mehlis Report??? This report is a polite and timid redaction and reduction of the previous report. Hariri propaganda can claim all they want that the appearance of Hassam Hassam in Damascus [...]

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

Why Jubran Tuwayni was right: When Jubran Tuwayni left for France a few months ago– and he stayed there for months–he claimed that he was told of a black list of “leaders” targeted for assassination in Lebanon, and that he was prominent on the list. He said that he was warned to stay away. The [...]

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

The Conference of the Birds (Persian, 15th century).

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

This is the Arabic version of the National Inquirer (but less interesting).

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

From NYT: “A breed of reporters have made it their home and their career, few of them better known than the Englishman Robert Fisk. Now in his late 50′s, he is one of the most controversial journalists of the age, winner of numerous prizes, much admired by some, including colleagues who respect his obsessive attention [...]

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

“Abuse Cited In 2nd Jail Operated by Iraqi Ministry:Official Says 12 Prisoners Subjected to ‘Severe Torture’”

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

“US general says Iraqi troops won’t be rushed” (I totally agree. Why rush them. I say train two Iraqi soldiers a week. And take your time. Do it carefully and slowly. And in no time (several decades or a century, but no more) you will have a fully ready Iraqi army. So there.)

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

“Ahead of the Dec. 15 vote, some Iraqi women say safety is a bigger issue than political participation.”

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

“What poor countries want: An end to the $300bn a year of subsidies that pays every cow in the rich world $2 a day. Also, sharp cuts in tariffs so they can sell into rich markets. They want to see action against bugbears such as low tariffs on leather but high ones on shoes, penalising [...]

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad

“Africa’s poorest fight hypocrisy and vested interests” (Is Bono still having lunch with Bush? But you have to say this about Bono. Whenever he meets with the rich, powerful, and right-wing war promoters, he never forgets the plight of the poor. Is that not nice?)

Posted on December 12, 2005 by As'ad