Archive for April 12, 2006

“The escalation of sectarian bloodshed that followed the bombing has driven 6,600 families from their homes, according to the Iraqi Red Crescent and the Iraqi government. The houses mushrooming around this neighborhood are an indication that the separation of Iraq’s Arab Shiites and Sunnis is accelerating, threatening the country’s long-term unity.”

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

Who is going to light the candles? Michael Young now pontificates on Islamic religious (and historical) matters. I mean, he is quite qualified to pontificate as the neo-conservative-in-residence at the Daily Star, in whom Jumblat confides about his Bushite inspirations. But to pose as an expert on Islam now? Well, here he says: “Whether it [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

The Mufti of Saudi Arabia weighs in. So the Mufti of Saudi Arabia weighs in, in response to the (suddenly) liberal fatwas of Hasan At-Turabi (see my posts in the last few days). Do you notice that the “liberalism” of Saudi-funded Arab media ends when it comes to Saudi Wahhabi verdicts. The Mufti (above) was [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

When they (Lebanese officials and An-Nahar clowns) assemble men (always men) representing the different sects of Lebanon on the anniversary of the civil war, you know that lies are about to be exchanged, and sincerity is about to be feigned. Inevitably, you will also hear tales about the innocence of the Lebanese people in a [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

When Catharine MacKinnon Speaks, Angry Arab Listens: “”[T]he fact that the law of rape protects rapists and is written from their point of view to guarantee impunity for most rapes is officially regarded as a violation of the law of sex equality, national or international, by virtually nobody.”…”Yes, in a couple of senses. The most [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

“Development in defiance of the Washington consensus: China has carried off the world’s largest reduction in poverty by grasping that market economies cannot be left on autopilot”

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

“A [UK] high court judge branded the government’s system of control orders against terrorism suspects “an affront to justice” yesterday and ruled that they breached human rights laws.”

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

I mean, is it not audacious–at least–for Israel–Israel of all countries–to complain about the possibility of Iranian nuclear weapons’ acquisition?

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

“Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes (total Outleys (Federal Funds): $2,251 billion)”

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

The horrific Saudi Minister of Interior, Nayif Bin `Abdul-`Aziz, so casually said yesterday that his government “released thousands” of prisoners who had nothing to do with terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. So if thousands have been released, how many remain in jail, and have charges been pressed against them? Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch: [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

`Amr Musa announced the opening of an Arab League office in Baghdad. He did not say whether the new office will hoist the US flag.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

A Hariri parliamentary delegation visited Moscow. A member (`Atif Majdalani) told the press later, without any exaggeration, that the visit caused a “breakthrough in the Russian position.” Maybe the late Pope was right: Lebanon is more than a homeland; it is…a big lie.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

Najib Miqati: at the University of Chicago. Look at this version of his c.v.: on his Lebanese c.v., he talks about obtaining degrees from Harvard University, but this (presumably more reliable) version refers to visits to Harvard University. I mean, there is a really a good ice-cream store in Harvard Square, and Bertucci’s Pizza is [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

There is one truly non-sectarian organization in Lebanon. It is the organization of families who have prisoners (and missing people) in Syrian jails.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

Explosive information: Ad-Diyar newspaper is reporting that the network that was arrested in Lebanon (and which is being accused of plotting to assassinate Hasan Nasrallah) includes among its members somebody in Jumblat’s party, and that members were able to obtain weapons through Hariri Inc.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

The fine journalist, Doha Shams, interviews fighters in the Lebanese civil war on the anniversary of the war.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

Another Muhammad picture controversy. French-Lebanese writer, Salah Stetie, wrote this book on Muhammad. The Lebanese acting Minister of Interior is preventing this book from reaching Lebanon because the cover has a picture of an artist’s rendition of Muhammad (the illustration is from a 15h century painting from Hirat), and this Minister (also a minister of [...]

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

“You wealthy Arabs: how much I love you. I don’t care how dumb you are. Come and give me a kiss (and some cash on the side).”

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

Amir Shawahibah, 13, shot by Israeli occupation troops.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad

“Saudi Arabia: Al-Qa’ida Critic Arrested for ‘Destructive Thoughts’” (thanks John)

Posted on April 12, 2006 by As'ad