Archive for April 30, 2006

“As the U.S. military struggles against persistent sectarian violence in Iraq, military officers and security experts find themselves in a vigorous debate over an idea that just months ago was largely dismissed as a fringe thought: that the surest — and perhaps now the only — way to bring stability to Iraq is to divide [...]

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

Mark another victory for the Bush Doctrine: “Egypt Extends Restrictive Emergency Laws: Laws Permit Indefinite Detention Without Trial and Limit”

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

Anthony Shadid is a fine foreign correspondent. Read this piece on Dubai. I have read many articles on Dubai, in more than one language, and none are as good as this one. Notice that he tries to cover all the bases, and does not allow himself to be duped by the glitz. Notice that he [...]

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

I told you that rich white kids have found a safe cause in Darfur. It has been turned into kitsch. I read today that 10,000 people showed up for the rally in DC. How many of them showed up to spot Cloony or other celebrities? What is next for the Darfur-is-Kitsch crowd? Will they now [...]

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

“In Zarqawi’s home town“

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

“An American journalist jailed for two years in Afghanistan on charges of torturing terrorists in a makeshift jail was freed yesterday, two months early.”

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

“A US congressional inspection team set up to monitor reconstruction in Iraq today publishes a scathing report of failures by contractors, mainly from the US, to carry out projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In one case, the inspection team found that three years after the invasion only six of 150 health centres proposed [...]

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

James Zoghby was in Saudi Arabia. He met with Prince Al-Walid Bin Talal, who now supplies him with an annual sum. A press release later quoted Zoghby offering effusive praise for the Prince. But the money that Al-Walid gives to Zoghby is one where the conditions of “no strings attached” apply. Of, course.

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad

…off to Washington, DC. Will return Monday night.

Posted on April 30, 2006 by As'ad