Archive for December 28, 2006
The Maronite Patriarch today tossed yet another pearl of wisdom. He said: “Unfortunately, strikes are legal in Lebanon.”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
`Umar Nashshabah on an ignored topic: mistreatment of prisoners in Lebanon. (At least the mistreatment is not sectarian; it affects all).
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
There is indeed a new strategic plan for Iraq. I have a feeling that this will turn things around.
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
It is a miracle. The right-wing, sectarian Christian Lebanonese newspaper, An-Nahar, uncharacteristically published a report on South Lebanon. Wait. It is about the Christians of South Lebanon only. Never mind.
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
The orders have arrived. Notice how all Saudi media refer to the Somali “government troops” when talking about the invading Ethiopian troops. Did Annan say a word about the invasion?
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
I read the full text of Saddam’s typically tedious letter from jail. His mind is more jumbled than usual, I would say. But what was striking to me is that his characteristic conceit has not diminished one bit in jail. He said at one point: “Many of you have known the owner of this letter [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
Hamas prime minister, Isma`il Haniyyah, “expressed hope” to be able to meet the Saudi king during his Hajj. I don’t think the US will allow the Saudi king. What can you expect from a movement if its leader’s hope is to meet with the Saudi king.
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
Did you notice that facing Walid Jumblat in his house during his interview on Al-Arabiya was a huge portrait of…himself.
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
Joseph Samahah on the “internal role of the international tribunal”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
I am burning with…anticipation. I can’t wait. I really can’t. I am talking of course about Bush’s new plan for Iraq. I know what it will contain: it will be more, much more, of the same. But I am still excited. I can’t wait. How thrilling. What a brilliant plan. What a brilliant mind you [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
From my archives: an interview with Walid Jumblat.“Question: this does not prevent the question, about the fact the Progressive Socialist Party did not participate in operations [of resistance] against Israel; permitting the passage of arms is not sufficient?Answer: I say that we participated in the way that we felt was appropriate, by allowing weapons, materials, [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
Compassionate conservatism: “Mr. Horst, the biographer, puzzled over the seeming contradiction between the president’s personal and professional philosophies: “The problem with him — he doesn’t like to be kidded about it — but the fact is, this guy would, if he saw a school kid in front of the White House who needed clothing, if [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
He is now officially crowned the Antoine Lahd of the PA: “Israel Confirms Arms Shipment Sent to Aid Abbas”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
“According to an annual B’Tselem report, from the beginning of 2006 to December 27, Israeli security forces have killed 660 Palestinians, a figure more than three times the number of Palestinians killed in 2005, which was 197….According to the report, about half of the Palestinians killed, 322, did not take part in the hostilities at [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
“In three current high-profile criminal cases, federal prosecutors have asked that the identities of Israeli government witnesses be withheld from defendants and their attorneys — a move some legal scholars see as a highly unusual end run around the 6th Amendment.” (thanks Mouin)
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
NY Daily News: Ford “said he’d told Bush he supported the war in Iraq.” And the Washington Post: “Ford Disagreed With Bush About Invading Iraq”. OK.
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
May Shidyaq (in her interview with the Maronite Patriarch on Tueaday) bravely asked him about the monies and “fortune” of the church. The Patriarch said: “the church has no money.”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
Abdullah sent me this from Beirut: “I arrived beirut airport last night. after going through the passport check I recognized Rula Amin from Aljazeera international (cnn in a past life). she couldn’t get through to the baggage area and was held there for a bit. while my passport was being stamped i heard some guys [...]
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
“Never should it be forgotten that Jimmy Carter campaigned against Ford as the prophet of neo-liberalism, precursor of the Democratic Leadership Council, touting “zero-based budgeting”.”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad
“Old story: Women may have it worse: Divorce and lost earning time could put living standards in a free fall late in life.”
Posted on December 28, 2006 by As'ad