Archive for April 24, 2008

Where else would I know about this except in Al-Hayat (and in other Saudi and Hariri media)? Here, I learn from Al-Hayat newspaper, that its owner, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Bribe (surrounded by his sons Fahd and `Abdullah), won some horse competition. Apparently, the Prince’s horse managed to bribe his way to victory.

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

Saudi clerics ordered to warn of the dangers of PlayStation in their sermons–I am not making this up. No information on what the Saudi Muftitititi thinks of the Wii. (thanks As`ad–not me).

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

Michael Totten: I would like to ask you. Why do you understand the Middle East instinctively?Answer: “I understood the Middle East instinctively thanks to my grasp of Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo. The Turkish (Ottoman) Empire ruled over all these lands for hundreds of years.” Oh, thank you, Michael Totten. Now I understand. (thanks Seth)

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

For those who wonder why I loathe–for more reasons than one–the Syrian regime: “The Syrian expatriate affairs minister, Buthaina Shaaban, told Al Jazeera television, “Olmert is ready for peace with Syria on the grounds of international conditions; on the grounds of the return of the Golan Heights in full to Syria.””

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

“A letter that President Bush personally delivered to then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon four years ago has emerged as a significant obstacle to the president’s efforts to forge a peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians during his last year in office. Ehud Olmert, the current Israeli prime minister, said this week that Bush’s letter [...]

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

“Many Lebanese, increasingly worried about the country’s political paralysis devolving into violence, are preparing themselves in the same way. One measure of their anxiety is the price of small arms: An AK-47 that went for $75 to $100 a year ago now costs $600 to $1,000.” (via FLC)

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

“Over the past two years, Israel has used various means to reduce the supply of electricity and fuel to the Gaza Strip, starting with bombing the only power station in June 2006. In October 2007, Israel began restricting shipments of gasoline, diesel and other fuels. Israel’s control of Gaza’s borders and its refusal to allow [...]

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

This is hilarious. As of late, whenever the New York Times needs a view of Arab public opinion, it turns to Dennis Ross. (Notice that in this article, two “experts” were cited: Ross and Aaron David Miller. One speaks for the Palestinians, and the other for exile Palestinians, I presume.) ““There’s been some pressure within [...]

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

Damning evidence of a nuclear reactor in Syria: “The video, which Mr. Hill has shown to senior South Korean officials, shows Korean faces among the workers at the Syrian plant.” Whenever you see “Korean faces” it always means the presence of a nuclear reactor. In fact, just last week, I saw a Korean face in [...]

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

The New York Times continues to relegate the story of the Israeli spy to the New York/New Jersey region section. But here is another touching tribute to the Israeli spy: “He organized hospital visits and prayers for the dead, advised acquaintances on how to buy Israel bonds, served meals on wheels, persuaded the condominium association [...]

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

On the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the Daily Star’s editorial praises Turkey. (thanks Jamal)

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad

Who threw pies at Thomas Friedman? I want an investigation NOW. Watch here. (I once spoke to the SF people who specialize in throwing pies at celebrities and they assured me that they used fresh ingredients). (thanks Mohammed)

Posted on April 24, 2008 by As'ad