Archive for June 25, 2008

Saudi Arabia, hoping to impress the U.S., is highlighting the news of the recent “uncovering” of Al-Qa`idah cells in the kingdom of oppression. The mouthpiece of Prince Salman (Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat) published this picture on its front page (on the internet version) and said that the books were confiscated in the recent raid on apartments. Look [...]

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

1967. I have been reading An-Nahar’s issues from 1967. It is so sad and frustrating. You read that King Husayn donated 12 suitcases of his “personal clothes” to the Palestinian refugees. You read that the refugees suffered from swollen feet from long walks. You read that Ghassan Tuwayni was chosen by the Lebanese government to [...]

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

So Saudi Arabia receives criticisms in U.S. congress and media over oil prices, and Saudi Arabia immediately and conveniently responds by announcing the arrests of hundreds of Al-Qa`idah members in Saudi Arabia. One of them was found in the private quarters of the king.

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“Twenty-one percent of self-identified atheists said they believed in God. Ten percent believe in hell.”

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“But Mugabe may not be Africa’s worst. That prize arguably goes to Teodoro Obiang, the ruler of Equatorial Guinea whose life seems a parody of the dictator genre.” (thanks Ziad)

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“…and humiliation, I believe, is the single-most underestimated force in international relations, especially in the Middle East.” OK, while you are at it, tell me. How was that pie in your face? I would rather hear about that than about your silly and vapid “theories” about world affairs.

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“A new poll of citizens’ attitudes about torture in 19 nations finds Americans among the most accepting of the practice. Although a slight majority say torture should be universally prohibited, 44 percent think torture of terrorist suspects should be allowed, and more than one in 10 think torture should generally be allowed.”

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“A doctor named John Drew Laurusonis and two of his assistants in Georgia have been accused of locking a woman in an examination room “when concerns arose about her ability to pay the bill.” The three were indicted last week on charges of false imprisonment for the October 4th, 2007 incident.”

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

Bush: “And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the — of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)” (thanks Electronic Ali)

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“In fact, 90 percent of the Palestinian territory Israel claimed to have annexed to Jerusalem after 1967 is today off-limits to Palestinian development because the land is either already built on by exclusively Jewish settlements or being reserved for their future expansion. Denied permits, many Palestinians in Jerusalem build without them, but at considerable risk: [...]

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

Today, I heard the words of Iraqi puppet president, Jalal Talabani, in the Oval Office. He hailed Bush as “the liberator of Iraq” and as a “friend” of the Iraqi people. Lest you get excited, remember that this man showered similar words of praise on Soviet leaders and even on Saddam Husayn.

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“Cuba’s Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday protested the communist government’s growing support of gay rights, including a daylong event raising awareness against homophobia and a law allowing sex-change operations.” (thanks Olivia)PS And the item goes on to say: “Prejudice against homosexuals remains deeply rooted in Cuban society, as in much of Latin America..” Oh, yeah: [...]

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad

“Over 40 Asian workers including a number of Indians, who claimed they were not paid wages for seven months, remain stranded in Saudi Arabia even as authorities asked local police in Riyadh to expedite their cases. The hospital workers are demanding that they be paid their dues and provided plane tickets to go back home [...]

Posted on June 25, 2008 by As'ad