Archive for July 1, 2009
Flash: Taiwan and Israel
A Latin American expert sent me this: “taiwan and israelFrom a major newspaper in Honduras:10:34amBuena noticia. Embajadas de Taiwán e Israel reconocen al nuevogobierno de Roberto Micheletti.”Good news. The Embassies of Taiwan and Israel recogniz…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Al-Masri Al-Yawm
Al-Masri Al-Yawm is now the most respected (and probably the most widely read) Egyptian newspaper. Its political courage has been in decline. It now has a coverage that can be described as “technical”.
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Did you know?
You would not know this from US media but the month of June was the most violent month in Iraq in 11 months.
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
A man of the people
The Washington Post interviews a man of the people in Honduras: “”It would be a disgrace to have him back in the country,” said Emilio Larach, owner of a large building materials company here, who attended the rally to denounce Zelaya. “He created hat…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
The New York Times now speaks for Iraqis
“He made no mention of American troops in a nationally televised speech, even though nearly 130,000 remain in the country; most had already pulled back from Iraq’s cities before Tuesday’s deadline. The excitement, however, has rung hollow for many…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
The New York Times Makes the case Against Zelaya
“Mr. Zelaya, who took office in 2006, has moved steadily to the left during his presidency, railing increasingly against the country’s elite, who he says have opposed his politics of inclusion. Critics accuse Mr. Zelaya, who comes from a well-off fam…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
sweeps
“Security forces tortured scores of men and raped 12 women in a sweep against the mainly ethnic Somali population of remote north-east Kenya, where their task late last year was to disarm militias. The accusation by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in the …
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Uribe–for life
“In Colombia, a referendum to pave the way for Uribe’s reelection still faces hurdles in Congress and already shows signs of fatigue among supporters. Cambio magazine explains that the chances to approve the legislation are slim, even with Uribe s…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
The humiliation of the Usurping Entity, and by Lebanon (which doubles the humiliation)
“Israel does not deny accusations that dozens of men arrested recently in Lebanon were spying on its behalf, according to a report published by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.” I mean, it is one thing to be humiliated but it is another…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Saudi brotherhood
“Prince Khaled bin Talal denounced his brother’s media empire in an unprecedented public attack from within the ruling family.” Several of you sent me this and it is not surprising. Prince Khaled is a known Bin Ladenite who has all but declared the i…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Please leave the room: Saudi-Israeli flirtation is taking place
“During his keynote address at the opening session of the interfaith conference in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Israeli President Shimon Peres called on Saudi King Abdullah to meet either in Jerusalem or Riyadh, or to travel to Kazakhstan in order to ad…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Zionist kidnappers of children
“After ransacking three homes Israeli forces blasted into a fourth through the back door. They threw rocks at the door and windows, report witnesses. A 16 year old high school student had begun a summer job with his father as an apprentice carpenter…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
WSJ on mini-Hariri
“Despite the skirmish, the elevation of Mr. Hariri, the 39-year-old billionaire son of the late former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, marks what many analysts say could be a fresh, hopeful chapter in Lebanon’s recent, tumultuous politics.” Yes, nothin…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Don’t have faith in the Obama administration
“And, yes, this was a military coup. It does not matter that there is no military junta, or that the arrest of the president was allegedly approved by other state institutions (Supreme Court and congress). I heard a news item today that the US gover…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
UK ambassador in Lebanon
I watched the other day as the UK ambassador in Lebanon, Frances Guy, (on whom I am accused by friends of having a crush) made an statement to the press in very good Arabic–and she was not reading it. When was the last time you saw a US ambassador in…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Saudi propaganda about Iraq
It is interesting how Saudi propaganda reports the fake US withdrawal from Iraqi cities. They always feel that they have to prove more American than the American occupiers themselves. US and international media are reporting on the public celebration…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad
Opportunism and talent
Forget about politics, I have often argued that political opportunism may have its rewards (like Saudi control over Arab media and publishing can easily reward and punish) but it is devastating for the person afflicted: it kills talents. I have seen i…
Posted on July 1, 2009 by As'ad