Zimbabwe
If the Americans really want to make a huge difference and help millions of people, let them to go Zimbabwe or at least lean on the Southern African governments to make them intervene! The world is apparently not interested in the curtain of darkenss that has descended on this once rich African country.
Please help... by making others aware of this.
Here is the latest entry in Cathy Buckle's weekly diary:
On the verge of giving up Saturday 28th June 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
Many of us in Zimbabwe are on the verge of giving up. Our lives have become almost unbearable. We cannot afford the food we manage to find. We can only buy petrol on the black market and it costs more than our wages. Services and infrastructure are rapidly collapsing, 16 people died from suspected water borne diseases in a major town this week. Our small towns seem to have been completely taken over by political warlords who have the power to take over businesses, ban newspapers, arrange for people to be beaten if they are thought to support the political opposition and prevent the police from doing their jobs. And every day the mindless violence gets worse and worse. This week a farm manager and his wife in their seventies were attacked by a mob of young men who beat, slapped and tortured them for five hours. When their son came to try and help them his hands were tied with bark rope and wire and he was beaten on his back and legs with whips made from fan belts, chains and sticks. The photographs of their injuries are so horrific that I could hardly bear to look at the black and purple bruises on arms, legs, backs and buttocks. In a country where three quarters of the population are being fed by international food aid, the violence demonstrates yet again that it is not land or race which has caused Zimbabwe's hell, just evil politics. Six days out of seven most of us wonder what we are still doing in Zimbabwe and where this is going to end. We look at the situation in the DR Congo and Liberia and wonder if that is to be our fate. Every single day the question we all ask is do we stay or go. Most of us have nowhere to go even if we could afford to do so and so we struggle through the days and look for hope and encouragement from our friends, from people who are worse off than us and from the growing number of exiled Zimbabweans and others who are speaking out and trying to get world leaders to do something before we descend into civil war.
More here.
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Zimbabwe
If the Americans really want to make a huge difference and help millions of people, let them to go Zimbabwe or at least lean on the Southern African governments to make them intervene! The world is apparently not interested in the curtain of darkenss that has descended on this once rich African country.
Please help... by making others aware of this.
Here is the latest entry in Cathy Buckle's weekly diary:
On the verge of giving up Saturday 28th June 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
Many of us in Zimbabwe are on the verge of giving up. Our lives have become almost unbearable. We cannot afford the food we manage to find. We can only buy petrol on the black market and it costs more than our wages. Services and infrastructure are rapidly collapsing, 16 people died from suspected water borne diseases in a major town this week. Our small towns seem to have been completely taken over by political warlords who have the power to take over businesses, ban newspapers, arrange for people to be beaten if they are thought to support the political opposition and prevent the police from doing their jobs. And every day the mindless violence gets worse and worse. This week a farm manager and his wife in their seventies were attacked by a mob of young men who beat, slapped and tortured them for five hours. When their son came to try and help them his hands were tied with bark rope and wire and he was beaten on his back and legs with whips made from fan belts, chains and sticks. The photographs of their injuries are so horrific that I could hardly bear to look at the black and purple bruises on arms, legs, backs and buttocks. In a country where three quarters of the population are being fed by international food aid, the violence demonstrates yet again that it is not land or race which has caused Zimbabwe's hell, just evil politics. Six days out of seven most of us wonder what we are still doing in Zimbabwe and where this is going to end. We look at the situation in the DR Congo and Liberia and wonder if that is to be our fate. Every single day the question we all ask is do we stay or go. Most of us have nowhere to go even if we could afford to do so and so we struggle through the days and look for hope and encouragement from our friends, from people who are worse off than us and from the growing number of exiled Zimbabweans and others who are speaking out and trying to get world leaders to do something before we descend into civil war.
More here.
If the Americans really want to make a huge difference and help millions of people, let them to go Zimbabwe or at least lean on the Southern African governments to make them intervene! The world is apparently not interested in the curtain of darkenss that has descended on this once rich African country.
Please help... by making others aware of this.
Here is the latest entry in Cathy Buckle's weekly diary:
On the verge of giving up Saturday 28th June 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
Many of us in Zimbabwe are on the verge of giving up. Our lives have become almost unbearable. We cannot afford the food we manage to find. We can only buy petrol on the black market and it costs more than our wages. Services and infrastructure are rapidly collapsing, 16 people died from suspected water borne diseases in a major town this week. Our small towns seem to have been completely taken over by political warlords who have the power to take over businesses, ban newspapers, arrange for people to be beaten if they are thought to support the political opposition and prevent the police from doing their jobs. And every day the mindless violence gets worse and worse. This week a farm manager and his wife in their seventies were attacked by a mob of young men who beat, slapped and tortured them for five hours. When their son came to try and help them his hands were tied with bark rope and wire and he was beaten on his back and legs with whips made from fan belts, chains and sticks. The photographs of their injuries are so horrific that I could hardly bear to look at the black and purple bruises on arms, legs, backs and buttocks. In a country where three quarters of the population are being fed by international food aid, the violence demonstrates yet again that it is not land or race which has caused Zimbabwe's hell, just evil politics. Six days out of seven most of us wonder what we are still doing in Zimbabwe and where this is going to end. We look at the situation in the DR Congo and Liberia and wonder if that is to be our fate. Every single day the question we all ask is do we stay or go. Most of us have nowhere to go even if we could afford to do so and so we struggle through the days and look for hope and encouragement from our friends, from people who are worse off than us and from the growing number of exiled Zimbabweans and others who are speaking out and trying to get world leaders to do something before we descend into civil war.
More here.
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Israel
As the main Palestinian organisations agree to a truce, as the smaller organisations are now also being drawn into the agreement, I am holding my breath and saying please please please everyone, dont mess this up. Especially Sharon... I suspect many Israeli hardliners are foaming at the mouth now and looking for ways to weasel out, I am already hearing the one after the other demand, each more unreasonable or unlikely to be met... such as a total dismantling of Hamas, arresting all their leaders and have them hand in their weapons... This is unreasonable, first take small steps. Get the Israeli army out of there. Then slowly dismantle the settler outposts. One step at a time...
I am so very hopeful but dont dare celebrate anything yet.
As the main Palestinian organisations agree to a truce, as the smaller organisations are now also being drawn into the agreement, I am holding my breath and saying please please please everyone, dont mess this up. Especially Sharon... I suspect many Israeli hardliners are foaming at the mouth now and looking for ways to weasel out, I am already hearing the one after the other demand, each more unreasonable or unlikely to be met... such as a total dismantling of Hamas, arresting all their leaders and have them hand in their weapons... This is unreasonable, first take small steps. Get the Israeli army out of there. Then slowly dismantle the settler outposts. One step at a time...
I am so very hopeful but dont dare celebrate anything yet.
Israel
As the main Palestinian organisations agree to a truce, as the smaller organisations are now also being drawn into the agreement, I am holding my breath and saying please please please everyone, dont mess this up. Especially Sharon... I suspect many Israeli hardliners are foaming at the mouth now and looking for ways to weasel out, I am already hearing the one after the other demand, each more unreasonable or unlikely to be met... such as a total dismantling of Hamas, arresting all their leaders and have them hand in their weapons... This is unreasonable, first take small steps. Get the Israeli army out of there. Then slowly dismantle the settler outposts. One step at a time...
I am so very hopeful but dont dare celebrate anything yet.
As the main Palestinian organisations agree to a truce, as the smaller organisations are now also being drawn into the agreement, I am holding my breath and saying please please please everyone, dont mess this up. Especially Sharon... I suspect many Israeli hardliners are foaming at the mouth now and looking for ways to weasel out, I am already hearing the one after the other demand, each more unreasonable or unlikely to be met... such as a total dismantling of Hamas, arresting all their leaders and have them hand in their weapons... This is unreasonable, first take small steps. Get the Israeli army out of there. Then slowly dismantle the settler outposts. One step at a time...
I am so very hopeful but dont dare celebrate anything yet.
Friday, June 27, 2003
Iraq
Yesterday's tally:
Oil pipeline blown up.
Grenades dropped on Humvee's from an overpass
Civilian SUV traveling with US troops destroyed, killing 2 soldiers and 2 Iraqi civilians.
US Army truck blown up 30 km south of Baghdad
At Hilla, 70 km south of Baghdad, 3 Marines were wounded an ambush. Another two were injured and one Marine was killed on their way to assist them, when their vehicle crashed.
Two US soldiers and their vehicle went missing, probably kidnapped.
They are sending about 1000 of my countrymen into this mess to assist.
I am completely against this.
The rest of the country will be too when the filled bodybags of our soldiers come back home.
The Americans created this mess together with the British, against all advice and opinion!
They should fix it then.
I know this though: only after completely having messed things up over there, will they ask the UN to come in and peacekeep.
They will ask the UN to do the (probably) impossible.
The UN will try.
Many will die.
All of this was not necessary!
Yesterday's tally:
Oil pipeline blown up.
Grenades dropped on Humvee's from an overpass
Civilian SUV traveling with US troops destroyed, killing 2 soldiers and 2 Iraqi civilians.
US Army truck blown up 30 km south of Baghdad
At Hilla, 70 km south of Baghdad, 3 Marines were wounded an ambush. Another two were injured and one Marine was killed on their way to assist them, when their vehicle crashed.
Two US soldiers and their vehicle went missing, probably kidnapped.
They are sending about 1000 of my countrymen into this mess to assist.
I am completely against this.
The rest of the country will be too when the filled bodybags of our soldiers come back home.
The Americans created this mess together with the British, against all advice and opinion!
They should fix it then.
I know this though: only after completely having messed things up over there, will they ask the UN to come in and peacekeep.
They will ask the UN to do the (probably) impossible.
The UN will try.
Many will die.
All of this was not necessary!
Iraq
Yesterday's tally:
Oil pipeline blown up.
Grenades dropped on Humvee's from an overpass
Civilian SUV traveling with US troops destroyed, killing 2 soldiers and 2 Iraqi civilians.
US Army truck blown up 30 km south of Baghdad
At Hilla, 70 km south of Baghdad, 3 Marines were wounded an ambush. Another two were injured and one Marine was killed on their way to assist them, when their vehicle crashed.
Two US soldiers and their vehicle went missing, probably kidnapped.
They are sending about 1000 of my countrymen into this mess to assist.
I am completely against this.
The rest of the country will be too when the filled bodybags of our soldiers come back home.
The Americans created this mess together with the British, against all advice and opinion!
They should fix it then.
I know this though: only after completely having messed things up over there, will they ask the UN to come in and peacekeep.
They will ask the UN to do the (probably) impossible.
The UN will try.
Many will die.
All of this was not necessary!
Yesterday's tally:
Oil pipeline blown up.
Grenades dropped on Humvee's from an overpass
Civilian SUV traveling with US troops destroyed, killing 2 soldiers and 2 Iraqi civilians.
US Army truck blown up 30 km south of Baghdad
At Hilla, 70 km south of Baghdad, 3 Marines were wounded an ambush. Another two were injured and one Marine was killed on their way to assist them, when their vehicle crashed.
Two US soldiers and their vehicle went missing, probably kidnapped.
They are sending about 1000 of my countrymen into this mess to assist.
I am completely against this.
The rest of the country will be too when the filled bodybags of our soldiers come back home.
The Americans created this mess together with the British, against all advice and opinion!
They should fix it then.
I know this though: only after completely having messed things up over there, will they ask the UN to come in and peacekeep.
They will ask the UN to do the (probably) impossible.
The UN will try.
Many will die.
All of this was not necessary!
Israel
While the militant organisations hammer out the details of their offer of a three month cease-fire, while Bush and Rice yell for the dismantling of Hamas (oh get real!) and Israeli gunships assassinate (or as they call it: "targeted arrest operation") 'militants' and onlookers alike, the peace plan looks as if it wont ever get off the ground.
Yet, it must!.
We should increase the pressure on Israel.
Push our governments to stop supporting Israel's 'legal' terrorism.
Boycott their products.
Be vocal about it.
Force Israel into taking steps towards peace now that the Palestinians are so clearly working towards peace, against all odds.
We should help them to do this, push them into it... the first steps are always the hardest.
The British MP's who went to Palestine on a fact-finding mission both wrote pieces in the Guardian.
Already, there has been quite a reaction to Oona King's piece.
The second article by Jenny Tonge was published today. Both articles are well worth the read. I hope people will take note and will not get caught up in baseless accusations of anti-Semitism and such.
Read what they say, this is important!
It's time this sick situation ended.
In the interest of world peace!
While the militant organisations hammer out the details of their offer of a three month cease-fire, while Bush and Rice yell for the dismantling of Hamas (oh get real!) and Israeli gunships assassinate (or as they call it: "targeted arrest operation") 'militants' and onlookers alike, the peace plan looks as if it wont ever get off the ground.
Yet, it must!.
We should increase the pressure on Israel.
Push our governments to stop supporting Israel's 'legal' terrorism.
Boycott their products.
Be vocal about it.
Force Israel into taking steps towards peace now that the Palestinians are so clearly working towards peace, against all odds.
We should help them to do this, push them into it... the first steps are always the hardest.
The British MP's who went to Palestine on a fact-finding mission both wrote pieces in the Guardian.
Already, there has been quite a reaction to Oona King's piece.
The second article by Jenny Tonge was published today. Both articles are well worth the read. I hope people will take note and will not get caught up in baseless accusations of anti-Semitism and such.
Read what they say, this is important!
It's time this sick situation ended.
In the interest of world peace!
Israel
While the militant organisations hammer out the details of their offer of a three month cease-fire, while Bush and Rice yell for the dismantling of Hamas (oh get real!) and Israeli gunships assassinate (or as they call it: "targeted arrest operation") 'militants' and onlookers alike, the peace plan looks as if it wont ever get off the ground.
Yet, it must!.
We should increase the pressure on Israel.
Push our governments to stop supporting Israel's 'legal' terrorism.
Boycott their products.
Be vocal about it.
Force Israel into taking steps towards peace now that the Palestinians are so clearly working towards peace, against all odds.
We should help them to do this, push them into it... the first steps are always the hardest.
The British MP's who went to Palestine on a fact-finding mission both wrote pieces in the Guardian.
Already, there has been quite a reaction to Oona King's piece.
The second article by Jenny Tonge was published today. Both articles are well worth the read. I hope people will take note and will not get caught up in baseless accusations of anti-Semitism and such.
Read what they say, this is important!
It's time this sick situation ended.
In the interest of world peace!
While the militant organisations hammer out the details of their offer of a three month cease-fire, while Bush and Rice yell for the dismantling of Hamas (oh get real!) and Israeli gunships assassinate (or as they call it: "targeted arrest operation") 'militants' and onlookers alike, the peace plan looks as if it wont ever get off the ground.
Yet, it must!.
We should increase the pressure on Israel.
Push our governments to stop supporting Israel's 'legal' terrorism.
Boycott their products.
Be vocal about it.
Force Israel into taking steps towards peace now that the Palestinians are so clearly working towards peace, against all odds.
We should help them to do this, push them into it... the first steps are always the hardest.
The British MP's who went to Palestine on a fact-finding mission both wrote pieces in the Guardian.
Already, there has been quite a reaction to Oona King's piece.
The second article by Jenny Tonge was published today. Both articles are well worth the read. I hope people will take note and will not get caught up in baseless accusations of anti-Semitism and such.
Read what they say, this is important!
It's time this sick situation ended.
In the interest of world peace!
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Iraq
Ah man, this is just like standing on the sidelines, watching two fully loaded trucks thundering towards each other, neither side seeing the impending crash.
You know it is going to be messy, bloody and it is happening soon, right in front of your eyes.
So many dead and injured, so many more to come.
It makes me so angry at the US: they knew this was the likely outcome.
It does not take a rocket scientist to see there is a shitstorm coming!
A sample of (some of) yesterday's headlines:
Furious townspeople kill British troops
UK considers Iraq reinforcements
Iraqi Villagers Say Strike Was Case of Mistaken Identity
Attack on Home, Convoy Breeds Anger
US troops kill five Iraqis in overnight violence
U.S. Contractor Sees Growing Hostility in Iraq
Radiation fears grow in Iraq
Iraq fuel pipeline 'blown up'
Cover Your Hair
Ah man, this is just like standing on the sidelines, watching two fully loaded trucks thundering towards each other, neither side seeing the impending crash.
You know it is going to be messy, bloody and it is happening soon, right in front of your eyes.
So many dead and injured, so many more to come.
It makes me so angry at the US: they knew this was the likely outcome.
It does not take a rocket scientist to see there is a shitstorm coming!
A sample of (some of) yesterday's headlines:
Furious townspeople kill British troops
UK considers Iraq reinforcements
Iraqi Villagers Say Strike Was Case of Mistaken Identity
Attack on Home, Convoy Breeds Anger
US troops kill five Iraqis in overnight violence
U.S. Contractor Sees Growing Hostility in Iraq
Radiation fears grow in Iraq
Iraq fuel pipeline 'blown up'
Cover Your Hair
Iraq
Ah man, this is just like standing on the sidelines, watching two fully loaded trucks thundering towards each other, neither side seeing the impending crash.
You know it is going to be messy, bloody and it is happening soon, right in front of your eyes.
So many dead and injured, so many more to come.
It makes me so angry at the US: they knew this was the likely outcome.
It does not take a rocket scientist to see there is a shitstorm coming!
A sample of (some of) yesterday's headlines:
Furious townspeople kill British troops
UK considers Iraq reinforcements
Iraqi Villagers Say Strike Was Case of Mistaken Identity
Attack on Home, Convoy Breeds Anger
US troops kill five Iraqis in overnight violence
U.S. Contractor Sees Growing Hostility in Iraq
Radiation fears grow in Iraq
Iraq fuel pipeline 'blown up'
Cover Your Hair
Ah man, this is just like standing on the sidelines, watching two fully loaded trucks thundering towards each other, neither side seeing the impending crash.
You know it is going to be messy, bloody and it is happening soon, right in front of your eyes.
So many dead and injured, so many more to come.
It makes me so angry at the US: they knew this was the likely outcome.
It does not take a rocket scientist to see there is a shitstorm coming!
A sample of (some of) yesterday's headlines:
Furious townspeople kill British troops
UK considers Iraq reinforcements
Iraqi Villagers Say Strike Was Case of Mistaken Identity
Attack on Home, Convoy Breeds Anger
US troops kill five Iraqis in overnight violence
U.S. Contractor Sees Growing Hostility in Iraq
Radiation fears grow in Iraq
Iraq fuel pipeline 'blown up'
Cover Your Hair
Monday, June 23, 2003
Israel
The West Bank and Gaza settlements:
"Just build, but just don't publicize it," Sharon said
Over the past two weeks Sharon dismantled 11 illegal outposts... at the same time 10 new illegal West Bank outposts were set up.
Ah well, that pretty much does it for the fabled roadmap.
It was a nice pipe-dream while it lasted.
The West Bank and Gaza settlements:
"Just build, but just don't publicize it," Sharon said
Over the past two weeks Sharon dismantled 11 illegal outposts... at the same time 10 new illegal West Bank outposts were set up.
Ah well, that pretty much does it for the fabled roadmap.
It was a nice pipe-dream while it lasted.
Israel
The West Bank and Gaza settlements:
"Just build, but just don't publicize it," Sharon said
Over the past two weeks Sharon dismantled 11 illegal outposts... at the same time 10 new illegal West Bank outposts were set up.
Ah well, that pretty much does it for the fabled roadmap.
It was a nice pipe-dream while it lasted.
The West Bank and Gaza settlements:
"Just build, but just don't publicize it," Sharon said
Over the past two weeks Sharon dismantled 11 illegal outposts... at the same time 10 new illegal West Bank outposts were set up.
Ah well, that pretty much does it for the fabled roadmap.
It was a nice pipe-dream while it lasted.
Iraq
Dozens of people are showing up every day at a hospital near a defunct Iraqi nuclear plant, suffering from rashes, bloody noses and other symptoms of radiation poisoning, doctors said Saturday. ...... "Some 30 to 40 patients suffering from bloody diarrhea visit our hospital every day, probably due to their exposure to nuclear radiation," said Bassim Abbud, a physician at the Mada'in General Hospital, about 9 miles from the Tuwaitha nuclear facility.
Shit. Who is going to clean this up?
Who is going to help these people, give them the medical care they need?
Or are the Americans going to pretend this is not happening?
Is this why the IAEA folks were not allowed to examine any people for radiation poisoning?
The looting of the nuclear power plant happened on their watch, right under their noses.
It is the responsibility of the Americans.
Of course, after making sure the International Court cannot touch them, after bullying and blackmailing Brussels into changing the War Crimes law so Americans cannot be prosecuted, who cares, right?
What the heck, just let the Iraqi people die, or worse...
Dozens of people are showing up every day at a hospital near a defunct Iraqi nuclear plant, suffering from rashes, bloody noses and other symptoms of radiation poisoning, doctors said Saturday. ...... "Some 30 to 40 patients suffering from bloody diarrhea visit our hospital every day, probably due to their exposure to nuclear radiation," said Bassim Abbud, a physician at the Mada'in General Hospital, about 9 miles from the Tuwaitha nuclear facility.
Shit. Who is going to clean this up?
Who is going to help these people, give them the medical care they need?
Or are the Americans going to pretend this is not happening?
Is this why the IAEA folks were not allowed to examine any people for radiation poisoning?
The looting of the nuclear power plant happened on their watch, right under their noses.
It is the responsibility of the Americans.
Of course, after making sure the International Court cannot touch them, after bullying and blackmailing Brussels into changing the War Crimes law so Americans cannot be prosecuted, who cares, right?
What the heck, just let the Iraqi people die, or worse...
Iraq
Dozens of people are showing up every day at a hospital near a defunct Iraqi nuclear plant, suffering from rashes, bloody noses and other symptoms of radiation poisoning, doctors said Saturday. ...... "Some 30 to 40 patients suffering from bloody diarrhea visit our hospital every day, probably due to their exposure to nuclear radiation," said Bassim Abbud, a physician at the Mada'in General Hospital, about 9 miles from the Tuwaitha nuclear facility.
Shit. Who is going to clean this up?
Who is going to help these people, give them the medical care they need?
Or are the Americans going to pretend this is not happening?
Is this why the IAEA folks were not allowed to examine any people for radiation poisoning?
The looting of the nuclear power plant happened on their watch, right under their noses.
It is the responsibility of the Americans.
Of course, after making sure the International Court cannot touch them, after bullying and blackmailing Brussels into changing the War Crimes law so Americans cannot be prosecuted, who cares, right?
What the heck, just let the Iraqi people die, or worse...
Dozens of people are showing up every day at a hospital near a defunct Iraqi nuclear plant, suffering from rashes, bloody noses and other symptoms of radiation poisoning, doctors said Saturday. ...... "Some 30 to 40 patients suffering from bloody diarrhea visit our hospital every day, probably due to their exposure to nuclear radiation," said Bassim Abbud, a physician at the Mada'in General Hospital, about 9 miles from the Tuwaitha nuclear facility.
Shit. Who is going to clean this up?
Who is going to help these people, give them the medical care they need?
Or are the Americans going to pretend this is not happening?
Is this why the IAEA folks were not allowed to examine any people for radiation poisoning?
The looting of the nuclear power plant happened on their watch, right under their noses.
It is the responsibility of the Americans.
Of course, after making sure the International Court cannot touch them, after bullying and blackmailing Brussels into changing the War Crimes law so Americans cannot be prosecuted, who cares, right?
What the heck, just let the Iraqi people die, or worse...
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Israel
You know, I am all for stopping acts of terrorist violence.
Its the method Israel employs that I am vehemently against.
Take a look here at the face of collateral damage.
Each targeted assassination of one person is accompanied by a (sometimes shockingly large) number of innocent bystander deaths and injured, of which some are maimed for life.
There is no way of justifying this kind of action. Especially not if you are a government or military of a country.
No justification whatsoever possible!
So, though I will never sanction suicide bombers, I can understand where they come from. How they are created.
They are the collateral damage.
You know, I am all for stopping acts of terrorist violence.
Its the method Israel employs that I am vehemently against.
Take a look here at the face of collateral damage.
Each targeted assassination of one person is accompanied by a (sometimes shockingly large) number of innocent bystander deaths and injured, of which some are maimed for life.
There is no way of justifying this kind of action. Especially not if you are a government or military of a country.
No justification whatsoever possible!
So, though I will never sanction suicide bombers, I can understand where they come from. How they are created.
They are the collateral damage.
Israel
You know, I am all for stopping acts of terrorist violence.
Its the method Israel employs that I am vehemently against.
Take a look here at the face of collateral damage.
Each targeted assassination of one person is accompanied by a (sometimes shockingly large) number of innocent bystander deaths and injured, of which some are maimed for life.
There is no way of justifying this kind of action. Especially not if you are a government or military of a country.
No justification whatsoever possible!
So, though I will never sanction suicide bombers, I can understand where they come from. How they are created.
They are the collateral damage.
You know, I am all for stopping acts of terrorist violence.
Its the method Israel employs that I am vehemently against.
Take a look here at the face of collateral damage.
Each targeted assassination of one person is accompanied by a (sometimes shockingly large) number of innocent bystander deaths and injured, of which some are maimed for life.
There is no way of justifying this kind of action. Especially not if you are a government or military of a country.
No justification whatsoever possible!
So, though I will never sanction suicide bombers, I can understand where they come from. How they are created.
They are the collateral damage.
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Iraq
Bush Says Iraqi Weapons Sites Were Looted... and that's why there were no weapons of mass destruction found.
I am not even going to waste my breath on this one!
Utterly ridiculous!
Bush Says Iraqi Weapons Sites Were Looted... and that's why there were no weapons of mass destruction found.
I am not even going to waste my breath on this one!
Utterly ridiculous!
Iraq
Bush Says Iraqi Weapons Sites Were Looted... and that's why there were no weapons of mass destruction found.
I am not even going to waste my breath on this one!
Utterly ridiculous!
Bush Says Iraqi Weapons Sites Were Looted... and that's why there were no weapons of mass destruction found.
I am not even going to waste my breath on this one!
Utterly ridiculous!
Israel
So, Israel kills another senior Hamas official. I can just see this peace plan galloping ahead full steam...
How on earth is the brand new Palestinian PM Abbas ever supposed to get the militants to stop the suicide attacks this way??? This will guarantee more attacks, more people joining Hamas for suicide missions.
Israel backing the peace plan? Please dont make me laugh.
Their actions are making their agenda crystal clear. They will pay lip service to the peace plan while doing all they can to sabotage it.
Dont they ever get tired of the killing???
Security sources say Israel believes Kawasme was responsible for a series of attacks, including last week's bombing in Jerusalem that killed 17 people
So, what happened to that outdated concept of arresting such a person and bringing him to trial??? The Isreali's could kidnap Nazi's from South America to stand trial, they certainly knew where this man was, which was much closer to home, why not bring to trial and imprison when found guilty???
By the way, exactly how many top officials does Hamas have??? Every time there is an assassination, it is yet another top official. By my count, the number of assassinated top Hamas officials is higher than the number of top officials in most of the large corporations in my country! Is everyone in Hamas a top official then?
So, Israel kills another senior Hamas official. I can just see this peace plan galloping ahead full steam...
How on earth is the brand new Palestinian PM Abbas ever supposed to get the militants to stop the suicide attacks this way??? This will guarantee more attacks, more people joining Hamas for suicide missions.
Israel backing the peace plan? Please dont make me laugh.
Their actions are making their agenda crystal clear. They will pay lip service to the peace plan while doing all they can to sabotage it.
Dont they ever get tired of the killing???
Security sources say Israel believes Kawasme was responsible for a series of attacks, including last week's bombing in Jerusalem that killed 17 people
So, what happened to that outdated concept of arresting such a person and bringing him to trial??? The Isreali's could kidnap Nazi's from South America to stand trial, they certainly knew where this man was, which was much closer to home, why not bring to trial and imprison when found guilty???
By the way, exactly how many top officials does Hamas have??? Every time there is an assassination, it is yet another top official. By my count, the number of assassinated top Hamas officials is higher than the number of top officials in most of the large corporations in my country! Is everyone in Hamas a top official then?
Israel
So, Israel kills another senior Hamas official. I can just see this peace plan galloping ahead full steam...
How on earth is the brand new Palestinian PM Abbas ever supposed to get the militants to stop the suicide attacks this way??? This will guarantee more attacks, more people joining Hamas for suicide missions.
Israel backing the peace plan? Please dont make me laugh.
Their actions are making their agenda crystal clear. They will pay lip service to the peace plan while doing all they can to sabotage it.
Dont they ever get tired of the killing???
Security sources say Israel believes Kawasme was responsible for a series of attacks, including last week's bombing in Jerusalem that killed 17 people
So, what happened to that outdated concept of arresting such a person and bringing him to trial??? The Isreali's could kidnap Nazi's from South America to stand trial, they certainly knew where this man was, which was much closer to home, why not bring to trial and imprison when found guilty???
By the way, exactly how many top officials does Hamas have??? Every time there is an assassination, it is yet another top official. By my count, the number of assassinated top Hamas officials is higher than the number of top officials in most of the large corporations in my country! Is everyone in Hamas a top official then?
So, Israel kills another senior Hamas official. I can just see this peace plan galloping ahead full steam...
How on earth is the brand new Palestinian PM Abbas ever supposed to get the militants to stop the suicide attacks this way??? This will guarantee more attacks, more people joining Hamas for suicide missions.
Israel backing the peace plan? Please dont make me laugh.
Their actions are making their agenda crystal clear. They will pay lip service to the peace plan while doing all they can to sabotage it.
Dont they ever get tired of the killing???
Security sources say Israel believes Kawasme was responsible for a series of attacks, including last week's bombing in Jerusalem that killed 17 people
So, what happened to that outdated concept of arresting such a person and bringing him to trial??? The Isreali's could kidnap Nazi's from South America to stand trial, they certainly knew where this man was, which was much closer to home, why not bring to trial and imprison when found guilty???
By the way, exactly how many top officials does Hamas have??? Every time there is an assassination, it is yet another top official. By my count, the number of assassinated top Hamas officials is higher than the number of top officials in most of the large corporations in my country! Is everyone in Hamas a top official then?
Iraq
Say, how long does it take to capture the current "main object" of your invasion???!
First, Afghanistan. The country gets bombed straight back into the Neolithic Age, the little infrastructure they had gets shattered, the poppy producers are delirious with happiness at being allowed to regain the world's top position as heroin exporters again... and then Osama bin Laden and all his top henchmen are allowed to get clean away. No intensive search, no following them, no special troops, nothing, nada. Good work, America!
Then, to take our attention off this, you (dont come with the coalition bull, it's America's show all the way) invade (oops, liberate) Iraq.
Where you let Saddam Hussein and his two monsters of sons, together with most of the really influential people, get clean away too.
Now it seems you are trying to divert our attention from this by threatening Iran.
What do you think, the rest of the world is stupid??? We are not as compliant as the American public, not as scared into submission, not as obedient to the powers that be, not as brainwashed by an incompetent mainstream press.
Now that you went ahead and invaded the country against the will of most of the world, at least have the decency to put all your efforts into finding Saddam and his sons (forget about the WMD, there aint any and you know it). If you dont, the people of Iraq will never have peace of mind.
Like the people of Afghanistan, who, it seems, are only an American handshake away from being governed by the Taliban again... I'm sure the women of Afghanistan will be especially pleased with this!
PS for anyone interested in reading an article on American congressional democracy in action, go here: The misery of being a house Democrat. Oppressed Minority. by Michael Crowley (the article was originally published here, in The New Republic Online).
America is already a fascist state, unfortunately most Americans have not twigged to this yet. This article makes as much clear.
Say, how long does it take to capture the current "main object" of your invasion???!
First, Afghanistan. The country gets bombed straight back into the Neolithic Age, the little infrastructure they had gets shattered, the poppy producers are delirious with happiness at being allowed to regain the world's top position as heroin exporters again... and then Osama bin Laden and all his top henchmen are allowed to get clean away. No intensive search, no following them, no special troops, nothing, nada. Good work, America!
Then, to take our attention off this, you (dont come with the coalition bull, it's America's show all the way) invade (oops, liberate) Iraq.
Where you let Saddam Hussein and his two monsters of sons, together with most of the really influential people, get clean away too.
Now it seems you are trying to divert our attention from this by threatening Iran.
What do you think, the rest of the world is stupid??? We are not as compliant as the American public, not as scared into submission, not as obedient to the powers that be, not as brainwashed by an incompetent mainstream press.
Now that you went ahead and invaded the country against the will of most of the world, at least have the decency to put all your efforts into finding Saddam and his sons (forget about the WMD, there aint any and you know it). If you dont, the people of Iraq will never have peace of mind.
Like the people of Afghanistan, who, it seems, are only an American handshake away from being governed by the Taliban again... I'm sure the women of Afghanistan will be especially pleased with this!
PS for anyone interested in reading an article on American congressional democracy in action, go here: The misery of being a house Democrat. Oppressed Minority. by Michael Crowley (the article was originally published here, in The New Republic Online).
America is already a fascist state, unfortunately most Americans have not twigged to this yet. This article makes as much clear.
Iraq
Say, how long does it take to capture the current "main object" of your invasion???!
First, Afghanistan. The country gets bombed straight back into the Neolithic Age, the little infrastructure they had gets shattered, the poppy producers are delirious with happiness at being allowed to regain the world's top position as heroin exporters again... and then Osama bin Laden and all his top henchmen are allowed to get clean away. No intensive search, no following them, no special troops, nothing, nada. Good work, America!
Then, to take our attention off this, you (dont come with the coalition bull, it's America's show all the way) invade (oops, liberate) Iraq.
Where you let Saddam Hussein and his two monsters of sons, together with most of the really influential people, get clean away too.
Now it seems you are trying to divert our attention from this by threatening Iran.
What do you think, the rest of the world is stupid??? We are not as compliant as the American public, not as scared into submission, not as obedient to the powers that be, not as brainwashed by an incompetent mainstream press.
Now that you went ahead and invaded the country against the will of most of the world, at least have the decency to put all your efforts into finding Saddam and his sons (forget about the WMD, there aint any and you know it). If you dont, the people of Iraq will never have peace of mind.
Like the people of Afghanistan, who, it seems, are only an American handshake away from being governed by the Taliban again... I'm sure the women of Afghanistan will be especially pleased with this!
PS for anyone interested in reading an article on American congressional democracy in action, go here: The misery of being a house Democrat. Oppressed Minority. by Michael Crowley (the article was originally published here, in The New Republic Online).
America is already a fascist state, unfortunately most Americans have not twigged to this yet. This article makes as much clear.
Say, how long does it take to capture the current "main object" of your invasion???!
First, Afghanistan. The country gets bombed straight back into the Neolithic Age, the little infrastructure they had gets shattered, the poppy producers are delirious with happiness at being allowed to regain the world's top position as heroin exporters again... and then Osama bin Laden and all his top henchmen are allowed to get clean away. No intensive search, no following them, no special troops, nothing, nada. Good work, America!
Then, to take our attention off this, you (dont come with the coalition bull, it's America's show all the way) invade (oops, liberate) Iraq.
Where you let Saddam Hussein and his two monsters of sons, together with most of the really influential people, get clean away too.
Now it seems you are trying to divert our attention from this by threatening Iran.
What do you think, the rest of the world is stupid??? We are not as compliant as the American public, not as scared into submission, not as obedient to the powers that be, not as brainwashed by an incompetent mainstream press.
Now that you went ahead and invaded the country against the will of most of the world, at least have the decency to put all your efforts into finding Saddam and his sons (forget about the WMD, there aint any and you know it). If you dont, the people of Iraq will never have peace of mind.
Like the people of Afghanistan, who, it seems, are only an American handshake away from being governed by the Taliban again... I'm sure the women of Afghanistan will be especially pleased with this!
PS for anyone interested in reading an article on American congressional democracy in action, go here: The misery of being a house Democrat. Oppressed Minority. by Michael Crowley (the article was originally published here, in The New Republic Online).
America is already a fascist state, unfortunately most Americans have not twigged to this yet. This article makes as much clear.
Friday, June 20, 2003
Iraq
Well, I hope this puts an end to the myth of the mobile weapons labs that were found:
An official British investigation into two trailers found in northern Iraq has concluded they are not mobile germ warfare labs, as was claimed by Tony Blair and President George Bush, but were for the production of hydrogen to fill artillery balloons, as the Iraqis have continued to insist.
...The revelation that the mobile labs were to produce hydrogen for artillery balloons will also cause discomfort for the British authorities because the Iraqi army's original system was sold to it by the British company, Marconi Command & Control.
Any other weapons of mass destruction on offer, or shall I wait just a little bit longer for the US/UK troops to find some?
Well, I hope this puts an end to the myth of the mobile weapons labs that were found:
An official British investigation into two trailers found in northern Iraq has concluded they are not mobile germ warfare labs, as was claimed by Tony Blair and President George Bush, but were for the production of hydrogen to fill artillery balloons, as the Iraqis have continued to insist.
...The revelation that the mobile labs were to produce hydrogen for artillery balloons will also cause discomfort for the British authorities because the Iraqi army's original system was sold to it by the British company, Marconi Command & Control.
Any other weapons of mass destruction on offer, or shall I wait just a little bit longer for the US/UK troops to find some?
Iraq
Well, I hope this puts an end to the myth of the mobile weapons labs that were found:
An official British investigation into two trailers found in northern Iraq has concluded they are not mobile germ warfare labs, as was claimed by Tony Blair and President George Bush, but were for the production of hydrogen to fill artillery balloons, as the Iraqis have continued to insist.
...The revelation that the mobile labs were to produce hydrogen for artillery balloons will also cause discomfort for the British authorities because the Iraqi army's original system was sold to it by the British company, Marconi Command & Control.
Any other weapons of mass destruction on offer, or shall I wait just a little bit longer for the US/UK troops to find some?
Well, I hope this puts an end to the myth of the mobile weapons labs that were found:
An official British investigation into two trailers found in northern Iraq has concluded they are not mobile germ warfare labs, as was claimed by Tony Blair and President George Bush, but were for the production of hydrogen to fill artillery balloons, as the Iraqis have continued to insist.
...The revelation that the mobile labs were to produce hydrogen for artillery balloons will also cause discomfort for the British authorities because the Iraqi army's original system was sold to it by the British company, Marconi Command & Control.
Any other weapons of mass destruction on offer, or shall I wait just a little bit longer for the US/UK troops to find some?
Israel
Clearing a tin shack and three tents (this is what Israel and the world mainstream press call a Settlement): 12 hour of fighting, 45 people hurt, 15 settlers evicted (of which 10 were actually living there)...... PRICELESS!
All this drama to clear this one small "settlement", I'd really like to see how they plan to clear those entire towns and small cities that sprouted there before and especially since Sharon started encouraging people to settle in the Palestinian areas.
Clearing a tin shack and three tents (this is what Israel and the world mainstream press call a Settlement): 12 hour of fighting, 45 people hurt, 15 settlers evicted (of which 10 were actually living there)...... PRICELESS!
All this drama to clear this one small "settlement", I'd really like to see how they plan to clear those entire towns and small cities that sprouted there before and especially since Sharon started encouraging people to settle in the Palestinian areas.
Israel
Clearing a tin shack and three tents (this is what Israel and the world mainstream press call a Settlement): 12 hour of fighting, 45 people hurt, 15 settlers evicted (of which 10 were actually living there)...... PRICELESS!
All this drama to clear this one small "settlement", I'd really like to see how they plan to clear those entire towns and small cities that sprouted there before and especially since Sharon started encouraging people to settle in the Palestinian areas.
Clearing a tin shack and three tents (this is what Israel and the world mainstream press call a Settlement): 12 hour of fighting, 45 people hurt, 15 settlers evicted (of which 10 were actually living there)...... PRICELESS!
All this drama to clear this one small "settlement", I'd really like to see how they plan to clear those entire towns and small cities that sprouted there before and especially since Sharon started encouraging people to settle in the Palestinian areas.
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Israel
Senator Richard Lugar, R-Indiana: U.S. force may be needed in Mideast
Ooooh shit..... If they do this, the rest of the world better take a collective step backwards so we dont get splattered by all that blood.
Mainly American blood.
What kind of idiots are getting elected over there in America???
This man is the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!!!
American troops going over to Israel and Palestine to battle Hamas, has he completely lost his mind???
The very fact that he comes out and says this means it has already been discussed and carries some support.
Oh boy, I am staying far away from all things American (the country as well as anything even vaguely American here in Europe) until they have finished self-destructing. I dont want to risk being a terrorist attack statistic and sure as hell, America is busy painting a whopping target on it's collective self.
Senator Richard Lugar, R-Indiana: U.S. force may be needed in Mideast
Ooooh shit..... If they do this, the rest of the world better take a collective step backwards so we dont get splattered by all that blood.
Mainly American blood.
What kind of idiots are getting elected over there in America???
This man is the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!!!
American troops going over to Israel and Palestine to battle Hamas, has he completely lost his mind???
The very fact that he comes out and says this means it has already been discussed and carries some support.
Oh boy, I am staying far away from all things American (the country as well as anything even vaguely American here in Europe) until they have finished self-destructing. I dont want to risk being a terrorist attack statistic and sure as hell, America is busy painting a whopping target on it's collective self.
Israel
Senator Richard Lugar, R-Indiana: U.S. force may be needed in Mideast
Ooooh shit..... If they do this, the rest of the world better take a collective step backwards so we dont get splattered by all that blood.
Mainly American blood.
What kind of idiots are getting elected over there in America???
This man is the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!!!
American troops going over to Israel and Palestine to battle Hamas, has he completely lost his mind???
The very fact that he comes out and says this means it has already been discussed and carries some support.
Oh boy, I am staying far away from all things American (the country as well as anything even vaguely American here in Europe) until they have finished self-destructing. I dont want to risk being a terrorist attack statistic and sure as hell, America is busy painting a whopping target on it's collective self.
Senator Richard Lugar, R-Indiana: U.S. force may be needed in Mideast
Ooooh shit..... If they do this, the rest of the world better take a collective step backwards so we dont get splattered by all that blood.
Mainly American blood.
What kind of idiots are getting elected over there in America???
This man is the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!!!
American troops going over to Israel and Palestine to battle Hamas, has he completely lost his mind???
The very fact that he comes out and says this means it has already been discussed and carries some support.
Oh boy, I am staying far away from all things American (the country as well as anything even vaguely American here in Europe) until they have finished self-destructing. I dont want to risk being a terrorist attack statistic and sure as hell, America is busy painting a whopping target on it's collective self.
Iraq
And so the waltz begins... one step this way, two steps the other way.
The policy of tit-for-tat.
I hope the Americans look long and hard at Israel.
This is not sustainable.
They should concentrate on getting all services up and running as fast as possible, getting as many Iraqi people working and earning an income as possible, getting Iraqi people involved in government as fast as possible and then getting out as fast as possible.
Building an empire in this region will only be a bloody affair with nobody coming out a winner.
And so the waltz begins... one step this way, two steps the other way.
The policy of tit-for-tat.
I hope the Americans look long and hard at Israel.
This is not sustainable.
They should concentrate on getting all services up and running as fast as possible, getting as many Iraqi people working and earning an income as possible, getting Iraqi people involved in government as fast as possible and then getting out as fast as possible.
Building an empire in this region will only be a bloody affair with nobody coming out a winner.
Iraq
And so the waltz begins... one step this way, two steps the other way.
The policy of tit-for-tat.
I hope the Americans look long and hard at Israel.
This is not sustainable.
They should concentrate on getting all services up and running as fast as possible, getting as many Iraqi people working and earning an income as possible, getting Iraqi people involved in government as fast as possible and then getting out as fast as possible.
Building an empire in this region will only be a bloody affair with nobody coming out a winner.
And so the waltz begins... one step this way, two steps the other way.
The policy of tit-for-tat.
I hope the Americans look long and hard at Israel.
This is not sustainable.
They should concentrate on getting all services up and running as fast as possible, getting as many Iraqi people working and earning an income as possible, getting Iraqi people involved in government as fast as possible and then getting out as fast as possible.
Building an empire in this region will only be a bloody affair with nobody coming out a winner.
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Iraq
So, they kick two CIA sacrificial lambs to the nether regions and think that makes it all okay.
It's not all A-okay.
The reason for getting into this war was fraudulent.
They knew it, we all knew it.
They did it anyway, over our protests.
Just because they could.
It is not okay and it wont ever be okay.
Bush and Blair should answer for it in an international court.
They never will though.
International law and international justice took a beating this year, I dont think it will ever fully recover.
Neither will the reputation of the USA and UK.
No matter how many mass graves are found...
So, they kick two CIA sacrificial lambs to the nether regions and think that makes it all okay.
It's not all A-okay.
The reason for getting into this war was fraudulent.
They knew it, we all knew it.
They did it anyway, over our protests.
Just because they could.
It is not okay and it wont ever be okay.
Bush and Blair should answer for it in an international court.
They never will though.
International law and international justice took a beating this year, I dont think it will ever fully recover.
Neither will the reputation of the USA and UK.
No matter how many mass graves are found...
Iraq
So, they kick two CIA sacrificial lambs to the nether regions and think that makes it all okay.
It's not all A-okay.
The reason for getting into this war was fraudulent.
They knew it, we all knew it.
They did it anyway, over our protests.
Just because they could.
It is not okay and it wont ever be okay.
Bush and Blair should answer for it in an international court.
They never will though.
International law and international justice took a beating this year, I dont think it will ever fully recover.
Neither will the reputation of the USA and UK.
No matter how many mass graves are found...
So, they kick two CIA sacrificial lambs to the nether regions and think that makes it all okay.
It's not all A-okay.
The reason for getting into this war was fraudulent.
They knew it, we all knew it.
They did it anyway, over our protests.
Just because they could.
It is not okay and it wont ever be okay.
Bush and Blair should answer for it in an international court.
They never will though.
International law and international justice took a beating this year, I dont think it will ever fully recover.
Neither will the reputation of the USA and UK.
No matter how many mass graves are found...
Israel
I told you so.
I dont know what sickens me more: someone gets on a bus crowded with all kinds of people: old, young, women, kids, babies... looks them in the eye and blows them up, OR a government, a government no less, which orders a helicopter gunship to fire missiles at a car (which has as occupants someone they would like to see dead plus his wife and baby daughter) travelling in a busy area.... killing not only the people in the car but killing and injuring huge numbers of bystanders.
I dont think this will ever be resolved.
There is so much oppression and desperation on the Palestinian side which simply breeds suicide bombers, and such fundamental unwillingness on both sides to come to a resolution - any kind of resolution!
I do believe though at some point a resolution could come if the Americans would only stop funding Israel. By subsidising their military, they have been making this permanent war possible. Israel really wont be pushed into the ocean, the entire region has agreed that Israel has the right to exist (this was not always the case but they have come to terms with the existence of Israel) and in any case, the international community would not stand for it. If Israel would only be more moderate and stop the "eye for an eye" reflex, try to slow down, take a deep breath and really work at the peace process... it might work! Most of the people there are so sick and tired of the violence, they would take any chance! Extremes like Hamas would be pushed to the sidelines if there were an honest effort towards peace, I really believe this. Most people do not rejoice in war, they want security, work, food on the table, health and the simple joys of life.
I so hope for a man or woman of big spirit to stand up in that region and dare to gamble everything on peace. Such a person would have all my support, in any way they would need it! I see no such person there now, on any of the sides.
I told you so.
I dont know what sickens me more: someone gets on a bus crowded with all kinds of people: old, young, women, kids, babies... looks them in the eye and blows them up, OR a government, a government no less, which orders a helicopter gunship to fire missiles at a car (which has as occupants someone they would like to see dead plus his wife and baby daughter) travelling in a busy area.... killing not only the people in the car but killing and injuring huge numbers of bystanders.
I dont think this will ever be resolved.
There is so much oppression and desperation on the Palestinian side which simply breeds suicide bombers, and such fundamental unwillingness on both sides to come to a resolution - any kind of resolution!
I do believe though at some point a resolution could come if the Americans would only stop funding Israel. By subsidising their military, they have been making this permanent war possible. Israel really wont be pushed into the ocean, the entire region has agreed that Israel has the right to exist (this was not always the case but they have come to terms with the existence of Israel) and in any case, the international community would not stand for it. If Israel would only be more moderate and stop the "eye for an eye" reflex, try to slow down, take a deep breath and really work at the peace process... it might work! Most of the people there are so sick and tired of the violence, they would take any chance! Extremes like Hamas would be pushed to the sidelines if there were an honest effort towards peace, I really believe this. Most people do not rejoice in war, they want security, work, food on the table, health and the simple joys of life.
I so hope for a man or woman of big spirit to stand up in that region and dare to gamble everything on peace. Such a person would have all my support, in any way they would need it! I see no such person there now, on any of the sides.
Israel
I told you so.
I dont know what sickens me more: someone gets on a bus crowded with all kinds of people: old, young, women, kids, babies... looks them in the eye and blows them up, OR a government, a government no less, which orders a helicopter gunship to fire missiles at a car (which has as occupants someone they would like to see dead plus his wife and baby daughter) travelling in a busy area.... killing not only the people in the car but killing and injuring huge numbers of bystanders.
I dont think this will ever be resolved.
There is so much oppression and desperation on the Palestinian side which simply breeds suicide bombers, and such fundamental unwillingness on both sides to come to a resolution - any kind of resolution!
I do believe though at some point a resolution could come if the Americans would only stop funding Israel. By subsidising their military, they have been making this permanent war possible. Israel really wont be pushed into the ocean, the entire region has agreed that Israel has the right to exist (this was not always the case but they have come to terms with the existence of Israel) and in any case, the international community would not stand for it. If Israel would only be more moderate and stop the "eye for an eye" reflex, try to slow down, take a deep breath and really work at the peace process... it might work! Most of the people there are so sick and tired of the violence, they would take any chance! Extremes like Hamas would be pushed to the sidelines if there were an honest effort towards peace, I really believe this. Most people do not rejoice in war, they want security, work, food on the table, health and the simple joys of life.
I so hope for a man or woman of big spirit to stand up in that region and dare to gamble everything on peace. Such a person would have all my support, in any way they would need it! I see no such person there now, on any of the sides.
I told you so.
I dont know what sickens me more: someone gets on a bus crowded with all kinds of people: old, young, women, kids, babies... looks them in the eye and blows them up, OR a government, a government no less, which orders a helicopter gunship to fire missiles at a car (which has as occupants someone they would like to see dead plus his wife and baby daughter) travelling in a busy area.... killing not only the people in the car but killing and injuring huge numbers of bystanders.
I dont think this will ever be resolved.
There is so much oppression and desperation on the Palestinian side which simply breeds suicide bombers, and such fundamental unwillingness on both sides to come to a resolution - any kind of resolution!
I do believe though at some point a resolution could come if the Americans would only stop funding Israel. By subsidising their military, they have been making this permanent war possible. Israel really wont be pushed into the ocean, the entire region has agreed that Israel has the right to exist (this was not always the case but they have come to terms with the existence of Israel) and in any case, the international community would not stand for it. If Israel would only be more moderate and stop the "eye for an eye" reflex, try to slow down, take a deep breath and really work at the peace process... it might work! Most of the people there are so sick and tired of the violence, they would take any chance! Extremes like Hamas would be pushed to the sidelines if there were an honest effort towards peace, I really believe this. Most people do not rejoice in war, they want security, work, food on the table, health and the simple joys of life.
I so hope for a man or woman of big spirit to stand up in that region and dare to gamble everything on peace. Such a person would have all my support, in any way they would need it! I see no such person there now, on any of the sides.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Israel and the roadmap
A senior Hamas official and prominent spokesman, Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, was driving a jeep down a busy street in Gaza City today when his vehicle was hit by several missiles fired from an Israeli helicopter. The assassination attempt failed: Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi was slightly injured in one leg... but two pedestrians were not so lucky. A 43-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl nearby were killed; another 25 injured.
Just where in the roadmap does it say targeted assassinations of Hamas will promote the peace progress and will instill in the leaders and followers of Hamas a compelling desire for a cease-fire???
I have a deep distrust of Sharon, I dont believe for one minute he plans to let this roadmap go through. He is making all the right noises, removing a few abandoned trailers and in the mean time provoking the Palestinians (which, admittedly, is pretty easy to do) into making a big attack on an Israeli target. That could be the excuse he needs to completely invade the Palestinian territories and chase them all the way to Jordan. So Israel can have all that land for itself.
Call me cynical, this is what I am expecting here.
A senior Hamas official and prominent spokesman, Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, was driving a jeep down a busy street in Gaza City today when his vehicle was hit by several missiles fired from an Israeli helicopter. The assassination attempt failed: Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi was slightly injured in one leg... but two pedestrians were not so lucky. A 43-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl nearby were killed; another 25 injured.
Just where in the roadmap does it say targeted assassinations of Hamas will promote the peace progress and will instill in the leaders and followers of Hamas a compelling desire for a cease-fire???
I have a deep distrust of Sharon, I dont believe for one minute he plans to let this roadmap go through. He is making all the right noises, removing a few abandoned trailers and in the mean time provoking the Palestinians (which, admittedly, is pretty easy to do) into making a big attack on an Israeli target. That could be the excuse he needs to completely invade the Palestinian territories and chase them all the way to Jordan. So Israel can have all that land for itself.
Call me cynical, this is what I am expecting here.
Israel and the roadmap
A senior Hamas official and prominent spokesman, Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, was driving a jeep down a busy street in Gaza City today when his vehicle was hit by several missiles fired from an Israeli helicopter. The assassination attempt failed: Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi was slightly injured in one leg... but two pedestrians were not so lucky. A 43-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl nearby were killed; another 25 injured.
Just where in the roadmap does it say targeted assassinations of Hamas will promote the peace progress and will instill in the leaders and followers of Hamas a compelling desire for a cease-fire???
I have a deep distrust of Sharon, I dont believe for one minute he plans to let this roadmap go through. He is making all the right noises, removing a few abandoned trailers and in the mean time provoking the Palestinians (which, admittedly, is pretty easy to do) into making a big attack on an Israeli target. That could be the excuse he needs to completely invade the Palestinian territories and chase them all the way to Jordan. So Israel can have all that land for itself.
Call me cynical, this is what I am expecting here.
A senior Hamas official and prominent spokesman, Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, was driving a jeep down a busy street in Gaza City today when his vehicle was hit by several missiles fired from an Israeli helicopter. The assassination attempt failed: Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi was slightly injured in one leg... but two pedestrians were not so lucky. A 43-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl nearby were killed; another 25 injured.
Just where in the roadmap does it say targeted assassinations of Hamas will promote the peace progress and will instill in the leaders and followers of Hamas a compelling desire for a cease-fire???
I have a deep distrust of Sharon, I dont believe for one minute he plans to let this roadmap go through. He is making all the right noises, removing a few abandoned trailers and in the mean time provoking the Palestinians (which, admittedly, is pretty easy to do) into making a big attack on an Israeli target. That could be the excuse he needs to completely invade the Palestinian territories and chase them all the way to Jordan. So Israel can have all that land for itself.
Call me cynical, this is what I am expecting here.
'Hostile' U.S. policy blamed for N. Korea nuke build-up
There you have it, in a nutshell.
North Korea is quite open and defiant about it.
I wonder how many are working quietly, in all secrecy, towards the same goals.
And with the same reasoning.
The creation of this unsafe world is American but we all have to live in it and live with the consequences of their actions!
Ask me again why I'm still mad at their fine little war in Iraq??!!
There you have it, in a nutshell.
North Korea is quite open and defiant about it.
I wonder how many are working quietly, in all secrecy, towards the same goals.
And with the same reasoning.
The creation of this unsafe world is American but we all have to live in it and live with the consequences of their actions!
Ask me again why I'm still mad at their fine little war in Iraq??!!
'Hostile' U.S. policy blamed for N. Korea nuke build-up
There you have it, in a nutshell.
North Korea is quite open and defiant about it.
I wonder how many are working quietly, in all secrecy, towards the same goals.
And with the same reasoning.
The creation of this unsafe world is American but we all have to live in it and live with the consequences of their actions!
Ask me again why I'm still mad at their fine little war in Iraq??!!
There you have it, in a nutshell.
North Korea is quite open and defiant about it.
I wonder how many are working quietly, in all secrecy, towards the same goals.
And with the same reasoning.
The creation of this unsafe world is American but we all have to live in it and live with the consequences of their actions!
Ask me again why I'm still mad at their fine little war in Iraq??!!
Iraq: and so the spin begins....
"Iraq had a weapons program," Bush said yesterday after a meeting of his Cabinet, the first time the body had met since the war started. "Intelligence throughout the decade showed they had a weapons program. I am absolutely convinced with time we'll find out that they did have a weapons program."
Last time I looked, they went to war because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction which could be unleashed against us poor unsuspecting westerners at any given moment.
At some point this week, probably just after those senior inspectors said those trailers could not in all seriousness be used as microbiological production facilities, it changed into a weapons program, which could be anything, even a couple of notes on a piece of paper.
Riiiiiight!!!
Looking at how gullible Americans are, he will probably get away with it too!
"Iraq had a weapons program," Bush said yesterday after a meeting of his Cabinet, the first time the body had met since the war started. "Intelligence throughout the decade showed they had a weapons program. I am absolutely convinced with time we'll find out that they did have a weapons program."
Last time I looked, they went to war because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction which could be unleashed against us poor unsuspecting westerners at any given moment.
At some point this week, probably just after those senior inspectors said those trailers could not in all seriousness be used as microbiological production facilities, it changed into a weapons program, which could be anything, even a couple of notes on a piece of paper.
Riiiiiight!!!
Looking at how gullible Americans are, he will probably get away with it too!
Iraq: and so the spin begins....
"Iraq had a weapons program," Bush said yesterday after a meeting of his Cabinet, the first time the body had met since the war started. "Intelligence throughout the decade showed they had a weapons program. I am absolutely convinced with time we'll find out that they did have a weapons program."
Last time I looked, they went to war because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction which could be unleashed against us poor unsuspecting westerners at any given moment.
At some point this week, probably just after those senior inspectors said those trailers could not in all seriousness be used as microbiological production facilities, it changed into a weapons program, which could be anything, even a couple of notes on a piece of paper.
Riiiiiight!!!
Looking at how gullible Americans are, he will probably get away with it too!
"Iraq had a weapons program," Bush said yesterday after a meeting of his Cabinet, the first time the body had met since the war started. "Intelligence throughout the decade showed they had a weapons program. I am absolutely convinced with time we'll find out that they did have a weapons program."
Last time I looked, they went to war because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction which could be unleashed against us poor unsuspecting westerners at any given moment.
At some point this week, probably just after those senior inspectors said those trailers could not in all seriousness be used as microbiological production facilities, it changed into a weapons program, which could be anything, even a couple of notes on a piece of paper.
Riiiiiight!!!
Looking at how gullible Americans are, he will probably get away with it too!
Monday, June 09, 2003
Iraq's WMD
There may well have been some.
Not enough to threaten anyone, least of all the USA or UK.
The much touted trailers now seem to be exactly what the captured Iraqi scientists had said they were: hydrogen gas producers.
Another day, another lie corrected.... on the back pages.
Most folks will not even read this and will firmly believe that this was what they went to war for.
Of course there are mass graves, of course Saddam and his cronies were monsters. Nobody in their right mind will argue this.
That was no reason to go to war, however. NO reason.
Of course the USA and UK knew this, why else would they have whipped up a storm of disinformation and exaggeration, at the same time pushing and shoving the UN inspectors out of the way (as they still do) and refusing to go for the second UN resolution (which they had promised they would do!)
They had to gallop off to war because they knew their stated reasons would not stand up to close scrutiny!
Why this rush to war? Well, to divert attention from the fact that Osama Bin Laden (remember him?) got clean away with his top.
To divert attention from the business scandals erupting all over the place, which in many cases involved close friends and allies.
Plus, Bush seemed to hold a grudge against Saddam because he may have been involved in an assassination plot on his father (a highly personal reason). Then there's the tactical reason (I suspect this one is the most important one): if you are firmly steering the production and distribution of the oil belonging to a country which has the largest natural supplies, then what you say goes in that region.... and by extention the rest of the world, which completely depends on oil. There may also have been a religious reason, an evangelical mindset, which would be the worst reason of all. And so on...
There may well have been some.
Not enough to threaten anyone, least of all the USA or UK.
The much touted trailers now seem to be exactly what the captured Iraqi scientists had said they were: hydrogen gas producers.
Another day, another lie corrected.... on the back pages.
Most folks will not even read this and will firmly believe that this was what they went to war for.
Of course there are mass graves, of course Saddam and his cronies were monsters. Nobody in their right mind will argue this.
That was no reason to go to war, however. NO reason.
Of course the USA and UK knew this, why else would they have whipped up a storm of disinformation and exaggeration, at the same time pushing and shoving the UN inspectors out of the way (as they still do) and refusing to go for the second UN resolution (which they had promised they would do!)
They had to gallop off to war because they knew their stated reasons would not stand up to close scrutiny!
Why this rush to war? Well, to divert attention from the fact that Osama Bin Laden (remember him?) got clean away with his top.
To divert attention from the business scandals erupting all over the place, which in many cases involved close friends and allies.
Plus, Bush seemed to hold a grudge against Saddam because he may have been involved in an assassination plot on his father (a highly personal reason). Then there's the tactical reason (I suspect this one is the most important one): if you are firmly steering the production and distribution of the oil belonging to a country which has the largest natural supplies, then what you say goes in that region.... and by extention the rest of the world, which completely depends on oil. There may also have been a religious reason, an evangelical mindset, which would be the worst reason of all. And so on...
Iraq's WMD
There may well have been some.
Not enough to threaten anyone, least of all the USA or UK.
The much touted trailers now seem to be exactly what the captured Iraqi scientists had said they were: hydrogen gas producers.
Another day, another lie corrected.... on the back pages.
Most folks will not even read this and will firmly believe that this was what they went to war for.
Of course there are mass graves, of course Saddam and his cronies were monsters. Nobody in their right mind will argue this.
That was no reason to go to war, however. NO reason.
Of course the USA and UK knew this, why else would they have whipped up a storm of disinformation and exaggeration, at the same time pushing and shoving the UN inspectors out of the way (as they still do) and refusing to go for the second UN resolution (which they had promised they would do!)
They had to gallop off to war because they knew their stated reasons would not stand up to close scrutiny!
Why this rush to war? Well, to divert attention from the fact that Osama Bin Laden (remember him?) got clean away with his top.
To divert attention from the business scandals erupting all over the place, which in many cases involved close friends and allies.
Plus, Bush seemed to hold a grudge against Saddam because he may have been involved in an assassination plot on his father (a highly personal reason). Then there's the tactical reason (I suspect this one is the most important one): if you are firmly steering the production and distribution of the oil belonging to a country which has the largest natural supplies, then what you say goes in that region.... and by extention the rest of the world, which completely depends on oil. There may also have been a religious reason, an evangelical mindset, which would be the worst reason of all. And so on...
There may well have been some.
Not enough to threaten anyone, least of all the USA or UK.
The much touted trailers now seem to be exactly what the captured Iraqi scientists had said they were: hydrogen gas producers.
Another day, another lie corrected.... on the back pages.
Most folks will not even read this and will firmly believe that this was what they went to war for.
Of course there are mass graves, of course Saddam and his cronies were monsters. Nobody in their right mind will argue this.
That was no reason to go to war, however. NO reason.
Of course the USA and UK knew this, why else would they have whipped up a storm of disinformation and exaggeration, at the same time pushing and shoving the UN inspectors out of the way (as they still do) and refusing to go for the second UN resolution (which they had promised they would do!)
They had to gallop off to war because they knew their stated reasons would not stand up to close scrutiny!
Why this rush to war? Well, to divert attention from the fact that Osama Bin Laden (remember him?) got clean away with his top.
To divert attention from the business scandals erupting all over the place, which in many cases involved close friends and allies.
Plus, Bush seemed to hold a grudge against Saddam because he may have been involved in an assassination plot on his father (a highly personal reason). Then there's the tactical reason (I suspect this one is the most important one): if you are firmly steering the production and distribution of the oil belonging to a country which has the largest natural supplies, then what you say goes in that region.... and by extention the rest of the world, which completely depends on oil. There may also have been a religious reason, an evangelical mindset, which would be the worst reason of all. And so on...
Another US soldier dies
It seems like a daily event now, almost not worthy of a mention.
Soldiers, Iraqi resistance, Iraqi civilians...
Does anyone even care?
It seems like a daily event now, almost not worthy of a mention.
Soldiers, Iraqi resistance, Iraqi civilians...
Does anyone even care?
Another US soldier dies
It seems like a daily event now, almost not worthy of a mention.
Soldiers, Iraqi resistance, Iraqi civilians...
Does anyone even care?
It seems like a daily event now, almost not worthy of a mention.
Soldiers, Iraqi resistance, Iraqi civilians...
Does anyone even care?
Aung San Suu Kyi
A UN envoy says he is encouraged by a meeting with a top army chief this Monday.
Encouraged.... fuck that!!!
Where is Aung San Suu Kyi, is she okay???
So far, nobody has seen her - what is going on, what is the problem???
Is she still alive???
A UN envoy says he is encouraged by a meeting with a top army chief this Monday.
Encouraged.... fuck that!!!
Where is Aung San Suu Kyi, is she okay???
So far, nobody has seen her - what is going on, what is the problem???
Is she still alive???
Aung San Suu Kyi
A UN envoy says he is encouraged by a meeting with a top army chief this Monday.
Encouraged.... fuck that!!!
Where is Aung San Suu Kyi, is she okay???
So far, nobody has seen her - what is going on, what is the problem???
Is she still alive???
A UN envoy says he is encouraged by a meeting with a top army chief this Monday.
Encouraged.... fuck that!!!
Where is Aung San Suu Kyi, is she okay???
So far, nobody has seen her - what is going on, what is the problem???
Is she still alive???
Thursday, June 05, 2003
It was the oil, dammit!!!
And finally Wolfowitz comes right out and says it, in an speech to delegates at an Asian security summit in Singapore.
Reported in today's German newspapers Der Tagesspiegel and Die Welt, his response to the question why North Korea was being treated so differently from Iraq: "Let's look at it simply. The most important difference between North Korea and Iraq is that economically, we just had no choice in Iraq. The country swims on a sea of oil."
The sickening thing is, there is no outcry. Everyone basically knew this already. Nobody seems to care that a country went to war, invaded another country and is now occupying it, for financial reasons only. Just like it seems the world does not care that the Palestinian diplomats in Baghdad were arrested by US troops and have not been heard of since. This is absolutely unheard of.
Has the world become such a cynical place then? Can the rich and powerful simply do what they want with no repercussions?
And finally Wolfowitz comes right out and says it, in an speech to delegates at an Asian security summit in Singapore.
Reported in today's German newspapers Der Tagesspiegel and Die Welt, his response to the question why North Korea was being treated so differently from Iraq: "Let's look at it simply. The most important difference between North Korea and Iraq is that economically, we just had no choice in Iraq. The country swims on a sea of oil."
The sickening thing is, there is no outcry. Everyone basically knew this already. Nobody seems to care that a country went to war, invaded another country and is now occupying it, for financial reasons only. Just like it seems the world does not care that the Palestinian diplomats in Baghdad were arrested by US troops and have not been heard of since. This is absolutely unheard of.
Has the world become such a cynical place then? Can the rich and powerful simply do what they want with no repercussions?
It was the oil, dammit!!!
And finally Wolfowitz comes right out and says it, in an speech to delegates at an Asian security summit in Singapore.
Reported in today's German newspapers Der Tagesspiegel and Die Welt, his response to the question why North Korea was being treated so differently from Iraq: "Let's look at it simply. The most important difference between North Korea and Iraq is that economically, we just had no choice in Iraq. The country swims on a sea of oil."
The sickening thing is, there is no outcry. Everyone basically knew this already. Nobody seems to care that a country went to war, invaded another country and is now occupying it, for financial reasons only. Just like it seems the world does not care that the Palestinian diplomats in Baghdad were arrested by US troops and have not been heard of since. This is absolutely unheard of.
Has the world become such a cynical place then? Can the rich and powerful simply do what they want with no repercussions?
And finally Wolfowitz comes right out and says it, in an speech to delegates at an Asian security summit in Singapore.
Reported in today's German newspapers Der Tagesspiegel and Die Welt, his response to the question why North Korea was being treated so differently from Iraq: "Let's look at it simply. The most important difference between North Korea and Iraq is that economically, we just had no choice in Iraq. The country swims on a sea of oil."
The sickening thing is, there is no outcry. Everyone basically knew this already. Nobody seems to care that a country went to war, invaded another country and is now occupying it, for financial reasons only. Just like it seems the world does not care that the Palestinian diplomats in Baghdad were arrested by US troops and have not been heard of since. This is absolutely unheard of.
Has the world become such a cynical place then? Can the rich and powerful simply do what they want with no repercussions?
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi and almost the entire top leadership in protective custody.
Protection from whom or what??? Let them go, let them go!!!
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, can't buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
U2, Walk On
Aung San Suu Kyi and almost the entire top leadership in protective custody.
Protection from whom or what??? Let them go, let them go!!!
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, can't buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
U2, Walk On
Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi and almost the entire top leadership in protective custody.
Protection from whom or what??? Let them go, let them go!!!
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, can't buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
U2, Walk On
Aung San Suu Kyi and almost the entire top leadership in protective custody.
Protection from whom or what??? Let them go, let them go!!!
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, can't buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
U2, Walk On
Zimbabwe
Life in Zimbabwe has been brought to a standstill because of anti-Mugabe strikes and demonstrations.
I am holding my breath here... this is flashpoint right here, right now. Either they manage to push Mugabe out with little bloodshed or the country will collapse into utter lawlesness and anarchy.
I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I know many people who live in this wonderful country, may they be safe and well, may the ("elected" with force) dictator leave.
Mr. Mugabe, when you first came into power I believed in you, I saw a very intelligent man full of optimism and good intentions. Even if you managed to sidetrack your opposition in a most undemocratic way... You did do a lot of good in those early years too. But at some point, Mr. Mugabe, your lust for power became greater than your love for freedom. You were prepared to go further and further to stay in power. You became less choosy as to who would enforce your policies, and how they would do it. You became contemptuous of the law. You became a dictator.
I still believe there is a small core of love for your country left in you so I ask: Please Mr. Mugabe, leave. Hand over leadership to another person, make your parting gift free and fair elections. It's time for another hand on the wheel. If you love your country, step down and leave the job of leadership to a fresh, new, elected person.
Leave, Mr. Mugabe, leave.....
Life in Zimbabwe has been brought to a standstill because of anti-Mugabe strikes and demonstrations.
I am holding my breath here... this is flashpoint right here, right now. Either they manage to push Mugabe out with little bloodshed or the country will collapse into utter lawlesness and anarchy.
I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I know many people who live in this wonderful country, may they be safe and well, may the ("elected" with force) dictator leave.
Mr. Mugabe, when you first came into power I believed in you, I saw a very intelligent man full of optimism and good intentions. Even if you managed to sidetrack your opposition in a most undemocratic way... You did do a lot of good in those early years too. But at some point, Mr. Mugabe, your lust for power became greater than your love for freedom. You were prepared to go further and further to stay in power. You became less choosy as to who would enforce your policies, and how they would do it. You became contemptuous of the law. You became a dictator.
I still believe there is a small core of love for your country left in you so I ask: Please Mr. Mugabe, leave. Hand over leadership to another person, make your parting gift free and fair elections. It's time for another hand on the wheel. If you love your country, step down and leave the job of leadership to a fresh, new, elected person.
Leave, Mr. Mugabe, leave.....
Zimbabwe
Life in Zimbabwe has been brought to a standstill because of anti-Mugabe strikes and demonstrations.
I am holding my breath here... this is flashpoint right here, right now. Either they manage to push Mugabe out with little bloodshed or the country will collapse into utter lawlesness and anarchy.
I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I know many people who live in this wonderful country, may they be safe and well, may the ("elected" with force) dictator leave.
Mr. Mugabe, when you first came into power I believed in you, I saw a very intelligent man full of optimism and good intentions. Even if you managed to sidetrack your opposition in a most undemocratic way... You did do a lot of good in those early years too. But at some point, Mr. Mugabe, your lust for power became greater than your love for freedom. You were prepared to go further and further to stay in power. You became less choosy as to who would enforce your policies, and how they would do it. You became contemptuous of the law. You became a dictator.
I still believe there is a small core of love for your country left in you so I ask: Please Mr. Mugabe, leave. Hand over leadership to another person, make your parting gift free and fair elections. It's time for another hand on the wheel. If you love your country, step down and leave the job of leadership to a fresh, new, elected person.
Leave, Mr. Mugabe, leave.....
Life in Zimbabwe has been brought to a standstill because of anti-Mugabe strikes and demonstrations.
I am holding my breath here... this is flashpoint right here, right now. Either they manage to push Mugabe out with little bloodshed or the country will collapse into utter lawlesness and anarchy.
I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I know many people who live in this wonderful country, may they be safe and well, may the ("elected" with force) dictator leave.
Mr. Mugabe, when you first came into power I believed in you, I saw a very intelligent man full of optimism and good intentions. Even if you managed to sidetrack your opposition in a most undemocratic way... You did do a lot of good in those early years too. But at some point, Mr. Mugabe, your lust for power became greater than your love for freedom. You were prepared to go further and further to stay in power. You became less choosy as to who would enforce your policies, and how they would do it. You became contemptuous of the law. You became a dictator.
I still believe there is a small core of love for your country left in you so I ask: Please Mr. Mugabe, leave. Hand over leadership to another person, make your parting gift free and fair elections. It's time for another hand on the wheel. If you love your country, step down and leave the job of leadership to a fresh, new, elected person.
Leave, Mr. Mugabe, leave.....
Monday, June 02, 2003
If you are ticked off at the French, dont go punishing African farmers!
American is set to torpedo a French plan which would ban the dumping of subsidised farm produce in African markets.
America spends more subsidising their cotton farmers than they spend per year on aid for the entire African continent. While American cotton farmers flood the world with cheap cotton, 10 million people in west Africa depend on cotton growth for a living. A typical African small farmer will make about $300 a year.
The European Union is also guilty of subsidising their farmers, through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Europe is now the world's biggest exporter of white sugar, which keeps countries such as Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique out of the European market and African farmers in poverty. The EU also dumps subsidised milk and wheat on markets from Kenya to Senegal, while restricting imports of African produce.
The French have proposed a moratorium on all subsidies of produce that are sold in Africa but it looks as if the plan will be scuppered in Washington: The US says its export credits should be exempt.
More here.
American is set to torpedo a French plan which would ban the dumping of subsidised farm produce in African markets.
America spends more subsidising their cotton farmers than they spend per year on aid for the entire African continent. While American cotton farmers flood the world with cheap cotton, 10 million people in west Africa depend on cotton growth for a living. A typical African small farmer will make about $300 a year.
The European Union is also guilty of subsidising their farmers, through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Europe is now the world's biggest exporter of white sugar, which keeps countries such as Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique out of the European market and African farmers in poverty. The EU also dumps subsidised milk and wheat on markets from Kenya to Senegal, while restricting imports of African produce.
The French have proposed a moratorium on all subsidies of produce that are sold in Africa but it looks as if the plan will be scuppered in Washington: The US says its export credits should be exempt.
More here.
If you are ticked off at the French, dont go punishing African farmers!
American is set to torpedo a French plan which would ban the dumping of subsidised farm produce in African markets.
America spends more subsidising their cotton farmers than they spend per year on aid for the entire African continent. While American cotton farmers flood the world with cheap cotton, 10 million people in west Africa depend on cotton growth for a living. A typical African small farmer will make about $300 a year.
The European Union is also guilty of subsidising their farmers, through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Europe is now the world's biggest exporter of white sugar, which keeps countries such as Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique out of the European market and African farmers in poverty. The EU also dumps subsidised milk and wheat on markets from Kenya to Senegal, while restricting imports of African produce.
The French have proposed a moratorium on all subsidies of produce that are sold in Africa but it looks as if the plan will be scuppered in Washington: The US says its export credits should be exempt.
More here.
American is set to torpedo a French plan which would ban the dumping of subsidised farm produce in African markets.
America spends more subsidising their cotton farmers than they spend per year on aid for the entire African continent. While American cotton farmers flood the world with cheap cotton, 10 million people in west Africa depend on cotton growth for a living. A typical African small farmer will make about $300 a year.
The European Union is also guilty of subsidising their farmers, through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Europe is now the world's biggest exporter of white sugar, which keeps countries such as Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique out of the European market and African farmers in poverty. The EU also dumps subsidised milk and wheat on markets from Kenya to Senegal, while restricting imports of African produce.
The French have proposed a moratorium on all subsidies of produce that are sold in Africa but it looks as if the plan will be scuppered in Washington: The US says its export credits should be exempt.
More here.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
Why do they hate the US, you ask....
Well, one reason that springs to mind is the fact that America is continuously at war.. I am not talking about covert CIA actions now, or providing the worst kinds of dictators with support, be it financial, military or otherwise (or standing back and tacitly agreeing to their atrocities). That is material too comprehensive for a simple blog, that would require a book, a tome....
No, I will keep it simple. I am talking war only.
My dear Americans, read and memorise this list:
Since 1945:
• 1950-1953: Attacked Korea
• 1950-1953: Re-attacked the Philippines to stop an indigenous leftist uprising
• 1945-1949: Half a million troops to China to stop the communists
• 1946-1948: Troops to Italy
• 1947-1949: Troops to Greece
• 1949-1953: Troops to Albania
• 1953: Attacked Iran together with the UK
• 1953: Guatemala
• 1958: Indonesia
• 1961-1962: Cuba
• 1962: Thailand
• 1962-1975: Laos
• 1964: Congo
• 1965: Peru
• 1965-1966: Dominican Republic
• 1961-1973: Vietnam
• 1969-1970: Cambodia
• 1973: Chile
• 1979-1988: proxy war in Afghanistan
• 1981-1990: Nicaragua
• 1980-1992: El Salvador
• 1981; 1986; 1989: Libya
• 1989: Panama
• 1983: Grenada
• 1984: Persian Gulf
• 1991: Iraq (with almost continuous air strikes up to 2003 invasion)
• 1997: Serbia
• 1998: Afghanistan and Sudan
• 2001: Afghanistan (still ongoing)
• 2003: Iraq again (still ongoing)
• 2003: Syria? Iran? North Korea?
Say, I see a pattern emerging here.
Question is, my dear Americans, do you also see this pattern?
Do you now understand why you are hated in so many places outside of your borders?
Most important question, my dear Americans, is what will you do about this...
Well, one reason that springs to mind is the fact that America is continuously at war.. I am not talking about covert CIA actions now, or providing the worst kinds of dictators with support, be it financial, military or otherwise (or standing back and tacitly agreeing to their atrocities). That is material too comprehensive for a simple blog, that would require a book, a tome....
No, I will keep it simple. I am talking war only.
My dear Americans, read and memorise this list:
Since 1945:
• 1950-1953: Attacked Korea
• 1950-1953: Re-attacked the Philippines to stop an indigenous leftist uprising
• 1945-1949: Half a million troops to China to stop the communists
• 1946-1948: Troops to Italy
• 1947-1949: Troops to Greece
• 1949-1953: Troops to Albania
• 1953: Attacked Iran together with the UK
• 1953: Guatemala
• 1958: Indonesia
• 1961-1962: Cuba
• 1962: Thailand
• 1962-1975: Laos
• 1964: Congo
• 1965: Peru
• 1965-1966: Dominican Republic
• 1961-1973: Vietnam
• 1969-1970: Cambodia
• 1973: Chile
• 1979-1988: proxy war in Afghanistan
• 1981-1990: Nicaragua
• 1980-1992: El Salvador
• 1981; 1986; 1989: Libya
• 1989: Panama
• 1983: Grenada
• 1984: Persian Gulf
• 1991: Iraq (with almost continuous air strikes up to 2003 invasion)
• 1997: Serbia
• 1998: Afghanistan and Sudan
• 2001: Afghanistan (still ongoing)
• 2003: Iraq again (still ongoing)
• 2003: Syria? Iran? North Korea?
Say, I see a pattern emerging here.
Question is, my dear Americans, do you also see this pattern?
Do you now understand why you are hated in so many places outside of your borders?
Most important question, my dear Americans, is what will you do about this...
Why do they hate the US, you ask....
Well, one reason that springs to mind is the fact that America is continuously at war.. I am not talking about covert CIA actions now, or providing the worst kinds of dictators with support, be it financial, military or otherwise (or standing back and tacitly agreeing to their atrocities). That is material too comprehensive for a simple blog, that would require a book, a tome....
No, I will keep it simple. I am talking war only.
My dear Americans, read and memorise this list:
Since 1945:
• 1950-1953: Attacked Korea
• 1950-1953: Re-attacked the Philippines to stop an indigenous leftist uprising
• 1945-1949: Half a million troops to China to stop the communists
• 1946-1948: Troops to Italy
• 1947-1949: Troops to Greece
• 1949-1953: Troops to Albania
• 1953: Attacked Iran together with the UK
• 1953: Guatemala
• 1958: Indonesia
• 1961-1962: Cuba
• 1962: Thailand
• 1962-1975: Laos
• 1964: Congo
• 1965: Peru
• 1965-1966: Dominican Republic
• 1961-1973: Vietnam
• 1969-1970: Cambodia
• 1973: Chile
• 1979-1988: proxy war in Afghanistan
• 1981-1990: Nicaragua
• 1980-1992: El Salvador
• 1981; 1986; 1989: Libya
• 1989: Panama
• 1983: Grenada
• 1984: Persian Gulf
• 1991: Iraq (with almost continuous air strikes up to 2003 invasion)
• 1997: Serbia
• 1998: Afghanistan and Sudan
• 2001: Afghanistan (still ongoing)
• 2003: Iraq again (still ongoing)
• 2003: Syria? Iran? North Korea?
Say, I see a pattern emerging here.
Question is, my dear Americans, do you also see this pattern?
Do you now understand why you are hated in so many places outside of your borders?
Most important question, my dear Americans, is what will you do about this...
Well, one reason that springs to mind is the fact that America is continuously at war.. I am not talking about covert CIA actions now, or providing the worst kinds of dictators with support, be it financial, military or otherwise (or standing back and tacitly agreeing to their atrocities). That is material too comprehensive for a simple blog, that would require a book, a tome....
No, I will keep it simple. I am talking war only.
My dear Americans, read and memorise this list:
Since 1945:
• 1950-1953: Attacked Korea
• 1950-1953: Re-attacked the Philippines to stop an indigenous leftist uprising
• 1945-1949: Half a million troops to China to stop the communists
• 1946-1948: Troops to Italy
• 1947-1949: Troops to Greece
• 1949-1953: Troops to Albania
• 1953: Attacked Iran together with the UK
• 1953: Guatemala
• 1958: Indonesia
• 1961-1962: Cuba
• 1962: Thailand
• 1962-1975: Laos
• 1964: Congo
• 1965: Peru
• 1965-1966: Dominican Republic
• 1961-1973: Vietnam
• 1969-1970: Cambodia
• 1973: Chile
• 1979-1988: proxy war in Afghanistan
• 1981-1990: Nicaragua
• 1980-1992: El Salvador
• 1981; 1986; 1989: Libya
• 1989: Panama
• 1983: Grenada
• 1984: Persian Gulf
• 1991: Iraq (with almost continuous air strikes up to 2003 invasion)
• 1997: Serbia
• 1998: Afghanistan and Sudan
• 2001: Afghanistan (still ongoing)
• 2003: Iraq again (still ongoing)
• 2003: Syria? Iran? North Korea?
Say, I see a pattern emerging here.
Question is, my dear Americans, do you also see this pattern?
Do you now understand why you are hated in so many places outside of your borders?
Most important question, my dear Americans, is what will you do about this...
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