The scariest five words in the English language: WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush said Tuesday that a U.S. military program to bolster Iraqi security forces in Baghdad will better address the violence there as he pledged to stand by Iraq’s new democratic government. "Obviously the violence in Baghdad is still terrible," Bush said during a joint White House news conference … Read More
Lead Singer For Iron Maiden News
I’m no fan of Iron Maiden, but this is a pretty cool story: He’s the frontman for one of the great metal bands of all-time. He was a world class fencer. Now, after helping to rescue scores of Britons from the fiery hell of war, he’s a national hero. Bruce Dickinson, lead singer for Iron Maiden, gets bored pretty quickly. … Read More
Rapture Dreams
Well, there’s a small segment of society who believe that the Middle East conflict is a good thing. A REAL good thing. Over at Rapture Ready/End Times Chat online bulletin board, some evangelical Christians are seeing recent events as a sure sign of the second coming of Christ. Here are a few comments posted on the board: Praise God! We … Read More
Is Michael Brown In Charge If Lebanon Evacuation?
There were roughly 25,000 Americans in Lebanon when the bombs began. A couple thou have been evacuated so far. What about the rest? "We have an open line to all American citizens. We’re in touch with them by Web site. Those Americans who wish to leave will obviously go out," [Nicholas Burns, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs] … Read More
“Bring ‘Em On” — Three Years Later
"There are some who feel like — that the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is, bring ’em on. We’ve got the force necessary to deal with the security situation." George W. BushPress ConferenceJuly 2, 2003 More than 14,000 civilians have been killed in Iraq in the first half of this year, an ominous figure … Read More
Lebanon Evacuation Update
Re my previous entry here — I just received the following email from CNN: Evacuation fees for Americans being helped to leave Lebanon will be waived, two Republican senators tell CNN.
U.S. Citizens Trapped In Lebanon Have To Pay For Their Evacuation
From the website of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut (follow the link if you doubt me): A message to the American citizens in Lebanon: The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon. As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport … Read More
Quote Of The Day
George Will blasts neoconservative foreign policy in the Middle East: [I]t is not perverse to wonder whether the spectacle of America, currently learning a lesson — one that conservatives should not have to learn on the job — about the limits of power to subdue an unruly world, has emboldened many enemies. Read the whole thing. He rejects the neoconservative … Read More
Baghdad Falling
From The London Times – Baghdad Starts To Collapse: A local [Baghdad] journalist told me bitterly this week that Iraqis find it ironic that Saddam Hussein is on trial for killing 148 people 24 years ago, while militias loyal to political parties now in government kill that many people every few days. But it is not an irony that anyone … Read More
So Are They Gone Or Not?
Rumsfeld on the Taliban in Afghanistan, December 2002: KING: What’s the current situation in Afghanistan? RUMSFELD: It is encouraging. They have elected a government through the Loya Jirga process. The Taliban are gone. The al Qaeda are gone. Bush on the Taliban in Afghanistan, September 2004: "The Taliban are no longer in existance." Rumsfeld, today, when asked about the if … Read More
The Anti-Times Rally
A small rally was staged outside the New York Times office by right-wingers protesting how the NYT leaks secrets and loves al Qaeda and blah blah blah. A very disappointing 150 people showed up. My favorite photo: So, according to this guy, publication of a NC subway map (you know like the one on the MTA website here) assists al … Read More
Policy Shift
Financial Times: The White House confirmed on Tuesday that the Pentagon had decided, in a major policy shift, that all detainees held in US military custody around the world are entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions. What amazes me is that it was ever a QUESTION to begin with! UPDATE: Spencer Ackerman believes today’s announcement is little more than … Read More
Iraqi Brutality [Update: And Afghanistan]
Even to those who are aware of how bad things are in Iraq, this report totally shocks and disgusts: One international official told me of reports among his staff that a 15-year-old girl had been beheaded and a dog’s head sewn on her body in its place; and of a young child who had had his hands drilled and bolted … Read More
The Swiftboating of Murtha
Great piece on the vile attacks perpetrated against Vietnam veteran and war hero John Murtha. Even if you know the story, it’s a good read.
“Blame Clinton” Days At The White House
Facing increasing criticism from the right and left about Bush’s North Korea policy (or lack thereof) , White House Press Secretary Tony Snow (pictured uncomfortably here) lashed out at Clinton, accusing the Clinton Administration of going to North Korea with “flowers and chocolates.” He said the Clinton strategy “failed” and President Bush had “learned from that mistake.” (Watch the video) … Read More