A Peek into Others' mind » July 26, 2008

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July 27, 2008
7:22
Blasts in Gaza Stoke Tensions Between Factions
» ‎ NYT > Middle East

Hamas police officers in Gaza rounded up scores of supporters of Fatah and raided its offices after five Hamas militants and a girl were killed in a bomb blast.

4:49
Former US official accuses Hamid Karzai of stymying anti-opium efforts
» ‎ Wake Up From Your Slumber - The Truth Will Set You Free

Does America need troops in Afghanistan?Can we walk away from a Karzai run state?

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4:14
Ungh. Kitat Konenut New York
» ‎ The Muqata

When my friend JoeSettler called me up on Friday afternoon to tell me about this, I thought he was joking.

"Kitat Konenut New York" -- mimicks the counter terror units around Israel; from Northern Israel's border communties, to the settlement communities in Yehuda and Shormon on the West Bank, to the villages, kibbutzim and cities surrounding Gaza, even Modiin and Beit Shemesh have first response counter terror units which are trained and fully under the command of the IDF.

For some reason, this group in NY decided to form their own well-regulated militia which they called the "Kitat Konenut of New York".

The JPost wrote about the in their Friday edition.

Yonatan Stern, the "Sgan Mefaked Hakita" (deputy squad commander) of Kitat Konenut New York, insists his "paramilitary emergency armed response team" is no "group of vigilantes or a JDL [Jewish Defense League]."

"We do not carry out demonstrations or political activity of any kind as we have no political agenda. Our agenda is to protect Jews wherever and whenever necessary and by any means needed."

On Friday, the third session of the group's training camp will begin in the Catskills woodlands of upstate New York, on land belonging to a Jewish supporter of the organization. With tuition at $400, the group expects 15 participants and five instructors for the 10 days of training. Participation has doubled since the group began three years ago.
American Jews have "felt a false sense of security in the United States," Stern believes, "because historically there has been less anti-Semitism than in other countries. But there have been incidents - neo-Nazi terrorist attacks, Arab terrorist attacks. Jews have to be vigilant."
"The threat is not from the American people or government," he adds, but from "terrorist sleeper cells that want to target Jews. These people are very dangerous and the FBI issues warnings against them very often," he said, citing the FBI's warning, after the killing of Hizbullah operations chief Imad Mughniyeh in Damascus in February, that the Lebanese group might carry out terror attacks on Jewish communities.
"The average American is friendly to Jews, but we're worried about those individuals on the periphery of society," Stern says.
The group was founded in the summer of 2006 in response to the shooting attack at the Jewish federation of Seattle premises by local Muslim Naveed Haq.
"We realized there is a need for this kind of organization, and as Israeli combat veterans living in the US, we have the skills and ability to respond to this," Stern says
On their myspace group, they blurb:
"Kitat Konenut New York is a Religious-Zionist organization and we hold the ideology of the Bnei Akiva movement which is Torah Veavoda. Members of the Kita are well trained and well armed with the best gear and weapons available. All guns are 100% legal and in compliance with all federal, state and local laws."
Religious Zionism, Bnei Akiva, and Torah v'Avoda -- are about living in Israel, not playing vigiliante in New York's catskills under the banner of "saving Jewish lives."
I have alot more faith in the US Counter Terror Units, FBI, Rangers or Navy Seals before I would want these people showing up.
Grow up.
If you want to carry a rifle, move to Israel, join the IDF, and do it for real.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

3:45
Europe, Islam and Jihadism: establishing the distinctions
» ‎ Counterterrorism Blog

In my last European professional tour of June-July, I briefed and lectured Government officials, NGOs and European Union audiences in Rome, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and London. I will report on the main issues of discussions and areas of common interest in the near future. One of the hot issues of exchange has been the ability for Europeans (Government and public) to make a distrinction between the theology of Islam and the ideology of Jihadism. Although links have been established by the Jihadists themselves, especially in their indoctrination process, EU and local Government officials need to isolate the doctrinal political component from the theological web, for the prupose of drawing national security strategies. But the Jihadi lobby has been efficient in blurring the frontiers in the purpose of keeping authorities and the public at bay. This trend is now developing in the United States as well, particularly since the dissemination of the so-called "lexicon." The battle of ideas seems to be now taking place within the West, between two camps: those who want to isolate the ideology of Jihadism as a root of Terrorism and those who wish to camouflage it for a variety of reasons.

Following are excerpts in English from an interview I had with the Slovak News Agency about te subject. I will post later more reporting on the European tour, sponsored by the European Foundation for Democracy in Brussels:

3:38
One Third of UK Muslim Students OK with Killing for Islam
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

This Religion of Peace Moment is brought to you by Muslims attending British universities: Third of Muslim students back killings.

ALMOST a third of British Muslim students believe killing in the name of Islam can be justified, according to a poll. The study also found that two in five Muslims at university support the incorporation of Islamic sharia codes into British law.

The YouGov poll for the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC) will raise concerns about the extent of campus radicalism. “Significant numbers appear to hold beliefs which contravene democratic values,” said Han-nah Stuart, one of the report’s authors. “These results are deeply embarrassing for those who have said there is no extremism in British universities.”

The report was criticised by the country’s largest Muslim student body, Fosis, but Anthony Glees, professor of security and intelligence studies at Buckingham University, said: “The finding that a large number of students think it is okay to kill in the name of religion is alarming. ...

In addition to its poll of 1,400 Muslim and nonMuslim students, the centre visited more than 20 universities to interview students and listen to guest speakers. It found that extremist preachers regularly gave speeches that were inflammatory, homophobic or bordering on antisemitic.

The researchers highlighted Queen Mary college, part of London University, as a campus where radical views were widely held. Last December, a speaker named Abu Mujahid encouraged Muslim students to condemn gays because “Allah hates” homosexuality. In November, Azzam Tamimi, a British-based supporter of Hamas, described Israel as the most “inhumane project in the modern history of humanity”.

3:15
PRESSTV.com branded terrorist. Is the Alternative Media next
» ‎ Wake Up From Your Slumber - The Truth Will Set You Free

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2:49
Canadian may be deported
» ‎ Israel Matzav

A Canadian student ISM tool is facing deportation after he was arrested for photographing IDF soldiers breaking up a 'demonstration' against the 'security fence' at Naalin this past week. According to the report, Victor McDiarmid, a volunteer for the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), was detained on Wednesday at a demonstration by women from Naalin, where Israel plans to build the next

2:37
Iran Chief Signals Atomic Expansion
» ‎ NYT > Middle East

The country’s president said Iran is running more than 5,000 centrifuges for enriching uranium, suggesting a continued expansion of the country’s nuclear program.

2:28
New 'Palestinian' civil war coming in Gaza?
» ‎ Israel Matzav

An explosion near a Gaza City beach on Friday night killed five Hamas members and a six-year old girl. Of course, since this is only Muslims killing Muslims, you probably haven't heard much about it. But it's led to a 'roundup' of Fatah 'activists' throughout the Gaza Strip and talks of 'revenge' and 'justice.' 'Palestinian' style of course. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh convened an emergency

2:03
Razaneyyat: رزان
» ‎ Syria Planet

بلا ولا شي.
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1:54
The FBI at 100
» ‎ Counterterrorism Blog

Today, July 26, 2008, marks the 100th anniversary of the FBI. Ceremonies commemorating this milestone were celebrated at FBI Headquarters and venues throughout the country on July 17th. The FBI is a proud and accomplished organization. I’m extremely biased about my reverence for the FBI. I had the honor to serve in the Bureau as a Special Agent for 28 years. During my career, I had the good fortune to work many high profile cases ranging from public corruption, complex bank failures, corporate fraud, and terrorist financing to child molestations and kidnapping. Throughout my tenure, the agents, analysts and professional support personnel I worked with were first rate and dedicated individuals who always persevered through challenging circumstances. What I remember and cherish most about my experience in the FBI was the quality of the people who represent the FBI, the “FBI family”. There is much to be said about the integrity of the “FBI family”.

The Bureau is certainly not without its faults or shortcomings as its critics are fast to point out. The biggest disappointment during my career was the Robert Hanssen spy scandal. I worked public corruption with Hanssen when he was first transferred to New York around 1978. Hanssen’s unconscionable betrayal tarnished the Bureau. But it was the Bureau that identified Hanssen’s traitorous acts and built the case that sent him deservedly away to prison for life. In spite of Hanssen and other dark moments, the FBI has consistently and deservedly distinguished itself as the preeminent law enforcement agency in the world.

Unfortunately, some critics of the FBI either have ulterior motives or are clueless in that their perceptions are out of touch with reality. Consequently, these critics fail to let the facts get in the way of their criticism. However, other critics have valid arguments. Moving forward toward the next 100 years, the FBI has significant issues that must be addressed and resolved. The Bureau must keep pace with emerging crime problems and balance criminal priorities with the important demands of terrorism. The FBI has had well documented failures with technology. In today’s era, technology must be cutting edge. In the last six months, much concern has been expressed about the FBI’s inability to staff Headquarters supervisory positions and their current career development program. The staffing and career development issues are important, but not new. Similar issues existed throughout my career in the FBI.

The one constant the FBI has is the quality of individual who has chosen the Bureau as a career. “Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity” are ingrained in the FBI culture. As long as the FBI attracts quality employees who are willing to sacrifice and live up to the mantra of “Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity”, the FBI will continue to be the premier organization it is.

It’s easy to criticize. It’s difficult to distinguish. Despite criticism, deserved or not, the FBI is a distinguished organization.

1:29
Ahmadinejad: Iran Now has Up to 6,000 Centrifuges
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

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1:29
Democrats Criticize Bush Iraq Policy
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

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1:29
Lebanese Army Deployed to Halt Sectarian Violence
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

No description
1:29
Gadhafi & Son's Arrest in Switzerland
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

No description
1:29
Pakistani PM Visits US During Tension in Alliance
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

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1:29
More Deadly Bomb Blasts Rock India
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

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1:29
China Denies Separatist Group Claims for Bombings
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

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1:16
6000 centrifuges and no air defense. Hmm.
» ‎ Israel Matzav

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad announced on Saturday that Iran now has 6000 centrifuges at its Natanz facility - double the number it had in April. Al-AP reports that Ahmadinejad's assertion is 'certain to further rankle' the US and other world powers. And if there's anyone out there who thought that sending William Burns to Geneva last Saturday to join the party would deter Ahmadinejad, I

1:11
Iran 'expands' nuclear programme
» ‎ AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (MIDDLE EAST)

Tehran says it now has more than 5,000 centrifuges enriching uranium.

0:51
Obama to Israel: 'Not one inch'
» ‎ Israel Matzav

Shavua tov - a good week to everyone. The Jerusalem Post was one of only two Israeli publications to interview Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama this week, and after reading the interview one can only hope that it was done before Obama went on the helicopter trip pictured above. If the interview was after the helicopter trip, Obama is even more hopelessly naive than any of

0:39
Lebanese Army Deployed to Halt Sectarian Violence
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

The Lebanese army has been deployed in an attempt to stop sectarian violence in the north of the country that has killed at least nine people
0:39
Gadhafi & Son's Arrest in Switzerland
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

Tensions between Switzerland and Libya are escalating as Gadhafi enacts retaliatory measures to protest the arrest of his son and wife in Geneva
0:37
Hamas Arrests Fatah Supporters After Gaza Bombing
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

No description
0:36
Pakistani PM Visits US During Tension in Counter-Terror Alliance
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is expected to meet with top U.S. officials in Washington this week, including President George Bush
0:35
Ahmadinejad: Iran Now has Up to 6,000 Centrifuges
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his nation now has as many as 6,000 uranium enriching centrifuges, a significant increase from earlier in the year.
0:35
Democrats Criticize Bush Iraq Policy
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

Senator Reed is calling the Republican strategy in Iraq a "blank check" that America cannot afford
0:34
More Deadly Bomb Blasts Rock India
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

A day after serial bombings in India's high-tech hub, Bangalore, there have been numerous blasts in Ahmedabad, western India's commercial and cultural capital.
0:34
China Denies Separatist Group Claims for Bombings
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

Chinese authorities denied claims by a Uighur separatist group that it was behind a pair of bus bombings in Kunming and Shanghai.

0:17
Arab Democracy: All is not fine in Egypt
» ‎ Syria Planet

By Ahmad Mustafa*

Egyptian demonstrators carrying bread (AP)

Although there are no major riots or violent protests in Egypt that can make headlines on satellite channels, the country is not at all quiet under the surface. It appears that the honeymoon of the energetic government, installed four years ago, is coming to an end soon. You can easily feel it through what you hear from the majority of Egyptians, from all walks of life, who share one negative theme: no trust in the future.
When President Hosni Mubarak appointed Dr Ahmad Nazif as the prime minister of the country in the summer of 2004, everybody - in and out of Egypt - was talking about a new generation of government in which Mubarak's son, Jamal, has been playing a major part from behind-the-scene. With limited reshuffles, Nazif's cabinet included more business people than technocrats and the influential body within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jamal Mubarak became more and more powerful.
At that time, many analysts and international institutions hailed the developments as they were keen to see any sort of reform in a stagnant Egypt.
Initially, the new government did live up to its expectations and did not falter. In its first couple of years, it launched an ambitious programme to reform the economy and set straight most of the books on macro-economy.
Though some of the reforms were painful and stirred internal opposition, most Egyptians gave the government the benefit of the doubt and waited to see its trickle-down effect.
Except for a section of the elite - a marginal minority in Egypt - most people did not care too much about the issue of "inheritance of power" from the father to the son and the preparation for the rise of Mubarak Jr.
Majority of the Egyptians are indifferent to the ruling regime, to the extent that in the 19th century when they had the power in their hands they brought in an Albanian (Mohammad Ali) to rule them.
Being indifferent does not essentially mean that they do not know; they know about the sins of omission and commission in their country. But they always say: OK, fine, as I can live and sustain it. But of late they are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs and foresee a bleak future.

Not successful
Clever and enthusiastic ministers in Nazif's government, especially those in charge of the economy, were not successful in gaining the trust of the people in what they were doing. They were keener to talk in English to the outside world and left the more than 70 million Egyptians to the anxious wait to see any benefit.
If it were acceptable in the first half of the government's time in office to focus on major - and sometimes shocking - moves to liberalise the economy, it might not be the case in the last couple of years.
As the government kept on its programme without any political effort to convince the people of the "light at the end of the tunnel", the tide is now turning against it and unfortunately against the much needed reforms itself.
One might argue that economic reform without political reform cannot be a remedy, especially in a country such as Egypt. Yet, even though the pace of political reform does not match the economic reform, the government is trying to force the latter with some political oppression.
That cannot work, and might even strip the economic reform of any meaning. The number of laws passed in the legislature and amendments made to them in a very short time is not a safeguard to a change; rather they are fragile rules that are forced on the people who have no say, or are just ignored as ignorant.
Self-proclaimed economic super-geeks will not be able to keep on like this. Their actions threaten the delicate socio-political fabric of the country. You cannot simply impose models that look perfect on paper and expect the tens of millions of people to cheer you as a hero.
Egypt is not a poor country and seeing the number of Egyptian millionaires living in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and North America, you can tell that the country is gifted.
It was ill-managed, right. But it does not seem to be well-managed now as far as its people are deprived of everything: basic needs and rights including having a say in what is going on in their country.

*Dr Ahmad Mustafa, a London-based Arab writer. Apart from many other journalistic activities, Dr Mustafa is a regular columnist for the Emirati Gulf News newspaper. (This article was published in Gulf News on the 29th of June 2008.

0:03
Dunwoody confirmed as first female four-star
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

No description

0:00
Hundreds homeless after north Lebanon clashes
» ‎ Alarabiya.net English | Middle East

Hundreds of people were still homeless on Sunday after the latest bout of deadly sectarian fighting in the northern Lebanese port city of Tripoli. "The army has barred residents from returning to some areas because there are unexploded grenades from the fighting and the troops are defusing
0:00
Egypt seizes radioactive Israeli shipment
» ‎ Alarabiya.net English | Middle East

Egypt on Sunday refused to allow entry to an Israeli truck carrying three and half tonnes of ceramics after high radiation levels were detected in the shipment, a security official said. Egyptian officials seized the goods at the Al-Oja border crossing after radiation detection equipment showed

July 26, 2008
23:56
USAFCENT July 25 airpower summary
» ‎ GlobalSecurity.org

No description

23:51
Bad News for Obama
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

According to the Associated Press, “The United States is now winning the war that two years ago seemed lost.”

22:54
“We’ll keep this up until we eliminate all the Muslim filth"
» ‎ Wake Up From Your Slumber - The Truth Will Set You Free

Last week, 85 European Community monitors who had patrolled Hebron since 1994 withdrew after complaining of weeks of verbal and physical abuse by the [Israeli] settlers.

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22:28
Tough Crowd
» ‎ Israellycool

In the LA Times Babylon and Beyond blog section, Ashraf Khalil in Chicago complains about his nine hours at the Eretz checkpoint.

But that’s nothing compared to the treatment he receives in the comments.

Sample:

Instead of moaning and groaning about how bad Israelis treat Palestinians maybe you should focus on how bad Palestinians treat other Palestinians. The problems are among Arabs and how you treat each other. No wonder Israelis try to protect themselves.

Posted by: Dan | July 26, 2008 at 08:29 AM

Do remember that the checkpoint was built because terrorists would bring explosives to the previous checkpoint, trying to blow open a gate and kill as many Israelis as possible. Movements “restricted”? The Palestinians are free to move about Gaza - why do they have a “right” to move freely about in a foreign nation? A nation that provides free hospital care, as noted here? Why, with the billions in aid given to them in the past 20 years have they not built hospitals that can treat their own people? Even with these medical cases, we see pregnant women - in labor - bringing suicide bomb-belts to blow up the hospitals. That any nation would tolerate this, and still provide the humanitarian aid that they do, boggles the mind.

Posted by: Victor Williams | July 26, 2008 at 07:39 AM

How completely selfish. Not a word, about attacks by Hamas on these checkpoints. Instead, only complaints, about an individual’s perception of disrespect. Consider how kidnapped Israeli’s are treated (held captive or killed), compared to a few hours of inconvenience.

Posted by: DL | July 25, 2008 at 02:13 PM

It’s great to see more and more people seeing right through the propaganda and “getting it.”

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22:23
Penn and Teller Take on Creationism
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

It’s our favorite libertarian-ish anti-idiotarian magicians, with a whole episode of Bullsh*t! devoted to ... yes ... creationism and its repackaged descendant, “intelligent design.” (Screams and pandemonium ensue.)

Featuring footage from the Creation Museum, and interviews with some people whose names are often invoked during the LGF Evolution Wars, including Duane Gish of the Institute for Creation Research.

The 3-part show carries a mild language warning; if you’ve ever seen Penn and Teller, you know what to expect.
[Video] [Video] [Video]

22:09
Exit Stage Left for Bad Rubbish
» ‎ Israellycool

It looks like hell is about to gain a new resident.

Or rather an old one returning home.

Miriam Farhat, the Palestinian mother who became famous in 2002 when she appeared in a video encouraging her son to attack a Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip, was reported Thursday to be in critical condition after suffering a massive heart attack.

“When I see all the Jews in Palestine killed, that will be enough for me,” she said on camera. “I wish he will kill as many as he can, so they will be scared.”

Her son Muhammad, 19, killed five teenagers and wounded 23 people at Atzmona before he was shot dead in March of that year.

Hamas seized the opportunity of her illness to exert pressure on the Egyptians to reopen the Rafah border crossing so that she could be transferred to an Egyptian hospital.

The Egyptians initially refused to allow her in, but later succumbed to the pressure and reopened the crossing.

Farhat’s eldest son, Nidal, was killed in 2003 while he was preparing for another attack. A third son, Rawad, died in an IAF raid on his vehicle in 2005.

The death of her three sons earned Farhat the title “Mother of Martyrs” and turned her into a heroic symbol of the second intifada in the eyes of many Palestinians.

Farhat, 59, was elected as a Hamas representative in the parliamentary elections that were held in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in January 2006.

As she lay in the intensive care unit at Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, Hamas leaders appealed to Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing immediately to enable Farhat to receive medical treatment in Cairo.

Relations between Hamas and Egypt have been strained lately after Hamas officials accused Cairo of failing to fulfill a promise to reopen the Rafah crossing in the aftermath of the cease-fire agreement that was reached with Israel last month.

Tensions between the two parties escalated last week when some Hamas officials said that Egypt was not an “honest broker” in the talks over the release of kidnapped St.-Sgt Gilad Schalit. The officials said that Hamas would not resume talks over the release of Schalit until the Egyptians agreed to reopen the border crossing.

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was among the first to visit Farhat in hospital. Emerging from the intensive care unit, Haniyeh urged the Egyptians to reopen the crossing to “save her life.” He said that the time has come to reopen Rafah permanently.

“More than 1.5 million Palestinians have been living in a big prison [in the Gaza Strip] for the past 14 months,” he said.

“The siege has resulted in the death of more than 215 Palestinians who were unable to receive medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip.”

Hamas Health Minister Bassem Naim also made an urgent appeal to his Egyptian counterpart to allow Farhat to be moved to a hospital in Cairo.

Earlier, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum accused Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak of “participating in the siege on the Gaza Strip.” He said the continued blockade was aimed at “blackmailing” Hamas.

“Mubarak and Abbas bear the responsibility for the ongoing catastrophe in the Gaza Strip,” he added, warning that Farhat, who is popularly known as Umm Nidal, was in urgent need of advanced medical treatment.

“The Mother of Martyrs is dying and the Arab world does not seem to care,” a Hamas representative told The Jerusalem Post. “It’s a disgrace that a Palestinian woman who sacrificed three of her sons for the cause is being barred from receiving proper medical treatment in an Arab country.”

Another Hamas official warned that Farhat’s death could trigger a wave of anti-Egyptian protests throughout the Gaza Strip. “If the woman dies because she is denied medical treatment in Egypt, the entire Gaza Strip will explode,” he said.

“I don’t rule out the possibility that much of the anger would be directed toward Egypt and that people would try to storm the Rafah border crossing.”

The video in which she appeared saying farewell to her son Muhammad before he set out on his suicidal mission came as shock to many.

Asked why she had encouraged her sons to carry out attacks, Farhat said that she wished she had 100 sons to sacrifice that way.

In a series of interviews with the Palestinian and Arab media, Farhat admitted that after the death of her first son had she encouraged her other sons to follow in his footsteps and become shahids (martyrs): “After the martyrdom [operation], my heart was peaceful about Muhammad. I encouraged all my sons to die a martyr’s death, and I wish this even for myself.”

Looks like her heart ain’t too peaceful about Muhammad now.

Update: Here’s the video of Mummy Evil in action:

Talk about giving mothers a bad name.

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21:51
Apex Predator
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

21:10
Assemblyman Neil Cohen under child porn investigation
» ‎ Wake Up From Your Slumber - The Truth Will Set You Free

From nj.com

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20:05
Another Day of Terror: Seventeen Blasts rock Ahmadabad, 29 killed, Scores injured
» ‎ Counterterrorism Blog

Even as the investigations of July 25 Bangalore serial blasts continue for the second day, with another live bomb defused this morning near a city Mall, terrorists have struck Ahmadabad, capital city of Western Indian State of Gujarat with more than 17 low to medium intensity bomb blasts. On July 26 evening, within a span of one hour, explosions have occurred at Maninagar, Isanpur, Narol, Bapunagar, Hatkeshwar, Sarkej and Odhav. Unconfirmed reports said there were 20 blasts. Even there were blasts front of Civil Hospital’s trauma center, perhaps with a suicide bomb. TV footage showed mangled remains of cycles, motorbikes and a blood splattered passenger Bus and signs of gelatin rod and wires. As per the latest reports, 29 people have been killed so far and over 150 others sustained sever to minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the Indian Mujahedeen has claimed responsibility for latest Ahmadabad serial blasts. The syncronised blasts were preceded by an email threat underscoring: "The INDIAN MUJAHIDEEN. strike again! - Do whatever you can, within 5 minutes from now, feel the terror of Death!"

Some of the bombs were believed to have been placed in bicycles and Tiffin boxes, quite similar to Jaipur and Uttar Pradesh blasts. This is third in the series of terror attacks claimed IM, following serial blasts in Jaipur in May 13 this year and in three towns of Uttar Pradesh in November last year. There is little doubt that IM is trying to mislead the investigating agencies and trying to portray that India is experiencing a homegrown terrorism, not sponsored by any external agencies or outfit. It’s obvious that IM is a deadly cocktail of Harkat- Lashkar-SIMI foot soldiers.

19:18
The Lightbringer Brings Light to the World
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

Never let it be said that the British don’t do sarcasm: He ventured forth to bring light to the world.

And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.

The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.

When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: “Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?”

In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites.

And so it was, in the fullness of time, before the harvest month of the appointed year, the Child ventured forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto all the world.

18:41
Palestinians Eating Their Own
» ‎ Little Green Footballs

Hamas and Fatah are killing each other again: Hamas hunts down Fatah rivals after Gaza blast.

GAZA CITY (AFP) - Hamas-run security forces stormed across Gaza on Saturday, clashing with rival Palestinian gunmen and arresting dozens of people after a bomb killed five of its senior militants and a little girl.

The explosion late on Friday near a beach outside Gaza City was the deadliest incident in weeks in the impoverished Palestinian territory which has been ruled by the Islamist Hamas movement for more than a year.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately known but Hamas blamed Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas’s rival Fatah movement, accusing it of collaborating with Israel to undermine the Islamist movement.

“The Fatah movement is behind this reprehensible crime,” senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya told a crowd of thousands of supporters and other senior leaders at a funeral for those killed.

“Those who carried out this crime are making war on God, on the security of Gaza, and on the resistance,” he said. “They will not be released after six months but will be hanged from the gallows and shot.”

17:33
Army deployed to calm Tripoli
» ‎ AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (MIDDLE EAST)

Residents flee northern Lebanese city amid heavy fighting between rival communities.

16:32
Razaneyyat: رزان
» ‎ Syria Planet

كتب مظفّر النواب: «هل تلد المرأة في الخيمة إلا جيشاً؟ إلا جيشاً».
View Original

15:50
Gaza blasts kill 5 Hamas men, girl
» ‎ JPost.com Front Page Top Stories

Hamas commander, girl, 6, among dead; 20 hurt; Hamas blames Fatah, nabs 120 Fatah men.

15:46
'The correct name is Persian Gulf, which always has been, and will always remain, Persian'
» ‎ Persian Journal

'The correct name is Persian Gulf, which always has been, and will always remain, Persian'

15:46
Stanford takes on Iranian mathematician
» ‎ Persian Journal

Stanford takes on Iranian mathematician

15:46
Saipa signs Littbarski as new coach
» ‎ Persian Journal

Saipa signs Littbarski as new coach

15:46
Ex-Mossad chief: Iran strike could impact us for next 100 years
» ‎ Persian Journal

Ex-Mossad chief: Iran strike could impact us for next 100 years

15:46
NBC network to air Ahmadinejad interview
» ‎ Persian Journal

NBC network to air Ahmadinejad interview

15:46
Iran should not wait for next U.S. president says Obama
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran should not wait for next U.S. president says Obama

15:46
Iran Mullahs Agent Arrested in US
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran Mullahs Agent Arrested in US

15:46
Oil prices rebound
» ‎ Persian Journal

Oil prices rebound

15:46
‘Iranian Hercules’ Withdraws From Games
» ‎ Persian Journal

‘Iranian Hercules’ Withdraws From Games

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Iran Now: A Lesser Evil?
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran Now: A Lesser Evil?

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US Presidential Candidate Terms War with Iran "Disastrous"
» ‎ Persian Journal

US Presidential Candidate Terms War with Iran "Disastrous"

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Israel's Debate Over an Iran Strike
» ‎ Persian Journal

Israel's Debate Over an Iran Strike

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Obama Arrives in London after stop in Paris
» ‎ Persian Journal

Obama Arrives in London after stop in Paris

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The Obama-Bush presidency
» ‎ Persian Journal

The Obama-Bush presidency

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US says No Russian missiles expected for Iran this year
» ‎ Persian Journal

US says No Russian missiles expected for Iran this year

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Sanctions create opportunities for Iran
» ‎ Persian Journal

Sanctions create opportunities for Iran

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Iran, Pakistan and India pipeline not meet deadline
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran, Pakistan and India pipeline not meet deadline

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Iran stock exchange key index shows 60% increase
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran stock exchange key index shows 60% increase

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Iran, UK archeologists study Zagros Mountains
» ‎ Persian Journal

Iran, UK archeologists study Zagros Mountains

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Regime: Iran, IAEA continue cooperation ‘based on mutual understanding’
» ‎ Persian Journal

Regime: Iran, IAEA continue cooperation ‘based on mutual understanding’

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Iran Friday Sermon: Iran Won’t Accept Ultimatum From West
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

In his Friday sermon at the Tehran University campus, Tehran interim prayer leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani stated that Iran would not accept an ultimatum from the West in its talks about Iran's nuclear program. He said, “We have finally ...
July 25, 2008, 3:12 pm

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Power Outage, Shortages, Fuel Crises Disrupt Life In Iran
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

The London daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reports that severe disruptions in the supply of gasoline and water and in supplies of agricultural produce in Iran are being caused by severe drought that is harming agricultural yields and slowing operation of ...
July 25, 2008, 1:43 pm

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Cartoon In Jordanian Paper: Arabs Pull the American Cart Of Democracy, Human Rights
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

Cartoonist: 'Imad Hajjaj Source: Al-Quds Al-Arabi, London, July 24, ...
July 25, 2008, 1:42 pm

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Amnesty International Director in Algeria Arrested
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

The director of Amnesty International in Algeria, Mehiedine Bechir, was arrested July 24 in Algeria. The arrest came several days after the organization published its annual report. The opposition Socialist Forces Front condemned the arrest. ...
July 25, 2008, 1:41 pm

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Bahrain King Demands Harsh Response To Shi'ite Protest
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

Following Bahraini King Sheikh Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa's demand to punish the residents of Shi'ite villages and regions, who are protesting against discrimination and demanding the release of Shi'ite political prisoners, the ...
July 25, 2008, 1:40 pm

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Libya Stops Oil Exports To Switzerland Following Arrest Of Qaddafi's Son
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

Libya's General National Maritime Transportation Company has announced that it is halting oil exports to Switzerland and that it will prevent Swiss ships from entering Libyan ports. The move is a response to the arrest of Hannibal Qaddafi, ...
July 25, 2008, 1:39 pm

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Report: Syrian Security Apparatuses Abducted Two Lebanese
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

The Lebanese daily Al-Mustaqbal reports that Syrian security apparatuses stationed at the Al-Aboudiya crossing on the Syria-Lebanon border last night abducted Lebanese army Sgt-Major As'ad Khaled Al-Masoum'I and Lebanese citizen Ahmad ...
July 25, 2008, 12:34 pm

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Lebanese Defense Minister: Only Military Must Have Weapons
» ‎ Memri Latest Blogs

Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Al-Mur told the Lebanese TV channel LBC that he would not agree to Hizbullah's continued possession of weapons as the situation was today, and that the Lebanese military must be the only ones with weapons. He ...
July 25, 2008, 12:33 pm

A Peek into Others' mind » July 26, 2008

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