News from the Long War, Thread 4

Various | 4/15/07 | Knitting a Conundrum and Others

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Thread 4



Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation has fought a global war against violent extremists who use terrorism as their weapon of choice, and who seek to destroy our free way of life. Our enemies seek weapons of mass destruction and, if they are successful, will likely attempt to use them in their conflict with free people everywhere. Currently, the struggle is centered in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we will need to be prepared and arranged to successfully defend our nation and its interests around the globe for years to come. DOD

Our enemies include all the Muslims who dream of knocking Western Civilization off its perch atop humanity’s dung heap. Islam is fractured into any number of sects, tribes and ethnic groups, but the dream of destroying us cuts across all the fault lines. Islamic terrorists are merely the tip of a very large spear.

J. Peter Mulhern, the American Thinker, September 18

The determination behind that fight is real, the hatred is real, and the excuses for doing this are very real in the minds of those who have decided to walk that path. We can respond in two ways: Try to ignore or negotiate with people who do not want to negotiate in good faith, because what they want is our destruction, or to stand up against the darkness of those who see all of us, our way of life, our culture and our aspirations as something worth eliminating.

Either: "And God willing, with the force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Or: "With vigilance, determination, courage, we will defeat the enemies of freedom, and we will leave behind a more peaceful world for our children and our grandchildren." GW Bush.

Here's where I will post news and info about the Long War. Let me know if you're interested.

Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3

[Uncle Ike]

” Exchanging view or selling weapons grade uranium? “

NK has been an arms supplier to Iran for a long time — most of the Iraninan missle program is based on NK designs.....

Good morning, Bahbah....

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

I agree with the monster under the bed part and I could see them being directed by Russia independantly but I don’t see them working together on any scale other then sales/purchasing agreement.

[Bahbah]

Good morning, Uncle Ike.

Trying to pry my eyes open.

[Uncle Ike]

” Trying to pry my eyes open. “

Not sure it’s worth the effort.... (”Nothing to see here — move along, folks...”)

;~)

[Uncle Ike]

” but I don’t see them working together on any scale “

I’m thinking that people said the same thing about Germany and Japan ca. 1935....

Don’t underestimate commonality of enemies as a unifying factor.....

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"Don’t underestimate commonality of enemies as a unifying factor....."

I wouldn't do that. Perhaps I'm looking too closely at their personalities.

Perhaps you are right - they both seek our demise.

[unionblue83]

I am going to have to agree with you Ike. Even if that means I need my tinfoil hat! I have been following the goings on in the former USSR and the former satellites and there is definitely a very active campaign by Moscow to maintain control in the regions. The NKs listen to China because they know the Chinese could run them over at any time they choose and that the West would definitely not rush to their aid. The tentacles of Mother Russia reach far and it appears a new Cold/Hot war couold be moving forward.

[unionblue83]

I believe the common theory was the same regarding the Sunnis and the Shiites, wasn’t it?

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Yup - but after they kill each other off.

[Uncle Ike]

” regarding the Sunnis and the Shiites, wasn’t it? “

There is evidence (as incontrovertible as it is unreported) that Iran - Shiite - has been supplying arms and whatnot to the Iraqi AQ - Sunni - ‘insurgency’.

That’s a hard one to explain away, for those who believe in the Sunni-Shia Mortal Enemies theory......

[unionblue83]

UPDATE:

Rudkovskyi Not Ruling Out Deliberate Planning Of Dnipropetrovsk-Kyiv Train Accident And Explosion Of Gas Pipeline To Destabilize Situation In Ukraine (14:47, Tuesday, May 8, 2007)

Transport and Communications Minister Mykola Rudkovskyi is not ruling out the possibility that the derailing of a Dnipropetrovsk-Kyiv train at the Rosava station (Kyiv region) on May 2 and the explosion on the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhhorod gas pipeline in the Kyiv region were deliberately organized in order to destabilize the situation in Ukraine.

The press service of the Transport and Communications Ministry announced this in a statement.

According to the statement, Rudkovskyi is concerned that the derailing of the Dnipropetrovsk-Kyiv train and the explosion on the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhhorod gas pipeline could be connected and that they could have a political motive.

«The possibility of this being a chain of planned actions aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country cannot be ruled out,» the press service quoted Rudkovskyi as saying.

Rudkovskyi said that the Transport and Communications Ministry was initiating a legislative amendment to introduce responsibility for unauthorized interference in the operations of the country’s transport system.

More at link:
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/41629.html

[unionblue83]

Forgot my tag. I never believed that crap to begin with. The Iranians are arming the terrorists in Iraq as evidenced by the weapons, detonators, and IEDs. They'll support the Sunnis until it becomes politically expedient for them. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.....Gotta run but I'll check back later. Good to see you Ike!

[Uncle Ike]

” Rudkovskyi Not Ruling Out Deliberate Planning “

Hmmmmmm....

Maybe my idle speculation about this being ‘self-inflicted’ wasn’t as out-there as we all thought??

[Knitting A Conundrum]

14:59 Iran accepts last-minute compromise in NPT talks (DPA)
14:23 Supreme Court president: Criminals, politicians acting to weaken court (Haaretz)
14:20 State to subsidize financially disadvantageous flights to Cairo, Amman, (Haaretz)
14:06 Olmert to meet with Jordan`s King Abdullah in Petra next week (AP)
14:01 Hamas official denies group threatened to kill Shalit if IDF raids Gaza (Israel Radio)
13:44 PMO: Olmert set to meet Abbas next week; source: meeting likely in Jericho (Reuters)
13:23 Labor candidate Barak to hold first press conference since Winograd report (Haaretz)
13:19 Ban: Arms traffic into Lebanon via Syrian border occurs on regular basis (Reuters)
13:08 Hamas military wing threatens to kill Gilad Shalit if IDF enters Gaza (Israel Radio)
12:53 Beinisch: Judges have become target of unsubstantiated criticism (Haaretz)
12:27 British Consul-General meets Haniyeh to discuss kidnapped BBC reporter (AP)
12:27 Israel Railways to halt train services Thurs., replace control mechanisms (Israel Radio)
12:22 Dozens of students block T.A.`s Shenkin Street protesting education reforms (Haaretz)
12:17 PM meets with United Torah Judaism to gain party`s support of government (Haaretz)
12:07 Iran stands firm in demanding changes in text of nuclear conference agenda (AP)
11:53 Mofaz to Livni: Don`t drag the military into political disputes (Army Radio)
11:51 Kafr Qasem man jailed for 7 years for driving bomber to T.A. cafe in 2002 (Haaretz)
11:40 Condition of 15-year-old injured in Teddy Stadium stampede improves (Army Radio)
11:28 PFLP: Shalit won`t be freed during Olmert`s term; gov`t can`t make decisions (Haaretz)
11:23 Prof. Netzer: Herod`s tomb find is high point for area`s research in past years (Haaretz)
11:11 Police chief: J`lem soccer game criticism on Chief Franco is personal attack (Haaretz)
10:48 Suicide car bomber kills at least 10 people in Iraqi city of Kufa (Reuters)
10:48 Erekat: Reports of secret Olmert-Abbas talks are `baseless` (AP)
10:11 High school teachers to strike Wednesday in Tel Aviv school district (Israel Radio)
10:07 Abbas associate: No secret talks and no back channel talks with Olmert (Reuters)
10:06 Health Ministry prohibits bathing along Acre coastline due to pollution (Haaretz)
10:02 Health Ministry prohibits bathing in Acre beach because of polluted waters (Haaretz)
10:01 Dollar still falling against shekel; exchange rate reaches NIS 3.98 to $1 (Israel Radio)
09:40 Dozens of students block entrance to Ben-Gurion University in Be`er Sheva (Haaretz)
09:37 42-year-old Arabe resident arrested for physically abusing wife, children (Haaretz)
09:35 Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for Qassam rocket firing on Sderot (Israel Radio)
08:56 Senior source: Cancellation of Rice`s Israel visit is unprecendented (Israel Radio)
08:20 U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to follow Rice on next week`s Mideast tour (AP)
07:32 Rice: U.S. might use UN charter to force tribunal in Hariri murder (Reuters)
07:19 Syrian ambassador: U.S. `obsessed` with military solution in Iraq (AP)
07:17 Qassam rocket lands in Sderot; no injuries or damage reported (Haaretz)
06:43 Student representatives reject govt. offer, strike continues (Israel Radio)
05:36 Charity report: Progress reducing child deaths highest in Egypt, lowest in Iraq (AP)
05:34 Syrian ambassador says U.S. `obsessed` with military solution (AP)
04:24 PM Olmert conducting secret talks with PA chairman Abbas (Haaretz)
03:49 Arab rights group: Galilee land tender discriminates against Arab buyers (Haaretz)
02:51 Kadima to ask Likud to join coalition if Labor Party pulls out (Haaretz)
02:44 JDC to approve program to help 50,000 needy Jewish children (Haaretz)
02:25 IDF unveils plan to counter militants` efforts in Gaza (Haaretz)
02:00 Qassam rocket fired from northern Gaza Strip towards Israel (Army Radio)
02:00 IDF troops encircle building where wanted Fatah militant is hiding (Israel Radio)
01:57 U.S. State Department confirms Rice cancelled visit to Israel, PA (Israel Radio)
01:55 Students Union chair: PM`s actions will deepen crisis with students (Israel Radio)
01:26 Welfare min. calls roundtable to weed out hunger among Israel`s neediest (Haaretz)
00:27 Abbas, Haniyeh meet to discuss the U.S. security proposal, PA security (Reuters)
00:18 U.S. expresses condolences for French, Canadian victims of Sinai plane crash (AP)

[Knitting A Conundrum]

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Six nationals of the former Yugoslavia were arrested early Tuesday on charges they plotted to attack the Fort Dix Army base and “kill as many soldiers as possible,” federal authorities said.
ADVERTISEMENT

The six were scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Camden later Tuesday to face charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. servicemen, said Michael Drewniak, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Five of them lived in Cherry Hill, he said.

A law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity because documents in the case remain sealed, said the men were arrested as part of a joint federal and local investigation.

The officials said the attack was stopped in the planning stages.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070508/ap_on_re_us/fort_dix_plot;_ylt=ApoG9l01ysmgMnd9h057.3ys0NUE

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"Maybe my idle speculation about this being ‘self-inflicted’ wasn’t as out-there as we all thought??"

Nope, starting to look that way.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Netanyahu tells Sarkozy that Iran should be top priority

Published: 05.08.07, 16:34 / Israel News

Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Tuesday with French president elect Nicolas Sarkozy and congratulated on his victory. Netanyahu said that Sarkozy’s victory was a triumph of democracy and the French people.

“As a world leader your biggest task is the Iranian matter, Netanyahu added. Sarkozy told Netanyahu that he intended to prove his friendship with Israel. (Attila Somfalvi)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3397380,00.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Russia claims not selling weapons used in Darfur

Published: 05.08.07, 15:19 / Israel News

Russia has denied allegations made by Amnesty International that Moscow was violating the international embargo and was supplying the Sudanese army with weapons, knowing they were being used to attack civilians in the Darfur region.

“We honor the Security Council’s resolutions prohibiting arms sales for use in Darfur,” The Russian foreign ministry’s statement said. (AFP)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3397344,00.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Head of Likud MK Gidon Sa’ar said Tuesday that 46 MKs had already signed his petition demanding Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to appear before the Knesset and explain why he would not resign as a result of the Winograd interim report.

Army Radio reported that according to Knesset regulations, the PM is obliged to make a speech within three weeks of handing him the petition.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178431599512&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[jedward]

Morning, thanks for the news Knitting!

Morning to all.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Hamas’s armed wing, Izzadin Kassam, has threatened to execute kidnapped IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Schalit if the army enters Gaza, Israel Radio reported on Tuesday.

In an as-yet-unpublished statement to a Palestinian Web site, the group’s spokesman, Abu Obadiah, was quoted as saying that if the IDF carries out a military incursion in Gaza, Schalit’s life could be in clear danger, and he may even be killed.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178431598204&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Just posted several news stories you might be interested in

[Knitting A Conundrum]

IsraelNN.com) MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union-NRP) sent a lengthy letter to former fellow party member Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigor Lieberman Tuesday calling for his immediate departure from the current government.

“Every additional day that you stay in the government assists in the artificial prolonging of these people’s political lives and steals priceless time from the State of Israel,” Eldad wrote.

“If about Defense Minister Amir Peretz they say that he weakened the government during wartime – they can say of you that you strengthened the government and weakened the State of Israel,” Eldad added. “You have the opportunity to fulfill a historic role – bring down this government. And if you don’t, others will – perhaps too late.”

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/126029

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Morning!

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"Schalit’s life could be in clear danger, and he may even be killed."

Or he may even already be dead.

These animals know no bounds.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Morning JW.

[Uncle Ike]

Good morning, Knitting!!

Thanx for the news updates — dots popping up fast-and-furious, and not one of the possible pictures they draw is a pretty one......

[Uncle Ike]

Good morning, Jedward!!

Didja get enough sleep??

Speaking of which — I neglected to ask, before: How are you feeling this morning, Knitting??

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Thank you Knitting - readin and figurin :)

[Knitting A Conundrum]

My dog decided she HAD to go out at 1:30 last night...which meant my sleep got interrupted. Made worse by drinking too much evening coffee....masochist me...but I made it back to sleep, and got up at 5:30.

Today I will be doing some sewing. Probably be popping back and forth between my needlework and my computer...

[jedward]

Yes, just enough :)

[jedward]

Yowdy! Sneaking off to mow the grass in a bit. Definately over-due on that.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I’ve been going to treat my yard for weeds for 4 days now, and it’s been too windy. Haven’t decided if I can use that excuse for a fifth day or not....

[Knitting A Conundrum]

17:52 Ehud Barak: If PM hasn`t quit by Labor primaries, I will push for elections (Haaretz)
17:47 Ehud Barak convenes first press conference in Sdot Yam, near Hadera (Channel 2)

[Knitting A Conundrum]

MKs demand from PM to respond to calls to resign in Knesset

Published: 05.08.07, 16:50 / Israel News

Chairs of Likud and Meretz, MKs Gideon Sa’ar and Zahava Gal-On, presented the Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik a petition signed by 46 MKs demanding to hold a special meeting where Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will be required to answer the calls for his resignation following the Winograd Commission report.

“Implementing the clause that forces the prime minister to speak at a meeting is done as Olmert refuses to take responsibility and has also avoided appearing at the Knesset plenum in the two previous discussions held on the topic, “said Sa’ar. (Amnon Meranda)

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3397390,00.html

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Looks like Olmert is running out of wiggle room. Big chess game going on there.

[unionblue83]

He could but I am guessing that he is not. He could be a big bargaining chip as long as they continue to put the word about him out to keep the public thinking about it. Then again they could be simply propagandizing and he has been deceased for some time. I pray that he is not. I think he’s worth more to them alive than dead.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

I, of course agree with you. They behave like dogs but shouldn’t be treated as well.

[unionblue83]

More info on the Fort Dix Jihad:

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/007477.htm

[unionblue83]

I 100% concur. These cowards should be treated at a level appropriate to their culture — about 7th century.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

22:27 Israel Navy missile boat sustains damage in accident; no injuries (Haaretz)
21:56 Britain says Iran may be helping Taliban forces in Afghanistan (AP)
21:34 Former Iranian diplomat arrested last week released on bail (Reuters)
21:29 Two U.S. soldiers killed in roadside bomb attack south of Baghdad (AP)
21:14 Cheney to visit Arab allies, press for help in stabilizing Iraq (Reuters)
20:51 Afghan lawmakers call for talks with Taliban, halt to NATO military operations (AP)
20:33 Israel to donate $5 million in aid to Darfur refugees (Haaretz)
20:28 U.S. airport directors study Israeli security measures ahead of summer travel (AP)
20:20 State Department: U.S. working closely with Olmert despite gov`t turmoil (Reuters)
19:56 State demolishes 30 structures in unrecognized Bedouin village in Negev (Haaretz)
19:36 Deputy Defense Min.: Now is not the time for a major IDF operation in Gaza (Haaretz)
19:34 Extended maternity leave goes into effect (Haaretz)
19:22 Saudi Arabia beheads citizen in Riyadh for murdering another Saudi (AP)
18:39 Interior Min. may dissolve Arad, Mitzpe Ramon municipalities due to crisis (Haaretz)
18:29 Report: Saudi Arabia uncovers terror cells with links to Al-Qaida in Iraq via Syria (AP)

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"21:56 Britain says Iran may be helping Taliban forces in Afghanistan (AP)"

Who would have thought?

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"21:34 Former Iranian diplomat arrested last week released on bail (Reuters)"

This is interesting. Either he wasn't a spy or now he's their spy (against other spies)?

[Knitting A Conundrum]

LOL....been mowing the grass. Hot work!

[jedward]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1830278/posts

[jedward]

Just a drive-by, still working outside.

[jedward]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1830340/posts

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I only did my front yard...

[Uncle Ike]

American Hostages — Collect the Whole Set!!

American Scholar Detained in Iran [Smithsonian Program Director Held Since December Visit]
Washington Post ^ | 5/8/07 | Robin Wright

Posted on 05/08/2007 6:10:37 PM CDT by parisa

American Scholar Detained in Iran Smithsonian Program Director Held Since December Visit By Robin Wright Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, May 8, 2007; 4:40 PM

Iran today detained prominent American academic Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Smithsonian’s Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, according to a family member and center president Lee Hamilton.

Esfandiari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who has lived in the United States for more than a quarter century, has been under virtual house arrest since last December when the government refused to allow her to leave Iran after visiting her 93-year-old-mother. Since then, she has been summoned repeatedly for interrogations by intelligence officials about U.S. programs on Iran. In particular, she was questioned about Iran programs at the Woodrow Wilson Center, one of Washington’s most prominent foreign policy think tanks.

Esfandiari was summoned by the intelligence ministry again today but was then taken to Tehran’s Evin Prison, the sources said.

Esfandiari is one of three “soft hostages,” all dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, whose passports have been confiscated by the Iranian government, rendering them unable to leave the country.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1830411/posts
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” Esfandiari is one of three “soft hostages,” “

And then there’s the ex-FBI guy (whose name escapes me) who may or may not still be in Iranian custody....

[Bahbah]

What a surprise. Iran is up to no good.

But Lee Hamilton thinks we should “dialogue.”