GALLOWAY: FAKES PROVE IT'S A SMEAR
'REBEL Labour MP George Galloway last night insisted he was innocent after it was revealed a dirty tricks scam was used to frame him for taking money from Saddam Hussein. Papers offered for sale in Baghdad were said to prove the Glasgow MP took millions of pounds for supporting the Iraqi dictator. But the documents, offered by former Republican Guard General Salah Abdel Rasool, contain obvious mistakes. A scrawl claimed to be Mr Galloway's signature on "receipts" has no similarity to his real one.'
The possibility that the documents were forged, how and by who they were forged, to frame Galloway is a real story but one doubts it will get the coverage that the original allegations received. As they say, mud sticks.
Friday, May 16, 2003
France Says It Is Target of US Untruths
'The stories, all of which Paris has heatedly denied, are part of an "ugly campaign to destroy the image of France," a French official said. Officials said they have no doubt that the stories were spread by factions in the administration itself -- hard-line civilians within and close to the Pentagon are their primary suspects -- and that there was no visible effort by the White House or other departments to discipline those involved or even find out who they are.'
If France wants to challenge US hegemony they will have to take on the formidable American propaganda machine. The historic opportunity and the need is there, the countries and peoples of Europe have shown they will support France, but one wonders whether there is a proper realisation of the magnitude of the task.
'The stories, all of which Paris has heatedly denied, are part of an "ugly campaign to destroy the image of France," a French official said. Officials said they have no doubt that the stories were spread by factions in the administration itself -- hard-line civilians within and close to the Pentagon are their primary suspects -- and that there was no visible effort by the White House or other departments to discipline those involved or even find out who they are.'
If France wants to challenge US hegemony they will have to take on the formidable American propaganda machine. The historic opportunity and the need is there, the countries and peoples of Europe have shown they will support France, but one wonders whether there is a proper realisation of the magnitude of the task.
Kurds' Bid for Stake in Oil Firms Rebuffed
'U.S. authorities rejected a bid by ethnic Kurds for a stake in the state oil giants of northern Iraq -- the dominant force in the local economy -- preferring to retain existing managers and minimize disruption to resume large-volume production as quickly as possible... The American focus on oil production first and new leadership later has upset Kurdish leaders, who had hoped the end of Hussein's regime and the arrival of their long-time allies would gain them entree into the political system and the oil industry.'
'U.S. authorities rejected a bid by ethnic Kurds for a stake in the state oil giants of northern Iraq -- the dominant force in the local economy -- preferring to retain existing managers and minimize disruption to resume large-volume production as quickly as possible... The American focus on oil production first and new leadership later has upset Kurdish leaders, who had hoped the end of Hussein's regime and the arrival of their long-time allies would gain them entree into the political system and the oil industry.'
Toxic DU bullets litter Iraq
'The Monitor visited four sites in the city - including two randomly chosen destroyed Iraqi armored vehicles, a clutch of burned American ammunition trucks, and the downtown planning ministry - and found significant levels of radioactive contamination from the US battle for Baghdad... "The important thing in any battlefield - especially in populated urban areas - is somebody has to clean up these sites..." '
'"After we shoot something with DU, we're not supposed to go around it, due to the fact that it could cause cancer," says a sergeant in Baghdad from New York, assigned to a Bradley, who asked not to be further identified. "We don't know the effects of what it could do," says the sergeant. "If one of our vehicles burnt with a DU round inside, or an ammo truck, we wouldn't go near it, even if it had important documents inside. We play it safe." Six American vehicles struck with U "friendly fire" in 1991 were deemed to be too contaminated to take home, and were buried in Saudi Arabia. Of 16 more brought back to a purpose-built facility in South Carolina, six had to be buried in a low-level radioactive waste dump.
'Television footage of the war last month showed Iraqi armored vehicles burning as US columns drove by, a common sign of a strike by DU, which burns through armor on impact, and often ignites the ammunition carried by the targeted vehicle. "We were buttoned up when we drove by that - all our hatches were closed," the US sergeant says. "If we saw anything on fire, we wouldn't stop anywhere near it. We would just keep on driving."'
'The Monitor visited four sites in the city - including two randomly chosen destroyed Iraqi armored vehicles, a clutch of burned American ammunition trucks, and the downtown planning ministry - and found significant levels of radioactive contamination from the US battle for Baghdad... "The important thing in any battlefield - especially in populated urban areas - is somebody has to clean up these sites..." '
'"After we shoot something with DU, we're not supposed to go around it, due to the fact that it could cause cancer," says a sergeant in Baghdad from New York, assigned to a Bradley, who asked not to be further identified. "We don't know the effects of what it could do," says the sergeant. "If one of our vehicles burnt with a DU round inside, or an ammo truck, we wouldn't go near it, even if it had important documents inside. We play it safe." Six American vehicles struck with U "friendly fire" in 1991 were deemed to be too contaminated to take home, and were buried in Saudi Arabia. Of 16 more brought back to a purpose-built facility in South Carolina, six had to be buried in a low-level radioactive waste dump.
'Television footage of the war last month showed Iraqi armored vehicles burning as US columns drove by, a common sign of a strike by DU, which burns through armor on impact, and often ignites the ammunition carried by the targeted vehicle. "We were buttoned up when we drove by that - all our hatches were closed," the US sergeant says. "If we saw anything on fire, we wouldn't stop anywhere near it. We would just keep on driving."'
The Iraq War and the Violent State: Review of new neocon book
'This book frightens me. The authors do not confine themselves to a justification of the American invasion of Iraq, which began shortly after their book was published. They offer a plan by which this war is but the first of many that the United States is to undertake. For Messrs. Kaplan and Kristol, "perpetual war for perpetual peace" is not a mocking comment but rather a slogan to be embraced with fervor.'
'This book frightens me. The authors do not confine themselves to a justification of the American invasion of Iraq, which began shortly after their book was published. They offer a plan by which this war is but the first of many that the United States is to undertake. For Messrs. Kaplan and Kristol, "perpetual war for perpetual peace" is not a mocking comment but rather a slogan to be embraced with fervor.'
Kant and Mill in Baghdad. John B. Judis.
'The rise of modern imperialism, and of rivalries between the imperial powers, led to violent nationalist rebellions and two world wars in which millions perished. These sad events prompted a fundamental reappraisal of international morality. After World War II -- in the Nuremberg trials and the formation of the United Nations -- the world's countries embraced a Kantian approach to international relations based upon the recognition of nations as equal sovereign persons (regardless of their size or stage of economic development) with inalienable rights. The UN Charter forbade the "threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state" except if "an armed attack occurs." Similarly, the Nuremberg tribunal stated that "to initiate a war of aggression … is the supreme international crime." Utilitarianism was present, too, but in a supporting role: the UN charter assumed that by granting them inalienable rights, the world's nations would help remove a major cause of war... By Kantian standards, the [Iraq] war was aggression without justifiable cause.'
The Bush doctrine of full spectrum dominance and preventative war opens up a fundamental topic of world debate: is the UN Charter and response to the Second World War the right response or not? Its amazing how powers like the US, UK and Australia have simply dispensed with the core convictions of the post war era with so little debate or opposition.
'The rise of modern imperialism, and of rivalries between the imperial powers, led to violent nationalist rebellions and two world wars in which millions perished. These sad events prompted a fundamental reappraisal of international morality. After World War II -- in the Nuremberg trials and the formation of the United Nations -- the world's countries embraced a Kantian approach to international relations based upon the recognition of nations as equal sovereign persons (regardless of their size or stage of economic development) with inalienable rights. The UN Charter forbade the "threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state" except if "an armed attack occurs." Similarly, the Nuremberg tribunal stated that "to initiate a war of aggression … is the supreme international crime." Utilitarianism was present, too, but in a supporting role: the UN charter assumed that by granting them inalienable rights, the world's nations would help remove a major cause of war... By Kantian standards, the [Iraq] war was aggression without justifiable cause.'
The Bush doctrine of full spectrum dominance and preventative war opens up a fundamental topic of world debate: is the UN Charter and response to the Second World War the right response or not? Its amazing how powers like the US, UK and Australia have simply dispensed with the core convictions of the post war era with so little debate or opposition.
movabletype.org : TrackBack Explanation
Trackback - a good feature - I hope blogger introduces it soon.
Trackback - a good feature - I hope blogger introduces it soon.
Study reveals plunge in big fish numbers
'A global survey spanning nearly half a century reveals a 90 percent plunge in the population of large ocean fish, from tuna to cod, since commercial fishing vessels took to the high seas, Canadian researchers reported Wednesday. With their numbers decreasing by as much as 80 percent in 15 years, the depleted communities could crash delicately balanced ecosystems, with unknown worldwide consequences, the surveyors of pelagic creatures warned. "More than 90 percent of the fish we like to eat are gone,"'
'A global survey spanning nearly half a century reveals a 90 percent plunge in the population of large ocean fish, from tuna to cod, since commercial fishing vessels took to the high seas, Canadian researchers reported Wednesday. With their numbers decreasing by as much as 80 percent in 15 years, the depleted communities could crash delicately balanced ecosystems, with unknown worldwide consequences, the surveyors of pelagic creatures warned. "More than 90 percent of the fish we like to eat are gone,"'
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Mercenaries Wave of the Future, US Firms Say
The subsitution of mercenaries for citizens is usually a late stage of imperial development, eg Rome. Mercenary forces are usually advanced and effective, but if defeated can be difficult to replace.
The subsitution of mercenaries for citizens is usually a late stage of imperial development, eg Rome. Mercenary forces are usually advanced and effective, but if defeated can be difficult to replace.
The American Taxpayer Is Paying Dearly to Be Attacked by Terrorists, by Ivan Eland
'The terrorist attacks support the views of those who argued against such a war on the grounds that it would increase anti-American terrorism, not reduce it. After arriving in Saudi Arabia, Secretary Powell said: “Terrorism strikes everywhere and everyone. It is a threat to the civilized world.” Although the Secretary’s statement is technically true, he needs to read his own department’s reports entitled “Patterns of Global Terrorism.” Those annual reports regularly indicate that terrorists launching international attacks strike U.S. targets an astounding 40 to 60 percent of the time. Those numbers are unusually high for a nation that has no ethnic or civil war within its borders, has no unfriendly neighbors stoking such internal unrest, and is far removed from the world’s major centers of conflict.'
'The terrorist attacks support the views of those who argued against such a war on the grounds that it would increase anti-American terrorism, not reduce it. After arriving in Saudi Arabia, Secretary Powell said: “Terrorism strikes everywhere and everyone. It is a threat to the civilized world.” Although the Secretary’s statement is technically true, he needs to read his own department’s reports entitled “Patterns of Global Terrorism.” Those annual reports regularly indicate that terrorists launching international attacks strike U.S. targets an astounding 40 to 60 percent of the time. Those numbers are unusually high for a nation that has no ethnic or civil war within its borders, has no unfriendly neighbors stoking such internal unrest, and is far removed from the world’s major centers of conflict.'
The Anti-Americans, by Justin Raimondo
Antiwar.com is a very good site for numerous links to articles on the American 'war on terror', although it has a telling reliance on mainstream US media sources. But its real weaknesses derive from its origins in Right-Libertarian philosophy. American Right-Libertarianism is a reactionary (anti-socialist) coldwar doctrine, but in the course of its post-Soviet era development is suffering an interesting split, as is much of American conservative ideology, where the nakedness of US imperialism & aggression causes some of them to question and oppose the policies and tendencies of the US government, drawing upon conservative traditions of isolationism and anti-imperialistic republicanism. However strong they are here in opposition, they are still unable to appreciate the critique of the US and of 'capitalism' that comes from sources such as anarchism, Chomskyism, Marxism and geoism or geo-libertarianism. Hence this article by Raimondo swings into denunciations of the 'anti-american left'. It is a necessary phase that the varous positions be understood and sublated. Rahul Mahajan, the target here of Raimondo's wild spray, makes a reasonable case, based on the perception that the nations and populations of the world will inevitably combine to resist US hegemony. It is not so difficult to understand, however hangups about 'lefties', 'commies', 'anti-Americanism' etc will have to be left behind.
As an example of Raimondo's confusion and lack of understanding, we can consider his 'really telling' example, "Rahul's trope about how those dastardly Americans are also plotting "to force the Palestinians to acquiesce to the Israeli occupation through the latest 'peace plan.'"" If he had paid more attention to commonplace understandings of Chomsky, the left etc he would not be so astonished at this observation. It is quite obvious to such people that the 'Road Map', just like the Oslo accords, is a phony 'peace process' actually designed to allocate the Palestinian authority the role of 'Bantustan chief' or Uncle Tom, to put down Palestinian uprisings on behalf of the Occupying power. This is the reason why it is doomed to fail, and the 'Road Map' has been unravelling the day it was announced, and is already nearly dead. At least the Oslo accords lasted a few years, the Road map will struggle to last a few weeks. The commitment of both the Bush Administration and Sharon to the 'Road Map' and the 'Peace Process' is primarily for propaganda effect, as hollow as could possibly be. Let us hope Raimondo and antiwar.com is not the last to realise this.
Antiwar.com is a very good site for numerous links to articles on the American 'war on terror', although it has a telling reliance on mainstream US media sources. But its real weaknesses derive from its origins in Right-Libertarian philosophy. American Right-Libertarianism is a reactionary (anti-socialist) coldwar doctrine, but in the course of its post-Soviet era development is suffering an interesting split, as is much of American conservative ideology, where the nakedness of US imperialism & aggression causes some of them to question and oppose the policies and tendencies of the US government, drawing upon conservative traditions of isolationism and anti-imperialistic republicanism. However strong they are here in opposition, they are still unable to appreciate the critique of the US and of 'capitalism' that comes from sources such as anarchism, Chomskyism, Marxism and geoism or geo-libertarianism. Hence this article by Raimondo swings into denunciations of the 'anti-american left'. It is a necessary phase that the varous positions be understood and sublated. Rahul Mahajan, the target here of Raimondo's wild spray, makes a reasonable case, based on the perception that the nations and populations of the world will inevitably combine to resist US hegemony. It is not so difficult to understand, however hangups about 'lefties', 'commies', 'anti-Americanism' etc will have to be left behind.
As an example of Raimondo's confusion and lack of understanding, we can consider his 'really telling' example, "Rahul's trope about how those dastardly Americans are also plotting "to force the Palestinians to acquiesce to the Israeli occupation through the latest 'peace plan.'"" If he had paid more attention to commonplace understandings of Chomsky, the left etc he would not be so astonished at this observation. It is quite obvious to such people that the 'Road Map', just like the Oslo accords, is a phony 'peace process' actually designed to allocate the Palestinian authority the role of 'Bantustan chief' or Uncle Tom, to put down Palestinian uprisings on behalf of the Occupying power. This is the reason why it is doomed to fail, and the 'Road Map' has been unravelling the day it was announced, and is already nearly dead. At least the Oslo accords lasted a few years, the Road map will struggle to last a few weeks. The commitment of both the Bush Administration and Sharon to the 'Road Map' and the 'Peace Process' is primarily for propaganda effect, as hollow as could possibly be. Let us hope Raimondo and antiwar.com is not the last to realise this.
American swagger dented by terror blast
'"It's no coincidence [that al-Qa'ida did not launch an attack during the war against Iraq]," boasted Cofer Black, a CIA veteran who heads the State Department's counter-terrorism office. "This was the big game for them: you put up or shut up and they have failed. It proves that the global war on terrorism has been effective, focused and has these guys on the run."
'Yesterday, Mr Black was unavailable for further comment, while rescue workers in Riyadh were searching the rubble left by [terrorist] attacks'
'"It's no coincidence [that al-Qa'ida did not launch an attack during the war against Iraq]," boasted Cofer Black, a CIA veteran who heads the State Department's counter-terrorism office. "This was the big game for them: you put up or shut up and they have failed. It proves that the global war on terrorism has been effective, focused and has these guys on the run."
'Yesterday, Mr Black was unavailable for further comment, while rescue workers in Riyadh were searching the rubble left by [terrorist] attacks'
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: The Guns of August - August 1914 - Barbara Tuchman
Tuchman quotes the pre-war thinking of German officer Bernardi: 'Nations, he said, must progress or decay, there can be no standing still and Germany must choose world power or downfall. Among the nations Germany is in social-political respects at the head of all progress in culture... She cannot attain her great moral ends without increased political power, an enlarged sphere of influence... This increase of political power befitting our importance and which we are entitled to claim is a political necessity... What we now wish to attain must be fought for... Conquest thus becomes a law of necessity.'
Looking back from two world wars (or four world wars in neo-con speak) such doctrines must be regarded as mad or criminally irresponsible or both. What, then, are we to make of the Bush doctrine, with its 'full spectrum dominance', 'preemptive war', 'unchallenged and unchallengeable power', and 'only viable social model?' It is equally mad and equally dangerous, although rather than another world war it is more likely to lead to a worldwide pattern of terrorism and counter-terrorism (or repression and resistance), for years to come, with unknown casualties and consequences.
Tuchman quotes the pre-war thinking of German officer Bernardi: 'Nations, he said, must progress or decay, there can be no standing still and Germany must choose world power or downfall. Among the nations Germany is in social-political respects at the head of all progress in culture... She cannot attain her great moral ends without increased political power, an enlarged sphere of influence... This increase of political power befitting our importance and which we are entitled to claim is a political necessity... What we now wish to attain must be fought for... Conquest thus becomes a law of necessity.'
Looking back from two world wars (or four world wars in neo-con speak) such doctrines must be regarded as mad or criminally irresponsible or both. What, then, are we to make of the Bush doctrine, with its 'full spectrum dominance', 'preemptive war', 'unchallenged and unchallengeable power', and 'only viable social model?' It is equally mad and equally dangerous, although rather than another world war it is more likely to lead to a worldwide pattern of terrorism and counter-terrorism (or repression and resistance), for years to come, with unknown casualties and consequences.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
American anger at shock attack
'The bomb attacks in Saudi Arabia brought reactions of shock, anger and amazement across the United States... The overwhelming reaction in the US is that the blasts show the war on terror is far from over. Successful invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan would not stop these kinds of attacks, Dr Kushner said. 'The only way you deal with these people is to kill Al-Qaeda. You must continuously put pressure on them.'
This is what the American (and Australian) people are being told by their government and its propaganda apparatus, the corporate media. The concept that the terror is a response to US policy decisions, and that stopping the terror requires political and not military solutions, is not allowed to be aired.
'The bomb attacks in Saudi Arabia brought reactions of shock, anger and amazement across the United States... The overwhelming reaction in the US is that the blasts show the war on terror is far from over. Successful invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan would not stop these kinds of attacks, Dr Kushner said. 'The only way you deal with these people is to kill Al-Qaeda. You must continuously put pressure on them.'
This is what the American (and Australian) people are being told by their government and its propaganda apparatus, the corporate media. The concept that the terror is a response to US policy decisions, and that stopping the terror requires political and not military solutions, is not allowed to be aired.
Vinnell targeted again: How a U.S. Company Props Up the House of Saud
'A January 1996 article in Jane's Defence Weekly describes the SANG [Saudi Arabian National Guard] as "a kind of Praetorian Guard for the House of Saud, the royal family's defence of last resort against internal opposition."... "I don't think it was an accident that it was that office that got bombed. If you wanted to make a political statement about the Saudi regime you'd single out the National Guard, and if you wanted to make a statement about American involvement you'd pick the only American contractor involved in training the guard: Vinnell."'
'A January 1996 article in Jane's Defence Weekly describes the SANG [Saudi Arabian National Guard] as "a kind of Praetorian Guard for the House of Saud, the royal family's defence of last resort against internal opposition."... "I don't think it was an accident that it was that office that got bombed. If you wanted to make a political statement about the Saudi regime you'd single out the National Guard, and if you wanted to make a statement about American involvement you'd pick the only American contractor involved in training the guard: Vinnell."'
Afghan soldiers face terror on the job
'In the ongoing war against terrorism, the death of two Afghan soldiers is a sad but normal occurrence. According to US military officials at Bagram Air Base, near Kabul, Afghans are the frontline soldiers fighting with US forces against Al Qaeda, and they are usually the first to be killed. While US deaths in this low-intensity conflict are rare, dozens of Afghan soldiers are killed each month.'
The opponents of the US/Karzai regime might also be described as resistance fighters to superpower occupation and its puppet regime. They certainly would be if it was an 'enemy' power that was doing the occupying and puppeteering.
'In the ongoing war against terrorism, the death of two Afghan soldiers is a sad but normal occurrence. According to US military officials at Bagram Air Base, near Kabul, Afghans are the frontline soldiers fighting with US forces against Al Qaeda, and they are usually the first to be killed. While US deaths in this low-intensity conflict are rare, dozens of Afghan soldiers are killed each month.'
The opponents of the US/Karzai regime might also be described as resistance fighters to superpower occupation and its puppet regime. They certainly would be if it was an 'enemy' power that was doing the occupying and puppeteering.
Bush Should Be Impeached and Tried for War Crimes
'Here is what is coming clear. George W. Bush and his cabal lied to the American people so they could attack another country to seize its oil wealth. Bush has, as Doonesbury and others have pointed out, assumed the mantle of Julius Caesar. He is in the process of ruining the American republic and establishing an American/corporate empire. A favorite motto at the White House is “Let them hate us, as long as they fear us.” Emperor Caligula liked that saying too.'
'Here is what is coming clear. George W. Bush and his cabal lied to the American people so they could attack another country to seize its oil wealth. Bush has, as Doonesbury and others have pointed out, assumed the mantle of Julius Caesar. He is in the process of ruining the American republic and establishing an American/corporate empire. A favorite motto at the White House is “Let them hate us, as long as they fear us.” Emperor Caligula liked that saying too.'
Yanks Go Home
'The UN Should Resist the US Steamroller and Press for an Early End to the Occupation of Iraq'
'The UN Should Resist the US Steamroller and Press for an Early End to the Occupation of Iraq'
Predictions all awry: war makes fools of experts
'Henry Adams, historian and mordant observer of the ways of Washington, declared in his autobiography that in all great emergencies, he "commonly found that everyone was more or less wrong".'
'The second error is that identified by George Orwell shortly after the second world war, as he sadly catalogued his own erroneous predictions in that conflict. "In general, one is only right when either wish or fear coincides with reality - we are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps against the solid reality, usually on a battlefield."
'As a partial remedy, Orwell suggested keeping a journal and forcing oneself to look at it and ponder one's frequent errors and scarcer correct predictions. Having bumped into reality on the battlefield, many of us would do well to open such a diary and, next time, be wary of our own certainties.'
'Henry Adams, historian and mordant observer of the ways of Washington, declared in his autobiography that in all great emergencies, he "commonly found that everyone was more or less wrong".'
'The second error is that identified by George Orwell shortly after the second world war, as he sadly catalogued his own erroneous predictions in that conflict. "In general, one is only right when either wish or fear coincides with reality - we are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps against the solid reality, usually on a battlefield."
'As a partial remedy, Orwell suggested keeping a journal and forcing oneself to look at it and ponder one's frequent errors and scarcer correct predictions. Having bumped into reality on the battlefield, many of us would do well to open such a diary and, next time, be wary of our own certainties.'
Doubts grow about George Galloway case
'Former UN weapons investigator and US intelligence officer Scott Ritter recently wrote of Galloway as "a man for whom I have great respect ... I was also shocked because of the timing of these allegations. Having been on the receiving end of smear campaigns designed to assassinate the character of someone in opposition to the powers that be, I have grown highly suspicious of dramatic revelations, conveniently timed, to silence a vocal voice of dissent."'
'Former UN weapons investigator and US intelligence officer Scott Ritter recently wrote of Galloway as "a man for whom I have great respect ... I was also shocked because of the timing of these allegations. Having been on the receiving end of smear campaigns designed to assassinate the character of someone in opposition to the powers that be, I have grown highly suspicious of dramatic revelations, conveniently timed, to silence a vocal voice of dissent."'
France sets conditions for UKUSA draft UN resolution on Iraq
'[French Foreign Minister Villepin] proposed a "strict, reasonable" deadline be set for ending the occupation of Iraq and that any extension should be agreed by the Security Council, which in turn should receive quarterly reports on the progress of reconstruction. Villepin also said the United Nations was better placed than the United States and Britain alone to confer legitimacy on any new Iraqi administration. "The principles and political conditions (for a new administration) must be clearly established in the draft resolution so that the process is above reproach," he said.
'Villepin said the current draft was not clear enough on how revenues from Iraq's oil reserves -- the second largest in the world after those of Saudi Arabia -- would be exploited. "We have to establish rules for sharing oil revenues and ensuring that the management is placed under international and uncontested control," he said.'
'[French Foreign Minister Villepin] proposed a "strict, reasonable" deadline be set for ending the occupation of Iraq and that any extension should be agreed by the Security Council, which in turn should receive quarterly reports on the progress of reconstruction. Villepin also said the United Nations was better placed than the United States and Britain alone to confer legitimacy on any new Iraqi administration. "The principles and political conditions (for a new administration) must be clearly established in the draft resolution so that the process is above reproach," he said.
'Villepin said the current draft was not clear enough on how revenues from Iraq's oil reserves -- the second largest in the world after those of Saudi Arabia -- would be exploited. "We have to establish rules for sharing oil revenues and ensuring that the management is placed under international and uncontested control," he said.'
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Has Israel always aspired to peace? No, argues a new analysis of Israeli military culture.
Interesting article on Israel as a millitarized society, a "militarized dependency", and "Israeli Sparta" as Chomsky says. And of course the Palestinians are the helots... every year we have to make war on them to keep up our fighting spirit.
Interesting article on Israel as a millitarized society, a "militarized dependency", and "Israeli Sparta" as Chomsky says. And of course the Palestinians are the helots... every year we have to make war on them to keep up our fighting spirit.
Hebron, West Bank: 450 Jewish settlers, and 120,000 Palestinians
A snapshot of the madness of Zionism, that wants to seize all of the West Bank and Gaza as part of 'Greater Israel'. A political settlement depends on the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Occupied Territories. But Israel will not face this, and the USA will not suspend the funding and support that alone makes the Occupation possible.
A snapshot of the madness of Zionism, that wants to seize all of the West Bank and Gaza as part of 'Greater Israel'. A political settlement depends on the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Occupied Territories. But Israel will not face this, and the USA will not suspend the funding and support that alone makes the Occupation possible.
Roadmap To A Concentration Camp
'These murders - eyewitness accounts suggest that in each case the Israelis were well aware of what they were doing - may be a drop in the ocean in the broader Palestinian conflict, but they are exceptionally significant as an illustration of the Sharon regime's impunity. Israel's security forces appear no longer to have too many qualms about killing foreigners even when they happen to be the citizens of Israel's closest allies. And on the basis of the available evidence, this does not appear to be a miscalculation. It is not hard to imagine the furore in both official circles and the mainstream press in Britain and the United States had it been possible to hold the Palestinian side accountable for any of these deaths. But because the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the Israeli regime, it is considered advisable to collaborate in a cover-up.'
'These murders - eyewitness accounts suggest that in each case the Israelis were well aware of what they were doing - may be a drop in the ocean in the broader Palestinian conflict, but they are exceptionally significant as an illustration of the Sharon regime's impunity. Israel's security forces appear no longer to have too many qualms about killing foreigners even when they happen to be the citizens of Israel's closest allies. And on the basis of the available evidence, this does not appear to be a miscalculation. It is not hard to imagine the furore in both official circles and the mainstream press in Britain and the United States had it been possible to hold the Palestinian side accountable for any of these deaths. But because the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the Israeli regime, it is considered advisable to collaborate in a cover-up.'
Foreign forces must go, insists Shia ayatollah Hakim
'“We don’t fear these [UKUSA] forces. This nation wants to preserve its independence and the coalition forces must leave this country,” he told a crowd of 4,000 in al-Nasiriyah... Motifs repeated throughout speeches on the trail are: Islam, democracy, Sharia (Islamic law), unity, freedom and tolerance of other religions. Tellingly, he insists repeatedly that Iraqis can “secure” and “rebuild” their own country — one reference a swipe at coalition forces for failing to stop looting, the other a message that General Jay Garner’s Organisation for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance is not needed in Iraq.'
'“We don’t fear these [UKUSA] forces. This nation wants to preserve its independence and the coalition forces must leave this country,” he told a crowd of 4,000 in al-Nasiriyah... Motifs repeated throughout speeches on the trail are: Islam, democracy, Sharia (Islamic law), unity, freedom and tolerance of other religions. Tellingly, he insists repeatedly that Iraqis can “secure” and “rebuild” their own country — one reference a swipe at coalition forces for failing to stop looting, the other a message that General Jay Garner’s Organisation for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance is not needed in Iraq.'
US weapons team ends its search with no discovery
Yes, good job USA: stopped that nasty Saddam from attacking us all with his huge arsenal of WMDs, and put a stop to terrorism as well!
Yes, good job USA: stopped that nasty Saddam from attacking us all with his huge arsenal of WMDs, and put a stop to terrorism as well!
Bomb attacks rock Saudi capital: at least 80 casualties
'Less than a week after al-Qaida warned of an imminent strike, U.S. and Saudi officials said Tuesday morning that at least 80 people and perhaps many more were injured in four bomb attacks against U.S. interests in the Saudi capital, one of them a massive blast at a residential complex housing Americans and other Westerners.'
'Less than a week after al-Qaida warned of an imminent strike, U.S. and Saudi officials said Tuesday morning that at least 80 people and perhaps many more were injured in four bomb attacks against U.S. interests in the Saudi capital, one of them a massive blast at a residential complex housing Americans and other Westerners.'
Huge lorry bomb kills dozens in Chechnya
'At least 40 people died yesterday when a truck crammed with explosives detonated in a government complex in Chechnya, causing devastation and undermining Russian claims that the region was returning to normal.'
'At least 40 people died yesterday when a truck crammed with explosives detonated in a government complex in Chechnya, causing devastation and undermining Russian claims that the region was returning to normal.'
Claire Short resigns (finally) from Blair cabinet: Commons speech
'[The UK] is supporting the US in trying to bully the Security Council into a resolution that gives the coalition the power to establish an Iraqi government and control the use of oil for reconstruction with only a minor role for the UN. This resolution is unlikely to pass but if it does it will not create the best arrangements for the reconstruction of Iraq. The draft resolution risks continuing international divisions, Iraqi resentment against the occupying powers and the possibility that the coalition will get bogged down in Iraq. I believe the UK could and should have respected the Attorney General's advice, told the US this was a red line for us and worked for international agreement to a proper UN-led process to establish an interim Iraqi government, just as was done in Afghanistan. This would have been an honourable and wise role for the UK and the international community would have united around this position. It's also in the best interests of the US.'
'[The UK] is supporting the US in trying to bully the Security Council into a resolution that gives the coalition the power to establish an Iraqi government and control the use of oil for reconstruction with only a minor role for the UN. This resolution is unlikely to pass but if it does it will not create the best arrangements for the reconstruction of Iraq. The draft resolution risks continuing international divisions, Iraqi resentment against the occupying powers and the possibility that the coalition will get bogged down in Iraq. I believe the UK could and should have respected the Attorney General's advice, told the US this was a red line for us and worked for international agreement to a proper UN-led process to establish an interim Iraqi government, just as was done in Afghanistan. This would have been an honourable and wise role for the UK and the international community would have united around this position. It's also in the best interests of the US.'
Stunned IRA orders security review over 'Stakeknife' revelation
'The IRA leadership today ordered an immediate review of its internal security but maintained a stunned silence over yesterday's revelations that one of its top members, Alfredo Scappaticci, was the fabled British army spy known as Stakeknife.'
'The IRA leadership today ordered an immediate review of its internal security but maintained a stunned silence over yesterday's revelations that one of its top members, Alfredo Scappaticci, was the fabled British army spy known as Stakeknife.'
Monday, May 12, 2003
Thomas Paine: AGRARIAN JUSTICE (via DS). Facsimile of cover.
Phrased in terms of a scheme to provide a pension to aged persons, which admittedly is an idea 100 years ahead of its time, Paine's last great pamphlet (written in the winter of 1795-96) is perhaps even more significant for its articulation of the right of the people to the earth.
'The error contained in [Bishop Watson's] sermon determined me to publish my "Agrarian Justice." It is wrong to say God made rich and poor; He made only male and female, and He gave them the earth for their inheritance.'
'There is not, in that [primitive] state, any of those spectacles of human misery which poverty and want present to our eyes in all the towns and streets in Europe. Poverty, therefore, is a thing created by that which is called civilized life. It exists not in the natural state.'
'[10] It is a position not to be controverted that the earth, in its natural, cultivated state was, and ever would have continued to be, the common property of the human race. In that state every man would have been born to property. He would have been a joint life proprietor with rest in the property of the soil, and in all its natural productions, vegetable and animal. [11] But the earth in its natural state, as before said, is capable of supporting but a small number of inhabitants compared with what it is capable of doing in a cultivated state. And as it is impossible to separate the improvement made by cultivation from the earth itself, upon which that improvement is made, the idea of landed property arose from that parable connection; but it is nevertheless true, that it is the value of the improvement, only, and not the earth itself, that is individual property. [12] Every proprietor, therefore, of cultivated lands, owes to the community a ground-rent (for I know of no better term to express the idea) for the land which he holds; and it is from this ground-rent that the fund proposed in this plan is to issue.'
This in a nutshell is identical with the georgist doctrine, and it could hardly be better or more concisely expressed. George has only added the sound economic concept that the ground rent raised be based on its market value; and that the ground rent is found on all sites above the margin, not merely agricultural ones. After the passage of 200 years however the message is still hidden from view. Both left and right are responsible for this suppression. Right, predictably to protect vested interests; left, more tragically and scandalously, sidelines the insight in its haste to develop more sophisticated so called 'scientific' doctrines. From this view the contest between 'capitalism' and 'socialism' has been a giant red herring. Re-invigoration of the left requires the systematic synthesis and sublation of all doctrines, particularly geoism and anarchism; with effective critique of the errors or state and revolutionary socialism.
It is curious that I do not recall Henry George referrring to Paine, although surely he would had he known of it. Perhaps he succumbed to the damaging prejudice that Paine was an 'atheist'.
'Cultivation is at least one of the greatest natural improvements ever made by human invention. It has given to created earth a tenfold value. But the landed monopoly that began with it has produced the greatest evil. It has dispossessed more than half the inhabitants of every nation of their natural inheritance, without providing for them, as ought to have been done, an indemnification for that loss, and has thereby created a species of poverty and wretchedness that did not exist before.'
'[22] To create a national fund, out of which there shall be paid to every person, when arrived at the age of twenty-one years, the sum of fifteen pounds sterling, as a compensation in part, for the loss of his or her natural inheritance, by the introduction of the system of landed property: [23] And also, the sum of ten pounds per annum, during life, to every person now living, of the age of fifty years, and to all others as they shall arrive at that age... [26] It is proposed that the payments, as already stated, be made to every person, rich or poor. It is best to make it so, to prevent invidious distinctions. It is also right it should be so, because it is in lieu of the natural inheritance, which, as a right, belongs to every man, over and above property he may have created, or inherited from those who did. Such persons as do not choose to receive it can throw it into the common fund.'
The plan is similar of course to the pension, the Citizen's Dividend idea, or the guaranteed minimum income. An idea of merit, it is curious that this revolutionary concept of agrarian justice is subsumed under the pension plan. On the other hand, the positioning of reform in a wholly positive light, in terms of the expenditure rather than the revenue raising, is an idea that georgism could have absorbed for greater political effect.
'It is not charity but a right, not bounty but justice, that I am pleading for. The present state of civilization is as odious as it is unjust. It is absolutely the opposite of what it should be, and it is necessary that a revolution should be made in it. The contrast of affluence and wretchedness continually meeting and offending the eye, is like dead and living bodies chained together.'
'The state of civilization that has prevailed throughout Europe, is as unjust in its principle, as it is horrid in its effects; and it is the consciousness of this, and the apprehension that such a state cannot continue when once investigation begins in any country, that makes the possessors of property dread every idea of a revolution... A revolution in the state of civilization is the necessary companion of revolutions in the system of government.'
Phrased in terms of a scheme to provide a pension to aged persons, which admittedly is an idea 100 years ahead of its time, Paine's last great pamphlet (written in the winter of 1795-96) is perhaps even more significant for its articulation of the right of the people to the earth.
'The error contained in [Bishop Watson's] sermon determined me to publish my "Agrarian Justice." It is wrong to say God made rich and poor; He made only male and female, and He gave them the earth for their inheritance.'
'There is not, in that [primitive] state, any of those spectacles of human misery which poverty and want present to our eyes in all the towns and streets in Europe. Poverty, therefore, is a thing created by that which is called civilized life. It exists not in the natural state.'
'[10] It is a position not to be controverted that the earth, in its natural, cultivated state was, and ever would have continued to be, the common property of the human race. In that state every man would have been born to property. He would have been a joint life proprietor with rest in the property of the soil, and in all its natural productions, vegetable and animal. [11] But the earth in its natural state, as before said, is capable of supporting but a small number of inhabitants compared with what it is capable of doing in a cultivated state. And as it is impossible to separate the improvement made by cultivation from the earth itself, upon which that improvement is made, the idea of landed property arose from that parable connection; but it is nevertheless true, that it is the value of the improvement, only, and not the earth itself, that is individual property. [12] Every proprietor, therefore, of cultivated lands, owes to the community a ground-rent (for I know of no better term to express the idea) for the land which he holds; and it is from this ground-rent that the fund proposed in this plan is to issue.'
This in a nutshell is identical with the georgist doctrine, and it could hardly be better or more concisely expressed. George has only added the sound economic concept that the ground rent raised be based on its market value; and that the ground rent is found on all sites above the margin, not merely agricultural ones. After the passage of 200 years however the message is still hidden from view. Both left and right are responsible for this suppression. Right, predictably to protect vested interests; left, more tragically and scandalously, sidelines the insight in its haste to develop more sophisticated so called 'scientific' doctrines. From this view the contest between 'capitalism' and 'socialism' has been a giant red herring. Re-invigoration of the left requires the systematic synthesis and sublation of all doctrines, particularly geoism and anarchism; with effective critique of the errors or state and revolutionary socialism.
It is curious that I do not recall Henry George referrring to Paine, although surely he would had he known of it. Perhaps he succumbed to the damaging prejudice that Paine was an 'atheist'.
'Cultivation is at least one of the greatest natural improvements ever made by human invention. It has given to created earth a tenfold value. But the landed monopoly that began with it has produced the greatest evil. It has dispossessed more than half the inhabitants of every nation of their natural inheritance, without providing for them, as ought to have been done, an indemnification for that loss, and has thereby created a species of poverty and wretchedness that did not exist before.'
'[22] To create a national fund, out of which there shall be paid to every person, when arrived at the age of twenty-one years, the sum of fifteen pounds sterling, as a compensation in part, for the loss of his or her natural inheritance, by the introduction of the system of landed property: [23] And also, the sum of ten pounds per annum, during life, to every person now living, of the age of fifty years, and to all others as they shall arrive at that age... [26] It is proposed that the payments, as already stated, be made to every person, rich or poor. It is best to make it so, to prevent invidious distinctions. It is also right it should be so, because it is in lieu of the natural inheritance, which, as a right, belongs to every man, over and above property he may have created, or inherited from those who did. Such persons as do not choose to receive it can throw it into the common fund.'
The plan is similar of course to the pension, the Citizen's Dividend idea, or the guaranteed minimum income. An idea of merit, it is curious that this revolutionary concept of agrarian justice is subsumed under the pension plan. On the other hand, the positioning of reform in a wholly positive light, in terms of the expenditure rather than the revenue raising, is an idea that georgism could have absorbed for greater political effect.
'It is not charity but a right, not bounty but justice, that I am pleading for. The present state of civilization is as odious as it is unjust. It is absolutely the opposite of what it should be, and it is necessary that a revolution should be made in it. The contrast of affluence and wretchedness continually meeting and offending the eye, is like dead and living bodies chained together.'
'The state of civilization that has prevailed throughout Europe, is as unjust in its principle, as it is horrid in its effects; and it is the consciousness of this, and the apprehension that such a state cannot continue when once investigation begins in any country, that makes the possessors of property dread every idea of a revolution... A revolution in the state of civilization is the necessary companion of revolutions in the system of government.'
Goldman Sachs offers derivatives/property punt
'The investment bank is to launch a range of covered warrants and certificates that will allow investors to bet either that house prices will rise or fall. The warrants will be linked to the Halifax House Price Index that issues statistics on UK house prices every month and on London property values every quarter... "This is the first time that anyone has launched warrants and certificates on a house price index. "You can make spread bets on house price indices but they are not listed securities on the stock exchange and they are derivatives so you can lose more than your original investment. "We think interest will come from private clients and institutional and property investors. You do not have to pay stamp duty, legal fees or for searches but you still get exposure to the property market."'
The implications of a dramatic bust in land values need to be considered...
'The investment bank is to launch a range of covered warrants and certificates that will allow investors to bet either that house prices will rise or fall. The warrants will be linked to the Halifax House Price Index that issues statistics on UK house prices every month and on London property values every quarter... "This is the first time that anyone has launched warrants and certificates on a house price index. "You can make spread bets on house price indices but they are not listed securities on the stock exchange and they are derivatives so you can lose more than your original investment. "We think interest will come from private clients and institutional and property investors. You do not have to pay stamp duty, legal fees or for searches but you still get exposure to the property market."'
The implications of a dramatic bust in land values need to be considered...
Buffett hits back at Greenspan over the risk of derivatives
'Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor, has unleashed a further blistering attack on the use of derivatives by banks, arguing that the complex financial instruments could pose significant risks for the health of the global economy.
'In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Buffett said: "Any time you get a great concentration of risk and interdependence among a few institutions upon the creditworthiness of others. . . it could get back to the days when you had runs on banks, when the good banks got pulled down by the bad banks."'
An important question is, what relationship (if any) does the derivatives market have to the land boom, either directly or indirectly through the banks? If there is a substantial relationship, then it could conceivably exacerbate the effects of the crash when it comes.
'Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor, has unleashed a further blistering attack on the use of derivatives by banks, arguing that the complex financial instruments could pose significant risks for the health of the global economy.
'In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Buffett said: "Any time you get a great concentration of risk and interdependence among a few institutions upon the creditworthiness of others. . . it could get back to the days when you had runs on banks, when the good banks got pulled down by the bad banks."'
An important question is, what relationship (if any) does the derivatives market have to the land boom, either directly or indirectly through the banks? If there is a substantial relationship, then it could conceivably exacerbate the effects of the crash when it comes.
Sunday, May 11, 2003
US seeks UN stamp of approval: Time for some realpolitik
'Having abused and abandoned the United Nations and gone to war in Iraq without UN backing in defiance of international law, the Bush administration has returned to the Security Council this week - hoping to win UN legitimacy and legal authority for its postwar plans. Does the administration feel any sense of contradiction, or mild irony, or even slight shame in pursuing this course of action? Apparently not... The new US-British umbrella resolution on Iraq, if pursued inflexibly, has the potential to cause an even bigger row than that which preceded the war.'
'Having abused and abandoned the United Nations and gone to war in Iraq without UN backing in defiance of international law, the Bush administration has returned to the Security Council this week - hoping to win UN legitimacy and legal authority for its postwar plans. Does the administration feel any sense of contradiction, or mild irony, or even slight shame in pursuing this course of action? Apparently not... The new US-British umbrella resolution on Iraq, if pursued inflexibly, has the potential to cause an even bigger row than that which preceded the war.'
Israel 'takes out' International Solidarity Movement
'20 military vehicles, including an armoured personnel carrier, surround an office in broad daylight. Dozens of soldiers and police proceed to raid and loot the office, breaking equipment, stealing computers, and kidnapping the workers in the office-three unarmed women, one of whom has since been released. But it was the Israeli army and police who did it, to the office of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM, see www.palsolidarity.org), so there's a good chance it won't covered at all in the corporate media, or if it is, it will likely be whitewashed.'
'20 military vehicles, including an armoured personnel carrier, surround an office in broad daylight. Dozens of soldiers and police proceed to raid and loot the office, breaking equipment, stealing computers, and kidnapping the workers in the office-three unarmed women, one of whom has since been released. But it was the Israeli army and police who did it, to the office of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM, see www.palsolidarity.org), so there's a good chance it won't covered at all in the corporate media, or if it is, it will likely be whitewashed.'
Partners In Imperialism - Britian's Support For Us Invasion
Illuminating remarks on Britain as an outlaw state and how Blair's policy is a continuation of the norm. The difference is that the public is not buying it as they used to.
'Blair's Britain is a systematic violator of international law and ethical standards in its foreign policy – an outlaw state of its own. It is a key ally of some of the world’s most repressive regimes that is consistently condoning, and sometimes actively aiding, human rights abuses. During a so-called "war against terrorism", Britain is in fact one of the world’s leading apologists for, and supporters of, state terrorism by allies responsible for far more serious crimes than Al Qaida - such as Turkey in its Kurdish regions, Russia in Chechnya, and Israel in the occupied territories.
'Under Blair, violating international law has become as British as afternoon tea. Even before the invasion of Iraq, the Blair government had indulged in at least six specific violations of international law: in conducting the wars in Afghanistan and Yugoslavia without UN authorisation; in committing violations of international humanitarian law in the bombing of Yugoslavia; in the illegal bombing of Iraq in December 1998; in maintaining the illegal "no fly zones" over Iraq, a permanent "secret" war; and in maintaining sanctions against Iraq, contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. (The latter, while technically applied by the UN, have in reality been maintained by the US and UK; many international lawyers persuasively argue that they are illegal since they violate other UN conventions).'
'Open defiance of the UN is a permanent feature of British foreign policy. In the last twenty-five years of the cold war, 1965–1990, Britain cast twice as many vetoes in the Security Council as the Soviet Union – twenty-seven compared to thirteen, mainly to support the racist regimes in South Africa and Rhodesia. I can find no mention of this fact anywhere in Britain's mainstream political culture, which continues to promote the myth of Britain’s enduring support for the UN.'
'The outlaw state under Blair is stating that the world will continue to be ruled by force, and that it will be Anglo-American force rather anyone else’s. The aim is consistent with that of postwar British foreign policy whereby upholding "international order" means preserving the privileged position of Anglo-American power and ensuring that key countries and regions remain under their overall control.'
Illuminating remarks on Britain as an outlaw state and how Blair's policy is a continuation of the norm. The difference is that the public is not buying it as they used to.
'Blair's Britain is a systematic violator of international law and ethical standards in its foreign policy – an outlaw state of its own. It is a key ally of some of the world’s most repressive regimes that is consistently condoning, and sometimes actively aiding, human rights abuses. During a so-called "war against terrorism", Britain is in fact one of the world’s leading apologists for, and supporters of, state terrorism by allies responsible for far more serious crimes than Al Qaida - such as Turkey in its Kurdish regions, Russia in Chechnya, and Israel in the occupied territories.
'Under Blair, violating international law has become as British as afternoon tea. Even before the invasion of Iraq, the Blair government had indulged in at least six specific violations of international law: in conducting the wars in Afghanistan and Yugoslavia without UN authorisation; in committing violations of international humanitarian law in the bombing of Yugoslavia; in the illegal bombing of Iraq in December 1998; in maintaining the illegal "no fly zones" over Iraq, a permanent "secret" war; and in maintaining sanctions against Iraq, contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. (The latter, while technically applied by the UN, have in reality been maintained by the US and UK; many international lawyers persuasively argue that they are illegal since they violate other UN conventions).'
'Open defiance of the UN is a permanent feature of British foreign policy. In the last twenty-five years of the cold war, 1965–1990, Britain cast twice as many vetoes in the Security Council as the Soviet Union – twenty-seven compared to thirteen, mainly to support the racist regimes in South Africa and Rhodesia. I can find no mention of this fact anywhere in Britain's mainstream political culture, which continues to promote the myth of Britain’s enduring support for the UN.'
'The outlaw state under Blair is stating that the world will continue to be ruled by force, and that it will be Anglo-American force rather anyone else’s. The aim is consistent with that of postwar British foreign policy whereby upholding "international order" means preserving the privileged position of Anglo-American power and ensuring that key countries and regions remain under their overall control.'
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Eminent Domain and Private Gain
'Eminent Domain' used to mean the right of the state to resume (ie, compulsorily acquire) a property for a public purpose, eg the building of a road or freeway. But this report details an increasing practice in the US where eminent domain is used to transfer properties to private developers for private gain. What will they think of next?
'Eminent Domain' used to mean the right of the state to resume (ie, compulsorily acquire) a property for a public purpose, eg the building of a road or freeway. But this report details an increasing practice in the US where eminent domain is used to transfer properties to private developers for private gain. What will they think of next?
Don't Lift The Sanctions Yet
Mahajan points out that everyone has reversed their previous positions on the lifting of the sanctions.
Mahajan points out that everyone has reversed their previous positions on the lifting of the sanctions.
Iraq Inc: A joint venture built on broken promises
The Independent provides a better report on proposed UKUSA domination of Iraq and sidelining of UN than many outlets.
The Independent provides a better report on proposed UKUSA domination of Iraq and sidelining of UN than many outlets.
Bush, Blair nominated for Nobel peace prize for Iraq war
This is not a joke, but a world gone mad. Or, as Orwell would say, War is Peace. The Iraq war, in terms of the flimsiness of the pretext and the nakedness of the aggression, could be compared to the Nazi invasion of Poland. And yet a Norwegian Parliamentarian thinks it fit to award the aggressors the Peace Prize.
This is not a joke, but a world gone mad. Or, as Orwell would say, War is Peace. The Iraq war, in terms of the flimsiness of the pretext and the nakedness of the aggression, could be compared to the Nazi invasion of Poland. And yet a Norwegian Parliamentarian thinks it fit to award the aggressors the Peace Prize.
Bringing the War Home: Army command over US established
'Northcom is in some respects just an extension of a trend that has been going on for some time: the weakening of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military to enforce US laws... Supporters see the establishment of Northcom as an important part of the "war on terror," the American Civil Liberties Union calls it dangerous. "It is a major departure from the tradition of keeping the military out of law enforcement that will reverberate for decades to come"'
'Northcom is in some respects just an extension of a trend that has been going on for some time: the weakening of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military to enforce US laws... Supporters see the establishment of Northcom as an important part of the "war on terror," the American Civil Liberties Union calls it dangerous. "It is a major departure from the tradition of keeping the military out of law enforcement that will reverberate for decades to come"'
U.S. to Propose Broader Control Of Iraqi Oil, Funds
'The proposal would give the United States far greater authority over Iraq's lucrative oil industry than administration officials have previously acknowledged... the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges... its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it. The resolution would leave open the prospect of the United States tapping into Iraq's oil revenue to finance its own costly efforts to disarm Iraq... The scope and duration of U.S. control over Iraq's oil outlined in the draft resolution goes well beyond previous administration statements'
The US is pouring on the pressure and this draft resolution is a test of European resolve. French, German and Russian opposition to the US was outstanding ahead of the war, but how far are they prepared to wage the international diplomatic and political battle now that the US is the victorious occupier of Iraq? It is a campaign over years and decades that must retain the support of the public.
'The proposal would give the United States far greater authority over Iraq's lucrative oil industry than administration officials have previously acknowledged... the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges... its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it. The resolution would leave open the prospect of the United States tapping into Iraq's oil revenue to finance its own costly efforts to disarm Iraq... The scope and duration of U.S. control over Iraq's oil outlined in the draft resolution goes well beyond previous administration statements'
The US is pouring on the pressure and this draft resolution is a test of European resolve. French, German and Russian opposition to the US was outstanding ahead of the war, but how far are they prepared to wage the international diplomatic and political battle now that the US is the victorious occupier of Iraq? It is a campaign over years and decades that must retain the support of the public.
Monarchists hoist on their own petard
'The solution is an Australian republic in which our head of state is chosen by a democratic process that would expose candidates for the job to proper public scrutiny. If the Federal Opposition had any guts it would seize the moment to shout this from the rooftops. It is, after all, ALP policy. But when I suggested as much to Simon Crean on radio on Wednesday he flipped and flapped like a bogong moth at a candle flame. Still nothing doing there, then.'
The office is largely symbolic and the public would not I believe like to have to have another vote especially when it is without real meaning. The term Governor-General should I think be preserved. It will go down easier with monarchists, and in itself it is not a monarchical or aristocratical term such as King, Queen, Princess, Count etc - the term can as well find a place in a republican consitution as a monarchical one.
The concept of a 'personal appointment' of the GG by the PM is clearly wrong. I even suspect that a PM, such as Howard in this case and perhaps even Whitlam earlier, should not want the lottery of responsibility for the appointment.
Why not the simplest possible constitutional alteration so that the G-G is appointed and removed by a simple majority of the parliament, perhaps a joint sitting? Parliament must meet every so often and the G-G can only take decisions in 'executive council', so genuine authority remains with the parliament and cabinet: it is not likely the G-G would effect a takeover of the executive or act arbitrarily. If he did in a way that parliament found unacceptable it would be disruptive but he could be dealt with. But if he is directly elected then such complications are more likely. We would not like the American system, where power continues to accumulate in the Presidency, which is virtually now an elective military monarchy, with Congress increasingly marginalised. To prevent this and to assure the strength of representative parliamentary democracy, both the head of state and the head of government should be appointed by the parliament.
'The solution is an Australian republic in which our head of state is chosen by a democratic process that would expose candidates for the job to proper public scrutiny. If the Federal Opposition had any guts it would seize the moment to shout this from the rooftops. It is, after all, ALP policy. But when I suggested as much to Simon Crean on radio on Wednesday he flipped and flapped like a bogong moth at a candle flame. Still nothing doing there, then.'
The office is largely symbolic and the public would not I believe like to have to have another vote especially when it is without real meaning. The term Governor-General should I think be preserved. It will go down easier with monarchists, and in itself it is not a monarchical or aristocratical term such as King, Queen, Princess, Count etc - the term can as well find a place in a republican consitution as a monarchical one.
The concept of a 'personal appointment' of the GG by the PM is clearly wrong. I even suspect that a PM, such as Howard in this case and perhaps even Whitlam earlier, should not want the lottery of responsibility for the appointment.
Why not the simplest possible constitutional alteration so that the G-G is appointed and removed by a simple majority of the parliament, perhaps a joint sitting? Parliament must meet every so often and the G-G can only take decisions in 'executive council', so genuine authority remains with the parliament and cabinet: it is not likely the G-G would effect a takeover of the executive or act arbitrarily. If he did in a way that parliament found unacceptable it would be disruptive but he could be dealt with. But if he is directly elected then such complications are more likely. We would not like the American system, where power continues to accumulate in the Presidency, which is virtually now an elective military monarchy, with Congress increasingly marginalised. To prevent this and to assure the strength of representative parliamentary democracy, both the head of state and the head of government should be appointed by the parliament.
Friday, May 09, 2003
Amazon.com: Books: Leo Strauss and the American Right
'Like other dogmas which have been used to support those in power -- Social Darwinism and eugenics come to mind -- neoconservatism is just the latest apologia for the up-to-date reactionary.'
This is an excerpt from an interesting and lengthy (for amazon) review of Drury's book. It rings true, but to be sure one would have to read both Strauss and his critics. Is it worth the effort or is Strauss already categorized and dismissed?
'Like other dogmas which have been used to support those in power -- Social Darwinism and eugenics come to mind -- neoconservatism is just the latest apologia for the up-to-date reactionary.'
This is an excerpt from an interesting and lengthy (for amazon) review of Drury's book. It rings true, but to be sure one would have to read both Strauss and his critics. Is it worth the effort or is Strauss already categorized and dismissed?
SA Democrat's bill urges open source software
'The bill proposed by the Science and the Information Economy spokesman states: "A public authority must, in making a decision about the procurement of computer software for its operations, have regard to the principle that, wherever practicable, a public authority should use open source software in preference to proprietary software."'
'The bill proposed by the Science and the Information Economy spokesman states: "A public authority must, in making a decision about the procurement of computer software for its operations, have regard to the principle that, wherever practicable, a public authority should use open source software in preference to proprietary software."'
The Myth of the Spat-Upon Veteran
'Lembcke was not able to find a single photograph, news story, or FBI report of veterans being spat upon (remember, the FBI did obsessive surveillance of the peace movements). He tried to track down individuals who said they had been spat upon or witnessed it, but they "dissolved on scrutiny" and others "betrayed lack of authenticity"—which, I assume, means they lied.'
This interesting article shows the whole thing seems to be nothing more than a conservative/Hollywood myth. Naturally this raises the question in Australia as to whether Vietnam vets were spat upon by anti-war people or otherwise attacked after returning home. What would a search of Australian reports of the time reveal? Perhaps it is every bit as mythical as the 'anti-war protest on Anzac day' and the notion that 'protestors dont support the troops.'
'Lembcke was not able to find a single photograph, news story, or FBI report of veterans being spat upon (remember, the FBI did obsessive surveillance of the peace movements). He tried to track down individuals who said they had been spat upon or witnessed it, but they "dissolved on scrutiny" and others "betrayed lack of authenticity"—which, I assume, means they lied.'
This interesting article shows the whole thing seems to be nothing more than a conservative/Hollywood myth. Naturally this raises the question in Australia as to whether Vietnam vets were spat upon by anti-war people or otherwise attacked after returning home. What would a search of Australian reports of the time reveal? Perhaps it is every bit as mythical as the 'anti-war protest on Anzac day' and the notion that 'protestors dont support the troops.'
Taliban appears to be regrouped and well-funded | csmonitor.com
Fairly detailed report on Taliban leadership structures and efforts to reorganise (includes map)
Fairly detailed report on Taliban leadership structures and efforts to reorganise (includes map)
The US and Post-War Iraq: An Analysis
Stephen Zunes analysis of the war and alternative policies that the Administration should follow (but wont).
Stephen Zunes analysis of the war and alternative policies that the Administration should follow (but wont).
Pentagon says 1 civilian killed by cluster bombs; Iraq Body Count says at least 200
IBC provides here a credible and thoroughly documented analysis of this issue.
'It is understandable that the US government should wish to play down the damage done to Iraqi civilians by cluster bombs. The rules of war prohibit the use of inherently indiscriminate weapons. Cluster bombs are weapons which are incapable of being used in a manner that complies with the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Those who use them in civilian areas therefore open themselves to charges of war crimes.'
IBC provides here a credible and thoroughly documented analysis of this issue.
'It is understandable that the US government should wish to play down the damage done to Iraqi civilians by cluster bombs. The rules of war prohibit the use of inherently indiscriminate weapons. Cluster bombs are weapons which are incapable of being used in a manner that complies with the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Those who use them in civilian areas therefore open themselves to charges of war crimes.'
v.good Seymour Hersh interview
'[Former Nebraska Senator Bob] said that it's very possible that they thought if they made a public argument on the basis of Saddam Hussein's being a bad guy the public really wouldn't care enough to endorse a war. But what they could do to mobilize public opinion was suggest that Saddam was involved in generating weapons of mass destruction, whose mere existence could potentially be a threat to us, and allow people to believe that he was involved in 9/11.'
This is probably the best explanation for the decision of the Administration to base the pretext of the war on WMDs and terrorism as a threat to America, despite the lack of evidence which over time became a major diplomatic and political stumbling block ('catastrophic lie'). Once the war has started the focus could then shift to 'building democracy and freedom'.
'[Former Nebraska Senator Bob] said that it's very possible that they thought if they made a public argument on the basis of Saddam Hussein's being a bad guy the public really wouldn't care enough to endorse a war. But what they could do to mobilize public opinion was suggest that Saddam was involved in generating weapons of mass destruction, whose mere existence could potentially be a threat to us, and allow people to believe that he was involved in 9/11.'
This is probably the best explanation for the decision of the Administration to base the pretext of the war on WMDs and terrorism as a threat to America, despite the lack of evidence which over time became a major diplomatic and political stumbling block ('catastrophic lie'). Once the war has started the focus could then shift to 'building democracy and freedom'.
Judge Invents Link Between Iraq and 9/11 Attacks
Although, curiously, he fails to find a link between 9/11 and Saudi Arabia.
'Although the U.S. government suspects Iraq supported the strikes it has accused bin Laden of orchestrating, it has not been able to prove a connection... 'I conclude that plaintiffs have shown, albeit barely ... that Iraq provided material support to bin Laden and al Qaeda,' Baer wrote adding that a substantial portion of the evidence was hearsay.'
Although, curiously, he fails to find a link between 9/11 and Saudi Arabia.
'Although the U.S. government suspects Iraq supported the strikes it has accused bin Laden of orchestrating, it has not been able to prove a connection... 'I conclude that plaintiffs have shown, albeit barely ... that Iraq provided material support to bin Laden and al Qaeda,' Baer wrote adding that a substantial portion of the evidence was hearsay.'
Strong Must Rule the Weak, said Neo-Cons' Authoritarian Nationalist Philosopher Strauss
'''Strauss was neither a liberal nor a democrat,'' [Shadia Drury, author, 'Leo Strauss and the American Right'] said in a telephone interview from her office at the University of Calgary in Canada. ''Perpetual deception of the citizens by those in power is critical (in Strauss's view) because they need to be led, and they need strong rulers to tell them what's good for them.'''
'Like Plato, Strauss taught that within societies, ''some are fit to lead, and others to be led'', according to Drury. But, unlike Plato, who believed that leaders had to be people with such high moral standards that they could resist the temptations of power, Strauss thought that ''those who are fit to rule are those who realize there is no morality and that there is only one natural right, the right of the superior to rule over the inferior''.
'For Strauss, ''religion is the glue that holds society together'', said Drury, who added that Irving Kristol, among other neo-conservatives, has argued that separating church and state was the biggest mistake made by the founders of the U.S. republic. ''Secular society in their view is the worst possible thing'', because it leads to individualism, liberalism and relativism, precisely those traits that might encourage dissent, which in turn could dangerously weaken society's ability to cope with external threats. ''You want a crowd that you can manipulate like putty,'' according to Drury.
'''Because mankind is intrinsically wicked, he has to be governed,'' he once wrote. ''Such governance can only be established, however, when men are united - and they can only be united against other people''. ''Strauss thinks that a political order can be stable only if it is united by an external threat,'' Drury wrote in her book. ''Following Machiavelli, he maintains that if no external threat exists, then one has to be manufactured. Had he lived to see the collapse of the Soviet Union, he would have been deeply troubled because the collapse of the 'evil empire' poses a threat to America's inner stability.'''
Strauss was a German jew who fled the country for the US in 1938. A Zionist since youth, the works of Shahak on Jewish mindset might also provide insight into his attraction to 'esoteric doctrines.' He apparently believed that the Holocaust could be attributed to the failure of liberal democracy, ie the Weimar Republic, and thus rejected democracy in favour of authoritarianism. Parallels with Plato are inevitable although of course he could hardly be compared in importance to Plato.
This is another chapter in the study of American fascist ideology. The US states that its goals are freedom and democracy and far too many people are still inclined to take this at face value. Assuming this account of Strauss' philosophy is correct, it is much clearer and to the point than the earlier Seymour Hersh report. One can see how the philosophy is both profoundly undemocratic and how it appeals to neo-conservatives. Hersh however did emphasise the obscurity of Strauss' writings and the platonic teaching of 'esoteric doctrines' (noble lie) unknown to the masses - a tool to deceive the public about one's intentions.
'''Strauss was neither a liberal nor a democrat,'' [Shadia Drury, author, 'Leo Strauss and the American Right'] said in a telephone interview from her office at the University of Calgary in Canada. ''Perpetual deception of the citizens by those in power is critical (in Strauss's view) because they need to be led, and they need strong rulers to tell them what's good for them.'''
'Like Plato, Strauss taught that within societies, ''some are fit to lead, and others to be led'', according to Drury. But, unlike Plato, who believed that leaders had to be people with such high moral standards that they could resist the temptations of power, Strauss thought that ''those who are fit to rule are those who realize there is no morality and that there is only one natural right, the right of the superior to rule over the inferior''.
'For Strauss, ''religion is the glue that holds society together'', said Drury, who added that Irving Kristol, among other neo-conservatives, has argued that separating church and state was the biggest mistake made by the founders of the U.S. republic. ''Secular society in their view is the worst possible thing'', because it leads to individualism, liberalism and relativism, precisely those traits that might encourage dissent, which in turn could dangerously weaken society's ability to cope with external threats. ''You want a crowd that you can manipulate like putty,'' according to Drury.
'''Because mankind is intrinsically wicked, he has to be governed,'' he once wrote. ''Such governance can only be established, however, when men are united - and they can only be united against other people''. ''Strauss thinks that a political order can be stable only if it is united by an external threat,'' Drury wrote in her book. ''Following Machiavelli, he maintains that if no external threat exists, then one has to be manufactured. Had he lived to see the collapse of the Soviet Union, he would have been deeply troubled because the collapse of the 'evil empire' poses a threat to America's inner stability.'''
Strauss was a German jew who fled the country for the US in 1938. A Zionist since youth, the works of Shahak on Jewish mindset might also provide insight into his attraction to 'esoteric doctrines.' He apparently believed that the Holocaust could be attributed to the failure of liberal democracy, ie the Weimar Republic, and thus rejected democracy in favour of authoritarianism. Parallels with Plato are inevitable although of course he could hardly be compared in importance to Plato.
This is another chapter in the study of American fascist ideology. The US states that its goals are freedom and democracy and far too many people are still inclined to take this at face value. Assuming this account of Strauss' philosophy is correct, it is much clearer and to the point than the earlier Seymour Hersh report. One can see how the philosophy is both profoundly undemocratic and how it appeals to neo-conservatives. Hersh however did emphasise the obscurity of Strauss' writings and the platonic teaching of 'esoteric doctrines' (noble lie) unknown to the masses - a tool to deceive the public about one's intentions.
State Dept Diplomats seething over Pentagon takeover
'"I just wake up in the morning and tell myself, 'There's been a military coup,' and then it all makes sense," said one veteran foreign service officer.
'Diplomats interviewed for this story — all of whom insisted on anonymity because of the sensitivity of the political infighting — said they are profoundly worried about what they describe as the administration's arrogance or indifference to world public opinion, which they fear has wiped out, in less than two years, decades of effort to build goodwill toward the United States.'
'They cite as an example fallout from Iran being included in Bush's "axis of evil." Under the Clinton and Bush administrations, the State Department had been ordered to try to befriend Iranian moderates in order to counter that nation's Islamic fundamentalists. During the war in Afghanistan, American diplomats persuaded Tehran to allow U.S. military jets to fly over Iranian territory, a surprise foreign policy success.
'However, within hours of Bush's State of the Union speech last year linking Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil," Tehran canceled U.S. overflight rights, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations. "It has taken them an incredibly short time" to anger many other nations, said one veteran senior diplomat.'
The neo-cons will of course counter that we have the military power and should use it. The stakes are high for them. Either they use the military to follow through their ambitions or they will be discredited. Powell could in the end be their nemesis. He is as good a diplomat as Rumsfeld is a bad one.
'"I just wake up in the morning and tell myself, 'There's been a military coup,' and then it all makes sense," said one veteran foreign service officer.
'Diplomats interviewed for this story — all of whom insisted on anonymity because of the sensitivity of the political infighting — said they are profoundly worried about what they describe as the administration's arrogance or indifference to world public opinion, which they fear has wiped out, in less than two years, decades of effort to build goodwill toward the United States.'
'They cite as an example fallout from Iran being included in Bush's "axis of evil." Under the Clinton and Bush administrations, the State Department had been ordered to try to befriend Iranian moderates in order to counter that nation's Islamic fundamentalists. During the war in Afghanistan, American diplomats persuaded Tehran to allow U.S. military jets to fly over Iranian territory, a surprise foreign policy success.
'However, within hours of Bush's State of the Union speech last year linking Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil," Tehran canceled U.S. overflight rights, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations. "It has taken them an incredibly short time" to anger many other nations, said one veteran senior diplomat.'
The neo-cons will of course counter that we have the military power and should use it. The stakes are high for them. Either they use the military to follow through their ambitions or they will be discredited. Powell could in the end be their nemesis. He is as good a diplomat as Rumsfeld is a bad one.
Thursday, May 08, 2003
Chomsky in a den of lions
A new documentary featuring Chomksy has been released, 'Rebel Without a Pause'. In it, Chomsky says "If I'm a `persona' that attracts people, the world is in real trouble... I'm a boring speaker and I like it that way."
Certain unnamed acquaintances of mine saw his other recent effort, 'Power and Terror in our Times', and a number of unkind remarks followed, to the effect that he was the worst public speaker they had ever seen. Noting in the film the presence on stage during Chomsky's talk of a sign language interpreter, a further comment was allowed that perhaps he could hire an actor or newsreader with an earpiece with a direct link from Chomsky's microphone, who would pick up live Chomsky's speech and then re-speak it through the main broadcasting system. I'm still not sure if this was said in jest or not...
A new documentary featuring Chomksy has been released, 'Rebel Without a Pause'. In it, Chomsky says "If I'm a `persona' that attracts people, the world is in real trouble... I'm a boring speaker and I like it that way."
Certain unnamed acquaintances of mine saw his other recent effort, 'Power and Terror in our Times', and a number of unkind remarks followed, to the effect that he was the worst public speaker they had ever seen. Noting in the film the presence on stage during Chomsky's talk of a sign language interpreter, a further comment was allowed that perhaps he could hire an actor or newsreader with an earpiece with a direct link from Chomsky's microphone, who would pick up live Chomsky's speech and then re-speak it through the main broadcasting system. I'm still not sure if this was said in jest or not...
What is Victoria's Secret?
Funny site, (the front page scrolls perfectly, but that may just be a feature of my screen size/configuration) - but sad that much of the text consists of explanations about how it has been altered as per requests, how it is a group of artists expressing certain things, how freedom appears to be restricted by the current administration blah blah blah. One for the Memory Hole or Freenet...
Funny site, (the front page scrolls perfectly, but that may just be a feature of my screen size/configuration) - but sad that much of the text consists of explanations about how it has been altered as per requests, how it is a group of artists expressing certain things, how freedom appears to be restricted by the current administration blah blah blah. One for the Memory Hole or Freenet...
Excellent Medialens: Chaining The Watch Dog pt.II
'It's hard to imagine a more important challenge to the notion that we live in a free society, but is it ever seriously discussed in the mainstream? For years, publicity hungry green and human rights groups - eager to rail against the corporate domination of just about everything - have kept silent on corporate ownership of the media; or they have treated it as a side issue, rather than as the issue that determines what many people know and believe about all issues.
'In 1995, one of us asked Charles Secrett, then Director of Friends of The Earth UK: "Do you think we basically have a free press?" Secrett replied: "There are problems but they're not important." (June 15, 1995) Peter Melchett, then head of Greenpeace UK, responded: "Overall, I think they do a pretty good job."'
'It's hard to imagine a more important challenge to the notion that we live in a free society, but is it ever seriously discussed in the mainstream? For years, publicity hungry green and human rights groups - eager to rail against the corporate domination of just about everything - have kept silent on corporate ownership of the media; or they have treated it as a side issue, rather than as the issue that determines what many people know and believe about all issues.
'In 1995, one of us asked Charles Secrett, then Director of Friends of The Earth UK: "Do you think we basically have a free press?" Secrett replied: "There are problems but they're not important." (June 15, 1995) Peter Melchett, then head of Greenpeace UK, responded: "Overall, I think they do a pretty good job."'
What Ever Happened to the Republican Guard?
Time investigation suggests armour was abandoned before being destroyed by precision bombing and then as US forces approached soldiers simply fled. In Baghdad, troops were actually ordered to desert. Plausibly, the regime's army seems to have simply collapsed under US onslaught, although the possibility of a deal in Baghdad to end the fighting is not pursued; and any stories of successful Iraqi resistance are not told in this report. The 'Last Days of Saddam's Iraq', ie the detailed story of the collapse of the regime from the point of view of the Iraqi command bunker, has not been told and I find the lack of curiosity about this odd.
Time investigation suggests armour was abandoned before being destroyed by precision bombing and then as US forces approached soldiers simply fled. In Baghdad, troops were actually ordered to desert. Plausibly, the regime's army seems to have simply collapsed under US onslaught, although the possibility of a deal in Baghdad to end the fighting is not pursued; and any stories of successful Iraqi resistance are not told in this report. The 'Last Days of Saddam's Iraq', ie the detailed story of the collapse of the regime from the point of view of the Iraqi command bunker, has not been told and I find the lack of curiosity about this odd.
Medialens, very good: Chaining The Watch Dog: Part III
'In the first two parts of this 3-part series, we showed how systemic media bias constitutes one of many "dangerous ideas" excluded from the media as a result of "collusion between the press and the powerful". We suggested that watered down versions of dissent are used to give the impression of open and honest debate on media bias where in fact there is almost none.'
'Given the reality of systemic media bias, the ban on discussing the problem, and the role of this bias in facilitating vast crimes and catastrophes in the world, to what extent should honest journalists be willing to participate in this system? Would we have participated in the Nazi press? Would we have been willing to write for the Soviet state newspaper, Pravda? Should we be willing to participate in a system that has, for example, buried the truth of genocidal Western sanctions responsible for the deaths of one million Iraqi civilians?'
'In the first two parts of this 3-part series, we showed how systemic media bias constitutes one of many "dangerous ideas" excluded from the media as a result of "collusion between the press and the powerful". We suggested that watered down versions of dissent are used to give the impression of open and honest debate on media bias where in fact there is almost none.'
'Given the reality of systemic media bias, the ban on discussing the problem, and the role of this bias in facilitating vast crimes and catastrophes in the world, to what extent should honest journalists be willing to participate in this system? Would we have participated in the Nazi press? Would we have been willing to write for the Soviet state newspaper, Pravda? Should we be willing to participate in a system that has, for example, buried the truth of genocidal Western sanctions responsible for the deaths of one million Iraqi civilians?'
When the Media Fails
'[Broadcast] media will have to be reformed. Journalists must begin to treat government lying as any other form of malfeasance such as bribery or stealing: it is something to be exposed to the public as news, not glossed over and reinforced with endless repetition... The last nine months have been truly Orwellian. In a political move beginning last August that was as transparent as it was cynical, the Bush team used a manufactured threat from Iraq... The media's complicity in such scams is therefore much worse than a problem of bias or passivity. It is one of the greatest threats to democracy -- and security -- that this country faces.'
'[Broadcast] media will have to be reformed. Journalists must begin to treat government lying as any other form of malfeasance such as bribery or stealing: it is something to be exposed to the public as news, not glossed over and reinforced with endless repetition... The last nine months have been truly Orwellian. In a political move beginning last August that was as transparent as it was cynical, the Bush team used a manufactured threat from Iraq... The media's complicity in such scams is therefore much worse than a problem of bias or passivity. It is one of the greatest threats to democracy -- and security -- that this country faces.'
Trooping in: Who is ready to do what (via DY)
American 'allies' visibly withering as they announce 'contributions' to the Iraq 'peacekeeping' effort.
American 'allies' visibly withering as they announce 'contributions' to the Iraq 'peacekeeping' effort.
US troops 'encouraged' Iraqi looters
Report that the US troops not only failed to halt looters but actually waved them on, gave them the green light. If so it suggests a decision at a higher level, perhaps a part of the political plan to encourage the populace to 'revolt' against Saddam.
Report that the US troops not only failed to halt looters but actually waved them on, gave them the green light. If so it suggests a decision at a higher level, perhaps a part of the political plan to encourage the populace to 'revolt' against Saddam.
The Next Nuclear Power: Iran?
'It now seems that Tehran is dramatically closer to being able to produce atomic bombs than even Washington suspected... [Pakistan, China,]-- the Russians, along with several European states -- may also be involved: "We're out there banging on people's heads."
'Europeans, however, have always rejected Washington's hard-line policy toward Tehran -- a member of the so-called axis of evil -- and may react negatively to new saber-rattling over the Iranian nuclear program. They still largely back reform-minded President Mohammed Khatami... "They have seen North Korea and the fact that nuclear weapons make you more respected and make people talk to you." '
'It now seems that Tehran is dramatically closer to being able to produce atomic bombs than even Washington suspected... [Pakistan, China,]-- the Russians, along with several European states -- may also be involved: "We're out there banging on people's heads."
'Europeans, however, have always rejected Washington's hard-line policy toward Tehran -- a member of the so-called axis of evil -- and may react negatively to new saber-rattling over the Iranian nuclear program. They still largely back reform-minded President Mohammed Khatami... "They have seen North Korea and the fact that nuclear weapons make you more respected and make people talk to you." '
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Report on draconian, police-state reaction to assasination of Serbian PM
'In a purge worthy of the counter-revolutionary conspiracies “discovered” under Stalin, and parodied so perfectly in George Orwell’s novels, the Serbian government announced on 29th March, without a trace of irony, that it had arrested “1,984 people” in connection with the assassination.'
'The Western powers are giving their support to a crackdown, and to mass arrests, the likes of which would never have been tolerated or even contemplated under the man they call a dictator, Miloševic, whose period in office was characterised by untrammelled opposition activity both within the normal political process and in the media. There is now, by contrast, no effective political or media opposition in Serbia, and anyone even suspected of sympathising with them is liable to be locked up.'
'In a purge worthy of the counter-revolutionary conspiracies “discovered” under Stalin, and parodied so perfectly in George Orwell’s novels, the Serbian government announced on 29th March, without a trace of irony, that it had arrested “1,984 people” in connection with the assassination.'
'The Western powers are giving their support to a crackdown, and to mass arrests, the likes of which would never have been tolerated or even contemplated under the man they call a dictator, Miloševic, whose period in office was characterised by untrammelled opposition activity both within the normal political process and in the media. There is now, by contrast, no effective political or media opposition in Serbia, and anyone even suspected of sympathising with them is liable to be locked up.'
Jonathan Steele: Operation Support Garner (via DY)
'The Pentagon's one-size-fits-all 'liberation' is a disaster in Iraq'
'The Pentagon's one-size-fits-all 'liberation' is a disaster in Iraq'
Propaganda: The biggest bomb in Bush's arsenal
'"The concept of a self-governing US republic has been crippled by this propaganda," MacArthur says. "The whole idea that we can govern ourselves and have an intelligent debate, free of cant, free of disinformation, I think it's dead."'
'"The concept of a self-governing US republic has been crippled by this propaganda," MacArthur says. "The whole idea that we can govern ourselves and have an intelligent debate, free of cant, free of disinformation, I think it's dead."'
Israelis fire on parents of injured British peace activist
'The parents of a British peace activist who was shot in the head by Israeli troops came under fire themselves as they travelled to the spot where their son was critically injured.'
'The parents of a British peace activist who was shot in the head by Israeli troops came under fire themselves as they travelled to the spot where their son was critically injured.'
So Bush thinks its over...
'George Bush has announced the end of the war. But try telling that to the Shias and the Badr Brigade, says Robert Fisk'
'George Bush has announced the end of the war. But try telling that to the Shias and the Badr Brigade, says Robert Fisk'
Iraq: US restructuring Baath units to suppress population
'Americans are restructuring special paramilitary units of the former Baath Party of Iraq, intending to use them for suppressing possible protest actions of the Iraqi population. The military intelligence of the U.S. Army, FBI and CIA agents are working on the creation of the new special units'
American soldiers have already killed a number of protestors, but the first shots fired by ex-Baath units against the Iraqi population will symbolise American 'democracy' in Iraq.
'Americans are restructuring special paramilitary units of the former Baath Party of Iraq, intending to use them for suppressing possible protest actions of the Iraqi population. The military intelligence of the U.S. Army, FBI and CIA agents are working on the creation of the new special units'
American soldiers have already killed a number of protestors, but the first shots fired by ex-Baath units against the Iraqi population will symbolise American 'democracy' in Iraq.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
How America Lost the War
'When the Shah of Iran, another employee of the United States, was overthrown by fundamentalist revolutionaries controlled by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, America lost a staunch ally against the rise of Soviet influence in the Middle East.'
In an otherwise good article, this statement perpetuates the classic myth of the cold war: that the US was everywhere combatting "Soviet influence". The fact that the Soviet Union no longer exists and that Iran is still officially an enemy of the US (part of the 'axis of evil') ought to have given the author pause for thought. In reality the cold war was not a war against the Soviets but a war by the US against the Populations of the Third World; and a war by the Soviets against their satellites. Thus the US war continued without skipping a beat following the fall of the Berlin wall.
'When the Shah of Iran, another employee of the United States, was overthrown by fundamentalist revolutionaries controlled by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, America lost a staunch ally against the rise of Soviet influence in the Middle East.'
In an otherwise good article, this statement perpetuates the classic myth of the cold war: that the US was everywhere combatting "Soviet influence". The fact that the Soviet Union no longer exists and that Iran is still officially an enemy of the US (part of the 'axis of evil') ought to have given the author pause for thought. In reality the cold war was not a war against the Soviets but a war by the US against the Populations of the Third World; and a war by the Soviets against their satellites. Thus the US war continued without skipping a beat following the fall of the Berlin wall.
US: 'Saddam Had No Weapons of Mass Destruction'
'The Bush administration has admitted that Saddam Hussein probably had no weapons of mass destruction. Senior officials in the Bush administration have admitted that they would be 'amazed' if weapons of mass destruction (WMD) were found in Iraq.'
Gabriel Kolko describes the WMD story as, in political and diplomatic terms, a 'catastrophic lie'. It has done and will do for years to come immense damage to the international credibility of the United States.
'The Bush administration has admitted that Saddam Hussein probably had no weapons of mass destruction. Senior officials in the Bush administration have admitted that they would be 'amazed' if weapons of mass destruction (WMD) were found in Iraq.'
Gabriel Kolko describes the WMD story as, in political and diplomatic terms, a 'catastrophic lie'. It has done and will do for years to come immense damage to the international credibility of the United States.
Searing Sam Smith essay on decline of democracy in Washington (via RW)
'Tired of killing Muslims, we are now trying to teach their survivors some democracy. There are a number of practical problems with this, among them being that the curriculum is in the hands of the most authoritarian, deceitful, anti-democratic, and constitution-wrecking administration we've ever had. But there's an even more disturbing matter: wander around your nation's capital and try to find something better. Leaving aside anomalies such as the ACLU and the Cato Institute, a few members of Congress, and a handful of anachronic journalists, this town shows virtually no interest in liberty, the Constitution, or democracy these days - except when prescribing them to those in far away lands. This is not hyperbole; it is simple, grim fact.'
'Tired of killing Muslims, we are now trying to teach their survivors some democracy. There are a number of practical problems with this, among them being that the curriculum is in the hands of the most authoritarian, deceitful, anti-democratic, and constitution-wrecking administration we've ever had. But there's an even more disturbing matter: wander around your nation's capital and try to find something better. Leaving aside anomalies such as the ACLU and the Cato Institute, a few members of Congress, and a handful of anachronic journalists, this town shows virtually no interest in liberty, the Constitution, or democracy these days - except when prescribing them to those in far away lands. This is not hyperbole; it is simple, grim fact.'
Taliban adopt guerilla tactics
Discussion and analysis of the fighting in Afghanistan, with the suggestion that the Taliban tactics if allowed to continue will prove highly effective for several reasons.
Discussion and analysis of the fighting in Afghanistan, with the suggestion that the Taliban tactics if allowed to continue will prove highly effective for several reasons.
Question and Answer with Danny Rubenstein on the Road map
Sound non-propagandistic discussion of the problems and prospects of the 'Road Map' for peace.
Sound non-propagandistic discussion of the problems and prospects of the 'Road Map' for peace.
Christians Hail Israeli Rightist's Call To Oust Arabs
'Thousands of Evangelical Christians waving Israeli flags cheered last week as Knesset member Benny Elon called for the "relocation" of Palestinians from the West Bank into Jordan. The enthusiastic crowd at the annual convention of the Christian Coalition in Washington also cheered House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, who urged activists to back pro-Israel candidates who "stand unashamedly for Jesus Christ."'
Modern America - where a crime against humanity, the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians, is to be applauded and supported by a bizarre coalition of Christian Fundamentalists and right-wing Israeli Zionists.
'Thousands of Evangelical Christians waving Israeli flags cheered last week as Knesset member Benny Elon called for the "relocation" of Palestinians from the West Bank into Jordan. The enthusiastic crowd at the annual convention of the Christian Coalition in Washington also cheered House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, who urged activists to back pro-Israel candidates who "stand unashamedly for Jesus Christ."'
Modern America - where a crime against humanity, the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians, is to be applauded and supported by a bizarre coalition of Christian Fundamentalists and right-wing Israeli Zionists.
Monday, May 05, 2003
Monbiot: Land Reform, Mugabe and Racism
George Monbiot points out the double standards, hypocrisy and white racism of western reporting on Mugabe and Zimbabwe.
'Some of the articles in the Telegraph may as well have been headlined "The plucky men and women holding darkest Africa at bay". Readers are led to conclude that Ian Smith was right all along: the only people who know how to run Africa are the whites... The governments of the rich world don't like land reform. It requires state intervention, which offends the god of free markets, and it hurts big farmers and the companies which supply them. Indeed, it was Britain's refusal either to permit or to fund an adequate reform programme in Zimbabwe which created the political opportunities Mugabe has so ruthlessly exploited. The Lancaster House agreement gave the state to the black people but the nation to the whites. Mugabe manipulates the genuine frustrations of a dispossessed people. The president of Zimbabwe is a very minor devil in the hellish politics of land and food.'
George Monbiot points out the double standards, hypocrisy and white racism of western reporting on Mugabe and Zimbabwe.
'Some of the articles in the Telegraph may as well have been headlined "The plucky men and women holding darkest Africa at bay". Readers are led to conclude that Ian Smith was right all along: the only people who know how to run Africa are the whites... The governments of the rich world don't like land reform. It requires state intervention, which offends the god of free markets, and it hurts big farmers and the companies which supply them. Indeed, it was Britain's refusal either to permit or to fund an adequate reform programme in Zimbabwe which created the political opportunities Mugabe has so ruthlessly exploited. The Lancaster House agreement gave the state to the black people but the nation to the whites. Mugabe manipulates the genuine frustrations of a dispossessed people. The president of Zimbabwe is a very minor devil in the hellish politics of land and food.'
Advice for Councillors: The Henry George Rule
'City Council doesn't have enough money for all the projects that this rule says it should do. The nature of property taxes gets in the way. Increases in the market price of the land go to the owners. Property owners collect the benefits that city council pays for. When Toronto builds a subway, the landowners get rich, but the rest of the city pays the bills.
'The result is that City Councils invest less than they should in their cities because they don't get paid for the benefits the projects would produce. Local governments are usually inefficient because they can't collect fair value for what they produce.'
This article is a rare exception to the fact that not enough emphasis is placed upon the concept of landrent as a social fund which should be invested by the public authority expressly in order to return an increased revenue: ie, future revenue should guide current expenditure. The public and the government should view landrent collection and expenditure in this light. It gives a focus for expenditure and a sense of ownership and entitlement to revenue generated.
'City Council doesn't have enough money for all the projects that this rule says it should do. The nature of property taxes gets in the way. Increases in the market price of the land go to the owners. Property owners collect the benefits that city council pays for. When Toronto builds a subway, the landowners get rich, but the rest of the city pays the bills.
'The result is that City Councils invest less than they should in their cities because they don't get paid for the benefits the projects would produce. Local governments are usually inefficient because they can't collect fair value for what they produce.'
This article is a rare exception to the fact that not enough emphasis is placed upon the concept of landrent as a social fund which should be invested by the public authority expressly in order to return an increased revenue: ie, future revenue should guide current expenditure. The public and the government should view landrent collection and expenditure in this light. It gives a focus for expenditure and a sense of ownership and entitlement to revenue generated.
US Soldiers fear 'Afghan Vietnam'
'The number of American service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since operation Enduring Freedom began in October 2001 is now 30. But not a single soldier was killed as the result of hostile action in the first three months of the main offensive. Recently the frequency of casualties has risen ominously, and in April alone four soldiers were killed.'
'Instead of neighbouring China, which gave help to the Vietnamese, there is Pakistan, whose government is either unable or unwilling to prevent its wild border territory from providing safe havens for al-Qaeda. Washington is talking about pulling out its troops next year. But the situation will have to improve dramatically if it is not to find itself mired as it was in Vietnam for 10 years, according to analysts... The US insists it is winning and intends to stay. The question, however, is how long it is willing to see the death toll mount from a guerrilla war many experts believe it is incapable of winning.'
'The number of American service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since operation Enduring Freedom began in October 2001 is now 30. But not a single soldier was killed as the result of hostile action in the first three months of the main offensive. Recently the frequency of casualties has risen ominously, and in April alone four soldiers were killed.'
'Instead of neighbouring China, which gave help to the Vietnamese, there is Pakistan, whose government is either unable or unwilling to prevent its wild border territory from providing safe havens for al-Qaeda. Washington is talking about pulling out its troops next year. But the situation will have to improve dramatically if it is not to find itself mired as it was in Vietnam for 10 years, according to analysts... The US insists it is winning and intends to stay. The question, however, is how long it is willing to see the death toll mount from a guerrilla war many experts believe it is incapable of winning.'
Slain Iraqi cleric said to be CIA ally
'The United States suffered a major blow in its campaign to recruit friendly Shiite clerics inside Iraq last month when it lost an influential religious ally to an angry mob — and as much as $13 million the CIA had given him to cultivate supporters... Witnesses to the slaying said that as al-Khoei was being stabbed, a number of U.S. $100 and $50 bills spilled out of his clerical robes.'
This is an all time CIA classic..
'The United States suffered a major blow in its campaign to recruit friendly Shiite clerics inside Iraq last month when it lost an influential religious ally to an angry mob — and as much as $13 million the CIA had given him to cultivate supporters... Witnesses to the slaying said that as al-Khoei was being stabbed, a number of U.S. $100 and $50 bills spilled out of his clerical robes.'
This is an all time CIA classic..
Israel's Allegations about Peace Activists/Suicide bombers are Deliberate Falsification
You can never underestimate the manipulation and lying of the political/military/media apparatus. You can be reading the media for years with a deeply sceptical eye and yet they will come up with another cynical manipulation - and you will miss it.
'It seems clear that Israel is using this absurd allegation to further justify the arrest and wholesale deportation of international peace activists throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.'
You can never underestimate the manipulation and lying of the political/military/media apparatus. You can be reading the media for years with a deeply sceptical eye and yet they will come up with another cynical manipulation - and you will miss it.
'It seems clear that Israel is using this absurd allegation to further justify the arrest and wholesale deportation of international peace activists throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.'
Herman interview: Propaganda in the "Free Press"
Edward Herman discusses the propaganda model, as developed in his and Chomsky's book 'Manufacturing Consent', first published in 1988, new edition 2002.
Manufacturing Consent is surely one of the most important and vital books published since the war, addressing a concept and a subject which is all but inconceivable to the Western mind but which is convincingly demonstrated in this work. It has been said of Chomsky that 'not to have read Chomsky is to court genuine ignorance' and this book is among the first that must be absorbed to be taken at all seriously as a political and social commentator. The corporate and mass media, usually described as a 'free press', is in fact a sytematic propaganda and disinformation system, which must rightly be compared (and contrasted) to Goebbels' propaganda ministry and to Stalin's 'factory of lies'.
In the Herman/Chomsky model, media control in the US (and through much of the Western world) is achieved through five filters: ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak and ideology (communism & terrorism). Taken together with the case studies, the model is compelling and demands to be either refuted in detail or accepted.
Comprehending this propaganda system is an unforgettable and revolutionary insight, comparable in georgist literature to 'seeing the cat.' An urgent political and social issue for the 21st century therefore is the problem of the media. Responses must be something along the following lines: banning of foreign ownership in all media; diversity of ownership; public share (including community groups and NGOs) and board positions in media companies; re-assertion of public ownership and control of all natural media resources such as broadcast spectrum, mastheads, and telecommunications grids; strengthened public media and broadcasting entities such as ABC and SBS, with guaranteed independence, community involvement, and a total ban on paid advertising; strengthened independent media of all kinds; guaranteed rights of free speech across all media; guaranteed internet access and independence including such initiatives as the Freenet; and a personal, individual commitment to support and access alternative media: not to buy or consume corporate/mass media except with a view to critiquing it.
Edward Herman discusses the propaganda model, as developed in his and Chomsky's book 'Manufacturing Consent', first published in 1988, new edition 2002.
Manufacturing Consent is surely one of the most important and vital books published since the war, addressing a concept and a subject which is all but inconceivable to the Western mind but which is convincingly demonstrated in this work. It has been said of Chomsky that 'not to have read Chomsky is to court genuine ignorance' and this book is among the first that must be absorbed to be taken at all seriously as a political and social commentator. The corporate and mass media, usually described as a 'free press', is in fact a sytematic propaganda and disinformation system, which must rightly be compared (and contrasted) to Goebbels' propaganda ministry and to Stalin's 'factory of lies'.
In the Herman/Chomsky model, media control in the US (and through much of the Western world) is achieved through five filters: ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak and ideology (communism & terrorism). Taken together with the case studies, the model is compelling and demands to be either refuted in detail or accepted.
Comprehending this propaganda system is an unforgettable and revolutionary insight, comparable in georgist literature to 'seeing the cat.' An urgent political and social issue for the 21st century therefore is the problem of the media. Responses must be something along the following lines: banning of foreign ownership in all media; diversity of ownership; public share (including community groups and NGOs) and board positions in media companies; re-assertion of public ownership and control of all natural media resources such as broadcast spectrum, mastheads, and telecommunications grids; strengthened public media and broadcasting entities such as ABC and SBS, with guaranteed independence, community involvement, and a total ban on paid advertising; strengthened independent media of all kinds; guaranteed rights of free speech across all media; guaranteed internet access and independence including such initiatives as the Freenet; and a personal, individual commitment to support and access alternative media: not to buy or consume corporate/mass media except with a view to critiquing it.
The Looting Of Iraq
Withering remarks on Bush/American historical ignorance and cultural barbarism, which quite frankly compares unfavourably even to the Nazis. Had the Nazis conquered Iraq at least they would have looted the art treasures in an organised manner, instead of allowing or possibly even encouraging 'the remarkable disappearance of 170,000 artifacts from the storehouse of civilization's cradle.'
Withering remarks on Bush/American historical ignorance and cultural barbarism, which quite frankly compares unfavourably even to the Nazis. Had the Nazis conquered Iraq at least they would have looted the art treasures in an organised manner, instead of allowing or possibly even encouraging 'the remarkable disappearance of 170,000 artifacts from the storehouse of civilization's cradle.'
Hakim/Badr forces enter Iraq from Iran
'Thousands of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia forces have crossed into Iraq from Iran after about 20 years of exile... The Badr brigade, estimated to number between 12,000 and 15,000 in Iran, is the armed wing of the main Shia opposition group, the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (Sciri), under the command of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim... Ayatollah al-Hakim is expected to leave for Najaf, after 23 years of exile, on Wednesday or Thursday.'
'Thousands of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia forces have crossed into Iraq from Iran after about 20 years of exile... The Badr brigade, estimated to number between 12,000 and 15,000 in Iran, is the armed wing of the main Shia opposition group, the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (Sciri), under the command of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim... Ayatollah al-Hakim is expected to leave for Najaf, after 23 years of exile, on Wednesday or Thursday.'
Appetite for Authoritarianism Spawns an American Gulag
'Last week, the United States confirmed it is holding children under the age of 16 at Camp Delta at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In keeping with the other shadowy facts about this camp, it is not clear how large the children's wing at Camp Delta has become... The camp's children are among 664 detainees from 42 countries. Some were captured in Afghanistan; others were rounded up elsewhere. Many have been held without trial for more than two years.
'The Bush administration has argued that these detainees are not "people" under the Constitution but, rather, legal nonentities it may hold, release or even execute at its sole discretion. Recent reports indicate that the Justice Department has no intention of trying the vast majority of these prisoners. Rather, estimates on possible tribunal trials rarely exceed two dozen. The administration has simply decided to hold hundreds of people without trial or judicial review at the president's whim. There is a term for that type of prison: gulag.'
'Last week, the United States confirmed it is holding children under the age of 16 at Camp Delta at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In keeping with the other shadowy facts about this camp, it is not clear how large the children's wing at Camp Delta has become... The camp's children are among 664 detainees from 42 countries. Some were captured in Afghanistan; others were rounded up elsewhere. Many have been held without trial for more than two years.
'The Bush administration has argued that these detainees are not "people" under the Constitution but, rather, legal nonentities it may hold, release or even execute at its sole discretion. Recent reports indicate that the Justice Department has no intention of trying the vast majority of these prisoners. Rather, estimates on possible tribunal trials rarely exceed two dozen. The administration has simply decided to hold hundreds of people without trial or judicial review at the president's whim. There is a term for that type of prison: gulag.'
Bush's Military Defeat: The SuperPower of Peace is Our Only Hope
Good Wasserman article lists in bullet form the defeats the US has already suffered in its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
'In short, the Bush "triumph" has the taste and smell of a profound defeat. The Iraqi people have made it clear they want the US out, and that the demonstrations can only escalate. Afghanistan is in ruin and chaos. World opinion, so profoundly sympathetic to the US after the horrors of September 11, has swung wildly against us. To the vast bulk of humanity---especially 1.2 billion Muslims---the US is an out-of-control bully that invaded Iraq without legitimate provocation, primarily to grab its oil.
'Only the grotesquely unbalanced and intolerant US corporate media has supported this attack with any consistency. Worldwide, its credibility has sunk below zero. The United States may currently be the only military superpower. But it's a hollow shell, with its domestic economy in profound crisis and the dollar in fast decline. The cynicism, arrogance and brutality with which Bush has carried out these attacks has provoked a profound, deep-rooted worldwide hostility. Far from victory, the US has never been more weakened, isolated or insecure. In the long run, only one superpower---the one for peace---holds any hope for any of us.'
Good Wasserman article lists in bullet form the defeats the US has already suffered in its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
'In short, the Bush "triumph" has the taste and smell of a profound defeat. The Iraqi people have made it clear they want the US out, and that the demonstrations can only escalate. Afghanistan is in ruin and chaos. World opinion, so profoundly sympathetic to the US after the horrors of September 11, has swung wildly against us. To the vast bulk of humanity---especially 1.2 billion Muslims---the US is an out-of-control bully that invaded Iraq without legitimate provocation, primarily to grab its oil.
'Only the grotesquely unbalanced and intolerant US corporate media has supported this attack with any consistency. Worldwide, its credibility has sunk below zero. The United States may currently be the only military superpower. But it's a hollow shell, with its domestic economy in profound crisis and the dollar in fast decline. The cynicism, arrogance and brutality with which Bush has carried out these attacks has provoked a profound, deep-rooted worldwide hostility. Far from victory, the US has never been more weakened, isolated or insecure. In the long run, only one superpower---the one for peace---holds any hope for any of us.'
New Israeli 'peace plan': 'Jordan is Palestine'
This plan from Israeli Tourist Minister Elon formalises the conception of the effective annexation by Israel of the Occupied Territories and that the entire Arab population of both the Occupied Territories and Israel proper should be regarded as 'Jordanians'. The report does not canvass Palestinian responses to this idea, but very likely represents the 'final vision' of the Likud party.
This plan from Israeli Tourist Minister Elon formalises the conception of the effective annexation by Israel of the Occupied Territories and that the entire Arab population of both the Occupied Territories and Israel proper should be regarded as 'Jordanians'. The report does not canvass Palestinian responses to this idea, but very likely represents the 'final vision' of the Likud party.
Bloodshed and Bullets Fuel Rising Hatred of Americans
'A crowd gathered outside the al-Ani's house last week, demanding that the Americans leave the school over the road so that children can return. The military opened fire, killing 13 and wounding some 35; they claimed they were shot at first. But even if shots were aimed at them, the response was not only into the crowd; they pummeled the street, house by house, with a mighty volley and shot at occupants as they appeared in doorways.
'Each of the brothers came out in turn to try and help their families and were each targeted and shot. Walid was killed and the two others wounded, along with their mother, Mufina, and her daughter-in-law, Eptisan al-Ani. In a few minutes, said Eptisan's husband, Muthana, now in the hospital bed opposite his brother, 'our family is destroyed'. The family taxi is in Osama's front yard, looking like a cheese-grater - 38 rounds to the metalwork alone... Fallujah is now festooned with banners in Arabic and English reading: 'Go Out From Our City. If Refuse We Will Kill You. Because You Are Come Here For Petrol Not for Freedom.' '
'A crowd gathered outside the al-Ani's house last week, demanding that the Americans leave the school over the road so that children can return. The military opened fire, killing 13 and wounding some 35; they claimed they were shot at first. But even if shots were aimed at them, the response was not only into the crowd; they pummeled the street, house by house, with a mighty volley and shot at occupants as they appeared in doorways.
'Each of the brothers came out in turn to try and help their families and were each targeted and shot. Walid was killed and the two others wounded, along with their mother, Mufina, and her daughter-in-law, Eptisan al-Ani. In a few minutes, said Eptisan's husband, Muthana, now in the hospital bed opposite his brother, 'our family is destroyed'. The family taxi is in Osama's front yard, looking like a cheese-grater - 38 rounds to the metalwork alone... Fallujah is now festooned with banners in Arabic and English reading: 'Go Out From Our City. If Refuse We Will Kill You. Because You Are Come Here For Petrol Not for Freedom.' '
Saturday, May 03, 2003
Report: Condi Rice Nixed attack on Syria (via AW)
'In response to Halevy's entreaties for action [against Syria], these sources said, Rice repeated an assertion that the White House did not want any further military campaigns for the rest of Bush's first term, according to the sources. They said Rumsfeld objected, and, at one point, turned to Rove and asked his opinion. Rove said the president agreed with Rice, and the meeting came to an end, the sources said.'
It is difficult to assess the accuracy of such reports, but hardly anything in world affairs right now could be more important than the struggle within the Bush administration between the neoconservatives and more moderate elements.
'In response to Halevy's entreaties for action [against Syria], these sources said, Rice repeated an assertion that the White House did not want any further military campaigns for the rest of Bush's first term, according to the sources. They said Rumsfeld objected, and, at one point, turned to Rove and asked his opinion. Rove said the president agreed with Rice, and the meeting came to an end, the sources said.'
It is difficult to assess the accuracy of such reports, but hardly anything in world affairs right now could be more important than the struggle within the Bush administration between the neoconservatives and more moderate elements.
U.S. Miscalculates in Iraq
'If one were to believe the Bush administration and the ''defense intellectuals,'' the United States would soon establish a democratic Iraq. But the marching and shouting Shiites wanted America to go home and let them establish their own Iraq: an Islamic state like Iran. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be at all. The Iraqi people were supposed to be celebrating their liberation--especially the Shiites, who had been oppressed during Saddam Hussein's brutal reign. Now the leaders of the religious majority were demonstrating against us, without any hint of gratitude for their liberation.'
Common Dreams is a good website, collecting as it does progressive articles published in the American media. But its weakness is the perpetuation of media myths and misunderstandings, such as the above. It has been clear since at least Gulf War 1 that a 'democractic' regime in Iraq would be dominated by the majority Shiites aligned with Iran, this is precisely the reason Bush 1 allowed Saddam to crush the rebellion and remain in power. The American preference is and has always been for an 'iron fisted junta' aligned with the US (without Saddam, or with him when he was obedient). Rumsfeld has clearly announced that a Shiite ('fundamentalist') Iraq is unacceptable to America, so no one should have any illusions about the course of events and the type of regime that America will impose on Iraq.
'If one were to believe the Bush administration and the ''defense intellectuals,'' the United States would soon establish a democratic Iraq. But the marching and shouting Shiites wanted America to go home and let them establish their own Iraq: an Islamic state like Iran. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be at all. The Iraqi people were supposed to be celebrating their liberation--especially the Shiites, who had been oppressed during Saddam Hussein's brutal reign. Now the leaders of the religious majority were demonstrating against us, without any hint of gratitude for their liberation.'
Common Dreams is a good website, collecting as it does progressive articles published in the American media. But its weakness is the perpetuation of media myths and misunderstandings, such as the above. It has been clear since at least Gulf War 1 that a 'democractic' regime in Iraq would be dominated by the majority Shiites aligned with Iran, this is precisely the reason Bush 1 allowed Saddam to crush the rebellion and remain in power. The American preference is and has always been for an 'iron fisted junta' aligned with the US (without Saddam, or with him when he was obedient). Rumsfeld has clearly announced that a Shiite ('fundamentalist') Iraq is unacceptable to America, so no one should have any illusions about the course of events and the type of regime that America will impose on Iraq.
Friday, May 02, 2003
Gabriel Kolko: Iraq, the US and the End of the European Coalition
Another very good article by Kolko, where he develops his argument the US is militarily strong but politically weak; the Iraq war has wrecked the Nato alliance; and is the beginning of a cycle of interventions with unpredictable consequences.
Another very good article by Kolko, where he develops his argument the US is militarily strong but politically weak; the Iraq war has wrecked the Nato alliance; and is the beginning of a cycle of interventions with unpredictable consequences.
Media Lens: Chaining The Watch Dog
'"If it's really true, as you claim, that Iraq had been fundamentally disarmed of weapons of mass destruction [WMD] by December 1998, and that any retained WMD was likely to be 'sludge', how come I didn't read about this anywhere in the media before the war? How come nobody talked about it? I just don't understand how this level of silence could be achieved."'
David Edwards attempts to explain this vital point.
'"If it's really true, as you claim, that Iraq had been fundamentally disarmed of weapons of mass destruction [WMD] by December 1998, and that any retained WMD was likely to be 'sludge', how come I didn't read about this anywhere in the media before the war? How come nobody talked about it? I just don't understand how this level of silence could be achieved."'
David Edwards attempts to explain this vital point.
Anatol Lieven : A Trap of Their Own Making (via DY)
'We must fear both the strengthening of Islamist terrorism and the reappearance of secular nationalist terrorism, not only among Palestinians but among Arabs in general. The danger is not so much that the Bush Administration will consciously adopt the whole Neo-Con imperialist programme as that the Neo-Cons and their allies will contribute to tendencies stemming inexorably from the US occupation of Iraq and that the result will be a vicious circle of terrorism and war. If this proves to be the case, then the damage inflicted over time by the US on the Muslim world and by Muslims on the US and its allies is likely to be horrendous. We have already shown that we can destroy Muslim states. Even the most ferocious terrorist attacks will not do that to Western states; but if continued over decades, they stand a good chance of destroying democracy in America and any state associated with it.'
'We must fear both the strengthening of Islamist terrorism and the reappearance of secular nationalist terrorism, not only among Palestinians but among Arabs in general. The danger is not so much that the Bush Administration will consciously adopt the whole Neo-Con imperialist programme as that the Neo-Cons and their allies will contribute to tendencies stemming inexorably from the US occupation of Iraq and that the result will be a vicious circle of terrorism and war. If this proves to be the case, then the damage inflicted over time by the US on the Muslim world and by Muslims on the US and its allies is likely to be horrendous. We have already shown that we can destroy Muslim states. Even the most ferocious terrorist attacks will not do that to Western states; but if continued over decades, they stand a good chance of destroying democracy in America and any state associated with it.'
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Chomsky: Wars On Terror (long, very good)
'One familiar device is miraculous conversion [of the USA]: true, there have been flaws in the past, but they have now been overcome so we can forget those boring and now-irrelevant topics and march on to a bright future. This useful doctrine of “change of course” has been invoked frequently over the years, in ways that are instructive when we look closely.'
'To repeat the obvious, we basically have two choices. Either history is bunk, including current history, and we can march forward with confidence that the global enforcer will drive evil from the world much as the President's speech writers declare, plagiarizing ancient epics and children's tales. Or we can subject the doctrines of the proclaimed grand new era to scrutiny, drawing rational conclusions, perhaps gaining some sense of the emerging reality.'
'When Kennedy ordered his staff to subject Cubans to the “terrors of the earth” until Castro is eliminated, his planners advised that “The very existence of his regime … represents a successful defiance of the US, a negation of our whole hemispheric policy of almost a century and a half,” based on the principle of subordination to US will. Worse yet, Castro’s regime was providing an “example and general stimulus” that might “encourage agitation and radical change” in other parts of Latin America, where “social and economic conditions … invite opposition to ruling authority” and susceptibility to “the Castro idea of taking matters into one’s own hands.” These are grave dangers, Kennedy planners recognized, when “The distribution of land and other forms of national wealth greatly favors the propertied classes … [and] The poor and underprivileged, stimulated by the example of the Cuban revolution, are now demanding opportunities for a decent living.” These threats were only compounded by successful resistance to invasion, an intolerable threat to credibility, warranting the “terrors of the earth” and destructive economic warfare to excise that earlier “cancer.”'
These insights on the importance of land and other essential resources are fundamental and deserve more prominence in progressive literature. From a geonomist's perspective, this is the key and it provides the point on which the ideologies of socialism, anarchism, georgism and environmentalism can unite in effective opposition to imperialism and monopoly or enclosed capitalism.
'One familiar device is miraculous conversion [of the USA]: true, there have been flaws in the past, but they have now been overcome so we can forget those boring and now-irrelevant topics and march on to a bright future. This useful doctrine of “change of course” has been invoked frequently over the years, in ways that are instructive when we look closely.'
'To repeat the obvious, we basically have two choices. Either history is bunk, including current history, and we can march forward with confidence that the global enforcer will drive evil from the world much as the President's speech writers declare, plagiarizing ancient epics and children's tales. Or we can subject the doctrines of the proclaimed grand new era to scrutiny, drawing rational conclusions, perhaps gaining some sense of the emerging reality.'
'When Kennedy ordered his staff to subject Cubans to the “terrors of the earth” until Castro is eliminated, his planners advised that “The very existence of his regime … represents a successful defiance of the US, a negation of our whole hemispheric policy of almost a century and a half,” based on the principle of subordination to US will. Worse yet, Castro’s regime was providing an “example and general stimulus” that might “encourage agitation and radical change” in other parts of Latin America, where “social and economic conditions … invite opposition to ruling authority” and susceptibility to “the Castro idea of taking matters into one’s own hands.” These are grave dangers, Kennedy planners recognized, when “The distribution of land and other forms of national wealth greatly favors the propertied classes … [and] The poor and underprivileged, stimulated by the example of the Cuban revolution, are now demanding opportunities for a decent living.” These threats were only compounded by successful resistance to invasion, an intolerable threat to credibility, warranting the “terrors of the earth” and destructive economic warfare to excise that earlier “cancer.”'
These insights on the importance of land and other essential resources are fundamental and deserve more prominence in progressive literature. From a geonomist's perspective, this is the key and it provides the point on which the ideologies of socialism, anarchism, georgism and environmentalism can unite in effective opposition to imperialism and monopoly or enclosed capitalism.
Putin to Blair: We Are Not with You and We Don't Believe You
'Tony Blair's first public attempt to heal the diplomatic wounds of the Iraq war suffered a humiliating rebuff yesterday when Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, refused to lift UN sanctions and mocked the possibility that weapons of mass destruction existed in Iraq... The two men had a fabled special relationship and Mr Blair had high hopes he would be able to wean Mr Putin away from his new anti-war alliance with France and Germany... Mr Blair had been hoping to use his influence to persuade Russia to agree to the Anglo-US demand to lift sanctions on Iraq in return for giving the UN an as yet unspecified "vital role" in the reconstruction of Iraq and its new government.'
'Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."'
Blair has elsewhere objected that the Franco-German approach would lead to a multi-polar world somewhat similar to the Cold War. Apparently Blair cannot conceive that resistance to hegemony is inevitable and natural. This is a foolish man, that Europe and the world cannot be rid of quickly enough.
'Tony Blair's first public attempt to heal the diplomatic wounds of the Iraq war suffered a humiliating rebuff yesterday when Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, refused to lift UN sanctions and mocked the possibility that weapons of mass destruction existed in Iraq... The two men had a fabled special relationship and Mr Blair had high hopes he would be able to wean Mr Putin away from his new anti-war alliance with France and Germany... Mr Blair had been hoping to use his influence to persuade Russia to agree to the Anglo-US demand to lift sanctions on Iraq in return for giving the UN an as yet unspecified "vital role" in the reconstruction of Iraq and its new government.'
'Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."'
Blair has elsewhere objected that the Franco-German approach would lead to a multi-polar world somewhat similar to the Cold War. Apparently Blair cannot conceive that resistance to hegemony is inevitable and natural. This is a foolish man, that Europe and the world cannot be rid of quickly enough.
Arab Daily Publishes Letter By Saddam Urging Resistance
oh lord... first Bin Laden and now Saddam... the Americans have made them both heroes of Arab resistance.
oh lord... first Bin Laden and now Saddam... the Americans have made them both heroes of Arab resistance.
Poll: US Public Still Rejects Unilateralism, Imperial Role
'It shows that much of the public appears to be more in tune with the views of ''Old Europe'' - a moniker applied by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to describe European countries that opposed Washington's rush to attack Iraq - than with those of the neo-conservatives around Rumsfeld.'
'It shows that much of the public appears to be more in tune with the views of ''Old Europe'' - a moniker applied by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to describe European countries that opposed Washington's rush to attack Iraq - than with those of the neo-conservatives around Rumsfeld.'
S.Korean daily details North's 3-point plan to US
'A leading South Korean newspaper gave a detailed account on Wednesday of North Korea's nuclear proposal to the United States, saying it was a three-stage plan that ended with scrapping nuclear weapons.'
The Bush Administration scathingly rejects the North Korean plan but the sane part of the world (including Australia) must begin to consider whether the North Korean proposal represents a way forward or at least a starting point for further negotiations.
'A leading South Korean newspaper gave a detailed account on Wednesday of North Korea's nuclear proposal to the United States, saying it was a three-stage plan that ended with scrapping nuclear weapons.'
The Bush Administration scathingly rejects the North Korean plan but the sane part of the world (including Australia) must begin to consider whether the North Korean proposal represents a way forward or at least a starting point for further negotiations.
Hamas chief rejects peace plan, vows more attacks
'"The road map aims to assure security for Israel at the expense of the security of our people. It is a plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause (for independence). It is rejected by us," Sheikh Ahmed Yassin told Reuters in Gaza City.'
Unfortunately this assessment is only too accurate. The PLO is a tragedy as it cannot consistently focus on and commit to its fundamental goal: withdrawal of all Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Occupied Territories and the establishment of a Palestinian State on those territories. Time and again it will be a party to a 'peace process' which aims at nothing of the sort.
'"The road map aims to assure security for Israel at the expense of the security of our people. It is a plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause (for independence). It is rejected by us," Sheikh Ahmed Yassin told Reuters in Gaza City.'
Unfortunately this assessment is only too accurate. The PLO is a tragedy as it cannot consistently focus on and commit to its fundamental goal: withdrawal of all Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Occupied Territories and the establishment of a Palestinian State on those territories. Time and again it will be a party to a 'peace process' which aims at nothing of the sort.
Analysis: Fighting intensifies in Afghanistan, consolidated strategy (via Agonist)
'As spring approaches in Afghanistan, a number of factors are likely to contribute to a significant escalation of the country's ongoing guerrilla war.'
Not to mention the fundamentally unstable nuclear armed Pakistan government, the disintegrated Soviet Union possesses 30,000 nuclear warheads the security of which is uncertain; and enough nuclear material to manufacture another 30,000 weapons (or 'dirty bombs'). In these circumstances the Bush/Pentagon strategy of military aggression against the Arab and Muslim worlds as a response to terrorism can only be described as 'extreme folly': a folly comparable in some ways to the folly of the Kaiser and the General Staff prior to World War One.
'As spring approaches in Afghanistan, a number of factors are likely to contribute to a significant escalation of the country's ongoing guerrilla war.'
Not to mention the fundamentally unstable nuclear armed Pakistan government, the disintegrated Soviet Union possesses 30,000 nuclear warheads the security of which is uncertain; and enough nuclear material to manufacture another 30,000 weapons (or 'dirty bombs'). In these circumstances the Bush/Pentagon strategy of military aggression against the Arab and Muslim worlds as a response to terrorism can only be described as 'extreme folly': a folly comparable in some ways to the folly of the Kaiser and the General Staff prior to World War One.
MSNBC's Banfield 'Slams' War Coverage (via Agonist)
This mildly critical account of US journalistic coverage of the war is interesting because while it is generally pro-war and pro-Empire it provokes furious attack from the system. Just as the American propaganda system is breaking down, it is veering more to the extreme right wing. The comments about the business/revenue/advertising model of Fox are also pertinent and should be explored in further detail. It must dawn on people eventually that corporate/advertising media cannot by its nature provide good news coverage.
'Her comments sparked a media controversy which reportedly prompted her NBC employers to severely reprimand Banfield. While she has not commented on the issue, an NBC spokeswoman told reporters Monday, "She and we both agreed that she didn't intend to demean the work of her colleagues, and she will choose her words more carefully in the future."'
'As a journalist I'm often ostracized just for saying these messages, just for going on television and saying, "Here's what the leaders of Hezbullah are telling me and here's what the Lebanese are telling me and here's what the Syrians have said about Hezbullah. Here's what they have to say about the Golan Heights." Like it or lump it, don't shoot the messenger, but invariably the messenger gets shot.
'We hired somebody on MSNBC recently named Michael Savage. Some of you may know his name already from his radio program. He was so taken aback by my dare to speak with Al -Aqsa Martyrs Brigade about why they do what they do, why they're prepared to sacrifice themselves for what they call a freedom fight and we call terrorism. He was so taken aback that he chose to label me as a slut on the air. And that's not all, as a porn star. And that's not all, as an accomplice to the murder of Jewish children. So these are the ramifications for simply being the messenger in the Arab world. How can you discuss, how can you solve anything when attacks from a mere radio flak is what America hears on a regular basis, let alone at the government level?'
This mildly critical account of US journalistic coverage of the war is interesting because while it is generally pro-war and pro-Empire it provokes furious attack from the system. Just as the American propaganda system is breaking down, it is veering more to the extreme right wing. The comments about the business/revenue/advertising model of Fox are also pertinent and should be explored in further detail. It must dawn on people eventually that corporate/advertising media cannot by its nature provide good news coverage.
'Her comments sparked a media controversy which reportedly prompted her NBC employers to severely reprimand Banfield. While she has not commented on the issue, an NBC spokeswoman told reporters Monday, "She and we both agreed that she didn't intend to demean the work of her colleagues, and she will choose her words more carefully in the future."'
'As a journalist I'm often ostracized just for saying these messages, just for going on television and saying, "Here's what the leaders of Hezbullah are telling me and here's what the Lebanese are telling me and here's what the Syrians have said about Hezbullah. Here's what they have to say about the Golan Heights." Like it or lump it, don't shoot the messenger, but invariably the messenger gets shot.
'We hired somebody on MSNBC recently named Michael Savage. Some of you may know his name already from his radio program. He was so taken aback by my dare to speak with Al -Aqsa Martyrs Brigade about why they do what they do, why they're prepared to sacrifice themselves for what they call a freedom fight and we call terrorism. He was so taken aback that he chose to label me as a slut on the air. And that's not all, as a porn star. And that's not all, as an accomplice to the murder of Jewish children. So these are the ramifications for simply being the messenger in the Arab world. How can you discuss, how can you solve anything when attacks from a mere radio flak is what America hears on a regular basis, let alone at the government level?'
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