Palestinian death toll tops 900: Gaza official - Yahoo! News: "GAZA (Reuters) – Israeli troops fought gun battles with Hamas fighters on Monday, keeping military pressure on the Islamist group while avoiding all-out urban warfare that would complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war.
Medical officials said the Palestinian death toll in the offensive Israel began 17 days ago had risen past 900 and included at least 380 civilians. Israel says three Israeli civilians, hit by Hamas rockets, and 10 soldiers have died."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
6 troops, 40 militants killed in Pakistan attack - Yahoo! News
6 troops, 40 militants killed in Pakistan attack - Yahoo! News: "PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Hundreds of militants, many from Afghanistan, attacked a Pakistani paramilitary camp in a lawless northwestern tribal region early Sunday, sparking a major clash that left six security troops and 40 insurgents dead.
The brazen raid in Mohmand suggested sophisticated cross-border coordination among Taliban militants nesting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and underscored the continued strength of the militancy despite an ongoing Pakistani military offensive."
The brazen raid in Mohmand suggested sophisticated cross-border coordination among Taliban militants nesting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and underscored the continued strength of the militancy despite an ongoing Pakistani military offensive."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Militants holed up in caves, says India -DAWN - Top Stories; January 08, 2009
Militants holed up in caves, says India -DAWN - Top Stories; January 08, 2009: "SRINAGAR, Jan 7: A gunbattle between Indian troops and a group of militants raged for a seventh day on Wednesday, making it one of the longest battles in occupied Kashmir in years, officials said.
The fighting erupted last Thursday in the Poonch sector after soldiers and police, acting on a tip-off, carried out a search operation in a densely forested area.
The battle has so far left four militants, two soldiers and a policeman dead and several Indian personnel wounded.
The militants were using natural caves as hideouts, senior army officer Brigadier Gurdeep Singh said."
The fighting erupted last Thursday in the Poonch sector after soldiers and police, acting on a tip-off, carried out a search operation in a densely forested area.
The battle has so far left four militants, two soldiers and a policeman dead and several Indian personnel wounded.
The militants were using natural caves as hideouts, senior army officer Brigadier Gurdeep Singh said."
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan sacks security advisor
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan sacks security advisor: "Pakistan has sacked its national security advisor as tensions continue between Islamabad and India over November's attacks in Mumbai.
Mehmood Ali Durrani was officially accused of showing 'irresponsible behaviour' and a 'lack of coordination' on security matters.
A BBC correspondent says the main accusation appears to be that he failed to share information with politicians.
Islamabad has confirmed the only gunman to survive Mumbai is a Pakistani.
More than 170 people died when 10 gunmen attacked Mumbai on 26 November."
Mehmood Ali Durrani was officially accused of showing 'irresponsible behaviour' and a 'lack of coordination' on security matters.
A BBC correspondent says the main accusation appears to be that he failed to share information with politicians.
Islamabad has confirmed the only gunman to survive Mumbai is a Pakistani.
More than 170 people died when 10 gunmen attacked Mumbai on 26 November."
Hamas Pulling Back Into Crowded Cities, Beckoning Israelis - washingtonpost.com
Hamas Pulling Back Into Crowded Cities, Beckoning Israelis - washingtonpost.com: "JERUSALEM, Jan. 7 -- When thousands of heavily armed Israeli soldiers poured into the Gaza Strip on Saturday night, Hamas pulled back.
Rather than stand and fight against the Middle East's strongest army, the Islamist movement opted for a tactical withdrawal, with its fighters melting away into the strip's sprawling cities and refugee camps, according to Gaza residents and Israeli military analysts and officers.
Now, Hamas appears to be daring the Israeli troops to follow."
Rather than stand and fight against the Middle East's strongest army, the Islamist movement opted for a tactical withdrawal, with its fighters melting away into the strip's sprawling cities and refugee camps, according to Gaza residents and Israeli military analysts and officers.
Now, Hamas appears to be daring the Israeli troops to follow."
Monday, January 5, 2009
Livni: Gaza op is war on terror | JTA - Jewish & Israel News
Livni: Gaza op is war on terror | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "JERUSALEM (JTA) -- When Israel is attacked it will retaliate, Tzipi Livni said before a meeting with her European counterparts.
Israel's foreign minister called the Gaza operation 'a necessary war on terror,' adding that 'We don't sign agreements with terror; we fight terror' during a news conference Monday afternoon in Jerusalem.
Livni was scheduled to meet a delegation from European Union countries, including the foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, France and Sweden, as well as E.U. foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner."
Israel's foreign minister called the Gaza operation 'a necessary war on terror,' adding that 'We don't sign agreements with terror; we fight terror' during a news conference Monday afternoon in Jerusalem.
Livni was scheduled to meet a delegation from European Union countries, including the foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, France and Sweden, as well as E.U. foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner."
Tired of hiding from rockets | Around Israel | Jerusalem Post
Tired of hiding from rockets | Around Israel | Jerusalem Post: "'I'm done,' the gray-haired merchant said as he stood behind the counter of his small shop in a commercial area of town. He wore a brown cap and an olive sweater to ward off the cold.
In response to the heightened rocket fire that has resulted from Israel's Gaza operation, all the stores in the square to his right were closed. In contrast, the shops to his left continued to operate as if Palestinians in Gaza were not launching rockets.
Bent on keeping to a normal routine, Yitzhaki came to work as usual on Monday morning. In contrast, he said, his wife has refused to leave their house, even though it lacks a safe room."
In response to the heightened rocket fire that has resulted from Israel's Gaza operation, all the stores in the square to his right were closed. In contrast, the shops to his left continued to operate as if Palestinians in Gaza were not launching rockets.
Bent on keeping to a normal routine, Yitzhaki came to work as usual on Monday morning. In contrast, he said, his wife has refused to leave their house, even though it lacks a safe room."
Foreign Policy In Focus | Obama: Listen to Iraqi Opinion
Foreign Policy In Focus | Obama: Listen to Iraqi Opinion: "Obama's campaign website, which differs only slightly from his transition website, lays out very clearly what he sees as problematic with the Iraq War. It highlights U.S. casualties — without mentioning the hundreds of thousands (some studies estimate over one million) of Iraqi civilians who have died as a result of the invasion and occupation — and the exorbitant financial cost of the war, while arguing from a strategic perspective that the diversion of troops and resources to Iraq 'continues to set back our ability to finish the fight in Afghanistan.'
Not only is Iraqi opinion completely ignored, but Obama's website actually blames the victim — a popular line with both Democrats and Republicans — by stating that 'the Iraqi government has not stepped forward to lead the Iraqi people.' How Iraqis are supposed to take control of their destiny with 146,000 U.S. troops — and an even larger number of U.S. contractors — in their country is apparently not a relevant question"
Not only is Iraqi opinion completely ignored, but Obama's website actually blames the victim — a popular line with both Democrats and Republicans — by stating that 'the Iraqi government has not stepped forward to lead the Iraqi people.' How Iraqis are supposed to take control of their destiny with 146,000 U.S. troops — and an even larger number of U.S. contractors — in their country is apparently not a relevant question"
The Associated Press: Taliban whopper: claim 5,220 foreign troops killed
The Associated Press: Taliban whopper: claim 5,220 foreign troops killed: "KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban has long exaggerated its military successes, but its figures for 2008 may be the militia's most startling claims yet.
The Taliban claims its forces last year killed 5,220 foreign troops, downed 31 aircraft, destroyed 2,818 NATO and Afghan vehicles and killed 7,552 Afghan soldiers and police.
Though third-party observers can rarely confirm casualty claims on the Afghan battlefield from the Taliban, the Afghan government, the U.S. or NATO, the Taliban's 2008 numbers would appear to be far from the truth.
NATO's member countries announce all troop deaths, providing names, ages and hometowns and how the soldiers were killed. According to an Associated Press tally of those announcements, 286 foreign military personnel died last year in Afghanistan, including 151 Americans and 51 Britons."
The Taliban claims its forces last year killed 5,220 foreign troops, downed 31 aircraft, destroyed 2,818 NATO and Afghan vehicles and killed 7,552 Afghan soldiers and police.
Though third-party observers can rarely confirm casualty claims on the Afghan battlefield from the Taliban, the Afghan government, the U.S. or NATO, the Taliban's 2008 numbers would appear to be far from the truth.
NATO's member countries announce all troop deaths, providing names, ages and hometowns and how the soldiers were killed. According to an Associated Press tally of those announcements, 286 foreign military personnel died last year in Afghanistan, including 151 Americans and 51 Britons."
Bloomberg.com: Asia
Bloomberg.com: Asia: "Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Sri Lankan soldiers advanced on a strategic causeway held by rebel fighters, maintaining pressure on the Tamil Tigers after capturing the group’s political headquarters last week, the army said.
Troops yesterday seized the town of Thamilamadam to the south of Elephant Pass and have “commenced their forward march,” according to a statement on the"
http://partnergoogle.blogspot.com/
Troops yesterday seized the town of Thamilamadam to the south of Elephant Pass and have “commenced their forward march,” according to a statement on the"
http://partnergoogle.blogspot.com/
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Fighting flares outside Gaza City
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Fighting flares outside Gaza City: "The Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups say fighters engaged Israeli soldiers with machine guns and rocket fire.
Three Israeli soldiers were also killed by 'friendly fire' in northern Gaza.
Some 500 Palestinians are thought to have been killed and 2,500 wounded in the 10 days since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from within Gaza.
Palestinian medical officials say at least 90 people have died since the ground assault began while Israel has lost four soldiers and four civilians over the 10 days.
Aid agencies in Gaza speak of appalling conditions for treating casualties of the continuing Israeli bombardments."
Three Israeli soldiers were also killed by 'friendly fire' in northern Gaza.
Some 500 Palestinians are thought to have been killed and 2,500 wounded in the 10 days since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from within Gaza.
Palestinian medical officials say at least 90 people have died since the ground assault began while Israel has lost four soldiers and four civilians over the 10 days.
Aid agencies in Gaza speak of appalling conditions for treating casualties of the continuing Israeli bombardments."
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Fighting flares outside Gaza City
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Fighting flares outside Gaza City: "The Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups say fighters engaged Israeli soldiers with machine guns and rocket fire.
Three Israeli soldiers were also killed by 'friendly fire' in northern Gaza.
Some 500 Palestinians are thought to have been killed and 2,500 wounded in the 10 days since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from within Gaza.
Palestinian medical officials say at least 90 people have died since the ground assault began while Israel has lost four soldiers and four civilians over the 10 days.
Aid agencies in Gaza speak of appalling conditions for treating casualties of the continuing Israeli bombardments."
Three Israeli soldiers were also killed by 'friendly fire' in northern Gaza.
Some 500 Palestinians are thought to have been killed and 2,500 wounded in the 10 days since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from within Gaza.
Palestinian medical officials say at least 90 people have died since the ground assault began while Israel has lost four soldiers and four civilians over the 10 days.
Aid agencies in Gaza speak of appalling conditions for treating casualties of the continuing Israeli bombardments."
Extremist group in Greece attacks police | csmonitor.com
Extremist group in Greece attacks police | csmonitor.com: "ATHENS - The shooting of a Greek policeman Monday escalates a simmering conflict between police and leftist groups – and raises new concern over a resurgence of the militant left in a country with a long history of such violence.
Greece has been wracked by violent street protests and attacks on government and police facilities since the Dec. 6 killing of a 15-year-old boy by a policeman.
The incident Monday, which left 21-year-old policeman Diamandis Matzounis in critical but stable condition, marks a dramatic intensification of the violence. Although protesters have previously destroyed property and hurled Molotov cocktails at police, gun violence is extremely rare.
Police say they have linked one of the guns used in the attack to an extreme left-wing group calling itself Revolutionary Struggle, which has claimed responsibility for several previous incidents. In January 2007, the group attacked the US Embassy in Athens with a rocket-propelled grenade."
Greece has been wracked by violent street protests and attacks on government and police facilities since the Dec. 6 killing of a 15-year-old boy by a policeman.
The incident Monday, which left 21-year-old policeman Diamandis Matzounis in critical but stable condition, marks a dramatic intensification of the violence. Although protesters have previously destroyed property and hurled Molotov cocktails at police, gun violence is extremely rare.
Police say they have linked one of the guns used in the attack to an extreme left-wing group calling itself Revolutionary Struggle, which has claimed responsibility for several previous incidents. In January 2007, the group attacked the US Embassy in Athens with a rocket-propelled grenade."
India, Giving Pakistan Dossier on Mumbai Siege, Seeks Extradition of Suspects - NYTimes.com
India, Giving Pakistan Dossier on Mumbai Siege, Seeks Extradition of Suspects - NYTimes.com: "NEW DELHI — Calling the Mumbai terrorist attacks a “conspiracy” hatched on Pakistani soil, India on Monday handed Pakistan what it said was the first comprehensive evidence linking them to Pakistan and demanded that those responsible be tried in Indian courts, a demand likely to be rebuffed.
Speaking Monday evening to reporters here, the Indian foreign secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon, refused to say whether the suspected conspirators were connected to current or retired government officials, but said that it was unlikely that a sophisticated, commando-style assault, like the one in Mumbai in late November, “could occur without anybody anywhere in the establishment knowing it was happening.”"
Speaking Monday evening to reporters here, the Indian foreign secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon, refused to say whether the suspected conspirators were connected to current or retired government officials, but said that it was unlikely that a sophisticated, commando-style assault, like the one in Mumbai in late November, “could occur without anybody anywhere in the establishment knowing it was happening.”"
The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News
The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News: "Stepping up the pressure on Islamabad, India today handed over to Pakistan evidence linking elements in the neighbouring country with the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and demanded extradition of perpetrators of the strikes.
Foreign secretary Shiv Shanker Menon summoned Pakistan high Commissioner Shahid Malik to the External Affairs Ministry today and handed over to him the material which clearly suggested that those who carried out the massacre were in constant touch with elements in Pakistan. In Islamabad, Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal called on Pakistan foreign secretary Salman Bashir and handed over the information dossier to the latter.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the mediapersons that he had written to his counterparts around the world giving them details of the events in Mumbai and describing in some detail the progress that India had made in its investigations and the evidence that New Delhi had collected."
Foreign secretary Shiv Shanker Menon summoned Pakistan high Commissioner Shahid Malik to the External Affairs Ministry today and handed over to him the material which clearly suggested that those who carried out the massacre were in constant touch with elements in Pakistan. In Islamabad, Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal called on Pakistan foreign secretary Salman Bashir and handed over the information dossier to the latter.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the mediapersons that he had written to his counterparts around the world giving them details of the events in Mumbai and describing in some detail the progress that India had made in its investigations and the evidence that New Delhi had collected."
The Hindu : Front Page : Evidence handed over to Pakistan
The Hindu : Front Page : Evidence handed over to Pakistan: "NEW DELHI: India on Monday summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik to the Foreign Office here to hand over “material” about Pakistani involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks.
The move is part of the diplomatic offensive by New Delhi to convince the international community and Islamabad to take tangible action against the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks.
This includes briefings to all resident heads of missions within the next 24 hours while Indian Ambassadors will be doing the same in their countries of accreditation. India also shared the material during a meeting on Monday between Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and his counterpart and Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, He Yafei.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has started writing to all his counterparts with details of the events in Mumbai and describing the progress made in the investigations. Home Minister P. Chidambaram will travel to the U.S. this week to share evidence on the Mumbai attacks as part of efforts to build pressure on Pakistan. “Our goals are clear. We want the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” Mr. Menon told journalists."
The move is part of the diplomatic offensive by New Delhi to convince the international community and Islamabad to take tangible action against the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks.
This includes briefings to all resident heads of missions within the next 24 hours while Indian Ambassadors will be doing the same in their countries of accreditation. India also shared the material during a meeting on Monday between Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and his counterpart and Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, He Yafei.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has started writing to all his counterparts with details of the events in Mumbai and describing the progress made in the investigations. Home Minister P. Chidambaram will travel to the U.S. this week to share evidence on the Mumbai attacks as part of efforts to build pressure on Pakistan. “Our goals are clear. We want the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” Mr. Menon told journalists."
Calls to use oil as weapon in Gaza fight fall flat - Yahoo! News
Calls to use oil as weapon in Gaza fight fall flat - Yahoo! News: "DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The call to use oil as a weapon against Israel's friends once would have echoed in capitals across the Middle East. But even as fighting widens in Gaza, threats of an oil embargo by some in Iran and Bahrain are falling flat.
Key Persian Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia and even top officials in the countries behind the boycott calls are keeping quiet, reflecting a focus on their struggle to deal with the steep plunge in world oil prices."
Key Persian Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia and even top officials in the countries behind the boycott calls are keeping quiet, reflecting a focus on their struggle to deal with the steep plunge in world oil prices."
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Associated Press: India gives Pakistan evidence over Mumbai attacks
The Associated Press: India gives Pakistan evidence over Mumbai attacks: "NEW DELHI (AP) — India's foreign ministry says authorities have handed over evidence to Pakistan linking the deadly Mumbai attacks to Pakistani 'elements.'
India has blamed the November attacks that killed 164 people on Pakistani-based militants, but Pakistan has denied the accusations saying India had yet to provide definitive proof.
An official statement says Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon has given evidence to the Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi on Monday that links the attacks to 'elements in Pakistan.'
The evidence included material from the interrogation of the lone surviving gunman, details of conversations between the gunmen and their alleged handlers in Pakistan, recovered weapons, and data satellite phones."
India has blamed the November attacks that killed 164 people on Pakistani-based militants, but Pakistan has denied the accusations saying India had yet to provide definitive proof.
An official statement says Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon has given evidence to the Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi on Monday that links the attacks to 'elements in Pakistan.'
The evidence included material from the interrogation of the lone surviving gunman, details of conversations between the gunmen and their alleged handlers in Pakistan, recovered weapons, and data satellite phones."
Thousands across Middle East protest Gaza attack - Yahoo! News
Thousands across Middle East protest Gaza attack - Yahoo! News: "BEIRUT, Lebanon – Thousands protesting Israel's ground offensive on Gaza converged Sunday in Beirut and Istanbul as the leaders of the only two Mideast Arab nations to sign peace treaties with Israel demanded an end to the attack.
In Yemen, security officials said anti-Israel protesters attacked several Jewish homes in the northern province of Omran, smashing windows and pelting them with rocks. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said at least one Jewish resident was injured among the tiny minority community."
In Yemen, security officials said anti-Israel protesters attacked several Jewish homes in the northern province of Omran, smashing windows and pelting them with rocks. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said at least one Jewish resident was injured among the tiny minority community."
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Israeli forces split Gaza in two
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Israeli forces split Gaza in two: "Supported by a naval, air and land bombardment, forces have taken up positions on either side of Gaza City, and along a major east-west road.
The Palestinian health ministry says more than 50 people have been killed since the ground operation began. One Israeli soldier has been killed.
Earlier, US Vice-President Dick Cheney defended the Israeli ground assault."
The Palestinian health ministry says more than 50 people have been killed since the ground operation began. One Israeli soldier has been killed.
Earlier, US Vice-President Dick Cheney defended the Israeli ground assault."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Israeli ground troops invade Gaza to halt rockets - Yahoo! News
Israeli ground troops invade Gaza to halt rockets - Yahoo! News: "GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Thousands of Israeli troops backed by columns of tanks and helicopter gunships launched a ground offensive in Gaza on Saturday night, with officials saying they expected a lengthy fight in the densely populated territory after eight days of punishing airstrikes failed to halt militant rocket attacks on Israel.
The incursion set off fierce clashes with Palestinian militants and Gaza's Hamas rulers vowed the coastal strip would be a 'graveyard' for Israelis forces."
www.ourbabytwins.blogspot.com
The incursion set off fierce clashes with Palestinian militants and Gaza's Hamas rulers vowed the coastal strip would be a 'graveyard' for Israelis forces."
www.ourbabytwins.blogspot.com
Israel bombs Gaza mosque, kills 10 - Yahoo! News
Israel bombs Gaza mosque, kills 10 - Yahoo! News: "GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli airstrike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip has killed 10 people and wounded dozens.
It was not immediately clear whether the dead were Hamas militants. The mosque is named after a founder of Hamas who was killed by Israel in 2004.
The medical officials say more than 30 people were wounded in Saturday's airstrike in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. At least seven are in critical condition."
It was not immediately clear whether the dead were Hamas militants. The mosque is named after a founder of Hamas who was killed by Israel in 2004.
The medical officials say more than 30 people were wounded in Saturday's airstrike in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. At least seven are in critical condition."
Friday, January 2, 2009
Sri Lanka bombs Tigers in north after fall of HQ | Top News | Reuters
Sri Lanka bombs Tigers in north after fall of HQ | Top News | Reuters: "COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lankan attack helicopters bombed Tamil Tiger positions in the north of the island on Saturday, the military said, a day after ground forces seized the rebel headquarters town of Kilinochchi.
The military is now targeting the port town of Mullaitivu and other rebel strongholds in the north as it presses on with the deepest push into rebel-held areas to bring an end to the 25-year separatist war.
There has been no comment from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the fall of Kilinochchi, for long the centre of the Tamil fight for an independent homeland in which more than 70,000 people have been killed.
'MI-24 helicopters attacked rebel positions west of Mullaitivu in support of ground troops,' said a military source asking not to be named in line with national security policy.
Troops fought their way into the Tiger stronghold of Kilinochchi deep in the north on Friday, in one of the biggest blows for the rebels in years."
The military is now targeting the port town of Mullaitivu and other rebel strongholds in the north as it presses on with the deepest push into rebel-held areas to bring an end to the 25-year separatist war.
There has been no comment from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the fall of Kilinochchi, for long the centre of the Tamil fight for an independent homeland in which more than 70,000 people have been killed.
'MI-24 helicopters attacked rebel positions west of Mullaitivu in support of ground troops,' said a military source asking not to be named in line with national security policy.
Troops fought their way into the Tiger stronghold of Kilinochchi deep in the north on Friday, in one of the biggest blows for the rebels in years."
Al Jazeera English - Middle East - Arab leaders face Gaza test
Al Jazeera English - Middle East - Arab leaders face Gaza test: "The Gaza crisis has exposed in stark terms the growing disconnect between anger on the Arab street against Israeli attacks on Gaza and the slow response - some say total failure to act - by Arab governments.
While Israel insists its current assault on Gaza is a justifiable act of self-defence, underlining it is not targeting civilians but rather Palestinian fighters who have fired rockets into Israeli territory, anger on the Arab street threatens to spill over into violence.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, further embarrassed regional governments by urging the Arab League to take action 'quickly' to end the attacks on Gaza, although he did not elaborate on what they should, or could, actually do"
While Israel insists its current assault on Gaza is a justifiable act of self-defence, underlining it is not targeting civilians but rather Palestinian fighters who have fired rockets into Israeli territory, anger on the Arab street threatens to spill over into violence.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, further embarrassed regional governments by urging the Arab League to take action 'quickly' to end the attacks on Gaza, although he did not elaborate on what they should, or could, actually do"
Partition of India
Partition of India: "Mr Atlee described today the plan for India, and announced that the Government proposed to introduce legislation during the present session for the transfer of power this year. The plan leaves it up to Indians themselves to decide whether or not there should be partition
Response in India
This relief will be felt by the common man throughout India who in recent months has lived with the fear of communal strife New hope for India
In that country, as was to be expected from their nature, the proposals have aroused only mild enthusiasm
End of the Raj
Power handed over in India
In accordance with the grant of independence to India the two new Dominions of India and Pakistan came into being at midnightLeading article: The end of an era
The British official in India was like the British climate, more than trying at times but very healthy to live with
Partition of India
Partition has brought sadness to many, and joy in the ceremonies which are taking place in many parts of India today is not unalloyed
Independence
India's first day of independence
For those who remember past periods of bitterness and hatred it marks a real transformation in the relations between the British and India peoplesIndependence ceremonies
It was a matter for deep thankfulness that her freedom had been effected by consent and in comparative peacefulness
The new republic
Leading article: The Indian republic
Under the new constitution which comes into force today, India is a sovereign democratic republicBirth of an Indian republic
The retiring Governor-General, will tomorrow morning read a"
Response in India
This relief will be felt by the common man throughout India who in recent months has lived with the fear of communal strife New hope for India
In that country, as was to be expected from their nature, the proposals have aroused only mild enthusiasm
End of the Raj
Power handed over in India
In accordance with the grant of independence to India the two new Dominions of India and Pakistan came into being at midnightLeading article: The end of an era
The British official in India was like the British climate, more than trying at times but very healthy to live with
Partition of India
Partition has brought sadness to many, and joy in the ceremonies which are taking place in many parts of India today is not unalloyed
Independence
India's first day of independence
For those who remember past periods of bitterness and hatred it marks a real transformation in the relations between the British and India peoplesIndependence ceremonies
It was a matter for deep thankfulness that her freedom had been effected by consent and in comparative peacefulness
The new republic
Leading article: The Indian republic
Under the new constitution which comes into force today, India is a sovereign democratic republicBirth of an Indian republic
The retiring Governor-General, will tomorrow morning read a"
British Frontier Corps veteran recalls fighting Pashtun tribesmen - Times Online
British Frontier Corps veteran recalls fighting Pashtun tribesmen - Times Online: "The shooting started late on a Sunday afternoon as the patrol returned to their remote frontier fortress from a mission in the hills. The hidden enemy, similar to that encountered every day by Nato troops stationed along the Afghan-Pakistan border, were Pashtun tribesmen, firing down upon the soldiers from a distant crest.
But as the bullets pinged on the rocks around the troops, the reaction of the British patrol commander was rather different to today's textbook Nato response.
“Into line!” Captain John Girling barked to his men. The soldiers wheeled into extended formation and, on Captain Girling's order, commenced their charge, a company of men, mounted on horses, in what was probably the last cavalry charge to be led by a British officer.
“I tried to draw my pistol,” recalled Mr Girling, now an 82-year-old retired major, speaking to The Times in Dorset. “But I couldn't, as my pony was so excited. It thought it was a polo match. We got to the top, dismounted and started firing. We saw the men running away. I don't know if we got any. Maybe we winged a couple.”"
But as the bullets pinged on the rocks around the troops, the reaction of the British patrol commander was rather different to today's textbook Nato response.
“Into line!” Captain John Girling barked to his men. The soldiers wheeled into extended formation and, on Captain Girling's order, commenced their charge, a company of men, mounted on horses, in what was probably the last cavalry charge to be led by a British officer.
“I tried to draw my pistol,” recalled Mr Girling, now an 82-year-old retired major, speaking to The Times in Dorset. “But I couldn't, as my pony was so excited. It thought it was a polo match. We got to the top, dismounted and started firing. We saw the men running away. I don't know if we got any. Maybe we winged a couple.”"
Sri Lankan army captures Tamil Tigers' capital, Kilinochchi - Times Online
Sri Lankan army captures Tamil Tigers' capital, Kilinochchi - Times Online: "Sri Lankan government forces captured the rebel Tamil Tigers’ political capital of Kilinochchi yesterday in a victory that could hasten the end of the country’s 25-year civil war.
In a televised address, President Rajapaksa called the fall of the town “an unparalleled victory” in a conflict that has claimed more than 70,000 lives. He offered the Tigers what he said was a last chance to surrender.
The capture of the rebel base, the culmination of months of fighting, marked a stunning propaganda victory for the Government and could mark the beginning of the end of Asia’s longest-running civil war, analysts said. The defeat is the most serious for the rebels since they lost control of the northern Jaffna peninsula in 1995. The Government claimed that the Tigers were confined to a small stretch of jungle in the district of Mullaitivu in the northeast.
Hours after the announcement that Kilinochchi had been taken, a suspected Tiger suicide bomber killed at least two people outside an air force base in Colombo. It was the second terrorist attack on the capital in less than a week."
In a televised address, President Rajapaksa called the fall of the town “an unparalleled victory” in a conflict that has claimed more than 70,000 lives. He offered the Tigers what he said was a last chance to surrender.
The capture of the rebel base, the culmination of months of fighting, marked a stunning propaganda victory for the Government and could mark the beginning of the end of Asia’s longest-running civil war, analysts said. The defeat is the most serious for the rebels since they lost control of the northern Jaffna peninsula in 1995. The Government claimed that the Tigers were confined to a small stretch of jungle in the district of Mullaitivu in the northeast.
Hours after the announcement that Kilinochchi had been taken, a suspected Tiger suicide bomber killed at least two people outside an air force base in Colombo. It was the second terrorist attack on the capital in less than a week."
Pres. Bush: Hamas Attacks on Israel Are 'Acts of Terror' - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker
Pres. Bush: Hamas Attacks on Israel Are 'Acts of Terror' - FOXNews.com Transition Tracker: "WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush on Friday branded the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel an 'act of terror' and outlined his own condition for a cease-fire in Gaza, saying no peace deal would be acceptable without monitoring to halt the flow of smuggled weapons to terrorist groups.
Bush chose his taped, weekly radio address to speak for the first time about one of the bloodiest Mideast clashes in decades. It began a week ago. Israeli warplanes have rained bombs on Gaza, targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has traumatized southern Israel with intensifying rocket attacks.
'The United States is leading diplomatic efforts to achieve a meaningful cease-fire that is fully respected,' Bush said. 'Another one-way cease-fire that leads to rocket attacks on Israel is not acceptable. And promises from Hamas will not suffice -- there must be monitoring mechanisms in place to help ensure that smuggling of weapons to terrorist groups in Gaza comes to an end.'
The White House released Bush's radio address a day early. It airs on Saturday morning.
More than 400 Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed in the latest offensive. The U.N. estimated Friday that a quarter of the Palestinians killed were civilians. In their waning days in power, Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have been working the phones with world allies to try organize a truce.
Bush offered no criticism of Israel, depicting the country's air assaults as a response to the attacks on its people. The White House will not comment on whether it views the Israeli response as proportionate or not to the scope of rocket attacks on Israel."
Bush chose his taped, weekly radio address to speak for the first time about one of the bloodiest Mideast clashes in decades. It began a week ago. Israeli warplanes have rained bombs on Gaza, targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has traumatized southern Israel with intensifying rocket attacks.
'The United States is leading diplomatic efforts to achieve a meaningful cease-fire that is fully respected,' Bush said. 'Another one-way cease-fire that leads to rocket attacks on Israel is not acceptable. And promises from Hamas will not suffice -- there must be monitoring mechanisms in place to help ensure that smuggling of weapons to terrorist groups in Gaza comes to an end.'
The White House released Bush's radio address a day early. It airs on Saturday morning.
More than 400 Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed in the latest offensive. The U.N. estimated Friday that a quarter of the Palestinians killed were civilians. In their waning days in power, Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have been working the phones with world allies to try organize a truce.
Bush offered no criticism of Israel, depicting the country's air assaults as a response to the attacks on its people. The White House will not comment on whether it views the Israeli response as proportionate or not to the scope of rocket attacks on Israel."
Israel rejects ceasefire
Israel rejects ceasefire: "JERUSALEM: Israel has again rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza even as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Washington was working toward a ceasefire in Gaza that was 'durable and sustainable'.
'The only way to see a change in the region is to help the moderates, but simultaneously to attack and to keep the pressure on the extremists like Hamas,' Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told reporters in Paris, following a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday."
'The only way to see a change in the region is to help the moderates, but simultaneously to attack and to keep the pressure on the extremists like Hamas,' Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told reporters in Paris, following a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday."
War on terror may target FATA, say Experts
War on terror may target FATA, say Experts: "Lahore, Jan.2 (ANI): Experts on war issue believe that the US may target FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) in Pakistan in its bid to root out terrorism from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
According to Anatol Leiven, Professor of War Studies at Kings College, UK, Obama administration in the US may try to extend the war on terror from Afghanistan to the tribal regions of Pakistan."
According to Anatol Leiven, Professor of War Studies at Kings College, UK, Obama administration in the US may try to extend the war on terror from Afghanistan to the tribal regions of Pakistan."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Somalia: The Forgotten Front of the War on Terror - by Stephen Smith - Antiwar.com
Somalia: The Forgotten Front of the War on Terror - by Stephen Smith - Antiwar.com: "The Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which was never applicable to most Somalis, is close to losing the few blocks in Mogadishu that it still controls, and the radical Islamists who go by the name al-Shabaab are on the verge of taking control of the parts of Somalia that haven't already seceded. The civilian death toll since the American-backed Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in 2006 has reached 16,000, which makes the per capita annual civilian death rate in Somalia higher than that of Iraq since the American invasion in 2003. So it would seem be an appropriate time to reflect on American policy in Somalia.
Though the history of foreign intervention in Somalia goes back to colonial times and was especially detrimental during the Cold War-era Siad Barre regime, the most relevant starting point is the late 1980s, when Barre was losing his grip on Somalia, which was descending into a mix of anarchy and warlordism. The United States, unable to conceive of a people existing without a central state, intervened throughout the 1990s under the guise of various UN missions. The results were of course disastrous: hundreds of thousands of Somalis lost their lives in the ensuing civil war and resulting mass starvation. Americans were briefly aware of their government's actions in Somalia during the first major intervention in the early 1990s, when the grisly aftermath of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 portrayed in Black Hawk Down brought Somalia into the American political consciousness, but the relatively minor scale of the war and lack of obvious U.S. interests conspired to keep most Americans ignorant of the role their government played in prolonging the violence in Somalia."
Though the history of foreign intervention in Somalia goes back to colonial times and was especially detrimental during the Cold War-era Siad Barre regime, the most relevant starting point is the late 1980s, when Barre was losing his grip on Somalia, which was descending into a mix of anarchy and warlordism. The United States, unable to conceive of a people existing without a central state, intervened throughout the 1990s under the guise of various UN missions. The results were of course disastrous: hundreds of thousands of Somalis lost their lives in the ensuing civil war and resulting mass starvation. Americans were briefly aware of their government's actions in Somalia during the first major intervention in the early 1990s, when the grisly aftermath of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 portrayed in Black Hawk Down brought Somalia into the American political consciousness, but the relatively minor scale of the war and lack of obvious U.S. interests conspired to keep most Americans ignorant of the role their government played in prolonging the violence in Somalia."
Gaza: new flashpoint in ‘war on terror’|3Jan09|Socialist Worker
Gaza: new flashpoint in ‘war on terror’|3Jan09|Socialist Worker
Israel carefully planned its latest butchery in Gaza. Defence minister Ehud Barak asked the military to prepare an assault over six months ago – even as a “truce” with Hamas was being negotiated – according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The recent assault was pre-meditated murder, not a response to Hamas’s rocket attacks as Israel’s supporters claim.
The F-16 fighter jets used to bomb Gaza were paid for by a US government that intends to hand Israel an average of $3 billion a year in military aid for the next decade.
One of the world’s most modern war machines – armed with tanks, helicopter gunships, warplanes and even nuclear warheads – is being mobilised against a population that Israel has sought to drive back into medieval conditions.
Israel carefully planned its latest butchery in Gaza. Defence minister Ehud Barak asked the military to prepare an assault over six months ago – even as a “truce” with Hamas was being negotiated – according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The recent assault was pre-meditated murder, not a response to Hamas’s rocket attacks as Israel’s supporters claim.
The F-16 fighter jets used to bomb Gaza were paid for by a US government that intends to hand Israel an average of $3 billion a year in military aid for the next decade.
One of the world’s most modern war machines – armed with tanks, helicopter gunships, warplanes and even nuclear warheads – is being mobilised against a population that Israel has sought to drive back into medieval conditions.
The Associated Press: Official: Pakistani confesses to Mumbai attacks
The Associated Press: Official: Pakistani confesses to Mumbai attacks: "ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — A militant arrested in Pakistan has confessed involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks and is giving investigators details of the plot, a senior Pakistani government official said Wednesday. The revelation could add to pressure on Islamabad to either bring Zarar Shah and other suspects to trial or extradite them to India. '(Shah) has made some statement that he was involved,' said the government official, without providing specific details. 'I can tell you that he is singing.'
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the disclosure, which was first reported in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday
A senior intelligence officer said Shah and another suspect, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, were cooperating with investigators, but cautioned that authorities had not reached a definite conclusion as to their involvement yet."
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the disclosure, which was first reported in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday
A senior intelligence officer said Shah and another suspect, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, were cooperating with investigators, but cautioned that authorities had not reached a definite conclusion as to their involvement yet."
VOA News - Regional Party Enters Talks for Coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir
VOA News - Regional Party Enters Talks for Coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir: "A regional party is preparing to put together a coalition government in Indian Kashmir after no clear winner emerged in recent elections. Indian leaders have called the recent elections a victory for democracy.
A National Conference (NC) party activist greets party leader Omar Abdullah with a garland in Srinagar, India, 29 Dec 2008
The Kashmir-based National Conference, which emerged as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir, has initiated talks with the Congress Party to cobble together a coalition government for the state. The National Conference president, Omar Abdhullah is emerging as the likely chief minister of the state."
A National Conference (NC) party activist greets party leader Omar Abdullah with a garland in Srinagar, India, 29 Dec 2008
The Kashmir-based National Conference, which emerged as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir, has initiated talks with the Congress Party to cobble together a coalition government for the state. The National Conference president, Omar Abdhullah is emerging as the likely chief minister of the state."
Pakistani militant confesses to role in Mumbai attacks | csmonitor.com
Pakistani militant confesses to role in Mumbai attacks | csmonitor.com: "A war of words continues between India and Pakistan amid new evidence that a Pakistani militant group masterminded the terrorist attacks in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) last month. And as Pakistan continues to move troops to its eastern border with India, analysts say Pakistan may be too distracted to effectively fight militants at home.
This week, The Wall Street Journal reported new evidence linking Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba to the Mumbai attacks:
At least one top leader of militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, or 'Army of the Pure,' captured in a raid earlier this month in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, has confessed the group's involvement in the attack as India and the U.S. have alleged, according to a senior Pakistani security official...."
This week, The Wall Street Journal reported new evidence linking Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba to the Mumbai attacks:
At least one top leader of militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, or 'Army of the Pure,' captured in a raid earlier this month in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, has confessed the group's involvement in the attack as India and the U.S. have alleged, according to a senior Pakistani security official...."
Pakistan has FBI evidence of Mumbai links -India | Reuters
Pakistan has FBI evidence of Mumbai links -India | Reuters: "NEW DELHI, Jan 1 (Reuters) - India said on Thursday the FBI had presented strong evidence to Islamabad of Pakistani links to November's militant attacks in Mumbai that killed 179 people.
India has blamed the assault on the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was set up by Pakistani security agencies in the 1980s to fight Indian rule in the disputed Kashmir region, but was officially banned in 2002.
Pakistan has condemned the Mumbai attacks and denied any state role, blaming 'non-state actors'.
'We have been told that there is some strong evidence available to FBI and they have shared it with Pakistan,' Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in an interview with the NDTV news channel."
India has blamed the assault on the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was set up by Pakistani security agencies in the 1980s to fight Indian rule in the disputed Kashmir region, but was officially banned in 2002.
Pakistan has condemned the Mumbai attacks and denied any state role, blaming 'non-state actors'.
'We have been told that there is some strong evidence available to FBI and they have shared it with Pakistan,' Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in an interview with the NDTV news channel."
AEI - Short Publications - The Mumbai Attacks and Jihadist Organizations
AEI - Short Publications - The Mumbai Attacks and Jihadist Organizations: "The terrorist attacks on Mumbai in November 2008, in which Islamist militants killed almost two hundred people, underscore the vulnerability of democratic countries around the world to these sorts of assaults. The work of AEI scholars shows that the Mumbai attacks are yet another front in the global war on terrorism.
The organization widely suspected to be responsible for the Mumbai attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has a narrower field of operation than the global al Qaeda network--it is a Pakistan-based Islamist group focused primarily on asserting Muslim control over Kashmir and the rest of South Asia--but it is no less a threat to international security. 'LeT has both direct and indirect connections with al Qaeda,' AEI visiting fellow Hassan Mneimneh says. 'Both are part of the 'jihadist international,' providing mutual aid and support. LeT operatives navigate freely in and out of al Qaeda, and vice-versa.'"
The organization widely suspected to be responsible for the Mumbai attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has a narrower field of operation than the global al Qaeda network--it is a Pakistan-based Islamist group focused primarily on asserting Muslim control over Kashmir and the rest of South Asia--but it is no less a threat to international security. 'LeT has both direct and indirect connections with al Qaeda,' AEI visiting fellow Hassan Mneimneh says. 'Both are part of the 'jihadist international,' providing mutual aid and support. LeT operatives navigate freely in and out of al Qaeda, and vice-versa.'"
Is it safe to travel to India? State Dept. says yes, but be vigilant - USATODAY.com
Is it safe to travel to India? State Dept. says yes, but be vigilant - USATODAY.com: "After the Mumbai terrorist attacks killed 171 people and wounded hundreds of others last month, business travelers may wonder whether traveling in India is safe.
Security experts, the U.S. State Department, and the Canadian and British governments are not advising travelers to avoid going there. But Australia says: Stay away.
'The Mumbai terrorist attacks had — and still have — a very low likelihood of happening,' says Bruce McIndoe, president of iJet, a security consulting company in Annapolis, Md.
The Mumbai attacks changed 'the perceptions of risk,' but 'India is no more risky than it was before,' says Jake Stratton, director of India operations for Control Risks, a London-based security consultant.
In an alert posted on its"
Security experts, the U.S. State Department, and the Canadian and British governments are not advising travelers to avoid going there. But Australia says: Stay away.
'The Mumbai terrorist attacks had — and still have — a very low likelihood of happening,' says Bruce McIndoe, president of iJet, a security consulting company in Annapolis, Md.
The Mumbai attacks changed 'the perceptions of risk,' but 'India is no more risky than it was before,' says Jake Stratton, director of India operations for Control Risks, a London-based security consultant.
In an alert posted on its"
Terrorism knows no nationality
Terrorism knows no nationality: "A reader recently asked 'Can you name one American serviceman who strapped on a vest full of explosives and walked into a mall or restaurant to kill as many Iraqi citizens as possible?' ('Point finger at terrorists,' letters, Dec. 22.)
The short answer to the question is no, but only because the U.S. serviceman didn't want to kill Iraqis. The long answer would be that I can name one serviceman turned domestic terrorist who loaded a truck with explosives and then parked it in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and killed 168 U.S. citizens. That person would be Timothy McVeigh."
The short answer to the question is no, but only because the U.S. serviceman didn't want to kill Iraqis. The long answer would be that I can name one serviceman turned domestic terrorist who loaded a truck with explosives and then parked it in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and killed 168 U.S. citizens. That person would be Timothy McVeigh."
Pranab rebuffs Pakistan on back-off
Pranab rebuffs Pakistan on back-off: "NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan’s plea that India should scale down tensions, saying Delhi had not done anything to exasperate them in the first place.
“We have not escalated anything so where is the question of our de-escalation,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters on the latest comments by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Even amid this diplomatic exchange – played out through the media - Indian and Pakistani armed forces kept a customary communication line open."
“We have not escalated anything so where is the question of our de-escalation,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters on the latest comments by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Even amid this diplomatic exchange – played out through the media - Indian and Pakistani armed forces kept a customary communication line open."
The Russian Church and the Terror State | Spero News
The Russian Church and the Terror State | Spero News: "With the December 5, 2008 death of Patriarch Alexy II, Russian Orthodox Christians lost their first 'post-Soviet' leader. The patriarch presided over the resurrection of the world's largest Orthodox Church, a faith community that had been targeted for annihilation by communist regimes that would brook no rival to their own promises of salvation through 'world revolution.'"
Blasts in India’s Guwahati Kill 5 People, Injure 31 (Update1
Bloomberg.com: WorldwideJan. 1 (Bloomberg) -- At least five people were killed and 31 injured in three bomb blasts in Guwahati in India’s northeastern state of Assam, a government official said.
The rebel United Liberation Front of Asom, or ULFA, is suspected to be linked to the blasts, Rajiv Kumar Bora, commissioner & secretary in Assam’s home and political department, said by telephone from Guwahati.
One bomb went off near a crowded market place injuring 12 people, while a second exploded near a hospital in the city injuring four, police inspector, B. Phukon, said
The rebel United Liberation Front of Asom, or ULFA, is suspected to be linked to the blasts, Rajiv Kumar Bora, commissioner & secretary in Assam’s home and political department, said by telephone from Guwahati.
One bomb went off near a crowded market place injuring 12 people, while a second exploded near a hospital in the city injuring four, police inspector, B. Phukon, said
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
