DISPATCH FROM DOWN UNDER
US has paid Pakistanis $57m for Qaeda tips
WASHINGTON: The United States has given away the staggering sum of $57 million to informants in Pakistan who provided information about Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups and individuals, according to a senior US official. The official was speaking to the Christian Science Monitor which carried a report in its Tuesday issue on the TV advertising campaign, now being run in Pakistan to capture Osama Bin Laden and other Al Qaeda figures. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the newspaper, “This kind of thing has worked before, both here in Pakistan, and in Colombia as well,” adding that $57 million has been given out so far under this programme in Pakistan and some of the people here have been captured as a result of tip-offs. US officials say the campaign in Pakistan has already yielded some “useful information”. The ads are being broadcast in Urdu, Sindhi, Balochi and Pushto and carry images of Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahri and Mulla Omar. They include a voice-over that asks, “Who can stop the terrorists? Only you.” The rewards range from $5 million to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Bin Laden and his lieutenants. The rewards have also been publicised its rewards here on posters, matchbox covers, newspaper ads, and the Internet. The report says, “US and Pakistani officials have long suspected that the most likely hiding place for Bin Laden is somewhere along the Pak-Afghan border. Top Pakistan intelligence sources say the Al Qaeda leaders seem to avoid using modern communications equipment, relying instead on hand-carried messages. In addition, recent Al Qaeda videotape messages - broadcast by Al Jazeera, the Arab satellite TV channel - appear to have been taped indoors. Earlier videos were shot outdoors which gave hints to Bin Laden’s or Zawahiri’s geographical location. In the video of Zawahiri shown on Sunday on Al Jazeera, for example, he appeared before a plain brown backdrop.”
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_23-2-2005_pg1_2
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Why butchers from Mainz are not allowed to speak with the President
Translated from http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,343173,00.html
By Matthias Gebauer und Georg Mascolo,
Washington02/23/05
"Spiegel" - -
George Bush actually wanted to present himself as open to discussion and close to the people. Unfortunately the German State Dept. in Berlin rejected a town meeting in which the questions were previously agreed upon, so now Bush is meeting with hand picked leaders of American institutions in Mainz/Frankfurt.Isn't something missing from the program as President George W. Bush makes a stop in Mainz today? What happened to the so called "town hall meeting", a kind of American meeting with the public? Just a few weeks ago the American Administration had announced that this town hall meeting with normal Germans would be the core piece of Bush's visit in Germany. The protocol officers proudly announced that Bush did not only want to meet politicians, but also to convince the average citizens of the correctness of his policies. How could one do that better than to meet factory workers, butchers, bank personnel and some students in an open forum?The protocol reality looks a bit different. The town hall meeting has been canceled. There is no official explanation either from the German nor the American sides. From the State Dept. there are rumors that the meeting has been canceled because of a tight schedule. Nothing unusual for a short visit with many ideas but little time, is the official line.Behind the scenes, however, there seems to be another explanation. An "uncontrolled" meeting with the ordinary Germans seemed too uncertain for the Bush strategists. The Germans however, were not willing to create a prepared exchange in which both the participants and the questions are carefully chosen and asked in a script like manner.Bush with an Open MindThe German State Dept. had been rather surprised in the early stages of planning George and Laura Bush's visit by the clear request from the White House that Bush wanted to meet ordinary Germans and not only politicians. But because this seemed so important to the President's staff, the champions of protocol set to work. Which auditorium in Mainz should be used? Who should be invited? Business leaders, citizens, students? Or a combination of them all?This meeting with the public seem to fit the new Bush. Since his re-election the President seems more self assured and quick witted, no longer avoiding his critics. He meets almost daily with journalists whom he has avoided in the past. Bush can be very relaxed and convincing in front of an audience. One hand on the microphone, the other free for gesturing, Bush has become a master of this practiced form of public speaking.
http://207.44.245.159/article8155.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
How could attorney general support such a weak and dismal argument?
The following is an extract from Lawless World:
America and the Making and Breaking of Global Rules
.By Philippe Sands02/23/05
"The Guardian" --
A key meeting took place in July 2002, at which various ministers, including the attorney general, were present. They were reminded that the prime minister had told President Bush that the UK would support military action to bring about regime change, so long as a coalition had been created and UN weapons inspectors had been given a further opportunity to eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. The foreign secretary, Jack Straw, complained that the case was thin, not least because Saddam Hussein was not threatening neighbours and had a lesser WMD capability than Libya, North Korea or Iran.The meeting also considered the legal issues, including a March 2002 paper prepared by Foreign Office legal advisers. Even at this stage the British government was acutely aware of the legal difficulties. The attorney general confirmed that self-defence and humanitarian intervention were not justified, and that, as matters then stood, claiming the authorisation of the security council would be difficult.At this stage, Lord Goldsmith's view seemed unambiguous. Michael Foster MP, an assistant to the attorney general, has confirmed that Lord Goldsmith was later "asked the question - would regime change be lawful per se, and he said no, it wouldn't".From the July 2002 meeting, the attorney general was instructed to consider legal advice with the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence. The chosen route was to build up the intelligence to support the claim that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, which could provide a potential legal justification.In November 2002, the security council unanimously adopted resolution 1441. The resolution warned that Iraq would face "serious consequences" for further violations of its obligations, but did not authorise states "to use all necessary means" (meaning military action).Blair had therefore to push strongly for a second security council resolution which would give legal cover for the use of force. By the end of January, Blair had been informed that the start date for the military campaign was pencilled in for the middle of March.
http://207.44.245.159/article8154.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Labour's half-truths and spin are a cancer
In the body politic
Since leaving office, I have not sought publicity. Even when provoked I have usually kept my counsel. Yet the changing character of the way politics is conducted is an issue on which it would be wrong to remain silent. The turnout at the last election was pitiful and is likely to be even more so at the next one – probably below that in Iraq, where voters ran the gauntlet of bomb and bullet. In one of the world's most secure democracies, how can such disillusion have set in?
One cause is the way politics is conducted. It is a robust trade and can be tough, heartbreaking, even bitter. Politicians cannot squeal about this: we knew the rules when we joined up.
Even so, certain standards must be maintained. As Gladstone put it 125 years ago, our constitution depends "on the good sense and good faith of those who work it". More specifically, our ancient system requires a respect for Parliament; strict impartiality in a Civil Service that must serve different political masters; a tolerance of opposing views; and a code of behaviour between parties that imposes restraints on how hostilities are conducted
http://www.opinion.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/02/22/do2201.xml&sSheet=/opinion/2005/02/22/ixopinion.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thousands of Germans march to protest Bush visit
Demonstrators pulled a float portraying a prisoner being beaten at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison through the German city of Mainz on Wednesday, part of a protest by several thousand people against visiting United States President George Bush.The float featured a woman in military fatigues whipping a "prisoner" in an orange jumpsuit -- a replication of abuse by US troops at the Baghdad prison. Also among the marchers were four people in brown cow costumes bearing a sign: "We don't need you, cowboy."Police said about 5 000 people turned out for the rally and parade through the streets of Mainz. Riot police in body armour kept a close watch, with a helicopter hovering overhead and officers passing out leaflets asking people to express their views peacefully.The route kept the protesters well away from the city's Baroque palace where Bush met German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. But it did take them past the home of a supporter who opened a window and began tossing baked pretzels to the marchers as they passed, rock music blaring from the apartment.Maximillian Weizel (16) showed up with 10 classmates after their high school cancelled classes because of Bush's visit.http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=198185&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Secret Government:
From The Archives: Bill Moyers,
documents U.S.
support of terrorist regimes and the brutality of Americas foreign policy.
http://207.44.245.159/article3281.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Retired general warns of Vietnam-style disaster
Australia's involvement in Iraq would end in disaster just like Vietnam, a retired general said today.
Major General Alan Stretton said the government would eventually bow to public pressure and withdraw the troops, leaving behind a bloody mess.
Prime Minister John Howard has rejected comparisons with Vietnam, saying such analogies are misplaced.
Maj Gen Stretton, who served as chief of staff of the Australian force in Vietnam from 1969-70 but is best remembered for his role heading relief operations in Darwin following Cyclone Tracy in 1974, said there could never be democracy in Iraq.
He said the government was being irresponsible in sending even more troops.
"I really believe it will go the same way as Vietnam," he told the John Laws radio program on 2UE.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/24/1109180014642.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Interim prime minister mounts challenge to Shiite alliance's pick for his job
BAGHDAD (AP)
- Ayad Allawi, the secular interim prime minister, said Wednesday he's putting together a coalition to try to hold onto the job in the next government and block the candidate of the dominant Shiite political alliance. Kurdish parties also weighed in with demands for top posts, setting up a possible showdown over the role of religion in a new Iraq.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Iraq/2004/11/29/740395-ap.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Iraqi TV airs tape of purported Syrian officer involved in insurgency
BAGHDAD (AP)
- Iraqi state television aired a video Wednesday showing what the U.S.-funded channel said was the confession of a captured Syrian officer who said he trained Iraqi insurgents to behead people and build car bombs to attack American and Iraqi troops.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Iraq/2005/02/23/940085-ap.h
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Blair wins crucial Commons vote on proposed new anti-terror law
LONDON (AP) -
British Prime Minister Tony Blair's proposed new anti-terrorism law, which would allow the government to place suspects under house arrest without trial, won the backing of a majority of members of Parliament in a crucial vote.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/WarOnTerrorism/2005/02/23/940301-ap.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Laughter During Bush Death Plot Trial
PLOT 'LINK TO AL QAEDA'
Supporters of a 23-year-old American laughed loudly in court when he was accused of planning to assassinate President Bush.
Abu Ali, a US citizen who grew up in Washington, has been charged with conspiring with al Qaeda to kill the president in a plan said to have been hatched when he studied in Saudi Arabia.
More than 100 friends and family filled the courthouse to show their support and many laughed when government lawyers described the alleged assassination plot.
According to the indictment, Ali discussed assassination plans with an unidentified al Qaeda member in 2002 and 2003, while attending college in Saudi Arabia.
It said one plan was for Ali to get close enough to the president to shoot him on the street, another to use a car bomb.
Although the indictment does not identify the conspirator, it says he was one of 19 people publicly identified by the Saudi government as terrorists.
Ali was returned to the US and made his initial appearance when his lawyer said he would plead not guilty.
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13302043,00.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
U.S. sets limits on detainee interrogation
Officials decide it's time to move toward approved Geneva Convention policy
http://www.reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7721158
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dem leader offers support for Dean
Dem Senate leader says Howard Dean 'not some wild-eyed, left-wing nut.'
http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2989468&nav=8faOWjjQ
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Company's Work in Iraq Profited Bush's Uncle
WASHINGTON — The Iraq (news - web sites) war helped bring record earnings to St. Louis-based defense contractor Engineered Support Systems Inc., and new financial data show that the firm's war-related profits have trickled down to a familiar family name — Bush
William H.T. "Bucky" Bush, uncle of the president and youngest brother of former President George H.W. Bush, cashed in ESSI stock options last month with a net value of nearly half a million dollars.
"Uncle Bucky," as he is known to the president, is on the board of the company, which supplies armor and other materials to U.S. troops. The company's stock prices have soared to record heights since before the invasion, benefiting in part from contracts to rapidly refit fleets of military vehicles with extra armor.
William Bush exercised options on 8,438 shares of company stock Jan. 18, according to reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (news - web sites). He acknowledged in an interview that the transaction was worth about $450,000.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2026&u=/latimests/companysworkiniraqprofitedbushsuncle&printer=1
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
WASHINGTON: The United States has given away the staggering sum of $57 million to informants in Pakistan who provided information about Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups and individuals, according to a senior US official. The official was speaking to the Christian Science Monitor which carried a report in its Tuesday issue on the TV advertising campaign, now being run in Pakistan to capture Osama Bin Laden and other Al Qaeda figures. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the newspaper, “This kind of thing has worked before, both here in Pakistan, and in Colombia as well,” adding that $57 million has been given out so far under this programme in Pakistan and some of the people here have been captured as a result of tip-offs. US officials say the campaign in Pakistan has already yielded some “useful information”. The ads are being broadcast in Urdu, Sindhi, Balochi and Pushto and carry images of Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahri and Mulla Omar. They include a voice-over that asks, “Who can stop the terrorists? Only you.” The rewards range from $5 million to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Bin Laden and his lieutenants. The rewards have also been publicised its rewards here on posters, matchbox covers, newspaper ads, and the Internet. The report says, “US and Pakistani officials have long suspected that the most likely hiding place for Bin Laden is somewhere along the Pak-Afghan border. Top Pakistan intelligence sources say the Al Qaeda leaders seem to avoid using modern communications equipment, relying instead on hand-carried messages. In addition, recent Al Qaeda videotape messages - broadcast by Al Jazeera, the Arab satellite TV channel - appear to have been taped indoors. Earlier videos were shot outdoors which gave hints to Bin Laden’s or Zawahiri’s geographical location. In the video of Zawahiri shown on Sunday on Al Jazeera, for example, he appeared before a plain brown backdrop.”
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_23-2-2005_pg1_2
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Why butchers from Mainz are not allowed to speak with the President
Translated from http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,343173,00.html
By Matthias Gebauer und Georg Mascolo,
Washington02/23/05
"Spiegel" - -
George Bush actually wanted to present himself as open to discussion and close to the people. Unfortunately the German State Dept. in Berlin rejected a town meeting in which the questions were previously agreed upon, so now Bush is meeting with hand picked leaders of American institutions in Mainz/Frankfurt.Isn't something missing from the program as President George W. Bush makes a stop in Mainz today? What happened to the so called "town hall meeting", a kind of American meeting with the public? Just a few weeks ago the American Administration had announced that this town hall meeting with normal Germans would be the core piece of Bush's visit in Germany. The protocol officers proudly announced that Bush did not only want to meet politicians, but also to convince the average citizens of the correctness of his policies. How could one do that better than to meet factory workers, butchers, bank personnel and some students in an open forum?The protocol reality looks a bit different. The town hall meeting has been canceled. There is no official explanation either from the German nor the American sides. From the State Dept. there are rumors that the meeting has been canceled because of a tight schedule. Nothing unusual for a short visit with many ideas but little time, is the official line.Behind the scenes, however, there seems to be another explanation. An "uncontrolled" meeting with the ordinary Germans seemed too uncertain for the Bush strategists. The Germans however, were not willing to create a prepared exchange in which both the participants and the questions are carefully chosen and asked in a script like manner.Bush with an Open MindThe German State Dept. had been rather surprised in the early stages of planning George and Laura Bush's visit by the clear request from the White House that Bush wanted to meet ordinary Germans and not only politicians. But because this seemed so important to the President's staff, the champions of protocol set to work. Which auditorium in Mainz should be used? Who should be invited? Business leaders, citizens, students? Or a combination of them all?This meeting with the public seem to fit the new Bush. Since his re-election the President seems more self assured and quick witted, no longer avoiding his critics. He meets almost daily with journalists whom he has avoided in the past. Bush can be very relaxed and convincing in front of an audience. One hand on the microphone, the other free for gesturing, Bush has become a master of this practiced form of public speaking.
http://207.44.245.159/article8155.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
How could attorney general support such a weak and dismal argument?
The following is an extract from Lawless World:
America and the Making and Breaking of Global Rules
.By Philippe Sands02/23/05
"The Guardian" --
A key meeting took place in July 2002, at which various ministers, including the attorney general, were present. They were reminded that the prime minister had told President Bush that the UK would support military action to bring about regime change, so long as a coalition had been created and UN weapons inspectors had been given a further opportunity to eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. The foreign secretary, Jack Straw, complained that the case was thin, not least because Saddam Hussein was not threatening neighbours and had a lesser WMD capability than Libya, North Korea or Iran.The meeting also considered the legal issues, including a March 2002 paper prepared by Foreign Office legal advisers. Even at this stage the British government was acutely aware of the legal difficulties. The attorney general confirmed that self-defence and humanitarian intervention were not justified, and that, as matters then stood, claiming the authorisation of the security council would be difficult.At this stage, Lord Goldsmith's view seemed unambiguous. Michael Foster MP, an assistant to the attorney general, has confirmed that Lord Goldsmith was later "asked the question - would regime change be lawful per se, and he said no, it wouldn't".From the July 2002 meeting, the attorney general was instructed to consider legal advice with the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence. The chosen route was to build up the intelligence to support the claim that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, which could provide a potential legal justification.In November 2002, the security council unanimously adopted resolution 1441. The resolution warned that Iraq would face "serious consequences" for further violations of its obligations, but did not authorise states "to use all necessary means" (meaning military action).Blair had therefore to push strongly for a second security council resolution which would give legal cover for the use of force. By the end of January, Blair had been informed that the start date for the military campaign was pencilled in for the middle of March.
http://207.44.245.159/article8154.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Labour's half-truths and spin are a cancer
In the body politic
Since leaving office, I have not sought publicity. Even when provoked I have usually kept my counsel. Yet the changing character of the way politics is conducted is an issue on which it would be wrong to remain silent. The turnout at the last election was pitiful and is likely to be even more so at the next one – probably below that in Iraq, where voters ran the gauntlet of bomb and bullet. In one of the world's most secure democracies, how can such disillusion have set in?
One cause is the way politics is conducted. It is a robust trade and can be tough, heartbreaking, even bitter. Politicians cannot squeal about this: we knew the rules when we joined up.
Even so, certain standards must be maintained. As Gladstone put it 125 years ago, our constitution depends "on the good sense and good faith of those who work it". More specifically, our ancient system requires a respect for Parliament; strict impartiality in a Civil Service that must serve different political masters; a tolerance of opposing views; and a code of behaviour between parties that imposes restraints on how hostilities are conducted
http://www.opinion.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/02/22/do2201.xml&sSheet=/opinion/2005/02/22/ixopinion.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thousands of Germans march to protest Bush visit
Demonstrators pulled a float portraying a prisoner being beaten at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison through the German city of Mainz on Wednesday, part of a protest by several thousand people against visiting United States President George Bush.The float featured a woman in military fatigues whipping a "prisoner" in an orange jumpsuit -- a replication of abuse by US troops at the Baghdad prison. Also among the marchers were four people in brown cow costumes bearing a sign: "We don't need you, cowboy."Police said about 5 000 people turned out for the rally and parade through the streets of Mainz. Riot police in body armour kept a close watch, with a helicopter hovering overhead and officers passing out leaflets asking people to express their views peacefully.The route kept the protesters well away from the city's Baroque palace where Bush met German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. But it did take them past the home of a supporter who opened a window and began tossing baked pretzels to the marchers as they passed, rock music blaring from the apartment.Maximillian Weizel (16) showed up with 10 classmates after their high school cancelled classes because of Bush's visit.http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=198185&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Secret Government:
From The Archives: Bill Moyers,
documents U.S.
support of terrorist regimes and the brutality of Americas foreign policy.
http://207.44.245.159/article3281.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Retired general warns of Vietnam-style disaster
Australia's involvement in Iraq would end in disaster just like Vietnam, a retired general said today.
Major General Alan Stretton said the government would eventually bow to public pressure and withdraw the troops, leaving behind a bloody mess.
Prime Minister John Howard has rejected comparisons with Vietnam, saying such analogies are misplaced.
Maj Gen Stretton, who served as chief of staff of the Australian force in Vietnam from 1969-70 but is best remembered for his role heading relief operations in Darwin following Cyclone Tracy in 1974, said there could never be democracy in Iraq.
He said the government was being irresponsible in sending even more troops.
"I really believe it will go the same way as Vietnam," he told the John Laws radio program on 2UE.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/24/1109180014642.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Interim prime minister mounts challenge to Shiite alliance's pick for his job
BAGHDAD (AP)
- Ayad Allawi, the secular interim prime minister, said Wednesday he's putting together a coalition to try to hold onto the job in the next government and block the candidate of the dominant Shiite political alliance. Kurdish parties also weighed in with demands for top posts, setting up a possible showdown over the role of religion in a new Iraq.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Iraq/2004/11/29/740395-ap.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Iraqi TV airs tape of purported Syrian officer involved in insurgency
BAGHDAD (AP)
- Iraqi state television aired a video Wednesday showing what the U.S.-funded channel said was the confession of a captured Syrian officer who said he trained Iraqi insurgents to behead people and build car bombs to attack American and Iraqi troops.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/Iraq/2005/02/23/940085-ap.h
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Blair wins crucial Commons vote on proposed new anti-terror law
LONDON (AP) -
British Prime Minister Tony Blair's proposed new anti-terrorism law, which would allow the government to place suspects under house arrest without trial, won the backing of a majority of members of Parliament in a crucial vote.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/WarOnTerrorism/2005/02/23/940301-ap.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Laughter During Bush Death Plot Trial
PLOT 'LINK TO AL QAEDA'
Supporters of a 23-year-old American laughed loudly in court when he was accused of planning to assassinate President Bush.
Abu Ali, a US citizen who grew up in Washington, has been charged with conspiring with al Qaeda to kill the president in a plan said to have been hatched when he studied in Saudi Arabia.
More than 100 friends and family filled the courthouse to show their support and many laughed when government lawyers described the alleged assassination plot.
According to the indictment, Ali discussed assassination plans with an unidentified al Qaeda member in 2002 and 2003, while attending college in Saudi Arabia.
It said one plan was for Ali to get close enough to the president to shoot him on the street, another to use a car bomb.
Although the indictment does not identify the conspirator, it says he was one of 19 people publicly identified by the Saudi government as terrorists.
Ali was returned to the US and made his initial appearance when his lawyer said he would plead not guilty.
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13302043,00.html
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
U.S. sets limits on detainee interrogation
Officials decide it's time to move toward approved Geneva Convention policy
http://www.reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7721158
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dem leader offers support for Dean
Dem Senate leader says Howard Dean 'not some wild-eyed, left-wing nut.'
http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2989468&nav=8faOWjjQ
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Company's Work in Iraq Profited Bush's Uncle
WASHINGTON — The Iraq (news - web sites) war helped bring record earnings to St. Louis-based defense contractor Engineered Support Systems Inc., and new financial data show that the firm's war-related profits have trickled down to a familiar family name — Bush
William H.T. "Bucky" Bush, uncle of the president and youngest brother of former President George H.W. Bush, cashed in ESSI stock options last month with a net value of nearly half a million dollars.
"Uncle Bucky," as he is known to the president, is on the board of the company, which supplies armor and other materials to U.S. troops. The company's stock prices have soared to record heights since before the invasion, benefiting in part from contracts to rapidly refit fleets of military vehicles with extra armor.
William Bush exercised options on 8,438 shares of company stock Jan. 18, according to reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (news - web sites). He acknowledged in an interview that the transaction was worth about $450,000.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2026&u=/latimests/companysworkiniraqprofitedbushsuncle&printer=1
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
posted by Kangaroo Brisbane Australia at 2:24 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home