Hi from Down Under

Hope you will bear with me

As this is my first Attempt

At blogging

And Christy is helping me over the hurdles

BIG BUCKS THREAT TO SAS
British soldiers in Iraq leaving for private sector
Serious concerns have been raised over the numbers of SAS troops quitting to take up highly-paid private security jobs in Iraq.A letter from headquarters pleaded for loyalty from the 300 frontline soldiers in the face of £14,000-a-month posts in the private sector.Insiders estimate around 120 former SAS personnel have left the regiment to take up security jobs in Iraq.
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13299737,00.html


TUC TO HELP IRAQ UNIONS
Trade union leaders from Iraq are calling on their British counterparts for help in rebuilding the movement in their country.Officials representing teachers, transport and oil workers, journalists and other workers are seeking financial support, training and advice.The TUC said: "Trade unions offer ordinary Iraqi workers a voice they are being denied by the continued military occupation and climate of fear perpetuated by insurgents."Unions represent the true spirit of a tolerant Iraq, and strong unions will be the measure of freedom
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13299746,00.html
Follow links for greater depth.
The official story on Iraq has never made sense. The connection that the Bush administration has tried to draw between Iraq and al-Qaida has always seemed contrived and artificial. In fact, it was hard to believe that smart people in the Bush administration would start a major war based on such flimsy evidence.
The pieces just didn't fit. Something else had to be going on; something was missing.
In recent days, those missing pieces have finally begun to fall into place. As it turns out, this is not really about Iraq. It is not about weapons of mass destruction, or terrorism, or Saddam, or U.N. resolutions.
This war, should it come, is intended to mark the official emergence of the United States as a full-fledged global empire, seizing sole responsibility and authority as planetary policeman. It would be the culmination of a plan 10 years or more in the making, carried out by those who believe the United States must seize the opportunity for global domination, even if it means becoming the "American imperialists" that our enemies always claimed we were.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2319.htm
Poll: On which country would Iraqis like to model their governmentIran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United States, or the United Arab Emirates?
By a large margin, Iraqis would most like to see their country emulate the United Arab Emirates in forming its new government (37%). This choice is followed by a diverse crew of runners-up: Iran (16%), the United States (14%), Syria (7%), and Saudi Arabia (5%). One out of five respondents (20%) are not sure, or don’t have a model in mind.Once again, differences between age groups are striking. Among young people (18-24), one out of three (33%) would like to see Iraq emulate the U.S., with 30% favoring the U.A.E. and 16% preferring Iran. Warm feelings toward the U.S. drop sharply as age rises, with affection for Syria and the Emirates surging in Iraqis over 70.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8048.htm
Three Iraqi army officers gunned down in their car
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) Gunmen ambushed a car carrying an Iraqi general in a Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad on Sunday, killing him and two companions, police officials said.Brig. Gen. Jadaan Farhan and his companions were traveling in a white four-wheel drive vehicle through Baghdad's Kazimiyah district when the attack occurred, an Iraqi police officer said on condition of anonymity.Insurgents have stepped up attacks against Iraq's security forces since the Jan. 30 national elections.
http://cbsnewyork.com/international/Iraq-Assassination-ai/resources_news_html
Two political associates of Allawi killed in Iraq
Baghdad/Cairo (dpa) - Two political associates of Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi were killed Sunday, al-Arabiya television reported.The two politicians campaigned in Iraq's January 30 elections as members of Allawi's "Iraqi List". Further details on the killings were not immediately available.
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?StoryId=CqG7E0eienta1nvr3B3bVBgL0AwnHBgfZCW
U.S. soldier killed, 4 injured in Iraq
An American soldier was killed and four others were injured Saturday in Baghdad when a booby-trapped car exploded near their patrol. Iraqi security sources said the car blew up on a main street in the eastern district of the capital.Eyewitnesses said the booby-trapped car, which may have been driven by a suicide attacker, exploded as the U.S. military patrol passed, also injuring Iraqi military and civilian passers-by.
http://www.softcom.net/webnews/wed/aj/Uiraq-violence.RTyX_FFC.html
Video: Ellsberg & Zinn SpeechVeterans for Peace National Convention
Daniel Ellsberg, best known for his release of the Pentagon Papers which helped bring an end to the Vietnam war, along with professor, historian and life long activist Howard Zinn, address the Veterans For Peace National Convention in Boston, July 23, 2004. They provide their unique perspectives on the war in Iraq, the Bush administration, and the November elections.
http://207.44.245.159/article8046.htm
Coalition leaders hail Iraq vote
THE leaders of the US and Britain led a chorus of praise at the announcement of Iraq's election results, but views on what the results meant varied widely around the world, with many concerned about the alienation of the country's Sunni Muslim minority.However, countries more directly affected by the region's politics took a more measured view, with Turkey being openly critical. "The low turnout of some groups in the elections, the fact that almost no votes were cast in a number of provinces and the fact that manipulations in certain regions, including Kirkuk, led to unbalanced results, are issues that need to be considered seriously," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12249471^1702,00.html
Taliban leader 'hiding in well'A COMMANDER of Taliban guerrillas in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan was captured and handed over to US forces last week after trying to hide in a well, the provincial governor said today
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/breakingnews/
11 al-Qaeda suspects on trial
ELEVEN al-Qaeda suspects have gone on trial in Yemen, charged with trying to join militants battling US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.They were also charged with setting up an armed group and planning militant attacks in Yemen and abroad. "The defendants took part in setting up an armed gang, forged passports and travel documents to enable them to commit criminal acts in Yemen and abroad, which include fighting US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq," the prosecutor said
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12247089^1702,00.html
Abu Sayyaf claims twin blasts
ABU Sayyaf, a small Muslim rebel group in the Philippines linked to al-Qaeda, said it carried out two attacks on the southern island of Mindanao today that killed at least three people.http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/breakingnews/
Whistleblower to reveal U.S.-funded Iraqi media network grossly mismanaged; Reporters paid little, ‘trained by Al-Jazeera’
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=68
Lawyer of whistleblowers asserts massive billing fraud; Says U.S. sharply rebuffed suit
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=71
TAKE BACK THE MEDIASee More flash by Symbolman See More flash by Symbolman click on photo
See More flash by SymbolmanSee More flash by Stranger

http://66.230.230.110/geeklog/public_html/staticpages/index.php?page=20040602181446868
See More flash by Symbolman See More flash by Stranger See More flash by Stranger See More flash by Symbolman
http://www.tbtmradio.com/geeklog/public_html/staticpages/index.php?page=20040610175512462
Pentagon Covers Up Failure to Train and Recruit Local Security Forces By Andrew Buncombe, Kim Sengupta, and Raymond Whitaker The Independent U.K. Police and army numbers falling far short of projections as post-election violence surges and wait for results drags on.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/021305C.shtml
The Power of Nightmares” sums up fifty years of U.S. foreign policy!
The Power of Nightmares” documentary was stopped from airing on PBS in the United States. I dont think that should be a shock. Anything anyone says or does that isn’t considered to be one hundred percent in support of the honesty or sympathy of the U.S., is attacked. Either not credible or unpatriotic.
A lot of people in the U.S. feel the same way. So, its not some far out theory. I’m sure most of the U.S. supporters on here wouldn’t want to see something like that aired on TV anyway.
The documentary is really good and full of useful information if anyone is interested in why things are the way they are now. It is obviously up to the interpreter, but i think it helps to have some facts.
I honestly think those who know why they support the U.S. foreign policy would have no issue or be at all offended. It’s good, I encourage those interested in knowing more to watch the three parts, you can always turn it off. It’s fifty years in three hours, use judgment.
The Power of Nightmares” documentary was stopped from airing on PBS in the United States. I dont think that should be a shock. Anything anyone says or does that isn’t considered to be one hundred percent in support of the honesty or sympathy of the U.S., is attacked. Either not credible or unpatriotic.
A lot of people in the U.S. feel the same way. So, its not some far out theory. I’m sure most of the U.S. supporters on here wouldn’t want to see something like that aired on TV anyway.
The documentary is really good and full of useful information if anyone is interested in why things are the way they are now. It is obviously up to the interpreter, but i think it helps to have some facts.
I honestly think those who know why they support the U.S. foreign policy would have no issue or be at all offended. It’s good, I encourage those interested in knowing more to watch the three parts, you can always turn it off. It’s fifty years in three hours, use judgment.
An online version of Part III of the film can be found here: (Warning this file is large ~70mb)<< RIGHT CLICK AND CHOOSE "SAVE AS" TO DOWNLOAD THE FILM >>
CHRISTY i have not downloaded this yet so I do not know if it is alright
After victory, Iraq’s Shiites ponder PM choice
Iraq's main Shiite alliance started Monday holding talks to decide on who will be the country’s upcoming prime minister and which allies it would seek specially, after failing to win an absolute majority in Jan.30 elections.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=7067
Australia acknowledges Mamdouh Habib was tortured
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, reacting to an interview the released Egyptian-born Australian national gave over the weekend, also said that a new U.S. probe may show that Habib was abused and tortured at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"For all I know he may have been badly treated in Egypt but we don't know because the Egyptians have still not conceded to us that they held him," said Downer.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=6979
Fearing assassination, Sharon targets Jewish radicals

After receiving several death threats against him and government ministers, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gave orders to crack down on Jewish extremists who oppose his disengagement plan.
Gideon Ezra, Israel's Internal Security Minister called Monday for detaining right-wing extremists.
"There are dangerous people out there who need to be arrested today," Ezra told the Jerusalem Post.
http://www.aljazeera.com/me.asp?service_ID=7042
When Sexuality Undercuts A Family's Ties
M aya Keyes loves her father and mother. She put off college and moved from the family home in Darnestown to Chicago to be with her dad on a grand adventure. Even though she disagrees with him on "almost everything" political, she worked hard for his quixotic and losing campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Now Maya Keyes -- liberal, lesbian and a little lost -- finds herself out on her own. She says her parents -- conservative commentator and perennial candidate Alan Keyes and his wife, Jocelyn -- threw her out of their house, refused to pay her college tuition and stopped speaking to her
Maya, 19, says her parents cut her off because of who she is -- "a liberal queer." Tomorrow, she will take her private dispute with her dad into the open. She is scheduled to make her debut as a political animal, speaking at a rally in Annapolis sponsored by Equality Maryland, the state's gay rights lobby.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A20005-2005Feb12?
Pentagon to offer bonuses to special ops
WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon is falling short on efforts to keep elite special forces units at full strength and now is fighting back dollar by dollar, offering up to $150,000 bonuses to commandos to keep high-paying private security firms from cherry-picking the teams.Special operations units such as the Green Berets and Navy SEALs are running slightly below their authorized strength, in part because private firms are luring away those troops for work in Iraq and elsewhere by tripling or quadrupling their pay, military officials said.So the Pentagon this month announced a $168-million, three-year plan to sweeten the pot of pay and bonuses to retain special forces members on active duty. The most experienced commandos can earn bonuses ranging from $18,000 for staying an additional two years up to $150,000 for a six-year re-enlistment.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usspec13,0,3082814.story?coll=ny-nation-big-pix
Sources: Military lawyers objected to interrogation methods at Guantanamo
WASHINGTON - (KRT) - Military lawyers at the Guantanamo Bay terrorist prison tried to stop inhumane interrogations, but were ignored by senior Pentagon officials, The New York Daily News has learned.
Judge advocates - uniformed legal advisers known as JAGs who were assigned to a secret war crimes task force - repeatedly objected to aggressive interrogations by a separate intelligence unit at Camp Delta, where Taliban and al-Qaida suspects have been jailed since January 2002.
But Pentagon officials "didn't think this was a big deal, so they just ignored the JAGs," a senior military source said.
The military lawyers' actions had never been disclosed and are the first known cases of lower-level officers resisting interrogations at the Cuban camp that might constitute torture. Some officials called them "unsung heroes" for risking their careers by crossing senior officials who approved the techniques.
The potentially unlawful methods objected to by the judge advocates were among 33 procedures authorized in a Dec. 2, 2002, memo by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and used on at least two detainees.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/10889627.htm

WASHINGTON Senator Barbara Boxer will receive perhaps the splashiest Valentine's Day gift on Capitol Hill today.
Some 24-hundred roses will be delivered to her office from supporters who contributed to the "Barbara Boxer Rose Campaign."
The idea came from Stacy Davies, a writer from Claremont, California who cheered while watching Boxer challenge Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during last month's confirmation hearings over the Bush administration's rationale for invading Iraq.
Davies contacted a national online florist which set up a special phone line for the campaign. Then she sent e-mail appeals to several progressive Internet blogs, and got a pitch on Air America, the liberal talk-radio network.
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2942639

Boxer to donate roses to wounded soldiersNearly 2,500 roses given to Sen. Barbara Boxer will be donated to injured GIs.

Today 4500 roses arrived at my Senate office -- what a wonderful Valentine's Day gift! Thanks so much to those of you who sent them for such a warm and kind gesture on this special day.
Thanks especially to Stacy Davies in Claremont, CA who spearheaded the whole project. I spoke with Stacy last Friday and thanked her personally for this terrific gift.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and that you get to spend it with those you love. Let's especially remember our brave men and women in uniform serving overseas on this holiday who won't be spending Valentine's Day at home. Thanks to your generosity, our wounded soldiers recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center will also be able to enjoy your thoughtful gift -- we sent the roses there this afternoon.
We've got a lot of work ahead of us. But every once in a while it's nice to stop and smell the roses. Thanks again for such a warm and generous gift.
Have a happy Valentine's Day!
In Friendship,
Barbara Boxer

Bye for now

And have a wonderfull and safe Valentines Day