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And finally

Some Saturday night humor:

If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished!

Some Right Wing humor

Video:

Talks have already begun with Iran and Syria behind the scenes

Apparently, high level talks have been taking place with Iran and Syria.  You know - those state sponsors of terror. 

An Iranian man holding a Lebanese Hezbollah flag walks past an anti-US mural in Tehran  Source: AFP

"US President Barack Obama has already used experts within the last few months to hold high-level but discreet talks with both Iran and Syria, organizers of the meetings told AFP.

Officially, Obama's overtures toward both Tehran and Damascus have remained limited.

...Nuclear non-proliferation experts had several "very, very high-level" contacts -- with Iranian leaders, said Jeffrey Boutwell, executive director for the US branch of the Pugwash group, an international organization of scientists which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.

Former defense secretary William Perry, who served in Obama's election campaign, participated in some of these meetings focused on "a wide range of issues that separate Iran from the West: not only their nuclear program but the Middle East peace process, Persian Gulf issues," Boutwell told AFP.

The Pugwash official declined to name the other participants, except to say they had considerable clout.

"We had very, very senior figures from both the Iranian policy establishment and from the US; people who have very close, good access to the top leaders in both countries," Boutwell said..."

AFP

 

Weapon's spending may be cut

The Democratic controlled congress has proposed billions on needless spending and programs, right?  Now we learn our defense weapons program may be cut during wartime. 

Well, that makes perfect sense:

 "U.S. defense budget cuts may target spending on weapons as the Obama administration juggles paying for personnel and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

“The most expensive part of our budget is our people,” Admiral Michael Mullen said in an interview yesterday. “There’s not a lot of flexibility with respect to people, unless you start” reducing forces.

That is unlikely, meaning the weapons procurement budget, which averaged about 20 percent of fiscal 2008 and 2009 defense spending, will come under increased scrutiny, Mullen said.

“We’ve got to fund the wars we are in,” and that “puts an awful lot of pressure” on decreasing spending on weapon modernization and the repair of war-worn equipment, he said.

The largest part of the weapons accounts is tactical aircraft, shipbuilding and ground equipment produced by Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Northrop Grumman Corp., General Dynamics Corp., Raytheon Co. and BAE Systems Plc.

Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned two congressional defense committees that “one thing we have known for many months is that the spigot of defense spending that opened on 9/11 is closing.”

Bloomberg

U.S. welcomes new Islamist president of Somalia

Ok...

"The United States welcomed moderate Islamist cleric Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's election as Somali president Saturday and vowed to support his efforts to restore stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

In a statement issued by its embassy in Nairobi, the US government congratulated the former opposition leader on his victory.

"President Sharif has been a strong proponent of the Djibouti process and has worked diligently on reconciliation efforts in Somalia," it said referring to UN-sponsored peace talks in Djibouti, where Saturday's vote was held.

"We urge President Sharif to reach out to the broad spectrum of Somalis who reject violence and extremism in forming a new government," the statement said."

"The United States looks forward to cooperating with President Sharif and his broad-based government on these efforts to establish democracy and achieve peace in Somalia," the US statement added.

Sheikh Sharif is also the head of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), an organisation that briefly controlled large parts of Somalia in 2006.

The ICU's leadership was sent into exile when Ethiopia -- the previous US administration's top regional ally -- launched a military invasion into Somalia to remove what it saw as extremist Islamic rule on its doorstep.

AFP

 

I'm here for you

Britain's Muslim growth rate 10 times the norm

The writing may be on the wall for Britain - in the decades to come.  Pay particular attention to the last sentence:

"The Muslim population in Britain has grown by more than 500,000 to 2.4 million in just four years, according to official research collated for The Times.

The population multiplied 10 times faster than the rest of society, the research by the Office for National Statistics reveals. In the same period the number of Christians in the country fell by more than 2 million.

Experts said that the increase was attributable to immigration, a higher birthrate and conversions to Islam during the period of 2004-2008, when the data was gathered. They said that it also suggested a growing willingness among believers to describe themselves as Muslims because the western reaction to war and terrorism had strengthened their sense of identity.

Muslim leaders have welcomed the growing population of their communities as academics highlighted the implications for British society, integration and government resources.

David Coleman, Professor of Demography at Oxford University, said: “The implications are very substantial. Some of the Muslim population, by no means all of them, are the least socially and economically integrated of any in the United Kingdom ... and the one most associated with political dissatisfaction. You can't assume that just because the numbers are increasing that all will increase, but it will be one of several reasonable suppositions that might arise.”

...There are more than 42.6 million Christians in Britain, according to the Office for National Statistics, whose figures were obtained through the quarterly Labour Force Survey of around 53,000 homes. But while the biggest Christian population is among over-70s bracket, for Muslims it is the under-4s.

Timeonline

Former Iranian president and top cleric warns President Obama

First, Iran's president said he wanted an apology from America for decades of grievances shortly after President Obama reached out to the Muslim world and now an Iranian imam sends Obama a verbal warning to behave.

It is clear Iran thinks they can flex their vocal might with our new president sensing that his "soft power" is malleable:

"A powerful Iranian cleric warned President Obama today to stay away from the harsh rhetoric of the Bush administration in dealing with the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former Iranian president now serving as the head of two important religious councils, told thousands gathered for a weekly pre-prayer political sermon in Tehran that Iran was listening closely for signs of change from Washington.

"We are still waiting for the new U.S. administration to declare its wise stand, since otherwise they would waste another few years of our time by repeating Bush's words regarding the need for Iran to halt its nuclear program, threatening us, or offering impractical, unclear promises," said Rafsanjani, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency..."

L.A. Times

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Also see:

Iran to Obama: Your Offer Shows Weakness

President Barack Obama's half-brother arrested on drug charges

Let's see, our new president has an aunt in the country illegally who was seen dancing at one of the inauguration parties. 

And now, we read one of his half-brothers, Hussein Onyango Obama, was arrested on drug charges in Kenya:

"U.S. President Barack Obama's half-brother has been arrested in Kenya for possession of marijuana, police said Saturday.

George Obama was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and resisting arrest, CNN reported.

 

Inspector Augustine Mutembei, the officer in charge, said Obama, who is in his mid-20s, is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

 

Obama told CNN in an interview from the Nairobi jail where he is being held that he denies the charges.

 

"They took me from my home," CNN quoted him as saying. "I don't know why they are charging me."

 

Market Watch

 

Proudly shown

 

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Also see:

 

Behind the Scenes: Meet George Obama

 

The Barack H. Obama Foundation - started by Malik Obama - his oldest half-brother.

Ambassador Susan Rice: UN is indispensable

Barack Obama's Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, made her debut speech before the UN yesterday. 

Pardon me while I need to take a few moments to regain my composure:

"..."We expect Israel will meet its international obligations to investigate (possible war crimes) and we also call upon all members -- to refrain from politicizing these important issues," Ambassador Susan Rice said in her debut speech before the U.N. Security Council.

Rice said that Hamas had been guilty of violating international law "through its rocket attacks against Israeli civilians in southern Israel and the use of civilian facilities to provide protection for its terrorist attacks."

"There have also been numerous allegations made against Israel some of which are deliberately designed to inflame," she told the council during a meeting on international humanitarian law.

...Rice made it clear that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama had a very different view of the role of the United Nations from George W. Bush's government, whose officials were often suspicious of the world body and occasionally spoke of it with disdain.

She said Obama's long-term goals included enhancing global peace and security, fighting terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, dealing with climate change, alleviating poverty and improving respect for human rights worldwide.

"The United Nations is indispensable for advancing these goals and making our world a better, safer place," she said.

She also hinted that Obama had a different attitude towards The Hague-based International Criminal Court, the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal..." 

Alert Net

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Also see:

2/6/08:  Obama's foreign policy adviser, Dr. Susan Rice, called Obama a "secular Christian"

Prime Minister of Turkey to Obama: redefine terrorism

In a video message to President Obama from Turkey's Prime Minister yesterday, he asked President Obama to redefine terrorism in the Middle East, which could signal Turkey's desire for the U.S. to stop calling Hezbollah and Hamas terrorist organizations, according to an article in Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News:

"Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan urged U.S. President Barack Obama in a video message on Thursday to redefine terror and terrorism in the Middle East and use it as the basis for a new American policy. 

"President Obama must redefine terror and terrorist organizations in the Middle East, and based on this new definition, a new American policy must be deployed in the Middle East," Erdogan said in the video message to be published on YouTube at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Turkish prime minister appeared to be referring to the U.S. position toward Hamasand Hezbollah, which the United States considers terrorist organizations. 

 

While both have military wings, Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 and remains in charge following the recent Israeli invasion. Hezbollah is a major political force in Lebanon.  

 

Alluding to Turkey's unique position, Erdogan prefaced his message to Obama, saying that "compared to the Western countries, we speak best the language of the Middle East."

 

Hurriyet.com

 

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Also see:

 

Turkey urges Obama to redefine Mideast terrorism  (another article)

 

Video Turkish Prime Tayyip Erdogan walks off stage over Gaza In Davos Meeting

 

Erdoğan clashes with Peres over Gaza in Davos
Swissinfo, Switzerland - 6 hours ago
Turkey's PrimeMinister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan walked off the stageon Thursday after he and Israeli President Shimon Peres disagreed over the fighting

 

Organization of Islamic Conference wants a new partnership with President Obama

In an article where Nat Hentoff, an authority on the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights was interviewed, we read about an open letter to President Obama from the Organization of Islamic Conference that was printed in the New York Times on the day Obama was inaugurated:

"...In its address to our new president, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (which has permanent status at the United Nations) made no mention of its own strategic skills that resulted, on Dec. 18, in the passage by the U.N. General Assembly of a nonbinding resolution (with strong advice to its members) that condemns "defamation of religion," especially Islam.

In a 83-to-53 vote, with 42 abstentions, the U.N. General Assembly urges nations to provide "adequate protections" in their laws or constitutions against "acts of hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions and incitement to religious hatred in general."

Only Islam and Muslims are specifically named in this resolution against religious defamation sponsored by Uganda -- on behalf of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference -- with co-sponsors Belarus and Venezuela. In the opposition were the United States, a majority of European countries, Japan, India and a number of other nations..."  Galesburg.com

In the OIC's open letter to American's new president, the OIC states the myths about Islam is the fault of extremists in the West and East.  Islam is a religion of peace they wrote.  

But here's the deal, their own Islamic Fiqh Academy (Council) reaffirmed in January 2003 that martyrdom operations to defend Islam are acceptable.  They also ruled this is not terrorism which may be why these Islamists organizations get so worked up when we use phrases like "Islamic terrorism":

"The Islamic Fiqh Council asserts that jihad and martyr operations done to defend the Islamic creed, dignity, freedom and the sovereignty of states is not considered terrorism but a basic form of necessary defense for legitimate rights...Those operations become obligatory when they become the only way to stop the aggression of the enemy, defeat it, and grievously damage its power...It is not allowed to use terms such as “jihad”, “terrorism”, and “violence”, which have become frequently used by today’s mass media as scientific terms, to mean other connotations beyond their basic well known meanings."

I hope you are paying close attention here how Islamists twist the truth.  The rulings by this council and others that martyrdom operations are not terrorism negates, any and all, anti-terror statements made by Islamic organization and individuals in the United States.

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Also see:

OIC Ad in New York Times:

Download Nyt_20_1_2009

"...Many myths about Islam, fostered by extremists in both the West and East, have proliferated in the last decade, and a new word –“Islamophobia”– has even entered the world’s lexicon to describe anti-Muslim acts of prejudice and violence. Despite these pernicious myths, you will find that Islam is a religion of peace. Tolerance is its benchmark and borne of the very nature of Islam. Nor is Islam an exclusive religion. It is an integral part of the history of world religions. It continues and confirms the previous scriptures. Along with Christianity and Judaism, Islam emanates from the same part of the world, comes from the same God, and holds to the same Prophets, mainly Abraham. It has been tested over fourteen hundred years, and shown itself to be a religion of compassion, mercy, justice, and equality.

... As Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, I wish to assure you that we will be at your side to see that justice prevails and that the forces which are out to undo peace are defeated.

Krauthammer: Obama Distorts America's Stance on Muslims

OIC Islamophobia report for December:

"Obama requested to take oath using his middle name 'Hussain'

–Addressing a public meeting after Eid-ul-adha prayers in New York (Dec 8), Sheik Ubaid has requested US President-elect to take oath of the office using his full name Barack Hussain Obama and bury "Islamophobia" in the "cemetery of other social evils." The leader asked Obama to launch a new chapter in the American history in which "racism" and "sexism" are stamped out of public life and human rights of all are respected. He also said that with "anti-Semitism" already erased from the country, the other major social ill to be defeated is "Islamophobia".

Islamic Fiqh Academy

The Islamic Fiqh Academy(IFA) is a subsidiary organ of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), created by the Third Islamic Summit Conference ...

CNN: bias for sale

The blatant bias put forth by CNN is now, actually, for sale:

Breaking: FBI breaks off contact with CAIR!

YIPEE!  The FBI has severed ties with CAIR, at least for now. There's reference to the Oklahoma City FBI office in the press release below, you may find interesting.

As many of zTruth readers know, the Islamic Society of Tulsa and Greater Oklahoma City have been very visible with their partnership with this questionable Islamic organization. The FBI had to cancel a meeting with local Oklahoma Muslim groups because of involvement by CAIR-OK, it appears.

I think this was a smart decision by the FBI to cut bate with CAIR, an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood/Hamas infrastructure in America.

Below is part of the press release issued by the Investigative Project:

"It is a stunning rebuke to the organization which promotes itself as "arguably the most visible and public American Muslim organization." The decision to end contacts with CAIR was made quietly last summer as federal prosecutors prepared for a second trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF), an Islamic charity convicted in November for illegally routing money to Hamas. CAIR was named as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the case.

 

Its name appears on a roster of "Palestine Committee" members. Evidence in the case shows the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's parent organization, created the Palestine Committee to help Hamas politically and financially. CAIR founders Omar Ahmad and Nihad Awad, who remains the executive director, also appear on a telephone list of Palestine Committee members. The men also participated in a secret 1993 gathering of Hamas members and supporters called to discuss ways to "derail" U.S.-led peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.

The IPT obtained a letter from the FBI's Oklahoma City field office, which explained that a meeting with local Muslim groups had to be postponed due to restrictions on CAIR's access. For that to change, wrote James E. Finch, special agent in charge of the FBI's Oklahoma City field office, "certain issues must be addressed to the satisfaction of the FBI. Unfortunately, these issues cannot be addressed at the local level and must be addressed by the CAIR National Office in Washington, D.C."

FBI spokesman John Miller confirmed the letter's existence. Sources indicate similar correspondence was issued by other field offices..."

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Also see:

Muslim Brotherhood

CAIR and Company

Islam in Oklahoma

CIA agent, who converted to Islam, is accused of rape

Very interesting:

"Federal investigators have launched a probe of the CIA's former station chief in Algeria, the State Department said after US media reported allegations that he drugged and raped two women.

The station chief, a 41-year-old convert to Islam who was in his post since September 2007, was ordered home in October after two women came forward last year with separate allegations they were raped in the official's residence in Algiers, ABC News reported.

It said both women had provided sworn statements to federal prosecutors in preparation for a possible criminal case against the officer, with a grand jury likely to consider an indictment on sexual assault charges as early as next month.

"The US takes very seriously any accusations of misconduct involving any US personnel abroad," State Department acting spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement."

...The explosive allegations could potentially deal a major blow to the US image abroad at a time when President Barack Obama has called for "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect" with the Muslim world.

Algeria in particular is seen as a hotspot because of the presence of Al-Qaeda's North African branch there. A suicide bombing in August in Issers, 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Algiers, left 48 people dead.

AFP

 

Elementary school in Canada bans national anthem to accomodate two families

Want to venture a guess as to what parents objected to the daily singing of the Canadian National Anthem at an elementary school in New Brunswick?  

But we shouldn't overlook the fact that the principal of the school, Erik Millett, is a Green Party member.

"Every time Susan Boyd hears the Canadian national anthem, she thinks of her nephew, Pte. David Greenslade of Saint John, who was killed two years ago in Afghanistan.

And it devastates her that her youngest daughter doesn't start each morning at Belleisle Elementary School paying tribute to her home and native land.

The school eliminated the morning ritual in September 2007 after complaints by two families who took issue with the anthem.

Erik Millett is principal of the small school of 214 students in Springfield, west of Sussex, and has heard from only a few people who oppose the decision to drop the anthem..."  times&transript

Feel free to contact the principal and politely express your views about his ridiculous decision to accomodate two families over a long-standing tradition: erik.millett@nbed.nb.ca

Also see:

Green Party of Canada

President Obama warns of tough decisions about Iraq and Afganistan

I am perplexed by an article in Reuters yesterday evening in which Barack Obama prepared Americans for the tough decisions he will be making about Iraq and Afganistan while he took another opportunity to take a jab at former President Bush:

"Obama --was speaking after a nearly two-hour meeting with Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

"We are going to have some difficult decisions that we are going to have to make, surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan most immediately," the president said.

Obama will make a statement "relatively shortly" on the speed of troop withdrawals from Iraq and on overhauling the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told a news conference earlier.

He appeared to take a swipe at his predecessor, former President George W. Bush, saying that for too long the United States had relied too heavily on its military to achieve its strategic objectives and too little on diplomacy.

Obama has also ordered a comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, and a White House official said on Wednesday it would have a "significant non-military component," a likely reference to development aid.

"It was a very elevated conversation about the situation worldwide, and the threats that we face and the risks that exist around the globe," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters. "The chiefs got a chance to offer their perspective on all this, the president was completely engaged and asked a lot of good questions of them."

Reuters

Ohio fire fighter suspended then quits band for nod to President Obama

Video:

Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seeks apology from America

I think it's fair to say President Obama shocked most Americans when he held his first formal TV interview with the Middle East TV station, Al Arabiya, on Monday evening. 

In response, the New York Times reports today President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is calling on Obama to apologize for America's actions toward his country over the past 60 years.  I guess he senses Obama's disgust with America - I mean he did portray President Bush as the enemy of the entire world, didn't he?

Ahmadinejad's demands apparently aren't a red flag for the Obama administration because the White House is actually considering sending a letter to Iran to pave the way for for face-to-face talks, according to the Guardian.

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Palestinian explosive kills Israel soldier

An explosive has killed an Israeli soldier and, as a result, Israel retaliated against Palestine:

"Palestinian militants killed one Israeli soldier and seriously wounded another in a cross-border bombing Tuesday morning, prompting an Israeli counterattack that killed a Palestinian farmer and wounded a Hamas fighter.

The clash, near the central Gaza border crossing of Kissufim, is the most serious threat so far to the separate cease-fires declared by Israel and the militant group Hamas that have largely held since Jan. 18 after a three-week Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip."

L.A. Times

FBI arrest Minnesota Somalian Muslim on possible terror threat

There has been several stories in the last few months about Muslim men living in the U.S., originally from Somalia, who have disappeared to go fight in Somalia. One, a U.S. citizen,  has already martyred himself there, for the sake of Allah and Islam, and is now buried back in Minnesota. 

Think about it.  The first American Muslim who is officially, according to Islam, a martyr.  Sicko.

Now comes news there may have been an Islamic terror threat on inauguration day from one of these missing men that the FBI is investigating:

"With the inauguration of President Barack Obama in the past, U.S.officials are reporting information about possible threats on the day of the ceremony by a Minnesota Somali man.

48 hours before the inauguration, U.S customs agents arrested 32-year-old Bile Abdullahi, a resident alien from Minnesota, at the Canadian border near Detroit. According to federal charges, Abdullahi was trying to sneak into Canada using his brother's passport. Both Bile Abdullahi and his brother are from Minneapolis and until recently lived in the Cedar Riverside apartment complex.

Fox News has learned Abdullahi's arrest was just part of the intelligence that led to a cryptic warning. The FBI and Homeland Security were investigating information about a potential threat on inauguration day. The information was of limited specificity and uncertain credibility. The threat reportedly involved Al Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda connected radical Muslim group, operating terror training camps Somalia. Al Shabaab is the same group that's believed to have lured as many as a dozen missing Somali men from the Twin Cities to fight in the jihad back in their homeland."

Video: Inauguration Threat

Fox News Twin Cties

2nd child's toy has "Islam is the light" message

Something weird is going on here:

"Months ago, Rachel Jones was shocked to discover her 4-year-old's baby doll seemed to have a hidden message: Islam is the light.

Imagine her surprise when a game for her 8-year-old daughter's Nintendo DS had the same message.

Rachel said she bought the Nintendo game, Baby Pals, as a gift for her 8-year-old daughter after a good report card.

She had no idea the game also contained the hidden message "Islam is the light."

"We were sitting in the kitchen, and she was playing it," said Jones. "All of a sudden she looked at me, and I looked at her and she said, 'Mom, I think my baby said something.' And so I played it back, and it says 'Islam is the light.'"

The message on the doll and in the Nintendo game sound exactly the same.

The Nintendo game has an "E" rating, which means it's suitable for any age.

In a virtual reality setting, the child playing the game can feed the baby or teach it to crawl, among other things. It's only when the child gives the baby a bath that it repeatedly seems to say "Islam is the light."

Jones said she's angry this is the second toy she's had to take from her children.

Nintendo's representatives said the game is manufactured by a third party, so they're not responsible for the content, but the game's packaging clearly states the game is licensed by Nintendo..."

WTHI TV (has video)

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See also:

Fisher Price doll promotes Islam

Saudi bumper sticker story opposing women driving beats President Obama in popularity

The TV channel that Barack Obama held his first formal interview, Al Arabiya, has an on-line website.

You might be surprised to know the most read story there today is not about President Obama's interview but is about the bumper stickers Saudi men are putting on their cars in support of banning woman from driving in Saudi Arabia.

See the lower right side for their "Most Popular" Section.

Sorry, President Obama, this beats your interview, but you were the most debated story.

Screen shot taken 1/27/09 (click to enlarge)

President Obama's first formal TV interview on Saudi-owned TV not American!

Shocka!  Our new president, Barack Hussein Obama, in a gesture unprecedented in history, gave his first formal presidential TV interview with the Saudi-owned Arab TV network, UAE based-Al Arabiyaand not an American network!    Al Arabiya is owned by the Saudi-controlled broadcaster Middle East Broadcasting Center(MBC).   The Allied Media Group in Alexandria, Virginia helps secure advertising for MBC. 

During the election, it was well-known to many conservative bloggers that Obama was helped by a Muslim activist with strong ties to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Khalid Al-Mansour, according to civil rights activist Percy Sutton.  The main stream media naturally was missing in action during this time.   Dr. Al-Mansour is a strong opponent of White America which is similar to the anti-white, anti-America sermons we heard from Obama's pastor of 20 years, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

In Obama's interview, which happened Monday night, Obama implied the "War on Terror" implicated a whole faith!  As we all know, President Bush went out of his way to distinguish the difference between practicing the theology of Islam and the ideology of Islamic supremacy largely held by the Muslim Brotherhood and other such organizations and individuals.

So once again, President Obama takes an unfair and nasty jab at former President Bush. 

Islamists organizations complain the "War against Terror" is really a war against Islam, itself.  One organization in America, the Council of American Islamic Relations, has worked tirelessly to attack and shame public officials who actually use descriptive words like Islamism, "radical Islam," "Islamic terrorism," "Islamic extremism" and Islamist which accurately describe the Islamic supremacy movement, grounded in the Quran and Hadiths.

From the article:

"Barack Obama on Monday night granted an Arabic-language television channel his first formal interview as president – an unprecedented gesture that appeared aimed at offering the Muslim world a sharp contrast with his predecessor, George W. Bush.

...Mr Obama also went further than he had at any point during the general election in speaking openly about his own personal ties to the Muslim world.

“Now, my job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world, that the language we use has to be a language of respect,” he told the Saudi-owned station. “I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries.”

Mr Obama spent four years of his childhood in Indonesia, which is widely tipped to be the first majority-Muslim country he will visit within his first 100 days in office.

...Mr. Obama implicitly conceded in the interview that terms such as “war on terror” had proved counter-productive over the last seven years. “The language we use matters,” he said. “We cannot paint with a broad brush a faith as a consequence of the violence that is done in that faith’s name. I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down. But to the broader Muslim world what we are going to be offering is a hand of friendship.”

FT.com

Part One:

Part Two: Around the 4.10 mark the interviewer said President Bush defined the War on Terror very broadly (which he did not) and Obama agreed.

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Also see:

Gaza reporter caught on tape confirming Hamas fired rockets near TV offices

Footage of a presenter on the Arabic language television station Al-Arabiya apparently confirms that Hamas fired at least one rocket from close to a building used by journalists during the 22-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Saudi hails Obama's stance towards Arab world

All part of the war on terrorism

Islamonline: CAIR endorses Barack Obama

The Muslim Brotherhood in America revisited

Barack Obama's Muslim outreach director met with top leaders of organizations that are the direct outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood/Hamas infrastructure in America!

CAIR challenges John McCain and Sara Palin

Razi Hashmi, CAIR-OK, claims Oklahomans concerned about taxpayer's support for Israel (he incorrectly and willfully put words in the mouths of all Oklahomans)

Jimmy Carter shills for Hamas; says you can trust them!

Former President Jimmy Carter was on the Today Show this morning talking about a couple meetings he has had with Hamas.

He just shrugged and said some people think they are a terrorist group, when asked about meeting with this organization. 

Duh, our government has designated Hamas a terrorist organization and Carter can't seem to comprehend this fact.

The Middle East 1916-2001 : A Documentary Record   Yale Law School

Hamas Covenant 1988  Yale Law School

President Obama's agenda: Out with "War on Terrorism" in with more LGBT rights!

President Barack Obama's agenda is listed for your review on the redesigned White House website. 

One noticeable category is missing; the War on Terrorism. References to our enemy are now primarily discussed in his foreign policy section. Here we see President Obama state his support of direct diplomacy with Iran without preconditions.

In the Homeland Security section, Obama claims he is going to find, disrupt and destroy Al-Qaeda and then three bullet points later states he plans to defeat Al-Qaeda in the battle of ideas by returning to an American foreign policy consistent with America's traditional values.

What?  Who knew traditional values would win the hearts of Al Qaeda.  Shame on you, President Bush.

Now, let's take a peak at Obama's civil rights page where more than half the page is devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual (LGBT) people for which the Obama administration seeks to:

• Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
• Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act
• Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
• Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Apparently, President Obama does not see marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman since he clearly opposed efforts to define it as such.

In Massachusetts where same sex marriages are legal, the effect of this law extends down to kindergartners who are forced to learn about homosexuality.  Is this what to expect, if Obama is successful?

Now, let me see if I've got this right, the Obama administration wants to manage our enemies with a foreign policy that's more consistent with "traditional American values" while, here at home,  redefine or prevent the safeguard of a major traditional value; marriage.

Pitiful.

President Obama orders first military action in Pakistan

President Obama ordered his first military action in Pakistan that, apparently, has resulted in civilian deaths, according to authorities there, who urged him to stop.

Where is the outcry? 

"Barack Obama gave the go-ahead for his first military action yesterday, missile strikes against suspected militants in Pakistan which killed at least 18 people.

...The US marine corp commander said yesterday that his 22,000 troops should be redeployed from Iraq to Afghanistan. Gen James Conway said "the time is right" to leave Iraq now the war had become largely nation-building rather than the pitched fighting in which the corps excelled (thank you President Bush for this result); he wanted the marines in Afghanistan, especially in the south where insurgents, and the Taliban and al-Qaida, benefit from both a nearby safe haven in Pakistan and a booming trade in narcotics.

...The US missiles were fired by unmanned Predator drones, which hang in the sky gathering intelligence through surveillance and, when commanded and directed by remote control, to launch attacks.

Guardian

Inauguration UFO?

This particular clip has some amazing overhead shots of the Washington Mall on inauguration day. The video clip of the "UFO" is analyzed in several different way. 

You decide:

Obama's special envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell

Former Democratic Senator George Mitchell will likely be on his way to the Middle East next week to work on the peace process between Israel and Palestine:

"President Barack Obama plans to dispatch his Middle East envoy to the region next week, in a quick start to the new administration's efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking and shore up a shaky Gaza truce.

Obama has taken the Middle East by surprise with the speed of his diplomatic activism.

Western, Arab and Israeli diplomats said his envoy, former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, was expected to make stops in Egypt, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Jordan, but they ruled out direct contacts with Hamas Islamists who rule the Gaza Strip.

The trip is expected to last roughly a week and will likely include a stop in Saudi Arabia but not Syria, one diplomat said..."

Washington Post

Tahiti paradise

 

Dock and Palm Trees, Tahiti

Photograph by Jodi Cobb

Islam around the world

"This story started in the Middle East when the Arabs, united by the prophet Muhammad, and inspired by a new religion Islam, set out to conquer the world..."

...and compares it to today:

Below is a video with the same name:

President Obama reverses policy on U.S. abortion aid

Showing the opposite of being the role model for those who can't look out for themselves, with some partisan jabs thrown-in for good measure, President Obama reversed policy on federal aid to agencies who provide abortions overseas:

"President Obama repealed rules on Friday that restricted federal money for international organizations that promote or provide abortions overseas, sweeping aside a pillar of the social policy architecture of George W. Bush’s presidency.

...“For the past eight years, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries,”Mr. Obama said of the restrictions. “For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development...”

So, by reducing an unborn baby, with a very real beating heart, to an object that can be easily discarded with financial aid from the United States, Obama claimed he has helped the world?

OK.

New York Times

Combative jihad - can it mean fighting towards Islamic supremacy?

It is possible to conclude combative jihad in Islam does not stop just with self-defense or fighting oppression but also has a purpose to promote the supremacy of Islam over all other religions?

 

Review some of the reasons why this may be so:

 

Verse 6.165, 9.033, 048.028, 61.009 in the Quran have been translated by at least five Arabic experts into English to say that Islam is to prevail or is to be superior over all other religions.

Below are some examples where fighting for Allah in the Quran and Hadiths is called for in order to make Islam superior:

And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass. Qur'an 3:157

I asked the Prophet, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause." (Sahih Bukhari, 3:46:694, Sahih Muslim, 1:149)

-- whoever cheerfully accepts Allah as his Lord, Islam as his religion and Muhammad as his Apostle is necessarily entitled to enter Paradise. -- a man in Paradise to a grade one hundred (higher), -- What is that act? He replied: Jihad in the way of Allah! Jihad in the way of Allah! (Sahih Muslim, 20:4645)

Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah ..." (Sahih Bukhari, 1:2:24 [see also 4:52:196])

...I have been commanded to fight against people, till they testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah... (Sahih Muslim, 1:31 [see also 1:130, 1:32, 1:33])

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: I am commanded to fight with men till they testify that there is no god but Allah... (Sunan Abu Dawud, 14:2635)

..."He who fights that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights in Allah's Cause." (Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:65 [see also 9:93:550 and Sahih Muslim, 20:4684, 20:4685, 20:4686, 20:4687])

The rewards of fighting for the sake of Allah:

The Prophet said, "A single endeavor (of fighting) in Allah's Cause-- is better than the world --" (Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:50 [see also 4:52:51, 4:52:52, and Sahih Muslim, 20:4643])

Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause -- He will admit him into Paradise (if martyred)..." (Sahih Bukhari, 4:53:352 [see also 9:93:549, 9:93:555, and 1:2:35 which adds: "...and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause."])

...Allah has undertaken to provide for one who leaves his home (only) to fight for His cause -- Allah will either admit him to Paradise or will bring him back home from where he had come out, with his reward and booty. (Sahih Muslim, 20:4628)

Allah's Apostle said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords." (Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:73 [see also 4:52:210, and Sahih Muslim, 20:4681])

... where shall I be if I am killed? He replied: In Paradise. The man threw away the dates he had in his hand and fought until he was killed... (Sahih Muslim, 20:4678)

...We asked 'Abdullah about the Qur'anic verse: "Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they are alive, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord" (Qur'an 3:169). He said: We asked the meaning of the verse (from the Holy Prophet) who said: The souls of the martyrs live in the bodies of green birds who have their nests in chandeliers hung from the throne of the Almighty. They eat the fruits of Paradise from wherever they like and then nestle in these chandeliers. (Sahih Muslim, 20:4651)

...The Prophet said, "Embrace Islam first and then fight." So he embraced Islam, and was martyred. Allah's Apostle said, A Little work, but a great reward. "(He did very little (after embracing Islam), but he will be rewarded in abundance)." Sahih Bukhari 4:52:63

More at Sahih Bukhari 4:53:386, Sahih Muslim 20:4645, Sahih Muslim 20:4651

The Prophet Muhammad was heard saying: "The smallest reward for the people of Paradise is an abode where there are 80,000 servants and 72 wives..." (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 4:21:2687) 

This is from one of the six major Sunni Hadith collections by At-Tirmidhi

Abu Umama narrated: "The Messenger of God said, 'Everyone that God admits into paradise will be married to 72 wives; two of them are houris and seventy of his inheritance of the [female] dwellers of hell...'  Sunan Ibn Maja, Zuhd (Book of Abstinence) 39

Extent of Jihad:

..."May Allah fight the Jews and the Christians. They took the graves of their Prophets as places of prostration. Two [religions] shall not co-exist in the land of the Arabs." (Malik's Muwatta, 45:5:17)

...I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslim. (Sahih Muslim, 19:4366)

Martyrdom:

The Quran declares that "those who are slain in Allah's way" are not dead, but alive (3:169),

The Prophet said, "Nobody who dies and finds good from Allah (in the Hereafter) would wish to come back to this world -- on seeing the superiority of martyrdom...(Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:53)

...By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah's Cause and then get resurrected and then get martyred, and then get resurrected again and then get martyred and then get resurrected again and then get martyred. (Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:54)

The Prophet said, "Nobody who enters Paradise likes to go back to the world even if he got everything on the earth, except a Mujahid who wishes to return to the world so that he may be martyred ten times because of the dignity he receives (from Allah)."-- "Is it not true that our men who are killed will go to Paradise and their's (i.e. those of the Pagans) will go to the (Hell) fire?" The Prophet said, "Yes." (Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:72 [see also Sahih Muslim, 20:4635)

Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: If anyone fights in Allah's path as long as the time between two milkings of a she-camel, Paradise will be assured for him. If anyone sincerely asks Allah for being killed and then dies or is killed, there will be a reward of a martyr for him. (Sunan Abu Dawud, 14:2535)

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say:... "By the Being in Whose Hand is my life, I love that I should be killed in the way of Allah; then I should be brought back to life and be killed again in His way." (Sahih Muslim, 20:4631 [see also 20:4626])

Different Quranic passages describing Islamic heaven, complete with beautiful virgins (Suras 44:51-56; 52:17-29; 55:46-78), with those describing the immediate reward of heaven for jihadist martyrs (Suras 61:10-12; 4:74; 9:111).

-----

Also see:

Translation of the Quran

Translation of Sahih Bukhari

Translation of Sahih Muslim

Partial Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud

Translation of Malik's Muwatta

Sunan At-Tirmidhi

Sunan Ibn Maja

Hadith and the Prophet Muhammad University of Georgia

The Third Jihad - Radical Islam’s Vision for America The Hidden War

Australian Imam Abu Hamza: spread word of Islam to save Australians

From Imam Abu Hamza:

"Outspoken Islamic cleric Abu Hamza has branded Australians as boozers who are hooked on gambling and prostitution.

In another sermon broadcast over the Internet, the Melbourne cleric urged followers to spread the word of Islam to save Australians, the Herald Sun reports.

"...They don't know what life is all about, that's why they are on the booze, why they are binge drinking ... why unfortunately suicide has skyrocketed, murder, anxiety and depression."

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd yesterday demanded the cleric apologize after the another Web sermon telling Muslim men they could hit their wives and demand sex."

Fox News

Colorado's governor has no problem housing Islamic terrorists in his state

Isn't it only fitting that three of the four states, which carried Obama in the presidential election, are in the running for housing the dangerous Islamic terrorists from Guantanamo Bay?  The only state in consideration that didn't go for Obama is Kansas.

Personally, I think left-leaning, mostly progressive, California would be the absolute best choice, don't you?

"The Obama administration is considering whether to transfer terrorism suspects from the prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba to the civilian Supermax prison in southern Colorado.

Supermax, in Florence about 90 miles south of Denver, is one of four prisons being looked at. The others are military prisons in Kansas, California and South Carolina.

Gov. Bill Ritter's (D) spokesman says the governor doesn't oppose the idea but hasn't been contacted by federal officials about it.

The spokesman, Evan Dreyer, said Friday a military prison is a more likely choice than Supermax."

News Channel 13

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Also see:

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee now #2 leader of Al Qaeda in Yemen

President signs executive orders to close Guantanamo Bay and ban torture

"To the Guy Who Mugged Me Downtown"

From Craigslist.

Is this for real?   Well, probably not - but it made me roll on the floor:

"I was the guy with the black Burrberry jacket that you demanded I handed over shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I hope you somehow come across this message. I'd like to apologize.

I didn't expect you to crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. Truth is, I was wearing the jacket for a reason that evening, and it wasn't that cold outside. You see, my girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber 1911 .45 ACP pistol for Christmas, and we had just picked up a shoulder holster for it that evening. Beautiful pistol, eh? It's a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head, isn't it?

I know it probably wasn't a great deal of fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge flopping about in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse, since you also ended up leaving your shoes, cellphone, and wallet with me. I couldn't have you calling up any of your buddies to come help you try to mug us again. I took the liberty of calling your mother, or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, and explaining to her your situation. I also bought myself some gas on your card. I gave your shoes to one of the homeless guys over by Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all of the cash in your wallet, then I threw your wallet in a dumpster.

I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell. They'll be on your bill in case you'd like to know which ones. Alltel recently shut down the line, and I've only had the phone for a little over a day now, so I don't know what's going on with that. I hope they haven't permanently cut off your service. I was about to make some threatening phone calls to the DA's office with it. Oh well.

So, about your pants; I know that I was a little rough on you when you did this whole attempted mugging thing, so I'd like to make it up to you. I'm sure you've already washed your pants, so I'd like to help you out. I'd like to reimburse you for the detergent you used on the pants. What brand did you use, and was it liquid or powder? I'd also like to apologize for not killing you and instead making you walk back home humiliated. I'm hoping that you'll reconsider your choice of path in life. Next time you might not be so lucky. If you read this message, email me and we'll do lunch and laundry. Peace!"

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee now #2 leader of Al Qaeda in Yemen

Considering many of the hard-core terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay will likely be sent to the U.S. - where some could eventually gain freedom, it is very disturbing to read the following:

"...The Defense Department recently estimated that more than 60 terrorists released from Guantanamo may have returned to the battlefield.

According to the counterterrorism official, freed detainee Ali al-Shiri traveled to Yemen after being released to Saudi Arabia and may have been involved in recent al Qaeda attacks in Yemen, including a car bombing outside the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa last year that killed nearly a dozen people.

"He is one of a handful of al Qaeda deputies in Yemen," the official said. "He is one of the top terrorists."

His title is deputy and senior operations commander, the source said..."

CNN

A few bumps for White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, yesterday

Robert Gibbs, President's Obama's press secretary had a few run-ins with reporters on his first press briefing yesterday:

"White House press secretary Robert Gibbs clashed with reporters Thursday over anonymous sources and access to President Obama, just one day after Obama pledged "a new era of openness" in government.

At his first White House briefing before a crowd of reporters and camera crews, Gibbs deflected questions about why two senior officials who had earlier briefed the news media about Obama's Guantanamo Bay prison order would not allow their names to be used.

Gibbs also took heat for excluding TV cameras, photographers and a radio reporter from Obama's Wednesday night oath of office do-over with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts"

USA Today

Video

Saudi prince threatens jihad possible if President Obama doesn't change Israel policies

Using rheteric not before heard by the Saudi's,  probably because the Saudis believe Obama is more sympathetic towards the Palestininans (what foreign president did he call first?) Prince Turki al-Faisal threathened the new president:

"Unless the new U.S. administration takes forceful steps to prevent any further suffering and slaughter of Palestinians, the peace process, the U.S.-Saudi relationship and the stability of the region are at risk," said Turki, a former Saudi intelligence chief and former ambassador to the United States and Britain.

If the U.S. wants to continue playing a leadership role in the Middle East and keep its strategic alliances intact -- especially its 'special relationship' with Saudi Arabia -- it will have to drastically revise its policies vis-a-vis Israel and Palestine," Turki wrote. He said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had written to Saudi King Abdullah last week urging Saudi Arabia to lead a "jihad," or holy war, against Israel.

This call for jihad would, if pursued, create "unprecedented chaos and bloodshed" in the region, said Turki.

"So far, the kingdom has resisted these calls, but every day this restraint becomes more difficult to maintain," he said.

Turki urged Obama to condemn what he called "Israel's atrocities" against the Palestinians..."

Reuters

----

See also:

President Obama's first call 'was to President Abbas'

Obama urges Israel to open Gaza borders

Ali Abunimah, co-founder of Electronic Intifada, talks about pro-Palestinian Barack Obama

Video of Barack Obama toasting PLO operative, Rashid Khalidi, being withheld by LA Times

Percy Sutton, Islamist Khalid Al-Mansour and Barack Obama revisited (support of Obama by Saudi Arabia?)

 

President signs executive orders to close Guantanamo Bay and ban torture

President Barack Obama signs executive orders to ban torture and close Guantanamo Bay.  He also set up a task force to find new homes for the terrorist detainees. 

Reversing former President Bush’s policy of “fight them over there,"  Obama's new policy will bring them over here! 

On torture, Obama orders that the Army Field Manual be followed.

Our enemies are jumping for joy!

"The man tapped to oversee US intelligence told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday that there would be no torture and no warrantless wiretapping on his watch.

"It is a rallying cry for terrorist recruitment and harmful to our national security, so closing it is important for our national security," Retired Adm Dennis Blair said.

----

See also:

The Guantanamo Docket

Hopenchange at the CIA

 U.S. intelligence agencies should seek ways of working with Islamic leaders and countries such as Iran on issues of mutual interest, President Barack Obama’s choice for spy chief said on Thursday.

Some military bases in the U.S. being considered for terrorist detainees

Former Gitmo Detainee Named As Al Qaeda Leader

"...Ali al-Shihri was released in November 2007, and as a former jihadist was sent through a rehabilitation program located in Saudi Arabia. It is thought that he traveled to Yemen from there, and joined Al Qaeda, quickly taking control of the sect within the area.

Now being called Abu Sayyaf al Shihiri, after adopting the common alias used by Al Qaeda terrorists, it was released by the militant group over the Internet earlier this week, and confirmed by the Dapartment of Defense..."

Rabbi chastized for entering a Christian church for National Prayer Service

What can you say?

"A Manhattan rabbi was chastised by higher-ups for an unorthodox move - participating in an interfaith prayer service at the National Cathedral with President Obama on Wednesday.

The Rabbinical Council of America took Rabbi Haskel Lookstein to task, issuing a press release saying he broke the rules by entering a Christian church.

Lookstein, who leads Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on the upper East Side, said he had no regrets about reciting a nondenominational prayer there..."

Daily News 

UN official wants President Bush tried on torture charges

An UN official wants President George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld presecuted on torture charges:

"Manfred Nowak, the UN's special rapporteur on torture, called on the US authorities to pursue the former president and his former defence secretary for the treatment of prisoners held at the Guantanamo Bay camp in Cuba.

"Judicially speaking, the United States has a clear obligation," he told German television.

He said that the US had ratified the UN convention on torture which requires "all means, particularly penal law" to be used to bring proceedings against those violating it.

"We have all these documents that are now publicly available that prove that these methods of interrogation were intentionally ordered by Rumsfeld," Mr Nowak claimed..."

"But obviously the highest authorities in the United States were aware of this."

Telegraph

Post racial America?

Rappers Jay-Z and Young Jeezy slams Bush in a racist Inaugural Rant Monday night.

Have we heard anything from President Obama on this hateful song?   Why no...

Then, watch this clip about stimulus money being discussed that disriminates against white men:

"...I have nothing against white male construction workers. I’m just saying that there are a lot of other people who have needs as well. … Criteria can be set so that the money does go to others, the long term unemployed minorities, women, people who are not necessarily construction workers or high-skilled professionals.

See also:

Leonardo DiCaprio Joins Beyonce, Jay-Z, and More at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball

Australian Imam: OK to hit your wife

Australian Imam Samir Abu Hamza says husband can hit wife and force her to have sex:

It's OK to hit your wife, says Melbourne Islamic cleric Samir Abu Hamza

Quran 4:34:

Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

Some military bases in the U.S. being considered for terrorist detainees

ABC News reports there is a secret list containing names of possible military bases where terrorist detainees may be housed in the U.S. after Guantanamo Bay is closed:

"...The list -- which includes Camp Pendleton in California, Fort Leavenworth in Kansas; the Marine Air Station in Miramar, California; and the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig in South Carolina -- has been circulated in a classified brief to members of Congress and was prepared by the Pentagon's Joint Staff.

...Camp Pendleton was determined to be the least expensive option and officials say its vast 125,000 acre size would allow for a new prison to be built in an isolated and secure area.

Three San Diego county Congressmen have already voiced opposition to sending the terror detainees to Camp Pendleton..."

Scary

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Update 1/22/09:  President signs executive orders to close Guantanamo Bay and ban torture

Vatican YouTube channel coming

It's encouraging to see the Vatican reach out further to Catholics:

"Video footage and audio of addresses by Pope Benedict XVI, as well as news about the Holy See, will be posted directly onto the video sharing website.

The material, aimed at everyone from devout Catholics to the curious browser, will be supplied by Vatican Radio and the Vatican's television centre in collaboration with Google, which owns YouTube.

It is the Vatican's biggest plunge into new media, although it is not the first time that the city state has embraced the web in order to spread the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Since 1995 it has had a website, www.vatican.va, which publishes the pontiff's pronouncements and teachings.

The Telegraph

President Obama issues executive ethic rules

All I can say is YES!   This was a good move.

VP Biden was confused when asked to give the oath to the executive branch and then made a snide reference to Chief Justice Roberts, who messed up the oath yesterday.  You could tell President Obama was not pleased.

Reuters

Hope to post video soon.

Two floors at the Wall Street Journal evacuated

A number of envelopes containing a white powdery substance were delivered to the Wall Street Journal.

Suspicious envelopes sent to Wall Street Journal:  "At least 12 envelopes containing an unknown white and powdery substance have been sent to senior executives at The Wall Street Journal, and two floors of the newspaper's New York headquarters are being evacuated, Dow Jones employees said.

New York City police and hazardous-materials investigators are looking into the situation, a spokesman for the newspaper said.

 

Some of the envelopes are being isolated in the mailroom of the Journal's offices in Lower Manhattan, while others already have been distributed to other parts of the building, the spokesman added.

 

Employees on the 9th and 11th floors of the paper's headquarters have been evacuated."

 

The powder-laced mailing received Wednesday at the Harvard Law School office of Alan Dershowitz.

Provided by Alan Dershowitz to the Wall Street Journal

Update 1/22/09:

 

Initial Tests Show Powder at Wall Street Journal Wasn't Hazardous

But the Federal Bureau of Investigation plans to examine the mailings, which it suspects may be linked to a powder mailing sent to Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz on Wednesday that bore the same postmark, of Knoxville, Tenn., a person familiar with the probe said. Mr. Dershowitz received a greeting card that said THANKS in jagged yellow capital letters. A spokesman for Harvard Law School said early testing indicated the powder in the envelope was harmless.

-----

 

See also

 

Five WSJ staffers released from quarantine

 

Suspicious Letters Have Knoxville Postmark

 

Card containing powder sent to Dershowitz office

 

Powder mailed to Wall Street Journal, Harvard Law

Breaking: Obama signs draft orders to close Guantanamo Bay

Just breaking now.  His draft order seeks to close the prison within a year. 

More to come...

The youth wing of Hamas calls for Spain to be returned to the Muslims

In an artlcle published on Spain's Minuto Digital, it is being reported that the youth wing of Hamas proclaimed on their website:  'Hamas' calls for a return to the hands of Muslim Spain"

Using google translate:

"The youth wing of Hamas claimed that "Al-Andalus," called 'Paradise Lost', be in the hands of Muslims, again. They published this on its website, the contents of which are focused on the "martyrdom", ie suicide bombings and the 'resistance'. The text has not gone unnoticed by the intelligence services of Spain."

...Hamas has a youth section called "Al Fateh -" El Conquistador "- a body which has led to the expression" young builders of the future. " Well, this publication, in its issue of last December 15, includes a letter on 'Al Andalus', Losing Spain (Al Andulus) was historical turning point from which there is the decline of the Islamic world and the beginning of an "intolerable humiliation by the West toward Islam."

As I said before the War on Terror is really a war against Islamic supremacy.

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See also

Al-Andulus Wikipedia

Islam and Islamic History in Arabia
and The Middle East