It is a busy day, but OS wishes to note progress, however incremental in the process of raising LittleBarry and getting him to put on his big-boy pants.
When Netanyahu visited the first time, in 2009, TheWinnerOfTheNobelPeacePrize wouldn't have lunch with the man, and sent him and his party out the back door of the White House, where the refuse dumpsters reside.
This time, since there is an election coming up, and everything Bebe has said about the Iranians has proven to be true, Himself has changed his public tune a bit, even allowing public photo with a handshake.
We should not, however, even consider this a change of heart, or an acknowledgment of the realities of the situation in that part of the world. That would require a President who is not an anti-Semite, and has a semblance of good judgment.
That guy is either Romney or Gingrich, at this point, and still almost a year away from the next inauguration.
Fassen' yer seat belts, ya'll. This flight could git all choppy on us.
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Daniel Eisenbud On Why Israel Survives As The World Around Burns
OS has always marveled at the Israelis. He's never been there, but has encountered a few along the way, survivors or children of survivors of the worst the twentieth century could conjure up against them, and yet here they are. They create artists like Perlman, orchestras like Israel Philharmonic, they develop the technology that make cell phones possible, they make the desert bloom, they have a free press, and democratic elections, and it all looks chaotic. Yet compared to Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Libya--need we continue?
On the way to somewhere else entirely, OS ran across this essay by Daniel Eisenbud at the Jerusalem Post. It's an unusual piece, actually, detailing the difference between those Israelis who will not give in to the hatred that assails them, and those who do. And, in thinking about it, OS has met a few of both Eisenbud describes.
While Israelis – the vast majority of whom have served in the military – are acutely aware of the murderous hatred that tries to permeate our borders day after day, second after second, they also know from experience that giving in to the hate is a fool’s errand.
CONVERSELY, THE most jarring hatred I have encountered since moving to this country a year and half ago – apart, of course, from that of terrorists – may also surprise you.
On the way to somewhere else entirely, OS ran across this essay by Daniel Eisenbud at the Jerusalem Post. It's an unusual piece, actually, detailing the difference between those Israelis who will not give in to the hatred that assails them, and those who do. And, in thinking about it, OS has met a few of both Eisenbud describes.
While Israelis – the vast majority of whom have served in the military – are acutely aware of the murderous hatred that tries to permeate our borders day after day, second after second, they also know from experience that giving in to the hate is a fool’s errand.
Indeed, I have found that the common denominator among Sabras is their majestic ability to rise above the odium that surrounds them and attempts to consume them.
It’s beautiful, and humbling, to behold.
CONVERSELY, THE most jarring hatred I have encountered since moving to this country a year and half ago – apart, of course, from that of terrorists – may also surprise you.
It comes from the nefarious breed of Jewish immigrant who comes already filled with rage, and the mistaken belief that Israel is somehow an acceptable venue for their hate because of the copious amounts surrounding it.
To which OS must regretfully add--yes, you do have that correct as well. OS knows a family like that, preparing to move to Israel. The mother of the family quite seriously believes, for instance, that it would be a good thing for every Iranian to be wiped from the face of the earth.
Seriously. Not making this up. It would not surprise the reader to hear that this family is seriously non-functional, would it? Rather like the Arab societies that surround Israel, consumed by their own rage at Israel, history, one another, themselves. Eisenbud is urging them to stay home, because Israel already has enough problems without them.
OS will stop now, because Eisenbud knows how to write, and you should read what he has to say.
In these perilous days, he offers wisdom.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Yet Another Alarming, Completely Misleading Headline: Iran To Stop Selling Oil To The UK And France
Well, for openers, most of Western Europe has been shopping for oil elsewhere for quite a while now.
That's in the body of the story, which actually tells us that Iran is being squeezed from all sides. They can't refine their own oil, because they've been so intent building nuclear reactors and processors they've never gotten around to building something rather more simple. Like oil refineries.
These clowns export crude, and import every drop of gasoline they burn. Sheer genius, is it not?
What's not mentioned in the article is this simple fact: The oil is pumped out of the ground, and pumped onto tankers, who then carry it to the purchaser at any number of destination ports. In the meantime, there is a worldwide, daily, liquid, fluid market in crude oil. That tanker of oil may change hands a dozen times between the port in Iran and the destination port. Sometimes, if there's a glut, the tanker sits anchored at sea until such time as someone decides to buy the contents. In short, once it's on the boat, the Iranians have no say in where it ends up. They ship oil at a contracted price, and get paid for it by the initial purchaser, who then sells it on to the next party, who then sells it on...
Meanwhile, we have a substantial part of the most lethal naval fleet in the history of mankind posted up in the Straits of Hormuz, keeping guard over this craziness. We haven't built a refinery in the US in over three decades, because the same Federal government that sends aircraft carrier groups to the Straits of Hormuz to 'safeguard the oil supply' won't allow anyone to build a refinery on US soil, and routinely discourages anyone from tapping into the sea of oil, gas, and coal that lies underneath the surface of this country.
Someone, somewhere, please listen up: This is madness--it's going to impoverish most of us, and get a lot of people killed to boot.
OS has a friend whose son has just graduated from US Army Airborne training. It's a proud moment for that family. OS holds his breath, wondering what sorts of perils the boy will face because the leadership of this country is so completely incompetent.
That's in the body of the story, which actually tells us that Iran is being squeezed from all sides. They can't refine their own oil, because they've been so intent building nuclear reactors and processors they've never gotten around to building something rather more simple. Like oil refineries.
These clowns export crude, and import every drop of gasoline they burn. Sheer genius, is it not?
What's not mentioned in the article is this simple fact: The oil is pumped out of the ground, and pumped onto tankers, who then carry it to the purchaser at any number of destination ports. In the meantime, there is a worldwide, daily, liquid, fluid market in crude oil. That tanker of oil may change hands a dozen times between the port in Iran and the destination port. Sometimes, if there's a glut, the tanker sits anchored at sea until such time as someone decides to buy the contents. In short, once it's on the boat, the Iranians have no say in where it ends up. They ship oil at a contracted price, and get paid for it by the initial purchaser, who then sells it on to the next party, who then sells it on...
Meanwhile, we have a substantial part of the most lethal naval fleet in the history of mankind posted up in the Straits of Hormuz, keeping guard over this craziness. We haven't built a refinery in the US in over three decades, because the same Federal government that sends aircraft carrier groups to the Straits of Hormuz to 'safeguard the oil supply' won't allow anyone to build a refinery on US soil, and routinely discourages anyone from tapping into the sea of oil, gas, and coal that lies underneath the surface of this country.
Someone, somewhere, please listen up: This is madness--it's going to impoverish most of us, and get a lot of people killed to boot.
OS has a friend whose son has just graduated from US Army Airborne training. It's a proud moment for that family. OS holds his breath, wondering what sorts of perils the boy will face because the leadership of this country is so completely incompetent.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Planet Gore Asks Mr. Obama re Keystone Pipeline: Which Side Are You On?
Well, at the least, it's not just OS asking why Obama seems to be siding with those who wish to see the West destroyed.
November cannot come quickly enough.
At a time when the need for action to deal with the threat of the Iranian nuclear bomb program demands that the government do everything in its power to assure supplies of liquid fuel from non-mideast sources, the Obama administration is doing the exact opposite.
Instead of seeking to create energy security, it is maximizing our energy vulnerability.
Instead of seeking to reduce oil prices, it is acting to increase them.
Instead of seeking to expand our economy, it is acting to contract it.
Instead of seeking to stop the Iranian nuclear bomb program, it is acting to protect it and help fund it.
Instead of seeking to strengthen America and weaken our enemies, it is acting to weaken America and strengthen our enemies.
The question that needs to be put to the Obama administration is this: Which side are you on?
November cannot come quickly enough.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Complete Incompetence Department: 'Could We Pretty-Please Have Our Drone Back?'
Horrifying? Yes.
Surprising? Not at all.
From ABC News, who no longer even attempts to pretend TheOne has a shred of credibility:
Perhaps it really doesn't matter to Himself that the worst people on the planet now possess one of our most sophisticated pieces of military technology, delivered to their doorstep.
Maybe he's decided that they're on the winning side in this generation, and has decided to just go with the flow of history.
Maybe he really does sympathize with the Islamists, and although not intending to turn this over to them, saw an opportunity to help his brethren in the situation?
How to explain this inexplicable behavior?
Why does Hilary Clinton remain at State one more day? Her resignation would blow the Obama Administration sky-high. Same for Leon Panetta at Defense. Why does he remain, since this occurred on his watch, and his Commander-in-Chief just sold every person in uniform down the river?
Nothing explains this incident.
Ronnie and Margaret, we miss you.
Surprising? Not at all.
From ABC News, who no longer even attempts to pretend TheOne has a shred of credibility:
The Obama administration has delivered a formal request to Iran for the return of a U.S. surveillance drone captured by Iranian armed forces, but said it is not hopeful that Iran will comply.
President Barack Obama said Monday that the U.S. wants the top-secret aircraft back. "We have asked for it back. We'll see how the Iranians respond," Obama said during a White House news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday.
In an interview broadcast live Monday night on Venezuelan state television, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said nothing to suggest his country would grant the U.S. request.
"The Americans have perhaps decided to give us this spy plane," Ahmadinejad said. "We now have control of this plane."
Speaking through an interpreter, Ahmadinejad said: "There are people here who have been able to control this spy plane, who can surely analyze this plane's system also. ... In any case, now we have this spy plane."
He added, "Very soon, they're going to learn more about the abilities and possibilities of our country."At this point, mounting a raid to retrieve it, or attempting to destroy it would be futile, as it has certainly been disassembled, and is now being gone over piece-by-piece by the Chinese.
Perhaps it really doesn't matter to Himself that the worst people on the planet now possess one of our most sophisticated pieces of military technology, delivered to their doorstep.
Maybe he's decided that they're on the winning side in this generation, and has decided to just go with the flow of history.
Maybe he really does sympathize with the Islamists, and although not intending to turn this over to them, saw an opportunity to help his brethren in the situation?
How to explain this inexplicable behavior?
Why does Hilary Clinton remain at State one more day? Her resignation would blow the Obama Administration sky-high. Same for Leon Panetta at Defense. Why does he remain, since this occurred on his watch, and his Commander-in-Chief just sold every person in uniform down the river?
Nothing explains this incident.
Ronnie and Margaret, we miss you.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Pastor Nadarkhani: Faithful To Christ, A Threat To The Mullahs, Sentenced To Death
OS hardly knows what to say, except that the Iranian diplomatic mission is located at:
2209 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest,
Washington, DC
(202) 965-4991
Apparently, the Iranians intend to hang Pastor Nadarkhani for the crime of being Christian.
And, for good measure now, they've decided he's a Zionist and a rapist, or is that a rapist Zionist? No matter, any lie will do as we hustle him to the gallows.
As Cranmer reminds us:
We were evidently even unwise to believe the written judgements of Iran's Supreme Court, which stated:
OS is tempted to say at this point--the next time some 'Islamist Rights' group, such as CAIR, beats their chest about how shabbily they are treated in the West, let us inquire of them what they did, in public, loudly and unequivocally, to protest this crime by an Islamic government. We'll be waiting as the crickets chip in response.
But, above and beyond that, this is a contemporary example of the horrors that descend when the preachers and the politicians decide to get joined at the hip, so that everyone ends up unsure about where the ecclesia and the state begin and end. Both religion and politics attract a fair number of narcissists, lazy about work, hungry for power, and bereft of conscience. It's a recipe for disaster, in many forms, across the ages, when they link up. The recent examples of Hitler, Mao, the Perons, the Japanese cultists who led that nation over the cliff in the 1920's to '40's--on and on it goes--should give pause. It's being played out in Iran now, with a nuclear program underway to boot.
There are no secular messiahs.
The state or nation, when worshipped, ends up eating its faithful.
Encounter any preacher or politician who tries to convince you otherwise? Run screaming away from them as fast as your little legs will take you. These people end up bathing their worlds in blood. Like Iran is now doing.
So, in the meantime, OS, a devout Christian, urges one and all to call that phone number listed above.
And to think for themselves.
Washington Post coverage here.
2209 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest,
Washington, DC
(202) 965-4991
Apparently, the Iranians intend to hang Pastor Nadarkhani for the crime of being Christian.
And, for good measure now, they've decided he's a Zionist and a rapist, or is that a rapist Zionist? No matter, any lie will do as we hustle him to the gallows.
As Cranmer reminds us:
We were evidently even unwise to believe the written judgements of Iran's Supreme Court, which stated:
He has frequently denied the prophethood of the great prophet of Islam and the rule of the sacred religion of Islam. And he has proven his apostasy by organizing evangelistic meetings and inviting others to Christianity, establishing a house church, baptizing people, expressing his faith to others and, denying Islamic values.
OS is tempted to say at this point--the next time some 'Islamist Rights' group, such as CAIR, beats their chest about how shabbily they are treated in the West, let us inquire of them what they did, in public, loudly and unequivocally, to protest this crime by an Islamic government. We'll be waiting as the crickets chip in response.
But, above and beyond that, this is a contemporary example of the horrors that descend when the preachers and the politicians decide to get joined at the hip, so that everyone ends up unsure about where the ecclesia and the state begin and end. Both religion and politics attract a fair number of narcissists, lazy about work, hungry for power, and bereft of conscience. It's a recipe for disaster, in many forms, across the ages, when they link up. The recent examples of Hitler, Mao, the Perons, the Japanese cultists who led that nation over the cliff in the 1920's to '40's--on and on it goes--should give pause. It's being played out in Iran now, with a nuclear program underway to boot.
There are no secular messiahs.
The state or nation, when worshipped, ends up eating its faithful.
Encounter any preacher or politician who tries to convince you otherwise? Run screaming away from them as fast as your little legs will take you. These people end up bathing their worlds in blood. Like Iran is now doing.
So, in the meantime, OS, a devout Christian, urges one and all to call that phone number listed above.
And to think for themselves.
Washington Post coverage here.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Meanwhile, Back In Tehran...
...and the popular uprising Obama wishes would Just. Go. DaBlank. Away.
('Cuz he's got no skin in that game!)
March 3, 2011 RoozOnline – Fakhrosadat Mohtashamipour, a member of the the Participation Front and wife of Mostafa Tajzadeh [incarcerated adviser to opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi] was arrested during the March 1st, 2011 demonstrations and is now currently behind bars at the IRGC Ward 2A at Evin prison. Her family has been informed that she will remain incommunicado while under interrogation.
Mohtashamipour’s arrest took place as a result of increased pressures leading from letters she published over the past 20 months, protesting the unjust incarceration of her husband Mostafa Tajzadeh. Recent reports indicate that although Tajzadeh’s health has deteriorated and he is still being held at the Quarantine Ward. Based on their last visitation with him, his family has become gravely concerned for his well-being.
('Cuz he's got no skin in that game!)
March 3, 2011 RoozOnline – Fakhrosadat Mohtashamipour, a member of the the Participation Front and wife of Mostafa Tajzadeh [incarcerated adviser to opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi] was arrested during the March 1st, 2011 demonstrations and is now currently behind bars at the IRGC Ward 2A at Evin prison. Her family has been informed that she will remain incommunicado while under interrogation.
Mohtashamipour’s arrest took place as a result of increased pressures leading from letters she published over the past 20 months, protesting the unjust incarceration of her husband Mostafa Tajzadeh. Recent reports indicate that although Tajzadeh’s health has deteriorated and he is still being held at the Quarantine Ward. Based on their last visitation with him, his family has become gravely concerned for his well-being.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Eastern Europe, Hung Out To Dry By Obama And Miz Hilary
Surf, and ye shall find.
The most recent round of WikiLeaks will provide reading material for months to come.
The venality and incompetence already revealed take one's breath away.
This tidbit from Poland:
President Obama cancelled anti-missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic to get Russia support for UN sanctions against Iran, documents made public by Wikileaks reveal.
The whistle blowing web site, publishing diplomatic cables and other documents via The New York Times, the Guardian (UK) and other media outlets, show that George Bush’s anti-missile shield plan to station 10 interceptor rockets in Poland not far from the Kaliningrad (Russia) border and a radar system in the Czech Republic was seen as an obstacle by Washington in getting tougher sanctions against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The diplomatic cables show that the US believes that Iran has already received missiles from North Korea which could threaten western Europe.
The released documents show that Russia had intensified its campaign against the anti-missile shield in 2009, with Moscow believing the system would be directed at Poland’s immediate east and not Iran.
In September, President Obama cancelled the anti-missile system.
Well, that worked out well, now didn't it?
Give up a defensive shield against weapons one knows are in place, in exchange for the promise of cooperation from that most trustworthy of regimes, the Russian government of Putin.
What could possibly go wrong?
HT Midwest Conservative Journal
The most recent round of WikiLeaks will provide reading material for months to come.
The venality and incompetence already revealed take one's breath away.
This tidbit from Poland:
President Obama cancelled anti-missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic to get Russia support for UN sanctions against Iran, documents made public by Wikileaks reveal.
The whistle blowing web site, publishing diplomatic cables and other documents via The New York Times, the Guardian (UK) and other media outlets, show that George Bush’s anti-missile shield plan to station 10 interceptor rockets in Poland not far from the Kaliningrad (Russia) border and a radar system in the Czech Republic was seen as an obstacle by Washington in getting tougher sanctions against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The diplomatic cables show that the US believes that Iran has already received missiles from North Korea which could threaten western Europe.
The released documents show that Russia had intensified its campaign against the anti-missile shield in 2009, with Moscow believing the system would be directed at Poland’s immediate east and not Iran.
In September, President Obama cancelled the anti-missile system.
Well, that worked out well, now didn't it?
Give up a defensive shield against weapons one knows are in place, in exchange for the promise of cooperation from that most trustworthy of regimes, the Russian government of Putin.
What could possibly go wrong?
HT Midwest Conservative Journal
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
James Corum On Iran's Nuclear Capability
Corum (a military historian, a serious resume, no hysterical guy in Momma's basement), shares sobering words about WhatObamaHathWrought.
The article isn't long, and words are not minced. The zinger comes in the final paragraphs:
The sum of American foreign policy is: trust the goodwill and friendship of the Russian and Chinese regimes. In my lifetime there have been bad foreign policies, but this one wins the grand prize.
Right now, the White House is already working on an argument that perhaps it’s a good thing for Iran to have nukes after all. It could make the world safer. And this line will be loyally accepted by the mainstream media. Until the nukes start to go off.
Usually, comments following his essays are thoughtful and insightful. This article brought a number of angry folks out of the woodwork, from all corners. This is not reassuring.
The article isn't long, and words are not minced. The zinger comes in the final paragraphs:
The sum of American foreign policy is: trust the goodwill and friendship of the Russian and Chinese regimes. In my lifetime there have been bad foreign policies, but this one wins the grand prize.
Right now, the White House is already working on an argument that perhaps it’s a good thing for Iran to have nukes after all. It could make the world safer. And this line will be loyally accepted by the mainstream media. Until the nukes start to go off.
Usually, comments following his essays are thoughtful and insightful. This article brought a number of angry folks out of the woodwork, from all corners. This is not reassuring.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tragic To Read, But Should Be Read: The Death Of Amir Javadifar
Persian2English provides news from the Iranian resistance--the one that the Obama White House refuses to mention, 'cuz they're much to busy suing Arizona.
This kid was an artist, not a bomb-thrower, with a family that loved him and a future to live for. He was beaten during a demonstration, arrested, disappeared, tortured, and then murdered.
Of course, the folks in the US State Department, who swoon daily for Hamas, are positively apoplectic about these blatantly criminal human rights abuses, right?
Right?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Hilary?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Bill? AlGore? Barry? Eric? RehvruhndJesseJackson? Pastor Sharpton? Miss Nancy? Rahm?
Anybody?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
OK, let's ask Jimmy Carter. After all, he kicked the legs out from under the Shah in favor of Khomeini ack in the late 1970'a, because of the Shah's bad record on human rights. If memory serves, the Revolutionary Guards were soooooooo grateful they invaded our embassy and held a bunch of our people hostage for about a year.
Jimmy, you got anything to say, bubbah?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Didn't think so...
So, here we go, an incredibly painful tale. If this one isn't painful enough, just click on that link above. They's plenty more where that came from.
And remember, the government they're protesting against, with zero support from our White House, is working feverishly to develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to places like...Europe.
Of course, we'll be able to trust their moral uprightness to not use them to threaten the world around them, right?
After all, The One does. So that must make everything o.k.
[begin copy]
Despite all his injuries and to respect the laws of his country, Amir Javadifar voluntarily turned himself in to the police to clarify his situation.
On July 10, 2009, Amir’s family never thought he would be arrested again, given his health conditions.
On July 9, 2009, Amir was severely beaten by eight to twelve individuals. Then he was arrested.
On July 9th at 9:00pm, an agent called the family using Amir’s cell phone and asked them to go to Firoozgar hospital.
The first published photos from Amir were taken that night at Firoozgar hospital.
Hospitals were instructed not to keep injured demonstrators. Amir was injured but his life was not in danger.
Amir was transferred to Laleh hospital where he was treated for injuries. He was forced to leave by a regime agent.
Amir: “I only went out to protest peacefully. I had no weapon. I did not insult anybody. I was just standing silently.”
Amir: “I didn’t do anything to be afraid of. I’ll go [voluntarily to the police] and I will be back.”
Amir’s brother: “Do you need a wheelchair?” Amir: “No, I can stand on my feet. Lovers die standing.”
After leaving the hospital, the family brought Amir to the preventive police at Enghelab Square. It was there that he was abruptly separated from his family.
His family was forced to leave the police station without saying goodbye to Amir or exchanging any last words.
A few hours later, his brother returned to the police station. He was told that three buses had left; one to Evin prison and two to Kahrizak prison. It was July 10th at 8:00pm.
The day after at the Revolutionary Court, the families of those arrested on July 9th were told to “wait 10 days.”
On July 14, 2009, a bus arrived at Evin from Kahrizak with 130 prisoners. An agent read the names. Amir was not among them.
Amir’s family visited Evin every day holding with Amir’s picture. None of the released prisoners recognized Amir.
His family learned on July 25, 2009 that Amir was killed. He died on July 14th, after four days in Kahrizak prison, during the transport by bus.
It was one of the released Kahrizak prisoners who finally recognized Amir’s picture on July 24th and informed the family that he was dead.
On July 25th, the family was asked to go to Kahrizak’s “legal medicine” department to identify his body. His brother identified him.
His family was not allowed to see the body. They were instead given three photos. Amir’s body was autopsied.
Other Kahrizak prisoners said Amir could not see on his last day due to eye injuries and infections.
During the last day, Amir screamed out to his deceased mother, “Return my eyes mother!”
His body was returned to the family two days after identification. The family filled a form and where it stated: “Do you want to sue anybody?” they left the field blank.
His brother: “Amir was not a political person at all. He was an artist. His view of the world was the one of an artist. He loved poems, movies, and books, but he was socially engaged. He came to the streets with awareness. He took part in peaceful demonstrations and he believed [in what he was doing].”
His brother remembers when Amir returned from the “great demonstration of silence” (June 15, 2009)
Amir: “I loved it. Today was one of the best days of my life. We said what we had to say in silence.”
Amir’s Brother: “[That day] Amir’s eyes were completely peaceful. He didn’t believe in violence.”
This kid was an artist, not a bomb-thrower, with a family that loved him and a future to live for. He was beaten during a demonstration, arrested, disappeared, tortured, and then murdered.
Of course, the folks in the US State Department, who swoon daily for Hamas, are positively apoplectic about these blatantly criminal human rights abuses, right?
Right?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Hilary?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Bill? AlGore? Barry? Eric? RehvruhndJesseJackson? Pastor Sharpton? Miss Nancy? Rahm?
Anybody?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
OK, let's ask Jimmy Carter. After all, he kicked the legs out from under the Shah in favor of Khomeini ack in the late 1970'a, because of the Shah's bad record on human rights. If memory serves, the Revolutionary Guards were soooooooo grateful they invaded our embassy and held a bunch of our people hostage for about a year.
Jimmy, you got anything to say, bubbah?
(...sound of crickets chirping...)
Didn't think so...
So, here we go, an incredibly painful tale. If this one isn't painful enough, just click on that link above. They's plenty more where that came from.
And remember, the government they're protesting against, with zero support from our White House, is working feverishly to develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to places like...Europe.
Of course, we'll be able to trust their moral uprightness to not use them to threaten the world around them, right?
After all, The One does. So that must make everything o.k.
[begin copy]
Despite all his injuries and to respect the laws of his country, Amir Javadifar voluntarily turned himself in to the police to clarify his situation.
On July 10, 2009, Amir’s family never thought he would be arrested again, given his health conditions.
On July 9, 2009, Amir was severely beaten by eight to twelve individuals. Then he was arrested.
On July 9th at 9:00pm, an agent called the family using Amir’s cell phone and asked them to go to Firoozgar hospital.
The first published photos from Amir were taken that night at Firoozgar hospital.
Hospitals were instructed not to keep injured demonstrators. Amir was injured but his life was not in danger.
Amir was transferred to Laleh hospital where he was treated for injuries. He was forced to leave by a regime agent.
Amir: “I only went out to protest peacefully. I had no weapon. I did not insult anybody. I was just standing silently.”
Amir: “I didn’t do anything to be afraid of. I’ll go [voluntarily to the police] and I will be back.”
Amir’s brother: “Do you need a wheelchair?” Amir: “No, I can stand on my feet. Lovers die standing.”
After leaving the hospital, the family brought Amir to the preventive police at Enghelab Square. It was there that he was abruptly separated from his family.
His family was forced to leave the police station without saying goodbye to Amir or exchanging any last words.
A few hours later, his brother returned to the police station. He was told that three buses had left; one to Evin prison and two to Kahrizak prison. It was July 10th at 8:00pm.
The day after at the Revolutionary Court, the families of those arrested on July 9th were told to “wait 10 days.”
On July 14, 2009, a bus arrived at Evin from Kahrizak with 130 prisoners. An agent read the names. Amir was not among them.
Amir’s family visited Evin every day holding with Amir’s picture. None of the released prisoners recognized Amir.
His family learned on July 25, 2009 that Amir was killed. He died on July 14th, after four days in Kahrizak prison, during the transport by bus.
It was one of the released Kahrizak prisoners who finally recognized Amir’s picture on July 24th and informed the family that he was dead.
On July 25th, the family was asked to go to Kahrizak’s “legal medicine” department to identify his body. His brother identified him.
His family was not allowed to see the body. They were instead given three photos. Amir’s body was autopsied.
Other Kahrizak prisoners said Amir could not see on his last day due to eye injuries and infections.
During the last day, Amir screamed out to his deceased mother, “Return my eyes mother!”
His body was returned to the family two days after identification. The family filled a form and where it stated: “Do you want to sue anybody?” they left the field blank.
His brother: “Amir was not a political person at all. He was an artist. His view of the world was the one of an artist. He loved poems, movies, and books, but he was socially engaged. He came to the streets with awareness. He took part in peaceful demonstrations and he believed [in what he was doing].”
His brother remembers when Amir returned from the “great demonstration of silence” (June 15, 2009)
Amir: “I loved it. Today was one of the best days of my life. We said what we had to say in silence.”
Amir’s Brother: “[That day] Amir’s eyes were completely peaceful. He didn’t believe in violence.”
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Just Another Day In Iran
Imprisoning journalists for ten years?
Administering beat-downs on journalists in Iran by bodyguards of the Vice-President?
Arresting students for 'anti-Prophet propaganda', and denying them access to counsel?
Priceless.
(Just what constitutes 'anti-Prophet propaganda', anyhoo?)
Just a reminder about our President, the 2010 winner of the Nobel Peace prize, who is eager to talk without pre-condition to the loony-toony in charge in Tehran, but who lacked the brains to call BP when their well blew up off our coast.
OS finds himself flashing back to 1938, when the free world sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in the cause of 'peace', vilifying the Czechs for having the temerity to attempt to defend themselves in the process.
What happened in 1939? There was clear warning of Hitler's intentions.
Iran bankrolls Hamas, and imports its thugs to enforce its will in Iran. Ditto Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon. Israel defends itself against both, and is vilified.
The loony-toony in the windbreaker has made his intentions clear as well, has he not?
What happens in 2014 when he has both a nuke and a delivery system?
Mr. President?
Administering beat-downs on journalists in Iran by bodyguards of the Vice-President?
Arresting students for 'anti-Prophet propaganda', and denying them access to counsel?
Priceless.
(Just what constitutes 'anti-Prophet propaganda', anyhoo?)
Just a reminder about our President, the 2010 winner of the Nobel Peace prize, who is eager to talk without pre-condition to the loony-toony in charge in Tehran, but who lacked the brains to call BP when their well blew up off our coast.
OS finds himself flashing back to 1938, when the free world sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in the cause of 'peace', vilifying the Czechs for having the temerity to attempt to defend themselves in the process.
What happened in 1939? There was clear warning of Hitler's intentions.
Iran bankrolls Hamas, and imports its thugs to enforce its will in Iran. Ditto Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon. Israel defends itself against both, and is vilified.
The loony-toony in the windbreaker has made his intentions clear as well, has he not?
What happens in 2014 when he has both a nuke and a delivery system?
Mr. President?
Friday, June 11, 2010
And Meanwhile, Back In Iran: Further Installment And Two Questions
OS looks in on the 'Persian-to-English' blog every week, which appears to be authored by people on the ground who oppose the current Iranian regime. It's impossible to vouch for their veracity, but their posts bear reading and considering.
Today's post describes one young man whose life appears to be in danger.
The details are far too disturbing to quote, but bear reading and considering. The Western press isn't paying attention, and the Obama Administration acts as if the resistance just doesn't exist.
Final paragraph can be quoted:
Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran would like to warn the world of the imminent danger threatening the life of Behrouz Javid Tehrani and the lives of other political prisoners at Gohardasht prison. Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran demand that immediate action be taken by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international bodies to save the lives of these prisoners.
Now two questions:
1. If even 10% of this is true, how do you feel about the Iranian government holding nuclear weapons, and the ability to launch them?
2. If they'll do this their own people, what do you think they would do to countries nearby, like Israel? Or us, if they have the capability?
And a third question:
Just what does the West intend to do about this? Miz Hillary, yew got any ideas?
Today's post describes one young man whose life appears to be in danger.
The details are far too disturbing to quote, but bear reading and considering. The Western press isn't paying attention, and the Obama Administration acts as if the resistance just doesn't exist.
Final paragraph can be quoted:
Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran would like to warn the world of the imminent danger threatening the life of Behrouz Javid Tehrani and the lives of other political prisoners at Gohardasht prison. Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran demand that immediate action be taken by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international bodies to save the lives of these prisoners.
Now two questions:
1. If even 10% of this is true, how do you feel about the Iranian government holding nuclear weapons, and the ability to launch them?
2. If they'll do this their own people, what do you think they would do to countries nearby, like Israel? Or us, if they have the capability?
And a third question:
Just what does the West intend to do about this? Miz Hillary, yew got any ideas?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Next Time Someone Tries To Tell You How Benign The Iranian Regime Is...
..remember this article
TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have begun police patrols in the capital to arrest women wearing clothes deemed improper. The campaign against loose-fitting veils and other signs of modernism comes as government opponents are calling for rallies to mark the anniversary of the disputed presidential election, and critics of the crackdown say it is stoking feelings of discontent.
TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have begun police patrols in the capital to arrest women wearing clothes deemed improper. The campaign against loose-fitting veils and other signs of modernism comes as government opponents are calling for rallies to mark the anniversary of the disputed presidential election, and critics of the crackdown say it is stoking feelings of discontent.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The 'Denier': The Consequences Of Insane Ideas
AlGore recently emerged from his Man Cave in Nashville, ranting darkly about 'Deniers', people who don't agree with his view of Global Warming, and his very real set of 'solutions' to a perhaps not-so-real problem. If you are a 'Denier', you are ignorant, obstructionist, perhaps evil. The only other people about whom that fabricated word has ever been used are people who assert that the Holocaust never happened. You know, 'Deniers'...
Now, about a new sort of 'Denier', that doesn't seem to trouble AlGore or anyone in the Obama Administration:
Clifton at Another Black Conservative (found to your right, and highly recommended) recently posted what seemed to be a strange news item: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is quoted as claiming that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 did not occur, but were instead were propoganda fabrications.
So, OS thinks, naaahh, this can't possibly be an accurate account.
So he goes digging around, and yep, there it is.
Even CNN can't make this stuff up.
This assertion is just, well, insane. The product of a sick mind. OS, along with millions of others, saw these events take place. He had friends working in Manhattan that day, one of them at a nearby stock exchange. They assure him it happened. There were neighborhoods of Long Island, Queens, and New Jersey that suffered multiple deaths of loved ones. There were a lot of funerals. These events happened. The hole is still in the ground where the buildings stood. It's madness to even feel the need to write this paragraph, but these are the times in which we live.
Insane ideas, and insane people, attract followers. Lots of them, sometimes. Examples come to mind.
In the twentieth century, two prime candidates are Hitler and Stalin.
OS was beavering away last week, with the TV on low, looking for a ball game, when he tripped across a documentary on the Battle of Stalingrad. The details, in a way, don't matter. But the scope of the tragedy is worth remembering:
Various scholars have estimated the Axis suffered 850,000 casualties (killed, disabled, captured) among all branches of the German armed forces and its allies, many of them POWs who died in Soviet captivity between 1943 and 1955. 400,000 Germans, 120,000 Romanians, 120,000 Hungarians, and 120,000 Italians were killed, wounded or captured. Of the 91,000 German POWs taken at Stalingrad, 27,000 died within weeks and only 5,000 returned to Germany in 1955. The remainder of the POWs died in Soviet captivity.
Those were just the casualties for the Germans and their allies. In one manner or another, some 845,000 lives were sacrificed to Hitler's insane dream of empire. And that was just one battle in the whole bloody mess. Stalin, for his part, was willing to sacrifice innumerable soldiers and civilians, because by golly, it was the city named after him!
Insane ideas, and insane people, attract followers. Lots of them, sometimes.
Ahmadinejad is barking mad. And he sits on huge oil and gas reserves, unlike Hitler. Additionally, he is pushing full steam ahead on the development of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to a large part of the world. Hitler did not succeed at that, thanks to the RAF, and a sane Churchill, who recognized the danger and named it. But, he was on his way. He needed about another year or so.
So, what is the response of the United States government? Well, the missile defense shield that would protect most of Europe has been removed. Obama and Hilary keep yammering about 'sanctions' via the UN, in which China and the Russians have zero interest. A goodly portion of Iran is attempting to resist the madman, and the White House utters barely a word. Mainly, the US government has decided that we should all just join hands, sing 'We Shall Overcome', smile a lot, borrow and spend kajillions more for health care and other follies, and essentially hope for the best. As for Israel...well, they're hung out to dry, and they know it.
This is how wars get started.
Meanwhile, back in Iran, the suppression of any and all who pose any possibility of dissent continues.
This account is just one of many, in this case a Christian minister imprisoned and tortured for performing baptisms.
OS writes this because he doesn't wish to see his children and grandchildren sacrificed at another Stalingrad at the behest of the 'Deniers' in the West, who deny that evil exists, and that evil people do indeed carry out their evil intentions.
Now, about a new sort of 'Denier', that doesn't seem to trouble AlGore or anyone in the Obama Administration:
Clifton at Another Black Conservative (found to your right, and highly recommended) recently posted what seemed to be a strange news item: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is quoted as claiming that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 did not occur, but were instead were propoganda fabrications.
So, OS thinks, naaahh, this can't possibly be an accurate account.
So he goes digging around, and yep, there it is.
Even CNN can't make this stuff up.
This assertion is just, well, insane. The product of a sick mind. OS, along with millions of others, saw these events take place. He had friends working in Manhattan that day, one of them at a nearby stock exchange. They assure him it happened. There were neighborhoods of Long Island, Queens, and New Jersey that suffered multiple deaths of loved ones. There were a lot of funerals. These events happened. The hole is still in the ground where the buildings stood. It's madness to even feel the need to write this paragraph, but these are the times in which we live.
Insane ideas, and insane people, attract followers. Lots of them, sometimes. Examples come to mind.
In the twentieth century, two prime candidates are Hitler and Stalin.
OS was beavering away last week, with the TV on low, looking for a ball game, when he tripped across a documentary on the Battle of Stalingrad. The details, in a way, don't matter. But the scope of the tragedy is worth remembering:
Various scholars have estimated the Axis suffered 850,000 casualties (killed, disabled, captured) among all branches of the German armed forces and its allies, many of them POWs who died in Soviet captivity between 1943 and 1955. 400,000 Germans, 120,000 Romanians, 120,000 Hungarians, and 120,000 Italians were killed, wounded or captured. Of the 91,000 German POWs taken at Stalingrad, 27,000 died within weeks and only 5,000 returned to Germany in 1955. The remainder of the POWs died in Soviet captivity.
Those were just the casualties for the Germans and their allies. In one manner or another, some 845,000 lives were sacrificed to Hitler's insane dream of empire. And that was just one battle in the whole bloody mess. Stalin, for his part, was willing to sacrifice innumerable soldiers and civilians, because by golly, it was the city named after him!
Insane ideas, and insane people, attract followers. Lots of them, sometimes.
Ahmadinejad is barking mad. And he sits on huge oil and gas reserves, unlike Hitler. Additionally, he is pushing full steam ahead on the development of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to a large part of the world. Hitler did not succeed at that, thanks to the RAF, and a sane Churchill, who recognized the danger and named it. But, he was on his way. He needed about another year or so.
So, what is the response of the United States government? Well, the missile defense shield that would protect most of Europe has been removed. Obama and Hilary keep yammering about 'sanctions' via the UN, in which China and the Russians have zero interest. A goodly portion of Iran is attempting to resist the madman, and the White House utters barely a word. Mainly, the US government has decided that we should all just join hands, sing 'We Shall Overcome', smile a lot, borrow and spend kajillions more for health care and other follies, and essentially hope for the best. As for Israel...well, they're hung out to dry, and they know it.
This is how wars get started.
Meanwhile, back in Iran, the suppression of any and all who pose any possibility of dissent continues.
This account is just one of many, in this case a Christian minister imprisoned and tortured for performing baptisms.
OS writes this because he doesn't wish to see his children and grandchildren sacrificed at another Stalingrad at the behest of the 'Deniers' in the West, who deny that evil exists, and that evil people do indeed carry out their evil intentions.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Obama And Iran Explained
Maybe this is the reason our President seems so, shall we say, intimidated by the Iranian question.
Just sayin'...
(ooh, that was uncivil...)
Just sayin'...
(ooh, that was uncivil...)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
And Meanwhile, Back In Iran
The Iranians hope for change.
Paging Mr. Obama...
Paging Mrs. Clinton...
Anyone out there?....
(crickets chirping)
Paging Mr. Obama...
Paging Mrs. Clinton...
Anyone out there?....
(crickets chirping)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
While The Media Obsess About Tiger Woods...
The students of Iran put their lives on the line in opposition to the regime.
These are posts sent from Iran, they seem authentic, but of course I can't verify them up to any real journalist's standard. So readers will have to judge for themselves.
The 'Basiji' referenced appear to be para-military/private-army types in service of the regime. It's not entirely clear from my reading, but they appear to be imports from Palestine, e.g. Hezbollah personnel, not native Persians.
It's hard to know what the students are seeking long-term, if anything. But it is clear they are deeply unhappy with the current regime.
These are posts sent from Iran, they seem authentic, but of course I can't verify them up to any real journalist's standard. So readers will have to judge for themselves.
The 'Basiji' referenced appear to be para-military/private-army types in service of the regime. It's not entirely clear from my reading, but they appear to be imports from Palestine, e.g. Hezbollah personnel, not native Persians.
It's hard to know what the students are seeking long-term, if anything. But it is clear they are deeply unhappy with the current regime.
Monday, June 15, 2009
If You Live Long Enough, And Remain Patient....
... you get to see the thugs that took over Iran confronted in the streets by a young populace that is fed up with rule by the mullahs.
For those of us who agonized through 1979's hostage crisis, this is really, really sweet.
The BBC points us to Tehran 24, updating news from the streets.
Maybe, with a million mobile devices uploading images to the rest of the world, the goons that run Iran won't be able to crush this uprising as the Chinese government did in Tiennamen Square in 1989. Those brave reformers only had fax machines, a few phones, and film to smuggle out. The true story there may never be known.
Here's wishing the young people of Tehran well.
For those of us who agonized through 1979's hostage crisis, this is really, really sweet.
The BBC points us to Tehran 24, updating news from the streets.
Maybe, with a million mobile devices uploading images to the rest of the world, the goons that run Iran won't be able to crush this uprising as the Chinese government did in Tiennamen Square in 1989. Those brave reformers only had fax machines, a few phones, and film to smuggle out. The true story there may never be known.
Here's wishing the young people of Tehran well.
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