Gateway Pundit

Stranded in Baghdad-- Pelosi Gets Snubbed By Iraqi Leaders

2008-05-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

It was not the first time that Speaker Pelosi was snubbed by an Arab leader...
But at least this time it wasn't because of a soccer game.

Antiwar Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today after he got back from tackling security issues in Mosul. (Reuters)

Poor antiwar San Fran Nan was left stranded in Baghdad for 24 hours before the Iraqi Prime Minister made it back to Baghdad to meet with her.
TIME Magazine reported:

Pelosi is something of a nonentity to average Iraqis. If they know who she is at all, she is generally seen as an antiwar caricature figure, someone whose views on U.S. troop withdrawals are widely considered unrealistic.

Pelosi has said she wants to see most U.S. troops withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the 2008, a time frame virtually no Iraqi political leader sees as feasible. Not even Mahdi Army militia leader Moqtada al-Sadr, the fiercest advocate of a U.S. withdrawal on the scene, has called for such a rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces. Rather, Sadr contends that the Americans should simply announce a reasonable timetable for the departure of U.S. forces.

The lack of popularity of Pelosi's views was evident in the fact that her first day on the ground Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki did not make an effort to see her. Maliki is currently in the northern city of Mosul overseeing a crackdown on insurgent networks there. But the city has been largely quiet in recent days, and there was no obvious pressing reason for the prime minister to skip Pelosi's arrival.

Pelosi may not get much more warmth from the American military leaders she plans to meet either. Pelosi argued against sending additional surge forces to Iraq, a plan overseen by Gen. David Petraeus that is now widely credited with reducing the levels of violence in Iraq. Moreover, Pelosi made waves on Capitol Hill in November by saying U.S. troops were torturing detainees - an accusation generally not taken well by men and women in uniform of any rank.

Hat Tip BG

Not even crazy al-Sadr wants a such a rapid withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
...Now that is bad.
The sad thing is though- she doesn't care!

Later today the Iraqi parliament speaker al-Mashhadani lectured US Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her moral duty to Iraq.
Aswat Al-Iraq reported:

Iraq’s Parliament Speaker al-Mashhadani met on Saturday his U.S. counterpart Nancy Pelosi currently visiting Iraq, expressing his concern over a non-binding congressional resolution to withdraw the U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2009.

“Despite the improved capabilities of the Iraqi forces to carry out military operation in places such as Basra and Mosul, they are not fully capable to preserve the people of Iraq and its riches,” Mashhadani told reporters after meeting Pelosi in Baghdad.

“I reminded her of the moral duty of the U.S. toward Iraq, to maintain the democracy it initiated in the country. If security was absent, democracy would turn into no more than ink on paper,” Mashhadani added.

For her part, Pelosi who arrived earlier on Saturday in Baghdad, told reporters that she discussed with Mashhadani the forthcoming provincial elections, the progress made by the armed forces, and investments in Iraq.

After their meeting today, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki released a statement saying Pelosi expressed her support for the Iraq during their meeting.
Aswat Aliraq reported:

“Nancy Pelosi expressed her country’s support of the Iraqi government with regards to the efforts taken to attain security and stability in Iraq, to reach the national reconciliation, to impose law, and to establish economic and construction projects,” Maliki’s office said in a release received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

Related News... Moqtada al-Sadr Under Arrest In Iran?

Obama Repeats Jamie Rubin's Lie On McCain (Video)

2008-05-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Jamie Rubin wrote a dishonest report in the Washington Post yesterday claiming that Senator John McCain holds the same position as Barack Obama on appeasing terror-sponsoring regimes and terror organizations such as Hamas.

But, later yesterday it was discovered that although Jamie Rubin was the one to interview McCain two years ago-- He had cherry-picked clips from the interview with McCain in his article.
Here is what John McCain actually said:

"I think the United States should take a step back, see what they do when they form their government, see what their policies are, and see the ways that we can engage with them, and if there aren’t any, there may be a hiatus."

Of course, this is very different from what Rubin reported and from Barack Obama's pledge on his website to meet with terror regimes without preconditions.

But, that did not stop Jamie Rubin and Barack Obama from repeating the lie on McCain today.
Geraldo Rivera had Jamie Rubin on his show on FOX News on Saturday:

Here is what Obama said today:

Barack Obama: The irony is yesterday just as John McCain was making these attacks a story broke that he was actually guilty of the exact same thing that he's accusing me of.

That, of course, is not true.
It looks like Obama is just another cheap politician trying to bring John McCain down to his level.
If he was not so ashamed of his positions he probably wouldn't have to resort to this dishonest tactic.
Sad.

More- It would be nice if conservatives(?) like Gov. Huckabee would do some research on a subject before going on the air and giving dishonest hacks like Rubin a complete pass.

Oh Brother... Obama Listed as One of Nation's Fittest Guys

2008-05-17T11:37:00.001-07:00

Put down the food.
Even fitness magazines are starting to make up silly crap about Obama.

Men's Fitness lists Obama as one of the nation's "Top 25 Fittest Guys."

Yeah, right!
Hat Tip Bob

FOX Embed and LGF Quick Links reported:

According to Men’s Fitness magazine (out May 19th), Barack Obama is not just the fittest politician in the race for the presidency - he’s one of the nation’s 25 fittest guys.

So you don’t have to wait till next week - here’s the magazine’s reasoning:

“It takes a certain stamina to endure months of 16-hour days in pursuit of the land’s highest office. Obama is not the first politician dedicated to fitness, but the Illinois senator starts every day with a morning workout, whether it’s machines at the hotel gym or a brisk 45-minute run. He’s also quit smoking. Obama can beexcused for enjoying the occasional state-fair corn dog because he mostly stays away from fatty foods. He’s also, as we’ve seen, a bit of a baller. Nicknamed “Barry O’Bomber” for his jump shot, the former high school hoopster now releases stress during pickup games—including one on every primary day. “He’s wiry-looking but actually pretty strong,” former Duke player and Obama staffer Reggie Love has said. “And he hates losing.He plays hard.” Now that we know.”

Anyone with the least bit of intellectual honesty would have to admit this is ridiculous.

Phony Hero Blasts Real Hero

2008-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), who lied about his military service, blasted Senator John McCain (R-AZ), a former POW and war hero, today.

Flopping Aces reported on Harkin's attack on McCain and the military.

Senator Harkin is one of several Democratic senators who protested his country at war in Vietnam and Iraq.

Antiwar website Ivan's Place reported this on Senator Tom Harkin, D-Iowa-- In 1970 Harkin was a congressional aide who helped expose the infamous "tiger cages," tiny cubicles used to hold, entire Vietnamese families suspected of being Viet Cong sympathizers. Harkin still represents Iowa in the Senate.

UPDATE: Glenn Reynolds wrote much more on Harkin back in 2004.

Teddy Kennedy Hospitalized

2008-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Teddy Kennedy is hospitalized with stroke symptoms.
CNN and the WaPo reported:

Sen. Edward Kennedy, a leading Democrat and patriarch of a prominent American political dynasty, has hospitalized in Boston, a spokesman for a hospital in Cape Cod said.

Kennedy, 76, was rushed from the Kennedy compound at Hyannisport, Massachusetts, to Cape Cod Hospital at 9 a.m. (1300 GMT), a hospital spokesman told Reuters.

He was then airlifted to a Boston hospital, the spokesman said.

Kennedy had surgery last October to repair a nearly complete blockage in a major neck artery.

UPDATE: FOX News has had an hour and a half of Republican after Democrat after Republican to praise Senator Kennedy.

UPDATE 2: Lurch just arrived at the hospital.

UPDATE 3: The AP is reporting that Senator Kennedy suffered a seizure and not a stroke.

UPDATE 4: The senator's office just reported that his condition is stable. A Kennedy associate said he suffered two seizures.

UPDATE 5: It's always politics with Democrats... Strategist Says Kennedy Crisis Helps Obama

UN Will Investigate US on Racism Charges This Month

2008-05-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

The international organization that elected Libya the chair and Cuba the vice-chair of their racism conference is sending an investigator to the US to conduct a probe on racism this month.

The UN will investigate the US on racism charges this month.

Here is one of the cartoons displayed at the UN anti-racism conference held in Durban South Africa in September 2001. (EYE on the UN)

The US is concerned that racism may have forced its way into the presidential race.
Reuters reported:

A special U.N. human rights investigator will visit the United States this month to probe racism, an issue that has forced its way into the race to secure the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

The United Nations said Doudou Diene would meet federal and local officials, as well as lawmakers and judicial authorities during the May 19-June 6 visit.

"The special rapporteur will...gather first-hand information on issues related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance," a U.N. statement said on Friday.

His three-week visit, at U.S. government invitation, will cover eight cities -- Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Omaha, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Race has become a central issue in the U.S. election cycle because Sen. Barack Obama, the frontrunner in the battle for the Democratic nomination battle, stands to become the country's first African American president.

His campaign has increased turnout among black voters but has also turned off some white voters in a country with a history of slavery and racial segregation.

Diene, a Senegalese lawyer who has served in the independent post since 2002, will report his findings to the U.N. Human Rights Council next year.

Doudou Diene should start his UN investigation on racism here at this church:

Doudou Diène denounced Denmark for racism—for publishing the dreaded cartoons of Mohammed.

Obama Met Secretly With Shady Imam in Michigan This Week

2008-05-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama met secretly with a controversial Imam this week in Michigan.
Imam Hassan Qazwini has hosted Louis Farrakhan at his mosque and is close to the Hezbollah Spiritual Leader who issued the fatwa to blow up 300 U.S. Marines and embassy officials in 1983.

Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, met privately with Sen. Barack Obama at Macomb Community College on May 14, 2008. (Detroit Free Press)

Imam Hassan Qazwini met privately with Senator Barack Obama this week in Michigan.
The Detroit Free Press reported:

A Muslim leader from Dearborn met privately with Sen. Barack Obama during his Wednesday visit to Michigan.

Imam Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Center of America, said in an email that he met with Obama at Macomb Community College. A mosque spokesman, Eide Alawan, confirmed that the meeting took place. During the meeting, the two discussed the Presidential election, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Iraq war, according to Qazwini.

At the end of the meeting, Qazwini said he gave Obama a copy of new book, “American Crescent,” (his book on why Islam is good for America) and invited Obama to visit his center.

The meeting with Obama came about after Qazwini had asked David Bonior, the former U.S. Rep. from Michigan, if he could meet with Obama during his visit. Qazwini was not selected to be part of a group of 20 people who met with Obama, but Qazwini later got a private meeting with Obama, Alawan said.

Hat Tip Banafsheh Zand Bonazzi

Debbie Schlussel wrote about Imam Hassan Qazmini and saw Farrakhan speak at his mosque in 1998:

In 1998, the mosque--then in Detroit--was the first mosque to which I went undercover. I wrote about it in The Detroit Newsistan, before the paper became Muslim-occupied territory under such boneheaded individuals as editorial page editor Nolan Dhimmi Finley. At the time, the mosque hosted Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who delivered a long hate-filled rant against Jews and Christians (and in praise of Saddam Hussein). When Farrakhan called Jewish Americans "forces of evil" with a "Satanic mentality." Imam Qazwini and his congregants gave him a standing ovation. That's not to mention that the Imam and other Muslim officials introduced Farrakhan as "our dear brother" and "a freedom fighter."

Imam Hassan Qazwini has met with the Spiritual leader of Hezbollah:

Imam Hassan Qazwini(right) meets with Hezbollah Spiritual Leader Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah. (This photo is posted at DebbieSchlussel.com)

Debbie Schlussel wonders what Obama is doing hanging out with Hezbollah's Iranian Agent Imam in Michigan?

Iranian Human Rights activist Banafsheh Zand Bonazzi wrote to add this on the meeting:

Here we have one of the most unnoticed Mullah promoters, someone who is allegedly a member of the Mullahs secret agent network (VEVAK), now living in the U.S. and said to be working in brainwashing people in Dearborn, on behalf of the terrorist regime of Iran, meeting with Obama. I would bet my bottom dollar that he has a message from his presumed bosses in Tehran for this Democrat candidate. But how come this isn't being reported more widely?!

Obama Blames FOX News For Spreading "Rumors" About Him

2008-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Obama said it was rumors(?) spread by FOX News that have hurt him in Kentucky.
Jammie Wearing Fool discovered this latest whine from the Obamessiah:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, facing a likely defeat in next Tuesday's primary election, won't travel to Kentucky before the voting, but said he hopes to have much more time to win over Kentucky voters before the November general election.

He also blamed Fox News for disseminating "rumors" about him and said that that and e-mails filled with misinformation that have been "systematically" dispersed have hurt him in Kentucky.

So what rumors was Obama talking about?
Rumors about his America-hating pastor?
Rumors about his depressing anti-American wife?
Rumors about his association with terrorists?

It's too bad the mainstream media could not think of a follow up question.
They were too busy nodding their heads in agreement.

Pelosi Makes Surprise Trip to Iraq-- She Ought to Apologize

2008-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Pelosi was wrong.
Nancy Pelosi led the charge in Congress against the surge.
She said the surge was failing. She said the war was a failure.

She was wrong.
The surge has been a great success.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq has seen a 94% drop in attacks and has resorted to using children for their suicide attacks.
Even Al Qaeda admitted defeat this week.

Al Qaeda tracks their attacks and know they are defeated in Iraq.

But, Speaker Pelosi would have handed over Iraq to Al-Qaeda and Iran years ago.
It was all a political game to her.

Today Speaker Pelosi flew to Iraq for some sort of political theater.
Prime Ministr Maliki ought to refuse to see her. Last time she left a meeting with him she came back to declare defeat.

There must be some grand Democratic scheme brewing to get Pelosi to travel to Iraq. We ought to know more in the next week.

UPDATE: JWF-- Antiwar Kook Visits Iraq

Wash U Leftist Brats Harass Phyllis Schlafly ...Update: The Leftists In the Audience Protest Too! (Video)

2008-05-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

This year it's not just the students and it's not just the profs... It's all of the Leftists in the audience that are protesting the conservatives at graduation!
What's next with these people?

UPDATE: This is what the Left is doing to this country...
The liberal fascists are no longer willing to respect any differing opinions!
They even abuse 83 year-old women!

Here is video of the shameful graduation display today at Washington University in St. Louis:

Today at the graduation ceremony at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Leftist students, faculty, parents and guests stood up and turned their backs on 83 year-old conservative author, speaker and activist, Phyllis Schlafly.
This is your American Left!!!
Unwilling to debate- Unwilling to respect opposing views!
* * * * * *

It's graduation season...
And, the little Leftist punks are aiming to appease their socialist professors one last time before they leave leave the reeducation camp.

The young socialists even set up a website opposing the university's decision to give Schlafly an honorary degree at graduation.
The students have been protesting conservative Christian Phyllis Schlafly all week at Washington University in St. Louis.
Tonight at the graduation ceremony dozens of the disrespectful little brats stood up and turned their backs on the conservative icon.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported:

Some felt the silent protest with white armbands and the dramatic turning of backs was disrespectful.

But those who took part said it was a fitting way to show their disapproval that Washington University was honoring a woman whose views and life’s work they strongly disagree with.

For her part, Phyllis Schlafly, the 83-year-old at the center of the controversy, said she thought it was "juvenile" of students who were "raining on their own parade." But it didn’t ruin her moment, she said.

At today’s commencement ceremony held on a sunny Brookings Quadrangle, Schlafly did not seem to notice the hundreds of backs turned to her while a citation heralding her accomplishments was read. A tense hush settled over the gathering of more than 14,000 people. Schlafly responded with a tranquil smile she held for several minutes as she was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Margaret Bush Wilson, a retired civil rights attorney, volunteered to introduce Schlafly as faculty and students were calling on the university to rescind the degree. Wilson said after the ceremony that while she does not agree with many of Schlafly’s views, she is a strong advocate of free speech.

"Vigorous, free-flowing debate is the cornerstone of our American life," Wilson said at today’s ceremony.

Phyllis Schlafly, the conservative activist and founder of the Eagle Forum, called the protests "juvenile."

This is frightening and it is no different than what has happened in any other Leftist socialist state.
The moderates or conservatives are assaulted, attacked, protested, abused until they are silenced.
AMERICA BETTER WAKE UP!!

Hilmar Von Campe, a former Nazi youth, was correct when he said today's Leftist youth act like Hitler's storm troopers.

UPDATE: Dave in Boca is right. The Left today shows more respect for Iran's Ahmadinejad, who promises to wipe out the Jews, than to conservatives.
Wash U ought to be very proud.

UPDATE 2: Unfortunately, pointing out inappropriate thuggish behavior on the Left gets you labeled a racist in some circles... Racist?

UPDATE 3: The Anchoress calls this "Obnoxism" - Taking an obnoxious, infantile and ultimately extremely illiberal behavior and then encouraging others in it until a vast crowd turns its back on an 83 year old woman.

Jamie Rubin Lied About John McCain in the WaPo (Video)

2008-05-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is disgusting.
The mainstream media and Democrats will do anything to try to get their candidate into the White House.

Today in the Washington Post former Clinton official Jamie Rubin wrote a dishonest hit piece about Senator McCain:

Despite his reputation in the media as a charming maverick, McCain has shown that he is also happy to use Nixon-style dirty campaign tactics...

McCain, meanwhile, is guilty of hypocrisy. I am a supporter of Hillary Clinton and believe that she was right to say, about McCain's statement on Hamas, "I don't think that anybody should take that seriously." Unfortunately, the Republicans know that some people will. That's why they say such things.

But given his own position on Hamas, McCain is the last politician who should be attacking Obama. Two years ago, just after Hamas won the Palestinian parliamentary elections, I interviewed McCain for the British network Sky News's "World News Tonight" program. Here is the crucial part of our exchange:

I asked: "Do you think that American diplomats should be operating the way they have in the past, working with the Palestinian government if Hamas is now in charge?"

McCain answered: "They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that."

Later today The whole interview was released and it showed that Rubin was cherry-picking clips from the discussion to twist John McCain's words.

Here is the whole segment of the interview between Rubin and John McCain (1 minute 13 seconds) including the part that was omitted by Rubin and the WaPo:

Here's the transcript:

Jamie Rubin: “Do you think that American diplomats should be operating the way they have been in the past, in working with the Palestinian government if Hamas is in now charge?”

Sen. John McCain: “They’re the government and sooner or later we‘re going to have to deal with them in one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas is because of their dedication to violence and the things they not only espouse but practice, so, but it’s a new reality in the Middle East. And I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and a decent future then they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that.”

Rubin: “So should the United States be dealing with that new reality through normal diplomatic contacts to get the job done for the United States?”

Sen. McCain: “I think the United States should take a step back, see what they do when they form their government, see what their policies are, and see the ways that we can engage with them, and if there aren’t any, there may be a hiatus. But I think part of the relationship is going to be dictated by how Hamas acts, not how the United States acts.”

Obviously, this is completely different than what Jamie Rubin reported today in the Washington Post.

Also... Senator McCain also held an interview with CNN that same day in Davos, where McCain stated this on Hamas:

John McCain Says Hamas Must Renounce Its Commitment To The Extinction Of The State Of Israel.

CNN'S BETTY NGUYEN: " All right, let's shift over to the global front. The Bush administration is reviewing all aspects of U.S. aid to the Palestinians now that Hamas has won the elections. And I do have to quote you here. A State Department spokesman did say this: 'To be very clear' – and I'm quoting now – 'we do not provide money to terrorist organizations.' What does this do to the U.S. relationship with the Palestinians?"

MCCAIN: "Well, hopefully, that Hamas now that they are going to govern, will be motivated to renounce this commitment to the extinction of the state of Israel. Then we can do business again, we can resume aid, we can resume the peace process."

This was from CNN's "Saturday Morning News," on 1/28/06.

** Here is Fred Hiatt’s e-mail address at the Washington Post.
I urge you all to ask Fred (politely) to retract this dishonest hit piece:

hiattf@washpost.com

UPDATE: Good for Lou Dobbs for smacking down political hack Jamie Rubin tonight for his dishonest report on McCain.
The Weekly Standard Blog has the transcript.

Dutch Cartoonist Arrested For Offending Islam

2008-05-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Extreme Centre has posted his offensive cartoons.

A Dutch cartoonist was arrested this week for publishing cartoons that insulted Islam.
AKI reported:

A Dutch cartoonist was arrested and later released earlier this week on suspicion of publishing work that could be considered insulting or discriminatory to Muslims, Amsterdam police revealed on Friday.

According to a report on the website of Radio Netherlands, the police detained the cartoonist, who works under the pseudonym Gregorius Nekschot, on Tuesday.

He was then released on Wednesday after his home was searched and some material seized.

Nekschot publishes his works mainly on the Internet. He has reportedly said that he does so because the Dutch print media refused to publish his works.

Obama's Church of 20 Years Supported Hamas & Hezbollah

2008-05-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama wants the country to believe that he will be tough on terrorists.
Barack Obama says that he is not an appeaser.
But, in the same breath, Barack Obama believes that we need to address the "legitimate claims" of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Barack Obama's church of 20 years, however, is more direct with their support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

In the July 22, 2007, Trinity United Church of Christ bulletin, Jeremiah Wright reprinted an article by Mousa Abu Marzook, identified in the newsletter as a "deputy of the political bureau of Hamas." Marzook is a senior member of Hamas living in Syria.
Obama's church published an article by a senior member of Hamas.

BizzyBlog posted the newsletter:

Click to Enlarge

World Net Daily reported on this:

Marzook's original piece was titled, "Hamas' stand" but was re-titled "A Fresh View of the Palestinian Struggle" by Obama's church newsletter. The newsletter also referred to Hamas as the "Islamic Resistance Movement," and added in its introduction that Marzook was addressing Hamas' goals for "all of Palestine."

In the manifesto, Marzook refers to Hamas' "resistance" – the group's perpetuation of anti-Israel terrorism targeting civilians – as "legal resistance," which, he argues, is "explicitly supported by the Fourth Geneva Convention."

The Convention, which refers to the rights of people living under occupation, does not support suicide bombings or rocket attacks against civilian population centers, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America noted.

Marzook refers to Hamas' official charter as "an essentially revolutionary document" and compares the violent creed to the Declaration of Independence, which, Marzook states, "simply did not countenance any such status for the 700,000 African slaves at that time."

Tom Blumer reported that this article in the Trinity newsletter caused a huge uproar when it was first published in the LA Times.

And... Barack Obama's church of 20 years supported Hezbollah during the 34 Day War.
Sweetness and Light found this pro-Hezbollah article in the July 30, 2006 edition of The Trumpet Magazine:

Click to Enlarge

Here is the transcript:

U.S. Must Stop Middle East Violence

The escalating Middle East violence and the continued bombing of Lebanon and Gaza is threatening regional stability. Though appeals have gone out from the religious community for the United States and other world leaders to intervene diplomatically, as of Wednesday when the TUCC bulletin is published, the U.S. refuses to call for a cease-fire. Instead, the U.S. is increasing arms shipments to Israel and Congress has passed resolutions declaring unconditional support for Israel’s devastating military campaigns.

Hezbollah’s opportunistic raid that captured Israeli soldiers and rocket attacks on Israel have been nearly universally condemned. However, the excessive force with which Israel is responding goes far beyond defense against Hezbollah and promises to destroy most of what has been rebuilt in Lebanon since its civil war 15 years ago. The disproportionate attack on Lebanon may backfire, strengthening Hezbollah,increasing sectarian strife, and weakening Lebanon’s democracy and security.

As Israeli troops drive further into southern Lebanon and the bombings continue, the U.S. State Department needs to shift direction radically and President Bush should call for an immediate cease-fire to stop the growing loss of civilian lives in Lebanon. In 14 days thus far, over 400 Lebanese and 54 Israelis have been killed. The critical humanitarian needs worsen every day.

It is urgent that Trinity members, visitors and videostream “members” contact their members of Congress and President Bush and ask them to work proactively, especially with the Israeli government, to restrain the use of military force and to reach a negotiated cease-fire in Lebanon and Gaza. Weakening Lebanon and threatening regional stability are against U.S. interests. Only U.S. cooperation in renewing comprehensive negotiations will bring a fair peace and lasting security to Israel and the region.

Click http://www.ucctakeaction.org/violence to send a message to the President and the Congress asking for their judicious diplomatic intervention in the region. You may also call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111.

Pastor Jeremiah A Wright, Jr

Do you suppose the Obama's missed this church bulletin, too?

Barack Obama's pastor and mentor believes "Israel is a dirty word."

It is interesting how the words of Obama's church of 20 years conflict with everything Barack Obama says today from the campaign trail.
It's a bit strange.

Ed Lasky wrote much more on Obama's Israel policy back in March, 2007 at The American Thinker.

Previously:
** Obama's Church Newsletter Published Hamas Manifesto
** After 8 Months... Obama Finally Apologizes For Hamas Article
** Obama's Church: Israel Planned Ethnic Bomb To Kill Blacks & Arabs
** Obama's Pastor Wright: "Italians Look Down Their Garlic Noses..."
** Obama's Mentor Wright Slams Nation's "Fondling Fathers"
** Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Thomas Jefferson Was a Rapist, Too!
** More "White Hate" Discovered in Obama's Church Newsletters
** Obama & Farrakhan Shared the Cover of Wright's Trumpet Mag

Wow!... Al-Qaeda in Iraq Admits Attacks Are Down 94% In 1 Year!

2008-05-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

You may have missed this during Barack Obama's speech today on Iraq...
The jihadists are tracking their attacks in Iraq:

Al-Qaeda in Iraq attacks are down some 94% in the last year.

What terrific news!
The Talisman Gate reports that the Jihadists are admitting defeat in Iraq and that attacks are down 94% in the last year:

A prolific jihadist sympathizer has posted an ‘explosive’ study on one of the main jihadist websites in which he laments the dire situation that the mujaheddin find themselves in Iraq by citing the steep drop in the number of insurgent operations conducted by the various jihadist groups, most notably Al-Qaeda’s 94 percent decline in operational ability over the last 12 months when only a year and half ago Al-Qaeda accounted for 60 percent of all jihadist activity!

The author, writing under the pseudonym ‘Dir’a limen wehhed’ [‘A Shield for the Monotheist’], posted his ‘Brief Study on the Consequences of the Division [Among] the [Jihadist] Groups on the Cause of Jihad in Iraq’ on May 12 and it is being displayed by the administration of the Al-Ekhlaas website—one of Al-Qaeda’s chief media outlets—among its more prominent recent posts. He's considered one of Al-Ekhlaas's "esteemed" writers.

The author tallies up and compares the numbers of operations claimed by each insurgent group under four categories: a year and half ago (November 2006), a year ago (May 2007), six months ago (November 2007) and now (May 2008). He demonstrated that while Al-Qaeda’s Islamic State of Iraq could claim 334 operations in Nov. 06 and 292 in May 07, their violent output dropped to 25 in Nov. 07 and 16 so far in May 08. Keep in mind that these assessments are based on Al-Qaeda's own numbers.

Talisman Gate has more.
Hat Tip BG

Al-Qaeda may have been in a slump lately but they at least were able to get a 12 year-old to explode himself this week.

Counter Jihad Conference Held in Vienna

2008-05-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Baron Bodissey has an extensive report on the conference.

Answering Barack Obama On Hamas In Gaza

2008-05-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama today, blamed the US for the Hamas takeover of Gaza, and asked:

"They’ll have to explain why Hamas now controls Gaza – Hamas that was strengthened because the US insisted that we have democratic elections in the Palestinian Authority."

Here's the reason why Hamas controls Gaza--
Because they dug a tunnel under the Fatah headquarters and blew it up!

...And, Hamas did this while they were holding "peace talks" with Fatah!
That's why.

Obama Proves Bush Right-- Talks About "Legitimate Claims" of Hamas & Hezbollah

2008-05-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well that took about 24 hours...

President George W. Bush on Appeasement
May 15, 2008--

Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before.

Barack Obama on Appeasement
May 16, 2008--

"The U.S. should find a mechanism whereby the disaffected have an effective outlet for their grievances, which assures them they are getting social services... The U.S. needs a foreign policy that looks at the root causes of problems and dangers. (Obama compared Hezbollah to Hamas.) Both need to be compelled to understand that they’re going down a blind alley with violence that weakens their legitimate claims(?)... If they decide to shift, we’re going to recognize that. That’s an evolution that should be recognized."

Ok... "legitimate claims?"
Did Obama really say that?

What kind of legitimate claims is Obama talking about?

-- The right to Jerusalem?
-- The right to never recognize the raping enemy?
-- The right to burn the Zionists?

It's too bad Obama did not listen in to a few Bush speeches.
The root cause- Radical Islam -was discovered a long time ago.
It's not because the people need food stamps.
Obama is dangerous.

** It should be noted that Obama's letter to Lebanon echoed Hezbollah's talking points.

More... Bob Owens is making his own "legitimate claims."

UPDATE: Noel Shephard reports on the mainstream media's disgraceful reporting on the wonderful speech that President Bush gave to the Knesset.

UPDATE 2: Mark Steyn has words for Obama the appeaser.

Day II: Obama Throws Another Hissy Fit Over Appeaser Speech

2008-05-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

There's one thing Republicans forget over and over again...
Democrats are at war, too. When Republicans declared war against Al-Qaeda, Democrats declared war against Republicans.

And, over the last two years, Republicans started winning their war and Democrats started winning theirs.

For the second day in a row terror state appeaser Barack Obama waged war against Bush.
Drudge and Breitbart reported:

Barack Obama has called President Bush's comments on appeasement "exactly the kind of appalling attack that's divided our country and alienates us from the rest of the world."

Obama criticized Republican rival John McCain and President Bush for "dishonest and divisive" attacks in hinting that the Democratic presidential candidate would appease terrorists.

Obama strongly responded Friday to the comments Bush made in Israel on Thursday and McCain's subsequent words. Obama told a town hall meeting, "That's the kind of hypocrisy that we've been seeing in our foreign policy, the kind of fear-peddling, fear mongering that has prevented us from actually making us safer."

Obama said McCain had a "naive and irresponsible belief that tough talk from Washington will somehow cause Iran to give up it's nuclear program and support for terrorism."

Yesterday, Obama accused President Bush of "a false political attack" after Bush warned in Israel against appeasing terrorists—early salvos in a general election campaign that's already blazing even as the Democratic front-runner tries to sew up his party's nomination.

The White House denied Bush had targeted Obama, who said the Republican commander in chief's intent was obvious.

Don't you wish just one reporter would ask how so-called "fear-mongering" has prevented us from making us safer?

UPDATE: Victor Davis Hanson lays out the Ten new regulations for the 2008 election

UPDATE 2: Saddam Hussein supporter endorsed Barack Obama today.

Ouch! Iraq Vows It Will Not Become Another Lebanon

2008-05-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

Talk about a sucker punch? That has got to hurt.
The Iraqi foreign minister said that Iraq would not allow formation of a state within a state.
Aswat Aliraq reported:

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari on Thursday said that Iraq will not be another Lebanon, stressing the need to fight militia groups and not allowing the establishment of a state within state.

"The largest security challenges are militia groups and organized crime gangs," Zibari said in an interview with the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper in its Saudi edition.

The Iraqi government's recent battles against the Sadrist movement's Mahdi Army and other armed groups "highlights the government's persistence to prevent Iraq from turning into another Lebanon," the minister said, adding that arms and weapons should be exclusively possessed by government forces.

"The presence of Arab ambassadors in Iraq will provide Arab governments with a clear picture about what is happening," the minister said on the sidelines of his participation in the Arab Ministerial Meeting, held in the Egyptian capital today to address the volatile situation in Lebanon.

In other good news from Iraq...
The US announced that it is planning on turning Al-Anbar Province over to the Iraqis in June.
This is amazing news considering the sprawling province was once believed lost to the insurgency.

* * * * *
In related news... May 16 was set aside last year as "Mass Graves Day" in Iraq.

During the rein of Saddam Hussein, Hundreds of political opponents were executed in prisons; while thousands more, mostly Shiites were buried in mass graves in the south. The terror he created prevented anyone from asking questions when a relative went missing. With the fall of the brutal leader, Iraqis went seaching. They watched as the dead were unearthed by the thousands in the killing fields near Hilla. Those coming to identify loved ones could finally begin to put the past to rest. In the town of Mussaib, over 400 bodies recovered from mass graves are brought to the Isamic Youth Center, where families walk among the dead in search of their missing relatives. (POY)

I did not see anything on this Iraqi national day of mourning today.
Actually, I didn't expect the mainstream media to mention it but if I see something from the Iraqi news I will post more on it later.

Obama Moonbat... Another Strange Foreign Policy Gaffe

2008-05-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

"Right now, we don't have enough troops, and NATO hasn't provided enough troops because they are still angry about us going into Iraq."

Barack Obama
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
May 13, 2008

Hmm... Do you suppose Obama heard that at church?
This was one of those slips that reveals the Far Left core of the Obamessiah.
Jim Geraghty explained:

This is what's truly disturbing about Barack Obama's foreign policy vision — it sees ending the Iraq War as the Philosopher's Stone that, once found, will turn all of our leaden overseas problems into golden opportunities.

Truly... Obama sees ending the Iraq "mistake" a key point in his foreign policy agenda. But, more than that, his statement shows that Obama believes our NATO allies act in mean spiteful ways and make foreign policy decisions based on emotion.
That seems a bit immature for the man who wants to be president of the United States, wouldn't you say?

And, where did Obama get this?... From Daily Kos or Trinity UCC?
Obama is wrong about NATO troops.

International Security Assistance Force (Wiki)

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is the name of a NATO-led security and development mission in Afghanistan which was established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001. ISAF was initially charged with securing Kabul and surrounding areas. In October 2003, the UN Security Council authorized the expansion of the ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan, and subsequently expanded the mission in four main stages over the whole of the country. Since 2006, ISAF has been involved in more intensive combat operations in southern Afghanistan, a tendency which continued in 2007- Wiki.

There were 49 coalition members at the start of Iraqi Freedom.
There are currently 40 contributing member nations in the ISAF.

Of those NATO nations that opposed the Iraq War:

-- Elite French troops were deployed in southeastern Afghanistan in July 2003.
-- Germany has had thousands of troops contributing in Afghanistan since December 2001.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder even made it clear that his opposition to the Iraq War would not affect his country's contributions in Afghanistan.

Where Obama got the notion that, "NATO hasn't provided enough troops because they are still angry about us going into Iraq," is anybody's guess.
But, it's not based in fact.
Maybe Obama took it from one of Jeremiah Wright's sermons?

The Campaign Spot has been all over this Obama gaffe and makes several good points on this slip.

Previously:
OOPS!! Obama Goofs-- Wants More Arabic Speakers in Afghanistan (Video)

Osama Bin Laden Releases Message On Israel's Birthday

2008-05-16T03:54:00.000-07:00

A new Osama Bin Laden tape was released today.
Laura Mansfield has the video.

Osama Bin Laden released a tape to coincide with the Israel's 60th Birthday.
The Times Now reported:

Osama bin Laden vowed in an audio tape timed to coincide with Israel's 60th anniversary to continue to fight the Jewish state and its allies in the West.

Bin Laden has placed growing emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent pronouncements.

He said it was at the heart of the Muslim battle with the West and an inspiration to the 19 bombers who carried out the attacks on U.S. cities on Sept. 11, 2001. "We will continue, God permitting, the fight against the Israelis and their allies ... and will not give up a single inch of Palestine as long as there is one true Muslim on earth," the leader of al Qaeda said in the latest message, posted on an Islamist website on Friday (May 16).

He said Israel's anniversary celebrations were a reminder that it did not exist 60 years ago, and had been established on land seized from Palestinians by force. "This is evidence that Palestine is our land, and the Israelis are invaders and occupiers who should be fought," he said.

The Saudi-born militant noted that decades of peace initiatives had failed to establish a Palestinian state, and said the West sided with Israel. "The participation of Western leaders with the Jews in this [anniversary] celebration confirms that the West backs this Jewish occupation of our land, and that they stand in the Israeli corner against us," he said. "They proved this in practice by sending their forces to southern Lebanon."

He also said Western media had over the years painted Israelis as victims, and the Palestinians who had been displaced from their land as terrorists.

Osama is obviously out of touch if he thinks that the Israelis are painted as the victim class.
That cave living is taking a toll on the Al-Qaeda leader.

Hah!! Hillary Has Traveling Plants!

2008-05-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sweetness and Light found a Hillary plant.
It's a traveling plant.

Hillary liked the boxer boy-- So she took him on a tour of America!

Hillary celebrates in Pennsylvania:

...with boxer boy in the background.

Hillary celebrates in Indiana:

...with boxer boy in the background.

Hillary celebrates in West Virginia:

...with boxer boy in the background.

Amazing! The Hillary campaign slaps big red gloves on a supporter making him the most obvious person in the background and then takes him on a tour of America.
Only the Clintons could be this bold.

Interpol Confirms: US Democrat Was Secretly Working With FARC To Undermine Colombian Government

2008-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

US Democratic Congressman James McGovern was offering the Marxist FARC terrorists help in undermining the Colombian government.

Interpol confirmed documents today showing that US Congressman James McGovern (D., Mass.) (pictured), a leading opponent of the Colombia free-trade deal has been working with a go-between, who has been offering the FARC terrorists help in undermining Colombia's elected and popular government.
Colombia is America's closest ally in South America.

Interpol disclosed today that there was no evidence that the computers seized from dead FARC leader Raul Reyes were tampered with.
The AP and The Real Cuba reported:

Interpol said Thursday it found no evidence of tampering in computers Colombia says it seized from a slain leftist rebel. The finding discredits Venezuelan assertions that the files are bogus and gives Colombia the international backing it sought.

The forensic study by the France-based international police agency will increase pressure on Venezuela's socialist president, Hugo Chavez, to explain documents indicating his government was financing and arming the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Colombia said its commandos recovered the three Toshiba Satellite laptop computers, two external hard drives and three USB memory sticks after destroying a rebel camp across the border in Ecuador. FARC foreign minister Raul Reyes and 24 others were killed in the March 1 raid.

Here is a running list of the infomation discovered by Colombian investigators on the FARC terror leader's computers:

-- FARC connections with Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa
-- Records of $300 million offerings from Hugo Chavez
-- Thank you notes from Hugo Chavez dating back to 1992
-- Uranium purchasing records
-- Admit to killing the sister of former President Cesar Gaviria
-- Admit to planting a 2003 car bomb killing 36 at a Bogota upper crust club
-- Directions on how to make a Dirty Bomb
-- Information that led to the discovery of 60 pounds of uranium
-- Letter to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi asking for cash to buy surface-to-air missiles
-- Meetings with "gringos" about Barack Obama
-- Information on Russian illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout who was later captured
-- FARC funding Correa's campaign
-- Cuban links to FARC
-- Links to US Democrats
-- $480,000 of FARC cash in Costa Rican safe house
-- $100,000 to President Correa's campaign for election
-- Chavez attempts to buy arms for FARC through the Belarus regime
-- FARC branches in 17 countries including Germany and Switzerland
-- FARC terrorists expanded operations to 17 countries
-- FARC terrorists expanded operations to Germany and Switzerland

The news today confirmed all of the above information.

The information also confirms that US Democrats were secretly reaching out to the FARC terrorists.
One document explained:

The 16 documents were published Sunday by the news magazine Semana. They also detail previously unknown relationships held or sought by Latin America's oldest and most potent rebel force, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

Another discusses an apparent effort by U.S. Democrats to have celebrated novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez mediate talks with the insurgents — possibly with former President Clinton's involvement.

There is no evidence the FARC ever obtained surface-to-air missiles, however. Attempts to reach Clinton and Garcia Marquez were unsuccessful.

Previously:
Top FARC Dog Raul Reyes Killed By Colombian Forces
Chavez Warns of War... Says Colombia Is "Israel of South America!"
TENSIONS RISING-- Documents Link Ecuador's President to FARC
EXPLOSIVE NEWS-- Chavez Paid $300 Million to FARC!
Colombia: FARC Has Uranium-- Working On Dirty Bomb!
France Comes Clean... Admits Holding Talks With Dead FARC Terrorist Reyes
CAPTURED FARC COMPUTERS NAME BARACK OBAMA
FARC Retaliates-- Bombs Oil Pipeline in Colombia
Colombia Crisis Continues-- Chavez Busted in Pack of Lies
CHAVEZ PHONE CALL EXPOSED RAUL REYES!! ...Video of Ambush
Uribe Humiliates Ecuadorean Leader For FARC Ties at Summit
Captured FARC Documents Link Democrats to Terror Group
FARC Cash Seized in Costa Rica Linked to Iran & Venezuela
Busted!... Democratic Point Man on Colombia Caught Dealing With FARC
COLOMBIA SEIZES FARC TERRORIST URANIUM STASH!
Ecuadorean President Correa Took $100,000 From FARC to Fund Campaign
Interpol Confirms Authenticity Of Raul Reyes's Computer Files
Chavez Tried to Arm FARC with Help From Belarus
FARC Terror Group Opens German & Swiss Branches

UPDATE: Rep. McGovern led a coup against the Colombian Free Trade Agreement.
The American reported:

Tellingly, the planning of the coup against the fast-track process came, not from the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade, but rather from the Rules Committee. According to reporters Patrick O’Connor and Martin Kady of The Politico, Rules Committee chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) had discussed the option of stripping time requirements from the fast-track process since January.

Hat Tip Quotecritter

** Monica Showalter has more on the 37,872 files that were discovered on the FARC computers.

DePaul Harasses Conservatives For Protection Money

2008-05-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is like the days when you had to pay the mafia protection money or get your a$$ kicked...
Except today the liberals in control of academia and the radical Leftist groups are the mob.

Jason Mattera explains how DePaul University is harassing the conservatives on campus for protection money when Chris Simcox comes to town.

* * * * *
Related... The young fascists at Washington University in St. Louis are protesting because the school is going to give an honorary degree to conservative Phyllis Schlafly.
This proves once again that today's univerisity are open and inclusive--
as long you are not Christian or conservative.

The obedient young Leftists have been protesting Schlafly all week at Washington University. (PD)

If only the universtiy would have chosen a community leader like William Ayers for the honorary degree- all would be fine and dandy.
Hat Tip Ben Phillips

Why Must Obama Use a Marxist Catch Phrase To Attack His Critics?

2008-05-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier today the Barack Obama lashed out at President Bush over comments he made to the Knesset in Jerusalem on appeasing terrorists and thug regimes.
Obviously, Senator Obama thought he was included in this "appeaser" category:

"George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the president's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel."

This is not the first time that Barack Obama lashed out, not at the terrorists, but at those who question his security positions...
He lashed out on April 25, 2007--

The top two Democratic presidential contenders rebuked Republican rival Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday for suggesting the United States could face another major terrorist attack if a Democrat is elected in 2008.

"Rudy Giuliani today has taken the politics of fear to a new low and I believe Americans are ready to reject those kind of politics,"

And, on December 28, 2007--

Mr Obama gave the most powerful speech of his campaign, urging the crowd to reject the Clintons’ politics of cynicism and fear in what his campaign calls his “closing argument”.

On April 21, 2008--

The 30-second broadcast does not mention Obama by name, but the Illinois senator’s spokesman Bill Burton fired off a robust response and brought up Clinton’s vote in 2002 to authorize the Iraq war, which his boss opposed.
“It’s ironic that she would borrow the president’s tactics in her own campaign and invoke bin Laden to score political points,” Burton said.
“We already have a president who plays the politics of fear, and we don’t need another,” he said.

On March 30, 2008--

"We need to break the politics of fear that uses 9/11 to scare up votes."

And, that is just the short list.

But, where did Obama get this catch phrase?
The phrase "politics of fear" is actually an old Marxist phrase used during the Cold War.
The New York Sun reported this back in January:

The phrase, "politics of fear," reemerged from the dustbin of anti-anti-communism on far left Web sites like Alternet in late 2002. In the Cold War, it was employed to deride public school air raid drills, the House's un-American Activities Committee, and Ronald Reagan's anti-red campaigns. Since the end of the Cold War, the phrase has been resurrected by politicians and pundits alike to say the electorate ought to fear the people trying to scare us, not these terrorists and tyrants they keep going on about.

Surprised?... Didn't think so.