Month: July 2009

Extremist Jihadist Islamist Terrorist

"Recalling the relevant international counter-terrorism conventions and in particular the obligations of parties to those conventions to extradite or prosecute terrorists…" – United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 [.pdf], Oct. 15, 1999 In the informed debate of the last 10 years regarding "terrorism," there’s a missing acronym to define this dreadful new menace, a menace … Continue reading “Extremist Jihadist Islamist Terrorist”

Sunday: 26 Iraqis Killed, 28 Wounded

Updated at 6:50 p.m. EDT, July 26, 2009 At least 26 Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in today’s attacks. No Coalition deaths were reported, but former soldiers described the conditions that likely contributed to the high amount of violent crimes attributed to a group of Iraq veterans. Separately, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said that U.S. soldiers are allowed to defend themselves in attacks. Meanwhile, some Iraqis are finding it difficult to legally immigrate to the U.S. because of the “broad language” used in the Patriot Act. Also, polls closed peacefully in the Kurdish Autonomous Region.

Two Police States, No Solution

What remains of Palestinian civil rights is rapidly being eroded by the dictatorial Palestinian governments that respectively control the divided Palestinian territories. Palestinian civilians are paying the price as the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and the Fatah-affiliated and western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA), which rules the West Bank, continue to target … Continue reading “Two Police States, No Solution”

Maliki Dons Mantle of Seasoned Statesman

His visit to the U.S. this week was meant to be a show of statesmanship, much different than when he was in Washington last time. In July 2006, when he met with former President George W. Bush, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was a dwindling, embattled politician of whom nobody expected much. His very survival … Continue reading “Maliki Dons Mantle of Seasoned Statesman”

Pro-Israel Groups Push Back Against Settlements Policy

As the clash between the U.S. and Israeli governments over settlements in the occupied territories intensifies, many of Israel’s traditionally staunch defenders in Washington have been pushing back, tentatively but with increasing assertiveness, to urge the Barack Obama administration to alleviate its pressure on Israel. The settlements battle has put these defenders in a delicate … Continue reading “Pro-Israel Groups Push Back Against Settlements Policy”