Posted on 12/17/2006 4:03:30 PM PST by DAVEY CROCKETT
VEVAK learned its methodology from the Soviet KGB and many of the Islamist revolutionaries who supported Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini actually studied at Moscow's Patrice Lumumba Friendship University, the Oxford of terrorism. Documented Iranian alumni include the current Supreme Leader (the faqih) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, under whose Velayat-e Faqih (Rule of the Islamic Jurisprudent) apparatus it has traditionally operated. Its current head is Cabinet Minister Hojatoleslam Gholam-Hussein Mohseni-Ezhei, a graduate of Qom's Haqqani School, noted for its extremist position advocating violence against enemies and strict clerical control of society and government. The Ministry is very well funded and its charge, like that of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (the Pasdaran) is to guard the revolutionary Islamic Iranian regime at all costs and under all contingencies.
From the KGB playbook, VEVAK learned the art of disinformation. It's not so difficult to learn: tell the truth 80% of the time and lie 20%. Depending on how well a VEVAK agent wants to cover his/her tracks, the ratio may go up to 90/10, but it never drops below the 80/20 mark as such would risk suspicion and possible detection. The regime in Teheran has gone to great lengths to place its agents in locations around the world. Many of these operatives have been educated in the West, including the U.K. and the United States. Iranian government agencies such as embassies, consulates, Islamic cultural centers, and airline offices regularly provide cover for the work of VEVAK agents who dress well and are clean shaven, and move comfortably within our society. In this country, because of the severance of diplomatic relations, the principal site of VEVAK activities begins at the offices of Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.
Teheran has worked diligently to place its operatives in important think tanks and government agencies in the West. Some of its personnel have been recruited while in prison through torture or more often through bribery, or a combination of both. Others are Islamist revolutionaries that have been set up to look like dissidents - often having been arrested and imprisoned, but released for “medical reasons”. The clue to detecting the fake “dissident” is to read carefully what he/she writes, and to ask why this vocal “dissident” was released from prison when other real dissidents have not been released, indeed have been grievously tortured and executed. Other agents have been placed in this country for over twenty-five years to slowly go through the system and rise to positions of academic prominence due to their knowledge of Farsi and Shia Islam or Islamist fundamentalism.
One of the usual tactics of VEVAK is to co-opt academia to its purposes. Using various forms of bribery, academics are bought to defend the Islamic Republic or slander its enemies. Another method is to assign bright students to train for academic posts as specialists in Iranian or Middle East affairs. Once established, such individuals are often consulted by our government as it tries to get a better idea of how it should deal with Iran. These academics then are in a position to skew the information, suggesting the utility of extended dialogue and negotiation, or the danger and futility of confronting a strong Iran or its proxies such as Hizballah (Hezbollah). These academics serve to shield the regime from an aggressive American or Western policy, and thereby buy more time for the regime to attain its goals, especially in regards to its nuclear weaponry and missile programs.
MOIS likes to use the media, especially electronic media, to its advantage. One of VEVAK's favorite tricks is setting up web sites that look like they are opposition sites but which are actually controlled by the regime. These sites often will be multilingual, including Farsi, German, Arabic French, and English. Some are crafted carefully and are very subtle in how they skew their information (e.g., Iran-Interlink, set up and run by Massoud Khodabandeh and his wife Ann Singleton from Leeds, England); others are less subtle, simply providing the regime's point of view on facts and events in the news (e.g., www.mujahedeen.com or www.mojahedin.ws). This latter group is aimed at the more gullible in our open society and unfortunately such a market exists. However, if one begins to do one's homework, asking careful questions, the material on these fake sites generally does not add up.
Let's examine a few examples of VEVAK's work in the United States. In late October, 2005, VEVAK sent three of its agents to Washington to stage a press event in which the principal Iranian resistance movement, the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK), was to be slandered. Veteran VEVAK agent Karim Haqi flew from Amsterdam to Canada where he was joined by VEVAK's Ottawa agents Amir-Hossein Kord Rostami and Mahin (Parvin-Mahrokh) Haji, and the three flew from Toronto to Washington. Fortunately the resistance had been tracking these three, informed the FBI of their presence in Washington, and when the three tried to hold a press conference, the resistance had people assigned to ask pointed questions of them so that they ended the interview prematurely and fled back to Canada.
Abolghasem Bayyenet is a member of the Iranian government. He serves as a trade expert for the Ministry of Commerce. But his background of study and service in the Foreign Ministry indicates that Bayyenet is more than just an economist or a suave and savvy businessman. In an article published in Global Politician on April 23, 2006, entitled “Is Regime Change Possible in Iran?”, Bayyenet leads his audience to think that he is a neutral observer, concerned lest the United States make an error in its assessment of Iran similar to the errors of intelligence and judgment that led to our 2003 invasion of Iraq, with its less than successful outcome. However, his carefully crafted bottom line is that the people of Iran are not going to support regime change and that hardliner President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad actually has achieved greater popularity than his predecessors because of his concern for the problems of the poor and his fight for economic and social justice. To the naive, Bayyenet makes Ahmadinejad sound positively saintly. Conveniently overlooked is the occurrence of over four thousand acts of protest, strikes, anti-regime rallies, riots, and even political assassinations by the people of Iran against the government in the year since Ahmadinejad assumed office. So too, the following facts are ignored: the sizeable flight of capital, the increase in unemployment, and the rising two-figure rate of inflation, all within this last year. Bayyenet is a regime apologist, and when one is familiar with the facts, his arguments ring very hollow. However, his English skills are excellent, and so the naОve might be beguiled by his commentary.
Mohsen Sazegara is VEVAK's “reformed revolutionary”. A student supporter of Khomeini before the 1979 revolution, Sazegara joined the “imam” on his return from exile and served in the government for a decade before supposedly growing disillusioned.
He formed several reformist newspapers but ran afoul of the hardliners in 2003 and was arrested and imprisoned by VEVAK. Following “hunger strikes”, Sazegara was released for health reasons and permitted to seek treatment abroad. Although critical of the government and particularly of Ahmadinejad and KhameneМ, Sazegara is yet more critical of opposition groups, leaving the impression that he favors internal regime change but sees no one to lead such a movement for the foreseeable future. His bottom line: no one is capable of doing what needs to be done, so we must bide our time. Very slick, but his shadow shows his likely remaining ties to the MOIS.
http://www.ocnus.net/artman/publish/article_27144.shtml
So much for breaking news, from kdwn.com
One minute ago:
Police went into apartment, did not find a man.
Police came out and left.
Airplane makes emergency landing in Moline
Moline, ILLINOIS -- A United Airlines flight not scheduled to land at
the
Quad Cities International Airport Wednesday night touched down on the
runway
just after 8:00pm.
Paramedics and fire crews were waiting by on the tarmac, and first
responders rushed onto the aircraft once it had taxied to a stop.
One passenger was taken into a waiting ambulance.
An airport spokesman tells Newschannel 8 that an emergency landing was
made
for an "unknown medical condition."
No details were available from United Airlines late Wednesday night
about
where the plane had taken off from, where it was headed and what the
problem
was on-board.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=6123628&nav=1sW7
NTSB Calls In Glass Specialist To Investigate Cracked Windscreens
Officials Say 14 Planes Around DEN Were Affected
Authorities remain mystified as to what caused 22 front and side
windscreens
to crack on at least 14 planes at Denver International Airport last
week.
There are several theories... and the National Transportation Safety
Board
has called in a glass specialist to sort them out.
"We are not discounting anything," FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer told
Denver's KMGH-7. "We believe it is very remarkable to have this number
of
events in the same area at the same time."
As Aero-News reported, over a dozen planes suffered cracked windshields
within a 90 minute period last Friday, during a strong snowstorm around
DEN.
Nine regional airliners belonging to SkyWest Airlines were affected, as
were
four Frontier Airlines planes and one Great Lakes Airlines turboprop.
It apparently didn't matter if the planes were on the ground, at the
gate,
or in the air; officials say planes were hit with the problem both in
the
air, and on the ground.
DEN spokesman Chuck Cannon called the incidents "baffling." Officials
have
theorized winds in excess of 50 miles per hour, rapid temperature
changes,
and a sudden drop in air pressure could have contributed to the
incidents.
One possible cause has been ruled out, however, said NTSB investigator
Jennifer Kaiser. There were no reports that flying debris struck any of
the
planes.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.flydenver.com/
aero-news.net
Author of TWA 800 Disaster Account to Donate Research Materials to
Embry-Riddle Archives on February 26
Prescott, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2007 -- Among air crash detectives it is
often
said that there are no new causes of aviation disasters, just people
with
short memories. No one knows that better than aviation investigator
Christine Negroni, who penned The New York Times Notable Book, Deadly
Departure: Why the Experts Failed to Prevent the TWA 800 Disaster and
How
it Could Happen Again. On February 26, 2007, Ms. Negroni will donate
the
research materials used to produce the book to the air safety research
collection at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott,
Arizona.
When Deadly Departure was published it revealed what caused the
in-flight
explosion that killed 230 people on a Boeing 747 flying from New York
to
Paris in July 1996, and challenged an industry to resolve an ongoing
fuel
tank ignition problem affecting thousands of commercial airliners.
Tragically, but true to the title of Ms. Negroni’s book, two more
jetliners have exploded from similar ignitions since the crash of TWA
Flight
800.
Documents, studies, historical records, graphics and photographs, along
with
transcripts and recordings from hundreds of interviews, all related to
the
TWA crash and subsequent investigation, will be catalogued by Ms.
Negroni on
site at the University this month and added to the school’s Aviation
Security and Safety Archives.
The Aviation Safety and Security Archives (ASASA) is a repository on
the
Prescott campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. ASASA
collects
physical and digital documents and provides access to information about
aviation safety and aviation security. The archives holds thousands of
aircraft accident files and tens of thousands of aircraft accident
photographs, as well as audio and video recordings, clippings, manuals,
books, and even aircraft wreckage parts. Some of these items date back
to
the beginning of flight, including the first U.S. official accident
report
from 1908. Collections from several leaders in aviation are in the
repository, including David S. Hall, C.O. Miller, David Haddon
Holladay,
Charles Mercer, and S. Harry Robertson. ASASA recently acquired the
ISASI
(International Society of Air Safety Investigators) library, which
includes
foreign accident reports.
Ms. Negroni, a former national TV journalist and now the chief
investigator
for Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, the nation’s foremost aviation law firm,
covered the crash of TWA Flight 800 as a reporter for CNN before
leaving the
network to write Deadly Departure. “Since many of the documents and
reports are old and rare, I felt a special obligation to personally
protect
them, even after the book was published and the air safety issues
became
known. But the materials weren’t doing anyone any good sitting in my
house,” Ms. Negroni said. “So it is a special pleasure for me to have
them go to Embry-Riddle, where I know the materials will be properly
cared
for and put to productive use. I hope this collection will enlighten
people
who have an interest in aviation safety.”
Access to the physical materials in ASASA, including Ms. Negroni’s TWA
800
collection, is granted with permission. Students, faculty, aviation
research professionals are encouraged to contact ASASA for a personal
guided
tour and information on how to access the materials. Interested parties
may
contact ASASA at 928-777-3949 or visit http://archives.pr.erau.edu.
Physical items do not circulate as they are unique and rare and they
are
preserved through climate control, security measures, and special
handling
and storage, according to guidelines published by the Society of
American
Archivists and similar groups involved in keeping historical records.
Negroni to Speak at University on February 28 While in Arizona this
month
helping to catalogue the archives’ newest acquisition, Ms. Negroni will
make a presentation called, “10 Years Later: The Crash of TWA 800.”
Ms. Negroni will speak at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, AZ, campus on
Wednesday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m. in the Davis Learning Center
Auditorium. The event is free and open to the general public.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully
accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers
more
than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation,
Business, and Engineering. The university educates more than 34,000
students
annually in undergraduate and graduate programs at residential campuses
in
Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus
at
more than 130 centers in the United States and Europe, and through
online
learning. For more information, visit www.erau.edu.
Founded in 1950, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP (www.kreindler.com), with
offices
in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, is nationally recognized as the
first
and most prominent aviation law firm in the nation. The firm has been
lead
plaintiff legal counsel in hundreds of aviation cases, including
litigation
stemming from the September 11 terrorist attacks; the crash of TWA 800;
the
bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland; the crash of
American
Airlines Flight 587; and many cases of private, commercial and military
crashes. For more information contact 212-687-8181.
Excellent points.
though they don't need mostly ineffective subliminal--they are brazenly overt quite plenty.
Haven't had TV for several months now. Usually is on fox or educational or sci fi when have one.
LUB
Al-Qa'ida in Iraq Leader Promises To Avenge Alleged Rape of Sabrin
Originally published on 2/22/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: Al-Qa'ida in Iraq Leader Promises To Avenge Alleged Rape of Sabrin
On 22 February, a jihadist website posted a statement issued by The Islamic State of Iraq in which the group provided links to a new 11-minute and 50-second audio by Abu-Hamzah al-Muhajir, also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the leader of al-Qa'ida Organization in Iraq, entitled "At Your Service, Sister," in which he promises to avenge the alleged rape of the Iraqi woman Sabrin. The audio was produced and released by the Al-Furqan Media Production Organization. Al-Muhajir's last audio was released in November 2006 and was entitled "The Command Is for None but Allah". OSC has filed similar reports issued by the Islamic Front of Iraqi Resistance, The Islamic Army in Iraq, the Call and Encampment Brigades, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Al-Mujahidin Army.
A translation of the audio follows:
"[The first four minutes include Koranic recitation and excerpts from the statement.]
[A voice announces:]
"Al-Furqan Media Production Organization presents an audio message from Shaykh Abu-Hamzah al-Muhajir entitled, "At your Service, Sister."
"Al-Muhajir begins:
"Praise be to God, the Sovereign of His Kingdom, the One Who is above unfairness and oppression, Who alone is Eternal. He is the One who hears our grievances and knows of every difficulty. Prayers and peace be upon the one who was sent with the sword ahead of Judgment Day, the bearer of glad tidings, who, as a guiding light, called people to worship God upon His commission.
"God Almighty said, 'O ye who believe! Give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life' [Koranic verse; Al-Anfal 8:24].
"'And fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves' [Koranic verse; Al-Tawbah 9:36]. The Almighty also said, 'Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath power over all things' [Koranic verse; Al-Tawbah 9:39]. He also said, ' Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of Allah. That is best for you, if ye (but) knew' [Koranic verse; Al-Tawbah 9:41]
"Go forth, old and young, rich and poor. Oh Muslims, Oh mujahidin. Today, the honor was violated and the religion was defiled. Disgrace has befallen all the Muslims. Today, the dog defiled the honor of the chaste [female], and the immoral libertine infidel stepped on the veil of the virtuous.
"Oh Muslims! Your prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, called for jihad in the cause of God, when Muslim women were mentioned in love poems [by a Jew from the tribe of Quraysh who went around reciting love poems about the wives of the prophet's companions], and he said, 'Who would kill Ka'b Ibn-al-Ashraf?' [Hadith] And today, the dogs of Tariq al-Hashimi and Nuri al-Maliki violated the honor of Sunni women and danced over their chastity. [We ask] who will kill these men and their soldiers? Where are the grandchildren of Muhammad Ibn-Muslimah? Your prophet said, 'No (Muslim) man will desert a man who is a Muslim in a place where his respect may be violated and his honor aspersed without Allah deserting him in a place here he wishes his help, and no (Muslim) man who will help a Muslim in a place w here his honor may be aspersed and his respect violated without Allah helping him in a place where he w ishes his help' [Hadith].
"He also said, 'He in whose presence a Muslim is humiliated and who does not help him, but who is able to help him, God will humiliate him before all creatures on the Day of Resurrection.'
"Oh youth of The Islamic State of Iraq, our commander of the faithful, the amir of the believers, said: 'I am not your amir, and you are not my soldiers until you water the ground with the blood of the nonbelievers. Annihilate their strongholds, raid their camps, dismember them, and tear their hearts out of their bodies. Today is the day of the epic, today bad omens [for the nonbelievers] are on the horizon, today we shed the blood, honor complains of oppression. Know that the messenger of God, prayers and peace be upon him, said: 'Anyone who is killed defending his family is a martyr' so subject yourselves to martyrdom, and adhere to it because being killed for the sake of God is an objective about which we still speak. The smiling fighter said: 'Of the men he lives the best life who holds the reins of his horse (ever ready to march) in the way of Allah, flies on its back whenever he hears a fearful shriek, or a call for help, flies to it seeking death at places where it can be expected' [Hadith]. Is there a greater fearful shriek than this, oh soldiers of God?
"Oh caravans of the martyrs, move forward with God's blessing. Turn their strongholds into fire, their homes into destruction, and make rivers of their blood. Our amir resolved and said: 'I resolved that every mujahid should take out his weapon from its hiding place and not discard it from his hand until he meets God as a martyr or until God grants us victory. 'And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah' [partial Koranic verse; Al-Baqarah 2:193] and beware of becoming among those who God described as: 'If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made some preparation therefore; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth; so He made them lag behind, and they were told, 'Sit ye among those who sit (inactive)'' [Koranic verse; Al-Tawbah 9:46].
"As for you, oh chaste and virtuous one, God will reward you, God will reward you, be patient, await your reward from God, and know that more than 300 Iraqi supporters have requested martyrdom-seeking operations in the first 10 hours after hearing the news, among whom are 50 Janabis, more than 20 young men of whom have asked to marry you if you do not have a husband. At your service, oh sister. We will not forget to avenge you.
"Oh God, vanquish Nuri al-Maliki. Oh God, vanquish Tariq al-Hashimi. Oh God, vanquish Adnan al-Dulaymi. Oh God, vanquish Salam al-Zuba'i. Oh God, vanquish Mahmud al-Mashhadaniyy. Oh God, they have lied to you, soiled the names of their free tribes, and deceived and betrayed their Muslim nation until honor was violated in the name of politics and civility and the rights of the Sunnis. Oh God, take revenge on them and show us the enforcement of one of your verses about speedy vengeance. Oh God, vanquish those who issued fatwas to them and to the Sunnis [about the permissibility] of the joining of the National Guard and the Public Order [Forces]. Oh God, vanquish the grandchildren of Ba'ura [REFERENCE to Bil'am bin-Ba'ura who was known for his answered prayers and used them against the prophet Moses].
"And our last supplication is praise be to God, Lord of all creation.
"The soldier,
"Abu-Hamzah al-Muhajir"
[NOTE: THESE POSTS COME TO ME, VIA A YAHOO GROUP]
Paris Publication Claims Pakistani, Other Agencies Are Fomenting Unrest in Iran
Paris Publication Claims Pakistani, Other Agencies Are Fomenting Unrest in Iran
Unattributed report: "Pakistan Springboard against Iran"
Originally published on 2/23/2007 by Intelligence Online WWW-Text in English
The CIA has launched operations to destabilize Iran in the east (Sistan and Baluchistan) with the help of Pakistan's ISI and in the west (Khuzestan) with MI6.
Immediately after the director of national intelligence, John Negroponte, told Congress on Jan. 11 that Al Qaeda had established itself in Pakistan, a furious Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf dispatched the boss of the country's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, lieutenant-general Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, to Washington.
According to diplomatic sources in Islamabad, Kiani met with Negroponte himself as well as with CIA director Michael Hayden and national security adviser Stephen Hadley. A few days later he was joined by the head of ISI's anti-terrorist division, lieutenant-general Muhammad Zakki. The latter is handler to several extreme Sunni movements in Pakistan belonging to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).
The two ISI bosses reached an agreement with the Americans: they would launch destabilization operations in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan, where Sunnis form the majority of inhabitants, by inciting a number of violent groups like the Jundallah to stage attacks, particularly against the Revolutionary Guards (Pasdarans).
Jundallah claimed responsibility for a bomb attack against a bus at Zahedan, capital of Baluchistan, on Feb. 14 that killed 11 Pasdarans in what was the first strike in the Pakistani offensive. It was indeed interpreted by Tehran as a Pakistani operation because Iran reacted immediately by rounding up hundreds of Baluchis (a suspected perpetrator was hanged in public on Feb. 19). Then, on Feb. 18, a suicide bomber blew up a courtroom in Quetta, capital of the Pakistani part of Baluchistan, killing 16.
The same day the Pakistani envoy to Tehran was called in to the foreign ministry to be told: "We're in a position to destabilize your country if you continue to work with the Americans."
Backed by British troops deployed in southern Iraq, MI6 and British special forces carried out an attack against the Revolutionary Guards University in the center of Ahvaz, the capital of the Iranian part of Khuzestan, on Feb. 7. The British have been infiltrating the region since 2003 with the help of Sunni Arabs who are in the majority in the area. The Feb. 7 operation, like others in Dezful (which houses a major military base) and in the oil port of Abadan, were hushed up by the Iranian authorities.
American policy planners can also count on the possibility of activating some 5,000 members of the People's Mudjihideen, which fiercely opposes the Iranian regime and trains under the protection of the US Army at the Ashraf base some 120 km north of Baghdad.
'Call and Encampment Brigades' To Punish 'Crusaders' Over Alleged Rape
'Call and Encampment Brigades' To Punish 'Crusaders' Over Alleged Rape of Sabrin
Originally published on 2/21/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: 'Call and Encampment Brigades' To Punish 'Crusaders' Over Alleged Rape of Sabrin
On 22 February, a jihadist website posted a statement issued by The Call and Encampment Brigades in which the group promised to punish the "Crusaders, Safavids, and their allies" for the alleged rape of the Iraqi woman Sabrin by Iraqi forces. OSC has filed similar reports issued by the Islamic Army in Iraq and the Islamic Front of Iraqi Resistance. The statement was attributed to the "General Command" of The Call and Encampment Brigades.
A translation of the statement follows:
"In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
"'O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah. that ye may prosper' [Koranic verse; Al Imran 3:200].
"Number: 3
"Date: 4 Safar 1428 [corresponding to] 21 February 2007
"Praise be to God, who said: 'Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were more numerous than these and superior in strength and in the traces (they have left) in the land: Yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them' [Koranic verse; Ghafir 40:82]. Prayers and peace be upon the best of God's creation who was sent as mercy for mankind and who said: 'It is Allah's Law that He brings down whatever rises high in the world.' The best prayer and most complete salutation be upon him and all of his family and companions.
"Our Islamic nation in general and Iraq in particular are going through discord as [treacherous as] traveling in a dark night, and that is because of the extermination campaigns waged by the forces of nonbelief from among the Jews, Crusaders, Safavids, and agents who are considered Sunnis, led by the tyrannical oppressive America and directed by the Jewish devils to eliminate Islam and the Muslims and plunder the Muslims' riches. 'They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah' [Koranic verse; Al-Anfal 8:30].
"Since the occupation of Iraq more than three years ago, America has been trying to escape from its predicament in the Land of the Two Rivers but [only to move] from one disaster to another, as here are the governments brought by America on top of its tanks and under its protection. What have they done for Iraq except destroy, ruin, kill, and rape? Sabrin al-Janabi's rape of is one of thousands of similar cases executed by the occupation's armies in the Abu-Ghurayb Prison and the rest of the occupation's prisons two years ago and the raping of men before women in the prisons of the so-called Ministry of Information in Al-Ja'fari's former government. Al-Maliki's government brought nothing different than that which was brought by these armies which are an extension of the Persian and Safavid armies and the armies of the Tatars when they occupied Baghdad and killed, raped, destroyed, and displaced. It is no surprise that Al-Maliki is defending those spiteful criminals, for they do not move without his knowledge and the directions of parties among the politicians and the Safavid participants in the Safavid government. We, in the Call and Encampment Brigades, say to those Crusaders and Safavids and their allies:
"You and your followers will not escape our punishment. Remember what we did to you since the first day of your occupation of our land and until now. We swear by God the Great that we will burn the earth under your feet and make Iraq your grave. Ask history about us and about our glorious deeds.
"'Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will)' [partial Koranic verse; Al-Hajj 22:40].
"The General Command of The Call and Encampment Brigades"
http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=NATIONAL&ID=564967922600378632
U.S. will close base in Kyrgyzstan
February 22, 2007 1:04 PM
RIA Novosti
(MCT)
NEW YORK - The United States will close its air base in Kyrgyzstan, as
well as other bases in Central Asia, as soon as military operations in
Afghanistan and Iraq are over, a U.S. military official said Thursday.
Calls on the Kyrgyz government to consider closing the airbase at
Manas,
which the United States has used since launching its antiterrorism
campaign in neighboring Afghanistan in 2001, arose last year following
a
string of accidents at the base involving U.S. troops, including the
killing of a Kyrgyz national and a plane's collision with a tanker.
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Michael Moseley said he does not consider
the base at Manas, and all other bases in Afghanistan and Iraq, as
permanent, adding that the United States wants to finish its business
there (in Afghanistan and Iraq) as soon as possible and return to
permanent NATO bases.
Located south of Biskek, the country's capital, Manas is the only U.S.
base in post-Soviet Central Asia since Uzbekistan evicted American
troops from its territory in 2005. Kyrgyzstan recently raised the
leasing fee for the Manas base from the current $2.6 million to $150
million as of 2007.
Moseley added that the military presence in Kyrgyzstan was not aimed
against Russia, and that its main purpose is to counter terrorism.
The United States and Russia have many things in common, he said,
including the fight against terrorism, international crime and drug
trafficking while the base at Manas plays a key role in the military
operation in Afghanistan.
Russia and the United States are currently in a dispute over American
plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe.
Moscow
strongly opposes the deployment of a missile shield in its former
backyard in Central Europe, describing the plans as a threat to Russian
national security.
Earlier this month Sergei Ivanov, the Russian first deputy prime
minister and former defense minister, proposed that NATO collaborate
with the Collective Security Treaty Organization to stabilize the
situation in Afghanistan, although the CSTO is widely viewed as a
post-Soviet instrument for preventing NATO's further eastward expansion
and to keep CIS countries under Russia's military protection.
Kyrgyzstan is a member of the regional post-Soviet security group CSTO,
which also comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan.
UAE seeking overseas markets for home-grown UAVs
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200702/23/eng20070223_351976.html
UPDATED: 13:41, February 23, 2007
UAE seeking overseas markets for home-grown UAVs
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeking overseas markets for its locally
built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by displaying them for the first
time at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) 2007, the Gulf News
reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the UAV project was launched in the UAE five
years ago and has been in production for 18 months at the Dhafra
military base.
"We plan to introduce and market this product overseas," Ali M. Al
Shehi, ground station manager of the UAV manufacturer Space
Reconnaissance, was quoted as saying.
The main purposes of the vehicle are surveillance and patrolling, which
"can reach a height of 18,000 feet (about 5,455 meters), and a range of
100 km, and can remain airborne for six hours," Al Shehi said.
"There are also new advanced sensors installed to meet specific needs
of
the UAE armed forces. We will also install a radar system," he added.
Twelve UAVs are being operated by the UAE armed forces, the report
said.
IDEX 2007, the eighth edition of the largest arms fair in the Middle
East, opened on Feb. 18 and will conclude on Feb. 22.
Source: Xinhua
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2007
CONTACT: Richard L. Benkin, Ph.D.; +1-847-722-7917;
drrbenkin@comcast.net
US Congressman Visits Persecuted Journalist
Dhaka, Bangladesh —Republican Congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio held a thirty minute meeting with dissident journalist, Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury at the US Embassy in Bangladesh . Chabot, whose district includes the city of Cincinnati , became taken with Choudhury’s plight after a resolution supporting him was brought before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on which Chabot serves.
Choudhury has faced continued persecution since 2003 for exposing the rise of Islamist radicals, calling for relations with Israel , and advocating religious equality. He has been beaten, tortured and imprisoned for his efforts, and mobs have been allowed to attack him and bomb his newspaper with impunity. House Resolution 64, introduced by Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) calls on the Bangladeshi government to drop charges of “sedition, treason, and blasphemy” against Choudhury. If convicted he could face the death penalty. Chabot became a co-sponsor of HR 64.
As few US lawmakers visit Bangladesh , a meeting with Chabot during his 20-hour stay was the hottest ticket in town. Chabot, however, turned down almost all of them to meet with Choudhury, in addition to only two members of the government and two former Prime Ministers.
Speaking from Dhaka , Choudhury said he was touched by the Congressman’s sincerity for his situation and for his humanity. After he requested and had his picture taken with the Congressman, Choudhury said, Chabot then took out his own camera and asked if he could have a picture with the pro-Israel Muslim.
Chabot asked Choudhury if he was being treated well and spoke with him about a range of topics including recent progress against the growing power of Islamist radicals in Bangladesh .
For further information or interviews with Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, contact Richard Benkin at the telephone or email above. A picture of the two is also attached.
Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
Special Advisor to The Intelligence Summit on Bangladeshi Affairs
Taliban Claims Shooting Down Helicopter
Taliban Claims Shooting Down Helicopter, Other Attacks in Afghanistan 18 Feb
Originally published on 2/21/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: Taliban Claims Shooting Down Helicopter, Other Attacks in Afghanistan 18 Feb
On 20 February, a jihadist website posted a statement issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Taliban for 18 February 2007 in which the group claimed responsibility for shooting down a helicopter with an antiaircraft missile and for a harvest of operations carried out in several areas in Afghanistan. A harvest of operations is a type of statement that compiles attacks carried out by a terrorist or insurgent group, usually covering all the attacks by that group within a specific time period. Some operations listed in the harvest could have been previously posted as individual statements. The statement was attributed to the "official spokesman" of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Taliban.
A translation of the statement follows:
"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
"The following is a news report and harvest of military operations conducted by your mujahidin brothers in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Taliban for Sunday, 18 February 2007.
"18 February 2007
"Shooting Down a Helicopter Belonging to the Occupiers in Helmand Province
"Al-Hafiz/Muhammad Yusuf: Yesterday, the mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate targeted a helicopter belonging to the forces of occupation with an anti-aircraft missile in the area between Sanjin and Jarshak districts. The helicopter sustained a direct hit but it continued its course. It was not confirmed whether the helicopter was downed or whether the enemy sustained any human casualties. Yesterday, coalition forces reported the downing of one of its helicopters, which could possibly be this one.
"Killing Five Members of the Police on Shindand Road
"Al-Hafiz/Muhammad Yusuf: Yesterday, the mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate attacked an Afghan police station on Kandahar-Hirat Road in Aziz Abad Washuz region in Shindand district in Hirat Province. The attack resulted in killing five members of the police, burning down the building, and taking weapons in as spoils. One of the mujahidin was injured during this operation.
"Twelve Soldiers of the Collaborating Army Were Killed With an Explosive in Nawah Province
"Al-Hafiz/Muhammad Yusuf: At 1300 today, the mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate detonated an explosive against a vehicle belonging in Shah Toran region in Bakwah district in Farah Province. The attack resulted in destroying the vehicle and killing 12 enemy soldiers. The rest of the soldiers flee the scene of the attack.
"Killing Six American Soldiers During a Fierce Battle in Kunar Province
"Dhabih Allah (Mujahid): At 1300, the mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate engaged the American occupiers in a two hour fierce battle in Maydan region in Karankal district in Kunar Province. The operation resulted in killing six enemy soldiers and destroying an occupation military vehicle. One of the mujahidin was injured during this battle.
"Official Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Taliban
"Dhabih Allah (mujahid)
"Al-Hafiz Muhammad Yusuf (Ahmadi)"
Deputy Majles Speaker Says Iran Should Prepare for 'Possible American Attack'
Originally published on 2/22/2007 by Aftabnews WWW-Text in Persian
Despite the fact that Western politicians have repeatedly stressed that there is no truth to media speculations about "a secret plan to attack Iran", political observers believe that under the current sensitive circumstances and in view of the suspicious American movements in the region, the country's authorities must maintain vigilance and prepare themselves for any possible confrontation.
In that regard, highlighting the "low probability of a military attack on our country", Deputy Majles Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar told an Aftab political reporter: Iran is committed to continuing negotiations as a means of finding a peaceful solution to the nuclear debate. However, owing to our country's insistence on its legitimate right to access peaceful nuclear energy and its refusal to accept a suspension of its [uranium] enrichment activities, it would be wise to assume a possible American attack and be prepared for it.
Bahonar added: We insist on acquiring nuclear technology. But we will also make serious attempts to safeguard the country and national interests.
Describing the right to peaceful nuclear technology as the right of every country, the deputy Majles Speaker said: Iran would like the international community to recognize our right to nuclear technology. We are prepared to start any kind of negotiation. But we will never tolerate suspension of enrichment. Nor will we let them take away what we have achieved in our nuclear activities.
It should be noted that recently Bahonar told Aftab that Iran was ready to negotiate about suspension of uranium enrichment.
Al-Mujahidin Army Vows 'Retaliation' in Response to 'Incident With Sabrin'
Originally published on 2/22/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: Al-Mujahidin Army Vows 'Retaliation' in Response to 'Incident With Sabrin'
On 22 February, a jihadist website posted a statement issued by the Al-Mujahidin Army in which the group vowed revenge and called on Iraqis to avenge the "incident" of Sabrin al-Janabi. The group had previously claimed downing an Apache helicopter northwest of Baghdad on 6 July 2006. Other insurgent groups also denounced the rape incident and vowed revenge as well OSC has filed similar reports issued by the Islamic Army in Iraq, the Islamic Front of Iraqi Resistance, the Call and Encampment Brigades, and the Islamic State of Iraq. The statement was attributed to the "Media Council" of the Al-Mujahidin Army.
A translation of the statement follows:
"In the name of God the Compassionate the Merciful
"'Fight against them and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them in shame, give you victory over them, and heal the breasts of the Believers'' [Koranic verse; Al-Tawbah, 9:14].
"To the Sunnis in Iraq
"Your sons and brothers in Al-Mujahidin Army have massacred the enemy of God and your enemy from the crusaders, apostates and hypocrites. They used all their power and strength to defeat the enemy and you could almost hear them say: 'We hastened unto our God so that you will be satisfied.'
"Our people and dear ones, may God protect you and make your feet firm: you deserved honor and achieved both levels--your jihad and your patience--during the fight in the land of the two rivers. When the dawn, predicting the defeat of the occupier and its stooges, appeared clear to everyone, they went on threatening people with mass displacement and death, but you remained patient and resilient. As always, the enemy became perplexed and resorted to cheap means and filthy ways by detaining women and children, which strengthened and emboldened you even more. You set forth a parable and wrote superb pages. After the heartbreaking incident with Abir, may God have mercy on her, the incident with Sabrin, may God protect her, happened and the enemy unveiled its hatred, filthiness, true face, and the truth about the war in which we are engaged.
"Oh our people, brothers, be patient and resilient. 'So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers' [Koranic verse; Al Imran, 3:139]. Do not let your enemy belittle you. 'And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was plotting; and Allah is the Best of those who plot' [Koranic verse; Al-Anfal, 8:75].
"As for you the grandsons of Ibn Al-Alqami [ a Shia minister who was accused of betraying the caliph during Hulugu's attack on Baghdad in 1258] and Ibn Saba, to you we send our letter and say:
"From the lions of the Al-Mujahidin Army to the dogs of Ibn Al-Alqami and Ibn Saba
"You are quite familiar with the heroic acts of the Al-Mujahidin Army. You know that when it promises, it delivers. Our acts speak for themselves. As always, our retaliation will come soon and you will believe it when you see it.
We are sending you these operations as part of our retaliation and wait for more to come.
Media Council of Al-Mujahidin Army"
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EGUA-6YMM92?OpenDocument
Countering the threat of excess small arms and ammunition in Tajikistan
In summer 2004, nearly eight tons of ammunition and piles of small arms
and weapons sat in a warehouse near Dushanbe, just 100 metres from a
residential area and 50 metres from a kindergarten.
With temperatures reaching highs of 50 degrees Celsius, the chance of a
fire that could set off explosions - inflicting damage, injuries and
possibly deaths within several kilometers - was a serious threat.
But thanks to OSCE assistance, at this central storage site, surplus
small arms and ammunition have now been destroyed and the rest properly
secured.
Ready to help
In 2002, the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) began offering
assistance to OSCE states in destroying excess conventional ammunition,
and small arms and light weapons (SALW), as well as in upgrading the
safety and security of remaining stockpiles. Several countries have
since asked for help, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
The Tajik Government asked for assistance in July 2004. The FSC
responded by developing a comprehensive programme to destroy surpluses,
upgrade storage conditions, develop better management capacities and
reduce the chance of dangerous material falling into the wrong hands.
Avoiding catastrophe
Anton Martynyuk from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre led an
experts'
assessment visit to the Dushanbe area in 2004. "In its request for
assistance, authorities described the precarious conditions of the
country's storage sites," he says. "But it was only when we visited the
central storage facility that it became clear to us that the OSCE had
to
take action as soon as possible to avoid a catastrophe."
After the 1992-97 Tajik civil war, a weapons amnesty resulted in the
collection of 26,000 small arms and several thousand tons of
ammunition.
Awaiting destruction, they were stored dangerously together at several
warehouses.
"The OSCE assessment confirmed that the stockpiles posed a high risk,"
says Jernej Cimpersek, FSC Co-ordinator for Conventional Ammunition.
"In
many cases, minimum safety and security conditions were not met."
Off to a good start
The programme to address surplus SALW and ammunition was launched in
August 2005 and began with eliminating stockpiles and securing proper
storage in Dushanbe. Thirty-four tons of ammunition and 23,000 small
arms - including AK-47 and AK-74 assault rifles and Makarov pistols -
were destroyed.
In November 2006, the programme's first phase was completed, on time
and
within budget, says Alexander Anoshkin, Project Manager at the OSCE
Centre in Dushanbe.
With new equipment and training workshops provided by the OSCE, Tajik
authorities are now better able to eliminate surplus SALW and
ammunition. Seven storage sites have been refurbished or newly built to
ensure safe and secure storage.
Looking toward the regions
Following the success of the project in the Dushanbe area, the Tajik
Government has asked the OSCE for help in addressing similar risks
throughout the country's regions. OSCE experts have since visited
dozens
of sites, including those on the border with Afghanistan, and developed
detailed plans for 2007 and 2008.
"Tajikistan needs further OSCE support to increase its capability to
secure and combat trafficking in SALW and ammunition, improve internal
security and meet OSCE best practices," says Cimpersek.
Building on experience
The project in Tajikistan was the first one carried out within the
framework of the FSC assistance mechanisms on SALW and conventional
ammunition, agreed on by OSCE states in 2002 and 2003. Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Moldova and Ukraine have also requested assistance in
destroying surplus SALW and ammunition and improving the security of
remaining stockpiles, eliminating toxic liquid rocket fuel (mélange),
and clearing explosive material scattered by fires.
"From work carried out in Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine and Tajikistan from
2002 to 2006, we have accumulated a range of technical expertise and
practical experience, as well as project management capacities that can
benefit future projects," says Martynyuk.
"By reducing the possibility of terrorists gaining access to this
dangerous material or its diversion to illegal markets, these projects
have greatly reduced human, environmental and security risks."
Cimpersek adds that the OSCE is ready to continue helping participating
States in this area. "But future assistance activities will be
determined by the willingness of donors to support such projects."
Written by Maria Brandstetter
UAE Picks Korea's T-50 Jet as One of 3 Candidates for Jet Trainer Project
http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/airforce/UAE_Picks_Koreas_T-50_Jet_as_One_of_3_Candidates_for_Jet_Trainer_Project100010621.php
UAE Picks Korea's T-50 Jet as One of 3 Candidates for Jet Trainer
Project
Korean Information Service | Feb 23, 2007
The United Arab Emirates has chosen Korea's T-50 supersonic jet trainer
as one of three candidates for its project of next-generation advanced
jet trainers, government officials said Wednesday (Feb. 21).
Italy's Aermacchi M-346 and Britain's BAE Systems Hawk 128 have been
also picked by the UAE military as preferred bidders, according to the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.
The Middle East country plans to make a final selection out of the
three
by the end of the year.
Seoul has aggressively pitched its T-50 advanced jet trainer to the
UAE.
Commerce, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Young-ju was on hand for the
opening ceremony of a defense fair held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to drum
up support for the supersonic jet.
The T-50 Golden Eagle jet, built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI),
is
locked in a close race with Italian aircraft to secure an order from
the
UAE armed forces, ministry officials earlier said.
If KAI wins the contract, it will be the first export of a jet aircraft
for the country. Up until now, the country has exported prop aircraft
such as the KT-1 military basic trainer and the Firefly, a small canard
wing passenger aircraft.
Just there to do the jobs Mexicans won'tTM!
Cheers!
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1171894497926&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The Jerusalem Post, February 23, 2007
Islamic Conference Chief Compares Israel to Taliban
On eve of Islamic summit, he blasts Mughrabi excavations and Museum
of Tolerance project in Jerusalem
By Michael Freund
The secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC), an international grouping comprising 57 Muslim countries, has
blasted Israel 's excavations at Jerusalem 's Mughrabi Gate, saying they
are akin to the actions of the ousted Taliban government in Afghanistan
.
"When the Buddhist statues were being demolished in Bamiyan, the
whole world rose up against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan ," Prof.
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told the Saudi daily Arab News. "But not a word is
being said against what Israel is doing to the Aksa Mosque. Nobody utters
a word against the Israeli aggression. Nobody is really taking any
action. There is silence all over," he said.
Ihsanoglu's remarks came on the eve of Thursday's emergency summit
meeting in Jeddah , Saudi Arabia , where foreign ministers from the
conference's member states are meeting to discuss the situation in Jerusalem
.
The summit was announced just three days previously, on Monday, and
is aimed at galvanizing support among Muslim nations for taking steps to
stop Israel 's excavations alongside the Temple Mount .
Among the countries slated to attend the gathering were Malaysia ,
Qatar , Senegal , Yemen , Pakistan and Saudi Arabia . The Palestinian
Authority was also scheduled to take part.
In his interview with the Saudi paper, Ihsanoglu also revealed that
the conference is taking action to try to thwart the construction of the
planned Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem , which is a project of the
Simon Wiesenthal Center , saying that the proposed site is a Muslim
graveyard.
During a meeting two weeks ago in Paris with UNESCO officials and
ambassadors from OIC countries, Ihsanoglu said, "We discussed the Israeli
move to establish the so-called ' Museum of Tolerance ' on Ma'amunallah
Graveyard in Jerusalem ."
"It is a mockery to have a museum of tolerance on such an important
Muslim site. I have already sent a letter to the director-general of
UNESCO asking him to take action, and in my meeting with OIC ambassadors,
I asked them to follow up the matter," he said, noting that similar
efforts were being undertaken at the United Nations in New York .
These developments, Ihsanoglu insisted, are part of Israel 's
long-standing policy to "Judaize" Jerusalem . "This has been the case ever
since Israel occupied Palestine ," he said. "The Jewish state has always
wanted to change the nature of Al-Kuds and the holy site. It wants to
alter the city's demographics and Islamic identity... So this is nothing
new."
He said that the conference will issue an appeal to all Muslim states
to halt Israel 's activities. "It is a call to member countries to take
action and work out measures to stop this aggression," he said.
Taliban Claims Conquest of Bakwa in Farah Province 19 Feb
Taliban Claims Conquest of Bakwa in Farah Province 19 Feb
Originally published on 2/21/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: Taliban Claims the Conquest of the District Bakwa in the Province of Farah, 19 Feb
On 19 February, a jihadist website posted a statement issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan - Taliban for 19 February 2007 in which the group claimed to have freed the district of Bakwa from enemy control.
A translation of parts of the statement follows:
"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
The conquest of the district of Bakwa in the province of Farah
Al-Hafidh Muhammad Yusuf: On Monday 19 February 2007, by the grace of God, the mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan conquered the district of Bakwa in the province of Farah after an exchange of fire which, from the start, resulted in the destruction of a vehicle belonging to the enemy. The mujahidin also took one of the enemy's vehicles as loot as well as a large number of light and heavy weapons. Furthermore, both the district and the police chiefs fled along with the rest of their guards. The headquarters of the district was burned down and completely destroyed.
Source: Official Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Taliban
Dhabihallah (mujahid)
Al-Hafidh Muhammad Yusuf (Ahmadi)"
Danish Press Critical of Iraq Troop Withdrawal Decision
"Danish Press Slams Denmark's Withdrawal From Iraq" -- AFP headline
Originally published on 2/22/2007 by AFP (North European Service) in English
COPENHAGEN, Feb 22, 2007 (AFP) -- Most Danish newspapers on Thursday [ 22 February] bashed the government's decision to withdraw from Iraq, judging the mission incomplete and ruing Denmark's involvement in the war in the first place.
The centre-left daily Politiken, one of the fiercest opponents of the war, accused the government in an editorial of "disguising its failure in Iraq" and said it had "changed its strategy because Iraq had become . . . a lost cause."
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday announced that the country's 430 troops stationed in Basra in southern Iraq under British command would be withdrawn in August.
The announcement was carefully coordinated with Britain, which also announced a reduction of its troops by a quarter.
Tabloid Ekstra Bladet, which called the Danish participation a "fiasco", said meanwhile that "Denmark should never have gotten involved in the war on Iraq, which turned into as big a catastrophe as politicians and military officials who opposed the war had predicted."
The conservative daily Berlingske Tidende, which had supported the country's deployment in Iraq, regretted meanwhile that "the Danes are leaving the Americans behind."
"It is politically convenient for the government to leave Iraq militarily. But the mission is not accomplished," it said.
Conservative daily Jyllands-Posten was the only newspaper to hail the pullout.
"The (encouraging) developments in southern Iraq show that the efforts of Danish and British soldiers and their cooperation were not in vain, on the contrary," it said.
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