Khamene'i Message Greets Congress of University Students' Society

Tehran IRNA via StrategicTranslations ^

[Calpernia]

That sounds a bit ominous...

Iran: Khamene'i Message Greets Congress of University Students' Society
IRNA (Internet Version-WWW)
Saturday,

August 19, 2006 

Shiraz, Fars Prov, Aug 19, IRNA -- The Islamic Society of University Students opened its 8th national congress in this southern city Saturday with an inaugural message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

In an inaugural ceremony, the Supreme Leader's message to the congress was read for him by the representative of the Vali-ye Faqih (religiousjurisprudent) in universities.

"Dear university students! I hereby greet you one by one and pray that God Almighty would grant you a more prosperous and dignified future thanks to your efforts, hopeful hearts and increasing joyfulness.

"Today, you are the replica of the country's future. The future of this country, which has seen enlightenment by embracing science and faith, lies in the research activities and deep thinking of this country's youth accompanied by faith, moral uprightness, a revolutionary spirit and hard work.

"In the future that we anticipate, the dark forces of ignorance, cruelty and injustice have been wiped out," the Supreme Leader said in his message.

He further advised the youth to "go through this unprecedented period with diligence and a sense of direction," adding "God will help you all."

After the reading of the message and inaugural ceremony, members of the congress held a session to reflect on and discuss the message.

(Description of Source: Tehran IRNA (Internet Version-WWW) in English -- official state-run news agency)
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Note:  Zolfaghar is the name of the sword of  the Iman Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Mohamed.


Iran Launching `Blow of Zolfaghar' Command Maneuvers 19 Aug
IRNA (Internet Version-WWW)

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Tehran, Aug 19, IRNA --The Army headquarters in southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province is to command wargames that are to be launched starting Saturday.

The first stage of the wargames, code-named `Blow of Zolfaghar', will start in the northeast, northwest, west and southern parts of Iran.

According to the news center of the maneuvers, assault and transport helicopters, parachutists, electronic war units and the army's special forces will participate in the wargames.

"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid reaction units enjoying high combat spirit have been deployed in the operational theater and will demonstrate their readiness," wargames spokesman Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari said on Friday.

The wargames, he added, are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics.

(Description of Source: Tehran IRNA (Internet Version-WWW) in English -- official state-run news agency)

[Fitzcarraldo]

Saudi Flag:

"There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"

The sword, symbolising the victories of Ibn Saud, is underneath the inscription.

`Abd al-`Azīz Āl Sa`ūd (November 26 (?), 1880 - November 9, 1953) (Arabic: عبدالعزيز آل سعود) was the first monarch of Saudi Arabia. He is also known by several abbreviated forms of this name, including simply Ibn Sa`ūd[1]. He was born in Riyadh into the House of Sa'ūd (commonly transliterated Saud), which had historically maintained dominion over the interior highlands of Arabia known as the Najd. Ibn Saud died in Taif.

---Wikipedia

[Fitzcarraldo]

picture caption---Ibn Saud converses with American President Franklin Roosevelt onboard a Navy ship after the Yalta Conference

[Calpernia]

That is strange. Danny Pearl was working on an article about Ibn Saud, Roosevelt, and something else before he was captured and killed.

I wonder if I still have those notes.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Flag of the Islamic Khilafah

[Fitzcarraldo]

That is strange. Danny Pearl was working on an article about Ibn Saud, Roosevelt, and something else before he was captured and killed.

I wonder if I still have those notes.

Sounds interesting.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Also note that Ali is buried here:

Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq -
Ali ibn Abu Talib is buried here

[Fitzcarraldo]

Islamic Flags

Islam has not symbolized itself with any particular object or symbol, but due to political reasons a flag was required to give a standard for Muslims, especially during the wars. The Prophet used flags of different colors in different Ghazwat (campaigns commanded by the Prophet) and Saraya (campaign commanded by any Sahabi). The major flag of the Prophet was known as "Al- Uqaab", it was pure black with and without symbol or marking. Its name and color was derived from Quraish's national flag.

[Calpernia]

I'm looking. That was like two hard drives ago.

There was a few sites that went up with Danny Pearl's work and notes on stories he was working on before he died.

I'm looking for those sites now.

[Fitzcarraldo]

[source: Iran]

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8505280544

17:29 | 2006-08-19

Army Commander: No Air Force Capable of Confronting Iranian Army

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Commander of Iran's ground force said military capabilities of his troops are at such a high level that the no air forces in the region has the needed capability to confront the Iranian army.

Speaking to FNA correspondent in the operational zone of the extensive war games codenamed 'Zarbat-e Zolfaqar' (Blow of Zolfaqar), Brigadier General Mohammad Hassan Dadras said, "In the event of the occurrence of any kind of incidence in the region, the army embarks on identifying its soft and strong points in a bid to elevate its defense capabilities proportionate with the residing threats and to prevent any aggressive military operation against the country.

Dadras said that the Iranian ground force has succeeded in manufacturing various hi-tech weapons in the short run, adding, "We have managed to uplift our military capabilities to such a high level that no air force is capable of confronting the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the geographical extent adjacent to our borders."

He said military capabilities of the army's missile units are so high that they can defend each and every part of the country.

The first stage of the extensive war games code-named `Blow of Zolfaqar' along border areas of the southeastern province of Sistan and Balouchestan started Saturday morning.

Zolfaqar, the sword of Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of the Household of the Holy Prophet (may the blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny), is a symbol of power and courage for Shiite Muslims.

Various units of air-support Army Chinook helicopters, unmanned planes, parachutists, electronic war units and Special Forces are participating in the maneuver.

"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid deployment units enjoying high combat capability will demonstrate their preparedness during the war games.

"The war games are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics," the army commander said, adding, "Given the different threats which might exist against Iran, we have initiated to design various methods to confront such threats in the best and easiest manner."

The General also reiterated that the missile units will become more operational as of Sunday, saying that the ground force will start launching different types of remote-controlled missiles as of the next stage of the maneuver.

[Fitzcarraldo]

The General also reiterated that the missile units will become more operational as of Sunday, saying that the ground force will start launching different types of remote-controlled missiles as of the next stage of the maneuver.

bttt

[ItsForTheChildren]

"In the future that we anticipate, the dark forces of ignorance, cruelty and injustice have been wiped out," the Supreme Leader said in his message.

Same here, "Supreme Leader."

[Fitzcarraldo]

http://www.swordofallah.com/html/bookchapter4page9.htm

"So is there none among you who has the courage of a man? And what of your Islam? And your Prophet?" At this blasphemous taunt, Ali left his position in the front rank of the Muslims, approached the Holy Prophet and sought permission to engage the challenger and silence his insolent tongue once and for all. The Prophet replied, "Sit down. This is Amr!" Ali returned to his position.

There was another burst of scornful laughter, more taunts, another challenge. Again Ali went up to the Prophet. Again the Prophet declined permission. More laughter, more taunts. Again the challenge from Amr, and this time more insulting than before. "Where is your paradise?" He shouted, "Of which you say that those who lose in battle will enter it? Can you not send a man to fight me?"

When for the third time Ali moved towards the Prophet, the latter saw in Ali's eyes a look which he knew well; and he knew that Ali could no longer be restrained. He looked at Ali fondly, for Ali was dearer to him than any other man. He took off his turban and wound it around Ali's head. He next took off his sword and girded it at Ali's waist. And he prayed: "O Lord! Help him!" 1

This sword which the Prophet now gave to Ali had once belonged to an infidel by the name of Munabba bin Hajaj. This man had been killed at the Battle of Badr, and the sword had come to the Muslims as part of the spoils of war. The Prophet had taken the sword for himself. Now in Ali's hand this was to become the most famous sword in Islam, killing more men in fair combat than any sword in history. This was the Zulfiqar.

Ali hastily collected a small group of Muslims and strode out towards the unbelievers. The group stopped at some distance from the Giant, and Ali stepped forward and got to within duelling distance of the challenger. The Giant knew Ali well. He had been a friend of Ali's father, Abu Talib. He now smiled indulgently at Ali as a man might smile at a boy.

"O Amr!" called Ali. "It is believed that if any man of the Quraish offers you two proposals, you always accept at least one of them."

"True."

"Then I have two proposals to offer you. The first is: accept Allah and His Messenger and Islam."

"I have no need of them."

"Then dismount from your horse and fight me."

"Why, O son of my brother? I have no desire to kill you."

"But I", replied Ali, "Have a great desire to kill you!" 2

The Giant's face flushed with anger. With a cry of rage he sprang off his horse, displaying a degree of agility surprising in so huge a monster. He hamstrung his horse, drew his sword and rushed at Ali. The fight was on.

Amr struck at Ali many times, but Ali remained unharmed. He would parry the blow with his sword or shield or nimbly step aside to let the Giant's sword whistle past him harmlessly. At last the Giant stood back, panting and baffled. He wondered how this could be. Never before had any man survived so long in personal combat against him. And now this boy was looking at him as if he was playing a game!

Then things happened so fast that no one could quite follow the sequence-neither the Muslims nor the Quraish nor the Giant himself. Ali dropped his sword and shield to the ground; his body shot through the air like a missile and his hands grasped the Giant's throat; with a wrestler's kick he knocked the Giant off balance, and the Giant came crashing to the ground-all in a matter of seconds. Now the Giant lay on his back with Ali sitting astride his chest. The two armies gasped and murmured, then held their breath.

1. Ibn Sad: p. 572.

2. Ibn Hisham: Vol. 2, p. 225.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Excerpt from page 10:

The Giant rose. But there was no question of his returning to his people a loser. He would live a victor, or not at all. Intending to make one last attempt at victory, he picked up his sword and rushed at Ali. Perhaps he would catch Ali unawares.

Ali had just enough time to pick up his sword and shield and prepare for the fresh assault. The blow which the Giant now delivered in furious desperation was the most savage blow of the encounter. His sword shattered Ali's shield, but in doing so lost its force and impetus, and could then do no more than inflict a shallow cut on Ali's temple. The wound was too slight to worry Ali. Before the Giant could raise his sword again, the Zulfiqar flashed in the sunlight, and it's tip slashed open the Giant's throat. The blood of the Giant gushed forth like a fountain.

For a moment the Giant stood motionless. Then his body began to sway as if he was drunk. And then he fell on his face with a crash and lay still.

The earth did not shake with the impact of that colossal body. The earth is too big. But the hill of Sil'a shook with the cry of Allah-o-Akbar that thundered from 2,000 Muslim throats. The triumphant cry echoed through the length and breadth of the valley before it faded away into the stillness of the desert.

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"Blood of the Giant" = Oil?

[LibLieSlayer]

Just a ripoff of David and Goliath. islam has to steal from the true GOD, as satan has no such victories outside of the evil of man!

LLS

[Calpernia]

Giant owns and operates one Virginia and two New Mexico crude oil refineries.

Interesting

[callmejoe]

Ali was the son-in-law (and cousin) of Muhammad. Shi'ites (only 10% of Muslims worldwide, but a much higher percentage and concentration in the Mideast) believed that leadership of the Islamic community should pass through Ali's descendants. Sunnis did not. Hence the split.

Ali was killed at Najaf, Iraq and later, his sons Hussein and Abbas were killed at Karbala - - the shrines that memorialize their deaths are the holiest to Shia. It is the reason why Iraq, not Iran, has historically been (until 1979) the center of the Shi'ite faith. Najaf and Karbala are the holy cities to Shi'ites and millions of Shi'ites make pilgrimages to these Iraqi holy sites, not to Iran. It is also why some of the pilgrims (the most fanatical) beat themselves until they bleed so that they remember the pain of their founders' deaths. Most Shia do not beat themselves on holy days.

Shi'ites take their name from Ali (Shi'a comes from two words, "Shiat Ali" - - the "party of Ali"). The Twelfth Imam (religious ruler) after Ali two hundred years later was said to have gone into hiding and would return one day. The Shia who believe this are called "Twelvers" and the Twelfth Imam was/is called the "Mahdi" (awaited enlightened one). Most Twelvers are non-fanatical about this part of their faith, but Ahmadinejad and the faction of clerics who back him belong to faction so radical that Khomeini outlawed it in 1983 which is called the Hojjatieh. They did not believe in the central part of Khomeini's revolution, the "rule of the jurisprudent" (clerical rule), because it implies a lack of faith (they believe Shi'a clerics should not be governing because they should be working to "end this world" and begin a new one with the return of the Mahdi, and such clerical rule in the government reveals an intended "permanency" that implies a lack of faith that the Mahdi will return soon). This is one reason why Khomeini banned the group.

Hojjatieh Twelver Shia believe they can speed up the return of the Mahdi (Ali's 12th descendant) by "creating chaos". This is what they are doing in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, and now Lebanon. And they will take it to a new level with the bomb.

Until 1979 and Khomeini, Karbala and Najaf in Iraq were the traditionalist "Vatican" of global Shi'ism, not revolutionary Qom in Iran. And traditional Iraqi Shi'ism before Khomeini is "quietist", which means they are not "revolutionary" and have little interest in politics, much less ruling people as clerics (Khomeini's revolutionary theory was called "rule of the jurisprudent" which meant that suddenly the clerics would start ruling the people in a theocracy and ending the traditional Shia belief in the separation of spiritual matters from earthly ones).

Traditional Shia are (in political matters) like modern Christian clerics who may speak out on political matters, and in some countries, even support certain parties or candidates, but they are nothing like the clerics of Khomeini's "Islamic Revolution" who resemble the Christian clerics of a thousand years ago in medieval Europe, who got directly involved in day-to-day governing, chose kings in succession struggles, and at times, even chose to directly rule the people themselves (clerical intervention in government as seen for centuries in the European "Holy Roman Empire").

This is why the Iranian ruling revolutionary Shi'ite clerics started the Iraqi insurgency in 2003 to make certain the traditional "quietist" Shi'ism did not reemerge in a stable, democratic, Iraq, because it is a threat to their 1979 revolution, which is in reality, an extremely deviant form and betrayal of historic Shi'ism. This is why Khomeini's grandson and many other Shi'ite clerics (including most moderate Shia in Iraq which do not support Iranian-style clerical rule) oppose the regime in Tehran, but they have been largely silenced by the violent, revolutionary, militant, terrorist minority.

[Fitzcarraldo]

http://www.shia.org/ohud.html

Al-Tabari reported that Abu Rafi said: The Messenger of God witnessed a group of pagans coming to him. He said to Ali: Charge them. Ali charged them and forced them to retreat and killed Amr Ibn Abdullah Al-Jumahi. The Prophet beheld another group coming and told Ali to charge them and he did. He scattered them and killed Sheibah Ibn Malik, one of the children of Amir Ibn Lu-ay. Amazed by Ali's sacrifice Gabriel said:

Messenger of God, what a redeemer Ali is!

The Prophet replied:

He is from me, and I am from him.

Gabriel said:

And I am from both of you.

They heard at that time a voice saying:

There is no youth (full of manhood) but Ali, and no sword comparable to Zulfiqar (Ali's sword).

[Calpernia]

100 Stairs for 100 Men??!!

http://almashriq.hiof.no/lebanon/300/380/388/tapline/general/stegner.html

>>>That was why, late in 1943, there arrived among the Hundred Men a mission from the Petroleum Reserves Corporation, which was part of the official structure built up by Harold Ickes, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, for supplying petroleum to the war effort. The mission demonstrated the seriousness of its interest by the eminence o its members, who were Everette Lee De Golver, one of the most distinguished of the world's oil geologists; Dr. William E. Wrather, Director of the United States Geological Survey; and C.S. Snodgrass, Director of the Foreign Refining Division of the Petroleum Administration for War. The Hundred Men showed them around, and the mission went away like other missions. <<<<<

[Fitzcarraldo]

...Yes, he was the Prophet's miracle in battle and Zulfiqar, his two-tongued sword, was his own miracle..."

[Fitzcarraldo]

another drawing of Imam with the the "two-tongued sword".