Free Republic

Syria has functioned as a hub for al-Qaeda operatives who moved Islamic extremists and money from Italy to north-eastern Iraq, where the recruits fought alongside the recently defeated Ansar al Islam terrorist group, according to an Italian investigation. The investigation, which began last year, could intensify the growing debate about Syria's alleged ties to terrorism. Two weeks ago, Italian police arrested seven alleged al-Qaeda operatives. They were charged with sending about 40 extremists through Syria to terrorist bases operated jointly by al-Qaeda and Ansar al Islam, whose stronghold in north-eastern Iraq was recently overrun by Kurdish and US troops. Transcripts...

A genuine leader, or the latest gimmick? By Yoel Marcus The startling landslide victory for the Labor leadership of a not especially charismatic political newcomer really ticked off Fuad. Neither an officer nor a gentleman in defeat, he just couldn't believe what's-his-name from Haifa had swiped the whole kitty from under him. His friends and supporters muttered about an "Ashkenazi conspiracy" as if there were some kind of Ashkenazi Elders of Zion plot going on to shaft the Mizrahim. But one thing never occurred to them. The one person who is really to blame for what happened to Fuad is...

Good riddance By Yoel Marcus A millionaire commando all set to rescue the nation. Ne'eman and Caspi as UN mediators patching things up between Sharon and Fuad. "It's not nice," they said from morning to night. "Now is not the time. The situation is critical. Think about the consequences." "Not now. It's the wrong time," said the president, in the role of national cuckoo clock. The Labor ministers had faces so yellow, you'd think they just came out of the theater in Moscow. They really didn't want to go. "Fuad chose the wrong issue and the worst possible timing to...