From Baghdad, veteran Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn explains why Muqtada al-Sadr is no maverick.
By Justin Elliot02/04/08
"Mother Jones" -- -- - "Interview in Baghdad," "Interview in Najaf," "Interview in Basra," "Interview in Amara": The endnotes at the back of Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn's new book read like an atlas of Iraq. Such is the depth of reporting in Cockburn's Muqtada: Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq, a political biography-cum-war chronicle due out April 8. As the U.K. Independent's correspondent, Cockburn has spent about half of the last five years reporting, unembedded, around Iraq, a country he's been visiting since 1977. His subject is the real Iraq, and Iraqi voices predominate in his work. British and American officials rarely appear in the book. (He assiduously avoids the U.S. military's Green Zone press briefings.) When Cockburn does give airtime to the official line, he's usually debunking it. It was this irreverent attitude that got him barred from entering Iraq in the late 1990s when the regime was displeased with Out of the Ashes: The Resurrection of Saddam Hussein, a collection of Iraq reportage focusing on the aftermath of the Gulf War, which Cockburn wrote with his brother. In Muqtada Cockburn both explores the rise of al-Sadr, undoubtedly one of the most important men in Iraq today, and traces the disintegration of Iraq through five years of American occupation. After several failed attempts, I reached Cockburn by phone at the Al-Hamra Hotel in Baghdad March 17, just before the start of the recent fighting in Basra. In between broken connections and over the loud whir of a military helicopter above the hotel, I asked him what al-Sadr's role will be in the future Iraq and if, on the fifth anniversary of the invasion, he sees any reason for hope.Mother Jones: In the beginning of your book, you write that Muqtada al-Sadr leads "the only mass movement in Iraqi politics." Can you elaborate on that, especially given that in the American media we still hear more about the official Iraqi government than some of these other factions?Patrick Cockburn: It's always sort of amazing, sitting here in Baghdad, to watch visiting dignitaries—today we had Dick Cheney and John McCain—being received in the Green Zone by politicians who have usually very little support and seldom go outside the Green Zone. Muqtada leads the only real mass movement in Iraq. It's a mass movement of the Shia, who are 60 percent of the population, and of poor Shia—and most Shia are poor. Otherwise the place is full of sort of self-declared leaders, many of whom spend most of their time outside Iraq. You know, if you want to meet a lot of Iraqi leaders, the best places are the hotels in Amman or in London. In general the government here is amazingly unpopular.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19665.htm
4/01/2008
Less regulation, More Power to the Fed
Mike Whitney Information Clearing HouseApril 1, 2008
It is being billed as a “massive shakeup of US financial market regulation”, but don’t be deceived. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s proposals for broad market reform are neither “timely” nor “thoughtful” (Reuters) In fact, its all just more of the same free market “we can police ourselves” mumbo jumbo that got us into this mess in the first place. The real objective of Paulson’s so called reforms is to decapitate the SEC and increase the powers of the Federal Reserve. Same wine, different bottle. Paulson’s real motive is to preempt the regulatory sledgehammer that is set to descend on the entire financial industry following the 2008 election. There’s growing fear that a President Obama may tote his firehose down to Wall Street and flush out some of the debris that has collected in the market’s dark corners.
If Paulson’s plan is approved in its present form, Congress will have even less control over the financial system than it does now and the same group of self-serving banking mandarins who created the biggest equity bubble in history will be able to administer the markets however they choose without the annoyance of government supervision. That’s exactly what Treasury Secretary and his pals at the Fed want; unlimited power with no accountability.
Paulson is expected to lay out guidelines and principles that are intended to help regulators supervise the financial markets. According to AFP:
“The President’s Working Group on Financial Markets said the current regulatory structure is working well despite calls by some US lawmakers.”
In other words, the failing banking system, the housing meltdown, and the frozen corporate bond market are all signs of a robust financial system? This may be the most incongruous statement since “Mission accomplished”. The system is imploding and real people are being hurt by the fallout. Thirty years of industry-led lobbying has dismantled the regulatory regime which made US financial markets the envy of the world. The credibility and transparency are gone along with Glass-Steagall and government oversight of the explosive growth of over-the counter derivatives instruments. Now the system is prey to all types of dodgy debt instruments, suspicious “dark pool” trading and off-balance sheets operations which further reinforce the belief that cautious investment is no better than casino gambling.
“The regulatory line of sight today is by the counterparties,” the official said, adding that the guidelines should be “beneficial to industry.” (AFP)
How is that different than saying, “Caveat emptor”? That’s not a motto that inspires confidence. Many people still naively believe that planning their retirement should not have to be a Darwinian tussle with a crafty junk-bond salesman.Under Paulson’s plan, the Federal Reserve will be granted new regulatory powers, but whatever for? The Fed doesn’t use the powers it has now. No one stopped the Fed from intervening in the mortgage lending fiasco, or the ratings agency abuses or the off-balance sheets shenanigans. They had the authority and they should have used it. The Fed knew everything that was going on—including the mushrooming sales of derivatives contracts which soared from under $1 trillion in 2000 to over $500 trillion in 2006—but they decided to cheerlead from the sidelines rather than do their jobs. The fact is, they were worried that if they got involved they might upset the gravy-train of obscene profits that was enriching their bankster friends.
Former Fed chief Greenspan used to croon like a smitten teenager every time he was asked about subprime loans or adjustable rate mortgages. And, as New York Times columnist Floyd Norris points out, (Greenspan) “praised the growth in the derivatives market as a boon for market stability, and resisted calls to use the Fed’s power to increase regulation.” Of course, he did. It was all part of Maestro’s “New Economy”; trickle-down Elysium, where the endless flow of low interest credit merged with financial innovation to create a Reaganesque El Dorado. There are no regulations in Eden; anything goes and to heck with the public, they can fend for themselves. Its a dog eat dog world and there ain’t no love.
Now its Paulson’s job to keep the neoliberal flame lit long enough to make sure that government busybodies and bureaucratic do-goodies don’t upset the applecart. That means concocting a wacky public relations campaign to convince the public that Wall Street is not just a pirate’s cove of land-sharks and bunko artists, but a trusted ally in maintaining a strong economy through vital and efficient markets.
The Times’ Norris summed up Paulson’s sham reforms like this:
“The plan has its genesis in a yearlong effort to limiting Washington’s role in the market. And that DNA is unmistakably evident in the fine print. Although the proposal would impose the first regulation of hedge funds and private equity funds, that oversight would have a light touch, enabling the government to do little beyond collecting information — except in times of crisis. The regulatory umbrella created in the 1930s would grow wider, with power concentrated in fewer agencies. But that authority would be limited, doing virtually nothing to regulate the many new financial products whose unwise use has been a culprit in the current financial crisis. (“In Treasury Plan, a Reluctant Eye over Wall Street”, Floyd Norris, New York Times)
What nonsense. The house is on fire and hyperventilating Hank is still wasting our time with this rubbish. The real problem is that Paulson and his buddies at the Federal Reserve think of the financial system as their personal fiefdom so they refuse to loosen their hoary grip even though the economy is listing starboard and the water is flooding into the lower decks.
Once again, the New York Times:
“All the checks and balances in the plan reflect the mindset of its architect, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who came to Washington after a long career on Wall Street. He has worried that any effort to substantially tighten regulation could hamper the ability of American markets to compete with foreign rivals.”
No one elected Paulson to do anything. He has no mandate. He is an industry rep. who has worked exclusively for a small group of wealthy investors who have put the entire country at risk with their toxic mortgage-backed bonds, their reckless Ponzi-type speculation, and their off-book chicanery. Paulson should be removed immediately and returned to his wolf’s lair at G-Sax. If Bush is serious about straightening out Wall Street, then bring in Eliot Spitzer. He’s available. And he’ll do what it takes to clean house, that is, put a truncheon-wielding robo-cop in every trading-pit at the NYSE, and dispatch government accountants to every office of every CFO making sure they have a Big Red Pen in one hand and a taser in the other. That’s the only way to get the attention of the bandit-class.
“I do not believe it is fair or accurate to blame our regulatory structure for the current turmoil,” says Paulson.
Paulson is wrong. The current turmoil is all about the lack of regulation and he’d better prepare himself for some big changes. The pendulum is already in motion and tighter regulations will soon follow. There needs to be an accounting process for all transactions and capital requirements for every financial institution that creates credit. No exceptions. All of these businesses pose a real danger to the overall system and, therefore, must conform to clearly articulated and strictly enforced rules; no off-balance sheets operations, no dark pool trading, no unregulated derivatives contracts, no level 3 assets, no “mark to model” garbage bonds where CFOs unilaterally decide what they are worth by picking a number out of a hat. Its time to restore order to the markets so retirees and working class families can feel safe investing in their futures. They are the ones who are most hurt by Wall Street’s endless trickery.
Paulson’s plan is a non starter. The era of sandbagging, supply-side banditry is over. Good riddance.
Mike Whitney Information Clearing HouseApril 1, 2008
It is being billed as a “massive shakeup of US financial market regulation”, but don’t be deceived. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s proposals for broad market reform are neither “timely” nor “thoughtful” (Reuters) In fact, its all just more of the same free market “we can police ourselves” mumbo jumbo that got us into this mess in the first place. The real objective of Paulson’s so called reforms is to decapitate the SEC and increase the powers of the Federal Reserve. Same wine, different bottle. Paulson’s real motive is to preempt the regulatory sledgehammer that is set to descend on the entire financial industry following the 2008 election. There’s growing fear that a President Obama may tote his firehose down to Wall Street and flush out some of the debris that has collected in the market’s dark corners.
If Paulson’s plan is approved in its present form, Congress will have even less control over the financial system than it does now and the same group of self-serving banking mandarins who created the biggest equity bubble in history will be able to administer the markets however they choose without the annoyance of government supervision. That’s exactly what Treasury Secretary and his pals at the Fed want; unlimited power with no accountability.
Paulson is expected to lay out guidelines and principles that are intended to help regulators supervise the financial markets. According to AFP:
“The President’s Working Group on Financial Markets said the current regulatory structure is working well despite calls by some US lawmakers.”
In other words, the failing banking system, the housing meltdown, and the frozen corporate bond market are all signs of a robust financial system? This may be the most incongruous statement since “Mission accomplished”. The system is imploding and real people are being hurt by the fallout. Thirty years of industry-led lobbying has dismantled the regulatory regime which made US financial markets the envy of the world. The credibility and transparency are gone along with Glass-Steagall and government oversight of the explosive growth of over-the counter derivatives instruments. Now the system is prey to all types of dodgy debt instruments, suspicious “dark pool” trading and off-balance sheets operations which further reinforce the belief that cautious investment is no better than casino gambling.
“The regulatory line of sight today is by the counterparties,” the official said, adding that the guidelines should be “beneficial to industry.” (AFP)
How is that different than saying, “Caveat emptor”? That’s not a motto that inspires confidence. Many people still naively believe that planning their retirement should not have to be a Darwinian tussle with a crafty junk-bond salesman.Under Paulson’s plan, the Federal Reserve will be granted new regulatory powers, but whatever for? The Fed doesn’t use the powers it has now. No one stopped the Fed from intervening in the mortgage lending fiasco, or the ratings agency abuses or the off-balance sheets shenanigans. They had the authority and they should have used it. The Fed knew everything that was going on—including the mushrooming sales of derivatives contracts which soared from under $1 trillion in 2000 to over $500 trillion in 2006—but they decided to cheerlead from the sidelines rather than do their jobs. The fact is, they were worried that if they got involved they might upset the gravy-train of obscene profits that was enriching their bankster friends.
Former Fed chief Greenspan used to croon like a smitten teenager every time he was asked about subprime loans or adjustable rate mortgages. And, as New York Times columnist Floyd Norris points out, (Greenspan) “praised the growth in the derivatives market as a boon for market stability, and resisted calls to use the Fed’s power to increase regulation.” Of course, he did. It was all part of Maestro’s “New Economy”; trickle-down Elysium, where the endless flow of low interest credit merged with financial innovation to create a Reaganesque El Dorado. There are no regulations in Eden; anything goes and to heck with the public, they can fend for themselves. Its a dog eat dog world and there ain’t no love.
Now its Paulson’s job to keep the neoliberal flame lit long enough to make sure that government busybodies and bureaucratic do-goodies don’t upset the applecart. That means concocting a wacky public relations campaign to convince the public that Wall Street is not just a pirate’s cove of land-sharks and bunko artists, but a trusted ally in maintaining a strong economy through vital and efficient markets.
The Times’ Norris summed up Paulson’s sham reforms like this:
“The plan has its genesis in a yearlong effort to limiting Washington’s role in the market. And that DNA is unmistakably evident in the fine print. Although the proposal would impose the first regulation of hedge funds and private equity funds, that oversight would have a light touch, enabling the government to do little beyond collecting information — except in times of crisis. The regulatory umbrella created in the 1930s would grow wider, with power concentrated in fewer agencies. But that authority would be limited, doing virtually nothing to regulate the many new financial products whose unwise use has been a culprit in the current financial crisis. (“In Treasury Plan, a Reluctant Eye over Wall Street”, Floyd Norris, New York Times)
What nonsense. The house is on fire and hyperventilating Hank is still wasting our time with this rubbish. The real problem is that Paulson and his buddies at the Federal Reserve think of the financial system as their personal fiefdom so they refuse to loosen their hoary grip even though the economy is listing starboard and the water is flooding into the lower decks.
Once again, the New York Times:
“All the checks and balances in the plan reflect the mindset of its architect, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who came to Washington after a long career on Wall Street. He has worried that any effort to substantially tighten regulation could hamper the ability of American markets to compete with foreign rivals.”
No one elected Paulson to do anything. He has no mandate. He is an industry rep. who has worked exclusively for a small group of wealthy investors who have put the entire country at risk with their toxic mortgage-backed bonds, their reckless Ponzi-type speculation, and their off-book chicanery. Paulson should be removed immediately and returned to his wolf’s lair at G-Sax. If Bush is serious about straightening out Wall Street, then bring in Eliot Spitzer. He’s available. And he’ll do what it takes to clean house, that is, put a truncheon-wielding robo-cop in every trading-pit at the NYSE, and dispatch government accountants to every office of every CFO making sure they have a Big Red Pen in one hand and a taser in the other. That’s the only way to get the attention of the bandit-class.
“I do not believe it is fair or accurate to blame our regulatory structure for the current turmoil,” says Paulson.
Paulson is wrong. The current turmoil is all about the lack of regulation and he’d better prepare himself for some big changes. The pendulum is already in motion and tighter regulations will soon follow. There needs to be an accounting process for all transactions and capital requirements for every financial institution that creates credit. No exceptions. All of these businesses pose a real danger to the overall system and, therefore, must conform to clearly articulated and strictly enforced rules; no off-balance sheets operations, no dark pool trading, no unregulated derivatives contracts, no level 3 assets, no “mark to model” garbage bonds where CFOs unilaterally decide what they are worth by picking a number out of a hat. Its time to restore order to the markets so retirees and working class families can feel safe investing in their futures. They are the ones who are most hurt by Wall Street’s endless trickery.
Paulson’s plan is a non starter. The era of sandbagging, supply-side banditry is over. Good riddance.
Drum Beat Within Mid East.
A Third American War Crime in the Making
By Paul Craig Roberts
31/03/08 "ICH" -- -- The US Congress, the US media, the American people, and the United Nations, are looking the other way as Cheney prepares his attack on Iran.If only America had an independent media and an opposition party. If there were a shred of integrity left in American political life, perhaps a third act of naked aggression--a third war crime under the Nuremberg standard--by the Bush Regime could be prevented. On March 30, the Russian News & Information Agency, Novosti, cited “a high-ranking security source: “The latest military intelligence data point to heightened US military preparations for both an air and ground operation against Iran.” http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070327/62697703.html According to Novosti, Russian Colonel General Leonid Ivashov said “that the Pentagon is planning to deliver a massive air strike on Iran’s military infrastructure in the near future.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19658.htm
By Paul Craig Roberts
31/03/08 "ICH" -- -- The US Congress, the US media, the American people, and the United Nations, are looking the other way as Cheney prepares his attack on Iran.If only America had an independent media and an opposition party. If there were a shred of integrity left in American political life, perhaps a third act of naked aggression--a third war crime under the Nuremberg standard--by the Bush Regime could be prevented. On March 30, the Russian News & Information Agency, Novosti, cited “a high-ranking security source: “The latest military intelligence data point to heightened US military preparations for both an air and ground operation against Iran.” http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070327/62697703.html According to Novosti, Russian Colonel General Leonid Ivashov said “that the Pentagon is planning to deliver a massive air strike on Iran’s military infrastructure in the near future.”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19658.htm
3/30/2008
Anwar Agen Barat, Mahathir Agen?
Kita tidak akan lupa mengenai konflik kepimpinan Tun Mahathir sebaik sahaja menjawat jawatan Perdana Menteri Malaysia. Apa pula kaitan Setiusahanya ( tak ingat s/saha Sulit ke s/usaha politik) dengan kedudukan dia sebagai pemimpin nombor satu Malaysia ketika itu. Dengan tertangkapnya setiausaha tersebut atas akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri maka makna kaitan Tun Mahathir dengan KGB ( waktu krisis Dwi Polar antara Empayar Rusia Dan Amerika )menerusi setiausahanya itu masih menjadi tanda Tanya.
http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/high9908b.htm
Sebagai seorang pemimpin yang tahu apa yang ia lakukan dengan melihat pada ketegasan dan pendiriannya yang tidak mahu beralah walaupun menerima tekanan, keadaan Tun Mahathir waktu itu amat kritikal. Memperlihatkan karismanya yang mampu mempengaruhi rakan-rakan dan lawan ia telah berjaya mengasingkan isu kepimpinan kepada isu-isu baru yang belum terfikir oleh kita rakyat Malaysia ketika itu. Dengan idea-idea pembaharuan-pembaharuan yang di kira amat drastik waktu itu ia berjaya memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi dan teknologi hingga mencapai taraf negara membangun kepada negara maju. Dengan segala kesibukan tersebut kita seperti mana ia pernah canangkan " melayu mudah lupa" dan rakyat malaysia khususnya melayu, kita sebenarnya tidak tahu sejauh mana ia pernah terlibat sama ada secara langsung atau tidak langsung dengan Agensi Perisikan KGB tersebut. Tetapi kesan atau bekas yang ditinggalkan dari konflik tersebut masih berbekas. Kerap juga kita sering melihat kaitan hubungan baik beliau dengan Rusia apatah lagi dengan bekas pemimpin komunis umpamanya Gorbachev yang agak kerap berada bersamanya dalam forum-forum yang di anjurkan pada peringkat dunia. Hubungan akrab antara Malaysia dengan Rusia terus terjalin menerusi pembelian peralatan perang seperti Sukhoi dan serta projek Angkasawan menerusi Timbalan Perdana Menteri sekarang yang merupakan orang harapan Tun Mahathir bagi menggantikan Pak Lah. Malangnya pada era kepimpinan Pak Lah yang menjalin hubungan lebih akrab dengan U.S menyaksikan konflik yang lebih rumit lagi yang mana boleh menggugat keselamatan dan kesihatan rakyat Malaysia. Adakah Najib sebenarnya terperangkap dengan konspirasi pembelian jet sukhoi dan lain-lain peralatan perang dan dikaitkan dalam kes pembunuhan Al-Tantuya yang pasti meletakkan Najib dalam situasi tersepit di bawah pengaruh dan kekuasaan Pak Lah. Betul atau tidak Najib terlibat dengan pembunuhan tersebut seperti yang disebarkan masa kempen PR12 hanyalah mahkamah dapat menjelaskan segalanya. Namun tidak dapat nafikan bahawa kisahnya bermula dengan pembelian peralatan ketenteraan yang berkait rapat dengan kisah Razak Baginda dan Al-Tantuya.
Masih ujudkah sebenarnya persaingan antara Amerika Syarikat dan Rusia yang kembali muncul menampakkan taringnya setelah Putin berjaya membebaskan bekas Kuasa Dunia itu dari belenggu hutang dan tekanan ekonomi yang dikenakan oleh Amerika dan sekutu-sekutunya.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/10/AR2007021000524.html
Apabila Tun Mahathir mula menampakkan sikap dominan dan keceluparannya dalam politik negara dan mengganggu gugat pentadbiran Pak Lah menerusi PR12 serta saranannya menekankan betapa perlunya Najib mengambil alih pentadbiran dari Pak Lah, seolah-olah era perang dingin kembali meniupkan pesannya di pentas dunia. Dengan senario kejatuhan ekonomi dan pasaran wang yang mula menipiskan nilai matawang Amerika yang memberi impak besar pada matawang lainnya maka harga minyak mentah yang melonjak tinggi di pasaran dunia telah memberi lebih ruang pada Rusia yang telah bebas dari belenggu hutang mereka. Dengan menggunakan jiran di sempadan negaranya yakni Iran dan dengan peluang bekalan minyak terbesar dan konflik Irak dan Afghanistan yang semakin merugikan Amerika Syarikat dan sekutunya, maka Rusia yang semakin pulih mula menampakkan kekuasaan dan ancaman pada Amerika. Rusia melalui perjanjian ekonomi dan ketenteraan dengan Republik Islam Iran memaksa Amerika dengan tiada pilihan lain lagi kecuali mengukuhkan kekuatan tenteranya di segenap rantau dan ini termasuk mengukuhkan pengaruh serta dominasinya di rantau Asia Iasifik dan Asia Tenggara. Dengan kesempatan menggunakan laluan Selat Melaka yang lokasinya menjadi asas pilihan penguasa-penguasa terdahulu dari saki baki tentera salib "Knight Templer" zaman pertengahan dan kini atas ehsan Pak Lah, kebenaran menggunakan laluan strategik tersebut agak sukar ditarik balik. Aktiviti-aktiviti ketenteraan yang aktif di Teluk Arab sekarang ini serta ancaman-ancaman kedua pihak yang semakin ketara memperlihatkan seolah olah perang tidak mungkin dapat dielakkan lagi.
Apakah sebenarnya perang dingin antara Amerika dan Rusia telah kembali muncul dan di negara kita kesan dari persaingan tersebut telah pun bermula antara bekas pemimpin dengan pemimpin serta bakal pemimpin sekarang ini. Memang tidak dinafikan bahawa Negara-Negara Berkecuali telah lama lena dari memainkan peranannya secara aktif dan mungkin telah pun berkubur. Penguasaan global oleh kapitalis-kapitalis kewangan dan ekonomi semasa ketiadaan bayang Kuasa Tentera Rusia telah banyak mempengaruhi kebanyakan negara-negara di dunia serta pemimpinnya. Zionis yang berjaya mempengarui serta menguasai setiap ruang ekonomi, kewangan, media serta pendidikan di hampir seluruh dunia selama beberapa dekad kini kembali mencaturkan sesuatu. Seperti mana yang tercatat dalam kanun Albert Pike ( illuminati )waktu ini adalah masanya untuk melagakan dua tamadun yang besar iaitu Islam dan Kristian bagi merencanakan satu kemusnahan total. Dari kemusnahan tersebut manusia kelak yang menderita dan tersepit akibat perang akan mudah digembalakan dengan keinginan manusia itu sendiri enggan lagi merujuk dan berpegang pada ajaran agama yang mengakibatkan persengketaan dan kemusnahan.
Di era kejatuhan Tun Mahathir yang menyaksikan pengaruhnya semakin terhakis ekoran krisis matawang dunia dan politik telah memaksa ia dengan rela meletakkan Jawatannya sebagai Perdana Menteri yang sebelumnya telah pun memperlihatkan berlangsungnya hubungan baik antara Presiden Bush dan Pak Lah. Pertukaran pendapat menerusi panggilan telefon antara Pak Lah (waktu itu sebagai timbalan Perdana Menteri )dan Presiden Bush dalam peristiwa 11 September menyaksikan akta yang sama di negara ini mula di guna pakai oleh Amerika untuk kem-kem tahananya di seluruh dunia dan sebagai contohnya Penjara Guantanamo. Dengan pujian melangit oleh ahli senat Amerika di dalam mesyuarat kongress mereka menyentuh reputasi Unit Cawangan Khas Malaysia ketika memerangi pengganas dunia ekoran kejadian September 11 menambahkan lagi pertalian erat barat dengan Pak Lah. Dengan pegawai-pegawai diplomat yang paling ramai dari mana-mana lokasi pun di dunia ini, kedutaan Amerika di Jalan Ampang bagaikan sarang tebuan yang tidak pernah di usik. Kita mula menyaksikan pengaruh Tun Mahathir mula dihakis selepas itu bermula dengan projek Jambatan ke Singapura yang memperlihatkan sikap protes dan toleran Pak Lah terhadap Tun Mahathir dan republic tersebut. Singapura yang mendapat kesempatan dari peluang yang amat diidamkan mereka dan bermula dengan agenda KJ untuk menyatukan semula semangat muhibah antara Singapura dan Malaysia telah mempertunangkan Pemuda UMNO dengan PAP. Dengan kapitalis-kapitalis Singapura yang dikatakan banyak membiayai projek-projek pembangunan di Malaysia telah berlansung kepada wujudnya projek WPI di Selatan Johor. Singapura yang dikenali sikap provokasinya terhadap kedaulatan Malaysia diera kepimpinan Mahathir nampak sedikit tenang dan sejuk diwaktu kepimpinan Pak Lah." Air yang tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya” kita tidak tahu apa motifnya atau adakah perisikan Singapura yang berguru dengan Mosad dan bersekongkol dengan C.I.A telahpun meresap kedalam pentadbiran Negara kita.
Sikap akur membabi buta Najib pada Pak Lah seakan-akan memperlihatkan kepasrahannya dan kita tidak dapat menjangka selama mana Najib terpaksa tunduk dan akur pada pengaruh Pak Lah dan menantunya. Mungkin usaha konspirasi penyelamatnya iaitu Tun Mahathir dengan kegiatan T. Razaleigh dapat mengheretnya keluar dari cengkaman pengaruh Pak Lah dan kroni-kroninya yang rapat dengan Singapura dan Amerika Syarikat. Gendang perang yang sedang di palu rancak di Timur Tengah hanya masa yang menentukan bilakah ledakan pertama akan berlaku. Dengan senario politik Amerika serta keruntuhan nilai matawangnya yang semakin merudum serta kenaikan harga minyak dunia yang semakin tinggi, ditambah pula dengan keadaan semakin tidak stabil di Timur Tengah, sesiapa sahaja boleh mengambil kesempatan untuk memulakannya. Seperti mana pernah ia meramalkan kejatuhan Empayar Rusia semasa ia berhubung baik dengan Gorbachev kini seolah-olah Tun Mahathir terlihat sesuatu yang bakal menguntungkan dirinya. Untuk itu ia perlu melakukan sesuatu dengan segera dan sikap yang di tonjolkan olehnya sekarang ini memperlihatkan betapa terdesaknya dia dan ia akan membaling apa sahaja yang mampu dicapainya asalkan perhatian dapat di perolehinya. Apapun motifnya ia menyerang DSAI kita tidak tahu secara pasti tetapi yang pastinya ia tidak mahu ada orang lain merebut habuan yang berada ditepi pagarnya yang semakin mereput dan runtuh.
http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/high9908b.htm
Sebagai seorang pemimpin yang tahu apa yang ia lakukan dengan melihat pada ketegasan dan pendiriannya yang tidak mahu beralah walaupun menerima tekanan, keadaan Tun Mahathir waktu itu amat kritikal. Memperlihatkan karismanya yang mampu mempengaruhi rakan-rakan dan lawan ia telah berjaya mengasingkan isu kepimpinan kepada isu-isu baru yang belum terfikir oleh kita rakyat Malaysia ketika itu. Dengan idea-idea pembaharuan-pembaharuan yang di kira amat drastik waktu itu ia berjaya memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi dan teknologi hingga mencapai taraf negara membangun kepada negara maju. Dengan segala kesibukan tersebut kita seperti mana ia pernah canangkan " melayu mudah lupa" dan rakyat malaysia khususnya melayu, kita sebenarnya tidak tahu sejauh mana ia pernah terlibat sama ada secara langsung atau tidak langsung dengan Agensi Perisikan KGB tersebut. Tetapi kesan atau bekas yang ditinggalkan dari konflik tersebut masih berbekas. Kerap juga kita sering melihat kaitan hubungan baik beliau dengan Rusia apatah lagi dengan bekas pemimpin komunis umpamanya Gorbachev yang agak kerap berada bersamanya dalam forum-forum yang di anjurkan pada peringkat dunia. Hubungan akrab antara Malaysia dengan Rusia terus terjalin menerusi pembelian peralatan perang seperti Sukhoi dan serta projek Angkasawan menerusi Timbalan Perdana Menteri sekarang yang merupakan orang harapan Tun Mahathir bagi menggantikan Pak Lah. Malangnya pada era kepimpinan Pak Lah yang menjalin hubungan lebih akrab dengan U.S menyaksikan konflik yang lebih rumit lagi yang mana boleh menggugat keselamatan dan kesihatan rakyat Malaysia. Adakah Najib sebenarnya terperangkap dengan konspirasi pembelian jet sukhoi dan lain-lain peralatan perang dan dikaitkan dalam kes pembunuhan Al-Tantuya yang pasti meletakkan Najib dalam situasi tersepit di bawah pengaruh dan kekuasaan Pak Lah. Betul atau tidak Najib terlibat dengan pembunuhan tersebut seperti yang disebarkan masa kempen PR12 hanyalah mahkamah dapat menjelaskan segalanya. Namun tidak dapat nafikan bahawa kisahnya bermula dengan pembelian peralatan ketenteraan yang berkait rapat dengan kisah Razak Baginda dan Al-Tantuya.
Masih ujudkah sebenarnya persaingan antara Amerika Syarikat dan Rusia yang kembali muncul menampakkan taringnya setelah Putin berjaya membebaskan bekas Kuasa Dunia itu dari belenggu hutang dan tekanan ekonomi yang dikenakan oleh Amerika dan sekutu-sekutunya.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/10/AR2007021000524.html
Apabila Tun Mahathir mula menampakkan sikap dominan dan keceluparannya dalam politik negara dan mengganggu gugat pentadbiran Pak Lah menerusi PR12 serta saranannya menekankan betapa perlunya Najib mengambil alih pentadbiran dari Pak Lah, seolah-olah era perang dingin kembali meniupkan pesannya di pentas dunia. Dengan senario kejatuhan ekonomi dan pasaran wang yang mula menipiskan nilai matawang Amerika yang memberi impak besar pada matawang lainnya maka harga minyak mentah yang melonjak tinggi di pasaran dunia telah memberi lebih ruang pada Rusia yang telah bebas dari belenggu hutang mereka. Dengan menggunakan jiran di sempadan negaranya yakni Iran dan dengan peluang bekalan minyak terbesar dan konflik Irak dan Afghanistan yang semakin merugikan Amerika Syarikat dan sekutunya, maka Rusia yang semakin pulih mula menampakkan kekuasaan dan ancaman pada Amerika. Rusia melalui perjanjian ekonomi dan ketenteraan dengan Republik Islam Iran memaksa Amerika dengan tiada pilihan lain lagi kecuali mengukuhkan kekuatan tenteranya di segenap rantau dan ini termasuk mengukuhkan pengaruh serta dominasinya di rantau Asia Iasifik dan Asia Tenggara. Dengan kesempatan menggunakan laluan Selat Melaka yang lokasinya menjadi asas pilihan penguasa-penguasa terdahulu dari saki baki tentera salib "Knight Templer" zaman pertengahan dan kini atas ehsan Pak Lah, kebenaran menggunakan laluan strategik tersebut agak sukar ditarik balik. Aktiviti-aktiviti ketenteraan yang aktif di Teluk Arab sekarang ini serta ancaman-ancaman kedua pihak yang semakin ketara memperlihatkan seolah olah perang tidak mungkin dapat dielakkan lagi.
Apakah sebenarnya perang dingin antara Amerika dan Rusia telah kembali muncul dan di negara kita kesan dari persaingan tersebut telah pun bermula antara bekas pemimpin dengan pemimpin serta bakal pemimpin sekarang ini. Memang tidak dinafikan bahawa Negara-Negara Berkecuali telah lama lena dari memainkan peranannya secara aktif dan mungkin telah pun berkubur. Penguasaan global oleh kapitalis-kapitalis kewangan dan ekonomi semasa ketiadaan bayang Kuasa Tentera Rusia telah banyak mempengaruhi kebanyakan negara-negara di dunia serta pemimpinnya. Zionis yang berjaya mempengarui serta menguasai setiap ruang ekonomi, kewangan, media serta pendidikan di hampir seluruh dunia selama beberapa dekad kini kembali mencaturkan sesuatu. Seperti mana yang tercatat dalam kanun Albert Pike ( illuminati )waktu ini adalah masanya untuk melagakan dua tamadun yang besar iaitu Islam dan Kristian bagi merencanakan satu kemusnahan total. Dari kemusnahan tersebut manusia kelak yang menderita dan tersepit akibat perang akan mudah digembalakan dengan keinginan manusia itu sendiri enggan lagi merujuk dan berpegang pada ajaran agama yang mengakibatkan persengketaan dan kemusnahan.
Di era kejatuhan Tun Mahathir yang menyaksikan pengaruhnya semakin terhakis ekoran krisis matawang dunia dan politik telah memaksa ia dengan rela meletakkan Jawatannya sebagai Perdana Menteri yang sebelumnya telah pun memperlihatkan berlangsungnya hubungan baik antara Presiden Bush dan Pak Lah. Pertukaran pendapat menerusi panggilan telefon antara Pak Lah (waktu itu sebagai timbalan Perdana Menteri )dan Presiden Bush dalam peristiwa 11 September menyaksikan akta yang sama di negara ini mula di guna pakai oleh Amerika untuk kem-kem tahananya di seluruh dunia dan sebagai contohnya Penjara Guantanamo. Dengan pujian melangit oleh ahli senat Amerika di dalam mesyuarat kongress mereka menyentuh reputasi Unit Cawangan Khas Malaysia ketika memerangi pengganas dunia ekoran kejadian September 11 menambahkan lagi pertalian erat barat dengan Pak Lah. Dengan pegawai-pegawai diplomat yang paling ramai dari mana-mana lokasi pun di dunia ini, kedutaan Amerika di Jalan Ampang bagaikan sarang tebuan yang tidak pernah di usik. Kita mula menyaksikan pengaruh Tun Mahathir mula dihakis selepas itu bermula dengan projek Jambatan ke Singapura yang memperlihatkan sikap protes dan toleran Pak Lah terhadap Tun Mahathir dan republic tersebut. Singapura yang mendapat kesempatan dari peluang yang amat diidamkan mereka dan bermula dengan agenda KJ untuk menyatukan semula semangat muhibah antara Singapura dan Malaysia telah mempertunangkan Pemuda UMNO dengan PAP. Dengan kapitalis-kapitalis Singapura yang dikatakan banyak membiayai projek-projek pembangunan di Malaysia telah berlansung kepada wujudnya projek WPI di Selatan Johor. Singapura yang dikenali sikap provokasinya terhadap kedaulatan Malaysia diera kepimpinan Mahathir nampak sedikit tenang dan sejuk diwaktu kepimpinan Pak Lah." Air yang tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya” kita tidak tahu apa motifnya atau adakah perisikan Singapura yang berguru dengan Mosad dan bersekongkol dengan C.I.A telahpun meresap kedalam pentadbiran Negara kita.
Sikap akur membabi buta Najib pada Pak Lah seakan-akan memperlihatkan kepasrahannya dan kita tidak dapat menjangka selama mana Najib terpaksa tunduk dan akur pada pengaruh Pak Lah dan menantunya. Mungkin usaha konspirasi penyelamatnya iaitu Tun Mahathir dengan kegiatan T. Razaleigh dapat mengheretnya keluar dari cengkaman pengaruh Pak Lah dan kroni-kroninya yang rapat dengan Singapura dan Amerika Syarikat. Gendang perang yang sedang di palu rancak di Timur Tengah hanya masa yang menentukan bilakah ledakan pertama akan berlaku. Dengan senario politik Amerika serta keruntuhan nilai matawangnya yang semakin merudum serta kenaikan harga minyak dunia yang semakin tinggi, ditambah pula dengan keadaan semakin tidak stabil di Timur Tengah, sesiapa sahaja boleh mengambil kesempatan untuk memulakannya. Seperti mana pernah ia meramalkan kejatuhan Empayar Rusia semasa ia berhubung baik dengan Gorbachev kini seolah-olah Tun Mahathir terlihat sesuatu yang bakal menguntungkan dirinya. Untuk itu ia perlu melakukan sesuatu dengan segera dan sikap yang di tonjolkan olehnya sekarang ini memperlihatkan betapa terdesaknya dia dan ia akan membaling apa sahaja yang mampu dicapainya asalkan perhatian dapat di perolehinya. Apapun motifnya ia menyerang DSAI kita tidak tahu secara pasti tetapi yang pastinya ia tidak mahu ada orang lain merebut habuan yang berada ditepi pagarnya yang semakin mereput dan runtuh.
Day Of Infamy.
Day of Infamy
The March 20, 2008 US Declaration of War on Iran
By John McGlynn
28/03/08 "ICH" -- -- March 20, 2008, destined to be another day of infamy. On this date the US officially declared war on Iran. But it's not going to be the kind of war many have been expecting.
No, there was no dramatic televised announcement by President George W. Bush from the White House oval office. In fact on this day, reports the Washington Post, Bush spent some time communicating directly with Iranians, telling them via Radio Farda (the US-financed broadcaster that transmits to Iran in Farsi, Iran's native language) that their government has "declared they want to have a nuclear weapon to destroy people." But not to worry, he told his listeners in Farsi-translated Bushspeak: Tehran would not get the bomb because the US would be "firm."
Over at the US Congress, no war resolution was passed, no debate transpired, no last-minute hearing on the Iran "threat" was held. The Pentagon did not put its forces on red alert and cancel all leave. The top story on the Pentagon's website (on March 20) was: "Bush Lauds Military's Performance in Terror War," a feel-good piece about the president's appearance on the US military's TV channel to praise "the performance and courage of U.S. troops engaged in the global war on terrorism." Bush discussed Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa but not Iran.
But make no mistake. As of Thursday, March 20 the US is at war with Iran.
So who made it official?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19630.htm
The March 20, 2008 US Declaration of War on Iran
By John McGlynn
28/03/08 "ICH" -- -- March 20, 2008, destined to be another day of infamy. On this date the US officially declared war on Iran. But it's not going to be the kind of war many have been expecting.
No, there was no dramatic televised announcement by President George W. Bush from the White House oval office. In fact on this day, reports the Washington Post, Bush spent some time communicating directly with Iranians, telling them via Radio Farda (the US-financed broadcaster that transmits to Iran in Farsi, Iran's native language) that their government has "declared they want to have a nuclear weapon to destroy people." But not to worry, he told his listeners in Farsi-translated Bushspeak: Tehran would not get the bomb because the US would be "firm."
Over at the US Congress, no war resolution was passed, no debate transpired, no last-minute hearing on the Iran "threat" was held. The Pentagon did not put its forces on red alert and cancel all leave. The top story on the Pentagon's website (on March 20) was: "Bush Lauds Military's Performance in Terror War," a feel-good piece about the president's appearance on the US military's TV channel to praise "the performance and courage of U.S. troops engaged in the global war on terrorism." Bush discussed Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa but not Iran.
But make no mistake. As of Thursday, March 20 the US is at war with Iran.
So who made it official?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19630.htm
3/26/2008
Schools And BN Politics.
Hope this kind of narrow minded instruction will not be abide with schools head holding degree or PHD. They can invite anybody else but important is that one who can benefits the future of the children.Politics is suppose not to be allowed influencing the school mechanism for the sake of children education. Unless the ruling BN Government has fully abide with the UNESCO but of course with entirely different agenda's.
"UNESCO was created to construct a world-wide education program to prepare the world for global governance. UNESCO advisor, Bertrand Russell, writing for the UNESCO Journal, The Impact of Science on Society, said: “Every government that has been in control of education for a generation will be able to control its subjects securely without the need of armies or policemen . . . .”20
Some where around the Blogs.
----------------------------
PENANG SCHOOL HEADS TOLD NOT TO INVITE STATE GOVT LEADERS AS VIPS
School heads in Penang have been instructed or “advised” not to invite State Government leaders and elected representatives from the DAP-PKR as VIPs and guests-of-honour. The message was conveyed during a briefing last Wednesday by a senior official from the Penang Education Department, which comes under the federal-level Education Ministry.
The directive/”advice” to play on the safe-side was made verbally (and not in writing), according to a principal of a school in Penang and confirmed by another senior staff member from the same school. They were understandably indignant at the ruling.
This just shows the kind of small-mindedness among certain Education Dept/Ministry officials. I believe even DAP-PKR state assembly members who are not holding exco posts may now not be invited as VIPs/guests-of-honour to schools.
Take a look at this year’s Penang Schools Sports Council (MSSPP) meet, which is opening today in Batu Kawan and closing on Friday. The Penang school sports meet traditionally has been officially opened by the Governor of Penang and closed by the Penang Chief Minister. But this time around, my second source said that the invitation cards issued to schools indicates that the closing ceremony will be officiated by the State Education Director.
I wonder if there is a similar ruling/”advice” in the other four opposition-controlled states. Perhaps readers of this blog who are school heads can tell us.
But I think there is a silver lining. This directive will, unwittingly, give the new Penang State Government leaders more time to spend on running the state efficiently, instead of wasting time officiating at routine school functions. Though I am sure the Education Department officials did not have that in mind!
Now, the question is, will USM officials follow suit and avoid State Government leaders like the plague?
http://anilnetto.com/
"UNESCO was created to construct a world-wide education program to prepare the world for global governance. UNESCO advisor, Bertrand Russell, writing for the UNESCO Journal, The Impact of Science on Society, said: “Every government that has been in control of education for a generation will be able to control its subjects securely without the need of armies or policemen . . . .”20
Some where around the Blogs.
----------------------------
PENANG SCHOOL HEADS TOLD NOT TO INVITE STATE GOVT LEADERS AS VIPS
School heads in Penang have been instructed or “advised” not to invite State Government leaders and elected representatives from the DAP-PKR as VIPs and guests-of-honour. The message was conveyed during a briefing last Wednesday by a senior official from the Penang Education Department, which comes under the federal-level Education Ministry.
The directive/”advice” to play on the safe-side was made verbally (and not in writing), according to a principal of a school in Penang and confirmed by another senior staff member from the same school. They were understandably indignant at the ruling.
This just shows the kind of small-mindedness among certain Education Dept/Ministry officials. I believe even DAP-PKR state assembly members who are not holding exco posts may now not be invited as VIPs/guests-of-honour to schools.
Take a look at this year’s Penang Schools Sports Council (MSSPP) meet, which is opening today in Batu Kawan and closing on Friday. The Penang school sports meet traditionally has been officially opened by the Governor of Penang and closed by the Penang Chief Minister. But this time around, my second source said that the invitation cards issued to schools indicates that the closing ceremony will be officiated by the State Education Director.
I wonder if there is a similar ruling/”advice” in the other four opposition-controlled states. Perhaps readers of this blog who are school heads can tell us.
But I think there is a silver lining. This directive will, unwittingly, give the new Penang State Government leaders more time to spend on running the state efficiently, instead of wasting time officiating at routine school functions. Though I am sure the Education Department officials did not have that in mind!
Now, the question is, will USM officials follow suit and avoid State Government leaders like the plague?
http://anilnetto.com/
3/25/2008
In Iraq
Update On The Fighting In Basra
By Roads To Iraq
25/03/08 "RTI" -- - The situation right now is nothing to do with “Iraqi government” or “Iraqi Army”, it is a Shiite-Shiite war, Mahdi Army with primitive arms and “Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution” [formed by Iran] with an army and supported by the Americans.
Remember the so called Iraqi government can not start this campaign without taking accord from Iran and the U.S., I told about the there is some kind of agreement between [The U.S. and Iran] few posts before.
Just few hours ago the Sadrists issued a new statement, signed by Al-Sadr himself and it says an initiative for peace contains six points:
- To distribute Quran and olive branches on police and army check points, and ask the security forces to not involve in this fighting trick used by the occupation.
- All the political, social and religious figures to take their responsibilities to stop these attacks
- Tribal chiefs to not to be involved in the fighting and to remember that they are the grandsons of 1920 revolution
- Iraqi parliament to stand beside the Iraqi people who chose them
- Political Parties to be beside the Iraqi public and not beside the occupation
- Call for all Iraqis to demonstrate, the next step is public disobedience, as for the third step then it will be announced in later time.
As for the last point [the public disobedience], the government announced that disobedience will be charged with terrorism law, the Sadrists representatives in the parliament announced they will start the procedures to withdraw their confidence in Maliki if this law put in practice.
The fights
Mahdi Army start to attack Badr and SCIR offices in Baghdad [the media reported that the attacks are in Sadr city only but according to my mother the attacks are everywhere at least in Risafah part of Baghdad].
Mahdi Army managed to control few neighborhoods in Kut city, Al-Mahmoudiya, Al-Yousfiyah.
http://www.roadstoiraq.com/
By Roads To Iraq
25/03/08 "RTI" -- - The situation right now is nothing to do with “Iraqi government” or “Iraqi Army”, it is a Shiite-Shiite war, Mahdi Army with primitive arms and “Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution” [formed by Iran] with an army and supported by the Americans.
Remember the so called Iraqi government can not start this campaign without taking accord from Iran and the U.S., I told about the there is some kind of agreement between [The U.S. and Iran] few posts before.
Just few hours ago the Sadrists issued a new statement, signed by Al-Sadr himself and it says an initiative for peace contains six points:
- To distribute Quran and olive branches on police and army check points, and ask the security forces to not involve in this fighting trick used by the occupation.
- All the political, social and religious figures to take their responsibilities to stop these attacks
- Tribal chiefs to not to be involved in the fighting and to remember that they are the grandsons of 1920 revolution
- Iraqi parliament to stand beside the Iraqi people who chose them
- Political Parties to be beside the Iraqi public and not beside the occupation
- Call for all Iraqis to demonstrate, the next step is public disobedience, as for the third step then it will be announced in later time.
As for the last point [the public disobedience], the government announced that disobedience will be charged with terrorism law, the Sadrists representatives in the parliament announced they will start the procedures to withdraw their confidence in Maliki if this law put in practice.
The fights
Mahdi Army start to attack Badr and SCIR offices in Baghdad [the media reported that the attacks are in Sadr city only but according to my mother the attacks are everywhere at least in Risafah part of Baghdad].
Mahdi Army managed to control few neighborhoods in Kut city, Al-Mahmoudiya, Al-Yousfiyah.
http://www.roadstoiraq.com/
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