News Briefs 2006
Ahmadinejad's Call To Repentence *12/01/06*
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent the American people an open letter calling them to repentence and acceptance of the tenets of Islam. The letter, dated November 29, 2006, was addressed to the "Noble Americans". In it, Ahmadenijad recites a list of trangressions committed by the American government, including America's support of Israel, and its involvement in the Arab region.
Ahmadinejad admonished Americans to heed the "Divine Word" of the "Holy Qur'an", specifically:
"But those who repent, have faith and do good may receive Salvation. Your Lord, alone, creates and chooses as He will, and others have no part in His choice; Glorified is God and Exalted above any partners they ascribe to Him." (28:67-68)
Ahmadinejad sent a similar letter directly to President Bush last May. Many believe that this latest letter is a final call to Americans, to not partake in the 'sins' of the government, and to repent, before destruction. Letters, like these have been sent by dutiful Islamic warriors to their enemies before an attack. Seen in this light, the following verses taken from the same chapter that Ahmadinejad quoted, give us the bigger picture:
"How many a city We have destroyed that flourished in insolent ease! Those are their dwelling-places, undwelt in after them, except a little; Ourselves are the inheritors. Yet thy Lord never destroyed the cities until He sent in their mother-city a Messenger, to recite Our signs unto them; and We never destroyed the cities, save that their inhabitants were evildoers." (28:58-59)
Pope To Visit Turkey - Remembering the Crusades *11/27/06*
The Pope's coming visit to Turkey has unleashed a wave of protests. Pope Benedict set off a wave of protest and violence by Muslims when he quoted a 13th century Byzantine emperor describing Islam as "evil and inhuman". The Pope's quotation referred to the Prophet's "command to spread by the sword the faith that he preached".
These remarks set off a whirlwind of violence in the muslim world. A 70 year old nun was shot 4 times in the back. "Two churches in the West Bank were set on fire, following five incidents in the West Bank and Gaza, when five churches were firebombed and fired at." A Iranian cleric, "Ahmad Khatami, told demonstrators that the Pope and President George Bush were 'united in order to repeat the Crusades.'" 1
From an article in the Independent relating to the Pope's visit, and the time period of the quoted Byzantine emperors rule, was this quote in the article..."The Crusades, especially the Fourth, during which Crusaders killed, cooked and ate the population of a village in their path, convinced Muslims and Orthodox Christians that the Christians of the West were malign barbarians. The privileges for Christians extracted by the great powers early in the 20th century and plans to divide Turkey between Greeks, French and Italians confirmed the opinion." 2
In researching this quote we found that it is a widely held belief by muslim Turks and beyond that the above quote is true. We found it reported that crusaders massacred about 20,000 people and not finding enough food cooked and ate the population. Most of the writings quote an Amin Maalouf in his book "The Crusades through Arab Eyes".
Another source was from Radulph of Caen, in a letter (allegedly) to the Pope wrote: "In Ma'arra our troops boiled pagan adults alive in cooking-pots; they impaled children on spits and devoured them grilled." We could not find the original source writing.
It was sad to see many American university scholars (yes American university professors) using quotes such as "According to a Muslim account" and "The Crusades through Arab Eyes" to portray the belief of cannibalism by the crusaders as fact. Other then that, there was some excellent information on this site, but as always read with caution. This site can be viewed here -- http://www.historyofjihad.org/crusades.html
One of the more balanced works starts below and can be read in its entirety by clicking on the link....
"Eating babies' is a standard accusation in Western civilization against one's religious or political opponents. It is the ultimate taboo, as you will realize. Hence the Romans accused the early Christians of eating babies, the medieval West accused Jews and heretics of eating babies, in medieval literature pagans eat babies, the Revolutionary French peasantry accused the French nobility of eating babies. The crusaders did eat their horses (which in Britain at least is only one step up from eating babies) and during the first crusade one group of warriors (the 'Tafurs') were accused of eating babies." See rest of writing here --
Eating Babies.
1 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060918/ai_n16733994
2 http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2018690.ece
In the Name of Allah *11/25/06*
Thanksgiving Day was a day filled with blood in Iraq as 215 Shiites were slaughtered and 257 wounded. Sadr City was the site of 5 car bombings and multiple mortar attacks by the Sunnis in the continuing war with the Shiites. The Shiites retaliated the next day by dousing six Sunnis with kerosene and burning them alive while Iraqi soldiers stood by. The Shiites also killed 19 other Sunnis by attacking their mosques.
As reported in Forbes.com, "Mahdi Army militiamen, armed with machines guns and rocket-propelled grenades, swept through Hurriyah neighborhood near an Iraqi army post, burning four mosques and several homes, and attacking worshippers as they left Friday services. Three other mosques were also attacked that same day."
These are not the first confrontations between the two warring factions, but a continuation of the sectarian violence that has plagued Iraq.
Both the Shiites and the Sunnis claim Allah as their protector and guide while they attack each other's mosques, all in the name of Allah. It is becoming increasingly obvious to non-Muslims, that Islam is not the peaceful religion that some would have us believe.
Is Islam a religion of peace? *11/23/06*
The suicide bombings continue, muslim schools teach hatred in the classrooms and glorify martyrdom. Repeatedly the message taught is kill the Christian and the Jew. A child grows up and after many years of brainwashing, straps a bomb to himself for and in the name of Allah. We in the west aren't told the whole truth that the hatred is aimed at America and Israel. In Europe they know the truth and are mainly silent, maybe from fear. The following link is a CNN video documentary: Radical Islam in the mainstream, a must see....
Iraq Reports Using Drones *11/13/06*
Iranian television (Al-Alam) broadcasted footage which it claims shows an American air craft carrier on patrol in the waters of the Persian Gulf. The footage was shot using a pilotless drone aircraft. Iran's Isfahan University's Mechanical Energy College has been the site for the research and development of Iran's war drones. The college was recently honored on al-Quds Day in Iran for its design of a drone capable of being used in suicide attacks against military interests. These suicide bombing drones could carry a deadly payload to accomplish their tasks.
In 2005, our Department of Defense acknowledged that at least 32 nations, including China, Russia, France and Iran, are developing and manufacturing drones.
Hezbollah and Shiite Factions Cripple Lebanese Government *11/12/06*
Hezbollah and Shiite Ministers resigned from the Lebanese cabinet crippling the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. By law, the Lebanese govenment must include members from the Christian, Sunni and Shiite sects. Without the Shiites, the government lacks the authority to handle anything more than day-to day administrative duties.
The move by the Shiites was made to prevent the Lebanese government from giving approval to the UN's international tribunal which will prosecute several Syrian and pro-Syrian officials for the assassination of former Lebanonese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Shiites and Hezbollah are backed by the Syrian and Iranian governments. Hezbollah is seeking to increase its power within the Lebanese government. The resignations combined with threats by Hezbollah's leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, are evidence that Syrian and Iranian interests in the country have stepped-up their efforts to control Lebanon.
The New Front For The War On Terror *11/12/06*
With the changing of the guard in the American government many foreigners applauded the choice of the American people. Der Spiegel Online states that "after the 'midterm slap in the face to the Bush administration, there has been little sympathy in Europe for the beleaguered White House.' On the heels of the news that Democrats have regained control of the House of Representatives, 'in much of Europe, there is quiet satisfaction - and relief,' the German newsmagazine reports."
Of the many voices a few stand out the most. The supreme leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated on state television, "The fact that the president's party lost is not just an American domestic incident, it is a defeat for the incumbent president's war-mongering and aggressive policies," The Ayatoliah called it a victory for Iran. The Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the Republican defeat a sign of "Americans dissatisfaction and being fed up with the US administration's current policies."
Many in Europe have become "anti-American" because of America's foreign policy and its war in Iraqi. Repeatedly President Bush has said that if we fight terrorism abroad, we won't have to fight it at home. Since the election, it seems that is about to change.
According to WND:
- "Terror groups in the Gaza Strip, including gunmen associated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, warned Wednesday they may attack US interests in the Middle East."...
- "We have information Hamas agents have been on US soil the past few years and that the group may currently have up to 100 agents operating inside America," an FBI counterterrorism agent in New York told WND last October.
- "Members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the declared 'military wing' of Abbas' Fatah party, told WND they joined Hamas in its calls to target U.S. interests, as did the Islamic Jihad terror group."
- "Sources close to Hamas told WND the hitting of American targets was discussed by the terror group "at the highest level."
- "Hamas, Fatah urge Muslims to 'teach American enemy merciless lessons'..."
Excerpted from an article from CBN News:
- "Al Qaeda's Abu Hamza al-Muhajir the terrorist leader challenged Bush to leave U.S. troops in Iraq, saying, "We haven't had enough of your blood yet."
- "'We will not rest from our jihad until we are under the olive trees of Rumieh and we have blown up the filthiest house - which is called the White House,' al-Muhajir said."
- "Al-Muhajir, an Egyptian also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, boasted that al-Qaeda in Iraq is moving toward victory faster than expected because of Bush's mistakes."
- "Al-Muhajir praised the American people for handing victory to the Democrats, saying: 'They voted for something reasonable in the last elections.'"
A new trend in terrorism has emerged. America and its interests have become the new target.
UN Moving Closer To Establishing International Assassination Tribunal *11/11/06*
UN representative, Geir Pederson has delivered the final draft document for approval by Lebanon's government which would create a "tribunal with an international character" for the purpose of trying suspects in the assassination of Lebanon's anti-Syrian former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. High level Syrian officials have been implicated by UN investigators in Hararri's assassination in 2005. Four high level Lebanese officials who reported to Lebanese President Emile Lahoud have been under arrest for their involvement in the assassination.
Lebanon has been at the center of a power struggle between anti-Syrian and pro-Syrian factions. Syria has long retained a presence in Lebanon including its support of Hezbollah and, until 2005, the occupation of Lebanon by the Syrian army. Despite the fact that most of Lebanon's government is now controlled by the anti-Syrian factions, Lebanon's current president, Emile Lahoud is solidly pro-Syrian. Lebanon's Parliament and President Lahoud would have to approve the UN document before the international tribunal could proceed with the trials.
Syrians Converting To Khomeiniism *11/1/06*
Syrian opposition groups are reporting that Iran is funding the conversion of non-Shia Syrians to the Shia Islam promulgated by the late Iranian dictator, Ayatollah Khomeini. Khomeini's preaching shifted the focus of the Shiite Muslim away from the patient awaiting of the coming of the Islamic messiah (Mahdi) to the hastening his arrival by removing all his obstacles, with apocalyptic force if necessary. Iran's current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a follower of Khomeini's Shi'a Islam. The Reform Party of Syria claims that, "Whole villages and urban areas are adopting the Hizbullah model whereby clinics, schools, and social services are provided by Iran in return for Syrians to convert to Shi'ism."
France Is New Front For Intifada *10/23/06*
French police are reporting an alarming rise of violence against them by gangs of youths in Islamic immigrant neighborhoods. These same neighborhoods were the battlegrounds of the infamous gang riots last year that were sparked by the accidental electrocution of two Muslim youths. French police are being ambushed by gangs who wield tear gas, bats, and Molotov cocktails. Firefighters and other rescue workers are now becoming the targets of the rising tide of violence.
Gangs of Muslim youths commandeered a bus in south Paris on Sunday and forced the bus' passengers off. The youths set the bus on fire and then stoned the firefighters who came to deal with the blaze. There are reports that some of the youths are hooded, and that some of them are shouting 'Allah Akbar' (God is Great), a now familiar cry of the intifada.
Intifada is an Arabic term which for uprising. Intifada has come to mean a jihadist struggle against an oppressor state.
Police unions are struggling with how to handle the issue. One French police union is calling the attacks "acts of war". Other police unions are fearful of framing the attacks in terms of an Islamic uprising. French police unions are asking the government for armored cars. Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy has responded by providing heavily-equipped units to police in gang areas.
The French government announced on Sunday that it had pulled the security clearances of forty-three or more baggage handlers working at Charles De Gaulle airport. Interior Minister Sarkozy has publically stated that it was the baggage handlers' links to radicalism that resulted in the security clearance cancellations.
EU's Solana Says Talks With Iran Have Failed *10/5/06*
The EU's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana
reported to the European Parliament that his talks with Iran on nuclear enrichment are failing because, "we have not agreed in what is the key point, which is the question of suspension of activities before the start of the negotiations." Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants talks to continue, while Iran continues to enrich uranium.
"We want talks to continue but if anyone thinks talks can be used to pressure us they are wrong." he said in a speech broadcast on state television.
Ahmadinejad has vowed that his country will not stop its nuclear activities. Solana admits that the core of the problem is about Iran's use of its enrichment program. "The problem with Iran is basically a problem of trust, of confidence." Iran has defied the UN Security Council's August deadline to stop its nuclear enrichment program. The Security Council appears to be readying to impose sanctions against Iran. Solana's efforts at negotiations have been seen as a last ditch effort to try to get Iran to cooperate before sanctions were used.
Muslim Factions Continue Fighting Each Other In Palestine and Iraq *10/2/06*
Despite the calls for peace and unity, Muslim factions continue fighting each other in Palestine and Iraq. Stability in the region is threatened by the clashes as the groups each grab for power.
Palestinian violence has increased as Hamas and Fatah loyalists escalate hostilities against each other. Eight people were reported killed as the result of fighting between Hamas militia and Fatah protestors on Sunday in Gaza and the West Bank. The violence has prompted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek to try to broker a peace agreement between Hamas and Fatah. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas) and President Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah) have spoken via telephone concerning the violence. However, Haniyeh believes his militia acted within the law while Abbas ordered an investigation.
Gunmen kidnapped 26 workers from a meat processing plant Sunday in the latest incident of mass abduction. Gunmen also assassinated a prominent Shiite leader, Sheikh Numan al-Nassri, near his home. Iraqi police and army troops continue to clash with gunmen around Baghdad, despite a curfew ordered by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Coalition forces arrested the bodyguard of a Sunni Arab leader in connection with a bomb plot aimed at the "Green Zone" in Baghdad.
Violence has increased dramatically in Palestine and Iraq once the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began last weekend.
Syria To Continue Support For Hezbollah and Hamas *9/29/06*
Syria will continue to support Hezbollah and Hamas, despite any threat of sanctions by the United States. Speaking at the UN General Assembly this past week, Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid al-Moualem said that the world pays the price for American interference in the affairs of the Arabs. These remarks came in the aftermath of an attempted attack on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on September 12. Although Syrian security forces prevented the attack, Syrian officials were quick to blame the attack on U.S. policies within the Arab regions and on U.S. support for Israel. Hezbollah and Hamas refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist as a nation.
War Within the Camp *9/28/06*
Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai were brought to the White House on Wednesday in an effort by President Bush to present a united front in the War on Terror. Although the leaders of the two Islamic countries were in attendance, they are far from being friendly with each other. Both Karzai and Musharraf have hurled accusations at each other regarding their counterpart's lax handling of terrorists within their own borders. But both leaders find themselves joined to each other by their cooperation with the West, and their search for moderation in their respective countries.
President Karzai has accused President Musharraf of allowing Islamic extremism to flourish in Pakistan, creating a safe haven for terrorists within Pakistan. Karzai maintains that it is from Pakistan that the Taliban and al Qaeda terrorists come that attack his country.
President Musharraf continues to deny that he lacks control of the areas of Pakistan which border Afghanistan. Musharraf has cited the presence of 80,000 Pakistani troops along the Afghan border as proof of his efforts to combat al Qaeda and the Taliban. Musharraf also has accused Karzai of ignoring the increased influence of Islamic extremists in Afghanistan, and the lack of commitment of the Karzai government to effectively handle them.
The United States has remained adamant in its stand that without the opportunity for prosperity in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, terrorists will continue to find converts among the poor and disenfranchised in those countries. Officially, the United States government continues to maintain that Islam is a peaceful religion that is being perverted by terrorists.
Movie With Christian Values Rated PG Because It May Offend *9/27/06*
"Facing the Giants" a football movie produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, is at the center of a controversy over content. The movie was given a PG rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), a 10 member board based in Los Angeles, that is given charge of movie ratings. The movie's PG rating has been called into question because of its motivation.
Kris Fuhr, a marketing vice president for Provident Films has been quoted as saying that she was told by the MPAA that the PG rating was given to "Facing the Giants" because it "was heavily laden with messages from one religion and that this might offend people from other religions." This sparked a backlash that included a letter to MPAA Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman from House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). In his letter, Blunt stated, "This incident raises the disquieting possibility that MPAA considers exposure to Christian themes more dangerous for children than exposure to gratuitous sex and mindless violence."
Joan Graves from the MPAA, has stated that she told Fuhr the PG rating was given because of the mature themes contained in the movie, such as sports-related violence and pregnancy.
Alex Kendrick who made the movie along with his brother Stephen, believes the controversy will help the movie in the end. "At first we were a little surprised at the ruling, but we believe that God is going to use this for His glory. Due to that rating we believe it will attract an even larger audience who might not go to a G-rated movie."
"Facing the Giants" is scheduled for national release on September 29, 2006.
Churches Burn As Muslim Anger Rages
*9/17/06*
Reaction to Pope Benedict's remarks about Islam and the Muslim prophet Muhammad continued to grow throughout the Muslim world. Churches in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were attacked and burned. In Somalia, a nun and her bodyguard were shot and killed. Egyptian Muslim and Coptic Christian leaders condemned the Pope's statements. Morocco recalled its Muslim ambassador to the Vatican, while various governments with an Islamic presence issued protests. The Pope has been burned in effigy in India, and a variety of death threats have been issued causing some concern for the Pope's safety. This current wave of Islamic furor arose when the Pope quoted a medieval Emperor concerning Islam. "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
Many see the Islamic reaction as typical of its adherents and proof of what many already believe about Islam. CNN quoted an unnamed 'diplomatic source' as congratulating the Pope for "calling a spade a spade. I see this as a wake up call for Christians. It will be interesting to see what the next step will be, but I don't think he has to apologize for anything, nor do I think he will," the diplomatic source said. The Pope has stated that he used the text to show that the 'convert or die' method of spreading Islam was wrong. While the Pope regretted the Muslim reaction to his speech this week, he was not retracting his words. But the Vatican acted to placate Muslims. The Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, stated that the Pope, and the Vatican are in agreement that the Catholic church "esteems Muslims, who adore the only God."
EU Is Determined To Increase Influence In The Middle East
*9/3/06*
Javier Solana, the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief, is planning on jump-starting the "Road Map For Peace" between Palestinians and Israelis. The increased presence of EU troops along the Lebanese-Israeli border is seen by many in Europe as a catalyst to greater European influence in the region. Christina Gallach, a spokesperson for Javier Solana stated, "The more we are physically involved with soldiers on the ground, the more we are going to get influence to match our military, humanitarian and economic commitment." The EU is also trying to hold the United States at bay by refusing to back sanctions against Iran in the current nuclear enrichment crisis. Javier Solana plans on meeting with Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani in Europe next week.
The Mission Of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad *9/1/06*
The world is preparing for a showdown with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The lines have been drawn, and the consequences are sure. President Bush warns the world of the dangers of Islamic facism coupled with the threat of a nuclear Holocaust. President Ahmadinejad rattles the sword of Islam, and appears to be a man on a mission. It is no secret that the Iranian leader plots the destruction of Israel, the United States, and western culture as a whole. But why would he square off defiantly with the United Nations? Perhaps the answer lies in his now famous words to that world body last fall:
"O mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your last repository, the Promised One, that perfect and pure human being, the one that will fill this world with justice and peace."
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prays for the appearance of the Mahdi, a shadowy figure in Islamic religious lore who is believed to be alive, but hidden, until the appointed time of his appearance. The Mahdi will bring peace to the world after a time of apocalyptic war. The Mahdi will bring the world to justice under the power of Islam. Ahmadinejad believes that he can hasten the appearance of the Mahdi by bringing the world to its time of cataclysmic crisis. That is the mission of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Catholic Theology Does Not Support a Literal Creation Cardinal Says
*8/31/06*
Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, believes that evolution is completely compatible with Catholic teaching, as long as evolutionists do not exclude God as the force behind evolution. "The possibility that the Creator used evolution as a tool is completely acceptable for the Catholic faith," stated Cardinal Schoenborn. Schoenborn, who is close to Pope Benedict, was the lead editor of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church. A literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis would exclude any form of evolution, as each creature was created after their kind.
Trafficking of Nuclear and Radioactive Material *8/30/06*
Recently released statistics, from the International Atomic Energy Agency's Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB), report that there were "103 confirmed incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials in 2005." Of the 103 confirmed incidents, "18... involved nuclear materials, 76 involved radioactive material, mainly radioactive sources; two involved both nuclear and other radioactive materials, and seven involved radioactively contaminated materials."
The IAEA's Staff Report goes on to say: "'From the terrorism threat standpoint, these cases are of little concern but they show security vulnerabilities at facilities handling HEU (high-enriched uranium)," the latest report from the ITDB said. "Indeed the majority of cases reported in 2005 showed no evidence of criminal activity."
However, the IAEA's Full Report states, "Illicit trafficking in nuclear materials is a potential threat to the security of states and international security. Nuclear trafficking could be a shortcut to nuclear proliferation and to nuclear terrorism. Loss or unauthorized disposal of nuclear material or nuclear waste may result in grave economic and environmental consequences."
Is there a potential threat? You decide.....
Source: www.iaea.org
Immigration and Lawlessness
*8/26/06*
Two Democratic Governors and two Republican Governors, from border states, have asked congressional leaders to move forward on immigration reform in a letter sent to House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. The immigration bill has reached a stand still because the Senate version included a guest worker program and a legal path for illegal immigrants already in the U.S., which basically translates to amnesty for illegal immigrants. The more conservative stance puts US security first.
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff stated that the immigration problem will worsen if a bill is not passed by Congress by the end of the year. Many accuse the House Republicans of stalling passage of a bill this year by having town hearings across the country.
Many polls indicate that most of the country wants illegal immigration stopped and any illegals found here deported.
There was an Amendment No. 3985 that would "... reduce document fraud, prevent identity theft, and preserve the integrity of the Social Security system, by ensuring that persons who receive an adjustment of status under this bill are not able to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity". The Senate, on May 18, 2006, passed a motion TABLING this Amendment (No. 3985). This TABLING in effect continued to allow unlawful activity by illegal aliens and continued to allow them social security benefits for committing fraud.
Note... Those Senators who voted "YEA" on the Motion to table (kill) the amendment, in essence were voting to let illegal immigrants (aliens) continue their fraud against the US and its citizens and continued to allow them to drain our already weak Social Security system... A vote for Lawlessness...
Link to how they voted: www.senate.gov
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