humint

TRUTH LAID BEAR HUMINT ABOUT CONTACT @ FREE REPUBLIC

1/15/2006


 

Free Republic Commentary 1/15-1/26

US distances from Mulford's comments (damage control exercise, Iran nuclear issue)

Posted by humint to Gengis Khan
On News/Activism 01/26/2006 5:00:29 AM PST · 2 of 4

US distances from Mulford's comments (damage control exercise, Iran nuclear issue)

This is a mischaracterization in my opinion. U.S.-India relations manifest through a great number of issues. The Iran problem and energy deals between the U.S. and India are converging now and Mulford's comments are an accurate representation of Washington's sentiments on these two issues. The fact that his expression of this opinion has become fuel for the Indian left should come as no surprise. Recent history suggests that the Indian left would grab anything to burn down U.S.-India relations. I believe the Indian left’s argument, at its core, is irrational. They have associated their cause with that of the Iranian government, one of the most irrational governing bodies on our planet. That's sad...


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


On Iran, Left at it again (INDIA)

Posted by humint to CarrotAndStick
On News/Activism 01/26/2006 4:39:39 AM PST · 4 of 13

ARTICLE: ...Karat said at an anti-imperialist rally in the Capital on Tuesday. ...Karat also attacked India’s contributions to the Global Democracy Fund.

The best antiseptic to imperialism is pluralistic democracy. The best antiseptic to terrorism may also be pluralistic democracy. Tehran's highest authority is unelected and is the pinnacle of a leadership architecture that feeds on crisis. Sure, India linking to Iranian natural gas appears in India’s interest. The reality is that India will become dependant on maintaining the same Iranian leaders so infamous for fomenting crisis.

Tehran is not likely to urge India to do anything. Tehran will just close the gas valve if India tries to step in the way of Iran’s interests. Mr. Karat, Iran has overt plans to become the regional hegemon. Does not anti-imperialism include preventing Iran from hardening its authoritarian grip over its neighbors?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


India rejects linking Iran vote to nuclear deal with U.S.

Posted by humint to CarrotAndStick
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 11:32:41 PM PST · 4 of 12

To this, McCormack said: "Let me be clear. Ultimately, how India votes on this matter is going to be a decision for the Indian government.

EXACTLY! thanks for this ping... Urging this or that position is a form of communication, not control. I hope that both the Indian and American messages are clear to both sides and that mutual success is the goal of both. I believe it is! Do you agree or are there any puzzle pieces missing, in your opinion?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies


India rejects linking Iran vote to nuclear deal with U.S.

Posted by humint to voice of india
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 11:15:45 PM PST · 2 of 12

The comment came hours after the Press Trust of India quoted U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford as saying if India did not vote against Iran, the fallout on the July 18, 2005 deal would be "devastating" and the initiative would "die."

No matter how true this statement may be I don't see it as the threat various media outlets are making it out to be. Iran is a hot topic in Washington and everyone there is anxious to build a consensus. Indians have expressed political reservations about agreeing with the United States regardless of how clear cut the issue is. I think those kind of politics are tough to rationalize sometimes and lead to more of the same. Between you and me, I am confident India will follow the law and refer Iran to the UNSC. Too much is riding on international democratic institutions to abandon them over a temporary energy deal.

I've mentioned before that Americans are aggressive in debate. This is not arrogance; rather it is confidence in the success that comes from rational compromise. Everything that I know about India and Indians suggests a similar approach to problem solving.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


IRAN, the U.S. and the WTO

Posted by humint
On Bloggers & Personal 01/25/2006 10:22:56 PM PST · 9 replies · 103+ views


humint ^ | 1/26/2006 | humint
The U.S. should oppose Iran’s admittance the World Trade Organization (WTO) on political principal. It’s the right thing to do. Although it may seem like a unique point of leverage for the International community, blocking Iran’s admittance into the WTO is not a particularly effective diplomatic tool to economically isolate the Iranian government. No entity is more suited to isolate Iranians and the Iranian government more effectively than the Iranian government itself. Blocking Tehran’s admittance into the WTO is instead an emphasis to Iranian officials about what they must do before Iran can rejoin the community of nations. If Iran...

Read | Comments


Ahmadinejad Awaits the Hidden Imam (Interesting perpective!)

Posted by humint to Dark Skies
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 12:29:07 PM PST · 14 of 120

I suggest that we have to take Ahmadinejad seriously. I believe that he means what he says, and if given the opportunity will try to carry out his murderous plans. I furthermore suggest that we need to look around for the moral courage (the ability to make a stand on principle) to censure and punish those who call for the killing of Jews and the destruction of Israel. Have we no memory? Have we no courage?

Memory? CHECK, Courage? CHECK... Let's Roll!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Bush Says Iraqi Police Receiving Human Rights Training

Posted by humint to zarf
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 12:15:05 PM PST · 5 of 5

Teaching an Arab about human rights is like teaching string theory to a monkey.

Two questions for you: 1. How is your comment not racist? 2. What's your favorite book about string theory?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies


Two Europeans jailed in Iran

Posted by humint to knighthawk
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 11:48:59 AM PST · 4 of 6

The French and German foreign ministries confirmed they had been informed the pair, who were arrested in November, were being sent down for 18 months for illegally entering Iranian waters.

18 months in jail for fishin... sheeesh!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Arms Expert Sees Iran War Ahead

Posted by humint to ElectricStrawberry
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 11:13:58 AM PST · 31 of 32

...but who cares WTF Ritter has to say about ANYthing?

ARTICLE: -- The Bush administration has said in recent days that Iran is using an energy program as a cover for developing atomic weapons - something Ritter said is not borne out by the facts on the ground. Iran has insisted its uranium enrichment research will be used only to produce electrical power.

When a person is this wrong, or at least this disingenuous with the facts it's the duty of citizens to care.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies


The In T View: Baghdad Treasure, Iraqi Journalist And Blogger

Posted by humint to Mister Ghost
On Bloggers & Personal 01/25/2006 10:55:19 AM PST · 3 of 3

I decided that these people do not deserve the effort I am doing and said it is better to find another way to be helpful. But then I thought of the other readers, whose goal is to get the truth, no matter how bitter it is. And for them, and for the truth to be revealed, I decided to continue.

"For here we are not afraid to follow the truth, wherever it may lead." -- Thomas Jefferson.

Great post... BTTT


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


The Domino Effect in Reverse

Posted by humint
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 10:39:33 AM PST · 2 replies · 356+ views


Asharq Alawsat ^ | 25/01/2006 | Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban
Before war on Iraq, much chatter went around about the domino effect in the Arab region. The claim was that once “freedom” finds its way to Iraq, Arab regimes will automatically crumble down one after the other under the sheer pressure of public demand for similar freedom and democracy, or with an American military push in that direction. Three years of occupation and bloodshed later, the American-exported democracy in Iraq was not much more than ethnic and sectarian division and hostility to neighboring Arab states. The democratic leader turned out to be no one other than the American Ambassador, and...

Read | Comments


Folk Beliefs Have Consequences [Locke-ism v. Marxism]

Posted by humint to Tolik
On News/Activism 01/25/2006 7:41:34 AM PST · 19 of 19

I would consider it a great step forward for liberals in the academic community to acknowledge the existence of folk Locke-ism and folk Marxism. If my liberal friends want to express support for folk Marxism, that is fine. If they want to criticize folk Locke-ism, that is all right, too. If they would like to give a less loaded name than "folk Marxism" to the oppressed/oppressor paradigm, I have no problem using a different label.

This is outstanding work! BTTT, I usually pick and paste an outstanding sentence or paragraph from a freeped article I like, italicize it and make a brief comment or add a bit of further research. The paragraph above does not shine above the rest of the article. The entire work shines brightly. I believe this is the first time an entire article has struck me as “all good!” Great Post, BUMP!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Iranian Nuclear Showdown: [Pierre Goldschmidt and George Perkovich]

Posted by humint
On Bloggers & Personal 01/24/2006 1:55:08 PM PST · 171+ views


Carnegie Endowment. ^ | January 18, 2006 -- 9:00am-10:00am EST | TRANSCRIPT
START Jennifer Linker: This is Jennifer Linker at the Carnegie Endowment. If you're just joining us, we’re about to start our conference call. This is a press briefing on the Iranian Nuclear Showdown with Non-Proliferation experts Pierre Goldschmidt and George Perkovich. The conference call will be held from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The conference call is also being recorded. And after the conference call, I will be able to email out instructions on how to access that recording. Eventually, we hope to have a transcript within 48 hours. Just a couple of key commands, you can...

Read | Comments


The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse

Posted by humint to FARS
On News/Activism 01/24/2006 10:23:57 AM PST · 44 of 55

ORIGINAL: I had hands-on experience with psyops when I tried to help deal with a dozen urban guerilla tacticians brought into the Soviet embassy in Tehran to destabilize the Shah and orchestrate the daily activities of the anti-Shah groups like the MEK, the Fedayeen and the pro-Khomeini Hezbollahs.

UPDATE: I had written that that I had OPPOSED Soviet urban guerilla tacticians based in the Soviet Embassy in Tehran and tried to prevent their efforts to oust the Shah.

Please accept my sincerest apologies. I misinterpreted the context of your comment. What you had originally written led me to believe you were inside the Soviet Embassy and that President J. Carter had ordered Americans to assist the Soviets overthrow the Shah. I had never heard of anything remotely similar to what you were suggesting and that's why I assumed it was either bogus, classified or a misinterpretation therefore I asked for a follow up.

In general, I try to read things very carefully, looking for ideas and interpretations I've not considered before. Your list of experiences and action items provides a lot to consider. Now that you've corrected me, the rest makes far more sense. To be very clear on this, my mistake was not a shot across your bow.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies


Why the West Will Attack Iran

Posted by humint to elfman2; Per-Ling
On News/Activism 01/24/2006 5:25:30 AM PST · 61 of 62

[Estimating the duration of viability of Iran’s proven petroleum reserves] ELFMAN2: Here’s what I did with 10 minutes to kill:

Our collective effort is showing different answers for good reason. Your equation is flat in that it does not consider increase in global demand. For my 40 year guess, I estimated that Iran will average a 3.75% contribution to global consumption over the next twenty years. This is not far off from where they are today. If you look at the increase in global consumption from 1980 to 2000, it's easy to determine a linear equation, y=M*x+b. Use calculus to speed things up… Take the integral of the linear global consumption equation from 2006 to 2026 and it will reveal total global consumption over the next 20 years. 3.75% of that is about half of Iran’s proven reserves. Therefore, if Iran is going to pump half its reserves in 20years, it’ll pump them all out in 40years.

There are flaws in both our models as I’m sure there are with Spengler’s. There is no proven method to predict the future for systems as complex as the one we’re trying to model. When petroleum is as expensive as it is now, the energy economy provides “opportunity” to other technologies which are currently cost effective. Unfortunately, if the price of crude settles below the alternative energy’s cost effective threshold, investors will lose their investments as markets transfer away from alternatives energy back to crude. So that’s one aspect that is difficult if not impossible to account for when modeling consumption. Another variable I didn’t bother with is this… We know population growth and industrial growth are modeled with exponential equations and my quick estimate does not consider either. I bet Spengler's did and that's where he came up with 20years.

But I digress... What we've done is provide three estimates for the duration of viability for Iran's proven reserves. Spengler says ~20, I say ~40 and you say ~90. If Iran pulls a unilateral embargo or gets hit with sanctions each of our estimates will hiccup. Nevertheless, we should still try to predict the future! What the hell else would we do with all of these brains? lol… BTW: Good Commentary BTTT.



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 60 | View Replies


Why the West Will Attack Iran

Posted by humint to elfman2
On News/Activism 01/23/2006 2:00:50 PM PST · 53 of 62

The thesis is dependent on the claim that the end of Iran's oil is 20 years away, but Iran has 90 billion barrels of reserves, 9% of the world total, and just discovered what is likely another 38 billion barrels. I can't see Iran running out of oil until the world runs out of oil.

There are number of ways to estimate global consumption. I just threw together a wicked simple linear estimation and it gives Iran about 40 years to pump out and deliver its 2005 proven reserves. I have faith the author spent more than five minutes [as I just did] to come up with the 20 year estimate. Nevertheless, I would like to see how the author did it... "Trust but verify" -RR


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies


Did You Hear What They Said?

Posted by humint to TheRobb7
On Bloggers & Personal 01/23/2006 12:38:06 PM PST · 5 of 6

"The circumstances that endanger the safety of nations are infinite, and for this reason no constitutional shackles can wisely be imposed on the power to which the care of it is committed." —Alexander Hamilton

The logic of the U.S. Constitution is incredibly well suited to protect itself by authorizing attacks, in the form of logic, against it. The ensuing debate encourages wisdom among its aggressors and sharpens the wit of its defenders. In the event that our beloved Constitution is stabbed with genius, no matter how deep the wounds it will survive, becoming more beautiful than before the assault. Amendments are like diamonds to behold, not scars to hide. —An Anonymous American


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Why Not a Strike on Iran?

Posted by humint to robowombat
On News/Activism 01/23/2006 11:59:23 AM PST · 24 of 28

"They have read us pretty well," Mr. Hamre said. "They have skated right at the edge of controlled pugnaciousness."

Mr. Hamre is using the Metric Diplomatic Scale again... In the U.S. the Iranians figure skated well past controlled pugnaciousness and have been doing strange things in the realm of the infectiously idiotic...



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies


The Next Crisis (Ollie North)

Posted by humint to Rembrandt
On News/Activism 01/23/2006 11:35:20 AM PST · 19 of 23

I'd suggest GWB divide the world into 4 or 5 zones then have the managers agree on a hot list of actions to be taken with the hot list updated very frequently. After all, if you try to do everything at once, you'll probably accomplish little or nothing.

Great suggestion. The pace out there is certainly picking up! However the U.S. still sets the pace of change so in a sense, we need a reorg in our foreign service agencies to keep up with ourselves. I hadn't looked at it that way before...


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies


The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse

Posted by humint to FARS
On News/Activism 01/23/2006 10:44:12 AM PST · 42 of 55

In the past, when time frames permitted, I had suggested psyops as a weapon of choice to undermine and weaken the Mullahs… I had hands-on experience with psyops when I tried to help deal with a dozen urban guerilla tacticians brought into the Soviet embassy in Tehran…

I like to think of American Psychological Operations as spreading the truth. The truth has a very purifying and healthy effect on open societies. Alternatively, it has the opposite effect on elitist and isolationist governing bodies. Governments can and do keep secrets in the name of national security but what matters, with respect to positive social change in my opinion, are the collective knowns. That you personally “helped orchestrate various organizations from the Soviet Embassy to oust the Shah” is not collectively known and cannot be collectively known unless said operations have been declassified. Is there unclassified information available to FR about your personal experiences? It goes without saying that you should keep all classified information you have access to away from those of us without a security clearance.

Without a doubt, the Iranian revolution is a fascinating historical event and, year by year, more light is shed on it. As information like what you’ve shared here is verified and incorporated into analyses, the potential for good decision making in an open and democratic environment increases. That’s more than good, it’s great!

TRUTH OPS

As the truth takes hold in Iran so too does the potential for democracy there. Terrorism, nuclear noncompliance and habitual human rights abuse are symptoms of the Iranian government’s elitist and isolation self perception. Elitists and isolationists victimize themselves and thrive on iterations of blame and hatred only breaking the cycle to foment corruption and war. The architecture of power in Iran is truly sick. That sickness manifests itself in the great number of failures of the Iranian government and successes of the Iranian people, in spite of the Iranian government’s oppressive policies. Exposing these truths constitute truth ops. The truth is spreading naturally to Iran and that’s great news for democratically minded Iranians and Americans who long for the day when an American flag may fly beside the flags o other nations in Iran without degradation.

Performing truth operations need not require violence but may elicit violence from the Iranian government. The Iranian government already uses terrorist violence as a tool of foreign policy therefore the threat to society is that Iranian officials may order an increase in its violent foreign policy. So the free world is left to decide; remain in a situation where the Iranian government commits and supports terrorist violence and Free Citizens are required by their governments to accept the decimation of free men, women and children. Or will the free world hold the Iranian government accountable for the terrorism it supports with the explicit intent to end Iranian terrorism, risking a potential escalation of Iranian terrorism. Time has shown that every belligerent act the Iranian government commits, international consensus to confront the government of Iran for its crimes grows. The question is; will consensus grow fast enough to catch the Iranian government’s maneuvers to acquire the capacity to create nuclear explosives? Citizens of free societies can not be expected to tolerate the decimation of entire cities from the face of the earth!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies


Top Pro-Iran Advocate in US Universities

Posted by humint to FARS
On News/Activism 01/23/2006 6:28:50 AM PST · 9 of 10

ARTICLE: Professor AmirAhmadi replied angrily that such remarks [Ahmadiniejad: “Wipe Israel off the map”… ] are merely propaganda intended for regional consumption.

Let’s sidestep Cliff’s impression of Amirahmadi’s emotional state. This is a hot issue and people are bound to get angry. Accuracy and relevance of assertions are what matter and Professor Amirahmadi’s assertion is relevant but not particularly accurate. The Iranian Regime’s propaganda has global, not regional reach. IRIB1 and 2 are on satellite just to name a few state run Iranian media outlets. Hate propaganda in the ME is feeding terror across the world not just the region and such propaganda should come to an end. Cliff suggests Amirahmadi tries to use the localized nature and lack of official legitimacy as a counterpoint when the assertion only strengthens Cliff’s argument. Amirahmadi is trying hard to bring the United States and Iran closer together both politically and economically and is willing to forecast a bogus future to do it. This interview is no exception. Now this may or may not be a function of his plagiarizing his student’s works… I’d imagine his students are less motivated to distort analysis than he is. Let’s take a closer look at how wrong the Professor forecasts of U.S. Iran relations has been:

SOURCE:www.amirahmadi.com -- The Iranian Parliamentary Elections and US-Iran Relations, EXCERPT – March 2004

The good news is that the environment of US-Iran relations is slowly but surely changing in a positive direction. Iran helped the United States fight al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Saddam Hussein. Tehran has also generously contributed to the Iraqi and Afghan reconstruction funds. Iran has signed the Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is cooperating with it, though many problems remain to be resolved. Iran now officially accepts a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

HUMINT: Virtually every assertion Amirahmadi has made in the above paragraph has turned out to be a serious point of contention, not reasons for optimism. FIRSTLY… Politicians and pundits in early 04 surmised Iran was being unhelpful in Iraq. These days, Muqtada al-Sadr says openly that he will side with Iran and use his militia if the West reacts firmly to Iran’s nuclear noncompliance. SECONDLY… Sadr’s overt Iran-Iraqi Militia alliance is ultimately the result of international pressure on Tehran for consciously deciding not to comply with additional IAEA protocols Amirahmadi sees as reasons for optimism back in March 2004. LAST BUT NOT LEAST… And of course, Mahmood Ahmadinejad’s statement regarding the eradication of Israel and Israelis overshadows any official policy to support the Middle East Peace Initiative.

This glimpse of Amirahmadi’s views lead me to believe that wherever the Professor finds reasons for optimism, the rest of us should expect each situation to devolve into international crisis.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies


A European dictatorship

Posted by humint to Tailgunner Joe
On News/Activism 01/21/2006 3:29:27 PM PST · 8 of 107

Poland, a strong U.S. ally, should be approached to help pressure the authoritarian government in Minsk. The EUandUnitedNations should also use their combined influence to deter the erosion of human rights and political freedoms that has become synonymous with the Lukashenko regime. Unified action is necessary to remove the growing cancer that is Mr. Lukashenko from Europe's belly; otherwise, the disease will spread.

Gas wars with Russia

For years Belarus was getting gas paying internal Russian gas price ($25 per 1000 cubic m instead of market $80). Correspondingly Belarus held the transit tariff of transporting Russian gas to Western Europe some 2.5 times lower than neighboring Ukraine. This lead to continuous blames of who is owing who. Well it's about to end now. Putin forced Lukashenka to accept market prices on Russian gas starting January 2004. Lukashenka threatened to raise transit tariff for Russian Gas to Western Europe. This measure is viewed as means of forcing Lukashenka to give up Belarus sovereignty and become part of Russia.

Belarus Democracy Act - HR 854

Another version of the Belarus Democracy appeared in March 2003, when it called for $40 million over the 2004-05 fiscal year to promote democracy and civil society in Belarus. It also projected an additional $5 million to support Voice of America and RFE/RL broadcasts into Belarus. The 2004 Belarus Democracy Act is "meeker" than its 2003 predecessor -- it does not contain provisions about the travel ban on Belarusian officials and the prohibition of U.S. strategic exports to Belarus. It also remains noncommittal about the volume of necessary assistance to democracy advocates in Belarus. And, notably, it leaves out a reference, enclosed in the 2003 version, about Russia's role in promoting democracy in Belarus.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


The Proposed Iranian Oil Bourse

Posted by humint to FARS
On News/Activism 01/21/2006 12:55:55 PM PST · 27 of 55

upsetting long established apple carts... throw off accurate analysis and assessment.

Thanks for the ping. Yes the Iran problem is very big, antagonists do challenge the status quo and yes, sometimes analysts are wrong for more reasons than are worth counting. You've painted a clear picture of your perception of Iran but given no indication of how it should be or how to achieve how it should be. What are some of your opinions, analysis and suggestions to resolve the problem?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies


Enemy Within: US Chamber: Speak Very Softly

Posted by humint to LSUfan
On News/Activism 01/21/2006 12:03:16 PM PST · 20 of 20

Here's a 2005 letter from USA Engage opposing US sanctions against Iran...THIS IS 2005 PEOPLE!!!

USA ENGAGE: Dear Representative Ros-Lehtinen, --- I am writing on behalf of USA*Engage, a coalition sponsored by the National Foreign Trade Council representing over 670 small and large businesses, agricultural exporters, and trade associations, to urge you to oppose H.R. 282,

HR 282 has 333 Cosponsors. There are 435 members. That’s nearly 77% support. This is a hugely bipartisan issue.

HR 282 --- SEC. 303. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING DESIGNATION OF DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Initial Designation- It is the sense of Congress that, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President should designate at least one democratic opposition organization as eligible to receive assistance under section 302.

(b) Notification Requirement- Not later than 15 days before designating a democratic opposition organization as eligible to receive assistance under section 302, the President shall notify the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate of the proposed designation. If the President determines that such is appropriate, such notification may be in classified form.

U.S. OPPOSITION TO IRAN’S ADDMITANCE INTO THE WTO

HUMINT: I don’t believe Iran will join the WTO no matter what the U.S. does. Iran's economic policies are designed to isolate Iranians from foreign influence and maintain financial authority over those that are not particularly intimidated by the ideological authority of the Iranian regime. If Iran were to join the WTO and begin instituting policies in line with globalization, it will in effect, empower the Iranian people. Factions would rise not wiling to mimic the regime and begin funneling their resources into the regimes opponents. That sort of challenge would shatter the regime. The imprisonment of students, professors and journalists whose only crime is to ask for political reforms is an indication of the fragility of this regime. That’s why it is prudent to support Iranian opposition groups to facilitate Iran’s transition to democracy. Outside of Iran, on the sanctions front, this is what I believe the U.S. should be working on…

In combination, individual national strategic petroleum reserves represent an international strategic reserve but this has yet to be legislated in a way that could logically insulate energy markets from erratic petroleum exporting nations like Iran. An announcement from President Bush to release our reserves adjusts energy prices and is an informal precedent in times of crisis however I am thinking more along the lines of a long term treaty. His announcement might drop prices in the short run but I don’t think it’s enough of a policy to take the world into an age of energy security, if there is a possibility of such an age.

An appropriately worded treaty between energy importers could define a procedure to follow if a single nation attempts to trigger a global economic meltdown by withholding resources. The defined a series of decisive steps would be taken by the interested parties that may include a policy of regime change. Another might be to create an international strategic petroleum reserve. Without it, energy importers are unduly influenced by the likes of Iran. I believe resource rich nations have an obligation to supply resources at a pace the global economy can adjust to without crashing. If Iran wants to pull its oil off the market, fine, but in phases that the global economy can adjust to. If not, then the Iranian government is in effect threatening the quality of life of literally billions of people. That kind of behavior is totally unacceptable… and consequences should come from the countries impacted by such behavior.

For example Japan. Japan is a great example of a nation who is destroying international energy security by signing contracts to develop Iranian oil fields. They will in effect be feeding ours and their most destabilizing force. Here’s the scenario:

  1. Japan develops Iranian petro-fields
  2. Iran makes petro-money strengthening its hand
  3. Energy industry becomes more dependant on Iran
  4. Iran threatens annihilation of a neighbor
  5. International community reacts with outrage, threatens consequences
  6. Consequences lead to pessimistic speculations for energy supply shooting petro-costs through the roof
  7. Iran either follows through on threats or backs down after terrorizing their target and the free-world
  8. All the while oppressing Iranians who want to join, not terrorize the world
  9. Iran repeats these steps until the planet is as unstable as they are

If Japan and others had some contractual guarantee not to feed the beast through some sort of treaty, the world community could face down the terror threat. Without broad energy solidarity with energy importers, energy security is a pipe dream, because it’s a fungible commodity we all have to have to maintain our quality of life.



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies


Cheney does not believe in close ties between Iran, Al-Qaeda

Posted by humint to truth_seeker
On News/Activism 01/21/2006 10:27:53 AM PST · 33 of 34

But there is scant history in the islamic world of people revolting to throw off oppressive government.

This year is the 100th anniversary of Iran's constitutional revolution.

Constitutional Revolution

During the early 1900s the only way to save country from government corruption and foreign manipulation was to make a written code of laws. This sentiment caused the Constitutional Revolution. There had been a series of ongoing covert and overt activities against Naser o-Din Shah’s despotic rule, for which many had lost their lives. The efforts of freedom fighers finally bore fruit during the reign of Moazaferedin Shah. Mozafaredin shah ascended to throne on June 1896. In the wake of the relentless efforts of freedom fighters, Mozafar o-Din Shah of Qajar dynasty was forced to issued the decree for the constitution and the creation of an elected parliament (the Majlis) in August 5, 1906. The royal power limited and a parliamentary system established.

On August 18, 1906, the first Legislative assembly (called as Supreme National Assembly), was formed in the Military Academy to make the preparations for the openning of the first Term of the National Consultative Assembly and drafting the election law thereof. During this meeting, Prime Minister Moshirul Doleh, delivered a speech as the head of the cabinet. The session concluded with the address made by Malek Al Motokalemin.

On October 7th, 1906 in a speech made in spite of his poor health, Mozaferedin Shah inaugurated the first session of the National Consultative Assembly. At this them the session was formed in the absence of representatives from provinces.

Following Mozafaredin Shah’s death, his successor, Mohammad Ali Mirza who was then ruled Tabriz as a crown prince, ascended to the throne on January 21st, 1907. Before taking the reign, he pledged to respect the fundaments of Constitution and Nation’s Rights. But he contravened this from the very beginning which made Constitutionalists to react.

Capitalizing on the internal struggles, both Russia and Britain entered a pact to settle their own differences; effectively dividing Iran into two areas of influence for their respected countries. This made headlines in early September 1907 and united the various factions in Iran. The Iranian government was officially notified of this pact on September 7, 1907 by Russian and British Ambassadors.

The rising tides of dissatisfaction and discontent caused Mohammad Mirza to summon the cabinet members on December 17, 1907 under the false pretense of soliciting advice. He immediately orders their detention. Only Nasserul Molk, who was the prime minister, was let free.

On December 22, 1907 a new cabinet was formed headed by Nezamul Saltaneh Mafi. On the surface the air is cleared and the tensions are eased. But on February 1908, a bomb is thrown at Shah’s Coach, making him highly suspicious. On June 1st, 1908 Shah purges some of the courtiers. Ambassador Zapolski of Russia and Ambassador Marling of Britain warn the Iranian Government to submit to Shah’s intents.

Two days later, Shah invites the leaders of the constitutional movement to the Imperial Gardens outside Tehran. There he imprisons all save for one who manages to escape. On June 24, 1908, Shah places Majlis under seige and orders its bombardment by artillery fire.

During these times, the Tabriz uprising culminated and within the span of four months spread to Rasht, Qazvin, Esfahan, Lar, Shiraz, Hamadan, Mashhad, Astar Abad, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. The Freedom fighters prevailed against the tyranny at all points. Yet Tabriz was still under economic and military blocked set up by government forces.

On February 17, 1909, Freedom Forces captured Rasht. By March, they succeed in taking control of Rasht and Qazvin main roads. By April 22nd, 1909, Tabriz Freedom Fighters under the leadership of Sattar Khan (Sardar-e Meli) made their attack to break through the blockade. They lost huge number of their fighters. An English Reporter named Moore and an American Missionary called Howard Baskerville, who were sympathetic with the freedom fighters were killed.

Commanded by General Yeprim and Brigadier Mohi, freedom fighters of Rasht occupied Qazvin and advanced towards Tehran.

On June 22nd. 1909, Bakhtiari Chieftains, led by Samsam-ul-Saltaneh and Haj Aligholi Khan Bakhtiari (Sardar As’ad) reached the city of Qum, which they took over on July 8th,1909. The intimidations and interventions made by Russian and British embassies failed to stop the advance of freedom fighters. Inevitably, a number of russian troops were dispatched to Gilan via Badkobeh, reaching Qazvin on July 12th, 1909. Russians warned Gilan Fighters to stop moving in against Tehran.

Ignoring the warning, Gilan freedom fighters advanced towards Tehran, and met up with Bakhtiari forces near Karaj (60km west of Tehran). Using the element of surprise, these forces moved through the lines of the government forces. Thus the 3000 strong, well-equipped forces led by Mohammad Valikhan Tonekaboni and Sardar As’ad, entered the capital amid welcoming cheers of freedom loving sympathizers. Following a bloody fights in the streets and the Bazaar District, once again the national forces triumphed and the Cossak brigade, having retreated to the parade grounds, was surrounded and forced into surrender.

On July 16th, 1909, the capital was under complete control of freedom fighters. At 8:30, on the morning of July 17, 1909, Mohammad shah and a number of his supporters, under armed escort of Russian Soldats, took asylum with Russian Embassy in Zargandeh.

On this very day, the National Consultative Assembly (Majlis) held an emergency session and deposed Mohammad Ali Shah as a monarch, and named his 13 year old son, Ahmad Mirza as his successor. Azadulmolk was named as the Vice-Regent.

On September 10th, 1909, Mohammad Ali Shah left the Russian Embassy and went into exile in Russia.



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies


World can't afford to lose Iran's oil: US EIA-(should we just start begging now)

Posted by humint to WOSG
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 9:27:02 PM PST · 57 of 59

CORRECTION: I was typing far too fast…

ORIGINAL: An announcement from President Bush would be an informal president in times of crisis however

CORRECTION: An announcement from President Bush would be an informal precedent in times of crisis however…



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies


World can't afford to lose Iran's oil: US EIA-(should we just start begging now)

Posted by humint to WOSG
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 6:20:42 PM PST · 56 of 59

we have in effect a multinational reserve

I agree that the trigger to dip into strategic petroleum reserves is more than likely going to be a global trigger. So yes, in combination, our individual national reserves represent an international strategic reserve but this has yet to be legislated in a way that could logically insulate the markets from erratic petroleum exporting nations like Iran. An announcement from President Bush would be an informal president in times of crisis however I was thinking more along the lines of a treaty. His announcement might drop prices in the short run but I don’t think it’s enough of a policy to take the world into an age of energy security, if there is a possibility of such an age.

An appropriately worded treaty between energy importers could be worded in such a way that if a single nation attempts to trigger a global economic meltdown by withholding resources, a series of decisive steps would be taken by the interested parties. I believe resource rich nations have an obligation to supply resources at a pace the global economy can adjust to without crashing. If Iran wants to pull its oil off the market, fine, but in phases that the global economy can adjust to. If not, then the Iranian government is in effect threatening the quality of life of literally billions of people. That kind of behavior is totally unacceptable… and consequences should come from directly from the countries impacted by such behavior.

You mentioned Japan. Japan is a great example of a nation who is destroying international energy security by signing contracts to develop Iranian oil fields. They will in effect be feeding ours and their most destabilizing force. Here’s the scenario:

  1. Japan develops Iranian petro-fields
  2. Iran makes petro-money strengthening its hand
  3. the energy industry becomes more dependant on Iran
  4. Iran threatens to annihilation of a neighbor
  5. International community reacts with outrage shooting petro-costs through the roof
  6. Iran either follows through or backs down after terrorizing the free-world
  7. All the while oppressing Iranians who want to join not terrorize the world

If Japan and others had some contractual guarantee not to feed the beast through some sort of treaty, the world community could face down the terror threat. Without broad energy solidarity with energy importers, energy security is a pipe dream, because it’s a fungible commodity we all have to have to maintain our quality of life. Our transition away from such an important commodity is going to take an equal amount, if not more, discipline.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies


Iranian Alert - January 20, 2006 - Experts call for the 3rd option: Regime Change inside of Iran.

Posted by humint to Ernest_at_the_Beach
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 1:01:15 PM PST · 8 of 11

Another view:

Thanks for the links


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies


TEHRAN RISING: Iran’s Challenge to the United States [IRAN]

Posted by humint to Serendipitous; ASA Vet
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 12:53:11 PM PST · 8 of 11

The man is indeed a great danger, and America knows it. If Iran converts to the Euro like Iraq did Iran won't exist for much longer afterwards.

Iran is engaging in global economic manipulations that are frustrating to say the least. The revolution in 79 sent the world into a tail spin and I think that historical reality has pumped up their Islamo-fascist egos. I'm all for raising the quality of life of Iranians through diplomacy, cultural exchange and democratization but if the government there maliciously tries to sink the free world's economy and our quality of life with it ---- my bet is, all bets will be off, and so will the gloves.

SIDE NOTE: Outstanding! I think that’s the first time I’ve ever combined two threatening clichés into a single sentence… But seriously, I hope it doesn’t have to come to that…


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies


Iranian Alert - January 20, 2006 - Experts call for the 3rd option: Regime Change inside of Iran.

Posted by humint to DoctorZIn
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 10:39:26 AM PST · 6 of 11

Jonah Goldberg, The National Review reminded us that there is a third option in dealing with Iran, regime change from within. EXCERPT

a core insight of Cold War realists and neoconservatives alike who advocated a double standard for friendly — or at least manageable — dictatorships that stayed out of the Soviet orbit. The left, on the other hand, argued that democracy should be the goal everywhere, and that America sullied itself by working with dictatorships stayed out of the Soviet orbit. The left, on the other hand, argued that democracy should be the goal everywhere, and that America sullied itself by working with dictatorships.

In recent years a massive intellectual switcheroo has taken place, whereby the right now champions exporting democracy and the left sees folly in such ideological crusades. I realize this is a pretty oversimplified treatment of a complex argument, but it will do for our purposes.

This is an under-looked concept. Democratic rule has always been the point. Once the Cold War was won, what did anyone expect Cold War Warriors to do? Retire? Hah... It's the same heavy lifters using a new set of equations. There are those on the sidelines who didn't get the point then; they didn’t retire either and they’re just as unlikely to get the point now.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Hillary Clinton’s “Flip Flop”

Posted by humint to jw777
On Bloggers & Personal 01/20/2006 10:01:40 AM PST · 4 of 5

He, of course, thinks we should "do something" about Iran. He thinks we should not have done anything with Iraq...

Iraq and Iran are two very different countries and therefore require very different policies. Iran has been a far bigger thorn in the world's side over the years but Iraq needed a solution. Nearly a decade of sanctions and no fly zones?… Oil for Food?… What the hell was that? Looking back we had choices. Solving Iraq meant withdrawal, AKA surrender to a two-bit dictator, or victory, AKA a stable and democratic Iraq. Before the war, I was adamant that Iraq could not be solved without solving Iran first. It’s pointless however to wallow on what could’ve been. Old opportunities have been lost and new ones have come up. We will roll with the changes in the ME or lose everything there. Regional politics in the ME are arguably the most dynamic in the world. Since the invasion, the questions have change and by default, so have the answers. Unfortunately the Iran problem has grown substantially since the invasion of Iraq. Precisely because of its growth, the Iran problem is clearer now than it was at the outset of the war.

Honestly, I don't mind listening to "flops" that sound like a demand for a decisive policy on Iran. We need a decisive policy! I do however worry that, because Hillary has offered no alternative policy, she may be using GWB's lack of an Iran Policy as a partisan club. If that's the case, this is not a flip-flop but a morally bankrupt political maneuver. In my opinion, what we need on Iran is a good list of action items that can build broad consensus. Yes it will be risky but quantitatively and qualitatively less risky than living with a nuclear ready Iran. Everybody should be invited to the party to solve the Iran problem but the invitation should read, "Bring Your Own Policy", BYOP, and "HYPE and HOPE aren't Policy".


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies


A Web Witness to Iranian Brutality

Posted by humint to mal
On News/Activism 01/20/2006 6:07:09 AM PST · 3 of 3

SOURCE: ABOUT BOROUMAND

Boroumand described the political regime he was fighting for in the following terms: "NAMIR aims at restoring national sovereignty in Iran. National sovereignty means that people would enjoy democracy in domestic affairs and independence in international affairs. By democracy I mean the rule of the majority, while all political and social rights of the minority are respected so that the minority gets the opportunity to become the majority. This is not a new goal. This was also the ideal of all the patriots and freedom lovers in our country since the constitutional revolution of 1906."

Outstanding definition! NOTE TO SELF: 100th anniversary this year of the Constitutional Revolution... Remember to bash Iran's constitution for its lack of earthly clarity throughout the year.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Iran: Referral to UN Security Council Unlikely

Posted by humint to elc
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 4:30:08 PM PST · 14 of 15

Does anyone have a link outlining Iran's violations? I'm having a really hard time finding a good source.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION: Iran and the NPT

I think it's a good link, but of course, I'm biased...


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies


A Day in the Life of President Bush (and Laura, overseas; photos): 1.18.06

Posted by humint to GretchenM
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 4:11:38 PM PST · 25 of 183

QUOTE: "It's been my honor to visit with folks who know firsthand the brutality of Saddam Hussein. These are folks who have suffered, one way or the other, because the tyrant was a law unto himself, and was willing to deny people basic human rights. The stories here are compelling stories. They're stories of sadness and stories of bravery."

Great post! BUMP! It is great to see the Bush team hard at work representing... Democracy rocks!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Do the Right Thing

Posted by humint to RKV
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 3:52:05 PM PST · 25 of 25

SOURCE:THREAT ASSESSMENT: IRAN - Prepared by: Stephanie C. Stuaffer, 632-1864 - Approved by: Bowman H. Miller, Sid T. Telford, 632-2412 - June 14, 1979

Tribal Unrest in the Provinces

(C) Nationalist groups, who were active underground until the downfall of the Shah, are now openly demanding full autonomy for their ethnic groups. This includes the Kurds in the west, the Baluchis in the southwest and the Azeris in the northwest. The most recent open expression of hostility occurred in Khorramshar on May 30, 1979 following an incident in which a Revolutionary Guards-man killed two Arabs in the course of a labor dispute at the port. The Arab community attacked the port in public…

HUMINT: Not much has changed in terms of ethnic unrest.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies


THE CONVERSATION: Iran and the NPT

Posted by humint
On Bloggers & Personal 01/18/2006 2:38:51 PM PST · 45+ views


humint ^ | 19 Jan 2006 | humint
APOLE: "It will be in Iran's interest to save this limited [petroleum] resource for exports and use nuclear energy instead..." HUMINT: Interesting point but it's out of context. Iran's breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, its longstanding relationship to countries with nuclear weapons programs and its absurd insistence on pursuing activities that strongly resemble a nuclear weapons program is the most internationally destabilizing behavior in the world today. The world needs more electric power but not more N-bombs and the free world must do everything in its power to prevent dictatorships like the one in Tehran from getting them. The...

Read | Comments


Do the Right Thing

Posted by humint to Steel Wolf
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 10:34:41 AM PST · 21 of 25

Step two should be planning for senior leadership decapitation strikes. Their government is an unpopular group of aging and ideologically isolated theocrats. A 'surgical strike' against them (and their foreign thugs) would leave the country without guidance in a way that wasn't the case in Iraq.

Although Iran is a dictatorship by definition and there are severe punishments for not adhering to Valeyat e-Faqhee, Supreme Religious Leadership, authority in Iran is diffuse enough to make decapitation difficult if not impossible. It has been tried before and the consequences were not favorable. A point to consider is that the demographics have changed since that attempt. However, right now the most loyal of Iran's IRGC (Revolutionary Guard Corp) are sitting in power. Maybe decapitation would have worked in July of 1999 when the streets were packed with student demonstrators, but the regime has clinched its fist on the Iranian populace since then. Remove the head and I estimate the body will squeeze the people hard until another head grows, one even more militant and vile than the last.

I believe we should target sanctions to isolate the regime as much as possible in combination with efforts help facilitate the growth of democratic Iranian leaders both inside and outside of Iran. Americans should also prepare for war with Iran. If war comes in spite of our best efforts to avoid it, the United States must be ready. It looks like the regime is trying its best to start one.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies


Do the Right Thing

Posted by humint to RKV
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 10:06:11 AM PST · 14 of 25

I think this is the right general idea, but Ledeen, is typically short on specifics as to how to make it happen. This lack of implementation detail tends to relegate him to the "arm-chair" quarterbacks division. Any of you Freepers have a better idea?

I’d say “arm-chair” quarterbacking implies Ledeen thinks he has all the answers. He’s got more than a few but I believe he realizes solving the Iran problem is going to be a big effort and a team effort of which he is an important member. From his “arm chair” he knows that only a few dissidents are going to meet him there yet he's still asking the U.S. government meet Iranian dissidents more than half way. This makes him an essential member of the team, not an “arm chair quarterback”.

In this effort, known details are important but so are unknowns. Totalitarian regimes like Iran’s imprison, torture and execute dissidents so great care should be taken when approaching and or promoting any Iranian dissident. The safe bet in my opinion is to rally behind a mutually beneficial model for the future of Iran. The more detailed the model the dissidents have come up with, the more Americans have to work with in terms of refining and supporting the model. There are ways to help create that model I'll cover later. What is important to note is that it is not essential that the political splits, inherent in any Diaspora community and particularly prominent in the Iranian Diaspora, come together before the U.S. lends a hand to their effort to bring about change. U.S. support should be tied directly to the production of material that facilitates positive change in Iran. In fact the current DOS logic that the political splits in the Iranian opposition movements is a bad thing, is wrong. Competent debate between opponents of the Iranian regime will indeed be fuel for the engine that produces the material to facilitate positive change in Iran. The Civil Rights Movement here in the United States operated this way. The factions challenged one another and gave restive people essential choices that represented an unofficial democracy outside of the United States Government but within the Civil Rights Movement. It is in this kind of environment where ideas can develop, be challenged and blossom or die natural deaths. But the first step is to have faith in democratic diplomacy with Iranians, including and most importantly Iranian opposition leaders. The diplomatic ball is in Iranian official’s court right now because Iranian officials know exactly what they have to do to normalize relations with the United States yet they refuse to do it. Iranian opposition groups are not so lucky. They do not know what they have to do to take their opposition to tyranny to the next level, where it might find success.

The actions I recommend are not detailed per say but if carried out would provide an environment in which the important details could be created. I recommend the U.S. Congress form a new committee or employ an existing one to: 1. Overtly approach all Iranian opposition groups and challenge them to produce their grievances, platform and methodology. 2. Subsequently the committee should analyze these products, not in secret but with the assistance of varied experts, and reply with multiple suggestions and a timeline to achieve action items. Iterating these two steps will develop an Iranian opposition that has the capacity to facilitate a democratic Iran, not naively destabilize Iran and force the global economy into a dive as the Iranian Revolution of 1979 did. Over time and the conscious dissemination of the products the groups create will generate legitimate political pressure, and I believe internationally approved pressure, that will either force the Iranian regime to change or implode. I think Ledeen’s correct, there is no reason to assume this process would take a long time. So what are we waiting for?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


World can't afford to lose Iran's oil: US EIA-(should we just start begging now)

Posted by humint to Flavius
On News/Activism 01/18/2006 1:03:03 AM PST · 34 of 59

"It's a fungible world oil market, and any disruption in supply affects everyone, because the price would go up for everyone," he said.

In a fungible market like that of petroleum, consumers have to be united and vigilant to prevent the threat of resource monopolization from restricting their quality of life. OPEC represents a form of market monopolization while individual nations like Iran represent temporary market manipulations. Strategic reserves are important to offset temporary market instabilities but single nation reserves are not enough to offset multinational supply unions. To do that requires a multinational petroleum importing union and a multinational srategic petroleum reserve. That said; there is no reason to eliminate single nation strategic reserves despite the fact that OPEC ties its output foecast of crude to the size of national reserves of importers.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Defiant Iran could withdraw oil in nuclear row

Posted by humint to SaxxonWoods
On News/Activism 01/17/2006 1:00:51 PM PST · 17 of 19

It's time to stop expecting a walk in the park... I'll gladly pay $5-10 a gallon to sink Iran, it will be temporary, and cheaper than a hot war.

I’m amazed at how so many Americans can watch and read the news every day and expect not to feel the war in Iraq or feel pain that will come when we institute the policies necessary to prevent the threats from Iran from becoming a reality. Iran’s President Ahmadinejad is a militant fanatic and either way we look at it, sinking his reign or sinking because of his reign, there is a tyranny tax the free world has to pay. Your plans to sink the Iranian government sound better than letting terrorist thugs like Ahmadinejad jerk the world community around to satisfy his imperialist ambitions backed by nuclear warheads… Good Comment! bump!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies


India signals turn, rebukes Iran on N-issue

Posted by humint to CarrotAndStick
On News/Activism 01/17/2006 11:08:29 AM PST · 15 of 19

...We may bump against each other in the future too,

Disagreements are healthy so long as there are legitimate ways to work them out. Americans are aggressive in debate but always work out a compromise. This behavior is not arrogance but confidence in the success that comes from rationally working out disagreements to find mutual benefit. Indians and Indian politics are very similar in that respect, at least what I know of them.

Alternatively, those that are irrational and unwilling to compromise have much to fear from Americans as well as Indians. The Iranian regime has chosen an irrational path and I think there will be consequences for it. Democratically minded people know there should be consequences for totalitarian fanatics who threaten regional peace and global stability but at every opportunity we want them to see the power of rational compromise. Unfortunately, the days of compromise with the Iranian regime are done in my opinion.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies


Olmert: We can't allow a foe like Iran to hold WMDs

Posted by humint to COBOL2Java
On News/Activism 01/17/2006 10:49:46 AM PST · 8 of 15

Iran doesn't care. They are a bunch of apocalyptic nutcases. I think the only hope for avoiding their self-appointed armageddon is to back the Iranian democratic forces so they can topple this regime.

I second the motion! all in favor say 'aye'! The 'aye's have it... let's roll!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies


India signals turn, rebukes Iran on N-issue

Posted by humint to Gandhi_world
On News/Activism 01/17/2006 10:37:34 AM PST · 13 of 19

QUESTION 1:I'm not sure how firmly aligned we are with India yet

QUESTION 2:Are you for it, against it, or simply don’t care?

Iran is a thorn in the free world's side for sure but let's set that problem aside for a moment. India and the United States are destined to be close allies. If for no other reason than the incredible success Indian-Americans have found here in the United States and the incredible number of my American friends who have spent time in India. I have a close friend who lives near Dehli and he loves it there.

Indian politics are as engaging as ours here in the States if not more so. I wish I had more time to keep up with all that goes on there. Someone mentioned democracy and the other day I noticed India's Parliament is online and the email addresses of reps are openly available. While internet connectivity is still out of reach for many in India, the industrious spirit and strong work ethic of Indians makes India a desirable ally under almost any circumstance. I am not only for strong relations between India and the United States; I believe we are already seeing the rewards of our close ties. The ties I am talking about are just under the surface but are too strong and too vast to keep quiet for long. The future is bright!


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to Khashayar; odds
On News/Activism 01/16/2006 12:53:19 AM PST · 35 of 38

This poor commie denounces the shah and his family but he fails to denounse marxist MEK

I've never denounced the Shah or the Shah's family. He was a despot and that's a fact not a denunciation. The MEK is on the terrorist list therefore the MEK are legally terrorists. That's a fact not a denunciation. It is my opinion that all Iranian opposition groups be supported to facilitate regime change in Iran. That's an opinion not a policy. You have called me a commie and delusional which are slurs not facts. Indeed, logic and reason are my specialties. :)


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to odds
On News/Activism 01/16/2006 12:27:21 AM PST · 34 of 38

What exactly are these legitimate ways that the MEK has pursued?

The U.N. Human Rites Commission recommends joint panel discussions about varied topics including cultural awareness and women’s rites in the ME. I believe these are legitimate ways. Much of what has been exposed about the Iranian regime’s human rites abuses, weapons programs and evidentiary links to terrorism has come from NCRI related European panel discussions where the NCRI is still a legal entity. The evidence provided is typically verifiable so reliability isn’t an issue. Here in the U.S., the NCRI is considered the political wing of the MEK therefore I use our language.

Welcome to FR odds. My ego is not so large as to believe history will take the time to judge me for the good or bad but it appears you do. Thanks, although I feel like I’ve just been threatened by an historian. The way I look at it, historians are the judges, not history. That process is out of my hands and so too is the cost to our legacy for sharing our opinions. But I’m not worried about my legacy now. That’s for individuals from future generations, people who would prefer to live in our time than their own to consider.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to LibreOuMort
On News/Activism 01/15/2006 11:44:39 PM PST · 28 of 38

You are dangerously deluded if you think that MEK/MKO are in favor of democracy. If you had read up on marxism you would have known that the end-all-be-all of that system is the DICTATORSHIP OF THE PROLETARIAT. So much for democracy and freedom.

It's sad when one party concludes another is “deluded” and or “not well read” without first inquiring. The hallmark of a simple mind is its assumption of intellectual superiority over others. Your argument is flawed because it is a great example of hearsay history. The MeK has not declared its self a Marxist organization but in fact openly rejects Marxism. More importantly its political platform is not indicative of Marxism therefore your follow up points have no relevance in my opinion. But even if you were to follow the label “Islamic-Marxists” to its logical conclusion, beyond its irrelevance, where would their politics end up in your opinion? The label on its own is a dichotomy; therefore any true assessment of political direction requires a rigorous inspection of both speeches and political platforms. Have you read up on that material or is your assumption of intellectual superiority limited to Marxist theory?


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to nuconvert
On News/Activism 01/15/2006 10:04:18 PM PST · 24 of 38

You have done nothing since you arrived at FR but support the MEK/NCRI and whitewash their history and spread their propaganda.

Not true! My posts and my blog cover a variety of topics and opinions. With regard to this subject, a considerable amount of info has come to light as a result of U.S. military engagement in Iraq. I believe the first hand experiences coming out of Iraq and the quality analysis being done today about Iranian opposition groups are extremely valuable in terms of understanding the dynamics of the Iran problem and potential solutions to it. In terms of Iranian demonstrators calling for a new look at the FTO, what do you think about this German report? It’s an indication that not all Iranians share your opinion. And in my opinion it's ok to disagree with people and not make false accusations about them. I'd appreciate it if you'd stop making false accusations, is that clear?

VERFASSUNGSSCHUTZ-BERICHT 2004 - Page 238 – TRANSLATION, EXCERPT: "Approximately 5000 supporters of the NCRI demonstrated in front of the European Union Parliament in Brussels and demanded the MEK be removed from the EU's FTO list."


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies


China to 'help restrain Iran'

Posted by humint to maui_hawaii
On News/Activism 01/15/2006 6:16:10 PM PST · 19 of 24

China has offered to help restrain Iran's nuclear plans ahead of an expected Washington visit by President Hu Jintao...

GO HU! Sounds like great news. Let's see what happens at the UNSC.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to nuconvert
On News/Activism 01/15/2006 11:45:58 AM PST · 20 of 38

I'm convinced now!

What do you suppose I am trying to convince you of? My position is that Valeyat E-Faqhee is a dangerous ideology that feeds terrorism. The imperialist Iranian regime, guilty of indictable offences and attempting to acquire nuclear weapons subscribes to this ideology. I believe there are legitimate ways to confront the oppressive Iranian regime and for more than five years the MeK has pursued those ways. I also believe that taking up arms against an oppressive Iranian state is the duty of oppressed Iranians. The Iranian people, if they see fit, have the blessing of President Bush to “stand up for their own liberty” and I stand with them exactly as my President described, albeit in cyberspace. The MeK are Iranians who are not a threat to Americans, the United States or the Iranian people so I believe they should be removed from the FTO and see no reason to denounce their leadership. In the same light, I see no reason to denounce any other leader of any other Iranian opposition group whose goal is democracy because opposition to the Iranian regime is my definition of justice. My denunciations are never vague, never hearsay and require effort. In the interest of the limited time I have to achieve my varied goals, I’ll save my denunciations for those that deserve it most, the Iranian regime, those who would rewrite history to suit their agenda and anyone who has designs to limit liberty.


Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies


Monsters of the Left: The Mujahedin al-Khalq

Posted by humint to nuconvert; samina; humint; BenBel; Jim Robinson
On News/Activism 01/15/2006 10:20:55 AM PST · 18 of 38

Thanks for the ping…

There are a lot of points in this piece to consider but instead of getting bogged down in all of the hearsay history that relates far more to the Cold War than it does today, I’m going to respond to your ping and to the article by expanding the scope of Michael’s work to focus on the here and now.

The subject of U.S. policy toward Iran is fascinating. The MeK are indeed a part of that policy. While Michael seems to believe the MeK are masters of propaganda, I disagree. If they were, then why would they stop with democratically elected officials and U.S. Generals? If they were masters, they’d be able to trick all of us too, right? But Michael is too smart for the MeK’s propaganda, whatever that may be… Granted, Michael knows a thing or two about Iran and you guys obviously follow the news… But I think Michael is absolutly wrong to imply U.S. Representatives and U.S. Army Generals are “morons” when it comes to propaganda. They're not, I can assure you!

Unfortunately Michael knocks his own reputation with this piece. What has distinguished Michael’s career is his willingness to go out into the field and speak to locals, but his jaunts and the massive ego he derives from them cannot undo the experiences of a U.S. Army General and a team of American Lawyers who negotiated with the MeK leadership for several days. Or the experiences of U.S. Army personel who were stationed at Camp Ashraf for months. That info came from a congressional event and was my first post on FR...

Another thing that is fascinating about the MeK is that ANTIWAR.COM claims they are a tool for the NEOCONS agenda and now a NEOCON is calling the MeK “Monsters of the Left”. So which is it? Are they LEFT or RIGHT? I think, more than anything, Michael’s peice demonstrates the Iran problem is a bipartisan issue. I know for a fact it is! I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend events in DC and when available I try to post the transcripts here on FR. Not because I’m a spokesperson for anyone but because I want to hear what freepers think about them. Michael's hearsay in this peice extends to a Democrat, Lee, who is well informed on Iran. I happen to have the full transcript of her speech, not just the Financial Times quote Michael used… Lee knows her stuff on Iran and I believe she’s on the right track. But just because I agree with Lee on Iran, it doesn't make me a spokesperson for her or anyone else. Is that clear to everyone?

CONGRESSIONAL EVENT HC5 – 20OCT2005

I now have the honor to introduce Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who represents the eighteenth congressional district of Texas [APPLAUSE].

Congresswoman Lee serves on the House Committee on the Judiciary and Homeland Security, a Committee that was made permanent in 2005 by Congress. On the Committee for the Judiciary she sits as the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee for immigration and border security and claims, the only female ranking Democrat on the Committee. She also sits on the Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. In the Committee on homeland security she sits on three subcommittees, economic security, infrastructure and protection and cyber security intelligence information sharing and terrorism risk assessment and management integration and oversight. She is a long-term advocate of women’s rights and human rights in Iran. Congresswoman Lee.

Sheila Jackson Lee: [STANDING OVATION, APPLAUSE] Wow, there is power in this room, there is power in this room, whenever we can be free in a democratic nation in the United States Capitol, the government, by the people, for the people and we’re here to speak for a free and democratic Iran, there is power in this room. Thank you very much.

Thank you Madam Professor and to all of the very distinguished panelists and to all of you who are gathered, I will not take much of your time because you have been so honored. Mr Solani, thank you so very much my friend, please stand, my leader, my friend, my leader, my friend from Texas, we appreciate your leadership very much. [APPLAUSE}

I think we can mix cultures. Might I say first… Salam a-lakam for those of you who would wish to share that with me and the hellos and greetings for those of you who would wish to share that with me. Peace be unto all of you. We are united under one umbrella, no matter what language or faith we have, we want democracy and freedom and justice in Iran. And so I offer to say to you that I have had the honor and privilege of standing in solidarity with Maryam who was just here, my sister… [APPLAUSE]

I must tell you a story that we have walked a long journey together and I believe that there is opportunity and hope for Iran. I know that because a woman, someone who I will call my sister, Wanez… if I said her name right… stood together just a few short years ago when she was incarcerated here because of the actions that were misinterpreted. We would not allow her to remain incarcerated because of her views and because she was a person who spoke to the issue of democracy and she is now safe I believe in one of our great states, California and why don’t we think are for her bravery and the fact that she is still fighting for what is right [APPLAUSE]

I just want to recount for you even though we know that the government of Iran has been elected and in this country even as we work hard to count every vote we do believe in one person one vote and so there was an election, but we also believe in truth and what I would say to you is that I know that there were thousands who could not find their way to the poll, many were confused, many might’ve been intimidated away from the polls. So we don’t want this election to be the singular defining in Iran’s history. It will be up to you.

It will be up to you to be part of the advocacy in this body of policymakers and with the administration that Iran can change. It can be an internal change. It need not be a violent change and it need not be a change with war but it can change and the people of Iran can change the government and bring democracy to Iran. I hope you believe in that. [APPLAUSE]

Let me share with you some of the indictable offenses that should motivate all of us. Iran’s military threatens to hit U.S. with suicide raids. Senior Iran cleric, “Prostitutes must be hanged”. And might I simply say to you, for those of us who, in the United States, some of you may say while getting a little frown on your face “prostitutes?” Remember, that when you are all powerful you can define any one as a prostitute, a criminal, a drug addict, a drug perpetrator, so remember our definitions and be careful.

So when we hear these words we must ask the question, even a prostitute must have justice. Even a prostitute must be able to have a day in court. Isn’t that the kind of Iran that we want? Yes. And so when we hear Iran says “women are not fit to manage restaurants” what else are women unfit to do? Be professors, doctors, lawyers, leaders of government, able to teach their children freely, to inspire them to ascend like eagles, to accept democracy and to realize that they too can be free leaders to make decisions, the best decisions for the Iranian people.

“Iran’s judiciary chief orders harsher prison terms singularly done without due process or the right to appeal”. Certainly these are Western terms but we all know the privileges of being an individual and having the rights to be able to be heard. Our cultures and our fate is intertwined on those issues. What about, “the deputy urges greater crackdown on women”. I think this one warrants further elaboration. One of the parliamentarian deputies from the central city of Esfahan, if I have said that right, told reporters that there was “an urgent need to act against corruption. Mal-veiling by women, state media reported, in recent years we’ve seen a great number of violations of the dress code. How much longer should we witness such behavior? In recent years much of the Islamic customs in offices, hospitals, organizations, universities and schools have not been adhered to” the mid-ranking cleric added.

And so I assume it his way of doing so is to crack down on women. In what way? What dangers will women be facing? What independence today have? And I am a great respect are of faith…I really believe that we are a country better because we have Rabbis here, because we have Priests here, because we have Muslim clerics here, because we have Sikhs here, because we have many different people and the role that we have when we have such diversity of faith is to affirm and to appreciate and to allow this distinction to be heard and as long as the woman is within the laws of a secular land, I hope that I do not bring shame to this body in this room, my hope that she will be given the respect and the dignity that she warrants.

So you have had a day of hearing from a range of members of Congress, though we may have different party labels, when we walked into this room we had a common concept, to embrace and to be free with you. Now I am not one to spend a lot of time with the indicting aspect of our work all though some may say so as I rise to the floor of the house. I am not shy about challenging and correcting and demanding, but I am also prepared to use the diplomatic arm.

[LOUDER TONE] I wonder if the government of Iran can here us now? Sit down at the table, understand that we do not want to accept the oppressive actions of your government. If you are prepared to govern in a way that embraces all and allows the people of Iran to rise up, the working class, the middle class, the intelligentsia and the young people, the political dissidents, then you’ll be a part of the world family and in Iran can be a strong and beautiful nation of its history.

[QUITER TONE] But if we are speaking too low, or no mater how loud we shout they cannot hear us, then we will continue to press and press and under the weight of our voice, our words and our unity I do believe that we will have a new and prosperous government in Iran. [APPLAUSE]

I would simply like to thank my colleagues who organized this effort and my friend Bill Clay who I know that I just missed. There were a number of senators who I know were present and other members of the house of representatives and might I say that they were in fact individuals who are both Democratic and Republican members of this congress however disparate views we may have in recent debates on the floor of the house, how interesting it is that you are the unifying factor that brought us together in HC5.

So I will close by hopefully keeping the ever present vision and roadmap that is, the cause of the people that must be heard. It is the engine, the churning, the churning that must move the political wheels that move this government out or move it to the level of representation that is warranted and if any of you feel that the pressures of the people do not work you can watch a myriad of governmental episodes across the world to see how governments have crumbled by the sheer power of will.

Oh yes, violence does occur but we hope and pray for that not to be the call of the movement that will change Iran. I’ve heard from so many of you who truly believe that you can do, that we can do together and I call up on my government to keep the pressure on. I call up on those of us in Congress to keep the pressure on and not to lose one moment because as I have just read to you while we sleep, female students clash with police in Iran and Iran sentences woman it to death by stoning for adultery will we sleep and so I hope that that will not be our answer. The answer of sleep that it will be an answer of linking arms, of study, of understanding the theoretical theory of governmental change, it will be the design of a road map.

I am calling on our government and I look forward to working with you. As you know we had a roadmap in the Middle East. I do realize that there are those who agreed and disagreed but there is something about a road map, measuring steps that you take and I do now believe that Iran is now postured for a definitive roadmap to be announced by this government.

A thoughtful roadmap measuring stick that we must adhere to and that we steadily work toward and that we will not stop until there is peace and democracy, until there is freedom. Until all of you who were maybe once born or certainly with your own links can go marching back home. Thank you very much for your presence here today and thank you for the spirit and the light ant the future that you give to Iran [APPLAUSE]



Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies

|

TRANSLATION

POSTS

  • Free Republic Commentary 1/15-1/26
  • ARCHIVES

    01.90   06.90   09.90   01.91   05.91   09.94   08.95   01.97   09.97   08.98   11.99   01.00   05.00   07.00   03.01   09.01   01.03   03.03   05.03   06.03   07.03   09.03   10.03   11.03   03.04   05.04   06.04   07.04   09.04   10.04   11.04   12.04   01.05   02.05   03.05   04.05   05.05   06.05   07.05   08.05   09.05   10.05   11.05   12.05   01.06   02.06   03.06   04.06   05.06   06.06   07.06   08.06   09.06   10.06   11.06   12.06   01.07   02.07   03.07   04.07   05.07   06.07   07.07   08.07   09.07   10.07   11.07   12.07   01.08   06.08   09.08  

    RECENT COMMENTS

    PARTNERS
  • IMINT
  • INTELLIGENT
  • Best of Google Vid
  • LINKS
  • Iraqhurr Radio Free Iraq
  • Kurdistan TV
  • RFE Radio Liberty
  • Radio Free Iraq
  • 1st Headlines
  • Al Bab
  • Al Bawaba - ARABIC
  • Al Bawaba - ENGLISH
  • Al Iraqi
  • Aswat al Iraq - ARABIC
  • Aswat al Iraq - ENGLISH
  • Aswat al Iraq - KURDISH
  • Big News Network
  • EIN News
  • Electronic Iraq
  • Inside Iraq
  • Iraq Crisis Bulletin
  • Iraq Daily
  • Iraq Economy
  • Iraq Energy
  • Iraq Journal
  • Iraq Net
  • Iraq Photos
  • Iraq Sport
  • Iraq Updates
  • Iraqi News
  • Iraqi Papers
  • MEMRI
  • Moreover
  • One World
  • RUSI
  • Sotal Iraq
  • Topix
  • Yahoo
  • Zawya
  • Baghdad Bulletin
  • Economist
  • Az Zaman - ENGLISH
  • Iraq Today
  • Guardian
  • Al Mannarah
  • Al Ahali
  • Al Fourat
  • Al Itijah Al Akhar
  • Al Ittihad
  • Al Sabah
  • Al Tariq
  • Alef Yaa
  • Baghdad
  • Baghdad
  • Iraq Today
  • Radio Dijla
  • humint

    This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?