Update as of 0630 Eastern Time:
Bottom Line Up Front:
1. Hurricane Ike.
2. Russian Separatists.
3. Atom Smasher fires and we're all still here.
4. Attack on Al Qaeda in Pakistan
5. Lipstick comments by Obama.
From Fox News (Ike):
Some Texas residents who have special medical needs in the Corpus Christi area were being told to evacuate in advance of Hurricane Ike as it steams into the Gulf of Mexico.
To help these residents who need to get out of harm's way, Nueces County expected to set up two intake areas on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to take residents by bus to San Antonio. Meanwhile, Lt. Rhonda Lawson with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Corpus Christi said plans were in place to open up the evacuation route on Interstate 37 beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Texas emergency officials were taking no chances with the lives of its medically fragile citizens. Forecasters said Ike could hit on Saturday morning just about anywhere along the Texas coast, with the most likely spot close to the Corpus Christi area.
"For people designated as special medical needs who have a health condition that will require them to be out of harm's way ... we will assist them in boarding state furnished transportation and we'll assist them in getting to San Antonio," said Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal. He said the order is a voluntary evacuation. County officials have not ordered a full evacuation as they await updates on Hurricane Ike.
From NY Times (Russia):
Tatarstan is a long way from South Ossetia. While South Ossetia is a poor border region of Georgia battered by war, Tatarstan is an economic powerhouse in the heart of Russia, boasting both oil reserves and the political stability that is catnip to investors.
But the two places have one thing in common: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, both have given rise to separatist movements. And when President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia formally recognized the breakaway areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent nations two weeks ago, activists in Kazan, the Tatar capital, took notice.
An association of nationalist groups, the All-Tatar Civic Center, swiftly published an appeal that “for the first time in recent history, Russia has recognized the state independence of its own citizens” and expressed the devout wish that Tatarstan would be next. The declaration was far-fetched, its authors knew: One of Vladimir V. Putin’s signal achievements as Mr. Medvedev’s predecessor was to suppress separatism. The Tatar movement was at its lowest ebb in 20 years.
But Moscow’s decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia made Tatarstan’s cause seem, as Rashit Akhmetov put it, “not hopeless.”
Mr. Akhmetov, editor in chief of Zvezda Povolzhya, an opposition newspaper in Kazan, said, “Russia has lost the moral right not to recognize us.”
From CNN (Atom Smasher):
Scientists Wednesday applauded as one of the most ambitious experiments ever conceived got successfully underway, with protons being fired around a 27-kilometer (17-mile) tunnel deep beneath the border of France and Switzerland in an attempt to unlock the secrets of the universe.
The Large Hadron Collider -- a $9 billion particle accelerator designed to simulate conditions of the Big Bang that created the physical Universe -- was switched on at 0732 GMT to cheers and applause from experts gathered to witness the event.
While observers were left nonplussed by the anticlimactic flashing dots on a TV screen that signalled the machine's successful test run, among teams of scientists involved around the world there were jubilant celebrations and popping champagne corks.
In the coming months, the collider is expected to begin smashing particles into each other by sending two beams of protons around the tunnel in opposite directions.
Skeptics, who claim that the experiment could lead to the creation of a black hole capable of swallowing the planet, failed in a legal bid to halt the project at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
From CNN (Pakistan):
The newly appointed al Qaeda chief in Pakistan, Abu Haris, has died of his wounds after a missile attack in northwestern Pakistan, according to a guard who was also wounded in the attack.
The guard said the missiles hit the compound of a key Taliban commander. Asked about the report, the White House had no comment.
The guard said that the death toll from the attack has climbed to 25 and that at least 20 were injured.
The guard said three other al Qaeda members died Tuesday from injuries sustained in Monday's attack: Abdullah, a Saudi; Abu Hamza, another Saudi; and Zain Ul Abu Qasim, an Egyptian.
The strike apparently targeted Jalaluddin Haqqani, a key Taliban commander who has played a major role in the fight against U.S. forces in Afghanistan, sources said Monday.
Missiles struck Haqqani's residence and madrasa, or religious school, killing two of his three wives and one of his sisters, said his son, Mulawi Jalaluddin Haqqani Badradin.
From Fox News (Lipstick):
John McCain’s campaign mobilized its new “Palin Truth Squad” Tuesday to accuse Barack Obama of comparing McCain’s running mate to a pig, and called on him to apologize.
The “Truth Squad” was announced as way for the McCain campaign to counter attacks on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and consists of dozens of McCain supporters.
The group’s first objection came just a couple hours later when Obama drew a pig analogy when describing his opponents before a Lebanon, Va., crowd.
“John McCain says he’s about change, too, and so I guess his whole angle is, ‘Watch out George Bush.’ Except for economic policy, health care policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy and Karl Rove-style politics … That’s not change. That’s just calling something the same thing, something different,” Obama said.
“But you know … you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. You know, you can … wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change, it’s still going to stink after eight years.”
The colorful cosmetic has become a political buzzword, thanks to Republican vice presidential nominee Palin’s joke in her acceptance speech that lipstick is the only thing that separates a hockey mom like her from a pit bull.
More to follow:
God Bless America
Bryan
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12 comments:
the attack in pakistan on the militants was something that had to be done. the militants run back and forth along the afghan-pak border with such ease and confidence that the u.s. can't follow them... now they know.
the "lipstick" thing is ridiculous. mccain's camp is so stupid. they can't see or refuse to see that Obama was referencing the "lipstick" line to mccain's policies...
vote for OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
thanks for your service major
Ummmm....I'm confused. Who's calling whom stupid? I'm pretty simple, because I'm hearing the republican candidates being attacked for challenging a pretty tasteless, though possibly inept analogy to pigs and smelly old fish. Perhaps a "Truth Squad" on both "fronts" would do a lot to help simple folk like me discern the facts and issues relevant to voting. It's next to impossible to engage in civil intercourse with impassioned partisans who resort to personal attack on candidates. That being said, I agree that the "lipstick thing" is ridiculous, but probably for different reasons.
I AGREE FULLY ON THIS! THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE, MAJOR
Clearly the Tartar seperatists didn't catch the bit about Russia expecting the Ossetians to vote to be re-absorbed into Russia.
The lipstick thing - - whatever. Did the media even bother to cover what Obama had to say about his education platform? Did anyone really report on what McCain and Palin said at their rally in Fairfax, VA?
Brain do you know what ? i am seeing this war on terror converting to ” Holy War ”
Whole world who are slave of infidels are listing all Muslims countries , continents as terrorists , this is not fair i used to support war on terror but i will and along me trillion Muslims would not support Holy War and i fear this war on terror soon convert in Holy War, because of not solving tensions peacefully, If NATO forces continuously kill civilians who will tolerate this? would you welcome if few ally communities start killing innocent people of your community how long you will bear this.
This is not creating good image of United States, What i am smelling is Israeli conspiracy, and Bush him self believes in missionaries, is it good that you are killing people just for your faith? should all Muslims stand and get united to protect their faiths ? should we start holy war ?.
Israel and America is pushing us towards holy War.
They are slaves of Zionists who all are supporting and making this little war more complex and converting it in giant Holly War.
Afghanistan has peaceful solution let their people choose their future for their betterment why NATO worsting the conditions in Afghanistan ?
There is no need of any operation, there is need of education, so they can get sense of living.
No one has sense till now and the gesture you are giving them will create trouble for you and for the rest of world.
You are at the neck of destruction being your friend i am suggesting you to pull out of Afghanistan not at the basis of sympathy with afghans, just because of unappropriated mission and plannings and objectives, this will only create mess nothing else.
When we people of Pakistan telling you that we have solution of Afghanistan if you trust us then let do our job, but in return you are killing my civilians ? do you know you are killing children and women, and we have also set boundaries of tolerance, we are supporting war on terror in Afghanistan because prosperous Afghanistan is in favor of Pakistan but you are creating very dangerous Afghanistan for us for you non NATO ally.
If you don't believe and not love to work in joint venture then onward we are changing our policies of War on terror we will completely link out from Afghanistan and stop supporting you, and start protecting Pak-afghan boarder if any violation will happen under international law we will retaliate and we are capable for that.
Jerjes,
Before I respond fully, I am more curious as to where the impression of a "Holy War" is coming from. Everything I have ever heard and read talks about taking the fight to Muslim Extremists. I'm just a bit lost where this translates into attacking Muslim's in general? Can you fill me in please?
Bryan
Soldier, Fly, Rangersgirl,
In an attempt to stay impartial I am going to differ to the discussion and let it continue, and not respond fully. One of my most base beliefs is that as a military officer I can not pick sides publicly, or reveal my personal political sides. I can talk about the issues or challenges but not in a way that politicizes them.
I did not want you to think I was ignoring the discussion though. It is good, and a healthy one to have. I just dont know if I can jump in without picking a side or giving the impression of picking a side.
Ill continue showing in the news portion events that may have implications for the American People or the candidate, but I hope and will remain trying to stay in this public forum impartial to any political party.
Bryan
Ok then what is to kill childern women civilians ? would that finish extremism or would it create more extremists ?
you must measure that if you are killing 5 civilians that means you are making 10 more extremists who will retaliate for their family members, whom you have killed for no reason.
Your mostly targets are missed and those single missed target killing civilians and making this war more worst.
Now which message we are delivering to people of Pakistan? that we want stability in country no matter our targets are it self not stable ?
Jerjes,
I am awake at 4 AM, half way around the word, struggling with your ideas. It’s astounding that one voice can reach so far and with such sincerity. For that, I thank you. Your effort is not wasted. In fact, it’s powerful.
I, like you, fear evil and want children, above all, to be safe. I want the weakest among us to be protected by the strength and care of those more fortunate. In reading your insights, I wondered how we could be so far apart in our understanding of what is happening in Pakistan. You, after all, are presumably right in the middle of it and I have only second-hand information from the media. I imagine, like me, you question what you’re told by the media and that you seek out several sources. Is it possible that I’m missing facts that point to my culture's disregard for children and civilians?
I am aware that the Taliban attacked a mosque filled with Ramadan worshipers this week. They threw grenades into the mosque and then shot the innocents as they fled the building. Twenty-five died and more than fifty were wounded. Some of the injured are not expected to survive. I understand this was a punishment for local tribes organizing to oust the oppressors: Taliban
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/taliban_attack_mosqu.php
Jerges, how do Americans and allies become identified as the oppressors? I do understand that air strikes have tragically caused civilian deaths. Air strikes can also result in something hideously called “friendly fire”, when our own uniformed soldiers are accidently killed. Air strikes have been reserved as a last resort in dealing with oppressors who organize and “recruit” their next generation by kidnapping families’ precious sons. Terrorists who convince innocents that strapping bombs to themselves and murdering other innocents is honorable.
We’ve tried ignoring their attacks, Jerges. Like you, we want to live in peace and safety. Yesterday, on September 11, we were reminded of the consequences of passivity and wishful thinking. Our government had failed us for decades by forgiving and ignoring unprovoked threats and attacks; by making “deals” and “negotiating” our way out of confrontation. I know New York got only a small sample of what Pakistan endures at the hands of evil.
Jerges, we stood up to it. Some believe we stood up to the wrong country, but they forget that Iraq’s government unrelentingly postured and threatened. The evil imposed on their own people was strong evidence of the government’s capacity to follow through on threats.
Likewise, with the air attacks, we are standing up. This has been restrained while cowards run across our border, attack, then return to Pakistan for safe refuge. Leaving over 150 terrorist training camps to prepare their next attack is not an option, thus the long-avoided air strikes. For this we are cunningly depicted as monsters that care nothing for innocents. It’s a clever twist to fuel hatred. From what you write, it appears to be effective.
I believe that Pakistanis want to stand up. In my reading I’ve learned that your countrymen have been betrayed by those among their military who have informed and strengthened the Taliban from within the ISI. Our organizations, like yours, surely have dishonorable people among them. Evil knows no borders. I appreciate your wish that appeasement will assure peace and safety. It’s only logical to think that way. There is, however, no logic to militants who hide among children in schools; who hide weapons in holy mosques; who destroy schools for girls; who oppose education.
Ours certainly isn’t perfect. (At this moment we’re taking on our own mainstream media for spewing dishonest and garbage “reporting”; for distracting us from the issues; for “entertaining” us with petty quotes and squabbles.) It’s a work in progress, for sure.
I must tell you, it was just dumb luck that I was born in the US and not in Afghanistan. For that gift, most Americans take on an obligation to extend a hand of help and pull less fortunate up. (I work a bazzillion hours a week and trust my government to give part of what I earn to those in need). Humanitarian aid is the ideal means of helping, but when it cannot reach the citizens in need, when we are, in turn, attacked and reviled, we will protect ourselves.
Please help me understand the evidence that inspires you to demonize humane support and expect peace and safety from radical Islam. You deserve a government that protects and empowers individuals to improve their lives.
Again, Jerges, I appreciate the chance to bring this mess down to a person-to-person experience. I hope you continue to brainstorm with the Major and his readers.
Yikes! 5:30 and time for the "day job"
Jerjes,
Fly summed up a lot of what I was going to say, but I need to add one more question to the discussion.
The Pakistan Government has openly stated that the problem with the insurgent and extremist elements training, regrouping, and re-equiping in Pakistan and then attacking again into Afghanistan is not there problem. They have said it is an Afghan and ISAF problem.
That being said if Pakistan is not going to destroy them, and is going to say the problem is someone else's then what is the legal leg to stand on when the other country takes action?
According to International Law, if country A does not take action and their countryside is being used as the staging ground for an insurgency, then they are in the wrong also.
What would you have the Afghan/ ISAF / US Forces do? Sit on the border and watch the insurgents and Taliban elements across the border and do nothing, and then be attacked by them that night?
That is the crux of the problem.
What are your thoughts?
I do agree with you on when you hit civilians you create the next generation of terrorists. But the honest question that has to asked, is how many of those "civilians" were there because they were family or sympathizers? Now this does not change the situation that they were civilians, but if you are hanging with the bad guys, how much of a leg do you have to stand on when you complain about an attack? How many of these civilians were used as an Information Operations / Media Campaign?
Just some questions Jerjes as I try to understand.
Hope to hear from you soon:)
Bryan
Major, I disagree with your rationalizing that civilians who "hang out with bad guys" legitimize themselves as targets. I cannot imagine the life-or-death dilemmas and survival imperatives these impoverished villagers endure. No, no, no. I see them more as hostages being used diabolically by ruthless brutes who steal their sons and threaten murder.
That being said, Coalition Forces have, IMHO, made every effort to wait and develop alternative interventions, as has Pakistan, by negotiating treaties and truces that haven't held water.
My first question is this: how do civilized, honorable and peace-loving protectors of Afghanistan morph into "bad guys"? When P'stan's civilians are murdered by terrorists, how do they turn their hatred and vengeance to a country that has tried to boost Pakistan's democracy with $10 million? Our soldiers have ALL volunteered and left the comfort of personal freedom and security to bring hope to the oppressed.
Jerjes, The US, the Coallition, NATO has no united religious agenda that inspires its answering jihad, so I don't understand the Muslim vs. Infidel polarity. I’ve never feared death threats by “infidel” religions. (Though I do admit it takes some vigilance to keep zealots from testing the First Amendment!). So, my second question is this: how is radical Islam holy?
Finally, your voice is solo now. Are there others among you who would come to the Major’s forum and work as hard as you to exchange insights?
Fly,
My point on the civilians may not have been clear. The issue becomes like you said, we always try to avoid civilian casualties. Thats one of our overwhelming prioities always. One because its the legal answer, and two because its the right answer.
But, when these civilians are there with extremists terrorists by choice and are caught in the attack, because they choose to be there, how much of a leg do they have to stand upon to complain when an attack occurs?
The second part is how much of this is being done for the media effect. How much are the extremist elements purposely hiding amongst civilians? In days past we called these human shields.
The other part of this is, we are fighting a non-uniformed force. These are insurgents. They dont wear a uniform like we do. How many of these civilians were supporting actively or tascently the Al Qaeda forces? Granted children never are a question, but how many of these other civilians were a support element?
Again, Im not saying in anyway shape or form, that attacking civilians is a good thing, or anything remotely like that. But, in this new form of warfare, things are not cut and dry, or black and white, and we have to ask some hard questions first before we make a decision or form an opinion.
Bryan
Fly,
One other point. I stated that these insurgent elements do not wear uniforms. Thats not true, their civilian clothes are their "Uniform." The media and other onlookers do not have the ability to know fact from fiction when someone claims non-combatant status. It's hard eneough for the military to figure this out, and we do the best we can to minimize true civilian casualties. We are not so cold that we want to kill innocent people and this hurts us to the core when that does happen, but it does not happen as often as people or the media would have you think.
After an incident occurs, there is no documentation to confirm that a "civilian" was actually an Al Qaeda supporter or innocent by-stander. It is way too easy for someone to claim innocence after the fact.
Bryan
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