Bush Supporting a Cloud of Corruption and Terrorism?

Bush sends high level US officials to Bethlehem conference

22 May 2008

The following article is from Abbas's terrorist organization news agency and should be accepted as terrorist propaganda only:

Bethlehem - President Bush has sent a delegation of high level US officials and private sector leaders to represent the United States at the Palestinian Investment Conference in Bethlehem, May 21-23. The Presidential Delegation is headed by Deputy Secretary of Treasury Robert M. Kimmitt and the President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, Mr. Walter Isaacson. Kimmitt, who spoke at the opening session, reaffirmed that the establishment of a stable, prosperous Palestinian state is a U.S. priority. Kimmitt added that there is strong international consensus to work together to improve the economic prospects for the Palestinian people and he praised Prime Minister Fayyad's Reform and Development plan, noting that the Palestinian Authority has already made “tremendous progress in creating an environment to foster private investment.”

Deputy Secretary Kimmitt highlighted specific examples of U.S. public and private sector assistance to the Palestinians and added that this year, the United States will provide more than $500 million in assistance to the Palestinians, including direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority and support for economic growth, democracy and governance, food assistance, education, health and water systems.

Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to build strong economies. Isaacson, who is Chairman of the U.S.- Palestinian Public Private Partnership, noted that the Partnership is working with the Palestinian Authority to develop quick-impact projects to create jobs for Palestinians, including an Arabic-language call center and five youth development and resource centers.

The delegation expressed its appreciation for the support of the U.S. business community for the Palestinian Investment Conference. Major U.S. technology firms Cisco and Intel sponsored the conference and numerous other companies, representing a wide cross-section of the U.S. business sector including banking, technology, manufacturing, and food imports, participated. Isaacson noted that he hoped the connections made between Palestinian businesses and their U.S. counterparts at the conference would spur a new round of U.S. investment in the West Bank economy.

In support of investment in the West Bank, the U.S. is announcing a series of important initiatives at the conference. OPIC President Robert Mosbacher Jr. will announce a Political Risk Insurance Project that will help provide insurance coverage to Palestinian exporters and investors in the West Bank against costs associated with trade disruption. Mosbacher will also announce an investment in the Friends School in Ramallah-El Bireh. Mosbacher highlighted the success of two ongoing U.S. public-private projects launched by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) with its Palestinian partners, a $500 million housing mortgage facility and a $228 million loan guarantee program for Palestinian small and medium-sized businesses.

U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Larry Walther will announce his agency's support for a Palestinian private sector wireless project that will provide the ten largest cities in the West Bank with broadband wireless connection to the Internet.

U.S. Consul General Jake Walles noted that the size and composition of the Presidential Delegation reflected the strong U.S. commitment to support the Palestinian Authority's efforts to strengthen the private sector. “The involvement of so many different parts of the U.S. Government, including the Departments of Treasury and Commerce,” said Consul General Walles, “underscores our commitment to support the process of political negotiations with tangible economic improvements in the lives of Palestinians.”

The Consul General added that he was confident that U.S. businesses would find opportunities with their Palestinian counterparts for mutual success. A businessman from California summed up the group's experience in his statement, “I boarded my plane in the United States not quite knowing what to expect. Now, after learning more about investment opportunities and meeting several potential Palestinian business partners, I can honestly say that I strongly endorse the conference motto, 'You can do business in Palestine.'”

U.S. Memorial Day Holiday Focus

U.S. President George W. Bush pins an award on a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during a Division Review Ceremony at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, on 22 May 2008. The ceremony takes place during All American Week, a celebration honoring paratroopers from the past and present.

For Immediate Release
May 24, 2008

Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This Memorial Day weekend, kids will be out of school, moms and dads will be firing up the grill, and families across our country will mark the unofficial beginning of summer. But as we do, we should all remember the true purpose of this holiday -- to honor the sacrifices that make our freedom possible.

On Monday, I will commemorate Memorial Day by visiting Arlington National Cemetery, where I will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The tomb is the final resting place of three brave American soldiers who lost their lives in combat. The names of these veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War are known only to God. But their valor is known to us all.

Throughout American history, this valor has preserved our way of life and our sacred freedoms. It was this valor that won our independence. It was this valor that removed the stain of slavery from our Nation. And it was this valor that defeated the great totalitarian threats of the last century.

Today, the men and women of our military are facing a new totalitarian threat to our freedom. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fronts around the world, they continue the proud legacy of those who came before them. They bear their responsibilities with quiet dignity and honor. And some have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.

One such hero was Sergeant First Class Benjamin Sebban of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. As the senior medic in his squadron, Ben made sacrifice a way of life. When younger medics were learning how to insert IVs, he would offer his own arm for practice. And when the time came, Ben did not hesitate to offer his fellow soldiers far more.

On March 17, 2007, in Iraq's Diyala province, Ben saw a truck filled with explosives racing toward his team of paratroopers. He ran into the open to warn them, exposing himself to the blast. Ben received severe wounds, but this good medic never bothered to check his own injuries. Instead, he devoted his final moments on this earth to treating others. Earlier this week, in a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, I had the honor of presenting Sergeant Sebban's mom with the Silver Star that he earned.

No words are adequate to console those who have lost a loved one serving our Nation. We can only offer our prayers and join in their grief. We grieve for the mother who hears the sound of her child's 21-gun salute. We grieve for the husband or wife who receives a folded flag. We grieve for a young son or daughter who only knows dad from a photograph.

One holiday is not enough to commemorate all of the sacrifices that have been made by America's men and women in uniform. No group has ever done more to defend liberty than the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Their bravery has done more than simply win battles. It has done more than win wars. It has secured a way of life for our entire country. These heroes and their families should be in our thoughts and prayers on a daily basis, and they should receive our loving thanks at every possible opportunity.

This Memorial Day, I ask all Americans to honor the sacrifices of those who have served you and our country. One way to do so is by joining in a moment of remembrance that will be marked across our country at 3:00 p.m. local time. At that moment, Major League Baseball games will pause, the National Memorial Day parade will halt, Amtrak trains will blow their whistles, and buglers in military cemeteries will play Taps. You can participate by placing a flag at a veteran's grave, taking your family to the battlefields where freedom was defended, or saying a silent prayer for all the Americans who were delivered out of the agony of war to meet their Creator. Their bravery has preserved the country we love so dearly.

Thank you for listening.

END

Time is not ripe for Iran-US talks

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Saturday, 24 May 2008, that the time is not ripe for bilateral talks between Iran and the US.

While the U.S. seems to have gotten themselves into a situation, especially with U.S. Presidents George W. Bush’s ardent support of Israel with little or no true interest in the Palestinians.

That many feel it is more, as if the U.S. has bitten off more then they can chew, with so many other questionable political issues on hand, that far to many in the global community is slamming the door on the majority of U.S. interests.

The Largest Palestinian Flag

Palestinians and Syrians work to complete the largest Palestinian national flag prior to its display in the Syrian capital Damascus on 23 May 2008. When the flag went on display, numerous Palestinians attended the event.

The flag, which is 232m in length, 116m in width and an area of 27 thousand square meter, was completed by a group of Palestinian and Syrian volunteers under the slogan 'A larger flag for a more precious land' on the occasion of the 60 anniversary for the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe).

The main idea is to achieve the largest Palestinian flag, and the largest flag in the world.

There was a news report that the organizers had said, they have yet to contact the Guinness World Records for official confirmation if this is the world’s largest flag. Currently, the largest flag in the Guinness World Records is an Israeli flag. The flag took two months to complete by dozens of volunteers.

3.3-magnitude earthquake Rattles Palestine

24 May 2008

A low-magnitude earthquake was felt across north on Friday evening. Reports of the quake were received from residents in the northern cities of Nahariya, Ma'alot, Kiryat Shmona, Metula and even from Netanya.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

The quake measured 3.3 on the Richter Scale and that its epicenter was located in southern Lebanon.

Israeli warplanes almost shot down Tony Blair's plane

24 May 2008

AP-Israeli fighter jets scrambled to intercept an unidentified aircraft suspected to be hostile this week, only to find out that it carried none other than International Mideast peace envoy Tony Blair, a top military official said Friday.

Blair, the former British prime minister, was flying on a private plane from the World Economic Forum summit in Sinai, Egypt to an investment conference in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday when his plane penetrated Israeli airspace and failed to respond to repeated control tower radio calls demanding it identify itself, the official said.

As is common practice in such a case, the Israeli air force scrambled two fighter jets to intercept the aircraft. They flew above Blair's plane and quickly established contact with the cockpit, whose pilot informed them of the famous traveler on board, the official added. Blair's plane apparently had a technical malfunction and could not hear the Israeli control tower's calls.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the media.

When asked about the incident, the army spokesman's office said "the air force does not comment on its operational activities."

Blair spokesman Matthew Doyle, who was also on board, said Blair and others were unaware of the drama unfolding around them and only found out about it all when fielding calls from reporters.

"Mr. Blair was one of a number of delegates on a flight back from the World Economic Forum in Sharm El Sheik," he said Friday. "We were not aware of any problem at the time, and have not been notified of any issue with the flight."

Dancing for Abbas's Brand of Terrorism

An elderly Palestinian woman promoting Abbas terrorism holds a rifle as she dances with Mahmoud Abbas’s terrorist security forces, during a ceremony aimed at showing support to Mahmoud Abbas in the town of Jenin on 24 May 2008.
About 460 terrorist invaded Jenin and are loyal only to Abbas earlier this month, to bolster terrorism among the Palestinian populace to undermine security and the peaceful situation that was created without the outside agitators, that Abbas has collaborate ties with in the west.
Abbas terrorist security forces dance during a ceremony, aimed at showing support to Mahmoud Abbas and his brand of terrorism.

Nine Palestinians Held by Terrorist

24 May 2008

It was reported, that Mahmoud Abbas’s terrorist security forces illegally held nine Palestinians across the West Bank on Thursday evening.

Allegedly held by Abbas’s terrorist security forces, are Mohammad Moussa and Abdallah Ghneim in Al-Khader village near Bethlehem.

In Ramallah, the following where illegally held Hazem Al-Khatib, Hamza and Mo'ath Abu Jom'aa and Mohammad Ash-Shalabi in the town of Beitounia western Ramallah city.

In Tulkarem, the following where illegally held Nidal Abu Thariffa and Issam Al-Jetawi, in Nablus, was Izzat Ar-Rayyan.

It has been further reported, Abbas’s terrorist organization is on a further violent rampage of not only attacking Palestinians citizens, but also Jews from the Jewish sector, with everything from car bombs, suicide belts, among other devices.

Along with putting their own families in harms way, to cause them to be wounded or killed, to make it look as though a larger situation is occurring then actually is.

President Bush Discusses World Trade Week

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 23, 2008

Video
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming; please be seated. Welcome to the White House, the South Lawn. It's a joy to welcome entrepreneurs and business leaders and folks who understand the importance of this country being competent enough to work to open up markets for our goods and products and services. Obviously some of the exporters are pretty good salesmen and women -- after all, they let you drive a tractor here on the South Lawn. (Laughter.) Imagine what the Secret Service was saying.

I'm really pleased to welcome members of the Congress: Congressmen Petri and Herger are here. Thanks for coming. Petri is here because he believes the Harley Davidson is a product that people around the world ought to be able to drive by making it more affordable -- I suspect that's why you're here -- as well as some other trucks made in your state.

I want to thank the members of the Cabinet. Thank you all for being such strong advocates of free and fair trade. We've got the Secretary of Agriculture here, Secretary Schafer. His being here sends a message that the American farmer and rancher expects us to work hard to open up markets for the products they grow. So if you're a farmer out there in the heartland, seems like you'd want somebody working on your behalf here in Washington, to be able -- make it easier for you to sell your crops. And that's exactly what we're doing in this administration. Mr. Secretary, thanks for coming.

Carlos Gutierrez is the Secretary of Commerce. Trade means commerce. Elaine Chao is here from the Department of Labor. Madam Secretary, thank you. Your presence here is clear recognition that the more products we sell overseas the more likely it is somebody is going to work.

Today I'm going to spend some time so our fellow citizens understand the importance of trade by connecting trade with products with jobs. Good jobs policy is a good trade policy. I appreciate very much Sue Schwab here; she's the U.S. Trade Representative. Her job is to open up markets. I'm going to talk about free trade agreements that she's worked to put in place that open up markets for U.S. goods and services. I really appreciate John Veroneau joining us as well. He's the Deputy, his job is to also work with the Ambassador to open up markets.

I want to thank Federico Humbert, the Ambassador de Panama. I want to thank Lee Tae-sik, Ambassador from South Korea. I want to thank Mariana Pacheco, who is the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of Colombia. These are three nations I'm going to be talking about. I want to thank you all for coming. I really appreciate you giving me a chance to talk about your countries in your presence -- because I want your leaders to understand the Bush administration and a lot of members of Congress believe it's in our national interest that we have free and fair trade with your nations.

I thank the representatives of the companies whose products are here. I want to thank the members of the business community. And thanks for your caring about your country.

First of all, the -- you know, it's rough economic times. Small business owners know what I'm talking about; large business owners know what I'm talking about. It's a period of uncertainty. And one way to deal with uncertainty in the economy is to work from your strengths. One strength, of course, is to trust the American people -- and the best way to trust them is to keep your taxes low. We really don't need to be sending -- (applause.) If there's uncertain times, there's no worse signal to send than, you know, we may be raising your taxes. That creates even more uncertainty. There's got to be consistency in the tax code so people can plan; so individuals can plan and small business can plan and large businesses can plan. Congress needs to make the tax relief we passed permanent in order to deal with the uncertainty in the economy.

Of course, they got a huge appetite for spending your money, so it shouldn't surprise you that some up there really do want to raise your taxes. And we'll do everything we can -- we're not going to let them raise your taxes, but the best signal that Congress could send for the sake of economic growth and vitality is that we're going to keep your taxes low by making the tax cuts permanent.

Another thing Congress can do is pass trade agreements that open up markets. You know, 40 percent of our growth last year -- during a time of economic uncertainty, 40 percent of the growth came as a result of exports. So when I say "play to our strengths," one of the strengths during this period of time is to continue to export products. If the growth that we had during some quarters, recent quarters was as a result of exports, it seems like we ought to be working to create more exports, to be able to sell our goods and services into more markets.

And we have an opportunity to do that by opening up markets with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. You know, we trust you to create jobs. The government ought to trust you by opening up more markets, by making sure the playing field is level for our producers. That's all we want: We just want to be treated fairly in the world.

For some in Washington, trade is a political issue. In other words, people think it makes good politics to say we're not going to let you trade. But what they've got to understand, those voices of pessimism and voices of protectionism must understand that oftentimes opening up markets means the difference between giving employees a pay raise or a pay cut. The politicians in Washington who use trade as an issue to frighten voters must understand that opening up markets can mean the difference between expanding the number of workers, as opposed to shrinking the number of workers.

And our fellow citizens I understand, you know, have got concerns about trade, and the reason why we've asked you to bring some of your products here is to remind people that that motorcycle is made by American workers, and that if we're able to more likely sell those motorcycles into Colombia, for example, or Panama or South Korea, that the worker who made that is more likely to get a pay raise or have somebody else join him or her on the floor. That's the practicality of trade.

The interesting thing about trade as an issue, if you really study the issue of free and fair trade, leaders from both parties have been strong advocates for opening up markets. They really have been. I mean, generally this has been a -- not nearly as bitter an issue in the past as it is today. You know, I remember reading about John F. Kennedy's stand on trade. He was a strong believer in free and fair trade. My predecessor, President Clinton, worked hard to open up markets. It's interesting that a lot of the people that worked with the President have been here to the White House to, I guess, first test my temperature to determine whether I really was willing to strongly advocate opening up markets, and then when they realized that they had a steady ally, were willing to go out and declare publicly that they believed that we ought to open up markets.

And yet today there's just a different attitude, evidently. But I want to thank you for helping to try to change that attitude by bringing a practical -- some practical thoughts to this debate, kind of fight through all the rhetoric and remind our fellow citizens that -- of some of the facts. One, our economy grows better when we export; two, there are jobs. When we talk about trade, we're talking about helping people keep work. And it turns out, if you're working for a company that exports goods and services, you make better money. Isn't that an interesting fact? If you're working for a company that sells goods and services overseas, you're going to make more money than your neighbor in a comparable industry.

If you're a farmer, we got some products here, grown right here in the United States of America. If you're a farmer, it seems like you want people to work hard to make it easier for you to sell that orange somewhere else. Increased demand means it's more likely you'll be able to sell your crop.

Trade is in the interests of the working people here in America, pure and simple. Trade is in the interests of small business owners and farmers and ranchers, pure and simple. And that's why I'm a strong believer that the United States Congress needs to pass trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

Now, let me give you some of the practical lessons of why. Take dairy products. There's a 20 percent tariff on dairy products from the United States into Colombia; 36 percent into Korea. That means that the cost of that dairy product, chunk of cheese -- you know something about cheese, Petri, in Wisconsin -- a chunk of cheese is going to be 20 percent more expensive, which makes it harder to sell that product.

When you say "level the playing field," what I'm talking about is reducing tariffs on goods and services, which makes it easier to sell -- in other words, it's less expensive. The quality is the same; we're really good at what we make and what we grow. The quality is the same, but the price is less, which makes it more likely something is going to be purchased.

Fruits, oranges -- these oranges right here are taxed at 15 percent going into Colombia -- 15 percent more expensive, 30 percent more in South Korea and 15 percent more in Panama. Broccoli -- they got a really high tariff on broccoli at my father's house. (Laughter.) But there also happens to be one -- 15 percent in Colombia, 27 percent in South Korea and 15 percent in Panama. So those are percentages, but you need to think about the percentage in terms of, it's that much more expensive to buy. And sometimes if you're shopping for an orange, that 15 percent differential means you're not going to buy it. Motorcycle -- that motorcycle right there -- 20 percent more expensive in Colombia, 8 percent more in Korea, and 15 percent more in Panama.

And so the purpose of a trade agreement is to reduce those tariffs; is to make the products less expensive. So if we get the deal done with Colombia, that motorcycle will be $4,000 less expensive. The great quality of Harley will be the same. There will be no diminution of how cool one is when they drive a Harley. (Laughter.) But it's going to be easier for somebody to buy it.

This Case tractor -- by the way, manufactured in Fargo, North Dakota -- called a Case IH, will be $15,500 cheaper in Colombia. That could be a significant difference when it comes to somebody buying that tractor, and I hope the Case workers hear me loud and clear. The cheaper that is for somebody to buy in Colombia, the more work you're going to have.

The reason I brought these products here is it means somebody is making them today and is going to be able to make them tomorrow if we'd level that playing field. Let me tell you why I talk about leveling the playing field. The first vote coming up is Colombia. I say the first vote coming up is Colombia -- you might remember the vote has never been allowed to come up. The Speaker of the House pulled a parliamentary maneuver that sent a bad signal, so it hasn't come up yet.

Our job is to say, let the people vote, let the members of Congress vote. I like our chances if they let the members of Congress vote. Congress has a way of sorting through all the noise and all the pessimism and oftentimes reaches the right conclusion.

Most of the goods coming from Colombia enter America duty-free -- isn't that interesting? -- as a result of actions of Congress in the past. Most goods that Colombia makes come to our country without any tax. And I've just described to you the goods and services we send to Colombia are taxed. And that, frankly, doesn't seem very fair to me. It didn't seem fair to the Colombian government, either. They agree with me: Let's just treat each other fairly.

Their goods are not taxed; our goods are. It seems unfair to me. And people of Congress should understand how unfair it is to the workers in their districts, or the farmers in their districts, or the people working hard for a living in their districts, that count upon selling goods overseas.

So the agreement we reached basically says that those oranges will go in duty-free. Some of the products will go in duty-free immediately, some of them will be phased in over time, but nevertheless, the playing field will be level. So here you hear, free and fair trade -- that's the definition of free and fair trade. Colombia treats us just like we treat them. That's fair.

Secondly, the Colombia free trade vote, like these other free trade votes, have got national security implications. Colombia has got a very bold leader named President Uribe, who is a reformist. Panama has got a strong leader, who, by the way, went to Texas A&M University. He's a reformist. I had the honor of meeting the South Korean President at Camp David -- first South Korean President to have come to Camp David -- and I did so for a reason, because I wanted to send a strong signal about our friendship with the people of South Korea. He's a strong, strong leader. All these leaders have got a clear vision about enhanced prosperity in their country. They care deeply about their people.

President Uribe has got a unique challenge in Colombia. He's facing a group of narco-traffickers who are violent, who use force to achieve political objectives, who are supported by some of the countries in the neighborhood. They're a threat to peace inside Colombia, and they provide a threat to the United States, in the sense that they -- to the extent that they facilitate drug trafficking, it makes it here. And yet the President has stood strong in dealing with these folks. He is a clear example of a leader who has set an agenda that is bold, and he's following through with that agenda.

If we were to turn our back on Colombia by rejecting the free trade agreement, it would send a terrible signal to leaders willing to be courageous. It would send a bad signal to our friends, and in the case of Colombia it would send a bad signal to the voices of false populism in South America. It's in our economic interest that we pass trade agreements. Oh, I know there's great debate about that, and I hope that people listen to the facts and understand the practical consequences of opening up markets for the products made here in the United States -- then they'll understand why all of us are so passionate about making sure we're treated fairly.

There's also a significant national security concern when it comes to America turning its back on friends. The region needs democracy, the region needs rule of law, the region needs stability, and the region needs strong leaders like President Uribe. And a rejection of the free trade agreement with Colombia will undermine that which the leader -- the region needs.

It's interesting, I've been -- you know, I constantly talk to fellow leaders on the telephone, and as you know, I've been traveling as well. And I've been asked quite frequently: Why is it that your Congress won't pass a free trade agreement with Colombia, for starters? And they ask that question first with amazement. They can't believe the great United States of America is not confident enough or wise enough to level the playing field when it comes to U.S. goods and services.

And once the tone of amazement passes, then there's this serious tone of concern -- concerned about the United States becoming protectionist, concern about the United States losing its confidence when it comes to the entrepreneurial spirit that has made us great, concerned that we really don't seem to care about the plight of others, because trade helps lift people out of poverty. Trade is a powerful engine for change.

And all I can tell them is, is that politics is too strong right now. But I also tell I haven't given up hope. I haven't given up hope that that Colombia free trade agreement is going to make it to the floor of the Congress, and with your help, I hope you get it there. (Applause.) I haven't given up hope that the people will recognize that obstructionism is not leadership; that obstructing an important piece of legislation, not even allowing it to come to the floor for a vote, is not what the people expect.

And so my call on the leadership in the House is to let this trade agreement get to the floor; let the representatives of the people decide; let there be an open and honest debate about the merits of this piece of legislation -- the merits from an economic perspective and the merits from a national security perspective. And then when you pass a Colombia free trade bill, we go to South Korea and Panama and get those bills passed. And then we can go to the people who are making these products here and say we did the job you expected us to do.

Thank you all for coming. May God bless you. (Applause.)

END

Opposition sets Deadline for Egyptian Gas Export to Israel?

22 May 2008

Written by The Media Line Staff

The Egyptian opposition is demanding the government renegotiates the price of gas being exported to Israel by June 5 or face public protest, the Egyptian newspaper The Daily News Egypt reported.

The protest will be held outside the pumping stations in Al-'Arish and Damietta, the headquarters of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Company and the Ministry of Petroleum. Member of Parliament Esmat Al-Sadat, who is the spokesperson for the campaign, was quoted as saying that exporting gas to Israel was a crime.

A statement released by the organization states that, “After all this talk of national security and regional balance and the local need for energy, this gas exportation to Israel is a real catastrophe.”

MP Al-Sadat also pointed out that Egypt would earn an additional $18 billion if the price agreed to in the original deal that was signed in 2005 were adjusted to current world prices, due to the steep rice in energy prices globally in the past few years.

Ever since the signing of the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1978, there has been stiff public opposition in Egypt against normalization with Israel, ranging from business to culture. However, on the official level there is a high level of cooperation and Egyptian Chief of Intelligence ’Umar Suleiman is frequently in Israel for discussions regarding the situation in Gaza.

Up scaled Attacks by Abbas's Terrorist Organization

23 May 2008

A terrorist from Mahmoud Abbas’s organization was killed and five others wounded in violent clashes that erupted Thursday afternoon between terrorist and Jewish troops at the Karni Crossing from the Gaza Strip to the Jewish sector.

A military spokesperson said that hundreds of people had gathered at the crossing, some carrying light weapons and anti-tank missiles. Abbas terrorist opened fire and hurled rocks at troops stationed nearby. The soldiers returned the fire, leading to the terrorist casualties.

Also on Thursday, Jewish troops operating in the Gaza Strip found a cache of weapons. including anti-tank missiles, hidden in a schoolyard in the Sajayeh refugee camp.

Earlier Thursday, a terrorist bomber blew up an explosives-laden truck on the Palestinian side of the Erez crossing on the Jewish-Gaza Strip border early Thursday morning. The driver was the only casualty in the attempted attack.

A spokesman for the terrorists said his group carried out the attempted attack in cooperation with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, an offshoot of Mahmoud Abbas's organization. The terrorist described the operation, as a success.

Numerous similar incidents have also occurred all by Abbas terrorist organization.

Furthermore, it has been found that if Abbas agrees on any given situation, it usually is not good.

Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected

If you get e-mail that says I'm a Muslim: not true

23 May 2008

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Thursday promised an "unshakable commitment" to Israel if he is elected.

Obama also explained the roots of his unusual name, listed some of his Jewish friends and voiced support for Israel on Thursday during a synagogue visit designed to shore up Jewish support for his U.S. presidential bid.

Obama, an Illinois senator and the front-runner for his party's White House nomination, addressed concerns about his views on Israel, his religion and his race during a nearly two-hour session at a synagogue with Democrats and Republicans in Florida, a state that will be key to winning November's general election.

"There is not a single trace of me ever being anything more than a friend of Israel and a friend of the Jewish people," Obama said, telling the crowd not to believe fliers and e-mails that suggested otherwise.

"Judge me by what I say and what I've done. Don't judge me because I've got a funny name. Don't judge me because I'm African-American."

Critics have raised doubts about Obama's commitment to the Jewish state, floating rumors that he was a Muslim and linking him to Louis Farrakhan, a prominent black Muslim leader known for his anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric.

Obama is a Christian, has denounced Farrakhan, and has vowed not to change staunch American support of Israel - a mainstay of U.S. Middle East policy.

"If you get one of these e-mails that says I'm a Muslim: not true," he told the crowd.

The questions from the B'Nai Torah Congregation touched on Obama's policy proposals and his personal life. When asked about his name, Obama said it had the same roots as a similar Jewish one and meant "one who's blessed."

One questioner asked the Illinois senator to name close friends who were Jewish and pro-Israel.

"I hesitate to start listing them out," Obama said, cautioning against a stereotype that having acquaintances in a minority group meant you did not behave in a prejudiced way. He then identified three of his close Jewish friends.

Questioners also drilled him on his willingness to meet with U.S. foes like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has denounced Israel and denied the Holocaust occurred.

Obama, while critical of the Iranian president, said direct diplomacy with Iran would be more effective in advancing U.S. and Israeli interests than a lack of engagement.

Not everyone agreed.

"I think that our commander in chief should not propose talks with someone who calls for the destruction of Israel," Stephen Lippy, 51, told Reuters.

Some said they were concerned about Obama's support for the Jewish state before his visit but came away satisfied.

"I think today convinced me," said Aaron Levitt, 32, a rabbi and Democrat. "I feel like he made it very clear that Israel's at the center of his Middle East policy and would be a very important ally in his presidency."

Obama, who would be the nation's first black president, addressed the issue of race directly, saying he was concerned that a historic connection between African Americans and Jewish Americans had slipped.

"I want to make sure that I am one of the vehicles by which we can rebuild those bonds," he said.

A sample of audience members said race would not affect their votes, while admitting it could be an issue for some.

"I think that people don't realize it, but I do think it's there," said Obama supporter Barbara Schneider, 55.

"As a Jew, would I vote for a black person? Sure," said Lippy. "But ... my issue is will he be the best commander in chief when it comes to assisting Israel and our other Western democratic allies".

Other News:

A delegation of Christian parliamentarians from around the world whose countries have formed pro-Israel parliamentary lobbies gathered Thursday on Capitol Hill in an effort to buttress support for the State of Israel.

The two-day conference, which was hosted by the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, brought together pro-Israel lawmakers from nine countries whose parliaments have formed alliances with the Knesset's increasingly-influential Christian Allies Caucus, which works to garner Christian support for Israel worldwide.

Note:

The organization led by Louis Farrakhan, is not actually associated with the Islamic religion. Furthermore, numerous messages by Farrakhan, is contrary to the teachings of Islam.

There are also numerous references laced apparently by Obama in the above article, towards media propaganda, which are not the true issues of the global situation.

As for striving for the Jewish vote, it is the contention from many of the Jewish people these days that they find unacceptable, because of racism innuendos of numerous types made towards other groups of people.

US statesmen are terrorists, nurture more terrorists - Ayatollah Khatami

23 May 2008

Tehran-Substitute Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran said here Friday world nations realize standard bearers of campaign against terrorism, US statesmen, tell lies, as they, particularly President George W. Bush, are theorists, and nurture more terrorists.

The substitute Friday preacher of Tehran added in his first sermon, relying on grace of God and the severe efforts made by intelligence ministry officials, a plot hatched in Washington based on Bush's order to the CIA to launch sabotage operations in Iran, was revealed."

He added, "The Intelligence Ministry arrested the members of a network that had planted a bomb at a religious center in Shiraz and eliminated ground for their further terrorist moves."

Ayatollah Khatami pointed out that the group that has made the criminal move in Shiraz is comprised of non-believers and they keep insulting God, the Prophet (P) and the Infallible Imams (P) in their media.

This week's Friday preacher of Tehran added, "The Americans chose a laical group, strengthened and mobilized it to launch terrorist attacks in Iran, the first of which was launched at Seyyed ul-Shohada Hosseiniyeh of Shiraz."

Khatami said, "The pure blood of the martyrs at that religious gathering led the officials to arrest the terrorists and to dismantle their broader plots."

Referring to the nasty objectives pursued by that corrupt and apostate group throughout Iran, he said, "They (the terrorists) intended to take revenge of faith and religion and were planning for another bombing at Holy Shrine of Lady Ma'soumeh in Qom, one at Qom Seminary, and another one at Feyziyeh Theology School of that holy city."

The Friday preacher reiterated, "They (the terrorists) wished to take revenge of a people that have not been influenced by three decades of our enemies' atheist propagation and were even planning to plant very strong bombs at this year's Tehran International Book Fair, that could have led to a huge catastrophe."

Member of the Leadership Experts Assembly referred to the political objectives of the corrupt terrorist grouplet and their undercover supporters, adding, "Their (the terrorists') other targets for bombing included the Consular Office of Russia and the sea-bed oil pipelines at Iran's Gonaveh Port City, all of which were by grace of God revealed and dismantled."

Jobless claims in United States drop to lowest level in 4 weeks

22 May 2008

by Martin Crutsinger

The number of newly laid off workers filing for unemployment benefits in the United States unexpectedly fell last week to the lowest level in a month.

The U.S. Labour Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless benefits totalled 365,000, down by 9,000 from last week. Economists had expected claims to rise slightly.

Even with the unexpected decline, claims remain at a level that indicates the labour market is under stress from the sluggish economy in the United States. The four-week average for claims rose slightly to 372,250, up significantly from a year ago when the four-week average was around the 300,000 mark.

Analysts predicted further increases in claims in the weeks ahead, reflecting an economy struggling to overcome a slumping housing market, a severe credit crunch and soaring gasoline prices.

"Over the next few months claims should climb towards the 400,000 mark as companies seek to control costs in the face of persistent very soft demand," predicted Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.

Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday it would make further cuts in the production of trucks and sport utility vehicles and did not rule out further layoffs and plant closings as the troubled U.S. auto industry is dealing with its worst sales prospects in a decade.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a CNBC interview Thursday that the economy is going through a rough patch "but we have policies in place to deal with it." He cited the 130 million economic stimulus payments that are being sent out as the government's chief weapon to combat a deep recession.

On Wall Street, stocks steadied after two sessions of steep declines. The Dow Jones industrial average finished Thursday up 24.43 points at 12,625.62.

The level of jobless claims has been difficult to read over the past few weeks because of troubles adjusting the claims figures to take into account this year's early Easter and the impact of a strike at an auto parts supplier for General Motors.

However, economists note that the trend for claims has been rising since last fall. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits was above the 3 million mark for the week ending May 10, the fourth straight week that has occurred. That is a level of continuing claims that has not been seen since 2004.

The U.S. Federal Reserve released a new economic outlook on Wednesday that showed Fed officials now expect economic activity to be much more sluggish this year, with the unemployment rate expected to rise more than the Fed had been forecasting.

The new Fed forecast predicted the unemployment rate will rise to between 5.5 per cent and 5.7 per cent by the end of this year, up from a forecast in January that projected unemployment would rise as high as 5.3 per cent. The unemployment rate is now 5 per cent.

The Fed projected that overall economic growth would slow to between 0.3 per cent and 1.2 per cent this year, down from the January forecast for growth that estimated growth of between 1.3 per cent and 2 per cent.

The Fed has aggressively cut interest rates seven times since September but Fed officials indicated in the minutes of their April meeting, released Wednesday, that interest rates will probably remain on hold at coming meetings because of concerns about inflation.

The economy has slowed to a crawl since the final three months of last year, with some analysts fearing the country has toppled into a recession. However, the Bush administration contends that the current sluggish period will end soon as 130 million households start spending their economic stimulus checks.

The U.S. Labour Department said the unemployment rate had risen to a level in Alaska that triggered extended benefits, the first state where that has occurred in the current slowdown.

The jobless claims report showed for the week ending May 10, there were 31 states and territories reporting a decline in unemployment applications and 22 that saw increases.

The largest increase was a rise of 6,637 in Michigan, attributed to higher layoffs in the auto industry. Claims were up by 3,344 in North Carolina and 2,202 in Georgia.

The biggest decline was a drop of 15,244 in New York that was attributed to fewer layoffs in the transportation and service industries. Other big declines in claims occurred in Kentucky, down 4,391 and Wisconsin, down 1,514.

Note:

U.S. president George W. Bush a little time back during one of his speeches, tried to reassure Americans that economic stimulus checks to boost the economy would be in mailboxes by the middle of May. Well, May is in its fall time and the mailboxes are still empty.

Many Americans consider it the economic stimulus package, that wasn’t.

Iraq's Babylon bears scars of US-led invasion

An Iraqi man points to a map showing what ancient Babylon must have looked liked at the entrance of the site in southern Iraq on 6 May.

23 May 2008

by Hassan Jouini

The last outsiders to visit the ruins of the once-mighty city of Babylon in Iraq came in tanks and helicopters, leaving a blight on its historic and fragile landscape, archaeologists say.

The city, born on the banks of the Euphrates River 5,000 years ago and full of priceless archaeological treasures, was transformed into a US military camp after the 2003 invasion with a heliport built among the ruins.

The base was later passed to Polish army control and despite the soldiers' departure in 2005, the damage left behind is evident. At a meeting in Berlin next month, Iraqi and other specialists will endeavour to assess the true level of damage.

Iraqi archaeologist Hadi Mussa Qataa, who guided an AFP reporter through the fragile ruins, said helicopter take-offs and landings, along with the tremors from the heavy rumble of armoured vehicles had damaged the city's historic monuments.

Babylon is located in the famed Fertile Crescent between the Euphrates and its sister river, the Tigris, some 85 kilometres (55 miles) southeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

When US-led troops invaded Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein, all that was visible of the ancient city was a collection of mud-brick buildings and debris together with new restoration projects commissioned by the Iraqi strongman.

Saddam was keen to stamp his mark on the site, also home to the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and commissioned a huge range of restoration projects starting in the 1980s.

Thousands of Sudanese workers were brought to the site to build monuments on top of the priceless ruins.

"Restoration of the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar under the glorious reign of Saddam Hussein," the tributes read.

Damage done to archaeological artefacts during the restoration work was made worse when US forces set up the 150-hectare (370-acre) base at the site in April 2003, the same month Saddam was overthrown.

Military digging involving soil containing materials of archaeological significance, the construction of the heliport and the seepage of fuel into the soil, all sparked concerns over the condition of the site.

The US military do not deny that damage occurred at some archaeological sites between 2003-2004 but since then, troops have "moved facilities away from many other important archaeological sites," a military spokesman told AFP by email.

A report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) branded described he damage caused during the military occupation of the site as "very serious."

Already the famous blue bricks that form the lions, bulls and dragons making up the decorations around the Gate of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love, have been found to have been damaged.

The original gate, on display at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, marked the entrance to the palace, temples and domestic dwellings of the city. These buildings were fashioned out of mud bricks which still bear Babylonian and Assyrian markings.

At least 32,000 items were pillaged from the 12,000 archaeological locations across Iraq during widespread looting which following the invasion. The US military denies involvement in any of the thefts of historical artefacts.

After the Poles left the camp, Babylon was handed over to the Iraqi Antiquities Authority but excavation work and restoration projects have both ground to a halt.

Today, a dirt track, several coils of barbed wire and a few sandbags are the only evidence to show that the ruins were used as a military base.

Leading archaeologists fearing for the physical safety of Babylon's remaining archaeological treasures, have launched efforts to protect the site from further damage and resume archaeological research.

They are pushing for Babylon to be included on a list of protected World Heritage sites. This would mean excavations could be relaunched and archaeologists from around the world would once more have a chance to probe Babylon's rich history.

"The Iraqi authorities must complete an enormous amount of work to achieve this objective and we must prepare a plan to accomplish it," Qataa said.

UNESCO representative in Iraq Mohamed Djelid, who is based in Amman, recognises that for the moment, Iraq is far from ready.

Recommendations made at a special meeting in November 2007 in Paris to discuss the situation in Iraq have still to be implemented, he said.

These include urging the Iraqi authorities to ratify a series of protocols on protection of archaeological sites and the battle against the illegal smuggling of art works.

Jewelry Boxes on Display in Old Havana

Palestinian nacre (mother-of-pearl) jewelry boxes, given by former Cuban President Fidel Castro, are on display at the Arab House in Havana on 22 May 2008.

A 'Babel' of temples, prayer rooms and domestic altars of Catholics, Evangelicals, Greek or Russian Orthodoxs, Jews, Muslims, Yorubas and Congos coexist in a strip of 4 square km of Old Havana.

Something like these jewelry boxes, being found in a collection in Cuba is actually not surprising, while I do not know exactly how these boxes came to be in Cuba.

Nevertheless, it is well known, that dignitaries throughout history have always thought that the beauty and craftsmanship that was only found in Palestine was considered a great prize to own and to give as gifts; it was considered a great honor to receive such a gift.

Many items from tapestries, to pillow covers, even camels or Christians symbols made out of olive wood, can be found under the same instance as these boxes.

As for the camel, I happen to own one, I found it in a store in the United States and what was interesting is I bought it for little money, because the own did not know what it was or where it had came from. When I explained, what the camel was and where it came from, they where overwhelmed.

Fashion Show Error

Caption: A Palestinian dressed in traditional clothes takes part in a fashion show at a folklore evening in the square in front of the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem late May 22, 2008. Participants of the investment conference for the Palestinian territories were treated to a folkloric event with traditional costumes, dancing and customs.

There is a bit of a problem with this picture, the participants usually at a conference even with this one being illegal is that they are usually attended by men. Therefore, something like this fashion show would be unacceptable.

The clothing is another matter, while some of the designs may have a small bit of Palestinian flavor, the clothing is predominantly old Turkish and Moroccan in flavor, furthermore, some of the women are immodestly attired to appear in front of a room full of men, they look more like they are selling there personal wears, then what they are wearing.

While the conference by Mahmoud Abbas’s terrorist organization is strictly to drum up money to finance terrorism, instead of anything legitimate, accept for the United States, which has sent money to fund terrorism, it is hoped that others within the Middle East or globally have not bought into this corruption.

For the only investment that is to pertained at this conference is more global terrorism and in no way to help the Palestinian people, but more in toon to selfish gain.
Furthermore, it is a wonder if Abbas’s terrorist organization is also using Prostitution now, to finance there brand of terrorism.

Nevertheless, under normal circumstances, women would not be disrespected in such a manner.

Other Conference News:
Friday, Salaam Fayad of the Abbas terrorist organization has claimed that alleged investments to promote terrorist activities of $1.4 billion have been agreed on at the end of the three-day corruption conference.

Al-Zuman Becomes First Saudi to Conquer Everest

22 May 2008
by Ghazanfar Ali Khan

Thirty-year-old Farouk Saad Hamad Al-Zuman planted a Saudi flag on the summit of Mt. Everest yesterday, becoming the first Saudi to conquer the world’s highest peak. The green Saudi flag was unfurled at 12.30 p.m. Saudi time.

“Farouk has made all of us proud,” said Aasma Al-Yahya, Al-Zuman’s mother. “I thank Allah that my son’s purpose and the Saudi nation’s mission have been successfully completed.”

Three members of the 10-person expedition failed to reach the top, with one Japanese climber dying on the way. “But Al-Zuman made history and has now been fondly nicknamed the ‘Sir Edmund Hillary of Saudi Arabia,’” said Al-Zuman’s boss and sponsor, Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of Attariq Communications.

“A total of seven members of our expedition team succeeded to reach the top,” said Al-Zuman, a PR strategist and graduate of Oregon State University in the US.

Al-Zuman’s mother said there were tense moments during the climb. “We were concerned about his safety and health as we lost contact for quite some time after Farouk’s satellite phone failed to work or got disrupted from time to time.”

Hamid Ansari, the Nepalese ambassador to the Kingdom, congratulated the climber. “I was happy to know that this young Saudi has reached the summit and unfurled the Saudi flag, which bears the name of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” said Ansari.

“This climb was made in the wake of harsh climatic conditions and deadly blizzards. It is not an easy task,” he added.

Al-Zuman, a black belt in Tae Kwondo and professional swimmer, is an experienced mountain climber. Previously, he scaled Mt. Rainer in Washington, US, Mt. Halealala in Maui, Hawaii, and Mt. Shasta in California.

Al-Zuman is the first Arab this year to climb the peak. A large number of people have died attempting to reach the top since the first historic climb by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Nepalese guide Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The death rate for Mt. Everest climbers is about one in 10.

'U.S. Airstrike Kills 8 Civilians in Iraq'

Residents pray near the bodies of civilians killed in an air strike, during a funeral in Baiji, 180km (112 miles) north of Baghdad 21 May 2008.

An American helicopter strike killed eight civilians, including two children, during an air assault near the northern Iraqi town of Baiji, the Iraqi police said on Thursday.

The cover story by the military, was they were “known terrorists,” among the civilians killed.

This has gotten to be just the same old story, to cover the fact they have been going against the Geneva Convention to the toon of over one million dead Iraqi’s, including men, women, children and the elderly.

Seems to be if the U.S. kills someone or does not like him or her for some reason, call him or her some form of terrorist to cover up a crime.

Furthermore, if the truth were known, it would be a completely different story and the Bush Administration certainly does not wish the global public, especially the American populace to become overly outraged if they hear the truth.

If it is too Good to Be True

Mahmoud Abbas delivers a speech at the opening session of the Palestine Investment Conference on 21 May 2008 in the city of Bethlehem. Hundreds of business and political leaders converged on Bethlehem today for a conference aimed at boosting the West Bank's economy through private investment. The first ever Palestine Investment Conference aims at spurring investor interest by showcasing business opportunities and projects.

22 May 2008

There is an old saying, ‘if it is too good to be true it is not’ and as far as Mahmoud Abbas’s conference is concerned that is what you’re buying, nothing more then a blind race horse.

For one the conference is illegal, because it is nothing but a scheme to milk money out of people for Abbas’s terrorist organization is about broke and they have not been able to make money the legitimate way, so they thought they would try a scheme like this.

Abbas also has no authority to do anything in regards to helping Palestine and never has, which has gotten to be a humorous joke on him.

So everyone at the conference save your money and if you wish to help Palestine, go with the people that actuality is able to assist you, for a corrupt scheme by a terrorist organization, to further their cause to harm people is not the way to go.

Furthermore, the U.S. government will provide $550 million in direct financial support, 150 million has already been transferred to Abbas terrorist organization under the guise of this conference.

Stuck Nose

22 May 2008

One thing that can be said about the Bush Administration, when it comes to foreign policy, they seem to love to keep sticking there nose in places where it does not belong.

Especially, these days when it comes towards any thing having to do with the Middle East, the Bush administration would be better off fixing there own spiraling problems in their own country, then making the whole world disgusted for there constant intrusions and ideas of western reforms, when it is not asked for nor wanted.

Otherwise, it would be a happy day, when the Bush Administration or even the predecessors, learn to mind there own business and let the Middle East take care of there own.

For it is better to win friends, that get a bent nose from a door.

Rhythm of Surrender

Rhythm of Allah

Can you hear the rhythm of Allah's creation?

The rhythm of the clapping of the thunder and the rain?

Can you see the rhythm of Allah's creation?

The lightening and leaves and the seasons as they change?

Nasheed by Dawud Wharnsby Ali

Lost Chinese Earthquake Victim

A kitten roams in quake-devastated Beichuan county in southwest China's Sichuan province Tuesday 20 May 2008.

Rescuers had been evacuated from the county-seat town after warnings of a strong aftershock and lakes upstream.

China says the current confirmed death toll from the earthquake, has risen to 51,151.

Bush Speaks About Human Rights

Bush signs Genetic Anti-discrimination Bill

21 May 2008

Genetic discrimination by employers or medical insurers is now illegal.

President Bush has signed legislation to protect people from losing their jobs or health insurance when genetic testing reveals they are susceptible to costly diseases. The anti-discrimination measure aims to ensure that advances in DNA testing won't end up being used against people.

Bush praised the bill for protecting "our citizens from having genetic information misused."

Sponsors of the legislation call it a groundbreaking protection of civil rights. About a dozen of them gathered in the Oval Office as Bush signed the bill.

Communication Misunderstandings

One thing about communication, especially if one is trying to understand a language not necessarily there first language, is it is very easy sometimes to misunderstand a spoken message or just what a person is trying to convey in many forms of communication.

This sometimes creates misdirection on a particular situation or hurt feelings because of the misunderstanding at or shortly there after, the situation happens.

A person should confront with effort in correcting the situation or apologize for what caused the hurt to begin with; so both parties can find a happy ground and the world can smell a little better in the fresh air after the storm.

In addition, no one likes to walk around, in a distorted rainstorm of confusion and sadness.
Worse case scenario, imagine, several people understanding more then one language in consultation for surgery and you are the next one for surgery; furthermore, the one language they have in common is limited.

Golan Heights Training

Israeli tank troops take a break from training at their encampment during a live-fire exercise 21 May 2008 near the Israeli city of Katzrin in the Golan Heights.

Israel and Syria announced today they are holding indirect peace talks brokered by Turkey, with Damascus demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from the strategic Golan Heights in return for a comprehensive peace.

Israeli tank stirs up dust on the firing range during a training exercise.

Jews Celebrate Lag BaOmer

Jewish children roast marshmallows on the beach in the northern city of Netanya on 21 May 2008 during celebrations marking the holy day of Lag BaOmer, a Jewish festival which marks Bar Yochai's death.

Thousands of Jews light large bonfires all night long in many areas of the Jewish sector.

Bar Yochai was one of the most important sages in Jewish history some 1,800 years ago, during the Roman occupation in Palestine.

According to the Talmud, Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai criticized the Roman government and was forced to go into hiding with his son for many years in a cave.

He is noted for many Jewish works mainly in mysticism, among other phenomena, according to Jewish tradition.

Turning Muslim In Texas

A Short documentary about how Christians are turning to Islam in Texas, as well as the possible scope of what it is like for a hand full of reverts and there opinions.

There is an estimated 4,000 Muslims in Texas.

On a personal note, what is always interesting for me, as my family had always been Muslims since the days of Muhammad (PBUH) and to see and hear reverts, because in the United States their views on not just Islam, but the different areas of the country itself, is so diversified.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

U.S. military Shoots Dead 11 in Iraq

21 May 2008

The U.S. military said its troops shot dead 11 alleged militants in the Obaidi district close to Sadr City on Wednesday, but police and several residents said that at least some of the dead were civilians killed by U.S. snipers.

The U.S. military made said accusations that all those killed were members of "special groups," for rogue units of Sadr's Mehdi Army militia accused of receiving funding and training from Iran.

Iran must have an excessive amount of funding, because anyone that the U.S. does not seem to like always appears to be getting funding from Iran or other same old innuendos.

Bush vetoes farm bill, saying it is irresponsible

21 May 2008

By DEB RIECHMANN

President Bush vetoed the $300 billion farm bill on Wednesday, calling it a tax increase on regular Americans at a time of high food prices in the face of a near-certain override by Congress.

It was the 10th veto of Bush's presidency. But since it passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof majorities, his action will likely be overridden.

The president believes the legislation is fiscally irresponsible and gives away too much money to wealthy farmers, yet his criticism rang hollow with lawmakers from both parties who voted for increased crop subsidies, food stamps for the poor and other goodies to help their districts in an election year.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said lawmakers should think twice before they override Bush's veto.

"Members are going to have to think about how they will explain these votes back in their districts at a time when prices are on the rise," she said. "People are not going to want to see their taxes increase."

Perino said the bill is $20 billion over the current baseline — "way too much to ask taxpayers right now."

"This bill is bloated," she said. "When grocery bills are on the rise, Congress is asking families to pay more in subsidies to wealthy farmers at a time of record farm profits."

In announcing Bush's veto, White House budget director Jim Nussle said Bush rejected it because it increases federal spending. He said Americans are frustrated with wasteful government spending and the funneling of taxpayer funds to pet projects. "This only worsens the frustration that they will feel," Nussle said, adding that Congress should extend the current farm bill.

About two-thirds of the bill would pay for nutrition programs such as food stamps and emergency food aid for the needy. An additional $40 billion is for farm subsidies while almost $30 billion would go to farmers to idle their land and to other environmental programs.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said that the measure will drastically increase nutrition initiatives that will help 38 million U.S. families put food on their tables. She made it clear she would have preferred smaller farm subsidies, but deferred to some Democratic colleagues looking ahead to the fall campaign.

Some Republicans criticized the mostly bipartisan and popular bill because a few home-state pet causes, including tax breaks for Kentucky racehorse owners and additional aid for salmon fishermen in the Pacific Northwest.

The bill also would:

_Boost nutrition programs, including food stamps and emergency domestic food aid, by more than $10 billion over 10 years. It would expand a program to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to schoolchildren.

_Increase subsidies for certain crops, including fruits and vegetables excluded from previous farm bills.

_Extend dairy programs.

_Increase loan rates for sugar producers.

_Urge the government to buy surplus sugar and sell it to ethanol producers for use in a mixture with corn.

_Cut a per-gallon ethanol tax credit for refiners from 51 cents to 45 cents. The credit supports the blending of fuel with the corn-based additive. More money would go to cellulosic ethanol, made from plant matter.

_Require that meats and other fresh foods carry labels with their country of origin.

_Stop allowing farmers to collect subsidies for multiple farm businesses.

_Reopen a major discrimination case against the Agriculture Department. Thousands of black farmers who missed a deadline would get a chance to file claims alleging they were denied loans or other subsidies.

_Pay farmers for weather-related farm losses from a new $3.8 billion disaster relief fund.