Pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel

We should remember our brothers and sisters in Israel in these trying times. The world sometimes overlooks the aggressions of others and the sacrifices that Israel makes each day.

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied - Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of G_d. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.

King George VI, Christmas ~ New Year's message, Dec 23, 1939. Quote from Minnie Louise Haskin.Be'ahavat Yisrael

Merry Christmas 2008

They came "from the east to Jerusalem" to worship the Christ child, "born King of the Jews".

Best Wishes and Seasons Greeting during this Christmas 2008.

The reason for the season!!

God Bless,

Bosun

Technorati tags: merry christmas 2008, magi, jerusalem Day, seasons greetings.

MEMRI: Rising Inter-Arab Tensions: Saudi Arabia and Egypt versus Syria and Iran

Courtesy of MEMRI

Tensions have recently increased between the pro-Western, moderate Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the Iranian-Syrian axis, which supports Hizbullah, Hamas and the resistance in Iraq. Saudi Arabia and Egypt accused Iran and Syria of attempting to destabilize the region by interfering in the internal affairs of Arab countries and nurturing the resistance movements in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories. They also accused Syria of dividing the Arab ranks and helping the non-Arab Iran to take over the Middle East, to the detriment of Arab interests.

Syria and Iran, for their part, accused Saudi Arabia and Egypt of being pro-American and pro-Israeli and of pursuing a conciliatory policy aimed at undermining the activity of the resistance movements. Recent political initiatives by Saudi Arabia – namely, the November 2008 Interfaith Dialogue Conference in New York, and the efforts to promote the Saudi peace initiative – were portrayed as attempts to achieve normalization with Israel and to deny the Palestinians' right of return. Saudi King 'Abdallah was branded by Syria as an "infidel" and "collaborator with the Imperialist Satan," while Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was called a "traitor" and a "tyrant" who should be assassinated like the late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.

The prevailing tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, on the one hand, and Syria and Iran, on the other, have intensified further following the recent terrorist attacks in Lebanon and Syria, with Syria accusing Saudi Arabia and the Lebanese March 14 Forces of supporting fundamentalist organizations in Lebanon, such as Fath Al-Islam, which, they claimed, was responsible for the September 2008 terrorist attack in Damascus. In response, Saudi Arabia and the March 14 Forces stated that it was Syria that had created and nurtured Fath Al-Islam, with the goal of undermining Lebanon's stability and regaining control over it. They contended that the Damascus attack had been aimed at creating a false impression that the Syrian regime was also suffering from terrorism. 

Conflict also arose between Egypt and Hamas, after Egypt opened its border to Gaza pilgrims en route to Mecca but Hamas subsequently prevented them from reaching the border. This crisis, too, developed into a wide-scale conflict between Egypt and Saudi Arabia vs. Syria and Iran. Egypt accused Hamas of harming the Palestinians even more than Israel is, thereby promoting the interests of Syria and Iran, who are anxious to perpetuate the Palestinian problem rather than resolve it. Syria, Iran, and Hamas accused Egypt of being responsible for the siege of Gaza and of not acting as a neutral mediator between the Palestinian factions. In Iran, there have even been calls to topple the Saudi and Egyptian regimes.

The following are three reports on the recent inter-Arab tension:

• Rising Inter-Arab Tensions, Part I – Deepening Crisis in Saudi-Syrian Relations By: C. Jacob *
• Rising Inter-Arab Tensions, Part II – Egypt Trades Accusations with Hamas, Syria, Iran By: L. Azuri
• Rising Inter-Arab Tensions, Part III – Syria, Saudi Arabia Clash over Fath Al-Islam By: H. Varulkar *

 BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE GAP BETWEEN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE WEST

MEMRI holds copyrights on all translations. Materials may ONLY be cited with proper attribution.

Technorati tags: saudi arabia, egypt, hamas, gaza, iran, syria, islam, muslim, inter arab tensions, shia, sunni, fath al islam, damacus, imperialist satan, mubarak, sadat, abdullah, interfaith dialogue conference, middle east, arabian penisula, hizbullah, moderate arab countries, pro western

Iran using Venezuela ties to duck UN sanctions: report

According to AFP and Iran Focus: Iran is using its warm relations with Venezuela to dodge UN sanctions and use Venezuelan aircraft to ship missile parts to Syria, an Italian newspaper reported Sunday.

Citing US and other Western intelligence agencies, La Stampa said Iran is using aircraft from Venezuelan airline Conviasa to transport computers and engine components to Syria for use in missiles.

The material comes from Iranian industrial group Shahid Bagheri, listed in the annex of UN Security Council Resolution 1737, adopted in December 2006, for involvement in Iran's ballistic missile programme.

For the rest of the story, please visit my friends over at Iran Focus: Iran using Venezuela ties to duck UN sanctions: report

Free Compean and Ramos, Mr. President

Courtesy of World Net Daily:  Mr. President! Free Ramos and Compean
Thousands signing petition to pardon Border Patrol agents

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WASHINGTON – In just the first 72 hours, more than 15,000 people have signed a petition to free imprisoned Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, a campaign that was launched by WND Editor Joseph Farah.

"I am calling on President Bush to do the right thing before he leaves office Jan. 20," said Farah. "These are the pardons or sentence commutations the American people want to see more than any other. We don't want to see any more drug dealers freed. We don't want to see any other millionaires get pardons. We don't want to see any other well-connected crooks have their sentences overturned. We want to see Ramos and Compean out and their reputations restored."

Ramos and Compean are serving sentences of 11 and 12 years respectively for the shooting of an illegal alien drug smuggler in the line of duty. The drug dealer received only minor injuries and was given full immunity from prosecution by the federal prosecutor in return for his testimony against the agents.

They were convicted and sentenced under a law requiring a minimum 10-year sentence for the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime – a law the Congress never intended to apply to law enforcement officers. They have already served nearly two years in prison – mostly solitary confinement.

"Personally, I want to see these two men home for Christmas," said Farah. "Enough is enough. Their convictions and sentences were miscarriages of justice. President Bush has one last chance to demonstrate he really has a 'compassionate conservative' heart beating inside his chest. This is the test."

Farah said he does not believe Bush will act without massive pressure from the American people.

"I hope millions of Americans will join me in this plea right now," he said. "I know of no better way than to sign this petition, which I pledge to use to get the attention of the White House."

Sign the petition to free imprisoned Border Patrol agents now.

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Previous stories at World Net Daily:

Families tearfully put hope in clemency during last days

No mercy for jailed Border Patrol agent

Rules allow border agents to seek clemency

Border agent convictions upheld by court of appeals

What did government promise drug smuggler?

New ethics complaint targets Ramos-Compean prosecutor

'Ramos, Compean must ask for clemency'

Call renewed for pardons for border agents

Pardon me: Bush blasted for ignoring border agents

'Free agents by Christmas' plan gains momentum

House resolution wants Ramos, Compean freed

Another win for border agent who struck illegal

Feds admit smuggler lied in Ramos-Compean case

Jailed border agents plead for new trial

Rights 'denied' Ramos, Compean

Ramos, Compean feared for their lives

Drug smuggler arrested for 2nd marijuana load

'Pardon Ramos and Compean now!'

Arrest prompts call for release of Ramos, Compean

Bush won't get involved in Ramos, Compean review

Lawmaker: Terrorists treated better than Ramos, Compean

Texas deputy freed from prison

Jailed Texas deputy scheduled for release

Gil Hernandez 'fears for his life'

Border Patrol agent vindicated

Sheriff sees pattern in border agents' cases

Feds seeking 7 years for another Texas cop

Justice urged to release Ramos-Compean documents

Records prompt call for new Ramos-Compean trial

Congressman: Bush 'doesn't give a damn'

Cop called 'double agent' in Ramos-Compean case

Ramos, Compean release on bond nixed

Border agents' case inspires song

Feinstein still probing Ramos-Compean case

Judicial Watch seeks records in Ramos-Compean case

Sheriff: Deputy prosecuted by Mexico's demand

Senate hearings on Ramos-Compean postponed

Smuggler's 2nd drug case confirmed by accomplice

Ramos attorney calls for mistrial

Smuggler's 2nd delivery of marijuana confirmed

Congressman: Probe Mexico's role in prosecutions

Mexico demanded U.S. prosecute sheriff, agents

Discrepancies in case against Border Patrol unresolved

Compean reports reading half of Bible already

How cozy was Border Patrol with smuggler?

Border Patrol agents fired for changing testimonies

Drug smuggler left cell phone in van

Border-agent investigator had tie to smuggler

Author of DHS border-agent report lied to Congress

Officials urged to resign for lie about border agents

Government admits lying about jailed border agents

Imprisoned border agent did report shooting

Imprisoned border agent beaten by fellow inmates

Prosecutor had evidence against drug smuggler

Poe seeks 'public' documents on border agents

Prosecutor accused of hiding smuggler's 2nd drug bust

Homeland Security memos contradict U.S. attorney

Uproar over border agents to get White House review

Feds 'knew smuggler' in Border Patrol case

Ballistics data don't support charge against border agents

Funds set up for Border Patrol agents

Congressman: Feds stonewalling on border agents

Border agent's wife at State of the Union

Revolt builds as Republicans seek to toss border agents' convictions

Border Patrol agent held in solitary confinement

Imprisoned agent's wife: President is a hypocrite

Border agents' prosecutor responds to critics

Border agents sent to prison

Border agents plead for 'Christmas pardon'

White House clarifies 'nonsensical' comment'

12 congressmen demand pardon for border agents

Snow says question on agents' prison time 'nonsensical'

Technorati tags: compean, ramos, border patrol, drug smuggling, liberalism, christmas pardon

After inauguration, President Obama plans major address in Islamic Capital

Assalamu Alaikum my Muslim friends, Kafirs, Ahl al-Kitab, and people of the world.
Inshallah khayr, ma salama (All will be well, Allah willing, go in peace)

WASHINGTON, (AFP) – President-elect Barack Obama plans to give "a major address" in an Islamic capital soon after taking office as he seeks to mend America's image in the Muslim world, a Chicago Tribune interview said.

"I think we've got a unique opportunity to reboot America's image around the world and also in the Muslim world in particular," Obama said in the interview published late Tuesday on the Tribune's website.

Obama promised an "unrelenting" desire to "create a relationship of mutual respect and partnership in countries and with peoples of good will who want their citizens and ours to prosper together."

The world "is ready for that message." Link: Obama plans major address in Islamic capital: interview

Maybe it is a mistake, maybe it is not. Why do the Jews want to make peace with Muhammadans and other Arabs? It makes common sense, my friends? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. It is fast becoming a majority in lands that were once Christian or secular. We do have to find a way to come to terms with Islam. It is documented in history of past concessions with Islam and how disastrous it was. I pray for reformation and enlightenment of the Islamic faith to allow Kafir and Ahl al-Kitab to live in peace with the Arab world. Until then, it may be foolhardy to make concessions. I am curious what President-elect Obama intends to do.....

Technorati tags: obama, islam, muslim, kafir, ahl al-kitab, arab world, concessions, obama plans major address in islamic capital, muhammadans, christian, jew, jewish, hebrew people, israel

Culture of Corruption

Bosun,

Between Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, it has been a politically active few days.

I will spare the hyperbole. These stories sell themselves.

Thank heavens Isabel Sanford ( Louise "Weezy" Jefferson ) did not live to see this.  With that I offer Willie, Blago, and Weezie.

• http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2008/12/how-illinois-governor-rod-blagojevich-can-survive/
• http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2008/12/wwwd-what-would-weezie-do/

Again, for those with something to promote, please let me know. I am happy to help.

Tygrrrr Express

Technorati tags: tygrrrr express, culture of corruption, louisiana congressman, william jefferson, hyperbole, illinois governor, rod blagojevich

Qur'an: The gospel truth?

Courtesy of the Jerusalem Post

By SEAN GANNON

September 26 marked the 20th anniversary of Viking Penguin's publication of Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses. While generally well-received by the critics, its treatment of Islamic themes in a series of narrative subplots was quickly deemed blasphemous and Viking Penguin's refusal to heed demands for its withdrawal led to an international furor, culminating in an Iranian fatwa sentencing Rushdie to death. His crime? Responsibility for a book which was "compiled, printed and published in opposition to Islam, the prophet and the Koran" and "dared to insult the Islamic sanctities."

Photo: Bloomberg - An 800-year-old manuscript of the Koran, written in gold. Did the Islamic holy book emerge out of a two-centuries-long dialogue between Muslims and the Christians and Jews they encountered during the Islamic con quest?

That Rushdie was forced to spend 10 years in hiding (and still lives under threat of execution) on the grounds that The Satanic Verses, a work of fiction, represented a "total distortion of the historical facts" about Islam is deeply ironic, given that a genuine critico-historical assault on "Islamic sanctities" had been under way for more than a decade with no repercussions.

Spearheaded by scholars at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), it focused largely on the Koran, which these so-called new historians of Islam subjected to modern historical and philological analysis. Their findings flatly contradict the Islamic account of its origins.

According to this account, the Koran represents the uncorrupted word of God, "constant, immaculate, unalterable and inimitable." It was transmitted to man through Muhammad, a prosperous Meccan merchant who received it via the angel Gabriel as a series of verse revelations between 610 and his death in 632. Uneducated and illiterate, Muhammad committed these revelations to memory before reciting them to his followers, who memorized them verbatim in turn. The killing of hundreds of these "memorizers" in the battle of Yamama in 633 alerted his successor as Muslim leader, the first caliph, Abu Bakr, to the danger that the revelations could be lost. He therefore gathered all available sources into a loose compilation called the suhuf which was then used by the third caliph, Uthman, to produce in the mid-650s a standardized text of the Koran. Copies were sent to Islamic communities with orders that all other versions be destroyed. Muslims believe this Uthmanic recension is the Koran as we have it today.

Did the Islamic holy book emerge out of a two-centuries-long dialogue between Muslims and the Christians and Jews they encountered during the Islamic con quest?  For the rest of the commentary, please visit the Jerusalem Post, Qur'an: The gospel truth?

Technorati tags: muhammed, qur'an, mecca, suhuf, uthmanic recension, muslim, christian, jew, gospel truth, islamic sanctities, salman rushdie, satanic verses, yamama, abu bakr, uthman, prophet of the koran

US Senate After Christmas Seats for Sale

Need I say any more

Are Minnesotans being recruited for Jihad in Somalia?

So now, are some Somali youth in Minnesotastan, USA, joining the JIHAD in Somalia?
Link: Jihad Recruiting Effort May Explain Missing Somalis in Minneapolis Area

Dozens of young Somali men in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have disappeared in recent months, causing community members and U.S. intelligence officials to fear that they are joining jihadist groups in Somalia.

Officials are especially concerned that some of the men may be destined to return to the U.S. after they have received terrorist training.

(Bosun's comment: Hmmmmmmmm, wonder if this is a Trojan horse technique to introduce jihad in the United States at a later date?)

The missing young men have been the focus of some attention since late October, when Shirwa Ahmed, a naturalized U.S. citizen, died in a suicide bombing in northern Somalia. Ahmed was a 1999 graduate of Minneapolis's Roosevelt High School.

Immigrating to the United States from another country and wanting to return home to visit friends or family should not be a red flag or cause any concern.

What causes peaceful a Muhammadan to turn into a lunatic fanatic, as the case of Shirwa Ahmed, a graduate of Minneapolis' Roosevelt High School?

Now he is a dead homicide bomber.

How about Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, the 1999 valedictorian at the Islamic Saudi Academy, Northern Virginia, who was convicted of joining Al Qaeda and plotting to assassinate President Bush? Jihadi Ali was a United States Citizen, born in Houston, Texas, and raised mostly in the U.S. His father worked for the Saudi embassy and the family moved to to Jordan for four years.  They returned to Falls Church, Virginia, when Abu Ali was 14 or 15. Jihadi Ali's father worked at the Saudi Embassy in Washington. Now he (Jihadi Ali not his father) is a convicted terrorist.

Let us not forget John Phillip Walker Lindh and Adam Gahdan, two Californians who converted to Islam. What caused them to turn into lunatics?  We should be studying and exploring as to what caused peaceful Muhammadans to metamorphose into radical Muhammadans.  Do they and potentially thousands of others pose a threat to the stability of the United States of America or are these simply isolated incidents not worthy of serious concern?

What causes a peaceful Muhammadan to become a raving Islamist lunatic?

Technorati tags: ahmed omar abu ali, john phillip walker lindh, adam gahdan, muhammadan, jihadist, jihad, muslim, shirwa ahmed, somalia, minneapolis, minnesota, Islamic Saudi Academy, Northern Virginia, falls church