Heartache Video: 5 Year Old Set on Fire in Iraq (Updated, Bumped)

Jesus wept. There has been some discussion in the Sandcrawler over whether or not the Shriners might be able to help. I hope so.

It's not clear who set this five year old child on fire, the assailants were wearing masks. We can be certain of one thing: it wasn't U.S. soldiers, regardless of what future Scott Beauchamps might suggest.

Warning: tears may flow.

UPDATE 6/23: CNN adds this addendum to the story:

This story has generated an amazing amount of support for Youssif and his family. CNN is in touch with aid organizations that may be able to help. We know how concerned you are and how much you want to help. So we'll pass on information as soon as we have it.

We certainly hope this child will be helped. And soon.

Update II 6/23 (by Howie) Great news, help is on the way for Youssif!

Via CNN: The Children's Burn Foundation -- a non-profit organization based out of Sherman Oaks, California, that provides support for burn victims locally, nationally and internationally -- has agreed to pay for the transportation for Youssif and his family to come to the United States and to set up a fund so you can donate. Photo See photos of Youssif before and after the attack »

The foundation says it will cover all medical costs -- from surgeries for Youssif to housing costs to any social rehabilitation that might be needed for him. Surgeries will be performed by Dr. Peter Grossman, a plastic surgeon with the affiliated-Grossman Burn Center who is donating his services for Youssif's.

Officials are still trying to get the appropriate visas for his travels. Youssif could be in the United States for up to a year for the various treatments he needs.

You can make a donation at the foundation's site by clicking here. There's a drop down menu under the "general donation" area that is marked "Youssif's fund."

When informed of the news in Baghdad, Youssif ran around his house, saying, "Daddy, daddy, am I really going to get on a plane?!"

"I feel like I am going to fly from happiness," his father told CNN's Arwa Damon, who reported the story on what happened to Youssif.

What a great response from people all over the internet and around blogosphere. I truely believe that things like this are just as important as fighting the enemy. Some times allies must be won one at time.

Jesus smiles again! more...

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Iran Canes Man for Having Sex, Drinking

The Jawa Report is banned in Iran for reporting on things like public lashings and the hanging of 16 year old girls for crimes such as making love, or fighting back against your rapist. Heh, the moderate Muslim State of Iran, looks like a repressive dictatorship to me.Via The Daily Mail:

His face covered by a balaclava, an official brandishing a cane repeatedly lashes the back of a man found guilty of breaking Iran's morality laws.

Two police officers hold the legs of 25-year-old Saeed Ghanbari and another his arms to ensure there is no escape from the punishment of 80 lashes handed down by a religious court.

Traffic was brought to a halt in Qazvin, 90 miles west of the capital Tehran, as more than 1,000 men gathered behind barricades to watch the public flogging...

...One police officer held his hands together beneath the bench, two others gripped his legs to ensure there was little movement.

Two police officers stood-by, their faces covered with balaclavas - each to administer 40 lashes.

Both men then lashed Ghanbari, taking the cane back behind their heads to guarantee maximum impact, each stroke leaving a distinctive red mark and bruising on his back.

Several wounds began to bleed.

It was unclear exactly what his offence had been as the country's strict morality laws cover many areas, but it was reported he had been convicted of abusing alcohol and having sex outside of marriage.

Somehow I fail to find much about Sharia law that is in any way moderate. But there is resistance amongst the people of Iran against the hard line religious regime. See this video for example.Video hat tip to Gerald. If you are like me, you probably had a bit of trouble understanding what was said in the video. Garduneh Mehr has graciously provided us with these links about Iran shelling and massing troops on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan and also a full translation of the video above as well. See below the fold. more...

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NYC Muslim Calls Korean Hostages "Terrorists", Smiles at thought of Daniel Pearl Style Beheading

American Muslim convert and New York City native Yousef al-Khattab outdoes himself and compares the Korean hostages to "terrorists" and suggests that because they are guilty of the "crime" of trying to convert Muslim children that they are worthy of Daniel Pearl's death--beheading.

Khattab's Youtube account was suspended because of outrage generated by LGF and other blog readers, including this one, over remarks praising the murder of Daniel Pearl. It looks like al-Khattab has stealthily reentered the Youtube community as SeeFourAtUrDoor. We know this is Khattab because it has his photo up (image right) and also a link to his website where the video is embedded and labeled "Korean Terrorist Crusaders in Afghanistan".

In his Youtube description of the video which shows Afghan children reciting Christian prayers and singing songs, Khattab, who was born Joseph Cohen before converting from Judaism to Islam and taking a new name, says:

Don't fool yourselves the Taliban are not barbarians like the US & it's coalition forces NAY, these Korean Crusaders were tried and sentenced just as the spy Daniel Pearl was. No apology from this Muslim, rather a BIG smile and lots of Duaa (supplications) for my Taliban brothers in Islam.

P.S. I neither support nor condone the Taliban.

He doesn't support them, but it makes him smile to think that the Taliban will behead these civilian hostages? And he asks for prayers for the Taliban, who he, you know, "doesn't support"?

How long before Youtube suspends Khattab's account this time? Hopefully sooner than all the other awful jihadi supporters on Youtube.

I had seen this video several times before on Islamic forum, all with similar reactions, but hadn't thought twice about it until Howie pointed out that Khattab had it up at his website and Youtube page with his despicable comments.

I'm not saying that trying to convert children to ones religion is the best way for any type of missionary to go--Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, or whatever-- but for whatever lack of class that might show it certainly isn't something worthy of death.

Of course, Islam alone officially prescribes the death penalty (as a maximum penalty) for both the apostate and the missionary trying to induce the Muslim to leave the faith. Barbaric.

But I find it absolutely outrageous that an American living in New York City would have such sentiments!

It's not even clear why the children are there. Islamists on the forums linking the video make it sound as if the children are tricked into saying the Christian prayers and songs. But it's not clear that they aren't the children of Christian converts. Nor is it even clear that those leading the prayers and songs are Korean missionaries let alone the same Koreans being held hostage by the Taliban.

I hope the NYPD and the FBI have an eye on Khattab. I know he claims he doesn't support terrorism, but that means nothing from a guy who excludes the beheading murder of civilian hostages from his definition of terror.

Video below.

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin notes that today is day 35 of the Korean hostage crisis and the Taliban have renewed their threats to murder the hostages. Check out the photo she posts of the hostages, do they look like 'terrorists' to you? Somewhere on the streets of NYC Khattab is smiling....... more...

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Taliban "Constitution": We the Taliban in order to form a more perfect Emirate...

...establish sharia, ensure domestic dhimmitude, provide for the common jihad, promote the general heroin trade, and secure the blessings of 72 virgins for ourselves and our 12 year old martyrs, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Or something like that.

Interestingly enough, while the writing of this "Constitution" began when the Taliban were in power it wasn't "passed" by the "Supreme Shura Council" until June of 2005. The Taliban have been calling themselves "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" for sometime in an effort to project a "shadow government" vibe. This Constitution-in-exile reiterates the Taliban's public stance, as put forth by Qari Youssef Mohammed and other spokespeople, that they are the "legitimate" government of Afghanistan.

Laura Mansfield has the entire document, but you have to subscribe to her Strategic Translations services for it.

I hadn't seen this before, so if you're interested, here are some highlights of the "Taliban Constitution". Note the references to jihad, prohibition of religious conversion, and sharia within the text of the Constitution itself. more...

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German Hostage: "I Am in Very Bad Shape"

A German news report shows video footage of hostage Rudolf Blechschmidt, coughing and grasping his chest as he speaks:

"I am a prisoner of the Taliban here in Afghanistan," said the man, who identified himself as Rudolf Blechschmidt.

"I ask my friends, my family, my two sons to put more pressure on the German authorities in order to get us free."

"I am in very bad shape," he said. "My medication for my heart issue will run out in three days."

Blechschmidt was abducted in Afghanistan July 18 along with fellow engineer Ruediger Diedrich and 6 Afghan colleagues. Diedrich was shot to death a few days later after collapsing on a forced march through the mountains of Wardak province. One of the Afghans was released along with Diedrich's body; the other 5 are still being held by the Taliban.

One of the five Afghan hostages also sent a message to President Hamid Karzai, begging for help: (via Reuters):

"In the name of God, we are five Afghans and two Germans, abducted by Taliban, among us one of the Germans had a heart attack and has died, and the second German has diabetes, he has heart problems, he is sick," one of the Afghan hostages said.

"We Afghans demand the Karzai administration's help to release us because of our children," he said, standing with a group of men in front of a rocky outcrop.

"We are Afghans. The Taliban are also Afghans, we are sure there is possibility the Karzai government can release us."

Continued prayers for the health and safety of these hostages, and the strength to endure until they can be rescued.

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Insurgents Shuffled Loose the Mortal Coil

More fun, courtesy of the USAF.

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Seattle ferry evacuated - "suspicious package" found (IMPORTANT UPDATE ADDED - BUMPED - DEVELOPING...

Seattle's Ferry Terminal

Just days after the FBI posted an alert about two "middle eastern" men acting suspiciously aboard Seattle ferry boats, comes word that today a Seattle ferry had to be evacuated when a "suspicious package" was found.

From AP, via KOMOTV:

A "suspicious package" was found at the height of the Wednesday morning commute on one of the largest ferries in the Washington state fleet, idling the vessel for about an hour.
...
Patrol Sgt. Craig H. Johnson would not disclose any details on the object, describing it only as a "suspicious package," but said investigators determined it did not pose any immediate threat and carried it off the vessel for further examination.
...
Earlier information from law enformcement officials indicating that the package contained sparklers was erroneous.
...
No arrests were made and no identified individuals were being sought, but "we'd like to find the person who left it there," Johnson said.

Hat tip: Resa LaRu Kirkland, aka "Warchick"

Update by Vinnie Dude, it's just a bong.

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People Mocking Muslims in UK Accused of "Racism"

Free speech meets the UK's thought police.

Newsflash to the empty-headed grievance hordes - ISLAM IS NOT A RACE. IT IS A BELIEF SYSTEM AND A RELIGION.

By this standard, anybody who criticizes or mocks Christianity or Judaism is a racist. That puts a LOT of 'racists' squarely on the left.

Thank you. Next.

ht: LGF

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Portrait of Objectivity

Via Ace, with the "cache of the day" (thanks, realipundit):

The hallowed halls and magical inner sanctuary of modern journalism.

Of course, once caught, ABC changed it. But if it was right, why change a thing?
Democrats? 18%ers?

Remember your MSMspeak:

It’s not about “balance,” which is a false construct. It isn’t even about “objectivity,” which is a laudable but probably unattainable goal. It is about independent thinking and sound, facts-based journalism — the difference between what we do and the myopic screed that is passed off as “advocacy” journalism these days.

Heh. It sure is.

MORE via Insty... It used to be "Listen to the generals." Now it's "Don't listen to the generals."

The ever-changing nuance of the Democrat "position" on Iraq. Vote for the war in Iraq, vote unanimously to approve its commanding general, and then claim you're against him and everything he says and that you're against war in Iraq.

Until you can't actually ignore the facts anymore. Then you just move the goalposts.

Rove - you magnificent, retiring bastard!

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42

No, not the answer to life's ultimate question, the number of books I've read this year.

Most recent non-fiction book read: The American Presidency: Origins and Developments 1776 - 2007

Most recent fiction book read: Orson Scott Card's The Ships of Earth

So, I guess that's (according to how they operationalize this) 1 non-fiction book about politics and and 1 sci-fi/fantasy in the last week? Lengthen that time to 3 weeks and you'd get two more OSC books (I'm reading the series), a 'religious text', and at least one more non-fiction politics book.

Here I am a liberal and I just never knew it!

PS-Card is becoming quite the blogger. I wonder if he considers himself one?

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Flying Imams Drop John Doe Suit

Audrey CAIRbane Hudson:

A group of Muslim imams today dropped all charges in a federal lawsuit levied against "John Doe" airline passengers for reporting the men's suspicious behavior that led to their removal from a U.S. Airways flight last year.

I guess I can go back to just plain 'ol Rusty Shackleford.

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Iraqi Citizen Sacrifices Life to Thwart Suicide Bomber

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – An Iraqi man saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians when he intercepted a suicide bomber during a Concerned Citizens meeting in the town of al-Arafia Aug. 18.

The incident occurred while Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were talking with members of the al-Arafia Concerned Citizens, a volunteer community group, at a member’s house.

“I was about 12 feet away when the bomber came around the corner,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Kane, of Los Altos, Calif., acting platoon sergeant of Troop B, 3-1 Cav. “I was about to engage when he jumped in front of us and intercepted the bomber as he ran toward us. As he pushed him away, the bomb went off.”

The citizen’s actions saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians. more...

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Video: Bakri Mohammed Followers Threaten Beckham, Timberlake, Usher?

Howie e-mailed this story earlier this morning (another story here) which claims a new video threatens soccer superstars David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry. The video is also said to threaten singers Justin Timberlake, Usher, M&M, and P. Diddy.

The story says the video was posted at Youtube by "a Glasgow-based website named after Al-Qaeda that encourages attacks on Westerners."

I immediately knew what website they were talking about and who was behind the video. The website is that of the followers of Omar Bakri Mohammed, Islam Base. "Base" in Arabic is "qaeda".

The website, which is run by the followers of the exiled radical cleric, was once registered to one of Britain's largest Islamic houses of worship, the Birmingham Central Mosque. After we exposed the connection, the website changed its registration to an address in Glasgow, Scotland.

Coincidence or not, that change in registration came only shortly before a cell of al Qaeda in Iraq linked doctors carried out acts of terror in Glasgow and London.

Several groups led by Bakri Mohammed were banned by the British government, but each time they ban a group the same followers simply form a new one. They now call themselves the followers of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah.

While the video is not up at the group's Youtube channel, it is up at their official website as an embedded Youtube video. I've posted the video below.

The video is called "Who is your role model" and was uploaded by dujanah. In another amazing coincidence (or not, I think), one of dujanah's subscribers is Sword of Baghdad who we mentioned in a post earlier today about the web of terrorist supporters who use Youtube to spread their propaganda.

Another one of dujanah's subscribers is AbuMarwan23 who uses an image of Osama bin Laden as an avatar.

This story goes so far as to say that the celebrities shown in the video "are the targets of an alleged Al-Qaeda murder plot." Neil Doyle apparently believes that the video may be a prelude to setting up the soccer stars as potential al Qaeda targets. He cites the fact that Khalid Sheikh Mohammad has admitted that al Qaeda had plans to attack the World Cup in 2002.

After viewing the video, though, it seems less like a threat against the famous (as the story suggested) than a warning to Muslim youth not to follow the example of the famous. For instance, they call 2Pac Shakur "the follower of Satan" and say Snoop Dogg is "among the wrongdoers".

Hmmmm, for once they may have a point. I'm not sure about the hell part, but I'm pretty sure I don't want anyone's kids following the example of today's celebrities.

Neil may be right in his analysis of the video, but he cites the images of graves, for instance, as an implicit threat. However, given the context of the sermon, it seems to me that the grave images are simply a reminder to the target audience that everyone will eventually die and then a day of judgment will come.

I have no doubt that the Salafis who are behind the sermon would love to put Justin Timberlake to death-- sex outside of marriage is punishable by the death penalty under their desired version of Islamic law-- but I don't see this video as an overt death threat.

I hate to be put in the position of defending Omar Bakri Mohammed's minions, but they are guilty of far worse and of threatening a lot of other people--including the Pope! And there's also no doubt that they support al Qaeda--they named their website after bin Laden's group after all--and as such they are the enemy.

So, Posh Spice's hubby is safe--for now. At least until the Islamists come to power. After that, all bets are off.

Video below. Judge for yourself. more...

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The Web of YouTube Terrorism

You'd think with a name like "Mujahidin Media" that Youtube would, you know, kind of figure out who they are allowing to use their platform. You know, the enemy.

Youtube is an American owned company, right? Or should we call it by its proper name, Jihadtube?

There is quite a web of interconnected jihadis on Youtube. Hundreds of them at least.

The channel which features enemy propaganda and Jewish conspiracy videos has 216 subscribers, 3 of which are similar pro-terrorism "channels" with their own videos up.

One of those subscribers is "Sword of Baghdad" who claims he's quitting Youtube because of "harassment of other youtubers and the admins". Harassment by Youtube admin? So, Youtube knows that this jihadi is using their platform to spread enemy propaganda and yet they still allow him to do so? The best they can do is, what, send nasty e-mails warning him to stop?

Another vile channel is that of msb2pac who uses the image of indicted American traitor and al Qaeda member Adam Gadahn for his avatar.

Or how about an Iranian calling himself CyberDIGIHADi who rightly admits the purpose of jihadis using Youtube, "PROPAGANDA... the Biggest Bomb-shell of today. So InshaAllah Propaganda shall be our way" and who has a video up called "U.S Marine PUSSIES! Soldier Pussy in Iraq!"

So, is Youtube still in denial that they are hosting enemy propaganda designed to demoralize American will to fight against the jihadis and to convince the jihadis that they have a chance of winning? As I've argued many times before, it's very difficult to recruit soldiers to a losing cause. That is why the jihadis have intentionally engaged in a concerted propaganda campaign to convince Muslims that Islamists are winning on all fronts. Youtube is helping them do this.

Shame on you Youtube. If we had a President with any balls and a Congress that was interested in winning, we'd go FDR on your ass.

Thanks to Dan for reminding me that we haven't done a Jihadtube post in awhile.

PS-Cyberjihadi "Sword of Baghdad" says you should feel free to e-mail or MSM message him. Who am I to argue with his request? youssefnasiri@hotmail.com

UPDATE: Thanks to AllahP for the link, he also points out the good news that Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group (or their sympathizers) has a Youtube page....and they are using it to raise money!

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One More Time, For Good Measure

It's like hearing your favorite song over and over again...

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Surprise! No Plan to Get Bin Laden During Clinton Admin.

But we already knew that, didn't we?

* The CIA’s analysis of al-Qaida before Sept. 2001 was lacking. No comprehensive report focusing on bin Laden was written after 1993, and no comprehensive report laying out the threats of 2001 was assembled. “A number of important issues were covered insufficiently or not at all,” the report found.

ht: Ace, Bane of Franklin Foer.

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Gallup: DemCong at 18%

Gallup shows the Democrats nosediving among Democrats and Independents.

Probably because (shock) the military is winning in Iraq, and they can't figure out who to blame for the success.

It's the lowest Congressional rating since Gallup began polling in 1974.

It's a race to 0%!

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Cowbell Alert: Jawa Report Banned in Iran!

I was reading that Emperor Misha had been banned in Iran and I said to myself, self, if any one should be banned in the Islamic Republic of Iran it's the Jawa Report!

So, I ran the same test Misha talked about at Host Tracker, and what do you know.....

The Jawa Report is banned in Iran!

403 means "Forbidden, access denied"

Judge a man by his enemies......

Is any one counting how many countries we're banned in?

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Blogger PWNS NASA Global Warming Data

How did I miss this? Blogger Stephen McIntyre of the Climate Audit blog recently caught an error made by NASA in calculating changes in temperature. The data had been used to "prove" that 1998 was the hottest year on record. More "evidence" of global warming.

After McIntyre pointed out the error out, NASA's Goddard Institute of Space Science (GISS) in New York conceded to him that 1934 was, in fact, the hottest year on record. NASA, of course, is sticking by their guns saying that the data does not disprove global warming citing such evidence as "changing migratory patterns among animals".

Animal migration? Uh, I've never been much of a climate skeptic in the past, but I have to wonder if NASA is trying to make me one? Will a study of manbearpig migrations be next?

I know most of you are probably aware of all this, but better late than never I guess.

UPDATE: It's not data, it's an anecdote, but if "changing migratory patterns among animals" isn't an anecdote, I don't know what is: NYC Coldest August, evah.

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Video: Beyonce's Shirt Comes Off at Concert

Video below. Beyonce's shirt kinda flies up at a concert. No bra (I think, vid not that great). So off only in the sense that's its not exactly covering what its meant to cover. Looks more like a real wardrobe malfunction as opposed to, you know, a 'wardrobe malfunction'.

You'd think that in the age of small portable cams and the internet that one would think these things like, I dunno, wearing a little boob support. I saw one MSM outlet that is running the video describe Beyonce Knowles as "Bootylicious". I. Kid. You. Not

I know, she's no Mojo Nixon, but she's sooo hot. Besides, we need the hits. Think of the hits!

Two versions of the video below. One of them ought to work for ya. Neither of them really show much. I wouldn't really put this in the NSFW category as much as I would file it under celebrities ought to know better. Or, at least, celeb wardrobe people ought to. more...

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Video Shows Elvis Gun Thief, Mojo Nixon Prime Suspect

We'll just go ahead and make this an all Mojo Nixon themed day. Why? Because this blog could use some fixin......

The surveillance video showing what I presume is Mojo Nixon stealing Elvis's gun is below. Who else but Mojo would have the balls and motive to steal the King's 9 mill?

Here's the story on the gun's recovery from what I'm guessing is an intern:

Security video shows a man, a real "devil in disguise" walking to a display case at an Elvis museum in Memphis last week...The gun was taken from the Elvis after dark museum last Tuesday during a week where fans from across the world converged on Graceland to mark the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death.

The museum is across the street from Graceland....

A cleaning person found the gun in the portable toilet, and handed it over to police.

Oh merciful Lord, wilt thou smite the person who wrote the article, the original of which has so many puns that an eternity in hell would be too kind. Lord, the worst offense would be:

And realizing it's "Now or Never", the "Hound Dog" palmed the pistol and "left the building".

I think I just threw up.

Video below more...

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Yathink? Supporting Terror Leads to Decline in Funding

Audrey Hudson, I dub thee CAIR-bane. WaTimes:

CAIR is asking a federal judge to strike it as one of the more than 300 Muslim groups listed as unindicted co-conspirators in the government's case against the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which is currently on trial in Dallas.

"The public naming of CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator has impeded its ability to collect donations as possible donors either do not want to give to them because they think they are a 'terrorist' organization or are too scared to give to them because of the possible legal ramifications of donating money to a 'terrorist" organization," CAIR said in an amicus curiae brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Bwahahahaaa!!!!!!

Seriously, CAIR hates the Washington Times' Audrey Hudson so much, they've actually taken to physically barring her from press conferences.

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Iranian Hostage Haleh Esfandiari Freed!

Thank God! Dr. Haleh Esfandiari (right) of The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars had been held hostage on trumped up espionage charges by the Iranians since Dec. 30th of last year. It is not immediately clear if she will be allowed to return to her home in the U.S. or will be prohibited from leaving Iran pending trial on these trumped up charges.

Two other Americans are being held hostage by the Iranian government. They are Parnaz Azima from the U.S.-funded Radio Farda and UCI Professor Ali Shakeri. A third American, Kian Tajbakhsh of the Open Society Institute (above), is barred from leaving Iran.

I call them hostages because it has been clear from the beginning that these Americans lives were being to be used as leverage in the ongoing dispute over Iranian nuclear ambitions.

The Wilson Center has this up: more...

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Iraqi Spies Like Us

Totten rides along for some intel gathering, which consists mostly of sitting around and eating food. There seems to be genuine affection building between American soldiers and Iraqis. Their biggest fear seems to be that we would leave prematurely, not stay too long.

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3 Korean Hostages Begin Hunger Strike

Pray for the strength of these brave captives (via Gulf Times):

Three South Koreans held in Afghanistan by Taliban militants have gone on hunger strike to demand that all 19 remaining hostages be held together rather than in separate groups, South Korean state news agency Yonhap reported yesterday.

Citing an informed source speaking on condition of anonymity, Yonhap said one male and two female hostages went on hunger strike from Sunday morning.

The hostages are reported to have been split into as many as five groups and are being detained at different locations in Ghazni province in central Afghanistan, where they were taken hostage on July 19.

The latest round of negotiations between the Taliban and the South Korean government has come to a standstill (no surprise there) and Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said that further talks are pointless:

Further talks would be "a waste of time," Ahmadi said, saying that the Taliban's leadership council would now consider the further fate of the remaining 19 South Korean hostages.

A source involved in mediation between the Taliban and the South Korean officials said the Koreans yesterday sent a delegation of tribal chiefs to persuade the Taliban into a solution.

"The Koreans sent a delegation to the Taliban to ask them what they want other than a prisoner exchange," the source said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

I'm not really sure how effective a hunger strike is going to be against the Taliban since the basic premise is that the striker is more valuable to the captor alive than dead. When used against civilized countries like the U.S. or Britain, it is a powerful weapon of non-violent resistance. Against a barbaric enemy like the Taliban, I'm afraid it's more like throwing appetizers to a hungry crocodile. However, maybe it will steel the resolve of the Koreans and Afghans to go for a rescue mission, such as the one which liberated German hostage Christina Meier on Sunday. more...

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