News – Terrorist Seeking (1/2)

More general anger raised today by the news. I’m oft glad that I’m largely detached from emotions, when they flare, I don’t get as upset as some might. And its easier to dismiss or focus. In any case, here we go.

Washington is trumpeting the capture of Abu Abbas, mastermind of the 1985 hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro and Palestinian militant, as a show of Saddam’s terrorist link and a justification for the war. Call me cynical, but until they have some proof he was there under Saddam’s protection or with some other actual direct link, it doesn’t do much for me. We probably have our fair share of terrorists flitting about in the US. To play devils advocate, he could have been there, like many other men from neighboring areas, without direct sanction from Saddam. This is weak, in my opinion.

Furthermore, the simple fact is that, given the region, there will likely be many terrorists in the country, at the behest of Saddam or not. I bet a sweep of Saudi Arabia would locate you loads of tolerated terrorists and terrorist leaders. Lets bomb them next, eh? Note, I’m not arguing for Saddam. I’m arguing for reason and just evidence, not circumstantial BS. I’m tired of half evidence, circumstantial foundations of plywood and other half measures of seeking the truth that the Bush Administration has taken to new heights in this mad witch hunt for something, anything to justify what has been done. The fact that they feel the need to scramble for incidental proof and trumpet it before fully investigating is a show of how insecure they are on what they’ve done, pandering in any way they can to get another percent of support, which they know will wane with time.

It’s pathetic. To me, anyway. His capture is a good thing, but don’t try to stretch his capture over your current dilemma and think that you can cover it up in a haze of necessity that was never there. Washington needs to focus on cleaning up their mess, not covering it with sheets.

Italy wants to extradite him, by the way. Since it was their cruise ship he hijacked. Who wants to bed the US won’t give up their newest ‘questioning’ subject? But it gets even better! The Palestinian Authority is demanding he be released. Why? Because they signed a peace deal in 1995 that stated members of the Palestine Liberation Organization must not be detained or tried for matters they committed before the Oslo peace accord of September 13, 1993. Is it just me, or does anyone find that terribly ironic and amusing?

I feel further torn. Remember little Ali Ismaeel Abbas? He’s the young Iraqi boy who lost both his arms. He’s been, in a way, made the poster child for civilian suffering in Iraq as a result of the war. Some on OD have even written about him. I remember one open letter to him in particular, which was very apt. Good news for him. He’s been taken to a Kuwaiti hospital for specialized care. But at the same time as I’m glad for him, I’m vaguely disgusted at the simple fact that the media will play his sad, sad story for all its worth. Loads of coverage, lots of heartbreaking pictures and the like. Meanwhile Iraqis who have similar losses will remain dependent on a cracking medical system that has yet to be supplemented after US attack and looting mayhem have taken their toll along with the simple strain of thousands injured. Which ff the vying emotions carries more weight? I don’t know. But on some level I’m just glad the boy will get care. I only hope he grows up well adjusted despite the trauma of the last few weeks.

Bush is signing into law his fat military stipend. Then he’s going on break, how nice for him. Oh, he’s going to talk about some things too. For what that matters.

Meanwhile seven Iraqis are killed at a heated protest, allegedly after the marines were fired at first. It matters not if it was self-defense or not. The more who are killed, the more ire will be raised. It is a game that cannot be won by claiming self defense. Thos perceived as invaders don’t get such niceties and make no mistake, there are those inside and outside of Iraq that will see US presence as invaders. Bush stepped us all in it and its only going to smell worse over time.

Example? Mosul. There is no truth to be found there. Only Anarchy. But anarchy has its own twisted version of truth.

Iran is stepping up to tell Washington to quick threatening Syria. That takes guts, all considered. They’ll likely be ignored, but it takes guts nonetheless.

Washington says that it wants a disarmed Middle East as part of the peace process, including Israel and Syria agrees. But will the US apply such requirements fully to Israel. Considering that Powell said something about pieces falling into place after peace between Israel, Syria and Lebanon, I don’t think that Israel will have to make a real good faith motion.

Is Syria next? Posters at the Guardian talk it out. If they are, Slate lets you know that Syria’s military, while larger than Iraq’s, is not up to snuff to fight off a US invasion. It would likely be another massacre.