Dawood Khan

Archive for the ‘Afghanistan’ Category

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American “Soldier” Murders Civilians in Southern Afghanistan

In Afghanistan on March 11, 2012 at 6:18 pm

Salway Kamees or Man Jams

It’s finally happened.  An American has gone off the deep end in Afghanistan.

This guy wakes up this morning.  Puts on some salwar kamees or Man Jams.   Man Jams being the colloquial term for the local fashion of the region.  They’re called Man Jams because they look like pajamas for men.  I own a couple of pair and they are comfortable.  This Insane Idiot grabs his rifle and walks off the base.  I guess when he woke up this morning,  He shit, showered and shaved.  Drank a cup of coffee.  Then he stood up and thought; “Fuck, I’m gonna go kill me some motherfuckers…” and strolls on off the base.

A few minutes later, he’s in the middle of Panjwayi District.  The Dude starts shooting civilians.  The rumor is that he may have wounded or killed up to16 victims.  One rumor has him walking house to house.  Shooting victims in their beds.  That’s the nature of war and rumors.  Every iteration grows in violence and strangeness.  We’ll have to wait for the real story and casualty count.  Once he’s finished, he walks back to the base and turns his rifle and himself in and tells his command what he’s done and that he’s crazy.  He thinks that he should be sent home.  The amazing thing is that he was able to walk off the base, kill several people and walk away unopposed and unnoticed.  No one seems to have known that anything was amiss UNTIL this guy tells them what he’s done.  No one had a clue.  WTF!

Everything is calm.  There are no tires burning.  No protests or demonstrations of which I am aware despite the photos in the attached media links.  I’m sure that most people aren’t even aware of it.  Most of the Afghans who are even aware that something occurred probably still think it was a local bandit.  The rest of Afghanistan is most certainly clueless about the event entirely.

BUT!  The US has released the information on the shooting to the local representatives of the international press.  The local press, of course, is printing the news all over the wires and the internets.  I’ve seen links from media in Pakistan (of course), Indonesia, the AP, Reuters and several others popping up over the last few hours.

It was insane what this guy did.  It was more insane to have released what he did to all points North, South, East and West.  This should have been kept on the down low.

This guy opened up the potential for many, many deaths.  His actions were onerous.  His actions were heinous.  He killed innocent people for no reason other than he was mentally imbalanced.  Someone should have caught that and that soldier should not have been here.

The one thing that is not really being discussed is that this kid is supposedly from the same unit where two soldiers were killed during the Qu’ran Burning Intifada over the last couple of weeks.  I’m sure that is what put the kid over the edge.  He’s here trying to make Afghanistan safe.  Afghans who are supposed to be our allies are murdering us over a couple of burnt books.  Quite a few Coalition Soldiers are angry that Afghans turned on us in such a manner.  There’s a lot of mission burn out over the Qu’ran Burning incident.  Not because the Qu’rans were burned but because Afghan Soldiers went native and started shooting at us and Civilians were so vocal thanks to the press about Americans “disrespecting Islam.”  Most of the Coalition goes out of their way to “respect” Islam.  We’ve spent Billions on this place.  We’ve shed blood in this place.  The Taliban is constantly murdering Afghans and no one bats an eye over it.  Americans burn a few copies of the Qu’ran and it’s a mad house.  Nah, I doubt that has anything to do with this.

But was it a mad house?  Were the demonstrations truly nation wide?  What percentage of the population protested and demonstrated?  From what I could tell, less than 1% of the population demonstrated over the burnt Qu’rans.  That same week of the Qu’ran burnings, I had an Afghan Officer tell me that “we have to pray that the Americans do not leave us.”  The press, though, made it seem as though the country was being over run with protestors and demonstrations were being held in every city, town, hamlet, borough and village.  The media, of course, lies and sensationalizes to sell advertising space or their agenda.

The US Department of State and the US Department of Defense are equally insane for having released the news of the shooting incident.  Lives are at stake here.  Not theoretical lives.  Real lives.  The potential for blood loss from a reaction to this is massive.  Of course, the media will sensationalize any reaction.  They’ll sit at the Serena Hotel or the Safi Landmark Hotel in their comfy chairs and loveseats and type out little white lies and no one will call them on it.

But!  I suppose that if we didn’t release the news in a timely manner, there was no way that we could have sent a swift and appropriately groveling apology for the incident to that thief Hamid Karzai.

The plus side of this, potentially, is that these were people who were killed.  Mere humans.  Political pawns to be played for sure.  They weren’t Qu’rans.  Many Afghans probably won’t bat an eyelash.  They’re inured to violence unless riled up by the local Mullah with a bone to pick.  Especially if it was mostly women who were killed.  No proper Afghan cares about the lives of women.  Especially if they’re past their breeding prime or if they haven’t squeezed out a few boys by the time they’re seventeen.  If they were little girls who were killed, many, if not most, Afghans won’t care much either.

Thankfully, the guy didn’t kill any donkeys or goats.  Then we’d have a real problem on our hands.

I’ve seen donkey deaths cause instant mini-riots.  I’ve seen Afghans shrug off the death of a little girl like it was a fly that had just been swatted.  These two incidents occurred on the Jalalabad Road.  Little Girl gets hit by a car.  They pulled the body off of the street and carried her away.  A donkey got hit and the owner went crazy.  The crowd grew dangerous and started throwing objects.   Both times, it was the French.  They seemed to be prone to these kinds of incidents back in ’05 and ’06.

Since no Qu’rans or livestock were involved, many Afghans will probably give this incident little notice.  Of course, the Afghan politicians (THUGS) will use it to soak us for more money and to show their influence by having Obama and the various ISAF Generals break dance with more groveling apologetic acrobats.  After all, the Coalition funding at their disposal to embezzle is slowly drying up as we near 2014.  The Afghan Parliamentarians, Ministers and Generals need issues like this so they might better fund their retirements.

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Geo-Politics: Change the Dynamic ~ Offer Incentive

In Afghanistan, Cambodia, Central Asia, Commerce, islam, Middle East, Military, Politics, Religion, Thailand, thinking out loud, Useful Information, Vietnam, War on January 26, 2012 at 5:46 am

If I were President…

1.  We get less than 20% of our oil from the Middle East.  I’d halt this immediately.

2.  That oil shortfall would be sourced from our own reserves and Canada.  I’d even throw a bone to Venezuela in exchange for their withdrawal from OPEC.

3.  I’d close all bases in the Middle East.

4.  I’d place a base in Israel and Egypt.  Keep the base in Turkey.

5.  I’d tell Egypt and Turkey that they have choice.  Either they’re with the West or their with the Muslim world.  If they decide that they’re with the Muslim World, then we withdraw all support and all bases from those countries.

6.  I’d tell Europe and Asia that America is no longer responsible and will no longer take action in the Middle East except in the case of defense of our allies.

7.  The Allies in the Middle East would be designated as Israel because they are a Democracy as well as Egypt, Turkey and Jordan.

8.  Our alliance with Egypt, Turkey and Jordan would be predicated upon Democratic reforms and their renunciation of a foreign policy based upon Islamic Internationalism.  These countries can keep their Islamic Nationalism, if they chose to do so.  That choice would mean our pulling all resources and support from their nations.

9.  Support of Jordan and Egypt would also be predicated upon an agreement to assimilation all Palestinian refugees.  All refugee camps would have to be closed down.  Those refugees would have to be given full rights in the countries in which they are located.  The US would assist with funding for housing and job training for these refugees at 50% of the cost.  This Aid Package would be closely guided by a contractual auditor to ensure that the monies were being used to build infrastructure and not lining the pockets of corrupt officials.  If bribes are insisted upon, funding would be withdrawn.

10.  Continued support of Israel would be predicated upon a real peace plan with the Palestinians.

a.  Israel would either permanently partition the West Bank and Gaza as sovereign nations and pull out completely leaving the Palestinians to their own fate.

or

b.  Israel would annex the Palestinian areas and alter their constitution making Israel an officially and legally secular nation.  Part of that constitutional reconstruction would be safeguards for all religions, creeds, ethnicities from persecution, etc.

There would be a ten year time frame to effect these changes with specific milestones in place.  If these milestones are not met, we would pull all support for any or all of these nations.

We would offer the new Palestine Nation, if created, a package of aid in return for a turning away from Islamism.  The US would provide financial and expert support in building a nation from the ground up.  A referendum from the Palestinian people would be required to receive this Aid Package.  In essence, the Palestinian people would be required to request it via said referendum and the leaders of Hamas, Fatah as well as members of any other quasi-governmental group recognized by the people.  If the people did not vote for our assistance, the offer would be withdrawn.  This Aid Package would also be closely guided by a contractual auditor to ensure that the monies were being used to build infrastructure and not lining the pockets of corrupt officials.  If bribes are insisted upon, funding would be withdrawn.
The onus would then be on these nations.  If they decided to go along with us, they would have our support.  If not, we would withdraw from them and leave them to their collective  fates.

I would have these treaties ratified by the US Congress and the United Nations.

There would be no military solutions offered.  Either they come on line with us or we no longer have a reason to be associated with them.  End of discussion.

As for the Gulf and their oil, that would be the responsibility of whomever wishes to continue to purchase oil from those nations.  China, France, Germany…whomever it may be.

We would continue to patrol the ocean lanes for support of international trade.  The Straits of Hormuz — no longer our problem.  Saudi Arabia — keep with your Wahhabism/Salafism on your own shores or risk offending more nations.

Egypt seems to be progressing towards Democracy.  This surprised me as I thought that the Muslim Brotherhood would take them in the direction of Islamic Sharia.  This is a positive development.  Jordan would need to step away from Monarchy and join the rest of the world in Democratic reforms.

Over the short term, these initiatives would seem expensive.  Over the long term, these initiatives would save America and the Globe much in terms of blood and treasure.

This would be my solution.

In effect, we would be saying; “Join the World and we will support you.  Remain in the Dark Ages and we will abandon you.”

I want out of the business of supporting corrupt and/or stubborn regimes.  Whether that regime be Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Western Europe.

The next thing that I would do would be to withdraw all forces from Europe.  The only way we would keep US troops stationed in Europe would be if at least 50% of the costs were funded by the country that wished for us to be there.  All real estate used by the forces stationed in those countries would need to be loaned permanently at a cost free basis for the duration of the deployment to that country.  A Status of Forces Agreement would have to be met whereby our Servicemembers would be subject to US Law and the UCMJ only while in country.  All services for our Servicemembers would be provided without interference by the United States.  All Servicemembers would be on a Tax Free Status in that country.  That nation would also have to be a member in good standing of the Democratic Nations of the World.

If they are not willing to do this.  No problem.  We will simply not have a need to act in defense of their Nation.

I would also pull out of South Korea.  On the way out, I’d tell China that if North Korea attacks, we would bomb the North into the dark ages.  That would be my final and only dealing with North Korea.  If the people of the North are too brainwashed, too stupid or too weak to fight for change, this is not the problem of the United States of America.  Let China feed North Korea or South Korea if that be their desire.

I would pull all of our forces out of Japan.  Japan doesn’t need us there and many of the people don’t want us there.  Next, I would enter a treaty with the Philippines wherein we purchase land from them to station our Pacific Forces.   I would base a Marine Expeditionary Unit and an Army Mechanized Infantry/Stryker Division there along with a Carrier Fleet being on Station at all times.

China would be warned that Japan is still our ally.  Taiwan would be told to work out their differences with China.  If China became bellicose and threatened invasion, we would act in defense of Taiwan.  Unless the threat is based on Taiwanese provocation.  In that case, Taiwan is on their own.

I would also make an alliance of mutual support with India.  Our Armed Forces would conduct joint operations/exercises with India.  If possible, I would allow for a treaty whereby US Forces would be permanently stationed in Southern India.  This would hinge upon Indian acquiescence on the Kashmir debate.

I would withdraw all forces and support from Pakistan and Afghanistan.  If Pakistan wanted our support, they would have to oust the Saudi Wahhabis and the Deobandi.  Pakistan would also be required to sweep the FATA and NWFP of taliban influences.  They would also be required to withdraw from the Kashmir debate.  This would be the price of assistance from the US.  No debate.  No equivocation.  If they want our support, they give up their dispute with India over Kashmir and halt support of all terrorism directed towards India.

India and Kashmir would be required to allow a full vote by the Kashmiri people.  1.  Independence  2.  Annexation by Pakistan  3.  Retention by India

International Election Officials would oversee the vote.  Any monkey business by either side and no deal.  Kashmir should be able to decide it’s fate.  Their fate should not be decided by Muslim terrorists or Indian Soldiers.

We would withdraw all support from Pakistan if this is not followed through to completion.   With regards to India, we go to a neutral stance.  India has no need of our support.  They’re a viable nation in their own right.

Aside from moving away from the Defense of Europe, I would do nothing in Europe.  They’re sovereign nations that can navigate their way through the world in their own rite.  We should not be providing defense for them unless they are willing to subsidize it.

On patrolling the commercial sea lanes, I would require that other nations either subsidize fleet operations or provide support in the form of personnel and equipment.  Either that or we protect only US shipping.

It’s time for the free ride to end.  The Nations of the World (especially Europe) have enjoyed peace at the expense of the American tax payer for far too long.  They decry our every move.  It’s time for them to step up.  The World doesn’t want Team America — World Police or so they say.  Let them have their desire.

These actions would save American Tax dollars.  They would remove us from the Middle East conflicts.  They would place the onus on other nations to conduct their own defense and improve the lot of their own citizenry.

After these offers, blame for the sorry affairs of the world could no longer be placed at the feet of America.  The primary sources of conflict would have been given a viable alternative.  If they chose the path to peace, it would be with our leadership.  If they chose the path to war, it would be at their own behest.  The blame would lie with themselves.

Another thing that I think would be a positive is for an exchange program wherein a Battalion of another Nations forces would be given the opportunity to come to Fort Irwin, Texas to train with US Forces.  I’d rotate the Nation on a regular basis.  6 Month rotations.  This would be a tremendous opportunity for our Armed Forces and theirs.  I’d offer this opportunity to India, Romania, South Korea, Hungary, Egypt, Russia, Thailand, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and other Nations with whom we would engage in treaties of mutual defense or with whom we wish to improve relations.

The last item on my agenda would be reforming the UN.  That, though, is a whole other post.

That would keep us from any more of this:

Along with legislation mandating a Declaration of War in order to commit forces to a Ground Invasion of another country.  I have no problem with bombing a perpetrating country into the stone ages.  If there are viable targets.  I would also work to repeal the prohibition against assassination of World Leaders.  We could have saved a lot of money and lives by simply putting a .99$ bullet through the forehead of Saddam Hussein.  We could save a bit more by spreading about 200 USD worth of lead throughout the Iranian, Hezbollah and Syrian power structures.

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ANA Combat UK Patch

In Afghanistan, UK Basketball on January 3, 2012 at 6:51 pm

I had these made out of an Afghan National Army Combat Uniform.  I don’t know why.  Sometimes, ya just do what ya do.

If I thought he’d get it, I’d send one to MKG.

1. I’D TAKE MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST OVER ANY PLAYER IN AMERICA

Some people told me I was crazy when I made that statement prior to Kentucky’s win over Louisville on Saturday but when you watch “MKG” play, it’s tough not to see why he’s more valuable than anyone else in college basketball. Whether it’s a tip in on the offensive glass or a taking a charge in the paint, everything Kidd-Gilchrist does affects one thing — winning. In the Wildcats 69-62 win over the Cardinals on Saturday, the freshman wing tallied 24 points and 19 rebounds while shining brighter than any other player in a game that was loaded with star power. It’s amazing to think that John Calipari welcomed back three starters from last year’s team that reached the Final Four last season in Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, and Darius Miller and Kentucky’s two best players are two freshmen — Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis.

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It’s not Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan on December 23, 2011 at 4:27 pm

“If you stand back,” said one American who is in the thick of the American strategy-making, “and say, by the year 2020, you’ve got two countries — 30 million people in this country, 200 million people with nuclear weapons in this country, American troops in neither. Which matters? It’s not Afghanistan.”

This article is a primer on the future of the region.  It’s a must read, if you want to understand the future of American relations in this region.

Special attention to Pakistani views of the Afghan National Security Forces.

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Ain’t Afraid to Die

In Afghanistan, Cambodia on December 23, 2011 at 3:30 pm

I ain’t afraid to die.  Don’t wanna live forever

9to 5 don’t appeal to me.  Don’t want life in a suburban trap

Out in the wildlands life just feels more vital.

Afghanistan

Cambodia

Bangkok and Saigon

Eternity ain’t no desk and damn sure ain’t no corporate bonus

I don’t want to live forever, though, ain’t in no rush to die

Don’t want a walker.  No wheelchair or hospital bed for me at 80.

I’d rather go out in a blast.  I’ll take the bang at the end of the day.

America, the land of drones.  Slaving away for a corporate buck.

That life ain’t no way to live.  Security, the tool of enslavement.

Homeland insecurity is the key.

I don’t wanna live forever nor do I want to be a slave.

I’d rather live and die.

 

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Afghan Calender YR 1390 (2011-2012) & Afghan Holidays

In Afghanistan on December 16, 2011 at 5:23 am

afghanCalendar1390_A3std_history_DA_EN_AF_US

 

Afghan holidays

Public holidays:

These holidays are defined in article 18 of the Afghan constitution from 2004. The holidays occur on a fixed dates and are celebrated in all Afghanistan.

  • Juma (Friday):
    The week ends on Friday (Juma) which is the day of rest.
  • Jeshen (Independence day): 28th Asad = 19th August (18th August in leap years)
    The 28th of Asad (19th of August, in leap years 18th August) is the national holiday. Remembering that Afghanistan got its independence in 1919 after the end of the 3th Anglo-Afghan war.
  • Victory Day: 8th Saur = 28th April (27th April in leap years)
    The 8th Saur (28th April, in leap years 27th March) remembers the fall of the pro-soviet regime in 1992.

Religious holidays:

Besides the holidays above the following holidays are also celebrated partly.

* The islamic holidays depend on the Hejrah-e qamari calendar. The dates are observed by autorities rather than pre-computed. The exact dates may vary according to the sighting of the moon.

  • Ashura: 10th Muharram*
    Ashura is an Arabic word meaning “ten”. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Hejrah-e qamari month Muharram. It is the day that the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn, was killed at the battle of Kerbala.
  • Mawleed al-Nabi (Prophet’s birthday): 12th Rabi al-Awal*
    It is celebrated on the 12th day of the Hejrah-e qamari month Rabi’ al-Awal. On this day the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad is celebrated.
  • Awal Ramadan (First of Ramadan): 1st Ramadan*
    This holiday is celebrated at the 1st of the Hejrah-e qamari month Ramadan. It marks the beginning of the fasting month Ramadan.
  • Laylat al-Qaddr (Night of Measure): ≈ 27th Ramadan*
    Muslims believe that it was on this night that God has first send down the first verses of the Quran via the angel Gabriel to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is also the anniversary of the night in which the Quran was first communicated in its entirety to Muhammad. The Quran (sura Al’Qadr) regards this night better than one thousand months.
    There is a uncertainty about the exact date. It is believed that the night is in the last third of the Hejrah-e qamari month Ramadan. The most likely date is the night of the 27th (e.g. night from 26th to 27th) of Ramadan.
  • Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramazan): 1st Shawwal*
    Eid is the arabic word for feast. The holiday is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, at the 1st of the Hejrah-e qamari month Shawwal. Celebrations extend up to three days.
  • Arafat: 9th Zul al-Hijjah*
    On the mountain of Arafat also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy) the Islamic prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon at the end of his life. Arafat is celebrated one day before Eid al-Adha (Festival of sacrifice) on the 9th of the Hejrah-e qamari month Zul al-Hijjah.
  • Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Qurban (Festival of Sacrifice): 10th Zul al-Hijjah*
    This festival commemorates the prophet Abraham’s devotion to God. Celebrations extend up to three days.

Other holidays:

  • Nauruz (New Year): 1st Hammal = 21st March (20th March in leap years)
    The Hejrah-e shamsi year starts on 1st Hammal (21st March, in leap years 20th March), which is the New year’s day (Nauruz). Nauruz is celebrated all over in Afghanistan. This holiday occurs on a fixed date.

Credit goes to ——————— 

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Did BushCo allow bin Laden to Succeed?

In Afghanistan, Middle East, Politics, Quotes, thinking out loud, Useful Information, Vietnam, War on October 29, 2011 at 7:52 am

Recently, a question was asked:  “Do you really believe what you are saying or do you think FDR and Bush were begging and pleading for Japan and Bin Laden to attack us so we could enter a war? Seriously?”

On the question of Japan, undoubtedly FDR was courting an attack as justification for entering the War in Europa. Anyone who has read the history of the build up to World War II knows that FDR was looking for a way to get the American people on a war footing. Embargoes are a mother!

As for bin Laden. BushCo were strangely oblivious of bin Laden prior to 9-11. I do not put it past the Gov’t and especially one guided by the likes of Cheney and Rummy to allow an attack to occur so as to “lead” the nation to war.

Why did we NEED to go to Iraq? The answer is that we DID NOT. Yet, 9-11 and the GWOT were used as an excuse to take us into that war. They definitely “shaded the truth” to get the war that they wanted.

The Spanish American War was yet another contrived war as was the Mexican War and the Vietnam War. When one looks at the Korean War, it is a war into which we either secretly goaded North Korea or into which Truman simply blundered like a blind fool.

American spheres of influence were stated loudly to the World. South Korea lay JUUUUUUUSSSSSST outside of the line. Leading NK, China and the USSR to believe that we’d stand by and do nothing.

From the internet:

In June 1950, after Secretary of State Dean Acheson declared Korea to be outside of America’s sphere of influence, the North Koreans invaded South Korea and attempted to reunify the country under communist rule. President Truman immediately declared Korea a “global police action” and attempted to drive the North Koreans out of South Korea. In fact, the United States secret larger goal in the Korean war was to defeat North Korean communism and create a unified Korea under American domination and control. Korea was supposed to be the first major effort to rollback global communism. However, communist China, feeling threatened that aggressive American actions against North Korea would be followed by American attempts to undermine Chinese communism, entered the Korean war against the United States and its South Korean ally. The Korea war quickly proved to be a deadly stalemate between the United States and communist China. Only in 1953, after President Eisenhower secretly threatened to drop atomic bombs on China, did the Chinese agree to an end to the war, leaving North and South Korea divided just as they were at the beginning of the war.

The Korean war, as many American leader later said, seem to justify America’s global crusade against Soviet communism. It convinced many Americans of the truth of the United States governments warning that the Soviet were plotting to take over the world and impose communist domination over the free world. The Korean war would further justify American creation of the “nuclear umbrella” to shield the free world from Soviet expansion. As described by Secretary of State Dean Acheson in 1949, the nuclear umbrella was the American threat to wage nuclear war against the Soviet Union if the communists threatened any country in the free world. An attack on any member of the free world, thus, would be treated as an attack against the United States, which would lead America to wage nuclear war against the aggressor.

Also, Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman: mission and power in American foreign policy By Anne Rice Pierce PG 248 (Google Books)

As well as the following:


After World War II, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. divided Korea into spheres of influence—the Soviets backed Communist-ruled North Korea and the U.S. backed the South Korean dictatorship. Both Koreas had threatened to invade the other. When U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson declared that South Korea was no longer part of the U.S. defense perimeter in Asia, the North invaded the South.

Do I think that a US President and/or the US Political and Military Leadership are capable of allowing an attack or incident to happen so as to lead us into war? Definitely.  It’s been done several times.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

REMEMBER THE MAINE!

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR!

9-11! NEVER AGAIN!

THE LUSITAINE!

FORT SUMTER! (As Lincoln stated; “The North must not be seen as the aggressor.)

The Tonkin Gulf Incident

Leaving the Koreas outside of our “sphere of influence.”

What did Madame Ambassador say to Saddam Hussein when he asked how the US would view aggression against Kuwait?

Known faulty intelligence used to justify the invasion of Iraq in ’03.

The War of 1812 and lust for Canada.

Hawaii, the US Marines and Dole Fruit

Gautamala and United Fruit

Nicaragua/Panama ~ We needed a Canal passage.

Pinochet ~ Nixon and Henry Kissinger

Nixon, Cambodia and Laos

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Fire on Jalalabad Road

In Afghanistan on August 7, 2011 at 1:32 am
Big Fire on Jalalabad Road. A Benzine (that’s gas for my American friends) truck overturned and BOOM!!! Up in flames. It was a helluva fire. I swear it was like 30 to 40 feet in the air and spread at least twice on the ground. Burned for a good couple of hours before they got it under control.

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Casualties of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Central Asia, Middle East, Military, Politics, Stupidity, thinking out loud, War on June 28, 2011 at 4:58 am

Scenes like this are ubiquitous in Afghanistan.  Old shells of Soviet Armor and Trucks.  Every type of Soviet Equipment can be found out there.  Aircraft down at Bagram.  Personal and Crew Served Weapons of various sorts are everywhere.  Bridging equipment.  Soviet Armor and Personnel Carriers.  Soviet Mobile Kitchen Trailers.  Everything needed to field an invasion.  The Soviets left much behind when the hightailed it across the Amu Darya in ’88 or ’89.

Now it’s all rusting out on Afghan Bases, outside the Herat Airport and across the highways and byways of the country.


Goofy Pics!

In Afghanistan, Humor, thinking out loud on June 19, 2011 at 3:09 am

Back in Asskrakistan!

It’s an interesting tour this time.  Playing with the ANA now.  They’re a different breed than the ANP.  Totally different.  I enjoyed working with the ANP over all.  Time will tell how I feel about these guys.  They’re definitely more stubborn on this side of the martial divide.

Hope I can create as many memorable moments and friends here as I did up in Herat.

Peace!

 

 

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Afghanistan Chaotic

In Afghanistan on June 6, 2011 at 2:15 am
Deceptive Peace, Lost Tranquility...Violence stirs below

Deceptive Peace, Lost Tranquility...Violence stirs below

 

The Second Coming

TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

 

William Butler Yeats

 

 

I have to wonder if he was writing of Central Asia and the Middle East.

 

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Two Rocks

In Afghanistan, culture, Humor, Middle East, Travel, Useful Information on May 27, 2011 at 12:08 am

OK…

See the two rocks…

Well, some Muslims believe that it is forbidden to touch the penis (even one’s own penis) with one’s hands.

In order to urinate, they’ll take two rocks and hold their penis.

Being the polite and considerate culture that Islam is…they leave the rocks in the toilet so that they’ll be conveniently available for others.

Yes! The next guy WILL use those same two rocks to hold his penis.

And the next one…and the next one…and the next one…lol

Crazy Scheit!!!

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Afghan Artillery on the Way!!!

In Afghanistan on May 25, 2011 at 11:48 pm

Afghans training on Artillery

I wish I had taken this photo.

It’s cool as hell.

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OSAMA IS DEAD DEAD DEAD!!!

In Afghanistan, islam, Middle East, Military, Politics, Religion, thinking out loud, War on May 2, 2011 at 12:33 pm

“Justice has been done,” President Obama

bin Laden dead: Crowds chant USA, USA outside White House

Osama is DEAD DEAD DEAD. If there is no hell, May he burn eternally somewhere else. Good Job Obama and everyone else involved in the OP.

I doubt that they’ll ever display it. Hell, they should hang it from the Washington Monument in the exact same method that the extremist and illiterate rabble of the Muslim World would do if they captured Bush or any American/
really.  Give the bastards a taste of their own medicine. But we’re too “civilized” for all that. More is the pity.

Some folks will spin this politically and attempt to deny Obama credit for taking Osama out.  How could you not give him credit, though? Bush had chances to get him and failed. Clinton had chances to get him and failed. It took balls to order the strike. Took balls to order the mission. Took discipline to keep it secret for 6 months. Some leaders would have failed this test. Some leaders would have not wanted to risk the wrath of al Qaeda and other Muslim Extremist groups by taking Osama out.

I’m not a huge Obama fan by any stretch of the imagination, but, in my book, Obama gets big props from me for having the balls to carry this through. Period. That’s just me.

THE OBAMA OSAMA DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

I liked the Presidents Address to the Nation.   And he ended it with “One Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

I love it.

I’m a huge Obama fan for this week, at least.

So long Osama.  May you rot eternally in the fires of Gehena!

‎”I’ve never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” – Mark Twain

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Graduation — First Class of 2008

In Afghanistan, culture on January 18, 2011 at 12:01 am

I wrote this up in Feb 2008.  Made it Private for the Military.  Now, I’m putting it out here.  Most of these folks are moved on.  So it’s safe.

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We graduated our first class of 2008. The Big Man–MG Ak– wasn’t around so BG Ali Khan was our Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony usually consists of the General giving a few “encouraging” remarks to the class. Then I stand up and announce the names.  I may make a few remarks first.  Sometimes, I don’t.   The students walk up as I call their names off and a ranking officer and I and a guest or two congratulate the student and hand them their course certificate. The students walk up. Salute the General. Sometimes, I get a little confused. Because I feel like they are saluting me as well. So one in a while, I’ll return an awkward salute. The student is then handed their certificate and whomever the presenter is shakes their hand and congratulates them.

Everyone involved seems to really enjoy these ceremonies. The Generals get to show up and wax poetic or harass the loggie students. The students get recognition. I get a buy in to my classes and my job security. haha Our guests and other attendees get some nice cakes and cookies and some of that good old Afghan (Indian) chai. And, of course, I enjoy talking to the Generals and other Officers. I thoroughly enjoy this job. In case, anyone hasn’t caught that.

After the certificates are presented and a few more remarks by the Regional Press Officer COL Arkuni (I think), BG Ali Khan invites me to sit beside him. He offers me a cookie from the desert tray. Once I take one, that is the signal for everyone else to eat as well. It’s all so formal that it makes me laugh at times. Then we sit and chat for a bit. I didn’t realize it at the time but everyone was watching and listening to us talk. I get fairly animated in conversation as you can see in the video. Sometimes, I don’t pay attention to anything or anyone else. I tell the General that this class was our best. My favorite so far. The Officers were engaged. They actively participated. Even got heated a few times . I enjoyed the exchange even as the students attitudes towards one another sometimes confused me.
Once the General and I conclude our conversation. BG Ali Khan gives a nod and his assistant barks the room to attention and he exits.

That concludes the festivities.

This class was exceptional on many scores. At one point, LTC Khoda Daad was talking too much for one of two of our other students. Sayeed Mohammad stood up and told him that if he knows so much, he should teach the class. At first, I thought he was telling me that I was a poor teacher and that he’d rather hear LTC Daad. I finally realized that he was telling LTC Daad that I was the teacher and he should listen more and talk less. I laughed. It seems that in every class we have what I call the “question man.” This is a guy who will ask a question or two every hour. Sometimes more. When Afghans ask a question, it is extremely formal. They stand up and very respectfully state their question and it seems that it goes on and on. Usually, the question is loosely based on the class. Often, they will be asking something to the effect of how should they enact a certain policy if their commander will not enforce it or actively opposes it. This is a large and loaded question. In Afghanistan, policy quarrels can result in death. Often times, the issue is money. Active property management may keep a corrupt official from earning his extra-occupational funding for the month. An active logistician will keep money out of a corrupt officials pockets. In Afghanistan, these things are often settled in violence. It’s a hard line to follow. If the Logistics Officer is hard line, it could well result in violence against him. Is it worth the risk to life to call out your Commandhan over a policy matter. You may be staking your life, your families health or your career. I have to present the course and answer question with that in mind.

On breaks, we sat and talked politics, religion and culture. We even watched Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Katherine McPhee videos. We talked much of Pakistan and the eastern frontier. This is the area bordering Waziristan. The no man’s land of Pakistan’s western frontier. The home of the Taliban. They asked me why the US did not declare war on Pakistan. I often times wonder tha same thing. Politics plays heavily there. War on Pakistan and destabilize a country with nuclear capabilities. Dangers. The unknown. Who knows what becomes of the region in that instance. Could be better. Could become much, much worse.

After the ceremony, the students invite us to visit them in their respective districts. Abdul Qhayooum tells me that if I visit Bala Baluk that I should be his guest in his house. I have to tell him that this is impossible as the military and my company requires that I stay on a FOB or PRT. He understands. But that doesn’t stop other students from extending the same invitation.

Afghanis are a hospitable people. It’s part of their national characteristic. This country was famous for it’s hospitality prior to the Soviet Invasion. That is why it was a primary stop on the hippy trail of the 60s and 70s. Afghanistan is a fascinating country. It has much to offer. If the insurgents and bandits would step down and accept law and order, Afghanistan could have a thriving tourism industry. Trekking in the mountains. The history of this country extends from pre-Alexandrian Bactria to the time and conquests of Alexander to the Genghis Khan to the Moghul Empire of India. Buddhism once thrived in the North. Zoroastrians once traveled across these lands. The whirling dervishes of Sufist Islam and the poetry of Jami, Rumi and Ansari. Herat once was a major center of culture and literacy. These lands and this people trace their history back to antiquity and beyond. Such incredible adventures that could be played out in the dramatic landscapes of this country.

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I’m in Kabul. Again…

In Afghanistan, Holidays, Travel on January 17, 2011 at 12:23 am

This is an old post that I had made private due to the Military.

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My holiday has commenced. I woke at 5 a.m. to grab a ride with the SECFOR. Got to the Herat airport shortly thereafter. I was supposed to fly with Kam Air to Kabul. As I was waiting for my flight, fortune smiled on me. There was an Italian PRT flight preparing to depart for Kabul via Chagcharan. PRT flights are run by NATO. Mostly Spanish or Italian. This flight was scheduled to depart at 0800. So I was excited to be getting out early and without the hassle of flying with Kam Air.

The Kam Air flight was supposed to depart at 0900. I’m guessing that it probably landed in Herat at 12 noon. Typically late.

I signed up for the PRT flight. We departed at approximately 0900. The aircraft for Kam Air hadn’t shown up yet.

During the flight, a rather ancient Afghani fellow sat next to me on the flight. Apparently, he had never flown before. I had to buckle his seat belt for him. During take off and each time we hit turbulence of any sort, this fellow reaches across and grabs the seat in front of him and white knuckles it. It was a little humorous. I felt sorry for the guy though. He was pretty frightened. Once we landed, he jumped to the ground and wouldn’t let go of the aircraft.

So now, I’m in Kabul. I need to get pages added to my passport (again). Monday, I’m off to Dubai.

A few days later, I’ll be standing in front of the Taj Mahal with my brand new Olympus e-Volt SLR. Awesome.

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As an aside, I have to wonder why everything that involves the US military is such a hassle. With US Mil Air, you have to sign up 3 days in advance. You need two copies of your orders. One must be “officially” stamped. Then you must show up 4 hours early for your flight to get manifested with the “officially” stamped orders and ID Card in hand. Then stick around for four hours waiting for the aircraft to show or be cancelled. They collect all ID cards as you are manifested. In order to board the aircraft you must wait until they call off your name and return your ID Card. When you land, they collect you ID Card again. You have to wait for another 30 minutes to an hour to get it back and your bags may take an hour.

NATO PRT. I showed up expecting to take a commercial flight. Asked if I could hop on the PRT flight. They said sure and took my name down on his list. I waited about two hours and boarded the aircraft. 90 minutes later, I was in Kabul. I exited the aircraft. A German ground controller escorted us off the tarmac. He asked who was continuing on to other destinations and told the rest of us to have a nice day.

Bureaucracy. Idiocracy. US Mil Air.

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The Taliban Song and a day in Class

In Afghanistan, Politics on January 16, 2011 at 5:25 am

Another old post that I’d made private due to the Military

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These are some clips from the Taliban video that I placed on here earlier. I thought it would be fun to piece it together with Toby Keith’s The Taliban Song.

I teach a logistics class here in Herat. For each class, we take a group picture. At graduation, we present the students with a certificate and this picture in a folder. The certificate gives them credentials as a “trained” logistician. This is an MoI ANP requirement. The picture is a memento of the class from our group of instructors.

While taking the pictures, my fellow instructor asked one of our students if he was nervous about having his picture taken with Americans. The taliban catches him with the pic, he’s liable to find himself in a bit of a pickle. The guy in question is from Bale Baluk which is down south in Farah Province. Farah is “Indian country.” It’s a hot area with a high level of bandit/taliban activity. Bale Baluk’s immediate reply; “f*ck the taliban.”

We all had a good laugh at this comment.

Earlier in the week, Bale Baluk told me that he was Muslim because his parents were Muslim. But that it wasn’t important. He and another student went on to tell me that Islam is the religion of the Arabs. They brought it here and left it. But it has caused many problems for the Afghan people. They stated that “Afghanistan would be better off without it.” A profound statement. An unexpected statement.

I am not real fond of Islam as a religion or as an institution of any kind. Because of this, a friend of mine recently asked me why I would come to a Muslim country in support of a program that would modernize Muslims. This endeavor could very well serve to elevate them into a more serious threat in the future.

I see his point. That said, there are days like today and guys like our Bale Baluk student who make it seem a worthy endeavor. 40 is probably the median age of our students. We’ve had a couple of guys who were in their mid to late 20s. A few guys who were pushing 60. Most are around 38 to 45. Senior guys who were around for the Russians, the taliban and the War of the Warlords in Kabul. Now, they are on board with America and our attempt to modernize their country.

I try to engage our students in each class period. Sometimes, they are willing to talk when pushed a bit. Some of them don’t really say a lot to us. They listen. They might ask a question or two. Mostly they sit and learn a bit to take back to their districts. About half of them will engage us in conversation.

Our current class is a little different. There are three guys in the class who have come back for reinforcement training. A second go round. They felt like they could learn more by coming back. These guys are extremely open. At the end of each class, thus far, they have taken to engaging ME in conversation. Asking my opinion on world affairs. Asking me what I think about Karzai and Bush. Asking why I think Bush has not attacked Pakistan.

Something that some of you might find surprising is that Afghanis have no love for Pakistan. They (rightfully) blame Pakistan for the rise of the taliban. These guys have no love for Iran. But they absolutely abhor and completely distrust Pakistan. They think that we (the US) should turn our guns on Pakistan as that is the origin of much of the trouble in this country. The taliban is trained in Waziristan. Peshawar is a hot bed for insurgents. Hekmatyar Guilbuldin is in hiding somewhere in the neighborhood of Peshawar.

Guilbuldin is one of the worst of the warlords from the time of Civil War in and around Kabul. He fought against Massoud for control of Kabul after the Russians retreated across the Amu Darya.

Massoud is another surprisingly complex conversation. Not all Afghanis consider Shah Ahmed Massoud a National Hero. He is not universally loved as some of the international press would have the world believe. Massoud launched many a rocket into the civilian population of Kabul. He, also, is said to have treated often with the Soviets during the 80s. This allowed the Northern Alliance to lick it’s wounds. But it came at the expense of the rest of the country.

Afghanistan is a complex country. There are no easy answers here.

Some of these guys are pretty intense. Some of them are extremely reserved and dignified. You have to be careful. They can’t lose face in this society.

These guys. This class. They are extremely laid back. One of the older guys asked me to play him some sexy videos because he hadn’t seen his wife in a month. He’s from Farah and has been waiting for our class in Herat for a couple of weeks. Travel here is difficult and time consuming. Earlier in the week, I had been playing my Ipod and they all wanted to listen to it. I promised them that I would bring my personal laptop to class the next day. I have 100 gigs of Itunes music and videos on my laptop. They all wanted to hear and see the music videos. And, of course, they wanted to see “sexy videos.”

I connected my laptop to our Sony video projector and a set of speakers that I had one of our Terps purchase downtown when I first arrived in Herat. They wanted sexy, so I played Jennifer Lopez. They loved her. I played a few others like Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Katherine McPhee. Katherine McPhee would be a Superstar in Afghanistan. They seem to love her. One of my terps told me that I “can not compare anyone to Katherine.” “She is the best.” I could only laugh.

The funniest part of the day came when Bale Baluk jumped up on the table and started to dance. I never thought I would see any of these guys do such a thing.

It was a good day. A day I am not likely to forget.

Enough of my ramblings…

Below is a video of one of our classes and a few pictures of our students and us cutting up.

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Above is Bale Baluk. He was our table dancer. Now tell me you could predict that one. lol

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One thing that is humbling for me is the respect that these guys show me as their mentor. I don’t feel “worthy” of such respect. When I chance upon one of my students on a visit to the Regional Headquarters, they address me as “Teacher” and place their hand over their hearts as they greet me. I get the full hand shake/hug and double cheek kiss as well. Most of these men are older than me by ten years or more. They’ve been through war and terrifying experiences. Some of them risk their lives just to attend these classes. I’m always humbled by their greeting and by their sacrifice. These men have a quiet dignity with which they carry themselves. I feel greatly honored when they feel comfortable enough with us to let down their guard and to allow us a glimpse of themselves on such an informal level. This does not occur so often in my experience. It’s an awesome feeling to sit on an equal step of humanity with these men.

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Is Islam THE Problem?

In Afghanistan, Central Asia, islam, Middle East, Military, Politics, Religion, Stupidity, thinking out loud, War on December 13, 2010 at 12:01 am
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Current Ass Kisser in Chief

No, I don’t think that to be the case.  It’s not really about Islam generally speaking.

It’s more complicated than that.

Islam.  Muslims.  They’re not bad folks and many of them are damn fine people.

The problem that we won’t face is the Nejd.

Why?

Saudi Arabia owns it and has BLACK GOLD.

Also, the official religion of Saudi Arabia is the same form of Islam from which sprang all of the Fundamentalist Thugs who are terrorists.  Saudi Arabia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

BUT because they have oil.  It’s the truth that shall remain unspoken.

It is the evil with no name.

To speak it’s name is to reveal the truth.

It’s easier to keep the public ignorant and let a few hundred or a few thousand die at a time and keep the pipe line open to “cheap” oil.

What’s a few thousand civilians to Big Business and Big Government.  Most of the ones who die don’t pay taxes or pay negligible taxes anyway.  They don’t matter.

Saudi Arabia is the monster.  Wahhabism is their little secret Dr. Frankenstein.  Islamic Fundamentalism is the monster escaped from it’s dungeon.

It’s escaped before and the Muslims themselves went in and killed thousands of them in the Nejd while the Brits killed thousand more in the NWFP and the FATA in Central Asia.

Today, though, we choose to ignore the belly of the beast and instead, we “combat” the excretions.

Thousands, no, hundreds of thousands have died in the past 10 years.

Why?

To keep that Saudi oil pipeline open.

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Obama receives the Honorary Order of the Saudi Boot Licker

 

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For those of you who have no clue as to where Saudi Arabia is located.

 

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America is not to Blame for Islamic Extremism

In Afghanistan, Central Asia, Introduction, islam, Middle East, Military, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, Stupidity, thinking out loud, Useful Information, War on November 1, 2010 at 12:01 am

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Islamic Extremism began before America was founded. It existed in our early days.  It was there in the Barbary Pirates.  It was there before our Revolution in the Nejd being fought against by other Muslims.  It existed long before we started our foray into the World as a power of any great importance (real or imagined).

Islamic Extremism has been there since the beginning of Islam.  Islam was born in blood.  It was born extreme.  The first act of Muhammad was to use Islam as a tool to capture Mekkah and to turn the pagan shrines there into Islamic Shrines with the Ka’aba as it’s center.

What we know in the modern era as Islamic Extremism was started by al Wahhab.  Al Wahhab was a Cleric born in the late 1700s.  He assisted the Saudi Family in their ultimately successful efforts to conquer Arabia.  Afterwards, his adherents became so violent that they were put down by the Egyptians at the behest and with the approval and thanks of the Ottomans.

The Muslim Brotherhood traces it’s philosophical founding to al Wahhab.  All Islamic Terrorism groups not sponsored directly by Iran and even some of those such as Hezbollah, the Quds Force and Hamas trace their philosophical foundings and their violence back through the Muslim Brotherhood to al Wahhab.

I find it amusing when Westerners who are wholly ignorant of the history of Islam and it’s people wax poetic about how America or the West is to blame for Islamic Extremism.

http://hereticdhammasangha.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/onward20muslim20soldiers.jpg?w=191&h=293Islam began as a tiny desert cult or sect in the deserts of Arabia.  It conquered it’s way via Holy War from Central Asia and Western China to India and Indonesia to parts of Southeast Asia thorugh Asia Minor into Eastern Europe down through the Middle East and the Levant to North Africa and into the African Interior ending in Spain.

This peaceful religion then sided with the Germans in both World Wars I and II.  Syria and Egypt then sided with communism and the Soviet Union.

I suppose that is peaceful as compared to a pacifist community or two…

Currently, Islam is used to justify African Slavery, Holy Jihad and suicide bombs, Airplane Hi Jackings, Clitorectomies on young women, the chattel slavery and oppression of millions of women across the Islamic world and in the West, execution of homosexuals, honor killings of sisters, mothers and wives for the slightest of reasons.

It is a given that not all Muslims practice these things or approve of such things.  It is a given that the leadership of Islam is weak and vacillating.  Relying on oppression and duplicity to remain in power.

Yes, Christians have done ugly things as well.  That said, Christians, for the most part, are not doing these things now.

There is no mainstream movement in Christianity that calls for the Bible as Christian Law.  No mainstream movement that calls for the execution of infidels, homosexuals or women based on Christian law.

This does not exist in the West.  Not in the mainstream.

There are loons and fools a plenty.  None of them get the time of day from the majority of the Western World including adherents to the Christian faith.

The world would be better off without Islam and Christianity.  That much I believe.  Individual Christians and even smaller organizations are fine.  It is primarily the politicized and the mainstream fundamentalist Christians with whom I have a problem.  Christianity has done much harm.  The belief in Jesus of Nazareth and those who follow the actual teachings of Christ have been a great boon to the world at large.  Christianity as we know it is a perversion created by the State of Rome as a mechanism of control.  It was also used by the Monarchies of Europe to further their power and political aims.  Jesus, I believe, would not approve of what we have called Christianity for the past 1600 plus years.

We’d find others things over which to fight.

The West is not to blame for Islamic Extremism.

America is not to blame for Islamic Extremism.  It pre-dates America herself and it certainly pre-dates American Global Power.

Someone someday might successfully explain to me how something that existed before her birth is the fault of America.  As of this date, no such person has arisen.

Only fools who know nothing of history.

Not all Muslims are enemies of Liberty and Freedom.  Not all Muslims would force their brand of religion on others.  Even so, there are many Muslims who would.  Radicals are always the more powerful force in history.  Moderates will usually fight for nothing.  Pacifists will not fight.  Those who believe in nothing will not fight for their vision of life on the planet.

This is the danger of Islamic Extremism.  The radicals are willing to fight and to die for that in which they believe.  Ignore that at your own peril–as many have done before.

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Shadow War against al Qaeda

In Afghanistan, islam, Middle East, Military, Politics, Religion, Stupidity, thinking out loud, War on October 20, 2010 at 12:01 am

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I disagree with waging this “Shadow War” against al Qaeda.

Announce to the world that it is our intention to destroy al Qaeda.  They attacked our Nation.  They declared War.  We did not.  This is the War desired by Osama bin Laden and his motley crue of Wahhabist thieves, cuthroats and murderers.  They wanted it.  They got it.

Announce that we will strike al Qaeda wherever they exist.  Wherever they hide.  In any hole.  On any mountain.  On any sea.  In any place where al Qaeda deems it necessary to plant a parasitic, violent bud, we shall strike to root it out before it takes root.

Announce that if al Qaeda is allowed to plant operatives or to exist unmolested by the local populace, said populace will be accountable for the actions of al Qaeda and said population will be accountable for any and all deaths resulting from al Qaeda and their brothers and sisters.  The fault lies with the folks who cooperate with al Qaeda.

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Tell the NGOs and Humitarian Organizations of whatever stripe that we do no hold ourselves accountable for the deaths surrnouding al Qaeda.  Whether it be bullets, cluster bombs or fragments of US munitions or suicide vests and IEDs from insurgents or al Qaeda operatives.

We did not want this war.  Nevertheless, we have it.  We intend to prosecute the war to it’s conclusion.  The conclusion is the destruction of al Qaeda and it’s subordinate and parallel organizaations in whatever part of the world it may exist.

After that announcement is made, we, The United States of America, should bomb the Nejd and every place sacred to the Wahhabis.  We should invade Saudi Arabia and hold Mekkah hostage all the while allowing the Hajj to continue unmolested.  Circulate rumours that we have planted a nuclear device under the Ka’aba along with the intent to detonate said device should a strike occur on US soil.

Also, we should pull out all military resources that protect or support or otherwise maintains the power of any Islamic despot.  From Cairo to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Tell the people of the Islamic World that their governance is now up to them.  If they show that they are worthy and willing to fight for Democracy and their share of the delights of Liberty and Freedom that we will at a time, deemed opportune to us, intercede on their behalf.  We will support no country that has as a defining point in their National Statement or

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beliefs the destruction of Israel or any other Democracy.  Period.  We will support no Nation that has as part of it’s Constitiution

Immediately halt all support for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq until they actually come on line with a WESTERN AGENDA as opposed to an Islamist agenda.  I would like to end all support of Islamic Countries period.  I would include the protection of their shipping on the sea lanes.  Let Iran fight it out with the Sunnis and afterward step in to pick up the pieces.  These parties would slaughter each other.    The West should precipitate such a crisis and then step in and pick up the pieces after they’ve murdered 2/3rds of each others populations.

Shariah Law.  We will support no Nation which has as part of it’s national belief system the enslavement or disenfranchisement of minorities or women.

After this, we strike out at al Qaeda wherever they surface.  If locals are killed.  It is their fault for not having rooted out al Qaeda or for having allowed al Qaeda to plant roots.

Eventually, they’ll get the message.  If al Qaeda is there, missiles will rain down in holy terror.  If no al Qaeda is there, no missiles will arrinve.

We must halt our support of terrorising despots.  We must support freedom and liberty.   We must defeat al Qaeda.

As of now, we are losing this war.  Especially when we allow them to plant their seeds of terror in our own front yard.

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