Israel's F-22 Raptor

May 6, 2007

Xymphora in full:

Outsourcing

William S. Cohen, who as far as I can tell is just an private citizen who runs a lobby company with some iffy members, has assured Israel that the United States would be inclined to allow the sale of F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to the Israeli Air Force if Israel’s security were in jeopardy. Since Israel’s security, by definition, is always in jeopardy, Cohen is in effect announcing that the American government will turn over yet another part of its most important military secret technology to Israel (and thus, to China, as Israel immediately peddles all secret American military technology to China). Cohen’s trip was like a full state visit, with meetings with all the highest Israeli mucky-mucks, and discussions on Iran. Besides working for Israel, you have to assume Cohen is working for the manufacturers of the extremely expensive planes, Lockheed Martin and Boeing, who are anticipating the need to find new markets for them. Needless to say, the ‘sale’ of such planes to Israel would be funded by American taxpayer money. It is comforting to know that the concept of outsourcing has now been taken to its logical conclusion, with lobbyists now setting American military policy.

heh.

I suspect that Xymphora was just trying to get me to write the rest of his post for him... here goes:

Sibel Edmonds from her Hijacking of a Nation, Part 2:

The American Turkish Council (ATC)

Operating tax-free and under the radar is one of the most powerful “non-profit” associations in the U.S., the American Turkish Council (ATC). Some who are familiar with its operations and players describe it as ‘Mini AIPAC;’ this description aces it. ATC followed the AIPAC model; with the direct help of AIPAC & JINSA, it created a base out of which to stretch its tentacles, reaching the highest echelons of our government. While the ATC is an association in name and in charter, the reality is that it and other affiliated associations are the U.S. government, lobbyists, foreign agents, and MIC. Investigative journalist, John Stanton, correctly describes the ATC as an extraordinary group of elite and interconnected Republicans, Democrats and corporate and military heavyweights who are spearheading one of the most ambitious strategic gambits in U.S. history.

Included in ATC’s management, board of directors, and advisors; in addition to Turkish individuals of ‘interest;’ is a dizzying array of U.S. individuals. The ATC is led by Ret. General Brent Scowcroft, who serves as Chairman of the Board; George Perlman of Lockheed Martin, the Executive Vice President; other board members include: Former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger, Ret. General Elmer Pendleton, Ret. General Joseph Ralston (Cohen Group), Ret. Col. Preston Hughes, Alan Colegrove of Northrop Grumman, Frank Carlucci of Carlyle Group, Christine Vick of Cohen Group, Representative Robert Wexler, Former Rep. Ed Whitfield…Basically many formers; statesmen, ‘dime a dozen generals,’ and representatives.


On the members - paying clients – side; their list includes all the MIC’s who’s who, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman; the Washington Lobby scene’s who’s who; The Cohen Group, The Livingston Group, Washington Group International…
[]

One Stop Shop: The Cohen Group

Like many other former statesmen, William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense, dived into the business of lobbying and consulting, and created his own Washington firm, The Cohen Group, which works for some of the largest companies in the defense industry, such as Lockheed Martin, and serves numerous foreign players. The Cohen Group is one of the primary and most active members of the American Turkish Council (ATC). Cohen’s client, Lockheed Martin, happens to be on the board of ATC, in addition to being listed as ATC’s top paying client.

The group claims on its Website that its principals have "a century and a half of combined experience in the Congress, the Defense Department, the State Department, the White House, and state and local governments" and that they “have developed extensive expertise and relationships with key international political, economic, and business leaders and acquired invaluable experiences with the individuals and institutions that affect our clients' success abroad.” Abroad indeed. With a few ‘dime a dozen generals’ and former statesmen, the firm owes its phenomenal speedy success to interests ‘abroad’ and of course, the MIC! Let’s look, with great amazement, I hope, at how this ingenious lobby venture serves as foreign agent for several influences without having to register as such; with complete immunity against any scrutiny.
[]
The Cohen Group is an excellent case, illustrating the futility of FARA, since the firm does not have to be registered. They can claim that Turkey is not their ‘direct’ client; they can argue that they are not getting paid ‘directly’ by the government of Turkey or any other foreign entity or government. They certainly can; no matter that Grossman receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from a dubious Turkish company. Does Cohen discount Grossman’s Vice Chairmanship salary accordingly? No matter that half a million dollars per year from their client Lockheed Martin is mainly for services provided to Turkey, and having the group’s second chairman serve on Lockheed’s board is another way to get around all restrictions. The incestuous relationship twists and turns: The Cohen Group on the board of ATC, The Cohen Group a paying member client of ATC, The Cohen Group as Lockheed’s lobbyist, Cohen’s men on the board of Lockheed, Lockheed on the board of ATC, Lockheed also a paying client of ATC…How is your head; spinning yet?

well done, xymph. you got me.

Turkey arrests Israeli suspected of organ trafficking

Prof Zaki Shapira charged with belonging to black market organ trade ring in private Istanbul hospital. Police make arrest after disgruntled former patients open fire on staff

Lilach Shoval Published: 05.01.07, 21:50 / Israel News

Turkish police on Tuesday arrested an Israeli doctor suspected of being involved in an illegal ring of organ traders operating out of a private hospital in Istanbul.

The man, Professor Zaki Shapira, was arrested in the midst of a gun battle which erupted in the hospital last weekend after four armed men stormed the facility and demanded their money back.

According to Turkish media reports the four men opened fire at the medical staff and police were alerted to the scene, one of the policemen who responded to the call was wounded in the shootout.

After the incident police conducted a thorough investigation and found it had been ordered to close down by a court order more than a month earlier due to illegal organ transplants it carried out. The hospital had received numerous similar warnings in the past. Four patients were waiting in the hospital for transplants at the time of the incident.

Police detained 17 people for questioning – including Professor Shapira. Two Turkish doctors were also arrested.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem confirmed that Professor Shapira, formerly head of the Beilinson hospital transplant unit in Petah Tikva, was arrested. Ministry officials said that the Israeli embassy in Ankara and consul's office in Istanbul are providing the man with the necessary consular assistance.

200,000 March Against Turkey’s Leader

By SUZAN FRASER

ANKARA, Turkey _ More than 200,000 Turks protested against Turkey's Islamic-rooted prime minister Saturday, demonstrating the intense opposition he could face from Turkey's secular establishment if he decides to run for president next month.

Protesters called on the government to resign and chanted slogans including, "We don't want an imam as president."

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has brandished his strong religious convictions while at the same time pushing Turkey toward European Union membership, represents a challenge to secularists' traditional approach to government in this 99-percent Muslim country. Many fear that if he or someone close to him wins the presidency, the government will be able to implement an Islamist agenda without opposition.

But with Erdogan's popularity and firm control over parliament, his opponents may have little power to stop him if he does decide to run. His party was elected to an overwhelming majority in parliament and can appoint whomever it wants to the presidency.

The pro-secular military retains a strong influence over politics, however, and in 1997 generals pressured Erdogan's mentor out of the prime minister's office because he was viewed as excessively religious. Any serious tensions between the government and the military could have a serious effect on the economy, analysts warn.

Tens of thousands traveled from across the country overnight to attend the rally in downtown Ankara. Police cordoned off the meeting area _ near the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered founder of modern Turkey and the symbol of its secular identity. Police on the scene estimated the crowd at more than 200,000.

Many residents in the capital hung flags out of their balconies or windows in support of the rally. Protesters shouted, "Turkey is secular and will remain secular." Many draped themselves in Turkish flags and carried posters of Ataturk.

"I'm here to prevent Recep Tayyip Erdogan from becoming president," said Serkan Ozcan, a 30-year-old engineer who traveled nearly 370 miles from Izmir to attend the rally. "Never has someone of that mentality been president and never will there be."

Turkey's staunchly pro-secular president, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, said Friday that the threat Islamic fundamentalism posed to the country was higher than ever _ a warning clearly directed at Erdogan.

"For the first time, the pillars of the secular republic are being openly questioned," Sezer said in an address to military officers.

Erdogan's government denies it has an Islamic agenda, but critics say the government is inching the country toward increased religious rule.

The prime minister has stoked secularist concerns by speaking out against restrictions on wearing Islamic-style head scarves in government offices and schools and taking steps to bolster religious institutions. He also tried to criminalize adultery before being forced to back down under intense EU pressure, and some party-run municipalities have taken steps to ban alcohol consumption.

Sezer steps down on May 16. Parliament, which is dominated by lawmakers from Erdogan's party, will elect the new president early next month. Erdogan's party was expected to announce its candidates for the position this month.

"We hope that someone who is loyal to the principles of the republic _ not just in words but in essence _ is elected president," Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, chief of the military, said Thursday in a statement widely interpreted as a warning to Erdogan not to run.

The fiercely secular generals staged three coups between 1960 and 1980, and in 1997 led a campaign that pressured Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan's pro-Islamic government out of power.

The rally was organized by Sener Eruygur, president of the Ataturk Thought Association and former commander of Turkey's paramilitary forces.

Although largely ceremonial, the presidency has become a symbol for secularism under Sezer. A former Constitutional Court judge, he has vetoed a record number of laws he deemed to be in violation of the secular constitution and has blocked efforts to appoint hundreds of reportedly Islamic-oriented candidates to important civil service positions.

Adding to secularists' concerns over an Erdogan run, some members of Erdogan's party have floated the idea of moving Turkey toward a U.S.-style presidential system with a more powerful executive rather than the current parliamentary system.

The generally pro-government newspaper Zaman reported Friday that Erdogan had ordered his party to avoid talk of moving toward a presidential system until after the elections.

Associated Press writers Selcan Hacaoglu in Ankara and Benjamin Harvey in Istanbul contributed to this report.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

The Kurdish problem

This situation has the potential to blow up the world.
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Related
How an ex-Mossad chief, a German uberspy, and a gaggle of top-dollar GOP lobbyists helped Kurdistan snag 15 tons of $100 bills
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03:51pm

The EU today voiced predictable alarm after Turkey's top brass said a cross-border incursion into northern Iraq "was a must" to deal with Kurdish rebels. A large-scale incursion into northern Iraq would hardly boost Turkey's chances of joining the EU club, and has been a long-standing nightmare scenario for the US as it desperately tries to stabilise Iraq.

With his hands full in Baghdad, the last thing the US general in charge of Iraq, General David Petraeus, needs is for northern Iraq, one of the few havens of stability in the country, to descend into conflict pitching two of its allies at each other's throats.

As Juan Cole notes: "The Turkish-Iraqi border is now a tinderbox. This is the other shoe in the Iraq conflict."

What set alarm bells ringing in Brussels and Washington were remarks from Yasar Buyukanit, Turkey's chief of staff. In comments probably even too candid for Turkey's civilian leaders, the be-medalled general said: "Should there be an operation into northern Iraq? From a solely militaristic point of view, yes, there should be."

The general did acknowledge that such a decision would ultimately have to come from parliament, but the Bush administration will find such remarks unsettling. Although part of Nato, Turkey refused to allow its territory to be used for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Tension between the Turks and the Iraqi Kurds has been steadily rising. Recent clashes have left a dozen Turkish soldiers dead and Turkey has complained about American unwillingness or inability to crack down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) insurgents operating out of northern Iraq.

Recent remarks by Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish leader of northern Iraq, have infuriated Turkey. He effectively told the Turks to butt out of Kurdish affairs, and said if the Kurds wanted to make Kirkuk their capital that was their business and threatened to interfere in Turkish interests for good measure.

Turkey's biggest worry is that the Iraqi Kurds will form a separate region - or even achieve independence - in northern Iraq with the oil-rich city of Kirkuk as their capital. They fear it would become a magnet for Kurdish separatists in Turkey as well as Kurds in Iran and Syria.

Turkey has been rehearsing its arguments for intervention, including its claim to be the protector of the Turkmen ethnic minority in northern Iraq. American and European diplomats will have to work overtime to dissuade Ankara from military action that will only add to the chaos in Iraq.

By Mark Tran / World news

Ukraine, Turkey, Kurdistan Conflicts, A Tale of Two Realities, Iran-Iraq War, Dana Gas and Egypt

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Regarding the Iran-Iraq war. In a past blog entry of August 24, 2005 I quoted from a French book from 1981 regarding initiation of the Iran-Iraq conflict. In a current entry at the uruknet website, more is quoted from this very same source. I will link to the uruknet entry, first, and, then, after, I will link to a blog entry of my own from March 10, 2006, with some further commentary as well as an embedded link refering back to the August 24, 2005 book quotes. It's unfortunate that the entire book is not available on line, since there's much more background and historical context, including the contested area in the South called Arabistan. However, I'm very glad uruknet posted at least alittle more from this book. First link, www.uruknet.de/?p=m32038&hd=&size=1&l=e
For some further commentary on this subject from my blog entry from March 10, 2005, which includes embedded link back to my blog of August 24, 2005, www.karlmarxwasright.blogspot.com/2006/03/what-really-happened-to-shah-of-iran.html
Extending from the previous material and other entries, a translation (a thank you note for the effort of translating) which HELPS to shed some light on the current situation, "Entrapped," www.uruknet.de/?p=m32023&hd=&size=1&l=e
and, from an Arab source, this time, basically, recapitulating the information on some of my previous blogs, www.arablinks.blogspot.com/2007/04/advice-for-iraqi-resistance-on-us.html
In addition, the Arab Baath Socialist Party's own statement on the matters, above, www.uruknet.de/?p=m32064&hd=&size=1&l=e
By the way, a personal note as to the question surfacing regarding the American use of a neutron bomb in Iraq. I am definitely NOT a military specialist. As a matter of fact, I don't even know the names and differences between one gun and another and what they do. HOWEVER, I happen to recall a talk I heard awhile back regarding a "new" weapon PRIOR to the FIRST Gulf War that was to be possibly tested at that time. I cannot presently recall it's name for sure, but, I believe it is/was a "fuel air explosive???" However, I remember it functioned SIMILAR to a neutron bomb but was NOT a neutron bomb. Apparently, as I recall, it killed EVERYTHING that moved, breathed, crawled and was alive underneath it, but, left the structural edifices standing. The way it worked had something to do with creating an enormous explosion/fire in the atmosphere that sucked oxygen from the ground, thus suffocating and incinerating everything alive underneath but left structures standing. Could this be the weapon instead of a neutron bomb to which everyone is referring?? I can also tell everyone who is/was the person who gave the talk to which I referred, above. His name is David F. Noble and the last time I heard he is/was a Professor of History, I believe, at York University in Canada. (He was then living and working near here, instead, which is why I heard him). For those who might be interested in his works or contacting him, here's a wikipedia reference ( I do NOT recommend wikipedia, however, this is a SNAPSHOT link), www.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_F._Noble
Or, do a search for yourself under his name.
Regarding my above heading a "Tale of Two Realities," I am, of course, referring to the ongoing, economic "internationalization and privatization of Iraq" moving ahead as if oblivious to the direction of the military realities exploding on the ground with more explosions, dislocations and destablization in the offing vis-a-vis Turkey and Kurdistan, as well as Ukraine and elsewhere. In case the reader STILL doesn't get it after voluminous information on my blogs, I can hit you/her/him/them over the head with a blunt instrument, "Iraq PM Calls for International Help to Rebuild," www.petroleumworld.com/story07041202.htm
Developments are fluid, ongoing, dynamic, so, I can only highlight a few points.
On the Turkish elections and Kurdistan, for example, "US-Kurdish Rift Emerges on Kirkuk Referendum Timing," www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=70448
Then, "Turks [that is, private Turkish companies] Are Reconstructing Northern Iraq" www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=70442 and, lastly, exemplifying THE fundamental contradiction represented by the above and the following, "Top [Turkish] General Talks Today," www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=70504
As an aside, there's an English translation from a Turkish language source, Hurriyet, suggesting the following, "Barzani Bribed Former Iraq Justice Minister," regarding the deportation of Arabs from Kirkuk, www.uruknet.de/?p=m32053&hd=&size=1&l=e
However, there's no question on which side in Turkey stands the US Fascist state. With private business, naturally. The economic state of Turkey be damned! And, likewise, the economic state of Iraq! Both of which have been and are being privatized, destroyed, sold out, sold off and deconstructed as I write. "For whom the State tolls/toils, NOT for thee my fellow working class."
As an aside about privatization, in consideration of my previous blogs documenting US labor/union pension fund investment in this process, there was an interesting article, ironically, in the Turkish press gleaned from the Independent, about pension fund and privatization in Canada. Here's the link, "Pension Fund Set to Lead World's Largest Leverage Buyout," regarding Bell Canada, www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=70443
As for the "battle for Ukraine," well, that's being reported ad nauseum. Try some international and Russian websites. For starters, www.rian.ru (English).
Meanwhile, in the ongoing saga of Dana Gas and Crescent Oil of the UAE which I've been following since its emergence, Dana has recently expanded into Egypt, with the distinct possibilities of supplying gas to Israel and well beyond, www.ameinfo.com/111787.html (If you happen to be unfamiliar with the Dana Gas, Crescent Oil saga, go to my blog of March 27, 2007 and work backwards, www.karlmarxwasright.blogspot.com/2007/03/crescent-dana-gas-internationalizing.html Previous links contained in that blog entry).
ALL of this, of course, merely being the extension, continuation, realization of economic plans after the dissolution of the Soviet Union to transform this highly nationalized, energy rich and strategic region into a center, pivotal point of a privatized, commodified and capitalized "Middle East Free Trade Zone," a critical component of the larger, greater global economic transformation.
So, along these lines, let me end on two opposite notes. First, the Pakistanis militant trade unionists, "Meeting in Solidarity with Airbus Workers in Multan," www.ptudc.org/content/view/120/36 A refreshing antidote to the American AFL-CIA.
And, lastly, an HYPOTHESIS on the "Eagle Group of Iraq." Since I have so far been unable to ascertain from any public sources available on the internet WHO precisely constitutes (private individuals and/or corporations) the "Eagle Group of Iraq" in what can only be described as a potential EXTRAORDINARILY lucrative oil bonanza, agreement between Canada's Heritage Oil Company, Mr. 5% Gulbenkian, and the KRG, Kurdistan Regional Govt, then, let's suppose, for example, it turns out that the Eagle Group of Iraq is none other than either Talabani and/or Barzani himself/themselves??!!! I challenge anyone reading this to disprove my HYPOTHESIS by publicly PROVIDING me (or others) the exact names of the investors and/or individuals who compromise the "Eagle Group of Iraq."

Turkey Launches Attacks on Kurd Rebels

AP forgets to mention Turkey attacked Kurds in Iraq as well. AP= the voice of the Pentagon.
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Thursday April 12, 2007 1:01 PM

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey's army chief said Thursday the military had launched several ``large scale'' offensives against separatist Kurdish rebels in the predominantly Kurdish southeastern region.

The offensives were launched to coincide with spring, when the rebels intensify attacks on Turkey, with melting snow making mountain passes easier to access, said Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, the head of Turkey's powerful military.

The announcement came as Turkey has been intensifying pressure on Iraq and the United States to crack down on the rebels who launch raids from bases in northern Iraq.

Turkish army invaded Northern Iraq

20.03.2007 18:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Turkish army invaded bordering regions of Nothern Iraq preparing a large scale operation against Kurdish gorillas, one of Iraqi internet web-sites close to Patriotic Union of Kurdistan reported on Thursday. “The Turkish army with large forces invaded Haftanin, Sineht and Pirbila districts in Northern Iraq, where armored equipment and “commandos” of Special Forces are stationed, Iraqi media reports. The Turkish general staff has not made any comments concerning this message, RIA “Novosti” reports.

Earlier in its parts Turkish media reported about transfer of a 20-thousand division to the border with Iraq. “Elements of Turkish armed forces created security zones along the border with Iraq in order to prevent penetration of terrorists of Workers’ Party of Kurdistan (PKK), CNN-Turk reports citing military sources.

The longstanding conflict of Turkey with PKK, which aims at establishing the so-called independent Kurdistan on Turkish territory, resulted in deaths of more than 37 000 people. Turkish authorities refuse to carry on a dialogue with separatists and are going to forcefully put an end to PKK.

AIPAC to hold annual meeting in - Turkey

On April 15 İstanbul will host an important gathering of one of Washington's most powerful lobbies: the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC, which holds its annual meeting in a different country each year, will hold its annual meeting in İstanbul this year. Two officials came to İstanbul to arrange the program and choice of venue. The officials also met with İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş about security measures for the event. The influential group has considerable sway on US-Israel relations and US policy and has called itself "America's pro-Israel lobby."

Turkey mulls 'invading' Iraq

By Jonathan Gorvett in Istanbul

Turkey considers the PKK a terrorist group and continues to fight it in the southeast [EPA]

Turkey's parliament went into secret session this week to debate sending troops to invade and occupy northern Iraq for security purposes.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in the confrontation between the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) and the Turkish army – about 400 last year alone, according to Turkey's Human Rights Association.

Onur Oymen, the deputy chairman of the Opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), said: "Northern Iraq is the only place in the world where a terrorist group can operate without being pursued."

"If the Iraqis and the US are not prepared to take action over this, then we must."

--MORE--

UN WARNS OF LOOMING CRISIS IN KIRKUK

All commit to Gulf, Iraq security; Bomb kills 70

KUWAIT (Agencies): Foreign minister of the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, and the US welcomed in their meeting on Tuesday the commitment by the US to defend security of the Gulf, territorial integrity of Iraq, and to ensure a successful, fair and inclusive political process that engaged all Iraqi communities to guarantee stability of the country. This came in the final communique of the fourth consultative meeting foreign ministers of six GCC member states, Egypt, Jordan, and the US. Participants agreed that a stable, prosperous, and unified Iraq was in the interest of all countries and that efforts to achieve national reconciliation that encompassed all elements of Iraqi society was strongly supported. Moreover, they condemned sectarian violence that undermined the ability of the Iraqi people to live in peace and security, and called for the dismantlement of all militias. They expressed desire to “prevent Iraq from becoming a battle ground for regional and international powers” and urged all to help end sectarian violence in Iraq, hoping the Iraqi government would “actively engage all components of the Iraqi people in a real political process and act in a manner that ensures inclusiveness and paves the way for the success of national reconciliation.” The ministers considered the pursuing of these objectives as “the responsibility of the Iraqi government and called for amending the constitution accordingly, and expressed their readiness to support its efforts in this regard.” Violence has been indiscriminate in Iraq since the US-led coalition liberated the country from the grip of the former baathist regime in March 2003. tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel were either killed or injured since the liberation. Conflict On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the ministers considered it “a central and core problem (of the crises in the Middle East) and that without resolving this conflict the region will nor enjoy sustained peace and stability.” They affirmed their commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East through the “two-state solution”, saying the foundation for this path included the Arab Peace Initiative, UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515, as well as the Road Map. Furthermore, they called on parties to abide by the 2005 Sharm El-Sheikh Understandings, and the Agreement on Movement and Access. They hoped the December 2006 meeting between the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert would be “followed by concrete steps in this dialogue.” They reiterated their commitment to support Palestinian economy, building and strengthening the institutions of the Palestinian state. Hamas and Fatah — the two major Palestinian factions — are engaged in lengthly dialogue with other factions to establish a government of national unity with the aim of breaking the international isolation and pave way for assistance. As for Lebanon, the ministers underscored their commitment to full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701. They called for respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon and “non-interference in its internal affairs”. They looked forward to a successful Paris III meetings, due in the French capital later this month, “which will support Lebanon’s long term development and fiscal stability.” The ministers strongly condemned all terrorist attacks in Lebanon since Oct 2004 and affirmed that all those involved must be held accountable. The Lebanese parties are at odds over the establishment of an international tribunal to prosecute killers of former Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri, who was murdered in downtown Beirut on Feb 14 2005. Support Kuwait on Tuesday signalled Arab states’ support for a US military build-up in Baghdad, saying they hoped President George W. Bush’s plan would help stabilise Iraq. “We expressed our desire to see the president’s plan to reinforce American military presence in Baghdad as a vehicle ... to stabilise Baghdad and prevent Iraq from sliding into this ugly war, this civil war,” Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Salem Al-Sabah told reporters. Sheikh Mohammad was speaking at a joint news conference with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is on a regional tour to drum up support for Bush’s decision to send more than 20,000 new troops to stabilise Iraq. Rice earlier held a meeting in Kuwait with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and the six Gulf Arab states — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The United States won Saudi backing on Tuesday for a US plan to stabilise Iraq, but Washington’s Gulf ally said success depended on Baghdad tackling sectarian strife driving the country towards civil war. As part her Arab tour to lobby support for the new US plan for Iraq, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in Kuwait from Riyadh and began a meeting with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Gulf Arab states. Many Arab countries, including heavyweight Saudi Arabia, fear the plan announced by US President George W. Bush to stabilise Iraq would lead to an early departure of US troops from Iraq, leaving the violence-ravaged country moving towards civil war that might spill beyond Iraq’s borders. “We agree fully with the goals set by the new strategy, which in our view are the goals that — if implemented — would solve the problems that face Iraq,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal told a joint news conference in Riyadh. But he said the Iraqi government needed to play its part. “(The government) must stop the resistance, bring everyone into the political process and realise the hopes of the people,” he said, adding Shiite militias must be disbanded and the US-backed constitution, seen as pro-Shiite, revised. “(The government) must deal with the issue of militias. “Implementation (of US strategy) requires a positive response by the Iraqis themselves to these goals ... Other countries can help, but the main responsibility in taking decisions rests on the Iraqis,” he said. The US administration has been urging Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to play a greater role in backing Iraq. In Kuwait, Rice was meeting the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — to try to forge a common position on Iraq. Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, fears an early US troop withdrawal would solidify Shiite power and leave minority Sunnis at the mercy of Shiite militias. Rice, who met King Abdullah on Monday night, acknowledged the Saudi concern about militias but raised the issue of Saudi debt relief for Iraq, which Washington says would be a big help. “We will continue to work with the Iraqi government to make sure networks running dangerous militias are stopped ... The financial issue will need to be worked out,” Rice said. “We have the same goal, which is an Iraq unified with its integrity and territory intact which doesn’t face outside interference,” she said. The Saudi minister declined to say what Riyadh would do if the new US strategy failed to stabilise the country, though he rejected suggestions that Saudi Arabia would use oil as a political tool to pressure Iran over its policies in the region. Both Washington and Riyadh accuse Shiite power Iran of encouraging militia violence in Iraq. US forces are holding five Iranians after raiding an Iranian government office in the Iraqi city of Arbil last week — the second such operation in Iraq in the past few weeks. A Saudi official said on Monday Iran had asked Saudi Arabia to help ease tensions between the Islamic Republic and the United States, as Washington held out the possibility of “engagement” with Tehran if it changed tack in Iraq. But an Iranian newspaper on Tuesday quoted a foreign ministry official denying a request for mediation, and both Rice and Prince Saudi also played down such talk. “There is no need for mediation,” Saud al-Faisal said, but added: “Our relations with the United States are longstanding ... Iran is a neighbour of Saudi Arabia, so obviously we hope to avoid any conflict.” Rice said on Monday she would bring Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas together soon for informal talks on how to set up a Palestinian state. A senior US official said the meeting would be held in three to four weeks, probably in the Middle East. Arab states are anxious for Washington to renew efforts to find a solution to the historical conflict, which they say is the underlying cause of the region’s political problems. Explosion An explosion outside a Baghdad university as students were heading home for the day killed at least 65 people today, in the deadliest of several attacks on predominantly Shiite areas. The attack came on a day the United Nations said more than 34,000 Iraqi civilians died last year in sectarian violence. Attacks in Baghdad — the university explosion, blasts at a marketplace for used motorcycles and a drive-by shooting — came as at least 109 people were killed or found dead nationwide in what appeared to be a final spasm of violence ahead of an imminent security operation by the Iraqi government and US forces to secure the capital. The violence also came a day after the Iraqi government hanged two of Saddam Hussein’s henchmen in an execution that left many of the ousted leader’s fellow Sunni Muslims seething after one of the accused, the ousted leader’s half brother, was decapitated on the gallows. Cabinet ministers and legislators loyal to the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr were instructed to end their six-week boycott of the political process, a parliamentarian in the political bloc said today, indicating that the decision was linked to the new security drive. “We might be subjected to an attack and we should try solve the problem politically. We should not give a chance for a military strike against us,” said the legislator, speaking on condition of anonymity because the information was not yet public. The lawmaker said the group’s return was conditional, including demands that the government set up a committee to establish a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops and a second that would set a date by which Iraqi forces were to take control of security nationwide. Until the walkout, the al-Sadr faction was an integral part of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s governing coalition. Six Cabinet ministers and 30 legislators who belong to the movement called the boycott after al-Maliki met with President Bush in Jordan in late November. Much of the violence has been blamed on Shiite militias, particularly the Mahdi Army militia loyal al-Sadr. Dozens of bodies turn up on the streets of Baghdad daily, many showing signs of torture. Tuesday’s largest attacks took place in primarily Shiite neighborhoods and appeared to be the work of Sunnis, who largely make up the insurgency targeting the Iraqi government and US forces. Raad Abbas, a 26-year-old who received shrapnel wounds in the attack at the motorcycle market that killed 13, said he went to the market because the city had been quieter over the past two weeks. “Shortly after midday, I heard an explosion. Motorcycles were flying in the air, people were falling dead and wounded,” he said from his hospital bed. As the curious gathered to look at the aftermath of the first explosion — a bomb attached to a motorcycle — a suicide car bomber drove into the crowd and blew up his vehicle. The attack appeared to target the mainly Shiite neighborhood near the market but also was near the Sheik al-Gailani shrine, one of the holiest Sunni locations in the capital. The bombing near Al-Mustansiriya University took place as students were boarding minivans waiting outside the building to take them home, police said. Some police saying the explosion was caused by a suicide car bomber and others saying two of the minivans blew up as students were boarding. Gunmen About 45 minutes later, gunmen in a minivan and on two motorcycles opened fire on an outdoor market in a mainly Shiite neighborhood in nearby section of eastern Baghdad, police said. At least 11 people were killed. While most of those killed were in Baghdad, two Christian brothers and a Sunni Arab mechanic were shot to death in two separate attacks in Mosul, police said. They also found the bullet-riddled body of a man in the northern city. Gianni Magazzeni, the chief of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq in Baghdad, said 34,452 civilians were killed — an average of 94 per day — and 36,685 were wounded last year in sectarian violence. The Iraqi Health Ministry did not comment on the UN report, which was based on information released by the Iraqi government and hospitals. The government has disputed previous figures released by the UN as “inaccurate and exaggerated.” Iraqi government figures announced in early January put last year’s civilian death toll at 12,357. Magazzeni said the UN figures were compiled from information obtained through the Iraqi Health Ministry, hospitals across the country and the Medico-Legal Institute in Baghdad. He also criticized the government, saying urgent action was needed to re-establish law and order in the country. “Without significant progress in the rule of law sectarian violence will continue indefinitely and eventually spiral out of control,” he warned. The UN report also said that 30,842 people were detained in the country as of Dec 31, including 14,534 in detention facilities run by US-led multinational forces. It pointed to killings targeting police, who are seen by insurgents as collaborating with the US effort in Iraq. The report said the Interior Ministry had reported on Dec. 24 that 12,000 police officers had been killed since the war started in 2003. The report also painted a grim picture for other sectors of Iraqi society, saying the violence has disrupted education by forcing schools and universities to close as well as sending professionals fleeing from the country. At least 470,094 people throughout Iraq have been forced to leave their homes since the Feb. 22 bombing of a Shiite mosque in Samarra. In Monday’s execution, a thickset Barzan Ibrahim plunged through the trap door and was beheaded by the jerk of the thick rope at the end of his fall, in the same execution chamber where Saddam was hanged a little over two weeks earlier. Dozens of people, mostly schoolchildren, read Quranic verses at the graves in Tikrit as mourning continued for Ibrahim, Saddam’s half brother and former intelligence chief, and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, head of Iraq’s Revolutionary Court under Saddam. Some 150 youths also staged a demonstration in Saddam’s hometown, 80 miles north of Baghdad, chanting “down with the pro-Iranian government” and “glory to Barzan,” but it was calmer than the day before when at least 3,000 angry Sunnis assembled for the burials in nearby Ouja..A government video of the hanging, played for reporters, showed Ibrahim’s body passing the camera in a blur. The body came to rest on its chest while the severed head lay a few yards away, still wearing the black hood pulled on moments before by one of the five masked executioners. Crisis The United Nations warned on Tuesday of a “looming crisis” in the oil-rich northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk where it said ethnic Turkmen and Arabs were being intimidated by Kurdish forces. Sitting atop one of the world’s richest oil fields and just outside the borders of the largely autonomous Kurdistan region, Kirkuk could become a regional flash-point, a UN report said. Events in the area are already closely watched by neighbouring countries such as Turkey, which has historic links to the Turkmen and is deeply suspicious of Kurdish ambitions. Kurds want to annex the city for their capital and Iraq’s new constitution mandates a local referendum on the issue later this year. Under Saddam Hussein, Kirkuk was subject to an “Arabisation” policy that drove many Kurds from their homes and brought in Arabs, mostly Shi’ite Muslims from the south. Since the US invasion of 2003, many Kurds have returned and Turkmen and Arabs in the city now complain of “ethnic cleansing”. The Iraq Study Group, which reported to US President George W. Bush last month, said there was a “great risk” of the referendum sparking further violence in Kirkuk. In its bi-monthly human rights report on Iraq, the United Nations said the deterioration of the situation in Kirkuk was a major concern, particularly the rights of Arabs and Turkmen, which it called “minorities” although census data is disputed. “They face increasing threats, intimidations and detentions, often in KRG (Kurdish Regional Government) facilities run by Kurdish intelligence and security forces,” the report said. “Such violations may well be the prelude of a looming crisis in Kirkuk in the coming months,” it said. The report cited arbitrary detentions by security forces and by Kurdish militias, and said ethnic groups have started moving closer to their own communities for protection. Turkey fears the Iraqi Kurds will turn Kirkuk into the capital of a new independent Kurdish state, which could reignite separatism among the Kurds of southeast Turkey. Last week Turkey said it could not stand idly by if Kurds seize control of Kirkuk, although analysts say military intervention by Turkey, a Nato ally of the United States, is unlikely. But, Ankara could increase diplomatic and commercial pressure since Turkish territory provides crucial land routes for potential Iraqi oil exports to the West. The UN report warned that violence was also rising in Mosul, another city near Kurdistan where Kurds and Arabs live in uneasy coexistence. It said 40 civilian and police deaths were reported each week on average recently.

US sends warplanes to Turkey''s Incirlik military base: Iran attack?

This is the base "Shock and Awe" was launched from. --- US sends warplanes to Turkey''s Incirlik military base

MIL-TURKEY-US-INCIRLIK US sends warplanes to Turkey's Incirlik military base ANKARA, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- U.S. F-16 jet-fighters arrived Thursday in Incirlik Air base in southern Turkish city of Adana after, the first time in three years. According to Local Cihan News Agency, at least 16 F-16 jets joined by early warning system AWACS airplane, as well as tanker airplanes landed here at Incirlik coming from an American base in Germany. An official at the U.S. embassy in Ankara announced that the planes arrived here for purpose of conducting exercises with the Turkish military in line with agreements between the two states. Incirlik base was used as a northern recon base for American forces during the Iraqi war in 2003 and since then the base served as a logistic backup for the U.S. army. Namik Tan, spokesman for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also confirmed that the U.S. planes arrived for exercises' purposes. (end) tk. gta KUNA 120031 Jan 07NNNN

Towards the 'James Cheney' Formula

ALI H. ASLAN
01.02.2007 Tuesday - ISTANBUL 21:33


If only we were able to see the products of the American collective intelligence more frequently and before it was too late. This was my first wish after the announcement of the Iraq Study Group report by co-chairmen James Baker and Lee Hamilton.

Making a realistic analysis of the situation and presenting comprehensive proposals, this independent commission puts across, in painful language, the grave situation the US has fallen into in the Middle East under the guidance of quixotic nationalists, neocons and the pro-Israel lobby.

If President Bush had lent an ear to such reasonable voices before adopting a unilateral action strategy and pre-emptive strike doctrine resulting in entering the Iraq War blindly, neither the US nor the region nor the world would suffer from this much headache..

The essence of the report lies with the idea of guaranteeing long-term strategic US interests in Iraq and the whole Middle East at the expense of some tactical steps back ; like working with Iran and Syria. When the commission’s formation and contacts are looked at, it can be seen that the report is a study mainly reflecting U.S. ‘deep state’ views.

Before everything else, the report looks like an unnamed ‘national’ uprising against efforts to drag the US into a dangerous adventure in the region and make it a servant to Israeli policies. For this reason, it is natural that the loudest voices of protest against the report come from Democratic and Republican extensions of the pro-Israel lobby. No surprise the neocons lead the critics. Some of the descriptions Richard Perle used in reference to the commission and report are: “disappointing,” “ absurd” and “ misadventure.”

I am amazed that some neocons are still able to come forth and talk without getting a red face; as if they were not the ones who dragged the US and the region into misadventure.

Why are the gentlemen angry? Because they think Israel was not sufficiently consulted while the report was being prepared . A final resolution of the Iraq problem has been tied to the revival of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace process. How dare suggesting a diplomatic outreach to Syria and Iran , chief enemies of Israel and the US? How could one even give Golan Heights to Syria in negotiations? Etc., etc…

There is a war lobby in Washington whose hair stands on end when peace is even mentioned They hold huge America with their hands and are using it like a machine gun. The Iraq War is not enough for them; Iran should be attacked. There is no need for discussion or diplomacy, just attack. (Since serving in the military is not mandatory; their own children are safe. The poor American people are conned and their children go to foreign fronts to die anyway. ) Enough Muslim blood has not flowed yet ; Sunni-Shiite conflict should be fueled. There should be no Islamic nation in the Middle East that is stronger than Israel or not under its guidance.

It is relieving to hear balanced voices - like the Baker-Hamilton commission - opposed to this rapacious ideology that never gets enough power, blood and chaos. However, it would be naïve to expect the application of the commission’s views to a satisfying degree given the current political circumstances.

The pro-Israel lobby has caught most Democratic and Republican politicians by the throat. They are especially determined to darken the political future of those advocating engagement with Syria and Iran. No wonder Republican Senator John McCain, who is making 2008 presidential calculations, opposes such a move. I do not think that the Democrats’ strongest candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton, can take an attitude any different.

When it comes to the current White House administration, President Bush reacted to the commission’s recommendations respectfully both out of politeness and politics because he is cornered. In the final analysis, Bushthe-son will have to decide which of his father’s old friends’ views he would adopt. The diplomat James Baker or the warrior Richard Cheney?

Baker asked that the recommendations be taken as a whole rather than conveniently selected by the administration. However, I think we will most probably see a “ James Cheney” type of formula emerging in the end.

The commission asked that a new diplomatic strategy be initiated by the end of this month. President Bush is going to spend the coming week in crucial consultations aimed at renewing Iraq policy. It is expected that he will announce new elements in his policy by making an address to the nation before the Christmas holiday .

Turkey’s being hardly mentioned in the report has disappointed those in Washington who would like to have Turkish-American strategic partnership bolstered. . In the places where Turkey is mentioned it is viewed more from the perspective of Turkey’s potential to create problems in Iraq.

In other words, Turkey’s ability to become a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution was highlighted. On the other hand, most of the recommendations in the report are compatible with Turkey’s red-line policies; like Iraq not being divided into three parts, an independent Kurdish state not being established, and a referendum not being held in Kirkuk in 2007. A revival of the Middle East peace process is also in Turkey’s interests. If a dialogue project is implemented directly with Iraq’s neighbors, including Syria and Iran, Turkey can lose its mediator advantage. On the other hand, Ankara’s long-time efforts for a regional consensus will be consolidated.

To conclude, I think that the Iraq Study Group’s report includes recommendations that are generally compatible with the long-run interests of Turkey, Israel and the US and to the benefit of regional and world peace and stability. The devil is in the implementation…

Washington

12.17.2006

e-mail:a.aslan@zaman.com.tr