A judge reduced the sentences of three U.S. Muslims convicted for their roles in a conspiracy that began with paintball games in the woods and evolved into a plan to join the Taliban and fight U.S. troops. Two of the three still will serve life sentences.
A federal appeals court ordered the new sentencing hearings for Masoud Khan, of Gaithersburg, Md.; Seifullah Chapman, of Alexandria; and Hammad Abdur-Raheem, of Falls Church; following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that reduced the role of federal sentencing guidelines from mandatory to advisory.
Khan had been sentenced last year to life plus 65 years in prison, while Chapman had been sentenced to 85 years.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said at the time she imposed those sentences that they were "draconian" and "sticking in my craw" but that she had no choice because of congressionally mandated minimum sentences for certain firearms convictions.
At Friday's hearings, Brinkema repeated her assertion that the sentences were draconian, but said she had limited ability to alter them. That's because the Supreme Court ruling affects only the federal sentencing guidelines and not the mandatory minimums imposed by Congress that drove the lengthy terms imposed on Khan and Chapman.
As a result, Khan's sentence was reduced only to life plus 45 years. Chapman, 32, had his sentence reduced from 85 years to 65 years. There is no parole in the federal system, so both will have to serve the vast majority of their terms.
"I have a limited ability to impose what I consider to be an appropriate sentence," Brinkema said. "These statutes are really draconian. I've said it before and I'll say it again."
The sentence reductions could be useful to Khan and Chapman only if the firearms convictions are overturned on appeal. If that occurs, each would serve only a 10-year sentence, which Brinkema said she considered appropriate.
Even though it was Brinkema who convicted the two on the firearms charges during a bench trial, she acknowledged at Friday's hearings that both have a strong argument on appeal to have the firearms counts overturned.
Abdur-Raheem, who was not convicted of firearms violations, had his sentenced reduced from eight years and a month to four years and four months over the objections of prosecutors.
The three were part of what prosecutors called a "Virginia jihad network" that played paintball games in 2000 and 2001 in the woods near Fredericksburg as a means of training for holy war around the globe.
Some group members turned their attention against the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At a meeting on Sept. 16, 2001, the group's spiritual leader, a Fairfax Islamic scholar named Ali al-Timimi, warned that an apocalyptic battle between Muslims and nonbelievers was at hand and urged the group to engage in holy war. He specifically said fighting for the Taliban against U.S. troops was a legitimate jihad, according to some witnesses who struck plea bargains.
Khan, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent, was one of four people who traveled to Pakistan shortly after that meeting and trained with a militant group called Lashkar-e-Taiba. Several of those who made the trip said their goal was to receive training that would allow them to cross into Afghanistan and join the Taliban. None made it to Afghanistan.
Khan was convicted of the most serious charges, including conspiracy to levy war against the United States and conspiracy to contribute services to the Taliban.
Chapman had gone to the Lashkar camp before Sept. 11, and returned to the United States afterward.
Abdur-Raheem attended the Sept. 16 meeting but never went to Pakistan. Trial testimony indicated that the military veteran was a leader in the paintball training.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Israel prepares for war on al-Qaida
Battle plan drawn up for eradication of terror group
Israel has drawn up a battle plan to eradicate Osama bin Laden's terrorist network within a few years � a plan that is being studied by military and intelligence leaders by other nations involved in the war against Islamic terrorism, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
Israel has drawn up a battle plan to eradicate Osama bin Laden's terrorist network within a few years � a plan that is being studied by military and intelligence leaders by other nations involved in the war against Islamic terrorism, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
U.N. to expand sanctions vs. extremist groups
The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Friday expanding U.N. sanctions against al-Qaida and the Taliban to their affiliates and splinter groups and clamping down on terrorist financing.
Sanctions currently require all 191 U.N. member states to impose a travel ban and arms embargo against Afghanistan's former Taliban leaders, Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist network and those "associated with" them, and to freeze their financial assets.
The new resolution adopted by the council spells out for the first time who is included among al-Qaida and the Taliban's associates.
Among other things, it states that people who finance or plan acts to support the outlawed groups and who recruit or provide weapons for bin Laden, al-Qaida, the Taliban "or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof" will face sanctions.
For the first time, the resolution also urges nations to enact recommendations set out by the Financial Action Task Force, a group of more than 50 nations seeking to tighten controls on underground money transfers used to bankroll the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America and other terrorist activities.
"We have increased the pressure on Al-Qaida, the Taliban, and their associates," acting U.S. ambassador Anne Patterson said in a statement.
Earlier this year, a U.N. team investigating compliance with the sanctions against al-Qaida and the Taliban found that bin Laden's followers still have easy access to bombmaking materials and money.
It also noted that no member state reported a violation of the travel ban - but it was "difficult to believe" no al-Qaida or Taliban member had crossed a national border.
The Financial Action Task Force recommendations ask governments to seek out and confiscate terrorist assets, to strengthen oversight of formal and informal money transfers, and to ensure that entities including nonprofit organizations do not reroute money to finance terrorist activities.
The Security Council imposed sanctions against the Taliban in November 1999 for refusing to send bin Laden to the United States or a third country for trial on terrorism charges in connection with the 1998 twin U.S. embassy bombings in Africa. The sanctions were later extended to al-Qaida.
Sanctions currently require all 191 U.N. member states to impose a travel ban and arms embargo against Afghanistan's former Taliban leaders, Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist network and those "associated with" them, and to freeze their financial assets.
The new resolution adopted by the council spells out for the first time who is included among al-Qaida and the Taliban's associates.
Among other things, it states that people who finance or plan acts to support the outlawed groups and who recruit or provide weapons for bin Laden, al-Qaida, the Taliban "or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof" will face sanctions.
For the first time, the resolution also urges nations to enact recommendations set out by the Financial Action Task Force, a group of more than 50 nations seeking to tighten controls on underground money transfers used to bankroll the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America and other terrorist activities.
"We have increased the pressure on Al-Qaida, the Taliban, and their associates," acting U.S. ambassador Anne Patterson said in a statement.
Earlier this year, a U.N. team investigating compliance with the sanctions against al-Qaida and the Taliban found that bin Laden's followers still have easy access to bombmaking materials and money.
It also noted that no member state reported a violation of the travel ban - but it was "difficult to believe" no al-Qaida or Taliban member had crossed a national border.
The Financial Action Task Force recommendations ask governments to seek out and confiscate terrorist assets, to strengthen oversight of formal and informal money transfers, and to ensure that entities including nonprofit organizations do not reroute money to finance terrorist activities.
The Security Council imposed sanctions against the Taliban in November 1999 for refusing to send bin Laden to the United States or a third country for trial on terrorism charges in connection with the 1998 twin U.S. embassy bombings in Africa. The sanctions were later extended to al-Qaida.
Poll: Americans favor 'conservative' court
Americans favor a "more conservative" over a "more liberal" U.S. Supreme Court by 50 percent to 31 percent, according to a recent survey.
Majorities of survey respondents also indicated they disapprove of a number of the high court's most liberal decisions, according to the survey, commissioned by American Values and the American Family Association.
The national survey, July 18 and 19, polled 800 likely general election voters throughout the United States.
Other key findings include:
When asked who they like better, "a justice who strictly applies the intent of the law without regard to his or her own policy views" or one "who corrects policies that he or she believes to be wrong, even if that requires overruling the intent of elected representatives," respondents favored the justice who strictly applies the intent of the law by 60 percent to 31 percent.
A significant majority of respondents � 61 percent � agree with the statement: "The U.S. Senate should give both Republican and Democratic presidents wide discretion in selecting nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court."
Majorities of respondents disapprove of a number of major judicial rulings at various levels on key cultural and other issues, including court decisions on the constitutionality of burning the American flag [56 percent disapprove]; local use of eminent domain for private development [89 percent disapprove]; establishing a right for same-sex couples to marry [60 percent disapprove]; ruling "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional [81 percent disapproval]; prohibiting public displays of the Ten Commandments under many circumstances [69 percent disapprove]; and protecting access to partial-birth abortion as a right [65 percent disapprove].
Majorities of survey respondents also indicated they disapprove of a number of the high court's most liberal decisions, according to the survey, commissioned by American Values and the American Family Association.
The national survey, July 18 and 19, polled 800 likely general election voters throughout the United States.
Other key findings include:
When asked who they like better, "a justice who strictly applies the intent of the law without regard to his or her own policy views" or one "who corrects policies that he or she believes to be wrong, even if that requires overruling the intent of elected representatives," respondents favored the justice who strictly applies the intent of the law by 60 percent to 31 percent.
A significant majority of respondents � 61 percent � agree with the statement: "The U.S. Senate should give both Republican and Democratic presidents wide discretion in selecting nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court."
Majorities of respondents disapprove of a number of major judicial rulings at various levels on key cultural and other issues, including court decisions on the constitutionality of burning the American flag [56 percent disapprove]; local use of eminent domain for private development [89 percent disapprove]; establishing a right for same-sex couples to marry [60 percent disapprove]; ruling "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional [81 percent disapproval]; prohibiting public displays of the Ten Commandments under many circumstances [69 percent disapprove]; and protecting access to partial-birth abortion as a right [65 percent disapprove].
Iranian President-Elect Was Leader of Hostage-Taking Group
The White House said Thursday that Iran's incoming president was a leader of the student movement that orchestrated the capture of the U.S. Embassy in 1979, but the United States still hasn't determined whether he took hostages as alleged by some of those who were held.
Six former hostages have identified Iran's ultraconservative president-elect, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as one of their captors during the 444 days they were held.
Bush said on June 30 that their allegation "raises many questions." The U.S. government has been investigating since then.
"I don't think it should surprise anyone given the nature of the regime in Iran that he might have been involved in these kind of activities," said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.
But he said no determination has been made.
"We know he was a leader of the student movement that organized the attack on the embassy and the taking of the American hostages," McClellan said. "However, we are still looking into whether or not he was actually one of the hostage-takers. That is something we continue to look in to."
Six former hostages have identified Iran's ultraconservative president-elect, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as one of their captors during the 444 days they were held.
Bush said on June 30 that their allegation "raises many questions." The U.S. government has been investigating since then.
"I don't think it should surprise anyone given the nature of the regime in Iran that he might have been involved in these kind of activities," said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.
But he said no determination has been made.
"We know he was a leader of the student movement that organized the attack on the embassy and the taking of the American hostages," McClellan said. "However, we are still looking into whether or not he was actually one of the hostage-takers. That is something we continue to look in to."
Rice: Stop Making Excuses for Terrorists
The U.S. secretary of state wants people to stop making excuses for terrorists.
In an interview aired July 28 on PBS's "Jim Lehrer NewsHour," Condoleezza Rice fairly bristled at the suggestion that the United States was creating terrorists with its policies. "When are we going to stop making excuses for the terrorists and saying that somebody is making them do it?" Rice said.
Rice said terrorists are simply evil people who want to kill. They are attempting to implicate the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide in their schemes. "They want to kill in the name of a perverted ideology that really is not Islam, but they somehow want to claim that mantle to say that this is about some kind of grievance," she said. "This isn't about some kind of grievance. This is an effort to destroy, rather than to build." Rice pointed out that terrorists struck the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, with no provocation. "We weren't in Iraq. We weren't even in Afghanistan on Sept. 11," she said.
Terrorists have embraced the ideology of violent extremism by their own choice. "No one is making them do it," Rice said. "They're doing it because they want to create chaos and to undermine our way to life."
The secretary said terrorists have attacked innocents all over the world. "They've attacked in Morocco and in Bali and in Egypt and in London and in Madrid," she said. "And until everybody in the world calls it by name - the evil that it is - (and) stops making excuses for them, then I think we're going to have a problem."
She said she hopes that after the recent bombings in England and Egypt and the suicide bombing that killed children getting candy from American soldiers in Baghdad "that people will call this by name and stop making excuses for these people."
In an interview aired July 28 on PBS's "Jim Lehrer NewsHour," Condoleezza Rice fairly bristled at the suggestion that the United States was creating terrorists with its policies. "When are we going to stop making excuses for the terrorists and saying that somebody is making them do it?" Rice said.
Rice said terrorists are simply evil people who want to kill. They are attempting to implicate the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide in their schemes. "They want to kill in the name of a perverted ideology that really is not Islam, but they somehow want to claim that mantle to say that this is about some kind of grievance," she said. "This isn't about some kind of grievance. This is an effort to destroy, rather than to build." Rice pointed out that terrorists struck the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, with no provocation. "We weren't in Iraq. We weren't even in Afghanistan on Sept. 11," she said.
Terrorists have embraced the ideology of violent extremism by their own choice. "No one is making them do it," Rice said. "They're doing it because they want to create chaos and to undermine our way to life."
The secretary said terrorists have attacked innocents all over the world. "They've attacked in Morocco and in Bali and in Egypt and in London and in Madrid," she said. "And until everybody in the world calls it by name - the evil that it is - (and) stops making excuses for them, then I think we're going to have a problem."
She said she hopes that after the recent bombings in England and Egypt and the suicide bombing that killed children getting candy from American soldiers in Baghdad "that people will call this by name and stop making excuses for these people."
Friday, July 29, 2005
Economy Grows Despite High Energy Costs
The economy clocked in at a chipper 3.4 percent annual growth rate in the second quarter, fresh evidence the country's business climate is healthy despite surging energy costs.
The solid increase in the gross domestic product for the April-to-June quarter, reported by the Commerce Department on Friday, came on the heels of a larger 3.8 percent growth rate in the opening quarter of this year. GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States and is considered the broadest barometer of the country's economic standing.
Despite the toll of elevated energy prices, consumers and businesses still managed to boost spending and investment modestly, helping to underpin overall economic growth in the second quarter.
The main reason why growth slowed in the second quarter compared with the first was that businesses were working off excess supplies of goods. That actually subtracted 2.32 percentage points from GDP. In the first quarter, businesses had bulked up their inventories.
The showing for the second quarter was slightly lower than the 3.5 percent pace that economists were forecasting before the release of the GDP report.
In other economic news, the Labor Department reported that workers' wages and benefits grew by 0.7 percent in the second quarter_ the same as the first quarter. That suggested that recovery in the job market isn't fanning inflation on the compensation front.
The solid increase in the gross domestic product for the April-to-June quarter, reported by the Commerce Department on Friday, came on the heels of a larger 3.8 percent growth rate in the opening quarter of this year. GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States and is considered the broadest barometer of the country's economic standing.
Despite the toll of elevated energy prices, consumers and businesses still managed to boost spending and investment modestly, helping to underpin overall economic growth in the second quarter.
The main reason why growth slowed in the second quarter compared with the first was that businesses were working off excess supplies of goods. That actually subtracted 2.32 percentage points from GDP. In the first quarter, businesses had bulked up their inventories.
The showing for the second quarter was slightly lower than the 3.5 percent pace that economists were forecasting before the release of the GDP report.
In other economic news, the Labor Department reported that workers' wages and benefits grew by 0.7 percent in the second quarter_ the same as the first quarter. That suggested that recovery in the job market isn't fanning inflation on the compensation front.
Condi Rice: Most Powerful Woman in the World
Forbes' "100 Most Powerful Women" in the world was released late Thursday and topping the list was Condoleezza Rice.
America's first female African-American secretary of state was dubbed the most powerful woman in the world by the nation's most respected business magazine.
"She advises the leader of the world's largest superpower and has an unparalleled level of trust with and access to the president," Forbes says in explaining her selection, adding that "she has served two other U.S. presidents, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. For all of these reasons, and more, Rice, 50, is the most powerful woman in the world."
The magazine also notes that Condi is a potential 2008 presidential candidate as a "long shot."
Still, history could be in the making.
"... a run by Rice for the presidency would make history in the U.S.," Forbes says.
The Top Ten
1. Condoleezza Rice
2. Wu Yi, China's vice premier for health
3. Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's prime minister
4. Gloria Arroyo, Phillipines' president
5. Margaret Whitman, eBay CEO
6. Anne Mulcahy, Xerox CEO
7. Sallie Krawcheck, Citigroup CFO
8. Brenda Barnes, Sara Lee CEO
9. Oprah Winfrey, 'nuf said
10. Melinda Gates, Bill's wife
Notably absent from the list was New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
America's first female African-American secretary of state was dubbed the most powerful woman in the world by the nation's most respected business magazine.
"She advises the leader of the world's largest superpower and has an unparalleled level of trust with and access to the president," Forbes says in explaining her selection, adding that "she has served two other U.S. presidents, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. For all of these reasons, and more, Rice, 50, is the most powerful woman in the world."
The magazine also notes that Condi is a potential 2008 presidential candidate as a "long shot."
Still, history could be in the making.
"... a run by Rice for the presidency would make history in the U.S.," Forbes says.
The Top Ten
1. Condoleezza Rice
2. Wu Yi, China's vice premier for health
3. Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's prime minister
4. Gloria Arroyo, Phillipines' president
5. Margaret Whitman, eBay CEO
6. Anne Mulcahy, Xerox CEO
7. Sallie Krawcheck, Citigroup CFO
8. Brenda Barnes, Sara Lee CEO
9. Oprah Winfrey, 'nuf said
10. Melinda Gates, Bill's wife
Notably absent from the list was New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Judge gives would-be millennium bomber 22 Years
The sentence itself was fairly straightforward: An Algerian man received 22 years for plotting to bomb the Los Angeles airport on the eve of the millennium.
Facing up to 130 years in prison after being convicted of terrorist conspiracy and explosives charges in 2001, Ressam began cooperating with authorities in hopes of winning a reduced sentence. He told investigators from several countries about the operation of terrorist camps and disclosed the identities of potential terrorists, the use of safe houses and other details.
Ressam's information was given to anti-terrorism field agents around the world - in one case, helping to prevent the mishandling and potential detonation of the shoe bomb that Richard Reid attempted to blow up aboard an American Airlines flight in 2001.
Coughenour has called the information Ressam provided "startlingly helpful."
"It is a flat fact that law enforcement, the public and public safety have benefited in countless ways" from Ressam's cooperation, defense lawyer Thomas Hillier said.
Facing up to 130 years in prison after being convicted of terrorist conspiracy and explosives charges in 2001, Ressam began cooperating with authorities in hopes of winning a reduced sentence. He told investigators from several countries about the operation of terrorist camps and disclosed the identities of potential terrorists, the use of safe houses and other details.
Ressam's information was given to anti-terrorism field agents around the world - in one case, helping to prevent the mishandling and potential detonation of the shoe bomb that Richard Reid attempted to blow up aboard an American Airlines flight in 2001.
Coughenour has called the information Ressam provided "startlingly helpful."
"It is a flat fact that law enforcement, the public and public safety have benefited in countless ways" from Ressam's cooperation, defense lawyer Thomas Hillier said.
UK 'blocked bomb plotter' arrest
A month before the London bombings, British authorities denied a request by their counterparts in the United States to apprehend a man now believed to have ties to the July 7 bombers, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Haroon Rashid Aswat, 30, of Indian heritage, is currently in custody in Zambia, U.S. and Zambian officials told CNN.
U.S. authorities wanted to capture Aswat, who was then in South Africa, and question him about a 1999 plot to establish a "jihad training camp" in Bly, Oregon.
According to the sources, U.S. officials had Aswat under surveillance in South Africa weeks before the July 7 attacks that killed 52 commuters and the four bombers.
U.S. authorities had asked Britain if they could take Aswat into custody but they refused because he was a UK citizen, the sources said. Later British authorities said they suspected Aswat lent support to the July 7 bombers. (Full story)
Meanwhile in Britain Thursday -- one week after failed attacks on London's transport network -- a nationwide manhunt focused on three of the suspected terrorists.
But as more arrests were announced, taking the number of those in custody in the investigation to 20, including one of the alleged bombers, the country's top police official said more attacks were possible if the suspects in the July 21 attempted bombings remained at large.
Early Thursday, nine men were arrested in the Tooting area of south London. They are not among the suspected bombers sought by police in the attacks on three Underground trains and a double-decker bus, authorities said.
Six of the men were arrested at one address, and three at another, according to Metropolitan Police. All nine were taken to a central London police station, and searches at the addresses were ongoing.
"It does remain possible that those at large will strike again," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair said Thursday.
"It does also remain possible that there are other cells who are capable and intent on striking again."
As part of its investigation into the attempted bombings, police have taken 1,800 witness statements, have received 5,000 calls to the terrorist tip line, and are examining 15,000 closed circuit television tapes.
The British government also announced Thursday that the Brazilian man mistakenly shot and killed by police at a London Underground station last week had a false stamp on his passport and had been in Britain for two years with an expired visa.
Haroon Rashid Aswat, 30, of Indian heritage, is currently in custody in Zambia, U.S. and Zambian officials told CNN.
U.S. authorities wanted to capture Aswat, who was then in South Africa, and question him about a 1999 plot to establish a "jihad training camp" in Bly, Oregon.
According to the sources, U.S. officials had Aswat under surveillance in South Africa weeks before the July 7 attacks that killed 52 commuters and the four bombers.
U.S. authorities had asked Britain if they could take Aswat into custody but they refused because he was a UK citizen, the sources said. Later British authorities said they suspected Aswat lent support to the July 7 bombers. (Full story)
Meanwhile in Britain Thursday -- one week after failed attacks on London's transport network -- a nationwide manhunt focused on three of the suspected terrorists.
But as more arrests were announced, taking the number of those in custody in the investigation to 20, including one of the alleged bombers, the country's top police official said more attacks were possible if the suspects in the July 21 attempted bombings remained at large.
Early Thursday, nine men were arrested in the Tooting area of south London. They are not among the suspected bombers sought by police in the attacks on three Underground trains and a double-decker bus, authorities said.
Six of the men were arrested at one address, and three at another, according to Metropolitan Police. All nine were taken to a central London police station, and searches at the addresses were ongoing.
"It does remain possible that those at large will strike again," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair said Thursday.
"It does also remain possible that there are other cells who are capable and intent on striking again."
As part of its investigation into the attempted bombings, police have taken 1,800 witness statements, have received 5,000 calls to the terrorist tip line, and are examining 15,000 closed circuit television tapes.
The British government also announced Thursday that the Brazilian man mistakenly shot and killed by police at a London Underground station last week had a false stamp on his passport and had been in Britain for two years with an expired visa.
U.S. Muslim Scholars To Forbid Terrorism
An organization of top American Muslim religious scholars plans to issue a formal ruling today condemning terrorism and forbidding Muslims to cooperate with anyone involved in a terrorist act, according to officials of two leading Islamic organizations.
The one-page ruling, or fatwa, will be issued by the Fiqh Council of North America, an association of Islamic legal scholars that interprets Islamic law for the Muslim community. Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group, said the ruling does not represent a new position on terrorism.
Rather, Hooper said, "it is another way to drive home the point that the American Muslim community rejects terrorism and extremism."
Although Muslim leaders and political organizations have repeatedly denounced religious extremism, Hooper added, "any time any Muslim goes on a talk show or on television, the first question is, 'Why haven't Muslims condemned terrorism?' "
Louay Safi of the Islamic Society of North America noted that there is an important difference between a fatwa and previous statements from the Muslim community. The fatwa "is not a political statement. It's a legal or religious opinion by a recognized religious authority in the United States," said Safi, whose group is based in Indianapolis.
The fatwa, to be released at a news conference in Washington, was prompted by the condemnation of terrorism in a similar ruling from the Muslim Council of Britain after the July 7 terrorist attacks in London, Hooper said.
Safi, who heads the society's Leadership Development Center, said yesterday that "the statement prohibits Muslims from giving any support to terrorist groups who have carried out attacks against unarmed civilians. Groups like al Qaeda have misused and abused Islam to fit their own radical and criminal agenda, and I feel the statement is an important step to repudiating such groups."
Although the fatwa is important, Safi added, "there is a need to become more proactive in addressing the issue of terrorism by American Muslims."
The one-page ruling, or fatwa, will be issued by the Fiqh Council of North America, an association of Islamic legal scholars that interprets Islamic law for the Muslim community. Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group, said the ruling does not represent a new position on terrorism.
Rather, Hooper said, "it is another way to drive home the point that the American Muslim community rejects terrorism and extremism."
Although Muslim leaders and political organizations have repeatedly denounced religious extremism, Hooper added, "any time any Muslim goes on a talk show or on television, the first question is, 'Why haven't Muslims condemned terrorism?' "
Louay Safi of the Islamic Society of North America noted that there is an important difference between a fatwa and previous statements from the Muslim community. The fatwa "is not a political statement. It's a legal or religious opinion by a recognized religious authority in the United States," said Safi, whose group is based in Indianapolis.
The fatwa, to be released at a news conference in Washington, was prompted by the condemnation of terrorism in a similar ruling from the Muslim Council of Britain after the July 7 terrorist attacks in London, Hooper said.
Safi, who heads the society's Leadership Development Center, said yesterday that "the statement prohibits Muslims from giving any support to terrorist groups who have carried out attacks against unarmed civilians. Groups like al Qaeda have misused and abused Islam to fit their own radical and criminal agenda, and I feel the statement is an important step to repudiating such groups."
Although the fatwa is important, Safi added, "there is a need to become more proactive in addressing the issue of terrorism by American Muslims."
Muslim nations throttle U.N. terror resolution
Criticism of suicide bombers censored by global body's Islamic member states
Islamic United Nations representatives blocked an attempt to have the world body condemn killing in the name of religion.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union said it submitted the request to the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva in response to moves by Islamic clerics to legitimize the current wave of terror attacks.
IHEU representative David Littman tried to deliver a prepared text in the names of three international NGOs � the Association for World Education, the Association of World Citizens and the IHEU � but was blocked by the "heavy-handed intervention" of Islamic representatives of the panel.
Littman said that after repeated interruptions, he was unable to complete his speech.
The Muslims members said they saw the text as an attack on Islam.
The IHEU argued Littman's speech was a report on recent critical comment on Islamist extremism by a number of notable Muslim writers.
The intent was for the U.N. Human Rights Commission "to condemn calls to kill, to terrorize or to use violence in the name of God or any religion."
Roy Brown, president of IHEU, said the censorship is "part and parcel of the refusal by the Islamic representatives at the U.N. to condemn the suicide bombers, or to accept any criticism of those who kill innocent people in the name of God."
Islamic United Nations representatives blocked an attempt to have the world body condemn killing in the name of religion.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union said it submitted the request to the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva in response to moves by Islamic clerics to legitimize the current wave of terror attacks.
IHEU representative David Littman tried to deliver a prepared text in the names of three international NGOs � the Association for World Education, the Association of World Citizens and the IHEU � but was blocked by the "heavy-handed intervention" of Islamic representatives of the panel.
Littman said that after repeated interruptions, he was unable to complete his speech.
The Muslims members said they saw the text as an attack on Islam.
The IHEU argued Littman's speech was a report on recent critical comment on Islamist extremism by a number of notable Muslim writers.
The intent was for the U.N. Human Rights Commission "to condemn calls to kill, to terrorize or to use violence in the name of God or any religion."
Roy Brown, president of IHEU, said the censorship is "part and parcel of the refusal by the Islamic representatives at the U.N. to condemn the suicide bombers, or to accept any criticism of those who kill innocent people in the name of God."
Report: Air America Funding Probed
Air America has reportedly been caught up in a probe into whether funds for after-school programs for poor children in New York City have been improperly diverted.
The city's Department of Investigation is said to be examining allegations that hundreds of thousands of city dollars were illegally invested in the liberal radio network by the Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, according to a report earlier this month in the Bronx News. "The money, which was reportedly paid to Air America as a loan, was supposed to be paid back with interest," the News said.
Evan Cohen, who resigned under fire as chairman of Air America Radio shortly after the network began in 2003, served as director of development for the Gloria Wise Club, the paper said.
Citing "published reports" on Tuesday, the New York Daily News said that Gloria Wise founder Charles Rosen "has stepped down as executive director" after allegations surfaced that he was "investing city contract funds in Air America Radio."
A source emphasized to the Bronx News, however, that Rosen never sought to profit personally from the reported loan to Air America, and instead hoped the Gloria Wise Club would benefit from the interest collected from the liberal network.
Still, according to a statement quoted by the Daily News, the DOI said it was probing allegations that program officials "approved significant inappropriate transactions and falsified documents that were submitted to various city agencies."
The city's Department of Investigation is said to be examining allegations that hundreds of thousands of city dollars were illegally invested in the liberal radio network by the Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, according to a report earlier this month in the Bronx News. "The money, which was reportedly paid to Air America as a loan, was supposed to be paid back with interest," the News said.
Evan Cohen, who resigned under fire as chairman of Air America Radio shortly after the network began in 2003, served as director of development for the Gloria Wise Club, the paper said.
Citing "published reports" on Tuesday, the New York Daily News said that Gloria Wise founder Charles Rosen "has stepped down as executive director" after allegations surfaced that he was "investing city contract funds in Air America Radio."
A source emphasized to the Bronx News, however, that Rosen never sought to profit personally from the reported loan to Air America, and instead hoped the Gloria Wise Club would benefit from the interest collected from the liberal network.
Still, according to a statement quoted by the Daily News, the DOI said it was probing allegations that program officials "approved significant inappropriate transactions and falsified documents that were submitted to various city agencies."
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
50,000 Iraqi insurgents dead, caught
U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed or arrested more than 50,000 Iraqi insurgents in the past seven months, a former top general who has headed repeated Pentagon assessment missions to Iraq said yesterday.
Gen. Jack Keane, a former deputy chief of staff for the Army, also said the United States has a good picture of the leadership of the vicious insurgency but less of an idea about its mid- and lower-level ranks.
"We know who they are," he told a lunch gathering sponsored by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He said the eight to 10 leaders "occasionally meet -- we've recorded that -- not just in Iraq, but in Jordan and Syria."
Gen. Keane's remarks provided a rare insight into the extent of U.S.-led operations against an insurgency that has been responsible for hundreds of deaths in the past few weeks alone.
Pentagon officials previously had been quoted as saying 15,000 to 16,000 Iraqis were in custody in Iraq, but spokesman Lawrence DiRita was unable to comment last night on the 50,000 figure offered by the general.
"I would highly doubt that anyone has a good handle on the numbers," he said. "I'm not aware of what General Keane has been told, but I know of no number that has been provided to the secretary, briefed by the commanders, or is being tracked by anyone."
Gen. Keane, noting that the numbers probably were higher now, said, "In the past six to seven months, we have killed or captured 50,000 insurgents."
The retired general has traveled to Iraq twice in uniform and twice as a civilian to assess progress there for the U.S. military. He did not explain how the number had been obtained.
A Defense Department consultant, retired Army Col. Robert Killebrew, said Gen. Keane's figure likely includes some Iraqis who were swept up in military operations and subsequently released.
"Does that mean all of them are terrorists or still being held? Probably not. It means we are making inroads, but not that we captured 50,000 terrorists," he said.
Gen. Jack Keane, a former deputy chief of staff for the Army, also said the United States has a good picture of the leadership of the vicious insurgency but less of an idea about its mid- and lower-level ranks.
"We know who they are," he told a lunch gathering sponsored by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He said the eight to 10 leaders "occasionally meet -- we've recorded that -- not just in Iraq, but in Jordan and Syria."
Gen. Keane's remarks provided a rare insight into the extent of U.S.-led operations against an insurgency that has been responsible for hundreds of deaths in the past few weeks alone.
Pentagon officials previously had been quoted as saying 15,000 to 16,000 Iraqis were in custody in Iraq, but spokesman Lawrence DiRita was unable to comment last night on the 50,000 figure offered by the general.
"I would highly doubt that anyone has a good handle on the numbers," he said. "I'm not aware of what General Keane has been told, but I know of no number that has been provided to the secretary, briefed by the commanders, or is being tracked by anyone."
Gen. Keane, noting that the numbers probably were higher now, said, "In the past six to seven months, we have killed or captured 50,000 insurgents."
The retired general has traveled to Iraq twice in uniform and twice as a civilian to assess progress there for the U.S. military. He did not explain how the number had been obtained.
A Defense Department consultant, retired Army Col. Robert Killebrew, said Gen. Keane's figure likely includes some Iraqis who were swept up in military operations and subsequently released.
"Does that mean all of them are terrorists or still being held? Probably not. It means we are making inroads, but not that we captured 50,000 terrorists," he said.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Egyptians with NYC maps, video arrested
4 illegals, 1 fugitive had no good explanation for presence in U.S.
Five Egyptian men with maps of the New York City subway system and video of New York landmarks have been arrested by the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark, N.J., ABC News has learned.
FBI and law enforcement officials told ABC News the five men � four illegal immigrants and one law enforcement fugitive � were arrested Sunday night following a tip to the Newark Police Department. In addition to the subway maps and video, the men had train schedules and $8,000 in $20 and $50 bills.
The men were identified as: Karim Ahmed Abdel Latif Ahmed, 21; his brother Mahoud Ahmed Abdel Latif Ahmed, 19; Ahmed Mohamed Atta, 30; Mohamed Ibrahim Gaber, 34, and Mohamed Palat Anwar Jozain. When Newark authorities converged at the group's location at 246 Ferry St., Karim Ahmed answered the door and agreed to allow police to enter. Officers said they noticed the maps, and video cameras and Karim and his brother agreed to a search.
Karim said he had the maps because he had a new job as a street vendor. Initially, Karim said no one else was in the apartment, but police came upon the three other men upon further search.
FBI officials said the men have no known link to a terror network but noted that none of them could adequately explain the items they had in their possession, the large amount of money or their reasons for being in the United States. Mohamed Ibrahim Gaber has been a fugitive since he jumped ship from an Egyptian flagged freighter in September 2000.
The men, all of whom claimed to be unemployed civil or chemical engineers, are set to be deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Five Egyptian men with maps of the New York City subway system and video of New York landmarks have been arrested by the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark, N.J., ABC News has learned.
FBI and law enforcement officials told ABC News the five men � four illegal immigrants and one law enforcement fugitive � were arrested Sunday night following a tip to the Newark Police Department. In addition to the subway maps and video, the men had train schedules and $8,000 in $20 and $50 bills.
The men were identified as: Karim Ahmed Abdel Latif Ahmed, 21; his brother Mahoud Ahmed Abdel Latif Ahmed, 19; Ahmed Mohamed Atta, 30; Mohamed Ibrahim Gaber, 34, and Mohamed Palat Anwar Jozain. When Newark authorities converged at the group's location at 246 Ferry St., Karim Ahmed answered the door and agreed to allow police to enter. Officers said they noticed the maps, and video cameras and Karim and his brother agreed to a search.
Karim said he had the maps because he had a new job as a street vendor. Initially, Karim said no one else was in the apartment, but police came upon the three other men upon further search.
FBI officials said the men have no known link to a terror network but noted that none of them could adequately explain the items they had in their possession, the large amount of money or their reasons for being in the United States. Mohamed Ibrahim Gaber has been a fugitive since he jumped ship from an Egyptian flagged freighter in September 2000.
The men, all of whom claimed to be unemployed civil or chemical engineers, are set to be deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Bush may bypass Senate and appoint Bolton to UN
The White House signaled on Monday that President Bush may bypass the Senate and appoint John Bolton, his embattled nominee for U.N. ambassador, to the post temporarily as hope faded for a Senate vote on the nomination.
Congressional aides said a recess appointment could be announced as early as Friday night, immediately after the Senate is scheduled to adjourn for the monthlong August break. A recess appointment would allow Bolton to take up the U.N. post but he would serve only until January 2007.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush has used recess appointments in instances where "there are important priorities we're working to advance and it's important to have people in certain positions."
McClellan declined to say whether Bolton would receive a recess appointment.
But when asked in general about possible recess appointments, McClellan said, "If the Senate fails to act and move forward on those nominees, then sometimes there comes a point where the president has needed to fill that in a timely manner by recessing those nominees."
Asked if his U.N. nominee fit into that category, McClellan said: "There's nothing that's changed, in terms of what we said previously on that at this point."
When asked earlier this month about the prospects of a recess appointment for Bolton, McClellan would only say that the White House was seeking an "up or down vote" in the Senate.
Congressional aides said a recess appointment could be announced as early as Friday night, immediately after the Senate is scheduled to adjourn for the monthlong August break. A recess appointment would allow Bolton to take up the U.N. post but he would serve only until January 2007.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush has used recess appointments in instances where "there are important priorities we're working to advance and it's important to have people in certain positions."
McClellan declined to say whether Bolton would receive a recess appointment.
But when asked in general about possible recess appointments, McClellan said, "If the Senate fails to act and move forward on those nominees, then sometimes there comes a point where the president has needed to fill that in a timely manner by recessing those nominees."
Asked if his U.N. nominee fit into that category, McClellan said: "There's nothing that's changed, in terms of what we said previously on that at this point."
When asked earlier this month about the prospects of a recess appointment for Bolton, McClellan would only say that the White House was seeking an "up or down vote" in the Senate.
Nominee Roberts favored in poll
Less than a week after President Bush chose a little-known federal appeals judge for the Supreme Court, nominee John Roberts can claim favorability ratings that many politicians would savor.
A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds that 51% of Americans expect �a major fight� over Roberts in the Senate. But by 59% to 22%, those surveyed say he should be confirmed for the job.
Roberts' favorable-unfavorable ratings are a muscular 46%-13%; 19% haven't heard of him.
On the Supreme Court, the public would like to hear more about Roberts' views on abortion; 61% say the Senate should insist that the nominee discuss them before he is confirmed. But 85% say support of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that recognized abortion rights, shouldn't disqualify a nominee; 72% say opposition to Roe shouldn't disqualify a nominee, either.
A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds that 51% of Americans expect �a major fight� over Roberts in the Senate. But by 59% to 22%, those surveyed say he should be confirmed for the job.
Roberts' favorable-unfavorable ratings are a muscular 46%-13%; 19% haven't heard of him.
On the Supreme Court, the public would like to hear more about Roberts' views on abortion; 61% say the Senate should insist that the nominee discuss them before he is confirmed. But 85% say support of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that recognized abortion rights, shouldn't disqualify a nominee; 72% say opposition to Roe shouldn't disqualify a nominee, either.
Bill Clinton Pardoned Nat'l. Security Leaker
No wonder 2008 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has been silent as a churchmouse about Karl Rove while her Democratic colleagues call for his prosecution for leaking classified information about CIA employee Valerie Plame.
Turns out - in the only case in U.S. history of a person successfully prosecuted for leaking classified information to the press - Hillary's husband pardoned the guilty party.
On January 20, 2001, President Clinton pardoned Samuel Loring Morison, a civilian analyst with the Office of Naval Intelligence. In 1984, Morison had been convicted of providing classified satellite photos of an under-construction Soviet nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Britain's Jane's Defence Weekly.
He received a two-year jail sentence.
In pardoning Morison, Clinton dismissed the advice of the CIA.
"We said we were obviously opposed - it was a vigorous 'Hell, no,'" one senior intelligence official told the Washington Post at the time. "We think ... giving pardons to people who are convicted of doing that sends the wrong signal to people who are currently entrusted with classified information."
Morison is the only person ever successfully prosecuted under the 1917 Espionage Act, the law invoked by Democrats who want to nail Rove after it became clear that he didn't violate the 1982 Intelligence Identities Protection Act.
Turns out - in the only case in U.S. history of a person successfully prosecuted for leaking classified information to the press - Hillary's husband pardoned the guilty party.
On January 20, 2001, President Clinton pardoned Samuel Loring Morison, a civilian analyst with the Office of Naval Intelligence. In 1984, Morison had been convicted of providing classified satellite photos of an under-construction Soviet nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Britain's Jane's Defence Weekly.
He received a two-year jail sentence.
In pardoning Morison, Clinton dismissed the advice of the CIA.
"We said we were obviously opposed - it was a vigorous 'Hell, no,'" one senior intelligence official told the Washington Post at the time. "We think ... giving pardons to people who are convicted of doing that sends the wrong signal to people who are currently entrusted with classified information."
Morison is the only person ever successfully prosecuted under the 1917 Espionage Act, the law invoked by Democrats who want to nail Rove after it became clear that he didn't violate the 1982 Intelligence Identities Protection Act.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Hanoi Jane is at it Again !
Jane Fonda to Oppose Iraq War on Bus Tour
Actress and activist Jane Fonda says she intends to take a cross-country bus tour to call for an end to U.S. military operations in Iraq.
"I can't go into any detail except to say that it's going to be pretty exciting," she said.
Fonda said her anti-war tour in March will use a bus that runs on "vegetable oil." She will be joined by families of Iraq war veterans and her daughter.
They plan to return to the Santa Fe area, where she was promoting her book, "My Life So Far" on Saturday.
Prompted by a question from the audience, Fonda said war veterans that she has met on a nationwide book tour have encouraged her to break her silence on the Iraq war.
"I've decided I'm coming out," she said.
Hundreds of people in the audience cheered loudly when Fonda announced her intentions to join the anti-Iraq war movement.
"I have not taken a stand on any war since Vietnam," she said. "I carry a lot of baggage from that."
Fonda incited controversy in July 1972 when she was photographed sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun while on a tour of the country to drum up support to end the war.
Actress and activist Jane Fonda says she intends to take a cross-country bus tour to call for an end to U.S. military operations in Iraq.
"I can't go into any detail except to say that it's going to be pretty exciting," she said.
Fonda said her anti-war tour in March will use a bus that runs on "vegetable oil." She will be joined by families of Iraq war veterans and her daughter.
They plan to return to the Santa Fe area, where she was promoting her book, "My Life So Far" on Saturday.
Prompted by a question from the audience, Fonda said war veterans that she has met on a nationwide book tour have encouraged her to break her silence on the Iraq war.
"I've decided I'm coming out," she said.
Hundreds of people in the audience cheered loudly when Fonda announced her intentions to join the anti-Iraq war movement.
"I have not taken a stand on any war since Vietnam," she said. "I carry a lot of baggage from that."
Fonda incited controversy in July 1972 when she was photographed sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun while on a tour of the country to drum up support to end the war.
Report: Hillary to support Roberts
HILLARY CLINTON TO SUPPORT BUSH COURT NOMINEE
Senator Hillary Clinton has confided to associates that she intends to vote FOR Bush Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
Unless some unforeseen development occurs around Roberts, Clinton will throw her support behind confirmation, says a top source.
"Look, we're not thrilled President Bush is in office and gets to make these choices," said a top Hillary source, "but we have to make the best of the situation until the next election!"
With her support of Roberts, Clinton ignores pressure from the reactionary-activist wing of the Democrat party.
"She is simply doing what is right for the country, not MOVEON.ORG," the Clinton insider explained.
Developing...
Senator Hillary Clinton has confided to associates that she intends to vote FOR Bush Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
Unless some unforeseen development occurs around Roberts, Clinton will throw her support behind confirmation, says a top source.
"Look, we're not thrilled President Bush is in office and gets to make these choices," said a top Hillary source, "but we have to make the best of the situation until the next election!"
With her support of Roberts, Clinton ignores pressure from the reactionary-activist wing of the Democrat party.
"She is simply doing what is right for the country, not MOVEON.ORG," the Clinton insider explained.
Developing...
Bin Laden did it, say terror experts
Al-Qaida hand seen behind bombings in London, Egypt
Al-Qaida is sending a message that it is still in business with the bombings in London and Egypt, say terrorism experts in the U.S. and abroad.
The pattern of attacks, they say, and the similarity in methods suggest Osama bin Laden or his inner circle were behind the attacks.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, where the death toll rose to 90 people, attention centered on an al-Qaida affiliate blamed for a similar attack last October at Taba, another Red Sea resort. In London, where 52 people were killed in the subway and on a bus, police have identified three of the four presumed suicide bombers as British natives with suspected connections to Pakistani radicals.
Intelligence officials and terrorist experts said they suspect that bin Laden or his lieutenants may have directed both operations.
The analysis by diverse sources in the U.S. and abroad suggest the Bush administration's assessments that al-Qaida is on the run may be optimistic.
Some senior U.S. officials have argued that bin Laden has been effectively bottled up since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and question whether al-Qaida still has the ability to plan major operations such as the Sept. 11 attacks.
In April, the State Department concluded in its annual report on terrorist activity around the world that al-Qaida had been supplanted as the biggest threat by unaffiliated local groups of Islamic radicals acting on their own. The pattern of attacks in 2004, the report said, illustrates "what many analysts believe is a new phase of the global war on terrorism, one in which local groups inspired by al-Qaida organize and carry out attacks with little or no support or direction from al-Qaida itself."
One U.S.-based intelligence analyst said the fingerprints of al-Qaida's No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are all over the attack in Egypt. Al-Zawahiri is known to be obsessed with toppling President Hosni Mubarak in the largest Arab country.
Al-Qaida is sending a message that it is still in business with the bombings in London and Egypt, say terrorism experts in the U.S. and abroad.
The pattern of attacks, they say, and the similarity in methods suggest Osama bin Laden or his inner circle were behind the attacks.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, where the death toll rose to 90 people, attention centered on an al-Qaida affiliate blamed for a similar attack last October at Taba, another Red Sea resort. In London, where 52 people were killed in the subway and on a bus, police have identified three of the four presumed suicide bombers as British natives with suspected connections to Pakistani radicals.
Intelligence officials and terrorist experts said they suspect that bin Laden or his lieutenants may have directed both operations.
The analysis by diverse sources in the U.S. and abroad suggest the Bush administration's assessments that al-Qaida is on the run may be optimistic.
Some senior U.S. officials have argued that bin Laden has been effectively bottled up since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and question whether al-Qaida still has the ability to plan major operations such as the Sept. 11 attacks.
In April, the State Department concluded in its annual report on terrorist activity around the world that al-Qaida had been supplanted as the biggest threat by unaffiliated local groups of Islamic radicals acting on their own. The pattern of attacks in 2004, the report said, illustrates "what many analysts believe is a new phase of the global war on terrorism, one in which local groups inspired by al-Qaida organize and carry out attacks with little or no support or direction from al-Qaida itself."
One U.S.-based intelligence analyst said the fingerprints of al-Qaida's No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are all over the attack in Egypt. Al-Zawahiri is known to be obsessed with toppling President Hosni Mubarak in the largest Arab country.
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