Archive for October 21st, 2008
Anti-Israeli Censorship in Spain: El Pais Closes “Stop Islamisation” Blog
The issue at hand is the closure of the “Stop Islamisation” blog at the El Pais online community after the blog accepted a prize for showing “Solidarity with Israel.” It is an act of censorship which I regard as wholly unwarranted, given that there was no hateful speech, incitement to immoral conduct, or what could in any way be construed as a violation of the norms of conduct El Pais posts on its community site. No; this was an act of silencing pro-Israeli speech within Spain and on the web. That is an outrage.
By way of a personal note I wish to add, the “Stop Islamisation” movement in Europe represents a multi-national effort to oppose actions among Muslims residing on the continent to take advantage of the tolerant attitudes of a multi-cultural Europe to implement Sharia law within their communities, which frequently results in gross and overt violations of national law, constitutional rights, and what can only be described as human dignity. Just check out the Google search returns on “Stop Islamisation” if you want an idea as to the extent of this popular response among Europeans. It is widely-expressed speech that deserves its place within the popular consciousness.
The deleted blog is not back. Go over to the link above to read the rest.
Kim Jong-Il’s health
North Korea is preparing itself to make an announcement tomorrow according to a Japanese newsppaer, quoting the national Defense Ministery, about the truth regarding the rumours about Kim Jong-Il’s health.
via Kim Jong-Ill? « O Insurgente
Looks like the photos NK distributed, weren’t of Kim Jong-Il, as there are no signs of the brain surgery he underwent less than two months ago.
SEOUL, South Korea — The 66-year-old man in the photos appeared the picture of health, full of vigor despite reports he underwent brain surgery less than two months ago.
He was surrounded by serious, crisply uniformed soldiers and in the background there was plenty of verdant greenery, more reminiscent of summer than mid-autumn in a temperate clime.
To seasoned North Korea watchers, the country’s weekend release of photos of leader Kim Jong Il for the first time since the middle of August are raising a host of questions about his health — as well as the motive and timing behind their publication.
Jordan arrests poet accused of insulting Islam
Jordanian police arrested a local writer Tuesday for incorporating verses of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, into his love poetry, a judicial official said.
The poet, Islam Samhan, published his collection of poems, “Grace like a Shadow,” without the approval of the Jordanian government, and authorities say it insults the holy book, the official said.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Samhan was charged with harming the Islamic faith and violating the press and publication law for combining the sacred words of the Quran with sexual themes.
If convicted, the poet could face up to three years in jail.
via Jordan arrests poet accused of insulting Islam – Yahoo! News
Related posts:
Chinese oil workers kidnapped in Sudan
Unknown assailants have kidnapped nine Chinese oil workers in southern Sudan, a Chinese diplomat in Khartoum said Sunday.
The men were working Saturday when they were abducted in southern Kordofan province, where China is one of the largest investors in the country’s fledgling oil industry.
A search was under way for the men, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. Several workers were not taken and managed to inform authorities, he added.
The diplomat said no further details were immediately available.
Kordofan province, the site of most of Sudan’s oil, is adjacent to the violence-wracked Darfur region where ethnic African rebels are fighting the Arab-dominated government. In the past, rebel actions have spilled over into neighboring provinces.
via Chinese oil workers kidnapped in Sudan – Yahoo! News
Just wait some days or weeks. In the end we will know who has kidnapped them.
Former Secretary Of State Under George W. Bush, Colin Powell Endorses Senator Barack Obama
Colin Powell, a Republican who was President Bush’s first secretary of state, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president Sunday and criticized the tone of Republican John McCain’s campaign.
Powell said both Obama and Republican John McCain are qualified to be commander in chief. But he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation’s economic problems as well as help improve its standing in the world.
“It isn’t easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that,” Powell, interviewed on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said of his longtime friend, the Arizona senator.
“But I firmly believe that at this point in America’s history, we need a president that will not just continue, even with a new face and with the changes and with some maverick aspects, who will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years,” Powell said.
“I think we need a transformational figure. I think we need a president who is a generational change and that’s why I’m supporting Barack Obama, not out of any lack of respect or admiration for Sen. John McCain.”
Two questions:
a) Is Powell asking Obama to be his Secretary of State?
b) Has race something to do with this support?
Read more in CentreRight.
