Monthly Archives: June 2009

Born Fighting for the USS Liberty? – Sidney O. Smith III

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Pat Lang

"One day something will happen. You will take a side."  Graham Greene, The Quiet American The Vietnam War again.  Can we ever get over those times?  But when it comes to Senator James Webb of Virginia, the Vietnam War is … Continue reading →

Posted in USS Liberty | 1 Comment

What a Good Idea!

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Pat Lang

"In his new job, Faulkner will find his stated commitment to freedom of information and transparent government tested, especially with regard to security and intelligence. He could make a bold and long-overdue contribution to openness in the public interest by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Daily Star coverage of the election.

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Pat Lang

There are a number of interesting articles today in the Beirut "Daily Star" concerning the parliamentary election. One points out the fact that Lebanese voters are still voting en bloc for their sectarian brethren. Another mentions Israel's formulaic demand for Hizbullah … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 14 Comments

Lebanese election – 2009, part 2

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Pat Lang

If the final results are like this, it does not seem that anything has changed very much.  This is reported to have been the finest election that money could buy – on both sides.  pl http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_general_election,_2009 Votes were bought for … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 8 Comments

The Lebanon Election – 2009

Posted on June 7, 2009 by Pat Lang

""I am 44 years old and I have always voted, but this is the most important election we've ever had," said Nabil, one of the Achrafiyeh residents. "This will really set the tone for the future, we are choosing between … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Two Instructive Articles

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Pat Lang

Max Blumenthal's video from the streets of Jerusalem is instructive.  http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/06/max-blumenthal-feeling-the-hate-in-jerusalem-on-eve-of-obamas-cairo-address.html And then there is this story in the Asia Times: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/KF05Ak01.html The basic story here is simple.  Israeli intelligence are doing their best to fake the evidence of rapid … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 32 Comments

“Israel: No policy change after Obama speech” – Steve Gutkin

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Pat Lang

"..taking down outposts while pressing ahead with so-called "natural growth" construction in the settlements — is not likely to go over well in Washington. U.S. officials have made it clear they want all settlement activity to stop, without exception. Most … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Baby Steps in Cairo

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Pat Lang

"..the Christian son of a Kenyan Muslim father and a Kansas mother sought common cause in part by addressing his own roots — and using a middle name that opponents used against him at inflammatory moments in the presidential campaign. "Much has … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 51 Comments

National Journal Blog – 1 June 2009

Posted on June 3, 2009 by Pat Lang

http://security.nationaljournal.com/2009/06/what-are-the-ramifications-of.php#1333733

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Can you go home again? – Harper

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Pat Lang

That is my title, not Harper's.  pl ———————————————————– "In the past few years, a reported one million Israeli Jews have packed their bags and left Israel, going off to, in some cases, their nations of origin, like Canada, the United … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 23 Comments