BULLY BOY
PRESS & CEDRIC'S BIG MIX -- THE KOOL-AID
TABLE
PRINCESS BARRY JUST WANTS TO DANCE WITH THE BOYS HE EXPLAINED TO THESE REPORTERS LAST NIGHT AT CLUB TUSH, "GIRLS BE STINKING. THEY GOT THESE PERFUMES AND THESE SCRUBS AND THE THIS AND THE THAT AND THEY SMELL LIKE A DRUG STORE COUNTER. GIVE ME A MAN LIKE CHUCK HAGEL. HE DON'T EVEN SMELL LIKE A BAR OF SOAP!"
HAGEL, PRINCESS BARRY'S PROM PICK AND NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, EVEN APOLOGIZED TO JEWISH PEOPLE FOR INSULTING THEM
"OH, YEAH," BARRY SHOUTED OVER THE LOUD MUSIC. "HE'S LIKE TOTALLY CHANGED. LIKE LAST NIGHT, I WAS SAYING CHUCKIE YOU HAVE CHANGED. HE TOLD ME, 'SHUT YOUR MOUTH.' BUT HE DID AGREE HE HAD CHANGED. ONCE UPON A TIME HE WOULD HAVE JUST CHASED ME AROUND THE OVAL OFFICE WITH A TIRE IRON SCREAMING, 'GIRL, YOU GONNA GIVE IT UP!' SO, YEAH, HE'S CHANGED."
FROM THE TCI WIRE:
A bit of news was supposed
to reassure the international community that Nouri al-Maliki was the
thug the world suspected and cause them to say "Look what he's done!"
instead. However, that bit of Happy Talk just got overshadowed by
reality.
First for the wave of Happy Talk. Adam Schreck Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Sameer N. Yacoub (AP) report
that some 'prisoners' were 'freed' today with some ("dozens') at a
ceremony presided over by "one of the prime minister's most trusted
political allies" Deputy Prime Minister Hussain al-Shahristani who
distributed candy and Korans. Having a hard time seeing Nouri okaying
candy for Sunnis? You're not alone. Though they're trying to spin this
as prisoners being released to meet the protesters demands, they won't
give details about the prisoners (including whether they are Sunni or
not). Schreck notes that some of those 'freed' had already completed
their sentences. That's really not 'freed,' that's sentence was
completed and they were released. Suadad al-Salhy, Patrick Markey and Angus MacSwan (Reuters) also note the 'release' aspect, "Officials
said a ministerial committee had freed 335 detainees whose jail terms
had ended or whose cases had been dismissed for lack of evidence." In other words, people who should have never been held got released. And how many are women?
The western outlets -- except for AFP
-- have ignored that aspect. Women are said to have been raped and
tortured in the prisons. The protesters have demanded the women
prisoners be released, it's not a minor point. The Arabic press grasps
that. Alsumaria leads
with the claim that 335 prisoners have been released over the last days
and only four of these were women. Four. Alsumaria notes the mass
demonstrations that have been taking place and that the demands have
included demands about women prisoners. Via the BRussells Tribunal, let's note the basic demands of the protesters:
In this situation it is of utmost importance that the international community exposes the true nature of the al Maliki dictatorship and stands with this broad movement for human dignity and against repression and violations of human rights. It is therefore of vital importance that all peace-loving forces support what is taking place on the streets of Iraq.
The protesters are justly demanding:
1 – the immediate release of detained protesters and dissident prisoners.
2 – a stop to the death penalty.
3 – the approval of an amnesty law for innocent detainees.
4 – the abolition of anti-terrorism laws (especially Clause 4 used to target them).
5 – the repeal of unfair rulings against dissidents.
6 – fair opportunities for work based on professionalism.
7 – the end of the use of all military command based on geographic areas.
8 – the provision of essential services to all areas in Iraq neglected by the state.
9 – the holding of all members of governmental official, army or security units who have committed crimes against dissidents accountable, especially those who have violated the honour of women in prisons.
10 – a UN sponsored population count.
11 – an end to marginalization, and a stop to agitating divisions between ethnic and religious groups, and a stop the house raids without legal warrant based on the information of secret informers.
12 – a stop to financial, administrative and legal corruption.
13 – the combating of sectarianism in all its forms by returning Religious buildings and all religion properties to their rightful owners and the abolishment of law No. 19 of 2005.
The International Anti-Occupation Network (IAON) welcomes the spread of these non-sectarian protests and supports the efforts of the Iraqi people to regain their full independence and national sovereignty. 10 years of foreign occupation is enough! 10 years of massive human rights violations is enough! 10 years of corruption and depriving the whole population of basic services is enough!
In this situation it is of utmost importance that the international community exposes the true nature of the al Maliki dictatorship and stands with this broad movement for human dignity and against repression and violations of human rights. It is therefore of vital importance that all peace-loving forces support what is taking place on the streets of Iraq.
The protesters are justly demanding:
1 – the immediate release of detained protesters and dissident prisoners.
2 – a stop to the death penalty.
3 – the approval of an amnesty law for innocent detainees.
4 – the abolition of anti-terrorism laws (especially Clause 4 used to target them).
5 – the repeal of unfair rulings against dissidents.
6 – fair opportunities for work based on professionalism.
7 – the end of the use of all military command based on geographic areas.
8 – the provision of essential services to all areas in Iraq neglected by the state.
9 – the holding of all members of governmental official, army or security units who have committed crimes against dissidents accountable, especially those who have violated the honour of women in prisons.
10 – a UN sponsored population count.
11 – an end to marginalization, and a stop to agitating divisions between ethnic and religious groups, and a stop the house raids without legal warrant based on the information of secret informers.
12 – a stop to financial, administrative and legal corruption.
13 – the combating of sectarianism in all its forms by returning Religious buildings and all religion properties to their rightful owners and the abolishment of law No. 19 of 2005.
The International Anti-Occupation Network (IAON) welcomes the spread of these non-sectarian protests and supports the efforts of the Iraqi people to regain their full independence and national sovereignty. 10 years of foreign occupation is enough! 10 years of massive human rights violations is enough! 10 years of corruption and depriving the whole population of basic services is enough!
Now for the news that punctured Nouri's claims that things were improving, Alsumaria reports
that Mohammed Taher al-Rabbo Jubouri was shot dead in his Mosul home
today. The tribal leader, part of the Jabour tribe, was one of the
leaders of the protests. Unknown assailants carrying machine guns
stormed his home today and shot him dead. Let's all pretend this has
nothing to do with Nouri. And let's pretend to that it doesn't appear
that the US government hasn't recently labeled the protesters
terrorists. Throughout Iraq, things are happening. There's a label for
the actions taken against the protesters: counter-terrroism
measures. The US military remains in Iraq and the Memorandum
of Understanding For Defense Cooperation Between the Ministry of
Defense of the Republic of Iraq and the Department of Defense of the
United States of America (signed December 6th. -- see the December 10th and December 11th
snapshots) allows US troops to participate in counter-terrorism
operations. Someone needs to ask the White House and the State Dept (a)
who is targeting Iraqi protesters and (b) is the US military being used
to suppress a peaceful and popular uprising in Iraq?
The US-backed Nouri is tearing Iraq apart. At Policy Mic, Kevin Coyne offers his predictions for 2013 which include "The Doomed" countries headed for deep trouble in 2013. Topping the list?
1) Iraq: Better known to most Americans these days as "NotOurProblemAnymoreistan," Iraq is in for one rough year – which is really saying something. The federal system set up following the U.S. invasion is splitting apart at the country's regional and sectarian seams, and upcoming provincial elections in the spring will only exacerbate tensions.
In recent weeks, a national protest movement against the ineffective Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has spread, but frustration with the status quo is about the only unifying element among the Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish elements taking part. In 2013, expect the rift between the cash-strapped government in Baghdad and the oil-rich autonomous Kurdish region in the North to reach a breaking point. Also, while much is said of the Sunni-Shia divide, keep an eye on rifts within the Shia majority, which may not only cast out Maliki, but also topple the regime and send everyone back to the streets to "re-negotiate" the political order…
1) Iraq: Better known to most Americans these days as "NotOurProblemAnymoreistan," Iraq is in for one rough year – which is really saying something. The federal system set up following the U.S. invasion is splitting apart at the country's regional and sectarian seams, and upcoming provincial elections in the spring will only exacerbate tensions.
In recent weeks, a national protest movement against the ineffective Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has spread, but frustration with the status quo is about the only unifying element among the Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish elements taking part. In 2013, expect the rift between the cash-strapped government in Baghdad and the oil-rich autonomous Kurdish region in the North to reach a breaking point. Also, while much is said of the Sunni-Shia divide, keep an eye on rifts within the Shia majority, which may not only cast out Maliki, but also topple the regime and send everyone back to the streets to "re-negotiate" the political order…
Yesterday, Reuters noted that Minister of Finance Rafai al-Issawi was targeted with a bombing today which left two of his guards injured. Kitabat notes that al-Issawi's convoy had left Falluja and was headed for Abu Ghraib when the bomb went off. Al Mada explains he was in Falluja meeting with tribal leaders to discuss the demonstrations. World Bulletin reminds,
"The Sunni Muslim minister is caught up in a crisis that has triggered
protests in Sunni regions and is straining Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri
al-Maliki's power-sharing government." AFP notes
protests began following "the December 20 arrest of at least nine of
Essawi's guards. Essawi is a leading member of the Iraqiya bloc, which,
while a member of Maliki's unity government, has called for him to
quit." Al Jazeera adds,
"Sunnis have also decried alleged misuse of anti-terror laws to hold
members of the minority community, and claim Sunnis are being targeted.
Former vice-president Tareq al-Hashemi, a Sunni, was handed down a death
sentence in absentia on charges of running a death squad, a charge he
denounced." Alsumaria notes
that Iraqiya has condemned the attack on al-Issawi and has called on
Nouri to ensures the protection and safety of Iraqi citizens.
Nouri
might not have targeted the Minister of Finance is the Iraqi President
had been in the country. Late on the evening of December 17th (see the December 18th snapshot), President Jalal Talibani had a stroke and was admitted to Baghdad's Medical Center Hospital. Thursday, December 20th, he was moved to Germany's Charite University Hospital. He remains in Germany currently. Al Mada reported
last week that Fuad Masum of the Kurdistan Alliance states he visited
with Jalal yesterday and that he is "steadily improving" that Jalal was
able to shake hands, that he listened and spoke -- and spoke to those
in the room in Kurdish, Arabic and English. Along with being president
of Iraq, Jalal Talabani is also the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (political party) which notes
that US President Barack Obama sent a message inquiring on Talabani's
health and "described President Jalal Talabani as a great friend of the
United States for many years and a vital leader of the new democratic
Iraq. I extend to you my best wishes for full and speedy recovery,
President Obama added." The PUK also notes,
"The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, phoned Dr. Barham
Ahmed Salih the Second Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Union
of Kurdistan to ask about the health of President Mam Jalal, where he
expressed his happiness about the improvement in His Excellency's
health."
However, events have developed in a way that has crossed the sectarian divide, although this has not been picked up by the media, which continues to irresponsibly and inaccurately portray the situation in purely sectarian terms.
Powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has come out in support of the mainly Sunni demonstrations. While he has predicted an "Iraqi Spring," there have been references in the media to a "Sunni Spring" - similar to its much-loved but overused term "Shiite Crescent" - as if Iraqis, and Arabs in general, define themselves by sect above nationality.
Three days later, just before midday Friday prayers, Sadr visited one of Baghdad's most prominent Sunni mosques, and reiterated his backing for the protesters: "We support the demands of the people, but I urge them to safeguard Iraq's unity." Maliki's former ally was reportedly greeted by chants of "the unifier of Sunnis and Shiites" and "the patriot," while women ululated and showered him with candy.
Ayad Allawi, the Shiite former prime minister whose secular al-Iraqiyya coalition of Sunnis and Shiites defeated Maliki in the last parliamentary elections, has called for the prime minister's resignation. The Majlis al-A'yan (council of tribal sheikhs) in the predominantly Shiite province of Basra has also expressed solidarity with the protests.
Demonstrators, too, have chanted "no to sectarianism," and carried banners warning the government "not to draw the country into sectarian conflict." Leaders of the protest movement have made clear that they are not on the streets because Maliki is Shiite, or just because of policies they deem sectarian.
Alsumaria reports that Nouri has sent Iraqi forces into Samarra with the intent of stopping or 'stopping' the protest there -- 34 military vehicles arrived in Baghdad late Sunday night.
Political blocs are meeting to discuss the government's problems. Aswat al-Iraq reports, "Chairmen of National Alliance and Iraqiya Parliamentary Bloc stressed necessity to have a new political initiative to preserve Iraqi unity, calling to implement Iraqi protestors' demands and to expel all tensions between the parliament and the government. Ibraheem Jaffari of the National Alliance and Salman al-Jumaaily of Iraqiya bloc discussed Iraqi political scene and the demonstrations witnessed by Iraqi provinces." Even Nouri's sometime friend Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, is getting in on it. All Iraq News notes that al-Hakim called a meeting with the National Coalition and they agreed that the crises in Iraq needed to be resolved, that they should entertain proposals from Ahmed Chalabi's National Congress Party and they praised Moqtada al-Sadr while demanding Nouri's government start implementing the laws Parliament is passing.
RECOMMENDED: "Iraq snapshot"
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"Iranian media works overtime to prop up Nouri"
"Hejira"
"The Wives of Nouri al-Maliki"
"I Hate The War"
- Truest statement of the week
- Truest statement of the week II
- A note to our readers
- Editorial: Nouri hates truth tellers
- TV: The True Scandal
- The real War on Women
- Occupy Unmasked (Ava and C.I.)
- Tuckered out by equality?
- TV: Screw Little Mika
- It takes a fat turncoat
- Feminist Majority Foundation salutes Hilda Solis
- Ramsey Clark (Diedre Sinnott, Workers World)
- Highlights
"Look who's rapping"
"THIS JUST IN! BARRY WANTS CHUCK!"
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