Iranian سونر

He who wishes to fight must count the cost...

2009-10-15T02:44:00.000-05:00

When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men’s weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened.
If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.
Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.
Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor dampened, your strength exhausted and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity.
Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue…

Right side/Wrong side

2009-10-10T00:48:00.003-05:00

Some times the right side and the wrong side can be separated by as much as the 'backslash' in the title to this current entry. This usually takes place when the decision-making atmosphere is chaotic: when there are 'trusted' figures on both sides of the line, when wrong things happen at both ends, etc.

Could it be that there just isn't a "right side"?

Perhaps it's not as easy to take out the paint brush and go for a broad stroke. In fact, it can't be like that at all. Duality, in the common sense, is what makes the world go 'round. It's how we are able to make decisions... there's the beneficial and the detrimental path. Going through most--if not all--philosophical thought, we see that there's always the notion of "what is good" and "what is bad". Of course, the means to which those definitions are made are subject to philosophical debate.

The most sound point of view, in my opinion, would be that ultimately the right and wrong side are not quite up for man himself to determine. Without guidelines of a higher order not bound by the same constraints as we are, we cannot truly profess to identify a right or wrong side.

But that is a much broader discussion.

Sometimes, the right side is chosen by a third-person who gets the impression that that particular side is being wronged. It's a safe assumption I would say, as it correlates with much of what we have seen in history. At times, however, it could be a very dangerous assumption that would lead appropriately directed sympathy to be blurred with overall decision-making.

The phenomenon that one needs to be aware of in decision-making is that it is indeed possible for those who profess to be on the right side to do wrong. The act of right or wrong itself is not mutually exclusive to a particular party. There is as much chance for those who are on the "wrong side" to do the right things as there is for those on the "right side" to do wrong things.

Shameful acts by some on the "right side" do not destroy the legitimacy of that sides principles just as much as correct deeds by some on the "wrong side" does not add to the veracity of that sides principles.

In a chaotic situation, the best thing to do would be to simplify. The best example would probably be a math problem that looks like a complete mess and is disastrous to solve. The golden rule most instructors would preach is to simplify.

In the case of determining who is right and who is wrong, the best thing one could do would be to simplify the equation. What are the principles? What is being worked at? What is the ultimate goal?

Sometimes the inquiry of these simple questions can make the difference between simply disassociating with wrong doing, and joining the wrong side due to drawing the hasty relation of "wrong deeds = wrong side".

future vision

2006-12-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Although the news isn't exactly new, I ran into something which compelled me to "relive the moment"...

I found this pic recently, apparently created by a neocon nutcase who served as a high ranking intelligence officer in Iran during the time of the Shah "until early 1979" (as he puts it) which was posted on his blog. It was titled, "fall of the Persian Empire":

Of course, the plan is not just the wish of an angry white man who lost his lucrative (at least according to him) job thanks to a revolution he despises. The plan was actually cooked up by a Ralph Peters in summer '06 which was "contemplated by the U.S. Army" (according to several publications). The full map is posted below (click to enlarge):

It seems to be growing increasingly popular with some analysts. How they wish to implement it is beyond me.

Full description of Ralph's plan is in the Armed Forces Journal entry posted some months ago.

Lets welcome the new congressman tasked with overseeing intelligence...

2006-12-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

By Jeff Stein:

Al Qaeda is what, I asked, Sunni or Shia?
“Al Qaeda, they have both,” Reyes said. “You’re talking about predominately?”
“Sure,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
“Predominantly — probably Shiite,” he ventured.

Silvestre, this "lol"'s for you: LOL.

Polygamy juice

2006-12-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

His popular chain of restaurants is known for items like "Polygamy juice," a mixture of four tropical fruits, and "Polygamy Vegetables", a four-vegetable combo.

edit: I was too afraid to add this comment before, but what the heck... The man is a genius, soon to be legend. ;)

Kramer isn't Jewish!

2006-11-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

With all the big hullabaloo over Michael's (Kramer from Seinfeld) racist outburt in a comedy club this journal was kind enough to remind us that even though Kramer was a Jew on Seinfeld, he isnt one in real life.

Student gets 'tasered' at UCLA

2006-11-17T07:41:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g7zlJx9u2E

Daily Briun school newspaper article regarding the incident.

Word on the street in Iran

2006-11-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

Ayatullah Hadavi: As you may know, or might have heard, based on the Islamic guidance, nuclear bombs are not accepted. It has been rejected by the Islamic guidance, because when you're are talking about weapons, the impression and the result of using a weapon should be controllable.

Ted Koppel: Has there not been at least one fatwa saying that it is permissible to use a nuclear weapon as a defensive weapon?

Ayatullah Hadavi: No, even as a defensive weapon it is not acceptable.

The story of Heidar Sistani

2006-11-16T18:59:00.000-05:00

"Heidar Sistani works incredibly hard and is proud of it, making thousands of bricks by hand with his family."

Chavez taking care of America's poor

2006-10-05T06:25:00.000-05:00

...'a group he says Bush's government has severely neglected.'

With all the recent noise the "right-wing"/neocon media (example) have been making with regards to the U.S. boycotting Citgo-which is owned by the government of Venezuela and is a market leader in the refining and transportation of motor fuels, petrochemicals, etc.-this article by the Post is definitely an interesting read.

Even more interesting is that Venezuela is calling the fuel "humanitarian aid". Aid that many citizens and even politicians (Rep. Bill Delahunt) dont mind accepting.

BTW, the bit about 7-Eleven terminating its 20 year contract with Citgo over Chavez's UN speech is baloney (or bologna, whatever you call it).

Sparring with Iran's President

2006-09-29T12:34:00.001-05:00

Interesting post interview report by Time reporter.

Edit: The link works now...

Eye for an eye?

2006-09-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

Crock-hunter fans kill stingray's in retaliation to Irwin's death.

Any extra comment by me would be excessive...

Intellectual pioneer shows hand...

2006-08-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

Looks like theres not gonna be another revolution :`-{

"I was duped by U.S.," Jahanbegloo said.

So it seems that before he went to prison--If I can recall the charges: 'attempt at creating civil unrest', and 'espionage'--he didnt seem to think there was a problem with what he was doing, ie trying to create an 'intellectual front' composed of various professors and other 'intellectuals' with the purpose of creating a reaction--or catalyst at the very least--which would cause regime change in Iran.

It's quite interesting how only 4 months of jail time can bring about the realization that he was "tricked by the U.S" and how other 'intellectuals' are "in danger of being tricked as well".

Good old common sense: when it kicks in, it does so with style.

Tonight at 9PM (est)

2006-08-23T18:22:00.000-05:00

CNN 'special' 2-hour report about OBL. Who better to take the story than CNN's cover-girl: Christianne Amanpour.

*btw... I know I havent been updating my blog. Too many things going on this week. Should have a mega update by Saturday morning.

Hollywood stars support Israeli 'defense'

2006-08-17T07:23:00.000-05:00

Some 84 Hollywood movie stars and industry members sign statement condemning Hezbollah.

Among the signatories:
Sylvester Stallone,
James Woods,
Bruce Willis,
director Ridley Scott,
tennis player Serena Williams,
Nicole Kidman,
Michael Douglas,
Dennis Hopper,
William Hurt,
Josh Malina,
Kelly Preston,
Danny DeVito,
Don Johnson,
and media tycoon Rupert Murdock (surprised?).

Wow, I guess this solves the morality question. I mean, if Rocky Balboa, The Penguin, and RJ (from Over the Hedge), are signing a statement that says "'terror' must be stopped at any price", how can Israeli aggression in Lebanon be wrong?!

I thank those stars for coming out and letting us know which side was the right side; much like Brittany Spears did a few years ago when she said that 'we should trust the president'.

If we didn't have Nicole Kidman around to let us know that targeting civilians in order to instill scare tactics is the right thing to do, where would we be?

P.S.
Adam Sandler sent 400 PlayStation games to Northern Israel.

Israeli officers open fire...

2006-08-17T06:50:00.000-05:00

on Jews protesting the war in Lebanon

video taken on Aug. 11, 2006

Beirut

2006-08-16T06:53:00.000-05:00

See no...truth

2006-08-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

An image the Western media forbids you to see: one of Israels many destroyed, state of the art Merkava tanks.

Warning: I'm a Muslim

2006-08-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

2 out of 5 Americans think that Muslims should carry a special I.D.

What the...

'You are a donkey'...

2006-08-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

Chavez to Bush

I really cant say anymore...

US to attack Iran and Syria via Israel?

2006-08-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space in the US has been receiving reports from multiple military sources that personnel responsible for selecting targets for cruise missile first-strike attacks have been sent to Israel. The frightening possibility is that the US and Israeli military strategists are now meeting to plan a joint attack on Syria and/or Iran. Both Gulf wars began with cruise missile attacks from the sea. We can only hope that Syria will not be provoked.
Anna Cheetham, Leicester CND

This Sunday on '60-Minutes'

2006-08-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

President Ahmadinejad speaks to Mike Wallace.

Lieberman concedes...

2006-08-09T02:05:00.001-05:00

LOL.

However, he's still going to be running in November as an independent.

Hezbollah 'hijacking the internet'?

2006-08-09T02:05:00.000-05:00

You becareful there now, LouAnne. The Heeezbooolahs are out to get ya'.

Tear away at the mask...

2006-08-08T05:14:00.000-05:00

These are the symptoms of a free mind. George Galloway.

Expanding the 'defense': All Lebanese are now on the menu

2006-08-07T05:46:00.000-05:00

The Israeli forces have recently announced that they will up the ante and produce more severe attacks against Lebanon. While this comment has been made by the IDF on an almost daily basis since it began its 'defense' almost a month ago, one comment definitely stands out:

'Other than bombing the Beirut airport to prevent arms transfers to Hezbollah, Israel has hitherto not targeted Lebanon's infrastructure, insisting that it is only at war with Hezbollah, not with the Lebanese government or people. However, the officer said, "we are now in a process of renewed escalation. We will continue hitting everything that moves in Hezbollah - but we will also hit strategic civilian infrastructure."'

While it is no surprise that Israel blindly targets civilians, as you may have noticed in the massacres at Qana and the food storage factory in the Bekaa Valley, there is something different about this.

Before, Israel would go on and hit whatever it felt like hitting. A 10-month-old sleeping in his crib? No problem (Hey, he could have had Katyushas under his pillow. Better safe than sorry, right?). But it would never blatantly say that its target were civilians and would be very quick to put out an apology for the 'loss of life' (this was usually followed up by a justification for this 'loss of life').

However what we see now is a clear message that they are going after civilian targets. Not that they havent done it before...but before was different. Before they tried to hide it under the rug and say they were only going after Hezbollah. Now they're not saying that anymore.

If they were able to inflict so many casualties on civilians while they were under guise, imagine the atrocities they are capable of committing now that civilians are fair game to them.

Headline Worthy News?

2006-08-07T05:27:00.000-05:00

Jews suspected in drive-by killing of West Bank Palestinian. Also here.

I wonder how big this will be with the media over here...

Keep in mind this is a Palestinian being killed by an Israeli settler and not the reverse scenario, which is among the favorite stories the Western media love to milk. They love that kind of drama, and AIPAC loves that kind of sympathy (the one shown by the actors, err...anchors of course).

Mass protest in support of Hezbollah...

2006-08-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

..in Iraq (pics below).

However, it would be more appropriate that I say, 'The New Iraq'-which President Bush has spent the past 3.5 years cultivating; attempting to create it into an 'American ally' aka the starting point which will create the domino effect of ultra U.S. puppetry taking the whole region.

But what we see from yesterdays protest doesnt seem to be what the planners had in their minds. Hundreds of thousands-some reports go up to a million-Iraqis came out and very bluntly threw their full weight behind Hezbollah, and were in no way shy to completely condemn Israels war of aggression.

Hmm...

The question one seems the need to ask himself (or herself): Who soiled his pants first, Bush or Blair?

The New Iraq (5)

2006-08-05T17:41:00.002-05:00

The sign reads: "We are with the Resistance [in Lebanon]. We are all resistants."

The New Iraq (4)

2006-08-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

The New Iraq (3)

2006-08-05T17:41:00.000-05:00

The New Iraq (2)

2006-08-05T17:30:00.001-05:00

The New Iraq (1)

2006-08-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Another tragic casualty...

2006-08-04T16:16:00.001-05:00

Tony Blair was forced to put his holiday plans on hold as talks for a proposed eventual-but not in anyway immediate-ceasefire 'reached a crucial stage'

Blair had to sacrifice a 3-week vacation in Barbados, for the well-being of the Lebanese Joe (or Ahmed).

The tradeoff...the accomplishment of getting nothing done but making the Western media have its citizens think otherwise.

Who's the target?

2006-08-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

Brent Sadler (CNN): 'Around 71 bridges/main routes have been destroyed by Israel.'

That includes the Israeli strike on Halat bridge today...the last main route linking Beirut to the north and eventually the Syrian and Turkish borders. It is also the last main route for relief supplies into Lebanon.

"This is Lebanon's umbilical cord," Christiane Berthiaume of the World Food Program told AP. "This [road] has been the only way for us to bring in aid. We really need to find other ways to bring relief in."

In other news, Israel has dropped leaflets urging Lebanese to leave "for their own safety".

The 2 people killed on the northern Lebanese Maameltain bridge and the person killed while driving on the Halat bridge thanked Israel for its concern for their safety.

The real instigator

2006-08-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

'As pundits and policymakers scramble to explain events in Lebanon, their conclusions are virtually unanimous: Hizbullah created this crisis. Israel is defending itself. The underlying problem is Arab extremism.

Sadly, this is pure analytical nonsense.

Hizbullah's capture of two Israeli soldiers on July 12 was a direct result of Israel's silent but unrelenting aggression against Lebanon, which in turn is part of a six-decades long Arab-Israeli conflict. '

'No rockets launched from Qana'

2006-08-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

Israeli Haaretz reports that the IDF is now changing its tune from Monday, stating that 'it now appears that the military had no information on rockets launched from the site of the building, or the presence of Hezbollah men at the time'.

Lets take a moment to dissect that statement. We find 2 very interesting and important points:
1) Israel had absolutely no info on rockets being launched from the vicinity of the building.
2) Israel had no information of any members of Hezbollah being present at the site.

But then again, at the end of the day, the fault is on the Lebanese civilians. I mean, the IDF had disseminated warning pamphlets telling people to get out. Even though all major roads and paths were destroyed in the first week of fighting, and even though the IDF has had a habit of bombing civilian buses fleeing the south, they were still warned. Thats right, the Lebanese deserve to die because they were warned and didnt listen.

looks like someone was taken off the payroll...

2006-08-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

A human rights group says Israel attack on Qana a 'war crime'

Naturally, however, this will have close to zero affect on Israel having a right to 'defend itself' aka having a right to commit acts of genocide and push its expansionist ideology (Israel is the only nation in the world not having UN recognized borders).

Words to live by

2006-07-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

"There are three traits which Allah loves (in people): briefness in speech, short (length) of sleep, and small (portion) of food; while there are three traits which He dislikes (in them): loquaciousness, oversleeping, and overeating."

-Prophet Muhammad

Saudi Shias stage anti-Israel protest

2006-07-31T15:58:00.000-05:00

...'a rare move in the Sunni-led kingdom...'

LBC report from Bint Jbeil

2006-07-31T14:56:00.000-05:00

"We could only manage a hundred metres from Saf Al-Hawa in our car, the rest of the journey had to be made on foot. What I see in this town is nothing short of a catastrophe. The town is completely demolished. The smell of death is everywhere. Instead of reporters we became rescuers, calling out, 'Is anyone here?'. We came across around 15 elderly people who could not even remember how long they had been in hiding. One old woman could not even remember her name. We were forced to carry these elderly people on our backs because it is impossible for any transport to enter the town. I have been to Baghdad and seen the ruination and I was there to report in the 1982 war on lebanon, and I have not seen anything like this. We could not get into Anaitha which is said to be in a worse state than this. The Red cross officials have informed us that wild dogs are eating the corpses there. Words cannot describe the scenes..."

loop de loop

2006-07-31T14:44:00.000-05:00

'If you look carefully at the wording of the Condoleezza Rice announcement, it emerges that the supposed cessation contains two very large loopholes. It states that Israel can continue to use its warplanes in support of its ground forces, and it can also use them to attack Hezbollah rocket launchers'.

...'This effectively allows Israeli air strikes to continue unchecked in the border areas where its troops are active. Here, the Israeli army has its full arsenal is still available. The only parts of Lebanon which would notice a halt in airstrikes would be Beirut and areas further back from the Israeli border'.

Israel breaks agreed ceasefire

2006-07-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Griffin (FAUX News): "The cessation of air strikes ended just as soon as it began"

Yea, you heard right. The 48 hour 'pause in air strikes' which Condi announced less than a day ago was ended by Israel. In addition to that, Ehud Olmert made it clear that any thought of a ceasefire would be just an illusion.

In another show of Israel having a clear and defined target (being anyone that is Lebanese), the IDF attacked (by air strike) a car which it later said it thought was occupied by a 'senior Hezbollah member'. As usual, it turned out that they killed the wrong person.

Oops.

And in the world of infinitely ridiculous conclusions...

2006-07-31T01:02:00.000-05:00

Shimon Peres: "Hezbollah is responsible for the deaths of more than 50 Lebanese civilians, including dozens of children, in an Israeli airstrike"

As my 3rd grade teacher used to say, 'when you point your finger at someone, 3 are pointing back at you'.

Utterly disgusting.

Oh, you guys...

2006-07-31T00:25:00.000-05:00

Salam,

Im online everyone! I finally got inspired enough to start my own thing. This however, will not be updates about cool Saturdays ive had or how sad Monday afternoon was or how i saw The Notebook for the millionth time with my friends while eating a pint of Edys ice cream.

Religion. Politics. World Events. International Football. Period. Well, atleast for now...