Paul Krugman
Hassina Sherjan
Eugene robinson
Dana Millbank
Now that the President of Pakistan went home and declared war on their Taliban, US authorities are beginning to think that they might be getting serious. It remains to be seen what occurs two weeks from now. Martin McCauley writes about how the Pakistani Taliban supports itself and can spend millions of dollars on weapons. From Stirring Trouble Internationally:"In peaceful times the major source of revenue in the Swat Valley was tourism. The stunningly beautiful region had many tourist resorts and other facilities. The Taliban has dismantled the facilities and sold off furniture, computers and building materials.
The various sources of income make the Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP) a formidable force. It makes no secret of the fact that its goal is to transform Pakistan into an Islamic Republic. China and other neighbours fear that its militant message will be carried beyond the frontiers of Pakistan.
Taking over some of the assets of North West Pakistan to fund its activities began in April when the TTP seized the Zaiarat marble quarry. Islamabad had planned to modernise it and export marble worth $500 million a year. This success led to the TTP turning its attention to the emerald riches of the Swat Valley.
The TTP now claim to control Mingora, the capital of the Valley. There are reports that they have taken over the emerald mines in the mountains around Mingora. They employ local labour which is keen to work for them. The TTP takes one third of the net revenue generated and distributes the rest among the workforce.
Apparently the gems are sold below market prices and smuggled out to the Indian city of Jaipur (capital of Rajasthan) and onward to Bangkok, Switzerland and Israel. Cut stones can fetch between $1,000 and $100,000. It is inevitable that the Taliban will target mines producing other precious stones in the region. Pink Topaz, Peridot, Aquamarine and Tourmaline are all present in large quantities through the region.
Security specialists fear that the wealth generated by such activities will be used to fund suicide attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Taliban began felling timber illegally two years ago. Those living in the pine forests have fled. Apple orchards have also been cut down in the drive to sell more timber. Tree felling is causing considerable environmental damage while bringing in large revenues for the TTP. What Islamabad calls the ‘timber mafia’ in the North West Frontier province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has long been controlled by the Taliban. The central government appears incapable of countering their activities. The revenue raised has been used to fund activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A Jiziya tax is imposed on ethnic minorities. It is a poll tax sanctioned by the Sharia (Islamic law). When Sikhs refused to pay it, the Taliban destroyed their homes and seized their property. Another tactic is to hold Sikh leaders captive and occupy homes until the tax is paid.
Many Sikhs, Christians and Hindus have now fled from the Swat Valley and those remaining live an uncertain existence. Reports suggest that many as half a million Muslims are leaving as well.
Washington fears that Islamabad does not have the resolve to expel the TTP from the Swat Valley. Will the US open another front there? The situation is becoming desperate." It's estimated that over half a million refugees have fled the area, and whatever the military plans on doing it will be too little too late. I hope to be proved wrong...So next time you are at Zale's Jewelry or some other store and end up buying emeralds, or some exotic Asian hardwoods at Lowe's, you can then think of yourself as a Taliban sympathizer...
Former Vice President Dick Cheney went on CNN again, this time weighing into the heated internal debate over the future of the Republican Party, declaring it would be a mistake for the GOP to "moderate." Will somebody find a nice, dark tunnel that he can slither back into? This guy has become so brain dead that you'd think he was the guy who got shot in the face... He's so used to people listening and doing what he says that it must be humbling for him to have become such an inconsequential figurehead.
"This is about fundamental beliefs and values and ideas … what the role of government should be in our society, and our commitment to the Constitution and constitutional principles," Cheney said in an interview with North Dakota radio host Scott Hennen Thursday, according to a transcript." I agree, we need a good debate over this issue. So far the definition of terms has been one-sided, with the right wing telling everyone else what they mean. Each generation comes at those definitions from a slightly different angle because of how they played out in the real world. As they grow up they can see how their parents either successfully integrated those values, or were hypocrites like all of the Congressional Republicans have been for the last 15 years, right Newt?
"You know, when you add all those things up, the idea that we ought to moderate basically means we ought to fundamentally change our philosophy," Cheney also said. "I for one am not prepared to do that, and I think most of us aren’t. Most Republicans have a pretty good idea of values, and aren’t eager to have someone come along and say, 'Well, the only way you can win is if you start to act more like a Democrat.'" Damned straight, Skippy. The reason you don't want to change is because you have become too inflexible and are not capable of change. The thought of widening your philosophy to include more ideas and diverse views is painful to you. Your worldview is mentally ill, and it has caused us all kinds of trouble. The only way that Republicans will win is if they moderate their views and incorporated a more healthy worldview, try and come up with some new solutions to this mess you got us in... So take your advice and get the hell out of the way...
To illustrate my point, here's this from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire: "Could the Republican Party have gotten off to a rougher start in the Obama era? It's hard to think so. Even with Bush and Cheney no longer heading the party, the GOP finds its favorability ratings at or near all-time lows. Despite their enthusiasm for their unified opposition to Obama (on the stimulus, the budget), they're blamed more for the lack of bipartisanship in DC. While starting out with all the advantages in NY-20, they still found a way to lose that race. Despite the initial positive reaction to his victory as RNC chair, Michael Steele's reign has been, shall we say, not good. And holding on to 41 votes in the Senate, they enabled a Republican who proved he could win in the increasingly blue state of Pennsylvania to switch parties, giving Dems the prospect of a filibuster-proof majority."
"Yes, Obama is popular right now. And, yes, the GOP is still paying for the sins of Bush and Cheney. But what has to disappoint Republicans right now is that most of their recent problems have been self-inflicted. And to top all of this off, an effort to re-brand the party ends up causing an internal fissure between one of the party's supposed rising stars, Eric Cantor, and many of the leading conservative voices, including Rush Limbaugh. Never mind the silly debate over whether Reagan should be used as an icon or not. The issue of Reagan reminds us of the Kennedy-obsession Democrats had for decades. One could argue it took the Democrats nearly 30 years to kick the Kennedy habit (maybe longer). So, this Reagan issue may take the Republicans another 10 years to get over."
The various sources of income make the Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP) a formidable force. It makes no secret of the fact that its goal is to transform Pakistan into an Islamic Republic. China and other neighbours fear that its militant message will be carried beyond the frontiers of Pakistan.
Taking over some of the assets of North West Pakistan to fund its activities began in April when the TTP seized the Zaiarat marble quarry. Islamabad had planned to modernise it and export marble worth $500 million a year. This success led to the TTP turning its attention to the emerald riches of the Swat Valley.
The TTP now claim to control Mingora, the capital of the Valley. There are reports that they have taken over the emerald mines in the mountains around Mingora. They employ local labour which is keen to work for them. The TTP takes one third of the net revenue generated and distributes the rest among the workforce.
Apparently the gems are sold below market prices and smuggled out to the Indian city of Jaipur (capital of Rajasthan) and onward to Bangkok, Switzerland and Israel. Cut stones can fetch between $1,000 and $100,000. It is inevitable that the Taliban will target mines producing other precious stones in the region. Pink Topaz, Peridot, Aquamarine and Tourmaline are all present in large quantities through the region.
Security specialists fear that the wealth generated by such activities will be used to fund suicide attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Taliban began felling timber illegally two years ago. Those living in the pine forests have fled. Apple orchards have also been cut down in the drive to sell more timber. Tree felling is causing considerable environmental damage while bringing in large revenues for the TTP. What Islamabad calls the ‘timber mafia’ in the North West Frontier province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has long been controlled by the Taliban. The central government appears incapable of countering their activities. The revenue raised has been used to fund activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A Jiziya tax is imposed on ethnic minorities. It is a poll tax sanctioned by the Sharia (Islamic law). When Sikhs refused to pay it, the Taliban destroyed their homes and seized their property. Another tactic is to hold Sikh leaders captive and occupy homes until the tax is paid.
Many Sikhs, Christians and Hindus have now fled from the Swat Valley and those remaining live an uncertain existence. Reports suggest that many as half a million Muslims are leaving as well.
Washington fears that Islamabad does not have the resolve to expel the TTP from the Swat Valley. Will the US open another front there? The situation is becoming desperate." It's estimated that over half a million refugees have fled the area, and whatever the military plans on doing it will be too little too late. I hope to be proved wrong...So next time you are at Zale's Jewelry or some other store and end up buying emeralds, or some exotic Asian hardwoods at Lowe's, you can then think of yourself as a Taliban sympathizer...
Former Vice President Dick Cheney went on CNN again, this time weighing into the heated internal debate over the future of the Republican Party, declaring it would be a mistake for the GOP to "moderate." Will somebody find a nice, dark tunnel that he can slither back into? This guy has become so brain dead that you'd think he was the guy who got shot in the face... He's so used to people listening and doing what he says that it must be humbling for him to have become such an inconsequential figurehead.
"This is about fundamental beliefs and values and ideas … what the role of government should be in our society, and our commitment to the Constitution and constitutional principles," Cheney said in an interview with North Dakota radio host Scott Hennen Thursday, according to a transcript." I agree, we need a good debate over this issue. So far the definition of terms has been one-sided, with the right wing telling everyone else what they mean. Each generation comes at those definitions from a slightly different angle because of how they played out in the real world. As they grow up they can see how their parents either successfully integrated those values, or were hypocrites like all of the Congressional Republicans have been for the last 15 years, right Newt?
"You know, when you add all those things up, the idea that we ought to moderate basically means we ought to fundamentally change our philosophy," Cheney also said. "I for one am not prepared to do that, and I think most of us aren’t. Most Republicans have a pretty good idea of values, and aren’t eager to have someone come along and say, 'Well, the only way you can win is if you start to act more like a Democrat.'" Damned straight, Skippy. The reason you don't want to change is because you have become too inflexible and are not capable of change. The thought of widening your philosophy to include more ideas and diverse views is painful to you. Your worldview is mentally ill, and it has caused us all kinds of trouble. The only way that Republicans will win is if they moderate their views and incorporated a more healthy worldview, try and come up with some new solutions to this mess you got us in... So take your advice and get the hell out of the way...
To illustrate my point, here's this from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire: "Could the Republican Party have gotten off to a rougher start in the Obama era? It's hard to think so. Even with Bush and Cheney no longer heading the party, the GOP finds its favorability ratings at or near all-time lows. Despite their enthusiasm for their unified opposition to Obama (on the stimulus, the budget), they're blamed more for the lack of bipartisanship in DC. While starting out with all the advantages in NY-20, they still found a way to lose that race. Despite the initial positive reaction to his victory as RNC chair, Michael Steele's reign has been, shall we say, not good. And holding on to 41 votes in the Senate, they enabled a Republican who proved he could win in the increasingly blue state of Pennsylvania to switch parties, giving Dems the prospect of a filibuster-proof majority."
"Yes, Obama is popular right now. And, yes, the GOP is still paying for the sins of Bush and Cheney. But what has to disappoint Republicans right now is that most of their recent problems have been self-inflicted. And to top all of this off, an effort to re-brand the party ends up causing an internal fissure between one of the party's supposed rising stars, Eric Cantor, and many of the leading conservative voices, including Rush Limbaugh. Never mind the silly debate over whether Reagan should be used as an icon or not. The issue of Reagan reminds us of the Kennedy-obsession Democrats had for decades. One could argue it took the Democrats nearly 30 years to kick the Kennedy habit (maybe longer). So, this Reagan issue may take the Republicans another 10 years to get over."
Late Night Jokes:
"Man, it was hot today. I was sweating like John Edwards waiting to watch his wife on 'Oprah.'" --Jay Leno
"Well, tomorrow, John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth Edwards, a great woman, is going to be on 'Oprah.' How many of you are going to watch that? How many of would you rather see her beat the crap out of her husband on 'Jerry Springer?'" --Jay Leno
"They taped the show earlier in the week and they've been showing little snippets of it. And when Oprah asks about their marriage, Elizabeth says, 'Neither one of us is out the door.' But believe me. One of them is on the couch." --Jay Leno
"John Edwards did not come off good in this thing. In fact, I understand he's now looking for a third America to hide out in." --Jay Leno
"And as if he doesn't have enough problems already, John Edwards is now being investigated on whether or not he used campaign funds to pay his mistress hush money. Here's my question. Why can't we find hush money to keep Joe Biden quiet? Where is that hush money?" --Jay Leno
"Mexico's finance secretary says the swine flu outbreak is costing the Mexican economy $2.2 billion. Yeah. The good news? That's in pesos, so it works out to, like, $1.80." --Jay Leno
"And President Obama held a White House Cinco de Mayo celebration this week, where he honored the Mexican people and he spoke Spanish. See, that shows you how far we've come as a country. Think about this. Where a half Kenyan/American president with an Arabic middle name can speak Spanish to a bunch of English-speaking reporters whose bankrupt newspapers are now owned by the Chinese. See what I'm saying? That's crazy. What a great country." --Jay Leno
"And former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told a group of fourth graders that the Bush Administration never used torture to interrogate terrorist suspects. Condoleezza spoke to the fourth graders using simple, uncomplicated words that they could easily understand. Same way she explained it to President Bush. Almost verbatim." --Jay Leno
"Hey, today, Maine became the fifth state to legalize gay marriage and the first gay couple to get married? I was surprised: L.L. Bean and the old Pepperidge Farm guy." --Jay Leno
"Barack Obama and Joe Biden made a surprise trip outside the White House yesterday for burgers. Yeah! Obama ordered a cheeseburger and Biden asked for whatever comes with the toy." --Jimmy Fallon
"The government is now recommending that schools stay open even if they have a confirmed case of swine flu. I love it. In one week, the swine flu has gone from the end of the world to not as bad as snow." --Jimmy Fallon
"Maine legalized gay marriage today. Maine became comfortable with the idea after years of touching Canada." --Craig Ferguson
"Man, it was hot today. I was sweating like John Edwards waiting to watch his wife on 'Oprah.'" --Jay Leno
"Well, tomorrow, John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth Edwards, a great woman, is going to be on 'Oprah.' How many of you are going to watch that? How many of would you rather see her beat the crap out of her husband on 'Jerry Springer?'" --Jay Leno
"They taped the show earlier in the week and they've been showing little snippets of it. And when Oprah asks about their marriage, Elizabeth says, 'Neither one of us is out the door.' But believe me. One of them is on the couch." --Jay Leno
"John Edwards did not come off good in this thing. In fact, I understand he's now looking for a third America to hide out in." --Jay Leno
"And as if he doesn't have enough problems already, John Edwards is now being investigated on whether or not he used campaign funds to pay his mistress hush money. Here's my question. Why can't we find hush money to keep Joe Biden quiet? Where is that hush money?" --Jay Leno
"Mexico's finance secretary says the swine flu outbreak is costing the Mexican economy $2.2 billion. Yeah. The good news? That's in pesos, so it works out to, like, $1.80." --Jay Leno
"And President Obama held a White House Cinco de Mayo celebration this week, where he honored the Mexican people and he spoke Spanish. See, that shows you how far we've come as a country. Think about this. Where a half Kenyan/American president with an Arabic middle name can speak Spanish to a bunch of English-speaking reporters whose bankrupt newspapers are now owned by the Chinese. See what I'm saying? That's crazy. What a great country." --Jay Leno
"And former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told a group of fourth graders that the Bush Administration never used torture to interrogate terrorist suspects. Condoleezza spoke to the fourth graders using simple, uncomplicated words that they could easily understand. Same way she explained it to President Bush. Almost verbatim." --Jay Leno
"Hey, today, Maine became the fifth state to legalize gay marriage and the first gay couple to get married? I was surprised: L.L. Bean and the old Pepperidge Farm guy." --Jay Leno
"Barack Obama and Joe Biden made a surprise trip outside the White House yesterday for burgers. Yeah! Obama ordered a cheeseburger and Biden asked for whatever comes with the toy." --Jimmy Fallon
"The government is now recommending that schools stay open even if they have a confirmed case of swine flu. I love it. In one week, the swine flu has gone from the end of the world to not as bad as snow." --Jimmy Fallon
"Maine legalized gay marriage today. Maine became comfortable with the idea after years of touching Canada." --Craig Ferguson
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