Matt Sanchez

North going South

It looks like a token, but the Canadians call it a dollar and it's losing it's value.

I'm in Montreal, Canada for the next couple of days where the economic crisis has "yet to hit".  In fact, it's curious how many of my fellow journalists and friends remark on how they have a hard time empathizing with the current financial crisis the rest of the world and their big neighbor below are feeling. 

But Canadians may not have to wait long to get a feel for economic insecurity.  Like pretty much everything, it takes a while for Canadians to get what we have back home and it looks like a wobbly economy may just prove that age-old saying. 

The Canadian "loonie" has fallen to 80 cents on the dollar, losing over 12% in the month of October alone. Canadians already pay considerably more for necessities, and products coming from the US will begin to cost a bit more, in the meantime, I'll enjoy another serving of discounted poutine. 

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THE NEW WORLD DISORDER

New Yorkers protest Ahmadinejad as 'today's Hitler'

But Palin disinvite prompts Jewish leader to say: 'I am ashamed of my own people'

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Posted: September 23, 2008
11:55 pm Eastern

By Matt Sanchez
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

 

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right, greets Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

NEW YORK – With the leader many call "today's Hitler" addressing the United Nations General Assembly, it's no surprise hundreds of people rallied near the U.N. yesterday in vocal protest of the return to New York of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

After all, the Iranian leader has repeatedly and unambiguously called for the total annihilation of Israel – which he describes as a "filthy, black germ" – denies the Holocaust ever happened, and is by all accounts engaged in a full-throttle quest for nuclear weapons.

Thus, security measures at the United Nations have been at an all-time high. Teams of reporters follow a maze of barricades to gain access to the U.N. building through the bowels of the main tower. Bomb detection dogs wag their tails, bobbing in and out of cars and electronic cases.

Cont....

United Nation of Pedophiles?

While investigating the consultative status granted to gay rights groups, I was pretty shocked to learn of the ties these groups had to pedophile groups.

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THE NEW WORLD DISORDER

U.N. grants status to homosexual-rights groups

Opponents fear loss of sovereignty, ties to pedophilia advocates

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Posted: August 02, 2008
12:20 am Eastern

By Matt Sanchez
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

 

The U.N. recently accorded two homosexual-rights groups "consultative status," raising opposition from pro-family advocates who see the move as a weakening of national sovereignty that could result in lowering the age of consent for homosexual sex.

U.N. watchdogs also cite homosexual-rights groups' historical alignment with organizations advocating pedophilia.

The U.N.'s Economic and Social Council, the organ facilitating international cooperation on standards-making and problem-solving in economic and social issues, has accepted COC Netherlands and the State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transexuals and Bisexuals of Spain.

This "means we can join the efforts at the U.N. to address human rights violations against people with an alternative sexual orientation or gender identity," said Björn van Roozendaal, COC Netherlands international advocacy officer.

But members of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute accuse homosexual groups of attempting to weaken sovereignty and impose "gay rights" through a "well-coordinated" international stealth campaign tainted by associations with pro-pedophilia groups.

cont...

10 Million and Counting

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THE NEW WORLD DISORDER

U.N. didn't notice $10 million disappearing

Official confesses world body 'arguably a bit slow to recognize' relief scam

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Posted: July 29, 2008
9:36 pm Eastern

By Matt Sanchez
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

 

Cyclone Nargis killed more than 140,000

NEW YORK – As much as $10 million of United Nations relief funds designated for Burma in the wake of Cyclone Nargis have been siphoned off by "private money exchangers" and the military government, according to a U.N. official.

The U.N. called for an initial $200 million in emergency aid in response to the storm, which killed more than 140,000 people, but not all the promised funds are reaching the intended destination, admitted John Holmes, under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs and the U.N. emergency relief coordinator, at a news conference at the agency's New York headquarters.

The funds are being siphoned through an exchange-rate scam that forces the U.N. to buy the Burmese currency, the kyat, at above the market rate.

Holmes confessed, "We were arguably a bit slow to recognize ... how serious a problem this has become for us."

The U.S. government has made a $39 million contribution to the relief effort and is expected to give more.

Much of the initial aid consisted of goods supplied directly to the victims of the cyclone, but Holmes estimated as much as $10 million dollars has been lost.

cont...

"Little Omar"

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A terrorist from birth

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Posted: July 29, 2008
1:00 am Eastern

By Matt Sanchez
© 2008

 

Khadr seen working on converting Russian mines, of which there are many in Afghanistan, into homemade explosives.

Omar Khadr was born in Canada, but in Afghanistan, 15 years later, on July 27, 2002, he was arrested and charged with conspiracy, providing material support for terrorism, spying and the killing of U.S. medic Sgt. 1st Class Christopher J. Speer of Alberquerque, N.M., attached to the 3rd Platoon of Bravo Company, 505th Infantry Regiment.

Gitmo quagmire

Like a magnifying glass flipped over to the wrong side, the detention center at Guantanamo has caused a national identity crisis as Americans debate core values distorted through a warped lens. Suddenly, every act of terrorism, no matter how heinous or provable, is questionable because of where the suspect is detained.

In December of 2007 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she wanted the facility closed.

Of the 775 prisoners brought to "Gitmo," 445 have been released. Of the remaining 270 detainees, about 50 are cleared for immediate release, but the U.S. has had trouble persuading countries to take their nationals back. Most of the countries refusing are dubious nations with few resources and a shaky legal system. The one exception is Canada.

cont...

Interference?

This story makes absolutely no sense.  Why would the Olympic Committee ban Iraqi athletes from participating?  According to representatives, the Iraqi Olympic team was banned due to "political interference".

Given the enormous circumstances in Iraq, it's difficult to understand why there was not more flexibility in the Olympic Committee ruling. 

United Nations

I've just been assigned to cover the comings and going of the United Nations on the Manhattan East Side.  My first couple of days have been spent just sifting through the reams of information on the myriad of different organizations and programs the U.N. has.  This is truly the mother of all bureaucracies. 

One of my fellow journalists has informed me that this is a "slow news week" when I asked about how empty the place feels. 

Tut Mir Leid--German for Whoops

The German Magazine, Der Spiegel, claimed Iraqi president, Nuri al-Maliki, agreed with presumptive democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama, but spokesmen for the Iraqi president says his comments were "were misunderstood, mistranslated and not conveyed accurately."

I wonder how a 60 year old publication of record, like Der Spiegel, could get the facts wrong on the Maliki/Obama statements?

Obama 24/7

I just got finished taping the program Kiosque, where I was able to talk to some of my colleagues in the international press.  Of course, the issue of the American elections came up and I was surprised to learn that even my friend from Turkey, Mine Kirikkanat, felt there was something disingenuous about the constant lovefest the European media has for Senator Barrack Obama.

If you thought the American coverage of Obama was skewed you haven't seen anything until you've come over to Europe.

Status

Politicians will do funniest things on the campaign trail and Hillary Clinton is not an exception.  Like a firefly caught in a jar, the struggling former First Lady has zig-zagged the tiny commonwealth island of Puerto Rico to attract as much attention as possible to her candidacy.  Out of desperation, she may just compromise the country she hopes to lead. 

So far, the Democratic primaries have been like a long running Spanish speaking soap opera, even if you don't understand the language, it's easy to tell the good guys from the bad; the music changes when the bad guy speaks and the reaction are always exaggerated, melodramatic.  Hillary has had to be dramatic too.

Politics in Puerto Rico can usually be reduced to one word "Status". In several referendums, Puerto Ricans have had to chose between three scenarios: independence, statehood or commonwealth.


You can read the rest of the article at the updated Redstate.com website.

Click here...

Pain at the Foreign Pump

Canada is an exporter of oil, but that doesn't do much for what motorists pay to fill up their tanks.

On a trip to Canada, from New York, I stopped for gas twice, the difference in price was an astounding 20% more in Canada than in the United States.  Canadians themselves will jump the border for cheaper gas--and that's saying a lot.

I'm amazed how much the Brits pay to drive on the wrong side of the road.  Living in New York, I'm not going to complain too much about the price of gas, I only tank up when I travel out of the city, but if you think the price of gas is going to stop at 4 bucks keep your fingers crossed, Europeans are paying way past $6, and the Dutch win out with over $7/gallon

The Way They See Us

Americans generally couldn't care less about what goes on outside the country, hell, we barely care what goes on in a neighboring county or city much less something that happens a continent away.  Curiously, non-Americans are VERY interested in what happens in the United States.  The Way They See Us scans the news for points of views and lets you, the disinterested, learn what they are saying about us. 

In today's segment of "The Way They See Us", we examine how the CBC, the Canadian version of PBS, reported on the actions of the Marine in Khandahar.   

Back to Paris

After a flight, and checking into a historic hotel with a view of the Paris Opera, I'm back on the international airwaves of TV5 for the French "Meet the Press" called Kiosque.

The question on everyone's mind is, of course, the political race and who will be the next leader of the United States.  On the panel were journalists from Chile, Turkey, Russia, China and of course,  me, for the United States. 

Beside the American elections, there were several other pressing topics.

1. The election of the left-wing Bishop turned politician to the Paraguayan presidency.
2. 30th Anniversary of the fall of the Afghan "President" Mohammed Daoud Khan who led a coup d'etat against the royal family.
3. The hostilities between France and China due to the Olympic Games.
4. Last but not least, the American opinion of the French president Nicholas Sarkozy, one year into his administration.

This was my third appearance on the show and it won't be the last.  Phillipe, the host, said I'm one of only TWO conservatives out of over 80 journalists!  Europeans do have a different style for this type of show. 

The journalists on the panel can't speak in soundbytes, there's more time to develop ideas and you've got to talk about all the subjects for the week.  Despite linguistic barriers, I'm starting to feel more comfortable, but I'll be back on American TV soon enough.

You can see the show here, if you still remember some French from high school or college.

P.S. No matter what you think of the French, Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world. 

Tolerance and things to Come

For the fifth time, former actress and animal rights activist, Brigitte Bardot, is on trial for "inciting racial hatred", a crime under French law.  She received two months jail sentence with "sursis", meaning she'll have to be on her best behavior or they'll lock her up for saying "bad things". 

If French sex symbol can't speak her mind in today's France, than no one can

Read the article below:

Brigette Bardot went on trial in a Paris court yesterday, charged with "inciting racial hatred" over remarks in a letter to the French president Nicholas Sarkozy. The 73-year-old former actor did not attend the court in person, claiming that she was physically unwell. cont...

Hangover

Here's the full op-ed on Worldnetdaily

   

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

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Absolut absurdity
Exclusive: Matt Sanchez whacks vodka company for failing geography

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Posted: April 09, 2008
1:00 am Eastern

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In an attempt to be "edgy," the Absolut Vodka manufacturer created an ad that hearkened back to the first Mexican Empire and included much of what is indisputably the United States of America. The ad (seen at right) placed California, Colorado and Texas in Montezuma's Revenge territory, which would be a disaster for the average human smuggler; could you imagine having to cross Texas on foot just to get a decent job or drink clean water?

The eternally astonished, over at The Gawker, are quick to label anyone who is offended by the insult to national sovereignty a xenophobe. There's something revealing about the We-are-the-World types who believe things like culture, borders, religion and history are all relative. In the United States, groups like the decidedly non-diverse La Raza and the acronym-challenged MEChA understand the power of identity politics. These race conmen play both advocate and victim to further their radical agenda. In Mexico, where the Absolut ad ran before being pulled, the Reconquista of "lost territories" was supposed to appeal to national pride. This flies in the face of logic. Mexican don't risk their lives to reach states like California and Colorado because it was formerly Mexico; Mexicans leave their homeland precisely to escape Mexico.

Absolut Vodka commented that the geo-politically incorrect ad: "In no way was it meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues."

(Column continues below)

That statement was reportedly left on its consumer inquiry phone line after angered Americans protested the ad – let's hope Americans will consider Grey Goose for their next Martini, because someone at Absolut, absolutely knew the ad would cause some controversy. The map of the Mexico of lore re-writes history itself. The Mexico of the early 19th century also included much of present-day Central America, but the publicity spot did not bother to place Guatemala or Nicaragua under Mexico City's thumb. As a native of Californian myself, I'd be surprised to meet anyone in the Golden State who would prefer to live under Mexican rule. Even the fans of campy Mexican wrestling would rather stay in the Union and watch the matches through cable TV.

Absolut should consider changing advertising agencies, or at least finding one that can own up to the publicity scandals it creates. The Gawker readers should increase their cultural sensibility by learning the Spanish saying mothers repeat to insolent children: Errant flies do not enter into closed mouths.

The Absolut Pander

In an attempt to be "edgy" the Absolut Vodka manufacturer created an ad that hearkened back to the 1st Mexican Empire and includes much of what is indisputably the United States of America.  The ad (seen above) place California, Colorado and Texas in Montezuma's Revenge territory, which would be a disaster for the average human smuggler; could you imagine having to cross Texas on foot just to get a decent job or drink clean water?

The eternally astonished, over at the Gawker, are quick to label anyone who is offended by the insult to national sovereignty a xenophobe.  Absolut Vodka commented that the geo-politically incorrect ad:

"In no way was it meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues,"

That statement was reportedly left on its consumer inquiry phone line.  Absolut, absolutely knew the ad would cause some controversy, because they were careful to re-write history.  The Mexico of the early 19th century (as seen below) also included much of present-day Central America, but the publicity spot did not bother to place Guatemala or Nicaragua under Mexico City's thumb.

Absolut should consider changing advertising agencies, or at least finding one that can own up to publicity scandals it creates.  The Gawker acolytes should increase their cultural sensibility by learning the Spanish saying mothers repeat to insolent children: Errant flies do not enter into closed mouths.

England and Germany--A New Love Affaire

 The big story in Germany is the interview with Abu Graib and dog chain holder Lynndie England.  According to an exclusive interview she recently gave Stern (German), the former private first class demoted to just private states that former Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, "knew" of her penchant for pointing to prisoner genitalia and holding on to leashes with humans attached to the other end.

"We knew our officers knew about it, so did our sergeants.  I was always convinced that Rumsfeld knew everything, he was at Abu Ghraib during my tour, how could he not know?  And Bush?  He was at the head of all of it."

This story has not caught on in the United States mostly because England, now a convicted felon, has very little credibility.  England's partner in crime and father of her child, Charles Granon, is still serving a military prison sentence--England was released last year. 

This "exclusive" revelation that Rumsfeld knew everything, plays well overseas where anti-Americanism is the norm.  It is exceedingly hard to believe that someone from the Department of Defense would not only authorize this type of action, but they'd put an amateur like Lynndie in charge of this supposed psyop (psychological operation) and that they would allow them to actually photograph it.

Stern is the Time Magazine of the German speaking world.

The photo seen around the world. Then PFC Lynndie at Abu Graib prison.

The North American Dream?

L'Actualité, the French language Newsweek of Canada, laments the loss of the "North American Dream" wondering if the day of a continent "without borders" will ever come. 

Do any of you out there dream of losing your American identity and diluting it in with the nationalities of Canada and Mexico?

Banana Wars without the Fruit, just a Nut.

The rumors of Chavez actively funding the militant narco-traficantes in Columbia have been floating around for some time, but I believe this is one of the first times I've heard Columbia's government, under President Alvaro Uribe, make such a strong statement.

(CNN) -- Evidence found in computers seized in a raid over the weekend suggests that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recently gave the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia $300 million, Colombia's national police chief said Monday.

Ecuadoran soldiers board a helicopter Monday to Angostura, near the Colombian border.

Chavez called the attack "a cowardly murder" and blamed the United States, a close ally of Colombia. He further called Uribe a criminal, liar and gangster.

Now, it's our fault, according to the Venezuelan president, that Columbia went a mile into Ecuatorian territory, to chase after rebel FARC forces.  Brazil supported Venezuela in condemning Columbia.  Ecuador sent troops to their border, as did Venezuela.  The Columbia troops have a reputation for being very good soldiers.  Stay tuned.

Chavez

This darling of the left has been playing a game of regional dominance for some time.  Like most leaders who make a grab at a permanent presidency, there's a point when authority simply isn't enough.  In order for Chavez to continue his hold on his country he'll need to broaden his horizons. 

Despite enormous growth from a rising oil market, Hugo Chavez is facing some strong criticism at home as the average Venezuelan is not better off and the socialist slight of hand no longer fools a naive public that wonders why Chavez cares so much for Bolivia, Ecuador and Cuba while showing so little concern for Venezuelans. 

How far will Chavez go?  With no one really to keep him in place, it's safe to say the man could conceivably dare all.      

(CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Sunday ordered his military to move 10 battalions to the country's border with Colombia, and ordered the closure of the Venezuelan embassy in Colombia's capital.

   

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says Colombia violated violated Ecuador's sovereignty.

Diversity Deferred

Civil war, genocide, starvation, and extreme poverty are problems currently ravaging the Sudan, but the Sudanese people know what the real problem is.  Danish cartoonists!

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) -- President Omar al-Bashir said Wednesday that he would bar Danes from Sudan and told tens of thousands of people at a government-backed rally that the Muslim world should boycott Denmark because of a reprinted cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed.

   

Tens of thousands of Sudanese protest at a government-backed rally in Khartoum, Sudan.

The Danish have responded by opposing any type of debt relief. 

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Denmark said Thursday it will oppose any debt relief deal for Sudan in response to the Sudanese president's comments urging the Muslim world to boycott Danish goods over the publication of a Prophet Muhammad cartoon.

   

Tens of thousands of Sudanese in Khartoum protest at a government-backed rally Wednesday.

I'm conflicted.  Are the Danish cartoonists the intolerant ones for drawing the "anti-prophet" cartoons, or are the Sudanese the intolerant ones for promising to hack any Danish who comes to their country?  This whole diversity thing is much more complicated than it seems. 

From Castro to Castro

Cubans were handed over from one owner to the next like so much livestock.  Cuba has the perfect socialist paradise.  $15 a month, and free food, whether you work or not.  All you have to do is not complain, question or leave the island.  Counter-revolutionaries are "well-cared for" with free health insurance (from a government that will make them sick) free education (that they cannot use to improve their lives, since everyone is paid the same wage) and free housing (in homes that would be condemned in most of the civilized world).  This is what the Cuban revolution called "change" almost half a century ago. 

HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuban President Raul Castro is taking over leadership of a country whose government believes its citizens are not working hard enough.

   

Raul Castro was chosen Sunday to take over Cuba's presidency from his brother, Fidel Castro.

more photos »

The state-run newspaper recently ran an article headlined "Work: Option or necessity?"

The writer pointed out that, judging by the number of people in the streets during the day, many Cubans don't seem to be on the job.

They have few motivations to buckle down: Salaries average about $15 per month on the island, and Cubans get monthly food rations even if they don't work.

Caution--You're about to enter the Spin Zone

This will be the next scandal that wasn't.  Suddenly, members of the British government have "learned" that detainees got a vacation in the West Indies, right under their noses.

 

                         

Parbul Tv via Reuters TV/REUTERS

                         

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband addresses the House of Commons in central London in this February 21, 2008 video grab. Britain said on Thursday that the US had used its territory to transfer terrorism suspects.

Uh Oh again

It's an interesting fact that the first World War began in this region. 

(CNN) -- Russia has not ruled out using force to resolve the dispute over Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia if NATO forces breach the terms of their U.N. mandate, Moscow's ambassador to NATO warned on Friday.

   

   

Serbian riot policemen guard the entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade on Friday.

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"If the EU works out a single position or if NATO steps beyond its mandate in Kosovo, these organizations will be in conflict with the U.N., and then I think we will also begin operating under the assumption that in order to be respected, one needs to use force," Dmitry Rogozin said, in comments carried by Russia's Interfax news agency.

Following violent protests in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Thursday, culminating in an attack on the U.S. Embassy which left one person dead and dozens injured, a spokesman for Russia's Foreign Ministry also warned that Kosovo's declaration would have a "negative impact."

"What happened in Belgrade yesterday is regrettable. But we would want to draw your attention to the fact that the forces that supported the unilateral recognition of Kosovo's independence should have realized the effects of the move," spokesman Mikhail Kamynin told Interfax.

Castro Calls it Quits

After 48 years as the leader of the small communist island Republic of Cuba, Fidel Castro has resigned.

Fidel was kind enough to spare his people the choice of a change, he named his brother, Raul Castro, as his successor. 

Why would Americans tease France?

During the CPAC, Governor Mitt Romney caused a furor in France when he warned that America ran the risk of becoming more like France "Still a great nation, but not the leader of the world, not the superpower," he said. "And to me that's unthinkable."

Last week, I was hired to appear on Kiosque, the French version of Meet the Press.  Kiosque was particularly interested in the relations between blacks and Latino voters.  They also wanted an idea of how the election is going.

Kiosque is broadcast by TV5, a worldwide network appearing in over 300 million homes, according to the good people in Paris.  While many Americans were concerned about the McCain candidacy, TV5 wanted to know about know why Americans would insult France.

This is what I said:

If Ever There was a Crime...

If ever there was a crime that deserved the death penalty, surely that crime would be 9/11.  I just got back from Europe where the latest disagreement brewing is whether or not those convicted of carrying out the attacks on September 11th should be put to death. 

The European Union has banned the death penalty for over thirty years now.  France guillotined its last prisoner in 1977 and abolished the death penalty in 1981. 

In comparison, Spain is asking for a sentence of 38,000 years for the authors of the Madrid bombing attacks.  Somehow a lethal injection just seems a lot more efficient.   

Iraqi Healthcare

The 2/5 guarded the opening of a health clinic in downtown Ramadi.  Openings of schools and clinics always attract an explosive element. 

McCain the Internationalist

Senator McCain was kind enough to give an interview to the German version of Time, Der Spiegel.  Spiegel is German for mirror, unfortunately, McCain mirrors anything but a conservative, much less a Republican. 

SPIEGEL:

America has lost a lot of friends because President George W. Bush angered, indeed outraged, them. He allowed human rights to be violated at Guantanamo Bay, and he dismissed the joint effort to combat global warming. Under a President McCain, could we expect a change of course?

McCain: Yes. I would announce that we are not ever going to torture anyone held in American custody. I would announce that we were closing Guantanamo Bay and moving those prisoners to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and I would announce a commitment to addressing climate change and my dedication to a global agreement -- but it has to include India and China.

So, according to Senator McCain we torture people and we'd be closing Guantanamo to bring the accused terrorists over to the United States so they could get a "fair trial".  They kind O.J. got. 

Mexican Pride

In all my travels, I've never met a country or a people more nationalistic than our neighbors to the South in Mexico.  A song that is currently popular in Germany "Finger im Po, Mexiko" has sparked an international incident.  The reason why?  In German, "Po"  roughly translates to fanny/rearend/ behind/butt.

Butt' Hit

A German song that is riding high on the country's charts has ruffled diplomatic feathers as a result of its mixing of geographic and scatological issues. But the singer of "Finger in the Butt, Mexico" is unrepentant

Mexico's ambassador to Germany has voiced his displeasure over a popular German song that allegedly disparages the North American country.

The song, which has been on the German charts for 10 weeks, features as its chorus the charming refrain "Finger in the butt, Mexico." (The German version, "Finger im Po, Mexiko," rhymes.)

Germany's mass-circulation daily Bild reported Thursday that Ambassador Jorge Castro-Valle Kuehne has written a letter of complaint to EMI, the record company which publishes the song.

The newspaper quotes the ambassador as writing: "As I'm sure you can understand, the lyric has aroused great outrage among the members of the Mexican community living in Germany, who have a right to be angry that Mexico's name is being used in this kind of disrespectful and disgusting way."

There's a Mexican community in Germany too?  What's even more surprising is that such a mediocre song could be on the German charts for 10 weeks.

Old Habits

Afghanistan is an ancient land with many traditions that pre-date recorded history.  Unfortunately, one of those traditions is treating female Afghans like chattel. 

Nazia Hookum Darr, 16, was brutally attacked here by her 40-year-old husband of three months on Christmas day. The man - who is still on the run from police - broke 16 of his wife's teeth, shaved her head, cut off her nose and ears and poured scalding water on her hands and feet. The young woman is set to receive plastic surgery in Kabul following close coordination between the Afghan government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat, a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit stationed here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Michael Gauron. Date Taken: January 29th, 2008.  Location: Qalat, AF.)

Thanks Blackfive

The Bible Banging French?

The French head of state, Nicholas Sarkosy, calls the omission of recognizing the "Christian roots" of Europe in the failed 2005 Referendum, "turning one's back on a historical reality."

If you deny your past, you cannot prepare for the future.--Nicolas Sarkosy

*For you francophiles, and you know who you are: voici le texte original.

You've Come a Long Way Baby--on the Bus

Women in Mexico will be able to ride buses that allow only female passengers.  The women complained of indecent, uncivilized behavior by their male countrymen and are generally happy for the novelty of same-sex busing. 

The only women respected in Mexico are mothers and the Virgin Mary--Mexican saying

Say It Ain't So!

Egypt confronts terrorism from Hamas. 

Shawn Baldwin for The New York Times

Women and children by a road in Gaza near the breached border wall at the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Egyptians reported severe shortages of supplies because of the Palestinian influx.

 

By STEVEN ERLANGER

Published: January 27, 2008

 

JERUSALEM — Egyptian riot police used armored vehicles to try to restrict Gazans from taking cars into Egypt on Saturday, and the Egyptian foreign minister warned of “provocations” at the border. He said that at least 36 Egyptian security officers had been hospitalized, some in critical condition, after confrontations with Palestinians.  cont

Has U.S. forgotten Afghanistan?

Unlike Iraq, 'it's the good war, the just war,
the authorized war – the forgotten war'

By Matt Sanchez

There was no confusion about the reasons for the invasion of Afghanistan.  In 2001, the international community backed the United States military by sending both armed forces and financial aid.  Even France boasted of "European unity in international security."

In most people's minds, Afghanistan is the opposite of Iraq. It's the "good" war, the "just" war, the authorized war – the forgotten war.

The Japanese have donated funds for hospitals in the remotest regions of the country. The spirit of goodwill for the Afghans crosses all levels. Korean missionaries have sent what they feel is spiritual aid. Here, in Operation Enduring Freedom, there is international aid and a robust alliance. Military bases have a row of flags in front of them boasting of the united effort to stabilize the country. Yet this ragtag republic, once a kingdom and many times a conquest, garners less attention than its sister conflict in Iraq.

A land of extremes, Afghanistan looks deceptively like Denver, Colo., despite the occasional camel or the Mohave Desert, if it weren't for the open fields of marijuana and poppies. The craggy landscape is vast and mountainous up north, smooth and flat down south.

This is the "good war," we're told. But just as in the story of the prodigal son where the obedient son who stayed behind to do everything right felt forgotten, Afghanistan is often overlooked in favor of the wayward wandering of its sibling conflict.

Standing in the areas where al-Qaida operated, and looking at the barren landscape, it is striking how far removed the dusty sheep trails of Gardez, Afghanistan, are from the emerald Sheep Meadow in Central Park in New York City. No plumes of morning steam escaping from manholes, here there is only the dust on rocky improvised roads, and the metal Midtown skyscrapers are replaced by ore-filled mountains. Two places with nothing in common, and yet it is difficult to comprehend how the attacks leading to the shattering of the modern Twin Towers were planned in such a low-tech environment. The world is small indeed.

From the C-17 aircraft, life in the Afghan landscape looks like so many beige dominoes tossed between the countless valleys.

This country has known many visitors: Alexander the Great, the Mongols, Marco Polo, Genghis Khan, Persians, Turks, British, Soviets. Now, the United States is accompanied by several collaborating nations fighting under different banners – the International Security Assistance Force, Centcom, NATO and the "ghosts" operating in and out of national boundaries. The conflict in Afghanistan is both local and international, with as many rules and missions as there are interpretations of desert camouflage.

Unlike the luckless chaos of Iraqi violence, experts speak of Afghan flair-ups in terms of "seasons," as if this ancient nation were a living organism with a rhythm for malady and mayhem. Clashes in the north follow events in the south, both in a pattern mimicking the age-old trade of the famous Silk Routes through which the rulers of Rome had tacit awareness of the Mandarins of China.