After an absence of too long, I'm back with a few ideas for blogging. No reason for not putting up information or news, except business in other areas.
I've also started a training blog for people looking to enter the workforce in UK, which will be up and running as soon as I have a few posts up.
I like the look of the new Blogger set-up with Google, and it's much simpler to use, so here's hoping those ideas can flow freely and we can get some articles online which can create some discussion.
Look forward to your company.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Enough evidence to convict
Al-Qaeda's leaders have finally provided enough evidence to convict in an International Court of Law by claiming absolute responsibility for the 9/11 attacks as they release footage of 9/11 terrorists being trained and exhorted by bin Laden.
Now they are predicting the downfall of the West and even give their strategy, but one has to ask, "Why?" What possible glory can anyone gain out of such outlandish terrorist tactics, which reveal a world and a religious system which would be so oppressive that it would ultimately produce a world-wide resistance movement so united that this particular brand of Islamic terror could never hope to control it?
Deputy al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahri said: "I tell them, do not bother yourselves with defending your forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. These forces are doomed to failure. You have to bolster your defences in two areas ... the first is the Gulf, from which you will be evicted, God willing, after your defeat in Iraq and then your economic doom will be achieved," he said in the video broadcast in part on the Arabic al-Jazeera television channel. "And the next (target) is Israel. The current of holy war is closing on it and your end there will put an end of the Zionist-crusader supremacy."
'Holy war'!? This is holy? God willing? What? He'll give al-Qaeda cowardly tactics for the destruction of civilians as they go about military strategies in the market place which are as threatening to al-Qaeda as… shopping, buying fish, having a coffee break, meeting friends, queuing for a job, visiting the dentist, having a hair-cut?
Well if Allah has to stoop to such an arangement as this, where innocent people, including everyday Muslims, are slaughtered without warning or opportunity of escape or self-defence, then you can kiss the hearts of those who seek a merciful God goodbye. Hopefully al-Zawahri, bin Laden and their cohorts will discover sooner rather than later who God really is, and how he deals with unrepentant cowards, murderers and bullies like them.
And now al-Qaeda finally officially targets Israel. Presumably Israel will see this as an opportunity to officially involve themselves in the task of uprooting al-Qaeda. The Gulf States are also being targeted. Hopefully, they will, as a result, become more serious allies in the war against al-Qaeda, having become targets, despite the fact that many Gulf States have Muslim populations.
Meanwhile, there is certainly enough evidence here to convict al-Qaeda leaders, should they be taken alive in the not too distant future. May God's hand be swift to move against them!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Making iPods deadly
What kind of person sits around with friends in a discussion about the kinds of 'everyday' bric brac they can use to confound airport authorities in an attempt to take explosives onto flights?
The latest arrests in London of 24 suspects includes elaborate plans to use such commonplace devices as iPods as detonation devices for liquid bombs smuggled onto aircraft disguised as such seemingly innocuous items as soft drinks or facial cream.
The apparently 'ordinariness' of the suspected bombers has also been one of the subjects of reports in the media, including testimony from unsuspecting neighbours that they seemed to be such 'nice' people, and their local mosque directors that they don't seem the types to be terrorists. Implication - that the police may have made a mistake! Well, we're all supposedly innocent until proven guilty. The problem is that the human factor in journalism could, in this instance, take the edge off the seriousness off the situation.
Journalists tend to look for the 'human' story in events like these, which is valid reporting, but an overemphasis could serve to nullify the gravity of potential threat by what are allegedly highly motivated terrorist operatives, trained to kill innocent people in the most dastardly way.
Quite simply, there is nothing 'normal' or 'average' about people who plan these kinds of operation. If indeed they were planning to be on these flights with the aim of destroying noncombatants, they should be seen and portrayed as the murderous monsters terrorists are, rather than 'just' the kids next door. Furthermore, it should become the highest priority of authorities to draw out of them, by legal means of course, and engage in stringent investigations to uncover those who have so seriously and tragically indoctrinated young Britons with such savagery.
Old Englands history is filled with stories of invasion, war and conquest, but this is a different breed of warrior. This is the person who has been filled with a hatred for his own nation, his own people, and prepared to unscrupulously, and indescrimately kill his own blood-kin, for what? To continue the violent and bloody publicity campaign of viscious, opportunist terrorists who don't really give a rip about the young peeople they brainwash and set up to be their death-slaves.
Anyone who schemes and makes an otherwise innocently pleasure giving device like an iPod a sinister and suspicious article on a flight should be locked away for a long, long time.
The latest arrests in London of 24 suspects includes elaborate plans to use such commonplace devices as iPods as detonation devices for liquid bombs smuggled onto aircraft disguised as such seemingly innocuous items as soft drinks or facial cream.
The apparently 'ordinariness' of the suspected bombers has also been one of the subjects of reports in the media, including testimony from unsuspecting neighbours that they seemed to be such 'nice' people, and their local mosque directors that they don't seem the types to be terrorists. Implication - that the police may have made a mistake! Well, we're all supposedly innocent until proven guilty. The problem is that the human factor in journalism could, in this instance, take the edge off the seriousness off the situation.
Journalists tend to look for the 'human' story in events like these, which is valid reporting, but an overemphasis could serve to nullify the gravity of potential threat by what are allegedly highly motivated terrorist operatives, trained to kill innocent people in the most dastardly way.
Quite simply, there is nothing 'normal' or 'average' about people who plan these kinds of operation. If indeed they were planning to be on these flights with the aim of destroying noncombatants, they should be seen and portrayed as the murderous monsters terrorists are, rather than 'just' the kids next door. Furthermore, it should become the highest priority of authorities to draw out of them, by legal means of course, and engage in stringent investigations to uncover those who have so seriously and tragically indoctrinated young Britons with such savagery.
Old Englands history is filled with stories of invasion, war and conquest, but this is a different breed of warrior. This is the person who has been filled with a hatred for his own nation, his own people, and prepared to unscrupulously, and indescrimately kill his own blood-kin, for what? To continue the violent and bloody publicity campaign of viscious, opportunist terrorists who don't really give a rip about the young peeople they brainwash and set up to be their death-slaves.
Anyone who schemes and makes an otherwise innocently pleasure giving device like an iPod a sinister and suspicious article on a flight should be locked away for a long, long time.
Monday, July 03, 2006
When brokers break the rules
Palestinian and Egyptian 'brokers' are apparently asking Israel for a 'prisoner' exchange, rather than demanding that the kidnapped Israeli soldier be returned by Palestinian militants. In so doing they are endorsing the kidnappers' activities, and in short, saying it is relevant to use kidnapping as a bargaining chip.
The fact that captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shali isn't a bona fidé prisoner, has not been arrested by Palestinian authorities, or charged by Palestinian officials of any crime seems to have escaped their attention. They are, in effect, placing themselves alongside the kidnappers by their demands.
What they should be doing is applying pressure on the kidnappers to release their illegally captured prisoner. If not, they play into the hands of the Israelis, who are making it clear that they will move heaven and earth to retrieve one of their own, which will serve to embolden all Israeli soldiers, and may be part of the intention as they press into Gaza.
As long as these 'brokers' continue to play this game, they are helping break down any chance of a settlement in this dispute.
The fact that captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shali isn't a bona fidé prisoner, has not been arrested by Palestinian authorities, or charged by Palestinian officials of any crime seems to have escaped their attention. They are, in effect, placing themselves alongside the kidnappers by their demands.
What they should be doing is applying pressure on the kidnappers to release their illegally captured prisoner. If not, they play into the hands of the Israelis, who are making it clear that they will move heaven and earth to retrieve one of their own, which will serve to embolden all Israeli soldiers, and may be part of the intention as they press into Gaza.
As long as these 'brokers' continue to play this game, they are helping break down any chance of a settlement in this dispute.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Double-edged plight of the Dinkas
Talking to Sudanese refugee families tonight, I heard stories of the kind of pressures these people are under, not only in their own nation, but in refugee camps in Egypt.
The mainly Islamic North is gradually advancing into Christian held areas, and pushing the mainly Christian Dinka tribe of the South as far out of their lands as they can. If Sudanese Christians convert to Islam they will receive houses, food, education and clothing on a par with other Muslims. If they won't convert, they receive nothing. If they remain Christians they are called 'Jews', which of course opens them up to be greatly despised by Muslims, who are taught to hate Israelis.
The Dinkas are devout Christians. They refuse to change, but they have very few allies prepared to stand up for them in a war-torn land under the grips of famine fraught with dangers. The UN has refused to call their terrorisation 'genocide', because once the 'g' word is used they are under an obligation to act, but for some reason the world is standing still on this issue while the Dinka continue to suffer. They are forced into a nomadic existence, driven across hostile borders, and treated as nobodies by a regime which wants them gone, one way or another.
Those who reach Egypt as refugees are now telling stories of mysterious disappearances and seemingly healthy people suddenly dying and having their body parts stolen and sold. Those who have died are often kept in freezers until relatives, usually refugees who have arrived in other lands, can buy them out. They are herded into camps, where the financial support they receive from the UN is being usurped by Egyptian officials.
The Australian Government needs to do all they can to rescue as many of these persecuted people as possible. They are proving to be good citizens in Australia. If we help them now, there may be hope in the future for Sudan, particularly if there is a regime change.
The mainly Islamic North is gradually advancing into Christian held areas, and pushing the mainly Christian Dinka tribe of the South as far out of their lands as they can. If Sudanese Christians convert to Islam they will receive houses, food, education and clothing on a par with other Muslims. If they won't convert, they receive nothing. If they remain Christians they are called 'Jews', which of course opens them up to be greatly despised by Muslims, who are taught to hate Israelis.
The Dinkas are devout Christians. They refuse to change, but they have very few allies prepared to stand up for them in a war-torn land under the grips of famine fraught with dangers. The UN has refused to call their terrorisation 'genocide', because once the 'g' word is used they are under an obligation to act, but for some reason the world is standing still on this issue while the Dinka continue to suffer. They are forced into a nomadic existence, driven across hostile borders, and treated as nobodies by a regime which wants them gone, one way or another.
Those who reach Egypt as refugees are now telling stories of mysterious disappearances and seemingly healthy people suddenly dying and having their body parts stolen and sold. Those who have died are often kept in freezers until relatives, usually refugees who have arrived in other lands, can buy them out. They are herded into camps, where the financial support they receive from the UN is being usurped by Egyptian officials.
The Australian Government needs to do all they can to rescue as many of these persecuted people as possible. They are proving to be good citizens in Australia. If we help them now, there may be hope in the future for Sudan, particularly if there is a regime change.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Will Iran tag Jews and Christians?
"It obviously echoes the most horrible period of genocide in the world's history and the marking of Jewish people with a mark on their clothing by the Nazis, and anything of that kind would be totally repugnant to civilised countries," Mr Howard said of draconian new laws reportedly being proposed by the Iranian Parliament, which would mean Jews and Christians would be forced to wear identifying tags in public places.
However, the National Post of Canada, which broke the story, are today saying that the report of badges having to be worn by religious groups may be untrue, although there is some doubt about whether a proposal has been brought up in the Iranian Parliament as a possibility, which would be serious enough to warrant international disapproval. The National Post says:
On the other hand, Hormoz Ghahremani, a spokesman for the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa, is denying the claims, but adds that 'it is possible that some ideas might have been thrown around'. The Post goes on:
Hopefully, John Howard's comments were made as part of a campaign by international leaders to dissuade the Iranian Government from going any further with these proposals, should the reports prove to be true.
However, the National Post of Canada, which broke the story, are today saying that the report of badges having to be worn by religious groups may be untrue, although there is some doubt about whether a proposal has been brought up in the Iranian Parliament as a possibility, which would be serious enough to warrant international disapproval. The National Post says:
According to the reports, Jews were to wear yellow cloth strips, called zonnar, while Christians were to wear red and Zoroastrians blue.
On the other hand, Hormoz Ghahremani, a spokesman for the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa, is denying the claims, but adds that 'it is possible that some ideas might have been thrown around'. The Post goes on:
Ali Reza Nourizadeh, an Iranian commentator on political affairs in London, suggested that the requirements for badges or insignia for religious minorities was part of a 'secondary motion' introduced in parliament, addressing the changes specific to the attire of people of various religious backgrounds.
Hopefully, John Howard's comments were made as part of a campaign by international leaders to dissuade the Iranian Government from going any further with these proposals, should the reports prove to be true.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Costello hints at action over abuse
"We have to intervene. It's got very bad and we have to intervene for the sake of the children and the victims," Mr Costello told ABC Radio today.
It's finally time to act! Does anyone know how many years this abuse, now so public, has been going on? It's clearly not a new phenomenon. Could it be that the same kinds of abuses were exposed during the so-called 'stolen generations' era? We'll need to look at why previous Governments got it wrong and take steps to make sure any intervention works for the benefit of children without breaking up families or communities.
What kind of intervention does Mr Costello envision? "This is where people get very sensitive because it you intervene and take a child out of a community the next thing that will be said is 'stolen generation'," he said.
This is a hint at removal of children into care if there is evidence of abuse. One wonders if this will be the case if there are instances of abuse revealed amongst non-indigenous communities. So who will gain custody of removed children? Clearly this is going to be a very difficult problem to solve. But at least the Treasurer is saying something needs to be done. My hope is that the action taken isn't just constrained to the very public problem exposed in a few Aboriginal communities.
Intervention is a serious development if the government is to go down this path. It may be necessary, but we are going to have to move towards steps which bring about prevention rather than intervention. Starting with the exposure of the perpetrators of the crime. Let's attack child abuse everywhere!
It's finally time to act! Does anyone know how many years this abuse, now so public, has been going on? It's clearly not a new phenomenon. Could it be that the same kinds of abuses were exposed during the so-called 'stolen generations' era? We'll need to look at why previous Governments got it wrong and take steps to make sure any intervention works for the benefit of children without breaking up families or communities.
What kind of intervention does Mr Costello envision? "This is where people get very sensitive because it you intervene and take a child out of a community the next thing that will be said is 'stolen generation'," he said.
This is a hint at removal of children into care if there is evidence of abuse. One wonders if this will be the case if there are instances of abuse revealed amongst non-indigenous communities. So who will gain custody of removed children? Clearly this is going to be a very difficult problem to solve. But at least the Treasurer is saying something needs to be done. My hope is that the action taken isn't just constrained to the very public problem exposed in a few Aboriginal communities.
Intervention is a serious development if the government is to go down this path. It may be necessary, but we are going to have to move towards steps which bring about prevention rather than intervention. Starting with the exposure of the perpetrators of the crime. Let's attack child abuse everywhere!
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