GlobalWatch: Notes from the Swedish
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." (Samuel Johnson)
Updated: 2003-11-15; 16:31:41.

 

    

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Sat, 15 Nov 2003 15:31:42 GMT

May 4, 2003

RealAudio from NPR:

Mass Grave of Civilians Uncovered in N. Iraq [NPR News (Audio)]

Mideast Violence Continues Despite Release of Peace Plan


8:31:05 PM    comment []

May 4, 2003

RealAudio from NPR:

Mass Grave of Civilians Uncovered in N. Iraq [NPR News (Audio)]

Mideast Violence Continues Despite Release of Peace Plan


8:31:05 PM    

May 4, 2003

Some important stories via Radio Free USA:

A mean-spirited America - Today, I fear my own government more than I do terrorists (2 May 03)

How many Iraqis died? We may never know: Some observers are pressuring Pentagon to put forth an informed estimate (3 May 03) [Radio Free USA]

Bush vision for new world carries huge risks: Scope of his crusade to liberate the globe from terror, tyranny fraught with peril (3 May 03)

Iraqi nuclear site is found looted - U.S. team unable to determine whether deadly materials are missing (4 May 03)

Aftermath of Faluja massacre - local calls Americans 'sick' - US troops quietly withdraw (2 May 03)


7:25:32 PM    comment []

May 4, 2003

Some important stories via Radio Free USA:

A mean-spirited America - Today, I fear my own government more than I do terrorists (2 May 03)

How many Iraqis died? We may never know: Some observers are pressuring Pentagon to put forth an informed estimate (3 May 03) [Radio Free USA]

Bush vision for new world carries huge risks: Scope of his crusade to liberate the globe from terror, tyranny fraught with peril (3 May 03)

Iraqi nuclear site is found looted - U.S. team unable to determine whether deadly materials are missing (4 May 03)

Aftermath of Faluja massacre - local calls Americans 'sick' - US troops quietly withdraw (2 May 03)


7:25:32 PM    

May 4, 2003

The "Donald Rumsfeld Soundbite of the Week" has become a regular part of the program "Broadcasting House" on BBC Radio 4. But Rummy is the latest American politico to discover that British reporters ask harder questions than their American counterparts (the BBC took Condoleeza Rice apart):

Rumsfeld's soundbites take a back seat as he lashes out at waiting journalists
The Donald Rumsfeld soundbite has become something of an institution since America began banging the diplomatic drum for war on Iraq.

Here's the complete list from the Broadcasting House site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/bh/rumsfeld.shtml


7:07:36 PM    comment []

May 4, 2003

The "Donald Rumsfeld Soundbite of the Week" has become a regular part of the program "Broadcasting House" on BBC Radio 4. But Rummy is the latest American politico to discover that British reporters ask harder questions than their American counterparts (the BBC took Condoleeza Rice apart):

Rumsfeld's soundbites take a back seat as he lashes out at waiting journalists
The Donald Rumsfeld soundbite has become something of an institution since America began banging the diplomatic drum for war on Iraq.

Here's the complete list from the Broadcasting House site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/bh/rumsfeld.shtml


7:07:36 PM    

May 4, 2003

From Greenpeace:

Weapons of Mass Destruction found!. Since the US and the UK are having such a hard time finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, we thought we'd lend a hand by providing this easy guide to the nukes we know about. [Feature Stories from Greenpeace]

Greenpeace launches nuclear bomb location map while citizen inspectors visit diplomatic missions to demand states disarm.  

Greenpeace inspectors at diplomatic missions to demand nuclear weapons states disarm. Citizen inspectors from Greenpeace, together with an entourage of mock missiles, today conducted surprise inspections of several nuclear weapons states missions in Geneva, urging them to disarm.

Mock missiles destroyed at UN as nations meet to discuss global nuclear disarmament. States which were prepared to go to war to disarm Iraq must take action to meet their international legal obligations to get rid of their own nuclear weapons, Greenpeace said, as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Member States began meeting in Geneva today.

Taking global action to stop the war machine. What role could the European Union play in restoring international law and order through the UN Charter? Help us call on world leaders gathering in Athens to prevent another illegal war.

Diplomat resigns over US plans for war. We don't know if John Brady Kiesling is a member of Greenpeace, but we'd be proud of his company on any of our ships. He's clearly earned his stripes at standing up against the powers that be.

US to UN: Butt out. An extraordinary communication from the United States to UN representatives around the world has been leaked to Greenpeace. (Full text of the leaked document here). In it, the United States warns that the simple act of support for a General Assembly meeting to discuss the war will be considered "unhelpful and directed against the United States." They further threaten that invoking the Uniting for Peace resolution will be "harmful to the UN."

US laughs at the powers of the UN. "Frustrated with the United Nations' consistent, blatant regard for the will of its 188 member nations, the US announced Monday the formation of its own international governing body, the USUN." Some would merely laugh off this satirical story in America's Finest News Source, The Onion. But as the Arab League calls for an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly to halt the illegal, unilateral war on Iraq we must ask, is it really just a laugh?


2:30:03 PM    comment []

May 4, 2003

From Greenpeace:

Weapons of Mass Destruction found!. Since the US and the UK are having such a hard time finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, we thought we'd lend a hand by providing this easy guide to the nukes we know about. [Feature Stories from Greenpeace]

Greenpeace launches nuclear bomb location map while citizen inspectors visit diplomatic missions to demand states disarm.  

Greenpeace inspectors at diplomatic missions to demand nuclear weapons states disarm. Citizen inspectors from Greenpeace, together with an entourage of mock missiles, today conducted surprise inspections of several nuclear weapons states missions in Geneva, urging them to disarm.

Mock missiles destroyed at UN as nations meet to discuss global nuclear disarmament. States which were prepared to go to war to disarm Iraq must take action to meet their international legal obligations to get rid of their own nuclear weapons, Greenpeace said, as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Member States began meeting in Geneva today.

Taking global action to stop the war machine. What role could the European Union play in restoring international law and order through the UN Charter? Help us call on world leaders gathering in Athens to prevent another illegal war.

Diplomat resigns over US plans for war. We don't know if John Brady Kiesling is a member of Greenpeace, but we'd be proud of his company on any of our ships. He's clearly earned his stripes at standing up against the powers that be.

US to UN: Butt out. An extraordinary communication from the United States to UN representatives around the world has been leaked to Greenpeace. (Full text of the leaked document here). In it, the United States warns that the simple act of support for a General Assembly meeting to discuss the war will be considered "unhelpful and directed against the United States." They further threaten that invoking the Uniting for Peace resolution will be "harmful to the UN."

US laughs at the powers of the UN. "Frustrated with the United Nations' consistent, blatant regard for the will of its 188 member nations, the US announced Monday the formation of its own international governing body, the USUN." Some would merely laugh off this satirical story in America's Finest News Source, The Onion. But as the Arab League calls for an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly to halt the illegal, unilateral war on Iraq we must ask, is it really just a laugh?


2:30:03 PM    

May 4, 2003

Human rights notes from [Amnesty International News]:

Iraq/USA: No double standards for POWs

Iraq: Humanitarian needs of civilians must be met

And most importantly of all perhaps:

Iraq: Open letter to President George Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prime Minister José Maria Aznar and President Saddam Hussein


2:02:02 PM    comment []

May 4, 2003

Human rights notes from [Amnesty International News]:

Iraq/USA: No double standards for POWs

Iraq: Humanitarian needs of civilians must be met

And most importantly of all perhaps:

Iraq: Open letter to President George Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prime Minister José Maria Aznar and President Saddam Hussein


2:02:02 PM    

May 4, 2003

Bush: Iraq weapons will be found. US President Bush insists Iraq possesses banned weapons, and says Tariq Aziz is failing to co-operate with US forces. [BBC News | Front Page | UK Edition]

In words, they still haven't found any. And this is what the war was supposed to be about! The world would have been a better place if the inspectors had been allowed to do their jobs (in the word's of George W. Bush) "as long as it takes".

Or as the "Guardian" reports after a meeting between allies Tony Blair and Donald Rumsfeld:

UN role in Iraq remains mired in confusion

Meanwhile, some of the loyal opposition have awakened...

CNN: Democrats discuss Iraq early in debate


11:06:33 AM    comment []

May 4, 2003

Bush: Iraq weapons will be found. US President Bush insists Iraq possesses banned weapons, and says Tariq Aziz is failing to co-operate with US forces. [BBC News | Front Page | UK Edition]

In words, they still haven't found any. And this is what the war was supposed to be about! The world would have been a better place if the inspectors had been allowed to do their jobs (in the word's of George W. Bush) "as long as it takes".

Or as the "Guardian" reports after a meeting between allies Tony Blair and Donald Rumsfeld:

UN role in Iraq remains mired in confusion

Meanwhile, some of the loyal opposition have awakened...

CNN: Democrats discuss Iraq early in debate


11:06:33 AM    

© Copyright 2003 GlobalWatch: Notes from the Swedish.



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BBC News World  3:02PM UTC
BulletTimetable set for Iraq transfer. The US-led coalition in Iraq will hand over power to a transitional government by next June, it is announced.

BulletBombs hit Istanbul synagogues. At least 17 people are killed and many hurt by explosions near two synagogues in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

BulletQueen Mary 2 accident kills 11. Eleven people have died after a gangway on cruise ship the Queen Mary 2 collapses.

BulletCanada picks leader in waiting. The Liberal party chooses former Finance Minister Paul Martin as its new leader - and the next prime minister.

BulletItaly brings home Iraq war dead. The country prepares for the return of the bodies of 18 policemen killed in a suicide attack in Iraq.

BulletVietnam floods take heavy toll. A massive recovery operation is under way after floods sweep through Vietnam, killing about 50 people.

BulletWorld leaders denounce attack. The Istanbul bombings trigger international outrage and the Turkish PM cuts short a visit to Cyprus.

BulletBurundi poised for peace accord. African leaders meet in Tanzania for a summit aimed at ending Burundi's long-running conflict.

BulletDemocrats defy Bush over judges. A marathon debate in the US Senate ends without progress for the president's efforts to appoint four new judges.

BulletBroadband user numbers boom. High-speed broadband internet access is winning more and more converts around the world, research suggests.

BulletCricket: Zimbabwe fight back. Mark Vermeulen makes a maiden Test century as Zimbabwe avoid having to follow on in Bulawayo.

BulletDelhi wins Commonwealth vote. Officials say the city's successful bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games is a huge boost for India.

BulletGuinea opposition leader released. Guinean police release an opposition leader who was held for casting doubts on President Conte's health.

BulletUN redeploys troops in DR Congo. The UN's mission moves most of its peacekeepers to the east of the country, where fighting continues.

BulletNew court blow for 9/11 suspect. Frenchman Zacarias Moussaoui is denied the chance to represent himself in his terrorism trial.


Radio Free USA 4:51PM UTC
BulletWhy Chickenhawks Matter (13 Nov 03)

BulletPulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh says Iraq is a massive failure (14 Nov 03)

Bullet'…Like They Were Crazy.' (14 Nov 03)

BulletLight At The End Of The Iraq Tunnel (13 Nov 03)

BulletPentagon Limits Funeral Coverage - Arlington to Keep Reporters Away (14 Nov 03)

BulletThe hidden cost of Bush's war (14 Nov 03)

BulletArming outer space (13 Nov 03)

BulletNew Poll Shows Americans' Views on Iraq War (13 Nov 03)

BulletFrance calls for transfer of power to Iraqis without delay (13 Nov 03)

BulletUS rights center seeks probe of Arar case (13 Nov 03)


AlterNet 2:02PM UTC
BulletCall Me a Bush-Hater. Sneering, jeering, bad manners, hideous diplomacy, threats, demands, lies, arrogance, bluster, tax cuts for the rich. And you wonder why we think he's a lousy president?

BulletThe Scalping Party. The Tiger Force atrocity in Vietnam was the third major war crimes revelation in the last few years to encounter apathy in the media and indifference from Washington.

BulletA Double Standard for Heroes?. Jessica Lynch and Shoshanna Johnson underwent nearly identical ordeals in Iraq. But only the white soldier's story made the cover of Time magazine.

BulletIndian Americans Enter the Matrix. The Bollywoodization of American popular culture has long been underway. But with the appearance of a South Asian in 'The Matrix Revolutions,' a new era has begun.

BulletAn Object Lesson in Investing. Here's what happens to your hard-earned money when it enters the giant money-skimming machine we call the stock market.

BulletThe Rev in the Race. Understanding Al Sharpton's standing as a reputed black leader requires an understanding of recent history. Understanding Sharpton the Presidential candidate requires delving a bit further into the past.

BulletKiller Cure. Everyone wants Medicare to cover prescription drugs, right? Not so fast.

BulletThe Professor Takes the Gloves Off. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman tells how he found his voice, why Bush makes him miss Nixon, and why he insults Fox News whenever he can.

BulletThe Truth About the Green River Killer. Gary Ridgway should have been caught a long time ago. His choice of victims had everything to do with why he wasn't.

BulletPersonal Voices: Apology to the American Worker. I actually thought Nike and Adidas and Delta and Sara Lee were American companies run by American employees. I admit, I was confused.

BulletWhy Aren't We Winning the Indie Movie Race?. Just a decade ago it felt like the indie movie scene could become a haven for multiculturalism. Now it's just as white as the blandest Hollywood studio. What happened?

BulletWhat's Health Insurance, Mom?. At 7, my daughter should be fretting over the well being of her favorite stuffed animals -- not the fates of her uninsured parents.

BulletListening to Veterans. We will soon be welcoming home the first of another generation of emotionally damaged veterans. How can we appropriately honor them without glorifying war?

BulletFreedom and Security. The sacrifice of civil liberties for the appearance of greater security is a mistake that leaves future generations with little hope for freedom.

BulletP. Diddy and Hip Hop's Tattered Garments. Hip-hop fashion kings need to take a hard look at the labor conditions that prevail in the factories where their clothes are made.

BulletBillboard Politics. U.S. government propaganda doesn't convince Iraqis -- so why do Americans fall for it?

BulletThe 'Thing' Economy and the 'Care' Economy. A truly moral economy would reconcile our desire to prosper with our deepest moral and spiritual impulses.

BulletMemo To Arnold: Educate, Don't Incarcerate. Unlike Davis, California's governor-elect is no slave to the powerful prison guard union -- so maybe he can afford to do the right thing.

BulletSarah Jones' American Dream. In her latest piece, the acclaimed playwright takes on the roles of 10 immigrants to weave a story of racism and xenophobia in the era of homeland security.

BulletShock Troops of the Right Wing. Censoring television movies, overturning court decisions, halting construction projects -- just what will conservatives do next?


Greenpeace 3:04PM UTC
BulletRainbow Warrior on Toxic Patrol in India. The Greenpeace sailing vessel the Rainbow Warrior is currently anchored off the coast of Alang, India. Alang is the site of the world's largest shipbreaking yard. Greenpeace is planning to conduct "toxic patrols" of ships which are here waiting for scrapping. A team of experts will do a survey and take samples to determine what type of toxic materials are on board before the ships are beached and the actual scrapping starts. Shipbreaking is an enormous danger for people and the environment. Greenpeace is the only organization in the world fighting for the 100,000 people working in this industry and for the environment they live in.

BulletUK's own ghost ship found in India. There's outrage in the UK! The US is sending its "ghost fleet," complete with asbestos and toxic chemicals, for dismantling in England. The UK government has said the ships will have to go back. A British court has put a halt to any dismantling. Permits have been revoked. But meanwhile, in India, guess what Greenpeace's ghost-busting toxic patrol has found?

BulletWhat would you do to save the tallest trees?. In Tasmania, Australia, they have these trees, that are... tall. OK, a lot of trees are tall, but these are the tallest hardwood trees in the world. We're talking trees taller than a 25-story building and 400 years old. Some people look at trees like this and they just think, "wow". Other people, they look at these trees and they think, "Wow, I could cut that down, chop it up, feed it through a wood chipper, and sell it to these companies in Japan!" And that is just what they are going to do, unless we can stop them. Click here to find out how.

BulletWhen scientists and policy makers meet. Before any major international meeting there are advance meetings to lay the groundwork. A lot of the decisions finalised at the main meeting are often made at these meetings - months before the big one. Today was the start of one of the more important of these meetings, the ninth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to the Convention on Biological Diversity. That's SBSTTA-9 and the CBD to you insiders, and it will be going on in Montreal all week.

BulletYear one of the Prestige oil spill. The Prestige oil tanker sank on November 13th, 2002. But this Thursday marks not the one year anniversary of an accident, but year one of a decade-long disaster. Despite this, criminally little has been done to prevent the recurrence of a similar catastrophe.

BulletJapanese whaling fleet ready to depart. Greenpeace has learned that five vessels will set forth shortly from Shimonoseki in Japan, perhaps as early as Friday, to hunt whales once again. They continue to do so despite a worldwide moratorium on commercial whaling, under the false pretence that their purpose is "research."

BulletUS Toxic 'ghost fleet' not wanted in the UK. Two former US Navy ships are now crossing the Atlantic for scrapping in the UK. Contaminated with toxic waste, the failure of the US to clean them up at home has caused outrage in Europe. But have a closer look at the issue of shipbreaking: putting toxic vessels out of sight and out of mind is the rule rather than the exception -- and the recipients are usually developing countries.

BulletEU waters down chemicals reform. Important new laws in Europe have been announced this week to address the current flawed and inadequate rules governing chemicals harmful to health and the environment. While the new laws represent a step forward, heavy chemical industry lobbying and scare-mongering have significantly weakened the proposal already.

BulletFrance reclaims toxic ship. After being caught illegally exporting ships containing hazardous waste to Turkey, the French military has seized a former french aircraft carrier they had sold for scrapping. This high seas tale exposes again the underhand tactics and cost cutting of some sections of the shipping industry at the expense of the environment and workers' health.

BulletHidden hazards revealed in Disney products. Tests by independent scientists have revealed that toxic 'gender bending' chemicals are found in everyday children's products like Disney pyjamas. These chemicals can damage the developing foetus and young children; they should not be found in products you put your kids into every night.