Here is that runaway freight train.

[Shammu]

Ex-Military Intelligence chief Ze'evi warns of impending world jihad 'tsunami'
By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent

Former Military Intelligence chief Aharon Ze'evi warned Monday morning of an impending world jihad "tsunami" that he said may soon descend on the entire Middle East.

Ze'evi, speaking at a Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies conference in Tel Aviv University, said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinijad has been overheard promising the "end of history in two or three years."

Ze'evi recommended that the Iranian threats be taken seriously, saying that Tehran will soon have nuclear warhead compatible surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 5,000 kilometers, putting Europe within striking distance.

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Ze'evi also warned that Israel should not rule out the possibility of a conventional war against Islamic militants.

Ze'evi said he foresees this war breaking out on Israel's northern frontier, against Syria and Hezbollah.

Emphasizing the radicalization of Islamic militancy, Ze'evi cited recent changes in the objectives of major militant organizations, which have recently begun targeting sites in Arab countries.

"We are seeing attacks carried out in Amman, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh," said Ze'evi.

He cited the increased accessibility of Internet in the Arab world as facilitating the process, saying, "Today, anyone who is interested can learn how to blow up a bomb."

Major General (Res.) Ze'evi stepped down as chief of Military Intelligence about four months ago, and was replaced by Major General Amos Yadlin.

Ex-Military Intelligence chief Ze'evi warns of impending world jihad 'tsunami'

[Shammu]

World faiths call conversion basic religious right

By Robert Evans
1 hour, 46 minutes ago

GENEVA (Reuters) - A conference grouping an array of world religions, including Christians, Jews and Muslims said on Wednesday everyone should have the right to convert to another faith.

Some Muslim countries fiercely contest religious conversion and people leaving the Islamic faith can face death.

The statement on religious freedom was issued on behalf of the conference by the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC), the organiser along with the Vatican.

The conference was billed in advance as a first step towards shaping a "code on religious conversion" -- or a rule-book that all faiths should follow.

"Freedom of religion connotes the freedom, without any obstruction, to practice one's own faith, freedom to propagate the teachings of one's faith to people of one's own and other faiths ...," the statement said.

This also meant "the freedom to embrace another faith out of one's free choice".

The WCC, which groups mainstream Protestant and Christian Orthodox churches, said the four-day conference near Rome was attended by 27 participants from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and African Yoruba religious backgrounds.

It did not identify them individually, and it was not clear what the level of Muslim representation was or where the Muslim representatives were from.

The meeting was sponsored on the Vatican side by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the thrust of the statement was in line with recent calls by the Vatican and other Christian bodies for better treatment for non-Muslims in Islamic countries.

Pope Benedict on Monday told a Vatican conference on immigration to and from Islamic states that Christian minorities in those countries should enjoy reciprocity -- or the same rights Muslims generally have in Western countries.

Vatican officials, leaders of other Christian and non- Christian faiths as well as atheists and humanists, say limits on non-Muslims in Islamic countries are far harsher than any restrictions imposed in the West that Muslims decry.

Saudi Arabia bans public expression of non-Muslim religions, and sometimes arrests Christians for worshipping privately, while Pakistan's Islamic laws deprive local Christians of basic rights although churches can function.

In Iran and some other Muslim countries, converts to other religions or to humanism -- like controversial Dutch Somali-born politician Ayaan Hirsi Ali -- are condemned as "apostates" and can be executed if they refuse to repent.

In Afghanistan, Islamic clerics in March condemned Western pressure for the release of man who had been jailed after converting to Christianity and said he should have been executed for abandoning Islam.

[Shammu]

Global Government Group Gives Hillary Clinton an A+ Rating
By Joseph Klein
Wednesday, May 17, 2006

The left-wing Citizens for Global Solutions, which believes in global government under the auspices of the United Nations, gave Senator Hillary Clinton an A+ in its most recent scoring of her voting record on issues near and dear to their globalist agenda. Hillary has improved her grade each year in the Senate, now eclipsing even "global test" John Kerry.

According to the website of its New England branch, "Citizens for Global Solutions believe that nation states today must do what 13 American ex-colonies did in the 1780s when they discovered that they couldn't afford to be independent sovereignties: extend government to a new level and become cooperative partners under limited "federal" law." In other words, national sovereignty must give way to global government. The International Criminal Court, which would subject our soldiers to kangaroo trials without a jury, is one of Citizens for Global Solutions’ pet causes.

This global government booster club would very likely have a direct pipeline into Hillary Clinton’s White House, considering that its chief executive officer, Charles J. Brown, served in her husband’s Administration and represented it in negotiating the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Moreover, Simon Weber, its Legislative Coordinator, spent several months in the office of Senator Clinton.

Although Hillary has been trying to demonstrate her Commander-in-Chief bona fides with her position on Iraq and expressions of toughness on Iran, she is a globalist at heart. In a 2005 speech at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, Senator Clinton linked our national security with a strong United Nations, saying :"My first observation is simple but it must govern all that we do: The United Nations is an indispensable organization to all of us - despite its flaws and inefficiencies." Was she, by chance, in a deep sleep during the oil-for-food scandal, not to mention the paralysis of the Security Council in dealing with Iraq, Iran and most other grave crises? Does she not realize that the United Nations cannot be reformed or serve a useful role in securing peace and security or human rights so long as the General Assembly is dominated by non-democratic countries who free ride on our contributions to this dysfunctional organization? No matter, she tells us. She still wants a stronger UN, although assuring us all the while that any notion that the United Nations is moving towards the goal of "world government" goal is "ill informed."

Hillary is no fool. She spins a good yarn about how we should cooperate multilaterally through the United Nations, while deceiving us about the erosion of our national sovereignty that is certain to follow. That is because she wants to use the United Nations to tame America’s power while taking its riches to support her idea of the global village. She believes that the UN is, in her words, "far too weak" and has voted to raise the U.S. assessments for peacekeeping forces above the current 25% of total contributions. Her A+ grade from the Citizens for Global Solutions is well-earned.

Even after 9/11, protecting our nation’s security against another terrorist attack was not on the top of Hillary Clinton’s list of priorities. Instead, she has aligned herself with the ‘blame America first’ crowd:

In much of the world, the U.S. is seen as selfish, aggrandizing ourselves and leaving the rest out in the cold. The U.S. needs to take up more challenges on the global stage in eradicating disease, preventing environmental degradation and advancing women's rights. These must be the priorities of hegemony.

In helping to achieve her global village philosophy, Hillary supports the UN Millennium Project whose director is Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia University professor and Special Advisor to Kofi Annan. Sachs released a report last year recommending strategies to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals within the next decade. Sachs’ Millennium Project Report recommends a .7 % assessment against each developed country’s Gross National Product, which would transfer nearly a trillion dollars of U.S. taxpayers’ money to the UN administered development program over the next decade. Global taxes are part of Sachs’ package. Sachs spins his wealth distribution program as an investment in the security of our country. Hillary buys into this approach as part of her "priorities of hegemony." Like Sachs, Hillary opposes the Bush tax cuts as a windfall for the rich and wants to use that money instead to pay for her wealth redistribution agenda. She was quoted by the Associated Press as telling a fundraising audience in San Francisco during the 2004 presidential campaign: "We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good".

Hillary and Sachs have been on the lecture circuit together, and Sachs was also a featured speaker at the Clinton Global Initiative last fall. We can expect Jeffrey Sachs to play an important role in any new Clinton Administration.

Remember when Bill Clinton as President told us that, with Hillary as First Lady, we would be getting two for the price of one? That is still true, only in reverse if Hillary becomes the next President. As the possible future First Husband said in discussing what he called the "global community": "We Americans have not always done our part in [the UN], but it is all we have." Hillary believes so much in this globalist philosophy that she may decide to appoint Bill as her personal roving envoy to the world.

Global Government Group Gives Hillary Clinton an A+ Rating

[Soldier4Christ]

Olmert: Iran Close to Atomic Bomb Know-How

 Iran is just a few months away from acquiring the technological know- how that will allow it to build an atomic bomb, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

Olmert flew to Washington on Sunday for his first meeting as prime minister with President Bush. The two leaders are expected to discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions.

 Olmert told CNN's "Late Edition" that the key issue regarding Iran was not when it builds a nuclear bomb, but rather when it acquires the knowledge they need to manufacture such arms.

"This technological threshold is nearer than we anticipated before. This is because they are already engaged very seriously in enrichment," Olmert said.

"The technological threshold is very close. It can be measured in months rather than years," Olmert added, repeating statements previously made by other senior Israeli officials.

Olmert said the world could not take Iran's nuclear ambitions lightly because Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for Israel's destruction. However, he said it was unlikely Israel would act on its own, diplomatically or militarily, to deal with the problem.

In 1981, Israel's air force attacked the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak, destroying the facility. But Olmert said the situations cannot be compared, and Israel will try to persuade the Western world to impose sanctions on Iran.

Iran has so far rejected European proposals to back off the idea of U.N.-imposed sanctions if Tehran agrees to freeze its uranium enrichment program. Another proposal the Europeans are preparing will apparently include a clause saying that if Iran refuses, it could face sanctions backed by the threat of force.

Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian purposes, says it has the right to enrich uranium.

Olmert expressed confidence that Bush would "lead other nations in taking the necessary measures to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power."

"We will certainly try to convince other countries that, at this time, before they cross the technological threshold, that the measures will be taken to stop them," Olmert said.

[Shammu]

May 18, 2006    No.1166

Iraqi Ayatollah Ahmad Al-Baghdadi Talks of America's Annihilation and the Muslim Conquest of the World; Declares Support for Nuclear Bombs for Muslim and Arab Countries

The following are excerpts from speeches and interviews with Iraqi Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi, which aired on Al-Jazeera TV on May 5, 2006, on Syrian TV on May 3, 2006, and on ANB TV on April 14, 2006.

"The Mujahid Iraqi People... Has Shattered the American Plan, Not Only in the Region, but Throughout the World"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "Jihad in Islam, from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, is of two types: jihad initiated by the Muslims, which means raiding the world in order to spread the word that 'there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah' throughout the world. But this raid will not materialize in our era - the era of barbaric American capitalistic globalism - unless the Infallible, peace be upon him, is present.

"But there are jurisprudents, both Sunnis and Twelver Shi'ites, who have said that the presence of the Infallible is not a prerequisite. If the objective and subjective circumstances materialize, and there are soldiers, weapons, and money - even if this means using biological, chemical, and bacterial weapons - we will conquer the world, so that 'There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah' will be triumphant over the domes of Moscow, Washington, and Paris."

"But as for defensive Jihad - it is not conditional upon turning to a Sunni or Shi'ite jurisprudent, to a source of authority, to any Islamic school of thought, or to Islamic party, because this type of Jihad is an individual duty.

Everyone must fight - children, women, the elderly, the youth - in order to liberate man, to liberate mankind, in order to liberate Palestine in its entirety, in order to liberate Iraq from the American-Zionist-British presence.

"Wielding the guns of battle is the only way to liberate this nation. By Allah, if not for the resolute stand and the resistance of our people in Iraq, the entire region would have fallen, and would have turned into warring and feuding cantons and mini-states, ravaged by wars between different ethnic groups and religious schools of thought. But the mujahid Iraqi people of the resistance has shattered the American plan, not only in the region but throughout the world, because Europe and the Russian federation were humiliated. They are afraid of America. But we stand firm, and we unite, and if we begin to believe in the diverse Arab Islamic Islam, we will annihilate America."

"The Coming Year Will Witness the Defeat of the Americans, Their Lackeys, and Those Who Rolled in on the American Tanks"

Interviewer: "How do you view Iraq's future, both in the short and long term?"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "I say that the coming year will witness the defeat of the Americans, their lackeys, and those who rolled in on the American tanks, because the operations are escalating. There are some dubious TV channels that broadcast an item or two about them, whereas other operations are not reported at all."

"The Americans have fallen into the Iraqi quagmire. The Americans are extremely conceited. They do not give the Palestinians or the Iraqis their rights. He who came by force must be removed by force, and by armed struggle. That is the only way to liberate the Iraqi and Palestinian land and people. The solutions of submission and peace are not permitted from the Islamic perspective, or even from the perspective of international law."

"It is in the best interest of America to get out of Iraq, in a transparent and objective manner. But now, they are defeated, and the number of American casualties is much greater than the figures reported on TV.

"Let me tell you a secret. When an American tank blows up, they come straight away, clean up the blood, and haul away the tank quickly, in order to cover it up, so that no TV channel will arrive and film the tragic pictures."

"Car Bomb Attacks are Carried Out by the Israeli Mossad and the CIA, in Purely Shi'ite Areas as Well as in Purely Sunni Areas"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "Car bomb attacks are carried out by the Israeli Mossad and by the CIA in purely Shi'ite areas, as well as in purely Sunni areas. Hence, this is not a sectarian issue, as has been claimed in order to distort the image of the resistance. These car bombs and explosives belts, in Shi'ite religious centers, in mosques, and in churches, are all a game, planned by the Americans, in order to distort the image of the national and Islamic resistance.

"The Americans should know that the resistance will continue as long as the occupation continues. The Americans themselves are the terrorists, and not the resistance, as claimed by the Americans and their collaborators."

The American Administration "Has No Love at All for the American People, Let Alone Other, Oppressed, Peoples"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "When the former U.S.S.R. fell, the Americans became conceited, believing that they had become the only world power that rules in the region. Thus, the American destruction continues, not only against the Arab and Islamic people, but also against Europe, and even against the American people itself. The American administration is 100 percent pro-Zionist. It has no love at all for the American people, let alone the other, oppressed, peoples.

"As for the nuclear bomb, it has caused the Americans some contradictions. They are one big contradiction. Didn't they annihilate... They claim that democracy, liberty, and reform are a historical necessity for backward societies, and so on.

Cont'd next post.

[Shammu]

"But in America itself, if you ask the current president to list the states - he doesn't know them. In America, there is hunger, poverty, and disease in certain states, but not in others. That is one thing.

"In America, they annihilated millions of Indians. What democracy? In their own country there is no democracy. There is a rule of two main parties, which are assigned roles by global Zionism. So how can the so-called developing countries, Third World countries, or the poor countries, produce a nuclear bomb? They find themselves in terrible contradictions."

"This Arab Islamic Nation Must Obtain a Nuclear Bomb"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "How can they face Iran? How come Israel has 50 nuclear bombs? Why are they selective? Why shouldn't an Islamic or Arab country have a nuclear bomb? I am not referring to the Iranian program, which the Iranians say is for peaceful purposes. I am talking about a nuclear bomb.

"This Arab Islamic nation must obtain a nuclear bomb. Without a nuclear bomb, we will continue to be oppressed, and the American destruction... The American donkeyness... The American donkey itself will always continue to attack us, because the Americans are very conceited."

"The American soldier is haunted by anxiety and fear. Some have been afflicted with mental illness. This is in addition to the wounded and the dead - beyond the figures issued by the American Department of Defense. The opposite is true.

"The Americans can be divided into two. One part includes people of various nationalities, who are not American. When they are killed, they are not included in the list of casualties. Only when it is someone with American citizenship and of American origin do they include him, out of fear of his family. But those foundlings brought by the Americans from Eastern and Western Europe - they joined the American army, but are not true Americans."

"It is inconceivable that the Arab mujahideen or the Iraqi resistance would kill children, women, and men. The resistance targets American tanks and bases. Those operations are carried out by the American CIA and fifth column.

"Let me tell you a secret. According to the notorious Iraqi Liberation Act, which was enacted in 1998, 12,000 Iraqis were conscripted from among the expatriates. They joined [the American army] for two years, receiving fantastic salaries. After two years, they were given courses in spying and sabotage, and then they rolled in on the American tanks. Today, next to every minister, prime minister, or deputy prime minister, there is a spy. Some of those officials are collaborators themselves, yet they are assigned a spy, because the Americans do not trust the Iraqis."

"The Americans are the Ones Doing the Killing in the So-Called Sunni Triangle"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "When a car goes from Al-Hila to Al-Latifiya, for example, in the so-called Sunni Triangle, an American convoy shows up and directs them to a side route, and then some masked people arrive and kill them. Why do they kill them? Because they curse Ali. In the car there are Shi'ites and Sunnis... I have reservations about the terms 'Shi'ite' and 'Sunni,' but forgive me this time..."

Interviewer: "Yes, but that's the reality."

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "There is no choice but to say that. They order them to curse Ali. The Shi'ites are allowed to curse Ali, who said: 'Curse me, but do not abandon me.' Therefore, a Shi'ite may curse the Imam Ali, but a Sunni will never curse Ali, because he is one of the righteous Caliphs... So they kill the Sunni, who refuses to curse Ali, because they think he is a Shi'ite.

"After this indiscriminate shooting on the car, while the people are hovering between life and death - the masks are removed, and it turns out that it was a female American soldier, conducting the interrogation with the help of an interpreter.

"The Americans are the ones who are doing the killing in the so-called Sunni Triangle, or in Al-Latifiya."

"These collaborators and America should know that I support the resistance. I will fight the American tanks alongside the resistance, because the Iraqi people is an Arab Islamic people that will not accept the rule of an infidel over a Muslim. Never."

"In the black constitution, it is stated that the religion of the state is Islam, and that all the legislative principles are derived from the original Islamic legislation. It is written in the constitution. That's the first clause."

"Whoever Marries Someone of the Same Sex Must Be Killed"

Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini Al-Baghdadi: "The second clause says no law may contradict the principles of democracy. Can you imagine millions demonstrating in Iraq, calling for same-sex marriage, like in Sweden, America, and Britain? Same-sex marriages means a marriage of a man with a man, or a woman with a woman. This is a terrible catastrophe, totally forbidden by Islam. Whoever marries someone of the same sex must be killed. Both must be killed as soon as possible and must be burned as well."

[Shammu]

 Iraq calls for expansion of ties with Iran:Iraqi FM
Baghdad, May 21, IRNA

Iran-Iraq-Relations
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Sunday called for expansion of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Zebari was speaking in a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi.

During the meeting, the Iraqi foreign minister underlined that his country will strive to further broaden all out good neighborly ties with all countries, particularly its neighbors, and called for exchange of visits by officials of both countries to discuss issues of mutual interests.

He also expressed satisfaction about the upcoming visit of Iranian foreign minister to Baghdad and described the visit as a sign of Iran's determination to support the Iraqi government.

The Iranian ambassador, for his part, felicitated the Iraqi foreign minister on his reinstatement to the post and voiced Iran's desire to establishment of peace and tranquility in Iraq along with expansion of all out ties between the two countries.

Kazemi Qomi also extended an invitation to Iraqi foreign minister to pay an official visit to Iran.

Iraq calls for expansion of ties with Iran:Iraqi FM

[Shammu]

Abbas gives Hamas 10 days to accept Israel
Otherwise, Palestinian leader says he'll seek referendum on issue

Thursday, May 25, 2006; Posted: 6:07 p.m. EDT (22:07 GMT)

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has given his rivals in the Hamas-led government 10 days to accept a plan for a Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel, or else he will call for a national referendum on the question.

Abbas urged the Hamas-led government on Thursday to accept the national goal of establishing a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank alongside Israel.

"In 10 days, you have to decide; you have to agree," Abbas told a conference of Palestinian leaders, including Hamas and his Fatah Party, meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"If you don't agree, then I will say that frankly none of us will be responsible, and in 40 days I will call for a referendum. I will ask my people directly whether they accept or do not accept this [plan]."

Hamas, which has historically vowed to seek the destruction of Israel, took control of the Palestinian Authority from Fatah after a surprise election win in January. The United States, the European Union and Israel consider Hamas a terrorist organization.

If Hamas were to accept Abbas' demand it would effectively mean recognizing Israel.

Some observers believe Hamas may reject a deal with Fatah, but not oppose a referendum, CNN's John Vause reported from Jerusalem.

"In some ways this could give Hamas an out because they've been looking for some kind of way of moderating their position while remaining true to their charter, remaining true to their platform on which they were elected," Vause said.

"They can't recognize Israel. If Hamas recognizes Israel, it ceases to be Hamas. So for many within Hamas, this could be a convenient way out of that dilemma -- go directly to the people, hold a referendum, be bound by those results and then turn around and say, 'We are listening to the will of the Palestinian people. This is true democracy.' "

Abbas' dramatic move came in a week of deadly clashes between militants supporting Hamas and Fatah, and the day after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the U.S. Congress that Israel would not wait "forever" for the Palestinians to agree to establishing borders. (Full story)

The call to action also follows the United States and EU cutting off direct nonhumanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Authority until Hamas recognizes Israel.

Opinion polls suggest that Palestinians support establishing a state comprising Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem to exist alongside Israel, but Palestinian ambitions may not mesh with Israeli visions of a permanent border.
Palestinian prime minister sees 'critical moment'

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya on Thursday called for national unity and a joint political platform between his party, Hamas, and Fatah, saying, "The best thing that we can work on is to remain united -- to work together."

He said, "We are now passing through a very critical moment where all of us need to behave very responsibly ... so that we can face all the challenges internally and externally."

Until its upset by Hamas in parliamentary elections, Fatah was the dominant force in Palestinian politics.

Violence in the Palestinian territories increased this week as the Hamas-led government deployed its own militia against Abbas' orders. The action sparked a rivalry with existing Palestinian security forces and raised fears of a possible civil war.

A 19-year-old man was killed Thursday as clashes between the opposing factions continued in Gaza City, Palestinian security sources said. Another 15 people were said to be hurt in the violence.

Abbas gives Hamas 10 days to accept Israel

[Shammu]

Islamic Movement summons Muslims to Temple Mount
JPost.com Staff, THE JERUSALEM POST    May. 25, 2006

The Islamic Movement summoned all Israel's Muslims on Thursday to Jerusalem's Temple Mount for prayer services at the al-Aqsa mosque.

The call was issued after Jerusalem Police authorized Jews to go up to the Mount as a special dispensation for Jerusalem Day, Israel Radio reported.

Islamic Movement summons Muslims to Temple Mount

[Shammu]

May 25, 2006
Text: King of Jordan's Independence Day address: relations with others never at expense of relations with Arab or Islamic nation [IMRA: "our martyrs on the walls of Jerusalem and in the yards of the Holy Aqsa Mosque" - On July 20, 1951, King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated by a Palestinian, Mustapha Shukri Usho, at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Abdullah was murdered because it was believed that he was going to make a separate peace with Israel.]
King Addresses Nation on Independence Day


Amman, May 25 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II said that Independence is a continual state of giving, building and self-reliance to enhance independence and build a future fit for the free people of Jordan, those with resolve and strong will.

King Abdullah stressed, in a speech on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Independence Day, that the future is the responsibility of all citizens, especially youth who bear the greatest because they are more able to affect change and to realize achievements, noting that Jordan is stronger than all challenges and conditions.

''When we say 'Jordan First', we mean that we should complete the building of a Jordan that is strong and invincible, able to provide support and asset the Arab brethren, whether in Palestine or Iraq or any other Arab country.'' His Majesty said. ''It does not mean deserting our duty towards our nation or its just causes''.

''Jordan will remain, with God's grace, the Arab Muslim country that belongs to the Arab and Islamic nation, keen to shoulder its religious and national duty towards all Arab and Islamic causes.'' King Abdullah said.

''Under no circumstances will we permit Jordan's relationships with any country to be at the expense of our relations with our Arab and Islamic nation.'' stressed King Abdullah.

His Majesty said that the homeland's affiliation with the Arab Revolt and the affiliation of its leadership with the honorable House of Prophet (PBUH), obligate Jordan to be the first in defending Islam, Arab and Muslims.

King Abdullah stressed that Jordan will never, under any circumstances, fail to support and assist the Palestinians until they attain their rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian soil.

''Jordan's basic pillar of strength is preserving national unity, integrity and steadfastness among the sons of the one Jordanian family, and the achievement of comprehensive development which enhances Jordan's strength, and enables Jordan to support the Arab brethren and Arab causes'' King Abdullah said.

His Majesty said ''I have always felt and understood the suffering and concerns of every citizen...As you all see, we are working day and night, traveling from one country to the other in order to benefit from our relations with the world...''.

King Abdullah said that Jordan achieved a lot throughout the past seven years, be it in the field of economic and social developments of our democratic march, noting that there is still a long way to go.

''As for those rumors doubting the soundness of our march and the ability of this homeland to meet the challenges of national and international circumstances, those who do not love the homeland and do not wish it well are the source of such talk'' King Abdullah said.

Following is the full text of His Majesty's speech

In the Name of God,
The Most Merciful, The Compassionate

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Good evening to you all; I wish you and the homeland a happy and good year.

This is a blessed day, dear to the heart of every Jordanian, man and woman, the descendants of the founding generation who sacrificed immensely for the independence of the nation and the liberation of the Jordanian individual's will.

On this day, it is our right and our duty to remember, with pride and appreciation, the founding fathers, all of the pioneers, who contributed to the building of this homeland. They did so in the face of many challenges over the past sixty years and persevered in spite of a scarcity of resources and material capabilities, and of the tragedies and wars to which this region was subjected. The gallant children of this one Jordanian family, men and women, under the leadership of the builder, the late al-Hussein, may God bless his soul, realized great achievements through determination, resolve, belonging, confidence in the future and in each Jordanian's capabilities to give and achieve.

On this precious occasion, I would like to extend my congratulations and felicitations, and to express my appreciation and feelings of pride, to every citizen, male and female, in this country - in the Badia, villages, camps and cities. I would like also to extend special greetings to the gallant Jordanians, male and female, in the Armed Forces and the security institutions, who have sworn their blood and souls to defend this homeland and safeguard its independence and achievements.

Independence, brothers, is not just an occasion to be celebrated once a year; rather, it is a continual state of giving, building and self-reliance to enhance independence and build a future fit for the free people of Jordan, those with resolve and strong will.

Cont'd next post.

[Shammu]

This future is not the responsibility of one person or group of citizens of this homeland. It is the responsibility of all of us: the laborer and the farmer, the civil servant and the student, the soldier and the mother who raises her children on love and a sense of belonging to the homeland.

Youth bear the greatest responsibility, because they are more able to affect change and to realize achievements.

In return, we have a responsibility towards youth, and they are entitled to education and training that equips them to face any challenge and build the future we seek; the future with which youth were entrusted.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Every one of us knows, and is proud of, the fact that this homeland was established on the principles borne in the message of the Great Arab Revolt, led by Sharif al-Hussein Bin Ali, to liberate and unify the nation. Hence, Jordan will remain, with God's grace, the Arab Muslim country that belongs to the Arab and Islamic nation, keen to shoulder its religious and national duty towards all Arab and Islamic causes. Under no circumstances will we permit Jordan's relationship with any country to be at the expense of our relations with our Arab or Islamic nation. The homeland's affiliation with the Arab Revolt and the affiliation of its leadership with the honorable House of the Prophet (PBUH), obligate us to be first in defending Islam, Arabs and Muslims.

When we say Jordan First, we mean that we should complete the building of a Jordan that is strong and invincible, able to provide support and assist the Arab brethren, whether in Palestine, or Iraq, or any other Arab country. It does not mean deserting our duty towards our nation or its just causes, as some short-sighted people believe. Jordan was, and will always be, a sanctuary for all free Arabs; therefore we say, Jordan First, Jordan always, and Jordan under all circumstances and conditions.

Jordan's basic pillar of strength is preserving national unity, integrity and steadfastness among the sons of the one Jordanian family, and the achievement of comprehensive development which enhances Jordan's strength, and enables Jordan to support the Arab brethren and Arab causes, primary among them the Palestinian cause and that of the Iraqi people.

Jordan, brothers, cannot forget the union of blood, goals and destiny with the Palestinian brethren; it is also impossible for Jordan to forget the blood of our martyrs on the walls of Jerusalem and in the yards of the Holy Aqsa Mosque. We will not, on any day, under any circumstances, fail to support and assist the Palestinians, until they attain their rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian soil.

Dear Brothers,

Since the day I was entrusted with my responsibilities, I have always felt and understood the suffering and concerns of every citizen - male and female - in this country. I know that the reasons for this suffering are difficult economic conditions, rising prices and other problems which we need to overcome as soon as possible. As you all see, we are working day and night, traveling from one country to the other in order to benefit from our relations with the world around us and employ these relations in the service of our country. I follow up personally on all matters, so that we can overcome these problems, and elevate the citizen's standard of living.

Praise be to God, we have achieved a lot throughout the past seven years, be it in the field of economic and social development, or in the field of political development and the enhancement of our democratic march. But honestly, there is still a long way to go. We should all work together, in the spirit of the one team that belongs to the homeland; the one team that is sure of itself and of a bright future, God willing.

We should rely on ourselves, brothers, and if we do not help each other, and work as one hand and one heart [towards] one goal, no body will help us, and we will not be able to overcome our problems. Hence, brothers, we need patience and sacrifice. Bearing the hardships ourselves is easier and more dignified than expecting others to do so for us. We need no favors from anyone.

As for those rumors doubting the soundness of our march and the ability of this homeland to meet the challenges of national and international circumstances, those who do not love the homeland and do not wish it well are the source of such talk. Jordan is stronger than all challenges, and stronger than all circumstances, and with your will and resolve it will always be Jordan First, Jordan always, and Jordan the role model.

Please allow me, on this occasion, to present to my brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces, the security institutions and the civil service, and the retirees, a simple Independence Day gift.

Again, brothers, I send my greetings with pride and appreciation to every citizen in this country - male and female - and wish you and dear Jordan many happy returns of the day.

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you.

End...................

King of Jordan's Independence Day address: relations with others never at expense of relations with Arab or Islamic nation

[Shammu]

Hizbullah leader warns his group can hit all areas of northern Israel

The leader of Lebanon's militant Hizbullah group warned Israel on Tuesday it will answer any attack by firing thousands of rockets on all parts of northern Israel.

Hassan Nasrallah's comments were made as part of Lebanon's celebrations of the 6th anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon after an 18-year occupation. (AP)

Hizbullah leader warns his group can hit all areas of northern Israel

[Shammu]

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Any Transgression Will Be Met with "A Slap of Eternal and Historic Proportions"

Following are excerpts from a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which aired on the Iranian news channel (IRINN) on May 24, 2006.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Are you weary?

Crowd: No.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Are you weary?

Crowd: No.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Then who is weary?

Crowd: The enemy.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: I want them to hear you. They are close. Who is weary?

Crowd: The enemy.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Who is weary?

Crowd: The enemy.

[...]

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Despite the political pressure, the conspiracies, and the use of international organizations by the enemies, they have not succeeded in preventing the Iranian people from obtaining nuclear energy. Today they come up with a conspiracy. Today they want to generate dispute, division, and despair, thus preventing the Iranian people from realizing all its rights. They know that from the outside, they cannot harm the Iranian people in the slightest.

[...]

They know that any transgression, or the mere thought of violating the rights of the Iranian people, will be met with a slap of eternal and historic proportions, by the Iranian people and the youth of Khorramshahr.

[...]

Let them hear. This is the cry of the people of Khorramshahr. They are shouting in defense of nuclear energy. They are insisting on the indisputable right of the Iranian people to benefit from nuclear energy. Listen to the slogan of the people of Khorramshahr:

Crowd: Nuclear energy is our indisputable right.

Nuclear energy is our indisputable right.

Nuclear energy is our indisputable right.

[...]

In spirit and in blood, we will redeem you, oh Mahmoud.

In spirit and in blood, we will redeem you, oh Mahmoud.

In spirit and in blood, we will redeem you, oh Mahmoud.

In spirit and in blood, we will redeem you, oh Mahmoud.

In spirit and in blood, we will redeem you, oh Mahmoud.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Any Transgression Will Be Met with "A Slap of Eternal and Historic Proportions"

[Shammu]

May. 26, 2006 20:40
Report: Top Russian official due in Iran
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOSCOW

A top Russian diplomat is to visit Teheran on Saturday to discuss incentives to be offered to Iran as a reward if it suspends uranium enrichment, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak will accompany a delegation led by the chief of Russia's Security Council, Igor Ivanov, ITAR-Tass quoted a Russian diplomat as saying. They will holds talks with officials including Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.

THE IRANIAN THREAT   

"The Teheran meeting will focus on the proposals for incentives which Iran will enjoy if it stops uranium enrichment." said the diplomat. The Russian Foreign Ministry could not be contacted for confirmation.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov reiterated Moscow's commitment to supply Iran with sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles, local news agencies reported.

"If there are no extraordinary circumstances, it (the contract) will without doubt be fulfilled," Ivanov was quoted as saying.

Defense Ministry officials have previously said Moscow will supply 29 sophisticated Tor-M1 air defense missile systems to Iran under a $700 million (565 million Euros) contract, according to Russian media reports.

The move was likely to upset the United States which last month called on all countries to stop all arms exports to Iran and to end all nuclear cooperation with it to put pressure on Tehran to halt uranium enrichment activities.

Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the United States and some of its allies suspect Iran is trying to develop weapons.

Ivanov sought to dispel possible criticism of Russia's moves, stressing that Moscow was following international weapons regulations.

"As far as Russia's position is concerned, we strictly abide by all nonproliferation regimes, and when we hear reproaches that Russia is secretly helping Iran - it is just propaganda," the Interfax news agency quoted Ivanov as saying. He did not specify what the reproaches were.

Top Russian official due in Iran

[Shammu]

Islamic Jihad vows retaliation on Israel

By BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press Writer Fri May 26, 10:12 AM ET

SIDON, Lebanon - Security officials said a car bomb Friday killed a leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad — an Iran-backed militant group that persisted in attacking Israel while other major factions adhered to a cease-fire.

His brother was also killed in the explosion, which the group blamed on Israeli intelligence, and it vowed to retaliate.

"With God's permission, the response will be sharp," said Abu Imad Rifai, Islamic Jihad's representative in Lebanon.

Mahmoud Majzoub, a member of the group's policy-making Shura Council body and its leader in Sidon, 24 miles south of Beirut, was walking with his brother, Nidal, near the central square of this coastal city when a parked car was detonated by remote control, security officials said.

Mahmoud Majzoub survived the blast but died during surgery, while Nidal Majzoub was killed instantly, said the security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

Islamic Jihad's representative in Lebanon said Nidal Majzoub also was a member of the group, which has continued to launch attacks on Israel since a February 2005 truce that the main militant group Hamas, which swept Palestinian legislative elections, has respected.

The explosion shattered the windows of several nearby apartment buildings. Lebanese police and soldiers sealed off the area as dogs searched for additional bombs.

"I rushed to the balcony after hearing the blast only to see black smoke billowing from a car," said Omran Kaddoura, 16. After running down six flights of stairs to the street, he "found the two bloodied men lying on the ground in front of the car."

Before Mahmoud died, Islamic Jihad's representative in Lebanon, Abu Imad Rifai, blamed Israeli intelligence for the attack.

"This morning the Israeli Mossad detonated an explosive charge. ... This is the second time Mahmoud is targeted, and I believe it comes in the framework of Israeli escalation against the Palestinian people, particularly Islamic Jihad," Rifai told The Associated Press.

Mahmoud, 41, his wife and infant son were wounded in an explosion in 1998 in Sidon when their booby-trapped car detonated. Islamic Jihad blamed Israel for the blast, which also injured a passer-by.

Rifai confirmed that Nidal, 39, was a member of the group.

In Israel, military officials said they had heard about the bombing through media reports, but had no additional information.

Rifai rejected the possibility that other Palestinian or Lebanese groups were behind the attack.

"No one has an interest in assassinating him except the Israeli Mossad," he said.

Palestinians have blamed the assassinations of several militant leaders on Israel. But some of the killings of leading members of Palestinian groups were the result of intra-Palestinian feuds.

Islamic Jihad says its attacks on Israel are a legitimate response to a crackdown on its members.

The virulently anti-Israel group backed by Iran and Syria claimed responsibility for an attack that killed 11 and wounded dozens in April in Tel Aviv, the deadliest Palestinian attack in 20 months.

Islamic Jihad is led by Ramadan Shallah, a Palestinian from Gaza who now lives in exile in Syria. It considers the 1979 Iranian Revolution to be the beginning of a new era for the Muslim world and wants to turn all of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza into an Islamic state. It rejects compromise with Israel.

Islamic Jihad vows retaliation on Israel