Jack Serle writes at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism: The UN’s expert on extrajudicial killings has described a tactic used by the CIA and first exposed by a Bureau investigation as ‘a war crime’. Earlier this year the Bureau and the Sunday Times revealed the CIA was deliberately targeting rescuers and funeral-goers in its Pakistan […]
Omar Khayyam (153) “they do not even reckon them as human”
The elite and lofty crowd who hold exalted office are disgusted at the life of grief and bother that they suffer. But when they consider the ones who, unlike them, are not the prisoners of high ambition– the amazing thing is that they do not even reckon them as human. Translated by Juan Cole from […]
Campbell: Israeli PM Sharon Threatened Bush with Nuking Iraq (Mearsheimber & Walt vindicated)
Alastair Campbell’s serialized memoirs contain a bombshell that is largely being ignored in the Western press, the revelation that in conversations with President George W. Bush in late 2002, then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threatened to nuke Baghdad if Saddam Hussein hit Israel with rockets again. (Campbell was then British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s […]
Omar Khayyam (149) “nothing left of good times but the name”
Now that nothing is left of good times but the name; and save for wine itself, not a single old drinking buddy is around any more; don’t decline the joy of the vintage you’re offered, since today your hand is empty save for the glass. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 149
Uncertainty Grips an Egypt on the Brink
The on-again, off-again saga of the reports on deposed dictator Hosni Mubarak’s coma exemplified the uncertainty through which Egyptians are living on Tuesday. In the American game of baseball, a player can ‘steal bases.’ That is, you get on base by hitting the ball hard and far enough to confound the opposing team long enough […]
Omar Khayyam (145) “my bewilderment”
I was disturbed that he brought me into being, and nothing has grown through my life like my bewilderment at it. We’re forced to depart, and don’t even know what the point is of all this coming and going and being. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 145
Tahrir Square Now
Egypt after soft military coup: I don’t think they’re haaapy. By the way, American news channels: this is news.
Revolutionaries Vow return to Tahrir Square in face of Military Power Grab
Several parties, unions and organizations called for big demonstrations on Tusday in Tahrir Square in Cairo. They will be protesting the issuance on Monday by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of a constitutional ‘addendum’ that appeared to grant the military council wide powers and to whittle down those of the elected president. Former […]
Omar Khayyam (143) “Religious zealots are all jackasses”
Those religious zealots are all jackasses, who’re carrying a burden of deceit. And most amazing of all, under cover of their self-denial they sell their religion! They are worse than unbelievers any day. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 143
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